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The Éthiopiques series returns! Essential archive recordings from an extremely fruitful period in Ethiopian music.

Before “Swinging Addis” took over the world, there was Moussié Nerses Nalbandian — the Armenian-born composer who shaped modern Ethiopian music. Mentor, arranger, and pioneer, he laid the foundations of Ethio-jazz.

This Éthiopiques volume revives his forgotten legacy, recorded live by Either/ Orchestra First issue ever with new exclusive photos and in depth liner 8-page insert.

“Ethiopian jazzmen are the best musicians that we have seen so far in Africa.
They really are promising handlers of jazz instruments.”

Wilbur De Paris
(1959, after a concert in Addis Ababa)

አዲስ፡ዘመን። *Addis zèmèn* **A new era.**
The time is the mid-1950s and early 1960s, just before "Swinging Addis" bloomed – or rather boomed – onto the scene. Brass instruments are still dominant, but the advent of the electric guitar, and the very first electronic organs, are just around the corner. Rock’n'Roll, R’n’B, Soul and the Twist have not yet barged their way in. Addis Ababa is steeped in the big band atmosphere of the post-war era, with Glenn Miller's *In the* *Mood* as its world-wide theme song, neck and neck with the Latin craze that was in vogue at the same period. Life has become enjoyable once again, with the return of peace after the terrible Italian Fascist invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1941). The redeployment of modern music is part and parcel of the postwar reconstruction. *Addis zèmèn* – a new era – is the watchword of the postwar period, just as it was all across war-torn Europe.
The generation who were the young parents of baby boomers** were the first to enjoy this musical renaissance, before the baby boomers themselves took over and forever super-charged the soundtrack of the final days of imperial reign. Music is Ethiopia's most popular art form, and very often serves as the best barometer for the upsurge of energy that is critical for reconstruction. Whether it be jazz in Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the *zazous* who revolutionised both jazz and French *chanson* after the *Libération*, be it Madrid's post-Franco Movida, or Dada, the Surrealists and *les années folles* that followed World War I, the periods just after mourning and hardship always give rise to brighter and more tuneful tomorrows. Addis Ababa, as the country's capital, and the epicentre of change, was no exception to this vital rule.

**Two generations of Nalbandian musicians**
Nersès Nalbandian belonged to a family of Armenian exiles, who had moved to Ethiopia in the mid-1920s. The uncle Kevork arrived along with the fabled "*Arba Lidjotch*", the** "*40 Kids*", young Armenian orphans and musicians that the Ras Tafari had recruited when he visited Jerusalem in 1924, intending to turn their brass band into the official imperial band. If Kevork Nalbandian was the one who first opened the way of modernism, pushing innovation so far as to invent musical theatre, it was his nephew Nersès who would go on to become, from the 1940s and until his death in 1977, a pivotal figure of modern Ethiopian music and of the heights it. Going all the way back to the 1950s. Nothing less. And it is Nersès who is largely to thank for the brassy colours that so greatly contributed to the international renown of Ethiopian groove. While the younger generations today venture timidly into the genealogy of their country's modern music, often losing their way amidst a distinctly xenophobic historiographical complacency, many survivors of the imperial period are still around to bear witness and pay tribute to the essential role that "Moussié Nersès" played in the rise of Abyssinia's musical modernity.
Given the year of his birth (15 March 1915), no one knows for sure if Nersès Nalbandian was born in Aintab, today Gaziantep (Turkiye/former Ottoman Empire) or on the other side of the border in Alep, Syria... What is certain is that his family, like the entire Armenian community, was amongst the victims of the genocide perpetrated by the Turks. Alep, the place of safety – today in ruins.
Before Nersès then, there was uncle Kevork (1887-1963). For a quarter of a century, he was a whirlwind of activity in music teaching and theatrical innovation. *Guèbrè Mariam le Gondaré* (የጎንደሬ ገብረ ማርያም አጥቶ ማግኘት, 1926 EC=1934) is his most famous creation. This play included "ten Ethiopian songs" — a totally innovative approach. According to his autobiographical notes, preserved by the Nalbandian family, Kevork indicates that he composed some 50 such pieces over the course of his career. This shows just how much he understood, very early on, the critical importance of song as Ethiopia's crowning artistic form. Indeed, for Ethiopian listeners, the most important thing is the lyrics, with all their multifarious mischief, far more than a strong melody, sophisticated arrangements or even an exceptional voice. (This is also why Ethiopians by and large, and beginning with the artists and producers themselves, believed for a long time — and wrongly — that their music could not possibly be exported, and could never win over audiences abroad, who did not speak the country's languages).

Last but not least, one of Kevork's major contributions remains composing Ethiopia's first national anthem – with lyrics by Yoftahé Negussié.
Nersès Nalbandian moved to Ethiopia at the end of the 1930s, at the behest of his ground-breaking uncle. Proficient in many instruments (pretty much everything but the drums), conductor, choir director, composer, arranger, adapter, creator, piano tuner, purveyor of rented pianos,... he was above all an energetic and influential teacher. From 1946 onwards, thanks to Kevork's connexion, Nersès was appointed musical director of the Addis Ababa Municipality Band. In just a few years, Nersès transformed it into the first truly modern ensemble, thanks to the quality of his teaching, his choice of repertoire, and the sophistication of his arrangements. It was this group that would go on to become the orchestra of the Haile Selassie Theatre shortly after its inauguration in 1955, which was a major celebration of the Emperor's jubilee, marking the 25th anniversary of his on-again-off-again reign.

At some point or other in his long career, Nersès Nalbandian had a hand in the creation of just about every institutional band (Municipality Band, Police Orchestra, Imperial Bodyguard Band, Army Band, Yared Music School…), but it was with the Haile Selassie Theatre – today the National Theatre – that his abilities were most on display, up until his death in 1977. To this must be added the development of choral singing in Ethiopia, hitherto unknown, and a sort of secret garden dedicated to the memory of Armenian sacred music, and brought together in two thick, unpublished volumes. Shortly before his death (November 13, 1977), he was appointed to lead the impressive Ethiopian delegation at Festac in Lagos, Nigeria (January-February 1977).

His status as a stateless foreigner regularly excluded him from the most senior positions, in spite of the respect he commanded (and commands to this day) from the musicians of his era. Naturally gifted and largely self-taught, Nerses was tirelessly curious about new musical developments, drawing inspiration from the very first imported records, and especially from listening intensely to the musical programmes broadcast over short-wave radio – BBC *First*. A prolific composer and arranger, he was constantly mindful of formalising and integrating Ethiopian parameters (specific “musical modes”, pentatonic scale, and the dominance of ternary rhythms) into his “modernisation” of the musical culture, rather than trying to over-westernise it. It even seems very probable that *Moussié* Nerses made a decisive contribution to the development of tighter music-teaching methods, in order to revitalise musical education during this period of prodigious cultural ferment. Flying in the face of all the historiographical and musicological evidence, it is taken as sacrosanct dogma that the four musical modes or chords officially recognised today, the *qǝñǝt* or *qiñit* (ቅኝት), are every bit as millennial as Ethiopia itself. It would appear however that some streamlining of these chords actually took place in around 1960. It was only from this time onward that music teaching was structured around these four fundamental musical modes and chords: *Ambassel*, *Bati*, *Tezeta* and *Antchi Hoyé*. A historical and musical “details” that is, apparently, difficult to swallow, especially if that should honour a *foreigner*. Modern Ethiopian music has Nersès to thank for many of its standards and, to this day, it is not unusual for the National Radio to broadcast thunderous oldies that bear unmistakable traces of his outrageously groovy touch.

