CHARONNE Vinilo y CD

Review: Paris-based electronic music duo Charonne top up their very own Velvet Spirit label with the freshly released 'Chungking Mansions', an EP named after a real Hong Kong manor in which a labyrinth of ghosts are said to live. Alsoa a thematic tribute to the disputed Chinese enclave's hidden sonic heart - presumably made after a recent visit by the pair - this electro house hummer is said to aim for simplicity in its purest form, always keeping the groove firmly in mind. Though that's not the only goal here: the likes of 'Heavy Metal' and 'Lunatic Boogie' bring squeezy pulsewidth sound design and filtered tone-temptations to our electrified ears, as if to suggest the feel of an excitable Wan Chai night out.

Review: Paris-based groovers Charonne have been building up their identity as ear-catching minimal house freaks since debuting on their Rakya label back in 2016. Now they're settling into a new surrounding on Velvet Spirit, ladling the rubbery funk on good and thick for some upfront cuts shot through with oddball flair. Just check the discoid stylings of 'Tricks & Denim' with its boogie flourishes and subtly off-centre synth licks, absolutely tooled for maximum party pleasure. 'This Is Just A Game' edges towards something even bigger, catching a wave that comes on like mid 00s electro house given a modern makeover.

Review: Rayka Records founders Charonne have decided to launch a new label, Velvet Spirit. Fittingly, the French duo deliver the imprint's debut release, offering up a quartet of cuts that expertly explore all aspects of their trademark electro sound. The headline attraction is arguably 'Break Thru', which is presented in two different mixes: the sub-heavy, acid-fired original mix that sounds like their tribute to turn-of-the-90s bleep techno, and a more TB-303-laden 'Alien Funk' remix that makes great use of drum machine cowbells and mutilated hip-hop samples. Elsewhere, title track 'Overload' isa fiendishly heavy fusion of electro and bleep techno elements, while 'Sentimento' is a bouncy, analogue-rich excursion that's as funky as it is difficult to describe.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Rayka Records chiefs Charonne were isolated for months in their studio, during which they reflected on the past few years of releasing music. The result is Innervoice: Alex T. & Noe B's first album featuring 14 tracks pressed on three 12''. Featured are some spacey jams as expected, that cover a wide spectrum of moods and grooves such as the early UK Peacefrog techno vibe of 'Jinx', the gleaming late night rave mood of 'Move Me' to the downbeat alien funk of 'Future, Past, Present' and the intelligent drum 'n' bass experiment 'Utopia'.

Review: Rayka Records chiefs Charonne were isolated for months in their studio, during which they reflected on the past few years of releasing music. The result is Innervoice: Alex T. & Noe B's first album featuring 14 tracks pressed on three 12''. Featured are some spacey jams as expected, that cover a wide spectrum of moods and grooves such as the early UK Peacefrog techno vibe of 'Jinx', the gleaming late night rave mood of 'Move Me' to the downbeat alien funk of 'Future, Past, Present' and the intelligent drum 'n' bass experiment 'Utopia'.

Review: The opening track on this release struts with a rolling bassline that could anchor any dancefloor. Layered atop are sharp, metallic percussive hits, interspersed with an eerie, almost celestial synth line that creeps into focus. The music has a cinematic quality; each moment feels deliberate, as though you're stepping into a tightly woven narrative. There's a tension at play here, too-the kind that builds anticipation without ever snapping into predictability. Instead of delivering straightforward house tropes, this EP leans into shadowy, off-kilter rhythms that refuse to settle, keeping you just slightly on edge. These tracks are about crafting mood and movement, creating space for subtle builds and unexpected breaks. The result feels more like a journey than a destination-a story told through restrained but impactful instrumentation.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing/ damage to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent working condition***


Charonne are back with a third imprint on their Velvet Spirit imprint: 'Les Choses Grasses'. This time introducing both new and not so new French artists, all of whom operate in Berlin, we've got the likes of the very promising Numero 6 and his duo Kiddy Castle taking care of the A1 and A2, with filthy bass driven grooves and sexy vocals exemplifying their chops. Then come the live wizzard Pierre Marty with a domestic number with a unique groove, and whom even sings for the occasion, while Charonne closes out the EP with an ever-so-greasy bass and badboy vocal.

Review: Charonne are back with a third imprint on their Velvet Spirit imprint: 'Les Choses Grasses'. This time introducing both new and not so new French artists, all of whom operate in Berlin, we've got the likes of the very promising Numero 6 and his duo Kiddy Castle taking care of the A1 and A2, with filthy bass driven grooves and sexy vocals exemplifying their chops. Then come the live wizzard Pierre Marty with a domestic number with a unique groove, and whom even sings for the occasion, while Charonne closes out the EP with an ever-so-greasy bass and badboy vocal.