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Since making their debut on the imprint in 2013 with 'Blue Aconite', the Italian duo Hiver has since released two more EPs on Curle; 'Same Mistake Twice' in 2015 and 'Soundescence' last year. Since the release of the latter mentioned EP, Hiver have been busy behind the booth, performing in the UK, China, Germany, Holland and, of course, in Italy, where they still hold a residency at DUDE Club. Kicking off the EP is 'Elipse', a stunning four-minute track that nods to avant-garde artists such as Wolfgang Voigt's GAS alias or Brian Eno, as the pair gradually weaves several layers of shining, atmospheric tones before slowly fading into the background. Title-named track 'Air Castles' follows, with the tight selection of drums combined with the ebb and flow of soaring synths creating a melodic style of techno that has become synonymous with their name. Next is 'Aleutine', a song that similarly blends Hiver's characteristically ethereal, hazy synths alongside more vibrant analogue bleeps to great effect. These delicate synths are later given the chance to gleam as the track comes to a close.Closing this excellent four-track EP is deep-groover 'Leisure', seeing Hiver up the tempo through their clever use of percussive elements, sharp synths and headstrong drums.

Niall Mannion aka Mano Le Tough is set to release his first record on Pampa this Octobre entitled 'Ahsure". The 3 track EP sees the Irish producer showcase his unique ability to combine dance floor rhythms with visceral vocal based songs. The result of which is a piece of work that will find a comfortable home in a variety of settings. While this method has become the hallmark of Mano's discography, 'Ahsure' feels like some of his most honest and accomplished work to date. The A-side, 'Your heavy head' is the most dance floor focused track of the EP. Mano combines crisp, live sounding percussion with various intertwining synth lines and bell chimes, establishing a gentle yet pulsating groove. His vocals compliment the instrumentation, telling a simple story via an array of disorientating effects. 'Kitedub' on the flip settles neatly somewhere between modern house music and weirdo pop. Mano's stirring vocals make up the centerpiece of the track, as strange sounds swell and subside - all the time kept in check with sharp staccato drums. The title track rounds off the record in beautiful fashion. Penned just after the birth of his daughter, 'Ahsure' hears Mano's lyrics sit above swirling ambient sounds and they convey a raw honesty that is palpable.

Dolly is proud to welcome Parisian wunderkind Coni to the label. Operating on the brink of meditative house and (Detroit) techno, Nicolas Olier's particularly hypnotic offering will certainly stand out in any set. The title track "Caligula" is a slowly developing, climactic techno burner with icey, Imperial strings hovering over it. A2 "Electroflash" is a more warm, lush, deep-into-Sunday-afternoon bubbler with a distinct French feel, topping breezy chords with a sharp hook to give it edge. With fellow Parisian Bambounou joining Coni on the flip side, "Medusa" goes deeper into percussive territory with a pulsating bongo riddim embraced by haunting organ pads perfect for those all-lights-off moments. A beast with many heads!

The following three-tracker release is one of those that are about to take you on a very clear ride. We will start with some tensioning and rising loops and will keep you up while the swiftly vibes are getting to you. With The first composition on A side, Alex won't give you a break - it's a one breath composition where you don't have any time for a second thought. When it looks like both chunky bass and kicks are going away - a very sharp-shaped and acidy synth will remain on the watch and will ensure the continuously driving thrill. Getting to the Second part of this side, what can we say, straight from the beginning a thick bass line makes it s introduction in order to lead you into some awakeness on a early morning on the dancefloor. Stepping into the game, Diferit on the remix for B side is bringing you a blend of both tracks u've heard before. Very rich in vibrations of different spectres and proveniences - from very clear and clean kicks to a bouncy bass line to the very zippy and zappy sounds of his unique style. The pleasure of having these two minds behind the second release of Aforisme is ours.

TBD, the decade-old project from Doug Lee (An-i) and Justin Van Der Volgen, is back!.

Known for their set-defining big room monster jams, 'Below' sees them on a deep, heavy and very trippy analogue tip.
Synths wheeze and bubble while a thick syncopated bass and a giant kick drum keep the proceedings firmly locked to the dance floor.

On the flip, legendary Japanese DJ and producer DJ Kent steps up on remix duty under his The Backwoods alias .
Building off the original, he adds sharp percussion and tastefully refocuses the track, creating a perfect complimentary mix to the A-side.

