Cerca:peak

Reform, the Tuscan techno duo, make a return to Etruria Beat to follow up the success of 2017's 'Checkmate' EP, remixed by Amelie Lens and their recent EP on Second State with a huge new offering - Unconventional Spaces.

Reform present three fresh originals, backed by a massive rework from Etruria boss Luca Agnelli.

Unconventional Spaces is a melodic and timeless work, perfect for a magic sunrise closing set. Luca delivers a heavier rework, creating a special atmosphere with powerful chords that drift back and forth.

Just This is characterised by a raw triple stab, a vocal laid down by the guys themselves and an emotional and mysterious break. Closing the EP is Span, which is composed of bouncing tom samples, straight hats and a moogy bass that develops throughout the arrangement, a perfect peaktime number and strong finalé.

Right after the Ombra Intl. EP 'Ella' and the Duro release 'Luna', Theus Mago presents a new single, "Inertials", which continues his series of pieces inspired by Philip K. Dick's 'Ubik'. Influenced by the main characters of the groundbreaking sci-fi book, "Inertials" is an energetic breaks track with unearthly vocals that reaches it's peak with a dazzling trumpet-like synth. The single is accompanied by a remix from Mexican producer INigo Vontier, which successfully combines organic sounds with an industrial edge, as well as a take from Jamie Paton (Cage & Aviary) that subtlely evokes the soundscapes of Cabaret Voltaire.

Le Matin, always rare and uncategorised, following the reissue of his early synthwavepop tunes on « poussière d'époque » and a track on the good Lena Wilikens' Dekmantel Selectors 005 comp, this new EP on Lost Dogs Ent. let you hear some of his last works. Expect an ultra-cold-minimal-electro riddim, a less-mental-nearly-good-for-the-dancefloor tune with depitched haunted r&b vocals, an analog and bassy arpeggio ride ... On the flip side, Oh My God ! This is the peak-time-for-weirdo-nearly-techno tune, a blast, only for craziest DJs that like broken-frustrated-uncomfortable dandefloors and to finish this well balanced 5 trackers : the « are you depressed that much It's the 10th time you're listening to this OST of a dying world, this won't get any better but at least this is good music ! » tune. Le Matin is a good kept secret that prefer to take care of his kids than to travel the world of nightclubbing with drunk teens (ok that's how it is in France, that looks better in some other countries), but sometime you can hear his music on decks of some wise people and DJs like Call Super, Lena Wilikens, House of Traps, Charles Drakeford, Jon K, Bergsonist, Body Motion...

The keeping of pets marks humans' attempt at taking possession of a part of reality that is not at his disposal. Dressing a piece of the real that lives according to entirely non-human rules and which only in the saddest case does not resist the discipline of the human symbolic order vehemently and in a sustained matter, is a violent act of protection. Because in the non-place of the real, all that which we are helpless in the face of looms: the non-logical and the nameless, the violence and the noise, yet also the unrestrained and unfiltered desire.The innocuous figure of the pet marks a gateway to an investigation of these eerie milieus, while electronic dance music lends itself to this investigation in an outstanding way. This constellation marks the subject of Column's 'Pets II.'

Column is the name of Cologne based renaissance man Jan Philipp Janzen, who, as chief emissary of Cologne's pop internationalism, has been playing the field in various functions for Von Spar, Cologne Tapes, Urlaub in Polen, Owen Pallett, Scout Niblett or The Field, and who has also, in one way or another, been involved in most relevant records coming out of Cologne for the past number of years. After his excellent solo debut 'Pets I' (Areal, 2016), Janzen presents another extraordinary record in 'Pets II,' perfectly complemented by another ghostly oil work of Burkhard Mönnich on the cover.Sonically, 'Pets II' marks a clear development for Column. In its exploration of the thresholds of the real, it sets two points of focus, corresponding with the split in sides A and B.

Side A, on which Janzen teams up with long-time friend myr. (PNN), explores the uncanny as a fissure of the symbolic order, and the subsequent breaking in of the real. It opens with two peaktime rockets that have their wooden, nether-regional groove narrated by grim, down-pitched vocals. The ethereal remix by Leibniz (hundert) seems to be observing the situation from a hiding place, and is the side's clandestine and no less dark closer.

