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Joel “Pibo” Márquez is a renowned Venezuelan percussionist, who specializes in salsa and Latin jazz. He has been part of projects of artists such as Chico Free-man, Arturo Sandoval, David Valentin, Dominic Miller, Cheick Tidiani Seck, Juanes, Alfredo De La Fe, Guayacán Orquesta and Aterciopelados. 5to Aniversario

This album draws inspiration from the sounds of 1970s New York salsa and en- gages with the contemporary language of Colombian salsa. Featuring a four-trombone arrangement, it showcases solo performances and musical inter-ludes. The album also includes collaborations with prominent figures in today's salsa scene, such as Ray Bayona, Eliazar Medina, Marcial Istúriz, and Wason Bra-zobán, among others.

QUEENDOM is an album that marks a new era for the project while staying true to the essence of Minuit Machine. Produced under the SYNTH RELIGION label, this opus immerses us in Amandine's introspective realm, oscillating between darkness and light, between doubt and self-conquest. While retaining the emotional DNA of previous productions, QUEENDOM stands out with a more pop-oriented touch, featuring tracks where Amandine sings in French for the first time.

The first single, "HOLD ME," is a powerful pop anthem addressed to the queer community, celebrating the freedom to be oneself and breaking free from societal and patriarchal norms. This track is a true empowerment statement, with striking electro beats supporting a strong message of emancipation and pride.

"Créatures," a collaboration between RAUMM and Minuit Machine, is a modern fairy tale—a timeless love story that could take place in any era. This salvific love, rarely seen today, embodies a poignant depth and beauty.

Continuing the journey, "Cent Fois"—a French-written track—takes us into a techno-pop universe with nostalgic yet hopeful undertones. This song perfectly reflects Minuit Machine's evolution toward a more radiant approach while staying faithful to its dark heritage.

"Party People," on the other hand, is a return to roots with dark wave/italo sounds. This hypnotic and haunting track questions identity in an increasingly robotic society, where individuals are forced to conform to imposed norms. This exploration of the individual versus the collective lies at the core of Minuit Machine's DNA.

"Mes Souvenirs," created in collaboration with Rebeka Warrior, dives intimately into the memories of Amandine and Rebeka. Together, they reveal fragments of their past—precious and vibrant memories that resonate through powerful and melancholic electro sounds.

Finally, the eponymous track "Queendom" invites us to plunge into the depths of Amandine's world—a universe that is both tormented and icy, yet resilient. Supported by a slow and captivating rhythm, this track is designed to grip and haunt the listener, like an incantation.

QUEENDOM is a bold and hybrid work where each track reflects a pursuit of sincerity and artistic reinvention while maintaining the ability to express emotions through rhythms that are both danceable and introspective. The album showcases Minuit Machine's artistic maturity, establishing itself as a must-listen in the darkwave and electronic pop scene.

Amandine entrusted the artistic direction of this album to Manon Dupeyrat, a brilliant young artist who crafted a bespoke universe perfectly aligned with the produced tracks. The album cover, both intimate and anachronistic, invites listeners into Amandine's private world through her bedroom, revealing what she wishes to share.

Studiomaster was born from an experiment I ran for a little over a year, releasing tracks exclusively on Bandcamp. I wanted to see how far music could travel without the institutional machinery of a label, without physical products, and without relying on mainstream platforms. The experiment worked so well that Studiomaster has now evolved into a label with physical vinyl releases. Throughout this journey, I found myself missing the physicality of music. So, to celebrate it, I decided to release something in a format I had never used before: the cassette tape. What better occasion to bring together a collection of previously unreleased tracks in the physical world and craft a mix the old-school way? Get your tape quickly, it's limited!
ps: The tape unlocks download for all the tracks featured in the mix!

Deep as deep can be. Amazing release. After years of releasing in the digital realm, Perception - 知覺 goes on wax! This first record is signed by head-honcho Dawn Gab, serving 3 groovy and percussive tracks. To wrap it up, minimal's maestro Diego Krause delivers a solid remix in an after-hour vibe. A punchy record shaped to hit the dance-floors - are you ready?

