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Congratulations is the debut EP for Raji Rags - DJ on NTS Radio, a label head, an A&R or behind the scenes at institutions like Boiler Room, Warp, Bleep, Livin' Proof and now at the helm of his own label, OTIH Records. The EP features instrumentation from members of Speakers Corner Quartet and a collaboration track with Taiwanese producer, Sonia Calico.
Confirmed mixes, reviews, radioplay and press confirmed from RA, DJ Mag, Mixmag, NTS Radio + more launch parties TBA. Limited edition run of 300 hand screen-printed vinyl.
At its best, Bristol's scene has been marked out by the artists with an independent spirit. Not just the self-reliant DIY approach to getting the music out there, but a unique, inventive slant on emergent sounds which feed into the city's storied reputation. Flynn & Flora embody that idea, having come up in the nascent Bristol jungle scene while offering something wholly different to their peers in fabled crews like Full Cycle and More Rockers.
The duo were absolutely connected to the wider community, but they followed their own path, and the records reflect that. They're not as widely name checked as the likes of Roni Size, Krust, or Smith & Mighty, but their legacy is just as rich with personality and flair, offering that indefinable twist which sets West Country rhythms apart from the sounds in London or elsewhere. City Road wanted to recognise that fact with a modest 12" which cherry picks four crucial early cuts from Flynn & Flora's archives, before they went on to produce three LPs and a series of 12"s up to the mid 00s.
"We knew as much as anyone else at that particular time," recalls Flynn. "Samples, hip-hop breaks, bass lines. You've got your synth, your drum machine. It's all you needed. So that's what we did."
“It’s just too easy to make a standard dance track,” Aphex Twin said of his mindset back in 1992. “You’ve got to put a bit of thought into it to get something a bit different.”
‘Didgeridoo’ was released on the Belgian R&S Records label in 1992, and originally peaked at #55 in the UK singles chart in May of that year. Over the last 32 years the track has become one of the essential Aphex Twin tracks in a gargantuan catalogue that continues to amaze and inspire.
“I wanted to have some tracks to play to finish the raves I used to play in Cornwall, to really kill everybody off so they couldn’t dance,” Richard D James, AKA Aphex, told Select magazine back in the 90s. “Digeridoo came out of that.”
Released as a 4 track EP that also included early Aphex productions (now classics) including the industrial, acidic clang of ‘Flap Head’ and hyperbolic futurism of ‘Isopropanol’, the release cemented a relationship with the R&S label that went on to release the ‘Xylem Tube’ EP and the pivotal album ‘Selected Ambient Works 85-92’ in the same year. The label’s owner & A&R Renaat Vandepapeliere reflected “When I first heard Aphex Twin’s music I said, ‘This is it!’, and everybody else said, ‘You’re crazy!’ …a lot of the hardcore R&S fans dropped us. To them it wasn’t music.”
‘Didgeridoo’ (Expanded Edition) is the first time the EP has been re-issued with extra material. Whilst digging in his DAT archive (allegedly stored in an airtight military ammo box), Richard James revisited the recordings, encoding them through a Nakamichi CR7e cassette deck, using the customised deck with vari-speed to encode at speeds “felt right at the time”. Alongside these CR7e versions, the original mixes have been remastered by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, offering a dilated insight into one of electronic music’s most endearing releases.
‘Digeridoo’ (Expanded Edition) by Aphex Twin is available on R&S Records from 31st May 2024.
"Creation" is the debut album by British songwriter, singer & pianist James Sayer and includes the three singles "Living It Up", "Chemistry" and Cherry".
After spending many years playing for others, Sayer says that "writing my own music happened completely by accident. But I'm so glad I recorded that one demo which ultimately spurred me on to create a full album all this time later." Sayer, often called an old soul due to his love of classic song writing and bygone eras comments that although technology has changed the landscape of the musical world today, making a record organically was still a must for him.
Originally from Birmingham, Sayer's fascination and love of music began at a very young age when he learnt all thing rhythm & blues and rock'n'roll from his dad's music collection of artists such as Elton John or Jerry Lee Lewis, later also finding a love of soul artists such as Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and Earth, Wind and Fire. Sayer moved to London in 2012 where he began performing almost every night in piano bars, clubs and pubs; spotted by the likes of Tom Jones whilst holding down a residency at the world-famous American Bar at the Savoy hotel.
About recording "Creation" he says: "I've tried to capture all the styles I love - Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel and classic pop music – but still create a sound that is all mine".
Following his debut EP ‘En clair-obscur’ and a series of singles earlier this year cementing his place as a rising name in the world of cinematic soul & funk, Hamburg’s finest cinematic soul artist ‘The Offline’ announces his debut album 'La couleur de la mer'.
Reminiscent of film scores from the 60s and 70s, The Offline worked with co-producer Tim Liztenberger to channel the influence of film composers such as Francois de Roubaix and Brian Bennet, creating his own soundtrack on ‘La couleur de la mer’. Inducing images of manorial, fog-swept villas at the sea's edge, silhouetted sailing boats and cigar-chomping villains attempting to thwart the mission of an imaginary hero, the record is a masterfully composed sonic journey. Experimenting with themes and atypical song structures, the music moves from dramatic cues to fragile romanticism. It incorporates psychedelic spaciness, retro soul and hip-hop sensibilities informed by The Offline’s extensive record collection and crate-digger status.
“Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated by the soundtracks from the 60s and 70s, and I always wanted to make an album in the film score direction. I wrote about 30 demos, kicked half of it and stuck to the ones that felt right in the dramaturgical structure of the ‘movie'. Interestingly the main theme was set early on while writing the album, which made the writing process much easier.”
Aptly named, ‘Thème de la couleur de la mer’ opens proceedings, establishing the core motifs of the record. Haunting flutes and xylophones lead the way into Khruangbin-esque guitar lines, which sit against a hip-hop canvas that returns on boom-bap head boppers like ‘Quelque chose reste’. Retro soul revival takes precedence on deep cuts like ‘Un bout de chemin’, with wah-gated guitars interacting with emotive cello lines and symphonic string & horn sections.
The Offline came to life when composer and photographer Felix Müller travelled the Atlantic coastline in the south of France with his analogue camera, capturing beach life on film. After coming back to Hamburg, he started writing songs as the sonic counterpart to the analogue visuals. His Debut EP ‘En Clair-Obscur’ includes five tracks that capture the essence of his journey and the feeling of a cool summer soundtrack.
Splatter is a new vinyl and digital underground techno label from Austrian artists Luca Tresque, Joe Haensn and Rotary Motion.
'Exceed Limits' follows their special prequel EP and launches the label catalogue in style.
Florian Meindl is a Berlin-based artist who runs the FLASH record label and who has appeared outside of his own imprint on labels like Stephan Bodzin's Herzblut to Oliver Koletzki's Stil vor Talent. "Gridlock" is a true jackin' cut with a multitude of mechanical elements and raw analogue energy.
Linear System is a Spanish artist who has released music on esteemed labels like Edit Select, Ben Sims' Symbolism and Dynamic Reflection. "Taurinom" is a moody, rolling groove with gripping suspense and haunting touches from gothic effects and an eerie atmosphere.
Leipzig is the home of JANEIN, a respected artist known for releasing on Index Marcel Fengler, Slam's Soma, Fiedel's Fiedeltwo, Exos' Planet X and Electric Rescue's Skryptom. "Neowise" is punchy and percussive track with a metallic, siren-like hook and infectious energy.
Daniel Heinrich is also from Berlin, and shows himself to be a top talent following his EP's on Elektrotribe to Inherit with remixes by Arnaud Le Texier an Hadone. "Close Your Eyes" has a pacey style with superb stabbing chords that create an old-school feel alongside vocal chants for extra impact.
Stuttgart-based Egotot runs the Schimmer label and also lists BCCO, OECUS and Ketch's SYXT in his quality back catalogue. "Name It As You Want" has a quirky, bouncing beat with Detroit-style stabs and a light-hearted vibe ready for the dance floor.
Following the resounding success of Rythm by Nature's first release by Nail, the imprint's second outing, "Deep Cuts", builds upon the previous momentum and introduces label owner SaPu for his first solo EP. "Deep Cuts" features three groove-drenched original works and a foot-stomping remix from Berlin-based groove master and sound wizard Tripmastaz.
Drawing from his 15+ years of experience in the scene, "Deep Cuts" displays SaPu's impeccable production skills and evident passion for deeper house grooves and hypnotic rhythms — the ideal music for extended dancing marathons. The EP's first track, 'Roll Out' (A1), is a classic, tech-house-infused banger: funky bass, filtered samples, and snappy percussion elements. Tripmastaz's version, 'Don't Let Joe Change the Name Dub' (A2), adds new layers of depth to the original, infusing it with dubby, sample-based elements and warm chords. SaPu's inclination for old-school grooves shines through on 'Clappin Iron' (B1), delivering Detroit tribal vibes punctuated by stabby synths and rolling basslines. Closing off the EP, 'Keep it Trill' (B2) provides a relatively stripped-down approach, allowing SaPu to demonstrate his innate skill in dubby sample manipulation.
"...too G to take a knee, still I gave you all of me.”
A pivotal force in the early ‘10s NYC rap revival, now LA-based rapper and producer Chuck Strangers steps into the limelight on new solo LP A Forsaken Lover’s Plea.
The album sounds markedly lush, candid rhymes bolstered by a slew of guest producers—including The Alchemist, Animoss and Strangers himself. Chuck’s own production feels current without ditching its previous homeliness, a seamless compliment to his honest, lived-in raps.
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea is laced with guest verses from a collection of fellow New York rap torchbearers, from Pro Era comrade Joey Bada$$ & Flatbush Zombies' Erick the Architect to Queens’ own Remy Banks.
Strangers’ tangled romance with hip-hop is the crux of the project—the culmination of a decade’s unwavering dedication to his craft, with its lofty highs, inevitable lows, and rough lessons of humility, patience, and process.
It’s Chuck’s most comprehensive solo project since Consumers Park, his 2018 debut, and follows The Boys & Girls EP, released May 2023.
A Forsaken Lover’s Plea is available on heavyweight green vinyl, silver tape and CD.
A1. Renowned producer, Bodeler, showcases his mastery in the minimal genre with his first contribution to the MBK collection. Combining intricate rhythms with subtle variations, he crafts a hypnotic sonic journey that expresses his signature techie groove while still capturing the essence of minimalism.
A2. Franco Cinelli, another accomplished Argentinian DJ and producer, lends his unique touch to Bodeler’s minimal masterpiece in an exceptional remix. Cinelli’s interpretation provides us with an immersive experience, with every beat and sound thoughtfully placed to convey a distinct musical narrative. With this submission, Side A displays the seamless synergy between two influential figures in the global minimal scene.
B1. Flip to the B-side and you will find an incredibly soulful composition from Nicola Brusegan and Camilo Gil. These two join forces to create a sublime deep house track that transcends boundaries, featuring a familiar sample of an iconic hip hop group from Brooklyn’s past. Lush chords, pulsating basslines, and ethereal textures create the ideal dance floor tune.
B2. ’Take A Groove’ is paired with a remix that has quickly worked its way through clubs around the world. Jorge Caiado shares his perspective of dance floor atmospheres, demonstrating his ability to craft a remix that stands as an artistic statement in its own right. When the acid hits, you’ll know why this track is creating such a buzz!
The Mental Groove Classic series returns with a treasure trove of rare and hard to find tracks plucked from the personal collection of label founder Olivier Ducret, a pivotal figure in Switzerland's acid house and rave-era party scene.
On Volumes Two and Three of the series - the first installment hit stores in 2017 - the Mental Groove and Musique Pour La Danse label founder takes us back to the turn of the '90s, a time he spent promoting parties in fields, squats, forests, warehouses and former factories in and around Geneva and behind the counter of a record shopof the same name. While others in Switzerland's emerging dance music scene gravitated towards US house and garage, Olivier and his crew opted for a bass, breaks and techno-focused sound inspired by regular trips to clubs, raves and record shops in the UK.
Drawing directly from his own record box and a memory bank full of snapshots of euphoric dancefloor moments, Mental Groove Classics volumes Two and Three sees Olivier reaching for cuts of near-mythical rarity, genuinely overlooked gems, and undeniably brilliant tracks that have left a long-lasting impression on the local raving landscape. It's an autobiographical audio document, historical archive and personal musical statement all rolled into one, inspired by a moment in time where musical boundaries were being redrawn in a wave of carefree optimism and freedom inspired new rave scenes across Europe and far beyond.
Matt Anniss
Original artwork by Soho's Brain Club co-owner and artist of early British club culture Mark Wigan.
File under house, breakbeat, techno and warehouse rave music
The Mental Groove Classic series returns with a treasure trove of rare and hard to find tracks plucked from the personal collection of label founder Olivier Ducret, a pivotal figure in Switzerland's acid house and rave-era party scene.
On Volumes Two and Three of the series - the first installment hit stores in 2017 - the Mental Groove and Musique Pour La Danse label founder takes us back to the turn of the '90s, a time he spent promoting parties in fields, squats, forests, warehouses and former factories in and around Geneva and behind the counter of a record shop of the same name. While others in Switzerland's emerging dance music scene gravitated towards US house and garage, Olivier and his crew opted for a bass, breaks and techno-focused sound inspired by regular trips to clubs, raves and record shops in the UK.
Drawing directly from his own record box and a memory bank full of snapshots of euphoric dancefloor moments, Mental Groove Classics volumes Two and Three sees Olivier reaching for cuts of near-mythical rarity, genuinely overlooked gems, and undeniably brilliant tracks that have left a long-lasting impression on the local raving landscape. It's an autobiographical audio document, historical archive and personal musical statement all rolled into one, inspired by a moment in time where musical boundaries were being redrawn in a wave of carefree optimism and freedom inspired new rave scenes across Europe and far beyond.
Matt Anniss
Original artwork by Soho's Brain Club co-owner and artist of early British club culture Mark Wigan.
File under house, breakbeat, techno and warehouse rave music
Altars is the debut EP from Detroit's own Deon Jamar.
This album kicks off the catalog of his newly founded record label, Black Music.
Black Music was originally an art exhibit, concert, and party series founded by Deon and Brian Oscar (Wrckles). Inspired by the legacy of those before and the work of peers today, these events were made to honor the lineage while also demonstrating the golden cord that connects all of our music throughout genre and era.
Fusing these worlds together informs the DJ as well as the producer.
A radical objection to industry standards, leaning more into the energy and depth of sound.
Black Music, the label, will carry this same tradition.
Repress!
DEE DEE SHARP was born Dionne LaRue in Philadelphia in 1945 and broke the Billboard Hot 100 while still a teenager with Slow Twistin'' (performed with Chubby Checker) in 1963. Follow-up hits included Mashed Potato Time' and Ride' which both earned her Gold discs. In 1967 she married Philadelphia producer Kenny Gamble who signed her to his fledgling Gamble label, co-owned by his writer/producer partner Leon Huff.
Ms. Gamble (nee Sharp) is no stranger to the UK Northern and Rare Soul scene having enjoyed over 40 years of DJ action with Comin' Home Baby', Deep Dark Secret', Standing In The Need Of Love' and in more recent times with The Bottle Or Me' and Happy 'Bout The Whole Thing'. She was also a featured vocalist on the Philadelphia International All Stars hit Let's Clean Up The Ghetto' alongside Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays and Archie Bell. BUT, without doubt, it is her 1968 recording What Kind Of Lady' that continues to pack dance floors across the country. First played at the legendary Golden Torch in Stoke-on-Trent, almost as a new release at the time, heralding the seventies and Northern Soul's golden years. The song was penned and produced by Gamble and Huff and released in September '68 while the duo were still hot from their million-selling Cowboys To Girls' by the Intruders, released in March of the same year. What Kind Of Lady' has remained a firm club favourite and is reissued here, for the first time, coupled with the aforementioned The Bottle Or Me'.
Love Love host a collaborative release by two of the freshest contemporary Avon producers, Best Pest and Kursa. Kursa (also one half of S.Murk) has built a notable following in the UK as well as in the USA, playing out often at big stateside events with his own style of tight, maximalist bass music - think Tipper, Eprom, Noisia etc… Ben Pest is no stranger to Love Love with 2 previous solo releases under his belt, best known for his crunchy techno & electro and ripping hardware live-sets. Here they come together for a 5 track genre-hopping EP, each flexing their respective production sensibilities, splicing elements of dubstep, grime, hardcore & garage together, along with a healthy dose of multi-dimensional sound design, to make some of the noisiest modern dance music going.
Early support from: Clouds, Giant Swan, Rob Hall, A Made Up Sound, Om Unit, Nikki Nair, Luke Sanger, Deft, Warlock, Second Storey...
Roman producer, DJ and label head Marco Passarani is back to duties with a new 12” on his own imprint Unrelatable. Marco’s explores advanced deep acid grooves balancing traditional approach with updated writing techniques, where analog and digital blend in consistent harmony. “Road to P’Jem” is a solid jam with old school Belgian techno flavor while “Katra’s groove” has a deep nocturnal touch thanks to suspended thrilling melody on top of a bubbling fm bass. The package is completed by the uptempo acid techno jams “HyperUno” and “HyperDos”
Repress
The third 2021 release from your favorite alter-ego's favorite alter-ego. TAFKAMP presents his Most Wanted Digital Dubplates Volume 1 for the 5th release on his own Revenge Techniques label - a six-tracker (!!) 12" featuring a selection of most wanted club bangers taken from the numerous SoundCloud uploads from the Revenge Techniques labelhead.
Following the "Hey Oh Let’s Go!" 7-inch debut, label owner Dove Quiete is back on Muovo Musica Records for its second release: a 3-tracker mixture of Acid, Bass, Electro, Footwork, Ghetto, Punk, Techno, and a whole lot else.
Written and produced by Guglielmo Prati aka Dove Quiete in the infamous Serendeepity basement studio. Mastered at Prisma Sonoro Studio. Milan, 2023.
Maximum vocal power and prime time dramatics by Chrissy and Carrie Wilds. The San Francisco based DJ and producer shows his stylistic versatility and technical capability to work with vocals, melodies and sound sources. Like a facsimile of the late 1980s house/freestyle record that you never owned, Things Can’t Go On Like This Forever ticks all the right boxes. Heartfelt vocals (by the great Carrie Wilds): check! Timely social message: check! Melodic euphoria: check! Old school house and true school freestyle flavor: check! Comes in various mixes and with a freestyle bonus beat special.
Additional airtime is given to the now classic Chrissy production So I Go Dancing. Done in a traditional remix fashion by Gerd Janson it highlights all the features of the original and again Carrie‘s enchanting voice, extends the included hysteria and adds a few snare rolls. Let‘s go dancing to brighten the darkness. Dance music in its purest and maybe most US-American form.
A mysterious release, not only for its unique expressive style but also because it isn't even known when it was initially recorded let alone its release date. According to non profit Studio Piccolo owner Vincent Bruley, it could have been recorded during the 70s and eventually released in the early 90s, sometime throughout Nilton Castro's time in Paris making music for contemporary dance classes (often led by his wife). This album was originally intended for accompanying dancers in classes with an emphasis on rhythm and coordination. Given Nilton's background and expertise in percussion, the focal point of this album is to present an array of Afro Brasilian rhythms performed by himself with additional moments of choir, flute and keys/metallophone. Effortless due to Nilton's prowess and unburdened by typical financial pressures (often behind the release of a record), the result feels like charmingly unadulterated and pure expression throughout the entire album. But what really takes the listener to places of unheard-of bliss is “Ondes (Les Vagues)” a track that has plagued the curiosity of diggers and collectors for a while now. With its harmony crescendos elegantly coming and going as per the title, overlayed on Nilton's subtle percussive patterns, an aural landscape of illusory beauty - listening is believing. Remastered and officially re-issued with its original artwork.
Streaming Amsterdam’s D Stone and Milion join forces this May for the sixth release on Cinthie’s 803 Crystal Grooves Collective Cuts imprint. Since the inception of the 803 Crystal Grooves imprint in 2018, Cinthie has been steadily unveiling her own material on the main label, while the sub-label Collective Cuts was inaugurated in 2019 as a platform for friends, associates and beloved producers in her circle. The past five releases on the platform have welcomed material from the likes of UC Beatz, Azuni aka Washerman, Anaxander, S3A (Sampling As An Art) and KETTAMA among others, while here the label welcomes some fresh talent from the Dutch capital, namely D Stone and Milion,who’ve been releasing their raw house sound on the likes ofHardlineMoscow Recordsand Cécillerespectivelyin recent years. ‘The Next Morning’ leads the EP, employing classic house tropes with smooth string melodies, twinkling synth chimes and choppy stab sequences, underpinned by a swinging drum groove, bumpy bass line and hooky vocal lines. ‘The Night Before’ follows and retains a similarly classic house aesthetic courtesy of a snaking bass melody, hypnotic spoken word vocals, crunchy saturated percussion and an amalgamation of organ melodies. ‘Floor Call’ then rounds out the release on a darker tip, flipping focus to murky bass swells, and skippy drums, intertwined with gritty stab sequences, Hammond organ tones and a loopy vocal chant.
Introducing Small Great Beats, an exclusive series following the principal release series, Small Great Things (SGT). This limited edition collection will showcase 1 or 2 releases annually, featuring a blend of anthems, melodic tracks, and dance floor-oriented tunes.
Limited to just 200 copies per release, Small Great Beats offers collectors a rare opportunity to own something truly exceptional. Additionally, the series will be digitally available on all major platforms and Bandcamp.
Kicking off the series is Luca Olivotto's mesmerizing 5-track EP, "Kind Of Lovin´", pressed on captivating light blue vinyl.
Opening the release is title-cut ‘Kind Of Lovin’’, an anthemic slice of classic house fuelled by a swinging 909 drums groove and bouncy bass line in combination with intertwined piano keys, strings and vocal hooks before ‘Blue’ follows and lays down a 90’s rave-tinged piano melody, cinematic string flutters and crisp saturated drums across five minutes. ‘Hear My Call’ comes next and infused a more funk leaning aesthetic with organic percussion, jazzy keys and a walking bass line, intertwined with wandering strings and choppy vocal chants.
