Review: Emerald's 25th outing takes the form of another superb compilation with four artists who have already released on the label and plenty of new names making an equally good impression. ANNE kicks off with the deep, thudding kicks of 'Coral Reefs' complete with lush hits to smooth the groove. There is more weight and intensity to the oversized hi-hats ringlets on Mike Konstantinidis's 'Apocalypse', DJ Plant Texture layers in plenty of gritty and grime to his gritty 'Swingers' and Jarrod Yeates goes for a twisted after-party vibe on his intense and unrelenting 'Sesh Gremlin', with many more highlights besides.
Review: This third volume of instrumentals continues the faultless Isle of Jura label's deep dive into dub versions and beyond. Side one takes in references from UK street soul and reggae and features two late-'80s tracks by Howard Hill with machine-led rhythms, rudeboy reggae skank and soulful pads. Protek's 'I Love to Dance With You' is a proto-house gem featured in a Jura Soundsystem mix and here it gets a loving re-edit by The Nightlark. Side B includes an instrumental-driven track with spacey FX from The Cool Notes' and Ilija Rudman's 'Dub 4 Love' which is a knowing nod to acid house's golden era.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
Conjunto Media Luna/Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos - "Bogotokio" (feat Hydro As BNJ) (3:20)
Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos/Conjunto Media Luna - "Cumbia Teriyaki" (3:30)
Review: Conjunto Medialuna's latest album on Little Beat More is a direct trip to the heart of Bogota's rich cumbia scene. The record blends traditional rhythms with psychedelic influences driven by the Colombian accordion and ecstatic percussion that is so strongly associated with this style. These are two of the jams from it, but frankly you should also check out the full LP. It's a tribute to the guacharaca and the lively street parrandas where each song explores new interpretations of classic sounds. Featuring collaborations with N. Hardem, Mismo Perro, Son Rompe Pera, MC Hydro and Japanese-Latin percussionist Muupy, Noches de Medialuna, it transcends cultural boundaries and joins the dots between traditional and modern urban Latin music which is now so hugely popular around the world.
Review: Spanish tastemakers Microm Records celebrates a decade of innovation in electro sound by bringing unreleased tracks from the past to vinyl alongside a selection of fresh current works. This project aims to honour the label's achievements while bridging the gap between its past and present and does so in style while also resurrecting hidden gems and encapsulating the evolution of its sound. From the dark, corrugated funk of Dark Vektor's 'Des Control' via MEKA's enthralling, vocal-laced workout 'If Electro' via Negocius Man's 'The Launcher', this is a superb electro collection.
Review: Mark Grusane presence on Disctechno brings with it a compilation of five unique house tracks from Chicago and Detroit-based producers, as you will probably have guessed from the title. The A-side features DJ Slush's synth-driven 'Memory Blank' and Deon Jamar's bass-heavy 'AYYYO' which offer different but both killer sounds. The B-side opens with Jordan Zawideh's reverb-drenched 'Axolotls' followed by Grusane's intense, atonal 'The Recoil' and concludes with Thomas Xu's groovy 'School Street.' All of these are the sort of off-kilter sounds you would expect of these revered and enduring electric hotbeds. Raw, stripped-down and authentic, this is the contemporary Midwest underground.
Review: Inhale Exhale bring six full new circular round-trip breaths to the fold, focusing on heartwarming and soulful summer deep house tunes. Intended mostly for outdoor disco BBQs, 'INEX 017' packs a fruitful punch. Opening proceedings on the A come 'Make It Right', 'Understand U' and 'Tears Of The M1', a power-of-three intro tracking a vibeful descension from crystalline waters, synth organs and high string samples down to the chillest of vinyl-crackly, primal mini tech moods. Then there's the unmissable mirror image on the B, podding 'Everytime', 'Clyde' and 'Keep The Stabs', the last of which is an especially delicious, refractive groove.
