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2024 Repress

Berlin based Alignment returns to Voxnox for what Italians are best known for: straight and forward-thinking Techno music. Floor orientation with heavy basslines, marching drums and an ever modulating Plug is therefore guaranteed on opening title "Infinity".

Second in order is "Distorted Signal", which specialises on a modulated rhythm with plenty of soundscapes, best up severed for a sweaty Saturday night on a solid sound system, highlighting the many layers and styles on this production work.

The bigger, the better. "Alienist" reminds and also focusses on the classic rave attitudes from the late 90s, with energising synths and an 808-inspired clap programming, ready to heat up the night no matter when and regardless where.

Closing this release is the fourth title "Distance", showing another high-energy production building up epic acid-vibes with various atmospheres just to finally drop them several times par excellence.

This new opus marks a major comeback for Samuel Sanders, who made a name for himself in the 2000s with his first productions alongside Max Walder on Ghoststyle, whose track "Cyclone" was covered by big names such as Ken Iishi, Marco Bailey, Frank Biazzi, Technasia, Marco Carola ... but also on the Invasion label with "Dependance" (N.E.W.S label) and among others on the Kevlar "Illusion" label, where this EP received great support from Dave Clarke, Carl Cox, Chris Liebing ... He also produced alongside Manu Kenton on the Kentek, Frenchtek and Fanatix labels. With N.O.B.A, he returned to production, choosing Vibes Addikt for his comeback.

The A-side "Do You Like ... 2024" is a remake of a track he and N.O.B.A created in 2008 on Reaktion, in a much more Hard Techno version with a spirit all its own.
Side B is dedicated to Samuel Sanders himself and presents his new productions:
B1 "Desolation" a hypnotic spirit with a touch of Acid on the cover for lovers of this spirit
The B2 "Don't Be Afraid" is close to Hard Techno with a more clubby style for fans of this style.

Über drei Jahrzehnte nach ihrer Gründung durch Leslie Mandoki, setzen Mandoki Soulmates mit ihrem Album "A Memory Of Our Future" nicht nur musikalisch neue Maßstäbe, sondern präsentieren ein produktionstechnisches Meisterwerk: Das gesamte Album wurde analog aufgenommen und produziert - vom ersten Ton bis zum fertigen Vinyl. Die Produktion des rund 80-minütigen Konzeptalbums ist ein seltenes Unterfangen in der heutigen Musiklandschaft. Mit durchgehend analoger Signalverarbeitung vom Mikrofon bis zur Vinylpressung ist die Produktion von "A Memory Of Our Future" ein Manifest von Präzision und Leidenschaft, die in jedem Ton des Albums zu spüren ist. Das Mastering des analogen Magnetbandes durch Greg Calbi im renommierten Sterling Sound Studio in New York und der Vinylschnitt in den Emil Berliner Studios sind ein Symbol für die audiophile Exzellenz des Albums. Mit einem Setup, das in der gegenwärtigen Musikproduktion kaum noch zu finden ist, und mit der die Band eine Wärme und Lebendigkeit in ihrer Musik eingefangen hat, die in digitalen Aufnahmen oft verloren geht, haben die Soulmates ein Werk musikalischer Vielfalt geschaffen, das von Prog bis Jazz Rock reicht, und kompositorische Reife, spielerische Leichtigkeit und kunstvolle Solos mit großen Spannungsbögen und tiefgründigen Texten zu gesellschaftspolitischen Themen verbindet. Die generationsübergreifende Supergroup von Rock- und Fusion-Großmeistern mit Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Mike Stern, Al di Meola, Randy Brecker, Till Brönner, Bill Evans, John Helliwell (Supertramp), Cory Henry, Richard Bona, Steve Bailey, Simon Phillips (Toto), Leslie Mandoki, Tony Carey (Rainbow), Nick van Eede (Cutting Crew), Jesse Siebenberg und Mark Hart (beide Supertramp) ruft mit dem Album zum Handeln gegen Spaltung und für Menschlichkeit auf. Mit "A Memory Of Our Future" gelingt den Soulmates eine einzigartige Verschmelzung audiophiler Exzellenz und gesellschaftspolitisch relevanter Musik. Dieses Album ist nicht nur für Fans von Prog und Jazz Rock, sondern für alle, die echte Musik zu schätzen wissen.

Standard version on 2LP black vinyl in gatefold sleeve. ‘Lefto presents Jazz Cats' is back with volume 3 and still doing what it does best: putting you in the front row of what the thriving Belgian jazz scene currently has to offer and revealing a melting pot of the musical talent.



'Lefto presents Jazz Cats' is back with volume 3 and still doing what it does best: putting you in the front row of what the thriving Belgian jazz scene currently has to offer and revealing a melting pot of the musical talent coming out one of the smallest countries in Europe. Never change a winning team they say, so we're happy to have Belgian DJ and eclectic connoisseur Lefto on board again.

Although you expect thecompilation to be talking jazz, volume 3 explores a broader array of styles, genres, and sounds than ever before, arriving at a point where the 'young cats' of today don't bother no more. It may focus on the Belgian scene, but let's face it, seeing the influences, this one could be compiled from all over the world. From the empowering and bittersweet voices of Oriana Ikomo and Adja, over the more acoustic-electronic productions of Moodprint, Ciao Kennedy, Kassius and echofarmer. It's even expanding the Jazz Cats universe to dub and bass-heavy tracks with Kin Gajo and Le Ministère, Ethio-jazz from Azmari, while sending you back to earth with bodies' swirling sax and drums. That saxophone still rings in your ears when you end up in the orbit of the march-like drums of Bodem, Orson Claeys' piano testing your ability to follow him, slamming the breaks to go smooth cruisin' with HONEY (Morricone meets Khruangbin, anyone?), to crashing in a raging tempo on that last track of Bruno x Soet x Moene. And there you are, back with us.