Opening the B-side is ‘Sun After Dark’, as the name would suggest a more peak time groove with glimpses of brightness via a circling bass line, raw, heavily shuffled drums and gritty stab sequences. ‘My Soul’ then rounds out the EP, again aptly titled as the composition fuses soulful cinematic strings, bright keys and an amalgamation of soulful vocal stylings all dynamically evolving and unfolding throughout.
When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire… say it to yourself and then say it again. Repeat it like a mantra. It’s what UTO did.
Anyone familiar with the UTO’s lauded 2022 debut Touch The Lock, which Pitchfork praised for its “prismatic synth pop”, will be aware of the variegated nature of what they do. This album is just as colourful, with Neysa’s vocalwork sparking similarities to Kim Gordon’s off-kilter vocals, which they both ceremoniously jets through a post-electronica blender mixing stylized indie sleaze productions with 90s breakbeats.
While they might appear as a singular entity to others, UTO wrote large sections of this album apart, converging by the fireside to discuss the day’s work before coming together to hone and finish the songs. 2023 was, by their own admission, a difficult year, and that’s reflected in the Dantean themes expressed in songs such as the lead single ‘Zombie’, which arrived at the end of November as a taster for the new record; the latter’s dark heart is belied by the skittering beats, glitchy electronics and pummeling sequencers that elevate it from the void.
From fire, early man’s discovery, to AI, humanity’s next great adventure - with all of the wonders and complexities of human relationships in between - When all you want to do is be the fire part of fire really is about life, the universe and everything. Just remember, be the flame, not the moth.
This new opus marks a major comeback for Samuel Sanders, who made a name for himself in the 2000s with his first productions alongside Max Walder on Ghoststyle, whose track "Cyclone" was covered by big names such as Ken Iishi, Marco Bailey, Frank Biazzi, Technasia, Marco Carola ... but also on the Invasion label with "Dependance" (N.E.W.S label) and among others on the Kevlar "Illusion" label, where this EP received great support from Dave Clarke, Carl Cox, Chris Liebing ... He also produced alongside Manu Kenton on the Kentek, Frenchtek and Fanatix labels. With N.O.B.A, he returned to production, choosing Vibes Addikt for his comeback.
The A-side "Do You Like ... 2024" is a remake of a track he and N.O.B.A created in 2008 on Reaktion, in a much more Hard Techno version with a spirit all its own.
Side B is dedicated to Samuel Sanders himself and presents his new productions:
B1 "Desolation" a hypnotic spirit with a touch of Acid on the cover for lovers of this spirit
The B2 "Don't Be Afraid" is close to Hard Techno with a more clubby style for fans of this style.
DDR004 is "Mapagkeun Kawani," the debut 12" EP from Bandung’s own Xin Lie. This three-track offering skillfully combines the ethos of Bandung's hardcore punk scene with the evocative rhythms of Sundanese Dogdog drums, crafting a sound that is reflective of Xin Lie’s diverse musical background and connection to Indonesia's musical history.
Xin Lie, born Diannov Pamungkas, has navigated multiple worlds, starting from his days in the hardcore punk scene to exploring the traditional performing arts of his Sundanese heritage. This journey informs his approach to production, particularly his use of traditional percussion which he samples and recontextualizes into a modern electronic drum palette.
The EP includes two remixes: producer Bagvs delivers a sharp, stripped-down take on "MAPAGKEUN," while New York's Laenz transforms "PANEN" into a fast-paced, percussive wormhole.
Mastered for vinyl and streaming by Enyang Ha, mastering engineer for Bjork, Arca and Tzusing.
All tracks written by Diannov Pamungkas
Artwork by Spaceheadtr
Design by Jesse Pimenta
Mastered by Enyang Ha / Urbiks
Mixed by Raphael Valensi
(comes with a poster) The Klein blue horizon, gliding seagulls, a ferry purring between two languid islands, dotted with ultra-white villages and ancient ruins... These idyllic visions run through Glika, the ultimate musical project of Les Cyclades. An exciting electronic odyssey from West to East, from Belgian effervescence to Greek mysticism.
In 2020, confined to the neighborhoods of Yser and Mystère in Brussels, Alex and Ludo dream of Greek islands, of scorching sun on their skin, of salty baths, chilled ouzo and braised octopus. But everywhere, time stands still. Must one necessarily move to travel? To levitate? In the absence of Elsewhere, the Franco-Canadian duo will compose the imaginary soundtrack to their escape.
Glika (which means "sweet" in Greek) perfectly synthesizes the musical influences of Les Cyclades: a cosmic saxophone inherited from Alex’s dub and free jazz past, an architect-pastry chef-botanist from Normandy, and Ludo’s "Balearic" tracks, a musician-performer-wine lover who frequented his first raves in 1995 in Houston, Texas.
From a hedonistic encounter on a friendly terrace in the 19th arrondissement of Paris to their chosen exile in Brussels, these hypersensitive jacks-of-all-trades first danced and mixed records. Before creating their own phantasmagorical sonic territories, where cinema and poetry meet more or less human voices, brass instruments, synthesizers and analogue drum machines.
A searing fragment of Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos's "Eternity and a Day" preludes Glika. Then, on Yser Mystère - the names of the two stations on tram 51 that physically linked Alex and Ludo's psyches during the lockdown - Alex's astral sax balances out the industrial mechanics of a locomotive, against a backdrop of urban soundscapes.
And then a rising bpm dominates Alocasia, with its deep and sensual light foot. So sunny. From one track to another, there are interludes influenced by Xenakis, Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre. Seminal heroes of the Cyclades... But soon, the duo unleash hostilities at the helm of Epigone, their meta-techno anthem. "I know", "You know", echoes Alex.
Laughs of friends, "mouth noises," and "bizarre rhythms" still dominate Parc Fou, while DRAM eyes the minimalist techno of Detroit. So dear to Ludo's heart... And what about PAME, that post-modern Greek epic.Or Glossa, a timeless track that finishes with a fascinating - because diffracted - elegance, this multi-sensory journey through Les Cyclades. Let's close our eyes. Silencio! Hay Banda!
By Eléonore Colin, journalist (and friend!!)
Reissue
Exciting new EP featuring the collaborative efforts of two talented music producers - Stockholm-based Weirdvin and Lyssna's own Flord King. The EP delivers a unique blend of electronic minimal funk, and atmospheric textures taking sails to the deepness of the Baltic Sea. Weirdvin, who runs his own successful Maraton label, has been a long-time friend and collaborator of Lyssna Records. This EP marks his official debut on the label and showcases his exceptional production skills. LYSSNA!
Frits Wentink’s Bobby Donny Label returns once more for the second BODO-ACE VA release, featuring both familiar and new faces across a six track EP of previously digital only releases. Frits and friends continue to showcase the unique and impeccable sound of Bobby Donny. After the success of the first VA, this won’t be around for long, so buy or cry.
Lewis Fautzi new alias Non Cyclic's debut album happens in his own imprint and is the reflection of the profile stablished beforehand of a faster and more physical techno.
Non Cyclic delivers a free tour to the depth of his creative mind, an invitation to his own fantasy universe where abstract and spacey pads combine with fast, complex and violent kicks, frantic and melancholic melodies.
Through the complete Enigma LP we can experience an adventure through the vast unknown of outer space and always keeping in mind that we are part of an ever-evolving world that seems boundless and offers endless opportunities to explore and innovate. Non Cyclic did exactly that by creating his own approach through a vigorous work ethic and commitment that we are fortunate to witness.
Regularly described as one of the hidden jewels in the industry Tommy Vicari Jnr has been releasing music since 2001. Since then he has been consistently championed by the worlds top DJ's with his tracks regularly featuring in sets from the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Zip and a:rpia:r soundsystem. His blinding releases over the years on labels back catalogues such as 320KB, AMMO84, Robsoul Recordings, Slapfunk, Politics of Dancing, BienAimer, Discours and Counterculture Records are so highly regarded that they're consistently classed as gold dust to DJ's and vinyl collectors alike. And now the enigmatic producer joins the Johnny Johnny Records roster with JJW004. Our 4th vinyl exclusive release Tommy has conjured up 3 raw original cuts that are packed with Vicari's signature quirky and against the grain sound. Rounding off the record we have our very own founder Modat returning to this particular ethylene & chlorine combo with his own take of a1. Expect raw eclectic house music from start to finnish.
Marcellus Pittman's Is Back With His Second Ep Of 2018 On His Own Unirhythm Records. The Jewel Here Is Pittman's 2007 Acidic Masterpiece "there's Somebody Out There" Getting The Edit Treatment From Chicago's Jamie 326, Who Whips The Original Into A Hypnotic Bender. "something Like (a Dream)" Is An Upbeat Key-driven Vocal House Cut In Pittman's Flowing Style With Bits Of Vocals Floating Over The Mix. "breathe Beat" Is A Low Key Bouncer Stripped Down To The Raw Elements With Floating Synths Hovering Over A Minimal Shuffling Beat.
Repress!
If there is one artist that has truly become synonymous with Jazz re:freshed over the years, it is the energy, the skill, the showmanship, the innovation, the genius that is Kaidi Tatham.
The vibe behind the west London/broken beats/nu-jazz scene as a core member of Bugz In The Attic, Kaidi's 5ive continues the lineage of jazz, fusing it with his own twisted funk, boogie and eletronica.
The 10 year anniversary of its first release sees Kaidi's 5ive presented for the first time ever on vinyl.
Aerials live, dials tuned, Transmission Towers broadcasting. On either side of the river Mersey, transcendental communications are traded back and forth. Two late-night revellers, one firing messages filled with music, the other returning them laced with lyrics. The result, a dopamine hit of oddball machine soul, melded with a highlife, Afrofuturist touch. Wonky and murky yet deeply emotional, Transmission One, is a debut album that also marks the first release on Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura label, encompassing expertly the off-kilter atmosphere the label sets to orbit.
A synthesised landscape with a Northern charm, Transmission Towers marry the musical worlds of two artists that last collaborated over a decade ago. 10 years have passed, lives have been led, but a gravitational pull has placed Mark Kyriacou and Eleanor Mante back in each other’s spheres on opposite sides of the city of Liverpool. Energised with a newfound desire to strip it all back to the sounds that influenced their formative years in the late ‘80s and ‘90s - astral travelling, intoxicated on Motor City techno, Black Dog IDM and mystical Sun Ra.
Mark half Irish, half Greek Cypriot, Eleanor half Nigerian, half Ghanian, the music contained within is an alchemy of those roots and the pivotal acts that buried deep into their minds. A cosmic contrast, part machine-made, part distinctly human. Take the opener ‘UP’, an ESG-channelling, sci-fi punk beatdown or the polychromatic hyperspace anthem ‘Roller Skater 23’.
Transportive throughout, you ride the solar waves, pace and emotion ebbing and flowing. Tracks like ‘Go Slow Heart’ and ‘Cosmic Trigger’ step to a slower beat but hit with a punch. The former, a slo-mo blast of celestial tenderness, the latter an otherworldly, chugged-out lunar excursion, micro-dosing on whacked-out Wah Wah and Eleanor’s ethereal vocals. Beaming love letters to space and back, ‘Sparse’ marries the organic with the artificial, pianos and percussion circling around synth pads and broadcasting bleeps.
Elsewhere, vibrations move faster. ‘Mega’ strikes, fusing sonic tribalism with psychedelic swirls, as ‘Everything’ sweeps you up in its extra-terrestrial new wave grip. Synth stabs and basslines fizzing from every angle.
Demos of Transmission Towers music surfaced on Luke Una’s radar, making him stop in his tracks. Something magical was emerging, perfectly aligned with the E Soul guardian’s tastes. Guidance followed, quickly turning into conversations about Transmission One becoming the first release on Luke’s own label.
Escapist and futurist yet grounded and relatable. Transmission One is synthesis meets sentiment with a deep, spine-tingling soul at its core.
Every moment of Skudd offers a place to explore. For his second release on Omen Wapta, Delft-based sound artist, Floid, fuses soundscapes and rhythms in seven tracks that swap peaks and troughs for narrative arcs. Cinematic, immersive, dense and danceable, the new EP, delivers sonic pieces that hypnotically swell and engage brain and body dance. Drop into a snake pit with cavernous moments and unexpected ornaments that rattle and slice. Affected pan flutes, meshed with shamanic vocals and organic percussion conjure a nocturnal fever dream in the jungle. Tempo tricks make high bpms feel stretched. With Skudd, the only thing guiding you through the soundscapes is a certain groove in the constant kicks, rhythms and basslines. Everywhere else it takes your mind is up to you.
Lurka is back on his own label Damage which is a place for harder-edged sounds and here includes remixes from Ossia. The one original, 'Red', is a thrilling rhythmic workout with a skeletal kick drum pattern that is broken and loopy, and deft percussion layered in over the top next to wet synths and undulating bass. Ossia's first rework spins it out into a more distorted and manic cut fizzing with static electricity while the second is slightly more paired back but no less menacing. This one has been mastered at Scape in Berlin and is mad limited to just 100 copies so do not wait around.
The story of Ultrasonic Grand Prix is one of two vintage 60s guitars and their owners. I love my 1967 Vox Grand Prix guitar,” declares multi-instrumentalist/producer Shawn Lee - creator, among other feats, of the soundtrack for Rockstar video game classic Bully, and one half of Ultrasonic Grand Prix. “It is a serious beast and an important part of my arsenal. Every tone you need…’For guitar maestro Barrie Cadogan - of Nottingham Freakbeaters Little Barrie, best known for the main title theme of ‘Better Call Saul’, The The, Liam Gallagher and playing on the soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ - it was the Vox Ultrasonic, also from the same period, that caught his eye. “I first became interested in Vox guitars because of people who used them like Spacemen 3 and the James Brown band of the late 60’s”, he explains, “but it was when I was part of a recording session at Anton Newcombe’s studio in Berlin that I had chance to get to know the Vox gear better. I was borrowing an Ultrasonic from a friend for a while and Shawn already had his Grand Prix. I thought it would be a good name for our project whenever we got it going.’ It was with this shared passion for these weapons of vintage, psychedelic gold that the suave, velvety, and off-kilter cool of INSTAFUZZ was born. While a project born of recent times, the flames of INSTAFUZZ were first ignited all the way back in 2010, where the two met during mixing sessions for Little Barrie’s 2011 LP King of the Waves. Snap forward a decade and we find Cadogan ripping guitar licks on Instagram, the workaholic Lee using these as inspiration to lay down rhythm tracks on analogue drum machines. And not long after that, cut to the two trading files back and forth furiously online, birthing music together in ever more completed forms. And the music that did emerge was weird, startling, and insatiably groovy. With one foot dipped in the organ-warbling garage of 60s psych, and the other vibrating in the mind-expanding fractals of the British Acid House boom, INSTAFUZZ plies the earthly quintessence’s of blues, rock, soul and jazz, against the preternatural discomforts of programmed drums and unhinged synthesisers to produce something distinctly and nostalgically futuristic
Italian born and Berlin based DJ, producer, label and record store owner Deluka kicks things off for Futuristic Architecture, System Error's newest offshoot for all things strictly Techno.
Deluka has long been a secret tip among vinyl and techno heads in Berlin and afar, having been a resident for several years at Berlin's infamously wild Same Bitches Party and the founder of No Signal Records, recently opening a record store of the same name.
With his Heroes EP, he commits 4 timeless techno tracks to wax, paying homage to his musical heroes with tunes that honour the sensibilities of the genre.
Deluka almost single-handedly reminds us of how much we love techno and we couldn't think of a better artist to begin this new story for System Error.
All tracks written and produced by Francesco De Luca.
Mastered by Alberto Pretto.
System Error MM GmbH, Berlin, Germany, Earth © 2024.
Warehouse Find!
The Black 80s make a long overdue return to Freerange following their 2014 release Move On (from which the Kollektiv Turmstrasse remix become something of an underground anthem). The duo hailing from Montreal and consisting of Hollis P Monroe and Overnite have been responsible for some seriously influential tracks over the years, not least Hollis' bonafide classic from 1997 - I'm Lonely. For The Rest is a slice of sultry, stripped back house heaven which drips with soul and will melt the hearts of all who hear it. The key to the tracks beauty is in the minimalism of the production keeping everything paired back to the bare bones and placing all the focus on Overnite's vocal which twists and mutates thanks to some clever use of FX. Who better to work their magic on the remix than German producer Show-B
who comes fresh off his incredible Jaap Ligthart Remix and Washint EP on his own Lossless label . Here he pushes the original through his sonic mangle, injecting steely atmospherics and layers of synths to forge a driving, muscular version which will sit perfectly amongst the sounds of Dixon, Mano et al and has already been getting early spins from Ame´. A second remix from Carlos Sanchez completes the package (on the digital
version) staying truer to the original vibe but adding delicate pads and whispering strings for some late night bliss.
In spring,
Again.
But it's true this time.
In Spring is the second record by Tara Clerkin Trio, a Bristol-based group who appeared to emerge from below the radar of near-all in early 2020 and in the presence of one of the most captivating records of that year. This latest 23 minute, four song collection, recorded in various stages and locations over the last twelve months, does nothing to detract from those first impressions, refining the woozy and shimmering oddness of their debut into an avant-pop sensibility that is increasingly their own.
If the group did arrive fully formed, what that form was did feel supple and hard to grasp. They were, in a sense, essentially new sounding, or at least ghosts between the established lines, and with this new record have doubled-down on their inherently Delphian instinct. At its heart, In Spring is a record of subtle contrasts, experimental yet familiar in its intimacy, obviously modern though tied to certain lineages, and driven by a pop logic which is also free-form and seemingly improvised. Their approach to sound is perhaps the guiding principle here, less concerned with genre as it is texture and feeling, drawing from jazz, folk, modern composition, trip hop and downtempo electronica, yet evading all of those categorisations. Tara Clerkin Trio are too generous of heart to be ripping up any rulebook, they simply seem oblivious to its need.
Their geography does provide some context. Bristol's progressive sonic heritage inescapably bleeds into these four tracks, the enclave of open-minded artists around Planet Records in the mid 90s perhaps the closest point of comparison. There's that same magpie spirit which is both futuregazing and aware of its past, though is mostly set on finding its own path. This is in essence what defines Tara Clerkin Trio, feeling their way through freedom of instinct and curiosity, forging their own desire lines. Not so much taking the road less trodden, just walked at their own winding pace.
"Done before,
And I'll do it again"
Ringing in my head
While I try
To feel
Ethan Fawkes is an oldskool rave techno and EBM DJ and producer based in Tilff, Belgium. He’s known for his charismatic presence and combat ready style on stage, comfortably playing anywhere from raves to clubs or shows and festival stages with his signature sound which is a masterclass in unmistakably powerful and personal tracks. His unique vision and tireless work ethic are evidenced by a growing catalogue of original EPs, LPs and remixes for top international labels, winning the respect of his peers, the adoration of fans and the full attention of DJs and clubbers worldwide.
‘Dancefloor EBM’ is an energetic sensation of a release with all tracks having a distinctly unique sound of their own which encapsulates the industrial post punk, EBM and techno vibe of the label. Along-with the original version of Ethan’s track, which is an event all unto its own, the EP also comes with three stunning remixes.
The 1st is from legendary Italian producer Adriano Canzian who subtly smashes out a rusty snaking baseline version that’s on a journey of foreboding discovery. That’s followed by Columbian industrial EBM nutter Delectro who comes blustering in with a full on forceful driving session of a remix that leads impeccably into label owner Paulitical’s rearrangement that’s a 135 bpm ‘monster from the deep’ infused version with synths aplenty to round the release off in orchestrated style.
Pluto’s Plan is back with a full blast. Another four-track VA welcomes back label founders and introduces new names to the roster. The A side kicks off with Tourman, delivering a cosmic acid heat, followed by the label’s own Hatsvali with a heavy dancefloor groover. The B side is shared between Pluto's Plan co-founder Hudson with a hypnotic tech house and gents behind Fraise Records, Duowe, with a virtuously crafted tune.
2025 Repress
We are very happy and honored to present you Ricardo Villalobos on his own RAWAX series!
You will find here past & present releases from the Mastermind, starting with the 25 Years Anniversary edition of "808 The Bassqueen", formerly released on LoFi Stereo.
Special thanks goes out here to Christian Rindermann aka C-Rock!
Introversion launches his own label, Makatao, with the powerful 4-track solo EP titled "Sea Of Life." Influenced by 90s chords and trance elements, alongside 2000s hardgroove drums, he establishes the label's sound as diverse yet consistently on point. All tracks are crafted for booming sound systems and energetic dancefloors exclusively.
The VA theme on the LP series under the name Untitled || continues to explore the subject of 8 different minds from different corner of the globe connected by the principle and love for the audio frequencies in line with Exarde. Featuring two artists which already dear to label due to the fact of past releases on it and six new ones who have become instant people of love and admiration for me.
From the more deep and mellow to the higher pressure for the brain this double disc shall meet your demands. The art theme of this one is blobs & globs from space, whether they are emerging, fighting with their own shadow, or just simply floating and co-existing. This shall conclude my rambling for this body of work as I go and put these eight essences through my ear canals once again. Great deal of thanks for the hard work and dedication of these talented conductors.
A resident of Berlin's long-running Gegen, a multifaceted queer techno and performance art event, Samantha Togni has seen her profile rising with appearances on Mixmag's Lab series in London and a heavy release schedule on established and upcoming labels: Stay Up Forever, Noise Manifesto, her own Boudica, and others, quickly accumulating a significant discography since her 2019 debut. Her latest is the Lunaversal EP on Rant & Rave, representing another edgy release from upcoming female techno talent. It leads off with the title track, not exactly as cosmic as implied with buried, indecipherable vocals and buzzsaw synth riffs seesawing between intermittent breakdowns which only serve to increase tension 'Minor Goddess' takes an old school rave approach with abrasive, rising stabs and dissected vocals against a hammering framework of kicks and crushing bass pressure. With its lilting ambient chopped vocal samples slightly counterbalancing the surging forward motion of the rhythm, 'Pit of Truth' hits deeper, but the pit in the title obviously leans more towards dungeon or grave. 'Jesters Have a Heart Too' rubs unstable synth sweeps against blasts of industrial noise and jackhammer percussion, reaching peak intensity in its brutally chopped final run.
