Search:la tène

Blue note / Schema / Far Out recordings artist shares a new compilation of golden age italian library music.

Following his acclaimed five-part Viagem compilation series celebrating Brazil's forgotten bossa nova and samba jazz, Far Out, Blue Note and Schema recording artist and international DJ Nicola Conte turns his curatorial attention homeward with Viaggio, an extraordinary exploration of Italy's library music renaissance 1970-79.

The 12-track compilation spotlights the remarkable creative explosion that occurred during the seventies: when some of the greatest yet most historically overlooked composers, including Amedeo Tommasi, Alessandro Alessandroni and Max Rocci, were composing and recording huge amounts of original music for film and television libraries.

Unlike commercial releases designed for mass consumption, library music was created specifically to accompany images on screen. This meant creative freedom for composers who imagined scenarios, feelings and worlds to soundtrack. Pressed in limited quantities, these recordings were distributed only to internal circles of music supervisors, journalists, and television professionals – making them virtually invisible to the general public for decades.

"This is a journey through a largely forgotten world," explains Conte. "While major jazz recording opportunities were scarce, an incredible network of small labels owned by publishing companies – often created by the composers themselves – began to flourish. This created an open space where musicians could express more experimental and free thinking sounds."

At the heart of Viaggio stands Amedeo Tommasi, the sophisticated jazz pianist who emerged in 1960 backing international stars like Chet Baker, Bobby Jaspar, and Jacques Pelzer. Tommasi was among Italy's earliest artists to introduce Black US modal jazz influences, and when traditional recording opportunities dwindled, he pivoted to soundtrack and library music, helping define a distinctly Italian sound that bridged experimental jazz with the emerging possibilities afforded by developments in synthesizer and recording technologies.

The compilation features rare gems from small label outputs, namely the Cenacolo and Rotary label catalogs. Tommasi's contemporaries include the great Alessandro Alessandroni and his vocalist wife Giulia De Mutiis (Kema), Stefano Torrosi (under the alias Farlocco - meaning fake/phony), and Belgian composer Joël Vandroogenbroeck. The recordings capture the technological evolution of the era as beguiling synthesis often combines with global influences spanning Brazilian rhythms, jazz-funk explorations, and Middle Eastern scales.

"You can hear both the haunting melodies and sun-kissed atmospheres so typical of Italian culture from that era," Conte observes. "Some of these albums could have been proper artist releases, while others were specifically designed for accompanying images on screen, yet all were crafted with exploratory creativity that still resonates powerfully today."

As Moxy marks an incredible seven years as a trailblazing label, The label unveils Moxy Editions 9 — a four-track collection that captures the spirit of his DJ sets and the global energy of his dancefloor community. Already a highlight of the summer season, these records have been making serious waves across Ibiza and beyond.

At the heart of the release is “Gypsy Woman (Moxy Edit)” — a track that started as a spontaneous edit for Darius’s own sets and quickly took on a life of its own. With re-recorded vocals from Holly Jazz and official publishing clearance, the track has become a defining anthem of the year.

From DC-10 to clubs across Europe, the record has been met with full-room singalongs and explosive reactions. Early support from DJs including Prosper and Liam Palmer has further cemented it as one of the most in-demand edits on the circuit. Now officially released, “Gypsy Woman” arrives on vinyl, just in time for the label’s milestone birthday.

Next up comes a standout comes from Harry Collett “Check up”. A longtime Moxy fan and emerging talent, Collett’s production has already earned support from MK and a growing roster of influential selectors. “Harryette” has been a staple in Darius’s summer sets, marking Collett as one to watch.

Also featured are two more highlights from the summer — “Tengo La Musica (Crackazat Remix)” and “Never Let You Go”, both driven by irresistible samples and undeniable grooves. These cuts embody the energy and emotion of Darius’s signature club sound — upfront and built for the dancefloor.

The label is built on a sonic and experimental mission a space for exploring emotions and textures beyond genres. Each artist creates their own small world within this vision.

The idea for the first record was born after discovering the Urgent collective, where I first saw Andree Bohlin perform. His unreleased track left a deep impression on me raw, hypnotic, and emotional.
Later, we connected and created the first episode for the label a release that perfectly represents its sound and spirit.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter where each release becomes part of a continuous journey through sound, emotion, and underground culture.

