Review: Four cuts of timeless hardcore jungle from respected and rising Aussie break butcher 12 Bit Jungle Out There. Hugging you like it's 92 but booting you like it's 2032, each track is littered with edits, twists, turns and superb stretches. From the ragga-fronted bubbler 'Dutty Gunman' to the rave-echoed 'Desire & Love', there's a hearty party spirit that's so good for those choppy, blast-em-up mixes. Trust us, he's has been squeezing his Octamed super hard for this one!
Notes: Easily connect your modular system to the rest of your setup with Out, a compact 2HP stereo line output and headphone module. Despite its small size, it includes everything you need for clear, convenient listening.
The top section features stereo modular-level inputs with LED indicators for quick level monitoring. From there, the signal is routed to both a stereo line output and a dedicated headphone jack, each with independent volume control. Whether you're sending your modular through external effects, recording into an interface, or just monitoring with headphones, Out keeps things simple and efficient.
Notes: Easily connect your modular system to the rest of your setup with Out, a compact 2HP stereo line output and headphone module. Despite its small size, it includes everything you need for clear, convenient listening.
The top section features stereo modular-level inputs with LED indicators for quick level monitoring. From there, the signal is routed to both a stereo line output and a dedicated headphone jack, each with independent volume control. Whether you're sending your modular through external effects, recording into an interface, or just monitoring with headphones, Out keeps things simple and efficient.
Review: Certain parts of Canada's proximity to techno birthplace Detroit means the country has always had its own fresh take on the sound, right back to the early Richie Hawtin days of minimalism. Over a quarter of a century of releases now, Aquaregia has kept up that tradition. Behind this latest missive is 747 who opens with lashings of acid and coarse, chattery percussive over jacked-up drums. There is a more psychedelic edge to the loopy synth patterns and softer acid of 'Suffocating In Stardust' then 'Iron Tears' gets gritty, tense, and douses you in melodic fireworks. Last of all, 'Deep Space Opera' takes a more widescreen approach with misty-eyed synthscapes and soft, gently pitch-bent acid.
Review: NY breakbeat craftsman 88 Katanas gets explorative on Silent Force with four outstanding jungle adventures. The brilliantly titled 'The Standard Of The Archipelago' ignites the EP with a brisk drumfunk type of flavour that's comparable to Seba. From there we move inland to brutalist terrains... 'Radiant Energy' is a halftime march through thick swamps and woodland, and 'Bit Rot' takes us onto elevated fields where the air is fresher but the ground is very slippery underfoot. 'Subconscious Emotions', meanwhile, takes us back to a much calmer shore where a good looking ship awaits for voyage home.
Scene 1 (original version Of Shk Movie Soundtrack Scene 1) (9:02)
Review: A minimalist masterpiece, this 12" captures the raw, uncompromising spirit of the early days of Sahko, the Finnish label which brought us Pan(a)sonic, Jimi Tenor and many other greats. On Side-1, 'Kuvio' pulses with hypnotic precision, its sparse yet resonant bleep pattern unfolding with a mechanical elegance that defines the label's aesthetic. Stripped to its essential elements, it's a study in restraintievery kick, every frequency shift carefully placed for maximum impact. Side-2 ventures into more atmospheric terrain, offering an extended take on an excerpt from the Sahko Movie soundtrack. Dubby electro textures intertwine with eerie space-age sonics, creating a sense of vastness and isolation. There's a weightless quality to it, as if floating in some abandoned industrial zone, the echoes of machines long dormant still humming in the background. Originally from the Metri album, 'Kuvio' distills the essence of its eraiwhere techno, ambient and experimental electronics blurred into something both cerebral and deeply physical. It remains a timeless document of innovation, showcasing a singular vision that continues to influence artists across genres. Essential listening for those who appreciate the purity of sound design and the art of reduction.
