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Cover of The 99.9% EP - Inc. Andrew Weatherall Remix by Craig Bratley.

Craig Bratley

The 99.9% EP - Inc. Andrew Weatherall Remix

Futureboogie

Craig Bratley opts for some Italo-coloured canvasses on the newest Futureboogie release - the label's smashed 2018 with a plethora of top drawer releases right across the style spectrum.

"99.9%" is the kinda showpiece track you reach for when you've got the crowd eating off your turntables, when you're locked into that purple patch and you need to elevate the mix / session to a higher point. A thrusting, push-pull arpeggio section combine with tuff gated drums and a taut lead creating untold pressure that's just waiting for a tiny crack to appear before bursting out of the cauldron with a buzzing hook and swirling fx.

"Italo Love" will be making Red Laser boss Il Bosco sweat, pondering just how he slept upon one of this year's top Italo signings. Never mind mate, just let team Futureboogie stick this one right between your speaker stacks.

Anarco-dance-dandy Andrew Weatherall adds the extra 0.1% to the stems, building the title track into one of his now infamous robo-chug classics straight from the ALFOS dancefloors.

"Take Me To Bedford Or Lose Me Forever" finishes the EP on a slow and sombre note. The kind of slow moving electronic exotica that brings to mind vintage Art Of Noise, the cinematic side of Vangelis or more recent excursions of label Invisible Inc.



STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: What a blast this one is. Bratley goes italo and he nails it. Full of energy, radiant and totally dancefloor friendly whilst Weatherall goes darker with serious acid hints. 'Take Me to Bedford or Lose Me Forever' is the closing tune with beautiful oriental samples and a more mellow beat... ready for bed. Essential!

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Cover of A Gira / Last Tango In Paris by Trio Ternura.

Trio Ternura

A Gira / Last Tango In Paris

Melodies International

Melodies International move from North America into Brazilian territory for this latest release, reissuing a remarkable piece of 1970s MPB (Música popular brasileira) written and mostly recorded by a single family.

Trio Ternura (or Tenderness Trio) consisted of two sisters, Jussara, Jurema and their brother Robson. Their father, Umberto Silva was a revered Brazilian songwriter and recording artist who introduced his children to the music world at a very young age.

After performing some songs on broadcast television and at festivals early on, their father Umberto and brother, Beto Scala wrote A Gira for the Trio to record. The song is a tribute to nature, spirituality and mindfulness. The hommage is made through a form of “cantico” (chant) or “saudação” (salutation), aimed at invoking an Orisha named “Oxossi”. Otherwise known as “Saints”, Orishas are the deities worshiped in the Afro-Brazilian religion of “Candomblé”.

African religion and culture have had an undeniable impact in Brazil, especially in music and on artists with African roots as its rituals were often accompanied by music comprising highly percussive drumming. As a result, "A Gira", an homage to a Candomblé deity recorded in 1973 involves mesmerizing polyrhythms from the very first few bars and throughout, followed by the sisters’ soaring vocals and impeccable instrumentation. It’s a song that they can really identify with, in their own words “it has the dancing, the expression, the lyrics and musical relaxation - something very Brazilian”.

Originally released on Polydor in Brazil, fully licensed and remastered from the tapes – MEL012 comes forth in its 7-inch original vinyl format, b/w Trio Ternura's stunning version of Gato Barbieri's Last Tango in Paris and is accompanied by the first bilingual Melozine.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: I was cruising through South Central MCR a couple of months ago and a Legacy DJ dropped this MEGA Brazilian language version of Astrud Gilberto's "Black Magic" (or so I thought!). Turns out this exotic and evocative cut is the original - now available to all thanks to the Melodies International crew.

FORMAT INFORMATION

Ltd 7" Info: Originally released on Polydor in Brazil, fully licensed and remastered from the tapes, MEL12 comes forth in its 7-inch original vinyl format and is accompanied by the first bilingual Melozine.

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Cover of Jacuzzi Rollercoaster Ft. Ali Love / Can't Hang On (Produced By Maurice Fulton) by Roisin Murphy.

Roisin Murphy

Jacuzzi Rollercoaster Ft. Ali Love / Can't Hang On (Produced By Maurice Fulton)

The Vinyl Factory

Following a summer which has encapsulated tour dates across Europe and a headline closing set at the iconic Somerset House as part of their Summer Series, alongside the scintillating release of a pair of 12” singles “All My Dreams / Innocence” and “Plaything / Like” which have sound-tracked the heat wave, Róisín Murphy today releases ‘Jacuzzi Rollercoaster ft. Ali Love / Can’t Hang On’. The warped and funky, groove-baiting tracks are the third pair of songs in a series of four 12”singles produced by Baltimore maverick musician/producer/DJ Maurice Fulton and released through The Vinyl Factory.

‘Jacuzzi Rollercoaster’ sees Murphy collaborate with Ali Love, one of London's most inventive and unpredictable voices in dance music over the last decade. Love's trademark smooth and infectious tones marry perfectly with Murphy’s. In her own words; ‘’I love Ali Love's voice, he's got the boogie in him, he's an exceptional hook writer also. I've been hoping to work with him for a long time and this Maurice Fulton music just seemed the perfect match. The baseline in this track is highly evocative and Ali already had the title when he came to the studio, he had just been reading about a 'Jacuzzi Rollercoaster' being built in Japan and it was a notion that fit the funk of the track perfectly, we wrote the song and put the vocals down in a few hours, we're a match made in heaven!’’

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: This is poppy and this is bizarro! It is great indeed. I see this as a return to form for Fulton. The bass is there, the intricate funky beats are there but he leaves the pop elements in place courtesy of Roisin Murphy and Ali Love, making this 12" one to keep. It comes with beautiful psychedelic cover too!

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Cover of Voyager 1 by Andy Hart.

Andy Hart

Voyager 1

Voyage

Andy Hart launches a new series for Voyage with two dubbed out club tools. 'Neutron Capture' is a chuggy acid number with crisp drum programming, glitched out synths and a weighty 303 line.

On the flip 'LFTR' offers up a hypnotic roller complete with reverberating stabs, crunchy hits and expansive textures.

If this is a sign of things to come for Hart's new outlet expect a string of club ready, dancefloor orientated cuts from Australia's golden boy.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Andy Hart being playing dangerously with acid and achieving excellent results on 'Neutron Capture'. Whilst on LFTR he goes Detroit. And folks, it sounds bloody good. This is rock n roll techno! Buy on sight. Very very good.

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Cover of Giant Step by De (Akis).

De (Akis)

Giant Step

Into The Light

Into The Light take another trip into the annals of Greek electronica, stopping by Akis' Athenian home for a special 12" treat. Though last year's "Space, Time And Beyond" anthology was a fairly exhaustive (and frankly brilliant set), it all but ignored the composer's contributions to the Greek house scene, most notably Aegean anthem "Giant Step", released under the D.E. moniker. This slice of early nineties action sweeps through baroque string arrangements, slow rolling breakbeats and acid-tinged undulations, coming on like an extra ethnic relation of Tranquility Bass. Beaty yet breezy, this coastal killer is a classic in Greece, and more than deserves wider attention. If that wasn't enough to have you snatching a copy, the flip hits us with an earlier 80's demo version, recorded round Vangelis Katsoulis' gaff. To be honest, though they share the same name, the two tracks couldn't be further apart, the "Demo" mix ditching the breakbeat and colling flute trills in favour of Laswell style bass, unconventional percussion and outrageous sampler abuse. Explosions, machine gun fire, concerned chickens and arcade game idents all rebound around the soundstage, decorating the consistently off-kilter rhythm section until the woodwinds, mallets and arps take us skywards.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Yet another killer on the Into The Light imprint, as they follow their Akis anthology with a 12" of his club leaning compositions. The A-side plays host to the Balearic breakbeat of Aegean classic "Giant Step", while the B-side brings us the sampler-driven proto house strangeness of an 80's demo version - leftfield gold if ever I heard it.

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Cover of Conversation EP by Alma Negra.

Alma Negra

Conversation EP

Heist Recordings

Swiss trio Alma Negra have been on an unstoppable march in recent years, bringing their extensive knowledge of African and Latin music to contemporary productions. They have carved a successful niche as makers of heavily percussive 12" singles that look to the rhythms of Africa for inspiration. This outing for Heist Recordings draws on many similar influences. You get a heavily percussive, voodoo-like beast on 'Conversation' which is basically a drum dialogue, and a good one it is. 'This Is The Place' slows down the pace and the vocal sample takes the centre stage. 

Flip this monster, and you are greeted by a heavy bass driven deep house (tribal almost) beauty with a looped vocal sample exploding at the climax. Beast. To close matters, Awanto closes the circle of life revisiting 'Converstation', our opener. The drums are still there, the bass is riding it still but the looped vocals is the core of this monster. It is not as weapon ready as the original but still has it. 

As always, Alma Negra, remind us of how good their sound is, making the body their main target. Organic, fun, liberating. Keep it coming!

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Another Alma Negra, no surprise regarding the style. Their philosophy remains solid; percussive, organic and forward looking. This ep is just that. Four hypnotic, tribal tracks with strong emphasis on African drums. Essential Alma Negra stuff.

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Cover of Expansion EP by Dug.

Dug

Expansion EP

Burelom Music

Three long awaited dark jungle tracks from London-based producer Mark Donington. "Conscious" is a fast paced, frenetic roller with well placed spoken word samples about stream of consciousness. It uses a traditional break but humanizes it with strings, delays and a nice, (almost)'song'-like structure.

"Tuning" and "Identify" both take up side B, showing impressive programming flair and a poised ear for mixing - these cuts rumble and shake in the right places and demonstrate inventive sample sources and highly skilled dynamics.

Excellent stuff - file alongside Myor Massive, Aaron Spectre, Ghetto Dubs and Dead Man's Chest. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Martin says: It's been a good week for bass and jungle int shop (must coincide with those pesky students returning...! - ed) but Dug perhaps inches ahead of the pack with this trio of belters. Watch yer bassbins!

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Cover of Tone DropOut Vol .6 by Various Artists.

Various Artists

Tone DropOut Vol .6

Tone Dropout

The same week that brings you a new Balkan Vinyl, a new Tone Dropout arrives - such is life! - you wait for an 85 bus then two 86's come at once etc etc.

Anyway, much like fellow modern day acid merchants Balkan Vinyl and I Love Acid, the Tone Dropout series has been buy-on-sight for Roland fetishists across the globe as they update the original blueprint with hefty vinyl pressings, new arrangements and fresh new style.

Packing in the value, but compromising none of the quality, volume six contains six individual track set for destruction across the global dancefloors and features label regulars Dawl and Hee-man alongside some new additions.

DJPC is Patrick Cools, a Belgian DJ / producer who's been active since the 80s. His contribution here is big room and ravey, like a lost CJ Bolland number almost but with big dark strings and proper bleep melodies.

The wonderfully named "Bufotenin" by Bufo Bufu highlights this generations obessions with modern shamanism and psychedelic spirituality and is an excellent recreation of the auditory hallucinations once might encounter whilst interfacing with the Colorado River Toad.

Piccadilly fave Craig Bratley makes his Tone Dropout debut and contributes a superb breaks-informed track, again garnished beautifully with bleep melodies as the whole EP shows its love for the Sheffield sound. Craig Bratley.

Tone Dropout continue to be an imperative force on the global acid stage. You need to be quick on this one!


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Best one to date in my honest opinion (yes, even better than Volume 1!). Bufo Bufo's ingenius contribution tickles the fancy of the psychedelic warehouse crusadors whilst The He-Men blow away the competition with acid track of the year - "Rolla".

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Cover of Estuaries by Eric Maltz.

Eric Maltz

Estuaries

Flower Myth

Eric Maltz kicks off his Flower Myth label earlier in the year with "Pathway". Warmly received by me and WHP / Love International star DJ, Krysko, it showed a unique flair and sonic prowess from this producer who owes much of his break to New Jersey's Levon Vincent who mentored him during his early years.

“Estuaries” sees the producer drop his second personalized twelve-inch, and features four electronically produced tracks that, though skirting freely through house music's loose framework, instantly purvey a character and individuality that belies his relatively short time spent making tunes.

Definitely inspired by techno's cutting edge production, the easiest comparisons I can make are with DJ Qu and friend / luminary, Levon Vincent. These are tracks for late into the session, blackened with thick textures and unrelenting rhythms yet dynamic and undulating like all good house music structures. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: I've got a feeling me and the aforementioned Krysko will be bagging this pronto and moving it swiftly to the front of our bag yet again. We suggest you do the same!

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Cover of Sleep More, Make More Friends by Skinny Pelembe.

Skinny Pelembe

Sleep More, Make More Friends

Brownswood

Skinny Pelembe has corralled together a cast of talented friends for his new EP. It’s the second release from the Doncaster-raised, multi-talented producer-cum-bandleader since signing to Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label in February. This one’s a group effort, with each of its tracks featuring a different artist, each of them an act he’s met through music or through linking with Brownswood’s talent development programme Future Bubblers two years ago.

The EP touches on hip-hop, psych-rock and jazz-influenced sounds, continuing in the gloriously magpie-like approach of his earlier releases. Each of its songs started as a rough idea which was then fleshed out and re-imagined with his collaborators. He says that the title of the EP comes from some advice which he left for himself on an old notebook. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Skinny Pelembe's new EP on the Brownswood label hits all the right spots, the perfect balance of jazz and hip hop. The EP collaborates on each track with female vocalists whose lyrics will take you to cloud nine. Beautiful!

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Cover of Courage by Talking Drums.

Talking Drums

Courage

Dark Entries

Dark Entries is honored to reissue the debut 12” single ‘Courage’ from Scottish band Talking Drums. Formed in Glasgow in 1981 when Charlie and Dot lived above a pub and discovered their downstairs neighbor, Carol, was a sensational singer. They quickly recruited Stewart on bass and Derek on drums and started gigging. Scotland in the early 80s had a live music scene where unsigned bands could gather a serious following and the band played every major city, helped by catchy, indie-pop tunes and Carol’s explosive performances. The recorded their debut album ‘Fighting To The Finish’ all in a week in March 1982 and released it on cassette. ‘Courage’ was their first vinyl outing in the independent, cottage-industry spirit of the times, originally released on Sticky Music in late 1982. The group added a horn section and congas extending the song to 8 sprawling minutes of dubby disco funk in the vein of ESG and William Onyeabor. The studio owner, Ian, had just bought a new piece of equipment called an Aphex Aural Exciter and put the whole mix through it – maybe one reason why “Courage” sounds strangely ahead of its time. For this first time vinyl reissue we’ve added bonus track “Lost in the 20th Century” from 1982, previously available only on their debut cassette album. All songs are remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. Each copy includes a double sided insert with ephemera, photos and liner notes by the band.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: The latest reissue from US archivists Dark Entries points a spotlight at Talking Drums (no relation), the 80s Scottish indie ensemble who's killer disco-not-synth-pop cut "Courage" became a diggers classic thanks to its inclusion on Sonar Kollektiv's "Computer Incantations..." comp. Highly recommended from all of us at Piccadilly.

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Cover of Terminal Tokyo by Garage Class.

Garage Class

Terminal Tokyo

Outer Reaches

‘Garage bands suddenly obtain cult status and become the antithesis of their initial appeal’

Garage Class were a group of reluctant outliers who produced one of the finest contributions to the wave of UK DIY music that emerged during the late 70s and early to mid-80s.

Hailing from Alsager in North West England and comprised of Tim Shutt (vocals) Phil Murphy (lead guitar) Clive Williams (guitar) Lynne Sanders (bass) and Phil Bourne (drums / bass on studio recordings) Garage Class originally went by the name of The Pits before their then manager Steve Hurt imposed an alias which, though unpopular within their ranks, would nevertheless reflect the shambolic art they would eventually capture on their first and only single.

As The Pits the group offered a loutish inflection on glam-punk flamboyance, evoking Johnny Thunder hitting the north and remaining disowned yet undeterred in a dreary old boozer. But as Garage Class the group distilled a roughcast and homespun primitivism that felt quintessentially their own. In this they proved too unruly to be assimilated into any wider scene. Early gigs descended into acrimony and recognition proved elusive. Yet what they managed to make back then now sounds like an extraordinary article of underdog ambition.

Released in 1984, four years after it was originally recorded, the Terminal Tokyo single is an unlikely triumph of exceptional messthetic punk. Though raw and unpolished the songs here are precariously pop-minded and indisputably anthemic. The titular A-side reveals the dry and detached drawl of Shutt aka The Subliminal Kid, a sharp, jaded and poetic voice that has some of the most iconic lines never heard in punk. Accompanied by second-hand guitars, on-the-fly handclaps and a chorus like a terrace chant this is the cult hit that never was, a heroically artless masterpiece that has all the ragged character and misfit euphoria of Swell Maps and The Buzzcocks if they were more impulsive and boisterous, and left to their own devices in the remote margins of a Cheshire town. The original B-side is here substituted for I Got Standards, a track that, until now, has somehow remained unreleased. An ideal twin to Terminal Tokyo there’s the same brusque and dog-eared quality to the band’s delivery, as well as the same upfront emphasis on strong hooks and insistent momentum. Yet again, Shutt is on impeccable form, perfecting an inflated, adolescent antagonism that has all the sardonic, malcontented charm of similarly ‘shirty’ buggers like Dan Treacy (Television Personalities), Patrik Fitzgerald and Mark Perry (Alternative TV).

Although never accepted in their own time both tracks represent a brief but inspired moment of fervent imperfection, one that epitomized the best of a diffuse and autonomous underground movement spearheaded by The Desperate Bicycles and built upon by the likes of Amos & Sara, The Homosexuals, The Cleaners From Venus and Family Fodder. Like them Garage Class were situated at a point where punk, art, humour and a sense of stubborn independence all intersected.

In the years since Terminal Tokyo has accumulated a retrospective appeal among certain trusted circles, with Jon Dale celebrating the single in his exhaustive and essential Story of UK DIY for Fact Magazine, and original copies regularly changing hands for a foolish forty quid or so. With this inaugural release on the Outer Reaches label Terminal Tokyo is not only restored for the very first time but given a worthy expansion courtesy of JD Twitch (Optimo).

Continuing his own fascination with the fringe history of UK DIY – documented on his own outstanding compilation Cease & Desist: DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post Punk Era 1978-1982) and in his re-edits of Crass Records classics for an early release on RVNG INTL – Twitch reinterprets I Got Standards as an incisive, dubwise outing that pictures Jaki Liebezeit and Muslimgauze on a bender in England’s provinces, tasked with remixing the raw product of local punks. A new slant on Garage Class’ crude magnificence, built to play loud on contemporary soundsystems.

Although the latter part of 1980 spelled the end for Garage Class with members moving on to other projects (Bourne fell in with The Colours Out of Time, Murphy went on to front The Regular Guys and Shutt eventually left to form Happy Refugees) this reissue attempts to give their fleeting time together and the unique single statement they made the treatment it deserves. If this means Garage Class have obtained cult status, their initial appeal remains. Just listen for yourself.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: MEGA release here from new Ransom Note sublabel and brought to attention via Scottish demigod JD Twitch who's remix / extention will find its way onto many a floor - oh my!

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Cover of Heavy Dreamer by Autarkic.

Autarkic

Heavy Dreamer

Life And Death

Autarkic operates as part of an unspoken alliance from Tel Aviv, which is currently altering the state of contemporary house and techno music. "Heavy Dreamer", the artist’s first, four track outing on Life and Death, showcases much of what this bold movement is about, all while pushing it forward into progress.
Ever present tones of kraut and punk rock flow throughout the EP, beginning with "Some Things To Keep", a pumping, warehouse floor filler. Autarkic steps up to the mic, often re-amping and distorting his vocal delivery, placing it alongside finely programmed keyboard riffs, tough drums and further psychedelia. "Realistic Guru", the trippiest of the lot, is tailor made for an early morning DJ Tennis afterparty excursion.
Slowing down the pace on "Powerhouse", Autarkic hints at moments of Bauhaus’ and Tones on Tail’s doom and dance pop, while offering up a digital only, stripped down, bonus version. The title track stands as a testament to this new wave of artists, coming from the shores of Israel’s Mediterranean coastline. Bass, drums and guitar are recorded through bespoke boxes and presented through the lens of modernist club culture.


STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Blurring punk funk, minimal wave, techno, industrial and goth, Autarkic brings his own vision of the dark wired sound to a record deck near you. LCD Soundsystem fans should check 'Powerhouse' for a DFA style winner.

FORMAT INFORMATION

Ltd 12" Info: 12” white vinyl.

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Cover of Costellazione K78 by Discodromo / Massimiliano Pagliara.

Discodromo / Massimiliano Pagliara

Costellazione K78

Cocktail D'Amore Germany

It was 2010 when Massimiliano Pagliara and Discodromo got together and started working on "Costellazione K78" - Now, a full 8 years later it's finally time to reveal this piece of italo-cosmic beauty landing on Cocktail d'Amore Music. The spaceship starts off and a vocoder announces the destination. In the middle of the track there is an interference...Is that a hole? Oh right they are out of it! Going higher, higher...higher through space-time. The B-side houses a dub version in which drums play the main role. Everything is condensing together, it feels like connection is lost, but the bass line comes in and takes control. Destination reached, time to celebrate. Thank you guys for the efxapella, we'll all do good use of it. Greetings from planet Earth!

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Berlin's best party continue to offer only the hottest sounds on their label as founders Discodromo join forces with Massimiliano Pagliara for the other wordly Italo excellence of "Costellazione K78". Chugging synth bass, smacky Robotnik-style vocoder and exactly the right amount of melon-twisting strangeness make this a must have I reckon.

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Cover of Midnight Passion by Vision.

Vision

Midnight Passion

Hot Jam

"...so there I was. Stood at the singles bar, drinking in the neon and checking the time on my Rolex. We were due to meet at midnight under the mirror ball. I held my nerves in check, wiped the condensation off the Tom Collins and turned into the crowd. Her fragrance met me before I saw her, that heady blend of YSL's Opium and youthful anticipation, a scent she knew I couldn't resist. Hands touching, lips in sync and bodies in motion - this was Midnight Passion.." 

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Switzerland's Hot Jam hit us with the finest nuovo Italo ballad I've heard since the halcyon days of Heartbreak, combining all those irresistible retro features without slipping into pastiche. The classier cats will probably plump for the robotic emotion of the Instrumental mix, but I'm going full parmesan here with the wonderful vocal version.

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Cover of Unlimited Love #15 by Various Artists.

Various Artists

Unlimited Love #15

Unlimited Love

Chapter 15 on this disco journey guided by the maestros behind Unlimited Love. Their love keeps giving and here we are treated with another four disco soul funk diamonds. Poncho Saint Fingers 'When I Come Knocking' is a soul funk beast that many will be pleased to see it on this 12". Long out of press, here it is in its full glory. Sandi Havens is another feel good soul funk underground hit long sought after from 1980. Beautiful positive yrics and great instrumentation. Lypso Disco by Smile Street People is a slow funk, rare beauty with a great bass and wind arrangements. Again, a highly sought after record that is just here for you. Best for the end (according to me) is 'When Your Jones Come Down' by Sugar Bear Johnson. A funky soul beauty from 1980 full of rainbow vibes. Again, a superb selection of hard to find disco soul funky tracks for the sophisticated fella out there. 




STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: As good and solid as always. Instalment 15 is all about funky soul with a heavy dose of disco. Absolute rarities now at the right price. Get it quick! No represses.

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Cover of Zurich / A65 by James Welsh.

James Welsh

Zurich / A65

Phantasy Sound

Having recently been remixed by Radio Slave, Ozel AB and FC Kahuna on Phantasy, James Welsh returns to the label with ‘Zurich/A65’. Anoth-er expertly executed two-track primed for the club but infused with detail and sheer personality, it further cements his idiosyncratic and forward-thinking interpretation of techno, industrial and experimental electronic styles.

Opening the EP, ‘Zurich’ takes an infectious, urgent bassline and gradu-ally expands into a weightless landscape. Slowly revealing it’s rhythmic intent, it seamlessly blends a distinct melancholy with intensity, which, like the best of Welsh’s work so far, is both wistful and physical.

Appropriate to its namesake, ‘A65’ sets the scene by sampling the un-mistakable sound of speeding Yorkshire traffic, opening up a breathless musical autobahn, driven by luminescent synths that pulse with euphoria and energy.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Here is proof that Phantasy Sound is not just Daniel Avery. Fantastic double sandwich of big room tech house with glimpses of trance here and there. There is a healthy dose of friendly acid on 'A65' too. Always a good thing on my books. Not a trance boy myself but a little sweet spot for those keys and those climaxes. Mr Welsh nails it and if you are searching for couple of stormers and solid builders, look no further.

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Cover of Peter Piper by Run DMC.

Run DMC

Peter Piper

Soopastole

In every collection there's some space left for a classic, no matter if you've already had it for years or it's just released in a different format. True? With #11 of the Soopastole edits series comes the 1986 Run-DMC classic "Peter Piper" in 4 different mixes. The "Raw Remix" cuts the track back a little for extra Nautilus action then snaps your neck with the B-boy breaks of the "Beatapella". Over on the flip the "Breaks Mix" serves up Run and DMC's unique bars over a full fat funk beat while a scratch friendly acappella brings the curtain down.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: For their 11th edition Soopastole bring us four twists on an all time classic, Run DMC’s schoolyard smash “Peter Piper”. Aint’ no school like the old school folks.

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Cover of Vex by Nazamba.

Nazamba

Vex

Pressure

‘Vex’ is the debut 12” from Nazamba, a fire and brimstone dub poet from Kingston, Jamaica who will drop a full album with France’s O.B.F. sound system soon. The riddim is produced by G36, an anarcho-dub collective from Nagasaki, Japan who also have their own EP incoming on Pressure.  
The spirit of Prince Far I reincarnated, riding a scifi steppa that relentlessly aims to flatten all floors. Nazamba’s angry rant against the global epidemic of morally bankrupt, indelibly corrupt politicians, is a straight shot to Babylon’s head.
‘Vex’ is released on neon yellow vinyl 12” in full colour printed sleeve.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Tough as you like sci-fi dub here from Kingston newcomer Nazamba. Sticking with Pressure's brooding industrial dub sound signature Nagasaki's G36 supply a brooding, churning riddem - dread for the dreads!

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Cover of Never Saw It Coming - Inc. Crooked Man Remix by Amy Douglas.

Amy Douglas

Never Saw It Coming - Inc. Crooked Man Remix

DFA

NYC singer Amy Douglas makes her official DFA debut with "Never Saw It Coming", co-written and produced by Tim Wagner of 33Hz, and with two remixes by Sheffield artist and firm Piccadilly favourite - Crooked Man.

With a five-octave range and a diverse background in performance, ranging from rock to soul to jazz, Douglas’ voice is the heart of the song, lending heightened drama to the steady mechanical funk of Wagner’s production.

The two remixes by Crooked Man let the track grow and build slowly with longer, lush arrangements, while his hypnotic dub doubles down on the woozy bassline and has Amy’s vocals echoing out into the ether.

Though this is Douglas’ first release on the label, she is no stranger to the DFA roster. She is the voice behind "Happiness", the epic closing track on Crooked Man’s self-titled 2016 album and she also appears on the forthcoming Crooked Man album on DFA. Amy also works with Juan Maclean as one half of Peach Melba, who have released singles on both DFA and Defected / Classic. Crooked Man’s signature maximalist house sound has always been complemented by the support of strong female vocalists and together the pair take each other’s work to a new level for an impressive collaboration. Rumour has it they’re currently working on more tracks together.

Lots of artists these days aim to ‘reimagine’ the sounds of disco, house and soul but Amy Douglas and Crooked Man are creating something all their own that pulls from the best of times past, while also looking decidedly forward.

For fans of Yaz, Inner City, Horse Meat Disco, Hercules & Love Affair.


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Second winner in as many weeks from New York taste makers DFA joined with that man Parrot. What is it about the Sheffield connection? Top stuff here by all involved.

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Cover of Rehtom EP by Ayln.

Ayln

Rehtom EP

Nous

New from the ever discerning Nous camp comes AYLN's RehtomEP, a 25 minute exploration of the kind of unrelenting machine music for which both artist and label have come to prominence.

Side A is a journey through sparse syncopated rhythms, industrial noise motifs and the kind of buzz and hum that the heroes of the second wave of techno music championed, culminating in the EP's title track 'Rehtom' which is an exercise in analogue techno mastery.

Side B's delivery is subtly more dulcet, kicking off with Digital Memories, which has a more classical techno structure than anything that came before, building intricate melodies into an otherwise taut and tightly woven electronic landscape while the closing Impulsive Sheit is a gentle downbeat number, exploring the space within the music and creating an atmospheric ambient discourse to outro the heady charge of the EP as a whole.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Techno, industrial a-la-L.I.E.S. and loads of urban decay. Machines ruling the world and chips controlling our brains. If you dig that approach to life on planet Earth, this is for you. If you dig good industrial techno, you totally need this.

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Cover of Market Values by O/H.

O/H

Market Values

Long Island Electrical Systems

Rich Oddie (Orphx) and Dave Foster (Huren/Teste) return under their punk/industrial/scum electronics moniker O/H. These 5 tracks are an amalgamtion of dense, yet somehow stripped down heavy industrial punk electronic madness.
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Open filter feedback drenched MS-20 and punishing 909 beats crash head-on throughout with Foster's Jello Biafra-esce vocals through a meat-grinder stylings fight with a ranting homeless man as he raids your uncles's 80s porn vhs collection. Controlled chaos written recorded and put to tape as modern society falls apart in front of our eyes. Absolutely what the world needs right now (according to us).

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Lies, lies and more lies! The factory never shuts. Savage uncompromising techno straight to the jugular. You will not hear this on BBC Radio 4 anytime soon. But if the world comes to an end - and it will come - this is your soundtrack. I dig 'Poverty Line' very much. A bit shouty but great lyrics nonetheless.

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Cover of Sunset Sparks / Boma by Alterleo.

Alterleo

Sunset Sparks / Boma

Claremont 56

Claremont 56’s latest beguiling two-tracker is as picturesque, sun-kissed and humid as they come. It may surprise some, though, to find that the artist behind these intoxicating tracks is not an experienced creator of wide-eyed Balearic fare, but rather a little-known but fast-rising producer from Moscow. Alterleo is the production alias of Denis Leonovich, a television sound producer who has spent his spare time making music for the best part of ten years.

He released a handful of dancefloor-focused EPs (mostly on local label National Techno) at the dawn of the decade, before retreating to the shadows to experiment further in order to develop his own trademark sound. Last year he resurfaced via a track on a two-part vinyl compilation It’s this exotic new direction – inspired, Denis says, by his desire to join the dots between psychedelic disco, Balearica and tribal rhythms – that’s showcased on the producer’s Claremont 56 debut, which also marks his first solo vinyl excursion. Both tracks are underpinned by gentle, undulating tribal rhythms, and include sounds and melodies crafted by the producer on kalimba, vargan and some of the small native instruments that form part of his growing collection of such items.

A-side “Sunset Sparks” is a thing of rare beauty: a dreamy, humid and tropical excursion in which fluttering flute melodies and delay-laden African vocals gently rise above slowly-shifting chords, psychedelic electronics and a synth bassline so squeezable that you could use it as a stress ball. Denis’s love of bold synth basslines is also evident on flipside cut “Boma”, a slightly bolder and more polyrhythmic excursion whose sparkling melodies, fuzzy guitar motifs, Jew’s Harp lines and foreboding aural textures create a quietly trippy mood. Some may note the influence of Jan Schulte’s Wolf Muller project, but Denis has crafted a mesmerizing signature sound all of his own.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Slo-mo beats, gentle atmospheres, nature samples everywhere, chuggy reverb. It is all very clean, very neat. It is also incredibly relaxing and hypnotic. And yes, it is Claremont 56 doing what they do best. In one word, essential. You need this future classic.

