quête:mi

“Raggamuffin Soldier” was recorded at Channel One Recording Studio in 1983 with Soldgie as engineer and a rhythm track played by Jolly Stewart and Daniel “Axeman” Thompson. Growing up in the Waterhouse neighborhood of Kingston, Jolly Stewart obviously developed this singing style and gave us a killer early digital dancehall missile with pure conscious lyrics “Raggamuffin soldier, big ina your area...me no deal with badness, me nah deal inna war, me is a raggamuffin soldier...mi raggamuffin ina foreign, raggamuffin sit down pon di riddim...how you know the raggamuffin? Me no wear no gold chain, me no wear no gold ring...”. “Raggamuffin Soldier” was produced by Fitzroy Peterkin who also produced the digital lover tune "Angie".
The Waterhouse style is a particular style of singing that emerged in the late seventies and early eighties within the Jamaican reggae scene. The Waterhouse style is commonly described as a plaintive, groaning and fluctuating vocal style, often nasal and strident, characteristics that will give it a sound that is distinct from the rest of the reggae singers. The commonly recognized founders of the Waterhouse style are the singers Michael "Mykal" Rose, Junior Reid and Don Carlos. The name derives from the famous neighborhood of the same name in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, the place where the three pioneers were born and emerged. The Waterhouse style influenced many dancehall reggae artists of the eightiesvsuch as Tenor Saw, Half Pint, Nitty Gritty, Anthony Red Rose, King Kong, Yami Bolo, Andrew Bees...
Vincent Stewart aka “Jolly Man” is a reggae singer from Kingston 11, born december 16 1960 at Hunts Bay Lane, 4 Miles, Jamaica. Jolly started singing at age 13, he was placed in an approve School for 3 years and at the age of 16 he was released.
He started his musical career in the late 70's with Ossie Thomas, Phllip Morgan and Tristan Palmer from Black Solidarity label. Jolly Stewart recorded his first song entitled "Money Pyaka" on the classic "Pretty Looks" riddim which was recorded for Oswald Thomas on Ganja Farm label and released in 1979. Tristan Palmer who has another tune "Disappointed Lover" on the same riddim backed by The Soul Syndicate made the link with Jolly Stewart because he liked his style of song writting.
Jolly Stewart wrote three songs for Black Solidarity label: "Collie Man", "Bad Minded" and "Symbol Of Justice". All three tracks were covered by Triston Palmer. As a song writter, Jolly Stewart is behind Yami Bolo's hit on Stalag riddim “When A Man Is In Love” released on Winston Riley's label Techniques.
Jolly Stewart then decided to move on with his singjay career. He ventured to Tuff Gong studio where he met two producers. One was Prince Jazzbo from Ujama label, and the other was John John who owned the Bun Fi Bun label. He recorded "Praise jah" for Ujama and "Poverty Rush" for Bun Fi Bun. Still not satisfied with how his career was heading, he moved on to Lannaman's Preparatory School. There he learned to play guitar from a man named Fred McMurray aka Faf and Donald Jackson. Later he learned to play the keyboards by watching other musicians.
In the late 80's and early 90's, Jolly Stewart recorded many songs for various labels such as “Do Me Like So” for Bunny Gemini's label “Bun Gem Records” in 1987, “Late Last Night” and “War” for producer Zelma Rust and his label Myotta Ruff.
He also recorded for Augustus Pablo on his label Rockers International just before he died in the late 90's but we never heard about this release so probably Addis Pablo have it on old master tapes in the Rockers International archives....only Jah knows!

Arriving on a limited 200-copy translucent orange vinyl, 'Dark REM' on Cuddling Monsters’ second release on Mask Records is a hunched-over and direct dub techno cut with forceful drums and deft percussion, adding texture next to warm, sustained pads.

There's a real sense of urgency in this most frictionless groove, which means it cannot fail to cast a spell on the dance floor. The fantastic 'Event Horizon' is then infused with the aura of deep space - sustained chords with a cosmic edge add vast scale to the well-programmed deep techno drums. 'Monster Talk' is a mid-tempo dub track with underlapping drums and rattling, rusted chords that disappear to infinity. It's cavernous and evocative, with myriad little details occupying the mind. 'Temporal Aura' is another standout sound that blends deep techno, dub, and minimal into a serene soundtrack that encourages inward reflection while driving onwards through the cosmos.