2018's 'Lefto presents Jazz Cats' included tracks from some of Belgium's biggest hitters, including Black Flower, STUFF. De Beren Gieren and Glass Museum who have all gone on to receive global acclaim. The album was given the accolade of 'Album of the Week' on Worldwide FM and also received further radio support from Jazz FM in addition to numerous glowing reviews. The 2022 follow-up 'Jazz Cats volume 2' paved the way for a new generation inspired by its peers, entering another era of very talented individuals and collectives. Maybe even more so than 4 years before. It uncovered a beautiful balance of more established but also obscure musicians and artists. Opening up to electronics and dance, enter bands like ECHT!, Stellar Legions and TUKAN. Thrilling innovative soundscape grooves and jazz fusion with Bandler Ching and L?p?GangGang, not to forget about the weaving musical odyssey that is M.CHUZI. In addition, there's the balanced unease of One Frame Movement, the laidback 'acoustic electronica' of Boombox Experiments, the classic funky jazz stylings of Cargo Mas and cinematic The Brums, all of these have set volume 2 on the map as an essential release for any jazzhead with a passion for new sounds.

Tastemaker, selector, curator, DJ and producer, these words often get mentioned when Lefto's name pops up in discussions. And rightly so. If you've ever had the pleasure to listen to one of his incredible Boiler Room sets or one of his many radio shows, you'll know why. Famed for his gloriously eclectic taste on the decks, he switches effortlessly between hip hop, funk, breaks, neck-snapping beats, future bass, South-American influences, bruk riddims, some wild African rhythms and of course, jazz.

Growing up as a child, his father would have the sounds of jazz flowing through the speakers. Which led him to bars around town to hear the latest jazz ensembles. Falling in love with the genre, he would later refine his knack for record digging and fine ear for music working at Belgium's legendary Music Mania record store in his hometown Brussels. Which makes that Lefto is consistently a couple steps ahead. He doesn't wait for the next thing to land in his lap, but actively seeking it out.

Lefto on Jazz Cats volume 3:
"Another release in less than two years! I am very impressed by the amount of creative "jazz" talent we've managed to compile over the last couple of years. Thanks to the internet, young musicians find inspiration from around the globe and incorporate diverse influences into their work. Given the history and heritage of jazz in this country, it has managed to create a healthy jazz scene supported by festivals, venues, press, and labels. Therefore, I am very proud to present to you the thirdinstallment of Jazz Cats. This compilation is dedicated to the young and hardworking musicians who are the present and the future of Belgium's jazz scene."

This EP could arguably be the peak expression of Filippini's, (aka Enrico “Big City” Filippini) career in Italo-Disco. Without doubt a more polished pinnacle within the genre, elegantly and efficiently conceived, with less grammar mistakes than many of its contemporaries. Downtempo paced in the low 100's, Enrico takes his time with the nostalgic lyrics in confident efforts of mending some questionable past romantic affairs. A production with melancholic nuances that would very deservingly find its place in a mix by the late visionary DJ Zecky for example. The kind of track that could be played 3 times in a row before offending anyone, very digestible to the ear, a delightful pleasure for the less sober soul, to be served with cocktails and high SPF sunscreen, just cruising along.

Now-Again Records presents catalog-wide reissues of Latin music propellant Joe Bataan’s legendary Ghetto Records. Next up in the series - La Fantastica. This brash, big band Latin orchestra from Brooklyn debuted on Ghetto Records with an underground Salsa album which also contains the beguiling, English-language Psychedelic Soul of "Latin Blues." Ghetto Records was Joe Bataan’s way to get over on “The Man” and out of the ‘hood, a bold move by an artist looking for independence and creative control in an industry that had exploited his talents and treated him like chattel. As Bataan puts it today, “Ghetto Records was part of my journey, a stepping stone to everything else that I’ve done. I learned enough that it enabled me to get out of the box with my thinking, it showed me how to deal with adversity.” Like many dreams and schemes born of the street, this one was audacious, perhaps even reckless to a fault. Hatched from desperation yet full of hope Ghetto Records came crashing down shortly after its inception. The seven albums in its discography languished out of print - until now. These are the definitive reissues of these albums, licensed from Joe Bataan, with his oversight and input into a 16 page oversize book by Pablo Yglesias that details Bataan’s larger-than-imagination life and his little Latin label that could.

It's been 32 years since Hyper Go Go's 'High' crashed into life, combining the best of Italo House and rave into an exuberant, floor destroying piano anthem.

Fast forward to 2024 and HOOJ reissue this 92 classic with the Original & Cloud 9 Mixes on the A side with 2 newer remixes on the B side.

Remixes come from Fast rising Scottish duo Testpress, who strip things back a bit, working the original riffs around a thumping kick and hooky new synth line & Kyle Starkey, the youngster takes no prisoners, tearing into the OG with slamming 135bpm drums, big drops, the odd snare roll, and lots of drama, for an energy driven update.

