Suche:the echoes

A veteran producer (Who prefers to separate this incarnation from past works) working within many disciplines in sound, Silent Cubes demonstrates a particular skill in atmospherics and mood in their productions, creating three tracks of original UKG driven sound that speak in a dialect as familiar to the progeny and brethren of Clubroot, Sorrow, and Congi as that of Chez Damier, Mr Fingers, and Ron Trent. An exercise in deepness, Draped in the framework and immediacy of Garage.

Showing how evocatively these elements can be transformed is MOY, himself straddling a line between classic IDM, Old Skool, and Acid, and with releases on Analogical Force, Vinyl Fanatiks (AmenTec), and a slew of others. MOY comes forward with a hybridized remix of “The Stream”, which really is in a class of its own and closes outside B.

“Sound And Motion”. Presented as a 4-track vinyl EP, in a numbered/limited edition, and bundled with access to 2 exclusive Poly Cut/Digital tracks, only ever available via the access provided through ownership of this record.

There is propably no single event that has as potent of an
effect on the german Techno- scene as the fall of the Berlin
Wall. A city divided suddenly, in one single night, became
uni¦ed, opening up both sides for the new experiences and
ways to view life the other might have. Berlin’s eastside with
it’s empty, unused warehouses proved to be a fertile breeding
ground for free spirits and those carrying a newfound ¦re in
their eyes. This was the zero hour. The Consolidation. And it
is this mindset, spirit and ¦re of Consolidation that Shaleen
conjures on her debut EP of the same name. The title track
opens up by sampling John F. Kennedy’s legendary “Berlin”
speech from 1964, before absolutely caving in the concrete
with a beyond-heavy kickdrum and a very stripped down but
effective 909-percussion section. Spursed in along the track’s
runtime are droning sirens and JFK continuing to beckon you
to lose yourself in the metropolitan bowels. This is the
anthem of a past revolution. On Deconstruction, Shaleen
goes down a slightly more basement oriented route. The
Percussion shares the title track’s stripped down
effectiveness, but the Groove is more rolling, the Vocal
samples are more distorted and there are sharp synths
cutting through the beats like shards of broken glass. Of
course, a revolution wouldn’t be complete without a mob so
both Cadency aka Hector Oaks and New Frames have put
their spin on the EP’s title track. Mr. Cadeny is up ¦rst and,
being no stranger to revolutionary anthems, has given
Consolidation an almost contemplative mood in his Remix,by adding a very subtle melody. This doesn’t mean it hits any
less hard, mind you, there is an incredibly strong drive to the
track, paired with an almost constantly looping vocal and the
sirens going into overdrive, this would be the track to drive
crowds into a frenzy. Meanwhile New Frames’ track is the
kind of thing you wouldn’t want to encounter alone in a dark
alleyway. The sub-basses are heavy enough to terraform
Mars, the Jungle-esque Synthlines roar and snarl at the
listener and every drop feels like a right hook to the chin. The
original’s vocal is cut in a way that it only adds to the
stomping rhythm, putting you in a mood to throw bricks. So
while this record showcases an aggressive sound and a
mood for revolution, it is important to remember it’s title.
Consolidation. It echoes a message of uni¦cation. Of
standing together. Because together we are, have been and
will always be stronger than by ourselves.

We’re glad to be back with the second installment of our new series of DJ and Artist curated 12” mini compilations: Melodies Record Club.

Ben UFO is up next for volume two, following Four Tet’s selection a few months back. Available early October in loud 12” format and digitally. Here we have two tracks which have been staples in Ben’s DJ sets at different times, but neither were originally produced with a club setting in mind, which is why they’ve never been available in this format before.

On one side, we have “Drums” from Laurie Spiegel’s 1980 experimental electronics album “The Expanding Universe”, a collection of tracks produced between 1974 and 1976 using a computer playing the actual sounds by controlling analog synthesis equipment under control of the GROOVE hybrid system developed by Max Matthews and F.R. Moore at Bell Labs. Drums is a percussive seven minute computer generated workout inspired by Laurie’s interest in African and Indian musics, and which brings to mind the most far out kosmiche music of the period to modern day techno. A connection Ben has tried to make explicit by including it in his first BBC essential mix back in 2013.