Originally released in 1972, Toni Tornado's self-titled debut is a landmark in Brazilian soul and funk - a gritty, groovy record that helped define the sound of the Black Rio movement. Blending deep soul, psychedelic funk, and bold orchestration, this album channels the revolutionary energy of James Brown with the tropical swagger of Rio's streets. From the urgent rhythms of 'Torniente' to the undeniable strut of 'Mané Beleza' and 'Tornado,' Toni's music pulses with a fierce sense of pride and liberation. It's the sound of a new cultural identity taking shape - where African-American soul met Afro-Brazilian reality. Often compared to the legendary Tim Maia, Tornado brought his own explosive edge to Brazil's growing soul scene. By the 1970s, other Brazilian musicians, such as Banda Black Rio, Cassiano, Gerson King Combo, Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil, began making soul records. DJs started throwing soul-only parties. Toni Tornado's voice carries grit and passion, his grooves hit hard, and his message is crystal clear - Black is beautiful, and the funk is real. Back on vinyl for a new generation, this reissue is more than a collector's gem - it's a time capsule from an era when music moved bodies and minds. Essential listening for fans of vintage soul, global funk, and revolutionary sounds. Reissue on 180g vinyl.

(LP, purple cristallo vinyl, continuous mix) Legendary Belgian artist Push returns with a truly special project: an 18-track mini album, presented both on CD digipack and a special vinyl edition in a limited color, where every track connects into a seamless journey.

Each vinyl side plays as one continuous mix and so does the CD, a flowing soundtrack that guides you through deep, cinematic ambient electronica worlds.
Evolving strings, delicate rhythms, and immersive atmospheric layers blend into each other without interruption, creating a unified listening experience that feels more like a film score than a traditional album.
This is Push as you’ve never heard him before — pure emotion, timeless movement, and a full ambient chill out trip for the mind.

Groovin Recordings proudly announce the forthcoming release of "Back From Paradise", a track co-produced by the legendary Italian DJ Costantino “MixMaster” Padovano and renowned South Italian producer Antony Reale.
This record is a dedication to the enduring legacy of Costantino MixMaster Padovano. Originally produced in the late 90's but never officially released, this collaborative piece is finally seeing the light of day as a powerful celebration and tribute.
Costantino MixMaster Padovano needs no introduction to house music aficionados. He was one of the first Italian DJs to achieve deep respect in the 90s US house scene, regularly sharing the decks with titans like Frankie Knuckles, Kenny Dope Gonzalez, Louie Vega, and Todd Terry. His studio influence was massive, including official remixes for legends such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige and many more.
Antony Reale is an established Italian DJ and producer with a large discography spanning the last two decades. He has produced and remixed a roster of top artists, including Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Ultra Naté, and RuPaul.
"Back From Paradise": Originally created by Antony and Costantino during their creative prime in the late 90's, Antony has now decided to finally release the track. It serves as a beautiful and fitting monument to the memory and fantastic career of this iconic Italian DJ and producer who helped define the 90's house scene.

Der legendäre Club-Hit von 1987 ist zurück! **Robotiko Rejekto – Rejekto! **, einer der prägendsten Tracks der Electronic Body Music (EBM) und Synth-Pop-Ära, erscheint jetzt wieder – als limitierte farbige Maxi-Single.

Mit seinem markanten Vocoder-Gesang, treibenden Beats und futuristischem Sounddesign war Rejekto! ein absoluter Clubburner der späten 80er und gilt bis heute als Meilenstein der elektronischen Tanzmusik.

Die Maxi enthält insgesamt 4 Versionen, darunter die begehrten Club- und Extended-Mixe – perfekt für DJs, Sammler und Fans elektronischer Klassiker.

Ein echtes Sammlerstück – **Robotiko Rejekto – Rejekto! **, der Kult-Hit von 1987, jetzt wieder auf Vinyl erhältlich!

The legendary club hit from 1987 is back! Robotiko Rejekto – Rejekto!, one of the most influential tracks of the electronic body music (EBM) and synth-pop era, is now being rereleased as a limited edition coloured maxi single.

With its distinctive vocoder vocals, driving beats and futuristic sound design, Rejekto! was an absolute club burner in the late 80s and is still considered a milestone in electronic dance music today.

The maxi contains a total of 4 versions, including the coveted club and extended mixes – perfect for DJs, collectors and fans of electronic classics.

A real collector‘s item – Robotiko Rejekto – Rejekto!, the cult hit from 1987, now available again on vinyl!

Danza Tribale — the visionary label founded and curated by Adiel — presents Connessioni, the new release from Tamburi Neri, a two-part sonic exploration of connection, vibration, and ritual. Rooted in the spirit of tribal modernism, Danza Tribale has become a platform for artists who transcend genre boundaries — channeling raw energy, rhythm, and emotion into sound. With Connessioni, this philosophy deepens further, inviting listeners into a realm where body, city, and earth speak the same language. Connessioni is the reflection of water moving with the melody, the breath of air between intertwining lungs, the intersection of glances and voices that speak. It is an invisible map — cables carrying frequencies to speakers, amplifying not only sounds but also stories, emotions, and encounters. The release unfolds across two EPs that resonate on different frequencies yet share a single voice: that of the body, the city, and the earth.

‘Get A Life, Listen To Autumns’ is a statement that tells you everything you need to know about the quality and attitude of the Irish producer’s latest EP. His DNO debut presents five tracks of steel-studded EBM and industrial run through with his trademark dub aesthetics.

A1 ‘100 Ways To Get Fucked’ — another bold title — struts its stuff to a methodical stomp; strained vocals pulled out of shape and fed back into macabre forms; low-end chugging like some smoke-billowing, grease-slicked machine.
‘Let It Melt’ picks up the pace, making judicious use of the reverse function, while subtle acid chirps and woozy arpeggios provide a chaotic, though not unpleasant, dissonance that induces a feeling of headrush.
‘Petted’ swaggers like sex incarnate, alongside snatches of diva vox and the kind of sweeping space-age pads that Holst might have used had he been born a century later, seemingly taking cues from the hot and sweaty nights of ’80s Chicago.

Over on the B-side, ‘LDRO’ sets its kicks and snares thrusting at full tilt over an inexorable bassline; Autumns’ favourite effect, delay, keeping things squelching like the jellified flesh of a ballistics dummy.
And to finish, ‘God’s Gift’ drops down to a sludgy rhythm — though with surprisingly spritely percussion — to match its tortured guitar, shrieking horns, and deadly subs. A fever dream of twisted metal and hot breath, like the gradual slowing after the climax of debauchery.

