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Approaching the 50th-anniversary release of Artreform, the label's boss, Kyiv-based DJ and sound producer JOSS is counting on experienced artists. The fresh record
with an updated modern design from the abstract art master Elemetalsource boasts two tech-house powerhouses at once: Fedo, the lead artist from Odessa, and Okain,
the Berlin-based musician and owner of Talman Records, who was invited as a remixer.

The three original tracks from Fedo deliver detached, robotic minimal house that could be playing on an interplanetary station as its well-coordinated machinery works
in unison. It is club-centric music with a moving, inventive groove, albeit without any live emotions. A respectful tribute to those 90s cult Plastic City records, and at the
same time, trendy sound for modern minimal and microhouse parties.

Okain's injection boosts the release's dynamics with more thumping rhythms and a hypnotic atmosphere. Nevertheless, this special guest star from Berlin flows in
organically, enhancing Fedo's material with his trademark style, perfected through years of releases on Bpitch Control and Tsuba, and thoroughly tested on Europe's best dancefloors.

After over a decade as a digital-only album, Larry Manteca's Zombie Mandingo gets its first vinyl release, making a fresh comeback in a completely renewed version.

Like Manteca's previous full-length releases, this album too is conceived as a soundtrack to a non-existent exploitation film, drawing inspiration from the classic Italian B-movies of the 1970s. This time, cinematic references encompass both the zombies found in Lucio Fulci's horrors and the cannibalistic adventures directed by Umberto Lenzi, creating a strange mash-up between Jacopetti's Mondo Cane and Deodato's Cannibal Holocaust.

The setting is an unspecified island in the Atlantic Ocean, nestled halfway between equatorial Africa and the Caribbean. A handful of Western tourists, having miraculously survived a plane crash, collide with the age-old rituals of an indigenous tribe who perform human sacrifices to appease their local god—the Zombie Mandingo of the title—a monstrous creature with superhuman strength, half Haitian zombie, half African cannibal.

This fusion of genres and cultures is reflected in the music. Manteca creates horror-tinged exotica that evokes and re-imagines the soundscapes of distant lands and dreamlands, from Africa to South America, to the mysterious islands in the Bermuda Triangle. He boldly and brilliantly combines Les Baxter with Fela Kuti, Joe Zawinul with Piero Umiliani, Janko Nilovic with KPM libraries, sprinkling the mixture profusely with psychedelia, Afro-groove, and Italian soundtrack vibes.

The album's nine tracks, recorded between 2013-2019, were meticulously remixed and remastered in 2023. This process made it possible to add new solo instruments, including the Fender Rhodes on the title track. The result is a captivating, kaleidoscopic journey taking us into the sonic depths of the tropical jungle to unveil its dark secrets and surrender to the primary emotions behind every B-movie: action, adventure, erotic desire, and fear.

The album is embellished with a 650-gram hardcover sleeve featuring breathtaking artwork by Matteo Fumagalli.









i 09: Zombie Mandingo (Trailer Music) Remastered

First part (1/3) of the first ever collaboration of two techno legends from Germany

Be As One is excited to release the long overdue "Romantic & Dead" LP, the debut Album from one of the most talented artists of the recent generational Techno movement, and the label regular "Kashpitzky".

Being the hyped Berlin based producers most crafted project to date, the Buzzing 11 tracks LP is spread over 2 vinyls, astonishing covered artwork and shiny polished product, and reflecting the different shades of techno from several moments of the night, tailored straight from the mind of the most sought after artist of the recent couple of years.

Lining with the label's raw and old school influenced sound Aesthetics of re defining the term "House influenced Techno", Kashpitzky fits right in as one of the imprint's leading figures, compiling the 5th full length artist album to date from the label, after industry icons such as Kenny Larkin, Samuel L Session, Orbe and the label head Shlomi Aber.

As its title, the Romantic & Dead LP is an excepional abstracted and mixtured techno journey for the heads and collectors both, and marks a significant milestones for the young artist and the established label.

