Review: Basel-based experimental labels Amenthia Recordings and A Walking Contradiction join forces for their first collaborative release here in the form of the Flash Crash/Hack Crash EP. Both labels are known for pushing boundaries within their close-knit creative circles and this one features Agonis' heavy stepper and Konduku's whirlpool of low frequencies on the Amenthia side, while Lemont continues the low-end, tripped-out vibe. Varuna represents A Walking Contradiction and delivers swampy, slow-motion sounds in their signature style. This release embodies both labels' commitment to daring, unconventional electronic sounds.
Review: Adam Beyer shares his first collaboration with Vintage Culture, 'Lift Me Up' featuring Kyozo. A suspenseful covenant formed between three huge-room techno striators, 'Lift Me Up' was born from a fruitful back-and-forth shared on the road to Sonus Festival in Croatia. Packing a clenched sawtooth lead - one that hardly requires the development that the track nonetheless indulges by way of tuned impacts and chord transitions - this one ends up a dramatic build, as a vaunted vocal lines abjures us to "lift me up", as we listeners end up, paradoxically, the ones uplifted.
Review: Three years after launching as a digital-only imprint, Vinny Villbas's Badabing Diskos label finally makes it to wax. In keeping with the label's desire to promote homegrown talent - an approached pioneered by his old pal Prins Thomas via the long-running Full Pupp imprint - all three showcased cuts come from Oslo-based artists. The legacy of synth-heavy, off-kilter Norwegian 'space disco' can be heard across the EP, but especially on Jarle Brathen's 'No Restaurants', which conjures memories of Lindstrom and Todd Terje's work of the late 2000s and Vilbas's dreamier and more loved-up 'Just In Time'. Bolder, bigger and even more life-affirming thrills come to the fore on the flip, where label regular Sommerfeldt delivers the epic breakdowns, driving bass, restless cowbells, winding acid lines and shimmering synth chords of 'The Everlasting Frog'.
Review: Earlier this year, Latvian label Micronica Records made its debut on wax after years spent serving up digital-only delights. Here the Riga-based imprint delivers a second limited-edition vinyl sampler. Blurring the boundaries between deep house, minimal house and tech-house, all four cuts are well worth checking. Costin RP sets the tone with 'Kiss This', where sci-fi bleeps, modem noises and spacey synth sounds rise above a chunky, hypnotic tech-house groove, before Yansima delivers a tougher and more thickset tech-house workout in the shape of 'Jisula'. Venda's 'Underwater' is a deep, dubby, head-soothing minimal house box jam, while DIN & CKB's 'Duby' brilliantly blurs the boundaries between dub techno, ultra-deep house, and smooth European tech-house.
Review: Once again, Malor Records purvey the groove with, yes, 'Purveyors Of The Groove', enlisting the help of four of the foremost techno artists out today for help on this latest 12" EP comp. Weighty Berlin techno makes up its core concept, with Cravo's 'Sem Chance' opening up the thing with its sudden vocal shouts, huge kick womps and cantankerous melodic bubblings, before Chontane's 'Septario' and Regent's 'Satin' elevate the listener to a continually wafting stasis. Finally, Vil's 'Bret' closes things off with an intense kick-led wompy-chord-sidechainer, seeming to emphasise the madness of it all.
Review: Adam Collins has proven his mettle with his work for Omni A.M. and Euphoria Records but now he branches out once more with the new label Aquarius Rising. It kicks off with a four-track various artists EP of next-gen talents Cromie, Dylan Payne, Sasha Zlykh, and Collins himself. 'The Knuckle' opens up with a bouncy and dense house sound that's got a sweet garage shuffle to it. Volume Channel's 'Tony Jacal' is a stripped-back and minimal sound with dubby drums, Sasha Zlykh's contribution gets more raw and abstract with whirring machine sounds and Collins shuts down with 'Andrea 3' complete with warped vocal stabs and high-speed drum funk.
Mo'Funk - "Bring Together" (feat Roland Clark) (5:37)
Review: Robsoul Recordings has continue on the rich tradition of superb France deep hose for many years after the first wave of artists and labels came and went. This third edition of its Classic Sampler series is another joyous one that opens up with the jazzy loops and soul-drenched house grooves of Demuir's 'From Paris To Strasbourg'. Vincent Caira's 'Back Again' is more solid and raw but no less heartfelt then Mo'Funk & Roland Clark cut lose with an unabashed piano sound on 'Bring Together' that will get hands in the air. Three timeless tracks that really tap into the original spirit of house music.