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Cover of Mystical Choices by Perdu.

Perdu

Mystical Choices

Let's Play House

As summer sets into fall, we deliver an EP that functions like one of those lights-on hand-clappers you get when the DJ's been asked to kill the music at the end of a long, sweaty night—but for the season. It's a last-ditch effort to keep the sun shining and the temperature high, a final bid to keep the days starting early and ending late. We know the inevitable is around the corner, but for a moment more we can pretend it's not.

Mystical Choices, the LPH debut for Dutch producer Perdu, starts with “Saromosa,” a swirling witch's brew of percussion and chants. From there, we go to “Tanora,” which is equally hypnotic, but a little more pensive and wound up, like it's a pot of water just on the cusp of hitting its boiling point. The B-side is a further exploration of the terrain laid out with the first two tunes, “Savana” taking us in a more acoustic direction, “Textures” adding a little more synth to the spicing.

Keep dancing.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: No beating around the bush here, straight four by four biz for the party focused folk in need of groovy, bass-rich house music. Highlight goes for 'Tanora', a tribal number with amazing sampled chants. As soulful as they come.

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Cover of Dream Resonator / Ice by Xinner.

Xinner

Dream Resonator / Ice

ESP Institute

Robotron is the machine formerly known as Xinner and this is its first offering for the ESP Institute. Side A’s "Dream Resonator" is an idiosyncratic network - dexterous machine drum/percussion programming, an ebb and flow of floating arpeggios, syncopated counter-melodies and a hail of stabbing strings continually diffusing into ethereal vapor - all stacked into an (aptly-named) orchestral anthem. Side B’s Ice takes a similar approach with arrangement, each instrument carving out its place in the track’s mechanics for a glorious convergence of patterns, but, where side A proves optimistic, here we sense a more menacing undercurrent, an austerity powerfully articulated through towering kicks and claps so compressed they fill up every dark corner of negative space. Indeed, Robotron has an innate command for building and calibrating robust systems, but beneath this calculated veil we find the remnant human behavior of Xinner. These two songs will whisper loudly but scream quietly.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Class 4 Holodeck heaters here from Robotron, who offers ESP a futuristic yin and yang via the utopic A-side and dystopian flip.

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Cover of Cuffari / Dancing by Moton Records Inc.

Moton Records Inc

Cuffari / Dancing

Moton Records Inc.

Over the years Moton has become synonymous with releasing great quality edits from a range of amazing producers. Their 43rd to date and the firm - made up of Dave Jarvis and Diesel and featuring many of their friends and acquaintances - continue to be a one stop shop for party starting fun, obscure but enjoyable edits / excavations and general left-of-centre weirdness for dancefloors and living room discos alike. I reckon they've occupied at least 33.3% of Manchester (more specially the Northern Quarter's) evening-to-late bar soundtrack between the years of 2004-2011 (when good music got replaced with 'party hip-hop' - urg, auto-tuned urban shite and Kings of Leon requests...).

“Cuffari (Make The World Larger Than Me)" on the A side is four and a half minutes of luscious, soulful, string laden goodness, entrancing you with those dreamy vocals. Trust us, she's right when she says '…the melody echoes in my mind' - this one will be stuck in your head for days!

Flip it over and Marcel Vogel, under his Em Vee alias channels the happy-go-lucky NYC discotheque days through "Dancing (Jumbo)". With an all too infectious guitar and bass riff, coupled with cosmic synth pops and perfectly layered vocal chants - it's sure fire, peak time disco gold.


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Cover of Barry's K / Tuesday Club (feat Mushrooms Project Mixes) by Before Christ.

Before Christ

Barry's K / Tuesday Club (feat Mushrooms Project Mixes)

Is It Balearic

Before Christ is a new project from Craig Christon and Bonar Bradberry. Remix maestros Mushrooms Project take on both tracks. First up Barry's K is a moody brooding chuggy basement Jam with ethnic melody and dubby effects. The mighty Italians mellow out the groove and extend adding all there trademarks touches.Uh!. The second track is Tuesday Club is a techy machine funk bomb with shades of New Beat and a nod to Forgemasters. The Mushrooms boys bring the acid and soft melodic pads turning this into a dreamy heads down groover.

STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Four cuts of heavy bassline, oriental melodies and chilled grooves for the Balearic heads gone electronic.

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Cover of Phase II by Mildlife.

Mildlife

Phase II

Research Records

Early in 2018, the world was introduced to Mildlife through their debut album Phase. Few first releases amass praise from Mojo, The Guardian, BBC 6 Music, The Express, and Shindig, then go on to be celebrated by DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, Worldwide FM, Dummy and Indie Shuffle. But it's precisely this eclectic mix of genres, tastes, and influences that brought Mildlife together, and what they committed to reflecting in their sound. After a surreal start to 2018, the four-piece completed a sold-out national tour of Australia, and recently announced plans to cross the oceans for their debut Europe and UK tours.


With the release of their debut imminent, Mildlife took retreat at Research Records HQ in Melbourne, staying overnight after recording each morning and afternoon. It resulted in the evolution of the title track, newly imagined and re-contextualised at increased tempo with swathes of improvisation throughout. The studio recording was the culmination of the song's growth in a live setting, evolving on club stages and at festivals throughout 2017.


Mildlife's knack for locked-in grooves and celestial tones features heavily across 'Phase II', a more than 11-minute sonic journey. Kevin McDowell's synth soars while Adam Halliwell's growing prowess as a flautist is peppered over James Donald's shimmering percussion. Shortly after, Tom Shanahan phased bass appears, and the four lock into a groove that gives a subtle nod to 1960s Krautrock band, Can. It's not long before 'Phase II' erupts into a cosmic jazz-funk that urges you to move. It sucks you in, free of worry and consequence; utterly otherworldly. It's no surprise that the band has been described as "kaleidoscopic", "irresistible" and "enchanting". With Mildlife, you'll always leave wanting more.

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Cover of Paradigma by Ilija Rudman.

Ilija Rudman

Paradigma

Imogen

Cosmic Croat, Ilija Rudman has been a prolific face on the global Balearic / Adriatic scene for about the last 15 years. Appearing on labels like Is It Balearic? and running his own Imogen label as well as extensive DJ appearances and remixes.

"Paradigma" is his third studio album, and finds the esteemed producer exploring daytime and nighttime moods across its seven well formed tracks. At one moment you might be wistfully cruising down the sultry boulevards of "Temptations Trial", only to cosy up with the comely tones of "Creamfields" or the vibrant chords of "Elastica". By and large it's a downtempo affair for private reflection, steeped in 80s glamour and produced with a crystalline perfection to add that all-important glint to your life.


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Cover of Memory Child by T&K Crew.

T&K Crew

Memory Child

Balkan Vinyl

Form an orderly queue please... The sell-out-on-arrival Balkan Vinyl release another salvo of throttle rockets at us unsuspecting souls....

A coming together of some serious house music legends on this one. Boy's Own don Terry Farley teams up with Kevin Swain of D.O.P. for a peak-time acid anthem "Memory Child". Label boss Posthuman strips it back for a Sheffield bleep techno vibe remix, while Kirk Degiorgio rebuilds the track with modular acid and epic piano chords into a blissful, sunshine anthem. Terry and Kevin bring it all back with the more chilled "Acid Tool" mix to complete the EP.


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Cover of Collapse EP by Aphex Twin.

Aphex Twin

Collapse EP

Warp

What's left to be said about Richard James? One of the most spectacular and critically lauded producers in the world, a divisive musician and Delphic artist, nearing his thirtieth year in 'the biz' and his sound continues to innovate, experiment and enthrall. The David Bowie of electronic music - for some there is simply no parallel and every last artifact is to be feverishly collected and treasured.

A new EP that somehow extended and builds on his idiosyncratic and highly flamboyant style, the first duo of tracks, "T69 Collapse" and "1st 44" are at once playful and majestic. The first exploring the typically smiley-Cornish-acid-tekno genre with aplomb while the second implores deep subs and his galloping drum sequences to create a wobbly and cerebral track that plunges effortlessly into modern 'half-time' business, merging the best bits of techno, glitch, footwork and IDM in a truly Aphex flavoured broth.

Flip the disc and "MT1 T29r2" explores the darker and deranged sides of his persona - utilizing the Kork's MS-20 filter to maximum devastation while more peppery, skitting drum flurries explode out of the recesses of the mix. Finally, "Abundance10edit[2 R8's, FZ20m & A 909]" (phew!) sees James showing off with his world beating drum programming. Can anyone sequence beats better than AFX? No way hosay - as this final tracks sends us tumbling, flailing and spiraling into the speaker stacks like no-one else can. Still the king of electronic music? Youbetcha! Another essential addition from this acid overlord. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Every time there's a new Aphex release I'm convinced I've grown out of him and won't like it. Time and time again I've proved wrong as this producer par excellence continues to be ten steps ahead of the pack.

FORMAT INFORMATION

Ltd 12" Info: 12” in paper inner in Procédé Heliophore silver foil sleeve. First pressing only. DL card insert (includes bonus track pthex)

12" Info: 12” in printed inner in printed outer sleeve. DL card insert (includes bonus track pthex).

CD Info: CD in 4 panel wallet.

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Cover of Han Zon Roc EP by Max Essa.

Max Essa

Han Zon Roc EP

Hell Yeah

A year after his debut outing on the label, Max Essa makes a welcome return to Hell Yeah with the "Han zon Roc EP", a horizontal triptych boasting more of his impossibly laidback offerings.
Essa is of course the long time UK talent whose releases on labels like Aficionado, Music for Dreams, and his own Jansen Jardin have cemented his place in the Balearic mafia. 
Opener 'Han zon Roc (Midori Coup)' is an epic 12 minute adventure that slowly awakens your spirit with new age guitar plucks and heavenly ambience before organic drums slowly being to drift into earshot. They grow ever larger as synths start to spray about the mix, hand drums pitter patter and big chords bring the soul-shine. It's like the soundtrack to an afternoon boat party all condensed into one brilliant cut.
‘How You Showed Me Everything' then gets super chill with lazy drum tumbles, bendy guitar lines and scattered hits. Withering cosmic chords colour the airwaves and its a track that will slow your heartbeat to nothing.
Last of all, 'Rain Bird's Alfalfa Jam' is a analogue drum work out with early 90s hip hop influences and diving basslines. It's light and airy, nimble and playful and of course filled with the sort of tropical rays that make all of Essa works so brilliantly escapist.


STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Extending the usual Hell Yeah hospitality and warmth, label boss Peedoo once again coaxes the very best out of man in Japan Max Essa, who raises the bar with his second release on the label. Simple and subtle rhythms play freely beneath the endless string of irresistible melodies, while the expansive arrangements conjure stunning visions of coastal vistas. Max Essa, at his best on one of the best labels around - class!

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Cover of BAR Records 01 by Sacha Mambo / Fader.

Sacha Mambo / Fader

BAR Records 01

BAR Records

Uber-cool Dutch venue BAR Rotterdam make their transition from club to label this week, opening their account with help of two of their favourite guests Sacha Mambo and Fader. Given the same musical freedom on the record as they enjoy in the colourful club space, Sacha and Fader cook up trippy acid jams and futuristic trance dance respectively, setting the label up with the perfect debut.
French label boss Sacha Mambo takes the reins on the A-side working his wonked out magic with a pair of perfect metal dancers. "Black Summer" starts the party with loose percussion, limber synth bass and lysergic acid, all laying the foundations for echo drenched sax skronks, detuned guitar licks and tribal whoops. It's a little like stumbling into a James Chance gig on a heroic dose and losing yourself in the oil projections. Next up "Beaubar" (in its Acid Psychedelic form) stomps and snarls through tough new beat drums, buzzing synths and crunchy industrial idents, applying maximum pressure to your brainstem. Flip it and we're locked in the groove with Borneo producer Fader, who flips our lids with the ecstatic vamps and gurgling bassline of "Mode 500", a gently jacking dose of dream house with just a touch of Kwaito roll in the percussion. After that we wooze out with the morphine mist of "Denox", a particularly hazy piece of club science with delicate chime melodies, full bodied bass and intricate drum programming. I've never been to BAR, but it seems I need to book my flight!

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Mega leftfield dancers here from Sacha Mambo and Fader on the newly minted BAR imprint. On the B-side Borneo's Fader brings it with two unorthodox house cuts, perfectly balancing light and dark, while Sacha steals the show on the A-side with the metal dance masterpiece "Black Summer", a tripped out fusion of cosmic, post punk and acid - buy on sight!

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Cover of The Willo / Energy by Toy.

Toy

The Willo / Energy

Tough Love

    Since 2010, Toy have earned a reputation as a band of integrity, virtuosity and taste, with Tom, Maxim, Dominic, Charlie and (joining in 2015) Max creating a sound that is embedded in the underground tradition, yet distinctly their own. Now here comes a two-track twelve-inch on Tough Love, a foretaste of a forthcoming album in January 2019, which marks a new dawn for this most singular of bands.

    ‘The Willo’ is a dreamlike, seven-minute glide, redolent of a forest at sunset and just as pretty, but not without hints of malevolence. Maxim's fingerpicking acoustic melds with electric twang from Dominic, and a whirling organ from Max Oscarnold gives this elegant creation an extra layer of disorientation and depth. “People appear to have seen Will-o’-the-wisp, a mysterious green-blue light, over the centuries. It generally means something ominous is about to happen", says Tom.

    Then there is ‘Energy’, which lives up to its name with thunderously metronomic drums from Charlie Salvidge and a ferocious guitar from Dominic O’Dair. The lyrics, culled from a story written by Max about a nighttime ritual, are obscured by the barrage-like forward momentum of the music.

    The twelve-inch, recorded and mixed by the band between Oscarnold’s Stoke Newington flat and a south London studio, is the first release for Toy on their new label Tough Love, representing the latest stage in the evolution of the band. Since their inception, they have released the acclaimed albums Toy (2012), Join The Dots (2013) and Clear Shot (2016), and toured everywhere from Serbia to China, while holding onto that youthful, magical moment of discovering strange new worlds of innocence and experience.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Mine says: Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of TOY. The band return with "The Willo", a dreamy, innocent sounding song that quickly develops into the soundtrack to a ride through a magical forest, and "Energy", which with its pounding drums, driving bass and post punk-y, occasionally chaotic guitars could hardly sound more different. Two interesting songs that leave us excited for the new album!

    FORMAT INFORMATION

    Ltd 12" Info: Indies store exclusive - limited to 300 copies on black vinyl.

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    Cover of Future Disc (2018 Repress) by Sasac.

    Sasac

    Future Disc (2018 Repress)

    Fasaan

    Swedish synth botherer and established purveyor of the 'smooth-groove' revival returns with another brilliantly realised and effortlessly enticing EP for the ever-essential Fasaan. The evident fascination with the early 80's audio palette is present and correct, but this is homage done with a knowing 20th century something, which means this extended player distills things into a perfectly chilled glass of cocktail and beach bar delights as pastel slacked Donald Fagen hangs with Jan Hammer, who both buy a round for Loose Ends, while house-band Level 42 tune up across the bay. A little late for Summer maybe, but no doubt these will still be at the front of the Balearic record bag next year too !

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Since its original (criminally limited) release in 2016, Sasaac's Balearic boogie masterpiece has shot to the top of everyone's wantlist. Thankfully Fasaan have taken pity and provided a fresh pressing for 2016. Cocktail coolers and coastal groovers of the finest AOR disco vintage.

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    Cover of Diamonds EP by Sin Falta.

    Sin Falta

    Diamonds EP

    Youth

    Andy Lister's Youth imprint continues in earnest following a sell-out smash from MCR's own Fumu.

    Sin Falta fills in the blanks between Kassem Mosse, Ossia and the whole fervent UK electronix scene. "Diamonds" is a squelchy and discordant, slo-mo robotic dance featuring malfunctioning analogue elements and a primordial beat. "Noh Mas" is smudged and dubby, surely paying tribute to the moody and captivating meandyou nights the label head once founded.

    "I,I" concludes with a tumbling slow breakbeat garnished with soulful vocal chops and more blurred aesthetics. More in tune with the wind-down and after session than the dancefloor energy required for the middle of the night but equally arresting when placed in its correct context.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Follow up to the incredible Fumu Cd from t'other week and it's onwards and upwards for Lister's Youth label. TIP!

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    Cover of The Storm EP - Inc Heap Remix by Mr TC & Lo Kindre.

    Mr TC & Lo Kindre

    The Storm EP - Inc Heap Remix

    Neubau

    Glaswegian sound wizards MR TC and Lo Kindre step up for the next Neubau EP and deliver two dubbed out slow jams for backwards dancers, day trippers and glue sniffers. Both original tracks make up a super hypnotic listening experience with exactly the right amount of bass impact! A-side cut "The Storm" makes spaced out use of ring modulation and tape delay, coating the solid foundation of simple drum programming and pulsating bass with all manner of spectral goop. Slow AF, acid tinged oddness with a few disembodied vocals chucked in for good measure. Next up "The Waving Bridge" works through slo-mo b-lines, shoulder rolling percussion and all manner of outlandish fx, kinda like Sordid Sound System at his slowest and strangest. For the B-side label boss Heap comes through with a stripped back, psyched out remix of "Storm" which could easily soundtrack a visual sequence depicting your idea of time travel. 

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Put your hands up for Glasgow! Scottish troublemakers Mr TC and Lo Kindre join the Neubau ranks with a pair of slo-mo, psyched out synth jams found floating just outside the New Beat quadrant. Neabau boss Heap takes the controls for the B-side, stripping things back and spacing them out for a mind altering remix.

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    Cover of Anform - Inc. Project Pablo Remix by Priori.

    Priori

    Anform - Inc. Project Pablo Remix

    ASL Singles Club

    "Anform" is propably the highlight for me on this killer EP.  With old school hi-hats, spacey synths and a thumpy cushy beat. The bassline is magic too. 

    Project Pablo goes dubby with his take on 'Anform'. Sorry folks, but the Rhythm & Sound spirit is well alive and kickin here. Not a bad thing when done right and Pablo nails it. Respect.
    'Flow Systems' is a bit darker with its owerpowering synths and noisy dub emerging when least expected. It is what I call 'gentle techno', appropriate for both club and home. 
    'Leveler' is definetely the most dancefloor oriented track in this great 12''. Flirtatious tonalities with acid are always a good thing in my book. The beat is relentless and old school. This is dance stuff at its best. Again, respect. 


    This is definetely the techno 12" of the week. Get it, you will not regret it


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: This is a 12" I will play over and over. Quality all around. Super good techno vibes for home and the outside world. Great package with Pablo delivering a dubby techno diamond. Truly good, only for you.

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    Cover of Excavation & Survey EP by Estrato Aurora.

    Estrato Aurora

    Excavation & Survey EP

    Appian Sounds

    Appian Sounds return to the Piccadilly shelves with this brand new EP by up and coming Spanish talent Estrato Aurora. Hailing from Valencia, and with a phenomenal array of hardware at his disposal, Estrato Aurora has dreamt up a beautiful deep Techno EP titled "Excavation And Survey". 4 tracks that can be played during sub-heavy warm-up duties, deep into the night for a heads-down foggy vibe or early in the morning for something a bit warmer, tripping and uplifting. Timeless cuts to suit all intimate dance floors.



    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Minimal techno and a bit of electro at its best. On the dubby, hypnotic, atmospheric side of things. This is not a cheap copy of the Basic Channel productions. This is rather futuristic and intense. Yet warm and groovy Loving it, in particular the electro acid number on 'Valencia Affair'. Hypnotic and relaxing.

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    Cover of Fresh Gildans by Linkwood.

    Linkwood

    Fresh Gildans

    Firecracker

    One of Firecracker’s founding fathers returns once more, this time shoving two fingers up to current DJ conventions smashing out a 150 BPM electrofunk hybrid. On the flip, two deeper cuts traversing ambient wormholes and reflecting that classic Linkwood sound.

    Linkwood's productions have always permeated class and sophistication whether he's turning his house to downbeat, house, techno or weirdo instrumental hip-hop. This excursion into faster tempo is as impressive as it is seductive, and has us all here at the shop itchy to here it played out loud and direct.

    Meanwhile, the trippy wash of "Solar Panel" reflects time spent with label mate and luminary, Vakula as it flutters delicate synthesizes textures, pads and atmospherics over an evocative soundscape of bird song and wavering chords. "Another Late Night" concludes in vintage Linkwood form - a bouncy, squelchy, deeeep house affair with pricks, pokes and teases and the mind and body through Linkwood's advanced and highly proficient sound design.

    Another tour de force from this UK legend. Most recommended. 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Firecracker co-founder and darling of UK dance music shows us a less displayed side to his persona - a 150bpm electro-funk banger that'll wriggle its way into most of Mancunia's record boxes...

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    Cover of Whities 016 by Giant Swan.

    Giant Swan

    Whities 016

    Whities

    Bristol-based pair Giant Swan have built a much-deserved fanbase seemingly overnight thanks to their hybrid sound (drawing on noise, dub, pop etc etc), DIY approach and emotionally-charged live shows. Tasker: “I came across their music after receiving their 2016 EP ‘Earn’ on FuckPunk by mistake. RWDFWD clearly decided it was better than whatever thing I’d tried to order – and I’m glad they did."

    The sleeve incorporates 1:1 scale floral embroidery design with a hi-vis metallic silver back. 

    But, excuse me sir, what the heck am I getting If I take the plunge and I purchase this 12''?  You will get some serious hard hitting techno joints and chaotic mayhem but in a good way! And as described above, you get a beautiful sleeve too. 
    Will tots get a response from zombies in clubs / terraces / basements and disconfort among your family and neighbours. Control the bass knob please!
    Great as a soundtrack for when escaping killers and looters when the end of the world strikes. Make sure you have a decent car sound system to handle the bass! You have been warned.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Chillingly good no nonsense techno killers on this one. Not for everyone but the vocals make it slightly more poppy and acceptable, I guess. You will not hear this on mainstream radio or in dross-ridden bars and clubs. And that is a good thing!

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    Cover of Global 95 EP by Jesse Rae.

    Jesse Rae

    Global 95 EP

    Southside Shufflers

    Yes, it's the bonafide Scottish 80's funk machine that is Jesse Rae. The man, the myth, the legend. Back in the 80s Jesse Rae, along with Roger Troutman and Bernie Worrell, was part of the P-Funk movement that was hugely influential to Detroit’s early electronic experiments. Lesser known is that the enigmatic Scot-funk warrior later produced underground electronic tracks in the 90s.

    The inaugural release on Glasgow label Southside Shufflers presents two of Jesse’s Shufflers on vinyl for the first time. "Global 95 EP" - a sampler from his pioneering 1995 album "Compression" features two unbelievably crafted tracks. One, a cybernetic electro-funk / cosmic hybrid which has to be heard to be believed; the other, an out-there, esoteric house jam conceived twenty three years before the current torrent of rainforest / shamanic business! Ever the innovator, Jesse recorded the album collaboratively using live ISDN technology spanning three continents, with the resultant tracks fusing African, US electro-funk and old Scots influences. 23 years later, Jesse’s under the radar Shufflers sound more relevant than ever.

    Southside Shufflers are a record label and sports collective based in Glasgow with outposts in London and Amsterdam. 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Where the fux this come from?! Glasgow continues to make an impact on the global stage withe a new label excavating this cosmic-electro Scotch bonnet - massive!

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    Cover of Two Bar House Music & Chord Stuff Vol.3 by Frits Wentink.

    Frits Wentink

    Two Bar House Music & Chord Stuff Vol.3

    Wolf Music

    The third and final instalment in Frits' 'Two Bar House Music & Chord Stuff' sees him continue to showcase his distinct style of lo-fi, wonky house - both quirky & unconventional, yet instantly endearing in the same breath.

    Served up first in Frits' melting pot, 'Theme 09' kicks things off with a shuffling, UKG esque rhythm and RnB flexed vocal snippets, alongside floaty arps and that 'chord stuff' that swells and stabs in the mix. Throw in a weighty bass and Frits' trademark analogue wonkiness and you've got a prime example of a Wentink wobbler. Next up, 'Theme 10' hits you with an organ melody reminiscent of a warped Crystal Waters, before twisting and turning into an edgy off-kilter house track. A glitchy synth line, bouncing bass and dreamy pads will hook you till the end.

    Flip it and 'Theme 11' offers up a chuggier affair where glistening arps are interspersed with squelchy and sustained synths. Elements and effects are combined throughout, mesmerising you with a glimpse into the wonky world of the Frits'. Closing it out Wentink leaves you with a quirky club stomper, coupling a gritty bassline, saturated loops and off kilter, lo-fi stabs all tied together with a driving kick.

    Across this 3-part series Frits' has left the fancy titles at the door, letting the music do the talking and demonstrating his penchant for making interesting, engaging and distinctive house music…. not your average two bar house music and chord stuff.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Frits Wentink is back and that can only be a good thing. It is! Bubbly, forward thinking, imaginative and playful dancefloor oriented deep house at its finest. Try to ignore the title of this series and focus on the music. It is plainly speaking, outstanding!

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    Cover of Sleaford Mods EP by Sleaford Mods.

    Sleaford Mods

    Sleaford Mods EP

    Rough Trade Records

    This is the band’s first new music since last year’s top 15 album “English Tapas” The EP was recorded in Spring 2018 in Nottingham, and features five new tracks including lead track “Stick in a Five & Go”. The band are confirmed to play two nights at London’s Roundhouse on September 21st & 22nd 2018 and also their biggest hometown show at Nottingham’s Concert Hall on September 30th. They also play their biggest Paris show too at Le Triannon on 26th Sept, some Scottish dates in November with shows in Copenhagen and Amsterdam planned for November too.

    The band are currently in the studio in Nottingham working on tracks for a new album planned for March 2019.

    Jason Williamson says about the new songs “the lead tracks are mostly full of violent tendencies that only transpire through imagination. People are powerless under the political monster and the intense anger and frustration morphs into illusions of attacking each other through the bravado of social media, depression and paranoia.”

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    Cover of Yuksek Edits by Yuksek.

    Yuksek

    Yuksek Edits

    Razor-N-Tapes

    Continuing their relentless pace, RNT keeps the pressure on the dance floor with a four-tracker of solid heat from seasoned French producer Yuksek. Whether flipping an underground disco darling in 'How I Love To Dance,' working a percussive DJ tool to perfection with 'The Beat' swinging the low-slung funk of 'Think of You' or paying homage to an icon of French disco kitsch with 'Dance In Disco,' this 12 has a little something for every dancer and time of night. Allez France!

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: The Razor N Tape domination on the edits world is non-debatable. 12" after 12" they show us that quality does not decrease. And I believe the reason for such caliber is variety and eclecticism. The four tracks on this installment share a common denominator... dancefloor-centred breaks. The four cuts are almost peak time material. They are all that good, folks. Do not sleep.

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    Cover of DOYOURECORDS 001 by Various Artists.

    Various Artists

    DOYOURECORDS 001

    Do You Recrds

    Charlie Bone's 'Do!! You!!!' breakfast show is one of NTS' flagship shows, highlighting the station's exploratove, non-corporate ethos and championing of new, under-appreciated, strange and deep musics.

    'The Do!! You!!' show mixes comedy skits with conversation, music and Charlie’s new gambit of ad libbing via the NTS chat room stream to create a show that is thought provoking, opinionated and entertaining.

    Humble and self-deprecating, yet somewhat larger-than-life, Charlie Bones’ honest appraisal of life and its banality creates a breakfast show, the likes of which you’ll not likely to hear on commercial airwaves.'

    Here we have the first release / compilation, curated and authorized by Charlie himself and, I think, pressed with the help of the good peeps at Rubadub. Spanning three different styles, but keeping the 'hard joy' and 'warmth but with teeth' ideals he holds true; Bruce Hackford reviists '79-era disco with "You Get High In NYC" - a jubulent and uptempo disco tune full of strings and congas and informed by Salfoul Orchestra's cinematic escapades. Dog & Fox is a woozy, abstract downbeat hip-hop jam that epitomizes the sound of post-millenium London with its intricate sound design and head-nodding drums. 

    All three tracks, no matter what their tempo, seem to have this energizing and optimistic glow which makes them perfect for the morning and dmonstrate Charlie B as a skilled and stylish curator, DJ and artist. Look at for plenty more from this cat in the pipeline!




    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Charlie Bones has become a household name amongst the fervent and exploratory music lovers of today. Now launching a new label off the back of his globally adored breakfast show, Do!! You!!! opens the day with a shine!

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    Cover of Universe Of Love by Rhythm Of Paradise.

    Rhythm Of Paradise

    Universe Of Love

    Cosmic Rhythm

    Old school house style done today and made with class. In 'Universe of Love' you get luscious landscapes and 'clean' melodies. It is fun and sunny on this track. 'Mellow' is mellower than the former but not that chilled. Its menacing bassline still rocks it enough to make this a great track on your house set. The piano line has a whale of a time on this one. 
     
    On B side we have 'Mystical Ambience'. Tropical, rythmic, a bit rushed on the bpms but as with the rest of this EP, melody is at the center stage and joins all the pieces together. Bassline bassline and more bassline. Always omnipresent and groovy. 'Essenve' is perhaps the darkest sheep here with its metallic beat and brutalist bassline. Yet the beat is more chilled so it keeps things under control. Definetely a builder this one. 
     
    Pretty solid 4 tracker with italo and techno as main influences. Will not bore you and should be shortlisted on your... list!


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: So yes, this is a mixture of italo and techno that does not deceive. It is done well and punchy enough to be included in any house set out there. Do shortlist this one as it is pretty decent.

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    Cover of Music - Inc. Boris Dlugosch Remixes by Syncbeat.

    Syncbeat

    Music - Inc. Boris Dlugosch Remixes

    Running Back Super Sound Singles

    A really special re-issue here from Running Back's archival imprint, Super Sound Singles. "Music" by Syncbeat is one of the crowning glories of the UK electro / street sounds scene. Pioneers by Greg Wilson (who stated: 'The track that received the best response was “Music” by Syncbeat, which was full of good vibes... when discussing the underground legacy of UK electro). It also found favour with our European friends in Hamburg - at Stockhausen and Dlugosch's seminal Front Club.

    Originally released in 1984 via Street Sounds resp. Streetwave and later licensed to German omnivore Zyx Records. The project was a joint venture between Greg Wilson alongside Manchester musicians Martin Jackson & Andy Connell. It combines a frenetic and jubulent sound palette that could blow the roof of both the Hacienda and Tony Humphries Zanzibar; the gated electro-bass, incessant hand claps and tribal chant could, as Greg Wilson stated, gone onto be recreated as a legendary house track, but this proto blueprint from the mid 80's was all a B-boy or club kid would need to start pulling moves.

    Reissued with fresh mixes from Boris Dlugosch who played a large part in ignirting Running Back's interest in the track, it comes with four (count 'em!) different versions plus some bonus materieal such as the tribal refrain or stripped back beats.

    Already causing a fuss here in store, and it's not properly out till 2moz (!!) this could well be one of the big anthems across the locale and beyond for the next season or two. Get in on the action early by grabbing your copy pronto!


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: One of those record's that's so large you can't believe you haven't heard it before. Well, I fear all that's about to change proceeding this tasty re-ish from the good folks Running Back.

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    Cover of Control: Applications by Jack Roland.

    Jack Roland

    Control: Applications

    Natural Sciences

    Jack Roland pulls apart the control mechanisms of the club environment and the way this living and breathing installation can be a tool of elevation or suppression. Using club sounds as instruments for this idea, "Control / Applications" is a split release born out of Amsterdam's warehouse scene, fusing together electro matrix rhythms, IDM, with warped hums and breaks used by dancers and performers heading up the rave. With a track on our Future Works III comp last year, this is his debut record on the label: a release challenging superstructures buried among the sweat particles of the floor.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Got blessed with a USB full of unreleased NS tackle from label head Alex and this was one of the crowning glories. Now available for all to enjoy - rock solid factory line mechanizes and wrecking ball techno for the up-all-nite cru.