REPRESS !
Opening the EP, 'A Matter Of Time' sets the things up with a phlegmatic tempo centered around a feverish acid line. A soft mist of organic snares, dub percussions and jazz hi-hats slip over a spacious spread of synthesizers.'Abduction' steps into a more intense dimension, bringing distorted, shamanic, high-energy drumming intended to put the listener into a trance state. The momentum is reached as a deep organ covers the whole structure and releases twirls of acid onto its mediative canvas.Closing the side, 'Harmony Of Spheres' brings the pace down again, condensing all the acid material into a drowned mechanical piece that finally breathes when pads comes in at half-course.The B-side opens with 'Alternative Currents' a gasping piece of electronic jazz centred around a play of tribal percussions and dissonant pads. 'Parsec City' continues the story with its amazing free jazz rhythm investigation, showing once again the expertise of Marini in complex patterns. Closing the EP, the shorter 'Seven Transmutation' plays with sharp acid stripes and immersed organs chords on a frame of abstract drum sequences.

One Year later the italian duo Toms Due come back to Etruria , this time with Magma' , groovy techno Ep composed by two banging original tracks and Mr. Ambivalent and Mr Cosmin trg remixes. The first is the original Magma' a powerful track with a big room kick and a old school melody that grows together with a simple one-note chord to create a destroying tool. The second original is Stratum characterized by a power melodic chord and an energetic groove. Then comes Ambivalent remix, a name who doesn't need presentations, dark synth in his full style, raw drum with sharp / pungent 909 rhythms. Last but not the least Cosmin trg remix is a powerful techno tool, composed by a hypnotic chord wrapped by powerful techno drum groove.and space.

Sublunar is glad to introduce their new release. Following the trilogy signed by one of the two founders of the label, Sciahri, it is now time for a new artist's debut.
Ladan, young Iranian producer at her first release, presents 'Section', a record made of 5 carefully selected tracks that range from bass-driving techno to sharp experimental excursions.
The EP's opening piece is 'Spectres', characterised by an increasingly deep, disquieting atmosphere. The body of the piece is stroked occasionally by metallic elements which make the whole sonic spectrum resonate.
On the same side we find 'Zone.2', an elegant, propelling techno piece painted with a similar colour palette of the previous piece.
The B side starts with 'Rebound', where hypnotic, overlapping melodies and broken rhythms entwine in an enveloping, uplifting musical development.
We also get a glimpse of Ladan's fierceness with 'Fault Line', an outburst of stomping, plastic rhythms sculpted synthetically, followed by 'Knives', a razor-sharp groove that creeps under the listener's skin.

Following an accomplished EP on Perc Trax & a feature on Parallels and Influence Part II, Manni Dee returns to Leyla contributing his third EP to the labels impressive discography.

Your Public Image commences with Insurrection Erection, featuring vocals by Joke Lanz of Sudden Infant (Harbinger Sound, Raubbau). The vocal contributions harness a feeling of widespread disharmony, punctuating the bullish drums and assertive atmosphere with eruptions of frustration and expressions of malcontent. While the field recorded vocals made by Lanz feature as an empowered voice and a call for upheaval, the screams and shrieks from Lanz operate as the marginalised voice of the oppressed, sharply slicing through musical elements only to disappear and become submerged.

The A2 skips along with broken beats in very British fashion, reminiscent of Manni's earlier work on Black Sun Records, with added ingenuity and percussive flare.

The application of vocals, which has become a key characteristic of Dee's recent work, is creatively exhibited on the B1 Combination Acts; a track that displays a deft percussive density unique to Dee's style, adding a frenetic touch to a steadfast substructure. The tempo ramps up on the EP closer, satirically & appropriately titled The Jingoism Stench. The distorted & frantic yet nimble foundation propels the track forward, with reverberated contact mic and vocal recordings bouncing off the stolid walls of rhythmic pressure.

An acute understanding and implementation of rhythm and sound design results in provocative dancefloor material that blurs the lines between industrial traditions and (post) punk artistry. Dee continues to flourish as one of the most innovative and exciting voices in techno today.

Brixton's Dream Diary continue to bolster a blooming catalogue of classy electronic music with a fresh 4-track EP courtesy of label owner Oslo Roma. Staying true to their canon - Roma's 'Bubbles' EP spans Ambient, cruising Deep House, Minimal and Electro balancing water tight drums with eyes down melodies throughout.
The title track opens things up with gliding Juno chords and a steady, hypnotic pulse. Shimmering cymbals and spoken snippets ferry the listener into a trance before 'How Good Is The Party' rolls loose limbed drums under sweeping tones and expansive dub delays. 'Mars Water' then dims the lights with a driving bass line set under reversed vocals and clipped, neat drums. 'Twotet' then finishes the package up with sharp 808 drums and soft allaying melodies that work to round off another rich and varied addition to the Dream Diary catalogue.

The new ef ort from Brazilian label Easytiiger.Easytiiger__001 comprises 4 songs by 4 new acts - Mootron, BRZLN Air, Cacos and San Y Mayo. 'No Rave', a rebellion-track led by drunken synthesizers by Mootron, fl oats between bending arps, sharp leads and echoverb nukes land on a big fat drum kick and bright laser shots hi-hats - no rave! 'Detroit', by the young producer BRZLN Air, contemplates an ode to the whole history on electronic music that made the american city be known for what it is: drums, synths and love, a pure obsession. Cacos brings to life his exquisite dream-lover 'Sarah', a dark & mystic techno combined with elements of obscure chant rhythms - it's Sarah. San Y Mayo closes the 4-song compilation marching from the sea into the jungle - you might know what to expect but it doesn't mean it's there.