BLACK/RED VINYL

A match made in heaven and hell, since forming in the cradle of Europe Athens, back in 2012, dark synth duo Selofan have paved their own perditious way, reinventing the modern Darkwave scene throughout the continent and worldwide with their prolific creativity and work ethic over the past decade. Through varied experimental synth-scapes conjured with keen ears for sound design, production, and theatrical aesthetics, Selofan rest not on the laurels of just creating highly danceable coldwave infused music, but with together with Joanna Pavlidou's haunting vocals, and Dimitris Pavlidis' throbbing bass guitar, and modular synth compositions, the pair conjure whole other worlds and narratives throughout each album and music video they create. Thus far the Selofan have released 5 studio albums, issued through their own legendary label they curate themselves: Fabrika Records. Through their Fabrika family, Selofan have championed such acts as Lebanon Hanover, and She Past Away, aiding these bands in becoming two of the most popular Darkwave acts worldwide. Drab Majesty even cameoed in a She Past Away video while being hosted by Selofan during one of the band's frequent stays in Athens, and Kaelan Mikla, a handpicked favorite of The Cure, were first championed by Selofan, through the release of the Icelandic Trio's self-titled debut in 2016. In the Spring of 2020, Selofan released the video for the hopelessly plaintive "There Must Be Somebody", the first single from their forthcoming sixth studio album Partners In Hell, the follow-up to 2018's widely popular Vitrioli LP. "There Must be Somebody" is a discordant composition, mimicking the startled song of birds after a disturbance in a wooded enclave on a mountainside, while a magick ritual unfolds. The album itself opens with "Grey Gardens", a menagerie of morose melodies setting a sombre tone for the rest of a bleak record whose sound design and dreamscapes evoke the best sounds of British and German post-punk of the 80s. "Almost Nothing" is a brooding bell-driven track with a dark and pirouetting melody that is the perfect soundtrack to a figurine twirling in a music box. The German language "Nichts" means No, and this song is both sinister and cinematic with sighing keys, shuddering drum machines, and German lyrics sung with sorrowful conviction. "Zusamen", is a word often asked if you are together, or separate, is a dark ballad whose shadowy keys weave a nightmarish delirium, evoking the soundscapes of a lullaby sung in a haunted dollhouse. "4am" is a restless rhythm, whose soft percussive melody tosses and turns alongside subtle bass and string accents overlaid with despondent vocals. "Happy Consumers" sounds like the swirling of a finger drawn upon the edge of crystalline glass, with vocals and drum machines coming emanating from an adjacent room with echoing acoustics, collectively evoking the sound like lingers when the somnambulist wakes from his dream. "Absolutely Absent" hums onward like a phantom train ride that is a one-way ticket to madness, and with the next track "Metalic Isolation" the locomotive beats gather more steam, propelled forward with anachronistic melody. The album closes with "Auf Dein Haut", which translates as on your skin, and the song is both tactile and tenebrous with sensuously dark synth textures amidst howling German vocals that take flight like witches during a sabbat. Partner's In Hell was mixed and produced by Serafim Tsotsonis, and mastered by Doruk Ozturkcan. Genre: Alternative / Post-Punk / Cold Wave

Promising new talent Joolmad is quickly becoming a name to watch out for, his latest body of work comes in the form of the “Perspective” EP, the third release from the thriving English producer, off the back of his sought after EP on TSOL. Although young Joolmad’s refined taste and years of tweaking his sound enabled him to construct tried and tested underground material, meaning his music and the PILLZ label could not be better suited. Gritty, straight edged peak time action from a producer on the rise. The new school showing their hand here as Joolmad shares his interpretation of mysterious sounds of modern times, melding electro and techno genres as he moves.

The Berlin based Kashpitzky is back on Be As One with "Elevate EP", showcasing once again his well crafted signature grooves and structured melodies with 3 original tracks.
Backed up by a straight forward raw remix by the english Matador Phase



c B1 Silver Ball (Ø Phase remix)

Crush of Souls is the musical endeavour of Charles Rowell (Crocodiles, Flowers of Evil, Issue). One foot in early Industrial and the other in 80’s Synth-Pop, Crush Of Souls hold the whip and demand that you submit your soul.

Returning once again to Catacomb Soul studios where he had recently finished recording “(A)Void Love”, Charles Rowell mapped out the next chapter for Crush of Souls, limitations were set in place while new faces appeared to lend a fresh coat of black magic to the album.

The album is a love letter to Paris; all of its beauty and decay. “Lézire” which is a slang mixture of the French words for Lizard and Desire provides a sinister title to an album full of hard hitting, romantic songs.

Harry Howard (These Immortal Souls) provides his signature snarl and profound lyrics to the haunting ballad “You Rose Up”. Long time sax player Stanislas de Miscault colors the dark corners of the record with his unhinged personality and one half of new look COS, Stevan Dinet bangs both the martial beats and the Fairlight sample pads.
An album cover full of chains and S&M can provide enough of an explanation as to the new direction of Crush of Souls. Cronenberg’s “Crash”, David Lynch’s “Lost Highway”, Psychic TV and Sisters Of Mercy are constantly mentioned.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the release of John Lee Hooker's 'Boogie Chillen'. Recorded in Detroit in September 1948 by Bernard Besman - who had his own Sensation label - it was licensed to Modern Records in Los Angeles and released on 3rd November. The flip side was 'Sally May'.

