Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Kaoru Inoue's latest EP continues the journey of his acclaimed long player Dedicated to the Island, which was recently released for Record Store Day 2024. This six-track sequel features a series of self-reworked tracks from the LP, a first-time vinyl release and previously unreleased material as well as a remix by Argentina's SidiRum, who is a leading tastemaker in the tribal and slower house scenes. True to its title, the EP emphasises enhanced rhythmic elements and delivers a blend of organic, left-field electronic sounds. Inoue's talent for crafting atmospheric, innovative sounds will only improve with this superb 12".

Review: In 1994, Vienna-based project iO, which was composed of Patrick Pulsinger, Erdem Tunakan, Umberto Gollini and Gerhard Potuznik, released a series of 12"s titled 'Attack', 'Decay', 'Sustain,' 'Release' on their iconic label Cheap Records. Known for their minimalist, Detroit-inspired techno, one standout track, 'Claire', broke the mould with its mid-tempo beat at around 110 bpm, jazzy chords, sample-based groove and sharp 909 drum sounds. It bridged techno, trip-hop and house and caught the attention of Mo'Wax Records in London, who re-released it to great acclaim. Embraced across genres, it quickly became a DJ favourite and remains a beloved classic to this day which is why it reappears here.

Review: Merwyn and Inkswel's latest is a refreshing blend of deep house and leftfield flair. The title track, 'Eternal Freedom', kicks off with a broken beat groove and a powerful vocal delivering a message about liberation, fusing deep house with an inventive rhythmic style. 'Cloud Eaters' follows with a soulful vibe that channels early 80s funk, creating an uplifting and nostalgic energy. 'Skyline' rounds out Side-1 with its own unique twist on house, pushing creative boundaries in style. On Side-2, Linkwood's remix of the title track injects a spacey disco vibe, layering a deep house groove with subtle funk elements that feel both classic and fresh. Gb's remix takes the track in a different direction, dialing back the energy with laid-back, 80s-inspired electro textures, offering a relaxed and introspective vibe. Together, these tracks deliver a dynamic and nuanced listening experience, perfect for fans of eclectic, message-driven house music.

Review: The cult Slow Life label has always operated at the more cosmic end of the house and minimal spectrum with speedy grooves designed to make an impact both physically and emotionally. Now a member of the collective, Indi Zone who is half of the Ethereal Logic project, steps out with a solo debut album that flips the script and explores organic grooves and blissful harmonies. It's an escapist delight with supple downbeat drums and gorgeous synth work that ranges from wispy to starry, watery to smeared. It paints a vivid picture of a heavenly tropical wonderland with endless neon glows and soft edges in which to get lost.

Review: Jay Singh steps out with his debut release here under the Indian Man Palais, and it is one that is awash with a vibrant fusion of global influences. His Indian heritage very much comes to bear on the tunes with traditional Punjabi music featuring heavily amongst collaborations with artists encountered at WOMAD festivals across Europe and South America, all of which add some extra diverse dimensions. The EP, which comes on nice purple wax, also incorporates personal elements from Singh's family as it blends sounds rooted in his father's MIDI keyboard compositions and the songs his grandmother would sing to him.

Review: Revered Japanese house producer and DJ Kaoru Inoue has been making his mark since the late 90s with releases music through his label Seeds and Ground and others like Mule Musiq and Groovement. Originally released in Japan in 2013, this newly reissued album blends world music, field recordings, ambient and electronic elements into an immersive and widescreen sound. It opens with the minimal gamelan ambient track 'Malam' followed by the Afro-Brazilian house of 'Selva' which is reminiscent of early Luciano and Villalobos. The album also features electric jazz fusion house, avant-garde tribal breakbeats and Balearic slow house. Closing with the melancholic new age piece 'Healing Force,' it's a timeless delight.