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    Cover of Jambo by Jacques Renault.

    Jacques Renault

    Jambo

    Stamp

    Everyone loves a cheeky edit, and they don't come much cheekier than this latest DJ disc from the fine folks at Stamp. The reliable firm do it again, enlisting the production talents of renowned edit maestro Jacques Renault, who dusts off his wedding box, pulls out a surefire floor filler and flips it into something frisky, fun and club friendly. Working the looper and filters into overdrive, Jacques smashes out a BIG extension of Lionel Rich Tea's fromage fantasy "All Night Long". Focussing his attention on the tropical lilt of the "Eyyy jambo jambo" break, the producer utileses plenty o' party noise, a little additional percussion and a new and improved bassline to turn out a peak time edit powerhouse. Over on the flip we find an extended version for those who just can't get enough, providing the perfect anecdote to a tiring dance floor. If you dig on Late Nite Tuff Guy, Greg Wilson and those killer Todd Terje edits, you're gonna be all over this one. 


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    Cover of Healthy Edits by Kool DJ Dust.

    Kool DJ Dust

    Healthy Edits

    Take Away

    All the way from Sweden, chef Kool DJ Dust makes a special guest appearance on Take Away with a three course meal that includes plenty of spice and aroma...

    You are already familiar with the Take Away label. They are the ones behind the mega popular Soul Reductions 'Got To Be Loved' edits... yes, those filter house dancefloor bombs that we keep ordering again and again from our dance distro. 

    This time Kool DJ Dust turns things down a notch and he takes the steamy soulful disco avenue producing three beautiful edits. 'Really Love You' is an energetic, full of life and happy tune with a ridiculously gorgeous vocals and a piano ridden melody, and all of it ridden by a relenteless rich rhythm section. In 'The Teacher' you are given a lesson on what love is and repercussions - very sensual tune, folks. 'Summer Night' is classic disco with an incredibly good break. A great tune to open your summer gigs!


    A great package on a great label. Grab it whilst you can. 

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Take Away strikes again and the quality is still there. This time a bit more chilled - less housy, more discoid. 'Really Love You' is my choice here with that elegant piano and strong vocals. Get one, this one is brilliant!

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    Cover of Edits EP 2 by Cottam.

    Cottam

    Edits EP 2

    Ele Records

    For the 5th in the Ele Records catalogue esteemed producer Cottam brings two killer edits to the table. The A side sees a joyous disco rework, extending and expanding elements to really hone in on that exuberant bassline and string section.

    Flip it over and 'Jigsaw' delivers a dusty mixture of afro rhythms and stirring spoken words to entrance any audience it is played for. 

    Cottam has been doing edits for a while now. Slowly but surely he is earning his place among the best editors out there. He digs deep to unearth great songs that are not that well known and makes them dancefloor friendly without being tacky or vulgar. We salute you Cottam. Keep them coming!

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Serious disco bomb edit on 'Affair' (A side) full of happiness and positive vibes (killer break, my friends - that bassline!) and to finish it all off a full B side ('Jigsaw')with plenty of afro beat rhythms with almost jarring vocals on top... this is my fave here. Timeless piece. Cottam does it yet again. His carefully selected tracks and carefully crafted edits deserve a place in your collection.

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    Cover of Monster VIP - Inc. Batu Remix by The Maghreban.

    The Maghreban

    Monster VIP - Inc. Batu Remix

    R&S

    R&S The Maghreban returns to R&S for a new single following his dark debut album 01DEAS, perhaps with an icier sound.
    Monster VIP is a reworking of a double time rap track from The Maghreban's Strange U side project; he added breaks and rolled it out. End level bosses lurk. Beware of the monster. Rave navel-gazing back to his roots: his first ever release was a jungle 12” in 1994. Early support from Ben UFO.
    On the flip, Batu (Timedance/XL) offers up crisp percussion and ominous sound design in his energetic 140 remix of album opener “Eddies”.
    Then the EP is closes out with “Carpet Bombing”, the title of which references the producer adding more and more notes to the main percussive motif as it builds and builds.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: One for the open minds out there. Including me! It is icy cold, industrial, broken, with acidic threats here and there and all of it with killer bass for the bad boy and girls out there! R&S does not let down its clientele.

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    Cover of The Secret Seapony E.P by The Secret Seapony (feat. Afrahis JJ, Tom Ace & Ulli).

    The Secret Seapony (feat. Afrahis JJ, Tom Ace & Ulli)

    The Secret Seapony E.P

    Ullis Tapes

    Norwegian Seapony Power! Must have for fans of Sex Tags, Sued, Major Problems and Workshop.

    The Secret Seapony's debut EP with 4 pieces of varied cuts. Joined by Hillevåg dwellers: Afrahis JJ, Tom Ace & Ulli. Introduced with scattered morse codes pumped into deep turquoise oceans from the acidic dubmarine. Chiming lost triangles of Bermuda-trance w/ solid squared TB 303-bubbles and deep MS10 waves.

    B-side greets nature with an uplifting melodic percussion session lead by JJ´s solid DX´ing and playful muranidaes. Last cut comes with full blesselse and merges into a bliss trip w/ Tom Ace & Ulli.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: More shamanic house business for our ever expanding section!

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    Cover of Knife Edge Heart by Timothy Clerkin.

    Timothy Clerkin

    Knife Edge Heart

    Ransom Note

    Fresh from starting his own label Insult To Injury, Timothy Clerkin returns to taste making label and blog Ransom Note with the "Knife Edge Heart" EP. Three tracks of stirring, emotional techno for dark basements and warm hearts.

    The MVP here is "Knife Edge Heart", an unabashed pop song whose shimmering exterior is cut through with flashes of steely darkness. Frequent collaborator Natalie Reiss’ glacial voice is held at the perfect level of remove, while Timothy allows his love of shoegaze to blossom with a guitar line that seems to extend like a ladder to the stars.

    "With You" bridges Timothy’s opposing impulses, balancing sparkling synths and a celestial vocal sample with churning low-end, while "Divisive" is paranoid warehouse techno at its very best. With his debut solo album out soon on Phantasy, Gabe Gurnsey of Factory Floor stops by for a lurching, seasick remix of "Knife Edge Heart" that sounds like the onset of the robot apocalypse we’ve all been promised for so long.

    After cutting his teeth as one half of Eskimo Twins, Timothy launched his solo career in 2014 under the now-retired Heretic moniker. He’s since released on labels including Throne of Blood, Hard Fist and Days of Being Wild. Timothy’s last release on R$N was the 'Serenade' EP, which brought us plenty of special moments last year - most memorably Andrew Weatherall closing out his Houghton quarry set with "Execute". 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Cutting edge and tastemaking blog / label / party Random Note continue to pervey they're own blend of electronic party tracks and enlist Tim Clerkin in for record no. 2 on the label.

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    Cover of Kojo In København by Kojo Antwi.

    Kojo Antwi

    Kojo In København

    Music For Dreams

    Copenhagen's unstoppable Balearic heroes Music For Dreams team up with Fyraften Musik for a mega reissue of Kojo Antwi's highlife disco anthem "Hini Mi". Recorded in Denmark in 1986 by the then up and coming afro pop singer Kojo Antwi from Ghana, the tunes were issued in limited numbers as he was leaving Denmark on the hunt for wider international acclaim. Though a popular favorite on cassette in Ghana his debut album was only released in small numbers in Europe and never achieved the same attention. The tracks selected here showcases Kojo’s transition from the highlife sound of the Classique Vibes to the more drum machine driven highlife disco on ‘Hini Mi’ aswell as the deep, computerized reggae on ‘Emeribi Be Ba’.  Remastered and cut on a 45rpm 12” this reissue brings the songs to new levels in terms of fidelity.
    The two first tracks on his release are a document of the first solo recordings Kojo Antwi did and some of the most intriguing African music recorded on Danish soil (perhaps anywhere). The A-side ‘Hini Mi’ was done together with Solomon, Osibio and Danish saxophonist Michael Nielsen (who had record with ghanese super star Pat Thomas a year earlier in Togo) in 1986 in Custom Sound Lab in the heart of Copenhagen. Fusing the 80s highlife reggae sound of the Vibes with an uptempo disco/house beat of that era creating a unique song that became a hit in Ghana but unfortunately never got the recognition it was due here. The second track on this EP ‘Emeribi Be Ba’ – a slow computerized reggae song - was together with Hini Mi part of Kojo’s debut album. The album was released twice first on Kojo’s own imprint (which was shelved) and later on the German burger highlife label Kame records. For some reason which for some reason is also very scarce. The final track on the EP ‘Miribe-Bom’, lifted from the second Classiq Vibes album recorded in 1985, ranks amongst some of the finest mid 80s highlife and shows were Kojo was coming from musically.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Oi Kenny, slow down a bit! Not content with the Balearic-folk of a Prins Emmanuel LP and the AOR excellence of Okinawa Delays, Mr Bager's Music For Dreams team up with fellow Danes Fyraften Musik for this reissue of Kojo Antwi's Afro-disco masterpiece "Hini Mi". All those people who went daft for Tabu Ley Rocheau's "Hafi Deo" need to take note, this proto-house Afro heater is every bit as good. Chuck in a killer digi-reggae cut on the flip and a Highlife hit and you've got a record of the week on your hands.

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    Cover of Blue Bullet EP by Andrew Weatherall.

    Andrew Weatherall

    Blue Bullet EP

    Byrd Out

    Almost exactly a year after his first EP on Byrd Out (the Kiyadub EP), the legendary Andrew Weatherall returns with new material for a second release. Andrew invited a mate round to his studio to try out a Les Paul his friend was looking to buy. As it turns out, his mate was Ride's (and Oasis') guitarist Andy Bell. Anyway, Andrew suggested he test the guitar out over a track he was working on, and ‘Making Friends With The Invader’ is the resulting track, which Andrew paired with the EP’s title track ‘Blue Bullet’. Both tracks plough the trippy, cosmic dub furrow, and come in at a weighty 8 and 9 minutes plus. On the A-side "Blue Bullet" pairs a gloomy post-punk B-line with mindwarping dub fx and flawless sound design, winding out the subs like a stoned Golden Teacher or Adrian Sherwood in a K-hole. Over on the flip Wevvers knocks up a more traditionally dubby bassline, makes liberal use of the fx units and leaves space for Andy Bell to strum, pick and shred somewhere between shoegaze, ska and Floyd. 1000 vinyl only. Grab them while you can! Mastered by Noel Summerville. Artwork by G.S-L Studio. 

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    Cover of Very Important by Ben Penn.

    Ben Penn

    Very Important

    Safe Trip

    June 2018, Amsterdam, NL: 12 months ago we concluded a series of experiments with a test subject named Ben Penn. A year on, we decided to repeat this experiment at his Tilburg base. Once again, the results were startling...
    .
    After being provided with a sizeable dose of an enhanced and notably stronger derivative of 4-Ho Met (codenamed ST011), Penn not only reported intense hallucinations but also enhanced music production capabilities. With the aid of electronic instruments and hardware, he worked quickly, producing both his trademark “higher level inter-dimensional funk” and compositions that defied our previous expectations.

    During the early stages of his ST011 experience, Penn completely ignored the provided Rhythm Composer and instead crafted a colourful, humid, jazzy and beat-free track entitled “Nix”, which boasted loose and fluid synthesizer motifs. As his hallucinatory experience intensified, Penn giddily tapped out tropical rhythms on the provided beat-making device, smothering them in alien electronics and sticky melodies. When we asked what this devilishly good cut was called, he simply replied: “Not Important”.

    As the test went on and the most intense symptoms died down, Penn was much like his old self. Before the ST011 wore off completely, he was able to finish two examples of his trademark “inter-dimensional funk”: the skewed, introspective, bassline-driven wooziness of “Ben” and the mazy, kaleidoscopic goodness of “People”. The latter composition was particularly potent and ear pleasing, suggesting that his ST011 experience had finished on an intense high

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: More synthetic 4/4 funk from Young Marco's entirely psychedelic Safe Trip imprint. This time round, Ben Penn hits us with a vibrating beatless jam, a tropical tonker and a pair of saucer-eyed steamers (check that bassline on "Ben"!). Grab a copy and rock a dance floor.

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    Cover of River Come Down by Andre Tanker.

    Andre Tanker

    River Come Down

    Jamwax

    After dropping Andre Tanker’s wonderful “Back Home” on our toes, Jamwax now hit us with "River Come Down" in its 12'' version.

    Originally released on the Contraband label in 1979 and recorded at famous Semp studio in Trinidad, “River Come Down” is a blend of islands funk, soul, disco, soca with also a touch of gospel: “River, the river come down, the river come down, the river down...wind blow like a hurricane...the river come down, washing the right, washing the wrong, washing the weak, washing the strong, the river come down...”
    On the other side you will find an obscure synth instrumental released on an impossible to find 7'' in 1986. “Movin Round” was produced by Andre Tanker for Horace Wilson's Turn of The Tide. This song was absolutely under the radar and remains a strong banger for any dances.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Massive tropical disco/Island funk scorchers here from Jamwax, as they reissue two of Andre Tanker's top tonkers on one club ready 12". On the A-side, "River Come Down" rolls its low slung groove along like the deepest Black funk, while the flip breezes in with drum machines and tropical flavours - perfect for any Badarou fans out there.

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    Cover of EP by Mutable03.

    Mutable03

    EP

    Mutable

    The mystifying oracle that is Mutable blesses us once more with 'his' supernatural selections.
    If you're a fan of the Idjuts, Eric Duncan or Justin Vandervolgen then get your hand in your pocket, this record needs a home and that home is you.
    Featuring slow mo gurgling 303's, space synths, dubbed out vocals and more congas and cowbells than a Brazillian street party. If all edit 12's were like this we'd spend a lot less time crying into our headphones and a lot more time dancing on our swivel chairs.
    We still don't know who Mutable is but if he/she/they carry on in this vein, all power to them.



    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: You have just found our disco record of the week. Man, this is quality craftmanship. Three dark disco diamonds (at least for me) and a proto house beauty given the edit treatment in a polite, respecful manner. I am getting a copy, are you?

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    Cover of Mmm Mmm / Square 1 by Redinho.

    Redinho

    Mmm Mmm / Square 1

    Roya

    Redinho returns with two heavyweight tracks - ‘Square 1’ featuring Kimbra and ‘Mmm Mmm featuring Vula. After a solo album on Numbers, working as Hudson Mohawke’s musical director on the ‘Lantern’ tour and producing for the transatlantic rap group Swet Shop Boys with Riz Ahmed and Heems, Redinho is now focusing back on his solo output and these new tracks feature his signature sugar-rush R&B meets pop and electronic sound.
    ‘Mmm Mmm’ was crowned World’s Hottest Record by Annie Mac and features Vula of Basement Jaxx Fame. ‘Square 1’ features a Timbaland-esque beat with hypnotising sultry vocals from Grammy Award winning artist Kimbra, known for her feature on the Gotye single ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’. Both cuts come in vocal and instrumental versions - hot!

    In Redinho’s own words…

    ‘Mmm Mmm’: “This track was written by Nao and me. The original demo wound up on a HudMo mix in 2015 just as I was starting work as his musical director for the ‘Lantern’ live show. After that I got busy with producing Swet Shop Boys, but managed to get one of my absolute favourite singers Vula to do her thing on this track because she killed it so hard when we used to play it live. So I’m really happy this jam is finally getting released. I’ve lived with it for a while now but I’m stoked that when people hear it for the first time they’re like, oof.”

    ‘Square One’: “I wrote this track with Kimbra a few years ago when we were jamming in London. Those sessions produced ‘Sweet Relief’, a track I also wrote and produced with her, and also ‘Square One’. The initial loop was the result of jamming with my Talkbox, Kimbra messing with her Voice Live skills, and me sampling the whole thing as we went along. My brother John Calvert was also in the room and fleshed out some chords. Kimbra put down a brilliant guide vocal, then we did some back and forths online as she wrote the lyrics. Absolutely stoked to be finally releasing this track. Despite both of these tunes being written years ago, I’m proud that they still feel relevant and worth hearing.”

    STAFF COMMENTS

    David says: Woah, is Timbaland in the house? I haven't heard a groove as bad as this peak time R'n B' banger in years. Massive!

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    Cover of Exoticz by DJ Normal 4.

    DJ Normal 4

    Exoticz

    Second Circle

    Founding member and co-creator of ‘Aiwo rec.‘ DJ Normal 4 delivers Second Circle’s eleventh release to date with the EP ‘Exoticz’. Raised close to Düsseldorf in the Ruhr Area, Normal 4 grew up amongst a landscape of dusty factory skeletons and abandoned machine complexes in a formerly thriving industrial conglomerate. Bringing his signature sound of broken industrial dreams mixed with escapist rave fantasies, Normal 4 delves into the archives with two tracks ‘Kalaidoka’ and ‘Aeo’ recorded around 2011/2012, alongside a new track ‘La Arabia’. Produced at Altstadt Studio Mülheim an der Ruhr, with Normal 4’s good friend Anke Preuß on guitar and vocals, ‘Aeo’ is given the remix treatment by Phillip Otterbach on the ‘Aeo (Ottertasia Mix)’. On the B side the synth freak out ‘Kalaidoka’ is followed by ‘La Arabia’ which rides the breaks into a dusty moonlit desert rave.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Nothing normal about DJ Normal 4. That is an excellent thing when we look around and witness the amount of dross we are bombarded with every day. DJ Normal takes his rave experiences and creates a melange of industrial analogue house combo that sets him apart straight away. My favourite here is going to be 'La Arabia' with its middle eastern sensual sample surging among all the ravey atmospheres. Folks, this is worth your attention!

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    Cover of Magic Wand Vol. 13 by Magic Wand.

    Magic Wand

    Magic Wand Vol. 13

    Magic Wand

    More mellow magic from the enduring Magic Wand camp this week, as the long-running Balearic/disco imprint return with their thirteenth edition. Things take a tropical twist right from the off as we wind our hips and lick our lips to the breezy Island brilliance of "Deep Joy". Playful vocals, an easy groove and totally tropical flavours bubble away, welcoming us in ahead of the proto-house punch of "Salso Picante", a peaktime Balearic stomper with white funk licks, booming bass sequences and all kinds of tropical synth melodies. On the flip, "Teaser" takes us somewhere between boogie and freestyle, seriously 80s, entirely carefree and cool as you like, before the slow rolling "Think Like A Lover" teases your erogenous zones like an Eddie C flip of Ned Doheny's "Get It Up For Love". 

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    Cover of Omnibus Babylon EP by Legowelt.

    Legowelt

    Omnibus Babylon EP

    Clone West Coast Series

    Although still busy compared to most of the dance music™ industry, Danny Wolfers has actually been relatively quiet by his own standards, not releasing any original music since last year (although 'nuff work as always in the remix dept.)

    This four tracker for Clone's West Coast series breaks the hiatus and sees our trusty sine wave physician fire up his synth section once again! "Omnibus Babylon" opens the EP in direct fashion, a highly advanced preset ricocheting synthy rhythms against buzzy strings and a charging drum beat. Instantly Legowelt but ready to segue effortlessly into your next mainline techno set. "Learning To Fly" sees a calmer ascent, touching on deep Detroitian themes as Wolfer's advances the thrusters till we're leaving Earth's orbit. "Miskatonic Trimester" is a murky, post-3AM slayer for the up-all-nite-cru while the wonderfully titled "Golem Memory Bank" concludes the record with a dreamy, suspended, glistening take on aquatic space techno - somewhere between Drexciya, Derrick May and Sparky - prachtig!!



    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Four tracks of gentle Detroit techno vibe with luscious 'Golem Memory Bank' standing out for me with its pulsating acid bubbles. An atmospheric, old school ethos techno ep that keeps Legowelt at the top of the game. The man cannot stop!

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    Cover of Maps by Marijus Aleksa.

    Marijus Aleksa

    Maps

    Yam

    MAPS is a project by a London-based Lithuanian drummer and producer, Marijus Aleksa. This labour of love is the culmination of many hours spent touring and in-session with some of the greats of London’s bubbling contemporary jazz scene, resulting in Marijus’s first solo project to date. The EP combines elements of jazz, afrobeat and electronic music through free-form jamming and remixing, with movement and the dance floor firmly in mind.
    Musicians featured on the record have been playing and recording with likes of The Sun Ra Arkestra, Blue Lab Beats, Tony Allen, Mark de Clive Lowe, Ibibio Sound Machine, Seun Kuti, Matthew Herbert and many others.
    The record has received air play and support from the likes of Bradley Zero, Marshmello, Aaron L and Ashley Henry to name but a few.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Organic, jazzy and playful set of tracks on this afrobeat tinged ep that is perfectly suitable for an electronic music set. One of the standout 12" this week that would work wonder warming up the dancefloor.
    My favourite choice here is 'Run the Sun'. A slow builder with delicate elements joining the party as the track advances. Just beautiful and soothing.

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    Cover of Cheaters EP by Green Ink.

    Green Ink

    Cheaters EP

    Highlife

    This years' summer hits on Highlife comes courtesy of a new artist from Hamburg called Green Ink who's served up four uniquely brilliant global party smashers. I know... it is a bit late now. Heading non stop without breaks towards the depths of fall and winter. But for those of you who live in the southern hemisphere of this mega cool planet, this are paaaarty vibes without frills  If you need a straight to the jugular track go for 'Open Tikoloshe' with its exotic chant samples, killer beat and infectious bassline. Gosh it works wonders this one. 
    'Hymans Wrath' chills things a bit with its delicate synths and Chilean flute loop. Controversial yet good.  
    On 'Party' we go darker with its tribal rhythms but the melody and rude synths keeps us all afloat  Curious piece this one. 
    My favourite has to be the irreverent 'Human Catapults'. Minimalistic as they come with a thumpy, heavy and menacing basline and ace climax. Peak time number not to be missed. 

    This label keeps giving and that is only a good thing. Cheers.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: I have a soft spot for Highlife. It is a solid, irreverent label that wants to give you oddball tracks touching all genres. This release is no exception. You will find dancefloor bangers along more chilled off the beaten track cuts. But the overall feeling is a 'yes sir, give me two copies'!! Pretty good.

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    Cover of Zeroes (2018) / Beat Of Your Drum (2018) by David Bowie.

    David Bowie

    Zeroes (2018) / Beat Of Your Drum (2018)

    Warners

      This special limited edition DAVID BOWIE 7" picture disc, is a double A-side of the radio edits of 2018 versions of ZEROES and BEAT OF YOUR DRUM. Both tracks are from NEVER LET ME DOWN (2018), a new version of the 1987 album featured in the forthcoming boxset LOVING THE ALIEN (1983-1988) which is released on 12th October.

      NEVER LET ME DOWN (2018), is a new production of Bowie’s final ‘solo’ album of the ‘80s. Producer Mario McNulty worked on the tracks at Electric Lady Studios in New York with longtime Bowie musicians Sterling Campbell (Black Tie White Noise, Outside, ‘hours…’, Heathen, Reality and The Next Day) on drums, Reeves Gabrels (Tin Machine, Black Tie White Noise, Outside, Earthling and ‘hours...') & David Torn (Heathen, Reality and The Next Day) on guitars and Tim Lefebvre (Blackstar) on bass.

      ZEROES, the lyrics of which reference Prince’s Little Red Corvette was Bowie’s salute to the ‘60s. He described it as “The ultimate happy-go-lucky rock tune, based in the nonsensical period of psychedelia”. Mario McNulty commented, "Stripping this song down to its core revealed a track that could have been right at home on Hunky Dory, I kept Peter Frampton’s sitar (which was originally owned by Jimi Hendrix) as it still fits against the new guitars from Reeves Gabrels”.

      Of BEAT OF YOUR DRUM Mario McNulty says, “David Torn’s ambient guitars start the song that now lead into a much darker world than its shiny predecessor. David sang all the backing vocals on this which I have kept.”


      FORMAT INFORMATION

      Ltd 7" Info: Double A Side Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc.

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      Cover of Sueño Latino by Louis Botella.

      Louis Botella

      Sueño Latino

      Emerald City Music

      In 1989, an Italo-house act Sueño Latino released a self titled track, which went on to become one of the most revered electronic music records of all time. Louis Botella is now set to release a sensational remake on Emerald City this September.
      The track itself samples part of Manuel Göttsching’s influential E2-E4, an album known for its role in the development of house and techno. Fast forward to 2018 and the record is again set to be revived thanks to Louis Botella, and with the blessing and support of Göttsching and Expanded Music.
      On his interpretation of the track, Louis has stayed true to the original, replaying each part and adding an extra dimension to the tracks through a sparkling piano topline, a new vocal hook and dreamy arpeggiations.


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: E2-E4 on steroids. Is it a dream or a nightmare? It is the former actually. Thumpy, bubbly, transparent sounds and fresh and cool as a pina colada in a Benidorm resort! It is fun, catchy and possibly a success on the dancefloor. Can't test it in the shop's deck at the minute but on the headphones it causes me to want to shake my hips. Yes, this is good!

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      Cover of With You In Mind by Too Smooth Christ.

      Too Smooth Christ

      With You In Mind

      Supergenius

      Analogue powered music here from TSC on the fledging Supergenius imprint. Big gated drums, even bigger synthlines and a nice organic sway and flutter characterize the four productions as they touch on house, freestyle and boogie stylings, galvanized and ready for heavy speaker damage. Image if Hidden Groove had, instead of living in Glasgow, grown up around the pinnacle period of Chi-town house music and you'll be some way to grasping the sound contained within. Really strong!

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Matt says: Minters machine house here from presumed vape fiend Too Smooth Christ. From the water temple moods of the opener to the off kilter crackle of "Etoiles", this system rinser packs a heavyweight punch.

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      Cover of Everybody In The Past / Frigo by Autre.

      Autre

      Everybody In The Past / Frigo

      ESP Institute

      Autre fell asleep in a gondola and awoke in the Krankenhaus. This is his first offering for the ESP Institute. Side A’s Everybody In The Past is sharp techno aimed for the alleys of your mind — gritty, driving, and melodic combinations of blown-out drums and classic electro riffs that relentlessly sprint for a good 4 minutes before a squelching arpeggio and angelic solo kick in — tugging the heartstrings and lighting a beacon for those noble morning dancers lost at the front left speaker, channeling from the deep. On Side B, Frigo completely dismantles any expectations you might have after listening to its predecessor. An undoubtedly seductive Samba rhythm comprised of distant snares, rim shots and cowbells holds together an aggressively active bassline, a steel drum harmony and synth solo that crawl all over like a funky worm. This track is truly something special, a gift for the prodigious selector — when dropped in the deserved context, it has the potential to unlock unprecedented levels of euphoria. These two songs are as fluid as a paintbrush yet precise as a scalpel.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Euphoric, fast and acidic vibes on 'Everybody in the Past'. Flip it, and you have a sweet melody lead by some tropical marimba accompanied by some relentless beats resulting in some dreamlike escapist affair. Flipping good Sil says.

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      Cover of Universal Cave / Superprince Edits by Various Artists.

      Various Artists

      Universal Cave / Superprince Edits

      Universal Cave Records

      Universal Cave unleash the 10th release in their catalogue with the Universal Cave wizards and dynamic duo Superprince sharing the re-edit duties.

      Universal Cave provide the goods for the A Side firing off a percussion heavy, Latin flavoured bomb in 'Lambada' - just wait for those epic fills, sure to whip any crowd into raptures. 'Take Your Time (Universal Cave's 909 Rubdown)' then lays up a hip house vocal flavoured, 909 enhanced 80's bomb. 
      Flip it over and Superprince take the reigns with 'Your Kind Of Love' - funked up disco goodness, reworked with an extra helping of devilshness. The last slice of gold, 'Hang High' takes the tempo down to a string swelling, souped up, cosmic swagger.

      Two sides, two artists but four entrancing edits to add to the Universal Cave repertoire.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: More edit mania and this time the drums go latin loco courtesy of Universal Cave who produces a perfect killer with his 'Lambada' revision. The rest of this 12" is a bit more chilled but funky as hell. Hands down and praise for my fave here which is 'Hang High' which sounds a bit Pink Floyd in parts and in others, Superprince seals the deal for me with those strings! A respectable 12" that deserves to be listen to and perhaps even purchased.

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      Cover of After Dark by Mark The 909 King.

      Mark The 909 King

      After Dark

      R-Time Records

      Matt Edwards’ reissue label R-Time Records presents ‘After Dark’ this September with three tracks from Mark The 909 King.

      Following reissues of excellent music by Sir Lord Commix, FBK and Sanasol (Thor & Yagya), Rekids offshoot R-Time Records now presents definitive cuts from Mark The 909 King. Debuting with the timeless ‘Can You Dig It!’ on Sex Trax in ’94, the producer went on to release via a number of New York house legend DJ Duke’s labels throughout the mid-nineties. A huge fan of DJ Duke since the 90s, Matt Edwards even held a Sex Mania night at Berghain in 2009 featuring a rare DJ performance from the Duke himself.

      Alongside tracks by Roy Davis JR and Trackman (Jon Cutler), ‘After Dark’ featured as part of a VA release on the label DJ Exclusive, whilst ‘Into Space’ landed on Rated X Records, and ‘The Loft’ appeared on the ‘Can You Dig It’ album via Power Music Records.

      ‘After Dark’ set the tone of the package with a piercing drum groove, airy arpeggios and a funky bassline, before cosmic synths and crunchy snares work alongside scintillating chords in ‘Into Space.’ Concluding the package, ‘The Loft’ begins with a hooky bass sequence and filtered effects before soothing melodies come into play.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Radio Slave is back as a selector this time allowing Mark the 909 to take control. Three cuts of old school, 909 rich and affecting melodies for the discerning house listener. Great stuff.

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      Cover of Block Univers' Belters by Block Univers.

      Block Univers

      Block Univers' Belters

      Belters

      Like all great music, it's difficult to pinpoint what this sounds like exactly - but Toronto's Block Univers have cited their influences to include "boogie, house music, cold wave synths, gospel vocals, 808s and moog basslines" - so that would go some way to explaining the magic here. We tried to jam in as many of our favourites on this release as possible. You get loads of bang for your buck for sure. 
      The combo of genres is not bad. Sometimes it can result a bit confusing but not here. Vocoders and filtered vocals impregnate all these tracks with soulful vibes and the basslines bring in a staunch persona to these magical tunes. 

      Do not be afraid, listen to them and let yourself go with this belters!



      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Surprisingly refreshing. I am always wary of vocoders and filtered vocals but here... here it is done properly. Electronic, soulful, forward thinking, dancefloor-friendly. Truly good, folks. Buy on sight!

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      Cover of Afro Edits Vol. 4 by Orange Tree Edits.

      Orange Tree Edits

      Afro Edits Vol. 4

      Orange Tree Edits

      More yummy and juicy fruit from the tree. This season we get a stomping afro house rework and a rumba latin house revision. Assuming you are familiar with the series, you know you are getting rough diamonds gently touched up to make them easy for the disc-jockey to entice the punters on to the dancefloor. Be sure you will be earning their trust with this double whammy oozing quality on both sides. 
      More heat from OTE on their fifth release featuring reworks of two highly sought after afro and latin gems. Both sides exude happiness and a carefree ethos bathed in sunshine. It truly brings this feeling to mind.
      This is no cheap cut and paste, loop and add a beat. These are carefully crafted real time bangers. Carefully unearthed originals with some serious house bassline and beats added on to produce music that will lift anyone's mood. 

      This, fellow reader, is an essential 12". They do fly these oranges so come and grab one pronto!

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Bangers on both sides. Top quality originals and top quality edits. As always our fave Orange Tree keeps giving the good stuff. But we warned because they sell very rapido!