Review: A2L were active between 1988 and 1990 and released two albums and several EPs on labels like 1st Bass, Big One and Force Inc. Their sound blended British psychedelic house with elements of new beat, industrial, EBM and early acid house and in doing so captured the raw energy of the UK rave scene. Notably different from typical acid house acts of the time, A2L's music took in machine funk, samplers and turntable techniques to create trippy, infectious grooves. This collection compiles rare underground gems from them from 1989 and features standout tracks like 'Even Though It's Make Believe' and 'Come On.' It's a great look back to the experimental spirit of the late 80s.
Review: What's that, a new year means a new label from Burnski? We'd expect nothing else. The man has more imprints than a beach has grains of sand, but importantly they all serve a purpose and all kick out killer jams. Mikasa starts with this lush and lithe prog house EP from Abdul Raeva. Stylish opener 'Cream' is a bouncy, feel-good and sleek electronic house sound for peak time fun. 'Helico' is laced with acid and 'Tex Mex' has psyched-out lines rising through the uplifting drums while 'Vanguard' shuts down with a percussive edge and a killer bassline.
Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts - "Fried Fish ’n’ Collard Greens" (2:40)
The Native Yinzer - "The Hip Strip" (2:33)
Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.
Review: Adja Fassa's debut album is a genre-colliding triumph of alternative r&b, neo-soul and jazz co-produced by Adam Scrimshire. Across 11 tracks, Adja dissects capitalism's influence on intimacy with sharp wit, layered symbolism and soulful grooves whether she's reimagining jazz standards or delivering dystopian vignettes of modern labor. Throughout these tracks her storytelling is bold, critical and playfully mystical. From the rebellious 'Sucking on my Emphatitties' to the haunting title track, this is protest music wrapped in velvet tones. Visually complemented by four self-designed tarot cards, the album is a rich conceptual tapestry for fans of greats like D'Angelo.
Review: We are real fans of the PIV label out of the Netherlands for the way they have bright plenty of new thinking to house and tech. Their Limited label off-shoot is even more forward-thinking and this time welcomes ADR for some of their signature sounds. 'Daft Excluder' gets underway with flappy snares and a nice nebulous ecosystem of neon synth details and snappy drums. The Casey Spillman remix gets more punch with wet clicks and a garage tinge to the drums. 'Professor Magnet' sinks you into a bulbous bass line that is warped and fluid under snappy claps and 'Infinity808' brings nice and trippy electro vibes and a kinetic rhythm to close. It might be the best of the lot.
Review: This tastemade, disco edited chef's special comes courtesy of AFIN, guest cook in the Frank Music kitchen. Over three sharply, perspicuously produced disco recuts, we're pelleted by a no less wet hosedown in hard disco, with 'Disko Inferno' introducing the proceedings with peak-time heat, before 'The Beloved' grooves yonder with feel-good charm, and 'Body Rock' ex-ergises our bodies with an irresistible vocal touch. Birbs And Planties help pave downlow slabs of golden bass, locking the rhythm down. This vinyl-only release won't last long, so grab a copy, and get boinging in time for spring...
The Age Of Love (Charlotte De Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano remix) (8:10)
The Age Of Love (Jam & Spoon Watch Out For Stella mix - 2021 Remaster) (6:46)
The Age Of Love (Solomun's Renaissance remix) (8:11)
Review: One of the most legendary trance anthems of all time, 'The Age of Love', continues its reign with a fresh set of remixes that bridge generations of dance music fans. On Side-A, Charlotte de Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano inject their signature techno power into the track, transforming it into a driving, hypnotic beast. Charlotte has championed this remix in her sets and for good reasoniits retro synths and rolling energy make it a festival weapon, modernising the track while keeping its euphoric essence intact. Side-B opens with the 2021 remaster of Jam & Spoon's Watch Out For Stella mix, the definitive remix that catapulted the track into trance history. With its sprawling, cinematic breakdowns and timeless atmosphere. Rounding things out, Solomun delivers his Renaissance remix, a deep and unique take that shifts the track into a melodic house and techno hybrid, offering a fresh perspective without losing the original's magic. This re-release is both a tribute and a reinvention, proving that' The Age of Love' remains unstoppable on the dancefloor more than 30 years later.
