New releases this week: All genres

Notes: The latest in 1010's innovative range of compact devices, the Bento is a fresh take on sampling and sequencing, offering an alternative to conventional options such as Akai's MPC series. Pure standalone creative flow.

Supplier's notes:
Sample Every Flavour

Bento is a portable, all-in-one sampling production lab that brings together flexible sequencing, expressive performance tools, and pro-level connectivity-perfect as the centrepiece of your desktop or mobile rig. Whether you're looping on the go, launching clips live, or sequencing your entire synth setup, Bento gives you the tools to shape your sound from idea to performance.

With pristine 24-bit sound quality, a bright 7" touchscreen, 16 responsive pads, and deep control over samples, MIDI, and effects, Bento offers a fast, fluid workflow in a compact and portable form. Sequence one-shots, build multi-sample instruments, and chop loops using Bento's flexible tracks, scene-based sequencing, and expansive modulation and FX engine.

Designed to replace laptops, simplify cabling, and integrate seamlessly with your gear, Bento features multiple stereo inputs and outputs, USB-C host and device ports, dual TRS MIDI I/O, and a built-in battery for up to 3 hours of mobile creativity.

Recording Capabilities

Capture loops quickly with the option to synchronize the start and stop times to the clock
Trigger recording via audio level threshold
Create perfectly sized loops by setting the recording length
Enable immediate playback after recording for live looping capabilities
Make recordings up to 4 hours in length
Resample the master output without patching
Store recorded samples as WAV files on the micro SD card

What's included

bento - sampling production lab
MicroSD card with over 160 patches and over 200 wav files
USB C power cord
USB C power and data splitter
Type B TRS MIDI To MIDI 5 Pin DIN adapter
QR Code with link to the Quick Start Guide

Technical Specs

8 tracks with multiple patch types-sample banks, multisamples, slicers, granular, loops, and external MIDI
16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads
7" diagonal touch screen
8 context-sensitive endless encoders
3 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs, 1 stereo headphone out
2 TRS MIDI inputs & 2 TRS MIDI outputs (Type A & B)
USB-C host and device ports
Internal battery with 3 hours in low power mode
Includes 155 Patches and over 5000 sample files
Expandable via microSD card
24-bit ADC/DAC
MIDI sequencing, modulation, and CC control support
Compatible with 100 x 100 VESA mounts
Product dimensions: 8" x 8.5" x 2", 2 lb (20.4 x 21.8 x 5.1 cm, 936 grams)
Package dimensions: 10.25" x 8.5" x 2.75", 2.7 lb. ( 26 x 21.6 x 7 cm, 1.2 kg)

Notes: Pods are a perfect way to get started in Eurorack, or add more modules to your monster system!

Made from 100% anodized aluminum, Pods are light, tough and perfect for on-the-go set ups. The power supply can handle up to 2.0A of +12V, which is plenty of juice for even the most modern digital modules. (Or if you prefer to DIY your power supply, Pods sized at 64hp and below are also available unpowered)

Each Pod104X typically will house up to 13 modules, but more can be accommodated using a multi-power cable accessory.

Mix and match your Pods with desktop synths, effect pedals, drum machines or any musical gear for a flexible modular system. Pods can even daisy-chain with the 4ms Row Power system, making them a convenient outboard skiff. Need to add another module? Just add a Pod! Need to pack light for a live set? Just grab the Pods you need and go!

Notes: Exceptional value here. Cre8's analogue drum machine is based on Pittsburgh Modular audio circuits, offering true old-school-inspired drum synthesis and hands-on control at an excellent price.

Supplier's notes:
Introducing Boom Chick, a revolutionary analogue drum machine built on the warmth and character of Pittsburgh Modular's newly designed analog drum circuits. These powerful, expressive percussion voices are paired with an advanced sequencer designed for intuitive creativity and deep rhythmic exploration. Inspired by the hands-on performability of iconic analog drum machines, Boom Chick redefines analogue percussion with exceptional flexibility and sonic precision, tailored for modern musicians and producers.

Compact yet incredibly powerful, the Boom Chick ensures frustration-free jamming and tweaking through its intuitive knob-per-function layout and straightforward interface conventions. It's hands-on, immediate, and built for musicians who want a drum machine that feels alive. Turn up the dirt, push the limits, and make some serious noise.

Created by the Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers team, Boom Chick features five meticulously crafted drum voices, each designed for maximum flexibility and expressiveness. The sounds are raw, dynamic, and laser sharp, built to drive and slice through any mix. The electricity creating the analog sounds is directly shaped using the knob-per-function interface. No menus, no hassle, just pure, tactile beat-making analogue magic at your fingertips. By focusing on creative, new analogue designs, Pittsburgh Modular ensured that Boom Chick doesn't just mimic the past, but kick starts a new future of analogue beats.

