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fabric Records to announce the highly anticipated release of *fabric presents Confidence Man*, set to drop on 23rd August 2024. The mix features Confidence Man’s innovative sound and includes two exclusive tracks from the band, alongside new music from renowned artists Joe Goddard, Joshua James, and Mona Yim.

Confidence Man, celebrated for their infectious energy and distinctive style, bring their unique flair to this mix, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of dance music. The exclusive tracks, “BREAK IT DOWN (ON THE BASSLINE)” and “Let Them Bells Ring,” showcase the band's signature blend of high energy and catchy grooves, promising to be instant dancefloor favorites.

Complementing Confidence Man’s contributions are cutting-edge tracks from Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard, whose production mastery continues to redefine electronic music. Joshua James, known for his deep house and techno expertise, delivers a track that captures his club-ready sound. Mona Yim adds her ethereal touch with a fresh composition that embodies her innovative approach to electronic music.

fabric presents Confidence Man* stands as a testament to fabric Records’ commitment to curating pioneering music that pushes the boundaries of the genre. This release not only highlights the versatile talent of Confidence Man but also features some of the most exciting contemporary artists in the electronic scene.

The album will be available for digital download and streaming across all major platforms on 23d August 2024.

Make The Ting is a project born out of my writing on creativity that lives online as post it style notes known as the ‘Yellow Squares’ found across Instagram and Twitter. The first square was posted on July 31st 2021, as covid-19 restrictions were lifting in the UK and I was thinking about what the music scenes and wider creative communities are after 18 months of lockdown. The idea’s developed into lectures presenting them in real life, but the platform felt right to explore my own creativity more broadly to challenge my own ideas in real time. My history as a DJ, Label Owner and Promoter in the Grime scene wasn’t at the forefront of these ideas, but I wanted to reconnect back to the ecosystem that inspired and gave me a creative career in the first place. Blay Vision’s ‘Cammy Riddim’ in the summer of 2022 inspired an idea to translate the ideas in the squares into song form. I approached Grime MC Jammz about the idea, and the first song ‘Yellow Square’ was done with the core principles that I had written about so far. 6 months passed, and while on a Muay Thai retreat in Thailand in February 2023 I thought about expanding the musical side of the Yellow Squares further. I text Jammz about turning this idea into an album, that we make as quickly as possible using my writing as a guide, and his voice and creativity to turn them into songs. We gave ourselves two weeks, set up a shared notes in iPhone did two zoom meetings, one phone call, exchanged messages on iMessage and he wrote 7 songs in a week, then recorded them all in one day at Ten 87 Studios in Tottenham, London. Jammz wrote all of the songs to one of his own beats, then we selected the final instrumentals we liked that we thought fit the ideas from both our camps the day before recording. The speed forced our hands creatively and it would have been a completely different project if we worked on it for months. Time is the creative director. Albums don’t have to be blockbuster projects with big budgets and huge campaigns behind them. Albums are just collections of ideas. Removing the pressure of trying to make a perfect one meant it got done and released with the least stress possible. Even the business of the album took 5 mins to handle. An equal revenue split on each song between me, Jammz, and the producer. Everyone gets paid quarterly into their own account automatically by our distributor. On announcement of the album in March 2023, we released the acapellas, for people to do their own versions, before most of the original songs had been heard by anyone. We encouraged people to Remix The Ting, and I did custom artwork for everyone that sent me a complete remix before the album came out on the 30th June 2023. The front covers are drawn individually by me. I wanted to make the record an extension of what I do with the yellow squares themselves and capture the energy of where my head is at in 2023. If it’s blank, it’s space for you to draw your own yellow square. Maybe what you think about the album, what it’s inspired for you, or just a snapshot of where your creative brain is at on the day you are picking up this record. This could be the first of many albums, this could be a one off. Nobody knows what is going to happen next. It all may make sense in the end – Elijah

Next up on _NRV we have Alexis Cabrera, an artist who defies genre boundaries, and showcases his musical diversity. Each track on the EP is a testament to his innovative spirit and unique style. He takes us on a sonic journey that is both familiar and groundbreaking, transcending typical genre constraints.

UFO Space presents “Clod Soul,” an EP masterfully blending House, Techno, and Break Beats.

This record is a pure injection of energy. Each track envelops you with powerful rhythms, dynamic textures, and hypnotic vocals, showcasing the artist’s true identity: versatility. “Clod Soul” offers a variety of soundscapes in different styles, but always with the same focus: rock the dance floor. A must-have for any DJ looking to make their mark.

2024 Repress

Mariah was a Japanese outfit in the field of art pop, way back in the very late 70s and early 80s with 5 albums up their score from 1980 to 1983. The album from 1979 entitled as “Mariah” was actually made before the band Mariah was formed, and was released as a solo album by Yasuaki Shimizu. The album at hand is the fifth and for the time being last album in this row, released as a double vinyl back in 1983. Original copies, that are at least in very good condition, are hard to find. The brand new reissue on Everland, unlike the original and the first vinyl reissue from 2015, comes housed in a thick and artfully designed gatefold sleeve with OBI, which finally does justice to the progressive spirit of the music you will find here.