Mask Records founder ZentaSkai and his creative partner Laura Merino Allue are Berlin mainstays helping shape the underground. Cuddling Monsters is a new project that debuted on the label in March. It is all about crafting music with analogue instruments, which they believe "offer distinctive sonic qualities, creative constraints, and genuine sound reproduction”. They explore Detroit-infused house, dub techno and minimal soundscapes with raw edges and a great sense of atmosphere. Cuddling Monsters'

Layers of fog, hazy synths, solid percussion, and liquid basslines – Esaïa's debut album Mindscapes invites listeners into a dreamlike soundscape. A sonic experience where Berlin’s Berghain meets the vibrant streets of Kingston, Jamaica.

With its cinematic chiaroscuro lined with sub-bass, the album blurs the boundaries between genres. Inspired by the pioneers of dub, Esaïa seamlessly blends hybridisation and experimentation, pushing musical limits to carve out her own sonic space.

An album designed for both the dance floor and introspective listening, 4-to-the-floor techno-driven beats fuse with blissful instrumental flows. Paired with Madame Ipsum’s luminescent visuals, Esaïa’s work creates a multi-sensory experience that sparks the synapses.

Panavision was born from the shared passion for music of Akaj, Pierro, and Brassac. After years of playing as DJs, they came together in 2023 to create a space that goes beyond dance music — a platform where producers and artists can explore creativity, freedom, and in novation.

Rooted in a diverse range of genres, we are committed to discovering and nurturing talent, both from the past and present. Our mission with this label is to bring stories to life through music that is authentic and dedicated. For our first releas e, we are thrilled to present a mini - album from S evered Heads titledOp5.

This record marks the official launch of our label, which operates between Brussels and Ljubljana — two cities that embody our ambition to explore diverse creative landscapes and push the boundaries of contemporary music. This first release is a t ribute to one of the pioneering forces in electronic music. The OP Series is one of many innovative projects S evered Heads h as produced since the late1970s.

For this special release, we’ve carefu lly selected six original tracks out of fifty from the Op Series releases of the early 2000s and curated them into a thoughtful sequence to form this mini - album

After showcasing intense, edgy breakbeats on previous releases with Scuffed Records, FeverAM, and early reflex, Kyoto-based producer Naco returns with "Snakey," his first release in two years and a long-awaited comeback on his own label, 85acid. This essential collection features four cutting-edge bass mutations that push boundaries once again.

The EP opens with the title track “Snakey,” a minimal piece featuring a relentless, serpentine bassline that slithers beneath, grounding the sound in a hypnotic groove. It’s followed by "Anolon", a potent and minimal dubstep mutation, pulling the listener back to a sense of calm. In “Ows,” the energy intensifies with a stripped-back, industrial breakbeat that takes the BPM up to 155, where raw machine-like precision takes center stage. Finally, the EP closes with “Mappy,” a dancehall and hardcore-inspired offering where a simple yet addictive rhythm is layered with amen breaks and echoes of raves past.

Embracing a dangerous yet lush minimalism with an intentionally restrained sound, this release also marks a first for 85acid with the label's first vinyl pressing!

Crystal Green Coloured Repress !

Recut & Represed!

As always Kling Klong gives space for new artists and supports upcoming talents. This time Martin Eyerer & Rainer Weichhold had no doubts signing this debut release from Stuttgart's dj/producer Ninetoes as 'Finder' is obviously a massive stand-out track which has the words 'summer hit' written all over it. So it was just easy to convince Leon and Re-UP from Italy to do the remixes and help to make this release even more oustanding.

Support from:

Matthias Tanzmann, Loco Dice, Adam Beyer, Nick Curly, Butch, Riva Starr, Popof, Kaiserdisco

DJ Feedbacks:
Adam Beyer: like the leon mix!
Loco Dice: Will try. Please send me the WAV. Thanks
Nick Curly: schöner release....leon remix gefällt mir am besten, danke!
Matthias Tanzmann: woher kenne ich denn die Melodie Coole Tracks auf jeden Fall.
Davide Squillace: Nice one..
Monika Kruse: der leon remix rockt.
Tiefschwarz (Ali): nice nice :) re-up rmx is my favorite.
Butch: leon rocks
Riva Starr: leon rmx for me thx
Claptone: supersonniger tune das original
Ramon Tapia: Leon mix is cewl !
Gregor Tresher: Leon mix sounds cool.
Chus: Leon and Re-Up mixes for me.
Popof: Great remix from re up ! love it
Kaiserdisco: Original mix is nice, will try it out.
Wally Lopez: Leon remix are huge!! Support
Shinedoe: I'll try it out.

2024 Repress

Discover the Underground Vibes of Steve O'Sullivan From England. His First Record on Phonogramme Is Pure House Music Magic, Full of percusive rhythms . Profoundly Minimal, and Soulfully Club-Ready House Music. Don't Miss Out Available Now !

