Review: Organ-filled ambient house courtesy of a four-way collab between AP, DJ Tjizza, Eversines and Michelle, who all form parts of the UK dance music collective Picnic. Refractive acid, dreamatic plastics, stoic echoics... every possible corner of trance-inducing dance heaven is scoured on this all-encompassing EP, the highlights of which, in our humble opinions, are 'Nyxation' and 'Panther'.
Review: Picnic tends towards flaunting the eclecticism of the British underground, standing in stark opposition to conformity. B Love, Rokko, Mathijs Smit and Herra come through for their latest V/A here, each with their own unique style and flavour to the four-way table - whether they work in deep house, techno, or the cheekier side of speed-garage-ambient. As 'Thumb Milk' says in the pre-drop moment of pause: "do what you feel, when you feel like it". Such is the exact feel of this EP, from the idyllic chordwork of Rock's 'Sunset Frequency' to the organic organry of 'Going Backwards'.
Basement Space & Mans Glaeser - "Spacer Glaezer" (6:01)
Eric OS - "Timeout" (5:11)
Baby Rollen - "TwentyTwenty Home" (8:23)
Anna Kohlin - "What Time Is It?" (7:06)
Review: A releaser that crackles with an energy that could only emanate from the shadowy corners of the Swedish electronic underground. Anna Kohlin, label co-head and architect of hypnotic soundscapes, guides us through a diverse sonic landscape, her own 'What Time Is It?' leading the charge. Built from the evocative textures of the Roland JV-1080, it shimmers with a sunrise glow, ethereal pads interweaving with delicate melodies. Kohlin, a master of contrasts, doesn't shy away from the shadows, injecting her creation with sharper, dynamic elements that add a touch of grit to the dreamlike atmosphere. Eric OS throws down a challenge with 'Timeout', a sonic time capsule that transports us back to the early 2000s. Analogue warmth collides with the raw energy of digital sound, vintage synths intertwining with crisp beats in a nostalgic yet undeniably fresh sonic tapestry. Baby Rollen, armed with a looped double bass sample and the crisp snap of a 909, crafts a hypnotic groove with 'TwentyTwenty Home'. A warm 303 bassline snakes through the mix, adding a touch of acid-tinged euphoria to the already infectious rhythm. Basement Space and Mans Glaeser, never ones to shy away from the unconventional, deliver 'Space Glaezer', a sonic maze that twists and turns through intricate textures and unexpected rhythmic shifts. Kohlin's curation is nothing short of masterful, showcasing the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the Swedish electronic music scene. Inside Out 002 is a testament to the power of electronic music to transport, inspire, and defy expectations.
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: B2 Recordings is one of those labels that is deeply entrenched in proper house circles. Its latest comes from Begoa who keeps it nice and chill on 'I Won't Love You' (feat Mimi X FY). The drums are low-slung, the chords are breezy and warm. 'Bibi's Funk' then layers in some lively percussion that adds a nice texture to the swaggering, slo-mo grooves. 'Listen' picks up the pace with some electro-charged rhythms and corrugated bass funk and then 'Exiles' leaves you with another classy, spacious sound with persuasive claps and big splashy cymbals.
Review: Get your stomping boots on for this new pink 12" from the Revival crew out of New York. Bodeler and Manu Desrets link up for some heavy, straight-up tech that lands hard but with funk. 'Impact' makes just that with its crisp snare hats and thudding kicks all underpinned by a loopy bassline. Some trips out synths break out like fireworks at the midpoint before the tough, stiff, brilliant beats return. EPAU Sepp X Nu Zau remix with a more loose and fluid and freewheeling vibe - claps spin out, basslines bobble and freaky vocals all burst out of the mix. A killer two-tracker, frankly.
Review: Following Ohm Hourani's infectious 'Barbara' featuring remixes by Ricardo Villalobos and Amir Javasoul, We R The Aliens presents a standout various artists compilation with an all-star lineup of Boronas & Snad, Bartaub, Mountain People, and Nesta. Boronas & Snad's 'Affliction' is rich with haunting synths, rolling MPC percussion, and mind-bending delays. Istanbul's Bartaub pays homage to the '90s with 'Orbit The Dance Planet' which blends bumpy breaks, robotic voices, and ghastly chords. On the flip, Mountain People delivers 'I Am The Void,' featuring shuffled drums and dubby stabs. Finally, Beirut's Nesta closes with 'Tarte Citron' a late '90s tech house track with crisp percussion and catchy vocals.
