Continually in a state of evolution with a future-focused vision, yet ensuring the signature sound that has defined the label and event series for over a decade remains at its core, Enzo Siragusa’s FUSE imprint is once again keeping things moving with new ventures, projects and concepts.
Having previously introduced the label’s collaborative X Series in addition to the launch of sister imprint LOCUS, summer brings a new project for 2024 as the label now presents its new vinyl-focused VA, welcoming four label debuts for the first instalment of the project. First up is Amstedam-based Nachtbraker, whose classy house sound has welcomed releases via Aus Music and Peach Discs, amongst many. His contribution, ‘Banda’, is deep and trippy, balancing light and dark moments via a warping bassline, sweeping pads and slinking drums.
Next, Phone Traxxx member and live wizard Rob Amboule makes his debut on the label following his appearance for the collective’s 15th birthday at fabric. Playful and vibrant, with wicked acid-dipped and funk-fuelled bass licks, ‘Capnhat’ perfectly showcases his sound as he delivers another gem.
On the flip, Melbourne-born, Berlin-based Reflex Blue lands fresh from his second EP on Gene On Earth’s The Sound Of Limousine imprint with the glitchy yet smooth ‘Life’s A Bleep’ - combining spacey tones, skippy drums and sporadic bleeps and lasers. To close, Un_Mute resident Mario Liberti harnesses influences from a classic to deliver a heady dancefloor anthem, fusing hooky vocal samples, murky low-ends and those iconic synth stabs.
Buscar:u traxx
Numero's second bundle of cover 45s is all things soulful. The Rotterdam-based Another Taste electrifies Maxx Traxx's 1984 Chicago boogie grail "Don't Touch It," which makes its debut on the 7" format here. Colemine Records' Say She She delivers a glamorous rendition of Jim Spencer's yacht-disco hit "Wrap Myself Up In Your Love." Columbia Recording artist Leon Bridges effortlessly transforms Pastor T.L. Barrett's "Like A Ship," updating the 50 year old gospel soul classic for the 21st century. All three are housed in a newly imagined Numero custom sleeve, reflecting the many shades of our ongoing Eccentric Soul 45 imprint.
Cameleon Records open their vinyl series with a powerful 3-track EP provided by its very owner, Oros. After his first appearance on We Are FTR last year, he wasted no time and launched his own label. On this EP he provides two signature tracks of his own, yet different in style, combining a deep, meditative state with a solid groove to shake the dancefloor. The remix comes from the talented Paul Walter, a figure we all got used to lately, seeing his productions being released on labels such as Pressure Traxx and his very own Meduka. Here he takes over the remix and delivers a bold reinterpretation that best describes his craft.
Black Uhuru wurde Mitte der 70er Jahre gegründet und stürmte in den frühen 80er Jahren wirklich in die Reggae-Szene, als Sly & Robbie die künstlerische Leitung übernahmen und wichtige Alben wie Showcase, Sinsemilla, Red, Chill Out und Anthem produzierten (beachten Sie, dass es sich um eine großartige Sammlung ihrer Alben handelt). Singles für Sly & Robbies TAXI-Label sind auf TAXI TRAXX erhältlich und wurden letztes Jahr von TABOU1 veröffentlicht.
Die Alben waren nicht nur künstlerisch bahnbrechend, auch die Live-Shows waren großartig. Eine Lawine aus kraftvollem Drum and Bass, ergänzt durch grenzwertige Metal-Rock-Gitarren des verstorbenen Darryl Thompson, lieferte ein Fundament aus Rhythmus und Energie für Michael Roses Lead-Gesang und Duckie Simpsons und Puma Jones‘ Backing-Gesang.
