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Fresh off of their 2020 offering Adult Themes, El Michels Affair is back with a new full-length release. Titled Yeti Season, this newest album has everything we've come to expect from EMA's patented cinematic style of instrumental soul music. Where Adult Themes inspired a soundtrack to an imaginary film, Yeti Season brings us to a different place in time_with new inspirations. Taken with Turkish-styled funk and an almost Mumbai-esque take on soul, El Michels Affair offers us a different kind of drama and imagination with Yeti Season. If you've been following along, this shouldn't be viewed as too far a departure for El Michels Affair. The first single off of Yeti Season showed their hand back in 2018. A double-sided banger, that release brought the musical textures to the fore that dominate this record. The first song, titled "Unathi," is fully realized with the beautifully haunting-yet-hopeful vocals of Piya Malik, formally of 79.5_another Big Crown artist. Singing in Hindi, Piya's ethereal voice is telling us to work and strive together toward progress. Even if you don't understand her language, you can still hear the urgency of purpose, creating a lasting vibe that sits on top of it all. Leon Michels explains that Piya had a vital influence on this record: "When Piya started singing in Hindi, she had a different voice, a different tone. I knew we had to do something together." And so Piya appears on three other songs on Yeti Season: "Zaharila," "Murkit Gem," and "Dhuaan." Each providing particular signatures to the album. "Zaharila" is a building and changing love song punctuated by blaring trumpets, driving drums, and Piya's pleading lyrics. While the more upbeat "Murkit Gem" opens with a fuzzed out, Wu-Tang-esque baseline that buoys Piya's stylings. The psychedelic guitar and Piya's changing tones and textures singing about an all-consuming love are what pushed "Dhuaan" on to the second single from Yeti Season. There is also a vocal appearance from Shannon Wise of The Shacks, yet another Big Crown artist. Her song called "Sha Na Na," lies more in the familiar EMA vein: melodic, hypnotic, soulfully visual. But between Shannon's airy singing, the jumpy baseline, moody vibes, the active drum lines, it sounds like a pensive walk home after a strangely dramatic night. So what is Yeti Season? It could be more of a feeling than an actual place or time of year. It's a heavy album_as evidenced by the signature musicianship and dramatic vocal expressions. But it's also a hopeful record, with phrasings, textures, and chord changes that hint at something better_or fuller_coming our way. You hear it in songs like "Ala Vida," with its stabby, pulsing chords laying a bedrock for EMA's bright, atmospheric horn lines. Or even in "Fazed Out," which leaves you with a feeling of determination, a striving for resolution even though the driving, march-like song structure should accompany some conquering army. This persistence has to come from the fact that Leon Michels and company finished this record during the lockdown. It was a tough and troublesome time. But look at what has come of it: Yeti Season_a record of high and heavy drama, but also one of hope and promise. It may take a year like 2020 behind us to find hope in a winter big footed creature like a Yeti, but that's where we are.

AOP 11 Welcomes the Italian GNMR to the family for another psychedelic offering with the 'I Love You EP'

A1 opening with the title track I Love You with a no nonsense tribalism, taking us stumbling through a muddy Peruvian forest trip - after loosing & finding our minds

A2 follows with the deep and introspectif Sunrise Reprise. Slower broken drums guide, accompanied by moody groans and a nagging synth that weaves through the vines and trees.

B1 Bunda returns to the tribalism for a gated giddy dance ritual - clatterings drums, stuttered chants and rhythmic movements.

B2 rounds off the EP with Constantinople From The Mindset. Cleverly programmed loose percussion and trippy chants, a chundering bass and a solid kick, the track progresses craftily and confidently, gradually arriving at a euphoric and climatic.

Joaquin ‘Joe’ Claussell returns to the Spring Revisited project, and he delivers another jazz-infused house mix of a classic funk track by the iconic Fatback Band. Spring Revisited is collaborative project between Ace Records and Acid Jazz, inviting influential house music producers to reinterpret classic tracks from seminal New York label Spring Records, a pioneer in funk, soul and disco. After a series of sell-out and chart-topping 12” and 7” releases, as well as a 2LP compilation, the project continues with these two new mixes of the Fatback Band’s ‘(Do The) Spanish Hustle)’. Claussell combines the original classic funk elements with Latino percussion and samba-styled trumpets.

First up is his 'Sacred Rhythm Version’, which lifts the tempo and loops a section of the original's percussion. Keeping the trumpets, and soulful vocal phrases, he adds a DJ-friendly kick drum and shows off his improvisation skills with a vibrant synth line. On the flip, he strips back some of the drums and horns and focuses on the bassline with the 'Spanish Harlem Dub,' which is a moody rework utilising some funk-infused organ chords. On the original track Joe says: "I can vividly recall the very first time I heard Spanish Hustle blasting through my brother Jackie’s stereo system. Not long afterward, I experienced its energy again on the dance floor at a discotheque known as The Inferno, where it was masterfully delivered by the legendary René Hewitt. The record left an imprint on my spirit that never faded.’ A spectacular continuation of the series, presented in the nowsignature Spring Revisited housebag, resembling an original worn-in promotional 12”, pressed in a strictly limited run!

Mit Woodstock Experience kehrt der Spirit einer ganzen Generation zurück - eingefangen auf einer außergewöhnlichen Picture Disc Vinyl. Diese sorgfältig kuratierte Compilation versammelt ikonische Künstler, die den Sound der späten 60er und frühen 70er geprägt haben. Von Folk und Psychedelia bis hin zu Blues und ersten Rock-Explosionen entsteht ein authentisches Klangbild der Woodstock-Ära. Mit remasterten Originalaufnahmen von u. a. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Santana und Lee Hazlewood bietet diese Veröffentlichung eine musikalische Zeitreise voller Atmosphäre und kultureller Bedeutung. Ein visuell und klanglich starkes Sammlerstück, das den Geist von Freiheit, Aufbruch und musikalischer Vielfalt perfekt widerspiegelt.

