Buscar:str 8

Ulterior Motives launch their main label with a single from DJ Persuasion, featuring a Liftin’ Spirits remix from Ant Miles. The label, which is helmed by DJ and producer Noah Tucker, began life in 2021 with an anonymous edit of a much-loved underground hip hop gem. Two further 12”s in the white label series followed along similar lines, joining the dots between jungle, footwork and r’n’b in UM style. Since then, they have also launched their cassette series with a Metrist mix covering golden era tech step and d’n’b.

DJ Persuasion is principally known for A History Of Hardcore, a series of ten mixes covering ’88-’98 which appeared across a number of platforms between 2015 and 2020. Certain entries in the series appeared on cassette via The Trilogy Tapes, Blackest Ever Black (Id Mud) and Tape Echo. Persuasion also hosted the NTS Demon Poetry show (now the Drum Poetry show) for some years, and contributed In Focus sessions covering the work of Dillinja and LTJ Bukem, alongside Dev:Null.

Jameela EP covers four contrasting, but also concentric areas of the hardcore continuum, featuring a remix from Liftin’ Spirits aka Ant Miles of Origin Unknown. The title track rolls out at bleeding edge jungle hardcore tempo, taking in a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar references. Liftin’ Spirits contributes a standout remix which reframes Jameela as a drum’n’bass epic, opening with a panoramic intro and a quaking bass drop, then building to soaring strings. Robin Gets Revenge is an audial intervention into one of the last remaining unsolved mysteries in acid house, and a stomping 89’-’90 style jammer to boot. The B2 finds Jameela in a slower guise, offering something for after the club and the warm up.

No stranger to the Spatial family following the release of his excellent Age of Awareness EP back in 2023, Eusebeia brings his eclectic breakbeat driven vibes to sister label
Curvature for an EP spanning a variety of energies with a free-spirited approach to drum patterns and atmosphere you wont want to miss.

A1 Set In Motion
Shimmering melodic keys and light hi hats quietly introduce Set In Motion, as Eusebeia takes a laid back opening approach to his Curvature debut. Clean, wandering breaks enter the mix and develop continually, as a subtly used, luscious female vocal greets the listener with a curiously soothing vibe. Following the breakdown, a deep, pounding bassline punctuates skillful synthwork riddled with intrigue and atmosphere to round off
a unique, eclectic track.

A2 In Perpetuum
Stepping things up with a doggedly breakbeat focus, In Perpetuum is an energetic piece with an opening backdrop akin to an aging printer being coaxed back to life,
before an echoed vocal welcomes hyperactive, rasping breaks, edited and chopped with the scintillating talent we have come to expect from Eusebeia. The latter half of the
track changes up the vibe slightly with inquisitive padwork gliding above the omnipresent edits.

B1 Flow State
Subtle cowbell style cymbals and gentle melodies introduce Flow State, before an inimitable duality of old school atmospheric breaks pass the baton repeatedly through the track in typically impactful style from Eusebeia. The melodies and an understated bassline wrapped around kickdrums continues through the various phrases before the beats depart, leaving the listener to reflect on a truly captivating track just as the title
suggests.

B2 The Cure For What Ails You Reverberating percussion and classic whale sounds instantly grasp your attention
before ominous 808 bass ushers in a thunderous helping of pure amen pleasure sent straight from the old school - edited and programmed to perfection by Eusebeia with a
finesse seldom seen in modern production. Dense kickdrums vibe perfectly with the highs and mids of a track destined to headline many an atmospheric junglists set.

Modbox returns with a fresh release on his own label, Castanea Records, delivering the Cosmic Wind EP. This release moves through the realms of tech house, acid, neo trance, and broken beat, creating a textured sound that reflects Modbox’s forward-thinking approach to electronic music.

The EP opens with'Cosmic Wind,' where atmospheric layers float over a steady groove, setting a hypnotic, introspective tone. 'Acid Galaxy' follows, bringing sharp acid lines and raw energy to the forefront, offering a punchy, floor-focused experience.

On the B-side, Arno reworks 'Acid Galaxy' into a deeper, more hypnotic journey, adding subtle shifts in rhythm and expanding the track’s immersive qualities. 'Flow' rounds out the release with its broken beat structure, delivering a refreshing change in pace and a more experimental, layered vibe.

The Cosmic Wind EP showcases Modbox’s ability to blend rhythmic complexity with atmospheric depth, making it a versatile addition to any DJ’s collection.

Following appearances on our first three releases and on Chez Damier's latest label 'House Of Chez', El Kazed is back with his first solo EP !

Over the years, El Kazed's sound has become more refined, but you can still recognise his own touch.

On that matter, the A side is a prime example : DeePulse and Yunni perfectly blends that famous FM bass with dreamy pads and a strong 90s Italian house influence.

On the B-side, The Positive stands out with a more club-friendly vibe. Our friend Lea Lisa did her own version of it, driving it even more in that direction.

cat can do presents M SERIES VOL.10. A double LP 12" Vinyl with a printed cover that will go straight to your all-time collection. Techno as a conductive channel with Detroit and Acid overtones will make you never stop listening to this organic and timeless album. A masterpiece that will last forever.

* Strictly limited-edition 5x12” vinyl hard case box with spot varnish finish on the front and back and full colour sleeves for each vinyl.

