Search:lo li

To mark Grid's second anniversary back in 2023, the label brought together 13 tracks from the bass scene's most forward-thinking artists, all of which sank you into deep sonic chambers. Now, six of those tracks are available on wax for the first time in what is an essential sampler featuring boundary-pushing contributions from forward-thinking artists. Sister Zo opens with the percussive pressure of 'EMP,' Ronan lays down a lithe rhythm that befits its 'Shadowbox' title and Seekersinternational drill down into warped low-end chaos. There is a deftness to Jonny From Space's tumbling perc and E-Unity brings clean lines and a futuristic sheen to his deep dub workout 'Of All The Places I Could Be'. Tammo Hesselink brings ambient soundscaping with his floating delight, 'Paint Reduce Trick.' This is high-quality, original music that moves both mind and body.

“I've always dreamed of making an album where I could bring together artists I deeply admire, curating voices, energies, and sensibilities that have inspired me,” says Brussels-born producer and multidisciplinary artist ShunGu of his new record, Faith in the Unknown. “It took time, and it grew into something very human, rooted in trust, patience, and creative risk. These songs are conversations, not just between me and the artists, but between worlds, eras, and ways of feeling.”
That spirit of dialogue and discovery is what defines Faith in the Unknown. Emerging from years of steady, meticulous work in the underground, the album is both a bold statement of identity and an invitation into Shungu’s world. Across 14 tracks, each a self-contained vignette, ShunGu guides the listener through shifting moods and perspectives- moments of intimacy, defiance, reflection and release, coalescing into a much larger story.
His distinct touch threads through the surefire cast of collaborators - Pink Siifu, Liv.e, Fly Anakin, Chester Watson, Fatima, Maxo, Navy Blue, Dreamcastmoe, Ruqqiyah, Zekeultra and Goya Gumbani — each track unfolding as a new dimension in the same universe.
ShunGu has long been a boundary-pusher, known for weaving jazz-inflected samples, skilfully constructed textures, and MPC-driven grooves into production that feels timeless yet untethered. With Faith in the Unknown he pushes further still: a project as much about collective energy as it is about personal vision. It’s a leap into uncertainty, carried by trust in the process and the people involved.
From the lo-fi beat tapes that first won him a cult following, to collaborations that span the globe, Shungu has forged a body of work rooted in exploration and community. Faith in the Unknown crystallises those qualities into his most ambitious statement yet; a record that doesn’t just blur boundaries between genres, but asks what happens when vulnerability and experimentation are treated as shared ground.
The result is a record that trades in subtlety. Each artistic contribution adds its own shade to the larger mosaic, pulling the listener deeper into an expanding narrative. If Faith in the Unknown has a message, it’s that art can thrive in uncertainty - that in the spaces where trust, risk, and vulnerability intersect, something entirely new can emerge.

“I've always dreamed of making an album where I could bring together artists I deeply admire, curating voices, energies, and sensibilities that have inspired me,” says Brussels-born producer and multidisciplinary artist ShunGu of his new record, Faith in the Unknown. “It took time, and it grew into something very human, rooted in trust, patience, and creative risk. These songs are conversations, not just between me and the artists, but between worlds, eras, and ways of feeling.”
That spirit of dialogue and discovery is what defines Faith in the Unknown. Emerging from years of steady, meticulous work in the underground, the album is both a bold statement of identity and an invitation into Shungu’s world. Across 14 tracks, each a self-contained vignette, ShunGu guides the listener through shifting moods and perspectives- moments of intimacy, defiance, reflection and release, coalescing into a much larger story.
His distinct touch threads through the surefire cast of collaborators - Pink Siifu, Liv.e, Fly Anakin, Chester Watson, Fatima, Maxo, Navy Blue, Dreamcastmoe, Ruqqiyah, Zekeultra and Goya Gumbani — each track unfolding as a new dimension in the same universe.
ShunGu has long been a boundary-pusher, known for weaving jazz-inflected samples, skilfully constructed textures, and MPC-driven grooves into production that feels timeless yet untethered. With Faith in the Unknown he pushes further still: a project as much about collective energy as it is about personal vision. It’s a leap into uncertainty, carried by trust in the process and the people involved.
From the lo-fi beat tapes that first won him a cult following, to collaborations that span the globe, Shungu has forged a body of work rooted in exploration and community. Faith in the Unknown crystallises those qualities into his most ambitious statement yet; a record that doesn’t just blur boundaries between genres, but asks what happens when vulnerability and experimentation are treated as shared ground.
The result is a record that trades in subtlety. Each artistic contribution adds its own shade to the larger mosaic, pulling the listener deeper into an expanding narrative. If Faith in the Unknown has a message, it’s that art can thrive in uncertainty - that in the spaces where trust, risk, and vulnerability intersect, something entirely new can emerge.