The musical basement of Utakata No Hibi is a fusion of dreamy synthesizer pop and haunting new wave music, that could be found all around the globe back in 1983. In the vein of TEARS FOR FEARS or more adventurous DAVID BOWIE stuff, with a touch of KRAFTWERK or even BRIAN ENO here and there, but all this gets spiced up with an atmosphere of Japanese traditionalism, with a few bits and pieces from the old music from this Far East island, which sounds so magic to us Westeners. The progressive, wacky art pop of this project was led by the popular Japanese composer and musician Yasuaki Shimizu, a relentlessly exploratory saxophonist who even dared to rework Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites for saxophone.

As brilliant as this man is, the music on „Utakata No Hibi“ turns out to be. And the master himself approved and much appreciated the brandnew remastering of this album by assisting a highly professional team of sound engineers who dusted off the ancient tape reels. For certain the record sounds and feels 80s through and through, electronic to the very rhythmical bone of each song sugar coated with catchy melodies that resemble Japanese classic and Enka music, which is a kind of folksy pop music. The listener gets directly drawn into a feverish dream of steaming Far Eastern cities and their darkest and most depraved corners where you find everything cheap in sleazy bars and unlighted backyards and alleys. The next moment he strolls through a beautiful Japanese park surrounded by a sea of blossoms. This change in mood and style you will experience in the sparsely instrumented tune „Shisen“, which indeed comes closest to classic Japanese folk tunes without any too catchy and pop oriented melodies. But we certainly find these harmonies allover the album. Some tunes even feel like ancient BEACH BOYS compositions and Brian Wilson creations played by a then contemporary electronic pop act and sung in Japanese.

An amazingly colorful album with songs that are based on solid substance rather than cheap pop structures. This is music for the bold listeners and music lovers and this awesome reissue should quickly find it’s way into the record collections of 80s synth and art pop aficionadoes.

Yasuaki Shimizu did what he wanted with MARIAH, pushed the borders of popular music further than anybody would have thought. Listen to a track like „Shonen“ with a repetitive rhythm pattern that hypnotizes you and somehow silky melodylines by saxophone and synth piano upon which a female voice sings in a very spiritual way. Praising pop or whatever this can be called, it is sheer magic put in music. I wonder if this would have made it into the charts back then, but you never know. It is a piece of musical art that shall be listened to.

ETC Records proudly presents the official follow-up to RADIUS’ highly acclaimed limited 7”, Infinite Roots Vol.1. Chicago-born worldwide documentarian & respected producer/performer, RADIUS unveils Infinite Roots Vol.2, produced and recorded from 2015 to 2023. This volume showcases his diverse range of styles: Chicago Jazz roots, bboy/hip hop & house music lineage, Detroit techno connections, dub/Rastafari dissporic expansions, and cinematic soundscapes.

Infinite Roots Vol.2 features heavy hitters from RADIUS’ previous digital only releases, live performances, dance competitions, and unreleased gems. Created within Brooklyn where he was based early pandemic time, as well as throughout Mexico, Detroit, Barcelona, Berlin, Rotterdam, and of course Chicago. These diasporic roots run deep and are a reflection of everything: as above so below, as within so without, infinite. The sounds are meant to be Banged loud and proud!

2024 Repress

Ferdinger returns to his own label with an eagerly anticipated 8th vinyl release, an EP titled "Second Nature." This captivating EP features two original tracks from Ferdinger himself, as well as two remarkable collaborations with renowned artists Introversion and JakoJako, who shouldn't require any introduction.

The EP begins with the collaborative tour de force "Air France," where Introversion and Ferdinger effortlessly blend percussive elements, groovy rhythms, and dubby chords. Intricate layers of delay create a mesmerizing atmosphere, delivering on the ethereal promise suggested by the title. Following this captivating opener is "Bottom Lines", a relentless and uncompromising pounder infused with hypnotic acid lines that will leave listeners spellbound.

Flipping over to the other side of the record, we encounter the title track "Second Nature", a high-octane and melodic journey that showcases the artistic synergy between JakoJako and Ferdinger. With finesse and elegance, they expertly merge their individual styles, building up to a breathtaking climax that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Closing out the EP is the introspective and somber track "Heart Break", which transports us back to the dubby stratosphere first introduced in the A-Side. Its more intimate nature provides a reflective and introspective conclusion to the EP, leaving listeners in a contemplative state.

Damian Lazarus invites Kristin Velvet to Crosstown Rebels for ‘Wasp Nest/Get Down’, featuring and remixed by house icon Fred P. Delivering her first material on the iconic label, the Arms & Legs boss serves up two diverse productions, including a collaboration with Fred P, with the New York favourite also providing two slick interpretations of his own.

