Techno News

repress of this techno classic !!

recut and repress !

Charlotte de Witte, without doubt one of Belgium's fastest rising talents in the techno circuit, and known from two strong EP's on Tiga's Turbo label, makes her debut on OFF.

The EP starts off with 'Trip', aptly name due to its cinematic sound design and arrangement. Charlotte's trademark use of vocals ooze character, and haunting synths complemented by a laidback but steady drum-foundation are the ingredients of this track.

Sweden's Techno-legend Cari Lekebusch delivers the first remix, a functional and linear interpretation, which is sure to be heard on festival dancefloors during the late summer.

TWR72 of Amsterdam, themselves very much what you would call a 'current breakthrough act', are responsible for remix number two, a contemporary interpretation based on syncopated rhythms.

The EP is completed with 'Repeat', a reduced drum-tool built around a repetitive vocal hook.

Altogether a strong statement of a promising young artist and another proof of the ongoing evolution of OFF Recordings.

Ron Maney also known as DJ Skull lived in the Southside of Chicago (IL, USA). His musical career started during the summer of 1986, while recovering from a broken bone. During the following years he homed his craft, DJing first at basement parties, building his reputation to go on to larger events such as, loft and hotel parties, and eventually the infamous Music Box and Power Plant clubs. At the age of fifteen Ron shopped his first demo at Trax Records.

There he first met Chicago's legendary DJ Ron Hardy, working as A&R for Trax Records. Two years, and a new alias later (DJ Skull) later while at the Power Plant, Chicago's own Steve Poindexter heard a DJ playing one of Rons tracks, and met Ron. Steve was now A&R at Saber Records and invited Ron to release some tracks. So in October of 1991 DJ Skull's first record "N.R.G. Music" was released.

In 1993, he released the EP "The Stomping Grounds" on Djax-Up-Beats, which was more noted than the first one. Over the years that followed DJ Skull released lots of EP's on several labels. He has become well-respected producer and DJ in the Techno industry.

"At the time I'd have been fairly upfront about wanting to release tracks that were faster than most and in a style that wasn't straight electro. Some of these tracks fell into a weird middle ground for me, so they got put aside. It had been 20 years since I'd heard any of them and on listening back I reckoned that time had been kind to them so I started remastering them and uploading to Soundcloud alongside some classic 12" releases from my label Trama Industries.

For me, it was interesting to hear sounds and techniques emerging on some later tracks that would form the basis of my later projects like Legion Of Two and Of One. I'd kinda forgotten about that. Huge thanks to Eddie and Intrinsic Rhythm for suggesting a release and believing in the project"

Communique Records USA sub label, SOUNDS. brings another classic release back on vinyl.
This time it's the collab between DJ Skull and Label owner DJ ESP aka Woody McBride from 1996!!!

RSD 2024 Splatter

Remixes and edits of a cult classic featuring Erol Alkan, Kink, Damian Lazarus and the original Tweekin Funk Acid Mix (all currently unavailable on vinyl)

Repress

Joey Beltram was referenced as a pioneer in the late Nineties house music scene by Daft Punk in the track “Teachers” of their 1997 debut album Homework. Author Simon Reynolds credited Beltram with having “revolutionized techno twice before the age of 21”, when describing both “Energy Flash” and “Mentasm” in his book Generation Ecstasy.

Live Mix, originally released on cd in 1997, is basically a great history lesson of techno and house. It takes the listener through various musical areas. It starts off with some hard hitting beats in “Ogo”, and then slides back and forth a little bit with “Energy Flash” and Abcus' “Erotic Illusions” back to the banging tunes of Alexi Shelbi “My Medusa” and DJ Funk “Pump It”.

Live Mix by Joey Beltram is available on vinyl for the first time. It includes 2 non-mixed bonus tracks; “Game Form (Original mix)” & “Game Form (Robert Armani Remix)”. Live Mix is available as a limited edition of 1500 individually numbered copies on translucent red coloured vinyl, housed in a deluxe heavyweight sleeve and including an insert.

""Communication"" is an instrumental composition by Dutch DJ and producer Armin van Buuren. It was initially released in 1999 as 12"" vinyl and is considered as one of the favorites of Armin van Buuren's fanbase. The track reached a notable success in the United Kingdom. It was the first single from Armin's first studio album, 76. A new version, Part 2, was released in 2000. In 2007, Armin released Part 3 of Communication. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Communication, Music on Vinyl in cooperation with Armada Music and Armin van Buuren present all three versions of Communication on a 12-inch, available on black vinyl.

repressed !