On the flip we have a track by Olof Dreijer from the Swedish band the Knife who’s work you might also be familiar with under the moniker Oni Ayhun. Back in 2009 his artist friend Adnan Yildiz curated an exhibition called “THERE IS NO AUDIENCE” in Montethermoso, dedicated to public imagination. Adnan commissioned a single piece from Olof called “Echoes from Mamori”, that played on loop during the exhibition and was subsequently released only on CD. A contemporary piece more clearly indebted to house music, Olof built the track around arpeggios generated using sounds of frogs he recorded in the Amazon and birds around Berlin, fed into a sampler.

"Following on from May's "ECHOES Part 1 & 2" this is the second single of three to be released as an introduction to the next album project of Ulrich Troyer - TRANSIT TRIBE - to be released later this year.

This time it's one for the reggae fans and dubheads with contributions from Diggory Kenrick who has been busy over the last few years adding the distinctive sound of his flute to many new reggae productions. He is also an associate of the U.K. reggae label Pressure Sounds that specialises in reviving classic sounds from the roots and dancehall eras of the genre. Also joining the production is Takafumi Noda aka Mystica Tribe, a Japanese producer and musician who has specialised in a new form of dub techno and is known for adding the signature sound of his melodica to productions of dub friends from around the world.

The subject of travel, especially along modern, fast routes has long been subject to fascinate musicians, from the days of Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" and now the whole genre of dub techno seems to be one built for listening on long journeys. The Autostrada Del Brennero / Brennerautobahn is one of the most important motorways in Italy, as it connects the Po Valley with Austria through the Brenner Pass and features many modern bridges and overpasses that are ready built illustrations for the covers of dub techno albums! On this release this major European truck route is celebrated musically by Ulrich Troyer with inputs from Diggory and Taka to create two modern dub classics."

Steve Barker (DJ, Radio Presenter - On the Wire, BBC 1984 – 2023,

now Slack City Radio & reggae/dub columnist and contributor to The Wire)


Credits:

Diggory Kenrick: flute

Taka Noda: melodica

Didi Kern: drums

Ulrich Troyer: analog synthesizers, analog drum-machines, sampler, dub effects

A written by Diggory Kenrick & Ulrich Troyer

B written by Taka Noda & Ulrich Troyer

Recorded by Ulrich Troyer at 4Bit Studio & 4Bit Bungalow, Vienna - except flute recorded by Diggory Kenrick at Holloway Studio, London / melodica recorded by Taka Noda at Mystica Sound Studio, Tokio

Mixed & arranged by Ulrich Troyer at 4Bit Bungalow, Vienna

Produced by Osman Murat Ertel & Ulrich Troyer

Mastering & Lacquer Cut by Kassian Troyer at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin

Cover Drawing by Ulrich Troyer


Special thanks to Steve Barker, Osman Murat Ertel, Diggory Kenrick, Eva Kelety and Takafumi Noda

Kindly supported by the City of Vienna (MA7 - Kultur), Federal Ministry Republic of Austria (Arts, Culture, Civil Service & Sport), SKE-FONDS (AT) & Amt für Kultur, Bozen (IT)

Incredible Techno and dub techno by now legendary Conforce (aka Versalife) that will Take You on a Sonic journey with Commute "Part 1" on Syncrophone. No need to introduce Conforce anymore... The Dutch producer blasts off with "Commuting Part 1," a 4-track EP on Syncrophone Records. Buckle up for a sonic adventure that electrifies your daily routine. "

