News

Strong limited Box set contains: 3x 190g 12Inch / 1x 1000g/sqm Box with UV Spot Finish / 2x Screen printed Slipmat / 1x 24 Pages booklet / 1x A2 Poster / Stickerset / Heavy Underground Resistance and Detroit infected electro anthems! Die Gestalten! Made by a completely unknown source out of nowhere. vinyl only! No promotion, no digital, no social media, no faces, no games!

DIIV - Andrew Bailey, Colin Caulfield, Ben Newman und Zachary Cole Smith - kündigen ihr viertes Album "Frog in Boiling Water" an. "Frog In Boiling Water", das von Chris Coady produziert wurde und über Fantasy Records erscheinen wird, war ein vierjähriger Prozess, der die Band fast zum Scheitern gebracht hätte, bevor das Album fertiggestellt war.

Mit dem Ziel, ihren Sound voranzutreiben & eine Platte zu machen, die sie herausfordert, und die Band zum ersten Mal demokratisch behandelt, begaben sich DIIV auf eine neue Reise, sowohl individuell als auch kollektiv. Das Ergebnis sind 10 Songs, die eine neue lyrische und musikalische Tiefe ausschöpfen, wobei sich diese beiden Hälften in einem reflektierenden und eindringlichen Ganzen spiegeln. Es ist ein hypnotisches Zeugnis des Durchhaltens und der Vorstellung, dass es auf der anderen Seite etwas anderes gibt, während man hier, in dem sich langsam erhitzenden Wasser des Hier und Jetzt bleibt.

DIIV - Andrew Bailey, Colin Caulfield, Ben Newman und Zachary Cole Smith - kündigen ihr viertes Album "Frog in Boiling Water" an. "Frog In Boiling Water", das von Chris Coady produziert wurde und über Fantasy Records erscheinen wird, war ein vierjähriger Prozess, der die Band fast zum Scheitern gebracht hätte, bevor das Album fertiggestellt war.

Mit dem Ziel, ihren Sound voranzutreiben & eine Platte zu machen, die sie herausfordert, und die Band zum ersten Mal demokratisch behandelt, begaben sich DIIV auf eine neue Reise, sowohl individuell als auch kollektiv. Das Ergebnis sind 10 Songs, die eine neue lyrische und musikalische Tiefe ausschöpfen, wobei sich diese beiden Hälften in einem reflektierenden und eindringlichen Ganzen spiegeln. Es ist ein hypnotisches Zeugnis des Durchhaltens und der Vorstellung, dass es auf der anderen Seite etwas anderes gibt, während man hier, in dem sich langsam erhitzenden Wasser des Hier und Jetzt bleibt.

Dieses Produkt wurde ursprünglich als Teil von „Forces Of The Northern Night“ veröffentlicht Die Band beschloss, ein Konzert mit dem Orchester von Offical Norwegian (NRK) zu spielen und aufzunehmen Es war ein großer Erfolg. Rund ein Jahr später spielte die Band mit der gleichen Running Order und dem Wacken Festival das Tschechische Nationalorchester. Dieses Vinyl ist die Aufnahme dieser Show.

The south coast of England was a hot bed of amazing Hardcore musical talent in the 90’s, and here is more proof of that! Some of the finest that the south coast had to offer was thew combination of Dj Druid & Vinylgroover, so when they got together to make an EP the result was exceptional. This 3 track EP is full of floor fillers from back then, and it has now has been remastered for a whole new generation of music lovers to enjoy, or for those that remember the days and want to feel that awesome vibe once again.

Club / DJ Support
Jay Cunning, Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Liquid, Hyper On Experience, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Paul Bradley, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Jimmy J, Doughboy, Lowercase, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

Inspiriert durch Duas eigene Selbstfindung, Radical Optimism ist ein Album, das die pure Freude und das Glück widerspiegelt, Klarheit in Situationen zu haben, die einst unmöglich zu bewältigen schienen. Die schweren Abschiede und verletzlichen Anfänge, die zuvor drohten, deine Seele zu belasten, werden zu Meilensteinen, wenn du dich für Optimismus entscheidest und beginnst, dich mit Anmut durch das Chaos zu bewegen. Durchdrungen von der Energie von Duas Heimatstadt London, verkörpert das Album die Unverfälschtheit, Ehrlichkeit, das Selbstbewusstsein und die Freiheit des Britpop der 90er Jahre. Radical Optimism entführt den Hörer in eine verträumte Popwelt, die reich an Musikalität, lyrisch kompromisslos und klanglich befreiend ist. Dua arbeitete während des gesamten Projekts mit einem Team von Kollaborateuren zusammen, darunter Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr. und Kevin Parker.

Monster split from the OS XXX crew.. Gnarly Acid Wielding Techno-Houz bombs from E.S.S.D & Raw Ambassador AKA Antonio - also on on the cut!

With Echoes of Ego, the debut 12” on fleet.dreams’ newly formed Vinezza Records, the aim was to create an eclectic tapestry of magnetic rhythms that satisfied the listener equally in the club, a mix or at home. Insisting on sacrificing the mentality that dance music must follow a certain formula to be well received & instead pushing the envelope to challenge conventional notions of genre.

Semioptila sets the stage with a distinctively layered, percussive discussion. A repetitious rhythm is tethered loosely by a breathy, calmative vocal before introducing a lucid soft synth that shifts the narrative into a deep & tranquilizing sonic progression. Tan Gallant follows suit with a feverish, conga driven conversation. Intoxicatingly narrated by a meditative mantra & a stutterstepping, trance inducing melody that lines the velvet fabric with an effervescently galloping bass.

B side opener Deep Respire initiates a new chapter in this aural odyssey defined by dub adjacent mixing and instrumentation. Vaporous chords strike and drift across an ethereal landscape of hand drums and scattered hi hats, materializing in a lush and delirious environment. Title track, Echoes of Ego, bestows a celestial assemblage of kaleidoscopic textures with a rolling sub bass that pulsates in perpetual fervency. Gaining momentum at a meticulously calculated pace, wind chimes crescendo, making way for a sensual and spiritual harmonic consummation.

In a world of musical conformity, fleet.dreams stands as a beacon of creativity and a testament to the boundless possibilities of electronic music, ensuring that listeners remain captivated and curious. Written & inspired while traveling Mexico in the summer of 2023, Echoes of Ego is an introspective reflection of self via hypnotic percussive rhythms, resulting in a seductive ballad of tech meditation.

