Review: The fledgling WEorUS label rolls out more stylish, minimal and tech here from a trio of artists. Andrade goes first with 'Kubernetes,' a driving minimal house cut packed with hefty groove. It is followed by 'Content Security Policy' which is a slick, rhythm-forward roller that locks you into its flow. Flip to side-B and get swept into Dragosh's 'One Way,' a deep, hypnotic workout that's all tension and release and rounding off the trip is Fabrizio Siano's 'Control Your Emotions,' a poignant, late-night burner that delivers introspection through rhythm.
First Order Approximation - "Obsessive Behaviour" (5:45)
First Order Approximation - "Unresponsive" (5:14)
Review: Respected Italian artist Alan Backdrop joins forces with First Order Approximation for the second release from the Sense Code label. This tasteful techno split delves into the darkest realms of deep techno right from the off with 'Converging To Center' drilling down into a desolate wasteland. 'Gravity Self' is another suspensory linear groove with no signs of human life and 'Obsessive Behaviour' is a heady one with static electricity fizzing about the rubbery drums. This collection of hypnotic and ever-evolving tracks is designed for smoky basements and late-night sessions for real heads.
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: This new collection offers up a quartet of tracks that are all tailored for slightly different moments on the dance floor. On side A, Dani Casarano kicks off with deep, hypnotic grooves that make for an immersive atmosphere before transitioning to punchy, bass-driven energy with other cuts. Side B introduces a new alter ego from Felian and Bruno Schmidt and the pair explore a robotic, looping groove with incidental breaks and nostalgic synths in the euphoric third track. Closing the release in style, Omar Akrhif & Lucretio present a minimalist masterpiece that is aimed at heady after-hours sessions.
Review: Lunfardo's 'El misterio de Tambores' EP is a conceptual 12" deeply rooted in Uruguayan culture from a quartet of contemporary artists in Charlou (France), Fakk (Argentina), and Uruguayans Cabanelas - Marivo and Arturo. The release explores the hidden history of Carlos Gardel, "El Mago," a pivotal figure in Tango, who pioneered video clips, radio broadcasting in Uruguay, and the first sound films from "el Rio de la Plata." Gardel, known for using 'Lunfardo' in his lyrics, has had his nationality debated for years, but this album clarifies his story while also laying down some fresh deep techno grooves steeped in mysticism.
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.
Review: After the first in this new Mellow Bangers series got us nice and twisted we're delighted to have the follow-up from Italo Moderni. Cryk kicks off with an eerie blend of Italo arps and dark wave drums with electro overtones on 'Double Crash' then the moodiness continues with the depraved bass warbles and crashing hits of Fragedis and his 'Disco Nicotina.' Antoni Maiovvi brings a lightness of touch to his delicate arps and celestial harmonies on 'Stopping Power' and Adrian Marth layers plenty of sugar and pixelated synths into his loopy 'Modernism.'
Manuel De Lorenzi & Freddie Wall - "Sun-Rise" (6:15)
Fichs - "Find Yourself" (6:35)
Manuel De Lorenzi - "You Already Know It" (7:08)
Manuel De Lorenzi & Giacomo Silvestri - "The Big Apple Community" (7:09)
Review: Monday Morning is back to roll out some more lush house depths with a second EP, this one featuring founder Manuel De Lorenzi in the company of his pals Giacomo Silvestri, Freddie Wall and Fichs. 'Sun-Rise' is a nice gritty but vibey opener with percussive skip and dry hits. Fichs's solo cut is a loopy workout with nice bulbous synths and a pared-back rhythm that gets ever more inescapable while De Lorenzi then offers up the radiant synth warmth and dubby undercurrents of minimal house shuffler 'You Already Know It.' With Giacomo Silvestri he then closes on the more percussive loops of soft house soother 'The Big Apple Community.'
