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Melodic Energy Commission is a Canadian gem and an interesting branch of the Hawkwind family tree (featuring Del Delmar on electronics.) Hailing from British Columbia, their unique blend of space rock, progressive and hippie psychedelia began in 1977 as a recording-only project titled "The Melodic Energy Commission of Collected Artists."

Tallinn duo MAVA & NEBUKAT deliver four tranquil cuts on Estonia's LIITHELI, featuring remixes by Leleka founder VAKULA and 1212a alongside label boss ALI ASKER.
Mava and Nebukat have been an important part of the Estonian underground scene for some time, promoting parties and DJing in and around the capital. Their grafting has seen them join up with Green Village producer Ali Asker, who launched LIITHELI in 2016 to focus on local talent with early offerings from himself and fellow Estonian N1MA.
First up, 'Polymer' immediately grips us with rising tension - progressive synth-lines and fluttering percussion becomes the main focus here. 'Ambient Track' provides synthetic luscious melodies harmonising delightfully with the broken-beat drums.
1212a and Ali Asker's remix of 'Polymer' offers a captivating dubbed-out theme throughout, balancing delicate minimalism, with breezy atmospheres. Ukrainian producer Vakula presents a heavenly six-minute healer through precise, fluid pulsations and intriguing, melodic sound design.

Gifted Culture collective is ready to unleash the second jam session of the announced trilogy. GMI Jam Venice comes from the filth and the mug of the abandoned ex-industrial area in the outskirts of Venice. There, Autre and Two Thou invade Hawaiian Chips' top-notch studio, where all together ride 70's synthesizer rarities and try to domesticate the monstrous Yamaha CS 80. This jam, inspired by the post-industrial Venetian scenario, dives between the dreams of archetypal electronic music and reminiscences of psychedelic progressive bands, giving birth to two long journeys ready to gently carry the dance floor into the outer space.

The Stunning And Ground-breaking Album From The Composer And Saxophonist Chris Bowden.

'this Is The Album That Connected It All.' Gilles Peterson 2018

Chris Bowden's Debut Album Time Capsule Was First Released On Soul Jazz Records In 1992 To Universal And Widespread Critical Acclaim. Now 20 Years On A New Wave Of Current Jazz Artists Led By The Likes Of Kamasi Washington In The Usa And A Host Of British Artists - Shabaka Hutchings /sons Of Kemet, The Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Fourtet, Yussef Kamaal, Tenderlonious, Binker & Moses - Have Brought This Original Ground-breaking Album Into The Limelight Once More As A Pivotal Starting Point, Sharing Many Of The Aesthetics Of These Current Artists At Work Today.

Musically All Are Inspired By The Spiritual Jazz Of John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Don Cherry Et Al Paired With A Modern Electronic Music Sensibility. Chris Bowden's Time Capsule Has Stood The Test Of Time Like Few Other Albums (as The Title Of The Album Suggested), And Remains A Pivotal, Wholly-successful And Original Experimental Musical Collage, A Radical Inspiration And Forebearer To Many Of The Best Progressive Jazz And Electronic Artists Working Today.

The Album Has Been Fully Hi-spec Re-mastered And Is Available As A Limited-edition Heavyweight Double-vinyl Release With Gatefold Sleeve (+ Free Download Code), Slipcase Cd And Digital Album.

Blackfilm is an anonymous Hungarian artist who introduced himself with his self-titled debut in 2008, sold out in a few months and later reissued on both CD and vinyl format via Denovali in 2010. His debut has garnered widespread attention - "Evolving from downtempo electronic music to orchestral paroxysms and, insanely, passing from down-pitched nothingness to frozen urban landscapes, it becomes inevitable to resist." / "Dark and brooding, Blackfilm envelopes you like a thick fog creeping off a cooling swampland." (Headphone Commute) - and is still a classic.

Since then, he has relocated to London and released the collaboration master-piece - Along the Corridors' with Italy's heavy dub producer Eraldo Bernocchi in 2010. After eight years of silence Denovali now proudly presents his second solo album - Zero One Seven', in line with a re-issue of - Along the Corridors' on vinyl for the first time.

On - Zero One Seven', Blackfilm merges tracks spanning across drum and bass, dub and electronic. The sounds on the album are built from the ideas on the original Blackfilm - S/T' and - Along the Corridors' and progress to a sound built on new ground mixing modern production techniques and influences while at times referencing the Blackfilm sound we know from his previous releases.

The album maintains a consistent focus on atmospherics, beats and heavy bass ranging from darker dub and drum and bass influences to vocal tracks and complex ambient soundscapes. Production wise, the familiar Blackfilm style incorporating the use of synthetic sounds mixed with samples enables the album to create an intriguing, shifting atmosphere as the album progresses. A dystopian journey through haunting vocals, hypnotic drum patterns and complex sound design.

In line with the release of Blackfilm's new album "Zero One Seven", Denovali release the 2010 collaboration masterpiece "Along the Corridor" with Eraldo Bernocchi for the first time on vinyl.

"(...) From its heavy stone dropping bass to cinematic orchestration, beautiful piano melodies, and progressive dowtempo electronic beats, this collaboration between Eraldo Bernocchi and Blackfilm is an amazing find. Designed as a soundtrack for those lonely nights, walking through abandoned streets and skeleton buildings, Along The Corridors will keep you on the edge of your seat, with your imagination as the only projector for the cinema of your mind.

Italy's heavy dub producer Eraldo Bernocchi is not a new face to the scene. Starting out his career in the 90s, Bernocchi produced under many aliases. ... But it is the works under his real name that deserve the most attention. In 1999 he released Charged recording with Tashinori Kondo and Bill Laswell. In 2005 he appeared alongside Harold Budd in Music For 'Fragments From The Inside' on Sub Rosa. And in 2007 he recorded Manual together with Thomas Fehlmann for 21st Records. There are also numerous EPs with Bill Laswell under Apollo's Re-charged series....

Blackfilm, who continues to remain anonymous, is a Hungarian artist that was first introduced to us through his self-titled debut on the now defunct Spectraliquid Records. Since then, the album has been picked up by Denovali Records and repressed in 2010 on compact disc and vinyl. His dark atmospheric soundscapes and a bricolage of modern classical samples and instrumental hip-hop beats reminded me of my favorite works by Amon Tobin and Future Sound of London, for a brooding soundtrack enveloping your mind with heavy fog of penetrating sound. Since the release, Blackfilm has relocated to London where he has embedded himself with the heavyweights of dub and even darker journeys in the underground ..." Headphone Commute

Since 2008 Düsseldorf based producer and live wizard Stefan Schwander deeply concentrates on his always evolving electronic venture named Harmonious Thelonious. It besprinkles the world with fractional musical structures in the spirits of American minimal music, in order to immingle them with African rhythm patterns. Exceptional hypnotic opiates, enlarged with twisted harmonies and tricky rhythm archetypes. All heavy danceable!