Two legendary figures of the Greek and international music scene, Floros Floridis and SavinaYannatou join their breaths in this new release on vinyl by To Pikap Records, entitled Blink. In the album’s seven tracks-movements, the two musicians expand the time it takes for the eye to blink. Avant-garde and improvisation, modernism and tradition seek to describe, but ultimately limit, this melodrama of existence, the libretto of which is written in the langue that may have been first heard in Pangea.

Blink departs from the ground on which records like the Residents’ Eskimo sprouted, but moves on by removing the horizon points and the conventions they carry, in order to board the next Voyager that will travel to the stars. Two experienced breaths that generate sound without rules become -through reeds and mouth- vehicles of the language of newborns deconstructing the conventions of human communication. The fragility of existence becomes -like the birdsong- lullaby and dirge, hymn and incantation. The instinctive manages to express the unspeakable in this abstract and ultimately tender work that does not conclude but remains open to the timeless movement of a prehistoric future.

Flug is back with a super deep 4 tracker on Andre Kronerts ODD EVEN. Flug, as his name suggests, allows his audience to take a trip back to their roots, back to their inner self and what it is to really feel techno. Do not miss this one!

When Fred sent me the demos for his first release I remember being compelled to shut off all the lights and listen to them in complete darkness at full volume. I’m not sure why his music makes me want to do that but when he sent me this next batch I found myself needing to repeat the same process.

EXTREMELY RARE PRIVATE PRESS FUNK MODERN SOUL LP FROM 1979

The only soul album released on LA-based Emkay Records by Marcus Kelly and Westmoreland Co. This St. Louis group was led by Philip Westmoreland.

Produced by Kent Washburn & Oliver Sain.

More breakbeat wizardry from Maverick Friske on his now buy on sight imprint Requisite with two more cuts of masterful yin vs yang futurized Drum & Bass.
“Reprizal” aims straight for the jugular with chest out stabs, growling subs and B Boy attitude whilst Apache breaks duel back and forth in an apocalyptic call and response.

Flip for the aptly titled “Light Beams,” where neon synth horns and hypnotizing arpeggios wash down in waves of atmosphere, shining warm sun rays through the Jungle canopy of clattering breaks and 808 groove to bring early morning dancers back out of the darkness.

We are delighted to present you a fresh EP from our French friend Gauvain. His tech- trance tracks with samples from old movies are bringing a mysterious dance vibe to any floor. Next to making dance music he is also known as JJ Boooth the man who can change wood into spectacular DJ booths..

The second instalment in the 45 RELOVED series sees acclaimed world-electronic duo Dengue Dengue Dengue diving into the most intriguing side of Giuliano Sorgini, an undisputed heavyweight of Italian library music with cult soundtracks under his belt, such as The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue and Zoo Folle.

The original ‘Oasi nella giungla’ (which translates as Oasis in the Jungle) comes from the highly sought after Africa Oscura (Dark Africa), a sublime collection of tracks originally intended for use in television, all of which were recorded by Sorgini in the mid-70s by overdubbing synths, drums (both acoustic and electronic), a wide variety of percussion instruments, and field recordings.

Back in 2019 Four Flies paid tribute to Africa Oscura with two EPs of remixes by Italian producers from the cosmic/Balearic electronic scene. Four years later, Dengue Dengue Dengue’s mind-blowing rework of ‘Oasi nella giungla’ offers a great opportunity not only to go back to the fantastic sound of that album, but to fully appreciate the tribal element in Sorgini’s music.

In the hands of the Peruvian duo, the sonic geography of ‘Oasi nella giungla’ magically shifts from the depths of Africa to those of the Amazon rainforest, and the tribal percussions of the Savannah turn into an equatorial cumbia full of mystery and mystical echoes. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of tropical rhythms, dub, house and psychedelia, with an ancestral vibe that is perhaps even more pronounced than in the original track.

Little Roy’s WOKE UP is a four song Zion I Kings showcase style ep with dub mixes by JAH David Goldfine.Few singer songwriters of his generation have maintained a recording career as consistently masterful as Little Roy.

His timeless classics “Prophecy” and “Tribal War” are among the most versioned songs in the reggae songbook. With a career now spanning six decades, every new Little Roy release raises the Rastafari musical banner another notch higher with no end in sight.

On WOKE UP, the Zion I Kings are complemented in fine style by musicians and vocalists who rank among the finest in reggae. These include, on drums, Roberto Sanchez and Aston Barrett Jr. who is joined by lead guitarist Lamont “Monty” Savory on the title track. Horns are by Okiel Mcintyre and Zoe Brown is featured on flute. Barbara Naps and Madeline Singer join JAH David on the background vocals.In 2023, Zion High Productions is celebrating twenty years of “crucial Rastafari music for these crucial times”.

Glen Washington’s long lasting musical legacy continues to flourish with JAH CHILDREN, a roots and culture showcase ep with the celebrated roots and culture reggae sounds of the Zion I Kings.

Starting from the mid-1970s, Glen Washington’s singing and drumming have been mainstays in reggae dance halls and on stage shows worldwide. In 2012, Zion High Productions paired the Jamaican born and Florida-based singer with the Zion I Kings on MASTERPIECE to great critical acclaim. JAH CHILDREN is further evidence that working with producer/ engineer JAH David Goldfine over many years brings out the best in the singer’s songwriting and vocal performances.

On the four songs with matching dub mixes, the Zion I Kings are joined by a stellar array of reggae’s top musicians. Included are drums by Roberto Sanchez, Winston “Horseman” Williams, and Lincoln “Style” Scott, saxophones by Donald “JAH Bless” Toney and Garrett Kobsef, trombone by Balboa Becker, trumpet by Okiel Mcintyre, flute by Zoe Brown, and percussions by Scully Sims and Norman Grant. Russ “Tuff Lion” Williams does the lead guitar on “No Limit” and Chet Samuels is a featured vocalist on the title track.

Cover artwork is by longtime Zion High Productions collaborator Ato “Art of the Covenant” K.D. Roberts.

We're happy to present Goosensei's first solo EP on BCSM Records. Goosensei presents four new tracks - influenced by dub and sound system culture, underground bass music and his surroundings in Birmingham, UK: thunder and grey skies, speaker boxes and King Earthquake basslines, the industrial past of the city - smoke ... and (r)evolution is in the air. So get ready for a hard hitting trip through bass and sound on Into The Unknown.

The limited 12" vinyl record comes with special artwork designed by Goosensei himself. For the extra sub pressure, LXC mastered all tracks to the fullest.

Japanese industrial-experimental-synth outfit formed by Tommi Tokyo (synths, drum machines, vocals) and Sayaka Botanic (violin, sampler, tapes). They create a unique mixture of dark minimal synth and avant-noise with striking visuals and stage performances. Group A carries on the very breath of early pioneers such as Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire and the Japanese underground scene from the early 80’s. This is the vinyl edition of group A's 2nd self-produced album released in October 2013 only in CDR format. 9 tracks of genuine experimental minimal electronics.