After 3 years Hill is back with four pure House weapons, from Riviera to Chicago with soul, emotional grooves and dreamy atmosphere. Only vinyl and limited copies, don't sleep on this!

“I've collaborated with Polychrome for quite some time. I performed at their one-year anniversary at Sexyland and, along with Eversines, played at their ADE 2022 party. Additionally, I contributed to their recent "Reflection EP." Throughout this collaboration, we became friends. Hervé, one of the core members of the group, asked me numerous times to create an EP together. It wasn't until his wedding that I finally said yes (how fitting!).

The first track of the EP is "Laak," a tune I created the day after playing at the club in Den Haag. I thoroughly enjoyed DJing at this venue with its impressive sound system. It inspired me to work on the low reese-bass that forms the core foundation of the track. Hervé and I decided to dedicate the entire A-side to this tune, as we had discussed how nice it would be to have a 45-side on this EP.

The second side focuses more on the emotional aspects we appreciate. "Underwater (Dream Mix)" opens this side with an uptempo techno-ish foundation and trancy melodies, fitting the label's aesthetic perfectly. The track's name stems from my unintentional creation of very "underwater" sounding pads during the recording session (note to self: next time double-check if the mix is alright). The EP concludes with "Reassociate," a tune heavily inspired by the early 2000s IDM gems we adore.”

Rein

American house music royalty Ron Trent and Joaquin Joe Claussell's imprint Sacred Medicine presents "Tsunami's Muse" by Coflo.

His debut on Sacred Medicine brings a rich, immersive sonic journey across three transcendent tracks. The title track, "Tsunami's Muse," blends syncopated grooves with lush synth layers, anchored by an emotive piano ballad. "Tsunami's Groove" deepens the experience, its encapsulating synth lead creating a recurring melodic motif. The EP concludes with "Tsunami's Muse (backside mix)," a beat-less reprise that expands on the piano’s story, enriched by the earthy resonance of a large wooden kalimba.

This release promises a distinct vibe, weaving an atmospheric and evocative narrative from side to side.

Extreme digger bomb from Down-under, Sri Lankan born Australian, Alston Koch is a highly decorated musician and the mastermind behind "Kookaburra Connection" project, a collaboration with the aboriginal musicians of Australia. "Dreamtime Trance" explores indigenous themes over a highly unique sounding beat and truly refreshing groove, game changing on the floor. Accompanied with a new extended version featuring a long intro buildup. On the B side, a heartfelt "Midnight Lady" balances out this EP with a harmless ballad featuring another side of Koch's exploits, to be served with Piñacoladas during after hours. Remastered and re-issued with original artwork.

"Forward Ever" ist die neue LP der preisgekrönten Londoner Rapperin, Produzentin und DJ Lex Amor. Ihr 2020 veröffentlichtes Debüt-Mixtape "Government Tropicana" wurde millionenfach gestreamt und verkaufte mehrere Vinylpressungen aus. Seitdem arbeitete Lex Amor mit diversen Künstlern (Kojey Radical, The Silhouettes Project), sowie angesehenen Plattformen (COLOURS, Boiler Room) und Markenpartnern (Alexander McQueen) zusammen. Medien wie Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Kiss FM, Clash, Pitchfork und Line Of Best Fit sind voll des Lobes für sie.

Sensual’ is the third chapter of Sacred Medicine’s sonic tale. A song carefully shaped by Ron Trent to resonate on the dancefloor through its deep powerful frequencies!
An odyssey of fierce percussions and thunderous basslines, a sound journey of the highest caliber, a very indemand jam played all over the world by Joe Claussell and Ron himself during the last few months is finally available!
Enjoy ‘Sensual’ in its full vibrating and hipnotising 11 minutes, cut on a phat slab of one sided vinyl!

Introducing The Hood 001, the first vinyl release from Noisy Neighbours, the Colombian label on a mission to showcase and promote the most talented South American club music producers.

TH001 features the label's founder, A. Naranjo (@a_naranjado) and Emilio Mustafa (@emiliomustafaa), alongside two sought-after producers and long-time neighbours, Donnie Cosmo (@donniecosmo_) and FI-LO (filofortheworld).

The record provides four killer and full of energy tracks, drawing influences from 90s Deep House, UKG, Tech House and Breabkbeat—ready to find its way into bold selectors' bags and make dancefloors rumble.

Don't think twice—hit the pre-order link now, as copies will be limited. But be warned: No Noise Complaints.

