Review: Portuguese producer A Thousand Details is back on Hayes four years after his 'Mirage' EP and shows a smart evolution in his sound. With releases on labels like Knotweed 51, Tar Hallow and EarToGround, he's built a reputation for blending technique with creative vision and his decade of techno expertise is evident in his production here. He uses hardware like the Digitakt, TR-909 and modular systems to cook up emotive, chord-driven motifs that balance harmony with techno's raw energy. The 'Unrestful Mind' EP blends nostalgia and innovation and draws from Detroit's heritage while introducing fresh, glowy textures to melt body and soul.
Review: A² was the electro, breaks and tech house duo Andy Panayi and Alec Stone, and this outing on R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings is a four-track collection that comes years after the tragic passing of Panayi so serves as a poignant tribute from his close friends and family. Honouring Andy's legacy, the release captures the duo's innovative electronic spirit and is both a celebration of their work and a touching farewell. Musically 'Street Renegade' is a lithe breakbeat sound, 'Upton Park Breaks' is more dark and textured and 'Electro Boogie' is just that while 'Reckless' closes on a more spaced out and cosmic tip.
Heavy D & The Boyz - "Don't Curse" (DNA edit) (4:41)
Review: You have to liov these 45s that elegantly bridge the lineage between the original and the sampled while also highlighting hip-hop and r&b, showcasing the seamless interplay that defined the 90s. On Side-1, 'Back & Forth (DNA Edit)' gets a UK remix treatment from the legendary DNA crew, amplifying the track's smooth groove and youthful energy, silky vocals and laid-back charisma shining even brighter under the remix's refined production.. Side-2 features 'Don't Curse (DNA Edit)', transforming the posse cut into a sharper, more rhythmically dynamic experience as playful, feelgood verses and the crew's lyrical finesse are elevated by the remix's polished beats.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Waterloo (2:45)
Watch Out (3:57)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Waterloo, by ABBA, is an iconic song that catapulted the Swedish pop group to international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. With its catchy melody, energetic rhythms, and infectious hooks, Waterloo became an instant classic and remains one of ABBA's most recognizable hits. Musically, Waterloo is a masterclass in pop craftsmanship. From its memorable guitar riff to its soaring vocal harmonies, every element of the song is meticulously crafted to create a euphoric listening experience. The driving beat and jubilant chorus make it impossible not to dance along, while the lush production adds a touch of glamour and sophistication. Overall, Waterloo is a timeless pop gem that encapsulates everything that made ABBA one of the greatest pop groups of all time. With its irresistible hooks and infectious energy, it's no wonder that Waterloo remains a beloved classic decades after its release. This tribute on picture disk, makes it extra special.
Review: Acid Sessions Vol. 3 is another white-knuckle journey into the world of acid with five top talents in the field all pushing their own limits. Acidulant opens with "Serpentacid' featuring hypnotic 303 grooves and relentless energy, then Sarufaromeo & Papaverhof deliver 'Acid Nihonshu' which blends atmospheric depth with chaotic acid vibes. G303 takes you beyond with 'Live Long and Prosper,' an interstellar anthem filled with cosmic acid and resonant grooves. Paul Renard closes with 'SO36' which is all about the fat rhythms and powerful dancefloor drive. Long live acid is what we say.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Review: Jonathan Richman's 'Egyptian Reggae' has been setting discerning dancefloors alight since its release in 1977, during the golden era of punk. Known for its infectious rhythm, the track has seen a few reggae remixes over the years. However, it was time for something freshia playful yet respectful cumbia twist. Both genres share a certain groove, making them a perfect match, and it's easy to imagine DJs weaving these sounds together in their sets. This new take on 'Egyptian Reggae' has been recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, the founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, and one of Peru's finest cumbia guitarists. Acosta brings his expert touch to the track, transforming it into an upbeat cumbia gem. On the flip side, we're treated to one of Acosta's own originals, 'Carnaval de Jujuy', recorded by Austin-based future cumbia outfit Money Chicha. The song blends Peru's fuzzed-out early chicha sound with Money Chicha's unique, modern interpretation of the genre, delivering a fresh, captivating cumbia vibe.
Review: This hidden gem from 1975 was self-released on Glen Adams' Capo label out of Brooklyn, New York. 'Stay Dread' rather flies under the radar but is a must-listen, especially the outer limits version on the flip which is a brilliantly psychedelic dub with a mad cosmic lead that takes you into all new realms. The original is a great example of reggae's raw energy and experimental spirit with Adams' distinct vocal style adding a unique touch to proceedings. The rare original has become a sought-after find for reggae heads so do not sleep on this reissue which is unpolished yet powerful.
