Beats News

The work of GMM carries the echo of folk wedding melodies inspired by Oskar Kolberg's collections, interpreted in modern arrangements with electrifying sound.The trio, consisting of Michał Górczyński, Michał Marecki and Patryk "TikTak" Matela, explores the roots of the Mazovian tradition, translating them into the language of contemporary music. Oskar Kolberg's descriptions and a collection of melodies specific to the Polish region of Mazovia give the GMM band a foundation for creative existence in this old world and transferring it to the modern world.The freshly recorded album opens the traditional wedding gates in an unexpected way, where folk nostalgia meets contemporary avant-garde. The contrabass clarinet weaves deep, warm sounds into the compositions, adding them mystery, while the spinet boldly carries a note of baroque sophistication, creating a pleasantly contrasting texture. The modernity of synthesizers and dynamic beatbox balancing between stillness and dense, dirty tones, gives the whole mix a modern touch.In this characteristic journey full of rhythmic complexity and harmonic discoveries, you will find depth, a cynical smile and plenty of room for your own reflections.Michał Górczyński - specializes in playing the double bass clarinet, in 2004 he graduated from the clarinet class at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. Composer, soloist and chamber musician. Co-founder of Kwartludium - a band specializing in performing contemporary music. Member of the band Bastarda. Author of music for theatre performances.Michał Marecki - instrumentalist, producer, composer. Collector of electronic and electroacoustic instruments. Associated with the bands Warsaw Village Band & Bassałyki, Mamadou & Sama Yoon, T.Love, Sidney Polak, among others. He is interested in creativity in artistic processes. Master of social sciences.Patryk TikTak Matela - beatboxer and beatbox activist. For over 20 years he has been giving concerts and teaching the art of vocal percussion. He conducts workshops for preschoolers, students, young people from orphanages and community centers. Author of the first book in Poland about beatbox (Human Beatbox -Personal Instrument!), organizer of the Polish Beatbox Championships, promoter and musician in film and theater. Creator of advertising and reportage films, megafan of Lego Technic.

Artist Bio

Aditya Surya Taruna (aka Kasimyn) is one half of the Indonesian electronic duo Gabbar Modus Operandi known for their acclaimed records PUXXXIMAXXX and HOXXXYA (out via Yes No Wave and SVBKVLT, respectively) and overwhelming, hyper-active and unprecedented live experiences which have made them a popular act on several festivals of experimental music. In 2022, Kasimyn contributed with beats on Björk's latest album, Fossora, featured on three tracks: "Atopos", "Trölla-Gabba", and "Fossora", joined Björk on stage in Tokyo, Japan in March 2023 as part of her live tour Cornucopia, and appears on two of her album's music videos Atopos and Fossara. After joining Björk on her Cornucopia tour in Japan, Kasimyn is announcing his solo album on Drowned by Locals under his new project HULUBALANG.

Text for Album by Riar Rizaldi (translated from Indonesian)

Kusnah walked slowly on the edge of a sand dune, across the coastline. It's safer here, she thought. On the horizon she saw a mirage, a fata morgana. In her mind, thinking of fata morgana as a destination is a better objective than the fact that she has to stay and live in the village: her body is needed for offerings, perhaps for the gods who are thirsty for the anatomy of human body or for the cults of development that is built by blood and the construction of fractured human bones. Perhaps as a political sacrifice too. For her, in a landscape where politics is intertwined with zoē, that's where the world really is at work.

While gazing at the piles of oysters on the beach, in her head she heard a peculiar party music with dank beats and messy strings. An umwelt. This was a victory song that she often plays loud in her mind when she feels defeated—however, not losing, but giving in. In her life, she spent more time giving in. She looked at the pile of oysters. Why do humans see oysters as lowly creatures compared to more advanced species like them? Oh more precisely, she remembered Plato's comparison of a hedonist man with an oyster. Live only in the moment of the here and now.

But Kusnah felt she was a hedonist. She lives for the here and now. She lives not for progress. To hell with the progress and development. She lives to experience time. She lives for jouissance. So for her, Plato had a point. As she looked at the oyster again very carefully, the weird music in her head transmitted louder and louder. She asked herself: as hedonist animals who just stay quiet and experience the waves, do these oysters also have music that revolves around their bodies and makes them feel victorious amidst an ocean of defeats?

Kusnah's gaze grew intense. From behind, came the sound of human footsteps running in a crowd. One, two, three, four the familiar sound of boots stomping. Five, six, seven, the clapping of ugly flip-flops. The fata morgana on the sand dune was instantly broken up by a bloodthirsty mob. As time went on, she heard faint screams. "That's her!" sounds vague but firm. The steps became louder. The music in Kusnah's head played louder. It didn't take long for her to start dancing. Like a possessed ghost, many people say. She wasn't in a trance, she was just enjoying the music playing in her head. Tens of people started to look in high-definition when Kusnah opened her eyelids.

"We will offer you to the gods of progress!" shouted the men with machetes and cleavers in their hands. Kusnah dances like she is out-of-body possessed. "Come on! Take her!" the men rushed to Kusnah, carrying ropes to tie her up. Kusnah smiled widely, while unable to control her dancing body.