2026 Repress

Berlin’s Phil Berg, one of techno’s most distinctive rising names, debuts on Mutual Rytm with his ‘Dārin’ EP. First invited as the debut guest DJ for Mutual Rytm’s inaugural label night back in 2022, Berlin’s Phil Berg has maintained a close relationship with the imprint ever since. Known for his shadowy, immersive sound, Berg has carved out a singular position within the scene - equally respected for his high-impact DJ sets, his improvisational live performances, and a production style defined by clarity, tension, and a deeply recognisable sonic identity. While his live shows remain a vital part of his artistic DNA, often shaping the raw ideas that later evolve in the studio, his work extends far beyond the club floor, marking him out as a fully formed and increasingly essential voice in contemporary techno. That connection between stage and studio is fully realised on ‘Dārin’, where Berg delivers a darker, more driving statement for his Mutual Rytm debut, with the title track already becoming a standout in the sets of label founder SHDW. The title cut opens the EP with great urgency, as flaming drums and machine-gun synths are fired across the night sky, with sensuous whispers and sonar pulses adding the pull of the groove. Next, ‘Tempest’ brings big, banging hits, nailing down the kicks while rising tension appears through the backlit synths and distant bass rumbles. ‘Tanoo’ releases the pressure with a more luminous synth line that locks you in a trance as linear drums race on, while ‘Mephisto’ keeps you on edge with twitchy motifs and a burrowing bassline that drills down deep into a moody underworld. The EP closes with ‘Destiny Bond’, which rises with undulating, tactile lines, sleek synth smears, and a cosmic sense of travel. As digital bonus cuts, ‘Seiko’ and ‘Nyx’ bring anxiety and foreboding to the fore with two more muscular and physical deep techno hitters crafted for maximum impact.

The fourth chapter of The Third Room's curator-led series is shaped by Freddy K, one of techno's most enduring and uncompromising voices. Through decades behind the decks, an unwavering commitment to vinyl culture and his work with Key Vinyl, he has helped shape a generation of artists rooted in functionality, precision and a direct connection to the dancefloor. For his curation, the focus lies on alignment. The selection brings together artists who reflect that same discipline: a reduced but expressive approach, stripped to essentials yet rich in detail. With contributions from Toobris and Sons of Hidden, both previously featured on Key Vinyl, the release also reflects the long-standing artistic relationships behind his vision. Bat by Toobris opens the record with a powerful, straightforward statement. Driven by a steady pulse and minimal elements, the track feels alive through its control - direct, efficient and highly expressive without excess. Before Mirrors by Sons of Hidden continues this direction while expanding into a more spheric space. Tension is held consistently, with subtle accents carefully placed to shift the energy and draw the listener deeper into the track. On the B-side, Clouds Cream by Quelza stands out as a more intricate and exploratory piece. Deep and immersive, it unfolds through detailed sound design and evolving structures. Rather than relying on repetition alone, the track develops its own internal logic - balancing complexity with clarity, and allowing each element the space to contribute to a larger whole. Closing the record, Swing of Time by Jin Synth shifts into a rougher, more moody territory. Subtle pitch modulation and shifting textures create a sense of instability, giving the track a distinctive edge while maintaining its functionality. Across all four tracks, the release remains focused and cohesive - built on reduction, tension and control, but carried by small, defining moments that shape its movement. A1 Written and Produced by Lennard Miessner | A2 Written and Produced by Sons Of Hidden | B1 Written and Produced by Leo Na?t A?ssa | B2 Written and Produced by Jin Synth Mastered by Ahmet Sisman (The Third Room Studios) Artwork by Charlotte Ernst Design by Daniel Bornmann (STUEDIO.XYZ) Distribution by Clone Pressing by Matter Of Fact

Regulator Watts returns with kWh (kilowatt-hours), the band's first new music in nearly 30 years. Produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge), this 5-song EP is a masterclass in post-hardcore dynamics, contrasting crushing grooves with moody, mysterious atmospherics and the haunting tone that remains guitarist Alex Dunham's trademark. This is essential listening for fans of the DC scene and those who find catharsis in the cycles of tension and release perfected by this peerless power trio.

12" single w/ full picture sleeve. A-side is extended mix, B-side w/ version.

A best of both worlds reissue of the two most sought after tracks on Keith Cole's Lovebird imprint. Keith cut some sides for producers in Jamaica in the early '70s before coming to New York and starting his own Lovebird label, mostly self producing thru the first half of the '80s. The A-side here "Honey Bee Fantasy" is a killer slow burner of mid '80s boogie/funk, featuring a couple of well known American jazz/funk session players on the rhythm track. The picture sleeve is a near replica of the one that came with the original press. For the B-side we have Keith's production of Canadian singer Ann Marie, who also does backing vocals on "Honey Bee Fantasy." On "Together Again" she's singing on a well known and loved moody early '80s rhythm, laid by the first incarnation of the Roots Radics which featured Blacka & Bingy Bunny of the Morwells.

Fiat Lux return with Desire & Belief, their third album of new material this millennium, following their acclaimed comeback LPs Saved Symmetry and Twisted Culture. The trio—Steve Wright, Will Howard, and David P Crickmore—combine modern production with vintage synths and instruments rooted in their Polydor-era beginnings to craft ten tracks that span cinematic atmospheres, synth-pop anthems, and moody electronica. Tracks like "Clear Sky " and "Turn Me Around" offer hook-laden synth-pop, while "Summer Solstice " and "Am I Dreaming " delve into ambient and darker tones. Desire & Belief is a natural progression for Fiat Lux—retaining the spirit of their 1980s Northern roots in synth, goth, and indie, yet confidently stepping into new sonic territory for long-time fans and new listeners alike. RIYL: Blancmange, OMD, Scary Thieves, Tears For Fears

Longform: Across two decades, the California-born hardcore outfit CEREMONY has earned its standing as one of punk’s most adaptable and unflinching bands, always ready to meet the moment without surrendering its principles. True to form, CEREMONY's seventh album, Tell Me Your Dream pushes the group’s punk-forged intensity all the way to the fore, capturing the quintet at its most expressive, expansive, and timely. “We’re living in an era of mass uncertainty,” says CEREMONY vocalist Ross Farrar. “In punk, I don’t see how you can’t respond. It’s taken over our lives in so many different ways — economically, politically, spiritually. We want people to wake up and get into what’s happening.”  Ferociously alert, Tell Me Your Dream reunites CEREMONY — Farrar, guitarist-keyboardist Anthony Anzaldo, guitarist Andy Nelson, bassist Justin Davis and drummer Jake Casarotti — with producer John Reis for ten songs of searing breadth. That means everything from bristling hardcore to moody post-punk — all while taking fundamental inspiration from Discharge, Crass, and other anarcho-punk troupes that first helped certain members of CEREMONY find their own political voices back when they were teenagers. The result is a culmination of the band’s 21 years together, if not some kind of riddle: CEREMONY knows how to make a return-to-form sound like evolution — and vice versa.

