Review: The Avidya label arrives with a bold new concept that sees it push itself to "step out of comfort zones to release a series of EPs of broad, challenging and deep music." The first affair is a fine one from four artists, the first of which is Lyon based procure A Strange Wedding from the Worst label. His slow trance locks you in and then Gothenburg trio Datasal come through with a prog rock and post funk and dance fusion. 84PC's contribution is peak time gold and Barcelona's Iro Aka arrive with another debut to round out this fine offering.
Review: Fourth part of the compilation celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Milanese record shop. This collection is entirely composed of previously unreleased music, exclusively produced for the occasion by many artists of great relevance in the worldwide music scene, who supported the store over the last ten years.
This EP features Ellen Allien, Kreggo, Timeslip89, Itinerant Dubs and Heith.
Review: A repress of Innershades & Betonkust's 2018 new beat sensation 'Forever In Boccaccio!' has long been requested by hardcore record collectors. And now it has become available and has been fully remastered and housed in a new sleeve design, limited to just 300 copies. It was first made, according to the two being it, in January 2017 "under grey Belgian skies," when they had been consuming lots of acid and new beat, which of course shows. The title cut is brilliantly dark and gothic but is backlit by haunting vocal harmonies and underpinned by a menacing bassline. The three other cuts explore similar moods and grooves with great authenticity.
Review: Third part of the compilation celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Milanese record shop. This collection is entirely composed of previously unreleased music, exclusively produced for the occasion by many artists of great relevance in the worldwide music scene, who supported the store over the last ten years. The artists who produced the music for this compilation are Egyptian Lover, Ellen Allien, Thomas Brinkmann, Neil Landstrumm, JD Twitch, Matias Aguayo, San Proper, Tolouse Low Trax, Jay Glass Dubs, Dj Marcelle, Jorge Velez, Tamburi Neri, Fabrizio Mammarella, Heith, Itinerant Dubs, Timeslip89, Kreggo and Intersezioni Ensemble. The entire work is composed of 4 x 12", plus a bonus EP.
Review: The world of dark disco tech is vast and so covers plenty of niches and nuances with artists all over the world adding their voice to the conversation. Spanish label Waste Editions offers up four more to the mix here with another well-assembled VA. Dark Vektor's 'Amb La Mirada Ens Menjarem' begins with some synth sounds that evoke a horror scene over snappy drums and sleazy guitar riffs. Synth Alien's 'Replica Cosmica' gets a little more loose but still comes with evocative vocal samples and a characterful world of synth sounds, some that fart, some that gurgle, some that amuse. Imiafan's 'Stupaj (Keen K RMX)' is another prying, loopy sound brought to life with myriad effects, textures and vocal snippets and Wardum shuts down with 'Wrambling' which has grinding bass and scuttling effects topped with occult vocals.
Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass (XL remix) (9:14)
Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass (instrumental remix) (6:39)
Pong's Run (with Intergalactic Gary) (4:06)
Review: It's been 22 years since the release of I-F's razor-sharp Dutch electro anthem, "Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass". Given the upsurge in interest in electro of late, it's little surprise to see the man himself offering up this reissue, which is focused around two previously digital-only revisions that first landed back in 2010. Stretched out across the A-side is the brilliant - and undeniably mind-altering - "XL Remix", a nine-minute revision that gives greater prominence to the producer's twisted electronic riffs, industrial strength melodies and dusty drum machine percussion. This time round, it comes accompanied by both a vocoder-free Instrumental take and "Pong's Run", a lesser-known collaboration with Intergalactic Gary that's slow, spacey, out-there and thoroughly intoxicating.
Jungian Archetype - "Pursuit Of The Blue Car (RIP)" (5:28)
I-F - "Shadow Of The Clown" (7:28)
I-F - "Casablanca Sunrise" (7:39)
Jungian Archetype - "Who Are You?! (Theme From Paranoid Stranger)" (7:48)
Review: Released back in 1996, Test Pilot Vol 1 has remained a highlight of the Viewlexx label ever since and has been one of those records that command regular calls for a repress. Kudos to I-F then for finally heeding these shouts and presenting a remastered edition for the masses. For the uninitiated, this 12" features classic Hague cuts from I-F and Jungian Archetype, another alias of the Viewlexx boss, with all four perfect for introducing a sense of bedlam to the dancehall. "Who Are You...?! (Theme From Paranoid Stranger)" in particular will bend many an unprepared mind. If you don't own an original edition, grip this remastered version and hold tight for a brand new second volume of Test Pilot featuring Gesloten Cirkel and Roberto Auser!