"Take my body, but I will never share the hulubalang that roars in my mind!"

Kusnah's head separated from her body, right after she shouted those words.

Two classically trained musicians from vastly different traditions, MD Pallavi and Andi Otto came together to create a jewel of a record in ’Songs for Broken Ships’ and Multi Culti have whipped up a stunning remix package for it featuring Simone de Kunovich, Auntie Flo, Peter Power, Kaleema and more.

Hailing from Bangalore, trained in Hindustani music and poetry since childhood, MD Pallavi’s beautiful voice makes an elegant companion to cellist / composer / producer Andi Otto’s idiosyncratic and unconventional style. Andi’s music has featured on labels such as Shika Shika and Pingipung (which he co-runs and curates) and, of course, Multi Culti, who released his previous album ‘Bow Wave’ which featured his first collaboration with Pallavi.

While the heart of "Songs for Broken Ships" showcased the duo's unique meld of cross-cultural folktronica and acoustic ballads with MD Pallavi's poetic Kannada verses at the core, "Remixes from the Clouds” reframes these elements for a vast spectrum of electronic listeners and club go-ers.

An ethereal hypnotic techno re-interpretation of ‘Prayer to the Cloud’ from Italian producer Simone de Kunovich. Scottish ambient maestro and mushroom aficionado Auntie Flo's ecstatic reinterpretation of "Clockshop". Multi Culti veteran downtempo wizard Peter Power's organic and earthy rendition of "Prayer to the Cloud." The mystic sounds of Kaleema breathing new percussive life into "Clockshop". The package concludes with a 'prayer-a-pella' version of "Prayer to the Clouds", spotlighting MD Pallavi's vocals in their purest form, for DJs and producers seeking to slather their rhythms with spiritual voice.

The Multi Culti imaginarium also present an expanded digital package that includes mixes from Hannah Lee, Bliz Nochi & Emil Jourjou, Migramara, and Poligra. In the words of Shawn Christopher: "people from all nations, dancing together." Celestial harmony, one 12” at a time.

Cutting through the heat haze like a dehumidifier in a power surge, Trinity Carbon kick off a series of stealth 12" platters which plunge them deeper into their dank basement dubstep sound.

TC is an ongoing link-up by bass bin lifers Low End Activist and Appleblim, stripping their many different streams of sonic consciousness down to a raw essence of jagged, skeletal rhythms and prowling subs. It's a sound in thrall to first wave dubstep but not trapped by it, instead finding common ground with the buoyant bassweight minimalism which is defining some of the freshest developments in leftfield, defiantly bruk club music. Following a couple of EPs and an album on ESP Institute, this latest series of transmissions were sweated over via machine interaction in LEA's Berlin studio while they channelled dub techniques passed on by sage elders.

Dialling up the needlepoint rhythmic science and deadly restraint we hold so dear, SPD debuts on Sneaker Social Club with a taut four-tracker built for smashing systems with measured flair. It's no surprise to learn Will Sheppard has graced labels like Keysound, EC2A and Roska Kicks + Snares in recent times, given his sound taps into the UK bassweight lineage while maintaining a necessary futuristic tilt.

'Genbu' deals in the kind of stripped back, snaking sequences that keep a body of people rolling deep into the dance, powered by sounds so crisp you'd think they'd slipped out of a trouser press. Maintaining this sonic poise, 'Systema' is a lean, bleep-speckled roller with a firm grip on the square wave snarls lurking below the midrange.

'Willman' rides a choppier groove, but still Sheppard holds down the dance with a monk-like patience, finding power in the art of holding back before opening out into the subtly emotional swathes of 'OK' to round the record out. The devil is in the detail, and there are deep-diving layers to the sound of SPD, but this is a specific angle on club music that prizes subtlety and meditation over brash arrangement swerves and bait hype trysts. For selectors seeking sublime set builders, SPD has got you.

This eponymous release from Three Body fuses digital futurism with cosmic organica. Hedonistic breakbeats, woodwind and keys interpolate six melodious tracks, stemming from live recordings, revolving around percussive conversations. With the band's raw minimal approach and combination of natural and synthetic instrumentation, this elemental EP offers an innovative study of contemporary electronic music and its relationship with ethnic rhythms and tones.

With the world in the throws of lockdown, the record never received its live inauguration, but it got nuff love on radio, with 6Music, WWFM and NTS all championing the release. It's since gained cult status amongst DJs with an ear for earthy tones, with tracks 'Palm Leaf' and 'Jampa Gawa' regularly spreading their wings. The trio's unique approach to sound is shaped by years of impromptu improvisations. The characterful drums and synthesis of Tom Towle, masterful sampling and engineering from Guohan and the wandering woodwind of Pete Beardsworth form the skeleton of this record, meticulously fleshed out in subsequent studio sessions.