Die erste US-Tournee von Black Uhuru fand 1982 statt. Damals steckte Reggae in den USA noch in den Kinderschuhen und es gab nur drei Reggae-Radiosendungen in Kalifornien: Doug Wendt in San Francisco, Roger Steffens in LA und Lance Linares in Santa Cruz. Lance leitete nicht nur seine Radiosendung bei KUSP, sondern buchte auch Künstler in Santa Cruz und arbeitete mit dem Soledad-Gefängnis zusammen, um Insassen dabei zu helfen, berufliche Fähigkeiten zu erwerben, die sie nach ihrer Entlassung aus dem Gefängnis nutzen könnten. Lance kontaktierte die Organisation Black Uhuru und bot an, ein Konzert im Gefängnis selbst zu organisieren. Zu seiner Überraschung wurde seine Idee begeistert angenommen und die Gruppe trat vor vollem Haus im Soledad-Gefängnis auf.
Was wir auf dieser Doppel-LP hören, ist das gesamte Konzert, das live auf KUSP übertragen wurde. Seine historische Bedeutung ist enorm und kann mit dem Reggae-Äquivalent der legendären Live-Aufnahme der amerikanischen Legende Johnny Cash in Folsom verglichen werden. Außerdem wurde das Konzert per Video aufgezeichnet. Wir haben das Video mit modernster Technologie restauriert und Schlüsselmomente des Konzerts kuratiert. Jedes dieser Videos kann mit der Artivive-Anwendung auf ein Smartphone gestreamt werden. Sobald die App installiert ist, können Benutzer die Videos ansehen, indem sie ihr Telefon auf die Fotos auf dem Plattencover (von Bruno Tilley) richten, die mit dem Artivive-Logo gekennzeichnet sind. TABOU1 ist stolz darauf, das erste Plattenlabel zu sein, das diese Augmented Reality-Funktion anbietet.
- A1: Conway Kasey - Gassed
- A2: Ron Trent - Star Strut
- B1: Vick Lavender - Daylight
- B2: Dj Punch - Make My Body Shake
- C1: Timmy Registford - Tuna (Instrumental)
- C2: Vick Lavender - Mjs Revenge
- C3: Joe Claussell - A Deeper Grace (Lp Version Edit)
- D1: Jovonn - Latin Deep
- D2: Dj Punch - Afro Traxx
- D3: Mark Francis - Love U More
- D4: Conway Kasey - A Comino Espiritual
BANGER MAKE MY BODY SHAKE MAKE THE SPEAKERS SHAKE
It was two and a half years ago when a conversation took place between Sal Carmona and Dj Producer Jovonn Armstrong; talks of which planted a seed in Sal Carmona's ear, which years later would manifest what was once a dream into a reality. No stranger, nor a newcomer in the world of dance music, Sal's experience in the club scene goes way back to the days when his sisters, to whom he credits for helping shape the person he is today, took him to Dave Mancuso's The Loft. An experience that he recalls being nothing short of magical. It was a spiritual encounter that immediately took over thus steering him towards the direction of clubs such as The Paradise Garage, Bentley's, Underground, Red Parrot, Latin Quarters, Roseland, Studio 54, just to name a few. Years later, Sal decided to take on the role, of which he became quite successful at, of promoting his own events in New York City; throwing regular parties at venues such as Park Circle & USA roller skating rinks, Red Parrot, The Palladium, The Copacabana and many others, soon becoming one of the premier go to promoters in NYC. Taking a long and well-deserved hiatus from the club scene, in 2012 Sal decided to make his return back to what he loves. It was around this time that he began thinking what it would be like to venture into creating his very own record label. Envisioning his first release being a bona fide House Music Album, one that would include some of his favorite producers. Not one to let dreams drift into the ether, while recollecting on that conversation with Jovan way back, Sal set out to make that vision manifest into a reality and thus emerged this dope compilation titled Banger "Make My Body Shake" "Make the Speakers Shake"
A great idea which brings together an interesting mix that includes highly sought out and respected veteran producers in the scene, such as Timmy Regisford, Ron Trent, Dj Jovonn, and Joe Claussell. Alongside with up and coming DJ producers who are garnering their own adulation of fans, in the likes of Vick Lavender, Mark Francis, Conway Kasey, and DJ Punch. With valuable directional contributions from friend Joe Claussell, this, to say the least, has become far more than just a seriously dope compilation that consists of a unique coming together of serious dance music. More than the aforementioned, Sal Carmona has manifested a dream into a game changing music scripture that is one of a kind, especially in this day and age where it seems where things are thrown together hoping for something to stick. On the contrary, this is well planned and thought out dopeness at A higher level consisting of all new house music that hasn't been brought together like this in a very long time and probably not for a while afterwards.