We’re kicking off the new year in style with a fantastic new double header by RAXON. This Egypt-born, barcelonese powerhouse has left his scent marks all over the place in recent years. He has developed an instantly recognizable sound and that’s no small feat in these times shaped by so much formulaic dullness. “Your Fault” sees our Catalan hot shot in an exuberant disco mood. Mind bending chord progressions foiled with Raxon’s trademark vocal stutters guarantee for wonderfully twisted hands in the air moments. With “Beskar” we’re entering Star Wars nerd territory. Jedipedia says, Beskar is a uniquely resistant iron that develops a wide range of properties—and colors—in the hands of skilled metalsmiths. Alright. Musically speaking, we’re dealing with a stealthy, funky as hell trance-not-trance juggernaut. 2024 is off to a good start:)

Wir beginnen das neue Speicher-Jahr stilvoll mit einem fantastischen neuen Doppelwhopper von RAXON. Dieses in Ägypten geborene Kraftpaket aus Barcelona hat in den letzten Jahren überall seine Duftmarken hinterlassen. Er hat einen Sound entwickelt, den man sofort wiedererkennt, und das ist keine kleine Leistung in diesen Zeiten, die von so viel formelhafter Langweiligkeit geprägt sind. “Your Fault” zeigt unseren katalanischen Draufgänger in ausgelassener Disco-Stimmung. Verrückte Akkordprogressionen, gepaart mit Raxons Markenzeichen, der Stotterstimme, sorgen für wunderbar verdrehte Hands in the air Momente. Mit “Beskar” betreten wir Star Wars Nerd-Territorium. Laut Jedipedia ist Beskar ein besonders widerstandsfähiges Eisen, das in den Händen geschickter Schmiede eine breite Palette von Eigenschaften – und Farben – entwickelt. Nun gut. Musikalisch gesehen haben wir es mit einer verstohlenen, verdammt funkigen Trance-Not-Trance-Rakete zu tun. 2024 hat einen guten Start hingelegt : )

Now in its tenth year, Frankfurt-based record label Die Orakel has earned itself a strong catalogue of classy releases in a distinct sonic and visual attitude, its latest being a compilation called Braindance.

A fair assumption about Braindance as a genre could be, that it's rather in the zone of kaleidoscopic and whimsical quirktronica, less about IDM's futurist tropes. From Die Orakel's point of view, its very own Braindance compilation marks the label's tenth anniversary by releasing an intense listener's atlas, to its own and their creative collaborators' musical slant of mind.

While much could be said about spectral traces of a leftfield past, nostalgia isn't heard anywhere. The more you listen to this selection, the deeper the tracks plug into your brain—stretching from ethereal harmonic licks rippling with fragile glitches, bleepy to bass-heavy electroid steppers of any BPM range, to abstract-scientific neo-modular artistry.

Die Orakel's Braindance transmission can be had as a 15-track digi-release, as well as a 4-track vinyl EP. Pick either for your library of the future. The Braindance compilation will be released on 16 February 2024.

Selection of rarities and unreleased nuggets covering ska'n'b, ska, rocksteady, early root flavours and heartbreakers.

“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.

Purple Vinyl Repress is coming

One of Smiths favourite pieces of music, At Les, has been a remix target of his for a long time but earlier this year inspiration and motivation combined and resulted in two brilliant interpretations which were immediately sent to Carl Craig, purely out of respect. Craig loved them, granted his permission and approval for a special remix package release on Tronic and now, here we are with one of the biggest releases of 2010.

Delivered in both Tronic Treatment and Hypnotica Remix forms, Smith has taken the originals warmth, musicality and emotion and given them the sort of energy and power which has made him one of the most bankable producers of recent years.

The Tronic Treatment remix starts slow but with careful and patient layering of melodies builds to an epic, peak time track which takes on an almost orchestral feel while the aptly titled Hypnotica Remix takes a slightly more aggressive, loopier and hypnotic take.

Repressed on Clear Vinyl for 2022


Dave Clarke Very good, congratulations!

Slam awesome mixes. played last night - a classic just got better really love both mixes

Laurent Garnier what a classy remix of this stunning classic—Will play everywhere and will playlist on the radio BRAVO

John Digweed "Massive!" Both Remixes!

