quête:the cut

Alina Valentina ignores rule books. When it comes to making music, she bends genres to her own sound and vision. Acid, electro, synth wave, vocoders. All are melted to produce a bracing style that is floor focussed and strikingly individual. It is this distinctive perspective that The Hague based artist brings to Schrödinger’s Box for NPC Dream, eight tracks that map a journey that disregards genre limitations. The intent and mood are immediately set with the fierce “Air Slasher” plunging through the fog as kicks roll and beads of acid bulge. Raw electro is further coarsened by scything keys and vicious vocoder words in the title piece before the technoid mutations and pain-streaked “Echo of Ecco.” The ground is never stable, the direction and ideas darting and shifting to new sonic territory. Punishing and pure, “Mine Cart Madness” is EBM-encrusted cruelty. Tempos shift on the flip, the slow and cinematic atmosphere of “Pixel Swamp” feeding into the sinister and snarling snares of “Wishing Engine.” Paranoia and tension collide in the stabbing chiptune chords and spiking percussion of “Come Get Some”, acid barbs ballooning into a blistering barrage in this warped wrecking ball. “Light Warrior” is cut from the same raucous cloth. Knobs splinter against machined lyrics, sirens blare as kicks thump in this basement lurking beast.

NPC Dream is a relentless record. From the needle drop, Alina Valentina enforces her sound as she teases and taunts styles. Fiery and brimming with energy, this 12” encapsulates the sound of an exciting talent who carves their music with a truly unique ear.

Brutkho strikes back on Goldmin Music with his very first vinyl release. A first physical release is always something special and exciting, So of course, it had to be a very personal and deeply touching package of music. Horvath Tamas alias Brutkho is actually one of the artists we feel since the first listen of his music. This hungarian producer has the power to play with the unexpected, to build captivating structures without losing sight of the essential simplicity this music needs."Now & then", his first ep on Goldmin Music and "Magic 32" on the compilation were already authentic demonstrations of this guy's assertive personality and aspirations but he definitely pushed the process further on this record.
Gabriella and Coleman are two massive deep-techno stompers focused on the atmosphere, the texture, the immersion which will play with your senses from the beginning to the end and fool your previous certainties without any doubt.Tel-Aviv based producers Deep'a & Biri who recently joined Derrick May's Transmat agency and who deliver some of the finest dub techno cuts of today catched the original track delicious pianos and dropped them into their sumptuous cinetic industrial groove.French producer Jan Hendez drives it into a pure rhythmic and organic piece of music unbound by usual genre limits. Menacing, very cold yet still deep and sexy remix that reminds both his first releases and his newer strictly atmospheric and mental approach.That's exactly the point with this record. It's a meeting of spontaneous artists who never stop their musical research, who don't mind about fleeting trends and who push boundaries further on every single track they do.

MEMORIALS jump off the waterslides and head above the clouds with their stunning second album, ‘All Clouds Bring Not Rain’. The duo of Verity Susman and Matthew Simms (formerly of Electrelane and WIRE) locked themselves away in a studio in a barn secluded deep in the woods in southwestern France and re-emerged with a beautiful, unusual record that is both melodic and unconventional. For such an ambitious album it’s striking that it was written, performed, recorded and mixed solely by the two of them. Sounding like an unearthed classic, MEMORIALS twist their influences into their own unmistakable sound. Imagine Nico singing with Can produced by David Axelrod and you’re somewhere in the right ballpark.

The record draws inspiration from a wide range of music including folk, dub, post punk, experimental tape music, 60s soul, garage rock, 70s spiritual jazz and Canterbury prog. This attention to detail in their sound meant finding several other studios to get what they needed to record with, including a harpsichord at 4AD’s studio in London and a vibraphone and vintage Leslie speaker in Stereolab drummer Andy Ramsay’s studio Press Play. Verity’s distinctive, unadorned singing is a focal point of the record, moving from tender to wild. Her vocal melodies quickly become earworms, providing the tuneful heart around which the songs’ more unorthodox elements are arranged, which is where Matthew’s unconventional approach to recording and production comes to the fore. With their adventurous arrangements, classic songwriting skills and innovative production techniques, MEMORIALS have created another mesmerising listen that’s accomplished and compelling in its unique approach yet remains dizzyingly immersive - just like their acclaimed live shows.