Review: Gene On Earth's Limousine Dream label is a relatively recent arrival on the well-established minimal tech house scene, but it's quickly become a trusted source for sparkling early morning magic for those who like classic house touches in their stripped back club rollers. True to the mood, this VA EP is called One Long Groove, and the tracks contained within are all well built to sustain the party for a good long time. That doesn't make them forgettable building blocks mind you - there's vibrant detail and fresh synthesis bursting out of each production, giving you plenty to work with for those never-ending DJ sets.
Review: You might have caught onto German label Synq with their release of John Dimas' Rave Wave back in 2020, and now the label finally kicks back into action with a various artists release which widens the scope of the label. DJ Gus leads the way on the A-side with 'Toxic Dementor', a throbbing workout taking cues from Italo and Hi-NRG while retaining the cool demeanour of a modern day club track. Lis Sarroca throws down a dreamy electro beat on 'Solstice' and Voodoos & Taboos brings the heat to 'Press One' before Cosmic JD cleans up with the trancified wig-out 'Soft R@ve'.
Review: Vinyl Junkie catapults a brand new label into the universe and his intention is loud and clear - Badass authentic jungle craftsmanship for the ages. He's rolling neck deep with kindred soldiers; Radiokillaz and Fleck get wild on the breaks on 'Lakes On Saturn', Riffz dusts off the detuned rave stabs for that aggy hardcore flavour while VJ himself whips up some delightful breakbeat switchery that melts into a dubwise breakdown for momentary respite. Radiokillaz close down the EP with a touch of soul on 'Time Again', a poignant space jazz joint laced with mournful strings and a yearning vocal. Meltdown.
Review: NeoAcid returns with another EP of uncompromising techno, a sonic assault that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Flkn's 'The Jam' sets the tone, a relentless barrage of distorted kicks and acid lines that feels like a descent into a chaotic, industrial underworld. Collaborations with Jacidorex and Vcl push the boundaries further, their twisted soundscapes and distorted rhythms creating a sense of exhilarating chaos, like a runaway train hurtling through a dystopian landscape. On the flipside, Pisapia takes the reins, offering a slightly different flavour with hypnotic grooves and infectious melodies that add a touch of dark energy to the mix. A headfirst dive into the depths of techno, a sonic thrill ride that will leave you disoriented and exhilarated.
Review: Notes on A Journey kicks off their new self titled NOAJ edit series here with edits of two tunes from each of Germannu and Valeria. Making those careful edits are real scene mainstays - Delfonic is first and is the man behind the much loved Berlin store OYE Records so has a vast knowledge of what sells and what works well on the dancefloor. He offers a super cool and breezy version of the lush Latin tune 'Fale De Mim' and a more percussive and bumping take on 'Marcacao.' Acclaimed DJ and tasteful selector Mendel then offer this own versions which are just as summery, feel good and life affirming gems for floors who like real music.
Review: A label's first release is always a big one which hints at what to expect in the long term and for that reason Introspective debuts with this new five track compilation. They say that "Instinctive Senses is a compilation focusing on precise and cutting sonorities." We say it is a fresh techno offering with plenty of interesting details. Grafin drops 'Vespers' which is tightly looped and quick as hell then SDB & B2 get more dark, heavy and gritty on the twisted 'Reunite.' The flip side kick off with more rough and ready hard edged techno from Specific Objects, sleek tribal loops from Versus on 'Those Things' and Nano Rinnegato gets paranoid and revs up the sirens on 'Ghetto K.'
Something New (extended Smooth version By Philip Ward) (5:21)
Review: Texas-based jazz harpist Cindy Horstman quietly released Fretless in 1995, a self-assured exploration of jazz textures and instrumental elegance. Tucked among its originals is 'Something New', a standout soul jazz cut that drifts with mid-tempo grace, elevated by James Kings', well, fret-free vocal perforations. Horstman's harp is hardly heard here on this album salvaging; instead, she procured 'Something New', steeped in street and smooth soul, with tuned claves and electronic triangles abounding. Pressed on clear vinyl and limited to 300 copies, this small-batch reissue offers a welcome return for a quietly majestic moment in 90s jazz-soul fusion.
Review: Mishell Ivon and Vincent Kwok are back and combining their skills once more with this brilliant bouncy new funk outing on The Sleepers. The first tune on this pocket-rocket of a 7" is 'High', a funky weapon that is high on life and built around well-syncopated drums and a percussive bassline. The icing on the cake is Mishell's vocals which weave in out of the synth stabs and lush keys, all of which are well arranged. Flip it over and you'll get lost in the funk once more with 'In The Dust' with its masterfully rhythmic bassline and more of those buttery Mishell vocals.