Review: After spending the majority of his 20-plus-year career flitting between the Kompakt and Coneme labels, Matias Aguayo makes a rare outing on another label - a delayed debut for Matt 'Radio Slave' Edwards' REKIDS imprint. In its' original form (side A), 'El Internet' is a typically off-kilter affair in which his own poetic, spoken word vocals (in Chilean, of course) and fuzzy, elongated synth sounds ride a beefy but wonky bassline and the long-serving producer's usual South American-tinged, hand percussion-enhanced hybrid house/techno grooves. It comes accompanied by a vocal-free instrumental mix, where the full breadth and depth of Aguayo's production can be heard, and a useful acapella DJ tool.
Notes: Configured specifically for DJs, the superb TMA-2 modular headphones are offered here in DJ Wireless 'preset', featuring ultra-low-latency high-fidelity performance.
Supplier's Notes:
Danish audio company AIAIAI, known for pushing the boundaries in professional audio, is expanding the possibilities of music performance by releasing TMA-2 DJ Wireless - the world's first headphones specifically designed for wireless DJing. Now DJs can finally confidently free themselves from the cable, without compromise.
What truly sets the TMA-2 DJ Wireless apart is its groundbreaking ultra-low latency wireless technology, delivering a delay-free experience for precision beatmatching and cable-free mixing. Coupled with over 25 hours of battery life, they offer uninterrupted performance for lengthy sets.
TMA-2 DJ Wireless deliver professional-grade sound, tuned for powerful bass and clear treble, with high sound isolation to cut through the noise of any environment. Designed with durability in mind, the TMA-2 DJ Wireless builds on over a decade of proven TMA-2 DJ performance, featuring a robust yet lightweight construction that ensures long-lasting comfort during extended sets.
"With the TMA-2 DJ Wireless, we set out to create wireless DJ headphones that truly meet the demands of DJs. For years, wireless technology meant compromising on performance, but with our ultra-low latency wireless technology, we are finally able to deliver a solution that offers both Freedom and precision. This is a game-changer for DJs looking to break free from cables" - Frederik Jorgensen, Founder
Review: Many Hands is a fresh label helmed by Jona Jefferies and Kava that here kicks out an eclectic EP with four tracks from various members of its musical family. Dan Aikido opens with '0800 TXT4 Herb,' a smooth fusion piece that builds a laid-back groove, blending fretless bass, jazzy keys and soulful vocals all reminiscent of Rare Silk's 'Storm.' Ernie Ruso's 'Stroke It' offers slow, sensual r&b infused with P-funky wah-wah effects while DJ Nomad's 'African Boy' brings upbeat pop house next to funky organ and a female reggae MC.Jefferies' closer 'A Change Will Come' samples Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a rave-inspired beat and soulful piano. Cracking stuff.
Review: Phoenix man Eddie Amador is synonymous with one track more than any other artist in the game. He wrote 'House Music' in 1997 and it soon became a club anthem that has endured over the years. Now, decades on, he is back with a follow-up of sorts in the form of 'House Music Dos (Doin' It House Style.' The lyrics from the original, "not everyone understands house music, it's a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing," still hold true and fragments of that tune appear here next to fresh funky drums and gritty chords. 'Househeads In Full Effect' has a darker vocal that infuses low-slung drums and a funny bassline with real menace.