We are very exited to present you a fresh and sharp Ep from Julien wich is a big fan of the label since the beginning.. Today we got the best of his music.JULIEN SANDRE makes its debut on French,classy label HOME INVASION with a 4-tracks EP, wrapped in elegance and charm but at the same time rich of kiiller grooves and energy between hypnotics synth associated with micro-house elements that will make you dance in clubs and will make you dream in the afters party.A side is the "deeply" part of the EP where RESTLESS looks perfect to move the floor with its fat rolling groove and tripping chords; title track SERENDIPTY express perfectly Julien's sound of the moment: minimal drums & refined pads for a dreamlike journey to the start till the end.B side is more micro-house oriented.
JUST MAKE SENSE remind us about tracks of gold period of minimal of early 2000's but updated to our days with a wild, floor killer beat & smooth stabs and effects.Closing track AUTONOE looks perfect for after moments. Minimal-jazzy drums imbued with hypnotic deep elements.

First & foremost - thank YOU for supporting this album, and for your patience. Special thanks & love to my family, friends - you know who you are. Your love & support means everything - I wouldn't be here without each one of you. Much love & P.E.A.C.E. to my Bruvz - RaSoul & Testament, for blessing our track & always having my back! Huge thanks & love to Relic/Rel McCoy for the hilarious impressions & Skydiving with us! Mad love & respect to Timbuktu for steering the ship & keeping us laughing at all times. Tremendous love & thanks to Evul & the entire Droppin' Science family - a dream come true! Massive love to my UK fam - DJ Rumage & Ruztik Records, for connecting us with Mr. Fantastic & the AE Productions crew - so thankful to be working together! And last, but never least - to my partner in rhyme, Ghettosocks - nothing but eternal gratitude, love & respect for you, your unmatched artistry, & incredibly selfless dedication from day one. Thank you for saying yes.

Valkyrie is a voice for the Warrior. It is dedicated to those who have faced adversity, and been tested in life. For those courageous souls who push through to the end, prevailing against all odds. It is especially for those who feel like giving up. You will make it. You are powerful. Keep going. Surround yourself with the truth-sayers. Educate your minds, hearts and souls. Show love. Give love. Be love. Connect with all of our generations. Be strong. Be brave. Be real. And above all, remember - always stay true to yourself.

DC175 comes courtesy of Alias, a new project comprising of Harvey & Ryan McKay, who are two acts who have previously released solo material on the label. Harvey McKay's last appearance was in late 2016 when he dropped 'The Mad Drummer' on A-Sides Vol. 4 whereas Ryan McKay's last outing was in 2015 when he appeared on A-Sides Vol.3 under the name Skiver. This is the first collaborative project between the Scottish duo under their new moniker Alias.The EP opens with 'Pentatonic'; A tough sounding track that has been designed for the forward-thinkers. 'The Truth' follows up sharply, with vintage piano stabs and a vocal that gives the track abounding energy. The on-point percussion leads you on a trip of pure rapture. The release closes with the apocalyptic 'Dream Taker', which is teeming with sinister vocal action and hostile synth work and a sublime way to sign off.

Following on from this year's brooding debut, Anthony Linell gathers a storming double 12" of material to depth charge vacant participants and lilting movers. Leaving aside his well established Abdulla Rashim moniker, Emerald Fluorescents feels like an agile side-step into heavier terrain with a renewed sense of purpose. Scattered fractal stabs revolve around quietly furious low-end fit outs with enough sharp edges to let you know it's someone else's space.

Norwegian producer Tony Anthem is well known and respected for his solo work as well as his contributions to both Gunman and the legendary Drum & Bass dup Future Prophecies... For his latest offering, Tony teams up with London based vocalist Doctor for a couple of Jungle flavoured dance-floor slayers in the form of 'I Love It' & 'Tears Of Mine'
'I Love It' is an uplifting and bass heavy dedication to the beautiful art form we all love... Music.
Jungle vibes and sweet vocals make this one a perfect fit for the airwaves!
'Tears of Mine' again utilises Doctor's sublime vocals and Tony's rolling beats to full effect as the duo come with a grittier image this time of inner city life. Pure FIRE!
The combination of Tony's lazar sharp production and Doctor's awesome voice make this a must play on the both the dancefloor and the FM's all over the globe!

Repressed !
The Argentinian team brings the power of their knowledge back to our imprint with this split EP, a six track musical journey from drones to heavy kicks, with a bunch of intelligent techno in the middle.