Every voice has been meticulously engineered for maximum sonic impact, making Boom Chick a true drum synthesizer, not just a drum machine. Starting with a massive bottom end, the Kick drum sculpts a specialized sine-wave oscillator using gritty overdrive, pitch manipulation, and a precise, percussive envelope allowing you to dial in everything from low and long or clean and punchy rhythms to aggressive, overdriven beats. The Snare drum showcases the power of modern analog with powerful snare hits that can mimic a physical snare drum or venture into creative new territories. Drum channels 1 and 2 offer even deeper sound-design possibilities. By utilizing two oscillators, wave shaping, frequency modulation, and noise you can generate everything from subtle nuanced percussion to wild, expressive sonic textures. Toms, claps, snares, kicks, cymbals, rim shots, cowbells, congas, claves, space sounds, and outer space sounds can all be dialed in and reimagined. Hats utilize a custom oscillator noise matrix to create crisp, bright metallic tones ideal for intricate rhythmic patterns.

Boom Chick's sequencer is designed to offer profound depth while maintaining intuitive simplicity. It features two powerful modes: Step Mode, for meticulous programming of each drum step, and Live Mode, allowing real-time rhythm creation and expressive performance. Tools such as Step Shift enable quick and precise timing adjustments for intricate rhythmic patterns, while Step Roll and Chance introduce engaging complexity and variation. Timing functions like Humanize, Swing, and Quantize provide refined control over groove and rhythm, allowing for perfectly locked or naturally loose-feeling sequences. Swing adds groove by shifting even steps slightly behind the beat, while Humanize introduces subtle timing variations to simulate natural playing styles. With up to 64-step sequences and polyrhythm capabilities, Boom Chick encourages experimentation by removing the boundaries to live performance and making beats.

At the heart of Boom Chick is a 6-track sequencer that gives you deep rhythmic control while staying easy to use. With design inspiration taken from Pittsburgh's Voltage Research Lab 2, Boom Chick's sequencer will take you from quick jams to mind-bending polyrhythms. This sequencer is not only designed to keep up with you, but also propel you to new territory.

Boom Chick is modular-friendly, MIDI-capable, and performance-ready. This makes it a perfect addition to any studio or live rig. Individual trigger inputs and individual drum outs allow each drum to be sent to a mixer or DAW separately for external processing or recording. MIDI in and out to send and receive clock, trigger drums, or sequence external percussion. Analog clock in and out allows Boom Chick to easily integrate with Eurorack setups and other gear. Separate Line and Headphone outputs make personal jams, recording, or live performances easy.

Notes: The Nord Wave 2 is a powerful 4-part performance synthesiser combining Virtual Analogue synthesis, Samples, FM and Wavetable with an intuitive layer-focused interface. With 48 voice polyphony, innovative performance features and hands-on controls, the Nord Wave 2 offers outstanding sonic possibilities with advanced layering and tweaking on the fly.

With 4 independent synthesisers in one the Nord Wave 2 offers exceptional possibilities for layering both classic waveforms and samples. Dedicated OLED displays for Program and Oscillator sections provide an excellent overview when shaping your sounds. The wide range of performance features and instantly tweakable hands-on effects makes the Wave 2 Nord's most versatile performance synthesiser ever. The new Monitor mode displays your settings for Amp Envelope and Filters in the Program display for better overview and control.

The Wave 2 features a Program Layer section with faders for easily controlling the volume or pan for all 4 layer parts at once. The Layer section also provides handy features for quick layer focus, pan control, solo and multi-editing. The Split mode offers three split points providing up to 4 zones with optional crossfades. The flexible Hold functionality lets you latch and hold slots independently in the background while playing something else on top. The new Group feature allows you to group 2, 3 or 4 layers and lets them share the same Filter, Envelope, Arpeggiator, LFO and Effect-settings - perfect when creating complex multi-layered sounds that can be edited as one coherent sound.

The Oscillator section for each of the 4 layers offers 4 modes: Analog, Wavetable, FM and Samples and is easily browsed with our new direct category mode. The Oscillator Control features additional control over shape, sync or detune. The Wave 2 features a powerful multi-oscillator Unison effect with true Superwaves simultaneously generating hundreds of waveforms for extremely thick and fat sounds.

The Sample section has 1 GB of memory and comes loaded with a wide selection of quality samples including Strings, Brass, Guitars, Choirs, Chromatic Percussion as well as the exclusively licensed sounds of the legendary Mellotron and Chamberlin. All sounds are easily replaceable using the Nord Sound Manager. Adding your own custom sample instruments has never been easier thanks to the new streamlined Nord Sample Editor 3 for Mac and Windows that lets you map, loop and transfer samples to your Nord Wave 2 in a breeze.

The Filter section has 6 Filter types featuring classic 12 and 24 dB Low Pass, a High Pass, High Pass/Low Pass and a Band Pass filter, together with a stunning emulation of the transistor ladder filter from the legendary Mini. The unique modeling of these filters captures the true character and response of the classic analog instruments, allowing for flexible and precise sound design. The Filter section is equippied with full ADSR envelope.

The Wave 2 features a dedicated LFO for each layer with a choice of waveforms plus AD/AR Modulation Envelope with dedicated velocity setting and Invert mode. The LFO has several morphable parameters and the rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.