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged, record slightly warped***
ViGis opening salvo for 2025 brings together four artists from four continents who all blend their own diverse cultural roots and influences into a superb collection of cuts for the club. This is a 12" that offers a refreshing take on familiar sounds and delivers subtle yet punchy variations in style and rhythm. Adema keeps it nice and clean and slick on the deep, bubbly tech of 'Jm Glavio' while Red Pig Flower's 'Stardust' is a zoned-out roller. Artur Nikolaev's 'New Edition' is a deft minimal soundscape with warped lines and bubbles dub undercurrents. Cladu shuts down with 'No Name' which is a more propulsive cut.
Review: Techno powerhouse Planet Rhythm is back with more vital transmissions, this time thanks to Aero. Up first is the no-messing, direct-to-dance-floor banger that is Straight From The Shoulder' with its scintillating percussion and driving kicks. 'Come Again' is even more high octane with taught bass and thundering kicks. 'Lurching' keeps it a little more funky with glitchy sounds and broken beat patterns and 'Crutch' is a final assault that is minimal in design but maximal in effect.
Living On My Memories (feat Giulia La Rosa) (4:12)
Serenade (4:35)
Review: Ahead of his second upcoming album For Today, Etnean artist Agosta presents two unreleased tracks on a new 7" featuring Giulia La Rosa's poetic vocals. These gems blend chill-out electronics with Balearic vibes that are perfect for the brighter days ahead. 'Serenade' offers a sophisticated mix of elegant dance and relaxed atmospheres with inspiration taken from artists like Felipe Gordon and Nutty Nys. Its fluid groove, gentle percussion and dreamy synths create an immersive intimate vibe and both of these tracks evoke sunset serenity with real warmth in the vocals.
Review: Darren Allen's latest release Unseen Realms on Underlying Form offers a deep dive into eerie, slow-building grooves. A1 'Itsony' creeps in with a shadowy, chugging rhythm, pulling you into a world of eerie acid tones and subtle tension. Flip to B1 'Inborn,' where the vibe grows darker, blending tweaked-out layers of sound and murky basslines, creating a disorienting sense of space. B2 'Spiders' wraps things up, weaving a web of squirming acid lines and tight, off-kilter beats that linger in your mind long after the track fades out.
A four-track exploration of darker, vintage late-90s-inspired techno. The title track, 'Voyage', opens with sci-fi-infused melodies and an epic atmosphere, setting the tone for an immersive journey. 'Stygious Night' follows, offering crisp subterranean techno with an edge that feels both modern and timeless. On the flip side, 'Venus Ballroom' channels an otherworldly energy, reminiscent of Surgeon's intricate and industrial soundscapes. Closing the EP, 'Psychosphere' dives into tribal territory with percussive grooves and alien textures, creating a hypnotic, dancefloor-ready vibe. A unique blend of melodic, tribal, and industrial influences, not to mention a masterclass in contemporary techno sounds.
Review: The Altons are a product of the South LA scene's love of indie soul and the duo - who expand to five members for live shows - display their unique charms on this double-sided 7". It's a perfect introduction to their sound, showcasing their tight harmonies, evocative songwriting and undeniable chemistry. 'Waiting' sets the tone with its sultry, downtempo groove, Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce sharing vocal duties, their interplay creating a delightful dialogue that speaks to the complexities of love and longing. On the flip, 'Teach Me to Forget You' picks up the pace with a shoulder-shimmying rhythm and Adriana's soulful vocals that offer a bittersweet ode to lost love.
Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Review: Nail is one of UK house music's most vital contributors. His raw sound pioneered a new style of tech house in the 90s and here he reappears under a different alias, AM Vibe. 'Vibe With Me' kicks off with nice loose drums and perc and jazzy keys adding the warmth and soul. 'I'm So High' brings some loopy and filtered fun and phased vocals for a sleazy feel, then 'Dried Fruit' gets more upbeat with lush synth swirls and effortlessly cool drums and rich r&b vocal samples. 'Powder' closes out with some thumping kicks and more tender vocal stabs. As always, this is brilliantly heartfelt and effective tackle from Nail.
Review: Amorphic and Tensal hook back in to the machine to dialyse their crafts once more, with 'Highland Frequencies' offering up four, machine-numbered atoning lambs to our mech overlords, following up the equally arrayed 'Distant Landscapes' EP (2024) on Blueprint. Now bringing their distinctive cataloguing system to the discographic vanitas Mord, four more 'AT' tracks make for an irresistibly well-layered, synthetically one-of-a-kind release. Only 'AT4' gets a subtitle, 'The Sleepwalker', where a sandman's slumbrous, lollygaggling beats somehow, at the same time, betray a subconscious, paradoxical restlessness.
