Cerca:dr beat

The second instalment from London Odense Ensemble digs deeper into the group's vision of what modern psychedelic jazz should sound like. Cut from the same sessions as Jaiyede Sessions vol. 1, released last summer, vol. 2 presents a more nuanced approach to the material. On this set the ensemble focuses on shorter, layered pieces - travelling from deep spiritual jazz grooves to gorgeous free-flowing minimalism to full-on acid jazz. There's echo-drenched flutes being absorbed into layers of analog synth pads and guitars, bossa beats and double bass sequences merging with electronics. It’s an intoxicating mélange of sounds and styles, spanning wide temporal and geographical distances. London Odense Ensemble came together when two of the finest exponents of London's flourishing jazz scene, flautist and saxofonist Tamar Osborn and keyboard specialist Al MacSween, came over to Denmark to explore new sounds with Causa Sui's Jakob Skøtt and Jonas Munk, as well as local bass player Martin Rude. For two days the group laid down grooves and ideas and experimented in the studio, and later the best segments were edited and mixed by Jonas Munk, who took a somewhat liberal approach to the mixing process, often dyeing the material with external effects and synthesizers. Jaiyede Sessions are the kinds of records that defy genre-terms, yet have its own instantly recognizable fingerprint. It carries a unique shared vision between the players of what modern psychedelic jazz sounds like. bios: Tamar Osborn: Saxophonist, composer and multi-wind instrumentalist is the creative force behind modal jazz ensemble Collocutor (On The Corner Records). She is a member of the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, performs and collaborates regularly with Sarathy Korwar, Jessica Lauren, Emanative, Ill Considered and DJ Khalab. Al MacSween: Keyboard player & founding member of Kefaya. Collaborations include American jazz legend Gary Bartz, Syrian qanun master Maya Youseff, London Community Gospel Choir, Palestinian jazz singer Reem Kelani & kora player Kadialy Kouyate. Martin Rude: Multi-string instrumentalist & lead singer in Sun River & Edena Gardens with members of Papir & Causa Sui. Jakob Skøtt: Drummer in Causa Sui with a slew of side projects on El Paraiso, including Chicago Odense Ensemble, as well as being responsible for the label’s visuals. Jonas Munk: Guitarist in Causa Sui & studio wizard on most releases on El Paraiso. Also works with a wide palette of electronic music.

Soela is the DJ and production alias of Elina Shorokhova, a Russia-born Berlin-based experienced pianist and vocalist who has made a hugely impactful transition into electronic music. Having released material on such labels as Kompakt, Dial, Shall Not Fade, Lost Palms, E-Beamz, Red Ember Records, Sushitech, and others, Soela joins the ranks of Scissor & Thread for this exquisite album - Dark Portrait.
The album opens in a typically understated manner with Unsuitable - a melancholic trip-hop adjacent track that sets the tone for the next 8 pieces. As Soela explains, “I was dealing with some very complex feelings, so I came up with this album, which helped me not to despair, to work on myself, to grow internally, and to start listening to myself. It helped me to keep sane when my country invaded Ukraine with a full scale war. It absolutely broke my heart, and music was one of my main salvations.”
This complex mix of emotions plays out across the album with tracks that utilize her beautiful musicality (Through the Windows feat. Francis Harris and Philipp Priebe, Drowning feat. Module One) and ear for details with skittering beats, ambient soundscapes (Spirits, Lost In The Fog) and lose-yourself dancefloor moments such as the collaboration with Lawrence on February Is Not Going To Be Forever. The title track Dark Portrait combines dubby elements with affecting pads and melodic touches, while the lead single Even If I Ask You Stay delves into multiple feelings around escaping toxic situations, and battling depression. It features a powerful vocal from Soela supported by a deeply affecting arrangement. The closing track The Darkest Hour Before Sunrise brings a sense of hope and light, balancing subdued keys and strings with ethereal tones and atmospheres

Delphic Iris Records is pleased to announce the release of Drox's debut solo 12” EP, "Hexameter." This EP features a high energy remix by 16 Faces, adding a distinct clattering 160 bpm 808 beatdown to the collection.

“Hexameter” brings together a diverse range of sounds,
from machine funk and intricate acid lines to engaging detroit-styled dystopian and alien-like synth scapes. Each track offers a unique auditory experience, inviting listeners to explore new otherworldly sonic territories.

Drox emphasizes rhythmic interplay throughout the EP, with a strong focus on groove. The use of rhythmic hexameters and their accents creates a series of tough, dancefloor-focused electronic groove tools.

Introducing "Faith in Another EP” by Christian Kroupa – a captivating blend of raw, hypnotic, big room ready techno. Presented by Bardo Records, a boutique record label from Ljubljana, this vinyl EP marks their very first physical release, showcasing the talent and ambition of the music producer behind it.

With this release, Christian Kroupa who is known for his innovative and insatiable drive, returns to his roots of techno with a refreshing approach. Embracing a non-mainstream sound, he dives deep into the essence of this genre, redefining its boundaries with each track.

"Faith in Another" takes listeners on an immersive journey, showcasing Kroupa's ability to create intricate layers of pulsating beats and electrifying melodies. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke a medley of emotions, inviting all listeners to explore its uncharted sonic territories.

With a dedication to preserving the richness of techno's inviting sound, Faith in Another promises to captivate a broad audience of music lovers. Loose yourself in the pulsating beats and allow the hypnotic melodies to transcend.

Brixton based polymath Simon Jefferis has been setting mouths ajar with his expertly crafted, atmosphere-heavy beats over the past few years. With his reputation as both a talented instrumentalist, and adaptive producer steadily circulating through the city’s hip-hop undercurrents, 2020 sees Jefferis return to rising label DeepMatter with his debut LP Vibrations.

From the golden era energies of ‘Back 2 Ours’ featuring Austin’s Abhi The Nomad, through to the silky-smooth melodies of ‘White Rabbit’ (featuring the incredible Rosie Lowe on vocals) and shoulder swaying rhythms of ‘Something In The Water’, ‘Vibrations’ is an expertly crafted production masterclass from start to finish. With ease, Jefferis demonstrates the breadth of his musical capabilities, turning his hand to guitar, keys, drums and bass (with a little help from his friends along the way) with incredible results. Head nod inducing beats, jazz infused keys and interweaving make this a standout record amongst the already sonically rich London jazz scene.