* V Recordings marks three decades of groundbreaking Drum & Bass with '30 Years of V', an album featuring 22 fresh tracks that honour the label's rich legacy while paving the way for its future.

* Presented as a collectable 5 x12” Vinyl hard case box set, with spot vanish finish, this project links the past of V to it’s future and shows the label is as dynamic and relevant as ever.

* A selection of brand new music, from the current V family as well as remixes of some recent big hitters and seminal classics. Over recent years, V Recordings itself has continued in the mold in which it was formed, releasing music from some of modern-day D&B’s most exciting, innovative and committed artists.

* This project which label head honcho Bryan Gee has painstakingly compiled over the past few years, sees the likes of L-Side, Alibi, Break, Serum, Dillinja, Voltage, Paul T & Edward Oberon, Command Strange, Need For Mirrors, Chimpo, Sl8r, Think Tonk, Level 2 and more all on board to see their name alongside V’s iconic sun logo and celebrate this milestone.

* It is a celebration of V Recordings' contribution to our global scene, underscored by support from industry icons like DJ Marky, Watch The Ride, Break, Fabio, Grooverider, Born On Road, Kasra, S.P.Y, Roni Size, Ed Rush, Caylx, Camo & Krooked and many more.

* Since its foundation in 1993 by Bryan Gee and Jumping Jack Frost, V has been a cornerstone of the electronic music world, pushing the boundaries of Jungle and Drum & Bass. The label has been instrumental in the careers of many genre-defining artists, constantly evolving while staying true to the roots of Drum & Bass culture. '30 Years of V' embodies this journey, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation that appeals to long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Moodena & Charles Levine drop ‘Badman’ on Rekids. Radio Slave and Cratebug remix the track, with the EP landing this October.

‘Badman’ sees Moodena & Charles Levine team up on Rekids this October, including remixes from label founder Radio Slave, and Cratebug. The vocal mix of Moodena & Charles Levine’s ‘Badman’ is up first, a high-energy dance track with classic house strings and an infectious bassline, telephone-like samples dialling the keypad, and a big vocal to top it off. Chicagoan edit royalty Cratebug steps up to remix ‘Badman’ first, turning the track into a hypnotic after-hours cut with plenty of dub echo, the original faintly shining through its rolling elements.

On the B-side, Moodena & Charles Levine’s ‘Badman’ is then remixed by Rekids’ own Radio Slave, who in turn transforms the track with a more low-slung vibe, cruising along with tripped-out sonics and traces of the vocals while bringing the dial-up sounds forward. Closing out the EP, there is also a dub which loses the original ‘Badman’ vocal but maintains the classy house heat.

Moodena has been active in the Disco and Nu-Disco scenes for over thirty years, earning accolades via releases on Midnight Riot, Nervous Records, and his own Tropical Disco Records. Following a twenty-year-long friendship, he collaborates with one-half of Soul Clap, Charles Levine, for the first time for the ‘Badman’ EP on Radio Slave’s Rekids. With Soul Clap, Levine influenced the House and Nu-disco scenes through varied tracks on labels like Defected and Crosstown Rebels while releasing tracks from artists like Jkriv, Josh Wink and DJ Rocca on their eponymous Soul Clap Records label.

Greg Wilson returns to Running Back with another special project.
Forty years on from the release of the groundbreaking ‘Street Sounds UK Electro’ LP, ‘Real Time’ (two versions of which opened the separate sides of the album), finally gets a 12” release. Despite its prominence on ‘UK Electro’, it was the only inclusion not to be issued on 12” back in 1984.
Zer-o, like Syncbeat and Forevereaction, were the same trio – Manchester musicians, Martin Jackson and Andy Connell, and DJ Greg Wilson, making his first foray into record production. They also teamed up with rappers, Kermit and Fiddz, for the Broken Glass
track, ‘Style Of The Street’, one of the early UK hip hop releases. Fictional production and songwriting credits were added by Street Sounds to suggest a thriving British electro scene, the music having blown-up in New York during ‘82/’83, with the ‘Street Sounds Electro’
series, launched in October ’83, documenting these developments and unlocking a significant youth market who’d religiously collect these compilations.
Featured here is a Greg Wilson edit of ‘Real Time’, the ‘retrospective dub’ (the ‘UK Electro opener, which was in fact the original demo version of the track), and a Gerd Janson bonus beats edit. Flip it over and you’ll find a pair of 2024 reworks – the retrospective
dub, and the more downtempo introspective dub – courtesy of Greg and Ché Wilson, whose recent collaborations have included remixes for Gabriels and Confidence Man.

Originally released on one of Bruton's extensive library albums but later used as the theme song to a UK drama series dealing with the intrigues of a family motor business and the world of rally driving from the 80s, "The Winning Streak" is another production by the now late library music maestro Alan Hawkshaw. A downtempo track with remarkably trippy use of percussion elements via electronics and drum machines with entertaining accents and "exotic" vocals. Another wonderful example of library music tickling the fancy of diggers and collectors with a dancefloor inclinations thanks to its highly distinct sound -- everybody loves a winner. 1 to 1 official re-issue, remastered.

