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freshly repressed!
Leisure System, the collective, label and famed Berghain club night of four years standing, is back with their third release from co-founder and resident, Sam Barker. Known for its genre-defiant lineups, Leisure System's quarterly residency has consistently brought together artists with varying styles. Flying Lotus, Autechre, Afrika Hitech, Jackmaster, Surgeon, Jimmy Edgar, Blawan, 808 State, Dopplereffekt, Clark, Machinedrum, Surgeon, Venetian Snares, Objekt and Egyptian Lover have all graced the decks, showing off the collective's commitment to the exploration of new and experimental sounds in EDM. The development of the label, and now this release from Barker, is no exception. After discovering computers and raves in the late '90s, Barker began making tracks at age 13, building up a sizable collection of vintage analogue synths, paving the way for his future solo work and collaborations with artists like Tim Exile, Clark, Shitmat, Scotch Egg, The Field, Leafcutter John and Jimmy Edgar. Shortly after his 2007 move to Berlin, Barker began collaborating with fellow Berghain resident nd_baumecker, resulting in their ongoing project Barker & Baumecker. Their first EP 'Candyflip', was released on Ostgut Ton in 2010, followed up by a live show tour throughout Europe. The duo is currently readying their second EP and have a long player due out in August 2012. For this new solo EP, mastered by electronic music legend Pole, Barker presents a creative three-track lesson in diversity and highlights Leisure System's ever-evolving aural curiosity. The opener and title track 'Like An Animal' is a number that builds and builds, quickly changing course and mutating into a percussive and texturized melting pot of sounds. Up next the hypnotic 'I Feel', which is filled with moody pads and syncopated breakbeat rhythms, paving the way for the mechanical, yet smooth half-step rhythm of 'Hot Lover'. Siimilar to the collective, this offering pushes boundaries and mirrors the progressive ideals of the collective. Just like Leisure System's first two 12's from Pixelord and Eprom in 2011, Barker's 'Like An Animal' EP is a clear statement of the label's simple and distinct commitment : to be a platform for timeless, thrilling and soulful dance music in the fields of house, techno and electronica, disregarding media hype and genre borders. In keeping with this clear sonic manifesto, Leisure System's design aesthetic is equally individual, with all vinyl releases housed in deluxe die-cut jackets.

The Running Back sports team is glad to welcome two new players to its roster. Dplay and whiz kid Manuel Tur (see also his brilliant RIBN stuff) have caused a great stir with a bouquet of 12-inches for outfits like Zurich's beloved Drumpoet Community or the Compost Black Label as well as knocking out well-made remixes.

Lowfish originally released his 'Burn The Lights Out' LP in 2007 on the US label Satamile but we have found some copies of it in the warehouse. Synth-pop meets breakbeats in an electrifying fusion of emotive melodies and bass-heavy beats across all four sides of the long player with ten then-new tracks and two classics from his Sat.31 EP. They all show that his music, complex yet accessible, evokes images of Blade Runner, Wave Noir, or William Gibson. It is post-modern in approach as it skilfully blends past and present styles to create a sound uniquely his own, seamlessly bridging the gap between eras while pushing the boundaries in his own way.

The Berlin based Alexander Kowalski is responsible for projects like DisX 3 (Tresor, Konsequent), Mr. Discoteque (BCC), as Double X together with Stassy (Sender Berlin) and last but not least under his real name Alexander Kowalski exclusive for Kanzleramt. After his debut 12inch for Kanzleramt titled "Live" featured two unchanged live recordings, Alex released his second 12inch "Dark Soul" in 2000 which includes the first solo-studio-recordings for Kanzleramt. This 12" gives you a taste for Alexander Kowalski's follow up LP "Echoes". The acutely harmonic tracks on "Dark Soul" are a tribute to the dark side of Alexander Kowalski and may belong to one of the best productions without a doubt in 2000. Alexander released his really successful long-player "Response" in 2003 and his 12inch release "Alexander Kowalski With Funk D'Void And Joris Voorn" on Kanzleramt at last.

Paris player Le Loup and Pura launch their new label Shadow Play with a four-track collection of avant-garde house music delivered boxfresh from the studio. As a solo artist, and one half of Hold Youth, Le Loup has cultivated a nuanced sound that is steeped in soulful jazzy influences, with a nod to the future and plenty of soul. On this first EP we're presented with a showcase of this sound, and a hint at what's to come on the brand new label... To get things rolling we have the very first track 'The Ancient Ways', which is quite laid back and minimal in its composition. There's breathing space for the beats and bass, with an eerie atmosphere pervading throughout. 'Ygam' is next up with a wobbly bassline, cosmic death rays and sinister effects lurking in the background - it feels like the soundtrack to a deep space thriller.

On the B-side things get ravey with 'Acid Surface'. Retro breakbeats and stuttered toms support a dangerously alluring symphony of effects and pads. At the heart of the track is a deep subby bassline, transmitting an ancient, yet cosmic vibe.