Beats Vinyl New Releases - News

Mineral is a vinyl-only label born out of a long-lasting friendship and a mutually obsessive infatuation with records. The label is geared towards providing a platform for up-and-coming producers, showcasing intriguing and evocative electronic music ready to stand the test of time.

We don't know what's in the water in Dusseldorf, but apparently it must be good... Latest export product from the city's lively scene is this repress of new label on the block Candomble. Quite the versatile EP with a midtempo banger, percussive house and some more midtempo goodness. Highest recommendation!

This is the first brand new Hyper-On Experience EP to be released in decades, and it is simply amazing. The legendary artist behind massive underground anthems such as 'Lord Of The Null Lines' and 'Monarch of The Glen' return with a superb 3 track EP and its like they have never been away. All three tracks retain that unique blend of quirky humor and style with serious production and technical skill. Lift Me Up is a full on piano and live vocal work out, while Cannon Rush stands out as the most...hyper-on-ish of the tracks With its choir intro and cleverly manipulated vocals, is is both original and authentic. Meanwhile, Vibrations rounds out the EP and stpes a little further back in time, being slightly slower and deeper. This whole EP is a classic waiting to happen.

Luca Lozano and Telephones collaborate on a new concept record for Klasse Wrecks, the concept it simple...1 Record, 2 Artists, 4 Trax! Turning in an original track each the two producers then remix each other resulting in a record that glistens with housey goodness, jazzy hats and snazzy stabs.

Like changing the channel, changes in one's life can suddenly bring about a new perspective. After moving from Detroit to Seattle, producer Taylor Hawkins suddenly found himself on Flora FM. Previously recording as Community Corporation, this fresh beginning in Emerald City brought new sounds into Hawkins' repertoire. Where he was once surrounded by cheap boogie and disco records in Detroit, Seattle's used bins were full of UK imports, early 90s ambient techno records and the IDM that followed. These new influences injected judicious breakbeats and top notch electro sensibilities into his already adventurous Midwest techno aesthetic.

It's as if his music has come alive, each song a new sound world abuzz with fluttering synths, nimble percussion, and soaring melodies. Recorded as single live takes using an MPC to control his drum machines and synthesizers, the Flora FM music flowed quickly from Hawkins and needed only gentle edits. The eight tracks on his digital debut album, Discovery in the Atomic Garden, document his experience finding his way in Seattle and in life, all through the lens of a fantastic and somehow futuristic musical viewpoint. The vinyl-only EP Atomic Garden includes four of the album's most danceable tracks, all wrapped in gorgeous artwork by Patrick Savile

"It´s More Like Jazz For DJ´s"

2lp In Gatefold Sleeve With Liner Notes. 180gr Vinyl. Including Download Card. An Outstanding Collection Of Musical Gems From Belgium's Thriving Jazz Scene. Compiled By Belgian Dj And Eclectic Connoisseur Lefto.

Quote From Flyer Doctor Cee

"From the mists of time of the rave scene comes an old white label dance classic by the Temple of Life - Spencer ee, Flying Doctor Cee, Robin ee and TMS1.

The 'Look at Their Eyes it's Ecstasy' sample are the dulcet tones of Robin ee, and an original performance not a sample. By 1989 we were all locked into Centre Force FM 88.3 along with a host of other illegal pirate stations, including our own Dance Zone FM. Our first live gig as Temple of Life live gig was at Pitsea Leisure Centre in Essex called Time Zone. Around 1990 the next gig Time Zone 2 was at the Civic Hall, Grays in Essex with a 10K rig.

The tracks on the EDP EP were recorded in the loft space studio via an Atari ST, Casio FZ1, Electronic Dream Plant Synth, Roland 202, TB303, and some beat loops and TMS1 on the Technics 1210's.

This was our one and only release on vinyl, now repressed and remastered. We lived and breathed this scene.....aah the halcyon daze of dancing through the whole night to sunrise and beyond."

Flyingdoctorcee May, 2017

Needwant welcome Berlin duo Kim Brown back into the fold with the stellar 'Pleasuredome Continuum''. Comprised of two dynamic breakbeat cuts to sink into and some incredible remixes from Earth Boys (Let's Play House) and Kemback (Omena/Futureboogie).

