Suche:track by track

Mark Flash returns on DTFA with two late-night transmissions built for the floor and the mind. "Interstellar Dreams" opens the space. Warm textures, deep chords, uplifting strings, and floating atmospheres drift into Detroit's futurist side, combining Hi-Tech Jazz with a funky bassline by Jon Dixon.

"Midnight Scanner" moves with purpose—pulsing synth lines and restless energy cutting through the dark, like signal traffic across the city after hours. Direct, mechanical, and locked-in, it's a peak-time tool designed to drive the room forward.

Together, the two tracks capture both ends of the spectrum: street-level grit and cosmic lift-off—classic Mark Flash territory where funk, techno, and movement meet. Functional. Emotional. Built for DJs.

Studio Barnhus presents ARN4L2, a producer from Cartagena, who debuts on the Stockholm label with the striking EP TIERRA BOMBA, a record built from the fractured memory of an island in the
Colombian Caribbean, understood as a surface in motion.
The project draws on tools present in the early development of the Champeta genre – the Yamaha RY30 drum machine, the Yamaha DD-14 drum pad, and the Pyramid mixer – alongside percussive
gestures and guitars characteristic of the style. On songs like the effortlessly bouncy title track and the gaita-laced curveball BULLA, featuring the characteristic melodic flute of the region, ARN4L2’s instinct for propulsion and detail comes into focus, while vocal tracks like the energetic closer LA ÑAPA integrate the artist’s voice as texture, without hierarchy or center.
TIERRA BOMBA becomes a point of convergence, where technology, sonic practices, and fragments of local popular culture meet in the present tense. Released through Studio Barnhus on
12'' vinyl and all digital platforms on March 13.

Text written by Edna Martinez.

Pon is Tujiko Noriko’s sixth album for Editions Mego and a further extension of her already significant body of work as both a solo and collaborative artist. Dedicated to her cat who she adopted as an infant and passed away due an accident having been born deaf, Pon is imbued with abstraction, tenderness and a deep emotional resonance.

Noriko’s palette of electronics, romantic melodies and surprising sonic details are all fully present here, and like her last full length, 2023’s Crépuscule this is an epic work, released as a 2LP by Editions Mego alongside a Japanese CD release.

The unmistakable hue of Japan hovers throughout this emotional rich landscape. Subtle field recordings and fragile, abstract motifs drift through the album, all cloaked in a warmth and humanity that only Noriko seems able to conjure.

Pon moves effortlessly between the childlike and the obscure. There are moments of deceptive simplicity where unexpected elements suddenly surface — strange voices emerge on Boku Wa Obaka, Knife of Yonder is a standout: a startling ten-minute unfolding that begins with a warm, almost Eno-esque drift before launching into a soaring mid-section and finally landing somewhere unexpectedly blues-adjacent.

Kikoeru Pon is brimming with childlike wonder — a heartfelt ballad that dissolves into domestic field recordings, including sounds of the feline for whom both the album and track are named. A quietly devastating ending that brings the personal nature of the record into sharp focus.

There is a deep sense of the human in the way Noriko embraces technology. This is far from cold abstraction; rather, Ponfeels like a colourful photo album, documenting Noriko’s inner world and instincts with remarkable intimacy. Hovering in liminal states between pop, ambient and abstraction, this is a deeply affective and moving release that reveals new surprises with each listen.

The emotional range of Noriko’s latest offering inspires hope in a world in disarray. It is both gentle and epic and one which we feel embodies the work of an artist fully at the height of her powers.

In the evolving landscape of modern Southern hip-hop, the pairing of Starlito and Bandplay stands out as a unique bridge between street-level authenticity and refined, calculated musicality. Their collaborative project, Not The Country You Know, functions less like a standard release and more as a manifesto—a masterclass in the chemistry between a seasoned, introspective lyricist and a producer who possesses an intuitive grasp of the region's pulse. It is an exploration of legacy and adaptation, capturing the tension between where they came from and where the culture is currently headed.