2024 Reissue

Erich Fromm's “Escape from Freedom” was published 83 years
ago. His assumption was that modern man, having freed himself
from the shackles of the old days and living freely, longs to
return to the totalitarian, destructive and conformist world. In
2024, the pluralistic and individualized way of life of the socalled West seems self-evident. Boundless freedom is suggested -
but we continue to flee. Utopias are crumbling and conservatism
is experiencing a renaissance. At the same time, the freedom to
decide “ to be able to stay” in contrast to “having to leave”
currently seems to represent a high value.

This EP, between the two producers from Germany and Ukraine, was
created in this field of tension. David Heine and Konstantin
Kost are already working together on the current AMAS project
(Odessa EP)

"Freedom From Esacape" adapts the former title of Erich Fromm's
central work, which is given a prominent role on this record.
Music and techno are freedom and escape at the same time:
transcendence and escapism. In interaction and contradiction at
the same time.

The cover picture was taken on 25 July 1909, when Louis Blériot
became the first person to cross the English Channel in an
aeroplane with the Blériot XI, which he had designed himself.
The reversal of the title and the idea for the cover artwork
came about during a conversation with the artist Jennifer Mattes
in Vienna.

About the tracks:
On the A-side, the two protagonists create a world of minimalist
dub techno, which also has melodic, flat side strands in its
narratives. The more than 60-year-old fragments from TV
interviews with Erich Fromm on the subject of freedom,decisions, constructivism and destruction are presented so
densely and rustlingly that you don't feel compelled to follow
the lecture. Instead, the spoken word corresponds with the
minimalist framework of the two pieces. The old audio recordings
are embedded as part of the composition. Some of it may be
understood and arouse the listener's curiosity, but again and
again you get lost in the repetitive swamp of sound, so that you
may understand more of the text each time you listen to it
without it imposing itself on you.

The two remixes of the first track take a different approach.
"Save Your Atoll" specifically frames and limits the spoken word
in its interpretation and embarks on a hypnotic journey that is
less worldly and more futuristic.

"Anna Kost" goes one step further by literally suffocating the
old man's spoken word, as if the destructive drum patterns were
trying to shut him up.

"Freedom From Escape" will be released on 18 October 2024 in a
physical edition of 200 records and is available digitally on
all common portals.
WEIRDMOUTHRECORDS2024

Nous'klaer Audio proudly presents Nicola Cruz's latest full-length album, Kinesia. On his third studio album, the Ecuadorian producer masterfully blends rich studio sessions with deep analog synthesis. Kinesia invites the listener to channel an inner voice - to pick up thoughts, words, and messages as if ancient information traveling through time has been received. This album functions as a form of 'antenna,' translating these ideas into compositions and movement. The album begins with a 5/4 rhythm structure, summoning the voice of machina into a textural atmosphere, led by Perma, Nicola's vision of an infinite breaks vortex, and sustains the tension with the meditative Telepathine, a substance fictionally associated with telepathy. Regardless of the tempo, each track is intricately laced with chants, subtle percussion, textures, and spacious details that draw you back for more. With Kinesia, Nicola Cruz continues to evolve his signature sound and takes you along for the ride. While the album is crafted for a deep, introspective journey, the kinetic influence remains ever-present on dance floors.

On his latest full-length, Low End Activist swerves towards weightless grime and suspended hardcore miniatures to tell a very personal story. The UK-rooted producer continues his habit of zeroing in on a distinct approach for each release, leaving a logical breadcrumb trail of soundsystem science in his wake as he channels decades of bass absorption into 14 atmospheric cuts that prize patience and precision over obvious club functionality.

Municipal Dreams plays out as a semi-autobiographical tour through the Blackbird Leys estate that the Activist grew up on. It’s a lived reflection on inequality and the ripple effect it has in working class communities, using the sonic palette to set the mood and scattering pointed samples throughout to spell out the story.

In sampling the exhaust of a stolen Subaru Impreza, ‘TWOC’ looks back to the recreational car theft which was standard entertainment for the kids in his community. There’s an underlying idea that this ‘council estate sport’ wouldn’t have been so prevalent if there were public services and opportunities presented to the scores of disaffected youth looking for somewhere to direct their energy and frustration.

In ‘Just A Number (Institutionalised)’ LEA alludes to the shattered juvenile detention system, growing up seeing friends and family members locked up at ease with little to no support on being released back into society, just meant that the same cycles of behaviour would play out over and over.

‘Violence’ samples from a short film shot by the drama division of the Blackbird Leys Youth Club to evoke the physical threat which formed a background hum to life on the estate. The industrial mechanics of the local car factory, which served an integral role as a workplace for many in the community, gets sampled in ‘They Only Come Out At Night’ while the ‘Everyone I look up to are either junkies or criminals’ sample in ‘Broke’ looks to a lack of positive role models.

Municipal Dreams isn’t a one-note indictment of life on the estate, ‘Innocence’ captures the simplicity of a child at birth before their environment has time to shape them. The Hope interludes cut through the grim honesty of the longer tracks while a subtle thread of wry humour finds its way into some of the talking heads cutting through the signature LEA murk.

But honesty is the operative word here, and the message feels all the more meaningful at a time when the UK’s social divisions are laid bare in the wake of a devastating stretch of austerity. Returning to Blackbird Leys to shoot images for the photo-zine and album cover, the Activist found the local community centre being demolished. The local pub stands derelict, its faded Welcome sign a grimly ironic portent of the options facing children of the estate in the wider world.