LIMITED Quantity. Deep dive into the realm of electro music. Hypnotic multi-layered baselines, unpredicted drops and bursting beats would make precise, nevertheless not full definition of this EP. Following the
debut of the sequel with an exhibition showcasing artwork’s creation and conceptualization, we face SEQ002: False Destination, a new chapter where the story continues in an unexpected way. It holds the question, to which unknown territory did the agent headed from his collapsed dimention? – Side A takes you on a journey that echoes the spirit of interdimensional travel, a recurring theme in electro music. Impact One throws you into a captivating sonic environment, grabbing your attention with distinct sonic events, all layered over a foundation of subtly shifting rhythmic patterns. A2 is another mention of wrong dimention, hard alterations on early 90s Rave revivalism with peculiar artifacts and touch of blue note with breakbeat burst out conclusion. –
On the flip, a couple of heavyweights. Thick kicks jumping from 4 tothe-floor to broken beat, uncertain breakdowns and unexpected amen breaks driving audience on the edge. Hypnotic bassline for B1 was characterized as Giorgio Moroder on steroids. Last track is a calm blend in ending on a hybrid cosmic breaks combined with Yamaha DX7. – ABOUT ARTWORK This time comic-like backside artwork has an insert accompaniment to immerse within the world created by the artist behind the record. AI has been used to create artwork, generating imagery as a way to bring ideas to life. It offers a cryptic clue, a fragmented piece of the puzzle that complements the music to tell the story

For the third label’s release, Clouzer returns to Distant Gaze with “Call of the Abyss,” a six-track EP featuring three originals alongside three remixes from acclaimed artists Damon Jee, Zakmina, and Berlin’s emerging talent, Zee Mon.

At the helm of the EP is Clouzer’s captivating journey, “Voices from the Abyss,” extraterrestrial echoes and pulsating broken beats, embarking on an exploration into the depths of the unknown. The EP’s second track emerges as a powerful stage presence, guided by the haunting vocals of Valentin Henning. Blurred and delayed textures immersing the listener in a mind-altering experience. Pulsating rave energy of “Perpetual” fuses cosmic elements, broken beats, and dark disco bassline, embodying Clouzer’s distinctive sonic identity.

Adding to the EP’s allure are three remixes, each offering a unique interpretation. Zee Mon’s rendition of “Perpetual” channels darkwave energy, infusing the track with an irresistible pulse, a primetime banger on vibing dance-floor. Damon Jee’s remix of “Stalactites” delivers his trademark full-throttle dance-floor oriented dark disco, elevating the EP to the next level of intensity. Finally, Zakmina’s broken beat journey serves as a beautiful sublime culmination of the EP, evoking the feeling of a perfect closing track for an enchanting morning DJ set.

After a short break mezin is back with the 4th record, helmed by Crihan. An Ordinary Family is a special affair, put together over a long period with a special narrative in mind, embodied by 4 pieces representing each of the main characters in F.M. Dostoevski magnum opus (or so we think!) The Brothers Karamazov.

In this exercise of imagination, Alin attempts to push his creative juices to new heights to represent his perception of the novel’s titular actors. From religious themes, distant church bells and organs, yet, a lighthearted Aliosha to the dark reveries and otherworldly echoes of Ivan through to the sheer power and brute force of Dmitri and finally intersecting with sly, slinky but confident Grushenka. An Ordinary Family sets off on an ambitious trip that, we hope, will spark some curiosity for the novel, but we’ll be happy if you keep on dancing, too!

Berlin, the heartbeat of Techno innovation, sets the stage for Thomas Schumacher & A.D.H.S.'s first collab 'Mirazh.' Emerging from the city's vibrant scene, the artists blend cutting-edge Techno with Psytrance elements and echoes of Bulgarian folk. Recent success, including a German Club Charts topper and Beatport #1 solidify their standing among the industry's elite producers. A back2back DJ set at MAYDAY Dortmund 2024 is the perfect way to celebrate this groundbreaking release!

April 2024 sees the launch of the Stratasonic imprint with the four-track ‘Accidental Effects’ by ANiML, a collaborative guise for the members of the collective behind the label.

