quête:wa

2024 Repress

Chontane returns to Mutual Rytm with a more raw and aggressive sound than before across six powerful new tracks on his latest EP, 'Permanent'.

Berlin-based Ukrainian DJ/producer Chontane has had a busy twelve months. Capped off by recently launching his own new TANE label, the exciting talent has been working hard to reinvent and refresh his sound in the studio. Mastering new techniques to push things to the next level, this EP and return to SHDW & Obscure Shape's Mutual Rytm proves he has succeeded and then some. Where previous works on the likes of ARTS and Rekids were full and more melodic, here he has restricted himself and gone for a more visceral sound. Developed and built in all new ways with an innovative approach to sound design and arrangement, the tracks on the package showcase a more serious and harder-hitting side to his sound as he unveils his impactful 'Permanent' EP.

Opener 'Graze' has a monstrous feel to it, with ghoulish synth loops and industrial textures all coming on strong and heavy. As it bangs along, incendiary hi-hats and lithe pads all bring extra weight and detail. 'Cumaru' is a highpaced techno workout with a frenzy of synths and percussion, all making for dense layers of heavily textured sound. 'Schima' brings some big techno bounce in the drums and more hurried, rusty synth loops that lock you into the darkness. Showing yet another side, 'Lauan' is a little more paired back with pounding tribal grooves and bright synths, bringing relentless yet funk-fuelled intensity. 'Vevis' is the most melodic of the lot - a heavy track but with subtle optimism in the rising background synths that will surely get hands in the air.

Last of all is digital bonus 'Makore', a cauldron of intensity with scraping hits and relentless drums, vastly oversized hi-hats and slamming bass. This high-impact, beautifully brutal yet groove-heavy techno takes Chontane's sound into new realms, and delivers an impressive return on a label continuing to push the genre forward.

2024 Repress

Berlin techno talent Regent is next up on Mutual Rytm as he returns with a compelling new five-track 12" titled 'Coral Knife', plus a digital bonus cut.

Regent emerged only in 2020, but has fired out quality tunes on Planet Rhythm Records, Arts Collective and Warg Records since then. His already extensive catalogue of standout releases combines tough and rapid grooves with cerebral qualities and a real depth of writing and sound design, resulting in timeless yet avant-garde material optimised for the dance floor. For that reason, he is one of the new forces emerging from the German capital and why his next EP, 'Coral Knife', sees him find a perfect home on SHDW's Mutual Rytm imprint as he returns with his first 12" on the label following his appearance on the 'Federation Of Rhythm II' compilation earlier this year.

The tight and funky 'Brickyard' opens with a high-speed groove and a taught synth riff darting about the mix to seductive effect, before 'Driftage' gets more raw with rickety percussion over bulky drums. The synths are dubby and liquid as they get smeared about the mix to bring dynamism to the groove. There is then darkness and heaviness to 'Nocta' with weighty kicks and alluring vocal sounds drifting through the late-night airwaves.
Title track 'Coral Knife' cannot fail to sweep dancers off their feet with its fizzing synths and smooth drum loops overlaid with icy hi-hats that get you into a meditative state, while 'Encoder' layers up bleeps and squeaks over a signature linear groove that is detailed with muffled vocals and distant cosmic stars.

As always with Mutual Rytm, the package rounded out with an impressive digital bonus in the form of 'Multiversa' - a driving and thunderous techno cut that closes the show emphatically.

Amsterdam's Locked-In imprint continues its hot streak with LKDNV07, a four-track EP by Offenbach's Tom Ries titled "Comeback Kid." This release showcases Ries' talent for crafting immersive, emotionally charged house narratives.

The title track sets a warm, rolling groove with organic percussion and lush synths, creating a hypnotic late-night vibe. "Deepfried Diversion" blends soulful keys with driving rhythms for a true dancefloor odyssey.

On the B-side, "One Eighty" combines classic house sensibilities with modern flair, featuring an undulating bassline and ethereal melodies. The EP concludes with "Rieses Pieces," a transcendent exploration of pure groove with interlocking rhythms and euphoric breakdowns.