Funnelling his memories, hopes and fears into a singular twist on the bass weight tradition, LEA captures evocative scenes that land somewhere between kitchen sink realism and rave futurism.

A sonic portal to a parallel universe where neon-soaked dreamscapes transform the stark realities of a post-pandemic world. Music for a forgotten future, where echoes of the 80s cast long, enigmatic shadows through a rich tapestry of emotion that charts a journey from isolation and fear towards healing and hope. This is the journey of Season One and Season Two, the debut companion albums for the solo project of Italian composer Battaglia, both out this fall on Four Flies Records.

In 2020, as the world retreated onto itself due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Battaglia entered the recording studio. Driven by a desire for experimentation, she decided to focus on the classic synths that have made history to create a sonic and emotional alchemy that reimagines the 80s to resonate with our current experiences and sensibilities.

Drawing inspiration from the cinematic magic of iconic early-80s films, and especially the haunting soundtracks of Tangerine Dream and John Carpenter, she crafted a soundscape that goes beyond nostalgia to capture the spirit of a generation navigating uncertain times.

Season One and Season Two explore the complexities of a world grappling with lethal pandemics, climate catastrophes, and nuclear disasters through themes such as longing, fear, and hope, set against a scenario that blends elements of dystopian and post-apocalyptic science fiction and, at times, horror.

Season One delves deeper into the darker aspects of this new reality, evoking a sense of unease and uncertainty, occasionally interspersed with soothing flashes of light. In Season Two, while darkness still lingers, the sonic landscape is infused with a sense of optimism and determination, offering glimpses of a possible salvation.

With Battaglia's signature blend of dark wave, synth-pop, suspenseful electronica, and cinematic vibes, Season One and Season Two create a sonic world that is at once hauntingly familiar and utterly captivating -- the perfect soundtrack, one is tempted to say, for the countless sci-fi/horror-fantasy series that have been flooding streaming platforms in the last decade.

The covers of both albums were designed by Eric Adrian Lee, who conceived them as two sides of the same image, two versions of a world in crisis but whose ruins contain the potential for rebirth.

Battaglia's Season One and Season Two will be available on black vinyl LP starting from October 25th. Digital versions of both albums will also be released on the same date, featuring five bonus tracks (two on Season One and three on Season Two).

A sonic portal to a parallel universe where neon-soaked dreamscapes transform the stark realities of a post-pandemic world. Music for a forgotten future, where echoes of the 80s cast long, enigmatic shadows through a rich tapestry of emotion that charts a journey from isolation and fear towards healing and hope. This is the journey of Season One and Season Two, the debut companion albums for the solo project of Italian composer Battaglia, both out this fall on Four Flies Records.

In 2020, as the world retreated onto itself due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Battaglia entered the recording studio. Driven by a desire for experimentation, she decided to focus on the classic synths that have made history to create a sonic and emotional alchemy that reimagines the 80s to resonate with our current experiences and sensibilities.

Drawing inspiration from the cinematic magic of iconic early-80s films, and especially the haunting soundtracks of Tangerine Dream and John Carpenter, she crafted a soundscape that goes beyond nostalgia to capture the spirit of a generation navigating uncertain times.

Season One and Season Two explore the complexities of a world grappling with lethal pandemics, climate catastrophes, and nuclear disasters through themes such as longing, fear, and hope, set against a scenario that blends elements of dystopian and post-apocalyptic science fiction and, at times, horror.

Season One delves deeper into the darker aspects of this new reality, evoking a sense of unease and uncertainty, occasionally interspersed with soothing flashes of light. In Season Two, while darkness still lingers, the sonic landscape is infused with a sense of optimism and determination, offering glimpses of a possible salvation.

With Battaglia's signature blend of dark wave, synth-pop, suspenseful electronica, and cinematic vibes, Season One and Season Two create a sonic world that is at once hauntingly familiar and utterly captivating -- the perfect soundtrack, one is tempted to say, for the countless sci-fi/horror-fantasy series that have been flooding streaming platforms in the last decade.

The covers of both albums were designed by Eric Adrian Lee, who conceived them as two sides of the same image, two versions of a world in crisis but whose ruins contain the potential for rebirth.

Battaglia's Season One and Season Two will be available on black vinyl LP starting from October 25th. Digital versions of both albums will also be released on the same date, featuring five bonus tracks (two on Season One and three on Season Two).

Since ten years Galerie Kurzweil enriches the electronic club scene and has made a name for itself worldwide, not least thanks to excellent bookings and its impressive sound system. To celebrate its anniversary, Galerie Kurzweil releases a 3 x color vinyl compilation with beautiful artwork by Jofeca and exclusive tracks by renowned artists Gerd Janson (aka DJ Oyster), Cinthie, Lauer x Johannes Albert, Sound Support, Wolfram, Move D and its residents Thomas Hammann (aka Retina Dreams), Terry Lee Brown Junior, Lui Hill, Phonk D, Lukas Lehmann, Levitation Venue and Accent Circonflexe. If you want to get hold of this sexy collector's item, you should pre-order directly – the compilation is limited to 400 copies.

