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In 1996, Gavin and Scott Hardkiss entered the San Francisco Tenderloin studio frequented by the Grateful Dead and Fleetwood Mac and made Acid Funk and various remixes. It's a funny song that references Frankie Bones' This Is Techno and Maurices' This Is Acid and says a lot about a couple of guys drunk on funk who wanted to flip their own sounds. Raw house featuring 808s, 303s and Space Echo churned easy in a whimsical psychedelic cauldron.

Unavailable for 20 years, these remaining copies of the original pressing feature various versions by bothe Hardkiss brothers and an acapella.

"At the crux of American-born, Shanghai-based producer Eli Osheyack's debut album, Sadomodernism, is a question of agency. Borrowed from film theory, the album title was originally coined by writer Moira Weigel to describe a waning European art house tradition that vehemently rejects 'naïve pleasure'—the tranquilizing comfort of conventional cinematic narrative, like mainstream Hollywood—and opts for violence and pain, with the aim of shaking audiences out of cinematic manipulation and into their own position vis-à-vis the malaise of contemporary life. Echoing the work of sadomodernist auteurs, Osheyacks's Sadomodernism is a deeply political project with critical ambitions. The smashing and blending of genres, from techno, industrial, noise and gabber to ballroom and metal, even opera, and spontaneous percussion arrangements, sometimes mixed with distorted spoken word, do not mean to please, but provoke through disorder and chaos. Laden with Brechtian alienation affects, Sadomodernism interrogates the notion of autonomy in contemporary music, club culture, and social-political life."

'Bound to shake your walls and rattle your windows' Max Reinhardt, BBC RADIO 3 "The first bit of evidence that Elizabeth Bernholz's next album Pastoral - due out in September - could be her best to date". THE QUIETUS "Will likely be one of the year's very best records.' CLASH 'What species is this What century' Forged in a rural idyll in Middle-England, the new album Pastoral, by Gazelle Twin, exhumes England's rotten past, and shines a torch over its ever-darkening present. Told through a troupe of multi-gender voices, in vernaculars old and new; from the shrill echo of folksong to tabloid-tinged jaunts, the artist aka Elizabeth Bernholz, presents the notion that 'there is horror in every idyll, and danger lurking beyond the 'quaint' '. The village square - once host to centuries of public torture - becomes a floral framed postcard, dolled-up for the Summer Fête. A sunny, afternoon walk over the hills unsettles a cloud of angry flies feeding from unidentifiable remains. Bigoted vitriol gently murmurs amidst tearoom chatter, as the neatly framed pastoral picture dissolves into a solemn ennui. Four years in the making, amidst life-changing events, including a move far out of the city, Pastoral will be the first major release by the artist since her widely acclaimed LP UNFLESH (2014, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray) and is seamlessly on-theme, together with Bernholz's J.G. Ballard-inspired A/V show 'Kingdom Come' (soundtrack released November 2017, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray) - a fascism-infused hellscape, this time set in deepest Old England. As its sole creator, Gazelle Twin 'The Composer, Musician and Producer' has crafted an album overflowing with a frenzy of traditional and contemporary musical tropes; from early music instrumentation - the harpsichord and the humble recorder, fed through myriad electronics - to the compelling, ritualistic application of found sample-looping. Beyond Bernholz's signature choral-infusions, here reverberating like a warped Sunday Service, there are even shades of '90s house and the once-thriving rural rave scene, albeit recalled as a watery, second-hand memory. In its consummation it is an album that feels pan-century, even pan-species. Set against a verdant backdrop of hedgerows and steeples, Gazelle Twin 'The Artist and Performer', constructs an eccentric and commanding visual embodiment of all-of-the-above - a costume fit for a court Jester of the 21st Century. The colours of Neo-Nationalism. Coke cans, and DANGER. 'It' (not 'she') hints at folkloric traditions with a footy mascot twist. The 'Ye Olde' and 'The Everyman' of the English cliché. Brandishing a sneer and a hobby horse. A riddle and a recorder. A jeer and a square dance in red, Adidas Gazelle's, and a mad, fixed GRIN - first glimpsed in the single, 'Hobby Horse' (22 June, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray). A deranged, absurd reflection of deranged and absurd times.

'Bound to shake your walls and rattle your windows' Max Reinhardt, BBC RADIO 3 "The first bit of evidence that Elizabeth Bernholz's next album Pastoral - due out in September - could be her best to date". THE QUIETUS "Will likely be one of the year's very best records.' CLASH 'What species is this What century' Forged in a rural idyll in Middle-England, the new album Pastoral, by Gazelle Twin, exhumes England's rotten past, and shines a torch over its ever-darkening present. Told through a troupe of multi-gender voices, in vernaculars old and new; from the shrill echo of folksong to tabloid-tinged jaunts, the artist aka Elizabeth Bernholz, presents the notion that 'there is horror in every idyll, and danger lurking beyond the 'quaint' '. The village square - once host to centuries of public torture - becomes a floral framed postcard, dolled-up for the Summer Fête. A sunny, afternoon walk over the hills unsettles a cloud of angry flies feeding from unidentifiable remains. Bigoted vitriol gently murmurs amidst tearoom chatter, as the neatly framed pastoral picture dissolves into a solemn ennui. Four years in the making, amidst life-changing events, including a move far out of the city, Pastoral will be the first major release by the artist since her widely acclaimed LP UNFLESH (2014, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray) and is seamlessly on-theme, together with Bernholz's J.G. Ballard-inspired A/V show 'Kingdom Come' (soundtrack released November 2017, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray) - a fascism-infused hellscape, this time set in deepest Old England. As its sole creator, Gazelle Twin 'The Composer, Musician and Producer' has crafted an album overflowing with a frenzy of traditional and contemporary musical tropes; from early music instrumentation - the harpsichord and the humble recorder, fed through myriad electronics - to the compelling, ritualistic application of found sample-looping. Beyond Bernholz's signature choral-infusions, here reverberating like a warped Sunday Service, there are even shades of '90s house and the once-thriving rural rave scene, albeit recalled as a watery, second-hand memory. In its consummation it is an album that feels pan-century, even pan-species. Set against a verdant backdrop of hedgerows and steeples, Gazelle Twin 'The Artist and Performer', constructs an eccentric and commanding visual embodiment of all-of-the-above - a costume fit for a court Jester of the 21st Century. The colours of Neo-Nationalism. Coke cans, and DANGER. 'It' (not 'she') hints at folkloric traditions with a footy mascot twist. The 'Ye Olde' and 'The Everyman' of the English cliché. Brandishing a sneer and a hobby horse. A riddle and a recorder. A jeer and a square dance in red, Adidas Gazelle's, and a mad, fixed GRIN - first glimpsed in the single, 'Hobby Horse' (22 June, Anti-Ghost Moon Ray). A deranged, absurd reflection of deranged and absurd times.

Producer Gavin Hardkiss offers a transcendental sound echoing the '90s with four cuts from the Hawke album Love In Stars.
Sunshine People remix is an active house chug with an unlikely Roxallaesqe breakdown, While the remix of WarPeace by Lee Reynolds from Desert Hearts adds darker overtones that will thrill at desert parties and renegades with it's tripped out, unrelenting drive.Blood Is Thicker Than Water and Take My Breath Away add a bit of Bonobo seasoning on some heartfelt electronic manipulations which define the Hawke sound.

The first release on the newly established Greyhound Days imprint comes from Christian Kroupa alias Alleged Witches, hailing from Slovenia, who proved his skills and innovation as a participant at the Red Bull Music Academy in 2014. Since then he became one of the most prominent names of Slovenia's techno and house scene, with making appearance on the mighty Fabric mix compilation, producing a remix of Alex Smoke for legendary Belgian label R&S, while also releasing a 12" entitled Serve The Spirits on R&S sub-label Meda Fury.»One Skilled In The Black Arts« EP consists of four tracks, meant for dictating the dance floor with their drum workout, as well as luring you into its deep ritualistic feel, with distant native tongues echo.For an extra wonderful hypnotic polyrhytms, a rework has been provided by Passarani, one of the Italian leading dance music producers and DJs, who continues to be an inspiration and providing his knowledge and skills to younger generations. While Bristol based Jacob Martin alias Hodge demonstrated his expertise in percussion, resulting in an slamming rework, not meant for the faint-hearted. Just shows, why Hodge is one of Bristol's most exciting new names.

On The Latest Release From Make Mistakes, Roy England And Friends Take Us On A Ride Into The Beautiful, Soulful Depths. From Uplifting Love Jams, To The Chunkiest House Funk, As Always, The Gang Has You Covered.
Roy England's Original Mix Soars Through The Night Skies. Pitter-patters, Emotive Pads, And A Driving Groove Bring Us The Softer Side Of Our Little Boogie Baron. Perfect For The Euphoric Abandon Of A Sweat Soaked Dance Floor.

Alexi Delano, A Man Who Needs No Introduction, Kicks Things Up A Notch, Taking The Original And Giving It A Restructured, Pumping Groove. A Dubby Line Runs Through, With Echoing Pads, A Pulsing Bass, And Fluttering Keys And Synths. A Beautiful Dance Floor Meditation, With Plenty Of Junk In The Trunk.

Fredy Grogan Takes A Hard Left, And Steps Confidently Into A Psychedelic, Tribal Funk. Teasing New Vibes Out Of The Original Material, Grogan Transforms Beauty In Rhythm Into A Classic House Groove, Before Settling Us In To A Hypnotic Groove.

Make Mistakes Keeps On Keepin' On. That's All We Know. the Tears Of The World Are A Constant Quantity. For Each One Who Begins To Weep Somewhere Else Another Stops. The Same Is True Of The Laugh. Let Us Not Then Speak Ill Of Our Generation, It Is Not Any Unhappier Than Its Predecessors.

Samuel Beckett, Waiting For Godot

Deadbeat graced ZamZam with a release in our very first year of operation. Lending his name & gravitas to our young effort with ZamZam06 meant a lot to us at the time, and is something we never forgot, so we couldn't be happier to have him back for a second outing. Canadian by birth, now residing in Berlin, Scott Monteith is known the world over as one of the most adventurous and reliable producers in the areas of techno and dub-inflected electronic music. Extremely tight quality control over multiple full length albums and countless singles on seminal labels including ~scape, Echochord, and his own flawless BLKRTZ have made him a household name in dub techno and beyond.

Deadbeat's second ZamZam sets aside obvious techno constraints for a mid-tempo reggae scorcher that sounds like it was beamed straight from the humid & heady glory days of the Black Ark studio. Anchored by a tar-thick bassline recalling Lee Perry's 'Dub Organizer,' 'Wail Ball and Cry' leans hard into its rockstone drum kit, with whip-sharp turnarounds, clattering Binghi drums, melodica stabs and restrained yet ever-present flange and reverb keeping the atmosphere swampy and sparkling. A sweet falsetto intones on the loneliness and alienation we all navigate in these times of political debasement and (social) media spectacle.

'Dub Ball and Flange' mutes the vocal for a traditional version focused on nuance rather than over-the-top effects; high hats take the spotlight through expert filter & phaser work, as the heat inches up in the room with a stew of bubbling reverb & delicate echo trails adding to the already simmering & shimmering vibe.

Mastered by Sam at Precise

Tivoli Trax started as a Multiplex series paying tribute to local artists connected to Kong's Mantra night club, while it was based in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. The first 1996 EP was followed in '97 by Vol. 2 and finally by a 12 track CD compilation in '98. In 2018 we are bringing back this iconic tribute to amazing Copenhagen based producers with Tivoli Trax vol. 3!
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To bridge the twenty years gap, the first track is an original Hüebsch Originators production from '98. This deep techno track was released on the Tivoli Trax CD, and we are delighted to finally be able to present it on wax. The duo also released the Evanouir EP on Multiplex in '97. Secondly we have the beautiful Bodies by Vassdrag, a Norwegian word for a river system and the Multiplex alias of a well-known Copenhagen producer, who's been releasing on a quintessential techno imprint since 2010.

B From E aka. Frej Levin, a rising star on the Danish scene and known for releases on Copenhagen Underground Posse and Tartelet Records, delivers classic, atmospheric, deep house in the form of No Memory. The last track is Nightwave by Dennis Uprock, better known as dub-techno producer Resoe of Baum Records, Echocord and Pattern Repeat. A prolific producer of multiple genres. He has used his Uprock moniker when playing house music since the mid-90s.

Loosewomen are core members of the Grade10 Record label, with vinyl releases, cassettes and remixes under their belts they have now arrived with a new two tracker.

This record has been described by piers as a updated early 90's UK house sound but they like to think of it as more just the music that comes out of the MPC when they sit down at it. Saying that the echoy vocals, loose breaks in the back ground and big kick can stick you in a northern wood out side on a summer evening pretty quickly, Unstable At The Stables also has a loopy synth line running through it and Jupiter's Revenge is a bit bleepy so maybe their right.

To Follow A Long Awaited Single From The Legendary D'arcangelo Brothers, Happy Skull Has Turned To A Friend Of The Family And Former Bristol Scene Stalwart, Bass Clef.

The Long-serving Producer First Rose To Prominence Via A Series Of Inspired, Genre-mangling Albums And Singles On Blank Tapes, He Has Since Gone On To Deliver Hard-to-pigeonhole Material On Fellow Bristol Labels Punch Drunk And Idle Hands, As Well As Pan And The Trilogy Tapes Amongst Others.

Those Versed In His Bulging Back Catalogue Will Notice Familiar Stylistic Traits Throughout - Think An Endearing Looseness Built On Hardware Manipulation And A Playfulness Rarely Seen In Modern Dance Music. For His Happy Skull Debut He Takes On Acid House, To Great Effect. This Is Most Evident On Flipside "acid Hearse", A Constantly-rising Roller Built Around A Nagging, Tb-303 Style Riff And A Swinging, Off-kilter Drum Machine Rhythm.

Echoes Of Acid Can Also Be Heard In The Sparser A-side, "charnel House", Where Sharp, Psychedelic Lead Lines And Mind-bending Electronic Motifs Weave In An Out Of A Crunchy Rhythm Track To Create A Track That Is As Fun As It Is Weighty.

Echocord sub-label Echo Echo continues this July with Orbite's 'Interstellar' EP, a threetracker from the Berlin- based producer. Orbite is a brand new project founded in Berlin, Germany with a nod towards the raw, dubby sounds often heard across the clubs in the city, and where better to inaugurate things than the recently launched sub-label of Copenhagen's Echocord, one of the leading imprints in the realms of Dub Techno, home to pioneering acts like Rod Modell/Deepchord, Pole and Fluxion who have paved the way for Orbite's own twist on the genre. The ethereal pad textures of 'Skylar' lead on the package, deftly evolving alongside bubbling synth tones, swelling chords and shuffled percussion to create a create dynamically unfolding six and a half minute cut. 'Moment' follows, edging things further into dubbed-out territories with heavily delayed dub echoes and mesmeric spoken word poetry intertwining to create a, hypnotic beatless soundscape. 'Organi' closes the record with emotive, billowing pads, warm bell like tones and vocal murmurs running alongside swinging shakers and stripped-back micro-house percussion.

For A Long Time, Electronic Music Has Been Understood In Terms Of Sounds Rooted In Particular Places: The Styles Of House And Techno Inextricably Wedded To Detroit, Or The Early '90s Jungle Sound Which Carries Echoes Of London. But That's Something Which Is Changing - In Latin America More Than Anywhere Else. A New Project, Led By Gilles Peterson And Rum Maker Havana Club (that Created The Havana Cultura Platform In 2007 To Promote The Island's Contemporary Culture), Shines A Light On Cuba's Fast-mutating, Rhythmically-adventurous Underground. It's A Scene Where Old Ideas Are Transplanted Into New Contexts, And Like-minded Scenes Are Brought Together In New Dialogues.