Twenty-four strikes on Exarde with Parchi Pubblici, the hardware analog act from Italy who records his songs in one take and have been laying it heavily and steadily for a while, henceforth we can hear the result of it with our own ears. The release consists of four original works by the man himself with first three ready for peak time club cuts with the help of roaring analog machines. They are produced to ready to sweat the dance floor, these stories are followed by a great outro track to conclude this EP. “Pressed Trouble” which is the name of this disc describes the content of it perfectly, because sure as hell this body of work is on the mission to create trouble and trouble sometimes needed to construct the top-level audio trips. Having produced digital contents for the respected labels that you can look up, this is a debut physical vinyl release by the artist and it is a great honour to host him on the label and hopefully to many more to come in the future.

Red Vinyl Repress

The X-Static classic "Free" gets a remix work out with this EP. Each remixer brings their own style to the project, making for a diverse and exciting release.

Vinyl Junkie and Sanxion bring a mid 90's feel to their remix, making the older styled track into something that would have mixed with Kniteforce, Hectic and Impact back in the day. Meanwhile, Amaretto brings his classy old skool sound to his remix, with ice clean production and perfect execution. Al Storm and Euphony lean into their Bad Onion sound, a mixture of 1992 vibes and modern production, while Innercore does what only Innercore can do, giving his remix both a classic and brand new sound.

(2LP gatefold vinyl, 21 unmixed tracks) Dimitri Vegas, half of the world-renowned DJ duo & brother pair Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, went “solo” at Tomorrowland last summer. He played an exceptional 'vinyl only' set there. It was greatly enjoyed, which is why Mostiko and Smash The House have teamed up and immortalized this historic set.

Here’s the first release of the Hungarian Alliwant Wax limited VINYL series including label owner James Cole’s 2 original tracks beside the remix of one of the scene’s most inspiring and respected producers, Diego Krause and another remix from the Israeli Mike Sharon.

Both original tracks bring back the oldschool deep house wrapped in modern sound. The deep sexy groove, the catchy vox and melody work really well on the dance floor.

Diego Krauses remix operates with his characteristic sound, its minimalistic build-up features dynamic grooves. Mike Sharon’s version is more epic and more emotional using the pads of classic deep house - we’ll love it!


Just like before, HOW003 will be released in a restricted, vinyl-exclusive edition.

Ron Henderson is the North Carolina-based singer-songwriter who, along with his group Choice of Colour, released their sole album Soul Junction in 1976. This now mad rare record has fetched prices over $800 at auctions which prompted a 2020 reissue by P Vine which quickly sold out. Recently discovered, the 1983 hit single 'Gemini Lady' which was included as a bonus track on that reissue was an alternate take, not the original. Consequently, P-VINE decided to reissue the single in its authentic form. As such this formerly hard-to-find 7" single is reissued and replicates the original label design making it a must-cop.

DJ support: Gilles Peterson, Zakia Sewell, Heels & Souls, Sam Don, Nonna Fab

Dangerous Goods return to I Travel to You with Wish, two Street Soul inspired versions of a 2001 R&B hit.

Both synth-driven takes were recorded over the summer. The A side grooves over a popping Juno bassline, tight 808 drums, and a fresh vocal. The Deepest Dub mix was re-recorded then cut to tape and pitched down, influenced by the breaks and bass heavy productions of the late 80s and early 90s.

 Age Of Paranoia, the latest chapter in the band's lineage, was recorded by Igor Wouters at ARC Studios in Amsterdam, and includes several special guest guitar solos by J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr., Witch) and Bubba Dupree (Void, Soundgarden, Dave Grohl's Probot, Brant Bjork).  

Age Of Paranoia offers sixteen volatile tracks, packed into a succinct, white-knuckled twenty-eight minutes. The album surges with rapid-fire punk angst, replete with ripping rock leads and raised-fist, group-chanting anthems.

To complete the recording, the cover artwork is created by Marald (Baroness, Kylesa, High On Fire). See cover artwork, track listing and live dates below.
 
'One of the best and most important hardcore bands today" - PROFANE EXISTENCE
 
''Excellent and addictive, gathering the best of punk and metal: one part hardcore punk, another Motörhead'' - METAL ADVISOR
 
'the supreme thrash band in all of current rock 'n' roll'' - MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL

We are excited to announce the release of the Complete James Brown Christmas Collection, a three-LP set featuring music from 1966-1970.

You absolutely don’t need to be a holiday music lover to fall in love with the music spilling out over these James Brown records, as most of the tracks are original compositions that hold their own against many of the grooves that Brown was recording during this high-water mark of his career.

With bonus tracks galore and fantastic liner notes by Alan Leeds (former James Brown publicist and tour manager), and mastered/cut by legendary mastering engineer Kevin Gray, this is a must-have even if you have to give yourself a well-earned, early musical present this year!

Peppermint Jam is proud to present Mellow Man’s latest release, 'In A Flow', an EP that takes you on a sonic journey through time. With three distinct tracks, this release captures the essence of three different eras of groove: the 70s, the 90s, and today.