Dubfire "Christian has managed to do a great remix of a timeless classic which is both reverent and of the moment. Well done! I closed with it at Awakenings festival and it sounded wicked!"

Adam Beyer Love the "Hypnotica" remix that Christian made. Been playing it over and over and it was one of the biggest trax during WMC for me!

James Zabiela Oh My God!!!!!! Going on my essential mix that was meant to be handed in this morning. Re-working to fit this in. ANTHEM!!!!!

New tape from Gabber Eleganza's Never Sleep imprint.
This time its a live recording of Drum & Bass legend / Critical Sound boss Kasra at Fabric with MC's GQ and Mantmast.

The tape is in honour of Shaun Roberts, the sadly departed Fabric booker who was a pivotal figure in the UK's electronic scene. All proceeds go to Bowel Cancer UK

"Fabric played a huge role in shaping me as a music fan and years later became the London home for me and my label. This wouldn’t have happened without the help and support of Shaun Roberts, who left us far to soon in Dec of 2022 after an 18 month battle with colon cancer.

When the Never Sleep crew asked me to contribute to their mix series I knew id like to honour Shaun and help raise some money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Without Shaun and people like him taking chances on people like me the music landscape would look very different.

This is mix is taken from the Critical Sound 15th birthday event in 2017.

Issued on his crescive Afroterraneo imprint, Kiko Navarro reunites with longtime collaborator and friend, Latin-Grammy award winning vocalist Buika, for new single ‘El Silencio’.

First meeting back in 1997 on their native island of Mallorca, Navarro and Buika most recently worked together for the heart-rending Latin House song ‘Lo Siento’, one of the highlights of Navarro’s 2017 album ‘Everything Happens For a Reason’, as well the 2006’s ‘Soñando Contigo’ on Pacha Recordings, which remains an enduring classic.

Originally written in 2010 but never released at that time, ‘El Silencio’ comes complete with a brand new club version, for which Buika has recorded fresh vocals. When the pair returned to the studio in September 2023, it was as if they’d never been apart. “It was like the time didn’t really pass” says Kiko. “We have this connection that doesn’t go anywhere. We know each other so well, and we know what we want. Working with her has brought me many good things, and I’m so excited to share the new music we’ve made together with the World.”

‘El Silencio’ (‘The Silence’) is a slinky, mid tempo groover with subtle jazz-funk touches, accompanying a universal song about love. “It’s about a couple who have loved each other through hard times, and a desire to be together still. There’s a message of hope here, saying ‘let’s try’. No drama, no anger, just love” says Kiko.

Red Vinyl

Time has come for Futurepast to release a long format album: Alarm Phase Red - catalogue number FPLP01 - will be the first full-length work from Futurepast founder Davy Vandegaer, appearing here under a new name: Brainwashed Today.

Rooted in a conceptual approach of electronic music, this double LP ranges from industrial ambient to experimental techno. Like an antidote to a twisted reality of controlled screens and mental isolation, Alarm Phase Red uses the raw language of electricity
to reach the core of the machine and sabotage it, reverse its effects by mirroring them. Fighting fire with fire, deflecting the pressure and strain of a world driven by fear and anger, the music of Brainwashed Today acts like a cathartic escape from technological enslavement.

With the purchase of the vinyl comes a batch of three digital bonus tracks pursuing further the sound research of the album.

'Experimental multi-instrumentalist Dave Cudlip releases his debut full- length album as Radiolarians via brand new experimental label Klang Tone Records.

Having already garnered plaudits from one of the most authoritative voices in UK electronic music, Electronic Sound magazine, the 10-track album presents a stunning and unique combination of ethereal ambient soundscapes, undulating rhythms and jarring sound collages; the result of what Cudlip describes as a “quick and spontaneous” recording process using a limited setup of analogue synthesisers and drum machines.

The release marks an exciting new chapter for Klang Tone, which is already considered a musical institution in the vibrant town of Stroud, Gloucestershire. The record shop, founded by avant-grade sound artist and obsessive crate-digger Sean Roe has earned a reputation as one of the South West’s nuclei for contemporary jazz, electronic and experimental music.

