House News

vinyl only, handstamped

By now, Frak needs no formal introduction. Let's just say they are the Swedish House Mafia for people who actually know what house music is. Lately, there has been somewhat of a surge in house and techno influenced by synth, ebm and obscure sub-genres that ends with "-wave". So the timing couldn't be better for Frak to return to Kontra-Musik with this remarkable synth and acid flavoured release. This is of course a bit ironic as no-one could possibly care less about trends and hypes than Frak and Kontra-Musik. Time is an illusion. Our music, however, is not. But it may flabbergast you all the same. Machines drifting away is an intriguing piece of music; straightforward and multi-layered; futuristic and old school. The first half of the track molds itself around an ebm-like bassline which seems to be moving through a desolate landscape with hard hitting kicks, claps and drums marching on beside it, while the sky above is filled with the wails of brooding synths. The second part introduces a mean 303-bassline as the intensity of the journey heightens. To find a way home has a more elaborate rhythmical body, which only can be described as Frakish. The sound of an echoing metronome sets the tempo at the beginning, soon to be joined by heavy kicks and toms. Several analogue synths then joins in; bending, distorting and moving through the soundscape, almost battling for space. Everything is kept on the right path, though, thanks to an ingenious use of hi-hats - a trademark trick and treat from Frak. Everything is composed and recorded in legendary Studio Styrka, Karlskrona.

Finally Repressed!
Auf ihrer neuen 12" für Ostgut Ton zeigt sich Steffi von einer überraschend harten
Seite. Nach ihrem Track "Yours", der unverzüglich seinen Weg zum House-Klassiker ging und dem Album "Yours & Mine", auf dem es sehr intime Momente gibt, beweist Steffi mit ihrer neuen EP, dass sie noch viel Unentdecktes zu bieten hat und produziert elegante, tief gefühlte Technoklänge, die an unvergessene Warehouse Partys erinnern, als Techno und House auf nur einer Tanzfläche vereint wurden.

Tyler Friedman returns to Kontra-Musik with a series of immersive wax maelstroms, adorned with the mind-melting artwork of Rafaela Drazic. Every track on CCC: BB: BBB: JJ is a controlled experiment in lysergic dance music; an examination of how far you can warp the constitutive elements of techno without loosing it's essential spine. The result is four evolutionary techno suites full of movement and life that make your brain move just as vigorously as your body. As the personal work of a composer creating soundtracks for artist projects - most notably as a long-term collaborator of The Otolith Group, the filmmaker collective spearheaded by pioneering Afrofuturist theorist Kodwo Eshun - CCC: BB: BBB: JJ sums up everything Kontra-Musik is about: dancefloor celebrations challenging the boundaries of expectation and genre.

Raw Tools returns with four powerful tracks from the vaults of talented Scottish producer Stephen Lopkin, who already made his vinyl debut with a banging 12' on the mighty M>O>S. Chicago flavored beats and acid driven grooves bolted onto Detroit rhythms and swirling pads of analog goodness. Comes with a special illustration by Bucharest artist, Silviu Andrisoi. Limited as always.

For Legwork's first outing, we've recruited a seminal techno-soul producer from Dallas, Texas, who prefers to stay in the shadows, remaining nameless(ish). That said, anyone who's serious about Detroit techno know's his work on Matrix, Down Low, and most receintly Delsin. On Remix duty are fellow Dallas alumnus Lance DeSardi, head honcho at Legwork, and DJ Cle, the hardest massaging man in house music.
A1. Down Off Cooper If this bassline doesn't hook you, check your pulse. Add some twisting and sliding pads to relentless machine-funked rhythms, and Robert's your mother's brother.
A2: Where's Cityboy The perfect complimentary tune to Down Off Cooper, this one's slightly deeper, while still keeping the drum patterns moving and bass rumbling enough for the most discerning of dance floors.
B1: Down Off Cooper (Lance De Sardi & Cle Remix) Lance & Cle take Down Off Cooper to a more House-oriented dimension, never losing the techno soul of the original. The extra vocal snippet reminescent of classic M.A.W. dubs or Global Communication shoots this one into space.

