MAGIC MIX

STAFF PICKS

SINGLES

Cover of Voices / Having Fun by Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold.

Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold

Voices / Having Fun

Blue Velvet

    Velvet Season & the Hearts of Gold is the musical adventures of Gerry Rooney & Joel Martin. They have a rich musical history with Gerry Black Cock Records & Joel Quiet Village.

    Aldo Tamborrelli – ‘Voices’ (VSHOG Special Version)

    VSHOG present their official special version of this highly desirable hidden treasure of hypnotic electronic sleaze excavated from the cult soundtrack to a 1983 Italian ‘Apocalypse Now’ cash-in, and transform it into an 8 minute erogenous bump n’ grind trip to the twilight zone torture garden, cruising leather boys & fetish girls looking for Love in all the wrong places !

    ‘Voices’ is a narcotic synthesised masterpiece of body music to completely immerse your dark desires on the dancefloor. A dark risqué world of crisp chugging drum machines, mesmerising warm bass pulses, and the erotic wails of seductive screams in the night !

    Stefano Torossi – ‘Having Fun’ (VSHOG Special Version)

    The VSHOG version of 'Having Fun', from Stefano Torossi's 1974 album 'Feelings' (a holy grail of Italian library music) is an uplifting lush orchestral string laden funky breakbeat feel-good track to raise your vibrations!

    Opening with a chunky stripped down drum & bass intro, the strings entice you further in & then the Disco Funk Psyche guitar riff really lifts the track to the sweet spot & you are completely hooked! A beautiful piece of music for all occasions - Balearic Sunsets/Sunrise, Disco dancing, B-Boys and Hip-Hop heads, Jazz Dancers & library music connoisseurs!

    Another fantastic offering from the VSHOG Special Version series of releases.

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    Cover of Live At KEXP by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.

    Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

    Live At KEXP

    Sub Pop

      Ultra limited 4 track 12" of tracks recorded live at KXEP.

      We don't have many, so order pronto!!

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      Cover of In Piscina by Vanishing Twin.

      Vanishing Twin

      In Piscina

      Fire Records

        Brand new music from the much-praised Vanishing Twin… Following their hugely successful second album ‘The Age Of Immunology’ (roundly raved over by The Line Of Best Fit, PopMatters, Pitchfork, Q, MOJO, The Quietus and 4 Uncut) and one of Rough Trade, MOJO and Uncut’s albums of 2019. Cocktail umbrellas and chlorinated fantasies! It’s time to get cool in the pool with Vanishing Twin. Here are four streams of analogue consciousness to super-soak your deckchair daydreams. “This is a band that fearlessly floats in the hazy space between the real world and an imagined one, blurring the line between warmly nostalgic and eerily haunted” Pitchfork // “Fantastical soundscapes that are as welcoming as they are unusual.”

        FORMAT INFORMATION

        Ltd 7" Info: Very limited edition Blue 7"

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        Cover of Leafs by Caldera.

        Caldera

        Leafs

        Bokhari

          Four intricate, sub-heavy, broken Techno and Electro excursions into imaginary worlds.

          Recommended if you like anything from Conforce to Echospace, and you like things deeper than the Mariana Trench.

          A return to form for Bokhari, who always provide interesting & off-kilter dance floor moments...

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          Cover of Goldenlips (Inc. DJ Sotofett Remix) by Chicken Lips.

          Chicken Lips

          Goldenlips (Inc. DJ Sotofett Remix)

          Phantasy Sound

            A key fixture in the record bags of DJs throughout the past few decades, best known for their unforgettably odd house anthem ‘He Not In’, it’s been some years since Andy Meecham and Dean Meredith last collaborated as Chicken Lips. As such, it’s with no little delight that Phantasy welcomes them back into the fold with one of their most mind- bending tracks yet, accompanied by a remix from a fellow stalwart of the underground, DJ Sotofett.

            Instant and assured, ‘Goldenlips’ unrolls like licorice over ten blissful minutes, mining an undercurrent of post-acid house euphoria into a dreamy analogue jam-turned-trip, a soft and rhythmic vision of dancefloor euphoria that demonstrates a mastermind session of tension and release from two individuals with decades of experience in tipping dancefloors upside-down.

            On the flip, DJ Sotofett continues to deliver the unexpected with a more truncated but no less compelling ‘Golden Funk’ mix. Suddenly rolling back the musical clock to the sun-drenched West Coast of the mid-nineties, the result is an oozing, bottom-heavy rework so delicious, it might even have united Puffy and Snoop.

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            Cover of That's A Steal by Various Artists.

            Various Artists

            That's A Steal

            That's A Steal

              That's A Steal quite rightly enjoy cult status amongst the diggers and seekers of the lost classic!

              The fourth outing from this mysterious label continues their established themes: Crossover sounds from all over the world united by an open-minded approach to the dancefloor.

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              Cover of Room On Top by The Delinquents.

              The Delinquents

              Room On Top

              Mint Condition

                Mint Condition continue their mission excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics and overlooked gems mined from the last 20+ of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond, Mint Condition have got their expert digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been on your wants list for years! Dig in....

                Well well well, what do we have here? Some certified, 100% pure solid tech-house gold from the masters, that's what. Look at the line up, those who make up The Delinquents: Terry Francis, Nathan Coles and Matthew Bushwacka! B, that should grab your attention. This slab of Wiggle sonics, Room On Top, is the real deal indeed, all the way from back in 1998 this is that premium gear. It's all here, the funk is present in spades, the swagger, the breakbeats - you name it. 4 more tracks of primetime cuts, out of press since the late 1990's, ready to do damage yet again and sounding as fresh and as futuristic as it did back then. This is the kind of record you *hope* will show up in the racks when you're out diggin' but it never happens, no way. Expensive for the last few years, this repress will fill the gap for you and will undoubtedly enable you to rock a few dancefloors in the interim! Totally fresh, totally essential.

                The Room On Top EP has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of The Delinquentz / Wiggle and was remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original DAT's especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!

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                Cover of Magic Feet Vol II by Various Artists.

                Various Artists

                Magic Feet Vol II

                Magic Feet

                  Magic Feet are back after an extended break with a various artist EP.

                  On the EP you will find the bona fide modern day Balearic classic, Femi Vs KCRW - ‘Eh Oh’, The 6th Borough’s remix of Craig Bratley’s - 'Birdshell', Rich Lane's fantastic cover of New Beat classic ‘Flesh’ and for the first time on vinyl, Craig Bratley’s remix of Billy Cobham’s’ ‘One More Day To Live'.

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                  Cover of Mutant Moments E.P. by Soft Cell.

                  Soft Cell

                  Mutant Moments E.P.

                  Big Frock

                    To celebrate 40 years since the release of their first ever recording, Soft Cell are set to re-issue their seminal debut EP Mutant Moments.

                    Originally released as limited run of 2000 7” EPs in October 1980 on the band’s own Big Frock imprint, the release sold out immediately. Apart from various unofficial bootlegs, this much-revered and influential slice of electronica has been unavailable on vinyl for nearly four decades.

                    Soft Cell, aka Marc Almond and Dave Ball, went on to release their debut single proper, Memorabilia, cited as one of the most influential club records ever. This was followed by the multimillion-selling single Tainted Love, which topped the charts in 17 countries worldwide in 1981. The band have released four critically-acclaimed albums, including the genre-defining Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. After a 17-year hiatus, Soft Cell returned in 2018 for a sold out show at London’s O2 Arena, and are currently working on new material.

                    This new edition of Mutant Moments is pressed on deluxe 10” clear vinyl to upgrade the sound quality from the original 7”. In addition, the four tracks have been remastered especially for vinyl using the most cutting-edge digital technology available.

                    Soft Cell’s Dave Ball has personally supervised the remastering process, and comments: ‘A vintage slice of lo-fi Polytechnic synthpop, lovingly remastered for you’.


                    FORMAT INFORMATION

                    Ltd 10" Info: Limited to 500 copies for retail.

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                    Cover of Floatation by The Grid.

                    The Grid

                    Floatation

                    Chemical Alley

                      Formed in the late 1980’s at the dawn of acid house, The Grid released their first single ‘Floatation’ via Warners in 1990. It was instantly celebrated as a groundbreaking slice of ambient house, and soon became regarded as an all-time Ibiza Balearic classic.

                      The track featured in the cult documentary ‘A Short Film About Chilling’, and has been included on dozens of compilations since release, including Paul Oakenfold’s seminal Goa mix.

                      Fast forward to now. DJ Paul Woolford, a long-time fan of the track, steps into the studio and produces a 13 minute epic re-rub under his Special Request moniker, a widescreen soundscape for the dancefloor and the mind. “I had one of the best sessions in the studio ever”, he commented. The track is now set for release on deluxe 12” clear vinyl via new label Chemical Alley. A digital release with additional remixes will also follow.

                      The Grid went on to tour the globe, and had a run of ten UK chart singles, including the million selling ‘Swamp Thing’. They are currently in the studio working on brand new material, as well as a retrospective ‘Best Of’ album, including all their single releases, key remixes and deeper cuts.

                      The Grid are Dave Ball (Soft Cell) and musician and producer Richard Norris, also known for his work as Beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve.

                      FORMAT INFORMATION

                      Ltd 12" Info: Clear vinyl limited to 500 copies.

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                      Cover of Pharmacist by Mr. Oizo.

                      Mr. Oizo

                      Pharmacist

                      Because Music

                        In light of the Covid-19 pandemic context, Mr. Oizo, Ed Banger Records and Because Music have decided that all the profits from the sales of this release will go to the AP-HP, the foundation overseeing the hospitals from Paris and the Ile-de-France region. 

                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                        Ltd 10" Info: 10” solid neon green vinyl.

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                        Cover of La Vita Nuova by Christine And The Queens.

                        Christine And The Queens

                        La Vita Nuova

                        Because Music

                          Following her unexpected new single ‘People, I’ve been sad’ earlier this month, Christine and the Queens today unveils a surprise new EP. La vita nuova - a prospect for a new life - draws strength from extreme vulnerability. 

                          La vita nuova arrives with an accompanying short film of the same name, imagined by Christine and featuring the EP’s five new songs in as many sequences. The 14 minute film is an inward journey that sees the artist invest Opéra Garnier, the world famous Paris opera house, filling it with stories of ghosts and mythical creatures. Through the lens of long-time collaborator Colin Solal Cardo (Robyn, Charli XCX) and with choreography by Ryan Heffington (VMA Award 2014, Grammy Award nominated), Christine and her dancers appear in succession on the Opéra rooftop, its grand stage and most secret recesses, culminating into a feverish moment with Caroline Polachek, a collaborator on the EP’s title track.


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                          Cover of Lunares EP by DJ Pippi & Willie Graff.

                          DJ Pippi & Willie Graff

                          Lunares EP

                          LENG

                            If you’ve visited Ibiza in the last few years, there’s a fair chance you’ll have encountered DJ Pippi and Willie Graff. The experienced duo has been DJing together on the White Isle for years, finding time between sundown sets to make music together in Italian veteran Pippi’s home studio. The pair’s first collaborative EP dropped on Drumpoet Community way back in 2007, with the belated follow-up appearing a decade later on Compost Disco. Here they make their bow on Leng with the “Lunares EP”, a typically warm and woozy collection of cuts named after the Spanish word for “polka dots” (a fashionable item in Spain and the Balearic islands throughout the 1980s).

                            They begin with the slow-burn sunrise bliss of “Lunares”, a shuffling and glassy-eyed affair in which evocative, emotion-rich strings, heady vocal samples, echoing sitars and lilting guitars slowly rise above a thickset backing track rich in dubby bass, swelling pads, starry electronics and snappy drums. Capable of tugging at the heartstrings, it’s a sublime slab of mood-enhancing bliss perfect for both weary dancing and sofa-bound relaxation. “Saxolicious” lives up to the premise of the title, with Pippi and Willie wrapping snaking, effects-laden saxophone solos around a languid, slow motion groove bristling with hazy intent. Expect chiming electric piano chords, dreamy pads, rolling grooves and another fine bassline that will worm its way into your subconscious, spark up a spliff and stay there for days.

                            The EP’s final musical moment is, if anything, even more spaced-out and intoxicating. Employing extra-slow beats and a prominent jazzy bass guitar part, the pair invites us to get locked in to a chuggy rhythm. Throw in druggy synth lines, tactile electric piano stabs and some suitably cosmic effects and you have a hallucinatory treat that would no doubt have gained the approval of the late, great Andrew Weatherall.

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                            Cover of The Trick Trick EP by Finn.

                            Finn

                            The Trick Trick EP

                            Ruf Kutz

                              Rising Manchester star FINN takes the helm for the next release on Ruf Kutz with two hyper-real contemporary raw bangers crafted for maximum emotional impact backed with remixes from RK big guns RUF DUG & GLOWING PALMS.

                              Even though he's a comparative youngun, this is by no means Finn's first time at the rodeo - he's a label boss, an NTS pioneer, a Boiler Room veteran, a Defected Records Old Boy and also holds down the coldest twitter account on the information superhighway. It's a big deal to us that we managed to snare him for a release on his ascent to whatever accelerated dimension he is headed for.

                              Purposely conceived as raw club tracks after a heavy Paul Johnson listening session, TRICK TRICK and BELLE THEME contain many of his beloved hallmarks while also showcasing new creative pathways - the title of the EP surely alluding to what Finn is about to pull from up his sleeve...

                              Opener TRICK TRICK is many things all at once - a raw turbo-jacker, a hugely emotive bassline roller, a super-fresh club banger that has few elements, yet uses them with such efficiency it's impossible not to be drawn up into its vapour trail.

                              BELLE THEME winds the pace & harmonic tension up with manic abandon as we find ourselves in Finn's familiar 130-plus territory but while the tempo is slamming he somehow manages to drape everything in a lacy coating, as if we were playing a bonus level from a lost Studio Ghibli PS1 beat-em-up.
                              Back in the real world we flip the record for 2 textbook Ruf Kutz remixes. First up label boss RUF DUG guts Trick Trick and serves up the fillet on an unashamedly tech-house bed, purpose-built for DC10 circa 2009 - meanwhile Ruffy's partner in crime GLOWING PALMS dips into his secret stash of double doves and takes Belle Theme for an unforgettable night out in a Burnley warehouse.

                              Of the release Ruf Dug says "It's been a big thrill to follow Finn"s development over the years since we first met. I've been hoping to collaborate with him for quite a while so for it to be finally happening especially at this stage in his career is a genuine mega buzz!"
                              Finn says: "Been a keen Ruf Kutz fan since Rachel's Team in 2016! So happy to contribute to the label with two rough (ruf) and ready club tracks - late night/early morning hymns"

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                              Cover of Susta Inc. Emperor Machine Lovers Mix by Harks & Mudd.

                              Harks & Mudd

                              Susta Inc. Emperor Machine Lovers Mix

                              Leng

                              It would be fair to say that Leng co-founder Paul “Mudd” Murphy is a born collaborator. Since first donning the Mudd alias at the dawn of the century, Murphy has released numerous collaborative albums and singles with regular collaborators Ben Smith (as Smith & Mudd) and Kevin Pollard (Mudd & Pollard), as well as playing a key role in “super-groups” Paqua and Bison. “Susta”, which marks his first single on Leng since 2009, sees Murphy add some new names to his growing list of collaborators. It was made in cahoots with singer/songwriter David Harks, a regular Satin Jackets collaborator who also appeared on Jack Cutter’s superb “Serpent Strut” cut on Murphy’s Claremont 56 label.

                              “Susta” is a bubbly, evocative and ear-pleasing chunk of mid-tempo nu-disco pop featuring lead vocals from Jaanika Leino AKA JaneLy – a former X-Factor Finland contestant whose sultry and evocative voice simply soars above Murphy and Harks’ sparkling, life-affirming instrumentation. Rich in twinkling synth solos, rich Clavinet lines, chugging arpeggio lines and eyes-closed piano, “Susta” is a strong song that will squat inside your head and stay there for days. Our advice is to welcome it in – it’s as joyous and life-affirming a track as Leng has ever released. It’s accompanied by a predictably strong remix by British electronic music veteran Andrew Meecham (Bizarre Inc, Chicken Lips etc.), who dons the now familiar Emperor Machine alias to deliver a dub for the ages. Combining his own analogue and modular electronics with snippets of Leino’s vocal and some of the warmest instrumentation from Murphy and Harks’ original mix (think Clavinet and Rhodes for starters), Meecham offers up an epic slice of electronic dub disco that bubbles away for ten mesmerizing minutes. It’s a superb interpretation of a high quality cut.

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                              Cover of Genes / Space Conductor by Blair French.

                              Blair French

                              Genes / Space Conductor

                              Rocksteady Disco

                              After 3 months holed up in the studio Blair French has emerged to bring you "Genes / Space Conductor" 7” in support of his forthcoming album "The Art Of Us" on Rocksteady Disco. The A-side holds the “Loose Fit” mix of “Genes”, where Blair channels his inner Tony Allen for an expertly executed modern psychedelic Afrobeat cut featuring a heavyweight cast of Detroit characters including Todd Modes, John Arnold, and Paul Randolph. On the flip is “Space Conductor”, a cosmic afro broken beat joint with heavy drums, a huge bassline, kora, and Blair’s vocals, exclusively available on this 7” only. Housed in a full color jacket, cut loud to lacquer, and pressed heavy with pride at Archer on Detroit’s east side.

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                              Cover of Key To Love (Is Understanding) by BADBADNOTGOOD / Majestics.

                              BADBADNOTGOOD / Majestics

                              Key To Love (Is Understanding)

                              Light In The Attic

                                The latest installment of Light In The Attic’s exclusive vinyl and digital singles series features Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD with Jonah Yano on vocals covering “Key To Love (Is Understanding),” originally recorded in 1982 by Milwaukee’s funk/soul pioneers Majestics. The newly recorded cover and the original version are available for streaming and on “Majestic Pink” 7” vinyl.
                                “As lovers of old soul, funk and rare recordings, ‘Key to Love’ has always been a song that has had an impact on our heart and ears,” BADBADNOTGOOD said. “We hope our version relays how special this song is and gives it some new listeners and a second life […] It’s an incredibly beautiful song that deserves to be heard, and we hope to play a small part in that.”

                                The original Majestics single is highly sought after by diggers and DJs worldwide not only for “Key To Love (Is Understanding) but also for ”Class A”, which is considered the first-ever rap recording to come out of Milwaukee.

                                “It is a pleasant surprise,” Donald Cooper of Majestics said upon hearing BADBADNOTGOOD’s version of the song. “They did a good job and it was well done with their own slight personal twist […] [it’s] an honor to be recognized."

                                The single follows Mac DeMarco’s cover of Haruomi Hosono’s “Honey Moon” in the series, which features artwork conceptualized by Los Angeles-based fine artist Robbie Simon. These tunes come on the heels of widely popular past entries in the series, including pop-auteur Ariel Pink with future-funk pioneer Dâm Funk covering Donnie & Joe Emerson’s eternal anthem “Baby,” the inimitable Mark Lanegan covering the melancholy folk of Karen Dalton, and the one-and-only Iggy Pop with the Zig Zags transforming Betty Davis’ dirty funk into a heavy Sabbath grind.


                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                7" Info: 'Majestic Pink' Vinyl.

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                                Cover of Matas Flores Y Algo Mas by Tulips.