Seeking out the inspirational intersection between free improvisation, rave and ancient mysticism, Plants Heal deliver an album of kaleidoscopic, organic beatdowns to Quindi.
Plants Heal is a collaborative project between Dan Nicholls on synths, Dave De Rose on drums and Lou Zon (aka Louise Boer) on visuals. The roots of the project are entwined with Dan and Lou's London-based event Free Movements, which began in 2018 to explore how instrumental music could merge with live electronics and DJ sets. Dave and Dan found themselves playing together frequently at the event and as part of Dave's free improv project Agile Experiments, with their accomplished track records as multi-instrumentalists reaching across many layers of music culture. The particular synergy of their partnership taps into the subliminal, surreal and transcendental soundscapes, but they're reliably anchored by instinctive rhythms and driven by a natural flow-state.
From the tentative steps of their first collaborations, Dan and Dave coalesced Plants Heal as a more pronounced project with Lou's live visuals, culminating in a first self-released album in 2021 and since organically fed and watered through continued performances across adventurous festivals and intimate club spaces. Every incremental step along the path of the project yielded new surprises and the deepening sense of a unique, powerful energy. The trio opted to pour this energy into two days of studio sessions at Sonic Playground Studios in Athens, maintaining their unplanned approach and letting the music and visuals unfold in the moment. The end result is Forest Dwellers, a sincere document of truly free music that uses the rhythmic structure of dance and trance music as a springboard into heightened consciousness.
Throughout the album you can hear hints of the familiar - dub techno shimmers, trip hop boom-bap, kosmische momentum, snarling bass modulation, new age ambience and even the odd sizzle of disco. But none of these references are explicit, and they weave in and out of less placeable expressions deeply bedded into Dan and Dave's sonic practices. The end result is a swirling tapestry of unspooling groove, wide open and agile enough to shift gears mid-flow - just as comfortable letting the propulsion melt away as locking into a four-to-the-floor throwdown. From the slippery syncopation of 'Avena Moon' to the angular bait-and-switch of 'Alien Hardware', 'Yarrow's starry-eyed reverie and the rolling, warm-hearted funk of 'Space Ballad', the Plants Heal sound world is expansive and equally enthusiastic for immediate musical motifs as much as wild abstraction.
Lou's visual practice is an intrinsic part of the project. During performances she improvises with analogue footage from her library run through video mixers and synthesisers, focused on medicinal plants such as yarrow, hawthorn, nettle and thistle. All those plants feature in processed form on the cover of the record, which was designed in collaboration with Lou's brother Arthur Boer. Meanwhile, Lou recorded additional footage in Athens during the recording sessions to feed into the continued cycle of the project's live evolution.
Forest Dwellers' meaning honours this cycle and its reflection of the eternal undulations of the natural world. It's also a sincere tribute to the spiritual importance and radical potential of the dancefloor, drawn from the freedom taught by jazz and dedicated to reclaiming lost ideas about community, agency, bodies and the enduring allure of the unknown.

Bilingual rapper/producer Joe Cupertino, hailing from Cupertino, California, follows his 2024 mini-album RE: with a 7" single featuring two standout tracks. RE: was conceived as a thematic counterpart to his 2025 release DE: (focused on destruction), while RE: explored the theme of regeneration.

Side A features "Wagamama," with Mamiko Suzuki (chelmico) on vocals and production by longtime collaborator T-Razor. The mellow jazz arrangement evokes a daydream-like atmosphere, perfectly matching the bittersweet theme of the title.

Side B, "Ruby," features Lil' Leise But Gold and production by Ryuju Tanoue (w.a.u). The track blends Brazilian, reggae, and Afrobeat influences into an alternative, cross-genre groove that embodies Joe Cupertino's unique sound.

Renowned for his rich, soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting, Wellington, New Zealand's Louis Baker blends neo-soul, R&B, and folk into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. His single "Keep On" is an uplifting anthem of perseverance, now reimagined by a hand-picked selection of acclaimed producers, each bringing their unique touch to the track.

Delfonic: Berlin's Delfonic is a digger's digger - a selector, DJ, and producer with an encyclopedic ear for groove. Fresh from delivering stunning Roy Ayers edits for BBE Music, he brings his soulful touch to "Keep On", crafting a warm, deep, and floor-friendly rework.

Larse: German DJ and producer Larse has released on acclaimed labels such as Defected, Glitterbox, and Noir Music, earning a global reputation for timeless, emotive house. His remix of "Keep On" channels the smooth, sultry elegance of UK soul icon Sade's '80s sound - lush, classy, and built for late-night listening.

Gush Collective: The legendary German 2-step producers Gush Collective are masters of soulful, shuffling rhythms. Their remix of "Keep On" blends classic UK garage swing with uplifting melodies, delivering a dancefloor-ready cut that radiates joy and energy.

DJ Philippa: Originally from New Zealand and now based in Berlin, DJ Philippa has built a strong following for her uplifting, groove-rich house sets and productions. With releases on Freerange Records, SlothBoogie, and Local Talk, she's known for her deep musicality and impeccable feel for the dancefloor. Her remix of "Keep On" injects warm basslines, shimmering keys, and irresistible rhythmic flow.