Side B, for which Janzen invited studiomate Marvin Horsch (Dorfjungs/Beats in Space) along, delivers two swaying synthesizer workouts, the second of which, 'Molly and Swerve,' is directed firmly at the dancefloor again. What is at stake here is the transition between a free, undirected jouissance of the real and a more ordered becoming-lust. Here, as in Map.ache's (Kann/Giegling/Altin Village) remix which closes out 'Pets II,' it becomes clear what connections dance music can foster between a free, impersonal desire and the sphere of interpersonal wanting, but also the losses that are negotiated in it. Above all, however, it becomes evident what a courageous daring project 'Pets II' is in all of its conceptual and aesthetic determination; with Von Spar's standout 'Garzweiler' 12' (Altin Village & Mine, 2017), it documents a New Cologne Realism.

A fresh vinyl only imprint coming from Portsmouth in the South Of England. In charge of the reigns for the first installment on Raw Crafted Wax is Generatia '90 Records boss, Trik. A very talented artist from Bucharest, Romania. The 3 track EP can cover all stages of the party. From warm up through to mid flow and also peak time! 3 very well structured tracks for our first EP and we couldn't be happier!
Enjoy!

Following the completely sold out 'Imagine - A - Nation' and 'Le Fusion' reissues, Anotherday brings you a very special release from the vault of the enigma that is Spencer Kincy, AKA Gemini - we are very proud, and extremely excited to present Gemini's first 4 releases, lovingly re-mastered!

* Originally released on Relief Records; the Chicago techno label headed up by Cajmere, these releases were Gemini's introduction into the worlds of house and techno, and contain some of his most vital works.

* As one of Chicago's most mysterious and revered characters, the story of Gemini, aka Spencer Kincy has become something of a myth in recent years - blazing a trail throughout the 90's, prolifically releasing over 200 tracks from 1994 to 1999, Spencer's music had shades innovation and soul few of his peers could match. Then, suddenly, at the peak of his career, he disappeared.

* As before, this album has been licensed directly from the man himself, and the money made from its exploitation will go directly to him.

Following the completely sold out 'Imagine - A - Nation' and 'Le Fusion' reissues, Anotherday brings you a very special release from the vault of the enigma that is Spencer Kincy, AKA Gemini - we are very proud, and extremely excited to present Gemini's first 4 releases, lovingly re-mastered!

* Originally released on Relief Records; the Chicago techno label headed up by Cajmere, these releases were Gemini's introduction into the worlds of house and techno, and contain some of his most vital works.

* As one of Chicago's most mysterious and revered characters, the story of Gemini, aka Spencer Kincy has become something of a myth in recent years - blazing a trail throughout the 90's, prolifically releasing over 200 tracks from 1994 to 1999, Spencer's music had shades innovation and soul few of his peers could match. Then, suddenly, at the peak of his career, he disappeared.

* As before, this album has been licensed directly from the man himself, and the money made from its exploitation will go directly to him.

Following the completely sold out 'Imagine - A - Nation' and 'Le Fusion' reissues, Anotherday brings you a very special release from the vault of the enigma that is Spencer Kincy, AKA Gemini - we are very proud, and extremely excited to present Gemini's first 4 releases, lovingly re-mastered!

* Originally released on Relief Records; the Chicago techno label headed up by Cajmere, these releases were Gemini's introduction into the worlds of house and techno, and contain some of his most vital works.

* As one of Chicago's most mysterious and revered characters, the story of Gemini, aka Spencer Kincy has become something of a myth in recent years - blazing a trail throughout the 90's, prolifically releasing over 200 tracks from 1994 to 1999, Spencer's music had shades innovation and soul few of his peers could match. Then, suddenly, at the peak of his career, he disappeared.

* As before, this album has been licensed directly from the man himself, and the money made from its exploitation will go directly to him.