In 1978 a newly formed Augusta, Georgia group Marshall, Donovan and Broomfield chose to record cover versions of two songs previously recorded in 1973 and 1974 respectively by Florida siblings group Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. These Eddie Cornelius penned songs “Let me Down Easy” and “Since I Found My Baby” would form both sides of Marshall, Donovan and Broomfield’s first 45 single, released on group founder John Marshall’s own Augusta label. The flipside “Since I Found My Baby” would eventually gain popularity across the pond with aficionados of the UK modern soul scene of the early 1980’s and beyond.

John Marshall began his musical career in a high school group called The Fabulous Gardenias who recorded the doowop ballad “It’s You, You, You” backed with the up-tempo R n B mover “What’s The Matter With Me” released on Tommy Brown’s local Liz label (named after his wife future Motown recording artist, Liz Lands) in 1961.The Fabulous Gardenias featured John Marshall, the late Atlanta alumni Calvin Arnold, “Little” Joe Jones Jr (later of the Tams) and a fourth guy only remembered as Harold. John Marshall later sang with another Atlanta group The Tams of “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” fame from 1970 through to 1978.

Later in 1978, John Marshall having relocated to Augusta, GA the previous year was casually emptying the contents of his mailbox outside his home when a car suddenly pulled up. The driver called out “Hey I recognize you, you’re John Marshall you used to be with the Tams!” The driver continued to introduce himself as John Donovan stating that he too was a singer, followed by an impromptu performance, and hey! sure enough he could sing! A later introduction to Charles Broomfield (John Marshall’s next-door neighbour at that time) would lead to the formation of the group Marshall, Donovan, Broomfield with the addition of Mary Marshall and Pat Donavan (the then, two John’s respective wives) as backing vocalists. The previously mentioned group’s first release the John Donovan led “Let Me Down Easy/Since I Found My Baby” was recorded at the now defunct Jam Studio’s in Atlanta. Upon release, the “Let Me Down Easy “side received considerable local radio play but only led to the group performing a handful of local shows. On the strength of the group’s first release a second 45 release followed in 1980 “Let’s Dance/That’s Love” both sides of this 45 were penned by Charlston, South Carolina native, Harold Thomas who John Marshall knew from his time with the Tams, Thomas having once been part of Bill Pinkney &the Original Drifters and later the Tams management teams. This second 45 never gained the same local attention of “Let Me Down Easy” and after three years together the Marshall’s, Donovan’s and Charles Broomfield went their separate ways. John Marshall lost contact altogether with his former group members and left the music business taking up employment at International Paper Mill until his retirement in 2013.

Due to the current resurgence in popularity of “Since I Found My Baby” with copies regularly selling for four figure sums, Soul Junction have reacquainted ourselves with John Marshall to you bring you “Since I Found My Baby” backed with “Let Me Down Easy” with the addition of the excellent and lesser, known stepper “That’ Love” making this an excellent value 45 release.

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

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

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

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

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

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

An album like a film, a childhood like a journey.



With Rêves, Senbeï unveils the most intimate and ambitious work of his career. Known for his unique blend of electronic music, hip-hop, and Asian sounds, the beatmaker reinvents himself here in an orchestral and cinematic universe, a far cry from his previous albums.


Inspired by the great soundtracks of children's adventure films—The Goonies, The Neverending Story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—Rêves is a sonic immersion where childhood nostalgia meets the emotional power of an orchestra.



A unique symphonic production.



For the first time, Senbeï has called upon a 15-piece orchestra, recorded in conditions close to those of film music. Strings, wind instruments, and electronic textures echo each other to create a rich, evocative universe, filled with luminous melodies and magical tension. This album is not just a collection of tracks: it is an adventure to be listened to like reading a story or watching a film.

Audiotech is one of the many visionary aliases of Juan Atkins, the Detroit pioneer widely recognized as one of the originators of techno. Originally released in 1987 on Express Records, "I'm Your Audio Tech" captures a crucial moment in the evolution of electronic music -- when raw machine funk and futuristic minimalism merged to form the Detroit sound. Now, nearly four decades later, this classic returns newly remastered and presented for the first time on Metroplex, the label founded by Atkins himself. The reissue preserves the deep pulse and metallic warmth of the original, giving new clarity to its hypnotic basslines and mechanized rhythm patterns that defined an era of innovation. A timeless piece of Detroit's musical DNA -- meticulously restored for a new generation of listeners and collectors.

One of the founding figures of Amsterdam's underground Techno culture Dimi Angelis has been shaping the scene in the late 90s, throwing warehouse raves living up to the underground standards. Until today his approach remains unchanged: uncompromising, opinionated, and never aimed at easy pleasing.
Drawing from decades of crate-digging and an encyclopedic knowledge of Techno's evolution, Dimi crafts sets that feel familiar a reveal unexpected depths on closer listening.
These tracks follow that same philosophy as they are straightforward and honest on the surface, but wrapped in something appropriately unexpected.