Review: Whilst remix EPs are by no means the most original of concepts, French label Desire should be applauded for their set of Ike Yard Remix EPs due to the calibre of those involved. Previous editions have seen contributions from Regis, Monoton, Tropic of Cancer and former Ike Yard synth player Fred Szymanski and this third and final EP sees the label turn to a younger generation with equally compelling results. Diagonal boss Powell might be new to remixes (this is only his second after reconstructing Silent Servant for Jealous God) but he's evidently willing and capable to dissect the source and reassemble in his own style. Put simply, little of "Half A God" remains here but Powell's remix will resonate immediately with anyone that consumed his original work last year. Elsewhere The KVB essentially throw down a cover version of "Cherish 8" whilst Vessel's accompanying mix of the same track should sound deafening on a big system and much the same can be said about Bandshell's refix of "NCR".
Review: Red Laser has long been champion of what they call 'Manctalo' ie a fusion of Italo sounds with Manchester attitude. Il Bosco is next to contribute to that canon with The Darkroom EP. It's a limited edition four track that opens with 'Sexual', a throwback 80s disco jam with retro future pads and a great sense of mystery. 'Darkroom' then has big bright synth arps and chugging beats for expressive move-making in the club and 'Notio Botherdini' then gets a remix from the great Fabrizio Mammarella who turns everything up to 11. 'Darkroom' (Bob Swans remix) shuts down with an electro-tinged rhythm and lashings of cosmic goodness.
Review: Ildec has become an increasingly vital artist in the last couple of years. His quality and tasteful output nudges at the boundaries of house and tech with unique sense of character. That's true again here on a new EP for Exarde that starts with a darker sound and snappy tech drums. Otis & Paul Lution remix with a hint of electro pop and futurism and 'Solo Para Adultos' then brings some shimmering synths to kinetic kicks and claps. 'Koala' is a textured stomper with an industrial cosmic edge.
Review: EC Underground is back with more inquisitors of low-end heavy sounds on Bass Scene Investigation vol 1 and again digs deep into the worlds of electro, techno, breakbeat and IDM. The compilation kicks off with the skittish percussive patterns of Illektrolab's 'Making Heads Dip', then heads into moody ground with ADJ, Pablo Funk brings some menacing synth work and Errorbeauty gets all weird and trippy with some mad electronics. Francois Dillinger offers a dystopian electro sound full of irresistibly jacked-up drums. A fine investigation indeed.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Tomorrow Never Knows (9:30)
Hot Sun (4:29)
All Come Together (4:10)
Always In You (5:07)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
In the early 1980s, Britain had a vibrant cassette culture that now gets spotlighted through a limited edition 12" featuring multi-instrumentalist Kez Stone's project, Imago. He was a notable name in Cornwall and the West Country's music scenes with previous projects, Artistic Control and Aaah! which have come back via reissues many times in the last ten years. Imago was a new one-ff project that first emerged with one track on the Perfect Motion compilation curated by NTS Radio's Bruno and Flo Dill and now the full LP, originally released in 1985 on the local label A Real Kavoom, has been remastered and added to with three additional gems. Stone's teenage punk influences sit next to Imago's eclectic approach to sound that blends new wave and psychedelic elements into something irresistible.
Review: In the early 1980s, Britain had a vibrant cassette culture that now gets spotlighted through a limited edition 12" featuring multi-instrumentalist Kez Stone's project, Imago. He was a notable name in Cornwall and the West Country's music scenes with previous projects, Artistic Control and Aaah! which have come back via reissues many times in the last ten years. Imago was a new one-ff project that first emerged with one track on the Perfect Motion compilation curated by NTS Radio's Bruno and Flo Dill and now the full LP, originally released in 1985 on the local label A Real Kavoom, has been remastered and added to with three additional gems. Stone's teenage punk influences sit next to Imago's eclectic approach to sound that blends new wave and psychedelic elements into something irresistible.
Indo Tribe - "Bring In The Pulse" (MFK mix) (5:10)
Indo Tribe - "In The Mind Of A Child" (First Born mix) (5:04)
The Future Sound Of London - "Hardhead" (Frothin' At The Mouth mix) (6:06)
The Future Sound Of London - "Pulse State" (831 AM mix) (7:20)
Review: Jumpin' & Pumpin' looks back into the seminal archives of The Future Sound of London here to reissue their fantastic The Pulse EP from 2008 which also featured tunes from Manchester pair Indo Tribe. It is they who start with 'Bring In The Pulse' which features some Happy Mondays hallelujahs, mad rave whistles and bristling electronic breaks. 'In The Mind Of A Child' (First Born mix) is then a bouncy techno cut with more visceral synth and acid lines and The Future Sound Of London kick off the flipside with 'Hardhead' (Frothin' At The Mouth mix) which is an assault of breaks, congas, whistles and rave signifiers. 'Pulse State' (831 AM mix) is that perfect tune to zone out to on a late night drive on the motorway.
