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Optimo Music is delighted to release a first album by Fantastic Twins (formerly known as The Twins). We'll let them tell you the story behind this inspired and beguiling record -
Obakodomo (Au Balcon Du Monde) is a soundtrack I created for a piece of contemporary dance, performed by two dancers for a young audience from the age of 4. It is the story of an imaginary journey in Antartica where two explorers go on an adventure. They encounter a colony of penguins and will progressively learn to understand their habits and respect their environment. Essentially, Au Balcon Du Monde is a metaphor of how to exist next to each other, how to share a territory, how to learn to live together and share resources.
The scenography and stage accessories were designed in a minimalistic and non-obvious form to leave all the space for imagination. The penguins were made of translucent material to provide light effects and were programmed to move in a swaying motion, allowing interaction with the dancers and the music. LED system could be wireless piloted.
With the soundtrack, I wanted to create an atmosphere that would immediately transport the children into this terra nova - a poetical space, like a cold sphere, where the strange meets the frightening and the playful. Translating the immense vs the small, the far-off vs the near, the collective vs the individual, the strange vs the familiar or the cold vs the heat. My intention was to follow the thread of the story in a narrative, yet non-caricatural way. Music for children doesn't have to be 'childish'. Children love to be scared or even just challenged. They love to love and react instantly to what they hear through their emotions. Ultimately, the soundtrack aims to provide different levels of 'reading' so that it becomes something more universal. So we, adults, just have to accept the invitation.

For our 13th release, Subaltern is proud to present a selection of various artists compiled on one record - different styles of sound, blending together like a Kaleidoscope... For the avid vinyl junkies the first 300 copies have been pressed with locked grooves from each artist and come in a full colour sleeve.

* Alter: Opening the release is Japanese producer Helktram, who debuts on Subaltern with a relentless hypnotic roller. Distorted drums and percussive interludes complete this banger, which has proven to mash up the dance every time.

* Fibers: Being the only resident Subaltern artist on the release, D-Operation Drop doesn't fail to prove why they have returned to Subaltern yet again with this trippy masterpiece.

* Bomb: German producer ILL_K makes his first appearance on the imprint with this mighty stomper. "Bomb" is probably the most accurate title this powerful tune could have been given.

* Landfall: The only collaborative track of the EP, - Landfall' concludes the record in style - dark and eerie atmospheres mark the signature sound of German producer Shu and Belgian producer Zygos.

The man who views life in constancy is destined for stagnation. Everything is change, everything is motion. Atoms to galaxies, seasons to lives. Together in motion. The powerful force brings together, spinning together. Be magnetic. Music is the magnet that brings together and makes us spin. With subtlety, the aptly named Gyration EP begins its spin as minimalist synths assault with increasing frenetic abandon. Under the guise of apparent simplicity, Rekord 61 abducts the mind to a realm of constant motion. A futuristic merry-go-round stuck in overdrive, adrenaline spikes and neon lights smear across your vision. Unbalance and Ari Atai produce remixes of Gyration and Ferrimagnet that brings the machine to life. With catchy sequences and galactic atmospherics, the remixes imbue organic energy to the unwavering motion of the original tracks. Bringing the revolutions back under control, the efforts of Ari Atai and Unbalance expose dubby layers, pounding drums and melodic texture. Let the breakneck pace of Rekord 61 race through your mind, then let your soul reverberate with the timeless melodics of the remixes.

Greenlight by DJ Manny is the fifth release from TEKLIFE Records. This 10 trackLP is a masterclass in footwork production by one of TEKLIFE's leading figures. Born and raised in Harvey on the South-Side of Chicago, DJ Manny has been footworking since the age of ten. The Footwork sound has developed in unison with the dance style that accompanies it, and Manny embodies this synergy.DJ Manny is without doubt one of the best dancers on the scene, harnessing control, grace and power in every movement. So when he steps into the studio, he knows instinctively how to create tracks that make you want to move your feet.Instead of relying on chopped up samples, DJ Manny is more inclined to pickup the microphone himself, and this gives Greenlight an original and individual personality.On the opening track titled Way you Move, his flow is soulful and almost vergingon melodic. His laid back drawl sounds equally great on club bangers like Life in This Bitch and If U Want It. As a young man, DJ Manny was the protégé of the late great DJ Rashad, and Rashad's influence reverberates through classic - sounding footwork tracks like Boop Me Down and I'll Hurt Ya Baby.Elsewhere on Greenlight, DJ Manny explores different moods to great effect.Ghost Out is atmospheric and menacing, with a sparse, minimal rhythm and fearsome lowend pulsing through siren synths. Life In This Bitch is a defiant statement of self-affirmation, and Zancrash feat. DJ Taye is uplifting and dreamy,with complex rhythmic patterns evocative of vintage jungle records.DJ Taye makes a significant contribution to this record, collaborating with DJ Manny on 5 productions including the title track. A fellow TEKLIFE squad member, Taye is a highly accomplished producer in his own right, Expect to hear more from him very soon on HYPERDUB Records. Greenlight also features guest appearances from DJ Lucky, Gant-Man and Sucia.

Very LIMITED album discs available now:

This is the first album Oscar Mulero has released under his own name, after two acclaimed LPs under the moniker Trolley Route. Well known for his skills as a hard-edged, raw and floor-orientated techno dj, his productions go far beyond, digging deep into the intricate landscape of intelligent techno, floating moods, reminiscent atmospheres, harmony and detail.

Grey Fades To Green is the affirmation of his maturity as a producer, using both hardware and software in the pursuit of a highly coherent and diverse album.

The concept is split into two parts: The Grey and The Green, each one with its own character. The first part is rougher and meant for the dance floor, although pays full attention to detail and complexity. The second part is quieter, has a slower pace and is best enjoyed at home.