Havana Cultura: ¡su´belo, Cuba! Showcases An Extended Network Of Like-minded, Forward-thinking Musicians Driving Cuba's Music Forward. Following Repeated Trips To Connect With Venues, Collectives And Djs, Peterson And Will Lv - One Half Of Lv, Who've Released On Hyperdub And Keysound Amongst Others - Linked Up With Dj Jigu¨e, A Much-respected Producer And Dj, Whose Guampara Label Has Charted New Directions For Cuban Music. He's Been Profiled By The Fader And Vice, And The Album Features His Extended Network Of Collaborators, Connecting Afro-cuban Traditions With Contemporary Movements And Ideas.

The Album Provides A Snapshot Of A Unique Club Culture That's Fast Evolving. On The One Hand, It's Indebted To Cuba's Unique Characteristics, Where Regularly-practised Traditions Are Coloured By Intermittently-experienced Cultures From Outside. On The Other, It's Part Of A Global Shift Toward De-centred Club Music, With Homegrown, Influence-grabbing Dance Cultures Tilting Attention From Club Culture's Traditional Epicentres. It Offers A New Side To Havana That's Firmly Rooted In Its Past.

In ancient LDDLM times, BLDDLM even, Belgium could well have been the freaky house and ecstasy center of the world. If only we could remember all the lost hours... But after all, as the Brussel saying goes: 'it's Friday, tomorrow is Tuesday'.
At LDDLM, we try not to reminisce, that was just setting the mood.We are very happy to welcome ARTHUR JOHNSON in our non-fold, a young producer from Liege via Marseille and La Dame Noir. AJ is amongst those ever mutating artists, his u-turns slowly composing a real personality, and one fitting our contrarian attitude. In a way PERFECT STRANGER reminds us of a good 90's Farley/Heller remix, not so much camp Fire Island than almost sweaty late night trancer. We love those tracks that do not fit our ethos a priori but that we can't stop playing. COSMO VITELLI is a long time family friend and he beams up this stranger through the axis into some kind of romantic italo-german anthem.
BALLADA and SECRETARY DISCORDIA show a different side of AJ, a dub march echoing Dif Juz and a percussive machine funk number. We sincerely hope AJ keeps on straying for the best, his way being our way.

CHIWAX welcomes Andre Red Hand to the Family!

Dubbed by Igloo Magazine as the 'Romanian Detroit electro/techno pioneer' and by the late Aaron Carl as 'the Romanian Underground Resistance himself', Andrew Red Hand from Romania's spiritual capital of lasi stands up as an unwavering militant of the underground, a true Detroit spirit possessed as Romanian humanoid!

From his early gigs throwing parties as one of the first generation DJs in lasi since 1997, ARH continues to break boundaries as part of the Romanian resistance scene and numerous time portals as they open around Europe. His blistering, mind-bending sets such as at Berlin's Tresor and Griessmuehle see the DJ with the red hand fuse pure Detroit electro and techno with the sounds of techno-bass, raw Chicago acid house, classics and futuristic beats. His mixes for Radio UR (Underground Resistance) and The Grid (Detroit Techno Militia) remain some of the best frequency transmissions to surface to air.

Armed with a Soviet Union reel to reel Majak 203, his scorching raw analogue and searing acid productions have been picked up by foundational Detroit labels such as Twilight 76, Matrix, Detroit Underground, Databass, Detroit Techno Militia, Cratesavers Intl, Visillusion as well as around the world from Holland's iconic M>O>S Recordings to 1Ø Pills Mate (Lobster Theremin), Bass Agenda and Land Of Dance. On his remix list includes work for Scan 7, Santonio Echois, Thomas Barnett, Sean Deason, Niko Marks, Six Foe, T.Linder and more while support from Anthony Shake Shakir, DJ Bone, Dave Clarke, DJ Godfather has been garnered for our sonic warrior... Beware of the Red Hand!

"After a deceptively quite 2017, Especial picks up the pace pace by welcoming back the peroxide, youth filled Fairplay (re)version and a 2nd EP of old-skool-meets-the-new-school flavoured House and Breaks to lock, jock and spin.

After the criminally overlooked 'How Do You Like Me Now' EP - how is Classic Version not a...classic...version - Junior gets back on the (lino) floor. The EP starts with a look north to the 'other city of 7 hills' that birthed a Warp'd British retake on House in his bleep-dub ode, End Of Love. The autobiographical title belies a forward approach with his trademark echobox kick'n'hats underpinning uplifting keys and nodding bleep finger solo.

Who to join the party then, than another man of mystery, Roy Of The Ravers. After his debut EP on sister label Emotional Response became a most played from Aphex et al, it is only right bring him to E'Special. His brooding, hoover rush Remix 1 heightens the vibes with a heads down bleeping half-steppa. Righteous!

The flip is given over to Junior's roots, bringing the hip-hopper back with the anthemic The Shazsquatch Goes Back Into The Woods. No shoc(k) horror here, just more upwardly mobile breakbeat meets UK techno licks. You can hear Fairplay at one with man and machine, pushing a sound that looks back but most definitely goes forward with 'Sunrise' on the mind.

To close is the swagger of EP title cut, Faxes From The Future. Hair of the (black) dog fuses a swinging break with proto-dub-meets-Giallo stylings to rework the senses and say, now is (still) the time!

A return to making the noise while keeping tongue planted firmly in cheek. What are u like Top. Buzz."

Following two previous excursions into degraded tape loops, fuzzed-out ambience and bittersweet moments of tenderness, O$VMV$M return to Idle Hands to complete a trilogy of LPs with 12 vignettes from the underbelly of the Bristol scene.

Bound to Young Echo's ever-swelling cult of wayward sonics, individually Amos 'Jabu' Childs and Sam 'Neek' Barrett have plenty of irons in the fire. Childs deals in forlorn, vocal-led introspection alongside Alex Rendall and Jasmine Butt as Jabu, while Barrett can be found laying down punishing modern grime variations alongside Kahn, or delving into more traditional soundsystem sonics in Gorgon Sound. Meanwhile the pair were clearly heard laying down some of the tones that seep out of the uncredited Young Echo collective LP from earlier this year. Their production work behind Rider Shafique's killerLion7" on Lavalava was unmissable, and their blunted beats behind Manonmars' debut LP are awaited with anticipation.

As O$VMV$M, the pair enter a particular sound world that mixes cosy nostalgia with creeping dread. Even at its most mellow, a sense of unease hovers beneath the surface, and that's what makes their approach so compelling. The sound palette is broad, from pitch-shifted RnB vocal licks to foggy trumpets crawling at half speed, but over it all a dense blanket of dust gives the sensation of peering back through time.

Putting paid to the idea that immersive music needs to be long and drawn out, the dose response on these condensed mood capsules is quick and strong. In a little over 20 minutes O$VMV$M take you far and wide. The trip over the past three LPs has been an adventure for both label and artists - Sam and Amos have shaped out a style that now feels like a fully formed entity independent of their other ventures. We look forward to seeing where O$VMV$M heads from here.

African Scream Contest 2

A great compilation can open the gate to another world. Who knew that some of the most exciting Afro-funk records of all time were actually made in the small West African country of Benin Once Analog Africa released the first African Scream Contest in 2008, the proof was there for all to hear, gut-busting yelps, lethally well- drilled horn sections and irresistibly insistent rhythms added up to a record that took you into its own space with the same electrifying sureness as any favourite blues or soul or funk or punk sampler you might care to mention.

Ten years on, intrepid crate-digger Samy Ben Redjeb unveils a new treasure- trove of Vodoun-inspired Afrobeat heavy funk crossover greatness. Right from the laceratingly raw guitar fanfare which kicks o Les Sympathics' pile-driving opener, it's clear that African Scream Contest II is going to be every bit as joyous a voyage of discovery as its predecessor. And just as you're trying to get o the canvas after this one-punch knock out, an irresistible Afro-ska romp with a more than subliminal echo of the Batman theme puts you right back there. Ignace De Souza and the Melody Aces' Asaw Fofor" would've been a killer instrumental but once you've factored in the improbably-rich-to-the-point-of-being-Nat-King-Cole-influenced lead vocal, it's a total revelation.

The screaming does not stop there, in fact it's only just beginning. But the

strange thing about African Scream Contest II's celebration of unfettered Beninese creativity is that it would not have been possible without the assistance of a musician who had been trained by the Russian secret services to "search and destroy" enemies of the country's (then) Marxist-Leninist president Mathieu Kerekou.

Already familiar to fans of the first African Scream Contest as a mainstay of ruthlessly disciplined military band Les Volcans de la Capitale, Lokonon André vanished in a cloud of dust at Ben Redjeb's behest with a list of names and some petrol money, only to return a few days later having miraculously tracked down every single name he'd been given. The source of this Afrobeat bounty-hunter's impressive people-finding skills - his training with the KGB - highlights the tension between encroaching authoritarian politics and fearless expressions of personal creative freedom which is the back-story of so much great African music of the 60s and 70s. Happily, in this instance, Lokonon was tracking the artists down to oer them licensing deals, rather than to arrest them.

Where some purveyors of vintage African sounds seem to be strip-mining the

continent's musical heritage with no less rapacious intent than the mining companies and colonial authorities who previously extracted its mineral wealth, Samy Ben Redjeb's determination to track this amazing music to its human sources pays huge karmic dividends.

Like every other Analog Africa release, African Scream Contest II is illuminated by meticulously researched text and eortlessly fashion-forward photography supplied by the artists themselves. Looming large - alongside Lokonon André - in the cast of biopic-worthy characters to emerge from this seductive tropical miasma is visionary space-nerd Bernard Dohounso, who laid the foundations for Benin's vinyl predominance by importing and assembling the turntables that would play the products of his Bond villain-acronymed pressing plant SATEL, a factory that would revolutionise the music industry in the whole region.

The scene documented here couldn't have been born anywhere else but in the Benin Republic , and the prime reason for that is Vodoun. It's one of the world's most complex religions, involving the worship of some 250 divinities, where each divinity has its own specific set of rhythms, and the bands introduced on the African Scream Contest series and other compilations from that country were no less diverse than that army of dierent Gods. At once restless pioneers and masters of the art of modernising their own folklore, the mystic sound of Vodoun was their prime source of inspiration.

One especially irascible Vodoun-adept was Antoine Dougbe, who styled himself The devil's prime minister' while turning ancestral rhythms into satanically alluring modern beats. As Orchestre Poly-Rythmo songwriter Pynasco has observed sagely, Evil is not elsewhere, evil extends into the house'. And African Scream Contest II is a gloriously cinematic road-trip through an undiscovered realm of music lore whose familiarity is every bit as thrilling as its otherness.

Written by Ben Thomson, March 2018

After an excellent 12inch on Rosten label SSTROM drops his first full length Otider, which is by far the most diverse offering of the project encompassing elements of different genres and putting them in woolen and dense sonic textures. Otider could be loosely translated as un-times or non-times. It positions the tracks out of specific context and rather represents them as some rediscovered artifacts relating to personal experiences of the artist. Otider slightly distances SSTROM from techno label as the compositions elegantly drift between lush transparency and thick grooves of outsider/lo-fi house as in Kronofobi or Svvaren or sensitive, yet subtly monolith and mellow techno on Damm and I Huvudet. In Modernisten we can even trace echoes of coldwave/synth aesthetics with melancholic guitars sweeping over hypnotic rhythmic patterns, while closer Sov Nu introduces something which reminds a darker form of garage music with light synthpads constantly surfacing among raw mechanical beats. All the tracks were created over a relatively long period between 2010 and 2017 by employing the process where he let his hands work automatically without interference from his head. This freedom could be felt across the release, which juggles with different musical forms so lightly and organically, but at the same time maintains a coherent vision, which illustrates the vast scope and diversity of the artist.

2x12" Reflecting on a career spanning three decades, Luke Slater is a true dance music legend. The British producer has not only been pivotal in the rise of techno but his work continues to play a vital role in driving the genre forward, particularly under his Planetary Assault Systems name. Following its launch in 2006, Slater's L.B.Dub Corp moniker has been responsible for refreshing house music on labels like Mote-Evolver and Ostgut Ton, with the latter hosting the pseudonym's debut album in 2013. 'Side Effects' is the project's first body of work since then. "I wrote the tracks over the last year between being on the road as P.A.S. and playing a few L.B.Dub Corp house sets, which naturally evolved into 'Side Effects' almost accidentally" - Luke Slater Crashing stabs and a rolling hook inaugurate the album in 'Reel One' before the meandering 'Night Time Hawk' demonstrates effervescent effects and bursts of white noise. Commanding kicks and a moody bassline make up the robust 'Edge 7' whilst 'IELBEE' exhibits a bouncy aesthetic complete with intricate melodies. 'Float When You Can' is dark and ominous from the off but an echoing note sequence adds a glimmer of light, making way for the reverberating mechanics of 'Bass Machine' before leading into the twisted sounds and ghostly air of 'Forever In A Day'. Nearing the end, 'LBEES Jam' is the most lighthearted track on the album with its twinkling lead melody until Slater rounds off the release with a soulful and vocal driven affair 'All Got To Live'.

Following on from OTIS002 Jon & Hugh - Another view, one half of the production duo and OTIS label boss Hugh B steps out on his own for OTIS003. Floating On a Trippy Biscuit is a 4 track excursion through deep textures, roaming drum machines, sliced breaks and dub echoes. With a nod to early Jungle duos (RIP), a psychedelic love letter to UK Broken Beat, a remix from OTIS family member Sean Thomas that pays respect to the UK Deep scene of the late 90s and a deep, valium-laced House groove designed for post-rave reflection. OTIS003 is a dreamy meditation amidst the occasional chaos of the rave, a blissful trip through the styles of 'dance music' this label holds dear.

Early support from: Ben Fester, Simon Caldwell, Adi Toohey and a load of other selectors that are keeping it deep in twenty seventeen...

Fromtheoldtothenew was originally released in 1996 and is the second full length on Peacefrog from Steve
'Stasis' Pickton.
Growing up as a teenager in East London, break-dancing and writing graffiti with B12's Mike Golding, Steve
Pickton's musical education moved along a familiar path, from hip-hop to Electro and onto Techno. Schooling
himself in music theory and purchasing a sampler Pickton set about making his own music.
Releasing on a whose who of seminal UK electronic labels including A.R.T., Likemind, Otherworld and B12 under
various pseudinums Pickton's UK take on lush Detroit melodies fused techno, funk, hip-hop, dub, blues and jazz
into a dense concoction all of his own making.
Fromtheoldtothenew saw Pickton slip off his earlier techno shackles and head for uncharted electrconic waters.
The echo chamber dramatics of Gun and wayward lurch of Ale House Blues were a long way from Detroit, while
few tracks have demonstrated the sheer breadth of electronica more dramatically than Utopia Planetia. All in all it's
more jazz, less tech without losing the soul

The next instalment in the My Rules catalog sees label owner Justin Van Der Volgen take on Japanese house legend Yukihiro Fukutomi aka Foog's techy club jam 'Flying'.

Originally available as a digital-only release, it's twisted into two exclusive new versions.
On the A-side edit, Justin travels down the less walked path of splicing and shortens the track, which along with his subtle drum additions tastefully amplify and sharpen the feeling of tension and release.
The B-side dub is a heavy bass and drum mix complete with flanged hissing hi-hats, alien claps and cavernous echoes.

It's taken almost 3 years to get the man like Medlar back on Delusions fol- lowing his 2015 release with Dan Shake but finally it's come together. That release, along with his regular output for Wolf, Riverette and For Discos Only has helped cement Medlar's reputation as one of the leading UK un- derground house producers and led to official remixes and approved edits for legendary labels TK Disco and West End no less! The Medlar seal of quality has led to support from such influential heavyweight selectors as DJ Harvey, Gilles Peterson and DJ Koze.

Kicking things off we see Medlar in straight up dance floor mode on title track NRG, coming through with a drum-heavy workout that utilises a gnarly bassline, echoing synth stabs and rasping hats to excellent effect.
Flip over for his own Dub Version which strips things back further placing all the emphasis on the bassline and going heavy on the Space Echo for a tripped out, dubby warehouse vibe tailor made for the freaky hours.
Closing the EP we have the aptly named Tripped which drops the BPM's for a low-slung mood-setter to warm up the floors with. A simple groove lays the foundation for a rolling bassline while chiming synths weave in and out of the spacious mix.