                                Tulips

                                Matas Flores Y Algo Mas

                                Planet Rescue

                                Very Ltd Edition 12"EP on this highly intriguing label.. musical, captivating and a more than a bit nuts. BIG TIP!

                                Hailing from the Ruhrgebiet and now based in Cologne, sound enthusiast and percussionist Tulips is cofounder of the free-wheeling improv kraut group NASSSAU, plays together with TRJJ (of Belgium’s Stroom crew) in the duo P.VEE, and is part of Cologne’s dub-minded jam hounds MONTEL PALMER.

                                Produced in his bedroom, the sonic palette for this EP derives from primitive key improvisations to talking percussion worlds as part of extended cosmic excursions to unknown paramós. All tracks on ​Matas Flores y Algo Más ​ were jammed and recorded between late 2018 and early 2019, using an array of digital and analog synthesis, such as the Juno 106 and Yamaha DX7, and the Korg Wavedrum and Pearl SC40.

                                The opening track ​Self Similar Melodies ​ carries itself with a certain weightlessness, as drifting keys and oscillating bleeps grasp for an unreachable climax somewhere on the horizon. As the synth layers gradually build throughout ​A Bird Feeder, ​ electronic tones chirrup like chaffinches, while the distinct feeling of sunrise breaks through the music.

                                On the B side, ​Retrograde II ​ winds on a syrupy slow garage lean with bright riffs and interlocking percussive signatures. The marimba tones and loping bass of ​Same Scene conjure up tropical twilights from a Ballardian dimension, and the EP closes with Matsutake ​, a twisting rhythm in conversation with itself amid a mirage of lurching synths and pitch-shifting modulations.

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                                Cover of Pina Edits Vol. 3 by Pina Edits.

                                Pina Edits

                                Pina Edits Vol. 3

                                Pina

                                  A Berlin based collective of music aficionados launch a limited and lovely 7" platform for club-ready flipped classics.

                                  Simple, effective floor food for all moods...TIP !

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                                  Cover of Sarabande à Deux EP by Reymour.

                                  Reymour

                                  Sarabande à Deux EP

                                  CAF?

                                  Reymour is a psycho-romantic adventure of a duo sharing both life, and stage, a lovely cluster that originated in Fribourg-en-Uthonie, and found a new home in Brussels, the pulsing heart of Europe. “Sarabande à Deux” is a delicious arrangement of autumn flavor and forgotten vegetables cooked with love and understanding in a synth-wave sauce. It is the fifth release of CAF?, ridding on sonorities of the 80’s, running between synthetic balads, romantic dances and bucolic sceneries in an alcoolic fashion.

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                                  Cover of Smile Now, Cry Later / Runaway by The Shacks / Brainstory.

                                  The Shacks / Brainstory

                                  Smile Now, Cry Later / Runaway

                                  Big Crown

                                    Taken from the forthcoming Big Crown label compilation “Dear Sunny...” Runaway produced by Tommy Brenneck (Charles Bradley, Menahan Street Band). Covers of Sunny & The Sunliners sweet soul classics. In 2017 we released a compilation of Sunny & The Sunliners music entitled “Mr Brown Eyed Soul”. Since that, we reissued three of his albums in their original format and dropped five different 7 inches. We were huge fans of Mr. Ozuna before we started working together and we knew that our audience would love his music as much as we do. One thing we hadn’t anticipated was just how much our own roster of artists were going to fall in love with his catalog. We came up with the idea to have everyone on the label cover a Sunny & The Sunliners tune and do a full length release as an homage to the man himself, Mr. Brown Eyed Soul, Sunny Ozuna. The full compilation is due out in the Fall of 2020 but this new 45 is a taste of what’s to come. Side A is a cover of Sunny's classic “Smile Now, Cry Later” done by The Shacks. Shannon’s gentle whispered vocals bring a whole new energy keeping to the tune keeping laid back and dreamy and Max’s production does justice to one of Sunny’s biggest tunes. Brainstory covers “Runaway”. The darling dears of Rialto properly turn this tune into something completely their own. Tommy Brenneck’s (Charles Bradley) production takes this one over top, a modern day slowie classic that is bound to find its way into DJ sets next to the staples of yesteryear.

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                                    Cover of Mer / Holder Rytme by Flammer Dance Band.

                                    Flammer Dance Band

                                    Mer / Holder Rytme

                                    Lyskestrekk Records

                                      Flammer Dance Band back with two new hip-shaking garage funk tunes!
                                      Another essential 45 only release from Lyskestrekk Records.

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                                      Cover of Once More by The Wedding Present.

                                      The Wedding Present

                                      Once More

                                      Optic Nerve

                                        Exceptional second single from The Wedding Present that was originally released on Reception Records in 1985. Reissued here on White Vinyl.

                                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                                        Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 1000 copies Colour Vinyl.
                                        Includes postcard and poster.

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                                        Cover of Dreaming by The Wee Cherubs.

                                        The Wee Cherubs

                                        Dreaming

                                        Optic Nerve

                                          Impossibly rare 1984 UK 7” vinyl single, written by a pre- Bachelor Pad’s Martin Cotter. One of only three releases by the short-lived Glasgow based indie label Bogaten, although redolant of early Orange Juice in the sound of the A-side, also looks forward to Shoegaze, with a reverb-drenched cover of The Velvet Underground’s Waiting For My Man on the B-side.

                                          FORMAT INFORMATION

                                          Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 800 copies Colour Vinyl.
                                          Includes postcard and poster.

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                                          Cover of Want You! Like A Cigarette B/w Night Time (The Boy Of Mine) by The Courettes.

                                          The Courettes

                                          Want You! Like A Cigarette B/w Night Time (The Boy Of Mine)

                                          Damaged Goods

                                            “The real deal. The most authentic '60s inspired garage rock since Thee Milkshakes were around”. Lee Cotterell (Vive Le Rock) The Courettes are a garage duo sensation from Brazil and Denmark! One of the most hard working bands on the scene, The Courettes have been busy delivering their full-speed energetic performances (more than 250 concerts!) in 15 countries around Europe and Brazil. Aside from their touring The Courettes have been hard at work at their own StarrSound Studios working on new songs for their as yet untitled third album, to be released later this year by Damaged Goods. This brand new limited edition single is taken from those sessions and is a great taster of things to come! The duo's previous single releases include the Spectoresque single 'Christmas (I Can Hardly Wait)', a girlie pop Christmas anthem filled with fuzzed out guitars and trashy jingle bells (released by Danish label Crunchy Frog) and 'Too Late To Say I'm Sorry' 7” EP with four killer tracks recorded/mixed by Liam Watson at ToeRag Studios (released by Portuguese label Groovie Records).




                                            FORMAT INFORMATION

                                            Ltd 7" Info: Red vinyl 7".

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                                            Cover of Los Conquistadores Chocolates (Moplen Remixes) by Johnny Hammond.

                                            Johnny Hammond

                                            Los Conquistadores Chocolates (Moplen Remixes)

                                            High Fashion Music / Milestone

                                              Moplen returns with one of his personal all time favorites, “Los Conquistadores Chocolates” from Johnny Hammond’s first album release on the legendary Milestone Records label!

                                              A jazz/funk masterpiece which became in its original form popular in the NYC underground club scene thanks to David Mancuso and his ‘Loft” parties. Moplen gave the tracks a more ‘club’ orientated feel, where the wide variety of original instruments are highlighted into 2 remixes featured on this first bonafide 12” ever made of “Los Conquistadores Chocolate”.

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                                              Cover of Nu Groove Records Classics Volume 1 by Various Artists.

                                              Various Artists

                                              Nu Groove Records Classics Volume 1

                                              Nu Groove

                                                Founded in 1988, the Nu Groove catalogue is a true reflection of New York's house sound. Started by Frank and Karen Mendez as an outlet for some of Rheji and Ronald Burrell’s more experimental musical ventures, the label would go on to help launch the careers of a number of local talents including Joey Beltram and Kenny Dope, but the Burrell brothers were by far the most prolific.

                                                Over thirty years later, Luke Solomon has re-assembled the catalogue and the spirit of this legendary New York label, with this 2 x 12" package celebrating some essentials from its catalogue. Featuring cuts from Bäs Noir, Aphrodisiac, N.Y. House'n Authority and K.A.T.O plus remixes from Tommy Musto and Frankie Bones, this collection of late 80’s and early 90's gems is a record box essential and blissful re-introduction to the Nu Groove sound.

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                                                Cover of It's A Feeling 03 by It's Not A Genre.

                                                It's Not A Genre

                                                It's A Feeling 03

                                                It's Not A Genre It's A Feeling

                                                  Allegedly from the northern regions of California, Five slick edits of mysterious provenance and origin, their variety provides all that's needed to shape an entire night of hedonistic floor play.

                                                  This is a very limited edition, hand-numbered, one time only pressing
                                                  Heavy support already from 2manyDjs and Tim Sweeney.

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                                                  Cover of The World Is Yours by NAS.

                                                  NAS

                                                  The World Is Yours

                                                  Mr Bongo

                                                    Straight out the gate, Nas dropped a classic. Since the release of the seminal ‘Illmatic’ album in 1994, critics and fans have been wondering if Nas peaked too early and if anything in his subsequent catalogue could be held up against this masterpiece.

                                                    To be fair, it’s hard to follow up something this flawless, a project that allied his most insightful, pitch-perfect heartfelt rhymes with the work of the best hiphop producers on the east coast.DJ Premier, Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest and Large Professor all take their turns on the album, along with the unsung L.E.S.,but it’s Pete Rock in his prime who provides the stunning backdrop for the cinematic ‘The World is Yours’.

                                                    It’s a perfect nugget of a single, weaving in the brashness of Scarface, the repetition of a snatch of T La Rock’s early Def Jam gem ‘It’s Yours’ and piano courtesy of Ahmad Jamal’s ‘I Love Music’ from his own timeless ‘The Awakening’ album (1970).Presented for the first time on 7”, the vocals of the album version and the instrumental on the flip provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy and compare the work of two masters at the top of their game.

                                                    Pete Rock’s seamless weaving of disparate samples into a compelling whole, the then little-known Nas’ statement of intent. With a maturity beyond his tender years, Nas put himself straight at the top of the pile, this Queensbridge chronicle hinting at the ambition and greatness he harboured within himself.

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                                                    Cover of Them Thangs EP by Thatmanmonkz.

                                                    Thatmanmonkz

                                                    Them Thangs EP

                                                    Shadeleaf Music

                                                      Thatmanmonkz returns after his critically acclaimed and just damn good 2nd LP 'Non Zero Sum Game' with a heavyweight remix package !!

                                                      Favourite LP cut 'Them Thangs' anchors the EP, with Detroit superhero Waajeed laying down a typically high class interpretation, trademark Dirt Tech vibes abound, with equal parts motor city machine soul and tough rhythms taking the original straight to the floor.
                                                      Talking of which, the OG Dubstramental concentrates the irresistible groove into an effortlessly fierce afro-centric House jam.

                                                      After the PPF crew submitted their tearaway rewire of one of the LP's tougher moments 'Freaks 'N Prophets' its place on this 12 was assured.
                                                      A Chicago style slammer that extends and leans into the powerhouse groove with a nod to the forefathers.
                                                      Finally, a previous digital release highlight (which got a lot of love) finishes off the EP, a flute-laden romp for dancin' close.

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                                                      Cover of Gamma by Cleveland.

                                                      Cleveland

                                                      Gamma

                                                      Kalahari Oyster Cult

                                                        A staple element of high-profile labels such as Hivern Discs and ESP Institute, Brussels-based producer Andrea Mancini alias Cleveland has built something of an impressive reputation over the last few years, establishing a sound signature both convincingly unique and daringly game-changing, as well as setting up a distinctly fresh musical grammar that invites the listener to see under the surface of the standstill techno/house dichotomy through more complex but just as effortlessly enjoyable architectonics.

                                                        Complete with a choice duo of remixes courtesy of Beta Librae and Piezo, Cleveland’s debut EP for Kalahari Oyster Cult sits straight in line with the recreated organic lushness and widescreen vista of his previous installments. Seemingly a straightforward broken-beat affair at first glance, ‘Gamma’ seamlessly slides towards sun-dazed weirdo house terrains with its dripping honey-like melange of dubbed-out synth ripples, distorted machine talk, and foot-shuffling drum work.

                                                        A further Arpanet-friendly slab of shapeless electronics, ‘Ora’ levitates in a zone of its own, subtly oscillating betwixt chimey oneirism and crystal-like, arpeggiated brittleness. On the flip, ‘Gamma’ gets a double treat. Turning the track into a proper floor-ready weapon, Pezio alternates sequences of hypnotic melodic shimmer with a stealthily squelchy but dynamic percussive momentum. Adding her trademark playful get-up-and-go whilst retaining the original’s textural quirk, Brooklyn’s Beta Librae explores even further the cheeky vibrancy of Cleveland’s non-formulaic audio semantics to brush a vividly trippy tableau of sorts.

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                                                        Cover of No. 6 by Hot Peas 'n Butter.

                                                        Hot Peas 'n Butter

                                                        No. 6

                                                        Hot Peas 'n Butter

                                                          Deep mining the crates for another super strong 4 track pass - The HOT PEAS 'N BUTTER crew deliver each and every time !!

                                                          No.6 brings another selection of certified diverse and dynamite floor-filling jams from the extended family.

                                                          Time machine tear-ups from the golden era, as likely to be heard on Mom & Pops' turntable as they were rattling the cones on the home-made block party stacks or basement sound systems.

                                                          100% DJ material - and available in VERY short supply...you snooze, you lose!

                                                          Hand stamped vinyl only 12" series.



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                                                          Cover of BAR 05 by Teslasonic.

                                                          Teslasonic

                                                          BAR 05

                                                          BAR Records

                                                            BAR05 by Italian MinimalRome affiliate Teslasonic. Stunning Electro cuts including a mesmerizing remix by Rotterdam favourites Animistic Beliefs.

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                                                            Cover of Medley (Remastered) by Cortex.

                                                            Cortex

                                                            Medley (Remastered)

                                                            Trad Vibe

                                                              The first reissue of the famous and long-awaited "Medley Maxi 45" by Cortex.

                                                              Originally released in 1979, this Medley is the perfect tool for DJs (Already played by MCDE at We Love Green Festival as the Final track…).

                                                              On B side the “Mary & Jeff (Fender Rhodes Version 77)” was released in 2010 on a very limited 7inch (TV003).

                                                              Never republished! Remastered from original tape by Trad Vibe records.

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                                                              Cover of Idontknow by Jamie XX.

                                                              Jamie XX

                                                              Idontknow

                                                              Young Turks

                                                                Young Turks today announce the 12” release of “Idontknow” by Jamie xx

                                                                “Idontknow” is Jamie’s first solo artist release since his highly acclaimed BRIT and GRAMMY ® nominated 2015 debut album In Colour. Without knowing the artist behind it, people have been raving to “Idontknow” since late autumn 2019 when Jamie first debuted the track. Since then, the track has taken on a life of its own in clubs and on dancefloors around the world, garnering huge support from the likes of Ben UFO, Four Tet, Caribou, HAAi and Bicep, or via Jamie’s own residency on NTS Radio and the series of last minute, word-of-mouth parties he threw in aid of the MIND and CALM charities at north London’s the Cause (where he was joined by the likes of Four Tet, HAAi and Koreless) and beyond.

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                                                                Cover of Trouble Maker / Run My People by The Wailing Souls.

                                                                The Wailing Souls

                                                                Trouble Maker / Run My People

                                                                Soul Jazz

                                                                  Two fantastic tracks from one of Jamaica's finest ever vocal groups.

                                                                  These heavy hitting anthems were recorded for the legendary Studio One label in the early 70s.

                                                                  Surprisingly, both tracks have never been released as singles, previously only appearing on two different rare and long deleted Jamaican LPs.

                                                                  Cut super loud on 12” single and housed in a heavyweight card Studio One sleeve, these won't be around for long.

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                                                                  Cover of Dactylonomy I: Dumb Thumb Count De Finger by Pepe Bradock.

                                                                  Pepe Bradock

                                                                  Dactylonomy I: Dumb Thumb Count De Finger

                                                                  Atavisme France

                                                                    This is the first chapter of Dactylonomy, a 12" pentalogy, Dumb Thumb, starting as a fat dusty fingerprint, with two mirroring enlightening tracks that are more than happy to benefit from the joys of hitchhiking on their way to dancefloor welfare. It's a metronome-like and alphabetical choreography, based on an incognito personality, trailblazing kick drums, fragile synths stabs, double-edged sword chords, ghostly snippets, and all that jazz. "Audio Jewels" is a bouncy signature track that should get listeners high as a kite, responding to "Mattithyahu," which is a three act play anticipating the coming chapter two with its abstract, bit-carving, frequency-shifting, mono-merciful tones, and precise, hopeful echoes, along with a 303+808+909 coda for vintage synth fans out there. Designed for serious back up. What else? If six is harmony and 126 BPM, then surely ATA 21=126 / 6 Remember that the best is yet to come; can you dig it?

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                                                                    Cover of Tokyo Horoki Part 2 by Pleasure Cruiser & Keita Sano.

                                                                    Pleasure Cruiser & Keita Sano

                                                                    Tokyo Horoki Part 2

                                                                    High Hoops

                                                                      Tokyo Horoki or Tokyo Wanderings is a collection of Pleasure Cruiser’s collaborations from living in Tokyo, these tracks were made across continents started and finished in Tokyo, Okayama, Berlin and London.

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                                                                      Cover of Deeper Fundamentals I by Delano Smith.

                                                                      Delano Smith

                                                                      Deeper Fundamentals I

                                                                      Mixmode Recordings

                                                                      It was way back in 2009 when prolific Detroiter Delano Smith released "Deep Fundamentals", a three-track set of delicious deep house jams that has since become a collector's item. Here he presents a belated sequel of sorts, "Deeper Fundamentals I". He sets the tone with the superb title track, a fine fusion of futurist Motor City techno synths, dubbed-out electronics and chunky deep house grooves, before traveling in a warm and bumpin' deep house direction on "Time & Place". You'll find more bustling beats and tactile chords on B-side opener "Stolen Memories", while closing cut "On Arrival" is effortlessly dreamy, warm and enveloping: an ultra-deep dancefloor excursion of the highest order.

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                                                                      Cover of Friendly Pressure (1998 Sunship Remixes) by Jhelisa.

                                                                      Jhelisa

                                                                      Friendly Pressure (1998 Sunship Remixes)

                                                                      Mint Condition

                                                                        Mint Condition continue their mission excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics and overlooked gems mined from the last 20+ of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond, Mint Condition have got their expert digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been on your wants list for years! Dig in....

                                                                        Jhelisa Anderson's voice was ubiquitous throughout the mid 90's and beyond, her debut LP Galactica Rush had been released by Dorado to critical acclaim and Friendly Pressure was a huge single that crossed numerous underground borders, finding favour with soul fans and clubbers and DJ's alike, providing a late-night / early morning soundtrack to weekends spent partying, expressing and hanging out. Dorado commissioned numerous remixes of this future classic, but it was Ceri Evans' aka Sunship whose 2-step / UKG remixes in 1998 solidified Friendly Pressure as a stone-cold pirates anthem, a total smash on the buzzing UK Garage scene. Evans had been a member of the UK's legendary Jazz-funk outfit The Brand New Heavies, so his sound was a swinging fusion of soul, jazz and snapping UKG drum programming. Fused with Jhelisa's beautiful voice, the Sunship mixes are now regarded as classics and will undoubtedly bring the vibes to any dancefloor, sounding as fresh and soulful as they did back in 1998.