In The Green Oscar goes deep into the intellectual side of techno music and is heavily influenced by the post rave sound emerging from the UK in the nineties: Aphex Twin, Gescom, B12, Plaid, Autechre.. but with a contemporary approach.

This part of the album brings you melodies, harmonies, endless atmospheres, and hours of studio work. Each sound has been carefully constructed, nothing is left to chance: Every stereo panning, every change to the synth's parameters has been meticulously designed for your listening pleasure; just what you want when you listen to techno on headphones. Futuristic music made with the utmost care.

The Green starts with 'Letters From Madrid', a dreamy and melancholy track, where an introspective melody leads to a slow-building drumbeat. Broken rhythms and distorted drums go side by side with the piano riffs and analogue bleeps: intelligent techno by definition.

'Dreams of Happiness' is a sci-fi soundtrack where pads and the different atmospheres are the main stars, and where subliminal drums add flow to this tune from outer space.

'After All' departs from calm dreamy territories with its grounded beat, complex 303 programming and micro synth sounds. A track which is as good for listening at home as it is for the dance floor.

'The Darker Days' uses a similar formula. Slow bpm, fat drums and weird 303 lines that make infinite layers of sound.

Somne debuts on Just This.
The Italian producer, whose real name is Federico Maccherone, presents his first release of 2017 - a solo EP marrying the same ethereal, wide-angle synthesis and intricate drum programming that appears on standout work for Boddika's Nonplus imprint and the Afterlife label. More than ever, Maccherone shows his range - rolling, meditative recordings sit comfortably alongside some more overtly dance floor material, with both approaches bound by the same high-end production values listeners and DJ's alike have come to expect from the Somne project.
In various ways, the EP offers a certain degree of insight into Maccherone's dual identity as a producer of both clinical, dance-floor fare as well as a cerebral, leftfield work - and in turn, how the artist draws together these two strands of creative endeavour to craft unique and profoundly emotive electronic music. Nods to classic IDM and Ambient sit at the periphery of the recordings, although the main focus is on the propulsive, contemporary Techno derivatives - from warping, half-time opener Divided Love, with its crisp, white noise washes and clinical use of distortion - through to Endgame's exacting, peak-time drive. And whilst the form shifts across the EP from half-time, polyrhythmic work to more direct 4x4 compositions - everything remains bound by the same exquisite, otherworldly atmosphere that touches on the grandiose whilst maintaining a gloriously introspective bent.
Balance comes across as a principle theme on the record, both in terms of production aesthetic and track sequencing, but there is a wonderful contrast between the elements - with the sounds ringing strong and true. The two versions of lead Metropolis that perhaps appear to illustrate in the best way the powerful dichotomy within Maccherone's work, with the A side version conjuring up a distinctly brooding sentiment - a quintessential example of rolling, contemporary Electronica, whilst the Alternate Mix of the B side offers a more direct, cathartic interpretation - expertly executed for maximum dance-floor effectiveness.
Mature and accomplished, Metropolis is a fine addition to the growing Somne discography. The record paints a picture of a producer in full control of his art, definitely working to create a powerful three-dimensional space of his own within the genre.

Native Response returns with another 12-inch record with NR002: Shaman Among The Machines by Deltitnu.
Deltitnu is a homegrown Native Response project, debuting with three tracks that all share a certain feeling of mystery, accompanied by a steady grooving remix by Roger Gerressen. A1 is titled Sorry , a sweet and sincere record, that starts off with lyrical pianos drifting into space, while elegant drum machine rhythms build up more and more, developing a more club ready feel. This one is easy to lose yourself into, as the song progresses into vulnerable pads and a vocal stating Sorry, symbolising an apology from us humans to planet earth, for all we ve done. Continuing on to A2 Shaman Among The Machines we find ourselves in a whole different spectrum of the EP. It s hard to define where the kick ends and the bassline begins. A whole oozing of bass covers your body, and a miraculous atmosphere embraces you while the song effortlessly develops into a peaktime killer track. It moves on to a sexy acid line and playful drum rhythms on top, that when you think you almost understand them, they turn around again and show they were fooling around with you all along.
Flipping over the record; we start off with B1: Foundation Was Laid.
This meditative and hypnotising record shows that techno doesn t always have to be dark and dystopian. First of all the disco bass supported by the 303 massages the listener into a mindstate ready to take off. Once you re ready the atmospherical pads will take over and move you deeper into the comforting ambience of the track. The drums keep you grounded all the time, making sure no energy is lost on the dancefloor. Foundation Was Laid represents the start of the record label, Native Response. We conclude with B2, the Roger Gerressen Response of Shaman Among The Machines. Roger Gerressen does what he does best; giving the record a dubby and groovy spin.
He more or less adapts the qualities of a chameleon, resulting in a track that easily blends into the groove of the night, at any timeslot.

The EP s driving force comes from the stripped-down approach that has become a trademark of Shkedul s sound. Contained in its components, it is the perfect layering of full kicks, liquid bleeps and spectral hats that elevate the originals to higher level. Label owners dotwav add the full stop to the record with an atmospheric remix.

After a two year hiatus, Kiani returns to his Far Out Systems alias for this EP, his first offering for a label outside of his own Tanzbar Records.

Thomas Neyens first left his mark on the dance scene under his alias Kiani & His Legion, with two releases on Red D's We Play House Recordings in 2013 and more recently on Something Happening Somewhere, quickly demonstrating his accomplished production flair. This led the Belgian establishing his own imprint, Tanzbar Records, where he dropped two EPs under his Far Out Radio Systems moniker - bringing a more 'dancefloor focused' sound. Now after a two year hiatus, Neyens returns to his Far Out Systems alias for this EP, his first offering for a label outside of Tanzbar Records.

