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There are many ways to move forward as an artist. You can reinvent yourself, keep track of fashions, or try bold new things. Tom Trago has spent the best part of 10 years pushing his sound in impressive new directions. Yet on his new album, the well-regarded Amsterdam-based producer has done things slightly differently. This time round, his influences come from much closer to home, and he has admitted to being inspired by the dancefloor-focused style with which he made his name.

Welcome to The Light Fantastic. We're sure you'll enjoy the trip.

Trago is an old hand at this kind of thing. Back in 2009, his debut album, Voyage Direct, impressed with its warm, disco-centric blends of full-throttle deep house and boogie-influenced synthesizer funk. He cast his net wider on 2011's Iris, choosing to work with a wide variety of international collaborators on an album that laid bare his myriad of musical influences.

On the Light Fantastic, he's decided to 'step back to move forwards' with a warm, involving set that puts the simple pleasures of the best dancefloor moments at its heart.

'I tried to go a bit back towards the style I was doing on Voyage Direct, so dancefloor beats with deeper impact,' Trago admits. 'I was trying to male tracks that work on the dancefloor, but also move your heart.'

In some ways, The Light Fantastic is Trago in 'back to basics' mode. Partly inspired by his ever-increasing travels around the world to DJ, it melds together a range of influences - deep house, vintage synthesizers, classic boogie, disco, Chicago jack, acid house, and even a dash of full-throttle rave revivalism on the raw funk of 'The Elite' - on a set that sounds like it was painted in vivid colours by an artist at the top of his game.

'I'm like a professor in a lab, trying to make little ideas work,' Trago enthuses, warming to the theme. 'The tracks are all there in my head, like a puzzle, and I have to make all the pieces fit together.'

The 'back to basics' theme extended to his choice of collaborators. Whereas Iris was notable for featuring an impressive cast list of international singers, musicians and producers, The Light Fantastic is more of a homegrown affair. While plenty of people lent a hand during the recording process, they were trusted locals from the Dutch electronic music scene, rather than outsiders.

'This time, I thought 'whoever walks in the studio can get involved',' he says. 'If they walked in, they could sing, play some synths or do some mixing. A lot of people came to hang out and ended up lending a hand. It's a much more fun way of working than sending your track to somebody across the other side of the World.'

There are many collaborations on The Light Fantastic, but listen out for contributions from Steffi, Ben Westbeech, 'studio neighbour' San Proper, Makam, vocalist Holly Wood and, most surprisingly, a local club owner who just happened to swing by the studio. 'Using my friends was a big part of the process,' Trago admits. 'One of the points of the album was using people who were close to home, part of the family almost.'

It's an approach that definitely paid dividends. Certainly, this celebration of Amsterdam's blossoming electronic music scene adds a little extra frisson of excitement to The Light Fantastic's impressive vibrancy.

By the time the rush-inducing positivity of 'The Wrong Right' gives way to the mutant alien funk of album closer 'Desire', you'll be ready to listen to it all over again. That's the thing with The Light Fantastic - it's a trip you'll want to take again and again.

Narratives Music proudly present the debut EP of the artist Rhyming in Fives. The 'Hindsight' EP sees a well respected producer
embark on a new journey under a new alias, with an intention to breach the boundaries of Drum and Bass and the 170bpm template.
Fusing drift space ambience, glassy synths and retro drum machines with gritty warm bass grooves, Rhyming in Fives has gathered
sensibilities from the austere 80s pop of Depeche Mode and Gary Numan, the soundscapes of Cliff Martinez and Vangelis, and
transcended to something altogether more futuristic.
This highly anticipated release has already caught the imagination of DJ's across the genres with huge names such as Paul Woolford,
Om Unit, Com Truise and Zomby working it into their multi tempo sets while still finding its way into the record bags of Drum and
Bass' hottest players such as Doc Scott, Jubei.and BBC Radio's Friction.
Lead track 'Hindsight' glistens with the trademark Narratives sound of emotion and contrast. Melancholic calling synths build over
pumping kick drums and beckon the classic bass to grow and soar to an euphoric drop of arpeggiators and driving percussion. The
ability to draw the listener completely in to its immersive groove and simplicity, only feigns the depth of this beautiful track, a depth
which reveals more with each listen.
Turning many heads has been the track 'With You'. Instantly recognisable, it builds on the same retro influences as the flip but is
injected with the vocals of Hana. Bubbling basses, beautiful keys and a song like structure make this a golden addition to the
Narratives catalogue; one that evokes the summer decadence of Kavinsky's 'Drive' movie soundtrack.
The last track on the EP, 'All's Well' takes the Rhyming in Fives sound to a much more brooding and meditative place. Cavernous
bass, reverbs and FX lead this wave of haunting ambience to create a heartwrenching close to this debut EP. Sentimental, emotional
and relentlessly engaging, 'All's Well' refuses to let the listener do anything but be drawn in.
Only furthering Narratives reputation for releasing music of bold quality and longevity, this EP embraces experimentation and genre
shifting sounds whilst having relentlessly moved dancefloors and festivals over the summer months.
DJ Support includes : Friction, Paul Woolford, Doc Scott, Om Unit, Kuedo, Com Truise, Zomby

SVS Records was set up by Beni Brachtel and Daniel Hermann-Collini as an imprint of Brachtel's sister project Selbstversorgersound (SVS). A compilation titled "SVS 1" was released in Oct 2012. This was the first official collection made up of songs from the last three years by various artists whose backgrounds could hardly be more diverse. Next up is a three vinyl series named "Polyrhythmic Series 1-3". Volume 2 contains exclusive productions from Gnther Lause (Karlsruhe/ Berlin, Crosstown Rebels, Paradise Now!, Laut und Luise, SVS), Larkin & the Sky (London/Munich, Paradise Now!, Goldsmith, SVS), Bartellow (Munich, Pollyester, Tambien, Columbus, GTA Hoffmann, SVS) and Konrad Wehrmeister. Five techno tracks of the highest calibre ranging from from dubbed out to tripped out and way beyond!