To say that the single caught fire is an understatement. It is believed that 'Boogie Chillen'' shifted in the region of a million copies in 1949 placing Hooker on the map as a blues guitarist and singer of the first rank - where he stayed until his death in 2001.

The original was, of course, released as a 78rpm single. In 2020 we issued 'Boogie Chillen' with 'Boogie Chillen' #2 on the flip as a limited edition of 500 copies that played at 78rpm.

We now present 'Boogie Chillen'' and 'Boogie Chillen' #2' as a limited edition 7" single that plays at 45rpm. Despite being 75 years old, this classic recording still sounds so fresh and rhythmically propulsive it is hard to believe that you are listening to one man and his guitar playing live and stomping his feet in a room. Besman caught lightening as it flashed, just like Sam Philips did some years later with Elvis Presley in Sun Studios.

There are classics. There are stone cold classics. And there is 'Boogie Chillen''.

Repress!

Up next on Open Space is the first installment in a new series of 12 inch records for DJs titled ‘Open Space Club Tools’ - as the name suggests, you’ll find a variety of tools handmade by our favorite producer-DJ’s. Sticky drum beats and tricky rhythms for the nearly-extinct club deejay.

OSCT01 features Benedek, and John Jones as ‘Calvin’ representing our LA-MIA connection, Lachlan McGeehan aka ‘Liluzu’ from Australia, and of course our Miami boy Goiz; once as himself on the A-side, and again on the B-side under his newest percussion-focused alias ‘Glue Boy’. A mixed bag of hammers, nails, screwdrivers and more… All greased up and ready for whatever the club world may bring your way.

Romanian producer and DJ, Cîmpian Mark Alexandru, known as Cim Pian, proudly presents his milestone vinyl release, Chronosphere, on Phonichouse1. Hailing from Reghin, Romania, Cim Pian has been a dedicated figure in the electronic music scene, with a deep connection to the country’s influential minimal house movement. Over the years, he has released multiple tracks on Phonichouse1, a respected Romanian label known for curating refined underground sounds.

The release features two original tracks that highlight his distinct artistic vision. The title track, Chronosphere, is a profound minimal breakbeat composition, enveloped in textured, dark atmospheres, guiding listeners through an immersive sonic journey. Complementing this is Djinn, a classic 4/4 minimal house track infused with oriental influences, building tension with its ghostly textures and hypnotic groove.

Adding an extra layer of depth to the project is a masterful remix of Chronosphere by Barac, one of the most revered artists in the minimal scene. His interpretation brings a fresh perspective to the track, reinforcing the release’s impact.

The mastering has been handled by Rob Small, ensuring a refined and high-quality sonic experience.

The artwork is an original drawing by Andrei Ardelean, with layout design contributions from Cim Pian himself, visually capturing the essence of the music.

Chronosphere marks a pivotal moment in Cim Pian’s journey, showcasing his evolution and dedication to pushing the boundaries of minimal house. Released on Phonichouse1, this vinyl is a testament to his enduring presence in the underground scene.

Next stop... Second reference in the PHASELAB catalog and twenty-third of our PHASE IMPRINT label! What a satisfaction to finally present this project (vinyl and digital) by Aizikovic, the yout from Madrid who is trying to bring an especially fresh, as well as profound, vision to our city. This EP transmits us; altered visions in music, many experiences linked to the dance floor and feelings of light in a dark space. And in case anyone wanted a little more, Comissar Lag aka Lag has prepared a melting remix for us.

Many thanks for the designs to the snowboarder of the strokes @judyisangry, to Mario Castillo for the Master and to Pedro O'Connor for the Mix.

2 tracks by Zinc and Bizzy B made in '93 or '94. Limited vinyl. Bigup Bizzy B forever!! the B side 'Gettin Down' was also released as a bizzy track years ago, but it was called 'Break of Dawn' - Zincwas in a contract at the time, so it couldn't have his name on it - but its the same tune. 

Note: btw - theres a kind of beat jump at the end of one of the tracks - its not a glitch, it's where the Amiga we were using couldn't cope with the edits! I had the same problem in the middle of 6 million ways, a few DJs used to complain to me about it loads - Zinc

DR MYSTERY marks her debut release with Ono. ‘Far From Home’ is an eight-track album that glides across the dreamscape of another world. DR MYSTERY’s world, set in the future, exploring sounds that excite the mind and body, underpinning an eclectic take on leftfield techno.

