Cerca:the ant

Repress!

Midnight Magic’s perennial disco anthem 'Beam Me Up' announced itself as an instant classic from the moment of its release in 2010, and at long last the band has teamed up with fellow Brooklynites Razor-N-Tape for a 10-year-anniversary package (minus one lost year) that once again establishes the timeless quality of the song with a fresh and versatile package of new remixes.

Norwegian space-disco don Prins Thomas delivers a sprawling and elegant mix, grounding melodic and psychedelic elements over a bumping percussive disco rhythm treatment, stretching out over 8 minutes of blissful breakdowns, delays and driving bass lines. Kim Ann Foxman takes the song to a darker and dubbier place with her 'Beam Me To The Basement Mix,' layering samples of singer Tiffany Roth’s vocal and insistent acid synths over a heavy and pulsing low end. Each Other, a new project by Max Pask and NYC club royalty Justin Strauss, crafts an extended peak-time stormer of a mix, with churning analog drum and synth production that is somehow ravey, New-Wavey and lush all at once.

These three mixes truly capture an entire club night in one record, each a beautifully unique interpretation that showcases the inimitable talent and creativity of the remixers, and is also a testament to the enduring perfection of the original. Grab this record immediately and beam yourself back to the dance floor!

Venice, Italy – 2025 Paolo Mosca, the Italian producer, composer, and DJ acclaimed for his soulful approach to electronic music, unveils his new alias I.O.N with the forthcoming debut EP Signals, set to be released on Ritmotherapy. Known for releases on Slow Life, Altered Circuits, and a recent collaboration with Alex Neri, Mosca now steps into uncharted territory fusing experimental electronics with rock-inspired textures and raw energy for the dancefloor.

Signals is a daring reimagining of 90s sonic aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the breakbeat and hip-hop influences of cult films like Blade & The Matrix. Each track on the EP blurs the line between nostalgia and innovation, layering hypnotic riffs, rolling basslines, and gripping vocal samples with futuristic precision.

The EP kicks off with “Camouflage” , where breakbeat rhythms and hip-hop flavors meet futuristic atmospheres. A grabbing vocal, heavy low-end, and hypnotic riff drive the track into a world of cinematic tension and release.

“Escape” follows with a slower tempo, but its restrained pulse only builds anticipation. Classical violin lines cut through break-driven drums, leading to a long-awaited drop that delivers an overwhelming yet deeply satisfying release.

Next, “Neo” builds momentum with a gritty 303 bassline and sharp synths, locked into a relentless 4x4 rhythm. The track feels like an expedition through acid-soaked landscapes, equal parts raw and refined.

“They Are Looking at You” closes the EP with explosive energy, bursting with hip-hop vocals that command “don’t stop. ” Propelled by a nasty bassline and oriental-inspired synth melodies, it’s a track built to ignite dancefloors and spark spontaneous breakdance energy.

With Signals, I.O.N presents more than just an EP; It's a manifesto for a new era of club music. It’s heavy yet soulful, experimental yet deeply physical, and above all, a fresh signal to the global electronic scene that something new has arrived. Reserved for their official release on Ritmotherapy, the anticipation around this project signals a bold new chapter for both artist and label.

First album of French band La Femme released in 2013 with which they won Best New Band of the year at the French Music Awards and god certified gold. It marked also the beginning of their international recognition, confirmed since with their 2nd album Mystère in 2016 and their brand new album Paradigmes today. Includes the hits Sur La Planche, It's Time to Wake Up and Antitaxi! La Femmes's debut LP, is a mix of surf revival, updated cold wave (in a similar vein to countryman Lescop), 1960s yéyé and psychedelia. "Psycho Tropical Berlin: is apparently also their self-penned genre, they have also said "strange wave, new Motown, witch wave, silly mental wave"... whatever, aach term makes for a pillar to describe their music. Psycho Tropical Berlin is the story of a couple who slipped into chaos and survives by watching each other. Le Danger est partout - Peril is all around - as written in the booklet. Rock and pop, rococo bauhaus, fed from multiples influences (Krafwerk, Elli & Jacno). La Femme just want to please you. Generous and welcoming, she stretches you her white hand in the dark, if you grasp it, it could be the shiver of your life.

Kid Katana Records teamed up with Dotemu, The Game Kitchen and KOEI TECMO GAMES, to bring you the highly anticipated NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound OST on vinyl.