Sol Power Sound is back in a big way with a reissue and remix EP from the legendary Nigerian Ju-Ju king, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. The double A-side EP features 'Eyi Yato' a tune from 1981 that captures Chief Commander and his band at their absolute funkiest, with a driving drum and bass groove, wah-wah guitar, and signature call-and-response vocals. Remixers include the legendary dub producer Mad Professor, the disco don Eddie C, and the Sol Power All-Stars themselves.

The Sol Power All-Stars keep things organic with chugging drums, heavy analog synth bass and sequences, as well as Daniel Meinecke’s additional keys and solos. The Canadian disco don Eddie C goes a little electro and a little acid with his analog bass-heavy flip.
Like a good dub should, Mad Professor’s version accentuates the drum and bass groove and drenches everything in vintage sounding Mad Professor delay, reverb, and filtered dub-sauce, live and direct from his classic mixing desk. Alongside an extended edit of the original, the Eyi Yato EP is sure to find a permanent spot in DJ record bags around the world.

In the annals of German techno history of the early 90s, Mannheim's Milk Club was always something like the dirty little brother between Berlin's Tresor and Frankfurt's Omen - not as cocky as the two big siblings, but secretly all the more clever. Less pretentious than the Äppelwoi metropolis, less dirty than the capital and, despite squaring the circle, less straightforward than both together. Instead, they delight with breakdancers of almost Wigan Casino-like elegance. Very British, even in the musical mix of house, techno and breakbeats, breakbeats, breakbeats. A club like a kind of mother raising the nightclubbers with her milk.

Devi g. pay tribute to this club with their MILK EP. on Pudel Produkte.
Devi g. are Dirk Mantei aka Dman (DJ and former manager of the Milk Club) and Oliver Bradford (one half of Thee Church Ov Acid House and resident DJ at the equally legendary Brückenkopf parties in Mainz). Pudel Produkte because, well, Golden Pudel Club - Legend binding.

A four-part promenade mix is on offer that has it all. It contains house, techno and, yes, breakbeats, breakbeats, breakbeats.

DRIVETRAIN/The Moonlight
A steamy and impassioned orchestration lead by a captivating vocal mantra, tribal percussions and the soundtrack a late night chronicle.

DRIVETRAIN/Moonlight & You
Driven by drums and bass, the jazzy ambience of voice and melodic chord progression sets the stage for a big crescendo.

G-PROD/Moonlight
A wall of mesmerizing pads float fluently atop the velvety, abduction of the dominating groove provided by the rhythm section.

G-PROD/Moonlight (David Duriez Floating Light Mix)
Adding a different spice to the mesmerization, the remix is an intoxicating acid adventure through the frequency spectrum.

Time Splitters is a various artist compilation created and produced by Richmond VA based Deskulling in collaboration with veteran Spanish Town JA artist I Jahbar between 2021 and 2023. This 21 track 50 plus minute Dancehall epic also includes other veteran vocalists such as G Sudden, RDL Shellah, Buddydon, and Darkchild plus newer talents such as Fearless, Longdon, Latty, King Kush and 1 Solar Boss. Alexander West who passed away in 2023 contributes an ethereal and heartfelt album closing performance on “Granny Grenade”. Time Splitters is a sprawling creation that captures a multiplicity of emotions, life complexities, spiritual evocations, and musical dimensions. Deskulling's eclectic productions are rendered to the perfect minimalism and provide a rich and varied platform for vocal performances that move between dark and light, sad and joyful, heavy and soft. A lot of work went into this release over a few years from many people during times of inner and outer complexities, turmoils, and tribulations. This release musically, lyrically, emotionally, represents life's spectrum's fully. Thanks for listening.

NYC dance music legend Joey Longo has been a part of the dance music soundscape for those in the know from way back when, his first records surfacing in 1989 under a variety of monikers and on a slew of labels out of NYC. Some (Cabaret, Loop d'Loop, Foot Stompin') were his own, others (Underworld, Maxi, Minimal) not, but the they always came bearing the credit 'produced by Pal Joey'. Joey hit the heights early on, as one of his earliest records, Dance (as Earth People), went big in dance music terms. If you were raving in the early '90s chances are you will be getting flashbacks from 'Dance', as it was played across a number of scenes. A deeper 'beats' mix features on this gem of an album, his first in over 10 years, along with a perfectly selected blend of classic cuts, new versions and remixes and unreleased wonders. Mastered to perfection, but keeping his raw New York style.

Series 4 of the TELUM sub label, AURUM has arrived!

A different chapter with a similar story to be told - 4 dance floor weapons from good friend of the label, Swoy.

Each track has been making noise around the world with heavy support from some of the biggest names in the industry!

Grab a copy whilst you can!

2023 sees the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne to Wah Wah 45s, after a 24 year hiatus. The man behind the label's very first release, the now seminal Magnetica, never lost his connection with the imprint and has remained very much part of the Wah Wah family, making a comeback this year with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999.

Back in the spring, the first single from the project, the gorgeous soul-jazz beauty Bakeren, featuring the stunning vocals of Resonators' Faye Houston, quickly found a home on Gilles Peterson's internationally renowned BBC Radio 6 show as well as that of Jazz FM legend Robbie Vincent, Bandcamp Weekly and the Fresh Finds Jazz Spotify playlist.

Following that, Bergen Sunrays, became a weekly fixture on the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, with the limited 7-inch of both singles selling out within hours of release.

