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The Éthiopiques series returns! Essential archive recordings from an extremely fruitful period in Ethiopian music.

Before “Swinging Addis” took over the world, there was Moussié Nerses Nalbandian — the Armenian-born composer who shaped modern Ethiopian music. Mentor, arranger, and pioneer, he laid the foundations of Ethio-jazz.

This Éthiopiques volume revives his forgotten legacy, recorded live by Either/ Orchestra First issue ever with new exclusive photos and in depth liner 8-page insert.

“Ethiopian jazzmen are the best musicians that we have seen so far in Africa.
They really are promising handlers of jazz instruments.”

Wilbur De Paris
(1959, after a concert in Addis Ababa)

አዲስ፡ዘመን። *Addis zèmèn* **A new era.**
The time is the mid-1950s and early 1960s, just before "Swinging Addis" bloomed – or rather boomed – onto the scene. Brass instruments are still dominant, but the advent of the electric guitar, and the very first electronic organs, are just around the corner. Rock’n'Roll, R’n’B, Soul and the Twist have not yet barged their way in. Addis Ababa is steeped in the big band atmosphere of the post-war era, with Glenn Miller's *In the* *Mood* as its world-wide theme song, neck and neck with the Latin craze that was in vogue at the same period. Life has become enjoyable once again, with the return of peace after the terrible Italian Fascist invasion of Ethiopia (1935-1941). The redeployment of modern music is part and parcel of the postwar reconstruction. *Addis zèmèn* – a new era – is the watchword of the postwar period, just as it was all across war-torn Europe.
The generation who were the young parents of baby boomers** were the first to enjoy this musical renaissance, before the baby boomers themselves took over and forever super-charged the soundtrack of the final days of imperial reign. Music is Ethiopia's most popular art form, and very often serves as the best barometer for the upsurge of energy that is critical for reconstruction. Whether it be jazz in Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the *zazous* who revolutionised both jazz and French *chanson* after the *Libération*, be it Madrid's post-Franco Movida, or Dada, the Surrealists and *les années folles* that followed World War I, the periods just after mourning and hardship always give rise to brighter and more tuneful tomorrows. Addis Ababa, as the country's capital, and the epicentre of change, was no exception to this vital rule.

**Two generations of Nalbandian musicians**
Nersès Nalbandian belonged to a family of Armenian exiles, who had moved to Ethiopia in the mid-1920s. The uncle Kevork arrived along with the fabled "*Arba Lidjotch*", the** "*40 Kids*", young Armenian orphans and musicians that the Ras Tafari had recruited when he visited Jerusalem in 1924, intending to turn their brass band into the official imperial band. If Kevork Nalbandian was the one who first opened the way of modernism, pushing innovation so far as to invent musical theatre, it was his nephew Nersès who would go on to become, from the 1940s and until his death in 1977, a pivotal figure of modern Ethiopian music and of the heights it. Going all the way back to the 1950s. Nothing less. And it is Nersès who is largely to thank for the brassy colours that so greatly contributed to the international renown of Ethiopian groove. While the younger generations today venture timidly into the genealogy of their country's modern music, often losing their way amidst a distinctly xenophobic historiographical complacency, many survivors of the imperial period are still around to bear witness and pay tribute to the essential role that "Moussié Nersès" played in the rise of Abyssinia's musical modernity.
Given the year of his birth (15 March 1915), no one knows for sure if Nersès Nalbandian was born in Aintab, today Gaziantep (Turkiye/former Ottoman Empire) or on the other side of the border in Alep, Syria... What is certain is that his family, like the entire Armenian community, was amongst the victims of the genocide perpetrated by the Turks. Alep, the place of safety – today in ruins.
Before Nersès then, there was uncle Kevork (1887-1963). For a quarter of a century, he was a whirlwind of activity in music teaching and theatrical innovation. *Guèbrè Mariam le Gondaré* (የጎንደሬ ገብረ ማርያም አጥቶ ማግኘት, 1926 EC=1934) is his most famous creation. This play included "ten Ethiopian songs" — a totally innovative approach. According to his autobiographical notes, preserved by the Nalbandian family, Kevork indicates that he composed some 50 such pieces over the course of his career. This shows just how much he understood, very early on, the critical importance of song as Ethiopia's crowning artistic form. Indeed, for Ethiopian listeners, the most important thing is the lyrics, with all their multifarious mischief, far more than a strong melody, sophisticated arrangements or even an exceptional voice. (This is also why Ethiopians by and large, and beginning with the artists and producers themselves, believed for a long time — and wrongly — that their music could not possibly be exported, and could never win over audiences abroad, who did not speak the country's languages).