DUBFIRE INVITES CHRIS LIEBING, TRUNCATE, CARL CRAIG, DRUMCELL, NADIA STRUIWIGH & MORE TO HIS REMIX ALBUM
EVOLV is a visionary window into the mind of Dubfire, the journey of the ‘hybrid’ being and its evolution. Last year in October, an 11-track debut album was released on his long-standing SCI+TEC imprint. And now, just over a year later, Grammy award winning producer Dubfire returns to that sonic discourse, drafting in an impressive array of names to re-interpret the material, and accompanied by Dubfire's new audio-visual EVOLV show which picked up where the critically acclaimed electronic performance experience HYBRID had left off.
The eclectic package will include such notables as Glaskin, Arjun Vagale, Nadia Struiwigh, Mathimidori (dub alias of Mathias Kaden), Maral, Decka, DEAS, Carl Craig, Truncate, Drumcell, Chris Liebing, and Luke Slater as L.B. Dub Corp who have all given the original music in their own unique style.
With a career spanning over 3 decades, Dubfire has achieved global success as an artist with relentless drive, talent, and intuition. Pioneering commercial notoriety came initially as one half of the Grammy Award-winning (2001) duo Deep Dish, before embarking on a truly groundbreaking solo career in 2007. A career filled with timeless tracks include his early works, ‘RibCage’ (2007), ‘Emissions' (2007), ‘Roadkill’ (2007) and the highly acclaimed ‘Grindhouse’ (2009) remix from Radio Slave which led to a host of other notable projects over the years.
Collaborative work highlights include projects with Miss Kitten, Luke Slater, Flug, and Oliver Huntemann, as well as co-producing two songs on Underworld’s Barking album. A true artist, he has always been heavily invested in exploring performance technology, unveiled to wide praise with his HYBRID live show. A two-year world tour commenced in 2015 and was followed by his retrospective album, A Decade Of Dubfire (2017), a celebration of his immense output during the first 10 years of solo artist stardom. EVOLV is Dubfire’s debut solo artist album.
Bs As deep brings us his latest work, where the sounds he uses in the three tracks are the faithful expression of achieving music that transcends time.
In this album of three original tracks BS AS DEEP clearly goes through a range of very classic house sounds, and at the same time it presents us with a fresh sound.
As an extra track, Maxi Iborquiza participates, who presents us with one of the tracks included in his digital album Delayed, released on compact disc by Omward Recordings.
The long sold out ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ inspired album available on vinyl again
Dream Division presents an album of reptilian synthesiser psych 'Legend of Lizard Lake' takes the listener on a journey with its fantasy inspired soundscapes with brooding electronics and psychedelic guitars building on an immersive Dungeon Synth backdrop. Pressed on 180gm ‘Poison Dusk’ vinyl, in a mirror board sleeve
For fans of John Carpenter, Goblin, Dungeons & Dragons
Sleep Now Forever is the second and final album released by Sorrow, the post-Strawberry Switchblade group fronted by singer Rose McDowall. Originally released in 1999 and long since deleted it is a cornucopia of pastoral, elegiac folk music, swirling atmospherics, hymnal compositions and above it all the alternating towering and fragile vocal performances of McDowall. Recorded in the late 90s with fellow band member and co-songwriter Robert Lee, Sleep Now Forever is the definitive statement by the now defunct group and Rose McDowall’s most complete long-form work to date.
Released through the group’s own Piski Disk Records, Sleep Now Forever was distributed by World Serpent which struggled through the early 2000s with financial woes, eventually folding due to bankruptcy in 2004. Due to the company’s troubles, Sleep Now Forever was never distributed widely and was a victim of the company’s failure. Released on CD only, original copies are now rare and only traded on second hand channels. Remastered by Mikey Young for a limited vinyl release, Sleep Now Forever will be released on April 20th on double vinyl format, with one side an exclusive etching by Glasgow artist Holly Allan.
Despite its rarity, Sleep Now Forever enjoys a firm cult following. The album’s textures are expansive, lush, deliciously detailed and celestial. Recorded in home study Velvet Hole by Rose McDowall and then-husband Robert Lee, the album enlists an array of players from the underground Neo-folk / industrial scene: Nigel McKernaghan (Uilleann pipes, Whistles), Susan Franknel (Bassoon), John Contreras (Cello) and Lawrence Frankel (Oboe, Cor Anglais). The eleven songs here revolve around McDowall’s instantly recognisable voice. Brought up singing in the Catholic Church, McDowall’s vocals are impeccable and angelic, particularly on tracks like Turn Off The Light where her experiences with religion are canted over soaring oboe and guitar backing. By far the most evolved and realised version of Sorrow’s vision, it feels somewhat criminal that music this beautiful could be lost to time until now.
McDowall’s lyrics throughout Sleep Now Forever deal frankly with mental health, depression, altered states, death and redemption. Wave upon wave of harmony drench each song, McDowal’s vocal multi-tracked and imperious. Opener Soldier benefits from Robert Lee’s use of the studio as instrument, summoning forth a lilting group performance of sparkling guitar and percussion that recalls the Velvet Underground. Mikey Love’s master treats the compositions to brand new frequency dynamics and space. Harmonium and string drones form the counter to McDowall’s vocal on Love Dies, a slow, lurching lament that feels transcendent. On Haunting, the arrangement is orchestral and aching, bleeding into Fear Becomes You, with chord and harmony structure that recalls the baroque sixties pop of West Coast Pop Experimental Art Band or the 60s psychedelic folk movement. A towering, beautiful statement, this elegy for times lost and moonlit-illumination is finally resurfacing from the darkness.
One day early in the global lockdown, Frédéric Blais scribbled four words on a Post-It note and pinned it up in his studio. When he headed to a studio in the mountains north of Montreal to start work on his fifth album as Fred Everything, those words went with him. They would not only provide inspiration during two weeks of isolated music-making, but ultimately provide the subsequent album with its title: Love, Care, Kindness and Hope.
Those sentiments – a positive mantra during a period of personal and collective vulnerability and isolation – resonate throughout the album, a gorgeously warm and beautiful affair that counts as Blais’s most personal, musically expansive, mature and sonically detailed set to date.
While each of the tracks began as a rough sketch laid down during Blais’ retreat, they evolved considerably over the months that followed. Blais reached out to a handful of carefully selected guest vocalists and collaborators, including Stereo MC’s, Robert Owens, Sapele, James Alexander Bright, Wayne Tennant, string arranger Pete Whitfield and multi-instrumentalist Finn Peters. He also lent his voice to several tracks, a first in a career that stretches back to the 1990s.
The results are magical, with Blais not only offering subtle variations on his own trademark deep house sound, but also nods to complimentary music styles and classic electronic albums from the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Naturally, much focus will fall on the album’s high-profile guests, whose contributions work perfectly with Blais’ cultured dancefloor electronica and soul-soaked broken house grooves. Robert Owens – “the voice of house” himself – expertly delivers lyrics full of compassion and reassurance on recent single ‘Never’, Sapele infuses ‘A Long Time Coming’ with lashings of soulful spirituality, and UK hip-hop/soul legends Stereo MC’s make their presence felt on the subtly Latin-infused dub house excellence of ‘Soul Love’.
Then there’s ‘Breathe’, where UK singer-songwriter James Alexander Bright and backing vocalist Wayne Tennant rise above punchy broken house beats, Blais’ trademark square-wave bass and Pete Whitfield’s swelling strings on ‘Breathe’. By the time kaleidoscopic, sun-down breakbeat brilliance of ‘A Good Day’ arrives to draw proceedings to a close, you’ll be overflowing with Blais’ “love, care, kindness and hope” – just as he intended.
10 Years Anniversary compilation LP.
Ten years ago, on 21 April 2014, Russian enclave of the Baltic Kaliningrad-based trio Blind Seagull started off its adventure in the soon to be known as Sovietwave aka Russian post-punk underground. Tean years later they have accomplished to release nine full-length albums on all sorts of limited edition formats such as LPs, CDs, tapes with most of them being sold out for years.
It was time to bring many of these tracks back to life, picking up the best among them and reissuing for the global post punk/darkwave niche.
Fifteen cuts previously released by labels like Detriti, Sierpien, Pine Hill through which the band led by Denis Zarubin has shaped its own brand of icy coldwave, one pretty classic and extremely fresh and contemporary at once. On top of these we have one more track exclusive to this release which is a eurodance-oriented remix for their minor hit Animals Die in the Scaffolding. Think of a bunch of goth kids screwing around at the local carnival and you’ll get the vibe!
Decade Of Effort is due on April 21, 2024 on white vinyl LP limited to 300 with fairy-tale artwork by the band enhanced by the magical lettering of young Spanish artist Sara Fornés.
NYC dance music legend Joey Longo has been a part of the dance music soundscape for those in the know from way back when, his first records surfacing in 1989 under a variety of monikers and on a slew of labels out of NYC. Some (Cabaret, Loop d'Loop, Foot Stompin') were his own, others (Underworld, Maxi, Minimal) not, but the they always came bearing the credit 'produced by Pal Joey'. Joey hit the heights early on, as one of his earliest records, Dance (as Earth People), went big in dance music terms. If you were raving in the early '90s chances are you will be getting flashbacks from 'Dance', as it was played across a number of scenes. A deeper 'beats' mix features on this gem of an album, his first in over 10 years, along with a perfectly selected blend of classic cuts, new versions and remixes and unreleased wonders. Mastered to perfection, but keeping his raw New York style.
- A1: Bakeren (Feat Faye Houston)
- A2: O Mar E A Lua (Feat Olav Wöllo)
- A3: Bergen Sunrays (Feat Selim Mutic)
- A4: Belle Époque
- A5: Den Franske Gitaren (Feat Aich)
- B1: Don`t Fall Asleep (Feat Faye Houston)
- B2: Rory`s Sunrays
- B3: Nada Pode Me Calar (Feat Olav Wöllo)
- B4: La Psychosomnie
- B5: Den Franske Gitaren (Feat Martin Halla)
2023 sees the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne to Wah Wah 45s, after a 24 year hiatus. The man behind the label's very first release, the now seminal Magnetica, never lost his connection with the imprint and has remained very much part of the Wah Wah family, making a comeback this year with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999.
Back in the spring, the first single from the project, the gorgeous soul-jazz beauty Bakeren, featuring the stunning vocals of Resonators' Faye Houston, quickly found a home on Gilles Peterson's internationally renowned BBC Radio 6 show as well as that of Jazz FM legend Robbie Vincent, Bandcamp Weekly and the Fresh Finds Jazz Spotify playlist.
Following that, Bergen Sunrays, became a weekly fixture on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, with the limited 7-inch of both singles selling out within hours of release.
Next up was the wistful Den Franske Gitaren, a lugubrious soul-jazz piece with drum & bass leanings featuring Bergen based MC and vocalist Aich, which found favour with legends Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova as well as hot Japanese production outfit Dazzle Drums.
This was closely followed by the final single to be taken from the album, the stunning and outspoken vocal jazz waltzer Nada Pode Me Calar (which roughly translates to Nothing Can Shut Me Up!) featuring the sublime talent of Olav Wöllo on vocals and Juno - anotherr big one with Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM and Deb Grant on BBC 6 Music.
And now the full album, entitled The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is available for your aural delectation. Recorded largely during lockdown, the LP is a sophisticated and composed piece of work that sees the Norwegian producer make connections with musicians from across Europe, and some closer to home, to collaborate on this sedate and peaceful collection of songs.
The aforementioned Faye Houston also appears on the soulful, dub flavoured Don't Fall Asleep, a piece of music that explores the feeling of being isolated whilst sharing a mutual love and drive to explore new sonic possibilities.
Elsewhere, Olav Wöllo pops up again too, this time on O Mar E A Lua and once again singing in Portuguese to give this track a certain Tropicalia feel, as Espen explains:
"Olav Wöllo is a close friend, an excellent musician and vocalist, and a capoeira professor here in Bergen. He has spent much of his life living in Brazil and speaks Portuguese fluently. He wrote the lyrics for this tune years ago and had just been waiting for the right collaboration to come along.
We went to his lovely studio out on this remote island, made a massive gyoza meal, had some serious good wine and stayed the whole night to record his vocal harmonies and outspoken lyrics."
The single Bergen Sunrays also appears on the album in instrumental form with featured keys courtesy of London based player Rory More - here entitled Rory's Sunrays. His Lowrey organ adds a more melancholic feel to the track, as it does on the stunning Belle Époque, alongside the ivory work of Eirik Blåsternes - an emotional, contemplative and atmospheric track that was tested and shaped in the eclipse of Covid.
As with Belle Époque, La Psychosomnie is a playful yet explorative cut that examines insomnia, paralysis and hypnosis courtesy of some enigmatic French spoken word spinning around a framework of drums, bass and swirling keys.
And finally, the album offers up an alternative version of the single Den Franske Gitaren, this time featuring Martin Halla, a vocalist out of the Bergen Grieg Jazz Academy and winner of the Norwegian version of The Voice back in 2012! The perfect flip to Aich's more mournful interpretation of this bass and drum future classic.
To describe an album as "electronic music" has long been an understatement. "Romanticismo siempre" is a good example. Recorded mainly using synthesizers, the album travels a territory that borders on the experimental and the dancefloor, entering at times in both fields.
Andrés Téllez, Delone, states in its title a clear commitment: "an ode to life, to never lose that passion that is the engine that pushes everything, no matter how many obstacles there are along the way, such as love, madness or death". The need to express this is at the origin of the record.
His musical language is rich and varied. Among synthesizers, analog experimentation, drones and psychedelia, many of the subcultures that have shaped what was once called "electronic music" appear. Flashes of trip hop, new age and proto-electronics are amalgamated throughout the album, together with hints of mutant house, breakbeats, IDM and trance. Other genres peripheral to club sounds, such as post-rock or kraut, also appear.
The idea of creating something that could almost be considered a soundtrack is present, but Delone's singularity has taken the album down a different path, using his own musical vocabulary to articulate a narrative that leads him towards his desired destination, keeping experimentation and dance culture, constants in his career, very much in mind.
In 2014 and together with his partner and friend Carlos Trujillo, Andrés created Riverette, a record label that became a record store in the center of Madrid, with his studio in the basement. From there he unleashed his productions as Dos Attack and his first works as Delone. Riverette quickly became a key creative pole in the Spanish electronic underground, and the label has released records by Legowelt, Kornel Kovacs or HAAi.
Throughout the eleven tracks of "Romanticismo siempre", a story materializes in which the protagonism falls on the adrenaline of passion. Through a very personal sound, with a certain introspective vocation, Andrés tells us a wonderful tale with the help of exquisite arrangements and a rich expressiveness.
"Romanticismo siempre" is a polyhedral album that can change with every listen, with every track, and reinterpret itself almost with every playback. It is a complex record, delicate and full of nuances, at the same time charged with a powerful and primitive energy.
The limited 7" edition of Marine Eyes' latest full-length ambient record 'To Belong' hears a distilling of the original fourteen-track record down to just four selections. Though every track on the digital version of the album works in its own right, the choice on offer here - 'Hushed', 'Of The West', 'Bluest' and 'Call & Answer' - are particularly deserving of the study on wax. Something static, nigh time-crystalline is achieved on the B2, with its held root note evincing something of the quality of an infinite dream; the A1 recalls some mix of DJ Healer, Malibu or David Motion with its three note tenor-pad lilt; the A2 gets at the best of both worlds, sounding like a paradisiacal bathhouse vision set in slow motion; the B1 is the tensest, opting for a moodier key, but its reversed guitar taps and sustained choir-synth working in a no less lachrymose aesthetic.
- A1: Contrast (Boing Mix)
- A2: Contrast Part 2 (Dub Mix)
- A3: Contrast (Belgium-Mix 1)
- A4: Contrast Part 3
- B1: Aesthetic
- B2: Ecstacy Recall
- B3: Bass (Remix)
- B4: Energetic Reprise
- C1: Aesthetic Part 2
- C2: Xtc-Recall
- C3: Aesthetic (Us Mix)
- C4: Accelerated Reality
- D1: Aesthetic (Technoworld Mix)
- D2: Maschinen Leben
- D3: Contrast (Pure Trance)
- D4: Far Away From My Own Land
Recall IV is the project created by Andre Fischer that reached a massive success in the German techno scene in 1990 with the release of the single “Contrast” on Techno Drome International / ZYX Records. This was shortly followed by two more releases in 1991 (“Contrast – Part 2” and the extended play “Aesthetic”) and contributions to various compilations.
Andre has been a very active techno composer and producer since the late 80’s working with people like Lars Janzik, Carlos Perón, Giora Schein & Holger Wick (Konzept), Volker Then (Friends Of Carlotta) on countless projects including Scope, Scrot, Technoline, Trust in 6, ADSX, etc.
“Interstate” compiles tracks from all Recall IV singles, some old compilations and a selection of unreleased cuts and remixes. Limited edition of 500 copies on double vinyl with insert (thick black cardboard with die-cut logo) and sticker.
Techno Tuesday Amsterdam, weekly club night at legendary Melkweg Amsterdam, is finally coming out with its own label. This first release is the kick off for the 15 Year Anniversary of Techno Tuesday Amsterdam, which will be celebrated in March 2024. The label will bring up some of the selected artists and established producers. Expect to hear innovative techno sounds, modular and analogue beats, and forward thinking music.
WOLFDRIFTA returns to his own Wolves That Drift imprint for its sophomore release via the ‘Control The Code’ EP, complete with remix from Phone Traxx’s Rob Amboule.
The EP kicks off with the titular ‘Control The Code’. A versatile track which seamlessly fuses elements of early Detroit electro and techno with a classic Chicago-esque groove packaged with modern dynamics and functionality. GOSU affiliate and Phone Traxx member Rob Amboule steps up to remix the aforementioned ‘Control The Code’, adding his trademark breakbeat and minimal stylings to proceedings. Closing out an impressive second outing for the burgeoning imprint is the haunting, hardware driven ’Twilight Zone’ to complete the hat trick.
This record was on our radar for quite some time, but we didn’t know who the artist actually was as it was incorrectly credited on Discogs. But as luck would have it, whilst speaking about this release to our artwork guy at the label, Diplomat, he said that he knew them! So, a few emails and phonecalls later and we had arranged this repress.
Originally this only came out as a white label in 1993 on Dance Bass Records out of Essex which was part owned by Battery 03! A highly sought after EP like all releases on Vinyl Fanatiks, these four tracks perfectly encapsulate the sound of the early 90’s Essex scene.
Only 350 pressed on an incredible marbled vinyl.
Lust Pattern slithers its way to Dark Entries with four tracks of deviant electro-wave on Stand, Scatter. Ryan Armbridge has graced Dark Entries several times via his project Linea Aspera, a revered coldwave revivalist duo with Zoe Zanias. As Lust Pattern, Armbridge draws hypnotic paths through the reverb-laden halls of post-punk and electro-funk, coursing in a gait uniquely his own. Built up from improvised jams, the four cuts on Stand, Scatter defy neat categorization while spanning a wide breadth of genres. Opener “Forming Lines” features Drexciyan squelch, silky guitar, and bursts of live drumming; this sounds like a lot, but it coheres into a perfectly simmering stew of funk. “Choreography” preserves the aquatic vibes but bumps the tempo up into space disco territory, complete with laser bleeps and Moroder-esque pads. It’s a mark of Armbridge’s craft that closing track “No Floor” - a searing motorik synth punk jam that recalls Suicide at their finest - sounds not at all out of place, but rather serves as a logical conclusion to this illogical picture. Stand, Scatter drifts across genres but never loses its focus on the unorthodox groove.
- A1: Tadaaki Misago & Tokyo Cuban Boys – Sakura Sakura 7 32
- A2: Minoru Muraoka – Muraiki 3 55
- A3: Count Buffalo & The Jazz Rock Band – Mago-Uta 3 43
- A4: Kiyoshi Sugimoto Quartet – D-51 6 05
- B1: Toshiyuki Miyama & The New Herd– Adult's Day 9 25
- B2: Soul Media – Breeze 4 33
- B3: ジョージ・大塚カルテット– Sea View 5 03
- C1: Hozan Yamamoto, Masahiko Togashi, Yosuke Yamashita – Breath Prologue 5 08
- C2: Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media – Do It! 7 25
- C3: Hiroshi Suzuki – Romance 5 56
- C4: Masahiko Sato – Tochi Mo Kurumi Mo Fukiotose 3 01
- D1: Masahiko Togashi – Fourth Expression 6 45
- D2: Takeshi Inomata & Sound Limited – Mustache (Live) 8 50
- D3: Takeo Moriyama – Watarase 6 40
repressed !
● Essential 14 track collection of "WaJazz" music selected and compiled by renowned Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa, owner of the Universounds record store in Tokyo.
● Gatefold 180g heavy double vinyl LP. Comes with extensive track-by-track liner notes by Yusuke Ogawa.
● All tracks licensed by Nippon Columbia, Tokyo, Japan.
● Mastering and lacquer cut by Jukka Sarapää at Timmion Cutting Lab, Helsinki, Finland.
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Universounds, HMV Record Shop and 180g team up for an exceptional release: from blazing hard bop to free jazz, to introspective saxophone solos and massive big band sounds, renowned Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa presents an essential 14 track collection of "WaJazz" music taken from the Nippon Columbia vaults. Featuring Jiro Inagaki, Minoru Muraoka, Hiroshi Suzuki, Hozan Yamamoto, Count Buffalo, Takeshi Inomata, and much more!
"Japanese jazz has been recognized and celebrated by music lovers worldwide for decades. The origins of this trend may be traced back to the rare groove movement that flourished in the 1990s, but its current deep and wide popularity seems to be connected to the fact that Japanese people have been reevaluating their own jazz since the mid-2000s, locally referred to as WaJazz ("Wa" meaning Japan but also theShōwa emperor period, from 1926 to 1989). Since the beginning of the 2000s, there has been a growing trend to move away from the DJ-focused perspective and to appreciate jazz with a deeper understanding. Nowadays, there is more and more interest in the background and roots in which jazz has developed in Japan, with Japanese jazz as a whole now considered as its own distinctive genre.
Of course, even if we speak about "WaJazz" as one genre, there is a truly wide variety of styles within it. However, when Japanese musicians play, there is something uniquely Japanese flowing through that creates a kind of synergy. It may be the melody, the rhythm, or even something deeper, like an inexpressible flicker. I would be happy if some of its charms and secrets emerge from the fourteen tracks included in this collection." (Yusuke Ogawa)
Yusuke Ogawa has been running the Universounds store in Tokyo since 2001, specializing in jazz and second-hand, rare, and collector records. He is also a reissue supervisor, label manager, DJ, and music writer. Known for his vast musical knowledge, eye for detail, and archival skills, Ogawa has worked on more than 250 reissues and compilations – including the highly praised Deep Jazz Reality and Project Re:Vinyl series. He is the co-author of the Wa-Jazz Disc Guide and the Independent Black Jazz of America books.