The Amp Section is equipped with a full ADSR envelope featuring a powerful new Transient Attack mode for adding more punch to your sounds.

The Wave 2 features an extensive range of morphable parameters that can be controlled from four different sources: Velocity, Aftertouch, Wheel and Control Pedal. All morph sources can be quickly assigned to control multiple parameters simultaneously and the powerful Impulse Morph feature lets you instantly change any parameter of your sound. Instantly assign LFO, Oscillator Control or Filter to the Modulation Wheel.

The Nord Wave 2 is truly a rhythmical powerhouse with both a classic arpeggiator and a polyphonic mode with directly editable patterns. The Poly mode is a polyphonic Arpeggiator that will retrig all held keys either straight or patterned featuring different inversions for exciting harmonic variations. The brand new Gate mode chops your sound up in a rhythmic pattern with adjustable depth. The Pattern mode contains a wide selection of Rhythmic Patterns allows easy editing for creating your own custom patterns.

The Master Clock of the Wave 2 allows the LFO, Arpeggiator and various effects to be synchronized, either internally or by an external MIDI clock. With Master Clock synchronization you can synchronize 4 layers with individual patterns, all perfectly in sync with Delays and LFO's. A Tap Tempo allows you to easily tap to the tempo of a drummer or to playback tracks.

A separate Effect section for each layer featuring a great selection of instantly tweakable high quality stereo effects modelled after classic stomp boxes. Tremolo, Pan, Ring Modulator, Chorus, Ensemble and Vibe effects with Rate and Amount control. All effects are controllable via Control Pedal (or other Morph sources) and can also be synchronized to the Master Clock for rhythmic effects. EQ with Bass and Treble control - or 1 Band Sweepable EQ. A sparkling Tube Drive emulation is also available. Advanced stereo Delay effect with Ping Pong mode, Analog Mode and Tap Tempo. New features include creative new Feedback options for adding Ensemble, Chorus, Vibe as well as HP/LP and BP filter in the Feedback loop. The Reverb section has five different Reverb sizes (Booth, Room, Stage, Hall and new Cathedral) for adding some ambience to your sounds, and the amount is now morphable. New features include Bright and Dark modes for either extended or reduced treble. The new Chorale effect adds a lush modulation effect.

Features

Performance

Advanced Arpeggiator with Polyphonic Trig mode
Gate feature for rhythmic effects
Advanced Morph features with Impulse Morph
Master Clock control of Arpeggiator, LFO and Effects
Vibrato with 3 Delay modes and Wheel/Aftertouch assign

Oscillators
Analog: Basic, Shape, Multi, Sync and Noise with up to 16 oscillators
Samples
Wavetable
Advanced FM with harmonic and inharmonic algorithms
True Unison mode

Modulation
LFO with five waveforms
Flexible syncing and routing options
AD/AR envelope

Amp
ADSR Amp envelope
Transient Attack Mode

Filter
12/24 dB lowpass, lowpass M, band pass, high pass, and LP+HP
Filter Drive
ADSR envelope

Effects
FX section with Tremolo, Pan, Ring Modulation, Chorus, Ensemble and Vibe.
EQ section with Drive
Advanced Delay section
Reverb section with five sizes + Dark, Bright and Chorale modes

Notes: Affordable entry-level handheld recorder from one of the most reliable brands in the game. Simple, straightforward two-channel design with built-in microphones for stereo recording and USB audio interface.

Supplier's notes:
DR-07XP

2-Channel 32-Bit Float Handheld Recorder With USB-C Interface and Adjustable Mics

Pro-Quality Portable Recording, Simplified

The TASCAM DR-07XP portable handheld recorder makes it easy to capture pro-quality recordings for music, audio-for-video, meetings, dictation, and more. With 32-bit float recording mode, you'll never need to worry about setting audio levels, and adjustable stereo condenser microphones give you full control over your sound. With easy one-handed operation, the DR-07XP makes it simple to start recording with minimal setup time.

Capture Pro-Level Recordings Every Time

With its 32-bit float recording mode, the DR-07XP ensures your audio recordings will always be clear, distinct, and free of distortion that could ruin your recording - and you'll never need to worry about setting input levels.

Adjustable Stereo Condenser Microphones

The DR-07XP features unidirectional stereo condenser microphones with adjustable A/B or X/Y configurations, allowing you to capture incredibly vivid stereo recordings in any setting.

Simplicity in Your Palm

With the DR-07XP, the complexities of audio recording are a thing of the past. Easily access every feature from the palm of your hand. Plus, the backlit LCD screen means no squinting; just clear and concise navigation any time of day, in any environment.

Your Portable Recording Studio

The DR-07XP isn't only a powerful portable recorder - it's also a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface you can use to record anywhere, directly to audio recording software on your Mac or PC.

Ideal for Musicians

The DR-07XP is a fantastic portable recording solution for musicians with its high-quality microphones, 32-bit float recording, built-in tuner, reverb, overdubbing and more.