Anonymous British funk studio outfit Ultrafunk was spearheaded by Blues & Soul magazine proprietor John Abbey, who ran a fashionable record shop and label called Contempo in London’s West End during the 1970s; he conceived of the group as the UK counterpart to US studio bands like Mfsb. Arranger Gerry Shury, who had worked with Barry White and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, drafted guitarist Chris Rae and bassist Frank McDonald (who often composed library music together) and future Rubettes drummer John Richardson to form the group, in situ. A lack of band photos, suggestive song titles and a predilection for American cover tunes led many to believe the band was US-based. Their self-titled debut LP is where the myth all begins, with a number of truly atmospheric and cinematic hard funk instrumentals, given added textural depth through full orchestration, including covers of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” and Stevie Wonder’s “Living In The City.” Though not quite as compelling as the better-known follow-up set, Meat Heat, there is still plenty to savour on Ultrafunk, making this debut companion disc a must-have for all true funk aficionados.

Review: Three German instrumental talents - Chris Haertel, David Nesselhauf, Julian Gutjahr - make up The Drawbars, whom together describe their music as 'off jazz'. Following up their prior outing for Basel's BurningSole, on which two instrumental originals stuck out like raw thrums, their latest is an unexpected curveball in the form of a standout rare groove version of Billie Eilish's modern classic 'Bad Guy'. Riffing of its madhouse hooks by way of a watery high electric keyboard part, the essence of the track pairs timely well the Northern-soulful form of breaks, fills and bass jaunts. The B, 'Smokes & Mirrors', returns to OG songwriting and hears electric glisses and portamento synths dance across sultry, incense-filled rhythmatic rooms and navy-noted blueses.

DJ Support from the full Deep House crew.

Real Tone Classics, a limited-edition vinyl collection featuring four timeless tracks from the legendary Real Tone Records vaults.

Acquit Records takes it back to its roots with ACQR00 marking a new beginning with Synaptic Voyager. This artist always cooks up Detroit-influenced techno and house tracks that ooze sophisticated synth craft and absorbing atmospheres. This fantastic seven-track double 12" features more club-ready stunners like 'Auditory Imagery' which marry disuse chords with tightly programmed beats. 'Echo Location' has punchy analogue beats softened with widescreen chords straight from the Motor City and 'Preordained Destiny' goes slower, with percolating bass funk and wispy, glowing keys slowing worming their way into the cosmos.

Oliver Dollar unveils part two of his ‘Contemporary’ EP on Rekids.The release features collaborations with Brillstein and Harvard Bass.

Part two of Oliver Dollar’s ‘Contemporary’ EP will be released this July via Rekids. It follows part one, released in April of this year, which saw him team up with ADMN, Austin Ato, and APROPOS and featured a remix from Brian Kage. With the first part winning support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Nightmares On Wax, and Dam Swindle, this next EP continues with an equally promising cast behind the wheel, as Dollar brings in Brillstein and Harvard Bass for more irresistible house funk across three tracks in part two.

First up on the ‘Contemporary Part Two’ EP, Jesse Rose, Diplo and Switch collaborator Brillstein joins Oliver Dollar for ‘Pill Popper’, a real dancefloor-igniting underground cut with an unforgettable hushed vocal over infectious rhythms. It is followed by Oliver Dollar and Harvard Bass’ ‘Funky Brewster’, which sees the Tuskegee, Relief Records, and Turbo artist complement Oliver’s house style with signature jackin’ flair. A repeating vocal and hard-hitting drum beat keep centre in this party anthem before Dollar flies solo for ‘Funked Up’, in which a low-slung groove and dreamy, chopped-up vocal work in harmony before breaking down into a jazz-inflected midsection,
making for the perfect outro to a fantastic two-part series on Radio Slave’s Rekids.

Bliss Point is proud to present the long awaited reissue of lost italo house gem Soft Keys – Bubbles.