Belarusian producer Four Walls is back after a seven-year hiatus. The first time around he made some standout cuts for the likes of Traxx Underground and Kolour LTD but this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.
Straight from the island of X-Coast, Riviera Records is back -
this time introducing Villa, an emerging duo from Frankfurt.
A side features their fast tribal infused techno killa beats
with ltered disco vocals. To spice things up even more, its
the Get On Up remixes by electro powerhouse DJ Mell G and
XL Traxx (Lag & X-Coast) on the ipside. This music is
meant to be played off of a record!
repressed
Pioneering NYC house label Nu Groove Records is proud to unveil a four-track EP of originals from fellow NYC house legend Jovonn.
After nearly three decades without a release, the cult house label relaunched in 2021 spearheaded by none other than Jovonn with ‘Random / Get Over It’. Following his ‘Funn Houze EP’ released earlier in 2023, the Brooklyn native is back with his ‘Blaque Katt EP’, a masterful display of innate musicality combined with an affinity for roaring '90s-inspired club music.
For the lead, ‘The Piano Fix’, Jovonn creates a dichotomy between the delicate nature instrument and the heavy, sweaty feel of the dancefloor. This is followed by a harder pianistic technique in both ‘The Piano Fix Returns’ and ‘Let Me Tell You Somethin’, showcasing the producer’s flair for harmony and melody.
Closing the immersive collection is ‘Drop That Traxx’, a playful track featuring addictive, syncopated hooks over a pounding four-on-the-floor beat. Throughout the EP, Jovonn displays his talent for gritty, hard music made with tender care.
- A1: Maxx Traxx - Don't Touch It! 04 45
- A2: Stylle Band - If You Love Me 03 00
- A3: Home Boy And The C.o.l - I Saw You Dancing 03 12
- A4: Unit Three - Let's Boogie Tonight 05 08
- A5: Steven - Quick 03 19
- B1: Donnell Pitman - Burning Up 04 21
- B2: Duke D - Lady Luck 04 39
- B3: Ronnie Robbins - Contagious 04 49
- B4: Pete & Cheez - You And Me 04 52
- B5: Contrast - Slippin' In The Night 04 19
Purple Pink Vinyl[26,26 €]
Hot on the heels of their releases on Nu Groove and Refuge Recordings Acid Jerks are back once again with another EP of jackin' traxx.
It's their first for Local Talk and we are, of course both proud and honoured to release "Hifi Shades Of Grey" on limited 12" vinyl.
The Acid Jerks sound is tried and tested to perfection by now and their fans won't be disappointed listening to this EP for sure.
First up is 'Shades Of Grey', a proper builder with its haunting strings, setting the tone perfectly.
Then we have 'Wheels Of Fortune', a track with that raw Chicago vibe. Warehouse soul anyone?
Both 'Rise Up' and 'Ace Of Spade' are tracks infused with that and equal parts of old-school and bounce.
Acid Jerks makes music that is impossible to ignore, it's a fact.
If the name of this collection of traxxx offends you, move on — there’s no hope for you here. If, on the other hand, Toribio’s salacious fun-pun cracked your cool exterior, here’s an introduction to a set of bangers that helps exemplify New York’s increasingly exuberant dancefloor, and what producer/DJ Cesar Toribio brings to it. His is a ribald, rhythmic take on dance music, neither for the weak of musical character (purists need not apply) nor for the weak of ass (-shaking). In fact, the proof is right there, in Toribio’s label’s and monthly party’s name: Bring Dat Ass. This command is not optional, but *the* key ingredient for a good time.
The five songs Toribio has created for “Tongue In Cheeks,” BDA’s first release, comprise a horny melting pot of tribal house and Linn-drum plug-ins, minimalist synth textures and basslines, hi-hats reminiscent of electro and freestyle classics, some of which are infused with New York’s Latin club history and futures. The lead-off track, “No Pare,” is based on the producer’s 808-driven reinvention of the call-and-response hook from Proyecto Uno’s 1993 merengue-house smash “El Tiburón,” marking the first time the group has ever cleared a sample of this Nuyodominican classic. We predict that “No Pare” will be a Fall 2023 monster.
