New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: Mukatsuku has got another little treasure on its hands here with a tune from MBE and UK Soul legend Omar. It dates back to 2004 and has never been on 7" before having become something of a classic after original release on 12". Dons like Gilles Peterson and IG Culture were early supporters of the driving, peak time broken beat sound and the tune was often a highpoint of Omar's live sets. It has never been released as an instrumental either - until now. Both tunes now together on one 45 make for an essential cop for soul fans and, as always, there is strictly no repress on this one so move fast.

Review: Dabeull, the current scene's utmost favourite 'danceable funk' purveyor, is back with bang in the form of an all-analog production, full-length LP. Analog Love enlists the help of a string of vocalists and production affiliates - including Holybrune, Dezzy Hollow, Reva DeVito, Rude Jude, and Jordan Lee - to amount to a glitzing, golden, effulgent nighttime set of funk intuits. From the lead single 'Body Heat' to the closing confabulations of 'Fabulous Kisses', every piece here is a latent hit, dripping in neon liquid and well-rounded, sawn-off textures, the latter of which was notably achieved by using the mixing console historically used for Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at the mixing stage.

Review: Dabeull follows up a string of recent EPs with yet another to renew his credibility as a leading electro-funk producer-entrepreneur. Owing to his own preference for making music entirely on analog gear, his latest LP Analog Love flaunts this love and then some, laying down nine wet, delectable dancefloor dynamos and enlisting the likes of Rude Jude, Reva DeVito, Ferdi and Holybrune on vocal duties to back it up. Heralding an upcoming 100% live version of the album to come, we know Dabeull means it when he says 100% analogue: we don't take those words lightly round here.

Review: Reissued via French label Rotorelief on its 35th Anniversary year, Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella is the debut album of trailblazing noise and avant-garde musician Steven Stapleton. Catapulting Stapleton's macabre alias to success in the thin breath of just three through-composed drone pieces, this sonic statement was unparalleled at the time (1979), with its unusual mix of prepared tinkerings, feedback drones and cog-jams famously causing Sounds magazine to momentarily abandon their five-star rating system to specially award the album five full question marks. Absurdly sadistic, the album is also known for its original publication of the infamous Nurse With Wound List in the liner notes, which listed the entirety of Stapleton's influences going into the album's making - some acts named therein were so obscure that many fans speculate as to whether they were invented. An exemplary work of outsider music - or at least, one that is infamous by proxy to the more baneful works of the outsider music archetype - get ready to hear all things spectral over the more sustained tones: chains rattling, chairs squeaking, shakers shaking, even monologues in French.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represents a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity, marking a departure towards a funkier and more laid-back sound in 1976. With its languid tempo and dreamy atmosphere, captures the essence of summer with its joyful lyrics and hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that resonates with listeners. The song's universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences across generations.

Review: A compilation album that spans a wide range of subgenres, including deep house, tribal house and garage, its highlights include Ron Trent's 'Star Strut' - a devious, dark, and gritty deep house track captivates listeners with its wicked and intense energy - and Vick Lavender's 'Day Light', a soulful and sexy house track that features melodic elements and a touch of disco. Another great one is Timmy Regisford's 'Funa' (instrumental mix), a deep house workout that is both melodic and smooth, while Joe Claussell's 'A Deeper Grace' (LP version) is a classy house track infused with jazzy notes. Overall, this compilation is a must-listen for fans of deep house music - you definitely get your money's worth with this packed release.

Review: Contemporary tastemakers Geilgling return with a set of remixes of material from Leafier Legiv's recent album, Mirror. First up it is German minimal maestro Isolee who flips 'Fade' into some of his signature sounds - smeared synths and abstract designs all weave together over a minimal beat to make for something seductive and late night. Polish loop master Jan Jelinek then flips 'Fade' into a slow motion shuffle with bright, celestial shards of melodic light and downbeat, melancholic vocals over a chugging beat. Last of all is a mix of 'Jing' that is all broken loops, chopped vocal fragments and hallucinogenic synths.