Next up was the wistful Den Franske Gitaren, a lugubrious soul-jazz piece with drum & bass leanings featuring Bergen based MC and vocalist Aich, which found favour with legends Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova as well as hot Japanese production outfit Dazzle Drums.

This was closely followed by the final single to be taken from the album, the stunning and outspoken vocal jazz waltzer Nada Pode Me Calar (which roughly translates to Nothing Can Shut Me Up!) featuring the sublime talent of Olav Wöllo on vocals and Juno - anotherr big one with Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM and Deb Grant on BBC 6 Music.

And now the full album, entitled The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is available for your aural delectation. Recorded largely during lockdown, the LP is a sophisticated and composed piece of work that sees the Norwegian producer make connections with musicians from across Europe, and some closer to home, to collaborate on this sedate and peaceful collection of songs.

The aforementioned Faye Houston also appears on the soulful, dub flavoured Don't Fall Asleep, a piece of music that explores the feeling of being isolated whilst sharing a mutual love and drive to explore new sonic possibilities.

Elsewhere, Olav Wöllo pops up again too, this time on O Mar E A Lua and once again singing in Portuguese to give this track a certain Tropicalia feel, as Espen explains:

"Olav Wöllo is a close friend, an excellent musician and vocalist, and a capoeira professor here in Bergen. He has spent much of his life living in Brazil and speaks Portuguese fluently. He wrote the lyrics for this tune years ago and had just been waiting for the right collaboration to come along.

We went to his lovely studio out on this remote island, made a massive gyoza meal, had some serious good wine and stayed the whole night to record his vocal harmonies and outspoken lyrics."

The single Bergen Sunrays also appears on the album in instrumental form with featured keys courtesy of London based player Rory More - here entitled Rory's Sunrays. His Lowrey organ adds a more melancholic feel to the track, as it does on the stunning Belle Époque, alongside the ivory work of Eirik Blåsternes - an emotional, contemplative and atmospheric track that was tested and shaped in the eclipse of Covid.

As with Belle Époque, La Psychosomnie is a playful yet explorative cut that examines insomnia, paralysis and hypnosis courtesy of some enigmatic French spoken word spinning around a framework of drums, bass and swirling keys.

And finally, the album offers up an alternative version of the single Den Franske Gitaren, this time featuring Martin Halla, a vocalist out of the Bergen Grieg Jazz Academy and winner of the Norwegian version of The Voice back in 2012! The perfect flip to Aich's more mournful interpretation of this bass and drum future classic.

For the third edition of Oblivium vinyl we present this exclusive project : Carlo di Roma "Subway ep" is an ambition project together two amazing remix from Franco Cinelli and Chktle

naive's 20th release epitomizes what the Lisbon-based label, run by Violet, has become cherished for: imaginative yet timeless, soothing yet moody, melodic yet sonic music. Entitled 'Computer Hermetics', this new record is an EP by UrbnMowgli, a fairly new Berlin-based artist who began releasing music in 2020. The opening track, 'Fast Love Life', is a 145 bpm electro-bred, breakbeat-driven emotive dancefloor banger. It features menacing stabs juxtaposed with beautiful pads and acid-drenched arpeggio motifs that lend it a oneiric quality. 'Oracle Algorithm' picks up the 303 spirit and delves into trippier territories, densening the dreamlike, expansive atmosphere while infusing the record with electro-driven grit. Closing side A is 'Warschauer Rush-Hour', a futuristik, high-tempo twisted electro banger that's both tough and playful. 'Immaterial Desires' inaugurates side B--an ode to adventurous drum programming and intricate sound design in the form of a percussion-punctuated curveball belter. 'Digital Dawn' brings it all back home to the heart and closes the record with its deepest, most immersive moment, giving us big bass lines that alchemically converse with angelic bleepy melodies as if soundtracking a soulful sci fi movie that doesn't exist yet.

The Rave Doctor – a pseudonym of Dave Wallace, who had a huge input and impact in the UK rave, hardcore, jungle and drum & bass scenes under numerous names such as Mad Dog, Fugitive as well as Aquasky, plus many, many others!

This is the second EP under his Rave Doctor alias that was originally released in 1993 on the Southampton label Adrenalin Records, that was run by Stu J (who also had a release on Vinyl Fanatiks a few years back). Featuring the track ‘Ruff In The Jungle’ that went on to become an anthem in Tenerife where 10,000 ravers will all throw their hands up and cheer when its dropped at a festival. I am reliably told that the track is bigger than Liquid’s ‘Sweet Harmony’ over there which came as quite a surprise to Dave who only recently found this out.

All four tunes are anthemic party tracks with that Dave Wallace melodic midas touch. If you like this, then grab a copy of The Rave Doctor ‘Lost In Bass’ EP which is still available via Sequence.

Repress!

New school Italian techno sensation Alignment is back with a third thrilling EP for on Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT label that once again stands him apart.

Alignment's previous outings on the label - the Time EP in April 2020, then his Nothingness EP in November 2020 - made huge impacts. They are standout techno offerings from a young and exciting artist who has quickly risen to the top. He has remained hugely busy in the last 12 months with a wide-ranging sound that takes in everything from old school bangers to trance-tinged rollers via futuristic workouts.

Says label boss Charlotte de Witte, "Alignment's music has been strongly represented in all my livestreams of 2020 and 2021 and I honestly can't wait to finally bring his music and his latest creations on Power EP to the dancefloor. It's made to make you move and I'm very happy to have him on board once again!“

The artist himself adds, "The vibes we shared pre-pandemic on our beloved dance-floors inspired me a lot to create Power EP. I tried to focus on effective and highly energetic, peak-time techno weapons for KNTX011. Signature synths, big stabs and kicks following only one formula - no compromise and four to the floor.”