The physical edition is a 2LP designed in close relationship with the game's creative team:
- 2 colored vinyls: transparent blue & magenta, matching the cover art & the color-code of the two protagonists
- exclusive poster with extended credits & liner notes giving insights from the game’s creative team and featured artists


This album illustrates the incredible return to the saga's origins, embodied by Ryu Hayabusa's disciple Kenji Mozu and The Black Spider Clan Kunoichi Kumori, both united to repel the sudden onslaught of demons. It takes players back to its roots: a side-scrolling, brutally precise action-platformer set between the events of the first three episodes of the NINJA GAIDEN 8-bit era. The game’s OST blends different genres: rock, retro tunes and action-packed arcade music that respect the IP music legacy while modernizing it.

Astropolis Records, the label born from the legendary Brest festival, marks a decade of electronic devotion with a sprawling, heartfelt anniversary compilation — slightly belated, but executed with undeniable flair.
It also comes in two EPs, showcasing the many facets of the Astropolis universe: in-house artists, long-time festival collaborators, and fresh talent from France’s ever-bubbling scene. Eighteen artists guide us through a sonic journey where rave heritage, electronic dreamscapes, and collective fervor intertwine — true to the spirit of a festival that has never recognized borders



The first EP bathes in warm tones across electronica, house, g-tech, old-school rave, and melodic techno.
It opens with grace and magic via Rone, whose electronic touch conjures the intimate and the infinite. Between electronica and downtempo, The Dolphin Ambassador delivers luminous melancholy, offering a gentle calm before the storm.


The unlikely pairing of Mézigue and Swooh catapults house into a g-tech vortex with the unrestrained Broken Roll To Venice, a compact fusion of groove, hybrid sounds, and playful inventiveness.
Belaria & Madben continue this alchemical thread on Into The Void, an incendiary anthem where 90s rave, EBM, and modern intensity collide in hypnotic trance.


For old-school dancefloor loyalists, KiNK finally resurrects a cult live set staple: Give Me, a bona fide banger merging breakbeat and vintage house, engineered for late-night sweat sessions.
Oniris & Benjamin Rippert revisit the melodic techno roots of the label on Sonate, demonstrating a masterful command of harmony.



This anniversary compilation underscores the label’s openness to new generations and recent sonic hybrids, while paying homage to the techno scene that shaped its early days. Much like the festival itself, it embodies the same sincerity and collective energy: a small manifesto connecting generations, aesthetics, and territories — celebrating roots without nostalgia, and the future without bowing to trends.

Box Set: 2LP (sparkle) + 7" (transparent) + CD + Vinyl Slipmat + Booklet + 6 Coasters + Keychain + Stickers

Originally released in 2005, OK Cowboy, Vitalic’s first album, is celebrating its twentieth anniversary with a reissue in several formats (box set, double vinyl, CD, digital), enriched with rare tracks and previously unreleased versions.

OK Cowboy is a landmark album in electronic music, a pivotal record between eras.


It perfectly captures that period while also anticipating the raw, abrasive new sounds of French Touch 2.0 (the movement led by Justice and the artists of the Ed Banger label). Twenty years later, the impact and power of this major album still mark it as a defining release of the mid-2000s, retaining its full sonic relevance today.



Box set contents: double LP, 7-inch single, CD, vinyl slipmat, booklet, 6 coasters, keychain, sticker

From commanding festival mainstages to shaping the Belgian house scene with his SHOMI brand, DJ Licious has consistently delivered music that connects beyond borders. With his debut album "So Far", he brings together the highlights of his career "so far", while setting the stage for "what's next" - a sonic story of passion, persistence, and the universal power of dance music.

A Journey Through Hit Records and New Horizons

"So Far" gathers DJ Licious's biggest anthems to date, including his massive hit "Magic With You", for which he received a golden record and spent over 30 weeks in the Ultratop 50. The album also features Top 10 hits like "Hope" (with Armen Paul) (Platinum) and "Million Moons" (Gold), alongside fan favorites such as "Ibiza Sky", "Beautiful Liar", "Voices", and his latest single "One More Day."

In addition to these beloved tracks, "So Far" includes two brand-new, unreleased songs, offering listeners a glimpse into the next chapter of DJ Licious's musical journey - a seamless blend of feel-good grooves, melodic energy, and emotional depth.

"'So Far' is a reflection of everything I've experienced on this journey - the highs, the love, the dancefloors, and the people I've met along the way. It's a thank-you to everyone who's been part of it," says DJ Licious.