Review: Hope & Faith Records has put together three different 7"s featuring the original 'Standing Tall' riddim, which is a slick production in the early 70s roots reggae style. Acclaimed Spanish singer Payoh Soul Rebel is behind one, the female harmony trio from Basque reggae band Tacumah another, and this one comes from Jamaican legend Horace Andy who brings a fresh take on the classic roots sound. His smoky vocals bring real warmth and depth while a flip-side dub goes deep.
Review: Dimi Angelis is back on ANGLS with the label's 12th release and offers up four hard-hitting, no-nonsense machine tracks that strike with cosmic intensity. Each one is crafted with precision while channelling a minimalistic approach that packs a maximum punch that's designed to shake any dancefloor to its core. Adding an extra dimension, Oscar Mulero contributes a remix that brings a psychedelic twist and elevates the track's hypnotic edge. This 12" balances form with function and offers relentless beats and intense atmospheres for all lovers of raw, industrial techno.
Review: Anile's latest release exemplifies his mastery in blending emotive melodies with intricate drum patterns. The tracks are meticulously crafted, each offering a journey through deep basslines and atmospheric textures. This collection not only pays homage to the roots of drum and bass but also pushes the boundaries with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a sound that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Review: Last spotted raising hell and taking names with Jon 1st on Defrostatica, Arcane (who is also known as one half of the more mainstream-sounding d&b act Kleu) goes full nelson on the breaks with these two choppy choppy bangers on Foxy Jangle. Both cuts focussing on the drums, subs, samples and FX, these are fully timeless trips and sculpted strictly for the heads. Great for losing yourself inside at 3am and even better to mix. Just like concrete.
Review: On 'Ten Steps' and its accompanying tracks, new Fokuz signee Archangel nails a much coveted mixture of sweetness, simplicity and maximalism, etching and planing each final mix as though they were blocks of marble to produce a muted, yearning and propulsive set of workouts in hard liquid. Higher powers and penitent milestones are invoked on the title track, with its memoric cascades of yearner vocals and una corda pianos set against piston-powered breaks. 'U & I' goes on to swirl its vocal samples into sloshy sci-fi garbles of emo science, while 'Darkside' near-perfectly hangs the balance between headbang jump-up and resolute emotion. Serious stuff from the 12" newcomer.
Review: As the Darker Shades Of Roots label hurtles towards its 50th release, it turns to the fine pairing of Ash & Willow. This fledgling outfit debuted in 2016 but has been slow to release. Last year was a busy one with a trio of new 7"s that are now finally arriving to us. 'The Heart Of All Men' opens up this one with slow-motion rhythms and some organic percussion that adds the detail. On the flip, the ice picks up a little and the sun shines down bright over meandering leads on The Shades's 'Revelation 21.'
Review: Darker Shades Of Roots explores just that and has done so expertly over the course of a half-century of releases to date. The New Year starts off for them with another tasteful two-tracker that pairs a couple of contemporary artists. Ash & Willow are up first and offer 'I & I Stand' which has classic melodica leads worked into a tight rhythm that's detailed with earthy guitar riffs and lush chords, and of course some fine mic work. The Shades's 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' then comes through with more whimsical melodica sounds and moodier vocals.
Review: Ash & Willow have music in their catalogue as far back as 2016, but very little since. last year proved to be a busy one with not one but three new singles produced. They all come on the Darker Shades Of Roots label and are available with us now. This one features all their signature styles - authentic, organic reggae rhythms with conscious lyrics and melodies that linger long in your mind. 'Challenge Yourself' is a fine example of that here and on the flip is The Shades with the instrumental dub 'Grow More Loving'.
Review: The ASHPPE series has been nothing if not unhurried. It started several years ago but always results in essential outings when they do come. The fourth transmission from the techno talent emerges from subterranean shadows with three tracks aimed squarely at the club. 'Judge' is tightly looped and edgy without letting you settle and 'Deeper' then brings muscular broken beat patterns, glitchy textures and raw hits into a futuristic techno soundscape. 'The Box' brings bright and shimmering synth smears to more contorted and twisted drum patterns that demand your more inventive moves.