First up is Power, a high octane track with hard drums, slamming bass and bright synths that cannot fail to get hands in the air. The excellent 'Disconnection' has laser-like synths shooting across the face of the track while big, edgy trance stabs light up the barreling drums from way up above. 'Frequency' is another trance-influenced track that brings peak time energy to stomping and distorted drums. It is an emotive rollercoaster that never lets up and will make a mark on even the biggest dance floors. Last of all is 'Radioactivity' which has scuffed metal textures, crashing drums and strobe-lit synth lines that will turn every party into a rave.

repressed !

● Essential 14 track collection of "WaJazz" music selected and compiled by renowned Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa, owner of the Universounds record store in Tokyo.

● Gatefold 180g heavy double vinyl LP. Comes with extensive track-by-track liner notes by Yusuke Ogawa.

● All tracks licensed by Nippon Columbia, Tokyo, Japan.

● Mastering and lacquer cut by Jukka Sarapää at Timmion Cutting Lab, Helsinki, Finland.

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Universounds, HMV Record Shop and 180g team up for an exceptional release: from blazing hard bop to free jazz, to introspective saxophone solos and massive big band sounds, renowned Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa presents an essential 14 track collection of "WaJazz" music taken from the Nippon Columbia vaults. Featuring Jiro Inagaki, Minoru Muraoka, Hiroshi Suzuki, Hozan Yamamoto, Count Buffalo, Takeshi Inomata, and much more!

"Japanese jazz has been recognized and celebrated by music lovers worldwide for decades. The origins of this trend may be traced back to the rare groove movement that flourished in the 1990s, but its current deep and wide popularity seems to be connected to the fact that Japanese people have been reevaluating their own jazz since the mid-2000s, locally referred to as WaJazz ("Wa" meaning Japan but also theShōwa emperor period, from 1926 to 1989). Since the beginning of the 2000s, there has been a growing trend to move away from the DJ-focused perspective and to appreciate jazz with a deeper understanding. Nowadays, there is more and more interest in the background and roots in which jazz has developed in Japan, with Japanese jazz as a whole now considered as its own distinctive genre.

Of course, even if we speak about "WaJazz" as one genre, there is a truly wide variety of styles within it. However, when Japanese musicians play, there is something uniquely Japanese flowing through that creates a kind of synergy. It may be the melody, the rhythm, or even something deeper, like an inexpressible flicker. I would be happy if some of its charms and secrets emerge from the fourteen tracks included in this collection." (Yusuke Ogawa)

Yusuke Ogawa has been running the Universounds store in Tokyo since 2001, specializing in jazz and second-hand, rare, and collector records. He is also a reissue supervisor, label manager, DJ, and music writer. Known for his vast musical knowledge, eye for detail, and archival skills, Ogawa has worked on more than 250 reissues and compilations – including the highly praised Deep Jazz Reality and Project Re:Vinyl series. He is the co-author of the Wa-Jazz Disc Guide and the Independent Black Jazz of America books.

T-RECS bags another winner with this furiously groovy sparkler. From the start, you have a train hurtling full speed at you in the dark. This track wastes no time at all in setting its stall out – pounding bass drums and high-hat are slowly blended with twisty looped vocals and strings building up – all for the big reveal where the rug is pulled right from under you with that super-powered bassline and heavenly chorus. Best served hot with lashings of strobe, smoke and lasers on the dancefloor. An outstanding, mind-blowing 126bpm monster of a tune.

The rarest and best genuinely outsider soul 45 to come out of America (I know that's a controversial shout), Lee Tracy's super rare single outing from the outskirts of Nashville is a dream of something bigger that never came in time for him. A beautiful, haunting song cut to cassette with help from his friend Isaac Manning (on the Casio). Flipped with an almost unrecognizable version of Whitney Houston's hit "Saving All My Love For You" which stands all tall as what was the original B-Side. Beyond essential cut of outside soul.

Man Power debuts on Rekids with ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ ft Louisahhh. The duo’s first collaboration, a huge spoken vocal house cut, comes alongside three interpretations from Deetron.

DJ, producer, promoter, composer, and cultural agitator Man Power makes his debut on Radio Slave’s Rekids with ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ featuring Louisahhh on 12th April. The first fruits of a long-term friendship see Man Power (Me Me Me/Throne of Blood/Optimo) serving up a stomping, big-room cut that tips its hat to late-90s NY house and serves as a bed for the inimitable Louisahhh’s (RAAR) breathy vocal delivery of classic Prefab Sprout lyrics.

An intimate, spoken-word vocal from Louisahh weaves through a world of vibrant pads and chords. The gorgeous lyricism of their ‘We Trawl The Hurts’ is underpinned by an uplifting and emotive swirl of melody and a rock-steady beat. Man Power’s love of Murk and Tenaglia shines through.

The evergreen Deetron delivers three versions of ‘We Trawl The Hurt’s ft Louisahhh’: a remix that flips the original into a thumping deep techno cut featuring loopy synths and pixelated leads, a stripped-back and powerful dub, and his DJ tool ‘drum and bass’, built for those who like to mix.

It’s True What They Say is the debut EP from Edinburgh-based, husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), aka Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced “McLochlin”).