Review: The mighty Dez Andres has hooked up with Parisian digger Victor Kiswell for a sublime new double album on Spot Lite that finds a perfect sweet spot between both men's sound. It stems from a party that explores Arabic grooves from Northern Africa and the Middle East and pairs that with low slung deep house beats and hip-hop inspired joints. It's woozy and warm, packed with killer melodies and hooky riffs and is right up there with some of Dez's best work. Highlights include the likes of 'Grand Meze In Gemmayze' with its dusty beats and 'Bounce The Casbah' with Middle Eastern guitars that ring out with great soul.
Review: Chiwax welcomes Andrew Red Hand here for his third outing on the revered house label. We're told it is one of his most intimate and personal releases and there sure is plenty of deep and pensive energy to 'In The Cemetery (part III)' with its snappy electro rhythms but long-sustained and introspective chords. 'Summer Nostalgia' is raw, punchy techno and 'Autumn Nostalgia' gets more banging with a brazen bassline and celestial synth glow. 'Sorrowful Joy' closes down with a celebratory air in the happy chords but the betas remain heady.
Review: London-raised, Berlin-based singer Anika got her start in the industry releasing her debut album on Geoff Barrow of Portishead fame's Invada Records. And she's gone from strength-to-strength since, collaborating with Dave Clarke, Tricky and I Like Trains, to name a few. Now onto her third studio album - and second on the esteemed Sacred Bones label - she's crafted a sound that's steeped in reverb and acts like a voyage through alternate states. Despite having plenty of retro psychedelic appeal, she's ill afraid to bring us more into the present by evoking the neo-psychedelia scene. The tracks 'Walk Away' and 'One Way Ticket' remind us of the greatness of bands like Amber Arcades, Temples and Pinkunoizu. And vocally she's up there with Aldous Harding and Cate Le Bon, but a lot darker, brooding and ominous in her delivery.
Review: Legendary producer Ant, who you will most likely know for his work with Atmosphere, showcases his talent once more here with Collection of Sounds: Vol. 4. This release highlights his years of dedication to his craft and is a great mix of fresh ideas with his signature style. While previous volumes explored hip-hop, funk and reggae, Vol. 4 introduces rock-inspired elements such as wailing guitars, though it still maintains a firm foundation in hip-hop. Tracks like 'Hearing In Dark Colors' and 'Created With a Heavy Brush' display his mastery of diverse styles while 'Day After 2010' offers an unexpected vibe that helps confirm Ant's status in the scene.
Review: "Danama" is a Bambara word meaning "trustworthy" that reflects the essence of Arat Kilo's fifth album, which was recorded in Spring 2024. The album embodies optimism, collective strength and cultural blending, while advocating confidence during these times which are so marred by wars, nationalism and environmental crises. Arat Kilo is France's leading Ethio-jazz ensemble and they take a fresh approach by experimenting with sound production by adding new instruments like synths, bass clarinet and Malian n'goni, alongside their signature grooves. These tunes are influenced by genres like Jersey club and 2-step and merge with Ethiopian jazz and global rhythms. Mamani Keita's poignant lyrics and social critique from Mike Ladd make this a resounding call for hope and unity.
Review: Last spotted raising hell and taking names with Jon 1st on Defrostatica, Arcane (who is also known as one half of the more mainstream-sounding d&b act Kleu) goes full nelson on the breaks with these two choppy choppy bangers on Foxy Jangle. Both cuts focussing on the drums, subs, samples and FX, these are fully timeless trips and sculpted strictly for the heads. Great for losing yourself inside at 3am and even better to mix. Just like concrete.
Review: This is the first in a new collaborative series between Derailed Records and Planet Rhythm who have teamed up for a new vinyl series that launches with Rotterdam's ARKVS. 'Sonus' rumbles with low-end threat and fizzy static that locks you in the moment. 'Deviate (feat Ronald Nels)' is more sparse with claps echoing out to an event horizon as supple acid tones linger in the air. 'Amphibian Velocity' layers up gurgling synths and pent-up drum tension and 'Crashing Rhythms' is a punchy but deep closer and a fourth and final evocative and sophisticated offering which gets this series underway in style.
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