Neroli reaches release number 50 during its 20th anniversary and celebrates with a special project, an album of songs by some of the label artists and friends. The title reference goes back to 20 years ago when label’s honcho Volcov decided to give the label the name of Brian Eno’s Neroli album, an hour long ambient opus inspired by the oil derived by the flowers of the Seville orange. So after 20 years and 50 releases the label goes full circle and offers an album of delicate and heartwarming melodies and atmospheric songs. The talent of original UK dons Kirk Degiorgio, Dego and Ian o’Brien is enrolled once again to guarantee sophistication and depth. Patrice Scott and Fred P, who had recently released eps on Neroli, are joined here by fellow spacecadet Aybee…all delivering warm futuristic pieces! K15 and Linkwood debut on the label, opening and closing the album with class. And there is even a lost composition by Volcov himself with Detroit’s Gerald Mitchell and Pirahnahead as part of some 2010 sessions that might resurface soon…THE FIRST CIRCLE is complete!

Design by Al White. Manufactured and Distributed by Mother Tongue, Verona.

The Tuff Fluff EP from Joe Koshin channels the spirit of classic Tech House while pushing it somewhere new. Bouncy and full of groove, each track brims with fresh ideas and details that give the EP its own unique character. Born from a shared musical connection between Joe and label
head A for Alpha, Tuff Fluff began taking shape a few years back. After patiently waiting, the record now arrives feeling more relevant than ever - vibrant, groovy, and timeless all at once.
Marking the first release on Alpha’s Trip in two years, Tuff Fluff also celebrates the label’s relaunch, complete with a fresh new look crafted by the legendary Pointless Illustrations. It’s the start of an exciting new chapter for the imprint, setting the tone for what’s to come. Rounding out
the release is A for Alpha’s remix, a darker, moodier take built around the unmistakable sound of the Roland SH-101 bassline, whilst lifted with floaty, luscious pads - the perfect counterpoint to Joe’s bright and bouncy originals.

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

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

Hanagasumi, or "flowering haze," is a Japanese term that poetically describes the smoky, blurred appearance of numerous cherry blossoms visible from a distance. This image is often compared to a floral mist or fog. Through this word, the Japanese convey the visual effect created by a large number of flowers forming a soft, diffused, and ethereal picture. Such a description beautifully resonates with the musical palette of the new release. Introducing the long-awaited album Agera by the mysterious musician Jon'Smu. The record combines elements of classic deep house and ambient music, creating a unique atmosphere and the author's distinctive signature. The album features 8 stunning tracks, carefully selected and compiled into a cohesive story. A few words from the author: "This album, spanning a vast timeline of creativity, is about how important and interesting it is to be in motion and in constant search of something new. The recordings presented cover a significant interval of my musical journey through the diversity of genres and sound experimentation. At the core of the music lies Nature - it is the primary source of inspiration for me, and Action is a key moment of life for everything in nature. A wide range of instruments was used in the recording process, whether fully digital compositions or those featuring vintage analog instruments. I hope my love for an immense variety of genres is reflected in this album and brings joy to the listeners."

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

Fra Lippo Lippi released six studio albums between 1981 and 1992, two of them on Virgin Records, namely "Songs" in 1986 and "Light And Shade" in 1987. All the original releases were deleted many years ago. There are two previous The Best Of Fra Lippo Lippi releases on CD (1995 and 2003), but this is the first on vinyl. With the limited playing time of vinyl, we had to make some tough decisions, but in the end the song selection very much gave itself. The dark horse here is "Stitches and Burns", an overlooked gem from the final studio album "Dreams" (1992) that didn't make the previous 15 track collection, but in mysterious ways gained new life through organic streaming, with over 70 million streams on Spotify at the time of writing. Included is also the international hit "Shouldn't Have To Be Like That" and "Angel", featuring the late, great Walter Becker on guitar and production duties. The duo is still very popular in various parts of the world and now has 1,2 mill monthly listeners on Spotify. This 2025 reissue is pressed on clear vinyl (500 ww copies).

FAFO Records proudly presents its 36th release: Bahe Lumon EP, a long-awaited work by Giorgio Robles, founder of the label and a key figure in the underground scene. Originally produced over two years ago, this EP finally sees the light-delivering a deep, hypnotic, and groove-heavy journey rooted in minimal techno. The release features two original tracks, Bahe and Lumon, reflecting Giorgio's signature approach: elegant, rhythmic, and crafted for intimate dancefloors. The EP is further enriched by two outstanding remixes: one from Herman Saiz, a seasoned producer and founder of the acclaimed label Sound of Sirius (which previously featured a joint release with Giorgio), and another from Venda, a well-known name in the global minimal scene. Based in Australia, Venda has built a solid reputation through a series of quality vinyl releases, and his remix here is no exception. As always, this is a vinyl-only release, distributed by Memoria Records, and aimed at selectors, collectors, and true lovers of underground sounds.

Manizeh Rimer, founder of London’s Love Supreme Projects, announces her debut album Mahku, releasing on vinyl and all digital platforms on December 5, 2025 via LEITER.

A bold contribution to contemporary spiritual jazz, the album was co-produced by LEITER labelmate ganavya – who recently released the celebrated Daughter of a Temple and Nilam. Recorded in early 2025 at LEITER’s Funkhaus Studio in Berlin, Mahku features eight chants, including a reimagined version of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, with ganavya appearing on three tracks.