DJ support by Norman Nodge, Extrawelt, Ripperton, Trus'me, Ben Westbeech, Alland Byallo, Archiepelago, Brett Johnson, Eric Duncan, Agoria, Jonas Kopp

Idiot Savant Masterpieces is the 3rd release and the first full solo EP by Amir Alexander on the Vanguard Sound record label. On display is Amir's somewhat off kilter take on U.S. dance music. An approach so different that one critic described the work of Amir and his crew as Idiot Savant Masterpieces. All bases are covered, acid, deep, big room, and banging techno with a little hip house thrown in for good measure. Vanguard Sound is quickly establishing itself as a label to watch so serious collectors should buy this one on sight!


The Realest of the Real! - An acid/ hip house hybrid banger that draws influence from the classic acid and hip house vibes. With vocals written and performed by Amir himself, this track combines 303 808 and 909 sounds with Amir's "street chants" to create a vibe that looks back to classic Chicago while pushing it forward and into the future.



Sonic Weaponry! - An insidious techno groove that grabs you by the neck on the first note, and never lets go. Tough banging drums combine with a staccato analog synth passage that charges like an advancing army. The rubbery bass line joins the fray to incite utter madness as this deceptively minimalistic track whips the floor into a mad frenzy.



Rebel Music (Version One)! - A big room Banger lead by a phrenetic sine wave bass line that never lets up. Deliberate, yet, stuttering percussion anchors the track. The accompanying synth ostinato continuously shifts as huge lush chords blow through like gale force winds. Black Panther's H. Rap Brown and Stokely Carmichael drop science about the nature of rebellion in the U.S.



Who are You - The "Deepest" track of the four opens with a beautiful ascending/ descending flute like synth passage that instantly sets the soul adrift. The hard and jumpy kicks interplay with a throbbing rhythmic bass that bubbles like a boiling cauldron. About halfway in a driving synth ostinato comes in to push the track forward. In the middle there is a dreamy

We call them the rat pack of our beat scene. With all diversity in sound, the three producers are unified in their love for dope beats and high-proof drinks, both catered and consumed with style and expertise.

Suff Daddy, the globetrotting gin connoisseur and minimoog player with domiciles in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Sydney. He has released three solo albums and has worked with artists like Miles Bonny, Fleur Earth, Ta-ku and Elzhi. After a one year stint in Sydney, he returned to Berlin this spring.

Brenk Sinatra, the Wien-Kaisermühlen homeboy, Westcoast rap fanatic and producer of the forthcoming MC Eiht album. Last year Brenk released the critically acclaimed S3 album together with US singer Miles Bonny and has laced beats for an armada of MCs from both sides of the Atlantic.

And last but not least Dexter, the Stuttgart based trip maker and platinum producer with a day job as a pediatrician. This June Dexter released his second solo-album 'The Trip' a homage to the psychedelic rock era and one of the most innovative and genre bending hip-hop albums of 2013.

All three first met at the Hi-Hat Club, the producer series that we started a couple of years ago with the goal to push and celebrate the art of beat making. With their respective volumes 'Suff Draft' (Suff Daddy), 'The Jazz Files' (Dexter) and 'Chop Shop' (Brenk Sinatra) each of the guys put the instrumental hip-hop thing on a new and different level. None of their beats need a MC to be complete, they are full songs in their own right.

The official birth date of the Betty Ford Boys was the 2012 Beat BBQ in Cologne where Dexter, Suff and Brenk performed together for the first time. Right after the now legendary gig, that was ended by police forces Suff Daddy left for Sydney so that most the recordings for the Betty Ford Boys debut album took place in the cloud. Right after his return to Berlin, the Boys jumped on the bus and played their first club tour which finished with a gig at the Splash Festival.

On August 30th, the Betty Ford Boys release their first album 'Leaders Of The Brew School' on Melting Pot Music. The record combines the best of three worlds and has a surprisingly chilled Westcoast vibe. It's perfect summer music, it's edgy and relaxed at the same time and keeps you thirsty for more ....

imited edition 10" vinyl, serial numbered
Short info: You're going to feel relaxed and ready for summer after listening to fenou #19. On this 2-tracker the Swiss guy Benotmane skillfully combines groovy basslines, melodic synths and carefully adjusted vocal parts. - Somewhere' is one of these tracks that carry you out in the morning sun. Later on when you listen again a melody snippet triggers memories of a perfect moment. The B-side is certainly no less exciting. Although the mood of - Submarine' is more quiet, almost dreamier. Eyes closed, you'll get wrapped in the sounds just to slowly drift away. As usual the 10 vinyl release is again a limited edition and numbered by hand.