The release starts with Jonas Kopp's "Grey Area", a floating intro exploring the deepest frequencies in the sound spectrum. Next comes "Intelligent seeker", with grooved synth toms, sharp hats and a naive oscillating sequence that runs free in the arrangement. Profound and aggressive at the same time.

The following number is "Akut": dry kick, reverberated and panned continuous sequences, spiced with classic 909 workout.

Pfirter provides his intro with "Another Dimension", a dreamy ambient piece to warm up for what comes next: "Euritmia". Based on distorted kicks and sequences, "Euritmia" creates an obsessive rhythm that grows alongside the white noise washes during the whole track.

Closing the release is "Rising", which starts with a cleaner beat approach, and once again works with white noises and modular lines to create tension and expectation. Micro percussions run along the groove, nicely adding spice to the hypnosis.

Limited Edition of 300 hand-stamped numbered DSNT005 vinyl.
Tracks from: AnD, Eomac, Fran Hartnett, Sunil Sharpe.
Keep it zesty!

- In loving memory of our mate Connor 'Lemon' Lavery -

The 3rd record from Pi Electronics is by the Rotterdam based, Thessaloniki born producer, Damcase. PI03 includes five original tracks of punky electro and techno, flavoured with Damcase s riffs and noisy aesthetic. Sharp percussions, along with distorted grooves and broken beats, as well as some experimentation with voltage control techniques. The label reveals new colours on its palette, though not shifting away from its character.

Newcastle-born, Mexico-based Man Power debuts on Optimo Trax with two psychasonic missives cut extra loud for optimum sound system performance.
We asked Man Power for some words about this release and he told us -
"Both tracks sound different, but they're both from the same place in as much as they represent a conscious effort by me to strip back some of unnecessary niceties in my music and really sharpen my focus on what makes people dance without crossing the fine line of what makes me sound like me."

Much may have changed over a two-decade period, but Drumcode's commitment to releasing the scene's most cutting-edge and refined techno remains resolute. 2016 saw releases from heavy hitters such as Adam Beyer, Alan Fitzpatrick, Dense & Pika, Sam Paganini and Joseph Capriati, as well as a much coveted Moby remix package. The label pushes forwards again in 2017; bringing fail-safe, club-ready music to the techno community. 2016 was a standout year for Alan Fitzpatrick, with the Drumcode stalwart racing out of the gates in spectacular fashion with the release of his fabric 87 mix. A substantial amount of high profile shows followed, including appearing at the inaugural Junction 2 festival and closing the car park to a packed-to-the-rafterscrowd at Drumcode Halloween.
He returns to Drumcode with 'Brian's Proper Dun One', marking his first appearance on the label since late 2016 when he remixed Moby's seminal 'Porcelain'. The release opens with 'Brian's Proper Dun One', a track which caused a Twitter meltdown on Alan's profile when he first started playing it at the tail end of 2016. Loaded with sharp and pounding drums, this is an ethereal experience from start to finish and packs a real punch. It's a no holds barred, certified main room anthem. 'Wait A Second' feat. mc r1bbz has been a staple of Adam Beyer's sets of late and has been getting a lot of air time on Drumcode Radio.
This rave inspired track takes a raw, stripped back approach and delivers a real killer blow. Alan sampled the vocals of mc r1bbz from an LTJ Bukem tape pack from the early 90s and the record tips its cap to early jungle raves around the M25.
The release closes with 'Trance, Init'; A homage to Alan's days first and foremost as a raver before he became a DJ, with his non-purist attitude when it comes to electronic music shining through. The breakdown is sure to be a hands in the air moment at festivals all over the globe this summer.

Limited Repress !

New teachers join The Bass Academy:

UK droids Gods Of Technology (Phil Klein & Simon Brown) featuring Egyptian Lover, and legendary US producer Jamie Jupitor. Must have "Freak Seeker (L.A. Freax)" feat. The Unknown Lover (you'll probably know who's behind) and "Future Computer" sign two authentic Electro Funk pieces in the great tradition of the West Coast sound.

Phat Bass, vocoderized lyrics, sharp 808 drums, and irresistible synth melodies characterize these instant classics guarantee to put you in a circle. Come and take a lesson of music directly from the masters!