After five magnetic albums for labels like Emotional Response and his old home base Italic as well as a highly acclaimed string of EPs for in-demand platforms like Asafa, Diskant, Disk, Kontra-Muzik, Meakusma, The Trilogy Tapes or Versatile Records, he now produced a heavy arresting 'Petrolia' LP for Marmo Music - a label that is not new to Harmonious Thelonious. Already on the label's second release Tru West: 'The DOWC part 2' his 'Sunset Liturgy' fingerprints are audible with a moving remix. Now he delivers six epic tunes that only partly dance the familiar Harmonious Thelonious dance. There are deeply traces from Africa and Arabia. There is the polyrhythmic witchery that makes his music special. But in contrast his new tunes are more mental then his former ones. They have a menacing industrial feel but yet continue to be enlarged with the enchanting spirits of the land of the Sahara. Furthermore, there is a slight manic touch arising from nervous electronic and foremost organic melodies. The live played jittery is coming from the Berlin based experimental musician Ghazi Barakat, also known under monikers like Pharoah Chromium or Crème de Hassan for mind shredding ambient, drone, experimental, noise, industrial, free jazz and free improvisation music from beyond. For Harmonious Thelonious Barakat, who also produced together with Marmo Music artist Günther Schickert the collaboration album 'OXTLR' in 2014, tuned his wind instruments Rauschpfeife and Kangling elflock-stricken the Master Musicians of Jajouka way. And instead of giving them a prominent lead position, Schwander deeply implements his tones into his propulsive creations to evoke a modern rhythmic meltdown of Occident versus Orient spheres that exhale a deeply absorbing soul.

A record, who's psychedelic energy fits perfect into the Marmo Music cosmos - a world where the progressiveness of the 70ties continues to live in the current to disband all white bread musical norms for the energy of music without classes. Dancers of the world, unite!

Phonogramme, the house subdivision of parent label and integral Parisian record shop Syncrophone dedicates itself directly to the French music scene, with previous releases from the likes of Professor Inc, John Jastszebski, Aleqs Notal and a handful of other local heads. Phonogramme continues to keep things close-to-home through the labels next edition presented by Gibs, who's most notably known for works on his own imprint, 'An.Art Records' - a family run label with music shared by himself and his two brothers.

'Find an Oasis' kicks off the release with rolling organic percussion before progressing elegantly into layered emotive lead synths and mellow bass stabs. 'Jarkarta' is a subdued deeper house cut, filled with an uplifting, undulating melody and raw lo-fi elements collectively creating a luscious calming effect. Last up, 'Der Germain' offers up a fluid, groove filled number balanced with charming, jazzy flutters and tender keys providing a warm, breezy atmosphere to the end the release.

- Spectral Decay' is a collection of musical reflections about the paradoxical contemporary state of humankind, whereas its own technological, social, cultural and economical development seems to entrench the possible points of a structura downfall. The narrative of - Spectral Decay' starts with heavy, mesmerizing industrial vibes. Due to the notable sound design techniques of Japanese artist Tetsumasa, his hefty piece - Nex' evolves into a harsh but still amazingly cinematical music sculpture.
Subsequent mid-tempo composition - Onzour Shayatini' by Meer dynamically follows the dark, experimental path of drone and noisy structures. Violent accents smoothly lead to the deconstruction of drum & bass patterns and turn into strident 90s metal riffs. The track progressively penetrates obscure subterranean abysses and becomes a perfect introduction to the next theme by Yuji Kondo - - Hades'. In Greek mythology Hades was the ancient god of the underground kingdoms, darkness, death and metals. Therefore, Kondo's music piece turns into an infernal portrayal of the underworld where tenebrous layers of bass frequencies, raw textures and Drexciyan sounds build up an enormous and lasting tension.
Side B begins with the track - Anthropocene' produced by Arboretum co-founder - Mogano. The whole composition refers to the present geological epoch we live in, characterized by environmental pollutions, depletion of fossil fuels and accelerated urbaniza- tion of the world. It is a deeply conceptual soundscape of a powerful system, that incorporates both - the destructive forces of technology and the infinite energy of the whole universe, that interweave in a devilish dance of post-techno, breakbeat and dub tones.
Thereafter, ~Raw in his piece - Poly Bios' pictures the interference of human structures in the nature. Creating a mosaic from indus- trial and tribal, organic sounds, he tells a mystical story of fear, hope, escape and primeval instincts.
The narration concludes with an atmospheric composition of NWRMNTC - solo project of Ana Quiroga from experimental ambient duet LCC. - Beyond' is a boundless, spectral reflection on collective human consciousness, where haunting vocals evoke a recon- dite, ineffable pain, leaving the listeners in a profoundly meditative state.
Laura Polan´ska

4th album from Dutch electronic duo Tangent .
Limited Edition 180gm Orange vinyl LP w/DL of full CD tracklisting.
Previous coverage from Arctic Drones, Collective Zine, Igloomag, Soundblab
Approaching Complexity is the fourth album from Netherlands based ambient-beats duo Tangent.
This follow-up to 2016s Collapsing Horizons finds the duo expanding their sound by adding reoccurring expressive piano themes to their composite of skyward ambience and unfolding beat formations.
The album is said by the duo of Ralph van Reijendam and Robbert Kok to be 'about the transition from basic forms to complex struc- tures which are often seen in nature during the transi- tioning of seasons.' They add that 'Life awakens from hibernation and evolves from being introverted to becoming extroverted, even building upon the remnants of previous cycles and evolving into new realms.'
Approaching Complexity for Tangent is all about their evolution as progression has been a clearly defined constant in their output as a whole. Each work effort- lessly transitioning unto its predecessor.
OTHER TITLES FROM TANGENT
- MD248 / Collapsing Horizons / LP

The spiritual and uplifting music of Clifford White is highlighted with two of his most sought after songs, taken from his 1989 album The Lifespring, and presented here in a special extended 12" for the first time. Starting in music production at just 15, White could be described as a protegee, however his take is that they were part of a music journey that continues today. With a centre found in electronic music and spirituality, his progress, from simple home use 4-track stereo to working in professional 16-tracks studios was swift, but matched by a deeper appreciation, greater confidence and wider palette of music styles. Utilising his love of early samplers, his first use of the Akai S612 to accompany and expand his keyboard recordings saw continued development from his debut album at just 17 with Ascension (1985), to the follow up Spring Fantasy (1987) and on to The Lifespring (1989). A small review in the local paper literally led to a knock at the door and offer of a deal from the Start (State Of The Art ) label to record his next album. With a subsequent advance, professional studio equipment was hired and out of these sessions his sound expanded to include ambient, orchestral, synth pop and even ballads. From this both Lifestream and Rain Trek emerged. With a love of Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygene in mind, Lifestream's smooth beginning soon gives way to the pulse of an arpeggio driven groove. Aiming for "relaxation with an edge", the track has become a secret play for the more Balearic minded DJ in the decades since and now sees the LP trade for dizzying sums. However, the original is achingly brief, gracefully fading as part of the album's journey. Here though, with DJs and collectors in mind, White returns to the song to craft a specially extended version that completes the song and will be appreciated at sunsets across the globe. Seeking to take the music and listener to another place, Rain Trek took White's interest in Sci-Fi and the mystic powers of water to a rightful conclusion. The healing nature of his music is apparent, the mystery, yearning and travelling, all emotions evident, but with a kick that will grace the more enlightened dance.