On Location

With its compact size, the DR-07XP can travel anywhere for exceptional field recording. Choose from three different low cut filter options for getting rid of unwanted noises. As a companion for video, the DR-07XP can attach easily to tripods and the Auto Tone output for cameras makes post-production a simple task.

Record Anything, Anywhere

From dialogue to vlogs, whether you're in an alley or a recording booth, the DR-07XP captures clear, crisp audio with ease. In addition to the built-in mics, use the stereo mini jack to add microphones with plug-in power or external line inputs to capture audio from any source in mono or stereo. Connect the unit to a computer via USB-C for use as a USB microphone.

Features

2-channel portable handheld audio recorder with microSDXC card storage
32-bit float recording mode ensures low-noise, distortion-free recordings
Stereo AB/XY condenser microphones handle loud environments and sources (up to 125dB SPL)
2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for recording directly to your computer
Up to 17.5 hours operation with 2 x AA alkaline batteries
Recording modes include 32-bit float/24-bit/16-bit, 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz
microSDXC (up to 512GB) cards can be used as recording media
USB Type-C port
Stereo mini jack for external stereo microphones (provides plug-in power) / External line input
Support multiple menu languages (ENG/FRA/DEU/ITA/ESP/RUS/PRT/JPN/CHI/KOR)
Long recordings as MP3 files possible
Various recording function (Auto rec, Self timer, Pre rec)
Overdubbing function
Limiter and Peak reduction
Three low-cut filter levels (40/80/120Hz)
Auto Tone output for use with DSLR camera
Reverb effect for vocal and instrument resonance
Mark function
128×64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight
Tripod mounting point attaches to any standard tripod
Stereo mini line output and headphone output
Speed change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 2.0 times (in 0.1 increments)
Playlist function
Built-in monaural speaker makes it easy to check your recordings
Chromatic tuner for tuning musical instruments before recording

* WS-11 Windscreen sold separately
* SD card not included



Recorder specifications

Recording media/file systems: microSD cards, microSDHC cards, microSDXC cards (up to 512 GB)
Recording/playback formats

WAV (BWF)
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
Quantization bit depth: 16-bit / 24-bit / 32-bit float

MP3
Sampling frequency: 32 / 64 / 96 / 128 / 192 / 256 / 320 kbps
Quantization bit depth: 24-bit / 32-bit float
Maximum number of input channels: 2
Maximum number of recordable tracks: 2

Analogue audio input/output ratings
MIC/EXT IN jack (can provide plug-in power)

Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack

Input Impedance: 18 kO or more (when plug-in power is turned off)
2 kO or more (when plug-in power is turned on)
Nominal input level: - 20 dBV
Maximum input level : -4 dBV
PHONES/LINE OUT jack

Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack
Output impedance: 12 O
Nominal output level : - 14 dBV (10kO loaded)
Maximum output level: +2 dBV (10kO loaded)
Maximum output: 20 mW + 20 mW (32 ? load)
Working impedance: 16 - 250O

Built-in Speaker

Output: 0.3W (monaural)

USB
Connector: USB Type-C
Format:USB 2.0 High Speed Mass Storage Class
USB 1.1 Full Speed Audio Class

USB Audio

Sampling rate : 44.1 / 48 kHz
Quantization bit depth: 24-bit
Number of inputs: 2 channels (output from this unit)
Number of outputs: 2 channels (input to this unit)

General

Power 2AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
USB bus power (5V/0.5A) from a computer, etc.
TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately)
Power consumption: 1.7 W (maximum)

Weight: 184 g / 0.406 lb (including batteries)
136 g / 0.30 lb (not including batteries)
Operating temperature range: 0 - 40 -C / 32 - 104 -F

Dimensions
Mic closed: 68 x 159.6 x 27.0 mm
2.68 x 6.28 x 1.06 inch
Mic opened: 90.3 x 159.6 x 27.0 mm
3.56 x 6.28 x 1.06 inch

Included items:
DR-07XP x1
Safety guide (including warranty) x1
TASCAM ID registration guide x1
*Note:0 dBV=1 Vrms, 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms

Review: LA label Milkcrate Mondays is back with more slick contemporary hip-hop and r&b sounds, this time in the form of a split 7". Abel takes care of the opener with 'Flex'd Up', which has slow, seductive and silky drums and synths making for a sunny sound that is topped with a gorgeously heartfelt r&b vocal that swoons and swoops effortlessly. On the flip, Netwerk's 'Horns Of A Feather' has a duster and more classic boom-bap hip-hop beat that's low in the mix, with muted horns and another aching vocal really finishing it in style. Two different vibes, both are excellent.

Review: New week, new Planet Rhythm, same old tech class. Aero is no stranger to this label and hail from Northside Dublin, where they Baldoyle native has been cooking up his take on techno - it's always driven by punchy rhythms but with plenty of synth craft making it much more than mere DJ tool fodder. 'Buried In Noise' has urgent and anxious melodies lighting up the drums while 'Velvet Kiss' is a deeper, more late-night prowler. 'State Of Burn' then bangs with steel-plated loops and 'Scarred' layers up synths that feel like they're going to fall over themselves with a hypnotic and time-keeping drum thud. 'The 242' closes with astral anxiety and a never-ending sense of rush.