"Speaker-bangin' before all else" (XLR8R) with "some of the smartest ears in the game" (Chicago Reader), "few can make a room explode like Maga Bo" (Flavorpill). A purveyor of "international sonic weaponry and rhythm knowledge" (Rough Trade), the Rio de Janeiro-based DJ/producer is a veteran pioneer of global bass music, with 20+ years of dedicated experience searching out unheralded music bumping from speaker-boxes in the world's grittiest corners, from Addis Ababa to Zanzibar.

Simultaneously, Amor (É Revolução), the new album from Maga Bo, is statement of hope through change, a call to arms, a lament, a proclamation of resistance, a shout of resilience, an exuberant yell and a deep therapeutic groove all at once. The result of a multi-decade search for rhythmic common denominators with an Afro-Brazilian-centric focus. It joins raw, natural, acoustic timbres and textures with the grit, weight and power of modern electronic production. It is where heavy dub bass pulsations sync with rhythms coaxed from drums heated over an open flame and ancestral voices rise and fall in call and response.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Arcoverde and Porto Alegre, the album counts amongst many illustrious talents from the Brazlian music scene, long time collaborators, Russo Passapusso and Roberto Barreto of Baianasystem, the legendary singer, BNegão and São Paulo based, Rosângela Macedo. Grupo Bongar and Samba de Coco Raízes de Arcoverde provide backing percussion and vocals. It also brings newer collaborators, from Recife, the amazing voice of Isaar, the fabulous guitarist, Felipe Cordeiro, as well as long-time friends, ex-Digitaldubs, Jeru Banto and Jota 3, the Mestre of Tambors de Olokun, Alexandre Garnizé, on percussion, fellow nomadic electronic roots explorer, Teleseen and the rock solid percussionist from Salvador, Icaro Sá.

The A side 'Lip Locked' is an animated collaboration between Parris and Untold, is certified fast house compatible and comes stripped back to the classic raw elements of synth stab, vocal, sub bass and kick drum.

Early support by Ben UFO and Marie Montexier.

'Just Look at the Rain' sees a rare solo outing for Untold spinning crunchy breakbeats and guitar stabs into something both old school and new.

ORO was set up in 2014 as a sub-label of Hemlock for the more 'out there' material and has released music from Brian Routh (R.I.P), Untold, IVVVO and Lord Skywave.

Parris runs the label Can You Feel The Sun with Call Super and has just wrapped up a busy summer with performances at Love International, Houghton and Glastonbury festivals, as well as touring the US and Columbia.

In 2023 Untold founded and began running the modular synth brand Laine.

Phuture Assassins - ‘Back To The Phuture EP’ - We are going back to the Phuture with this incredible package of exclusive 'Future Sound' mixes which has something for everyone!

The very first release, before there was Suburban Base, was a Boogie Times release which didn't even carry a label name or logo... BOOGIE 001 under the artist name 'Phuture Assassins' became the record that really did start it all. So what is more appropriate than the next release in a continued order of catalogue numbers for the whole new era of Suburban Base than a Phuture Assassins release as SUBBASE 77 to continue your collection.

Leading with the unreleased Dead Dred '95 Dubplate which was considered a 'lost DAT' until it was recently unearthed amongst the archive of masters in Sub Base storage. You can imagine how excited we were to rediscover this and were able to save and remaster it for release. This was intended as part of a remix package that never ended up being released and was only available to a selected few as a Dubplate, that is, until now.

Alongside it we have included the 2 Bad Mice remix, which is now considered not only a classic but it is also the definitive mix of 'Future Sound', for those of you that were looking for a reissue. Its been expertly remastered to superb quality.

You wanted a brand new remix? Mark XTC & Exile's 'Future Sound' 2021 Remix brings the 1992 future to the 2021 present! They have given the timeless Suburban Base classic 'Future Sound' the remix treatment, producing 'raise your lighter' moments in their inimitable style, drum and bass with deep subs, whilst still keeping to the original vibes of this classic.

And completing the package is a version from the legendary Cause4Concern, their remix of Future Sound was only ever promo'd and despite receiving critical acclaim and extensive club play it never saw a full release. Now it's being fully unleashed in beautifully re-mastered form.

This release has it all, unreleased 'lost' mixes, remastered reissues, brand new remixes, beautiful special effect vinyl for the entire pressing run, all wrapped up in one of the most stunning original Nodz artwork sleeves ever created, an Assassin from the Phuture emerging from a time travel wormhole firing Sub Base Bullets!

CIRE NOIR is a compilation of contemporary electronic sounds by parallel thinking agents from Europe and US.

Serge Geyzel marks the 3rd release on the Barcelona-based label Adepta Editions with ''It's Cancelled'', a strong and comprehensive collection of six tracks with mind-blowing tectonic tempos, low-flying bass-beats, and magnetized electro-nics. Comes with printed sleeve and is a strictly limited pressing of 200 copies!

The second lot in NC4K's record series NC4KWAX is the EP 'sundeck' by Tokyo-based producer ankokushinwa.

It contains three original tracks inspired by rave, jungle and south hip hop.
All are high quality tracks that show the breadth of his musical interests and depth of love.

