ICONYC presents the third installment of a compilation series in perpetual bloom, Florilegia III. This new compendium of previously unreleased cuts balances vigor and depth, with unbridled passion and refined elegance for a captivating garland, featuring the sounds of AE:THER; Pole Position; Argia; Max Menaged, matteomie, & Adassiya; ALPHADOG; Marc Gonen & Island Hill; AIKON; Lexer; Still & Bense; Khainz & ZENON; Agustin Giri & Gespona; Deniz Tekin, Aliot & Tolu; Jordan Lev & Nael; and Convolute.
Ungeschützt, vollkommen verwirklicht und ganz und gar sein Eigen - Wesley Josephs lang erwartetes Debütalbum zeigt den Sänger, Songwriter, Produzenten und Regisseur von seiner selbstbewusstesten und verletzlichsten Seite und bringt die vielen Facetten seines kreativen Lebensweges zum Ausdruck. Das Ergebnis ist ,Forever Ends Someday": 13 Tracks voller Selbstreflexion und weitreichender Realitätsflucht. Auf dem Danny Brown-Feature ,Peace of Mind" hingegen überwindet Joseph seine Ängste und liefert eine basslastige Hymne voller Selbstvertrauen und Zuversicht. Auf ,July" arbeitet Joseph mit Jorja Smith zusammen, und die beiden performen einen freudigen Rückblick, aufgenommen in ihrer Heimatstadt Walsall, in dem sie sich daran erinnern, wie weit sie gekommen sind und was sie alles verloren haben. Joseph nahm sich drei Jahre Zeit, um sich aus dem Rampenlicht zurückzuziehen und seine Geschichte zu finden. Er entschied sich dafür, der Ehrlichkeit seiner Kunst nachzugehen, anstatt aus seiner Karriere Kapital zu schlagen - mit Höhepunkten wie einem ausverkauften Headliner-Konzert im Londoner KOKO und einer ausverkauften Nordamerika-Tournee. ,Ich habe das Album einfach wie ein Gefäß behandelt und ständig Dinge aus meinem Leben hineingeworfen", sagt er. Der Titel ,Forever Ends Someday" bezieht sich auf die vergängliche Schönheit des gegenwärtigen Augenblicks - ,die Vorstellung, dass Dinge, wenn man jung ist, ewig währen, aber dann wird man erwachsen und erkennt, dass die Jugend nur geliehen ist", erklärt Joseph. Die Titel des Albums spiegeln ehrlich die menschlichen Erfahrungen wider, sowohl die hellen als auch die dunklen Seiten. Aufgenommen in London, Walsall, Los Angeles und ,auf halber Höhe eines Berges in der Schweiz", holte Joseph ein Kernteam von Mitarbeitern und Co-Produzenten an Bord, um seine Vision während der drei Jahre des Schreibens umzusetzen. Er arbeitete eng mit dem Komponisten Nicholas Jaar (The Weeknd, FKA Twigs), der mehrere Tracks mit seiner Sensibilität für Soundscapes bereicherte, dem Produzenten Harvey Dweller (Loyle Carner, Joy Crookes), dem für den Mercury Prize nominierten Tev'n (Rina Sawayama, SBTRKT), A. K. Paul (Nao, Fabiana Palladino), Al Shux (JAY Z, Kendrick Lamar, SZA), Ryan Raines (Paul McCartney, Dominic Fike) und dem Produzenten Romil Hemnani (Brockhampton) zusammen. Von Walsall in die Welt hinaus zeigt ,Forever Ends Someday", dass Josephs Vermächtnis gerade erst begonnen hat.
The two Portuguese-speaking African islands of Sao Tomé & Principe, located in the Gulf of Guinea, created an unique music called Puxa: a refined mixture of various musical components from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. A blend of Semba, Merengue, Kompas, Soukouss, Coladeira patterns, often pushing forward with a voodoo-like energy, solid bass lines, delicate melodies and backing harmonies of the rich Sao Tomean melodic traditions. Very first compilation focusing on the golden age of these island"s sounds, the 16 tracks selected will surely set fire on all dance floors!
After a gap of over ten years, the Grammy nominated Jazz Funk band Down To The Bone are back with their groove laden, Acid Jazz tinged new album “This Way Forward”– here on an ultra-limited, special release of a doublepack vinyl album. Bringing together a good groove fueled album of ten original tracks with a diversity of flavours – from Jazz Funk to Soul to Brazilian tinged delights that are sure to get the musical juices flowing. Packed full of the band’s trademark grooves and bringing together multi talented musicians from the past and the present all culminating into a melting-pot of sounds that together represent Down To The Bone’s essential sounds.
The new album also brings together multi-talented vocalists on no less than seven tracks From the exquisite soul talents of Hil Street Soul, who co-wrote the opening soul infused groove track “Get Up And Dance”, to the equally soulful tones of Natasha Watts and then the Brazillian sounds of Guida De Palma. The pulsing horn section of Tim Smart, Ryan Jacob (Bonobo/Alice Russell) and James Arben (Vibration Black Finger/Mulatu Astatke), together with Piers Green on sax solos, along with the driving bass of both Julian Crampton and Jo Phillpotts to the pumping beats of drummer Davide Giovannini (Snowboy/Jazztronic/Da Lata and Pucho/Lisa Stansfield), to the melodic chords of Neil Angilley (Snowboy/Jazzhino/Maceo Parker) and Anders Olinder (PeeWee Ellis/Courtney Pine), to the chugging guitar of Tony Remy( Dave Lee/The Sunburst Band/Incognito/Omar) and Mark Jaimes (Simply Red) plus Gianni Chiarello – and the icing on the cake with percussion from Joe “Bongo” Becket.
All working together to bring a stellar performance on this cracking new release to show that DTTB are a force to be reckoned with both on stage and on the wheels of steel.
A dynamic DJ and producer, the Galway-born, Berlin-based artist is driven by mood not genre, gleefully scribbling outside the lines to craft rhythmic, high-vibration dancefloor cuts that make them a delicious match for the Chunkers. Just reference their pin-sharp releases on Radiant, Punctuality, Planet Euphorique and their own World of Worlds imprint. While anyone who’s caught their throwdowns at Draaimolen’s legendary forest stage, Horst Festival or London’s infamous queer party Club Are already knows what’s up.
Their contribution to the BSC catalogue is bang on. Lead cut ‘Track Like’ is a straight-up Chunker. Beginning life as an instrumental, it’s a pumping house cut marked by a grooving bassline, tight drums and a contained ravey energy, before Eoin DJ added that vocal that took the production into peak-time party territory.
A producer who requires no introduction – Jennifer Loveless join the Chunkers fold with a full-bodied remix of ‘Track Like’. Lock in for a funky maximal re-rub with the attitude turned up to 11. Back in Eoin DJ’s corner, the crisp ‘n’ punchy ‘Pure U’ is driven by fat kick drums, euphoric chords and a chunky rolling bassline. Exquisite stuff. A tight Dub version is included in the pack. The EP rounds out with the perky ‘Feel Deeper’, which channels ‘90s New York house and circuit sounds and is built around a hooky vocal line and rhythmic drums.
Eoin DJ follows BELLA, Eliza Rose, Papa Nugs, Paperkraft and remixes Peach and CARISTA in joining the Big Saldo’s Chunkers family as Sally C delights in growing the label via a carefully curated roster of artists.
“I loved the label already, so I was super stoked when Sally asked me to do a release. Chunkers is always
so on-point and consistent with its output. All of the releases are certified party starters – fat basslines, catchy vocals, full of energy and tuned to perfection to hit on the soundsystem. I used that as a jumping off point when making the EP. You could say it’s Chunkers – Eoin DJ style.” – Eoin DJ
“I was hooked on Eoin’s sound since they released ‘Ode to Beachball’ in 2024 on Punctuality Records. I love their ability to weave emotion and groove so seamlessly. It’s been a pleasure working on this EP – I’ve been endlessly rinsing all of the tracks. Such a great producer!” – Sally C
With the title "Treatise On A Narcissist" hinting at the EP's thematic exploration, the four originals by Shaleen are a masterclass in atmospheric, driving techno-built on powerful basslines, intricate percussion and an unnerving emotional intensity. This formidable body of work is then subjected to four distinct and high-calibre reinterpretations, each pushing the originals into new sonic territories.
Fiedel delivers a masterclass in raw, functional Berlin Techno. His "Treatise on a Narcissist" Remix builds on a foundation of caustic percussion and echoing metallic textures to create a journey into the machine's heart, powered by monolithic kick drums and pulsating, hypnotic sequences. This is peak-time, strobelit intensity-a dark, unforgiving lesson in rhythm and propulsion.
Mareena's sophisticated version of Shaleen's "Treatise On A Narcissist" strips the original back to its essential hypnotic core. It locks into a precise, relentless rhythm with characterizing sharp hi-hats, a focused, pulsating kick drum and creates a sense of deep,
foreboding atmosphere by utilizing subtle, filtered synth drones and echo effects.
Rosati's Remix of Shaleen's "Nymphomaniac" layers hypnotic elements, leading to a massive, euphoric breakdown and creates a captivating, almost obsessive mood. This track demands movement. It's an unrelenting sonic journey characterized by a hard-thumping rhythm section that maintains relentless forward momentum.
JakoJako steps up to deliver a nuanced and immersive re-imagining of Shaleen's "Fused in Desire". Moving away from high-impact euphoria, this remix focuses on dark, driving Techno.
The textural soundscape features a powerful low-end as well as lush, evolving pads and shimmering, modulated synth textures that create a vast, emotional space to establish a profound, steady pulse. Designed for total immersion, this track serves as both a
high-energy peak-time weapon and a hypnotic journey for early-morning dancefloors.
On Lila, his debut LP, Moroccan artist Karim presents a series of undulating electronic rhythms laser-etched into tessellated form: drumless techno from the pre-Sahara, built for communal psychic expansion.
Drumless, yes, but not percussionless. There are shakers, castanets, stabs, plonks, thuds. There are insistent basslines propelling forward, pulsing with energy, rippling in time. There are tones interlocking, rolling, fluttering, pattering. Dancing within, around, between each other. Considered in terms of sheer geometry, Lila is a techno record, unmistakably. But it sounds quite unlike any other techno record you've heard lately.
To write the album, Karim borrowed from the music of the Gnawa, a religious-spiritual musical tradition descended from West African peoples brought to Morocco as slaves hundreds of years ago. Now integrated deeply into Moroccan culture, the centerpiece of Gnawa music is the lila—or "night," in Arabic—an all-night-long ritual of rhythm designed to induce participants and musicians alike into a healing trance state. Which, if you're a dedicated raver, may sound familiar, yes?
Crafted entirely with modular synthesizers, Lila conjures a range of textures and moods. The show opens with "Bakh," a blissful exercise in beatlessness, clear and crystalline. On "Philipoussis," "Kiyex," and "Sonic," arpeggiated synths approximate Gnawa chants while interlaid percussion keeps time in multiple meters. "La" and "Kille" pulse in half-time, ideal for creative mixing. "Joul à lèvre" bristles with electricity, the sound of a charged lightning rod. "Pamil," woozy and lurching, feels like being shipwrecked on a forgotten island. Last and absolutely certainly not least, on the final track, "Miloir," Karim faces West and unleashes the album's only kick drum for a ten-minute psychedelic techno masterpiece. The mind warps; the body moves.
Lila is released on Tikita, Karim's own record label, founded in 2014. Tikita's discography, spare but tightly curated, features artists from across the globe pushing outwards into techno's deepest reaches. Karim's album pushes even farther. Listen for yourself.
A Deeper Life, Chaos In The CBD’s debut album over 10 years in the making, is nostalgic for the duo’s nature-filled youth, exploring the magical coastline and lush rainforest of New Zealand. “The title refers to our childhood, which was idyllic,” says Ben. “It was just the sun, the sand, the sea, waterfalls, birds and fish…” The album’s blissful setting is also depicted on the album cover: a painting, by a childhood friend, of the beach where they grew up in Devonport.
A Deeper Life whirls that profound love of house music and wide-ranging influences – from Brazilian to R&B, ambient to Italo to deep house and downtempo pop – into a serene, cohesive whole with their signature finesse. The result is an international dance sound that feels unmistakably like Chaos and ebbs and flows from the beach party to the club to the afterhours.
On the album they’ve teamed up with a number of US legends and married their vocals with the UK underground: Josh Milan of house pioneers Blaze brings his soulful vocals to the bossa nova beats of ‘I Wanna Tell Somebody,’ a future jazz-dance anthem. Unheralded Chicago house hero and Larry Heard collaborator Lee Pearson Jr. goes deep over ‘More Time’s broken beat flex. And on ‘Maintaining My Peace’, the brothers have matched veteran house singer-songwriter Stephanie Cooke with UK grime MC Novelist, on a slinky LDN interpretation of LA hip-hop and g-funk.
Also featured on the album are New Zealand jazz artist Nathan Haines, frequent collaborator Isaac Asaeili and more.
Elations Recordings presents "Terra Ignota", the long-awaited new full length album from elusive Melbourne-based fusion ensemble Krakatau. "Terra Ignota" marks a return and an epochal shift for the group, a deep exploration of possible sonic spaces and a portent of things to come.
In the years since 2016's cosmic jazz funk-prog-spiritual 12" "Tharsis Montes/Apogean Tide" Krakatau have worked on refining their craft as instrumentalists and writers, expanding further into the world of jazz and fusing influences from world folk musics, contemporary jazz and the European post-minimalist music of the 1980s and early 90s. "Terra Ignota", literally translated as "Unknown Land", takes its name from the cartographer's notation for uncharted territory, the blank spaces on maps where knowledge gives way to imagination and speculation, gesturing towards the group's studio explorations and search for new sonic worlds in the years spent developing the record.
The results are a diverse yet unified combination of sounds and influences across five tracks that see Krakatau drawing closer to the independent underground "world" jazz scene of the 1980s than anything contemporary. The album opens with the digi-minimalism and fourth world atmospherics of title track "Terra ignota", a percussion heavy latin fusion sound in "Birds of Passage", and melancholic ambient saxophone and synthesiser duo "In Memory". Three-part epic "Cosmetic Surgery" journeys through a long, complex post-minimalist arrangement into latin fusion and contemporary jazz, followed by the contemplative ECM-styled acoustic quartet closer "Trial in Absentia".
The album features significant contributions from saxophonist Rob Vincs, former Victorian College of the Arts head of Jazz and Improvisation and a collaborator with Australian musician Brian Brown; layered percussion and wordless vocals from Brazilian percussionist and esteemed songwriter Alcides Neto; and a guest performance from trumpet player Reuben Lewis on the title track.
Fides Records proudly presents the second last chapter of its 10-year anniversary series: X6. Here, the narrative pivots toward groove and immersion between Detroit-rooted sounds, jazz-infused flair, glitchy futurism, and deep dub meditation. This chapter highlight the label’s love for movement, texture, and long-form atmosphere.
Side A opens with Fireground’s “Aquaria”, a sexy, bouncing techno cut carrying old-school Detroit spirit and harmonic fluidity: funky yet refined, shaped by the Italian duo’s live-set mentality, live improvisation and vintage synthesisers. Human Safari’s “Havanas” follows, merging jazz and techno through a standout trumpet solo and lush groove work, carving out a vibrant, genre-crossing mood that feels both bold and effortless. Closing the side, 1morning’s “You Heard Me The First Time” delivers early-2000s techno DNA with a modern edge: glitchy rhythms, unpredictable sequencing, and a playful sense of tension-and-release.
Flipping to Side B, Macedonian master Stojche leads with “Perpetual Sin”, a dub techno lesson in restraint: evolving through spacious layering and emotional subtlety until it fully envelops the room. The record closes with Z.I.P.P.O & Mareena’s “Moonchild”, a tribal, dub-infused deep techno immersion where percussive drive meets meditative energy—an internal journey built for big systems and late hours.
From deep within the astral planes of all that is cosmic in the Northwest and through a fog of kaleidoscopic haze emerges the latest mind-expanding music makers to arrive on Sprechen in the form of the Todmorden based Lines Of Silence.
Living amongst a hotbed of UFO activity and home to the UK's highest ever beach they combine experimental analogue and digital electronics, motorik beats, polyrhythmic improvisation and drone rock guitar explosions to create an immersive, expansive and contemporary take on psychedelia.
Their long player on Sprechen: 'Lines In Opposition !' takes the listener on a visionary aural journey across 8 tracks of electronic, shamanic soundscapes where the sounds of Krautrock exist in harmony alongside drone-esque ambient excursions through an array of synths, guitars & sequenced patterns that draw heavily on the stylings of NEU!, Aphex Twin, Kraftwerk and the musical pickings of the more esoteric sets and radio shows by Andrew Weatherall.
A truly universal listening experience to take you into a higher state of electronic music consciousness...
Sirens" resonate a lot in 2026. "Sirens" are everywhere right now, in the many fields of the human reign, sounding at its highest level ever... Pioneering Swiss DJ and electronic music producer Ripperton joins forces with Berlin-based singer, composer and passionate aural storyteller Joy Frempong (OY) to create a beautiful and deeply moving piece of electronic music. And after three years in the making, “Sirens” finally emerges. The roots of this collaboration however reach back more than a decade. Around 2010, Ripperton first encountered Joy’s first album with Oy after hearing it on Swiss national radio Couleur 3. Shortly after, he saw her playing live — a moment he describes as pure magic. So inspired, Ripperton approached her label with a request to remix her music. The label agreed, and in exchange, Joy promised to feature on one of his future productions. What began as a mutual artistic gesture quietly planted a seed and eventually, pretty much fifteen years later, that seed has fully grown. “Sirens” began as one of Ripperton’s nocturnal modular jams — exploring and playing around with pulsating sequences, pure analogue sound textures and fluid, hypnotic structures. The track was then elevated to an entirely new level by Joy Frempong’s deep, evocative lyrics and her celestial voice, transforming the song into something haunting and profoundly human. The song also grew on a shared work ethos rooted in patience, trust and refinement. A slow process, shaped by intuition and feeling rather than pressure. Listening over noise. The result is an emotionally charged composition that blurs the line between inner reflection and collective awareness — a sonic response to the sirens of our time.
Quotes: Laurent Garnier: “This is lovelyyyyy * “ Aera: “Love it! A brooding masterpiece. Simple yet multilayered, the real action is happening beyond the surface.” Acid Pauli: "This is really special. Like it a lot." Kalabrese: "Wonderful collaboration between two outstanding artists. Fresh sounds, deeper rauschen, beautiful vocals, hypnotic tribe. a bliss!” Vladimir Ivcovic: "Das ist so gut, aufrichtig, rein und kommt zum richtigen Zeitpunkt. Die Abwesenheit von Hysterie. Ich liebe es. Downcast Euphoria of the highest order und gerade. In der Tat wunderschön. Besonders Clouds Mix, gerade."
A reissue of Volumes 1 and 2, originally released on the Rephlex label in 2007. This time, both volumes are brought together in a superb gatefold sleeve 4LP, taking you on a journey through the very best of Andy Jenkinson's work: Cool music, a blend of such quintessentially British culture that swings from gabba to IDM, from rough techno to electro to acid and analogue sounds - all packed into over two hours of madness. Here we go again!
F
ourth record already here, new Triptych being scooped out of the drawers. This one is heavily video game inspired and marks a turning point for me. I’ve somehow been very much drawn to what I call “boss fight techno”, this is the result of this cogitation.
Total Debauchery kicks off the record with truculence. The title says it all, we’re very far away from warm up time, all hell let loose, big energy discharge, weird stereo bassline, pure madness. Gate Middletone certainly is wonky. It sounds like an anesthetized telephone call. I don’t know if we can refer to this as techno, but who cares, groove is spotless. Absolute Buffoonery started off as a joke with hoover sounds in mind. Turns out it is very danceable and weird enough to be on the record. It still is a foolery.
The B side starts with Demonic Shine. This one is purely dedicated to zombie games. I’ve been thinking about how techno could be interpreted for this kind of stuff. Turns out you can shoot dead people and dance at the same time. Good time. Zany Ditherings is a hard drive that keeps crashing. It disrupts the track, making it spasmodic. You are in a convulsive loop of data being thrown out the window. dc11 accepted this remix operation. His work acts as counterpoint to the record, bringing flawless techno tunneling. Buckle up mate.
For almost two decades, Igor Škafar has honed a own unique sound. Warm and nostalgic, the Slovenian artist melts unctuous analogue tones with subtle percussive patterns. This palette is at the heart of Ichisan’s fifth appearance on Bordello A Parigi. An undulating and understated introduction ushers in “Erotika,” the cosmic gazing sounds of the 1970s and the turquoise waters of Balearic flowing as one. Swirling space synthlines are countered by punchy beats, fudgy basslines balanced by the gently rippling melody. The break offers new directions, drum patterns scatter before regrouping around those sunkissed scaling chords care of Škafar’s impeccable craftsmanship. The beats take on a disco snap for “Midnight House,” a smouldering snaking synthline unfurling itself to glorious heights. Bongos and toms support the sci-fi dipped keys of this seven-minute journey into the musical mind of Ichisan. Two tracks that offer a deep dive into the sounds of a truly singular artist.
Sounds of Sirius Music presents SOSNZ012 – Vedanā – Convergence / Polarity
All forces move in pairs. Light and shadow. Push and pull. Signal and silence.
Frequencies bend toward each other, magnetic fields collapsing into a single point of awareness. Tension becomes motion. Duality becomes flow.
New Zealand-based artist Vedanā leads the A-side with two original cuts, channeling a deep, hypnotic energy that moves between restraint and release. Each track reveals a different side of the same spectrum, balancing introspection with forward momentum.
On the B-side, label founder Herman Saiz delivers a reinterpretation rooted in his signature groove, bridging Chilean and New Zealand influences with a refined, driving touch. Romanian producer RQZ adds his own perspective, reshaping the original into a textured and immersive journey.
Convergence / Polarity captures the space where opposites meet — not as contradictions, but as essential counterparts in constant motion.
Odyssey was originally a CD-only release by Japanese duo Master Mind (Hiroshi Ogawa & Hisaki Kurosawa) and was their 3rd full-length album. 30+ years later it is now available as a double LP on the California-based Forest Jams label. Its one of many albums of this particular genre that came out in the decade but one that is wholly unique with the depth in its sculpted sounds and the transportation it provides to an audio realm of equally fantastical and soothing proportions. For fans of ambient, lush gardens, auditory massages, RPG OST/BGM, and Kankyō Ongaku. Licensed by NHK Publishing and limited to 300 copies.
The incredible talent that is Jamie Myerson returns with another stellar EP packed with old school sensibilities and atmospheric charm. A1 - Photosphere Photosphere opens with a warm synth and filtered beats before a raucous kaleidoscope of breaks take over your senses, while a devilishly simple piano melody, layers of airy vocals and sampled effects jostle for your attention adding texture to an already immense array of sounds. All elements are clear and distinct in the mix, offering something new with each listen in exceptional detail and clarity. A2 - Naked Eye Changing up the vibe with a twist, Naked Eye is a a deeply atmospheric piece that opens with synths and light percussion before a relaxed old-school breakbeat and bassline drop and kick start a gloriously laid-back journey which builds and builds with trademark JLM Productions panache - adding a flurry of strings, micro melodies across the soundscape and a perfectly-tuned amen layer to the breaks. AA1 - Evolution Operator Next up: enter the sounds of Evolution Operator, opening with a DJ-friendly filtered break intro coupled with intriguing, intense padwork which builds towards a drop of dancefloor two-step beats featuring none other than the legendary Apache break. Combining driving atmospheric energy delivered from a plethora of melodies and effects with old school sensibilities results in another fine floor filler for the discerning setlist. AA2 - Lightlike Completing the EP we are treated to Lightlike, another gloriously reminiscent piece of music reflecting yesteryear with JLM’s crisp, detailed approach to production. Opening beat-free with glistening pads, subtle drums are gently added before classic Airtight breaks drop with a cacophony of synthwork, cymbals and crafted melodies swirl throughout the elements to create a classic yet modern collage of atmospheric drum & bass. Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial/Red Mist)
Santamaria Brothers are the latest incarnation of a lifelong musical journey rooted in rhythm, rebellion, and reinvention. The children of Peruvian and Ecuadorian immigrants to Australia, brothers Pat and Andrew Santamaria grew up steeped in the sounds and culture of Latin America - a deep inheritance that coloured everything they did, even as they moved through scenes and styles far from home.
In their youth, the brothers sharpened their first musical swords playing in globally touring indie bands. As the rhythm section of cult outfit Lost Valentinos, they had the opportunity to see the world and learn from the best; touring with, working alongside, and releasing music through the likes of Soulwax, Ewan Pearson, and Kitsuné. Taking those experiences home, they dove deep into the rave underground, co-founding of the crucial Sydney-centric techno label, warehouse party collective, and long-running radio show Motorik! In that guise,they helped shape the city’s electronic music scene over the past decade from the booth, the studio, the airwaves, and the street.
Now, after years behind the decks and on both sides of the mixing board, Santamaria Brothers return to their roots - releasing music under the family name for the first time. With We Got Latin Soul, they bring it all together on a 4-track EP of club-ready edits (via Sosilly Records). Reworking four towering figures of Latin soul; Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers, and Joe Bataan — the brothers inject each cut with tasteful touches of Balearic haze and chugging acid house pressure, honouring the originals while making them sing on today’s dancefloors.
This is Latin soul filtered through a unique blend of antipodean rave culture, crate-digging, and relentless reinvention. It’s joyful, percussive, and made for the club - a full-circle moment from two lifers forever finding new ways to move bodies.
Chronicle continues his journey through the cosmos on Spatial bringing a stunning array of inspired atmospheric bliss with Aqua Pura. A1 - Pure Alchemy Chronicle opens his latest EP for Spatial with a sprightly track, introduced with purposeful synthwork, echoing effects and a wonderful 808 bassline reminiscent of the late 90's Progression Sessions era. Energetic, layered breaks drive and build throughout Pure Alchemy with joyous vigor, while a cluster of subtle melodies intertwine across a varied and memorable mix from the label regular. A2 - Endless Ocean Next up Chronicle treats us to an amazing array of atmospheric synthwork with Endless Ocean, notes yoyoing across the soundscape through a gorgeous intro. Flecked with shimmering, buoyant melodies and bringing an immediate injection of pace, the breaks drop delivering a driving, distinctively head-nodding energy punctuated by a blippy micro melody and suitably deep bass. AA1 - Shared Consciousness Opening with a playful intro featuring subtle hi hats, twisted bells and a classic film sample, Chronicle deftly juggles excitable effects with his inimitable cheery atmospheric style before a real feast for the ears and the feet arrives - breaks reminiscent of those long lost nights at Shepherd's Bush in 1998 bring an essential hypnotic energy to a track simply dripping with style and rhythm. AA2 - Water World Straight into the action with crisp two-step breaks, Water World needs no introduction as a myriad of atmospheric effects, samples and quirky melodies seize your attention for a decidedly dancefloor-friendly track for 160bpm heads. Beautiful breakdowns play their part as well as the subtle yet room-filling 808 bass, rumbling persistently beneath another remarkable track from one of Bristol's finest.
Absentia marks the powerful return of Belgium's Splendidula with a deeply immersive journey into atmospheric black doom metal. Massive slow burning riffs, reverberating guitars and layered vocal textures create a dense and haunting soundscape where crushing doom weight meets the cold, ethereal edge of black metal. The album unfolds through dark, hypnotic atmospheres and emotionally charged passages, balancing melancholy, intensity and cinematic depth.
Two outstanding special guests add further impact to the record: Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride and High Parasite, and Tim Yatras known for Austere and Germ. Their distinctive voices add depth and intensity, further enhancing the dramatic and evocative atmosphere of this powerful and immersive album.
For fans of: Alcest, My Dying Bride, Amenra, Sylvaine, Austere
DJ Support: Sound Metaphors, Castro & Nemo, Luke Una and more
Test Pressing Tracks is a new label from the TP crew with a focus on club music. With three releases lined up we’re pretty excited about whats to come. The first release comes from Apiento & Tepper ft the vocals of MC Kinky (of ‘Everything Begins With An E’ fame) on Yellow Place Chop. On the flip we have Le Tour - a deep electronic journey that sounds best very loud. Artwork for the label comes from Dan Lissivk of Studio. More soon…
Since 2020, 12 Inch Lovers have been releasing new samplers every year, eagerly anticipated by collectors. These samplers have now become a staple and are easily added to vinyl collections across Europe. They offer timeless classics and rare tracks that are often hard to find elsewhere.
With Samplers 11 & 12, they surprise again with a mix of modern classics and tracks that have never been released on vinyl or are difficult to find. By adding unique and exclusive tracks, the 12 Inch Lovers samplers remain innovative and high-quality. They are a must-have for DJs, collectors, and fans of contemporary classics!
SAMPLER 12
A1) Borai & Denham Audio - Make Me (original release 2023)
Released in 2023 on the British label Room Two Records (catalogue R212001) on twelve inch vinyl, Make Me combines breakbeat, house and speed garage with high energy, featuring clear use of Amen breaks, rumbling sub bass and sharp rave sounds. At the heart of the track lies an instantly recognisable vocal hook from the mid eighties, a sample taken from Donna Allen - Serious (1986). The result feels like a long forgotten rave anthem from the nineties wrapped in a modern sound.
The original twelve inch pressing quickly became a highly sought after collector's item and received a limited pink vinyl repress in 2025. This track, first issued only on orange vinyl in 2023, was officially re released once all samples were cleared. It has every ingredient of a future classic, a true underground anthem for fans of modern UK rave and jungle energy.
A2) Smoke City - Mr. Gorgeous (and Miss Curvaceous) (Mood II Swing Vocal Mix) (original release 1997)
Originally released in 1997 on the album Flying Away by Smoke City. The Mood II Swing Remix, produced by New York house duo John Ciafone and Lem Springsteen (also the producers behind Ultra Naté - Free), takes the song straight to the dance floor with a smooth groove, soulful vocals and a deep, hypnotic flow.
The iconic line "Cool and calm, Mr Gorgeous..." remains untouched, while the remix enriches the original Latin and trip hop influences of the band with that distinctive late nineties house atmosphere. The result is a timeless club favourite, almost nine minutes of pure vibe (the Mood II Swing Vocal Mix runs 9minutes and 20 seconds), adored by DJs who like to bring a touch of soul to their house sets.
Released on Jive Records, the track received great praise. Music Week highlighted its "tight ay ay ay hook" and noted that the Mood II Swing and Hyperspace mixes made it a real standout. The original version reached number one in Italy in 1997, and the Mood II Swing Remix has since gained cult status in the Belgian club scene and beyond as the perfect marriage between soul and dance floor energy.
B1) Chris Raven - I Know You Love Me Too (Bruce Norris Remix) (original release 1997)
Christian Raabe, better known as Chris Raven, is a German producer who made his name in the late nineties progressive trance scene.
The Bruce Norris Remix of I Know You Love Me Too (Additive Records, catalogue 12AD 027) first appeared in late 1997 and was officially released in early 1998. The remix builds an euphoric atmosphere witha beautiful melody, dreamy pads and powerful drums, all typical of the progressive trance sound of that period.
The track gained extra attention when it appeared on Northern Exposure 3: Expeditions by Sasha and John Digweed in 1999. Many fans first discovered it there (especially the Van Bellen Remix version), helping to cement the cult status of I Know You Love Me Too within the progressive and trance community.
B2) Grooveyard - Mary Go Wild (original release 1996)
One of the most recognisable and iconic club tracks in Belgian and Dutch underground house history is without a doubt Mary Go Wild, released in 1996 on EC Records. The track quickly became the defining anthem of the rave scene in the Low Countries.