DR MYSTERY’s talent to traverse the intersections between dreams and reality through sonics, positions her as an electric producer who is only just at the beginning of her journey. Ono wishes to capture this moment in a way that feels special, they have handmade 300 sleeves for the ‘Far From Home’ vinyl out of old record sleeves and screen-printed the artwork onto them. Therefore each sleeve is bespoke and one of a kind.

Demuja unveils 'Blueprint', the first release on his label MUJA to feature collaborations with other artists. After celebrating the label’s 10-year milestone, Demuja felt it was the right moment to take the next step, and he's excited to launch this new phase with a carefully curated VA compilation.

This 12 Inch sampler includes contributions from iconic figures in the scene, such as Boo Williams, Kyle Hall, Gonno, and Lefto, among others. While the compilation offers a variety of sounds, it stays true to its core, remaining focused on deep and underground house music!

Mexican supergroup Secret Echoes unveil their second Crosstown release, Particles
Riding the momentum from their Crosstown Rebels debut back in September, the trio returns on 14th March 2025, backed by a driving remix from Greek DJ/producer Angelos.

Consisting of Estefani Brolo, Diego Cevallos, and Marco Balcazar, three standout talents from Mexico’s rich electronic landscape, Secret Echoes continue to carve their unique sonic identity on Crosstown Rebels with their new single, ‘Particles’. A hypnotic, deep-grooving record, ‘Particles’ channels a fusion of melody and atmosphere, weaving together Brolo’s ethereal vocals with wonky synth lines and rolling percussion. The track seamlessly transitions between immersive listening and peak-time play and showcases the trio’s masterful ability to craft compelling, forward-thinking productions.

On the B-side, Greek DJ and producer Angelos steps up on remix duties. A Grammy winner for his collaboration with Black Coffee, his discography includes standout releases on Saved Records, Higher Ground, and Connected, as well as Crosstown Rebels’ sister label, Rebellion. Bringing a wealth of experience and a refined touch, his rework adds depth and drive to the original, layering pulsating rhythms and warm, emotive melodies to create a tunnelling remix primed for dancefloors worldwide. Following the success of their debut single, ‘Bring My Beat Back’ ‘Particles’ offers another glimpse into their forthcoming LP, reaffirming the trio’s position as a unique force within Mexico’s electronic scene and beyond.

Somewhere between techno, early 90s Italian progressive, and goa trance, the debut EP by Astral Renegades is difficult to pigeonhole, but works wonders on a saucer-eyed dancefloor.

The brainchild of a mysterious but established producer, Astral Renegades takes things in a whole new headspinning direction.

EP opener Planetarium sets out its stall early, getting straight into trippy, trancey territory within the first few seconds, an acid bassline underpinning the swirl to devastating effect.

Wunderland goes even deeper, with a mind-bendingly detuned melody and that ever-present acid bass.

Pluto FM on the B-side pushes the repetition to the limit with pulsing synth loops, while EP closer Milchstr brings an element of funk to the bassline.

The Shard: A colossal feat in engineering, savagely piercing the London skyline with zero f**ks.

Shard View: An uncompromising moment in Boylan’s bass engineering, piercing the London soundscape with even fewer f**ks.

It’s 2025. We’ve officially moved a second closer to extinction and Boylan’s wasting no time. After years of releasing noxious missives on the most influential likes of FWD>>, Artikal, Deep Dark & Dangerous, Sentry and Mean Streets, he finally launches his own label - Shard View.

A brand new vehicle for the potent strain of ice cold apocalyptic breakbeat he and his closest allies are currently making, Shard View is inspired by the vista he and the likes of Slimzee, Trends, D.O.K, U.S.F and Youngsta see every time they’re cooking up a darkness in his Peckham studio.

Coated in visual armor from Simon Oil Gang, Shard View is London, Detroit and Berlin wrapped up in one. It’s bass, it’s techno, it’s tribal, it’s No U-Turn, it’s Virus, it’s Horsepower, it’s warehouse raves. It’s timeless. And it starts with ‘Tunnel’, an extensive 10 track trip into instrumental, full physical, heavily percussive unapologetic breakbeat music. Boylan is the main consistency throughout but all the above-mentioned names are involved and always will be. Like the great collectives of past bass epochs, the energy here is molten as the friends inspire each other with this fresh take on a classic sound.

Two more EPs should follow later this year. And as the world continues to ramp up the turbulence, so will Shard View. This is not a drill.
Any questions about any of these products feel free to get in touch and we'll help you out!
albert.preston@sequence.cc

One the most prolific talents in the last forty years of house music, the ever-innovative Jerome Sydenham goes toe-to-toe against the emerging talents of Berlin's mysterious Cosmic Soldier, working together to deliver a potent two-tracker as the weighty first release of 2024 on Planet E.