Review: This 7" reissue of 'I'm So Proud' by Aswad and The Natural Band's 'There Was A Time' delivers a funk-filled gem originally released in 1972. Aswad's 'I'm So Proud' leads with a soulful blend of funk and soul, anchored by a strong vocal performance and tight rhythm section. On the flip, The Natural Band's 'There Was A Time' is a dynamic instrumental jam that showcases tight grooves and infectious rhythms, making it an essential track for any funk enthusiast. Previously fetching high prices on the second-hand market, this reissue is a great opportunity to experience these classic tracks without breaking the bank.
Review: Larry Atkins' stomping opener doesn't waste a secondithose pounding drums set the tone before his raw, impassioned vocal takes over, riding a groove that's tight but full of swing. It's classic mid-60s soul, pushing urgency and melody in equal measure, while the flip, 'Lighten Up', runs on the same chassisia rolling, propulsive rhythm that Harris later repurposed for Ty Karim's 'Lighten Up Baby.' But here, Atkins gives it his own edge, his delivery grittier, the energy unshakable. Both tracks sit firmly in Northern Soul history, not just for their rarity, but for the way they command a dancefloor.
Review: This bumper 12" covers plenty of thrilling techno ground in a variety of different ways. Raffaele Attanasio goes for the jugular from the off with steely, tightly packed drums and synth surges that electrify the groove. Markantonio brings layers of wailing diva emotion to his 90s-sounding drum funk and Mattia Trani offers the unrelenting warehouse density of 'Dogtown'. Elsewhere there are more lithe and funky cuts from ZIPPO and a synth-washed roller from MUTE8. All of these are high-impact sounds for the peak time.
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (Gregor Tresher remix) (11:25)
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (Extrawelt remix) (6:23)
South Of The Clouds Part 2 (2025 remastered edit) (5:53)
Review: Aural Float's 'South Of The Clouds' first evaporated, then fell as rain in the form of a two-parter progressive trance track released on a wider EP out on Elektrolux Records in 1995. Said to have effortlessly captured the feel and fervour of the Frankfurt trance zietgeist, the creative trio of Alex Azary, Gabriel Mastichidis and Pascal Dardoufas were over the moon to have heard their EP opener claimed as a scene favourite. Now after almost 30 years of cloud residence time do we hear two further precipitations of the already 26-minute (in total) track, by Gregor Tresher and Extrawelt respectively.
Review: The always eminent Daniel Avery shares his latest two-track single through Fabric Originals, and describes it as his very own personal take on "broken euphoria... the other side of Room 1 that will crush your skull and fill your soul in equal measure." Following on from the 'Wonderland/Running' EP released back in March, 'Digital Rain' leads as the torrential breaks-sodder, palpitator, tear-conductor, you name it... the track dashes expected tempos for a middling 160, square between techno and jungle. 'I Miss You' on the B hears Avery push things far further, breaking the throttle and locking it into permanent top gear; perhaps Avery can help popularise this sound of angelic overdrive, more commonly heard on the net.
Basement Space & Mans Glaeser - "Spacer Glaezer" (6:01)
Eric OS - "Timeout" (5:11)
Baby Rollen - "TwentyTwenty Home" (8:23)
Anna Kohlin - "What Time Is It?" (7:06)
Review: A releaser that crackles with an energy that could only emanate from the shadowy corners of the Swedish electronic underground. Anna Kohlin, label co-head and architect of hypnotic soundscapes, guides us through a diverse sonic landscape, her own 'What Time Is It?' leading the charge. Built from the evocative textures of the Roland JV-1080, it shimmers with a sunrise glow, ethereal pads interweaving with delicate melodies. Kohlin, a master of contrasts, doesn't shy away from the shadows, injecting her creation with sharper, dynamic elements that add a touch of grit to the dreamlike atmosphere. Eric OS throws down a challenge with 'Timeout', a sonic time capsule that transports us back to the early 2000s. Analogue warmth collides with the raw energy of digital sound, vintage synths intertwining with crisp beats in a nostalgic yet undeniably fresh sonic tapestry. Baby Rollen, armed with a looped double bass sample and the crisp snap of a 909, crafts a hypnotic groove with 'TwentyTwenty Home'. A warm 303 bassline snakes through the mix, adding a touch of acid-tinged euphoria to the already infectious rhythm. Basement Space and Mans Glaeser, never ones to shy away from the unconventional, deliver 'Space Glaezer', a sonic maze that twists and turns through intricate textures and unexpected rhythmic shifts. Kohlin's curation is nothing short of masterful, showcasing the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the Swedish electronic music scene. Inside Out 002 is a testament to the power of electronic music to transport, inspire, and defy expectations.
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