Marking a sultry new route for DNO, Autumns’ first for the label is confident, confrontational, and
not to be missed.

Rhythms of postmodern realism at the very bottom of the DNO.

After a first cosmic cruise through Mediterranean Space Disco by TORRE, Musiq Voyage returns with its second release — this time from one of its own founders, Arno E. Mathieu.
Known for his label collaborations with NYC legend Joe Claussell, for his acclaimed Circumstances Of Chaos LP, and many releases on iconic labels like Compost, Yoruba, Real Tone, Deeply Rooted and Africanism, Arno has spent over two decades jamming & crafting deep, balearic & psychedelic journeys across house and electronic realms.
With MV002, he comes home, channeling the spirit of his native Provence and the sun-drenched pulse of the Mediterranean.
Arno delivers two evocative tracks:
“Phoenix” – an 80’s-inspired electronic resurrection, rising from the ashes on waves of funky basslines, soaring synths, and cosmic guitars.
“L’Amoragie” – a cosmic disco odyssey blending “Amore” and “Hémorragie” into one passionate eruption of love and sound — powered by hypnotic drums, anthemic synths, and euphoric choirs.
Mediterranean soul, space disco energy, and emotional storytelling — Musiq Voyage continues its journey.
Enjoy the trip.

The label say "Fresh from impressing with the pulsating techno of Boris Werner and the fuzzy live house jams of San Proper, Tom Trago's Voyage Direct label turns to a man who needs little introduction: Dutch legend and man of many pseudonyms Danny Wolfers.
Best known under his Legowelt alias, Wolfers has spent the last two decades flitting between strobe light acid house, 808 electro, fluorescent techno and shimmering space disco. Throughout, he's kept his productions pleasingly analogue-heavy, making great use of classic drum machines and vintage synthesizers. While his music may be steeped in the past, Wolfers' productions always sound like the future.

For this first outing on Voyage Direct, Wolfers resurrects the House of Jezebel alias - a pseudonym previously only used for the twinkling deep house warmth of 2010's 'Love & Happiness' - and delivers two tracks of synth-laden analogue house goodness.

'Back In Dogtown USA' sets the tone, as Wolfers layers rising chords, darting electronics and wide-eyed synthesizer melodies over a clattering analogue house groove. As with much of the legendary Dutch producer's work, the track ripples with rush-inducing melodic intent. It's the soundtrack to a party on Jupiter, and we're all invited.

Wolfers' ups the tempo dramatically on 'I Took A Train In 1979', transplanting us to the far reaches of our galaxy via jackin' techno drums, picturesque organ melodies, drifting chords and intoxicating pads. There are echoes of classic Detroit techno, surging Rotterdam electro and vintage cosmic disco, yet it doesn't really sound like any of these things. Like 'Back In Dogtown USA', 'I Took A Train In 1979' sounds like the past, reconfigured and rearranged for the consumption of future generations. In other words, it's a classic Wolfers production."

The legacy of wipE′out′′ has transcended time and cemented itself as a true transgenerational phenomenon. Launched in 1995, it didn’t just revolutionise the gaming industry, it created a bridge between the gaming ecosystem and the raver community. Its futuristic aesthetics and forward-thinking sound left a mark not only on mainstream audiences but also on the most demanding corners of the underground.

Decades later, the game’s impact is still alive. The release in 2023 of The Zero Gravity Soundtrack on Lapsus Records proved once again that wipE′out′′’s accompanying audio will go down in history as much more than just an anti-gravity racing game soundtrack.

This is why we decided to go deeper into the slipstream and build the second volume you’re now holding in your hands. Drawn from the original archives of Tim Wright, aka CoLD SToRAGE, this new collection surfaces unreleased cuts, pieces that couldn’t fit on the first edition, and a suite of self-authored ambient reworks that translate pure velocity into wide-screen atmospherics engineered for the long straights, the drone of airbrakes, the blue hour between checkpoints. It also reconnects the circuit, gathering selections and variants tied to later chapters of the saga — wipE′out′′ HD and wipE′out′′ Pure — plus alternative mixes that, until now, only existed in the Sega Saturn dimension of the franchise.

Finally, the material takes a leap into the future in the hands of four remixers especially chosen for this release: Tim Reaper, SHERELLE, Mantra, and NikNak, who collectively forge links between CoLD SToRAGE’s pioneering musical vision, the sound world of the game, and the contemporary breakbeats and drum & bass vanguard.

Expect the DNA you remember — accelerated breaks, trance-vector synths, jungle influences, sub-bass rumbling neatly beneath the craft’s hull, and at times even echoes of classic hardstyle — now revealed with new angles and air. The previously unheard material carries the same aerodynamic design sense that made these tracks feel faster than the track map itself, while the ambient versions open the field of view with melodies hovering at the lip of overdrive. Without a doubt, here you’ll find a strong sense of nostalgia. But this isn’t just nostalgia; it’s also proof that this sound world continues to evolve when you ease off the throttle.

For the faithful — crate-digging ravers, speed-run obsessives, and design nerds — this is an essential expansion pack: compiling rarities, restoring context, and reframing the emotional core of wipE′out′′ for late nights and early mornings alike. Bridging memory and momentum, club and console, rush and afterglow. Strap in.

Detailed tracklist, with annotations by Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE

· Scratch Pad 1: “This track was composed using incomplete tracks that were developed around the time of the first wipE′out′′. It’s so long because it was used for a marathon-length Psygnosis promotional video.”

· Messij Received: “Messij was a firm favourite with wipE′out′′ fans, so it made sense that there’d be more where that came from — this was one of those re-workings.”

· God’s Gift: “I was always very fond of Erasure’s track Love to Hate You with the canned crowd FX sounds. God’s Gift was a tongue-in-cheek reference to how some musicians think they are just that. This was way before I even played live as CoLD SToRAGE.”

· Tentative: “I wasn’t sure about introducing some wacky beats and distorted sounds into one of the tracks, because it was kinda heading away from the other tracks, hence Tentative — but it turned out OK.”

· Canada 2048: “When wipE′out′′ 2048 was launched I decided to re-make Canada as a kind of tribute, but in a slightly new-tech, laid-back way, using Propellerhead Reason and all software synths.”

· Wiped Out: “Based on a few riffs from a MIDI file unused at the time of the original wipE′out′′ game compositions, this featured on my debut album MELT.”

· Body in Motion (Body Plus Mix): “A more trippy interpretation of Body in Motion that featured on non PlayStation versions of the game e.g. Sega Saturn.”

· Onyx (“Dark Side of the Moon”): “Onyx was my sole contribution to wipE′out′′ Pure on the Sony PSP handheld gaming console. This version was something I developed in a darker style, that eventually erupts into a crescendo.”

· Messij Received (WSTWGBE Mix): “Like I say, Messij was a hit with most wipE′out′′ fans, so when I was asked to compose more music for non-PlayStation versions, I adapted this tune into a parallel-universe version for PC and Sega Saturn. By the way, WSTWGBE refers to Who Said This Was Going To Be Easy?”