After the instantly sold-out limited edition lathe-cut 7” of the Radiolarians single ‘Obsidian 2’, Klang Tone is now proud to launch its label arm proper with Radiolarians as its first limited run vinyl release.'

Dave Cudlip was born in North Devon. After moving to Stroud as a child and playing in bands as a teenager, he left the West Country to study archaeology at Durham University, with his subsequent work as an archaeologist taking Cudlip all over Britain. After returning to Stroud, Cudlip has continued to make music, drawing on his love for the work of artists such as Harmonia and Autechre. He created Radiolarians in response to what he calls the “tyranny of choice” when it comes to electronic instruments, streamlining his creative process and consciously limiting his options to produce a veritable distillation of extraordinary ideas.

This Is With Artmann an Artist Straight From Netherlands, That House Puff Records Released His 25nd Ep. He Produced 4 Tracks With His Proper Style.

Always the Same recipe, Organic Drums, Deep Chords and Thundering Basslines Suited for Summer Sunsets and Dark Dance Floors Alike....

Ourown proudly announces the collaboration with ELECTRECORD label, the oldest and most notorious record label in Romania.

The label was founded in 1932 and was subsequently transformed into the national recording company following the socialist doctrine of centralization and was the only record label in Communist Romania.

This is the first album of Electrecord after 27 years and the new team aims to deliver frequent releases, new music but also reissues of the most appreciated records from their archive; there is a wide range of music genres from Lăutărească music, folk, classical, rock, pop, folk, jazz to radio theater and literature.

Our newest Savor EP comes from Alexis Cabrera. Who shows us on this record his unique skills, sonic brilliance and versatility. This one is composed of 4 tracks with each one showing different musical colours and Alexis' wide palette.

A1: Funkhouser
A funky, playful, and classy track that sets the tone for the EP. Funkhouser combines groovy beats with infectious melodies, creating an irresistible dancefloor experience.

A2: The Next Tomorrow
Prepare for a trippy, eerie, and hypnotic journey with The Next Tomorrow. Alexis Cabrera explores otherworldly soundscapes, delivering a unique sonic experience that captivates the listener from start to finish.

B1: Guitars on The 5th Cloud
Embark on an epic musical journey with Guitars on The 5th Cloud. Delightful guitars take center stage, weaving a sonic tapestry that transcends genres. This track is a testament to Cabrera's skill in crafting immersive and emotive compositions.

B2: Don't Give Yourself Away
Closing the records with finesse, Don't Give Yourself Away is a breaky, hypnotic number. Alexis Cabrera showcases his versatility by blending atmospheric elements with a captivating rhythm, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of euphoria.

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.

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 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.

'Primavera Cabriolet,' the inaugural album by the talented Italian artist, Fibonnacci, presented by LOT Records.
Prepare to be swept away by a quartet of mesmerizing tracks that intricately weave together a tapestry of rich, minimal sounds and atmospheric layers, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Fibonnacci's music.

This captivating release is a fusion of classic rominimal house beats with industrial undertones, adorned with resounding noises, expansive pads, and uplifting chords. 'Primavera' paints a sonic canvas that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of summer, tailor-made for those euphoric after-party moments.

Anticipate enthralling rhythms, immersive soundscapes, and innovative musical crescendos across each unique composition.
Step into the journey with 'Panorama 1986,' the album's opening masterpiece. It's a powerhouse track that boasts a compelling bassline, enigmatic pads, and hints of hip-hop vocals, setting the stage for an electrifying sonic adventure.

Next, 'il Viaggiatore,' the second track, emerges as a dancefloor anthem. Its pulsating bassline, driving beats, and harmonious fusion of vocals with retro piano and pads form an irresistible groove, perfectly suited for peak-time revelry or after-party indulgence. 'Hôtel Casablanca' exudes a delightful, feel-good aura. A delightful blend of industrial elements, crisp rominimal beats, and a deep, melodious tune creates an irresistible fusion that is sure to set feet in motion and spread smiles. This track has already earned high praise and is a must-listen for all.

Rounding off the album with finesse, 'Discoteca Paradiso' delivers an iconic rominimal experience. With classic kicks, hats, and industrial nuances, combined with nostalgic pads and vocals, it invokes the essence of the end of the night or the dawn of a new adventure embracing diverse perspectives within the dance music realm.