Review: Inhale Exhale will have you doing just that at a fair pace once you've dropped the needle on their latest record. It's a sweet trip into the depths of house and disco with seasoned artist Eddie C igniting the dance floor with a disco-infused anthem sure to set your hips swaying. Tilman crafts a delectable nu-groove track evoking the essence of the 90s with 'Forevermore' and then debuting on vinyl, Julius Renner embarks on a soulful journey to the heart of the dancefloor. Fresh talent Toomy Disco offers a funky, introspective bomb, Ron Brown serves up a deep, Latin-infused organ piece brimming with melancholy and optimism. Last of all, Meeshoo delivers a soul-stirring fusion of strings and disco brilliance.
Review: Shout out to Greek powerhouse Kinesthetik Recordings for making it all the way to a half a century of releases there. They celebrate in the best way they know - with more tranced-out sounds from artists in their orbit. Giorgio & Andreas open things up with 'Nice One' and its thudding tech drums and cosmic synth lines. Diskinesia gets much more raw and moody with the edgy drums of 'Back & Forth' and Interphase then drops a pair of industrial tech thumpers. Giorgio & Andreas reappear with a raw, roughshod and deep groove and Marcelino Sanchez's 'Motive One' offers dub techno to close.
Magnolia - "Deep Inside My Soul" (feat Elliot Chapman - John Morales remix) (7:57)
Review: Celebrating its milestone 75th release, The Disco Express delivers an essential collection with four heavyweight remixes by The Reflex, Dr Packer, Hot Toddy, and John Morales. The 75th Release Special highlights the label's finest talent, reimagining original tracks into top-tier nu-disco, electronic and soulful house sounds. This limited edition turquoise blue vinyl, pressed in just 500 copies, is a meticulously crafted gem. Each remix breathes new life into the label's back catalogue. This is disco for 21st-century dancefloors and The Disco Express show no signs of slowing down.
Review: After two decades entertaining dancers in Santiago, Chile, the Rock Tha House crew have decided to launch their own label. With local legend Camilo Gil and Mexico City-based Mario Flores at the helm, the imprint aims to showcase Chilean talent - though this compilation style debut EP features cuts from artists based all over the world. Nima Gorji sets the tone with 'Get Me Out Of Here', a hypnotic and mind-altering fusion of minimal house sparsity and deliciously psychedelic electronics, before Quenum delivers a typically Chilean blend of oddball house drums, weird noises and Villalobos style effects. Over on side B, Carlo Gambino's 'The Goddess' is a tech-tinged chunk of deep house haziness, while Mihai Popovicu's 'Nimph' is a classical-sounding chunk of ultra-spacey tech-house deepness.
Review: Maledetta Discoteca closes out its year with this special blue vinyl featuring a mix of brilliant Italo disco artists. They all hail from Italy and Argentina and are editing originals that span disco, electro, proto-house and more. Hararis' 'Si No Pagan' is the first under the scalpel and is a funky cut with raw drums. Lance's 'Yo Quiero A Lucy' is a more slowed down and seductive sound with 80s synths, Marta Paradise's 'Calling' (edit) is a direct and sugar synth laced house stomper and Alan Strani's 'Tension Salsable' brings things to a closer with a nice stomping disco grove with mysterious synths and lush percussion.
Review: This limited edition double 7" vinyl offers up Rob Hardt's hit track 'Weekend,' which you might consider to be the ultimate family barbecue anthem, as well as being the title song of the inaugural 45 Weekender Hamburg festival. The single comes with some on-point remixes by renowned DJs and producers like Rob Hardt, DJ Friction, and EFBNMXMIX who work it into different realms but all of them are still suited to summer gatherings, block parties, and smooth DJ sets. It comes pressed on coloured vinyl after originally being released for the festival's opening party on July 12th 2024 when it was handed out to 30 international 45Soulciety DJs who helped quickly make it a classic.
Review: The Soundbombing II compilation was a pivotal release from the late 90s hip-hop era and the track 'B-Boy Document '99' by The High & Mighty, featuring Mos Def and Skillz, stood out not just for its inclusion on the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 soundtrack but also for Mos Def's exceptional verse. His delivery, blending rapid-fire rhymes with intricate wordplay and a distinctive flow, solidified his status as a lyrical heavyweight. Even among a lineup of notable artists, Mos Def's performance on this track remains a standout moment in hip-hop history, showcasing his skill and artistry. Now, available on 7" complete with the instrumental on Side-2.