Raining Heart is a studio project originally created by the German musicians Peter Heckmann and Tobias Freund in 1986 in Frankfurt. Very much in the same vein as Art of Noise with its studio sound experimentalism, but with a Kraut edge to it. If there was one track that could be played for everyone at the G20 Summit whilst on LSD in hopes of achieving world peace, it might be “Raining Heart”, the first track on this EP, it’s just one of those tracks that makes you wonder what these people were eating for breakfast at the time. Nothing technically mind blowing, just crafted to perfection in terms of all the elements coming together in therapeutic beauty, (also clearly exposing Peter’s relationship with theatrical production). A downtempo chugger with the dreamiest of sounds, effortlessly transporting the listener to another dimension, the vocals are unthinkable, by Yucca Rose, an East Javanese Jazz singer, almost as if she was broadcasting from a radio station in a parallel universe. “Alien Beat” takes a more aggressive turn into some kind of neo rock direction generously decorated with a wide range of studio tricks that might have been ground breaking at the time. B-side offers two new remixes by Castro, a “K-hole Collage” version of “Raining Heart” taking the original theme to another dubbed out realm, and a “Bonus Beat” extension of “Alien Beat” that dissects the key elements of the original track in efforts to develop a more dancefloor oriented DJ tool. Remastered with original artwork.

Welcome on Vibes Addikt !!
Label Owned by N.O.B.A, An artist with a large number of tracks that have been lucky enough to top the Beatport Top 100, but also the support of big names such as Amelie Lens, Mark Sherry, Nusha, Frankyeffe, Klaudia Gawlas, Frank Biazzi, Charlotte De Witte, Mha Iri, Sebastian Groth, Steve Shaden, Yves Deruyter ... and many more...

This 3rd Vibes Addikt present Dimitri Cooman
Belgium Techno and Hard Techno artist who play on all events from the legendary Cherry Moon Club (Lokeren.Be)

Born near Brussels, Dimitri fell in love with music early on.
The interest in house –and techno music grew since the start of going out to small venues and raves at the age of 16.

Soon he visited one of the mayor Belgian clubs, Cherry Moon, there everything changed.

Impressed by the "the club, the people, the music" he quickly fell in love with 'The House of House' and that love for the club would not change until this day.
During this period he started mixing himself, playing the music he loved from his homebase.

Since a while ago he is an official resident and one of the driving forces behind the Cherry Moon events, runs the techno imprints Cherry Moon Records & Nachtkabarett Recordings, manages the brand and parties of 'Techno Avenue' and tours with all of this all over Belgium whilst also playing on numerous techno events.

His EP's and remixes have also been released on Cherry Moon Records, the Berlin based Db130,the italian labels No Response Records and SMR Underground, Strohm Records, Dark Distorted Signals, Bonzai & Ithica Records, Sonaxx Records and soon Reload Records, DIKI records and Vibes Addikt.

He present on Vibes Addikt "Vanished Technologies" an Underground EP including a remix from Fhase87, French Artist who have support by Mark Broom, Ben Sims, Dj Rush ... and others big name

EP already supported by Frank Biazzi, Frauleinz, Samuel Sanders ... and many more

Thoughtforms: BLUE marks the second installment of this new project by Z@p. The A-side kicks off with "E-Blue," a powerful, immersive journey of almost 9 minutes filled with acid techno sounds and epic vibes. The B-side ventures deeper with "Phantom," showcasing an introspective vibe driven by a massive bassline. Closing the EP, "Stomper" unleashes strong, dark electro energy, with its relentless beats and haunting melodies creating an intense and captivating atmosphere.

“We kick the label off with our inaugural release from label head Drum Dance; an eclectic four-tracker opening with ‘Zani!’, an outernational cosmic head-nodder meets Chicago footwork influenced ode to the great Zani Diabaté. Low-slung Latin flavoured boogie number ‘Body Heat’ switches up the tempo but keeps those limbs moving with its percussive four-to-the-floor beat, steamy disco vocals and jazzy keys. 80s jazz Balearic goes to Kingston for a bass-heavy dub makeover on ‘Venus Dub 2’.

Signing things off is ‘Adan On Dòt Soley’, a personal dedication to the beautiful country of Gwadloup. A common farewell in the local tongue, it translates poetically as “until another sun”. The track begins with off-kilter spaced-out synths and emerges into a dubby percussive jam featuring the gorgeous keys of Andy Wileman. Field recordings capturing glimpses of birds singing, waves lapping and the sound of gwo ka on the beach close things out, until another sun.”



Full sleeve artwork printed on reverse board
Mastered and cut by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering
Pressed and printed by The Vinyl Factory

Tysher returns with another melodic super smasher EP on his own imprint. His affection for emotional and mysterious tracks became well known in the scene. He continues improving his signature sound with every further release he is reaching out. This EP is full of haunting melodies, driving beats, and ethereal atmospheres. Immerse yourself in a journey of sound & emotion with release no.4 from Tysher Records.

Comes as super limited grey, red & black splattered Collector Edition.

microCastle’s second offering of 2024 welcomes Upercent back to the label for a new EP. Since first appearing in 2011, Valencia based sound architect Upercent has developed a distinct brand of electronic futurism. An enthusiastic attitude towards experimentation, coupled with extraordinary creative vision has made the Spaniard one of the more unique artists to emerge in the last decade. Upercent’s first microCastle project, 2018’s 'Vuit', not only served as the imprint's second ever vinyl release, but continued the Valencia resident’s mission to create contemporary club tools and destabilizing sound explorations. Seemingly in constant motion moving forward, Upercent would go on to record projects for Diynamic, Kompakt and Watergate, amongst others, firmly establishing his place amongst the underground’s premiere talents. Now more than five years on from this elusive string of projects, it has been Habitat, Innervisions, Sum Over Histories and TAU which have been vehicles for his creative swell over the last two calendar years, reminding us of the niche he carved out during his initial rise, as he continues to maneuver himself through the confines of electronic music. With 2024 being highlighted by ‘Falling’, a two-track collaborative project with Germany’s Adana Twins, Upercent now returns to microCastle with ‘Persevere’.

Beginning with the organic monochromes of ‘Oracle’, Upercent’s craftsmanship reveals itself across the slow-burning piece, one where funked-up beats and rubbery basslines get peppered with skittering rhythms, thought provoking vocal samples and glitched-out electronics. Its subdued yet swing-heavy suspense while perfect for an astute dancefloor, also acts as an ideal segue into the hopeful qualities of ‘As It May See’. Paul Brenning’s vocals feature here, falling like raindrops atop woody kick drums and clustered sonics, eventually giving way to an interlude of soulful phrasing, coaxing beautifully with granular textures and ghostly swirls of wind, before tastefully moving forward as panoramic arps emerge for a mesmerizing finale.