With a raw groove around 133 BPM, pumping four to the floor drums and the hypnotic vocal sample "Mary... go wild!", the record set dance floors ablaze in the nineties. Producer Jeroen Verheij, also known as Secret Cinema (from the classic Timeless Attitude), perfectly captured the raw energy of the European house movement of that era.
To this day Mary Go Wild stands as a symbol of pure rave power, a timeless anthem that, as one Discogs collector put it, "still works on any dance floor." Original twelve inch pressings on EC Records and later issues on Blanco Y Negro are highly sought after, and the track remains a staple in retro house and classic DJ sets.
C1) Dave Swayze - Last Flight To Paris (original release 2000)
Dave Swayze, best known for his classic Goldwave, has several hidden gems to his name, and Last Flight To Paris is certainly one of them. Released in November 2000 on the Belgian label Yeti Records, the track is a subtle blend of trance and progressive house. It is known for its emotional melody, dreamy build up and strong percussion, built on the foundation of progressive trance but with thewarmth and groove of house.
At the time, Last Flight To Paris was frequently played by progressive trance DJs and soon became a cult favourite among vinyl collectors within the genre. Original pressings on Yeti Records are now extremely rare and much sought after. The mix of emotion, euphoria and timeless club energy makes Last Flight To Paris a hidden treasure from the late trance era of 1999 and 2000.
C2) Joe Goddard - Music Is The Answer (Hot Since 82 Remix) (original release 2017)
This remix by Hot Since 82 (Daley Padley, from Barnsley in the north of England) for Music Is The Answer by Joe Goddard is partly based on the original classic Celeda - Music Is The Answer (in the Danny Tenaglia Remix). It was released in February 2017 as a digital exclusive through Domino Records.
Hot Since 82 reworked the original, a vocal house track by Hot Chip member Joe Goddard, into a deep, grooving house track with a warm rolling bass line. The soulful vocals of Joe Goddard (featuring SLO) take on a subtle melancholic tone in his remix, creating a modern house classic filled with emotion and drive.
The remix became a major club favourite in 2017 and 2018, supported by leading names in the tech house scene and heard at festivals around the world. Interestingly, this popular version had never been released on vinyl, which only increased its cult status among collectors. Music Is The Answer (Hot Since 82 Remix) remained a digital classic for years, until now, finally available in this long awaited vinyl edition.
D1) Just A Man - I'm Sorry (Original Club Mix) (original release early 2000s)
The French project Just A Man consists of brothers Hervé and Nicolas Subrechicot. Their track I'm Sorry is an emotionally charged house record that perfectly captures the early 2000s club atmosphere.
Released in 2003, the song combines soulful male vocals with a warm, rhythmic production that blends UK garage and classic club house influences. The Original Club Mix (6 minutes and 14 seconds) builds gradually towards a powerful, uplifting climax, carried by rich chords and an irresistible groove.
Although I'm Sorry stayed somewhat under the radar at the time, it is regarded by connoisseurs as a hidden gem, a perfect balance of melody and groove. The twelve inch vinyl release (on RKG / Motor Music, 2003) is now hard to find and highly prized among vinyl and house collectors, which only adds to its appeal.
I'm Sorry embodies the pure sound of early 2000s vocal house: sincere, funky and danceable, with that unmistakable UK garage touch, even more evident in the G Box Garage Club Remix on the same EP. An unfairly overlooked track that has always remained a true timeless classic since the very beginning of 12 Inch Lovers.
D2) Teddy Pendergrass -Life Is A Song Worth Singing (Jamie Jones Remix) (original release 2019)
In 2019 Jamie Jones breathed new life into the classic soul song by Teddy Pendergrass with a contemporary house rework. The remix was released in March 2019 as part of the digital EP Mixmag Presents: Teddy Pendergrass - The Remixes, issued in honour of the documentary If You Don't Know Me, a film about the rise of Teddy Pendergrass, the first African American male artist to achieve five consecutive platinum albums in the United States during the seventies.
Jamie Jones stayed true to the feel good essence of the 1978 original but wrapped it in a modern club sound, with pulsing synths, a warm rolling groove and a tight four to the floor beat providing the perfect base for Teddy's powerful and instantly recognisable voice.
The result is a captivating, soulful house track that effortlessly bridges past and present without losing the emotional power of Pendergrass's vocal delivery.
Despite its widespread popularity in the international club scene, where it became a favourite among DJs who love to blend soul with house, this remix never had a physical vinyl release. Until now, with its long awaited appearance on 12 Inch Lovers Sampler 12.
"I think I have never met anybody, with the exception of Brazilian guitarists Baden Powell and Toquinho, as connected to his instrument as Agustín Pereyra Lucena" – Vinicius de Moraes
Far Out continues its exploration into the singular catalogue of Argentine guitarist and songwriter Agustin Pereyra Lucena with a special Record Store Day edition of his most celebrated album Ese Dia Va A Llegar.
Agustín Pereyra Lucena was one of South America’s outstanding guitarists. Hailing from Buenos Aires but obsessed with the music of neighbouring Brazil, Agustin abandoned his architecture studies to pursue music full-time, earning friendship and collaborations with Brazilian music's greatest figures including Vinicius de Moraes, Baden Powell, Toquinho, Dorival Caymmi, Maria Bethania and Chico Buarque.
Originally released in 1975, the album has been better known in some parts of the world as Brasiliana – a title repurposed by Agustín's European record label in the 70s to exoticize the sounds of South America for the continental market. It finds Agustin and band—which includes key collaborators Guillermo Reuter on contrabass, and Carlos Carli on drums and percussion— at their most blissfully laid back. The album features idiosyncratic renditions of classics by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, João Donato and Agustin’s personal hero and friend Baden Powell, alongside Agustín's own works which ooze with captivating mystical wonder.
The analog warmth of the recording is such that it feels like you’re there in mid-seventies Buenos Aires, on a balmy late night session at Estudios Audión, with a group of phenomenally impressive musicians. The heat generated is offset only by the cool temperament of everyone involved. On the handful of vocal tracks on the album, Agustin’s gentle voice is responded to by the liquid smooth vocals of Laura Hatton, Luis Maria Cosenza and Patricia Scheuer.
Agustin’s unique position in the annals of his continent’s musical history has been lovingly maintained by Agustin’s nephew Jose Luis Pereyra Lucena, who has entrusted Far Out Recordings to preserve and re-release Agustin’s works. The music has been professionally remastered at London’s Metropolis Studios, using multiple copies of well kept original vinyl.
Reissued worldwide for the first time under its original title and cover as Agustin originally intended, Ese Dia Va A Llegar will be presented in a limited edition obi-stripped gatefold replica sleeve.
The Rhythm Of Nature’ is the stunning new masterpiece from Andy Compton (The Rurals) and Shamrock!
Written between Andy’s tours in South Africa and Shamrock’s extended UK trip in the summer of 2025, this album embodies their shared mission: to spread positive, joyful vibrations with LOVE.
Here, Soul, Jazz, and African music blend seamlessly through the talents of these two cosmic brothers, connected deeply by their love of making music.
When Andy and Shamrock jam and record, music flows so freely, creating a powerful, spiritual energy.
This follow-up to their 2023 debut album, Soul & Spirit — which still touches hearts worldwide — includes magical songs like ‘Bunny Chow’ and ‘Rosa Mziki’, originally created in Johannesburg and previously released on the Bunny Chow EP, Along with super fresh, unheard gems.
The album also features incredible musicians such as Nekoye Ommeh (Vocals), Pete Morris (Keys), Bongani Sessionist (Percussion), Kafele Bandele (Trumpet), and Charlie Hearnshaw (Sax), adding their magical energies to the soundscape.
Allow yourself to experience the full journey, feel and enjoy every note!
Passages in Time, the third album from Kasper Bjørke Quartet, traces the contours of a blend of spiritual jazz reverence and the calming grandeur of '80s ambient. Inspired by Christopher Nolan's observation that "time is the most fundamental part of our human experience," the compositions are approached as fragments of time and memory. Meditations on the elusive nature of time form the heart of the work, merging freeform jazz improvisations with cyclical synthesizer patterns that mirror its quiet undulations.
Dreamy synths intertwine with guitar, harp, trumpet, flugelhorn, saxophone, and flute, creating a spacious environment for contemplation. The music invites reflection on the choices that shape our lives and the lives of those closest to us, and on the quiet weight of our priorities within the brief span we call life on this planet. Each passage unfolds as a fleeting moment suspended in time. The subtitles hint at fragments from someone's diary, tender observations of love, parenthood, and connection. Together, the passages form a musical memoir of sorts, where memory and emotion are gently woven into the compositions.
Passages in Time does not impose structure or meaning, it reflects them, offering an open space as the instruments drift in and out of focus, tracing time's subtle rhythms and inviting the listener to infuse their own memories and meaning into these passages.
The album also marks a transformation for the Quartet project itself. Langstrakt (Claus Noreen), part of the original ensemble, continues to operate the synthesizers alongside Bjørke, while the wider constellation of contributing musicians has evolved. Strings and piano give way to flute and saxophone by Oilly Wallace, guitars by Danish ambient composer Anna Roemer, trumpet and flugelhorn by Malthe Kaptain, and cascading orchestral harp by Katie Buckley, principal harpist with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra.
The cover painting is by American artist Marcus Leslie Singleton, courtesy of V1 Gallery, and reflects the meditative and timeless atmosphere of the music.
Passages in Time is released on Bjørke's own imprint, Sensitive Records, following the two previous Quartet albums released on Kompakt Records: The Fifty Eleven Project (2018), a debut that introduced Bjørke's ambient and neoclassical explorations, and Mother (2022), which expanded the ensemble's sound with emotive choir compositions and guest appearance by Sofie Birch (Unsound / Stroom). Together, these three albums trace a journey of artistic growth, from introspective experimentation to a fully realized, contemplative expression of time, memory, and human connection.
The highly anticipated collaborative album, GOLDFISH, sees two of contemporary hip-hop's most revered and distinct production minds, Hit-Boy and The Alchemist, finally join forces for a full-length statement. Far from a simple beat-swap, this project is a masterclass in sonic cohesion, blurring the lines between their signature sounds to forge a new, golden-hued identity. Beyond production, the duo step from behind the boards to behind the mic to trade verses throughout the project, adding a personal layer to their creative vision.
GOLDFISH is a deeply immersive listen, perfectly balancing the West Coast muscle and polished, anthemic quality of Hit-Boy's work with the dusty, abstract texture and cinematic suspense that defines The Alchemist's aesthetic.
The result is a sound that feels both street-tested and museum-worthy. A collaborative manifesto, showcasing the infinite possibilities when two generational talents decide to link up, creating an instant classic in the canon of producer/MC albums.
With Black Koyo, Mattias De Craene enters a sound world at once intimate and vast. Born from journeys in Morocco and Brussels, the project traces the rhythms, chants, and spirits of the Gnawa tradition, revealing a quiet resonance that echoes De Craene's own search for depth and presence. Guibri, qraqueb, call-and-response chants, saxophone, loops, and electronics come together in a trance-induced dialogue - ritualistic, elemental, and dreamlike - creating a space where listening becomes immersion, tradition meets imagination, and music unfolds as a shared act of reflection and wonder.
About Mattias De Craene
Mattias De Craene's artistic path is marked by rare coherence. As a central voice in Nordmann and MDC III, he developed a physical, rock-inflected jazz language driven by propulsion, volume, and trance-like collective energy. Over time, a period of personal rupture - burnout, tinnitus, depression - shifted his focus inward. The saxophone became a breathing, textural presence, and in his solo work, he weaves saxophone, electronics, loops, and minimal forms into a cinematic, hushed world where repetition, resonance, and silence slow perception. Rooted in ambient and introspection, his music prizes attention over impact, precision over excess - a quiet intensity recognized with a nomination as Musician for the Music Industry Awards (MIA's).
About Black Koyo
Black Koyo is a Brussels-based ensemble and one of the most compelling voices of the Gnawa tradition outside Morocco. Led by maalem Hicham Bilali, the group brings guibri, qrraqueb, and call-and-response chants to life with trance-like intensity and ritual precision. Their music is both rooted and contemporary, weaving earthbound rhythms and vocal invocations into ecstatic, immersive soundscapes, creating a space where ancestral resonance meets present-day imagination.
About Jan Bang
Jan Bang is a pioneering Norwegian producer and musician, celebrated for his mastery of live sampling and his ability to merge electronics with improvisation, rhythm, and texture in real time. He mixed the album and occasionally joins live performances, bringing his signature approach to sound as co-founder of the influential Punkt Festivaland collaborator with artists such as Jon Hassell, David Sylvian, Arve Henriksen, and ECM Records' roster. As a performer and sound architect, Bang creates immersive, trance-like sonic textures where silence and sound carry equal weight. Within Mattias De Craene ftBlack Koyo, his live sampling becomes an organic instrument, weaving saxophone, electronics, and Gnawa rhythms into hypnotic, physically charged soundscapes.
Line-up & credits
Mattias De Craene - sax, electronics | Hicham Bilali - guibri, vocals, qraqueb |Ismael Akhraz - vocals, qraqueb | Marwan Abantor - vocals, qraqueb
All tracks are original gnawa traditionals played by Black Koyo and arranged by Mattias De Craene.
Album produced & recorded by Mattias De Craene in Essaouira, Morocco and hometown Ghent, Belgium 2025.
Text by Hicham Bilali.
Mixed by Jan Bang at Punkt Studio
Mastered by Lieven Van Pee
Artwork by Marina Sviridova
Design by Benoit Van Geel
Manufactured and distributed by N.E.W.S.
Executive production by W.E.R.F. records
Supported by Flemish Government, Jazzlab, nona, HA Concerts, Aubergine artist Management,
KAAP, La Bestia (Wout Van Putten) & mdcmu.sic vzw.
2026 (c) W.E.R.F. records
Rarely-seen Delsin alumn Sentomea resurfaces on the M>O>S label with the Wonderment EP, brandishing a blissful quintet of tracks in his trademark style. Inspired by organic textures in sound and image, this release merges distinctive sound-design with raw improvisation and hardware-based live performance. A carefully selected set of tracks takes you along clunky Chicago house sounds, far away echoes from the NWAQ universe and lo-fi Detroit oriented journeys.
Let The Light In is Tommy Chikara his debut album, functioning as a true discovery journey in his way to exploring new sounds and energy. The album is a curation of 13 tracks ranging from Techno to House, from Ambient to Jungle.
Gap Mangione's monumentally influential Diana In The Autumn Wind. AKA BEWITH200LP. And, without question, Be With's White Whale.
They said it could never be done. And with good reason.
We've spent the past 12 years trying to license this legendary 1968 recording from Gap and, after much work, it's finally here. Remarkably, this is the first ever vinyl reissue of Gap Mangione's Diana In The Autumn Wind, produced with the full and extensive participation of Gap. An exceedingly rare album, it's been coveted by funk, soul, jazz and hip-hop sample fiends for decades.
It's unarguably *the* most sought after album for J Dilla / Madlib sample collectors. It has also been brilliantly sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Ghostface Killah, Kendrick Lamar and Talib Kweli.
But this record is so much more than a sample-spotters curio. It's solid gold throughout. Bursting with killer funky-jazz grooves and tracks adorned with warm electric piano, the release is notable for featuring some extremely significant players at the very outset of their careers; Tony Levin, at 21, whose superb playing on both acoustic and electric bass was the harmonic mainstay of the trio and Steve Gadd, at 23, one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
With acceptable copies of this holy grail changing hands for $400, to call this reissue "much-needed" underplays just how vital it is. Gap's story is told in his words alongside rare photos across a sumptuously designed 2-page insert and, to augment this deluxe edition further, its all wrapped up in a beautiful, no-expense-spared luxury tip-on sleeve, as per the original hens-teeth release. And, while we're talking packaging, just take a look at that cover - a work of art in and of itself.
The tracks are short but complex, with that extraordinary rhythm section backing the beautiful piano, organ and electric piano work of Gap. It's like the best ever library funk breaks record you never heard - but all your favourite golden age rap producers were all over it, long ago. It's a stunning blend of the vibrant, driving music of the Gap Mangione Trio coupled with the sensitive composition and superb orchestration of Gap's legendary brother, Chuck Mangione, who helmed an amalgam of seemingly disparate elements – rock, big band jazz, solo improvisation and "classical" music - into a spectacularly cohesive whole that has aged wonderfully well. As Gap himself notes in the liners, "with this group I was able to explore and add new and exciting elements from rock, Brazilian and then-current pop music."
Opener "Boy With Toys" triumphantly swaggers out the gate, all big band horns, flutes and dextrous organ work. The synthesis of everything going on is nothing short of stunning. When one wise YouTube commentator called this tune "old school superhero music", Gap agreed. Rap luminaries did, too, amongst them Talib Kweli, who rapped over DJ Scratch's chopped up intro for "Shock Body" on his Quality album back in 2002.
You've barely recovered from that incredibly affecting opener when you get hit over the head with the exquisite title-track. And now you see how two of the greatest beats of all time emerged from one single track produced nearly 50 years earlier. Unforgettably utilised by Dilla for Slum Village's heartbreakingly good "Fall In Love" and then Madlib for his "Official" beat for Dilla to rap over, on the Jaylib record. Regardless of the records it went on to spawn, this is just a staggering tune in its own right. Be beguiled by the flutes and the flutter tonguing, the counter-melody from the trombones, the soprano sax solo. All of it. Simply beautiful.
The questing organ and horn workout "Long Hair Soulful" deserves a lot more attention, overshadowed somewhat by the opening two monsters but no less fantastic. It swings, it grooves and Gadd and Levin truly cook. Up next, Gap's wonderfully percussive, mellifluously piano-heavy cover of "Yesterday" by some fellas called The Beatles. It's a subtly arresting gem. "The XIth Commandment" is damn fine, with thick, gorgeous electric piano and snappy drum work underpinning chaotic soundtracky horns. To close out the side, "St. Thomas" showcases the "fourth" member of the Gap Mangione Trio, conga drummer Dhui Mandingo. Having performed with the Trio since 1965, Dhui‘s African-based and jazz-latin-influenced style amazed listeners and its way to hear why.
Opening the B-Side, standard "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" breezes along in the late-night jazz club fashion before things get super deep with the outstanding and - up to now - un-sampled "Pond With Swans". It's simply heavenly, and how its moody, melancholic intro has yet to be pilfered is anybody's guess. It oscillates between gentle, sombre movements and bombastic grooves, equally hypnotic and joyous. The rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" is yet another showcase for Gap's virtuoso playing and Gadd's mastery of the pocket. Indeed Gadd's drumming on "Free Again" is nothing short of neck-SNAPPING! Ghostface took it for not one but two "Iron's Theme" tracks across his seminal Supreme Clientele. It's got that Galt MacDermot "Coffee Cold" feel. Suuuuuper cool. The frantic "Dream On Little Dreamer" hurtles along and must've surely had the whole room absolutely swinging from the chandeliers back in Rochester in the late 60s. The album closes with the magnificent Graduate Medley, featuring memorable renditions of "Scarborough Fair", "The Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson". The warm electric piano lines of the former were sampled by The Ummah (Dilla again!) for Tribe's "Pad & Pen" from their reappraised final album, The Love Movement, as well as by Large Professor on his much-loved "The LP (For My People)".
Under the watchful eye - and extremely attentive ears - of Gap Mangione himself, the audio for Diana In The Autumn Wind has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, with a few much needed tweaks here and there, according to the artist's wishes. At the prestigious Abbey Road Studios, Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at the always stellar Record Industry in Holland. The artwork restoration has taken place here at Be With HQ and has that drop-dead gorgeous cover artwork popping like new. Buy on sight!
How do losers dance? According to Helmut, almost weightlessly, with soft feet, warm gestures, sometimes alone, sometimes together. Content Creatures, Helmut's fourth album, evokes the pop archetype of the "beautiful loser", who had almost disappeared from view in so-called late capitalism. In a present in which even suffering is often similarly instrumentalised and tailored to clicks like a competitive sport, this album sets a counterpoint: those who listen to it suddenly want to be enchanting losers again, useless and joyfully messing up, losing something beloved, having their hearts broken, giving up a dream, sinking into beauty.
You don't sink alone. Comforting harmonies envelop you, the voices of friends appear, accompany you for a while and then disappear again. Warm grooves, floating synths and delicate guitar lines characterise an indie sound that remains open and breathes.
Self-produced for the first time in his home studio in Neukölln, 'Content Creatures' sounds thoughtful and light at the same time. The album will be released digitally and on vinyl on 10 April 2026 on Berlin-based label St.Vladimir. There are four songs on one side and four songs on the other. The cover is adorned with an exceptionally pretty guinea pig. Helmut shows the special in the seemingly ordinary: a child's pet, the most ordinary of all, is his cover star and headstrong protagonist.
Wie tanzen Verlierer? Wenn man nach Helmut geht, dann fast schwerelos, mit weichen Füßen, warmen Gesten, manchmal allein, manchmal gemeinsam. Content Creatures, Helmuts viertes Album, evoziert den Pop-Archetypus des "beautiful loser", der im sogenannten Spätkapitalismus fast aus dem Blick geraten war. In einer Gegenwart, in der sogar das Leid oft ähnlich durchinstrumentalisiert und auf Klicks getrimmt ist wie ein Leistungssport, setzt dieses Album einen Kontrapunkt: Wer es hört, möchte auf einmal gern wieder ein bezaubernder Verlierer sein, nutzlos und freudvoll abkacken, etwas Geliebtes verlieren, das Herz gebrochen bekommen, einen Traum aufgeben, in Schönheit versinken.
Man versinkt nicht allein. Tröstende Harmonien legen sich um einen, die Stimmen von Freundinnen tauchen auf, begleiten einen ein Stück weit und verschwinden wieder. Warme Grooves, schwebende Synths und feine Gitarrenlinien prägen einen Indie-Sound, der offen bleibt, atmet. Erstmals in seinem Neuköllner Homestudio selbst produziert, klingt "Content Creatures" bedacht und leicht zugleich.
Das Album erscheint digital und auf Vinyl am 10.04.2026 auf dem Berliner Label St.Vladimir. Es hat vier Songs auf der einen und vier Songs auf der anderen Seite. Das Cover ziert ein außergewöhnlich hübsches Meerschweinchen. Helmut zeigt das Besondere im scheinbar Gewöhnlichen: Ein Kinderhaustier, das normalste von allen, ist bei ihm Coverstar und eigensinnige Protagonistin.
The Nightlife finds Honey Dijon exploring the space between house music’s past, present, and future — blurring boundaries, bending conventions, and inviting an all-star cast of collaborators to help redefine what club culture sounds like for today.
Rooted in the lineage of house yet never confined by it, the album moves effortlessly from sweat-soaked basement energy to lush strains of soul and R&B — and into unexpected spaces in between. It’s not a strictly house record; it’s an expression of nightlife itself: fearless, fluid, and in constant evolution.
At once reverent and forward-looking, The Nightlife honors the foundations of the dancefloor while pushing its possibilities outward. It captures the communal pulse, the intimacy, and the transformative power that only music at night can hold.
The long awaited debut album from EDB is finally here. Like the title Japanese title Koeru suggests, the multi-instrumentalist producer surpassed his previous work and brought things to the next level.
From the futuristic ballad ‘True Love’ featuring UK soulstress Summer Pearl, to the electro tones of ‘Sculptured’ and broken beat abstractions of ‘Neurocloud’, to the cosmic uplifting tones of ‘Voices From Down Under’ featuring the legendary Nathan Haines, the record shows a perfect balance between light and darkness, sophistication and rawness, smooth and angular sounds.
The dancefloor moments are equally present here with Detroit’s Monica Blaire stepping in as a vocalist in ‘Automatic’, powerful instrumental deep house joints like ‘Phaze Shift’ and even a new updated version of his classic ‘This Can’t Be Life’ featuring Chicago’s very own Swaylo.
A cohesive, coherent and inspiring debut album from a true talent who will guide you step by step into his world.
Sassy J’s acclaimed A Sanctuary tape mix arrives as a double vinyl release, featuring 18 of the 22 original tracks. All exclusive and previously unreleased music by 17 contemporary artists including Molinaro, Carlos Niño & Friends, K15, Kaidi Tatham, Legowelt, Afrikan Sciences, AsheTreJenkins, 2000Black and many more. A journey through sounds, spheres, moods and dynamics dedicated to the unity and empowerment of the independent artists.
For his new full-length on Second End Records, Lyon-based artist Jonnnah turns deeply inward. Conceived as a form of therapy, as much as a reflection and a testimony, the record retraces a process of introspection and confrontation with one’s own history, looking back at origins, DNA, and the invisible ties that connect us to our ancestors, while opening paths toward new connections.
The double-sided structure of the album makes this journey tangible. The first side lingers in uncertainty : opaque atmospheres, fragmented rhythms, and restless textures mirror the doubts, questions, and fragile states of self-analysis. The second side, in contrast, embraces clarity and resolution, dense yet luminous soundscapes where reconciliation and acceptance take shape, culminating in The Blue Comet, a piece charged with finality and revelation.
Opening with the multipart suite N-zero, symbolizing the beginning of therapy, and closing with O-one, evoking the soul’s original purity, the record traces a complete emotional and spiritual cycle. Between them, the third edition of Insomnia Never Ends once again portrays the struggle between sleep and the irresistible pull of musical distraction, a fragile tension that runs through the album as a whole.
The record condenses Jonnnah’s language into something rawer and more direct. Layers of dub and dub sonic resonate against ethereal ambient passages, while techno impulses maintain tension and forward motion. Each piece feels at once intimate and expansive, designed as much for solitary listening as for collective experience.
A new chapter in Jonnnah’s trajectory, the album is a document of transformation : from shadow to light, from questioning to acceptance.
Music never exists in a vacuum — every scene and sound evolves from the non-stop exchange of ideas between different groups and cultures. Traditions get passed down from one generation to the next, and then individual heads take influence from their own unique perspective. Sometimes, certain people strike upon fusions that spark massive new movements, but even those rarest innovations came from somewhere.
Jon E Cash knows this more than most — the legendary beats he started putting out at the turn of the millennium had their own disparate roots and influences which he had the motivation to put together into a sound he called sublow. There wasn't any other reference point for this music — when he took the first white labels of 'Drop Top Bimmer Kid' into Blackmarket Records in Soho, London, he had to describe it to a puzzled Nicky Blackmarket and J Da Flex as being, "between garage and hip-hop."
Playing catch-up in 2004, Rephlex Records nodded to sublow when trying to introduce a wider audience to the sounds which had been tearing up the London underground. "Grime. Sublow. Dubstep... It's Music. Different people call it different things depending on when they discovered it." But Jon E Cash's sound was rooted in more than the UK garage that had dominated the clubs through the late 90s, reaching way back to his pre-teen days when the first waves of hip-hop culture crossed the Atlantic and broke in the UK.
25 years on, it's a fine time to reflect on the impact of the music Cash made at the turn of the millennium. History looks back favourably on what he and the Black Ops crew were doing with sublow in the early 00s. The timing meant it ran in parallel with what was happening over East with Pay As U Go, Roll Deep et al, and of course there was crossover. Every DJ and every MC was on the hunt for the best beats they could find. But there's a whole different swagger to sublow — a different web of influences, a different intention and so a different outcome. It's still there in the beats Cash is making more than 20 years later — his 3dom Music label is carrying upfront productions with that sublow DNA coursing through their veins. Whatever the beat or the tempo, the drums are still hard as nails, and the bass is tuned for maximum rave damage.
Here’s a brand new label from Test Pressing, going by the name Test Pressing Arts. TP Arts is a home for the more esoteric side of things — whether that’s a soul sound or solo piano. We’re excited to launch with this fantastic release from San Francisco’s Sulah Jordan. Originally a Bandcamp-only release, it was quickly jumped on by those in the know. It’s a beautiful EP you can simply put on and drift away to. I mean if it sounds your thing just press play. More soon…
DJ Support: Paul Woolford, Machinedrum, Kettama, LDLDN, Sinistarr, A.Fruit, Machine Woman, Octo Octa, Paco Osuna, Bradley Zero, Tzusing, Lefto, Synkro, John Tejada, 12x12 and many more
BBC6Music - Gilles Peterson
NTS - LDLDN
BBC6Music - SHERELLE - DJ Mix and Interview
NTS - Ross Allen
Enter the kaleidoscopic world of Lone - returning to Greco-Roman for his first album in five years, ‘Hyperphantasia’
An artist who has been soundtracking dancefloors since the early 2000s, Lonemade his production debut in 2008 with “Lemurian”, a hip-hop inspired release before moving into the vibrant future-facing soundscapes we have come to know. His back catalogue ranges through house, rave, ambient and electronica, and on ‘Hyperphantasia’, Cutler sets himself the challenge to bring all of those influences together for one body of work that he describes ‘like an album in my mind’. Referring back to the album title, the definition of hyperphantasia is a condition characterized by exceptionally vivid and detailed mental imagery and for this album he tested himself to see how close he could get the music to sound exactly like what he was hearing in his imagination.
On Hyperphantasia, Lone deepens his relationship with vocals. Having previously relied on vocal samples or more abstract live vocal treatments, this latest album marks a shift toward richer, more pop-leaning sensibilities. Cutler makes a clear lyrical statement, enlisting a diverse and carefully chosen cast of collaborators: London-based artists and fellow Greco-Roman affiliates Ell Murphy and Lou Hayter, Barcelona’s breakthrough singer Bikôkô, cult Nottingham rapper Juga-Naut, and Hong Kong-born, London-based musician Merry Lamb Lamb. Together, they contribute to what stands as a career-defining project.
The end result is a cinematic experience exploding full of colour. You are introduced to the album with an old school rave anthem ‘Life Spark’ and an interlude welcoming you into this musical world. Like chapters in a novel, the album ebbs and flows beautifully between stripped-back melodies ‘Opening A Portal’, ‘Photographs That Don’t Exist’, ‘Sickly, Sweetly, Summer Movie’ and ‘Fruit Rots, Water Floats Downstream’, bubbling feel-good house ‘Affinity (Cloud Four Four Mix)’, ‘Triton’ and ‘ Wemove’, the rap-influenced ‘Throw The Ember’ and epic future-pop tracks ‘Miracle Mile’, ‘Big World’, ‘Scattergun’ and ‘Home’. The album ends with a full circle moment, back to the early hardcore and jungle rave scene, on ‘Ascenscion.png’.
Between flesh and silicon. “Under My Skin” (2026) is the first album by IADI, released by Neo Life. A record like few
others, highly conceptual, cover art included. Its essence lies in the folds of the increasingly ambiguous relationship
between man and machine, where the former designs the latter and, perhaps without fully realizing it, is gradually
destined to adapt and be reprogrammed by it. Each track of “Under My Skin” is, in fact, a sort of interface, connector, or
any other imaginative point of contact between two creative phases, amid emotional impulses and binary calculations.
The sonic architecture oscillates between analog warmth and algorithmic coldness, constructing landscapes in which
pulsating synthesizers and mechanical rhythms seem to question each other. There's no linear narrative, but rather a
progressive immersion in a zone of near-friction, where the comfort of technology coexists with more than a faint
musical uneasiness, like a background noise that never ceases to remind you who's truly in charge. In “Under My Skin”,
the machine is neither an enemy nor a simple instrument: it's a real presence, intimate, even tactile, amplifying desires,
fears, and dreams of dawns beyond the digital realm. Intelligent dance music. Less noise, more sensations. Electronic,
but profoundly human.