The album brings together a stellar cast: Grammy-nominated Jai Uttal; bassists Ben Hazleton and Doug Weiss; harpist Miriam Adefris; pianist Jay Verma; and Manizeh‘s teenage daughter, Mahku Rimer, on vocals and guitar. Tracks range from a 3,000-year-old Zoroastrian prayer (‘Ashem Vohu’) to Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras (‘Asato Ma’, ‘Gate Gate Paragate’) to the devotional ‘Avan’s Sita Ram’, dedicated to Manizeh‘s late mother.

Mahku means “eclipse” and is also the name of Manizeh’s grandmother. Developed from her long-standing chanting practice and deep creative partnership with ganavya, the album opens and closes with three generations of women’s voices, exploring music as a timeless, intergenerational loop. Recorded in a space Manizeh describes as “suspending you in an infinite river of time,” Mahku is both personal ritual and universal offering, flowing through lineage, loss, and love.

Sylvan Esso ist eine Band aus Durham, North Carolina. Im Laufe ihrer Karriere haben Amelia Meath und Nick Sanborn vier hochgelobte Alben veröffentlicht, wurden für zwei GRAMMYs nominiert und haben mit einer breiten, vielseitigen Gemeinschaft von Künstlern zusammengearbeitet, darunter Arooj Aftab, Maggie Rogers, Tyler Childers, Reyna Tropical, Califone und viele weitere. ,WDID" ist die erste neue Musik der Band seit 2022. Der Track sowie seine hypnotische, wellenförmige B-Seite ,KEEP ON" entstanden beide aus einer intensiven Phase des Schaffens und Experimentierens der Band. Meath und Sanborn haben das letzte Jahr damit verbracht, mit einer Reihe neuer Mitwirkender an neuem Material zu arbeiten und ohne Zeitdruck in den üppigen Wäldern von Chapel Hill, North Carolina, aufzunehmen. Der Song ist auch der erste, den Sylvan Esso über ihr eigenes Plattenlabel Psychic Hotline veröffentlichen. ,WDID" ist ein komplexer, eindringlicher Track; ein manisches Summen, das sich irgendwo zwischen einem Doom-Scroll um 3 Uhr morgens und der Tanzfläche abspielt. Er sprudelt vor Angst, einer alles verschlingenden, endlosen Kaskade von Krisen. Der ausgefallene, elektrisierende Pop der Band hat sich schon immer aus einem zentralen Spannungsfeld entwickelt - Meath und Sanborn scherzen schon lange, dass das Songwriting von Sylvan Esso aus einem Streit entsteht, einem Hin und Her der Möglichkeiten. Das Songwriting hier - und in der neuen Musik im Allgemeinen - ist locker und verletzlich, eine disparate Collage, die mit Klebeband zusammengehalten wird und etwas hervorbringt, das letztlich sowohl magisch als auch seltsam ist, ein dyspnoischer, schattenhafter Sound, der die Menschen an der Spitze von Sylvan Esso mit einer neuen Unmittelbarkeit zeigt. ,WDID" wurde in Betty's, dem Studio von Sylvan Esso in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, aufgenommen und wurde zusätzlich von Jake Luppen (Hippo Campus, Samia) produziert. ,KEEP ON" entstand aus einer Woche Improvisation mit dem Bassisten Daniel Aged (Frank Ocean, Dijon) und dem Schlagzeuger TJ Maiani (Weyes Blood, Neneh Cherry). Diese limitierte 12"-Single verfügt über eine speziell angefertigte, ausgestanzte Hülle, die als Malvorlage verwendet werden kann.

LTD Edition Clear Vinyl Version

Arguably one of the most memorable house music moments, born out of the black LGBT scene in Chicago at the legendary Warehouse and known as one of Frankie Knuckles earliest productions; ‘Your Love’ is a stone cold classic. A record that is up there with the greats, instantly recognisable and a song that only get better with time.

Written by Jamie Principle and originally released in 1986, ‘Your Love’ has become a seminal recording over the past 34 years. Originally an underground club anthem, famously borrowed on the crossover hit ‘You’ve Got The Love’ (The Source feat. Candi Staton), and most recently re-produced by as part of the Director’s Cut project which aimed to update a number of classic cuts for the modern dancefloor, this is a record that endures the test of time. Working alongside The Frankie Knuckles Foundation and Eric Kupper, SoSure Music now releases two new remixes for 2020 from Darrius Syrossian and Alan Dixon.

First up, House music aficionado and legendary Sankey’s resident Darius Syrossian offers his unique blend of beats to the remix package. With releases on the likes of Get Physical, Viva Music and Hot Creations, Darius’ production is heavily influenced by some of the greats – think of the finest spinners from Detroit, New York and Chicago – and is well placed to approach this huge task. Darius introduces a rolling house beat and some old skool breakbeats into his mix, keeping the energy high throughout; bringing a feeling of a euphoria and hitting the peak time moment.

Charting a rapid rise through the ranks in a relatively short time Alan Dixon is already building a name for himself in House and Nu Disco scene and has recently released on labels including Glitterbox, Permanent Vacation, Running Back and True Romance. Alan’s remix aims directly at the centre of the disco dancefloor. A strong beat dominates a unique energy through the mix along with a slightly nostalgic vibe. With a beautiful floaty interlude and a raw emotion this remix updates a classic with respect while also giving a fresh new twist.

