A Soft Mist Production - "Upside Down Rainbows" (5:01)
Dr Sud - "Zaffiro" (Jazz cut) (3:59)
DatSIM - "Influx" (4:40)
The Rabbit Hole - "Tail Groove" (4:27)
Review: No matter your particular preference in the deep house world, this various artists' outing from Q1E2 Recordings is sure to have something for you. Mike Riveria & Marco Ohboy, for example, tap into an early sound on 'Euphoria' with its big, brash piano stabs and whistles, while A Soft Mist Production keeps it all cuddly and deep with languid chords draped over gentle drums on 'Upside Down Rainbows.' DatSIM brings in some space-tech vibes for a deft rhythm and neon infused sound on 'Influx' and The Rabbit Hole's 'Tail Groove' has a mad double bass sound jumping about beneath frantic jungle breaks.
Review: Melodiesinfonie, Bluestaeb and S. Fidelity join forces to form a powerful trio, unveiling a rich nonnet of tracks destined for the universal chillout space. Taking shape in a picturesque studio in the South of France - and then completed in centres from Zurich to Berlin - the likes of '365 P', 'Summertime In '92' and 'Just Give Me The Aux' carry on the sparse and material-sonic tradition that has in recent decades inflected the neo-soul and jazz-electronica worlds. Every track here sounds to have been made with what sounds to the most apparently humble means available; rimshot clicks, wooden hits, impassioned hums and coos, Rhodes chords here and there. Loyal to one rule and one rule only - "we need to stay in the room together to make this a record that feels exciting to us" - the result is an evenhanded five-track flirtation with soul-bearing passion, toeing the hobline of cool and hot.
Review: Belgian DJ and producer Gratts have joined forces with London-based vocalist Mr. Beale to follow up on to success of their well-received 'Sun Circles' release last year. Here, on the sublime 'Submerge Me', they are in fine form once more with a brooding sound that features the uniquely mesmerising mantras of Beale and plenty of raw, compelling and percussive grooves that full lock you in and get you going. Versatile Records' own Gilb'r then steps up on the flip and manages to take things even deeper with some fine liquid dub excursions to complete a top 7"
Nuit De Fievre (Pellegrino Nottata Stellata remix) (5:08)
Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.
Inland Knights - "Figure It Out" (remastered) (5:13)
Inland Knights - "Figure It Out" (Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz edit) (4:10)
Review: The Frosted label is back with more brilliance from Inland Knights in the form of this newly remastered version of the classic 'Figure It Out.' It was first put out back in 2013 as the first release on the label and remains a vital tune from the British pair. On the flip, Mark Farina is one of those hallowed producers who always has his own unique sonic signature, most famously under his Mushroom Jazz alias. His edit brings plenty of depth and broken beat lushness with noodling guitar riffs and spoken words making it a backroom gem.
A Reference To E2-E4 By Manuel Gottsching (Mad Professor Qantas Crazy remix) (11:52)
Review: 'E2-E4' is of course a legendary bit of music written by a legendary composer. Here, Alex Kassian serves up his own extension version of it and takes us on a 12-minute electronic trip that will be perfect for the more adventurous DJs and dancers out there - not least in Ibiza this summer. Next to the escapist original is a flipside remix from the one and Mad Professor. He heads out on his own with plenty of mind-melting effects, dubby undercurrents and mesmeric leads that encourage minds to wander. A real pearler for the hotter months and beyond.
Daryl System & Mr Fantasy - "Sequential Love" (4:37)
Review: Barcelona-based Italian label Dance Conmigo makes a bold debut with a four-track release that is fully aimed at igniting dance floors. The opener from Lukinsky sets the tone with a dreamy, nostalgic journey you won't want to let go of while Elgo Blanco raises the tempo, perfectly bridging day-to-night vibes. On the B-side, Flavio Folco's signature style shines on a track featuring a dynamic live bassline and energetic arrangement. Last but not least, the EP closes with a collaboration from Daryl System & Mr. Fantasy that delivers a warm 80s-inspired groove and cosmic harmonies that transport you to another dimension.
Review: If you have been dancing recently you might well have already been enamoured by the charms of some of the tunes on this new one from the superb Razor N Tape label by Magic Words, a new project from NY-based producers Eli Cohen and Peter Hargarten. Centred on an emotive and dreamy loop, the title tune epitomises Balearica with its Spanish guitar and melancholic harmonies. Toronto's Jex Opolis delivers a massive remix that retains the original's delicate texture, overlaying it with a pulsing, club-ready drum foundation that is sure to make it a real summer staple.