Den meisten dürfte FREILAND eher von den jüngeren Profan
Veröffentlichungen Klaviermusik und Geduld bekannt sein.
FREILAND war aber vor allem das 1998 gestartete, auf 6 Maxis
begrenzte Nachfolgeprojekt der legendären Studio 1 Reihe.
Keine Hihats, keine Snares, keine Samples. Weniger ist Mehr.
Mit seiner konsequenten Konzeption, mit jeweils nur einem
einzigen synthetischen Sound, der in stoisch-minimaler
Rhythmik lediglich um eine Bassdrum kreist, war und ist
FREILAND, neben Sog, Wolfgang Voigts wichtigstes Projekt
dieser Art. Im Sinne der ' Kunst des Weglassens " stellt das
Stück FREILAND - ROT 2, gewissermassen den Inbegriff
dieses Konzeptes dar. So bildet auch 'ROT 2' den Auftakt der
Remixreihe 'FREILAND - FREIE SICHT'. Wie eine rostige
Stahlskulptur à la Richard Serra steht auch heute noch das
Original auf freiem Feld und trotzt Wind und Wetter. Für seinen
Z.O.M. Mix hat Wolfgang Voigt das Ding rein ins Haus geholt
und in einen fast discohaft, warmen Groovemantel gehüllt. So
verpackt geht's dann durch silbern glitzernden
Lamettamaschinenregen aus dem Arpeggiator. Ein kleiner
Vorgeschmack auf das im September erscheinende Album
'Zukunft Ohne Menschen'.
'ROT 3' , die Mutter aller Schaffelbomben, kommt im Gaffelmix.
Heißt: Gabber trifft Schaffel. Kompakt Extra / Speicher, die
Heimat des Edelschweinerock lässt grüßen. Gewissermaßen
als Ehrengast gibt sich auf B1 der Maler Albert Oehlen unter
seinem Musik -Alter Ego Wendy Gondeln die Ehre. Ganz der
expressiven Radikalität seiner Malerei entsprechend,
bearbeitet er das bisher als Originalversion unveröffentlichte
'ROT 4'. Vermittels aggressiv, abstraktem Geigeneinsatz in
Echtzeit bringt er die stabile Statik des Beats an seine Grenzen.
Ein kurzes aber intensives Intermezzo und ein Annäherung an
Techno, wie man sie so nur sehr selten gehört hat. Für smart-
souveräne Abrundung in Richtung Dancefloor sorgt Michael
Mayer im besten kompakt'schen Sinne. Er verdichtet die
Zutaten des subtil groovenden Schaffeltracks 'GELB 3' zu
einem zischelnden Geäst aus verwischten Drumsounds.
Musikalisches Eigenblutdoping mit knappen Breaks und
sparsam gesetzten düster-housigen Akkorden.

appearance on Mo's Ferry meanders between techno, house and a little bit of funk. 'The Morning After' is a minimalistic techno weapon, straight forward with no frills. With 'Stag Party' the Frenchman switches to a bouncing house groove, that feels powerful and self-confident. And finally, 'My Command' creates a warm and deep mood, just perfect for the morning hours... and you never go wrong with a funky guitar lick.

Alessio 'AlexSoul' Pagliaroli returns to Whasdat Music this time with the distinctive voice of none other than Arnold Jarvis. This piece simply titled "Tonite" has already become a crowd favorite of Terry Hunter's 'BANG' party Sundays in Chicago, received major play from Kai Alce and Norm Talley at Movement festival in Detroit, and is in the rotation of other top DJs: Louie Vega, Moodymann, Rick Wilhite, just to name a few. AlexSoul's Main Vocal and Dub bring a powerful sensation; Thumping baseline, and traveling synths - Arnold Jarvis' Vocal is as good today as it was with the amazing 'Inspiration'. Following up is Pirahnahead's 'Wayback Mix', which takes us back to the Paradise Garage (and one of Larry's favorites) complete with crowd ambience, - those who know this classic re-touch will be in for a surprise. Last but not least - is Norm Talley's 'DeepTroit' Mix - get ready cause this is DETROIT in all it's glory, and sets the tone; A dark room, atmosphere and a system on bump, as soon as you press play. Real Right.

Markus Fix has been one of the early companions of Deep Vibes Recordings and we're happy to see him back with this stunning 3 Track solo EP. In fact this record somehow seems to close the circle between his early playful works and today's club sound. ' Wanna Let You Go' is a beautiful warm house track with a sweet piano line. What might seem like a perfect sundowner has potential to become a secret weapon for early morning hours too. Release your mind and let the body follow! Whilst speaking of that: ' Back On Earth' will make you jack! Pure energy, compressed to a juicy baseline. No more words needed. ' Reagy Dub' makes the round up and fills in somewhere between the two others. Warm up, cool down or open airs sun splash. Check out this diverse as beautiful record! Have a great summer! Yours truly, DVR.