To be released on Ransom Note Records and marking the debut album of Wave Arising project , "(The) Rooted Sky" is an invitation to an initiatory journey where intuitions are channeled into grooves and otherworldly sonic landscapes . A sound where intense rhythms meet circular expansions .
From various improvisations, the experienced & avant-garde musician Sebastian Vaughan decided to take a fresh look and avoid the use of sampling third parties by crafting compositions. An approach to music as a spiritual path driven all the way long by psychedelic dubby vibes , acidic frequencies & hypnotic repetitions coming from his sound-system culture heritage .
While the tracks "It Comes and Goes" , "Ronde Cinétique" , "Electric Shrine" and "Golden Black" draw contemporary almost cinematic ambiences with vibrant and spacious feelings , "Monin Yiri" , "Sound Loves Dance" & "Grow with the Flow" represent a series of energetic deconstructed leftfields , with the omnipresence of a singular tribalism that emphases the african side of Wave Arising .
On its own "Music without chains" is , as the title underlines , a joyful jam free from any boxes or attempts at confinement .
Finally "Subconscience" arrives like a probe , a dreamlike piece full of endless reverbs from Kynsie's voice ; generating mysterious environments and resonating directly with "Soul Whispers" .
Taking on the challenge of fusion , "(The) Rooted Sky" asks the listener to open up through a collection of progressive tracks reflecting the core of Wave Arising’s spirit : Music & Body as a portal . Through this consciously chosen wide range of dynamics , the producer shows his musical ability to create an unique sonic palette yet staying true to his own personality .
Regarding the cover, the outside is a minimalist yet symbolic photograph of the duo’s hands. As for the interior, Wave Arising is very grateful to welcome primitive artworks by the talented artist Rapoon , one of the founder members of the legendary group Zoviet*France . Continuing with this global vision of intertwined arts, the videos accompanying this record are created by Wave Arising .
Ultimately , the recurrent animistic vibes of "(The) Rooted Sky" give to the album a spiritual ethos directly driven by the book of Nature reminding us that, we are all connected to the Source .
Whatever the "Source" means for each one . . .
It’s True What They Say is the debut EP from Edinburgh-based, husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), aka Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced “McLochlin”).
“Sarah and I both have a love for nostalgia,” explains Shaun. “We watched that amazing old 80’s Sci-Fi, (John) Carpenter movie, Starman, a few months back. Myself and my brother David used to watch it all the time. We must have been, roughly, 5-7 at the time. I remember loving the movie but the end, you know, with the beautiful, atmospheric, synth ending, I love that particular moment the most - best part of the movie, you know, when he goes home… It’s heartbreaking but stunning, all the same. It’s the music that moves you most… It did when I was 5 and it still does to this day. It must have had some form of a (much deeper) impact on me.”
The duo narrates stories across themes of love, hope, family, friends, dreams and sadness - the good that comes with the bad in everyday life, not just on a personal scale but within a community as well.
“Starbed is the first song I have ever written and just came out of the blue really, with Shaun playing a melody and me singing along,” says Sarah. “It’s simple and just about two people in love. Love songs are always the best songs, after all… Music has been a big part of my life from a young age. I was unwillingly dragged to piano and violin lessons, which I’m thankful for now! I’d say the first band I really became obsessed with growing up were the Beatles, and on the back of that a lot of 60s music and fashion. From then on, I had a love for music.”
“Shaun definitely opened my ears to a lot of sounds and got me thinking about soundtracks and all the noises that can be made,” she goes on. “We love just spending time experimenting in the house with instruments, pedals etc and Ali is a real magician to work with, too…”
The recordings took place over the summers of 2022 and 2023, with fellow Delta Mainline member Ali Chisholm (aka Jaguar Eyes) plus long-term friend and collaborator Gavin King. Further collaboration then came via the ‘net from the (international) likes of Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty), Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz) and Daniel Land (The Modern Painters), among others (see a full list of credits below).
Both Sarah and Shaun have a love for uber-soundtrack producers such as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter, Cliff Martinez plus live acts such as Beach House, Spiritualized, M83, Suicide, Moby and OMD (to name a few). Shaun also credits the work of Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (from Survive) on the Stranger Things score… “Even a moment in a movie, whether it be just 30 seconds during a particular scene, it grips you,” he says. But there’s something much deeper at play as well. “Music is a healer,” he goes on, “and I write from my own perspective but more so for others. Once I've done my bit, it doesn't belong to me any longer. It belongs to whoever wants it or needs it.”
The result is a cinematic, synth-wavey, dream poppy and downright beguilingly beautiful body of work. And they’re just getting started…
REVIEWS/RADIO/FEEDBACK:
“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part Human League. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON
"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN
"Woozy pop" NEMONE (Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)
"Nice one, very David Lynch meets Euro dream pop" YOUTH (Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, U2, The Orb, Spiritualized etc)
"Music sounds killer! Real emotion” DAVID HOLMES
"I’m enjoying it” TIM BRINKHURST aka LONDON (IKLAN, Young Fathers, Callum Easter)
“Oh, this is lovely!” SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"It’s totally my cup of tea with milk and biscuit" BRENT RADEMAKER (Beachwood Sparks/GospelBeach)
"Beautiful, ecstatic electronica! Short and to the point" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized, Julian Cope, Soulsavers, BE)
"Makes me wanna sit in the sun and sip an Arnold Palmer" CHRIS DIXIE DARLEY (Father John Misty)
“Really beautiful - Cocteau Twins / Spiritualized vibes but has its own thing going on, too - worth checking out!” JULIAN CORRIE (Franz Ferdinand, Miaoux Miaoux)
‘Sounded nice on a sunny day, makes me think of Twin Peaks, nice moods’ EAMON HAMILTON (Sea Power)
"Dealing in nostalgia, no bad thing at all, great to play that (Dust Tears) for you” RODDY HART (BBC Radio Scotland)
“I'll give the vocal tracks a spin before the release." VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio Scotland)
"Rather good!" IAIN ANDERSON (BBC Radio Scotland)
CREDITS:
Lyrics, Guitars, Keys, Synths, Drums, Drum Programming, Percussion, Mandolin, Glockenspiel: Shaun McLachlan
Lyrics, Vocals, Keys by Sarah McLachlan
Guitars, Synths, String Arrangements, Drum Programming, Engineering: Jaguar Eyes Percussion/Drums/Effects, Fire Extinguisher: Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz)
Guitars by Daniel Land
Slide Guitar by Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty)
Brass by Bruce Michie
Keys, pre-production & engineering on “It’s true what they say”: Gavin King
All produced by Jaguar Eyes and Shaun McLachlan and then mixed at Glasgow’s Chem19 Studios by David McCaulay (From Scotland With Love, Rick Redbeard, BBC TV’s Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard score).
Artwork: Jamie Walman (Fourteen Admirals)
MORE INFO:
Although Shaun released a pair of solo singles (When We Dance and Give Your Love To Me) during Lockdown, he will be better known to many via his work as the multi-instrumentalist in Edinburgh band Delta Mainline. With two albums released to date, Oh! Enlightened and Bel Avenir, both rapturously received by fans and critics alike, Delta Mainline have developed an international, cult following. Oh Enlightened (2013) achieved widespread critical acclaim on release, earning the band comparisons to Arcade Fire and Echo & The Bunnymen, while 2019’s Bel Avenir pulled in references to The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and krautrock. A third DM album is currently being mixed and due for release later this year…
Next from Jerry Harris' new label Motive is this killer modern roots tune, a version of a classic roots rhythm, with excellent dub wise side by Wackie's own Prince Douglas. Top shelf contemporary reggae from two OG's here, don't miss it.
A globally-renowned selector whose ‘Mastermix’ series and impactful, diverse DJ sets have garnered a cult following for the past decade, Numbers co-founder Jackmaster has seen his focus shifted towards his blossoming discography of late, releasing material via Seth Troxler’s Slacker 85, The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin’ Headz and CircoLoco Records, plus his own TDSR imprint. Here, he continues to showcase his studio nouse with an impressive label debut on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels, unveiling two new original productions across his latest EP, ‘Don’t You Want My Lovin’.
Vibrant, deep and jackin’, featuring resonant stabs, skippy drums and soulful vocals at its core, the bubbly ‘Don’t You Want My Lovin’ is a punchy slice of house crafted for bustling dancefloors, while the airy and trippy ‘Ode 2 U’ takes things into more paired back territories and journeys through vast textures to unveil a wormhole of a production.
Needing little introduction, Chicago’s finest and house music icon, Mike Dunn, steps up on remix duties as he makes his first outing on the renowned imprint. His aptly titled ‘Blackball 303’ interpretation is precisely that: a wicked, acid-laced trip harnessing the original’s infectious vocal while offering an instrumental for those looking to keep things darker.
Jlin’s detailed and meticulous exploration of rhythm’s inner and outer reaches has made her one of the most distinctive and recognisable voices within both the electronic and classical music worlds. Her compositions are consistently appealing and have an accessibility to them, yet often defy expectations. She exists within her own locus solus - no matter the collaborator, no matter where sounds ultimately lead her. Whatever the situation – from composing the Pulitzer Prize shortlisted ‘Perspective’ for Third Coast Percussion, to ‘Godmother’ her AI-powered collaboration with Holly Herndon, Jlin always expresses her outlook to the fullest. Her new album ‘Akoma’ sets a new benchmark in her personal road map, not only since the album features guest appearances from Björk, Philip Glass and Kronos Quartet but for her continued sonic persistence and resistance. Jlin does what Jlin does and it’s beloved across genres, across scenes and across generations. ‘Akoma’ is a new entry point into her sound and a new approach for both those who have been following diligently and those who are just now entering her world.So how did she get here? Here’s a rundown for those looking for the facts. She was both a math nerd and a steel factory worker. She got inspired by Footwork and started making tracks with mentorship assistance from RP Boo and DJ Rashad, but her music was far from typical for footwork from the get-go. In 2011, she released her first track ‘Erotic Heat’ on the Planet Mu anthology ‘Bangs & Works Vol.2.’ Fashion designer Rick Owens heard it and invited her to soundtrack his Paris Fashion Week show. Already before an EP or an album Jlin was in new cutting-edge territory. And it hasn’t stopped since. Everyday Jlin wakes up early and clocks into her home studio working hard on new music. Her discipline and craft-like approach means that those who would try to copy her sound simply can’t get to the level she is at. Since ‘Erotic Heat’ she has released two bold albums, 2015’s ‘Dark Energy’ and 2017’s ‘Black Origami.’ She has also released her soundtrack to Company Wayne McGregor’s dance piece ‘Autobiography’ (2018) and most recently (2023) the mini-album ‘Perspective.’ She’s remixed µ-Ziq, Factory Floor, Ben Frost, Max Richter, Björk, Martin Gore and others. She’s collaborated with Holly Herndon and the late SOPHIE. She’s worked with visual artists Kevin Beasley and Nick Cave. She composed a string quartet for Kronos Quartet and performed with them live in a tribute to Philip Glass. She also recently completed a tribute to Sun Ra with Kronos. ‘Perspective’, her very well received percussion work for Third Coast Percussion has further opened doors for her in classical music. She’s even thinking of one day writing an opera. She had a residency at MassMoca Museum earlier this year (2023). She’s performed live at Pitchfork Festival, Unsound Festival and too many others to mention. She’s also worked with Indian dancers, Company Wayne McGregor and renowned choreographer/MacArthur Fellow Kyle Abraham. There’s more but you get the picture - she’s working in contexts and in ways that few of her peers are able to. ‘Akoma’ is the next step - all these paths have led to this. We encourage you to tune in.
Shipwrec have delved into the underbelly of electronics for their latest discovery. Fake Youth Cult is the brand new project of Richard van Kruysdijk, an artist who has been integral to the Dutch music scene. Following releases on Delsin, as well as founding his own Music for Speakers label, this latest undertaking explores the darker hues of Kruysdijk's audio creations. Across six tracks, a realm of shadows and steel is constructed. From the murky tones of "Visitor" to the industrial and blackened "Scorched", a towering sound of punishing percussion looms over the listener. Techno is central message. Despite this, the piercing coldness of electro rises in the incising and stark "Messing." The influence of punk comes to the fore in racing rhythms and lean strings that make up "Smear." BPMs drop in the slow burning EBM stained "Management." The machines take control for the finale. A relentless kick is the motor that drives this seven minute juggernaut to the close. Broad and brutish brilliance from a prodigious talent.
On "The Best EP", Chengdu-based artist B.AI shows she can not only write memorable hooks but can do so while covering a broad array of registers. One of her most enticing feats is her ability to make the minimal, electro and tech house genres she navigates her own by injecting them with a unique sense of melody. "Nightdreaming" is a moody builder: although new, sturdily patched layers keep being introduced and the pace never slows down, a sense of restraint remains. This atmosphere quickly changes on "Satisfy", which, with its tapestry of indeterminate arpeggios and EBM-evoking vocals, takes a nervous turn. "The Best" on the B-side is a slab of vigor tailored for the peak time. Set to an effective bass groove, modulated chords, white noise sweeps, delicately mixed moans and bright pads nearly trip one over another. On "Crash Landing On Nimas" B.AI , together with Diego Santana, unleashes a batch of detuned and portamento heavy square wave patterns. The EP, diverse yet balanced, ends on a note so ominous...
Delving deep into the shadowy realms of filmic soundscapes, Pheeks latest EP is a masterful blend of darkness and texture. Drawing heavy inspiration from moody cinema and the raw, gritty undertones of lofi elements, this collection manages to capture and amplify fond sound textures, seamlessly integrating them within techno structures. At its core, there is an unmistakable cinematic ambiance, an aura that paints a picture of suspense and mystery. But don’t let the atmospheric subtleties fool you. Beneath the misty veneer lies a pulsating heart of energy, with layers that rhythmically surge and ebb. It is a sonic journey that is as intricate as it is evocative, showcasing Pheeks prowess in both craft and creativity. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world where each track tells its own enigmatic tale.
Words cannot describe how happy I am to finally return with my own music. It took me a long time to overcome my depressing state and to be able to be creative again.
I think every artist knows how it feels when you are blocked and cannot do music anymore, it is a very sad and frustrating feeling…. .
I am very relieved to be back now with two new tracks. Hope you like them.
On Gift n Curse Principle, Jnn Aprl puts forth her own signature interpretation of “techno”, relying on her art school drop out sensibilities and analog ear. After spending the better portion of the last decade immersing herself in the heartland of electronic music, The Seoul by way of Chicago by way of Detroit by way of Seoul again producer and DJ is proud to present the debut of her new EP as well as her new label, Rene Koala.
Find on the record a set of tracks spanning the gamut, made with the assistance of a MPC 1000, a Prophet Synth, vocal effect and some grit. For the dancers and for the artist alike, each song represents a journey. 'Gift n Curse Principle' employs a minimal beat with raw intention. ‘Freedom Bondage’ taps into a low frequency and steady modulation, emulating a heartbeat. All tracks ask to be heard in their entirety.
This EP was made with support from Piranhahead of Rustbelt Studios and Bill Skibbe of Third Man Records.
c A3. 323 Ear To Ear
[d] A4. DLASM [Don’t Let Anyone Stop Me]
Amy Dabbs & Coco Bryce return with a long-awaited second instalment of their collab project ‘Slightly Involved’, in which they interpret each other’s tracks using their own unique production styles & techniques.
‘Slightly Involved Vol. 2’ sees Amy & Coco rework four tracks previously released on their own imprints, Dabbs Traxx & Myor. Amy delivers two tracks in her signature style of coding drums from the ground up, on two of Coco’s highly renowned jungle bangers, while Coco serves up jungle versions of two of Amy’s house tracks from her first EP on Dabbs Traxx, crafting his tunes using lusciously layered breaks.
‘Out There’, the first album by the duo KOLORA, is a continuous collection of warm and layered soundscapes. The organic guitar sound of Liloe Barend in combination with the synthetic synthesizer sounds of Koenraad Wiering provide a calming sound palette.
The collaboration between Liloe & Koenraad arose during and because of the corona period. Both musicians live in the artist commuity ‘Heesterveld Creative Community’ in Amsterdam South East and were restricted by the corona measures. However, these limitations turned out to be fertile ground for a new musical collaboration: KOLORA.
In addition to KOLORA, Liloe Barend has her own solo project ‘Liloe Rix’ and is a guitarist in the cover band Steam Sister. Last summer she released her new EP with her solo project as a singer-songwriter.
Koenraad Wiering works in the music world as a producer and DJ. You can find him on stage as a DJ under his own name ‘Koenraad’ and also under various pseudonyms including: DJ Beukeboom and 06NRG. In addition to music, he also designins and build light installations.
Repress!
Cerrone steps up for a new single, cut loud and proud on either side of a 12 inch on his own Malligator Préférence label. In the words of the main man himself…
“I composed ‘For You’ with the desire to get back to all the musical sensations I've experienced in 50 years; to translate all that makes the universe, emotion and sensuality about Disco Music. To do so, I chose to record with real musicians (pianist, string and brass sections, etc.) that were playing live, while taking the best of nowadays's recording and production techniques. I really made this creation which is a musical voyage For You. Enjoy!” - Marc Cerrone
A necessary agitator in the city, Bruno Trigo Gonçalves signs, while Phoebe, some of the most desirable sound infusions of the moment. The founder of Troublemaker Records, collaborator of Rádio Quântica, resident DJ at the “mina” party and also one of the faces behind the Planeta Manas space, has multiplied himself in live performances and brought a handful of news in recent years. “If I was simple in my mind, everything would be fine”, under Rotten Fresh label and “Love is Patient, Love is Kind, Love Will Make you Lose your Mind” by Sweet Love Making, a label that he jointly owns with Bleid , demonstrate Phoebe's bird's-eye view. This vision includes allusions to different languages of dance music, ambient music and other personal cosmologies that define him as an absolutely free producer.
- Horse Meat Disco “BOOOOOOM”
- Alison Swing - “hot tracks!”
- FYI Chris - “bangin - love all these tunes <3”
- Nikola Baytala - “JENSEN INTERCEPTOR REMIX !!! AFTERNOON BLAZE !!!HYPEZONE 5000 !!! BASS IN YOUR FACE !!! DISCOS EXTENDES KILLIN IT !!! SUBWOOFER ALERT !!! ”
- Turbojazz - “Supa cool EP!”
- Daniel ( Happy Endings) “Simply brilliant, every single track.”
- Nita Aviance“oof, Go is just naaaassssttttyyyy! very excited to bring this one to the floor. the whole EP goes off, really, FAB release. thank you for sending!”
In 1967, Disperú commissioned trumpeter Toño Reyes to form a band and record an album with a series of songs that reflected the latest tropical music trends, in his own inimitable style. “Mister Boogaloo” combines the influences received from the likes of Mexican drummer Leo Acosta and the emerging Nuyorican boogaloo scene. First time reissue, including its original striking psychedelic artwork and remastered sound. In the few years that the Disperú record label was operative, it managed to open its doors to emerging artists, who were often ignored by the major labels but would go on to leave their mark on Peruvian popular music. In 1967, Disperú commissioned trumpeter Toño Reyes to form a band he called Toño y sus Sicodélicos. During the recording sessions for this album they performed a series of songs that reflected the latest tropical music trends, in his inimitable style. Instrumentals such as 'Mr. Boogaloo', 'El Guayacol', 'La Anticuchera', 'La Peinadora' and 'La Fiesta es Mañana' are versions that follow the lines traced by the Mexican composer and drummer Leo Acosta. In the early sixties, based in Los Angeles, Acosta played with the orchestras of Harry James, Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, Herb Alpert, and Dámaso Pérez Prado. Mid-decade, Acosta turned to the novel sounds of boogaloo, which immediately caught the attention of young South Americans. The song 'Borinque Bella' is another cover version, originally recorded by The TNT Band, based in New York. Another noteworthy influence on the album is the blind Venezuelan organist Tulio Enrique León, who performed cumbias and guarachas enhanced by his Hammond organ, as is the case of 'Chin chin'. Songs in vogue at the time complete the album. The best known is perhaps 'Es la Lluvia que cae', popularized in Spanish in 1967 by Los Iracundos. ‘Tequila' and 'No te bote', by The Champs and
Sonora Matancera, respectively, were also classics on Lima's radio stations. 'Las hojas secas', by the Mexicans Los Zignos, was so popular that it was even covered by Peruvian rock groups such as Los Steivos and Los 007. The success reaped by Toño y sus Sicodélicos took them straight to another record company, and the group’s records were also re-released in neighboring countries, always with striking psychedelic cover illustrations. First time reissue!
Überkeine sets the tone of his own record label with four esoteric tracks, designed for the club. An obvious intention to establish a radical style with conceptualized sonorities, is revealed throughout the Ep. The sound materials are elaborate, and go straight to the point. Obsessing over the flow of creativity offered by his modular synthesizer, he delivers a very dense techno and already affirms a well-marked identity. Powerful and textured kicks, intricate synthetic sounds contained in an arrangement reduced to the essential. The tracks come to life as the forthright reflection of the thoughts of the producer. Guillotine Whistle instantly plunges into the unbridled world of the Ep. An ominous atmosphere hovers over our heads as it reveals organic and disconcerting tones. A gentle brutality emanates from this whistling guillotine that awaits to cut you up in two. Leading the way towards Drifting Data, a track inspired directly from Jungle Patterns. Überkeine is humbly trying to render DnB to a techno format. The dense, saturated Bassline sustains the idea of breaking the dancefloor in pieces. A hard hitting, broken beat environment accompanied by heavily filtered synthetic chaos. Third track’s the charm, the B side starts with Mirror Moist. A drop-down, wet and straightforward techno track with a carnal Bassline. As sensual as it gets, this track conveys a kinky loop urging intimacy and blasting heat throughout the club. Last but not least, Shaney’s remix of Mirror Moist. Picking up core elements of the original vibe and translating it into the off-beat techno nightmare it deserved to be. Full-on obscure dancefloor piece of equipment.