                                                                        Friendly Pressure has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Dorado Recordings and was remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original DAT's especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!

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                                                                        Cover of Harnessed The Wind EP by Humble B Flat.

                                                                        Humble B Flat

                                                                        Harnessed The Wind EP

                                                                        Pond Life

                                                                          Since the get-go Pond Life Records has strived to combine jazz and funk infused instrumentation and electronic programming. Humble B Flat, who has helped define Pond Life's sound has played true to this concept since his first release on PL001. Two years later, we are blessed with an four track EP that’s builds upon this blueprint - ‘Harnessed The Wind’.

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                                                                          Cover of Whities 029 by Lord Of The Isles Featuring Ellen Renton.

                                                                          Lord Of The Isles Featuring Ellen Renton

                                                                          Whities 029

                                                                          Whities

                                                                            Lord of the Isles and Scottish poet Ellen Renton join forces for a reflective record that touches on themes related to climate change, both in the present and future. “Ellen’s poem ’Passing' blew me away and I felt compelled to provide it with a musical accompaniment. I liked how Ellen's vocal recording sounded lo-fi, so I created an environment around it to make it feel cinematic.” ‘Inheritance’ the closing track, picks up where ‘Passing’ leaves off, completing a journey it feels like many of us will experience.

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                                                                            Cover of 90% Of Me Is You by Vanessa Kendrick / Gwen Mccrae.

                                                                            Vanessa Kendrick / Gwen Mccrae

                                                                            90% Of Me Is You

                                                                            Glades

                                                                              A killer and essential head to head, back to back repress 7" right here.

                                                                              2 versions of this alltime, evergreen rare groove in one place, fully legit, remastered and repressed just for you.

                                                                              '90% of Me Is You' is widely known and loved, oft sampled and searched for high and low by soul aficionados and music lovers across the globe.

                                                                              Vanessa Kendrick's take is a breathier, sweeter affair. A ridiculously rare 45 to obtain and boasting a $500+ price tag too. Recorded a year before Gwen McCrae's and arguably the original version, hence it's top billing spot on the A-side. Obviously, Gwen McCrae's version is more widely known, and it is astoundingly good. Her sultry and yearning vocals complementing the lush arrangement and tough backbeat drums in a different way. Obviously both versions bring something to the table in their own respective ways, with our 2 fabulous vocalists channelling different feelings and different moods, but they are both simply amazing and worthy of a place in any self-respecting music lovers stash. Flawless.

                                                                              Licensed and reissued with the full involvement of the Henry Stone Music group for 2020. Featuring original classic Galdes label artwork.

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                                                                              Cover of Never Let You Go by Georgia.

                                                                              Georgia

                                                                              Never Let You Go

                                                                              Domino

                                                                                Hot on the heels of her recent critically acclaimed album ‘Seeking Thrills’, Georgia is releasing the 12’’ of her hit single ‘Never Let You Go’ with an additional remix by legendary UK DJ and producer Skream. Heavily inspired by Chicago house and Detroit techno of the early 80s, ‘Never Let You Go’ fuses analogue club sounds with solid pop songwriting and showcases Georgia’s lifelong love affair with the drums, whereas Skream delivers a driving Kraut-inspired workout of this track.

                                                                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                12" Info: Indies exclusive 12".

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                                                                                Cover of We Welcome Tomorrow by Portico Quartet.

                                                                                Portico Quartet

                                                                                We Welcome Tomorrow

                                                                                Gondwana Records

                                                                                  Portico Quartet announce We Welcome Tomorrow a strictly limited edition three-track vinyl EP.

                                                                                  The EP follows on from Memory Streams, their fifth studio album and second for Gondwana Records which was released in October 2019. Sonically it explores a similar world to the full-length album, but where Memory Streams focused on a punchier live sound, WWT explores modern classical and ambient textures.

                                                                                  We Welcome Tomorrow features, the duo Fran and Flora (Francesca Ter-Berg cello & Flora Curzon) on strings, but also builds looped saxophones, drums and synths parts into a rich tapestry of sound. Odd time signatures underpin a surprisingly emotional build that resolves in richly layered strings.

                                                                                  Mirage explores a different side of the band's writing. Moving away from their usual instrumentation and enlisting the beautiful string playing of 'Fran and flora' . It draws influence from the emotional, spiritual minimalism of composers such as Arvo Part and John Adams.

                                                                                  Winding Snake again takes influence from American minimalism but places it against strong, modern drum rhythms and organs. And its energy and instrumentation propel the music into trademark Portico Quartet territory.

                                                                                  FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                  Ltd 12" Info: Limited blue vinyl edition, includes a download code.

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                                                                                  Cover of Four Amazing Tracks by Lilipulu.

                                                                                  Lilipulu

                                                                                  Four Amazing Tracks

                                                                                  Glowing Pin

                                                                                  mpromptu muscovite supergroup Lilipulu turn the needle neon with a quartet of unexpected killers for club cosmonauts, rainforest ravers, anxious insomniacs and giddy punks.

                                                                                  Unplanned, inspired and all the way live – the pin is glowing! Ever wondered why the Growing Bin releases sound so damn good? Well, it has more than a little to do with mastering magician Sergey Luginin, whose eagle-ears and technical know how have been a part of the process since GBR002. For the latest Glowing Pin powerplay, our man in Moscow joins some close friends on the other side of the console, letting the creative juices flow for ‘Four Amazing Tracks’. Luring Simple Symmetry brothers Sasha & Sergey and DJ & photographer Ivan Pustovalov into his studio with the promise of an afternoon stroll through the nearby Elk Forest, Sergey set the circuitry in motion and the quartet got lost in music. What begin with a plan for some simple edits and a woodland walk quickly became a full scale studio throw down, reimagining forgotten favourites amid a multi-instrumental stew of propulsive polyrhythms, low slung bass, cosmic synths and frazzled guitars. There’s techno-tribal hypnosis on the mind bending, brain blending A1, poetic post punk on the angular, janglier A2, outrageous Afro-cosmic on the freaky Floyd-in-Lagos B1 and languid ambience on the lysergic lullaby which closes the set. Recorded as they worked and presented in chronological order, this EP is a triumph of inspiration over perspiration - a snapshot of a moment which will last forever.

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                                                                                  Cover of Live At The Croxton by Amyl And The Sniffers.

                                                                                  Amyl And The Sniffers

                                                                                  Live At The Croxton

                                                                                  Rough Trade

                                                                                    A brand new three track EP recorded Live at The Croxton, Melbourne Australia.

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                                                                                    Cover of Dar Disku Edits Vol 1 by Dar Disku.

                                                                                    Dar Disku

                                                                                    Dar Disku Edits Vol 1

                                                                                    Dar Disku

                                                                                    Mazen and Vish (together Dar Disku) have teamed up with label collaborator Moving Still for a Hi-NRG version of 'Sidi Mansour ' originally recorded by Algerian Disco superstar Cheba Yamina. The Disco/Rai inspired track reimagines what was originally a traditional Tunisian Folk song and captures the broad lexicon of Middle Eastern and North Africa soundscapes With traditional Algerian percussion and Yamina’s signature vocals this is a perfect dancefloor heater!

                                                                                    On the flip side Moving Still gives us a bass-heavy edit of Syrian Wedding Performer Sarya Al Sawas - 'Bas Asma3 Mini'. He got sent the track by his brother in law back in 2009 and came back to it over the last year as he has been exploring the sounds of his Saudi and Egyptian heritage, using the oud fragrance as a theme throughout.

                                                                                    The last track of the three is the first Dar Disku edit. Sampling Indonesian Group Orkes Kelana Ria originally released in 1961 and featuring Arabic vocals by Munif. Not much is known about the mysterious group but when Vish Mhatre and Mazen Almaskati first heard the sample - they knew it would be perfect for an edit. The group are among the true originators of the Orkes Melayu genre which is incredibly hard to find.

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                                                                                    Cover of Ternary Fission EP by Frak.

                                                                                    Frak

                                                                                    Ternary Fission EP

                                                                                    Höga Nord Rekords

                                                                                    Höga Nord rekords proudly presents Frak! Frak was formed in the southern coastal town of Karlskrona by Jan ”Zwarre” Svensson, Björn Isgren and Johan Sturesson in 1987. Zwarre is also founder of the legendary experimental electro label “Börft” which through the years has gained both national and international recognintion.

                                                                                    From the beginning, Frak stood for an alternative to the hair metal hegemony of their hometown Karlskrona where they, in the early days got chased from venues by the locals. “The rednecks hated us” Isgren told Resident Advisor in an interview made some years ago. However, unlike Poison, Fraks sound is still appealing and “Ternary Fission EP”, as well as all their earlier releases has all the elements necessary for a sophisticated electronic act: dark and suggestive electro and techno!

                                                                                    If you need musical compositions for the stranded atomic submarine U-137, test flights of the Swedish fighter jet JAS 39-Gripen, the Soviet space programme, the first manned mission to Mars or the transition to the bunker society, Frak is a strong and valid option!

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                                                                                    Cover of Chasing Dub / Insane Pissapes by Jäverling Meets Ganjaman_72.

                                                                                    Jäverling Meets Ganjaman_72

                                                                                    Chasing Dub / Insane Pissapes

                                                                                    Höga Nord Rekords

                                                                                      Rickard Jäverling is a musician with a lot of projects going (Dödens Dal, Liljor, e.g.) and now two of the songs from his previous Höga Nord Rekord album ”3” is released in new versions remixed by Stockholm based Ganjaman_72. Heavy urban dub influenced by old agent movies is what you’ll get on this 7”.

                                                                                      The music is both retrospective and futuristic and the subtle dub influences in Jäverlings music comes together naturally with Ganjamans_72s ambition. On ”Chasing our hours” the baseline is still the driving force of the song but the reverb drenched melodies, that in the original version is clearly fronted, now lies echoing in the background and creates new depth to the song. ”Insane Pissapes” has developed into being the more dance floor oriented of the two tracks and takes Jäverlings music from the soil of Dalarna out beyond Earth’s orbit.

                                                                                      These songs are the perfect soundtrack to a long, lonely night drive trough a big city, going nowhere, getting lost.

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                                                                                      Cover of Orgone / Gammut by Moisture.

                                                                                      Moisture

                                                                                      Orgone / Gammut

                                                                                      Fasaan

                                                                                      *More downbeat wickedness on the excellent Fasaan!*

                                                                                      This double A-sider is the fruit of a long gestating collaboration with fellow Malmö-based record collector/selector & producer Simon alias Rizzolo DJ (alias Moisture). Closely intertwined with the label in various ways since the start, his path to producing started with re-edits and a more wild-haired approach to deejaying, finally landing into his own groove with the 2018 album A Freak Is Born. Released as a privately pressed cassette, the album featured two tracks co-produced with Fasaan founder Prins Emanuel.

                                                                                      On that first album, the palette was a lo-fi reverie of minimal waves crashing into depths of goth and heights of camp. Here for the 12" format, we instead get the full onslaught of power tools gleaming in the blast of strobe lights. The weight of GAMMUT unfolds and delivers exactly what the title suggests: a complete scope of percussive barrage unleashed in tight locked grooves and smattering reverberations. In addition to that, we are treated with a spine-tingling re-imagining of the concept of a bass drop.

                                                                                      For ORGONE, a 1984 track by Norwegian group Fra Lippo Lippi serves as the backbone of the composition. Championed by cosmic DJ Daniele Baldelli and here pitched down to wrongspeeder tempo, Moisture uses the original song to bridge the gap between his roots in the re-edit scene as well as in the cosmic tradition. Thedry mechanical bassline is flanked by hollow percussion that eventually propels into a crystal-chimmering microcosm of orgone energy.

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                                                                                      Cover of Don't Act Like A Fool by Premonition.

                                                                                      Premonition

                                                                                      Don't Act Like A Fool

                                                                                      Athens Of The North

                                                                                        Premonition or Premonitions (they were known as both) is a new york disco / Soul / Funk group you probably have never heard of, we have an LP coming soon but while we wait in our flats and houses here is a reissue of their rarest (it's all rare) Disco 45 flipped with an Excellent mid-tempo floater which is 100% my bag. Let's face it, you are going to like one of these sides so get it done.

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                                                                                        Cover of What About The Child by Gold.

                                                                                        Gold

                                                                                        What About The Child

                                                                                        Athens Of The North

                                                                                          I licensed Gold material from Avelino Pitts an over 10 years ago when I was working at Jazzman, at the time we got a tape with an alternative version of 'What About The Child' so it made sense to reissue that version rather than the original and better mix as it was unheard. We never did get around to putting out the original 45 version, more urgent and pushy than the softer mix on the unreleased tape, so here it is. This 45 was a true deepfunk rarity in the 2000s and just never turns up at all. On the flip we got some amazing Spiritual Soul from the unreleased tapes that sounds very Rotary Connection, really special track. I have done 500 of these only. Grab em quick.

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                                                                                          Cover of Shadance Hall by The Mauskovich Dance Band.

                                                                                          The Mauskovich Dance Band

                                                                                          Shadance Hall

                                                                                          Dekmantel

                                                                                          Amsterdam might be susceptible to grey skies and rain as any other, but cup your ear to the music flowing out of the Dutch capital, and another story emerges. The Mauskovic Dance Band are a prime example of an act who have been dialing up the sunshine over the river Amstel in recent years.On Shadance Hall, their first release of 2020, they concoct a tantalising brew of no-wave, psych rock, cumbia, power dub and numerous other colourful shades of global grooves.

                                                                                          No stranger to Dekmantel as one of half of electro-grouping Bruxas, Nicola Mauskovic leads his percussive troupe through a heavy, trippy, disco fiesta with this, their first debut on Dekmantel Records.
                                                                                          The Mauskovic Dance Band’s epic sonic journey on Shadance Hall began deep in the Welsh valleys. Partnering dusty drum machines alongside phat layers of congas, assorted bric-a-brac of percussive tools, and distortion-soaked guitars, Mauskovic’s ensemble suspend the tempo and turn up the grooves on this soundsystem-inspired, post-punk odyssey. The resulting soundsystem-inspired concoctions are a mixture of 130bpmbeats (‘Ventura Phase’), Jah Wobble-influenced bass rhythms (‘Squeeze Dogs’) and Carnival-ready soca-jams (‘Theorie Amerikaan’).

                                                                                          Taken back to Amsterdam’s famed Electric Monkey Studio (a favourite for Ghanian great Ebo Taylor and Dutch youngbloods Jungle By Night alike, Mauskovic teamed up with engineer Kasper Frenkel to mix down the record. Here the two acted as Mad Professors, experimenting with the recordings and making multiple versions of each track by creating tape loops, bouncing the audio back and forth and layering the resulting recordings in waves of reverb and echo. In classic dub style, the band ended up with dub edits, rich in space echo, reverb, crush, and dub-goodness, completing the second half of Shadance Hall like a funky palindrome. It rounds off an expressive EP steeped in musical history, bursting with inventiveness, projected at the listener as a maze of influences to get lost within.

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                                                                                          Cover of Son Of Sun E.P by Guedra Guedra.

                                                                                          Guedra Guedra

                                                                                          Son Of Sun E.P

                                                                                          On The Corner

                                                                                            London’s On The Corner Records proudly present “Son Of Sun’' - the new EP from Morroccan producer Guedra Guedra.

                                                                                            Having previously turned heads with his mind-bending Boiler Room performance at last year’s Atlas Electronic Festival, as well as delivering a storming remix of On the Corner signees Penya, Guedra Guedra (aka Abdellah M. Hassak) returns with six genre defying cuts. His earth trembling debut is a relentless barrage of euphoric, high-energy, future dance music, demonstrating the rich product of North Africa’s fertile club music scene.

                                                                                            Hailing from Casablanca, Guedra Guedra is a DJ/Producer exploring tribal polyrhythms of the past and dancefloor innovations from the underground. His productions are defined by high energy tribal bass, psychedelia that is rooted in the cadence and mystery of ancient rhythms.


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                                                                                            Cover of Game Of Love by Hot Soul Singers.

                                                                                            Hot Soul Singers

                                                                                            Game Of Love

                                                                                            La Casa Tropical

                                                                                            Thembisa’s Hot Soul Singers were formed in 1975 by promoter and producer Sam “Jiza Jiza” Mthembu. In the early years the trio was called the Thembisa Happy Queens and consisted of sisters Ntombifuthi and Nombuso Mabaso and Lindiwe Ndlovu. The trio would start out playing Jive, Zulu Disco and other popular sounds of the 70s . In 1979 they became the Hot Soul Singers and would begin a career in the emerging Disco scene which their group name was now more fitting for.

                                                                                            Their first single under the new name was a tribute to their producer Sam, and their first album “Together” would come 2 years later in 1981. It contained their Lamont Dozier rip off from a year earlier, and biggest hit to date “ Give Me My Love Back” which was playing in jukeboxes across the country. At this time the Hot Soul Singers were also gaining popularity due to their demand as an opening act for American groups. Sam’s ongoing pursuit to be a successful promoter also helped to ensure they were always in the headlines and playing shows. It would be in 1983 that the group would temporarily step away from a major label and go onto record their first Maxi single with the independent Raintree Records new Lyncell Imprint.

                                                                                            Like most places in the world the early 80s was a fast changing time in music for South Africa. Although the Maxi had a disco standard for years in other parts of the world it had only recently been popularized in South Africa. Thanks to the Brenda and the Big Dudes smash, Weekend Special, the maxi took over as the preferred format for pop music, replacing the cheaper but time restricting 7” single. Singles were being pushed to the limits in the early 80’s with running times of 4+ minutes a sides by some labels. The Maxi allowed for groups to extend their grooves onto a full side and later album art containing smiling musicians infant of cheesy backdrops became the norm. Synthesizers had been used in pop music for years already but the DX7 wouldn’t land in the country for another year. Drum machines were being used but had yet to fully replace live drummers like would happen in the years to come. The recording of this new single would require a full band resulting in it being one of the gems of the crossover period before the complete midi takeover. Durban’s Graham Handley was recording some of the best upcoming Disco sounds for labels like Heads Music and groups like Kabasa and Masike Mohapi and was tasked as engineer. Other known musicians in the session would be Jimmy Mgwandi from the group Image, who’s signature bass playing can be heard on both songs. A young Daniel Phakoe aka “sox” was also present and took care of the male parts of the vocal line. Both musicians have writing credits along with lead singer Nombuso. Other possibilities of musicians would be Thami Mduli aka Professor Rhythm who had been with the group since their early days as well as a young Chicco who was best friends with Jimmy at the time.

                                                                                            The single, which was packaged in a customized but simple company disco sleeve, went on to do quite well. Less than a year later they would feature on a track with Sunset which would lead to them singing with Sounds of Soweto records label. The group would enjoy the growing fame when tragedy struck in 1984. On their way to a show in Mpumalanga they were involved in a car accident which took the life of Nombuso and left her husband Sam with a leg injury he limps with to this day. Upon recovering Sam would organize a tribute concert at Soweto’s Jabulani Amphitheatre. Even though the tragedy left the group broken and without a member the band went back to work to record their second full length album. They worked with Mac Mathunjwa who had written Nombuso’s favourite song “Going Crazy”. This album would be released with two different names and covers. One took the former singer’s favourite song as the album name and used a photo consisting of all three girls where the other released under the name “ A Tribute” and would only have the remaining members on the cover.