'Helical Scan' comes straight from the Berlin 5am scene with raw breakbeat production and huge hitting pads and rolling synths. Whilst the uniquely titled 'Ceramic Unicorns' is anything but fluffy and cuddly. The pulsating hi-hat, lofi percussion and cosmic chords take you to another level.

Kim Brown is Ji-Hun Kim & Julian Braun, local heroes on the Berlin club scene and rising producers with previous releases on Just Another Beat, Retreat, Rivulet, Rimini, Freerange, Fauxpas Musik, Film and Permanent Vacation.

Over the past ten years the Needwant mantra has been to push the very best in new talent, having provided the platform for the likes of Kiwi, The Mekanism, Maxxi Soundsystem, The Revenge and many more.

5 juicy tracks from the french rhythm genious Puzupuzu, produced in a pure house way.

First vinyl release for this kid.

This is already our seventh Deep Love compilation and we dare to say our most complete yet in sound and flow. The ten pieces on this sampler blend in perfectly with that laid back 'late' summer mood. We are very pleased to welcome yet again some new acts to Dirt Crew with the likes of 'Jaxx Madicine', 'Ouer', 'Times are Ruff' and 'S3A'. We cross many borders not only in genres but also country wise. From the heavy Disco sampled jam by French producer 'S3A' to the Jazz and Funk laden epos of the Italian 3 piece 'Jaxx Madicine' over to the Dutch deep house boys 'Times Are Ruff' who are well known from their, same named, label and finally to the Berlin duo 'Ouer' who also run an own label and released with our good friends at 'Heist Recordings', delivering an ecstatic electronic floating tune here.

This is all completed by some excellence from long time Dirt Crew artists. '25 Places' have been with us for many years now and their two Ep's have gotten so much love from the deeper deep house community. Here they drop an epic almost IDM techno like tune that closes this great album in the best possible way. Our Icelandic stall wart 'Felix Leifur' drops a heavy hitter named 'Buster'. After his recent 'Bobby Donny' Ep earlier this year we are thrilled to have him back on Dirt Crew! 'Harry Wolfman' and 'Ponty Mython' need no introduction really, they are adding Electro/ Disco/ Electronica fuelled cuts that form a great middle part to this mix of tunes. Harry going in very smooth and relaxed, something else than his usual House workout which we really loved to present to you. 'Ponty Mython' drops an irresistible 'good times' indie acid track in his unique 'free' style.

Last, we must of course not forget 'Dan Only' and key wizzard 'Lorenz Rhode'! With another beautifully smooth cut 'Dan Only' follows up on his latest debut Ep with us. Again a smart cross over in Techno and House with a distinct relaxed groove and atmosphere to it. Lorenz is back 'On Top' here after his super successful first offering to the Deep Love series last year and his 'And I Said' EP which stormed many charts. In the middle of touring and working with Detroit Swindle on their 'High Life' album we are super happy that he found the time to make another gem with that raw n funky live feel to it... We couldn't have started this compilation off with a better joint than 'Marakuja'.

Enough words for now ... just put these vinyl on your decks or stream/play it on the go and don't forget to drop them at a sweaty club night. Deep Love is here to stay!

* Alk-e-d is the first to get the 'Legacy' treatment on Kniteforce Records. One of the original KF crew, he has been with the label since 1991, and remains a fan favourite. The Legacy series is designed to showcase our most dedicated artists, those who have been with the label since the very early days. And if Kniteforce itself has a legacy, it is one where risks get taken and the love of good music is always at the front of our minds. This EP contains 4 remixes, and the highlight must be the first brand new remix in decades from legendary producer Sublove who went onto become huge with Way Out West. Sublove featured on the very first Kniteforce EP back in 1992, and was enticed to come back and make some old skool for the label as well as remixing Alk-e-d. And what a remix it is! Proper old skool with depth and class. Not only that, we have Darwin, one of the biggest names in the modern hardcore scene, Shadowplay, and Luna-C on remix duties too. All in all, this EP is stunning, and is nto to be missed.

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

Jude Greenaway joins Analogical Force with 'E.OneSeven EP'. Some might already know ScanOne from past releases on Combat Recordings and Yellow Machines. Intricate breakbeat treatments with crisp electronica melodic edits, twisted future hardcore and London-bred basslines...the sound of ScanOne in 2018. On the b-side the Conner brothers reappear after a long silence as Bitstream, to twist 'Re-Turn' into the darker dystopian side. Fans of solid underground music take note.