Those of you who have followed Lucky Brown's tireless efforts since joining the Tramp family in 2007 can hear without a doubt the progress he and his various ensembles have made in almost every musical aspect. His songwriting skills amazed us right from the start of our relationship. What deserves much more respect is that during the past years he has proved to be probably one of the most authentic and steady but at the same time most innovative creative minds on the contemporary funk scene. Sure, many of today's funk bands are able to deliver a two-and-a-half minute funk killer, what distinguishes Lucky Brown, however, is his ability to create compositions which also employ the idiom as a means to deliver an artistic message, a hard-to describe feeling, or a conscious concept, just like James Brown and Fela Kuti mastered in the 1970s. Furthermore, Lucky has developed his own trademark production and sound whose depth and honesty form a basis from which his work will ever remain timeless.

But that's nothing new as you can hear on both of his first two albums for Tamp ("Lucky Brown's Space Dream, 2011 and "Mystery Road", 2015) On "Mesquite Suite" he is forging new paths by soaking up musical styles from all over the world to infuse with his own totally unique way of producing. Perfect examples are the Mulatu Astatke-ish tracks "Pauraque" and "Mother Corn Stalk" with its distinctive New Orleans Swamp-Jazz flavor. Fans of the Menahan Street Band or El Michels Affair may see in "Taterbug" and "Estrellas De La Tierra" their favourite tracks. But it's the entirety which makes this album standout.

It has been Lucky Brown's aim to paint for the world a picture of the vernacular jazz that America's neighborhoods once crafted as their own homegrown cultural heritage. Lucky Brown's music is a rejection of the elitism, classism, and status of the music industrial complex and is an antitoxin to it's resultant homogeneity. He wants with his heart and his art to transmit an everyday people's sound, made by everyday people, dedicated to the upliftment of all people.

Tobias Kirmayer, August 2018

key-selling points:
- limited to 500 hand-numbered copies
- incl. full album download code
- double vinyl LP with deluxe gatefold cover

B side brings two tunes 165/170 BPM, mental tribe reminding me DSP stuff. A-side is a 190BPM progressive Harfloor stuff. A good record bringing some open air festival music style.

If you check the credits of The Rolling Stones' Goats Head Soup LP from 1973 you'll find a certain "Pascal" listed on the percussion section. That is none other than Los Angeles based artist Nicolas Pascal Raicevik (1933-1994), aka 107-34-8933, aka Head, aka Nik Pascal, aka Nik Raicevic. Besides his hitting the bongoes on the Stones album, Nik was a great artist on his own, both as a painter and as a musician. As a musician, he was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers, preceeding the Berlin school by some years when his Head LP was released on on Buddah in 1970. Buddah probably saw in Head the opportunity to cash in some money from the remains of the psychedelic scene - the three tracks on the LP are named after drugs used in the late sixties. The sounds, however, are accomplished works that show Raicevic as one of the most interesting pioneers in the use of synths. The album probably didn't do too well, since Buddah didn't renew the contract with Raicevic, who instead took his own way releasing his works on his very own Narco Records and Tapes label. Between 1968 and 1975 Narco would issue 4 LPs credited either to Nik Raicevic (Beyond The End... Eternity) or Nik Pascal (The Sixth Ear, Magnetic Web and Zero Gravity) plus one credited to 107-34-8933 (Numbers, which is in fact the same LP as Buddah's Head, albeit with different cover art). Copies of these LPs came with an ironic sticker over the shrinkwrap that read "Do not listen to this LP if you are stoned".

1972 saw the release of The Sixth Ear (Narco NR666), this time credited to Nik Pascal. A more complex work than Beyond The End..., it adds consistent rhythmic patterns to the mix with the addition of bongoes and also explores some interesting chord progressions.

Besides his musical explorations, Nik was also an interesting painter. His paintings are auctioned from time to time, and are consciousness expanding works influenced by abstract cubism and surrealism, some kind of Salvador Dalí on drugs exploring the outter and inner space. All the artwork on the sleeves of his LPs is done by himself. Spacey landscapes and psychedelic colours that fit perfectly to the music they contain.

"Nik Raicevic's music is at the intersection of radical psycho-electronic weirdness and kraut kosmische music (in particular the scifi-hypno-minimal modules of Conrad Schnitzler in Grun, Rot and Blau). It presents mega epic & tripped out electronic improvisations.

"This is an absolute must for collectors and fans of visceral, neurotic soundscapes." (progarchives)

"As far as late-60s / early-70s American Bedroom' Electronic Music goes, these LPS have to be among the first transmissions from this sector, made all the more attractive when coupled with Raicevic's alien topographIes - the covers are high-color portrayals of Venusian lanes, knotted growths, & future-past architecture in a style you might equate with Vintage' sci-fi pulp-novel covers - & copious Downer' sentiment. This music is imbued with a sort of lonely, anti-social sensibility that's about as far as you can get from the Academic' Early Electronic vector. I will say that if the Steve Birchall, Cellutron & the Invisible, and/or Pythagoron™ seed your garden, this will likely do the same." (twoheadeddog)

Never reissued before on vinyl format, the Wah Wah reissue features original sleeve artwork made of paintings and drawings by Nik himself and reproduction of the famous ironic "Do not listen if you are stoned" sticker. Limited edition, 500 copies only.

Inner is the 5th full-length from Bordeaux composer Franck Zaragoza's Ocoeur. Inner evolves from 2016's Reversed by arching away from the piano-centric works and focusing a bit more on ambient synth motifs. The piano (Mother, Unseen), strings (Inner, Shelter), and sound design (Passage, Echo) are still ever present, but Zaragoza elongates his sounds out by allowing the synths to swoon, drift, and decay. Each note having its proper and due time to ascend. While there is a transition in the overall feel of Inner from Zaragoza's previous output, it feels like the natural progression in the Ocoeur catalog.

