Cerca:the firm

One of the most unique albums on the Strata East label - and that's saying a heck of a lot, given the creative energies flowing through that legendary jazz outlet! Descendents Of Mike & Phoebe is a righteous little project put together by Spike Lee's father, Bill Lee, and his brothers and sisters (Cliff Lee, Grace Lee Mims, and Consuela Lee Moorhead) - working here in a group named after their slave ancestors, who are paid tribute in a beautifully flowing batch of tunes! Lee's round, warm bass tones are firmly at the head of the group on most numbers - recorded at a similar level to his excellent work with Clifford Jordan on Strata East during the same time - and other instrumentation includes piano from Consuela, flugelhorn from Cliff, and percussion from Sonny Brown and Billy Higgins - all used in a wonderfully evocative style that's even better than some of Lee's later soundtrack work. A few numbers feature vocals from Grace - singing wordlessly and with a really heavenly sort of quality - and together, the whole group have an undeniable sense of power and majesty, yet also one that's touched by a really personal sense of poetry too. Titles include a great version of Lee's "Coltrane", which was more famously recorded with Clifford Jordan.

By Drago Museveni

With the Split EP, the fourth release of their own label Rapid Eye Movement, Memorial Home and VII Circle head the way with two original cuts both and sign another stunning dark and hypnotic techno odyssey with a strong emotional pattern.

The opening track 'Metaphysical Functions', starting with a slow building atmospheric overture, encompasses much of what the VII Circle's sophisticated sound is about. A combination of compelling and dark pulsing kick drums with deep and melodic synth lines and dramatic ethereal breakdowns.

'Dogma' is stamped by a strait cavernous and rugged beat, powerful and catchy basses as well as propelled by uplifting and immersive melodic motifs that have a fierce cosmic appeal.

Following the path, Memorial Home delivers with 'Second Floor' an intense ambient-driven piece, harnessing haunting and misty cinematic textures with a tension-building repetitive bassline which provides a rising magnetic and powerful effect.

Closing the journey or rather keeping the flame high and firm till the deep end, 'Ampere' evinces a more pin-sharp and frantic percussive techno approach overlaid with highly suggestive atmospheric swirling synth effects.

Four captivating weapons which display an aesthetic quest focused and driven both by dancefloor-orientated climax and underground-rooted emotive escapism.

First Word Records is very proud to present the triumphant return of the UK's finest Hip Hop Soul duo, Children of Zeus, with a double-header of brand new material.

Since the release of 'The Story So Far' EP in 2017, Konny Kon and Tyler Daley have proceeded to draw in the attention of tastemakers across the world, receiving big ups from Hip Hop, Soul and dance music royalty, such as US legends Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna, and UK heavyweights Stormzy & Rag'n'Bone Man.

In addition to relentlessly rocking stages and studios all over Europe, Children of Zeus have somehow found the time to write and produce their debut album proper. This is the first taste..

'Slow Down' is a sure-shot Summer anthem, with a twist. A deceptively soulful slow jam that lulls you into a false sense of filtered smoothness, before a floor-shaking beat & trill hats drop in from above, as if thrown in via a thunderbolt from Zeus himself. On the flip, we have the uptempo boom-bap steppa, 'All Night'. Konny sets this one off on some straight b-boy isht, riding a rhythm that's guaranteed to make grown Hip Hoppers reminisce, before Tyler's sweet swing-tinged vocals glide into play to keep you firmly steppin' - this one again illustrating the Mancunian duo's craft of creating timeless Hip Hop Soul music.

Manchester has been riding a wave of immense creativity & musical prowess in recent years. Children of Zeus exemplify the heart and soul of Manny's now-movement - but don't get it twisted - the vibe is universal, and they definitely ain't new to this. Two decades on from the inception of Broke'N'£nglish and Hoodman, Tyler and Konny have consistently persistently held their corner, stayed true to the music they love and nurtured their own unique sound. It's almost time to drop that album... But for now, here's more future classics.

Transversales Disques present a reissue of Bernard Baschet and Michel Deneuve's 4 Espaces Sonores, originally released in 1982. Rare 1979 recording of Bernard Baschet performing on his Sound Sculptures.The Baschet brothers are known worldwide as creators of Sound Sculptures, fantastic shapes of moulded metal and glass, which combine the visual arts with music.François Baschet had always been fascinated by acoustics, by the relationships between the shape and material of an intrument and the beauty of its sound.Bernard Baschet was passionately interested in contemporary music and firmly believed that such instruments were the proper tools for modern music, for they offered to the artist and performer a personal means of expression denied by electronic devices.Together the brothers began to design and produce Sound Sculptures, which could also be regarded as musical instruments.Circa 1965, Bernard worked alongside Pierre Schaeffer as a member of the GRM (Musical Research Group) on the elaboration of what was to become Schaeffer's "Traité des objets musicaux" (Treatise on Musical Objects).The Baschet brothers also created structures and instruments of all sizes, including bell towers, windmills and fountains, using the natural elements of wind and water to make music. Bernard Baschet was especially proud of his pedagogical work amongst deprived and handicapped children, with the instrumentaium made up of fourteen pieces.

* Dj Ham returns to Kniteforce with a superb 10' vinyl. Now largely known for his releases as Hamilton on D'n'B titan RAM records, Dj Ham has always been one of the most talented producers in either scene, and is respected as a pioneer and producer of some seriously classic tunes. His new Kniteforce 10' showcases his skill while keeping firmly within the old school soundscapes. Most Impressive is both dark and technoish, with twisted mentasms and a dark lords samples, while the inexplicably named Chicken Tune is a breezy, uplifting summer vibe anthem.