This EP combines the veteran talents of Kniteforce label owner Dj Luna-C, with the debut release of Kniteforce Radio owner, The Lowercase, and comes up with something quite unique. A love for heavy beats and inspired by some of the toughest old skool around, the EP delves into the underground in a big way, throwing caution to the wind and layering multiple breakbeats and aggressive stabs together to make a wall of hard sound, just like it was back in the day....

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

Art Alfie joined the Toy Tonics crew ! You know him from Studio Barnhus. He released his album last on Axel Boman's label last year and a couple of hot tracks with longtime partner Mr. Tophat before that.

His first EP for Toy Tonics features 3 of the sweetest bangers he did till now. What a wonderful vibe! And the remix ... Killer. By Stockholm's amazing newcomers Mount Liberation Unlimited (who just released an EP on Permanent Vacation).

Art Alfie is busy these days: besides his involvement with Toy Tonics he started a own label (Velvet Pony). Even if you might know him mainly from the kick-Ass dancefloor stuff he has been doing with Karlovak and the Studio Barnhus gang - there is some more complex background here: Alfie used to play in hardcore and psychedelic bands and has a real golden hand when it comes to work with musicians. In fact currently he is also producing some stuff for Swedish supergroup/hotshot band, Off The Meds'!

Yes, stay tuned! Art Alfie is coming on strong in 2019!

For the third release on Intergraded, we welcome Tracey to the label. Having cut his teeth as a DJ and producer in Amsterdam over the last 15 years his sound has developed into something both classic and futuristic. Across the 'Outcome' EP he follows on from his two excellent EP's on 'Voyage Direct', with four tracks that traverse from electro, sci fi soundscapes and trippy club rhythms that fit perfectly into the sound of the label.

A brace of strong bass excursions from the the huge talent they call, Ishio Dai! Jamming on the 808, 'Coco Dub' & 'BS' bounce around some proper system-testing bass weight!

Lurka returns to Timedance with the follow to his 2016 single Beater. The Bristol producer turns to dial up to eleven here with two expertly designed carnival stompers. Combining a knack for groove like no other alongside sound design from another planet, this record helps stamp Lurka out as one of the most singular and exciting dance music producers around right now. Take note!

EFFECTIVE96 PRESENTS

THREE ANGELS AND NINJA RIDDIM EP VOL.1

Label boss Ishio D coraborat with three female Balearic' singer in this V.A compiration EP .

3 styles song for 3 style free electro musics.

First one' Jungle riddim shake Asian vibes' blue sea song from Yokohama Japan .

Second riddim Hawaiian funky lady' rapping high .

Third deep dub beats meets traditional August ' Yoga dance in hot summer Japan.

(Minyo dub .Bon-odori dub)

Nothing others ' Balearic Vibes meets brand new beats from somewhere this planet .

Two-sided, two colour screenprint sleeve, designed by Patch D Keyes. Mastered and cut by Lewis at Stardelta. Edition of 500.
Following the dubwise dancehall versions in Muslimgauze style & fashion from E3 & Alter Echo, off-centre dancehall with pop sensibilities from Young Echo's O$VMV$M & Rider Shafique and Firehouse-era digital dancehall killers from London's Mosca, LavaLava now returns with a record of ruffneck acid-tinged dancehall punk.

Naples very own NPLGNN is at the controls this time along, following his appearances on Boomkat's Reel Torque, 'Where To Now' and of course the newly minted Forever Now imprint with partner in crime Dave Saved.

Hardcore dancehall at it's best, NPLGNN calls for soundsystem frenzy straight from the start with Weaponized Riddim, ringing off de-tuned tones that swerve and duck around aggro hi-hats, devastating kick drums and of course the acid line that works it's way in during play.
Things get a little more heads down with 'Dancing Under CS' although that is not to say there is a dip in energy... This one still thumps in a very tough way, it's just a more guttural affair, mainly made up of chunks of bass and kick drum, with bursts of high frequency disrupting the whirlwind like lightning to a dark sky, not far off from the mechanised bogle we love about Tiger's infamous 'Rap Pon Rydim'.
Last but not least, Sonic Guerilla, the all out, gunshot acid splurge that licks the final nail in the coffin for all soundbwoy who try test.
Ring the alarm!