                                                                                            Although the tragedy never halted the group, moving forward the trio of singers would see a few members change. Lindiwe would leave to join Freeway and then become Linda “Babe” Majika so by the time they were ready to record in1986, now with Teal records, the only original member was Ntombifuthi. She would also shortly leave the group and provide backing vocals to other artists including her old band mate Linda. The Hot Soul Singers would be kept alive by Jiza Jiza and go on to record 5 more albums before calling it quits in 1990 after a successful 15 year career. Today the only core member left is Sam Mthembu who still lives in Thembisa and is occasionally promoting live events. Even though he did produce a handful of artists back in the 70s, his most significant additions to the music industry were the Hot Soul Singers and his event promotions, which is what he is best known for and will most likely be the legacy of his career.

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                                                                                            Cover of Dark Blue by Caroline.

                                                                                            Caroline

                                                                                            Dark Blue

                                                                                            Rough Trade

                                                                                              London-based caroline began as a three-piece (Jasper Llewellyn, Mike O'Malley, Casper Hughes) in early 2017, initially evolving out of weekly improvisation sessions.

                                                                                              Bringing together shared influences in - and experiences of playing - midwestern ‘emo’ guitar music, Appalachian folk, minimalist classical and various forms of dance music.

                                                                                              caroline’s debut 12" single features lead track ‘Dark blue’ (A side) and ‘BRJ’ (B side). A hand drawn 12” insert is included with all orders.

                                                                                              The group spent a year and a half playing privately, without a project name. Reiterating, deconstructing and re-building the same small handful of songs over and over again, the group slowly expanded their on-stage members before playing their debut show as caroline in 2018.

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                                                                                              Cover of Josh Ritter & The Milk Carton Kid by Josh Ritter & The Milk Carton Kid.

                                                                                              Josh Ritter & The Milk Carton Kid

                                                                                              Josh Ritter & The Milk Carton Kid

                                                                                              Pytheas

                                                                                                A new 7” from Josh Ritter and the Milk Carton Kid featuring the much loved live track The Gospel Of Mary and an Acoustic version of Losing Battles.

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                                                                                                Cover of Manipulate by Black Merlin.

                                                                                                Black Merlin

                                                                                                Manipulate

                                                                                                Offen

                                                                                                  The two inimitable long tracks from George Thompson AKA Black Merlin have reached Offen on 13.11.2019, and Offen said: let there be 013! Featuring words by Alexandra Grübler on "Textured Land". Artwork by Patrick Keuthen, mastered by Enrico Mercaldi at Time Tools Mastering.

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                                                                                                  Cover of Protagonist by Slowly Rolling Camera.

                                                                                                  Slowly Rolling Camera

                                                                                                  Protagonist

                                                                                                  Gearbox

                                                                                                    7" Singe from pianist-composer Dave Stapleton, producer Deri Roberts, vocalist-lyricist Dionne Bennett and drummer Elliot Bennett. Together as Slowly Rolling Camera they makemusic that has distinct echoes of the ‘invisible soundtracks’ of UK progressives Cinematic Orchestra and Portishead as well as the polychrome textures of maverick Scandinavian artists like Sigur Ros.!

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                                                                                                    Cover of Turning Around / Clear (Inc. Gerd Janson / Hubie Davison Remixes) by Theo Kottis.

                                                                                                    Theo Kottis

                                                                                                    Turning Around / Clear (Inc. Gerd Janson / Hubie Davison Remixes)

                                                                                                    Skint

                                                                                                      Theo Kottis’s celebrated ‘Turning Around’ and ‘Clear’ get a joint 12” vinyl release on 24 April on Skint Records, alongside the Gerd Janson remix of ‘Turning Around’ and an exclusive remix of ‘Clear’ by Hubie Davison.

                                                                                                      ‘Turning Around’ was one of 2019’s stand-out tracks, receiving top reviews, Annie Mac’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’, and played widely at festivals. One of the main supporters was Running Back label boss and “the DJ’s DJ” Gerd Janson who gives the uplifting disco workout a high-octane sheen, with a cascade of shimmering
                                                                                                      beats and a poignant, powerful refrain.

                                                                                                      On the B-Side is ‘Clear’, born out of a sample clearance issue which inspired TheoKottis to write an original piece of music that was ‘clear’ of samples. The end result is an exciting fusion of Italo disco and ‘80s synth-pop, complete with a euphoric vocal.

                                                                                                      Exclusive to the vinyl release, acclaimed Irish-born and now London-based producer Hubie Davison delivers a deeper and tougher reworking, which is perfect for peak-time dance-floors. In Hubie’s words: There’s nothing better than being given a load of quality source material and license to have fun with it, and that’s exactly what happened here. I’ve been following Theo for a while now, so it was a joy to open the hood on ‘Clear’ and have a go at it. Having Gerd Janson on the other side makes it even better. Hopefully people enjoy these mixes as much as I do.”

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                                                                                                      Cover of To Believe - Anthony Naples, Actress, Pépé Bradock & The Cinematic Orchestra Remixes by The Cinematic Orchestra.

                                                                                                      The Cinematic Orchestra

                                                                                                      To Believe - Anthony Naples, Actress, Pépé Bradock & The Cinematic Orchestra Remixes

                                                                                                      Ninja Tune

                                                                                                        In celebration of 2019's critically acclaimed album, 'To Believe', The Cinematic Orchestra release “To Believe Remixes”, two 12” vinyl releases featuring select remixes. “To Believe Remixes” is a carefully curated collection of tracks - featuring remixes and re-works made by some of The Cinematic Orchestra's favourite producers and artists, "It's one of the greatest privileges of a musician to invite artists who have inspired you to re-imagine your work".

                                                                                                        Coming a year since 'To Believe' was released, the diverse selection of artists includes electronic producers Actress and Moiré, composer Kelly Moran, keyboardist Dorian Concept, cellist and vocalist Lucinda Chua, avant garde legend Fennesz and contemporary pianist James Heather to name a few, all providing their own personal take on “To Believe” album tracks. A posthumous Ras G remix of ‘Lessons’ also appears plus previously released remixes from Ghostly signed LA Harp innovator Mary Lattimore, legendary house producer Pepé Bradock and Anthony Naples. 

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                                                                                                        Cover of To Believe - Mary Lattimore, Kelly Moran, Fennesz & Lucinda Chua Remixes by The Cinematic Orchestra.

                                                                                                        The Cinematic Orchestra

                                                                                                        To Believe - Mary Lattimore, Kelly Moran, Fennesz & Lucinda Chua Remixes

                                                                                                        Ninja Tune

                                                                                                          In celebration of 2019's critically acclaimed album, 'To Believe', The Cinematic Orchestra release “To Believe Remixes”, two 12” vinyl releases featuring select remixes. “To Believe Remixes” is a carefully curated collection of tracks - featuring remixes and re-works made by some of The Cinematic Orchestra's favourite producers and artists, "It's one of the greatest privileges of a musician to invite artists who have inspired you to re-imagine your work".

                                                                                                          Coming a year since 'To Believe' was released, the diverse selection of artists includes electronic producers Actress and Moiré, composer Kelly Moran, keyboardist Dorian Concept, cellist and vocalist Lucinda Chua, avant garde legend Fennesz and contemporary pianist James Heather to name a few, all providing their own personal take on “To Believe” album tracks. A posthumous Ras G remix of ‘Lessons’ also appears plus previously released remixes from Ghostly signed LA Harp innovator Mary Lattimore, legendary house producer Pepé Bradock and Anthony Naples. 

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                                                                                                          Cover of Groove It To Your Body by Michael Wilson.

                                                                                                          Michael Wilson

                                                                                                          Groove It To Your Body

                                                                                                          Prelude

                                                                                                          What can be said about this monstrous disco-funk extravaganza from 1982? Well, plenty actually... the only entry in the mighty Prelude back catalogue from Michael Wilson, 'Groove It To Your Body' is what this music is all about, a proper dance record, drenched in the funk, a groove that just doesn't stop. The A-side is incredible, but it's really the B-side dub mix that steals the show. Francois Kevorkian, who was Prelude's A&R man at the time, mans the desk on both mixes, but for a truly stellar work-out the dub flips all of the essential ingredients into a stew of rumbling synth and tape feedback and deep space delay and echo. This mix could be seen as the template of what was to come, and is an all-out dancefloor wrecker. Try it! It doesn't get any better than this. A Disco essential. 2nd hand copies of this nugget go for serious wedge these days, now's your chance to snag an *official* licensed reissue from Prelude direct. 

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                                                                                                          Cover of Blind Vision (Honey Dijon Remixes) by Blancmange.

                                                                                                          Blancmange

                                                                                                          Blind Vision (Honey Dijon Remixes)

                                                                                                          London

                                                                                                            Honey Dijon was asked the remix her “favourite band” Blancmange and she chose the magnificent disco oddity, 1983 hit ‘Blind Vision.’ The result is a stripped back, bumping houser that sounds as much Green Velvet as it does Talking Heads. Urgent percussion and oscillating synths drive things forward, allowing a full Blancmange vocal to unfold aloft to great effect. Also features the original and sought after extended mix.


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                                                                                                            Cover of Living On The Ceiling (Roman Flügel Remixes) by Blancmange.

                                                                                                            Blancmange

                                                                                                            Living On The Ceiling (Roman Flügel Remixes)

                                                                                                            London

                                                                                                              Roman Flügel remixes the cult 1980s classic that is ‘Living On The Ceiling’ and the result is a killer, off-kilter slice of club-focussed machine funk that contains the same wonderfully bizarre cocktail of traits that Blancmange always boasted in spades. Eerie and schizophrenic but also both bright and triumphant. Also features the original and sought after extended mix.

                                                                                                              “When I was asked to put my hands on the original tracks of Blancmange I was instantly excited. They were one of my favourite Bands when I grew up as a teenager in the 80’s. Listening to their music walking around with my Walkman back then was adventurous. Mainly because I was already in love with the aesthetics of synthesisers and drum machines. But also because it was unusual pop music with an extraordinary energy that made it in the charts. Remixing a favourite band is challenging but I’ve tried to keep the free spirits and playfulness in my mix that makes Blancmange still so special after all these years” - Roman Flügel

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                                                                                                              Cover of I Don't Wanna (Feat. Remixes By Mano Le Tough And David Jackson) by Pet Shop Boys.

                                                                                                              Pet Shop Boys

                                                                                                              I Don't Wanna (Feat. Remixes By Mano Le Tough And David Jackson)

                                                                                                              X2

                                                                                                                'I Don't Wanna’ is taken from the new album ‘Hotspot’, out now.

                                                                                                                Features remixes from Mano Le Tough and David Jackson.

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                                                                                                                Cover of Much Too Much by Sass.

                                                                                                                Sass

                                                                                                                Much Too Much

                                                                                                                Be With Records

                                                                                                                  Don’t let the title mislead you, “Much Too Much” by Sass has just the right amount of everything, whether you’re talking about the vocal or the instrumental. And that’s as true now as it was when it was originally released back in 1982. In 1981 The Jack Sass Band, as they were known, were still working the NYC club circuit. Along with the likes of Change, The BB & Q Band and High Fashion, they were part of the Little Macho Music phenomenon and that’s how they ended up in an 8 track studio on 7th Avenue near 20th Street, where Little Macho recorded demos.

                                                                                                                  Produced by the band’s vocalist Mic Murphy, who also wrote the track along with fellow band member LaForrest Cope, the band needed just one session to capture “Much Too Much”. The recording studio just so happened to be run by Silvio Tancredi and when the tracks were finished he offered to put them out on his 25 West record label. The vocal version and an instrumental mix were released as a 12" the following year. Mic tells us this meant Sass “were one of the few bands to have a record release while still playing on the club circuit. So the reaction exceeded our expectations at the time”.

                                                                                                                  According to Mic “Much Too Much” was something a little different from the band’s live sound at the time, “it was more R&B smoothed out than the more funk rock we usually leaned into”. Indeed, the track glides with grace, poise and patience. The elegant, easy tempo, combined with the magnificent melody and Mic’s signature sublime vocal conjures magic. The blend of deep boogie-funk power and heavenly sweetness is both infectious and goosebump-inducing. Over on the flip-side, the instrumental slaps harder. Without Mic’s vocal it’s just pure groove, with nothing to stop you vibing all night - the bassline, the drums and the melody still connect. Hard. Pick your side, you won’t lose.

                                                                                                                  Working directly with Mic Murphy means that the audio for this re-issue of the classic 12" comes from the original tapes. Cut at 45 RPM and released in a plain sleeve, we’ve made sure this record is well up to the job of having a permanent place in every DJ’s bag. As far as we’re concerned, this is essential stuff. Mic told us just how much it means to him to have “Much To Much” re-issued: “It’s an amazing feeling to have something you created almost 40 years ago still have relevance and even more amazing to be considered among the Northern Soul boogie anthems. And it’s especially important to me that we’re available again on vinyl”.


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                                                                                                                  Cover of Medicine Remixes - Inc. Ryan James Ford / Legowelt / C.A.R Remixes by The Imbeciles.

                                                                                                                  The Imbeciles

                                                                                                                  Medicine Remixes - Inc. Ryan James Ford / Legowelt / C.A.R Remixes

                                                                                                                  The Imbeciles

                                                                                                                  Medicine used to be, we expected, good for us. Albeit with added sugar. Now medicine is a huge problem in itself, with vast companies caught mis-selling dangerous drugs. It’s one of the biggest scandals ever. How on earth did we get here? Who did this?

                                                                                                                  The Imbeciles are on the case.

                                                                                                                  “It’s about the dark side of prescription ‘medicines’. Oxy, Xanax, Ambien, all that. Big pharma is pushing these addictive ‘medicines’ that we don’t actually need, to desensitise / numb / kill. All for profit,” says Butch Dante.

                                                                                                                  A new classic from The Imbeciles. They know. And they made a video. Watch it here.

                                                                                                                  Now they’ve been remixed. By these people:

                                                                                                                  C.A.R.:
                                                                                                                  Impossible to categorise, and all the better for it - London based, Franco-Canadian, C.A.R., flirts with elements of new wave, cold wave, synth-pop, post punk and off-kilter disco; and without doubt wields some of the most satisfyingly other-worldly melodies and synth lines around.

                                                                                                                  Ryan James Ford:
                                                                                                                  One of the most exciting underground techno producers on the block - Ryan doesn’t constrain himself to any one rhythm, aesthetic and motif, but can always be found to be hitting the listener with thick atmosphere, dark melodies and an upfront, experimental attitude.

                                                                                                                  Legowelt:
                                                                                                                  A true pioneer of left field house and disco, this Dutch master draws from disco, italo, dub, dancehall, techno and many more sonic pools to create his wonderfully engaging, but always envelope pushing sound.

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                                                                                                                  Cover of Trying To Find My Woman / Give It Up by Lou Courtney / Lee Dorsey.

                                                                                                                  Lou Courtney / Lee Dorsey

                                                                                                                  Trying To Find My Woman / Give It Up

                                                                                                                  Deptford Northern Soul Club

                                                                                                                    Two more floor-friendly 45s from the Deptford Northern Soul Club’s record box.

                                                                                                                    Featuring fifty quid’s worth of excellent brasspowered psyche soul that originally turned up on Buddah Records in 1969. An absolutely huge Blackpool Mecca 45 with a backflip moment at around 40 seconds that repeats for all stomping excessives.

                                                                                                                    Backed with the legendary Lee Dorsey’s mighty ‘Give It Up’ from the same year. A swampy soul stew with a funky feel by the hugely underrated singer. An Allen Toussaint

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                                                                                                                    Cover of Look Into My Eyes / Express by 52nd Street.

                                                                                                                    52nd Street

                                                                                                                    Look Into My Eyes / Express

                                                                                                                    Be With Records

                                                                                                                      Be With Records would like to refer you to FAC 59.

                                                                                                                      "Working with founding member Tony Henry, we’re honoured to present the reissue of 52nd Street’s crucial debut single “Look Into My Eyes”, backed with “Express”. Originally released on Factory Records in Summer 1982, this ultra-rare 12" is a double-sider in the truest sense. Unrivalled Manchester jazz-funk-boogie-soul. Both “Look Into My Eyes” and “Express” came out of a five day recording session in the spring of 1982 at Revolution Studios in Cheadle Hulme, just outside Manchester. Rob Gretton had just signed the band to Factory, snatching them from under the noses of RCA and WEA Records who had been sniffing around and seemingly ignoring Tony Wilson’s concerns that Factory might not be the right home for a black soul act. Rob clearly thought different.

                                                                                                                      The band of Tony Henry on guitar and vocals, bass player Derek Johnson, drummer Tony Thompson, lead vocalist Beverley McDonald and John Dennison on keyboards were put in the studio with A Certain Ratio’s drummer Donald Johnson producing the sessions. The band also found themselves with an interesting new member. The back cover of the finished record credits synth F/X to a mysterious “Be Music”. Turns out that’s Bernard Sumner. Yes, that one. Tony Henry explains that bringing Bernard in was another part of Rob Gretton’s plan, “Barney was a real soul boy at heart and had always wanted to produce and work with black artists… with 52nd Street, he was an honorary member”. The results suggest he fit right in.

                                                                                                                      “Look Into My Eyes” squeezes so much aural pleasure into one side of a 12" single. A strutting, rich, soul-gliding funk with bass and guitar high in the mix above twisted, bubbling synths. Like Nile and Barney drenched outside the Haçienda that first summer. How can something be this liquid loose whilst sounding so, so tight? The hypnotic, naïve-cum-insouciant vocals from McDonald, backed by her fellas, only add to the track’s charm. Put simply, it sounds like nothing else. On the flip, “Express” is sheer drama on wax. Tony’s opening lesson in good manners (“Excuse me miss, is this seat taken?”) sees us strapped in for a wild, chaotic, rhythmic ride. All bold keys, synth brass blasts, insistent bells and a galloping groove giving *that rush* atop a bassline to die for. No surprise it was a Frankie Knuckles favourite. Blistering heat.

                                                                                                                      The 12" was Paul Morley’s single of the week in the NME but his approval did little to get daytime radio play or to sell the record when it was released. It probably didn’t help that, in Tony Henry’s words, Factory were a label “notorious for not promoting their bands, not wanting any communications with the written press and not answering their office phones.” It came and went with none of the fuss that music this good deserved. But in the near-40 years since they were released, these two tracks have gone on to become cult underground hits for those in the know. Of course that means those original 12"s have gotten rare and pricey. So here’s your chance to own this particular piece of post punk Factory Records funk.

                                                                                                                      But this record isn’t just a vital slice of Manchester soul history. Tony’s not shy about just how important he thinks the collaboration between 52nd Street and Bernard Sumner was: “this worked out quite well for us in the band but even better for New Order and Factory Records as Sumner studied grooves, rhythms and how to write and construct funk and dance music from 52nd Street and producer Donald Johnson”. You just have to listen to Blue Monday to hear what Bernard did when he started putting what he’d learnt into practice. “Look Into My Eyes” and “Express” come from a chapter of the history of Factory Records that no-one seems to have gotten around to writing. Working with Tony to reissue the original 12" is the start of putting that right. The story of 52nd Street is more than just a footnote."