Two years after the release of the Polarius EP Inner Voices Of A Clown, Danny Wolfers returns to Altered Circuits, this time under his best-known alias Legowelt, for Ruins Of Cracktopolis: a collection of "hymns to survive the dystopian circus of today's techno scene" in the artist's own words. On Do You Know Who You Never Be, a short staccato lead and dark chords revolve around a monolithic kick drum pattern that takes care of the cadence and bass. A mysterious vocoder and a laser sequence that gets torn and twisted to the max join, but the track never loses its steady pace - it gets help from shakers so much mixed to the front they could be lifted from a B'more track.

Amidst the effervescing 303 lines and bold drum sequences of In A Trance Dance All Night" Wolfers finds a canvas for a stretched synthesizer jam with eighties breaking allure. This melody, together with the pads and vocal, are drenched in reverb - they float like mist ascending from the The Hague dunes. Throughout Ruins Of Cracktopolis, more vintage Dutch West Coast, the hiss-laden broken beat that guides the bass sequences and ominous blippy synth patterns switches to a 4/4 structure and back. These make for captivating shifts in pace while the minor progressions continue unfolding. Like Twin Peaks targets prime energy once the arpeggiator sequence present from the start lowers an octave. The track runs smooth like a pomade slick-back; it's only tempered slightly when the crunchy kick and tom change place for a moody chord sequence break. Even if these four tracks target the club, they are equally suited for - quoting Wolfers again - "leisurely home listening". Their greatest strengths are, as so often, their melodic aspects.

The artist is known to be a synthesizer aficionado, but his unique personal touch immediately shines through no matter which gear he works with. The machines never seem to dominate the composing process; quite the opposite: it's as if he isn't programming or registering as much as trying to teach them his take on electronic music.

Although 30 years after its birth this fundamental electronic gem called 'Reflections' has achieved cult status, it is worth remembering that it all started in 1993 in a small apartment in Waterloo, London, with the help of a mixer and a bunch of hardware synth and drum machines of hardware, with the mastodontic Oberheim OB-8 synthesizer as the main partner.

While in the UK the vast majority of kids showed a certain rejection of what came from North America in the form of electro, Kirk Degiorgio, under his alias As One, embraced it openly and incorporated it into his productions along with influences from other genres that he had already adored since he was young, such as jazz, soul or funk, thus becoming one of the true early adopters of Detroit techno in the UK.

If we look back, 'Reflections' is a challenge in itself, and even more so considering what the consumption pattern of electronic music was in the early 90s. This timeless album fits into the delicate border between being enough club to work on the dance floor, and still being musical and cerebral enough to be listened to at home. A milestone that, whether premeditated or not, Degiorgio more than achieved.

Three decades later Lapsus Records has been able to access the pre-masters extracted from the original DATs to build a special 30th anniversary edition within its Perennial series. For the occasion, this reissue not only offers the tracks included in the first edition, it also adds the songs 'The Priestess' –never released on vinyl before– and Forgotten Memory –until now unreleased and rediscovered in one of the DATs dating back to 1992 from the 'Reflexions' recording sessions. We are therefore facing the definitive edition of an album that, despite coexisting with the explosion of the rave movement, would pave the path for the UK-Detroit connection.

repress!

Back by popular demand, the same unique spirits that brought forth the sound of Detroit streets and turned it into the futuristic soundscape known as "Techno-Bass", The Original members have collaborated to re-issue their catalog 25+ years later. Starting with their 1st double pack LP, "Bass Magnetic" (considered to be a mesh of influences between Miami bass and Detroit techno), AUX88 established themselves in an effort to stay true to their roots in the streets and the clubs creating their own genre into a global dance culture. After the release and production of their own documentary ("AUX88-Portrait of an Electronic Band"), the group celebrates its now classic recordings. Harkening back to its first days on cassette tape to revive a future generation of vinyl aficionados.

This classic House Gem from Cologne for the very first time on 45 with the Instrumental on the flip

Bonzai have teamed up with Smash The House, bringing a brand-new twist on an absolute classic, Bonzai Channel One. For this special release, we’ve went for the vinyl look and, to make it even more appealing, the disc will be housed in a transparent sleeve with grooves cut into the A side only. The B side will feature an exclusive design. There will also be a digital release via Smash The House, something for all. The culprits behind the rework are Belgium based DJ and producer brothers, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike who have joined forces with DJ and producer duo Bassjackers to deliver a rip-roaring take on a popular classic. Between them, this double duo has torn up parties and festivals all over the world, wowing crowds with their energetic sets. You could literally write a book about their exploits, but we’re not here to read a book, we’re here to party. So, enjoy this superb tribute and don’t forget to go mental on the dancefloor.