· Canada (Drunken Ausländer Mix): “In early 2018 I released a fresh album called Ch'illout′′, a re-working of many of my wipE′out′′ tracks in an ambient, Sunday-morning vibe style — it was a few years’ work, here and there.”

· Tentative (Woffenfum Mix): “Another chilled re-working of one of my wipE′out′′ tracks, the mix named with a nod to a good friend of mine, Carl Woffenden — someone who I've worked with for many years in the games industry.”

· Messij (Bobbing Boat Mix): “A nice cheesy computer blip-blop start belies its deep and upbeat chilled-out melodic finale.”

· Body in Motion (Timeless Techno Mix): “Another classic track given the chilled-out vibe mix, as featured originally on my Ch'illout′′ album. This one’s a really trippy, deep-space take on the original.”

· DOH-T (AM / FM Mix): “The idea with this chilled-out mix was to imagine all the melodic parts of this varied track being broadcast on terrestrial radio, so each theme drifts in and out through the radio static.”

· ’95 Future Echoes: “Originally developed as a companion album for wipE′out′′ HD, this track actually has its roots in a tiny loop of a song that never progressed to anything special back in the mid-’90s when I was composing for the original game.”

· Turbine: “Also from my wipE′out′′ HD album, it leans heavily into the upbeat, uplifting tunes from the original game, but also steals a bit of vibe and energy from The Prodigy, with those distorted flute sounds.”

· Pencil Neck: “This excerpt from my wipE′out′′ HD album features lots of sounds centre-stage and forward from Propellerhead Reason’s Subtractor virtual synth. I learned to love this more than my JD-800!”

· Messij 2005 (New Science Mix): “Yet another take on the track that still raises a smile, this time through a mix of samples from the original and Propellerhead Reason — the ‘new science’ when compared to an Amiga 1200 running Bars and Pipes.”

The Mighty Ryeders' rare groove classic Help Us Spread the Message has been remastered and reissued here because it forever remains a favourite with DJs and dancers. It's a timeless soul and funk blend with many a standout jams, not least 'Evil Vibrations,' a super cool and breezy groove famously sampled by De La Soul in 'A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays' and later covered by The Rebirth. Alongside funk staples like the aching beauty of 'Help Us Spread The Message' and the collector-favourite 'Let There Be Peace' the album blends rich horns, clavinet and deep grooves with great songwriting and vocal harmonies. Do not sleep on this masterpiece of funk.

Don’t Trust The Snippets – Play The Full Track Before Buying A Record is a finely tuned four-track compilation from NOREPRESS Records, exploring a broad emotional and rhythmic spectrum — from atmospheric breaks to dub-infused tech house. Each piece invites deep listening, rewarding full attention rather than surface impressions.

A1. Osman Oz & SUBLIMINAL. – Johto opens with a beautifully crafted breaks track — rich in ambient layers and cinematic depth, setting a contemplative tone. A2. Pat Jensenn – Heaven Tapes follows with crisp percussion and hypnotic melodies, shifting the mood into uplifting, forward-driving territory. The young Argentinian producer blends instinct and elegance in equal measure.

On the flip, B1. Genning & Kirill Matveev – Orbiter lifts off with bounce and finesse — tight, articulate, and designed for that moment when the dancefloor begins to bloom. B2. Neptuna, also by Genning & Matveev, closes the record with sensual dub textures and refined detail — balancing movement and stillness in perfect harmony.

Led by visionary Kirill Matveev, with strong contributions from Genning, Pat Jensenn, and the always-excellent Osman Oz & SUBLIMINAL, NRP005 serves as a reminder: the full track always tells the real story.

NOREPRESS is a division of MixCult Records

dungeon acid review 25-09-03 by Joakim Cosmo A acid house style EP by swedish acid techno pioneer on swedens oldest underground label? Making a acid house EP in 2025 that makes a difference is a challenging task but this one just nails it. Here you see a softer and more musical side of Dungeon Acid in the shape of 5 dark yet hopeful Acid House tracks. Despite the classic form and ingredients it somehow avoids feeling retro but I guess this is what happens when you let a true grand master do it combined with a selector and label boss beyond the ordinary. It's like a paralell universe version of what Acid House could have become, and its a beautiful vision. A1-101-303 starts off with a dreamy, moody dubby and slightly romantic track that is just utterly beautiful in all its simplicity. The elegance and easy touch strikes me instantly. Nails the essence of the genre. One more like this and im buying it. The way A2-Unlock rewind builds up gives me goosebumps. So hypnotic and dark and experimental and the way it progresses to the ravey chord-break. The sounds and effects and details feel so alive and on the fly. In the record store this is where id already go "ok, im having this one" B1-Lonely Acid boy is yet another simple yet super atmospheric track. The contrasts between the rough robotic parts and the jazzy live solos ontop just gets to me. The roughness in the mix, that second beat with the hi-hats and extra bass, the fact that its so loud and sudden, is just great. And then we get to B2-Shnukki and all of a sudden, a romantic melodious electro track with a asian touch and acid bassline, that somehow goes well together with the other tracks. This one isnt my favourite or what I would buy the record for, but it would probably be the one I discover years later. Typical Borft Records to think that far ahead. The EP ends with B3-Chiliflex BB come on and this one starts with more late 80's ravey chords but the further you get into the track the more disharmonic, tweaky and punky it becomes. Things dont really fit together yet they do. To sum it up, these tracks are raw, funky, gutsy, streety, visionary, full of contrast and a bit challenging, just like acid house should be, but often isnt. I think Dungeon Acid and Borft Records nails it here. I'd buy doubles of this.

ULURU is a large sandstone rock formation in Australia. It's sacred to the Anangu, the local Indigenous of the area. For many years it had been deprived of its spiritual significance, due to mass tourism, capitalism, as well as greedy and selfishness of people who just want to make money out of it. However, as a result of the Anangu’s resilience, care and staunchness, huge changes took place in the national park around Uluru as well as in the broader public's consciousness, giving again to the Uluru the sacred identity that had been lost.

You might be reading and thinking now: so what's the point? Actually, there's no real point. I would rather say, there’s hope. The hope of seeing humans all around the world following the example of the Anangu. The hope of seeing humans finally stopping to treat the earth and all what’s part of it, what’s on and what’s in it, as a slave without soul. The hope of changing today, and if not today at latest by tomorrow. This system is failing. It's no longer sustainable, and there's no much time left.

So everybody, don't sleep, be critical.

SPTLP008 - Aural Imbalance - Fractional Spaces LP

Returning for his third solo album on Spatial, Aural Imbalance continues his journey through the cosmos with a breathtaking array of breaks, bass and inimitable ambient wizardry.

A1 - Fading Reality

Kicking off the album we are treated to a blissfully ambient intro akin to a perfect sunrise across a tranquil unfurling landscape - just as we have come to know and love from Aural Imbalance. Long, airy washes of textured pads usher in a fantastically snappy break pattern which brings an alluring energy to proceedings, driving the track along with funnels of tuneful melodies lazily drifting by in the ambience.