RTRN II JUNGLE , the forthcoming album from UK DnB heavyweight trio, Chase and Status, is a cultural movement - inspired by British music and fashion of the golden years of Jungle music from the mid-late 90's. The two opening singles speak volumes on the project's ethos - with the hard hitting 'Retreat' ft. Cutty Ranks echoing in your ears long after hearing and the euphoric 'Heater' taking on the role of a single that already has the makings of a classic - with additional vocal support from General Levy.



The sound, project and accompanying documentary and installation, will draw on Jungle music whilst also transporting it into the present day, and re-vamping the genre for the modern day music fan. 'We will be representing DnB at it's most soulful, raw, and uncut level' (Will Kennard)

The news comes with a brand new documentary from the trio, filmed in Jamaica earlier this year, which has just been premiered by Redbull.

This record was cut to lacquer and digitally remastered on Monday 21st May @ Curvepusher

This Was The Second In The Jkf Run Of Repressing Old Kniteforce Material, After Sourcing It Directly From Dat And Remastering. Originally, These Were Released In Tiny Numbers Through A Single Online Store, So Have Become Quite Sought After And Already Change Hands Second Hand For Ridiculous Sums. This Ep Contains 4 Dj Force & The Evolution Tracks, Including The Huge Anthem perfect Dreams'. While That Tune Is The Obvious Standout, Dj Force & The Evolution Had A Huge Run Of Big Tracks, And All The Music Featured On This Ep Just Goes To Show That Their Powerful Style Remains As Strong No As It Was When It First Hit The Scene!

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

This was the fourth in the JKF run of repressing old Kniteforce material, after sourcing it directly from DAT and having it lovingly remastered. Originally, these EPs were released in tiny numbers through a single online store, so have become quite sought after and already change hands second hand for ridiculous sums. This EP Brings the hugely popular Future Primitives back catalogue to life, with a group of 4 classic piano workouts, including Infect Me and Twinkie, two of the early break out releases on Kniteforce Records, as well as the original mix of Swift Half, that was later remixed to great effect by Vibes & Wishdokta - look for that version on a future JKF EP!

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

One of the current techno scene's 'hidden treasures', Bristol based A Sagittariun has discretely released a wide breadth of music over the last five years for labels like Secretsundaze, Hypercolour and his own Elastic Dreams label. Two highly acclaimed albums in 'Dream Ritual' and 'Elasticity' as well as fifteen EPs have appealed to those who like their techno without frontiers, taking in blistering 140BPM techno, breakbeat IDM and ambient dub with ease. His second release for Hypercolour displays signs of crossover appeal at long last... Lead track 'Vanishing Point' has already been receiving early plays from the likes of Laurent Garnier (dropping it in his recent Timewarp Germany set), Spencer Parker and Len Faki. Big pumping beats and spiralling FX fall aside to a lone breakbeat that ushers in one pretty special breakdown section. The childlike keys and fathoms deep synth stabs (straight out of the John Carpenter school of fathoms deep synth stabs) have already drawn comparisons to the retro 80s vibes to be heard on the American sci-fi horror series Stranger Things. It's a breakdown that takes the listener to an uncharted dimension, bookended by slammin' beats that acts as a perfect mood changer in any set. Watch this one soar! 'The Pathway' keeps things on an all together straighter tip; an incessant tribal loop weaves and filters around a thunderous kick and shuffling hats, ebbing and flowing all the way in what might be A Sagittariun's most club-centric and stripped back production yet. Matrixxman (Dekmantel/Spectral Sound) is on hold to deliver a superb remix; pushing the original down a long dark tunnel for a growling and reverberating techno overhaul.

With the fifth EP, Solid Rotation returns to the Various Artist output and releases DEPOT II. A pureremix workout with four killer tracks.On the A-Side you can find a Remix of lekande's- as we walked through fields' by Benedikt Frey, which will take you on a mind bending, percussive techno-trip. If you don't turn the disc, another Remix is ready for the Play-Button. Panthera Krause leaves the knobsbehindwith a playful, dreamy version of vokode's - Wiek . On the B-Side,Jonas Friedlich is waiting for you. He was not able to keep the handsoff two tracks.- Glowe' and - Wiek' by vokode were turned into a rhythmically changing,Chaos Mash-UP,which will letyou stepforever. The final trackcomes from Westlake & Hayter. Asmashing Electro reinterpretation of lekande's - as we walked through fields .