Showcasing a new angle of the eternal, quintessential blend of house and techno on Carl Craig’s legendary imprint, ‘Deeplight’ soars on impressive layers of psychedelic texture and raw percussion as a querying, prophetic vocal leads towards a valley of urgent chords.

Mixed with the same undeniable weight and power, the hammering, insistent ‘Black Dog’ skirts with darkness before upending it with vintage Detroit keys, waves of euphoria rolling out of the gloom to move the dance.

Australian producer and current Berlin resident Holo makes his highly anticipated return to Shall Not Fade with his third EP on the independent Bristol-based label.

Known for his signature sound that blends emotive melodies with infectious grooves, Holo has carved out a space for himself as a forward-thinking artist with a deep understanding of mood and atmosphere. His recent releases, including Nights Over Melbourne and a self titled LP in 2024, have both garnered widespread acclaim for their evocative production and seamless fusion of house, techno, and atmospheric elements. With every new release, Holo pushes the boundaries of modern dance music, establishing himself as a key figure in the underground scene.

Pink Wax delivers warm, hazy deep house at its finest, showcasing Holo's distinctive talent for creating music that evokes lasting memories. The EP is a stunning blend of lush synth lines, ethereal vocals, and smooth drums, offering a timeless interpretation of modern dance music.

Very excited to have this EP out, goes without saying that I'm very into the music that Comfort Zone makes and that I'm very envious of his ability to make such confident melodies in his tunes.

I've worked with him previously on Future Retro London when we collaborated on Emerald Dreams, which was on Meeting Of The Minds Vol. 5, as well as working with him on an EP for Banoffee Pies and tracks for Repertoire & Dalston Chillies.

He is absolutely one to watch out for and hopefully, there's more to come from him in the near future. Many thanks to him for allowing me to release these tunes of his and for letting me remix Tunnel Vision, which was my favourite track on this release.

‘Nothing Iz Sacred’ is a statement, a collection of tracks that resist the pull of the fleeting, throwaway nature of today’s music scene. In an age where everything is often stripped down, consumed, and discarded, this 8-track LP stands as both a nudge and a reminder—a poke at the culture that surrounds it - it isn’t here to blend quietly into the background, nor to satisfy the urge for quick hits and shallow thrills.

Each track on the LP is woven with the sounds and textures Workforce has become known for, yet there’s a rawness here—a willingness to push boundaries, to blur the edges of genre and style. The LP is a blend of the familiar and the experimental, where thoughtful moments meet jagged beats, and where soulful undertones collide with darker layers. It’s a space that resists easy categorization, daring listeners to explore without expectation, to find meaning in the spaces between the sounds. This isn’t a record designed for the disposable playlists of tomorrow; it’s for those who know that music can mean more, and who understand that it is meant to live with us, to grow, and to shape the communities around it. This record isn’t about the chase for the next hit or the endless scroll; it’s for the ones who value artistry, who find culture in the smallest details, who want something real to hold onto.

‘Nothing Iz Sacred’ is brought to life with the voices and musicality of some incredible collaborators. Tyler Daley’s unmistakable warmth, Bobbie Johnson’s sharp lyricism, Tamara Blessa’s haunting soul, Leroy Horns’ textured brass, and Ed Zuccollo’s nuanced piano work all carve their own paths through the record. Together, they amplify the album's heartbeat, adding layers of richness and depth.

After a long wait, we are happy to anounce the first release of our record label side project : Suave Sounds.

This first release is a V.A tailored for the club, made by some of the « Friends of the pavillon » .

A1 is a electro house groover with a gritty bass and a vocal love duo between a woman and a robot, made by none other by our man Welwert Aka Man/ipulate.

A2 is a cosmic discoide house journey manufactured by Merov, our new electronician. A wonderful combination of emotions and a « sacrée balle » capable of bringing arms in the air & love to the floor.

B1 is Pierre Marty’s special blend of tech-house, funk & shimmering synths, perfect to energize a crowd after a break or calm things down during peak time, a little toy you keep in the pocket just in case.

B2 is a sexy tech house roller by Gab Jr featuring Lourène. A introspective club track with a massive bass line built for the middle of the night, asking the audience an important question.

Drive By was originally recorded in 1999, live to DAT tape without the aid of a computer. The track was set for release as part of TS 007, but the distributor went bankrupt, leaving only a few test pressings in circulation. Now, for the first time, the track is finally available to everyone.