Planet Mu Are Very Happy To Be Releasing 'vicious Circles', The Debut Ep By Sinjin Hawke And Zora Jones, Who Aside From Producing Music Also Run The Audio-visual Production Unit 'fractal Fantasy'. Zora Released Several Collaborations On Last Year's 'visceral Minds 2' Including 'dark Matter' With Planet Mu's Jlin, While Sinjin Has Collaborated With Dj Rashad, Just Blaze And Mikeq, And Also Produced Music For Monoliths Like Kanye West And Frank Ocean. Remarkably, Given The Breadth Of Their Work, 'vicious Circles' Is Their First Collaborative Ep, And The First Time Either Have Released A Vinyl Record Too. The Ep Is A Great Showcase For The Duo's Emotional, Maximalist Chimeras Of Abstract Pounding Beats. From The Punchy, Circular, Grandiose Build-ups Of Opener 'vicious Circles', To The Unyielding Melancholy Of 'god' With Its Sinister Bulgarian Choir Sample Against A Peak Timbaland-era Rhythm, The Record's Potent Synths And Manipulated Vocals Are Both Simultaneously Fierce And Friendly. 'source Of Conflict' Is A Poised Dance Between Pulsing Ambient Textures And Drilling Beats, While 'lurk 101' Pits A Volley Of Abstracted Juke Toms Up Against A Hammering Drumline. 'babyboysosa' Feels Like Drum-less Drill, Manipulating Vocals Into Strange Alien Shapes Over A Bassline Before Spiraling Toms And Hi-hats Start To Form A Forceful March. The Ep Concludes On The Love Anthem 'and You Were One' With A Chipmunked Vocal Running Through Its Wonky Chorus Of Bent Notes And Chords.

Next up on Nang it is time for a slice of spot-on male vocal house and disco. Liverpool based Thomas Lang made some fine albums in the 80s and 90s with John Murphy (who went on to carve a highly successful career in movie tracks) and David Hughes. Somewhere in between that and a string of recent albums (Torch Songs and The German Alphabet) he also managed to buy one of the finest recording studios in North West England, Parr Street Studios (the "Abbey Road of the North").

We are pleased here at Nang to see a new avenue turned in Tom's life, his first foray into the dance world. "Scared" was written with late Liverpool songwriter John Uriel quite some time ago. It first emerged as a b-side to Tom's comeback single "August Day" in 2011. Here at Nang we always loved the smooth and sophisticated vocal and melody. When Tom suggested some remixes we were on board.

"Scared" is a peak time vocal house track, here presented with remix options.

The a-side sees fellow Liverpool DJ crew The Imposters taking the track on a dubbed out trip, before flipping over for their hypnotic, swing-house rework which highlight the layered vocals and smooth sax. Camanchi take us for some peak time House action.

2022 repress

currently the rediscovery of long forgotten japanese electronic, jazz and new age music is at a peak like never before. but although many re-issues already flood the record stores around the world: the large, diverse musical culture of japan still got some gems in store that are really missing.

for example, it is still quiet around the the work of japanese bass player, new-age and ambient musi-cian motohiko hamase. when the today 66-years old artist started to be a professional musician in the 1970's, he quickly gained success as a versed studio instrumentalist and started to be part of the great modern jazz isao suzuki sextett, where he played with legends like pianist tsuyoshi yamamoto or fu-sion guitar one-off-a-kind kazumi watanabe.

he also was around in the studio when legendary japanese jazz records like 'straight ahead' of takao uematsu, 'moritato for osada' of jazz singer minami yasuda or 'moon stone' of synthesizer, piano and organ wizard mikio masuda been recorded.

in the 1980's hamase began to slowly drift away from jazz and drowned himself and his musical vision into new-age, ambient and experimental electronic spheres, in which he incorporated his funky medi-tative way of playing the bass above airy sounds and arrangements.

his first solo album 'intaglio' was not only a milestone of japanese new-age ambient, it was also fresh sonic journey in jazz that does not sound like jazz at all. now studio mule is happy to announce the re-recording of his gem from 1986, that opens new doors of perception while being not quite at all.