3LP Album Move D, Jonah Sharp, Juju & Jordash build the new supergroup The Mulholland Free Clinic. Their self-titled debut LP release is the recording of their second ever improvised, allhardware live set which emphasizes the ongoing paradigm shift in live electronic music. Tracklist A Vital Signs B Boneset C Gone Camping D Ebb & Flow E The Dawgs Are Alright F1 Dr. Leary F2 Pillow Therapy Even though they've only played together on three occasions since 2013, The Mulholland Free Clinic has already been praised as one of the ultimate collaborations when it comes to underground and improvised electronic live music. Move D, Jonah Sharp, and Juju & Jordash build this so-called super-supergroup by combining their individual and mutual projects rEAGENZ and Magic Mountain High. Using an armada of analog hardware, The Mulholland Free Clinic's self-titled debut album is the product of a live set recorded at Berlin's emerging party series AWAY at ://about blank in August 2016. Consequently, the connected vinyl label Away Music is set to release its first long player following four 12-inches with appearances by Joe Claussell, Mr. Ties, Move D, Discrete Circuit, and its very own AWAY Soundsystem. Their three-hour long, totally improvised jam session was edited down to a little over

'Next up on Aus Music is the return of label boss Will Saul working alongside long term label favourite Komon. Together the duo line up 'Harmonise' - a smouldering single that comes backed up with an almighty pair of remixes from Osgut Ton mainstay Nick Höppner and analogue aficionados Juju & Jordash. The title track kicks things off with glowing, interweaved synths and a pattering tom line. Vocal snippets and trippy delays suffuse a purposeful bass tone before the 101 Dub Version rolls out with punchy drums and a sharp, darting acid line. Berghain regular Nick Höppner then does what he does best with his remix in building a rich, hypnotic groove that steadily develops with intricacy and depth. Dekmantel and Golf Channel regulars Juju & Jordash then drive a warped, rumbling synth line through spacey atmospherics rounding off another fine addition to the catalogue'.

Ben Gibson and Fundamental Interaction each deliver two pieces of razor sharp modern techno for their label, Dyad.

Some try it with mouth-to-mouth insufflation and cardiac massage. Others with
psychopharmaceuticals or group therapy. Still others with divorce. By going cold turkey. With a new profile pic and a matching hairstyle. Seen it all at Robert Johnson, already endorsed everything - at least as long as it helps: as a lifesaving measure.
But since the year dot, the Offenbach-based club with its affiliated label recommends to all which are undecided or have doubts particularly one thing: Music. And dance.
Every two years, when life newly blossoms during spring, Live At Robert Johnson opens its windows widely, lets new music out and fresh air into the house. The beguiling scent of nature and aviation fuel blends with the scent of sweat and dry ice fog - and causes sundry healing confusion. As soon as the first tone of the Lifesaver Compilation 3 is heard, the swelling grunt of Vincent Feit's 'X04', the scenery of the dancefloor right at the Main river appears before one's eyes.
On Saint Monday Iconoclasts rebel against the age of self-optimization. A crack goes through the parquet of the dance floor (or the dancing party itself). The post-unambiguities era is beginning. The images become blurred. Bass case. Alternative facts. Resonance hole. No reception. And then it's only the queue answering the club emergency hotline. Finally there is a buzz on the line. 'Just drop the images!', it says.

'It's all not that tragic.' This helps.
The Lifesaver 3 Compilation, the yet most comprehensive package of the lifesaver history, sounds like electro, sharp-edged like the vault in a Hague bunker (Lauer), provides data pop with piano crescendo (Fort Romeau), brings the style characteristics of German Schlager music to the breakdance mat (Rolande Garros), lets the bulky lily-of-the-valley bells clang and sends the reverb tails away with the wind (Benedikt Frey). There are several new names to discover: Felix Strahd, Benjamin Milz, Vincent Feit; and of course there a many old acquaintances: Massimiliano Pagliara, Orson Wells, TCB, Chinaski. Roman Flügel brings us 'Good News', however: 'From Another Planet.' And Fort Romeau feels 'Lost, Again', but in such somnambulistically beautiful manner that you want to get lost with him instantly and jointly find the great joy.
Again and again there are mysterious chants. It's not required to decipher the specific words in order to get the message: Salvation is near. Salvation is here:









[)] e1 | Roman Fügel - Chang

Bushcraft; the knowledge of survival in the wilderness.
A young man leaves the safe harbour of his home town, only to find himself lost and lacking the soul.He was always able to trust his ears, but are they really true to him. Or is he merely not listening. Distant echoes of bass and the melancholia that was always present seem far away. With Bushcraft EP Jor-El finds himself in touch with the elements.The elements of the hard hitting futuristic music that once took his heart and formed his life. Rumbling bass lines controlled by lazer sharp hi-hats driving forward. Eerie sounds coming in and drifting out again. Always driving forward. The influence of his early years in drum & bass is there. Still this is pure techno music from an artist discovering new things in the universe within himself.
True Rotary Recordings is run by Joel Alter and Ena Cosovic out of Copenhagen.Stemming from a mutual appreciation of the combination of raw techno and seductive sounds, the label is a natural development of their musical and personal partnership.
True Rotary Recordings represent their musical vision and the vibe that they love. Keeping it raw and genuine.