2x12"

Losoul returns to action with his first long player in almost ten years, and delivers a stunning collection of compositions for the Hypercolour released 'Island Time'. Otherwise known as Peter Kremeier, the German producer has mesmerized us for many years with his organic and emotive house music, largely released on the influential Playhouse label, but of late has seen him release singles for Karat and Tardis Records, as well as his very own Another Picture label. Fans of Losoul won't be disappointed, as a diverse yet utterly familiar sound aesthetic pours out over the album's seven tracks in his own inimitable style. The jazzy broken beats of 'Gold Tooth' shine with their micro-sample chops, whilst 'Mean Time' is a dense and dubby slow stomp, teasing the drums with space echo and injecting sparse bass work where it matters. Inventive, spongy house grooves are delivered on 'Boppin Lower' and 'Square Down Smoother' whilst the album closer, 'Lava In You' is a master class in ambient sonics and shimmering keys over a lo-fi swinging groove. It's been over 20 years since Losoul's signature single 'Open Door', and the German producer continues to pour out honest and rewarding music.

This is Ajukaja's - who now spends most of his time in woods on a semi-populated island - first solo recording for his own Porridge Bullet imprint. Two night-tracks honouring the purple echos of LinnDrum.
.
This is Ajukaja's - who now spends most of his time in woods on a semi-populated island - first solo recording for his own Porridge Bullet imprint. Two night-tracks honouring the purple echos of LinnDrum.

Belgium-based Composer Christina Vantzou's Fourth Full-length For Kranky Ventures Further Into The Uniquely Elusive And Evocative Mode Of Ambient Classical Minimalism Which Has Become Her Signature: A Fragile Synthesis Of Contemplative Drift, Heady Silences, And Muted Dissonance. In Regards To The New Album She Speaks Of Focusing Particular Attention On The Effects Of The Recordings On The Body, And Of 'directing Sound Perception Into An Inner Space.'
No. 4 Took Shape Across Roughly Two Years, Incorporating A Diverse Array Of Musical And Conceptual Collaborators, Including Fellow Kranky Artists Steve Hauschildt And John Also Bennett (of Forma) As Well As Angel Deradoorian (ex-dirty Projectors), Clarice Jensen, Beatrijs De Klerck, And Members Of Belgium's Echo Collective. During The Creation Process Vantzou Wanted To 'blur Lines Of Hierarchy,' And Thus Allowed All Ensemble Members And Technical Assistants To Add Or Delete Elements. Despite Such A Spectrum Of Input The Eleven Tracks Feel Distinctly Cohesive, Weaving Elegant Textures And Resonant Open Spaces Within A Twilit Landscape Of Eclectic Instrumentation: Piano, Harp, Vibraphone, Voice, Strings, Marimba, Synthesizers, Gong, And Bells.
Vantzou Describes The Recording Process As One Of Prepared Spontaneity: That Is, 'having Plenty Of Ideas Ready To Explore Going Into The Session, But With Enough Time To Depart From Those Ideas And See What Happens.' This Mindset Of Premeditated Exploration Informs The Album's Emotive Textural Intuition, With Hushed Drones And Delicate Gestures Eliding In The Periphery Of The Mix. She Cites Sleep And 'the Loosening Of Time' As Two Formative Practices In Her Private And Professional Life, Which Manifests In The Quietly Hallucinatory Properties Of Vantzou's Music. No. 4 Feels Both Endless And Ephemeral, Immersive And Immaterial. It's A Music Of Horizon Lines And Half-light, Mapped With Feeling And Foresight.
Recorded In New York City And Brussels. Mixed In Berlin.
A Portion Of This Work Was Funded By A Generous Grant From The Flemish Community In Belgium.

Limited Edition Clear Vinyl

Includes 12' Vinyl and Deluxe CD album, 30 page hard back book

Now that I've been to Nashville,' Kylie Minogue says with audible affection, I understand. It's like some sort of musical ley-line...'

Golden, Kylie's fourteenth studio album, is the result of an intensive working trip to the home of Country music, a city whose influence lingered on long after the pop legend and her team returned to London to finish the record: We definitely brought a bit of Nashville back with us,' she states. The album is a vibrant hybrid, blending Kylie's familiar pop-dance sound with an unmistakeable Tennessee twang. It was Jamie Nelson, Kylie's long-serving A&R man, who first came up with the concept of incorporating a Country element' into Kylie's tried-and-trusted style. That idea sat there for a little while, with Minogue and her team initially unsure about how to bring it to life. Then, when Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge's publisher suggested Kylie should come over to collaborate in Nashville, a city Kylie had previously never visited, something clicked. You know when you're so excited about something,' she recalls, that you repeat it an octave higher and double the decibels I was like that. 'Nashville! Yes! Of course I would!'. I hoped it would help the album to reveal itself. I thought 'If I don't get it in Nashville, I'm not going to get it anywhere.''

Kylie's Nashville trip involved working alongside two key writers, both with homes in the city. One was British-born songwriter Steve McEwan (whose credits include huge Country hits for Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood), and the other was the aforementioned Amy Wadge, another Brit (best known for her mega-selling work with Ed Sheeran). It was then a truly international project: Golden was mainly created with African-German producer Sky Adams and a list of contributors including Jesse Frasure, Eg White, Jon Green, Biff Stannard, Samuel Dixon, Danny Shah and Lindsay Rimes, and there's a duet with English singer Jack Savoretti.

However, the album's agenda-setting lead single Dancing was, significantly, first demoed with Nathan Chapman, the man who guided Taylor Swift's transition from Country starlet to Pop megastar. If anyone knows how to mix those two genres, Chapman does. Nathan was the only actual Nashvillean I worked with. He's got a huge studio in his house, which is probably due to his success with Taylor... there's plenty of platinum discs of her, and others on his walls.' There's something of the spirit of Peggy Lee's Is That All There Is, of Dylan Thomas' Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, even of Liza Minnelli's Cabaret about Dancing, a song which not only opens the album but sets out its stall, providing a microcosm of what is to come. You've got the lyrical edge, that Country feel, mixed with some sampling of the voice and electronic elements, so it does what it says on the label. And I love that it's called 'Dancing', it's immediately accessible and seemingly so obvious, but there's depth within the song.'

The experience of simply being in Nashville was an overwhelming one, before Kylie had even arrived. Once I knew I was going to Nashville, people talked about the place with such enthusiasm. They said without doubt I would love it and, I would come back with songs. They were sending lists of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. It really was a beautiful and genuine response and it felt like I was about to have a life changing experience and in a way, I did.' The reality came as something of a surprise, when she found a far more modern metropolis than the vintage one she'd envisaged. I thought it would be like New Orleans: little houses and bars, with music spilling out onto the street. It reminded me more of Melbourne: apartment blocks going up everywhere! The main strip, Broadway, where the honky tonk bars are, that's where the street was filled with music and it was just amazing.' Mainly, Minogue remembers the heat and humidity. It was 100 degrees. It was like it was raining with no rain.' She also relished the chance to wander around unrecognised, visit a few venerable music bars and soak in the atmosphere. I didn't get to the Grand Ole Opry or the music museums but I managed to go to a couple of the institutions there like The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room, and just by being there, through some kind of osmosis, you get this rejuvenated respect for The Song, and the writing of The Song. There's no hoo-hah around it. There's a singer-songwriter there, talking about the song and singing the song, to an audience who are there to listen. Although, I have to confess I was guilty of starting to clap too soon during a long pause at the end of one of the songs. The guy made a bit of a joke out of it and got a laugh from it, but I thought 'Of all people in the audience, no...''

It's probably no coincidence, therefore, that every track on Golden is a Kylie co-write, making it arguably her most personal album to date. The end of 2016 was not a good time for me,' she says, referring to well-documented personal upheavals, so when I started working on the album in 2017, it was, in many ways, a great escape. Making this album was a kind of saviour. I'd been through some turmoil and was quite fragile when I started work on it, but being able to express myself in the studio made quick work of regaining my sense of self. Writing about various aspects of my life, the highs and lows, with a real sense of knowing and of truth. And irony. And joy!'

The songwriting process allowed Kylie to get a few things out of her system. Initially, she admits, it was cathartic, but it also wasn't very good. I think I was writing too literally. But I reached a point where I was writing about the bigger-picture, and that was a breakthrough. It made way for songs like Stop Me From Falling and One Last Kiss. It also meant I had enough distance to write an autobiographical song, like A Lifetime To Repair, with a certain amount of humour. The countdown in that song: 'Six-five-four-three, too many times...'. I don't know if that will be a single, but I can just imagine a girl with framed pictures of past boyfriends, and kind of going 'Oh god, when am I going to get this right'' When she listens back to Golden, Kylie can vividly hear the Nashville in it. It is, she'll agree, probably the first time that a Kylie album has sounded like the place it was made. You wouldn't normally relate my songs to the cities. Can't Get You Out Of My Head sounds more like Outer Space than London. But Shelby '68, for example, was written in London but it was done with Nashville in mind. It's about my Dad's car, and my brother recorded Dad driving it! I don't think I'd have written a number of the songs, including Shelby '68 and Radio On without having had that Nashville experience.'

The latter, she says, is about music being the one to save you.' Throwing herself into the making of the record, she says, crystallised that idea. If there's one love that will always be there for you, it's music. Well, it is for me, anyway.' That song, in particular, carries nostalgic echoes of the golden age of Country, as heard through Medium Wave transistors and tinny home stereos in the distant past. Like any child of the Seventies, Kylie had a basic grounding in Country music, mainly absorbed from older family members. My Step-Grandfather was born in Kentucky and though he lived most of his adult life in Australia, he never stopped listening to his beloved Country artists.' If there's any classic Country singer whose imprint can be heard on Golden, it's Dolly Parton.

Kylie saw Dolly live for the first time at the end of 2016, at the Hollywood Bowl. It was like seeing the light,' she beams. It was incredible. Everyone, whether they know it or not, is a Dolly Parton fan. When I was in Nashville, I did pick up a T-shirt that said 'What Would Dolly Do' Maybe that should be my mantra.' And, whether consciously or otherwise, there's a timbre and trill to Kylie's vocals on Radio On that is distinctly Parton-esque. My delivery is quite different on this album,' she says. A lot of things are 'sung' less. The first time I did that was with Where The Wild Roses Grow. On the day I met Nick Cave, when I recorded my vocals, he said 'Just sing it less. Talk it through, tell the story.' This album wasn't quite to that extreme, but a lot of the songs were done in fewer takes, to just capture the moment and keep imperfections that add to the song. I remember on my last album, a lot of producers were trying to take out literally every vibrato they heard. And that's not natural to my voice. I mean, I can make myself sound like a robot, but it's nice to sound like a human!' Working within the Country genre also gave Kylie permission to write in the Nashville vernacular. Because we were going there, I wasn't afraid to have lines like 'When he's fallen off the wagon we'd still dance to our favourite slow song', 'Ten sheets to the wind, I was all confused', 'I'll take the ride if it's your rodeo'. The challenge of bringing a Country element to the album made the process feel very fresh to me, kind of like starting over. I started to look at writing a different way, singing a different way.'

If ever Kylie lost confidence in the Country-Pop concept, and found herself pondering This is great, but back in the real world - my real world - how will this work', Jamie Nelson was there to badger her into sticking to the path. We found a way to make it a hybrid with what we'll call my 'usual' sound. It had to stay 'pop' enough to stay authentic to me, but country enough to be a new sound for this album. The closer we zoomed in, and the more we honed it, I knew Jamie was right. We sacrificed good songs that weren't right for this album, because we wanted it to be as cohesive as possible. The songs that were hitting the mark were these ones, so we decided to be strong, and that's how we wrapped up the album. What he said, that stuck with me, was that 'I'd hate to get to the end of this and really wish we'd gone for it.'' Having worked with Kylie for so long, Nelson was able to put this latest shift of direction into perspective. He said 'You've traditionally done it throughout your career. You had your PWL time, then you did a complete turn when you went to deConstruction, then another complete turn with Spinning Around, and R&B dance-pop, and then another turn with Can't Get You Out Of My Head, icy synth-pop, and this is another one.' He was right. It felt like the right time to have a change sonically. New label, new stories to tell, and a new decade almost upon me.'

Kylie Minogue will, it's scarcely believable, turn 50 this year. This looming milestone is partly behind the album's title, and title track. I had this line that I wanted to use: 'We're not young, we're not old, we're golden' because I'm asked so often about being my age in this industry. This year, I'll be 50. And I get it, I get the interest, but I don't know how to answer it. And that line, for my personal satisfaction, says it as succinctly as possible. We can't be anyone else, we can't be younger or older than we are, we can only be ourselves. We're golden. And the album title, Golden, reflects all of this. I liked the idea of everyone being golden, shining in their own way. The sun shines in daylight, the moon shines in darkness. Wherever we are in life, we are still golden.' One of the album's shiniest moments is Raining Glitter, an exuberant banger which ventures closest to Kylie's traditional dance-pop comfort zone. Eg White, who is one of the producers and writers and a great character, was talking about disco one day. I said 'I love disco, but you know the brief.' We needed to be going down the Country lane, so to speak. But we managed to bring them both together. When I wrote it, I was thinking about the Jacksons video for Can You Feel It where they're sprinkling glitter over everyone. And I think there's a Donna Summer record that's got that feel to it. I think that's my job: I basically leave a trail of glitter after every show I do anyway.'

Kylie is looking forward to the challenge of incorporating the Golden material into her live shows. Mixing these songs in with my existing catalogue is going to be fun. And it could be fun to do some of those songs with just a guitar. It'll make my acoustic set interesting...'Her incredibly loyal fans - to whom one Golden song, Sincerely Yours, is intended as a love letter' - will, she believes, have no problem with her latest stylistic shift. My audience have been with me on the journey, so I shouldn't be afraid that they won't come with me on this part. I've had fun with it, and I'm sure they will too.'

The time spent making Golden has, Kylie says, been a time of creative and personal renewal. I've met some amazing people, truly inspiring writers and musicians. My passion for music has never gone away, but it's got bigger and stronger.' And if there's an overriding theme to the record, it is one of acceptance. We're all human and it's OK to make mistakes, get it wrong, to want to run, to want to belong, to love, to dream. To be ourselves.'

I was able to both lose and find myself whilst making this album.'

Promo Support for new album 'Ruthless Day'

"The more I hear this the more I'm loving it. As a starter while we wait for the main course which will be the album this is just perfect."

"It's fabulous and it sees the return of one of my favourite UK vocalists - the pocket rocket that is Gizelle Smith" - Craig Charles (BBC)

"such a powerful singer...a real british soul talent" - Eddie Piller (Acid Jazz)

Radio support:

BBC 6 Music: Craig Charles - 'STAY' (25.11.17) (2.12.17) (9.12.17), 'Sacred of Something' (13.01.18) (17.02.18)

KCRW (USA): Garth Trinidad - 'STAY'

Jazz FM (UK): John Osborne - 'Sweet Memories'

Delite Radio interview w/ Chris Forbes

Colourful Radio interview w/ DJ Sly

3Fach (playlisted), Delite (playlisted), MiSoul , NTS, Solar, 1BTN, Radio Krimi, Ibiza Sonica, Radio Pepper, Republic 100.3, Kane FM, WUTK 90.3, Juice brighton (playlisted) , Colourful Radio, Crackers Fresh, Radio Cardiff, Starpoint Radio,

DJ: Felix Da Housecat, Benoit C, Yamwho,Doc Scott, Basement Freaks, Dom Servini, Mat The Alien, All Good Funk Alliance, Marc Hype

Online and print press: Blues & Soul, Echoes, Afropunk, EARMILK, The Cocoa Diaries, Vents Magazine, FIP, Wax Poetics, FleamarketFunk, Monkeyboxing, Monkeyboxing, Blue In Green Radio, Groovement, Reductive Reviews,

Full UK Press by In House Press

Impossible ark international mailing list

Features Matthew Bourne (leaf label) on all synthesisers

Produced by Ben Lamdin / Nostalgia 77

A fully imersive radiophonic workshop experience fusing Jazz, inprovisation and studio electronics

Southend quartet Ghost Music release their evocative debut album I Was Hoping You'd Pass By Here via Arlen on 19 January. They create careful, considered songs, weaving lo-fi lullabies with gliding guitars and understated arrangements. Influenced by Silver Jews, Flying Nun and K Records, they explore themes of nature, love, loss and a melancholic English romanticism embellished with beautifully spectral melodies and executed with startling subtlety.