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      Cover of Pleasure Planet by Pleasure Planet.

      Pleasure Planet

      Pleasure Planet

      Self:Timer

      Pleasure Planet has been a little while in the making. Having worked together for five years sharing studios and late night synth experiments, the latest musical venture of Kim Ann Foxman, Andrew Potter and Brian Hersey enables the trio to express and explore their unique and eclectic musical tastes. 

      We kick things off with the bouncy Sample & hold sequences of 'Get Lost', threatening to break out into full squelchy resonance at any minute, but driven along by swayed hi-hats and reverbed claps. Hypnotically repeated vox swim around the balmy, tropical ambience and skittering acoustic percussion before flowing into the dreamy neon utopia of 'Suzuki Samurai'. A weighty octaved bass and panned synth squeals pull the piece into head-nodding rhythmic territory but without staying in one place for too long. With a solid melodic leaning, but just loose enough to free some space for ambient flourishes and airy trills. 

      On the flipside, we kick things off with the decidedly more upbeat Italo throb of 'Evaporate' with machinated vocal effects bringing the fitting female vocal into the digital realm before launching into a snapping electronic breakdown, all constituent parts of the cohesive rhythm showing their individual roles and underpinning the ever-present glitched vocals through a variety of instrumental permutations. Finally, we land on the Four-Tettian FM sine flexing it's muscle under a swimming sea of shimmering percussion loops and other-worldly swells on the mind-expanding rainforest vibes of 'Polyboo'. 


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Barry says: A confident and entrancing journey through the cosmos with Pleasure Planet. Simmering octaved basses and snappy reverbed percussion slowly float beneath a heady combination of silken vocal loops and cosmic swells. Brilliantly lucid but floaty AF. Awesome stuff.

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      Cover of Untitled by Unknown Artist.

      Unknown Artist

      Untitled

      KOD Records

      The debut vinyl only release on the newly established KOD (Keep on Dancing) Records embodies the spirit of multiple day long sessions held at the revered Can Chou Chou house in Ibiza, where anything goes from Disco to Techno (in this case the former prevails) so long as it's played tastefully and at the right time. No title and no artist name appears on on this single, just the music speaking for itself.

      But who cares who is behind this when the music is soooo good. Truly groovy, warm and soulful. Guaranteed punters bothering you and asking you what is this filtered sample from. Let us know if you unearth it! Very limited and very good!

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: One sided affair by Unknown Artist - Untitled. I am in most of the times. This one does not falter. Groovy it is, and works wonders on a good sound system. Warm, gentle deep house and that is a good thing in my books. You will not regret having this in your collection

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      Cover of Limited Series 07 by Various Artists.

      Various Artists

      Limited Series 07

      Banoffee Pies Records

      Limited Series 07 lands after a few summer months off duty for Banoffee Pies Records. More hot legs and feet for your record bag. Five selected mixed bag cuts for morning and evening, aperitif or pudding. Following suit from previous releases in the series with a new selection of sounds. A flurry of Jazz keys, horns, drums and breaks. Music for prancing, love and dancing. 
      As always top quality from a staple label like this one. Eclecticism, variety and imagination are the key ingredients that are ever present on any Banoffee Pies release. This one is no exception by any means. 

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Oh boy... that Gallegos 'Wang Dang' is one to look for. The rest of this EP is of the highest quality too. Always pushing forward and allowing creativity to be the prime element of their productions. Downtempo beats, funny samples, loops ahoy and esoteric sounds abound in this EP that you should be adding to your collection now!

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      Cover of Record Mission 4 by Nick The Record, Dan & The No Commercial Value Band.

      Nick The Record, Dan & The No Commercial Value Band

      Record Mission 4

      Record Mission

      Nick The Record & Idjut Boys, Dan Tyler are back with the long awaited, much anticipated 4th release on their Record Mission imprint.
      As you'd expect from such discerning dj's, we have three edits of tracks you mightn't have heard before but boy, you'll wonder how come.
      First up is 'Give Me More', a spaced out, dubbed out monster that utilises their Roland Space echo to full effect.
      Next up, 'Play' is a high speed Space Disco meets Jazz jam that sounds like  a collision between Harry Thumann & Jason Lindh somewhere in space, or maybe even, Underwater...
      Finally, we have the EP's pinnacle, the Gospel disco of 'Work'. There are a hundred records out there singing the praises of 5pm on a Friday but none that sing it as sweetly as this. Unmissable!






      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: Killer combo of producers give you instalment numero 4 of this revered series. I must say that the big selling point of this one is the overarching dubby sensibilities that Idjut Boys bring to this fabulous edits. Totally fell in love with 'Give Me More' on first listening. Stunner!

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      Cover of Waterzone by Jesse Futerman.

      Jesse Futerman

      Waterzone

      Sounds Of Beaubien Ouest

      New record by Jesse Futerman who's been active since around 2011 on a variety of different labels. I have to admit, I didn't really know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised when I heard the pulsating, slow and tectonic movements emanating off the wax. Deep house in sensibility but exploring both neo-tropical environments through an intriguing sound palette of luminous textures and a wide-screen frequency response. It does, inevitably, burst into moments of charging house glory, but doesn't overuse these special moments; instead keeping us on tenderhooks until the next flurry. If, like me, you're new to this exciting Montrealer then this is a wonderful introduction! Get stuck in!

      STAFF COMMENTS

      David says: House doesn't come any more blissed out than this. The kind of record you put on as the sun's rising over the dance floor. Brilliant.

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      Cover of Businessmen by Patrick Selinger.

      Patrick Selinger

      Businessmen

      Stroom

      Ever the innovators, Stroom create a whole new space in the Piccadilly release schedule, with this 'back to school' banger from Patrick Selinger. A free spirit with a decidedly DIY attitude, Patrick released New Beat-Not New Beat (Matt's hastily knocking up a new Piccadilly genre heading as we speak) classic "Business Man" under the name Logo in 1988. Set to the metallic clang of some reverb soaked percussion, the track drifts through deserted city streets, capturing a rainsoaked mystery with mournful pads, detached vocals and delicate melodies. Evocative, understated and oddly danceable, this is a moody and medicated Eurocentric cousin of Flash and the Pan's perfectopop "Walking In The Rain". Soon after this release, Selinger left the music industry in search of the music, putting together a CD only release of piano compositions which we can sample on the B-side. 


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: How good is this? Belgium's finest mark the end of the summer with a retrospective EP of Patrick Selinger's unique music. On the A-side we have the definitive mixes of sadface newbeat groove "Businessmen", while the flipside showcases the Antwerp musician's later piano works. Ace!

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      Cover of Ups & Downs by Anton Klint.

      Anton Klint

      Ups & Downs

      2MR

      Last spotted tomfooling as Tryck & Ton with Edvin Edvinsson, and prior to that as Tiedye on Mike Simonetti’s Italians Do It Better imprint, subversive Swede Anton Klint makes his debut on Simonetti’s latest label 2MR with two more vitally trippy, heavily dub-informed originals. 
      ‘Mun’ chugs at a stately 107. Rippling in places, squiggling in others, there’s an unabashed FX weirdness bubbling and popping over the insistent shimmering dubwise groove. Tweaking, freaking but running at such a smooth temper there’s space between the chaos, Anton is balancing some heavily hypnotic alchemy here. ‘Strupe’ takes things even lower and slower. A dusty bluesy chugger, unhurried-yet-relentlessly building with a great sense of cosmic drama, listen and marvel as more elements are precision introduced throughout the seven minute trip. A masterclass in modern day honkytonk. Remix-wise we’re thrusted into the later hours with a technoid twist from Andre Laos. Maintaining Anton’s original’s trippy charm and measured pace but re-amping it with grittier foundation, teasing risers and an insurgent synth strike, it’s the perfect complement to one of 2MR’s most singular releases to date. Open wide.


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: Killer weirdshit from Swedish hero Anton Klint here, who warps dub tempo, synth strangeness and wonky house into a slow tempo strut for 'Mun'. Andre Laos straightens things out a little on his remix, then goes for the jugular with a series of trilling synth lines. On the flip Klint dons his space suit for the bluesy sleaze of "Strupe" a next gen cosmic bomb for all the renegades out there.

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      Cover of Deeper EP by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib.

      Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

      Deeper EP

      Madlib Invazion

      Following the launch of two critically, and street-acclaimed EPs, and a single released in conjunction with television network Adult Swim, Madlib and Freddie Gibbs return with a final EP launch before they release their long-awaited collaborative album, 'Piñata'. Anticipation is high. The 'Deeper EP' delivers on this promise, and more. Gibbs showcases the yin and yang of heartbreak and anger on the title track, in a lovelorn narrative that meshes perfectly with the weepy strings and insistent rhythm of Madlib’s beat. We haven’t heard something like this in rap music since Nas’ 'One Love' nearly 20 years ago. The B-side, 'Harolds' - exclusive to this EP - gives Gibbs a chance to ride some low down Beat Konducta-fueled funk in a nostalgic ode to the Chicago chicken-shack that served as the backdrop to many of his seminal life experiences. Piñata is scheduled for a late 2013 release. The 'Deeper EP' contains vocals, instrumentals and two bonus beats. Artwork by Jeff Jank.

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      Cover of Innocence And Inspiration by Elements Of Life.

      Elements Of Life

      Innocence And Inspiration

      Mysticisms

      Record five from Mysticisms sees the label mine the rich seams of 90s NYC club music - bringing forth an EP from the production duo of Lee Rodriguez and Steven Craden - better known as the team behind must-have The African Dream double-header on Eightball Records - a huge best seller here at Piccadilly.

      The EP starts with "Opening", a short introductory piece with mellow hats and warm keys that serve to show this is not your average four tracker, before soon giving way to the deep intensity of "Dark Intervals". Tight drums, hats high and keys pushing, the vocal samples and swirling atmospherics all yield to a bass calling for powerful sound systems.


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      Cover of 37 Degrees by Harry Wolfman.

      Harry Wolfman

      37 Degrees

      OMENA LTD

      Veteran Harry Wolfman (House of Disco, Dirt Crew, Outplay) makes his Omena debut with '37 Degrees', a four track EP, containing loose, warm, and dreamy tracks. Opening act '37 Degrees' is a amusing, slow paced deep house (and I emphasize 'deep') with intimate undertones. Beautiful and unrushed is a perfect dancefloor warmer but sits perfectly as soundtrack for a 4 am driving on any empty motorway. It is that good. 'Campo Viejo' brings the beat down a bit. This is a great downtempo track filled with excellent samples oozing soul everywhere. Bass heavy but oh those trumpets and piano. Pure class by the maestro. 
      Flip it and on the other side you get 'Elysia Fields' which brings to mind a touch of Floating Points. So yes, it is jazzy with tinges of bossanova as beats. Elegant and superbly crafted and this leads us to 'Primacy' which is a perfect closing choice for any great set. This is the slowest of all these beauties. Filled with enchanting atmospheres and samples, it creates a hypnotic, deep state of peace and calmness. Overall, this is an outstanding ep by an outstanding young producer. We salute you from the realms of Piccadilly Records. Wish all records were as good as this. 


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Sil says: A lesson in class and maturity by prolific Harry Wolfman. No fillers all killers for the discerning dancefloor that wants to take things on the slow lane. Seriously good and will hold the passage of time effortlessly. Great ep highly recommended from the dance department.

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      Cover of Lotta Love - Inc. Phil Mison & Psychemagik Remixes by Okinawa Delays.

      Okinawa Delays

      Lotta Love - Inc. Phil Mison & Psychemagik Remixes

      Music For Dreams

      After causing a stir with that mega 10" on Claremont 56, Japanese duo Okinawa Delays join the ranks of Music For Dreams for this stunning cover of Neil Young's beautiful "Lotta Love". This limited first edition twelve inch on light blue transparent vinyl & comes with fine selection of remixes from Phil Mison, Psychmagik & Willie Graf & Darren Eboli. As the AOR groove of the original meets the city pop stylings of Takeo Toyama's production and Satoko Ishimine's vocal, the track takes on a wonderful Balearic shimmer, perfectly capturing the spirit of a coastal walk on the White Isle. Alongside the breezy original version, the Balearic DJ is treated to a deluxe set of remixes, kicking off with three versions from Cafe Del Mar hero Phil Mison. His Balearic house mix kills it with the restless shuffle of percolating percussion, synth vamps and classic piano, all supporting those heartswelling vocals perfectly. The "Dub Mix" lets the melodic magic come to the fore as Phil showcases his silky synth skills while the "Piano Reprise" strips things back even further for those magic moments when the mood is just right. Psychemagik get suitably weird on their mix, honing in on the melancholic quality of the original and transforming it into a warped electrohouse stomper with maximum chopped vox and bass squelch. Willie Graf and Darren Eboli offer an option at the opposite end of the spectrum, utilising slight reggae lilt and smooth soul arrangements to lend "Lotta Love" a little Sade sophistication.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: You're always onto a winner with a cover of this Neil Young classic, but this is serious stuff. Featuring an all star cast, Music For Dreams' latest release should find its way into more or less every Balearic setlist.

      FORMAT INFORMATION

      12" Info: MORE STOCK DUE MID SEPT.

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      Cover of Port Paradise by SAIR Feat. Adam Chini.

      SAIR Feat. Adam Chini

      Port Paradise

      Boogie Cafe

      Portuguese multi-instrumentalist SAIR and American vocalist and boogie producer Adam Chini are known for their respected releases on the most go-to boogie labels of the moment, like Omega Supreme, Star Creature Universal and Hobo Camp.  They've now teamed up to deliver 2 stunning slices of modern Synthy Soul on Boogie Café's Neon sister label. With Adam's dope vocals on the A and the SAIRs jazzy instrumental on the flip… this is already getting early support from headz worldwide. 

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: Boogie Cafe switch to the 7" format for this quayside killer from SAIR and Adam Chini. Pastel suits, Pina Coladas and cocaine cruises off the Miami coast are the order of the day on this modern boogie winner.

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      Cover of Axon - Inc. Legowelt Remix by Ghost Culture.

      Ghost Culture

      Axon - Inc. Legowelt Remix

      Phantasy Sound

      Following on from 2017's experimentally-focused EP, "Nucleus", "Axon" finds Phantasy regular Ghost Culture return with an urgent, pristine slice of club euphoria, backed by an inspired remix by synth extraordinaire Legowelt. The original version of "Axon" powers ahead with a supremely physical bassline and a ghostly atmosphere that's slathered with atmospheric choral touches, contrasted by punching, powerful drums. Each perfectly tuned element weaves a seriously impressive spell of charismatic, contemporary electro.

      The track is then driven underground and transformed into something truly psychedelic at the hands of the Dutch maestro. We've always had a soft spot for Leggers here at Picc HQ, and his remix of "Axon" demonstrates whyt. Coaxing out one of his distinctive acid lines, the Hague resident unravels a heady, hazy atmosphere of creeping euphoria amid a spectral, twilight groove. Get the smoke n strobe machine operator a couple of Soundclouds before this one drops folks... 


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      Cover of Don't Challenge Me by Makers.

      Makers

      Don't Challenge Me

      Midnight Drive

      Midnight Drive extend their winning streak with this most beautiful and unique of records - Makers 'Don't Challenge Me' - A truly idiosyncratic early 70's electronic oddity that has long been a coveted and highly prized piece of music by obscure music lovers for many years.

      Makers was the moniker for another studio project by legendary euro-disco pioneer Boris Midney. Midney, a Russian ex-pat, explored his own sonic world and in the process crafted some of the biggest records during the most fertile times in the disco period, he created numerous projects including Beautiful Bend, USA-European Connection, Caress and many more.

      A classically trained musician and jazz artist, his trail-blazing studio work meant he was one of the first producers to embrace the capabilities of multi-track mixing in a most creative way. Listening to this 45, a limited release on his own 'Midney' micro label, you can certainly hear genius at work, it's mind boggling that this record was crafted when it was (1972) as it sounds totally ahead of it's time and sounds exciting and original to this day.
      This is the very first time this record has ever been reissued (it was included on the most incredible 'Personal Space' compilation from a few years ago) and people will be very surprised to hear the b-side for the very first time - 'You're Shy' - A sweet soul number that almost recalls The Staple Singers and could easily have been released on Stax or any familiar labels of that ilk that somehow manages to retain the strange and overall DIY aesthetic of the 'Makers' sound.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: If, like me, you became obsessed with the kaleidoscopic world of those Trapdoor mixes a few years back, you'll lose your shit for this 7" reissue. The work of Boris Midney, "Don't Challenge Me" is a superbly spacey psych-funk groover, packed with seductive soul and the nebulous haze of the milky way.

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      Cover of 45's Collection by Leos Sunship.

      Leos Sunship

      45's Collection

      Dynamite Cuts

        This gem of a soul album has been transformed into a 45s collection for the very first time. Released on Dynamite Cuts is on high-quality limited edition 1000 copies double pack 2x7” release which gives you all of those masterpieces from the album. Filled with the best tracks such as ‘Give Me The Sunshine’ and ‘Get Down People’, this sharp 7” is going to fly off the shelves in their own sunship perhaps, beautiful stuff.

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        Cover of Dracula by A Band Called Flash.

        A Band Called Flash

        Dracula

        J4J

        A Band Called Flash’s third EP on the J4J record label continues to expand with a new set of electronic dance heaters. "Dracula" kicks things off, a highly anticipated number after being previewed across the hype machines, this is a big room pleaser for fans of Azari & III, Tensnake and Shamir. “There Will Be A Time” effortlessly continues the theme - another soul-infused Summer romp through slow house which is destined for multiple radio plays with its highly prized vocal.

        "Song For Spike" sees the band turn their efforts to peak time disco business. Guided by a frenetic b-line and hallucinatory keyboard phrases this is 360° glitterball action sure to get you crashing into folks, tables and maybe even the DJ booth - caution advised!



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        Cover of High Praise Edits Volume 2 by Partner Music.

        Partner Music

        High Praise Edits Volume 2

        XVI Records

        Newly relocated from London to Brighton, Partner Music come thru on XVI Records with some hi-gloss rub-n-polish of obscure dancefloor moments from the 70s & 80s.

        A-side track "Patu" launches headfirst into an off-kilter Bollywood infused dancefloor curveball - punchy drums, melodic vocals and vintage instrumentation, save your weirdest shapes for this one. On the flip, "My People" gives an injection of Latin heat - triumphant horns and an unrelenting rhythm section throw this into full carnival spirit. Bolstered with electronic drums, this easily traverses into house music DJ sets. Top stuff!


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        Cover of Disco Edits by Robert Ouimet.

        Robert Ouimet

        Disco Edits

        Basic Fingers

        The Godfather of Montreal disco, Robert Ouimet put his magic touch on three tracks for Basic Fingers. Ouimet's career as a DJ started in the early 1970's, DJ'ing at The Limlight where he became the main resident between '73 - '81. In 1977 Robert also went on to win Billboard Magazine's Best Canadian DJ Award. Similarly he received Gold records for introducing his public to such artists as Boney M, Donna Summer, Musique and Gino Soccio to name but a few, plus a special commemorative plaque / mirror from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack!

        Robert was also the driving force behind the Montreal live performances of The Salsoul Orchestra, James Brown, Grance Jones, to name but a few.

        He co-produced many records licensed in the US by such labels as TK Records, RFC / Warner Bros., Arista, and Quality Records of Canada.

        Three big, bolshie, barnstorming disco tracks here. No fuckin' about, these bang hard! Surely big with Tomas Bullock, Devin Dare, Will Tramp! and Neil Diablo, not to mention the Horse Meat Disco crew. Yowzer yowzer yowzer!!!



        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Nice collection of snips n tweaks from this Montreal native that'll keep the uptempo disco dancefloor jiving till morning.

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        Cover of Mogul 4 by Various Artists.

        Various Artists

        Mogul 4

        Themes For Great Cities

        Themes For Great Cities is back in the house, bringing more Mogul madness for the whole family to enjoy. While label favourites Stabil Elite and Wolf Muller are on hand to bring their usual brand of weird-dance, '#4' welcomes new school crew Phaser Boys and TFGC buddies the Aiwo Posse to the table. The synth obsessed Stabil Elite start the party with the propulsive rhythms of "Snack Jam", an alt-warehouse jacker which builds from the brainfizzing intro of backwards guitar and grumpy bass into the pilled up swell R&S '93 pads and percolating 303. Just when you're aching for a breakdown, the track switches into Chicago piano and nuanced percussion before blasting off into the future via the funky Moog solo which twists and turns through the next two minutes. Tight shit! Underground upstarts Phaser Boys tag in for the A2, indulging in a little upside down electro funk number called "Tennis Camp". Mournful electronics and fx-addled synths work their way around the irresistible machine rhythm before that big bboy b-line wriggles up your trouser leg. Soon enough insistent piano vamps and a mystical melody come to the fore and pull me to the floor, spinning into a six step dressed like a recycling bin robot. Tropical drum fiend Wolf Muller takes over on the B1 with the evocative, exotic and eerie 'Der Vogel Aus Der Unterwelt', a techno tribal funk cut complete with tumbling toms, jews harp, synthetic birdsong and intoxicating oriental hooks. Vintage Schulte featuring homeboy Niklas Wandt, this cut should kill it in the club, and probably embalm it as well. Finally, the mighty Aiwo Posse, the collective name of DJ Normal 4, DJ Carrera, Rasputin and vocalist DJ Rainbow take us into another dimension with the retro futurist house maneouvres of "Your Love". Boasting a bassline not too far removed from Plez's "Thing For You", ethno-synth melodies, tribal touches and a killer breakbeat this rave rocker is gonna unite us all in a egalitarian future. 


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Fiyah from Dusseldorf! Themes For Great Cities drop their fourth Mogul comp, inviting newcomers Phaser Boys and the Aiwo Posse to join old hands Stabil Elite and Wolf Muller for some alternative dance excellence.

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        Cover of Lahore State Of Mind - Inc. Al Dobson Jr Remix by Jaubi.

        Jaubi

        Lahore State Of Mind - Inc. Al Dobson Jr Remix

        Astigmatic

        On the surface New York, Lahore and London may appear to be very
        different cities. Despite their distance, and with a closer look, there are some
        similarities. 
        New York, 1994. ​Nas released “Illmatic”, arguably the finest rap album ever released. Nasir Jones’ album is a bitter reflection about living in Queens, during the ‘90s. The iconic track, ‘NY State of Mind’ produced by DJ Premier, depicts life in the ghetto, shooting, drug dealing, and survival, the brutal honesty delivered by this track has made it one of most important tracks about NYC.
        Lahore, 2016.​Drawing some parallels with ‘90s New York, Lahore, a city struggling with terrorism, poverty and a drug epidemic. In this bustling city, the experimental ensemble Jaubi, famed for fusing traditional Hindi music with Hip-Hop and Jazz, were sitting together with their instruments. In home conditions with one mic, faced with Nas' classic and a desire to translate the story to reflect the struggle of living in the big Pakistani city. The result
        of combining the main theme produced by DJ Premier with musicians talents is a spiritual journey through the streets of Lahore. 
        London, 2018.​Social unrest, Grenfell Tower, and growing difficulties with knife
        crime. Here, Al Dobson Jr, one of the best music producers in this part of the world decided to make a meta-remix of the Hindi-Jazz track ‘Lahore State of Mind’. The remix is a ‘deconstruction of reconstruction from deconstruction’ which isn’t as complicated as it sounds... Al Dobson Jr deciding to recreate DJ Premier’s steps, which used a sample from Joe Chambers “Mind Rain”, but using Jaubi’s samples instead. The journey from New York, with a layover in London and finally arriving in Lahore takes form as a seven inch single released by Astigmatic Records. 

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Dip into the A-side for an immersive journey through the crowded streets of Lahore as Jaubi interpret Preemo's 'NY State Of Mind' reprise via tabla and sitar. Skip to the flip for a bass heavy reconstruction from Peckham gee Al Dobson Jr which fuses the headnodding hip hop of 'Illmatic' with the exotic textures of Jaubi's performance to create a system smashing stunner that's gonna kill it for jazz, hip hop, soul and Balearic fans. Fire!

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        Cover of Journey In Satchidananda / Blue Nile by Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra.

        Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra

        Journey In Satchidananda / Blue Nile

        Gondwana Records


        Originally isused back in 2015 and now selling for silly money on Discogs and Ebay, Gondwana Records is delighted to announce the re-release of Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra's tribute to Allce Coltrane / Journey in Satchidananda and Blue Nile.

        Featuring Matthew Halsall trumpet, Lisa Mallett flute, Rachael Gladwin harp, Taz Modi piano, Gavin Barras bass, Gaz Hughes drums and Nat Birchall percussion and recorded at the legendary Maida Vale Studios. Vinyl and download.

        Packed in a distinctive bright orange Gondwana Records sleeve this is the first in a collectors series of spiritual jazz limited-edition EPs set for release in 2018 as part of Gondwana Records' 10th anniversary.

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        Cover of Disco Hamam 04 by Tokyo Matt & Afacan Soundsystem.

        Tokyo Matt & Afacan Soundsystem

        Disco Hamam 04

        Disco Hamam

        Hotter than a midsummer Piccadilly, Disco Hamam deliver their 4th serving of Turkish & oriental killer disco edits, featuring the deep digging expertise of Tokyo Matt and Afacan Soundsystem. Showing up any obvious editors out there, Tokyo Matt kicks off the A-side with the majestic "A Fistful Of Dollars", a sample heavy splice of one propulsive synth disco smash, and a delicate Turkish acoustic number. Perfectly balanced, the track rages into the sunset, blazing guitar licks and overdriven vocals leaving trails across the sky. On the A2, "Tales Of The Orientale" is big winner for the Balearic dance floor, giving us coastal groove and psychedelic attitude as Matt works his magic on a Turkish-tinged slice of Italian pop. Flip the pancake to feel the force of the Afacan Soundsystem, who knock us dead with two totally different takes on the Anatolian sound. Awash with organic instrumentation and tumbling percussion, the cinematic "Ya Sabir Disco" is your more traditional Anatolian edit, nicely spiced with those mystical tonalities. "Biz Salkimiz" on the other hand is a cosmic boogie killer of the highest order, bouncing through slick bass work, wah guitar and funked up clav until those deeply dramatic vocals drops. Chuck in some Spaghetti Western whistling and you'll be wondering why this wasn't called "A Fistful Of Dollars". Before we hit the run out there's just enough time to luxuriate in the symphonic sweetness of Afacan Soundsystem's Turkish AOR bonus "Az Disco", a fitting end to a fine record.


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: The Disco Hamam copysheet remains unblemished here as Tokyo Matt and Afacan Soundsystem bring the goods all over again. Eastern spiced goodness from start to finish here, but I'm gonna pick out "A Fistful Of Dollars" and "Biz Salkimiz" as the ones to watch/hear...

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        Cover of Arrival Time by Dane Weaver.

        Dane Weaver

        Arrival Time

        III Rivers

        After a brief break, Taf's III Rivers label is back with two releases in quick succession. For newcomers to MCR's underground - III Rivers is the record label born outta celebrated club night, Bohemian Grove - one of the 'third wave' of Manchester parties to return to crumbling warehouse spaces & industrial mills alongside Wet Play & Faktion circa 2008 - 2010.

        Much like BG's cryptic, coded approach, there's not much known about Dane Weaver other than this is his / hers / their's first release. "Atom Soup" begins with the type of galloping analogue rumble familiar to anyone that's frequented the firm's cult adored parties - with Weaver opening up the trusty low-pass as added drums are allowed into the channel. "In The Clear" sees a proper elastic synth bass tease out a groove from a simple kick pattern while cerebral melodies, red-shifted across the cosmos are slowly introduced. "A Brief Trip To Space" pairs some highly sophisticated sound design to gentle 909 perc for a truly elevating experience that tears, pulls and squawks in all the right places. Infally, "French Stu" concludes with a wobbly K-line and fizzy hats. Throw in some big metallic frequency sweeps and you've a cranium splitter for late, late in the session that for sure... Big one from III Rivers and what an introduction to this new star of the field. Massively recommended! 


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        Cover of Key3 by Big Zen.

        Big Zen

        Key3

        Planet Euphorique

        Inspired by the wild world of competitive pen spinning, Vancouver producer Big Zen unleashes his breakout EP "Key3", the second release on Planet Euphorique. Named after a prolific spinner who introduced a rare move the 'tipped sonic', the record brings 360° four-to-the-floor revolutionary realness. With shimmering, elated melodic highs sending you into a lucid trance, the chunky bumping basslines demand your feet back to the dance floor. Four big tracks for the ravers and pen spinners alike, "Key3" is the gateway to cloud 9.

        "Big Trance" is a big roomer, proggy and tipping its hat to the epic sets of Sasha and Digweed, it maintains a fresh approach through new drum and synth presets yet keeps that hedonistic, mid-90s flavour proudly intact. "Weo" keeps us in that era but escapes the warehouses, free parties and aircraft hangers for a blissful, Chicago-meets-Red Planet-esqursion complete with twinkling space keys, spoken word vox and heart wrenching chords; Proper! "Tip Sonic" keeps Chicago in mind with skitty snare patterns drizzled over volumous pad swells and squealing whistles as the EP delivers its third sure fire dancefloor smasher. If you're struggling to keep up, "Buddon" offers no sympathy, instead locking us into a tribal groove supplemented with this mystic Eastern vocal line leaving a huge twist in the tale before the track's finale.. Seriously, probably one of the strongest records we've had in all Summer this - Do not sleep! 


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Big big big opener from Big Zen on this imperitively cool label. Big on the hype machine but rightly so, four tracks of hot 2 trot dancefloor mayhem that most camps'll lap up.

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        Cover of Delicate Wash #2 by Unknown Artist.

        Unknown Artist

        Delicate Wash #2

        Delicate Wash

        It's fair to say their debut caused a right stir in these parts, and now the Delicate Wash massive are back with a second instalment of soothing and grooving cuts. "#2" will take you on a 80's electronic funk adventure filled with analog drum machines and sharp synth leads, filling your ears with four tracks that are fresh, perky, futuristic, and thrilling. "Exotica" opens proceedings with dexterous coastside guitar licks, aquatic marimba patterns and lush DX7 riffs, coming across like an Amiga-era floppy disc flip on seminal 80s cut "Don't Look Any Further". After a slightly abrasive industrial intro, A2 offering "Syndrome 28" soon transforms into a technotronic take on tribal electro complete with mellow jazz funk keys and warm bass riffs - essential for Hardcastle fans everywhere. Over on the B1, "The Undertaker" romps through fist pumping 80s percussion, squelching synth riffs and 8bit sequences before arriving at the discotheque in a blaze of brass and thunder. Finally, "Stand By Me" serves up sax licks, laser fire and so much pitch bend, flipping the floor out in full synth fusion fashion. Another hit!

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Electro-funk manoeuvres on the second load of laundry from Delicate Wash. The first release brought grown men to tears, and this follow up comes Kleenex approved. Grab it before it goes...

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        Cover of Someday by Ce Ce Rogers.

        Ce Ce Rogers

        Someday

        South

        Ce Ce Rogers' spine tingling, seminal hit 'Someday' gets a much-welcomed official remastered, reissue 31 years after it first took the scene by storm.
        Produced by Chicago's master, Marshall Jefferson, every element is unmistakable - from the dynamic bass and sweeping flutes that set the scene for that instantly recognisable piano riff, to the raw soulful beauty of Rogers' vocals. 'Someday' is a record that truly captures the euphoric, loving nature of the early house music scene - epitomising a timeless spirit and hope for future harmony within society.  Often cited as one of the greatest dance records of all time, it's influence is clear to be seen from the sheer number of covers and records that have since sampled it. An indisputable masterpiece, complete with dub mix and accainstrumental versions, this is an essential 12" for any record collector out there - house head or not you want and need this.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Marshall Jefferson quintessential house anthem gets the reissue it deserves and yes folks, it sounds phenomenal. The sound is crisp and groovy. This is a track that was (badly) copied by many but also it served as solid inspiration to others to explore new avenues of production. Absolutely essential. So happy to see this reissued and with such good sound quality.