Recorded in Trieste in 1993 by Edoardo Milani and Tullio Battisti, “Bubbles (Soap Mix)” is a slice of colorful, sun-soaked euphoria, a track delightfully leftfield and playful in a way so rarely found in club music. Originally released on Italy’s Promo Music label, it was quickly lost to time, a masterpiece locked away on an extremely hard to find 12”, soon growing in notoriety among DJs and collectors.

Bliss Point’s reissue of this classic includes two remixes from contemporary luminaries, each interpreting the timeless sound of Bubbles for the 21st century. Tokyo’s boys be kko explores the soaring complexity of the original, and New Yorker Olive T offers a thumping take on its deep and tender heart. The original “Acapella” version is also included.

This reimagining of Soft Keys – Bubbles is remastered and recut by Dubplates & Mastering, and features an homage to the original 12” sleeve designed by Brandon Oxendine.

White Vinyl Repress!

Techno pioneer Thomas Schumacher celebrates 25 years of his groundbreaking track "When I Rock” with a stunning remix by trailblazing DJ and producer talent. A.D.H.S.In 1997 Thomas Schumacher broke new ground with the release of "When I Rock," a track that defied genre boundaries and captivated listeners across the globe.

With its unprecedented blend of raw Hip Hop energy, infectious Rap vocals and relentlessly driving Techno rhythms, "When I Rock" marked a watershed moment in electronic music history. By infusing the track with his signature touch, A.D.H.S. maintains the essence of the original while seamlessly integrating contemporary sounds and production techniques. The result is a remix that captures the essence of the past while propelling it into the present.

To top it off Thomas’ adds a fresh remix of the Uber-Classic that is “House Of House” by Cherrymoon Trax. Essential.

Demuja gets us ready for summer with four sublime, bass-drenched house & techno rollers on MUJA. Don’t sleep on this one!

DJ Feedback:

Honey Dijon -Amazing Ep!

Okain (Talman / Infuse / Pleasure Zone) -Nice Detroit vibe on Solid Pleasure and Square One

TEED Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (GrecoRoman, Polydor,) -loving solid pleasure and if you want

Peter Kruder (Kruder & Dorfmeister / K7) -Solid record ! Thank you !

Nightmares On Wax (Warp Records) -If you want is my jam on here

Laurent Garnier -Demuja does it again.... Great tracks , great EP *full support

HAAi (Coconut Beats) -Deep and groovy house tunes, love the vibe.

Dam Swindle (Heist) -diggin if you want!

Radio Slave (Rekids) -'Solid Pleasure' is great... Gonna test it out this weekend !

Gerd (4Lux / Clone) -great tracks... all are very cool... square one may be my fave!

Hilit Kolet returns to Rekids for the ‘Snap Talk’ EP. It follows her ‘Hot Mess’ single for the storied imprint and features Kameelah Waheed's vocals on the title track.

Continuing her hugely successful run of 2024 releases, Hilit Kolet returns to Radio Slave’s revered Rekids label with the two-tracker ‘Snap Talk’, following in the footsteps of ‘Hot Mess’ (Rekids) and ‘Everything Is Amazing’ (Bush).

The two dancefloor favourites won DJ support from Laurent Garnier, TSHA, HAAi, Maya Jane Coles, Roman Flügel, Chloé Caillet, Jennifer Cardini and countless others while earning an extended string of radio plays from Danny Howard, Jamz Supernova and Sarah Story, who tapped Hilit for a Future Dance Mix.

For ‘Snap Talk,’ the fast-rising East London DJ and producer turns in yet another drop of striking, jackin’ power-house, this time propelled by Brazillian baile funk rhythms, a homage to her days as a samba dancer at London’s Notting Hill Carnival. Fellow Rekids alumnus Kameelah Waheed's seductive spoken-word vocals ride and push the driving 909-fuelled number, and the result is an outstanding 2 AM track that seriously cuts through the noise.