Terra Firma - "Lunar Sunrise" (Real Oboe Film mix) (10:13)
Adam Dived - "Headfirst" (6:23)
Review: This compilation celebrates the label's influential role in shaping uplifting trance, gathering four of its most iconic tracks. On Side-1, LSG's 'Hidden Sun of Venus' stands out as one of Oliver Lieb's seminal pieces, drawn from his highly regarded album and filled with atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Following that, Moogwai's 'The Labyrinth (Part One)' takes center stageia 2001 classic that seamlessly blends progressive house and trance, maintaining a perfect balance that dominated dancefloors that year. Side-2 kicks off with Terra Firma's 'Lunar Sunrise (Real Oboe Film Mix)', a track known for its sublime orchestral elements mixed with a driving trance backbone, providing a moment of expansive beauty. For all we know though, this remix is a new version. The compilation concludes with Adam Dived's 'Headfirst', a highly underrated 2002 gem that builds tension with incredible precision, culminating in an epic release. There aren't many labels who can rival Platipus for the amount of classic material coming from their label.
Review: Andrew Macari's next offering comes on the small but already well-formed Vessel Recordings label and it delves into some super deep house sounds. 'U Hold Me Tight' is a shuffling, gently percussive number with swaying drums and the sort of groove to lock you in. 'Don't Make Me Wait' is a slower groove with drums that drag their heels in an intriguing way then 'Hana's Jazz Cafe' gets more funky with some playful swing. 'Curiously' shuts down with a nice raw and dusty sound topped with some freaky vocals.
Review: Ariwa Sounds reissues a sought-after 12" from their dubwise catalogue. 'Bengali Skank', originally released in 1983, showcases Mad Professor's genius across three progressive dub mixes. The earworm melody and heavy bass create an incredible tune. On the flip, Sgt Pepper's 'Time A Go Dread' offers a great roots track with its own deadly dub, featuring an earthshaking hoover bassline. This reissue delivers the original rhythm in all its glory, making it another standout record from the Prof. A must-have for dub enthusiasts.
Review: This is a special Record Store Day 2024 release that rights a wrong for hardcore Madness vinyl heads.
With the exception of 'Baggy Trousers,' 'Embarrassment' stood as the sole Madness single from the 80s not to receive a 12" release. This year's annual waxy celebrations however present a special opportunity to own it on vinyl as the classic Motown-inspired hit gets the coveted treatment as part of this six-track EP. Also included is the original 7" mix alongside a previously unreleased instrumental version meticulously crafted by Clive Langer, which offers fans a fresh perspective on this iconic Madness track.
Review: Canadian hip-hop star Maestro Fresh Wes releases his iconic single 'Drop the Needle' on 7" for the first time here and it comes with the rare remix by The 45 King. This special edition via FLIPNJAY Records brings the classic track from his groundbreaking 1989 album Symphony in Effect back to vinyl. 'Drop the Needle' is a milestone in Canadian rap history known for his smooth flow and infectious beats. With The 45 King's remix included, this release is a must-own for lovers of golden-era hip-hop.
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: Riky Maltese's 'All The Night' was originally released by Time Records in 1985. As soon as it was released and forever more afterwards it has remained a classic cut and a hugely sought-after 12" for DJs and collectors alike. As such, demand has skyrocketed for this Italo disco delight over the years and prices for the original vinyl soared. Now, I.D. Limited presents a remastered reissue complete with the shiny and brilliant 80s sounding original vocal version as well as an instrumental version on the flip for more paired back experiences.
Alexander Wirth - "Another Round" (feat Mantsche) (8:03)
Review: Leap hit double figures and over the nine previous releases has managed to establish a signature sound that has found favour with cultured techno heads. The Foundation EP is a various artists affair that opens up with a mix from Dutch deep smith Reshape. His usual dusty and grainy aesthetic colours the mid-tempo dub drums and eerie synth work. 'Creation Dub' is a little lighter and brighter with rippling chords and undulating low ends. Anton Kubikov then lets in yet more light with his lush synth smears and subtly funk house drums on 'Power Under Your Skin.' It's pure heads-down tackle from Alexander Wirth who closes out with 'Another Round' (feat Mantsche).