2026 Repress

HOLY GRAIL ALERT!!! Following on 2021’s massive reboot of Midnight Magic’s seminal classic Beam Me Up, Razor-N-Tape have now unearthed a bit of NYC indie disco history with 'I Found Love.'

Although recorded over 10 years ago in Midnight Magic’s nascent early period that produced many of their legendary hits, the song never received an official release; until now it has been heard only by select ears and lucky concert-goers. The package comes with a grip of luminous remixes by Dimitri From Paris & DJ Rocca, Sophie Lloyd, Perel, some solicited at the time of recording and some brand new, but all exceptionally fresh!

Here are some words about the song by the band:

“'I Found Love' was recorded in a fever on the heels of releasing 'Beam Me Up' New York dance music wizard Tommie Sunshine approached us about a co-write saying we should go as big as possible. So we did, it is one of our all time favorite vocal performances from our singer, Tiffany Roth. We had big plans, too, for a release but nothing quite felt right until meeting the Razor N Tape crew almost a decade later. Finally the stage is set, the lights are on, and we're ready. This song is very special to us because it is the last unreleased recording of our original lineup. We dedicate its release to our late bandmates Andrew Frawley and Jason Disu.”

Audrey Hall is one of the UK’s most respected female Reggae & Lovers singers from the 80s! Working with the legendary producer Donovan Germain, here is a reissue, with a Dub for the first time ever. Created from the original multitracks this one sounds heavy in a crucial 80s Reggae Lovers style! Decades of radio and soundsystem support worldwide! Rodigan, Coxsone and more. Crucial female vocals from the brilliant Audrey Hall!

2026 Repress

The mashups to end all mashups. Fire up the Lowrider, crank the speakers – here’s two outrageously audacious cuts that put the ‘it’ in ‘lit’. Heavy vibes whichever side you blast.

DJ Support: Dr Packer, Aston Shuffle, Fdel, All Good Funk Alliance, Fingerman, Jordan Lee, Jsquared and Rackus.

2025 Repress

Chris Stussy makes his long-awaited FUSE debut as he drops the heavily-requested ‘Midtown Playground’, with Huerta joining on remix duties.

It’s rare for an artist to command such intrigue and interest across every single release they line up. Yet, the captivating global gaze around Chris Stussy seems to be snowballing with every unreleased production teased in his ever-impressing sets. Now undeniably one of the scene’s most in-demand names, the humble and hardworking Dutchman has been letting the music do the talking over recent years, with his Up The Stuss project welcoming a new musical focus and providing a platform for him to grow and evolve into an artist at the very top of his game. Not letting up, the surging DJ/producer and label boss now adds another label debut to his catalogue as Enzo Siragusa invites him to his iconic FUSE imprint for the very first time, bringing the release of one of his most requested tracks to date, ‘Midtown Playground’ - with LA-born, Berlin-based DJ, producer and Leisure boss Huerta also making his first appearance on the remix.

From the instantly recognisable synths and lead melody to the skipping percussion and rumbling core bassline, ‘Midtown Playground’ perfectly showcases the sound that Stussy is quickly making his own. The same can be said for ‘From The Delicate Mist Of Morning’, a more subtle but hypnotic offering, while ‘Blueprint’, another unreleased stand-out, offers that commanding yet playful groove he’s become so known and loved for. Delivering his flip of ‘From The Delicate Mist Of Morning’, Huerta dives into a deep, colourful and breezy journey through cosmic spheres, while digital purchasers can enjoy a bonus cut in ‘Mythical Power’ - a warping, jacking and menacing effort built for bustling late hours dancefloors.

We keep the fire burning with PAN009, a scorching slice of Latin soul from Puerto Rico’s own Nacho Sanabria, better known as El Sabor De Nacho. Originally released in 1973, his version of “Que Se Sepa” takes the Roberto Roena classic and injects it with a new energy — fiery brass, driving percussion, and that unmistakable swagger that defines the golden age of salsa.

Born in Cataño, Puerto Rico in 1929, Nacho Sanabria grew up surrounded by the rhythms of bomba and plena, performing on stage as early as age nine. After relocating to New York in the late 1940s, he became a key figure in the Latin dance scene, performing with groups like Sonora Boricua, Orquesta Panamericana, and later Rafael Cortijo’s Combo. By the mid-1960s, Sanabria formed his own band, El Sabor De Nacho, combining tight horn arrangements, sharp percussion, and his signature charismatic delivery. His 1970s recordings — including Alma Primitiva and Salsa Caliente — stand as shining examples of Puerto Rican salsa at its peak.

Sanabria’s version isn’t a straight cover — it’s his own Puerto Rican interpretation, full of character and swing. The rhythm section stays tight and earthy, the horns punch with intent, and his vocal delivery brings that effortless charm only a seasoned bandleader could deliver. A proper Latin soul mover that sits somewhere between the barrio and the dancefloor, perfect for warm evenings and deeper DJ sets.

Rescued from obscurity and lovingly restored for today’s floors, PANORAMA Records continues its mission to reintroduce rare and essential music to new generations. From deep funk, jazz and global grooves to Latin dancefloor heat, the label’s 45s series shines a light on overlooked gems that still sound fresh today. Supported by tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and the Mr Bongo DJs, this one’s destined to move both hips and feet.