Review: Alektra is a new project featuring the combined talents of long-serving European nu-disco and house hero Daniel Monaco and rising star John Noseda. As debut singles go, 'Shake Your Body' is a genuine treat - a throbbing, high-octane trip into mid 1980s Hi-NRG hedonism rich in sequenced, arpeggio-style bass, heavy machine drums, razor-sharp synth riffs, glassy-eyed female vocal samples and oodles of sweat-soaked male muscularity. It's basically a peak-time dancefloor anthem in the making. As well as the original mix (side A), we're also treated to a handy instrumental take shorn of the distinctive female vocal samples, and an effects-laden acapella for DJs who like to get imaginative in the mix

Review: Chicago house newcomer Arsene's 'Jack Shit' is guaranteed to detonate on impact, because its 7" release back in February has already done plenty of damage and got shouts from Luke Solomon, Moodymann and Danny Krivit among more. Now the Chicago upstart finally unleashes the full EP with three other, equally fresh cuts of raw, tracky Windy City house. Crunchy drum machines, hypnotic basslines and that unmistakable Chi-town swing are all present and correct here, with dark undertones but persuasive atmospheres all packed with Arsene's own urgent spark. No weak imitations here - this is a familiar analogue grit with future intent.

Review: This is a fine first outing from Chez De Milo's Club Blanco label, an imprint named after the DJ/producer's now long-running party in his hometown of Bristol. He's scored something of a coup, too, by persuading Paranoid London man Quinn Whalley to re-activate his occasional Johnny Aux alias after 12 years. Whalley delivers two original cuts: 'Supersonic', a kind of techno-tempo 4/4 electro number with pulsating bass, elongated chords and restless electronic riffs, and 'On The Train', a breathless breakbeat number peppered with fizzing electronics and his trademark TB-303 acid sounds. Jamie Paton remixes that track, giving it a smoother, more spaced-out feel - it's a superb revision all told - while Chez De Milo turns 'Supersonic' into a dark acid roller.

Review: Bastian's early work on Berlin's iconic Acid Orange sublabel, Tanjobi Records, is a hidden gem that's now resurfaced with serious buzz. This debut release has become increasingly rare and often gets snapped up online by crate-digging heads who rediscover its charms more than a decade on. Channelling the spirit of Khan and the legendary Cologne crew, each track is a masterclass in stripped-back, acid-laced techno minimalism, which is why it's now getting the flowers it always deserved-pure underground gold with title cut 'Centre Fold' being a particularly well-crafted mental and physical workout.

Review: Juuz out of Hungary continues to break new ground as it lays out its sonic identity with another tasteful various artists EP that roam free across the minimal world. Silat Beksi & Fedo get things underway with the heady but also playful and cheeky sounds of 'Porque Tu' before Minube's '909 Things' is a textural blend of found sounds, great sound designs and perfectly rubbery, dubby drum kicks. Daniel Broesecke's 'No Name' then gets more dark and down and dirty with a stripped-back mix of caps and bass that is pure backroom. Chris Llopis shut down its trippy sine waves and spinning hi-hats from the classic school of minimalism on his 'Manipulator.'

Review: B2 Recordings is one of those labels that is deeply entrenched in proper house circles. Its latest comes from Begoa who keeps it nice and chill on 'I Won't Love You' (feat Mimi X FY). The drums are low-slung, the chords are breezy and warm. 'Bibi's Funk' then layers in some lively percussion that adds a nice texture to the swaggering, slo-mo grooves. 'Listen' picks up the pace with some electro-charged rhythms and corrugated bass funk and then 'Exiles' leaves you with another classy, spacious sound with persuasive claps and big splashy cymbals.

Review: Blast head honcho Bertran aka German Fabian Oellers drops a heavy-hitting, genre-blurring debut here on the Psycho Thrill Cologne label. Known for collabs with techno icons like FBK, Patrik Skoog, DJ Surgeles, Lex Gorrie and Stefan Rein, he flexes serious range across eight tracks that move fluidly between deep house, shadowy techno, raw acid and Detroit-infused grooves. The EP closes with a killer remix by Canadian legend Teknobrat, who cooks up squelchy 303 lines with dense atmospherics before unleashing floor-melting madness. Essential heat.

Review: Nick Bike has been at it again, crafting high-grade club cuts that always make an impact. These two have already been well road-tested with great effect. 'Party People (Night & Day)' is the first and is a brilliant collision of some funky, soulful disco classics into one new and strident sound with irresistible claps and vocal hooks. On the flip is the scorching 'Every Night (Hold Me Tight)' which is just timeless and super smooth disco-funk with a persuasive charm. Two no-brainers here that will bring next-level fun to any set.