Last but not least, one of Kevork's major contributions remains composing Ethiopia's first national anthem – with lyrics by Yoftahé Negussié.
Nersès Nalbandian moved to Ethiopia at the end of the 1930s, at the behest of his ground-breaking uncle. Proficient in many instruments (pretty much everything but the drums), conductor, choir director, composer, arranger, adapter, creator, piano tuner, purveyor of rented pianos,... he was above all an energetic and influential teacher. From 1946 onwards, thanks to Kevork's connexion, Nersès was appointed musical director of the Addis Ababa Municipality Band. In just a few years, Nersès transformed it into the first truly modern ensemble, thanks to the quality of his teaching, his choice of repertoire, and the sophistication of his arrangements. It was this group that would go on to become the orchestra of the Haile Selassie Theatre shortly after its inauguration in 1955, which was a major celebration of the Emperor's jubilee, marking the 25th anniversary of his on-again-off-again reign.

At some point or other in his long career, Nersès Nalbandian had a hand in the creation of just about every institutional band (Municipality Band, Police Orchestra, Imperial Bodyguard Band, Army Band, Yared Music School…), but it was with the Haile Selassie Theatre – today the National Theatre – that his abilities were most on display, up until his death in 1977. To this must be added the development of choral singing in Ethiopia, hitherto unknown, and a sort of secret garden dedicated to the memory of Armenian sacred music, and brought together in two thick, unpublished volumes. Shortly before his death (November 13, 1977), he was appointed to lead the impressive Ethiopian delegation at Festac in Lagos, Nigeria (January-February 1977).

His status as a stateless foreigner regularly excluded him from the most senior positions, in spite of the respect he commanded (and commands to this day) from the musicians of his era. Naturally gifted and largely self-taught, Nerses was tirelessly curious about new musical developments, drawing inspiration from the very first imported records, and especially from listening intensely to the musical programmes broadcast over short-wave radio – BBC *First*. A prolific composer and arranger, he was constantly mindful of formalising and integrating Ethiopian parameters (specific “musical modes”, pentatonic scale, and the dominance of ternary rhythms) into his “modernisation” of the musical culture, rather than trying to over-westernise it. It even seems very probable that *Moussié* Nerses made a decisive contribution to the development of tighter music-teaching methods, in order to revitalise musical education during this period of prodigious cultural ferment. Flying in the face of all the historiographical and musicological evidence, it is taken as sacrosanct dogma that the four musical modes or chords officially recognised today, the *qǝñǝt* or *qiñit* (ቅኝት), are every bit as millennial as Ethiopia itself. It would appear however that some streamlining of these chords actually took place in around 1960. It was only from this time onward that music teaching was structured around these four fundamental musical modes and chords: *Ambassel*, *Bati*, *Tezeta* and *Antchi Hoyé*. A historical and musical “details” that is, apparently, difficult to swallow, especially if that should honour a *foreigner*. Modern Ethiopian music has Nersès to thank for many of its standards and, to this day, it is not unusual for the National Radio to broadcast thunderous oldies that bear unmistakable traces of his outrageously groovy touch.

For the second instalment of the Curio Cabinet gourmet-dub series, we bring you two fat slices of steppers’ delight, straight from the southern city of Toulouse.

Both are made by Stefan Dubs under the guiding light of his live project, Sòn Du Maquis. This project has deep roots in the free rave, micro-festival, and dub & sound system culture of his country. It’s also the name of his own label, home to his dub-infested productions; ranging from slo-mo jungle to droney steppers and blown-out trip-hop on a slightly medieval tip.

Staying true to classic sound system tradition, each side pairs the original cut with its own version.

First there is Tolosan Dub, a trancey bass meditation colossus with deep synth work moving around in the trees. Some early nineties UK digidub vibes are surely mashing up the dance here. The version workout slows things down a bit, taking you even deeper into the riddim... strictly warrior style !

On the B-side we've got Bonnefoï Dub, which is pure bass-bin filth with a rootsy harmonica touch and a raw clubby feel. This tune just screams to be played out loud on a proper sound system. The version is certified dance-floor gold, yet there are enough dubbed-out flavours going on for intimate headphone sessions or some mad home skanking.

(LP, purple cristallo vinyl, continuous mix) Legendary Belgian artist Push returns with a truly special project: an 18-track mini album, presented both on CD digipack and a special vinyl edition in a limited color, where every track connects into a seamless journey.

Each vinyl side plays as one continuous mix and so does the CD, a flowing soundtrack that guides you through deep, cinematic ambient electronica worlds.
Evolving strings, delicate rhythms, and immersive atmospheric layers blend into each other without interruption, creating a unified listening experience that feels more like a film score than a traditional album.
This is Push as you’ve never heard him before — pure emotion, timeless movement, and a full ambient chill out trip for the mind.

(Grey & Black Splatter effect 12’’ vinyl) Supported by leading artists such as Charlotte de Witte, Mha Iri, Amelie Lens, Klaudia Gawlas, Thomas Schumacher and more. Vibes Addikt, the label of N.O.B.A proudly unveils its latest vinyl release: a full-power EP from French producer Sta’an.