Bandplay, long recognized for sculpting the sonic identity of Memphis icons, brings his signature, trunk-rattling 808s to the project, yet he manages to pivot here. The production feels remarkably expansive, masterfully blending the raw, stripped-back aesthetics of classic Tennessee rap with forward-thinking textures that refuse to be confined to a single sub-genre. Complementing this, Starlito operates with his trademark mix of cynical observation and genuine vulnerability. He navigates these beats with the weary grace of an artist who has weathered the music industry's relentless cycles, treating every bar like a necessary piece of a larger, ongoing story.

The album’s title serves as a direct commentary on these shifting tides. Across the tracklist, the duo investigates the growing disparity between the romanticized South and the cold realities of the streets, alongside the inevitable evolution of the music business itself. There is no frantic chasing of streaming-era trends or algorithmic bait here; instead, the project remains a stubborn, confident assertion of artistic identity. By weaving together Starlito’s "voice-of-reason" flow and Bandplay’s evolving, genre-bending sound, Not The Country You Know challenges the listener to abandon their preconceived notions of the region, offering instead a complex, urgent vision of a South that is as haunting as it is vibrant.

Jeffrey Alexander and the Heavy Lidders return with their best album yet, and a UK tour this August. Press by Silver PR
‘’On the alternate timeline where the Meat Puppets inherited the bulk of the Grateful Dead’s tourheads when Jerry Garcia died in 1995, none of this would be necessary, because Jeffrey Alexander and the Heavy Lidders are a household name for evolving their own musical space that overlays dusty folk, cosmic jazz, deep psych, free improv, and even (gasp!) indie rock, building an audience that ranges from open-eared curiosity seekers to deep committed music weirdos that’s also yielded the Heavy Lidders, an infamous sub-cult of concert tapers that you’re already sick of hearing about. A lot of other things are better over on that timeline, too.
But in this consensus reality (and probably the other one, too), Liquid Donnon catches the Lidders at their heaviest, “heavy” in the Lidderverse being far from a monolithic musical idea. There’s heavy like the album-opening “From Loch Raven to Fells Point,” one of several tracks with elegant and gnarled conversational jams featuring the core Lidders lineup of Alexander alongside guitarist Drew Gardner and bassist Jesse Sheppard (both of Elkhorn) and drummer Scott Verrastro. But there’s heavy, too, like “Calliope Walker” and “Tightroping,” featuring Gardner shifted to dream-space vibraphone, the former with saxophonist Tacuma Bradley, the latter with Christina Carter of Texas noise-psych legends Charalambides on veil-crossing wordless vocals, her first collaboration with Alexander in some 20 years.
But then there’s also heavy like the cover photo of Alexander’s late friend and album namesake Donnon, taken at a Dead show at Rich Stadium in Buffalo in 1989, a spirit threading through the songs and weaving unexpectedly into Alexander’s life decades later, emerging especially when Alexander passed through a near-death experience of his own. But, taken together, the different heavies of Liquid Donnon add up into a state of musical grace, where all the Heavy Lidders from all the universes come together as one. Just, like, imagine.
Convened in 2019 on Alexander’s relocation back to his native east coast, the Heavy Lidders are the latest hard-touring expression for the guitarist’s music, joining a vast and tangled discography (and tape list) that includes the beloved long-running west coast Dire Wolves Just Exactly Perfect Sisters Band and, before them, the Iditarod and Black Forest/Black Sea, as well as a bushel of solo play-all-the-instruments projects, a stint with Jackie-O Motherfucker, sessions with Kemialliset Ystävät and Avarus and others, and you’ll have to keep digging for the rest.
And while it’s not hard to find tapers at Lidders gigs (and they encourage you to be one), or to track themes and songs over Alexander’s many live releases, Liquid Donnon makes a new primary text, the original versions of six new pieces for the repertoire. The album closes with a devastating pairing of “Reservoir Drop” into “The Summer Song,” floating into a duo between Alexander’s guitar and Carter’s voice. Catch a half-dozen Lidders shows this summer, and you might not ever catch them playing it like that again, but you just might open the doorway back to that better place." - Jesse Jarnow (writer, WFMU DJ, producer and host of The Good Ol’ Grateful Deadcast)