Review: To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Archeo Recordings breaks tradition with the release of a new series of exquisite EPs honoring past masters. This collection features reimagined tracks from the label's cherished catalog, showcasing the talents of contemporary artists. Among these, Pepe Maina's 'The Infinite', enhanced by Manu's tribal percussion and electronics, transforms a classic into a celestial slow dance. Roberto Aglieri's 'Danza N. 1' receives a vibrant reinterpretation from Daniele Tomassini, merging proto-techno rhythms with psychedelic flute melodies, perfect for day raves and moonlit gatherings. The EP also revisits Radio Band's Italo-boogie classic 'Radio Rap', given a contemporary twist by the enigmatic Radiomarc. Finally, Mushrooms Project breathes new life into Futuro Antico's 'Pan Tuning', creating a transcendent dance journey that blends ancient sounds with modern beats. This collection not only honors the label's history but also promises exciting future endeavors, making it a great time to reflect on the past.
Review: Said to be two decades in the making, this record features two tracks by Makode Linde, the visual artist and musician who has long been a friend and frequent cover designer for Sweden's most eccentric dance label, Studio Barnhus. 'Never Getting Over Me' features Makode's poignant vocals on a quirky, sun-drenched rhythm while 'Professional Help' delivers bossa nova brilliance with a graceful, flute-driven backdrop which reflects the protagonist's lament over his old flame's aversion to therapy. With exquisite songwriting and charming lo-fi appeal, these songs are brilliant dance-pop fusions with a great message and plenty of irresistible grooves.
Review: Mar De Novo is a mainstay of the Vinyl Only label which is now almost up to release number 20. As always these are magnificent beats that blend great invention with a healthy respect for disco days gone by and they are all made in what must be a studio jam-packed with analogue gear from all across the ages. 'Instant Humidity' has plenty of characterful synth details that are freaky and playful, 'Call Me' pairs stepping disco beats with super sweet vocals and 'Paraggi' is a blissed-out seaside gem. 'Progression' heady back to the club with strobe-lit disco arps, 'Get A Way' pairs plunging basslines with cosmic keys and another great vocal and 'Quiet Down' rounds out with another horizontal downbeat disco gem.
Review: James Massiah and Lord Tusk team up for the fine Accidental Meetings label it this is actually their first official release together after years of collaboration in various forms. This highly anticipated project showcases their chemistry and creative synergy across one fresh new cut. 'Open Up' is a dense sound with dubby low ends but raw metallic drums and swirling pads next to the stream of conscious vocals. The record is mastered by Beau at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, ensuring a polished, high-quality sound and it comes in limited pressings with a more cavernous and melon-twisting version on the flip.
Review: Created via a partnership between Parisian stalwarts Yoyaku and a local art gallery, Chapelle XIV Music has served up a sensational - if sporadic - range of releases since launching in 2021. This EP, from organic nu-disco specialist Mattrogg, is another genuine gem. He first serves up two takes on 'Fe Mwen', an ear-catching fusion of jammed out synth solos, chiming melodies, Nile Rodgers style guitar licks and nagging dub-disco bass. The first version, the 'Tee Mix', is the more musically expansive and immediately impactful, though the dub disco adjacent 'Roggtrax Mix' is every bit as alluring. Over on the flip, he cannily combines dub disco with nods to Afro-disco and Afro-boogie on 'Nwa Marimba', while 'Jame Anko' is a slow, heady, low-slung dub workout smothered in elongated electric piano solos.
Review: Jenifa Mayanja is a favourite amongst true deep house heads. Her work is smoky, jazzy, and emotive, and has come on labels like Underground Quality before now. Here she arrives on the sixth EP from fledgling but already cultured label Sole Aspect and shows off her sophisticated sound once more. 'Rise To The Top' is full of elegant harmonies and jazz melodies that dance on pulsing rhythms, 'Like A Dream' brings spiritual vocals to bold chords and dusty drums while 'Our World' has piano lines floating high over the languid drums and bass. 'Rose Colored Glasses' has fresh melodies and challenging synths that defy usual genre norms and bring all new ideas to deep house. This is music that elevates mind, body and soul.
Review: Millsart's Powerland is a four-track journey that fuses techno with spacey jazz, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a cosmic jazz den. 'The Savvy Provocateurs Of Parallel 42' opens with a blend of jazz-infused techno, evoking the feel of a movie soundtrack with its cinematic, spacey vibe. 'The Divine Line' shifts into ambient techno, with sequencer-driven layers that offer a serene yet rhythmic experience. 'Hippie Woman Wild' stands out with its unique combination of island jazz and techno, delivering a creative and unexpected fusion that feels both laid-back and innovative. Overall, Powerland showcases Millsart's ability to meld diverse influences into a cohesive and immersive sonic landscape, perfect for those who appreciate techno with a touch of jazz-inspired creativity.
