London's elusive Lukid has never been one for convention. In the few short years between 2007-2012, he struck out on a seemingly effortlessly impeccable run of releases on fellow iconoclast Darren 'Actress' Cunningham's mighty Werkdiscs imprint, as well as his own label Glum. Those albums and EPs flaunted genre distinctions and embraced a freewheeling approach to melody, rhythm and atmosphere that felt at once exotically psychotropic and yet grounded in a resolutely english eccentricity. Thus, they feel like especially-prescient recent classics that continue to find new fans.
In the intervening years, Lukid's energy has been poured into his stunning monthly transmissions on NTS while his output has been sparse aside from a pair of mindbending EPs via Liberation Technologies and Glum, respectively. Those radio sets serve as a telling blueprint for his contribution to the ongoing Arcola project. From low slung Memphis rap mixtape cuts to clattering industrial cassette rarities, turbulent grime and outsider synth hallucinations there is a warped palette that comes vibrantly alive across the four included tracks here. The stormy bump and spectral melancholy of 'The Drip' and 'Clappers' seems to wed them together as thematic bedfellows across both sides of the EP while 'Head Shrinker' tries to squeeze an overcast psych-pop opus out of a rack of malfunctioning hardware. Spit out the other side of this ride you exit to the chopped-and-screwed goth grime of 'Conked Out', having had your brain smeared with the uniquely viscous ectoplasm that only Lukid can excrete. Perfectly slimy.
Buscar:t 35
The Mandatory Eight first appeared on the compilation "Funk, Soul & Afro Rarities: An Intro To ATA Records" released in 2015 on Here & Now recordings with the song "Suckerpunch", which has since become the label's most requested song for re-release as a 45. ATA have dug deep in the archives to unearth two dance-tempo 45 killers to placate the calls until studio time is allotted to the band for a debut album.
The band's sound and ideology definitely lies in less refined eclectic soul. Feel over precision, passion over execution, soul-on-a-budget grooves.
From the opening drum pick up of "Soul Fanfare #3" it is clear that The Mandatory 8 are here to make you move. With proud horn lines reminiscent of something that you might find in the Stax vaults, Soul Fanfare definitely takes it's lead from backing bands such as the Barkays and the funkier side of Booker T and the MGs. One can imagine that this was definitely a set opener for the group, guaranteed to put foot to floor. Guitar and bass have a care free movement and feel, conjuring up tones of late 60's summer soul hits.
The B-side "Turn It Out" has a darker, moodier feel to the previous side. Still a dance floor filling groove, the band take a direction more similar to below the radar funk outfits such as Amnesty or LA carnival. Biting minor horn lines set the tone backed by a bubbling bed of congas, rhythm guitar, unruly bass and drums which don't dip below boiling for the duration. "Turn It Out" features a manzarek-esque farfisa organ solo which sets the sonic tone of a band without funds but with plenty of soul in the bank.
Both sides will reflect well for different moods on the same dance floor.
- A1: Oracle
- A2: High Priestess
- A3: Dreamscape From The Night Kitchen
- A4: Sunset
- B1: Embrace (Live Version, Nyc 1987)
- B2: Environment (Temporary & Indefinite Edit By K. Leimer)
- C1: Sadhana Environment (Pharaohs Mana Mix)
- C2: Sadhana Environment (Dreems \\\\'Natu¨rliche Liebe\\\\' Remix)
- D1: Sadhana Environment (Oahu Suite By Lieven Martens Moana)
Over two years in the making, 'Talisman' is a retrospective and re-interpretative celebration of the work of American musician Robert ÆOLUS Myers. Touched first by the emotional depth of the music, and subsequently by the warmth and wisdom of the man, Origin Peoples sought to capture a snapshot on this special vinyl release.
This newest chapter of the ÆOLUS myth seen for the first time on vinyl are five of his most expressive pieces, alongside a quartet of remixes by kindred spirits from all corners of the globe. This is the first time his music has been interpreted by others, and Robert's delight at the result speaks volumes of his adventurous and open-minded attitude. Approaching the often intangible new age genre with a humanist approach, Robert creates immersive and expansive pieces which connect with the listener on a spiritual and emotional level.