Review: Detroit's Niko Marks comes through with a surprise three-track EP, 'Density', strictly limited to just 250 copies. Kicking things off with a fresh rerub of 'Here In Paradise', an effulgent, Detroit skyline-scouring cut sporting original vocals by Trina Williams, by the moniker Nile River, we're met with a boundlessly enjoyable paradisiacal fantasy, one that is perhaps unattainable in life, yet nonetheless worth peering in on. Then there's two beautiful B-siders, where the real meat on the bone lies; 'Modest Intellect' and 'Organized Future' both deal in themes of the future, imagining Marks' preferred utopia as one in which kazooing, jazzy streetscapes abound; the exhorting question, "what does the future hold for you?" resounds on the A like a superegoic voice-in-the-head, while the reply comes in wordless, yet relaxed form on the blithely languid closer.
Jorge Ivan Martin - "Yo Tambien" (feat Frank Santiuste - Born74 & Fradinho remix) (4:57)
Fradinho - "Iberica Latina" (4:59)
Review: Eclectic Beats Music is building up a fine head of steam and the sixth outing is a tidy 7" featuring two red-hot Latin broken beat cuts. The opener is a collaborative remix from Born74 and Fradinho who do a superb job of flipping Jorge Ivan Martin's original gem 'Yo Tambien Baile La Conga' into something more contemporary with fresh broken beats, plenty of steamy Latin flavours all finished off in electric fashion with Frank Santiuste's trumpet solos. Flip this one over and you will find Fradinho unearth an easier cut and again update with some compelling broken beats and funk as well as a rich bassline and silky synth solos.
Review: Reissue kings ZYX have nailed it again with this revisit of an Italo dance rarity from 1994. Martine's single is a fiery anthem of resilience and empowerment that blends sharp, infectious melodies with bold and defiant lyrics, all while showing Martine's dynamic vocal range and fierceness. It exudes confidence and is about channelling the strength to overcome challenges while embracing individuality and the production amplifies that with its slick melodies driven by punchy guitars and an anthemic rhythm that perfectly complements the song's empowering theme.
Review: Benji B, Jamz Supernova, Shy One, and Scratcha DVA have all been giving this one mad props and hardcore support, and it's easy to hear why. It is a welcome follow-up from South London's James Massiah who saw big success with his 2019 hit EP Natural Born Killers. It comes again on Jon Rust's Levels imprint and makes some of his most rich work yet. It autobiographically explores the peaks and valleys of 21st-century love, life, and relationships with seamless rap flows and signature neon beats that all take cues from dancehall, dub, acid house, grime, and leftfield pop. Gritty yet shimmering it is a great new addition to the UK's current rap scene.
Grab The Moment (instrumental Fonkymoog version) (5:21)
Review: Tracey Hamlin's voice brings a richness and vitality to this collaboration with MasterFonk, riding atop an arrangement that radiates warmth and precision. Layers of rhythmic guitar, bold brass flourishes, and a commanding bassline work together to create a dynamic yet effortless groove. The instrumental cut offers a different perspective, stripping away vocals to highlight the interplay between melody and rhythm. It's a track that bridges the past and present of funk and disco, showcasing both genres' enduring power to move bodies and lift spirits.
Review: Reissued on Japanese talent scourers Musicaanossa Gryps, whose special interest lies in every oddity from obscure breakbeat to hip-hop and jazz, comes the debut, originally self-released album from Cuban cellist, songwriter and vocalist Yaniel Matos. At once arresting and strikingly pure, Matos attends to the ears with a naturalistic plucked cello style and high tenor, proffering an easygoing Afro-latin feel whose tender valence few can claim to know without musical inducements such as this. Backed by a star cast of musicians such as Sidiel Vieria on bass and Cuca Teixeria on drums, Matos reissues a humble throbber of a record here.
Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) (Lovers Reggae mix) (3:44)
Review: Singer and actress SSW Mayu is mostly known for her roles in musicals and TV dramas, and delivers a fresh take on classic songs from the past. Her latest release is a 7" single on Jet Set Japan and comes from a compilation album by Cafe Music. It does a fine job of showcasing her versatile talent and her soulful voice and refined interpretation really shine as Mayu brings new life to timeless tracks while blending a hint of nostalgia with her unique signature style. This release highlights her ability to cross genres and create a soothing yet captivating musical experience, making it a standout addition to the Cafe Music compilation.
Review: Known in Tokyo's underground for filling her DJ sets with an enticing blend of house, new wave and disco, Mayurashka's Studio Barnhus debut is - as the label point out -full of sonic illusions: immediately accessible and enticing tracks which are nevertheless filled with quirky sonic details. There's plenty to admire throughout, from the breathlessly dark and driving peak-time jack of 'Cool Stop' and the lightly disco-infused peak-time tactility of 'Cosmic Rising', to the percussive, wildly pitched-down chug of 'Fatties' and the effects-laden, tribal house-on-the-moon insanity of 'Mountain Pads'. Throw in the low-slung dystopian dub disco madness of 'Appex' and you have a genuinely brilliant label debut.
Review: Of all the titles to choose from, 'Every Line On Point' is a smashing title. Rapper-veteran and producer extraordinaire MC Juice spells out his ultimate lyrical goal in titular form and subsequently delivers on it with a super nine-track album here. After nine long years comes the bombastic 'All Day' and the strutting 'Where You Go', establishing Juice's sophisticated crunk-influenced sound, which at once combines a sense of hip-ennui verbal finesse with still insatiable and easily apprehended lyrics: a hard balance to strike to say the least. 'All Day' marks the album's experimental turn, echoing Danny Brown or Vince Staples, albeit with a much archer, more knowing approach-to-the-game.
Review: Long-time hip-hop heads will be familiar with this particular bit of beat-making history from back in 1998 when it dropped as part of PF Cuttin's 44 Magnum (Tape 44 Side A & B). It was his 44th mixtape back then and one of his most classics with this jam, Medina Green's 'Crosstown Beef', one of the standouts. It is lo-fi, perfectly undercooked, rides on a catchy bass riff with some slick bars and is a great and instant hit of nostalgia that has aged to perfection. An instrumental also appears on the flip.
Review: Merwyn and Inkswel's latest is a refreshing blend of deep house and leftfield flair. The title track, 'Eternal Freedom', kicks off with a broken beat groove and a powerful vocal delivering a message about liberation, fusing deep house with an inventive rhythmic style. 'Cloud Eaters' follows with a soulful vibe that channels early 80s funk, creating an uplifting and nostalgic energy. 'Skyline' rounds out Side-1 with its own unique twist on house, pushing creative boundaries in style. On Side-2, Linkwood's remix of the title track injects a spacey disco vibe, layering a deep house groove with subtle funk elements that feel both classic and fresh. Gb's remix takes the track in a different direction, dialing back the energy with laid-back, 80s-inspired electro textures, offering a relaxed and introspective vibe. Together, these tracks deliver a dynamic and nuanced listening experience, perfect for fans of eclectic, message-driven house music.
Review: Metronomy, esteemed purveyors of eclectic indie-electronic pop, open a new chapter with Posse EP Volume 2, out on Ninja Tune. Band founder Joe Mount steps into the role of producer, crafting musical worlds for new singers and artists. The EP's lead single, 'With Balance (feat. Naima Bock and Joshua Idehen),' showcases pastel-plucked guitars and hazy vocal lines, culminating in Joshua Idehen's powerful wordplay. This understated ballad is accompanied by a visually striking video produced by global creative agencies Wieden+Kennedy, Immigrant Studio, and Wake The Town. Mount comments on the video, 'It highlights new artists and ideas and allows me to enjoy it as a viewer.' Posse EP Volume 2 features collaborations with Miki, Faux Real, Nourished by Time, Lynks, SPIDER, Master Peace and TaliaBle. Mount reflects on the Posse EPs as a way to connect with new music and embrace their extensive career. This collaborative approach energises both artist and listener, making Posse EP Volume 2 a revitalizing addition to Metronomy's vibrant discography.