Rising to prominence over the past decade as an artist backed by a wealth of support from BBC Radio 1, Australian-born DJ/producer and label boss Kristin Velvet has garnered consistent support from The Blessed Madonna to Fat Boy Slim and Carl Cox, seamlessly blending her roots with influences from her adopted homes across the globe, including London, Tokyo and most
recently, Berlin and Ibiza. Collaborating with Felix Da Housecat while releasing material via Josh Wink’s Ovum Recordings, Cassy’s Kwench and Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound, plus her own Arms & Legs which she co-manages with Daniel Steinberg, she continues a busy 2024 with a visit to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels for the very first time with her two-track EP ‘Wasp Nest / Get Down’ - featuring a collaboration with house pioneer Fred P who also serves up two trademark, deep dives.

Warping and twisting, armed with robust drums and ever-evolving synths, ‘Wasp Nest’ is a trippy excursion through an amalgamation of textures, delivering a driving production with twists and turns at every moment, while the slick ‘Get Down pairs crisp percussion and smooth grooves with Fred P’s iconic vocal for a classy house outing. Delivering his own takes on the production, Fred P’s first reshape is a delightful dive through dubby pads and hazy chords before serving up a cosmic excursion across his ‘Deepness’ reshape to close things in style.

Mickey Nox is a techno enthusiast, label owner, DJ and producer from Melbourne, Australia. His impressively unique style and attitude towards his constantly evolving productions and DJ sets is dark, menacing and always maniacally exhilarating as he becomes progressively more entangled within his heavy hitting hardware.

Continuing with the ‘Limited As Fuck’ series of releases, on our fiercely independent techno label based in Scotland, we witness the return of the Australian assassin himself with the most rampant, fast paced release we’ve ever put out on our infamous label …….. so far. After the rip-roaring success of his first RIOT Radio Records release a few years back with his double vinyl album ‘Mad As A Cut Snake’, he’s back once more to knock some sense out of, or is it into you?

He’s pulled out all of the bashing implements he can muster into forging this conk buster of a release. Full bore mallets, truncheons, heavy mounted metal clubs and even franticly abused frying pans have all been industriously employed by this long-haired behemoth of an artist for driving, battering, pummelling, pounding, striking, bludgeoning and cudgeling all for the purpose of taking you into his world of being a ‘Hammerhead’.

The full digital release also features one bonus track with the ‘Rough Mix’ of ‘Tropic Corridors’ which you won’t find nowhere else. Rough by name, rough by nature.

WARNING: LISTENING TO THIS WEAPONIZATION WILL ENDUCE FILTH OF THE MOST OBSCENE NATURE

Off Track is back with a scorcher of an EP from Brooklyn’s
Will Buck. Four 90’s styled deep house grooves stripped back
and ready for the §oor!

For their third limited edition release, LOK Records welcomes Techu with his first ever solo vinyl EP. He presents 3 strong tracks that perfectly showcase his style: powerful basslines, minimalistic drums, evolving pads and hypnotic synths. On remix duties we have Hungarian talent Pauli with a beautiful, dreamy reinterpretation on the B side.

Introducing the brand new label from renowned party Full Scale ! We are thrilled to announce our debut release, 50 Kills EP from the immensely talented French producer Olivier Romero. Garnering recent acclaim and support from industry giants like Dyed Soundorom and Shonky, Olivier Romero is making waves with his innovative sound.

Our first release features the electrifying track "The Fantastic," which has already become a favorite in many of Raresh's sets, eliciting amazing crowd responses and setting dance floors ablaze. This track showcases Olivier's unique ability to blend compelling rhythms with infectious energy, making it an instant classic.

We are excited to include a special collaboration on this EP. We invited the esteemed Tripmastaz to remix Olivier's track "50 Kills." Known for his distinctive style and production prowess, Tripmastaz brings a fresh and exciting dimension to the release, ensuring that this EP is a must-have for any music lover.

2024 Repress

Lars Huismann is back on Mutual Rytm with the much-anticipated third volume of his 'Sounds From The Past' trilogy.

A core part of SHDW & Obscure Shape's ever more crucial Mutual Rytm imprint thanks to his timeless techno offerings as part of his ongoing 'Sounds From The Past' series, Berlin-based DJ/producer Lars Huismann's stock continues to rise release by release as a talent merging influences from the past with forward-thinking nuances of the future. Drawing on the early 2000 techno sound, he embellishes it with his own perspective, as evidenced by his earlier releases on the label. This latest six-track offering is another accomplished outing from this unique talent as he concludes the three-part series on the label in style.

The title track 'Sound From The Past III' opens up with a finely filtered chord groove that provides a smooth and hypnotising foundation. A subtle bassline, buoyant kick drums, and embedded vocal patterns harmonise with the synths, unveiling a smooth linear groove that soon sweeps you up.

