House News

Maltese producer, DJ and label head Acidulant makes his I Love Acid debut with four tracks of proper acid house party gear.

Following on from Isaac Tichauer's 'Street Lessons' release, the mysterious LOFT Records calls in the talents of Bicep, Hackman, Dorsia and Lancelot for a choicest remix package.
The French Express signing turned many heads when he dropped his lauded 'Devotion' LP back in 2012, and since then the Australian producer has risen to become a formidable name within modern day electronic music.Therefore it's only fitting that an all-star cast were chosen to remix his latest release on LOFT Records. Bicep, who had an enormous 2015 with releases on Aus and 50 Weapons, begin the release with the only remix of 'Higher Level' - a break infused cut fashioned for the dancefloor with a penetrating melody, echoing vocals and soaring pads.
The first of three 'Street Lessons' remixes then comes from Hackman, known for his work on 20/20 Vision and Futureboogie, who incorporates serene synths and subtle stabs to transform the original into a quirky renovation with elements of funk.
London duo Dorsia then step up with a cacophony of sounds that build in suspense with the introduction of fuzzy atmospherics, until fellow Australian and W&O Street Tracks artist Lancelot generates a cavernous dub containing the originals infectious hook whilst implementing resounding rimshots and wobbly keys.

Breezy headwinds, orange-tinged skies, hazy, serene bliss – just some of the profound feelings to be had on the latest release from Oath, a masterclass in melody and mood from one of the finest ever to do…..

Italian producer and DJ Jacy remains one of the stand-out musical characters from a dazzling ensemble of atmosphere builders who were so prevalent during the late 80s and early 90s. His craftsmanship is simply legendary, his music quite simply some of the finest to exude from this period of time, and of which is still making waves in the collective sands now. His dedication to the creation of emotive sweeps, gorgeous rippling tones and easy going, freeing atmospheres has remained a cornerstone of his sound, from the early days through to his excellent work on his imprint Home of House, along with sublime releases on Kalahari Oyster Cult and Hot Haus Recs. Jacy’s sound was broadcast to the world once again via Safe Trip’s ‘Welcome To Paradise’ compilations, where his inclusions were something that lingered long in the memory – an essential component of what is known as the ‘Dream House’ sound. It’s difficult to convey into words exactly how a Jacy record can take the listener, but perhaps it’s different for everyone – one thing can be agreed on though, it’s an experience like no other.

‘Night Fantasy’ is Jacy’s first EP in 4 years, and much like his other records, this one blesses us with warmth, delight and joy, in the softest and most subtle of manners. The title track, which opens up the record, greets the listener with a familiar drum pattern, one which then gives way to the rock-hard bass line, and then the pads arrive. Heavenly angelic in form, their presence is complimented by the arrival of the breathy vocal sample, which evolves to provide a wondrous narrative with the cascading synth line that comes soon after. As a combination its intoxicating, with the breakdown giving us time to get to know this mixture very well, indeed, before powering home with excellence. ‘Just Change’ comes on next, and this one opens up with that classic and explicitly dreamy chord sequence we all know and cherish, with Jacy allowing us to soak up this goodness before shifting the perspective to the rhythm. The interplay that occurs here between keys and drums is something different, before everything transitions into a sequence to close your eyes too. ‘Dat Tape’ shifts perspective to more of a swing in terms of the groove, with sweeping background pads doing much to tug at the heartstrings. The vocal sample is so very effective at crafting an audial narrative, inviting the listener to swim deeper into the goodness, with the subtle transitions doing much to keep things ticking over. Finally, we have ‘Come On’, and this one keeps a spacious feel between the keys and the drums, and it works ever so well. The bass line occupies the bottom ends superbly, with interchanges in chords and some ever-so-familiar vocal samples thrown into the mix – and its simply wonderful.

To convey deep set feelings is to have faith in musical dexterity, to understand the grooves in the record, to follow instinct and trust in the process and precedent. Jacy has always found the sweet spot in his music by following this approach, it seems, and this new record of his is an accumulation of a lifetime of dedication and passion to music and all of its many flavors. Soaring, effective melodic undulations and rapturous, fluctuating rhythms, coupled with atmospheres to drift into – what more could you wish for? Lets get lost within it once again….