Limited Cassette

67 minutes (A side:35" / B side: 32")

Originally released in 1996

Compiled and DJ Mixed by Jeff Mills

Recorded at Liquid Room- Shinjuku, Tokyo October 28, 1995

Mastering: Ron Murphy at Studio Enterprises, Detroit



This year marks a major milestone in the history of electronic music: the 30th anniversary of Jeff Mills’ legendary Live at Liquid Room, recorded in 1995 in Tokyo and widely regarded as one of the greatest DJ mixes of all time. A true techno anthology, this set made history with its boldness and intensity, inspiring generations of DJs and producers around the world.“30 years ago, Techno music was still in its infancy, still formulating itself and attempting to find firm footing in the genre of Dance Music. Many new artists and records labels were introduced to the World as many DJs were justifiably recognized. This Liquid Room mix marks a cornerstone of the genre. The crossing and never returning back to way things were. Techno could only move forward and it did. “-Jeff Mills

Our journeys into uncharted lands of the Reducerverse continue.

Essential must-buy shit for all disciples of: The Rootsman x Muslimgauze, Love's Secret Domain era Coil, Chris & Cosey, Meat Beat Manifesto, early Reinforced Recs, Shut Up & Dance, He Dark Age, Zombies Under Stress, SPK.

If you've just joined us: Reducer ARE the greatest lost dub punks. Rumoured to have almost signed to On-U Sound but told Sherwood to stuff it when he wanted his hands on the desk. Fame never found them, cos they didn't want it anyway. Living in the obscure memories of the select squatters and weirdos lucky enough to have had their minds blown, their first recordings were scraped off the linings of the cosmic dustbin recently through a series of self-released 12"s, cassettes, USBs and strangest of all a 3D performance screened at the Cube (in association with pals Bokeh Versions).

In short: Reducer's the most thrilling fairytale resurrection these pages have been privy to, joining 23 Skidoo, Killing Joke, PiL, Slits, Terminal Cheescake etc on the Mount Olympus of the Punky Reggae Party.

This latest slice of karmic justice comes from The Human Aerial aka Reducer's guitarist and prime mover Hooly. And ohhhh what a justice it is. Drawing on 40 years of private solo recordings across 7 tracks from Abu Ama style dabke jaguar steppas punishment to thumping bass-led electro, peak Depth Charge dubby big beat to careening breakbeat hardcore, trashcan gamelan spirituals and Jamie Vex'd style maximalist beats blissouts,

Tying together this jaw-dropping range of styles and fashions is a relentless sampladelic bombardment. The Human Aerial's habitual pilfering of TV and radio for into lovingly spliced tape loops and samples showcases humanity at its best and absolute worst. Tele-evangelists rub shoulders with long dead chieftans: "there is no death, only change of worlds" "We're MAD AS HELL AND WERE NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE" "THe land is sacred, a cathedral of the spirit". These wisdoms and grave sins slip into us subliminal through the dance, the needle drops like a waking dream.

While the Reducer archives may be running low, we assure you the Human Aerial coffers are full. And long may our minds be blown by this ongoing renaissance.

Am 19. Dezember 2025 erscheint über ZYX Music das mit Spannung erwartete Debütalbum Future Rave United Vol. 1, das die Zukunft der elektronischen Tanzmusik neu definiert.

Auf 10 energiegeladenen Tracks präsentiert das Album eine unvergleichliche Mischung aus treibenden Beats, hypnotischen Melodien und futuristischen Soundlandschaften.

Die Tracklist setzt sich zusammen aus:
HYPERLOOP | BLACKLIGHT | ULTRANOVA | ALPHA | IN MY HO U SE HOUSE | THE FUTURE RAVE (PLATZ 2) | UNITED FAMILY | XTC | TITAN | UNITED DJs OF THE WORLD

Jeder Track auf Future Rave United Vol. 1 ist ein Statement: von pulsierenden Club-Hymnen über emotionale EDMErlebnisse bis hin zu epischen Future-Rave-Sounds, die jede Tanzfläche in eine unvergessliche Partyzone verwandeln. Mit diesem Album richtet sich der Künstler direkt an Fans von elektronischer Musik, die den Puls der Zukunft fühlen wollen.

Future Rave United Vol. 1 ist nicht nur ein Album – es ist eine Bewegung, eine Feier der Einheit in der globalen DJund Clubszene und ein Muss für alle, die den Sound der kommenden Jahre erleben möchten.