Fibonnacci's 'Primavera Cabriolet' promises a spellbinding and deeply immersive experience. Let this musical expedition captivate your senses and transport you.

The very prolific ATD Records Founder, Gustavo Lima, brings 5 techno cuts on Tar Hallow for the first release of 2024. Early support by: Amotik, Answer Code Request, Ben Klock, Charlton, Chontane, Gary Beck, Kessell / Exium, Krenzlin, Kwartz, Leiras, Marco Bailey, Nastia, Perc, Steffi, W.I.R.E. and more.

Here is the second release on Silvi, "Aya EP" by Head Honcho Roy Brizman. This time, he presents three of his productions, skillfully blending emotion and rhythm.

Opening the EP is 'Aya,' the title track, which has resonated deeply in the clubbing scene over the past year. It serves as a personal homage to Roy's wife, Aya, and is sure to evoke a whirlwind of emotions with every play.

Following that, we have 'That Blissful Morning' on B1. This track takes you on an introspective sonic journey, pushing beyond conventional boundaries. A euphoric wave strikes at the heart, ushering in a profound sense of bliss.

Rounding out the trio is 'Control' on B2, a must-have in the arsenal of every serious selector. It's the kind of tune that seamlessly fits into any set, making transitions both smooth and impactful.

SILVI002, Aya EP, stands out as a diverse and engaging offering in the electronic landscape, appealing to both avid followers of Roy Brizman and those new to his sound. It's an EP poised to make a mark and leave a lasting impression, as Roy continues to build on his renowned reputation.

“Pulses and Resonances” is Rene Lorenzo’s debut album on Subtempo. This album represents a culmination of more than 20 years of electronic music exposure as a DJ and a clear point of view. We can hear influences of broken beat, techno, drum & bass, all through the unique lens that Rene brings to the table, deeply steeped in ambient, deep techno and downtempo. Even though this isn’t a dance record, it’s filled with energy and drive. It is an out-of-the-ordinary album, with intricate shifts and turns with well-crafted kick drums, round bass lines and enveloping subs. A record filled with warm sounds, head-nodding rhythms, and rich textured spaces. It’s all woven into an easy-listening experience, without demanding the listener’s full attention, but creating a landscape that is unique and varied throughout. We can hear references to artists like Boards of Canada, Jan Jenilek, Synkro and the like.

“In this record, every track has a different pulse or rhythm, and I use different resonators in the sound design process to achieve these tones. I started by leaving the space open with the ambient pads and hardly any rhythm, and I’d let myself be carried away by my sense of rhythm slowly building the compositions. I am obsessive with audio processing and I almost never leave a sound in its initial form. I like to add some subtle effect that sounds like something different and give new sounds to the elements I use.”

“Pulses and Resonances” is out via Subtempo on vinyl and digital on February 2nd.

Utopia is an unimaginable alter world that is created by Mastering Black’s universe of sonic escapism.

When I have been overwhelmed with the amount of work that I've been doing in the past years, I have decided that I needed a certain get away - a certain sacred space for me to pursue the reason why I actually signed up for this in the beginning. Music composing that love is!

Earlier this year , during a trip in African island group Cabo Verde, we went to this night excursion to the Viana desert. We have taken some random photos shot some videos of the Moon thru a telescope. That didn’t struck me as an amazing experience yet I was there many distorted feelings in my mind trying to enjoy and forcing myself trying to be in the moment.

So when I have looked at these pictures back on a calmer state when I was home In NL , I've seen the vast amount of breather - a space - enough that is needed in life to let the blood flow in vein the way it’s suppose to flow. Envisioning your life from moon to create clarity - looking to life on earth - to understand what our mistakes are as human beings - or learning from 8 years old’s pure heart - that’s when my 8 year old daughter collaborated with the fist opening track to summarize the main purpose of our life - love or so called Utopia!
- Īlker (October 2023)

Soms is haat het enige waar je over hoort, maar er is in deze wereld meer liefde dan je je ooit kunt voorstellen.