Mellow Man has been with us since our founding days in 1994 and is a master of THAT old school sound.

First up, 'In A Flow' throws you straight into the golden age of 90s house music. With its smooth grooves, uplifting melodies, and driving bassline, this track embodies everything we love about classic house.

Next, 'Rumpshaker' brings you right back to the present. This track is all about today’s sound—fat beats, tight production, and a bass to die for, designed to keep the dancefloor moving.

Finally, 'Ghettoblaster' takes you even further back to the early 70s. Featuring the soulful sounds of Artist Locmelis on the tenor sax, this track is a nod to the funk-infused, boombox culture of the era.

Mellow Man produced these tracks using a mix of vintage and modern gear, including the Korg MS 20, Akai samplers, and a Rode NT1000, to name just a few. The result is a rich, textured sound that honors the past while still feeling fresh and relevant today.

With its blend of eras and styles, "In A Flow" is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the evolution of house music.

NEWLY REMASTERED SOUNDTRACKS FROM MORRICONE’S INCREDIBLE BACK CATALOGUE! DEDICATED TO CULT SOUNDTRACKS COLLECTORS.

NEWLY REMASTERED SOUNDTRACKS FROM MORRICONE’S INCREDIBLE BACK CATALOGUE! DEDICATED TO CULT SOUNDTRACKS COLLECTORS.

The second offering from Mud Trax, a division of MixCult Records is a compilation to remember.

With Dub Tech laid out in all its many forms and moods by a dynamic assortment of rhythms, it is nothing less than exquisitely fresh pop manipulative.The album features contributions from Kirill Matveev, Ataneus, Genning and Etzu Mahkayah. With an electrifying mix of dub's sprawling scope and acid's driving rhythm, even a record that pushes sound the way this one does can come off totally funky.

Kirill Matveev & Wiklauri's Ioli (Kirill's Version) makes for a promising opening, melding into deep dub its ethos of acid, a psychedelic blend that touches the nerves of those who love to dance. Ataneus takes it further on A2 with Napolitaner, a track that is like nothing else: dense, dub-coloured layers of sound, which create a steadily seductive momentum able to steal listeners away into temporal plunge.

On the other side, B1's Red Lights by Genning is at once a punchy piece and a dancefloor phalanx of sound. A work meticulously sculpted by the speakers, yet redolent with natural energy-Geistgemäss.
The journey is brought to a close by Etzu Mahkayah's Cs-137 on B2, hypnotic grooves offering equal parts reflectivity and pumping energy.

Taken together these tracks provide an experience that is euphoric yet absorbing, each not only embodying Dub Tech but also pushing it in new directions.

ncoming for the second release on House Music label Ascension on Wax, AoW's co-founder Lavan is dropping his 'For The Love EP.' This raw, authentic, party-ready release is arguably his best to date and pushes the purity of the old-school house music sound, whilst bringing it into the present. Lavans notorious usage of MPC sampling and borrowed synthesisers is flowing throughout the release alongside gorgeous jazz elements. Hydro-trip specialist Black Eyes closes the EP with a subterranean, downtempo roller of a remix which gives a nod to the iconic Detroit sound championed by the late Mike Huckaby amongst many others.

'For The Love EP' follows Lavan's 'It's Happening EP' on SlothBoogie released earlier in 2024 and his feature in DJ Mag's emerging artists section. This is a gentleman who is proving his dedication to his craft.

"Brothers In Arms" by Juan Dairecshion & Martin Vora


The new record label Mental Disorder, founded by Martin Vora (co- founder of Novi Orbis), makes its debut with the EP "Brothers in Arms", a collaboration between Juan Dairecshion (Montevideo Electric Recordings, SOEN and Osmosis Records) and Martin Vora.
This release offers a blend of tech house with elements of techno.


The EP opens with "Más de lo Mismo", a track designed for the closing of a DJ set. It combines passages of breaks and vocals, providing an emotional and memorable finish.


"Alma de Club" introduces a dystopian techno atmosphere. Acid sounds and deep basses create an immersive atmosphere, complemented by percussions that reflect the Uruguayan sound.


"Aux2" continues with acid rhythms and forceful percussions, offering a sonic journey that captures the energy of contemporary techno.



Finally, "Bienvenidos al Nuevo Mundo" closes the EP with a mix of dystopian techno and tech house, presenting dark and futuristic soundscapes.


"Brothers in Arms" showcases the creativity of Juan Dairecshion and Martin Vora, celebrating their roots in Montevideo while bringing a new perspective to the global tech house scene.