Club / DJ Support
Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra returns with Black Sun, its second full-length album of 100% original, unadulterated disco sophistication, featuring all three original members of pioneering Brazilian jazz-funk trio Azymuth, a full orchestra with arrangements split between Arthur Verocai and Azymuth's late maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami, plus members of the legendary Rio funk group Banda Black Rio.Since its critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2014, the FOMDO imprint has released a string of remixes by some all-time greats of dance music, including John Morales, Theo Parrish, Mark Pritchard, Marcellus Pittman, Andres, Dego, Volcov, Kirk Degiorgio and Al Kent. To huge effect in clubs and festivals around the globe, some of the more recent remixes teased the new album material, which for the first time, is presented in its original, soul-heavy incarnation, alongside instrumental versions highlighting the album's stunning arrangements and compositional brilliance.Far from a throw-back - with disco music firmly entrenched in the modern club vernacular - Black Sun is ecstatic dance music at its finest.

Joris Biesmans' TVe imprint returns for it's third installment, this time featuring it's eponymous founder front, center and recording under his own name. Led by a forward-thinking electro remix from the ever-versatile Man Power, it's another firm display of synth-led versatility, brimming with confidence and charisma. 'Angry Baby' is an irresistible pressure-pot of stomping house, as playful as it's name and as demanding as its imaginary infant protagonist, with a truly hypnotic, elastic breakdown proving irresistible in a club context . Man Power's aforementioned remix is less loopy, more analog, with his well-tooled production technique pushing the record's texture into altogether more cosmic and overwhelming territory, led by wailing synthesis. Back to Biesmans for B2, and a more acidic, almost unnerving vision unfolds throughout 'Connecting The Dots', which does just that, linking futurist, Michigan influences with a more floor-focused, European aesthetic.

Samosa Records return with De Gama's new 'Funktastic' EP, a disco and funk groove machine of an EP. Ever since his game changing 'Afrika' release back in 2010, De Gama has been turning heads and this new EP shows why he continues to do so. Not only is it filled with fantastic music but it is only the fourth release on his own label, Samosa Records. Continuing his own form, it is also shows a continuing commitment to great music from the new label and is sure to keep everyone watching to see what they do in the future.


The EP opens with 'Son Of A Slave', a deeply grooving and moving throwback to heyday's of funk. The multi-layered groove will call to mind the heights of dirty groove typical of the Ohio disco-funk bands in the second half of the 70's, reimagined in a way thoroughly suited to the modern dancefloor. '1972' follows, a nod to the same era. It opens in a far murkier manner than 'Son Of A Slave' and exudes a far more modern feeling than the opener. Before long, the irresistible Afro-carribean grooves join in and get your head and shoulders swaying and bobbing, the kind of sound which characterized the Cosmic Wave era. Keys join in and plant a firm smile on your face. This is the other side of soul music.


De Gama closes off the EP with 'Star-Buk' and some handheld percussion. Funky guitar follows in before the big synth and kick join in. Where can the groove go next The bassline answers this question by taking it into outer space. 'Funktastic', it does what it says on the tin.

LP+DL

To those familiar with the output of Cologne-based imprint Firm from back in the early '00s, the name of Geiger, alias Nass, shall undoubtedly ring a bell. Herald of an hedonistic melange of funk- soaked electro pop and guitar-riddled synth music, sitting somewhere close to acts like Ween and Junior Boys, Alexander Geiger is about to break a eight-year hiatus with the drop of his debut album under the newly-founded moniker of Fahrland. A release that both encompasses a healthy dose of the discoid tropes from the Firm era but also aspires to split with a segment of it, geared towards exploring further undisclosed fringes of his shape-shifting sound universe, 'Mixtape Vol.1' is the fruit of a decisive move from the sleepless Berlin to the peaceful countryside landscapes of Fahrland - a lushly forested area near Potsdam which you'll have understood played an essential role in Geiger's longed-for return. Versatile and inclusive, the album sweeps a polyamorous gamut of styles and tempos like an answer to the virtual prisons that inhibit us on a daily basis, straying away from normative standards and classic full-length calibration as a result. Instead weaving a singular narrative course, clear from all type of shackles and chains, Geiger navigates on sight, reflecting on notions as wide and universal as freedom, friendship and love across a multiversal patchwork of sounds and feels. From the languid sexy vibe of 'Beggin', 'Plastic People' and 'Yesterday' - all three featuring the sensual whispers of multi-talented vocalist and artist MZ Sunday Luv, through the heavily vocodized, chip- implemented groove of I AM ROBOT - reminiscent of Telex and Space Art, balearic jazz & rap shine of 'Sky So High', smokey lounge ambience of 'L AND H' onto broader ambient-friendly spans such as 'Suspension', 'Windshield Gently Wipers' and the smooth, sun-basking closer 'Get Down', each track holds a fragile cocooned world at its heart.

Bei denjenigen, die mit dem Output vom Kölner Label Firm aus den frühen Nullerjahren vertraut sind, sollte der Name Geiger alias Nass zweifellos die Glocken klingeln lassen. Als der Herold einer hedonistischen Melange aus Funk durchdrungenem Elektro-Pop und Gitarren durchzogener Synthie-Musik irgendwo zwischen Ween und den Junior Boys, bricht Alexander Geiger seine achtjährige Schaffenspause mit der Veröffentlichung seines Debüt-Albums unter neuen Pseudonym: Fahrland.

Ein Release, das sowohl die diskoiden Tropen der Firm-Ära affirmiert, als auch danach strebt ein bestimmtes Segment davon zu spalten. Aufgenommen um ungeahnte Interferenzen seines gestaltverändernden Sounduniversums zu entdecken, ist 'Mixtape Vol.1' das Resultat eines bewussten Umzugs aus dem schlaflosen Berlin in die friedliche Landschaft von Fahrland - einem üppigen Waldgebiet in der Nähe von Potsdam, das eine entscheidende Rolle in Geigers ersehnter Rückkehr zur Musik gespielt hat.

Vielfältig und offen erforscht das Album polyamorös eine Skala von Stilen und Tempi als Antwort auf die virtuellen Ketten, die uns tagtäglich hemmen. Bewusst vergessen werden dabei normative Standards und klassische Langspieler-Kategorien. Geiger webt stattdessen ein einzigartiges Narrativ, frei von jeglichen Fesseln und Ketten und führt uns auf seinem multiversalen Flickenteppich aus Sounds und Gefühle mit Sichtkontakt an so allgemeingültige und universelle Begriffe wie Freiheit, Freundschaft und Liebe.