Upercent’s distinct aesthetic continues on the fourth selection ‘Cult’. Perhaps the most direct composition on the EP, its six-minute running time quickly sets you adrift in a techno-inspired wasteland of deconstructed vocals and retro chord stabs. Both intimate and wide-ranging, it's a series of crystal-like drones which engulf your attention whole, creating a sombre, ceremonial backdrop for misty glitches and fog-like swells to create a scenic storyboard. Reverberating hits and twitchy rhythms fill the space of closer ‘Blau Cel’, a production where Upercent crafts a trek through mountainous dancefloor trails. Unbound by gravity, orchestral gestures sweep across mossy plains and frost-filled sighs, offering listeners another immersive journey into the uncharted realms of musical expression.

Deep dive into Tom Roland's latest vinyl release ‘Exposure’. Crafted with precision, this collection of tracks is the fusion of driving beats, infectious rhythms, and fresh production.


A Side:
Exposure - Let the grooves take you on a journey through rolling bassline, crisp hi-hats, and hypnotic synth loops. This opener sets the tone with its lush synths and crafted drops.


Free Ride - This track delivers a raw, unfiltered groove straight from the heart of the 90’s scene. With its chunky beats and hypnotic loops, it’s designed to keep the dancefloor moving.


B Side:
K2000 - Dive deeper with this moody track that brings an edgy vibe to the release. With driving beats, subtle melodies and a touch of acid influence.


Zero Control - Closing out the vinyl with this groove-laden cut, featuring rolling bass, melodic elements and dynamic percussion. It's the kind of track that builds and builds, creating an irresistible urge to dance.


Each track is offering a rich palette that reflects the depth and diversity of the genre. This vinyl is a tribute to the timeless sound that continues to inspire.


Only 200 copies.

“Shelter Twins”, the musical encounter of likeminded friends Mirlaqi & Yann Longchamp, is devoted to meaningful grooves to be savored on the dancefloor or at home. With vibes ranging from oriental nu beat to deep house and pianistic dnb, the six tracks weave an authentic sonorous journey. Thanks to its dramatic tones combined to a banging nu beat dynamics, “Le Jardin Noir” opens the album with style. Follows the eponymous track “Shelter Twins”, a fast paced deep house banger from outer space. “L’Autre Monde” closes the A-side with a more percussive beat. The B-side focuses on more introspective tones with Exil, a pianistic liquid drum and bass, Le Dernier Voyage, a heart-breaking ambient trip and Phendrana Memories, a final leap into dream house.

With the beautiful cover created by fainek, this album marks the entrance into Wise Bird’s mythology.

" In 2022, Guts brought together his musical family for his ‘Estrellas’ album. An ambitious project that brought together musicians from: Franc, Cuba and various African countries. For a journey that was as rich artistically as it was humanly. The list of superlatives was almost endless, "Formidable", "incredible", "unforgettable" and "magical" all thrown into the pot, during these magical moments in the Dakar studio. From the seventeen tracks heard on the original album, three have been entrusted to the expert and inventive hands of four producers, who have come up with new interpretations bringing Africa and the Caribbean together for a modern dancefloor.

‘Por Que Ou Ka Fe Sa’ (Poirier Remix)
From his studio in Montreal, Canadian Poirier has opted for a strong groove and relentless bass drum to keep out intruders, putting vocalists David Walters and Brenda Navarrete in a rhythmic cocoon. Accompanied in a slightly moody bassline that adds some driving muscle to the track. The hooky guitar line eventually gives way to the saxophone that emerges from the mix to parade around the front line. The original electric piano is replaced by a synth pad that loops and spins driving the track to its conclusion.

‘Por Que Ou Ka Fe Sa’ (David Walters Remix)
Before recording this track, David Walters and Brenda Navarette didn't even know each other. So in the magic of the moment that brought them together is a genuine and sincere artistic bond. It is no longer Guts but David who is at the musical helm, and before they too can savour the connection between the two artists, the dancers will have to pass through an overheated corridor where a Caribbean rhythm resonates with percussion. Digital and woodwind swirl and clash until the vocal encounter with the artists. It's a moment of respite that's as suspended as it is life-saving, because the exit is also via the famous corridor.

‘San Lazaro’ (Bosq Remix)
On Bosq’s mix, he’s opted to maintain things focused on the dancefloor, keeping the percussion persistent for the unleashed bodies of the dancers to smile. It's once again the walking bass line rises to the forefront of the groove, softening the shocks of the relentless kick drum. Roberto Valdes's timeless piano has disappeared, while guitars float and add to the atmosphere. The track is no longer awash in cigar smoke. Under Akemis's powerful vocals the low ceiling has disappeared, and the open roof is more a brass-lit spectacle. That doesn't make things any less overheated though, this one is sweaty until the end.

‘Medewui’ (Captain Planet Remix)
Captain Planet brings the dancer’s attention to the Afrobeat flavored jam that rocked the original, highlighting the Pat Kalla & Assane Mboup duet. Despite the track remaining mid tempo, laying back is no longer the order of the day as this mix really develops. The drums are more present jolting along with the organ in the first half. Once all the storytellers have taken their microphones, the rhythmic beats are doubled and the track is carried towards a frenzy of Afro-Latin dancing. Fired up by the brass and percussion, it’s this almost switch up that takes hold of the second part of the tune, with some righteous authority and relentless piano and trumpet."

Adam Beyer continues his elite studio form with ‘Ghost Kiss’.

The boss has been enjoying the most prolific production period of his career in recent times, while reinforcing his sonic range in the process. Recent highlights have included his standout ‘Let’s Begin’ EP which mined classic Drumcode influences, while his remix of Sharam’s PATT (Party All The Time) with Green Velvet and Layton Giordani showed a different side to his repertoire, and delivered his first overall Beatport no.1 along the way.

His latest three-track offering ‘Ghost Kiss’, continues the creative purple patch. The title track sounds like a techno outtake from ‘Requiem for a Dream’s’ soundtrack, deliciously unsettling and striking. This was made for big moments, propelled by a commanding vox that urges us to move our bodies. ‘Pilot’ shows Beyer’s musical breadth and commanding sound design, taking in elements of synth wave and indie pop all within a driving techno context. A captivating listen. The finale ‘Jack’, continues the inspired sonic referencing; a narrative-led dancefloor jaunt that takes in subtle elements house and electro, with Beyer’s unique twist.