Rooted in the New Orleans tradition and the essence of hip hop, Hip Horns Brass Collective unleashes its powerful sound in KREWE, their debut album. KREWE takes the brass band genre beyond its boundaries, diving into the underground with danceable rhythms like boombap and bounce, full of influences such as afrobeat, gospel and funk. The lyrics, filled with references to hip hop culture, flow in an explosive mix of English, Spanish, and Catalan, sharing their love for the tradition of rap and African American music. KREWE is a manifesto of the positive side of hip hop, a tribute to the unstoppable strength of the collective that a brass band represents in contrast to the solitude of the individual, and a homage to the legacy of hip hop and the vibrant tradition of New Orleans

Swiss label TW Limited presents a refined 12" featuring Overt’s reinterpretations of Thomas Wood’s Simple Feelings. Blending deep house, dub, and tech-house aesthetics, this release captures an elegant balance between warmth and precision.
Each remix unfolds with fluid grooves, spatial detail, and subtle low-end movement, a timeless record designed for both intimate sound systems and late-night floors. Pressed on black 140 g vinyl, TWSNC001 marks another sophisticated step in TW Limited’s commitment to quality underground sound.

A cult artifact from the dawn of German techno returns. Cyber Space Tracks Vol. 3 – The Quadrant EP by Jack U. Rebels is a raw, deep dive into the early ‘90s underground.

Originally pressed in 1992 on the seminal techno label Timeplan, this EP has long been a coveted gem among techno purists and collectors. Jack U. Rebels —an alias of key players from the German rave movement—channeled the spirit of rebellion and freedom into a sound that was both cerebral and physical. From hypnotic synth lines to cavernous, dubbed-out drum workouts, The Quadrant EP captures a formative moment in techno history—when genre lines blurred and the rave was still wild.

Lovingly remastered and faithfully reissued, this edition brings back the original energy while giving the tracks the sonic space they always deserved.

Coming From... Returning To... proudly presents this essential reissue— returning it to turntables where it belongs.

This holiday season, global hip-hop icon Ice Cube makes a powerful return with Man Up — a brand-new album from a cultural trailblazer whose influence spans music, film, and activism. With over 10 million albums sold and six Platinum plaques, Cube’s legacy is undisputed, from his revolutionary work with N.W.A. to timeless solo anthems like “It Was a Good Day.” Now, sharper and more unapologetic than ever, he’s back to deliver a project that fuses his raw lyrical power with a message rooted in resilience and authenticity.
To mark the release, Man Up will be available exclusively as an ultra-limited vinyl drop this holiday season. Each record features a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted cover — a unique blend of artisanal design and proprietary technology (created without A.I.) — alongside city- and country-specific sleeves that pay homage to Cube’s global impact in places like LA, Tokyo, London, and France. The campaign will be amplified through a global social media rollout, city-focused influencer activations, and Ice Cube’s upcoming North American tour. Major press coverage and podcast appearances will further elevate the conversation, making Man Up not just an album, but a collector’s piece and cultural moment fans won’t want to miss.

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

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

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

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

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

Repress!

Belgian tastemaker Charlotte de Witte returns to her own KNTXT to serve up the well regarded label's seventh EP. Rave On Time is about reminding us of the joys of being lost on the dance floor and is another hard hitting EP filled with her distinctive techno energy.

Charlotte is at the centre of her own musical movement, with a hard hitting, no frills style. Her powerful grooves, whether solo or in collaboration with the likes of Chris Liebing, come laced with ambient and synth beauty. She has mesmerised crowds all over the world as well as at her own special KNTXT events, and has been as creative as ever during lockdown, as this new EP shows.

Says the artist herself of this latest offering, "Rave On Time. Three words that probably have never been more relevant. In a time where raving feels like a distant memory, it seems increasingly important to bring music back in our lives, in reverse. Let's not forget where we came from and let's not lose hope. We'll be together again soon. Rave On Time."

Opener Rave On Time is built on hammering, distorted kicks that bend you to their whim. Freaky vocals and monstrous hits add extra pressure and ensure you stay locked before shooting laser synths and retro hoover sounds bring the rave. There's No One Left To Trust keeps up the energy with scintillating synths rattling over rock solid drum programming that never lets up. The World Inside is brain frying material, with serrated synths firing out and growing ever more acid as the groove pounds on. Common Era is brilliant hands in the air acid-trance-techno that froths with energy and flashing strobes. Finally, vinyl only track 'Wahr Ist Sie Dann’ is a distorted, brain melting techno workout with brutalist kicks and vast walls of synths that are hugely powerful.

As ever from de Witte, this is pure, unadulterated club music that makes a gargantuan impact.