Review: In the summer of 2023, Upgrade Records launched via a nostalgic, party-starting EP from the previously unheard artist In 5 D (likely an alias for someone a bit better known, but don't quote us on that). For the label's return, long-serving DJ/producer Buckley Boland (best known for his releases on Made To Play, Black Riot and One Records) is the man at the controls. What he's delivered is a nostalgic, sample-rich affair that combines the angular wonkiness and mind-mangling noises of early-to-mid-2000s tech-house with nods towards vintage acid house, electro-house and the hard-to-pigeonhole house filth of the (long gone) Music For Freaks label. Basically, it's all fun-time, party-starting fare, with the bump-and-squelch of 'Daft Sandwich', the bustling brilliance of 'Nude Night' and the break-sporting hustle of 'S/A/M Real Man' standing out.
B-STOCK: Slight surface marks, record slightly warped
Buckley - "I Like" (5:13)
Buckley - "Nude Night" (5:08)
Buckley - "Daft Sandwich" (5:19)
S/A/M - "Real Man" (4:34)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks, record slightly warped***
In the summer of 2023, Upgrade Records launched via a nostalgic, party-starting EP from the previously unheard artist In 5 D (likely an alias for someone a bit better known, but don't quote us on that). For the label's return, long-serving DJ/producer Buckley Boland (best known for his releases on Made To Play, Black Riot and One Records) is the man at the controls. What he's delivered is a nostalgic, sample-rich affair that combines the angular wonkiness and mind-mangling noises of early-to-mid-2000s tech-house with nods towards vintage acid house, electro-house and the hard-to-pigeonhole house filth of the (long gone) Music For Freaks label. Basically, it's all fun-time, party-starting fare, with the bump-and-squelch of 'Daft Sandwich', the bustling brilliance of 'Nude Night' and the break-sporting hustle of 'S/A/M Real Man' standing out.
Review: Needs' commendable charity drive continues to bring forth the goods, both in terms of good causes and world class club music. Rallying round in support of World Mental Health Day 2020, Shanti Celeste kicks the record off in style with the rapid fire, deep-diving workout 'Fantasma'. OCB keeps the pressure up with the psychotropic techno of 'RS3', while Michelle works up some delightfully freaky synths on playful jacker 'Aesthetic'. Bobby's 'Free Your Mind' is a 90s-tinged, full fat techno production indebted to Detroit, Peder Mannerfelt keeps things stripped and raw on 'Our Levels' and Yu Su weaves a beautiful tapestry of interweaving rhythms on 'Brittney'. Adam Pits' trippy techno sounds resplendent on 'Wind Tunnel' and DJ Sports completes the set with the inventive, dembow slanted funk of 'Needs Dub'.
Santonio Echols - "Piano In The Light" (Emanuell Echols mix)
Brian Kage - "This Saturday Night"
Ryan Sadorus - "Down Below"
Review: Upstairs Asylum is kicking off the year in some style with a couple of killer new EPs. This one is the first in what is presumably a new series to showcase the talents of the Motor City. Mike Clark & Marcus Harris get things underway with 'Hey' which has a subtly uplifting feel thanks to the bright, sustained chords and cuddly drums. Santonio Echols's 'Piano In The Light' (DJ Emanuell Echols mix) is laidback, playful deep house with magical chord work and Brian Kage brings his classy depths to the smooth grooves of 'This Saturday Night.' Ryan Sadorus brings things to a close with the smoky 'Down Below.'
Review: Detroit legend Marcellus Pittman, a member of the iconic Three Chairs collective, teams up with renowned producer James Curd for the AtNosphere EP, marking his debut on Shall Not Fade. This 10" brings all the classic Detroit deep house elements togetherilush synths, smooth vocals, and rolling drum patternsicrafting a track that feels timeless. Curd, known for his work on the GTA soundtracks and various films, adds his production expertise to this collaboration, making the EP a must-have for fans of both Detroit house and masterful production. Two heavyweights on one record, delivering deep house at its finest.
DIM KELLY & Maya Safar - "Like When We Love" (7:29)
DIM KELLY - "Rising Child" (6:25)
Review: Dim Kelly has previously proven to be one All Day I Dream's most reliable contributors, unleashing a series of EPs full to bursting with emotive, soaring and subtly tech-tinged progressive house treats. He has a trademark sound of sorts - think sweeping strings, life-affirming melodies and sumptuously dreamy chords - and it can be heard loud and clear on his latest three-tracker. Check first Mondigo collaboration 'Homily', where eyes-closed male vocals and melancholic piano motifs rise above immersive chords and suspenseful tech-house beats, before admiring the more uplifting and colourful dancefloor bliss of the Maya Safar-voiced 'Like When We Love'. To round off another immaculate EP, Kelly reaches for twinkling pianos, luscious orchestration and more metronomic beats ('Rising Child').