Hailing from Denmark, CTRLS takes the steering wheel for KEY042, delivering an EP that embodies techno and raw industrial energy, marking his third appearance on the label.
The A-side begins 'ectomagnetic', a highly rhythmical track building through layers into a dreamy chord progression thats traddles the line between eyes-closed fantasia and full-body pump. In the midst of it all, the bassline drags our attention as its earthy, round essence stands out from the metallic universe created around it. A2 'injection shuffle' is a heavy hitter, characterized by distorted, ringing textures and old-school methodology, boasting menacing drum programming thatsolidifies its status as a peak-time big room monster. Continuingon the B, 'subsumed' offers another mystical journey blending body music with spaced-out melodies, all stamped with CTRLS's unmistakable touch. A sort of sci-fi tension, eerily drawing listeners into its other worldly atmosphere. Closing with 'nanocaust', the EP dives into intense atmospheres led by a broken beat bone and cavernous soundscapes - once again - presenting a general sound which will make you feel a different kind of energy.
Strong package of densely populated sonic environments, all inline with the sound of KEY.

Make The Ting is a project born out of my writing on creativity that lives online as post it style notes known as the ‘Yellow Squares’ found across Instagram and Twitter. The first square was posted on July 31st 2021, as covid-19 restrictions were lifting in the UK and I was thinking about what the music scenes and wider creative communities are after 18 months of lockdown. The idea’s developed into lectures presenting them in real life, but the platform felt right to explore my own creativity more broadly to challenge my own ideas in real time. My history as a DJ, Label Owner and Promoter in the Grime scene wasn’t at the forefront of these ideas, but I wanted to reconnect back to the ecosystem that inspired and gave me a creative career in the first place. Blay Vision’s ‘Cammy Riddim’ in the summer of 2022 inspired an idea to translate the ideas in the squares into song form. I approached Grime MC Jammz about the idea, and the first song ‘Yellow Square’ was done with the core principles that I had written about so far. 6 months passed, and while on a Muay Thai retreat in Thailand in February 2023 I thought about expanding the musical side of the Yellow Squares further. I text Jammz about turning this idea into an album, that we make as quickly as possible using my writing as a guide, and his voice and creativity to turn them into songs. We gave ourselves two weeks, set up a shared notes in iPhone did two zoom meetings, one phone call, exchanged messages on iMessage and he wrote 7 songs in a week, then recorded them all in one day at Ten 87 Studios in Tottenham, London. Jammz wrote all of the songs to one of his own beats, then we selected the final instrumentals we liked that we thought fit the ideas from both our camps the day before recording. The speed forced our hands creatively and it would have been a completely different project if we worked on it for months. Time is the creative director. Albums don’t have to be blockbuster projects with big budgets and huge campaigns behind them. Albums are just collections of ideas. Removing the pressure of trying to make a perfect one meant it got done and released with the least stress possible. Even the business of the album took 5 mins to handle. An equal revenue split on each song between me, Jammz, and the producer. Everyone gets paid quarterly into their own account automatically by our distributor. On announcement of the album in March 2023, we released the acapellas, for people to do their own versions, before most of the original songs had been heard by anyone. We encouraged people to Remix The Ting, and I did custom artwork for everyone that sent me a complete remix before the album came out on the 30th June 2023. The front covers are drawn individually by me. I wanted to make the record an extension of what I do with the yellow squares themselves and capture the energy of where my head is at in 2023. If it’s blank, it’s space for you to draw your own yellow square. Maybe what you think about the album, what it’s inspired for you, or just a snapshot of where your creative brain is at on the day you are picking up this record. This could be the first of many albums, this could be a one off. Nobody knows what is going to happen next. It all may make sense in the end – Elijah

For its 16th instalment, Swiss label CAF? invites DJ duo Charlotte aux Fretz to curate a compilation EP, building bridges between the French and Swiss contemporary club scenes. Ignited while organising and attending free parties, “Rave Alert” covers a whole range of atmospheres one could encounter during these summer nights. From phone-lit forest journeys to sweaty peak-time dance floor moments, all the way to hypnotic sunrises where the first rays of light reshape your surroundings.

Dub-tech master Beatrice M. offers a great opening to the compilation, subtly combining their signature sonic ingredients with your favourite DJ meme. Amor Satyr drastically rises the cruising speed to 175bpm with his d&b infused track, while Lia Catreux follows the pace with a bouncy track that will keep your feet off the floor. The flip side starts with an introspective journey with Spirit Vortex Club’s first recorded appearance, while Israfil keeps the energy high (and mercury retrograde away) with an uncompromising rave track. Yolek and Freeky (both previous CAF? contributors) wrap up the release with a slow but heavy closing burner. Last round of applause and you can finally go to bed (you think).

There is propably no single event that has as potent of an
effect on the german Techno- scene as the fall of the Berlin
Wall. A city divided suddenly, in one single night, became
uni¦ed, opening up both sides for the new experiences and
ways to view life the other might have. Berlin’s eastside with
it’s empty, unused warehouses proved to be a fertile breeding
ground for free spirits and those carrying a newfound ¦re in
their eyes. This was the zero hour. The Consolidation. And it
is this mindset, spirit and ¦re of Consolidation that Shaleen
conjures on her debut EP of the same name. The title track
opens up by sampling John F. Kennedy’s legendary “Berlin”
speech from 1964, before absolutely caving in the concrete
with a beyond-heavy kickdrum and a very stripped down but
effective 909-percussion section. Spursed in along the track’s
runtime are droning sirens and JFK continuing to beckon you
to lose yourself in the metropolitan bowels. This is the
anthem of a past revolution. On Deconstruction, Shaleen
goes down a slightly more basement oriented route. The
Percussion shares the title track’s stripped down
effectiveness, but the Groove is more rolling, the Vocal
samples are more distorted and there are sharp synths
cutting through the beats like shards of broken glass. Of
course, a revolution wouldn’t be complete without a mob so
both Cadency aka Hector Oaks and New Frames have put
their spin on the EP’s title track. Mr. Cadeny is up ¦rst and,
being no stranger to revolutionary anthems, has given
Consolidation an almost contemplative mood in his Remix,by adding a very subtle melody. This doesn’t mean it hits any
less hard, mind you, there is an incredibly strong drive to the
track, paired with an almost constantly looping vocal and the
sirens going into overdrive, this would be the track to drive
crowds into a frenzy. Meanwhile New Frames’ track is the
kind of thing you wouldn’t want to encounter alone in a dark
alleyway. The sub-basses are heavy enough to terraform
Mars, the Jungle-esque Synthlines roar and snarl at the
listener and every drop feels like a right hook to the chin. The
original’s vocal is cut in a way that it only adds to the
stomping rhythm, putting you in a mood to throw bricks. So
while this record showcases an aggressive sound and a
mood for revolution, it is important to remember it’s title.
Consolidation. It echoes a message of uni¦cation. Of
standing together. Because together we are, have been and
will always be stronger than by ourselves.