Vom nochalanten Vibe von 'Beggin', 'Plastic People' und'Yesterday' (alle drei mit der sinnlich wispernden und vielseitigen Sängerin MZ Sunday Luv), bis zu dem durch den Vocoder gejagten und computergenerierten Groove von I AM ROBOT; Reminiszenzen an Telex und Space Art, balearischen Jazz und Rap erklingen in 'Sky So High', rauchiges Loungeambiente auf 'L AND H' bis zu völliger Ambient-Anschlussfähigkeit in 'Suspension', 'Windshield Gently Wipers' und dem sanften, Sonne anbetenden Schlusslied 'Get Down' - jeder Track hält eine Welt für sich in seinem Herzen.

LP+DL+MC Limited

To those familiar with the output of Cologne-based imprint Firm from back in the early '00s, the name of Geiger, alias Nass, shall undoubtedly ring a bell. Herald of an hedonistic melange of funk- soaked electro pop and guitar-riddled synth music, sitting somewhere close to acts like Ween and Junior Boys, Alexander Geiger is about to break a eight-year hiatus with the drop of his debut album under the newly-founded moniker of Fahrland. A release that both encompasses a healthy dose of the discoid tropes from the Firm era but also aspires to split with a segment of it, geared towards exploring further undisclosed fringes of his shape-shifting sound universe, 'Mixtape Vol.1' is the fruit of a decisive move from the sleepless Berlin to the peaceful countryside landscapes of Fahrland - a lushly forested area near Potsdam which you'll have understood played an essential role in Geiger's longed-for return. Versatile and inclusive, the album sweeps a polyamorous gamut of styles and tempos like an answer to the virtual prisons that inhibit us on a daily basis, straying away from normative standards and classic full-length calibration as a result. Instead weaving a singular narrative course, clear from all type of shackles and chains, Geiger navigates on sight, reflecting on notions as wide and universal as freedom, friendship and love across a multiversal patchwork of sounds and feels. From the languid sexy vibe of 'Beggin', 'Plastic People' and 'Yesterday' - all three featuring the sensual whispers of multi-talented vocalist and artist MZ Sunday Luv, through the heavily vocodized, chip- implemented groove of I AM ROBOT - reminiscent of Telex and Space Art, balearic jazz & rap shine of 'Sky So High', smokey lounge ambience of 'L AND H' onto broader ambient-friendly spans such as 'Suspension', 'Windshield Gently Wipers' and the smooth, sun-basking closer 'Get Down', each track holds a fragile cocooned world at its heart.

Bei denjenigen, die mit dem Output vom Kölner Label Firm aus den frühen Nullerjahren vertraut sind, sollte der Name Geiger alias Nass zweifellos die Glocken klingeln lassen. Als der Herold einer hedonistischen Melange aus Funk durchdrungenem Elektro-Pop und Gitarren durchzogener Synthie-Musik irgendwo zwischen Ween und den Junior Boys, bricht Alexander Geiger seine achtjährige Schaffenspause mit der Veröffentlichung seines Debüt-Albums unter neuen Pseudonym: Fahrland.

Ein Release, das sowohl die diskoiden Tropen der Firm-Ära affirmiert, als auch danach strebt ein bestimmtes Segment davon zu spalten. Aufgenommen um ungeahnte Interferenzen seines gestaltverändernden Sounduniversums zu entdecken, ist 'Mixtape Vol.1' das Resultat eines bewussten Umzugs aus dem schlaflosen Berlin in die friedliche Landschaft von Fahrland - einem üppigen Waldgebiet in der Nähe von Potsdam, das eine entscheidende Rolle in Geigers ersehnter Rückkehr zur Musik gespielt hat.

Vielfältig und offen erforscht das Album polyamorös eine Skala von Stilen und Tempi als Antwort auf die virtuellen Ketten, die uns tagtäglich hemmen. Bewusst vergessen werden dabei normative Standards und klassische Langspieler-Kategorien. Geiger webt stattdessen ein einzigartiges Narrativ, frei von jeglichen Fesseln und Ketten und führt uns auf seinem multiversalen Flickenteppich aus Sounds und Gefühle mit Sichtkontakt an so allgemeingültige und universelle Begriffe wie Freiheit, Freundschaft und Liebe.

Vom nochalanten Vibe von 'Beggin', 'Plastic People' und'Yesterday' (alle drei mit der sinnlich wispernden und vielseitigen Sängerin MZ Sunday Luv), bis zu dem durch den Vocoder gejagten und computergenerierten Groove von I AM ROBOT; Reminiszenzen an Telex und Space Art, balearischen Jazz und Rap erklingen in 'Sky So High', rauchiges Loungeambiente auf 'L AND H' bis zu völliger Ambient-Anschlussfähigkeit in 'Suspension', 'Windshield Gently Wipers' und dem sanften, Sonne anbetenden Schlusslied 'Get Down' - jeder Track hält eine Welt für sich in seinem Herzen.

Correspondant welcome V, the once-mysterious man behind now-legendary head-turners on Cin Cin, Nautilus Rising and his own Le Temps Perdu. Since revealing himself to be Lithuanian veteran Vidmantas Cepkauskas at last year's Boiler Room Vilinius - at Club Opium, the famed Lithuanian underground haven he programs - he has continued to flourish and innovate... And he promises plenty more in store for 2018. It starts right here with 'Numeros'. A triple-headed technoid narrative of many layers; '1995' immerses us gently with a palpitating bedrock that's delicately built up with humanised textures and oceanic chords, '2001' uses the physical thrust of sprightly EBM motifs to drive us into the bleak new century while '2017' kicks with a pneumatic drive and a dizzying chain of chimes and harmonics that whisks us through the rave ages while looking firmly and defiantly into the future.... Where a fittingly rattled, dramatic and dynamic Fabrizio Mammarella remix awaits.