Stratasonic is a new label founded by a German/Canadian collective operating out of LA whose roots dig deep into electronic music. By collaborating with artists new and legendary they’ll push the boundaries of the traditional music space into visual arts, video, events, digital and beyond. The collective’s philosophy is to reimagine the music, masters, and methods of the past in a modern context, exposing the world to the stuff they like. Here to inaugurate the label is ANIML, the project whose members will remain anonymous is inspired by the classic era of vinyl and analogue production with hints of 90’s nostalgia.

Title-cut ‘Accidental Effects’ leads the EP and lays down twitchy bass grooves, crisp, crunchy breaks and an amalgamation of hip hop vocals all dynamically pieced together and processed to create a raw, fluid dance floorworkout. ‘Mementos’ follows next and veers into a more immersive, cinematic electronica realm via subtly unfurling synth textures, murky bass swells, bumpy breaks, squelchy acid lines and hypnotic brass licks.

Opening the flip-side is ‘Day Dreaming’, shifting focus back to a raw off-kilter rhythm at its foundation while haunting synth lines ebb and flow amongst hooky vocal chants and bubbling echoes. ‘Formulaic Appeal’ then concludes the original material, a three minute ambient darkwave excursion through brooding analogue bass drones, heavily reverberated atmospherics and a ticking clock like percussive effect.

Warehouse Find - Test Pressing!

Time to welcome Kresy to the label with three original tracks of immaculate left of centre house. With only a clutch of releases his name may be new to many but if you dig deeper you'll find he's definitely moving the right circles. His debut release on John Talabot's Hivern Discs gave some broad exposure, picking up spins from the likes of Four Tet's Keiren Hebden, Jenifer Cardini and Nick Hoppner. Remix requests followed too with releases on Exquisite Pain, Southern Fried and Lovemonk all getting the Kresy treatment.

2014 looks equally busy with material forthcoming on Jay Shepheards Retrofit as well as DJ dates taking in Corsica Studios and Panarama Bar.

On his Freerange debut Kresy kicks off with Sweet Dangerous MC's, a shuffling, raw, 90's inspired cut which treads firmly forward rather than backward. The beats are crunched and jacked to perfection while the pads hiss and fizz all the while punctuated by the sweet dangerous MC in person.

Next up is Last Cocktail Of Stallone where echoes of Studio54 combine with the stomp of jacking Chicago house to produce a fresh fusion for 2014.

Flipping over we have a brilliant reinterpretation of Last Cocktail Of Stallone by west coast house heroes Vin Sol and MATRiXXman. Here the duo clearly had a fun session firing up the hardware drum machines and delays, reworking the rhythm track into a steady yet subtly massive warehouse jam primed for the dancefloor.

Finally, we're treated to the elegant beauty of Midnight In Manhattan where melancholic piano chords lay the foundation for an echoing sax riff to take centre stage. An original, interesting and above all deep slice of house that demonstrates Kresy's diversity and talent perfectly.

Bad Info is a new label set up primarily to reissue the music of Corker Conboy released first in the early 2000's mainly on London's Vertical Form which also released music by Pub and Pan American.

"Rich with cinematic overtones. 'Light...' carries echoes of tortoise, Ennio Morricone & Talk Talk, but its hardly just another remake, Slip into a world where the screen never goes dark"-XLR8R

"I discovered this album in 2007..The instruments felt small and delicate but collectively they elicited a heavy emotional response: a seductive moodiness, a soporific joy, soundtracking both post-party mornings and late night writing. it remains a record that still inspires me to this day." Adam janota Bjowski ( Composer- Black Mirror, Saint Maud, Femme, Out of Darkness)

Post-rock.electronic duo Corker Conboy aka Adrian Corker & Paul Conboy announce a newly remastered reissue of the project's debut album 'In Light Of That Learnt Later'.