After following Luke Blair's work for approaching two decades from his 2007 debut as Lukid on Actress' Werk Discs, we're humbled to present a new album on Death Is Not The End. Following relatively hot on the heels of 2023's Tilt (his first in 11 years, not counting his work with Jackson Bailey under the Rezzett guise) Underloop brings Blair's innate knack for building loops and sound structures further to the surface, while allowing his ear for emotional expression to be dialled up a notch. Those fortunate enough to be familiar with Lukid's work as a DJ will be aware of how distinct his ability is to seamlessly disappear into loop-based abstraction and back again seemingly without blinking, and often Underloop feels much like a collection of the sludgey interludes and foggy sketches that underpin his sets. Blending apparently ramshackle melodies and textures and pulling them together into an undeniable whole, Blair's tendency for pairing the simple and the indescribable with an understated vigour is fully on show here.

Written and produced by Luke Blair. Mastered by Giuseppe Ielasi.

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

DJ Minx, Boogie Vice & N-You-Up, The People in Fog, and Jabes remix Radio Slave & Kameelah Waheed’s ‘All Rize’ on Rekids

Radio Slave presents the second remix EP for ‘All Rize’, releasing 19th December 2025, a follow-up to his May collaboration with Kameelah Waheed, enlisting DJ Minx, Boogie Vice & N-You-Up, DJ Sodeyama’s The People in Fog alias, and Jabes to reimagine the track. It follows the first remix package, featuring Harry Romero and Samaran in October, which won support from Laurent Garnier, Chloé Caillet, Saoirse, Honey Dijon, and many more.

Detroit’s First Lady of Wax, DJ Minx, follows her appearance at Rekids’ Panorama Bar takeover in August and steps up first. Her remix is a raw, club-ready workout built around a relentless groove and Kameelah Waheed’s commanding vocal mantra, as bleeps and whistles dance across the mix. Linking Cape Town and Southern France, Boogie Vice & N-You-Up follow their 2025 EP on REK’D and deliver a deep cut that slowly builds tension, its organic percussion and warm bassline leading toward a strobe-lit, tripped-out drop.

On the flip of the second ‘All Rize’ remix EP, Japan’s DJ Sodeyama, under his The People in Fog alias, drifts into more hypnotic territory. Lush pads wash over a low-slung beat and bassline, trading the club for the walk to the after-hours by carrying Waheed’s vocal into something surreal and dreamlike. Completing this left-of-centre B-side, Timedance and Kindergarten’s Jabes twists the original into a warped, textural trip with scratching layers and distorted vocal fragments that pierce through a dense atmosphere. If Sodeyama’s version is the dream, Jabes’ is the chaotic counterpart that follows.

Straight from Michigan’s underground, Myles Sergé resurfaces on his own (MS) imprint with the FANPRO EP, a stripped, smoking 140g 12" that connects dub techno pressure, hazy dub house and Detroit-rooted machine soul in one focused statement. Known as a “reclusive perfectionist” and low-flying techno lifer, Sergé channels decades of Midwest grit into four cuts that feel raw, intimate and club-ready.
To push things further into the future, he invites a heavyweight remix squad: Toxido Mask, the Berlin sound designer and Tresor mainstay whose hypnotic, cathartic sets have become the stuff of late-night legend; Ackermann, the Stuttgart house-to-techno shapeshifter behind the Safe Space universe; and Myk Derill, a Berlin-based specialist in deep, dub-soaked, industrial-tinged techno.

Each artist takes the FANPRO blueprint and bends it in their own direction: from smoked-out dub chords and creeping low-end to sharpened Detroit stabs and tension-loaded rhythms built for strobe-lit basements. No filler, no throwaway tools, just four uncompromising trips for DJs who still live for the craft.

Polymania is a collaboration between Earl Grey and Aroma Nice, both of whom hail from the North West of the UK and are known for their genre-pushing productions in and around the overlapping modern Drum & Bass, Jungle and Drumfunk spheres. This record is a euphoric ravey jungle affair with strong acidic inflections, extrovert and dancefloor-focussed, where effortlessly slick percussive flair shines and rolling acid lines squirt out through the seams - the result of two long-time friends with heaps of production experience having a lot of fun.

A-side opener 'Farce of Nature' sets the tone with high energy stabs and a big grooving bassline, rooted in 90s jungle techno but rendered in full high definition, while 'Happy Slaps' continues the theme with crisp drums dancing over an undulating resonant acid line. 'Tank Ammo' deftly ramps up the euphoria with a spiralling melody rising towards a lethal switch-up midway, using filtered choppage to burst the tension with extreme precision. Bouncy acid breaks bubbler 'Give U Up' closes the EP slowing the tempo a touch and dialling up the funk - a refreshing palate cleanser laced with rich braindance melodies and an infectious vocal hook.

Hamburg’s very own Madison returns to his home base wanted BEATZ with a stripped-back, floor-driven 4-tracker that keeps things raw, warm and strictly about the groove. Get 2gether is pressed on 140g wax and built for dark basements, low ceilings and sweat on the walls, no gimmicks, just rolling tech house for DJs who still like to work the mixer.
WBZ024 – “Get 2gether” is Madison in pure DJ mode: four functional, characterful tracks that slide into any proper tech house or stripped techno set and stay there for a long time.

South London producer Nima announces his debut album. A project five years in the making that pays homage to the formative dance floors of UK bass music. Drawing from the spirit of nights like FWD>> and DMZ in London, and many from Bristol, the record sits at the crossroads of hip hop, dubstep, grime and cinematic sound design.