Also included is a remix by one of the label owners, Lomax, in an electro breakbeat style. The bassline, a reinterpretation of the original's main phrase, is sure to get the floor going.

Xylitol is the alias of Catherine Backhouse, producer and DJ under the name DJ Bunnyhausen. She was a resident DJ at Kosmische, the now dormant Krautrock club and is a fan of jungle and hardcore. She currently co-hosts the radio show Slav To The Rhythm, which focuses on vintage central and eastern European pop and electronica and she's also co-writing a book on Yugoslavian pop culture. 'Anemones' is a total project from the cover to the music. Backhouse is fascinated by early botanical illustrations of anemones and other aquatic fauna, and how the act of taxonomy reveals as much about human psychology, desire and sublimation as it does about the organic specimen as a thing in itself. Each track is a microcosm of this 'other life', an allegory for the extraordinary potential latent within bodies that the dancefloor has the power to activate. Using early jungle and garage as starting points to connect dots and open up contrasts between dance music and vintage electronics, Backhouse finds a sweet spot which, in her words "feels like something that's simultaneously still and ancient yet propulsive and ecstatic." Not afraid of letting the the hiss and flutter of the music show, 'Anemones' holds attention with ancient bubbling synths and gracefully drifting arpeggiations, occasionally brought to heel by charming melodies, all accompanied by breakbeats that explode like fireworks. 'Anemones' has a lively and unpolished aesthetic that's a kindred spirit to Nondi_'s 2023 album of smeary, water-damaged footwork, 'Flood City Trax'. 'Moebius' pits the spaced out neon chords of the track's namesake against absolutely tearing breaks, allowing time for this almost overwhelming combination to become near enough transcendental, while the bleeping melody and sad slavic chorus motif in 'Okko' feels like an artifact from an alternative future. The Drexciya meets 2-step garage of 'Dobro Jutro' creates a welcome respite at the album's midpoint before the flow builds up again to 'Daša' with its glassy sounds from a lost radiophonic workshop miniature meeting bruising kicks and snares. Meanwhile 'Iskria' has purring synth chords and 8-bit melodies evoking the cosmonaut age. The subliminal influence of the Yugo era is felt in DIY synthesis and Mitteleuropean melody and seen in song titles such as 'Jelena', 'Miha', 'Daša' (named after novelist Daša Drndič) and 'Iskria' (taken from the fictitious Balkan region in Ottessa Moshfegh's bleak fable 'Lapvona'). 'Anemones' very effectively folds experimental genres from different times and places into a very enjoyable new sound.

Portlander Paul Dickow describes his latest Strategy slate as both a love letter to the myriad strains of breakbeat house and “a specific attempt to grapple with iconic samples in a kind of archaeological dissection, a process of understanding by doing.” Unexplained Sky Burners spans a full hour of dubby, swinging, bass-driven bangers, gene-spliced from hyper-familiar stabs and breaks sourced across the legacy of dance music, then wrung through Dickow’s ever-evolving chain of hand-built gear. The effect is both familiar and foreign, like big room tunes distilled to their core DNA then set loose to churn eternally, equal parts heady rave purism and scientific rhythm experiment.

This is Dickow’s third outing for L.A. electronic veterans Peak Oil (following 2012’s self-titled LP and 2014’s Pressure Wassure) and serves as a suitably liquid extension of their collaboration. The title refers to an underreported aerial incident above the Willamette Valley, when a mysterious fireball soared through the atmosphere and disappeared into the light of the rising sun. The effect of this X-Files sighting on the music’s elusive energy remains to be determined.

London producer SusTrapperazzi has been busy making a name for himself with productions for the likes of frequent-collaborator Novelist (inclding the pairs latest track 'Mercy'), K-Trap, BXKS & Tiny Boost, viral production videos, live sets alongside D Double E, not to mention his EP for German label Illan Tape. Here, SusTrapperazzi lands on London label Astral Black with 6-essential instrumentals in the form of his 'Rationale' EP.

The sample at the top of EP opener 'Gospel Trappin' asserts the listener to "Listen to this!" before the prolific producer flips an anthemic gospel sample into a mesmorising trap instrumental. Elsehwhere on 'What's Wrong' - the producer stitches a a triumphant new jack swing sample together into a Houston-inspired pop ballad. Meanwhile on tracks like 'Through To You' & 'Gold Rain' Sus sits well and truly in his bag, fusing together all the elements of his sound into expertly crafter 808 laced trap instrumentals.

SusTrapperazzi's 'Rationale' EP kicks off the labels 10 year anniversary which is set to see a string of releases ncluding a EP's from Jossy Mitsu (Rinse FM), Bruised Skies (Hoover Sounds) & NigelThreeTimes (Fractal Fantasy) as well as sample warper Eahwee's follow up to his 'Solitude' LP & a collaborative LP from prolific producer Samuel Organ & folk crooner LAUCAN.