To compliment the run of EPs - Scene 65 covers the rest of the best with R&B pounders (David John & The Mood, The Betterdays), Soulful movers (Jimmy Royal & The Hawks, Ronnie Jones) bluesy soul from The Moody Blues, The Artwoods and out and out craziness from The Syndicats plus more

Huxley debuts on Rekids with the ‘MIND G%MES’ EP.

UK DJ, producer, and Dumb Safari label head Huxley joins Radio Slave’s Rekids for the first time with the ‘MIND G%MES’ EP, dropping 25th July 2025. The first track, ‘M%ND’, kicks off with woozy and alluring pads swirling round a cuddly but kicking Deep House groove. Soulful vocals and delicate, cosmic melodies rise out of the mix to bring it to a close in style. 'CLUB SH%T' ups the ante with zippy synths injecting some texture to slamming drums that straddle the House and Techno divide, while wispy stabs and warm daubs of sound dance around the cowbells to make this an evaluated late-night tool.

'FEAR N%THING' is a new school cut, with fi ltered loops, sugary chords, and pent-up energy all surging through the dance fl oor. Last but not least is 'ANY1', a sleazy House pumper featuring moody spoken word, a big, rubbery bassline, and slinky, Garage-infl uenced percussion.

Active in the underground music scene for two decades, former Rinse resident and sometime Aus, Shall Not Fade and Unknown To The Unknown artist has had one hell of a career. From huge breakthrough tracks like ‘Let it Go’ on Hypercolour and ‘Box Clever’ on 20:20 Vision to his 2014 ‘Blurred’ LP on Aus, he’s seen universal critical acclaim as well as massive support from DJs and dancefloors globally. In recent years, his Dumb Safari label, the online community R Trybe (co-founded by Ramin Rezaie/BAKKIS) and collaborations with Steve Bug are just a handful of his projects, while his ‘MIND G%MES’ EP for Rekids is already feeding the fi re with support from Jen Cardini, Cromby, I.Jordan, Jennifer Loveless and big room dons, Michael Bibi and Solomun.

DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS is proud to present the highly anticipated debut album of Poland’s TORPOR, Ɖungeon Ɖescent, on CD and vinyl LP formats. TORPOR were formed in Warsaw by three school friends and music fans under the huge influence of Bathory. While recording their first release, Burning Realms / Behold the Spell of Black Fortress, in dusk of 2017, the band were laying their music foundations inspired by the epic side of black and the haunted / melancholic side of early ‘80s heavy metal. Since their last release – 2021’s The Ancient Tales EP, which was actually recorded in 2019 – TORPOR parted ways with their drummer, who alongside Mike Magister I.V. and Franciszek Archont, was a founding member of the trio. Upon the arrival of a new drummer and long-time friend, Bloodhammer, they recorded their debut album. It marks the result of their work and path undertaken. "We knew it was our direction to follow and polish, so now, after some time, we can happily present our debut album, Ɖungeon Ɖescent,” the band state. “It is our first real record that pictures our vision exactly how we liked to. After years of wandering around basement rehearsal rooms and two self-released demos, we are finally coming out of our lairs with this LP under the banners of DYING VICTIMS." Their past connections with fellow labelmates ARMAGH and FUKKIN’ VENGEANCE somewhat explains TORPOR’s link to the idiosyncratic side of ancient heavy metal, which has taken far more prominence on Ɖungeon Ɖescent over the first-wave black metal side – but that’s only part of the picture. Some might call it “cleaning up,” others might liken it to a harnessing of feral energies, but TORPOR’s emphatic-yet-stoic strut conveys equal amounts of energy and mystery, finesse and fine-tuning. Of course, the power-trio can kick into high gear when they want to, be it heroic gallop or even hypnotic blast, but their sense of movement from one moody segment to the next imparts a narrative flow that’s part and parcel of their lyrical imagery. Or, perhaps it’s true swords & sorcery metal without belaboring the point – no “COOL IMAGERY DUDE” without the music & atmosphere to back it up, more specifically – that harkens to a glorious, sadly bygone era. However you approach this Ɖungeon Ɖescent, TORPOR have surely delivered a cult classic in the making. Passion, authenticity, the reverberating ring of truth…ancient powers arise from time immemorial

The second Jai Alai album takes its name from a track on Winners (1979) by New York band Kleeer, who evolved from Pipeline via The Universal Robot Band before becoming a major force on the soul and boogie scene; their full-length “Open Your Mind” is simply sublime.

Two originally unreleased tracks will delight completists of Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick. Aretha co-produced “The Boy From Bombay” with Quincy Jones — perhaps a little too quirky at the time — while Warwick’s Ashford & Simpson-produced “Someone Else Gets The Price” has all the hallmarks of a missed hit.

Philadelphia’s Pieces Of A Dream, discovered by Grover Washington Jr., were fêted across Europe throughout the 80s. Their Elektra album Imagine This (1983) yielded the wonderfully moody “It’s Time For Love”. Further mining of the Elektra vaults yields a highly collectable Phat Phili Mix of Teddy’s “Believe In Love”, alongside a jewel from Leon Ware’s Rockin’ You Eternally (1981). I was lucky to know this genius, still underappreciated as a master of sensuous soul; “Got To Be Loved” ranks among his finest.