Review: On a mission to "make d&b great again", Finland's Straight Up Breakbeat pass through once more with the second of three EPs formed to showcase modern junglism. Kicking off, 'Mystery Machines' sees Glastonbury's Dead Mans Chest slam down some deadly amen choppage reinforced by haunting vocal FX and paranoid drones. Aeon Four & FFF's 'Look Inside' is a jungle-tekno roller, served with chunky hardcore style amens and a side of warm old-skool pads. Keeping the mid-90s vibe alive, the tripped out 'Green Fields Forever ' from Fanu - which drops hot on the heels of his greatly received remaster of Source Direct's 'Stars' - delivers airtight amen trickery, weaving synth washes and blissful dubby basslines. Esc & Mineral round things off with 'Photosynthesis', a pensive stepper highlighting cut-up breaks waltzing with cheeky synth nudges and a wide, rugged bassline. If the pioneers had buried some beefed-up tracks in a time-capsule to inspire future generations, they would probably sound a lot like 'States of Art II'.
Review: After debuting with an on-point reissue EP, this new label out of South Africa is back with a set of superb remixes. On the A-side, Border One and Quelza bring their individual styles to some sleek techno sounds, while the B-side features contributions from CONCEPTUAL and D-Leria, each adding their own distinct touch. The remixes take listeners on a journey from driving, energetic beats to warm, hypnotic soundscapes while each new rework manages to be fresh but also sympathetic to the vibe of the original.
Flesh & Blood Posse - "Rebel Muzik" (version) (3:35)
Review: The Flesh & Blood label kicks on here with a nice blood-red vinyl 7" featuring a hard-hitting new tune from Dixie Peach. 'Rebel Muzik' hits plenty of key dancehall hallmarks - the shiny, metallic digital chords, the stepping rhythms, the swaggering bass down low and some fine bars up top. On the flip, you can find a more heady and stripped-back version with some melon-twisting effects and dangling piano chords courtesy of the in-house Flesh & Blood Posse's own version. Plenty of damage will done with either of these providing they are played loud and at the right time.
Review: Detroit mainstays Drivetrain and Blaktony are next up on Soiree with some high-octane but soul-infused machine music, while Funtom and Hughes Giboulay appear on the flip side. Drivetrain gets to work with the jerking loops and turbocharged chords of 'Hyperlock' while Blaktony's 'Butt Naked' sinks into a deeper late-night and more dubbed-out house vibe. Funtom's 'Wisdom' brings a great lightness of touch in the wispy pads and scuffed-up drum patterns, then 'Kickin That Feelin' has a more exuberant but still deep feel with subtle chord joy and deft acid.
Review: FOXBAM INC is back to build on the momentum of their first EP with a second one that packs a mighty punch. This one kicks off with EBY, who this year has been cooking up acid for 40 years and here offers the warped low ends and garage-techno power of 'Goldtooth'. Foxtrot vs Ma Bla then mashes up old school samples with earth-shattering bass on 'Deep Down Inside' and bRz vs Stije is a double-time hard techno stomper with warped synths and twisted bass that is inspired by and named after ISCO, a concept from Einstein's general theory of relativity that makes predictions about the dynamics of black holes.
Review: Anyone who loves their disco will no doubt already be familiar with Italian digger extraordinaire Fab Mayday. He has been searching in his vaults once more and now offers up another three gems that come on a limited edition, one-time-only pressing via Violette Szabo. 'Prega' opens with some big guitar licks and thumping disco drums that come alive with some classic chords. 'Eva' is a serene sound powered by big, airy strings and strident drum grooves. Last but not let's is 'Aiuto' which is a slower and heavy dub disco jam with exotic vocals and mystic melodies.
Review: Fabio Caria launches his new label, Hoops, as a means to explore the intersection of house and techno through a minimalist lens. The debut release is a collaboration with Hubble under the moniker Fabble and it's a fine one with three meticulously crafted tracks that manage to perfectly balance compelling rhythms with plenty of synth-based introspection. 'Catharsis' introduces a three-note Rhodes piano sequence with flowing pads and psychedelic synths and 'Donald' offers a steady 4/4 beat with sombre pads and powerful sub-bass. 'Persignis' with Italian legend Claudio PRC is the most dancefloor-driven with processed pianos creating an emotional mood and in all, this EP sets a nice high watermark for the Hoops label.
Review: Kommuna marks its tenth year of activity with this new dancefloor-focused record from various artists whose music "reflects the glimmer of hope that music provides during these dystopian times." Fabricio's 'Collateral Effect' opens with a strident nu-disco sound and retro-future chords that get you moving. Charleze's 'Rage Power' is another chunky disco stomper with some nice cosmic melody and Wooka's 'Tirty Dalk' hits harder with mechanical beats and churning bass. Mooglee's 'Things I Love' brings a more dreamy synth sound but still club-ready beats.