Revanchist ist das lang erwartete Debütalbum von Evian Christ, auf dem er das latente Potenzial von Trance erkundet, über Euphorie hinaus das vollste Gefühl des Erhabenen hervorzurufen. Opener und Leadsingle On Embers bringt Christs Neigung zur völligen Vernichtung der Trance-Standardaffekte auf den Punkt: Aufsteigende, hinreißende Supersaws treffen auf einen Sturm aus unverständlichem Lärm, verstümmelten 808ern und zerbrochenen Scherben von Gospel-House-Acapellas der Marke Defected. Das Album schöpft aus einem ungewöhnlichen und vielfältigen Pool an Einflüssen: der erstickenden Drosselung von Emptyset auf Demiurge (2011), der Weltlichkeit von Madonna & William Orbits Ray Of Light LP (1998), der akuten Unheimlichkeit von Laibachs Across The Universe (1988) und einem stark stilisierten Ansatz für Mixing und Sounddesign, hauptsächlich inspiriert von Sashas bahnbrechender Xpander EP (1999).

Killer shit from Flore - Tip for fans of Simo Cell, Ploy, Metrist and Batu

After the widely acclaimed "Rituals" album released in April 2020, Flore is now back to the cherished area of banger engineering with a four packer of original compositions to be unleashed this spring 2022 on her own POLAAR imprint.

The project’s title itself shows clearly what her program is all about : "Legacy & Broken Pieces" has to be seen as a cruise into the anterior future rather than a trip down memory lane. Following this mantra, it’s more than clear that her music does not constitute a tribute to any previous club music history, but has to be seen as a true proposition of sonic innovation and moving paradigms.

"I'm tired of the nostalgia that can be found in electronic music nowadays. With everything that is going on right now, the world will never be the same. Then why should music has to be so ?" says Flore.

Thus, she offers to rework this legacy with her very own vision of sound wizardry, providing a wide range of sonic textures to fulfill this forward goal of breaking patterns within the electronic continuum. Yet another proof of Flore’s skills for always trying to innovate and never repeat herself.

“Disruption” echoes an aerial jungle of the former century while “Fiery Principle” rides Jamaican waves of bass soon dynamited by minced voice samples evoking a soul goddess from the 90’s. The upbeat intro of “The Switcher” leads us towards a choir of drums navigating various black rooted rhythm traditions, but tripping into a very refined and spatial production effort. The records ends with “Primary Mineral”. Its rough and matte sound seems to drill into a wall of fragmented beats racing towards an elusive end, suggesting another musical adventures to be revisited soon…

‘Ran’ is the A-side of the third release by Subtle Recordings, SUBTLE003, which features two complementary tracks created in collaboration by two of Aotearoa’s finest underground Bass Music artists, Ebb and Headland. ‘Ran’ begins powerfully with a melodic roller, snare stabs, and the occasional slack kick. Combined with penultimate sirens, it lures the listener into a false sense of security before laying down the second drop. An almighty dark synth slathers the floor, creating a suspenseful but murky atmosphere. Drawing the listener in with its hypnotic rhythm and ominous tones, ‘Ran’ brings the heat and gets the crowd frothing.

‘Tsar’ is the B-side of the third release by Subtle Recordings, SUBTLE003, which features two complementary tracks created in collaboration by two of Aotearoa’s finest underground Bass Music artists, Ebb and Headland. ‘Tsar’, as its namesake suggests, is a formidable force in 140. The track kicks off with a grunting bassline, contrasted overtop with a haunting oscillating hum, setting the stage for all-out mayhem. The track explodes into a sustained highly distorted synth before laying waste with a timely drop in key, cementing a foundation-rattling bassline. We then enter Tsar’s renaissance moment, where a positively uplifting ensemble ensues, until the relentless machine pushes through once again.

Hybrid are cemented in dance music history.

An act that with 5 artist albums under their belt, and its feet pressed firmly in the electronic music scene, Hybrid's music has also moved seamlessly into film and game scores. This is perhaps of little surprise given their unique fusion of epic orchestral sounds, ambient styles, and breaks.

It is with great pride, as both fans of vinyl and of Hybrid, that we exclusively bring you the only album that has not been released previously on vinyl, their masterpiece, I Choose Noise.

The full-length versions on this limited, deluxe 2-disc, heavyweight vinyl edition, has been masterfully cut by Pete Norman, who we consider one of the best (if not the best) cutting engineers in the UK.

A high quality 5mm printed outer sleeve, spineless printed inners, and the inclusion of their originally hidden, bonus track 'Everything Is Brand New' make this a release not to miss!

The Naarm/Melbourne based producer will unveil meticulously crafted tracks that breathe life, deliver crispness, evoke emotions, and pulsate with energy.

KiTA's music defies easy categorization, blending ambient, dub, and breakbeat with real instruments and orchestral elements. The album "Ceramic" takes us on a mesmerizing journey with its title track, a twelve-minute composition that intertwines groove-laden ambience, deep bass throbs, swirling guitars, enchanting strings, and atmospheric vocals.
The B side of the record embraces a club-oriented soundscape with infectious breaks and captivating hooks, offering a refreshing contrast to the prevailing musical landscape. The final track concludes the album with dub-influenced percussion, creating a captivating dance that evokes both melancholy and beauty, leaving room for personal interpretation and discovery.
Mastered by Wouter Brandenburg and artwork by Kae Kitzler and Steele Bonus.