The final result, then, is a music project that speaks to the present, yet sounds like an X-ray of the future, capturing that
fragile moment when humanity and technology stop observing each other from afar and begin to merge, track after
track. It's no coincidence that IADI's album opens with “Impulse”, an immediate expression of an electrical impulse, for
both humans and machines, which is also the language of the nervous system, as fast as it is vital—pure energy and
rhythm, a track as intense as it is irregular. And after this introduction, it's the turn of the equally erratic “Axon”, whose
title describes the neuron that transmits the signal over distance, telling the listener to sit back and relax for a new
journey through the notes toward the more melodic “Cortex”. The cerebral cortex, the ultimate seat of thought and
memory, becomes the source from which the musical flow of the first part of the work is drawn.
Then, suddenly, an automatic, or instinctive, response to the constant succession of impulses: “Reflex”, or zerotemperature techno, with a fragmented pace, featuring vocal samples, breaks, and restarts. In the producer's
imagination, the subsequent, and conversely placid, “Neuron” represents the emotional core of the second part of the
work, providing a kind of respite from the seething vibrations. While the neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system,
the synapse is the functional connection point between one neuron and another effector cell, essential for the
transmission of nerve impulses and communication in the nervous system, enabling functions such as learning and
movement. Likewise, a track like “Synapse” once again illuminates the path traced by IADI. The more experimental and
streamlined “Static” instead suggests true ordered chaos. “Dreamstate” is the conclusion suspended in the void, relating
to that dreamlike state between waking and sleeping, where consciousness fades toward infinity and visions begin. Pure
fading into the subconscious. Eternal return to where it all began. Dancing is a form of consciousness. Every beat is a
question. IADI, however, holds all the answers you need.
In the late 2000s a sprawling catalog of what is now genre-defining music was emanating from an unlikely place. Cleveland, Ohio has a broad reputation for many things, but in the aughts, psyche-expanding Kosmische wasn’t necessarily Cleveland’s calling card… until Emeralds. The trio of John Elliott, Steve Hauschildt, and Mark McGuire had released a profusion of limited-run cassettes, CD-Rs, and vinyl titles that had been passed around basement shows and then migrated to niche music communities online, creating a unique kind of murmur, even in the height of the DIY blog era. Three kids from the rust belt were crafting a distinctive and truly far-out strain of music on their own terms in the Midwest. They were flipping lids in wood-paneled basements and circulating around the underground with soaring sounds stylistically indebted to deep German electronic music pioneers and released with the ethos and twisted fervor of renegade Midwestern noise freaks. After several releases garnered a die-hard fandom in niche circles of internet/music culture, and then catching the attention of the late Peter Rehberg, the renowned artist and curator of the Editions Mego label, an expectation was set that the next Emeralds record was going to be a big one. And in 2010, Does it Look Like I’m Here? was it.
mp3s of this album; they can finally get a fresh copy on vinyl. Does It Look Like I’m Here? became a hallmark that would carve a path for an entire scene. Ghostly International is thrilled to reissue the album, remastered by Heba Kadry, including 7 bonus tracks exclusive to the digital album and CD. The limited edition 2xLP includes extensive liner notes by Chris Madak (Bee Mask).
On his sixth album, The Arc of Tension, the Berlin based DJ, label owner and producer OLIVER KOLETZKI yet again presents his remarkable vision of contemporary electronic music, while he assumes the role of a storyteller. The Arc of Tension speaks to its listener as a singular, self contained work, which communicates by way of its natural flow and arc of suspense. The latter is mirrored not only in the multifarious narrative of the actual album, but can also be understood as evidence for its creator's long musical history. While Koletzki focussed on a diverse range of vocal collaborations on his previous long players, he now moves on to a different form of storytelling, rooted in the quiet confidence of a veteran musician, as well as the hectic lifestyle of a globally in demand DJ. The Arc of Tension is the psychonautic journey through the various continents of Oliver's consciousness. The quiet chirps and warbles, which initially unfold on the opener 'A Tribe Called Kotori', thus act as a loose associative bridge to 'Der Muckenschwarm', Oliver's big breakthrough hit of 2005. The first minutes of the album leave no room for doubt - we are immediately locked into an autobiographical world of sound that knows how to captivate from the get go. The dreamy, exotic timbres of the downbeat tracks 'By My Side', Tankwa Town' and 'Byron Bay' penetrate our minds in a subtle yet purposeful manner. But soon the tension tightens and organic sounds one by one evolve towards a sterner, electronic cadence.
Ayô Dele — which means "joy comes to me" in Yoruba — is neither a slogan nor a promised miracle. It is a breath of fresh air. That of an album born in the interstices, where the word find their way between shadow and light, between the disorder of the worldand the impulse to be .
At the heart of the project, Julien Gervaix and Damien Tesson, multi-instrumentalist beatmakers, share a groove language that is both dense and airy, where every detail breathes and finds its place.
With background in Afrobeat, Dub, Funk, Soul, Roots Reggae, and Electronic Music, they treat the studio to be their playground. Their music is a hybrid groove that speaks to the body: round or bouncing basslines, brass oscillating between melodic warmth and funk energy, textured guitars, arpeggios, enveloping Rhodes, clavinet that slides, presses, and embraces. Everything comes together with precision and flexibility, in an inventive and warm composition. The meeting of their experiences and sensibilities gives rise to open, generous music, made for dancing and vibration.
With Ayô Dele , Ireke is embarking on a new chapter: the duo is refining its style,allowing the voices to breathe. The groove remains the driving force but opens up to intimacy. This intimacy is carried by two unique female voices: Nayel Hoxo, a Beninese-Nigerian singer/rapper, and Agnès Hélène, who has already made a name for herself on Tropikadelic with "Petit a Petit". They don't sing side-by-side; they coexist, respond to each other, and sometimes intersect. But each follows her own path: Nayel, with the power of her words in Yoruba, offers songs of elevation, healing, and resistance — a light born in the cracks Agnès explores these cracks themselves: what wavers within us, what reinvents itself in bonds, glances, and gestures.
For one track, Olivya (Dowdelin) joins this dialogue in Martinican Creole. Her sunny soul sketches the contours of gentle resistance and celebrates rediscovered light.
Ayô Dele embodies a quiet yet radical determination: to smooth nothing over, to let plurality, contradictory emotions, and mixed heritage live. An album that moves forward through vibrations, that speaks of emancipation without slogans, love without clichés, anger without uproar.
Two women, two inner worlds: a sensitive complicity, a shared breath. Music that seeks not effect, but echo, weaving a living soundscape between reinvented traditions and contemporary textures. An alchemy faithful to the spirit of Underdog Records, where music unites and brings people together. Ayô Dele : "joy comes to me." A lucid joy, crossed by shadows, patiently regained. Music that welcomes, releases, gives, and in doing so, makes us feel good.
In a saturated world, Ayô Dele chooses nuance: transmission without emphasis, joy without naivety. An album that vibrates more than it demonstrates, that connects more than it imposes, and which, in its quiet clarity, resonates with a deep desire to be fully alive.
The Buddha Bar collection is the one of the most emblematic electronic compilation series with over several million copies sold over the years. Discover the 27th Buddha-Bar Compilation, Mixed by DJ Ravin. Immerse yourself in the captivating and unique world of Buddha-Bar with this new « haute couture » selection. This latest edition, masterfully mixed by the iconic DJ Ravin, takes listeners on a mesmerizing sonic journey, blending sophisticated electronic beats, worldwide sounds, and deep chill and house vibes. More than just an album, it’s an immersive experience perfect for setting the mood at any gathering or accompanying moments of pure relaxation. With a legacy of globally acclaimed compilations, the Buddha-Bar series has already captivated millions, creating a lifestyle phenomenon like no other. Available on March 28th, Buddha-Bar XXVII is a must-have for fans of lounge and electro music. Give your customers the chance to escape into this musical adventure
Once I Was Young and The Airplane Album find the producer taking yet another sonic right turn. "These records were made in the same year with a very similar creative process. I moved almost completely away from sampling, experimented more than ever with ambient and techno elements and used the album format as a way to tell a story about moments in my life." Once I Was Young is a storytelling work that journeys through analogue synth-pop, modulated techno and raw, dusty drums with otherworldly melodies. Moments of beauty come through escapist, naturalistic ambient tracks and fusions of Kraftwerkian sequencing with more classical piano, while stark, clubready grooves keep things moving. Airplane contrasts similar shades of light and dark, synthetic and organic, rough and smooth. Glitchy, imperfect analogue sounds, knackered drum machine grooves and eerie synth phrasing evoke a post-human world with icy atmospheres. Elsewhere, warmth comes from bittersweet melodies and loose, funky drums that ooze retro-future charm.
Once I Was Young and The Airplane Album show a diff erent side to Escobar, one that embraces introspection and experimentation while exploring a whole other world of meaningful machine soul
It’s True What They Say is the debut EP from Edinburgh-based, husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), aka Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced “McLochlin”).
“Sarah and I both have a love for nostalgia,” explains Shaun. “We watched that amazing old 80’s Sci-Fi, (John) Carpenter movie, Starman, a few months back. Myself and my brother David used to watch it all the time. We must have been, roughly, 5-7 at the time. I remember loving the movie but the end, you know, with the beautiful, atmospheric, synth ending, I love that particular moment the most - best part of the movie, you know, when he goes home… It’s heartbreaking but stunning, all the same. It’s the music that moves you most… It did when I was 5 and it still does to this day. It must have had some form of a (much deeper) impact on me.”
The duo narrates stories across themes of love, hope, family, friends, dreams and sadness - the good that comes with the bad in everyday life, not just on a personal scale but within a community as well.
“Starbed is the first song I have ever written and just came out of the blue really, with Shaun playing a melody and me singing along,” says Sarah. “It’s simple and just about two people in love. Love songs are always the best songs, after all… Music has been a big part of my life from a young age. I was unwillingly dragged to piano and violin lessons, which I’m thankful for now! I’d say the first band I really became obsessed with growing up were the Beatles, and on the back of that a lot of 60s music and fashion. From then on, I had a love for music.”
“Shaun definitely opened my ears to a lot of sounds and got me thinking about soundtracks and all the noises that can be made,” she goes on. “We love just spending time experimenting in the house with instruments, pedals etc and Ali is a real magician to work with, too…”
The recordings took place over the summers of 2022 and 2023, with fellow Delta Mainline member Ali Chisholm (aka Jaguar Eyes) plus long-term friend and collaborator Gavin King. Further collaboration then came via the ‘net from the (international) likes of Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty), Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz) and Daniel Land (The Modern Painters), among others (see a full list of credits below).
Both Sarah and Shaun have a love for uber-soundtrack producers such as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter, Cliff Martinez plus live acts such as Beach House, Spiritualized, M83, Suicide, Moby and OMD (to name a few). Shaun also credits the work of Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (from Survive) on the Stranger Things score… “Even a moment in a movie, whether it be just 30 seconds during a particular scene, it grips you,” he says. But there’s something much deeper at play as well. “Music is a healer,” he goes on, “and I write from my own perspective but more so for others. Once I've done my bit, it doesn't belong to me any longer. It belongs to whoever wants it or needs it.”
The result is a cinematic, synth-wavey, dream poppy and downright beguilingly beautiful body of work. And they’re just getting started…
REVIEWS/RADIO/FEEDBACK:
“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part Human League. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON
"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN
"Woozy pop" NEMONE (Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)
"Nice one, very David Lynch meets Euro dream pop" YOUTH (Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, U2, The Orb, Spiritualized etc)
"Music sounds killer! Real emotion” DAVID HOLMES
"I’m enjoying it” TIM BRINKHURST aka LONDON (IKLAN, Young Fathers, Callum Easter)
“Oh, this is lovely!” SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"It’s totally my cup of tea with milk and biscuit" BRENT RADEMAKER (Beachwood Sparks/GospelBeach)
"Beautiful, ecstatic electronica! Short and to the point" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized, Julian Cope, Soulsavers, BE)
"Makes me wanna sit in the sun and sip an Arnold Palmer" CHRIS DIXIE DARLEY (Father John Misty)
“Really beautiful - Cocteau Twins / Spiritualized vibes but has its own thing going on, too - worth checking out!” JULIAN CORRIE (Franz Ferdinand, Miaoux Miaoux)
‘Sounded nice on a sunny day, makes me think of Twin Peaks, nice moods’ EAMON HAMILTON (Sea Power)
"Dealing in nostalgia, no bad thing at all, great to play that (Dust Tears) for you” RODDY HART (BBC Radio Scotland)
“I'll give the vocal tracks a spin before the release." VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio Scotland)
"Rather good!" IAIN ANDERSON (BBC Radio Scotland)
CREDITS:
Lyrics, Guitars, Keys, Synths, Drums, Drum Programming, Percussion, Mandolin, Glockenspiel: Shaun McLachlan
Lyrics, Vocals, Keys by Sarah McLachlan
Guitars, Synths, String Arrangements, Drum Programming, Engineering: Jaguar Eyes Percussion/Drums/Effects, Fire Extinguisher: Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz)
Guitars by Daniel Land
Slide Guitar by Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty)
Brass by Bruce Michie
Keys, pre-production & engineering on “It’s true what they say”: Gavin King
All produced by Jaguar Eyes and Shaun McLachlan and then mixed at Glasgow’s Chem19 Studios by David McCaulay (From Scotland With Love, Rick Redbeard, BBC TV’s Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard score).
Artwork: Jamie Walman (Fourteen Admirals)
MORE INFO:
Although Shaun released a pair of solo singles (When We Dance and Give Your Love To Me) during Lockdown, he will be better known to many via his work as the multi-instrumentalist in Edinburgh band Delta Mainline. With two albums released to date, Oh! Enlightened and Bel Avenir, both rapturously received by fans and critics alike, Delta Mainline have developed an international, cult following. Oh Enlightened (2013) achieved widespread critical acclaim on release, earning the band comparisons to Arcade Fire and Echo & The Bunnymen, while 2019’s Bel Avenir pulled in references to The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and krautrock. A third DM album is currently being mixed and due for release later this year…
Following Parnell March’s Back Bar Grooves EP in February and November’s release of the Dust Tears (lead song from Sarah/Shaun’s debut) remixes, Edinburgh’s Hobbes Music label returns with a second EP of dream pop from husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), alias Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced McLochlun), who wooed hearts and wowed critics with debut EP ‘It’s True What They Say?’ last year.
‘It’s True What They Say?’ attracted fans across the board: Artist Of The Week in The Scotsman, rapturous reviews from The Skinny and Tokyo's Ban Ban Ton Ton blog, BBC 6Music airplay courtesy of Nemone (Mary Anne Hobbs' Morning Show), more radio play from Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart & Vic Galloway, plus Simone Butler (Primal Scream) and Jim Sclavunos (Bad Seeds) via their respective Soho Radio shows, not forgetting ringing endorsements from the likes of David Holmes, Youth, Kevin Bales (Spiritualized), Brent Rademaker (Beachwood Sparks) and Julian Corrie (Franz Ferdinand).
They played gigs supporting Glasgow's huge Glasvegas, at festivals (Kendall Calling, Dunbar Music, Hidden Door), plus a slew of venues across the Scottish capital, ending the year with a trio of shows supporting Glaswegian 80s pop legends The Bluebells at Aberdeen’s Tunnels, Dunfermline’s PJ Molloys and Edinburgh’s Liquid Rooms, while The List magazine tipped them among their Ones To Watch For 2025, with journalist Fiona Shepherd suggesting they were “blending the starry-eyed pop of Sonny & Cher with the electronic experimentation of Chris & Cosey.”
Very much the companion piece to the debut EP but arriving a full twelve months later, Someone’s Ghost is emblematic of the duo’s desire not to rush things or release anything half-baked.
“I’ve always wanted to create the perfect pop record and I do really feel that we’ve achieved that with this one,” says Shaun. And he’s clearly not the only person who thinks so.
REVIEWS, FEEDBACK ETC:
"I LOVE that! Dreamy dreamy pop." ROY MOLLOY (Marvellous Crane/Alex Cameron) on BLAST RADIO, Sydney
“the Scottish music scene’s cream of the cool... buzzy drum beats, high, distant chimes, and heavenly electronics…. very ethereal.” THE SKINNY
"Listening to Sarah/Shaun is like eavesdropping on a noir dreampop, long-distance phone call between them both, across two separate sonic locations. On this stunning 4-song EP, Sarah’s voice, effortlessly mesmerising, draws you into these big beautiful and haunting passages of perfect dream-pop. All beautifully produced in a multi-layered-scape of low-fi analogue textures, epic cinematic crescendos, intense electro-pulse grooves and warped psycho-pop guitar riffs. Within the songs lurk a sense of unresolved emotions, longing and pathos. There are shades of classic Lee Hazelwood & Nancy Sinatra but also Post-Punk Electronica and Beach House. But what a unique sound they’ve created of their own. I love it" DAVID MCCLUSKEY (The Bluebells)
"Absolutely beautiful" SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"Lovely stuff here! Total quality." MARTYN 'MASH' HENDERSON
"Ooooh. Everything the last record promised is here. Well done" GEORGE T aka George Demure (Accident Machine)
"Vince clark Era Depeche Mode in places" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized)
"Sounds cool. Well done" PETE KEMBER (Sonic Boom, Spacemen 3)
"Glorious, it (Debbie Harry) grabs hold of you and doesn't let go." IAIN DAWSON aka RAVECHILD (Everyone Wants To Play The Hits Podcast)
SOMEONE’S GHOST
Born out of an incredibly anxious, stressful time, the songwriting process for these recordings has been something of a personal tonic for Shaun…
“There was a period when I was having nightmares,” he reveals. “Apparently I was saying there was someone in the room, I was talking to that person and Sarah was seeing all this while I was still asleep.
So, I was thinking that this was my ghost. I started writing songs because I was going through something and I was dealing with something and writing songs was a comfort. My ghost was a comfort, whether it was real or not. The idea of it was a comfort.”
“I firmly believe that everyone has someone who watches over them but all of the songs are essentially about being there for someone,” he says. “Everybody needs someone but also everyone needs to stay real and keep what you have, keep it close, never let it go. If you don’t have it, continue to tell people you’re there for them. It’s about loving and hoping people will be good to you in return.”
While Shaun took the songwriting lead on Filter Of Love and EP closer The Sound Which Stresses The Sound Of My Ears, Debbie Harry was originally instrumentally conceived by producer Jaguar Eyes, alias Ali Chisholm, later lyrically completed by Shaun, and the EP’s lead track, Anhedonia, and one of its stand-outs (much like Starbed on the debut) was conceived by Sarah, as a result of experiencing a bit of a spiritual epiphany of her own.
“When I first heard the word Anhedonia, I didn't know what it meant but when I found out I thought about it quite a bit. How sad it would be to have no enjoyment in anything,” she explains. “This song is really about my own personal beliefs. When I have been down, that's one of the things that helps me the most. It talks about trying to make amends but realising, for some things, you can't. But I think with any kind of faith comes hope… which is always a good thing.”
A record about hope, truth, honesty, a belief in something bigger than oneself… and all set to a soundtrack that wouldn’t feel out of place in a David Lynch or Eighties feature film. What more could anyone ask for, really?
There’s equally a desire to offer something universal and positive to anyone who tunes in. The labels for the 12” edition reveal the dual mantras “Who just wants to survive?” and “It’s about time to live a little”, with both messages also engraved in each record’s run-out grooves. T-shirts accompanying debut EP It’s True What They Say? bore the slogan “Kill Them With Kindness” - leading caps intentional. Shaun carries the acronym KTWK everywhere he plays, as a reminder: it’s stitched into his guitar strap. And this particular wee pebble has already caused a few ripples: people have been approaching him at gigs to acknowledge their appreciation and respect for it.
"We feel we have made an honest, open, colourful, body of work,” say the duo. “We hope to go out and play the songs with the guys (our band) and then potentially make more records. We are taking things as they come. Everything has been organic so far, after all. We are looking forward to whatever this brings."
Laputa, a title taken from the fantastical floating island of Gulliver's Travels is aptly named as 'The album that never landed' for, apart from a limited touchdown in Japan, Laputa was never released. This mystical world is a summation of Yokota's journey so far, a complex and at times challenging work but immeasurably rewarding. Beguiling and bewitching in equal measure.
Over fifteen undulating sonic fugue states, he guides listeners round a liminal world, made up of familiar materials but formed in a way defying all laws of perspective and physics. Background murmurings give way to almost uncomfortably foregrounded chattering, and one perceived soundstage segues into another impossible tableau of sonic apparitions, some recognisable in form, but all boldly decontextualised and arranged in expertly cluttered amalgams.
Laputa's obscurity was a prime reason Lo Recordings decided on the Skintone retrospective. Falling as it did between The Boy and the Tree on The Leaf Label and our own debut of Symbol. It was something of an audio crime that the album had never been properly explored and discovered. Lo Recordings hope Laputa can now ascend to its rightful place... hovering above us.
Heavy, reminiscent of a release from the nineties, Younger Than Me pulls us through interdimensional soundscapes on his debut to the label — a wormhole morphing from ultra-emotive breakbeat and hallucinatory progressions into full-blown, boisterous acid techno at its very best. A producer with an endless catalogue of releases, notably on incredible labels including Jennifer Cardini’s Dischi Autunno, now steps up on Neptune Discs with his Vaco Loco EP. The Berlin-based, Italy-born producer is joined by Byron Yeates and label regular Biodive on the B-side, each taking turns remixing A3, Aargh!!!, pulling it in different direction — one leaning into trippy trance atmospheres, the other exploring a more immersive progressive terrain.
Münchenbuchsee, a suburb of Bern, Switzerland. Stephan Eicher is the youngest of three children. His father, a radio and TV repairman, is also a jazz violinist and a sound tinkerer in his spare time. In the family home's converted fallout shelter turned studio, Mr. Eicher experiments with homemade sequencers, tortures handcrafted drum machines, and abuses reel-to-reel tape recorders—all under the fascinated gaze of young Stephan.
The boy quickly develops a musical curiosity, exploring sound through various experiments and wanderings. Alongside his younger brother Martin, Stephan crafts audio plays on a homemade multi-track recorder (essentially several cassette decks hooked together!), which they write, record, add sound effects to, and perform for family and friends. Just a couple of nice kids, really...
Then comes 1972, and Lou Reed's Transformer album changes everything for the Eicher kids. For 13-year-old Stephan, it's a revelation—especially "Vicious", the opening track, which he plays on repeat for months. He convinces his father to buy him an electric guitar. Not stopping there, his father also builds him a tube amp using an old radio.
Then comes adolescence. A rough one. Stephan leaves home at 16 and moves to Zurich. With obvious artistic talent, he persuades his art teacher to help him get into F+F, a radical, alternative art school—despite his young age. Accepted, he starts learning video techniques, determined to become a filmmaker.
At F+F, Stephan organizes Dada-style happenings and concerts with a group of friends known as the Noise Boys. Among them: one of his teachers on bass, Veit Stauffer on drums (who would later found ReR/Recommended Records), his girlfriend Sacha on vocals, and Stephan on guitar. In one of their early performances, they release a remote-controlled mouse covered in dull razor blades into the audience to create panic and chaos. Keeping with this aggressive, confrontational spirit, they once played a concert while wearing headphones blasting Tristan and Isolde, trying to perform their own songs simultaneously—to maximize the cacophony. The goal was always the same: clear the room.
Their “songs,” if you can call them that, followed suit. Take "Hungeriges Afrika", for instance—performed entirely with power drills and some drum feedback.
To make ends meet, Stephan returns to Bern on weekends to work as a waiter at the Spex Club, the city’s main punk venue. On September 16, 1980, during a show by proto-electro group Starter, the police raid the club and arrest everyone. Stephan, who manages to avoid arrest, seizes the opportunity to “borrow” Starter’s gear left behind. He suddenly finds himself in possession of a Roland Promars synth, a Korg MS20, and a gorgeous CR78 drum machine, which he runs through a Big Muff distortion pedal to get that perfect gritty sound.
He then sets out to reinterpret some Noise Boys tracks, reworking them during impromptu sessions recorded on a dictaphone (yes, a dictaphone—now the lo-fi sound makes more sense, doesn’t it?). He ironically titles the resulting cassette "Stephan Eicher spielt Noise Boys" ("Stephan Eicher plays Noise Boys"). This gem features seven tracks, which are the ones reissued here.
Back in Zurich, he visits his friends Andrew Moore and Robert Vogel, who have a DIY cassette duplication setup. They make 25 copies of Stephan Eicher spielt Noise Boys for Stephan and his friends. Robert encourages him to visit Urs Steiger of Off Course Records and play him the tape.
Without much hope, Stephan shows up at Urs’s office. But Urs is instantly hooked and suggests releasing a 7” single. Due to space constraints, they reluctantly drop two of the seven tracks ("Hungeriges Afrika" and "One Second"). As for the musical score featured on the cover—it was randomly chosen and remains a mystery to this day. Calling all music theory nerds!
The 7-inch is pressed in 750 copies and released in the first week of December 1980—a date Stephan remembers well, as it’s the same week John Lennon was killed. Smartly, Urs sends a promo copy to François Murner, Switzerland’s answer to John Peel, who hosts a show on alternative station Sounds. Murner falls in love with the record and starts giving it airtime. To Stephan’s surprise, sales follow—and people actually seem interested in his music.
Even this modest underground success scares Stephan a bit. He stops making music for a year and moves to Bologna, where he works as a programmer at Radio Città, a feminist radio station.
Meanwhile, Stephan’s younger brother Martin, who’s also involved in the punk scene, joins the band Glueams as a singer and guitarist. Glueams, named after the fanzine run by two of its members (drummer Marco Repetto and bassist GT), eventually rebrands as Grauzone. Stephan is invited to their shows to project hacked Super 8 visuals live on stage.
Urs Steiger, now working on a compilation titled Swiss Wave – The Album, asks Grauzone to contribute alongside bands like Liliput, Jack and the Rippers, The Sick, and Ladyshave (Fall 1980).
For the album, Martin tasks Stephan with producing their recording sessions. Under Stephan's artistic direction, two tracks emerge: "Raum" and "Eisbär". During "Eisbär", Martin plays a minimalist bass line borrowed from post-punk band The Feelies (just an open string). Drummer Marco Repetto struggles to keep time. Later that evening, unhappy with the takes, Stephan builds a four-bar drum loop from a ¼-inch tape and uses it instead of the flawed original. He then adds bleepy synths and wind sounds to complete the track’s icy vibe before handing it over to Urs.
The Swiss Wave – The Album compilation is released quietly at first, but things snowball thanks to "Eisbär", which eventually becomes a smash hit—selling over 600,000 singles.
Meanwhile, Stephan plays in a rockabilly band called SMUV (named after Switzerland’s social security agency) and begins producing artists, including the debut album of Starter (1981), which includes a more pop-oriented version of "Minijupe".
By early 1982, Stephan starts spending time with the post-punk girl band Liliput (formerly Kleenex). They’re older than him, and he happily drives them around in his Renault Major, acting as their roadie.
By 1983, Grauzone—signed to the major label EMI, which turned out to be a misstep—is falling apart. Stephan begins to pivot toward a more mainstream pop sound with his debut solo album Les Chansons Bleues.
Colophon creates electronic music using synthesizers and drum machines from the '80s and '90s that are no longer in production. Everything beeps and crackles, shaping atmospheric soundscapes layered with deep basslines and melancholic pads full of character.
'Dimension Six EP' delivers a six-track journey, moving through techno, acid, slow burners, and ambient. Imperfections are left intact, giving the music a raw, human feel rather than something overly clean, clinical, or artificial. It's the meeting point between old and new technology that makes the process so fascinating and inspiring - the endless places you can go, discovering new sounds within sounds.
Alongside producing music, Colophon also runs 'Loop of Life', a record label where music, fine art, and graphic design converge, releasing limited-edition vinyl with handmade artwork covers.
Reviews
'The excellent, excellent sounds of Colophon' Ben Sims on NTS Radio, London
'My favourite tracks of the moment' ASOK on Rinse FM, London
After two co-headlining tours over the past decade, (the) Melvins are continuing their long tradition with us of teaming up with another band on an album. Next up – Napalm Death! This isn’t just some split release with the bands each getting a side. Savage Imperial Death March is a full collaboration with both Melvins & Napalm Death playing together on all the tracks.
This release originally came out on super-limited CD and vinyl via AmRep in 2025 (tour and AmRep store only). This will be an extended version with 2 extra songs, brand new artwork from Mackie Osborne, new vinyl variants, and will be the official release for the first time at record stores, DSPs and more.
Napalm Death are credited as pioneers of the grindcore genre by incorporating elements of crust punk and death metal. Even after exerting an indelible influence on the entire world of heavy music for nearly 40 years, there is still no band on Earth that sounds like Napalm Death. Not just pioneers, but an enduring benchmark for invention and fearlessness in heavy and experimental music of all kinds, the Birmingham legends are still hurtling forward at full pelt.
The Melvins are one of modern music’s most influential bands. Having formed in 1983, the group — founded by vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osborne, with drummer Dale Crover joining a year later — has been credited with merging the worlds of punk rock and heavy music, forming a new subgenre all their own. Over their 40-plus-year career, they’ve released more than 30 original albums, numerous live records, and far too many to count singles and rarities.
Silicon Scally and Fleck E.S.C. need no introduction at this stage. Both artists are veterans not just of Sheffield's Central Processing Unit label but of modern electro as a whole, with the pair having decades of skin in the game at this point. Their new release, a four-track EP entitledSlipwhere Silicon Scally handles the first half and Fleck E.S.C. the second, carries itself with the adventurous confidence of a record made by masters of their craft.
Slipopener 'Phased Array' is exactly the kind of top quality machine-funk tackle you'd expect from this meeting of minds. The beat programming is deliciously tactile from the off, hissing and clanking like machinery in an old Detroit factory. The feel of 'Phased Array' is altered, though, when the chords come in, a series of alternating floating sounds which give the track an altogether eerier feel. When all of this is coupled with the otherworldly synth blurts that periodically force their way to the front of the track, the overall effect is a piece of real depth assembled by an expert practitioner.
'Phased Array' is followed up by 'Stax', another brilliantly propulsive number. Here we find the drum beat - one which is a little reminiscent of that Kraftwerk tune about the numbers, no less - once more offset by some decidedly more shadowy synth work, all while arpeggiated keyboard licks work against an intricate web of basslines, chords and unidentifiable flying synth tones.
Fleck E.S.C. opens theSlipB-side with 'Good Ride', a number where the nudge-wink title is borne out by a track built around looped snippets of sighing vocals. That said, with a bassline that sounds like a blurting old landline telephone, a ghoulish synth lead and all manner of motion-sick breakdowns, the 'ride' in question could just as well be aWipeout-style whizz through hyperspace as anything more suggestive. 'Good Ride' also sets itself apart from the other joints here by showing off a swaying halftime breakdown.
'Intox Remedy',Slip's closer, wraps the EP in a manner which continues some of the trends of the record's earlier tracks - richly tuneful chords, precision-engineered broken beat drum programming and a wide palette of delightfully unusual synth tones are all present and correct. However, there is also something about the chords here which pares back the eeriness of previous joints for a bit more of a wide-eyed, stargazing feel, and as such 'Intox Remedy' sees the record out by placing the listener firmly back in the cosmos.
Tough enough for the dancefloor and intricate enough for home listening, theSlipEP is a fabulous collaboration from two of the most respected voices in the electro game.
‘Soul Psychédélique’, released on Two-Piers, takes you on a journey into the world of Psychedelic Soul & Funk, from its early beginnings in the 1960s and 1970s to the current crop of artists championing the more Psychedelic, Trippy end of the Soul sound today.