'Spheres' kicks off the release, with its soft bassline perfectly complimenting the hazy synths, syncopated drums and the mesmerising nuances from the hang drum that feature later in the track. The slow burning style continues on 'Jane Goodall', with the track's atmospheric textures gradually overpowered by a steady selection of drums, percussion and off-kilter effects. 'Vaquita' sees Far Out Radio Systems up the tempo whilst still sonically retaining the melancholy, hypnotic sound of the EP, as the snare-led rhythm gradually gains in momentum over its seven minute duration. Closing this excellent four track EP is 'On A Quest', a pulsating number that combines soaring, ethereal synths with a club ready groove that is perfect for the shadowy dancefloors the Belgian DJ/producer performs to.



DJ FEEDBACK

Early support from

Joris Voorn: Great atmospheric EP!
Blawan: really nice stuff here ! really like Vaquita
DJ Deep: nice release
Aera (Innervisions): Vaquita is a real beauty!
Baikal: whole release is dope. big fan of kiani. big up.
Norman Nodge (Berghain): "On A Quest" sounds promising!
Richie Hawtin: downloaded for r hawtin
Ripperton: Great EP every track get something! Thanks!
Âme (Kristian): thanks
Red D (We Play House): Needless to say I have preordered this one on vinyl ;-) 'On A Quest' is gonna be the one for me. It's got that Kiani-going-emotional vibe I dig so much.
Anthony Collins: Jane goodall track is tight !
Nuno Dos Santos: ah sweeet thanx man!
Brothers' Vibe: Solid pieces, def support!

ick Lenoir and Larry Thompson aka Black Traxx dropped several volumes of their own brand of chopped up Disco sampling, deeper side of House. From 1991 through to 1994 the Black Traxx EP's were showing up in record stores, obviously giving respectful nods to other Chicago DJ's and producers the tracks included on the EP's contained a DIY spirit and rawness that were key ingredients. Lenoir, with the technical assistance of Gary 'Jackmaster' Wallace has revisited these classic releases for 2017 and the pair have turned in some special, exclusive extended versions of some of the highlights from the series.
This, the second sampler of Black Traxx cuts culled from the various volumes picks up nicely where part 1 left us off. If it's that raw, deep, basement Chicago House sound you're after then these guys have you covered. Kicking off with the 1993 remix of 'Dreamin' which is a sublime late night organ driven groover, this one ticks all the boxes if you dig that NY / NJ Garage sound, but with a Chi-town twist! 'Soul' is up next, lifted from 1993's 'The Soul Package' collection. A stripped back, vocal led jam steeped in atmosphere. This one is for the dancers for sure, no nonsense House music for heads and hips.
Flip it over and the B-side opens with 'Shake', a tough, gritty, percolating banger with a tribal-esque edge. This one's a weapon and almost fits into that Baltimore / Chicago 'ghetto House' mould. A proper club track, no prisoners taken. This one has been gently extended by Rick and Gary for maximum club pressure! EP finisher 'Party' is a much more subdued groove giving a respectful nod to the JB's with that infamous 'Paaaarty' chant. No frills in the best possible way this one's another solid club groove, pure food for hungry turntables and sound-systems. All of the tracks included on these samplers have been carefully selected, arranged, edited and extended for precisely these reasons!
This reissue has been realised with the full involvement of Rick Lenoir and Gary Wallace and is 100% legit! All exclusive extended edits have been made by Rick and Gary specifically for this release. Don't snooze, this one deserves a spot in any self respecting House heads record bag or DJ set, classic material made available again for 2017 - You can't stop it!

Orbis X is a sublabel of Orbis Records and will be mainly focusing on softer yet often usable as DJ material for the broader mass interested in Electronic music. This sublabel is an extension of Orbis Records softer, more melodical and experimental side.

Music will be ranging from house, dub, chicago over melodic acid and even breaks. Not any track makes it to this sublabel if it can't stand on its own and stand the test of time! We warmly welcome the Dutch duo Dennis Pors & Stephan de Bruijn to OrbisX. New fresh talent, ready to conquer the world. We feel obliged to support these
fine gentlemen to get their music spread across the globe. Dennis & Stephan know each other through their musical perspectives.
They share a similar taste for music, Detroit techno. Before they worked together, Dennis experimented with deep house through digital synths and learned the ins and outs of programming music in Logic.
Stephan was well known with the detroit techno scene. His passion goes out to well balanced electronic music with hypnotizing emotional feeling to it. Add a layer of atmospheric grooves on top of that and you have the perfect blend to potential timeless music.
Soon enough they made the switch to analog gear to be able to create a cleaner and better sound. After three years of hard work, they have reached the sound they were looking for. And this is it!
Their debut on vinyl. D&S servers a full EP called Thoughts EP. A great cocktail of dreamy and diverse electronic tunes. This EP fits well in the back of any DJ bag to warm up the place or fix the atmosphere on roof-top bar in NYC. Smooth cruising, roof down car music or background music on a spring night with a summery breeze This EP is amazing and works best on a big sounds systems and major festivals! Childs play , what s in a name. Nothing like that melody. Creating a generously opening atmosphere, but actually brilliantly mixed creating the perception of simplicity. Groovy, acid touches and funky. Can t keep still when being played. A-track for sure! Thoughts might have a dark feel to it but evolves in a very uplifting track in just a few moments, making
it very bright and fun to play. Shed light to the place, should have been a great title as well, but thoughts is the best name for this track. The story in this track is definitely there to be told and listened to. Edge Of Insanity kicks of the B-side. Goosebumps, as from the start. Building up slowly to a very melodic and yet simply track, it s the perfect translation for a sunrise at the beach. Potential
Ibiza hit if you ask us. Submission is a track straight out of a movie. Clever, nice build up, dreamy, spacey and above all so amazingly subtle. This is what falling in love should sound like. We re humble. We re amazed. We re honoured to host D&S. We hope this duo gets the attention