Having previously featured on Comb and Razor's popular compilation 'Brand New Wayo', Caribou's 'The Longest Mixtape: 1000 Songs For You' (twice) and remixed by numerous DJs including Kornél Kovács. It has long been over due that Nigerian synth-funk legend Dizzy K gets the reissue he deserves, teaming up with London based record label Sticky Buttons for a very special double LP compilation.

Dizzy K Falola is one of Nigeria's most adored disco funk artists form the early 80's. His career was propelled by EMI Nigeria who brought him to notoriety with his first album 'Excuse Me Baby', released in 1982. Excuse Me Baby became an instant success in Nigeria and within 3 months he was back in the studio recording his second album and touring with international superstars such as The Whispers. The success of his work came both from the creative collaboration of musicians and their progressive style of synth-funk and disco influenced heavily by western artists. The team included Nkono Teles, Felix Liberty and Dizzy K's mentor and manager Tony Okoroji amongst others who together formed the disco funk that infected the homes, streets and clubs of Lagos. Noted in 'Hip Hop Africa: New African Music in a Globalizing World', Dizzy K's song titled Saturday Night Raps which features on Excuse Me Baby is thought to have been on of the earliest examples of commercial African Rap music. It was examples like this that showed Dizzy K was bringing something new to the Nigerian boogie scene.

With careful restoration by Colin Young at See Why Audio, (who's expertise and talents have graced some of the most iconic reissues of recent years, including "Who Is William Onyeabor" and Charanjit Singh's "Synthesizing: Ten Raga's to a Disco Beat") and vinyl mastering conducted by The Carvery, cutting the masters on a Neumann VMS70 mastering lathe originally used in Nashville's CBS studio to cut Motown classics. This is an uncompromising vinyl package covering Dizzy K's first 3 albums from '82-'84. Compiled for the dance floor and offering Sticky Buttons take on the bright boogie goodness of Dizzy. With personal liner notes from the artist and fresh artwork by the team this is a record that cuts to the point.

You May Not Have Heard The Name Jackson Almond Before, But You Will Have Likely Heard Some Of His Music. Having Released On Wotnot Back In 2013 Under The Name Real, With A Flurry Of Eps, Remixes And Bootlegs Under This Name And As Part Of Duo Boean (on Bbe, Warner, Xvi & Slowfoot Among Others), Jackson Has Been Delighting Ears For A While Now, With A Particular Knack For Balancing Hooks And Earworms With Original Ideas And Creative Production.

This Ep Began Life As A Series Of Headphone Jams Written When Jackson Was Living Outside Of The City In Self-imposed Exile, Tuning Into The Goings On In Dance Music From An External Position. It Was Then Polished Into Dancefloor Gems At The Wotnot Studio At The Total Refreshment Centre. The Music Reflects This, With The Sonic Palette Reflecting Lo-fi And Outsider House, But With A Warmth, Depth And Musicality Specific To His Own Personal Situation.

The Music Embodies The Hook Of The Title Track - Open Your Head - A Mix Of Influences And Sounds From World, Soul, Jazz, House And Techno Sources. In Oyh, A Child's Voice Floats Over Percussive Drum And Mbira Layers With African Flavours, While Soulful Guitar Stabs Widen The Palette. Ee Ye Follows A Similar Idea With Overseas Sounds Opening To Infectious House Organ Stabs. People, Places, Things In Spaces Is An Immersive Roller With Warming Wurlitzer Chords Providing An Almost Gospel-like Inflection.

The Attention To Detail Throughout The Ep Is Astonishing, The Best Example Being The Arrangement Of Our Personal Favourite Common, With The Irresistible Chord Progression Working Its Way Around Instruments, Patiently Building To Hit Its Peak Halfway Through The Track For The Ultimate Screwface Moment.

Ultimately This Rebirth Of Jackson Almond Sits Nicely With A Label Finding Their Stride Again, With Widely-praised Releases From Danvers And K15 Already This Year, Wotnot Are Staking Their Claim On People's Ears Once Again.

Early Dj Support:
Atjazz, Jimpster, Dave Harvey Futureboogie, &me, Robert Luis (tru Thoughts), Severino Panzetta (horsemeat Disco)

Walter Gibbons, a true master of the mix, a disco legend, a pioneer of dance music. There's literally very few who can lay claim to progressing the artform of studio mixing and technique than the late Gibbons. His contribution to contemporary music cannot be understated, first as a DJ where his drum laced experimentation captured the ears and minds of his peers and the dancers, then later as a mixer and studio genius where he continued on his quest. Often fixated on the percussion and breaks within records his versions would often dive into spaced out, dubby and stripped back territory that very few of his peers were even contemplating at that time, fervently reconstructing the tracks themselves and often the time, space and dancefloor within which the record was being played. A true original, Gibbons was behind many of the 'definitive' versions of the classics, his unique style often catapulting records that were just fine in their original form into brand new colourful, cosmic interpretations that flourished sonically and rhythmically with brand new sounds that bristled with vision.

Salsoul Records thought a well programmed and thought out retrospective of this legends output was in order and this incredible collection of tracks is where we find ourselves. A stellar compilation across 2 heavyweight slabs of wax featuring of some of Gibbons' finest works. Included you'll find genre defining cuts like his mixes of Double Exposure, Loleatta Holloway, Love Committee, First Choice and many more.

A truly essential package for the die-hard Disco aficionado or for those who are exploring this most important movement in dance music for the first time. Curated with the full input and backing of Salsoul Records and carefully selected to reflect the truly timeless nature of the music contained within. For listening, for dancing, for turning on a party!

Remastered by Optimum Mastering. Artwork & design by Million Dollar Disco. Fully authorised.

Progressive industrial to cinematic ambient, via new beat synth explorations.

Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

Genius work from the Detroit underground of the 70s - one of the greatest records ever on the now-famous Tribe Records label, and a masterpiece of soul, jazz, and righteous spirit! The session's headed by tenor player Wendell Harrison - and it's got an all-star Motor City lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on trombone, Jeamel Lee on vocals, Charles Eubanks on electric piano, and Charles Moore on flugel horn. The tracks have a spacious spiritual approach that recalls some of the later Archie Shepp on Impulse - a blend of soul jazz with slight touches of electric instrumentation, some vocals, and a very progressive spirit overall - stepping proud in the new freedoms of the 70s, yet still swinging and very groovy.