There’s not enough space here to fully cover Gerald Levert’s “What About Me”, but my liner notes to the Jai Alai release JAR14 “Top Of My Head” detail just how talented he was — and this is further proof.

The two least-known artists make a strong impression. Andy Bey’s “I Know This Love Can’t Be Wrong” recalls Jon Lucien at his best, while Phajja — a promising Warner Bros. signing in 1997 — disappeared after just two albums; their Cutfather & Joe production here is as polished as The Emotions.
By the time Etta James recorded “Evening Of Love”, she was four decades into her career, delivering this beautiful ballad with total assurance. Truly epic Southern soul.

On their fresh imprint, In.Visible, Uruguayan mainstays Kino and Manuel Jelen turn their sonics towards the slower, and stranger. On the front is Italian legend Dionigi’s first posthumous release, having sadly passed away during the making of the record, with ‘Komp 22’ an ethereal yet eye-closing opener, plodding through luscious strings and mysterious retrofuturistic sound design. The mechanically swung percussion of ‘Dust Distortion’ takes the record into straighter territory until it code-switches into a synth workout close, while ‘Bhaskara’ rounds offthe side by wiggling and scuttling through offkilter syncopations, bassline bleeps, and hellish, claustrophobic arpeggios. The flip is helmed by UK acid day-oner Scott Hallam; ‘Larb’ offers a moody, squelching downtempo groove, before closing with the most club ready (at a push) track on the record, ‘Stupendous’ – a soaring electro number bookmarked by oddball English vocal samples.

The scope, variety and ambition of Ebbb’s debut album Shallow Hits is clear from the off. “Come Alive” whirs into being quietly before morphing into a sun-kissed, radiant piece of calypso-esque electronic pop; the Latin-flavoured “Now You Know” feels destined to soundtrack sun-drenched festivals this summer; “Shallow Hits” is as deft and detailed as it is big, bold and euphoric; while the wonky yet propulsive charge of “Side On” sounds like a drum ‘n’ bass club and church choir combined. A fervent eclecticism and unpredictable restlessness underpins the album. Latterly the record dives into the moody technoid textures and multi-layered harmonies that characterised their debut EP All At Once - exemplified by ‘Youth’ and the closing track “I’m Not Enough” that lands an emotional gut punch to an album that is already littered with them. However there’s a remarkable coherence and identity that underpins the album. Ebbb are exploring far and wide, deep and vast, yet they do so via an approach that remains unmistakably them.

Michael follows up his debut release on UK label Digthis Records with a strong new EP on the Austrian imprint Rhythm Science.This four-track EP moves effortlessly between house and electro influences before closing out with a moody house weapon on the B-side.This release marks a confident statement, underlining Michael’s growing presence and serious talent.

On Y-3004, Solitary Dancer wade into the depths of their sonic palette for Y-3's Fall/Winter 2026 Presentation, an occasion marked by the sportswear label's turn into the world of motorsport, unveiling a partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Dark, moody, and measured, the score reflects on the early era of automotive industrialization. Inspired by the factories which captured the sounds of nascent processes operating at their own rhythm, the vast physical potential of the Palais d'Iena allowed the space to further explore such repetition. The composition proved a masterful exercise in tension & restraint, ascending from hypnotic, low-end pulsations to brightly shimmering, metallic delays and a decidedly techno finale.

Expanding beyond the West Coast with release number three, Goodtunes invites master of the craft Rob Pearson for a dark & moody EP.
Opener “Odd Job Mischief” bends itself over dubbed out low end pressure as echoic LFOs rip through the groove. A2 “Dodgy Brass” doubles down, forcing hazy horns through truncated rhythmic cracks split from beneath its own weight.

On side B, “The Right Speed” is all gas, no breaks. A moody, stripped back weapon with detailed texture & the dark, tripped out aesthetics of Jayson Walker’s murmurs over the top. “Beautifully Mangled” wraps up the EP with a dark minimal groove & lush atmosphere that slowly builds into a warm driving force.

Third time’s certainly the charm on GT003, with Pearson pushing his productions into new territory with meaningful intention.

A Good Year - Play. Driving through the country. Tender anthemic voices. Real sounds and synthetic sounds. Baggy drums. Acoustic guitars, bass drops, big and small, Moody. A Good Year is a collaboration between producer and former Liss drummer Tobias Laust Hansen and filmmaker-turned-musician Albert R. Hildebrand. Featuring: Horse Vision, Koilwood, Tiffi M, Quiet Light, Late Verlane, Alba Akvama, Suisse Air and MØ

Born in Philadelphia in 1943, Barron's journey through the jazz world reads like a tour of its greatest innovators: early work with James Moody, Roy Haynes, and a formative tenure in Dizzy Gillespie's quintet set the stage for a career defined by sophistication, depth, and unmistakable melodic clarity.

Through the 1960s and '70s, Barron became a sought-after collaborator, performing with Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Owens, Yusef Lateef, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Heath, and Stan Getz. His role in the celebrated ensemble Sphere, alongside Buster Williams, Ben Riley, and Charlie Rouse, further cemented his reputation as a musician equally rooted in bebop tradition and forward-looking modernism.

The shape-shifting sound of Low End Activist continues to pivot around an axis of bassweight pressure with the launch of their self-titled label – the appropriate vessel to take them deeper into sci-fi scented sonics with an ‘ardcore swagger. Previous drops on Sneaker Social Club and Seagrave have seen the shadowy technician mangling grime, jungle and dubstep tropes with all the grit and flair of the most visionary sample sorcerers. At times, they’ve built their beatscapes up around fierce MC spots from such legends as Flowdan and Trim, but while there’s more to come on the vocal tip for the LEA series, this first installment works in a strictly instrumental fashion.