'Fusion' brings more intensity with its barreling drum kicks, a dirty driving bassline, and melodies flashing by like headlights on an intergalactic motorway, with the overhanging pent-up energy inescapable. Next, 'Shimmer' rides on vast, heavy layered drums that are warm, and comforting as the track travels through a journey of diverse dub techno elements.

Like in 'Loucura', taken from 'Sounds From The Past II', Lars again showcases his strong influences from Brazilian and Latin music. On 'Estar Farto', the drums and bass are tightly interwoven, racing beneath bright and funky synth lines that bring ever-evolving shades of colour. A jazz drummer himself, the music transports into the groove via intelligent brass chord progressions and fine-tuned vocal and percussion elements.

It's straight dance floor business on the closing vinyl production 'Bittersweet', with its muted synth smears darting over more macho drum programming, while digital bonus 'Dusty Lick' is an unrelenting, jazzy, percussion-driven banger that hits hard and heavy in all the right places.

Oliver Dollar unveils part two of his ‘Contemporary’ EP on Rekids.The release features collaborations with Brillstein and Harvard Bass.

Part two of Oliver Dollar’s ‘Contemporary’ EP will be released this July via Rekids. It follows part one, released in April of this year, which saw him team up with ADMN, Austin Ato, and APROPOS and featured a remix from Brian Kage. With the first part winning support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Nightmares On Wax, and Dam Swindle, this next EP continues with an equally promising cast behind the wheel, as Dollar brings in Brillstein and Harvard Bass for more irresistible house funk across three tracks in part two.

First up on the ‘Contemporary Part Two’ EP, Jesse Rose, Diplo and Switch collaborator Brillstein joins Oliver Dollar for ‘Pill Popper’, a real dancefloor-igniting underground cut with an unforgettable hushed vocal over infectious rhythms. It is followed by Oliver Dollar and Harvard Bass’ ‘Funky Brewster’, which sees the Tuskegee, Relief Records, and Turbo artist complement Oliver’s house style with signature jackin’ flair. A repeating vocal and hard-hitting drum beat keep centre in this party anthem before Dollar flies solo for ‘Funked Up’, in which a low-slung groove and dreamy, chopped-up vocal work in harmony before breaking down into a jazz-inflected midsection,
making for the perfect outro to a fantastic two-part series on Radio Slave’s Rekids.

2024 Repress

Summer is slowly approaching and the R&C boys are back with a new double-shot of groovy reworks in style.

Dropping from their chilled and well-being recording studio, we got a ’sunny’ reshape of Maria Bazar’s Italo hit, trapped
into a smooth Balearic and Funk-Flavoured groove.

Jumping into the 80s Synth-Pop era, on the flip side we find a dry & nocturnal re-interpretation of a well-known “Jeopardy”.

Special RSD2024 Edition - Limited Hand-Numbered Sampler

The four horsemen are the rhythm section of The 18th Parallel riding down the plains to the sound of an heavyweight stepper inspired by the late 70s playing of the Revolutionaries at Channel One. Slow, refined and powerful, the interaction of the drums, bass and organ leaves room to an otherworldly horns chant calling everyone to dance and sing along. Probably one of Fruits Records heaviest release ever!

The first 7“ of this series features Spanish based UK singer Benjammin known for his superb work with Roberto Sánchez. He chants down all ‘Warmongers’. His singing style reminiscent of BurningSpear’s greatest days sends shivers down your spine! Dub by Roberto Sánchez on the flip.

Paolo Rocco delivers his ten-track debut album ‘Life In Pieces’ this April on FUSE.

Born Canadian of Italian descent, Montreal-based DJ and producer Paolo Rocco has emerged as one of the most consistent names within house music over the past decade, with a wealth of material via the likes of Hot Creations, PIV, Berg Audio, Constant Sound, Taverna Tracks, and Rutilance Records showcasing his own take on house, deep house, and minimal territories. Having closed 2020 with fresh music on his own RAWMoments imprint, late-April welcomes the arrival of his biggest project to date as he makes his label debut on London’s FUSE to deliver his eight-rack debut album, ‘Life In Pieces’.

A body of work rich in classy collaborations with artists such as Robert Owens, Alix Alvarez, Kiki & Mavi and slick solo production, ‘Life In Pieces’ delivers a blissful journey through Rocco’s rich sound palette, revealing the most in-depth project of his career while marking his long-awaited debut on FUSE in style.

Hilit Kolet returns to Rekids for the ‘Snap Talk’ EP. It follows her ‘Hot Mess’ single for the storied imprint and features Kameelah Waheed's vocals on the title track.

Continuing her hugely successful run of 2024 releases, Hilit Kolet returns to Radio Slave’s revered Rekids label with the two-tracker ‘Snap Talk’, following in the footsteps of ‘Hot Mess’ (Rekids) and ‘Everything Is Amazing’ (Bush).

The two dancefloor favourites won DJ support from Laurent Garnier, TSHA, HAAi, Maya Jane Coles, Roman Flügel, Chloé Caillet, Jennifer Cardini and countless others while earning an extended string of radio plays from Danny Howard, Jamz Supernova and Sarah Story, who tapped Hilit for a Future Dance Mix.