Mias Void - "We Used To Be Detroit" (Iron Curtis remix) (6:29)
Review: Following great releases on Dansu Discs, Carpet & Snares and Timeisnow, Italian DJ and producer Davide Piras aka DJ Chupacabra returns this week on the second part of Innsbruck-based label Mont Lake's five-year celebrations. His track on side A 'Growler' is a dusty and swing-fueled deep house jam that is as much off-kilter as it is absolutely infectious. Over on the flip, it's over to Mias Void - better known as Matthias Vogt - the veteran German producer who delivers another offbeat cut on the darkly emotive hi-tech soul of 'We Used To Be Detroit' receiving a remix by Berlin's Iron Curtis up next, injecting it with some mad breakbeats.
Review: Mark Grusane presence on Disctechno brings with it a compilation of five unique house tracks from Chicago and Detroit-based producers, as you will probably have guessed from the title. The A-side features DJ Slush's synth-driven 'Memory Blank' and Deon Jamar's bass-heavy 'AYYYO' which offer different but both killer sounds. The B-side opens with Jordan Zawideh's reverb-drenched 'Axolotls' followed by Grusane's intense, atonal 'The Recoil' and concludes with Thomas Xu's groovy 'School Street.' All of these are the sort of off-kilter sounds you would expect of these revered and enduring electric hotbeds. Raw, stripped-down and authentic, this is the contemporary Midwest underground.
Review: Novaj Records presents its second vinyl release - 'Space Energy', an electrifying compilation EP inviting listeners on an interstellar journey through a wide array of sonic cosmologies, in good stead with the nascent trend of space-age acid house emergent of late. Lauching into the boundless realms of space, the likes of Donnie Cosmo's 'Venus Transit', MLink's 'Frequencia' and Sunaas' 'Flash Dancer' are all as enchanting as they are out-of-body-experience-inducing.
Review: Satya deals in a certain brand of deep house that is dreamy and organic. It's perfect for the cosier dancefloors out there, the more heady crowds who don't need big drops and samples to get their musical thrills. If you are one of those people then get your ears around this superb new various artists 12". YokoO & Zone+ offer one of the standouts with 'Once I Had It"]' which pairs subtly swirling pads with cuddly deep drum loops. Hermanez has his kickstand with a little more weight but they are no less hypnotic, while Moya (US) brings some enchanting strings and yawning vocals to 'Meliora' and Electricano keeps it nice and warm and liquid with the supple loops of 'Universal Language.'
Review: The Cimedirapax crew are back with another superb various artists collection that nudges at the borders of tech house and minimal. Eliaz's 'Enbaspremal' is an alien sound with abstract designs and trippy pads and Lapucci then gets deeper and darker on the menacing 'To Be On Top.' F_Phono brings some nu-disco energy and bright 80s arps to 'Sollievo' then Marco Biagioli heads into more occult worlds with the eerie and haunting 'Strange Mirror' before Equinox's 'Intergalactic Space' offers a caustic electro workout.
Review: MyHouse YourHouse based out of Cordoba, Argentina is back with this excellent various artist EP. Get ready to be transported to a world of sound, as they leave you entranced and captivated. Let the rhythm spin you on a journey of excitement and discovery. On the first side, Ruper Eliis nails that classic '90s NYC swing on the groovy "3Dimension" followed by Martin Bellomo (Momentz) with the deep and introspective cut "Earltraxx". Turn over the disc and you're then treated to label boss Rypli's trippy minimal funk jam "Past Is The Past" and finally Bernards serves up some proper late-night mood music on the ultra deep "It Doing Fusion".
Review: Ida Engberg's contribution to this release marks a striking departure from the Swedish techno DJ and record producer's usual sound, an unexpected, lush journey through the world of 2 step genre that's definitely not typically seen in her catalogue. The track is at once sensual and booming, designed for the late-morning hours when the dancefloor shifts from peak-time frenzy to more reflective, intimate moments. It pulses with a calm intensity, creating a smooth yet exhilarating rhythm that invites the listener into an immersive experience. On the flip side, 'Pink Monkeys' is a true sonic adventure, blending elements of EBM and sawtooth trance to produce a thrilling, psychedelic atmosphere. The track is a festival-ready anthem, charged with energy and unrestrained sound, allowing Ida to stretch her creative muscles even further. Meanwhile, Marco Resmann delivers two tracks that showcase his deep-rooted versatility. 'RIMA feat. Laatz' is a high-octane techno rollercoasterimenacing, frenetic, and impossible to ignore. Its relentless drive and chaotic energy keep the listener on their toes, offering a new, radical take on techno. Then, 'Dimensions' shifts into a more intricate, electro-driven vibe. Its low-slung groove is filled with subtle details, creating a balanced equilibrium that simultaneously engages both the mind and the body. Resmann's approach is detailed and meticulous, ensuring each sound has a purpose and brings the track to life. Together, these four tracks exemplify a mastery of genre-blending, pushing boundaries while still maintaining an infectious, danceable core that connects with listeners on a deep, visceral level.