This is volume 1 out of 2 of hip hop gone wrong from John Daly's West 2 West project.
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Following up last years well received The Smoke Clears, John Daly returns to the label under another alias - West 2 West which was debuted on Jheri Tracks Vol 1. Equally as atmospheric as the ethereal Smoke Clears, this project is the result of his ongoing hip hop obsession. MPC workouts inspired by current listening, the result isn't quite hip hop, but sits nicely in the all city beat discography. There's an after hours headphone feel to the set - spanning twenty four tracks split evenly over two 12 inches - Volume 1

Finally, the long awaited third part of the EXTRAWELT trilogy on Cocoon Recordings is on the way, and with this advance 12 release of 'Fear Of An Extra Planet (Blackout)' and 'Hail The Whale' we are given an incredibly strong first impression of EXTRAWELT's third Album. "Fear Of An Extra Planet (Blackout)' in particular, has the potential to become a monumental club hit. The title track from the new EXTRAWELT album is, strictly speaking, more than just a maxi-version, it's almost a separate EXTRAWELT remix of the original, fully optimized for the clubs. Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe have let loose a real bass and drum monster on us. From the very first second, the doubled-up kick bursts from the bassbins to signal the journey into this new EXTRAWELT adventure is underway. The acid-heavy bassline completes the pressure-packed arrangement until the track suddenly stops dead. Sometimes it's just so simple and effective to completely hit the brakes before re-energizing and building up to full speed again. The 12 version of 'Fear Of An Extra Planet (Blackout) 'is a powerful techno bomb and for us - one of the highlights of the year! The exclusive, non-album cut 'Hail the Whale", starts off a little more subdued. However, the cool old-skool cowbell intro with light Chicago house touches soon develops an energy through a driving electro bassline that shakes us from the initial calm. Although 'Hail the Whale' doesn't appear on the album, it perfectly represents the science fiction sound aesthetics on EXTRAWELT's new LP. Sci-fi FX, distorted vocals and dramatic synth lines envelop us in an extremely intense soundtrack atmosphere. From warp speed space travel to misty wastelands on strange planets and breathtaking pursuit scenes, 'Hail the Whale' conjures up all manner of images as it hammers from the speakers. To be honest, the notion of 'grand cinema' has already been used too

Swiss-based, Jamaican producer Ezikiel returns to Cadenza for his another outing, this time dropping the 'Tales Of Roots' EP. With this new EP he demonstrates his flair for the musical side of club compositions, imbibing his productions with sultry atmospherics, deep emotion and organic keys and strings. The title track 'Tales of Roots' is a 15-minute opus, which unravels slowly but surely, working from a soft yet persistent bassline and a hypnotic rhythm. Samples of tribal singers add a distinct human element, entrancing you with their organic vibrations. As the voices continue to sing out you're transported to a vibrant sub- Saharan landscape, captivated by the irresistible guitar riff... On the flip we have 'Makha Poetry', a more experimental workout with a variety of warped and twisted effects spluttering and wobbling away at its foundation. The jaunty yet slightly eerie low end gives this track a naughty allure, as those strange bleeps and whirrs continue to bounce in and out of the background. There's a controlled restraint about 'Makha Poetry' which gives it a devastating simplicity and a very unique aesthetic.

San Francisco's Christina Chatfield brings her signature acid sound to god particle with 'The Circle' EP. 'Circadian' reflects and evokes the natural cyclical rhythm of the track as the pitch naturally rises and falls over a steady bassline and consistent tempo. A perfect track to draw the dancer deeper. A2.Black_Hole Steady prominent kick drums keep feet marching through crunchy, distorted sounds and clicking. 'Black Hole' is an otherworldly track that pulls you into the space and won't let you go..B1.Voyage is a visionary guest through alien atmospheres. Chatfield's signature rolling acid lines, panning synths and rapid hi-hats make this one a bottomless groove, perfect for peak energy..B2.Acid_Exhibition. Crisp hi-hats and a kick drum are quickly met by an intrepid acid line. Dreamy synths softly grow throughout 'Acid Exhibition", adding more atmosphere along with steady claps and a vocal sample.

The return of Brain Machine, with their Peaks album, was one of the highlights of last year for Emotional Response. Juan Tripp (aka Jon Tye of Seahawks), Guido Zen (Vactrol Park) and Kyle Martin's (Spectral Empire/Land Of Light/Vactrol Park) acclaimed kosmiche opus is followed up with 2 remix EPs featuring some of the best proponents, peers and friends of deep electronic music.
Remixes One is given over to a quartet of trusted hands including man of the moment, Tolouse Low Trax, ambient visionary Gigi Masin, afro-techno-dub specialist Harmonious Thelonious and stalwarts Ronny & Renzo.First Detlef Weinrich shows his mastery of a unique percussive sound that has seen his identity become as respected outside of his native Dusseldorf as he is in it for his role as one of the founders and curator of Salon des Amateurs. A brooding, propulsive culmination, the original's haunting ambience is retained for a subtle, driving rework that hits the mark.
Surprise of the EP is Gigi Masin's remix of Crystal Clouds. Eschewing the original's celestial soundscapes, scattered percussion interplays with sub-bass to change the context, giving a rhythmic dimension while retaining the shimmering guitar and arpeggio infused cohesion.Starting the B-side is another Dusseldorf elder statesman, in the afro-visions of Harmonious Thelonious. Solo, as well as one third of The Durian Brothers, Stefan Schwander, has carved a distinct sound. Chrematistic percussion is matched with an atmospheric, dub-techno feel that perfectly fits the EP. Play loud for full understanding.
Finally, Remixes One concludes with the return of Ronny & Renzo. Long time associates of Brain Machine, their 10 minutes plus remix takes the glacial original's ambience to a darker plain, fusing rhythmic pulses with alluding acid intent.