Originally released in 2004 "Traktorizm" by Midiots gets a new release on the Party Tricks' reissue series.

‘Tricks that never fail to amuse at parties’. Vinyl Only.

For its eighth release, Phonotheque Records presents Juan Dairecshion, co-founder of MER and SOEN, and director of Osmosis Records. This double 2x12" vinyl features 11 tracks spanning a wide variety of styles: house, techno, tech house.

The album is marked by its powerful basslines and dystopian vocals, offering a diverse journey that showcases the Uruguayan producer’s broad creative range. From melodic club-ready rhythms to darker and more experimental moments, this selection captures the essence of his versatile style.

Perfect for DJ sets seeking both dynamism and depth in the mix.

Crackazat seamlessly blends contemporary electronica with dancefloor euphoria on his new record “In the sky”

Crackazat has had quite the run of amazing releases on Heist since his first outing back in 2021. Alfa, 2022 follow up Demucha and his mini album ‘Senses’ released last year have shown that Heist is the perfect label for him to show off his keyboard wizardry and broad musical influences. Whether he’s doing his ‘Monday Jams’ from his home for his dedicated Bandcamp followers, or he’s on the road to South Africa where he has a huge following, Crackazat always brings something special with his music. ‘In the sky’ hits you right in the feels and sees the talented musician navigate from synth-happy dancefloor cuts to electronic & jazzy deep house.

What might stand out most on his new record is how Crackazat feels totally at ease with all these different styles and how he blends his voice seamlessly in the tracks to add depth, meaning, and energy. This might be most apparent on the title track, which is built around a syncopated ‘Alfa-esque’ key loop (Crackazat fans will know what we’re talking about here). There’s gorgeous vocal chops and warm arpeggiated synths in the background that give the track lots of texture, while the percussion shuffles along in perfect swing with the song’s energy. Add some lovely strings, leads, and a moody breakdown, and you’ve got yourself a fine piece of dancefloor magic.

On “Burnin’”, Crackazat channels his inner raver with 90s inspired percussion, a honky
piano loop, and some very catchy & quirky vocal chops. He freely sprinkles claps and snares around like it’s Christmas and the big breakdown has the kind of madness-inducing energy that gets every clubber going!

EP closer ‘Dark’ is Crackazat in his most contemplative mode; a vibe he always loves to explore on his Heist outings. The bass is deep, the kick heavy, and the synth licks are mellow but powerful. His voice and effects give this track a beautiful extra dimension that would even make Fred Again jealous. The stripped-back percussion has clear influences from contemporary African dance music, which adds yet another layer to Crackazat’s broad sonic landscape. All in all, Dark is a track that makes you want to close your eyes and just sway into oblivion.

Crackazat once again manages to take us on a deep trip into his sonic world and showcases a level of craftsmanship that most of us can only dream of. ‘In the sky’ is a lovely end to our 2024 releases and we hope you enjoy the music.

As always, play it loud and dance, dance, dance!