Review: The musical spirit of even Tuell aka Paul David Rollmann was already enlightened upon in the history of cosmos from "Out To Lunch"/Rand Music and Low-Tech. Regulars already know that he crafts traditional encompassing the realm of sound research. An unusual sound, dark and distinct finding the light at the end of the tunnel. A Subtle melting into enticing sound goods, human beings are stirred into compulsive undulation. With him, it is about the musically developed "Net Earrings" from fresh and remarkable wares. All realized without seeming forced or overdone. Engaged in spirit is Metaboman. One half of the Krause Duo (recently without the NR.2). Fashioning musical creations with diverse musicians on such implements as rhodes, drums, winds and horns, percussion etc. Thus, more life is breathed into electronic music on the live stage. The tracks for the B-side are also experienced live on stage along with assets from the well-known Blue Note Jazz Label's studio. "Control A Zoid" is absolutely in the basement where the door is always cracked just a little, so that just a little sun drenched daylight can shine through. The hope of weightlessness flashes in the darkness. "Tube Dive" is understated devotion to all the utensils needed for the dance floor. This is for the later hours, when the joints just go all out! "Go Go Go" is an endless monster groove with such an embedded bass thump, that the feet should alternatively fly over the floor slippin' and a sliding. The foregoing is gathered from a spirituality that searches for its match. A union of acoustic instruments which quenches the thirst resulting from the intense sweating that, this track makes happen out of the rhythm. Three times pure earthen deepness, which sensibly draws out a maximum degree of forward movement, thereby the irresistible dance mutates into a prayer. Even ardent hard-line atheists willingly give themselves as sacrifices, and all with a smile. A cul-de-sac for electronic music with club character will never last as long as such ejaculation of the club scene stays fertile.
Existencia Pasajera & Dismal - "Hope To See You" (8:23)
Existencia Pasajera & Mati F - "Mental Spirit" (7:23)
Review: Twisted psychedelic sounds and wiry electronics are back en vogue right now and bringing with them a retro touch, which can be heard in the open of this new EP from Dutch label Hoarder. 'I Like The Sun' is crisp, vibrant techno with a 90s edge and after that, it's producer Existencia Pasajera who serves up three collabs. The first is with Dismal - 'Bullet Proof' brings sunny old-school piano stabs to acid-laced and raw tech beats. Dismal also steps up for the hyper-real colours and dreamy trance-techno of 'Hope To See You' then Mati F contributes to zoned-out 90s tech house stepper 'Mental Spirit' to close.
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.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Ferro - "Electric Sunshine"
William Caycedo - "Mi Casa"
Malin Genie - "Superposition"
Ingi Visions - "RJG"
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Raw Joints series is one of the best things about the ever-excellent SlapFunk Records, and now the Dutch label is back with a fresh bout of sounds from some of the most inventive artists operating in the minimal house sphere. Ferro's "Electric Sunshine" leads the charge with a militant groove and a rubbery bassline to die for. William Caycedo has a rugged, sample slicing thrust at work on "Mi Casa", while Malin Genie takes things far out on the wonderfully freaky "Superposition". The record wraps up with Ingi Visions, whose "RJG" wriggles into a skippy 2-step groove that will have bodies shaking uncontrollably when it gets deployed in the dance.
Review: Last year's superb Pura Lempuyang album has been pulled apart and served up on a couple of separate 12"s and this is the second one. It comes on limited turquoise vinyl and offers four cuts of stylish deep dub and techno. Fletcher's 'It's A Virtue' goes first with taught, twanging bass and grubby basslines then Mike Schommer's 'Kingmaker' offers liquid dub funk with watery pads and hissing static. Nicolas Barnes picks it up a little with a darker but still warm dub techno roller in 'Sonic Dial' and Redrop's 'Genesis' is the more driving of the lot but again exists right on the ocean floor.
Review: The endlessly fertile scenes that are minimal and tech house yield more essential DJ goodness here as Bread & Butter assembles a selection of talents for this ninth various artists' release. Alex Font & Aron open up with 'Walking On Clouds' which is not as airy and dreamy as it might sound, but does lay down a nice deft minimal groove. Beiger has a more sunny outlook with the mellifluous synth clouds of his 'Audible Illusions' and Mihai Pol then brings ouse late night jazz house cool to his 'Bip Bip.' Iuly B completes a varied package with the heady loops and wispy cosmic synth motifs of 'Bouncing Lights.'