On the flip, Hilit’s ‘Gate 33’ combines tightly looped percussion opening up into a naggingly insistent drum-heavy cut that employs favela funk-patterned cowbells, a throbbing bottom end and a mix of passionate vocal and unnerving airport announcement samples to create an utterly compulsive late-night groove. Hilit Kolet has been integral to London’s underground scene ever since she was slinging vinyl at Soho’s legendary Black Market Records. Her distinctive, energetic DJ style established her behind the decks, playing everywhere from Ibiza to Berlin via Shanghai and Oslo.

Jaden Thompson returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Downtown’, with remixes from HoneyLuv and Ghoulish. Marking his first solo outing on the label following ‘Talking Walls’ alongside Seth Troxler, the fabric resident impresses once more following recent material on Classic Music Company, PIV and his own Midnight Parade imprint.

A new school talent whose sound takes cues from Chicago while pointing to the future with forward-thinking allure and energy, Jaden Thompson’s ascent is well-documented, having been tipped by an endless list of industry heavyweights and global media outlets from an early age. Releasing on labels such as Cuttin’ Headz and Classic Music Company, amongst others, plus his own Midnight Parade imprint, Thompson’s sound and dynamic sets have seen the UK talent become a favourite for many while also hosting his ongoing Rinse FM show and curating mixes for the likes of Circoloco and Keinemusik through to Nike for it’s annual Air Max Day. Having made his label debut on Crosstown Rebels in 2022 with his standout collaboration ‘Talking Walls’ with Seth Troxler, Thompson now returns to Damian Lazarus’ legendary imprint as he serves up his first solo record on the label ‘Downtown’ - backed by remixes from surging US DJ/producer HoneyLuv and emerging UK talent Ghoulish, who makes his debut on the imprint.

Merging various shades and sounds from across the electronic sphere, ‘Downtown’ brings vibrant vocals, energy-charged synths, and sharp metallic percussion, all balanced perfectly, to the fore. HoneyLuv’s remix brings jacking drums while warping the original’s vocals todeliver a peak-time interpretation before Ghoulish flips the script, utilising off-kilter drums and spiralling lasers amongst heavy low-ends.

The four horsemen are the rhythm section of The 18th Parallel riding down the plains to the sound of an heavyweight stepper inspired by the late 70s playing of the Revolutionaries at Channel One. Slow, refined and powerful, the interaction of the drums, bass and organ leaves room to an otherworldly horns chant calling everyone to dance and sing along. Probably one of Fruits Records heaviest release ever!

The first 7“ of this series features Spanish based UK singer Benjammin known for his superb work with Roberto Sánchez. He chants down all ‘Warmongers’. His singing style reminiscent of BurningSpear’s greatest days sends shivers down your spine! Dub by Roberto Sánchez on the flip.

Yellow Vinyl

Seba smashes his way into 2022 with the much anticipated release of his third studio album, "Ingaro".

Prepare yourself for ten brand new tracks of Seba. Secret Operations presents the first LP in almost ten years, from a producer who believes albums are not to be taken lightly.

"Ingaro" takes it's name from the small island outside of Stockholm, which Seba has called home for the last 20 years and is also where he spent his formative years.

The new LP takes the listener on a soaring journey through the entire Seba sound. Whether it's the dark and insistent forces of "Horse Power", which grow and fold in on themselves throughout the track, or the blooming euphoric roller "Public Beauty". A fresh collection of tracks which contain the unmistakeable Seba DNA, which has helped cement the name Seba firmly into the world of drum and bass.

Any album is not complete without some guests joining along the way and Seba has also enlisted some helpers on the journey and the LP includes collaborations with Collette Warren, Björn Berglund, Samuel Lancine and Blackeye.

For many, Seba is a name they are very familiar with. From his early releases on Good Looking right through to the present day Seba has made a name for himself for his exciting and varied production.

His music draws influence from far and wide across the musical spectrum and his work alongside the legendary Paradox and vocalist Robert Manos have gone down in Drum and Bass history.