Review: Blkmarket Underground Music Party Edits is a sub-label to the influential Blkmarket, an esteemed label and event series in New York. Contrary to what that catalogue number might indicate, this is actaully their second release and has Facets at the controls. First up is 'Computers' with its raw and snappy analogue drum sounds and late-night synth details. 'Time Of War' is another full-fat blend of analogue drum thump and driving synth motifs, 'Talk To Me' has crashing cold-wave synths and deadpan vocals and 'Paranoia' has loopy vocals and moody atmospheres for freaky dancing. 'Lies' and 'Dub To Destruct' shut down this varied and retro-tinged EP with jerking rhythms that will do plenty of damage.
Review: US label Lemos kicks off a new limited series here and it comes in 12" form with FadeFace at the controls. 'Grids' gets things underway with thumping kicks and brain-numbing synth lines burrowing deep, while 'Planar (V2)' pulses with low-key sonar blips and deft percussive rattles. 'Amazonia' brings a more heavyweight rhythm that is alive with outer space synth sounds and dubby undercurrents not to mention some deeply buried vocals. A remix from Rene Wise closes out the EP with more tension and texture. All four of these are masterfully stripped-back yet effective and stylish offerings.
Review: Belgian DJ and producer FAiG has been making techno for decades under several different aliases for plenty of top labels. His latest on Planet Rhythm is another hefty slab of subversive sonics with 'South West' layering up streamlined drums and bass with rickety percussion that pans about the mix as distant synths flesh things out further without ever detracting from the rhythm. 'Logg' is more unhinged and urgent with manic synth loops and alarming sirens getting your hackles up as the drums bump on. 'Deep Within' is stylish 90s techno with funky claps skating over the pumping drums and silky bass. 'Taro' runs out with sub-aquatic and dubbed out loopy deepness. It's simple but done well and impossibly effective.
Review: Originally released in 2008, Phantom On The Horizon is the grandiose, progressive rock worshipping high concept EP from Washington based math-rock indebted post-hardcore heroes The Fall Of Troy. Initially abandoned following the leak of early versions in 2004 on what has since been dubbed The Ghostship Demos EP, the band would finally get over this setback and bang out the entire project in secret over October of 2008 before dropping it the very next month. Renowned for its epic, lengthy pieces segmented into chapters like all good prog concept records, the work stands as solely unique from the majority of the trio's remaining output, bridged in the gap year between 2007's instantaneous Manipulator and the more melodic alt rock of 2009's In The Unlikely Event. Utilising an array of guest musicians adding elements of keyboards, violin, cello and glockenspiel for that extra proggy flair, while featuring guest vocal appearances from the likes of Fear Before's Dave Marion as well as both Ryann Donnelly and Jonah Bergman of Schoolyard Heroes, the mini-epic 5 tracks clock in at a 37-minute runtime detailing story of a Spanish galleon meeting with a ghost ship from another dimension. A true outlier gem conjuring a Venn Diagram intersection between early noughties sassy post-hardcore and timeless 70s indebted prog absurdity.
Review: Breakbeat wizard Fanu returns with another multi-genre mash-up diving deep into the sounds he's mastered over the years: jungle, drum & bass, hip-hop and beyond. His rhythmic versatility and fearless approach to production is present and correct once more from the off:' 'Strobelight' is a tightly programmed workout with dark bass blasts offset by heavenly vocal coos. 'Ether' is even more involving with a lurching rhythm and snappy hits, and 'Free Fall' then casts you adrift in the cosmos, floating on the swirling pads with a more airy, spacious atmosphere. 'Coma'(feat Arcologies)' is a blissed out closer with more gentle but still dynamic drums. Ether shows Fanu's still pushing the envelope, one break at a time.
Review: Francesco Farfa's iconic 1991 club EP is reimagined three decades later here with fresh remixes by four of Berlin's top DJs and producers. Their various different takes make for a versatile selection of dancefloor tools crafted by DJs, for DJs, ensuring it fits a variety of occasions. The A-side features Trent's deep, big-room darkness, complemented by Juan Ramos' trancey rework which mixes in key elements from the original. On the B-side, E-talking delivers an uplifting progressive remix while Hamsa strips it down for a more minimalist, enhanced version of Farfa's classic theme. A must-have selection of reworks here.