Originally from West Yorkshire, but now resident in Manchester, composer, bassist and producer Phil France is probably best known as a key collaborator alongside Jason Swinscoe in the Cinematic Orchestra, where he co-wrote, arranged and produced on classic albums including Everyday, Man With The Movie Camera, Ma Fleur and also the triple award winning soundtrack for The Crimson Wing nature documentary. In 2013 France released his debut solo album, The Swimmer (GOND016), an emotive, epic record influenced by the great second wave of film composers including John Carpenter and Vangelis, as well as minimalist composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass

Five years later, France presents the follow up, the enigmatically titled, Circle, which again represents a very personal journey for the artist. For France the album is an extension of work he began on The Swimmer. A process he has described as: " blocks of sound containing intricate minimal arpeggiated patterns and electronic textures that develop and shift in subtle, original and melodic ways. The trancelike quality, mood and electronic character of title track Circle led France to think of the circular patterns which eventually became a potent concept for the album. "Ideas and fashions repeat themselves in cycles. Events are said to travel 'full circle' and this is important to me because it represents my own recent personal and musical journey after 15 years touring as bassist and composer with The Cinematic Orchestra. I consider circles to be a strong symbol of unity, strength and inclusiveness and ultimately I've aspired to make something beautiful with those values at its heart".

The album opens with the title track, Circle, built on a minimal looped pattern with melodic embellishment and shifting additional harmonic textures. Bells was developed from the arpeggiator and offers a nod to the melodicism and atmosphere of French electronic music. The Jackal features an idea originally developed for The Crimson Wing score but which finally bears fruit here. Cathedrals features an improvised intro, Philip Glass inspired organ and vocal textures inspired by the work of Colin Stetson. Finally, the album ends with a reprise of Circle this time featuring layered pianos. But it isn't the conclusion of the journey, for France: "The Circle is infinite - During the process of making this record, I have been constantly reminded that nothing ever stays the same and that all is in constant flux. The challenge for me is always to respond positively, be aware of and seize the opportunity for progression constant change provides" And it is that sense of movement and flow, but also calm and beauty that permeates Circle and make it such a worthy successor to The Swimmer.

Mindshift Records Is Proud To Present Trouble12, "homan Square", By Area Featuring Remix Appearances By Murdoc And Drmlgcc, Culminating In A Stellar Release Pressed On Limited-edition Vinyl, Out Of Continued Respect For The Vinyl Medium.

The Release Begins With "dark Days", A Strong Cut With Deep Kicks, Hard Claps, And Solid
Basslines All Combined To Create A Euphoric Experience For Both Listeners And Dancers.

Up Next, A Remix Of "alta" By Murdoc Brings Us To The Next Level With Pulsating Bass, Haunting Vocals And Crafty Syth-work, Sure To Please Closing Out The A-side Very Nicely.

Opening The B-side, We Have Drmlgcc's Remix Of "dark Days", A Bass-heavy Rendition Of The Original, Featuring Unique Synth Pads, Great Percussion, And Rhythmic Pauses Throughout The Progression Of The Track.

Concluding The Release Is The Original Mix Of "alta", A Unique Composition
Returning Us Full-circle And Closing Out The Ep "homan Square".

End of summer is nearby again and Luise is reminiscing this year's precious moments. With a touch of melancholy and weightless beauty Zazou & An On Bast are setting the right theme for the upcoming autumn days. While knowing and following each other's musical progression for years, this celebration of polish-german friendship came off with unexpected ease and utterly pleasing results. In the spirit of collaboration this release is supported by Basel's charming Arutani on the vinyl side and Luise's own Niju aswell as Plattenfreund Gottlieb Scheppert on the digital outlet. Completion it is by any means.

LPost-Heretic Dracula X Chronicles is Nicola Kazimir's debut album. It features 30min full of diverse, rough, evil, melancholic electronic music compositions either partly sampled out of important melodies in his life or fully produced by him. Post-Heretic Dracula X Chronicles LP draws from contemporary and past cultural references evolving around institutional-critique, occultism and dividualism and manifests those via metatags or sonic compositions.

Nicola Kazimir is a part of the collective Les Points based in Zürich, Switzerland.
His art/music draws from 90's rave utopias, decentralized & dividual thought, institutional-critique, occultism, progressive & accessible frameworks as showcased at their offspace Mikro -
a physical room which has no doors and opening times during exhibitions and raves - making an institution available to all social layers.
His recordlabels "Les Points" and the newly founded "Gentrified Underground" appropriate those ideas and transfer them to the distribution channels of electronic music.
Nicola refuses genre-stigmas and explores a vast number of genres in his dj-sets and productions - his newest LP "Post-Heretic Dracula X Chronicles" being an example of that diversity.

'A love project' from the heart and mind of UK broken beat stalwart and iconic keyboard maestro Kaidi Tatham, alongside an outstanding group of Danish musicians led by percussionist Peter Stenbæk.

12 Senses debuts with the Movement EP, a record drawing on jazz-funk, broken beat and disco, laced with the distinctive melodic progressions and boogie touches Kaidi Tatham is known for. Recorded over an intensely productive three-day session, which produced 20 plus songs, this EP is a first taste of what's to come from this creative gathering.

With recent records on First Word, Sound Signature and 2000Black, plus a brand new solo album 'It's A World Before You' it appears there is no letup in Kaidi Tatham's prolific output spanning a 2 decade long career, that has seen him work with artists such as Bugz In The Attic, 4Hero, Slum Village, Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith, Amy Winehouse, Leroy Burgess, Moonchild, Soull II Soul, Amp Fiddler, Mr Scruff and Dego, to name but a few.
Touch starts with the heavily syncopated rhythms of drummer Anders Meinhardt, accompanied by a bed of airy Rhodes, synths and guitar on top of a ruthless, disco-tinged bassline. Life evolves on a spiritual and hypnotic tip with a driving lick that just keeps on building, sprinkled with beautiful intertwining organ, piano and synth solos by Kaidi and pianist Poul Reimann. Movement slows the mood to a soul-tinged stepper with soothing choir and deft touches from the trumpet of Rasmus Juel. Kaidi changes up the pace on his remix with a smooth boom bap vibe before hitting the halfway point and switching up to his signature, breakneck latin bruk funk.12 Senses evolved from yearly marathon concerts at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, arranged by percussionist Peter Stenbæk, who simply e-met Kaidi Tatham and insisted on him coming to Denmark to share the festival stage. Over the course of five years the friendship and musicianship between the two has gone from strength to strength, reinforced by the skilled musicians around them; drummer Anders Meinhardt, guitarist David Rosenkilde, bassist Andreas Hatholt, trumpeter Rasmus Juel and pianist Poul Reimann. The record was brought to life by Morten Trust (aka. Soulmagic), who kindly contributed his heart, studio and mixing skills to Movement.

