Suche:synths

For the third in its fifth anniversary release series, Stroboscopic Artefacts brings together tracks from Xhin, Tommy Four Seven, Kangding Ray and Dsrcd. Xhin's Blade Moth', previously released digitally by Meerestief, finds today new (and remastered) life on SA. It is deep and propulsive, with scattershot percussion reverberating around finely tuned kicks and sci-fi oscillations. The detailed sound design and experimental quirks are typical of the producer; they made for a stunning debut album on SA in 2011, and here elevate the functional 4x4 skeleton into a fantastically ethereal piece of dance music. On 'FFFFF', an incessant bass groove channels pounding kicks and high-end distortion into powerful form. Tommy Four Seven's experience in the DJ booth informs the less-is-more approach, as carefully selected elements roll dynamically and to gripping effect. Flip the record over and Kangding Ray provides the most dramatic offering in 'Luna'. Warehouse-style synths slide from behind drums and throbbing pulses of sub bass, driving the track forward with vigour. 'Luna' closes with an extended and euphoric outro, it heightens the peak-time force and lends itself to spellbinding mixes. Parisian act Dscrd end the EP with slow, grinding techno cut 'Apparition Hill'. It opts for tension over release, ebbing and flowing with restrained arrangement and masterful guile. Illusory vocal samples and washes of noise rise from the murky atmosphere, filling the mid-range with harsh textures. Dscrd's contribution offers something slower and more heady, finishing a special record with finesse.

2023 Repress

Those with an internet connection may be familiar with Paolo Di Nicolantonio through his incredible YouTube channel, SynthMania. His channel is hub showcasing his endless arsenal of synths and drum machines from his home studio in Italy. Unlike his italo-heavy channel, this record consists of two original tracks; one old-school deep house number and an additional beatless Juno-60 jam to boot. Craigie Knowes also welcome their first remixer to the label, the impeccable UK deep techno producer, John Shima.

It has been over 2 years since Kellon (Spillway) ceased trading. He makes his return as Viewfinder, with a new label and a new approach. ‘The Second Phase’ is the first release on Rescan Records – it features 4 club-ready tunes, littered with analogue synths.

recut and repress !

Charlotte de Witte, without doubt one of Belgium's fastest rising talents in the techno circuit, and known from two strong EP's on Tiga's Turbo label, makes her debut on OFF.

The EP starts off with 'Trip', aptly name due to its cinematic sound design and arrangement. Charlotte's trademark use of vocals ooze character, and haunting synths complemented by a laidback but steady drum-foundation are the ingredients of this track.

Sweden's Techno-legend Cari Lekebusch delivers the first remix, a functional and linear interpretation, which is sure to be heard on festival dancefloors during the late summer.

TWR72 of Amsterdam, themselves very much what you would call a 'current breakthrough act', are responsible for remix number two, a contemporary interpretation based on syncopated rhythms.

The EP is completed with 'Repeat', a reduced drum-tool built around a repetitive vocal hook.

Altogether a strong statement of a promising young artist and another proof of the ongoing evolution of OFF Recordings.

Dialling it back to the early ‘80s yet with a firm foot still in the future, Dr Packer takes on two of Freeez’s classic brit funk cuts ‘I.O.U’ and ‘We Got The Juice’ for a double dose of disco remix deliverance.

First up for a slice and dice, Freeez’s biggest hit ‘I.O.U’ gets a trademark Dr Packer update with a tougher bassline and squelching synths, echoed and extended in all the right spots. On the B, ‘We’ve Got The Juice’ gets a DJ friendly edit, with the Dr replaying the bass riff to get that extra dose of funk, whilst tightening up the percussion ready for it to be unleashed on the dancefloor.

DJ Support:

Arthur Baker, Dave Lee, Michael Gray, Fingerman, Casual Connection, Yam Who?, Andy Smith (Streetsounds), Walterino, Casa Blanco + many more

Speedy J and Steve Rachmad join forces as Speedy & Steve for a four-track techno EP on Luke Slater's Mote-Evolver this February.