After previously appearing on the imprint, Sta’an returns with his first complete EP on Vibes Addikt, this time delivering a fully immersive project pressed on a grey splattered vinyl, echoing the aesthetic of the label’s previous collectors’ editions.

With five striking tracks oscillating between techno and hard trance, Sta’an showcases his signature intensity: driving kicks, razor-sharp synths, hypnotic atmospheres and high-voltage energy built for peak-time moments. Each track channels a raw yet modern rave spirit, perfectly aligned with the identity of Vibes Addikt.

With this explosive release, the label continues to push its techno-trance hybrid forward, cementing its place among the most impactful underground platforms for DJs seeking pure, cutting-edge dancefloor power.

"Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus (Music From The Motion Picture)". Purple + Black & White Splatter Vinyl. Der Einstieg in die Musik von Q Lazzarus erfolgte für fast alle über "Goodbye Horses". Der Song tauchte erstmals 1988 in Jonathan Demmes "Married to the Mob" auf, aber er sollte sich erst dann vollständig im Bewusstsein der Menschen verankern, als er 1991 in Demmes "The Silence of the Lambs" wieder auftauchte. "Goodbye Horses" fühlte sich an wie ein in sich geschlossenes Universum - traumhaft und völlig ungewöhnlich, ein sofortiger Klassiker, der die Zuhörer fesselte und neugierig auf die geheimnisvolle Stimme dahinter machte. Diese Stimme gehörte Diane Luckey, einer einzigartig talentierten Künstlerin, deren Musik ihrer Zeit voraus war und die letztlich zu Lebzeiten weitgehend unerkannt bleiben sollte. In Verbindung mit der Veröffentlichung des Dokumentarfilms "Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus" von Aridjis Fuentes veröffentlicht Sacred Bones eine Sammlung von Songs, die die gesamte Karriere von Q abdecken und die verschiedenen Epochen ihres Schaffens und die ganze Bandbreite ihrer Persönlichkeit zeigen. "Goodbye Horses" ist die erste Musiksammlung, die den Segen von Qs verbliebener Familie erhalten hat, und hat die Besonderheit, ihre erste und einzige Albumveröffentlichung in voller Länge zu sein. Aufgenommen zwischen 1985 und 1995, spiegelt diese Fundgrube bisher unveröffentlichter Musik einige der interessantesten Facetten der Popmusik der letzten vier Jahrzehnte auf eine Weise wider, die sowohl versiert als auch wild eklektisch wirkt. Das titelgebende "Goodbye Horses" bleibt ein einzigartiges Stück gespenstischer New-Wave-Perfektion, und man könnte sich ein ganzes Q-Lazzarus-Album vorstellen, das sich um diese Ästhetik dreht, aber ähnlich den Gesangsikonen Alison Moyet, Annie Lennox oder Lisa Gerrard eignet sich Qs chamäleonhafte Stimme perfekt für eine Vielzahl von Stilen und Settings. Ihre Coverversion von Talking aHeads' "Heaven" verwandelt den Song in eine aus voller Kehle gesungene Power-Ballade mit klimpernden Klavierverzierungen, während ihre Interpretation von Gershwins "Summertime" wie eine dubbige Club-Reduktion klingt, die zu einem Grace Jones Stück der Nightclubbing-Ära hätte passen können. Tracks wie "My Mistake" und "Hellfire" flirten mit House-Musik und zeigen, wie frech und glockig Qs Stimme sein kann, wenn sie sich richtig austobt, während "Don't Let Go" wie eine bombastische Radiosingle klingt, die Cher vor einigen Jahrzehnten hätte veröffentlichen können. Andere Songs wie "Bang Bang" und "I See Your Eyes" sind von einer gitarrenbetonten Alt-Rock-Sensibilität, die in einem Paralleluniversum auch auf MTVs 120 Minutes Show hätte laufen können. "Goodbye Horses" verkörpert das Potenzial für so viele verschiedene Arten von Karrieren, die, aus welchen Gründen auch immer, nie vollständig verwirklicht wurden. Dass wir jetzt diese Songs in der Welt haben und ein klareres Bild von der Person dahinter, ist nichts weniger als ein Segen.

Mit World of Trance Vol. 2 erscheint die nächste farbige Limited Edition, kuratiert von Talla 2XLC und gefüllt mit zehn sorgfältig ausgewählten Trance-Hymnen. Die Vinyl präsentiert alle Titel in ihren Original- bzw. Radio-Mixen, während die beiliegende CD sämtliche Tracks in den kraftvollen Extended Versions enthält.

Side A bietet melodische Höhepunkte wie Talla 2XLCs „Bliss“, XiJaro & Pitchs episches „Sic Parvis Magna“, das energiegeladene „Free“ von Ultra, Talla 2XLC & Para X, gefolgt von „Tales Of The Truth“ von York, Fawzy & Winterborn sowie DJ Eternitys atmosphärischem „Atmosphere“.