A2 - This Time

Jumping right into the breaks DJ-style with a delicious Hot Pants pattern, This Time's central theme utilises a hypnotic simple but effective chime melody that plays a key role throughout the track, alongside fluttering birdsong and a luscious array of samples. The exquisite breakdown which delights with an incredible blend of bass atmospheric synths & pads is both beautiful and poignant.

B1 - Always With You

Introduced by what sounds like footsteps echoing through the darkness, Always With You lives up to its title by surrounding you with a warmth usually reserved for arriving home and nestling by the fire. Driven by delicate but vibrant breakbeats, this track showcases Aural Imbalance's relentless dexterity with ambient soundscapes dancing in perfect harmony with deep 808 bass and old school beats.

B2 - Solarity

Lightly excitable hats and elegantly filtered breaks open Solarity, a deeply evocative track with breakbeats rising through the intro towards a drop with solid analogue kicks and a wonderfully deep and persistent bassline. Sporadic micro melodies cruise the waves of floating synthwork, effects rippling gently in the foreground and background of the mix like playful phosphorescence.

C1 - First Protocol

Up next we see Aural Imbalance crack the amen knuckles with a real treat for old school heads - an ambient, synthy ambient laden with incredibly light spaced-out hats through the flowing waves is soon jolted into life by a satisfyingly crisp amen break, edited and programmed with flair and majestic detail that sits perfectly with the light, often sullen textured soundscape drifting above.

C2 - Crystals

An otherworldly landscape brimming with wonder and intrigue unfolds with Crystals, an atmospheric delight with a twist. The serene opening leads into a terrific old school break which takes center stage, punchy in the mix and edited with a precision as shimmering textures and meditative synthwork are expertly layered around the ever-rolling beats, perfect for any occasion at home or the 160bpm dancefloor.

D1 - Velarious

Continuing his showcase of breaks from across the atmospheric drum & bass spectrum, Aural Imbalance introduces Velarious with a quietly epic ambient flow, with filtered drums creeping in before the drop arrives, breakbeats buoyed by some seriously deep 808 bass and distinct hi hats. Micro melodies intersect and reverberate throughout the track to complete an enduring and eclectic composition.

D2 - South Coast Sunrise

Closing with a good old fashioned love letter to the Hot Pants break, South Coast Sunrise perfectly encapsulates its title with a gorgeous panoramic overlay of ambience, spread over an intensely memorable edit of that classic break - programmed and mixed to remarkable effect and cementing Aural Imbalance's ongoing rise as a master of edits as well as ambience, fully realised for our listening pleasure on Spatial.

The 12-track record is the first album on SHDW's influential label and explores the past, present, and future of techno.

Planet X label head and 20-year scene veteran Exos, hailing from Iceland, draws on his native country's influences in his work, which explores the interplay between light and dark, warmth and cold. His high-octane sounds over the last 20 years have appeared on vital imprints like Tresor, X/OZ, and, of course, Mutual Rytm, with his releases for
the label having been extremely well received, garnering support from the scene's key DJs. Whether dubby or hard, his techno is always authentic and channels the purity of the 90s style. This new album follows Exos's inaugural X-Release, the Infrared 10", the Icebreaker 12" from last year, and his track on the latest Federation of Rytm IV compilation. It's a real journey through all facets of his sound, including a trip back to his dub techno roots, ambient
explorations, and emotional vocal pieces with lifelong memories fused into sounds that reflect the artist's decades spent in Iceland.

'Sweet Dreams' opens with an atmospheric intro in the form of a 28-year-old collaboration with his father. This full-bodied analogue ambient piece is rich with the mysterious tones of the Nord Modular and was recorded during their shared studio days at D17 in Reykjavik. The title track is a hypnotic, linear groove with icy synth modulations and glistening melodies. 'Hinn Vioforli' then brings dub warmth while 'State of Mind' recalls the spirit of the legendary Reykjavik club 'Thomsen', a cornerstone of Iceland's late 90s underground scene. 'Glaour Og Reifur' and
'Fogur Er Hlioin'pay homage to the echoes of ancient Viking heritage, 'North of January' conveys the cold of Exos's homeland, and 'Hvarvetna' brings textured percussion and darker undertones before '101 After Dark' slows to a bass-heavy broken beat exploration of texture and post-dubstep pressure.

After the heady and atmospheric sound of 'The Dolphin Oracle', another key collaboration comes with 'Freefall', an emotional breakbeat piece featuring vocalist Amelia Rodriguez,' who also lends her voice to 'Shock', a magnificent track that channels Exos's modern techno energy. The album closes with a haunting paradox, 'Paradise Lost,' questioning whether our sweet dreams are truly moments of bliss or simply reflections of what we've already left behind. The three bonus digital cuts offer sleek minimalism, punchy deep techno, and suspenseful ambient.

Azu Tiwaline & Cinna Peyghamy, Amotik, Quelza, and Alarico remix four tracks from Ben Klock and Fadi Mohem’s collaborative album ‘Layer One’. Released last year on the pair’s label LAYER, each artist on the ‘Layer One Remixes’ EP retains the weighty, low-end edge that shaped the album, while reinterpreting four tracks through a myriad of techno, IDM, bass, and experimental shades.

Honouring the conceptual direction of ‘Layer One’, which delved into a post-human world and offered a serene reflection on a realm that continued to flourish in the absence of humanity, the ‘Layer One Remixes’ EP echoes the same theme. The remaining human survivors on Earth signal a remembrance of their sensibilities, told through the powerful lyrics and vocals of grime MC Flowdan and interdisciplinary artist Coby Sey.

Azu Tiwaline & Cinna Peyghamy open the EP with their remix of ‘Our Sector’ featuring the commanding vocals of Flowdan. Fragmented bass-driven textures skitter across the sparse soundscape, culminating in a track primed for the weirder hours of the night. On ‘Ultimately’, Amotik delivers his take on the original featuring spoken word by Coby Sey, and whips up a rolling four-four number pierced with bleepy percussion.

On the flip, Quelza’s reinterpretation of ‘Our Sector’ unfolds with zappy motifs and technoid flourishes, permeating the shadowy pads and spine-chilling harmonics that slink through the atmosphere. Alarico remixes ‘Clean Slate’, serving a potent techno track laced with equal parts restraint and release, enhanced by Coby Sey’s taut vocals.

While the original album represented the more exploratory sides of Ben Klock and Fadi Mohem, the ‘Layer One Remixes’ EP offers a further step into the void, led by five contemporary artists who are unafraid to delve into the murkiest corners of the dystopian world conjured up by Klock and Mohem.

There is some real mystery around this new 12". Even Google has no clues as to the artist or the tune. 'By The Way I Like Your Pants' could be brand new or 40 years old - it's a funky disco cut with great instrumentals and a serious vocal that rides the great basslines and hip-swinging clapping, but one thing is for sure, it's a real edit master who has set to work on it. A dub version is included with extra fat bass and then the instrumental takes it back to the irresistible groove.

We start off our vinyl series with a very special release. An original 1997 Speed Garage tune by the legend - Paul Rayner has been reworked 4 times. Originally under his Knights Of Illusion alias, the samples of his ‘Sexuality’ track were dug out of the attic off of an old floppy disk and put into the hands of 4 exciting producers, all heavily inspired by underground 90s dance music.