"The Last of Us" (2013) war der Startschuss für ein bedeutendes Medienfranchise mit Videospielen und einer Fernsehserie. Bei Fans gilt es immer noch als eines der besten Spiele, die jemals entwickelt wurden. Der Plot enthüllt ein postapokalyptisches Szenario, in dem der Überlebende Joel das 14-jährige Mädchen Ellie aus einer bedrückenden Quarantänezone schmuggeln muss. Dies führt zu einer herzzerreißenden Reise durch die zerstörten USA. Der Soundtrack wurde vom zweifachen Oscar-Preisträger Gustavo Santaolalla komponiert. Die fesselnde Klanglandschaft verleiht der Geschichte eine weitere, tief emotionale Dimension. Mit der Veröffentlichung des "The Last of Us - 10th Anniversary Vinyl Box Sets" wird das zehnjährige Jubiläum des Spiels gefeiert. Dieses Set enthält Musik aus den Original-Alben "The Last of Us" sowie "The Last of Us Volume 2" - darunter selbstverständlich das legendäre Main Theme, das zu den prägnantesten Musikstücken in der Videospielwelt zählt.


The stunning new soundtrack to the highly anticipated game, ‘The Last of Us Part II’. ‘The Last of Us’ is one of the most successful video games of all time. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide since it was released in 2013. It’s sequel, ‘The Last of Us Part II’ is one of the most anticipated games of 2020 and has already won awards including a Golden Joystick Award, The Game Award and The Game Critics Award. ‘The Last of Us (Original Soundtrack)’, also scored by Gustavo Santaolalla sold more than 25K copies in the UK. Marketing.

This work is produced by Henry Kawahara, following the well-received Cybernetic Defiance and Orgasm: The Essential Henry Kawahara, and the only ‘vocal piece’ produced by him is now available on a one-sided 7”.

"Minami-kaze α Wave (southerly wind alpha wave)“ is, as far as we know, the only ‘vocal piece’ that Henry Kawahara has produced, and released under the name HMD (H Music De-Perception) in 1993. The song is a vocal version of the cyber-occult exotic instrumental piece "Nanpu“ included in the compilation Cybernetic Defiance and Orgasm. This track is a rare example that proves he had also a genius for producing ‘pops’ in the general sense of the word, and which seems to have challenged head-on the pop songs produced by Haruomi Hosono in the 80s-90s.

Re-issue of this Italo Disco rarity from 1984.
Including remixes by Flemming Dalum and Victor Ark.

To ignite Alternate Recordings with a prestigious spark, we've linked up with the legendary J:Kenzo to present two sublime cuts from within the 170bpm spectrum. Kicking off with the aptly-named 'RawZ' - This stripped back DJ weapon resides deep in the jungle sphere. Its sub-line is militant and moody, the breaks are ludicrously tight and as with any J:Kenzo piece of work; it's got professionalism and a passion for the dancefloor at it's core. 'Typhoon' demonstrates Kenzo's staple of deep, textured bass, combined with stripped back half-time sonics. Each element as strong and equally as superbly executed - This one oozes personality. We are honoured to be kicking off Alternate Recordings with Jay and these stellar tracks.

Ithiopians, voiced in 2019 in Florida by JAHMALI. Riddim by Jerry Lionz Official and Rim Bim, horns by Patrick Aba Original. Mixed by James Zugasti. 12" it's a promo for an upcoming album by Jahmali.

Celebrated composer, producer, techno talent and ambient craftsman John Beltran is a real Detroit don and now he is back on one of the city's own labels, Motor City Wine, with Volume 4 of Back To Bahia on 7". This one finds him going even deeper than before, starting with 'Laguna', which will soon uplift you with its Afro-Brazilian drums and live bass from James Simonson next to lush keys. 'Just Beyond The Sun' then gets fully Balearic with its mix of sultry trumpet, shuffling and Latin-tinged rhythms and wispy cosmic chords. A real delight.

After a decade of releasing house and techno records on the labels of others, Jozef K presents his new label, Dreaming Forever. The first release offers 2 original tracks, 'Loveparade 2096' and 'Astrophel'. The flip contains 2 remixes from Skudge & Tin Man. Jozef declined to comment on the music, stating he'd prefer listeners held their own natural perceptions.

What is music about? It can be about anything, I guess, but that's not what we are talking about. That's not why we are here. What makes the difference is if music, any music, is worth it. Then it's something else. Like this piece, Juho's solo album. What I suggest as a simile to music on this vinyl, is the experience of sauna. Savusauna (smoke sauna) to be exact. The thing about savusauna is that because of the method of heating, the room gets really hot, and the smell of smoke is all over. Google it. But if you want to understand it, try it. When you enter the sauna, you need to surrender, in order to enjoy. A good savusauna is best when it is over 100 celsius. The heat is intense, but don't let yourself feel affronted. Feel embraced. The heat is your vessel. You are transported, just by sitting down. Breathe in, feel the steam, it becomes you, breathe out. This is the way to approach the music on this vinyl. Leave your opinions behind, like you do with your clothes in sauna. You will have them back later, don't worry. But while you listen, don't take anything with you, just focus: on sounds, on your body, on your mind. They will be the same thing for the time being. After being heated up, take your time to cool down. Dip in a lake, if you can. Feel the pulse in your body, like the rhythm of the music. Glance up, float silently. In due time, your body will calm down. By the time you are put to bed, the music will continue inside you. This is what music is about, when it is worth the while. Taneli Viitahuhta

"JUJU" drops on May 17th (WERF Records) and is programmed at Gent Jazz Festival (July 11th)



Juju continues the work done on the second album half, with the Terre Sol Four quartet: Willems' voice, drums, percussion objects, keyboards and field recordings accompanied by the saxes of Marc De Maeseneer, Vincent Brijs and John Snauwaert.Juju fits perfectly in Willems' output. Also: in the coherent oeuvre it has become, it is perhaps her most consistent release yet. It's infectious as hell, carefully crafted, packs a punch and more accessible than ever before.



Everything is connected. Not just in the grand scheme of things - politically, culturally, socially,... - but also in the colourful universe of Karen Willems. A lifelong quest for profound experiences through organizing sound led to the crucial Terre Sol-series, four tapes released in 2020. Out of that fertile well, Grichte (2022) was born. A double LP that presented Willems as an original explorer as well as a committed bandleader, it was her boldest statement to date.