Side B entfacht weitere Trance-Power mit Tallas „No Fate“ (Zyrus 7 Mix), dem antreibenden „Double Down“ von Woody van Eyden & James Cottle, dem intensiven Zyrus 7 Remix von „Illusion“, dem beeindruckenden „Perplexagon Part 3“ im Daniel-Kandi-Remix sowie dem emotionalen Abschluss „Spirit“ von Talla 2XLC & Ralphie B.

Ein hochwertiges Sammlerstück voller Melodie, Energie und Emotion – World of Trance Vol. 2 ist pures Gold für jeden Trance-Fan.

World of Trance Vol. 2 is the next colourful limited edition, curated by Talla 2XLC and filled with ten carefully selected trance anthems. The vinyl presents all tracks in their original or radio mixes, while the accompanying CD contains all tracks in powerful extended versions.

Side A offers melodic highlights such as Talla 2XLC‘s ‘Bliss’, XiJaro & Pitch‘s epic ‘Sic Parvis Magna’, the energetic “Free” by Ultra, Talla 2XLC & Para X, followed by ‘Tales Of The Truth’ by York, Fawzy & Winterborn and DJ Eternity‘s atmospheric ‘Atmosphere’.

Side B unleashes more trance power with Talla‘s ‘No Fate’ (Zyrus 7 Mix), the driving ‘Double Down’ by Woody van Eyden & James Cottle, the intense Zyrus 7 remix of “Illusion”, the impressive ‘Perplexagon Part 3’ in the Daniel Kandi remix, and the emotional finale ‘Spirit’ by Talla 2XLC & Ralphie B.

A high-quality collector‘s item full of melody, energy and emotion – World of Trance Vol. 2 is pure gold for every trance fan.

A year after her rebirth on the 2.0 EP, Maedon returns to her Rant & Rave imprint with the intentions of her previous release now distilled and focused into bold new forms. Whereas before the artist was transitioning from her earlier work towards new directions, Matter & Form arrives as an extended concept piece featuring four variations on a bracing, developed sound, an equally impressive remix from Lady Starlight, and a contrasting mix of the opening track. Where 2.0 charted emergence, 'Entelechy I-IV' unites to actualize this potential into a single-minded purpose behind fundamental principles.

Immediately launching into territory her last release only hinted at, 'Entelechy I' is a showcase for her now-mature approach. Her rhythmic dexterity and groove focus remains, with drum programs subtly evolving phrase by phrase, but they now form the basis for layered, complex compositions in a decidedly contemporary vein. 'Entelechy II' shifts focus towards the arrangement while keeping its drums steadily driving, drawing attention to details in its densely designed sounds through deliberate, gradual processing. Relaxing the tempo slightly, 'Entelechy III' fills in the extra space with more dark atmospherics and finely detailed soundscapes, finding a heavy medium between dark ambience and hammering techno. Another deeper effort, 'Entelechy IV' counterbalances insistent, finely-tooled percussive bleeps and equally persistent bass figures against another sweeping bass pulse, at times breaking down into carefully-controlled atonal aggression. Lady Starlight's remix is skeletal in comparison, deploying its parts sequentially over ticker hi hats and a massive kick while using small shifts to incrementally build tension. 'Entelechy I (Bent Mix)' is more accurately described as hellbent, stripping out the original's harmonic elements to grind the heavy rhythmic workout against an unrelenting acid line.

2025 Repress

Chris Stussy makes his long-awaited FUSE debut as he drops the heavily-requested ‘Midtown Playground’, with Huerta joining on remix duties.

It’s rare for an artist to command such intrigue and interest across every single release they line up. Yet, the captivating global gaze around Chris Stussy seems to be snowballing with every unreleased production teased in his ever-impressing sets. Now undeniably one of the scene’s most in-demand names, the humble and hardworking Dutchman has been letting the music do the talking over recent years, with his Up The Stuss project welcoming a new musical focus and providing a platform for him to grow and evolve into an artist at the very top of his game. Not letting up, the surging DJ/producer and label boss now adds another label debut to his catalogue as Enzo Siragusa invites him to his iconic FUSE imprint for the very first time, bringing the release of one of his most requested tracks to date, ‘Midtown Playground’ - with LA-born, Berlin-based DJ, producer and Leisure boss Huerta also making his first appearance on the remix.

From the instantly recognisable synths and lead melody to the skipping percussion and rumbling core bassline, ‘Midtown Playground’ perfectly showcases the sound that Stussy is quickly making his own. The same can be said for ‘From The Delicate Mist Of Morning’, a more subtle but hypnotic offering, while ‘Blueprint’, another unreleased stand-out, offers that commanding yet playful groove he’s become so known and loved for. Delivering his flip of ‘From The Delicate Mist Of Morning’, Huerta dives into a deep, colourful and breezy journey through cosmic spheres, while digital purchasers can enjoy a bonus cut in ‘Mythical Power’ - a warping, jacking and menacing effort built for bustling late hours dancefloors.

