quête:the r

Circa Groove are squashing their first EP into wax with red-hot house talent Donnie Cosmo, after a successful run of digital releases over the past 3 years.

Donnie's sound has been turning heads and moving dance floors in a special way, with a celebrated EP under Gene on Earth's Limousine Dream. His second vinyl EP will now come into existence under the Circa Groove imprint in the form of a 4-track solo EP.

Commencing the EP is the Track 'Stargazer (Highway Mix)', like Neil deGrasse Tyson this one is seriously intergalactic. The track holds tight and shuffling drums, with no-nonsense synth leads lifting the whole track and making it shimmer. The bassline bubbles and rocks underneath the top end giving the track an unrelenting energy.

Followed on by Wired Nag, this is a track that flexes monstrous sound design to construct a deep and flowing number. Laced with electro pings and undulating synth leads, this is deep and weighty club-ready music with nods to 90s house and electro.

In a similar fashion, on B1 and B2 Donnie has delivered 2 chrome-plated, slamming numbers, likely to cause axial tilt on the dancefloor

Introducing our first limited edition vinyl release LOK Records from Floog

Floog's tracks are energy-oriented, featuring melodic, raw sounds and vocal hooks, that alternate with a more minimalistic approach.
His EP is bringing the listeners on a journey through a variety of sounds and styles keeping the connection with the dance floor.
Early support from Priku, Sepp, Nu Zau, Hostox, Lumieux, Techu, Constratti…

Respect The Craft's archives keep growing. After a double-hitter with Ricardo Villalobos, Tripmastaz is back on solo duties for the third iteration of RTC with "Rare Sensation EP". 

Filling the a-side with the warmest summery vibes, 'Rare Sensation' perfectly displays Andrei's deep love for house music - groove, rhythm, emotional chords and club-ready, euphoria-inducing samples very tightly reminiscent of the world's best beach parties. A "deeper dub" version is also available, stripping down some elements and bringing a classier, less euphoric tone to the forefront. 

'3000' has the virtuosic producer back to exploring the minimal and deep tech-house realms while, in essence, still targetting the summer-drenched tropical raves. And where the original version is a driving, slightly dryer, percussion-infused affair, its dubbier 'Space Program' version brings all its elements to the astral plain, filling the space with melody and atmosphere. 

Respect The Craft - a goal, a call, and a mission.

On June 16th momentum continues apace for Alex Paterson’s Orbscure records, with the new album by Chocolate Hills – his duo project with Paul Conboy. Purveying world class melodic ambience and plenty beyond, colours in this high-fidelity-headphone-wonderland range from languid chill, kitsch exotica, library music, space age pop, ye olde folk and even drum and bass – all seasoned with (in)appropriately random plunderphonics from Paterson’s infinite goodie bag. Loosely based around a nautical journey to the Bermuda triangle and back, this is a fantastic voyage, but seas remain calm – more ‘Life Aquatic’ than ‘Moby Dick’. Tracks gently bob and float on bass which is roomy and buoyant like the hull of a ship, whilst luxuriously fluffy clouds meander overhead, before their vessel dives deep below to marvel at aquatic delights, guided by sonar. Paul Conboy’s approach as a member of cult analogue tinkerers Metamono – who use no computers, only old pre-digital gear – has carried over into his new joint venture. Both groups write, record and perform at same time, then later edit for release. For ‘Yarns from the Chocolate Triangle’ Paul set himself and Alex up with assorted gear, including a record deck, synths and drum machines, then the pair recorded the raw version of the album on the fly. These long live jams where then then discreetly augmented, embellished and edited, with a nip and tuck in Logic. As well as releases as A.P.E. on Dorado and Far Out recordings, TV and film scores plus his ongoing membership in Metamono, Conboy recorded three albums as part of Bomb The Bass, with whom he also toured Australia jointly with The Orb. On a boat trip over to Bali, Paul made Paterson pancakes, and their friendship was sealed. Having stayed in contact, many years later the duo began an exploration of ideas with their 2019 debut ‘A Pail Of Air’ on Painted World records (who’ve also released records by Nik Turner from Hawkwind, Youth, Roger Eno and Jaz Coleman). So far the duo have performed a low key gig at Paterson’s unofficial lair The Book And Record Bar, plus a bigger stage at the Roundhouse, alongside Leftfield, GAS, Ulrich Schnauss and System 7. Clearly making a lasting impression on Alex, the duo’s name was first referenced on The Orb’s own ‘Chocolate Hills Of Bohol’ remix of their single ‘Assassin’ in 1992, which was the same year Alex got blown away when visiting the prehistoric geological formations and enchanting jungles of the Bohol province in the Philippines.

A1 - Continuum

Teaming up once again the original Spatial production duo open their latest EP serving up a thumping onslaught of amen goodness with Continuum, a track which takes the classic Demon's Theme break and carves it to bits unreservedly with a myriad of chops, cuts & edits. We are treated to some delicious filter work later in the track over a shimmering backdrop of synthwork, glazed with a bunch of micro melodies, bleeps and FX.

A2 - Depth Perception

Meticulously constructed vintage breakbeats immediately set a brisk tone with Depth Perception before a blissful early interlude reminds us to sit back and take a breath, before our breaks return - blanketed with an introspective layer of serene synths & keys which somehow combine perfectly, resulting in a tonal mosaic only ASC & Aural Imbalance can conjure up with their combined skillset.