When it comes to the underground of electronic music, there's not much Kirk Degiorgio hasn't seen or done. 30+ years in the game, Degiorgio has more than made his mark on the scene’s landscape, both as an esteemed DJ and also as an acclaimed producer with releases on the likes of Versatile Records, Ubiquity and B12.

Cyphon Recordings draft in this true master of the craft for a three-track journey showcasing exactly why he's sustained the level he has for so long. A melodic richness and tactile makeup, whereby Kirk’s tracks more than move your limbs, but rather meld directly to your heart.

First up, a slice of soul-struck, deep house in the form of ‘All About U’. Poised yet powerful, iridescent arps layer upon sweeping pads and a bassline that locks you in from the off. Degiorgio holds the vocal refrain in the back pocket, letting it loose once he’s wrapped you up in the groove.

'Cidade Do Futuro' follows, a cosmic carnival, enticing dancers from the deep. Dynamic snare rolls marry with rising synths in mystical fashion, as Latin percussion moulds around an acid-tinged bass. Together they create a tension that builds and breaks, rising to its next summit before descending once again into outer space.

Closing out the EP, ‘Frayed Edge’. Sitting at the intersection between prog-leaning breakbeat and Detroit-flavoured techno this grooved-laden, lunar transmission is one for late-night dancefloor lovers.

In a sea of sterile, over produced new music, the Living On The Frayed Edge EP stands out as a beacon of dynamism and versatility, showcasing Degiorgio’s inherent knack in being able to craft songs that speak of something deeper than simply dancing.

DJ Feedback:

JKRIV/ RAZOR-N-TAPE: This is a very nice one. Really dig the electro Brazilian vibes of Cidade do Futuro.

GARETH SOMMERVILLE/ ATHENS OF THE NORTH: Kirk Degiorgio showing why he is held in such high regard with these three tracks.

HOT TODDY / CRAZY P: More great stuff from Cyphon, wonderfully warm, soulful, beautifully produced.

BILL BREWSTER/ NTS: Really nice EP, esp. the lead track.

Garage Hermétique bids farewell to the music studio where many seeds were planted between 2016 and 2020, including Onirik's solo projects and collaborations. Hidden under the Schlesicher Tor underground station, it was a chaotic but special place. This release contains a number of tracks recorded at the beloved location, with different aesthetics, seeking a balance between positive and mysterious vibes. On A1 and B1 we find two tracks from the collaborative project Oni-KI. On A2 we find a west coast infused joint recorded with jazz pianist (and ex-Flatmate) Uri Gincel. The ep is rounded off on B2 with a solo production by Onirik, aimed at potential mind relaxation. Good Bye Schlesi.

Reissue of SOBOs inaugural release from Patrick Holland (fka Project Pablo), for the first time featuring the live version of the breakout single "Closer". Montreal's Beaubien Ouest can cause quite the daze in the heat of Summer, so stepping out of the bedroom into the shed made all the difference for Holland. Live-off-the- floor takes with pals Rory Seydel (on guitar) and Jeremy Dabrowski (on the bass) can be heard on the title track, whereas freaked-out Dx7 melodies and harmonies makeup Royal Plus and Closer. An homage to ones home and its dreamlike qualities, as well as a practice in call and response.

The sixth edition of the Luther Vine-curated Fragments Of Reality offers up four new workouts bulging with urgency and style. Upfront and upbeat disco house from Rhythms of Prescott opens the collection like a volcanic eruption, 'Three One Two' being the work of Irish-born, London-based Wizkid, definitely a name to watch out for. 'Dress 2 Sweat' by Aguila follows, with 90s-inspired filtered vocal samples gliding on top of a warm, sun-kissed bassline. Flip it over for 'Delayed Fizz' by Douwe and Picasso with its chiselled grooves and urbanesque electro twists, while the brassy, cheeky 'Unintended Consequences' by Tom Frankel completes the set in style.

