House News

Solar Phenomena sales pack 002 including:

SOLAR05: Achim Maerz - Leaving This Planet
SOLAR06: Romansoff - Halo
SOLAR08: Fluxion - Strands

RAFF debuts with a solid assembly of made-to-measure club tracks. Be it new life dawning or physical pain, these productions drip character, finding their roots in personal moments that mark and scar RAFF's day to day life. As a linchpin of Rotterdam's deejay culture, one can hear technoid elements of his homebase fluctuate along an axis of Detroitesque electro. Naming afrofuturism as a major source of influence, this release locks you into RAFF's world through its emotional touch and technical precision. Designed for clubs and headphones alike, his works can be distinguished via their frequential layering and spatial design. Analogue warmth, a timeless feel - these are five cuts for jocks that seek the real deal. Comes in hand printed artwork by the BAKK Harbour City Service.

Blackbelt Andersen finally returns to our shores dusting off 4
timeless techno tracks he found in an old cupboard. They're
actually so old we'd rather not tell you AND they could
already be filed under classics

Prins Thomas, 14th of Jan 2020

REPRESSED !!

For this new official ré-edition on P&D Recordings, we 're realy proud to release two classic tracks from Big Daddy aka Rick Wade.

Not content with defining the sound of minimal techno in the nineties, Robert Hood has more recently fine tuned his own gospel tinged take on the genre. It comes under the Floorplan moniker, the genesis of which is said to have come to him when awakened by a late night vision. Since 2016, it has been a collaborative duo between Hood and daughter Lyric, and never fails to lead to religious experiences on the dance floor.

With roots in the Detroit techno scene in which Hood first emerged, Floorplan’s sound is embellished with the heartfelt emotions and unbridled passions of Chicago house music. It is heavy and analogue and filled with vigour thanks to the expert drum programming and ever rising sense of euphoria that comes from the well sculpted synths. But it also speaks to the heart and soul and has done since first standout cut ‘We Magnify His Name.’ The pair’s endless quest for the perfect groove continued through albums like 2013’s Paradise - which spawned anthemic singles like ‘Let’s Ride, ‘Baby Baby’ and the massive ‘Never Grow Old’ - and 2016’s Victorious.

The same year saw Hood’s daughter Lyric officially become part of the project. Since then they have taken Floorplan to endless headline shows at high profile clubs and festivals everywhere from New York City to Ibiza, London to Amsterdam. Their electric sets leave crowds feeling uplifted, spiritually awakening and totally in awe. Part of the success of Floorplan is the combination of Robert’s old school excellence and Lyric’s new school innovation: their music, with its big chords and even bigger vocal samples, could be 30 years old or fresh from the pressing plant, such is its universal sense of appeal.

Another new album is due on Aus Music in winter 2019 and once again distills the power of techno and feelings of house music with a certain sense of studio magic that emerges when this iconic father-daughter duo come together. It is rare to make music as stripped back yet emotionally enriched as Floorplan, but this pair do it with ease and a firm focus on durable grooves. Functional but full of form, tense but atmospheric, loopy but ever evolving, Floorplan truly transcend the dance music spectrum.

Kevin Saunderson's KMS imprint is a label that should require no introduction. The motor city label has been a Techno mainstay since it's inception in 1987. Numerous Detroit luminaries have released classic after classic on the labels hallowed grooves over the last 25+ years and it's influence is still felt in contemporary dance music today. The idea behind the KMS "Origins" series is to shine a light on the lesser known cuts in the KMS vaults as well as the classics that have given the label it's legendary status during it's lifetime.Hot on the heels of the debut collection for the labels 'Origins' series we are pleased to present another stellar selection of jams from the legendary Detroit label's archives. Kicking off EP #2 is the man himself, Anthony 'Shake' Shakir here utilising his Schematics alias to deliver to us the storming almost hardcore-esque 'Shock therapy' from 1992. This cut is rough, raw and is intent on troubling your bass-bins with some low frequency and breakbeats sounding like it's coming straight from the D via Essex! Heavyweight. Following Shake we have Dwayne Jensen with a slamming cut from 2000, lifted from a white label only release this is true school Detroit techno, perfect for dark basements, taking no prisoners! Exclusive to this EP.
On the b-side we hand over to the label boss and legend in his own right - Reese! 2 classic jams back to back on 1 side. Both 'Bassline' and 'Funky funk funk' have been road-tested for years and bear the classic hallmarks of this legendary producer. You cannot go wrong with this era Reese material, classic stuff, encapsulating the Detroit sound while retaining that raw energy and vibe that this music is famous for! Heat! 100% legit, compiled with the assistance of Kevin 'Reese' Saunderson and the whole KMS family, Detroit, MI.