Lee Perry's time at WIRL Records, later to be renamed Dynamic Sounds Studios, was a very productive time
in his career. A run of great singles and the shaping of a new sound, the beginning of what we know today as
Reggae .
Lee Perry (b. Rainford Hugh Perry, 28 March 1936, Hanover,Jamaica) began his entry into the music business at
the age of 16.Moving up to Kingston Town and working around various Sound Systems, before finding
employment at Coxonne Dodd's Studio One set up, in the late 50's early 1960's. Perry started out as a record
scout, organising sessions and supervising auditions at Dodd's record shop on Orange Street. Helping to make
hits for Delroy Wilson ( 'Joe Liges','Spit In The Sky') and the Maytals, which would lead to his own vocal records
released through Studio One.The musical backing for which, came from legendary Studio One house band The
Skatalites. Another important relationship for Perry, his first recordings with Bob Marley came in the form of
the Wailers, also providing backing, alongside the Soulettes who featured Rita Marley. Cutting such tunes as
'Chicken Scratch' around 1965/1966. This tune was also to provide him with one of his future nicknames
'Scratch'. A dispute over credits and money saw Perry leave Studio One and work with various producers
including Clancy Eccles and J. J. Johnson, before arriving at the door of producer Joe Gibbs in 1967. Here he
would write songs and produce hits for artists such as, Errol Dunkley and the Pioneers. A tune cut during his
time with Gibbs, voiced a snipe at fellow employee Dodd, a trademark that would become an outlet for his
frustrations in the business.This particular tune 'The Upsetter' would also provide another moniker and a name
for his label 'Upsetter'. Again lack of musical credit and financial reward saw Perry move on this time to WIRL
(West Indies Records Limited) Records, working alongside manager Clifford Rae, who would provide studio
time and pay for pressings in return for helping to promote and distribute WIRL product, which Perry would
carry out on his trusted Honda 50 motorcycle around Kingston town.
This period at WIRL saw some inspired work from Perry. 'Run For Cover' was another musical blow to a
previous employer, Coxonne Dodd and featured the Sensations on backing vocals and Lynn Taitt's guitar
picking skills. 'People Funny Boy' was a massive hit for Perry going on to sell over 60,000 copies. Joe Gibbs
would be at the end of this musical attack. Perry had felt Joe Gibbs had turned his back on him, after he had
provided hits for groups like, The Pioneers amongst others. The song would be one of the first records to
feature a New Beat (Reggae) inspired by the sounds coming out of a Pocomania Church, Perry had heard one
night.The congregation inside, wailed in a more slower way than the current musical style of the time Ska!. Perry
worked up this new style with Clancy Eccles, who would come under attack himself in 'You Crummy'. Their
closeness, which as detailed in that song would find them, 'Even shared the same Gal' but 'Now it's plain to see we
reached the end'. 'Set Them Free' was an answer record to Prince Buster's 'Judge Dread' (which had
featured Perry on it) a plea to the Judges in Jamaica that handed out extremely harsh sentences to the young
offenders of the time. The track was cut on the same rhythm as 'Run For Cover' . 'Django Shoots First'
inspired by the Spaghetti Western film of the same name, features Sir Lord Comic. One of the early DJ's who
used a jive talking style over rhythms. 'Night Doctor' was a hit instrumental that featured the organ talents
of Ansel Collins, that really push the tune along. 'Something You Got' was a cover of an USA R& B track by
Chris Kenner and 'Wind Up Girl' was cut at the same session. 'Water Pump' was a rude style track that
was cut later and originally released in 1974.As was 'People Sokup Boy' a later version of 'People Funny Boy'.
'Labrish' which means idol talk and gossip, was one of the first great talk over tunes that features Lee Perry
and producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee talking about the Political situation in Jamaica at the time and their own
financial situation and stories of various comrades.The track was originally released in 1973.
Bunny Lee would play a major part in lee Perry's career around this time and they were very close, often
sharing sessions and rhythms. Ironically it would be Bunny Lee that took over Perry's roll at WIRL and become
responsible for the labels products in years to come. Clifford Rae who give control to Bunny for a lot of the
WIRL product and even gave him his shop 101 Orange Street. So here we have a collection of music born out
of a time spent at WIRL Records and providing an important chapter in Lee Perry's career and indeed to the
story of Reggae itself.
Hope you enjoy the set.

After previous remixes for Sideshow and MyMy on Aus Music in 2009, Bristol-based Kieren Lomax (aka Komon) will return to Will Saul's respected imprint this July with, 'Walk The Walk.' With his debut LP, released last year on Apple Pips, Komon asserted himself as a producer capable of shapeshifting through a variety of soundscapes. Then, having collaborated with Appleblim earlier this year on 'Gas Jam/Silencio,' Komon's sound took on even more of a lowslung house focus, rich in texture and full of clarity. As a former member of drum and bass collective, Ice Minus, Komon's love for the roots of bass music are clearly recognisable in the thunderous basslines presnt on 'Walk The Walk/Poly Sum' the notable difference from his previous work is that here that go hand-in-hand with an overt 4x4 sensability.

Jeremy from Junior Boys collaborating with some Canadian modular synth masters on some great techno tracks ...
æ - Jeremy Greenspan & J Borys
ø -  Jeremy Greenspan
œ - Jeremy Greenspan, J Borys & Christina Sealey

*The product of a move from South Carolina to Berkeley, CA and the subsequent extended separation from loved ones, Toro Y Moi's third full-length, Anything in Return, puts Chaz Bundick right in the middle of the producer/songwriter dichotomy that his first two albums established.
*There's a pervasive sense of peace with his tendency to dabble in both sides of the modern music-making spectrum, and he sounds comfortable engaging in intuitive pop production and putting forth the impression of unmediated id.
*The producer's hand is prominent- not least in the sampled "yeah"s and "uh"s that give the album a hip-hop-indebted confidence- and many of the songs feature the 4/4 beats and deftly employed effects usually associated with house music. Tracks like "High Living" and "Day One" show a considerably Californian influence, their languid funk redolent of a West Coast temperament, and elsewhere- not least on lead single, "So Many Details"- the record plays with darker atmospheres than we're used to hearing from Toro Y Moi. Sounding quite assured in what some may call this songwriter's return to producer-hood, Anything in Return is Bundick uninhibited by issues of genre, an album that feels like the artist's essence.
*Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Chaz Bundick has been toying with various musical projects since early adolescence. Having spent his formative years playing in punk and indie rock acts, his protean Toro Y Moi project has been his vessel for further musical exploration since 2001. During his time spent studying graphic design at the University of South Carolina, Chaz became increasingly focused on his solo work, incorporating electronics and allowing a wider range of influences- French house, Brian Wilson's pop, 80s R&B, and Stones Throw hip-hop- to show up in his music. By the time he graduated in spring 2009, Chaz had refined his sound to something all his own. Music journals across the board touted his hazy recordings as the sound of the summer, and he released his debut album, Causers of This in early 2010.
*Since then, Bundick has proven himself to be not just a prolific musician, but a diverse one as well, letting each successive release broaden the scope of the Toro Y Moi oeuvre. The funky psych-pop of 2011's Underneath the Pine evinced an artist who could create similar atmospheres even without the aid of source material and drum machines. His Freaking Out EP, a handful of singles and remixes, and a retrospective box-set plot points all along the producer/songwriter spectrum in which he's worked since his debut, and Anything In Return is another exciting offering that shows he's still not ready to settle into any one genre.