Review: Ruvenzori makes the move to vinyl with four artists breaking new ground in the field of organic, spiritual house music. There's a Balearic tint to these harmonious jams, which melt into each other like one extended blend for the terraza of your dreams. 'Uluwatu' features Stan Tone and Izhevski collaborating on a swirling masterpiece with the steady tick of minimal tech house as an undercurrent for ascendant chimes, fluttering guitar licks and vocal murmurations. On 'Ayomi' Talemates joins the pair as they match emotive piano chords with sampled vocal loops, capturing an endearing, eyes-closed vibe in the process.
Review: UK dub label Partial Records welcomes dub cats Vivian Jones and Vinney Satta for a new split 7". Jones's 'Return Ticket' kicks off in slow, libidinous fashion with sparse wooden rim shots and joyous horns bursting out of the laid back rhythm while the wailing vocals bring a traditional touch. On the flip, Satta steps up for a dub out version of the original which is more roomy, liquid and heady for those late night sessions when you can hook on to the endlessly echoing chords and bass. Two classy sounds with a contemporary twist.
Review: For a couple of years a decade or so ago Visionquest was a DJ collective and label that ruled the world. In the time since it has sunk back to the shadows, regrouped and come back as another vital force in the underground. This EP brings together a wealth of real talents not least the one and only synth wizard Mathew Jonson who opens up with the artful sounds of 'These Tears.' Cesar Merveille's 'Decennium' then gets wonky with tightly coiled minimal drums overlaid with pensive chords. On the flipside 'Wonder Wheel' gets a little more eerie and trippy with hunting keys leading you down a late-night maze and 'Dirty Pathways' from Vinyl Speed Adjust layering up the deft synths and airy rhythms.
Review: Luschn and Roman Khropko seamlessly blend their styles on 'Rozchyn', a bouncing, elastic groove that pulsates with energy, its hypnotic rhythms and infectious melodies drawing the listener into a world of sonic intrigue. 'High Hopes' takes a different approach, its smooth, tech-infused textures creating a hypnotic atmosphere, like a journey through a neon-lit cityscape at night. On the flipside, Luschn's 'Never Defeat Me' emerges as an anthem for the resilient, its driving rhythm and soaring melodies inspiring perseverance and determination.
Review: Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, since 2012 and established by by Jonbjorn Finnbogason & Viktor Birgisson, Lagaffe Tales celebrates a decade in the game with this terrific various artists compilation. Label staple Felix Leifur serves up the slo-mo balearic bliss of 'Cohen Social Club', Moff & Tarkin get some emotive sunset breaks in effect on the mood music of 'Pure Fury' while Jonbjorn - on point as always - contributes the glassy-eyed electro cut 'We're Not Alone' and finally Viktor Birgiss delivers the deep and dubby afterhours cut 'Ad Handan'.
Smokey Robinson's Hands (feat Planet Asia - Theory Hazit remix) (4:10)
Rainy Nights (feat Roc Marciano - Theory Hazit remix) (4:10)
Review: Libretto recently unveiled his sixth album, Rusty Bladez, with Seattle icon Vitamin D handling production and lending verses of his own. From the cover featuring his inmate ID, the album delves into Libretto's reflections on his time in the Federal Penitentiary system and finds him vividly recounting his experiences pre and post-incarceration. Vitamin D's masterful production strikes a balance between sombre tones and infectious grooves, and now two of the best cuts from the 17-track full length are pressed up here onto a crucial 7" that provide a cinematic journey crafted by two West Coast veterans.
Review: Wayne McArthur, Conscious Sounds, Lizzi Bee and Vibronics join their considerable forces for this limited edition new slab of roots vinyl. The EP features version tunes and versions starting with 'Elo Ah Him' which is a silky blend of coming vocals, happy horns and yearning vocals. Conscious Sounds serve up tasteful dub and sax versions and Lizzi Bee's contribution adds an extra layer of energy, blending modern rhythms with classic reggae roots. Vibronics close out with a couple of digi-dub reworks that are clean and fresh.
Musta - "Loving Me" (feat Venessa Jackson - Hot Toddy remix) (8:03)
Danny Kane - "Sucker" (feat Jacqui George) (4:56)
Jaegerossa - "Street Player" (6:05)
Stan Boogie - "Speak Out" (Qwestlife remix) (5:45)
Review: Riot's popular Disco Made Me Do It Series notches up a third volume of beats here that will once again get floors vibing. Musta's 'Loving Me' is up first in the form of a Hot Toddy remix that twists and turns on groovy synths and sensuous vocals. There is a big diva feel and clean synth lines to Danny Kane's 'Sucker' that fill the heart with joy and then old-school funk comes to the fore on Jaegerossa's musical 'Street Player.' Completing the picture is the Qwestlife remix of Stan Boogie's 'Speak Out' which is another timeless cut with authentic disco loops and lovely vocal energy.
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