‘Soul Psychédélique’ brings together legends of the Soul Psych scene, such as Curtis Mayfield, The Chambers Brothers, Marlena Shaw, The Temptations, and the brilliant ‘Sugar Man’ by Rodriguez. Place alongside Soul Titans like Isaac Hayes, Bobby Womack, Chairman of the Board, Terry Callier all delivering stunning Psychedelic Nuggets for your Listening pleasure. Throw in some covers like ‘Dear Prudence’ by The Five Stairsteps, ‘Hard to Handle’ by Patti Drew and ‘California Dreamin’’ Bobby Womack and finish with some brilliant modern-day exponents of the scene like Khruangbin, Gabriels and Michael Kiwanuka. The result is a crazy ride through the world of Psychedelic Soul and Funk. If you ain’t dancing and smiling by the end - what the hell is wrong with you!
‘Soul Psychédélique (The Best of Lounge & Exotica 1954-2022)’ is the fourth instalment in the ‘Psychédélique’ Compilation series on Two-Piers, following the critically acclaimed ‘Pop Psychédélique (The Best of French Psychedelic Pop 1964-2019)’, ‘Garage Psychédélique (The Best of Garage Psych and Pzyk Rock 1965-2019)’ and ‘Lounge Psychédélique (The Best of Lounge & Exotica 1954-2022)’ and is available on 2LP Coloured Vinyl
We are excited to continue our work with Art P / Art Programming by finally offering the first full-length work from this Bremen-based electronic group. Originally released only on cassette in 1983, the self-titled album has now been fully restored and remastered, complete with bonus tracks and unreleased mixes unearthed from a rare demo.
The LP opens with "Wesen vom anderen Stern" ("Beings from Another Planet"), a downtempo, 808-driven electro synth wave track with German lyrics telling a story of aliens capturing earth, becoming the new "Herren" (lords), while humans are reduced to mere "objects." Art Programming founding member Jens-Markus Wegener notes that this track has always been a favorite during live performances, and it's easy to imagine how the futuristic sounds would have blown people away at the time.
Next is the electro/proto-techno title track "Art Programming," which we previously issued on a limited 12" in its full-length form. With its straightforward Roland 808 rhythms, catchy synth lines, and vocoder vocals, it's a classic example of German electro, and one of the earliest proto-techno tracks - long before Cybotron claimed the techno mantle. Its extensive break and electronic twist make it an early precursor to the genre. Wegener recalls that this track was created exclusively by him and Grotelüschen, with Grotelüschen contributing most of the melodic elements, while Wegener focused on drum machine programming and vocoder vocals.
On "That's Me," the album welcomes back singer Claudia Roebke. Although it's an electronic composition, Roebke adds a rock-infused, almost psychedelic vibe to the song. The lyrics, written by Wegener, depict a person obsessed with their appearance, using irony to critique societal beauty norms, questioning the obsession with perfection and attraction.
The album continues with a series of uptempo electro tracks: "Videoscreen," "La Gare," and "Genscher Pull 'N' Push." The first two feature slightly different mixes from an earlier demo that we personally prefered over the versions that were available on the final cassette release. "Videoscreen" expands on the theme of social isolation, with lyrics reflecting on a world obsessed with watching video all day - a topic that resonates strongly with today's culture of doom scrolling and social media addiction.
Next up, "Genscher Pull 'N' Push" is an incredible electro/wave/proto-techno track recorded in October 1982 with a political edge. Originally omitted from the album, it was only available on the demo cassette we mentioned earlier. The song takes aim at German politics, with lyrics that shout "bitte geh nach links / bitte geh nach rechts" ("please go to the left" and "please go to the right"), referencing the shifting political allegiances during the 1982 coalition change, when Genscher's party, the FDP, left the Helmut Schmidt cabinet to join the CDU/CSU opposition. The track was never released as the political topic had become outdated just a few months later.
The album closes with "Light and Fire," which originally served as the album's opening track. Its quirky, upbeat vibe now makes for a fitting outro.
The gear used on this album reads like a dream list for early 80s electronic music production: Roland Jupiter 4, TR 808, TB 303, System 100, SVC 350, Korg Mono/Poly, Moog Prodigy, FRICKE-Sequenzer, Roland CSQ-100 Sequenzer, Coron DS-8, MM 12/2, Sony TC 399, TEAC-244 Portastudio, Ibanez DM 1000, EH-Electric Mistress, EV-Micro. This unique lineup of equipment sets the album apart from NDW releases of the era, lending it a distinct sound with heavy proto-techno leanings and that straightforward electro vibe we all love.
The album is being released as a very limited edition of 300 copies on transparent red vinyl, complete with a full picture sleeve and lyrics inlay. This is yet another rediscovered and restored 80s gem on our label that you definitely don't want to miss!
Wewantsounds is delighted to release Ayam El Disco, a new selection of Egyptian 1980s disco and boogie cassette tracks curated by Egyptian DJ Disco Arabesquo, following his highly acclaimed Sharayet El Disco. Most tracks make their vinyl debut in this set. A journey through the funky sounds of 1980s Egypt, Ayam El Disco ("Disco Days") features Ammar El Sherei, Al Massrieen, and other underground artists from Cairo's vibrant cassette culture. The audio has been remastered for vinyl by David Hachour at Colorsound Studio in Paris, and the LP features artwork by Egyptian graphic designer Heba Tarek, along with a 2-page insert showcasing the original cassette artwork and insightful liner notes by Moataz Rageb.
pdqb is an entity without a fixed form, moving through multiple timelines at once, performing in all of them simultaneously.
Every tone on this record was sampled somewhere else: in collapsed futures, unfinished pasts, and inside stress loops that never resolved. The tracks are not composed - they are retrieved, stitched together from moments that already happened and moments that haven't happened yet.
The music is unstable, dependent on who listens, and in which dimension, the tracks re-arrange themselves, revealing different harmonics, different fears, different exits. No two listeners hear the same, even if they play it at the same time.
The überskilled Detroit remixers provide a solution for Earthbound listeners - those unable to time-travel or shapeshift: By filtering pdqb's multidimensional signal through machine discipline, they force a temporary alignment - a version of a track that sounds the same to most listeners. Only then does collective rhythm become possible, a shared timeline where bodies on a dancefloor move to the same future at once.
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Dr. Paul Dominic Quentin Bernard defines Future Traumatic Stress Disorder as a cognitive condition marked by a reversal of mnemonic orientation. Memory, in this model, no longer operates retrospectively but functions prospectively, encoding anticipated survival outcomes rather than past experience. Affected subjects do not recall what has been lived through; instead, they retain anticipatory memory structures of what will be survived. Bernard notes that this temporal inversion produces sustained psychological stress and warrants further empirical investigation.
DISPLACES represents Fabris' most personal musical journey to date, inspired by the concept of hyperobjects and cartographic practices. The album sculpts a high-dimensional phased time-space composed of concrete materials and digital archetypes in a state of constant displacement. It delves into the symbolic and philosophical realms of mapping as one of the greatest sense-making mechanisms for life, in dialogue with object-oriented environments, superimposition and non-locality applied to cosmic, temporal, and emotional memory.
The sonic ecosystem expands on the image of navigating a path through a set of places, from the microcosm of quanta to the macro force of dark matter, from underwater depths to overland terrains, encapsulating the cyclical flow between birth and death, both in ecological and anthropological sense. The intersection of these shifting states is explored through the extensive processing of the langspil, Iceland's only traditional instrument, intertwined with manipulated field recordings of biophonies and geophonies captured across Icelandic and Venetian territories. These recordings form the backdrop for a meditative process that relocate familiar objects into unfamiliar realms, reflecting on the transformative power of self-reflection while encapsulating the fragmentation and entanglement found in nature and the human state. The record plunges the listener into a disconcerting and physical soundscape, as a “ghostly spectrality that comes in and out of phase with normalized human spacetime,” evoking sensations of suffocation and release as each layer continuously unfolds the palimpsest of the enclosed labyrinth.
“Extraction of the I” embodies a subatomic reaction—erupting as a molecular force that rises, only to re-submerge with a solitary exhale underwater. In this mutated dark space, beluga whales breathe into "Xanadu Phasing," creating a pulsating tension that releases only to unveil a frozen landscape.
In “Barricading the Ice Sheets” the glacial material morphs into a liquid tunnel of digital artifacts, building a wall of noise that shatters into scattered fragments of ice, resembling bird calls from another world.
A moment of stasis is offered with the appearance of an asymmetrical loop in Monolith I, evoking a primitive rite before an unknown force emerges.
The physical intensity of subsonic material in "A Quake in Being" interrupts the hieratic tone, detuning into polluted sonic matter sourced from relics of the First World War in the Venetian Prealps. The geography of this place reconciles with the original homeland in "The Map is the Territory," blending negative space with anthropogenic elements and exploited sounds of the langspil.
The burning density of "Wolf-Rayet" projects into the void, echoing the residual sounds of a local church as relics of fossilized religions. Wolf tones are the remains in Monolith II, introducing the final track, "Topography of Extinction," where evolving psilocin textures invite the listener to uncover deeper layers of meaning and dislocation.
Liva K and OVEOUS unite for transcendent new single, ‘Blessings’, on Crosstown Rebels. Out on 27th March 2026, the Greek producer and NYC-based artist deliver a hypnotic journey of spiritual rhythm and soulful energy.
A groove-driven journey arrives on Crosstown Rebels on 27th March, with Greek DJ/producer Liva K and New York DJ/producer and vocalist OVEOUS guiding the way. Their label debut, ‘Blessings’, emerges as a meeting of instinct and intention. Crafted from Liva K’s fusion of sounds and textures, the track flows with captivating suspense, while OVEOUS’ voice carries a magnetic, ritualistic weight. The result is a record that exists in both body and mind, designed to move crowds while resonating on a deeper, spiritual plane.
Liva K has quietly carved his own path since emerging onto the international scene, weaving melodic house and techno, and Afro-infused rhythms into sets and productions that pulse with movement and depth. From his debut album ‘1994’ to recent material on Defected, Black Book Records, and When Stars Align, he balances studio craftsmanship with spontaneity while creating moments across venues from Hï Ibiza to Miami’s Factory Town. Meanwhile, OVEOUS brings his HYPER SOUL and Hyper Ancestral sound to every stage and recording, merging house, afro-soul, and ritualistic energy. As a DJ, producer, and poet, his voice and presence cut through tracks with spiritual weight, turning grooves into experiences that are simultaneously sensual, reflective, and kinetic. providing moments that resonate long after the lights come up.
Ben is a Detroit-based producer who makes up half of Symptoms of Love, along with BPT records alum Ryan Spencer. He here brings us a 4 tracker of the absolute highest order. It both sounds like music that no one else is making, while also sounding like a pastiche of everything that you've ever liked in the past. The magic formula baby!!!!!!! Shall we walk thru the music together?
BPT founder and music's #1 man Jeremy Castillo has described the EP absolutely brilliantly as such: "YMO style dissonant electro with a Detroit touch on the a side, with pitched down Patrick Cowley psychedelic Macarena on the B-side.
The A1 and title track is an incredible statement of intent from Ben - it really does sound like if Hosono grew up in Detroit listening to Electrifying Mojo. It's an absolute blast of sunlight coming through your headphones. Press play and watch your vitamin D levels rise baby!!!
A2 cut "Music Remembers" is a groovy joy ride reminiscent of Galaxy II Galaxy, complete with re-pitched vocal chops and 808 claps galore. This will hit SO hard on a spring day if you live in a city currently blanketed in snow.
On the flip, B1 "Whose Water" will be a big hit with anyone who dug Dam Funk's Garret project. Introspective downtempo synth fans rejoice!!! And we wrap a stellar outing with B2's "New Sun" - a propulsive Cosmic workout that will open up any dancefloor. The psychedelic Macarena is right baby!!!
Following the digital release of the single “Meu Canto” in early February 2026, Gerardo Frisina and singer Luzia Dvorek return to Brazilian music with a new and compelling interpretation of a timeless classic, “A Lenda do Abaeté” by Dorival Caymmi; the release of this 45rpm single brings to a close a special project entirely dedicated to Bahia, the beating heart and symbol of Brazilian culture.
“Meu Canto” takes shape from an original composition by Gerardo Frisina, who signs both music and production, crafting a soundscape that is suspended between delicacy and depth upon which Luzia Dvorek - joined by songwriter Toco, whose refined backing vocals further enrich the song’s emotional dialogue - has drawn the melodic line and written the lyrics. A journey into roots and origins that tells the story of Luzia’s family, deeply embedded in the warm, fertile land of northeastern Brazil. “Meu Canto” sees also the participation of Alfonso Deidda on flute, whose airy timbre introduces new shades of color to the composition.
In “A Lenda do Abaeté”, the 45rpm B-side, Gerardo Frisina weaves an elegant and immersive rhythmic framework, evoking soundscapes that feel both deep-rooted and timeless. Within this setting, Luzia Dvorek’s voice unfolds with emotional intensity, balancing expressive strength and subtle delicacy as it narrates the ancient legend of the Abaeté lagoon. A place steeped in charm and mystery, suspended between myth and reality, whose stories have been passed down through generations in Salvador, in Brazil’s north-eastern region.
The project is further enriched by the acoustic guitar of Francesco Borrelli - who also took care of the tracks mixing and mastering - and Toco’s distinctive vocal contributions, which add depth and nuance to the overall sound.
Blue Hour distills over a decade of artistry into his debut album Selva, unearthing eight tracks inspired by ancient wisdom and forgotten worlds.
Blue Hour is the moniker of Luke Standing, a multifaceted artist, producer, and label owner navigating between past and present electronic dance music. Over more than a decade, Standing has built a career balancing transformative craft with a sharp curatorial approach, earning him respect across the global scene. After years of sonic experimentation, he now releases his debut LP Selva. “I never set out to make an LP – it just wrote itself,” he says. “I followed my intuition, and the music found its own path.”
Born and raised in the UK, Standing grew up in parallel with club culture, moving between Brighton, Bristol and Berlin while running club nights and establishing himself under former aliases Furesshu and Esoteric.
He launched his Blue Hour project in late 2013, shortly after relocating to Berlin. Initially a platform for his own music, Blue Hour quickly became a collaborative hub, blurring the lines between personal output and curation. Over time, Standing has cultivated an international ecosystem of like-minded artists while continuously expanding his own sonic horizons.
Selva marks his first full-length studio album, weaving a lifetime of influences into a cohesive narrative inspired by ancient wisdom and forgotten worlds. The eight-track double LP transforms his inner dialogue into a subconscious story pulling inspiration from a labyrinthine network of influence and experience. “I followed the music obsessively, reflecting and refining until the story revealed itself,” Standing explains.
“To me, the LP evokes Amazonian or Mayan jungles, themes of exploration, the mysteries of the natural world, wisdom passed down through generations. I didn't set out to write about these things consciously,
they just emerged on their own.” he adds.The album was shaped through intensive work in his studio and periods spent in subtropical locations.
Listening closely, Selva unfolds like a modern ceremony: the opening tracks channel his early UK dance influences, shifting into blends of traditional and contemporary techno, then expanding into melodic soundscapes before concluding with transcendental textures and atmospheres. The result is an introspective journey where functionality and emotive storytelling coexist, revealing a depth in Blue Hour we haven’t heard before.
Whether performing, curating, or producing, Standing operates with a deep commitment to sound, culture, and collaboration. More than an artist, he is an architectural thinker of what electronic music could become. “Every release is my own metamorphosis,” he says. “This LP reflects my current form, and I’m curious to see what the next chapter brings.” Few artists can unify a lifetime of genre-spanning influences into a sound as sharp and focused. On Selva, Blue Hour does exactly that, opening a new era of deeper
immersion from his Berlin-based label.
This record contains six tracks by Freephilipp and Robin — two Bremen-based musicians who meet where the void of digital subculture and experimental electronic music opens up. Freephilipp contributes four glitch-driven pieces that move between IDM-tinged ambient, electro, atmospheric broken beats and junglish fragments. Random Chords Memory is one of the reasons this release needed to be carried out into the nexus: it stands on its own, just like the rest of the EP, yet it may be the signature track of Freephilipp’s nocturnal enthusiasm — mixing between night shifts and sharing production skills with the people around him. Robin (zckr rec / ph17) completes the EP on the flipside. Tau-37 and Omega5, named after two star systems, invite you onto a dub-soaked, drifting flight. The Basic Channel- esque impact of Tau-37 rounds out the journey in combination with Omega5, whose drone-laden soundscape slowly opens and dissolves. This music was never meant to be produced for an audience. It is a document of what it sounds like when you say goodbye to the outer world and begin building landscapes in another.
Dive into the depths of deep house with "Unexpected EP", the debut vinyl release from an upcoming artist to watch.
This meticulously crafted 12-inch EP showcases a profound love for detail in every element. It´s a timeless record appealing to collectors and DJs alike who crave depth over fleeting trends.
Side A opens with the title track "Unexpected," a hypnotic journey through evolving synths and crisp percussion.
Following seamlessly is "Still Missing," a soulful cut infused with emotive melodies and rolling sub-bass.
Flip to Side B for "Crash & Bang," which thrives on a mesmerizing polymeter figure over which intimate string sounds evolve.
The EP closes with "Sheltered Place," a serene retreat with warm pads and playful percussion perfect for moody after-hours sessions.
Embracing a vinyl-first strategy, "Unexpected EP" drops exclusively on wax ahead of its digital counterpart.
As Nathan Fake rises from the nocturnal subterranea and rave catharsis of his previous records, on Evaporator, he resurfaces into the domain of daylight, bringing a tangible sense of air rushing against your face, of big skies, and endless landscapes. The idea of pop accessibility that trickled into 2023’s Crystal Vision is refracted here through the prism of sweeping ambient, deep electronica, and trance uplift. Evaporator is Fake’s idea of “airy daytime music”, with each track a different barometer reading across the album’s varying atmospheres, which range from vibrant sunbursts, bracing rainscapes, and fine mists of clement melodics. “It’s not overtly confrontational electronic club music,” states Fake. “It’s quite pleasant, it’s accessible. As I was progressing through making the tracklist, I called it a daytime album. It doesn’t feel like an afterparty album.” For the past decade Fake has been gingerly introducing collaborations with heroes and friends alike into his lone, idiosyncratic working process. Border Community alumni Dextro AKA Ewan Mackenzie transmutes his ferocious drumming for Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs into the blurred choral thump of ‘Baltasound’. ‘Orbiting Meadows’, meanwhile, is his second collaboration with Clark, an eerily idyllic duet where microtonal 18EDO piano clangs slowly twirl around wailing pads. Evaporator marks the junction point of old technology and ever fresh creativity for Nathan. The trusty “dinosaur” age software, particularly Cubase VST5, that has powered two decades of music is rarely updated. “I used to sort of feel a bit ashamed of using such old software, and then I kind of had an epiphany – that’s just how I work”, comments Fake. “That’s just how I play. I’m very fond of these old tools, and I get the most joy out of them, but now I’ve incorporated new technology too.” When an artist accumulates so much synergy with their instrument, music making becomes instinctual. By Fake’s account, much of Evaporator just fell into place. The album title arrived randomly in his head (“it felt completely perfect. Airy.”), ideas looped and developed until things locked into place and just felt right. ‘The Ice House’ is a fleeting glimpse of the sonic world he taps into in this creative state, its glassy FM synths built around a counterpoint between rough-hewn crystalline arpeggios and sparse yet gravitas-bearing bass. “That riff I just wrote out on the keyboard, I just played it forever and ever and ever. The original track ended up being really short. Here you go, and it’s gone!” These unplanned channellings of sound call forth records from Fake’s past while he looks ahead, perhaps getting at the very essence of his musicianship. The opener ‘Aiwa’ (“the breeziest,” he muses) reminds of the introspection that characterised Providence, excited by the fire and grit of Steam Days’ textural experiments, its chunky slams and clatters surging into a flood of harmonic buzzing as they reach out for old wisdom. ‘Hypercube’ stampedes in a similar chronological confluence, infusing an incessant synth line reminiscent of the golden age of rave with the crackling, ecstatic energy of modern festival anthems. Like the vaporisation of liquid to particles, everything that Evaporator presents has a mutant desire to be amorphous. Sounds rarely settle; the irradiated garage beat of ‘Bialystok’ is pitched downwards to driving, rebounding effect, while ‘You’ll Find a Way’ warps static into shivering energy, cinematic synth strings building anticipation into a gradual gush of chords. This translates into a more expansive stereo field than Fake has explored before. ‘Slow Yamaha’ saves the wildest, most kinetic transformations for last with a cornucopia of crispy melodies and fried drums; a sibilance of cymbals on the left, a susurrus of shakers on the right, and kaleidoscopic lasers pulsing and fizzing all around. Evaporation culminating in pure excited atoms. In a world where music has increasingly become background content, making albums remains lifeblood for Fake: “It makes me realise how long; twenty years is ages! It’s weird to see how much the world has changed. Release day back then you did fuck all, now you spend all day on socials. When I grew up the people who made the electronic music I was into were quite mysterious, and the artwork was very abstract. There was a massive distance between you and that music, and that was a key part of it, really. Now it helps to be an extrovert, and I'm just not, but the album marks the first time my face has graced the cover art. I’ve never wanted to do this before, I'm very shy, and generally I don’t like being seen,” he professes. “But, twenty years in, I supposed I could try something new. I'm very lucky that I'm somehow surviving in this world, where the media world favours extroverts and interesting looking people. It’s not my world but somehow I’m still in it.” Evaporator continues to prove Nathan’s necessary presence, with some of his most engaging, varied, and magical music yet.
Rob Clouth returns to Mesh with Cicada, a follow-up to his EP earlier this year and a continuation of his ever-curious approach to the outer limits of electronic music.
An artist who has spent much of his career committed to a dialogue between scientific phenomena and music built for big soundsystems, Bichillo signalled a segue into a more free-running idea of creativity - one that didn’t pander to unrealistic expectations and, essentially, brought the fun back to Rob’s production process. A theme also explored in a link-up with long-time collaborator and label boss Max Cooper on their recent joint EP 8 Billion Realities, out now on Mesh.
Cicada, he continues to expand on this universe, prioritising experimentation over concept, and arriving at some of the funnest music he’s ever made.
Like a field of insects, ‘Cicada’ opens with cross-rhythmic layers of animated glitches, soon joined by huge bass swells that gradually build into a maximal tranced out build-up and a swarm of vocal chops. ‘Core’ builds a quietly dramatic symphony of machinist built sound - a soothing polyphony of computers singing. Leaning into an off-kilter 2-step, ‘Gummy Clusters’ swirls into a hazy blur of distorted voices and acoustic rhythms. Closing things off, ‘Grefuser’ puts pedal to the metal with a high BPM storm of pointillist drums and melancholic leads.
Cicada is music that twitches and mutates, but most importantly, breathes fun into the circuitry.
Melodize is bringing the world back on the dance floor with Lauer and his 4-track “K1m Fantasy” EP. Behind the label is Brooklyn-based DJ and musician Beartrax, who is known for his groovy yet moody compositions. Philipp Lauer, known as Lauer, is a true veteran in the electronic music sphere, with over 20 years of experience, yet his sound remains novel and fresh.
This time, Melodize and Lauer shape the world of a fantasy dance floor where everything is possible. “K1m Fantasy” starts with Lauer letting his confidence shine through as an experienced professional with a signature sound in the first track “Boss Electro”, which will inevitably showcase why he’s the boss.
The playful tune of “Rabbits” takes the listener on a journey through electro-induced synths much like the image of curious rabbits playing on a grass field. The eponymous B-side “K1m Fantasy,” with its steadily unfolding mellow soundscape, is an introspective piece exploring the fantastical world of the techno dance floor where all becomes one.
Lauer’s last treat is “Choirs,” where brassy exclamations take turns with a haunting choir of electronic voices, reminding us that unity is key to pleasure and existence.
Essential 1969 album from Gal Costa, one of the defining voices of the Tropicalia movement. It showcases a bold fusion of psychedelia, Brazilian pop, rock, and samba, featuring standout tracks like Caetano Veloso's 'Baby' and Caetano and Gilberto Gil's 'Divino Maravilhoso,' as well as songs written by other iconic artists such as Jorge Ben and Erasmo Carlos.
A timeless classic that still sounds fresh and relevant. 180g vinyl reissue.
NUTRIA Sounds proudly welcomes Leo Kal to the family with his debut EP, The Roots EP (NUTRIA 004). Across five tracks, Leo Kal delivers a deeply musical statement—grounded, expressive, and rich with intention—perfectly aligning with what NUTRIA Sounds continues to cultivate: organic sound, essential rhythm, and soulful movement.
The Roots EP showcases Leo Kal’s true musicianship, blending groove, harmony, and texture into a body of work that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Each track is driven by feel and craft, emphasizing connection over excess and allowing the music to breathe naturally on the dancefloor and beyond.
Celba opens the EP with an uplifting, bouncy groove—light on its feet yet firmly rooted, setting a joyful and inviting tone.
Station Verlaine soars effortlessly, carried by smooth, flowing keys that glide across a warm, rhythmic foundation. Roots, the EP’s title track, shines with warm piano lines and earthy percussion, embodying the spirit and intention behind the project.
Round 50 delivers the EP’s most club-friendly moment, channeling a spacey, late-’90s feel with a modern, refined touch.
Second Eyes closes the EP on a downtempo, junglesque note, wrapping the listener in texture and atmosphere while leaving them wanting more.
With this release, NUTRIA Sounds continues its mission to highlight nutrient sounds for the soul and the feet—music that is honest, rooted, and deeply connected. Leo Kal’s debut stands as a confident and inspired entry into the catalog, reinforcing the label’s commitment to artistry, balance, and musical integrity.
M’Bamina – African Roll (1975)
The story of an album born between Africa, Italy, and the nightclub culture of the 1970s
In the heart of 1970s Italy — a country undergoing profound social change and a music scene just beginning to open itself to distant sounds and cultures — an extraordinary, almost improbable story took shape. It is the story of a group of young African musicians who found their way to Europe, of a Turin nightclub that became a crossroads for communities and experimenters, and of an album which, released in small numbers and largely unnoticed at the time, is now considered a rare jewel of Afro-fusion.
The band called themselves M’Bamina — an ensemble of musicians from Congo, Cameroon, and Benin, who arrived in Italy in the early Seventies. Settling between northern Italy and the Pavia area, they began performing in small clubs and community events, bringing with them a vibrant rhythmic heritage: African polyrhythms, call-and-response vocals, funk-infused bass lines, and Caribbean or Afro-Latin colours absorbed along their musical journeys. Their raw, contagious energy on stage quickly drew attention.
Meanwhile, in Turin, another story was unfolding. There was a venue becoming almost legendary: Voom Voom, one of the city’s liveliest nightclubs, run by Ivo Lunardi. The club attracted an eclectic crowd — students, artists, foreigners, night owls — and Lunardi quickly understood that the dancefloor wasn’t just a place for music, but a melting pot for a new kind of cultural energy. Out of this vibrant atmosphere came his idea: to turn the club’s name into a small independent record label, Voom Voom Music, capable of capturing the spirit of those years and giving voice to unconventional projects.
When Lunardi heard M’Bamina, he immediately sensed that this was the sound he had been searching for: fresh, different from anything circulating in Italy at the time, and capable of blending African tradition with funk and European sensibility. He brought them into the studio.
Production was handled by Lunardi along with Christian Carbaza Michel, while the engineering was entrusted to Danilo Pennone, a young sound technician with a sharp, intuitive ear.
The recording sessions — held in Turin in 1975 — produced a remarkably warm and direct sound. The music feels almost live: grooves rooted in African tradition, but open to funk-rock structures and modern arrangements. It is a natural fusion, never forced. Tracks move between tribal rhythms, funk basslines, light electric guitars, congas and Afro-Latin percussion, with call-and-response vocals and melodies that echo both Congolese tradition and the lineage of Latin jazz. Not by chance, one of the album’s most striking tracks, Watchiwara, reinterprets a Latin standard through M’Bamina’s own rhythmic language.
The album was titled African Roll — a name that was already a statement of intention. It is African music that “rolls,” that moves, adapts, transforms within a new geographic and cultural setting. It is not strictly Afrobeat, nor Congolese rumba, nor Western funk: it is a spontaneous, hybrid blend, shaped more by lived experience than by any calculated aesthetic program.
When African Roll was released, the world around it barely noticed. Distribution was limited, and 1970s Italy had yet to develop a cultural framework for receiving such music. The national music press rarely paid attention to African or “world” productions. The album slipped into silence — though the band’s own story did not.
M’Bamina continued performing across Europe and Africa, even sharing a stage in Cameroon with none other than Manu Dibango. By the late Seventies, they moved to Paris, signed with Fiesta/Decca, and recorded a second LP, Experimental (1978). Meanwhile, the peculiar record they had made in Turin began to resurface quietly among vinyl collectors, Afro-funk enthusiasts, and DJs hunting for forgotten grooves.
That is when the album’s fate began to shift.
Over the decades, African Roll emerged as an almost unique document: a snapshot of an intercultural Italy before the word “intercultural” even existed, a fragment of migrant history, a spontaneous experiment in musical fusion born far from major industry circuits but rich in authenticity. Original copies began commanding high prices on the collector’s market, and the album became recognized as one of the hidden classics of European Afro-fusion from the 1970s.
Today, more than fifty years later, this reissue finally restores visibility and dignity to a project that deserves to be heard, studied, and celebrated. It is not simply an album: it is the testimony of a rare cultural encounter, born in an Italy unaware of how fertile such exchanges would one day become.
It is the story of a visionary producer, an extraordinary band, and a fleeting moment in which music, migration, and nightlife came together to create something genuinely new.
African Roll is — now more than ever — the sound of a bridge: between continents, between eras, between cultures. A record that, after rolling far and wide, has finally come home.
On this album the former "Chasing Clouds" have accumilated into the eponymous "Black Sky"; these drifting soundclouds have swallowed a bulk of Sepalot´s sunny nature; his trademark relaxed attitude gave way to instrumental melancholy and pugnacity. "Before I started recording I listened to lots of The Doors songs. I found the suicidal aspect in their music very exciting. I totally inhaled it." Sepalot reports. "The breakage, the grid, the dirt - that was my inspiration. I was thirsty for the energy of pureness." In order to capture this roughness Sepalots first production steps were drafting soundsketches - often more than 100 in a row. This is then is followed by a sorting procees with many drafts going immediately into the trashcan. The survivors create the first basic draft.
There is something waiting in the wings. Don´t fear the storm, come outside with us... "Black Sky" is here.
Clemens Brentano: "These sounds are a wonderfull living breath of darkness"
Unreleased Records is the label founded by Arodes, recognized for its afro-house, melodic, and club-oriented sound within the international electronic music landscape. Through a combination of high-quality productions, a strong and carefully developed artist roster, and an expanding live platform, Unreleased Records positions itself as a forward-thinking imprint that bridges underground credibility with international audience reach, and are now, after much demand, debuting on vinyl, with this standout 4 tracker EP with 3 tried and tested club bangers, and 1 unreleased gem.
So far, “Gwele,” “Don’t Mind,” and “Nothing’s Changed” have already been supported by heavyweights of the scene, including, Ante Perry, Black Coffee, Bluckther, Camilo Franco, Carl Bee, Chus & Ceballos (Ceballos), Cincity, Deer Jade, Djuma Soundsystem, Enoo Napa, Facundo Mohrr, Hyenah, Jonathan Kaspar, Joseph Capriati, Mauricio Brigante, Moeaike, Nicolas Masseyeff, Queen Rami, Sasha Carassi, Simone Vitullo, THEMBA, and Xinobi.