Review: Faris Pashion returns with its first release since Autumn/Winter 2021, and despite the hiatus, it has lost none of its elusive house and disco magic. The new one is a two-track celebration of Italo disco and house that is sure to bring out the most high-energy struts on the dancefloor, or get spins for style cats at Milan Fashion Week. 'Ital Come Out' kicks off with some funky and percolating Italo melodies next to lush chords that speak of a balmy summer's evening dance in the open air. 'Say To Ya' then gets deep and silky with a gooey bassline and cosmic melodies next to a soul-stirring but subtle vocal that oozes cool and late-night charm.
Review: Purple Fade's 13th release welcomes back the same artists who served up their last 12". Be Clean, back in November of last year. This time Fat Frog links with Mariah for vocal duties. What they cook up is a fresh, swaggering dub with ice-cold drums and splashy cymbals, classic reggae chord vamps and tons of reverb. The vocal is clean and pure and on the same side, you can find a dub version that is even deeper. 'Real Roots Rock' (feat Addis Pablo) is on the reverse and is led by mystical harmonica leads. A Real Roots Version closes out a useful EP of cool contemporary dub.
Review: Having built his career via a mix of inspired self-released EPs and outings on the likes of Shall Not Fade and Happiness Therapy, Parisian producer Matthieu Faubourg lands on Housewax for the first time. The five-track missive he's delivered is undeniably impressive, fusing good quality deep house grooves with intricate arrangements and mood-enhancing musical flourishes. For proof, check opener 'Pressure Drop', where fluid piano motifs, bubbly electronics and gorgeous chords ride a nagging analogue bassline and drum machine percussion, and the fizzing, Norwegian space disco-inspired house futurism of 'Oslo Track'. Elsewhere, title track 'Normal Boy' is warm, woozy and cheery, 'Waves' doffs a cap to early 90s Italian deep house and 'Haze' is a stab-happy slab of warehouse-ready peak-time sleaze.
Review: Faut Section is Lewis Fautzi's own label its last trick of the year is another brilliant one. Fautzi's take on techno will be familiar to anyone who likes it deep and classy and that's just what you get from the opener 'Uncharted Realms'. The drums are punchy but the mood is stripped back and designed to make you move. 'Enlightenment' is an edgy one with synths dangled above the loopy beats in an unsettling fashion, then 'Time & Space' ups the ante with burrowing basslines and leaner drums for late night marching. 'Forging New Paths' shuts down with icy percussion snaking its way between rooted, rolling drums. Stripped back and stylish perfection.
Review: Irish techno legend Sunil Sharpe makes his debut on the Posh End Music label here with a pair of signature gems. 'Cahersiveen' kicks off with buoyant and bouncy broken beats that constantly recoil through a warm, fizzy rush of Detroit-inspired synths. 'The Oasis' is his other contribution, and this one rides a little slower but with some serious low-end heft and the same textured synth craft. In between, two cuts from Fear-E. 'Dalleagles' is a manic one with stark, hard-assed low ends and anxiety-inducing pads and 'Gael Force' keeps up the intensity with loopy madness that twists you inside out.
Review: Is A Feeling ensures that their new 12" very much is with some classically inclined but not overly nostalgic deep house from Scott Featherstone. 'Plan B' is a bulky, wonky deep house cut for the pumping after party hours, then 'We Played House' taps into the early Chicago sound with Peach Boys style synths and dubbed-out vocals. 'Bad Mother Fucker's a raw, sleazy looper that DJ Sneak would love not least because of the rude-boy vocals and filtered synths, then 'Badass Breaks' spins out on just that. 'Journey' might be the best off the lot with its soulful xylophone melodies and smooth-cruising deep house beats. An eclectic and excellent EP.
Review: Blackinstock Records is a new branch of Mixcult Records and it debuts with the Reel Phase EP which is a showcase of the purest essence of dub techno. This most timeless release features the legendary Federsen alongside the innovative talents of Yagya and Ohm who are in remix mode. Each track on this 12" delves into minimalism and sonic depth to make for rather profound grooves that sweep you up and never let you go. The spacious, intricate soundscapes crafted by these artists explore every facet if dub techno with a slightly different personality which makes it a must-have for those who like their sounds deep, cuddly, and propulsive.