Garden City Movement's debut album 'Apollonia' is set for release on 16th March 2018. The trio of Roy Avital, Yoav Saar and Johnny Sharoni produce a blend of sounds drawn from their diverse cultural worlds, ranging from art-pop to experimental house to horizontally-aligned vibes.

Since surfacing at the close of 2013 with their breakout track 'Move On', Garden City Movement have released 'Entertainment' and 'Bengali Cinema' EPs, the 'Modern West' 12' in collaboration with The Vinyl Factory, climbed the Hype Machine Popular Chart with multiple singles, recorded live sessions for Boiler Room, Majestic Casual and FACT, opened for Bonobo, Caribou, Alt-J and played all over the world. The band's music video for 'Move On' received a nomination for Best Music Video at the LA Film Festival, won Best Video of The Year' at the MTV Israel Music Awards and the video for 'She's So Untouchable' screened at Raindance Film Festival in London.

Recording through 2017 at their studio in Tel Aviv, Garden City Movement took the time to explore their sound as a band. From the combination of dream-like vocals and cinematic-RnB in singles 'Slightly All The Time' 'Before I Fall' and 'A Means To An End' to the leftfield four-four of 'Mediterranea' and 'Sans Titre' or the ethereal jazz of 'I Knew Before I Met Her (That One Day I Would Lose Her)' and worldly influences of the title track - the heightened craft in their production is firmly felt across the album's 18 tracks.

After releasing three EPs, which each had a very tight deadline, recording the album has been a chance to grow. It's the first time we have been able to really take the time and experiment a lot in the studio, try to develop and deepen our language, come up with new sounds, and take our techniques even further'. - Garden City Movement

The album takes a darker path lyrically, exploring the breakdown of a fading relationship and the depression, loneliness and abuse that follows. While not explicit, this melancholy grounds the album in the real world. The fusion of forward facing production and confessional account of human-interaction frames an emotional and honest album of modern soul music.

Quality is the key word from Copenhagen based Music For Dreams and here is another home run. Willie Graff splits his year between DJ residencies in New York and Ibiza. In this new outing with studio partner Darren Eboli, the influence is, as the title suggests, clearly NY-based. Over only four tracks, the pair manage to craft a stunningly comprehensive exploration of the essential elements of dance music.

Opening track "Love Flight" staggers into a lush string-driven groove that recalls the glory of Metro Area meets Wally Badarou vibes. Minimal yet playful, it lounges somewhere in the depths of the house tradition, calling on familiar sounds while throwing in odd details along the way (harmonicas). It takes both skill, devotion and a sense of humor to pull this track off, making for a strong opening. "Moon Tan" lingers on a metallic hook that drags you into a plethora of percussion followed by a rubbery soft baseline. Dubby key work would suggest this was a new wave band jamming at Compass Point, while the icy chill of the xylophone transports you into 80s italo territory.

"Second Sun" pulls out the bag of boogie tricks, relying on a firm but humble baseline and smattering drum machine claps. Nile Rodgers-style guitar licks guide us onwards into a well-orchestrated jam that builds up and breaks down with perfect timing while dreamy chords reach for the sky. "First Light" keeps the groove tight while dipping over towards more Balearic temperatures. Steeped in a watery atmosphere and gentle organic percussion, it focuses in on a trance-inducing arpeggio that lulls you in to the swaying Badarou-style synth swirls that intercept it.

LillyGood Party! Is a label focused on licencing tracks that Alex And Stephane play for years at their parties .
The aim is to re-edit and revisit those jams from soul to house , jazz to afro , boogie to techno and make us and people enjoy and smile on the dancefloor because those tunes are really really good J Both tracks here are classics dancefloors tunes , nothing rare , just favourite tunes that Alex and Stéphane play in their sets On the A side the ONWARDS INTERNATIONAL version is longer than the original and the arrangement quiet different for more intense dancefloor action. Here they both worked on the edit to find the right balance and the right sound in order to revisit the UK classic jazz funk number, a firm favourite here @ LIllyGood !The B side is an amazing disco modern soul gospel track from ELBERNITA TWINKIE CLARK already reissued some time ago but the cherry on the cake is that you have here a 12' version extended and a new mastering for extra loud play This version is slightly different than the original, Alex extended parts : the beginning with drum intro looped for mixing and changed the end to make it longer keeping the original flavour.
Please enjoy as much as we do because we love those edits, we love those tunes, we love Music we are very happy to share with you these limited vinyls releases .

Belgium's favourite underground house DJ Red D celebrates the 10 year anniversary of his We Play House Recordings label with 6 vinyl samplers containing new tracks and some very wanted gems from the catalogue. Artists featured are San Soda, Fabrice Lig, FCL (featuring Lady Linn), Kiani & His Legion, krewcial, Reggie Dokes, Raoul Lambert & Nacho Marco, Art Of Tones and many more. Voices Near The Hypocentre
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About We Play House Recordings

We Play House Recordings - WPH - is the work of Belgian DJ & producer Red D. Started 10 years ago to release the music of his friend san Soda, the label had (and has) the aim to release house music in all its shapes and forms. WPH's house ethics date back to the days where house was just a name for music that was played in clubs. There is no such thing as tech house, no such thing as deep house or minimal, there is simply (house) music, good or bad.

We Play House Recordings is lovingly led by Red D (real name Bart Van Neste), one of Belgium's leading underground music figures. Be it in his role as DJ, A&R, promoter, music panel host or general nitelife instigator, Red D does things with passion, humor and a healthy dose of keeping-both-feet-firmly-on-the-ground...with a twist...

WPH was started in 2007, so it takes no math genius to know that in 2017 the label is celebrating its 10 years anniversary. Running from the spring till winter 2017 this anniversary will be celebrated with special vinyl releases, a triple CD, a digital compilation, a Spotify playlist and a series of label nights all over Belgium and beyond. True to form the compilation will have WPH classics but also a BIG bunch of new material from core artists of the label like Locked Groove, San Soda, Kiani & His Legion, Fabrice Lig and many more.