Tigersushi surprise us and drop a new 12" from label boss, Joakim... 2 Gloriously Produced Tracks, As Usual...!
Almost 2 years have passed since Joakim released Nothing Gold. Not that he's been lazy. Those 2 years have probably been the busiest for the tall Musician/producer/DJ/label manager who produced numerous bands in his Fountain Studio in Paris (Zombie Zombie, Montevideo, Alba Lua, Acid Washed and more...). Joakim also did a few remixes (Aeroplane, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lescop, Arsenal, Renaissance Man...) ans recorded a collaboration EP with Kindness that was the debut release on his new label Crowdspacer. Not to mention the constant touring, running Tigersushi records and a move from Paris to New York city!

Since Joakim has 4 hands, he also managed to start recording some material for a new album between 2 recording sessions and just before he had to move his studio out, he finished those 2 tracks : the slow, claustrophobic but hopeful « Heartbeats » and « Another Light » which brings that subtle typical melancholy to the clubs.

Now Joakim is setting up a mini home studio in his flat in NYC, somehow going back to his roots when he started making music at his parents house with a cheap keyboard more than 10 years ago. Usually in the music business, artists release a first single once the album is finished and start a promo campaign from there. But Joakim doesn't really understand the music business (don't tell anyone!), so he decided to release those 2 tracks without having any more finished material for his upcoming album nor an idea of what it will be like. In those times when everything is instant, he'd rather release new material leading to an album while the tracks are finished. Just like a work in progress you will witness an album taking shape before your ears.
This is a way to bypass the traditional rhythm of an album launch when everything needs to be done and ready months before the actual release, which usually results in the author being already bored and working on something else when the music comes out.

Almost exactly three years after the first, Redshape has readied his second Red Pack, due for co release by his own Present imprint alongside his frequent Dutch home, Delsin, in June.
Whilst the world is still enjoying the German's latest album "Square", the man himself has typically moved on once more. On Red Pack II he offers up six tracks new of hugely atmospheric and romantically industrial techno across two pieces of vinyl.

First up, 'Disco Marauder' has raw, jangling beats, traumatised vocal cries and plenty of sci-fi ambiance all coalescing into a filmic techno tapestry, before 'Path Dub' goes deeper and more streamlined with rattling claps peeling off taught synth cables in hypnotic fashion. The same track also comes in an original version, which is a much more jagged, roughshod and textured affair.

'The Source' is a track slowed to a crawl that almost seems to want to collapse under its own weight. Machines gurgle and gargle, the beats march on with a heavy heart and widescreen synths all that ever present sense of cinematism that makes Redshape such a unique producer.

Standout track 'Daft Mode' features a beautiful Reese bassline and rich layers of classic Detroit chords of the sort Inner City once championed. Redshape then pairs them with slicing percussion and loose limbed but tough edged beats and lets them roll on to a blissfully emotive oblivion... Fans of 'Mucky Bones' from the first Red Pack might see this track as a close relative. Last track 'Bulp Head' is one of Redshape's more euphoric tracks thanks to the glistening and pixelated melodies which rise up and up through choppy, metallic percussion. It closes out another release from Redshape that offers six more classic pieces that are as idiosyncratic as they innovative..

Walton returns with a strictly-limited EP to precede the release of his debut album 'Beyond'. This is a vinyl-only, once it's gone it's gone kind of release, just 300 copies available. 'Baby' is a brilliant and extreme mutation based around an R&B accapella, one that seems energised by R&B's avant-garde but danceable late '90s period. A hiccuping giggle over stuttering rusty engine stabs, and a so-stiff-it's-funky kick and and snare combination, make this a track that works brilliantly on the dance floor by sheer force of ideas and wildness. 'Can't You See's' widescreen ambience is held together by epic swelling chords, punctuated with rolling 8-bit spirals, trap-like bass, and snares. It's held together so tightly, it feels like it's going to 'drop' at any time, but prefers to just tease the listener in a state of excited suspense. Also included is an instrumental version of 'Baby'.

Native-Detroiter Terrence Dixon's longtime alliance with Godfather of Techno Juan Atkins has helped forge his own powerful sound in the world of minimal Techno. Originally released on Claude Young's Utensil Records in 1995. Both Sino (Hong-Kong) and Thema (New-York) join hands to re-release this classic which many consider as one of the early foundation in the minimal techno movement. Thema presents part.1 featuring remixes by Mike Huckaby, Silent Servant and DVS1 Sino presents part.2 featuring two remixes by Ben Klock and one by Edwin Oosterwal (Rejected)

Kartel is delighted to announce the 18th March release on Soundway Records of Magical Thinking by Antibalas multi-instrumentalist, Chico Mann. Tipping a genre-bending wink at 80's funk, boogie and electro stylings, with just a hint of Afrobeat spicing the mix, Chico effortlessly merges a downtempo groove with timeless pop sensibility to create a contemporary dancefloor classic. UK/European dates for March/April will be announced shortly.

Brodanse´s 'Danse Club Records' returns with another 90`s New Jersey gem reworked for 2013 with remix duties this time going to Just Be, Lula Circus & Chubby Dubz ... Danse Club Records, the label started by DJ/production sibling duo Brodanse has made a sterling start so far with releases of classic 90`s US house cuts remixed by the likes of Matt Tolfrey, Oliver $, Moodymanc & Brodanse themselves.

The reaction has been outstanding at a time where there is an obvious embracing of all things nineties and DJs such as Danny Tenaglia, Maxxi Soundsytem, Seth Troxler, Huxley & Dusky have been queuing up to lend their backing. For their latest release Danse Club look once again to New Jerseys historic shores, this time picking up an old record from US soul house duo The Burrell Brothers and drafting in three hot production acts to rework this much loved tune.
To start the package we have the original "club dub" version, giving an insight into the records history with it`s mid nineties feel and production still standing up wonderfully.

