Review: Re:discovery has got a superbly illusive reissue eon its hands here with 1993's Clouds Over Europe EP from Aquarian Atmosphere, 39626 and Unit 2. It is a cosmic deep tendon voyage that tingles all of your sense as you ride on the gloriously serene synths of opener 'White Clouds'. It is one of the three tunes from Aquarian Atmosphere, the others being 'Floating On Boyne' a dreamy downtempo number that leaves you gazing at the stars and also 'Rhiannon', a thinking melodic masterpiece. 39626' 'Elixir Of Life' is an intense mix of synth modulations and minimal rhythm and Unit 21s' 'Clubtraxx' (Movement 1 - unreleased version) is pure Detroit techno goodness.
Black Devil/Prins Thomas - "On Just Foot (Slide Inside)"
Black Devil/Unit 4 - "An Other Skin (Days Of Blackula)"
Black Devil/Black Mustang - "Constantly No Respect (The Phenomena Of)"
Review: Black Devil Disco Club returns to action on LoEB with "Ride Again", a collection of mixes from his "In Dub" album. First up is the Prins Thomas mix of "On Just Foot", a chugging Italo disco groover led by a rolling arpeggiated b-line, quirky analogue stabs, vocoder vocal hits and wicked conga-laden beats. Proper floor-pleasing Italo workout. Next we have the Unit 4 mix of "An Other Skin", more b-line driving space disco with dark sounds and huge synth lines. Last but not least is the Black Mustang mix of "Constantly No Respect", a hard-hitting percussive jam exploring the darker side of the Italo universe.
Review: The well regarded Umwelt introduced Raverbreakerz as a dynamic new series on his label Rave Or Die earlier in summer. This massive compilation shows what it is all about with four hard-hitting tracks from genre specialists Blame The Mono, Jadzia, Ghost In The Machine and Umwelt himself, Seamlessly blending techno, breakbeat and dark, intense sounds design to captivate and energise the floor in equal measure, each artists contributes to what is a versatile arsenal for DJs seeking powerful sounds with a distinct style. On this evidence, Raverbreakerz is going to be a crucial new series.
Mood II Swing - "Closer" (feat Carole Sylvan - King Street Moody club mix) (6:17)
Ananda Project - "Cascades Of Colour" (feat Gaelle - Wamdue Black extended mix) (6:46)
Review: Earlier this year, legendary NY house label King Street Sounds was acquired by Armada Music. The Dutch imprint plans to reissue many of the well-known - and lesser-celebrated - gems from the King Street vaults in the months and years ahead. To kick things off, they've delivered this vinyl sampler featuring some of the stable's most admired cuts of all time. So, we get Dennis Ferrer's iconic remix of Blaze and Barbara Tucker's gospel-powered soulful house anthem, 'Most Precious Love', the 'King Street Mix' of Jovonn's legendary deep, bumpin' tribute to New Jersey's Club Zanzibar, 'Back To Zanzibar', Mood II Swing's hot and heavy 'moody club mix' of their own Carole Sylvan collaboration 'Closer' and the all-time deep house classic that is the Wamdue Black extended rework of 'Cascades of Colour' by Ananda Project. Simply essential!
Review: There is plenty of experimental work at play int his new various artists' collection on Flash. Cloned Existence sets that tone with the brief synth exploration that is 'Wave 1' when Gael & Jolly take off with the much more punchy and thudding techno of 'Paradigm Shock' which is weird up with all sorts of synth designs, effects and layers of reverb. Under Black Helmet ups the ante further with one of those bulky techno grooves that locks you in the moment and Stigmata then brings big room 90s vibes with layers of tangled synth melting the mind. Florian Meindl brings things to a close with gritty, scraping bass, reverb-heavy kicks and pure warehouse techno heaviness.
Crown Prince Of Waterford - "Getting Fingered On The Waltzers" (13:19)
Island Times - "Together" (5:47)
Umberto Lumber - "Between Those Sheets" (4:54)
Review: Chubby Irish groove hounds Fatty Fatty return with another sublime funk-stacked V/A three tracker. Local lad Crown Prince Of Waterford (not to be confused with the legendary blues singer) lays down a furiously funky jam about having fun at the fairground while fellow Emerald Isle strutter Island Times returns Fatty Fatty with a loose-limbed falsetto-loaded twanger. Finally, we fly off into the Italian sunset with a stunning slow jam from Umberto Lumber. A twinkling slo-mo chugger with serious cosmic tendencies, what a way to finish an EP.