For ‘Snap Talk,’ the fast-rising East London DJ and producer turns in yet another drop of striking, jackin’ power-house, this time propelled by Brazillian baile funk rhythms, a homage to her days as a samba dancer at London’s Notting Hill Carnival. Fellow Rekids alumnus Kameelah Waheed's seductive spoken-word vocals ride and push the driving 909-fuelled number, and the result is an outstanding 2 AM track that seriously cuts through the noise.

On the flip, Hilit’s ‘Gate 33’ combines tightly looped percussion opening up into a naggingly insistent drum-heavy cut that employs favela funk-patterned cowbells, a throbbing bottom end and a mix of passionate vocal and unnerving airport announcement samples to create an utterly compulsive late-night groove. Hilit Kolet has been integral to London’s underground scene ever since she was slinging vinyl at Soho’s legendary Black Market Records. Her distinctive, energetic DJ style established her behind the decks, playing everywhere from Ibiza to Berlin via Shanghai and Oslo.

VINYL ONLY. For this seventh edition, Giacomo Silvestri, labels owner, invite his talented friends ALEXIS CABRERA with his fantastic elegant remix, makes this vinyl perfect for a dancefloor situation. The style of this release looks back at previous projects and goes in a fresher and more renewed direction, remaining faithful to the quality of his underground house sound. This vinyl is recorded at 45rpm and 180 grams to give greater listening quality.

Don't let him escape

Walker & Royce have released their highly-anticipated sophomore album No Big Deal out now via Dirtybird Records.

Embarking on a four-part mission to bring the party back to dance music, Walker & Royce have embraced the boisterous, unruly nature of their over-the-top signature to deliver 10 non-stop anthems. A highly collaborative body of work, No Big Deal features a colorful collection of characters including comedian/ musician Reggie Watts, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson (and 1/2 of the electronic duo The Knocks), peak-time queen VNSSA, Grammy-nominated vocalist Barney Bones, and more.

From the tongue-in-cheek lyricism of ‘I Don’t Remember’ and ‘Might Just’ to the overzealous charisma imparted on tracks like ‘Motivashun’ and ‘Fatalistic Groove’, No Big Deal boasts the sense of humor and lightheartedness that Walker & Royce have brought to countless dance floors throughout their career. The album is hallmarked by the kaleidoscopic elements of their dance music roots: catchy vocals, playful melodies, thumping basslines, and relentless four-on-the-floor percussion.

No Big Deal is a wondrous homage to the weird and wacky tropes that have distinguished Walker & Royce’s no-holds-barred style for more than a decade. An auditory yearbook cataloging Walker & Royce’s sonic inspirations from their early days in New York City’s 90s underground raves to the Dirtybird BBQs and Campouts where they found their home, No Big Deal is a victory lap for Walker & Royce as they cement their status as headliners and hitmakers.

No Big Deal is a reminder to enjoy the ‘Cheap Thrills’ that life presents, to ‘Get Down Down’ and adopt a motto like ‘Let’s Live It Up’.

2xLP, Gatefold Jacket, Picture Disc, cut at 45rpm. First pressing limited to 500 copies.

Poloponnèse is a house producer and DJ, exploring a range of affiliated styles including hip house, breakbeat and acid house. Based in Paris, he is always on the lookout for new musical and aesthetic experiences.

This first solo project from Poloponnèse is the first in a series due out in 2024, focusing on one of the many musical genres explored by the artist... Stay tuned!"

Warehouse Find!

Maceo Plex’s taste-making Ellum Audio serves up a sizzling EP from Madben, featuring a remix from men of the moment Brame & Hamo.

Frenchman Madben has a healthy reverence for Jeff Mills and Detroit techno that infuses all his work. He has been mentored by Laurent Garnier and released on a wealth of quality labels from Bedrock to Suara. A resident of the Rex Club in Paris where he puts on his MAAD parties, he is now a regular in the best clubs around Europe where he serves up his always profound sounds, something he does again here.

First up is the fantastic ‘Blooming’, with its old school rave styles and dusty breakbeats. Euphoric chords light up the whole thing and it’s a tune that is sure to get hands in the air. Brame & Hamo are Irish sensations who are based in Berlin and known for big tunes that range from house to techno to disco. After establishing their own label they step out with a remix that is superbly stripped back. On deep rolling drums, sleek synths unfold and take you on a cosmic adventure that is well paced and cinematic.

Madben’s ‘Enjoy Yourself' is well crafted techno with a sense of progression in the ever evolving lead synths. Rumbling drums provide the power below and filtered, whispered vocals are an intriguing detail up top. Last of all, ‘Haze’ is a prickly track with snappy mental drums, off kilter synths that twist and turn and a dark energy that is tinged with industrialism.

This is a fresh techno offering that comes with plenty of new ideas that are all
expertly executed.