With the label's 10th anniversary celebrations now done and dusted, Claremont 56 returns to action with something rather special: a magical debut single from a previously unknown talent.
There's not much we can tell you about Ferdi Schuster, other than that he is a talented young producer from Augsburg in Germany. As Claremont 56 is one of his favourite labels, he speculatively submitted some tracks for consideration. Label founder Paul Murphy was astonished by what he heard and believes the two tracks showcased on this 12' are amongst the best things the label has released for some time.
A-side 'Little River' is breathtakingly good. Opening with the sound o a babbling brook, it sees Schuster wrap plucked, sun-kissed acoustic guitar licks and jaunty vintage synthesizer motifs around a languid, samba-infuenced groove. As the track progresses, further magical musical elements come to the fore, including blissful electric piano solos and more mazy synthesizer solos, seemingly played on battere old equipment from the turn of the '80s. Schuster's love of the acoustic guitar is explored further on similarly impressive B-side 'Befreit'. Here, gently strummed chords and fuid Spanish guitar motifs catch the ear, as hushed cymbals and gentle hand percussion lap at your feet like the sea at sunrise. The German producer adds atmosphere through a combination of leisurely Hammond organ solos and a touch of Jew's Harp. When all of these immaculate elements combine, the results are little less than spellbinding.
Schuster may be taking his frst steps into releasing music, but his
compositional, playing and production skills are already fnely tuned. We can surely expect to hear more inspired music from him in the years to come.

Phonica Records Special Editions in association with Play It Again Sam is delighted to present the incredible Quiet Village remix of Agnes Obel's 'Stretch Your Eyes', lifted from the Danish born, Berlin based singer songwriter's critically acclaimed 3rd studio album 'Citizen of Glass' .

Obel was at an early age guided into music by the influence of her parents, who would play and listen to a blend of the classical greats, folk music and contemporary pop. She learnt to play piano as a child but it was her move to Berlin in 2006 that prompted her to take her music to the next level. Her debut Philharmonics was released in 2010, a quiet phenomenon that spent seven consecutive weeks at number 1 and sold in excess of 100,000 copies in her homeland alone. The release of 'Aventine' in 2013 cemented her status as a household name across Europe and as an icon to piano players throughout the world.

Quiet Village are the British duo of long-time record-collector and DJ Joel Martin and Matt Edwards, the house and techno producer known as Radio Slave and the head of the Rekids label. They came to our attention with a series of highly sought after twelves on the DJ Harvey-related Whatever We Want label from New York, alongside excellent remixes of The Osmonds, Toby Tobias, Black Devil Disco Club and Francois K before releasing their acclaimed album on K7 Records in 2008. After a break from using the Quite Village name, the duo are back with a bang and recently graced the Phonica White label with a fantastic techno 12' 'Social Music' / 'Change'.

Needless to say, Quiet Village were the first producers Phonica thought of when looking for remixes for this project and their slow, dark, dub-heavy atmospheric groove perfectly compliments Agnes's vocal, with echoes of Massive Attack's timeless 'Teardrops' coming to mind. It's one of the finest remixes we've heard in recent memory and we're proud to present it as a limited 12' on the Special Editions label.

BTG return with their 3rd release.

A debut vinyl release from Philadelphia's Gohda. A multi-coloured combination of shimmering grime synth work, spaced out beats that occupy somewhere between the boom bap of classic hip hop, the half pulse of dubstep and the skittering high-end work of southern rap knitted together with a soulful vocal & atmospheric touch not distant from that of the elusive Burial. Gohda's sound owes itself to both sides of the Atlantic but operates nowhere within them.

The vinyl only release sees remixes from BTG's very own Bulu, twisting the original into a dancefloor ready terminator & TMSV known for his genre expansive excursions on labels such as Black Box, Cosmic Bridge & Artikal again taking Gohda's soulful and playful original and turning it into a weighty dancefloor focussed banger.

Not to be missed for fans of genre defying, psychedelic bass-weight.

- Apollo are proud to welcome Sieren, AKA Matthias Frick back to the fold with his new Ascension EP.
- Features collaboration with fellow Apollo artist Synkro
A software engineer at Ableton by day, Sieren's love for UK influenced bass music and field recording and experimental soundscaping resulted in his Apollo debut 'Static Polymorphism' a masterly EP of spaced out street-rave soul.
Now returning with the five track Ascension EP, Frick has tightened and toughened up his sound somewhat (see the caustic bass glower of 'Slinger'), augmenting his starry eyed wonder with a firmer percussive underpinning and more driving tempos. However still present are his preternatural grasp of emotion and atmosphere that marked him out as one to watch - perfectly underscored by the heartbreaking beauty of the title track.
Fellow Apollo cohort Synkro AKA Joe McBride was instrumental in the curation of Sieren's debut Static Polymorphism EP on Apollo, hand picking the tracks, as well as road testing them in his DJ sets. This time McBride goes one further, collaborating with Frick on the track 'Lost You' to memorable effect - the beautiful pads and ghostly piano are a perfect synergy of their complimentary skill sets. This is richly textured and intricately programmed post-bass music that is sure to satisfy fans of Burial, dBridge, Akkord with its soulful sincerity and warmth.