Archetypal narratives are retold through nuanced electronics, evocative motifs and empathetic flute, the varied compositions informed by Myers' classical training, spiritual pursuits and study of ethnomusicology. Part retrospective, part remix project, 'Talisman' is the perfect reflection of Robert ÆOLUS Myers, a musician whose timeless expression of theme and emotion has enriched minds, bodies and souls for almost 40 years.
Beat Bronco Organ Trio play Soul Jazz, the sound of the 60's popularized by artists such as Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, Jimmy McGriff and Reuben Wilson. With a warm and solid sound, the Madrid combo breaks into the scene with a groovy funky 45. The Mid-tempo Jazz Funk cut "Easy Baby" on one side and the dancefloor burner "Geriatric Dance" on the flip. Soon on a turntable near you.
Gabri Casanova, Hammond.
Lucas de Mulder, Guitar.
Antonio "Pax", Drums.
Recording & Mixing - Santi "Sweetfingers" Martín.
Mastering: Victor García.
NYC's Schatzi back with their fifth release !Filled to the brim with five scoops of disco fun that wiggle between Italo-inflected goofiness, suave, greased-back swagger, and schmaltzy ballroom twillers. For good measure, the 12-inch is capped with a charged-up drum track that's a tumult of percussion, hoots, hollers & jungle noise.
ANT ANTIC is the singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Tobias Koett - originally from Austria, currently based in Berlin. On stage, he's joined by two musicians on drums and synthesizers to form a full live band. His signature sound: melancholy wrapped in contemporary R&B. Distinctive vocals that will stay with you forever, driven by a solid backbone of avantgarde beats of incredibly high-level production. Outside of conventional pop song structures, his latest single Whoop! blends stripped-down four to the floor aesthetics with an analogue approach to sound design. The result is as emotional, honest and relatable as it is catchy. Whoop!
In 2017 Blair French came out of hibernation to release contrasting but similarly sun-kissed EPs on Rocksteady Disco and Claremont 56.
Here, he returns to action with a scintillatingly sunny and sensual six-tracker on NuNorthern Soul that may well be his strongest release to date.
Given French's chameleon-like musical history, that's certainly a bold claim.
Over the years, he's been a member of a multitude of musical collectives - most notably Cosmic Handshakes and Formless Figures - established his own DIY record label (Fat Finger Cosmic) and released music that touches on a dizzying array of styles, from award-winning movie soundtracks and Afro-fired deep house, to skewed techno, blissful ambience and experimental hip-hop.
On Patio Pastel, French is in full on sand-between-the-toes Balearic mood, delivering a range of lucid, ear-pleasing compositions that will sashay their way into your consciousness.
Contrast, for example, the drowsy organs, glistening pedal steel and undulating hand percussion of opener 'Patio Pastel' with the Serge Gainsbourg style chanson-goes-tropical bliss of 'La Playa De Tercipelo', which features some deliciously breathy vocals from Stephanie Lyon.
Then there's 'Morning Sail', a sumptuously evocative soundscape rich in toasty, dub disco bass, shuffling percussion and lilting, Jonny Nash style guitar solos (see also the effortlessly horizontal Lounsbury Gardens'), and the kaleidoscopic, saucer-eyed Balearic pop brilliance of ;'Human Make Human', where new age synthesizer melodies and the fuzzy vocal refrain of Kasi Seguin gentle dances above an Afro-flecked, mid-tempo groove.
Throughout the EP, French mixes electronic and acoustic instrumentation, drawing together musical elements from a myriad of styles to create sumptuous new fusions.
It's particularly evident on superb closer 'Belle Isle Sunsets', where colourful synth motifs, eyes-closed guitar riffs and Mediterranean-warm chords wrap themselves around a gently pulsating, impressively layered groove.
Like the rest of the EP, it's perfectly pitched, expertly executed and wonderfully atmospheric.