Klasse Wrecks continues its expedition through the wilderness of early 2024 with a release from your favourite producers' favourite producer. Bufo Bufo continues his golden run after sterling records for the likes of Cabaret with a unique 4 tracker for Wrecks. Distilling all styles and influences into one record, 'Beelzebufo' sees the producer capture rare species of electro, breakbeat and mangled rave together...resulting in a supernatural sonic hybrid. Play with caution...the sounds you hear maybe devastating to your ear.

After nearly a year of studio silence, the painfully mysterious Berlin-based stalwart DJ trio ItaloJohnson announces its latest batch of unbelievable limited-edition, hand- stamped black label vinyls since - Too Deep Underground wowed nightclubs around the world in spring 2015. ITJ10's two tracks are equally liable to ravage dance floors in big rooms and intimate clubs alike with rave-ready stabs on the A-side, a throbbing bass groove on the B-side and typically expert drums throughout. Who needs Facebook, Twitter or SoundCloud when you've got the magic recipe to supreme, banging house and techno DJ tools

When it rains it pours. Following up their recent 5 tracker, Jump Source are back with a condensed EP of intricate dance tracks. This is JS at its most crispy and atonal. Three tracks of distorted clicks and driven circuits that prove to be pretty capable in the club.

Fledging but already fine young label U.Dig out of Croatia is back with more final gold, this time from a master of the form in Alexis Cabrera. He kicks off with the mini-epic that is '1997.5', a real head-melting and elastic acid tune that is perfectly deep and rolling for the freaky afters. 'Straight Up' is more punchy and taught, with low-slung drums and crisp hits powering it forward. Last of all things get brilliantly unhinged on 'Microrama,' a kinetic and densely packed cut with flappy snares blaring synths, withering melodies and a true sci-fi feel.

Baby Ford's Trelik label is as revered as they come in underground circles. Ion Ludwig is not far behind when it comes to his productions and so the two are a perfect match who reunite once more here. This fresh 12" kicks off with the brain cleansing minimalism of 'A Beladen Date 4 Ever', a silky groove doused in harmonic chords, with swirling pads and rubbery bass all tightly intertwining.

'Transport Fighter' is a more punchy cut with thudding kicks and heftier bass, but still a nebulous eco-system of pads and melodies swirling around up top. Two killer cuts. no doubt.

Repressed & Recut

The title track "Ghost In The Shell" has a light and a dark side that fight with each other somewhere in 2077, and it's up to you to decide which one wins. “Ramayana” is an interpretation of the ancient Indian epic in the form of a meditative dub-techno-trance. "Wow!" dedication that occurred on August 15, 1977. A strong narrowband radio signal was detected by Dr. Jerry Eiman while working on the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University. "Wow!" was the only signal in the history of mankind intercepted from the depths of space, which could not be deciphered, but the musicians tried. The EP closes with a slow track with an unearthly atmosphere, shimmering with contrasting electronic sound. "After Glow" - a neutrino of a thermonuclear sun, making its way through thunderclouds and bringing hope to the bright future of the present time. So Komponente & Kurilo made mystical EP with an unpredictable plot, which is a symbiosis of dub-techno and trance melodies.

Today we have a piece from Kharkiv. Yes, THAT Kharkiv, the hometown of the Ukrainian dynamic duo of Komponente and Kurilo with their Trance Pandemic label, also the city on the frontier of the Russian/Ukrainian war. Living in a much calmer city in Ukraine, it’s really hard for me to imagine making any production plans there, in this case, it means nothing but honor and respect for the guys. Red and black colouring was changed to yellow and blue (the colors of the year), the music is still great.

The dynamic duo of Komponente & Kurilo from the Ukrainian label Trance Pandemic are preparing for their next sold-out record. This “Defenders” EP is made from tracks, that were made before the full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine and also it is the continuation of “For A Brave” EP.

The main track of the release, also called “Defenders” is a signature piece for their duo. Moderately slow and calm, that evolves into something bigger around the third minute. The mayhem of sounds with that hell’s bells also. And there’s a little Easter egg at 1:29. If you know the sample – you’ll smile for a bit.