Das mit Spannung erwartete WE STILL DON'T TRUST YOU ist das nächste Kapitel einer explosiven Kampagne. Sie feiert die historische Partnerschaft zweier kulturverändernder Legenden, die auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer Kräfte agieren, und zementiert ihr Vermächtnis als Hip-Hop-Pioniere. Wie bei seinem Vorgänger ist das Who's Who ihrer Kollaborateure vertreten und hebt die kultigste Rapper-Produzenten-Partnerschaft in eine ganz neue Stratosphäre.

Bread & Souls is a new project dreamt up by Italian entrepreneur and music lover Franco Fusari. Franco invited Mark de Clive-Lowe on board to direct and produce an album of collaborations with some of our favorite artists including the likes of Bembé Segué, Vanessa Freeman, Paul Randolph, Rich Medina, Tommaso Cappellato and more...

Opening with the broken beat, soul-drenched I See You featuring Detroit’s Paul Randolph on vocals along with Taku Hirano on percussion Chapter 3 is here! Vanessa Freeman and Bembe Segue absolutely radiate on the head-nod of Little Did I Know, complete with Marcus Machado lacing classic D’Angelo-meets-Prince guitars. You heard the Domu remix on Chapter 1, and finally here’s the original! The EP wraps up with two remixes courtesy of Alex Attias and LTJ Xperience. Alex reworks the Bembe Segue featuring Never Gonna Leave into a deep tech house dancefloor workout while Italy's LTJ Xperience’s remix brings the mid tempo 4/4 to Rich Medina and Bembe Segue on Working On It (original version still to come!).

Repress !

Heavy House Society starts 2022 with a high quality EP from Cologne based German artist DJOKO, and this also comes with a remix from the head honcho himself Sidney Charles.

DJOKO’s sound takes influences from funk & soul, garage, deep house and everything else in between that is both underground and raw. He’s released on an impressive selection of underground labels like PIV, Berg Audio, Talman and Rutilence, garnering numerous genre number 1’s on the download stores whilst also accruing over 11 million streams on Spotify alone.

For his debut release on Heavy House Society, we bring you his Rapture EP. The title track to the EP, Rapture is a classy deep and minimal house affair, with his house beats combining with a driving bassline, the cleverly constructed filters organs and pads giving this a sublime journey feel.

The second track is Inside of Me, which has more a skip to the beats, weighty bassline, and well worked samples. Add the lead melody line and this is a great track to get people moving.

The third track is My Crib, a bassline led track with an old school flavour to it which combines atmospheric pads which provide depth, delicate and intricate melodies and leads.

The last track is the Sidney Charles remix of My Crib, for his remix he takes this a little deeper which offers a great alternative to the excellent original mix. A more sub bass groove free’s up frequencies in the mix giving more space for the melodies to breathe in the track and take this on a stunning floating groove.

This is a superb release featuring 2 amazing artists, and for sure this with deliver the goods for Heavy House Society yet again

Can't Stop .There seems no better way to describe the work, party and music ethic of Solomun. Carrying the mirror ball on his shoulders like Atlas, it is impossible to imagine the modern disco world without his dynamics. While his countless DJ sets give fresh impetus to the many shades of house, techno and their siblings, conversely they are a driving force behind his studio and remix excursions. Can't Stop provides an impressive insight into his musical universe.

Resulting from a rather casual after-dinner-listening-session during a car ride on Ibiza with a zesty Gerd Janson, who coaxed the title track out of Solomun making use of their friendship to full capacity, it is a triptych of direct, functional and free-spirited dance floor approach. After some back and forth in the search of the missing pieces to make it so, Solomun managed to deliver the perfect Running Back peak time record.

While Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values, which makes it perfect for dance hall and car rides (yes, indeed!) alike, its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball leads us back to the aforementioned Greek titan and can be read as a love letter to the genre that can be found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. We repeat: the perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop!


Short: Solomun on Running Back. Dance floor fanatics at work. A triptych of fun, friendship and functionality. Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values. Perfect for dance hall and car rides alike. Its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball can be read as a love letter to the genre that is found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. The perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop!

Samosa Records cranks up the summer groove with another sizzling release in the outstanding (Re) Funk+Head series – a collection of juicy tracks from the Samosa back-catalogue selected and re-edited by the man himself, De Gama.

This sumptuous vinyl cut of ITALO Funk and Boogie kicks off with Mexico’s finest, The Funk District and the enigmatic ‘La Rapina’. This is pure, unfiltered Funk District chemistry from the first bar. Snake hips guitar, rolling bass and that super-solid 4-4-4 beat pound into your consciousness whilst the hypnotic chant and Latino-infused vocal tempt you into sin.

Next up on the A-side is Samosa head honcho DeGama and his deliciously refreshing ‘Piňa Colada’ - a new edit of the original 2011 version never previously released on Samosa. And what a mystery box it is. Tight beats, punchy bass, looped synth and house-tinged high-hat lead us to a haunting, melodic vocal breakdown. There’s a subtle Afro flavour to this one, definitely for sipping cocktails in a hammock or Caribbean beach bar.

On Side B Italian Maestro Paul Older takes the beats down several notches with the explosive ‘Daboom’ – the DeGama Re-Groove of Paul’s first vinyl release way back in 2019. This is a straight up, mid-tempo peacock strut down Funksville Boulevard. Possibly wearing a Zoot Suit. Imagine having breakfast with Herbie Hancock and you might get an idea of just how funky this tune is. He’s passing you the eggs and you’re buttering the toast.

The last track sees DeGama delve into his dark magic box for the mind-melting, film noir themed ‘Higher’. The tempo is scaled right back to 92bpm for this portrait of pain, joy, lust and hallucinogenic dreams. ‘Higher’ reveals a side of DeGama that we know lurks in there, but only sometimes makes it to the surface. Smokey, sassy and sultry, this is definitely one for the dimly-lit after party.

The latest episode in the (Re) Funk+Head has set the Samosa bar even higher. This simply has to be in your summer record box and don’t you dare leave home without it.