NIX is back with 'My Friend Was Eaten by a Modular Rack', a fresh release from Ocirala. Hailed for his hugely popular release ‘I Want To Lick Your Brains’, Ocirala now returns with a four tracker that veers away from his earlier vocal-driven work while maintaining his naughty style.

'My Friend Was Eaten by a Modular Rack', a year in the making, captures a collection of those odd yet perfectly cohesive tracks. The A-side delivers high-energy, club-ready tunes, while the B-side, though perfect for after-hours, retains the power to electrify any big system setup, all confirming Ocirala's talent for impeccable sound design. Wild synths, haunting atmospheres, driving drums and twitchy kicks, there is something for everyone.

Ten years after his first full-length effort ‘Man Is Deaf’ landed him firmly in the runnings for DJ Mag’s album of the year, prodigal son Michael Anthony Wright AKA Brassica returns to Civil Music with a deeply accomplished, painstakingly whittled LP of hydraulic electro slickness, rich synthscapes, and hooky, peak-time tearjerkers for the most discerning front-left lifers. ‘Tribeless Gathering’ is a barnstorming testament to Brassica’s stylistic and timbral deftness, touching down in the elusive epicentre of the club/home listening venn diagram with ease.

From the elastic, neon acid pointillism of opener ‘Hop Kweng’ to the mardy, miasmic plod of closing chugger ‘Changa Hill’, Brassica seamlessly segues between avenues of influence, his notoriously omnivorous musical knowledge roadmapping each turn. Raised on a diet of everything from early rave standards to metal, and schooled in avant garde sonics as a student of sound design at LCC, Brassica does a peerless job of sublimating his countless influences into a record of refined, heterogeneous, and most crucially, catchy, club moods.

Less spartan than his more recent oeuvre on Feel My Bicep, and less baroque than his technicolour experiments in postmodern synth pop with vocalist Stuart Warwick, Tribeless Gathering represents Brassica’s triumphant return to the main room, replete with rushy hooks primed for the planet’s finest soundsystems, and passages of heads-down tension bound to draw listeners right to the edge of their seats. Overall it is a concise and refined testament to Wright’s command of spectral sonics and effortless ability to pressurise a dancefloor. It is no surprise that he has also worked as a prolific mastering engineer, tuning music from a plethora of dance disciplines for maximum club impact. This work extends to his own projects (including this one), cementing them as rare expressions of complete artistry from studio to turntable.

As we delve deeper into the record, we are ushered through a series of accomplished and varied club moods, each channelling a unique cocktail of influences, but retaining a warm, ebullient analogue sensibility unique to Brassica’s work. This playful scope of influence calls to mind James T Cotton or Machinedrum’s experiments in dance music form, but Wright manages it all under one roof, wrangling everything from sashaying wub-laden two step to snarling Dillinja-esque FM damage into something inherently his.

Choice cut ‘Change Yourself’ layers an almost Cerrone-like piano refrain over radiant surges of saturated bass, dubby, strobing chords and a jagged, driving break, building to a jaw-clenching apex of dancefloor elation, while the rude, playful half-step of ‘Elevation’ breaks down the vintage speed garage formula into linear fragments, utilising a tight palette of resonant bass slugs, infectious synth leads and Papua New Guinea-style vocal strobes. The aptly named ‘Hold Tight’ fuses heart-in-mouth UK ‘ardkore pads with glissando acid disturbance and surgical snare fills in a formula which recalls the ethereal grit of Nubian Mindz’ 00s experiments in big-smoke break science, while the questing melodic arcs and arpeggiated squarewaves of ‘Pinball Marinara’ could easily have soundtracked an 80s sci-fi epic, beset with sparkling, bare-bones drum programming and hazy beds of sub sediment.

With ‘Tribeless Gathering’, Brassica both irreverently fuses and pays homage to the many unique and weird permutations of UK dance music. The short lived gathering of junglists, ravers and house hotsteppas of a similar name may have long since dissipated, along with the tribes themselves, but across these 11 tracks, he lays a blueprint for a new sound of togetherness.

Ever since he made his first trip to Japan to DJ, Optimo Music founder JD Twitch has been bewitched by Japanese music, and particularly the vibrant, imaginative, and often far-sighted sounds which emerged from the island nation during the 1980s. Now he’s put years of digging in Japanese record shops to good use on Polyphonic Cosmos, the latest release on his compilation-focused Cease & Desist imprint.

Subtitled ‘A Beginners Guide to Japan In The ‘80s’, the collection offers a personal selection of Japanese gems recorded and released between 1981 and ’86 – a period when advances in recording and musical technology offered the nation’s artists and producers a whole new tool kit to employ. When combined with the unique musical culture of Japan, where local traditions are frequently fused with Western styles to create timeless, off-kilter aural fusions, this embrace of locally pioneered music technology had spectacular, often unusual results.