Review: Fedo prides himself on exploring beyond the usual genre tropes you get in minimal and tech house worlds. Opener 'Sin Titulo' goes some way to proving that with its innovative take on club-ready tech and boiled-down minimal synths. 'Calisthenics & Coffee' is a trippy blend of smooth bass and undulating neon pads. Warped vocals also pepper the mix to keep the brain and body occupied. 'Film Noir' indeed brings a darker energy and 'My Weapon' shuts down with some razor shape precision.
Review: The undeniably wonderfully named Chippy Chasers label return with a neat selection of four very playable, friendly-on-the-ear cuts from four undeniably wonderful artists. Fedo's 'Tunisian Rex' leads the chage, with a solid house shuffle liberally peppered with nicely trippy effects and bonkers vocal snippets that give it heaps of personality. Andrey Djackonda & Ovil's 'Lui Lui' is a little more stripped down and a little more soulful, with an old jazz hand muttering atmosphercially on top. Legit Trip's 'Skripi Daddy' is the most loop-laden of the quartet, but its ebbing and flowing brass samples and high frequency tweaks keep it interesting, before Firesc's 'Left Or Right' closes things down with the kind of polyrhythmic funkiness and space jazz trimmings that made Cheap Records so essential back in the day. Well worth Chasing down.
Review: The connection between ZamZam and Feel Free Hi Fi was sparked by Bristolian Neek out in Portland and lead to an immediate bond forged over a shared sound and DIY ethos. Inspired by early digi-era dancehall and UK dub, the duo crafts a sound here that honours tradition while venturing into bold, idiosyncratic territory. It comes on their own Digital Sting label and opens with 'Voyageur' which is a mix of cinematic atmospherics with haunting synths that evoke wild and mythic landscapes. 'Underground' pays tribute to the spirit of DIY underground music and captures the struggle to preserve both nature and the essence of basement gigs in today's shifting cultural landscape.
Review: Italian artist Mirko Felicioli steps up to the Sentaku label under the moniker Tsukuyomi, named after the Japanese moon god. What he cooks up are sounds steeped in mystery and introspection while traversing deep techno and electro textures with raw underground spirit. The title track sets the tone with crisp and snappy drums and hits and murky pads, while 'Analong Time' offers a minimalist groove layered with electro-tinged loops. On the B-side, 'Air Felix' shines with futuristic flair and fluid synth play, while 'Fantasy' closes with dreamy yet propulsive force that rounds out a moody, refined journey for body and mind.
Review: This is a new EP that was inspired by a volcano and named after Mount Etna which is where Mirko Felicioli lives, and which is why it has been pressed up to red vinyl. It features five fresh techno cuts starting with 'Lava Waves' which is lively and elastic, with soft synth patterns moving about the mix over acid lines and crisp drums. 'Grave & Weep' has a deeper, dirtier vibe, while 'Aeolus' has a cosmic outlook with thinking stars and lots of open space around the drums. Two further cuts blend tech and house into future-facing and club-ready weapons.
Review: This always standout lovers' rock and disco track by Sonia was originally released in 1980 on North London's Cha Cha label. The immediately much-loved tune became a firm favourite in clubs and on big sound systems and features a smooth, soulful vibe that's perfect for fans old and new of lovers' rock. On the B-side is 'Nigril Swamp Rock,' a harmonica-led instrumental by The Overnight Players that adds a unique touch to the release. The pressing is crisp and clean, so it is a real gem that is well worth copping on a tidy 7".
Review: Andrea Ferlin presents four stunning tracks that dive into deep house depths on this sick new HAZE release. 'OPIA' is first and features modulated stabs, rumbling pads and a sliding bassline that makes it an ideal choice for peak hours. In contrast, 'ORGO' shines in after-hours sets with its intricate percussion polyrhythms and layered sounds. The B-side shifts the mood with 'DORF,' while 'Morning Sunshine' evokes the anticipation of a classic orchestral interlude. This one is full of goodness for all sorts of settings.
Review: Roots Garden Records is back with another highly anticipated reissue of celebrated releases from their archive. This time they look to Brighton-based singer-songwriter Cate Ferris and producer Manasseh who has done the business at his West London "The Yard Studios." The reissue has been carefully remastered and includes two alternative and previously unreleased dub mixes. Fans of Manasseh's signature sound will especially appreciate the addition of his dubs which showcase his ability to twist reggae and dub into new forms. This one offers a fresh take on these timeless tracks while preserving their original charm.