"Killer edits!" - Gilles Peterson

Monologues boss Ben Gomori has found acclaim far and wide with his official edits of African gems for labels like Sterns Music and Analog Africa (for artists including Orchestra Baobab, Amadou Balake, Oby Onyioha). Here he rounds up four of his reworks of tasty tracks from artists across the Afro-Caribbean spectrum on four edits licensed from the good folk at Mr. Bongo, Soundway Records and Analog Africa.

South African legends Marumo's joyous 'Khomo Tsaka Deile Kae' gets a good juicing, full of triumphant energy, while Black Truth Band's infectious 'Umbala' is stripped back to a slinky, bumping disco groove. An exuberant slice of 1980s Camerooon comes from Emmanuel Kahe Et Jeanette Kemogne on 'Ye Medjuie', where rousing trumpet refrains meet undulating bass funk. Peter Britto's gorgeous lo-fi soca anthem 'I Want Your Love' rounds off the package, its sweet melancholy given an extra bit of energy for maximum dancefloor effect.

Support comes from the likes of Gilles Peterson, The Blessed Madonna, Make A Dance and Tigerbalm.
Or

FREDDIE TERRELL & his Blue Rhythm Band struck gold in 1970 with the perfect slice of Crossover Soul “You Had It Made”, co-written with rare soul legend Herman Hitson. It failed to hit outside of his home town, Atlanta, Georgia and remains a highly sought-after and rare original, reissued here for the very first time. Terrell returned a couple of years later with the Soul Expedition releasing one of the most collectabhle soulful-funk albums of the decade.

CHARLES WILLIAMS also hailed from Georgia and relocated to Finland in the Seventies. In 1975 he released his debut album, the socially conscious, Love Is A Very Special Thing and the breakout single “Standing In The Way”. With it’s easy, soulful, jazzy groove and obscure heritage it caught the imagination of the UK scene and remains a midtempo favourite to this day.

Playful Italo-Disco project by Florentine Marzio Benelli, originally released in 1984. "Life Is Now" delivers a number of what seem to be almost very important life-teachings over a rather sloppy beat. The hi hats, although very present also make it clear "Spanish Crash" is in no rush to get anywhere any time soon, sounding almost off beat. What strikes the listener even more than the smudges of highly valuable advice in some form of English language is the creative usage of what might have been some of the latest studio recording toys to reach Italy in 1984, an array of rather unorthodox synthy effects, vocoders, trippy delays all topped off with imposing guitar riffs for good measure. Very much sounding like what could be the soundtrack to a bootleg Disney comic strip on acid. Castro's "Paella Crash" shifts the original lazy gear into a dubbier, high BPM, striped down version of the original that is more club oriented.

Uniquely personal, yet gently relatable…

Istanbul-based drummer and composer Danae Palaka’s first album “Velox” is a retrospective journey into the artist’s own roots.

Born in Athens to a musical family partially hailing from Istanbul, Danae’s relocation to the city of her ancestry in 2021 became a key influence in the creation of Velox.

Produced in a collaborative effort with producer Nikos Dervisis, Velox showcases Danae’s dense and energetic drumming style, influenced by Afrobeat and Anatolian rhythms, contemporary jazz and electronic music.

Developed by Palaka’s necessity to perform solo with a drum-kit and a sampler, the album wraps you with complex rhythms, evolving textures and polyphonies that resemble some vaguely remembered childhood memories, tales told by the elders and Danae’s exploration of her family roots, as well as her own personal experiences with Istanbul’s multi-layered structure intertwining past and present throughout its 8 track course.

In Danae’s own words: “This album is built on feelings and thoughts about places, memories, animas and circumstances and aspires to transmit certain feelings to the listener; a superpower I wish I had since I was little. Each song is a small universe of its own but also part of a whole. Velox is a sphere, a glowing warm star that I hold in my palms, whose energy expands when loved and supported.”

Showcase A delivers a refined collection of four stylish tracks, each crafted by a different artist, yet unified by their high-quality production and distinctiveness.

Opening with Fedo's 'Tunisian Rex', it immediately strikes you with a sophisticated fusion of house and techno. The track's smooth, polished sound is anchored by a key bassline, effortlessly guiding the listener through its very enjoyable flow. Following this, Andrey Djackonda & Ovil bring a lively energy with 'Lui Lui'. This song blends upbeat house vibes with playful jazz elements, creating an atmosphere of fun and positive spirit that's impossible to resist. On the second side, Legit Trip's 'Skripi Daddy' introduces a deeper, more minimal groove. The track's busy tech rhythm is skillfully layered with just enough room to then include a melody to elevate it further. Closing the album, Firesc's 'Left Or Right' offers a techy sound infused with eastern samples. The track's bouncy bassline and snapping percussion give it a unique, vibrant character that leaves a lasting impression.

Vanille fraise, iconic title of the French sextet L'Impératrice, is released on vinyl for the first time for Record Day ! Born from a radio edit for a DJ set in 2015, the title is an immediate and dazzling success, with more than 60M streams. The music video was released a year later, showing a game of tennis on a sunny day and reached 10M views in 2021. Vanille fraise, top title of the Parisian group, is now available on vinyl. This release follows their second album Tako Tsubo in March 2021.