The record starts with “Victory”. Bold, a bit broken at the beginning piece, that is also evolving. This time we’re talking about the structure. The straight one comes after that broken start. “Kharkiv Mnemonic” also has some bells inside, paired with a nice, bubbling acid and a heavenly melody a bit closer to the end. The calmest track on the release.

Last, but definitely not least (the choice for the pick was between these two from the B-side) is “Broken Dreams”. Still can’t get enough of that break that we know lately from Alec Falconer’s release on Art Of Dark (not that lately, to be honest) and a dozen of other tracks. Here it’s hidden a bit in the back, so we can hear another kinda trancey and melancholic melody in full.

12", 180g, Vinyl Only. Limited copies and no repess!

Back in stock!

Presence Unknown is a new vinyl and digital label curated by longtime producer and DJ, Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Neil has been behind the decks and deeply involved in all aspects of club and underground sound system culture since the early Eighties. He has released his music on numerous underground labels and performed all over the world, from plush clubs to dirty warehouses. Worth a read are a couple of published articles by Neil regarding his experiences on the dance floor of underground clubs in London and New York in the Eighties. See links at the bottom of this page for these as well as a detailed biography and discography. There is also a link to a recent 40-minute interview with Distant Planet TV that explores his cultured rave history.

The second release on Presence Unknown contains four future-retro house grooves from Controlled Weirdness crafted using a variety of analogue and digital hardware in his South London studio.

The next puzzle in our series, which focuses on the unique qualities of each sub-genre within house music, comes from Berlin-based artist Ede. After a guest appearance on our Secret Weapons, he is now back with a true representation of pop alike Vocals and a knack for Detroit Elements. – The “Poptroit EP”. The four tracks are characterized by steady driving rhythms, bubbling basslines, vocal samples and synth chords, a blend designed to keep your dance shoes moving.

After signing to the Toolroom in 2018, Friend Within is finally ready to unveil his debut album titled ‘Hope’ with four of the standout tracks being compiled for this 12 inch sampler. An established producer in his own right, having worked with countless DJs and producers over the years Friend Within has come full circle with his debut album ‘Hope’. Written during lockdown in 2020, it is a collection of his finest tunes to date, packed full of club bangers and dancefloor fillers leaving little room to disappoint.

Released back in 2020, the first single to the album ‘For You’ is a self-assured classic house track with no need for an introduction, maintaining the albums theme of absolute bangers. Despite it being one of the more chilled out moments on the album, ‘Love Goes On And On’ cements its place as a straight up house banger. Next up, A-Trak makes an appearance as the pair collaborate on 'Know Each Other', upping the ante from their previous 2019 hit ‘Blaze’. Going from strength to strength, the late night, feel good nature of the song speaks for itself and is a definite high point of the album. Finishing things off is instant dancefloor classic, 'Rola', an uplifting Disclosure esque record sprinkled with subtle hints of Friend Within magic for good measure.

Although the album leaves a sense of longing for live music again, it gives hope that better times are yet to come. Hope is destined to soundtrack and define nightlife post pandemic, known the world over as a classic debut by one of the most exciting artists of this decade.

Great mixes!

The first four releases on Peace Symphonies now available on vinyl.

With 'Trip to Sanity,' Berlin-based producer, DJ, live performer, and Stil vor Talent label head Oliver Koletzki presents a milestone in his 36-year long musical career and his 18-year tenure at the top of global electronic nightlife – his 10th studio album.

The album’s title, "Trip to Sanity’" – a reference to the classic German children’s story of the little dragon 'Tabaluga' – reflects Oliver's own path as a DJ within the world of club culture. But it also represents the appeal to an unbroken childlike curiosity as a producer, driven by the utopias of this parallel society. Naturally, Koletzki found his creative spark while performing on the stages of renowned festivals like Burning Man, Coachella, Garbicz, and Fusion, as well as in moments of peace and relaxation on meditative hikes and long beach walks in his second home of Cape Town.