"I am in shock of what you are saying and don’t you go anywhere else and spread such false information”

Inspired by the underground night life in Iran, where Salar Ansari’s journey as a selector started in the mid-2000s, each cut on 'Chi Gofti? Nagi Jayi!" touches on a specific mood & scenario.
"Dorehami Melo دورهمی ملو", referring to a mellow get together after the last rave being raided;

"Tu Jaddeh Savaarkaar تو جاده (سوارکار)" is the rush of driving through the mountains listening to driving beats, heading to a party on the outskirts of Tehran through mountains

"Raghs e Ghalamou رقص قلمو" touches on the artist's commitment to painting sonically to unify with his people through creativity and resonance

"Long before discovering house music as a teenager I was bred as a dancer, a slave to the rhythm, in my parents vibrant house parties of dancing the night away till you drop. This is my culture, to surrender, to give in, to react to the rhythm, every corner of it. PGS is family to me and I am so happy to have this music that is very dear to me, come out through this imprint. PGS is about community, Hamtramck is about community, Detroit is about community, Iran is about community, this music is about community." - Salar

Written, produced, recorded by Salar Ansari
Design by Salar Ansari & Ben Saginaw
Thanks for: Ahang Ahmadi, Sina Matinsefat

"Tu Jaddeh Savaarkaar تو جاده (سوارکار)" music video by Vinnie Massimino, shot by friends in Iran

[a] A1. Dorehami Melo [دورهمی ملو]
[b] B1. Tu Jaddeh (Savaarkaar) [تو جاده (سوارکار)]
[رقص قلمو]

DJ Support: Dam Swindle, Jimpster, Fouk,Franck Roger, Miguel Migs, Fred Everything, Tedd Patterson, Saison, Brian Tappert, Don Carlos, Sebb Junior, Ralph Session, Marcel Vogel, Marc Cotterell

Embark on a journey through the pulsating heart of Berlin's house music scene with Luca Olivotto. Italian-born and Berlin-based, Olivotto's beats resonate with the energy of the city's underground, blending seamlessly with his Mediterranean roots. As a DJ, Olivotto commands dance floors with finesse, effortlessly blending deep and house music. As a producer, he crafts sonic landscapes that evoke emotion and ignite the imagination. This album encapsulates the essence of Olivotto's musical universe: a fusion of cultures, a celebration of diversity, and a testament to the universal language of music. Experience the rhythm of Luca Olivotto, bridging continents with his electrifying sound.

Oliver Dollar unveils part two of his ‘Contemporary’ EP on Rekids.The release features collaborations with Brillstein and Harvard Bass.

Part two of Oliver Dollar’s ‘Contemporary’ EP will be released this July via Rekids. It follows part one, released in April of this year, which saw him team up with ADMN, Austin Ato, and APROPOS and featured a remix from Brian Kage. With the first part winning support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Nightmares On Wax, and Dam Swindle, this next EP continues with an equally promising cast behind the wheel, as Dollar brings in Brillstein and Harvard Bass for more irresistible house funk across three tracks in part two.

First up on the ‘Contemporary Part Two’ EP, Jesse Rose, Diplo and Switch collaborator Brillstein joins Oliver Dollar for ‘Pill Popper’, a real dancefloor-igniting underground cut with an unforgettable hushed vocal over infectious rhythms. It is followed by Oliver Dollar and Harvard Bass’ ‘Funky Brewster’, which sees the Tuskegee, Relief Records, and Turbo artist complement Oliver’s house style with signature jackin’ flair. A repeating vocal and hard-hitting drum beat keep centre in this party anthem before Dollar flies solo for ‘Funked Up’, in which a low-slung groove and dreamy, chopped-up vocal work in harmony before breaking down into a jazz-inflected midsection,
making for the perfect outro to a fantastic two-part series on Radio Slave’s Rekids.

New Release "Gypsy Heart / Beautiful Lies SKYLINE RECORDINGS Is proud to be release another OG banger from the wonderful Ms Betty Black "Gyspy Heart" is a driving dancer with sassiness and flair, just how Betty like it. Power vocals with a punching back beat, screaming for the dance floor. Betty goes back to the beginning when Rhythm met the Blues under the watchful eye of Gospel and the African-American Spiritual. It's mystical and cinematic but gutsy, and funky to boot! Roots Revival Soul with a sophisticated twist. On the flip "Beautiful Lies" Perfect song, uptempo dancer - which throws you staright into a story, where Ms Betty Black takes you into another world, but one that so many women, in particular, can relate to - another strong vocal mover, with a motown overtone. Summer fun. SL45030 x400 copies includes paper insert slv "I always expect excellence from her and she's delivered again" - Craig Charles, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, BBC Radio6, 01.06.24...

Demuja gets us ready for summer with four sublime, bass-drenched house & techno rollers on MUJA. Don’t sleep on this one!

DJ Feedback:

Honey Dijon -Amazing Ep!

Okain (Talman / Infuse / Pleasure Zone) -Nice Detroit vibe on Solid Pleasure and Square One

TEED Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (GrecoRoman, Polydor,) -loving solid pleasure and if you want

Peter Kruder (Kruder & Dorfmeister / K7) -Solid record ! Thank you !

Nightmares On Wax (Warp Records) -If you want is my jam on here

Laurent Garnier -Demuja does it again.... Great tracks , great EP *full support

HAAi (Coconut Beats) -Deep and groovy house tunes, love the vibe.

Dam Swindle (Heist) -diggin if you want!

Radio Slave (Rekids) -'Solid Pleasure' is great... Gonna test it out this weekend !

Gerd (4Lux / Clone) -great tracks... all are very cool... square one may be my fave!

"Explore the "Jacuzzi Days" Ep, Stemming From the Fruitful Collaboration Between The talented German Producer Ictv and the Swiss Knife DimSum. These Longtime Accomplices, previously United on the Love Ensemble Project, Came Together Last Summer In the South of France to Give Birth to This Sun Soaked Deep House workout. The A-Side Features a Solo Production From Each, Starting Off With "Morning Dew" By ictv, Which Carries a Strong Sentiment, Embedded in a Modern House Music production.Next on Is DimSum's "Rama to Ny," an Ode to the Deep House Sounds of 90s New York, Adorned With a Soulful Touch and Hip-Hop samples.

The Flip Side Features the Collaborative Tracks of This Ep, a Perfect Blend of Both of Their universes. "United Freedom Inc.," a Club-Ready Tune Drawing Influences From 90s House, Sprinkled With Subtle Modernity and a Vocal Sample Depicting Our Contemporary society. the Ep Closes With "Jacuzzi Days," an Invitation to Escape Inspired by Italian Dream House of the Golden era. Dive Into the Harmony Between Impactful Beats, Retro Influences, and Sprinkled With emotions of the "Jacuzzi Days”, Inviting You to an Emotional Yet Club Ready Sonic Journey."...