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                                                                                                                      Cover of Change EP by Hercules & Love Affair.

                                                                                                                      Hercules & Love Affair

                                                                                                                      Change EP

                                                                                                                      Skint

                                                                                                                      After over ten years of Hercules & Love Affair, Andy Butler offers three reimagined versions of classic Hercules tunes and a piece of new music on the ‘Change EP’. Producer with current partner in crime Alec Storey (aka Second Storey), the two have been touring the Hercules catalogue with an approach that incorporates a proper dose of techno while duly engaging Storey’s penchant for breaks and intricate percussion work. Butler decided to put a few of these reworks out for DJs and dancefloors, offering the chance for these great Hercules moments to shine once again.

                                                                                                                      We go back to the beginning on the A1, with a fresh mix of "Raise Me Up", a poetic and powerful piece of techno pressure featuring ANOHNI's unmistakable vocals. New track "Change" bounds out the A2, tickling the subs and making me wiggle like a space invader with its pinging keys and wobbling bass. We're in jacking acid mode on the B1 as Butler and Storey supercharge 2014 cut "My Offence", before a deep and dreamy version of 2017's anthemic "Are You Still Certain?" rounds out the EP with plenty of soul.


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                                                                                                                      Cover of Expansions In The NYC - Preview EP 2 by Louie Vega.

                                                                                                                      Louie Vega

                                                                                                                      Expansions In The NYC - Preview EP 2

                                                                                                                      Nervous Records

                                                                                                                      Louie Vega continues to expand the musical boundaries of house music with his unique ability to combine the essence of classic disco, soul and funk with the percussive energy that is the driving force of dancefloors worldwide. His new work is a second preview into the epic and forthcoming Expansions In The NYC album. This album will include selections that represent the many musical movements on which the House Music genre has evolved right up to the current time. Louie has a few special guests in mind to join him on the album as well, all of which will create unique collaborations that will launch the project into an area of worldwide interest. As one of the world’s longest independent dance labels, Nervous is well suited to present this momentous project.

                                                                                                                      It’s often said that great talent is in the DNA, and that’s most certainly the case with the Vega family. The A side of this 12” is “How He Works,” a blast of gospel – laced dancefloor energy that includes a stellar featured co-production with Nico Vega. The track has been buzzing buzzing massively ever since Louie debuted it at one of his sold out Expansions In The NYC events in New York. The 12” features two dubs, and fans will have to wait for the album to get the full club version.

                                                                                                                      The AA side include the peak hour gem “Can’t Slow Down” and the inspired “Vince Montana Tribute.” “Can’t Slow Down” shows Louie’s creative abilities at their best as he re-shapes a vocal from a Nervous Records classic house jam “Rushing” by Loni Clark, and with full approval and appreciation from the original producers Mood II Swing, re-creates something that will absolutely blow up dancefloors today. The “Vince Montana Tribute” (Louie Vega and Rick Wilhite from Detroit Rework) is a heartfelt and equally impactful production in which Louie demonstrates his appreciation for the disco sounds that he grew up on in the iconoc borough of Bronx, NYC.

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                                                                                                                      Cover of Rites & Rituals Remastered by Ron Trent.

                                                                                                                      Ron Trent

                                                                                                                      Rites & Rituals Remastered

                                                                                                                      Prescription Underground

                                                                                                                      First in a series of official Prescription reissues that come bolstered with remastered editions and additional remixes from big Ron himself.

                                                                                                                      First up is Indigo Tracks, which may or may not be one of Ron Trent's many aliases. "Rites of Passage" was released on Precription in 1999 and pretty much defined the afro-house blueprint at the time. 

                                                                                                                      For PU001 Ron has dissected the track into two percussive instrumentals, plus included a feisty remix concocted in his own studio. Rather than simply a repress of this classic track, these are new interpretations that offer new life and inspiration alongside the original.

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                                                                                                                      Cover of Earthquake / It Hurts Too Much To Cry by Roy Hamilton / H.B. Barnum.

                                                                                                                      Roy Hamilton / H.B. Barnum

                                                                                                                      Earthquake / It Hurts Too Much To Cry

                                                                                                                      Outta Sight

                                                                                                                        Outta Sight’s collectable ‘Classics’ series continues with two real heavyweight’s of the rare soul scene, face-to-face for the very first time. Together, these two icons helped define, not only Northern Soul, but the soul music genre… and now, almost sixty years on, they go head to head.

                                                                                                                        In the blue corner is former commercial artist and amateur heavyweight boxer Mr Roy Hamilton who set the dancefloors trembling across the North of England when his 1962 “Earthquake” was finally unleashed on the Northern Soul scene. Hamilton was already a huge star in America scoring two R&B No.1’s in 1954 and ’55 with the standards “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Unchned Melody”. But, he will forever be remembered in the U.K. for his Northern anthems “Crackin’ Up Over You”, “The Panic Is On”, “You Shook Me Up” and the explosive “Earthquake”.

                                                                                                                        In the red corner is the multi-talented actor, pianist, arranger, producer, songwriter and singer Mr H. B. Barnum who’s early belter “It Hurts Too Much To Cry” belies its 1962 recording date. Barnum also scored on the rare soul scene with “Three Rooms With Running Water”, “The Record” and the awesome “Heartbreaker”. But his contribution far exceeds his personal output with writer, producer and arranger credits on a slue of floorfillers inlcuding Judy Street’s “What”, Earl Wright’s “Thumb A Ride” and The Magnificents’ ”My Heart Is Calling You”, to name but a few.

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                                                                                                                        Cover of Fu30, Pt. 1 by Fu Manchu.

                                                                                                                        Fu Manchu

                                                                                                                        Fu30, Pt. 1

                                                                                                                        At The Dojo

                                                                                                                          The first installment in Fu Manchu’s 30th Anniversary vinyl 10” series, Fu30, Pt.1, includes 2 new original Fu Manchu songs, as well as a cover of The Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ It To The Streets.” The band will be releasing 2 more editions in this 10” series over this year making a total of 30” of new Fu Manchu music for the Fu30 anniversary. Each release will include 2 new original compositions and a newly recorded cover. Like the band’s most recent album, Clone Of The Universe, Fu30, Pt. 1 was recorded at The Racket Room in Santa Ana, California by Jim Monroe (Adolescents, Ignite) and co-produced with Fu Manchu. This limited edition 2500 unit run is pressed on translucent orange sunshine vinyl at 45 RPM for maximum heaviness with a package design that pays homage to the cover of the Doobie Brother’s original single.

                                                                                                                          FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                          10" Info: Translucent Orange Vinyl.

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                                                                                                                          Cover of After The Storm by Tenderlonious.

                                                                                                                          Tenderlonious

                                                                                                                          After The Storm

                                                                                                                          22a

                                                                                                                            The title track ‘After The Storm’ picks up where 2019 album ‘Hard Rain’ left off (Bandcamp’s electronic albums of 2019) - a stormy, atmospheric 4/4 groove, with flute flurries, build the track to a state of euphoria.

                                                                                                                            The EP continues with ‘G Flex’, a tune dedicated to Tender’s mentor Sterling Styles, aka Equinox (Scientific Wax). Broken drum machine loops are brought to life by classic Tender flute and synth solos. Fans of his 2016 ‘On Flute’ EP will be feeling this one! ‘D Low’ is the 22a squad pick on this cut! Deep house vibes, with a classic London soundsystem style hook, shaking bass lines and twisted synths.

                                                                                                                            ‘Broken Heart’s Club’ rounds things up and may sound familiar to 22a heads. Beefy broken drum machines take centre stage, making way for some more synth magic from Tender’s vast array of hardware. First time on vinyl for a track that’s been doing the rounds for a couple of years. This 12’ EP follows up Tender’s sell out “Think Twice EP” from September last year.

                                                                                                                            FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                            Ltd 12" Info: Limited to 300 copies.

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                                                                                                                            Cover of Pamela #1 by Andrew Weatherall.

                                                                                                                            Andrew Weatherall

                                                                                                                            Pamela #1

                                                                                                                            Pamela Records

                                                                                                                              Pamela Records is the new sister label to Moton Records Inc - the London imprint headed up by Dave Jarvis & Darren House, who have carved a name for themselves in quality and very collectable edits over the last two decades.

                                                                                                                              The legendary Andrew Weatherall had produced and written Pamela’s first EP alongside studio partner Nina Walsh before his devastating and untimely passing. The tracks were written by Andrew in a studio laboratory inside of the Woodleigh Research Facility with Nina Walsh sharing the writing credits in part and also contributing samples from her extensive arsenal of weapons.

                                                                                                                              When asked about these tracks, Andrew said “The great thing about not being signed to a major a label is that it’s liberating. No deadlines, no restraints, no pressures. The result - the creative process is completely free. There’s a blank canvas in the studio, you can pretty much go anywhere you want.”

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                                                                                                                              Cover of Unknown Plunderer / End Times Sound - Repress by Andrew Weatherall.

                                                                                                                              Andrew Weatherall

                                                                                                                              Unknown Plunderer / End Times Sound - Repress

                                                                                                                              Byrd Out

                                                                                                                              Andrew Weatherall turns in two thunderous, low slung acid dub tracks. Expect clattering effects, outer space bleeps, and ridiculous plumes of hypnotic bass. Andy Bell returns to join Andrew in the studio, layering a haunting, tripped-out guitar line over the top. File under cosmic dub. 1000 vinyl only.

                                                                                                                              Now, I doubt we have to inform anyone of this incredible artist's sad passing this week. Scheduled for release before his untimely death, there's also an album completed which will hopefully still see the light of day proceeding this unfathomably sad event. Our respects and best wishes go out to all of Andrew's family whilst the man's undeniable legacy and influence will no doubt resonate for many years to come. Weatherall we salute you sir! 


                                                                                                                              FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                              12" Info: Repress!!!!

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                                                                                                                              Cover of Don't Slip Up by Meat Whiplash.

                                                                                                                              Meat Whiplash

                                                                                                                              Don't Slip Up

                                                                                                                              Optic Nerve

                                                                                                                                Their one and only single was originally released in 1985 on Creation and spent 19 weeks in the independent chart. From East Kilbride in Scotland, they morphed into Motorcycle Boy.


                                                                                                                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 800 copies Colour Vinyl.
                                                                                                                                Includes postcard and poster.

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                                                                                                                                Cover of Sean Connery EP by The James Dean Driving Experience.

                                                                                                                                The James Dean Driving Experience

                                                                                                                                Sean Connery EP

                                                                                                                                Optic Nerve

                                                                                                                                  4th and final single from JDDE. Originally released in 1990 on El Records as a 12” EP and now highly sought after. All four tracks are included here for the first time as a 7” single on Silver coloured vinyl. 

                                                                                                                                  FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                  Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 800 copies Colour Vinyl.
                                                                                                                                  Includes postcard and poster.

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                                                                                                                                  Cover of Untitled by Unknown.

                                                                                                                                  Unknown

                                                                                                                                  Untitled

                                                                                                                                  MYEDITS

                                                                                                                                  As peaktime rollers go this little limited edition hand stamped number is about to take the crown as the flushest of them all.

                                                                                                                                  A thumping beat, a heavyweight bassline and a vocal that’s got more sass than you can shake a stack of dollar bills at.

                                                                                                                                  It’s big, bad and about to storm every club with a sound system heavy enough to handle it.

                                                                                                                                  Very limited Handstamped, one sided vinyl biz that’s bang on the money.

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                                                                                                                                  Cover of Elevator / Les Fleur (Home Demo) by Smoke Fairies.

                                                                                                                                  Smoke Fairies

                                                                                                                                  Elevator / Les Fleur (Home Demo)

                                                                                                                                  Year 7 Records

                                                                                                                                    Elevator', taken from 'Darkness Brings the Wonders Home' was recorded with producer Phil Ek (The Black Angels, Fleet Foxes, The Shins) over the course of a rigorous month-long session in Seattle. Smoke Fairies (aka Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire) drew their inspiration for the album from mysteries both real and imagined: sea monsters, flocks of crows taking flight in extravagant formation, and strange creatures dwelling in the mud near their new South London abode.

                                                                                                                                    “Times of darkness are when people are often the most imaginative,” says Jessica in reflecting on the album’s title. “It helps you to see all the wonders of the world you hadn’t noticed before - the things you’ve been blind to because you’ve been on autopilot for so long.”

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                                                                                                                                    Cover of Music For Dance & Theatre - Volume One by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                    Various Artists

                                                                                                                                    Music For Dance & Theatre - Volume One

                                                                                                                                    Music From Memory

                                                                                                                                      Music From Memory are happy to finally announce MFM045 - VA ‘Music For Theatre And Dance’ (EP).

                                                                                                                                      This will be the first in a small series of EPs which will focus on music which was initially created for or inspired by dance and performance. Created as a dialogue with the avant-garde and highly experimental work in dance, theatre and art evolving at the time, the music was in turn at times greatly innovative.

                                                                                                                                      That it was created for a dance or performance though means that such music was also often highly rhythmic and a number of pieces from this time stand out and seem greatly deserving of a new context.

                                                                                                                                      Whether it’s more ambient or atmospheric works or whether it’s in the more rhythmic or percussive pieces, Music From Memory brings together a selection of tracks which aim to highlight this highly innovative direction in music.

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                                                                                                                                      Cover of Imperfection Turns Me On / B & E / Sleepwalk by Bitter End.

                                                                                                                                      Bitter End

                                                                                                                                      Imperfection Turns Me On / B & E / Sleepwalk

                                                                                                                                      Bitter End

                                                                                                                                      Twelve releases in and Bitter End still continue to defy pigeonholes, or glory ones for that matter.
                                                                                                                                      It's only fair - in terms of universal balance - that stratospheric pop success should be countered with some gutter realism.

                                                                                                                                      Release No.12 then is the smudged mascara of the morning after, still in the club, but definitely not ready to leave.
                                                                                                                                      'Imperfection Turns Me On' is the sound of Nile Rodgers sharing a bag of flake with the local bell-ringing society, while B & E upsets the curtain twitchers with an uplifting lude-a-thon of swirling synth riffing and those ever-present Crooked and pin sharp beats.

                                                                                                                                      SLEEPWALK unashamedly hogs a whole side, gently imposing its dub-soaked 15 minute self directly into your hypothalamus, with some Basic Channelesque transcendentalism, but from Yorkshire.

                                                                                                                                      Dependably unbendable !

                                                                                                                                      As always, limited and LOUD

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                                                                                                                                      Cover of Bias (Mayfield Depot Mix) / Bias (Extended) by Floating Points.

                                                                                                                                      Floating Points

                                                                                                                                      Bias (Mayfield Depot Mix) / Bias (Extended)

                                                                                                                                      Ninja Tune

                                                                                                                                        Last year Sam Shepherd aka Floating Points released Crush. As is typical of his career so far, the album defies all expectations - solidifying his position as one of Britain's most respected electronic artists. Crush received widespread critical praise including a cover feature with DJ Magazine, 9/10 'Album of the Month' from both Mixmag and Future Music and 9/10 from Loud and Quiet as well as 8/10 from Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Uncut and more. Following the album release Shepherd went on to play a sold out show at Printworks debuting his innovative new live show to rave reviews, you can watch the full set back via RA here.

                                                                                                                                        Today Shepherd has shared two new versions of album highlight 'Bias', a track which was praised both for its "sense of air, as if you can sense the room it was recorded in" (DJ) as well as "a drop so nasty it could send your pulse out of kilter" (Mixmag).

                                                                                                                                        'Bias' began to morph and expand during Shepherd's live shows and today he presents a recorded version based on those exciting, in the moment improvisations. The Mayfield Depot mix stems from a performance at the end of 2019 as part of the Warehouse Project series. Named for the Manchester venue, the mix is based around a live recording from the night with crowd noise bleeding into Shepherd’s microphone, giving a palpable sense of energy in the room. The extended mix stretches out the album version of 'Bias', unfolding new layers and giving even greater depth to that satisfying build.

                                                                                                                                        Shepherd also recently shared a new mix 'Dialogue Between Dreamers Pt. One'. Made during lockdown with time to reflect on the records he returns to again and again for comfort, the mix traverses soul, jazz and country, with rarities alongside tunes from Steve Kuhn, Susan Pillsbury, Family Circle and more.

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                                                                                                                                        Cover of Up The Hill And Down The Slope by The Loft.

                                                                                                                                        The Loft

                                                                                                                                        Up The Hill And Down The Slope

                                                                                                                                        Optic Nerve

                                                                                                                                          Originally released in 1985 on Creation Records and arguably one of the best from that era. This version is backed with Your Door Shines Like Gold which appeared on the 12” but not the 7''.

                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                          Andy says: One of the greatest singles of all time. Seriously.

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                                                                                                                                          Cover of Ever Changing Bubbles (Deep88 Mixes) by DJ Rocca & Leo Almunia.

                                                                                                                                          DJ Rocca & Leo Almunia

                                                                                                                                          Ever Changing Bubbles (Deep88 Mixes)

                                                                                                                                          Claremont 56

                                                                                                                                            In October 2018 DJ Rocca and Almunia member Leo Ceccanti joined forces to deliver “Rhythm Collision”, a three-track EP of jangling, sun-kissed grooves, psychedelic dub disco and Afro-Cosmic flavours on Really Swing. 18 months on, one of that set’s standout cuts has been given a new lease of life courtesy of fellow Italian producer Alessandro Pasini AKA Deep 88. Since making his debut a decade ago, Pasini has earned a reputation as one of house music’s understated heroes – an artist whose hardware driven, retro-futurist take on deep house tends towards the timeless, melodic and atmospheric. With a deep love of turn-of-the-90s dream house, Larry Heard productions and sun-baked chords, his dancefloor-focused productions have often been called Balearic.

                                                                                                                                            It’s perhaps fitting then that his reworks of Rocca and Cecanti’s “Ever Changing Bubbles” are as Balearic as they come. His “Balearic Mix” sets the tone, with Pasini layering trippy, dubbed-out and ear-catching elements – Ceccanti’s eyes-closed electric guitar solos, jangling acoustic guitar chords, warm dub disco bass, echoing spoken word samples, fluttering flute solos, drowsy organ motifs and the pair’s delay-heavy vocals – atop a crunchy, head-nodding, live style beat. While it deviates from the duo’s original version, it inhabits a similar sonic space – albeit in a more dancefloor-friendly way. Pasini excels himself on the accompanying “Balearic Dub”, stripping the cut back to its raw essentials – drums, metronomic bass –while toughening up the percussion and adding delay-laden instrumental snippets. It’s warm, woozy and otherworldly, with echoing voices, tactile musical motifs and restless delay trails combining to create a suitably hazy and intoxicating mood. By the time the touchy-feely flute and acoustic guitars begin to dance across the sound space, you’ll be lost in the groove and too happy to notice.

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                                                                                                                                            Cover of Music Control - Inc. See Thru Hands / Sink Ya Teeth Remixes by Massey Vs Sir Horatio.

                                                                                                                                            Massey Vs Sir Horatio

                                                                                                                                            Music Control - Inc. See Thru Hands / Sink Ya Teeth Remixes

                                                                                                                                            Sprechen

                                                                                                                                            For our second foray into the vinyl world, Sprechen label head Massey joins forces with Sir Horatio, 'a certain' band from Manchester on collaboration cut 'Music Control'.