In 2045, researchers at MindTech discovered an anomaly in neural networks used for direct data transmission into the human brain. They called this phenomenon “Phantom Scripts” — mysterious glitches in the code that activate when a person falls asleep or closes their eyes. Deprived of visual stimuli, the brain becomes more receptive and starts responding to internal impulses from the neuro-interface, generating unexpected images and phrases, as if creating messages from the void.

Analysis revealed that these scripts are particularly active during deep sleep or meditation, when the mind is most vulnerable to external influence, as though an intelligent force is attempting to communicate through the subconscious. What lies behind these messages and why they appear remains unknown. Perhaps the answers are hidden in the darkness itself.

At the start of the 60s, a new wave of gospel-influenced jazz started to emerge, with hits such as Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'" and Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" epitomizing this evolution in the genre. The terms "soul jazz" and "funky jazz" were coined as a way to describe this new sound that was making an impact in the US and also on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In 1964, Ray Charles made his first visit to Japan. Then, in 1968, Martha & The Vandellas and Stevie Wonder set foot in the country, followed by Sam & Dave in 1969, Ike & Tina Turner in 1970, and B.B. King in 1971. The TV show "Soul Train" also began airing in Japan in the early 1970s. A watershed moment happened in 1973 when Sammy Davis Jr. was cast in a TV commercial for Suntory whisky — and the influence of the US Black entertainment world had really landed, with soul, jazz, and funk artists becoming household names.

Nippon Columbia played a pivotal role during this turning point. The company had contracts with Buddah Records and Blue Thumb Records, releasing notable works by artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Curtis Mayfield, The Crusaders, and The Pointer Sisters. At the same time, the label was also releasing several Japanese soul, jazz, and funk projects under the lead of music director Jiro Inagaki. Inagaki, a saxophonist who began his professional career in the early 1950s, honed his skills at U.S. military camps, where he shared his love of music with the Black servicemen. In the 1960s, he played with drummer Hideo Shiraki's band, which was widely considered to be Japan's representative group of the funky jazz movement. Later, Inagaki went on to pursue more cutting-edge sounds with his Soul Media project, including being a pioneering figure in the "jazz rock" genre. By working closely with Inagaki and his various musical projects, Nippon Columbia really placed the company at the center of an exciting and important period in Japanese music.

In 1965, Nippon Columbia opened a recording studio in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. Akasaka was also home to the first ever discotheque in Japan, the legendary MUGEN, which ran from 1968 to 1987 and where many acts performed, including Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays, Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, Sam & Dave, Three Degrees, and Edwin Starr, as well as many local Japanese singers and musicians. This melting pot of creativity in the area led to the recording of many singles and albums by Japanese artists that were infused with the sounds of soul and funk. Most of these recordings were not available outside of Japan and remain rare and unknown musical gems. The selection you are holding in your hands is an explosive collection of 10 essential tracks released by the legendary Nippon Columbia label between 1969 and 1977, capturing the raw, unapparelled energy that was flowing through the air of the Akasaka streets at this electrifying time. Enjoy!

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180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.

360 mcn white-white light cardboard paper / one side only hand plasticization / 2 separated parts prints / hand gluing / PVC outers / original artwork / gatefold sleeve / Bandcamp limited edition 30x60 cm insert with extended liner notes by Tony Higgins and Interview with Babs Robert and Sébastien Gorlé with exclusive pictures and self-portrait by Babs Robert himself printed on GF Smith "Takeo Tant Select" Canvas Paper tip-on left jacket panel / Exclusive never released Memorabilia from Babs Robert's vault.

Personnel:
Babs Robert - alt sax, tenor-sax, electric tenor-sax, Bin Recorder, Acme siren, Chinese-bell, sleigh-bells, maracas, tambourine,hand-rattle,claves)
John Van Rymenant - baritone-sax, fluegelhorn, Bala, tambourine, sleight-bells, cowbell, triangle, claves
Johnny Peret - vibes, bongo's, cowbell, maracas, castanets, rattle-snakes, tambourine, drums, woodclock, trinagle
Johnny Brouwers - piano, prepared-piano, triangle, cowbell, sleigh-bells, maracas, caves,hand-rattle, guiro, woodblock, tambourine
Paul Dubois - bass, triangle, cowbell, claves, rattlesnakes, hand-rattle, woodblock, tambourine
Michel Gobbe - bass,Chinese-bell, claves
Robert Pernet - drum, tambourine, seven-notes M'Bichi, guiro, alarm-siren, home-made metal xylophone, African telephone-drum, triangle, sleigh-bells, Siku

Notes:
Despite its modest role on the world stage, Belgium has produced a number of internationally renowned musicians and composers. There is the iconic gypsy jazz guitar maestro Django Reinhardt, whose position remains unassailable, and guitarist/harmonica player Toots Thielemans, who became an internationally renowned artist performing and recording with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn and Quincy Jones. The other key Belgian figure is composer/arranger Francy Boland, co-leader with US bebop drumming legend Kenny Clarke of Europe's leading big band of the 60s, the Clarke-Boland Big Band.