Repress in legendary Soul:r Sleeve for 2022


A Soul:r classic by Phil Tangent. 'Billie's Smile is a absolute Anthem! Sweeping strings rise over a mysterious female vocal enveloping your consciousness as super tight beats rain down. Showing D&B can be emotive and inspiring whilst remaining powerful enough for the dancefloor. 'Lunar' on the flip roams with a Detroit techno and funk backbone keep the groove driving to end. Surreal sonics evolve as a wall shaking bass line contorts the sub frequencies. A classic 12' not to be missed.
DJ support from Marcus Intalex, Doc Scott, Bailey, Hype, DJ Lee.

Next up on Breaker Breaker: 4 cuts of retrospective, video-game-inspired Jungle from Tokyo based Submerse.

Across previous releases on Apollo (R&S), Hospital Records and Project: Mooncircle, Submerse's sound has traversed Jungle, UKG, Autonomic, HipHop / R&B and Footwork.

Here, he comes full circle with a record named after the scarce and sacred space on a PS1 memory card. Fifteen Blocks scatters deftly cut breaks, convivial pads and tightly sprung bass tones with a clear sense of mastery and ease.

Is a digital music file a less existing work than a vinyl record of the same content? Does bringing digital music into the physical realm make it more real by offering it the tangibility of physical matter? The PERCEBES MÚSICA collective furthers the long term discussion on the relationships between medium and message, truth and illusion, worth and validity.
“Conversor” is a various artist compilation that at first glance feels like a single artist album. The cover does not explicitly state individual authors (only track titles, lengths and BPM are provided), as if to dilute the importance of self and ego, though the listener can attain said information when accessing the download codes inside. It is content from the ether pressed to matter through a Digital-to-Analog conversion process; selected tracks picked from the label’s recent digital catalogue, cleverly edited and placed together onto a record, made to create an introspective - yet physical - electronic soul LP with clear canonical undertones. The trickling down of information from binary code to material existence into a limited edition slab of vinyl.
The offerings range from classic sounding deeper house (by the likes of Daino, Larry Quest, Poko Poko and label head Ka§par) to a wider reaching selection of african riddims (Hélder Russo, Moreno Ácido and Terra Chã), UK Garage (Cyclonix) and even golden age drum’n’bass (Al:X). An exploration of mood and cohesion through variety, the artistic result will resonate with the timeless approach of eclectic labels like the profound Guidance or Peacefrog, the cutting edge Metamorphic, or Reflective or even the widely known WARP or R&S.

Having operated as Anoesis since 1994 - Letchworth based producer Howard Dodd now readies a fresh body of work cherry picked from studio sessions spanning 2010 > 2023. 'Frame Jack 1' utilises modular synths through to Casio toys with heavy doses of UK breaks to inaugurate a new label Kranq.

Formations 09 kicks things off with a heady tapestry as snares and wood blocks are braided over warm, psychedelic tones. Amorgos follows with a snappy but low-slung break that is set swinging over gooey pads, snarling low frequencies and more hazy atmospherics.

'Trash Man Broken' follows with an exercise in molten robotics, recalling a Metamatics vibe with it's pin-prick hats, jagged bass notes and colourful melodies. 'Hawassa' then rolls out another deftly mapped 2-step groove that manages to occupy a zone between rude and classy.

'Cargo Cult' then renders a fractal trip - a pastiche of 90's Electronica and Trip Hop that finishes off a highly accomplished batch of productions and signals the birth of a captivating new project in Kranq.

The CPU of René Leynaud Street in Lyon has prompted us to bring out Dj Iguane, a protagonist of the first Paris raves. Author of an anthem on Chronobrain 016 and a solid catalog on Hokus Pokus, Passe-Muraille, Toolbox…

The art of a sound played at various speeds and cultured by a vibe close to the essence of the tribe. He'll guide this compilation with two tracks released in 1998 (Free Sex) and 2011 (Booboo Trakkv), cerebral productions from his punk machines.

It was in the same street, over a glass of wine, that 0-Confidence made the connection with CJACT's unstructured metallic blast.
He plunges his table-mates Brainbeats and pastresdrole into the intoxication of synthesizers.

One comeback hides another with Smogo, present on CJACT002, who doesn't neglect his acceleration so as not to lose control of this bewitched street.

SPLT is the key to slipping into a bass-infused “traboule” and slowing down the pace. The concert can begin.