Hi-tech breakbeat de/re-construction is the focus across all three tracks on LEA001, with atmospheres so densely rendered you can feel them sticking to your skin like the sweat of a well-slicked basement session. ‘Engineers Origins’ emits pure darkcore energy and icy stabs of future-shock industrialism, while ‘Look Up’ shivers with off-key orchestrations. ‘Probability 1’ gets deep in the break edit and throws in an iconic low end rumble that should spark intense reveries amongst anyone with even a passing appreciation for bass. Like the most potent foundational jungle, all three tracks swerve regimented structure in favour of moody exploration around a suite of themes and sounds, slipping time in style and setting up the LEA series for further intense sonic treatments to come.

Sasha & Franky Wah reunite for second collaborative single, 'Get On My Level'.

The club-ready cut blends marries inviting darkness with meticulous synth craft.

Seasoned electronic favourite Sasha and contemporary trailblazer Franky Wah have shown great creative chemistry in both the studio and the DJ booth: their fi rst hook-up was on Last Night On Earth back in 2020 when they dropped the huge four-track 'Haunted EP.' Since then, they’ve reunited for multiple b2b sets across the globe - from Sydney to Ibiza. Now they have once more combined their respective nous into a new track destined to become an Ibiza anthem this summer.

'Get On My Level' is primed and ready to shake up the dance fl oor. It's powered by a warped, dark bassline that throbs underneath subtle percussion. Plenty of open space lets a moody atmosphere draw you in, while skeletal drums and percussion keep things moving before a big drop, and wispy synths inject future energy as a grainy, ominous voice lurks in the shadows. Dub and instrumental versions are also included to cover all bases.

Jimpster delivered some great releases in 2023, most notably his Natural Child collab EP with Crackazat as well as his Tribute EP featuring South African vocalist Mavhungu and including heavy Osunlade remixes. He also produced some of his best remixes to date including Thakzin’s Don’t Let Me See, Blaze’s Wonderland and Detroit Rising’s Rocket Love.

It’s always a good day to announce a new Jimpster EP on Freerange and with two captivating originals plus a stunning Atjazz remix you’re in for a treat! You’re My Ecstasy sets the tone with Jimpster’s trademark deep Rhodes pads, punchy bassline and shuffling classic house drum groove. He once again manages to strike a great balance between soulful, musical, warm and just a touch moody.

Next up we have The Passion which builds a deep and jazzy mood around a 4 bar piano progression whilst the sampled interviewee gives his insight into how he maintains his passion for music. London based trumpet player KingCrowney adds some lovely horn parts, emphasising the jazz feel to compliment the spoken word.

Atjazz gets well and truly stuck in on his remix of The Passion. Reportedly completed in just two studio sessions the hardest working man in deep house (as Jimpster calls him) brings his well-loved deft touch introducing an beautifully syncopated bassline and classic Atjazz drums making for a clubby interpretation for the deep, discerning dance floors.

Alex Caballero, also known as Doctrina Natura (Seville, Spain), is known for his organic, nature-inspired sound, and this remix follows that style closely. It exists alongside my original track, like two versions in different universes with the same purpose.

In his version, the focus is on punchy, tight drums that give a 90s feel. The track starts dark and moody, then gradually builds into a more intense and powerful climax, keeping its natural and immersive vibe throughout.

This is the second time Alex has remixed one of my tracks. The first collaboration dates back to 2019 on Edgar’s Nferee. While my own sound has changed significantly since then, Alex has remained true to his distinctive style, steadily raising the quality of his work.

A decade has now passed since French-Algerian collective Acid Arab (a studio and live outfit helmed by producers Guido Minisky and Hervo Calvalho) wowed the world with their debut album Musique De France. Since, they've delivered two more albums, both of which take different approaches to fusing electronic beats and instrumentation with North African and Middle Eastern sounds and vocals. Resonance, their fourth full-length, sees them return to the raw, analogue-rich and bass-heavy club sounds that marked out their formative years at the turn of the 2010s - all heady Arabic vocals, traditional instrumentation, moody grooves, twisted acid lines and knowing nods to everything from acid house, new beat and EDM to industrial funk, dark new-wave throbbers, and the mid-tempo psychedelic pulse of new beat.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Adult Themes, the latest full length offering from El Michels Affair. This album takes the band's "Cinematic Soul" aesthetic literally and sends the listener on a journey through a whirlwind of moods and energies. With their 2005 debut album Sounding Out The City, EMA spearheaded an instrumental funk / soul movement that inspired a slew of bands and even lead to the creation of a few independent record labels. El Michels has since lent his signature sound to artists from Adele to Dr John, Lana Del Rey to Aloe Blacc, and a who's who list of others. In 2016 he co-founded Big Crown Records and has since produced the lion's share of its output. A short stint as the touring band for Wu Tang Clan in 2007 led to the cult classics Enter The 37th Chamber (2009) and Return To The 37th Chamber (2017). Adult Themes marks the long awaited, highly anticipated return to an album of original compositions from El Michels Affair. In 2017 in between producing, playing, and recording on other artists' records Leon Michels began creating compilations of short interludes intended to be sampled by hip hop producers. Some of these wound up becoming songs by Jay Z & Beyonce, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver. These minute-long snippets were inspired by the dense moody work of `60s composers like David Axelrod, and Francois de Roubaix, as well as Moondog's brand of classical jazz. Michels was having so much fun creating these instrumental / orchestral nuggets that he decided to expand on some of the ideas and create what would become the soundtrack for a movie that has yet to be made, an imaginary film entitled "Adult Themes." The album plays like the colors on an artists pallet. Songs like "Rubix" and "Villa" are densely orchestrated with the hard-hitting drums that El Michels Affair is known for. On "Life of Pablo", Leon's son makes his first appearance on record and intros a song with an epic arrangement and a moving mood. "Hipps" is a drum heavy ballad that could've easily fit on EMA's debut record, Sounding Out the City. Other compositions like "The Difference" and "Kill The Lights" are bare, melodic mood pieces with sparse drums and sophisticated chord movement. All of these tunes come together to make perfect backgrounds for dialogue and action. One of the beautiful things about instrumental music is that the listener can decide what the narrative is. With Adult Themes El Michels Affair has created a "choose your own adventure" in musical form.