While the first (solo) album halfalready received a follow-up in K A A P M I J (2023), another tape release that suggested there's still a lot of ground left to uncover, Juju continues the work done on the second album half, with the Terre Sol Four quartet: Willems' voice, drums, percussion objects, keyboards and field recordings accompanied by the saxes of Marc De Maeseneer, Vincent Brijs and John Snauwaert. It was already something to behold on Grichte, swerving from introspective exploration to expressionist riff rock and semi-Dadaist avant-garde.

On Juju, the four-piece digs even deeper and the results are utterly spellbinding. One of the many attractions of Willems' recent work is that it combines relentless artistic experimentation with a commitment to broader socio-political issues. In essence, the artist tries to set up a discussion with her surroundings, sending out musical invitations to connect and participate, reminding ourselves of responsibilities that are too easily forgotten in these hectic, self-centered times. The refugee crisis is one, ecology awareness another, and it's hard not to consider "Voor De Stranden Verdrinken" ("Before The Beaches Drown") a caustic warning. Things need to change.

As said earlier, the music on Juju remains as adventurous as before, but this time around, the playing feels even more confident, diverse and punchy. If the album opener accentuates its urgency with a throbbing pulse and reed sirens, "Tako Deli" continues with rich vocal arrangements, roaring saxes and sweeping melodies. What follows strikes with vigor and consistency: "Nuuki" is as dense as it is infectious, while "Fuzzy Williams" manages to combine Ellingtonian abundance with Swans-like preaching.

And there's more, much more. Eccentricity and playfulness ("The Woo Woo Room, Dance Back In Style", "In Open Veld") go hand in hand with smoldering exercises in tension and release ("Koortsdromen") and a ridiculously infectious call for connection in antisocial times ("Come Vai"). Guest contributions by Nabou Claerhout, Kapinga Gysel, Esther Lybeert and Filip Wauters enrich the band's sound considerably. By the time you reach album closer "When Daytime Lands", Willems takes you on a short trip through that eerie soundscape-land she previously explored.

In short: Juju fits perfectly in Willems' output. Also: in the coherent oeuvre it has become, it is perhaps her most consistent release yet. It's infectious as hell, carefully crafted, packs a punch and more accessible than ever before. It's the sound of an artist at the peak of her powers, not just expanding her range, but digging deeper with obvious glee. It's not just intriguing; it's inspiring to witness..

The Madlib Invazion Music Library Series Entry #8: Karriem Riggins’ To The Jungle. Riggins is the type of drummer whose power and finesse shakes even Malcolm Catto. If you know what that means, this is the album for you. The Madlib Invazion Music Library Series was created by Madlib and Egon to give their creative friends a chance to stretch out and indulge in whatever type of music they wanted. This music was created for easy, one-stop clearance in film and television synchronization usage and for sampling. You can also enjoy these albums in the way that many do with the best of the best vintage library catalogs – listen, ponder, repeat.

12inch craft from Anas M and Ki.Mi.
Mastering by Kashatskikh Studio.
Design by Kirill Kashatskikh
Vinyl Only

Kombinat 100, the suspiciously band-like live act from northern shores, are set to unleash their eagerly awaited debut album ‚Wege Übers Land’ (ways across the land). Here, everything we know and love about these notorious dancefloor smashers reemerges from the studio, squeaky clean and freshly rinsed, polished and arranged. An irresistible retrospective of Kombinat 100’s countless live gigs, there is no other way this album could have come about: All of the four Mecklenburgers’ tracks have their origins on stage.

So don’t be surprised if you find yourself moshing along from beginning to end! Kombinat100’s eclectic mix and match of influences touches on more genres than you could possibly think of, from techno, house, dub and pop to jazz and beyond, interspersed with plenty of lovingly crafted moments of homemade bliss. And it is precisely those moments, when the boys reach for their acoustic sidekicks, from accordion and melodica to congas and hammond organ, that our hearts miss a beat. Unafraid to flaunt grand emotions, melancholic opener ‚Flieg kleine Taube’ (fly away, dove’) and the sun-drenched sounds of ‘Hanne Nüte’ meet their match in the rocking grooves of ‘Out Of My Space’. In-between, the boys invariably return to their gig-inspired dancefloor roots – ‘Woterfitz’, ‘Del Maritim’ and ‘Der Pomel’ are set to move your heart, feet and mind. So, finally: a breath of fresh, Open Air for your living room!


Kombinat 100, der bandverdächtige Liveact aus dem Norden, veröffentlicht nun mit "Wege übers Land" sein lang erwartetes Debüt- Album. Das, was bisher den Dancefloor zum Einstürzen brachte, bekommen wir nun sauber im Studio aufpoliert und arrangiert. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Retrospektive der unzähligen Live-Gigs der vier Jungs aus Mecklenburg. Ihre Tracks entstehen auf der Bühne, sind für die Bühne konzipiert. Deshalb muss es auch niemenaden verwundern, wenn man von Anfang bis Ende mitgeht. Kaum ein Genre wird ausgelassen, wenn Kombinat 100 seine Einflüsse aus Techno, House, Dub, Pop und Jazz reflektiert. Aber auch die heißgeliebten handgemachten musikalischen Augenblicke dürfen natürlich nicht fehlen. Denn genau dann, wenn sie ihre akustischen Instrumente, wie Akkordeon, Melodika, Conga`s und Hamond Orgel zum Einsatz bringen, schlägt unser Herz am höchsten. Diese Tracks stehen zu ihren großen Gefühlen, wie der melancholische Opener-Track "Flieg kleine weiße Taube" oder das sonnenverwöhnte Stück "Hanne Nüte". In der Mitte wirds dann mit "Out Of My Space" shufflig und rockig. Dominiert wird das Album jedoch durch die Tracks "Woterfitz", "Del Maritim" oder "Der Pomel", welche ganz klar für den großen Floor zugeschnittenen sind. Endlich: Kombinat 100 gibt uns ein Stück Open Air-Feeling für's Wohnzimmer!

Plate 2 from Kromestar's remastered My Sound LP on Deep Heads.

...

Deep Heads in association with Dubstar records are proud to present the 2021 Remaster, Vinyl edition special, of the seminal album ‘My Sound’ by Dubstep legend Kromestar.

Originally released in 2009, with high critical acclaim, the record is no doubt one of Kromestar’s most celebrated and recognised albums he’s ever created. An absolutely timeless collection of music, the album was groundbreaking at the time and still holds up as a quality album from start to finish in 2021.

Plate 4 from Kromestar's remastered My Sound LP on Deep Heads.

...

Deep Heads in association with Dubstar records are proud to present the 2021 Remaster, Vinyl edition special, of the seminal album ‘My Sound’ by Dubstep legend Kromestar.