After showcasing his knack for emotive productions via various EPs throughout his career, including chart-topping singles on Hot Since 82's Knee Deep in Sound and Dave Seaman's Selador, the Swiss artist Several Definitions now reveals his first full-length album. It should come as no surprise that the artist found familiarity in what he calls the Berlin style' of electronic music and notably, that of Oliver Koletzki's Stil vor Talent. Reborn After The Road is an intense and emotional affair, consisting of 14 tracks crafted using field and live recordings, switching between analogue and digital to mould a sonic atmosphere that emblazons the artist's core ethos. Although the personal experience that sparked the inspiration for the LP is far from pleasant, Several Definitions' style is audibly resolute. Reborn After The Road, the album's eponymous track, creates a fitting intro for the healing process that is to follow. Its airy pads and majestic strings sonically stand at the epicenter of the expressive album. Several Definitions continues to explore these sounds on vaporous slices like Pontceard 32 or the more acidical Last Breath. The mellifluous, feminine vocals of LaMeduza on Learn To Feel and Her, as well as Spanish singer Goldsun's crooner talents on the introspective Trust, on the other hand, showcase Several Definitions' ability to work the human voice into his musical explorations. Taking introspection one step further towards darker realms, Senelity then feels like a rite of passage into the deeper and more intense segment at the album's core. Over You briefly signals a turning point, with its alarm-like synths and grave leads, which is then followed by the glitchy resistance on Modular Spaces. The Escape

Inaugurating the release, the cleverly designed Oberservate' drives forward with relentless kick drums that merge into self-indulgent pads slowly growing into a stargazing techno tale. P.Leone's remix sticks to the originals' covertness while adding more depth by peeling out the pensive atmosphere as his lead synth gears more empathically towards the dance floor. Opening the flip, Discrete Circuit's ambient version of Remote Conversation' in which the monologic acid line encounters blood boiling pads passing through some unknown territory. Blind Observatory's remix rips out the principal elements from the original in order to create a pulsating ominousness reminiscent of his trademark neo-futuristic journeys that are roaming through cinematic sci-fi realms.

After releases on the Ninja Tune-backed label R'COUP'D, the mysterious Prequel Tapes surfaces with an EP for Midnight Shift. Composed of 3 tracks and 2 locked grooves, SHIFT LTD 003 fossilises transient moments in between gridlocks of tight grooves. Like a scan of light sweeping surreptitiously across a dungeon of darkness or a blinking throb pulsating from the corner of one's eye, these are the brief but blinding moments of illumination that capture time suspended on the edge of two worlds. Memory capsules slow-releasing an industrial mythos back into the clubbing consciousness. Prequel Tapes is a work of deep synthesis. Teenage recordings orchestrated into densely layered tapestries; a deeply emotional study on a life characterised by a shifting relationship to electronics. The pieces serve as a chronology of desire and reflection, reconciling a nascent passion for industrial music with a history in the club. There is a temptation to draw comparisons to Mark Leckey's excavation of UK rave culture, Lee Gamble's junglist memories or the hauntological approach of the Ghost Box label, however this is clearly a personal trajectory aesthetically distant from an English past. Oscillating between utopian to claustrophobic, the evolving synth work, deep techno atmospheres and traces of the clangorous energy of early European ambient and industrial tell a distinctly German tale, forged between the forest and the autobahn.

Pulse Drift's third installment brings you the vinyl debut of a very talented young artist from Canada. And he delivers something quite special on this 4-Track EP. Deeply rooted in Detroit Electro, his musical sprouts gravitate towards a more experimental, forward-thinking sound universe. Build on a solid stem of rhythmic structures and covered with a cortex of melody and atmosphere, Funk grows and Groove emerges.

Two of the leading artists in dub techno and ambient electronics produced four cuts between their extensive studios in New York and Stockholm, with the results sitting in between the powerful oscillations of Echologist's previous EP for Kynant (KYN005) and the slo-mo, Roland jams TM404 specialises in.

TM404 & Echologist (aka Andreas Tilliander and Brendon Moeller) collaborate for the first time on 'Bass Desires'.

Two of the leading artists in dub techno and ambient electronics produced four cuts between their extensive studios in New York and Stockholm, with the results sitting in between the powerful oscillations of Echologist's previous EP for Kynant (KYN005) and the slo-mo, Roland jams TM404 specialises in.

The two A-side tracks are the most direct, with hard-hitting drums, soaring atmospherics and boomy reverb. Flip over and the record spaces out into cavernous bass vibrations; first the subterranean 'Odyssey' and then the melodic, modular twists of the 105BPM title track.

Mastered by Giuseppe Tillieci aka Neel @ EnissLab Studio, Rome. Pressed at Optimal Media.

Following an accomplished EP on Perc Trax & a feature on Parallels and Influence Part II, Manni Dee returns to Leyla contributing his third EP to the labels impressive discography.

Your Public Image commences with Insurrection Erection, featuring vocals by Joke Lanz of Sudden Infant (Harbinger Sound, Raubbau). The vocal contributions harness a feeling of widespread disharmony, punctuating the bullish drums and assertive atmosphere with eruptions of frustration and expressions of malcontent. While the field recorded vocals made by Lanz feature as an empowered voice and a call for upheaval, the screams and shrieks from Lanz operate as the marginalised voice of the oppressed, sharply slicing through musical elements only to disappear and become submerged.

The A2 skips along with broken beats in very British fashion, reminiscent of Manni's earlier work on Black Sun Records, with added ingenuity and percussive flare.