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        Cover of Even More Secret Weapons by Lay-Far.

        Lay-Far

        Even More Secret Weapons

        G.A.M.M.

        Gamm carries on with their crusade to bring you masterful edits to your decks. This is no exception with Lay-Far returning to GAMM with three slices of jazzy disco numbers that got joyful, happy  dancing written all over them. Smile inducing and ridden with good feelings, this is positive disco vibes filled with jolly lyrics to brighten your cloudy days. 
        This time he has carefully selected his favourite disco, jazz-funk and fusion tracks from Herbie Mann (Etagui), FSB (Morning) and Mass Production (Cosmic Lust) that were just asking for that special Moscow edit touch.
        By the time a label reaches reference 126 you know you are greeted with quality when you acquire a copy. Here you are getting gentle perfection that willl produce results both in the bar club or at home. Lovely, solid and effective as always. 



        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Lay-Far is applying his skills to three gorgeous jazz-funk disco killers and doing what I like most... extending the break and cutting down certain cheesy parts. Making these tracks great again! Pure unadultered GAMM quality as we are well used to. Get it!

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        Cover of EP 001 by Party Nails.

        Party Nails

        EP 001

        Party Nails

        New label entitled Party Nails coming correct with four fully certified floor starters. This is some truly wonderful stuff pop pickers and will keep house heads across the globe satisfied with its trickski, well constructed grooves.

        "Fast Freddie" is a frenetic techno looper with ignition stabs and technoid bleeps ratcheting through a rapid fire beat. Detroitian through and through it hints to a producer brought up on a diet of Robert Hood and Derrick May.

        "I Could Get Down" twists things up somewhat; placing r''n'b vox through a granulizer before laying down a sturdy broken beat. Imagine if Boodika and Joy O did a Price refix for Sunklo and you get the idea behind this head-turner.

        "B J Tool" sees fun and funky house action descend on the party for all the fam to enjoy. Think Shir Khan with a bit more bump and less filter and you'll be running up to the counter or clicking add-to-basket quicker than Jackmaster shitting into a kettle....

        "O' Gordon" still left on the platter and I'm already sold, but for the sake of completion, Party Nails close on a nonsensical, almost-fidget moment of late night insanity that recalls Green Velvet's patented blend of grind and squeak as much as it does a Buckfast-fuelled, taps 'arf moment of Glaswegian madness as SubClub - ridiculous!


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Mega stuff here from a new brand that's defo piqued my beak. Squark!

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        Cover of Canoe 007 by Nyra.

        Nyra

        Canoe 007

        Canoe

        Canoe is back. It has been almost a year since the last one. If you are not familiar with this imprint and their tackle, it is uptempo full-on dancefloor no frills affairs. Basically good house music that goes straight to the jugular. Even the buried and dead can easily be waken up to these beats.

        On this release, Nyra -label honcho- offers us two full on 45rpm killer tracks. On 'Trust You' it is all about buoyant and technicoloured sparkling house music. The typical track that deserves to be huge, with a powerful sample and a devishly great use of a simple loop.

        On the 'It's Your TIme' side, things do not get weaker. Actually the opposite is true. Nyra gets more playful and creative with the breaks offering you the same formula as above and keeping the feisty vibe well alive. It is on the fast lane of the house music highway and sits perfectly on a techno set when you need to shine a bit of light to your tunnel of darkness that you have buried your dancefloor with. Full of disco lick samples and mega punchy on the beats. This is the classic track that everyone in da club tries to shazam on their phones or is asked about continuously in forums on the worldwide web.

        This, my friends, is the type of record that surfaces about once a month (if) and leaves the whole dance section of this shop bouncing to the beat and wishing the track did not finish. It shows you that among all the dross, there is always hope!

        Absolute stomper! Sleep at your own peril. 

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Ooof! Nyra fires up the studio for another batch of Canoe killers, this time applying the high octane disco house treatment to Mary Wilson's "Red Hot" and Oby Onyioha's "Enjoy Your Life". Peaktime crunch!

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        Cover of Solo 500 by Jimi Ently / Placebo.

        Jimi Ently / Placebo

        Solo 500

        Solo 500

        Killer shizzle here on a blink and you'll miss it 7" on the unknown Solo 500 imprint. On the A-side we get the B-side from the sole (soul) recording from Jimi Entley, a 2002 studio project from Portishead duo Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley, which saw them get deep into the funk. Wonderfully flipped by Dilla for "Donuts" banger 'Geek Show', the OG is a masterpiece of blistering guitar, raw soul and heavy-hitting funk that could easily have passed for a "Black Moses" outtake. Flip it for classic Placebo cut "Humpty Dumpty", an immersive blend of insistent Rhodes, irresistible breaks, wah solos and simmering brass recreated for Dilla's "Love Jones".

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Solo 500 open their account with pair of funk hits previously flipped by Dilla for some of his timeless productions. On the A-side we get Portishead pair Adrian Utley and Geoff Barrow in full funk mode, whilst the B-side brings us a classic cut from Euro funk heroes Placebo.

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        Cover of G-Spot Edits by DJ Gene.

        DJ Gene

        G-Spot Edits

        Oye

        The OYE edit series has become eponymous with top draw quality and class. Always pushing the boundaries and leaving not a single music genre untouched.

        For the 8th release in OYE's excellent series, they've invited another crazy motherfunker from the other side of the ocean.
        DJ Gene aka Gene 'G-Spot' Siewing besides being a crazy scratcher on the 1's & 2's and a brilliant radio show host for the 'Liquid Love' show on Cashmere Radio, he's also a lifelong friend of Delfonic and Oye Records. Gene presents a batch of classic disco re-edits, plus a lovely spoken-word introduction by the man himself. Feel his pleasure and never forget:

        If we can dance together, we can live together  - kind of. And don't let nobody tell you different. Enjoy! .

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Every single time we get an OYE edits record, we always get excited because we know that they only release absolutely majestic edits. Quality over quantity and always treading the tracks that have not been grilled to death. No exception here folks. Four tracks of pure blissed disco of which I have to highlight the timeless 'Love' on B2. Sweet sweet and sweet. Perfect soundtrack to contemplate a sunset with your loved one and more! Beautiful beyond belief. I do not know the original of this rare groove beast; I am an edit type of guy after all with an unhelpful memory. Ask the walking encyclopedias that are Patrick, Dave or Matt if you need to know!

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        Cover of Equidity Funk by Mistafide.

        Mistafide

        Equidity Funk

        Land Of Hits

        Red hot re-ish tackle here as one the finest cuts from P&P offshoot Land Of Hits returns to the shelves. Mistafide's colossal old-school rap behemoth 'Equidity Funk' has been in the wantlists for years, so this 12" repress is totally too legit to quit.
        Not much is known about the crew behind 'Mistafide', their government names are listed online but this is the only record they put out using this name. Suffice to say, this has no impact on the fury and style with which the MC's deliver their raps, backed with the studio nous of impresario Peter Brown. Across 12 minutes 'Equdity Funk' is a slamming Disco-rap monster, interpolating elements of the evergreen B-boy jam 'Theme From SWAT' it sounds like everyone just got into the studio and went for it. In the style of the times this is the real hip-hop flavour, a live band, some MC's and some death defying bars being dropped, proper old school. A truly rare recording, 'Equidity Funk' has been one of those records fans of the Disco-rap era have been fiending for for decades - often commanding prices over the $1000 mark you can now grab this slice of essential NYC street Funk.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Heavy hitting disco rap classic here from the mysterious Mistafide crew, who represent NYC in classic block party fashion. Disco-not-disco grooves, loose funk attitude and fly flows perfect for the Bboys out there.

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        Cover of Night Cuisine EP by Swales.

        Swales

        Night Cuisine EP

        Honey Butter Records

        New school Manc hero Swales returns to the land of Honey Butter to deliver his debut EP Night Cuisine.This four tracker is filled with dusty feel good sample flips in a true Swales manner, ready to set summer nights in motion. 'This side' is best described as a love story where lushness meets stomp, while 'that side' effortlessly roles the top back down and takes on a more laid back approach to that deep disco sound. Pretty numbers all around, and yes, it will fly!

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Friendly house numbers on this new Swales ep. When I say friendly, I mean accessible yet good enough for us at Piccadilly towers to order it for your enjoyment. Luscious samples ridden by stompy house beats are the key elements here. Strong summer vibes all around!

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        Cover of Attack The Dancefloor Vol. 11 by Various Artists.

        Various Artists

        Attack The Dancefloor Vol. 11

        Z Records

        Strong names, essential tracks, masterful edits. Yes, ladies and gents, this is instalment number 11. How did they make it this far, you might ask? Applying heavy doses of craftmanship and selecting only the best disco tunes. 

        What do they do different? Mostly they concentrate on the dancefloor effect. You will not find hard to find rarities in this series, but you will find bombs that once drop, you will get everyone moving. That is what this four killer tracker is about. Disco, irreverent house beats and a dancer focused attitude. If you dig the Dimitri from Paris or Danny Krivit approach to editing, you need this. My personal winner is Joey Negro edit of Harvey Mason's 'Groovin' You' is of anthemic proportion (and so is the original!). 

        There is a reason why they carry attacking the dancefloor and hitting volume 11. Seriously folks, this is dynamite and you should dig the other 10 volumes if this is your thing. They are all as good as each other. Essential addition to any discerning disco collection. 


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: The titles of the series implies serious business. The content is par with it. The formula? Gigantic heavyweights of disco treated by another gigant in the biz, Joey Negro, who applies gentle and smart touches to make dancefloor tunes into disco edit anthems. Effective and full of happiness and positive vibes. Dig Dimitri, dig Mr Krivit et al? This is for you!

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        Cover of The Boombox Affair by Paranoid London.

        Paranoid London

        The Boombox Affair

        Paranoid London

        'Everybody on the West Coast knew Bubbles Bubblesynski. We were going to make a record with him before he was murdered. We made it anyway with audio from his Facebook posts and we’ll be donating all profits to LGBTQ friendly organisations in San Francisco.' 

        That is a sad story for an intro but it is the raw truth and it is exactly what it says on the press release. The music reflects such rawness with its hypnotic, repetitive, pounding and industrial acid house on the face attitude. Unapologetically contagious, this is in line with other Paranoid London productions. They do what they do best and in my opinion this monster sits between the legendary 'Transmission 5' and the unforgiving and relentless acid attack on 'Machines Are Coming' - they are not coming, they are here already in case you have not noticed. 

        As said folks, another release by Paranoid London in similar vein as their other productions. Perhaps not as groundbreaking as 'Paris Dub' but its soul is definetely there and yes, it is essential. Will not disappoint the fans. 

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: I miss my weekly dose of techno and house. But helpful Patrick came to the rescue pointing out at this Paranoid London vinyl that just came in. Monster pounding unforgiving acid house as good as anything. Their trademark production is all here for you to play with. Your audience will love this and so we do at the dance section of this shop. Get it pronto!

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        Cover of Mytron & Ofofo Edits by Mytron & Ofofo.

        Mytron & Ofofo

        Mytron & Ofofo Edits

        Razor-N-Tape

        Razor n Tape plough on, producing solid collections of edits with the listener in mind at all times. Classy and fruitful on the dancefloor. 
        On this instalment you get four electrifying edits from London & Paris based Mytron & Ofofo on. 'Beach Buggy' goes full throttle from the get go with a conga fuelled, disco jam before the clock strikes twelve and 'Midnight Drive' offers up a low slung, late-night boogie cruise. On the flip side dreamy chords, soulful sweet nothings and synthesizer swells are the order of the day for 'Eli's Coming', leaving 'Capricorn' to close out the e.p. with a bass heavy, intergalactic chugger. Razor-N-Tape can do no wrong - snap up on sight! Top quality and they do not get repressed. 

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: I can say confidently that this is one of my favourite re-edit labels. The quality just gets better with every release. They offer you variety and originality going the extra mile to unearth diamonds you do not find anywhere else - or at least you do not have to pay an extortionate price for it. You get a selection of masterfully crafted edits that range from straight disco to more psychedelic off the beaten track rarities. Do not miss out on this one.

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        Cover of Heavy, California / Cherry by Jungle.

        Jungle

        Heavy, California / Cherry

        XL

        New single by London based soul collective, Jungle. Radiant, shimmering and golden voiced, their songs possess a catchy, mainstream appeal yet are light years ahead of the pop market - with technologically advanced production galvanzing much of their tunes in much the same way The XX seems like love songs beams from the future.

        "Heavy, California" and "Cherry" epitomizes this ethos, with the former quicker paced and primed for excitement singing about the graces of the Golden State while the latter is slower, playful and tantric, with Lloyd-Watson & McFarland's delicate falsetto sounding in fine form. Killer stuff from one of the hottest acts on the scene right now.  

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Millie says: We’ve being spoilt here by Jungle, another release!! We’re all in anticipation for the new album ‘For Ever’ due out next month. They are a Piccadilly favourite here, catchy and drenched in synth drops to die for. So good.

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        Cover of Colors (feat. Dwight Trible) by The Gondwana Orchestra.

        The Gondwana Orchestra

        Colors (feat. Dwight Trible)

        Gondwana Records

        Matthew Halsall first met the La-based, spiritual jazz vocal legend, Dwight Trible(Kamasi Washington, Pharoah Sanders and Horace Tapscott) at the Joy of Jazz Festival in South Africa back in 2015, when a chance encounter backstage led to Trible sitting in with The Gondwana Orchestra for an impromptu reading of the classic Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas anthem 'The Creator Has A Master Plan'. In 2017 they released the deep, soulful Inspirationsalbum together (GOND017) but inspired by their first meeting Matt arranged some classic Pharoah tunes for Dwight to revisit. This then is The Gondwana Orchestra featuring Dwight Trible, Colors: a 4 track vinyl and digital only EP featuring brilliant new versions of Colors,The Creator Has a Master Plan, Love is Everywhereand You've Got to Have Freedomand featuring the Gondwana Orchestra with pianist Taz Modi, bassist Gavin Barras, drummer Jon Scott, harpist Rachel Gladwin and Matt himself on trumpet.

        Packed in a distinctive bright orange Gondwana Records sleeve this is the second in a collectors series of spiritual jazz limited-edition EPs set for release in 2018 as part of Gondwana Records' 10th anniversary.



        STAFF COMMENTS

        Millie says: A beauty from The Gondwana Orchestra, let the jazzy piano notes sweep over you as this twelve is one to sit back and relax to. Soulful harmonies and featuring Dwight Trible on each track is a joy to listen to. Don’t let this record slip you by.

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        Cover of Hidden Tropics by Alex Kassian.

        Alex Kassian

        Hidden Tropics

        Utopia

        Coming live and direct from Kyoto via Berlin, Utopia's latest signing is none other than Alex Kassian, a man known to the underground dancers through his Opal Sunn alias. Kassian's recent output under his own name has been a string of scores for contemporary dance and theatre in Berlin, and this six track EP is a stunning continuation of that theme. Inspired by other Utopia Records artists such as Lars Bartkuhn and Vangelis Katsoulis, Kassian delves deeper into his compositional scope for a sound that joins the dots between ambient, world music to spiritual house in parts inspired by his homeland of Japan as heard on 'Bells of Ukyo' and the 80's Sakamoto-esque 'Olson Waters'. The title track is a breakthrough in contemporary house music, sure to be picked up on by the tastemakers from New York to Johannesburg to Berlin to Amsterdam to Tokyo and beyond. Beautiful music, presented with a beautiful image of 'Tsuwaono Sagimai' by Makoto Furukawa, Shimane, Japan.

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        Cover of Ice Station Zebra by Jack White.

        Jack White

        Ice Station Zebra

        Third Man Records

          The third single from Jack White’s critically-acclaimed third solo album “Boarding House Reach.” Featuring artwork that connects with previous singles’ artwork by The Third Man, Rob Jones & Nat Strimpopulos.

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          Cover of Leagues Beneath by Sleep.

          Sleep

          Leagues Beneath

          Third Man Records

            Leagues Beneath is the first release immediately following Sleep’s long-prophesied, critically-acclaimed opus The Sciences. Recorded as a part of a series of songs for Adult Swim, this 12” single is a testament to what has made The Sciences such a success: bottomless tone, spacetime-melting riffs and a unparalleled aural experience from start to finish.

            Leagues Beneath is a full 17 minute plunge, now available to experience on black vinyl.

            FORMAT INFORMATION

            12" Info: One sided etched black vinyl

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            Cover of Sunsets & Sublets by Regular Fantasy.

            Regular Fantasy

            Sunsets & Sublets

            Total Stasis

            Brand new from Vancouver's Regular Fantasy on Total Stasis and featuring guest touches from some of the Mood Hut family - DJ Silk, Bobo Eyes, Plush Throw and Lonely Flute.

            Livy Lou continues to ply her blurred sonic dreams, soaked in that thick, BC ganja haze but dressed ready to dance and with a spring in her step. Decidely more 'clubby' than other excursions, tracks like "Text Me" and "Versace Towel" are sure to soundtrack the more classy dancing establishments on this and that side of the pond. The title track, "Sunsets & Sublets" perfectly epitomizes that chilled out 'Riviera' aesthetic - electronic, soulful and languishing in stoned abandon.

            Guest touches by other Vancouver / BC stars, Plush Managements Inc, CZ Wang, Hashman Deejay, Neu Balance.

            Mixed by CZ Wang & Sam Beatch
            Mastered by Gabriel Schuman
            Cover painting by Olivia Mee
            Layout by Logan Sturrock


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Vancouver's finest have done it again. An allstar cast of talent bringing that 'Riveira' sound to our receptive head spaces for another outing of coastal bliss and THC-soaked radiance. BC essential!

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            Cover of Barefoot Beats 08 by Jacques Renault / Trepanado.

            Jacques Renault / Trepanado

            Barefoot Beats 08

            Barefoot Beats

            Brazilian boogie merchants Barefoot Beats return with more of their patented 10" bad boys, ready to rock your all nite tropical discotheque!

            NYC's Jacques Renault steps up first with "I Want You More" - a mid tempo, low slung tropical funker that packs a punch with maximum sway. Anyone that's just got back from Tisno or Pula should relate to this slice of beach bar slaying, daytime joy.

            On the flip, Selvagem's Trepanado drops into edgy, EBM tackle. Brazilian new beat anyone? Yes please! - a warehouse friendly shudder accompanies catchy female vox as proto-house guitars and pummeling toms as to that rawkus vibe. It's another winner from the camp!


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: A smile appears on my face when I see Jacques Renault name on a vinyl. The man knows how to do edits. Remember the anthemic, groovy and infectious 'Young Single and Free' on RVNG INTL? I do. His signature is here too. It is not as dancefloor filler as the one above but the quality is there. Always. A bit more laid back but still inviting you to dance the brazilian way. Flip this 10" and you get yet another beauty edit of another Brazilian rarity. Bass heavy and groovy all the way. One of the best Barefoot to date.

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            Cover of India by Pink Rhythm.

            Pink Rhythm

            India

            Be With Records

            You'd think that following "Melodies Of Love" would be an impossible task. Not so, if you happen to be genius Brit-Funk pioneers John Rocca and Andy Stennett. On their more understated - yet, pound for pound, stronger - second record, Pink Rhythm stretched out to create a 4 track EP of richly melodic, exquisite beauty. In the process, they trumped their most well-known release.

            Cruising on a funk-fuelled journey from the swaggering title track, via the blue-eyed soul of "Trust Me", to the stabbing staccato synth heat of "More And More" and back again ("India" dub) this EP has ESSENTIAL seared onto its substantial grooves.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Dreamy, galactic, synth-ridden and surprisingly soulful killer funk 4-tracker for those who dig deeper. Perfect soundtrack for my Saturday night ride back from clubbing hard on my Delorean.

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            Cover of A Dreaming Island by George Earnest.

            George Earnest

            A Dreaming Island

            Pear

            Sounding a little like a lost Balearic / house treasure, only refracted back through a modern prism, George Earnest's EP here on Pear seeks to update templates laid down by proto- British House pioneers as much as it delivers paradisiacal music for the sunshine isles.

            After an ambient, coastal introduction we're flung into the lush driving house of "Organ Of Evening Calm" - with big pitch bent solos enthusiastically jumping from a bed of delicate rhythms and synthy flute licks. The perfect track to get lost in as the stars begin to shine across the outdoor arena. "Dreaming Island" hires in a bolshie breakbeat for extra bump while majestic keys paint a tantalizing picture of serotonin flooded fun. Cheeky, groovy and oh-so-nice this'll have the whole floor smiling at each other. The appropriately named "Mermaid Dive" sounds exactly as describes, as sonar bleeps and underwater bubbles cascade past our ears as we sink deeper and deeper into a swirling sonic world. Finally, another beatless, coastal excursion closes proceedings entitled "A Sea" and decorated beautifully with bird song. I love bird song. I love this EP! 


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            Cover of Calypso Spring by Native Cruise.

            Native Cruise

            Calypso Spring

            Fruit Merchant

            Hidden Spheres' curated label Fruit Merchant makes the plunge with no. 3. Debut release by Native Cruise - a UK ahem, native who, through my own investigatory prowess MAY also DJ under the name Hollick - if I'm wrong please correct me!

            Anyway, the mysterious producer contributes four stoutly tracks to the fledging label showing that house music's anything but dead in Y2K18.

            "Purple Waltz" stands starring at the stars while "Plastic Mesh" inhabits the more rainforesty areas that saw HS explore on the first release. "Calypso Spring" and "Japanese Fantasy Taxi" are pure hardware house - nodding to boogie wit da snares and house music in the keys they possess that proto-everything naivety that Andras Fox and Low Flung also made their own.

            Another winner from team Fruit Merchant - yes lads! 


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            Cover of Sierrra 01 by Sierrra.

            Sierrra

            Sierrra 01

            Sierrra

            Taken with love straight from the heart of one of Guadalupe's most famous, Ti Celeste.

            'Pueblo' oozes Caribbean infused percussive house, vocals, choirs and a saxo solo that will make you smile even in the rainiest of days. To be played outdoors and enjoyed surrounded by homies.

            'Discoteca' is paying homage to some mysterious pioneers of Czech Electronic music.A  disco anthem from the 70s, it blends delightful disco samples with fat four to the floor beats. Total stormers on both sides. Buy with confidence!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Latin and disco vibes all over the place. Summer fodder for the beach chiringuito or urban pool party. Not bad though if what you are looking for is to get those hot beach bodies dancing like maniacs.

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            Cover of Untitled by Chicago Floatation Device.

            Chicago Floatation Device

            Untitled

            Chicago Floatation Device

            Tuff AF hardware acid and industrialized dance music here from Chicago Floatation Device. The forth in their divisive series, this is hard edged music for surviving mutant attacks in the rave bunker.

            Four tracks that hiss, crackle and thud in all the right places. Elements are forced well into the red, max'ing out the head room and resulting in that natural, tape saturated compression the freaks go nuts for. Mechanized drum patterns open and shut onto bubbling leads and reams of think analogue stinkiness.

            RIYL: Cerberus Future Technologies, Power Vacuum, Muscle Records, Hieroglyphic Being etc.


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            Cover of Epicurismo EP by Kaspar.

            Kaspar

            Epicurismo EP

            Percebes Musica

            Portuguese producer Kaspar has enjoyed plenty of shelf life here on our racks at Picc HQ. A mainstay of the Groovement label, his idiosyncratic productions epitomizes the beginning of the holiday house sound, full frequency, highly stimulating tracks made for the Function1's and the excesses of a dance music vacation.

            Now moonlighting on Lisbon based Percebes Música, the "Epicurismo EP" was conceived as an homage to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who widely professed a personal mantra for happiness. The sounds contained within are refreshingly upfront and direct, as we've come to expect from this skilled soundsmith.

            "Brand New Meaning" is proper rollicking, party starting house music. Think Groove Armada or Sneak DJ'ing in their hayday - big acid b-line, shoulder dropped house beats and THAT vocal sample all combine to raise arms aloft and shake waists to the core and has already ensured a BUY sentiment from our in house passerine Kickin P.

            "Jacksteppa" is up next: deploying some gliding Reese bass onto a rugged soundsystem friendly beat and with added agro snares this is absolute fire for the big rigs and up-fer-it crowds. *gunshot noise* pee-ooowwm!

            "Got Connected" sees a side chained, pumpin house cut lashed with a sharp 303 line and bolstered through mid-shelved vocal fx and dramatic drops; the very essense of the mainroom distilled into one huge track.

            "T2P" it becomes apparent, means 'It's time to party' as Kaspar concludes the set with a wigged-out, DC-10 themed technoid banger. A twangy lead accompanies crunchy beats while THAT vocal refrain causes a whole manner of chaos through grain delays and sample manglers.

            All four tracks epitomize that big room, peak time sound and is tailor made with a good set of Function 1's in mind. Amazing stuff. 


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            Cover of Without Christ by Calvin Carr & Company.

            Calvin Carr & Company

            Without Christ

            High Jazz

            Born and raised in Philadelphia, gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, pianist, band leader and producer Calvin Carr (now a Minister of the Gospel) possessed excellent ears for music at a very young age. The sounds of music that shaped his life were the sounds of his early church singing experience. He began playing the piano at the age of 9, continued his work in music throughout high school, composing, singing in different churches, learned how to executive produce and ended up working for the TCS Music Company under the direction of its founder Mr. Tony Carter, displaying the talents of Philadelphia’s local artists such as Gabriel Hardeman Delegation, The Young Delegation, Little Sammy & The Flying Cloud Jrs., Gwen Carter, The Collins Sisters, Brockington Singers…
            In 1978 Calvin released the now scarce and relatively unknown “Without Christ” 45 on the TCS “Philadelphia United Records“ subsidiary. Taking the rhythms of disco, tonality of soul and energy of gospel, Calvin cooked up a seriously spiritual blast of raw dance floor energy. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Eyes closed and hands in the air, this gospel killer has spirit fingers written all over it...Church MFs!

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            Cover of Muz Ze Skla by Karya.

            Karya

            Muz Ze Skla

            Smiling C

            Jindřich Parma originally created this record as a studio project on his own 'Parma Productions' label in '91. The release was the debut of the musician Karya, and although the singer has become fairly prolific, 'Muž Ze Skla' (The Man Of Glass) remains an anomalous release in her catalogue.
            In fact, the song never actually featured the singer we know as 'Karya' today, and was solely the experiment of Jindřich and Company. With a Balearic house sound that never really had a parallel in the country, this remains a truly unique Czechoslovakian record. Absolutely dripping in choice period features, the cut chugs right onto the Shoom dance floor, fusing the Harry Thumann bassline with a classic Balearic beat while the proggy panpipes, Fairlight choirs and spoken vocals sound cooler than the ice in your cocktail. Flip it for the arrangement adjustment of the remix, which stretches the track out for a tantric build up to the inevitable drop. 

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Rare Czech Balearic here from Smiling C, who introduce us to Karya and the mighty "Muz Ze Skla". Coming correct with a '91 breakbeat, snaking bassline and the exquisite New Age combo of Fairlight vocals and synth pan pipes, this is arguably the most Balearic record I've heard all year. Sure, you might have loads of things that sound like this, but you don't have this - and you do need it!

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            Cover of The Beds by Melly.

            Melly

            The Beds

            Major Problems

            Melly aka DJ Aprés Ski with four tracks of cerebral club music for the daytrippers and 5D-voyagers alike as the amazing Major Problems continues to be a beacon for the unknown and undiscovered. "Shrubbery" is a meandering lysergic swirl, decorated beautifully with digitized timpani for a moment of neon-hued serotonin release. "Health Is Wealth" deploys stuttered mid range synth shots as a simple arpeggio rotates slowly around pneumatic beats for a blackened night club weapon that kids'll go crazy for. "The Beds" is a bouncy, elastic cerebral house number, with ricocheting perc, suspended pads and a nagging, penetrative lead and in some way, reminds me slightly of FYI Chris' eerie creepers. "Mineral Water" completes the set with nods Mood Hut's Aquarian Foundation and Cloudface - a hazy, dreamy, aquatic cut that sees bubble fx and sonar bleeps sidechained against a rippling underwater current for a track that'll instantly transport you back to Sonic the Hedgehog's water levels. Watch out for air bubbles!

            Mastered by Someone’s Dad? Cut at Schnittstelle. Artwork by Mel Keane.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Kaleidoscoping shamanic business here from one of the first teams in the league. Major Problems continue to twist minds and elevate frequencies. You need!

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            Cover of We R Tuesday Nights Vol.5 by Mike Dunn.

            Mike Dunn

            We R Tuesday Nights Vol.5

            No Label

            The fifth installment of Mike Dunn’s "We R Tuesday Nights" series finds the phreaky one digging deeper into the vaults to give you three more killer disco tracks, edited to perfection by the Chicago master. Uptempo and jubilant, these are hi-nrg numbers for the peak time, with nods to the great Ron Hardy and NY legend Danny Krivit. Who said edits were dead! Give credit to the edit! Recommended.

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            Cover of Born In Africa by Charly Kingson.

            Charly Kingson

            Born In Africa

            High Fashion / Fleet

            High Fashion land at Piccadilly with a pair of Afro-disco worldies here, plucked from the archives of Cameroon's groove master Charly Kingson. Though less known than Tony Allen or Fela Kuti, Charly shook the continent up in 1978 when he dropped the mighty "Born In Africa" LP, a funk-full, disco tinged bomb which packs way more power than your usual tropical tackle. "Born In Africa" itself is shuffling, swaying Afro-disco smasher for the dancefloor, and this original 1982 remix from legendary Dutch percussionist Eddie Conard squeezes every bit of body moving magic from the unstoppable groove. So far so good, but it's the squelching, stomping force of futuristic dancefloor smasher "Nimele Bolo" that's got the real heads spinning! Cut from a similar cloth to those classics from Connie Case and Coach House Rhythm Section, this combo of limber, lysergic synth squelch, disco 4/4 and the full funk force of wah guitar, hot horns and killer clav causes maximum destruction on a big rig. Chuck in the extra energy of a chanted / shouted vocal and you're well on your way to a no holds barred system smasher! Released in 1982 on Ariola/Fleet, but also pressed on the original Fleet label. The latter (remarkably with identical catalog-number) never saw daylight. All in all, this hard to find 12” (at Discogs copies on the Ariola/Fleet label go for around 250 euro) was recently re-discovered, and now you can finally enjoy it again.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: High Fashion dip into the Fleet archive to hit us with the superior 1982 version of Charly's Afro-disco bomb "Born In Africa", backed by the massive acid flecked Afro-funk slammer "Nimele Bolo"! Get a copy right in the front of your battle bags folks.

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            Cover of Emperor's New Clothes EP by Duckett.

            Duckett

            Emperor's New Clothes EP

            Berceuse Heroique

            Berceuse Heroique never disappoints when it comes to a bit of comic relief. That sounds strange for a label which specialises in uncompromising outsider sounds, of all shapes and sizes, and predictably dark shades of music, but there is a surprise at every turn. Now, the Athens-based imprint makes a turn to Duckett, a relatively unsung figure of the early minimal and tech-house scene from the UK.

            Emperor's New Clothes Part 1 is a varied dance single with six effective cuts riding shotgun; the bounce begins with the trippy bleeps of "Rights", followed by the more broken, off-kilter noise approach of "The Way You Make Me Feel" and the sleepy minimalism of "Tension". The B-Side is similarly hedonistic, with all sorts of chanting making way for yet more tooled-up beats and wayward samples.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: I love the soothing sounds of marimba and xylophone. And if you add a good beat underneath, and some daft keys on top, I am all in. Loads of that on this gorgeous 12" filled with warm house and chilled ambient. A contender for 12" of the week.