Review: Illegal Alien continues its 16th anniversary celebrations here with another volume, the fifth, of its limited edition Illegal Alien XVI series. Across all eight volumes once they are out there will be a total of 44 exclusive tracks and 46 great artists all tracing the evolution of techno over the last decade and a half. This edition is a superb one that fins plenty of innovation in techno, from the paranoid and warped synth energy of DJ Shufflemaster's 'Bizarre' to the tightly woven and intricate synth layers of Urban Groove's 'Aftertouch' via Unkle Fon's dry, stepped back techno funker 'Violet.'
Review: To mark a mighty impressive 20 years of PuZZling records in 2023, the label has put together this heavyweight mix of names for an EP that sounds as good as it looks on marbled vinyl. It's a truly global affair with artists from all over the world and The Exaltics kick off with 'All Of This', a typically rugged slide of electro. From there the quality never dips with Freddie Fresh jacking your body, the legendary Neil Landstrumm bringing his textbook machine madness and Umwelt closing down with 'Celestial Mechanics'. Old school electro, acid and techno heads take note, this is a must-buy.
Review: Analog Concept Vol. 3 delivers a striking collection of forward-thinking deep techno, blending electro, acid, and sci-fi elements to push boundaries across its four tracks. Fasme opens with 'Crying Robot', a standout acid electro monster that's both raw and energetic, setting the tone with its sharp, robotic intensity. CCO's 'Solar Sail' follows, bringing a darker, sci-fi edge to the mix. Its blend of EBM and new beat creates a timeless, futuristic trip that feels immersive and cinematic. Side-2 kicks off with Unwonted's 'Frontier', a high-energy electro track laced with trance elements, adding a hypnotic, rave-ready vibe. Serge Geyzel closes the compilation with 'Flash', a heavy-hitting deep electro cut that dives into darker, alien soundscapes. Its deep techno undercurrents enhance the track's sense of foreboding and mystery. Overall, Analog Concept Vol. 3 captures a thrilling array of deep, futuristic sounds. Take a journey through techno's more experimental and atmospheric realms with this Russian label. Each track stands strong on its own while contributing to the cohesive, forward-thinking vision of the compilation.
Review: There is some serious electro talent on this new EP from Fanzine, starting with now US-based, UK-favourite Carl Finlow. His machines are in fine fettle once more as crisp, kicking electro rhythms are overlaid with bright, silvery, pixelated melodic fireworks on the sublime 'Organoiods'. Hoax Believers get more gritty with the sheet metal snares and in-your-face arps of 'Short Circuit' while Sound Synthesis offers something moody and unsettling on their 'Vertex43'. Univac will make your eyes water with the abrasive textures of 'H Beat.'
Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown - "Christmas Songbook" (11:27)
The Chariot Riders - "Christmas Songbook" (instrumental dub Style) (11:32)
Review: Lifelong reggae fans, vinyl lovers and frequent Juno readers will be familiar with Crystal D's Reggae Disco mix series. It was a 70s thing where artists served up their own unique reggae versions of Christmas classics and now we get volume 17 of the Christmas Songbook. This one comes on 12" in hand-stamped sleeve and the A-side is an 11+ minute collection of tunes from Derrick Harriott & The Tamlins & Joy White & Reasons & U-Brown with natty chords, sleigh bells and choral reggae vocals. What a mix. In authentic reggae fashion, the flip side is a dub of the whole lot by The Chariot Riders.
Review: Grown-up techno label Kompkat has always served up its most dancefloor ready sounds as part of the Speicher series and it is now up to an impressive 129 installments. This one kicks off with Hunter/Game & U S H N U's collaboration 'Reload' which is an electric cut with bright synth lines shimmering about the mix next to thunderous claps and dark future vocals. On the flip, Bawrut cuts loose with rave stabs over dense percussive grooves with vocal snatches adding to the unsettling and boisterous mood of 'Clapa', which does indeed also have plenty of claps.
Review: Reinforced legends Underground Software and the Immortal Minds have been digging in their DAT tape archives and turned out some previously unreleased tunes which now make their way to this heavyweight 12" n ALO Major Defence. 'No Stopping' opens up with a dark and dystopian jungle sound that is dense with whirring snares and drilling basslines as the choppy amen motor on, while 'Moves You' is a beautiful roller with blissed out synths and a sense of d&b serenity.