The application of vocals, which has become a key characteristic of Dee's recent work, is creatively exhibited on the B1 Combination Acts; a track that displays a deft percussive density unique to Dee's style, adding a frenetic touch to a steadfast substructure. The tempo ramps up on the EP closer, satirically & appropriately titled The Jingoism Stench. The distorted & frantic yet nimble foundation propels the track forward, with reverberated contact mic and vocal recordings bouncing off the stolid walls of rhythmic pressure.

An acute understanding and implementation of rhythm and sound design results in provocative dancefloor material that blurs the lines between industrial traditions and (post) punk artistry. Dee continues to flourish as one of the most innovative and exciting voices in techno today.

Sublunar is glad to introduce their new release. Following the trilogy signed by one of the two founders of the label, Sciahri, it is now time for a new artist's debut.
Ladan, young Iranian producer at her first release, presents 'Section', a record made of 5 carefully selected tracks that range from bass-driving techno to sharp experimental excursions.
The EP's opening piece is 'Spectres', characterised by an increasingly deep, disquieting atmosphere. The body of the piece is stroked occasionally by metallic elements which make the whole sonic spectrum resonate.
On the same side we find 'Zone.2', an elegant, propelling techno piece painted with a similar colour palette of the previous piece.
The B side starts with 'Rebound', where hypnotic, overlapping melodies and broken rhythms entwine in an enveloping, uplifting musical development.
We also get a glimpse of Ladan's fierceness with 'Fault Line', an outburst of stomping, plastic rhythms sculpted synthetically, followed by 'Knives', a razor-sharp groove that creeps under the listener's skin.

Edanticonf's music feels perfectly crafted for the brooding atmospheric venues he so often performs in. Both the aforementioned adjectives can be attributed to his style of techno too, one that places the focus less on the technical side and more onthe human one, aiming to reflect his emotions and state of being through the hazy soundscapes that draw influence from the natural scenery around him.His concise back-catalogue features releases on revered labels such as M¦REC LTD, Trolldans, Phorma and Silent Season - the imprint which released his debut LP, 'Forest Echo', in 2012. On each release, Edanticonf's work sonically varies, from the more ambient compositions present on his 'Planet' EP for Silent Season to his dub-infused techno release on Italy's M¦REC LTD, but each offering never compromises on its quality, something which sits at the core of this project.

Kicking off the EP is the title-named track, 'The Mind Power', a hypnotic techno number that blends atmospheric textures and arpeggiated synth patterns with industrial-inducing pad tones, gradually introducing further elements throughout its eight minute duration.

'Interlude' follows, a song that much like the rest of the EP focuses its attention on the refined nuances of the analogue synthesiser, blending this with more delicate synth passages and other shadowy digital effects.

Closing this excellent three-track EP is 'We Dance Together', a dazzling, almost trance-like closer that fuses these soaring atmospheric elements and delicate synths with gritty, lo-fi drums to great effect.

On a hot streak Danny Wolfers is knocking out Jewel after Jewel at the minute. After his gargantuan album for Clone comes this knock out blow for UTTU.
Star Gazing is just as space-stradling as the title suggests, off-key, offworld discords colliding with breakbeats and detroitian atmospherics, intricate electronics, the burblings of a robot examining the earth of an alien world, before huge bass enters the party.
Visions In My Mind is Legowelt's take on the disco-tech vibe, Wayfaring Stranger completes the picture, a slamming acid jacker!

Label co-founder Vercetti Technicolor returns to Giallo Disco after the Black September LP with the soundtrack to the psychedelic neon-soaked slasher short HARD PILL. Directed by writer-director Daniel Freedman, Vercetti Technicolor's Fulci meets Digweed score takes you from Mainetti to Martinez. Drugged out club hits and tense shadowed corridor atmospherics. No one is safe... not even you. Art by Eric A. Lee

Soma welcome back long time collaborator Tony Scott under his Edit Select alias with The Bridge. Having recorded such classics as X-Track under Percy X, Tony has since found new depths with his Edit Select moniker which has seen countless releases on his own self titled label and more. With an album currently planned for release on Soma in early 2018, Edit Select takes his first steps onto his hometown label with this new single.

Suitably deep production is always the order of the day with any Edit Select release and this one is no different. Title track, The Bridge, begins with a chugging beat before gradually undulating into epic soundscapes. Flux takes a darker turn as twisted synths resonate throughout the typical atmospheric backdrop. Tonalist creates more rhythmic scenes with intense percussive elements keeping the track moving.

DRIVETRAIN (Detroit, USA) - 'Dirty Work (ft. Goddess Stephanie)'...Derrick Thompson's organically deep tribal rhythm is the bedrock for melodious chords and the cunning decrees spawned by Goddess Stephanie. MOTOMITSU (Paris, FRANCE) - 'November' ...a dark and haunting symphony, built on an infrastructure rich in keyboards, chorusing under syncopated jabs and hypnotic pulsating motion. JESUS GONSEV (Ciudad Real, SPAIN) - 'Countdown' ...an intelligent auditory marriage integrating the essence of an ante meridiem atmosphere with fathomless claviature and precision percussive penetration.
OSCAR HOLGADO (Seville, SPAIN) - 'The Wonderman'
...a sonic pilgrimage initiated with harmonic pad structure, advancing through walls of piercing string architecture, closing with a euphoric groove refrain.