Gerome Sportelli presents "Sporty Limited", a new record label managed by himself as a limited vinyl series. After big success with his KRAX Records in 2004, veteran Gerome Sportelli is back with a new label project. The genre of the label swings between dance floor oriented house and techno, with a touch of acid and of course some dusty old school flavours. Gerome's already active in the music industry since the early 90's as a producer, DJ, label manager, party promoter and graphic designer. His music 'smells' old school, just like the early age of acid house, but infused with today's intelligent constructions and an engaged vision on music. Gerome's music is made from bronze age analogue synths, love, passion and modern digital mixing techniques.
For this first Sporty Limited release, Gerome comes out with three stylish tracks. The first track, A side 'Drive', is a fat house stomper with strong stabs and female voice hits. The break is intense and works effectively on packed dance floors. B1 is called 'Free Range' and feels like summer. It's full of classic house sounds, filtered strings and hypnotic loops. This is a Chicago­styled, disco sampled, deep and classy house track we love and cherish. The B2 track, 'Don't Go', is composed with a classic house bass, shuffled 909 drums and dark space strings. You'll immediately recognize the deep and melodic Detroit house sound.

That Place's concept is to give a musical tribute to a place that marked the life of the artist. The label leaves space to the subjectivity of the artist in both musical style as visual on the cover because it's him who chosen the illustration. That Place is intended to be broad in terms of musical style, it can be house, techno, disco edit, ambient, acid, etc.. As long as the music reflects the soul of the artist.
That Place is a label run by Juliano. He honors for this first release a Lyon's artist: Visitors for Reworks. The latter has happened here 4 House, Electro and Techno tracks.
"Space 1" is the opening track fot this Ep. VFR puts forward a basseline ever bounce and go in acid tones while the instrumental part takes us in a constant dynamic. The second piece is entitled "Space 3 (Flight of Stairs Version)" and is a journey towards experimentation with electro acid sounds. On the flip side of the disc there is the track "Space 2" who is Breaky and goes on the lovely flavour of Blip Techno. Closing the disc, "Space 3" which is probably the most dancefloor piece of this Ep and shows the ingenuity of VFR to give groove and voltage to a song.

Detroit lands in Rome! Although being a canadian, Greg Gow is a one of those few artists who can proudly be considered part of the D25, the elite of Classic Detroit Sound.
After having produced on labels such as the legendary Transmat, run by Derrick May, Greg has finally joined the 7 Oz Records family with the Santa Clara Ep.
Two tracks (Santa Clara and Resurrection) with a resolute traditional Detroit flavour, where the peculiar strings and soulful groove are reshaped with a contemporary and powerful rhythmic section.

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Played/supported by:
Laurent Garnier, Dubfire, James Lavelle, Tom Findlay, Mihalis Safras, Samuel L Session, Desyn Masiello, Affkt, Dave Seaman, Felipe Valenzuela, Hernan Cattaneo, Deetron, Guy J, Len Faki, Thomas Schumacher, And.Id, Hector Romero, Carlo Lio, Oleg Poliakov, Pig&Dan, James Zabiela, Jamie Anderson, Gary Beck, Guy J, Layo&Bushswacka, Coyu, Uner, Tedd Patterson.

- 7 Oz Records welcomes back Mathias Mesteno, after his glorious remix of Coyu's D.E.G. His 'Alcatraz' EP, is a deep and dark journey through the hypnotic sounds and rhythms of Detroit. The title track sounds like pure Detroit techno, made for the most cultured of listeners; it sweeps through the dancefloor while moving the subconscious. On the flip, 'Junior' is explores the hazier side of the things. Deep house with a retro touch..

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Deep & tech house from an italian young talent based in Barcelona.
Clike's version is a deep and melodic anthem from these days, Skyboy's remix will be the summer floor killer...bomb!

Includes to two endless loops

It's been said that the day unravels what the night has woven so that each morning, we hold in our hands a few fringes of the tapestry of a lived life. The act of remembering is more like forgetting. For it is only when a memory is recalled that the fragile and forgotten quality of memories are revealed. We go about life weaving fragments together, fragments of ourselves we find staring back at us as we remember conversations, smells and quality of light.