Review: A compelling journey through minimal and tech house, blending futuristic elements with rich, danceable grooves. Side-1 opens with 'Survival', a track driven by a deep bassline and a sci-fi atmosphere that's both hypnotic and forward-thinking. The title track, 'Redemption', follows with techy, space-infused techno energy, creating an expansive soundscape. Side-2 brings versatility to the forefront. 'Connected (Kevin Tribute mix)' is an undeniable dancefloor weapon, packed with uptempo beats and a bold fusion of house and techno influences. It's a vibrant, big-room-ready highlight. The EP closes with 'A Loophole In Time', a downtempo treasure that transitions into jazzy, lounge-inspired ambiance, offering a smooth, melodic finale perfect for late-night introspection. 'Redemption' EP demonstrates Infinity Plus One's mastery of mood and groove, providing a versatile collection that moves seamlessly from high-energy dancefloor moments to introspective, melodic reflections.
Review: The latest Pyramid Transmissions takes us once more into the underbelly of the electro beast with four stealth operators twisting out particularly tweaked strains of machine funk. Info_Cifon makes a welcome return with the mind-twisting detail and nervy atmosphere of 'How The Game Serves Us', while Fleck OSC doubles down on the freakiest threads of interlocking synth work and snappy rhythms. Broken Joe has a chunkier sound palette at work on 'Gordons Alive', finding a fertile ground somewhere between electro and industrial, while Datacrashrobot brings a pneumatic pressure to 'Stream Processing' in the perfect dystopian sign-off for this outstanding slab of outsider electro.
Review: The Fourier Transform label outlay an arresting sonic journey on their debut release, bringing together breakbeat, ambient IDM, ambient techno, and prog house under a single banner. Opening with Inkipak's 'Betwixt', we're met with sonorous low-mid square waves and machine-gun-fire breaks, recalling the breathtaking, verging on apocalyptic expanse of a warehouse rave turned laser light show turned warzone. We break from this warring weir with 'Omnicron Acid' and 'City Of Tomorrow' by Gimmik and Brian Kage respectively, which lowers the intensity and sonic flow via spacious atmospheres and dudding percussive pops. Finally, the perfect fusion of the former two moods is achieved on 'Corrosive Tongue', the lead synth on which sounds like just that.
Review: Here's some fresh techno from Intercepts, a new project dropping three slabs of hi-def, immersive club material from three different un-named artists for adventurous souls. 'Track 1' moves at a slower tempo and deals in fractured rhythms, all the better to carry the huge swathes of atmospheric sound design. 'Track 2' rolls with a deceptive discoid funk which contrasts neatly with the looped up Berlin techno-friendly elements. 'Track 3' takes things even further out into experimental - but still rhythmical - territory, marking Intercepts out as a label with a strong sense of adventure and their own distinctive way of merging influences into something which may well tickle your ear drums.
An English '93 (Italo Deviance Floating mix) (6:33)
Review: Italo-disco originals International Music System released a handful of singles and two albums during the early-to-mid 1980s. Many of those killer cuts have been reissued over the last few years, leaving space for unheard tracks and remixes. This EP boasts both, starting with the previously unissued 'Ready To Believe' - a delay-laden blend of electro, synth-pop and Italo-disco topped off with a sweet female lead vocal. Most DJs will likely be interested in the trio of reworks of classic catalogue cuts stretched across the rest of the EP though. Fabrizio Mammarella delivers a raw, heavy, mind-mangling and lightly dubbed-out re-fix of 'Nonline', Franz Scala subtly breathes new life into the trio's early classic 'Dancing Therapy' - a genuine neo-Italo-disco treat - and Italo Deviance adds some sweaty, acid-flecked spit and polish to 'An English '93'.
Review: Yet again, Helena Hauff's Return To Disorder label brings us a new talent from the world of electro production, this time in the shape of India's Investigations of a Dog. The four tracks here contain a lively, energetic feel sure to tempt the reticent onto the dancefloor, matched with a dreamy optimism that gives them an ultra pleasurable head-in-the-clouds celestial feel. 'Heliocentrism' has echoes of classic LFO's naive melodicism, '11 July' is sunny and gently bubbling in the same vein as Aphex's first 'Ambient Works' LP, and the rest is generally infectious and loveable yet employed with a touch of subtle restraint. We look forward to further Investigations
Review: Originally from France and now based in Berlin, Isolated Material has dropped a steady run of heavy hitting releases on labels including; Brokntoys, Haws, Ukonx, 909 Connection and Mind Controlled Rectifier before joining us for his debut EP on 20/20 Vision.