Originally released in 2009, with high critical acclaim, the record is no doubt one of Kromestar’s most celebrated and recognised albums he’s ever created. An absolutely timeless collection of music, the album was groundbreaking at the time and still holds up as a quality album from start to finish in 2021.

A word from the label - "LiBL are proud to present the imprint's second iteration from Lakumer & Z Axis. 4 tracks channelling a variety of styles, influenced by Aquarian Foundation, STL, CV313 & Marcellus Pittman. Not forgetting the love and pain of tinkering with analogue sound until the equipment fails and you're back to square one! Perseverance, finding old tapes and acquired time through a global lockdown helped these tracks finally see the light of day.......and we are ever so pleased they have.

Repressed !

Lauren Flax debuts on Dance Trax with 4 analogue infused jack trax - includes a remix from Jimmy Edgar.

4 track EP of moody acid tinged breaks. 140g pressing with artwork sleeve

This record is a momentous occasion for me as it is the first release that I have signed from a member of my production tutorial website. This is something I was quietly hoping would come to pass when I started the project but I never knew if it would actually happen. Liebus was sending me tracks to critique as part of a feature on the site and after a batch of them came in that I not only didn’t have any critique for but actually I wanted to ask him how he made them instead, I knew I was onto a winner.

I can’t quite believe this is his first release as the tracks sound so mature and incredibly produced but I was never going to think twice about putting them out.

All five tracks are subby, drummy, mind bending workouts from start to finish. Proper cavernous vibes with a dose of potentially too strong an LSD trip mixed in for good measure.
Not for the faint hearted...

OK enough of my blather. Go and listen to the damn things yourself and decide if you like them, rather than trying to work it out from reading a bloody press release you weirdos.

All four tracks are produced and sculpted for the club. They want big sound systems and dark rooms.

Close your eyes, hold hands and experience transcendental space flight...

7" flexidisc vinyl

Dub Tree is a sine wave heavy bass line trip. Pads and light rave pianos keep this track both heavy and light at the same time, delivering a track with serious punchy kicks that'll keep any raver stomping wildly thru from beginning to end.

Pads and light rave pianos keep this track both heavy and light at the same time, delivering a track with serious punchy kicks that'll keep any raver stomping wildly thru from beginning to end.

German musician Mary Yalex debuts on A Strangely Isolated Place depicting a storied transition from our recognizable surroundings, into a vision of the future.

With releases and music styles across a variety of labels over the years, it has been Yalex’s more experimental ambient work that has stood out amongst her catalog, and in Fantasy Zone, we find Mary fine-tuning this sound to reflect the work of a true architect of storytelling, mood and atmosphere.

Drawing influences from her day-to-day surroundings, Fantasy Zone begins with more vivid pieces; softer melodies and clearer instrumentation, represented as much in song titles such as Air, After Rain Comes Sun, and Half Light of Dawn. The second half of the album transitions into a future state, as Yalex draws on darker manifestations - perhaps intrinsically influenced by the state of the world, and in particular her love of nature, we play witness to more storied, haunting atmospheres, distant voices and slowly shifting gravitational chord movements. Dystopian-bound or pure fantasy, Yalex depicts a future that mirrors some of the more poignant, thought-provoking work of great synthesizer soundtracks of the past.

Melody SoulJah takes us on a journey through new and dubbed out landscapes with this heavyweight instrumental outing 'The Creeper'. It's raw and gritty drum beat, relentless pulsating bassline and eastern styled string lines set the scene, whilst it's subterranean & cinematic atmosphere transport us back to the smoke filled halls and late night sound system sessions of a time gone by.

'Delayed Effect Dub' pushes the drums and bass to the forefront with Melody SoulJah's melodic textures stripped back, echoing and reverberating throughout for the heavy-duty dub mix.

Repress!

Metronomy haben heute ein neues Kapitel ihres langen und bunten musikalischen Lebens aufgeschlagen. Es ist erneut ein kollaboratives Kapitel, es ist die kommende „Posse EP Volume 2“, die am 12. Juli 2024 bei ihrem neuen Label, Ninja Tune, erscheint. Auf den fünf Tracks schlüpft Bandgründer und -leader, Joe Mount, in die Rolle des Produzenten und erschafft musikalische Welten, in denen neue Sänger:innen und Künstler:innen ihre Stimme zu Mounts feierlichen Instrumentals veredeln können.

Auf der „Posse EP Volume 2“ arbeitet Mount mit Miki, Faux Real, Nourished By Time, Lynks, SPIDER, Master Peace und TaliaBle zusammen. Die Geschichte der „Posse“ EPs begann im September 2021, als Mount den ersten Teil veröffentlichte, eine fünf Tracks umfassende Kollaboration mit einer Reihe neuer Freund:innen, darunter DJ und MC Pinty, der bereits bei Rhythm Section veröffentlicht hatte, und Biig Piig. Im darauffolgenden Jahr veröffentlichte er das bislang letzte Metronomy-Album, „Small World“, das die Party fortsetzte, indem er Künstler:innen von Nadeem Din-Gabisi bis Katy J. Pearson für eine spezielle Remix-Edition einlud.

Format: - Schwarzes Standardvinyl (140g) mit Artwork von James Vinciguerra inklusive Downloadcode.

Dubquake Records presents “Hold Strong”, a new collaboration between O.B.F Sound System and Jamaican singer Mikey General! Following the release of the emblematic title "My Sound A Danger" published in 2014 at the end of the album "Wild", the collaborations Mikey General / O.B.F had remained until this day of the order of the dubplate despite a few studio sessions very productive. With the release of this new single, recorded Yard Style in 2018 at the "Dog Ah Bark Studio" at Nazamba, O.B.F is catching up with time.
Rub-a-dub atmosphere on riddim O.B.F, brassy roots influences and text of struggle: "Hold Strong" follows the good recipes that made the success of the JA / Geneva collab. The tune available on 7 inch with its dub version comes in an original cover that highlights the work of the Ivorian up-cycler artist recognized under the name of Saliou Gnambode. Hold Strong!

Repress!

Nervous Gender’s legendary synthpunk LP Music From Hell burbles up from infernal depths to resurface on Dark Entries. Confrontational, unhinged, and unabashedly queer, Music from Hell is an unholy grail for fans of the strangest underbellies of post-punk, minimal synth, and early industrial music, and is presented here newly remastered and on expanded double LP.