Garage powerhouse Zed Bias is back with more old school garage brilliance with the new single 'Shell Them Again' featuring the vocals of Yung Saber and Brakeman. The original has plenty of retro signifiers from the low-end wobble to the withering synth effects, plus crisp hits and jostling drums. After the dub mix comes a remix from Zed himself alongside Safire which is much more dirty and raw. The beats are broken up so the track takes on a dubstep quality as the low-end oscillations bring the weight and drums hit with more force. Finally, the acappella closes out this fresh 12" on IFG.

For an aesthetic of (dis)obedience. The impressions Richard Siegal and his company Ballet of Difference gathered on a trip to Japan in September 2022 now find their way into a full-length dance evening. Siegal and his team had set off for Tokyo to learn the practice of Shuudan Koudou, also known as "Japanese Precision Walking". The strictly synchronised group choreographies are astonishing in their radical stringency and have become a secret YouTube hit, not least because of their peculiar subtle humour. Siegal recognises in the extreme disciplining of the bodies an analogy to the training practice of classical ballet. In the mutual exchange of these movement cultures, questions are raised about individual and collective thinking, about personal decision-making power and social responsibility. For this extraordinary project, Richard Siegal has invited a special guest: Nazareth Panadero, long-time companion of Pina Bausch, who has long since become an icon of Wuppertal dance theatre and will be on stage with the BoD ensemble.

The production BALLET OF (DIS)OBEDIENCE is sponsored by Goethe Institut, with the kind support of Sissel GmbH.
CHOREOGRAPHY & STAGE: RICHARD SIEGAL
COSTUME: FLORA MIRANDA
LIGHT & VIDEO: MATTHIAS SINGER
MUSIC: ALVA NOTO
DRAMATURGY: TOBIAS STAAB

more info to: Shuudan koudou

'Shuudan koudou' Shuudan Koudou Is the Japanese #art of Synchronized Precision ...YouTube · Boson TV: Tech Marvels & Cool Discoveries22 Dec 2022

Kottke.org https://kottke.org › shuudan-koud...Shuudan Koudou Is the Japanese Art of Synchronized Precision Walking


On the other hand, hybrid 3 is inspired by Noh Play - Japanese performances and deals with the refusal of rules musically, hybrid three continues the two previous albums and weaves both rhythmic and beatless musical pieces into a holistic work.
The idea for me has always been that these albums are not only perceived as individual tracks, but as a whole piece, which is why I find the possibility of experiencing and listening to these albums in the right order and as a whole particularly important. For me, the pieces are not only closely related to the ballet that was created for them, but also function as individual pieces as pure, musical pieces and mark a new quality for me, which is very strongly focussed on producing electronic sounds and structures in such a way that they can develop a sculptural quality.

Introducing the inaugural release from "Vorm", "Vorm Series: One," a compelling compilation showcasing five tracks from a lineup of esteemed and emerging producers. This release marks the beginning for the young record label "Vorm", setting a high standard with its diverse and dynamic sounds.

From the producer and "Newrhythmic Records" founder, "Joton", comes "Neon Dystopia." This opener track of the release plunges into a hard hitting soundscape, blending pulsating basslines with highly pitched atmo surfaces. "Mineral" by Kon Janson dives into a mineral-rich sonic experience, where intricate rhythms meet hypnotic textures. This subterranean grooves is exactly the addition that the A-side needs and rounds off the whole thing as powerfully as possible.

"Ricardo Garduno" delivers "They're Between Us." This starter track on the B-side is a dark, spacious force of cavernous beats and atmospheres, perfect for those moments of peak-time intensity. Founder "Maasym" presents "Raeder," a sophisticated blend of a industrial trippy synth line and highly dense effective elements.

The track evolves with mechanical precision, emphasizing and focusing on the minimalist effects, percussions and drums. Closing out the release is Berlin-based rising producer & live artist "Peryl" with "Melting Room." This track is a melting pot of raw-high energy and experimental tones, pushing boundaries with its innovative, detailed sound design.

DJ Support: Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, S-Man, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche


Kicking things off on our next 4-track vinyl sampler series is Toolroom's very own Martin Ikin who returns to the label with ‘Make U Sweat’! He was the Best-selling Tech House artist on Beatport in 2020 and 2021 and has over 1m monthly listeners across streaming platforms. Recent studio collabs have included Noizu and Joshwa and tours have seen him travel far and wide to the US, Brazil, Bali, Ibiza, Italy, Croatia and of course, his hometown of London. This new record is the follow up to 'Oscill8' that dropped in March 2023 and sits in a similar lane, in that it's pure, unadulterated club weaponry! Next up is Italian house legend Flashmob with the frenetic, high-energy club vibe of new cut ‘My Body’. Flashmob's sound, production and go-for-broke DJ sets have changed with the game, embracing the vitality of new house music rather than hankering after sentimental sunsets. His ethic and aesthetic move relentlessly forward, using the old and new to craft unique sonic alchemy from big festivals like Tomorrowland to the intimacy of small clubs on the international circuit. ‘My Body’ is typical of Flashmob's current sound, combining solid drums and some insane synths and fx, alongside an earworm vocal sample that results in yet another memorable club cut from an established master. Canadian Tech House maestro Nathan Barato debuts on Toolroom kicking off the B-side to the vinyl alongside studio partner, Matheo Velez with 'Weapon'. A record that has already caught the attention of the underground elite with Michael Bibi premiering the track at his first appearance back at DC-10 in Ibiza last Summer. Both artists are enjoying great success across key labels such as Viva, Circus, Snatch and RAWthentic. This is an addictive, bumpy club track

that packs a huge punch on the dance floor and actually features Nathan's very own 'Move me… Rock me' vocals! Rounding things off is UK DJ/producer duo, Jenn Getz & Alfie who are residents at Dubai's #1 nightlife destination, Soho Garden, where they warm up for legends such as Sonny Fodera, MK, Claptone, Solardo & Fisher on a weekly basis. In their relatively short 3 year career they have already released on Solotoko, Abode and Toolroom Trax and now debut on Toolroom with 'Vibration'. Both girls are incredibly passionate about house music and are also big advocates for a life centered around well-being and meditation, and the idea of this record was to combine their 2 passions in life, so they proceeded to co-write these original lyrics to accompany the track, which in itself is very inspiring! This is a super cool club record that will excite fans and DJ's alike, welcome to the Toolroom Family, Jenn Getz & Alfie!