In South Africa, Oliver wrote most of "Trip to Sanity" in the winter, then flashed out and finalised the tracks in his studio at Kreuzberg's Holzmarkt. Within the last 18 months a collection of complex and varied songs formed, which, typical for Oliver's collaborative approach, were often created in cooperation with musicians like techno-pop legend Fritz Kalkbrenner, Burning Man chance encounter Talmirage, scene friends Andhim, Hidden Empire, Oliver Klostermann and Niko Schwind, or the exceptional voices Natascha Polké, Malou, LOLY and Marlena Dae. The result is a rollercoaster ride through a diverse spectrum of dance music, effortlessly held together by Koletzki's unmistakable sound signature and his intrinsic sense for the exact tension between hedonistic dancefloor focus and poppy earworm impact. At the centre of it all shines a joie de vivre that runs like a thread through "Trip to Sanity": Playful, cheeky, imaginative, euphoric, a rainbow of genres and influences flow into each other, balanced by moments of reflection, melancholy or harshness.

The journey of discovery begins with the funky piano licks of "Oliver's Silly Jam," seamlessly followed by the disco groover "Get on the Bus." The radio single "Stay Until the Light" (feat. Niko Schwind & Talmirage) then combines pop vocals with deep emotions before Koletzki, alongside his superfriends Andhim, kicks it up a notch on the Afro-house masterclass "Branka." Next up, Fritz Kalkbrenner lends his unmistakable voice to the atmospheric anthem "Heart on Hold," paving the way for "Mind Games." Here, Natascha Polké's ethereal vocals glide over an almost haunting instrumental, heading towards the night.

At the album’s midpoint Koletzki breaks away from the expectations of the typical "techno blueprint" in a formal sense. Starting with the prophetically titled "My Last Attempt," a deep and muscular downtempo workout, Oliver creates a (further) homage to incredibly long nights with "Sonne Geht Auf" (feat. LOLY) and shows a completely different side of himself on the neon-infused dub track "Midnight Reggae." This segment of strong contrasts and a desire for reinvention is rounded off by the dreamy indie-dance atmosphere of "Is It Real" (feat. Malou), slowly leading us back to the club.

Because "The Pleasure of the Very First Time," "Candyflip," "Space Papi," "Elevation" (feat. Hidden Empire), and "Mantra for Bora" are clearly designed for the peak time, which is where Oliver predominantly finds himself during his sets. This part of the album is powerful, driving, and ecstatic – it captures the sweat of the dancefloor and the pulsation of the strobe light, making it tangible while listening.

Then, another shift is presented with "Chasing Holes" and "Hasenheide," two particularly rhythmic tracks characterised by hand drums and Balearic accents. Ultimately, Oliver concludes with the bittersweet closer "Don't Ever Wake Me Up" (feat. Marlena Dae). The title of this finale couldn't be more fitting, as it encapsulates what makes Oliver Koletzki's music so special at its core – it speaks to the subconscious, the senses, hits the heart, and leads it into the here and now.

For those who want to experience said state of mind even more intensely, there’s the opportunity this winter as part of the "Trip to Sanity" live concert tour in Germany. A long term dream of Oliver’s, who will present tracks from the new album paired with highlights from his extensive catalogue – naturally performed on an array of instruments in a proper live setup and as an audio-visual gesamtkunstwerk. For Oliver Koletzki, one milestone follows the other this year.

Pletnev takes the reins for the label's third release with four weighty peak time cuts.

Dahlia Records is back with a huge new record. This time from label owner S.A.M.

Following the direction of previous Dahlia records DAHLIA993 contains three tracks for some very unique dance floor moments. Emotive pads and melodies mixed with hypnotic acid lines and dynamic compositions make up this stunning three track EP. Signature cosmic and groovy S.A.M. sounds on A1 and B1 cuts, while B2 ‘Hibernation’ shows a restrained minimal and slightly conceptual spacious energy with a beautiful string outro. Let yourself get carried away!

Highly accomplished artists Monolink and Adam Port join forces for a spine-tingling link up.

Underpinned by a hypnotic main riff, this cut utilises the power of Monolink’s haunting vocals. Alongside a rousing instrumental, this track’s components make for an emotionally-charged journey...

Following her contribution to this Spring’s Gudu & Friends Vol. 1 compilation, Lady Blacktronika steps out with a full EP for Peggy Gou’s Gudu label.