Review: Cool Million featuring Kenny Thomas on vocals is a refreshing return to the soulful sounds of yesteryear. With Without Your Love, the duo, Rob Hardt and Frank Ryle, once again showcase their talent for crafting infectious grooves that harken back to a more musically satisfying era. Thomas's soulful delivery shines on this track, serving as the perfect complement to the funky rhythm and melody. The song exudes a timeless quality, reminiscent of classic soul and R&B from the 80s, with its boogie-inspired feel and soulful synths reminiscent of artists like Paul Laurence and Kashif. Originally released in 2012, this track now get's its own 7" for DJs and collectors to highlight the standout track.

Review: Lawrence's Epiphany Remixes, a release from the German record label Giegling, presents four distinct interpretations of the title track. Each remixer brings a unique approach to the original piece, resulting in a diverse and captivating soundscape. Zoe Polanski's version transforms the track into a crystallized melody, creating a cold yet beautiful atmosphere. Lowtec's remix explores deep techno, delivering a smooth and dreamy ambiance with a touch of sadness. M Pittman Ladder's interpretation adds a gritty, chunky bassline, while Tobias' remix elevates the tempo, creating a pulsating and mechanical percussion elements. These remixes showcase the versatility of Lawrence's original composition, demonstrating how different artists can reinterpret and reshape it to create new and engaging experiences.

Review: The second drop on Storytellers comes from the mighty Mihai Pol, one of the brightest lights in the Rominimal scene right now. 'Tell Me' sets the record off in superlative fashion, toying with th plushest synth work and crafty, dubbed-out sound design all gliding across the top of the crisp, undulating rhythm section. It's delicate and impactful in equal measure, much like the other three tracks on this knock out EP. From 'Transcendence's moody keys to 'Warlord's cheeky nods to rave and the wriggly surrealism of 'Addicted', it's the sound you want in your bag to satisfy discerning heads and the wider party public alike.

Review: Itsu Uno's Juke Joint, presented on vibrant orange vinyl, is a nostalgic nod to breakbeat culture. The title track kicks off with a sample-heavy infusion of Public Enemy's iconic 'Security of the First World' beat, later immortalised in Madonna's 'Justify My Love,' layered with ragga-tinged vibes. It's a fun and infectious journey through breakbeat nostalgia, guaranteed to get bodies moving on the dancefloor. Following suit, 'The Splash' continues the onslaught with its own arsenal of sample-heavy urban breakbeats. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it's a concise yet potent offering that is sure to cause heads to turn and trainspotters to ask you "who is this?!"

Review: Eleven miasmic, brooding tape meditations from the legendary Bryn Jones, reissued and packaged by Ukrainian label I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free. Recorded in the immediate wake of the Oslo I accords, the album both bares Jones' stance on the peace pact and eerily predicts its aftermath, with humming, resonant drones, tinny vocal fragments and reversed percussion colliding in aural analogues of political tension, distrust and cyclicality. Overall it is an equally meditative and ominous listen, peppered with many of the hallmarks of mid-nineties Muzlimgauze productions, from swung, steppy, proto-DMZ ride cymbals, to plucked FM synth MIDI earworms, to his ever-present swathes of darkly churning string drones. Essential!

Review: Cool Million's Tonight featuring the legendary Glenn Jones is a catchy fusion of 80s soul and funk with modern flair. Jones's soulful vocals effortlessly glide over smooth lyrics, perfectly complementing the infectious groove laid down by Cool Million and the track exudes a nostalgic vibe while still feeling fresh and contemporary, showcasing the duo's adeptness at blending retro influences with modern production. 'Tonight' has a timeless appeal of soul and funk, making it a entertaining listen for fans of both classic and contemporary music alike.