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            Cover of Zibaldone III Of CVX by CVX.

            CVX

            Zibaldone III Of CVX

            Berceuse Heroique

            Out briefly on Berceuse, ‘Zibaldone III of CVX‘ is the third in a series of releases from London-via-Mallorca based artist Rupert Clervaux, after two instalments issued via London’s Laura Lies In – both available in the form of custom-made dubplates. Inspired by the unique format and flow of ‘zibaldone‘ – the Italian equivalent to commonplace books made famous by Giacomo Leopardi’s eponymous masterpiece, Clervaux’s multi-angle audio mosaics merge fragments from various fields such as literature, philosophy, poetry, psychology, history, politics and more.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: A highly intellectual approach to electronic, experimental music. The result is impressive. Loads of samples from literature, philosophy, history or politics. Highly refreshing in what is, at times, an ocean of dross. 'Fleurs Pour Simone' will be on rotation for quite some time and 'Exhibit A Smartphone' is a serious techno weapon. Cheers.

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            Cover of Under Your Spell by Desire.

            Desire

            Under Your Spell

            Italians Do It Better

            Produced & Mixed By Johnny Jewel - Artwork By Johnny Jewel.

            The Desire trio is made up of John Padgett, Megan Louise, and Nat Walker. Together, they've released a handful of EP's and an LP for the excellent Italians Do It Better, and they return to the label with a new six-tracker of off-the-wall, sultry synth disco. "Under Your Spell" is a soundtrack kind of tune, where Louise's vocals ride ever so well amid crunchy, mid-tempo drum machine beats, but there's also plenty of uplifting discotheque fun such as "Don't Call", and the supremely funky "Mirroir Mirroir". The B-side features a moodier vocal mix of the title track, the quirky bleeps and beats of "I Can Dream About You", and the beatless vocal mix of "Don't Call". Whether you're into synth pop, coldwave, or disco, Desire is sure to please your needs.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Barry says: Another killer EP from Desire, with massive reverbed drums, silken vocals and shimmering synths. A perfectly balanced suite of heart-aching reminiscence, shining synthwork and evocative lyrics. Beautiful stuff.

            FORMAT INFORMATION

            Ltd 12" Info: 12” pressed on ultra clear vinyl dipped in ice blue.

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            Cover of Shadow - Inc. Michael Runaway Edit by Chromatics.

            Chromatics

            Shadow - Inc. Michael Runaway Edit

            Italians Do It Better

            Reissue of this now classic Chromatics' 12" - "Shadow" 12". Originally on ultra clear vinyl dipped in emerald green, this time round its dipped in magenta!

            Originally released digitally in 2015, the six track EP showcases five (count em!) different version of lead track, backed with "White Light" (no relation to the Velvet's track of the same name... - ed).

            The cinematic qualities of the track are obvious, emphaized through the cleverly titled 'End Credits' and seeing the same refrains, hooks and motifs repeated throughout the various takes. It's dreamy, yearning, melancholic and swathed in emotion - a sure fire hit for IDIB mob then! Back in stock once again and looking dazzling - don't miss out! 


            FORMAT INFORMATION

            Ltd 12" Info: Ultra clear vinyl dipped in magenta.

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            Cover of March Down Babylon by The Chosen Brothers.

            The Chosen Brothers

            March Down Babylon

            Wackie's

            Stone classic Bullwackies (as excursioned by Rhythm & Sound for Burial Mix), sensationally featuring two unreleased dubs, newly extracted from the master reels. Both are equally unmissable but quite different, with contrasting effects: the second dub adds ninety seconds, including whip-dem spring reverb. Drawn from the "Selective Showcase LP", the vocal mix is more open and dubwise than the "Sing & Shout LP" offering, with less keyboards.

            Asked whether it should be mash or march, after some pondering Bullwackies infamously replied: 'That’s a good question.'


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Thought you'd had enough Wackies to fill your chalice? Not yet it seems, as the iconic herb garden label continue to blow reams of ganga-soaked goodness in our direction. Jah bless!

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            Cover of Dangnabbit by Bogdan Dražić.

            Bogdan Dražić

            Dangnabbit

            The Trilogy Tapes

            Bogdan Drazic's two debut EPs for Giallo Disco, a pair of monumentally aggressive EBM/techo deviations, were good enough to capture the attention of Will Bankhead's TTT stable, propelling the artist onto a new stage, with a new set of listeners. In fairness, Bankhead has picked some pretty 'out-there' material from Drazic, with the opening "Nang Nubia" being a marvellously twisted whirlpool of techno and metallic power-core, followed by the quirky mechanics of "Goa, Goa, Gone". For the flip, Bogdan delivers "Jack Dat Wabbit", a more bass-heavy stomper with a supremely off-kilter groove under its hood, whereas "Trip This Joint" waves its heavy folds of bass over a broken, disJOINTed medley of beats. Lush. TTT seal of approval.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: A pallatable, relatively easy on the ear Trilogy Tapes. Punchy and tough, at times on edge, but overall solid and luscious. Classic TTT but a tinsy bit more dancefloor-friendly. My fave here has to be 'Nang Nubia' which after a sordid entry, hits you right on your face. Great stuff.

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            Cover of Snod Hill EP by FYI Chris.

            FYI Chris

            Snod Hill EP

            West Friends

            London's West Friends hit that all important milestone of record number five. Proving to be a tasty lil label this - moody, atmosphere, deeeep house cuts that fizz, bubble and squeak in all the right places.

            On one side you will find "AD", which samples an inspiring speech given by the heroic Angela Davis at Southbank in 2017. Listen to her wisdom as you play this in your front room at 7am to people who suddenly can't quite look at their hands properly.

            The other side "PAS" greets you with warnings of atomic explosions over a riotous jam between a Yamaha CS-10 and a sturdy analogue 808 clone. If you have a pressing need for air raid sirens, this is for you.



            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Chris and Chris continue to ply their exquitive blend of shadowy electronics and trickski grooves. Another winner from this upcoming duo.

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            Cover of Needin’ U – Dimitri From Paris Remix by The Face Vs Mark Brown & Adam Shaw.

            The Face Vs Mark Brown & Adam Shaw

            Needin’ U – Dimitri From Paris Remix

            CR2 Records

            David Morales’ legendary track ‘"Needin U" is a landmark in house music culture all the way from its release in 1998 and remains a seminal classic in dance music history. In celebration of the tracks 20th Anniversary, French legend Dimitri From Paris has created yet another thrilling remix of The Face vs. Mark Brown's previous version of "Needin U", released in 2009 via Cr2.

            With plenty of calibre under his belt, including disco remixes of Chic and Sister Sledge, Dimitri From Paris’ take on this all time house classic is not only marked by his acclaimed signature sound - live instrumentation, booming four to floor beat, dynamic rhythms and energizing bass lines, but the fabric of David Morales’ legendary track is evident throughout. Whether for the casual dance music fan, household DJ or an enthusiast for the all-time classics, this remix is a must listen.


            FORMAT INFORMATION

            12" Info: Limited to 1500 units worldwide – one sided 12” numbered vinyl.

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            Cover of God Save And Protect All The Children by Margo Williams.

            Margo Williams

            God Save And Protect All The Children

            Golden Flamingo Records

            The wonderfully monikered Golden Flamingo was one of many labels operating alongside the now legendary P&P Records imprint in late 70's to early 80's NYC. Fans of deep Disco, raw gritty Soul and rare as hen's teeth Electro and early Rap know of the cult status of its brief but influential output. An amazingly lo-fi, endearing and overtly underground aesthetic runs through all of the labels, from the label artwork down to the music itself. This style is evident on Margo Williams' epic 'God Save And Protect All The Children', a colossally rare 12" from back in 1980.
            A huge, drifting soulful Gospel number, 'God Save...' has been an oft overlooked gem in the wider P&P related catalogue. Not much info is known about Williams other than she contributed backing vocals to some classic Disco records including Inner Life's 'Inner Life II' and The Salsoul Orchestra's christmas LP as well as appearing on other P&P projects. The production on this record was handled by the absolute powerhouse duo of Peter Brown and Patrick Adams so it oozes that amazing quality that these 2 legendary studio figures brought to all of their projects - the trademark P&P sound. It's all here in this beautiful stirring plea to the lord to look after all of us set to some incredible arrangement and production. It's obvious these self-made music industry legends were at the top of their game back then and one only has to explore the rich and diverse catalogue of amazing music they've given us over the decades. Absolutely essential repress action here.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Martin says: Sugar coated sweet sweet soul music here. I might be a punk at heart but it's impossible to ignore these heartfelt vibes! 10 out of 10!

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            Cover of The Magic Touch / It's Torture by Melba Moore.

            Melba Moore

            The Magic Touch / It's Torture

            Outta Sight

            Melba Moore (born Beatrice Melba Hill, 1945) has enjoyed a prolific career releasing dozens of albums and singles earning her two Grammy nominations and a Tony for her stage performances. All of which seem to be somewhat overshadowed by the enormity of her earliest recording for Musicor in 1967… “The Magic Touch”. It was unreleased at the time but was later unearthed by Ace Records on a trip to the Musicor vaults in Nashville and popularised by Ady Croasdell via the highly collectable 1986 Kent Anniversary single, two decades after its recording. We are proud to present this masterpiece in 2018 for the next generation of Northern Soul fans on its very own ‘Magical’ imprint in association with Gusto Records Inc. Macine Brown has also enjoyed a prolific recording career and has earned her place in the Northern Soul Hall of Fame with legendary UK performances and her many recordings including, not least “One In A Million” and “Let Me Give You My Lovin’”. Again, this unbelievable find is down to the Ace Records pioneers and its exposure via Kent Records on LP and single, incredibly over 30 years ago!

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            Cover of Keep On Keeping On / If I Could Only Be Sure by Nolan Porter.

            Nolan Porter

            Keep On Keeping On / If I Could Only Be Sure

            Outta Sight

            If I Could Only Be Sure”, a staple on the All-Nighter scene, was released in 1972 and was taken from Porter’s eponymous ABC album. Unlike its predecessor, it was also released in Brazil, Canada, France, New Zealand and in the UK on Probe Records, 23rd Feb 1973, 45 years ago! It was a modest hit at the time peaking at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was later covered by Paul Weller on his 2004 album Studio 150. Both tracks were produced by Gabriel Mekler who was a rising star in the early seventies. His Lizard and Vulture labels had national chart success and he produced albums for Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Janis Joplin and Etta James. He was also an acclaimed songwriter and musician and if it wasn’t for his untimely death in a moterbike accident in 1977 he could well have become the next Nile Rodgers! Fortunately he left behind a legacy of wonderful recordings and two of the best are featured here.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Deep down an dirty, hard-ass soul-rock here from Nolan Porter. Surely big with Keb Darge and his rockabilly ruffians...

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            Cover of They'll Never Know Why / Make Up Your Mind by Freddie Chavez.

            Freddie Chavez

            They'll Never Know Why / Make Up Your Mind

            Outta Sight

            Freddie Chavez hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and still performs in local bars and clubs. He recorded his masterpiece “They’ll Never Know Why” in 1968 for Look Records, a division of Starday out of Nashville. It made little noise Stateside but went on to become one of the most popular floor fillers at Wigan Casino and just about every other venue at the time and since. DAVE NEWMAN also recorded just one single for Look Records in ’68, “Make Up Your Mind”. The song was written by Freddie Chavez and would have made a wonderful follow up to “They’ll Never Know Why”. However, Newman does it justice and it did have its moment of fame on the UK Northern Soul scene but has yet to enjoy anthemic status.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Andy says: I never went to Wigan Cassino or Legends. I was too busy big fish little fishin' at the Hac. However the legacy of soul music is difficult to ignore here in Manchester. Tracks like this show me why...

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            Cover of Please Stay / I'm In A Groove by The Ivories.

            The Ivories

            Please Stay / I'm In A Groove

            Outta Sight

            The Ivories were a Chicago trio: Marilyn McThune, Carol Samuel and Angela Sanford; who met in high school and performed locally as the Simplistics (not a very inspiring name for three promising students). The girls were signed by Jerry Butler who recoded them on the Tom Dorsey song “Please Stay”. It was also Butler who renamed the group as the Ivory’s, it is thought the name is derived from ‘Mr Ivory’, the host of the local Teen Talent show. Butler sold the master and the contract to Barry Despanza and “Please Stay” was released on Despanza Records circa 1966. The record performed quite well in Chicago but the girls were persuaded to cut short their recording career in favour of their studies. The master was subsequently leased to Wand who failed to promote their release, attributed to the ‘Ivories’ and the record sank without trace. Today a Wand 45 commands a hefty price tag of over £1,500 whilst the original release on Despanza is worth only a third of that. An odd situation for Northern Soul collectors.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: I have a twisted sense of humour when it comes to records over a certain price... especially when they arrive in here, on super fresh, clean vinyl and at an everyman's price tag of less than a tenner. Bingo!

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            Cover of Woman, Love Thief / Love Power by Stemmons Express.

            Stemmons Express

            Woman, Love Thief / Love Power

            Outta Sight

            Stemmons Express were a band from Texas and their classic songs “Woman, Love Thief” and “Love Power” were first released on producer Sam Coplin’s local label Karma, before being picked up by Wand. The group took their name from the Stemmons Freeway (Interstate 35E) which in turn was named after Dallas businessman Leslie Stemmons. “Woman, Love Thief” shares the same backing track as The Precisions’ “Such Misery” which was recorded a few years earlier in Detroit in 1966. Quite how the track ended up in the hands of Sam Coplin, who also claims writers’ credit, is a mystery.

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            Cover of Bikini / So Deep - Inc. Shelter / Hysteric Remixes by Arvo.

            Arvo

            Bikini / So Deep - Inc. Shelter / Hysteric Remixes

            Strangelove

            For its second release, Strangelove resurrects two cuts from Australian cult synth pop duo Arvo’s much-mythologised 1984 album “Luna”. Having spent time in Europe and with heads & hearts 
full of the continent’s synth-pop movements, Deborah Gray and Roy Nicolson each returned Down-under to discover
 a doggedly rock orientated landscape. Finding solace in Roy’s studio and inspired by their musical O.E.’s, the ARVO concept was formed and an album took shape. A glamorous visual/electronic opus, major label misjudgment and local bewilderment left ‘Luna’ to unjustly slip under the radar.

            Rescued here, “Bikini” channels an Ipanema electronic vibe, nostalgically recalling Antipodean beach culture while the synthetic undercurrents of
”So Deep” reflect on the nature of our dreams. Also presented is a reimagined “So Deep’’ instrumental from Australia’s synth pop scholar-in-chief Hysteric, while French M.O.T.M. Shelter tailors Bikini into an excursion version.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Well here we have it folks, Strangelove return with the follow to that gorgeous Lena D'Agua release, a top notch blast of Australian synth pop from Arvo. The playful Balearic pop of "Bikini" grooves along nicely with nuanced percussion, pre-Twin Peaks weirdness and irresistible resort melodies while the white guy synth funk of "So Deep" rolls its pastel sleeves up and shuffles into the heart of the discotheque. On the flip, Parisian synth prince Shelter lends 'Bikini' some aquatic electronics and a new arrangement, while Aussie-Italophile Hysteric dubs "So Deep" into an irresistible Cowley style throbber.

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            Cover of SUNLP0101 by Grim Lusk.

            Grim Lusk

            SUNLP0101

            Domestic Exile

            Domestic Exile present their first vinyl release together with Glasgow's Grim Lusk.

            For those who are already familiar with Grim Lusk’s varied recording projects, established elements are further developed as sublimely demonstrated on the sample and loop based "Search", a dub / lo-fi hip-hop excursion that shuffles and shimmers before becoming more narcotically lysergic. Free from constraints, we transcend into "It’s My Nature", as all of that serotonin depletion is suddenly transformed into nutritional sustenance. A gleaming, hallucinogenic, hypnotic collage of exotic rhythmic disco percussion patterns which blossom and take flight to the sky above like the wildlife on the front sleeve with uninhabited adventure and freedom; a luscious, evocative, beguiling anomaly. "Sea Club-Rush" develops the experimental shape shifting, with a dense, sludgy quagmire of oddball techno discombobulations, before the record submerges into the deepest of voids, a k-hole induced sense of purposeful confusion and disorientation.

            Depressurized as if drifting in the mysterious vacuum of space whilst subtle layers of distorted bass prod at you to keep you afloat, "It’s Happening" utilizes a descending Risset glissando to leave you barely clinging on to reality, almost as if you are experiencing an astral projection but trapped within a detached nightmare that you can’t escape. "Yes He Did" has an infectious and killer bouncing boogie bass guitar spread over a lopsided beat which never quite settles; weaving in and out further bewitching your mind. The record culminates in the downtempo "Laces", pulling you into the all-consuming squelch and pressure of the suction below; a claustrophobic suffocation that intensely builds up suspense, squeezing and melting as it develops. Reminiscent of Sherwood’s exceptional technique of incisively slicing, cutting and pasting manipulated dub / industrial percussion, "Laces" works equally well at 45rpm.

            In its fullness, the sounds presented on "SUNP0101" are an intoxicating slip down a neon-lined chute into eternal dance floor darkness. Immaculate sleeve artwork by Australian-born, London-based designer Brodie Kaman.

            Essential for fans of fellow Glaswegian travellers - 12th Isle, LAPS, So Low, Golden Teacher, Night School, Cucina Povera etc.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Amazing new record from our good friends in Glasgow. Continuing the home brewed tradition for angular, tribal dance records inspired by post-punk, think existing local bands like Golden Teacher, Night School and LAPS. I'm not sure if it's recorded at Green Door studio but these cats all share the same stomping grounds I'm sure. Show yer support and love for this emergent new scene from our sister city up north! Thoroughly recommended!

            FORMAT INFORMATION

            Ltd 12" Info: Limited 12" release with full picture sleeve.

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            Cover of Dance Forever - Young Marco Reworks by Madlaks / Hot Slot Machine.

            Madlaks / Hot Slot Machine

            Dance Forever - Young Marco Reworks

            Safe Trip

            Clear some space in your setlist, Safe Trip is back with a banger! This time round the Trip's more physical than psychedelic, with label leader Young Marco jetting off for a tour of SA. Infiltrating the local Kwaito and lo-fi house scenes, Marco's nabbed a pair of heaters from the nineties and noughties and given them his personal twist. The first rearranged recording is Madlaks' “Jikovunu”, originally released back in '06. A bright and breezy affair, "Jikovunu" is marked out by bold piano riffs, bustling breakbeats and acid b-lines. According to field agents and festival goers, this version has become widely known as “we dance forever” in reference to its repeated vocal hook.
            The second audio missive dates back to 1992 and was originally produced by SA duo hot slot machine. This new rework from Marco emphasises a rolling and futuristic electronic bassline, a shuffling hip-house style rhythm track, classic house elements and a soulful vocal. Packed with positivity, soul and so much groove, this one's every bit as uplifting as your first gary.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Marco infiltrates the South African underground for this latest Safe Trip smasher, hitting us with a couple of personalised versions of kwaito and house heaters. The A-side brings breakbeat flair to a lo-fi piano pearl, while the flip offers up gurn-able positivity in a hip house style.

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            Cover of Sexy Lady / Stop The War by Oro.

            Oro

            Sexy Lady / Stop The War

            Best Records

            t's coming out on Best Italy, so you know you're in for a rarified treat from the dusty archives of pan European music. On this occasion the unstoppable reissue label has its disco hat on, serving up the "raw cosmic funk" of Oro, recorded in Naples and originally released in 1977. Back then, this crucial cut was confined to a short 7" edit, but Best have pulled the stops out to track down the master tapes and execute a thorough remastering job on the full-length versions, now pressed to 12" for your long-playing, disc-spinning pleasure. It's a good thing these tracks came back into circulation - they capture the best of the late 70s era in a cool, downright funky style that never gets old.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Finally the inevitable has happened - Best Record's unstoppable reissue journey through Italy's underground has reached Oro's "Stop The War", the 1977 45 which has been my top secret weapon for the past five years. Outrageously funky, way wonky and kind of cosmic, this underground hit has packed dance floors wherever I've played it, so make sure you grab a copy.

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            Cover of Vol. 3 by Re-Rub.

            Re-Rub

            Vol. 3

            Summerjamz

            The summer is here and it’s time for BBQ’s and chill vibes. On Summerjamz Vol.1, Naughty NMX brings what’s promised. The A side is a deejay friendly original sample Rerub of the ode to wishing you were of bigger stature. And you were a Baller. The B side once again is derived from the original samples, but this one is a Sunday afternoon BBQ classic chill joint. Taking it back to 2000 mode, NMX flip’s the B side of Grand Puba’s “A Little Of This” that will have all the bottles of Henny swaying back and forth in the park. Pre-orders as soon as possible.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: As sure to soundtrack Tarquin and Esmeralda's Fallowfield BBQ and it is to be heard across Bristol's patchouli-riddled hotspots this Summer; it is, unthankfully, very difficult not to fall for these classic refixes...

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            Cover of Right On Time / Tonight by Prophet.

            Prophet

            Right On Time / Tonight

            Stones Throw

            When Funkadelic asked us all to swear on the bible and flag, proving our funk credentials, Prophet was right in the front line, shirtless and soulglowed AF. This Stones Throw 7" hits us with the two toughest, roughest and most radical tracks from the great man's 1984 boogie holy grail "Right On Time". On the A-side, the title track electric slides through wormhole fx and nebulous filter sweeps, locking us into an outrageous bit of zero gravity funk. Falsetto vocals, slick bass licks, vamping keys and strutting guitars come together like a good game of Tetris, lifting you to a new interdimensional plane. The tape saturated thrust continues on B-side bubbler "Tonight", a post Paisley romp that replaces Prince's androgyny with a brandy sipping masculity.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Not since the glory days of PPU have we had a tape saturated boogie bomb of this magnitude. Imagine a soundtrack to an imaginary club scene in which all your favourite arcade game characters have an orgy.

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            Cover of LENG042 - Inc. Gerd Janson / Pete Herbert Remixes by Earthboogie.

            Earthboogie

            LENG042 - Inc. Gerd Janson / Pete Herbert Remixes

            Leng

            Earthboogie’s debut album, "Human Call", rightly earned praise on its release earlier in the year, with listeners responding positively to its sticky and humid dancefloor fusions of African and South American rhythms, chunky dub disco, retro-futurist house, spacey analogue electronics and sun-kissed Balearica. Hot on the heels of that release, Leng Records has sourced new remixes of two album highlights – “High Minded Man” and “Silken Moon” – from Running Back label boss Gerd Janson and synthesizer-wielding Balearic boogie stalwart Pete Herbert. It’s Janson who steps up first, offering up two total overhauls of “High Minded Man” that re-cast the undulating, Afro-fired original as a dreamy, drum machine-driven chunks of vintage deep house goodness.
            Where Earthboogie’s album version bobbed and weaved around horns and live bass, Janson’s Deep House Mix places the duo’s original chanted vocals above a bouncy, polyrhythmic rhythm track, Larry Heard style chords, Kwaito-esque electronic bleeps and a smooth, soul-stroking bassline. Janson’s Deep House Dub, which strips out the vocal for a more sparse and ethereal listening experience, is also included on the EP. The EP’s other remix comes from sometime Reverso 68 member Pete Herbert, who gets his mitts on previous single “Silken Moon”. While he retains some key elements from Earthboogie’s original – specifically the vocals, Afro guitars and house stabs – he naturally adds a little of his own rubbery electronic disco flavour via spacey synthesizer flourishes and a massive electronic bassline that brilliantly tracks the rising and falling movement of the main melody. It has the feel of a terrace anthem in the making

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Gerd continues his near perfect path through house music's dense foliage. This one conjuring up tribal tinged, florescent-lit dances under exotic canopies and thick palms.

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            Cover of Where Will I Go by Brief Encounter.

            Brief Encounter

            Where Will I Go

            Athens Of The North

            One of the most coveted unreleased Low Rider / Soul Ballads. A huge tune for Summer twenty eighteen, up there with infamous Darling Dears. This had only ever been released on a Japanese compilation 20 odd years ago without the bands consent (and with some of the channels missing) Athens of the North bring us the full unreleased version for the first time. Hot off the press this golden two track seven inch has everything you could ever want – or need! This is a big one for people who know the score. 

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: We're in deep Summer, which means some of you hopefully will relate to this slice of beach fried, sunshine soul music. Someone get me a cold towel, my head's burning!

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            Cover of Glowing In The Dark by Echodroides.

            Echodroides

            Glowing In The Dark

            Kode

            EchoDroides is a collaboration between Chicago natives Frank De La Mora & Miguel Martin. Their sound can be described as a trip through space with analog synthesizers and drum machines. They came together in 2011 first working on remixes then shortly after decided to work on original material. Their music has been featured in TV shows, movies, promotional videos from Peugeot, fashion labels and the Ubisoft video game, 'Watch Dogs'. For this special and limited release they re-created a track from 80s US studio project, Experimental Products - paying tribute to "Glowing In The Dark" with original and instrumental versions.

            'Experimental Products has always been a massive influence on us from the very 1st time we heard them back in the 80s. "Glowing in the Dark", in particular changed everything for us. Mark Wilde and Michael Gross were way ahead of their time. We wanted to pay tribute to them by re-creating this song from scratch.'




            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Massive cover version of Philadelphia-cum-Italo-cum-EBM anti-classic "Glowing In The Dark". Reach for the poppers!

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            Cover of Dusty Donuts Vol. 14 by Various Artists.

            Various Artists

            Dusty Donuts Vol. 14

            Dusty Donuts

            This summer Dusty Donuts will fly you out to California with two brand new and stunning reworks. Keyboard Wizard Jim Dunloop steps in the arena and gives us The Love Ride. Dunloopget’s busy with heavy keyboard manipulations as the Isley’s smooth as silk vocals take you there! Naughty NMX and Marc Hype deliver their nod to Dilla’s ode to the Diamond Girl. Top shelf summer breez-ers no question!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Martin says: More music to melt my heart this week... It must be the hot weather, but these seriously sensual refixes are certainly tickling my erogenous zones

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            Cover of Bra / The Message by Cymande.

            Cymande

            Bra / The Message

            Mr Bongo

            Classic funk-soul material of the highest order from the brilliant Cymande. ‘Bra’ and ‘The Message’ are two classic, essential Cymande tracks, mastered from original tapes to create the best possible reproduction and cut loud on 7” vinyl. Licensed from John Schroeder Enterprises.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Classic Cymande track "The Message" b/w bustling A-side number, "Bra"... someone get Craig Charles on the blower pronto!

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            Cover of Fug / Brothers On The Slide by Cymande.

            Cymande

            Fug / Brothers On The Slide

            Mr Bongo

            Classic funk-soul material of the highest order from the brilliant Cymande. ‘Fug’ and ‘Brothers On The Slide’ are two classic, essential Cymande tracks, taken from their ‘Second Time Round’ and ‘Promised Heights’ LP’s, respectively. Mastered from original tapes to create the best possible reproduction, cut loud on 7” vinyl. Licensed from John Schroeder Enterprises.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Soul-funk lovers re-joice - Cymande 7"s ffrrresh off the press! One of two mega releases to drop this week on Mr. Bongo.

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            Cover of Time Zones EP by Kid Lib.

            Kid Lib

            Time Zones EP

            Fresh 86

            Sheffield's finest jungle provocateur, Kid Lib on long established Fresh '86 for a double pack of specialist jungle heat.

            All facets of KL are demonstrated with aplomb, from the dreamy to the gritty but always with a deft hand in the drum programming department. Almost the very essence of DRUM and BASS, most of the detail and attention is held in meticulously devised rhythms and a sub / bass frequency shelf - with little distractions other than some gentle Rhodes, the odd vox or some tantalizing synth arp. Kid Lib keeps its stripped back and divisive; rigid, no nonsense and functional AF - much like the steel manufacturing that once categorized his city.

            Nods to Bizzy B, 90's pirtate radio and Lord Of The D all ring true here, a particular style of jungle that the OG heads should more than appreciate. Recommended. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Martin says: Bad ass new jungle business from a 'fresh' new firm!

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            Cover of Corazon / Peace Of Mind by Admin.

            Admin

            Corazon / Peace Of Mind

            Bitesize

            A Take Away has just been delivered. This time in a smaller 7" serving. As you would expect from this best seller label, it is as strong as the rest of their growing catalogue. Not a big one yet, but in terms of quality it has already made its name nicely. 

            Admin is in the driving seat this time producing two killers, two monster edits. 
            Strong disco tinges and Santana guitar flicks on this funky, string-ridden and keyboard solo A side. A smoothly crafted edit of LTG Experience's latin bomb 'Corazon'. I reckon Idjut Boys have edited this one too over two decades ago almost now.  I cannot recognise B Side but it is an almost psychedelic funky number ridden with sax and trumpets and a great synth solo. A nice builder for a solid set. Not often you get a 7' or a 12" with both sides being so solid and playable. Take Away do it it again. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Two bangers on a superb label. This time shaped as a 7". You need this two solid edits respectfully touched up. This will evaporate swiftly so fire your orders!

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            Cover of Bubbles / Die Siesta by Joyce.

            Joyce

            Bubbles / Die Siesta

            Crowdspacer

            Two years after coming together as Jhack, the Brooklyn duo of Bryce Hackford and Joakim are back in collaborative mode, this time as Joyce. A very strong contender for my 12" of the week, this power platter is very much a game of two halves, offering two distinct moods and flavours without any compromise on quality. Bounding out the A-side with maximum club pulse is "Bubbles", a fully psychedelic fusion of the naive technicolour of the shamanic house set and the irresistible depth and groove of a Prescription classic. The kick thwacks, the sequence warbles and detunes (remember the golden age of Jaokim remixes) and the bassline rolls on and on. Gradually the NY duo hit us with a mystical lead line and expansive vamps, setting the whole club on the way to true dance floor transcendence. Sounds good right? Thing is, that's only the entree, the main meal comes via a brilliantly beefy B-side - "Die Siesta". Now, while this may be billed as a tribal ode to the Balearic art of napping, it's far from horizontal. Jumping down the BPM to a chugging 100, the track explodes with improvised live percussion, tumbling congas and conversational drums. Thick and throbbing production help to lock your limbs into a frantic dance while the ominous rumble of a one note bass pulse rattles speakers and chest cavities alike. Where lesser producers might have rested on their laurels, polishing their chufty badge at a successful tribal drum tool, these guys give us flanged piano chords and floating melodies lifting the room to new heights. 


            \A two track 12” featuring a thumping and heady psychedelic deep house groove, in a classic Prescription zone, on the A-side (“Bubbles”). On the B-side, “Die Siesta” is a tribal ode to the Balearic art of napping, a moody live percussion improvisation jumping down the bpm and floating on filtered piano chords.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Joakim and Bryce Hackford bring it on their second collaboration - hooking up a majestic and melodic deep/dub houser on the A-side, and a percussion heavy Balearic floor filler on the flip. You NEED!

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            Cover of Burn / Xxxplosive by Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band.

            Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band

            Burn / Xxxplosive

            Big Crown

            Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band return with another instantly classic 45 guaranteed to be all over DJs set lists. With their sophomore full length coming in September, they treat us to another bomb of a two sider. Side A is a cover of the Dr Dre hit “XXplosive” done up in proper BRSB fashion, smashing drums and steel pans playing the lead and bass lines. They take this one into new territory by adding synth parts and dubbed out horn lines playing Nate Dogg’s infamous vocal hook melodies. Side B takes on one of NYCity’s grimiest Hip Hop club anthems, Mobb Deep’s “Burn”. We decided to do this tune and demoed it out long before the unfortunate passing of Prodigy.