Alas, the sun rises today no different than in the summer of 1989. Lamenting the passage of time as experienced solely through recorded media begs the question - is there such a thing as second hand nostalgia

We present to you, the Phenomena EP - by Florist - An elegy to the spirit of the Sunrise Midsummer Party held at White Waltham Airfield - aka Ecstasy Airport - in June of 1989. Channelling the energy of Raul Orellana and the hordes of enraptured dancers, it goes out to the hundreds of Youtube commenters who can still recall with vivid clarity their personal experiences (in spite of altered states).

Fun MPC based songs that journey through a world of rich musical influence, whilst a now signature personal touch remains throughout. The considered production and musicality of all four tracks keep the record relevant for both hanging with the pooch at home, or getting your drink and smoke on in the club. Halfway Home is a massive leap forward for the label head, and a sign of the many great things yet to come from this fledgling producer.

Kicking in with analogue sounding toms a rather tense and high pitched string and some nightclub crowd samples, Munich's Henry Gilles immediately brings the tension before dropping the beats and some serious funk. 'Damn Dam' is a low level organ based house groove that progresses well with kicks falling in and out of place to keep re-emphasising the tension and accentuating the funk this is his first release and he sounds like he's been in the game for a long while already, with some extremely well produced house that a crowd would find difficult not to move with. 'Changes' starts with some teasing kicks and delays before developing the chugging feeling as synths gently rise from the background and synthetic percussion and reverberated synths continue to tease over a large hollow bass type sound. Although the production quality is the same, this has a feeling that uses synths and scattered percussion and tones to create a far more spaced out and casually futuristic approach to house music than 'Damn Dam' In short, this is a faultless example of what Henry Gilles can do, and to be quite honest, with this level of quality and expertise, you can expect to be hearing a lot more from him in the future.

part three of ten with M.S.!
500 copies - no repress

part two of ten with unbroken dub!
500 copies - no repress - blue transparent vinyl

Merachka is a new artist from Detroit who produces Detroit Techno, Minimal Techno, and Tech House. Merachka's original version of "UnderGroov" is a throwback to the classic sound of Detroit Techno. "A Minimal Break Down" and "Zniper" are banging Minimal Techno tracks. Terrence Parker's remix of "UnderGroov" is a Tech House monster!

Support from DJs like DVS1, Terrence Parker.

Even whilst travelling the globe, djing or touring with Inner City, Saunderson continued to produce and release not only his own tracks on his KMS label (with tracks such as 'The Sound' by Reese, 'Rock To The Beat' by Reese, 'Truth Of Self Evident' by Reese & Santonio, 'Let's, Let's, Let's, Let's Dance' by Keynotes and 'Colour Of Love' by The Reese Project), but he also released tracks by other up and coming artists, releasing classic underground gems, such as 'Flash' by Fix, 'Can You Feel It' by Chez Damier, 'Soundscape' by Kosmic Messenger, 'Definition Of Love' by Kaos and 'Use Me' by R-Tyme. The list is endless.

Fast forward to 2012 and it's hard to believe that KMS is still releasing records. With such a long history, what better way to celebrate than to release a special CD Boxset. The 'KMS 25th Anniversary Classics' will be released on CD, Digital (and for those vinyl collectors, there will be 6 x 12' Samplers). Each format includes a plethora of gems which have been released on KMS over the last 25 years.

KMS may be celebrating it's 25th Anniversary, but there's no slowing down for Kevin Saunderson. He's still producing, remixing and djing (all over the world). Here's to the next 25 years....

Following up from a beautiful EP on Fanzine, 4 tracks of atmospheric techno texture from Spain's Hoax Believers including a remix by Russ Gabriel. 180g vinyl only release.

Karl Roman delivers 4 dense tracks with the second release on RomanMusik. 'Mod EP' expands the label's spectrum from stirring, edgy techno to sweet, glowing serenity.

The two tracks on Side A engage the listener with intense low ends and endlessly evolving planes. Unrefined and crisp, these tracks are made to spice up the DJs late night set.