Man Power his raw electronic sound, organic flourishes and diverse selection make him a perfect match for DGTL, both on stage as well as on the imprint. Next to releasing a steady flow of records on established labels like ESP Institute, Optimo Trax, Correspondant and Hivern Discs, Man Power is running his own shop as well: Me Me Me. This gives him an outlet to release music by both friends and himself. For his release on DGTL Records he created a three-track EP called Apologue EP, that showcases just two of different sides of his multi-faceted musical scope.

The a-side features two firm, acid influenced tracks. The first of these two, The Duelist, is an emotive house record, with a soundscape of piano melodies, synths and syncopated percussion laid on top of an acid bassline. El Mago del Tiempo features heavy hitting kicks combined with a sharp synth pattern. It has a long build up that keeps evolving throughout the entire composition. Halfway through, the track breaks in to a raw and fierce rhythm accompanied by yearning, drawn-out synth pads.
On the flipside, Put Your Hands on the Car (And Get Ready To Die) brings back memories of a long gone past with nods to Balearic Pop, EBM, and the Soundtrack work of Stewart Copeland, James Horner, and Jan Hammer. This multi layered production has a warm and analogue sounding feel to it that rounds off a 3 dimensional release.

You will find the new Man Power record in your favourite record shop, be it online or offline, on the 2nd of February.

Having been an electronic activist in Marseille for more two decades and more, DJ OIL is now a firm staple of LDDLM. Following the RAIN ep released in the summer 2016, here is the first 2018 outing from us: the already bubbling HERITAGE ep.
'Heritage' has been an Ivan Smagghe (and a few others) secret weapon for more than a year now, a strange sampladelic track featuring a full Marcus Garvey speech. A subtle yet powerful appropriation of early house clichés, the hit has one feet in tradition, one feet in political modernity.The EP comes with two more warped cuts: the slow guitar swamp of 'Brouillage' and the System 01/McKenna influenced 'May Be'. Psychedelics and sun.
A second 12' by DJ OIL will follow shortly, doubled with a full digital release of the two EP's with digital extras.
Expect new releases from our camp by Rheinzand, Init, Johnson and more...

Continuing the very successful 'From The Vault' series of classic, previously unreleased Rolling Stones live shows this release is taken from their performance at Roundhay Park in Leeds, England on 25 July 1982. This show was the last concert on their 1982 European Tour in support of 1981's acclaimed 'Tattoo You' album which would be their last live tour for seven years. About half of the 'Tattoo You' album is included in the set including the hit single 'Start Me Up'. This would be the last Rolling Stones show to feature Ian Stewart on piano. The footage has now been carefully restored and the sound has been newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain for this first official release of the show.Key Selling Points: Simultaneous release on DVD, SD Blu-ray, DVD+2CD and DVD+3LP. The 'From The Vault' series is now firmly established with Rolling Stones fans and has been very well received by critics. Full length concert of The Rolling Stones performing at their very best. Includes 'Under My Thumb,' 'Black Limousine,' 'Let's Spend The Night Together,' 'Beast Of Burden,' 'Honky Tonk Women,' 'Jumpin' Jack Flash,' 'Angie,' 'Tumbling Dice,' 'Miss You,' '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' 'Start Me Up,' 'Shattered,' 'Brown Sugar' and many more!

Reless return to follow up on there first official release which was entitled Cycle, out on World Talk Records that included a bold yet hazy remix from avant techno engineer Shlømo.This time their foot firmly in the the mud, is a solid 4 tracks EP entitled, Circuitry merging classic techno components which they say focuses on creating "analogically modified melodic organisms". The eponymous title track « Circuitry » brings the listener into a field of near moving stabs synths, pulsing through- out the persistent motor rhythm. The follow up « Seed » germinates a melodious and deep sequence to sense growth of emotions into the listeners body. Reless stand by their motto of always repeating the essential, which can be heard strikingly through - out « Limitation » bringing us toward an end of an endlessly metallic grain storage silo.

To conclude, the hotly tipped Swedish producer Kuf (head of Arsenik Records) pulls apart the harshly stark « Limitation » exploring a rework focusing on the frustrations and jittering nervous pathways of the listener - speaking directly to the frontal lobe his job to reside purely at the edge of our mental limitations.

On the Corner's DJ tool and eclectic favourite, Versus is back for a second instalment. There are some familiar faces occupying this tasty wax and some new comers pushing the needle further-out On the Corner.
As 2015's Versus sold-out we'd already acquired some fresh production talents and sent stems over to new and old friends alike.
Get your atlases out as we criss-cross the globe introducing you to artists from afar-afield as Nairobi, Manchester, Pune, Iringa, Detroit, and South London.
We kick off with Jinku, self-proclaimed space monkey hitting OtC wax for the first time. The producer is one-fifth of the East African Wave, a collective of young DJ Producers who are revolutionising the East African arts scene. As a 'sponge' of different influences, Jinku lays down a balearic reworking of fellow Nairobian, Makadem's 'Nyako'.
Of the returning artists none is quite as mysterious as the elusive and incomparable Black Classical - discordant-Ra-like organ meets Brazilian poly-rhythmic percussions bludgeoned with a heady slab of rave breaks make for 'Jeje': already a firm fave of Gilles Peterson.
Boundary pushing Contours brings a new swing to the 'Agama' groove, following the underground smash from Al Dobson Jr back where it all started with the release of Tamar Collocutor's first album in 2014.
Wonky psychedelic perambulations through the Traab al-Beidaan (Sahara) from Sam Jones who adds another construct to his mantle. Group as Salaam have a cassette release forthcoming and this construct comes from field recording sessions conducted during a feast out in the shadow of Africa's largest Windfarm by label head Pete OntheCorner. Vibes!
On the B-side, sprightly producer Daisho from the Indian hotbed of Pune brings a layered percussive heater hanging in the atmosphere with ominous synth b-lines and rightly tipped to be in the realms of and early Four Tet mover.
The release enters into a deeper shamanic dance territory in the final third: the beathead's elixir, M.I.X.G. and their massive xylophone (Embaire) are back and gets a heavy acid rerub as South London's FYI Chris appear OntheCorner wax again with
'Drop the beat'.
Peter Croce, head of Detroit's Rocksteady Disco brings it deep into the early hours for this euphoric 4am fix of OntheCorner's
afro-latin-electronic party experimentalists, Penya.