            Unfortunately, he will never get to hear this cover, and that has been one of the nicest things in covering some of these more current Hip Hop tunes. Rest In Peace P. BRSB manages to do it again…..a version equally as raw and punchy as the original. Pans bang out the iconic riff from the original, theremin ushers in the changes, and the low rubble of the synth bass is sure to crush the subwoofers.

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            Cover of Through The Looking Glass - Inc. Nina Kraviz / Anastasia Kristensen Remixes by Special Request.

            Special Request

            Through The Looking Glass - Inc. Nina Kraviz / Anastasia Kristensen Remixes

            Houndstooth

            Special Request joins forces with Nina Kraviz and Anastasia Kristensen, shattering the doors of perception over a four-track EP. ‘"Through The Looking Glass" on cult label Houndstooth.

            On the A side, Nina Kraviz provides two interpretations of "Curtain Twitcher". ‘Alice Was Here Remix’ takes the intensity of the original and boils it into a 4/4 spin of frenzied basslines and distorted acoustics, punctuated by her languid reading of the Mad Hatter. For the ‘Samba Version’, syncopated polyrhythms take charge of a fragmented melody.

            Opening the AA side, "Looking Glass" lures you down the rabbit hole with mysterious bleeps, only to reveal a whirlwind of stormy breaks and junglist percussion. Closing off the trip, Anastasia Kristensen’s remix of "Tiresias" marches its way through a field of swollen bass and glitchy percussion. Mega stuff here folks...

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: This is very, very good. Specialist tackle for blackened aircraft hangers and tekno AF.

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            Cover of This Ain't Really Love by Sophisticated Ladies.

            Sophisticated Ladies

            This Ain't Really Love

            Kalita

            This is the first ever official reissue of the Sophisticated Ladies' sought-after 1980 New York disco single 'This Ain't Really Love', backed by a Mighty Zaf extended edit of their 1977 release 'Check It Out', and accompanied by interview-based liner notes. Here, the single will be available in its true 12” format, saving collectors and DJs alike from spending triple-digit figures on an original copy.

            First formed in 1955, the Sophisticated Ladies started their recording life as the R&B girl group The Bobbettes, originally consisting of five female vocalists (Jannie Pought, Emma Pought, Reather Dixon, Laura Webb and Helen Gathers). The group were signed to the Atlantic record label and were most known for their 1957 hit single ‘Mr. Lee’, which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Pop singles chart and remained #1 on the R&B chart for four weeks. They were in fact the first girl group to have a #1 R&B song which also was placed in the top ten of the singles chart.

            However, by the mid-1970s and with the emergence of the disco era, the Bobbettes changed their name to the Sophisticated Ladies. As Emma Patron (nee Pought) recalled to me in the winter of 2017, The Bobbettes’ success with ‘Mr. Lee’ had been both a blessing and a curse – on the one hand it had provided them with international fame, yet by the 1970s it had become a constant weight and drag upon the group, type-casting and inhibiting their development as artists. Thus, upon the suggestion of their managers and producers Joe Webb and Frank Fair, the name The Bobbettes was lost, replaced now by the Sophisticated Ladies. Not only did this provide the opportunity for a clean sheet, but it also allowed them to have an image change from a girl group to a female disco outfit; as Joe recalls, ‘when we changed the name and gave the band a more soulful, disco sound, it made a huge difference’.

            The Sophisticated Ladies (by this time consisting of Emma, Laura and Reather) released two singles between 1977 and 1980. They toured the southern states of America (whilst also touring internationally as the Bobbettes) and received radio airtime throughout the country. Here we have chosen to highlight their scarce, choice cut ‘This Ain’t Really Love’ and have invited The Mighty Zaf to re-work their version of Bobby Womack’s ‘Check It Out’, making it perfect for modern disco dancing.


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            Cover of Leave The City / Wake Up by Epsilon.

            Epsilon

            Leave The City / Wake Up

            Ariola

            Killer, cosmic leaning German Funk-Rock moves here on the repress tip courtesy of Epsilon, a 4 piece from Marburg, just North of Frankfurt.
            That kind of grooved out, downtempo dusted Glam type of gear that one might hear DJ Harvey play at wrong o'clock in the morning, or something that Loda might flip into mid-set that would have everyone scratching their head in disbelief. One of a handful of cool jams the Epsilon guys cranked out, remastered and repressed on a lovely, handy 45. Sounds heavy. Essential listening for those of a more 'left-field' disposition. Dig it.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Slap on your jet packs and booster boots and bounce into the disco with the mind-warping space funk sounds of Germany's Epsilon. Kinda camp, groovy and glam, this two tracker comes through with the kind of leftfield vocals, white funk grooves and rock attitude you expect to hear in a Harvey, Loda or Psychemagik set. Mega!

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            Cover of The Robotic People EP by Mbulelo.

            Mbulelo

            The Robotic People EP

            Transmat

            Breakthrough release for young South African artist Mbulelo. The EP contains 4 fresh cuts merging techno with African coded rhythms. 'Origins' is a hypnotic trance-like percussive centred with beats and rhythms reminiscent of Femi Kuti, but without being too organic.
            'Robotic People' seems to be the track people are talking about and calling it a banger. It is darker than 'Origins', edging on techno but not quite there. It can be a bit dense and claustrophobic at times but not in a bad way. 

            On B Side we are greeted with melody, which is going to be the narrative on both 'Orchestration' and 'Panacea'. B1 makes heavy use of the 808 and beautiful melodies, all of it underpinned by a broken techno beat that manages to be solid yet warm and inviting. Closing ceremonies, is my favourite, the banger. It is actually not a banger, it is almost like a homage to Henrik Scwharz. Beautiful melodies, xylophone-like instruments looped and telling you a story. It is a pleasant, calm, warm and soothing way to end thiese very good 4 tracker by Mbulelo on legendary label Transmat. Heavily recommended summer vibes. 

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: High quality 4-tracker by new kid on the block Mbulelo. South African percussion heavily filtered though the machines riding along soothing melodies. Not bad at all.

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            Cover of When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees by Yazmin Lacey.

            Yazmin Lacey

            When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees

            First Word Records

            Yazmin Lacey emerged onto the new jazz scene with her beautiful sound, her new release When the Sun Dips 90 Degrees is on First Word Records.The EP follows on from her two recent singles, '90 Degrees' and 'Something My Heart Trusts', both of which are included here, along with three previously unreleased tracks, 'Heaven', 'Body Needs Healing' and 'Burn & Rise'. This set illustrates again Yazmin's candid songwriting delivered in her uniquely laidback soulful style, whilst a glorious fusion of neo-soul and jazz performed by Pete Beardsworth and her trusty band rides throughout. Initially a Brownswood 'Future Bubbler' graduate, Yazmin self-released her debut EP, 'Black Moon', last year. This lead to a Maida Vale session late 2017 with Jordan Rakei, Moses Boyd, Oscar Jerome and now label-mates, Children of Zeus. She kicked off the year with a performance at the Worldwide Awards with Skinny Pelembe, and has recently done shows with artists such as Ezra Collective, Tall Black Guy and Fatima. Yazmin has a UK tour scheduled for later in the year, as well as several festival appearances across Europe locked in. There's a lot more to come from this Notts-based Londoner yet. In Yazmin's words: "'90 Degrees' is about that time of the day / night when there's a shift in pace and energy. When you decide to lock off from the 'outside' world and create your own atmosphere, take some time to give thanks for what's breathing love into your life and smoke off the fuckeries. Everyone needs a little routine for self preservation."


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Millie says: Beautifully warm vocals layered on top of relaxed neo-soul vibes and jazz elements has created this perfect sound that I’ve fallen in love with.

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            Cover of Let Me Show You Luv by Buzzin Cuzzins Aka Romanthony.

            Buzzin Cuzzins Aka Romanthony

            Let Me Show You Luv

            No Label

            Arguably the best and most rare mix / edit of the late Romanthony classic "Let Me Show You Love" done under his Buzzin Cuzzins alias. This edit originally dropped way back in 1996 and now is available again on a limited 1-sided 12". Absolutely smokin' hot, anthemic house vibrations for fans of Bicep, Mood II Swing and Jeremy Underground. Move quick!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Big things happen when you drop the needle on this lovely record, dancefloor eruption guaranteed - the catchy b-line, infectious vocal and those unforgettable keys will sweep you off your feet! True classic.

            FORMAT INFORMATION

            Ltd 12" Info: Super limited edition, one sided, one off pressing.

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            Cover of Single Girl by Knight Action.

            Knight Action

            Single Girl

            Let's Dance

            Offical re issue 2018 Ultra-rare proto-house vibes from Chicago courtesy of Still Music. This one's long been coveted by followers of the jacking beat, the apostles of WBMX. Produced by Mike Macharello & Duane Thamm Jr this is a truly unique record and one that is very hard to obtain. If you dig the earliest grooves from the Windy City, or you have a passing interest in Italo or Freestyle then this is for you! A fully legit 12" reissue, taken from Still Music's recent, comprehensive overview of the 'Let's Dance' label this is unmissable.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: J-J-J-Jack that body! Still Music offshoot Let's Dance invite us to the dancefloor with this Ron Hardy approved pseudo-Italo, proto house stomper backed by the tougher and tighter "D-Rail" mix from a couple of years later.

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            Cover of The Diamond Project EP 1 by Drummer B.

            Drummer B

            The Diamond Project EP 1

            Transmat

            Drummer B brings some fresh Detroit heat to Transmat on "The Diamond Project". Truly epitomizing the sound, grit and atmosphere of his home city, the EP feels deeply in touch with urban culture yet still has that futuristic slant that characterizes electronic music from the Motor City. EP1 is the first of a two EP release and starts with "In Case Y'all Forgot" - which skillfully constructs a taut, bubbly electronic groove onto which Drummer B stitches some brilliantly evocative spoken word snips. "What Dat Jxxy Bout", an appropriately obscene ghetto-tech track about rollin' a blunt is gloriously technofied through a serpentine synthline and machine code hats. "Again" shows the other side of Detroit soul with an extended spoken word performance by Jessica Care Moore. "Diamond," beautifully toys with the half time rhythmic structure, nodding its head to Chicago's footwork scene, or indeed, Detroit's 'Jit' movement. Center leaf artwork by Haqq of Third Earth Visuals. A mesmerizing and wonderful addition to the Transmat label.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Straight into ma box this one... Nothing like some brand new cutting edge Detroit shit; and this my friends, is the business.

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            Cover of Jingo / Let No Man Put Asunder - Moplen Edits by Candido / First Choice.

            Candido / First Choice

            Jingo / Let No Man Put Asunder - Moplen Edits

            Salsoul

            Contemporary Disco remix guru Moplen steps up to the Salsoul archive and turns in 2 absolutely stellar reworks of some solid evergreens. Always remixing and reworking with the utmost respect and understanding Moplen takes these classics into a new direction, working from the stems and retaining the funk, soul and grooves of the OG's. The disco mix market is a busy one these days with lots of people taking a shot at the classics in their bedrooms, but not these, these are legit, heavyweight mixes created by someone who knows! Candido's 'Jingo' sounds completely fresh, beginning with a totally unheard first few bars, rearranged piano motifs and dubby sounds bristle up against the percussion, all with an even heavier focus on the Cuban, Latin roots of Candido Camero's sound, amazing!

            You've heard this one before, but not like this. On the flip is First Choice's all-out anthem 'Let No Man Put Asunder' - again a truly original reimagining of a stone-cold classic, using the percussions and infamous vocal vamps to devastating effect, absolutely essential versions here. Moplen has truly done the business. This one is HOT. Sleep at your peril!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Hot summer nights require hot anthems like these pair on this Salsoul offering. First Choice and Candido get the Moplen touches to make them even more dancefloor dynamite than they already were. First Choice set it all off with true classic 'Let No Man Put Asunder' and on the flipside you have the latin fever anthem 'Jingo' by Candido. Moplen speeds it up a bit to max effect. Two bombshells on one 12". Both incredibly good.

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            Cover of Forest Floor by LT.

            LT

            Forest Floor

            Rhythm Section

            After a debut outing on International Black last year with his best friend Mallard, LT graduates onto Rhythm Section INTL with a stunning debut solo effort: "Forest Floor"

            Aged just 20 years old, Lewis Taylor aka LT is another prodigal talent from the north of England, whose association with Rhythm Section goes back to his school days. A fan of the label from an early age, Lewis regularly made pilgrimages to the pool hall as soon as he was old enough to do so. It was these visits with his old school friend Mallard (who had recently moved down to London from Derbyshire to study music) which proved to be a formative influence, prompting him to try his hand at production...It turned out he was quite the natural, with his second ever effort as an 18 year old making it onto this very EP.

            Sitting somewhere between electro, house and techno with a healthy dose of breaks - LT constructs complex arrangements with as much of a nod to the retro summer of love stylings of Lone as to the new age bounce of the Pender Street Steppers. The piano house stabs of "Untitled (Chesney)" reverberate around chopped breaks and screaming samples, anchored down by bouncy organ bass and FM lead synth which really begs the question: ‘How did LT develop such a rich lexicon of club culture references in such a short time?’ We’d be tempted to believe it was just pure luck, if this mastery of rave aesthetics wasn’t repeated throughout the EP...

            "Mesosphere" fizzes with arpeggiated energy before giving way to a magnificent yet subtle drop that will serve festival main stages as well as it will back room clubs. Before the EP is over, LT has one more trick up his sleeve in "Forest Floor" - the titular track which is the musical equivalent of watching the sun rise through a misty glade after a night spent alone in the wilderness. With this gentle touch, LT proves he’s more than another kid on Ableton making bangers - he has breadth, incredible musicality and a rare ability to transcript sceneries into sounds. Finishing with "North Circular" possibly a reference to the free Parties on the London Orbital or merely just a coincidence… you decide.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Big big big new one from the Bradley's ever-burgeoning camp. Skillfully poaching this talent from the north and nurturing him under the Canavan's bossom before finally, the fruits of love are presented here. Phenominal!

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            Cover of At Night - Inc. Peggy Gou / Tiger & Woods Remixes by Shakedown.

            Shakedown

            At Night - Inc. Peggy Gou / Tiger & Woods Remixes

            Defected

            Simply an iconic track from Swiss brothers Mandrax and Seb K aka Shakedown, ‘At Night’ is one of the most recognisable house tracks of the last two decades. With one of the most-hyped remixes of the year, artist of the moment Peggy Gou delivers with a squelching 7 minute groover, bringing in that iconic synth motif to lift the production and keep it rolling. Stepping up to tackle this masterpiece with a nu-disco dance track, Tiger & Woods use cowbell to accent a B-boy beat, with drum machine breaks bringing it back to the dancefloor.

            With a sophisticated house remix with a nu-disco edge is Purple Disco Machine, fusing a funk-infused bassline with Terra Deva’s unforgettable vocals. Finally is a brand new version from the Shakedown duo themselves, the Galactic Boogie Mix. With saturated synths and interplanetary breakdowns, Shakedown bring a carefree 80s quality to this iconic track’s irresistible after-dark charm.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: This is a repackaged club house mega anthem that caused serious damage on mainstream dancefloors back in 2001. I remember this one because I sooo totally loved it. Not the original but the brutal Mousse T mix with its unforgiving bassline and funky, Prince-esque guitar flick and yeah... those naughty distorted and looped vocals and spectacular climax! Hell yeah, those were the times for me. Fast forward almost two decades after and you get a revamped reminder of this classic with Peggy Gou and Tiger Woods at the controls. Peggy Gou is groovy, acid and calm. A hipster remix for the Shoreditch folk or our equivalent up here in Mancunia, the Northern Quarter beardo. I used to listen to this on repeat so it is nice to see it resurfaced. Tiger and Woods do what you expect them to do, chop and chop again till you drop, all wrapped in an old school electro beat. Great package for sure. Peggy steals the show hands down but gotta be honest, you also need that Mousse T mix which you can get dirt cheap on that vinyl trading place that starts with the letter D and ends with S.

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            Cover of ARKADA001 by Various.

            Various

            ARKADA001

            Arkada

            Arkada records is a new independent electro / techno imprint hailing from London U.K. The label is being presented with the first split vinyl EP featuring the sounds of T15DM (Earwiggle /Trensmat) and Errorbeauty (Arkada, Crobot muzik).

            I'm really liking the sounds presented here folks - advanced, highly specialist tracks that traverse techno and electro but with a completely fresh outlook and aesthetic that sounds like little else out there. Errorbeauty's first contribution, "Lilia J" contrasts jarring, brutalist rhythms buffed out with white noise static and smothered in cinematic, highly hallucinatory synth sweeps. It's crunchy and menacing but that synth section should get the hairs really standing on end. The second track doesn't look to change the formula, but instead piles more advanced technology onto an intricately constructed technoid beat structure, sounding a little like Autechre meeting Demdike Stare in Blackest Ever Black's cutting room. Yes it's that good.

            Flip the disc and T15DM takes control. "Nuther Desk" switches instruments; a vintage and crumbling acid house drum beat ramped up to gabba distortion levels while a wobbly acid line cuts through the saturation. Not wanting to let the side down, T15DM showcases some truly game changing sonics and production traits right from the off ensuring the most ardent techno head is left lusting. "SMEX" completes the 12" with a ghostly, sparse, bleep-acid track. Pairing a gurgling 303 lines with eerie atmospheres and a skeletal drum track. Sfx twist craniums from the inside out, again showing how skilled these two producers are behind the console. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: One of the most stimulating and interesting records I've heard all year this. Highly recommended!

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            Cover of Fake Love Vol.5 by Fake Love.

            Fake Love

            Fake Love Vol.5

            Fake Love

            Crafty buggers Fake Love return, making it almost a weekly occurrence. Much like Mastermind on BBC can be relied upon week after week to totally bamboozle and ridicule your intelligence - Fake Love pour humiliation over your disco, soul and funk knowledge, digging up highly listenable yet majorly unheard nuggets from the past thirty or so years; and continuously making us here at Piccadilly HQ admit defeat at the hands of this avid firm.

            To make matters worse, our in-house disco encyclopedia Patrick is off today, so I'm handing in the towel before I've even begun, sculling back into the mail order to section to discuss stiffeners and shipping costs with Dave.

            What I can tell you is that side A features a bouncy, electro-disco cut rich with boat party flavour and sounding like summat you'd catch Balearic Mike or Kelvin Andres playing to out to raptors celebration. Side B keeps the Balearic spirit alive as a proper beach ball soul cut skips across the bay as we enjoy margaritas and calamari. A truly evocative holiday experience! Bal-ear-ic A F mate....



            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: While Matt's flailing around the mailorder department in disgrace, I've returned to offer some ID assistance. Volume 5 focuses on the sweet voiced musical career of Alessandra Mussolini (the grand daughter of the fascist dictator) via two top edits of her most sought after material. The A-side offers "Love Is Love", the camp disco hit which inspired Ofra Haza's Israeli Balearic hit "Adama", while the B-side flips "Amai Kioku", an Italian Balearic disco hit with Japanese lyrics. Curio anyone?

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            Cover of This Is Human EP by Dead Sound.

            Dead Sound

            This Is Human EP

            Null+void Recordings

            The third release on null+void Recordings comes from Manchester based artist Dead Sound, who on his "This is Human" has fully expressed his expert knack for laying down engrossing hooks on a solid bed of grooves. Working between slinky electro and cerebral techno all with a sharp edge.

            "1st Line" definitely spirals into the headspace of the psychedelically inclined. A swirling plume of technoid prowess with aquatic, bubbly elements underpinned by a concentric kick drum pattern. "I Want You" introduces itself on suspended strings before dropping to a nagging, acidic electro groove that you might catch Radioactive Man or DMX Krew wigging out to late in the session. "Fair" is a grating, tearing slice of hallucinatory techno that should eek out the real heads from the pretenders on the dancefloor; real deal tackle you'd certainly catch Death Of Rave label head Conor Thomas utilizing to deadly affect out in the field. "This Is Human" completes with a rumbling sub pattern bolstered with gated perc hits and a rampant techno hat pattern that brings to mind the aircraft-taking-off brilliance of late Forward Strategy Group. Storming stuff! 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Tasty lil label that mighta snuck under yer radar... null+void satify those with a penchant for naggling, cerebral electronics and pneuamtic dancefloor tension.

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            Cover of Say My Name EP by DJ Protein.

            DJ Protein

            Say My Name EP

            No Label

            SLAMMERS.

            Fabio Monesi pres. DJ Protein. Side A >>> the BEST refix of Destiny's Child "Say My Name" you're ever likely to hear. Bit crunched, laced with booty samples and smashed out in the red, this will combust any floor it's given chance to ignite...

            On the flip, "Wandering Dreams" keeps the late 90s dream house vibe alive with a fast paced, frenetic instrumental that uses deep chimes, round bass and shuffled TF hats for a masterclass in deep house pleasure.

            Mastered at Reel Mastering, London

            How large?>!


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Straight to the front of by record box this one folks. That 'fire' record you need to have packed and ready for any opportunity that demands you blow up the spot.

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            Cover of Lait De Coco by Maya.

            Maya

            Lait De Coco

            Attic Salt

            “L’ombre des oiseaux caressait sa peau, elle bronzait au lait de coco…”

            Come summer, it’s time to get a tan, a caipirinha in your hand. To complement these delectable moments, Attic Salt Discs hit us with an official reissue of the modern classic that is “Lait De Coco” by Maya. I first heard this digger's delight at a Les Yeux Orange afterparty in Paris. It was about 7am and daylight had just begun to creep through the venetian blinds, and even though I was doing my best to quietly die in darkened bedroom, the warm sax, mellow groove and sound of 50 Parisians singing along prompted a Lazarus-style recovery. It's a classic spin for Growing Bin chief Basso as well, and has since gone down in history thanks to a cheeky Good Plus edit. Now remastered and pressed on a 10″, it comes with the original artwork and a postcard, because souvenirs and sweet words to your loved ones are everything.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: My favourite Balearic smoocher-Francais, as edited by my good friends at Good Plus, lands in officially repressed form, and on a 10" no less. Smooth sax, silken vocals and that cover photo! #uberBalearic

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            Cover of Verbana - Inc. Noche Espanola / Pete Herbert Remixes by Cantoma.

            Cantoma

            Verbana - Inc. Noche Espanola / Pete Herbert Remixes

            HIGHWOOD

            We've had a World Cup, Wimbledon and a hosepipe ban, all essential ingredients for a spectacular summer, but it's this brand new single from Balearic hero Phil Mison which puts the tin (foil) hat on our San Pellegrino. Operating under his acclaimed Cantoma moniker, the Cafe Del Mar man comes at us with a fiery bit of flamenco guitar, perfectly placed between a polyrhythmic groove and breezy flute. Spanish vocals dub out into the distance, carrying the essence of the White Isle to wherever we may be, it's one world after all. The sunset sorted, Phil turns his attention to the moonlight, manning the controls and lighting up the desk for a bumping Noche Espanola remix. Merging Italian emotion, proto production and an Island offbeat, the Noche Espanola remix is a typically tropical house workout perfect for those saucer eyed sojourns into the beaty end of the Balearic spectrum. On the flipside, Reverso 68 homey Pete Herbert works his magic on "Verbana" twisting the track into a propulsive disco-house heater accented with insistent hats, Latin piano and a pinging synth bass straight outta the nuovo Italo textbook. Shimmering and sizzling, this could cause a riot on a boat party - play with extreme caution. 

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Mison's back with another blink-and-you'll miss it bomb, featuring a remix by long time collaborator Pete Herbert. The titular "Verbana" is a distillation of everything dope and dreamy about the summer season, while the Noche Espanola and Pete Herbert mixes move the mood from the poolside to the party.

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            Cover of Vibrating James / The House by Bitter End.

            Bitter End

            Vibrating James / The House

            Bitter End

            Bitter End follow up Piccadilly Record's 12" of the year 2017 with another hot double A-side.

            "Vibrating James" on side A makes a funky foundation from the psilocybin soaked bones of the king of soul, and then liberally layers up some chest caving low end. Utterly irresistible and already the cause of many a 'moment' in the world's finest cathedrals of escape and sure to carry the baton of hedonism through the closing stages of the Summer.

            On the flip we get "The House" which sees jubilant pianos smothered in bass and sugar coated with a reverb heavy vocal. Sure to get bodies sweaty, it encapsulates that intense moment when the floor suddenly fills up and kicks into action, swaying and undulating under the sheer volume of dancers and energy.

            Another winner from this northern star. Recommended. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: 'nuther big un fromt Bitter End - Sheffield's worst kept dance music secret. Seemingly incapable of conjuring up anything but searing hot double A-sides, two very different, highly intoxicating flavours showcased with panache on record six from the camp.

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            Cover of MM Discos 04 by Albion.

            Albion

            MM Discos 04

            Mmdiscos

            More off-kilter magic from the MM Discos camp this week as the ectoplasmic edit imprint enlist Swedish digger par excellence, Mr Albion Venables, to hit us with four cuts of unknown origin. The set blasts into the stratosphere right from the get-go, hitting maximum thrust thanks to the power chords, overdriven funk and disco 4/4 of space disco opener "He Looks Like A Rainbow". Chuck in a breathy female vocal, plenty of proggy synth work and some slightly cheesy brass and we're in mirrorball heaven. The tempo drops off and the funk picks up for the freakbeat Francais of the A2, a squiggly, jiggly little off kilter dancer by the name of "J'aime BB". I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest this one hails from the French Caribbean, though it's bouncy groove, sparkling synths and cocktail hour sway should delight disciples of the White Isle. Albion goes full prog on the B-side with the symphonic, synthetic grandeur of "Universelle", another intergalactic romper that sounds like it could have soundtracked a live action TV movie of He-Man. Play it loud enough and you'll probably teleport to Castle Grayskull. Last but not least comes my current favourite, the strange, psychedelic and Balearic tinged chanson noir of "Discocoloco", a tricolore tonker with plenty of authentic vinyl scuzz.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: If you like your disco strange and spacey, you'll struggle to do better than this cosmic curio from Swedish digger Albion. Balearic tinged zouk and a quirky French number go head to head with two progged out cosmic blasters.

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            Cover of Volume One by Linkwood.

            Linkwood

            Volume One

            Night Theatre

            Night Theatre is a new label from Linkwood dedicated to serving dancers and deejays alike. It's been quite some time since we've seen this stalwart of 'second wave' UK deep house put his name to something, and what a break from the hiatus!

            "A" treads a line similar to Vakula's Leleka excursions: dreamy, thick with synth haze and powered by the vintage rhythms of house music. A fluffy bassline seals the deal for complete immersion as a gentle cerebral perc line tickles any remaining and unattended erogenous regions.

            "B" sees a barrage of tribal drums converge on shamanic wails and rainforest chatter; conjuring up a fiery slice of dancefloor voodoo that's so on point you could sharpen a pencil with it.

            Two completely absorbing pieces for the right now and beyond; and a fantastic return from this UK legend. Totally recommended. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Linkwood's back and he's ready to dance. It's hard to ignore side B's wigged out attack of tribal percussion, especially with carnival season just round the corner!

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            Cover of Chipo Sounds by Shelter.

            Shelter

            Chipo Sounds

            Camisole

            Imagine a peaceful cyberpunk world where flowers are used instead of laserguns, where bamboo towers are high in the sky and your fingerprints digitalized in a papermade card. This is the utopia you’re living in while listening to this record. From the crowded city atmosphere of "Mecanic Chipo" to the suspended garden of "Lady Chipo", your existence is harmonious and serene. As a casual salaryman you dream of the countryside in "Chipo Sleep" but are woken up by the "Chipo Dub" bonzaï alarm clock. "Chipo Sounds" reflect the reveries of everyday life, which are at the end, not cheap at all!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Parisian synth freak and musical sponge Shelter hits the shelves with a four tracker way beyond his tender years. Serene, delicate and dreamy, these four synth suites call to mind the chiming melodies of Yasuaki Shimizu or Jean-Michel Jarre's "Concerts En Chine".

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            Cover of Initials by Len Leise.

            Len Leise

            Initials

            General Purpose

            Australia's Balearic mystic is outback, ready to take us on another sunset stroll through the bush on his own General Purpose imprint. Originally written between 2014 and 2015, these discarded, lost ideas persisted enough to require further investigation. Taking a pause between his dub explorations, "Initials" is an electronic experimentation in forward-thinking Balearic music. "TFTC" opens the set in vintage Leise fashion, freewheeling through New Age melodies, woozy pads and nuanced percussion while a host of otherworldy idents shimmer in the distance. Birdsong and whirlytube introduce the madcapped and metallic rhythms of "MITD" on the B1, a fresh twist on the fourth world vibe built out of the skeleton of '92 ambient house releases. Finally, "STTS" gives us subtle percs, echo drenched sound design and robotic rainforest idents, all filtered into a haunting and atmospheric vision of Balearic dub-techno.




            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Lysergic, cryptic and kind of mystical, Len's music is like a Monday morning conversation with our own Matt Ward - and I'm more than glad the Aussie producer is back. Where recent releases have crashed and womped through dubspace, "Initials" sees Len return to the outback esoterics of old, offering up a trio of Balearic dancefloor hits tinged with his otherworldly oddness. Killer!

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            Cover of Nightshade Edits Vol. 2 by Eli Escobar.

            Eli Escobar

            Nightshade Edits Vol. 2

            Night People NYC

            Two brand new, dancefloor tested reworks by label boss and Classic Music Company recording artist Eli Escobar. Aretha Franklin meets Bobby Kondors across this double header, with the songstress singing sweet nothings over an electronic drum beat and soulful pianos on side A while side B sees deep house classic "Poem" bolstered with big gospel vocals.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            David says: Hearing "Africa" again has given me nothing but goosebumps! Even over this new groove it still does endless damage for the slower and smoochier dancefloor moments...

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            Cover of Fifty Dollar Bills by Sworn Virgins.

            Sworn Virgins

            Fifty Dollar Bills

            Deewee

            From the green hills of Albania to the back rooms of New York City, Sworn Virgins bring the light. A stranger's hand on your shoulder, bright red painted finger nails scratching your thigh, all those beautiful things that made you leave that small town you came from. Greased up and ready to go, close your eyes and take it in.
            All very good, yeah, but what am I buying you may be asking yourself. You are getting quality. Beautiful, odd, warm, pushing the boundaries, sample heavy and funky as hell - think about a mixture of DJ Koze and Losoul and you start getting close to the beauty that is 'Fifty Dollar Bills'
             
            Flip this very bad boy and you are greeted by a colder yet funky number with slightly more electro undercurrents with freaky vocals filling you up with the reasons why he is burning off his clothes off. Oddity, provocation and gender-bendering on this surprisingly mega Deewee release. I am getting a copy myself and dare to say that this is the house record you need this week. Will be a staple in your sets - if the crowd allows it. Not always easy. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Record of the week for me. Both sides are just gorgeously crafted. Proper alternative house for the freakos out there. You are not alone.

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            Cover of Ad Hoc Presents: Volume 3 by Various Artists.

            Various Artists

            Ad Hoc Presents: Volume 3

            Ad Hoc

            'Manchester has produced some of the world's most loved artists and bands - from indie to acid house - listened to by millions around the world. Ad Hoc Records continues this musical tradition, as a record label dedicated to showcasing the very best of Manchester's music scene - with a firm 21st century, 'post-everything' mentality.'

            First up to grace MCR's newest imprint comes Banana Hill's very own Cervo with a track perfectly timed for midsummer. "Hesse Groove" swells with warm pads and skits forward with a simple rhythm, the dual affect is a sweltering piece of mid-session house bliss; perfect for uniting crowds early doors with the day's fug and heat still ripe in the air. Taurtollo follows up a cult adored Reform Radio show with a lively piece that nods to the global funk showcased across his show. Live percussion meets an infectious organ line before Taurtollo ramps up the tape delay and beefs up the beats for the final furlong. Very nice! Paul Chamber's brings a raw, Fela Kuti sampling afro-house cut sure to get your head bobbing before Piccadilly regular and So Flute! star Yadava follows up releases on Church and Banoffee Pies with "Kadampa 125" - a piece driven by heavy-ass double bass and suspended on a crest of tension.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Manchester fires one back at Peckham's Rhythm Section and 22A with a jazz-leaning, forward-looking debut from the newly established Ad Hoc records. Watch out Bradley we're comin' for you...!