first issued by the japanese label shi zen, the record had a decent success in japan and by some overseas fans of music from the far east. with seven haunting, stylistically hard to pigeonhole compo-sitions hamase drifts around new-age worlds with howling wind sounds, gently bass picking and dis-creet drums, that sometimes remind the listener on the power of japanese taiko percussions. also, propulsive fourth-world-grooves call the tune and all composition avoid a foreseeable structure. at large his albums seem to be improvised and yet all is deeply composed.

music that works like shuffling through an imaginary sound library full of spiritual deepness, that even spreads in its shaky moments some profound relaxing moods. a true discovery of old music that oper-ates deeply contemporary due to his exploratory spirit and gently played tones. the release marks another highlight in studio mule's fresh mission to excavate neglected japanese music, that somehow has more to offer in present age, than at the time of his original birth.

Opening track 'In The B' kicks off proceedings in no uncertain fashion. It's 100% wall shaker material, the type of techno music best paired with strobe lights and towering speaker stacks. It mesmerises with its low-slung undulating bassline and Detroit rhythms before giving way to some riotous old school Essex stabs and sharp claps. No messing, this is a certified 3 AM red light burner! Track 2 'Chocolate Biscuit' accelerates proceedings! Beginning with unfussy drums and a robotic, bleep-heavy melody driving it off into a wonderfully off-kilter direction. Its arpreggio'd rhythms may be brutish and wrestle a growling sense of menace out of the track, but the overall feel, however, suggests considerable care and attention has been paid to make it sound this way. There's clearly an uncommon musicality at play here to make something this complex feel so simple.
The BPM drops next on 'Jenny's Hall' but from the offset, there's enough funk and thrust in the motorised synth line to get bodies gently grooving without the beauty getting lost in the slower loop. This is blissed out, psychotropic techno - the kind of track where it feels like you're floating and falling at the same time, but all the while making sure you still remain fit for purpose on the dancefloor. Ian Blevins takes on remix duties this time and the Berlin-based DJ/producer offers up a sleek peak-time banger that fizzes, bubbles and percolates. He gives the rhythm on 'Jenny's Hall' less space to swing and ties it to a tight motorik beat turning it into a slice of shiny, modern techno but with extra shoulder-checking force. Its vibe drawing from a sense of outsider-party fun with a wry smile, and a knowing wink running throughout before bringing the package to a suitably left of field crescendo.

This record comes with a version for every time and mood of a club night: Jo Pariotas Cut of the Original Mix is the ideal warm up tune. Flowing on a synthline that calls Mike Huckabys Waldorf to mind, it is sweet and driving at the same time. The Original Mix by LOVEiTs own Nico Brun might be called - Casual Affair', but comes rolling on a phat wonky rhode that brings the groove! Between the crunchy drums, a relaxed vocal snipped and warm synth unfold like the first rays of sunlight. The JK & LDS reduction is punchy, minimal and dubby - with its pull and release kind of melody and the stuttered vocal sample it works perfect as a peak time DJ tool. Finally, the A.S.S. Amnesia returns Mix is something else entirely... you just have to experience it in its full 8 min breakbeat Aphex Twin-like glory.
- morri313

From the depths of Sydney's underground scene comes Mango - an exciting and talented producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist who first came to our attention with an incredible live set in 2017 that blew minds and left the room in awe.

MS002 is his first official release, a collection of tracks from the vaults that explore a range of soundscapes made strictly for dancing.

From peak time cuts to sun down/sun up groovers and low slung broken club tracks, all have a uniquely raw energy and swing that only an MPC can produce.

Coming from a background of Hip Hop and Beats, The 'Mood Organ' EP is the sound of a producer stretching out into new territory, expanding on a strong base of sample heavy experiments, maturing his skills and sounds while exploring new influences to deliver a collection of compositions as a statement with serious intent.

* "Of all the dubplates in my bag from this last few years, the ones I've selected most often have Walton's name scribbled on the sleeve. 'Black Lotus' is a unique creative statement; I'm very proud to release it on Tectonic and to support Walton, who I believe is a true talent." Pinch

* On July 6th Tectonic recordings presents the game-changing second album by 26 year old Mancunian Sam Walton, better known as simply Walton.
* 'Black Lotus' follows his inclusion on Tectonic's landmark 100th release - Riko Dan's 'Hard Food' EP, plus the 'Praying Mantis'/ 'Koto Riddim' 12' (also on Tectonic) and the 'Taiko' EP on Kaizen - the latter two of which hinted at the album's sound, but didn't fully prepare us for the brilliance to come.