Japanese crossover and fusion are hot again now. As either an outgrowth of, or a spin-off phenomenon from, the global reappraisal of city pop,
Japanese fusion has been rapidly rising since around last year.
This was the second release on AURA, the band’s own label established under Polydor, and their 13th studio album overall.
Because they had continued recording overseas for some time, they chose not to bring in guest musicians for this album, instead settling into their
home base at STUDIO JIVE and creating it solely with the band members.
As a result, the album offers a fresh and lively sound that returns to the group’s roots.
Alongside the live staple "SUPER SONIC MOVEMENT," it is also packed with new attempts, including the Japanese-flavored "Old Times," the technodriven big band-style jazz track "SOLID SWING," and the high-speed Latin funk number "RED ZONE."
This also became the final CASIOPEA album for the duo of Tetsuo Sakurai and Akira Jimbo.

Repress!

Belgian tastemaker Charlotte de Witte returns to her own KNTXT to serve up the well regarded label's seventh EP. Rave On Time is about reminding us of the joys of being lost on the dance floor and is another hard hitting EP filled with her distinctive techno energy.

Charlotte is at the centre of her own musical movement, with a hard hitting, no frills style. Her powerful grooves, whether solo or in collaboration with the likes of Chris Liebing, come laced with ambient and synth beauty. She has mesmerised crowds all over the world as well as at her own special KNTXT events, and has been as creative as ever during lockdown, as this new EP shows.

Says the artist herself of this latest offering, "Rave On Time. Three words that probably have never been more relevant. In a time where raving feels like a distant memory, it seems increasingly important to bring music back in our lives, in reverse. Let's not forget where we came from and let's not lose hope. We'll be together again soon. Rave On Time."

Opener Rave On Time is built on hammering, distorted kicks that bend you to their whim. Freaky vocals and monstrous hits add extra pressure and ensure you stay locked before shooting laser synths and retro hoover sounds bring the rave. There's No One Left To Trust keeps up the energy with scintillating synths rattling over rock solid drum programming that never lets up. The World Inside is brain frying material, with serrated synths firing out and growing ever more acid as the groove pounds on. Common Era is brilliant hands in the air acid-trance-techno that froths with energy and flashing strobes. Finally, vinyl only track 'Wahr Ist Sie Dann’ is a distorted, brain melting techno workout with brutalist kicks and vast walls of synths that are hugely powerful.

As ever from de Witte, this is pure, unadulterated club music that makes a gargantuan impact.

A cult artifact from the dawn of German techno returns. Cyber Space Tracks Vol. 3 – The Quadrant EP by Jack U. Rebels is a raw, deep dive into the early ‘90s underground.

Originally pressed in 1992 on the seminal techno label Timeplan, this EP has long been a coveted gem among techno purists and collectors. Jack U. Rebels —an alias of key players from the German rave movement—channeled the spirit of rebellion and freedom into a sound that was both cerebral and physical. From hypnotic synth lines to cavernous, dubbed-out drum workouts, The Quadrant EP captures a formative moment in techno history—when genre lines blurred and the rave was still wild.

Lovingly remastered and faithfully reissued, this edition brings back the original energy while giving the tracks the sonic space they always deserved.

Coming From... Returning To... proudly presents this essential reissue— returning it to turntables where it belongs.

Arepas Records follows up its debut serving with a second course of flavoursome house music: “Ceylon Treats EP” by Erwin. True to the Arepas concept of combining dancefloor functionality with culinary storytelling, “Ceylon Treats EP” is all about mood, texture and pacing rather than obvious peaks. Erwin’s production leans on warm basslines, rolling drum programming and hazy chords, spiced with percussive details and small melodic phrases that flicker through the mix like passing smells from an open kitchen. Some moments are cosy and intimate, others are more driving and hypnotic, but everything is tied together by a deep, inviting groove that works from warm-up to after-hours. AREPAS002 feels like a natural evolution of the label’s first chapter: still deep, still soulful, still obsessed with flavour, just with a new recipe and different ingredients. House, deep house, dub house and tech house come together in one coherent, story-driven EP that rounds off the flow of a day, night or early morning like a carefully prepared dessert course. No skips, no fillers. Just pure flavour. Beats & treats.

Hamburg’s very own Madison returns to his home base wanted BEATZ with a stripped-back, floor-driven 4-tracker that keeps things raw, warm and strictly about the groove. Get 2gether is pressed on 140g wax and built for dark basements, low ceilings and sweat on the walls, no gimmicks, just rolling tech house for DJs who still like to work the mixer.
WBZ024 – “Get 2gether” is Madison in pure DJ mode: four functional, characterful tracks that slide into any proper tech house or stripped techno set and stay there for a long time.