Review: Mousse T.'s latest album, Melodie, is a testament to his enduring prowess in the realm of dance music. Following a string of successful remixes and collaborations, Mousse T. teams up with The Shapeshifters and Tensnake to deliver a sophisticated groover that exudes disco nostalgia. Featuring the enchanting vocals of Cleah, 'Melodie' captures the essence of classic disco while infusing it with modern flair. From start to finish, the album is a journey through infectious beats, funky basslines and irresistible melodies, showcasing Mousse T.'s impeccable production skills and his ability to create music that keeps the dance floor grooving. With its timeless sound and undeniable energy, 'Melodie' solidifies Mousse T.'s status as a master of the disco 3000 sound, ensuring that his music will continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Review: Bassex Records emerged as a niche haven for electronica enthusiasts in the mid-90s, championing and, more importantly, blending genres like trance, breaks, acid and techno, the label's initial influence remained confined to the West Coast. However, as trancey breakbeats gained traction in Europe over the past 15 years, Bassex has ascended to cult status. Rebirth was label owner Mike Knapp and DJ Jason Blakemore (DJ Trance) and this compilation specifically gathers a few very desirable gems from three different releases by them and places them here. Bassex Selections is an important window into the label's enduring legacy and snapshot of the west coast scene circa 1994.

Review: Soul Button's Master Minds is a standout example to the boundless creativity and emotional depth of melodic techno. Released as a special double vinyl, this collection is full of atmospheric depth and rhythmic precision, making is a catchy and addictive listen. Each track is a meticulously crafted piece, resonating with themes of fate and predestination akin to the strategic depth of chess. Highlights like 'Tartribe' weave darker tensions and hypnotic vibes, drawing listeners into a mesmerising journey of sound. 'Mystique Veil' emerges as a peak-time techno gem, blending melodic elements with resonant beats to create an unforgettable sonic experience. Meanwhile, 'Lumina' has a strong vocal presence and trancey elements, further enriching the album's narrative. Master Minds not only showcases Soul Button's talent but also his artistry at creating a consistent and well produced full length album.

Review: Delia Recordings is a new micro-label from Nottingham that launches into the world with this very tidy new album, Then Horizon Is On The Horizon. It's a various artists collection of absorbing works curated, mixed and produced by lifelong gear collector Matt Horobin and it comes on vinyl and CD and includes postcards. The tracks are all taken from three upcoming albums the label is working on by artists Brown Fang, Torn Sail and Shrinkwrap, and bridge the gap between the local evolving Balearic scene and Laurel Canyon escapism. Gentle grooves, downbeat dub and delicate drones all feature.

Review: ProleteR's Curses From Past Times is a captivating blend of instrumental hip-hop, jazz, and lo-fi beats. Originally self-released in 2011, crafting heavy-weight boom bap beats infused with sprightly chanson samples. Drawing from the tradition of sample-based hip-hop, each track is a seamless fusion of jazz and Charleston influences, complemented by intricate guitar arrangements and smooth synth layers. Curses From Past Times is a testament to ProleteR's ability to create a nostalgic yet innovative sound that resonates with both hip-hop enthusiasts and lovers of jazz-infused beats.

Review: A quirky new ambient electro follow-up to the 'Quadrifonia' V/A from Positive Not Happy, with wicked contributions from The Lumens, AT, Floog and Paradise City Breakers. From the jump, we're hit with bursty bright arps and hard-hitting kicks on 'Transformazione'; gurgling, bitcrushed, yoying groundswells on 'Ga Ga'; lo-fi ruminative movements verging on speed garage with 'Deviate'; and creative, dynamic future swellups on 'The Butterfly Man'. Mostly breezy, hardly cheesy.

Review: KLIM is a producer who hails from Aviv and is based in Ukraine. He grew up on the classic hip-hop of New York and Detroit and it shows in his crisp boom-bap beats. There have been an eye-watering amount of them to date with over 40 albums to his name. Each one comes laden with soul and this new one, Planet SL1200, which no doubt named after the hardware he used to make it, is another doozy. The short, sketchy tracks convey great vibes and ride on compelling beat work that cannot help but encourage you to zone out and daydream.