The first of the remixes sees Crosstown Rebels and Get Physical artist Just Be AKA Matthew Bushwaka deliver his"Insomniac mix",
a bumping slice of underground house music that marries a bass driven groove, organic percussion and subtle melodic elements with snippets of the vocal to supreme effect.

Next up we have Italian production duo Lula Circus whose releases for the likes of Culprit and Noir have been creating quite a stir. Here they deliver a brilliant rework of "Non Stop" in the shape of a deep old school house workout that makes the most of the soulful vocals with its simplistic, hypnotic backing. With its timeless quality, this mix is certain to be mainstay in DJ boxes for months and years to come.

The penultimate version sees the excellent Chubby Dubz offer up an outstanding mix that cuts and pastes the original parts in a raw house style. Closing the package there is a bonus dub of Just Be`s Insomniac mix that rounds things off nicely. This is another winning package from the Danse-Club label and with original artist material from Brodanse in the pipeline alongside further remix packages there is much to look forward to.

double 180gm LP, debossed and foiled, incl CD!!! Atoms For Peace is the supergroup formed by Thom Yorke, Flea and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich

Alex Font is a serious guy who knows that now is his time. A multi-instrumentalist, as well as a producer and DJ, he can sometimes be seen on stage in trademark shirt and bow tie. He declares himself a lover of vinyl and, above all, what he calls real house. I think that says it all.

'NOW IS MY TIME' is the fifth release on the Oblack label and is available in black vinyl and digital. It is undeniable proof that Alex Font has arrived and is now a permanent force on the House scene, mainly in soul and dance, but who also knows how to reinvent his sound using new tech. Always with an eye on the future of sound innovation, he still manages to keep hold of his roots and respect his great influences. Well, nothing less would do. On this EP you can tell that Alex Font (remember, this is one serious guy) knows what he has in his hands and spinning on his turntable. His knowledge of musical composition, harmony and engineering skills jump out at you as soon as the first beat of 'Now is my time' hits the speakers: darkness, sophistication, soul and groove. There's a perfect command of tempo, of where, when and how. You pick up on the instrumental skills which allow him to do what he wants, when he wants. That's what's so great about this: you're struck by the ease of how such perfect technique and astoundingly good taste come together. Digitally analogical (or is it the other way round), this is the deeply profound vs. the dancefloor. It fascinates and liberates, carrying you off through different dimensions before breaking out of itself, with no need for artificial fanfares as it's so perfectly defined by Chicagoan pianos, hi-hats, funkoid vocals, etc. He's simply extraordinary: Alex Font signed by Oblack 005.

The remix by Martinez gives this track a technical edge and club splendor. Leaving out the more classic elements of house that are present in the original, the Swedish producer slows things down so that it doesn't lose any of its elegance, but at the same time the track gains punch on the dancefloor, and there's no doubt that it works. As cool as it is effective at inciting dance and everything else that comes with gyrating your pelvis in the early hours of the morning.

Finally, the Argentinian Shall Ocin plays the scoundrel here by adding diverse electronic elements that take the track into a new dimension. By giving the vocal more prominence, here it takes centre stage, and over a well-layered tech-house base, it makes the tremendous savoir faire of the original literally surf, while at the same time respecting and completing it.

In the end, it's great that you know that this is your time and that you want to share it, through Oblack and on vinyl, with all of us. Thanks comrade.

As with their first various artist compilation EP, Let's Play House has chosen to grab tracks from a handful of artists both new and old to the label and party. Portuguese duo Johnwaynes released the I Can See EP on the imprint in July of 2012 and Belgium's Mugwump has been part of the company's NYC party stable since 2010. The newcomers here—montel and Last Waltz—are obvious shoe-ins for inclusion in the roster.

As with the last V/A, this one tells a cohesive aural story. montel kicks the thing off with a no-nonsense jackin' house boogie, underscored by a slightly-out-of-tune and elastic bass that infects your whole body. Johnwaynes darkens the mood a bit without loosing montel's sense of urgency. The track throbs forward with the assistance of another thick bass, scattered synth ditties, herky-jerky hats, and breathy overlaid effects, giving it a cavernous vibe.

Brussels-based troublemakers Mugwump start the flip with a tune that seamlessly fits into their cannon—it sounds so familiar that it's hard to believe it's only just come out. As always, the duo's foundation is a choppy, hook-laden bass that's wrapped in playful synth lines, water-submerged effects, and big drums suitable for the largest of rock stadiums. Then Last Waltz wraps the whole affair up with their own melodious house boogie. As with the A2, theirs is more somber and spooky, yet just as catchy and addictive as the brighter montel and Mugwump songs. Imagine this EP as a miniature rendering of one of LPH's warehouse parties: it's big, bold, and lots of fun, while still having an obvious sense of a buildup, peak, and comedown.

Elon make with the DIY vibes on the smart EP. Fans of Live Jam releases, listen up! On the title track sharp cuts, tight bursts of sound and loose percussion combine into a complex rhythm that is kept in check by a nice tumbling bassline. Jazz breaks hit the speakers with Got Ya, Tiger! Like a night out in Soho in 1962 brought back to life on an MPC. The bruising bassline just shouts 'Dance Or I'll Kick You In The Guts". Alex Celler's Broken Circuit Dub of Got Ya, Tiger! ramps up that kicking a notch. All those bruising elements are still there, but the guy grinds those jazz breaks up in his big metal jaws and spits out a gobful of twisted future. And you're gonna like it! Elon team up with Stefny on Téo, which finishes the EP. And you can feel her effect - she clearly loves a cheeky little synth line, because there are plenty of them here... squalking, meeping and dooping in perfect harmony to create a nice trancey brainfeeder. Nice.