A song about Colostomy - from the opening bars you might think so. but it gets worse. 'X rated' stuff.
the label say 'Djoko is no stranger to Voyage Direct. Having first appeared on the label way back in 2012, he's returned numerous times since, becoming an integral member of the imprint's growing family of artists. Elsewhere, he's delivered material on Tuskegee, Mobilee and Leftroom, amongst others, developing an approach that takes inspiration from numerous styles of house and techno. However, little he's previously released can match the raw, eyebrow-raising lust and sexually charged funk of Dirty Talk'.

Driven forward by Djoko's sleazy, whispered spoken word vocal, the original version combines the rubbery, bass-heavy rhythms of classic, Dance Mania-style ghetto house, the delay-laden guitar flashes of vintage NYC proto-house, and the kind of darting, funk-fuelled keys - provided by fellow Dutch producer Kid Sublime - that recall the glory days of '80s electrofunk. Djoko provides an alternate version in the shape of the thrusting, stripped-back Club Dub', with his breathy Accapella' rounding off the A-side.

On the flip, two Voyage Direct stalwarts take it in turns to rework the track. First up is label boss Tom Trago, who builds on Djoko's elastic percussion with some dense new drum hits of his own. These are combined with spacey synths and sharp string stabs, giving Dirty Talk' a more classic techno/house fusion flavour. In contrast, Werner uses the opportunity to turn in a triple-X-rated interpretation full of bounding, Chicago-influenced beats, intergalactic pads, sleazy acid lines, and sweaty, surging drum fills. It's a fittingly breathless remix.'

Housmose launches its new CLUB CUTS series with Vol.1, a curated five-track vinyl showcasing the raw, deep, soulful, and garage-inspired sounds that define the label’s spirit.

Limited to 300 hand-numbered copies (200 black, 100 red), this first edition captures a timeless club essence - from punchy grooves to late-night introspection. Deeleegenz opens the record with “M.W.H.I.”, a fierce and energetic cut packed with garage swing and raw punch - the perfect statement for the series debut. On A2, Mike Ekim delivers “The Main Street”, a UK garage-driven banger built around crisp drums and rolling low-end pressure. On the flip, Reagan Mian’s “Memories” dives deep into emotional territory - a nostalgic deep house journey that blends warmth, groove, and a pure club spirit. Rawdio follows with “Mirari”, weaving hypnotic synths and lush pads into a dreamy early-90s atmosphere. Finally, Max Telaer closes the record with "Fair Weather", a jazzy, sample-rich groove that radiates soul and wraps the compilation with finesse. With striking artwork by Sozyone, CLUB CUTS Vol.1 stands as both a collector’s piece and a dancefloor weapon - crafted for DJs, diggers, and anyone who still believes in the magic of wax.

South Street International return with the house goodness once again, reissuing Vick Lavender’s house anthem “The L.O.V.E. Song (From Chicago To New York)”. Originally self-released on his label Sophisticado Recordings by the Chicago producer and musician, this is one of those timeless deep house gems that’s become an underrated weapon for discerning DJs worldwide.

Lavender – known for his work with Glenn Underground as part of the legendary Strictly Jaz Unit – has been shaping deep and soulful house for over three decades, blending world music, jazz fusion, R&B and more into a sound that’s both spiritual and deeply rooted in the dancefloor. Here he brings the best of both cities into one track: the soulful musicality of Chicago, the cosmopolitan polish of New York. Warm Rhodes, fluid percussion, and vocal refrains ride over a groove that’s equally at home in a dark basement session or a sunrise terrace set.

With originals changing hands for eye-watering prices on Discogs, this official reissue makes this must have record accessible again. Lovingly remastered by The Bakehouse and presented on South Street International, This record is a must-have for fans of deep house, and anyone who believes in the eternal conversation between Chicago and New York.

“Everything flows – nothing remains, there is only an eternal becoming and changing” is a well-known formulation of the river theory of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, also known as panta rhei (ancient Greek: πάντα ῥεῖ, “everything flows”). This teaching states that everything in the universe is subject to constant change and that nothing stays the same forever. The metaphor of the river illustrates this: You can't step into the same river twice because both the river and you are constantly changing. The water is constantly flowing, but the river stays in one place. Thus, reality is constantly changing, even if sometimes perceived as constant.”