Despite this record being their debut, the band has produced a veritable wealth of music over the past 20 years in various guises. Ghost Music revolves around the songwriting partnership of Matt Randall and Lee Hall, who had played together in the 90s with John Peel favourites Beatglider. More recently Randall has received critical acclaim as Plantman, with his three albums Closer to the Snow, Whispering Trees and To The Lighthouse receiving praise from The Guardian, Uncut and Mojo. When Randall and Hall reunited to collaborate on another album together, they brought in the talents of Roy Thirlwall on bass (Melodie Group) and Leighton Jennings on drums (Dark Globes) to complete the band.

The original idea would be that the songs would be 'ghosts' and create 'ghost music' to resurrect and dust off old songs that they had already started. Lee had found the beginnings of 'Home Dog' on a dusty old 4-track and he had recorded 'Strange Love' on his iPhone in 2014, whilst Matt had written 'My Cloud' as far back as 1997 (the night he moved out of his parents' house). As the album began to take shape, the ghostly premise took a back seat, as they began to breathe new life into the songs they found the impetus to write new ones.

Randall explains the songwriting process; 'When we were in Beatglider together and in the past we'd made a 'thing' out of writing long songs with a lot of changes. This time we pared it back a bit and stuck to the melodies more. We really wanted to make a proper guitar record. Lee's my favourite guitarist and it was lovely to see him stretch out on these songs with his diamond fingers.'

Not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, Ghost Music's sound is instantly familiar, echoing beloved bands from the 90s such as Pavement ('Home Dog' has a definite 'Range Life' feel), Galaxie 500 ('Blindspot'), Yo La Tengo ('Heart Shaped Holiday' is influenced by the languid YLT songs that peak after a short intro) and even old-school rock'n'roll ('Strange Love' was born out of an appreciation for the instantly engaging opening riff in 50s songs). Yet Ghost Music's work never feels derivative, being instead effortlessly emotive, melancholic and affecting, creating a world of sound that is hugely reassuring and a tonic for the modern age.

music is the silence between the notes.' the french composer claude debussy once said.
the german trio wareika, consisting of florian schirmacher, henrik raabe and jakob seidensticker, love the silence between their notes, even if their music is often fully loaded with many detailed sounds, rhythms, melodies and intercultural sound links.
since 2007 they spread their passion for repetitive club grooves in the minimal house spheres that love to swing in the epic way. with four albums on labels like perlon or visionquest as well as eps for labels like eskimo, tartelet, circus company or bar 25 under their wings, the trio proofed their craftsmanship for multi-layered dance music already arrestingly deep on numerous releases and during tours around the globe that brought them also to japan.
now they deliver a new one hour long sonic journey on the tokyo based mule musiq, the label on which wareika member florian schirmacher already released as part of the glowing glisses project in 2008. also wareika itself are not new to the japanese imprint, as they previously dropped a remix for mule for the mysterious project jemmy in late 2015.
and now water, sky, sun, wood' - an ambitious one-track (on vinyl separated into four parts) love letter that kicks you deep into meditation - assumed you surrender yourself to their complex sounding and grooving story-arc. it all started with an unplanned four-hour jam session between henrik and flo-rian, gaming and messing around on the piano, guitar and drum computer.
later florian edited the happening into a one-hour sensation, henrik added some congas and synthlines and jakob mixed it down. the result is a meticulously edited, deeply absorbing dance between the pi-ano, guitar, conga, mfb tanzbär, mfb dominion 1, ob-6, jupiter 6 and manikin mellotron synthsizer. you can use it to get lost. lost from the daily grind. lost from precast perception.
lost in music. you can use it for your imagination to move to a place beyond words that guarantees some genuine experience. or you just can shut yourself down to it, dive deep into your unforeseeable dream world and dance your sub-consciousness around and around.
whatever each listener chooses to do, wareika's latest adventurous blend of jazz, techno, house and world music will move each soul individual. primarily because water, sky, sun, wood' is a reverbera-tion of the inner notes that are floating and dancing in florian, henrik and jakob. and as the greatest music in the world is nothing but an echo of the inner music, wareika managed to reach a new fresh peak of their multidimensional artistic body of work, that grows and grows to stand out in terms of deepness, permanency, eternalness and silence between all sounding sensations.

Charmin Records has long been a formidable outlet for considered house tones, and on their latest V/A, the German label reminds us in emphatic fashion just what they're capable of. Featuring four delicious house cuts, this is an expertly crafted release with four tracks of different but equally delectable persuasion on show.
Opening up the release is the sounds of Wasserfall & Vaage's 'Orbits'. A sci-fi tinged cosmic workout, it's galactic properties are matched only by its sheer dancefloor ethos. A banging track that's perfect for peak time 'floors, it gets us underway with some panache.
Garben's 'Exploitation' is a different track altogether. An analogue-inspired jam, it features all the hallmarks of a classic Larry Heard jam. The perfect track with which to welcome in these warmer climes, this deep track is characterised by its fuzzy, melancholic ethos.
Next up is ØA°ll Ha°tes' 'øøø9'. A steely, industrial track with echoes of Shed at its core, it's both a warm and uncomfortable effort, but one that's thoroughly beguiling throughout.
Culminating the package is FM's 'Saturday Voices'. This one is decidedly more banging, with an unrelenting kick and a catchy-as-hell baseline at its core. A fine effort with which to sign out on, Charmin's latest is just like the label's name suggests: absolutely charming.

Hi5Ghost meets Peder Mannerfelt - HOTLINE014 is here. The long overdue appearance from Hi5Ghost on Hotline, coming forward with pure dubplate pressure in the form of 'No Sleep' which gets a mind altering remix from Peder Mannerfelt on the flip - an unlikely pairing but one that makes total sense on Hotline - This disc has something for the school of eski grime and for the techno rave freaks - whatever twists your hip, both sides are tried and tested bassbin damagers. 500 copies with printed sleeve. Vinyl-only. 12 cut and mastered by Lewis at Stardelta. Sleeve design by Studio Tape-Echo. Housed in a neon pantone sleeve. Stickered centre labels.

This November will see Elia Perrone launch his new Jun'Ai imprint with his very own 'Flowers' EP, accompanied by a remix from Romanian minimal powerhouse Vid.

Tuscan producer and DJ Elia Perrone has long been one of the most respected figures in Italy's underground electronic music scene having co-founded the Klang Club in Arezzo which has seen him play alongside the likes of Simoncino, Juju & Jordash and Move D. Amongst this Elia, alongside brother and production partner heads up Unclear Records which plays host to their collaborative works as Easy To Remember as well as material from the likes of Baby Ford, Roman Fluegel, Christopher Rau and Dandy Jack amongst others.

Here though we see Elia turning a new chapter with the launch of his Jun'Ai imprint and taking the lead on the inaugural release is 'Flowers', a mind-altering slice of micro house fueled by pops, whirrs, clicks and sample cuts while fluttering atmospherics and bright string plucks ebb and flow throughout the murky depths of the composition. Vid aka Egal 3 steps up on remix duties to follow, delivering a straight edged take on things via crunchy organic percussion, billowing echoes of the original's atmospherics and a robust sub driven bass line.

Opening the flip side is 'Rain Smell', a slow brooding, hypnotic number employing dynamic string licks, modulating synth drones and bumpy 4/4 drums before 'Moshishi' closes out the package with airy ethereal textures, glitched out off-kilter percussion and rumbling low end tones.

Remixes from Ruede hagelstein & Amin Fallaha, Scuba, Julien Bracht and Tom (Alt-J) Hymn to the Night is the debut album from rising electronic post-punk duo, Lea Porcelain. The album was writt en and recorded over a two year period in Berlin's FUNKHAUS, a broadcasti ng house created under Soviet supervision that now houses the world's biggest recording studio. We are proud of what we have made and we have learned a lot through the process,' recall the band. The spectrum of the album is extremely wide.

Every song works together, playing with very different moods. We would describe it as atmospheric, cinemati c and melancholic'. Including the singles, 'Bones', 'Out Is In', and 'Warsaw Street' The song is rich in vibrant synthesizers and gentle vocals laced with percussion as lively as a marching band, creati ng a track as quixoti c as a lucid dream. - Stereogum

Ominous motorik kraut rumblings and the thudding electronic trickery of prime era Underworld. - Godisinthetvzine

Music-wise, we're thinking of smooshing together Joy Division with Echo & The Bunnymen (sure) coupled with the modern-downbeatness of The XX. So everything dressed in black basically. Brilliant stuff . - Killing Moon

An electronic duo from Frankfurt, Lea Porcelain have a dark, twisted yet oddly enti cing sound. - Clash Magazine

'Shays Vacation House' is a work that feels suspended in time - both ancient and modern -- a microcosm that ceases to exist in any particular time or space...exceptional acousmatic sound design animates amorphous creatures and entities, whose movements echo on dripping walls, yet the eerie, mysterious environment remains entirely ambiguous. hovering above the post-apocalyptic landscape of a scorched planet regenerating. Emra Grid's second Opal Tape is a profoundly beautiful work, loaded with emotional weight

A leading figure and respected elder in the Teklife family, Traxman has waited patientlywhile releases from young upstarts like Taso and Dj Earl have been enjoyed by footwork lovers all over the world. Now the time has come for Traxman to take centre stage, presenting a collection of new material that demonstrates his mastery of the footwork sound. Tekvision arrives hot on the heels of Teklife 005: Greenlight by DJ Manny, bringing an interesting contrast of production methods and styles. A prodigious crate digger, Traxman has provided the sample sources for many of Footwork's classic tracks over the years. So while DJ Manny recorded the majority of the vocals on Greenlight himself, Traxman uses his expert sample flipping techniques to add the human element to his productions. Traxman is a mainstay of the Chicago underground, with a discography stretching back to the golden era of Dance Mania Records in the 1990s. Ghetto House was an important precursor to Footwork, and Traxman was a key figure during this transition.

Echoes of the Ghetto House sound resonate through Tekvision, with tracks like Drop It Down and Twist The Party Out paying homage to the origins of Juke and Footwork music. Be Gagen feat DJ Earl is a beautiful opening track, with a soulful, melancholic synth unfolding patiently over a half-speed beat. When the bass kicks in after 1 minute 10 seconds it has a profoundly uplifting effect, and the late arriving vocal rounds off the composition perfectly.

Many of the tracks demonstrate brilliant and playful manipulation of vocal snippets, with Let Me Get Up and Control Ya Bitchezzz among the finest examples of this art. Finally,Tone Deaf and Whop Line show yet another side to Traxman's sound with an intoxicating and angular mix of bass and bleeps.

Phonica Records Special Editions in association with Play It Again Sam is delighted to present the incredible Quiet Village remix of Agnes Obel's 'Stretch Your Eyes', lifted from the Danish born, Berlin based singer songwriter's critically acclaimed 3rd studio album 'Citizen of Glass' .

Obel was at an early age guided into music by the influence of her parents, who would play and listen to a blend of the classical greats, folk music and contemporary pop. She learnt to play piano as a child but it was her move to Berlin in 2006 that prompted her to take her music to the next level. Her debut Philharmonics was released in 2010, a quiet phenomenon that spent seven consecutive weeks at number 1 and sold in excess of 100,000 copies in her homeland alone. The release of 'Aventine' in 2013 cemented her status as a household name across Europe and as an icon to piano players throughout the world.

Quiet Village are the British duo of long-time record-collector and DJ Joel Martin and Matt Edwards, the house and techno producer known as Radio Slave and the head of the Rekids label. They came to our attention with a series of highly sought after twelves on the DJ Harvey-related Whatever We Want label from New York, alongside excellent remixes of The Osmonds, Toby Tobias, Black Devil Disco Club and Francois K before releasing their acclaimed album on K7 Records in 2008. After a break from using the Quite Village name, the duo are back with a bang and recently graced the Phonica White label with a fantastic techno 12' 'Social Music' / 'Change'.

Needless to say, Quiet Village were the first producers Phonica thought of when looking for remixes for this project and their slow, dark, dub-heavy atmospheric groove perfectly compliments Agnes's vocal, with echoes of Massive Attack's timeless 'Teardrops' coming to mind. It's one of the finest remixes we've heard in recent memory and we're proud to present it as a limited 12' on the Special Editions label.

the italian duo boot & tax got already one lp and four eps under their wings who all deliver house and techno that stands out.
so far their records been published by glasgow's finest optimo music and meant records from paris.
now the two give their debut for endless flight and release three tunes that listen to the name 'dimension'.
they all got funk, they all love mesmerising melodies. you can feel the power of disco coming in with heavy seducing strings.
you can get lost in echoed drums, trippy sounds and some oriental tones. and you also can march to cosmic techno that loves krautrock without embracing it.
a multi-coloured ep that spreads deepness in an uncommon sense. if moves the heart and soul profound, while staying edgy and catchy.

The Crooked Man returns to Bitter End with an 'Emotional Copy Only' limited pre-release of powerful club pieces...

Keen eyed aficionado's may spot the homage to Mel Cheron's classic US label West End Records here
But while their motto may have been 'Where The Sun Sets & The Stars Rise' Bitter End Records embarks on a distinctly more 21st century path to dancefloor salvation...

'Echo Loves Narcissus - Part 1' is the opening salvo in a sonic saga across four movements, marrying, as it does irresistibly uplifting chords and vocal ad-libs to a bass line so thick it'll rattle the windows right out of your ride and knock the tiles straight off the walls of your cerebral restroom.

Once you've adequately composed yourselves, we invite you to the 11 minute MONSTER which is 'Get The Love' on the AA...

This recalls the brief but genre defying 1990 jams from Mundo Muzique's 'Revelation' project: synth assisted house-nosis, buoyed by the mantric voice imploration to accept higher states of carnality atop an immersive blanket of propulsive rhythms.

Once again Bitter End rips up the rule book, and crafts a whole set of new, better ones in which freedom reigns


Light years ahead !

* The debut release by Austin, TX, artist Disco Nihilist combines acid and deep house to create a timeless EP. Influenced heavily by old school Chicago house and New York's great Nu Groove records, all four tracks were made with simple hardware and recorded to cassette tape giving this record a physical presence that computer-produced tunes can't touch. Despite the limited production tools, each track has its own distinctive flavor: pumping chords, looped bleeps, dub echoes, and jacking beats make for a diverse yet coherent sound throughout the EP.

* Love What You Feel is a new label from Thomas Cox (aka pipecock' on various internet dance music forums), owner of the Infinitestatemachine blog. The pressing process of this record has been documented step by step on Infinitestatemachine, reaching a worldwide audience of thousands of deep dance music fans every week. Readers from every continent are already anticipating this EP's release.

Limited triple coloured vinyl pressing. Do not sleep. Brand new label from Copenhagen exploring the universe of chord/dubtechno run by the host of the legendary TweakFM show, Johnny Fredsgaard aka Kvadrant. First release contains four solid dub influenced tracks made by Ohm and the label owner himself. Ohm needs no introduction as he is a well established Icelandic artist and a part of the label family around the Thule label. Over the years he has teamed up with artists such as Exos and Octal Industries with whom he already released two EPs in 2017 on RAWAX and Taped Artifact. Ejer is made for the dancefloor with its heavy rhythm, characteristic Roland Space Echo delayed chords and a stunning break which will make the floor burn as soon as the bass kicks in. Laki is a fast paced track with repetitive chords and heavy kick. Octal Industries takes Laki to a deeper level and delivers a stand out groovy remix of the track and adds a bit of a melodic flow to it. Yding is a groovy crossover track which fits well in the world between techno and house. Watch out for the phat funky bassline.