“Sarah and I both have a love for nostalgia,” explains Shaun. “We watched that amazing old 80’s Sci-Fi, (John) Carpenter movie, Starman, a few months back. Myself and my brother David used to watch it all the time. We must have been, roughly, 5-7 at the time. I remember loving the movie but the end, you know, with the beautiful, atmospheric, synth ending, I love that particular moment the most - best part of the movie, you know, when he goes home… It’s heartbreaking but stunning, all the same. It’s the music that moves you most… It did when I was 5 and it still does to this day. It must have had some form of a (much deeper) impact on me.”

The duo narrates stories across themes of love, hope, family, friends, dreams and sadness - the good that comes with the bad in everyday life, not just on a personal scale but within a community as well.

“Starbed is the first song I have ever written and just came out of the blue really, with Shaun playing a melody and me singing along,” says Sarah. “It’s simple and just about two people in love. Love songs are always the best songs, after all… Music has been a big part of my life from a young age. I was unwillingly dragged to piano and violin lessons, which I’m thankful for now! I’d say the first band I really became obsessed with growing up were the Beatles, and on the back of that a lot of 60s music and fashion. From then on, I had a love for music.”

“Shaun definitely opened my ears to a lot of sounds and got me thinking about soundtracks and all the noises that can be made,” she goes on. “We love just spending time experimenting in the house with instruments, pedals etc and Ali is a real magician to work with, too…”

The recordings took place over the summers of 2022 and 2023, with fellow Delta Mainline member Ali Chisholm (aka Jaguar Eyes) plus long-term friend and collaborator Gavin King. Further collaboration then came via the ‘net from the (international) likes of Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty), Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz) and Daniel Land (The Modern Painters), among others (see a full list of credits below).

Both Sarah and Shaun have a love for uber-soundtrack producers such as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter, Cliff Martinez plus live acts such as Beach House, Spiritualized, M83, Suicide, Moby and OMD (to name a few). Shaun also credits the work of Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (from Survive) on the Stranger Things score… “Even a moment in a movie, whether it be just 30 seconds during a particular scene, it grips you,” he says. But there’s something much deeper at play as well. “Music is a healer,” he goes on, “and I write from my own perspective but more so for others. Once I've done my bit, it doesn't belong to me any longer. It belongs to whoever wants it or needs it.”

The result is a cinematic, synth-wavey, dream poppy and downright beguilingly beautiful body of work. And they’re just getting started…

REVIEWS/RADIO/FEEDBACK:

“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part Human League. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON
"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN
"Woozy pop" NEMONE (Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)
"Nice one, very David Lynch meets Euro dream pop" YOUTH (Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, U2, The Orb, Spiritualized etc)
"Music sounds killer! Real emotion” DAVID HOLMES
"I’m enjoying it” TIM BRINKHURST aka LONDON (IKLAN, Young Fathers, Callum Easter)
“Oh, this is lovely!” SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"It’s totally my cup of tea with milk and biscuit" BRENT RADEMAKER (Beachwood Sparks/GospelBeach)
"Beautiful, ecstatic electronica! Short and to the point" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized, Julian Cope, Soulsavers, BE)
"Makes me wanna sit in the sun and sip an Arnold Palmer" CHRIS DIXIE DARLEY (Father John Misty)
“Really beautiful - Cocteau Twins / Spiritualized vibes but has its own thing going on, too - worth checking out!” JULIAN CORRIE (Franz Ferdinand, Miaoux Miaoux)
‘Sounded nice on a sunny day, makes me think of Twin Peaks, nice moods’ EAMON HAMILTON (Sea Power)
"Dealing in nostalgia, no bad thing at all, great to play that (Dust Tears) for you” RODDY HART (BBC Radio Scotland)
“I'll give the vocal tracks a spin before the release." VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio Scotland)
"Rather good!" IAIN ANDERSON (BBC Radio Scotland)

CREDITS:

Lyrics, Guitars, Keys, Synths, Drums, Drum Programming, Percussion, Mandolin, Glockenspiel: Shaun McLachlan
Lyrics, Vocals, Keys by Sarah McLachlan
Guitars, Synths, String Arrangements, Drum Programming, Engineering: Jaguar Eyes Percussion/Drums/Effects, Fire Extinguisher: Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz)
Guitars by Daniel Land
Slide Guitar by Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty)
Brass by Bruce Michie
Keys, pre-production & engineering on “It’s true what they say”: Gavin King
All produced by Jaguar Eyes and Shaun McLachlan and then mixed at Glasgow’s Chem19 Studios by David McCaulay (From Scotland With Love, Rick Redbeard, BBC TV’s Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard score).
Artwork: Jamie Walman (Fourteen Admirals)

MORE INFO:

Although Shaun released a pair of solo singles (When We Dance and Give Your Love To Me) during Lockdown, he will be better known to many via his work as the multi-instrumentalist in Edinburgh band Delta Mainline. With two albums released to date, Oh! Enlightened and Bel Avenir, both rapturously received by fans and critics alike, Delta Mainline have developed an international, cult following. Oh Enlightened (2013) achieved widespread critical acclaim on release, earning the band comparisons to Arcade Fire and Echo & The Bunnymen, while 2019’s Bel Avenir pulled in references to The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and krautrock. A third DM album is currently being mixed and due for release later this year…