* Abstract electronics, grime, dubstep and new styles that don't even have a name yet coalesce perfectly on this classic in the making. It finds Walton at peak power, reaching just as far (if not more so) than anything on the Pan, Different Circles, Boxed or Tectonic catalogues for pure futurism and new-terrain-traversing brilliance.

* Spacious and modern sounding, with just the right amount of grit, on 'Black Lotus' Walton has taken things the next level - setting an impressive new high bar. This is the best music to take inspiration from far eastern culture since Photek's seminal 'Ni - Ten - Ichi - Ryu' and 'The Water Margin'.

* Cinematic may be a term bandied about too often, but on this record it unquestionably applies, with the whole thing playing out like an epic movie, full of highs, lows, action, reflection and changing scenes.

* The album kicks off with 'Black Lotus', which makes it quickly evident that this isn't just another generic longplayer; a weightless/sino style intro segues into a mystical kalimba line, which is then is enveloped by huge waves of synthesized, pitched-down brass.

* 'Point Blank' offers locked, harsh mechanical funk, full of aggravated excitement, before sleek, spacious grime and disguised pop garage achieve twisted anthem status, on the hugely satisfying 'Koto Riddim'.

* 'No Mercy''s Yakuza crime riff is perfect for Riko Dan's threatening menace, especially at the point his voice gets distorted into a guttral and unsettling, demon-like wretch.

* 'Mad Zapper' is abstract, comprised of simple yet challenging beats, tones and stutters, whilst 'Angry Drummer''s taiko/kumi-daiko style percussion has a rousing, heavy thump.

* 'Pan' sounds equally enthralling whether soundtracking a dark movie scene of impending danger, or carying enratptured ravers on a danceflor journey, especially one suited to the synapse-prodding drama of a high production, lazer-heavy festival set.

* Choppy drums and bouncy bass tones are laced with the georgeos melody of 'Ehru', and 'Vectors' is sleek 'n' deep breakbeat-garage-meets-IDM.

* Although already known for elements of musicality, Walton raises his game even higher with the beautiful closing track 'White Lotus', which has a wow factor akin to hearing Aphex's Twin's 'Jynweythek Ylow' for the first time.

* 'The title came from the idea that I wanted it to be sweet and melodic in areas, but dark and grimey at the same time', recalls Walton. 'I never really listened to much Japanese and Chinese music before working on this, and that element originally came from listening to a lot of Sino grime stuff. It wasn't until I was deep into the process of making the album that I started listening to loads of traditional stuff on YouTube for melodic ideas, which changed how it turned out. The whole dubstep techno crossover thing was also a big influence.'
* 'I'm really happy to have Riko Dan & Wen on there', he adds. 'I've done a few remixes of Riko tunes which have had a great response, so it's been wicked to get some original material done together. The track with Wen was first started a while back, so I'm glad it was finally finished and will see a release.'
* Walton has been steadily gaining serious clout through releases since 2011 on Hyperdub, Keysound, Tectonic and Kaizen, with supporters including Mumdance, Logos, Slimzee, Laurel Halo, Wen, Hodge, Mary Anne Hobbs, Giles Peterson, Paleman, Teki Latex, Commodo, Loefah and Kode9. Key club, festival and radio shows include FWD at Plastic People, Fabric, Outlook, NTS, Rinse and BBC 1xtra.