'Hidden Node' kicks off the wax with a jarring excursion of futuristic breaks and abrasive sound design firing on all cylinders with complex drum patterns, bleeps and glitches. 'Asynchronous Funk' sees Isolated Material serve up an abstract slice of electro funk with a solid broken beat groove peppered with unexpected moments of off-kilter magic.
On the flip side - title track 'Hidden Node' offers up a dose of Drexciyan inspired funk primed for a set on the dark side of the moon with; high octane breaks, quick fire drum programming, intricate synth patterns and ominous undertones. Wrapping up the EP 'Unmarked Sequence' is an equally potent chaser for the wide eyed deep space traveller in need of body jerking breaks.
Review: Vincent Fries second album as Italo Brutalo, the throbbing, darkwave and EBM-influenced heaviness of Heartware, has been given the remix treatment. There's eight high-grade, club-focused reworks to choose from, with our picks of a very strong bunch including CYRK's dark, twisted and funk-fuelled electro re-imagining of 'Reach Horizon', the glossy, big studio Italo-disco brilliance of Mufti's rub of 'Dream Machine' (think Stephen Hague producing the Pet Shop Boys circa 1986) and Shubostar's thickset, melody-rich, Bobby Orlando-influenced rework of 'Heat of the Night'. We'd also recommend checking out the two takes of 'Into a Sampler'. There's a raw, intense and breathless dark Italo-disco tweak courtesy of Fabrizio Mammarella, and a more chugging, atmospheric rewire by Kris Menace.
Review: When it comes to heavy chug, Multi Culti has always known exactly where to strike to make the most memorable or - more accurately - inescapable impact. Thomas Jackson's 'Slow Train' is just the latest case in point, then, drawing dancers and listeners alike in with its warm-hued, hypnotic synth lines, stabs and warbles in all the right places to ensure that while not that much happens, you'll be stomping about like everything was going on at once. Far from a one-track-wonder, Calypso Cult II is the label setting out all its stalls with aplomb. 'Jungle Tungle' is a strange, somewhat shrill, constantly building and percussively dominated workout that's tough and yet not actually that tough. 'Big Plastic Room' is peak time acid meets Kraut oddness, while 'Hipocampos' brings things to a beautiful close with beguiling, downtempo sludge.
Review: Leeds label Real Interactions aim to facilitate just that - real interactions - by way of releasing just the kind of music that might spur them on, not least in the age of long-circuited digital mediation of the social. Their latest record 'Luminescence' channels four of the Northern city's best underground house hammerers, all of which ironically work in, and do not reject, digitality in their sound. Pete Melba opens with 'Testing', which pairs miragic chords with old-style-sample musings on scientific "hocus pocus" and disorientation. Miles' 'Devils Joint' takes a Mr. Fingers-esque approach to looping house-trance, impressively sating our ossicles with its descendant whirls. Things get increasingly dreamy and emotive from there on out, with Iro Aka's 'Noorad' pairing spaceship-HUD melodi-bloops with low pad-hums and Miles' 'Leaf Grinder' janking things out to brukky, fuzzy-logical effect.
Review: Two And Half Records make the decision here to try and rid the A and B-side distinction on records that we are all very familiar with and instead they refer to each face of their latest 12" as 'dance' and 'listen.'' It makes sense frankly and is often how things go anyway. Swiss duo Quismi kick off this one with twitchy and narcotic tech house with an old school bent. French artist Groenogen then gets wild with bright melodies and grinding synths, r&b vocals and high speed tech funk on 'Twinkle Dance' while ILyes offers the tech silkiness of 'Starting Now.' On the flip is a trio of less direct, more experimental sounds that sure do offer plenty to get lost in on headphones.
Review: Bitterfeld continues to blaze its own electro trail with a seventh outing that again its top draw. This one is a various artistic collection under the title For A Bitter Tomorrow: Band 2 and opens up with Salomo's 'Bodytalk', a crisp and ice cold electro rhythm before Interviews bathe you in gloriously deft sci-fi melodies on 'Let Go' and Qwerty's 'Kisela Neman' then brings some madness with crashing hits and molten acid lines. Jonbjorn's 'Chica' closes with similarly high impact electro sounds and raw textures.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.