Eight years in the making, Polyphonic Cosmos provides an endlessly entertaining musical snapshot of Japanese music of the early-to-mid ‘80s with all of the open-minded eclecticism and sonic twists that you would expect from the Glasgow-based DJ.

Compare and contrast, for example, the gently breezy, morning-fresh folk-plus-electronics bliss of ‘ばら二曲 Baranikyoku (Fellini&Rota)’ by World Standard – the most familiar alias of long-serving musician/producer Sohichiro Suzuki – and the hallucinatory, slow-motion tribal rhythms, post-punk rhythms and tape delay-laden electronics of Imitation’s ‘Exotic Dance’. Or, for that matter, the tipsy mid-‘80s electronic reggae of Pecker’s ‘Sha La La’, the grungy but melodic post-punk strut of ‘You Go On Natural’ by Earthling (a track Twitch accurately describes as “sheer unrelenting groove”), and the unearthly, swirling sonics, new age instrumentation and flotation tank vocals of prolific (and seemingly mysterious) act Geinoh Yamashirogumi’s ‘Rimme Kohkyogaku Meiki’.

It’s a credit to JD Twitch’s curatorial skills that the quality never dips, and sonic surprises lurk around every corner. Consider for a moment the hard to describe, far-sighted audio immersion of D-Day’s ‘Ki-Ra’ – all languid post-pop guitar, enveloping chords, spoken word vocals, shuffling 808 beats and marimba melodies – and the two contributions from video games soundtrack specialist (and driving instrumental synth-pop specialist) Hiroyuki Namba.

The collection naturally includes some selections that have long been favourites in Twitch’s DJ sets – see Masumi Hara’s ‘Your Dream’ – as well as a handful of tracks from artists who may be more recognisable to those with only rudimentary knowledge of Japanese musical culture. The great Yasuaki Shimizu, whose work as Mariah has become far better known in recent years thanks to reissues of some of his most magical albums, is represented via ‘The Crow’, a picturesque chunk of horizontal, hard-to-define jazz-not-jazz smokiness, while the collection fittingly concludes with a sublimely funky, oddball electronic workout from Yellow Magic Orchestra legend Ryuichi Sakamoto (the frankly incredible ‘Wongga Dance Song’).

Matt Anniss

2024 repress

Bax is back. First released in 2011, Mosca’s UKG homage, ‘Bax’, did big things when it landed. Almost 10 years on, it’s time for a repress.

Though Mosca missed the golden era of garage in the nineties, he caught on to darkside pioneers such as Horsepower Productions, Benny Ill and El-B later on. A blend of homegrown British styles lies at the core of his electronic music influences, early dubstep, jungle, minimal grime and bassline, which he’d experienced first-hand at Sheffield’s legendary Niche club. (Little known fact: The name Bax is a partial nod to Steve Baxendale, the man behind Niche).

All these elements coalesced in the studio and the two-tracker materialised in a couple of days. Both sides of the record do their thing on the floor; ‘Bax’ with its now infamous ‘My DJ is live in the place’ sample, that earworm melody and a ruffneck b-line.

On the flip ‘Done Me Wrong’ sees Mosca incorporate several key garage tropes; the bassline swinging alongside soulful vocals (which get sliced and diced), not forgetting that cheeky rewind.

My DJ is back in the place...

Prepare to groove with the freshest release from Pa’volar - the PAV004 Inner Glow EP by Neoser!

Neoser's versatility as a producer shines through in this record, showcasing his ability to create captivating music across multiple styles.

Crafted with DJs in mind, Inner Glow EP is the perfect tool for setting the mood in any situation. Whether you're looking for upbeat energy or laid-back vibes, this EP has got you covered.

Don't miss out - let the Inner Glow EP light up your record bag today!

The superduo formed by two authentic stars of the Italian dance scene is back with the ‘Rolling Wave’ EP on Mondo Groove. Daniele Baldelli needs no introduction; he has made a fiery mark on DJ history worldwide with his legendary sets. He built his eclectic and visionary style at the Baia Degli Angeli in the 1970s and Cosmic in the early 1980s, to the triumph of recent years, in demand at every latitude on the planet. DJ Rocca is one of Italy’s most inspired producers, his art forged in a mix of technique and passion, versatile enough to work alongside artists as diverse as Baldelli, Dimitri From Paris or one of the giants of Italian jazz, pianist Franco D’Andrea.

Daniele Baldelli & DJ Rocca are on fire in the four tracks of this new EP on Mondo Groove, which starts with the bleep sounds of the title track ‘Rolling Wave’, goes into orbit with the deep boogie of ‘Funk Infusion’ and a party number like ‘Marchin On’, and culminates in the refined disco-jazz digressions of ‘Focused Image’. A record that will be a future classic.

Loud Enough returns with the third and final installment of the 3-EP series dedicated to Roman Pigna Records, the dancefloor-oriented sister label of Nature Records. Following the releases by Marco Passarani and Mario Pierro, it's now Francesco De Bellis's turn, akaFrancisco / Mr. Cisco.