Review: Milord makes his long-awaited return to Periodica here and in doing so trades his signature electro mysticism for boogie funk, disco dubs and a bit of sun-drenched pop. The club mix to kick off with is a hypnotic, ever-evolving journey through psychedelic grooves with energised chants, sleek vocals and futuristic vocoder accents. The dub version brings some Afro-tribal rhythm and bass from techno with lush pianos adding a cosmic atmosphere. The radio mix blends Kraftwerk-inspired touches with bright, sunlit pop and bubbling basslines to lodge deep in your psyche next to some jangly guitar licks. Perfect genre-blurring escapism, then.
Review: South Africa-born, United States-based Brendon Weller is one of dub techno's finest modern day practitioners. he has been endlessly exploring the form for years but never falls short of fresh ideas. Here he offers up his latest 12" on EchoLTD. It begins with 'Rescue Me' which is smoky, deep and atmospheric with rattling hits and chords submerging you way beneath the surface.A'YassQueen' then taps into an orignal dub ethos with rumbling bass and heady harmonica sounds floating amongst wispy pads. 'Scorching' stays fully horizontal and is a vast empty space with patient bass and drums and 'How Love Is Your Deep' ends with another heady exploration of empty space and slow motion rhythm.
Review: Monochord, which is the duo of Vienna-based musicians Bernhard Hammer and Jakob Schneidewind, diverges from their Elektro Guzzi roots with electroacoustic experiments and cinematic elements. Their music unfolds organically here, propelled by a forward momentum that distinguishes it while minimalist compositions explore electronica, ambient, shoegaze, and modern classical influences, maximising potential to logical and sometimes illogical conclusions. Introspective and filmic, Monochord's quiet, non-confrontational nature traverses various realms with a subtle pulse and evocative, droning textures that make for music which defies easy categorisation and evokes deep introspection.
Review: An exciting blend of minimal tech house and experimental techno only equalled by an emotionally gripping acoustic version on the second side. The track immediately grabs attention with its intricate layers of moody synths and pulsating percussion. Steffen Linck's evocative lyrics float effortlessly over the atmospheric soundscape, balancing vulnerability and groove. It's a track that speaks to deep emotions while maintaining a steady, hypnotic rhythm. On the Side-B, Monolink presents "Mesmerized (Acoustic)', a beautiful reworking that strips away the electronic elements to expose the raw heart of the song. This acoustic version is a more intimate experience, where soulful vocals and acoustic instrumentation take center stage. The result is a tender, thought-provoking reinterpretation that breathes new life into the track, further enhancing its emotional depth. This release shows off Monolink's ability to blend electronic precision with organic emotion.
Review: Ohm Series #10 continues to be a shining example of the remarkable work being done in the dub techno genre, consistently featuring top-tier producers who excel in their craft. On Side-1, Monomood kicks things off with 'Spring In Space,' a track that boasts deep sub-bass hits and long, blending chords. Its strong kick and clean production make it a powerful example of dub techno at its finest. Following this, Octal Industries delivers 'Rewind Repeat,' a piece that layers epic strings and a soaring melody over an abstract broken beat. Powerful and evocative! Side-2 opens with G-Prod and Taho's'"Light Forest,' an uptempo dub techno track with a techy edge. Its smooth production and dancefloor-ready vibe make it a seamless fusion of technical prowess and groove. Closing out the release is Gradient's 'Track 4,' which offers classic dub techno sounds. Gradient's exceptional craftsmanship is evident in this track, which epitomizes the lush textures and hypnotic rhythms that define the genre. Overall, Ohm Series #10 upholds its reputation by delivering high-quality dub techno that resonates with both purists and new listeners alike. This release is an ideal example to the innovative spirit of the genre.
Review: Forest Jams takes us further into the unknown with Mori Ra's Mantra, an EP of four cosmic edits for curious minds and forest wanderers. Osaka-based DJ Mori Ra is known for blending Balearic, cosmic and electronic disco and has graced labels like Rotating Souls and Macadam Mambo. In Mantra, he becomes a mystic guide offering sonic parables hidden in four tracks, including 'Catharsis', which launches us into a digital odyssey and 'Seinn O!' exploring communication through atmospheric chants, while the Japanese titles on the flip captures the dystopian bustle of a simulated city and brings reflection in the form of a timeless tunnel of discovery. Wonderful.