Review: Youandewan's Small Hours label is indeed small but beautifully formed so far. This fifth transmission is another doozy that collects four different artists who all operate on the spaced out end of the electronic house and minimal spectrum. The Former Landlords kick off with breezy and balmy 90s tech house style sounds on 'Council Pop' then Session 4000 go 'Off' with plenty of sci-fi pads and clipped, kinetic drum programming as well as some playful vocal samples. Mop Py' 'Beskar' is a more psychedelic late night wonder with gurgling bass and lovely neon synth trails. Jad & The complete this essential slab of wax.
Review: Inspired by "cosmic vibes and alien sounds", Cut Line Records is a freshly minted imprint founded by New York-based producers Majak and Diego Knows. Wisely, they've decided to set their stall out via a multi-artist EP that offers more than a few hints about what we can expect to hear in the months and years ahead. Naturally, they contribute, rounding off the EP via the collaborative 'Electrik Funk', a smooth, spacey and sub-heavy slab of tech-house funk marked out by cut-up vocal snippets, intergalactic-sounding motifs and rubbery beats. There's plenty to set the pulse racing across the rest of the EP though, from the acid-flecked tech-house funkiness of Pedro Goya's 'Celeste', to the star-fall haziness of Digital Pimps electro roller 'Warning Bells', via the electro-goes-breakbeat shuffle of 'Alien Vision' by Frankula and St Xose.
Review: Focused on artists from the great anatine peninsula that is South America, Mirror Vinyl Series reflects the techno-house multi-talents of many an artist from Argentina to Bolivia to Ecaudor to Peru to Suriname to Uruguay to Colombia to Venezuela to Brazil... there are simply no limits on locale, except for the featuring artists' ancestries themselves, and that to hail from SA is a must. Here, after a stellar set of digitals recently from Sofia Duz, Zolbaran, Atemporal and Marcos Coya to name but a small few, we're now heard hearing the Uruguayan ur-builds of Marcos Coya ('Sabes Que Si'), the chord-smeared minitech funk of Colombian boheme Donnie Cosmo, and/or the hoarse breaks, seedy acids and "what do you wanna take tonight?"s of guileful Brasiliera, Guile.
Escape On The Midnight Express (Hardway Bros mix) (8:03)
Escape On The Midnight Express (Masonic Noodles mix) (9:28)
Review: Echoes of Glory serves up a second helping with the assistance of Hardway Brothers and Masonic Noodles aka Sean Johnston and label founder Grant Dell. 'Escape On The Midnight Express' gets two tidy tech house versions with distinct flavours which should appeal to those who like their 4/4 grooves tripped-out and headsy. The Hardway Bros version is a pneumatic, boxy workout swathed in dub and rolling slow and steady for the warm-up crowd, while Dell's Masonic Noodles interpretation takes a sparser approach sprinkled with mystical synth motifs to send a chill through the dance.
Review: Natural Expressions takes another dive into the rich pools of dub-informed techno and tech house with this must-check four-track split release. Vapnik works spatial magic over Marco Hessler's 'Spacewaves' with some monumental chord treatments that keep suspense high and the mood psychedelic, before Gradient slips into something more comfortable on the smooth cruising immersion heater 'Flight Above The Fog'. Merv's 'Serpent' opens up the B-side in a quintessential workout of submerged, bass-loaded dub techno, and Collogne completes the picture with a swirling masterpiece fit for a Deepchord album.
Nicole Moudaber - "Rise Up" (feat London Community Gospel Choir) (8:13)
Armand Van Helden & Mark Knight - "Down To Earth" (6:37)
Review: NEM 100.1 Vol 1 isn't your standard deep house compilation. With heavyweight contributors like Danny Howard, Nicole Moudaber, and Armand Van Helden, this release feels like a meeting of minds with a shared purpose: to push familiar boundaries into unexpected places. Danny Howard and Eli & Fur's If You Were sets the tone with a blend of understated house rhythms and finely layered vocals. There's nothing overblown here - it's precise, refined, and confident in its restraint. PAX and Rui Da Silva's Touch Me follows, reviving the iconic anthem with modern production sensibilities. The track is driven by its deep, chugging bassline and stabs of melody that feel like a nod to the original, but also refreshing in their approach. Nicole Moudaber brings a more atmospheric element to the fold with Rise Up, featuring the London Community Gospel Choir. It's expansive, combining gospel depth with Moudaber's signature techno edge, resulting in a track that demands attention without feeling heavy-handed. Closing things out is Armand Van Helden and Mark Knight's Down to Earthia production that melds classic house tropes with a contemporary spin. Its punchy, syncopated rhythm and laid-back groove avoid the typical tropes, instead offering something warm, slightly off-kilter, and entirely captivating. This is a collection that doesn't fall into the trap of overused house formulasiit's bold without overstating, intricate without being pretentious. A strong reminder that these artists still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Review: Functional house experts Toolroom are back with Toolroom Sampler Vol 11 which is again packed with maximal club cuts for big dancefloors. Martin Ikin's 'Make U Sweat' is indeed sweet tech that never stops pumping under libidinous vocals. Flashmob's 'My Body' is loopy and manic tech with peak time intent and Nathan Barato and Matheo Velez offer up the macho grooves of 'Weapon.' Last of all, Jenn Getz & Alfie offer another slight tweak on try Toorloom sound with the grey and gritty white knuckle beats of 'Vibration.' A great EP for working DJs looking for instant impact.