Of Iranian heritage, Nima grew up on a steady diet of 90s Hip Hop and Grime before discovering 140 culture through pioneers like Skream and Benga. His sound developed further in Bristol during one of the city’s most vital periods for bass music, later refined at London’s Roundhouse studios. His productions blend filmic atmosphere with the physicality of sound system music, heavy hip-hop drum structures, rolling 140 basslines, and emotive grime-inspired melodies.

Across the album’s tracks, Nima explores the evolution of UK sound system culture through his own lens. From the weightless grime-inspired “Imperial Dreams” and cinematic, jungle-inflected “Big Up”, to the stripped-back melodic grime of “Ruff Sqwad” and the deep, meditative bass of “One People.”

Referencing everything from Plastician’s Beg to Differ to Mala’s Boiler Room set, Fugees skits, and samples from films like Imperial Dreams and Belly, the record is a reflection of the cultural layers that have shaped Nima’s musical identity.

Nima’s debut is a personal statement to the foundations of UK bass music. Cinematic, weighty, and built for the dance floor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed tracklist, with annotations by Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoegaze slow dance where distortion and desire merge into a single narcotic pulse. Each track feels like a transmission from a beautiful but broken future, numbing the senses before consuming them completely. Much like the most immersive works of Tropic of Cancer or Death in Vegas, the album drifts beneath a flickering sodium sky, lost in reverb and ritual. This is not just another new release—it’s an unforgettable sonic hallucination, a cinematic comedown carved in echo and melancholy, where time and thought dissolve in waves of velvet static. Presented in ONE-OFF truly limited edition of 300 copies lacquered pressed on 180 gr. high quality solid BLACK vinyl, including printed innersleeve with lyrics.

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

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

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

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

The interstellar electronics are once more pushed to the fore on closer '80 Axes', where jaunty synth lines combine with soft bongo hits to create an instinctive rhythm, and intergalactic melodies sprint between the speakers. You can dance if you want to, but lying down is very much encouraged.
As part of the label's mission to champion Dutch talent, Voyage Direct has always promoted new, up and coming, and little-known producers. Boss Tom Trago's master plan includes building a family of artists, in part through helping unheralded local producers to fulfill their potential.

On the label's latest release, he continues that approach, serving up a debut 12' from a mysterious young producer known only as Darling. Those paying close attention to the wider Dutch house and techno scene may have spotted his recent rework of Awanto3's 'Star Butchers' on Dekmantel, in which the man or woman of mystery added some killer keys to the Amsterdam legend's woozy, deep house original.

While that rework was undoubtedly superb, Jacob's Lead offers a truer reflection of the shadowy producer's previously hidden talents. As debut EPs go, it's a bit of a cracker.

The title track, in particular, is a beauty. Its' restless, hypnotic rhythm tips a wink to classic Dutch techno of old, while the undulating, analogue electronics and swirling pads recall the far-sighted retro-futurism of vintage Motor City material. Throw in some of Darling's trademark spine-tingling keys and a deliciously loved-up breakdown, and you have a choice chunk of life-affirming techno.

On the flip, Darling heads towards deeper territory with the bubbling melodies, starburst electronics and saucer-eyed chords of 'Video'. Unashamedly positive in sound and intent, it sounds like the kind of track that will be cited as a classic in two decades time. Melodious and infectious, it casts Darling as the Netherlands' answer to Larry Heard.

Yamaha's DX series of synthesizers has long been a source of inspiration for Tom Trago. The DX7, in particular, appeals to the Dutch producer thanks to a unique sound that he describes as glassy but classic and icy'. 34 years after it went on sale - the same year as Trago was born, interestingly - the synthesizer's sound still bristles with futurist appeal.
.
Trago, who was partially trained in how to use the DX7 by studio friends Bok Bok, Sterac Electronics and Juju and Jordash, has decided to pay tribute to this most distinctive of synthesizers by using it as inspiration for Serene Waters, his first EP for Voyage Direct since 2014 epic Hidden Heart of Gold.

Across the course of five sparkling, spacey and melodious tracks, the Voyage Direct chief showcases the variety of sounds that can be teased from the DX7. Compare, for example, the delicate and rush-inducing melodies of dreamy, deep electro opener Harvest' and the two contrasting mixes of Opulent'', variations on a throbbing, futurist techno theme rich in glacial melody lines, bustling synth-bass and spacey chords. The dancefloor possibilities of the synthesizer's sound palette comes to the fore on the stripped-back Within Mix', where Trago's rolling stabs and cascading melodies are wrapped in tougher, denser drums.

The sparkling nature of the DX7's trademark sounds also come to the fore on XYZ', a crunchier and snappier electro outing that recall the effervescent brilliance of Trago's sometime label mate, Sterac Electronics. The track's combination of darting bass and mind-altering, alien electronics is as kaleidoscopic as they come.
Nestled slap bang in the centre of the EP is Red Room', where Trago manipulates his machines to get a far more psychedelic sound. While there's vibrant warmth thanks to some seductive background pads and stretched-out chords, it's the bubbling electronincs and futurist tunefulness that catches the ear. Like much of the rest of the EP, it tiptoes the fine line between poignancy and rush-inducing colourfulness.