World Music And Ethno Sounds With An Obvious Japanese Origin Meet Progressive Rock And Psyche. The Result Is A Captivating Piece Of Melodic And Deeply Atmospheric Music That Paints Pictures Of Life In Ancient Japan Into Your Mind When You Lay Back, Close Your Eyes And Listen Closely With Your Thoughts Turned Off. If Pink Floyd Were Japanese Their Music Might Have Sounded Like That. The Frequency Of The Arrangements On - benzaiten Reminds Of What Our English Heroes Have Created In The Early To Mid 70s Just With A Different Ethnical Approach. - benzaiten Is Even A More Progressive Effort Than Anything Most British Bands Have Ever Managed To Fabricate And Still Utterly Natural And Vivid Concerning The Flow Of The Music. All Participating Musicians Here Are Professionals And Their Performances Are Tight And Still Passionate. The Sound Is Warm And Vivid, The Song Structures Are Wide Open And Welcome You To Slip Inside. East Meets West On This Record And Osamu Kitajima And His Companions Really Grab You By The Soul. Electronic Elements In The Percussion Section Add Some Oddity To The Whole Musical Picture. Not Sure What Osamu Kitajima And His Band Intended When They Recorded This Record But I Am Certain They Achieved It. The Cool Aspect Of - benzaiten Is The Rocking Guitar Which Keeps The Whole Album Together. Must Be The Japanese Pendant To German Acts Like Amon Düül Ii, Embryo And Guru Guru. Well, There Is Definitely Some Truth In This Comparison. Anyway, This Album Will Enchant You!

Bergsonist is the moniker of Moroccon born and NYC based Selwa Abd. 'Solyaris' follows the self-released '' and a prolific slew of releases for labels such as Styles upon Styles, Borft, and Angoisse amongst others. For Selwa her uncompromising & otherworldly, hypno technoid creations aim to capture a given moment in time, contextualising her often direct, hugely affective, & unpolished approach to production.

Selwa describes 'Solyaris' as 'an ode to the present broken education system that allowed me to sustain my dreams in NewYork', explaining, 'As an immigrant from Morrocco, I felt always fearful of the future, pressured to succeed at school. The only way I was able to channel all that anxiety was through music'.

There's a undeniable physicality to Bergsonist's work, and the idea of expunging anxiousness into her music is felt from the oft as 'Solyaris' strides into vision with it's quickening roaring pulse and scrambled explorative electronic probes. This sense of anxiety eases as layers of rhythm build - heads begin to turn down and lush minimalist swathes eventually envelope bodies in calm unity, Anxiety diverted.

'Conflict in Yeman' opens with a gambit of off-kilter percussive experiments & electronics, conveying a sense of determined urgency. Things grow more & more intricate & immediate as we progress - layers of disruption weave around a reoccurring 140BPM shuffle, anchoring Selwa's constant explorative concrete diversions.

'Former Alien who has been naturalized by a U.S Citizen' brings things down a notch - skittering drums linger below a truly haunting whispered melody, occasionally broken down by collapsed rewinds and thunderously raw in the red beat grit - to dizzying effect. Whereas previously 'Solyaris' had taken its cues from Drexciyan Detroit Electro 'Former Alien...' stands closer to a Fantastic Damage era EL-P instrumental rather than anything aimed at the floor.

The EP rolls out with 'Fidel Gastro', a structured & focused piece of Machine Funk & end of days drop cues, conjuring an effective mix of both euphoria & imminent dread.

Bergsonist cuts a unique figure for electronic music in 2018 as someone explicitly exploring the relationship between head & body music. Although undeniably more than oft aimed at the dancefloor, Selwa's work also holds an equal respect and understanding of the head & heart. From her politically loaded Track titles, to her ideologically aligned guise of 'Bergsonist', to most significantly - her music's ability to elicit a spectrum of finely tuned emotional responses within the confines of each track

Jonny Drop's debut, Sub Plot, was the very first album release on the fledgling Albert's Favourites label at the beginning of 2016. The initial offering, a 7" of album favourites Mind Field and This Is The One had quickly been picked up on by the good people at BBC Radio 6 Music as well as some of Drop's personal heroes including Kenny Dope, Mr. Thing and Nightmares On Wax.

But when the infectious rhythms and warm production of the beat tape landed, its impact was greater than anyone at the label could have hoped.

Although Jonny never stopped producing beats in the following years, he was also kept busy as a drummer, playing live for Andrew Ashong, The Bongolian and Connie Constance, whose Boring Connie EP he also laid down beats for.

Then in early 2018 his band The Expansions delivered their celebrated Murmuration LP. All the while, with the support of his label family, Drop had been evolving his solo sound too.

'The Only Sound sees a huge progression in my writing direction, as I collaborated with multiple vocalists and musicians, instead of the usual 'one-man band' approach.

The development of these processes make this LP a steady departure from the beat-tape influence of my past releases, and hopefully, showcase the more original sound I've been working to achieve over the past few years.'

The new album is more atmospheric, emotional and expressive. It is filled with beautiful vocal performances, musical contributions from label partners and close friends Deoke and James O'Keefe, and inspirational London jazz composer, flautist and master saxophonist Tamar Osborn (Collocutor/On The Corner).

Voices here include Shea Soul, Grace Walker, former Myron and E soul man Eric Boss with his Lucid Paradise and Pendletons partner Ishtar, plus First Word Records producer/Golden Rules collaborator Sarah Williams White.

While there are thoughtful, down-tempo moments of electronica in abundance here, Drop brings his favourite elements of disco and soul into the picture too.

And there's no shortage of low end throughout. The Only Sound is a welcome next step from Jonny Drop, the sound of a beat maker not just finding his feet as a composer, but thriving in new territory.

Huey Morgan (BBC Radio 6 Music),

Music Is My Sanctuary premiere for All This Trouble, Bonafide Magazine premiere for Looking Glass
'A really talented musician, absolutely loving that" Lauren Laverne on This Is The One, BBC Radio 6 Music

This four-track EP named 'Curiosity' from techno duo, Abstract Man marks the beginning of the new On the 5th Day imprint, the latest branch to extend from the heart of the London-based underground techno project. The final outputs of a year-long creative journey in the studio with a focus on analogue machines, 'Curiosity' (including Mike Parker remix) represents a chapter of exploration into sound design and manipulation, and the unity and evolution of two separate musical identities through the collaborative process.

The debut release from Abstract Man begins with 'Curiosity' itself, portraying the first stages of the pair's collaboration and inspired by a shared appreciation for driving, hypnotic techno. Mesmerizingly linear and highly textured, the components forming Curiosity's foundations each command their own space, separately evolving with clear purpose whilst interacting in a compelling, ritualistic dance to lock in the listener. Its overall progression, including an emerging chant-like drone, signifies the manifestation of a new artistic voice, all together making this a symbolic achievement for Abstract Man, as well as a compelling and highly effective tool for the dance floor. The subsequent Mike Parker remix of the same track is another striking portrayal of his distinguishable sound and style, whilst developing to present something surprising and perhaps unexpected from the techno veteran, making this a must for collectors of his work.