Review: Mule Electronic announces the release of 'Bring Out The Imps'; four tracks taken from the stunning cd by
the Imps - a collaboration between Minilogue and two Australian jazz musicians. Including a remix by Koss.
Review: Four new prangers from France's BOOOoo! crew, startling our ears with audio-apparitions by ghosts of the resident French sceno-system: Jamahr, Mooglee, Jucid and Odeon. 'Black Loops' and 'Flex (Booty Mix)' invade elastic terrains of bass and flicky synth, churn them back through meshes of gradated beats and rond-squelching stab notes. 'The Question Is' eliminates much of the A-side's establishing layers and overdubs, harking rubbery and slip-tastic FX design, countered by the equally sticky 'Jimbeldance'.
Review: We're fully signed up fans of the work that Hedzup has been doing. It's a house label that works at the electronic end of the spectrum and likes to bring in weird and wonderful sound deigns next to their high speed beats. This new VA is a great window into their world for first timers, or another essential 12" for those already in the know. JNJS's 'Two Girls' is perfectly colourful and vibrant stuff with retro touches and future feels, Vern's 'Sunlake' is a nice cosmic cruise and Enzo Leep and Matpri on the flip both keep the silky and seductive sounds coming thick and fast.
Review: Described as a release "made by wrong'uns, for wrong'uns", Wrong'uns 001 hears artists JoeJoeMojo, Oward, Rewi De Kooney and Mehlor join forces for some serious bassweight united. Exemplary 2-step, speed garage and bass compiled into a single EP for the modern zeitgeist, and packaged under the visage of a stoned, grilled bucket-hatter, the likes of 'Crackz' and 'Meet With The Devil' stick out like throbbing sub-bled ears, hardcore-continual conches for a next gen eager to prove their mettle.
Review: Chicago's Tied label rolls out a 17th release as good as all the previous ones, this time with a four-track various artists EP that showcases emerging talents from deep, spacey electronic realms. Just_Me's 'Laser Brane' launches the journey with electro-funk propulsion, while Lumieux's 'In Your Space... It's Me In Space' drifts into cosmic grooves and ambient textures. On the B-side, Constratti's meticulously crafted 'Bind' delivers intricate synth delays and solid rhythms that capture the feeling of interstellar motion. Label head Max Jacobson and 97 Till close with 'Orion,' a break-infused and celestial house cut built for late-night floors.
Review: Freerange's City To City series returns with its second edition, this time spotlighting Lisbon. Known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, perhaps one of the city's best-known hotspots is the iconic Lux Fragile, which has shaped the city's sound since the late 90s. Longtime resident DJs from Lisbon are now gaining global traction; to butterfly-net the essence of the coastal metropolis, this new mix LP hears six original tracks from local talents, chief among whom are Megatronic, progressor and ambassador for the city, and Yen Sung & Photonz, two names closely tied to the circuit's deeper-underground corners.A
Mark Knight & James Hurr - "You Take Me Higher" (6:12)
Friend Within - "Chain" (5:43)
Martin Ikin & Winnie Ama - "Control It" (4:51)
Flashmob & Raumakustik - "Club Talk" (5:45)
Review: Toolroom's 'sampler' series, which rounds up previously digital-only releases and sticks them out on action-packed 12" EPs, reaches its sixteenth instalment. Given the format, you'll be unsurprised to discover that there's plenty of bona-fide peak-time heat on show, starting with Mark Knight and James Hurr's excitable, filter-heavy, string-laden disco-house bomb 'You Take Me Higher'. Friend Within offers a scintillating blend of heavy acid bass, glassy-eyed female vocal samples, weighty beats and subtle disco samples on the superb 'Chain', while Martin Ikin and Winnie Ama opt for even heavier drums, warped bass, creepy electronics and dead-eyed spoken word vocals on the sweat-soaked 'Control It'. To round things off, we're treated to the tech-tinged funky house bounce of Flashmob and Raumakustik's percussion -rich 'Club Talk'.