On 19 December 2025, ZYX Music will release the eagerly awaited debut album Future Rave United Vol. 1, which redefines the future of electronic dance music. Across 10 energetic tracks, the album presents an incomparable mix of driving beats, hypnotic melodies and futuristic soundscapes.

The tracklist consists of:
HYPERLOOP | BLACKLIGHT | ULTRANOVA | ALPHA | IN MY HOUSE HOUSE | THE FUTURE RAVE (PLACE 2) | UNITED FAMILY | XTC | TITAN | UNITED DJs OF THE WORLD

Every track on Future Rave United Vol. 1 is a statement: from pulsating club anthems to emotional EDM experiences to epic future rave sounds that transform any dance floor into an unforgettable party zone. With this album, the artist addresses fans of electronic music who want to feel the pulse of the future.

Future Rave United Vol. 1 is not just an album – it‘s a movement, a celebration of unity in the global DJ and club scene, and a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the sound of the coming years

Opsin- the new collaborative alias of longtime friends and producers Keydell and Kincaid - announce their debut LP on wax, Through The Wall, from London-based record label Hypnic Jerks.

Artist Info:

Opsin is the debut project between artists Keydell (Liam Keydell Myers-Cook) and Kincaid (Joe Arthur). The Pair have previously released on the following labels: Well Street Records, Banoffee Pies, Redstone Press & Bliss Print.

Both have extensive work in sound design and collaborated on the soundtrack for Mithridate at London Fashion Week 2024. Kincaid also produced the soundtrack for Alexander Whitley's Anti-Body Ballet.

Release Info:

The album is named after the birthplace of its creation. Sharing files between bedroom walls during COVID-19. Keydell's meticulous Ableton-based resampling of found audio and modular synth racks, and Kincaid's Reaktor-driven synthesis in Logic.

Draws on a wide spectrum of electronic influences the album infuses elements of rave, techno, industrial and ambient sounds, whilst never quite landing in any specific genre.

Second release from London label Hypnic Jerks on 4 sides of 180 gram vinyl, in a gatefold sleeve designed by Jacob Wise and mastered by Rashad Becker.

A followup from their first release - Toumba's debut physical release 'Rosefinch', which saw later releases from Hessle Audio and Nervous Horizon.

Lantern in the Woods is the new album from musician and multi-instrumentalist Misha Sultan – a project that marks an important milestone for the artist. It is his first work conceived and realized as a coherent, unified statement, from the earliest ideas and sounds to the final mastering.

The story of the album began back in 2021 in Saint Petersburg, during studio jam sessions with Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy, and Nikita (Minereed). These live
improvisations eventually led to the formation of the collective Sri Primat and left a significant imprint on Misha Sultan’s solo sound. Some of the instrumental parts on the album were recorded during this period, preserving the spirit of spontaneity and open dialogue between the musicians.

Later, after moving to Thailand, Misha recorded the second half of the material. These tracks absorbed the atmosphere of southern nights, tranquility, and comfort – bringing a distinct “bedroom jazzy vibe”, a touch of sentimentality and gentle melancholy into the music.

The album offers a beautiful blend of jazz and various other influences. At its heart, it’s a search for balance between memories and the present moment, between nature and the city, between the light of the lantern and the darkness of the woods.

“It was especially important to me that my friends and close people were involved in this album. Their presence gave the music that warmth and personal feeling I value so much. My brother Zhenya (Dyad), Anton (Mårble), Vova Luchanskiy — they all contributed a part of themselves to these tracks, as did Nina Livanova, who recorded vocal parts for several songs,” says Misha.

Lantern in the Woods is a soft and sincere work, where all things intertwine naturally.