The legacy of wipE′out′′ has transcended time and cemented itself as a true transgenerational phenomenon. Launched in 1995, it didn’t just revolutionise the gaming industry, it created a bridge between the gaming ecosystem and the raver community. Its futuristic aesthetics and forward-thinking sound left a mark not only on mainstream audiences but also on the most demanding corners of the underground.

Decades later, the game’s impact is still alive. The release in 2023 of The Zero Gravity Soundtrack on Lapsus Records proved once again that wipE′out′′’s accompanying audio will go down in history as much more than just an anti-gravity racing game soundtrack.

This is why we decided to go deeper into the slipstream and build the second volume you’re now holding in your hands. Drawn from the original archives of Tim Wright, aka CoLD SToRAGE, this new collection surfaces unreleased cuts, pieces that couldn’t fit on the first edition, and a suite of self-authored ambient reworks that translate pure velocity into wide-screen atmospherics engineered for the long straights, the drone of airbrakes, the blue hour between checkpoints. It also reconnects the circuit, gathering selections and variants tied to later chapters of the saga — wipE′out′′ HD and wipE′out′′ Pure — plus alternative mixes that, until now, only existed in the Sega Saturn dimension of the franchise.

Finally, the material takes a leap into the future in the hands of four remixers especially chosen for this release: Tim Reaper, SHERELLE, Mantra, and NikNak, who collectively forge links between CoLD SToRAGE’s pioneering musical vision, the sound world of the game, and the contemporary breakbeats and drum & bass vanguard.

Expect the DNA you remember — accelerated breaks, trance-vector synths, jungle influences, sub-bass rumbling neatly beneath the craft’s hull, and at times even echoes of classic hardstyle — now revealed with new angles and air. The previously unheard material carries the same aerodynamic design sense that made these tracks feel faster than the track map itself, while the ambient versions open the field of view with melodies hovering at the lip of overdrive. Without a doubt, here you’ll find a strong sense of nostalgia. But this isn’t just nostalgia; it’s also proof that this sound world continues to evolve when you ease off the throttle.

For the faithful — crate-digging ravers, speed-run obsessives, and design nerds — this is an essential expansion pack: compiling rarities, restoring context, and reframing the emotional core of wipE′out′′ for late nights and early mornings alike. Bridging memory and momentum, club and console, rush and afterglow. Strap in.

Detailed tracklist, with annotations by Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE

· Scratch Pad 1: “This track was composed using incomplete tracks that were developed around the time of the first wipE′out′′. It’s so long because it was used for a marathon-length Psygnosis promotional video.”

· Messij Received: “Messij was a firm favourite with wipE′out′′ fans, so it made sense that there’d be more where that came from — this was one of those re-workings.”

· God’s Gift: “I was always very fond of Erasure’s track Love to Hate You with the canned crowd FX sounds. God’s Gift was a tongue-in-cheek reference to how some musicians think they are just that. This was way before I even played live as CoLD SToRAGE.”

· Tentative: “I wasn’t sure about introducing some wacky beats and distorted sounds into one of the tracks, because it was kinda heading away from the other tracks, hence Tentative — but it turned out OK.”

· Canada 2048: “When wipE′out′′ 2048 was launched I decided to re-make Canada as a kind of tribute, but in a slightly new-tech, laid-back way, using Propellerhead Reason and all software synths.”

· Wiped Out: “Based on a few riffs from a MIDI file unused at the time of the original wipE′out′′ game compositions, this featured on my debut album MELT.”

· Body in Motion (Body Plus Mix): “A more trippy interpretation of Body in Motion that featured on non PlayStation versions of the game e.g. Sega Saturn.”

· Onyx (“Dark Side of the Moon”): “Onyx was my sole contribution to wipE′out′′ Pure on the Sony PSP handheld gaming console. This version was something I developed in a darker style, that eventually erupts into a crescendo.”

· Messij Received (WSTWGBE Mix): “Like I say, Messij was a hit with most wipE′out′′ fans, so when I was asked to compose more music for non-PlayStation versions, I adapted this tune into a parallel-universe version for PC and Sega Saturn. By the way, WSTWGBE refers to Who Said This Was Going To Be Easy?”

· Canada (Drunken Ausländer Mix): “In early 2018 I released a fresh album called Ch'illout′′, a re-working of many of my wipE′out′′ tracks in an ambient, Sunday-morning vibe style — it was a few years’ work, here and there.”

· Tentative (Woffenfum Mix): “Another chilled re-working of one of my wipE′out′′ tracks, the mix named with a nod to a good friend of mine, Carl Woffenden — someone who I've worked with for many years in the games industry.”

· Messij (Bobbing Boat Mix): “A nice cheesy computer blip-blop start belies its deep and upbeat chilled-out melodic finale.”

· Body in Motion (Timeless Techno Mix): “Another classic track given the chilled-out vibe mix, as featured originally on my Ch'illout′′ album. This one’s a really trippy, deep-space take on the original.”