Then follows 'Proposition', exploring the powerful possibilities through simplicity and symbolising the 'less is more' approach which fuelled much of the first chapter of Abstract Man's time in the studio. The joining of its elements creates a dark, seductive and unwavering tension, making it the ultimate tester for any venue's sound system!

Finally, 'Exploration' steps in a with an uplifting vigour and propulsive, rhythmic magnetism, rounding off the EP nicely with its feeling of freedom and completeness, leaving a sense of intrigue in readiness for their next instalment.

Picking up from where she left off with last years successful Tools of My Purpose, E- Saggila has returned to BANK employing a more sublime and immersive electronic document. Previously leaning toward noisier and distorted rhythms, she has incorporated more sophisticated elements into writing and production. Dedicated to Sublimity is a product of growth and progression but still reflects the raw elements we've heard in her early recordings. Lush and atmospheric elements coincide with the brutality of her live sets and play off one another as a cohesive representation of the E-Saggila project.

Picking up from where she left off with last years successful Tools of My Purpose, E- Saggila has returned to BANK employing a more sublime and immersive electronic document. Previously leaning toward noisier and distorted rhythms, she has incorporated more sophisticated elements into writing and production. Dedicated to Sublimity is a product of growth and progression but still reflects the raw elements we've heard in her early recordings. Lush and atmospheric elements coincide with the brutality of her live sets and play off one another as a cohesive representation of the E-Saggila project.

The first chapter of Armand Jakobsson's musical career has been
nothing short of remarkable. After establishing himself with rough
but emotive house as Rimbaudian and jungle as Birds of Sweden,
he unveiled his DJ Seinfeld alias to the world, first with underground hit single 'U', then with his Time Spent Away From U album on Lobster Fury in November 2017. It was a post break-up love letter to the dance floor with heart-on-sleeve emotions colouring the dusty and analogue house grooves. Acclaim came in from far and wide, with everyone from Rolling Stone to Pitchfork fawning over its heart swelling nostalgia and melancholic immediacy. Jakobsson approached his DJ-Kicks with the intention of representing all the things that made him fall in love with dance music more than a decade ago, as well as showing some of the progression that has occurred in that time and 'reflecting the simultaneous fear of leaving something safe behind as well as the excitement of venturing into unknown territories, musically and emotionally.' In order to make it as personal as possible, he called upon the many talented people around him making music. They returned with an enthusiasm that reminded Jakobsson of his own early passion, and in turn invigorated him and the whole process of assembling the mix. It was finally recorded at Inkonst club in Malmo because, recently back from years in Barcelona, he has not yet set up a studio in his hometown. DJ Seinfeld's DJ-Kicks is not only a testament of his characterful DJ skills, but also a complete artistic statement that showcases his unique vision of dance music

One man's vision of Soul music's evolving potential' ROLLING STONE

The Bamboos are one of the highest profile soul / funk acts in Australia, and have been recognised worldwide as masters of reinventing the genre with modern songwriting within classic arrangements & production over the past 10 years. They've clocked up some impressive Spotify hits numbers on along the way: " Wilhelm Scream" (3.5 M), 'On The Sly' (2.8 M), 'Helpless Blues' (1.8 M)"
Mainstay members Lance Ferguson and vocalist Kylie Auldist are also the creative forces behind one of 2016's biggest singles, 'This Girl' by Kungs Vs Cookin' On 3 Burners. Ferguson played on and co-wrote the song (incl that infectious guitar riff and lyrics) which along with Auldist's powerhouse vocals. The remix went on to hit #1 in France, Germany, #2 in the UK, top 20 in Australia and the US and top 30 in 35 countries. It's edging close to half a billion Spotify plays and 300 million Youtube hits.
Having previously collaborated with the likes of Aloe Blacc and Alice Russell, their latest offering 'Night Time People' see's the band call to mind everyone from Martha Reeves to Sharon Jones, The Bamboos deliver two catchy singles that draw together the raw drive of their earliest LPs and their more recent progressive experimentations in the studio. It's a fresh approach that finds the band wholly reenergised.

Cardiff-based singer-songwriter Ivan Moult returns with his latest collection of rich, confessional songs on new album Longest Shadow, out now via Bubblewrap Collective.

The album reflects Moult's progression through the fledglings of blissful romance into the fragmentation of embittered break- up. Each track combines Moult's intricate guitar plucking skills with his warm, soothing vocal to create something both compelling and incredibly moving throughout. His latest single Lay Me Down revolves around the feeling of giving in to depression whilst simultaneously fighting against it. Moult's beautifully natural vibrato soars effortlessly over the cinematic musicality to create something akin to that of Nick Drake or Jeff Buckley's distinctive songwriting charm.

Ivan's soft , subtly shattered vocals are complemented by the orchestral compositions and double bass of Callum Duggan, the precision percussion of Sam Thomas and backing vocals from Kadesha Drija

''Longest Shadow truly is a stunning piece of work and if the likes of Damien Rice, Nick Drake, Willy Mason are your thing, it's a safe bet that you will thoroughly enjoy this - Folking

Violet-the Color Of Royalty And Majesty, Of Dreamy And Calming Consciousness...here Translated To A Spirited Collection Of Absolute Music
Drivetrain (detroit, Usa) - breathe'
Derrick Thompson Engineers Another Captivating Late Night Soul-bender. A Commanding Filtered Bass Groove, Dominates Melodic Chord Progressions With Accentuating Dynamic Percussion And Spicy Vocal Support
Mattimoe-perrine (toledo, Usa) - llucid'
Nathan Mattimoe And Todd Perrine Return With A Composition Of Charismatic Rhythm Intelligence. As The Journey Builds, The Elements Become More Intense, Evolving To A Vocal Crescendo Of Synthesized Deepness
Trecci (paris, France) - sagami'
Soiree Proudly Welcomes Trecci And His Tribal Inspired Floor Filler. Drum Manipulation Integrates With Vocal Energy To Ultimately Dissolve In A Hypnotic, Quintessential String Refrain
Funtom (zagreb, Croatia) - french Connection'
Another Newcomer To Soiree, Funtom Musically Animates The Essence Of High-tech Sensuality. An Alluring Female Voice Subconsciously Unveils A Bed Of Infactuating Pads, Stabs And Inflections

Austin Based Experimental Collective Thousand Foot Whale Claw Is Back With The New Cosmic Full Length black Hole Party, Out June 29, 2018. Featuring Members Of S U R V I V E, Troller, Single Lash And Future Museums, This Is The Supergroup's Second Lp And Their Most Accomplished Work To Date. Inspired By Progressive 70's German Kraut-rock, Thousand Foot Whale Claw Maintains A Classic Style While Establishing An Original Voice. With Album Art By Renowned Contemporary Sci-fi/fantasy Illustrator Kilian Ang, black Hole Party's Aesthetic Is Cohesively Curated Throughout Its Dense, Multi-layered Track List, Ranging From Serene Sound Baths To Driving Dance Beats.