Guest vocal appearances by The Illustrious Blacks and Maluca, cornerstones of different dance-floor scenes in a city currently hitting peak-energy levels, show the breadth of Toribio’s regard for community: There is a lot of crossover to how the punky Dominicana MC from Washington Heights chooses to slang-tastically “Werk It Out,” and how the Neo-Afro-Futuristic-Psychedelic-Surrealistic-Hippys Monstah Black and Manchildblack infuse a dollop of booty into “Work Dat Shit.” And the two different metallic beats point at seemingly separate parts of Toribio’s musical heritage uniting. There’s no formula, but if there was, it would be: Make it sexy. Make it (consensually) grindy. Make it funny to the point of ridiculous but so funky that the laughter becomes more fuel to the joyous momentum propelling the movement. Then make it home — or try to.
Cesar Toribio’s home is, originally Tampa — and the DR, where he’d spend summers with family. He was a drum-corps prodigy who went to Berklee to become a jazz drummer and be like Gil Evans. He idolized Miles’ orchestral arranger’s work as much as Dilla’s beats, but then discovered house music, so it was a wrap. The 2021 band album Toribio made under the name Conclave — which included his sister Sharin and musicians from such great projects as Standing On the Corner, No Regular Play and Irreversible Entanglements — unearthed the work of a singer-songwriter-arranger-producer of immeasurably nuanced, soulful jazz-house music. But when Toribio started DJing more and more, he decided to listen to the devil on his shoulder who told him to Bring Dat Ass. As Cesar damn-well knows, it’s the devil who has the better jokes and holds the better parties, so his ears perked up. “Tongue in Cheeks” is the music Toribio says he made to play at these parties, because he can’t find it anywhere else. It’s hard to disagree.
III[13,87 €]
Hotflush continues its celebratory 20th anniversary year with a vinyl-only sequel to Scuba’s Record Store Day UK release, “Hardcore Heaven”.
‘Hardcore Heaven II’ develops the theme of that first release back in April. Taking influence from producers like Top Buzz, Nookie, and Foul Play, the familiar collision of hard-edged beats, euphoric breakdowns, and helium vocals gets a Scuba-in-2023 update.
The tracks on this EP add a twist of twisted breaks, early 2-step, and classic broken beat to the mix, as well as some moody vocal rubs and the customary dancefloor flavours.
The six tracks included here are presented on red and black splatter vinyl, limited to 500 copies with definitely no represses.
Amy Dabbs might be one of the hardest working artists in the game right now. Making it in the current electronic music landscape is not an easy thing, which might be why this talented artist is so heavily invested in her musical output. With releases on Aus Music, Shall not Fade and her own Dabbs traxx, a monthly residency on Rinse FM and a tour schedule that seems to get busier by the minute, we’re happy to see her hard work is paying off. Add to that some support by artists such as Special Request, The Blessed Madonna, Jaguar and Cinthie and you know this Berlin-based artist is right where she belongs: in the spotlight.
With a love for all things high energy – including, but not limited to house music and breaks – Amy knows how to set fire to a dancefloor (or record for that matter). Her music has been described by Resident Advisor as “Elegant and soulful drum & bass, that’ll still catch the ears of house heads.” So here you go, house heads: Amy Dabbs on Heist. The ‘Only breaks can love your heart’ EP is packed with feelgood energy and comes with a Dam Swindle remix that has the duo laying down some pleasantly unexpected breakbeats on an altogether rush-inducing record.
Right from the start, you know you’ve got an anthem on your hands with ‘Everything alright’. The gorgeous vocals by Aika Mal give you that right amount of emotive, ravey energy and come wrapped in a package of solid breaks and mesmerizing chords. With a hint of acid and a couple of meticulously crafted breakdowns you’ll be singing along with this track before you know it.