The good ship Ransom Note sails on!

Continuing our commitment to releasing the finest dance music from planet Earth, our latest missive comes from fresh-faced Belgian kit freak Placid One. Squeezing out analogue techno from a studio full of synths that burble and shimmer and croak, Placid's lead track 'C Balloon' is a drum-less masterpiece, an arpeggiating ascent into a chrome-plated future. The track belongs in the lineage of the emotional best of Detroit, as mysterious as it is melancholic, it's a vision of computer blues for the 21st century.

It's followed by 'Bombay Persuasion', a jitter of broken tech-funk building to a rumbling throb of bass, and 'Life', which chops up classic breakbeats with late night acid secrets. All three tracks combine Placid One's youthful exuberance with a yearning for the hardware mentasm of early Brit pioneers, the ghosts of Aphex Twin, Orbital and Kirk Degiorgio can be heard echoing through their grooves.

On remix duties we have Deutschland's finest Cass. who provides a blissed out reimagining of 'C Balloon', unravelling its synths into an epic of found sounds and ambient drift. This is followed by a floor ready refix from Ransom Note favourite Timothy 'Heretic' Clerkin, who rolls 'C Balloon' into a warm house jam, all classic synth hits and sun-rising acid bubbles.

"MODEM:39 is booted and connected. Main task: Linking components like friendship, art and communication. This sustainable mixture results in label artist Tommes' first release on solid 180g black gold. The A.R.L.T. EP represents a thoughtfully crafted selection of analog sounds, inspired by classic house music. Tommes, being a part of eastern Germany's underground scene since 20 years, demonstrates his unique style with four timeless tracks. His passion for dubby sounds and chords echoes through the whole EP - solid deepness incoming!
"McDrive" is a bass line driven tune, full of versatile, warm synthie-melodies and catchy percussions. Its length offers great mixing possibilites. Let's get smooth and dreamy on the - StendalSunsetBoulevard'. A beautiful piece for any occasion.
Side B features two more linear and straightforward tracks. "Deeples' hypnotic dub-groove creates a very profound depths. Club approved!
Cheerful house roller - Deemin Goes" glares with atmospheric pads and a punchy bassline - perfectly rounding off an honest Solo-EP. The EP is limited to 300 editions with a handcrafted cover artwork - 50 of them comes in a special black and white edition, 250 copies in decent black artwork."

German producer Christian Burkhardt teams up with fellow countrymen Chris Wood & Meat for a three-track release on Jamie Jones' Hottrax this May.
Burkhardt has been flying the flag for minimalist electronic music for a decade now, releasing on labels such as Cocoon, Oslo and Pressure Traxx. Likewise, Freebase Records founders Meat + Chris Wood have been purveying deep and minimal cuts individually since the '00s, joining forces in 2009 before releasing on labels like Desolat, Housewax and Tiefschwarz' Souvenir. Between the three of them they've continually garnered support from the upper echelons of House and Techno, making regular appearances in the sets of names like Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Väth, Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones.
Intricate percussion and a compelling bassline make up the foundation of 'Closer 2 U' as an echoing vocal and tense strings operate throughout. Meanwhile, 'Plain' is a more downtempo cut in comparison with its dusky atmospherics and distorted spoken word samples that subtly permeate throughout the mix. On the flip, 'Trumpad' is deep and dubby whilst integrating trippy synths and mesmerizing effects for a rhythmic conclusion.

Echoe returns for its first outing of 2017 and fifth release since starting in earnest last year. ECHOE005 marks the first remix package in the label's discography, offering up four stellar remixes of Francesca Lombardo's "Remembrance" song. A clear stand-out in the label boss's inimitable repertoire, "Remembrance" has been given the rework treatment by house and techno stalwarts: Cassy, Laura Jones, Jade and La Fleur.

Cassy offers up the first remix, focussing her reinterpretation around an enormous and insistent bassline, murky and dense in equal measure, that rolls from start to finish. Undulating hats inject further energy, doubling in pace strategically whilst complimenting the 4/4 groove. Utilising the originals' emotional resonance, Cassy creates soft textures and refined arpeggiated patterns, adding a further dimension to the track's impassioned narrative.

Laura Jones's remix comes in the form of a low-slung, jazzy drum work-out, adorned with sub-heavy kicks and a snarling low-end that offers much of the track's sonic weight. Gentle bell-like keys float alongside modulated synth stabs that filter in and out of focus, whilst Jones's drum programming becomes progressively more and more frenetic.

Jade's reimagining sees a broken beat take the reigns, leaving space for soft percussive rhythms and an earth shaking low-end that pushes the song into ghetto house territory. Hi-hat pick-ups and jittery vocal cuts provide further momentum before the groove lands on sturdy 4/4 terrain. Jade's deftly arranged breakdowns, punctuated by panned drum fills and granular FX, adds welcome tension to the track, making a return to rolling drum-patterns and buzzing bass-sequences all the more rewarding as they come back in.

The final remix comes courtesy of La Fleur who delivers the most peak-time, club focussed material on the package. Staying true to the original's hook, La Fleur brings melody to the fore, whilst deploying snappy drums alongside chilling atmospherics and tech heavy stabs, set to keep dancers moving into early hours and beyond.

Work Them Records producer P. Leone kick-starts his new Brooklyn-based imprint E-MISSIONS with three animated techno tracks featuring a twisted remix from label co-founder Caiazzo.

Beginning his journey through electronic music upon coming into contact with Sonic Groove record store in New York, P. Leone subsequently discovered the legendary Storm Rave parties run by Frankie Bones and Adam X before quickly immersing himself in underground rave culture. DJing house and experimental music in the Lower East Side of Manhattan before producing his own techno, it wasn't long until Spencer Parker signed two of his releases to Work Them Records label which garnered support from the likes of Slam, Roman Fluegel, The Black Madonna, Rolando, Midland and Axel Boman.

Crunchy kicks and ethereal atmospherics set the mood in 'Coast Atlantic' as echoing stabs heighten in intensity. 'Boil Until Pure' is more of a rolling percussive affair containing a medley of metallic nuances whilst 'Tears' demonstrates infectious chords, claps and vocal coos whilst ghostly pads add to an air of melancholy. Fellow Work Them Records artist Caiazzo then steps up to remix 'Tears' - completely reimagining it into a trippy shadowy cut.

We at Finale Sessions are excited to have Mor Elians added to the Finale Sessions family . Mor is one of the younger generation artists that we have been keeping our eye on for sometime now. Hailing from Tel Aviv and now living in Los Angeles and Berlin and now travelling the world bringing her style of forward thinking House and Techno so let's get with the music and we start with the track " The Orionids " one of my favorites of the ep with it's bouncing drums and the industrial flexing pads and the filtering synth's that give it the deepness for day's . Then we move to the second track " Light Pollution " Another proper deep rendering if I may add and those high hats that just move the track into the proper scenic vibe, very minimal but to the point with the pads just poking its head out to go forth with the flow of the vocal . Last but not least we have "Echopark"this track closes out the ep with its very bouncy acid sounds and it's minimalistic drum patterns makes for a very melodic sound ....We at Finale Sessions want to thank you from the bottoms of our hearts and we love you very much

Acclaimed Russian producer, DJ and live musician Kito Jempere is back with a stunning second album, this time on Italian label Hell Yeah. Entitled Sea Monster and due for release in early 2017, the nine track album is a fantastic fusion of live instrumentation and electronic production.

Kito Jempere is a musical polymath. The Russian artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and band leader has been involved in many projects over the last ten years plus. These range from rock to acid jazz to electronic bands and often call upon a rotating cast of other members who are all equally talented.

From playing in small bars to headlining big shows for thousands of people in Saint Petersburg, he has put out a number of albums and singles on labels like Freerange, Room With A View and Hell Yeah and DJs around Europe.

Jempere plays live as the Kito Jempere Band, and here he calls upon his bandmates for their many skills to lend the album a richly musical feel.

Mixed and co-produced by band member Roman Urazov, the album features Artemiy Gunbin aka Noteless, the voice of the Kito Jempere Band and front man of his own rock band Videatape, as well as Ruslan Gadzhimuradov, a long time drummer on many projects, plus Matvey Averin, the bassist but also co-producer for cult group Manizha and finally Sergey Lipsky who here plays guitar and is also half of Simple Symmetry as well as having played for Kito's other project Saint Petersburg Disco Spin Club group.

Sea Monster kicks off with Lifetime Theme, a heavenly groove with loose drums and percussion and gorgeous keys. Form there, Artemiy Gunbin's ethereal and crystal clear vocals take centre stage amongst balearic guitars on album single 'Ampa', and then 'To Talk' is a deeper cut with bumpy drums, long tailed pads and shiny synths all making for a curious and whimsical atmosphere.

'Grid Cells' is a lush instrumental track with clever revel and echo adding a sense of grandeur to the freeform jazz drums and frazzled synths, 'Uohha' is as sunny and laid back as an afternoon on the beach and 'Puzzled' then layers up scuzzy basslines, popping hits and suspenseful synths into something smooth and seductive.

The final third of the album closes out with blissful guitar licks, lazy broken beats and brilliant drum playing that all have you wishing it was summer again.

This is an album with elements of jazz, house, disco, balearic and many more sounds all smoothly blended into one coherent and captivating album full of soul and musical skill.

Newly launced Samo Records is setting out to explore the depths of the dancefloor by celebrating the darker, moodier facets of electronic music.The NYC label's first release comes from Pixelife (Sean Dack), a highly accomplished visual artist and veteran of NYC's underground. In addition to releasing on such respected labels as Throne of Blood, Horn Wax, and Let's Play House, he also makes up half of GHOST COP, a band known for its textured synths, iconic vocals, dissonant beats, and captivating live sets. Incorporating the same expert sonic-layering techniques he employs in his live analog sets, he's created a dynamic EP that's both intimate in feel and broad in scope.'Omega Block' stomps out of the gate, all driving rhythms and throbbing basslines with an underlying element of frenetic foreboding — aptly reflecting these geopolitically tense times, while still remaining suitable for losing yourself on the dancefloor. The track gets the remix treatment by Bristol, U.K.-born, Berlin-based Antoni Maiovvi, a self-described 'electrodisco horror mindmelt DJ/live performer/film composer' who heads up Giallo Disco Records with Vercetti Technicolor. Here, he trades his trademark horror elements for successions of staccato beats and a stripped-down sensibility that successfully translates to perfect late-night-at-a-warehouse vibes.Chimeras in the Matrix' soars with gorgeous dystopian melodies overlaying squelchy undertones, revealing labyrinthine layers and anxious crescendos before building to a full-on acid frenzy. Producer/remixer/DJ Tronik Youth (who, like Maiovvi, also hails from the U.K. and currently lives in Berlin) is co-head of the prolific (averaging nearly a release a week in 2016) NEIN Records, which he founded five years ago with Ian Considine; the label has released music from the likes of Rodion, Curses, In Flagranti, Heretic, Man Power, Daniele Baldelli, The Emperor Machine, and Moscoman, to name but a few. He is also a member of Permanent Wave, a spooky, pitched-down, dark-wave-inspired disco project with French singer Justine. He brings a chuggy, bleepy edge to his take on 'Chimeras in the Matrix' with bouncy rhythms, multiple breakdowns, and echoing robo-vocals, taking the original's intensity down while upping the dancefloor quotient.

Jump in your spaceship and join us on our intergalactic exploration, as we are happy to announce that our next vinyl release is from Blossom Kollektiv's very own Leo Woelfel . Making his debut last year with a digital only release we are very excited to present his first vinyl release for the label titled Heuweid EP. The four track EP features three originals and a remix from Matthias Vogt that will take you on a deep exploration of space so buckle up and get ready to blast off.

We start our journey with the Frizzante mix of 'Heuweider Mineral' the track features a deep brooding bassline but with deep and dubby pads that takes us to a universe that plays with the darkness but keeps the light in plain sight. Backed with a solid kick and percussion to give the track a fully rounded feel this is one track that will put a big smile on any lover of the deeper side of house music.

Next up we get Matthias Vogt's interpretation of 'Heuweider Mineral.' Bringing a more broken beat reconstruction of the original, Matthias brings a raw flavor with a roaring bassline, moving snares and a redevelopment of the dubby pads that transforms the track and creates a feeling of weightlessness while floating through space.

On the flip side we are presented with a more classic deep house vibe with Leo's original 'Elke Ueber Der Bruecke ' this track is careful crafted with the dance floor in mind. A strong kick paired with tightly woven percussion and a classic deep house pad keeps everything moving in this distant but familiar world.

Our final stop on our planetary adventure is 'Stahlgruber Andacht' speaking to us in echoes the pads gently intertwine with a detailed drum patterns until the moving acid like bassline comes in to create a whole new dimension of sound. This concept is something that isn't all together new but done in a new and forward thinking way to finish off the full package of a finely tuned deep house record.

Gatupreto release their sophomore "Distino Di Nos Vida" on TINK! Music! The duo from Lisbon's hinterland return with a second round of their impeccable, futuristic theory on modern club music after the acclaimed "Modo Di Trabadja" EP, released in 2015. The tropical taste of Cabo Verde, the cool of that Lisbon dance floor fusionism, the appeal of classic vibes. Tracks too dark and twisted to be called "Afro", too sexy and melodic to be called "Techno", too smart and freaky to be called "House" and too cool and mature to be called "Kuduro", it is simply Gatupreto.
On the A side "I Became Me", deep afro dub with a killer sub bass and endless echoes, starring Portuguese soul and hip hop legend NBC as guest vocalist and a remix by afro Dutch master and fellow TINK! artist Philou Louzolo - who turns "I Became Me" into an irresistible deep house with african undertones.
On the flip side, the dark dramatic stomping tracks "Afrowerk" and "Gatu Di Noti", the first an eerie, irresistible peak time banger, and the later a stormer with sounds from natural Africa, harpy acid lines and an off kilter beat.

Detroit techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson has revived his underground house moniker E-Dancer with 'Into the Future,' a rolling futuristic nod to the sound of Detroit Techno. Swirling retro-future synths, echoed out claps and solid bass line that just screams Detroit. The track's gritty yet groovy sentiment is a perfect continuation of the very first E-Dancer album Heavenly, released in 1998.

Following on from Plus Instruments Love Is Enough Remixes EP comes an accompanying Dubs EP, featuring deeper reversions by Jamie Paton, Luke Solomon, Khidja and joining them with a breaks meets dubwise, Alphonse. Truus de Groots return to her Plus Instruments project after a 30 years break saw the label pick up her off-kilter House roller, Love Is Enough for one of our (e)special remixing packages. Here then, we turn out attention to everyones favourite, the Dubs. Starting with label mainframe, Jamie Paton, his Cloudy Dub-Out pulls his mix through modular prisms for heads down basement rumble. Echo chamber vocals, twisted syncopations and a bass to breakdown walls, this is Patons true calling - dub to get lost in and rightful to kick off the EP. Next guest remixer de jour, Luke Solomon stays close to his original bumpin remix, warping the vocal with skatntrippin wonk, all atop a funk bass line and riding shuffle percussion. Cha cha cha. On the flip, Khidja triumph again with a tougher version. Not a straight up dub of their remix, this pushes a nod to colder (wave) vibes, with industrial percussion riding high on their trademark production. Hard kick atop refrained synths, growing out of Eastern protoid routes to glimpse their future. Finally, mystery man Alphonse comes in from the dark to close with a killer breaks inspired dub. Utilising the originals bass with an angular break, the intricate cut up percussion, Theremin and vocals all glide, keeping the head and feet (jazz) dancing for some (free) party sound system love. Dub is enough

The Erefora Land" is the first solo record by Johan Kaseta, Lehult founding member. It's a nostalgic, hazy affair where the tracks work both on a dancefloor and as the score to an imaginary Super Nin-tendo RPG. Squelching vocal samples ("Hi!") and bubbling synths are reminiscent of the oldschool, synth-laden nineties game soundtracks young Kaseta still can't get enough of. "The Erefora Land" is like coming across the soundtrack to Earthbound after having forgotten to have ever played it - suddenly a rush of sights, sounds and smells from the past come back to you and gently pull you in. Kaseta takes this nostalgia of the forgotten and puts it into his very own context: shuffling hihats, missed drops - a playful version of house music. Swept up to the shores of Erefora land, you're greeted by "Lei Tindissima". A seductive, blistering track on the verge of falling apart yet always staying groovy and pumping. Being somewhat ambient and airy, yet relentlessly moving, "Erefora Steps" is not just a charm to listen to, it is also one hell of a weapon in the club - tested by yours truly intensively. Grooving on a broken, somewhat latin type of bounce, there are several twists and turns between heavenly pads, psycho-vocals and, of course, echoed airhorns.The third cut, "U Timmi", is a laid back Sunday afternoon jam. Despite being light, smooth and grooving, it's layered samples and micro melodies draw you further into the mysterious sound world of Erefora land.Finally, "Me times U" could almost be the theme tune of "Erefora Land", it's blissful chords so close to a conclusion yet always behind a veil of waterfalls, trickling shakers and swooping filters.