Whether operating as Lady Blacktronika or her Femanyst alias, Akua Grant has built a deserved reputation as one of house and techno’s most daring and unique artists - one that dates back 25 years now, when she first debuted as a vocalist.

“House and techno” can be a cliched catch-all term, but in Grant’s case, she really has explored the extremes of both sides. Her early Lady Blacktronika work, when she earned the nickname The First Lady of Beatdown, saw her produce and narrate a style of deep house that was both sensitive and transgressive, while as Femanyst, she explores some of techno’s darkest corners, all distorted kicks and serrated edges.

Her EP for Gudu kicks off with some serious intent: ‘Baby I Got It’ chops its vocals rough and raw, pairing them with marching drums and the sort of idiosyncratic synth-work that feels like a Blacktronika signature at this point. ‘Sing the Blues’ and ‘Hold My Hand’ take things smoother, but without ever deferring to type — as ever with Grant’s music, she works with such sleight of hand that it’s easy to skip back three minutes previous and wonder how the hell we got here. Her tracks are just that hypnotic and hallucinatory.

Closing the EP, Octo Octa provides a remix of ‘Hold My Hand’ that extends things to a full 12 minutes (note: slightly shorter on the vinyl due to time constraints), taking us out with crushed percs and held pads over some undeniable drum work.

This EP marks the final release of Gudu’s busiest year to date, with music on the label in 2023 coming from Special Request, Matisa, Mogwaa, Hiver, Matrefakt, DMX Krew, Dukwa, Brain de Palma, Lady Blacktronika, Salamanda and Closet Yi.

Parallelle join forces with Nicolas Masseyeff once again for ‘Renegade’ on Crosstown Rebels, featuring a remix from Adam Ten & Mita Gami. Collaborating previously on DGTL, having known each other for years, Dutch brother duo Parallelle and France’s Nicolas Masseyeff have created a partnership within the studio that clicks. Parallelle are multi-instrumentalists, composers, producers, and Klassified Records owners with a hybrid sound that mixes up electronica, electro-jazz and underground house, while Masseyeff is equally accomplished and draws on minimalism, jazz, new wave, Detroit and Chicago when crafting his signature sound on the likes of Systematic Recordings and Diversions Music. Linking up again, the three talents combine for a first outing on Crosstown Rebels with ‘Renegade’.

Up first is title track ‘Renegade’, a deep mid-tempo house shuffler. The drums are elegant and airy, with bright chords and a rasping baseline. It’s a real mood builder with dramatic synth sweeps that brings a sense of class to the dance floor. Israeli artists Adam Ten & Mita Gami have been a creative force for the last couple of years, and their ‘High On’ EP on Crosstown Rebels last year gained huge success, defining a new movement of psychedelic house sounds. Their remix of ‘Renegade’ offers a slowly unfolding masterclass with moving melodies and modulated synths casting a captivating spell. Last of all is ‘Bandidos’, another deep and subtle track infused with rich synth work. The bright lines and deft pads are lithe and loose over the underlapping drums, encouraging you to gaze in awe as you get lost in the mellifluous groove.

Repress!

Following up on a string of releases already this year from the likes of Third Son, Jackmate and Jerome Hill, Accidental Jnr continues to charge ahead, this time bringing UK duo Party Nails into the fold.

TBT3 by french dj/producer Rocco Rodamaal finally gets a vinyl release including all the remixes!

DirtybLends edition is another 3 track inferno release combining 3 different ideas together from heavy Jakbeat to old school slower style tracks of the label: Chicago Underground to early 80s proto-house instrumentals of Boyd Jarvis!!

tHe A siDe kicKz oFF wit the return of kincaid presenting a daRk n meNaciNg composition played n created wit bLood n sweat behind the vintage music boxes to come with this 12 minute riPPer of beauty entitled: Circuit Collapse

The 1st production on the B-side comes from new member of The Klan of The Beatheadz: Cliff Solomon on this production the caT honors the timeless work of the originator Boyd Jarvis & Timmy Regisford from 1985 on next plateau. developing drum and bassline ideas with elevated drama and deepest respect for the true pioneers of the underground."

the final tune on Dirtyblends 11 on the B side is a collaboration from The Jak and Lex Lathan recorded at Nation HQ presenting their idea to keep the spirit of the early releases on Chicago Underground that were produced more slower in style entitled: The CaLL oN tHe EdgE

Warehouse Find!