After United Identities' successful first vinyl release "Modern Intimacy Volume 1" in 2020, founder, DJ, producer and music curator Carista decided it was time for round two. Named after her debut mixtape, we are proud to present "Modern Intimacy Volume 2". This album is a blend between contemporary and futuristic sounds by 10 rising Dutch artists curated by the label head herself. The intention of the compilation is to nurture and showcase contemporary Dutch homegrown artists and the range of their craft; Breaking the boundaries of sound and genre as we know it, with a refusal to be categorized or caged in. The album starts with the hopeful and soothing track "Whistle, accompanied by a saxophone and flute that gently guides you through the story of Brintex Collective. Then we are moving onwards to genre defying artist Phantom Wizard, who takes you from experimental synth jazz to an electronic dance riddim named "Awa". These two tracks serve as the perfect introduction and sets the tone of the label's versatile compilation. Followed by Thrills in +41 eerie, steady soundscaping drum patterns in "Strangelove64'', groovy bass heavy breaks that invite you to move your whole body to EYCEE's "Crunk", or to be enticed to a dark forest full of raving dancers with the dark but dreamy techno banger "Body On The Floor" by DutchAfro featuring vocals by Luka Eyrie. On the second half of the LP we are transported to an utopian dream reality in "On" by Sansouni with ethereal voices and sounds; Percussion and sample heavy "38A" by Conrad Soundsystem; The glitchy and dark "Personal Reality" by Mayo and shortly after we are taken on a journey through time and space by futuristic artist audt98 in "6 IDENTICAL ATOMS". The compilation concludes with Acidic Male's "Zero Authority", shifting between cutting snares, alluring synths and poetic vocals.

repress!

ECHT! - an instrumental, futuristic four-piece inspired by the concepts absorbed in electronic music and musical production. Taking inspiration from artists including Jonwayne, DJ Rashad, Deantoni Parks, J Dilla, Dorian Concept and Aphex Twin, ECHT! combine electro, hip-hop, trap, funk and futuristic jazz, resulting in a distinct and unique sound.

On the 24th September, ECHT! are set to release their highly anticipated debut album 'INWANE' via the groove-obsessed, Gent-based label Sdban Ultra. Releasing their debut EP 'DOUF' in 2019, the Brussels quartet has not stopped working, recently releasing three sublime live studio sessions titled the BREWmixes which received support from tastemakers including LEFTO, Worldwide FM and Belgian national radio station Studio Brussel (StuBru).

Echt means 'vrai de vrai' - 'true' or 'real' in brusseleir (Brabantian dialect of Brussels). The name is a direct reference to the fact that their sound transmission is 'real', performed with conventional musical instruments as oppose to computer music which the production might suggest. It also relates to the fact that none of the members of the band are originally from Brussels - bassist Federico Pecoraro is from Italy, keyboardist Dorian Dumont is from France and drummer Martin Méreau and guitarist Florent Jeunieaux are both from the Mons region on Belgium.

"For our first album, we wanted to go into deeper beats. We were listening a lot to trap, gritty hip-hop & bass music, and we tried to emulate those kinds of beats on our instruments. The darkish mood of those music genres was fitting for us with this strangest year of 2020. But we also wanted to give a contrast with some brighter parts, where the human feeling is more present. This duality continued in the mixing process by pushing or destroying some sounds, adding electronic textures & effects, but also keeping some sounds really acoustic & organic. The result is for us a mature album: the feeling of electronic music emulated on instruments is confirmed but the human vibe stays central."

From the abstract patterns of 'Permanent' and melodic atmospherics of 'Dunes' to the futuristic funk of 'Charlier', ECHT! look to emulate the producer's off-beats, the compressor's swell, the repeating samples or the DJ's transitions. Elsewhere, the trap-heavy sounds of '500gr.' and subby bass stylings of 'Champi' push things forward, before the scatter rhythms of 'Kiekebiche' and weighty rumblings of 'Drache' integrate the inhuman heritage of electronic music and 're-humanise' it.

Counting BBC Radio 6 Music's Gilles Peterson as a fan, in 2020, ECHT! were voted the third best band at the RedBull Elektropedia Awards under the 'Fresh On the Scene' catergory with debut EP 'DOUF' also receiving a nomination for 'Best EP'.

Summer is in the air, and Reflex Blue introduces his new personal imprint with a 4-track EP of groove-laden house music. Originating from his ever-evolving live set, the label focuses on releasing Blue’s tried, tested, and favourite jams. The record opens with a garage-leaning house roller featuring a rocking sub-bass, catchy drum work, and a unique fusion of 90s rave elements. The A2 track continues in a similar vein, primed for the festival beach stage with chopped ragga vocals, a warbling bass, and a playful organ solo. On the flip side, Reflex Blue expands the EP’s sonic palette with tracks that showcase his signature acid riffs and 90s homage stylings, layered over energised and skippy drum work. The record closes with perhaps the sweetest fruit of all: a nod to UK bass enthusiasts with a heady, speedy garage number. A word of warning, you might drop your mojito. These four quality-assured tracks are a must-have for your bag this summer, as Blue warmly welcomes you to his new vinyl series.

Mastered and cut on 140g transparent vinyl by legendary mastering engineer Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios, London. Pressed at optimal media, Germany.

About the Album

‘Isthmus’ is Ross Tones’s 5th album for Houndstooth in 10 years.
It only seems fitting for it to return to the eclecticism of 2014’s ‘Mosaic’.