Following the blistering inaugural release from Talker comes the
second release on the Standards & Practices imprint from label
co-founder Jonathan 'Stave' Krohn, who returns with 5 tracks of dark,
visceral electronic music for the discerning listener. 'Black Hills'
and 'TASC US' kick off the proceedings in fine style - pummeling
drums underpinning harsh blasts of noise and bleak, greyscale
atmospherics, while 'In/Human' and 'B5' on the flip take a different
approach - 2 tracks not aimed at the dancefloor, but both retaining
that cold, claustrophobic feel that characterizes much of Stave's
work. The brooding and sinister 'Stave 17' closes the EP, moving into
exciting new territory with an intensely cinematic sound

About the label:
under the cold stars we dwell
nothing but emptyness in our hearts
divided and alone
while drifting towards an inevitable void
we are dancing
we are dancing as if this void does not exist
and our nakedness is just another protecting shield

About Meer:
Meer is the experimental and ambient project of the techno rave producer Ambre. In between industrial sonorities, occult rhythms, arabic references and electric guitar improvisations, Meer aims to combine the occidental and oriental cultures. Through dark atmospheres inspired by his North African roots,
he composes his first EP on Voidance Recordings, 'Yawm Alhissab, Rabbok Sayakouno Aadowok ».

About the EP:
A1: Rouhk Hia Sada Al Aadam is starting the EP in a frenzy. Drones and blasts of noise are echoing the nothingness buried deep within our souls while constantly pushing hard against battering percussion as if trying to a way out of this agony.

A2: Al Nasr Wa Al Hazima in contrast is an ambient tune, with field recordings and arabic references resembling some kind of solace at first, before turning into a more discomforting mood with a slow and steady beat kicking in after the first third of the track.

B1 Aindama Yahino Al Nar, Kolo Chayin Sawfa Yahtark is raising the tension again, machinegun-like percussion is pushing the track forward, while deep drones are opposing a contemplative mood, thus evoking the feeling of a disaster lurking just around the corner.

B2 The Nastika Remix of Aindama Yahino Al Nar, Kolo Chayin Sawfa Yahtark is turning the original track inside out. The mysterious producer(s) emphasize the more occult parts while piling up layers of layers of sound and in doing so create an even darker mood.

KSMISK drop three atmospheric techno cuts for their second release on Norwayís PLOINK this August.
Made up of Truls Kvam and Robin Crafoord, the Scandinavian duo are well known under their Trulz & Robin moniker and have released on the likes of Prins Thomasí labels Full Pupp and Rett i Fletta, not to mention their own imprints Cymasonic and Cymawax.

ëMagmaí is a deep and mesmerising production that continues to evolve as more elements are incorporated, blending crunchy kicks with serene pads and otherworldly effects.
ëLavaí is a dark and suspenseful number in comparison, establishing a raw hook and ominous nuances at its base whilst sci-fi inspired synths cut in and out of the mix.
Finally, an ebbing beatless track titled ëTuyaí generates a melancholic aesthetic to conclude the release.


Mixmag - September 2017 (Techno Review):
'Seductive stuff from one of our favourite labels (..)
Ploink is fast becomming one of our favourite techno labels, and the Norway-based imprint brings the goods once again with this killer new cut from KSMISK. Magma is probably about as deep as the earth's own magma pools, with a bassline that penetrates every atom of your being as it pulls you into its seductive web.'
9/10

12 Records is back as serious as ever presenting Bogus & Hunter's Bad Runner, with additional remixes on the flip by Melchior Sultana and Deep88, Atmospheric, Lush and Dope...Music!

Having reached double digits on its release roster, Amsterdam-based techno label Format presents its 11th release. And it s a three-piece ensemble by label honcho Juan Sanchez himself

FR011 delivers three techno bombs that perfectly reflect the Format sound. Things kick off with Despite the... , which combines deep grooves to staccato bass pulses designed for peak-time moments. Spanish DJ/producer Aiken delivers a superb remix that is propelled by a nasty industrial groove and coated in dark atmospheres. Closing the release is the sinister In The Dark , which is as deep as it is trippy...

FORMAT second 2017 release is another prime example of the label s coveted sound.

New York's P. Leone is back with the second release on his newly launched E-MISSIONS imprint featuring Work Them Records founder Spencer Parker on remix duties.Born and raised in Brooklyn, where he discovered the legendary Storm Rave parties run by Frankie Bones and Adam X, P. Leone cut his teeth DJing in the Lower East side of Manhattan before making techno himself. Before long the producer dropped his first two releases on Work Them Records, joining a roster spanning Radio Slave, Spencer Parker, Young Male, Anetha and Physical Therapy. E-MISSIONS was then launched in early 2017, acting as a platform for co-founders P. Leone and CAIAZZO with more exciting artists soon to be announced.'Discipline Signals' is dark and robust from start to finish, with 'Functions of Discipline 1' inaugurating the package with resonating kicks, trippy elements and industrial synths. 'Functions of Discipline 2' follows a similar aesthetic but heads into a deeper direction with its cavernous atmospherics and glitch inspired effects, making way for 'Laced' with its sinister drones and tantalising melodies. Spencer Parker then remixes 'Laced', concluding matters with rugged drums, energetic hi-hats and a rumbling low-end.

Soul Deep Recordings and Blade are pleased to present the Blackbird EP. The EP features 2 richly crafted rollers that will rock the dance floor. The title track, "Blackbird", has received support from LTJ Bukem and many other top deejays around the world. The song starts off with a heavy amen break and light background atmospherics. At each turn, the break seems to get heavier as layers are added to the mix. When the bassline drops, the groove is undeniable, and will have your head nodding in approval. The song chugs along and builds to a crescendo with it's epic pads and tasteful atmospherics. "Bella l'amour", is the second offering, and it shows a different side to Blade's diverse productions. The track begins with a light break, airy efx, and chiming keys, that set the backdrop for this tight production. At the drop, the drums fill in nicely and the warm 808 bassline punch through the mix. Overall, Blade delivers big on this release, and will surely satisfy his fans with this slice of D&B heaven.