Black Midi war von Anbeginn der Band ein illustres wie kreatives Tummelbecken für die Mitglieder der britischen Band - nun löst sich Geordie Greep mit seinem am 4. Oktober bei Rough Trade Records erscheinendem Solo-Debüt noch mehr von jeglichen Einschränkungen und Kompromissen! Eines der Hauptthemen von Anthony Powells Roman "A Dance to the Music of Time" ist der Kontrast zwischen jenen Charakteren, die nur von Macht getrieben werden, und jenen, die mehr mit den sinnlichen Freuden des Lebens in Einklang stehen. Unweigerlich holen die Zeit und das Schicksal jeden Protagonisten ein, und der Leser kann darüber nachdenken, ob ihr Schicksal gerechtfertigt ist oder nicht. "The New Sound" wirkt oft wie eine Wiederholung von Powells Thema, untermalt von einem schrägen - und völlig verkabelten - Palm Court Orchestra. Das Album ist mit Sicherheit eines, das den Hörer über die gesamten elf Tracks hinweg voll in seinen Bann zieht. Greep: "Ich war besorgt wegen der Länge, um nicht zu viel zu verraten. Aber ich bin es auch verdammt leid, Musik zu hören und im Voraus zu wissen, was sie bedeutet oder was sie zu tun versucht. Bei all meiner Lieblingsmusik geht es darum, dass der Hörer sich mit dem auseinandersetzt, was vor sich geht. Meine Lieblingssänger, wie Peter Hammill oder Nat King Cole, sind buchstäblich einmalig. Das liebe ich. Vor allem bei Texten, bei denen man nicht genau weiß, worum es geht, aber man weiß, dass es nicht nur abstrakte Gedanken sind."

To celebrate two decades of passion, innovation, and dedication to underground music, Playbeatz Labels Network proudly launches "Tribe", a new compilation project that pays tribute to the artists and sounds that have shaped its journey.
For over 20 years, Playbeatz has been a platform for creative freedom and genre-crossing experimentation—championing independent voices and uncovering unique talents from across the electronic music spectrum. "Tribe Vol. 1" is the first chapter in a special series of releases that reflect the label family’s diversity and forward-thinking spirit.
Kicking off with a limited edition vinyl, Vol. 1 features four carefully curated tracks by long-time Playbeatz affiliates —each bringing their unique sonic identity, from house to melodic textures, tech tools to soulful grooves.

A1. Erly Tepshi – Dreamer Emotionally charged and atmospheric, a deep dive into the melodic house realm, “Dreamer” wraps a haunting male vocal around lush synth lines and hypnotic rhythms.

A2. DJ Simi & Antonio Grassia – Nuestro Fuego With its driving groove and minimal yet powerful arrangement “Nuestro Fuego” is crafted as a peak-time tech and house tool. The track is all about raw energy and club efficiency.

B1. Mind The Gap DJs – Eclipse Of The Soul This old-school house jam delivers uplifting piano riffs, classic drum programming, and a timeless sense of groove. A heartfelt homage to the golden era of house, reimagined for today’s floors.

B2. Giomini & Marcus Raute – Tape Sweat A fresh and summery house cut with shimmering grooves and playful percussion. The track recalls the clean, infectious style of Deetron, blending crisp drums with melodic finesse. A pure dancefloor delight for the warmer seasons.

DJ Support: Raresh, Marco Corola, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Chris Stussy, DJ Seinfeld, D'Julz, Djebali, Voigtmann, Arapu

For Amsterdam’s Julian Anthony, club culture has always been about movement - between sounds, between scenes, and increasingly, across continents. Rooted in the Dutch underground, his path has taken him from intimate local spaces to international stages, with appearances at institutions such as Berlin’s Hoppetosse, Ibiza’s DC10, and London’s fabric. Along the way, he’s formed close ties with crews such as Slapfunk, VBX, Half Baked, and S.A.S.H, while recent tours across South America and Australia have further widened his reach. His connection with Enzo Siragusa and the FUSE family is longstanding, having previously dropped his track ‘It’s Showtime’ on sister label LOCUS while making appearances at both FUSE and LOCUS events across Europe, including this year at FUSE Malta, during ADE, and November’s fabric takeover. Now, his ‘Missing Pieces’ EP extends that relationship further, marking his fi rst release on FUSE and off ering a natural progression while showcasing his versatility as a producer.

In his productions and his sets, Julian threads together house, techno, and electro infl uences with a playful touch, resulting in a style that feels fl uid yet sharply defi ned. Title track, ‘Missing Pieces’, sets the tone with a heavyweight bassline at its core, coupled with a hypnotic groove and percussive drive, while ‘Endless Echoes’ stretches into more atmospheric territory, weaving rolling rhythms with cosmic textures. On the fl ip, ‘No Sleep’ ups the intensity with zipping synths and sharp drum programming built for peak-time play, before ‘TTS’ closes the record on a captivating note, fusing deeper house nuances and playful rhythms into a late-night trip.

With a growing catalogue across respected imprints such as Dungeon Meat, X-Kalay, and Bee You, and a touring schedule that continues to expand globally, Julian’s first outing for the London favourites highlights his talent for crafting tracks that are simultaneously precise, playful, and built for the club.