Side B captivates with a seducing hypnotic theme. The underlying immersing bass unfolds over two versions of the track, offering lush ambient sound-scapes projecting two vigilant separated moods.

Fine Choice Records; Presented by Fantastic Man. An imprint focused on releasing a series of limited 10' records for the discerning vinyl collector.

The Funkenflug Team from Thuringia, Germany delivers another
small vinyl only compilation crossing dubby house and techno music.Vinyl only !

Latest Appleblim release on Applepips.

For Those That Knoe: A new label from the UK focusing on under the radar tracks recorded by unsung heroes, ripped from dusty DATs and lovingly re-mastered and pressed onto vinyl for likeminded people and music collectors alike. Jaime Read as LHAS is one of the unsung heroes on the UK house scene, initially making house music brimming with Chicago jazz flavours and disco tendencies in the mid-90s. Deep from Jaime's archives come three funk-filled melodic analogue jams, all with their own unique character yet still encapsulating Jaime's individual take on Chicago jack. "Deep In Plumpton" graces the Aside with its meltingly warm bassline, crisp offbeat claps, scattered percussion and glimmering jazz keys. It's a freeform composition with a fluid arrangement and layers of melody enveloping a bottom-shaking groove. It's musically brilliant, catchy and involving, moving the heart and soul as well as getting bums to wiggle. "On the QT" sits in perfect deep house territory with syncopated hats, rumbling bass and dreamy pads. A spacey lead and sparkling arpeggiator are teased in towards the end of the arrangement to complement the track, which could slot easily into Prescription's back catalogue. "Mania" speaks for itself, taking inspiration from one of the most well-known Chicago House labels it's a manic bouncing ball of jacking house with playful synth leads, scorching hats and distorted kicks. Aimed squarely at the dance floor it's as current and fresh as it would have been in 1995. Bangin'!

Moustache Italo Anthem. Well known in the clubscene, a classic italo track from this underground dark wave italo band The Problems from Holland. Track played by DJ David Vunk on numberous parties for more than 6 years already ... So it took some time but here it is... Including a techno remix made by David Vunk! with pumping basskick and super sharp clubby tr-909 hats. Limited suplies on this so dont sleep...

Axe on Wax return with it's third release welcoming on board Speakdeep, Stefano Esposito (Luca Tuccillo Piano Mix), Ciro De Gais & Kidmark all supplying raw old school sounding house bombs essential for real house music lovers that play quality Wax!!!!!!

DJ Support

Danny Ward (20:20 / Moodymanc)
Tomoki Tamura (Holic Various)
Claudio Coccoluto
Dzeta & Basille
Kostas Tassopoulos (Ekkohaus)
Andrew Grant (DC10)
Chris Fortier (Balance)
Julien Sandre (Morris Audio
Nick Holder
Severino (Horse Meat Disco)

The latest Sound Transmission from Stephan Laubner under his STL project alias comes in shape of a 12 vinyl for likeminded people who are interested in the d-i-y sound research of the Something records audio sense facility. All Music has been recorded in analog mode without any computersequencing in real time. The technical support and programmed tones are coming out of currently favourite outboard equipment like the Pc3k, Orla dse24, K5000 to name a bit of equipment, and from the vast library of STL drum sounds that has been created in the past years. The music vibes are settled somewhere between late-night druggy grooved house feelings as well as vintage touched gravity-free tunes, that should be seen as positive proof that music hasn't to be an always too serious matter. It's sometimes like seeing those blurry pictures in front of your mind's eye shortly before falling down into sleep. Something Vinyl Series 26 can be at some times a nice rescuing escape from harsh unkind reality into an inside resonating Wirklichkeit. Hopefully this record will also be able to put smiles on your face when your turntable needle says once farewell and goodbuy. Enjoy!

Paris Club kings, Concrete, unleash a series of Textures, representing their diverse and hugely popular events in Paris....

More acid madness form those cheeky North London chappies. Naughty Naughty boys!!

Dib001 is the brand new concept from Idriss D, the first of a series of EPs on his own Memento label which will feature an original track backed by an exclusive remix from one of his favourite producers.