Review: The latest deep dive into Galaxy Sound Co.'s Black Hole series is another carefully dug out delight featuring three essential jazz-funk-psych cuts. Joe Pass' 'A Time For Us' opens with beautiful cinematic strings, sparse drums and ghostly guitar that has been famously sampled by J Dilla and the Slum Village crew, and sounds powerful in situ here. Milt Jackson & Ray Brown's 'Enchanted Lady' follows with hypnotic modal swing, again famously flipped, this time by Pete Rock, De La Soul and Knxwledge. Closing out is Archie Whitewater's 'Cross Country', which is a funky, soulful groove with brass and keys that have been immortalised by Kanye and Common, but remains a burner here in its original form.

Review: Even if it's a point worth making, sometimes it needs to be made several times over before it lodges itself in the brain. Whoever was behind this original cosmic disco cut, it hammers home the principle of not stopping the music with such repetitive intent that we have to wonder whether we truly would want to stop the music had we not been inculcated as such. And though we're unsure of its origin, 'Don't Stop The Music' and its loving rerub from Leeuwarden, Netherlands DJ and producer Pete Blaker hears the artist dare not forsake the Northern English interest in such sounds by leasing his wares again to Newcastle label Hot Biscuit. Backed by a suspensory glaciation on the B, 'Ice Cold' with fellow producer Dionisos, you can be sure yet some other aspect of disco gold has also been reliably preserved here.

Review: Released by a Kyiv-based label run by Noizar, this EP serves up a potent mix of minimal and tech house with futuristic flair. On Side-A, 'Ease Your Mind' by Borys offers a mesmerising minimal groove, blending techy, robotic beats with funky, spacey elements. The track's otherworldly vibe creates a hypnotic atmosphere, perfect for both laid-back and deep dancefloor moments. On Side B, 'Los Demeteros"' by Yzer is a heavy stomper, featuring a crunchy bassline that drives the track forward. The eerie, alien melodies lend an unsettling, yet quality to the track, making it feel both futuristic and rooted in the past. The dynamic composition of 'Los Demeteros' draws listeners into its depth, while maintaining a solid, danceable energy throughout. This release is a stunning journey through minimal and electro-techno, showcasing the unique sound of Kyiv's underground scene.

Review: Studio 16 continues its vital reissue work with this roots gem from Tony Brevett & The Israelites. Originally released in the golden age of roots reggae, 'Star Light' is a luminous lovers' rock anthem guided by Brevett's warm, yearning vocals and deeply spiritual intent. The flip features a classic dubbed-out version which lets the rhythm breathe in all its analogue glory. With an endlessly engaging groove and heartfelt delivery, this 7" captures a glowing slice of reggae history that still shines brightly. Also, the louder the better with this one.

Review: Jamaican singer Dennis Brown's 1984 cut 'Right Fight' finally lands on 7", joined here by a dubwise version from the in-house We The People Band. Originally buried on the Love's Gotta Hold On Me LP and a now-scarce 12", it's one of those righteous, rootsy calls to arms that Brown delivered so effortlessly at his peak. His vocal glides over a tense but propulsive groove, bolstered by horns and a chugging rhythm section, while the lyrics advocate moral clarity in the face of pressure. Flip it and the band's instrumental version runs wild: militant and heavyweight, full of reverb-splashed snares, spectral brass and stripped-back pressure. Produced by The Mighty Two (Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson), this pairing reflects a moment in mid-80s Jamaican production where the energy of roots still collided with dancefloor sensibility. Essential for selectors with a deeper box.

Review: Key playing master Byron The Aquarius returns to Star Creature with 'Jamajama', a slick 7" dripping in synth-heavy funk and future-facing deep house of the sort that has made him a real standout in recent years. On the A-side, Byron delivers a left-field jazz-funk burner that's packed with squelchy, bass-rich, and weirdly elegant vibes that perfectly straddle the line between two-step and house grooves. Flip it over and you get a lush nu-boogie banger featuring Steven Klavier on vocals, and his disco-laced touch has lit up tracks from Soul Clap to Eli Escobar so you may well be familiar. It's a tight, genre-blurring gem from one for heads, dancers, and divas alike.

Review: More than than a decade of growth and exploration fed UK reggae and soul singer Hollie Cook's newest Mr Bongo release; an unmissable reggae-pop fusion taking form as 'Night Night', which also marks a homecoming and a fresh chapter for the singer and aritst. With General Roots as her backing band and Ben McKone handling production and dub duties at Crosstown Studios, the single pairs strident guitar licks and glowing keys with a system-scalding bassline. Hollie's sericin-soft delivery is matched by the fire of Horseman - this his first studio link-up with her since that debut - resulting in a track that pulses with affective lift. A dubbed-out B-side rounds out the 7", spacious, packed with entelechy and flair.