Review: Bringing melodies, percussions and textures of the sort which we never thought bringable to techno, Saudi-Irish artist Moving Still wows with his latest EP for Bordello A Parigi. This is an artist whose Pangaean taste spans a wide range, born of both musicality and maturation between nations. The distinctive hum of bedouin traditional music intermixed with notes of Irish reel and abound notably on 'Close To The Shams', where melo-maniacal motifs of each are blurred. 'Bang Of Luban' brings breaksy 4x4s and acids to longing synth reeds that bear a quick glissando, and the titular 'Zaman' of course steals the show with its happy, homegrown metallic percs, against which a cheeky mizmar melody makes do against solar blankets of emotion.
Review: First released way back in 1991, minus a title (that appeared when it was reissued the following year), Mr Monday's 'Daybreak' has long been considered a Balearic classic by those of a certain vintage. Genuinely sunset and sunrise-ready, the original mix is a warming, tactile and pitched down treat full of slow-motion acid house bass, kaleidoscopic chords, spacey synth sounds and sparkling piano motifs - all rising above a languid beat that's perfect for wearing early morning shuffling and seated early evening head-nodding. This Thank You reissues also boasts two previously unheard versions: a deliciously dubbed-out, delay and reverb-laden 'Bonus Beat' take, and a near 10-minute 'bonus dub prayer', full of whispered female vocals, stretched-out grooves and dub-flecked percussion breaks. A genuine must-have!
Review: ukuoka-based band MuchaMuchaM, known for their breakthrough debut album Qantikala, returns with a collaborative EP featuring Malaysian singer-songwriter Zee Avi. After performing together at The Creators' Co-Write stage in 2023, the two artists have crafted a unique sound that blends their distinct Asian influences. The EP features the modern acoustic track 'Day By Day', a cover of 'Sad and Unfulfilled' and the Asian dance number 'Oyasumi na Sayang', sung in Malay. The EP's cover artwork, inspired by Borneo, was designed by Fukuoka-based illustrator TOYAMEG, further enhancing its cross-cultural appeal.
Review: Cultured dub technician and minimal man Sebastian Mullaert returns with K-Files, a vinyl-only label launched in collaboration with longtime ally Ulf Eriksson of Kontra Musik. He says that each release centres on one track reimagined through multiple distinct versions, thereby offering DJs and deep listeners tools for exploration, mood and transformation. The debut is a spacious, dub-infused trip that demands patience and full immersion, from the gauzy chord texture of 'Track 1', to the loud, smeared leads of 'Track 2' via the more propulsive drum rumbles and tumbling percussion of 'Track 3'. The final interpretation is a heavy ambient soundscape dense with melancholy.
Review: The Mysterious MYOKEN crew is back with their fourth release in the popular series and as always, they're bringing their signature style to the table. This time, they've taken two massive pop and dance anthems and reworked them into atmospheric, proggy-tinged versions that'll have you locked in from the first beat. On the A-side, 'Erase' sets the tone with its spacious, groove-heavy energy, and the 'Erase Dub' brings out the deep, layered textures, making it perfect for late-night dancefloors. On the flip, 'Why' pushes the vibe further with its driving bass and captivating rhythm, before the 'Why Dub' takes things into a more experimental realm, adding even more dubby space and hypnotic elements.
Review: The elusive MYOKEN crew delivers another tantalising 12" of dubbed-out edits with a white label release featuring 'Give' and 'Hurt'. On the A-side, 'Give' is a sultry, downtempo blend of echoing vocal cuts and laid-back beats that stretch out like a haze-filled evening. 'Hurt' on the flip side takes a similarly murky approach, warping pop elements into a mesmerising dub-heavy soundscape. With limited pressing and minimal distribution, this release is already sparking excitement among collectorsian essential pick-up for those after raw, dub-infused edits that push the limits of the pop format.
Review: Two years ago, Italy's Balearic Gabba Soundsystem switched from remixing and re-editing their favourite cuts to curating compilation style EPs of similarly minded fare. They're in that mode again here, presenting a trio of cuts that combine the saucer-eyed warmth and loved-up musicality of Balearic music culture with grooves and rhythms firmly focused on the dancefloor. They begin by showcasing Wallace's sublime remix of Sewell & The Gong's 'Better Worlds', a locked-in, hypnotising fusion of semi-organic deep house grooves, new age melodic motifs and the dreamiest of ambient chords. Over on the flip they dip into slo-mo Italo-disco/acid house fusion via SIRS fine revision of My Friend Dario's 'Tell Aro', before treating us to a Pedro Bertho remix of Verdo's 'Belvourdier' in which sparkling Balearic house piano riffs, undulating acid lines and mid-80s "chorus" synth sounds rise above a fluctuating synthesiser bassline and hustling beats.