In the lead up to their 5th year as a label Music is love celebrate by continuing their infamous VA series the 'LOVEBOX'. Sticking to the winning formula of a hefty double vinyl package comprising of 8 tracks from 8 top artists, this time they have some familiar people alongside new faces to the label.
Kicking off the package in fine form is South London's prodigy Wbeeza and his track 'Bodyman'. It's as if this track announces the the opening of the VA with its beat-less and thickly textured opening... when that beat drops you know your in it!
Label main stay Jamie Trench is up next with his track 'Oil Spill ', this sees Jamie veering away from his tech house roots, delivering a quirky house track laced with an almost footwork groove.
On the Flip we see more new additions to the MIL roster as Ingi Visions ( Samuel Deep & Julian Alexander ) drop Nauyaca, a deep druggy track, with the kind of hypnotic flow and delicate arrangement the pair have become known for. Liam Geddes finishes up the B side , fresh from dropping the previous release on Music is Love his track 'reach out' continues to stamp his unique sound on the label.
And it don't stop...
As we reach for the second vinyl in this double pack we are greeted with a familiar site in the shape of Dutch duo New Jack City. 'Pick Me up' is everything you want from a NJC track, big, bumpy and beautiful.
Mak & Pasteman counter with their very cool track 'U Said', the boys are in serious form at the moment and this track is no different. Slick drum workouts decked out with Juno licks, what's not to love.
The final side welcomes another new act to the stable. Am Unit present their track 'Bang Dat'. With 'Bicep' style production values echoing throughout this track and THAT break, this one will be big.
Closing out the final track is label boss, Oli Furness. 'Broken Summers'. A huge 808 rave workout. Broken beats and sub rattling kicks are the setting for this track, finely polished electronic music for those with a fondness for rave.

The motorcity boys are back with LOVEiT003 a fresh sounding 4 tracker strongly reflecting the diversity of styles found at their parties. lds kicks thing off with 909 To Heaven, a jacking and balearic workout with a rootstrax, Chicago style bassline keeping the floor hypnotised until the small hours of the morning. Snares, Kicks & Rhodes is a more laid back jam. Lazy warm pads and a slow winding sub bass rise and fall intermittently only to be interrupted by a lo-fi distorted bass that snaps you right out of that trance. Nico Brun opens the flip side with an absolute banger, hazily reminiscent of that 90's warehouse rave. lds and Nico Brun close the EP with an atmospheric collaboration perfect to start or end the night with. Splashy beats keep up the footwork whilst pulsating synth sounds slowly wind together and drop with a beautifully crafted sample that's guaranteed to bring some sexyness back to the dance floor. This EP will definitely be a regular addition to your record bag to spread those warm summer party sounds. - Bruno Farace Early Support: XDB (Echochord / Dolly): "Debut ep" Congrats! End Monologue is my favourite.

Josh Praus has been involved in San Francisco's Bay Area scene for the last two decades. A prolifc collector and player of records, What We Tellin' Them marks his frst public outing as a producer. As debuts go, it's pretty darn impressive.
Praus has been working hard in the studio over the last three years, creating tracks that draw infuence from a wide range of styles and artists. He cites 'downtempo, disco, house, Italo and techno' as major inspirations,
and listeners may hear elements from all of these disparate styles on this assured, confdent EP.
Some may hear echoes of the trippy, tribal-infuenced house sound of Siesta and Tango Recordings in the dense, drum-heavy shuffe of 'What We Tellin' Them', while others may fnd comparisons with African rhythm tracks and hypnotic, late night techno. However you frame it, 'What We Tellin' Them' is
an impressively percussive, mid-tempo workout designed to tease and titillate late night dancefoors. Flipside 'Lucas Valley Dr', featuring the dreamy, freestyle vocals of experienced San Fran singer Nina Lares, couldn't be more different. Sparse, synthesizer-driven and undeniably intoxicating, it seemingly channels the spirit of both dubbed-out West Coast deep house, and the similarly delay-laden New York proto-house of Winston Jones and Paul Simpson. Throw in clear Italo-disco and Chicken Lips infuences, and you've got something that's undeniably magical. Both tracks were produced by Josh Praus at his home studio, with additional production, mixing and mastering by friend Layne Fox, best known as part of regular Leng contributors 40 Thieves.

Veteran dub techno producer Brendon Moeller dons his Echologist alias on 'The Flame' EP.

The title track is the most experimental, opening the record with tripped-out machine melodies and off-beat drum hits. 'Kavorka' follows in the same vein but is more obviously dancefloor-focused. Its arps build up the tension until a thick 303 line takes things to tipping point and eventually release. On the B-side, 'Dirtbox' is a fast-paced, Echologist take on warehouse techno and a deep, atmospheric cut 'Candy Mountain' finishes the record in Moeller's signature style.

Mastered by Neel (EnissLab Studio, Rome). Pressed on 180g, 12' vinyl at Optimal Media, Germany. Packaged in a house sleeve. All artwork designed by Christopher Honeywell.

Diseño Corbusier is the avant-garde electronics duo of Javier G. Marín and Ani Zinc, formed in Granada, Spain 1981. Like Sheffield's relation to London during the punk explosion in the UK, Granada developed an experimental music scene 400 kilometers south of Madrid. As a child, there were no records in Ani's house, so she grew up listening to the radio and was hypnotized after hearing 'Remember Love', by Yoko Ono. While attending university in Granada she responded to an ad in a music magazine by Javier, If you're into bands like Cabaret Voltaire or Flying Lizards, call me'.

The duo recorded their debut album Stadia' in 1982 and self-released as a limited edition cassette on their label Auxilio de Cientos. They drew influences from contemporaries like SPK, Throbbing Gristle, Esplendor Geométrico and DAF. They employed the 'cut-up' technique William Burroughs used to write his books to splicing their magnetic tape loops. Instruments used included a Korg Lambda, Boss DR-55 drum machine, Roland SH 101, and MFB 501 drum machine. The lack of money to buy more expensive instruments forced the duo to be more creative. Everything was recorded directly to a cassette player that was plugged into a Revox B77 reel to reel tape machine to add echo. Ani manipulated and treated her naive, menacing vocals to match Javier's processed rhythms. These early sketches contain atonal, arhythmic, thick shifting curtains of synth, loops and radio samples. For this reissue we've added 7 bonus tracks taken from various cassette compilations, as well as three previously unreleased songs. Elements of industrial music, primitivistic techno and vocal manipulation are fused with a Dadaist approach utilizing modern technology.

All songs were remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The front cover is an exact replica of the band's original design, restored by Eloise Leigh. Each copy includes a 4 page xeroxed booklet with photos, press clippings and liner notes from Javier. Powerful and evocative, soundtrack music for a rising storm or revolt.' Sound of Pig magazine 1985

For the second and last EP of Contemporary Spaces remixes, Dynamic Reflection welcomes yet another batch of talented producers to the label. Just like the first remix EP, it is a mix between household names, and up and comers. First off, it's Perc's interpretation of Glide. The UK based artist, who is known for his use of distortion and aggressiveness, takes it down a notch on this occasion. He has made Glide into a echoing and glitchy track that doesn't reach its energy peak until the last couple of minutes. Matrixxman takes overwith his Biohazard mix of Future Existence, which contains a tensive synth, confined by a filter that gradually opens,and than closes again, retaining your attention at all times. On the Bside, SHDW and Obscure Shape reshaped The Hunt to provide the first outright dance floor track of the EP. With its thumping kick and epic pads around the breaks, it's bound to win crowds over in the club. Dutch talent Ben Buitendijk also remixed Future Existence, in his own distinctive, hypnotic style. A deep, though energetic track with a very mature sound. Lastly, as a digital bonus, Matrixxman remixed Immersion as well. The subby kick, old school rides and uplifting lead, make it into one of those secret weapons, waiting to be used on the night's most workedup moments.

Based out of San Francisco, Extra Classic is a unique live band formed with a keen appreciation of vintage reggae & vintage sounds. The aesthetic, and certainly the skilled method of their production, is an ode to the art of that classic style as referenced to the term coined by the Cool Ruler himself. Recording in their own studio, Nopal Recording, the band employs a taster's choice of analog equipment and is devotedly tracked, spliced and mixed in-house direct to tape. However, as the group's name itself implies, there is a dose of something extra and new in this swirling mixture of space echo, heavy phase, and emotive, psychedelic California-soul.Built upon the rock of an early-era dancehall swing, their first single in conjunction with Brooklyn-based imprint Names You Can Trust entitled In This Life, is a perfect slice of lover's rock gone sideways, a decidedly left-coast piece of roots and bliss driven by Adrianne deLanda's lovely lead vocals and the steady, dusty echoes of the locked in players. Presented in the traditional format with a version as per NYCT fashion, the dub mix incorporates a soothing dose of synare beams and underwater instrumental dreams.

The Martinez Brothers Cuttin' Headz returns with a new EP from The Butcha, entitled '10001' and backed with two remixes from Matrixxman.Phil Moffa aka The Butcha is a New York City based musician, producer and engineer most notably known for his works alongside DJ Spider and Anthony Parasole for Sublevel Sounds / Plan B Recordings and alongside Seth Troxler for Hypercolour. Here we see him return to the fledgling Cuttin' Headz imprint with his idiosyncratic take on raw, emotive house music following his Destination Void release alongside DJ Spider and Brendon Moeller last year.Up first are two originals from The Butcha, the first of which '99 Prince St.' lays focus on echoing atmospherics, snaking Rhodes and shuffling dubbed out percussion while the latter, '6 Hubert St.' pivots towards an amalgamation an upfront organic rhythm alongside a weighty low end drive and wandering synth swells.
To complete the package San Francisco's Matrixxman delivers two interpretations, firstly the 'Acidized Mix' which as the name would suggest draws on squelching 303 lines layered over processed snippets from the original before the digital bonus 'Transhuman Mix' closes on an arpeggio fuelled Techno tip.
The Butcha's '10001' is out on Cuttin' Headz 23rd September 2016.

Philippe Quenum returns to Cadenza Music with 'Solitaire', some thirteen years after helping kick start the Swiss label with the 2003 release 'Orange Mistake'/'Funky Dandy'. This groundbreaking single, co-produced with Luciano, has since become a landmark release, not just for the label, but also as the benchmark for the micro-house and minimal tech-house genre that developed over the decade. With a music career than spans back to the mid-80s (dancing in NYC as part of the breakdance troupe, The Magnificent Force), Quenum found his forte with house music, both as a DJ, and as a producer and label owner. Setting up the Access 58 label in 1998 as a platform for his music and collaborations, Quenum has consistently released over the years for labels like Crosstown Rebels, Soma, alphahouse, Thema and Trapez LTD. 'Solitaire' finds Quenum on fine form; on the lead track, dubby FX and bass shaking shots roll out over an urgent disco beat, muted brass and technoid stabs fire from all directions as the tension building pads flourish. Shadowy forces are at play on 'Mystic'; discordant sounds echo and bellow over reverberating percussion and a dense back beat that fire into life with shuffling hi-hats. Wrapping up this welcome return to the label is 'Mystery'; whipping snares and industrial clangs rumble over the urgent drums for more hypnotizing dancefloor work from Philippe!

Timmy P's latest outing on Dessous Recordings continues the long list of illustrious labels that have been home to his house vision. Now based in London, Timmy has a string of emphatic releases under his belt, not least on influential imprints such as Local Talk, Extended Play, Dirt Crew and MadTech. With Safety First, Timmy's playful approach to the deeper side of house shines though. The title track mixes crisp, crunchy drums with warm, soft pads and a bubbling bass line - a deep rolling cut with plenty of punch for the floor. The fantastically named 'Grim Fandango' is a little tougher, with the snares and claps snapping tightly over a taut, un-resistible vibe. Timmy's balance of dynamics is masterful, each element perfectly complimenting each other to create a tour de force over 8 minutes. 'Bosh' is similarly crafted - the original echoing classic 90s house but feeling completely fresh for 2016, while James Dexter's remix is a robust, deep roller. This is house music made with joy and passion.

Vinylmania: As classic disco came bounding through the late '70s and into the electronically orientated sounds of the '80s, New York was one of the undisputed frontiers for the latest developments in dance music culture, nightclubs and the art of DJing. At the center of this seminal time for vinyl culture was a store called Vinylmania, set up by Charlie Grappone in the heart of Greenwich Village, Manhattan, just as the culture of 12-inch singles and promo copies was taking hold. From supplying Levan, Tony Humphries and many more with the latest imports to championing the emergence of house music in the mid-'80s, Grappone and his staff played a significant role in New York's own dance music story. Through the '90s and up until closing in 2007, Vinylmania was a store that catered to DJs from across the complex mixture of racial, social and sexual demographics that made up New York and its legendary nightlife. Man Friday: As the NYC Peech Boys came to an end, Man Friday became Larry Levan's newest production project. Fronted by Kofi Morny and Brodie Williams, their dubut single 'Love Honey, Love heartache' was released by Vinyl Mania in 1986 with Larry Levan at the helm of the mix. Love Money: In the spirit of most dance music borrowing elements from other sources, 'Love Honey' was heaviliy inpired by another Paradise Garage & Loft classic from 1980 and its remix in 1981 by UK Outfit Funk Masters / TW Funkmasters. A dubbed out track big in the Jazz-Funk scene in the UK, it became a hit among underground Deejays in Both NYC & Chicago. Love Honey: No matter what list you look at. 'Love Honey' is always attached to Larry Levan's tenure at the Paradise Garage. All the elements of a Garage Track are here; Dub Echoes, Synth Basslines, Percussions that linger, FX -that one can only dream of hearing on a Richard Long System- and an Organ, because after all, they say the Garage was like going to Church. Remember when you'd buy a record after hearing it at the Club We miss that. As a result, We are proud to Introduce Get On Down Sound with the aim to bring back our favorite Dance 12's to a new generation of Vinyl-DJs. Re-mastered for optimal club use, these are official re-issues of some of Dance Music's most influential cuts.

Real name Fernando Cappelletti, the Rosario native's early releases arrived on AirDrop Records, followed by appearances on Esperanza before launching

Savor Music alongside Jorge Savoretti in 2011. Since then the label has hosted the likes of Felipe Valenzuela, Martinez, Kastil, Marcman and Franco Cinelli whilst garnering a reputation as one of Argentina's key purveyors of house and techno.


The album's subterranean aesthetics are present from the beginning, with mesmerising tape echoes in 'The Real', deep pads in 'Trb' and the rhythmic energy of 'Rainforest'. 'Geibi' then demonstrates intricate pops and glitches before 'In Amour' settles for a compelling groove. 'Flavor' is then a percussive number with a hypnotizing appeal until 'Faiser' concludes the album with a punchy, dancefloor driven workout.