                                                                                                                                            The result is a meeting of musical minds that blends together both parties favoured sounds to create a squelchy sandwich of post-disco/ proto-house with a healthy helping of acid & punk-funk which should appeal to fans of mucky basements and mature mosh-pits as well as those cosmic ALFOS astronauts.

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                                                                                                                                            Cover of Promo Vol 2 (Robot84 Balearic Mix) by Robot84.

                                                                                                                                            Robot84

                                                                                                                                            Promo Vol 2 (Robot84 Balearic Mix)

                                                                                                                                            Robot 84

                                                                                                                                            Juno Records Presents Robot84 Promo Vol. 2 the much anticipated follow up to the smash Native Dub. Killer Four track Italo disco/house EP which again has been slaying dance floors across the globe... major support and plays from DJ Harvey droppin it at Pikes in Ibiza, . Artwork saying he has been smashing it at every gig over the summer..., Dimitri from Paris ,HiFI Sean, Horse meets Disco droppin king supreme & Willow Dance over the summer saying its a disco bomb..., Gerd Janson , Hunee, The Black Madonna, Groove Armada, Heidi Lawden, Melon Bomb(ibiza), Alfredo (ibiza)

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                                                                                                                                            Cover of Opala / Impala EP by Circles & Ellipses.

                                                                                                                                            Circles & Ellipses

                                                                                                                                            Opala / Impala EP

                                                                                                                                            Applied Rhythmic Technology

                                                                                                                                            ART21 sees the a new artist join the prestigious roster of this finest of Electronica labels. Circles & Ellipses is producer, soundtrack composer and world-famous session drummer Chris Whitten. As well as playing with some of the biggest names in rock & pop, Whitten is an avid rare synth collector. A long-time user of vintage modular synths, Whitten displays his finely honed studio craft to conjure up techno that both intrigues and uplifts. The production quality is of the highest level yet retains that critical rawness and energy to hit the perfect spot on the dancefloor. Circles & Ellipses’ debut EP - a series of reworks of the Burn:Cycle Game Soundtrack - was featured on BBC 6 Music’s Electric Ladyland by DJ Nemone. This follow EP consists of two brand new compositions and includes remixes by Finnish Electro dons Morphology and Kirk Degiorgio’s As One. ART21 is exclusively distributed by Rubadub and available on Limited Edition Blue Vinyl April 6th and in digital format April 20th.

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                                                                                                                                            Cover of Lamental EP by Squarepusher.

                                                                                                                                            Squarepusher

                                                                                                                                            Lamental EP

                                                                                                                                            Warp

                                                                                                                                              Following widespread acclaim for his recent album ‘Be Up A Hello’, Squarepusher (Tom Jenkinson) opens a new chapter to this musical journey with the ‘Lamental’ EP release. Shining a light on the more melodic aspects of ‘Be Up A Hello’, the ‘Lamental’ EP reveals a contemplative side to the music Tom has been making over the last few years. The spacey, squelchy synth techno of ‘The Paris Track’ is a new accelerated interpretation of ‘Detroit People Mover’ which is taken from the album, where it offers a cinematic contrast to the high-octane rave rush of the first four tracks.

                                                                                                                                              Originally composed as a response to the EU referendum in 2016, Tom made the score and recorded stems of his beautifully plaintive, wave-like slow roller ‘MIDI Sans Frontières’ available to all, encouraging remixers to participate as a form of “internationalist collaboration with sound makers, irrespective of what kind of music they make, where they live, their background or their age.” Also included on the EP is his own new ‘Avec Batterie’ deep breakbeat rework of the track, which you can hear now.

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                                                                                                                                              Cover of SHOUTS Vol. 1 by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                              Various Artists

                                                                                                                                              SHOUTS Vol. 1

                                                                                                                                              Rhythm Section

                                                                                                                                                Bradley Zero celebrates five years of his Rhythm Section International imprint with 12” compilation SHOUTS Vol. 1 & 2. Vol. 1 represents the more club ready side of the label whilst Vol. 2 explores more mellow territories.

                                                                                                                                                Famed by Mixmag as one of the Top Ten DJs of 2019, celebrated as a “figurehead for the exploding south London scene”, and “responsible for spreading the gospel of the city’s new Jazz sound”, it’s clear to see why Bradley Zero is quickly becoming the taste-maker of his generation and Rhythm Section INTL as one of the most respected outlets for authentic global cuts. A go-to label for the connoisseurs Rhythm Section INTL is a UK staple. The raison d’être has always been to unearth and nurture new talent, not just via the catalogue but through the now established network of radio shows, concerts and club nights Rhythm Section has become known for. The SHOUTS compilation and accompanying celebratory tour is a continuation of this mission.

                                                                                                                                                SHOUTS is a nod to the online radio culture that birthed the movement. SHOUTS is the label using its voice to amplify its peers. SHOUTS is Five years of Rhythm Section International.

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                                                                                                                                                Cover of SHOUTS Vol. 2 by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                                Various Artists

                                                                                                                                                SHOUTS Vol. 2

                                                                                                                                                Rhythm Section

                                                                                                                                                  Bradley Zero celebrates five years of his Rhythm Section International imprint with 12” compilation SHOUTS Vol. 1 & 2. Vol. 1 represents the more club ready side of the label whilst Vol. 2 explores more mellow territories.

                                                                                                                                                  Famed by Mixmag as one of the Top Ten DJs of 2019, celebrated as a “figurehead for the exploding south London scene”, and “responsible for spreading the gospel of the city’s new Jazz sound”, it’s clear to see why Bradley Zero is quickly becoming the taste-maker of his generation and Rhythm Section INTL as one of the most respected outlets for authentic global cuts. A go-to label for the connoisseurs Rhythm Section INTL is a UK staple. The raison d’être has always been to unearth and nurture new talent, not just via the catalogue but through the now established network of radio shows, concerts and club nights Rhythm Section has become known for. The SHOUTS compilation and accompanying celebratory tour is a continuation of this mission.

                                                                                                                                                  SHOUTS is a nod to the online radio culture that birthed the movement. SHOUTS is the label using its voice to amplify its peers. SHOUTS is Five years of Rhythm Section International.

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                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Superstrada B/w Concrete Stardust by The Mighty Mocambos.

                                                                                                                                                  The Mighty Mocambos

                                                                                                                                                  Superstrada B/w Concrete Stardust

                                                                                                                                                  Mocambo

                                                                                                                                                  Funk 45 champions The Mighty Mocambos deliver another colourful record in their favorite format. Both break-heavy psychedelic soul score theme Supertrada and battle proven b-boy jam Concrete Stardust are from the much celebrated album "2066". By popular demand, here they come in exclusive DJ-friendly uncut/extended versions. A hard-hitting double-sider set to be a resident in your 45 case.




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                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Quito by Nicola Cruz / Fe / Quixosis / Ntfl.

                                                                                                                                                  Nicola Cruz / Fe / Quixosis / Ntfl

                                                                                                                                                  Quito

                                                                                                                                                  Calypso Mexico

                                                                                                                                                  Calypso is back with a new instalment of their world exploration in the search for new sounds. This time and with the help of Nicola Cruz they choose to showcase the city of Quito. In Nicola's own words: "From the highlands of the Equator, an eclectic sound develops in multiples forms: tension, gravity, drums...un-dusted elements from old records, retranslated to tape in order to revive the emotion. All the tracks in this compilation have been assembled through different experimental methods, as this is something that characterizes our creation around here. The work of FE, Quixosis, NTFL (from the city of Ibarra) and my self represent in this record some of the underground fields that this city offers". Indeed an experimental way to experience this city through the sounds of this 4 amazing producers.

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                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Formula 14 EP - Inc. Carl Finlow And Adam Reid Remixes by Derailleur.

                                                                                                                                                  Derailleur

                                                                                                                                                  Formula 14 EP - Inc. Carl Finlow And Adam Reid Remixes

                                                                                                                                                  Decade Box

                                                                                                                                                    Second instalment on Derailleur’s own Decade Box imprint, featuring a rather good remix from Carl Finlow. Derailleur’s arp driven, sub heavy original gets a signature reboot courtesy of Mr Finlow. Dorsia’s Adam Reid switches up the vibe, taking a more breaks driven approach to Derailleur’s electro version. While Finlow adds the funk, Reid strips back the elements to reveal a starker, more urgent vision of the original.

                                                                                                                                                    Following his timely 2004 debut on Varial, Derailleur has also released on Dust Science, Soma and Harmless. With a strong commitment to hardware based recording and performance, 2019 brings in a new chapter for the France based producer and DJ.

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                                                                                                                                                    Cover of The Living Daylights (Timothy J Fairplay Mix) by In Embrace.

                                                                                                                                                    In Embrace

                                                                                                                                                    The Living Daylights (Timothy J Fairplay Mix)

                                                                                                                                                    Emotional Rescue

                                                                                                                                                    The third in the releases where label favourites are represented for today and backed with a remix / version by a contemporary producer of repute, presents 80s leftfield pop-rock band In Embrace. Appearing here are two versions of The Living Daylights, the original long version and a re-recorded live take, plus additional versions by Timothy J Fairplay.

                                                                                                                                                    Coming out of the midlands Post Punk / fanzine scene Gary Knight and friends formed the original incarnation of In Embrace in 1981. Picked up by Glass Records, the early, edgy live recording were re-proposed as Knight developed his 'non-musicianship' with an interest in the possibilities of the studio.

                                                                                                                                                    The original "Uncut" version takes it's anti-war themed vocal and lays it over a Jah Wobble inspired bassline and tense electronic rhythm. As it builds, the pressure mounts a visceral sense of oblivion of 9+ minutes of deep dubbing and repeating refrain.

                                                                                                                                                    Next to this the "Live In Studio" version sees the later 3 piece band replay it out in an energetic raw form that makes a worth addition. Handing the versions, plus backing tracks to Timothy J Fairplay offered a radical departure. His brooding Redub and Bonus mixes take the track to a darker place, drawing out the induced, relentless madness Knight always intended.

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                                                                                                                                                    Cover of B.C. by Bo Ningen.

                                                                                                                                                    Bo Ningen

                                                                                                                                                    B.C.

                                                                                                                                                    Alcopop

                                                                                                                                                      A welcome return for Bo Ningen, showcasing the first cut from their brand new record, with a lead single that is as intense as it is melodic, hinting at the slightly more accessible, though still incredibly intense, tone of what’s to come. Backed with a fascinating remix from Yokohma experimentalist Foodman.

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                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Zaire E.P. by Khalab.

                                                                                                                                                      Khalab

                                                                                                                                                      Zaire E.P.

                                                                                                                                                      On The Corner

                                                                                                                                                        Khalab creates urgent compositions with layers of sound from the past, present and future. ‘Zaire’ is underpinned by an intensely pounding heart of other-worldly percussion. Unrelenting waves of synthlines, basslines and rhythm find harmony amongst the melodic chants and distortion.

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                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Stars by Nick Robson.

                                                                                                                                                        Nick Robson

                                                                                                                                                        Stars

                                                                                                                                                        Neppa

                                                                                                                                                        In 1981, Nick Robson wrote Stars. The song can pretty much be described as a slow, cosmic disco song. It has an unusual feel, and it comes as Oslo-based Neppås third release. This 12″ holds the 12″ mix, the 7″ mix, and the original B-side Eye To Eye. The original 12″ is as rare as they come, and here you get the original material, fully licenced, and remastered. The process of recording the material back in 1981 was not an easy one, as Nick Robson recalls: “Fame by David Bowie is one of my favourite songs, period. I was 18 when i wrote Stars and i wanted to write something that was my version of Fame and quite honestly, as a tribute to the song. If you listen to the bass lines, there is a hint of similarity in the two. Even the lyric of Stars has a passing reference to Fame. Stars was one of four songs recorded at Gary’s Rock City studio to supply the first two singles and form the basis of the first album. The other three tracks were Eye To Eye, Boys and She’a Like Ice. Although all four tracks were finished, for one reason or another, Boys never made it to pressing and i walked away from the business to pursue a career in film. Stars itself, was the most ardous and problematic track that i’ve ever recorded. It took around 14 days to finally get an agreed mix when the budget probably only ran to three days. Part of the reason for this is the enormous quantity of music tracks recorded in the song. In those days, we only had 24 recordable tracks available on the Otari, so once you had recorded 23 or less actually, you had to bounce down sub-mixes to a single track to free up another batch of tracks. I think that there are around 46 tracks of instruments alone on Stars so although that kind of track usage is not uncommon now, back then it was rare.

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                                                                                                                                                        Cover of A Real Mother For Ya - Ben Liebrand Remixes by Johnny Guitar Watson.

                                                                                                                                                        Johnny Guitar Watson

                                                                                                                                                        A Real Mother For Ya - Ben Liebrand Remixes

                                                                                                                                                        High Fashion Music

                                                                                                                                                          Ben Liebrand returns to High Fashion Music, the label where it all started decades ago. And delivered the Old-skool remix and dub-mix of Johnny Guitar Watson’s classic ‘Real Mother For Ya’. Ben highlights many great elements of the original recording and made sure that this remix is way more useful for the dance floor, adding convenient and mixable intros and breaks. Liebrand used the original multi-track, hence drum-sounds, but made sure the timing is now absolutely steady. Danceable vintage-funk, ready for 2020!

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                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Deetour - Moplen Remixes by Karen Young.

                                                                                                                                                          Karen Young

                                                                                                                                                          Deetour - Moplen Remixes

                                                                                                                                                          High Fashion Music

                                                                                                                                                            When Italian Luca “Moplen” Locatelli asked High Fashion to feast his creativity on this one, they were rather sceptical. In fact, they preferred not. But how quick things can change! Moplen brought this nevertheless classic performance of Karen Young back to it’s basis, took as a tradition all tracks and stems apart, and reconstructed it into what it should have been back in 1982. With a flavour of 2020. Bringing the record to its original speed and key, based on the cosmic feel that comes with the lyrics of the song. And the way Karen performs it.

                                                                                                                                                            On the B-side Moplen goes wild and makes no compromize where he brings us almost in a cosmic state of trance. But this is NO trance record. This is boogie. This is how Deetour should have basically been in 1982. But this is how Moplen and Karen Young sound in 2020!

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                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Lux (incl. Kaidi Tatham Remix) by CoFlo.

                                                                                                                                                            CoFlo

                                                                                                                                                            Lux (incl. Kaidi Tatham Remix)

                                                                                                                                                            Local Talk

                                                                                                                                                              Continuing a run of highly musical releases, Local Talk is proud to present Cody Ferreira aka CoFlo to the label with 'Lux'.

                                                                                                                                                              Joining the dots between house, hi-tech soul and jazz focused synthesizer solos, CoFlo explores a wider range of influences, it's essential.
                                                                                                                                                              On the flip Kaidi Tatham delivers another flawless remix where his exquisite production abilities shine and he shows us why he remains one of our favourite producers out there.

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                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Still Second Rate by The Lovely Eggs.

                                                                                                                                                              The Lovely Eggs

                                                                                                                                                              Still Second Rate

                                                                                                                                                              Egg Records

                                                                                                                                                                “Still Second Rate” is the second single from The Lovely Eggs forthcoming album “I am Moron.” Released on limited edition 7” snot green vinyl and accompanied by mind melting artwork designed by Casey Raymond “Still Second Rate” is the latest instalment in the Lovely Eggs current catalogue of contempt for a modern culture that is bringing the world to its knees. “Still Second Rate” forces you to question the difference between value and worth. It also includes a pretty impressive re-creation by the band of the Working Tax Credit Hotline hold music! It follows on from their single “This Decision” released earlier this year which reached number #1 in both the physical and vinyl charts and was hammered by DJs at BBC 6 Music including Iggy Pop, Marc Riley, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins, Gideon Coe, Tom Robinson and John Kennedy at Radio X.

                                                                                                                                                                For the last two years The Lovely Eggs have sat back and watched England and the rest of the planet slowly eat itself. Their new album “I am Moron” is the result of their observations. Following up from their critically acclaimed 2017 album “This is Eggland”. It is their second album co-produced and mixed by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, MGMT, Tame Impala) and continues their journey through Eggland into the unknown. Continuing the heaviness of “ This is Eggland” “I am Moron” brings more depth to their sound bringing with it a mix of heavy psych, pop and strangeness. Some songs flicker between an earthly realism and the otherworldly loneliness of a one way space mission. With no booking agent, manager, record label or publisher The Lovely Eggs are truly independent. And this isn’t due to economics. This is by design. From day one. And support for them is snowballing. They are selling out bigger and bigger venues and more eggheads are joining them in their crusade against bullshit. Still Second Rate is a powerful harsh hit at reality. The Lovely Eggs say it how it is. They’ve never been afraid to swim against the current and now they’ve got an army of fans behind them. 

                                                                                                                                                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                                                7" Info: Limited "snot" green vinyl.

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                                                                                                                                                                Cover of With You by Metastasio.

                                                                                                                                                                Metastasio

                                                                                                                                                                With You

                                                                                                                                                                Disco Segreta

                                                                                                                                                                  Disco Segreta makes another dream for italo-disco hardcore true!

                                                                                                                                                                  The first ever 12” officially licensed repress of this Yamaha DX-7 and Polysynth arpeggiated 1985 italo-disco masterpiece, previously released only as a b-side of a 45 on the tiny italian Discokkio label.

                                                                                                                                                                  The 12” edition – made in collaboration with Metastasio himself – will feature the original version plus an alternate instrumental and vocal versions of “With You”, recovered from the original demo tape.

                                                                                                                                                                  DS M 009 will be strictly limited to 300 copies.

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                                                                                                                                                                  Cover of In The Dark by Limit Eccitation.

                                                                                                                                                                  Limit Eccitation

                                                                                                                                                                  In The Dark

                                                                                                                                                                  ZYX Records

                                                                                                                                                                    Italo disco rarity from 1987 with two new remixes by Longdrink and Also Playable Mono.

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                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Forest Law EP by Forest Law.

                                                                                                                                                                    Forest Law

                                                                                                                                                                    Forest Law EP

                                                                                                                                                                    Brownswood

                                                                                                                                                                      Rio meets Romford on Forest Law’s EP, the Essex-raised, London-based artist’s debut on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label. He was first discovered through Future Bubblers, Peterson’s programme for new and unsigned artists, and this release is an assured introduction to the singer and multi-instrumentalist’s tight, groove-driven sound. The EP features Esa Williams (Soundway, Rush Hour) on the berimbau on ‘Keep an Eye Out’, his mentor through Future Bubblers and bandmate in Esa’s Afro-Synth Band. A bright, Brazilian-tinted sensibility runs through every track which Forest Law creates. From Hornchurch, Essex, and now based in London, he makes warm, eclectic compositions in his garden shed. He takes groove as his driving force, building outwards in kaleidoscopic directions.


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                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Loose Fit by Loose Fit.

                                                                                                                                                                      Loose Fit

                                                                                                                                                                      Loose Fit

                                                                                                                                                                      FatCat

                                                                                                                                                                        Loose Fit began when fashion school friends Kaylene Milner and Anna Langdon bonded over their mutual love of experimental music. After toying with low-fi bedroom recordings, the pair recruited Max Edgar on guitar and Richard Martin on bass and started making some actual noise. With Kaylene behind the kit and Anna on sax and vocal duties, Loose Fit’s unique and focussed sound began to take shape.