The Dam Swindle remix drops the tempo a little bit, but with its 140 bpm, warm broken beat and UK bass, the duo delivers a curveball of a track with a lot of crossover appeal. They went for a more stripped back approach that combines introverted percussion with bouncy keys that complement the vocals perfectly for an altogether irresistible remix.
‘Crush’ is a signature Amy Dabbs tracks, with driving 909 percussion, female vocal chops, ethereal pads and classic strings. It’s a warmhearted affair laced with Amy’s feelgood DNA. On the flip you’ll find ‘Eleven eleven twenty two’; a classic deep house track with subtle hints of UKG in its sampling and bass. The pads and leads are moody and the skippy percussion gives this track the kind of energy you’d welcome when pulling an all-nighter.
Rounding off the EP, we’ve got the ep title track ‘Only breaks can love your heart’; another showcase of Amy’s knack to make house aficionados dance to drum and bass. There’s a certain contrast in pace – raging drums versus dreamy chords that makes you feel at ease listening to a fast-paced track like this. The vocals are equally hazy with a subtle 90’s and 00’s RnB feel. Bassface guaranteed on this one!
Old school electro from Phil klein (Aka Bass Junkie) and Matt Whitehead (Perc Traxx, Don't)... Under their comon name Model Citizens. Totally Classic and well done insane driver ! B-side brings also the good electro oldschool feeling. And to finish the EP, get a good funky electro bass sound ! Maxxximum pleasure ! Superb EP bringing a fat soundproduction.
BLASTER !
Amy Dabbs and Athlete Whippet deliver a perfectly crafted journey through house music with 'Into You' on Aus Music.
The duo's different yet wholly complementary musical backgrounds - Amy Dabbs bringing her extensive experience as a DJ & electronic music producer, and Athlete Whippet with his background as an instrumentalist & live band musician - have created a winning combination on Into You EP. The product of which is an intricately composed, highly musical suite of tracks produced to perfection for the dancefloor.
Having met for the first time at Cinthie's Elevate store in early 2021 for her DJ Kicks launch party, the compilation featuring one of Dabbs' earlier tracks, Amy Dabbs & Athlete Whippet stayed in touch, which culminated in the decision to start working together in the studio in their shared hometown of Berlin.
Amy Dabbs has released a string of lauded 12"s since her 2020 debut, including her latest highly acclaimed EP on Shall Not Fade, in addition to collaborating with Coco Bryce, launching her own imprint Dabbs Traxx last year, and featuring regularly on BBC Radio1 Dance.
Athlete Whippet, headed up by Robin Braum, have delivered a myriad of esteemed releases across Toy Tonics, Rhythm Section and Tartelet, which have earned heavy support from Pete Tong, Jamz Supernova and Tom Ravenscroft, to name a few.
Teaming up for the first time here, Amy Dabbs & Robin Braum deliver a fiery three-tracker for Will Saul's Aus Music, covering a variety of moods across the versatile EP. Kicking off the A-side is 'Deep In Your Love', with swirling pads and emotive strings tangling around a tear-jerking vocal refrain, which make for a highly moving opener. A2, 'Into You' continues the emotional journey with lively percussion, subby basslines, and sensuous vocal samples overlaid with luscious analogue chords played out on the Juno 106. On the flip, 'Milkshake' closes out proceedings with a glorious blend of anthemic hands-in-the-air piano riffs and deep acid grooves. This track is a surefire summer hit, set to ignite airwaves and the dancefloor in equal measure.
n this Second Edition of eli.sound we bring you High-End Music with the Best exponent of Our Catalog in this moment, This time Our Happy House Side our Leader Son of Elita releases a Party Deep House with many changes of analog Synthesizers and pads chords and so on close Side A with a Incredible Argentinian Collaboration Trentz & Cajal induce to wear out all your Sneakers with a very emotional Fast Groove.
A Roman Side dresses up by hosting one of the best Romanian Exponents the great Direkt already known by all in the Underground environment releases a track with Experimental Minimalistic Trends and Organic Groove, to close our Project SOEm launches Breakbeat cut with Arpeggios and Organic Synthesizers. We assure you that this LP cannot missing from your Selection.