Now, following great acclaim for Volume 1, CTR is proud to unveil another equally eclectic Post-Punk Era Selection Compiled by Jason Boardman ( Before I Die Records) Celebrated Manchester club-night curator & record Label Owner , DJ & digger - supreme.

A second compilation of late 1970s / early 1980s Post-Punk era bedroom & small studio innovations & DIY Inspirations - Featuring more rarely & never heard cuts from that period. Including tracks from the enigmatic Prana, Blank Students, Janet Armstrong & The Native Hipsters ..A rich vein .

Jason Writes Of Volume 2 :
"It was a delightful shock that No Ones Listening Anyway Volume One was so well received - thanks to everyone one who bought & enjoyed it. This led to John asking me to collate Volume Two, so here it is.

This time all the material was recorded & released in the UK between 1978 & 1984.

I was conscious that there was minimal female energy on Volume One so have tried to rectify that here on Volume Two. I have also tried to make it as varied as possible with none hit wonders, oddities, collectables, under the radar B-sides & a couple of previously unreleased on vinyl selections."

Nearly 15 years have passed since the original version of this LP was released (the first iteration as a 4X12" LMTD set back in 2012), and it has truly aged like fine wine! This release features five timeless cuts from the mind and soul of cv313 and a truly mesmerizing otherwordly dub of the illusive radius project, mixed and recorded near the heart of Detroit! (with nearly all of the tracks making their debut on wax) This entire project has been beautifully remastered by dub innovator and pioneer, Stefan Betke POLE @ scape mastering in Berlin, DE. You can just drop the needle and close your eyes for a near 20 minutes of fathomless sonic depth, massaging your brain and mind, a deep dive into an immersive analogue world. A new addition to this newly minted vinyl iteration of the "Altering Illusions" series now includes cv313's blistering analogue assault on the darkest radius bit in the interpolation tapes series. Expect sub-harmonic deep space exploration in some seriously out-there electronic quadrants, some of the deepest techno reductions ever captured to tape!

Thoughts:
"Altering Illusions Chapter One cv313 is every bit as strong and essential as the debut cv313 album it supplements and acts as a nexus between cv313 material old and new.It is quite unlike anything cv313 has released before or since, a beautiful hybrid of cv313 textures, dense, whirring drones from Alva Noto’s Xerrox series of ambient albums and Thomas Koner’s panoramic soundscapes." -IGLOO MAGAZINE

a A1. cv313 “isis” original mix 10:47

c B1. radius “interpolation tapes” cv313 rewire 20:06

[e] C2. cv313 “irradiate [dub]” 5:58
[reduced] 20:24

[a] A1. cv313 “isis” [original mix] 10:47

[c] B1. radius “interpolation tapes” [cv313 rewire] 20:06

[e] C2. cv313 “irradiate [dub]” 5:58
[reduced] 20:24

[a] A1. cv313 “isis” [original mix] 10:47

[c] B1. radius “interpolation tapes” [cv313 rewire] 20:06

[e] C2. cv313 “irradiate [dub]” 5:58
[reduced] 20:24

Unlike the main Magic Wand label, the imprint's offshoot 'Special Editions' series is a little more fluid about what it releases, with some EPs sporting original productions - many of which are admittedly sample-heavy - as well as re-edits. That's the case for this second missive from Matsoaka (real name Matt Lundgren). So, while the EP begins with a genuinely gorgeous and Balearic original cut (the dreamy and slow-motion folk-rock of 'Butterflies', featuring the emotive and harmonic vocals of Butterflies), much of the rest falls into the "Balearic re-arrangement" category. In this camp you'll find the immersive, trip-hop style dreaminess of 'Faith', the mid-80s Yellow Magic Orchestra-style Fairlight-sporting electro of 'Gin Yuzu', and the dollar bin brilliance of 'Sheriff' (a take on a Japanese city-pop cover of a reggae favourite).