Nervous Gender (de)formed in LA in 1978 at the hands of Phranc, Gerardo Velaquez, Edward Stapleton, and Michael Ochoa. Phranc, the androgynous embodiment of the band’s name, left in 1980. Following her departure, a wide cast of LA freaks would find themselves drawn into the band’s orbit, including Alice Bag of the Bags, Paul Roessler of the Screamers, the Germs’ Don Bolles, and an 8-year old drummer named Sven Pfeiffer. In 1980, Nervous Gender appeared on the seminal Live at Target compilation alongside Factrix, uns, and Flipper. With the band’s notoriety cemented, Music from Hell followed in 1981 on Subterranean Records (as no LA label would touch this material).

Side A, dubbed “Martyr Complex”, presents a more punk-forward sound with live drum salvos and slabs of aggressive synth. These twitchy, unsettling shockers ooze with the kind of snotty misanthropy that will endear them to fans of the Screamers or Crass.

Side B, known as “Beelzebub Youth”, is a live performance the band labeled "an electronic bruto-canto dissertation on the banality of spiritual transcendence." Mutant melodies cede way to synthesized clangs, whirs, bleeps, manipulated tapes, and howls of despair.

In addition to all the material from the original LP, we’re treated to a full disc of the band’s demos, the material from the Live at Target compilation, and early live recordings. Included are unrecognizable covers of Carly Simon and Lou Reed, and the Sex Pistols that are so despairingly skewed they fall into the void. This reissue of Music From Hell includes a 36 page lyric booklet, foldout poster, and gatefold sleeve with photos, flyers, and news-clippings designed by Eloise Leigh. Tackling taboo issues like sexual kinks, mental illness, drug use, and childhood molestation, Music From Hell is still surprising – even shocking - over 40 years after the album’s release. Nervous Gender stand as one of the most genuinely anti-establishment outfits in underground music, a colossal fuck you to social norms from religious strictures to gender essentialism.

Kicking off the Ruby Hill's label with it's first release is Birmingham's, NightMoves.

The Concrete EP is a four tracker, with 'Dark Room' sleazily bass slapping it's way across the dance floor to you, building and oiling you up before flourishing into the synth laden house stomper that will work you into a tizzy, while 'Once Upon a Time in Guilin'zones in on a trippy far east setting, drawing you in before an acid takeover.

Flip it over and find a more downtempo NightMoves with 'Varnish', a heavily layered track with synth, bass and percussion brimming over, building from bell's, synths, kicks and hi-hats up to a house groove while 'Cloud Walking' squelches it's way through trippy echoing synths and invites you to enjoy its deep distorted journey through the skies K-clouds.

Limited to 300 copies, housed in a hand stamped manilla brown sleeve with separate artwork and stickers.

Innerhalb von sechs Tagen und ”ohne über irgendetwas nachzudenken”, hat Noah Kahan die fünf Tracks umfassende Cape Elizabeth EP fertiggestellt, die bereits 200 Millionen Streams erreicht hat. Das neu verpackte Cape Elizabeth Aqua-Vinyl ist Noahs ”Dankeschön an die Fans, die dabeigeblieben sind, zu den Shows gekommen sind, meine Livestreams gesehen und zugehört haben.” Die Vinyl enthält die FanLieblingslieder ”A Troubled Mind”, ”Glue Myself Shut” und ”Maine”. Verfügbar ab dem 15.03.2024

The fourth instalment of the FDX Black series sees label boss Skitty reunited on wax with long time production partner Nolige aka SB81, who's in fine form after his well received cutting edge remix of J Majik's 'Your Sound' for Metalheadz. This plate is an essential purchase for any fan of the trademark Foundation X style, perfectly bridging the space between head nod rolling Drum & Bass, and vintage jungle breakbeat edits.

Coming correct with a strain of UK informed club music shot through a US prism, Patrick Brian makes his first appearance on Sneaker Social Club with six beats that show how much space for exploration there still is within the Hardcore continuum.

Transmitting out of LA and bringing some undeniable West Coast influence to his productions, Brian breaks a momentary hiatus after a knockout run of singles on Plastician’s Terrorhythm label circa 2014-15 and occasional stealth drops on the likes of White Peach.

From the covert creep of ‘Flooring It’ to the tense pressure of ‘Cry-Baby’, the square wave bass flex of ‘Giant’ to string-stab drama of ‘Ill Wishes’, Brian’s sound is razor-sharp and loaded with detail. Crucially, the productions are agile and weighted and certified by DJ Oblig who’s caned them regularly on his Rinse FM shows.

Sounding distinct from the OG London sound while still nailing the fundamentals, Brian’s generous drop for Sneaker Social is a must for anyone devoted to the progression of Grime and Drill.

Dark Matter ist Pearl Jams zwölftes Studioalbum und die erste Veröffentlichung der Band seit dem von der Kritik hochgelobten Gigaton (2020). Das Album ist der Höhepunkt eines frischen und rasanten Ansatzes der Band und des Produzenten Andrew Watt (Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Post Malone, Miley Cyrus, etc) Während die Band bei Gigaton in vielen Aufnahmesitzungen Songkonzepte erarbeitete und die Fertigstellung des Albums etwa drei Jahre dauerte, kamen die Bandmitglieder für Dark Matter ohne vorgefertigte Songideen und ohne eigene Instrumente in die Shangri-La-Studios. Die Kreativität fand in Echtzeit statt und war eine wirkliche Gemeinschaftsleistung. Die LP wurde in drei Wochen fertiggestellt. In einem Interview mit Classic Rock sagte Mike McCready kürzlich, “Andrew Watt really kicked our asses, got us focused and playing, song after song. It took a long time to make Gigaton, but this new one didn’t take long. Andrew was like: ‘You guys take forever to make records. Let’s do this, right now.’”Von der Bühne ihres Konzerts in Austin im Sommer 2023 sagte Eddie Vedder “We’ve made a record for next year. What I can tell you is if you like the musicians in this group, you’re gonna hear them playing at their highest level.” Dark Matter erscheint auf CD, Vinyl und als Deluxe CD (inkl. Dolby Atmos Version)

Super rare reggae vocal tune by Randall Thaxter ... original member of The Gaylads and first time re-issued, backed with a killer instrumental recorded at Coxsone’s Studio 1. Both sides feature The Conscious Minds band.

All music was written, mixed, and produced by Pedro Vian & Raül Refree in Barcelona. Special thanks to the Blancafort family for providing the positive organ for the recording of the album. Also thanks to Mar, Gina, Teo, and Balthazar for the support.

Grupo Casabe can lay claim to being Ray Pérez’s last great group. Fresh from the successes of Los Dementes and Los Kenya, Pérez was at the forefront of salsa in the mid-70s, and still experimenting with música bailable and all the danceable hornblazing styles that were beginning to be known collectively as salsa. The finest tracks of this short-lived combo, active from 1974 until 1975, are now being celebrated by El Palmas Music on a new compilation simply titled Ray Pérez y El Grupo Casabe.