Soul Mass Transit System deliver their signature Speed Garage sound, topped up with classic M1 organs. Conspiracy Dubz plays homage to the legend Paul Rayner, putting together a bass heavy rework, much in style of the original track itself. Jordan puts a tribal house spin on the track and Square One pushes the track into the realms of Hardcore.

With centuries of history, traditional instruments carry physical vibrations shaped by human breath and touch. In contrast, electronic music generates vibrations through inorganic principles such as electrical signals and circuits. When the subtle tremors of traditional instruments resonate with the intricate tones of electronic sounds in an improvised dialogue, performers from distinct realms expand each other’s languages, creating a new sensory experience. The project album Ancient Moment marks the first collaboration between the Korean contemporary music ensemble WhatWhy Art and the Seoul underground electronic music collective vurt.. It is a record of a free journey where two different worlds collide and merge,

In Part 1 of the album, you will hear boundless performances by daegeum player Hong Yoo with electronic musician Unjin, and gayageum player Hwayoung Lee with ambient duo Hosoo. The recording was done in an improvised one-take format at STUDIO Y in Seoul, and Giuseppe Tillieci mastering enhanced the sonic quality.

Lantern in the Woods is the new album from musician and multi-instrumentalist Misha Sultan – a project that marks an important milestone for the artist. It is his first work conceived and realized as a coherent, unified statement, from the earliest ideas and sounds to the final mastering.

The story of the album began back in 2021 in Saint Petersburg, during studio jam sessions with Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy, and Nikita (Minereed). These live
improvisations eventually led to the formation of the collective Sri Primat and left a significant imprint on Misha Sultan’s solo sound. Some of the instrumental parts on the album were recorded during this period, preserving the spirit of spontaneity and open dialogue between the musicians.

Later, after moving to Thailand, Misha recorded the second half of the material. These tracks absorbed the atmosphere of southern nights, tranquility, and comfort – bringing a distinct “bedroom jazzy vibe”, a touch of sentimentality and gentle melancholy into the music.

The album offers a beautiful blend of jazz and various other influences. At its heart, it’s a search for balance between memories and the present moment, between nature and the city, between the light of the lantern and the darkness of the woods.

“It was especially important to me that my friends and close people were involved in this album. Their presence gave the music that warmth and personal feeling I value so much. My brother Zhenya (Dyad), Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy — they all contributed a part of themselves to these tracks, as did Nina Livanova, who recorded vocal parts for several songs,” says Misha.

Lantern in the Woods is a soft and sincere work, where all things intertwine naturally.

A persuasive, head-turning four-tracker for the right moment of your dancefloor invasion.

The second expedition goes even further into the darker realms of A:G's soundscapes, where "Staying In" kicks it all off with its mysterious synth layers paired with a bassline to get the dancefloor moving in a hurry, before "Random Trance Track" shows homage to early 90s trance with a pinch of new beat and house.

Flip to the B-side where "Might Be" sets things over to electro territory, with its sizzling hats and spooky synth splashes, propelled heavily by a fast-paced bassline made to shake the bass bins and move the feet.

...and last but not least, the title track "Xylo" takes us back towards the trancier vibes, only broken up by trippy live-improvised xylophone over the steady polymeter subsonics to get those F1 rigs breathing heavily.

2026 Repress

Atmospheric Vol 2 is the second single to be taken from Deepchord's latest full length but sees him stray from the album tracks, bringing 3 exclusive pieces to the vinyl, keeping in the same musical vein as Ultraviolet Music.

Exploring the North & Pinewood Lodge see Rod Modell on more Deep Techno excursions as beautifully sweeping pads and glistening synths drift by ever evolving, perfectly processed atmospheres. Deepchord's unique use of subtle field recordings throughout give both of these tracks a real heady/druggy quality and his seamless loops allow you to drift of into his fully developed dream world. Shot Point delves into straight up ambient territory with Deepchord striking an unearthly balance between the natural and synthetic world. Yet more flawlessly collected field recordings wash away on an ocean of reverb soaked pads, drowning the listener within its mesmerising tides.

LL delivers four mid-80s Minneapolis groove reworks, rebuilt for today’s dancefloors. Deep, warm, and unapologetically underground. Pressed loud for maximum impact. Strictly limited. No digital. For the real ones.

South London’s Jerkcurb – aka Jacob Read – is back with news that his sophomore album ‘Night Fishing On A Calm Lake’ is to be released at the end of November following 2019’s ‘Air Con Eden’.

After that album’s successful release Read had planned to expand Jerkcurb into a full band setup when his father, a painter like himself and a creative inspiration, passed away. Instead of the envisioned plan of taking his project bigger Read returned to the family home and re-examined the material for the new album and instead the album became one of reflection, grief and redemption. It’s not much of a stretch to see clear musical inspirations for the record too – Prefab Sprout, Talk Talk and The Blue Nile, records where the moments of silence are stretched out.

Read produced and engineered the album himself, mostly at home with Lara Laeverenz and Gray Rimmer providing cocals. The album is mixed by Dilip Harris (King Krule, Mount Kimbie).

The enchanting cover artwork was painted at Read’s father’s studio in Camberwell, painted in oil with its dreamlike blur of blue and black . It hints at the early film noir and magical realist influences for the album.

"Mary Yuzovskaya's Monday Off rounds out 2025 with its eighth vinyl-only various artists compilation, arriving 12th December, featuring Feph, Rasser, Mathys Lenne, and Xhato.

Opening the record is Florida's Feph, co-operator of Alchemista Records and Zosimos, with 'A Realization', where wild electric currents crackle over a subtle, sharp beat as shocks and zaps scatter into the darkness. Spanish DJ and producer Rasser follows with 'Constant Pulse', a hulking techno chugger of warped rhythms and hammering metallic hits. On the flip, France-born Germany-based Mathys Lenne, known for outings on Mord, ORBE, and Blue Hour, offers 'A Gentle Singularity', its tumbling percussion and drone-like synth casting a hypnotic spell while sparkling high-end shimmers above. Previous Monday Off contributor Xhato then closes with 'Lemon Swirl', a mystical finisher where soft sequences snake through brooding ambience, providing a guiding light as the kick drum marches resolutely."

Dana Ruh offers up part 2 of her ‘This Journey So Far’ project via Yecad here.

As a long standing and widely respected figure in the world of underground house and techno through her releases on the likes of Slices Of Life, Ostgut Ton, Cocoon, Cave and of course her own Brouqade, Dana Ruh’s reputation stands tall as one of the finest purveyors of this sound. Amongst her releases, Dana maintains a heavy tour schedule taking her across the globe each year to many hotspots in key cities, here she marks another milestone in her career with a double 12’’ release, entitled ‘This Journey So Far’, as a musical reflection on all that’s led to this point.

Following the success of Part one, the second instalment now follows - kicking off the release is ‘MF Now’, stripping things back to a shuffled, bumpy rhythm section, resonant synth chimes and billowing textures. ‘Grey With Some Light’ then leans into a more experimental glitch realm via twitchy oscillating percussion, unfurling atmospherics and drifting keys. ‘The Look’ leans back into House territory with raw stabs, sax lines, metallic chimes and vacillating low-end tones before ‘Song For The Lonely’ concludes the project, encapsulating the essence of deep house with ethereal pad swells, circling stab sequences, low-slung drums and cossetting subs.