Countless radio plays on Radio 1 from Danny Howard, Sarah Storie, Pete Tong Other notable radio plays – Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Sirius XM, Data Transmission Radio, Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Party Anthems, Rinse FM, Select Radio, Tomorrowland Radio

As Quinoa serves up its third Cut, the Nutritionist's Guide To The Galaxy's plot thickens with its second installment. A split EP chock full of the complex carbohydrates and life-giving minerals our bodies need for interstellar travel.



The Carbs are supplied by Brique, who composes a blend of digestible beats that pulsate with steady energy. "The Future" launches us into orbit with its playful synths and driving basses, while "Customer Service Meltdown" takes us on a rollercoaster ride through glitchy melodies, infectious rhythms and a liberating storyline most of us can relate to.



On the flip side, Babu dishes out the Minerals with tracks that are equally replenishing for the souls of tomorrow's space-travellers. "Apollo" elevates us to celestial heights with its euphoric melodies and cosmic atmospheres, while "American War" plunges us into the depths of introspection with its haunting vocals and brooding basslines.



This EP not only tantalizes the taste buds of dancers and cosmonauts alike, it also provides another nourishing piece of the puzzle that makes up a well-balanced musical diet.

The Nutritionist's Guide To The Galaxy Vol. II is the perfect supplement for your next cosmic voyage.

LIMITED Quantity. Deep dive into the realm of electro music. Hypnotic multi-layered baselines, unpredicted drops and bursting beats would make precise, nevertheless not full definition of this EP. Following the
debut of the sequel with an exhibition showcasing artwork’s creation and conceptualization, we face SEQ002: False Destination, a new chapter where the story continues in an unexpected way. It holds the question, to which unknown territory did the agent headed from his collapsed dimention? – Side A takes you on a journey that echoes the spirit of interdimensional travel, a recurring theme in electro music. Impact One throws you into a captivating sonic environment, grabbing your attention with distinct sonic events, all layered over a foundation of subtly shifting rhythmic patterns. A2 is another mention of wrong dimention, hard alterations on early 90s Rave revivalism with peculiar artifacts and touch of blue note with breakbeat burst out conclusion. –
On the flip, a couple of heavyweights. Thick kicks jumping from 4 tothe-floor to broken beat, uncertain breakdowns and unexpected amen breaks driving audience on the edge. Hypnotic bassline for B1 was characterized as Giorgio Moroder on steroids. Last track is a calm blend in ending on a hybrid cosmic breaks combined with Yamaha DX7. – ABOUT ARTWORK This time comic-like backside artwork has an insert accompaniment to immerse within the world created by the artist behind the record. AI has been used to create artwork, generating imagery as a way to bring ideas to life. It offers a cryptic clue, a fragmented piece of the puzzle that complements the music to tell the story

The Caledonian Dream is a supergroup from Glasgow, Scotland. They bring you the single, "Shot at Glory", a rousing terrace anthem that will surely help the Scotland National Football Team win their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany.

Tired of the dirge that is our sporting national anthem, "Flower of Scotland" by The Corries, and the depressing, negative tone of Scotland's previous official World Cup song, Del Amitri's "Don't Come Home Too Soon", three old friends - John 'Sponi' Murray, Dave Clark & Bruce Jolliffe - made the decision to shake things up with a stomper to get the national blood pumping again. They took to the studio, melded proud lyrics, conquering beats, and tear-jerking pipes to produce what surely should be THEE Scottish football song for AT LEAST the next 200 years - our very own trophy-lifting soundtrack. Now the boys hope the tune will go viral, go mental - so please share it FAR AND WIDE!

Ever since he made his first trip to Japan to DJ, Optimo Music founder JD Twitch has been bewitched by Japanese music, and particularly the vibrant, imaginative, and often far-sighted sounds which emerged from the island nation during the 1980s. Now he’s put years of digging in Japanese record shops to good use on Polyphonic Cosmos, the latest release on his compilation-focused Cease & Desist imprint.

Subtitled ‘A Beginners Guide to Japan In The ‘80s’, the collection offers a personal selection of Japanese gems recorded and released between 1981 and ’86 – a period when advances in recording and musical technology offered the nation’s artists and producers a whole new tool kit to employ. When combined with the unique musical culture of Japan, where local traditions are frequently fused with Western styles to create timeless, off-kilter aural fusions, this embrace of locally pioneered music technology had spectacular, often unusual results.

Eight years in the making, Polyphonic Cosmos provides an endlessly entertaining musical snapshot of Japanese music of the early-to-mid ‘80s with all of the open-minded eclecticism and sonic twists that you would expect from the Glasgow-based DJ.

Compare and contrast, for example, the gently breezy, morning-fresh folk-plus-electronics bliss of ‘ばら二曲 Baranikyoku (Fellini&Rota)’ by World Standard – the most familiar alias of long-serving musician/producer Sohichiro Suzuki – and the hallucinatory, slow-motion tribal rhythms, post-punk rhythms and tape delay-laden electronics of Imitation’s ‘Exotic Dance’. Or, for that matter, the tipsy mid-‘80s electronic reggae of Pecker’s ‘Sha La La’, the grungy but melodic post-punk strut of ‘You Go On Natural’ by Earthling (a track Twitch accurately describes as “sheer unrelenting groove”), and the unearthly, swirling sonics, new age instrumentation and flotation tank vocals of prolific (and seemingly mysterious) act Geinoh Yamashirogumi’s ‘Rimme Kohkyogaku Meiki’.

It’s a credit to JD Twitch’s curatorial skills that the quality never dips, and sonic surprises lurk around every corner. Consider for a moment the hard to describe, far-sighted audio immersion of D-Day’s ‘Ki-Ra’ – all languid post-pop guitar, enveloping chords, spoken word vocals, shuffling 808 beats and marimba melodies – and the two contributions from video games soundtrack specialist (and driving instrumental synth-pop specialist) Hiroyuki Namba.

The collection naturally includes some selections that have long been favourites in Twitch’s DJ sets – see Masumi Hara’s ‘Your Dream’ – as well as a handful of tracks from artists who may be more recognisable to those with only rudimentary knowledge of Japanese musical culture. The great Yasuaki Shimizu, whose work as Mariah has become far better known in recent years thanks to reissues of some of his most magical albums, is represented via ‘The Crow’, a picturesque chunk of horizontal, hard-to-define jazz-not-jazz smokiness, while the collection fittingly concludes with a sublimely funky, oddball electronic workout from Yellow Magic Orchestra legend Ryuichi Sakamoto (the frankly incredible ‘Wongga Dance Song’).

Matt Anniss