Farron continues the course of Shaw Cuts with his 'Legend Of The Bat' EP, following in the footsteps of Chu Liu Hsiang: the journey to Bat Island.
The voyage begins with 'C.I.T.G', its relentless break-beat fundament combined with coarse synth lunacy to wipe out the first dark shapes - moonlit slaughter.
Joining forces with rivals, Chu Liu Hsiang is no longer alone as he advances on Bat Island. 'Semi-Final Thoughts' accompanies the newly-formed crew to the mysterious ground - a melody of warm synth and light churned by industrious oldschool drums. But who to trust
The fleeting harmony ends when several combatants unveil their guise and true motives. Loyalties revealed, massacre ensues. 'Unlimited Mind' pulsates, its bassline and sharp percussions decapitating those who dare to deceive.
'Derby' epitomizes the tension of the final showdown with low rolling tones, echoing chords and heavy percussion weaving the air like the rival in pursuit. With teamed forces and clever combat the traitor is annihilated from head to toe - bloodbath and game over...

Until he was about 20, Texas-born Melvin Sparks was a rhythm & blues guitarist, backing Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye as a member of The Upsetters. But Sparks gave up his seat on The Upsetters' bus in New York City, where a chance introduction to George Benson led him to a place in soul jazz history. Melvin played and recorded with Lou Donaldson, Leon Spencer, Bernard Purdie, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Idris Muhammad, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Charles Earland, Grover Washington Jr., Reuben Wilson and so many more. Even during the quietest years of soul-jazz Melvin stayed relevant through hip-hop and r&b, a quick search at WhoSampled turns up more than 150 samples of his funky chicken scratch. And Melvin's legacy is heard in contemporary soul/funk bands like The New Mastersounds, Soulive and The Greyboy Allstars, all of whom he also guested with several times before his early departure from this realm in 2011.

This release documents Melvin's final band just months before his death. Organist Beau Sasser and drummer Bill Carbone had been working with Sparks for several years, and, despite the power dynamic - they were in their early 30s, Melvin an elder-statesmen of the genre - the unit was sharp, relaxed and performed Melvin's music with a jovial spirit. The trio played the Burlington, VT club Nectar's regularly, but this night featured two "onlys." Per the recommendation of Nectar's agent they used the "Grippo Horns," the only time Sparks used a horn section in the last several years of his life, and they allowed a multitrack recording of the show. Both were strong decisions.

The tracks on this album, lovingly mixed by guitarist, producer and Melvin Sparks fan Eddie Roberts, demonstrate that Melvin played as well in the final months of his life as at any time. Sparks counts "Whip! Whop!" off at what he said The Upsetters called a "showtime tempo," and peppers it, as well as most of the album, with quotes from jazz standards, pop songs and cartoon themes, all woven effortlessly into the bebop-funk dialect he helped create. He unfolds amiable melodies, patiently and methodically, through his several-minute lead on "Breezin'." And Sparks is audibly uplifted by the Grippo Horns helping him perform his 1973 arrangement of "Ain't No Woman" for the first time in decades.

"Daito" The Temple
Sub filtered kick delays deliver heart pounding bass, followed by spacious overhead sounds of nature, leaving the tubular synthesis builds up the tension. Featuring a melodic buildup, to get any dance floor calm, quickly to be filled with warm sub bass & soft percussion, ending with a clean mixable outro.

"Balas" Molecules (J. Manuel Destruction Mix)
A mechanically arranged techno slammer, with creatively delayed sci-fi elements, pounding broken beats & subtle, clean percussion, all coming together to dominate any dance-floor!
Starting with a slowly resonating acid line, medieval sounding pads add depth & progression, followed by a sharp snare & tribal tom, all ending in a galactic buildup, with the acid line adding the energy & the pads giving the track an ancient sound.

"Projekt Gestalten" The Fight, The Victory, The Death
Starting with a slowly resonating acid line, medieval sounding pads add depth & progression, followed by a sharp snare & tribal tom, all ending in a galactic buildup, with the acid line adding the energy & the pads giving the track an ancient sound.

"Cristian Marras" Project to Escape
Hypnotic but also energetic, this is peak time techno!
The first hook gets your attention as the overdrive percussion builds you up to the breakdown. As the frequencies slowly change, the buildup arises, building up the energy levels ahead of the discreet drop, filled with high frequencies to put you into a state of trance.