DJ Support: Danny Krivit, Craig Charles (BBC Radio 6 Music), Hallex M, Jazzanova, Delite Radio, Mi Soul, Pointblank, Totally Wired Radio, XFM, Radio Solar, Tony Minvielle, Simon Phillips, Chris Phillips (Jazz FM), KCRW DJs, Ian Friday, Aroop Roy, Samantha Badd (Café Del Mar), Mr. V, Simon Harrison (Basic Soul), Greame Park, Mike Fossati, Timo Mass, Deli G, Servino (Horse Meat Disco), Hyenah.
‘Badly Written Songs’ is, of course, a tongue-in-cheek title. It comprises a carefully structured and well-produced array of songwriting, topped and tailed with live instrumentation, commanding vocal performances and high-end production: the result of years of sound engineering and music production experience. Since the last album, Ross Hillard has continually honed his skills whilst earnestly crafting this sophomore long player. As well as developing a range of audio plugins, Ross also manages recording sessions at his own Paddocks Recording Studios: huge live spaces boast cutting-edge technology, integrated with distinguished analogue kit. The studio is complemented by a collection of prized microphones, together with a fully-restored vintage Raindirk mixing desk.
The opening track and first single from this album is the positively-anthemic gem entitled ‘Good Morning Sunshine’. It tells a forward-looking story promoting the merits of getting back into the driving seat of life. It’s propelled further by superb jazz-inspired drums and live horns that build up to an exhilarating crescendo. Featuring the vocal talents of Sophia Marshall, the story she paints is supported by a wonderful, darkly humorous cartoon video. An animated cadaver hilariously acts out her notions of positive living.
Other tracks also destined for a single release include: ‘Loving You’. It’s a song written around love lost. A bouncing house composition lays the foundations for Sophia Marshall's beautiful vocal that narrates the many facets to be found in loving another person. ‘Better’ again echoes jazz-inspired drums behind Sophia's vocals, drawing attention to how so many people are lost on their devices, missing out on the awesome world around them. A catchy chorus chants the notion behind this song, i.e., that you ‘could be better!’ This single is also supported by another fantastic video featuring the same comical, deceased character introduced through the ‘Good Morning Sunshine’ video.
Our very own Sweat Sampler has landed and Vol. 1 kicks things off with four exceptionally Sweaty bops. Firstly, GRAMMY award-winning producer CID joins forces with Italian DJ duo Havoc & Lawn for an epic rework of America's 1972 hit 'A Horse With No Name'. Followed by ‘Come Out’, a product of the new project Saturday Love from Fiorious and Boston’s Kon, fresh off The Vision’s instant-classic Defected LP and 9 million streaming anthem ‘Heaven’. Flip the vinyl and you’ll then find the mastermind who seamlessly combines the underground with a house twist, Marco Lys, as he teams up with Sweat homestay Ben Miller for the funky crowd-pleaser ‘Give It To Me’. Top it off with one of Australia’s most adored dance acts, with over 100 million streams, Platinum and Gold plaques and numerous triple j ‘most played’ hits, Set Mo gives us the feel-good ‘Could I Be’.
Well Curated is a series of releases and parties that - in its own words - "reflects the ethnomusicology of the last 50 years of music" - and aims to reach into all genres, merging classic styles and breaking down barriers. Steve Spacek occupies the A-side with the breezy broken beat and soul-in-space of 'Alone In Da Sun', while Lukid's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a more intense counterpart, with wobbling sub-bass and swirling, surging atmospherics hovering above.
This is the first re-release on 7inch vinyl single of the early Reggae classic “She Caught The Train” by Ray Martell released in 1970 on the Trojan sublabel Joe in the U.K. and later covered by UB 40 in 1983. This original song, a huge hit, has featured on many compilations but has never been repressed as a single, until now…
It was initially released with the track “Tea House From Emperor Roscoe” by Dice The boss on the B side (which we will also release separately on the 22nd of March 2024). On this release, we chose to showcase a super rare Ray Martell song, the gorgeous “Cora” initially released on Attack in 1970.
About Joe Mansano:
“She Caught The Train” was credited to Joe Mansano, real name Joel Mansano who also produced the song. Joel was a Trinidadian who moved to London in 1963. He was a record shop seller, song writer and producer and became heavily involved in the early reggae era producing and writing tracks for several Jamaican artists, enough for Trojan to dedicate a label to him: the “Joe” label aimed at the emerging Skinheads market. He also owned a shop the Joe's Record Centre in Brixton and recorded two handfuls of singles under the name Joe The boss…
About Ray Martell:
“Cora” is credited to Ray Martell himself and was produced by Philligree, an alias for Graham Goodall and Phil Chen. The Philligree duo produced about 20 very interesting singles on a variety of labels with artist such as Desmond Dekker, Millie, Pat Sandy and Ray Martell among others between 1969 and 1970. Although “She Caught The Train” is indeed a famous track, little is known about Ray Martell aka Martel Robinson. Ray was born in St Catherine parish in Jamaica in September 1943. He started to sing at school and church and later on moved to U.K. where he kept on singing in clubs in Coventry and Birmingham … He eventually moved to London where he recorded 4 great tracks in 1970 “She Caught The Train” on Joe, “Cora” and “Loving Lover” on Attack, and “Lover” on Trojan, the last three being written by himself. In 1973 he started his own label “Ray” featuring his own productions but these were unfortunately not as interesting as his previous releases…
repressed !
Office 04 circles in memories: The record is about Johannes 'Iron Curtis' Paluka's time at Karl-Marx-Straße Berlin where he used to live next door to label head Baaz and graphic designer Chris Fladung.
A1 track 'Magnet' is an ecstatic piece of house music holding all elements IC's production is esteemed and loved for : Heavy, unrelenting kicks, rolling bass lines, shimmering pads, topped with searing hot yet gamelan-like synts and an icing of slightly loose, detuned organ stabs predesting grand emotions on any dance floor. 'What happened happened' surely marks up as another proof of Curtis' fearless takes on house music: distorted field recordings and blurred spoken words, a web of gossamer melodies and subtle clicks and cuts, all cohered by the louche bassline and the reshuffled groove in a true dilla-ish vein.
Adapting elements to their own agenda, clandestine groove explorers Berg turn 'What happened' into a true midnight roller: razor-sharp hihitas join forces with a steam-maschine like percussion, whipping relentlessly in-between kick drum and kick drum. Berg cools off their take with prancing melody motifs and strung out pads of the original track, though never loosing focus of the 'reductions' aim: keep the dancer dancing.
repressed !
Kloke joins the Run it Red label for a stunning 4 track jungle ep. Fresh from dropping several excellent releases on Future Retro, !K7 and several other labels as well as collaborations with Tim Reaper, Kloke brings the 93 darkside style into the year 2023 for Echo Chamber Sound's sub label.
These tracks have the perfect balance of rawness and intricacy that Kloke is known for and could be mistaken for lost dubs played at Rage or the Bluenote sessions with only a cassette recording to tell the tale. Luckily they are brand new tunes, crisply mastered at The Exchange and pressed on a 4 track 12inch. Label owner LQ reworks the title tune Dark Knight with signature low end power and dubwise sonic manipulation.
Yore is on something like a roll at the moment. Think of Kaidi Tatham's “It never Stops EP”, or the much acclaimed version of Frankie Knuckles Tears by Chicago's Elbert Philips & Andre Espeut or the recent series of classic Detroit Techno Ep's by our very own P0lyrhythm. A lot is to be expected with having had these under our belts. But as you'd expect, we draw out quick, faster than Lucky Luke's shadow - this time with a eeep as its gets Techno EP by ReKaB.
His “My Future and my Past EP” dives deeper into Techno territory and will do get people movin' and groovin` without a doubt.
Louise van den Heuvel is a dynamic Dutch bass player and composer. She's known for blending modern music technologies and effect pedals in her compositions rooted in the contemporary electronic/jazz scene. Louise founded the up-and-coming Belgian electronic jazztrio Dishwasher_, collaborated with renowned artists on stage such as Zwangere Guy & Lander Gyselinck and Bruno Vansina Orchestra, and is part of Stéphane Gallands' The Rhythm Hunters, The Gallands, and the neo-soul group STACE.
For her latest project, Sonic Hug, Louise composed the whole repertoire by herself. The self-titled album, supported by JazzLab and W.E.R.F. Records, features a stellar line-up of some of the leading figures in the Benelux (jazz) scene: Hendrik Lasure on keys, Daniel Jonkers on drums and Daniel Comerford on reets (live replaced by Werend Van Den Bossche). The band is set to tour in April and May 2024 after its release on 5th of April 2024.
Her own creations expose themselves as elaborated melancholic songs filled with elegant grooves, crystalline vocals and experimental jazz excursions. She's brilliantly using her own musical voice - even literally, since you will also hear her sing on some of the tracks.
?Surrounded by three equally inevitable peer musicians in the front of the new Belgian jazz generation (known from acts such as schntzl, Bombataz, Profound Observer, Otto Kintet, Dishwasher_, Kin Gajo, ...) Sonic Hug becamea very personal, unique new project. Influenced by the sounds of Scandinavia and artists such as ADHD, Nala Sinephro, Floating Points, Y Otis and Joni Mitchell, the vibe of Sonic Hug is etheric, elegant, melodically narrative, and always searching for a grasping groove.
The journey continues…fasten your seat belt and enjoy your galactic trip to the unknown.
Phil Robertson, the name behind Arbilla and his new vinyl release on Xistence Records, Movement EP features an original track and 2 remixes by the Australian masters Biz (Peter Elmaloglou/Cliq, Subjekt, Transmat) and Microworld (Philip McGarva/Styrax,Curle,Transmat). Each track brings it’s own special vibe to the listener, you can expect a truly adventurous record…
A side: original track is with nice 808 drum works what drives this one forward, hypnotic and soulful stripped back tune.
Biz remix definitely has energy and deep emotional content, melodic touches for the soul.
Inner track on B side from Microworld, deep and effective techno groove with distorted kicks what gives an extra character for the trippy sound.
Early support from Rolando, Colin Dale and Raresh
Cool Million By Now Is A Household Name When It Comes To The Boogie Funk Style. They Are Routed In This Musical Genre We Lost By The End Of The 1980s And They Reinvigorated It For Us With Their Very Own Sound And SXll Up To Now Feature Singers From Today And The Original Era Of The 80ts Soul, Funk And Boogie.
Denmark's Tomas Thordarson Started His Career In Pop Music By Auditioning And Winning The First Round Of Star For A Night, Denmark's Answer To American Idol. After Participating In The Contest Thordarson Realized How Important Music Was To Him, And Decided To Pursue A Career In It Full-Time. His Latin-Flavored Single "Shame On You" Was Denmark's 2004 Entry Into The Eurovision Song Contest.
This Brand New Recording Follows The Path Of The Cool Million Upli_ing Boogie Funk Sound And With The Dub Version On The Flipside Delivers A Highlight For All The DJs Cubng Their Own Mixes On Turntables Worldwide.
This New Release On SEDSOULCIETY RECORDINGS Is An Exclusive Single, Vinyl First And Soul, Funk And Boogie Forever
2024 Repress
Brazil-born, Barcelona-based DJ and producer ANNA has garnered international accolades from Mixmag, BBC Radio 1 and others with recent releases on the likes of Diynamic and Turbo Recordings. But her skill set reaches far beyond the studio realm as 2017 marked her busiest year to date. Beyond a whirlwind of festival appearances (including Movement and Awakenings), ANNA had the opportunity to perform at iconic clubs such as
DC-10 and Fabric.
This passion for the dancefloor was fuelled by a youth spent in the DJ booth of her father's night club - and it now leads to her first outing with Kompakt:
SPEICHER 101 carries the DNA of both the studio head and the club dweller, crafting two propulsive, massive belters out of simple, but effective ingredients. HIDDEN BEAUTIES dominates the A-side with raw bass power and sizzling drops of acid, while the flipside brings you THE DANSANT, one of these spiralling minimalistic techno bangers that just seem to grow indefinitely. The release is also a personal milestone for ANNA, as Kompakt's records have always been a staple in her sets: I have so many
records from Kompakt, I've had them since I started, and even though I played so many different styles through the years, I can safely say that Kompakt has always been in my crate.' Her very own release on the label, however, seemed like a distant dream', she says. Turns out it wasn't that distant after all - thanks to her knack for seriously catchy techno with a punch, nurtured by hard work and persistent focus. A perfect fit for Speicher.
2024 Repress
Brazil born - Barcelona based ANNA returns to her new home SPEICHER - for the second time this year - following an incredible breakthrough year. If you went out to a club in 2018 you undoubtedly heard HIDDEN BEAUTIES and touched countless people with her sincere and unabashed passion for techno and DJing.
SPEICHER 105 presents a different side of ANNA - her remarkable production skills continue to shine as she looks more inward with REMEMBRANCE. This depth charged masterpiece needed to be concocted into a duel; a broken beat main mix and a four to the floor rendition of which you can choose your own adventure with. WHEN I AM ONLY A DREAM continues the path she trail blazed on SPEICHER 101 that both is punishing and caressing the dance floors of tomorrow.
Die gebürtige Brasilianerin ANNA aus Barcelona legt nach ihrem unglaublichen Durchbruch mit SPEICHER 101 zum zweiten Mal in diesem Jahr auf SPEICHER vor. HIDDEN BEAUTIES war 2018 zweifellos in keinem Club zu überhören und ANNA berührte dieses Jahr unzählige Dancer mit ihrer aufrichtigen und unerschrockenen Leidenschaft für Techno und DJing.
Auf SPEICHER 105 präsentiert sich ANNA von einer anderen Seite - ihre bemerkenswerten Studio-Skills glänzen weiter, wenn sie mit REMEMBRANCE nach innen schaut. Dieses tief aufgeladene Meisterwerk musste wie in einem Zweikampf gegenüberstehen: der gebrochene "Main Mix' und sein four-to-the-floor Rendering sind je ein Abendteuer für sich. WHEN I AM ONLY A DREAM setzt den Weg fort, den sie auf SPEICHER 101 eingeschlagen hat: höchste Höhen und tiefste Tiefen für den Dancefloor von morgen.
Knotweed is proud to welcome Coefficient on board. While continuing to develop his own vision of stripped-down minimalistic techno, Coefficient takes us down a cosmic and hypnotic trip to outer space. He incorporates each sonic element with precision to optimise our musical experience. Finally, he makes sure that less is more for the listener to delve into his dreamy soundscapes.
2026 Update: while stock last, this coloured vinyl now comes with a coloured cover “Exploring Different Shades of Techno since 2011”
On My Own Terms / Time, a new non-label created for Yorobi's self-released projects.
The first ep "Projection Palace" features 4 tracks across various genres and tempo's.
From bass heavy breaks and house to sound along the hardcore jungle continuum.
The name of the ep refers to a psychological principle of "projection", whereby you project certain (negative) qualities onto others without them being necessarily right.
Quite often the projections say a lot more about the person who's doing the projecting rather than the person on the receiving end.
The idea then was to make an EP that revolved around this theme. The palace bit being a metaphor as if you were a house which would show you all these mirrors which are wonky and distorted, like a fun house on a fairground
2024 Repress
Introversion Created A Name For Himself With His Remarkable Debut With The First Record On The Label, The Record Is Still In Rotation Today, And Surely Will Be Part Of The Rave Scene For A Big Timespan, He Is Back With A Complete 12", Providing His Ravy Personal Sound Reminiscence To The 90's, Now More Than Ever The Artist Is Defining His Own Sound, Creating A New Window Following The Old And Good Roots.
Vinyl only.
VELVET, the project of JNJS, brings for the catalogue number two 2 tracks of the Argentinian Montei, which on side A is remixed by the Ukrainian genius, iO (Mulen) and on side B by the label owners, JNJS.
2024 repress!
The dynamic NZ brother duo known from Mule Musiq, Rhythm Section and their own In Dust We Trust impresses with a superb collaborative EP of highly emotional music!
‘Emotional Intelligence’ fills the A-side seeing them team up saxophonist and fellow kiwi jazz legend Nathan Haines and South London’s own Dave Koor aka. Modified Man.
On the flip-side they join forces with Chicago’s Lee Pearson Jnr (he's known for his writing for Larry Heard), K. LaDawn on vocals and rising star Joe Armon-Jones on keys.
A blissful experience throughout and another demonstration of "Chaos In The CBD’s" with maturing, amazing production skills!
Hope, you enjoy.
Hailing from Normandy (France), YOU SAID STRANGE offer an indie rock sound made up of psych pop-rock, shoegaze and proto-grunge. The band's music is the work of passionate musicians, combining the dazzling power of their instruments and the union of their voices to create a fusion of melancholy and energy. The band recorded their 1st album, Salvation Prayer, in 2018 in Portland (USA), with Peter G. Holmstrom from The Dandy Warhols. Seduced, the iconic Kevin Cole invites them to perform live in the studios of the prestigious KEXP radio, where their next project will emerge. At the end of 2021, Thousand Shadows Vol.1 is released. Then, after defending it on European and American stages, comes its sequel Thousand Shadows Vol.2 in 2023.
"TRADE YOUR SOUL" plunges us into the complex exploration of human relationships, love, trust and disillusionment, addressing several universal themes in an introspective way. This post-rock tale unfolds as a metaphorical journey of spirituality through life's most intense and intimate emotions and experiences.
YOU SAID STRANGE continues to combine abstract and concrete indie rock with psych-rock, post-punk, shoegaze and indus, inviting listeners to reflect ever more deeply. Nevertheless, "TRADE YOUR SOUL" marks a significant milestone for the band, with a more striking musical approach and a number of innovations, while remaining the work of passionate musicians who combine the dazzle of instruments and the union of voices to fuse melancholy and energy.
Beltran and Harvy Valencia team up for their label debut on Hot Creations, unveiling a slick collaboration alongside solo cuts on their three-track ‘Origins’ EP.
Bursting onto the scene as standout talents, Brazilian Beltran and Colombian Harvy Valencia are quickly becoming globally recognised figures in their own right. With releases between them on esteemed labels such as Cuttin’ Headz, Solid Grooves, and Revival New York, the two now forge a new path as they unite for the first time on Hot Creations. Unleashing a trio of vibrant and impactful productions, headed up by their debut collaboration, the pair unveil a collection of cutting-edge sounds across their latest EP, 'Origins'.
Opening with playful bass grooves and crisp, organic drums, title cut ‘Origins (3AM Tusi Mix)’ welcomes a rolling masterclass from the duo. On the B-side, Beltran takes the lead with ‘Tira A Roupa (Putaria Mix)’, delivering punchy beats, funky riffs and crisp percussion, crafting a flawless laid-back groover. To close, Harvy Valencia delivers a powerful dancefloor experience with ‘Brut’, showcasing vibrant vocals, infectious beats and playful phone rings. showcases a deeper, sultry vibe with alluring male vocals at the core.
- A1: The Second Dreams (Theme From House On The Sand)
- A2: The Torture (Theme From Time Of Heroes)
- A3: Motorcycle (Theme From The Exile)
- A4: The Opening Night (Theme From Ljuba Par Lui Meme)
- A5: In The Beaubourg Gallery (Theme From Ljuba Par Lui Meme)
- A6: All And Nothing At All (Main Theme From All And Nothing At All)
- A7: All And Nothing At All (Unused Theme From All And Nothing At All)
- A8: Jere And Marija In The Room (Theme From Marjuca Or Death)
- A9: The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant I (Theme From The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant)
- A10: The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant Ii (Theme From The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant)
- B1: Cassandra (Theme From The Trojan War Will Not Take Place)
- B2: Peace (Theme From The Trojan War Will Not Take Place)
- B3: Fourth Choir - Sun Ray (Theme From Biedermann Und Die Brandstifter)
- B4: Second Choir - Marching Step (Theme From Biedermann Und Die Brandstifter)
- B5: The Beginning Before The Beginning (Theme From Fool For Love - Savage Love)
- B6: She Runs Away (Theme From Fool For Love - Savage Love)
- B7: Eddie Enters (Theme From Fool For Love - Savage Love)
- B8: A Jerk (Theme From Fear And Hope Of The German Federal Republic)
- B9: Song 3 (Theme From Fear And Hope Of The German Federal Republic)
- B10: Chernobyl (Theme From Fear And Hope Of The German Federal Republic
A collection of music for the various films and theatre plays by Mirko Krsticevic, Croatian and Yugoslavian composer and musician active since 1970s. All and Nothing at All (Film and Theatre Music 1978 - 1988) focuses on his work for the underground and avantgarde cinema from the era: directors Ivan Martinac, Svemir Pavic, Lordan Zafranovic, Aleksandar F. Stasenko and Vanca Kljakovic are all part of the Split Cinema Club association; their work explores art, death, sexuality and eroticism. Pavic's portrait of surrealist painter Ljuba Popovic, made in the same year as its counterpart by Walerian Borowczyk, features scenes form Beaubourg Gallery in Paris and Udo Kier as a guest. Side B of the record is all about theatre: plays by Sam Shepard, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Jean Giraudoux were all produced in Sarajevo and Split in the 1980s, with the rare electronic takes by Mirko Krsticevic and his subtle minimalist soundings of the themes from the Cold War era. This unique and diverse compositions by founder of the rock band Metak and sound studio Tetrapak from Split, are document of the time that is, especially in the closing Chernobyl theme, relevant again. Composer, musician and musical arranger Mirko Krsticevic was born in 1948 in Sibenik. He graduated in music theory at the Pedagogical Academy in Split and then at the Music Academy in Sarajevo. He studied composition with Josip Magdic, Mladen Pozajic and Miroslav Spiler. He is the co-founder of the Tetrapak music studio in Split, where numerous performers and musicians have recorded (Animatori, D'Boys, Haustor, Oliver Mandic, Gibonni, Srdjan Marjanovic, Stil, Trotakt Projekt and others). The first group he founded was the rock group Che, which performed his own songs, in which he played bass guitar. It was founded in the summer of 1969. Together with Ranko Boban and Momcilo Popadic, he founded the Metak group in the spring of 1978 in Prigradica on Korcula. In the group, he is the author of songs and lyrics, and he also plays the bass guitar. "Da mi je biti morski pas" is the group's most successful single, which in 1980 became one of the most played songs on radio and television. Metak performed in Belgrade in front of 70,000 people, and the media declared them the best group along with Macedonian Leb i sol. In compositional work and arrangements for other pop and rock artists, Krsticevic had high commercial success with Tutti Frutti Balkan Band, Biljana Petrovic, Seid Memic Vajta, Pepel in kri, Osmi putnik, Oliver Dragojevic , Djordji Peruzovic, Henda and others. Parallel to his pop and rock career, Krsticevic composed stage and film music for 45 films, mostly collaborating with the circle of experimental and amateur directors of the Split Cinema Club (Kino klub Split) as well as the rest of the local underground scene. He is the author of stage music for 130 theatre plays, and also records his own compositions in the field of contemporary music. He wrote over 30 works for solo instruments, chamber and symphonic music. At the end of 2007, he founded the Split society for contemporary music and the contemporary music ensemble Splithesis. In 2015, he founded his own orchestra The Highway to Well Family, composed of fourteen musicians and three singers. In 2021, he founded Arthesis, an artistic organization for contemporary music and visual arts. He is the author of four operas: "Krvava svadba" (1997), "Halugica" (1999), "Atlantida - Legenda o Dan'zoru" (2018) i "Atlantida II - Lu'blis Kaoamos" (2020). He is the winner of numerous awards, lives and works in Split. Gatefold LP with extensive liner notes, Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) from original tapes, pressed at Record Industry. File under: Soundtrack, Stage, Electronica
The Lovely Eggs return with new single 'My Mood Wave' to be released February 9th digitally & on a 7" single to follow March 15th. New album due in May. It's been four years since the world heard any new music from our heroes in psych-punk-power duo The Lovely Eggs. Four long years since the release of their Number 1 Independent Chart topper, 'I Am Moron'. But it's not like they've been lazy, oh no. They made their own TV series EGGS TV and hosted it on YouTube, they duetted with Iggy Pop, piled into their van and played a load of sold out gigs and festivals, spent two years fighting to save Lancaster Music Co-Op (a community rehearsal rooms and recording studio where they live), and then they got their heads down and wrote a new album_ Due in May, the new Lovely Eggs album was recorded by the band at home in Lancaster with production work from Flaming Lips producer Dave Fridmann. They flew to America in December 2023 to mix the album in Fridmann's studio in upstate New York and we'll all get the chance to hear the first results of these sessions on the 9th of February, when the band will unveil the album's first single, 'My Mood Wave'. "My Mood Wave is kind of an internal thought monologue," says Eggs singer and guitarist Holly. "It's a brain on a surfboard, trying to navigate the barrage of daily shit that gets washed up each day. It's a coping mechanism handbook for people who sometimes find the world too much." 'My Mood Wave' has an uplifting contemporary feel, haunted by a West Coast retro vibe that pulses and shimmers with a gorgeously addictive melody that will float around your head for days. Although the single will be released digitally on February 9th, there will also be a physical 7" with the customary mind-bulging artwork from Casey Raymond, and an exclusive track tantalisingly titled 'Crab Shell' on the flipside. The 7" will be released on Aquamarine transparent vinyl and in true Lovely Eggs style. More details on The Lovely Eggs new album to follow...