AA1 - Distant Orbit

Nest up an unsettling, melancholic intro tenuously launches classic atmospheric breaks delivered with that crisp, old school brand new punch we have come to love from the distinctive style of drum n bass Spatial is showcasingand developing with each release. Powered with a lively bassline, it's easy to lose yourself in this piece as the track lives up to its title and sends the listener far beyond the confines of their speaker.

AA2 - Cold Front

An intriguing, inquisitive energy opens Cold Front with an assortment of breakbeats woven together exquisitely in a collage format, DJ-friendly yet mellow at once . The dialed-back airy backdrops showcase a glorious intricacy to the breaks, so detailed with umatched clarity - they almost possess an ASMR-like quality, offering new discoveries to the ear each time on repeated listens.

Martinesque started his nighttime adventures with tasteful house records towards the tail end of the nineties. Inspired by the deep explorations of Chicago and New York stalwarts, he’s found pleasure in playing out low-slung grooves and stripped-back entries from all corners of electronic music. Since, the Basel native has honed his craft in clubs around the country and beyond. Methodically stitching together records from his vaults, Martinesque escalates from meditative rhythm workouts to subdued dancefloor drama in a controlled fashion.

He’s developed his artistic vision through residencies in some of Switzerland’s most cherished spaces, but nowadays found his spot as Elysia’s head of bookings, where he’s since showcased a full-spectrum analysis of contemporary dance music.

His most recent endeavour is Adam’s Bite, a cross-disciplinary cooperation zoning in on oblique music and visual arts, further cementing his position as a driving figure in a thriving scene.

Expansion is the 7th EP on Belgium based Nightflight Records. On several levels it is a deft alignment of the label’s emotional techno aesthetic with Mihail Petrovski’s ability to deliver exquisitely poised music that drives deep into the mind and soul. The EP is a fine addition to his discography presented by the likes of Ferox, Common Dreams, Verdant Recordings & Distant Worlds over the last half decade.

Petrovski possesses an incredible appreciation of the history of deep techno and evidently distils that into his own craft, whilst adeptly melding a sound that is undoubtably his own. This 4 tracker, all original compositions, manifests an uncluttered platform to fully appreciate those talents. Elegantly programmed percussion is balanced with sumptuous basslines and pads but leave wide open spaces for heart warming melodies on each of these tracks.

Tsuris is arguably the most urgent on the record with a warm pressing kick. Omec switches around a superb elastic bassline. Dream Thief brings the tempo down but its innocent celestial melodies linger in the mind. Closing out with Circadian Rhythms, its broken percussion becomes the focus with a sophisticated nod to the finest of mid 90’s UK deep techno.

Repress!

Showcasing his renowned nu-disco stylings and the evolution of his musical outputs from club delights to international hits, today Purple Disco Machine, the moniker of German disco house producer Tino Piontek, shares his stellar new single ‘Hypnotized’, marking the next era for the critically acclaimed project.

With an artist name that pays homage to 80’s funk hero Prince and the uplifting dance beat of Gloria Estefan’s ‘Miami Sound Machine’, Purple Disco Machine was destined to bring together the elements of synth pop, funk, Italo Disco. With over 250 million streams across his works to date, and a recent run of A list remixes for Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Robert Surace, Foals and Sir Elton John, Purple Disco Machine impresses once again, creating a modern and sophisticated take on the decade that has inspired him so greatly. Further announcing his sophomore LP for release in the next year, 2020 will see Purple Disco Machine deliver his most outstanding work to date.

Enlisting the help of indie British newcomers Sophie and the Giants on the single, Purple Disco Machine, adds their alluring vocals to the instantly engaging melody, and funk fuelled bassline, that has become synonymous with so many of his dance-fuelled hits.

As we hit the 10th release on the day by day series, we have a special two part vinyl with our first one featuring four special tracks to spice up your record bag.

Starting off the release is MPEG's 'Datetime', a playful and uplifting tune that's sure to perk up any dance floor!

A2 gets a bit deeper and darker with Sasha Nevolin’s ‘Tears at Rave’. With acidic arpeggios breathing through your sound system, this is a perfect track to transition into your trancier moments!

On the B side, Seo John's 'Circuit of Light' takes listeners on a mid-tempo progressive journey that beautifully blends the elements of acid, techno, and trance. Be sure to fasten your seatbelts for this one!

To close out the release, Nvsession delivers an atmospheric journey filled with moody breaks and arpeggios! Perfect for your after-hours or home listening!

Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’ Hot Creations imprint welcomes another essential house offering as Jay Farina & Quinzi connect on ‘Pumpin The Junk’.

Collaborating to great effect on labels like Hooj Choons and Cleveland City Digital, Jay Farina and regular studio partner Quinzi have been playing across Europe while cooking up a take on house music that is fresh and full of irresistible grooves. Joining forces for their biggest release to date, the pair head to Hot Creations to open the summer with their two-track ‘Pumpin The Junk’ EP.
‘Pumpin The Junk’ is a sleazy, low-slung and driving house cut with raw and edgy percussion, while the vibrant vocals and old-school rave stabs all light up the track with the sort of character that gets a floor going wild. Next comes ‘The Buzz’, which is exactly that, the type of steamy house groove to get people moving. Rolling drums are overlaid with jumbled toms and fluttering snares before a monstrous bassline brings the warmth, while fiery vocals, drum fills and filtered FX all add more texture and tension to this red-hot offering.