Ambra Orfei - "Love Me Too" (Eddy Mi Ami remix) (5:57)
Alex Germana - "Uomo Con Te" (Electro Potato remix) (6:49)
Chuck Simmons - "Love Is Overrated" (5:38)
Review: Welcome back to ID Limited's Disco Planet which returns with a four-volume of irresistible dance floor goodness here. Eddy Mi Ami is charged with kicking things off and offers up 'Androids Escape'. Ambra Orfei's 'Love Me Too' then gets an Eddy Mi Ami remix which ups the cosmic quota and keeps the dazzling melodies flowing, and also featured is the 80s track 'Uomo Con Te' by Alex Germana, remixed by talented producer Electro Potato. Closing the collection is 'Love Is Overrated' by Chuck Simmons, another alias of Electro Potato, who delivers a fittingly big finale.
Review: Stridulum (aka. The Visitor) is a 1979 sci-fi horror that featured a star-studded cast including Mel Ferrer, John Huston, and Shelley Winters. The score was written by Italian composer Franco Micalizzi and while the movie wasn't a huge commercial success, the soundtrack became a favourite amongst collectors even if Micalizzi is still best known for his Poliziotteschi scores and collaborations with director Umberto Lenzi. His trademark sound was still there for all to hear and now three key cuts form it are pressed up to this special 7".
Careless Whisper (live From Madison Square Garden - previously unreleased) (5:32)
Careless Whisper (instrumental) (4:55)
Review: A unique edition of an iconic track. Originally released in 1984, Careless Whisper has subsequently solidified its place as a pop masterpiece, topping charts worldwide and earning multiple platinum certifications. This limited-edition EP is cut at 45rpm half-speed for extra clarity and features a remastered version of the original hit, an extended mix enhancing its sultry allure and an intriguing live performance of it from Madison Square Garden, adding a new dimension to the track's timeless appeal. The EP also includes an instrumental version, allowing fans to appreciate the lush production and unforgettable saxophone solo in its purest form.
Review: George Michael's timeless Careless Whisper is an iconic pop record which this year marks its 40th anniversary. It was released in 1984 and soon topped charts in 25 countries while also achieving multiple Platinum certifications globally. To celebrate the milestone, a limited edition Careless Whisper EP has been compiled and features all versions of the song in one exclusive release. This special 12" includes instrumental and extended mixes along with a previously unreleased live version recorded at Madison Square Garden, New York. It is an EP that reminds us of the late great Michael's skills and reworks the single in club ready format for DJs.
Review: This EP has proved hugely popular over the years and always sells out whenever it gets reissued. This will likely be the case again here with this newly remastered version via Tri Fire. It is a cult boogie and disco blend from Robbie M and The Midnight Express show band that originally hails from Rock Island in Illinois. It includes the hip-swinging and funky 'Danger Zone' (remix) plus a more paired back instrumental version and the original which is chunky, funky, and full of playful horns. All three versions do plenty of good things to dancefloors. Don't sleep!
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: MmWave and Sound Synthesis step up to Doppler Shift here with a superb new split EP that explores acid, electro and breakbeat-infused sounds. MmWave takes care of the A-side firstly with 'Sequential Phonk,' which pairs nice elastic synth and basslines with snappy drums, while 'Signal' twitches with a more restless rhythm and 'Citadin' is a minimal, stripped-back electro rhythm that slithers through the night. Sound Synthesis's trio includes the cinematic 'Ambionic', starry melodies of 'Time_Rez_Bsline' and ambient atmosphere of 'Improv Landing 8'.