For our 50th release on Delusions Of Grandeur we're pleased to bring you seven exclusive tracks from a mighty-fine collection of both existing DOG artists and veritable newcomers alike.
Kicking off Part One we have Rush Hour regular Nebraska who manages to successfully combine elements of wait for it... trance and broken beat into an altogether more exciting and amazing way than that actually sounds on paper. Organic, sampled drums with plenty of grit and dirt lay down a groove whilst spacey synth arps and an almighty break (in a subtle way) make this something of an epic which all of us here have fallen for in a big way.
Quintessentials and Kolour LTD favourite Ugly Drums steps up next digging deep in his seemingly bottomless collection of brilliant of disco and soul to mine some killer samples and conjuring up a masterclass in deepest ravehouse in the process.
Rounding off Part One DOG mainstays and bona fide Retreaters Session Victim do what they do best on Came To Be Alive, turning in a completely blissed-out, dusty soul jam tailor-made as much for cozy nights in front of a log fire as for antipodean BBQ's under a hazy sun.

Ukrainian vinyl label ARTREFORM significantly raises the stakes as its important anniversary (a soon-to-be-released 50th record) is gradually approaching. ARR048 is a double record, including three original tracks by Romanian producer Funky Trip and four Barac, Petit Batou, Lorgu, and Lukea remixes. ARTREFORM's founder, Kyiv DJ and sound producer JOSS, obviously trusts and bets on Funky Trip's talents, and this bet looks set to play out big time. Nicolae Catalin Cimpoier (Funky Trip's actual name) is a notable representative of the new
wave of the Romanian electronic scene that catapulted many stars to global fame. Thanks to a series of successful releases on Rawax Music and Stamp Records Paris, this Bucharest musician perfected his recognizable sound of crystal-clear minimal house, embellished with warm emotions and exquisite, shimmering melodies. Now it's high time Funky Trip transitioned to vinyl!

The second part of ARTREFORM's latest double vinyl release captures a new Romanian electronic scene star, Funky Trip, presenting a track called "Magic Woman." Just like femme fatale encounters often tend to, this occasion leaves one too many questions unanswered. Funky Trip's signature minimal house maintains tension through a looped leitmotif while the rhythm section and spacious ambient pads gradually trick the listener in. "Magic Woman" has the appeal of an ideal "second track" in the mix, the one intriguing enough yet leaving space for further narrative development. Funky Trip's delivery is delightfully contrasted by a beautiful remix by Lorgu that brings to the table an atmospheric, groovy house with many small nuances. The next track, "Les Voix," is another collaboration with Mia Zedan and a perfect specimen of ARTREFORM's sound pedigree: a powerful bass line coupled with an energetic and inventive tech house beat. However, its full depth of immersion takes effect via a remix by Lucas Morello, known as Lukea. His sci-fi-infused vibes of cosmic alienation and observation elevate this remix to the adornment of this Romanian-French-Ukrainian fruitful
creative collaboration.

Early support: Barac, NTFO, Lukea, Sam Farsio.

Next up on Curtea Veche’s serii speciale we have the legend that is Reboot ! 3 groovers for the dancefloor , tried and tested by some of the biggest names in the buisness!!
transparent 12”vinyl

Lucinee debuts on Brvtalist S.R. with a striking new 12″ EP of future forward techno. “Pacemaker” contains 3 original tracks of the artist’s razor sharp sound and one big collab track with Lifka and New Frames.
Artwork & Layout: Luca Hinrichs
Mastering: Conor Dalton at Glowcast Audio
All tracks written, produced and mixed by Lucinee
B2 written, produced and mixed by Lucinee, Lifka, New Frames

The harmonious nature of creation, the search for symmetry, the perpetual motion of bodies. Characteristics that amplify the sensations when we face something bigger than ourselves. In the same way, the lake reveals itself as a mirror for the soul, and the carp begin to flow into our soul, bringing out some "Distance Problems", able to be filled only with music.

KOI008 is brought to you by the enigmatic yet oniric outer-world creator S.O.N. with three mesmerizing original tracks. On the remix duties, Romanian superstar Sublee delights us with his take on "Vanessa", in front of which we must only surrender.

The third in a series of self-released Liquid Earth Physical Records, “Three Dimensional Rocker” is a sonic cheese plate for the dedicated dancer.

The 12” navigates through four robust club tunes, surely an expected outcome from the seasoned Californian producer. From Aside titles’ full throttle funkery to the equally nauseating floor fillers on the flip, LEP003 is one big kahuna.

RAWAX re-issues the former Unleash009 by Robert Drewek & Tomie Nevada - Minimize The Maximum EP from 2006.

This release became a big push after being played by Francesco Del Garda & Raresh to name a few.

The re-mastered version will be out 1st of June.
Don't feed the Discogs Sharks!

2024 Repress

The year could not be complete without having a new release from the man behind the hat - KÖLSCH. He returns to SPEICHER following a phenomenal year of touring that took his DJing from the top of the Eifel Tower to the main stage of Tomorrowland. His IPSO imprint evolved into a global event and he released together with TIGA 'HAL', one of the biggest tracks of this summer.

For SPEICHER 106, he takes an unexpected turn with EMOTICON. Found sounds take on new sonic form and the result is an unconventionally unique groove odyssey. LITTLE DEATH is anything but tragic or small. A choir chant explodes over top of an enchanting house beat which elevates over time to an almighty apex that we have learned to love and rely on from KÖLSCH.