Review: Alt-dub never quite found its mainstream moment, but for those attuned to its intricacies, it remains a defining undercurrent in electronic music. Unlike its dubstep cousin, which relied on aggressive basslines and in-your-face drops, alt-dub takes a more measured approach, focusing on subtlety and complexity. It's about crafting a vibe, not smashing through it. San Francisco-based artist Federsen has been a pivotal figure in this niche for over a decade, using vintage tape delays and analogue gear to build immersive, textured soundscapes. His work with labels like Silent Season, Greyscale, Lempuyang and Ohm Series perfectly embodies how dub's elements of space, decay and resonance can be transformed into hypnotic, dancefloor-driven rhythms that unfold slowly. Tracks like 'Dub Trail' and 'Silent Whispers' reflect Federsen's signature approach: slow, deliberate builds, where the bassline is felt more than heard, and the subtle shifts in atmosphere draw us into the groove. It's not about immediate impact, but rather about crafting a space where the music breathes and where the transitions are felt as much as they are heard. 'Echoes In The Void' pushes this idea even further, with its dense, evolving layers of sound, while 'Lunar Dub' offers a more stripped-back, meditative experience. Through Federsen's work, the genre stands as an exploration of depth and atmosphere, where every moment of silence and every drawling transition plays an integral part in the experience.

Review: Auckland-born, London-based duo Manuel Darquart draw from the silkier ends of Italo, house and Balearic breaks on their latest five-tracker for Munich label Permanent Vacation. The opener, 'Sunshine Coast', cruises through airy pads and FM piano with the warmth of a lost VHS holiday clip, while 'Soft Energy' folds ambient textures into a weightless groove built for sunrise slots. Things get tougher on 'Global Business', which hits a sweet spot between acid and electro-funk, and 'Fantacity' continues in a similar mode - dense but clean, with a breaksy snap underlining the chords. 'Forza' wraps it all up with a slow-builder that sits somewhere between high-definition trance and plush downtempo. The palette feels nostalgically late 80s, but there's no pastiche here - just a well-gauged, detail-rich record that knows exactly when to lean in and when to hold back.

Review: Berlin-based live techno duo Data Memory Access bottle the voltage of their 2024 stage show into four no-nonsense cuts for the third DMA label release. 'Powah' opens with piston-tight drums and a rising synth line that bites hard, while 'We Are' layers chopped vocal shards over a relentless rolling bass. Flip the vinyl and 'Neukolln' dives into darker territory, its tunnelling groove paying clear homage to the district that inspired it, before 'Reflexion' stretches gauzy pads across broken percussion for a final surge of after-hours momentum. Captured straight from their tour arsenal, these tracks are purpose-built for peak-time control-machine rhythms, crisp programming and zero excess. 'Live Chronicles Vol. 1' is a fresh release that proves Data Memory Access can translate stage heat to wax without losing an ounce of precision or power.

Review: Lorenzo Dewberry manages to fuse the house music poles of Chicago and Detroit on this mind-expanding and cosmic new house EP for Excursions. He is a relative newcomer with credits on labels like Ten Lovers Music and is already in a class of his own, given how musically and lush these tunes are. 'You're Enough (feat Janet Coco)' is a down-by-the-sea-at-sunset gem with Balearic chords and far-sighted reverie, 'Open Skies' is just as much of a sonic daydream with a gentle groove and then an Anthony Nicholson remix layers in some nice nimble jazz keys and pixelated leads. 'Free Your Mind' is a downbeat, jazzy lullaby to close.

Review: First released in the golden year of 1996 under Joe Manumaleuna's longstanding formative alias DJ Hyperactive, this founding Chi-bleep bluff-caller on 12" took the world by paretic storm just as easily back then as it surely will do now. Communique Records, executive vicars of the Sounds sublabel, now do a stellar job of reissuing this crazy-making clobberer, having first remastered it from the original DATs. 'Muzik Make You Lose Control' and 'Drummer Boy' riff off Chicago's rich percussive history, while 'Circle Of Life' and 'Alteno' go wilder on the monophonic synthwork, to eerily maddening effect.

Review: Following his acclaimed 'Love Dub So' EP, Nick Barber's Doof returns to Mysticisms with The Love Mixes-early, raw recordings from cassette-only archives. Made in 1990-91 while studying philosophy in Cambridge, these tracks fuse the spirit of Pink Floyd and Goa's Full Moon parties with the rise of UK trance culture. Crafted with minimal gear and pure DIY energy, the recordings capture the wide-eyed excitement of a scene still being born. Hand-dubbed and passed around at afterparties, one tape reached Mute Records and it was that which sparked Doof's Novamute debut. Now remastered, The Love Mixes offers an unfiltered window into the roots of electronic trance.

Review: Punctuality's fifth release introduces Irish producer Drua and his high-energy new EP which blends late-90s and early-2000s dance influences with smart modern production. Drawing from contemporary hard house, the four tracks feature punchy basslines crafted for massive sound systems and packed dancefloors. Opening with the refracted vocals, M1 organs and rushes of trance euphoria of 'UP,' Drua then goes all prog-hard-house with catchy vocal hooks and skippy bass on 'Job 2.3.'. 'Nightfire' then brings a deep house twist perfect for peak-time sets, while 'Arch In Ur Back' closes with breakbeats and party vocals. Fun, effective stuff.