Dutch artists Speedy J and Steve Rachmad have long been defining the techno underground with seminal tunes on a range of influential labels. For their new release, the duo jammed in Speedy's studio for their new release, working the live results into four fresh and powerful new tracks, kicking off a new series of live collaborations on Luke Slater's Mote-Evolver.

The intense and textural 'Reddo' kicks off with industrial synth lines designed for maximum warehouse impact before 'Dabler Nine' brings its deep rolling drums and mind-melting synth lines late into the night. 'Right Well and Clean' has fresh, airy kick drums rolling beneath harsh and icy hi-hats before 'Rotor' closes the release in cosmic fashion with spiralling pads and intensely layered synths and drums.

This new series will see artists collaborating in person, with each EP capturing the creative moment as it happens, with results aimed squarely at the dance floor. Each release in the series has artwork in a specific style that combines one item from each artist, which means something to them, into one new image.

YAME is a unique electronic duo that is blowing up modern dance floors with their signature music in the style of cosmic indie dance.

Victor Kiriiakidi and Oleksandr Seletskyi set modern musical trends in Ukraine and raise the country's electronic dance culture to a worthy world level.

YAME has already received support and high quality ratings from the masters of the global electronic scene. Their performances take place in (hybrid dj-set) mode, including live vocals using a processor, as well as two synths with futuristic effects.



DJ support:

Solomun
Kolombo
Moscoman
Sebastian Leger
Yolanda Be Cool
Phonique
The Organism

James Curd presents the fourth instalment from his already essential PRONTO label, delivering a hyper-infectious original alongside a bumper pack of top-drawer remixes on ‘I Am One, I Am Many’.

First up, Curd’s original version of ‘I Am One, I Am Many’ bursts from the blocks with its lively tempo and feel-good groove. Built around an empowering spoken word vocal and pitched somewhere in the fertile soil between disco and house, the funk-laden jam rolls over thick bass, dramatic strings and jaunty guitar licks, with irresistible horn motifs lifting spirits as the dance-ready arrangement unfolds.

Next, renegade UK collective Adelphi Music Factory maintain the uncompromising approach that has seen them garner universal tastemaker heat thanks to impactful releases on Shall Not Fade, Nervous, and their own Beat Factory label. Adding weight to the drums, they stay true to the intention of the original, retaining the track’s key parts while tastefully reforming them as an unfettered main room banger.

The UK remix flavour extends into the third iteration, with notorious party-starters Make A Dance continuing their club-focused manifesto with their brilliantly atmospheric revision. Here, M.A.D. carry on the fine work they’ve been manifesting on their eponymous label, constructing an almost entirely new track around the iconic vocal. A contagious organ hook drives the energy as saucer-eyed sweeps and off-kilter synths meander across the panorama, the sturdy house rhythm expertly powering the kinetically charged groove.

Tel Aviv’s Nenor rounds off the remixes, the esteemed producer and DJ showing the kind of sparkling form that has seen his work appear on benchmark labels including Mahogani, Strictly Rhythm, Heist, and Razor N Tape among many others. Transposing the track into deeper territory, Nenor strips back the instrumentation to serve a mesmerising heads-down roller. The vocal soars over brooding bass and syncopated chords, with loose rhythms and subtle textures combining to hypnotic effect.

Alignment is back on Charlotte de Witte's KNTXT label for a fourth time with his Attack EP. It offers four more forward-thinking tracks of trance infused techno.

Berlin-based, Italian-born artist Alignment, whose real name is Francesco Pierfelice, has emerged as a real force in the techno world in recent years. He has had an outstanding array of vital productions, and his sound helps carry forward the diversity and musical identity KNTXT stands for. His sound has smartly evolved since as he continues to pick up new influences. All that comes out on this superb new release.

Says the artist, ‘I am more than happy to contribute with ‘Attack EP’, another release on such a renowned imprint like KNTXT. Charlotte has supported me since day one, and I am hugely grateful to release for the fourth time on her label. Four tracks that are straight to the floor, they are the outcome of touring clubs and festivals again now in 2022. Enjoy this selection and see you soon on the dance-floor!’