Review: Hard to believe this package, recorded in Berlin by techno originator Juan Atkins, is 30 years old - it still sounds like it's from 300 years in the future. Remastered here for a reissue on Atkins' own Metroplex label, it offers up three versions of the title track that vary from from luxuriously lively space jazz to speedy but elegant techno and shimmering, phasing, metallic percussion. Two more originals, 'Neptune' and 'I Wanna Be There', complete the set, and pressed across two slices of vinyl, this is prime fare for anyone who loves the more experimental end of Detroit techno.
Che E' Stato? (Pellegrinoi Feel Glow rework) (4:49)
Review: Ultra-watery, ultra-space-age, ultra-vocoded and ultra-limited-edition new Italo disco wax from the folks over at Archeo Recordings. Engineered and executed in the style of an oldskool space disco cut - one which bears the same cover-artistic hallmarks - it's also a crossover electro/Italo release. Produced by Manu Archeo and remixed by Pellegrino in full progressive house stylee on the flip, this is a beautiful replication of the electro-disco essence.
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: Tanya Morgan's 'Move It Or Lose It' brings a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to the hip-hop scene, delivering a track that's rich in both rhythm and style. Released on limited edition purple vinyl, this 7" captures the essence of early 90s rap, with a catchy beat and a memorable guitar riff that echoes the East Coast's golden era. Side-1 features 'Move It Or Lose It' (feat. Mathien), a smooth blend of funk and rhythm and blues, all wrapped up in a b-boy/fly girl flavour that feels effortlessly cool. The track's excellent rap flow and infectious melody make it an instant favourite. This physical edition brings the much-anticipated vinyl release, which has been in high demand since its digital drop late last year.
Review: This reissue brings a sought-after Italo-disco classic back to the dancefloor. Originally released in 1984, it's a timeless anthem with infectious melodies and pulsating rhythms capturing the essence of the era. The reissue features three distinct mixes, each offering a unique flavour. The 'New York - London Mix' is a vibrant and energetic journey, while the 'Free House Mix' takes a more laid-back approach, its hypnotic groove perfect for those hazy after-hours moments. The 'NU Style Mix' injects a contemporary twist, updating the classic sound for modern dancefloors. Whether you're a seasoned Italo-disco aficionado or simply a lover of feel-good dance music, this reissue is a must-have.
Review: Presented simply, with basic artwork that offers a subtle nod to DJ Harvey's iconic Black Cock Edits series of the 1990s, this single-sided blue 12" marks the debut of a mysterious new rework series: Mr Wong's Edits. We're not sure who Mr Wong is - aside from the fact that the artist is not the grime producer of the same name - but he has delivered a strong debut. 'The Finest This Is What You Are' sees him tastefully mess around with a lesser-celebrated, string-drenched S.O.S Band jam - or at the very least, an acapella of it. This is combined with sweeping, string-laden elements from a simmering Barry White disco number and a shuffling, bossa-influenced Latin house beat. It's certainly a unique combination but one that works really well.
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: This debut release marks a reflective and deeply personal chapter for a 22-year-old Los Angeles artist. Drawing from her diverse musical upbringingiranging from The Doors and 2Pac to Salsa and Sambaishe brings a unique blend of influences into her sound. Growing up in Highland Park, her mixed heritage plays a key role in her music, infusing each track with a sense of place and memory. The EP delves into themes of love, loss and growth, capturing the complexity of emotions with both vulnerability and strength. Written in collaboration with her brother, the six songs explore the artist's journey, offering a comforting space to process experiences and emotions. The project's title, meaning "to rest" in Spanish, reflects the artist's belief in the necessity of reflection for personal growth. The albums introspective lyrics and soulful melodies offer a soothing balance of vulnerability and resilience, making it a poignant exploration of love in its many forms, while providing comfort to both the artist and her listeners.
Review: This six-track release from the Musci archives offers up sounds that blend traditional instruments with synthesisers and electronics. It comes with remixes by Cut Hands and Nokuit and highlights the work of Roberto Musci, an Italian ethnomusicologist who has been active since the mid-80s. Musci's music gained renewed interest following the 2016 Tower of Silence compilation and got praise from legends like the late Ryuichi Sakamoto. It's dense, challenging, and unlike much else you will hear this year.
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