Tact Recordings launch their new vinyl only sub-label 'Tactics' this November, with the first EP coming courtesy of Yard One, who deliver three excellently programmed cuts in the shape of 'Tactics Vol.2'.

Launched by Yard One, aka Jordan Bruce and Larry Jones, and Richard Fletcher (who produces under numerous guises including Adventures In Daydreams and Fletcher), Tactics is set to become the labels latest project with a focus on solely vinyl releases. Inspired by the 2012 Various Artists release 'Tactics Volume 1' on Tact Recordings, which featured productions from Isherwood (Sharingtones/Imprints/Lize Records), journalist Per Boisen-Moller, and label regular Luke Black, the sub-label is set to showcase a more stripped back and minimal side to the Tact Recordings family with releases coming courtesy of Yard One, Fletcher, Luke Black and their close friends only.

The EP opens up with 'Avenoir', a raw and hypnotic production that utilises a multitude of lasers, glitches and pops at the forefront to keep listeners firmly on their toes, whilst a delicate and captivating melody floats fluently amongst ever-evolving percussion shots and twisting bass licks below.

On the flip, 'Granular Movements' snakes its way through swinging drums and hazy, jazzy melodies to reveal an effortless rolling groove, before 'Hexad' keeps the focus on percussive elements strong, whilst a moody bassline goes to work under layers of meditative pads and subtle background nuances to punctuate an excellent debut offering from the label. (Vinyl Only).

2 track EP produced by Benales. Follow up of Elements EP released back in 2016 Raw, straight techno tools inspired by the likes of Robert Hood, Jeff Mills, Surgeon. BIO: Born in Normandy (France), and now based in Paris, Benales has been honing his craft since the end of the 90s. An avid record collector and enthusiast of Techno and House - his DJ sets and tracks combine the raw, dark and deep elements of these musical forms with a firm nod in the direction of Detroit. He already played at Concrete, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Rex Club, Batofar, 101.

Tessellate is a South London party that has been running for the last four years predominantly at Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle. The label is a natural progression of their events, featuring artists and friends they have booked and met over the years.
The debut release comes from a new alias of a regular guest to their nights. Firmin crafts two tracks for the club - La Selva for the sunrise and Energetic Solution for the peak time.
Brassica (Feel My Bicep) and Tel Aviv's Moscoman both deliver with two different takes of La Selva on the B-side.

Durban's 23 year-old producer Emo Kid has announced he is to release eight-track debut EP, 'Gqomtera', through Gqom Oh! on September 22nd. Although titled 'Gqomtera', which Emo Kid explains is a slang term he and others use for the music, the record actually explores Sgubhu — another strain of South African dance music that shares many stylistic parallels with Gqom, though is always written with a 4x4 beat. Like DJ Lag before him, an artist widely considered the king of Gqom, Emo Kid is also considered a pioneer in Durban; 'Some people call me the Sgubhu king, but I'm just happy they're enjoying my music', he says. Based in Inanda, in the Etafuleni area township in Durban, Emo Kid's house looks out over an area called Isandlwana — the spot where the Zulu army famously defeated the British Army in the Battle Of Isandlwana in 1879. It is from this backdrop that he has written the majority of his music over the last few years, including new record 'Gqomtera'. At eight tracks long, 'Gqomtera' provides a comprehensive overview of the Sgubhu sound, with the aim of taking the listener on their own 'Durban Journey'. 'I wanted to show the uniqueness of my own style which I would describe as more musical', Emo Kid explains, 'you can feel the music when you listen but it still hits hard with that Gqom flavour.' That Gqom flavour, powered by hard, fast, uncompromising drums, provides a solid core from which everything else functions. Bright, shimmering trance synths feature on 'Futuristic Gqom', while on 'Enkwarini' — 'another word for a party or fantastic get together' — vocalist Fawell skips over light, playful Sgubhu rhythms. There's also space for harder, deeper cuts like 'Ground Shaker', cut with a twinkling melody line, the charging pace and power of 'Insimbi Yase Dubane' and the anthemic 'Asbambeki' featuring local crew TLC Fam, translating loosely to being unstoppable; 'It means you can't catch us basically', Emo Kid says proudly, 'On the dance floor, you can't touch us, we're on fire.' Capturing the raw, street sounds of his city, Emo Kid is the latest Durban artist to take the music global and with 'Gqomtera', put Sgubhu firmly on the map.

What A decade deep into its ongoing investigations, documenting and pushing the sonic frisson and fusion between science and technology, SCI+TEC remain at the very forefront of electronic music. Its feet firmly on the dancefloor, its spirit deep inside the machines, its sights set on the future: Dubfire's label has continuously forged its own deep furrow and has been doing so from day one. With breakthrough Dubfire releases such as 'Roadkill' and 'I Feel Speed' SCI+TEC has managed to create a whole new framework for 21st century techno. All the while SCI+TEC has consistently championed and encouraged new and unsung talent from around the world, amplifying legions of rising names; Davide Squillace, Paul Ritch, SHADED, Simi, Delete, Harvard Bass, Joop Junior and countless more include SCI+TEC releases in their rich histories. This precision balance of stark sonic signature, technical ideology and nurturing new ideas and talent has led to SCI+TEC's perpetual momentum into every house and techno DJ's playlists and sets for the last 10 years. Be it the label's penchant for deep, undulating subby grooves or its passion for warehouse-razing thunder-powered techno, the SCI+TEC sound covers every corner of the floor and every chapter of the night; as proved by the label's many world tours. And proved once again by this fittingly stacked anniversary album. 10 tracks to celebrate 10 years from 10 of the label's most exciting artists, every track brings home the SCI+TEC message: The breath-taking atmospheres of Alex Mine's album scene-setter