„Same Same but Different.“ Always different – always the same. Chill-Out DJ Heraklit

For the 26th time, the most consistent of all ambient compilations, in a constant flux of static change, is released on Kompakt. Joining good friends from the early days and reliable confidants are some new additions to the non-hierarchical charts of contemplative rapture culture.

Leading the way is Micå, a Japanese electronic musician whose finely chiseled, graceful musical style has made it onto the new collection with two pieces. Also making his debut is Richard Ojijo, a seasoned sound engineer known, among other things, for his long-standing collaboration with the artist Marcel Odenbach and the Cologne-based label Magazine. Oskø aka Max Hytrek, a multi-talented newcomer to Kompakt and the music scene, debuts with his rapturously ecstatic piece "Ar Vag." He's followed by Sebastian Mullaert, appearing for the second time—this time teamed up with Sebastian Lilja aka Hush Forever. After his surprise return last year after a 20 year hiatus, we are delighted that Tetsuo Sakae aka Pass Into Silence is back again this year with one of his distinctive sound gems. As are Dirk Leyers (Closer Musik) and Mikkel Metal. 18 tracks are featured on this CD. "Erlösung" (Redemption) is the title of Segensklang's closing track. A kind of ambient bolero into infinity. Or at least until next year...

And what would Pop Ambient be without the iconic, artistic cover design of Veronika Unland, who once again, in her unmistakable way, says through the digital flower: The eye always listens...

Demi Riquísimo reveals the latest EP on his Semi Delicious imprint No Given Time featuring collaborations with Tesselate founders The Trip, stalwart of East London's Queer scene Michelle Manetti and Belfast favourite Hammer.

With the signature Semi Delicious sound demonstrated throughout the package, the warm and groove-driven productions are designed with the dancefloor firmly in mind. Opening with the solo title track ‘No Given Time’, Demi sets the tone with lush synth work and lashings of 90s house flavour. Collaboration with The Trip ‘Infinite Room’ follows, with elastic basslines and an unmistakable blend of the artists’ sonic aesthetics, while ‘Only Love’ sees Demi team up with Michelle Manetti for a slice of joyous uplift with dreamy soundscapes. Closing out the EP is ‘Lime House’, in collaboration with Belfast’s Hammer, as the pair bring in prog-style chords and dizzying synths that take you well into the afterhours.

“Collaboration is important because it opens you to new ideas and thought processes while learning new tricks and techniques,” Demi explains. “It’s also a lovely way to bond and build relationships with other producers.”

Making his long-awaited return to Spatial, JLM Productions serves up another sizzling andvaried concoction of atmospheric breakbeat goodness.

A1 - Unraveling

Opening with a blissful, playful melody which fades in and out of effects and padwork,Unravelling shows off an insanely crisp 2-step break at its core - definitely suited for thedancefloor with a buoyant bassline rumbling beneath the waves. The track leaps furtherinto life with JLM adding some additional drums to elevate the breaks further still, all withserene, harmonious melodies dancing around in the mix.

A2 - Forced Perspective

A purposeful melody opens Forced Perspective as JLM Productions unleashes a stellarblend of atmospheric bliss with a unique epic urgency. Sci-fi synthwork surrounds anenergetic selection of drums edited with trademark clarity as layers upon layers of synthintertwine dynamic patterns with ease. This is a great example of JLM's expansive suite ofinfluences combining to create a deliciously detailed and unique whole.

AA1 - Surface Scan

Light cymbals commence a DJ-friendly intro to the second track, Surface Scan. Bothrousing and deep, smooth padwork leads into a drop which brings with it long, whooshingmelodic synths and crunchy stacked breakbeats. As the atmosphere develops, JLM addsin a bunch of effects and subtle, sumptuous sci-fi synthwork, strings and more to completeanother masterpiece from a true pillar of "old school brand new" methodology.

AA2 - Mixed Motive

Straight into a serving of subdued breaks perfect for the intro, JLM rounds off this stunningEP with Mixed Motive. This is a track which explores the atmospheric drum & basslandscape in style. Our creatively-edited breaks soon evolve into a crescendo of joyousdrum patterns with an old 720-style stabby melody punctuating the mix while deep &melodic basslines jostle below, adding dense texture to a stunning piece of music.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

Geckos is the collective spirit of acclaimed songwriter M. Ward, Giant Sand visionary Howe Gelb, and Irish multi-instrumentalist McKowski. Born out of an impromptu recording session that was sparked by an encounter at the wedding of a mutual friend, the project blends the rich flavors of the Southwest with indie folk, Spanish influences, and a touch of Irish mysticism. While initial recordings took place in Tucson, it became a true transatlantic project when the members returned to their hometowns and continued trading ideas. The trio eventually regrouped in studios across Ireland, London, and Bristol, where renowned English producer John Parish mixed multiple tracks. Geckos' self-titled debut is steeped in story, spontaneity, and surreal charm, channeling the spirit of three singular voices discovering a new, shared musical language.