Electro as its best! SS001 marks the first transmission from Serpiente Sounds, a debut 12" split that keeps it lean, direct, and floor-focused. Viewtiful Joe handles the A-side with two cuts that balance Electro snap and Detroit discipline: clean drum architecture, crisp low-end, and synth lines that feel both futuristic and functional. On the flip, Subversive brings two late-night weapons with a colder edge and a deeper swing. SS001 is a debut statement with zero filler, a compact toolkit of Electro/Detroit tools for the booth.
Fresh for 2026, Something System Records returns with its second four-track EP, showcasing a carefully curated selection of forward-thinking underground sounds from across the DnB and jungle spectrum.
A1 – Creativity Oxford-based producer SR makes his label debut with Creativity. Having already built a strong reputation through multiple vinyl releases and production collaborations with JEMONE on Metalheadz, SR delivers a powerful opener defined by tense atmospheres, razor-sharp drum programming, and weighty sub-bass. Designed to move both dancefloors and minds, this is a standout introduction.
A2 – 3 Times Around The Sun Duburban & Peeb return to Something System Records for their second appearance following a prolific period of releases on some of the scene’s most respected labels. This track channels lush, uplifting pads reminiscent of the golden era of Good Looking Records, underpinned by warm sub frequencies and expertly edited drumfunk breaks that evolve beautifully throughout. A deeply musical and rewarding listen.
B1 – Fresh Outlook Bristol-based producer Loma returns to the imprint with Fresh Outlook, a finely crafted 140 BPM jungle roller. Featuring intricately layered breaks, precisely placed subs, and an immersive atmospheric backdrop, the track takes the listener on a dynamic journey. With previous releases on John B’s BETA Recordings, Loma continues to demonstrate a bright and promising trajectory.
B2 – Tell Em Purdie Closing the EP, Something System Records proudly welcomes Pixl to the label for the first time, collaborating alongside Duburban & Peeb. A seasoned producer with releases on numerous highly respected DnB labels and founder of Loop Progression Records, Pixl brings depth and experience to this jazz-infused finale. Smoky club atmospheres, textured breaks, deep subs, saxophone lines, and a spoken-word sample referencing a legendary drummer combine to deliver a rich, soulful conclusion to the EP.
The breakout underground star of the past year, the deservedly hyped Thought Leadership returns with another X ideas: the deck this time chooses the suit of Cups. This new collection is closer to the Post-Punk tonality of Pentacles, than the breezy Balearic Jazz of Swords. Gone are the brushed drum samples and airy synths and in their place are BIG guitars, 808 thumps and a decidedly more prominent use of bass as a melodic device.
As the suit of Cups reflects the emotional heart of the Tarot, presented within are a further X pieces, this time displaying the full range and fervour of Thought Leadership.
You know the drill by now. Originally out on cassette only, we present the first ever vinyl issue. It's a hideously limited pressing of 300 for the world, so don't sleep on this.
Side A explores the emotional levels of consciousness; angst, joy, love, sorrow, relief, regret – they are all represented across the first seven tracks, and often within the same piece. XXI kicks us off with a huge tumbling D minor passage, layers and layers of guitar front and centre, whilst the drums pound away in the distance. Release is provided with a gorgeous G Dorian section, where we hear the bass take flight with a high melodic line.
We’re still in familiar Durutti Column meets Dif Juz territory here, but things switch up with XXII. This piece showcases a darker, more angular palette of guitars; think Alan Rankine (The Associates), or Deb Demure (Drab Majesty) in the unexpected harmonic shifts, knotty arpeggiated patterns and heavy, goth-adjacent modulation. A real love letter to 45+ years of darkly inclined guitar heritage.
XXIII enters the fray with tight, thumping 808s and Marr-esque guitar figures; and again, the bass providing heavy melodic counterpoint to the guitars. Enter chiming, lyrical lead phrasing, reminiscent of the eternal opening to "Everybody Wants To Rule The World". Another accidental perfect pop moment from the Thought Leader. Whilst on the topic of Tears For Fears, XXIV comes swinging out of the gate with some serious Sophisti-chug; we’re reminded of "Shout" in the A section, before being beautifully juxtaposed in the B section with more Vini-eqsue patterns, reminiscent of his timeless classic, Another Setting.
XXV gives us welcome pause to take stock midway through the A side. No drums this time, but instead a heartbreaking conversation between two guitars; think Kevin McCormick and David Horridge’s masterful Light Patterns, or perhaps even the early solo-Bill Connors mid-70s cuts for ECM. The moment of quiet reflection passes, and is quickly shattered by the thudding march of XXVI – this piece comes across like The Associates playing "Wicked Game"; heavy, moody, and utterly compelling. XXVII ends our journey across Side A with more Marr-inspired playing; one for the heads and already featured on mixes, this one is real testament to the vision of Thought Leadership.
Side B again takes us on a trip through three long-form semi-improvised pieces. XXVIII is like those classic Jonny Nash, early Melody As Truth releases, slowly unfurling, additional details introduced deliberately piece by piece, this idea builds across 7+ minutes culminating in some utterly joyous ebow fireworks at the end – well Balearic.
XXIX again, like XXV before it, dispatches the drums with a focus purely on melody and mood. The piece feels like a lost Save Room Theme from the Resident Evil series, pure golden age Capcom Sound Team vibes. Unadulterated aural nostalgia for hours spent with a PS1 in haze of hash.
XXX completes this majestic voyage with another Modal exercise; this time the Thought Leader has opted for the Lydian Mode. Beautifully dreamy, undeniably Soundtrack-y, and arguably the most concise distillation so far of everything this project stands for; drum machines, guitars, pedals, one-take improvised solos – XXX has the lot, and is surely destined for greatness.
So, another X epic statements for guitar, homespun with the humblest of means, for all the dreamers out there. The first ever vinyl release of IV Of Cups has been carefully remastered by Be With's engineer Simon Francis to ensure it sounds better than ever after its initial tape release. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut at Abbey Road Studios whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry, in Holland. The original tape cover artwork, so crucial to Thought Leadership's striking visual aesthetic, has been rejigged for vinyl issue here at Be With.
The second vinyl release on Platz fur Tanz continues the narrative of techno's past and future. Experienced artists reinterpret the shadowy vibe of dancefloors around the world, giving it new form and depth.
The record opens with a track by Swedish techno futurist Lakej, featuring his signature sound of machinery on a working factory floor. The music immediately transports you into the industrial atmosphere of a rave.
This time, the Italian-born, Berlin-based artist VSK takes us on a journey through the emotional waves of deep techno. A slightly jazzy groove makes this track perfect for peak time dancefloors.
Latvian producer Ksenia Kamikaza stays true to her style, transporting us into a world of visualized melodies and rhythms. The bassline sets the groove, while the unhurried rhythm allows you to fully surrender to the dance.
Liza Aikin brings an uncompromising Berlin vibrations to the release, reminding us how a true rave should sound. Her style is not heavy but persistent. Liza never stops experimenting, and this track will be a highlight of any DJ set.
Another Latvian electronic talent closes the release. Igors Vorobjovs blends the best of electro and techno in his track. Nervous rhythms and loud sounds stir the emotions, while the raw, untamed resonance will leave no true connoisseur of feral techno indifferent.
“ It’s like a more psychedelic , organic KLF Chill Out with deep roots and cosmic overtones“ Richard Norris
“ A beautiful trip “ Jem Finer
D.E.N 01 LAND - Composer Danny Hammond
Land is the first in a series of earth inspired sonic journeys , part sound meditation , part immersive psychedelic nature trip. Incorporating field recordings , shack instruments and spoken words from cosmic adventurers .
It originated as an installation at the 14 Hour Technicolor Drone event in Sept 2025 whereby all listeners fell into a deep nature/dream slumber.
For fans of Pauline Olivieros ,Brian Eno , Terry Riley , Don Cherry , Barbara Hepworth , Alice Coltrane , John Betjemin and all other ambient adventurers.
D.E.N
Deep Earth Network is a long term sound project exploring deep-listening , drone and sonic adventure , all inspired by the earth in all its manifestations , land , water , space , consciousness. Initiated by Danny Hammond , D.E.N will present different sonic projects and collaborations from vinyl / audio releases to sonic installations with the aid of The Deep Earth Soundsystem and the Sonic Heads ( S.H ) a collection of sculpted head audio transmitters.
Daniele Baldelli
"A pleasant surprise to find in this release various atmospheres and sounds that have always been part of my DJing. It even made me rediscover M’Bamina, whom I used to play back in 1974 at the Tabù Club in Cattolica.
There are afro vibes as well, with Black Line – Myele, which is featured on one of my Cosmic tapes, and Nowhere by the Stratosferic Band recalls a track I used to play at the Baia degli Angeli…
Excellent work!"
Voom Voom Music was an independent Italian record label based in Turin, founded and managed by record producer Ivo Lunardi (Turin, December 6, 1940 – December 9, 2010). A pivotal figure in the Piedmont music scene, Lunardi was active both as a DJ and as the owner of several disco clubs.
The label operated for several years in the latter half of the 1970s, releasing mainly productions connected to the Italian dance and pop scene.
Since 2016, the original master tapes from the Voom Voom Music catalog have been owned by Gianluca Pandullo (I-Robots), a close friend of Ivo and Luca Lunardi. Through his labels Opilec Music and Turin Dancefloor Express, Pandullo oversees their preservation and historical enhancement.
The artistic direction of Voom Voom Music was marked by a distinct sonic identity — eclectic yet visionary. The Turin-based label founded by Ivo Lunardi embraced a sound that blended disco, pop, and rock influences, interwoven with African American grooves in a pioneering, international perspective.
Voom Voom Music was among the first Italian labels to introduce this kind of musical language in the country. A prime example is the Italian edition of the debut album by B.T. Express, Do It ('Til You're Satisfied), released in LP, 8-Track Cartridge, cassette, and 7" single formats.
The label’s productions clearly reflected the influence of black and funk music, as evidenced by the references and inspirations running through its catalogue. The track “Lady Pick-Up”, for instance, includes direct nods to “Do It Good” by KC & The Sunshine Band and Manu Dibango’s iconic “Soul Makossa”, revealing a musically refined and contemporary sensibility.
Among the label’s most representative works is Splash (1977) by the Stratosferic Band, a project conceived by Luigi Venegoni — producer, songwriter, and guitarist of Arti e Mestieri. Venegoni’s artistic journey spanned from progressive rock to space and Italo disco. The album artwork was designed by Piero D’Amore (1944 - 2022), a charismatic and multifaceted figure of Turin’s art scene (one of his works was even acquired by the MoMA in New York).
The record includes a disco reinterpretation of Van Morrison’s classic “Gloria”, and “Splashdown”, a track fusing the disco-rock energy of Rockets and Space. In contrast, “Nowhere” revisits the 1975 single by Hokis Pokis, a soul/disco band from Nassau County (New York), transforming it into a vibrant disco-funk number.
Another significant expression of the label’s catalogue is the afro-rock sound of M’Bamina, an Italo-Congolese group whose rhythmic energy and dialogue between African percussion and Western funk evoke the style of international formations such as Osibisa — themselves linked to a rich artistic history in Italy.
Feral, one of the leading artists of Swedish label, Hypnus Records, has some new releases lined up - this time on his new imprint.
Aube Rouge embodies sounds reminiscent of old, creaky amusement parks amongst the mysterious chimes of fortune telling machines and roaring rollercoasters.
The four tracks of the imprint's first record, L'Aube Rouge, are a journey through the evolution of Feral's sound design.
Underground stalwarts Voodoos & Taboos make their Duality Trax debut alongside a remix from rising talent Bertie, set to drop on November 8th. Now on its seventh release, Holly Lester’s vinyl imprint blends seasoned pioneers with the next generation of producers. A serendipitous moment at London’s E1 in 2023 was the genesis for the labels latest release, when DT label head Holly Lester unknowingly dropped a Voodoos & Taboos track only for the duo to walk in mid-way. Already known for their standout releases on iconic labels like Phonica, Bordello a Parigi, and Palms Trax's
CWPT, this chance encounter sparked a creative connection between Holly and the pair.
‘Time Out’ kicks things off with swirling synths and the duo's signature alien electronics, set to a playful breaks infused rhythm and morphing bassline, as command and control rings out overhead. ‘Endless Game’ comes with the usual V&T trimmings; an infectious bassline and with a scattering of curious sounds and samples, with a healthy dose of italo-inspired groove - the type of track reserved for bringing a dash of joy to the danceoor amidst a heads down body-moving groove. On the B-side, Australian newcomer Bertie steps up with her remix of ‘Time Out’, following her breakout EP and high-pro¬le remix by Ciel. In a short space of time, Bertie has already developed a signature sound injecting her productions with nostalgic 90s house and contemporary subtext; glued together by crunchy drums and a penchant for wide-eyed rhythms. Sticking to her guns, Bertie’s ip of ‘Time Out’ packs a serious punch, showingwhy she’s an artist on the rise. The EP closes out with the psychedelic ‘All Action’ with its vocoder vocal samples, bubbling acid and teleporting top-lines.
One of the most notable features of the duo's music is their ability to let things evolve over time, their music often accompanied by strong storytelling, an art that has been almost lost in today’s era of instant grati¬cation; their instrumentation often taking on a life form of their own and dosed with surprises.
DJ Support: Laurent Garnier, Dennis Cruz, Girls Of The Internet, Horse Meat Disco, Stacey Pullen, Elliot Schooling, Solomun,Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, The Martinez Brothers, Dam Swindle, Soul Clap, Luke Solomon, Riva Starr, Franky Rizardo, Archie Hamilton, Silvie Loto, Fouk, Austin Ato, Salomé Le Chat, Blackchild, Jean Pierre, Black Loops, Kassian, Seamus Haji, Melvo Baptiste, Rimarkable, Sophie Lloyd
In-demand Amsterdam-based duo Makèz step into new ground with the release of their album ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’, via ANOTR’s No Art label. A kaleidoscopic project that moves between deep house, cosmic jazz, R&B, broken beat, and club-ready energy, the record is both a declaration of identity and a dissolution of boundaries - proof of the duo’s rare ability to merge worlds without diluting or compromising their true essence.
Where most albums that span electronic realms lean on functionality, ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’ reaches for something much more expansive. The project is a true hybrid: half shaped for the intimacy of a headphone listen, half designed for the electricity of the dancefloor. together forming a seamless continuum between reflection and release. Tracks like ‘REARRANGE YOURSELF’, ‘BE REAL’, and ‘LOOKS LIKE IT (SPACE TALK)’ are stripped to the core of house music’s driving pulse, made for bigger systems and peak-time release. In contrast, ‘Dreams’, ‘Fruits of the Universe’ (with douniah), and ‘Without The Sun’ (with Oliver Night) explore lush, textured arrangements where live instrumentation and improvisation carry equal weight to rhythm and groove.
Collaboration is at the heart of the LP, with Makèz inviting a constellation of voices who each expand the project’s palette. Ben Westbeech, Liv East, and SANITY bring soulful intensity; 30/70 and dreamcastmoe connect Amsterdam to Melbourne and DC; Cor.Ece and Oliver Night weave delicate threads of emotion; Goya Gumbani and Javonntte guide the production with their vibey, groove-led performances; while Life on Planets reprises his role as a core creative partner, appearing across the album on tracks including the standout ‘BE REAL’ and the previously released ‘ILLUSIONS’ alongside rising Amsterdam talent AVA LAVÁ. Together, these contributions shape an album that feels less like a singular statement and more like a living, breathing ecosystem.
For Makèz, ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’ is as much about philosophy as it is about music. The title encapsulates a tension central to their art: the feeling of belonging to multiple worlds without ever being confined to one. Jazz, house, soul, and experimental club sounds are not separate influences but parallel languages, and in merging them, the duo has created a record that mirrors the fluidity of contemporary identity and expression. And while it may speak in many voices, the LP tells one clear story - that of Makèz, arriving, again and again, home elsewhere.
To honour the enduring appeal of a great musical rework, Hell Yeah is launching The Art of Remix. This essential new series collects the best remixes from a range of label favourites. First up is Japanese downtempo master Calm with exclusive, never-before-on-vinyl versions of originals by Cantoma, Aura Safari, DJ Sofa’s Dream Baby Dream, Seahawks, Gallo, Yuichiro Kato and more. The release comes with rich liner notes by the authoritative Dr Rob from Ban Ban Ton Ton, and a second volume from Is It Balearic's Coyote will follow soon.
Remixes have always been at the heart of Hell Yeah's output as a way of reworking classic sounds into different contexts, allowing artists to explore outside their usual remit and also to introduce new talents. Clam has long perfected the art with his famously laidback takes on all sorts of Balearic, house, dub and acid under the Mellow Mellow Acid subtitle. He's remixed many a Japanese legend but also a wealth of artists from across the world, and eight of those reimagined gems balance euphoria with solitude on this first volume.
First, his take on Cantoma's 'Way To The Sun' infuses drones and chimes with bubbly acid. 'Sur Mon Balconett' shimmers with Spanish guitar and sultry sax, ghosts of yesterday still shuffling. 'Banana Trance' jolts with breakbeats while taking a Balearic leap into hedonism. Mininn’s 'Vertigo' drifts dubwise, from monastic chants to operatic bursts. Maho’s 'Bakuhatsu' growls dark and sleazy as acid and riffs collide, 'Abysso' floats with strings and sirens in symphony, 'Blue Surround' lulls before exploding with jazz fire and Kato’s 'Kiss of Life' closes with a cosmic, romantic serenade. Calm's The Art of Remix sets a high standard for a series which will soon turn to Coyote and Scandi-house great Bjorn Torske.
Following her acclaimed 2023 release Flood City Trax, a dreamy, lo-fi take on footwork inspired by the crumbling rust-belt city she calls home, Nondi returns to Planet Mu with her second self-titled album, Nondi…While Nondi… retains some of the hazy, nostalgic atmosphere of Flood City Trax, it pushes her sound in bold new directions. “I made this album to capture the sense of freedom I used to get from music when I was first discovering it all,” Nondi says. “It’s meant to be cute, fun, kinda weird and emotional — but most of all, it’s a presentation of some of the prettiest tracks I’ve made.” Though she hasn’t really experienced club culture where she lives, her impressionistic productions evoke the surreal, lingering sounds of a night out — the melodic haze that hums in your ears as you drift off to sleep. Lo-fi and melodic, yet fluid and free, her music carries a sense of flight and intuitive logic. Nondi’s influences range widely — Actress, Aphex Twin, footwork, and the stranger edges of dub techno are all felt, yet she hallucinates them through her own weathered, dreamlike lens. Her tracks often build from clashing loops that evolve and transform organically, or from familiar genre elements reshaped by her instinct for misty, heart-wrenching melody. Some moments stay closer to genre, like Broken Future 175, a drum-and-bass tear-out that dissolves into lush, blurred chords, or Just Hanging Out, a bruised and beautiful take on 2-step. Lead single Tree Festival feels like a blown-out fusion of rave energy and sped-up new-age bliss, while Death Juke drifts through off-beat vocal samples, pulsing drums and 8-bit FX, reminiscent of early Steve Reich reimagined through a Game Boy. Nondi… is a uniquely moving and exploratory album that expands her sonic world even further. Lo-fi yet luminous, playful yet profound.
Mastery, London’s pioneering sound studio, has spent its first two years creating live experiences and installations exploring sound as a gateway to altered states. Now, with co-founders LWE, Mastery enters recorded music with Quantum Sound, a first-of-its-kind project combining sound meditation, breathwork, neuroscience and ambient electronic composition. Announced in December in collaboration with Houndstooth, the album builds on Mastery’s ongoing exploration of sound as both meditation and live electronic music, first introduced through immersive performances by Cherub Sanson, Tim Wheater and Daniel Avery.
Released on 12th February, Quantum Sound positions sound as a psychedelic catalyst, designed for eyes-closed listening. The multi-artist album spans ambient and transcendental spaces, featuring Jon Hopkins, Hannah Holland, Wata Igarashi, Manami, Jennifer Loveless, Silent Shadow and Alessandro Cortini. It also includes a continuous 60-minute mix by Hannah Holland, alongside a 15-minute sound meditation by Cherub Sanson and Tim Wheater with electronic composer Rommek. Following Djrum’s Come Find Me, Ruthlss'’ Dark Angel is out today. Ruthlss is a live electronic artist, composer and producer building a singular musical universe where club culture, classical virtuosity and emotional
storytelling collide. At the centre of the project is a fully authored live show - written, produced and performed entirely by Ruth - that treats electronic music with the emotional and structural depth of film scores and symphonic works, while retaining the physical impact and communal release of the dancefloor.
Since first forming in 2016, London's High Vis have steadily polished their palette of progressive hardcore with shades of post-punk, Brit pop, neo-psychedelia, and even Madchester groove, mapping a middle ground between hooks and fury, melodies and mosh pits. Singer Graham Sayle describes their third album 'Guided Tour' as an axis of competing forces: "It's trying to be a hopeful record, while also being incensed." Rounded out by drummer Edward 'Ski' Harper, guitarists Martin MacNamara and Rob Hammaren, and bassist Jack Muncaster, the band's deep roots in the UK and Irish DIY hardcore scenes have kept them grounded but growing, inspired equally by restlessness and righteous anger. As Sayle puts it, "Everyone's scratching, everyone's working all the time, and their idea of relaxing is just getting fucked and avoiding reality. This album is an escape from that."From its opening seconds of a cab door slamming, a car revving away, and a baggy rhythm swinging to life, 'Guided Tour' sounds like a band reaching for new heights, bristling with energy. Recorded across a few weeks at Holy Mountain Studios in London with producer Jonah Falco and engineer Stanley Gravett, the results feel dynamic and dialed-in, like anthems burned into sense memory through sweat and repetition. Harper cuts to the chase: "We had a clear idea going in, every moment got used. Maybe when we're 60 we can sit around and get a drum sound right, but for now it's about getting things done."The album's 11 songs span the spectrum of contemporary guitar music, sharpened by experience, camaraderie, and societal frustrations. From swaggering street punk ("Drop Me Out," "Mob DLA") to jangling indie sneer ("Worth The Wait," "Deserve It") to heavy alt ("Feeling Bless," "Fill The Gap") to shoegazey spoken word ("Untethered"), the group's chemistry transmutes any style to their unique intensity. Sayle champions this evolving fusion: "For years coming from hardcore, we had pretty clear boundaries - other scenes were separate worlds. Now things are getting more blended, drawing from different places."Nowhere is this sentiment flexed more boldly than on "Mind's A Lie," a dance- punk anthem inspired by Harper's love of house, garage, and pirate radio. Stabs of sampled female vocals (by celebrated South London singer and DJ Ell Murphy) build into a razor wire rhythm of low-slung bass, tense drums, and sparkling guitar before Sayle's staunch voice starts barking harsh truths ("Face to face with all I've known / I can't call these thoughts my own"). After a sudden breakdown, the track regroups and takes off, cruising into the horizon in a haze of chiming guitars and Murphy's ascendant voice, from the streets to somewhere beyond.
Trippy Journey presents Night Club EP the next chapter in the cosmic saga of Dollar the cat. Continuing his interstellar quest for sound, Dollar now finds himself drifting into the neon haze of a galactic nightclub, where the spirit of the 2000s meets futuristic frequencies.
A Side 'Night Club' fuses trippy tech energy with a garage-style bassline, acid-infused details, and a hypnotic cut built for deep late-night floors. The release also includes a huge remix from Liquid Earth, an artist who needs little introduction. His interpretation elevates the original with driving momentum, injects high-octane energy and experimental textures, pushing the original into new cosmic trip.
B Side 'Grand Hotel' delivers a darker minimal house mood a tight and built around classic synth tones that echo the essence of Trippy Cat’s sound. The EP is completed by a remix from Lisbon-based Nebulaee, who transforms it into a raw, atmospheric trip filled with experimental elements and deep textures.
Trippy Cat Wax continues to expand the sonic journey of Dollar the cat exploring the hidden corners of the universe where past, present, and future meet with new galactic sounds.
In the late ’90s, Trance Induction, the project of Tjeerd Verbeek, established a truly unique sound by fusing acid house, ambient, techno, world music, breakbeats, and industrial new wave. Now, three carefully selected tracks from his extensive catalog are being remastered and released on vinyl.
The A1 track, “Join The Circus Of Dr. Lao 2,” has been a long-time favorite of label owner Tomoki Tamura, frequently featured in his DJ sets over the years. A2 delivers a deep, bouncy groove laced with trippy acid sounds that take the floor on a hypnotic journey. On
the B-side, you’ll fi nd the original version of “Join The Circus Of Dr. Lao” — appearing on vinyl for the first time ever.
Step into a sound world only Verbeek can create. This is a release not to be missed.
TSTD NEO returns with smooth slow disco remixes for three tracks, originally featured on THE SUNSET MANIFESTO Volume 2:
One of the standout tracks of THE SUNSET MANIFESTO 2, the super smooth Westcoast inspired "Hands of Love" gets an even smoother remix treatment by Liverpools BEN JAMIN, perfectly suited for your next late night bar dj sets.
Stockholm meets Mexico City! TSTD resident producer Monsieur Van Pratt returns from remixing Poolside on The Sunset Manifesto 2, and comes back with a romantic slow disco version of Kimchi's "Do You Ever"
Last but not least UK producer Matt Hughes already did a funky electro disco remix for Goodvibes Sounds' "Stay For One More Night" on The Sunset Manifesto 2. Looks like the original tune didnt leave his head, so he returned to his studio for new remixes. Here you can find the "Echo" version of his new 80s cinema sounding "Late Night Radio Remix", which would sit well in the soundtrack oft he Stranger Things TV series. The long version of this remix will be relased later digtially.
“Echoes of the Earth – Episode 1: Central Africa” is the new EP by Railway Movement, the project of Stefano Cattivera with Ettore Vozza (keyboards) and Alessandro Gizzi (percussion). Blending ambient electronics, organic rhythms, and archival sounds from a 1980s cassette of Central African field recordings, it creates a sonic journey through nature, ritual, and memory.
Black Moon Mother blends light and heavy soundscapes that pull from elements of Psych-Rock, Pop, Doom Metal and Shoegaze. Formed out of a Nashville music collective in 2017, the band put together a demo EP that became their live set, kickstarting their musical journey. At the beginning of 2018, Black Moon Mother began writing new material and continued the show-a-month ritual, while adding a new song to the live set one by one. January 2020 brought Black Moon Mother to Dark Art Audio in Madison, TN where they worked with engineer and producer Mikey Allred. Their newest album Illusions Under the Sun showcases an expanded musical depth and songwriting maturity, while exploring themes of nature, purpose, and perspective.
Chicago legend K. Alexi returns to Dark Entries with Warehouse Trax, an EP of previously unreleased acid and house mayhem. K’Alexi Shelby’s illustrious career has included releases on legendary labels such as Trax, DJ International, and Transmat, as well as collaborations with high-profile artists like Marshall Jefferson and Pet Shop Boys. But his musical journey began at the young age of 12, when he befriended Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles while frequenting the Music Box and Warehouse. In high school, he began writing songs and honing his poetic craft. “I recognized I had a gift to say what I was thinking. I would study Prince and Marvin Gaye, figure out what they meant and put my spin on it. The power of the word. I was writing love notes for all my boys in high school and making a killing. I would know what to say and what they should do.”
Dark Entries previously reissued Shelby’s debut record, Essence of a Dream, which was recorded under the name Risque III in 1987. Warehouse Trax follows with six tracks recorded in Chicago between 1991 and 1994. The material here has all the hallmarks of classic K’Alexi. Salsa-inflected rhythms, emotive basslines, and hip-house vibes are displayed on tracks like the high-octane “Jungle Line” or the low-key tearjerker “Protect and Survive.” There are also some unexpected surprises in store. “Aaaah” comes out of the gate swinging with hard-hitting beats and apocalyptic ravey vocal pads evocative of the edgier material on Saber Records or Djax Up Beats, and the surprisingly contemporary-sounding “Klub Dred” delivers half-time dub with stuttering vocal samples. Warehouse Trax comes in a retro-styled sleeve designed by Eloise Shir-Juen Leigh. This is essential material for devotees of classic house sounds.
Following his incendiary debut, Ingo Hammer delivers four devilishly great burners on Industrial Lies.
This time, his satanic majesty drops the sleazy, pulsating ‘Kneejerk’ and ‘Insane’, rewires body music with the robotic ‘Chinois’ before riding the D train to hell and back on the breakin’ ‘New York’.
Each one is a guaranteed dance floor 'hammer'.
DJ support for ‘Hammer Time’ came from I-f; Intergalactic Gary, Legowelt, Marcel Dettmann and Sunil Sharpe.
Limited edition of 100 vinyl copies.
Written & Produced by Ingo Hammer
Mastering by Tom Haunstein (Rand Muzik)
Artwork by Jonny Costello (Adult Art Club)
Industrial Lies
Industrial Lies is the offshoot label of Dublin house and techno imprint in First Cut.
Established in 2023, the label is named after the B-side of Cybotron’s electro classic ‘Clear’.
Industrial Lies shines a light on left-of-centre music from the past and present, including proto-Chicago house, ebm/industrial, electro and adjacent sounds.
This release documents the legacy of Ranil, the Amazonian singer and bandleader who shaped a distinctive regional style blending cumbia, psychedelic textures and local rhythmic traditions. Born Jorge Raul Llerena Vasquez in 1935, Ranil rose from rural beginnings to front Los Silver's in the early 1970s before founding his own label, Producciones Llerena, to independently record his imaginative, genre-blurring music. His catalogue, long scattered across mismatched pressings, remains a vivid record of Amazonian creativity. Following his later career as a radio voice in Iquitos, this collection preserves key recordings and supports archival efforts that continue to highlight his cultural impact. Check the frisky percussion and euphoric vocals of 'Pueblo', the scratchy guitar and bustling funk of 'Bahia' or the lilting 'Albores De Mi Selva' for proof of just how irresisitble it still sounds today.
Born Bad Records knew exactly what it was doing when it signed this Nantes-based trio, whose sharply defined sound and raw authenticity stand out. With Rage Blossom, Île de Garde unveils an EP charged with palpable tension, somewhere between dark pop and psycho-wave. A catalogue of modern misdeeds, a David Lynch-like backdrop where Sylvia Plath’s poetry might cross paths with the controlled excesses of Fever Ray.
The EP opens with “Fear The Sun,” its Mike Oldfield-esque soundscapes plunging us into an apocalyptic and unsettling world. “Homicide Volontaire” follows with meticulous narration, a technical exercise evoking the anger and defiant lucidity of a Virginie Despentes. The hallucinatory hit “To Death” snaps like an anthem to collective dancing in the face of the inevitable. Since we’re going to die, let’s dance! On the B-side, “Ageless Woman” weaves together a half-mythological, half-mysterious text, carried by haunting backing vocals. “Birthday Girl,” featuring Kuntessa, radiates an ironic and joyful riot-grrrl energy, an uninhibited celebration of women’s liberation. Finally, “Boy,” a small post-punk jewel, closes the EP with an ending as surprising as it is delicate.
The group’s genius also lies in the complementarity of its musicians. Morgane Poulain anchors the drums with a dynamic that is both subtle and narrative, airy yet jagged. Cécile Aurégan, the architect behind a multitude of synths, builds powerful sonic landscapes, layer upon layer. Klara Coudrais, the band’s poetic figurehead, elevates her texts with a rich and plural vocal palette, giving life to several characters who vibrate with intensity. The band’s writing, hovering between darkness and light, echoes a kind of visceral poetry, exploring the seasons of the soul with authenticity and force.