The Love Planet performed in the main clubs of Brussels, such as Blue Note, Pol's Jazz Place, and Smog as well as in major musical events throughout Belgium including to big festivals in 1969 - the Avant-Garde Festival in Ghent and the First International Jazz Event in Liege – where the Love Planet shared the bill with Miles Davis - and the Bilzen Jazz Festival in 1970. The contrast between the musical architecture of the themes and sonic freedom in the improvised playing perfectly illustrated the polymorphism – an order within disorder – which the Love Planet aimed for.

The initial original quartet line-up was Babs Robert (sax), Paul Dubois (bass), Johnny Brouwers (piano), and Johnny Peret / Robert Pernet (dru- ms). On the album session, the quartet was augmented with the addition of John Van Rjimenant (saxes) and Michel Gobbe (bass). As well as their main instruments, the band members also played an array of unusual instruments, principally percussion. This is the first official re-release
of the 'Babs Robert and the Love Planet'. Original copies of the album fetch many hundreds of Euros on the collecting circuit and it remains a curious and fascinating window into a moment in time that still resona- tes some fifty years later. Come with us to the Love Planet. (Tony Higgins)

Dana Ruh offers up the aptly titled ‘This Journey So Far’ 2x12’’ project via Yecad here, comprised of eight original cuts.

As a long standing and widely respected figure in the world of underground house and techno through her releases on the likes of Slices Of Life, Ostgut Ton, Cocoon, Cave and of course her own Brouqade, Dana Ruh’s reputation stands tall as one of the finest purveyors of this sound. Amongst her releases, Dana maintains a heavy tour schedule taking her across the globe each year to many hotspots in key cities, here she marks another milestone in her career with a 2x12’’ release, entitled ‘This Journey So Far’, as a musical reflection on all that’s led to this point.

Across eight tracks Dana presents her distinctive style which often straddles the lines between house and techno, opening with the airy, swinging dub aesthetic of ‘Case Of V’, while diving into deeper, murkier realms on ‘Bruv’. The B1 ‘KMA54’ then shifts focus towards choppy breaks, textural tension and hypnotic voices before B2 ‘Babel’ lays down a true dub techno feel across ten minutes of crisp drums, spiralling echoes and expansive reverberations.

Kicking off the C-Side is ‘MF Now’, stripping things back to a shuffled, bumpy rhythm section, resonant synth chimes and billowing textures. ‘Grey With Some Light’ then leans into a more experimental glitch realm via twitchy oscillating percussion, unfurling atmospherics and drifting keys. ‘The Look’ leans back into House territory with raw stabs, sax lines, metallic chimes and vacillating low-end tones before ‘Song For The Lonely’ concludes the project, encapsulating the essence of deep house with ethereal pad swells, circling stab sequences, low-slung drums and cossetting subs.

Modernized disco boogie cover of Klique's 80s classic tune, with vocals by Boston's own Saucy Lady and UK's legendary talent Omar, all masterfully crafted by Yuki Kanesaka as the musical director and producer alongside Saucy Lady on the arrangement. The track not only features a full live brass section and strings with talents from Japan and Boston, it also features Curtis Williams of Kool & the Gang on alto, while David Frank of the mega duo The System on the Oberheim and Moog adding the authentic boogie spice.

Piano overdubs recorded by another production and engineering legend Carl Beatty known as the studio pioneer of all the major label R&B performers of the 70s, 80s, and 90s including Luther Vandross, Aretha, Melba Moore, Mass Production and more. All of which create the melange of groove that the funk universe desperately needs.

On the flip side, French Producer and DJ heavyweight Young Pulse brings a whole new take on the original mix with added vocal layers by Young Pulse himself he brings a more broken beat, house flavor to the classic tune which will undeniably electrify the dance floors.

The Mysterious MYOKEN crew return with 004 in the popular series. Once again they absolute delivery with a set of dubbed out, almost proggy tinged edits, this time on 2 huge Pop / Dance hits.

As usual, a limited pressing, so act fast!