Review: Since 2017, KOKOKO! have been trailblazing Kinshasa's sonic revolution while earning global acclaim for their unique sound and vibrant performances. Recognised as the best live band by AIF, they've been featured on NPR Tiny Desk, Boiler Room, and major festivals like SXSW and Pitchfork. Their debut album, Fongola, received rave reviews, and now they are back with another album that is unlike much else you will have heard. BUTU, which is inspired by Kinshasa's vibrant nightlife, has been proceeded by the lead single 'Mokili.' The album has further cues taken from Kinshasa, Kwaito, and 90s dance music and channels the band's hometown's frenetic energy with a sense of social activism into a powerful statement.
Review: Fi-Lo returns with his fourth release on Alphaville Records and it might be his best yet. Drawing from 90s tech house influences, the artist adds his own signature spin to a set of four dynamic tracks designed for the dancefloor. The cheekily named 'Shaggin' Wagon' is a fluid blend of light and shadow, with acid and breaks setting the tone. 'Toro Bravo' on the A-side offers deep, expansive rhythms and a robust groove and over n the flip is 'All Work, No Play (Pressure Mix)' which unfolds as a relentless, evolving proggy weapon with a playful edge. Closing the EP, 'LA-Z BOY' introduces a laid-back vibe enriched with eclectic samples and a nice smooth flow.
Review: Fidelio and Luca Piermattei hook up here to explore worlds where acid, techno and electro all happily coexist. Fidelio's A-side offers three cuts that fuse 90s acid rawness with baroque drama that results in a unique mix of classical organ melodies and razor-sharp basslines. Punchy kicks and sizzling hi-hats drive the energy as you're happily lost on a neon-lit techno odyssey. On the flip, Piermattei's 'Gas' features a fluid bassline and glitching robotic vocals that are eerie yet inviting and 'Third Rec' (with Tascam 122) rounds out the release with pulse-driven electro and intricate percussion, perfect for late-night explorations.
Review: Figi and Luca dell'Orso are Dutch electronic talents who offer up a heartfelt tribute to the vocoder here, long after it has become the iconic voice of electro disco. Across the three well-designed tracks, the duo blends sharp production with lush textures and bittersweet robotic vocals that add an unmistakably retro-future feel. The title track kicks off with rumbling bass and crisp percussion driving it along as vocodered lyrics glide over the shimmering keys. 'Fire with Fire' leans into Luca dell'Orso's more emotive side and balances bold synths with a melancholic undertone. Figi closes with 'Moonlight (Vocoder Version),' a syrupy disco tale of love told through vocoded whispers. It's a timeless celebration of the fusion between man and machine.
Reel It In (feat feat Madaline - Fingers remix) (5:53)
Between Us (feat Madaline - instrumental dub) (6:40)
Reel It In (feat Madaline - Summer Acid Burn) (5:49)
Review: 40 years have now passed since Larry Heard made his first record. Heard is, of course, without peers when it comes to deep house - he pretty much drew up the blueprint after all - though he does occasionally invite other producers to bask in his reflected glow. That's the case here, as he and Memphis-based Michael Kuntzman (an artist who has previously released music on Heard's Alleviated imprint) deliver a notable collaborative 12". Guest performer Maddaline whispers, sings and vocalises her way through the dreamy, richly electronic and sonically pristine 'Between Us', which is accompanied by a typically gorgeous 'Instrumental Dub'. There are two versions of 'Reel It In' - also featuring Maddaline - too: the deep tech-house shuffle of Heard's'Fingers Mix' and the back-to-Chicago-87 flex of Kuntzman's 'Summer Acid Burn' take.
Review: Hot on the heels of his acclaimed sophomore album A Lover Was Born, Kelly Finnigan makes a quick return with this soul-packed 7". The A-side, 'Get A Hold Of Yourself,' is a Northern soul-inspired stomper that channels the raw emotion of Memphis soul with heavy drums, syncopated guitars, bold horns and Finnigan's impassioned vocals. It tells the story of a rocky relationship where emotional strain disrupts physical connection then the B-side is a fresh bonus cut from the A Lover Was Born sessions inspired by Barbara & The Browns' Stax classic 'Hurts Me So Much'. It's a moody groove with gospel-infused vocals.