Mesdames et Messieurs! FLEUR is back for one last time with a new release An EP with 4 sparkling popsongs written by the- king- of- garage- pop Mark ten Hoor (THE KRYNG) who also wrote her last album "Fille Sauvage" (2024). Title track "Jour D'ete" is an uptempo breezy pop-gem about summer and being young and in love. "Je Ne Veux Pas De Toi" romps and stomps with FLEUR telling her admirer how things stand in the bongo driven chorus. "Le Temps Nous Le Dira" could have easily been the title track. A super catchy melancholy song with driving 12-string guitar. The delicate, moody and dreamlike "Qu'est-ce Que Je Fais de Mal" is a perfect closer.

Mucha, AKA Amanda Butterworth presents a stunning double header for Frequency Domain's tenth birthday release. But when up against one of the most thoughtful, precise, yet loose and rave inducing producers in the history of synthesisers, there was only ever going to be one opening point being made here. Surgeon's remix is typically essential for any techno fan. So while the original 'Skin' is this patient, rhythmic but beat-less slice of post- (or pre-)club stuff, full of ecstasy moods and comedown overtures, Surgeon's take refocuses us on the repetitive vocal patterns and slaps a wonderful compelling broken kick underneath to create a proper dancefloor builder. B-side 'You Make Me Go Under' goes for a neo-Bjork style IDM leaning piece, which then gets a moody, apocalyptic Datassette cut to top off an exceptionally strong package. Buy it. Buy it now.

Real heads with good memories and a lifelong love of good grooves might remember that the original mixes of 'Disco Glory' first appeared on DJ Garth's Wicked imprint in 1996. Top DJ dogs like Danny Tenaglia, Francois K and Doc Martin all used to drop them on the regular and ensuing remixes even made their way onto Sony Pictures' 'Groove' soundtrack. The DJ Garth & ETI mixes have long been out of print, so fetch a pretty penny on the second-hand market, which means it's great news that the 30th anniversary is marked with a fresh return to wax. The Acid Rock mix is psychedelic and trippy, the Look To The Moon dub is a dark and dubby tech sound that could be brand new, and the Ye Olde Organ Grinder mix has a moody and retro house charm.

Irgendwann um das Jahr 2024 tauchte Vorhex Angel scheinbar aus dem Nichts auf: keine Social-Media-Präsenz, keine Identitäten, lediglich ihr Name tauchte hier und da auf einem Flyer in Nashville oder New Orleans auf. Wer neugierig genug war, um ihre Live-Show zu besuchen, konnte mit einer Vielzahl unerwarteter Dinge konfrontiert werden, die die Sinne anregten: aufwendige Bühnenbilder, Stroboskoplichter (oder alternativ völlige Dunkelheit), brennende Gegenstände, vor dem Auftritt eingenommene Rauschmittel. Die Musik bei diesen Auftritten passte zu dem Mysterium. Sie war laut, unberechenbar und verdammt viszeral. Wenn die beiden Live-Veröffentlichungen der Gruppe und ihr Debüt ,Heavenly" tatsächlich viszeral sind (Raven Sings the Blues nannte sie ja ,Erben des Strudels von High Rise"), dann ist der Nachfolger ,Drain" sicherlich ihr intellektuelles Werk. Seine sieben Tracks führen den Hörer vom Morgen bis zur Nacht, ein weitläufiges experimentelles Doppelalbum mit überlebensgroßen Gitarrensoli, spacigen Drone-Exkursionen und Momenten von kraftvoller Intensität durch das gesamte Werk. Zum ersten Mal sehen wir, wie Vorhex Angel ihren hämmernden Klangangriff gegen stimmungsvolle und dramatischere Gefilde eintauschen. Die Band - bestehend aus den Brüdern Jake und Jamin Orrall von JEFF the Brotherhood und Kunal Prakash von Silver Synthetic - erweitert die Grenzen des Vorhex-Angel-Konzepts, lädt neue Musiker in ihren Kreis ein, geht mehr Risiken ein und erntet dafür umso mehr. ,Drain ist keine Musik, die man im Hintergrund beim Kochen laufen lässt", warnt Kunal, bevor er zwinkert: ,Vielleicht ist sie etwas für besonders abenteuerlustige Köche." Vorhex Angel verspricht, dass noch mehr kommen wird. Mehr Jams, mehr unerwartete Wendungen - allein in diesem Jahr können wir mindestens eine Tour und mindestens zwei (!) weitere Alben erwarten. Vorerst gibt es ,Drain" zu feiern, sich damit auseinanderzusetzen, damit der Hörer wie die Musik selbst ein- und ausatmen kann, mit reichlich Raum für gedankliche Kontemplation. SPA Sometime around 2024, Vorhex Angel emerged seemingly out of the ether: no social media presence, no identities, simply their name popping up in Nashville or New Orleans on a flyer here and there. Those with enough curiosity to attend their live show could be met with any number of unexpected things to spike the senses: elaborate stage dressing, strobe lights (alternatively, complete darkness), burning things, pre-performance ingestibles. The music at those functions matched the mystery. They were loud, unhinged, and visceral as all hell. If the group's two live releases and debut Heavenly are indeed visceral (Raven Sings the Blues did name them "heirs to the maelstrom of High Rise"), then followup Drain is surely their cerebral offering. Its seven tracks guide the listener from morning to night, a sprawling experimental double album with larger than life guitar solos, spaced-out drone excursions, and moments of potent intensity throughout. For the first time, we see Vorhex Angel trade their pummeling sonic onslaught for moody and more dramatic pastures. The band-revealed to be brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall of JEFF the Brotherhood and Silver Synthetic's Kunal Prakash-push the parameters of the Vorhex Angel concept outward, inviting new players into their circle, adding more risk and generating more reward. "Drain is not in-the-background cooking-type music," warns Kunal, before winking: "Maybe it is for particularly adventurous chefs." Vorhex Angel promises there will be more. More jams, more left turns-just this year, we can expect at least one tour and at least two (!) more albums. For now, there is Drain to celebrate, to sit and chew on, to allow the listener to breathe out and in like the music does, with ample room for cerebral contemplation.