Balearic London's very own Ben Gomori presents his first extended play since his 2024 debut album 'Collapsing Time', collecting an array of sensual sounds across four tracks. 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' is a punchy collaboration with German powerhouse Lauer, powered by bright piano and synths paired with '80s acid house drums and a thick melodic bassline. 'Mucho Gusto!' goes full Italo, bouncy energy matched to an anthemic horn sample. 'Fun As Fk' makes great use of rising star Caio Cenci's infectious guitar licks over a phat-bottomed groove and camp '80/90s sample synths, and 'Inner Luv' slows the tempo for a chuggy flamenco-flecked bliss-out.

Pluralone, das Soloprojekt des Songwriters und Multi-Instrumentalisten Josh Klinghoffer, kehrt mit ,A Drop In The Ocean" zurück - seinem vierten Album unter dem Namen Pluralone und dem ersten seit ,This Is The Show" aus dem Jahr 2022. Bekannt unter anderem für seine Arbeit mit den Red Hot Chili Peppers und Pearl Jam, bringt Klinghoffer dieselbe melodische Sensibilität und emotionale Direktheit, die seine Karriere geprägt haben, in ein eher akustisches, songwriterorientiertes Werk ein, bei dem Stimme, Texte und intime Arrangements im Mittelpunkt stehen. ,A Drop In The Ocean" setzt auf Wärme und Unmittelbarkeit statt auf dichte Produktion und unterstreicht seine Stärken als Komponist und Arrangeur - das Ergebnis ist eine fokussierte und persönliche Sammlung von Tracks.

Acid House! Old-school 303 sound, tightly mastered by the sound alchemist Rashad Becker, unfolds with precision and points toward another possible tomorrow. Each track is a sketch, carrying you through a timeless landscape of rhythm and texture and reaffirming Suzuki's unique command over sound and space.

The second VA release from Méchante Recording continues with a new identity, bringing together a refined selection of artists across different generations. At its core, a reissued and repress of a 1994 track by Jay Tripwire creates a timeless bridge between past and present.

Alongside this piece, UK producers Quidders and Ferg deliver fresh and captivating productions, as well as Arion, a prodigious talent from Lyon, who charms us with each of his tracks and brings depth and character.

This Various Artists blends dub tech house and progressive minimal, offering hypnotic, groove-driven tracks designed for both listening and the dancefloor, while affirming the evolving sonic identity of Méchante Recording.

Jazz-fusion, disco-funk, Latin jazz and batucada rhythms get the Filipino treatment onAfter Midnight, the sublime second album from keyboardist Boy Katindig. Originally released in 1980, After Midnight draws heavy influence from soul and funk contemporaries in the US as well as Latin America, in particular the famed Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa.

It’s a testament to his musical prowess that Katindig weaves effortlessly between styles and tempos. His reverence for Paulinho da Costa extends far, with covers of several songs from the latter’s 1979 Happy People album. This includes slow-burner ‘Déjà Vu’ written by Isaac Hayes originally for Dionne Warwick; on the Filipino instrumental version, local legends Jun Regalado and Roger Herrera (from Regalado’s ‘Pinoy Funk’ single) are reunited on drums and bass respectively.

But Katindig’s original compositions hold just as much weight and unique personality: title track ‘After Midnight’ opens with a sultry funk serenade reminiscent of The Isley Brothers, and quickly transforms into a catchy, blistering, saxophone chorus that brims with swagger. Hidden B-side gem ‘Got The Need’ is an uptempo tribute to batucada that would not be out of place in a jazzy house set, and boasts increasingly elaborate and psychedelic solos from Katindig on keys and Ben Concepcion on soprano sax.