Norway's PLOINK imprint returns this April with a four-track EP from production duo Dortmund titled Sauerkraut featuring a remix from Christian Tilt.
Hailing from Bergen, Thomas Urv and Miss Mostly's PLOINK events have been championing the Norwegian techno scene for over two decades. Launched in 2014, the PLOINK label has hosted a string of
versatile twelves from the likes of Prins Thomas, Christian Tilt, SkatebÂrd and most recently Mental Overdrive, whoís innovative ëHardwareí album dropped in March. Returning to the label since providing a
track on PLOINKís 20th anniversary release last year, hardware specialist Dortmund, real name Karl Markus Zavodny, is also well known for releases on Montrealís Turbo and Leipzigís Vocabula Recordings.
ëSauerkrautí opens the release with rolling synthetic percussion that builds into an earworm groove, laced with chattering hats in tandem with echoing claps and fuelled by a vibrant acid loop. ëAcid Over Osloí then
motors along, utilising a razor-sharp 303 line within the frame of a crisp drum machine riff with a warmly distorted glow. Christian Tilt then morphs 'Sauerkraut' into an energetic pulsating cut, employing subtly swinging hats bathed in reverb before further processing the acid lead into fresh areas of the stereo field. Echoing bleeps then dissipate in Karl Krankenhaus underpinned by a bone shaking drum groove alongside moments of IDM tinged synthscapes and dubbed out chord stabs.
Dortmund ëSauerkraut EP' drops on PLOINK on 21st April 2017.

* Mastered and lacquer cut by Mike Grinser @ Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin

Rising Amsterdam-based star Esther Duijn leads the charge with a hypnotic, understated slice of dub techno that grooves in all the right places. Label boss Brothers' Vibe then steps up with a sharp-edged, percussion led workout that blooms into a fulsome, acidic jam laced with techno futurism and pure machine soul. German production duo youANDme are regular collaborators with Brothers' Vibe, and here they join forces for the tough, drum-pounding Playing With Toys. Rodriguez also takes the opportunity to unveil the Silent Rodgerz alias, championing the Toad Red vision with a daring, experimental trip through abstractmodular-synthesizer processes that build towards a jacking rhythmic throw-down.

After sending out these tracks last summer and getting great reactions from DJs and dancers alike, Hell Yeah is pleased to finally officially release virtuoso musician Verdo's Little Blue EP, complete with a remix from Lauer. Fully remastered for vinyl, the likes of Lexx, Chris Coco, Soft Rocks, Leo Mas and many more have all be playing these tunes with great results.

The talented Verdo runs the famous Gratis Club in Senigallia on the Italian east coast. It is a place he calls home, and that has really allowed him to hone and sharpen his DJ skills so that now he is a slick, unpredictable and singular DJ with many tricks up his sleeve. Bjorn Torske, DJ Fettburger, Prins Thomas, Kenji Takimi, Glenn Underground and more have all played there in the last decade and Verdo himself is a skilled pianist who has played for Zero7 singer Mozez in the past. He has worked with Hell Yeah before now, as well as releasing on Danny Was A Drag King, and here serves up his biggest bit of dance floor dynamite to date, including his previously digital only cut 'Big Fish' (mixed by DJ Rocca).

Opener 'Little Blue' is a perfectly sunny track with hip swinging claps, bobbling bass and boat party vibes that soothe your soul. Rich with instrumentals and golden synth lines, it's a perfect beat that gets followed up by the retro disco pump of 'Sazerac', another tropical cut with loose drums and rubbery bass to get you up on your toes.

The massive 'Big Fish' then hits hard with its tin pot percussion and wild synths all making you flail your arms like you just don't care. Jumbled jungle vibes and big chords all swell your heart as your feet skip about down low.

Closing out the package is Phillip Lauer (Tuff City Kids), one of the most in demand stars of the day, and his version is a direct house jam with percolating and rugged synths and slapping hits, all demanding you ditch your cocktail and get up and groove.

"all good stuff here! OG for early / mornings and Lauer for peak. really nice release! " Piers - Soft Rocks

"Big fan of Verdo! great tunes here as expected. Sezarac fav at first listen." - Dream Chimney

"Little blue is super nice!!" - Phil South (Golf Channel)

"Yes, some great stuff here. Sezerac and the Lauer mix are really great, perfect sunshine session material." - Chris Coco

"I love Big Fish's keyboards! strong!!! Arigato!!!" - Chida

"Little Blue and Big Fish are fun for sure, def will play em on a rooftop sooooon" - Jacques Renault

"Yeah, feeling Little Blue, heavy rotation this Summer! " - Jason Boardman (Aficionado)

"Little Blue, i like." - Lexx

"This is tremendous. Driving peak time track that you can imagine Joe Claussell really working the dancefloor with." - Andrew Pirie

"killer ep guys!!!" - Discodromo

Ave Berlin collective AWAY ready the 4th release in their catalogue. With 001 on the label being a VA, 002 being an EP from Joe Claussell & Mr.Ties as AWAY Soundsystem and 003 being a second VA - they now present a split 2-tracker from label mainstay Move D and his pairing with Jonah Sharp under their collaborative guise of Reagenz. Whilst keeping an anchor at Berlin's About Blank, AWAY have hosted parties at numerous other venues across the city as well as Barcelona and throughout have maintained a welcoming and free spirited attitude. Harnessing this attitude and channeling the collective's Detroit influences, AWAY have developed their imprint which has so far taken shape over a set of 3 analogue-heavy VA's. Next in line follows suit in melding tough drums with Motor City pads. Natural in their progression, both tracks spark ardour as they steadily develop adding another fine addition to a blooming catalogue.