A long time resident in Italy's most renowned clubs, Idriss D's career behind the decks dates back to the early 2000s. Known socially more as a DJ and label owner than a producer due to his several commitments in the Dance Music industry, this string of releases will see him reach out to new horizons, bringing his studio skills to the fore and exploring uncharted territories.

After his highly acclaimed Sunset In Kreuzberg EP, Dib001 shifts gears and goes straight into Techno mode: 'Constantine' is a steady number, its acid bass line slugging around a dark Lfo pulse and punching snares. Piano chords slow down the pace here and there, adding a dreamy touch to the mood. On remix duties, Idriss drafts in Gaetano Parisio, the Godfather of the Italian Techno scene: his track has a more percussive feel, with a classy swinging rhythm that takes over the original groove.

Spencer Parker returns to his own label with a call to arms for the human and civil rights of all !
Already debuted in Berghain courtesy of Parker himself, and since supported by Ryan Elliott and Radio Slave

DJ Support:

Dan Curtin (Mobilee, Autoreply, Tuning Spork)
Sebastien Devaud (Agoria)
Ben Westbeech (Breach (Strictly Rhythm, Brownswood Recordings))
Danny (Red Rack'Em)
David (Truncate)
Darko Esser
Mitja Prinz (Yes (Watergate))
Tom Dicicco
Brett Johnson (Classic)
Michael Dodman (Huxley)
Maya Jane Coles (Dogmatik / Real Tone)
Zak (DVS1)
Marcel Heese (Tresor)
Stenny (Ilian Tape)
Jonas Kopp (Ostgut Ton, Spectral Sound)
Cormac (WYS!/BPitch/fabric)
Dan Lively
Charles (Matrixxman)
2 (Italojohnson)
Severino Panzetta (Horse Meat Disco)
Tim Hopgood (Ethyl (Secret Sundaze/Tsuba))
Jordan Peak (One / Tsuba)

Press & PR

GScene (Reviewer) Gorgeous xx
Mixmag Techno Page Review Confirmed
Tsugi (Reviewer) cool stuff thanks
Radio Partygroove (Lost In The Sound) (Presenter): nice ep
DJ Mag (ES) (Reviewer)
nice release
Theransomnote.co.uk (Reviewer): dope. will cover. wavs please :)

Another stunning Blank Slate
showcase.
Fresh, upcoming perspectives from Mexico, Belgium, Poland and the UK, running gritty techno drivers into textured, experimental abstraction.

Helsinki based House brother Trevor Deep Jr. - extended part of the n s y d e family.
On a serious Dub mission. Sublime acidic baseline and delay loops reaching out into eternal space. Captured and ennobled on good old analog reel to reel tape.
Trevor knows how to make any dancefloor just a better place.
Executive Producer: Lil Tony

Part 2 of this very special series by SWAYZAK. After the magnificent success of Part 1 Swayzaks David Brown is back with another 2 tracker which shows why he is still the brilliant master craftman of pure deepness and previously unattainable quality.

2 Tunes with more than 25 minutes playtime.
Inside out cut. RARE.
180 gramm vinyl.
Shrink-wraped.
All songs are written and produced by David Brown.

with proud and extreme enthusiasm l'atelier & ghetto chords are sharing their dream. their own amsterdam based record label just edits.

the first just edits release is brought to you by one of the founders of this label, ghetto chords.

on this 4 tracker you can find the true signature sampled house sound of ghetto chords complimented by a driving, more 'b-boy ghetto tech' oriented remix of kid sublime.

everything today, basically, is just an edit.

early support by: detroit swindle, karizma, jamie trench, 'ny finest' victor simonelli, times are ruff, alex lister, jaques renault, oli furness and steve mill.

AYBEE follows up the experimental musings of the Sketches Of Space LP with an EP directed in large part directly at the dancefloor experience. In what could be called AYBEE's first Techno outing, 'The Alchemy EP' sees AYBEE offering 3 tunes which mesh rhythm, drive, and sonic colorings. In line with the DEEPBLAK creative ethos, and rounded off with a simple directive. Movement.