Cyphon Recordings continue their deep dive into the rich heritage of UK and Detroit electronic sounds with their second label release, this time from Danny Was A Drag King label boss DJ Rocca.

Active since the 90s, the Italian producer is a dedicated explorer of the Italo Disco-inspired sounds native to his home. He’s been plotting his sonic journey for decades, making pit stops at labels across Europe including Rekids,Toy Tonics, Slow Motion, Rotten City Records and Roam Recordings. On top of his solo outings, collaboration has played a big role in his production journey to date. He’s worked with artists like Howie B, Jazzanova and Zed Bias, as well as joining forces on ongoing projects with fellow Italian stalwart Daniele Baldelli and Dimitri From Paris, the latter under the name Erodiscotique.

Now back on his solo pursuits for Cyphon, Rocca proves he’s still very much at the top of his game. The four cuts on ‘Code 041’ explore all shades of electro, from raw, old school machine funk to futuristic cosmic sounds. It’s electro done the Rocca way.

The title track sets the tone. An eerie bass line crawls along, providing a bed for reflective pads to glide and mysterious synth sounds and echoing vocal samples to ricochet above. ‘No Gym’ greets us next, bringing that Italo flair Rocca’s mastered so well. It’s the most vibrant track on the release, matching colourful pinging synths and tropical-tinged melodies with a signature driving acid bass line.

On the flip, ‘The Bigger Lake’ takes the EP in a different direction, on a trip through dark glistening pads, tittering percussion and sub aquatic bass before the dusty breaks and moody, jazzy keys of ‘Omega’ bring the release to a close. Mirroring Cyphon’s label ethos, Rocca showcases the best of the past and present of a timeless sound.

After a sold out first release, NY’s Superflux is back for Round Two with a debut release from arguably the most unsung hero of the Midwest underground. Uplink is a REDACTED-based hardware specialist known for their work running a series of labels and organizing parties that have helped define the region’s sound for more than a decade. Crafted using time-honored tools of the trade, these four dubby, tracky, and raw cuts – lifted from live stereo board recordings – will sit comfortably alongside releases from STL, Skudge, and MRSK.

The A1, Audio Sport, is a dubby groover with almost-steppy hats and bit of bite; a reverb-drenched lattice of delayed pads bends your sense of time and space until you realize you’re 12 hours into the warehouse function and someone’s just thrown a piano off the roof. A2, Blue Untitled, is a deep stomper reminiscent of the early WAX records. A big & shifty bassline turns this into a true head-nodder. B1, Temporary Machine 1, is a more subdued dubbed-out tech house cut anchored on a rolling bassline and flanked by dusty percussion and prescriptive stabs. Proper warm up tackle or hazy after-afters fodder: the choice is yours. Connoisseurs of a fine B2 rejoice – this one is it. Dokta is a moody, tripped out late night techno affair with a dash of bounce for good measure. All that hisses is gold.

Written by Colin Boardway

2026 Repress
A notoriously jaw-dropping folk-funk classic, long treasured by the Balearic fraternity, the self-titled LP from the brothers Batteau nevertheless remains a criminally underheard gem. Appealing to fans stuck on Ned Doheny's scorching blue-eyed soul as well as Gene Clark's rich country-rock, it's an honour to present the first officially licensed vinyl reissue of this undoubted masterpiece of proto-Yacht-Rock.

Like a forgotten piece of baroque folk caught in 1973, Batteaux's eponymous album somehow sounds magically timeless. A full 45 years after the fact, it remains a mystery as to why they weren't better known. The lush production and virtuoso playing conforms with the ruling aesthetic of the time - well-crafted, melodic songs performed with precision and balance - whilst the shimmering AOR atmosphere and sun-dappled vocal washes align neatly with the best Crosby, Stills & Nash records.

Throughout, the beautifully penned tracks hold traces of Jimmie Spheeris, America and Seals & Crofts. The immaculately orchestrated percussion and additional instrumentation (electric piano and fiddle to name a few) are performed by perennially celebrated West-Coast cats including Tom Scott, John Guerin and Andy Newmark.

It's no surprise that the heavenly "High Tide" is such a Balearic touchstone. A free soul aqua-space groover, its sophisticated rhythms predict the swing of CSN's canonical "Dark Star" by a full four years. An alternative measure of its enduring magnificence can be gauged by MF Doom sampling Paul Horn's wonderful version, subsequently used by Ghostface Killah.

The highlights are many and memorable. Gorgeous opener "Tell Her She's Lovely" is the perfect example of the addictive, melody-driven songwriting which really should have earned them stardom. Moody ballad "Living's Worth Loving" is nothing short of heartbreaking whilst the chugging elegance of "Wake Me In The Morning" showcases their bewitching harmonies. The hypnotic yearning of "Lady Of The Lake" is an exquisitely string-drenched, piano-laced favourite that achieves a peculiar strutting-funk. It's that good.

This lovingly curated reissue enables a long overdue reappraisal of the hitherto buried genius of Batteaux. The serene aqua artwork which adorned the original jacket - their father worked on a dolphin-human communication project in Hawaii, hence the infamous design - and sumptuous inner sleeve have been faithfully restored. Whilst, with access to the original tapes, Simon Francis' sensitive mastering elevates the sound throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g.