If geography has an impact on music, then Vienna has coloured Tosca's music at every turn. Over the course of a career spanning two decades, the Austrian capital has inspired Richard Dorfmeister (of Kruder & Dorfmeister fame) and Rupert Huber to make electronic mood pieces coloured with Mitteleuropean melancholy.It's a bittersweet juxtaposition that is much in evidence on the pair's new album, 'Odeon'. It opens with the hazy strings of 'Zur Guten', which ebbs into the oozing keys and pizzicato steel string guitars of 'What If', which features a smokey vocal from Sarah Carlier. Lead single 'Jayjay' is a haunted combination of sombre piano chords, rolling drums and weird, otherworldly vocals from JJ Jones. It's the pivotal track on a record that sees Tosca tapping into gothic atmospheres. It's darker than their previous five albums, more downbeat, at times ambient. It's unlike anything else out there at the moment.Is there a reason for this sombre tone Nothing specific. "Obviously our music is influenced by our experiences of life - it couldn't be any other way - so in some senses it's a kind of diary, but there weren't any single incidents that caused the record to be that little bit darker," says Dorfmeister. If anything, the exact opposite is true: life has been good. "Over the last year I think we've both learnt to be more generous and to understand our own limitations and other people's" says Huber. A case of musical yin and personal yang, then.The album's name, meanwhile, comes from the venue in Vienna where Tosca debuted the new material in October. The performance went so well they decided it would make a fortuitous name - the music/place interface in action once again. The performance features as a bonus disc on the deluxe version of the album, which will be available exclusively via !K7's webstore. More than anything, 'Odeon' is the sound of a band at the top of their game. A good time for them to release a career retrospective then. Dorfmeister reflects on the band's history. "It sounds like a cliche, but we've never really thought about other people's music when we're writing our own," he says. "We try and create our own sound. We really have always been like that. And I think we've developed a trademark sound because of that." They certainly have. It's been called the "Vienna sound". And, in updated form, it still sounds like nothing else.
Double Gatefold LP with bonus CD of the entire album

It's been a terrific year for KOMPAKT boss MICHAEL MAYER, who released his sophomore album 'MANTASY' (KOMCD100/KOM250) - the eagerly awaited follow-up to his seminal album debut 'TOUCH' (KOMCD36/KOM107). 2013 is shaping up to be equally busy, with an ongoing worldwide DJ tour, the label's 20th birthday and now the first EP of 'MANTASY' remixes. 'MANTASY REMIXE 1' is the first entry in a series of three, featuring a stellar cast sure to push any dance floor over the edge.


Up and coming producer and core family member of the Cómeme family - PHILIPP GORBACHEV is no stranger to Kompakt, and he delivers a slashing rework of adrenaline-fuelled synth fest 'VOIGT KAMPFF TEST'. This Berlin based Russian has had a tremendous career launch thanks to his excellent solo debut 'IN THE DELTA' (CÓMEME 012) and as a partner in crime releasing singles as a member of ISAAC JOHAN and THE DISTRICT UNION. Pulling out all the stops for this remix, 2013 promises to push him as a major club force to be reckoned with.

Another star in the making, Cologne's BARNT had an equally strong run in the last months with in-demand releases on Magazine, Cómeme and Mule Musiq: his track GEFFEN (from - The Power Of Now', CÓMEME 013) is easily one of the most recognized club singles of this year. He also tackles 'VOIGT KAMPFF TEST', dialing things back a bit, but only to reinforce the air of sheer magnitude that oozes from every single note. Delving deeper into his trademark Kraut Techno approach, Barnt replaces the original's thrills with creeping tension and reaches a new understanding of what the prime time should sound like.

THE MOLE is well-known for his heavily sampled, organic loopiness having a special place reserved in nearly every DJ's record crate, but this beat-driven. remix of Mayer's beatless masterpiece 'BAUMHAUS' sees the producer refining his approach, as he takes the original's evocative expertise to new heights of grooviness. It's not just a case of 'let's put a beat in there and we're done', but a fundamental rework eliciting hidden properties and finding a new perspective on an already perfect slice of music. A personal favorite of many Kompakt aficionados, 'Baumhaus' finally gets the club treatment it so clearly deserves.

After last years Hyperdub debut with the popular 'Set The Tone' EP, Ossie's been busy building a name for himself, as a DJ and a producer with both Ossie and Black Orange Juice releases. He comes back to Hyperdub here with the 'Ignore EP', sporting two catchy, housey, broken beat bombs. 'Ignore' features the vocals of Tilz, singing about the game of winding up the opposite sex, over bouncy, broken drums, neat stabs, and a bendy acidic bassline, with wave-like chords building up and down as if in reflection of the cat and mouse antics of the lyrics. 'Find It' on the B-side makes good with layering some roughly cut up female vocal samples, Todd Edwards-style, but twisted and dubbed into strange shapes, incorporating sloppy, dusty drums and a bassline that sounds like Wiley's early eski beat melodies, keeping the track rolling along and sounding mischievous and chunky. This release continues Ossie's building reputation as a house producer with a very British sound.