MICK HARRIS (SCORN, QUOIT, PAINKILLER) returns after several years of hiatus with ten tracks of blasting landmine bass and interlocking shrapnel rhythms.I've been asked to write a press piece for the dark lord MICK HARRIS.Where does one even start Especially for someone with decades of releases over various solo projects, collaborations and pseudonyms, whether it's doing blast beats in the original NAPALM DEATH to crushing techno brutality as MONRELLA, or savage drum & bass as QUOIT. Then of course there's the mighty SCORN and his numerous collaborations with fellow luminaries such as JOHN ZORN and BILL LASWELL (in PAINKILLER).Rather than being tied to genres or scenes, MICK HARRIS is one of those producers who creates a whole sonic world uniquely of his own, in which varying tracks, styles and tempos take form, but yet in which everything sounds unmistakably characteristic of the creator. Needless to say his work has influenced legions of producers like SURGEON, REGIS, ONTAL, VATICAN SHADOW / PRURIENT, FAUSTEN, SHAPEDNOISE et al, and pretty much anyone in the world of powerfully dark, abrasive music you could name-drop. And yet after all this time, it is impressive that HARRIS still stands way above his successors and has never been surpassed in his own production/performance game.After a hiatus of several years, he is back with a new album under the guise of FRET.Working at a faster tempo than his SCORN material, the FRET project first surfaced years ago on the DOWNWARDS label, rooting it firmly in the dark, industrial and technoid world, and appeared more recently on Tresor (Kern mix by OBJEKT), maintaining the characteristic colossal bass-heaviness and textural depth.And now a full album on KARLRECORDS, Berlin. HARRIS fans will be delighted to know that despite the 130 bpm tempo, the newest FRET still resolutely avoids any straight four-on-the-floor kickdrums, every track lurches, stumbles, staggers and charges forth with beats in beautifully broken asymmetry.We get 10 tracks of crushing, percussive destroyers, each itself a storm of precision chaos, with colossal low-end frequencies that'll cause stampedes in the right circumstances. The classic HARRIS sound is there, searing waves of feedback distortion, intricate, interlocking rhythms and cold, abattoir atmospheres, especially track 6 "Stuck in the track at Salford Priors" which sounds like you're being continuously suspended in the air from multiple explosions all around, each kickdrum throwing you up in the air, the next one going off before you can fall completely back to the ground.The lazy-minded would probably lump it in with the term "techno", but the disciplined brutality, blasting landmine bass and interlocking shrapnel rhythms are clearly HARRIS' own trademark style, sitting somewhere between SCORN and QUOIT.The tracks appear deceptively chaotic on the surface, yet each is meticulously and masterfully composed with great attention to layering and detail. MICK HARRIS fans rejoice, the dark lord still remains at the top of his game.

(Derek Szeto / Fausten / Combat Recordings)

Brazilian mid tempo boogie double header. We've been playing these two out for the last couple of years and they are firm favourites.
'E Novamente Mas Que Nada' is the opening track from Reseda's 1979 album on Som Livre. An ultra catchy vocal hook, boogie guitars and synths lead into a piano and cuica breakdown and horns to finish. One of the finest in the genre in our
opinion.
'Ginga' is taken from Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti's self-titled
masterpiece, reissued on Mr Bongo. Arguably the most immediate and club friendly track from the album, it always turns heads. Another premium example of Brazilian boogie from the masters of the sound and producers for the likes of Rita Lee, Erasmo Carlos, Don Beto, Marcos Valle, Tim Maia, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Sandra Sa, Painel de Controle and many more.



 

- Apollo are proud to welcome Sieren, AKA Matthias Frick back to the fold with his new Ascension EP.
- Features collaboration with fellow Apollo artist Synkro
A software engineer at Ableton by day, Sieren's love for UK influenced bass music and field recording and experimental soundscaping resulted in his Apollo debut 'Static Polymorphism' a masterly EP of spaced out street-rave soul.
Now returning with the five track Ascension EP, Frick has tightened and toughened up his sound somewhat (see the caustic bass glower of 'Slinger'), augmenting his starry eyed wonder with a firmer percussive underpinning and more driving tempos. However still present are his preternatural grasp of emotion and atmosphere that marked him out as one to watch - perfectly underscored by the heartbreaking beauty of the title track.
Fellow Apollo cohort Synkro AKA Joe McBride was instrumental in the curation of Sieren's debut Static Polymorphism EP on Apollo, hand picking the tracks, as well as road testing them in his DJ sets. This time McBride goes one further, collaborating with Frick on the track 'Lost You' to memorable effect - the beautiful pads and ghostly piano are a perfect synergy of their complimentary skill sets. This is richly textured and intricately programmed post-bass music that is sure to satisfy fans of Burial, dBridge, Akkord with its soulful sincerity and warmth.

TBD, the decade-old project from Doug Lee (An-i) and Justin Van Der Volgen, is back!.

Known for their set-defining big room monster jams, 'Below' sees them on a deep, heavy and very trippy analogue tip.
Synths wheeze and bubble while a thick syncopated bass and a giant kick drum keep the proceedings firmly locked to the dance floor.

On the flip, legendary Japanese DJ and producer DJ Kent steps up on remix duty under his The Backwoods alias .
Building off the original, he adds sharp percussion and tastefully refocuses the track, creating a perfect complimentary mix to the A-side.

The first release from Heartless on Steve Bicknell's 6dimensions. Acid tinged techno lives throughout the EP. Hazy modular sequences, sizzling precision crushed atop of a constant kick drum creating an organic aesthetic.

Impulse Model exudes human emotion, the EP's emotional depth lies beneath its techno construct within coarse and bruised production which gives the release a confidently imperfect aura. The production process for Heartless is a 'way of absorbing things that have happened and completely escaping from them', ultimately Heartless has composed an EP that condones escapism whilst the listener stays firmly rooted in their emotional state.

Support from:
Steve Bicknell, Ben Klock, Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, Derrick May, Francos Kevorkian, Function, Luke Slater, SLAM, Oliver Ho, Dj Nobu, Wata Igarashi, James Ruskin, Dimi Agelis, Phase, Ben Sims, Paul Mac and more.......