Meanwhile, ‘Love Till the End of Time’ is a masterclass in instrumental disco funk, penned by the prolific Greg Phillanganes who at that same time was writing for many of the greats including Chaka Khan, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons and Cheryl Lynn.

This album is lovingly reissued by Sama Sama Records, a boutique label from DJ and collector Norsicaa, who ran the esteemed Soundway Records for 8 years and released the compilation Ayo Ke Disco in late 2024.

Back on Celestial Echo Records with a true modern soul classic — Jan Jones “Independent Woman”, finally given the treatment it deserves.

A record that’s been circulating in DJ sets and collector circles for years, often via bootlegged pressings as the originals are incredibly rare, this is the first fully licensed reissue, presented properly and with both sides intact - something the bootleggers didn’t do.

A-side Part 1 delivers the track in its purest form — tight, uplifting, and driven by that unmistakable modern soul groove. On the flip, Part 2 stretches things out into a longer, more open version, letting the arrangement breathe and giving the dancefloor the 6 minutes it deserves.

Musically, it sits right in that sweet spot for us — rich vocals, warm keys, and a rhythm section that just grooves. It’s one of the ultimate modern soul tracks.

Licensed officially, as always. Celestial Echo is here to put proper soul records back into circulation — respectfully cut, properly pressed, and ready to play.

Ja:ck is an artist who moves beyond fast-paced trends, focusing instead on a clear, driving vision. His releases on the renowned label Cocoon Recordings represent an uncompromising sound that balances hypnotic techno and energetic club dynamics. With a keen sense of tension and atmosphere, he has developed a signature style over the years that works as effectively on large floors as it does in intimate sets.
His new track, Dinamo, perfectly encapsulates this energy: pulsating, powerful, and precisely crafted. The track builds with subtle intensity before erupting into a forceful, captivating movement designed for the peak time.
Notably, Ja:ck has been supported for years by techno icon Sven Väth, who consistently integrates Ja:ck's sound into his sets. This ongoing backing underscores not only the quality of his productions but also his relevance within the international scene. With Dinamo, Ja:ck delivers another clear statement: raw, direct, and absolute club material.
The Oliver Keim remix of Ja:ck’s Dinamo translates the original track into a clean, stripped-back club aesthetic with a steadfast focus on groove and energy. From the start, a driving flow emerges: precise, dry drums meet a deep, rolling bassline that constantly pushes forward. The arrangement remains intentionally minimalist, yet leaves enough room for subtle details to unfold and build tension. Finely placed breaks provide dynamics without losing momentum, leading back into powerful, controlled drops.
The remix eschews clutter, relying instead on clarity, punch, and timing. This makes it versatile enough for both intimate club settings and larger floors, fitting seamlessly into Tech House, Melodic Techno, or driving House sets. It is a modern, functional remix—minimalist in sound, powerful in impact, and strictly geared toward the dancefloor.

Ja:ck ist ein Künstler, der sich jenseits schneller Trends bewegt und stattdessen auf eine klare, treibende Vision setzt. Seine Releases auf dem renommierten Label Cocoon Recordings stehen für kompromisslosen Sound zwischen hypnotischem Techno und energetischer Club-Dynamik. Mit einem feinen Gespür für Spannung und Atmosphäre hat er sich über die Jahre eine eigene Handschrift erarbeitet, die sowohl auf großen Floors als auch in intimen Sets funktioniert.
Sein neuer Track Dinamo bringt genau diese Energie auf den Punkt: pulsierend, druckvoll und gleichzeitig präzise ausgearbeitet. Der Track baut sich mit subtiler Intensität auf, bevor er sich in eine kraftvolle, mitreißende Bewegung entlädt, gemacht für die Peak-Time.
Besonders bemerkenswert: Ja:ck wird bereits seit Jahren von Techno Ikone Sven Väth unterstützt, der seinen Sound immer wieder in seine Sets integriert. Diese kontinuierliche Rückendeckung unterstreicht nicht nur die Qualität seiner Produktionen, sondern auch seine Relevanz in der internationalen Szene.
Mit Dinamo setzt Ja:ck ein weiteres klares Statement : roh, direkt und absolut clubtauglich.