- A1: Ukraine - Lullaby
- A2: Taiwan - Lullaby
- A3: Armenia - Lullaby
- A4: Lithuania - A-A A-A Mazulyte ("Ah, Ah! My Little Girl")
- A5: Portugal - Song To Rock
- A6: Ireland - An Irish Lullaby
- A7: Spain - Songs For Cradle
- A8: Solomon Islands - Lullaby
- A9: Algeria - Lullabies
- A10: Haiti - Lullaby
- B1: Canada - Loving Song Composed For A Child
- B2: Greece - Come Now An Sleep My Child
- B3: Canada - Ho Ho Watanay
- B4: Rwanda - Kamananga
- B5: United States - Go To Sleep
- B6: France - Nelli Monti Di Cuscione #
- B7: Georgia - Lullaby
- B8: Balkans - A La Nana Y A La Buba
- B9: Romania - Cradle Song
Soothing Songs For Babies. Berceuses Du'
Sechs Jahre Nach Seiner Letzten Lp "busted With A Bag Of Bliss" (my Favourite Robot) Kehrt Der Kanadische Indie-elektronica-meister Sid Le Rock (aka Pan/tone, Gringo Grinder) Mit Seinem Fünften Studioalbum "scenic Route" Zurück. Die Neue Lp Ist Ein Musikalischer Trip Durch Eine Breite Klangpalette, Die Von Dancefloor-tracks (kismet, Morgenfrisk) Bis Zu Electro-meisterwerken (speak Sweetly, Hiraeth) Reicht. Das Artwork Wurde Von Alex Solman Erstellt, "dem Mann Hinter Den Unverwechselbaren Zeichnungen Für Den Golden Pudel Club Und Einem Der Besten Bildenden Künstler, Der Heute In Der Musik Arbeitet" (resident Advisor). Die Lp Enthält 6 Tracks, Der Download-code Insgesamt 11 Tracks.
Next on Berlin's Renate Schallplatten is Longhair, a project formed by Marko Pelaic and Benedikt Bogenberger, two residents of Berlin's Wilde Renate. Mangostine, a four-tracker, follows last year's 12' on Dutch label Bordello A Parigi and a track contribution on House Is OK. It lands with an Axel Boman remix. The EP opens with the title track, its name drawn from the exotic fruit. Over a brooding bassline we hear light, fluttering melodies and uplifting keys, creating a peak-time roller that'll put smiles on faces across the dancefloor. 'Pans & Pots,' the A2, starts as a darker affair with trippy vocal samples and fluttering drum patterns, before warm keys and intricate instrumentation lift the mood to make for a fun-filled jam peak-hours feel-good jam. On the flip, Studio Barnhus head Axel Boman reworks the title track into a more subtle, deeper cut; the melodies remain but in the background, replaced at the forefront by tribal drums and abstract vocals. Closer 'Aquamen,' meanwhile, opens as a straight-edged techno cut with a heavy bassline and fluttering snares, before playful keys and intermittent sci-fi samples add some texture. It's another late-night jam that'll lift the energy without ever being too forceful. The release is Renate Schallplatten's first since 2017's various artist compilations. Earlier EPs have landed from Moscoman, Sebastian Voigt, Wareika, and more.
Darkly Melancholic, Driving And Highly Original; The Tracks From 'daughter Of Darkness Ep Have Been Tested, Tweaked And Perfected At Sisyphos' Cavernous Main Room Hammahalle, Where Fidelity Spins Monthly As One Of The Berlin Club's Leading Residents. Tracks 'daughter Of Darkness' And 'the Huntress' Are Intuitively Inspired By The Sunday Daytime Vibe From The Berlin Club Scene, Whereas 'wolf Clan' Builds And Raises Energy, Written From The Perspective Of Being Behind The Decks As The Dj. Appeals To Fans Of Anna, Charlotte De Witte, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Adam Beyer, Chris Liebing, Nina Kraviz
Upcoming Shows
Monthly Residency At Sisyphos, Berlin
Hot news: There's significant evidence that the material for Schnitzel Cuts 5 has been created on steroids and therefor unfit for serving to the general public. Those seekers of pan fried & breaded perfection should be cautious.
Both sides have been seen to cause serious energy boosts on the dance floor. The heavy low end and suspense of the 'Strategy" and the all-out string and horn extravaganza of 'Were you ready for that" make this an energy packed dish that's best served with extreme care.
repressed !