With this EP, Île de Garde establishes itself as a band to watch closely, capable of translating on stage both the raw energy and the fine craftsmanship that define their music. An immersive journey, full of tension, urgency, beauty, and electric flashes.
Île de Garde, a Nantes-based trio with sharply drawn sonic contours and raw authenticity, unleashes its full arsenal on Rage Blossom, an EP radiating palpable tension between dark pop and psycho-wave. A catalogue of modern misdeeds, a David Lynch-like setting where Sylvia Plath’s poetry would meet the controlled excesses of Fever Ray. An immersive journey of tension, urgency, beauty, and electric sparks.
Opening track “Fear The Sun” plunges us into an apocalyptic and unsettling landscape. “Homicide Volontaire” continues with meticulous storytelling, a crime vignette evoking anger and the fierce lucidity summoned by a situation with no way out. The hallucinatory trance of “To Death” snaps like an anthem to collective dance in the face of the inevitable. Since we are going to die, let’s dance! “Ageless Woman” blends a half-mythological, half-mysterious text, carried by hypnotic backing vocals. “Birthday Girl,” featuring Kuntessa, releases an ironic and joyful riot-grrrl spirit, an uninhibited celebration of feminine liberation. Finally, “Boy,” a small post-punk case study, closes the EP with a simple, sensitive truth.
The three musicians propel and relay one another in this breathless race. Morgane Poulain drives the drums with a dynamic that is both subtle and narrative, airy yet staccato. Cécile Aurégan, architect of multiple synths, builds powerful sonic landscapes, layer after layer. Klara Coudrais, the storyteller, elevates her texts with a rich and multifaceted vocal palette, giving life to all their characters, both mythical and ordinary. The band’s writing, between darkness and light, proclaims a visceral poetry, exploring the seasons of the soul with authenticity and strength.
Crate digger and music enthusiast James Endeacott compiles ‘Unlock Your Mind With Morning Glory’ for Two-Piers Records – A glorious heady mix of the weird and wonderful eclectic music from his radio show ‘Morning Glory’
“One weekday afternoon towards the end of 2017 I sat in The Lyric pub on Great Windmill Street, Soho with my dear friend Raf. I’d just finished another of my weekly Soho Radio shows and was starting to think about the next one. Raf had been on as a guest playing some of his favourite tunes of the day. We had a few drinks, told a few stories and started to plot and scheme. It was always a dream of mine to have a daily radio show. Radio had always informed and excited me from my early teens listening to John Peel under the blanket when I should’ve been either sleeping or revising right up to the present-day musical excursions of NTS, WFMU and numerous internet based stations.
We decided to speak to Adrian and Dan who ran Soho Radio to see if they’d be up for us doing a daily morning show. To our surprise they were into the idea and within 5 minutes Adrain came up with the name Morning Glory. We all liked it. We were all excited. It was all systems go. In December 2017 Raf and myself started a daily 2 hour show. We did the show together, got guests in and the musical policy was whatever we felt like that day. After several months Raf found the mornings too much. Off he went into the distance occasionally coming back with a smile, and a bag of new music. I carried on alone and then suddenly in March 2020 the world stopped, and we went into lockdown.
We set up in my house in Catford, Southeast London and carried on. The show became 3 hours a day and I started to invite friends, record labels, record shops, bands etc.. to supply me with hour long mixes that I played every day. The show took off during this time. My musical tastes expanded as I spent all day long searching for new sounds from around the globe. People started to send me more and more music. I became obsessed with the show. The audience started to take to social media and ask for certain tracks or artists to be played. I got listeners to make me mixes to play on the show and I did several phone interviews with musicians while playing some of their favourite tunes.
I was grateful that Soho Radio left me to my own devices. They never told me what to do or what to play – they trusted ma and I trusted my instincts.
The music on this compilation is not a ‘best of’ it’s just how I felt when I compiled it at the start of 2025. Apart from a couple of tracks they are all things I’ve come across since the show started in December 2017. If I did a list of tracks now I’m sure it would be completely different. Surely that’s the point. We never stick in one place. We are always moving and searching. Always trying to unlock our minds. Put it on. Take your time and let it take you somewhere” James Endeacott 2025
Cindytalk has remained a majestic proposition over the decades, one marked by a continued process of disintegration and regeneration. Change has been a constant for Cindytalk, as has been the presence of the Scottish musician Cinder, who has fronted the project since the early '80s. The first Cindytalk albums embraced a dark theatricality of post-punk dissonance and abject rock deconstruction that coupled industrial dirges with Cinder's beatific vocals, these same vocals that were once plied to the earliest This Mortal Coil and Cocteau Twins recordings,forever binding Cinder to the 4AD lore. But even on those albums, Camouflage Heart and In This World, Cinder was pushing the band to embrace the studio as a tool for further abstraction of sodden drones, cobwebbed dark elegance, and decayed textures.
By the early aughts, Cinder had reimagined Cindytalk through the granular processes of digitalia with a handful of equally celebrated works of glitch-born expressionism for Editions Mego. Cinder explains that "those elements were growing roots under our sound and had started to organically change the shape of what we were doing. The fucked-up rock music was in retreat and the electro-acoustic abstractions were becoming apparent. Fast forward to the early part of the 21st Century and my first laptop. It seemed natural where I needed to begin that part of my new sonic journey. To further explore those and new territories. Sunset and Forever is intrinsically connected to what came before."
Sunset and Forever is a labyrinthine opus, one that returns to the themes of the sacred and profane that have rippled through all of Cindytalk's recordings, albeit in various guises. The opening track "Embers of Last Leaves" is a haunted piece of undulated, cyclical tones that entwine into a sorrowful chorale with Cinder's own voice. Thumps of electronic drum kicks and bass drops dot the apocalyptic menace of "Tower of the Sun" but serve not as a rhythmic grid, but as painterly noises that further disrupt and disturb the machined dissonance. A cinematic radioluminescence blooms from the tempered electronics within "For Those Eyes, Shadows Of Flowers." The finale "I See Her in Everywhere" bookends the opening number with a seemingly human chorus build from electronic tones cast in cathedral reverence. Sounds throughout may appear adjacent to those of Fennesz, Holly Herndon, or even Lovesliescrushing from time to time, but Sunset and Forever remains purely Cindytalk.
Cover designed by Chris Bigg, known for his iconic design work for 4AD. Mastered by James Plotkin.
Made across 2024 between London and Amsterdam, WITH A VENGEANCE (or WAV for short) is the sound of uptempo catharsis, of SHERELLE making sense of a turbulent and difficult moment in time in her personal life. Determined to write one track a day, the studio became a safe space for SHERELLE to channel anger and feelings of betrayal, her hard and fast club tracks turning darkness into the cerebral joy of overcoming adversity. From those intense daily writing sessions has emerged a sharp, finely-crafted 10-track LP that is powered by fierce feminine energy and reflects the hard/soft and light/dark dualities of the dancefloor and life itself.
WITH A VENGEANCE is also a rally cry for the 160 scene, designed to push the tempo in new, exciting and as yet undiscovered directions. Inspired by SHERELLE’s foundational influences such as Kode9, Scratch DVA, Machinedrum, Lone and SBTRKT as well as the soundsystem-shaking groove of grime’s R&G sub genre, the album is designed to change perceptions of what 160 can be. But don’t get it twisted: this isn’t a concept album. WAV is for the dancefloor, delivering shades of London, New York, Detroit and Chicago in ways that are guaranteed to raise gun finger salutes.
A rising artist of the French electronic scene, Naajet asserts her identity with The Night Starts Now, a four-track EP that celebrates the freedom and intensity of the night. Co-founder of the Bande de Filles collective and known for her explosive universe blending House, Hardgroove and Breaks, as well as for the unique energy inherited from her dance background, Naajet delivers here a sonic manifesto conceived as an ode to club culture and to the present moment.
“I imagined this EP as an anthem to the world of the night. The night offers us unparalleled freedom, an outlet that allows us to be ourselves, to create, to love. The Night Starts Now captures this celebration of the present moment and this declaration of independence.” Naajet Opening the EP, “Ready To Shine” unfolds radiant House nourished by Pop and 90’s sounds. With a clear and ascending rhythm, the track combines euphoria and introspection. “I composed this track as a joyful and introspective journey that prepares us to embrace the night. For me, it is a call to accept our wounds, to transform them into light and strength, so that we may shine brighter when we enter the club,” explains Naajet. Between ethereal vocal lines and shimmering pads, the track acts as a ritual of entering the night, inviting us to turn wounds into strength and to shine on the dancefloor. The second track of the EP, “Sugar”, embodies the effervescence of the club. Carried by a hypnotic voice and an effervescent rhythm, the track celebrates the communion of bodies and the liberating energy of dance. “It is an ode to dance and to bodies coming together. This track speaks of those moments when, on the dancefloor, boundaries fall: we sweat together, we free ourselves together, and energy flows from one body to another,” says Naajet. A true concentrate of intensity, “Sugar” captures the moment when sweat, rhythm and abandon merge into a collective movement towards freedom.
With “I Can Be Anything”, Naajet changes register and flirts with deeper, even techno textures. Built on a throbbing pulse and sharp synths, this track is meant as a manifesto of identity. “I really wanted to propose a track that claims our right to free and plural expression and sexuality. I Can Be Anything is about our multiple identities, our ability to reinvent ourselves and to refuse any form of formatting,” she says. Between club intensity and political resonance, “I Can Be Anything” questions our multiple facets and embodies the assertion of an elusive and free self. Closing the EP on an euphoric note, “May It Never End” stands out with its broken rhythms and powerful synths. The track conveys the transcendent energy of the end of the night, when dawn arrives but we refuse to leave the collective trance. “I wanted to put into music this feeling of infinite energy, when time is suspended and the party seems to never have to stop. It is this euphoric vertigo that connects us all in the same breath, this utopia of a night that would never end,” says Naajet. A true apotheosis, this track embodies the utopia of an eternal night.
DJ, producer and co-founder of the Bande de Filles collective, Naajet has established herself with a singular universe where House, Hardgroove and Breaks blend, nourished by her background as a dancer and an instinctive sense of groove. For the past three years, she has performed on French and European stages – from Berlin to Amsterdam, via Geneva and Oslo – and has made her mark in clubs such as Rex Club, Le Sucre and Badaboum, as well as festivals like Nuits Sonores and Kolorz. On the production side, she has released several acclaimed EPs on renowned labels such as Shall Not Fade and Monki & Friends. In 2025, she takes a new step with the launch of her label SWEAT Records and a residency at Le Sacré in Paris, affirming her role as an ambassador of a free and intense club culture. She also collaborates with the waacking company MADOKI, for which she composes and mixes projects at the crossroads of dance and music. With The Night Starts Now, Naajet confirms her status as an essential artist of the new electronic generation1
25 years ago, at the turn of the millennium, downtown NYC was spoiled with record stores. In this pre-digital age, vinyl was king for club DJs, and shops such as Downtown 161, Dance Tracks, and Vinyl Mania peppered lower Manhattan, thriving businesses that supported an expanding scene of local and international DJs. Perhaps the largest and most established of these was Satellite Records, an institution of club sounds that also spawned multiple record labels, including the deep-house imprint Central Park Recordings.
At this time, Central Park Recordings and Satellite Records owner Scott Richmond signed a demo in need of a vocal from young British producer Alistair Colling, and enlisted John-Christian Urich to write it, who had just had a massive hit with “I Might Do Something Wrong” the debut Tortured Soul single on Central Park. He in turn brought in Sabina Sciubba of then newly-formed band Brazilian Girls to record the vocal, and with Jon Cutler on remix duties the record was complete. Tortured Soul went on to release numerous deep house classics like “Fall In Love,” “How’s Your Life” and have continued to tour as a groundbreaking live-house act to this day (of which RNT co-founder JKriv was bassist and collaborator for 10 years).
For the 25th anniversary of this turning point release, Razor-N-Tape has rebooted and remastered the original and classic Jon Cutler mixes, which have never been reissued in any format since the original release. RNT also commissioned two new exemplary remixes from DJ Spinna and musclecars, connecting the dots between the deep-house lineage of the past and present. Presented in a gorgeous jacket that calls back to the graphical style of the original Central Park Recordings aesthetic, this 12” is an absolute essential for any lover of soulful club sounds or purveyor of NYC dance music history.
With Dark Matter EP, Rambal Cochet continues his exploration of the fringes of electronic music, where ritual, cosmic and hypnotic sounds create a soundscape between mysticism and science fiction. The EP moves naturally between rhythms, atmospheres and synthetic lines from a lost rave futurism.
Each track has its own journey in a single narrative, with deep bass, percussive patterns oscillating between trance, downtempo and global influences, and a melodic sensibility that is both distinctive and accessible.
Dark Matter EP is a work that celebrates the visionary and cinematic side of Rambal Cochet, mixing mystery, spirituality and club pulsation for the dance floor and listener.
Perfect for seeking emotional intensity and imagination, or for an immersive, timeless listening experience.
The new album by the collective that for
over 25 years has been among the most
representative names of the Italian dance
and electronic scene worldwide.
“BLOOOM”, this is the title of the new release,
will be available in all traditional stores and
on digital platforms starting January 16.
Set against the soundscapes that have become
the Planet Funk trademark, the lyrics by Dan
Black attempt to give voice to a fragile and
contradictory condition of our time: an
intensified sensitivity that, instead of
turning into openness and connection, often
becomes emotional overload. A generation
constantly overwhelmed by excessive stimuli,
relentless information, anxieties, and fears,
called upon to find its way in a world thaoffers neither pauses nor silence. In this paradox, sensitivity is no longer just a natural gift, but
a daily effort: staying open and receptive without being overwhelmed, trying to preserve a human and
vulnerable gaze in order, despite everything, to fully appreciate life and the present moment.
The single’s artwork—like that of the album—curated by Nationhood, visually conveys this tension: the
distant sirens of a city that amplifies feelings of disorientation and loneliness even when we are
surrounded by thousands of people.
“BLOOOM”, preceded by the single “FEEL EVERYTHING”, arrives at the end of an intense, creative year
full of music, which saw Alex Neri (DJ, keyboards, synthesizers), Marco Baroni (keyboards, piano,
programming), Dan Black (vocals and guitar), and Alex Uhlmann (vocals and guitar) engaged between
studio work, collaborations, and live performances in Italy and abroad. A journey that today
transforms into new energy, into an even more open vision oriented toward the future.
Exactly one year ago, PLANET FUNK released “Nights in White Satin”, a single that reached the top
positions of the radio charts and launched a season rich in concerts and DJ sets in Italy and around
the world. The subsequent “I Get a Rush”, the collaboration with Alfa and Manu Chao on the remix of
their hit “A me mi piace”, and the track “È Naturale” together with Francesca Michielin, confirmed
Planet Funk’s ability to renew themselves and engage with different musical worlds while always
remaining true to their own identity.
Throughout this journey, music has inevitably intertwined with life. The memory of Sergio Della Monica
and Domenico “Gigi” Canu, pillars and founding souls of the PLANET FUNK project, is a living part of
this new chapter. Their vision, creative spirit, and way of understanding music continue to be a
constant guide, a deep root from which new ideas and new directions can grow.
“BLOOOM” is also this: a personal and artistic blossoming that, starting from the legacy left by
Sergio and Gigi, transforms into a living process of growth, metamorphosis, and discovery. An album
that does not look back with nostalgia, but forward with awareness, momentum, and a desire for
renewal.
Founded in 1999, for over 25 years PLANET FUNK have represented one of the most important, solid, and
influential realities in the international electronic music scene. Born from the meeting of Souled
Out! (Domenico “GG” Canu and Sergio Della Monica) and Kamasutra (Marco Baroni and Alex Neri), and
following their debut with “Non Zero Sumness” in 2002 (a gold record and a turning point for the
band), PLANET FUNK have managed to reinvent themselves over time while maintaining a unique sonic
identity. This has led them to collaborate with internationally renowned artists, deliver iconic
performances around the world, create soundtracks and international advertising campaigns, and
continue to demonstrate constant creative vitality
With centuries of history, traditional instruments carry physical vibrations shaped by human breath and touch.
In contrast, electronic music generates vibrations through inorganic principles such as electrical signals and circuits. When the subtle tremors of traditional instruments resonate with the intricate tones of electronic sounds in an improvised dialogue, performers from distinct realms expand each other’s languages, creating a new sensory experience.
The project album Ancient Moment marks the first collaboration between the Korean contemporary music ensemble WhatWhy Art and the Seoul underground electronic music collective vurt.. It is a record of a free journey where two different worlds collide and merge, breaking cultural boundaries and dismantling aesthetic hierarchies.In Part 2 of the album, you will hear boundless performances by haegeum player Jieun Kang with electronic musician Djilogue, and Whatwhy Art with electronic musician Siot.
The recording was done in an improvised one-take format at STUDIO Y in Seoul, and Giuseppe Tillieci mastering enhanced the sonic quality.
Credit
Jieun Kang / Haegeum
Hong Yoo / Daegeum
Hwayoung Lee / Gayageum
Woongsik Kim / Korean Traditional Percussion
Djilogue / Electronics
Siot / Electronics
Produced by Hong Yoo, Yoojun
Executive Produced by Jieun Kang
Designed by Yoojun
Motion Graphic Video Created by Nahsol
Live Sound Recorded by Jeong Morgan at STUDIO Y
Mastered by Giuseppe Tillieci at Enisslab
Supported by Arts Council Korea (ARKO)
Distributed by Space Cadets
Released by WhatWhy Art & vurt.
ATA Records are proud to present the new release by Work Money Death, A Portal to Here. This album continues WMD’s exploration of Spiritual Jazz and the sounds and styles that evolved out of the 60s New Thing, particularly the recordings of
Alice Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders. The first WMD album released since the tragic death of ATA guitarist Chris Earl Dawkins in early 2025, all four tracks reference the journey that band members and the studio have been on – in many ways this record is a testament and tribute to Chris, his musicality and creativity.
Featuring WMD stalwarts Tony Burkill, Neil Innes, Sam Hobbs, and Sam Bell, the album introduces Sorcererskeyboardist Johnny Richards to the WMD sound. Richards brings a fresh new take to the piano role here, drawing on what is clearly a broad knowledge of jazz history and channelling that through his own unique 21st century musical perspective.
The album also features contributions from Alice Roberts on harp, bringing the spirit of Alice Coltrane, Ben Powling on baritone saxophone, Richard Ormrod on woodwind, and Kev Holbrough & Steve Parry on brass. Those Sun Ra-esque horn sections lift the mood whenever they appear.Standout tracks are the second, Dance of the Spirits, with a strong core of Baptism and The Blues and some lovely playing by Richards, and the third track, Brother Earl, which begins with Tony on flute over rhythms that are directly reminiscent of open-hearted, late-60s spirituality. Tony later moves to tenor and, as on all four tracks here, eventually builds to the peaks of shattering emotional intensity that fans of Work Money Death - and spiritual jazz in general - love.
Based in Rennes and founder of the Vives label in 2020, Weever has been exploring the interplay of light and shadow for over 10 years, crafting abstract soundscapes and textured sonic tunnels of unparalleled musical breadth. He elegantly blends industrial and baroque sounds to construct sonic cathedrals. His music is both utterly raw and meticulously crafted.
L’âge de la Galère :
started this EP in 2020. At the time, I had just finished my studies, it was a pretty difficult period and I had made a track, or rather a melody, that I thought was amazing. I held onto it all these years without ever releasing it. 2020 was a tough year overall. The big question was: What am I going to do with my life? Hence the title L’âge de la Galère
The title really started to make sense when I began putting tracks together for Micheal. Around that time, I was reading Those of 1914 by Maurice Genevoix. For those who don’t know it: it’s written as a journal and tells the story of the author and his fellow soldiers in the trenches during World War I.
I’ve always been passionate about the two World Wars, I watch every film, old and new, I listen to the soundtracks, and so on. Same with period films, especially medieval ones. I love drawing inspiration from them.
So naturally, I imagine and create around that. It comes easily because it’s always been my universe. And when I make music, those kinds of images inevitably come out, even subconsciously.
So I created and told an audio story through my 6 tracks.
“It’s 1914. The story of many men who, upon hearing the sound of the bells, are met with the announcement of a war like no other. Most of them are young, some very young, and they are drafted into the French and German armies. They have no military experience, and the first battles are so violent that many won’t make it back. Very few will earn the glory they deserve.
The conditions are appalling, everything is in short supply, and the men are exhausted. Still, they must hold on.
Leaving carelessly from beneath their mothers’ skirts, too few returned. Many were left traumatized, and an entire generation was forever changed.”
Stay True Sounds supremo Allan Nicoll, aka Kid Fonque, and legendary UK producer Charles Webster have brought together the cream of the South African deep house scene for a unique album. The record was recorded at Flame Studios, a facility built inside a prison at Constitution Hill in South Africa, which is very significant to South Africans, because that's where the Constitution was written. “It's a remarkable institution,” says Charles. “Mandela was in there; you can really feel the history. You're working in a prison cell from a brutal regime. It's an important place. So, I didn't want the album to be too light, because you can't escape from politics anywhere, but especially somewhere like here - and you shouldn't.”
Swiss DJ and composer Dexter Troy has made a name for himself with notable productions on labels such as « King Street Sounds, » « Groove Culture, » and « Mood Funk Records, » alongside iconic artists like Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, Masters At Work, Satoshi Fumi, and Dimitri From Paris. For over 15 years, he has shared his passion for electronic music in bars, clubs, and festivals in Switzerland and abroad.
His rich and diverse musical universe draws from multiple influences: house, funk, disco, all enhanced with a touch of electro-techno. »
One year after the part 1, « The Double Take part 2 » is coming to put the finishing touches to the project. He’s joined by BAKA G, a talented artist who made a name for herself on the Brussels house scene and distinguished herself with releases on labels such as Happiness Therapy.
Two Lisbon mainstays from contiguous generations join forces as Scam Dust for the new Paraiso record: Tiago, Lux Fragil resident, world-renowned DJ's DJ and all-round music whizz plus Shcuro, Paraiso's co-founder, scene documenter and impeccable selector & producer. Funnily enough they also live in contiguous beach towns in the outskirts of the capital, Parede and Carcavelos. That's where they zig-zagged amid home-studios and, four hands in various machines, concocted this refreshingly to-the-bone record. Like a non-local entanglement between Lisbon, Sheffield, The Hague and somewhere in the American Midwest, 'Gastric Pulse' EP opens with a saturated, modulated acid line over a tight, industrial-tinged techno beat, peppered with sonic dirt of the highest order. It sounds like music projects like Downwards and Mathematics would put out. 'Enzyme Breaks' follows suit with a comparably raw spirit, adding some mysterious atmospheric scintillation and drum variations. A certain recluse techno (is that a thing?) comes to mind (and heart), Unit Moebius style. Toms abound in 'Pepsin Drive' - always a promising sign in our book - and the playfulness continues in the cheeky bassline and the intricate clap work. Soulful stabs give the tune extra magic via the mantra-like structuring power of repetition. The final track in the record comes from Pacific North-West transplant Doc Sleep and her collaborator Elias FS step in for remix responsibilities and flip the B1 into a hypnotic, dubby - and yes, jazzy - piece complete with a dive into glitchy, sonic sculpture territories towards the end of the arrangement. Quite the brilliant take. Music still counts (and always will), after all is said and done - and nothing like two hard-working music-makers to remind us of that.
Rosa Brunello returns with Reworks, a 5-track EP featuring new reinterpretations of music from her acclaimed and now out-of-press albums Sounds Like Freedom (2022) and Senseless Acts Of Love (2024). Following recent highlights including the Women In Jazz Compilation, Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Basement and a sold-out Ronnie Scott’s show, Brunello invites a diverse group of collaborators to reshape her bass-driven compositions across jazz, dub and electronic forms. Featuring reworks by Eva Geist, Khalab, Neil Bopperson, Paolo Baldini and Joe Christensen (DJ Stepmom / King Pari), Reworks bridges contemporary jazz and forward-thinking club music. Released on limited 12” vinyl and digitally via Domanda Music.
The mysterious artist behind the alias Your Ex returns after a self-released EP in 2025 and a deep house killer 7-inch on Scruniversal Records in 2023. Now joining Vibes And Pepper Records, Your Ex opens 2026 with a five-track EP that channels a European twist on Chicago deep house—warm basslines, soulful chords, and hypnotic percussion layered with emotional depth and a timeless groove. Drawing inspiration from Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Library Music, Dub, and “out there” Electronic sounds, Your Exalso draws deeply from the foundational vibrations of Chicago and Detroit. These influences flow through every track—lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and raw analog textures that bridge eras and styles. Staying true to an elusive identity, Your Ex lets the music speak: smoky late-night grooves, dusty hardware tones, and an undeniable sense of movement that nods to the roots while pushing forward. With Vibes And Pepper, the artist continues to blur the line between mystery and motion—a perfect start to the new year for those who still believe in the deep.
Tom Joyce’s sought after Sounds Benefit label marks their milestone tenth release with “7 Years Of Sounds Benefit”, a carefully curated selection of essential artists and rising talents presented as a double vinyl LP. The two slabs of wax manoeuvre between innovative electro and refined flavours of house and techno for trained ears.
First up is a reissue from S-Max, New Delhi Projects, previously released on Below back in ‘99. A chugging display of sounds that were way ahead of their time. After featuring on SND002, Ben Cohen makes his comeback on the label with Short Night, a breakbeat journey which boasts beautiful and emotive chord progressions. The B side features somewhat of a rarity as Etienne shares a track, Gateway Experience, futuristic energy from the accomplished producer, layered with subtle yet effective acid tones. Label head Tom Joyce delivers 7:15pm, a dreamy quest through melt in your mind synths and punchy electro drum patterns.
As we approach the second vinyl, we uncover further gems from the archive as Lowtec kindly shares his unreleased La Java 2014, which was created circa. 2000. Javier Carballo and Aniano have been making positive movements with their Hdz moniker in recent times, and Moog is another stamp of approval, a warm bass line converses with the crisp drums and spaced out elements. On the flip, Berlin based Englishman Rob Amboule turns out a killer elasticated groove which takes you for a late night shuffle in Scrap It. Huge fun for the hazy hours on the dance floor. Nuversion, formerly known as Juliano, showcases his debut track under this name with Crepuscule, addressing further pensive moods with his classy production. Ending the fantastic release in a meditative state of mind, cruising on sweet melodies.
Before the Khmer Rouge took power in 1975, unleashing a horrifying genocide, Cambodia had one of the most vibrant and exciting music scenes in Asia. With a mixture of traditional Khmer music and a myriad of western genres (from French and latin music, to rock-and-roll , rhythm-and-blues, surf, psychedelia, soul and many more) the few pre 75 Cambodian recordings that survived -most of them were destroyed- are enough to make anyone with a taste for good music shocked by the amazing quality of the sounds created during those golden years. Gathered in this amazing album are some of the most talented and unique musicians from that amazing era with an explosive collection of tracks sure to blow the mind of the listener. A celebration of some of the best music ever made.
Jana Koubková has long been one of the leading figures of Czech jazz, defined by rhythm, improvisation, playfulness and atmosphere. These new reimaginings of her tracks open a fresh chapter within the LBDISSUES series.
The original recordings, released in the late 80s, are almost impossible to pigeonhole into any single genre. Call it world music, call it jazz, call it avant garde, and you would be both right and wrong at the same time.
These remixes work for adventurous DJs as well as for listening in one continuous flow, where they almost read as a mini album. Trent's take on "Nijana" reshapes the piece from a tropical tribal mood into a cosmic downtempo roller, while Prague based artist Desteffan brings a completely new perspective to "Pipu", "Horor" and "Krocej". His versions draw from downtempo and trip hop influences, spontaneous live instrument jams and even flashes of EBM. And last but not least, "Vanany Vanyna" marks the return of label mainstay Regular Customer, whose reinterpretation expands the rhythm of the original into mid-tempo territory with a disco leaning feel. They all honour Jana's original sound while pushing it into unexplored terrain.
Now in her eighties and still performing, Jana is not being revisited here for nostalgia's sake. These tracks represent the next step in her remarkable and ever-evolving musical journey
After a longtime interest in the beguiling music of Nathan Dawidowicz, Hell Yeah now hooks up with the leftfield downtempo producer for their second full-length album, FLUFF. The immersive record features three long, winding and mystical soundscapes that blend trance and experimental into spiritual and ritualistic escapes.
Dawidowicz was born in Milan to a Polish-Lithuanian mother and a Cameroonian father, but grew up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. Because of that, their sound is deeply rooted in childhood experiences playing the piano at religious ceremonies, as well as taking inspiration from their father’s DJing throughout the '80s and '90s. Now based in Berlin, Dawidowicz has explored expression through music on labels like Luspoderosa, where they released their debut solo album, Sanctuary of Ideas.
It was when Calm and David Holmes started playing the epic, 23-minute 'Capricorn Rising Over Jerusalemite Temple' from that album that Hell Yeah founder Marco was encouraged to get in touch with Dawidowicz. A few months later, talk turned to releasing this new album, which comes with artwork by Spain's Alicia Carrera.
'Skeptic Afro Jr.' kicks off and soon sinks you into slinky, ever-evolving rhythms. It's a slowly evolving work of sound where the focus shifts from snaking basslines to lumpy drums, cosmic leads to life-affirming chords. 'Scintilla (Feat. Hannah Schraven)' is a deep and downtempo trip into dub and techno, with undulating drums and exotic melodies that escort you into otherworldly realms of spiritualism. Last of all are 'Deep Fluff' and a hidden track (Feat. Leo Börger), two cinematic explorations of deep space where acoustic frequencies and molten synths rewire your brain and connect you to a higher power.
FLUFF is another deeply personal and inward journey packed with transcendental experiences.
DJ FEEDBACK:
"That's such an outstanding piece of work - played two at the beginning on Saturday. Probably my favourite release of the year so far!" Sean Johnston ALFOS
"this is great! 3rd repeat. It’s so nice" Vladimir Ivkovic
"Just listened to Nathan's record and it really sounds amazing... Probably the best thing you've put out to my ears ;-) I love the way he bridges the sounds of the past with contemporary storytelling, taking you on a very long trip which you never want to leave!" Alexis Le Tan
“The music of Season 2 of SEVERANCE is true to what came before in Season 1, while also developing new themes, new sounds, and new variations,” says Shapiro. “The season's bold expansions into new storylines and new locations, along with the incredible filmmaking and performances, provided plenty of inspiration.” “We are beyond thrilled to head back to Lumon with our Season 2 vinyl package,” says Mutant Co-Founder Spencer Hickman. “Working alongside Ben Stiller and his team, Fifth Season, and Apple has been an absolute honour and a joy. Greg Ruth and I are obsessed with the show and the chance to play in this sandbox again. Creating original art alongside in-show ephemera is like receiving a gift. I couldn't be prouder of the package we have crafted for Season 2, blending the Innie and Outie worlds just as the season itself felt instinctual. I really hope fans feel we have done it justice. PRAISE KIER.” Single LP with obi strip and a 16-page booklet featuring portraits of the main cast.
What can be said about Joey Beltram’s ‘Energy Flash’ that hasn’t be said already! The track still gets rinsed, week in, week out, across radio stations, clubs and festivals, testimony to the sheer importance of this techno classic.