German Text:
Der Oliver Keim Remix von „Dinamo“ von Ja:ck übersetzt den Original-Track in eine klare, reduzierte Club-Ästhetik mit konsequentem Fokus auf Groove und Energie.
Von Beginn an entsteht ein treibender Flow: präzise, trockene Drums treffen auf eine tiefe, rollende Bassline, die sich konstant nach vorne bewegt. Der Aufbau bleibt bewusst minimalistisch, lässt aber genug Raum für subtile Details, die sich im Verlauf entfalten und Spannung erzeugen. Fein eingesetzte Breaks sorgen für Dynamik, ohne den Drive zu verlieren, und führen kontrolliert zurück in kraftvolle Drops.
Der Remix verzichtet auf Überladung und setzt stattdessen auf Klarheit, Druck und Timing. Dadurch funktioniert er sowohl in intimen Clubsettings als auch auf größeren Floors und lässt sich vielseitig zwischen Tech House, Melodic Techno und treibenden House-Sets einsetzen.
Ein moderner, funktionaler Remix, reduziert im Sound, stark in der Wirkung und konsequent auf den Dancefloor ausgerichtet.

With Hyperbola, Laima Adelaide frames speed as a condition of softness rather than impact. The fan- tasy of flying through the air with effortless move- ment forms its emotional core, as tracks move fast, yet nothing collides: rhythms skim the surface, tex- tures hover, and motion unfolds through glide inste- ad of strike. Energy is continuous and diffused, pro- ducing propulsion without aggression, momentum without weight.

The hyperbola operates as both image and method. Sounds trace curved trajectories, drawing close only to diverge again, suspended in a state of gentle tension. Elements never resolve into force, they re- main airborne, elastic, and permeable, as if shaped by an invisible geometry. Across the EP, velocity becomes a tool for lightness, revealing an ethereal space where motion is elegant, friction dissolves, and intensity is carried through grace rather than pressure.

Credits:
Mastering by HWA
Artwork and Graphic Design by Enrico Caldini
Distributed by One Eye Witness

Spectral Bounce’s latest offering comes direct from Norway, courtesy of Anders Hajem — co-founder of Boring Crew Records. To date, the Oslo producer’s previous releases have been vessels for the exploration of myriad dance musics, seeing the artist fluently turn his hand to soulful house, dub techno and 2-step.

SPEC07 — the Myr EP — is a much more focused affair, finding Hajem in techno mode across 4 potent cuts typified by undulating drums and swelling echoes. Despite its emphasis on percussion, atmosphere has not been sacrificed for rhythm: vivid FX and meticulous attention to detail bring these tracks to life beyond the context of the dancefloor. This is music that can be stepped into and explored, productions that reward repeat listens.

Opening at full throttle, “Myr” is a jackin’ percussive workout, harnessing punchy drums for maximum effect. Its pulsating low-end runs in tandem with trembling synths that perpetually reflect and refract in the stereo field. Atop its rolling drums, hardgroove-inflected “Sprett” utilizes timestretched vocals, cavernous reverb and ecstatically quivering tones, elevating this 2000s-era framework to new heights. “Existence” brings things to a deeper and more hypnotic place: delays are turned up, siren calls reverberate and timbres ebb and flow. Hajem goes more chasmic still on “Concussion”, hitting the brakes for a much slower cadence and allowing space for a truly expansive listening experience. Heady and mystical, entrancing and otherworldly — listen close enough; beneath the dizzyingly shifting pulses and rattling drums you’ll hear incantations, while bass tones pulse in the depths.