Lord Pusswhip - "Sveigth" (Bielefeld Murder Boys remix) (6:16)
Unwucht - "Back Da Fuck Up" (4:40)
Crouds - "Splinters" (4:50)
LAU - "Hangover" (5:01)
Review: Berlin party crew Aller Ende Anfang presents their debut release, featuring five diverse and energetic tracks. The first side begins with the bass-heavy computer funk of 'Hyperdrive' by Icelandic producer Jadzia, followed by Bielefeld Murder Boys' peak time techno remix of Lord Pusswhip's 'Sveigth' and Unwucht's 'Back Da Fuck Up' - and catchy mixture of donk and ghetto house tropes. Over on the flip, Crouds goes for a bass-heavy and off-kilter UK sound on 'Splinters' and one more sci-fi beat programme courtesy of Hungary's LAU om 'Hangover'.
Jamaimoi - "Ici C'est Toujours Les Vacances" (edit) (5:09)
Unison Apollo - "Belgian Mambo" (Ediit) (6:07)
Black Pomade - "Sea Urchin" (edit) (4:54)
Digei De Bairro - "Ferramenta N20" (edit) (4:10)
Review: The Manzo Edits label continues to do good work early in its life with a fourth volume of edits from various fine studio craftsmen. Jamaimoi's 'Ici C'est Toujours Les Vacances' opens up with some big disco loops, smart filters and feelgood drums then it's down into dry, sleazy dubbed-out territory with Unison Apollo's 'Belgian Mambo'. Black Pomade's 'Sea Urchin' pumps the party once more with old school drums and cowbell business, and Digei De Bairro's 'Ferramenta N20' then glides on spaced out pads and ascending grooves.
Review: Eight further sonic spirits are conjured on the seventh edition in Damian Lazarus' annual compilation series. Emphasising deep house and techno grooves with a hypnotic flavour, the procurement here is exemplarily brooding; Dino Lenny's 'I Have Sampled Father' marks a sure turn away from the openers' cleaner-cut mesmerisms with a smoky, funk-inflected haze, bringing rhythm guitar and paternal murmurations to a surreal montage. The monologuing mood continues on the equal highlight that is Upercent's 'Where Are You', whilst Enamour's 'Jackpot' rounds out the show with the record's only brightly-lit minimal triller. The record is marked by sensuous, distant, familiar voices throughout.
I Hear Music In The Streets (Expansions NYC dub) (4:51)
I Hear Music In The Streets (LV Classic Boogie mix) (6:33)
Review: It would be fair to say that post-disco outfit Unlimited Touch's 1980 single "I Hear Music In the Streets" is one of the greatest boogie/electrofunk records of all time. Louie Vega clearly agrees, because late last year he decided to gather together the remaining members of Unlimited Touch and record a fresh 2020 version. The A-side "Touch Mix" is the bomb. It features a more organic-sounding disco-boogie groove than the 1980 original, with delicious guitars, bass and electric piano/organ underpinning seriously good group vocals from the sometime Prelude-signed outfit. Over on the flip, Vega serves up an electric piano solo-laden dub mix, as well as a "Classic Boogie" take that naturally sounds very similar to the band's much-loved original version.
Review: This new one on Aphrodite Recordings offers a rare chance to own some previously unreleased hardcore history. Crafted by Urban Shakedown founders Aphrodite and Kaukuta, these two unreleased Moonwalk tracks date back to 1993. ever since they were made back then at the height of hardcore's popularity, though, they have remained forgotten on a DAT tape. After being recently rediscovered, they have been pressed up to this 12" with 'Meditation' offering a blitz of pulsating drums and funky bass, thrilling breaks and sci-fi melodies that reagin down the face of the track, while 'Outer Space' is more raw and direct with a menacing low end and plenty of kinetic drum programming.
Review: Super Spicy celebrates getting to five years old in the best way it knows how - with a new release, of course. This one comes on translucent re wax and brings together a blend of seasoned and fresh talent including Hotmood, Shalvoy, Diana Swan, Musta, Adam Nova and Uptown Funk. These tracks do a fine job of reflecting the label's dedication to innovation right from the off. Musta's 'Fresco' is a nice jumbled percussive disco funker, Hotmood's 'Ayaaa' rides on some electric synth waves and Shalvo's 'Dancin' is a smooth cruise for the midnight hours. On the flip side are three more vibrant and vivacious disco dancers for good times only.
House Of Peace - "Such A Feeling" (Dennis Quin edit) (5:20)
The Barnyard Orchestra - "Tasmanian Blues (C'mon Women)" (Honey Dijon & Luke Solomon edit) (5:03)
Review: If you're looking for raw, ruff and retro, this is probably the best you'll get. New York label Nu Groove continues to spotlight the artists that made the label what it is today: a firm favourite of crate diggers then and now. With this being the fifth in the series to reissue their select most vital tracks, which here come re-edited and remastered, 'Nu Groove Edits Vol. 5' opens with Ny House'n Authority's 'Fort Green House' after its re-edit by Arms & Legs' Daniel Steinberg, which sets the tone for a janky and roomy pandora's box of groovers. Also of note is the sweet, washy piano house arkenstone that is Underground Kids' 'Get Up', trumping a B-side that is, while still great, has nothing on the A2.