Released originally in 1990 on the R&S Records label, ‘Beltram Vol. 1’ included the aforementioned ‘Energy Flash’, alongside three equally ground-breaking dance tracks that possibly get overshadowed by the big lead track. But tracks like ‘Subsonic Bass’ broke the mould and went on to influence a raft of rave and drum ‘n’ bass tunes, thanks in part to its use of the now legendary ‘hoover’ bass sound. The sinister acid of ‘Jazz 3033’ still sounds as fresh today as it did 33 years ago, and the menacingly titled ‘Psycho Bass’ reveals the EP’s most passive moment, as its solid breakbeat cuts through ethereal tones and chugging synths.
‘Beltram Volume 1’ has been remastered by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, and the release comes in an updated sleeve, faithfully recreating the 1990 packaging.
‘Beltram Volume 1’ by Joey Beltram is available on R&S Records from 10th February 2023.
TO COMMEMORATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
Find out more about Frankie Knuckles Foundation and its commitment to educating and supporting initiatives across LGBTQIA+ communities and AIDs prevention
‘Let’s take a trip’ – with major names on the psytrance scene Avalon and GMS releasing on KNTXT for the first time, combining forces for a full-on attack, 4-track EP ‘The Underground’, out December 11th. Their joint mission? ‘Combining two worlds where psytrance meets techno, a fusion which will take you on a mind-expanding journey! Welcome to The Underground…you have arrived!
London DJ/Producer Avalon was recently awarded the number 1 top-selling psytrance artist on Beatport with over 30+ psytrance chart #1s and 5 top-selling LPs to his name, and performs at the likes of Tomorrowland, Boom, EDC Las Vegas, Glastonbury, Exit, Burning Man, Ultra, ASOT, Ministry Of Sound,... GMS (Growling Mad Scientists) was founded by Dutch Ibiza-based DJ/Producer Riktam with the sadly late Bansi, to establish pioneering psytrance label Spun Records and to have director Tony Scott no less, using GMS tracks on three of his films. A prolific producer with over 300K album copies sold, GMS holds the most psytrance records released overall.
‘I'm beyond honoured to release this stunning four tracker from psytrance legends Avalon and GMS. With this release, friendships were formed and worlds truly started colliding. I have massive respect for both these artists and their long standing impact on electronic music. This release feels like a bridge between generations and genres. It carries an energy that deserves to be heard, experienced, and felt on dancefloors around the world.’ Charlotte de Witte
Title track ‘The Underground’: hyperspeed trance beats support a wild variety of acid-dripping pulsations, spacey arps, otherworldly swoops, mind-teasing stabs, it’s like a lightshow in sound. That transports its listeners into another dimension. On ‘Horizen’, psytrance thrives, while ethereal vocals call, with intricate sound design painting a mythical soundscape. On ‘Machines’, it’s driven by hypnotic acid lines, pulsating Kick & Bass with sprinkles of techno infused percussion! Its choral notes and alien-like spoken lyrics, both gripping and disorientating as builds & breaks come thick and fast. ‘Rave to the Grave’: constant pulsing high synth and vocals with twanging acid together with frantic percussion create a sustained, agonizing build, build, build – until ‘On the 7th day, the Lord said ‘Let the beat drop!’’ Phew!
‘We are very excited about our debut release on KNTXT ‘The Underground’ and can’t wait to share this 4 track EP with you all. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it. This fusion of techno/psytrance is brought together by all of our mutual love for acid & driving hypnotic dance music! Enjoy… Play it loud! Welcome to The Underground… You have arrived!’- Avalon & GMS
A mind-bending EP, with racing beats that give the ‘trance’ in psytrance a huge adrenalin shot. This is high energy reaching new altitudes; hold on to your brain cells, they’re going for a ride!
It’s been over 20 years since Kenny Dixon Jr., better known as Moodymann, released Black Mahogani—an album rich in atmosphere and emotion, offering a quintessential journey through deep house, soul, and jazz. Timeless yet modern, it’s an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that reflects the singular character of Detroit’s deep musical heritage.
Originally released in 2004, Black Mahogani is arguably one of Moodymann’s most revered and sought-after works. It completes the puzzle laid out by his rare and elusive KDJ 12” releases from the mid to late '90s. With the help of Detroit legends like the late Amp Fiddler, Roberta Sweed, and Norma Jean Bell, Dixon infused his analog soundscapes and samples with a new organic warmth—expanding the deep house genre while simultaneously paying homage to 1970s soul and cinematic soundtracks.
Dixon’s masterful control of tension—knowing exactly when to hold back and when to let go—makes Black Mahogani an enduring masterpiece. It's not just a landmark in electronic music, but a definitive statement in 21st-century Black American music.
Compiled by Philip King “And then came the rise of synth pop : blokes with dodgy haircuts hunched over keyboard-operated machines stuffed with wires and do-it-yourself tone oscillators making sounds like a brood of geese passing gas in a wind tunnel. Whoopee! This is the way the ‘70s ended : not with a blood-curdling bang bang but with a cheap, synthesized, emasculating whimper.” NICK KENT, NME. All The Young Droids: Junkshop Synth Pop 1978-1985 is a new compilation that charts the underbelly of the epoch-defining sound of the synthesiser in 80s popular music. Compiled by Philip King (previously seen compiling All The Young Droogs, Glitterbest and Boobs - The Junkshop Glam Discotheque), the music here connects the dots between DIY synth enthusiasts grappling with new, cheap synthesisers at the tail-end of punk and wannabe, jobbing songwriters enthral to the new music pioneered by Gary Numan, Depeche Mode and Daniel Miller’s Mute Records. Featuring rare tracks of auto-didactic progressive pop music, proto-techno punk, shoot-for-the-stars-land-in-the-gutter chart flops and heralded, underground synth classics, School Daze paints a picture of beautiful failure. Complete with extensive sleeve notes written by King and never before seen imagery, all 24 tracks were remastered by RPM in-house engineer Simon Murphy, many from vinyl copies due to lost master tapes. The story told on All The Young Droids is one of the dawning opportunity presented by both the emergence to the market of cheaper analog synthesisers and the distribution networks plus indie labels that exploded with the advent of punk music in 1976. While the music that sprouted out all over the globe in the wake of these factors was decried as fake, plastic, a refutation of punk’s guitar-led revolution, it’s telling that much of the music on All The Young Droids.. was created in bedrooms, ramshackle studios and home-made set ups with often borrowed equipment. In the era of record labels jumping to capitalise on the success of The Sex Pistols, The Clash (both on major labels, of course) these artists struggled to stand out from a new gold-rush with next to no budget or PR team. With radio and labels desperate for the new Yazoo, what resulted was a testament to necessity being the mother of invention. At the time, the synthesiser was the music of the future, a shiny new machine that could paint like an orchestra with a single finger and a 4-track. In the hands of Manchester avant-pranksters Gerry & The Holograms it’s a pulsing, sardonic weapon.. the only instrument on the Messthetics classic lampooning of New Wave fashion. In Hamburg, a 16 year old Andreas Dorau used it to write and record (with his female classmates on vocals) a global smash in Fred Vom Jupiter (later licensed to Mute Records). The hard-to-find English version (Fred From Jupiter, natch) is included here. Many artists with alreadystoried careers caught the bug and recorded synthesiser-fuelled peons to space, computers, the future and, of course, love-interests. Harry Kakoulli, late of Squeeze, recorded a solo album in 1979 that included the incredible power-synth-pop smash-that-never-smashed I’m On A Rocket. Similarly, Ian North of Neo and American Power Pop stalwarts Milk ’n’ Cookies bought a Korg MS20 and used a tape machine to record We’re Not Lonely, an absolute lost-classic of minimal synth pop. We’re Not Lonely also features on the Junkshop Synth Pop sampler 7” twinned with John Howard unreleased track You Will See, released April 12th 2025. There are plenty of compilation debuts in evidence. Sole Sister were a mysterious trio who were featured on the Scaling Triangles compilation of female-fronted, queer-adjacent post-punk / underground music that also featured The Petticoats. Selwin Image were from San Francisco and featured members of the recently defunct power pop/punk group The Pushups. Their stupidly catchy The Unknown fizzes with New Wave energy - think XTC to Sparks but remains unreleased until now. Dream Unit’s A Drop In The Ocean is an early synth wave cut, positively teaming with Joy Division instrumentation, previously only released on a long-forgotten and super rare, self-released EP. Incandescent Luminaire’s Famous Names belies an archetypal struggle of a small-town trying to make it in a cruel industry but is a thrilling New Romantic-Synth Wave cross over with a OMD gloominess that’s a joy to hear. Feminist Minimal Wave track I Am A Time Bomb by performance artist Peta Lilly and Michael Chance is a revelation destined for new found cult status. It was released on 7” and lost until now. The flipside to the subterranean, never-made-it synth pop mentioned above are the ambitious, even fruity attempts at success that have a perennial elegance to their confidence. New Jersey-ite Billy London (real name Ed Barth) tried to cash in on the synth boom with Woman, released by a major label, a lurching new wave track built on the Louie Louie rhythm and a wonderfully camp Lou Reedstyle sleazy vocal before exploding in the synthesised chorus. The song bombed but with a chorus like this, you have to wonder why? Ex-Glitter Band member John Springate’s My Life is truly epic, with doomed chord progressions and massive sounding drums turning into at least 3 different songs in the course of the track. Before you wonder what’s going on the song resolves with a glorious return to the main refrain. The dry-ice-dressed dance floor is well catered for too. Design’s Premonition and Vision’s Lucifer’s Friend are stone-cold minimal synth bangers, well loved but given a new lease of life here. The Warlord’s The Ultimate Warlord was released in 1978, a homespun proto Hi NRG banger that was later re-recorded by The Immortals in Canada who had a club hit with it. One-man- band Disco Volante’s No Motion was re-issued by Synth wave label Medical in 2012 but makes its first vinyl compilation appearance here. Close your eyes and you can imagine what Lawrence of Felt would have sounded like with some cheap Korgs a little earlier in his career. Gibraltar-based trio The Microbes imagined a computer programming people to dance - how prescient - and ended up with a propulsive, robo-funk track with splendid rubbery bass playing over a tectonic drum machine. Previously picked up by Belgian label Stroom TV, Dee Jay Bert & Eagle’s heavily Euro-accented I Am Your Master demands the listener to “come to paradise!” In a frankly terrifying manner. All The Young Droids is the first compilation to peel away from the narrative that dour, Minimal Synth and Cold Wave were the only musical children of the first rush of synth pop. Philip King and School Daze Records describe a much more complicated world: along with the austere, Brutalist children of Daniel Miller (who produced Alan Burnham’s Bowie-Low-influenced Science Fiction here) was a plethora of desperate cash-ins, accidental mainstream hits, ambitious pop dramas and major label punts that went nowhere. Crucially, the compilation blurs the line between junk and treasure. What if the two things are interchangeable. What if it’s all science fiction?
DJ Support: Carl Cox, Mark Knight, Riva Starr, Tedd Patterson, Hector Romero, Grant Nelson, Kevin Yost, Saison.
Luca Olivotto returns to Groove Culture Deep with a new four-track EP entitled: “Bring The Funk EP”, A great exploration of deep house that seamlessly blending classic influences with a modern, dancefloor-driven touch. Olivotto's expertise shines through, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge, ensuring a brilliant journey on this new release.‘Bring The Funk' EP is a testament to the evolving soundscape of Luca. This collection promises to captivate enthusiasts and DJs alike.
For the first time on Little Beat More, Sweden’s Cumbiasound deliver a vibrant 7” that expands their ever-evolving exploration of tropical soundscapes. Led by Daniel Fridell, the band has long been pushing the boundaries of cumbia while keeping its analogue heart beating strong, blending classic Colombian and Peruvian sounds with Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, funk, and beyond.
The A-side Mas Paz (Rework) breathes new life into one of Cumbiasound’s most beloved tracks, originally featured on their album Cosas del Universo. Vocalist Lis Flores Varela brings her unmistakable smoothness, while Chilean rapper Boogie Castillo lays down thoughtful verses with his signature flow in a track that captures the essence of the band: rooted, soulful, and globally connected. And to top it off, this new version has a fresh new vocal feature by Congolese singer José Pereelanga.
On the flip side, Jinsei, is a collaboration with Japanese cumbia band Mumbia y Sus Candelosos, led by composer and percussionist Mutsumi Kobayashi. With its breezy guitars, soft tropical groove, and the warm vocals of José Pereelanga, the track drifts like a slow river, effortlessly bridging continents and traditions.
With this 7”, Cumbiasound once again affirms its place among the most interesting projects in today’s nu-cumbia landscape with a vision that crosses borders with ease.
Made with Love by Little Beat More 2025 “We Dance We Think”
SUPREME STRIKER proudly presents its very first release, SST101 — Quasar “Ritmo Love EP”. This marks the beginning of a new chapter, an exclusive imprint born from the Skylax universe, with a striking visual identity crafted by the legendary studio H5 (Daft Punk, Air, Logorama), delivering an exclusive design destined for collectors. Quasar, the DJ and producer from Russia who already made waves on Mellah #3 under the alias Arash & Quasar, now delivers a true masterpiece of italo-disco infused with 80s nostalgia and modern precision.
The journey starts on Side A with “Ritmo Love,” a dazzling homage to the golden era of italo and new wave, where pulsating basslines and shimmering synths make for an instant classic. It is followed by “Easy Flight,” an uplifting and elegant trip that fuses hi-NRG energy with a deep house sensibility, crafted for nocturnal dancefloors. On the B side, “Forever in Memory” dives into a melancholic yet powerful soundscape, bridging the legacy of synth-pop with a strong club-oriented vision. Things escalate further with his collaborator Salimjan on the hypnotic and dramatic “Urkus,” and finally reach a cosmic climax with “Alhamdu Limusik,” a mystical blend of tribal rhythm and soaring electronics that closes the record with transcendence.
SUPREME STRIKER launches with a statement: this is not just another label, but a new frontier where disco, house and techno are reimagined by artists capable of pushing boundaries. With H5’s exclusive artwork, each release is conceived as a true collector’s piece. Quasar’s “Ritmo Love EP” is a bombshell—an electrifying piece of vinyl designed to delight the most discerning dancefloors and a foundation stone for what promises to be a legendary catalog.
Vinyl only.
For true diggers and devoted believers.
A truly “Not Normal” label is finally here to unveil its concept of split releases.
The A-side takes you on a transcendental journey led by Balinsky, where melancholic echoes of 90s rave culture intertwine with modern rhythms and carefully sculpted basslines, forming a mysterious and captivating soundscape.
The B-side invites you into the fiery, groovy world of Javier Carballo. Refracted rhythms collide with deep, enveloping sound design, pulling you into a pulsating and uncharted adventure.
Together, the two artists create a delicate balance — their distinctive yet seamlessly blended visions deliver a luminous spectrum of tracks for you to enjoy.
Panthera is back at the Bordello with his most energy-packed release to date. Synthsizer Hits III is forged in the heat of Hi-NRG, the romance of italo and the daring synthesizer hooks of 1980s Europe. A thick rasping beat pounds above a juddering arpeggiator line before hedonistic surges ignite “Fumare”, an achingly addictive opener. Vocals are toyed with, used to increase the potency of the chosen machines and sounds. A circling chant infects “Lucifera” as a joyous melody takes hold of this modern Summer anthem, euphoric notes ushering in the dawn while speakers and strobe throb. There is a palpable power that permeates the 12”. “The Magic Touch” sends strings sailing skyward as rich percussive textures take root below. From this fertile ground, a sensational ode to the synthesizer flowers. Vocoder lyrics, pulsating rhythms and keys that are truly fantastical. “Toccata” finishes this analogue celebration. Slow burning with disco inflections, this finale soon shows its true colours. Daring counter melodies frolic, from the elegant and refined to the brash and broad, in this mirrorball inspired last dance.
lim. 150 blue transparent 180 Gr LP + 7" + Poster / incl. Silent Servant Remix
A cross-cutting label exploring the boundaries between different disciplines based on deep listening and music research, Modern Obscure Music is set to release 'INRI' (INDUSTRIA NACIONAL DEL RUIDO INFINITO) on the 1st December, the new album from Dellarge.
Inspired by the scenic beauty of his studio's surroundings at Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacan, Mexico, Alejandro Barba, aka Dellarge, delves deep into the depths of his artistic consciousness to craft a spiritual album that encapsulates the essence of the place. 'INRI' stands for Industria Nacional del Ruido Infinito (National Industry of Infinite Noise) and serves as a vessel for Dellarge's innermost self-expression and reflections on the potential of humanity.
A multifaceted artist and veteran of the music industry for over two decades, his latest musical creation is an intimate and personal album and a departure from previous Techno/EBM-orientated Dellarge releases. 'INRI' (INDUSTRIA NACIONAL DEL RUIDO INFINITO) offers a mesmerizing blend of ambient, futuristic, and industrial sounds that transport listeners into a realm of mysticism, futurism, and duality and stands as a testament to Dellarge's artistic growth and his ability to transcend boundaries, offering listeners an immersive experience that connects them to his world.
Drawing inspiration from numerous sources, Dellarge found creative fuel in books such as 'El Arte de los Ruidos' by Luigi Russolo, 'Manifiestos y Textos Futuristas' by F.T. Marinetti, and science fiction classics including 'Congreso de Futurología' by Stanislaw Lem, 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson, and 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. Musically, he delved into the works of Coil, Michael Bundt, The Threshold Houseboys Choir, krautrock legends CAN and Popol Vuh, early Kraftwerk, Arthur Brown, Yello, Esquivel, The Residents, and Hector Lavoe for inspiration.
When asked about the creative process behind the album, Dellarge revealed a disciplined routine that involved immersing himself in the sounds, focusing on minute details that connected with the vivid world he envisioned. Ethereal tracks such as 'Viento Androide' and 'Viaje al Sol' offer a glimpse of a hopeful future, while darker compositions such as 'Corpus de Sangre' and 'Toro de Falaris', explore the wickedness and compassion within humanity. Each piece in the album represents a unique sonic journey.
'Viaje al Sol', the first single to be taken from the album, is set for release on the 27th October, and is also available as an EP which includes a remix from Juan Mendez aka Silent Servant. The remix is also included on the digital version of the album and available on 7" vinyl alongside an exclusive reworking of 'Cascabel' by the founder of Modern Obscure Music, Pedro Vian.
To mark Grid's second anniversary back in 2023, the label brought together 13 tracks from the bass scene's most forward-thinking artists, all of which sank you into deep sonic chambers. Now, six of those tracks are available on wax for the first time in what is an essential sampler featuring boundary-pushing contributions from forward-thinking artists. Sister Zo opens with the percussive pressure of 'EMP,' Ronan lays down a lithe rhythm that befits its 'Shadowbox' title and Seekersinternational drill down into warped low-end chaos. There is a deftness to Jonny From Space's tumbling perc and E-Unity brings clean lines and a futuristic sheen to his deep dub workout 'Of All The Places I Could Be'. Tammo Hesselink brings ambient soundscaping with his floating delight, 'Paint Reduce Trick.' This is high-quality, original music that moves both mind and body.
Originally released in 1972, Toni Tornado's self-titled debut is a landmark in Brazilian soul and funk - a gritty, groovy record that helped define the sound of the Black Rio movement. Blending deep soul, psychedelic funk, and bold orchestration, this album channels the revolutionary energy of James Brown with the tropical swagger of Rio's streets. From the urgent rhythms of 'Torniente' to the undeniable strut of 'Mané Beleza' and 'Tornado,' Toni's music pulses with a fierce sense of pride and liberation. It's the sound of a new cultural identity taking shape - where African-American soul met Afro-Brazilian reality. Often compared to the legendary Tim Maia, Tornado brought his own explosive edge to Brazil's growing soul scene. By the 1970s, other Brazilian musicians, such as Banda Black Rio, Cassiano, Gerson King Combo, Jorge Ben and Gilberto Gil, began making soul records. DJs started throwing soul-only parties. Toni Tornado's voice carries grit and passion, his grooves hit hard, and his message is crystal clear - Black is beautiful, and the funk is real. Back on vinyl for a new generation, this reissue is more than a collector's gem - it's a time capsule from an era when music moved bodies and minds. Essential listening for fans of vintage soul, global funk, and revolutionary sounds. Reissue on 180g vinyl.
"The Land of the Sun, the Moon and Cosmic Melodies" is a conceptual Opera of III movements, inspired by a cosmogony that features the planets of the sun and the moon. These two characters guides us on a journey of light and shadow, rising and setting in a cycle of unexplored musical territories.
The Collective Move presents its debut album with a broad palette of sounds, ranging from jazz to opera, from southern Italian folk music to northern Indian classical music, orchestrating a 60-minute "sonic narration" that ends with the fable "What do the birds tell?".
The Collective Move is an international group of young musicians formed in the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2022. The Collective's vision is to unite diverse artistic expressions and musical genres, inviting diverse artists and musicians from diverse cultures and countries to collaborate in flexible and interdisciplinary formations.
FAFO Records proudly presents its 36th release: Bahe Lumon EP, a long-awaited work by Giorgio Robles, founder of the label and a key figure in the underground scene. Originally produced over two years ago, this EP finally sees the light-delivering a deep, hypnotic, and groove-heavy journey rooted in minimal techno. The release features two original tracks, Bahe and Lumon, reflecting Giorgio's signature approach: elegant, rhythmic, and crafted for intimate dancefloors. The EP is further enriched by two outstanding remixes: one from Herman Saiz, a seasoned producer and founder of the acclaimed label Sound of Sirius (which previously featured a joint release with Giorgio), and another from Venda, a well-known name in the global minimal scene. Based in Australia, Venda has built a solid reputation through a series of quality vinyl releases, and his remix here is no exception. As always, this is a vinyl-only release, distributed by Memoria Records, and aimed at selectors, collectors, and true lovers of underground sounds.
Belgian tastemaker Charlotte de Witte returns to her own KNTXT to serve up the well regarded label's seventh EP. Rave On Time is about reminding us of the joys of being lost on the dance floor and is another hard hitting EP filled with her distinctive techno energy.
Charlotte is at the centre of her own musical movement, with a hard hitting, no frills style. Her powerful grooves, whether solo or in collaboration with the likes of Chris Liebing, come laced with ambient and synth beauty. She has mesmerised crowds all over the world as well as at her own special KNTXT events, and has been as creative as ever during lockdown, as this new EP shows.
Says the artist herself of this latest offering, "Rave On Time. Three words that probably have never been more relevant. In a time where raving feels like a distant memory, it seems increasingly important to bring music back in our lives, in reverse. Let's not forget where we came from and let's not lose hope. We'll be together again soon. Rave On Time."
Opener Rave On Time is built on hammering, distorted kicks that bend you to their whim. Freaky vocals and monstrous hits add extra pressure and ensure you stay locked before shooting laser synths and retro hoover sounds bring the rave. There's No One Left To Trust keeps up the energy with scintillating synths rattling over rock solid drum programming that never lets up. The World Inside is brain frying material, with serrated synths firing out and growing ever more acid as the groove pounds on. Common Era is brilliant hands in the air acid-trance-techno that froths with energy and flashing strobes. Finally, vinyl only track 'Wahr Ist Sie Dann’ is a distorted, brain melting techno workout with brutalist kicks and vast walls of synths that are hugely powerful.
As ever from de Witte, this is pure, unadulterated club music that makes a gargantuan impact.
Yamaha's DX series of synthesizers has long been a source of inspiration for Tom Trago. The DX7, in particular, appeals to the Dutch producer thanks to a unique sound that he describes as glassy but classic and icy'. 34 years after it went on sale - the same year as Trago was born, interestingly - the synthesizer's sound still bristles with futurist appeal.
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Trago, who was partially trained in how to use the DX7 by studio friends Bok Bok, Sterac Electronics and Juju and Jordash, has decided to pay tribute to this most distinctive of synthesizers by using it as inspiration for Serene Waters, his first EP for Voyage Direct since 2014 epic Hidden Heart of Gold.
Across the course of five sparkling, spacey and melodious tracks, the Voyage Direct chief showcases the variety of sounds that can be teased from the DX7. Compare, for example, the delicate and rush-inducing melodies of dreamy, deep electro opener Harvest' and the two contrasting mixes of Opulent'', variations on a throbbing, futurist techno theme rich in glacial melody lines, bustling synth-bass and spacey chords. The dancefloor possibilities of the synthesizer's sound palette comes to the fore on the stripped-back Within Mix', where Trago's rolling stabs and cascading melodies are wrapped in tougher, denser drums.
The sparkling nature of the DX7's trademark sounds also come to the fore on XYZ', a crunchier and snappier electro outing that recall the effervescent brilliance of Trago's sometime label mate, Sterac Electronics. The track's combination of darting bass and mind-altering, alien electronics is as kaleidoscopic as they come.
Nestled slap bang in the centre of the EP is Red Room', where Trago manipulates his machines to get a far more psychedelic sound. While there's vibrant warmth thanks to some seductive background pads and stretched-out chords, it's the bubbling electronincs and futurist tunefulness that catches the ear. Like much of the rest of the EP, it tiptoes the fine line between poignancy and rush-inducing colourfulness.
‘Açid Blüüs Räägs Vol.2’ is the latest evolution of the sound of last year’s Volume 1. The debut album was described by Joe Banks for Shindig! Magazine as; “Shivering slabs of drone blues transcendentalism…a burning junkyard of sheet metal blues… Hot stuff.” Volume 2 builds on the skronk blues guitar, sax and electronic drones of it’s predecessor, to explore cosmic free jazz, concrete exotica and dub, channelling influences of Moondog, Terry Riley, 75 Dollar Bill and Wolf Eyes. Playing like the imagined film soundtracks to a dystopian, re-wilded, post eco crash world in the style of Tarkovsky's ‘Stalker’ and ’Solaris’, Jodorowsky's surreal desert western ‘El Topo’, or the early novels of JG Ballard. This new collection sees the addition of minimal analogue drum machine loops as well as live instrumental contributions from the new players of the ever evolving Invocation band, plus some superstar guest contributors.
Featuring five brand new tracks, including the forthcoming single; ‘Cosmic Fanfare’, has already picked up BBC 6 Music support from Gideon Coe. The new album was mixed by Alex McGowan (aka Captain Future) of Space Eko Studios and features Invocation band regulars Rick Jensen of Apocalypse Jazz Unit, Skronk and Oneirologist on sax and bass clarinet, Will Emms aka Tiki Eerie on melodica, horns and claviola, plus special guest appearances from Duke Garwood on clarinet and Mikey 'Moondog' Chestnut of Snapped Ankles on bass synth. “….Acid fried kosmiche blues meets drone raag transcendentalism”. Jonny Halifax is a primitivist free blues outsider, sonic shaman of the acid fuzzed lap steel guitar, demented blower of the howling harmonica of doom. His new band project now combines avant swamp blues heaviosity with kosmic free jazz experimentalism in a fluid collective of godless raag brut improvisations - sonic visions of an hallucinatory apocalyptic near future. Inspired by Henry Flynt’s avant bluegrass experiments fusing country blues with eastern acoustic musical stylings, Spacemen 3’s contemporary sitar music, and the monolithic drone doom immersion of Sunn 0))), THE JONNY HALIFAX INVOCATION build hypnotic instrumental soundscapes using lap steel and homemade slide guitars, harmonica and alto sax. Underpinned by layers of acoustic and electronic drone instruments and fed through an arsenal of pedalboard electronics that would make Kevin Shields weep, the blues are transmogrified, unhinged, reduced and re-imagined as intoxicating, trance-inducing, feedback-drenched noise paintings. THE JONNY HALIFAX INVOCATION follows Jonny’s junkshop skronk blues one man band Honkeyfinger, and the Julian Cope endorsed gospel fuzz psychedelia of Jonny Halifax & The Howling Truth, whilst not forgetting his ambient drone metal side project; Deathenteredinerror. His musical CV also includes studio contributions to tracks by Andrew Weatherall’s Two Lone Swordsmen, UK metal behemoths Orange Goblin, Heck and Melting Hand.
Influences and inspirations come from far and wide. Sometimes they can be household names or pioneers. Other times, they can be lesser-known outfits; less known, but no less influential. Futuro belong to the latter category for Italo Moderni.
Javier and Raúl are two Spanish synthesizer sorcerers who are steeped in the traditions of italo disco and the analogue sounds of the 1980s. While Italo Moderni was still in its infancy, Futuro were a shining light with a young upstart by the name of Adrian Marth even making videos for their tracks. From these beginnings, a mutual respect and friendship developed. Now, the circle is complete with the six tracks making their way onto Accidenti; an EP that marks Futuro’s debut on Italo Moderni.
The collection showcases the breadth of Futuro’s sound. With all instrumentation played through classic analogue machines, the six works journey through neon-streaked city nights, deep uncharted jungle and sun-kissed beaches. Drawing on the music of Rimini, silver screen soundtracks and arcade innocence, this is an EP that remembers and reimagines the 1980s. Intent is immediately set, with the tense and textured “L’assalto” delivering movie score synth stabs alongside crisp percussion. “Matador” is pure elegance, panpipe playfulness countered by glacial refrains and shimmering key shifts. “Iguazu” transports the listener to the wildlife and wilderness of the Amazon; cascading chords glisten as the canopy sings. Futuro takes to the skies with the sonorous swoops of “Il sogno dell’aviatore” before the lovelorn landing of “Fantasma d’amore”, a sumptuous synthesizer serenade of unrequited romance. To close, we’re firmly on the ground for “Sotto le stelle.” Under these sparkling stars, glimmering notes glow with warmth in a finale fitting for such an EP.
And, it is fitting to finally have Futuro on Italo Moderni. A group that has inspired and will continue to do so well into the future. An accidental discovery, mutual respect and a partnership rooted in a love of synthesizers has brought Accidenti into being.
After over a decade away from making music, Greek-born musician and composer Giannis Gogos is back. It was the turmoil of the pandemic that allowed him to reconnect with making music after years working in photography and now he's combining analogue and digital sound with intricate melodies and plenty of keyboards, glockenspiel, kalimba and guitars. This latest album is enhanced by oodles of delay and reverb effects and makes for an ethereal journey inspired by Henry Corbin's Man of Light in Iranian Sufism. It explores light as a symbol of divine presence through serene, introspective soundscapes.
For the first time, Endrik Schroeder and The Hacker have joined forces. Their unique sounds and styles have combined seamlessly to produce a 12” that draws on their own musical histories. The title track pulls the listener into a darkened sweaty basement, a space where neon lights leer and quivering speakers vibrate. Melting elements of new beat and rave revelry, the track is bawdy and bold. Robotic samples cut through siren blasts, clean snare rolls skidding in thick basslines and creamy breaks.
Two remixes follow, both care of fellow French producer: Back From The Wave. First up is the “Breaky Remix”. Adhering to the club origins of the source material, this remake sends melodies ever higher as drums lift elated lines to the stern refrain of “Emergency”. The “Indie Remix” closes. The glowsticks are sheathed in this version, instead it is the soaring keys that are given the limelight with beats bolstered for extra bite. Three tracks set to delight and ignite dancefloors.
SOULMEEX record label marks its first anniversary in November 2025 with a milestone release: the label’s debut 7-inch. This special edition offers a new opportunity to expand its catalogue of forward-thinking sounds while honoring the timeless spirit of vinyl.
For the occasion, SOULMEEX presents signature tracks from NYC-based artist Evan Michael, whose productions balance depth and groove with finesse. On Side A, “Drifted Past” flows with hypnotic textures and steady momentum, creating a journey that bridges nostalgia and modern club energy. Side B, “Total Fiction” reveals a darker, more intricate narrative, weaving subtle rhythms and immersive layers that highlight Michael’s skill in uniting experimentation with dancefloor appeal.