Review: Originally released as part of Dub Narcotic Sound System's Dub Narcotic Disco Plate series, 'Fuck Shit Up' has stood the test of time as a raucous blend of garage soul punk. The track made waves upon its 1994 release, with its genre-defying energy gaining instant admiration from artists like Beck, Chemical Brothers, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (who later covered it), and Make-Up. "We loved this piece of ramshackle punk funk when we first heard it on 7" in 1994 and we still love it now!" said The Chemical Brothers in 2025. Still a staple at underground dance parties, the track has amassed over 100,000 YouTube streams, so for the first time, it's now available digitally, paired with a fresh remix by Hifi Sean, best as former singer with C86/baggy heroes Soup Dragons.

Review: London's Mysticisms label spill valorous guts in issuing this new dub and breakbeat crossover record from Dub Specialists. Having emerged from te potent 1980s-90s fallouts that enshrouded the pioneering digital roots label Conscious Sounds, Dub Specialists tracked the storied meeting-of-minds that was and still is Douglas Waldrop, Piers Harrison, and Stuart "Chuggy" Leath. This time, the trio are heard teaming up with DJ Millie McKee and studio brain Matt Bruce to formate yet another splinter cell, as missionaries of Conscious Sounds' digital mission: to explore samplers and videogame sounds in dub and funk. Using an Atari 1040 running Cubase and armed with a Soundcraft mixer, this latest iteration hears drum loops and reggae basslines played over funk samples and layered with Petter's chords, crafting a series of short, DJ-worthy heaters. The result is unhindered by expectation and breaks many calcified digidub moulds, as on 'Funkin Dub', where speak n' spell garblings meet downtown funk licks and sonorant snare whacks.

Review: Dusty Donuts return with another heavyweight 7" of hip-hop gold, this time journeying from Queensbridge to Staten Island. Side A delivers a bouncy, chopped-up rework featuring a Lost Girl once heard on a legendary QB mixtape and it is guaranteed to ignite any dancefloor. Flipping over, the vibe shifts to Shaolin with a raw and soulful reinterpretation of a classic that pays tasteful homage to Staten Island's finest. With tight edits and a deep love for golden-era hip-hop, this release hits hard on both sides and is another great example of the craftsmanship, nostalgia and party-starting energy the Dusty Donuts crew always deals in.

Review: Norwegian producer Ekkel, co-founder of Ute Records, returns with four sharply drawn tracks for Seismic's third release. His blend of 90s-indebted progressive textures and rhythm-forward minimalism remains intact, though with new, more interior inflections. 'Hradec Fog Fever' is the steadiest of the lot-clean, rolling percussion and tight low-end restraint-but it's 'Owl Foot' that lingers, pairing whispered vocal snippets with eerie atmospheres and subtle motion. On the B-side, 'Drum Ring' builds unease through gritty kicks and unresolved phrases, echoing trance motifs without ever fully revealing them. 'Endphase' teases a moment of release via distant melodies, but soon undercuts it with brittle, clipped drums. This is dance music in a minor key-focused, evocative, and unusually meditative. A smart addition to Seismic's emerging catalogue, and a compelling statement from one of Norway's most consistently interesting underground names.

Review: British indie darlings Elbow return with their fifth EP this June, and their latest offering features last year's standalone single 'Adriana Again' alongside three brand-new, previously unheard tracks. Frontman Guy Garvey calls it a full-circle moment for the band in which they reflect on a creative peak where studio sessions are brimming with fun and fire. The EP blends soulful, textured instrumentation with lyrics rooted in Garvey's personal past so they are equal parts dark, joyful and reflective. Here are plenty of unpredictable guitar flourishes, a rock-solid rhythm section and bold production from Craig Potter all helping to make this feel both exhilarating and intimate.

Review: A masterclass in stark 'Kontrast' comes by way of producer Elektrotechnik, whose latest 12" here for Gladio Operations does unsurprisingly well to contrast his prior digital-only issue for A-Traction Records. Through glommy, paralytic, salivary sound design, 'Sigma' and its corresponding remix by Larionov mission-state the EP: one pronouncedly unafraid of weight or womp, and yet which still scoops out a mercurial feel akin to a volatile solder metal prior, pre and post-solidification. 'Kontrast' and 'Die Bestie' on the B-side sound like said reflowed solder chucked through a giant techno kaleidoscope, as both tracks move increasingly hypnotic and heavy.

Review: Mysticisms imprint strides purposefully into 2025 via a multi-artist extravaganza that touches on many of the label's regular musical themes. To kick things off, Utopia Records main man Alex Bradley offers up his take on Elements of Life's 1996 jam 'Are You With Me Love', reimagining it as a deep and spacey roller rich in languid trumpet motifs, metronomic synth bass and intergalactic pads, before Norwegian veteran Oyvind Morken asks 'How Bleep Is Your Love' via sprightly analogue synth sounds and jacking, sweat-soaked machine drums. Over on side B, Eirwud Mudwasser and Romansoff join forces on the deep, dubby, steel pan-sampling early morning tribalism of 'Cherrie', while N-Gynn treats us to a spot of deliciously deep acid house ('Es V edra TB Deluxe').