Making his first appearance on Flat White Records, NYC’s Malik Hendricks arrives with Stretching, a four-track EP that leans comfortably into the grey space between Deep House and Techno. Across three original cuts, Hendricks delivers warm, hypnotic, and quietly confident sounds that are unmistakably his own.

Rounding out the release is a remix from London-based, Spain-born producer Beringei. Known for his broken-beat excursions, Beringei with a 4x4 workout that still carries his unmistakable percussive touch, proving that even when stepping outside his usual lane, his identity remains firmly intact.

With previous releases on respected imprints like Eglo, Darker Than Wax, and Phuture Shock Muzik, Hendricks arrives in trusted company, thus making it an easy call to hand him the reins for our 15th release.

Born in the ’80s and raised in the ’90s, Malik Hendricks is a product of transatlantic club culture, drawing inspiration from Detroit’s futurism, New York’s grit, and the UK’s rhythmic experimentation. A DJ for over a decade, he approaches music with an almost academic curiosity, seeing the dancefloor as a shared space for cultural exchange.

Recently, his work has caught the attention of heavyweights like Eli Escobar, Byron the Aquarius, James Bangura, and Roy Vision, all stepping in to remix his material. With Stretching, Hendricks continues to prove that subtlety, craft, and groove still go a very long way.

Early DJ Support from: Shy One, LDLDN, Louise Chen, Dam Swindle, LTJ Bukem, Christophe Salin, Franck Roger, Jazzanova, Mr Redley, Last Nubian, Glenn Davis, Seven Davis Jr, Stonie Blue, Stu Clark (WOLF), Adriatique, Marco Weibel, Mr Ties, Tereza, Cottam, Joyce Muniz + MORE

Instant House returns with their long-awaited second 7-inch release, from one of the most respected and underground names of the 1990s deep house era. This essential edition features the out-of-print yet highly sought-after remix of “Hat Hat”, reimagined by the legendary Joe Claussell, a deep, spiritual reconstruction that stands as a true collector’s gem. On the flip side lies the timeless Instant House classic “Mellow Out,” a defining deep house cut that captures the pure essence of the early ’90s movement. Pressed in limited quantities, this 7-inch is a must-have for true deep house collectors and admirers of Instant House and the golden era of late ’80s / early ’90s underground house.

Molekül celebrates its 10 year anniversary with its most ambitious release to date. The label brings together 16 tracks from artists who have shaped its DNA over the years. This compilation looks to the future rather than the past and represents the result of a decade of exploration, forming into a sound that is built on multiple influences, raw, peaky and impactful. The release features peak-time cuts from BAUGRUPPE90, Mark Broom or Zisko, alongside a new generation pushing techno forward like KUSS & Sicion, Seigg and Fran LF. It also dives into more hypnotic territories with tracks by JKS or Hemka, and delivers loopy and effective tools for the dancefloor from Mython, as well as a new standout collaboration between Beau Didier, Flits and Isaiah.

After running a sound system and studying electronics overseas, Spanish Town-based Harry Mudie began releasing rhythm and blues recordings by local performers, enjoying more concerted success during the reggae era of the late 1960s and mid-1970s, crafting lasting hits with artists like Dennis Walks and the Spanish Town-based toaster I Roy.

The first volume of the Dub Conference series, made with King Tubby, has stripped-down cuts of some of Mudie’s greatest productions, including ‘Lorna’s Dance,’ a percussion and horns take of ‘Caught You In A Lie’, and a strings cut of the Heptones’ ‘Love Without Feeling.’