HoneyLuv & Mason Maynard - "XTC" (Jamie Jones remix) (7:31)
Lauren Lane - "Ryde Or Die Anthem" (5:23)
Carloh - "Quisiera Tenerte" (6:58)
Review: Hot Creations' latest vinyl sampler delivers four essential cuts, each with its own distinct flavour, while maintaining a coherent, subtle progression. Kolter's 'Red Alert' opens the A-side with a thundering intensity, its old-school house energy and relentless groove laying down a powerful foundation. Jamie Jones's rework of 'XTC' follows, taking the original into a deep, bewitching realm with dubby atmospherics and a head-nodding rhythm that perfectly complements the previous track. Flip it, Lauren Lane's 'Ryde Or Die Anthem' offers a playful rework of DMX's 'Ruff Ryder's Anthem', blending rolling basslines and rapped vocals with transcendent guitar stabs for a tripped-out ride. Finally, Carloh's 'Quisiera Tenerte' injects a lively Latin groove, dripping with enthralling basslines and hooky vocals that ensure the groove never falters. Each track is finely tuned to create a mix that's full of energy but never overcomplicated, seamlessly connecting one moment to the next.
Review: Selected Pieces from Berg Audio is a fantastic EP that features four standout tracks, each offering a distinct flavor of deep house, perfect for the dancefloor. On Side-1, Kolter kicks things off with 'What A Day,' a track that embodies deep house with its soulful build, warm atmosphere, and uplifting vibes. The clever use of a vocal sample adds an extra layer of emotion, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Traumer follows with 'Don't Stahp,' a classy, more techy cut that still maintains deep house roots. The dubby chords inject extra depth, turning it into a smooth, dancefloor groover. Side-2 opens with Mihai Popoviciu's 'Waitin,' which features rich, soulful chords that envelop the listener, creating a laid-back yet engaging vibe. Moor closes the EP with 'Kashif,' an uptempo track that stands out with its energetic keys and undeniable party feel. Selected Pieces is a versatile EP that offers something for every deep house enthusiast.
Cesar Merveille aka CSR - "So Bring It Here" (7:41)
Matheiu, Max Jacobson - "Five In One (Aint No Mountain)" (6:54)
Wareika - "VX" (8:38)
Review: Aterral Limited has taken things slowly to start with but that's fine because the quality of the label's first few releases has remained high. Carlo is behind this one and opens up the EP with 'Hungover', a tune that features Black Loops, who has previously released his own EP on the label. It's lithe, funky deep house with silky synth work and classic drums. 'Lelazo' (feat Emanuele Barilli) carries on down the same path but this time has a darker bassline and more garage tinged skip in the grooves. On the flip side things slow down to a sunset sound on 'Maison' (feat Hauke Freer) and 'Poops' Feat O is a tight, well swung bumper with jazzy keys. Robust and emotive house music from front to back, then.
Comik Sans - "Brainfreezer" (Natural Goofy mix) (6:05)
Natural Goofy - "Ensename A Mentir" (6:41)
Kurilo & Mili - "Tu M'en Veux" (6:07)
Review: Planka Records continues to lay out its musical agenda with a fourth EP that takes the form of a forward-thinking compilation that blends fresh talent with trusted names. Hypnotic rhythms, shimmering textures, and fearless experimentation define this release, creating a soundscape that's equally suited for deep club immersion or solitary reflection. House, electro, and techno influences blur seamlessly, crafting tracks that transcend time and genre. Each cut pulses with enigmatic energy, pulling the listener deeper into Planka's evolving sonic universe. With PLNK004, the label reaffirms its role as a tastemaker-consistently championing innovation while staying true to its raw, underground roots. An essential, boundary-pushing listen.
Review: A Klang Elektronik Release on top of the pop charts? Heiko MSO and Michael Laven between Kanye West and Rihanna on MTV?
Well...I have to admit, this scenario would be realistic in a world a little more righteous than the one we have here. But to say the truth,
'Reach', the new Laven & MSO single has deserved it for sure. After all the two Producers from Frankfurt put so much pop-appeal into
the vocal-mix feat. Malte (Does anybody remember Tiefschwarz's 'Schmetterlings¬flügel' or Losoul's 'You know'?), that colleagues like
Fischerspooner should prepare themselves. But: Don't get me wrong! Vaporise it to four or five minutes and you'll get a fine (electro)pop
hit. But the whole gorgeous ten minutes of 'Reach' have enough power to atomise every nightclub into dust. Everybody who can take
another one after this should listen to the b-side, 'Reach' as 'Alte Schule Acid Instrumental' (old-school acid instrumental - pretty self-
explanatory, isn't it?)