In line with the previous EPs, LE004 showcases four tracks: two timeless cuts, "Fregna The Age" and "Miss Cha Cha Cha," alongside two previously unreleased tracks from the same era, "Move" and "House." Each piece embodies Francisco's groovy, Chicago-inspired signature style, ensuring a captivating journey on the dance floor. Music produced and written by Francesco De Bellis. Originally recorded in Studio 22 (Pigna Studios) Rome, Italy 2024 – 2008. Remixed in Mondo Studio Rome 2023

Not just a follow-up. Tar 23 shows the duo's distinct style and artistic progression.

Frankie from Atlanta has released an EP showcasing two tracks characterized by deeply profound synths and the elegant signature style typical of this producer. “The Operator” radiates energy and mysticism, propelled by a solid bassline that imbues the track with dynamism and virtuosity. In the remix, Detroit legend Gari Romalis lends his genuine touch, emblematic of his artistry. This release seamlessly merges the finest elements of both musical realms, expertly capturing the essence of each producer. It’s a testament to their skill and creativity, delivering an immersive musical experience.

DJ Support from Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, S-Man, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche

Next up on our new Toolroom Trax vinyl series, we kick things off with a fresh new banger from Italian talent Nausica who with another deep club cut 'Se Pone Loca'. Featuring rolling percussion, a hooky lead vocal with expertly placed chops, 'Se Pone Loca' is looking to lay carnage on the dancefloor. Nausica's mastered her infectious minimal, percussive sound that has seen the likes of AAA talent support her music from John Summit, to Jamie Jones, MK to Solardo proving Nausica's a name many acts are reaching for in their sets! D.Ramirez returns to Toolroom Trax with his highly anticipated remake of Bodyrox's anthemic 'Yeah Yeah'. Firmly rooted within Toolroom's foundations, releasing genre defining dance music for nearly two decades with hits such as 'Downpipe' in collaboration with label boss Mark Knight and UK pioneers Underworld, 'Colombian Soul' and many more. D.Ramirez doubles up as not only a genius in the studio, but as one of the talented Toolroom Academy tutors, teaching a new generation of producer's fundamental skills in dance music production. Remaking the Bodyrox Electro House classic 'Yeah Yeah'; an era defining masterpiece with an unforgettable synth line, D.Ramirez gives us an essential update for today's dancefloors. Label favourites, Sllash & Doppe return to Trax next with their unique style of uplifting, feel good house music. Their music is regularly found in the sets of artists like Fatboy Slim, Solomun, Bedouin, Blond:ish, Martin Solveig, Roger Sanchez and more, and the playful cousins are now conquering the world, from deck to deck, with an energetic and exuberant style that has won them favour on the dancefloors.

Closing out the sampler is Saison with their signature house sound. The London based duo have been solidly in the game for the best part of a decade perfecting their unparalleled sound of raw, feel-good house music at it's very best. With numerous releases on revered labels including Defected, Nervous, Big Love and of course their own imprint, No Fuss.

Countless radio plays on Radio 1 from Danny Howard, Sarah Storie, Pete Tong Other notable radio plays – Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Sirius XM, Data Transmission Radio, Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Party Anthems, Rinse FM, Select Radio, Tomorrowland Radio

Chamber music masterpiece with electronics

Albert Alan Owen was born in Wales in 1948 to parents of Welsh and Latvian heritage. His family later moved to Zimbabwe, where his father took up a teaching position. There, Owen was deeply influenced by local music and culture, while also exploring American RnB and jazz. It was during this period that he became acutely aware of the harsh inequalities under British colonial rule, which instilled in him a lifelong aversion to discrimination and racism.
In 1967, Owen returned to Europe to pursue his studies and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He went on to spend time in Paris, studying composition with the eminent Nadia Boulanger and piano under Jacques Février, a favorite pianist of Ravel’s and Poulenc’s. Owen's focus shifted almost entirely to composition, and the acquisition of a Fender Rhodes electric piano marked the beginning of a divorce from his classical Western training. This transition allowed him to merge his passion for African and African-American music with the impressionistic styles of Ravel and Debussy while exploring the innovative realm of electroacoustic composition.
These formative experiences framed Owen’s career as a composer and educator at the Royal Academy of Music and London’s Working Men’s College. He eventually returned to Wales, where he continues to reside.

In 1979, 29-year-old Albert Alan Owen released Keyboards & Strings, a light magical chamber music masterpiece.
Transcending the formal conventions of its era, Keyboard & Strings is an acoustic and electric piano piece, where the violin is met by synths and electronics.
As is often the case in Albert Alan Owen’s most intimate works, there is a sense of ethereal beauty that emerges from the music, akin to the emotional state one might experience while contemplating a Félix Vallotton landscape or the unfathomable mystery of dawn’s first light.
Quiet, profound, and immersive, Keyboard & Strings stands out as an electronic-age tone poem, a rare gem that transcends time and place.