Pérez was bandleader for an astonishing number of groups, which was partly due to his in-demand status, with each move to a new label meaning he needed a new band name. Such was the case with Ray Pérez y El Grupo Casabe, formed when CBS came calling. Their line-up built on his previous groups, with both a drum kit and percussion for additional power, with Pérez himself belting out those trusty piano montuños, however there was one significant change, with Pérez using saxophones for the first time, alongside his usual brass section of trumpets and trombones. With him for the ride were vocalists including Rodrigo Perdomo (brother of “El Negrito Calavén”, from Pérez’s earlier group, Los Calvos) and Rafael Morillo.

The compilation begins with “María Antonia”, the first 7” Grupo Casabe released in 1974. Instantly, it’s clear why Pérez is so loved in salsa circles, for this is salsa of the highest order, the focus switching between piano, vocals and brass effortlessly, while the drums restlessly inject the song with energy; then there’s the breakdown, Rodrigo Perdomo stretching his vocals to a rasp and throwing the brass into an extended passage; suddenly, they stop and Ray, El Loco as he was affectionately known, lets loose with a piano solo that’s elegant in its efficiency, before the band return for one more trip round the salsateca.

1974 and 1975 were important years in the trajectory of salsa. It was this period when salsa became a collective name for urban orchestras playing Latin music styles like son, guaganco, mambo, cha-cha-cha and rumba. Though undoubtedly salsa – Ray was a “rey de salseros” after all – there is so much nuance in the music. “Campesino Nuestro” is a slow-building rural son, taking the Cuban countryside to the dancefloor; “Santa” and “Oye Nena” are twisting guaguancos, the former possessing one of Perdomo’s finest vocal performances, and the latter the finest showcase for the band, with percussion, brass and piano on fire. “La Reina”, a danzón, show that the band can do the slow numbers too, and then there’s “Sábado En La Tarde”, Perez’s take on surf with a melody seemingly taken from the finest Steve McQueen crime caper.

There are few that come close to Ray Pérez for musical inventiveness and a sheer ability to keep dance floors moving. If Ray had been born and raised in New York then no doubt he’d be regarded as one of salsa’s pioneers. He’s had to work harder for his reputation, but there can be no doubt, he deserves to be one of the greats, and his work with Grupo Casabe is even more proof.

Ray Pérez y El Grupo Casabe will be released by El Palmas Music on 23rd September 2022

Western Lore is proud to present 'We're All Disturbed', the debut long player from Mancunian brothers, Response & Pliskin.

Throughout a dreamlike sequence of 10+ minute epics that further blur the boundaries of jungle & techno, the duo explore themes of violence, corruption, tyranny & propaganda; Painting a stark vision of a present day dystopia lurking within the cracks of society.

3 x heavyweight (180g) black vinyl, shrink-wrapped & housed in a full art gatefold sleeve.

Veteran singer Robert O Dallas (formerly “Yabba Youth”), confidently announces his arrival at the Poor Man’s Friend studio with this important and thought evoking message to the youth. His instantly recognisable voice combines with the deep, eary production to create a heavy, meditative record with a much needed commentary on current social issues.

The B side, “Do Good Brother”, is a stern reminder to follow your heart and “Do all the good that you can.” A heavy horns section leads this late 70’s inspired roots cut, whilst Mr Dallas gives an incredible vocal performance alongside that harmonizes effortlessly.

Re-Stock

This release combines You Got The Best of Me', extremely rare on original 7' single, with I Can't Forget About You', never previously released on 7' vinyl. Both songs are Ronn Matlock's best on the 1979 album Love City' from Cotillion Records. The vocal style has been described as Teddy Pendergrass meets Barry White while the music is modern soul from a golden period of strings and horns championed by Earth Wind & Fire and equally legendary producer of these two sides, Michael Stokes. Both are dancefloor gems, I Can't Forget About You' first acknowledged by Expansion in 1994 on the compilation Soul Chasers Vol.2'.

Neither Scratcha DVA, nor any of the tracks on this release, really need an introduction. Grime fans will instantly recognise these legendary tunes from radio, raves and mixtapes.
DJ Support
Dream Eater 007 has been supported on radio stations including Mode FM, Rinse FM, Subtle FM by several DJs including Spooky, Scratcha DVA & Nights,

Warehouse Find!

Wallias Band were an Ethiopian jazz/funk outfit active from the
70's until the 90's. They recorded and worked with Mulatu
Astatke. They were amongst the first Ethipian bands to tour the
USA.

On 'Muziqa Muziqa' saxophonist Seyoum Gebreyes collaborates with
the Wallias Band. Very little is known about Seyoum... 'Muziqa
Muziqa' is an uptempo Ethio-funk jam, with a soaring vocal,
driving organ, drums and brass.

'Muziqawi Slit' is a chugging, hypnotic Ethiopian jazz funk
groover featuring organ player by Hailu Mergia. Taken from his
'Tche Belew' LP originally released on Kaifa in 1977, featuring
Mulatu Astatke, arranged by Girme Beyene.

5 track split EP featuring Chicago's SOLID GOLD PLAYAZ on the A-side with "MAN MACHINE LOVE" b/w two cuts from DARK MATRIX: "SWIMMING IN WOMEN" and "STEPPIN @ THE TOM TOM CLUB". First release from LOSONOFONO (the sister label to LODUBS) in ages this house EP comes in a limited hand stamped/numbered pressing of 255 with an insert

First-ever vinyl repress of the platinum-plus 1984 EMI album - expanded on double LP with 12” mixes, B- sides and previously-unreleased tracks to mark the 40th anniversary of release. Remastered from the original master tapes and pressed on red coloured vinyl with new gatefold artwork including full lyrics and rare photos. Features rare and previouslyunreleased mixes of the Prince-penned smash ’Sugar Walls’, Japanese-only single ‘Hungry
Eyes’ and unearthed ballad ‘Have You Ever Been In Love’.

This double red vinyl 40th Anniversary Edition of 1984’s new wave-orientated ‘A Private Heaven’ represents Sheena Easton’s US commercial peak, with material ranging from the Grammy-nominated ‘Strut’ to show-stopping power ballad ‘Hard To Say It’s Over’. The #1
Dance/#3 R&B chart success of the controversial ‘Sugar Walls’ resulted in Sheena being the only artist in US history to score top three hits in each of Billboard’s main charts: Hot 100, R&B, Dance, AC and Country.