Settle Down made 2023 his own. And with an ever higher purpose, he strides into 2024 in his now trademark inimitable style with a proper double A 12” in the shape of ‘The Special’ and ‘Twos On A Pack Of Ten’.
They mark the second foray on the artists newly minted label, SDWN. And they are also the first Settle Down release since his slew of debut releases last year, and signify the beginning of what’s about to be a sonic assault from a prolific and dedicated artist.
With these tracks already on dub for some time, and now finally to be released into the wild, both sides have seen heavy rotation from a who’s who of discerning DJs, featuring in a host of high profile sets, and look set to cause further damage in the near future.
2023 was quite the introduction to Settle Down. But in 2024 Settle Down is looking to raise the bar even higher, and SDWN002 is just the start of what’s to come.
- A1: Air - Mr Man
- A2: War - The Bird & The Squirrel
- A3: The Peddlers - On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
- A4: The Albert - One Life
- A5: Hildegard Knef - Holiday Time
- B1: Frits Kaate & Jeanette Corde - Easy Evi
- B2: Rolf Kuhn - Playmate
- B3: Linda Hoyle - Hymn To Valerie Solanas
- B4: Wanda Robinson - A Possiblity (Back Home) (Back Home)
- B5: Harvey Mandel - The Snake
- C1: Freddie Cole - Brother Where Are You
- C2: Jj Barnes - You Owe It Yourself
- C3: Patti Drew - Beggar For The Blues
- D1: Carrie Riley & The Fascinations - Supercool
- D2: Memphis Black - Why Don't You Play The Organ, Man
- D3: Joe Thomas - Every Brother Ain't A Brother
- D4: Sam Baker - Do Right Man
- D5: Sal Davis - Makini
- D6: Willie Wright - Right On For The Darkness
Hannah Nicholson and David Page are London based boat dwellers who have cruised the river Thames whilst writing, playing and self-producing their debut album. Named after their boat Ederlezi it became their muse, refuge and recording studio during 2023.
Ederlezi have taken inspiration from the classic songwriting of the 1960s. Hannah is influenced by songwriters such as Scott Walker, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and is always looking for a story. David is influenced by the guitar based Rock'n'roll of the 50s, the psychedelic 60s and the bass styles of Serge Gainsbourg with some prog rock mixed in.
David is the bass player in The Pretenders and has worked with Jonathan Jeremiah, Young Gun Silver Fox, Rio 18, His Lordship, Nell Bryden, Edwyn Collins, The Black Pumas as a guitarist, bass player, singer and collaborator touring extensively around the world. Hannah is a solo artist in her own right, a prominent troubadour and songwriter on the London Folk scene. She has also worked with Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, Ellie Goulding, Gary Barlow, Jonathan Jeremiah and Nell Bryden as a backing singer and instrumentalist.
Over the past decade Rising Sun has firmly established himself as a purveyor of the finest deep, dubby and cinematic leaning house and techno, consistently delivering a sound that is distinctly his through labels such as Fauxpas, Freund Der Familie and his own numerous imprints Reality Used To Be A Friend Of Mine, Kristofferson Kristofferson and Beautiful Things Don't Ask For Attention under a variant of guises such as The Ambientist, Rising Sun Project, Rising Sun Psyche, Rising Sun Melancholia and simply Rising Sun under which he returns here for Echocord. As one has come to expect from a Rising Sun release ‘The Eternal’ has a firm foundation in emotive melodies and atmospherics across six alternate versions. ‘Eternal 1’ leads with muted drums, fluttering stabs and a preaching spoken word vocal. ‘Eternal 2’ edges into darked realms, merging expansive dub echoes with swelling subs and tension building strings before ‘Eternal 3’ dives head first into ethereal hypnotism via unfurling textures, soft stab sequences and a rounded kick. ‘Eternal 4’ opens the B-side with a subtly unfolding construction as vocals, chords and swinging drums run in unison. ‘Eternal 5’ then strips things back to a gritty statured feel with boomy percussion, enchanting strings and nuanced stabs before ‘Eternal 6’ rounds out the release laying down murky, multilayered pads, widely dispersing reverberations and bubbling delays throughout.
Warehouse Find!
Following the sold out Theo Parrish remix of Marcos Valle's '1985', here's the second in Far Out's Brazilika 12" with three scorching remixes from UK dance veteran Ashley Beedle. Three peak time excursions into percussive, soulful house on a stylish, cosmic Brazilian party tip.
Following the sold out Theo Parrish remix of Marcos Valle's '1985' back in April, the second release in Far Out's Brazilika 12' series features a highlight from Sabrina Malheiros' 2011 album 'Dreaming': the blissed-out, sun soaked samba classic 'Opara', which gets three scorching remixes from UK dance veteran Ashley Beedle.
Currently celebrating a decade since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album 'Equilibria', Sabrina Malheiros has remained at the forefront of modern, soul-infused Brazilian music. Growing up in Rio, the daughter of Alex Malheiros, bassist of Jazz-funk pioneers Azymuth, Sabrina has taken the legacy of samba and bossa nova and forged her own forward-thinking path, taking with her all the style and substance of the early days.
Produced under his Afrikanz On Marz moniker, Beedle's remix brings all the right elements of the original to the fore. The result is three peak time excursions into percussive, soulful house on a stylish, cosmic Brazilian party tip, infused with rich, warm rhodes, synth and flute throughout.
The vocal mix on the A side provides a spacious backdrop of twinkling keys and buoyant percussion to Malheiros' gently floating strains. The other mixes offer similarly floor-focused variations: the aptly titled 'Galactic Flute Remix' on the flip pairs the titular wind instrument with a deeper groove that retains the loose-limbed appeal of the original, plus a bonus instrumental to boot. A sure fire heat bringer and certainly one of the most colourful dance 12's we've heard this year.
The Brazilika 12' series is the new vinyl home to the previously unreleased dance exclusives taken from the Spiritual South mix on CD2 of Far Out's 20th anniversary double compilation, released in May 2015.
Steel Drum covers of Drake, Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre, Claudja Barry, The Game & 50 Cent, A$AP Rocky, Stranger Things Theme, and more. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, the mysterious steel pan outfit hailing from Hamburg, Germany have amassed a cult following around the globe. With a slew of classic 7”s and three critically acclaimed full length albums, they set a high bar for themselves, one they clearly intend on pushing even higher with this new offering. On their fourth album BRSB, Bacao are back with more of the same, but more of the same with them is inherently different. Covering songs that span genres and range from mega hits to underground album cuts, they make them their own with their unique approach to the traditional steel pans of Trinidad and Tobago. While part of the allure of a new Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band album is finding out what covers they do it is equally intriguing to see what original tunes they cooked upland this record is foul of standout originals. The album opener, “In The Crosshairs” is a rough and tough mid-tempo head nodder while both “Grilled” & “Treasure Quest” pick up the tempo with heavy African Funk in‑fluences on both. Bacao goes deep with “Hazy Memories”, a bass heavy slow burner that walks a line between hypnotic and hype. All these originals stand as testament that the term “cover band” is a shoe that could never fit Bacao. However, in the tradition of steel pan music, they do a heavy amount of covers. This time around there is a big West Coast Hip Hop influence with covers of Game & 50 Cent’s “How We Do”, Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin But A G Thang”, and Tupac’s “Got My Mind Made Up” all of which take on new energy and lend themselves to the BRSB steel treatment. Bacao puts another certified dance‑floor filler on their resume with their cover of Claudja Barry’s uber Disco classic “Love For The Sake Of Love” which they flip into a dubbed-out affair aptly changing even the title to “Love For The Sake Of Dub”. Pulling from the contemporary smash hit section of Hip Hop they cover Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and “Love$ick” by Mura Masa & A$AP Rocky. Then they go very unexpected with “Stranger Things Theme” where they take the synth heavy theme song to the hit show and give it a more hypnotizing tone than the original. By the time BRSB is through, Bacao has taken the listener on a journey spanning a myriad of energies, tempos, and moods while keeping it all under one umbrella. For all that, these songs are alive, and they will be taken out of the context of this album and sewn into the fabric of DJ sets around the globe for many years to come. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band continues building their legacy and pushing the boundaries of steel pan music forward with another rock solid musical offering. Enjoy
Tel Aviv's Elado has put out a fine run of eight releases in just two years on the likes of GAMM, Barefoot Beats and Bonfido Disques, but for his next move, he branches out with his own reissue label. its aim is to "focus on uncovering lost gems" with the original paired with his own remixes. The first one is a 1983 private press from the Canadian pair OUI. 'Circle Of Love' is a big disco banger with flashy synth work and rugged arps, with a pair of Elado's mixes making it even more dancefloor ready. 'You Make Me High' is a more sentimental 80s pop sound. A fine start to life for this new label.
The third release on Derek Russo’s own Broad Channel imprint “Special Occasion" EP arrives loaded with a wide palate of club swagger for any hour of the party. “Celestial Machine” is the A1 rough and rumbling trip, steered by a wiggly SH101 bass line and anchored by a thunderous sub bass and tenacious, rattling percussion. A floating pad briefly takes the edge off before lurching back. The sounds here are inspired and shaped by the aching cacophony of city life. “Yearning 4 Love” marries a Detroit inspired motif, with tasteful synth layering and bouncy, off-kilter drum programming. The result is an inquisitive banger, something different for the modern dance floor. On the flip side, the title track ‘Special Occasion’ drops the tempo to a chugging rhythm that swings from a funky break tucked underneath. Deranged piano chords open up to a sinister synth line, jangling guitar and a thick 80s bass line. The final track “Planet Sunset” closes out this EP with a soaring, introspective synth floating on top of a rolling breakbeat groove, disco fed bass work and Juno stabs that resolves into a wave of oozy pad chords - a sure piece for the late night discerning dance floor.
Monty Luke release ‘Nightdubbing’ LP on Rekids.The Black Catalogue bosses' second album explores dub-infused dance music and, following the recent two EP drops on Rekids, will be released on Radio Slave’s imprint on 29 March. Succeeding part two of Monty Luke’s ‘Nightdubbing’ series on Rekids, the US-via-Berlin artist unveils an album of the same name on Radio Slave’s lauded Rekids imprint. ‘Nightdubbing’ encompasses the first two instalments and adds five more tracks of intricate sonic material, completing this gorgeous work of art already supported by Fred P, nd_baumecker, Louise Chen, and Laurent Garnier. Luke’s ‘Nightdubbing’ album starts in the club, with the rave-primed ‘40 Acres And A Terabyte’ utilising the rich melodies of deep house alongside the crushing weight of subs. It is followed by the title track, with ‘Nightdubbing’ taking a more traditional house route, its soothing sounds enveloping the listener while honing in on that reverb sweet spot. Black Catalogue boss and former Planet-E label manager Monty Luke’s timeless ‘Nightdubbing’ effortlessly traverses deep house and techno rife with bass-rattling low-end and experimental rhythms. It is no surprise, then, that the album is heavily inspired by ‘70s and mid-80s dub reggae, seeing Luke incorporate and modernise the genre’s iconic rhythms, spoken word poetry, and spacious bursts of harmony across the LP. ‘Bob Molly’ picks up pace with nods to Caribbean dem bow-like rhythms of old, Monty Luke filling the space between its infectious beat with tumbling percussion and echoing plucks. Tracks like ‘Supernova’, ‘New World / Old Future’ and ‘Starstorms’ return to the modern-day traditions of club music while ‘Future Mystic’ and ‘Avant Garde Dance Hall ‘, again find room in between the dancefloor and sound system listening sessions. Monty Luke spent ten formative years in Detroit, where the city's unique musical spirit influenced him immensely. He has since distilled this experience into the music he has released on labels like Rekids, Planet-E, Hypercolour, and his own Black Catalogue. His raw, dub-infused sound comes with plenty of futuristic designs, and this final complete iteration of ‘Nightdubbing’ continues to push the boundaries of his music.
SSR returns for its fourth 12” release and this time round we are buzzing to have ‘Andy Odysee’ at the controls.
Along with T Mirage, Andy is the driving force behind the seminal DnB imprint ‘Odysee Recordings’ a staple in the scene since 1994. Their label released early works from legendary artists such as Source Direct & Photek to mention but a few!
Not only is Andy an accomplished Drum & Bass artist but he is a fully fledged Jazz musician in his own right! His skill on the Rhodes keys speaks for itself & you will hear these influences on this release.
‘Spine Chiller’ delivers exactly what it says on the tin! A cinematic & tense DnB piece with the kind of excellent drum work will love here at SSR..
‘White Widow’ is a beautiful breakbeat joint running at 145 BPM. Lush keys & amazing drum textures, a real journey!
Andy Odysee has delivered the goods here big time!
We can’t wait to share this music with you.
Lee - SSR
Faith presents the second volume of ‘Ain’t That A Groove’, a series of 12” pressings collating current and forthcoming productions and remixes from the London label. Originally launched in 1999 by Boy’s Own legend Terry Farley alongside Stuart Patterson and Dave Jarvis, the cult label relaunched in 2020 after renewed interest from house heads and Faith fanzine readers. Opening up this collection, one of Chicago's finest house producers and songwriters Robert Owens and his 2023 collab with Nolan ‘I’ll Be Your Friend’, a bona fide house classic reignited for audiences of today. Hilit Kolet’s ‘POV Siren’ follows, a stomping club cut that received support from the likes of Carl Cox and TSHA. The four-track press also includes New Zealand talent Philippa’s remix of ‘The Night’, originally by Pete Heller & Terry Farley as Roach Motel, as well as Terry’s latest release with frequent collaborator Wade Teo spotlighting Kameelah Waheed on vocals with the TDK 90 Dope Mix of ‘Dancing After Dark’.
Yes, we’re presenting you a new label from Ukraine again. This time the name is Secret Keeper, the owner of the label is Orbit, and for the first release they’re having one of the secret gems of Kyiv – Luschn. And if you weren’t familiar with that name – it’s finally time to acknowledge him.
All of the tracks here are untitled, and we’re going straight to the B1. The shortest track on the record and also the most interesting one. With a pinch of old electro house and the base of old progressive house with all that additional buzzing, what’s not to like here, right?
Staying on the B-side, the track on the B2 position is by far the trippiest one here, taking you in weird minimal ways for six minutes. A1 here will probably be played the most with its spooky, grimy, ChristianAB-ish type of vibe. And also with a huge nod to the mid-noughties. The one on the A2 is a slow roller, that type of track, you always like to hear, when you’re a bit tired, but still want to continue dancing. It will recharge you for at least 5 minutes.
- A1: Prologue - The Call Of Distant Worlds
- A2: Pale Blue Dot - Earths Odyssey
- A3: Interstellar Sojourn - Voyagers Departure
- A4: Celestial Caravan - Across The Outer Reaches
- B1: Echos Of Solitude - Voices From The Abyss
- B2: Stardust Serenade - Tales Of The Cosmos
- B3: Gravitys Embrace - Dancing Among The Planets
- B4: Lullaby For Sol - Nostalgia Of Home
- B5: Epilogue - Homecoming Of A Voyager
At Voyager we like to push the boundaries and tell a story with the music. Mike has done this in his own style with an enormous vision of the Voyager spacecraft missions. Each track gives its own take on the journey of spacecraft Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, with a story board for each track contained inside this limited edition press.
Netherlands native Mike is no stranger to conceptual sci fi music, with numerous releases and albums on Axis Records, plus EP releases on Warm Up Recordings and Modularz to name but a few.
Mostly all his tracks are written live in one take, with no recall. This makes his music very unique in the digital DAW age.
Few artists have done as much as Heinrich Dressel to rekindle the genre of soundtracks. Even fewer are as capable as the Italian at writing such silver screen scores. Yet, Valerio Lombardozzi is much more than just one style. He has shown this time and time again, doing so once more with The Obscure Cities. Works of fiction, rather than film, are the fount of inspiration with tracks drawing on the likes of J.G. Ballard, Francois Schuiten, Benoit Peeters and Valerio Mattioli. The listener is transported to worlds of Dressel’s own making, landscapes of melody, textures of bass punctuated by drums. “Galatograd” opens. From understated beginnings, the track expands into a symphony of strings as columns of warmth descend. Tempos rise for “Eden Olympia”. A different tone is set. Juddering arpeggios and clean snares are elevated by bright and hopeful keys that sparkle with an enthusiasm and innocence. Deep unctuous bass gives way to gliding notes for “Remoria”. A piece where melodies and memories melt in the morning dawn. “Mylos” is the last visit of the EP. Delicate, almost fragile, notes are buttressed by drum patterns in this hazy dreamlike finale.
Group is a project with its own sound and a gradually expanding style, and Seedman perfectly reflects these attributes. With 160925_1145, the first cut on side A, the ritualism he has previously exhibited on other albums such as Esoteric Free Afrika, or more recently with Broken Faces, is somewhat apparent, due to the slow cadence, steady rhythm and tribal arguments. 160205_1066 is created from another perspective, however, it is not what it seems because from the first bars there is a syncopated and constant rhythmic pattern that places you in an industrial scenario, and gradually a simple two-tone melody appears that completely changes its initial musical context. 170218_1475 moves between an industrial and dark ambient concept, as it mixes gloomy atmospheres with deep breaks.
The sonic properties of 160131_0683, the cut that opens the B-side, connect with an unexplored environment, with a new, recently discovered and inhospitable scenario, since among other things we can appreciate sounds of machines, radio signals, filtered and choppy voices, combined with disturbing acoustic phenomena. 170213_1455 is a track that describes quite concisely the creative sense of Group, and for this we must take into account that it could be catalogued as a techno production, with groove and aimed at the dancefloor, however, he manages to minimise all these factors by giving it a volatile and atmospheric aspect. 170105_1398 closes the B-side of the vinyl, returning once again to the tribalism and ritualism that characterises many of Group’s productions, given that on this occasion his rhythm is not diluted, it has much more presence and manages to generate a hypnotic state.
In addition to these six tracks that make up the entire vinyl tracklist, Seedman also presents a couple of bonus tracks in digital format. And the first of them, The beast11, already arouses curiosity because its title is not due to a sequence of numbers, as is usual in this project. Musically, it once again shows Group’s ability to adapt any environment to a sonic degradation very much in keeping with his style. 150407_0166, the last track on the album, is an ode to chaos, a hodgepodge of frequencies devoid of rhythm that appropriately serves as an outro.
In 1993, during the incredible years when music, house and techno, were so incredibly big and fresh, IST Records was born as sub label of the hardcore / gabber labe Industrial Strength Records from New York City, Owned by Lenny Dee.
In those years, one of the main man for the italian scene was Andrea Raggi aka Cirillo. With his incredible and legendary sets all over the world, Cirillo was considered as a key and fundamental icon in the techno / hardcore scene.
His long and pure friendship with Lenny dee, started back then, and so, Cirillo was the first one to release on IST Records with the masterpiece “Mr. Chill ’s Back” (Door 1, Door 2 and Door 3) under the alias CYBERIA (in partnership with the studio master Pierluigi Melato).
Cirillo always been an inspiration for us at BAR Musica, we were lucky to grow up next to him and learn a lot from him. We call him “Daddy” for this reason.
In these years we’ve seen this record been played by many, but we were lucky to have the version that nobody ever had, found in old DATs from those years, produced by Cirillo himself.
We are extremely delighted and proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this record, releasing the main two original version (Door 1 and Door 3) but also giving the light fir the first time to the unreleased versions, Door 4 and Door 5.