Maarten & Lars

As the tenth candle flickers atop the torta alla panna, Archeo Recordings play the Uno reverse card, breaking with tradition to give us a gift in celebration of its birthday: the first in a series of exquisite EPs on which the label's favourite contemporaries pay homage to past masters. Each re-polished gem is plucked either directly from the beatific back catalogue of the fine Florentine label or is at least Archeo-adjacent, perhaps a sign of future wonders to come. Like a musical version of Janus, who can be found at the heart of Bertoldo di Giovanni's frieze in the Medici villa, Archeo Recordings will continue to look forwards and backwards to provide sublime sounds for us all.
Pepe Maina officially joined the Archeo family in 2019 with the much-needed reissue of his 1979 masterpiece Scerizza (AR015), but his astounding music has been a constant companion to label head Manu for much longer. An inter-dimensional, multi-instrumental maverick, Maina weaves the frayed edges of prog rock, new age, organic jazz and global minimalism into a shimmering tapestry all of his own. The results are spread across fifty years and almost as many albums, largely self-released and always absolutely untarnished by commercial concerns.
Based in a small village in the hills of Brianza, just north of Milan, Maina translates the beauty of his surroundings into transformative tone poems, and the folkloric fusion of "The Infinite", originally released on his 2014 CD Tales From The Hill, is the perfect example of his practice. It opens with a recitation of Giacomo Leopardi's 1825s poem "L'Infinito" by famed Italian actor Vittorio Gassman. A leading figure in the romantic movement, Leopardi explores the idea of time and space within the natural world, and the peace that comes with an appreciation of the immensity of eternity. Manu, longtime digger and now a burgeoning producer, expands upon the original with tribal percussion, chirping electronics and a spheric bassline, folding Maina's elegant strings and gossamer pads into a new arrangement suited for a slow dance under the stars.
Unless you had a well-trained ear tuned to Italy's avant-jazz scene, chances are your first encounter with innovative flautist Roberto Aglieri came via the 2017 Archeo reissue of hisalmost untraceable LP Ragapadani (AR011). It's a true testament to Manu's digging credentials that he snatched this masterpiece out of the esoteric atmosphere and brought it attention it so richly deserved. A delicate union of digital synthesis and versatile flute - be it soft and silvery or
brilliant and clear - the 1987 album was a shapeshifting masterpiece, replaying scenes from Virgil, Verdi, Visconti and Pasolini with a neon glow. Quintessentially Italian, but uncanny and previously unimagined - Penthouse and Portico perhaps. Powered by a percolating prototechno sequence, cascading keys, hallucinogenic vocal snippets and a variety of tonal timbres from Roberto's reed, "Danza N. 1" long deserved the praise reserved for Jean-Luc Ponty's pinnacle, so many thanks to Manu for our collective introduction. The tall task of reinterpreting this particular paragon falls to Perugian polymath Daniele Tomassini AKA Feel Fly, whose peerless skills as both producer and musician have delighted DJs and dancers alike. Hot on the heels of his diverse and definitive remixes of Tony Esposito for AR027, Daniele delivers a radical rework of "Danza N. 1" perfect for both day rave sunshine and full moon party alike. Enhanced by snapping breaks and a rattling kick, the bassline gurgle emerges as a progressive powerhouse, laying the foundation for the trilling flute and circular keys to cast a psychedelic spell. As the slow-Goa revival picks up pace, this one is way ahead of the pack.
Archeo take us all the way back to the start of its story here - well almost. Though it bore the stamp AR001 (2015), this Radio Band reissue actually hit shelves months after Tony Esposito's "Je-Na' / Pagaia"; a false start perhaps but a true classic all the same. Radio Band were a group of DJs from Florence who all sailed the airways of Radio Fantasy in 1984 and whose one and only release was this super groovy slice of Italo-boogie. Following the example of Milanese DJs Band of Jocks but far surpassing their formulaic funk fizzle, Radio Band employed an intergalactic bassline, cosmic keys and that undeniably Italian style of rapping to deliver a sophisticated party-starter which even found its way to disco deity Ron Hardy. Back to the here and now, and if you've found yourself pumping an ecstatic fist to a supercharged Italian epic of late, chances are its from the mind of the mysterious Radiomarc. Operating on the ascendent Popcorn Groove imprint, this shadowy figure steers his country's lost classics into peaktime territories, finding a sweet spot between late Italo-disco, early Italo-house and contemporary cool. Pushing the tempo with a club-ready 4/4, setting the sequencer to stun and supplementing the original melodies with a series of synth riffs, the mystery producer send this one into orbit. Radio Band - Radio Rap - Radiomarc, the circle is complete.
Few have done more to develop cross-cultural musical exchange than Futuro Antico. A collaborative venture from musician, archeologist and ethnomusicologist Walter Maioli, keyboardist and tonal theoretician Riccardo Sinigaglia and multi-disciplinary artist and composer Gabin Dabiré, Futuro Antico formed in Milan in 1979, combining ancient international folkloric traditions with otherworldly electronics. The result is an arresting melange of Mediterranean, African and Asian instrumentation, mimicked by esoteric synth tones and hypnotic minimalism, which the group perfected on their acclaimed 1990 LP Dai Primitivi All'Elettronica. The meditative and transportive "Pan Tuning" belongs to their largely overlooked 2005 CD only release Intonazioni Archetipe, and has been amongst Manu's most loved tracks from the first moment he heard it. Who else is better placed to reshape this evocative opus into an immersive, transcendental dance floor journey than label favourites Mushrooms Project? The duo sows the original elements into a sprawling fifteen minute fusion of séance and science, at times propulsive with a ritualist rhythm of tuned percussion and crunching drum machine at others drifting off into ethereal ambience. Mushrooms Project continue to push the boundaries of the Afro-cosmic style, and this remix marks a new zenith.