Skins is a producer/DJ based in Leeds with an active history in dance music that goes back over 10 years. He cut his teeth DJing regularly at the legendary former Oxford nightclub The Cellar. He played here as part of the Subverse Radio collective as well as for other favourite local promoters, alongside a regular radio show on the aforementioned station which he co-founded. After moving to Leeds in 2016, Skins focused his attention on music production and self-released a string of white-label techno EPs which garnered support from artists such as Djrum, Jane Fitz and Mike Schommer of Deepchord.

More recently Skins has moved away from the dub techno sound with which he had become associated, with an EP from speed garage newcomers Spin City on heavy rotation with DJs including Evan Baggs, Andrew James Gustav and Sugar Free. His latest explorations have found him returning to the futuristic jungle stylings which originally drew him into the world of electronic music in his teens.

Whether it’s in the studio or behind the decks, Skins draws on a wide range of influences from hip hop, deep house and techno through dubstep and grime to jungle, with a preference for playing vinyl over three turntables. He has performed alongside the likes of Willow, Batu, Answer Code Request, Levon Vincent and Ben UFO.

Foundation X's white label 'Amenizer' project returns with volumes 4 & 5.

Both landing at the same time, each feature heavily requested Foundation X classics previously only available digitally but now available on wax!

The seventh release on DJ Seinfeld’s Young Ethics imprint, sees Danish electronic music producer and multi-instrumentalist Sorenious Bonk, put forward an enrapturing LP of electronica and techno.

Originally classically trained in guitar and piano, Soren spent many years working to a strict regime, until he shifted into the electronic sphere and unlocked a new appreciation and direction with sound. He cut his teeth in the world of musical composition for film and television, notably contributing to the soundtrack of hit Netflix series “Sex Education” and has now turned his attention to a more electronically focussed output.

Touching on elements of ambient, electronica, indie-dance and techno, Soren shows an adept range throughout the LP, approaching electronic music from a new stand point and delivering a unique listening experience.

Young Ethic’s are pleased to present Sorenious Bonk’s debut LP.

Warehouse Find!

Jack Hamill’s Space Dimension Controller project has delivered some of the most enduring electronic music in recent times. Via single and album releases for the likes of Ninja Tune, Royal Oak, Dekmantel and Aus Music, SDC has thrilled with a certain timeless sound that has embodied science fiction swirling tones, glitchy and granular beats and a nostalgia for electronic music that always sounds futuristic.

On the ‘Cro2ma’ EP, SDC serves up a trio of intoxicating productions for the Hypercolour label. Highly accessible, yet detailed and intricate in design, Space Dimension Controller soaks all three tracks with sanguine melodies and bass blippy frolics that make for an exemplary release from the seasoned producer.

a highly regarded producer and musician who used to be in the midst of the NY metro breeding reactor that spectatuclarely revived and modernized disco and italo disco since the turn of the century and added some hotliped live brass to their platters and whose sought after releases under his own appear appear much to rarely dons his house cloak and dagger for 3 sneaky new chapters on story. not wasting any time on unnecessary nicety the a-side track will send up a whole colony of ants right up your pants riding on a steamrolling percussive disco groove garnished with cut up vocals and fx trickery. B2 is another chicago style wedding of disco and house with a jubilant, string backed female vocal snippet tweaked over a heavy groove while the first track on the flip is a subterrenean, groaning dub house affair that reminds of a slowed down John Ciaffone banger. no matter which chapter you jump to here it puts you right into the action.

Stratus were a cross-genre rock band formed around 1974 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, led by Robert Ackley. Originally recorded in 1976 at Wildwood Recording Studios, an embellished description of a basement in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This release was funded by a local dentist and promoted by ‘Cathy’, Ackley’s muse and inspiration for the release and the track ‘Girl’ in particular. Only 1000 copies were ever pressed, the majority of which were subsequently distributed by the band at shows as pseudo-business cards, with many pristine original copies as a result becoming lost to time. The tracks have since resurfaced in Europe many years later, much to the surprise and joy of Ackley himself. Remastered from one of the last remaining mint condition original presses, this release is a must for all collectors of blue eyed soul and AOR rarities. This reissue marks the first release in 7” format since its 1976 debut.

Two killer cuts from Disco 3000 and Sleeping Beauty: a frantic drum machine workout and a June Tyson singalong.

33rpm 7" on heavyweight 70g neon magenta vinyl in die-cut picture sleeve.

RACING HEART
The edge and spill of my heart and body together.

Sometimes, things "just happen". For months, we’d been working away on various projects and then, without really thinking about it, The Black EP just happened. It seemingly appeared from nowhere.

We’d been talking about the old days; making music with friends and dodgy kit, renting small practice rooms and using makeshift recording studios. It was such a common thing back then, you could pick a dusty space in a half-derelict building for as little as £25 a month. In those days, the Cabs and Human League had studios with posh-sounding names, but in reality, they were the same old workspaces long abandoned by the industries they were built for. Nevertheless, the grand names made them sound magical.

Sheffield had thousands of these spaces, and some still exist today, but their abundance and low-cost made Sheffield a very active place. Someone was always doing something. They’d exploded onto the scene in a flurry of excitement before disappearing just as quickly.

There’s something about these little mesters (workshops) that we believe lives in the very consciousness of Sheffield. It’s one of the reasons we never really had big scenes like Manchester or Leeds. The Hacienda would've never been built here.

We don’t really do big gangs or have that kind of mentality. We tend to exist in little pockets, often leaving each other alone. It would be 30 years before any member of The Black Dog talked to Cabaret Voltaire. Sure, we’d stood outside their practice room as kids, trying to listen in, but never felt any reason to approach. Sheffield is like that.

Once we had the first two tracks of the Black EP, we set off to see Jon at Do It Theesen, where he manually cut the tracks to an extremely limited set of 7" singles using a vinyl lathe. It just felt right to go back to the old ways; a small gang creating something special in workshops and sheds. There’s something very satisfying about it, a perfect circle, if you will.

We pushed further by adopting old practices, working with one synth per person and limiting the use of our computers. We only stopped short of putting everything on beer crates. It seems like madness these days, but there is raw creativity within these confines. Pretty much every band started this way. Depeche Mode travelled to the studio on the London Underground for their first appearance on Top Of The Pops, all lugging a synth each. That's how we approached the creation of this album; stripped back, raw and minimal - it just felt so right.

And then there’s the competitive element that was influenced when the original Human League split and became Human League MK II and Heaven 17. Both continued to use the same studio to write what became the albums "Dare" and "Penthouse and Pavement". There is something about that drive that is very Sheffield, just making stuff and hoping everything falls into place.

In Sheffield, we do things differently, because that’s how we are built. away on various projects and then, without really thinking about it, The Black EP just happened. It seemingly appeared from nowhere.