Music From Memory is thrilled to introduce Dead Sound, the collaborative project of Marco Sterk (aka Young Marco) and Berlin-based pop-auteur John Moods. Both artists are no strangers to the label; Sterk forms one third of the trio Gaussian Curve, while Moods released the 2022 album ‘Hidden Gem’ with The Zenmenn.

Their collaboration was both planned and spontaneous; Sterk initially reached out in 2022 expressing his desire to work with Moods. The pair finally got together in 2024 to produce ‘Into The Void’, an album that burst into life over the course of a few creatively charged days in each other’s company.

Moods’ dream-like, emotionally charged music wears its heart on its sleeve; its very human vulnerability makes it a perfect match for Sterk’s strong sense of melody and textural sonic visions.

‘Into The Void’ carries these psychedelic traits in its DNA, but they exist layered deep amongst the shadows. Painting on a wide canvas that effortlessly skips between genres, the pair weave anything that inspires them into a truly unique tapestry; a bold attempt to touch at the beyond.

Exploring the space between perception (level of the mind) and the nature of the universe (actual level of reality) seems traditionally like an impossible task. But there’s gotta be a time and a space for the profound and this album invites the listener to go deep, letting go of concepts such as love and opening oneself up to one’s own authentic journey. This transformative force of healing is a central theme of ‘Into The Void’, a path that is lined with light and darkness in equal measure. But, as Moods says, “do not skip the darkness, let that door open and swallow you. And maybe you’ll find, it's not as dark as you perceived at first."

Sleeve art by Michael Willis.

Another big Shaka tune from the late 1980s - Bionic Singer's anti-apartheid shot 'Botha Warning' - coming out of the same Jamaazima vaults as Hugh Maddo's Pop Style LP that we reissued late last year under the kind courtesy of the imprint's Nami Harmon.

The late Bionic Singer a.k.a Osbert Maddo, or more commonly Madoo, was brought up in East Kingston and as a child attended the legendary Alpha Boys School. He began singing together with his brother UU Madoo (aka Hugh Maddo) and soon became a regular on the Stereophonic soundsystem during the late 1970s. Recording mainly with Joe Gibbs & Errol Thompson and for Winston Riley's famed Techniques stable through the early '80s, he then moved to the US in 1983. Ceasing to record for a period, he returned towards the end of the decade under the Bionic Singer alias on the Bronx-based Jamaazima label, recording this searing indictment of South Africa's apartheid government under P.W. Botha following his stroke in 1989.credits

(incl 40p fanzine written by Matt Annis with photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie) Postpunk Theory is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo and more.



Defining post-punk is no easy task. While punk was defined by a raw, rebellious simplicity, post-punk (1978-1986) expanded into a diverse array of sounds and ideas. It maintained punk's independent spirit but embraced experimentation, incorporating influences from various musical and cultural traditions, resulting in a movement far more eclectic and fragmented than its predecessor.

At its core, post-punk broke away from traditional rock structures, blending genres like industrial, goth, and punk-funk with emerging dance music cultures. This era's spirit of innovation and defiance against musical norms continues to inspire, making post-punk a pivotal moment in music history that defies easy categorization.

Tony Thorpe presents Postpunk Theory - Alpha ? is a meticulously curated compilation by the legendary Tony Thorpe, known for his work with The Moody Boys, 400 Blows, and The KLF. These classic tracks were played at parties by Thorpe at the time, making them his personal classics. The compilation features 16 rare and sought-after tracks from the post-punk era, including works by Mark Stewart and The Maffia, Basement 5, 23 Skidoo, African Headcharge, and more.

Growing up in a vibrant musical environment in South London, Thorpe was deeply influenced by the eclectic sounds around him, from jazz-funk to Brit-Funk, and later, the post-punk records he discovered. As Thorpe recalls, "Post-punk was a mishmash of different cultures and ideas. Out of post-punk came dance music culture. That period was the most creative time because the culture was in its experimental phase." This compilation captures that innovative spirit, offering a glimpse into the era that shaped Thorpe's musical journey.

The album comes as a limited 2xLP set, accompanied by an extensive 40-page fanzine. The fanzine, written by Matt Annis (Join The Future), dives deep into the post-punk movement, offering insight and context enriched with striking photographs by Simon Pyke and Ian Brodie.

This is the much sought after, and very excellent UnKut remix of Pennywise. This was an unofficial remix made a number of years ago by UnKut, which is the former artist name of Swankout. Swankout has of course become very popular in the last few years, and has remixed for many labels and is signed to Kniteforce for his forthcoming album, so some strings were pulled in order to get this much desired remix on vinyl.
Meanwhile, Dj Kos smashed his version of Pennywise, taking a different approach but lending his skills to the old skool sound in a way that both compliments and moves the original forward.
Altogether, this is a superb little 10" of original Pennywise vibes.

Locked-In returns with its eighth vinyl release, showcasing the talents of DOTT in a four-track EP.

The A-side opens with "Shock FM", setting the EP's tone. DOTT's masterful sound design is fully displayed, building tension and release through intricate percussion. The track's progression is sure to captivate dancefloors and headphone listeners alike.

"The Helper Returns" follows, diving deeper into atmospheric territory. Swirling synths intertwine with a driving bassline, evoking vast, subaqueous landscapes. The track's subtle evolution reveals new sonic details with each listen.