20 track Album from Various Artists released by Dub Store Records

"I have two new records, just full of smells. "
from Scanners Live in Vain by Cordwainer Smith

Lutto Lento's new 2568 E.P. is an album in 7-inch single form. Lutto, real name Lubomir Grzelak, has for years been one of the most acclaimed sonic storytellers around. His first outing on Meakusma is another trip beyond the constraints of musical logic, interweaving elements from industrial music, early avant-garde influences, post-club tendencies, and more, conjuring up a mini-album of huge scope.

Not unlike The Residents, 2568 E.P. touches upon stories from the deep, with an absurdist touch that is at the same time forgiving and inviting. It has a hauntological feel to it, but contradicts it at the same time. It is purring and cold, whispering and layered. Beatific and up close. There is a space ship in the swimming pool, but the cocktail party goes on, kind of. On the edge of industrial music, with a choir thrown in for good measure. On the fringes of club music. Toss the wire-sphere into the air and pay the price for space. Fake composure and dive in.

Lutto Lento is Lubomir Grzelak, a sound artist, composer, music producer, and DJ. Known for his idiosyncratic productions and eclectic sets that break barriers between genres, he has steadily built a reputation for adventurous electronic music that resists easy categorization. Beyond records, he composes for theatre, film, and contemporary dance, weaving diverse influences into a distinctive sonic language.

As Moxy marks an incredible seven years as a trailblazing label, The label unveils Moxy Editions 9 — a four-track collection that captures the spirit of his DJ sets and the global energy of his dancefloor community. Already a highlight of the summer season, these records have been making serious waves across Ibiza and beyond.

At the heart of the release is “Gypsy Woman (Moxy Edit)” — a track that started as a spontaneous edit for Darius’s own sets and quickly took on a life of its own. With re-recorded vocals from Holly Jazz and official publishing clearance, the track has become a defining anthem of the year.

From DC-10 to clubs across Europe, the record has been met with full-room singalongs and explosive reactions. Early support from DJs including Prosper and Liam Palmer has further cemented it as one of the most in-demand edits on the circuit. Now officially released, “Gypsy Woman” arrives on vinyl, just in time for the label’s milestone birthday.

Next up comes a standout comes from Harry Collett “Check up”. A longtime Moxy fan and emerging talent, Collett’s production has already earned support from MK and a growing roster of influential selectors. “Harryette” has been a staple in Darius’s summer sets, marking Collett as one to watch.

Also featured are two more highlights from the summer — “Tengo La Musica (Crackazat Remix)” and “Never Let You Go”, both driven by irresistible samples and undeniable grooves. These cuts embody the energy and emotion of Darius’s signature club sound — upfront and built for the dancefloor.

DJ Support: Antal, I Cube, Noel Watson, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Sean Johnston, San Soda, Takaya Nagase, Tina Edwards, Pete Herbert, Kenneth Bager, Severino, Aaron Paar, Felix Joy, Harri Harrigan, Laroye, Telford, Darker Than Wax, Rocky (X Press 2), Shane Johnson, Dan Tyler, Felix Dickinson and many more

Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, Pili Pili.

The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding jazz-rock outfit Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all- electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose.

Pili Pili, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.

NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the Pili Pili catalogue.

In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of Selected Works 1984-95 comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss.

South Street International return with the house goodness once again, reissuing Vick Lavender’s house anthem “The L.O.V.E. Song (From Chicago To New York)”. Originally self-released on his label Sophisticado Recordings by the Chicago producer and musician, this is one of those timeless deep house gems that’s become an underrated weapon for discerning DJs worldwide.

Lavender – known for his work with Glenn Underground as part of the legendary Strictly Jaz Unit – has been shaping deep and soulful house for over three decades, blending world music, jazz fusion, R&B and more into a sound that’s both spiritual and deeply rooted in the dancefloor. Here he brings the best of both cities into one track: the soulful musicality of Chicago, the cosmopolitan polish of New York. Warm Rhodes, fluid percussion, and vocal refrains ride over a groove that’s equally at home in a dark basement session or a sunrise terrace set.

With originals changing hands for eye-watering prices on Discogs, this official reissue makes this must have record accessible again. Lovingly remastered by The Bakehouse and presented on South Street International, This record is a must-have for fans of deep house, and anyone who believes in the eternal conversation between Chicago and New York.