393AD returns to his own Full Range Motion records with 'Singularities EP'! On this EP, 393AD continues to explore the grey-area in between introspective yet driving techno, an area in which 393AD's well-received debut 'Doctrine EP' left such an impression. The Amsterdam-based artist playful use of sound-design and storytelling adaptations of live hardware jams are once more an excellent foundation for his second release, solidifying the distinctive sound of the artist on this young label. Opener 'Gravitational' pulsating beats are a strong anchor for slowly unfolding harmonic stabs and a strong centrifugal energy. Glimmering patterns unfold as an umbrella; a projectile shoots past; the aftermath of a near-collision - there's no running from this mind-gazing adventure. On the same side 'Technological' pushes on with dramatic effect as noise interlocks with serenity. A devious and mesmerizing track. The flip starts off with 'Mechanical', the final clever contribution to this EP by 393AD. Propulsive kicks and startling low-end call & responses manifest infectious hooks and rhythmic interplay. This track is as serious as it is facetious. Finalising this EP is Maasym's remix of 'Gravitational'. Building on the urgent dynamics of the original, Maasym conjures a magical field of rhythm, intertwining the original with his own energetic pulses. Culminating finally in a compelling resurgence of the original's main stab.

Tokyo based French producer Laurent introduces his label State of Levitation, dedicated to releasing music that tries to grasp the elusive.

Taking charge of the first release, he delivers 4 tracks unraveling sonic landscapes he resonates with, a blend of styles between techno and electro, dark and bright, with an emphasis on melody and emotional evocations.

DJ Support: Antal, I Cube, Noel Watson, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Sean Johnston, San Soda, Takaya Nagase, Tina Edwards, Pete Herbert, Kenneth Bager, Severino, Aaron Paar, Felix Joy, Harri Harrigan, Laroye, Telford, Darker Than Wax, Rocky (X Press 2), Shane Johnson, Dan Tyler, Felix Dickinson and many more

Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, Pili Pili.

The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding jazz-rock outfit Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all- electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose.

Pili Pili, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.

NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the Pili Pili catalogue.

In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of Selected Works 1984-95 comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss.

DYSTORTION
Extrawelt's Latest and Longest-Brewing Album Lands This December on Cocoon

In this beautiful world marked by rising chaos, sometimes the simplest way to escape its troubles is through sonic relief. Germany's renowned electronic duo Extrawelt will offer exactly that with their 5th full-length album, DYSTORTION, via Cocoon Recordings this December.

For over two decades, the humble duo behind Extrawelt, who shy away from making music for clicks, have been a steadfast presence in electronic music. Known as serious studio and tour-focused artists who craft timepiece albums, each a work of enduring craft, that go on to create atmospheric, out-of-the-box live acts, they've been shaping and redefining electronica since their first release.


DYSTORTION is their most diverse and evocative album to date. Imagined over six years and shaped by a world in flux through COVID, political upheavals, social media, and AI, it reflects the contrasts and twists we've all felt while offering surges of serenity and hope. From brooding tension to playful relief, it moves through different states in an evolved Extrawelt manner.

The album's opening credit, "Grand Départ," as if a cinematic prelude, invites us into a world of creeping bass, an explicitly Extrawelt sound that's synonymous with the "anti-genre genre" they work within. The album's second track, "Clapland," sees Extrawelt joining forces with Jimi Jules, a name synonymous with excellence in electronic music, creating a rare collaboration that is felt in every note. Soon, the mood shifts into softer melodies as heard in "Surrounded By Miracles," "Hope Sounds Good," and "Sir Stringalot," which bring bright euphorics to balance the darker moments in an album echoed by industrial influences. Later, as "Dystortion" (the album's title track) unfolds, we're drawn into something few electronic artists can create: raw emotion. This is a gritty landscape as reflective as it is pulsing, glitchy, intense, and richly textured.

DYSTORTION is a reflection of a complex, divided world, carried through dramatically with Extrawelt's signature techno tension. Like the world right now, it is full of contradictions, surprises, and moments of introspection, an essential listen for fans of mature electronic music that may or may not need a reminder of why, after 20 years, we're still listening.