Flipping to the B-side, "A Bit of Dis & Dat" presents a more stripped-back approach. Its minimalist structure allows each carefully placed element to shine, from crisp hi-hats to a rumbling low-end. This is DJ material to maintain energy while adding depth to their sets.

The EP closes with "Sine Bass Runs Deep." Here, undulating rhythms and shimmering top-end create a sense of constant motion, perfect for those early morning hours when the dancefloor is locked in a collective trance.

"Subluminal" was conceived and recorded during the unique and uncertain period of March-April 2020, when the world was at a standstill. Created using a few analog devices, the album captures the raw and evolving nature of working with feral analog instruments. Electric currents traverse intricate obstacle courses, creating a distinctive and eclectic sonic landscape.

Despite being pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl, the record sat unreleased for four years. The decision to withhold its release was driven by contemplation and uncertainty. However, the time has come for "Subluminal" to see the light of day.

The term "Subluminal" means having a speed slower than the speed of light or existing under light. This concept reflects the album's exploration of how matter bends light, gives space its time, and creates a world through the interplay of sound and light.

"Subluminal" marks my first strictly electronic music project after years of working exclusively with field recordings. This record represents a significant shift in my musical journey and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you. Thank you for your patience and support. Enjoy the sounds of "Subluminal."

Rowan’s Event Horizon EP delivers a well-crafted blend of minimal deep house, progressive house, and acid elements across four tracks. 



A1, "Of Heavenly Things," opens with groovy basslines and ethereal pads, setting a perfect mood for an opening set. Mario Liberti’s remix adds punchy breakbeats and old-school hip-hop vocals, turning it into a dancefloor favorite. 


Rowan’s B1 original track explores progressive house and trance, creating a dreamy, transportive soundscape, while Marcos Coya closes with a peak-time acid roller, making this EP a versatile and dynamic release.


Limited run of 140 copies and a strict no repress clause make this record a true collectors item!

They still exist, these stories: A fresh newcomer project from Cologne sends their first demo to just one address. An A&R, who has a medically certified autotune allergy, listens to the demo, hears an autotune track and signs the band anyway. ‘Streetpoet’ by Mourad Kehailia & Sebastian Fischer aka 9OASES is as unusual as the genesis of this record. It’s a wild hybrid of raving breakbeats, a chord hook that would have done Underworld proud in their heyday and the aforementioned autotune rap. It is magical. Axel Boman is a remixer who can make the magic even more magical. His 8-minute version of ‘Streetpoet’ establishes a long overdue new genre: trancehall! With ‘New Ballad’, 9OASES show us that they really mean business with their plans for world conquest. This is great techno pop with heart and mind. We are very excited to see what the guys from Cologne will do next.

Es gibt sie noch, diese Geschichten: Ein frisches Kölner Newcomer-Projekt schickt ihr erstes Demo an nur eine Adresse. Ein A&R, der eine ärztlich bescheinigte Autotune Allergie hat, hört sich das Demo an, hört einen Autotune Track und signt die Band trotzdem vom Fleck weg. ‘Streetpoet’ von Mourad Kehailia & Sebastian Fischer aka 9OASES ist so ungewöhnlich, wie die Entstehungsgeschichte dieser Platte. Es ist ein wilder Hybrid aus ravigen Breakbeats, einem Chordhook, der Underworld zu ihren Glanzzeiten alle Ehre gemacht hätte und eben besagtem Autotune Rap. Es ist magisch. Mit Axel Boman wurde ein Remixer verpflichtet, der das Magische noch magischer machen kann. Seine 8 minütige Version von ‘Streetpoet’ begründet ein längst überfälliges, neues Genre: Trancehall! Mit ‘New Ballad’ zeigen uns 9OASES, dass sie es wirklich ernst meinen mit ihren Welteroberungsplänen. Das ist großer Technopop mit Herz und Verstand. Wir sind sehr gespannt, was die Kölschen Jungs als nächstes tun werden.

THE SOUL BROTHERS SIX hailed from Rochester, New York and have played a part on the Northern Soul scene for over 50 years. Their first recording, for 'Lyndell' Records in 1966, is now a 3-figure rarity, but it is their debut disc for Atlantic, I'll Be Loving You', that first graced the decks at the Twisted Wheel, The Pendulum et al and has become a perennial Northern Soul favourite. At the time of release tt was the B-side to Some kind Of Wonderful' which took the disc to No.91 on the R&B charts.
WILLIE TEE has also been a familiar figure on the rare soul scene since the early Mod clubs with his architypal New Orleans mid tempo soul sound. His early recordings on 'Gatur' rank as some of the most collectable 45s to emanate from the Crescent City. Here we feature his club classic from 1964, the anthemic Walkin' Up A One Way Street'.

If ever a producer could be hailed as the true heir to New York's storied house music throne, it's undoubtedly Mike Terra—and his new, seriously weighty Rhythm of Love EP on Nat Wendell's Depths imprint is a testament to that in strides.