Review: Italian-born but longtime Brooklyn-based Madteo stands at the crossroads of gritty, industrial grooves and experimental sound exploration, continuously challenging the boundaries of electronic music with his genre-defying work. Known for his love of cheap vinyl and uniquely odd records, Madteo's production style mirrors this raw, unfiltered approach i like sketching sound on a dirty napkin. Just as he seeks out imperfect, worn-out records, his music embraces the rough edges and unpredictable textures, creating a sound that's as spontaneous and unrefined as a hurried, chaotic doodle.Tracks like 'Cans People' tap into an archaic rave energy, while 'To Know Those Who' delves deep into fragmented dub techno, its non-linear structure a testament to his ability to twist familiar forms into something completely new. As the album progresses, 'Nocturnal Palates' expands the filter house universe with deep, evolving textures, and 'Rave Nite Itz Alright' surprises with its subtle yet intense chaos. The closing tracks, including 'Luglio Ottantotto' and the 15-minute odyssey 'Emo G (Sticky Wicket)', showcase Madteo's knack for manipulating time, space, and sound, offering a disorienting yet mesmerising journey into the unknown. As an artist and conversationalist, Madteo's work remains bold, unpredictable, and captivating, further cementing his place as one of the most inventive voices in modern electronic music.
From P60 - "Sun-Kissed Shores" (feat MnemonicKiss) (5:48)
Forteba - "End Of The Day" (6:18)
Review: Zoltan Nagy AKA P60 has spent the last four years slowly building up his Midnight Fashion label and its dedicated downtempo offshoot, Midnight Fashion Chill. Following a handful of solo EPs on the latter imprint, Nagy has now decided to offer up a first imprint compilation - one that not only showcases his work, but also that of Marcel (AKA sometime Cookin' Records artist Marcell Dudas) and Plastic City regular Forteba (AKA Hungarian stalwart Krisztian Dobrocsi). Musically, the set lives up to its' title, offering an enticing and undeniably blazed mix of DJ Calm style trip-hop, warming 1990s style downtempo grooves, slow-burn Baleric soundscapes, Onra-esque neo-boogie beats and warm, deep and languid, jazz-flecked mid-tempo house.
B-STOCK: Sleeve split at the top but otherwise in great condition
Marcel - "Joy Of July" (3:27)
Marcel - "Give Me Relief" (4:18)
Marcel - "Can't Stop The Time" (4:07)
From P60 - "Muzai In The House" (3:58)
From P60 - "Cool Stuff At 4 O'clock" (4:00)
From P60 - "Sun-Kissed Shores" (feat MnemonicKiss) (5:48)
Forteba - "End Of The Day" (6:18)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve split at the top but otherwise in great condition***
Zoltan Nagy AKA P60 has spent the last four years slowly building up his Midnight Fashion label and its dedicated downtempo offshoot, Midnight Fashion Chill. Following a handful of solo EPs on the latter imprint, Nagy has now decided to offer up a first imprint compilation - one that not only showcases his work, but also that of Marcel (AKA sometime Cookin' Records artist Marcell Dudas) and Plastic City regular Forteba (AKA Hungarian stalwart Krisztian Dobrocsi). Musically, the set lives up to its' title, offering an enticing and undeniably blazed mix of DJ Calm style trip-hop, warming 1990s style downtempo grooves, slow-burn Baleric soundscapes, Onra-esque neo-boogie beats and warm, deep and languid, jazz-flecked mid-tempo house.
Review: Hallucinating Love, Maribou State's third album, is their most personal yet and was crafted amid intense challenges. After scrapping initial drafts, Chris Davids and Liam Ivory created the album as a form of "musical therapy" to help them reconnect and heal. With soaring strings, evocative samples, and guest vocals from Holly Walker and Andreya Triana, Hallucinating Love captures both intimacy and grandeuriperfectly suited for Ninja Tune's indie sensibilities and a fitting soundtrack for hopeful, communal reunions.
Review: Maribou State's Hallucinating Love is their first record in over five years, following 2019's acclaimed Kingdom In Colour (which concluded the mid-to-late 2010s in which the pair shot to superstardom). Centring on one core theme: togetherness, it tells the fraught yet reinvigorating tale of late mental health diagnoses, pandemic lockdowns, peaks and troughs of inspiration, rest and recovery and time spent honing and reforming their core craft. Battling several several health problems and impasses, the duo of Chris Davids and Liam Ivory have beaten the odds here, once again crafting a wonder of a dance record, which builds on their distinctive downbeat-upbeat funk-pop style whilst still forming a swell sonic backbone for what is sure to be one of the dewiest of oncoming British festival seasons, spring and summer 2025.