As in the label’s very first release a year ago, the artwork is once again crafted by watercolor artist Celia Egea, whose visual language perfectly captures the spirit and emotion behind SOULMEEX sound.
More than a record, this release acts as a bridge between tradition and innovation, embodying the SOULMEEX vision: connecting timeless electronica aesthetics with fresh artistic voices. One year of music, community, and creative exploration.
The 12-track record is the first album on SHDW's influential label and explores the past, present, and future of techno.
Planet X label head and 20-year scene veteran Exos, hailing from Iceland, draws on his native country's influences in his work, which explores the interplay between light and dark, warmth and cold. His high-octane sounds over the last 20 years have appeared on vital imprints like Tresor, X/OZ, and, of course, Mutual Rytm, with his releases for
the label having been extremely well received, garnering support from the scene's key DJs. Whether dubby or hard, his techno is always authentic and channels the purity of the 90s style. This new album follows Exos's inaugural X-Release, the Infrared 10", the Icebreaker 12" from last year, and his track on the latest Federation of Rytm IV compilation. It's a real journey through all facets of his sound, including a trip back to his dub techno roots, ambient
explorations, and emotional vocal pieces with lifelong memories fused into sounds that reflect the artist's decades spent in Iceland.
'Sweet Dreams' opens with an atmospheric intro in the form of a 28-year-old collaboration with his father. This full-bodied analogue ambient piece is rich with the mysterious tones of the Nord Modular and was recorded during their shared studio days at D17 in Reykjavik. The title track is a hypnotic, linear groove with icy synth modulations and glistening melodies. 'Hinn Vioforli' then brings dub warmth while 'State of Mind' recalls the spirit of the legendary Reykjavik club 'Thomsen', a cornerstone of Iceland's late 90s underground scene. 'Glaour Og Reifur' and
'Fogur Er Hlioin'pay homage to the echoes of ancient Viking heritage, 'North of January' conveys the cold of Exos's homeland, and 'Hvarvetna' brings textured percussion and darker undertones before '101 After Dark' slows to a bass-heavy broken beat exploration of texture and post-dubstep pressure.
After the heady and atmospheric sound of 'The Dolphin Oracle', another key collaboration comes with 'Freefall', an emotional breakbeat piece featuring vocalist Amelia Rodriguez,' who also lends her voice to 'Shock', a magnificent track that channels Exos's modern techno energy. The album closes with a haunting paradox, 'Paradise Lost,' questioning whether our sweet dreams are truly moments of bliss or simply reflections of what we've already left behind. The three bonus digital cuts offer sleek minimalism, punchy deep techno, and suspenseful ambient.
Returning for his third solo album on Spatial, Aural Imbalance continues his journey through the cosmos with a breathtaking array of breaks, bass and inimitable ambient wizardry.
A1 - Fading Reality
Kicking off the album we are treated to a blissfully ambient intro akin to a perfect sunrise across a tranquil unfurling landscape - just as we have come to know and love from Aural Imbalance. Long, airy washes of textured pads usher in a fantastically snappy break pattern which brings an alluring energy to proceedings, driving the track along with funnels of tuneful melodies lazily drifting by in the ambience.
A2 - This Time
Jumping right into the breaks DJ-style with a delicious Hot Pants pattern, This Time's central theme utilises a hypnotic simple but effective chime melody that plays a key role throughout the track, alongside fluttering birdsong and a luscious array of samples. The exquisite breakdown which delights with an incredible blend of bass atmospheric synths & pads is both beautiful and poignant.
B1 - Always With You
Introduced by what sounds like footsteps echoing through the darkness, Always With You lives up to its title by surrounding you with a warmth usually reserved for arriving home and nestling by the fire. Driven by delicate but vibrant breakbeats, this track showcases Aural Imbalance's relentless dexterity with ambient soundscapes dancing in perfect harmony with deep 808 bass and old school beats.
B2 - Solarity
Lightly excitable hats and elegantly filtered breaks open Solarity, a deeply evocative track with breakbeats rising through the intro towards a drop with solid analogue kicks and a wonderfully deep and persistent bassline. Sporadic micro melodies cruise the waves of floating synthwork, effects rippling gently in the foreground and background of the mix like playful phosphorescence.
C1 - First Protocol
Up next we see Aural Imbalance crack the amen knuckles with a real treat for old school heads - an ambient, synthy ambient laden with incredibly light spaced-out hats through the flowing waves is soon jolted into life by a satisfyingly crisp amen break, edited and programmed with flair and majestic detail that sits perfectly with the light, often sullen textured soundscape drifting above.
C2 - Crystals
An otherworldly landscape brimming with wonder and intrigue unfolds with Crystals, an atmospheric delight with a twist. The serene opening leads into a terrific old school break which takes center stage, punchy in the mix and edited with a precision as shimmering textures and meditative synthwork are expertly layered around the ever-rolling beats, perfect for any occasion at home or the 160bpm dancefloor.
D1 - Velarious
Continuing his showcase of breaks from across the atmospheric drum & bass spectrum, Aural Imbalance introduces Velarious with a quietly epic ambient flow, with filtered drums creeping in before the drop arrives, breakbeats buoyed by some seriously deep 808 bass and distinct hi hats. Micro melodies intersect and reverberate throughout the track to complete an enduring and eclectic composition.
D2 - South Coast Sunrise
Closing with a good old fashioned love letter to the Hot Pants break, South Coast Sunrise perfectly encapsulates its title with a gorgeous panoramic overlay of ambience, spread over an intensely memorable edit of that classic break - programmed and mixed to remarkable effect and cementing Aural Imbalance's ongoing rise as a master of edits as well as ambience, fully realised for our listening pleasure on Spatial.
dungeon acid review 25-09-03 by Joakim Cosmo A acid house style EP by swedish acid techno pioneer on swedens oldest underground label? Making a acid house EP in 2025 that makes a difference is a challenging task but this one just nails it. Here you see a softer and more musical side of Dungeon Acid in the shape of 5 dark yet hopeful Acid House tracks. Despite the classic form and ingredients it somehow avoids feeling retro but I guess this is what happens when you let a true grand master do it combined with a selector and label boss beyond the ordinary. It's like a paralell universe version of what Acid House could have become, and its a beautiful vision. A1-101-303 starts off with a dreamy, moody dubby and slightly romantic track that is just utterly beautiful in all its simplicity. The elegance and easy touch strikes me instantly. Nails the essence of the genre. One more like this and im buying it. The way A2-Unlock rewind builds up gives me goosebumps. So hypnotic and dark and experimental and the way it progresses to the ravey chord-break. The sounds and effects and details feel so alive and on the fly. In the record store this is where id already go "ok, im having this one" B1-Lonely Acid boy is yet another simple yet super atmospheric track. The contrasts between the rough robotic parts and the jazzy live solos ontop just gets to me. The roughness in the mix, that second beat with the hi-hats and extra bass, the fact that its so loud and sudden, is just great. And then we get to B2-Shnukki and all of a sudden, a romantic melodious electro track with a asian touch and acid bassline, that somehow goes well together with the other tracks. This one isnt my favourite or what I would buy the record for, but it would probably be the one I discover years later. Typical Borft Records to think that far ahead. The EP ends with B3-Chiliflex BB come on and this one starts with more late 80's ravey chords but the further you get into the track the more disharmonic, tweaky and punky it becomes. Things dont really fit together yet they do. To sum it up, these tracks are raw, funky, gutsy, streety, visionary, full of contrast and a bit challenging, just like acid house should be, but often isnt. I think Dungeon Acid and Borft Records nails it here. I'd buy doubles of this.
On “Cold Sweat,” James Brown famously called to “give the drummer some.” In 1974, Philadelphia vibraphonist Khan Jamal called to Give the Vibes Some, with superb results. Pianist and composer Jef Gilson’s PALM label gave Jamal the platform he needed to deliver a thorough exploration of contemporary vibraphone. After launching PALM in 1973, Gilson quickly demonstrated that he would only produce records not found anywhere else. Give the Vibes Some, PALM number 10, was another confirmation of this guiding principle.
Raised and based in Philadelphia, Khan Jamal took up the vibes in 1968, after two years in the army during which he was stationed in France and Germany. Decisively drawn to the instrument by the work of the Modern Jazz Quartet’s Milt Jackson, Jamal studied under Philadelphia vibraphone legend Bill Lewis and soon made his debuts in the local underground.
Early in 1972, Jamal made his first recording, with the Sounds of Liberation. The band attempted an original fusion of conga-heavy grooves with avant-garde jazz soloing. Saxophonist Byard Lancaster, an important figure in Jamal’s development, contributed much of the solo work. Later in 1972, Jamal made his leader debut with Drum Dance to the Motherland, a reverb-drenched, never-to-be-replicated experiment with live sound processing. Both albums appeared on the tiny musician-run Dogtown label.
“We couldn’t get no play from nowhere. No gigs or recording sessions or anything. So I took off for Paris,” Jamal recalled in a Cadence interview with Ken Weiss. “Within a few weeks, I had a few articles and I did a record date. It didn’t make me feel good about America.” That was in 1974, while Byard Lancaster was recording the music gathered on Souffle Continu’s recent The Complete PALM Recordings, 1973-1974.
Jamal’s record date delivered Give the Vibes Some. At its core, it was an exploratory solo vibraphone album, even if two tracks added (through technological resourcefulness?) a très célèbre French drummer very much into Elvin Jones appearing under pseudonym for contractual reasons. Another track, for which Jamal switched to the vibes’s wooden ancestor, the marimba, added young Texan trumpeter Clint Jackson III. The most notable article published on Jamal during this stay in France was a Jazz Magazine interview. Jamal’s last word there were “The Creator has a master plan/drum dance to the motherland.” “Give the vibes some” could be added to this programmatic statement.
The Xuntanza series returns with its sixth volume, reaffirming the collaborative spirit that has made it a reference within contemporary electronic music.
In this new chapter, five artists from singular sonic universes come together on one record to shape a collective journey: Legowelt, Synth Alien, Vema Diodes, Irrational Language, and Sound Synthesis.
The result is a mosaic of sounds in tune with the open and daring identity of Fanzine Records. Join this new Xuntanza and be part of the history of Fanzine Records.
Second volume of the "Rebirth of jazz" series, VISIONS explores an even wider sound territory, which connects the 90s to today, between hip-hop, soul, electro and hybrid jazz. More than just a compilation, the album brings together generations of artists able to transform their influences into sensitive, generous and singular works. From Léna C. to Dj Mat and The Excitements, through Moar, Lou Blic & Prof Jah Pinpin or Joël Brown, each piece draws a soundscape where spirituality, groove and organic poetry intersect. A musical manifesto open to emotion and beauty, like the vision of the Rebirth On Wax label.
Astropolis Records, the label born from the legendary Brest festival, marks a decade of electronic devotion with a sprawling, heartfelt anniversary compilation — slightly belated, but executed with undeniable flair.
It also comes in two EPs, showcasing the many facets of the Astropolis universe: in-house artists, long-time festival collaborators, and fresh talent from France’s ever-bubbling scene. Eighteen artists guide us through a sonic journey where rave heritage, electronic dreamscapes, and collective fervor intertwine — true to the spirit of a festival that has never recognized borders
The first EP bathes in warm tones across electronica, house, g-tech, old-school rave, and melodic techno.
It opens with grace and magic via Rone, whose electronic touch conjures the intimate and the infinite. Between electronica and downtempo, The Dolphin Ambassador delivers luminous melancholy, offering a gentle calm before the storm.
The unlikely pairing of Mézigue and Swooh catapults house into a g-tech vortex with the unrestrained Broken Roll To Venice, a compact fusion of groove, hybrid sounds, and playful inventiveness.
Belaria & Madben continue this alchemical thread on Into The Void, an incendiary anthem where 90s rave, EBM, and modern intensity collide in hypnotic trance.
For old-school dancefloor loyalists, KiNK finally resurrects a cult live set staple: Give Me, a bona fide banger merging breakbeat and vintage house, engineered for late-night sweat sessions.
Oniris & Benjamin Rippert revisit the melodic techno roots of the label on Sonate, demonstrating a masterful command of harmony.
This anniversary compilation underscores the label’s openness to new generations and recent sonic hybrids, while paying homage to the techno scene that shaped its early days. Much like the festival itself, it embodies the same sincerity and collective energy: a small manifesto connecting generations, aesthetics, and territories — celebrating roots without nostalgia, and the future without bowing to trends.
The new step of GIMIC: Soundscape Waves Vol . 1 — the debut compilation from GIMIC Records on a double vinyl, Various Artists. Two records, two worlds: experimental & electronica explorations vs raw club energy. Featuring Hadone, Dangermami, NMSS, Canblaster, Darzack and more — the GIMIC soundscape comes alive.
Opsin- the new collaborative alias of longtime friends and producers Keydell and Kincaid - announce their debut LP on wax, Through The Wall, from London-based record label Hypnic Jerks.
Artist Info:
Opsin is the debut project between artists Keydell (Liam Keydell Myers-Cook) and Kincaid (Joe Arthur). The Pair have previously released on the following labels: Well Street Records, Banoffee Pies, Redstone Press & Bliss Print.
Both have extensive work in sound design and collaborated on the soundtrack for Mithridate at London Fashion Week 2024. Kincaid also produced the soundtrack for Alexander Whitley's Anti-Body Ballet.
Release Info:
The album is named after the birthplace of its creation. Sharing files between bedroom walls during COVID-19. Keydell's meticulous Ableton-based resampling of found audio and modular synth racks, and Kincaid's Reaktor-driven synthesis in Logic.
Draws on a wide spectrum of electronic influences the album infuses elements of rave, techno, industrial and ambient sounds, whilst never quite landing in any specific genre.
Second release from London label Hypnic Jerks on 4 sides of 180 gram vinyl, in a gatefold sleeve designed by Jacob Wise and mastered by Rashad Becker.
A followup from their first release - Toumba's debut physical release 'Rosefinch', which saw later releases from Hessle Audio and Nervous Horizon.
With centuries of history, traditional instruments carry physical vibrations shaped by human breath and touch. In contrast, electronic music generates vibrations through inorganic principles such as electrical signals and circuits. When the subtle tremors of traditional instruments resonate with the intricate tones of electronic sounds in an improvised dialogue, performers from distinct realms expand each other’s languages, creating a new sensory experience. The project album Ancient Moment marks the first collaboration between the Korean contemporary music ensemble WhatWhy Art and the Seoul underground electronic music collective vurt.. It is a record of a free journey where two different worlds collide and merge,
In Part 1 of the album, you will hear boundless performances by daegeum player Hong Yoo with electronic musician Unjin, and gayageum player Hwayoung Lee with ambient duo Hosoo. The recording was done in an improvised one-take format at STUDIO Y in Seoul, and Giuseppe Tillieci mastering enhanced the sonic quality.
Cosmic Voodoo is an immersive musical experience that combines the best of cosmic disco with the pulsating energy of contemporary electronica. Through alternating synthesizers and acoustic instruments, this project presents an irresistible arsenal of sound.
This is the second volume of four that will create a unique graphic work created by the famous Aldo Drudi.
Written and produced by Daniele Baldelli, undisputed master of cosmic-disco, and Mattia “Matta” Dallara, sound explorer and producer of Cosmic Temple, this EP is a journey that evokes dreamy and nostalgic atmospheres, perfectly in line with disco roots.
The tracks unfold between enveloping grooves, spacey synthesizers and rhythms that pay homage to the 1980s, generating a sound that is both classic and innovative. An electronic tribal ritual, a dancing spell that can transport the listener to a parallel universe full of psychedelic sounds and magnetic beats.
Ideal for those who like to lose themselves in the depths of sound and be guided by vibrations that oscillate between past and future.
It's time for the next instalment from our gracious Spiritual Vibes label to bring some joyous musical upliftment and what better way than to introduce an inspirational piece we entitled 'Hands of Moses'; a revamp from the vaults of Bushman's works from the 80s and known to many as a one-away dubplate called 'Moses' in which we have now brought up to speed inna 2025 style with some exceptional musicianship involvement from the Spiritual Players of Instruments bringing emphasis to the majestic soundscapes on this project! ????
As it's the 2nd edition on Spiritual Vibes and to keep the theme of the release - we have decided have the main run in a special luminous red colour disc pressing and if that wasn't enough we are also giving away an EXTRA DUB CUT as a digital download to the first 100 copies sold via Bandcamp as a token of appreciation for all the support for both Ashanti Selah & Bushman's works over the years!
This vinyl comes complete with 4 stomping cuts mixed down in the Selah Dub studio with precision and quality ensuring to bring the right energy to the sessions through the sound-system style selection!
Originally Written by S. Richardson (Bushman) & Re-worked by both Bushman and Ashanti Selah for Spiritual Vibes recordings!
Celebrating its anniversary with a characteristically bold move, Kyiv-based vinyl label Artreform isn't closing a chapter - it's opening a new one. Rather than issuing a standard 50th release, the label jumps straight to release 51 with this striking 8-track mini-album - a sly nod to the new sounds and exciting events still to come.
Splitting the anniversary release into two parts (four tracks each) creates a liminal space between the past and the future; between canonical house sounds and futuristic sound experiments. Unwavering ambition and a daring vision have long defined Artreform - and are deeply embedded in the creative credo of its founder, DJ, producer, and vinyl connoisseur Joss.
After an impressive 13-year journey, it's fair to say that Artreform has never succumbed to the lure of fleeting trends, remaining steadfast in its dedication to quality tech house, deep house, and microhouse. At the same time, the label continues to stay sharp, hungry for new ideas, and firmly in step with the times - while many imprints of similar vintage slide into self-mythologizing mode, focusing on reissues and retrospective compilations.
The new release makes this abundantly clear. The second half of the celebratory mini-album features a vibrant, life-affirming dancefloor cut from JOSS; a peak-time rave-inspired killer by iO (Mulen) - an artist who's been with Artreform since day one; a stylish deep house groove from seasoned masters Gorje Hewek & Binu Raal; and an ethereal vibe courtesy of Swedish standout Cirkel Square, whose music sounds dreamy, arresting, and otherworldly.
A deep journey into the sound abysses of the night, invoking hidden energies, opening a ritual portal to the core of the seal and the ritual itself.
This compilation brings together diverse artists who explore a fusion of dark techno, industrial environments, ritual textures and pulses that evoke vast underground spaces. The idea is to generate a state of technical-ceremonial trance: vinyl becomes a physical talisman, object of worship, beyond a simple club track.
Side A opens with darker rhythms, synthesizers that resonate like funeral bells, mechanical percussions that hit like ancestral machinery. As it progresses, the journey intensifies, layers of bass that rumble like mine hulls, reverberations that expand consciousness.
The B-side takes flight towards the ethereal and the expansive: distant melodies, ritual echoes, processed voices that look like invocations, culminating in a track that sounds like the closing of a rite, the day that meets the night.
For the first time on Little Beat More, Sweden’s Cumbiasound deliver a vibrant 7” that expands their ever-evolving exploration of tropical soundscapes. Led by Daniel Fridell, the band has long been pushing the boundaries of cumbia while keeping its analogue heart beating strong, blending classic Colombian and Peruvian sounds with Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, funk, and beyond.
The A-side Mas Paz (Rework) breathes new life into one of Cumbiasound’s most beloved tracks, originally featured on their album Cosas del Universo. Vocalist Lis Flores Varela brings her unmistakable smoothness, while Chilean rapper Boogie Castillo lays down thoughtful verses with his signature flow in a track that captures the essence of the band: rooted, soulful, and globally connected. And to top it off, this new version has a fresh new vocal feature by Congolese singer José Pereelanga.
On the flip side, Jinsei, is a collaboration with Japanese cumbia band Mumbia y Sus Candelosos, led by composer and percussionist Mutsumi Kobayashi. With its breezy guitars, soft tropical groove, and the warm vocals of José Pereelanga, the track drifts like a slow river, effortlessly bridging continents and traditions.
With this 7”, Cumbiasound once again affirms its place among the most interesting projects in today’s nu-cumbia landscape with a vision that crosses borders with ease.
Made with Love by Little Beat More 2025 “We Dance We Think”
Tóxico and Subject To Restrictions Discs present a retrospective on Switzerland’s hidden analogue gear scene from 2017 and 2018. A vibrant yet undocumented chapter in the country’s music history. The 10 tracks, originally released exclusively on cassette and heard only by a small circle of listeners, are now compiled for the first time on vinyl as “Tóxico Tapes”. The collection captures the scene’s raw, hands-on energy through off-kilter rhythms, low-key EBM, ominous wave and free-form synth excursions.
Founded and curated by the former DJ and producer Narco Marco, the Tóxico label became a hub for Switzerland’s analogue gear enthusiasts. Between 2016 and 2020, it released a series of 10 tapes – albums and compilations – that now stand as a blueprint of the DIY, machine-driven underground of the time. Narco Marco is a key figure in Swiss electronic music. As a long-time clerk at “Oldiesshop” record store in Bern, he has championed eclectic sounds across decades. His in-depth knowledge of 1980s music, combined with his work as a musician, avid record collector, and founder of the “Hot Jam” label, influenced an entire generation of musicians and DJs in Switzerland at the time.
Subject To Restrictions Discs joins forces with Narco Marco to present a selected set of 10 songs as a tribute to Tóxico and this creative era. The material draws primarily from the Autumn Tape and Winter Tape compilations, which spotlighted artists from Zurich and Bern – two cities at the heart of this analogue revival.
The sixth Subetasch release comes from long-time friends and collaborators TakaTuka and vaZdaZ.
Side A opens with Stamina, a hard-hitting tekno track by TakaTuka, the result of his first deep dive into the DFAM synth he’d just gotten his hands on. Track two, Olga by vaZdaZ, hits just as hard - driven by the screams of a free smartphone synth, it sounds like it’s been tearing up proper parties for the past decade.
On Side B, TakaTuka and vaZdaZ join forces on both tracks, diving into their shared love for breaks, ambient and IDM. The first, Teenage Carcrash, is driven by the tiny drum sampler “PO-12,” which also inspired its (hopefully not too controversial) title. But don´t worry, your Car´s Hifi-System isn´t broken, it´s just gritty distortion and a pulsating bass, sweetened with a catchy tune.
The final track, Unknown Food Can, originated in a circuit-bending session with a trashy old electric piano. Starting out calm and melodic, it slowly unfolds - this food can was found in Kamyshovo, who knows what's hiding inside?
DJ Support: Raresh, Marco Corola, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Chris Stussy, DJ Seinfeld, D'Julz, Djebali, Voigtmann, Arapu
For Amsterdam’s Julian Anthony, club culture has always been about movement - between sounds, between scenes, and increasingly, across continents. Rooted in the Dutch underground, his path has taken him from intimate local spaces to international stages, with appearances at institutions such as Berlin’s Hoppetosse, Ibiza’s DC10, and London’s fabric. Along the way, he’s formed close ties with crews such as Slapfunk, VBX, Half Baked, and S.A.S.H, while recent tours across South America and Australia have further widened his reach. His connection with Enzo Siragusa and the FUSE family is longstanding, having previously dropped his track ‘It’s Showtime’ on sister label LOCUS while making appearances at both FUSE and LOCUS events across Europe, including this year at FUSE Malta, during ADE, and November’s fabric takeover. Now, his ‘Missing Pieces’ EP extends that relationship further, marking his fi rst release on FUSE and off ering a natural progression while showcasing his versatility as a producer.
In his productions and his sets, Julian threads together house, techno, and electro infl uences with a playful touch, resulting in a style that feels fl uid yet sharply defi ned. Title track, ‘Missing Pieces’, sets the tone with a heavyweight bassline at its core, coupled with a hypnotic groove and percussive drive, while ‘Endless Echoes’ stretches into more atmospheric territory, weaving rolling rhythms with cosmic textures. On the fl ip, ‘No Sleep’ ups the intensity with zipping synths and sharp drum programming built for peak-time play, before ‘TTS’ closes the record on a captivating note, fusing deeper house nuances and playful rhythms into a late-night trip.
With a growing catalogue across respected imprints such as Dungeon Meat, X-Kalay, and Bee You, and a touring schedule that continues to expand globally, Julian’s first outing for the London favourites highlights his talent for crafting tracks that are simultaneously precise, playful, and built for the club.
The Rude Boy moniker has its roots firmly set in the downtown districts of Kingston, Jamaica.
Alongside the regular Ska/Rocksteady sounds coming out of the sound systems, there was an undercurrent theme to some songs that spoke of the struggles of the youth, of their confrontation, arrests and run ins with the establishment.
Some of these songs praised the Rude Boys for their stance and style while other songs were more in contempt with the Rude Boy's attitiudes, comings ,goings and violent behaviour.
For this release we have put together a set of tunes that the Jamaican Rude Boys would have been listening to at the sound systems on the lawns and street corners.
Not only the more obvious Rude Boy tunes like 'Gunmen Coming to Town' , 'Dreader than Dread', 'Moon Hop' but also some of the tunes that made the sound systems rock well into the night.
Hope you enjoy the set,,,,,
Underground mainstay and long-time melodic and progressive champion Guy Gerber is back on his own Rumors label with Every Time We Say Goodbye, a new EP that shows he continues to evolve his style without forgetting his signature.
Gerber has been a core part of the underground for years, heading the world's most revered clubs and festivals, bringing all new party concepts to Ibiza and serving up serene and synth heavy soundscape that move people physically and emotionally on labels like Cocoon, Italians Do It Better and of course Rumors.
Every Time We Say Goodbye (feat. Blanca) is light and melodic with shimmering pads and ethereal textures. Blanca’s treated vocals float effortlessly above rolling percussion and delicate synth melodies, delivering a warm, emotional energy that feels both modern and timeless.
The 18th Floor is a hypnotic journey built on dubby low-end grooves and fluid, meandering leads. Angelic, reverb-soaked vocal fragments drift through the mix, giving the track a dreamlike atmosphere that’s equally suited for peak-time or deeper, introspective moments.
On the flip is Under the same Moon, an introspective journey through deep emotion and atmospheric house. Under the same Moon is a sonic meditation, melancholic yet hopeful, with textures that evoke twilight memories and introspective dancefloor, lastly The Bigger Person takes a more laid-back approach, driven by warm guitar lines that showcase Guy’s instrumental finesse.
On 9th December Modern Obscure Music presents Cascades, the new album from Pedro Vian & Mana, which premiered during their immersive live set at the most recent Sonar Festival in Barcelona.
Cascades was recorded over a three-day studio session in Turin during the winter months, which is reflected in the musical narrative, as the eleven tracks flow gently like an icy river, filled with a mixture
of hazy melancholy, uncanny dream-states and euphoria.
Various recording techniques and instrumentation was utilised, including the Lyra-8 organismic analogue synthesiser, which takes principles from living organisms to produce sounds resembling a
conversation between nature and technology. The result is a spellbinding ambient odyssey that features a luminous synthesis of neo-classical strings and orchestral drones, together with strange
voices, and abstract passages designed to evoke Dante’s Inferno, which represent the soul’s journey.
Pedro Vian is a renowned Catalan artist who has released three solo albums (Beautiful Things You Left Us For Memories, Pedro Vian and Ibillorca) and a collection of singles on his Modern Obscure
Music imprint – a multi-disciplinary platform based on deep listening and music research. The ‘PRSNT’ compilation, which Pedro curated in 2021 and featured Laurie Spiegel, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Visible Cloaks, received support from Pitchfork, Crack, Brooklyn Vegan, The Quietus, The Wire and Metal. Pedro has been remixed by Inga Copeland and Pye Corner Audio, and has recorded mixes for of Bleep, Self-Titled and Juno Daily.
As part of a new generation of Italian electronic music artists, Piedmont born composer and producer Mana has released two full length albums (Seven Steps Behind and Asa Nisi Masa) on Kode 9's
Hyperdub imprint, plus an EP on Nicolas Jaar's Other People label under his Vaghe Stelle alias.
Earlier in his musical journey, Mana supported Laurent Garnier, James Holden and Skream across the Torino club scene, and in 2011 teamed up with Italian friends Lorenzo Senni and A:RA to form
the experimental group One Circle.
Pedro Vian & Mana’s previous work as solo producers has pushed the limits of electronic music, and together they’ve garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, The Quietus, The Vinyl
Factory, Resident Advisor and more. They now join forces to traverse new sonic territories between electronica, ambient, drone, and trance-inducing soundscapes.
For Synthology's debut, we are thrilled to present “Synthesis Emotion EP,” signed by host Mathi.
An artist inspired by Acid, Electro, and Italo sounds, Mathi takes us on a four-track sonic journey, where futuristic rhythms and deep synths blend in perfect balance.
Robotic voices and sensory nuances accompany the listener, projecting them into the mind and making each vibration a unique experience
SYNTHOLOGY an immersive experience that was born to give voice to electronic stories, exploring every nuance between sound innovation and emotional narration.”
A complex exploration of influences and styles, such as a multisensational journey through spaces, environments and futuristic rhythms
With Rêves, Senbeï unveils the most intimate and ambitious work of his career. Known for his unique blend of electronic music, hip-hop, and Asian sounds, the beatmaker reinvents himself here in an orchestral and cinematic universe, a far cry from his previous albums.
Inspired by the great soundtracks of children's adventure films—The Goonies, The Neverending Story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—Rêves is a sonic immersion where childhood nostalgia meets the emotional power of an orchestra.
A unique symphonic production.
For the first time, Senbeï has called upon a 15-piece orchestra, recorded in conditions close to those of film music. Strings, wind instruments, and electronic textures echo each other to create a rich, evocative universe, filled with luminous melodies and magical tension. This album is not just a collection of tracks: it is an adventure to be listened to like reading a story or watching a film.
DYSTORTION
Extrawelt's Latest and Longest-Brewing Album Lands This December on Cocoon
In this beautiful world marked by rising chaos, sometimes the simplest way to escape its troubles is through sonic relief. Germany's renowned electronic duo Extrawelt will offer exactly that with their 5th full-length album, DYSTORTION, via Cocoon Recordings this December.
For over two decades, the humble duo behind Extrawelt, who shy away from making music for clicks, have been a steadfast presence in electronic music. Known as serious studio and tour-focused artists who craft timepiece albums, each a work of enduring craft, that go on to create atmospheric, out-of-the-box live acts, they've been shaping and redefining electronica since their first release.
DYSTORTION is their most diverse and evocative album to date. Imagined over six years and shaped by a world in flux through COVID, political upheavals, social media, and AI, it reflects the contrasts and twists we've all felt while offering surges of serenity and hope. From brooding tension to playful relief, it moves through different states in an evolved Extrawelt manner.
The album's opening credit, "Grand Départ," as if a cinematic prelude, invites us into a world of creeping bass, an explicitly Extrawelt sound that's synonymous with the "anti-genre genre" they work within. The album's second track, "Clapland," sees Extrawelt joining forces with Jimi Jules, a name synonymous with excellence in electronic music, creating a rare collaboration that is felt in every note. Soon, the mood shifts into softer melodies as heard in "Surrounded By Miracles," "Hope Sounds Good," and "Sir Stringalot," which bring bright euphorics to balance the darker moments in an album echoed by industrial influences. Later, as "Dystortion" (the album's title track) unfolds, we're drawn into something few electronic artists can create: raw emotion. This is a gritty landscape as reflective as it is pulsing, glitchy, intense, and richly textured.
DYSTORTION is a reflection of a complex, divided world, carried through dramatically with Extrawelt's signature techno tension. Like the world right now, it is full of contradictions, surprises, and moments of introspection, an essential listen for fans of mature electronic music that may or may not need a reminder of why, after 20 years, we're still listening.