The EP begins with the peak-time infectiousness of A1 "7th & C," setting the commanding tone for what's to come. The fittingly Big Apple-titled A2 "27th Street (Dub Mix)" follows, a rollicking shuffler whose fat kicks, stabbing synths, and snapping cymbals recall Johnick's steamier cuts. New York in the 90’s is indeed the frame of reference for this EP, and the B-side finds Terra doing what he does best: creating bumping, stomping, and uplifting must-have workouts for the floor. Whether you prefer the swarthy slapping, Todd Terry-esque groove of title track B1 "Rhythm of Love" or the conga-driven, deep-padded chunk of late-night house that is
B2 "City Got You Trippin'," a late-night jam crafted for those still standing, both tracks are bound to find their places in the record bags of DJs—and heads—worldwide.

Rag’n’Bone Man is ready to accept joy into his life. Born Rory Charles Graham, the Sussex-born singer known for his gravelly blues vocals, took the world by storm with his debut album ‘Human’ in 2016. Now multi award-winning, the British vocalist is embracing newfound balance, returning to his creative foundations while building anew.

It’s the most vital chapter to date in one of British music’s defining stories. A truth-telling voice that has framed an era, Rag’n’Bone Man’s success speaks for itself: his debut album ‘Human’ went platinum four times over in the UK and multi-platinum in a further twenty-seven countries - becoming the fastest selling male debut album that decade. While his latest release ‘Life By Misadventure’ debuted at #1 and spent seven weeks in the Top 10, making it the fastest-selling album by a solo artist in 2021. With over nine-billion worldwide streams (and counting) over his entire catalogue, Rag’n’Bone Man is a voice that can be heard across the globe. Now he’s ready to eclipse this: assured, and built with love, his uplifting new album “What Do You Believe In?” finds the multi award-winning British artist (with three BRITs, two MTV Europe awards, and an Ivor Novello to his name) facing the future with passionate excitement.

‘What Do You Believe In?’ is anchored in the blossoming of confidence and the enduring support network he finds in family life. It’s taken time, but Rag’n’Bone Man is in a secure, loving place - and he wants to share that feeling. The period surrounding second album, 2021’s ‘Life By Misadventure’, was marked by self-doubt, with troubles weighing down on the singer’s shoulders – but then things changed - As a result, new album ‘What Do You Believe In?’ has a bold, yet radiant touch.

With the pairing of the poignant and ubiquitous themes and the sonic brightness of both 00s hip-hop and the youthful memories they prompt, the release of the albums title track ‘What Do You Believe In?’ sets the tone for the for the thrilling musical journey Rag’s is preparing to take fans on.

The second volume in the "Lisztogrooves" series from Igor Gonya's label Lisztomania is packed with both heavy hitters and emerging talents. Across both sides of the vinyl, you'll find some exceptional tracks, starting with Manuel Sahagun's slick deep house groove "Get Yourself." There's also a taste of US house from Human By Nature, enriched with a rich atmosphere and 90's piano riffs. The A-side concludes with a high-energy, uptempo jackin' filter workout from Serbian mainstay and the MTV Europe Music Awards winner Gramophonedzie. The B-side offers a more stripped-back yet deep and solid groove. French producer Naux builds his arrangement around chord stabs, which serve as the foundation of the track. Stogov delivers a soul-drenched, late-night cruiser with "Walking Wide," while JR From Dallas and Justnique close out the EP with a perfectly seductive slice of deep house, complete with smooth chord work and warm, sneaky vibes. This is another hugely effective and stylish release.

The Blessed Madonna began with three magic words, scrawled in shoe polish on a broken - down box and hung on the wall at a small sweaty party: We Still Believe. “I think you have to give up completely to really understand what hope is. It was like 2011? I had spectacularly, monumentally failed. I left the label. I wasn’t DJing. I wasn’t putting out records. I was divorced and living on my Dad’s couch so naturally my friends and I decided to throw an illegal rave. We didn’t have any decorations, so I took a box and wrote, ‘We Still Believe’ on it. I needed to believe that something better was possible and that’s how it all started.” After years of $50 gigs, strung together by gas money and surfed couches, The Blessed Madonna cemented her reputation as a sublime technician behind the decks with a legacy of fluent and dynamic sets, spanning from disco to techno to house and back. One room sweatboxes, circus tents, theatres, massive festival stages and entire city blocks have all served as the canvas for her shows. After a jam packed 2023, from Glastonbury to Sonar to Boiler Room Bali, The Blessed Madonna has been filling the dance floor everywhere she goes and is now releasing her debut album.

If you haven’t been living under the rock you certainly know who Marilin is. Marinella is an Italian-born, London-based artist who with her utmost professionalism is no stranger to the powers of light and darkness, that depends on the mood of the party she is performing at. However here we will leave the light alone and focus on the darkness. Favoured by sir Craig Richards himself, Mariiin has toured the globe playing at the most different and unique events that has given her the edge and insightful knowledge she possesses. Whether she takes people on the musical journeys by herself or with her partner in crime Bobby, it is always an experience that is impossible to forget with the burning desire to repeat and repeat infinite number of times.

Her solo EP “La Notte” has a very unique and defined dark character which has landed on the label with absolutely in sync with its vision.

Better Days is the sixth release by Leo James for his own imprint Body Language. The EP weaves together the waveforms of James' evolving sound, from the first tracks he made as a teenager looping samples on an MPC, to the raw, stripped back machine funk of his early Body Language releases, and the deeper, more dubbed and smudged palette of his recent work. A lamentation on the current state of the world, to soundtrack the search for better days.