Since his massive 'Works On Sunday EP' from the middle of 2016 Archie's star has risen considerably, peaking with his inclusion at no.70 on RA's end of year DJ Poll. Here he steps up for EP duties once more on his spiritual home of Fuse London; 'Driven to Distraction' kicks things off with a bubbling acidic groover while 'Telegram' also harnesses the power of the 303 albeit in a more trippier form. 'Channelled' rounds things off with an elegantly floated groove, it's melodic elements and aquatic kick heralding the shift in seasons beautifully.

There's a hot new wave rising up from the streets of Buenos Aires and Guile has caught it. The Argentinian surfs deftly from hip-house bassline nuggets all the way to a tribal sunrise diamond, catching a few splashes of acid along the way. Get on board with this nugmeister.

Berlin-based and London-raised Revivis heads fresh into 2024 with the second release on his own Santo Tomas imprint. Successfully launching the label in 2023, the rising British DJ and producer’s new body of work showcases his maturing and expanding taste in electronic sounds.

Rooted in house fundamentals, Dance State is aimed squarely for the dancefloor. Its four solid groovers draw inspiration from punchy '90s house, early acid-flavoured trance, and the driving, bouncy, golden-era sound of British progressive. 

A1’s "All Over" uses the late-night Levantine soundscapes of Berlin’s Neukölln district as its main melodic inspo, while "Queen of Chaos" on the B1 is a straight-up homage to euphoric '90s piano moments. B2’s "Sophia" playfully wrestles with the question of AI and musical creativity by sampling Sophia, an AI entity, as it reflects on its emotions. Finally, the EP’s A2 namesake is an acid-tinged redemptive roller built to soundtrack those deeper, dancefloor workout moments that Revivis’s sets have become known for. 

Sleeve photography by Stephanie Elizabeth Third.

Vinyl Only

After several years in Buenos Aires cultural scene, between parties, podcasts, the strain collective releases its first V.A with 4 timeless gems from producers Muten, Botwin, Desiree Falessi, Rindeau and Stefano Andriezzi.

It’s a big family affair as four OEW favourites gather on the latest record. Full squad manoeuvres as the quartet of Priori, Eversines, O'FortyFour and Reflex Blue assemble to do some serious damage.

The four-pronged outing kicks off on a proper heads-down tip. Coming thru with thebliss-out, widescreen pads and locked-in groove, NAFF founder Francis Latreille, AKA Priori, sets pace with the sort of track you can imagine inducing trance states at 4 AM. Eversines, on the other hand, opts for a more buoyant kind of flex. Heralding the golden era of early ‘90s acid house, ’Vigilance' retains the hypnotic qualities of its predecessor. Radiant gear.

Serving big electro accelerators, the next two represent something of a departure. But where O’FortyFour’s rude, elasticated contribution comes replete with insectoid detail, Reflex Blue recalls the finest Motor City hydraulics with a slice of Drexciyan-indebted machine funk.

Artwork by Susan Janssen
Words by Matt Blair

Swirl People have decided to launch a new label LITS (which stands for Lost In The Swirls) with new music from their reactivated Different Noodles alias. Wise move if you ask us because these tunes are top. 'Banana Resort' has an early West Coast tech house feel as well as hints of Chicago greats like Boo Williams and Glenn Underground. It's a super smooth and cool, breezy and balmy groove then 'Mr Boogie' gets more playful with bobbling drums and bright chord stabs under jazz leads. 'Flame' closes out a super strong EP with a more paired back sound built on fat drums and prying bass.

Fresh off his latest release on NDATL, June Jazzin presents his SHINE ON EP on his own label “Are You House2?

The South African Artist shows what deep house is all about with 3 new lushy and joyful tracks.

Enjoy!