02AM is an 4 track EP by the young producer Hekkla from Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
The first track is 'Sunset Strip', a slowly build house track that moves like the last waves of heat at the end of a hot summers day, walking home feeling satisfied, all ready for the night. 'Saturday Morning Sentimentality' is a hard to pinpoint track that sounds like the bastard son of a trio between the melancholic side of Cyndi Lauper, Alphaville and the echoes of a cheesy saturday morning cartoon theme song from the late 80's. On the other side 'Memories of Tau Ceti' feels like tumbling into space with only the memories left of a good time on an alien world, accelerating faster and faster but still enjoying it, even though you know that the vacuum of space will eventually kill you. Finishing with the hardest track 'No Math', because, boys and girls, it's no math...

Hand stamped artwork by Frank Koedood.

Najem Sworb brings us the thirty-fifth edition of Wolfskuil Records adding the Strasbourg-based artist to it's roster. Previously releasing on labels such as Clone Basement Series, Technorama, Metis Recordings and the now defunct Ai Records, Najem Sworb has been transforming through various genres of techno since his debut release in 2007.

Rad.Velc EP brings us 4 original tracks playing upon the themes of house and techno. 'K-159' opens the EP with a fierce relentless bass and squeaky pads ending in a harmonic disarray while 'K-166' follows in a smiliar suit rather with a dub inspired rhythms. On the flipside, Najem Sworb switches up the vibe with 'K-abL' which illustrates the artists more house influences with mystical synth lines. However, 'K-177' demonstrates his knack for techno, delivering an explosive device fit for the dance floor. Together in all four tracks Najem Sworb shows his expertise in unique synth work providing a quirky cadence to his beats.

DJ FEEDBACK
early support from
Answer Code Request: Interesting stuff here!
Rødhåd: Downloading for listen.
Anthony Parasole: This is quite good!
Ben Sims: B2 doing it for me.
A.Mochi: A2 is for me!
Angel Molina: K-abL/K-177 as my fav track on here, especially the last one, killer one.
John Osborn: Really strong release - loving A2 & B1.
Isolated Lines: Very cool tracks! I really like A2 and B2. I'll play them.
Jeff Derringer: Sounds very nice! I'll try this in Detroit.
Phone: Love hypnotic tribal sound of K159.
Truncate: Solid tracks all around... but really digging that B1 track.
Orde Meikle: Great release.
Ekserd: Another excellent one on Wolfskuil. Super nice!
Echoplex: Fresh.
AWB: Long time fan of Laurent's work.
Invite: Another great ep on the label! Keep them coming!
Jeroen Search: Yes!
Blawan: Very nice ep! Full support.
Joseph Capriati: Downloading for Joseph Capriati.
Mr. Jones: Always a surprise what new sound Wolfskuil will bring.Like this funky and fresh EP.
Richie Hawtin: Downloaded for Richie Hawtin.
Marcel Heese: Killer!
Randomer: A side bangs.
Robert Lamart: Support.
Svreca: Feeling specially K-177.
Mosca: Love that K-166 synth!
Tensal: B2 is my pic here, nice stuff as usual in Wolfskuill.
Markus Suckut: 166 & 177.
Sinfol: Will try b2.
Ame: Thanks.

he second time around: fred p aka fp-oner is back on mule musiq with another record that demonstrates the many cosmic qualities of his deeper shade of soul.
it is the second part of a trilogy that features his detailed sonic landscapes that are full of mystery and power. while his last fp-oner album 5' was leaning more to the jazzier, relaxed and atmospherically side of his artistically deep house expressions, the runner-up grinds even deeper into spherical worlds that enhance deep meditative highs.
they are not made for club use only. in fact all eleven compositions work also massively without big speakers. again the new york city native that is working on his very own music for almost 20 years produced a journey inwards that is compelling, mesmerising and enchanting.
you find cosmic dust in it as well as dark entropies, percussive power, sweet seducing melodies and rolling bass power that shakes your inner and outer profoundly. the tracks are listening to names like awakening co creator', alternate reality' or adjusted perception' and the album title 6' stands for a meaning,
that fp-oner describes like this: 6 represents the number of man and his or her limitations, weakness and imperfections.
this body of work examines and looks towards one awakening. adapting to a new way of being creating an alternative and reaping a higher state of mind and being. enhanced by love and serenity, satisfaction and joy.'
all tunes are produced around the world, as he is a guy who never stops feeling in sound. that is why he caries his studio around to get up in the middle of the night or right in the morning after a sweaty party to transfer his emotions directly into sound. the result is massively powerful music with slow, intimate passages for treacly melodies, stirring synth-lines and little rhythmical quaintness.
an almost lyrical house journey that works like a musical sculpture in which organic machine grooves float along keys on air. the evolution of the each track is impeccable and their power grows with any new listening session. fp-oner himself characterizes his art like that: 'my music is designed to enhance deep meditative, or altered states, to allow the listener to personally connect to the creator of all that exists in the universe.
my music style is to first create a foundation using cyclic, polyrhythmic music, then build several layers of improvised leads and rhythms that allows you to transcend time and space... we have memories of past lives that reverberate in our hearts like echoes from ancient caves'.
there is nothing more to add, except that those who do not know fp-oner so far should know that he danced in his younger years in legendary new york city clubs like the red zone, sound factory or tunnel to dj sets of larger-than-life selectors like david morales, frankie knuckles or danny tenaglia.
during those nights he learned that sometimes less is more. and that he should rather listen to your heart and soul, then to the susurrus of the music market. most of the eps and albums that he produced under his other monikers like fred p or black jazz consortium have been released via his very own label soul people music, which exists since more then ten years.
as fred p he also dropped 12inches on jus-ed's underground quality imprint as well as on toshiya kawasaki's mule musiq label. for the latter he now is working on a trilogy under the fp-oner alias. this little paper introduces the second part of it. the final one will hit your heart and soul in an unwritten future. whatever circumstances of life will be around by then: you can be sure that fp-oner will transfigure them into a dynamic emotional and spiritual terrain.

This special release revisits classic Brothers' Vibe tunes, edits and a never before released on vinyl track. Kicking off proceedings is the 1989 gem "I Ain't Gonna Wait". An early Brothers' Vibe piece and massive underground anthem! Brothers' Vibe distinctive gritty style of groovy house takes us on a hypnotic journey into uncharted territory. Melody and percussion interchange amongst a framework of zippy synths and sinuous kicks. Released under the moniker Silent Rodgerz, the second track "Infractions" saw the light of day back in 2008 solely in digital format on a MixxRecords compilation. Low slung with an acid influence, the cut reveals a distinctly natural groove lead by the classic bassline. The final track is the definition of a house classic!! Featuring echoing words of the great Maya Angelou, "Words To a Nation" exudes a timeless quality, unveiling a masterpiece which stays firmly in your head...

Long an unsung hero of the underground, Langenberg (a.k.a Max Heesen) has a string of quality releases to his name, both on his own solo as a part of his Ribn moniker with Manuel Tur. This outing on Dessous Recordings provides yet another string to his bow; 'Shadows' is a supremely soulful outing featuring the vocal talents of Blakkat. Liquid deep and balanced perfectly between euphoric and melancholic, 'Shadow' sees Mark Bell (Blakkat) deliver an emotional invocation over a beautifully crafted track, with echoes of the master Larry Heard clearly present. Also included on the vinyl release are two extraordinary remixes - UK legend Atjazz providing a sumptuously realized fusion of melody and driving, dance-floor urgency. Brooklyn's house veterans Frank & Tony (Scissor & Thread) drop a huge remix of their own to complete the package - serving up their distinctive and timeless NYC deep and raw vibes to complement Langenberg's original fully.

Italian rudeboy Ivan Iacobucci brings his brand of lowdown funk-influenced tech house to Apollonia with this sterling three-tracker. Over two decades of hard work and dedication to his craft has culminated in Ivan's untainted reputation and widespread respect within the underground from true heads like Zip and, of course, the Apollonia boys. His love of jazz in evident throughout this EP which is full of subtlety and depth, pulsating b-lines and smooth chords are interlaced with razor-sharp percussion and delicate keys. The first track 'Old In On' has a laid back, though driving, groove, pushing forward with a hefty bassline that is perfectly counterbalanced by the light twinkling keys and barely-there pads. 'Scris Frumos' encapsulates more of an ominous, tribal feeling with intricate effects trickling through every pore of its deep, dark exterior. Its atmospherics keep you intrigued, voices echo in the background and a few moments of softened chimes really intensify the already mysterious vibe. 'Mini Ass' channels more of that electro-funk that forms the foundation of Ivan's love for music, haywire radio pulses prance around stuttered beats, giving it a slightly cosmic feel, while pipes add a more organic nuance to the track. Absolutely masterful work from Ivan, and another inspired addition to the Apollonia catalogue.

Following two EP releases on Delusions Of Grandeur the time felt right for thatmanmonkz to get working on his debut LP. The Sheffield b-boy is no newcomer to production having been releasing music since the mid-noughties but has seen a definite rise in interest the last few years following essential releases on his own Shadeleaf label as well as remixes and productions for the likes of Classic, Kolour LTD and Kon's StarTime.
With his first musical love being Hip Hop it's easy to understand how his approach to house turns out so refreshing. Inevitably MPC's, big, bold samples, Jay Dee inspired grooves and a raw, underproduced sound all play a big part and never one to shy away from an interesting collaboration he has enlisted the skills of several vocalists including Detroit MC Ta'raach (whose credits include Slum Village and Jill Scott), Erik Rico (collabs include Ron Trent and DJ Spinna), Khalil, Dave Aju, Pete Simpson (as A Brother Is...) and Malik Ameer.
Things kick off with a low-slung soul jam entitled Air featuring Kahil Anthony complete with sparkling Rhodes arps and a dub-wise bassline underpinning a beautifully lazy groove. Jus Anutha Wunna Deez follows with a rough and ready house jam that clearly doffs its cap to those old Sound Signature and Mahogoni Music releases we know and love so much. Next up we have Boogie Down with Erik Rico rocking some Parliament inspired vocal business bringing the feelgood vibes to this rolling P-Funker. Some Ol' Nex' Ish goes for a jazz samba meets house fusion whilst A Fly New Tune goes strictly old school with a classic combo of dusty break, filtered fusion rhodes n bass sample, movie dialogue snippets and a masterful flow delivered by Ta'raach. Dave Aju steps up next on Turn It Out laying down a unison vocal refrain to compliment the bumping disco groove complete with a call and response section for some singalong party participation!
As we continue, Another Night Under The Glitterball sees thatmanmonkz back in familiar territory with a rock solid, deep jazz-house jam. On I Can Hardly Breathe we're treated to a downtempo gospel-infused affair which leads us perfectly into the most bumpy club- friendly track of the LP For Bae. Moon On The Hill is a collaboration with Italian DJ Kali and his Raw Standard crew and treats us to some distinctly mid 90's Kruder and Dorfmeister vibes to zone out to before heading off in an altogether more bonkers, psychedelic dancehall direction on Vampires. Baked is another classy thatmanmonkz take on Hip Hop featuring Malik Ameer on the mic. Take U 2 My House sounds like something Prince might have made in the mid-80's if he'd just come off a 3 day bender at Panorama Bar. And closing the show in perfect style and fashion we have For Those I've Lost Along The Way which is a blunted yet beautifully optimistic number that has echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith and a brilliant spiritual vocal sample which provides the perfect closer to an amazing debut LP.

After closing the year with four tracks of wintery house from San Laurentino, Aficionado set their sights on the spring with their latest release, which comes courtesy of Glaswegian trio Imperfect Product.Opening with a drifting dreamscape, reminiscent but intangible (entirely fitting for a track reborn out of decade's old rehearsal tapes) 'Solina' blooms into colour and focus at the rattle and crash of a jazzy drum break. An irresistible rolling bassline carries the groove onwards and upwards, loosening your shoulders nicely before spiralling synthesisers, swaggering wah guitar and rippling piano take your breath away completely.
As the fuzzy organ stabs and shimmering drones flood the soundscape, you're overcome with memories of youthful mixtapes where Innerzone Orchestra and Eddie Henderson rubbed shoulders with 'Summer Madness'. Understated but overwhelming, 'Solina's' sweltering perfection works just as well as an end of night life changer as the soundtrack to a spliff and sangria in the back garden.

On the B-side, London's Les Crocodiles deconstruct the track inna dubwise style, turning up the heat for some far out Balearic beat. The head nodding rhythm holds things together perfectly while the acid-tinged rubber bassline, echo drenched middle eastern strings and psychedelic synth lines do their very best to totally blow your mind.
As you head deeper into the groove, the dreamy piano of the original leads us into a euphoric breakdown before pulling us back in for more ecstatic dancing.
A score of releases in and with no two records sounding the same, Aficionado continue to fly the flag for open minded music.
Officially Aficionado.

Toby Tobias has been responsible for some fine quality music over the past 10 years with labels such as Rekids, Nang, Let's Play House and Quintessentials all dropping his unique brand of raw, analogue house and techno. A DJ's DJ who always seems to pull out a lesser known gem and make it sound like a classic, Toby knows his music as well as his studio, inside out. We've been proud to deliver three EP's from him on Delusions but we all felt the time was right for a full length, especially considering that 7 years have passed since his debut LP Space Shuffle on Rekids. Toby fully embraced the scope and breadth that an LP affords a producer, holing up in his Hackney studio and losing himself in his machines. Rising Son is the result of those sessions and it's brilliant!

From the opening machine funk of The Wonder featuring vocals from Atwell we can hear that Toby is quite sure about the direction he's taken for the LP. 808 beats bring vintage electro vibes whilst Atwell's vocal hints at the golden era of Chicago house, adding a soulful touch to the rigid groove. Love Affair continues the theme of off-world utopia where the droids have a heart and soul and sing torch songs of love lost, the Moroder-esque influences bringing a retro sheen to the LP. As we continue through tracks such as Sloflava and Sending Signals we find blissful, downtempo jams which perfectly soundtrack this imagined night time world which Toby seems so happy to immerse himself and his listeners in.

I Robot follows, providing the one cover version on the LP from the Alan Parsons Project as well as being an LP defining focal point. A track which shows that when the machines are working for you, it could just be a perfect world. But Broken Computer soon shows us what can happen when things go wrong. Incidentally, this is from a genuine computer crash which Toby managed to capture using his phone. A beautiful glitch in the system which spewed out such a mournful noise and a very happy accident that would be completely impossible to create if you set out to try.

As we continue we're treated to the likes of Friday Analogue Jam, Whisper It and Weird Danger, all echoing bleeps, squelching bass notes, heavenly pads and precision beats. In some ways we get a feeling of a land that time forgot, in others something of sublime beauty and futurism. That Toby can paint pictures with his music in this way speaks volumes, knowing instinctively when to draw out a mood or feeling or flip things on their head to command your attention and beg another listen. And another.....

Finale Sessions is really pleased to launch new series Finale Sessions Limited with Berlin up and coming act Arcarsenal. Duo comprised of Alan Mathias and Etienne Dauta, both founders of Bass Cadet Records and its dedicated vinyl store located in the heart of the german capital, they are also active members of the large Underground Quality family. Arcarsenal have already started to establish themselves as proponent of a crossover sound, mixing many influences from jazz, house, ambient to dub and techno. They are always giving a prominence to jam, improvisation and textures work in their studio routine. This EP called « Dark Skies & Wetlands », even if slightly grittier than usual, is no stranger to the rules of the duo. The opening track « Different Planet » is an epic dark deep house cut which develops itself over a course of 8:40. Starting with a stamping ground bassline and hazy atmosphere, the track opens up with synth attacks, dub echoes and slowly brings in a blissful melody that ends up linking all the elements. « Substance Of Arjuna », the following track on the A-side, is a-contrario a short but intense ambient work. Shot in one take, this subtle cut showcases the kind experimentations that Mathias and Dauta can end up doing late at night in front of their machines. The b-side of the EP leaves all the space to « Racoons », one of the weirdest and yet most powerful work of the duo to date. Tribal techno could be a short try to define what they achieved here, but the track goes far more than this. Built on a gritty mental acidic bass and a huge drum kick, the frenchmen bring over aggressive synth work that could sound like an orchestra on rehearsal, pachydermic screams or an overdriven guitar larsen. Underlined by a complex percussion pattern recorded live in their nest and chopped up to the best effect, the track ends up in a looping transe from which the listener might not leave in a normal state.