NYC's Afro-Latin house player Doug Gomez, who was also half of the defunct Drrtyhaz, leans into club weight and musical detail on Signals 3, a confident new drop built on persuasive rhythms. 'The Space Between Us' introduces his vocal production with Fe Malefiz, who has a sultry, stylised tone that drifts between deep house and Afro-soul with great control. 'The Red Room' shifts gears into peak-time territory with a groove shaped by late-night exchanges with DJ Loka. Closing cut 'To Do Good Na Em Dem Pay' widens the palette further, pulling from Afrobeat's restless rhythmic energy and layering in some bold and brassy horns.

Chicago funk/soul band South Side Movement, who began their career as the backing band for the renowned pair Shintek & Wiley known for “Bootleggin,”
released their debut album The South Side Movement (Wand, 1973). From this album comes the enduring classic “I’m Been Watching You”, a track that remains
highly popular among hip-hop listeners—sampled by artists such as Erykah Badu (“Woo”), Ghostface Killah (“Camay”), and Jadakiss featuring Nas (“Show Discipline”).
This new 7-inch release features a special edit by producer/MPC player KOENMA, who digs deep into the analog-born groove and brings a fresh edge to this timeless cut.

After some time, The Don returns to the series for number 4, with 3 previously unreleased tracks all recorded between the 90’s and early 2000’s. Remastered from the original CD and ready to spin many years later.

Limited to 300 copies.

Remastered & cut with Marco at Analogcut.

Given the Balearic life that Leeds ex-pat Nightmares on Wax now leads in Ibiza, we have to admit we did not see this coming: the downtempo Warp legend returning to his early 90s electronic roots. He does so with a new series of collaborations with young talents on 20/20 Vision, starting with Marlon Lopez. 'Patang' is slow, snaking dub with glitchy synth patches and melodic bass. 'Cancel Dat!' has a crunchy feel next to the bleepy synths with a leggy, loopy low end and tech house snap. Wulf's Jam 4 Jamie is a deeper, more twisted version and label head RL's Get It Together remix cuts up the groove and brings a spoken word that reframes the cut as soulful I:Cube style jam.

Pelle makes his mark with the first release on the Time Item label with the Deep
Currents EP, a high-pressure set of tech house and techno cuts designed for the
club. Relentless grooves, punishing kicks, and hypnotic tension build tracks that
hit hard and hold tight. Club-ready from front to back.

This vinyl edition of Repairing the Clock delivers five hard-edged cuts: four remixes by Thomas P. Heckmann, Umwelt, Legowelt, and Crystal Geometry, plus a raw original. Driven by analog grit and human tension, each track pushes the project into darker, heavier territory.

Already backed by Dave Clarke, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Sims, Terence Fixmer and more..

Few French house artists have the canon and credibility of Franck Roger over such a long period of time. It seems hardly a week goes by without a new drop - or a new old drop - of gold, and here he continues his work with Seasons Limited. 'Tapis Rouge' kicks off with the sort of warming depths that have long been his trademark, this time underpinned with dubby swing. 'If I Had' is a more soulful cut with a cheeky bassline and swirling synths that are utterly ageless. 'Love Potion' is a romantic sound with dreamy pads and 'Have I Lost You' has a zoned-out feel for when you want to give yourself over to the groove and gaze at distant chords.

Bienvenue Recordings head Gene Tellem is back with a first collection of tracks on sub-label GT. Three yet to be released + two hard to find songs originally released on a short run of lathe cuts. All newly mastered and together on one powerful piece of plastic.

‘Five tracks that have yet to be officially released, produced during the making of other projects over the last 5 years. All of them with a taste of their moment, presented to you as this collection of ‘unreleased’ songs.’

-G.T.

A new 4-track EP by one of Japan's top crate diggers, SOUTHPAW CHOP, is here!
A dope and timeless collection of beats that follows the true path of traditional sampling hip-hop - once you hear it, you can't stop nodding your head.

Luis Malon returns to Overthink Records with a 4-track EP.

Four cuts rooted in his distinctive, functional sound.

Driven by raw drum machines, acidic lines and precise sequencing, the release moves between techno and electro with a direct, dancefloor-focused approach — tight, hypnotic and built for late hours.