Two tracks from Celia's awesome, sought after, second self-titled LP from 1972. 'Na Boca Do Sol' was written and arranged by Arthur Verocai and Vitor Martins, the original of which appeared on Verocai's self-titled LP. Fuzz guitar, drums, strings and Celias vocal combine to create an epic. 'A Hora é Essa' is the first track from the LP, a brilliant samba-funk workout, with strings and piano.
Also originally released as a 7' in 1972 on Continental, which is very difficult to get hold of now.

Karen has launched her solo career with Essentials, a collection that summaries her career as a jazz singer.

WE ARE EXCITED TO PRESENT THE NEXT RELEASE ON THE NORTHSIDE LABEL, COURTESY OF MELBOURNE HIP HOP / AFROBEAT GROUP : COOL OUT SUN.

Melbourne's Afro Hip Hop veterans, Cool Out Sun are releasing their sophomore LP 'A LION IS A LION' October 4th.

Spearheaded by the duo of Nfa Jones and Sensible J (known for their work across 1200 Techniques, REMi, Sampa The Great & solo projects) are joined by a star studded line up of guests. These include Sampa The Great, Lamine Sonko, Immy Owusu, Vida Sunshyne, Bilalli and more as COS aim to shine light on on their local circle of creatives and inspirations.

Cool Out Sun creates music bridging the traditions of classic Hip Hop with the traditions of Afrobeat, Afro soul & roots music blending West African language and culture with modern sonics that jump out the speakers. Beats are built on the MPC & refined with all live instrumentation & vocals recorded in their lofi indie label, House of Beige studio in the middle of nowhere.

The group's explosive live show has them performing consistently, and their music has been getting a lot of Australian airplay as well as spins across the US, EU and the UK radio.

Cool Out Sun songs go deep into social subjects and storytelling with historical and cultural messaging hidden in catchy hooks and heavy grooves. This collection of songs continues this theme while leaning into the more vibrant side of what Cool Out Sun cooked up in the studio in the creation of this album, 'A LION IS A LION.

To order copies at the WHOLESALE RATE of $25 comes with a minimum of 3 units with each order. Shipping can be arranged and also records can be picked up from here in Fitzroy at Northide.

Following the release of the single Maqlab, the Marseille-based duo Caïn و Muchi presents their debut full-length album Dounia دنيا.

This takes listeners on a journey through a rich tapestry of industrial gloom woven of dubstep, grime, and contemporary hip-hop. In this album, these ‘labels’ matter as much as they don’t, given the heavy mutations they undergo, in a That’s Hara Kiri fashion (RIP Sd Laika).

At the heart of this record lies a dense yet harmonious sound palette, featuring meticulous vocal processing of lead singer Vanda’s voice, which engages reflection on their shared and individual lives.

As the album progresses, the lyrics reveal layers of stress and trauma linked to colonial experience, intertwined with multiple references to North African ghost stories and legends.

The result is a resonant experience, where the wraithlike and glacial instrumentals crafted by the duo encapsulates the introspective act of witnessing the turmoil of our current world.

2024 Backstock

15-track double album black vinyl 2-LP including the singles Through The Wire, All Falls Down and Slow Jamz. With jaw-dropping cameos from Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def, John Legend, and the Harlem Boys Choir, this 2004 album is as explosive, provocative, and complex as rap gets. Kanye magically sledgehammers home opinions on taboo topics over beats that are equally daring.

Deeply Armed announce release of debut single, ‘The Healing’.

Release features remixes by Andrew Innes (Primal Scream) & Brendan Lynch (Lynch Mob/Paul Weller) and Keith Tenniswood (2 Lone Swordsmen/Radioactive Man).

Belfast’s Deeply Armed have been making subterranean waves for a while now, with tracks being passed around serious heads via various samizdat channels. Andrew Weatherall was an early booster. David Holmes dropped an incredible psychedelic remix that was played out live on specific ritual occasions – but now the trio finally break cover with a three-track 12” that combines deep soul with Krautrock grooves and a rock and roll heart.

With their debut 12” Deeply Armed announce themselves as a singular presence on the fringes of electronic underground sound, hallucinating the kind of phantom dancefloor moves that would reconcile the version, the loop and the live jam with the kind of audacious pop elan of a dream Phil Spector/Dennis Bovell/Conny Plank mega mix.

At times like these we could all do with a little healing, and Deeply Armed are the ones to bring it.

Embrace the golden tranquility of summer with Childhood Memories! Let yourself be enchanted by a compilation where each note softly whispers warmth, inviting the essence of summer to dance freely. Envision yourself nestled in a cozy treehouse, surrounded by lush greenery, basking in the warm sunlight as guitar melodies fill the air. Whether you're lost in a captivating book or sharing laughter with cherished friends, allow these laid-back tunes to become the soundtrack to your summer bliss.