Notes: Dark Light is a dual reverb featuring both Dark Star and Sunlight. With all the routing options you could want, including separate stereo, parallel mono, and series mono, Dark Light takes Dark Star’s dark pitch shifted, delayed, and bit crushed reverb voices and Sunlight’s bright modulated, comb filtered, and bandpassed reverb voices and combines them into one massive sound to take your time and drift away in. Each pedal maintains its core sound and control set, then expands from there.

Additional Controls

Wet and Dry volumes for each side (replacing the previous Mix control)

Spread to set the stereo spread, allowing Dark Star and Sunlight to blend into each other’s outputs

Hold switch to create indefinite reverb trails while the pedal is engaged

Hold toggle to choose between holding Dark Star, Sunlight, or both

Exp jack to control any combination of Ctrl 1, Ctrl 2, Decay, Decay, Rate, Depth, or Input with an external expression controller

Independent In and Out routing for each pedal, with automatic parallel mono when plugging into only one

Soft-touch Bypass footswitches for true bypass and minimal switch noise

Requires 9V DC center negative 2.1mm jack power supply capable of 150mA (not included).

The art of Dark Light is by Jon Carling.

Notes: Introducing the Reloop Mixtour Pro, a state-of-the-art upgrade to one of Reloop's best-selling controllers. As DJs across the globe adopt this tool, preserving its integrity is of utmost importance. That's why Decksaver are thrilled to unveil the Reloop Mixtour Pro Decksaver cover, meticulously devised to offer maximum protection for your valued equipment.

Crafted with precision and attention, the Decksaver cover for the Reloop Mixtour Pro is constructed from premium materials, providing unparalleled defence against dust, spills, and unforeseen impacts. With this cover, you can be confident that your Mixtour Pro remains in immaculate condition, ready to rise to the challenges of your next performance or studio session.

Designed to integrate flawlessly with the unique contours of the Mixtour Pro, this cover ensures a snug, bespoke fit that encases all vital components, including knobs, faders, paddles, and ports. Despite its sturdy construction, the cover permits effortless access to all functions and connections, ensuring your workflow is seamless.

More than just a protective measure, opting for this cover is a pledge towards longevity and dependability. Embraced by DJs globally, this cover serves as a reliable protector, enabling you to unleash your creativity with assurance, secure in the knowledge that your equipment is shielded from damage.

Whether you're taking the stage, mixing tracks in the studio, or transporting your equipment between gigs, this Decksaver cover guarantees that your Reloop Mixtour Pro is consistently protected, ready to spark your next auditory innovation. Enhance your DJing venture and maintain the integrity of your equipment with a Decksaver cover.

Dimensions

Weight: 0.155 kg
Length: 13.4 cm
Width: 31.4 cm
Height: 3.5 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: The PreSonus FaderPort 8, acclaimed for revolutionising mixing and production workflows with its eight-channel control and user-friendly design, has quickly become a centrepiece in contemporary studios. Recognising its importance and in response to widespread requests, Decksaver are delighted to unveil the Decksaver cover for the PreSonus FaderPort 8. Forged from high-strength polycarbonate, this cover is painstakingly crafted to provide sturdy protection against dust, spills, and accidental impacts, ensuring your FaderPort 8 remains in optimal condition.

This Decksaver cover is precision-engineered to fit perfectly with the PreSonus FaderPort 8, ensuring a close fit over its faders, buttons, and knobs, whilst conveniently allowing for all necessary connections. This design demonstrates a profound understanding of audio professionals' requirements, offering ease of use for those who need quick access for setup and disassembly. Whether you're operating in a bustling studio, a home recording environment, or transporting your equipment, this cover serves as a protective barrier, shielding the sensitive components of your FaderPort 8 from the rigours of daily use.

Choosing this Decksaver cover for your PreSonus FaderPort 8 is more than just a protective step; it's a commitment to the durability and longevity of a crucial component of your studio setup. Highly coveted by industry professionals, this cover is the definitive choice for anyone serious about keeping their PreSonus FaderPort 8 in flawless operational condition, ready for any creative project or mixing challenge that lies ahead.