An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger bodies.
The two islands contrast in time, topography, chaos and character.
One sears.
The other, buried by blizzards.
A land bridge fights the tide; offering harbour.

Connecting the estranged.
Giving battle to the noise.

It is uncertain who won.

Chief Cabasa is back with a collection of belters with indecent amounts of bass.

The A-Side houses the epynomous Oody Fnk, sporting a mystical nostalgic arpeggiated synth, laser bleeps, thick kicks, riddim, and scatting. Yes, scatting. Bear with us.

On the B-Side, things go faster and thicker still.
B1 Moonra is a breaky tech-housey stepper, with a subaquatic feel. An uplifting deep dive, spookily playing with that one break we all know. But from really far away.

B2 Grad has 2-step garage feel. One for the MCs. Erratic, energetic, hectic. But with a reassuringly repetitive bassline.

James 'Bursnki' Burnham aka Constant Sound label boss and garage head Instinct is showing no signs of running out of ideas despite having put out such a high amount of high-class club weaponry in the last few years.

He goes big once more with this latest 12" which subtly features the iconic vocal cries from Moby's 'Go' but repackaged in a shuffling and banging garage groove with dark synths and wonky bass. On the flip is pure grade bassline track, 'Bassline Track.'

It'll take you back to the days when this northern take on garage was all the rage, and why not?

Amsterdam-based DJ and producer Monty DJ debuts on his own Flippen Disks with the release of the "Dogs are sometimes Fishes EP." This 5-tracker showcases Monty DJ's versatility and adventurous spirit, as he combines rhythmic experiments with a keen ear for sound design, perfectly reflecting the essence of the imprint itself.

The EP opens with the mesmerizing track "Rally," which captivates listeners with its fragmented structure, falling out of and back into groove continuously while piano stabs, floaty melodies and a guitar solo provide guidance. Rally is followed by Poing, a bubbly club track with big kicks, breathy pads and intricately layered grooves.

On the B-side of the EP, listeners are treated to "Gina," an enthralling composition where disharmonic synth rain dances above a solid kick-hat groove. The track is further enhanced by rolling snares and a dynamic 3-bar break that continuously shifts the meter.

The EP also includes remixes by a talented UK-based producers Caldera and Ikävä Pii, each offering their unique take on „Poing“.

Caldera's remix exhibits laid-back and hypnotic minimal vibes, emphasizing groove and a wide sound stage. Ikävä Pii presents his "Stretch" Version, a slow-burning dembow chugger that seamlessly transitions into double time midway through, providing an intriguing transformation of the original track.

"Following on from May's "ECHOES Part 1 & 2" this is the second single of three to be released as an introduction to the next album project of Ulrich Troyer - TRANSIT TRIBE - to be released later this year.

This time it's one for the reggae fans and dubheads with contributions from Diggory Kenrick who has been busy over the last few years adding the distinctive sound of his flute to many new reggae productions. He is also an associate of the U.K. reggae label Pressure Sounds that specialises in reviving classic sounds from the roots and dancehall eras of the genre. Also joining the production is Takafumi Noda aka Mystica Tribe, a Japanese producer and musician who has specialised in a new form of dub techno and is known for adding the signature sound of his melodica to productions of dub friends from around the world.

The subject of travel, especially along modern, fast routes has long been subject to fascinate musicians, from the days of Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" and now the whole genre of dub techno seems to be one built for listening on long journeys. The Autostrada Del Brennero / Brennerautobahn is one of the most important motorways in Italy, as it connects the Po Valley with Austria through the Brenner Pass and features many modern bridges and overpasses that are ready built illustrations for the covers of dub techno albums! On this release this major European truck route is celebrated musically by Ulrich Troyer with inputs from Diggory and Taka to create two modern dub classics."

Steve Barker (DJ, Radio Presenter - On the Wire, BBC 1984 – 2023,

now Slack City Radio & reggae/dub columnist and contributor to The Wire)


Credits:

Diggory Kenrick: flute

Taka Noda: melodica

Didi Kern: drums

Ulrich Troyer: analog synthesizers, analog drum-machines, sampler, dub effects

A written by Diggory Kenrick & Ulrich Troyer

B written by Taka Noda & Ulrich Troyer

Recorded by Ulrich Troyer at 4Bit Studio & 4Bit Bungalow, Vienna - except flute recorded by Diggory Kenrick at Holloway Studio, London / melodica recorded by Taka Noda at Mystica Sound Studio, Tokio

Mixed & arranged by Ulrich Troyer at 4Bit Bungalow, Vienna

Produced by Osman Murat Ertel & Ulrich Troyer

Mastering & Lacquer Cut by Kassian Troyer at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin

Cover Drawing by Ulrich Troyer


Special thanks to Steve Barker, Osman Murat Ertel, Diggory Kenrick, Eva Kelety and Takafumi Noda

Kindly supported by the City of Vienna (MA7 - Kultur), Federal Ministry Republic of Austria (Arts, Culture, Civil Service & Sport), SKE-FONDS (AT) & Amt für Kultur, Bozen (IT)