34th release from Kenzo's Artikal imprint from relatively new recruit Akcept.

This was the fifth in the JKF run of repressing old Kniteforce material, after sourcing it directly from DAT and having it lovingly remastered. Originally, these EPs were released in tiny numbers through a single online store, so have become quite sought after and already change hands second hand for ridiculous sums. This EP was even more popular than the previous four, as it contains 1 never released track, 2 tracks never before seen on vinyl, and all of the tracks are very rare and hard to get hold of. The Cru-l-t track 'Don't Be Afraid was made for a release on Moving Shadow which sadly never happened due to circumstances out of anyone's control. The Alk-e-d track was cut on a test press, but then the tracks changed and that was lost to time. And the final 2 tracks, The Nasenbluten remix of Luna-C and A Theif A Terrorist and a Lunatic were only available on obscure labels and in minimal numbers!

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

This was the first in the JKF run of repressing old Kniteforce material, after sourcing it directly from DAT and remastering. Originally, these were released in tiny numbers through a single online store, so have become quite sought after and already change hands second hand for ridiculous sums. This EP contains 4 Luna-C tracks from the early Kniteforce era, and includes the seminal classic 'Piano Progression' in all its original glory!

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

Opaq Is Back With A Various Artists Featuring All The Members Of The Crew. Be Ready For A New Smasher!

Curating the more up-beat yet refined house grooves, new imprint Addition by Subtraction open their account with an initial 12' release. Enlisting the skills of 4Plae Records head honcho ADMNTi & Entity:London crew member Jordan Dessar, they both flex their production muscle to carefully craft an extended player featuring 4 diverse and club friendly cuts.

Early Support from: Rossko, Ben Rau, Chris Stussy, Nick Beringer, and friends

KARL is excited to welcome a new artist on board: R.A.N. is the dark electronic / rhythmic ambient music project by HÜMA UTKU. "Seb-i Yelda" is available as 12" and download.

Hailing from Istanbul and based in Berlin for a couple of years now, HÜMA UTKU has been a prolific artist lately:as R.A.N. (Roads At Night) she released her debut album''Her Trembling Ceased'',followed by the remix album 'Remixed: Stories Retold' (both 2015, PARTAPART RECORDS), and contributed several tracks and remixes to various compilations. Besides studio production, she travels the planet to perform live or as DJ, and in November / December 2017 UTKU was Artist in Residency at YARA MEKAWEI'sSubmarine Studio, Cairo.

The title of her debut on KARL, "Seb-i Yelda" (pronounced Shab-e Yalda in English), is a Persian term that signifies 'the longest night'. Inspired by the Ottoman poet BOSNIAN SABIT EFENDI's verses,R.A.N. created four new, very personal tracks, developing further her musical language by fusing traditional instruments with deep electronic sounds, distortion and dark ambience, in order tocreate intense atmospheres of anger, anxiety, grief - but also empowerment and hope. These compositions are UTKU's personal reflections on the long lasting devastation and turmoil in the Middle East as well as witnessing the individual experiences related to these happenings. The titles translate as:'"Seb-i Yelda" (The Longest Night), "Ay" (The Moon), "Sabah" (The Morning) and "Kul" (The Servant of God).

Flexuous, Synchronous , Capricious

Bit-Tuner's "Arabian Nights" is based on field recordings, tapes, radio snippets and sounds recorded and produced in Cairo. The gleaming heat of Egypt was processed into a grinding 40-minute live set, contrasting the layered atmospheres with Bit-Tuner's signature staccato beats.

Swirling sounds fall into place as the recording evolves. As blasts of wind carry away the dust, sights of a dense and vibrant metropolis are set free. After his previous works "The Japan Syndrome" and "The China Syndrome", Bit-Tuner's new recording "Arabian Nights" takes an edgy approach: Bit-Tuner extracts grainy physicalness from his sounds and brews them in his high-energy arrangements. It is this directness, that marks Bit-Tuner's distinctive qualities as a live act. He manages to tell stories through waves of sonic pressure.