White Material crew's Galcher Lustwerk and Alvin Aronson return under the guise of Studio OST with a 4-track EP of live jams on Lustwerk Music. While the pair's critically acclaimed 2016 debut 'Scenes (2012-2015)' leaned towards home listening, 'Eventide / Ascension' shifts the focus back to the dancefloor with two chugging cinematic house tracks. 'Eventide' is an evolving nebula of fluttering pads and lush percussion, while 'Ascension''s hot-electric drums are complimented by sharp synth chords that unfurl into controlled chaos. A beatless version of 'Eventide' and a drums only version of 'Ascension' sweeten the deal.

The next COSMOS release comes from Salomon Dunkan, a mysterious and unknown producer who serves up two tantalising tracks...
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'Android (Adamantium Mix)' is a slow and percolating house track with a rugged acid line and sharp percussive knives cutting up the rubbery kick drums below. Swirling pads add a cosmic atmosphere and there whole hits slowly but surely builds to a raging and intense peak of bristling hits and gurgling synths. It's controlled chaos and then 'Tacchi A Spillo' treads a more direct path. Again the high hats are bright and sharp, the mood is very sci-fi and the bass lines rumbled down low. Like a deep space odyssey this one travels far and wide and grows ever more physical and jacking as it goes on.

New versions of Tensal's 'Opposite Inertia' EP, with a remake of his own and contributions from Mike Parker and Pangaea.

New versions of Tensal's 'Opposite Inertia' EP, with a remake of his own and contributions from Mike Parker and Pangaea.

One the most distinctive artists in techno, Mike Parker, combines his signature, modulated bassline and sharp claps with the off-kilter rhythm of 'Inertia 1'. Tensal's remake of 'Inertia 2' is direct, peak-time gear. The synth line is kept front and centre, the beat is heavy and expertly arranged. Pangaea, of Hessle Audio, switches up the broken rhythm of 'Inertia 3' and adds the kind of unusual touches that make his records stand out.

Mastered by Giuseppe Tillieci aka Neel @ EnissLab Studio, Rome. Pressed at at Optimal Media. Packaged in a house sleeve. All artwork designed by Christopher Honeywell.

Maurizio Martinucci (aka TeZ) is being warmly welcomed back into the Frigio fold. Following his work with Most Significant Beat, a partnership with Saverio Evangelista of Esplendor Geometrico, this Italian artist, and member of Clock DVA since 2010, is flying solo on new wings: Pragma.Martinucci examines, scrutinises and magnifies mechanics. And under such inspection all things change. Drums blossom into serrating melodies. Snares, hi hats, toms blur into one as they are distilled into a heady brew. At times this reduction is sour and sharp, as in the cruel cud of 'Ospel', at others its strangely smooth like in 'Dusk.' The lines that divide electronics and techno all but disappear, dissolved into insignificance under Pragma ´s barren palette. 'Espex' is stripped. Percussion is dipped in distortion, bass bleached by hiss as the reductionist manifesto is applied. An artist cut from the same caustic clothe closes.Arturo Lanz of Esplendor Geometrico amplifies the fuzz and static of 'Espex', shaving away all decoration to leave all but a harrowing husk of cables, wires and pain.

Cosmic Club 17's in the house, and for this one Skylax have delved deep into the mystic universe of the ultra prolific photonz with a four track EP quite simply out of this dimension ! Photonz is the artist name of Marco Rodrigues, a London-based DJ and producer who's been championing the new sound of Portuguese house and techno worldwide since the early 2000s. He has done tracks for various labels such as crème organization, unknown to the unknown, hot haus, the "cult" dissident and many more. His first cut "memories of burma" that gave the title to the ep is an infinite groove that builds and builds with arabic synths, a perfect crossover between balearic & old school jackin house. "Baronrevxp" & "agape" moves into the same territories with some sharp clap, hi hats and some big retro vintage sounds. While "stealth predator" catches him at his most experimental, upping the tempo and unleashing an ambitious techno juke roller, think about drexcya, 1990s techno, Plink Plonk and you're not even close ! Photonz music sounds extremely big for the big rooms, and still very large indeed for the smaller ones.His music is praised by The Chemical Brothers, Jackmaster, Optimo, Ivan Smagghe, Daniel Avery, James Holden, Ewan Pearson, Auntie Flo, Tim Sweeney, just to name a few. 'Memories of Burma' EP is not just a cosmic experience, but a voyage into the realms of a producer in a world of his own. Must have. Essential item. SKYLAX RECORDS 4 EVER !