· DOH-T (AM / FM Mix): “The idea with this chilled-out mix was to imagine all the melodic parts of this varied track being broadcast on terrestrial radio, so each theme drifts in and out through the radio static.”

· ’95 Future Echoes: “Originally developed as a companion album for wipE′out′′ HD, this track actually has its roots in a tiny loop of a song that never progressed to anything special back in the mid-’90s when I was composing for the original game.”

· Turbine: “Also from my wipE′out′′ HD album, it leans heavily into the upbeat, uplifting tunes from the original game, but also steals a bit of vibe and energy from The Prodigy, with those distorted flute sounds.”

· Pencil Neck: “This excerpt from my wipE′out′′ HD album features lots of sounds centre-stage and forward from Propellerhead Reason’s Subtractor virtual synth. I learned to love this more than my JD-800!”

· Messij 2005 (New Science Mix): “Yet another take on the track that still raises a smile, this time through a mix of samples from the original and Propellerhead Reason — the ‘new science’ when compared to an Amiga 1200 running Bars and Pipes.”

Influences and inspirations come from far and wide. Sometimes they can be household names or pioneers. Other times, they can be lesser-known outfits; less known, but no less influential. Futuro belong to the latter category for Italo Moderni.

Javier and Raúl are two Spanish synthesizer sorcerers who are steeped in the traditions of italo disco and the analogue sounds of the 1980s. While Italo Moderni was still in its infancy, Futuro were a shining light with a young upstart by the name of Adrian Marth even making videos for their tracks. From these beginnings, a mutual respect and friendship developed. Now, the circle is complete with the six tracks making their way onto Accidenti; an EP that marks Futuro’s debut on Italo Moderni.

The collection showcases the breadth of Futuro’s sound. With all instrumentation played through classic analogue machines, the six works journey through neon-streaked city nights, deep uncharted jungle and sun-kissed beaches. Drawing on the music of Rimini, silver screen soundtracks and arcade innocence, this is an EP that remembers and reimagines the 1980s. Intent is immediately set, with the tense and textured “L’assalto” delivering movie score synth stabs alongside crisp percussion. “Matador” is pure elegance, panpipe playfulness countered by glacial refrains and shimmering key shifts. “Iguazu” transports the listener to the wildlife and wilderness of the Amazon; cascading chords glisten as the canopy sings. Futuro takes to the skies with the sonorous swoops of “Il sogno dell’aviatore” before the lovelorn landing of “Fantasma d’amore”, a sumptuous synthesizer serenade of unrequited romance. To close, we’re firmly on the ground for “Sotto le stelle.” Under these sparkling stars, glimmering notes glow with warmth in a finale fitting for such an EP.

And, it is fitting to finally have Futuro on Italo Moderni. A group that has inspired and will continue to do so well into the future. An accidental discovery, mutual respect and a partnership rooted in a love of synthesizers has brought Accidenti into being.

For heads who like it dark, detailed, and dialed-in. Stephan Hinz steps up on Odd Even with a deep and driving techno cut that hits straight where it counts. Four tracks soaked in tension, groove, and atmosphere — no filler, just pure dancefloor intent.
Andre Kronert brings the heat on the remix, turning Everything Is Illuminated into a stripped-down, rolling beast.

From Nail’s gritty groove to Grant & Finnoh’s deep bounce, Varhat’s hypnotic swing and Funksonik’s spaced-out funk — this VA delivers timeless club pressure. Remixes by Brawther and Daniel Paul round things off with pure class. Raw, driving, and soaked in soul — house music at its finest.

On “Cold Sweat,” James Brown famously called to “give the drummer some.” In 1974, Philadelphia vibraphonist Khan Jamal called to Give the Vibes Some, with superb results. Pianist and composer Jef Gilson’s PALM label gave Jamal the platform he needed to deliver a thorough exploration of contemporary vibraphone. After launching PALM in 1973, Gilson quickly demonstrated that he would only produce records not found anywhere else. Give the Vibes Some, PALM number 10, was another confirmation of this guiding principle.

Raised and based in Philadelphia, Khan Jamal took up the vibes in 1968, after two years in the army during which he was stationed in France and Germany. Decisively drawn to the instrument by the work of the Modern Jazz Quartet’s Milt Jackson, Jamal studied under Philadelphia vibraphone legend Bill Lewis and soon made his debuts in the local underground.

Early in 1972, Jamal made his first recording, with the Sounds of Liberation. The band attempted an original fusion of conga-heavy grooves with avant-garde jazz soloing. Saxophonist Byard Lancaster, an important figure in Jamal’s development, contributed much of the solo work. Later in 1972, Jamal made his leader debut with Drum Dance to the Motherland, a reverb-drenched, never-to-be-replicated experiment with live sound processing. Both albums appeared on the tiny musician-run Dogtown label.