A live performance by Bit-Tuner based on field recordings & tapes from Cairo.
Recorded live at Helsinki Klub, Zurich.

'Katalox' is Christian Jay's second 12" for Idle Hands, following on from 'Contrail' in 2016. That release made its mark with a distinctive blend of swinging UK Garage and a deftness of touch usually associated with the best minimal techno. A sound befitting this former Bristol resident and now Berlin dwelling artist. This new 12" picks up where the last one left off. 'Katalox' is propelled by a crunchy, understated breakbeat. 'Del's Kicks' is the more meditative cut.

To hit play on D33J's long-awaited debut album is to tumble headlong into a rich sonic universe of captivating improbabilities. Where narcotic house music slow-pulses alongside deconstructed futuristic R&B and lush ambient dreamscapes. Where an astoundingly 3-D aural depth of field radiates with incredible intimacy. Where digital means of production are usurped by guitar play, analog synth, field recordings, or tape edits. Where experimentalism and accessibility aren't the least bit mutually exclusive. Perhaps that's why the taste-making Los Angeles producer and DJ named the project after a thing that doesn't, shouldn't, and couldn't exist: Death Valley Oasis.

We'd expect nothing less from D33J, who racks up plaudits whether he's rocking sweaty gigs with his Wedidit crewmates, producing blissed out rap tracks for Lil Yachty's albums and mixtapes, or composing solo songs that instantly immerse us in an ever-shifting grid of odd rhythms and melodies. It's all par for the course for someone who grew up in the hyper-cultural melting pot of Mid-City L.A., raised by a Rio-native father who promotes Brazilian cultural events and an East L.A.-born mother who, among other artistic ventures, designs elaborate Día de los Muertos coronas. The young Djavan Santos attended the city's esteemed (yet public) Hamilton High magnet school, joining the music program by falsely claiming he knew how to play guitar. But after taking a rare-for-its-time electronic music class, his talent became obvious. While there D33J not only met future tourmate and Death Valley Oasis collaborator Baths (see the beautiful four-four thumper "Wisp"), but played in bands with the surf-punkers who'd found FIDLAR, plus loaned his sweater to Odd Future's Syd in biology that one time. His path to now has never not been strange and fascinating, with stops at the San Francisco Art Institute for a degree in audio-visual design (which he plans to put to use on tour), and Hamburg for a two-month warehouse residency crafting tech-heavy interactive art installations, all while developing a peerless sound.

Death Valley Oasis came together over the last three years, each track slowly accreting the bits that'd make it whole while D33J worked from Wedidit's L.A. studio. Producing for others (Yachty, Tory Lanez, Killavesi, Purple) delayed things, sure, but it also honed his mastery as an engineer and instinct for the line where left field meets listenable. The end result, this album, contains no filler but there are standout moments: like Anticon labelmate and Dirty Projectors alumna Angel Deradoorian channelling her inner Destiny's Child on the jittery "Spark", or D33J taking a rare turn on the mic to wax druggily romantic on "Plateau," or the eerie Burial-like gloom-bomb that is "Dead Sea," or "Rot," a teamup with Shlohmo (who also provides the LP artwork) and soul man Corbin (a.k.a. Spooky Black) that opens on acoustic strum and reinvents the "quiet storm" genre before closing with something akin to death metal pounded out on an MPC. Again: a would-be oxymoron that actually plays as raw genius. Death Valley Oasis isn't just another entry in D33J's book of "Emotional Dance Music," as he once coined, it's the definitive tome and a paragon of what can be accomplished when a blatant disregard for musical boundaries is matched with ace technical ability and endless tangible heart. This is one to get lost in — the desert and the slake.

"This takes me back! 1991... Joe, Damo and I used to hit every Biology at the docks. We were young and skint, but somehow managed to always make it to the rave. We were so up for it! The vibes were sick... good music... best mates... and the ecstasy... mannn those little fuckers (Damo from Carlton north, if you ever listen to this on here, hit me up brother!). I'm a family man in my 40s now but this music takes me back to my 20s, I close my eyes and I can still feel the rush, the heat of everyone crammed into those warehouses and the huge, stupid grin on my face.'

Fierce Detroit influenced soul drenched techno by label boss Jose Cabrera.