Review: For sensitivity and naturalism in experimental music, Gosha Martynov & Natasha Sinyakova seize the crown with their new album Imena Rek. On their first foray into the physical, the duo expand the spectral ambience and medicated breaks of their earlier work with lithe touches of organic jazz and Cafe Del Mar cool, creating a complex assemblage of dreamy downbeat and emotive electronica that's entirely easy on the ears. The record is an ever-evolving, life-giving slough; we wade through many restorative swamps, each bearing its own sonic, ecosystemic character. The fen's mouth stretches open wide on 'Pozhaluysta', tempting the listener with an open-skied siren song set to skittish drum pats, while things grow hazier from 'Osvobodi Menia' and thereafter; the trip-hop influence is almost entirely naturalised, shedding the genre's usual rough-edged clicks and pops for a preferential sawn-off, willowy sound, that retains its smoothness even in moments of irresolution and tension, as on 'Rany'. And the slow mangrove whirl 'Iskra' really flaunts the pair's talents, with beautifully played pan flutes, and resonant silicate rustles, convoking a new hallowed ground; we wind up mentally clutching at damp mosses, imagining ourselves laid arrest in a sodden but warm bayou, as we're serenaded by two Armenian-American master musicians.
Review: Kirill Matveev takes you on a classic narrative arc across this 50-minute and ethereal journey thanks to some superbly careful curation. This double-sided compilation features an eclectic mix of artists from across a cohesive spectrum. Each track blends avant-garde elements with resonant soundscapes while balancing subtle charm and emotional depth. From serene reflections to soul-stirring grooves, this collection adds up to an absorbing and escapist experience that you will want to keep coming back to it, ready to rediscover something new each time you give yourself over to its immersive depths.
Review: The debut album Approach to Anima by Maya Ongaku landed originally in May 2023 but sold out quickly so is now being reissued. Initially available as a rare import, the album features Sonoda's fluid guitar and vocals, Takano's undulating bass, Ikeda's ethereal woodwinds and delicate synths and percussion to create a calm yet unsettling atmosphere. Tracks like 'Approach' and 'Water Dream' showcase their diverse influences by blending "Neo-Dada and Fluxus" with 1960s recording advancements. Based in serene Enoshima, the trio's music is free-spirited and reveals hidden depths and untamed vitality which reflect their ongoing creative journey.
Review: Malcolm McLaren, probaly best known for managing the New York Dolls and the Sex Pistols, left a significant mark on pop culture as a writer, musician, and fashion designer. His 1994 album Paris, produced by Robin Millar (Sade, The Style Council, Everything But The Girl) on the French Vogue label, is now available on vinyl for the first time. The reissue coincides with the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, where the lead track 'Paris Paris' featuring Catherine Deneuve has been officially adopted and is expected to gain widespread attention. The album also includes collaborations with Francoise Hardy and Amina, making it a notable showcase of McLaren's eclectic artistry.
Review: Mculo represents himself on his latest full-length dance LP Bedroom Artist, deepening *eo ipso* his relationship to personal space and making music for 'the other'. In his own words, "I found myself making music for everyone else. What would other musicians think about this record? Would this track get me more gigs? The process of creating become secondary and I fell out of love with it entirely." Clearly having identified the wrong way to go about things, no sooner than this did he embark on an emancipatory approach. Shedding any conscious attachment to external priorities, insofar as he could, Bedroom Artist testifies the ironic power of the bedroom as a site of abject isolation at its worst, yet studious focus at its best. The sonic result of this conclusion, for Mculo, is io-fi, jammy, trip-hoppy beat and beatless excursions, best among which are 'Magogos Garden' and 'Where Are You From, From'.
Review: Meat Beat Manifesto's sprawling 1996 opus 'Subliminal Sandwich' is finally reissued by the good people at PIAS. Compared to much of their oeuvre, this one is a touch rougher round the edges, with serrated guitar licks layered over achingly resonant bell loops and typically crunchy percussion. Though most of the tracks on the LP are characterised by lax tempo and an ominously warped soundworld, the unique cocktail of styles and influences which MBM draw on shine forth one by one: dub, new jack swing, jazz, noise, punk, breakbeat. Percies include the smoked out dub nausea of 'Assasinator', and the bleary chug of 'Addiction', which sounds somewhat like if Christophe Goze ate one too many tabs and decided to compose a Buddha Bar single for the tweakers. While it isn't MBM's most accessible work by any means, it is an essential entry in the Jack Dangers catalogue and a must for anyone seeking a more charred, freaky body of work which doubtless went on to inspire some of breakbeat and trip hop's key players.
Review: Meat Beat Manifesto have released more than a few classic albums in their time, but their fourth album Satyricon is surely one of the finest. Originally released on Mute in 1992, it saw Jack Dangers push his voice even further to the forefront as he tackled a wide spectrum of social issues, while the production continued to find them keyed into the developments in rave and hip-hop as they were unfolding. The breakbeat structures are absolutely in keeping with the pace of the emergent hardcore sound, but of course Meat Beat Manifesto reached beyond purist dance music to take in industrial elements which made a hugely influential brew of its own.