After PINK and RED comes ORANGE. It's the third out of seven records for the celebrations of the 50th Uncanny Valley release. And it's tailor-made for pure dance floor delight. Sweden's Jo-Rel aka Joel Alter spells out house music on HUMAN MATRIX with great effect. You can't resist being dragged along by a track that is well composed down to the last tiny little detail, but always comes across light and easy. Synth stabs for the masses. Uncanny Valley-Newcomer Karima F from Oslo delivers FLACCID HOUSE, a track that feels like the perfect way to make ravers resurrect. The track is based on few, but effectively used ingredients like a hammering broken beat and those odd vocal bits. Thus, it gets to the point without detours. Being a scene-legend himself, Toronto's Basic Soul Unit contributes GROTTO BOUNCE, a raw but precise nod to classic Detroit and Acid tunes. Finally, former Hamburger and now Berliner Christopher Rau is in full play mode and turns on all the equipment in the studio for PARADIJS, a wonky house track that gives you goose bumps even though he may be throwing you out of step.

Following two sampler EPs in April and June this year, Vince Watson finally releases this double LP as last part of his 'DnA' album. A project focusing purely on Detroit Techno and House and what might be his biggest and best album to date. Released on his own Everysoul Audio label, Vince's 12th album has been years in the making and sees him go directly back to his Detroit roots. It was being requested to remake Rhythim Is Rhythim's 'Icon' and 'Kao-tic Harmony' by Derrick May himself in 2015 that greatly inspired Vince to begin writing new original Detroit material and was the catalyst for 'DnA's inception. The album is a dedication and reflection of the three waves of Detroit Techno that inspired a generation and countless electronic producers around the globe. Watson wanted to honor this in the music as closely as possible. Hints of Derrick May, Carl Craig, Mad Mike, Juan Atkins, Kenny Larkin, Stacey Pullen and Dan Curtin can all be heard influencing across the album. Featuring a selection of sketchy hi-tech soul, lushest pads and string sequences, jazzy 909 hi-hat workouts, raw 808 electro and filtering Chez Damier styled house tracks all brought together with a succession of short variations and instrumental snippets from the albums best moments contribute to a vision of what the past thought the future should be. Not only is 'DnA' suggestive of some kind of mysterious gene required to create such music, but it also represents Detroit (a city where Vince grew his musical inspirations from) and Amsterdam (the city where his musical inspirations are now created). Watson's association with Detroit Techno runs deep with some of its original innovators. Not many artists outside of Motor City can say they have had five releases on Planet E, Transmat and 430West while he has also remixed Carl Craig, Derrick May and Octave One. With this in mind, 'DnA' suddenly feels like a natural (re)evolution. 'DnA' will be released across four records of vinyl as well as Digital. This wax version of the album sees the remaining 8 tracks from the project that were not featured on the vinyl EP sampler's earlier this year. The digital version of the album comes in its original intended running order as a complete package and is only available as an 18 track full-length album featuring some exclusive tracks not available elsewhere.

Never underestimate the power of a good bassline. Mark du Mosch certainly doesn't. This veteran from the harbor city of Rotterdam let's his vicious bass line creep up on you from behind on 202 AC Ra. A dark and jacking club belter with clear Chicago roots. The five track EP The Heavens may be his debut on SoHaSo, Du Mosch has been releasing music for over fourteen years on a variety of respected underground labels, such as Moustache, Dekmantel and Royal Oak. His versatile style draws on sounds that evoke strong mental imagery and a sense of eternity, which clearly shows on the introspective Resonance Delay (She) on the B-side. In which a melancholic melody is supported by muffled slow motion beats. The beautiful artwork on The Heavens EP is by Joost Stokhof, an Amsterdam based graphic designer who is known for his love for detail. Which makes him perfectly suited for Du Mosch' subtle and well crafted dance tunes. In a normal world you would open your EP with the title track. Du Mosch chooses to close with it. The Heavens stays true to it's name. A harp like melody that washes ashore as foam from a greyblue Northsea that calmed down after the storm. Heaven indeed.

Legotek's first LP is brought to you by Tel Aviv based Dot. Imagine one of those special sets. The kind of musical story that sticks in your mind for ages, you always remember and in times can scoop endless seeming power from. Well this 8-tracker from Dot just about fulfils this kind of stimulus. Each track can be seen either as one special individual or the whole package as one big flowing journey. Mixed together this could easily turn out as a live set. Now then, about the unique music and its seductive vibe. Staying true to the underground heart of Legotek Dot has managed what many aim for in effort. A vibrant, lively and deep sound constantly accompanied by strong kicks and pumping melodies. The analogue core of the story has been given the breath of life to become a classic piece of deep house history.

BMG (Ectomorph) and Liquid Liquid's Sal P, team up on this killer 12"...! TIP
A strange collaboration finally finds its release.

Dark Grooves re-issue this much in demand 12" from Detroit's Drivetrain. Originally released in 1993 on his label Soiree.