Originally released in 2003, and available for the first time digitally, featuring new artwork by graphic designer Joe Gilmore. Alongside the reissue, Corker Conboy will release a limited edition 12" /digital single featuring a track from the album, backed with a new remix, sampling multiple tracks from the album, by acclaimed New York-based ambient dub trio Purelink (The 50 Best Albums of 2023 Pitchfork,'Ambient Dub that glows from within 'Philip Sherburne).

The album is remastered by Paul Conboy, with the remix single mastered/remastered by Stephan Mathieu.

On “Philadelphia 2099,” a laidback electronic vista evokes the long violet twilight that precedes sunrise on Mars. On “Tharsis Montes,” bubbling synth lines signal the industry of the day ahead, before an infectiously funky bassline is sown on “Seeds,” and alien growth is tended amid shards of interstellar synth sunlight in “Echoes From The Red Valley.”

Repress.

One of Stockholm’s finest exports, Elfenberg arrive at Bordello with four slices of synthesizer goodness. The duo open with “Forever Alone”. A cruising arpeggiator steers its way through glistening snares, rolling kicks and classic italo vocals. Night falls in the jungle “Conga Coronation”. The treetops bristle with birdsong, thickets of bongos, toms and rain sticks lead a path to dawning melodies. A wonderfully textured percussive piece, the track is intricately carved and demonstrates the diversity and depth of Elfenberg. The disco dipped futurism of “Sphere Of Missing Out” follows. Echoes of “Conga Coronation” rhythms are countered by beaming synth bars and vocoder lyrics with the Swedish pair pushing for the floor. “Cosmic Tribune” is the curtain close. Astral chords, spiralling key shifts and incising drums coalesce in this space inspired finale. A truly stunning debut from this talented partnership.

The first track of the EP is a prog-heavy requiem, laced with warped synths and a percussive softness inviting you to take it straight to the dance-floor. 'Wandt Uncorked's' sonic agility is framed by the kind of driving energy that only swells more as you move, offering a new rhythm layer by layer.
Offering dreamy synths with echoes of 'A Hundred Days Off'-era Underworld, 'Gottesfuß' bends into a sprawling, sexy-weird five minutes of bliss. Building with a familiar-feeling vibrato and the cosiest anchor of bass, the second track from Niklas is your backdrop for mid dance-floor moments and after-hours alike in love.
The B-side to Wandt’s latest EP glides through every unchartered subaquatic realm imaginable. Slick breaks blend evenly into myriad underwater drones and/or extra terrestrial cries to form a deftly cast soundscape that truly highlights Wandt’s prowess as a percussionist.

2024 repress

Melody As Truth founder Jonny Nash returns to action with his first solo album in four years.

Over the course of eleven mesmerising tracks, Nash points the compass gently inwards, casting aside any conceptual frameworks in favour of exploring an imaginative and idealised “personal folk music” that combines elements of traditional acoustic music with the producer’s richly immersive interpretation of ambient, a sound he has been developing for well over a decade.

From the smudged acid-folk bliss of ‘Theories’ and ‘Eternal Life’, to the layered acoustic guitars of ‘All I Ever Needed’ and the delay-soaked, Durutti Column-esque ‘Light From Three Sides’, a wide variety of musical textures weave their way throughout the album.

Point of Entry is much more than a mere ‘guitar album’ – it draws on a rich and diverse palette to achieve its purpose. The delicate saxophone work of ambient-jazz contemporary Joseph Shabason swells on ‘Ditto’ and ‘Light From Three Sides’. Cascading piano lines ripple through the crystal clear sonic waters of ‘Face of Another’, whilst echoes of Nash’s work with Gigi Masin and Young Marco as Gaussian Curve appear in the dancing synth sequences of ‘Ditto’ and ‘Golden Hour’. Nash’s reverb-laden voice also appears for the first time since 2016’s critically acclaimed Exit Strategies, used delicately throughout the album to conjure up a world of dusk and golden light.

Combining the delicate human touch and naivety of earlier Melody As Truth releases with widened scope and vision, Point Of Entry is arguably Nash’s most complete work to date – an album that’s as much a statement of his “personal folk” vision as a future ambient classic.