Pietro 'Bingo' De Lisi and Alex Carpentieri aka Italian duo System of Survival, have long been renowned for their raucous live cuts, the likes of which have firmly established their name amongst fans of discerning house and techno. Regulars at Ibiza institution, Circoloco at DC10, the boys knack for a tune has also brought them to the attention of respected label outlets such as Bpitch Control, Freak n'Chic, Moodmusic, Rawax and Get Physical. However, their latest release - released here via the emerging Deset Music - might just be their best yet. The label's inaugural release sees the boys perk up with two stunning originals and are back by remixes from none other than two Chi-town legends, Boo Williams and Ricardo Miranda.
Opening up the sounds of the release is 'Nu Soul Era'. A raucous, deep cut that displays all that's excellent about System of Survival, this one goes firmly down the rabbit hole in search of kicks. Characterised by its quite brilliant and catchy baseline, the action is dark and trippy throughout, with a firm emphasis placed on a groove that never lets its guard down throughout. A majestic start to the EP, it gets us underway with some distinction.
System of Survival's other original is 'Funky Left Funky Right'. Again, the duo expertly showcase their penchant for melodic structures, this time via a bleepy baseline that's perfectly suited to peak-time floors. Ricardo Miranda's interpretation goes deep and off-kilter, but remains true to the original's full-on characteristics. A stunning indication of the producer's eclecticism and studio mastery, it's an intoxicating take on a track that's never lacking in suspense.

Seeing us out the door is Boo Williams' remix of 'Nu Soul Era'. The 'Mortal Trance' producer can always be relied on to bring the heat in his own inimitable way, and he does so here with the sort of panache for which he's best renowned. Injecting the original with every more bounce, he wastes no time in getting down to business, setting his stall out via an acid-led, 909-flavoured remix that offers up a tantalising version of what's arrived before. An all-round stunning EP of various shapes and sizes, there's plenty here for fans of discerning house and techno to get stuck into on this one.

Peter Croce takes the baton back from Blair French for Rocksteady Disco's 9th release entitled Agape. It's vision is similar to Standing Still Is An Illusion, with Peter's unique take on this Afro-Brazilian deep house three-tracker. The a-side holds "Agape (Love Wins)", a deep and emotive house cut, with driving drums and lush strings that tease until they climax. Kicking off the b-side is "Maracatu Detroit", an upbeat love letter to Peter's home city produced through a bouncy Brazilian-funk lens, a track that is sure to bring a smile to the dancers. "Bufe Bufe" closes the release, featuring Peter on live electric bass/guitar and afro-stomp drum execution, brought to a peak with Yoruban talking drum + vox. Mr. PC roots the growing effervescent world beat sound with an explicitly Detroit and Chicago voice.

Quarion is back on Drumpoet with an enchanting new EP that leaves nothing to be desired. Cobblestone takes the dancer on a deep sensual journey, builds up continuously and subtly into a truly emotive peak. Sunday Night Pt. 2 tops it by captivating with rhythmic chords, which remind of the early 90ies. Jamaican Morse is a driven drum track, spiced with dubby sounds and a higly addictive beat. Once again, Quarion proves his outstanding quality.

Repress

Peak-time Rave Cuts Produced By An Anonymous Producer From Amsterdam.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Applescal is the next in line for a release on DGTL Records, seeing as he has been part of the crew since day one, with multiple appearances at their shows to his name. The Atomnation label-head crafts out three tracks all coming from one single studio jam, aptly naming them Harmony One, Harmony Two and Harmony Three. The record is a special one for Applescal himself as well, as it's his first full EP in two years.

The EP starts off with Harmony One, a dubby and bass heavy track with a subtle vocal sample. It steadily builds up towards a more energetic part with synth stabs and heavy snares, while the pads in the background still make it keep its atmospheric feel. As all three tracks come from the same studio jam, it's obvious that this was the start of the jam, serving as the basis for the other two tracks. The second one, Harmony Two, was previously part of an Atomnation sampler and received a lot of great feedback, as well as airplay from a few big names in the industry. It builts around an arpeggio that playfully progresses and intensifies towards the break, where a raw synth is layered on top for the climax. With a more subtle bassline, but multiple rhythmic elements that add a proper swing, it makes an essential peak-time tune.

The flipside brings Harmony Three, which distinctly sounds as the final part of the studio jam. Hard hitting synth stabs and a rolling bassline set the track apart as the heavier hitter of the three, while still clearly building on the overall theme. It features an arpeggio that progresses along the break and into the main part, with sharp drum samples and tense synths. It wraps up this release perfectly.