To celebrate, we are also releasing a limited number of t-shirts designed by @lyc.eu
"Systolic" was conceived in the aftermath of K.A.L.I.L.'s experience with a stroke. During his hospitalization, he meticulously captured the rhythmic cadence of his own heartbeat during a medical examination, intending to incorporate this unique audio into a potential musical composition. Endeavoring to articulate the myriad emotions he grappled with during the challenging days when half of his body was nearly paralyzed, the song came to fruition.
The composition intricately weaves together the tumultuous thoughts that permeated K.A.L.I.L.'s mind with moments of solace. The distinctive presence of his recorded heartbeats permeates the entire track, rendering it a profoundly special and vibrant narrative of this pivotal moment in his life. Augmented by melodies that poignantly convey elements of fear, love, and self-awareness throughout the ordeal, the rolling bass line sustains an energetic undercurrent, laying the groundwork for a formidable and intense drop that serves as a visceral impact.
Bolina Records, born in Italy and based in Stockholm, is the brainchild of the Cerrado Studio crew, a dynamic team of artists and DJs who have been organizing events and innovative initiatives since 2008.
Veteran DJ-producer Sebra Cruz (formerly of Margot and A&R for Bolina Records), after releasing his debut album with Life And Death by Dj Tennis, has teamed up with his protégé, Giacomo Cancellieri. Over the years, Cancellieri has become one of Sebra's favorite artists, with Sebra often describing him as a truly brilliant mind, consistently impressed by the new tracks he produces. Giacomo has notable releases on Rebellion and Margot Records.
"Rollerball," titled after Norman Jewison's 1975 film, carries a powerful anti-war message. It includes 4 versions plus an acapella, the latter intended to encourage DJ-producers of various genres to incorporate it in their tracks, thereby spreading the anti-war message on dance floors worldwide.
The original mix captures the essence of intimate club settings — intense yet lucid, with a sound texture fitting for an underground label. It continuously and forcefully spreads the anti-war message with deep seriousness.
The Funky Vocal Mix offers an Italo-French vibe, blending the smooth ambiance of 2000s dance music with a raw vocal tone.
Buck's version, hailing from Otranto, a quaint seaside town in the extreme south of Italy and owner of Substrato label, is marked by solid, rolling grooves that complement a deep and refined atmosphere.
Delphi's remix, one half of Tiger And Woods with Marco Passarani, completes the set. Its arrangement skillfully connects Chill and Detroit styles, infusing the project with a sense of robustness and insight.
- A1: Just The Same
- A2: On Reflection
- A3: Free Hand
- B1: Time To Kill
- B2: His Last Voyage
- B3: Talybont
- B4: Mobile
- C1: Just The Same (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- C2: On Reflection (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- C3: Free Hand (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- D1: Time To Kill (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- D2: His Last Voyage (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- D3: Talybont (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
- D4: Mobile (Steven Wilson 2021 Remix)
Free Hand was Gentle Giant's seventh album, originally released in July 1975. This album was the most commercially successful of the band's career, reaching the top 40 albums in Billboard Magazine. It stands as the culmination of the band's maturity, following the successes of 'In A Glass House' & 'The Power & The Glory'.
Having toured Europe & North America non-stop in the years prior to this release with artists like Jethro Tull, Yes, Zappa etc, the band had gone from strength to strength. By the time 'Free Hand' was released Gentle Giant had become a major headliner in their own right. All the members were multi-instrumentalists and the band were never afraid of surprising an audience with a 4 part recorder ensemble followed by a vibraphone solo, all the while rocking the audience and thoroughly enjoying themselves onstage.
Gentle Giant albums featured many songs with both literary subjects as well as social and personal commentary on life as rock musicians. 'Free Hand' has more than most. The title of the album and first track were so named as the band had just changed record labels and management and felt unshackled by prior contractual obligations.
Putting these issues behind them upon its first release, Gentle Giant embarked on an extensive tour of North America and Europe, plus a short tour of the UK, to promote the album. The incredible range of Gentle Giant's music is evident throughout this album. From the intricate vocal fretwork of 'On Reflection' and the delicate medieval
flavour of 'Talybont,' the Celtic-tinged rock of 'Time To Kill' and the jagged rhythms of 'Just The Same,' all those diverse elements which made the band so strikingly original are skillfully blended and perfectly executed.
Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson has added his delicate touch in remixing 'Free Hand' . His tonal range and painstaking attention to sound quality make 'Free Hand' sound as fresh today as it did on first release. A fitting tribute to the compositional skills and expertise of five dedicated musicians.
This special gatefold 2LP edition is pressed on White Vinyl and limited to 500 pieces worlwide
Slowaxx is the solo project and live band created by Riccardo Chiarucci, a music producer, arranger and composer based in Tuscany (Italy). His first album ‘‘Shapes Interfusion’’ features a unique blend of jazz, electronic music and hip-hop, recorded with a collective of musicians and the rapper Young A.M.A.
The creative process of the album involves a mix of home-studio production and live recorded sessions. Starting from ideas and demos from Riccardo, all tracks are the result of collaborative jams with musicians bringing their own styles and perception to the table. These sessions created a dialogue of personal vibrations, blending together to emerge as a collective soun
Brand new and previously unreleased two extraordinary trax for
the Vienna label RHYTHM TRAX
Len Lewis first came up in the late 90s with his own label Poodle
recordings and Nu Poodle Breaks, in the heat of the UK tec house
underground sound and their best time.
His first production for the legendary Swag label 1999, was intense.
We are proud to present two of his hottest new productions for the
Chris Rhythm: RHYTHM TRAX VIENNA tec house label.
“Tec In Da House and keep the faith”, we are sure that Len Lewis
hold up high the true tec house underground sound, enjoy!
Five trombonists and a three-member rhythm section: that sort of unique musical synergy is what Nabou Claerhout brings to life with her own Trombone Ensemble. For years, such a project had been one of the dream projects on her bucket list, and thanks to Antwerp based cultural actor Rataplan, she already saw the creation become a reality in spring 2022. In the summer of that year, the eight-piece ensemble opened both Gent Jazz and Jazz Middelheim.
In January 2023, Nabou was artist in residence at the Brussels Jazz Festival in Flagey, where she presented the Trombone Ensemble as one of three carte blanche projects. In a sold-out Studio 4, American trombone legend Robin Eubanks joined the line-up as a special guest, having previously also contributed during the studio recordings of the young collective during. The band's self-titled debut album will be released on November 3rd 2023 via W.E.R.F. Records.
Nabou composed the entire repertoire for this Ensemble herself, and did so with a fully open vision. While writing the music, she explored the trombone's wide possibilities: "The aim is to both indulge you with warm, soft, carrying parts and then afterwards discover the trombone's spicy and cordial character." That rhythmic playfulness, which we hear more often in Nabou's compositions with her acclaimed quartet N?BOU, also seeps subtly into this band's sound.
Despite the 'unusual' line-up of five diverse jazz trombonists, each with a different background, you still get to hear a very homogeneous sound, which is full of playfulness and small details. "I tried to make room and focus for each individual. And of course there is also a starring role for the rhythm section with guitar, double bass and drums."
When Nabou started looking for the dream fellow jazz musicians for this project, she ended up with artists from her own country, Belgium, but also from far beyond the country's borders: The Netherlands, the UK and Germany. "In selecting the trombonists, I looked for specific timbres, but also for personality. It is important that there is a good balance in playing together, but also that each musician is strong enough on his or her own for the solo parts."
Wanting to push boundaries in her approach to both compositions and the trombone as an instrument, the real crème de la crème of the newest generation proved indispensable. "I selected a handful of European trombonists with whom I may or may not have already played, but who, above all, inspire me very deeply. They are all young people who have a lot to offer and already have significant projects to their name in their own region or country."
Brownswood Recordings releases the 7th edition of their Future Bubblers Compilation. An expansion of Gilles Peterson's network supported by Arts Council England, the ongoing talent discovery and artist development scheme focuses on developing unsigned talent and building audiences for new left-field music. With support from PRS Foundation as Talent Development Partners, the professional recording, manufacturing and physical release of Future Bubblers 7.0 is made possible. Unlike any other initiatives within music, the compilation acts as a springboard for the musician's careers, with the cooperative model providing direct revenue to the artists by a share of the profits, resulting in a sustainable income to work from. Previous Future Bubblers include artists such as Yazmin Lacey, KinKai, MC Snowy, Forest Law, Victoria Jane, NeOne The Wonderer and Kayla Painter, to name a few.
The 8-track compilation is a musically diverse collection of tracks, fusing genres across Alt-R&B, Dance, Electronic, Jazz, Rap and Trip-Hop. Opening the project, ROMY NOVA flaunts her hypnotic harmonies on a tender offering, 'The Way', whilst Sheffield-born Jackie Moonbather delivers a Funk performance on 'Separate Ways'. Up next, Ney Liqa's 'Blomster' captures a blend of Trip-Hop and Swedish-Pop, fusing her earliest musical influences before Birmingham's very own Landel's cloud-Rap excellence on '2 Many'. Maintaining the ethereal sonic, Petrelli Purple's 'Brisk' is reflective of his ability to curate a "miscellaneous north" sound, followed by MARYSIA OSU's 'Stryder' that highlights her self-coined "harps, beats, and dreams" ethos. Michael Diamond showcases his ability to float between jazz and electronic landscapes on 'Aether' before COEX rounds off the project nicely with 'Reflections'.
Second chapter for the new VA vinyl trilogy on R3volution Records called
In this edition there are the following artists under our attention:
- PWCCA, label owner of the top labels Hardtools and Inducted Waves and acclaimed world-famous Spanish producer, already distinguished with severeal appearances on our label including the latest release "Programming Language EP" last year;
- PUSHMANN, another top Spanish DJ and producer, making his debut on
- PYRAMIDAL DECODE authentic Italian based talent who, with many appearances on our label, has also found the time to make his music recognized around the world thanks to numerous releases on labels that represent milestones in the international techno scene, such as WarmUp, Mord, Dynamic Reflection, Faut Section, Edit Select...
- JOAQUIN RUIZ, the only non-European artist on this release, has already made many appearances on our label both as a solo release and as a remixer. He is a DJ/producer on the West Side of Buenos Aires. Ambitious and always looking for new challenges and opportunities, Joaquin is definitely one of the newest emerging talents from the techno music scene in Argentina. He runs his label West Rules too and also releases his music on respected labels of the scene such as Devotion, Knotweed, Affekt, Selected, Subsist, just to name a few
- MICHELE MAUSI founder & label owner with another amazing track called Waterloop
- MDMP is Michele's 2nd alias in pair with DANIELE PETRONELLI with a pure BOMB track called Under Armor
Broken Techno/Electronica label Theoretical Rhythms is back with another vinyl release. This time it is a 4-track compilation EP called "Confessions". Featuring a carefully curated selection of tracks from diverse artists, "Confessions" takes you on a journey through emotions, melodies, and introspective narratives. Each track serves as a musical confession, laying bare the artists' innermost thoughts and experiences. The compilation opens with Varna's own Virtually J who masterfully sets the tone for the entire collection with his composition. From there, listeners are guided through a sonic landscape that seamlessly blends genres, showcasing the rich tapestry of musical expression. London duo Getae are showcasing their talent with the dance floor filler "Stumble" and Getsu opens the door to another dimension with his story "Otklonenie". With its minimal composition, broken beats and various effects Getsu invites us to divert from our path and experience another world. The EP concludes with Nickel Eye's "Lodi", a story that starts on a darker side with repetitive rhythm to transform to a jazz epos.
"Confessions" is more than just a compilation; it's an exploration of vulnerability and authenticity. Each artist bares their soul through their music, creating a connection with the audience that goes beyond the surface. "We wanted to create a compilation that goes beyond the ordinary, something that resonates on a deep, emotional level," says Nickel Eye, Theoretical Rhythms' head honcho. "This project is about sharing our musical confessions and inviting others to do the same". With its innovative approach to storytelling through sound, "Confessions" promises to be a standout in the music landscape, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a musical experience that is both intimate and expansive. "Confessions" is a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and evoke raw, authentic emotions. Press play and embark on a journey of musical confessions.
“The Castle II” is a collection of works composed and recorded by the Japanese artist Tomo Akikawabaya between 1986 and 1989. An album filled with obscure atmospheres, hypnotic rhythms, electronic melodies, experimental interludes and the unique and mesmerizing voice of Akikawabaya.
Since the release of the album “The Castle I” in 1984, Tomo Akikawabaya became disappointed with the music scene in Japan and thought that the only way to continue as a musician was to release his music abroad. After finish to record some new songs, he embarked on an adventurous trip to London in order to look for an opportunity for a new release. Unfortunately, after three months and despite meeting many artists and important people in the music industry, luck was not on Akikawabaya’s side and with time running out he had to return to Japan without a concrete proposal. In the following years, although he continued to work with his long-time partner Takaaki Han-ya with a project called Beata Beatrix, he never published anything and later focused to other activities. It was until 2015 that the New York label Minimal Wave released “The Invitation of The Dead” compiling songs from “The Castle” (1984) and “Anju” (1985), both originally released on his own label Castle Records. Tomo Akikawabaya is currently working under the moniker of Th, together with his wife Rinko, on a project called The Future Eve. They released an album in 2019 with the collaboration of the legendary Robert Wyatt.
The game will never be the same, Reflections of the past will bring us to the future, we will leave our signature and reshape trance our own way,
For the fifth release "Dopamine Hunter", Fantastic planet label member and Tes club resident Seqta will show his rules to you
The project to found this new independent label, owned by the Italian DJ and producer Alessandro Baglioni, stems from the intention of promoting top and emerging artists on the international scene linked to the contemporary electronic music movement.
The predilection for deep sounds, the search for new percussion and the care of harmonic sounds, represent the distinctive signs of this newborn Italian label from Milan.
Habitat Recordings L.T.D presents its second various artists of a series dedicated to contemporary electronic music created through a careful selection of sounds and grooves in line with the recording project.
Slush Records, the brainchild of London-based DJ Lora Mipsum, unleashes its first release, a much called for reissue of Andy Falconer’s finest EP from 1995 ‘Transmissions’. Remastered from the original DAT, it’s an introspective, absorbing and enticingly expansive roam through the realms of downtempo, electronica, progressive house and experimental sounds.
Best known for his work with The Orb between ‘91-‘94, you’ll also find Falconer’s name nestled in the credits of many other seminal works including albums from The Art Of Noise, Hypnotone and System 7. It’s no surprise then that the Transmissions EP, that landed in 1995, captures the essence of the early ‘90s expertly. An amalgamation of genres within each track, blurring the lines masterfully between them all.
Opening the EP, ‘Afghan Receptor No.9’ plots a driving orbit, rolling seamlessly from a dubbed out intro, into a progressive warper. A track that builds eagerly in intensity, with layer upon layer of mind-bending synths, a whomping bassline, and even Falconer’s old Canon printer sampled to top, tail and weave into the sonics of this track.
On the B side, the title track is an immersive, all-encompassing lunar excursion that engulfs you within Falconer’s soundscape odyssey. Centred around a spacey stuttering synth, hypnotising Roland S-50 harp and dream-inducing keys, it’s a spellbinding swell of emotive brilliance, interspersed with moon landing transmissions that reverberate through your brain.
Finally, like a slip back through memories in a dream, ‘Koda (Dreamscape No.1.1)’ is a psychedelic, ethereal and haunting slice of experiential ambience that provides the perfect closing sequence to this magical EP.
Transmissions takes all of Falconer’s knowledge and production prowess, creating three tracks that nod to those he’s worked with in the past, yet plotting its own course to a far off dimension.
Hizou Deep Rooted Music is thrilled to introduce its latest vinyl release, featuring a carefully curated selection of top-notch electronic music that's destined to delight audiophiles.
On the A-side of this vinyl gem, you'll be enchanted by the sonic artistry of Huerta, as his track takes you on a mesmerizing musical journey that embodies his distinctive vision. Following suit on the same side, you'll encounter Jacksonville, whose music effortlessly immerses you in a captivating world of entrancing rhythms and enveloping melodies.
Flipping the record over to the B-side, prepare to be captivated by the talents of Nico Lahs, operating under his NLXLB alias. His production is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece, seamlessly melding eclectic elements into a mesmerizing sonic tapestry.
To round off this sonic odyssey, we bring you a track from 100 Hz that's guaranteed to elevate the energy on any dance floor with its potent and infectious rhythms.
This vinyl is an essential addition to any discerning music collection, offering a chance to own these remarkable tracks in a physical format. Reach out to us for more information and secure your order before these limited-edition gems disappear from the shelves!
For release number 5 on vinyl-only label and blog, Bare Bones Wax enlist a couple of new artists to their roster. Valencia based Camiel Daamen offers up two original tracks, while Berlin based Johannes Ortlieb offers up a remix of both compositions. Over his active 24 years, Camiel has released on various labels such as In-house , Viva and Origins alongside many others. Last year also saw the start of his own Freeborn Records which included the release of his own Beatport top 10 smash “Ready For Love”. Johannes has releases on mainstays such as Al Bradley’s 3AM label and Fluid.
Up first on the A1 is the title track “Quintaesencia”, Camiel blends deep beats with swing fuelled hats and Garage licks alongside an uplifting vocal to create a dancefloor monster. On the A2 Johannes takes a modern Deep House feel interlacing the subbase and vocals with cracking affect. Over on the flip “Make Music” opts for a more techy feel with driving beats and a spoken vocal giving a nice pumping feel. Johannes second remix of “Make Music” finishes off the EP taking the track in a tougher Deep House direction that could have come straight from New York.
New Parisian label, Disques Messager, presents its new and second release. As its name suggests, the label has a simple leitmotiv: to place itself among the best messengers for rarities and sought-after gems of the international rare groove. A mission which began like fire last year with a 7inch reissue release including two Brazilian Disco bangers by Cristina Camargo. For this second efforts, the label doesn’t deviate from the artistic and quality path taken, however also making quite a U-turn, this time presenting 2 underrated kind of musical UFO, both from the French scene.
Not many info can be found about Yoanson & Karamie, two young artists from the French African diaspora, who randomly met with Nessim Saroussi and his label Ness Music in the late 80s. Nessim himself doesn’t remind much about the 2 guys, except that he quickly offered to produce them, which resulted in their only EP release, Kalimba (1988). Part of this EP, “African Leaders” is a stunning track melting Afro-Tropical percussions, Disco bass, Early-Electro beats and Leftfield vocals in a way that could remind of Doctor L or Arthur Russel productions.
On the contrary, Philippe de Lacroix-Herpin (aka Prof Jah Pinpin) has a long musical career started in the mid-70s and became a renowned saxophonist playing and recording for many famous French acts such as Jean-Jacques Goldman, Alain Chamfort, FFF, or even rap band NTM. In 1994, he moved definitely to the Reunion Island where he quickly launched the Prof Jah Pinpin 4tet, in his own words willing to play “free/funk/jazz/rock/tropical” music… Quite a vast and large musical tag, but which immediately make sense when listening to the surprising “The Final Bird” track. Only released as CD in 1996, this instrumental production has indeed a unique sound and flavor mixing all kinds of elements together (even samples of Weather Report).
Well as you can understand, words are not the best way to describe these 2 hidden treasures, so we strongly recommend the spinning to make your own view!
There is a parallel, submerged dimension in which musicians meet when they improvise. Sound microcosms emerge in those moments, and this is precisely the magic that BOTTAZZ! wanted to photograph in their first album: BOTTAZZ! VOL.1.
A "live" album, capable of transmitting spontaneity, sonic truths, empathy, feelings; ingredients that are difficult to transmit by recording the instruments individually or with other techniques.
Recorded in the historic "Auditorium 900" studios, a true time achine, as well as an institution for music in Naples.
Auditorium 900 took up the challenge in the figure of sound engineer Fabrizio Piccolo and from here the sound of BOTTAZZ was born!
A sound made up of lysergic Funk trips, 70's influences in all possible nuances: from progressive funk to Santana's Hispanic rock, up to touching its darkest and most hidden latitudes; audio waves
nfluenced by the soundtracks of the cinematography linked to those times, organs, synths, percussion and wah wah guitars, which generate a melting pot in which nothing is taken for granted.
BOTTAZZ! VOL.1 is a ship's diary, a journey into which each sailor has inserted its own emotions accumulated over the years, thus giving us a sincere and genuine record. Happy navigation.
Official reissue of Dortmund's self-released single from 1981. For those in the know a sought-after gem, for everybody else the single you didn't know you need in your life! Comes in picture sleeve with the original artwork. Limited edition.
'Titanic' - quite self-explanatory - is about the queen of the ocean and her sinking as a ship believed as unsinkable. Starting off with its morse code-like sounds it evolves into a heavy grooving mélange of alternative rock, funk, new wave and synth pop.
The B-Side 'The Deep' explores depths you didn't know about. This instrumental jazz boogie funk fusion piece takes you on a five minute journey that will be your life-saver on any day.
In the early 1980s the scene of the Ruhr area was alive and kicking but still under the radar. Musicians played in different bands and projects of various styles. Three guys gathered simply under their city name "Dortmund" and did their own thing which led to this conceptual single - their only release.
Before that Elmar Krohn (keyboards) and Thomas Meyer (vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards) were part of the "Mardi Gras Band", a funk and soul band with a great reputation for their live shows. They were also involved in writing 'Blame It On The Boogie' which got performed by "The Jacksons" in 1978 but that is another story. On the drums they were joined by Siegfried Hermes who also played in the band "Die Salinos".
Weldon Irvine was one of the finest American jazz pianist and composers of his generation. He released several classic albums man of which are now being reissued thanks to P-Vine, but not before being fully remastered for the occasion. Weldon and The Kats was one that he put out on his own label Nodlew Records after releasing some albums through RCA and Strata-East. It is perfectly indicative of his style and has his early work 'Mr.P.C' on it, which was recorded in 1968 with Steve Grossman on tenor sax and sometime Miles Davies associate Lenny White on drums. This one has never been reissued before so snap it up before it goes again.
Guava is the moniker for Bradley Hutchings, a British producer, composer, multi-instrument performer and DJ based in Berlin. Following up on a string of celebrated club-centric releases, Guava is now set to unveil his first solo album “Out Of Nowhere” in October 2023.