B From E is a Happiness Therapy mainstay. Just last month the Dane remixed Mogan’s Monstera Tears, on the label’s lauded HT17 release. Now he follows this up with his first full Happiness Therapy EP in Just At Night. Featuring a remix by fellow Danish regular Niles Cooper, it marks a highlight occasion for the thriving Copenhagen talent.
Balancing a well-established career in Denmark with an international tour schedule is no mean feat, but in B From E’s case, that’s exactly what the Danish mainstay has been up to over the years. From Traxx Underground to Happiness Therapy, to being head of his own label Buddahood, his productions are downright infectious. Resident Advisor described it best: “Lean and smart, they're the kind of garage-tinged groovers loved by almost every house DJ on the planet,
Its been some years since HARD TIMES dropped new music in our laps, but having kick started a new wave with March’s release of Steve ’Silk’ Hurley’s stunning ‘All I Need’, featuring Sara Garvey on vocal duty, the label follows up swiftly with more precision groovemanship.. this time from Hudd Traxx label boss and core HARD TIMES family member, Eddie Leader.
As a DJ, producer, promoter and label boss Eddie has, over a twenty five year career, become a standard bearer for UK House Music. His own productions have graced seminal labels including Classic, Robsoul, Plastic City, Morris Audio and Balance Alliance, while his own Hudd Traxx imprint has become a go-to for many a discerning disc jockey. Its roster boasts releases that feature Matthew Herbert, Rolando, Jovonn, Rick Wade, Agnés and More.
Fresh from remixing Hurley’s ‘All I Need’, Leader now looks to ’Slow Everything Down’ with four fresh jams of his own that all stay true to the Hard Times ethos of quality, deep underground sounds.
Preaching from the front is ’Stand Up’, with its warm groove, piercing piano chords and soulful sermon. So come on… Stand up, to get down. On ‘Gratitude Power’ a seismic kick drum and bass combo pave the way, garnished with keys, synth stabs, bongos and a sprinkling of vocal as the track winds things on smoothly.
‘Slow Everything Down’ is where its at. A calmer, warmer groove, built from raw beats, spoken word and glistening piano. Coolness personified. This is where we're at. Leader slows and closes with final cut ’To Me To You’, icing the EP to perfection with its drowsy and hypnotising keys.
HARD TIMES continue to deliver the good times.
- A1: Caramel Chameleon - To Create Is To Live Twice
- A2: Perseus Traxx - Something More Than This
- B1: Rag - Zavondje 303
- B2: Raving Kid - Edgware Acid
- B3: Mutex - Road To Atlantis
- C1: Kreggo - Hearthpulse
- C2: Steifl - Omega Point
- C3: Korre - Black Over Blue
- D1: Pitto - Acid Rolo
- D2: Endfest - Shari Vari
- D3: Dwaalgast De Beer Uit Allekmaar - A Wave Goodbye
030303 Records taught us a lot about the many faces of acid throughout the 18 years of its existence. The label has specialised in all substyles of the genre, whether that's tracks inspired by early 80s proto acid, Chicago house, braindance or the eerie melancholy of Polygon Window. Good thing is, they haven't stopped getting better at it. Most 030 releases are now out of print and severely sought after and, with so many instant classics featured on it, this fifth compilation will be no exception. Caramel Chameleon kicks off with an epic cut, one that will appeal to fans of Roy of the Ravers. Perseus Traxx, Raving Kid and RAG aka Steven Brunsmann follow suit with acid on a deeper tip, with the latter adding a heavenly soulful touch to it. And how great it is to see American producer Korr? return to the label with a wonderfully spaced out introspective cut. Also standing out is Endfest's heavy electro/acid take on one of the most obscure mysteries ever to come out of Detroit: Shari Vari. Dwaalgast and De Beer Uit Allekmaar aka Cosmic Force deliver the last track before the lights go on - the aptly named A Wave Goodbye has a distinctive, bouncy westcoast-sound-of-Holland feel to it. An excellent compilation and a huge tip!




