There are many reasons why summer always feels like the invincible season, and one certainly is its ability to sketch colorful pictures of life rife with options. Now Sebastian Mullaert and Layla Rehana are drawing one themselves. And they use solar paint for it.
Coming from completely different backgrounds - Sebastian, a sound explorer with a history of exploring musical textures and moving dancefloors while the work of vocalist Layla weaves intuitive healing and subconscious reprogramming - they were immediately ready to take creative chances as first improvised sessions already felt like everything is perfectly keeping up with their very own sensibilities.
The resulting LP for Bigamo offers a collection of patient and almost meditative tracks that feel as natural as breathing. Everything is interconnected. Glowing. Soothing. Like a memory, everything is now and then. It’s the equivalent of laying on your back and watching fair weather clouds as they gently transform and eventually disappear. It’s when you realize that love is all there is, is all you know of love. Although we’re slowly but steadily entering the annual phase of shorter and darker days, their sun clearly sets only to rise and shine again.

Three decades on from its original 1995 release, Todd Terry’s 'Devil’s Dance' still burns with the kind of manic, floor-filling energy that defined the early years of Hard Times. Now, Todd and the label return to the track, inviting a trio of today’s most vital club architects to rework one of Todd's most incendiary productions for a new generation of dancers.

Following a year that saw Chris Stussy and Dan Shake breathe new life into 'Bounce to the Beat,' Hard Times closes out 2025 with 'Devil’s Dance (Remixes),’ a collection that bridges old-school grit and new-school heat. Rossi., Demi Riquísimo, and Cinthie each bring their own distinct combustion to Todd’s iconic organ riffs and bulbous bassline, reframing the track through London, Berlin, and Balearic prisms.

Rossi. leans into the city that raised him: “It’s been a real pleasure to remix such an iconic inspiration for me as an artist. Todd is a legend and part of the reason why we have the culture of music we have today. I wanted to bring my remix back to my London roots - a UKG skippy, warpy approach that still carries those iconic chord riffs.”

393 Records is a small independent vinyl/digital record label based in Dublin, Ireland
for its 5th release it welcomes Irish producer, Collie with his Static EP
The young producer showcases the versatility of his productions with 4 club driven tracks which represents the energy very similar to his peak time DJ sets weather as a warm up or headline act
On the A1 "Static " The track is built around soft, hazy pads and airy ambient layers that create a wide, enveloping atmosphere, Dreamy, floating, hypnotic, warm, and spacious.
"Into the West" brings a much different approach, with real Dub influenced warming bassline heavy delay & washed stabs
On the flip the journey continues with well crafted progressive 90s era track "soft progress". This one will definitely set the club or festival a light with the breakdown sending chills down your spine
Lastly the maturity of "Electron" keeping that consistency of the B side with its Shuffling hi-hats & deep atmospheric elements & driving low end
The 393 Label has a history of quality over quantity, with no doubts another gem of an EP been released here & another fantastic Artist in Collie been unearthed with a magical collaboration here

Vibe Ride is the sixth release of Adam Rudolph's Hu Vibrational project and marks his 60th release as a leader or co-leader. Comes with insert and download code.

“With every record, the goal is to explore new creative territory,” explains Rudolph. Vibe Ride continues a deeper exploration of a trance-like groove and a conceptual framework known as Sonic Mandala. This album marks the most complete realization of that idea, partly due to the group's experience touring beforehand. That time on the road helped to refine ideas and strengthen musical chemistry. The recording process unfolded organically—likely due to the long-standing collaboration within ensembles like Go: Organic Orchestra and Moving Pictures, where the musicians have developed a deep familiarity with the shared musical language.

Sonic Mandala refers to a musical approach distinct from traditional linear structures of theme and development. Found in cultures across the globe, it may represent one of the oldest forms of musical expression—predating written history by tens of thousands of years. Today, it is most vividly preserved in the music of the Ituri Forest peoples (Aka, Baka, Ba Benzele, Mbuti), whose sound traditions revolve in cyclical, orbit-like patterns. Vibe Ride seeks to bring that ancient sense of circularity into a contemporary—and perhaps even futuristic—context.

The ensemble of Vibe Ride—Alexis Marcelo, Jerome Harris, Harris Eisenstadt, Neel Murgai, Tim Kieper, and Tripp Dudley—brings exceptional creativity and skill to the project. While grounded in the sonic languages of today, their performance channels an ancient vibrational lineage, connecting with ancestral sound makers who were attuned to the rhythms of the sun, moon, stars, and seasons. Human beings have always been deeply responsive to natural cycles.

Like a mandala, where the circle reveals itself as a spiral—always returning, but never to the exact same point—the Sonic Mandala musical experience spirals through motion. Refined signal patterns emerge through overtone-rich instrumentation. The groove becomes a threshold, shifting the listener from passive observation into active, even transcendent, participation. With open ears and an open mind, the sound spirals inward—toward a primal center—and outward into the cosmos. When this elevated state is shared among participants, it creates what mystics describe as resonance.

Vibe Ride thrives on the distinctive sonic voices of its players, interwoven with care and nuance into the compositions. Hu Vibrational merges elements of world music, electronica, and improvised jazz into something both funky and spiritual, intense and soothing.

Using signature techniques of organic orchestration, layered arrangement, and electronic processing, the compositions are sculpted from percussion, electronics, and ethereal textures. Rhythmic foundations drawn from diverse traditions serve not as endpoints, but as building blocks. As the saying goes, “Orchestration is the key.” In shaping the sound, the aim was to discover fresh ways of balancing structure and sonic color. As Don Cherry once said: “The swing is in the sound.”

The audiophile LP was carefully recorded, mixed, and mastered by James Dellatacoma—longtime engineer for both Bill Laswell and Rudolph—at Laswell’s Orange Studio.

“This crew artfully blends together to create a seamless tapestry of rhythm… the end results are mesmerizing. Hu Vibrational is all about communing with the groove spirits and creating worlds where earthy rhythms and other-worldly sounds are one.”
— Dan Bilawsky, All Music Guide

“You can be sure that when Adam Rudolph and an ensemble of breathtaking drummers get together mystical and wonderful things will happen.”
— Raul da Gama,

“A stunning effort, enjoyable and grows with repeated listening.”
— Stefan Wood, Freejazzcollective

12” vinyl, full sleeve artwork with Mordançage front cover artwork by artist Jo Torres, design & centre labels by Ciaran birch. Limited run of 300.

“Singing Vessels” draws inspiration from the sonorities and aesthetics of Amazonian medicine ceremonies and traditional Andean music. At its heart is a collection of clay whistles from ancient South America, whose timbres conjure the vibrant soundworld of the Andes. The piece also incorporates shamanic instruments from the Amazon, such as the shacapa — a bundle of dry leaves whose rustling produces a deep, soothing texture with remarkable sensory resonance.