Mode_1 Reclaim EP by DIG Records

Cover // Augmented reality by Omer Avarkan


********************************AUGMENTED REALITY COVER ***********************************

After a stellar debut release in 2023, vinyl-only label Dust in Grooves, sees its anticipated second EP Reclaim, showcasing one of Dublin's gleaming underground talents Mode_1. Establishing DIG as a progressive sonic platform, founder Olivia Mendez is also curating a series of dynamic augmented reality covers for each EP. Adding more layers into the sound experience of the Reclaim vinyl is motion designer and visual artist Omer Avarkan.


Mode_1's dedication to uncovering layers of tough but rhythmic grooves, both as a DJ and a producer, has led him to make a mark on legendary techno imprints such as Knotweed, FiedelTwo, Truncate and Naked Lunch. Staying true to his advancing, dynamic sound laid with dexterous technique, Robert Kavanagh delivers a collection of four ominous tracks, pulsating with incandescent pads and pacey drums.


The EP opens with the relentless and driving Sigma, setting the tone for a swiftly moving ride across the record. With playful shifting of gears and jacking rhythms, the A2 flows into the next track Dusty Room, utilising the bleepy pitches in contrast to the expansive spheric tones, offering an energetic boost of a melodic techno work-out, with hints of sharp dub edges.


Reclaim on B1 highlights the versatility of Mode_1, comprising multi-layered scales, evolving spiral sounds and a build-up of reverberating tones that escalate with poise. As a closing track of the record, Platform 8 is one of those B2 sides that you keep reaching out to. This ultimate big-floor tool is loaded with advancing movement, keys with mystical undertones, and depth of texture that play with the infinite nature of the number eight.


Unlocking the animated cover of the EP and seeing it come to life virtually, adds a new dimension to the classic format of the vinyls. To unlock its motion, follow the riddle on the back.


All tracks mastered by Nihad Tule.


Words by Lora Mateeva, Orb Mag

GALACTICA MUSIC Launches for all Ravers, invaders and techno music Lovers.

After a big success, GALACTICA FESTIVAL decides to create a Record Label where can express his vision of music.

This discographic adventure starts with a V.A. Series called ''ICARIUS'' where great artists with techno cuts on many shades are brought together.

The label presents a 12-track VA (double vinyl) where you can find all the best of the techno scene, ranging from electronic to industrial, acid break and hard techno.
Not a Monothematic V.A., but a right compilation that encloses the essence of techno with all its shadows and variations.

2024 Repress

Introversion Created A Name For Himself With His Remarkable Debut With The First Record On The Label, The Record Is Still In Rotation Today, And Surely Will Be Part Of The Rave Scene For A Big Timespan, He Is Back With A Complete 12", Providing His Ravy Personal Sound Reminiscence To The 90's, Now More Than Ever The Artist Is Defining His Own Sound, Creating A New Window Following The Old And Good Roots.

Record Kicks presents "Brothers & Sisters / This is You" a limited edition 45 from Gospel-soul sensational Michelle David & The True-Tones forthcoming album. The 45 is limited to 500 copies on clear transparent vinyl.

This "double-sider" 45 features on the A side "Brothers And Sisters", the first single and title track of the upcoming album, a Marvin Gayesque uptight 70 soul stormer able to set every dancefloor on fire. The B-side is no exception with the blue-eyed soul stomper "This Is You".

The awaited album follows their 2022 full length "Truth & Soul", which was named one of the Albums of the Year at BBC Radio 6. Raised in New York in a church, Michelle David started singing at the age of four and joined her first group, The Mission of Love, when she was five. During her career, she toured the world with Broadway musical "Mama", contributed to successful theatre shows such as "The Sound of Motown", "Glory of Gospel" and "Mahalia" and recorded for artists such as Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. This all happened before releasingsix critically acclaimed gospel-infused albums with the True-Tones.

Michelle David & The True-Tones know how to put on a glowing evening of classic soul. With their upbeat grooves, powerful vocals, and strong melodies, they have already conquered many festivals and numerous clubs. Having played renowned Dutch festivals such as Pinkpop and North Sea Jazz, the band toured from Spain to Scandinavia, leaving memorable impressions wherever they play; delivering an unforgettable live experience. In addition, the band's discography has also been praised; receiving an Edison nomination (the Dutch Grammy), while their previous record "Truth & Soul" was named Album of the Month on FIP radio in France and Album of the Year at Craig Charles' BBC Radio 6 Music show. The group did numerous radio and TV performances and were even invited to play their music on the biggest National TV show during the Winter Olympics 2022.

Pure unadulterated boogie fire from the Gold Mink vaults, which combined the power of James Bedford with the production genius of Roy Ayers back in ’81. With original copies trading hands for £150+ it’s high time a remastered and officially licensed reissue came around.

A firm favourite of the likes of Mr Scruff and Sadar Bahar, ‘Just Keep My Boogie’ is that uplifting slice of boogie that is a tried and tested dancefloor bomb. The brightest of funk keys dance around delicious little guitar licks as those infectious vocals burrow their way into your brain.

Take to the B side for another staple, and go-to gem, for some of the biggest around including, Antal, Hunee, Ge-ology and Sadar Bahar. ‘Happy Music’ is one of those funk-heavy, mesmerising cuts that seemingly evaporates all prior worries and instantly injects the urge to dance, no matter the scenario.

Two certified must-haves on either side of a 12 inch, gold for sure.

Licensed from Uno Melodic Records, Inc, courtesy of Expansion Records.