Review: Fio Fa is back in his own label Sunset Drifters with four well-crafted and progressive cuts. 'Strengthen My Delusions' opens up the Delusions EP with twitchy electronics whipping about a steely arrangement with potent bass. 'The Wrong Side Of Doubt' has a winky lead taking centre stage over well programmed and crisp drums and hits and 'Partys Over' on the flip then layers up more future-retro sounds and slivery synth lines with a more moody low end and some sleazy vocals. Last but not least is the rather more serene and cosmically minded 'Another Epiphany' which cruises on acid-laced prog beats.
Review: Munich's techno powerhouse Ilian Tape is back with a new EP which, as usual, features a quarter of direct and unmistakably functional tracks but the designs are top-notch. Fireground - a male/female duo - first offer us the big, bouncy, percussive banger 'Glare', before 'Stand' keeps it just as tribal and percussive and straight up. 'Spin' brings a little playfulness with some sleek machine soul sounds adding warmth and a bit of Detroit colour to the clattering drums before 'Red Night' shuts down with jazzy blend of smeared Rhodes chords and yet more bold drums and hits.
Review: Hands up - this is one of our favourite ever jams and frankly we can't really understand anyone who doesn't rate it pretty highly. It is a classic of the early dance scene that got hammered everywhere from Warehouse to Paradise Garage and remains in a class of one decades on. Next to the brilliant original, which is from a time when proper songwriting and musicianship defined house and disco, you get a Ron Hardy edit that is more uptempo, with hissing hi hats cutting through the funky rhythms and loopy drums. Sublime.
Review: Only a hard techno label would be brazen enough to call itself Danger Wank. There is much more worth investigating here though than just the semantics: Fist Of Fury grabs you by the throat with its overdriven percussive loops and flat, slamming drums on 'Minimaythm Demoniae.' It sounds like what happens when you have too many windows open on your computer with sound playing from one that crashes. Al Core brings squealing synths and horrorcore sleaze to '007 Bald Frenchcore' and Celsius tickles the inner war with the abstract sounds and malfunctioning drum patterns of 'L'Appel Du Vide.' Kyo_O's 'Releaser Fucking' gets a brutal LeeloO Hardcoholics remix to close down this serious sonic assault.
Review: With the long-awaited reissue of 'Magic', the trilogy of Celso Valli's early '80s Eyes Records productions is finally complete as it joins 'Future State' and 'Blue Gas' under his Five Sinners alias. Best Record caps off this Italo-disco journey from the legendary Bologna-based composer who was known for hiding behind numerous pseudonyms to separate his commercial dancefloor work from more "serious" music. Once obscure, 'Magic' and 'Precious Lies' emerge from the shadows and sound as fresh as ever. This reissue includes a stunning new remix of 'Magic 'by Dave Mathmos, confirming it as a great slice of Italian disco history.
Review: The classical-inclined RAWAX crew looks back to another great retro EP here and reintroduces Orlando Voorn under his FIX alias. His superb Flash 12" was originally released on KMS Records in 1992 and this new pressing of it features the original plus bonus tracks 'Face' and 'Players Anthem.' As you would expect given the heritage, these are all timeless outings. 'Flash' is the most well-known with its wonky lead hook and coarse drums and perc. 'Dope Computer' brings some zippy motifs and electro-funk-inspired drums and 'Face' then gets more smooth and seductive with a garage-tinged groove. 'Players Anthem' is a bright, visceral, off-balanced rhythm that sounds like little else before or since.
Review: Flabaire reaffirms his status as one of France's most refined producers with this masterful deep house EP on the no-nonsense Skylax label. Known for leading D.KO Records and contributing to Skylax House Explosion, this latest suggests a new level of artistic maturity across four tracks that channels the spirit of revered house artists like Black Jazz Consortium, Mike Huckaby and Soul Capsule. From the lush opener 'Echoes' to the dreamy closer 'La Haye,' each cohesive sound blends jazzy textures and ambient depth with club-ready grooves. This is timeless, introspective house music of the sort that is always going to appeal to the heads who like their sounds intimate, pensive and slow during for those cosy back rooms.
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