                                                                                                                                                                        The band’s rhythm-heavy sound contains echoes of UK post-punk titans such as Public Image Ltd, Maximum Joy and A Certain Ratio. They’re also fans of the US No Wave scene, especially the paint-stripper guitar of James Chance and the pop exuberance of Bush Tetras. Other pop/art heroes are Talking Heads and the B-52’s, while contemporary inspirations include Exploded View, The Native Cats, Raime and Nisennenmondai. Closer to home Loose Fit are enthusiastic devotees of their local music scene, gladly sharing stages with favourites like Exek, Tropical Fuck Storm, Party Dozen, Pinch Points and Negative Gears.

                                                                                                                                                                        The debut self-titled EP by the Sydney based group delivers a snapshot of their signature groove driven post-punk sound in one short, sharp hit. Informed by a DIY work ethic, the group recorded the EP in one weekend, employing the help of friend and Sydney musician/producer/engineer Jonathan Boulet. Initially self released by the band as a short run of cassettes which quickly sold out, this debut effort by Loose Fit will now be getting the proper vinyl treatment it deserves.

                                                                                                                                                                        For fans of: Public Image Ltd, Maximum Joy, A Certain Ratio, James Chance, Bush Tetras, Talking Heads and the B-52’s, Exploded View, The Native Cats, Raime, Nisennenmondai, Dry Cleaning, Shopping, Squid, The Slits, ESG, Liquid Liquid and LCD Soundsystem.

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                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Morning Matters by Yazmin Lacey.

                                                                                                                                                                        Yazmin Lacey

                                                                                                                                                                        Morning Matters

                                                                                                                                                                        Own Your Own

                                                                                                                                                                          This EP pairs candid songwriting with a laid-back, graceful delivery and is, as Lacey explains; “dedicated to anyone that’s ever struggled with getting up and out in the morning, for everyone doing work on themselves and trying to live better.” Contributors include Femi Koleoso and Ife Ogunjobi of Ezra Collective, plus jazz protege Moses Boyd. Yazmin Lacey didn’t set out to be a singer, however a chance encounter lead to her earning a place on Future Bubblers - Gilles Peterson’s development programme devoted to discovering and nurturing UK talent. Enthused by the experience, Lacey recorded some songs in her living room and in 2017 self-released debut EP, Black Moon. The more polished When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees EP followed in 2018 and includes standout single Something My Heart Trusts.

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                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Jazz Thing by Gang Starr.

                                                                                                                                                                          Gang Starr

                                                                                                                                                                          Jazz Thing

                                                                                                                                                                          Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                            With the original UK 7” of this release now as rare as hen’s teeth, and with the group having recently ‘reformed’ for one last album together, the Mr Bongo replica re-release of this 1990 masterpiece by Gang Starr couldn’t be more timely

                                                                                                                                                                            The now-legendary duo of DJ Premier and Guru dropped this at the height of hip-hop’s sampling of jazz, which had led to a creative leap forward for the genre. Yet while others plundered in the dark, this instant classic wore its influences on its sleeve and paid verbal homage to the musicians they were sampling. The “melodious funk” of “Thelonious Monk” gets namechecked, while the track samples two of his records, including 1958’s Bop gem ‘Light Blue’.

                                                                                                                                                                            While both versions presented here have common elements, the ‘Movie Mix’ - so-named for the song’s appearance on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s mythic jazz biopic ‘Mo’ Better Blues’ - goes in a few different directions to the ‘Video Mix’. Rather than just drop in an instrumental for the B-side, DJ Premier instead shows his versatility by switching up the base track (Kool & The Gang’s 1971 ‘Dujii’) and layering in other samples. In more ways than one, his virtuosity here echoes the improvisation of a jazz musician, akin to Denzel Washington’s Bleak in the movie.

                                                                                                                                                                            Of course, he’s not the only show in town. The late Guru’s voice is as mellifluous as an instrument itself here, his potted history of the genre and the artists of jazz delivered with his own unmistakable cadence. Without this record, would he have gone on to make his ‘Jazzmatazz’ projects.

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                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of House Music All Night Long by Jarv Is.

                                                                                                                                                                            Jarv Is

                                                                                                                                                                            House Music All Night Long

                                                                                                                                                                            Rough Trade

                                                                                                                                                                              “We first performed this at the All Points East festival in Victoria Park in May 2019. The crowd reaction was so positive that I was inspired to do my first-ever bit of crowd-surfing (which I enjoyed so much that I have repeated it a couple of times since). We played the song throughout the summer & eventually recorded it after our final performance of the year at the End of the Road festival on September 4th.

                                                                                                                                                                              “It’s a straightforward love song about someone stuck alone in the house whilst the object of their affections is out dancing to House music at a rave.

                                                                                                                                                                              “‘Everybody in the Place’ is the title of a Jeremy Deller 2019 documentary on Rave Culture.”

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                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of WHITIES 027 by Jasss.

                                                                                                                                                                              Jasss

                                                                                                                                                                              WHITIES 027

                                                                                                                                                                              Whities

                                                                                                                                                                                With her first solo record since 2017's 'Weightless', an unapologetic ode to rave, the record was influenced by her initial experiences of dance music as a teenager - a release for those that must imagine world's unseen and a projection of what it felt like to experience a new reality for the first time. Turbo Olé.



                                                                                                                                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                Patrick says: Jasss cooks up a killer here on Whities, seeking to capture the life changing, mind blowing spine tingling experience of your first dance music experience. Proggy, trancey, break-filled and well rushy!

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                                                                                                                                                                                Cover of Planète Contraire by Space Dimension Controller.

                                                                                                                                                                                Space Dimension Controller

                                                                                                                                                                                Planète Contraire

                                                                                                                                                                                Dekmantel

                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the Mikrosector, passed the Love Quadrant and over the Intersect lies another reality that exists in contrary to our own. This is where we now find Mr. 8040, the Space Dimension Controller, on a planète contraire, a world very much like our own, but one that runs in opposite to the norm. Here he toys with intergalactic Detroit funk and sequenced machines, creating celestial signals of minimalistic, atmospheric boogie. It’s a new course of interconnected, cinematic electro that exists outside of time and yet is apt for moments of timelessness.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Within the world of astrophysics there are select scientists out there that believe space-time gradually loops in on itself. Within this infinite realm of time and space, we can find ourselves once again living our past lives. It’s in this eternal domain that the Space Dimension Controller returns once more, applying his knowledge from the planète contraire to his absorbing palette of C-beams, moon-lit orchestrations, and graviton beats. Matured from his time cavorting through the core of the unknown, the Space Dimension Controller’s sound becomes more focussed, filled with the knowledge of the worlds his visited.

                                                                                                                                                                                  On the A side, Mr. 8040’s strain of progressive and unequivocal deep-space disco lends towards his studio competence, creating lush melodies that will have even the geysers of Enceladus erupting in time along with the symphony of syncopated drum machines. On the flipside, the prodigious Jack Hamill, aka. the Space Dimension Controller, flexes his machine savviness once more creating a timeless electro-funk rhythm for a timeless, time-travelling pioneer.

                                                                                                                                                                                  STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                  Patrick says: Space Dimension Controller with the slinking E-Funk one-two on Dekmantel - taking us to the far side of the galaxy with sensual pitch bend, cosmic wobble and samurai sharp rhythms.

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                                                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Zwango Zop (Artwork Edit) by Mildlife.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Mildlife

                                                                                                                                                                                  Zwango Zop (Artwork Edit)

                                                                                                                                                                                  Mildlife

                                                                                                                                                                                    With the collective generosity of all those involved along the way, from mastering, manufacturing, affiliated record stores and PR to the artists themselves and PDD, all profits from this special one-sided Artwork remix of Mildlife ‘Zwango Zop’ will be donated to two charities combatting the bushfire emergency in Australia via Prime Direct Distribution; Wildlife Victoria and the Australian Red Cross.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Their indispensable efforts continue to assist the emergency response, rebuilding homes and habitats, supporting rescued animals and the shelters that house them, alongside aiding the evacuation centres and recovery hubs created in many communities and implementing recovery plans for those who have been devastatingly affected by the bushfires.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Certified man of the people, king of the content and all-round good guy Artwork has been there, everywhere, and done it all - in more guises than many would even know about. From Magnetic Man to Grain, D’N’D to Artwork he’s a master producer, well versed at knowing what dancefloors want and more importantly need.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Now take Mildlife, the boundary pushing, critically acclaimed Melbourne-based space jazz four-piece, who’ve managed to seamlessly blend jazz, funk and disco into one multi-coloured, multi-layered melting pot of auditory excitement. A band whose hype is certainly lived up to, with the likes of DJ Harvey heavily championing them to the point of including ‘Magnificent Moon’ on his ‘The Sound Of Mercury Rising’ VA LP.

                                                                                                                                                                                    A wash with improvisation, soaring synths, stratospheric bass riffs, and a fluidity of grooves, ‘Zwango Zop’, taken from Midlife’s debut album ‘Phase’, is kaleidoscopic cosmic gold. For this special not-for-profit release, Artwork extracts that undeniable funk energy and turns into a 10-and-a-half-minute, highly hypnotic, instantly addictive creation that it is as psychedelic as it is slamming.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Just one of many examples of the dance music community coming together as a power of good to raise funds for those affected by the emergency in Australia. Support the cause, through the medium of music.

                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Mildlife team up with Artwork for a not-for-profit 12" raising funds for previous apocalyptic event - the Australian bushfires. As massive as you'd imagine from such a dream combo, this is cosmic jazz funk translated into a system rinsing disco house bomb.

                                                                                                                                                                                    FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                                                                    Ltd 12" Info: All profits from this special one-sided Artwork remix of Mildlife ‘Zwango Zop’ will be donated to two charities combatting the bushfire emergency in Australia via Prime Direct Distribution; Wildlife Victoria and the Australian Red Cross.

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                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Seasons Change by Lay-Far.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Lay-Far

                                                                                                                                                                                    Seasons Change

                                                                                                                                                                                    Eureka! Japan

                                                                                                                                                                                    Eureka!'s 6th long-waited release is by Russian craftsman Lay-Far, who has been releasing great tracks on Local Talk, Soundofspeed, Razor-N-Tape just to name a few.

                                                                                                                                                                                    The A-Side opens with the raw sound of 'All Massive' - you'll hear Lay-Far's characteristic organic sampling blended with Jungle-influenced beats and heavy stepping sub-bass.
                                                                                                                                                                                    Following is A2 'Naive' - more of Lay-Far's specialty downbeat house tracks with nods to warm Brazilian music.

                                                                                                                                                                                    On the B-side it's all about the sounds of the past - starting with the funky broken beats of 'Heartfelt' produced back in 2011 and continues with 2014 unreleased dub remix version of 'Where Would We Be' originally by DJ KAWASAKI feat. Paul Randolph from Detroit and Makoto who's been instrumental in Japan's Drum & Bass movement.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Lay-Far has been expanding his musical variety from Jazz to Reggae, House, Breakbeat and Broken beat and with these 4 tracks you will be able to experience his musical journey too... *Artwork by Kouhei Asakura (http://www.asakurakouhei.com)
                                                                                                                                                                                    *Mastering by Hideo Kobayashi

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                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Sholay (Kris Baha/ Multiple Man Sniffing Anxiety Mixes) by Mondowski.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Mondowski

                                                                                                                                                                                    Sholay (Kris Baha/ Multiple Man Sniffing Anxiety Mixes)

                                                                                                                                                                                    Snap Crackle & Pop

                                                                                                                                                                                    London based French producer Mondowski follows a spate of recent releases on Relish and Ombra with a new, club-orientated vision for London label and clubnight SC&P. Following his remix services on label's debut and 4th releases, Mondowski makes his full label debut with an electro inspired turn. Dancefloor orientated lead track "Sholay" finds a mesmerizing path somewhere between extroverted 80's electro and celebratory spiritual transcendence and gets the remix treatment from Pinkman's Kris Baha who subverts the original by turning the electro backbone up to 11. The EP's B-side, "Negative Space", voyages into darker electro territories with Kraftwerkesque synths, rolling pads and a Motorik bassline, all of which provides the launchpad for Multiple Man to turn out a pitch black EBM banger on his Sniffing Anxiety remix. Ace.

                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                    Sil says: EBM meets middle eastern music or Turkish I guess. It is good old Baha toying with the dark sensibilities of machines with organic elements of human voice via samples. The originals are something worth your time, the remixes are geared for the dancefloor.

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                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Pull/Push by Ruutu Poiss.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Ruutu Poiss

                                                                                                                                                                                    Pull/Push

                                                                                                                                                                                    International Major Label

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bananas house and techno bizz in a deranged Pepe Bradock style here from reliable lunatic Ruutu Poiss. The A-side is a zero gravity club cut with wierd whirring effects and a  highly narcotic queasiness, while the flip is a weird and warped tool for all the mad heads behind the turntables.

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                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Works #2 - Inc. Passarani Remix by Tamburi Neri.

                                                                                                                                                                                    Tamburi Neri

                                                                                                                                                                                    Works #2 - Inc. Passarani Remix

                                                                                                                                                                                    Les Disques De La Mort

                                                                                                                                                                                      TAMBURI NERI’s WORKS 2 is the first LDDLM release of the new decade. Following their acclaimed EP on Optimo, Claudio Brioschi (aka Brioski) and Andrea Barbiera further their exploration in stripping down their psychedelia. There is a long tradition of slo-mo tribalism in Italian dance music, cosmic or not. But Tamburi Neri dissolve the tribal decorum, focusing on the beat-as-heartbeat, and on Italian language as incantation.

                                                                                                                                                                                      INDIO, the faster paced track, has been a staple in our DJ sets, pure raw energy for when things get settled in darkness. RELIGION REBEL is an exercise in menacing trance-funk, whereas IL VORTICE puts the vocal forward, a track and a story.

                                                                                                                                                                                      We have been a fan of Marco Passarani for more than two decades, a man constantly reinventing himself and rewriting the history of Italian electronics. He here remixes RELIGION REBEL in some kind of power-balearic anthem, a record for, yes, ecstasy and sunsets.

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Prophecy by Qwestlife.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Qwestlife

                                                                                                                                                                                      Prophecy

                                                                                                                                                                                      Glitterbox

                                                                                                                                                                                      Qwestlife’s dedication to crafting authentic, heartfelt and original disco tracks has been well documented over the course their partnership. The duo, a cross-European collaboration between Southern French maestro Tom Laroye and London mainstay Andy Williams (aka Yam Who?), came together in 2013, and with Tom’s song-writing abilities and Andy’s club track mastery, they were a match made in musical heaven. Using old school methods and analogue techniques to produce enchanting boogie-filled numbers, the Glitterbox regulars now release their debut album ‘Prophecy’ on the imprint, encapsulating the boundless energy of their DJ sets in an exquisite 10-track collection. With highlights including previous singles like the joyous Glitterbox anthem ‘Hit It Off’ and instant party anthem ‘Give Me A Minute’ (the duo’s label debut) the feel-good qualities of this album highlight not only Qwestlife’s production abilities but also their expansive knowledge of the genre. Album exclusives like ‘Can’t Stop’ and ‘Cut You Loose’ show them exploring a distinctively housier vibe with vocalist Alena, while ‘Universal Love’ and ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ could have been taken straight from the heart of a 1970’s disco. Featuring an incredible array of collaborators that range from session vocalist to the stars Teni Tinks, Barbados’ Bobby Saint and the ubiquitous Sugarhill Gang this album is a wonderful ode to the dancefloor and a record box essential.

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Various Tracks by Amora Lamor.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Amora Lamor

                                                                                                                                                                                      Various Tracks

                                                                                                                                                                                      Discotag

                                                                                                                                                                                      Amora Lamor is a project by Lithuanian producers Brokenchord and Munpauzn. Their debut release is a fun and ironic take on current electronic music trends. From disco to lo-fi breaks, from banging club sound to cinematic synthwave, this EP is an experiment of six fuzzed-up cuts delivered using synthesizers, guitars and drum machines. There's even a touch of Metronomy style synth pop on here for the indie kid in all of us...

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of A Star... In The Sky EP by Aimes.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Aimes

                                                                                                                                                                                      A Star... In The Sky EP

                                                                                                                                                                                      Wonder Stories

                                                                                                                                                                                      Label boss Aimes returns to his home base with a double track ep of chugging acid-tinged left-field techno. Both tracks implore multi-dimensional existentialist lyrics combined with cosmic leaning production.

                                                                                                                                                                                      A1 is the title track of course, describing an out of this world existential experience. The track is bouncy, fun, and slightly odd, but certainly danceable.

                                                                                                                                                                                      On A2 (which is offered up only on vinyl), Aimes takes the original song and turns it into a club-ready slow-burning stomper with a full on repetitious acidic bassline fit for any sleazy techno set.

                                                                                                                                                                                      The remix on A3 comes courtesy of Sean Johnston aka Hardway Bros (member of A Love from Outer Space with Andrew Weatherall) who turns the original into a dark and brooding version with a punchy bassline and cosmic synths.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Aimes’ second original on the EP, We Are Eternal, is a massive slowed down acid burner that reiterates the eternalness of humanity. Incredibly psychedelic in nature, the pulsing bass and bubbling acid line is prime for a dark and sweaty rave.

                                                                                                                                                                                      B2 comes courtesy of Panorama Bar resident Massimiliano Pagliara who submits a cosmic, dubbed out flip of the original, taking the listener on an extended spatial journey.

                                                                                                                                                                                      On B3 Japanese producer Que Sakamoto and his production partner NT ramp up the bpms for a dark disco rendition of the original.

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Totem - Inc. Hardaway Brothers / Otologic Remixes by Ess O Ess & Saul Richards Feat. Laura Lee.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Ess O Ess & Saul Richards Feat. Laura Lee

                                                                                                                                                                                      Totem - Inc. Hardaway Brothers / Otologic Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                      Kinfolk

                                                                                                                                                                                      Ess O Ess have finally joined the Kinfolk stable with a thunderous release featuring Laura Lee of Khruangbin fame. Entitled "Totem", the original mix is a wailing guitar-heavy psyche rock-out that sees Laura Lee's vocals carrying it across a peyote-filled landscape. Saul's "Swamp Crawl" version sees the slow 'n' heavy rock elements kept in the mix but with added electronic flourishes. Head nodding is an optional extra while The Hardway Brothers decided to tune in with the spirit of Johnny Jenkins and haul it through New Orleans via a pit stop at John Carpenter's desert holiday home. Otologic bring up the rear with an altogether different take by donning their finest digi dub garb and take it as far away as they can from its psyche out beginnings; laced with 'lectronic dread and wacked-out tape delays. Mega!

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Too Slow To Disco Edits 05: Vibes4YourSoul by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                                                                      Various Artists

                                                                                                                                                                                      Too Slow To Disco Edits 05: Vibes4YourSoul

                                                                                                                                                                                      Too Slow To Disco Edits

                                                                                                                                                                                        Too Slow To Disco regulars will remember Vibes4YourSoul’s name from his standout remix for L’impératrice on last years “TSTD – En France” compilation. He is one of the edit-producers that specialized in those slow jams and mid tempo tracks on the record. With a lot of SOUL, Vibes4YourSoul (aka V4YS) is a French DJ and producer who blends elements of disco, rare groove, afro-Latin and soulful indie together with the deeper edge of contemporary house and nu disco sounds. The four reworks on this Double 7 Inch reflect all these styles, held together by Vibes4YourSoul’s lush, mellow and funky production.