Tfwc Was Founded In San Marcos, Tx By A Core Group Of College Friends Who Bonded Over Loose Collaborative Jams Of Effects Driven Improvisations. Eventually These Unstructured Practices Evolved Into Refined Studio Sessions And Intense Live Performances, Leading To A Rich Discography And Enthusiastic Fanbase. Balancing Repetition With The Unexpected, Tfwc's Sustained Motifs Slowly Reveal The Band's Signature Free-form Experimentation. Known For Heavy Walls Of Guitar And Electronic Drones, Tfwc Spirals Into Circular Rhythms And Looping Riffs Stacked With Shredding Guitar Solos And Ambient Soundscapes. Explorations Spurring From A Central Theme Is The Basis For The Band's Compositional Approach, Always Seeking New Instruments, Sound Sources And Production Techniques For Each Piece. Recorded And Engineered At Stassney Studios In Austin, Tx With Producer/artist Dylan Cameron, black Hole Party Has Become The Band's Most Defining Body Of Work Thus Far.  

On black Hole Party, The Polished Structure And Acute Development Of All Six Tracks Is Distinct And Tangible, Making This Record More Composed Than Any Of Their Previous Releases.  Propulsive Songs Such As deridium Rail' And The Album's Title Track Are Driven By Four-on-the-floor Dance Beats And Arpeggiated Synthesizers, Contrasting Songs Like genesis Effect' That Predominantly Features The Natural Tones Of 12-string Acoustic Guitar And Harmonium. The Wide Variety Of Sonic Flavors Is Reflective Of Tfwc's Vast Musical Tastes, Refusing To Settle On One Approach And Allowing The Band's Idiosyncrasies To Shine Regardless Of Genre. To Classify Tfwc As An Instrumental Psych Band Is Only Partially Accurate, However There Are A Lack Of Proper Terms To Fully Encapsulate The Band's Broad Scope. Black Hole Party Is The Latest And Brightest Collection Of Songs From Thousand Foot Whale Claw, Meant To Be Enjoyed In A Multitude Of Environments For All Fans Of Expansive Listening. 

After three major releases by Tell, Nachtbraker and S3A, its time for debuting Italian artist Verner to close our beloved Trophy Quartet. This Milanese key virtuoso is ready to blow your mind with this eccentric yet humble ep, taking you on an emotional journey. Long stretched pads, playful chord progressions, organic percussion all produced with analogue 70's and 80's vintage synthesizers and drum computers in Verner's studio reminding us a bit of Harvey Sutherland and Nu Guinea's style. We're talking groove, funk, jazz but also house and soundtrack style compositions which together form a very complete record carefully A&R'd by Nachtbraker.

Drop the needle on the A side and you'll start off with L'inizio, a majestic piece of synthwork. Hurdling through different emotions and vibes, this could easily be the intro of one of your favourite 80's tv series. Upset takes you on a happy groovy tour whilst Crash of the Web Era and The Motion Pictures take us on a trippy and ambient voyage that is hard to wake up from. When flipping the record to the B side, Verner is stepping back into the groove and funk with Tecladista, arguably the dance floor hit of this debut EP. Starting of with again a majestic synth intro Area drops into a festive funk and jazz bomb with some intricate synth work treating us with some lovely solos. Closing this versatile EP is Late Night Job, a deep, deep tune with a thriving baseline and mesmerizing synths.

We suggest to don't sleep on this one and have a listen to this piece of art by the very talented Verner.

Winter thaw marks the return to Furanum of Uncto, the Silesian dyad Domink Muller and Rafal Furst, with their first full release of collaborative material since 2013's seminal FU009. Like its predecessor, Unctuous offers four cuts of viscerally engineered and rhythmically exacting dystopias, each ably situated within a striking 'synth-etic' narrative. It is this latter aspect of each arrangement that perhaps most noticeably demonstrates the pair's singular and evolving approach to composition, born out in the calculated emphasis on hardware-based expressionism.

The opening title track stands as a testament to the above: while deceptively sparse at the outset, its ponderous advance, both heavyset and indomitable as it gathers pace, is framed in the midst of an unfolding panorama of stark analog wails. Further interspersed with resonant timbres more akin to the vocalizations of some hell-beast luring its prey, the eponymous behemoth ingratiates its listener, beckoning submission to its will with the promise of exhilaratory assimilation. Such a hive-mind state attained, exhilaration does follow, yet so does a concomitant loss of agency, leaving one thoroughly subjugated and enslaved to its cadence. Perhaps as a manifestation of dramatic resistance to such a fate, 'Trust No One' daringly defies the impositions of its predecessor. Instead, it animates and emboldens the beholder through its rhythm, ineluctably driven by a sense of accelerating linear intensity. Thus arriving at a climactic percussive build whose isochronal blows shatter any remnants of doubt, angst transforms into raw conviction as one is propelled into a delirious realm of solipsistic certitude.

Situated amidst the foreboding sound of blade clashing with blade, 'Cold Knife', on the other hand, is driven by an entirely disparate off-beat progression. As its anticipatory rhythmic thrusts cut through an advancing fog of shivering drones with frigid precision, one seemingly undergoes a cyclical plunge into a state not unlike one marked by the visceral dopaminergic rush of contact with extreme cold. Finally, 'Metzgers Tochter' ('Butcher's Daughter') closes the EP with a ruthless exploration of the contrast between the gruesome and the feminine. In a similar way to the opener, the track's meter is staggered and undulating, yet also steadily punctuated with breathing room between its crushing blasts. Such scenery thus serves as a canvas for the expression of the titular character's 'beauty and the beast': a paradoxical synthesis of attraction and aural brutality, held in tension by the unceasing throbbing of the composition's beats.

Mastered & cut by CGB at Berlin's Dubplates & Mastering,

Second Circle is proud to announce it's tenth release to date with a new EP from L.A. producer Benedek. 'Earlyman Dance' was recorded at Benedek's studio in Koreatown, Los Angeles and fuses mechanistic rhythms and synth work as well as live percussion and trumpet played by friends Chris Parise and Anthony Calonico.
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With five vibed out compositions of coyote jazz, dance floor fusion and canyon bangers, 'Earlyman Dance' is an ode to the urban and natural landscapes of LA, late night noir and early morning sunrises, accented with Benedek's signature chord progressions, bouncing bass lines, meticulous drum programming and dubbed out trumpet.