Hot on the heels of killer releases by label heads Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves, the latest Visionquest release sees the label turn its head to Deadbeat aka Scott Monteith. The Berlin based Montrealeler has been putting his own spin on house and techno for some time now, putting his stamp on esteemed labels such as Cynosure, Echocord and Wagon Repair. The Jacks EP continues his fine tradition of putting out discerning fare, as he conjures up a new EP package that remixes his classic track, Mecca Drum Track (originally released on Wagon Repair), from 2008. Striking in its many intricate and delicate production wares, it's a polished effort from the outset.

The Jacks EP gets going with the suitably titled ''Berghain Drum Jack'', a suitably raucous and out-there slice of tribal tech that pays homage to the Berlin club and is notable for its banking percussive elements and its propensity for surprises. Starting off on an unrelenting tip, it gets even more off-kilter the longer it stretches out, as the drums become even more pronounced and the baseline finally enters the fray. Dark but dexterous, it's a thrilling track that's sure to more even the most ardent and discerning of dancefloors.

Middle track ''Mecca Drum Jack'' sees the producer opt for a similarlly-inclined vibe, as the drums play a similarly pertinent role. A fitting tool with which to light up your set, it's more dextrous in nature than what's arrived before but another altogether engrossing effort. Rounding off the weighty three-tracker is ''Acid Dub Jack'', which sees Deadbeat really go off on a frankly mental course that's littered with atmosphere from the get-go. Once again, Visionquest and Deadbeat have reminded us why they're both so cherished in the techno world.

Garofano Rosso is the latest project by Italian producer Giorgio Luceri, perhaps better known for his work on Jamal Mossí Mathematics label. This new work eschews the house stylings of previous releases in favour of a more classic Cosmic approach. Echoes of Tangerine Dreamís Thief OST mixed with what could perhaps be the imaginary soundtrack to Miami Vice if it had infact been set in Rimini and starred Maurizio Merli as Sonny Crockett. These are not however just mere mood pieces, but take the sun, the sea and the body-count straight to the dancefloor. Not to be missed. Including download code.

hile it may seem as though it's been a quiet year in the studio for Brooklyn-based DJ/Producer Greg Schappert (aka Donor), his first full-length album entitled Against All on Chicago-based Prosthetic Pressings, will prove otherwise.

This 10-track release is a tour de force of formidable intensity and suspense and Donor wastes no time creating an ethereal realm right from the start. By taking a deep dive into a dystopian world full of distant transmission like voices, expressed through field recordings taken in and around New York City, Donor successfully paints a picture of what could be his unsettling vision of the future. While it may be difficult to explain how this album progresses throughout, there is something below the surface tying everything together, leaving us with a feeling of despair in that the world does not end how it is likely to be perceived through this beautiful or haunting, yet sophisticated, soundtrack. Alien invasions, civil war, post apocalyptic mayhem, call it what you will, Donor sets the stage for an unsettling vision of the not so distant future that can be heard in his thought provoking debut LP.

Donor's time spent overseas living in countries like Spain and Japan, his love for Birmingham Industrial Techno and early Dutch and Detroit Electro, combined with his upbringing on John Carpenter films, have all contributed to Donor creating his unique, yet recognizable sound.
Feedback:
Audio Injection / Droid Recordings
Yeah my boy Greg getting down! Great album!!
Leonard Posso / Thema
Hands down one of the best bodies of work to date from Greg aka Donor! SOLID PACKAGE! Many of these will get played throughout the night! Big Ups Donor and PP!
Vidal / Droid Recordings
nice sounds
Ergin Karabulut / FAZE Magazin
ok
DJ Nori / Posivision
cool dark essence.
Paul Clarke / Dj Mag
Not exactly heartwarming but lots of good stuff if you like it bleak.....
Mark EG / Core Magazine, Tilllate Magazine
IP Test
Nerk / V-Records / De:Bug
dark & minimal (in a good way)
Exberliner
!
Frank Hilpert / Freshguide (5x Regional A5 Mag) , Freshguide BLN, Freshguide MDL, erwischt.org/
Big - Review to follow.
Berlin Mitte Institut / Berlin Mitte Institut
More IDM than techno. Some interesting tracks on this album.
David Marcia / Phuturelabs, Phuturelabs
Good stuff. Considering for review and radio play.
Bleed / De:Bug
considering for review
Benoît Carretier / Tsugi
solid one tx
Pawel Gzyl / Nowamuzyk
killer1
Laurent Diouf / MCD magazine / WTM radio show
another wtm's playlist is coming soon...;)
Alland Byallo / Nightlight Music, Bad Animal, Pokerflat
Fantastic album. Deep, dark, nasty. Pure mood (and some seriously heavy BOOM).
Solomun
Hello, i am downloading and pre checking all promos for Solomun. I will give you a personal feedback if he plays and supports this release. Thanks a lot and have a great day.
Solenoid / Graphene / Belief System
wikked album of deep ritualistic techno ...
Electric Indigo
cool tracks here. station a14, ip test and own exile are my favorites after first listen. thank you!
Corin Arnold / BLN FM
sounding good, support!
RADIO CAMPUS BESANCON / THE VINYL GUERILLA
not really for me ... DJ Gaogao
Riyaz Khan / Diversions on chry105.5fm
like the shifting tensions and brooding atmospheres throughout!
Fabian Birke / WOMR College Radio / BLN.FM
For radio play, thanks
Andrew Grant (Circo Loco)
Own Excile is very good
Slam / Soma Records
cool album thanx
Sebastian Roya (Connaisseur)
Bomb! nice job!
Matthias Springer / Diametral / Chillkyway
great release, brainsqueezing!
DJ Hyperactive
good tune on here man
Patrick Bateman (Tic Tac Toe / Connect Four)
Hands On, Calling, Menace Is Mine & In Your Place are the ones for me. As always full quality from Donor!
Jonas Kopp / Curle, Deeply Rooted House
Will check properly , thanks.
HalfStereo
Dark moods is what i like...
Angel Molina ( Sonar / Tresor )
LOVE this dark & hypnotic release. Tracks like 'Menace Is Mine', 'Station A14', 'Counter' or 'Fault Is Found' are absolutely fantastic. thanks!!!
Scuba (Hotflush)
thanks. downloading for scuba!
Bryan Zentz / Minus / Thoughtless / Portlandia
I am miserably late on this—but really like it on quick listen. In Your Place and Us For Them are awesome. Looking forward to listening all the way through. Thanks!
Pär Grindvik / Little White Earbuds
thanks
Dr Hoffmann / Blind Spot
Great release, digging most of the tunes. thanks
Philip Downey / Swoon / pastlessonfuturetheories blog
Like Calling, IP Test, Us for Thenm, Fault, could try some on radio.
Tim Thaler / Bln.fm
downloading
Lukasz (Nermal) Napora / Audioriver Festival, Radio 4 Poland
great stuff. eager to listen to it from wavs
Vito Camaretta / Chain D.L.K
Interesting sonorities
Noah Pred / Thoughtless Music
Stark business worthy of a deeper listen.
2000 And One (100% Pure, Intacto) / 100% Pure
Oh yes perfect intermezzo stuff :)
Alexi Delano / AD ltd, Plus 8
Will have a proper listen.
Echologist (Steadfast) / Third Ear, Echocord
really liking this. fresh beats and trippy hypnotic vibes. look forward to spending time with this.
john1 / Bedrock
downloading
James Zabiela / Renaissance
In Your Place is nice in a bleak way.
Marcel Dettmann / MDR, Ostgut Ton
thx
Richie Hawtin / Minus, Richie Hawtin
downloaded for r hawtin
The Advent / Tresor
fantastic.. pure techno here.. Donor - Station A14 Donor - IP Test
Andrew Weatherhall / Rotters Golf Club
Downloading obo Andrew Weatherall
Noice Podcast Series
very nice Techno...
Samuli Kemppi / Prologue
Great album. Donor in top shape. Full support!
Lee Holman
Good album of deep dark sounds. Especially like Station A14. Thank you!
Benna Schneider / Harry Klein
some nice tunes here ,that I´ll play out surely
Douglas Fugazi / Medellinstyle
Yeah! Sounds really good. Thanks!
Plastic Lounge @ Freies Radio Freudenstadt
good tecno,playing
Kyle Geiger / Drumcode
Really like Space Station!
Paul Ritch
thx a lot for the promo
Dave Angel / Apollo, Rotation Records, Polydor/Love, OuterRythum, React Records, Island
Thanks! Will let you know if supporting.
Luciano Esse / Safari Electronique, Out-Er, Leftroom, Material Series
Great sounds, but I couldn't use them in set! Thanks anyway!
Arnaud Le Texier / Affin, Bass Culture, Cocoon, Children Of Tomorrow, Syncrophone.
Some inspiring tracks on this album! Thx
Henning Lösch / Radio Dreyeckland Freiburg
last exit Brooklyn...:-)
Roko (Sub.fm/B.O.M.B.)
OH shit this is good!!
Sigha / Immerse / Hotflush / Avian
loving this, many thanks
Jerzy Przezdziecki / Recognition Records, Boshke Beats Records
raw and mental. i like.
Alex Tolstey / Triangle Eyes/Boshke Beats Records
ho ho! review to follow
Alan Fitzpatrick
epic! love this.!

Prolific Seattle producer Jon McMillion returns to Nuearth Kitchen with another crucial chapter in his epic tale of haunted house-music subversions. This EP offers four variations on a bizarre and engrossing theme. Don't It Make You (edit 1)' is a work of extremes: By some miracle of aural physics, it's at once one of McMillion's strangest tracks and one of his most accessible. He sets into motion a staunch, relentless house rhythm bolstered with congas, massed claps, synth-bass raspberries, and a badass male singer intoning, Don't it make you feel good, if you wanna get down/Just say it, say it again,' over which a miasma of enigmatic tones bubbles and swirls. Like Bohannon's disco-funk classics from the '70s, Don't It Make You' seems like a tease, even at 10 minutes duration, you wish it would roll on for at least 30. On Don't It Make You (edit 2),' McMillion strips things down to dance-floor essentials and erases some of the free-floating background weirdness.

The two remixes are revelatory. New York house icon Fred P. (aka Black Jazz Consortium) slides the track into a tighter pair of pants, but that just makes it swivel harder and slyer. He emphasizes Don't It Make You''s mysterious drones and then loops a female vocalist singing He keeps me' while dropping in some echoed male chatter to gently disorient. What a dreamy, soulful trip Fred P. conjures here. And rising German wunderkind Orson Wells layers and pitches up the original's cascades of bleeps, which becomes the dominant motif, and then subtly modulates said bleeps over the tune's seven minutes, while keeping that irrepressible rhythm strutting. McMillion's raw materials prove to be fertile ground for these two maverick remixers to flaunt their own fascinating quirks while maintaining the original cut's club-darkening and ass-moving functionality.

Steve Frisco, of Serie Limitee fame, brings us the latest bundle of hot tracks to hit Wax Classic in 2014. As the title suggests, Steve takes us on a journey through low fidelity sounds and production techniques. Think dark, moody, yet crunchy basement house tracks with inspiration taken from all over the U.S and the rest of the house world. It's a generous offering as well. Six whole dusty tunes for those diggers who are looking for something with a bit more range than another record of generic piano laden, house-by-numbers pieces that still seem to be flooding the record store shelves in 2014. The moods do vary from track to track, but they remain very reflective and almost melancholic at points. The title track, 'Adventure in Lo-Fi', is the deepest of the lot with filtered chords, echoing claps and a sporadic kick pattern that often clears way for the track's bass hits. Now, compare that to 'Da Brooklyn Beat'. Whilst the former had a distinct sunrise/sunset kind of feel to it, the latter is definitely more of a club affair. Skippy snare hits and a strong organ lead the track on, and at the risk of utilizing very overused buzzwords such as 'raw' and 'ruff', this track, and the rest of the A-side for that matter, certainly captures that essence.Stalwart Wax Classic fans will no doubt be picking this one up to add to their collection. However, I strongly recommend this EP as a jumping in point to the label for any newcomers out there!

Franc Spangler is back with three brand new cuts to form the Painted Lady EP. Spangler, also known as Jamie Odell also known as Jimpster returns to Delusions Of Grandeur following something of a hiatus since his 2010 EP Forever And A Day. Not that there hasn't been demand (following his brilliant remix of Norm De Plume for vinyl only label Kolour Limited) but with a busy gig schedule and two labels to keep on top of, the Spangler moniker has always been seen as a bit of a special side project where quality presides over quantity.

Title track Painted Lady kicks things off in fine style with warm, deep house being the order of the day. Franc gets just enough dust in amongst the layering keyboards and echoing stabs to keep things the right side of smooth, the overall vibe is rolling with subtle FX and sounds poking through every now and then bringing a new element to latch onto.

Up next we have Lumpsucker, which brings us a lovely, blissed out, slice of electronica underpinned by classic TR707 beats adding just the right amount of jack to the track. We're getting hints of YMO and Balil with a lingering note of Larry Heard on the finish.

Finally, we're treated to the epic closer that is Camberwell Beauty. Mid tempo boogie beats with crunchy claps and steady hats lay the bedrock for a loping CS5 bassline whilst lush keys shimmer and swirl like little fluffy clouds in a bright summer's sky.

Heavily influenced by Moodymann and Andres, new Home Taping artist Simba produces music that is full of soulful echoes, while still dripping in raw house music vibes.

Nothing is too straight in the Simba sound as FX drift around and subtle production touches come at you from all angles.
Vinyl hiss is as important as the kick drum and the overall atmosphere has that classic house music quality that can transport you instantly to another place.

The Black Madonna was the one who drew attention to the rising talents of this young producer. So fittingly she delivers her own 'Lost In Chicago' take on the original, which delights in the track's edginess and the wonderful release of the main hooks.

All of which are given the trademark BM Chicago stamp, or should that be stomp
Quality house music for the believers out there.

With France's long-fallow club scene back in international resurgence as Paris storms back into fighting form, Europe now has found a new source for yet-unheard music. It was a long time brewing, but names like Concrete, Katapult, Zadig, and Society of Silence, have begun to appear in the international clubbing circuit, and the growth is not limited to the capital. Further south in Lyon, a city quickly gaining its own renown for busy club parties booking bigger names, there exists a smaller circle of energetic operators whose name is also spreading rapidly and whose recent accomplishments include Nuites Sonores, Boilerroom and more. Spearheaded by Kosme, a DJ and producer of quickly increasing notice, the provincial powerhouse has already turned heads throughout France as Kosmo's Caramelo Records was snapped up by legendary Parisian distributor Syncrophone; he has a new label set to launch in 2014. It is with this background in mind that THEMA proudly offers Kosme's international debut, the 'April Moon' EP.

Kosme comes to the table with six tracks of low-slung Detroit-referencing house music laced with extra grit. 'Fondamental' rides shuffling hats and a building acid line to dramatic heights. 'Ever Shake My Mind' is slower and dirtier yet, with crushed hats and a bottom-lurking bass between Theo Parrish-esque drum-machine-down-the-stairs breakdowns. After an interlude, 'Mothafunka' resumes the beatdown with a talkover house track that escalates uncontrollably in intensity as drums shuffle before breaking down in congos & pads. 'Deep Function' dials down to sexier sounds with sultry vocal samples and sampled hiss, but it doesn't lose the drum kink. Finally the digital bonus 'A Thought for Yvonne' is the most subdued and skeletal of all with echoed drums and a lonely bassline tumbling over each other in slow motion.

Following the explosion of new sounds from the capital, it is no surprise to find the movement spreading, and THEMA arrives first with the freshest France has to offer.