The first Planet Tapes EP is ready to go. It will be a V/A composed of 5 tracks, obviously different from each other but we think they have something in common. Bored in a Cosmic Network is the mirror of what reflects us and above all of what we believe can
remain imprinted in the listener’s mind Let's move on to presentations:
A1 written by the Belgian, Gravitational Effect. A real electro lover who uses sounds which seem to come directly from the lovely 80's.
A2 created by two of the Italian co-founders of the label, Two Opposites. A perfect combination which has lasted for years, this time with a breaks rollin bass track which reflects them perfectly.
A3 composed by a very talented French guy who has the composition in his soul. Fresh from his first release on Antam Records, Gabriel in art Sans Sucre, will continue to amaze us and we are certain of it.
B1 belongs to the other Italian co-founder of the label, Solidwood. In composing this track he has experienced a mixture of melancholy and hope , that only love can give. “Love Battle” is fruit of a lived experience.
B2 represented by Bowyer, leader of his own label Rube Goldberg Series. Originally from England he can already boast an EP on another Italo-Uruguayan label, Novi Orbis, and obviously other appearances around. We don’t believe he needs further presentations,
better go and listen to his space melodies.

The 7th release of the series brings back some sweetness and emotional melodies to the rooster. ReKaB got deep!!

25 years ago the Pacha Ibiza vibe was brought to Belgium by Patrick Soks, who has been hosting the Paradise parties at Café d'Anvers since then. Derrick May, Derrick Carter, Stacey Pullen, Todd Terry, Pete Tong, Dimitri, Marcello, Doc Martin, Laurent Garnier, Sven Väth, Bob Sinclar, Luciano... they all played their first Belgian DJ set at this legendary Belgian party. Enjoy this anniversary release full of seminal tracks... Music is the answer!









I E2 | Night Communication - Lose Control (In Dub We Trust Mix)

Scissor and Thread regular Black Light Smoke returns to the Brooklyn label run by Francis Harris for a mini LP of raw, atmospheric house. The alias of Jordan Lieb, Emmy Award winning composer/producer/musician, Black Light Smoke drops City Life - six tracks of affecting, deep vibes. 'In Gold' is rich in analog warmth, a bubbling deep house roller that echoes some of the New York, Detroit and Chicago greats. Title track 'City Life' is a stripped down rhythm track, populated with stabs, melodic flourishes, and beautifully arranged pads - as well as a killer vocal. 'Make My Piece' is built around a vocal hook and roughneck drum track, before opening up with crunchy percussion and a sick bassline. Next one is 'Up In This', starting on a dreamy tip, but exploding into life with Lieb's signature feel for propulsive rhythms and deep, warm tones. 'Without You' is a tougher proposition, using heavy compression and distortion to texture the track, while the digital bonus track 'Every Beat (No Regrets)' is a fitting end to the release - a woozy, after-hours come down vibe, wrapping up this journey.

Cooper Saver has been busy of late, prepping EPs for a host of labels
including Permanent Vacation, Internasjional, ESP Institute and Hivern
Discs - all of which are set to drop in the coming couple of months.
We’re happy to welcome him on Biologic records with two stunning remixes
from Khidja and Abstraxion.

Classic is incredibly pleased to announce that a certain man of the moment has joined the Classic family. 'One' was brought to the attention of Classic when it featured on vinyl only release late last year.

Ears pricked up and more information was sought. Who was this man from nowhere - producing music that was modern yet soulful, funky - and best of all coupled with his own vocal talents.

Luke Solomon then championed not only 'One', but the general excitement surrounding something that ticked all of his boxes. Reminiscent of the old Classic sound that reminded him of Iz and Diz, Losoul and the like... Seven was approached and not only offered Classic 'One' to re-release, but two brand new cuts featured exclusively here.

An EP aptly entitled 'Friends' is the freshest thing that has been around for some time - and Classic are proud to welcome Seven into their ever expanding family.

A little while before Metro Area came into life, there was Acronym City. Originally released on Sub Freq Recordings in 1996, Darshan Jesrani's moniker deals with the impact that electronic music from Detroit had on some inhabitants of said metro area. Long out of print, now carefully restored, re-mastered and slightly re-edited by Gerd Janson, Darshan Jesrani finds the missing link between techno soul and the sort of contemplative and playful heavy deep house that New York's underground was bringing forth in the early nineties. Without plagiarizing the one or the other, Acronym City naturally explores form and function of a sound that will never grow old. Backed up by an ethereal stop and go remix version of 'Powermoves' by DJ Sprout and escorted by 'The Push", this one is for the users.

4 pumped up jams for djs to take control - don't hold back, just let go and feel the n·r·gee. Early support by Eduardo De La Calle, Jennifer Cardini, Andrew Claristidge, Gilb'r, Daniel Kyo, Photonz, Angel Molina... Points of interests - Only for the headstrong tripping on strictly undeground massive hits. - For fans of techno, warehouse, (old school) breaks and bleeps. - Pure reel-2-real analog recording and extra loud mastering by F.Stader at MMM. - Features 6 eternal loops and bonus samples for extended dj pleasure. - 121th release from renowned Swiss Mental Groove Records est. 1989 (Dj Rush, Eduardo De La Calle, Sun Araw, Miss Kittin, Luciano, Brodinski, Donato Dozzy,...), also home of Musique Pour La Danse (Olivier Abbeloos, Frankie Bones, Orlando Voorn, Nate Krafft, Dirk De Saever, Todd Sines...) and We Release Whatever The Fuck We Want (Midori Takada, Michel Legrand, Kenji Kawai, John Carpenter...).