Newly established music connection House is OK from Frankfurt and Zagreb is raising the roof with the upcoming We Make Music Vol. 1 release. Get into the party mode with Janis, Oliver Achatz, Homeboy and The Citizen's Band this December. We Make Music opens with JANIS 'Mind Made Up'; a reminder of the early Frankfurt House sound with a scent of the Soylent Green Remixes from the late 90ties. A distorted Techno siren that evolves over a tough and jacking 909 groove and finally leads into blissful deepness. Homeboy, who got some attention with his playful Hypercolour release, brings out the edgier and deeper sound in 'Sedam'; a track based on the elements of classic House, whilst breaking the borders through its arrangement and musical form. The jazzy synth riff that locks to a hypnotic 7/4 groove is what makes this track a quality gem. Previous support on Jimpsters Freerange podcast shall suffice as evidence. The flip-side starts with Oliver Achatz' track: 'It Won't Last'. Oli, being the sentimental one in this joint, proves that House music can work with a very sensual touch. The smooth and warm use of analogue synth lines combined with suggestive vocal samples, are played over a steadily drifting rhythm. This compound, of an almost meditative nature, will provide the perfect atmosphere for early morning club hours. The Citizen's Band, one half of Arto Mwambe, closes the compilation with a remix of Janis' 'Mind Made Up". TCB shows that a track doesn't need much to get the crowd jumping and the party working, by returning the tune to its basic elements and making it a club banger for the 'heads". We Make Music Vol. 1 is only the first out of the three upcoming releases set to shake your solid house ground.

Hello listeners, blunt heads, fly ladies and prisoners..... This is the future of the music industry. Not the music, just the idea of the artists writing their own PR faffle. Next year I'll probably have to carry my own bags on tour too.......tragic. I have had a few years of working on other projects and shuffling about in loose trousers, but now I feel the time has come to release some more music for feet and floors. What I should say is that every time I tried to write techno/house/moonbeat in the last couple of years, everything came out as shitty tech-house.....The brain was just in an alternate mode, a mode for classical music and melody, but now it seems to have come back to techno so I here present some of its recent outpourings. It belched out Polka the first night I got back to Scotland, having left London. BabaYaga is named after a sinister-as-hell witch from a Russian story book we had as kids (check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Yaga) clearly designed to traumatise young minds. My traumatised mind made this tune, so it has come full circle. Mu is slower, for lazy, emotional dancers. I hope you will enjoy them and the excellent Sons of Tiki mix of Polka that accompanies them..... Send all hate mail to Vakant, I don't read it. Alex

* TO CELEBRATE JAMAICA'S 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDANCE 1962-2012 We have put together a set of releases that cover the musical styles that reggae mutated into through it's history, SKA, ROCKSTEADY, ROOTS REGGAE, DUB, DJ STYLE &DANCEHALL.... So Listen Up! and enjoy!Welcome to the Dancehall Sound from Jamaica. The sound that grew out of the dances in Jamaica around the beginning ofthe 1980's.The musical style again slowed
the reggae beat down to give an uncluttered, sparce backdrop, allowing the singers and DJ's more space to express
themselves. Dancehall has never stopped but turned to a digital beat around the mid - 1980's. So Listen Up ! to some early Dancehall classics that set the style for the years that followed....

Boris Werner is known for producing quality music and filling venues with crowds who can't get enough of his energetic and inspiring sound. These are a couple of the reasons why Boris Werner stands with us here today and proudly presents the Slow Dancin' EP, and we think you are really gonna love it. Strings and a relaxed rhythm user in the title track, complete with ambient vocal samples. Then, all at once the bass hits and the kick fills the void; instant groove. A jumpy synth dances over the track and invites friends to the show. Before you know it you've got a full track on your hands. Don't be fooled by the title, as it is indeed misleading. There will be no slow dancing to this gem. 'Missing Out (Dedicated to Ed & Emma) is a bit deeper, but with a warm feel (e-piano on reverb). Then, like 'Slow Dancin'', it catches you off guard with the beat. This is a feel good track, perfect for evenings, deep nights, and early mornings. Not to mention some of the years last open-air festivals. 'Did It In Miami' opens with caution, an indecisive kick with other percussive elements slowly build into an invigorating tech house beat. Grimy vocal samples creep in and the bass line slips under the beat, holding up the track well on a packed dancefloor.

14 tracks: Maniac Lover, All I Can Do Is Cry, Chick Habit, Johnny Are You Gay, Raw Deal, I'm Gonna Dry My Eyes, Clarksdale Boogie, Nothin' But You, Moonshine Song, Walk Italian, Live The Life, The Long Way Down, Brown Eyed Boy, Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son.

Acid Jazz Silver Jubilee release, in 7" house bag. First ever 45 released on Acid Jazz Records (originally released as a fake US import, which fooled many a reviewer), marking the beginning of a new musical era. Galliano's sound defined the feel of the time, and the band enjoyed a productive relationship with producer Chris Bangs throughout the late 80s and early 90s, establishing themselves as first-class act of global proportions.

Repress

The forthcoming release on Spanish house imprint SAFT is a deep and grooving true house vinyl which will definitely provide you with some inner glow. The man behind this piece of fine wax is called Washerman. This 3-Track release is designed for clubs and outdoor jams where people don't necessarily need a scorching energy span to enjoy the music. With beautiful rhode sounds and touching vocal cuts this record should be in anyone's record collection. Raw but beautiful

Wir wissen wirklich nicht, was alles im dänischen Trinkwasser landet, doch irgendetwas muß verantwortlich sein für den reißenden Talentstrom, der diesem Land entspringt. Man denke an WhoMadeWho, Jatoma, When Saints Go Machine oder Kenton Slash Demon: sie alle teilen einen ähnlichen Sinn für strukturale Komplexität, erlebbar gemacht durch Emotion und puren Willen zum Floor. Diese Leute haben ihre Scheren im Kopf schließlich schon vor längerer Zeit im Altmetall entsorgt und lassen nun umso befreiter die Hookline kreisen. Tatsächlich gehören zwei der oben genannten Acts bereits zur Kompakt-Familie, die anderen beiden sind Klassiker der täglichen Bürobeschallungsmaßnahmen, da war es nur
eine Frage der Zeit, bis wir die nächste Trüffel im skandinavischen Unterholz aufspüren. Womit wir zu Taragana Pyjarama kommen, dessen Output als gleichermaßen raffiniert wie chaotisch wahrgenommen und von manchen schlicht als Märchen mit Bass beschrieben wird.