Repress
Patience is a virtue well-rewarded in techno; finding the right groove to build on then holding your nerve long enough to pay off the wait at the optimum moment is a much more skillful endeavour than it would seem for such a minimalistic style. And few display this talent better than Detroit originals Scan 7. Part of the hallowed Underground Resistance family, Scan 7 first broke out in the mid-90s with a series of jacking machine funk 12”s that showcased their savvy for self-control - a faculty they have demonstrated in releases year-on-year since.
Highlighting this continuous font of vitality, Tresor Records has returned to the source and is proud to announce the reissue of Scan 7’s debut LP, Dark Territory. First unleashed on the label in 1996, the album has been remastered from the original DATs by Mike Grinser, augmenting already powerful tracks such as the snake-like, teasing Unusual Channel (mixed by the master Blake Baxter), and the harder-edged VII resulting in music that will, without doubt, provoke an enhanced response when the pressure is finally released.
Repressed on vinyl with updated artwork, these tracks still sound like a blueprint for the future, testament to the prescience and assurance Scan 7’s leader, Trackmaster Lou, clearly had when writing “I hope you enjoy my records in the phuture to come” in the sleeve notes nearly 30 years ago.

Misto Kay is a rising artist/producer from Amsterdam aiming to combine jazz elements and electronics into a sonic listening pleasure. His first appearances were on the Super-Sonic Jazz compilation and on Mo Wrights' 'things2proof' EP with a feature and a remix. Being a multi-instrumentalist, with a focus on jazz piano, you will find playful and melodic elements join forces with surprising rhythms in his music. His broad musical interest is clearly expressed in his productions, given that they can vary heavily in mood, tempo, and genre. House, broken beat are at the core of this debut solo release, but soulful hip-hop grooves are present as well.

NOTON is pleased to announce the release of Xerrox Vol. 5, the final installment of Alva Noto’s Xerrox series.

For anyone who has been following the series since its inception in 2007, the concept of Xerrox no longer requires introduction. Originally, it aimed to create copies of images—both visual and acoustic—that are more memorable than the originals. The exploration of the relationship between the original and the copy, along with the invention of the copier, not only inspired the series name but also informed its underlying concept. In 2024, this series comes to an end, marking the culmination of a journey that began with the first recording in 2005/2006. Over nearly two decades, the five albums in this series have accompanied the artist's evolving perspective and conceptual approach.

Initially characterized by rawness and a conceptual focus on seeking resolution in white noise, the later works engage with themes of dissolution while shifting their emphasis toward acoustic particles. The copying process is now less visible through software manipulation; rather, it unfolds as the artist describes melodic and acoustic images that are then manipulated, copied, and transformed into new patterns during composition.

Nicolai describes this evolution as a journey encompassing buildup, exploration, and resolution, drawing parallels to the Odyssey and the stories of Jules Verne, particularly those featuring Captain Nemo.

The conclusion of this album holds a sense of finality for the artist. “I aimed to create a whole cycle of tracks that frame both the beginning and the end,” Nicolai explains. “The motif of the journey continues, but this time, the story reaches a dissolution through a conceptual object that embarks on its own journey into infinity. The word “dissolution” (“Auflösung” in German) is a wonderful concept. On one hand, you can solve a riddle, on the other hand, a pill can completely dissolve in water. Here, I am deliberately describing the process of dissolution.”
In crafting Volume 5, Nicolai has evolved his compositional process, eschewing samples in favor of original melodies. “This album probably took the longest to complete,” he reveals. “I first created melodic sketches, which became the foundation for the pieces. These recordings are created entirely from scratch. Based on these sketches, I constructed the process of copying, manipulating, and reshaping.”

Drawing from his recent experiences working with film and larger ensembles, Nicolai's approach to composition reflects a growing influence of classical instrumentation. “This experience of working with acoustic classical instruments has flowed into the compositional process for Xerrox Vol. 5. Certain instruments are designed with potential orchestral translation in mind.”

The sonic atmosphere of Xerrox Vol. 5 is one of profound dissolution. “I wasn’t initially interested in strong, emotional melodic aspects,” Nicolai shares, “but I realized that the fragment plays a central role.” This shift leads to an emotionally charged experience, imbued with melancholy and the bittersweet essence of farewell. The passing of Ryuichi Sakamoto, an admirer of the series, has further deepened the album’s emotional resonance.

“Xerrox Vol. 5 has a lot to do with farewell,” the artist explains. "Not only the farewell to the series itself, which I’ve nurtured for almost two decades, but also there have been many farewells to people who were close to me. I believe these people are recognizable in the music. It’s a very emotional, personal album.”

Listeners can expect a visual dimension to the music, though Nicolai intentionally leaves this open to interpretation. “I prefer to allow the music to evoke personal experiences and images rather than dictate a specific narrative,” he states. The result is a layered listening experience that invites tenderness and introspection.

6 track EP feat. BRANDON MARKELL HOMES w/ mixes from DAM SWINDLE & ROBERT PM, as well as a vinyl exclusive collab w/ COTO LOCO & RASHEEDA ALI. Lush chords and smooth vocals fuse into a 90s earworm house jam on the title track, while SWINDLE infuse their remix with a modern 2-step vibe.