Jamie Dodger - "Yes Yes Release The Stress" (6:20)
Review: Here we are introducing new label Art of Dark and its AODVA Series, a platform showcasing a diverse array of artists, especially those who are newcomers to the music scene. For its inaugural release, the series spotlights four different artists with their own distinctive sound and who are all set to go on to big things, at least if you ask us of the evidence of this. Log_In kicks off with 'Antivirus' which spins you out on nice cosmic tech vibes and screwy alien synth lines, while Landed's 'Anaesthetic' is a retro-future tech house pumper with neon lines and a tight bassline. Matthew Hartshorn's 'Computers' gets as digital as you would expect from the name with the sound of malfunctioning motherboards over sleek beats. Jamie Dodger shuts down with the more edgy percussion and rapped vocal sleaze of 'Yes Yes Release The Stress'.
Review: Killowat Hour is a collection of 90s-inspired gems that seamlessly blend new and old influences. On Side-1, LP Rhythm's 'Want Your Love' kicks things off with a nostalgic nod to prog and euro house, delivering a distinctly 90s vibe. Aida's title track, 'Killowat Hour,' ventures into futuristic techno territory, incorporating elements of new beat for a modern twist. Mance's 'Cross Reference' follows with bouncy techno rhythms, smooth melodies, and trance influences that keep the energy flowing. Other highlights include Hottpretty's 'Make Me Yours,' which takes listeners on a trancey, heady journey through early 90s techno, offering a vibrant and energetic experience. Mad Again's 'The Night' closes the collection with deep euro house vibes, adding a layer of sophistication to the nostalgic set. This compilation is idea for those who like deep house and those who appreciate the balance of classic and contemporary sounds.
Mind Floating (Special Character Peaky Renip) (5:58)
Mind Floating (7:16)
Review: This EP's four tracks explore a range of styles within the house genre, from driving grooves to more ambient-tinged. The A-side opens with 'Mind Floating' (Ruffy Pagan Renip), a hypnotic track with a deep bassline, psychedelic synths and a driving beat, followed by 'Chcem Strongly' (Ruffy Surf N' Turf), a more relaxed and ethereal track with cosmic ambient techno and early trance influences. The B-side features two remixes of 'Mind Floating'. The Special Character Peaky Renip remix is a chord-heavy take on the original, while the original 2010 Secret version is a more electro-oriented interpretation. Carnedd Dafydd is a strong release from Luv Jam and Maria Slovakova, showcasing their versatility and skill as producers. The heavy balance of psychedelic and chill out is premier.
Review: Almost two years have passed since M-High made his debut via the wonderfully warming, melodic and timeless-sounding 'Blue Trip EP' on DJ Steaw's House Puff imprint. It's perhaps fitting that his return to action comes via Rutilance Recordings, a label Steaw co-runs with friend-in-music Guunter. The Utrecht-based producer starts solidly with '12 OC Riddim', a dubby chunk of bass-heavy deep house goodness that boasts serious sub weight and pleasingly skippy drums, before opting for a much more spacey-sounding, tech-tinged sound on the similarly bass-heavy 'Leaving Time'. 'Lost In Translation' is a chunkier slab of deep house/dub house fusion full of echoing electronic drum hits and dreamy pads, while Paolo Rocco's remix of '12 OC Riddim' is an intricately programmed, Motor City-influenced chunk of sci-fi deep house excellence.
Review: Amsterdam's Berg Audio label returns with their seventh limited compilation with their a brilliant snapshot of the label's spirited minimal and tech house sensibility. Side-A opens with M-High's 'Soulseeker', a classy, classic-sounding cut that dips into Euro house influences but feels much deeper and smoother, full of rich, timeless vibes. Janeret's 'Scape' follows with an upbeat, slickly produced tech house tune, its crisp drums and shimmering textures making it instantly infectious and ready for peak-time movement. On Side-B, Luna Ludmila's 'Vibe Thang' brings a heavy, rolling bassline paired with a bouncy, irresistibly fun beat. It strikes a sweet balance between groove and drive, offering something both DJs and dancers will love. Rounding out the record, Lola Palmer's 'Stranger' leans into a more nocturnal, late-night atmosphere, seamlessly blending elements of house and techno into a deep, hypnotic flow. Throughout the release, Berg Audio proves their ability to keep things lively and high-quality, while subtly shifting styles within their distinct framework. Each track feels perfect for home listeners and the floor.
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