Jungle Ridge (feat Dele Sosimi & Arnau Obiols) (5:46)
Ibiza (feat Andy Blake) (5:53)
Midnight Cicadas (feat Rebekah Reid) (5:25)
Sun Spots (feat Sam Virdie) (6:18)
Atlantean (feat Alfa Sackey) (5:35)
Hello (3:50)
Review: Accomplished UK talent Medlar's Islands albums mark another leap forward for the always evolving producer. It finds him merging electronic textures with live instrumentation and some top-tier collaborations from Dele Sosimi, Rebekah Reid, Finn Peters and more. 80s fusion, jazz, deep house and amapiano influences all collide into summery sounds that work as well in the club as they do pumping out of the car stereo. From the lush, afro-laced opener 'Take a Trip' to acid-tinged house, freestyle rap and blissed-out Balearica, each track has its own charm and personality. With less reliance on samples and more organic improvisation, this record could well be Medlar's best yet and certainly a great soundtrack to summer.
Review: Moshe Fisher-Rozenberg returns to Altin Village & Mine with Cosmic-Astral, his second album as Memory Pearl. Inspired by a 1970s psychotherapeutic music program used alongside LSD, he reimagines its classical compositions through electronic manipulation and using MIDI transformations of works by Strauss and Scriabi. He crafts new landscapes enriched by improvisations from Sam Prekop, Joseph Shabason and others and, as a psychotherapist and musician, he blends that expertise with musical creativity to shape a delicate trip across nine tracks that form a pathway to sonic healing.
Vibrations Mystiques (Old School mix - feat Ingrid) (4:42)
Clever Mind (5:22)
Obscure (4:08)
Infrarouge (5:07)
EJM - Freestyle Linguistique (Remixx Par Chris The French Kiss) (4:42)
Abstract Fever (5:11)
Le Voyage (5:31)
Brand New Day (4:14)
Muthafuckin' Ghost (4:23)
Review: The Mighty Bop is the duo of French house legend and pop-dance favourite Bob Sinclar and techno veteran DJ Yellow. This reissue marks the 30th anniversary of their debut album La Vague Sensorielle which was at the time a groundbreaking fusion of acid jazz and trip-hop. It has since become a favourite with new generations of diggers and has a real rhythmic depth that still cuts through three decades later. Standout tracks like 'Freestyle Linguistique' featuring EJM and the hypnotic 'Infrarouge' are well worthy of plays in a modern context and will let new audiences rediscover a classic that helped shape the sound of the 90s.
The Emperor Machine - "Dying By Wits" (original mix)
Tri Atma - "Yummy Moon" (long version)
Pressure Drop - "Unify/Rip Up" (instrumental)
Ad Vissar & Daniel Sahuleka - "Giddyap A Gogo"
Len - "Steal My Sunshine" (version Idjut)
Sunshine Jones - "Fall In Love Not In Line" (extended vocal mix)
Car Crash Set - "Fall From Grace"
Mcraft - "She Sells Sanctuary"
Review: After a 10-year hiatus, Balearic Mike and Kelvin Andrews return to continue the journey of the Balearic Beat with another edition of their distinguished Down To The Sea And Back compilation series, presenting a formidable new set of rare and obscure records. Once more sifting from the formidable crock of late 80s to intra-90s Balearic music, this eight-track LP begins on a serene note with the expertly layered guitars from Dagobert Bohm on their re-arrangement of Josete Ordonez, before moving into increasingly complex but still no less sunny waters from the likes of Vidderna, Lee Ryda, and Pressure Drop. A veritable three years' worth of digging, finally condensed into a single selection.
Review: Milio's third album on Atomnation marks a significant artistic evolution for the Dutch producer, who has harnessed new production techniques to translate his childhood fantasies into music. Utilising mostly analogue sounds, recorded percussion, and his own voice, the artist crafts a rich auditory experience that again showcases his suburb synth work as it explores the space between the surreal and the real, featuring tracks like the melodically gorgeous 'Day in Night,' the lithe and dubby rhythms of 'Confuse Me,' and the broken beat beauty of 'Sleeping.' Each piece offers a unique blend of emotional depth and vivid soundscaping that takes you to a world away from here.