Dimensions

Weight: 0.365 kg
Length: 34 cm
Width: 30.9 cm
Height: 3.4 cm
Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Notes: Control your DAW, play with MIDI hardware, and get hands-on with your own style of music-making with KeyLab Essential mk3 88. This full-range keyboard controller removes barriers and makes creativity simple, with expressive semi-weighted keys, idea-sparking creative functions, and the most inspiring music software included as standard.

The streamlined piano range keyboard

Expand your musical horizons with a semi-weighted 88-note keyboard that removes barriers and makes your creative life easier. From studio to stage, DAW to MIDI hardware, KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 keeps things simple so you can focus on your music with full piano-range expressivity.

Your essential ingredients for creativity

KeyLab Essential provides an array of useful & intuitive controls that'll get the job done. Enjoy a comfy keybed, tactile faders/encoders/pads, and thoughtful layout that'll make sense for your setup. Enjoy a hands-on instrument experience balanced with software flexibility.

The best DAW integration

Get creative right out the box with KeyLab Essential's custom DAW scripts, bringing pre-mapped controls into your workflow with any major DAW. Not only that, but the KeyLab Essential controls work seamlessly with Analog Lab V, the included sound anthology plugin - letting you freely explore thousands of sounds, old and new.

Your musical workhorse

For when you want to get experimental, find a new sound, or just need a bit of extra inspiration, KeyLab Essential has a few tricks up its sleeve. Create fun ever-changing melodies with the Arpeggiator, weave rich chord voicings with Chord play, and always stay in key thanks to Scale mode.

What's new compared to the previous version?

A bigger display with 4 contextual buttons
5 dedicated DAW scripts, plus MCU & HUI protocols, for controlling any DAW
Enhanced integration with Arturia Software
Creative features: Scale mode, Chord Play, Arpeggiator (with presets), Hold function
2 Pad Banks (for finger drumming, clip launching, or User configuration)
Bigger software bundle (Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, NI The Gentleman, UVI
Model D, Loopcloud & Melodics)
Multi-purpose pedal input (Sustain, Footswitch or Expression)
USB-C
Eco-designed

Premium Keybed quality
88-note velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keyboard

Pads & controls
1 clickable encoder
9 rotary encoders
9 x 30mm faders
8 transport switches
4 command switches
1 modulation wheel & bend wheel
8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads

Display control
2.5" LCD display with contextual buttons
Real-time feedback on tweaks and controls

Smart features
Multi-mode arpeggiator
Chord mode
Scale mode
Hold function
Semitone transpose

Software integration
Seamless integration with Analog Lab Pro and V Collection: select sounds, browse presets, smart-assigned controls
Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio
Also compatible with MCU/HUI control
Up to 6 user presets for a totally customizable experience

Included Software titles & services
Analog Lab Pro software with 2000+ sounds
Ableton Live Lite
Native Instruments' The Gentleman
UVI Model D
2-month Loopcloud subscription
Melodics subscription for 40 lessons

Connectivity
USB-C connects to computers and MIDI Control Center
MIDI 5-pin DIN output for connection to external instruments, gear
Control input for pedal: sustain, expression, or footswitch
USB-C powered

Platform specifications

Windows
Win 10+ (64bit)
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
ARM processors not supported on Windows

Apple
Mac OS 11+
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Required configuration

Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Work with ASC

An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.

Box content

KeyLab Essential Unit
USB-A to USB-C cable
Registration card

Dimensions

Size : 49.53 x 10.04 x 2.63 inches (1258 x 255 x 66.8mm)
Weight : 18.08 lbs. (8.2 Kg)


Included Software

You'll also get 6 titles giving you everything you need to make music your own way - here's

What's included:

Analog Lab V software with 2000 synth & keyboard sounds
Ableton Live Lite
UVI Model D & Native Instruments The Gentleman pianos
Loopcloud subscription
Melodics subscription

Box content

Quick Start
Registration card
USB Cable (C/A)