Interwoven with generative electronics, live looping and synthesisers, these organic timbres create evolving psychoacoustic spaces where the mystery of nature meets inner realms of perception and consciousness. The piece unfolds as a ceremonial passage through a shamanic ritual: beginning in a dense jungle of sounding entities, rising into moments of cathartic purging, dissolving into states of blessing and communion, and finally returning to the here and now with renewed awareness.

Nervio Cosmico is an electroacoustic experimental duo based in Bristol, formed by Chilean composer Daniel Linker and Italian sound artist Matteo Amadio. Blending acoustic instruments from ancient South American shamanic traditions with live looping, generative sound design, and live electronics, they craft sonic journeys that explore perception, consciousness, and a spiritual connection with nature.

"I have two new records, just full of smells. "
from Scanners Live in Vain by Cordwainer Smith

Lutto Lento's new 2568 E.P. is an album in 7-inch single form. Lutto, real name Lubomir Grzelak, has for years been one of the most acclaimed sonic storytellers around. His first outing on Meakusma is another trip beyond the constraints of musical logic, interweaving elements from industrial music, early avant-garde influences, post-club tendencies, and more, conjuring up a mini-album of huge scope.

Not unlike The Residents, 2568 E.P. touches upon stories from the deep, with an absurdist touch that is at the same time forgiving and inviting. It has a hauntological feel to it, but contradicts it at the same time. It is purring and cold, whispering and layered. Beatific and up close. There is a space ship in the swimming pool, but the cocktail party goes on, kind of. On the edge of industrial music, with a choir thrown in for good measure. On the fringes of club music. Toss the wire-sphere into the air and pay the price for space. Fake composure and dive in.

Lutto Lento is Lubomir Grzelak, a sound artist, composer, music producer, and DJ. Known for his idiosyncratic productions and eclectic sets that break barriers between genres, he has steadily built a reputation for adventurous electronic music that resists easy categorization. Beyond records, he composes for theatre, film, and contemporary dance, weaving diverse influences into a distinctive sonic language.

During the 35 years of making music, Dave Lee has constantly been searching for new singers and writers to work with. A search that’s ended up with many fantastic collaborations and releases with the likes of Thelma Houston, Taka Boom, Dianne Charlemagne and Seal. More recently this quest led him to Maurissa Rose and the creation of their album ‘London / Detroit’. After hearing Maurissa's voice on a Theo Parrish record Dave reached out to her and after a few long phone conversations and mp3 swaps they both agreed a visit to London would be much more fun than trying to work together remotely. Maurissa made the journey from her home in Detroit to write and record an album with Dave at his studio in March 2022 - as they both feel that creating music together in the same room is always better. The fruits of their labour yielded 11 brand new songs (and 1 cover) tapping into their collective love of Soul, Disco and R&B, with a sprinkle of Soulful House. This album is a special one for Dave Lee as it’s the first time in his career he’s recorded an entire album with same singer on every track.

In the album’s liner notes Dave talks of how Maurissa is a naturally creative person, full of ideas, warm & unpretentious which is reflected in her vocal performances throughout ‘London / Detroit’. Dave’s expertly crafted music is backed up with a deeply passionate yet effortless delivery from the Detroiter, a marker of someone who has honed and perfected their art. When it comes to the music side of this LP, Dave Lee is once again proving he’s still at the top of his game and shows no sign of relenting. Drawing from his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Soul/Funk/Disco, we are treated to a range of styles, BPMs and influences from 95bpm street soul to more uptempo disco and boogie flavours. Be it the rippling synth voyage opener of ‘You Decide’, taking the Johnnie Taylor classic ‘What About My Love’ into a modern Boogie realm, upping the tempo on the soulful houser ‘I Feel the Sun” or bringing the tempo back down to the bassy acidic chug of ‘You’re Giving Me Life’. Mr Lee is truly adept at creating a modern disco soul sound without the usage of samples.

London and Detroit might be two very different cities on opposite sides of the Atlantic but this album is proof that creative synergy knows no distance.

Out everywhere on Feb 28th on Gatefold Vinyl, CD and Digital/Streaming.

‘Before the Odysee, there was the Iliad; a tale of the golden age of heroes and warriors.'

The idea behind the Iliads series was to return to the sound of the golden age of Jungle/Drum & Bass, and more specifically the original ‘heroes’ of the Odysee label.
This fourth and final instalment concludes the series; bringing all the different styles of the original Odysee sound together in a grand finale. From deep atmospheric beauty to sinister dystopian breakbeat fury; Iliads IV has it all.

Oubliette immediately creates a feeling of unease and paranoia. The rapid injection of different breakbeats gives the track an unsettled feel; with nervy piano jangles and moaning samples adding to this atmosphere. The track drops with punching subs and razor-sharp curling breaks from amidst the desolation of the atmosphere of the intro. The call and response style is used to cut from break to break maintaining the unease of the intro. The drums & bass break down into a
dystopian landscape of sound, before dropping once more to take the track towards its conclusion.

A Point In Time with its obvious reference to a compilation series on a certain well-loved atmospheric Jungle label is all about conjuring nostalgia. There are notable references to bygone days; the infamous bulb bass and bleeps of the Warehouse days of glory, and the tearing mentasms that enter in the approach to the breakdown. The breaks are crisp and complex, the sub-lines deep and dark; a track truly built for a dark sweaty basement club where the bass bins
are pushed to their limits!

Love & Desire is a sultry deep atmospheric roller full of subtle references to the early UK Garage sound of the mid 90’s or even Deep dub Tech-House. The elegant curls of the Apache break that takes centre stage in this track are complimented by sweeping pads and a set of deep synth stabs that form the rhythmic backbone. The subs drop deep amidst a palette of avant-garde electronica, as the spoken word vocals call out “my love....my desire.”

We really hope you’ve enjoyed the Iliads series as much as we have; they represent a very special sound that is close to the very heart of what we at Odysee are about. As much as they focus the lens on the past, we truly believe they have had a profound effect on our future....in as much as they have brought us back to the raw essence of our sound.
Andy & Tilla

In the wake of their widely-acclaimed album Union, JUNO-nominated duo ÈBONY rematerialize on the dancefloor with the otherworldly Shades of Meridian EP, projecting a waking futurist dream haunted by echoes of Detroit techno, Chicago house, South African melodies, and the rich mythology of Ancient Toronto.

Opener "Break My Skin explores a hidden pocket of after-hours techno space-time with an ethereal vocal by James Baley, leading into the tense, disembodied jack of "Forever." Next, "Dull Side First" rides a spectral break through a sepulchral warehouse trip, "RIFT" invokes peak-time witchcraft, and closer "My Daylight" entrances even the most self-possessed sound-and-lighting guys to spam the smoke machine until reality itself is occluded.

And to those who say that working with JUNO-nominated artists proves that Turbo is just a cog in the CanCon cabal, we would like to familiarize you with the facts: Canadian Tire refused to carry our 2023 Bryan Adams remix LP and we have rejected five separate demos from Justin Trudeau's tech-house alias "Arabian Nights." It's called integrity - try looking it up sometime.