Not just famed for his work in the studio, Seba's sets have gained a reputation for their energy and emotion. One of the scene's unique veterans. Seba's work is inspiring producers and fans more than ever. An album which sets the bar high for 2022!

Anaconga”, the fourth Dome album by Bluey and Citrus Sun, is an homage to jazz and soul greats from back in the day, and is the band’s first to be released as a gatefold 2LP.

The album opens with the gorgeous Maynard Ferguson tune “Mister Mellow” from the Seventies, with backing vocals from Tony Momrelle and Deborah Bond. Bluey and Richard Bull share the production . “Down For The Third Time”, the album’s lead single, is a deliciously funky remake of a classic Bobby Caldwell groove from 1978, with Natalie Duncan on vocals and Dominic Glover and Charlie Allen tearing it up on trumpet and guitar respectively.

“Mystic Brew” was originally written and recorded in the Seventies by funk, soul and jazz keyboard legend Ronnie Foster and Bluey includes it “to say thank you for his massive contribution to the music we love and are inspired by”. Erykah Badu’s “Honey”, also with vocals by Natalie Duncan, features beautiful trumpet and flugelhorn from Kevin Robinson.

The stand-out new songs on the album are “Santiago”, which features the young Indonesian harmonica player Rega Dauna, who starred on the band’s “Hard Boiled” instrumental hit from their last album “Expansions & Visions”, and “In Search of the Blue Note”, with Dominic Glover on flugelhorn and Graham Harvey on keyboards, which Bluey says is “inspired by New York City’s jazz history and nightlife”.

Bluey sums up the mood of the album: “I hope that the rhythms wrap themselves around your consciousness and the music slithers into your soul, whilst you bask in the light of the Citrus Sun! Unconstricted love, Bluey”.

Citrus Sun is the mainly instrumental-oriented side project which runs alongside Incognito and features many of the same musicians. The band released their first Dome album “People Of Tomorrow” in 2014.

Diagonal welcome the return of Iranian composer and sound artist, Ata Ebtekar (SOTE), for his first outing for the label since 2019's "Parallel Persia" and "Artificial Neutrality". His catalogue runs to 15 albums (both under the Sote moniker and as Ata Ebtekar), plus a clutch of 12"s, remixes and a number of other projects via Mute, Opal Tapes, Warp and more.

"Soundsystem Persepolis" is Ata's response to the iconic performance at Persepolis by Iannis Xenakis in 1971. It's a five track collection of a futurism, a pummelling, rhythmic and harmonically complex trench of computer music.

New Release "Gypsy Heart / Beautiful Lies SKYLINE RECORDINGS Is proud to be release another OG banger from the wonderful Ms Betty Black "Gyspy Heart" is a driving dancer with sassiness and flair, just how Betty like it. Power vocals with a punching back beat, screaming for the dance floor. Betty goes back to the beginning when Rhythm met the Blues under the watchful eye of Gospel and the African-American Spiritual. It's mystical and cinematic but gutsy, and funky to boot! Roots Revival Soul with a sophisticated twist. On the flip "Beautiful Lies" Perfect song, uptempo dancer - which throws you staright into a story, where Ms Betty Black takes you into another world, but one that so many women, in particular, can relate to - another strong vocal mover, with a motown overtone. Summer fun. SL45030 x400 copies includes paper insert slv "I always expect excellence from her and she's delivered again" - Craig Charles, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, BBC Radio6, 01.06.24...

The second 7” introduces to the world The Mighty Gravillons, an obscure vocal trio bringing us right back to the golden days of roots reggae. With powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, ‘Crumbling World’ is a desperate cry to the world we’re building for the next generations. How can we leave such a world of wars, political conflicts and environmental crisis to our kids? The B side shines by it’s simplicity: The 18th Parallel invited one of their favourite musicians of today’s reggae scene to blow his spellbinding saxophone, Anant Pradhan. The legacy of Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso or Cedric Brooks has found its worthy embodiment. New York saxophonist graces us with ‘Peace Treaty’.