The reworked track opens with a solid, thumping kick drum and rhythmic percussion arrangement. That famous vocal drops before adrenaline infused stabs are delivered by a relentless synth line, the one we all know and love. A nifty bit of time stretching transforms the sound, giving that contemporary edge which leads to a mega build up resulting in a raucous climax and then into full-on mode. We’re treated to a wonderfully nostalgic thrill ride with all the qualities of the original, and then some. An absolute monster of a tune, one that will rock clubs and festivals alike. On the same side we have that infamous 1993 original from Jan Vervloet and Karim Boux. Bonzai Channel One would become a firm favourite in many jump-style sets. The spoken vocal is famous around the world and has become synonymous with the harder Bonzai sound. Then you have the infectious ‘zai zai zai zai’ vocal which always gets the crowd moving. Always a great choice for the more upbeat party.

Repress!

There are techno classics, and there are techno classics! It’s without doubt that Joey Beltram has played a pivotal role in the growth of the techno sound that gestated in Detroit and was lapped up in Europe during those early years. Beltram spearheaded a darker sound that became a staple in the UK and European rave scene in the early 90s, and a sound that continues to come back around for revival and a new twist on the genre from the producers and DJs of the day.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ was first released on R&S Records in 1991, and despite the huge success of the ‘Energy Flash’ single, released a year prior, ‘Volume 2’, some say, is ‘Beltram’s definitive release on R&S’. Deep, dark and deliciously hypnotic, all four cuts on this EP still sound as raw and devastating 30 years later. Big tunes at seminal clubs like Rage (Fabio & Grooverider) and the network of UK raves soundtracked by the likes of Carl Cox, Colin Faver, Eddie Richards et al, Beltram’s unique sound help spawn the bass heavy drum & bass genre that was also burgeoning at the time.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ has been remastered by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, and the release comes in an updated sleeve, faithfully recreating the 1991 packaging featuring Christel Brodahl’s now legendary oil painting.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ by Joey Beltram is available on R&S Records from 9th December 2022.

Including wanted vinyl tracks by The Prodigy, Silicone Soul, Joris Voorn, Kölsch, deadmau5, Bicep, Sam Paganini, Netsky and Jamie xx.

After 31 years, the Serious Beats compilation era comes to an end. The very last edition, Serious Beats 100, arrives as 3 Vinyl Box Sets (including 5 vinyls per box).

Some of the most legendary club tracks of the past decades have made the cut, and are now bundled into a true collector's item for everyone who's heart is beating to the rhythm of house music.

After 31 years, the Serious Beats compilation era comes to an end. The very last edition, Serious Beats 100, arrives as 3 Vinyl Box Sets (including 5 vinyls per box).

Some of the most legendary club tracks of the past decades have made the cut, and are now bundled into a true collector's item for everyone who's heart is beating to the rhythm of house music.

After 31 years, the Serious Beats compilation era comes to an end. The very last edition, Serious Beats 100, arrives as 3 Vinyl Box Sets (including 5 vinyls per box).

Some of the most legendary club tracks of the past decades have made the cut, and are now bundled into a true collector's item for everyone who's heart is beating to the rhythm of house music.

This new volume of the Electronic Music Anthology is dedicated to Techno.

Legowelt returns to L.I.E.S.Records with a new album full of ultra-RAW hypnagogic lo-fi electrofunk. Classic, murky, cold as ice Hague-style slammers from the king of Smack. These eight tracks go back to the essence of the Legowelt sound, cutting through the noise of modern dance music charlatans, taking them to school with his undeniable signature stamped all over this release. A dancefloor classic in the making.

Repress

One of the very first releases out of the mighty Space Teddy's catalog established in the early nineties by Dr. Motte already founding member of the global recognized event The Love Parade.

"When You Feel It/Pump The Bass" is a four-track EP with two original versions plus two additional remixes of the same tracks, written and performed by DJ Jonzon and Cosmic Baby both seminal DJs of the German underground scene and musicians fascinated the synth-style of Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream.

The reissue is fully restored from the original source.

Repress!

Higher Intelligence Agency was founded in 1992 by Bobby Bird during the heady days of Birmingham's legendary Oscillate nights, where he improvised & performed live, developing HIA's signature sound, as well being a resident selector . In 1993 HIA released the ambient dub classic 'Colourform' LP on Beyond Records.

This record is a reissue of HIA's 1993 Ambient Dub classic 'Colourform' album, originally released on Beyond Records, now re issued on Headphone as 2 x 12" vinyl, with a fresh new cut by the legendary mastering engineer & elecronic music producer Stefan Betke (Pole / Scape Mastering). Colourform received critical acclaim and favourable reviews on its release, and continues to be widely played to this day, with new generations discovering the music of HIA via digital platforms as well as through occaisional live HIA performances. These have included perfromance at the Detroit Electronic Music festival in 2007, at Beyond The Tracks Festival Birmingham 2017 , O.Z.O.R.A. festival Hungary 2018, and Oscillate Club 2019. More live dates are planned for 2020, including at Houghton Festival, Glastonbury and O.Z.O.R.A.