This confident and carefully crafted debut stands as the culmination of a colourful journey kickstarted age 17 years old. From early days in cover bands to European tours as a session musician supporting Men I Trust, Band of Horses or Nathaniel Rateliff, Bradley went on to perform on stage at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo, Abbey Road’s Studio 2 and BBC Maida Vale, as well as in many prestigious festivals such as Green Man, Latitude and more.
In parallel, and while still collaborating with songwriters, Bradley embraced electronic and dance music, finding in those modern and cutting-edge sounds a form of escape-ism as well as a sense of community that fed his creative practice in a whole new way. While refining his sound and enriching his production skills, Guava became a regular behind the DJ decks in parties in both London and Berlin and performed in Corsica Studios, :// about blank or Berlin’s hottest ambient café kwia.
The last few years, have seen him release several well received club records on revered underground labels such as Martyn’s 3024 imprint, Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section and Control Freak Recordings amongst others.
The time has now come for Guava to synthesize years of teachings and crafting in both live performances and electronic production, all brought together in a deeply personal debut, released through his brand new imprint Guava Noise, a home for his own musical explorations. Enriched with several collaborations and informed by his experiences as a songwriter, this confident and explorative debut sees Bradley Hutchings embrace new directions, gracefully blending the best in UK underground club sounds with an electronica feel.
For 20 years the Tuareg culture and music has fascinated the world. Their quasi-sacred poetic songs inspire western songwriters like KURT VILE or JOSÉ GONZALEZ, while the virtuosity of their guitar playing fascinates guitar heroes like JIMMY PAGE, and finally the spirituality and meditative hypnotism impresses electronic music producers like FOUR TET.With two albums, IMARHAN has become an emblem of the new Tuareg generation, breathing new life into “Assouf”, the desert blues.
While most of current Tuareg productions are exiled to the United States, the group, led by Sadam, is part of their culture and their city, the capital of the Tuareg people, with an open door to the desert. By building their own studio in Tamanrasset Aboogi, Imarhan become the spokesmen of the young Tuareg lost generation (forgotten by Algerian, Nigerian and Malian governments).With their new album Aboogi, Imarhan manipulate the rights and ancestry of the Tuareg. By inviting the legendary Mohamed At Itlale aka Japonais (who has since, sadly, passed away) and the genius musician Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni, IMARHAN follows the heritage of TINARIWEN, the godfathers of Assouf. When they recorded with GRUFF RHYS of the SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, their brilliant and universal songwriting takes on every sense of the word. Finally, by inviting the Sudanese singer Sulafa Elyas, we understand that IMARHAN is open to all of Africa, defenders of the Tuaregs but above all spokesperson for the new African generation.
There’s something to be said for getting noticed, for standing out from the crowd. West London’s T.Williams is one of those people, having accomplished a full sweep of merited recognition over the years. Emerging onto the house scene in 2010, T.Williams instantly marked himself as a breakthrough artist with a difference; his unique take on house music turning heads.
Far from a newcomer, his path as a musical artist started in the grime scene as Dread.D. Signed at the tender age of 17 with grime anthem Invasion on Jon E Cash’s Black Ops label, Williams went on to have mass success in the grime and bass world selling thousands of singles worldwide. After a five-year reign, Williams found himself veering towards the world of house music. With a new found love for the sound and its sub-genres, T.Williams forged a signature sound influenced by his grime days, jungle, and garage. With a style that undoubtedly impacts, T.Williams’ crossover has been the catalyst for his success. Not only rife with groove and feeling but meticulously produced and engineered with deep rumbling basslines, the unapologetic bounce of grime and smooth vocals that bleed through African infused percussion work.
While in 2010 the industry took note when hit record ‘Heartbeat’ featuring vocalist Terri Walker made an impression, it was throughout 2011 that T.Williams defined himself - releasing solo works on his imprint Local Action and Pattern with remixes for Maya Jane Coles, Ben Westbeech and Skream. Not stopping at pricking the ears of fellow artists and those on the dancefloor, the end of 2011 saw Williams nominated for ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ by DJ Mag, ‘DJ Stars of 2012’ by Time Out and featured in The Guardian.
Two relationships came to the forefront in 2012 that propelled Williams to greater heights. The first was his weekly show on legendary London station, Rinse FM and the second, Williams’ relationship with label PMR through his remix of Javeon McCarthy’s ‘Lost Time’. The remix was named Record of the Week by BBC Radio 1 and supported by tastemakers Annie Mac and Fearne Cotton. From here T. signed to the label exclusively releasing his debut EP for the label in September 2012, and in the process receiving further support from BBC Radio 1. Further remixes of Mikky Ekko, Wretch 32 and Lianne La Havas followed suit, as well as his biggest to date - Disclosure’s ‘Latch’. Powering dancefloors across the globe, T. went on to play three US tours, numerous festival stages, and deliver a second EP on PMR titled ‘Feelings Within’. The EP once again spanned a number of bases, from club bangers to heartfelt vocal driven tracks alike. Gaining his own monthly residency show with BBC Radio 1, 2013 ended with T. having played over 100 shows across four continents.
2017 marked the launch and release of the first collaborative EP with UK producer Julio Bashmore, via their joint independent Conch Records, a label aiming to push out more underground cross-genre music with heavy rotation from the likes of Moxie and Shy One. With an ever-expanding global tour schedule and further solo releases on the legendary NYC house label Strictly Rhythm turning heads, T.’s upward trajectory has never showed signs of slowing down. Selected to soundtrack the social media campaign for boxer Anthony Joshua in 2019 and now using his technical prowess as a musician to educate the next generation of rising stars at London’s respected Point Blank Music School has cemented his status as one of the UK music scene’s key players.
For its ninth release, Dusk Notes invites 3 guest artists, each gifted and stylistically distinctive in their own right, to reinterpret tracks from Imagery's self-titled album. Wide-ranging and divergent in genre, the compilation closes out with a remix from the label founders.
Homemade Weapons' striking take on ''Asymmetric Information'' features his signature audio sculptures of precise and militant choppage. Viels' intricate rework of ''Don't Crush the Acid'' is marked by commanding breakbeats and ominous ambience. Fred P's version of ''Don't Crush the Acid'' embarks on a jazzy groove with musing and yearning melodies. Soramimi and Rondec take us inward at eventide with a hushed andintoxicating montage of ''Inner Sunset.''
Decay Records celebrates its tenth anniversary with a new EP from Italian duo Neverdogs, backed by remixes from Nu Zau and Ivan Iaobucci.
Over the past decade Decay Records has firmly cemented itself as a purveyor of sophisticated stripped back house sounds, releasing music from the likes of Shaun Reeves, Mihai Popoviciu, Christian Burkhardt, Alex Arnout and of course Neverdogs duo who return here to mark the labels milestone ten years of existence. The Italian Neverdogs duo have been steadily making their own mark over the past decade through material on Bamboleo, Kluki, This And That and Tamango.
Title-cut "In The Mood" leads with crisp drums, hazy atmospherics and a dynamically evolving construction. Ivan Iacobucci's twist on "In The Mood" follows and shifts the original into a murky, twisted interpretation with choppy stabs, glistening textures and crunchy drums intertwined with fragments of the original.
"Lion Heart" follows on the flip side and lays focus on a bouncy bass groove, plucked synth stabs and shuffled percussion before Nu Zau's take on "Lion Heart" rounds out the release, employing twisted acid squelches, dubby synth flutters and subtly nuanced drums all unfurling across its six-minute duration.
Vol. 2[13,87 €]
Fool’s Paradise is the exciting new label from Toolroom Records’ Mark Knight - that comes straight from the heart, it’s a natural progression from his hugely acclaimed 2021 album release, ‘Untold Business’, which saw Mark go back to his roots, paying homage to the more funky, soulful, and vocal House from the 1990s from where he came.
With a focus on real instrumentation and production, coupled with great song writing, this new Toolroom sub label will be a platform for high quality House music that’s designed to stand the test of time. Launching the new label with a mighty bang and delivering the first in our exciting new vinyl sampler series is head honcho, Mark Knight who joins forces with Australian Toolroom label mate, Sgt Slick and British Soul sensation, Beverley Knight on a dynamite cover of Prince’s 1979 classic, ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’.
Respectfully transporting the song onto today’s dance floors, Mark & Sgt Slick deliver a classy uplifting soulful house production, loaded with funky guitars, warm pads and sublime key performances. Adding the icing on the cake and putting her own stamp on things, Beverley belts out one of her signature spine-tingling vocals, garnished with lush harmonies and BV’s that would indeed make The Purple One proud!
Completing the vinyl package is Dance music stalwart, Opolopo, and British Soul icon, Jaki Graham, who together bring the dance floor heat with their new single, ‘Fire’. Powered by a potent soulful house groove from Opolopo, loaded with warm piano hooks, emotive synth melodies and a sublime popping bass hook, ‘Fire’ see’s Jaki flaunt her electrifying vocal talents with a show-stopping performance on this irresistibly catchy song.
- I Wanna Be Your Lover reached Traxsource #1 where it stayed for 6 weeks consecutively - Radio support on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Cornwall, Hedkandi, Kiss FM, Mi-Soul, Gaydio, Radio 105 / Montecarlo (Italy), Mambo Radio, Rinse fm, Select Radio, Totally Wired Radio, Point Blank, RTE, Power fm (Ireland), Metro FM (SA), Cool Fm, Radio Reverb, Radio FG (France), Release Radio and many more.
DJ support from Husky, Hector Romero, Javi Bora, Grace Bones, Judge Jules, Sebb Junior, Jay Vegas, Odyssey Inc, ATFC, Claptone, Black Legend, Cevin Fisher, Michael Gray, Kisch, Hoxton Whores, Full Intention, Booker T, Jamie Jones, Knights Of The Turntable, Sam Divine, DJ Rae, CASSIMM, Alex Preston
There are two versions of the vinyl - classic black and triple-color limited Indie Shop edition.
Both have special insert inside with the bands bio and photos.
Generacja JAZZ is a project showing a fragment of the new wave of Polish jazz, treading its own path, creating, touring and jamming across Europe. Borders don't exist - especially musical - the new generation is engaging with nightclubs, festivals and playlists. The time has now come to show its broader perspective. We created a project which involves a handful of groups that have already racked up debut albums and festival wins, as they set out on their musical odyssey. The groups also have other things in common, like their passion, originality and, for the needs of the project, age - all the artists during the recording of this album were under 30 years old. This is the new generation - the Jazz Generation.
For the Jazz Generation record we invited five bands who had already released debut albums: Immortal Onion, Klawo, Rejoin, Twoosty Mayonez and USO 9001. We also reserved two spots on the compilation for the winners of our open call competition, whereby on the basis of the jury's choice (jury: Monika Borzym, Paulina Przybysz, Envee, Wojtek Mazolewski i Marcin Groh Grośkiewicz) we met the winning bands: Kosmos and quietet.
The sleeve artist is Kornelia Nowak, who won our open call for young designers and graphic artists. Here once again we could rely on the opinion of a prestigious jury comprised of: Beata Śliwińska Barrakuz, Bovska, Maciej Animisiewasz Grochot, Grzegorz Forin Piwnicki i Marcin Groh Grośkiewicz.
Generacja JAZZ LP is also a start of the new imprint - U JAZZ ME, which will be focused on jazz from Poland.
And here are the bands from the album:
1. Immortal Onion - A band from the Tri-City playing a broad spectrum of instrumental music.
Band members: Wojtek Warmijak (percussion), Tomir Śpiołek (piano, synths), Ziemowit Klimek (Upright Bass, synths).
The band Immortal Onion has already established itself as one of the most interesting projects of the new wave of Polish jazz, and is consistently being labelled as such abroad. After two well received albums ("Ocelot of Salvation" (2017) and"XD Experience Design" (2020) U Know Me Records) they released their third album "Screens" in 2022, which was recorded with the well known Tri-City composer and saxophonist - Michał Jan Ciesielski.
The inspiration behind the band's formation were such artists as: Esbjörn Svensson, Hiromi Uehara, Tigran Hamasyan and Tosin Abasi.
The group's guiding principle from the very beginning was the fusion of often disparate musical styles, which bore "post instrumental aggressive gay pop". Despite the stylistic discrepancies, between which they swim, the group has forged its own identifiable language, characterised by complicated rhythmical structures, energetic riffs and trance beats with lyrical melodies.
The trio has performed its original material at many venues and festivals around Europe and Asia.
2. Klawo - seven adventurous adventurers from Gdańsk, who were brought together by their love for music, halvah and throwing Frisbee. Their self-named début album, released in 2022 on the local label Coastline Northern Cuts, is an amalgam of the inspirations of each of the team members and played backwards contains tips on how to reach the Kashubian pyramids. After a win at the international competition Jazz in the Park, held in Cluj-Napoca in Romania, the band began work on their second album. Meanwhile, they were also travelling the length and breadth of Poland on a mission to infect people with the idea of Baltic Funk.
3. Kosmos is a Łódż based jazz quintet. It was formed in 2020 by Pianist Stanisław Szmigero, Saxophonist Iwo Tylman and Trumpeter Jan Ostalski. However, it wasn't until 2022 that Kosmos found its true form when Kamil Gużniczak (Upright bass) and Kacper Kuta (Percussion) joined the line-up.
Their compositions are influenced by Polish yass bands, electronic music and hip-hop. Kosmos music is a mix of lyricism, space, intensity and elements of experiment.
The band members are all eccentric characters possessing different means of musical expression - looking at them, one could even argue they are a group of oddballs. Despite this, for reasons unbeknownst to themselves, the members of Kosmos complement each other on stage and form a unified artistic vision of the world around them.
Kosmos officially released their début single "Ja" in June 2023. They regularly play concerts across Poland and recently were selected as distinguished artists at JAZZiNSPIRACJE (JAZZiNSPIRATION) - a competition held during the 13th Lublin Jazz Festival.
4. Quietet (formed at the beginning of 2023) is the result of meetings between five talented musicians with a deep passion for musical creation. Its sound is a unique blend of Jazz and classical music with a hint of hard rock. The band is inspired by the Scandinavian approach to making music, which brings a characteristic atmosphere and melodies to their work. Their music captivates listeners with its originality, refined improvisations and flawless technique. Both classical and modern musical trends feed their inspiration when creating passionate and emotional compositions.
Their works are full of sound experimentation, which equally surprise and expose new musical horizons. Through their compositions, "Quietet" aims to share their emotions evoked during performances, creating a musical journey that affects and inspires.
5. Connecting jazz with electronic music in fresh interpretations, six young musicians make up the group Rejoin. The group re-formed in 2020 after a four-year break, playing their debut concert at Lotos Jazz Festival Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa. The musicians in Rejoin have performed alongside such artists as: Urszula Dudziak, Krystyna Prońko, Marcin Masecki, Szczyl, Kuba Więcek and Paulina Przybysz.
Most of the members of Rejoin are students from the Katowice Music Academy, where they also develop their own projects. Rejoin was a recipient of the Fabryki Norblin Music Masterclass Foundation scholarship.
6. Twoosty Mayonez is something your grandad would listen to with his younger sister. The non-standard approach to jazz alongside a pursuit of strange sounds, culminated in the conceptual album entitled "Carmin". The material was created by Bartosz Wolerta (percussion) and Dominik Kaniewski (bass guitar/synths). "Triceradiplodocus" tells the story of a mechanical dinosaur that lives on the yet undiscovered planet Carmin.
Following on La Bella Di Notte is a repress we are very proud of. Zero Origin, one of Nathanael Heres' monikers, techno music geek, and producer plus headliners behind Urban Sound Of Amsterdam, as well as the owner himself of Upcult Records, a tight but super sharp label from the mid-nineties, born in the backstreets of the Dutch capital. The original record here is "New Life".
Last on the market as Zero Origin, but perhaps the finest on his chest. Three exciting tracks chase each other in a rhythmic crescendo and increasingly hypnotic decorations are ready to set on fire both the main room of bigger clubs and intimate dance floors of a smoky underground party.
Forbidden to sleep.
Oceanvs Orientalis reveals the second single from his forthcoming album on Crosstown Rebels with ‘Heart Pieces’ feat. Idil Mese, accompanied by remixes from Mustafa Ismaeel and Nightmares On Wax.
A producer, live performer and solo act whose productions merge influences spanning Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian and Arabic sonics and beyond, Safak Oz Kutle, aka Oceanvs Orientalis, has crafted a sound that is entirely his own ever since making his debut back in 2014. Following on from his impressive debut appearance on the imprint with ‘Il Lupo’ alongside Italian talent Tooker, revealing the first single from his forthcoming album, the Istanbul-based talent is back on Crosstown Rebels with another gem taken from the project as he reunites with singer-songwriter Idil Mese for the excellent ‘Heart Pieces’ - with remixes from Crosstown and Rebellion regular Mustafa Ismaael, and legendary house talent and Warp favourite Nightmares On Wax.
Slow-blooming and resonant throughout, guided by Mese’s soulful and emotive vocals, vibrant sax melodies and trippy background samples, ‘Heart Pieces’ is a dazzling slice of laid-back, jazz-infused house music full of subtle elements. Remixing the record, Mustafa Ismaeel leans towards late-night hours with a remix drenched in rolling percussion and sweeping leads, while Nightmares On Wax takes the track in two directions - opting for loose drums, hazy tones and chugging grooves across his first take before laying the focus solely on the musical elements with his ‘Club Dub’.
Kerri Chandler’s Kaoz Theory welcomes the return of Dj Steaw in January 2024 with his ‘Get Back To The Fonk’ EP.
Parisian House stalwart Dj Steaw has grown to become a widely respected figure in the field of
raw, underground, classic House over the past decade, racking up releases on many leading
imprints of the genre such as Hot Haus, Meta, Local Talk, Step and Phonogramme as well as his
own Steaward, Rutilance and House Puff. Here though he returns to Kaoz Theory following the
success of his ‘Colour Of Mind’ EP in 2022.
Title-cut ‘Get Back To The Fonk’ opens and sees Dj Steaw lay down a jazzy keys and stab
sequences, a bouncy bass line and heavily swung drums alongside an amalgamation of spoken
word vocals and chants. ‘Don’t Stop’ follows next and shift focus into deeper realms with warm,
fluttering chords, swaying subs and airy strings running atop of a robust rhythm.
‘In My Body’s House’ is up next to open the B-side, embracing a true House feel this time through
the use of organic piano melodies, sax licks and organ lines intertwined with a bumpy bass hook
and dubbed out vocal effects. ‘Grey Matter’ then concludes the original material, focusing on
multilayered dreamy keys, resonant flutters and skippy percussion.
The Label famous for its outstanding organic and melodic music, is thrilled to announce the release of Jacob Groening's
debut album, „TIMEFADES,“. This remarkable album is set to release on his own imprint digitally and on vinyl preorder on November 24, 2023.
"TIMEFADES" is an introspective and immersive collection of eight tracks that weaves a narrative from start to finish. Each song contributes to a story that is both dancefloor-ready and equally at home in intimate listening environments. Jacob Groening's unique ability to craft music that resonates on multiple levels is showcased in this extraordinary album.
In a significant departure from his previous works, Groening has seamlessly integrated sounds from his childhood into
"TIMEFADES." The album features a captivating blend of 80s synthesizers, which evoke a sense of nostalgia, harmonizing effortlessly with his signature organic sounds. The result is a sonic tapestry that not only captures the essence of the past but also propels it into the future.
An exciting and personal addition to "TIMEFADES" is Jacob Groening's own voice. For the first time in his career as a
producer, he lends his vocals to the album, offering a deeper connection to the listener. This newfound layer of intimacy elevates the emotional resonance of the music, making "TIMEFADES" a profoundly personal and moving experience.
One of the standout features of the album is Groening's discovery of the electric guitar as a primary composition tool. The
electric guitar weaves its magic throughout "TIMEFADES," adding layers of melodic complexity that captivate the senses and set this album apart from the artist's previous work.
The 80s Italo disco /proto-house classic 'MBO Theme' by the mighty Klein & MBO, repressed! Comes with an heavy (and unheard) South African version on the flip. Huge Tip!
The MBO Theme' (1983) has been a dance floor favorite since decades, created by Mario Boncaldo and Tony Carrasco - the legendary Italian/US duo Klein & MBO. The track got support in NYC and Chicago by greats as Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy.
The rare version on the flip is created by a South-African band called Warrior. Rush Hour explain how they came across the track: We bumped into this version on a South African record digging trip. It took us a few months to realize the scarcity of this version. Ian Osrin, a well respected engineer in South-Africa who was involved in many 80ties and 90ties Bubblegum, Kwaito and South African disco records, explained us about music distribution in South Africa during apartheid. Because the country was culturally banned at the time, a lot of releases weren't imported or exported. Even when a track was huge, like The Klein & MBO Theme'. So South African musicians would create their own versions which were sold locally.
We got in contact with Tony Carrasco from Klein & MBO. He also hadn't heard Warrior's version before, but he liked it as much as we do!'
A new label straight from Ukraine, called Frequencies, is ready with its first joint. For this VA release they decided to gather 4 artists all around Ukraine for the unforgettable house journey.
A-side is starting with Odesa-based guru Rayo (All Inn, Fabric, Propaganda, Body Parts) and continues with a high-quality vinyl selector and producer Vinaya (Wex, Telomere Plastic, Black Pony Orchestra Records) from the capital of Ukraine.
On the flipside we’re having the youngest one from the list – Peshka (Visionquest, Banoffee Pies, Alien Recordings), who was born in Mariupol + last, but not least, the owner of the label, also member of the Aimed trio – Dibe (Adult Only, Drumma, Serialism), who’s currently based in Switzerland.
Before the soul and disco hits, Bill Curtis’ Fatback Band were one of the tightest funk groups in the world, and their catalogue threw up several rarities.
‘Dance Girl’ was their final single released in 1974 before they signed to Event/Spring. A New York block party classic that was deleted when the Perception label went bust. It was so popular at the time that it was covered by the Rimshots once it became unobtainable.
‘Keep On Brother Keep On’ was the group’s second single on Bill’s own BC Projects II label. It is a sought-after collectable on its original 1971 press, likely to set you back over £1000 for a copy.



































































































































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