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            Cover of California Love / West Coast Poplock by 2Pac & Dr Dre / Ronnie Hudson & The Street People.

            2Pac & Dr Dre / Ronnie Hudson & The Street People

            California Love / West Coast Poplock

            5 Borough Breaks

            I love a good 5 Borough Breaks 7", and this sucka is one of the best. On the A-side we have the all time anthem of West Coast hip hop, Death Row banger "California Love" by 2Pac and Dr Dre. Packing maximum bounce to the ounce, Dre's bomb beat incorporates elements of Kleer's "Intimate Connection", Zapp's "Dance Floor" and most importantly Ronnie Hudson's "West Coast Pop Lock". Boasting a video based on Mad Max, Roger Troutman in talkbox overload and arguably the best verse of either rapper's career, this is dancefloor dynamite, no argument. Over on the flip we get the old school, OG, Compton cook out in the late 80s funk masterpiece "West Coast Pop Lock" from Ronnie Hudson. Bubbling synth bass, wacka guitar and loads of attitude make this a must for any drunk uncle at an LA BBQ. Mega!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: "...Out on bail, fresh outta jail California dreamin', soon as I step on the scene I'm hearing hoochies screamin'..." - I rest my case!

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            Cover of Time After Time by Bill Brown & The Soul Injection.

            Bill Brown & The Soul Injection

            Time After Time

            Super Disco Edits

            Bill Brown and Al Hall jr met around 1971, they were both in south central L.A and shared the same apartment building, also in the same building was Doug Carn and brownstone singer billy Wilson. These studio sessions were don't at Paramount studios Hollywood where Al Hall jr was working for producer Art Smith a&c music. The main distributor for A&C was Accent records. So the Soul Injections very first single "Stay off the moon" was released via Accent, as was Bill Browns "Bip Bam" The group wasn't that pleased with how Accent handle the releases so Bill took it upon himself to set up his own label called Brownstone records. Many musicians were called in for studio sessions these included Doug Carn, organ; Kirk Lightsey, keyboards; Mel Bolton, guitars; Mel Lee, drums; Al Hall jr (trombones), Willaim 'Bill'Henderson strings. The label was met with some confrontation from other Hollywood labels and many of the Brownstone releases were told not to hit the shops by Mafia run labels. Later around 1975 Brownstone released a track by Everyday people feat Alexis "world full of people"....A now cult soul 45 ....But wait, we at Super disco edits have unearthed the original tapes with the very first incarnation of that song and music, different lyric content and sung by Bill Brown. Not just this you get the instrumental on the b side!!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Currently putting our waistcoat expert and social media guru Pasta Paul in a right flap, the first Super Disco Edits in what seems like ages is as smooth and groovy a soul cut as you could possibly wish for.

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            Cover of Nastro Rosa by Luca C & Brigante.

            Luca C & Brigante

            Nastro Rosa

            Double Drop

            After topping the Balearic ID list with the sunset wonder of their first collaboration, "Lucio", Luca C & Brigante are back together with another tribute to the long lost Italian. This time round the duo cherry pick a blue eyed belter off Battisti's 1980 LP "Una Giornata Uggiosa", adding a little percussive thump, frequency adjustment and subtle fx use to bring out every last bit of drama from Lucio's excellent love song. Heart expanding, chest swelling and perfect for sunsets.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Luca C & Brigante in top edit form here, applying a little sunset twist to the utterly emotive "Con Il Nastro Rosa" from Italian hero Lucio Battisti. If you dug on Psychemagik's Fleetwood Mac edits, but you've got a hankering for Aperol, this will completely floor you at cocktail hour.

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            Cover of I Am Alive / Dreamland by E. Myers.

            E. Myers

            I Am Alive / Dreamland

            Unknown Label

            E. Myers returns just in time for the summer, with two heaters of contrasting styles. "I Am Alive" is a a fiery dance ritual, cooked up from gated drums, big bass swell and digital perc. Synth-strings and fluorescent pad presets add the required juices and Myers stands back and lets the machines do the talking!

            "Dreamland" keeps its poker face on throughout its entire 9 minutes. Threatening to break out through a teetering hook, but staying cool with its restrained bump, it's equally at home in basements as it is on beaches, teasing out all manner of endorphins from our drug soaked recesses. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Expertly programmed box jams here from rising talent E Myers. With a nod to both the dark analogue synths of Europe and the jarring mechanical rhythms of Detroit.

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            Cover of Out Of Body Interiors by Secret Circuit.

            Secret Circuit

            Out Of Body Interiors

            Invisible, Inc.

            Secret Circuit's 2nd EP for Invisible Inc, the cryptically titled "Out Of Body Interiors".

            Featuring four exclusive new tracks of the acid drenched, dubbed out, tropical disco variety Mr Ruscha, as always, delivers a sonic palette you won't find on many other imprints: from the turbo-charged homage to early 90s bleep meets indie rave euphoria of "Stomping Ground", through the chugging, motorik groove of "Crazy Ways" which sounds like it's blasting out full volume from a smoke-filled Space Patrol hovercar gone rogue then flipping over to side B and waking up in Mali, Andromeda in a haze of syncopated percussion, other-worldly guitar licks and a billion new synthetically generated sounds that you may strongly suspect you just imagined.....Finally, "The Feather Drop" which brings entirely new meaning to the word deep and which fires technicolour sounds of profoundly immense variety at the synapses at a rate of knots not many other producers can keep up with as all the while the bass holds court and keeps things deep rooted and dub heavy.

            Secret Circuit (aka Eddie Ruscha V) has had a plethora of releases on an equally expansive plethora of labels under such names as The Parels (Lal Lal Lal), Blasé (ESP Institute), Food Of The Gods/Laughing Light Of Plenty (Whatever We Want), Odd Numbers ('No' Label), Shadow Kids (El Diablo's Social Club) and of course as Secret Circuit (Beats In Space, Emotional Response and Invisible, Inc.)

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Slow and steady, but powerful and heavy, like tectonic plates swaying under great pressure; just waiting for an eruption... Wrought iron tension doesn't come much more pleasing than this.

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            Cover of Legalize Lambada Vol. 4 by Sputnik.

            Sputnik

            Legalize Lambada Vol. 4

            Legalize Lambada

            Legalize Lambada step up for their 4th outing with four delectable Afro disco edits from Sputnik. Starting the party off right, "Superlove" sees Sputnik channel early garage house with a sublime kwaito recut - all Zanzibar groove, echo-laden vocals and tropical synths before melting and smelting "Feeling Fine", a reggae tinged, Afro boogie gem with major Balearic possibilities. On the flip side, "Groove Me" unearths some feel good Cameroonian disco gold complete with killer guitar solo, whilst 'Rick' closes out the e.p. dropping the tempo for a synth soul, slow jam. With early support from Hunee, Lexx and the likes, LEG004 is shaping up to be one of the summers standouts.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Summer sizzler from Sputnik and Legalize Lambada here, hitting us with four different flavours of Afro-disco brilliance. More refreshing than a Supermalt and tastier than chin chin, this should smash it for the Worldwide, disco and Balearic crowds.

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            Cover of Lovers Change Minds - Inc. Hot Toddy Remixes by Ilija Rudman.

            Ilija Rudman

            Lovers Change Minds - Inc. Hot Toddy Remixes

            Classic

            Croatian producer Ilija Rudman returns to Classic with his funk-drenched ‘Lovers Change Minds’. Well-known for his distinctive analogue-disco sound, the record’s delivery on 12” vinyl comes as a perfect pairing. He remains reverent to his well-rounded retro style with heavily filtered soft vocals complimented by a deep 70s-centric bassline. Hot Toddy’s bass-focused mixes come laden with electric guitar riffs and synth flares for an even slicker groove on Ilija’s smoothly minimalist masterpiece.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Smooth operator Ilja Rudman grace us with a funky slow burner with soft vocals and infectious bassline. Hot Toddy turns things a bit more electronic but keeping the original funky patina well alive. Released under the legendary Classic Music Company record label. Ace!

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            Cover of Recoded by Casino Times.

            Casino Times

            Recoded

            OMENA

            Casino Times returns to Omena with a second EP, Recoded. For those of you that could not get enough of 'Decoded', released in 2017, here's four more tracks - all hitters, no shitters. 
            Casino flexes his muscles once again. The man hits the jackpot more often than not showing his versatility and eclecticism, running away from easy pigeonholing. You are greeted with a weapon on "Voices". Proper house tune to heat it all up with playful effects and gracious synths. 
            After making you sweat, we bring things down a notch with "This is My Channel", an electro tune that probably has been heavily influenced by Kraftwerk. The vocal sample is a nice touch. Electro I said, but on the soft warm side of the spectrum. 
            You also get two more downtempo pieces. My favourite is the closing track which is worth the entire vinyl imho. "Display End Sequence" is a calm, deep house number full of dreamy effects and a cosy, soft bassline that does not let go. A beauty in its own right  and my top track in this very very good ep. Casino wins once again. No signs of fading away. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Casino Times turn at Omena towers. Uncompromising straight to the jugular house tracks that will not leave you indifferent. But also offering an introspective affair take on the house genre. Synth ridden, bubbly and warm. Casino hitting the jackpot again. True form.

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            Cover of Mountain Charr by S3A.

            S3A

            Mountain Charr

            Eureka! - Japan

            Eureka!'s first release for 2k18 comes from Parisian sample king S3A, who shows off his perfect definition between underground quality emotional house music and dancefloor efficiency. A mixed bag for mixing, "Mountain Charr" give us 3 tracks in 3 completely different styles. "Doop Doop" does its thing in typical S3A style, bounding through characteristic vocal cut up by adding powerful horn section and melodic piano loop. On the B1, "Emotional M1" is a warm and cosy groove track with wonderful depth that is playable regardless of time or place; from lounge to dancefloor. To complete the package we have "Denials", a more downtempo offering, but its melody is fascinating, warm and sensual. This EP definitely brings you his predominant sense of sampling.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Great 12" just landed here with loads of good feeling vocal and sample-ridden house. Perfect summer terrace tracks that are both dancefloor-friendly and great for the living room. My favourite, however, is the more downtempo track at the end...smooth and with a certain 90s cut and paste flair.

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            Cover of Journeys In by Jose Manuel.

            Jose Manuel

            Journeys In

            Nunorthern Soul

            Over the course of the last decade, Black Pepper label boss Jose Manuel has proved to be one of electronic music's finest contemporary alchemists, conjuring percussive, intoxicating and otherworldly musical treats for such labels as Tusk Wax, Kinfolk, Kill The DJ, Optimo Trax and Music For Dreams.
            The genius of Manuel's productions lies in the Italian's ability to conjure cracking cosmic compositions out of a diverse range of global rhythms, instruments and influences. Rarely has this been more evident than on his debut release for NuNorthernSoul, a four-track serving of dancefloor mysticism that puts mind-altering rhythms and saucer-eyed instrumentation front and centre.
            Track, for example, the light and dreamy wrapped sumptuous Balearic synthesizer chords and melodies around gentle hand percussion and drifting Zambian vocals on the sublime 'Journey in Lusaka' followed by the feverish, trance-inducing African rhythms, delay-laden chants, psychedelic acid lines and jangling Jew's Harp motifs of intense opener 'Journey in Lusanda', a ritualistic Afro-Cosmic onslaught ripe for peak-time plays. If the EP opener is all about being flat on your back and staring skywards, the follow up is all about druggy, heads down sweatiness!
            Manuel's deep love of Indian music is explored on 'Journey in Mumbai', where exotic sitar lines, fluttering clarinets and echoing, densely layered female vocals rise above a thick, tabla-fired groove. It's naturally hugely evocative and atmospheric - a fine dose of emotion-rich spirituality capable of inducing hallucinations in the straightest of listeners.
            To complete the EP, our hero travels even further east for 'Journey in Osaka', a fittingly percussive exploration of Japanese music's past and present that also includes audible nods towards the poly-rhythmic drums of West Africa. It's a superb combination of traditional instrumentation, 21st century electronics, heavyweight rhythms and mood-enhancing melodic flourishes.
            Like the rest of the Journeys In...EP, it's both hugely alluring and impeccably produced.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: I've been a big fan of the mighty Jose Manuel for a long while now, and this four track debut for NuNorthern Soul sees the Italian continue his exploration of exotic electronics and outernational Balearic beat. There's plenty to enjoy here, but it's the acid tinged trance-dance of "Journey In Luanda" that's doing the most for me.

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            Cover of Balako Edits by Balako.

            Balako

            Balako Edits

            Razor-N-Tape

            Just in time for summer, RNT drops a 3-tracker of tropical heat from Brazilian outfit Balako. Although relative newcomers, their production prowess has been known to their Rio de Janeiro musical community and beyond for some time, and is on full display here. The A-side showcases their knack for modernizing the canonical Brazilian MPB sound, from the deceptively demonic build of "Batuque", to the acidic-leaning lilt of "Deixa Acontecer". The flip side takes a hard turn left of field with "Honey Honey Honey", a 9 minute opus of Afro-Brazilian disco insanity, primed for those balmy summertime roof parties.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Beguiling, mysterious and enchanted additions to the new disco / nu cosmic camps here. RIYL: Acid Arab, Ptaki, Sputnik or Black Bones.

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            Cover of We'll Take It by Oneohtrix Point Never.

            Oneohtrix Point Never

            We'll Take It

            Warp

            Oneohtrix Point Never (aka OPN / Daniel Lopatin) returns hot on the heels of his latest album ‘Age Of’ with a four track EP featuring album single ‘We’ll Take It’ and three new OPN songs.

            An album favourite, ‘We’ll Take It’ is given new context here as the lead track and video.

            A dark, facetious song that fuses industrial sounds, ecstatic and reckless synths, and something OPN described as “sideways ragtime” piano played by James Blake.

            An edited version of ‘Trance 1’ has been heard as part of ‘A Message From Earth’, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Golden Records sent on both Voyager Spacecrafts with sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on our planet.

            Two additional unreleased tracks round out the first in a series of companion releases to ‘Age Of’.

            Includes download card.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Barry says: Never one to shy away from innovative synthesis techniques, outsider composition and hypnotic ambience, the great Daniel Lopatin presents a trio of unheard gems on top of the astoundingly superb 'We'll Take It'. Brilliantly evocative, haunting and perfectly balanced. Another OPN stormer.

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            Cover of Immersions by Deepchord.

            Deepchord

            Immersions

            Astral Industries

            Ron Modell inaugurated Ario's Astral Industries label with "Lanterns" back in 2014. That album has since become an epic, highly sought after collectable; both of the esteemed producer's catalogue, the well respected label's output and as a pivotal addition to the global dub-techno archive.

            Returning to the label for the first time since then, "Immersions", as is often the formula for Rod, consists of two, side-long pieces which traverse into hypnogogic multi-verses and wide-spectrum dream states.

            Opening with glistening ambient textures, "Immersion I" grows into an 18-minute piece of deep, rolling dub techno. On the other side "Immersion II" paints pristine soundscapes of soft, lapping waves, underpinned by submerged pulsations that rise to the surface to continue its deep space explorations. Two highly refined and inspiring tracks that sit on the apogee of this sound and are sure to become as treasured as the previous epic longplayer for the label... Don't sleep. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Big Roddie M - back on Astral Industries... you know what that means folks! (he saves his choice cuts for this stable...). Side-long, propulsive hypnogogia by one of the greats. You know what to do!

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            Cover of Check 4 U by Bô'vel.

            Bô'vel

            Check 4 U

            Be With Records

            This is it. The number one. El Numero Uno. The Bomb. The tune that gives you street soul bass up in your face and will destroy your speakers if you're not careful. Quite simply the greatest & most sought after street soul holy grail of them all. The sound of Manchester then and now. Adored the world over and currently (ambitiously) selling on Discogs for £1999.00. Bô'vel - Check 4 U (1996) will finally be available again via Be With in July.

            Fully remastered, produced in conjunction with Bô'vel herself and our man RUF DUG and featuring the huge METRODOME remix everyone's been raving about on the flip. Ltd. to 1000. Don't sleep. ENJOY.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Matt says: Here it is folks! Most anticipated 12" of the year following HOT-2-TROT plays at Ruffy's Lab, Red Laser, Wet Play AND Friend's And Family. A taste of pure MCR history, from '96 to now with the original conceived way back during the first bout of Three Lions fever while Metrodome's remix brings the flavour straight back to Moss Side circa 2k18. This is the real shit!!!

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            Cover of Bird (Prins Thomas Remixes) by Kelly Lee Owens.

            Kelly Lee Owens

            Bird (Prins Thomas Remixes)

            Smalltown Supersound

            In a move that's frankly left me a quivering mess of giddy fanboy, Smalltown Supersound offer an excellent extension of Kelly Lee Owens' chart smashing debut LP (Piccadilly #1 folks) with a remix 12" featuring the mighty Prins Thomas! I feel like Neil Tennant and Dusty Springfield ("What Have I Done To Deserve This") but in a Wayne's World "We're Not Worthy" style. It's tough for me to choose a favourite track from Kelly's LP, but "Bird" is a cut I keep coming back to. Intricate chimes unwind like an Escher-ed out clock, sumptuous strings harness 'Omar Sharif in Laurence of Arabia' grandeur while the pulsing bass tones and well honed 4/4 lead the way to the nearest big rig. Heady stuff! So what happens when Scandinavia's hardest working production wizz gets his hands on the stems? Well, as you'd imagine it's an epic affair clocking in at an immersive, extensive, this is now the soundtrack to my waking life, 17 minutes. Layered, structured and mixed with Thomas' trademark cosmic flair, the track builds from staccato sequence into techno-tropical percussion pow wow before cooling down for the first breakdown, a stripped back and spacious segment dominated by that girthy bass pulse. Deep as it gets, the track then evolves into a neo-tribal house jam - all precision engineered kicks, nuanced congas and judderring synth pulses before bridging into a classic space disco groover akin to the Norwegian's recent remixes for Pilotwings and Todd Terje. And just when you'd got comfortable there's another shedload of ants in your pants, wriggling and jiggling through de/re-tuning synth blasts, twisted percussion iterations and slinking sound design. Closing with an obligatory cool down, this is up there with any Prins Thomas production, OG or remix! The set rounds off with a more concise edit of this tantric session, designed specifically for DJs who don't get the luxury of an eight hour set! Two thumbs up and one gold hippo - I can't recommend this enough!


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: I'm absolutely buzzing about this one! Two of my favourite musical forces united on one top 12" cut and mastered for the club! Alongside the excellent original version of K-Lo cut "Bird" we get a ridiculously good remix from Prins Thomas, who stretches, spangles and wrangles the OG into a 17 minute marathon for his best Diskomiks to date. Not content with that killer he also provides an eight minute variation for us regular DJ folks. Buy on sight!

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            Cover of Sirocco by Bruxas.

            Bruxas

            Sirocco

            Dekmantel

            Sweeping in like an African breeze, "Sirocco" is the second EP by Bruxas, the psychedelic, beat-driven, tropical, house group consisting of Jacco Gardner and Nic Mauskovic, featuring the percussive talents of Jungle By Night’s Tienson Smeets. If you're not yet hip to these sunkissed cats, this is a fine introduction, delving into the world of exotic, cinematic, Balearic-sunshine. A leisurely, pleasurely cruise layered with phazed-out, tropical synths. It’s a sound for the summer. Good vibes only please.
            Following up from last year’s "Más Profundo EP", Bruxas return with Sirocco, an EP named after the Mediterranean wind warmed up by the sun drenched Saharan sands. Lead track ’Sirocco’ washes over like a sea current of dreamy, tribal, synth-wave, flowing and ebbing in mixed colours of a psychedelic haze. It teases of something grandiose, which later appears in the form of a club version. Remixed for some secret island hideaway orchestrated by DJ Harvey, 'Sirocco (Club Version)' builds on the resplendent melodies and driving percussion of the original, adding some foot-tapping, devilish keys and retro-progressive synth lines to add subtle, summery tension and flare. 'Hermes’ meanwhile drives along at a casual 100bpm, with a cumbia-styled Casio line, and a jaunty, leisure-like, Latin-groove, and fiesta feel. The final track on the EP, 'Maria’s Holiday' has another up-beat, Casio-styled groove, set alongside a poolside party, with bongo-beat rumblings and a disco rhythm. It’s the soundtrack to a summer cocktail party, to watch the sun slowly set on a tropical fiesta.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Wicked worldly grooves from the mighty Bruxas here, as the retro-tropical duo don the safari gear and weave through the undergrowth. Sultry as you like and drenched in sunkissed sound design, this loose grooves are the perfect dance floor scorcher for house, disco and Balearic types.

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            Cover of Do You Wanna Dance? (feat. Felix Dickinson Mix) by King Sporty & The Ex Tras.

            King Sporty & The Ex Tras

            Do You Wanna Dance? (feat. Felix Dickinson Mix)

            Emotional Rescue

            Emotional Rescue returns with the third (and final?) King Sporty & The Ex Tras releases with the first ever-official reissue of cult boogie jam Do You Wanna Dance? Coming as remastered vocal and instrumental, plus again featuring a special Discomix, this time courtesy of acid-disco slayer Felix Dickinson.
            Appearing shortly after the success of the band's only album, "Extra Funky", "Do You Wanna Dance?" pointed the way forward, moving further from Disco and closer to the rising electro-boogie sounds that were sweeping the dance floors.
            The confident up / jump electro drum programming, slap bass and trademark Sporty guitar chops are propelled by a monster swamp inducing synth arpeggio that sings the funk electric, while hip-hop-shout-outs ride the rhythm. If the vocals are too much for some, then the original Instrumental (dub) is also included for those just wanting that infectious groove.
            As many will recall, Do You Wanna Dance? featured on Felix's "Originals" compilation for Claremont 56 back in 2011, so when the King Sporty reissue project was coming together there was only one name to be asked for the Discomix. With a long history of DJing and music production, as well the man behind the Recycled Records, Fools Gold, Urban Myth and Bastedos labels, as well many, many releases on the long running and aptly titled Cynic Recordings, his remix arrives on point.
            Teasingly drawn out, his mix switches back / forth between versions, the interplay between vocals, guitar, bass and electro-glide synths hypnotically building, with Dickinson's deftly dubbing tripping it out, making the title's question irrelevant, as mind and feet involuntarily move.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: I first came across the squelching brilliance of "Do You Wanna Dance?" on Felix Dickinson's Originals comp and I've loved it ever since. This top notch reissue gives us the instrumental and original as well as mega Discomix from Felix who wonks things around wonderfully.

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            Cover of #Lucky #Boy EP by River Yarra.

            River Yarra

            #Lucky #Boy EP

            Antinote

            In 1978, Brian Eno started what would become his seminal Ambient series with Music for Airports. If he was to add a fifth volume to the series in 2018, he would probably call it “Music for Social Medias”, wouldn’t he? Not 100% sure that this is about to happen, Antinote take the lead and invite Oz’s River Yarra to give his own take on Music for Social Medias (and the result doesn’t sound at all like ambient music).
            At least, we might accurately call it “music from social medias”, as it sometimes feel it’s been generated by a possessed creative algorithm. Starting with the opening track, Aorsom Wislhs (whose name must have been given by a deficient Messenger chat bot), one might feel disoriented by the extremely weird and wonky lead melody. The melody of Sli Ggogg (sic) – the slow jam opening the flip side – is equally uneven; add to this the unsettling (slightly) human-sounding voice and you’re in for a trip to the Uncanny Valley.
            But there’s a sense of non-human randomness infusing all of these four songs. Take the intensely mesmerizing "Respiration Alternée" with Elen Huynh, for example: there’s a high probability that its lyrics come from some random meditation tutorial found on YouTube, translated into French by an anxious Google Translate bot, eager to bring some (cheap?) spirituality to IRL dancefloors.
            With this debut EP, the Ozzie producer succeeds in rounding up disparate & dubious elements together in a serious way without departing from a non-serious attitude - the record even rounds off with a very “put your hands in the air” moment with Space Gekko’s ravey sirens. “Music to party on the River Yarra to” (just Google it).

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: High concept, mid-fi and well current, the latest Antinote EP sees Australian house misfit River Yarra take a bendy and blurred journey into unconventional house music, naive drum machines and jacking new age which should sit nicely next to your Andras Fox and Len Leise tackle.

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            Cover of Sex, Suicide & Speed Metal by Parrish Smith.

            Parrish Smith

            Sex, Suicide & Speed Metal

            Dekmantel

            Parrish Smith makes his Dekmantel debut on the label’s sister-techno imprint, UFO, with a blend of avant garde electronics and industrial vibrations.
            "Sex, Suicide & Speed Metal" sees Dutch producer Parrish Smith work outside of the realm of genres and tempos, creating his own unique template of saturated and crunchy music with a punk spirit running throughout. With title track "Sex, Suicide & Speed Metal", Parrish Smith channels his inner Alan Vega, with some screaming guitars, and 65bpm machine-crunching body beats, lurching into a sultry space of slick wave music. "Mute" jacks up the feeling of tempo, rife with energetic drum machines, pulsing synths and retro-fitted vocals, similar to the sound of something Daniel Miller might have released himself back in the early 80s. "Skins", delves further into the mechanical, with a grinding bass that bleeds through the track’s entirety, while "Fall Into Sin" sees him explore the world of deconstructed, gothic-pop yet further. An inspired set from this new signing.


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Barry says: Taking the throbbing dystopian pulse of early industrial music and infusing it with a more modern percussive drive and rhythmic flow was never going to be a particularly easy task, but Parrish Smith has managed to give life to the shadowed galvanised beats and distorted vox. Propulsive but nuanced, this is an essential for any fan of industrial, minimal wave or new beat.

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            Cover of No. 18 by Secret Squirrels.

            Secret Squirrels

            No. 18

            Secret Squirrel

            Those mysterious re-edit rodents are back again, bringing muchos music on a serious stereo scorcher. The crew start the party with a bright eyed bomb on the A-side, serving up a serious refix of a jazz-funk killer with the maximum panache. Spiraling synth riffs, breezy guitar and a rolling 4/4 keep the rave crew locked in, while occasional laser fire, hands in the air vocals and a squelching bass sound offer the kind of fist pumping interludes that leave the punters coming back for more. Over on the B-side another bushy tailed banger keeps the funk on the front foot, shuffling as it does through swooning strings, chicken-picked guitars, walking bass and squirming vocal sleaze. Hot stuff!

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: The rodents return for an 18th edition of their party starting series, and this time it's all about the funk. Uptempo and off kilter, these two head nodders should cause mayhem in the disco!

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            Cover of Dragon Wave/Vx Ltd by Dazion.

            Dazion

            Dragon Wave/Vx Ltd

            Safe Trip

            Skipping the completely cryptic sales notes which accompany all Safe Trip 12"s, I'll give you a little audio exposition on this strange groover from Den Hague's Dazion. The A-side slides into tribal territories thanks to tumbling percussion and bubbling electronics, twisted into a hypnotic offering which generally rejects classification. On the flip we have "VX Ltd", a more poignant and melancholic outing, utilising spacey electronic melodies, gently bobbing chords, heart-aching guitar flourishes and a tough but broken rhythm track. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Dazion follows up his hawt hit on Second Circle with a 5D dance floor bomb on Safe Trip. On the A-side techno-tribal percussion dances around a ritualistic riff, while the B-side brings spaced out electro with a hint of melancholy. Music for the 4-HO-5-MEO crew...

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            Cover of Mortal Sin by Body Beat Ritual.

            Body Beat Ritual

            Mortal Sin

            Bergerac

            New Zealand based EBM auteur Body Beat Ritual makes his debut on Bergerac with an incendiary EP of full throttle intense dark wave bangers.
            Growing up in North West England immersed in hardcore punk and rave culture led to musical experiments and Body Beat Ritual is his unique splicing of both aesthetics.
            Using a combination of hardware, audio samples and midi sequencing, Body Beat Ritual reclaims the moment when underground musicians in Manchester, Chicago and Ghent put down their guitars and picked up drum machines and sequencers bringing the intensity, rawness and aggression of the band environment to the dancefloor. "Mortal Sin" is a certified smasher. Absolute dancefloor decimation whenever it's played out. No more description necessary. "No Mercy" evokes the Lost Boys vibe with an equally high octane raw workout. Trent Reznor meets Jeff Mills at a DAF gig on a flatliner. The EP closes with "Body Politics" which lowers the tempo to a chuggier zone, with an ode to female empowerment which keeps up that Body Beat pressure and intensity. 

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: It is all in the title, amigos. This is hardcore body workout that could perfectly be used in military conditioning and training! Uncompromisingly fast, strident at times but dead effective techno here. Your neighbours will not appreciate it though.

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            Cover of Bardo For Pablo by Pablo's Eye.

            Pablo's Eye

            Bardo For Pablo

            Stroom

            As Stroom continue to go from strength to strength with their flawless string of archival releases, they revist the unique audio world of Axel Liebeert for a maxi 12" of unreleased Pablo's Eye cuts. Where "Spring Break" introduced us to the calming coastal and cool ambient ends of Axel's audio spectrum, "Bardo For Pablo" puts the percussion up front, resulting in a rhythmic selection of otherworldly audio. Opener "Amb 8" serves up a solid machine rhythm, floating pads and a hypnotic keyboard sequence, while "Cypher NY Mix" is a tranquilised trip into dreamy downbeat territories - check out the panning! Grooving along, "Today" kills it with heavy tom abuse and a bottom end thrust along the lines of Massive Attacks "Safe From Harm". The percussive processing continues on the B-side via the techno tribal stomp of "My Only Guide Is", a hefty hit of machine voodoo essential for fans of Tolouse Low Trax. Bringing us to the finish line "Self Abandonment" and  "I Have No Other Compass" offer hazy percussion and optimistic ambience respectively. Live in limbo folks.

            STAFF COMMENTS

            Patrick says: Stroom revisit Pablo's Eye for a 6 track selection of previously unreleased pearls. Pushing its way towards the dance floor (with predictable sophistication) this set slinks along with touches of trip hop, machine voodoo, valium downbeat and ace ambience.

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            Cover of L.S.C.I.T.T.P.T.C.O. by Tribe Of Colin.

            Tribe Of Colin

            L.S.C.I.T.T.P.T.C.O.

            Chant

            LIONSPRINTCOMPLETEINTENTHOUSANDPRACTICESTHUSCOMEONE 'A mysterious box arrived at the office labelled 'Tsho-Drong Zimpo'. Inside were incense sticks, a bubble wrapped DAT tape with a telephone number on it. We lit the sticks, ran the DAT and a call was made immediately.'
            Well, that was not very illuminating. So here it is my very personal opinion of this truly good techno 12":
            Thumping raw harsh industriallish / hellish techno moves on 'Lscittptco'. You will be annoying your neighbours if played loud, on the other hand you will see yourself moving in sync with this tiger of a track. Hypnotic tribal gathering with location sound surrounding the beats including chants to chill things down a notch.  We commence to pump things a bit with a slow paced menacing bad boy coming to get ya on our ascension from the humid, dark and eerie caves of the underground. You will 'see' how terrifying all of this is when you listen 'Ascend to Terra Firma'. And to close it all off, well, we go back to the start. 'Opium' is just that, a drug fuelled fast techno track with some atonal yet captivating melody on top. A bit too fast for old me but surely will cause some damage if played rightly. 


            STAFF COMMENTS

            Sil says: Off the beaten track techno affairs here. Slow paced, fast paced, ambient paced, you name it. Proper though. Proper stuff for the open minded soul.