2026 Repress

It’s rare that a certain sound is entirely an artist’s own. Although undeniably a stew of impeccable influences – from blues to folk to Latin to dusty funk, soul and hip-hop – one cannot hear a Tommy Guerrero song without immediately recognising it as his - and his only.
The cult skater from San Francisco is globally renowned as one of the original members of the legendary “Bones Brigade” team. And as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, his laid-back soul is beloved by all who’ve basked in its blissful glow.
There’s something elemental about this music that really stirs the soul. Strikingly beautiful and instantly addictive, it’s a kind of funk-fuelled, melody-driven, groove-based magic. There’s a serenity and heart in the playing that radiates warmth and splendour, as if crafted for endless sunsets. His albums that surfaced on Mo Wax at the turn of the century have been treasured since their release and it’s two of his most vital LPs that we’re honoured to reintroduce.
The originals were quietly pressed on to a single piece of vinyl so we’ve worked closely with Tommy this year to bring you these fresh, limited editions. They have been lovingly remastered, cut nice and loud on to heavyweight double vinyl and presented in deluxe gatefold jackets.
Soul Food Taqueria continued Guerrero’s guitar soul but represented a step forward with its polished production and greater complexity of instrumentation. Denied the promotion it deserved upon release, it flew under the radar. It is now the most wanted record of his wondrous back catalogue.
Guerrero’s atmospheric touch and subtle guitar provide lush, glimmering pieces of musical texture. Within his spacious compositions, uniquely arranged instruments flourish alongside each other to create a languid soundtrack for halcyon days.
As ever, the diversity on display is beguiling. From bossa nova, samba and cumbia rhythms to understated folk, funk and soul grooves, this is another exotic set of mellow gold; perfectly represented by ESPO’s memorable artwork. Furthermore, the title’s hybridity reflects the intoxicating sweep of stylistic flavours served up, reminding us that, however tricky it is to categorise Guerrero’s special blend, it’s always a pleasure to indulge in something so creative and adventurous.
Dubby, bass-heavy instrumentals give way to moody folk-soul – witness “It Gets Heavy”, featuring melancholic vocals from Gresham Taylor – whilst “Thank You MK” is a gentle ode to the tropics, featuring ethereal instrumentation, bright bass and warm, jazzy guitars. The second half in particular contains a number of stunning ambient tracks – check “Lost Unfound”, “Another Brother Gone” and “Broken Blood” - built around minimalist, laid-back grooves and detailed guitar orchestrations which wouldn’t be out of place on the latest Jonny Nash release.
Guerrero closes this flawless set with a moment of true beauty. Restrained and graceful, “Falling Awake” is a pared back piece containing meditative guitar melodies set against melancholic piano arrangements. It brings proceedings to the most peaceful close. Seductively good, it reminds you just how great simplicity can sound.

Building momentum around his moody, alchemical breakthroughs in the techno-bass laboratory, Buckley lands on Sneaker Social Club with a punchy quadruplex that marks him out as an innovative talent in the next generation of low end producers.

Manchester-based Elias Buckley first came to light with a lathe-cut drop on ec2a, followed up over the past two years with outings on Well Street, Dimeshift and S.P.E.C. That sets the tone for exploratory zone Buckley is operating in, and he maintains a forward-thinking slant to his physical, dynamic club weapons on this latest EP.

'City Dweller' rests on a creeping mid tempo 4/4 pulse, all the better to carry slithering layers of sound design that slide off the undulating sub bass throb. Minimalism is the order of the day here, but his approach is shot through with gully zaps and rude swagger that makes this a positively UK- centric affair. 'Carl's Floorboard' makes a sizeable swerve towards brutalist grime mutation, letting the space in the mix swallow you whole around the dislocated bass womps and whipcrack snares.

On the B side, 'Gawy' hits the mark squarely between techno propulsion and soundsystem swagger, plying slippery sound design to the bass blasts and working an offbeat groove designed for maximum lock-in. Making sure there are no doubts about his range, Buckley saves one of the deadliest joints on the record for the closer, whipping up a wide-as-you-like UKG bounce on 'M.O.B.S.O.T.' while maintaining the lean and mean sound that binds the EPs any angles together.

The aptly named "Momentum" is the label's first EP from Decoder, who recently released an album to wide acclaim on Planet X. Spread across 6 tracks, the EP is drenched in psychedelia as it effortlessly moves through different moods and aesthetics to take dancers through the night.

"Flowing" begins the EP with stripped-back percussion and moody atmospherics, transporting the listener into a trance. "Photon" takes a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, featuring a 909 workout that's heavily processed with intensifying effects.

"Strawbs" presents what might be the most captivating track of the EP, characterized by its rolling, hands-in-the-air vibe that persists throughout the song. To conclude the vinyl, "Dyslexic" is intricate and enigmatic in all thedelightful ways. Mallets intermittently appear and disappear as the 909 maintains a steady rhythm. "Dyslexics untie!"

Born 2 Be Free celebrates the naughtier end of the house and garage spectrum with a first volume in this new Low End Guerrillas series. Mista Men's 'Corner' has muggy blasts of bass that cocoon you in warmth as lively garage drums and nimble synth motifs keep things fresh. Mella Dee brings his usual sonic filth to the rugged analogue grind of 'A Way Of Life'. No Brainers then layer up a bubbly mix of top and hits over driving bass notes on 'Not Again', then Lvpica's 'Funky:Mission' keeps it deep and moody with a shadowy bassline and slick drums for cool cats. Live From The Moon shuts down with the more eerie and suspenseful 'Parrot In The Studio.' Characterful tools from font to back.

Following his ‘You Are the Music’ EP for Euphoric State, and the reissue of the underground classic ‘Voices’ by Jewellery, David Inglesfield returns with a second EP by PersistentRain – and the first release on his own label, Precipitation.

‘All Time Is One’ is a meditation on the passing – yet continuity – of time, whether across multiple decades, or just in the transition from one day to another.

Opening track ‘Farewell’ brings disparate voices and sounds from the past back to life in an intense, transcendent journey, all driven by a pulsating bassline.

‘The Night Is Done’ features a solid beat and lush array of synths, with the vocal by Bristolian Christine Hulbert the icing on the cake.

On ‘This Place (Displace)’, Inglesfield, a Londoner from birth, but recently moved to South Wales, turns to consider a corner of his beloved native city, where a once-legendary musical theatre was swept away, to become a makeshift car park in the 1960s, then the site of a brutalist block in the 1970s, now torn down yet again. ‘The first place we’re going to stop at … seems to be NOWHERE!’

‘I Remember’ closes the EP, with fragments of Fender Rhodes and strings fluttering like memories over a moody, minimal sub-bass and insistent kick.