Says label boss Charlotte de Witte, ‘Alignment is one of my favourite producers out there. His high energy style and sound always deliver on the dancefloor. I'm very proud and honoured to have him once again on board for another four killer tracks on KNTXT.’

Attack opens up with hammering drums and turbo-charged synths. It is an all powerful track that drills deep and brings a real sense of rave to the club. There is an ever present sense of euphoria to Dream State as the trance synth loops bring real light and emotion to the flat footed and slamming drums. Some steamy vocals add that all important hook and ensure real dance floor destruction. Multiverse brings bouncing techno funk beneath edgy synth stabs and industrial percussion design for soot-black warehouse spaces. Last of all is The Way, another unstoppable and supersized techno offering with hands-in-the air synth designs and drums that just don't quit.

This is another fiery offering of new school techno from Alignment.

As luck would have it, this seventh exclusive Deep Site Vinylized edition sees the pure class of Tojami Sessions (Dessous Recordings/Plastic City) with two stand out original tracks each offering remixes that contrast and compliment the full atmosphere of this release.

Falling (Original Mix) takes you on a late afternoon cruise filled with soft seductive whispers and a surprise percussion during the break. Falling (Manuel Sahagun Remix) adds more of a jazzy element, focus on inspiring words, and the laid back improvisation keep the groove flowing non-stop. Falling (Kessidis Remix) takes on a more mystical and minimal approach amidst modulating synths and the spoken words declaring what is to unfold. What Is Love (Original Mix) The extended intro and groovy bassline start this track off, bathing you in sunlight while the vocal samples splash over and refresh you creating a radiant joy. What Is Love (Deep Spelle Remix) layers some harder beats and an 808 bassline producing that contagious dancing feeling impossible to resist.

What Is Love (Funtom Remix) sends the track to high emotional levels with use of melody and dynamics making it a true anthem bound to leave its touch.

Tutto Bene is the new imprint of the North German vinyl digger Hagel. The plan? Release infectious but versatile grooves reminiscent of the nineties with hefty doses of funk - rich in percussion, rolling sub basses, charismatic rhythms, and light-hearted yet odd synths. The first record, 'Too Easy EP', comes signed by AlleyOP, a collaboration project between Hagel and Berlin-based wonder producer Atree, and features two original tracks and two remixes by Lorenzo Chiabotti and Audio Werner.

A side's 'Die Another Day' opens the record with robotic rhythms under mildly paranoid tones proper for dancefloor hypnotization. Lorenzo Chiabotti brings an unexpected melodic touch to the original, completely re-shaping its groove and determinately swapping its freaky tonalities with hopeful scales. B side's 'Too Easy' follows the same path of minimal arrangements and straight-to-the-point drum programming and sampling but opts for warmer sonic tones - making it appropriate for dusk and dawn dancefloor moments. Audio Werner elevates the warmth in scale and ups the vibe by intensifying the breaks and synth atmosphere of the original and shooting it into a stratosphere where melody and detail are elementary.

Mathis Ruffing’s Transatlantic debut cuts to the chase. This is getaway music, music designed to vaporise your long-dormant adrenal glands. ‘Skybox’ is made up of tracks that surge like quicksilver through veins, pulsing, flexing, relentlessly disciplined in execution. These tunes are crystalline and shimmering, eight sleek and streamlined club constructs rendered with what feels like the precision-engineering of some advanced alien DAW.

Opener ‘Ultranova’ hits like a cyborgian headbutt and refuses to let up. It’s followed by the one-two punch of the title track and ‘Hitherto’, which install cooling, gaseous pads and synths within breakneck drum&bassian exoskeletons. ‘Crater Edge’ and closer ‘Raytraced’ offer cryochamberesque respite from the cold-blooded fury enclosed within this release — well-earned breathing room in an album that takes hold with crisp and calculated force. Pure focus.