Justin @Cudmore's 'Are You Ready' is the track that's making you stay at the party long after you started saying you should really get home. Justin tells us that 'Are You Ready' is the result of some early experimentation with the studio setup in his old apartment and one of the first white label acid tracks he began playing out, even before his popular debut for The Bunker NY, 'Forget It' was released. 'The elements came together quickly in an afternoon session -- I had been recently inspired by a trove of acapellas I'd come across. I would say this is when arranging the track really clicked and I started truly assembling it with the dance floor in mind.' Over the next two years, the track became a secret weapon that made its way into the hands of DJs like Craig Richards, Mike Servito, Jackmaster, Derek Plaslaiko and Gerd Janson, becoming something of a sleeper hit.
French producer Erell Ranson's affinity for the deeper shades of Detroit sound is well known, but his ability to absorb those influences and create beautiful music with his own signature is the reason we're so excited to welcome him into our family. Having previously released on labels such as Kalahari Oyster Cult, aDepth audio, Nice & Nasty Records and his own MySelf Recordings, amongst others, Erell's became quite skilled in crafting sophisticated and emotional tracks which still seem to feel perfectly at home in a crowded 3 AM club situation. EP for Barba, titled "Dreams Of Nila", is a 4-tracker consisting of "Dreams Of Nila", "Reminiscence 0f The Past", and "Far Away Of Your Side", with the latter receiving an additional remix treatment by a Rotterdam-based project Duplex. "Dreams Of Nila" is a somewhat more leaning towards Chicago-ish side of things, with its huge bassline enveloped by shuffling 707 drums. Soft-sounding synth pad sequences work as an emotion injection and appear perfectly timed, without removing the edge of this, essentially, club track. "Reminiscence Of The Past" is the most direct of the bunch. Syncopated bass drum, forward-leaning groove and those classic techno snare roll fills make this track hard to ignore as it is, without mentioning complex interaction of synth lines, chords and beautiful detroit-reminiscent string stabs. Wonderfully executed counterpoint of hard edge and soft touch is what makes this cut a truly special one. Techno in its fullest form. "Far Away Of Your Side" is somewhat closer to the energy level of "Dreams Of Nila", and is a well-paced deep cut perfect for later moments in the night when subtle approach is everything. Slow synth pads give your mind some time to relax while the groove keeps your body occupied. Duplex remix of "Far Away Of Your Side" takes the track another notch down but in a more sideways manner. Broken electro groove is what keeps the foundation of the track while Chris Aarse & John Matze (aka Duplex) masterfully work their synths and pads to keep the tension for the whole duration of the track. Melancholy mood is tangible here, and at its best, ready for the dancefloor.
SLV's "Berlin. A Portrait In Music" album on Soma receives a string of remixes from Setaoc Mass, Stanislav Tolkachev, Conforce, as well as a VIP mix from SLV himself.
Hailing from Berlin, SLV is well respected for his melancholic sound design and crystalline soundscapes having released on labels like Ilario Alicante's Virgo and Slam's Soma. Following the release of SLV's ambient "Berlin. A Portrait In Music" album, Slam's iconic label has invited a powerful selection of techno producers to reimagine a handful of tracks; Figure, Clergy and Work Them Records producer Setaoc Mass; Ukraine's master of mind-bending techno, Stanislav Tolkachev; and also Delsin regular Conforce.
"Dust" by SK_Eleven founder Setaoc Mass brings melodic flare with enveloping synths above dark rumbling lows, before SLV's injects some energy into "Talking With The Shadows" with his own Rave Mix, incorporating moody tones and slow flowing arps with dark cavernous reverb. Krill and Mord artist Stanislav Tolkachev then offers a steady beat with euphoric chimes and vinyl hiss for his stripped back "First Day In The City", preceding Dutch artist Conforce's "Forest Voices" which balances unearthly sound design and a steppy drum pattern.
SO-015 was slated to be released some time ago as the Critical Phaze ep, but for various reasons, never saw the light of day. The ep has now been newly mixed, re-mastered, renamed on the resurrected Southern Outpost label. The lead track, Critical Phaze, is dark dystopian electro, while Syncom Data provide a dubbed out remix to finish up the A side. A short interlude on the B side makes way for Solar Cycle a long, hypnotic electro trip that imagines the endless bounds of space.
B A2 Critical Phaze (Syncom Data Remix)




