Review: Hell Yeah is one of the best labels out there if you love grown-up house, delicious downtempo and nu-Balearic. Even amongst its unpredictable catalogue though this one is a wonderful curveball that has already been supported by Sean Johnston, Jaye Ward, Max Essa and Francois K. It is a debut album from the Italian Michele Mininni that makes for an involving and adventurous trip that blends broken beats, worldly rhythms, jazz, eastern melodies, live drums, and more into a thrilling 15-track opus, all with a leftfield perspective. A diverse array of rhythms, melodies, and instruments from around the globe all feature in this escapist summer delight.
Review: Route 77, the third album from Mirror System, Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy's chillout project, offers a serene sonic journey through spacious, dreamy soundscapes. A mellower counterpart to their work as System 7, Mirror System's music blends soft tech-house rhythms with lush electronics and Hillage's signature guitar. With a travel theme inspired by the vast American Southwest, Route 77 is rich in atmospheric grooves. The album features contributions from The Orb's Alex Paterson, Dan Donovan and Marv Brookes, adding to its laidback yet intricate vibe. Standout moments include reimaginings of Manuel Gottsching's 'Sunrain' and Ry Cooder's 'Paris, Texas', which fit seamlessly into the album's flowing textures. The closing track, 'Sonora Desert Edge (The Abyss)', incorporates a poem by Allen Ginsberg, creating a vivid, immersive auditory experience. Route 77 is an engaging blend of ambient trance and chillout music, perfect for deep relaxation or reflective listening.
Review: Mk.gee is the stage name of prestigious producer Mike Gordon who has credits with big hitters, including Dijon, Omar Apollo, Kacy Hill and Fred Again. Having worked so closely with these names and having the likes of Dijon say in interviews that it's like Gordon is "creating or transmitting from an alien planet", it's set him up nicely for his solo career. Riding the crest of the wave this successful debut album Two Stars & The Dream Police, he's now selling out big venues all over the globe and has a feverish cult fanbase who hang onto his every word. It's easy to see why he's such a phenomenon - his lo-fi post-genre mixes of pop, rock and soul, which echo the likes of Frank Ocean, Connan Mockasin and Dean Blunt, are a riveting listen. A superstar who clearly has the musical chops and production taste to justify the hype.
Review: The dynamic duo MLiR, a creative force fuelled by a perfectly balanced blend of shared vision and contrasting styles, return with their debut album, Pulpo Fiction, on Stockholm's Studio Barnhus label. Building on the success of two highly regarded EPs, this 16-track offering showcases their vibrant and innovative approach to global dance music. MLiR's sound is a product of both relentless crate-digging and studio mastery, seamlessly blending past, present, and future influences. Pulpo Fiction boasts a diverse array of vocal collaborators, from Kenyan rapper Nah Eeto and American poet Oliver Grimball to Swedish soul singer Cosima Olu, adding another layer of texture to their already eclectic sound. Expect a sonic journey that traverses the spectrum of dance music, from nostalgic throwbacks to futuristic soundscapes, from deep grooves to infectious pop sensibilities, all underpinned by MLiR's signature high-energy, effortlessly cool dancefloor aesthetic.
Where Is Your Pride? (feat Benjamin Zephaniah) (3:39)
Transit (feat Gaidaa) (5:11)
Wild Flame (feat Danae Wellington) (4:41)
Precious Mind (feat India Carney) (4:52)
Should Sleep (feat JP Bimeni) (4:28)
Feelings Come Undone (feat Raquel Rodriguez) (4:06)
Medusa (feat Aynzli Jones) (6:03)
We're Going Wrong (feat Brie O'Banion) (4:19)
Fall Back (feat Akemi Fox) (4:13)
Sweet Moon (feat Choklate) (5:05)
Ache For (feat Jose James) (5:28)
Review: Moby's latest album, Always Centered at Night, is another excellent album that explores the ethereal landscapes of late 70s and early 80s New York, the artist drawing inspiration from his musical roots. Collaborating with a diverse array of vocalists, Moby crafts a strong set of tender yet defiant songs that defy commercial norms in favor of raw, personal expression. The album pulsates with emotional depth and atmospheric richness, pulling you into a world where vulnerability reigns supreme. From the breathless daydream of 'On Air,' featuring serpentwithfeet's soul-stirring vocals, to the haunting melancholy of 'Dark Days,' adorned with Lady Blackbird's jazzy soul, each track offers a glimpse into Moby's creative vision. What sets Always Centered at Night apart is its commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. Moby encourages his collaborators to embrace their individuality, resulting in a collection of songs that defy conventions and resonate on a profound level. Whether it's the stirring rendition of Cream's 'We're Going Wrong' with Brie O'Banion or the powerful verses of 'Where Is Your Pride?' featuring Benjamin Zephaniah, each track leaves an indelible impression. Always Centered at Night is another great example at Moby's unyielding spirit of creative expression.
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