Obatala Sango Ochun - "The Beginning" (Afrikan Latino mix) (6:24)
House II House - "Into The Night" (5:25)
Bizzy B - "Summer House" (3:20)
Rohan Delano - "Inflight" (5:17)
Montana Orchestra - "Esto Parese Amor" (Tribal Love beats) (5:11)
Uncle 22 - "The Man From" (6:22)
Review: Hotmix deliver another two-track slaying from an aliased ambassador of the label itself, this time the first edition in the new 'Obscure Bad Dreams' series. An homage to Sauro Cosimetti (the Italian house and techno mastermind whose credits include releases on Frequenza, Natura Viva and Beatfreak), six acolytes of the artist bring six, discoic house hosing-downs to the table. Most exciting among the selections are the lively African trad chanter 'The Beginning', the dreamy soulful house 'Inflight' by Rohan Delano, and Montano Orchestra's freestyle-inspired dub-electro-disco 'Tribal Love Beats' version of their own 'Esto Parese Amor'.
Review: Tasteful techno crew Clergy are marking their decade in sound with a series of red hot 12"s that show exactly what they are all about. This one kicks off in menacing fashion with the scruffy, driving kicks of Obscure Shape's 'Don't Leave Me' while Hadone then gets a little more trippy with the loose synth lines and occult machine sounds of 'Empathy Under Review.' Elsewhere Bailey Ibbs rolls deep and dark on 'Break Theory' and Kameliia's 'Investigator' is a tight, pent up and funky techno sound with some dramatic synth stabs adding a classical edge.
Review: San Francisco, Bay Area and Seattle-based label From 0-1 shows us that those regions are about more than hip hop, Dirtybird-house and grunge with this new various artists collection. Operator kicks off with the dubby techno rhythms of 'Enceladus Outpost' which has freaky synths squirming about in its midst. Sone's 'Accretion' is just as heavy and stripped back, with synths peeling off the bulky drums and A Thousand Details's 'Treyarch Sentient' bring some Detroit-style synth orchestrations. It's all out intergalactic industrial warfare on U SRD's 'Not Everything You See Is Real' to shut down with a bang.
Review: This first new instalment of Drawing Tools's self-titled new series comes on hits splattered vinyl with five fresh names all contributing one tune each. Juan Panza's 'Found Quite Place' is first up and a smooth-as-you-like dubbed-out tech roller with smeared chords radiating real heat. Franco Cinelli & Esteban Gutierrez then join up for the brilliantly carnival-esque tech cut 'Piso 11' (feat Lux Z). Nacho Casco's 'Looperboy' gets more twisted, with gritty loops and busted bass amping up the energy levels. U-FO comes down with something more clean and serene on 'Reset'.
Review: Kulture Galerie is back with more wax and the third time proves a charm here with Doc Sleep, Rambal Cochet, The Jaffa Kid, Mesmerist, Jack Bags and Undsidedly all coming correct under the stewardship of label head Filippo MSM of Metropolitan Soul Museum. Cochet kicks off with some trance-infused prog techno, Doc Sleep offers jacked-up and analogue house, there is lithe cosmic tech from The Jaffa Kid and twisted machine sounds from Jack Bags, while Undsidedly's dreamy electro and The Mesmerist's peak time synth techno close down in style.
Sanctuary - "Disconnect" (extended Disco instrumental) (6:25)
Willie J & Co - "Boogie With Your Baby" (extended Disco mix) (6:21)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Chicago mix) (7:05)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Detroit mix) (7:09)
Review: The shadowy Edit & Dub crew don't talk about their releases, so it can be difficult to ascertain whether the tracks they're showcasing are long-lost originals, or new edits of ridiculously rare records. Either way, the label's latest EP features versions of some seriously hard to find treats, starting with a fine 'extended disco instrumental' of Sanctuary's 'Disconnect', a fine disco-boogie jam from 1980. They then deliver a (we think) previously unreleased 'extended disco' mix of Willie J & Co's killer 1976 disco-funk gem 'Boogie With Your Baby'. On the B-side we're treated to two takes on the mysterious 'Familiar Time and Place' by Uknown Tapes: a 'Chicago Mix' which sounds like late 80s Windy City acid house smothered in spacey deep house chords and intergalactic electronics and the mid-80s techno-tinged 'Detroit Mix'.
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