“We couldn’t get no play from nowhere. No gigs or recording sessions or anything. So I took off for Paris,” Jamal recalled in a Cadence interview with Ken Weiss. “Within a few weeks, I had a few articles and I did a record date. It didn’t make me feel good about America.” That was in 1974, while Byard Lancaster was recording the music gathered on Souffle Continu’s recent The Complete PALM Recordings, 1973-1974.

Jamal’s record date delivered Give the Vibes Some. At its core, it was an exploratory solo vibraphone album, even if two tracks added (through technological resourcefulness?) a très célèbre French drummer very much into Elvin Jones appearing under pseudonym for contractual reasons. Another track, for which Jamal switched to the vibes’s wooden ancestor, the marimba, added young Texan trumpeter Clint Jackson III. The most notable article published on Jamal during this stay in France was a Jazz Magazine interview. Jamal’s last word there were “The Creator has a master plan/drum dance to the motherland.” “Give the vibes some” could be added to this programmatic statement.

Portuguese powerhouse Ka§par joins the Snuff Trax family!

With the »Catch 22« EP, he delivers three precisely crafted club tracks bursting with energy and soul. Stripped-back, razor-sharp grooves intertwine with raw, preacher-style vocals, lush pads, and fierce basslines — a hypnotic blend designed to move both body and mind.

As a special treat, 2Jack4U turn up the heat with their psychedelic acid remix that pushes the EP into full-blown dancefloor ecstasy.

»Catch 22«: Pure dancefloor alchemy, straight from Lisbon on Snuff Trax.

SPTLP007 - ASC - Vanishing Point LP

Evolving further with each release, ASC delivers his latest monumental album on Spatial, a varied and memorable journey through stunningly realised fusion of modern and classic atmospheric breakbeats.

A1 - Mystic Street

Setting a murky tone with light cymbals and synthwork flecking the intro, Mystic Street calmly purrs and growls towards a drop of analogue kicks and a sparse, menacing drum pattern to kick off this incredible album. Enveloped by a dense cloud of darkly atmospherics, the track coils with tension, each element rippling through the mix like distant memories as the suitably enigmatic bassline rumbles beneath.

A2 - Convergence

Straight into the beats with a DJ-friendly two step intro, ASC utilises sparse, sci-fi hits and persistent danceable breakbeats with a melodic bassline. As the atmosphere builds, percussive tones punctuate the swirling pads, creating a luscious sense of forward motion with echoing samples and effects combining in the mix to create a dreamlike soundscape perfect for the dancefloor and headphones alike.

B1 - Invisible Borders

No ASC album would be complete without an amen workout, and we certainly have that here as Invisible Borders rushes into view with simmering intent, melodic samples tore from battlegrounds of yesteryear providing a truly epic atmosphere, rippling breakbeat trickery teasing the listener before crushing full contact amens arrive with panache and veracity - twisted across yearning bass with an unflinching fighting spirit.

B2 - Celestial Bodies

Up next a moment of calm as we soak up the charms of the dreamlike Celestial Bodies, a soothing journey of beats, breaks and atmosphere from Spatial's label head. Melodic notes ripple across the mix with old school breaks filtering to and fro, conjuring images of a cosmic journey unfolding, where old school breakbeat rhythms pulse like distant constellations, echoes shimmering in the vast expanse of ASC's versatility.

C1 - Losing Track Of Time

Into an absolute stunner next as ASC unleashes a modern classic which has a wonderfully instant familiarity to it - like it was lifted directly from the golden era of atmospheric drum & bass. The old school breaks have a distinctive feel while a variety of pads teaming with life swirl around above. A myriad of spirited melodies develop and maintain your attention with classic 808 basslines to complete this remarkable composition.

C2 - Slipstream

Switching up the vibe in style, ASC delivers an intense, cosmic intro to Slipstream which builds gradually with whooshing effects and long female vocals before a crisp, crunchy slice of Hot Pants breakbeat heaven tears through the mix, chock-full of excitable edits portrayed in a brilliant clarity. Warm sub bass punctuates the track while a reverberating earworm melody slowly etches itself into your mind.

D1 - Paradigm Shift

A good old fashioned roller up next as Paradigm Shift sees ASC blend a superb 2-step rhythm with a sumptuous smooth bassline - guaranteed to move the dancefloor. Atmospherics take no back seat either as elegant synthwork swirls and washes across the soundscape with subtly used vocal samples adding texture and warmth to an impressively layered mix that maintains its pace right through to an echoing conclusion.

D2 - Transmitter

Sending us back to interstellar space for an inspired mission through vast unexplored star systems, Transmitter sees ASC create a stunningly evocative, ethereal collage of atmospherics with sonar-like beeps punctuating and persisting throughout. Driving the track along are the superbly programmed drums, filtered and layered with twisted, distorted vocal samples to complete this exhilarating album in pure Spatial style.