Live Ones returns with Lorca after a six-year hiatus. Having released his debut record LIVE001 'Moments' we've teamed up again to relaunch as a home for the edits, refixes and sample heavy music produced by friends and family that we love so much.

After a brief break from production duties, Lorca moves away from the eclectic, melodic style he's been known for and returns with a new sound and aesthetic. The 'Tribute to Eddie' EP firmly nods at Detroit, New York and Chicago House styles and is dotted with a wide array of influences and soulful sampling throughout.

Having previously released EPs and singles with Naked Naked, Dummy Records, 2020 and the like, Lorca's ear for melody has earned him fans from across the board with his music being supported by a diverse array of DJ's from Ben UFO to Bonobo to Pete Tong. We're proud to be back releasing this diverse producer's music.

Fresh off the back of a chart topping Unity Through Sound release Foundation Audio head honcho Chad Dubz comes correct with three sound system bangers ready for the dance!
Opener Kingdom Dub' is a relentless display of dubstep pressure with its gnarly, pulsating sub twisting and turning throughout the track to devastating effect. It has been a firm favorite in Chads sets over the past year and is certified to destroy the dance floor.
As the name suggests Space Cadet' is a wavier affair. - Its peculiar drum patterns and quirky effects combine to form a superbly strange track that retains the heavy sub sensibilities and darkness of its counterparts.
Closer Drainpipe' keeps the dubstep fundamentals in tact with heavy subs, deranged mids, sparse atmospheres and industrial sounding percussion to create a mechanical monster, rapidly building momentum until it turns into all manner of chaos on the second drop. With FAV005, Chad Dubz has created a fine display of sound system- shaking-pure-dubstep-musical-goodness with possibly his best release yet... Essential!

Brazilian funk double header.
'As Sementes' is a mid tempo, funk-soul head nodder laden with percussion and soaring vocals and strings. Originally released in 1974 on Odeon. Major released one album and a handful of 'compactos' on Odeon and Som Livre.
'Dando Fora' is a mid-tempo samba-funk gem - a firm favourite for David in his DJ sets. Taken from their Edição Extra No. 2 LP released on Copacabana in 1972.



 

Inmotion Music LTD brings back two dynamic artists Marco Effe and James Mile. Both Marco and James have been firmly cementing themselves in the Techno and House music scene for several years while gaining well wide support from DJ's across the globe..
The Mehringdamm EP consists of 3 original tracks and a remix by Spain's Eduardo De Callle.The first track, Mehringdamm is a classic rhythmic-driven belter that packs a hefty punch. The jacking 909 drums and lush synth keep the tension through out.The B-Side is slightly more experimental but has expertly captured the Eduardo De Calle.vibe. James Miles ends the EP with a jacking 909 work out named Stomp.

In conjunction with the label turning 8, WOLF Music return to the VA format that see's them releasing forgotten gems and exclusive tracks from label mates.BRS' Bouncing was originally released in 2000 on Imperial Dub a firm favourite with WOLF Music for many years, it now has the opportunity to be introduced to a new generation of record buyers.Paradiso Rhythm self released Greetings & Salutations digitally early last year. A killer record in every way that deserves a vinyl release.

On the flip Ishmael & Medlar supply a collab track recorded last year at the Red Bull studios. Rounding off the EP is an updated version of KRL's I Wanna Be With You that was originally released on WOLFEP003.

After nearly seven years absent, FIRM returns with a new LP, cat. no 034.

Eric D. Clark with FIRM's founder Thomas Schaeben, of Kompakt's first hour duo Schaeben&Voss, regularly met in the Cologne based FIRM studio to create and build.

The ensuing result are seven smashing bangers between LoFi-discofunpunk and Hi NRG-hothouse gospel trancefunk without anything scrupulous in their way, no thinking, rethinking or calculating the ideas they put together: hence the moniker FREE RADICALS!

A result of numerous crazy live recording sessions with like minded artists: David Boswell, Dirk Leyers, Anita Davis and Heiko Voss!

'LoFi Hi-NRG' is supposed to be played loud and vinylized, we suggest... The Direction

Repress!

Berlin based Arttu has been dropping his dusty fat beats across numerous techno labels including Philpot, Clone and 4Lux for a few years but it was 2016's track 'Hoodies' on Arttu's own imprint Cyblo that caught the attention of Accidental label boss Matthew Herbert (and which remains firmly in Herbert's record bag). Arttu was invited onto the Accidental Jnr roster and has delivered a chunk of techno with so much swing it made Donkey Kong blush.

Arttu takes the most simple of jazz bass hooks and loops across a rigid kick, it's when those hats kick in that the groove goes fucking wild. The presence of US native Roberto Q Ingram on vocals brings a full Detroit gangster flavour to the party. Initially Arttu and Roberto had an idea to record a simple and sweaty track with Roberto on the mic and Arttu at the control of some dusty old machines. The result, 'Bass Trakk' is exactly that: Roberto dropping lyrics over a raw beat and a massive bassline. The EP is rounded off with a deep bit of techno 'Debris' with all the trappings of the darkest hour of a Berlin winter in which it was recorded.

UK producer Allen Saei aka Aubrey is no stranger to Burek family, having already remixed Information Ghetto's "Inspiration" track for Burek in 2013 and DJ Stingray's "Communication System" track released on Barba in 2015. As is to be expected from a guy who's been spending time in the studio for better part of the last three decades, on 13th Barba release Aubrey delivers a mature and consistent space-themed club 12" titled "Space Funk". Although pretty self-referential as a whole, each track on the 12" offers a different take on the topic. "Clock Funk" and "Space Jazz" are quite direct and peak time, "Spaceship Blues" is a chunky funk workout and "Path To Nowhere" is somewhat deeper introspective piece. Common thread moving through all four cuts is an infectious groove intertwined with synth lines that would not be misplaced amongst the best examples of space-influenced techno music firmly grounded on the floor but with eyes on the future. All that, pressed onto a heavy duty 180 gram vinyl and beautifully packaged in an original artwork by local artist EmaEmaEma.