Reviews:

Tony Corbin – Echoes 1993:

"Beyond Records' Ambient Dub Compilations have provided us with some of the countries most innovative and exciting electronic dance music over the last couple of years, not least from the Higher Intelligence Agency whose 'Speedlearn' single caused more than a ripple in ambient/trance circles earlier this year. The said single, in all its minimalistic hypnodub glory, is included on this, their debut set, as is 'Ketamine Entity', the ridiculously catchy ascending bass riff and trippy echoed beat highlights the groups dub sensibility….the album is quite a low tempo affair which actually adds to its intensity, particularly on tracks such as 'Influx' and 'Conoid Tone' which contain sounds that remind me of the Future Sound Of London. However HIA's identity is firmly maintained through their liberal use of spiraling 303 style sequences. A brave and bright debut".

Calvin Bush - Burning Bush 1993:

"Colourform sweeps you up and trans-ports you across broad vistas of shimmering ambience via their heavenly slow acid grooves and hypnotic melodies, with plenty of space to just step in and explore. The perfect horizonless soundscape for the mentally unshackled listener".

Benn Wilmot NME 1993:

"Inevitably there can only be one criteria for judging an album like 'Colourform', and that is whether it moves the listener into a state of bliss. Painstakingly constructed without sacrificing spontaneity or soft pedalling on their basic shuddering groove, 'Colourform' is always intelligent and undeniably high. Based on their finely honed live set, it builds from the bassy rumblings of 'Delta' and 'Speedlearn' upwards and onwards, slowly gathering pace until the double climax of 'Re Echo and 'Ketamine Entity'. That state of bliss is comfortably attained "

Monnom Black presents Legacy, an introspective look through the storied career of legendary German electronic artist, Thomas P. Heckmann. For the 1st time ever, Heckmann pulls together a lifetime compilation looking back through his multiple alias' and timeless tracks in one release, including those of Knarz, Age, Heckmann, Skydiver, Spectral Emotions, Purple Plejade, and the infamous DRAX (which celebrates it's 30th anniversary this year)

The release consists of a total of 23 tracks, 17 of them slated across 3 slabs of vinyl with 6 digital bonuses containing the best of Heckmann's underground hits like; Himmel Und Hoelle, Tanzmaschine, Teufelswerk and EBM1, as well as his more unknown gems like Chiswick Days and Parnophelia.

Heckman has flexed his prowess across multiple shades of electronic genres throughout his career, but it's his contributions to Industrial, EBM-Techno, Acid, and Experimental that has earned him his notoriety, and it was in 1994 when he dropped an acid-tinged 'Amphetamine' as DRAX LTD. II that shot him into being recognised as a global super power to be reckoned with.

The German producer released his latest studio album "Body Music" in 2018 on Monnom Black, and later featured on The World of Monnom Black compilations. He now returns to celebrate his Legacy with this special release!

the next tracks from the movie

finally repressed !!

One of the best record ever. No waste... all tunes are greats and incredible legends... They are engrave in all early memories... Here is a 2020 remastered version, with a full 45 RPM cut and a loud bloody dynamics !!! FAT !

Zur Feier des 25-jährigen Jubiläums hat Music on Vinyl in Zusammenarbeit mit Armada Music und Armin van Buuren erstmals alle drei Versionen von „Communication“ auf einer 12“ Vinyl verewigt. Diese Jubiläums-Auflage von 1.000 Exemplaren ist auf TRANSLUCENT PURPLE Vinyl erhältlich.

Splatter Vinyl Repress!

Another legendary R&S classic repressed in very limited numbers only on a one-sided 12" vinyl. The original 1992 release from Dutch producer Jaydee was a 10 minute long Hammond organ workout - many remixes over the years but you cant surpass the original!!!

Face Four is the comeback of Two Phase U in a full EP format, continuing the Face saga started in 2019.

This time the 4 track collection is a trip through different styles and moods, with music ranging from gentle, warm-uppers to main hour bangers. Dark dystopian statements alongside hopeful harmonies and invigorating vocal samples.

Full of golden-era stylistic sound references and the characteristic dynamic grooves of Two Phase U's rythmical approach.

Jon Hopkins war lange ein Phantom der internationalen Elektronik- und Produzentenszene: Während seiner oft unbemerkten Zusammenarbeiten mit Künstlern wie Coldplay, Brian Eno und King Creosote sammelte er in den letzten zehn Jahren Ideen, die er 2013 endlich in Form seines vierten Soloalbums "Immunity" veröffentlicht, welches Ende Mai auf Domino erscheint. Vom ersten Moment, in dem die Bässe leise aus den Boxen blubbern, es aus allen Ecken britzelt, gluckst, zirpt, blingt, schlurft, schleift und atmet, entwickelt sich "Immunity" zu einem starken und vielschichtigen Album, vollgepackt mit den besten Sounds, die Hopkins je produziert hat. Tipp!