SPEC07 — immerse yourself!

Credits:
Art by Susanne Janssen
Mastering & Cut by Marco Pellegrino @Analogcut
Words by Cameron Leaf

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 last 2 LPs flew. You have been warned.

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.

DJ support: Soul Clap, Walla P (Voyage Funktastique), Moniquea

The first lady of MoFunk Records is also considered by many to be one of the queens of modern funk music. Her latest, “Womp In My Spirit,” fuses a wide range of styles within its ten tracks and shows the true versatility of funk music. On one end, the deep g-funk bounce of songs like “Womp In My Spirit” & “However You Are” show you Moniquea's west coast roots clearly, while uptempo boogie bangers like “Get It Together” sit in the lane that MoFunk is best known for. Tracks like “Red Light” go in a more dancey direction, welcoming the sleekness of house music to mingle with g-funk whistles and rubbery synth bass, a track that recently caught the ear of Soul Clap and was remixed by them on their recent “Soul Clap vs. MoFunk” EP. The majority of production on the album was handled by MoFunk head honcho XL Middleton.

Both multi-instrumentalists and seasoned producers, J and Peter took an all-hands-on-deck approach to these original collaborative tracks. The sonic seeds of "Underappreciated" and "Facile" were planted by Peter, JKriv cooked up the demo of "Over Suffa", and all three were completed together in J’s Brooklyn production studio. With live-recorded guitar, bass, analog synths, and drums/percussion by and a cohort of Brooklyn accomplices, the Facile EP marries live elements with modern club-ready production.

The punchy horns and no-nonsense vocals on "Underappreciated" come via Peter’s long-standing stage and studio connection with Ibibio Sound Machine, Favorite Recordings staple singer Olivya delivers the soulful EP title track performance, and Samy Love’s insistent vocal on "Over Suffa" is a pleading message to end the war and suffering in his native Cameroon.

With a remix of "Underappreciated" by French producer extraordinaire Yuksek, songs in both English and French, and influences ranging from boogie funk, 80s R&B, and classic Zouk, the Facile EP is a varied and dazzling collection of music for both listeners and DJs alike.

1 Umbrella represents a watershed moment for modern Bay Area hip-hop, effectively serving as the region's "Avengers" assembly designed to consolidate the Northern California sound. For years, the local scene has been bisected by the distinct "mob music" bounce of Oakland and the melodic, trauma-drenched "pain music" of San Francisco; this collective is the first major commercial force to deliberately fuse these competing energies into a single, dominant infrastructure. The roster is a calculated cross-Bay alliance that balances opposing sonic weights: Lil Bean and Lil Yee anchor the group with the emotive, auto-tune-heavy melodies that define the current SF landscape, while Zaybang cuts through that introspection with his signature high-octane aggression.

Balancing the scales are ALLBLACK and 22nd Jim, who inject the classic East Bay attitude-ALLBLACK delivering the motivational, sports-heavy "player" lineage of the region, contrasted against Jim's nonchalant, rhythmic flow. Backed by the powerhouse infrastructure of EMPIRE and united under tracks like "Baller Blockin" and the unification anthem "The Blueprint," the group is attempting to solve the fragmentation that has historically plagued the Bay's independent market. By synchronizing their movement with the arrival of Super Bowl LX, 1 Umbrella is positioning itself not merely as a rap group, but as the official cultural ambassadors for the region, betting that a unified front can finally command the national spotlight that often eludes the West Coast's independent giants.

Terence Fixmer returns with 4 tracks defined by his unique style. He dives back into a deep, hypnotic, and club-focused sound without losing his trademark energy. 'Blade' brings a cinematic, futuristic vibe, followed by two mind-bending tracks built for the dancefloor. The EP closes with a subtle dub-oriented cut.