                                                                                                                                                                                        From of a long and passionate reflective experience, his DJ sets are eclectic journeys through different times and styles, with groove weaving it’s way through each song, as a common thread. A member of Yuksek'sPartyfine crew, he's regularly revisiting old or contemporary tracks through edits and remixes, widely shared and played by numerous DJs.

                                                                                                                                                                                        Recent official releases include an original track for Cookie Records second compilation, an exclusive edit for Partyfine's compilation "re-cover", an official remix for French pop band L'Impératrice on Berlin label HDYA? City Slang, and several funky edits for NYC nudiscoweblabelNoc Boots. A busy 2020 will have more surprises to come!


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                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Los Ninos Del Parque by Liaisons Dangereuses.

                                                                                                                                                                                        Liaisons Dangereuses

                                                                                                                                                                                        Los Ninos Del Parque

                                                                                                                                                                                        Spaziale Recordings

                                                                                                                                                                                          Continuing their unstoppable charge, Spaziale Recordings look back to 1981 with an officially licensed, remastered reissue of the much lauded 'Los Ninos Del Parque’ by the German band Liaisons Dangereuses, alongside providing a cosmic evolution of the original by Stefano Ritteri.

                                                                                                                                                                                          A chugging new wave / industrial masterpiece, 'Los Ninos Del Parque’ became an instant and immediately recognisable hit on every dance floor it captured, hammered by the likes of Jeff Mills and Juan Atkins in the early days. An essential classic, its quality shows in the fact it’s still heavily championed today, regularly unshackled and let loose by Ivan Smagghe, Skee Mask, Martyn and Kasra V to name only a handful.

                                                                                                                                                                                          On the flip side you’ll find ‘La Afro Del Parque’ an intergalactic interpretation by Liaisons Dangereuses & Stefano Ritteri - squelching synths and tribal touches giving a new lease of life to the ’81 original.

                                                                                                                                                                                          An indispensable record in any collection.

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                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Decider Remixes (Inc. Deetron / Benedikt Frey / Fort Romeau Remixes) by The Imbeciles.

                                                                                                                                                                                          The Imbeciles

                                                                                                                                                                                          Decider Remixes (Inc. Deetron / Benedikt Frey / Fort Romeau Remixes)

                                                                                                                                                                                          The Imbeciles

                                                                                                                                                                                          Mesmerizing, ghostly, seductive, urgent, poignant, “Decider” is about the ultimate endgame: death. This track draws you into its web and holds you there. There’s no escape. Is there anything after ‘the end?’ If there is, will it bring happiness, or just more pain

                                                                                                                                                                                          The inspiration, if you can call it that, for the song comes from the band’s own recent experiences. ‘We’ve lost a few people recently that we were close to. It does tend to make you ponder the universe, and whether you get a second act,’ says Butch Dante, guitarist.

                                                                                                                                                                                          Filmed on location in the Texas panhandle, the video will be the second of a triptych of films written by Butch, focused on the band’s main preoccupation: the fact that the world is ending and people should be kinder to each other while it does.

                                                                                                                                                                                          Now they’ve been remixed by three top bods of the dance music world: Deetron, Benedikt Frey and For Romeau all providing very different takes on their fatalist sound.

                                                                                                                                                                                          This Swiss maestro Deetron takes big inspiration from the big expansive, moody sounds of Detroit. Sam Geiser also borrows percussive influence from Chicago house whilst instilling his very own atmospheric personality, making for one hell of a ride on his remix.

                                                                                                                                                                                          Benedikt Frey provides an esoteric, speaker-testing rub down for blackened black rooms and low ceiling dance establishment, haunting vox and ghostly washes decorating his gothic remix.

                                                                                                                                                                                          Cin Cin boss Fort Romeau concludes with a decidedly different take than his textured electronic dancescapes that have made him an almost household name. Drawing out the clanging metallic bass, emphasizing the krautian repetition and snarling from behind ripped denim and safety pin-adorned boots; this is a punky-krauty-dance party folks and worth the entrance fee along!

                                                                                                                                                                                          Also included is the intoxicating original, heavy with slashing guitar lines and dark emotional content; it’s the perfect ode to our crumbling times…


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                                                                                                                                                                                          Roy Davis Jr

                                                                                                                                                                                          Gabrielle

                                                                                                                                                                                          Large

                                                                                                                                                                                            REPRESS!!! Roy Davis Jr's gorgeous EP became a hit on the early UK garage scene thanks to the "Live Garage Mix" and Peven Everett's vocals, but proper US garage aficiandos were always more taken with the A-side's "Scroll Mix", a Prescription-deep trek with rattling cymbals, submerged bassline, solo sax and minimal spoken word vocal. Still sounds amazing, and the Large issue 12" hasn't been available for years!

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Yeah / All We Need by DJ John Collins.

                                                                                                                                                                                            DJ John Collins

                                                                                                                                                                                            Yeah / All We Need

                                                                                                                                                                                            Underground Resistance

                                                                                                                                                                                            **LIMITED & SANCTIONED U.R REPRESS!!!**

                                                                                                                                                                                            Take a deep breath folks, fresh new shit from the institution that is Underground Resistance (now up to UR-80!) and I am glad to inform you all that this is UNADULTERATED FUNKY UR booty-shaking tackle! DJ John Collins takes us right back to the grinding Detroit booty parties of yore with "Yeah". Turn the shuffle up to 100%, turn the 909 right up, bang in some super chopped up funk samples and you’re certain to get any crack-house bumping wildly. "All We Need" continues along the same lines with its use of a dirty gospel soul sample coupled with a huge piano line and banging UR beats. "All we need... is funky music!" the lyrics proclaim and Mr Collins certainly brings us that. After a heated intro we're treated to one of the best choruses I've heard in house or techno for a long time. Epic chord progressions, sing-a-long vocal line and breathtaking drops. This is gonna rock the shit out of any main room with a beating heart and will unite the girls and boys in dancefloor euphoria. DO NOT SLEEP!



                                                                                                                                                                                            STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                            Matt says: Another highly sough after UR nugget, repressed and repackaged for our listening, dancing and DJing pleasure! John Collins on the choppy, funky, Deetroit bounce tip. Mega!

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Does It Make You Feel Good - Inc. Greg Wilson & Ché Wilson / Mind Enterprises / CC: DISCO! X DJ BORING Remixes by Confidence Man.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Confidence Man

                                                                                                                                                                                            Does It Make You Feel Good - Inc. Greg Wilson & Ché Wilson / Mind Enterprises / CC: DISCO! X DJ BORING Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heavenly

                                                                                                                                                                                            Following their much acclaimed and loved debut album “Confident Music for Confident People”, Confidence Man returned at the end of last year sounding like Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder gleefully discovering house music via Dee-lite with a brand-new track “Does It Make You Feel Good?”

                                                                                                                                                                                            Talking about the Greg Wilson & Ché Wilson remix Confidence Man said: ‘When you work with a father son duo this talented and this god damn good looking you know good things will happen. They’ve got twice the brains and a multi-generational love for bangers. Greg and Che have taken the track to outer space and left it in Jupiter’s orbit for a while it’s always nice to expand the journey.’

                                                                                                                                                                                            And on the CC Disco + DJ Boring remix they added: ‘Our good friends CC and DJ Boring joined forces for this master dub remix with these two fire breathers bringing some sweet sticky heat to ya ears. Sexy soulful and oh so tasteful they lend their skills to help you achieve your true party potential. You deserve it honey.’

                                                                                                                                                                                            Limited 12” vinyl pressing on Heavenly. 


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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Deter by Digwah.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Digwah

                                                                                                                                                                                            Deter

                                                                                                                                                                                            Digwah UK

                                                                                                                                                                                            Renowned for the weightiest of rollers, Digwah drops another hand stamped, one sided slice of techy brilliance. Pure low end, pinging synths and tough percussion coupled with an audacious, chopped, screwed and spun out noughties vocal that will have the club jumpin no matter what time it is. Absolutely system rinsing beats with a mangled Destiny's Child vocal for peak time deployment - pure Sankey's tackle!

                                                                                                                                                                                            STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                            Sil says: Dancefloor detonator of the week. No new formula used but effective it is. Some r'n'b sample chopped and thrown randomly into the beat makes for a perfect tune.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Il Veliero by The Chaplin Band.

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Chaplin Band

                                                                                                                                                                                            Il Veliero

                                                                                                                                                                                            Groovin Italy

                                                                                                                                                                                            Originally entering the world via Pierrot Records in 1982, The Chaplin Band's take on Italian standard "Il Veliero" is the greatest dancefloor record ever made. I say that without the tiniest trace of hyperbole - it's an accepted scientific fact that the Dutch disco group gifted humanity its most uplifting, euphoric and incredible achievement back in the early 80s, and it remains unsurpassed to this day. A galloping groove, the perfect combination of a three note bassline and unrushed disco 4/4, palm muted rhythm guitar like Lee Perry in Spaghetti Western mode, buzzing synth tones and then that piano, tempted down from heaven to play the most emotional melody ever created. Uplifting but also melancholic, there is no end to the beauty here, or that groove. 
                                                                                                                                                                                            For this, the first official reissue since '86, Groovin' have included "Dancing On Townsquare", the slick and smooth AOR disco cut from the original 12", as well as the boogie celebration of "Welcome To The Party", the opener from the group's 1982 LP.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Forward Motion by Contours.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Contours

                                                                                                                                                                                            Forward Motion

                                                                                                                                                                                            ANMA

                                                                                                                                                                                            Tom Burford aka Contours is a Manchester based DJ, teacher and producer. Known for his extensive love of exotic dance rhythms, esoteric tribal jazz and percussion from far-flung lands, this record of Anna 

                                                                                                                                                                                             Opening up with its most prominent instrument, the balafon, creating a hypnotic vibe in which keys and broken beats intertwine creating a swinging rhythm. The second track, "Batterie", slows down the groove and allows plenty of space for the keys to lay over the depth of bass-heavy drum pattern.

                                                                                                                                                                                            The flip side of the record pitches up the tempo and sees layers of Latin infused rhythms mix with London, scene-defining broken beat riffs, synths and melodies. The record finishes up with a remix from one of the London underground scene’s key contemporary figures, K15, adding a darker tone to the flow of the track while upping the dancefloor energy of the groove.


                                                                                                                                                                                            STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                            Sil says: Jazzy house that will sit nicely between St Germain and some Guidance Recordings gems from back in the 90s. Gentle and coffee table friendly.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of The Great Adventure EP by Max Essa.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Max Essa

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Great Adventure EP

                                                                                                                                                                                            Hell Yeah

                                                                                                                                                                                            Max Essa completes a trio of terrific releases on Hell Yeah with The Great Adventure EP. It's packed with more grown up dance floor dynamite and later in the year will be collected together with the first two parts to make for a full album.

                                                                                                                                                                                            By now you will know that Essa is part of the UK's Balearic mafia. He's served up big tunes on Is It Balearic?, Aficionado, Music For Dreams, and his music always acts as a sonic raft that floats you out to sea and leaves you bobbing up and down in a state of pure bliss.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Opener 'Tombolo' starts as acoustic music and the sound of a muffled crowd but soon awakens into an uptempo affair littered with toms, guitar licks and claps that are driven by bumping drums. There are elements of old school, Italo and classic house but somehow it feels completely new and fresh as it takes you ever higher.

                                                                                                                                                                                            'The Great Adventure' is masterfully sun kissed disco with crisp 80s drums, love struck chords and a yacht rock feel that is pure joy, something like topless dancing with sand between your toes and umbrellas in your cocktails.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Closer 'Fool in the Pool' sinks into gentle tabla drums and unhurried chords. It's horizontal and thoughtful - the sound of a lazy afternoon somewhere on the Mediterranean coast, gazing at glistening seas through the romantic lens flare in your sunglasses.

                                                                                                                                                                                            This EP is already great feedback from the DJ dons who have been giving it early plays, so act now to snap up your first summer sounds of 2020.

                                                                                                                                                                                            STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                            Patrick says: Not content with co-curating a big shout for compilation of the year (check Oto No Wa on the presales), Balearic ex-pat Max Essa provides more mesmeric vibes on the Hell Yeah heater. Nailing the Japanese cosmic sound of Cos/Mes on 'Tombolo', and heading into more soothing Balearic territories on 'The Great Adventure' and 'Fool In The Pool', Max gives us variety and quality in spades and buckets - seaside tackle.

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Barely Alive (Timothy J Fairplay/Job Sifre/Das Ding Remix) by Kris Baha.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Kris Baha

                                                                                                                                                                                            Barely Alive (Timothy J Fairplay/Job Sifre/Das Ding Remix)

                                                                                                                                                                                            (Emotional) Especial

                                                                                                                                                                                            Kris Baha's first 12" for Especial. With releases on Bahnsteig 23, CockTail d'Amore and Pinkman, Baha has become a respected artist in just a few years. Building analogue equipped studios in Melbourne and Berlin, DJing, producing and mixing have all led to atonal ear, with success achieved through dedication.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Following his debut album "Palais", "Barely Alive" acts as release from these years of sweat. A call to all in this modern world, the song exemplifies a move from club music to a freedom in sound and song, as vox crash against 808 and Arp 2600. Remixes start with Timothy J Fairplay - a name synonymous with Especial. Here TJF laces his trademark echoplexxed wash for a cold wave mover. Next prodigy Job Sifre builds on his acclaimed debuts with a remodel that goes straight to that basement feeling, mixing his love of electro, new wave and industrial. To close, the legend of Das Ding creates an alternate remix, fusing his unique fuzz with Baha's ode for a brittle finale. 


                                                                                                                                                                                            STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                            Matt says: Jagged, razor sharp EBM that proudly dons its goth boots and trench coat. Kris Baha is one of the tastiest shadow-lurkers in the scene. Peep dis!

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of Together Forever by Exodus.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Exodus

                                                                                                                                                                                            Together Forever

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spaziale Recordings

                                                                                                                                                                                            The unstoppable Spaziale Recordings set their sights on an absolute Paradise Garage classic from 1982 - the much sought after and instantly recognisable ‘Together Forever’ by Exodus. This fully licensed, remastered reissue comes housed in a full picture sleeve and contains a killer DEF Mix from Stefano Ritteri alongside the original extended vocal and dub versions.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bursting with passion, ‘Together Forever’ is a record that was destined for greatness. A Larry Levan favourite, and for good reason. Produced by Errol Mattis and featuring one of the most sampled vocals in house music, there’s a triple threat of plucked basslines, clavinet power and joyful horns backed with the kind of percussion that ignites a rarely witnessed tribal energy within. It’s had crowds in fits of frenzies ever since its release and every collection deserves this gem nestled within it.

                                                                                                                                                                                            As well as the original extended vocal and dub versions, Stefano Ritteri steps up to add his own special touch, giving it some proto house power. He echoes and manipulates those fiery vocals, introducing each element gradually from the acid tinged topline to the layers of drum machine heat, gradually building the suspense to pure fever pitch.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Snap up on sight!

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Cover of On My Ones by Alfa Mist.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alfa Mist

                                                                                                                                                                                            On My Ones

                                                                                                                                                                                            Sekito

                                                                                                                                                                                              With his new project 'On My Ones', Alfa Mist takes a personal journey into melody, composition, improvisation and his relationship with the piano. Striped back from his previous Jazz release, ‘On My Ones’ is filled with a beautiful melancholic sound throughout. Taking a step back from production and additional instrumentation, the self-taught pianist explores the instrument across six new tracks recorded at Fieldgate Studio in Cardiff.

                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Millie says: Alfa Mist taking a slightly different path leading us to some stunning improvised, instrumental piano pieces. This collection of six tracks 'On My Ones' is honestly soothing for the soul.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of 3345 by DJ FLP.

                                                                                                                                                                                              DJ FLP

                                                                                                                                                                                              3345

                                                                                                                                                                                              3345

                                                                                                                                                                                              Hailing from Ann Arbor Michigan, DJ FLP makes his vinyl debut on new Vanity Press offshoot 3345 records. A 5 track vinyl that's suitable for play at either speed, we see footwork, jungle, lo-fi house and ghetto bass styles revamped and merged for 2020 enjoyment!

                                                                                                                                                                                              Unless you're opting for the Detroit sludge-inspired 33rpm playing speed, the original 45rpm recordings are hyperactive, meeting the needs of today's ADD-afflicted youth whilst tipping its hat to classic hi-octane dancefllor styles.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Flick to 33rpm and the tracks take on a noxious, late nite quality aligning themselves with Marshall Applewhite, The Fiend and labels like Yo Sucka! and Local Action.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Imperative, vital sounds to keep the underground alive - recommended.




                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Krusty vibes and rave nostalgia ooze from this killer 12". A bit of drum 'n' bass and a pinch of techno via some breakbeat with a bit of Ariana dropped in. Groundbreaking? No. Fun factor filled? Totally.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Cosmic Shift Remixed - Inc. Kejeblos / Androo / Eirwud Mudwasser Remixes by Lexx.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Lexx

                                                                                                                                                                                              Cosmic Shift Remixed - Inc. Kejeblos / Androo / Eirwud Mudwasser Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                              Phantom Island

                                                                                                                                                                                              Last year Swiss savant, deep digger, production whizz and superstar DJ Lexx put a spell on us with his superb debut LP, "Cosmic Shift". Filtering disco, dub and Balearic through the shimmer of heat haze, he soundtracked a particularly toasty Piccadilly summer, and now returns on a remix tip to bring on the spring. 
                                                                                                                                                                                              The party starts with Phantom Island natives Kejeblos, who transform "Wave" into a hard hitting but sophisticated bit of deep house which references vintage Prescription, summer of love euphoria and Italo House in the best way possible. Closing out the A-side is an extra scorching Balearic-dub mix of lead single "Too Hot", perfect for poolside coolers and daytime DJ sets. Flip it and we fall deeper into the dub with Second Circle-man Androo bringing the On-U vibrations to "Universal Prayer". Trippy tape fx and occasional burts of melody ride a moody digital groove right into the witching hour, persuading even the most straight edge to take a sip of the tribal brew. On the B2 it's the turn of another acclaimed psychonaught, boogie shaman Eirwud Mudwasser who transplants the Black Ark to Alexandra Park for a ultra dubby rockers mix of "Too Hot". Lastly Lexxy brings us the bonus with the fretless bass, dreamy keys and heartswelling beauty of "Expanding Happiness", a moment of light in these dark times.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Tam Tam Land by Closet Yi.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Closet Yi

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tam Tam Land

                                                                                                                                                                                              No Bad Days

                                                                                                                                                                                              No Bad Days is back with the weird and wonderful sounds of the Korean tropics for Closet Yi’s debut release ‘Tam Tam Land’. Opening with ‘Honeymoon Junction’ we are greeted by the signature floaty yet punchy sound that often comes with a No Bad Days record but then around the halfway mark, an almost abrupt eeriness ambience washes over the track, letting us know: this isn’t going to be quite what you expected. ‘Circle Dance’ is next on the A side which is more of a functional club track in its structure to it’s predecessor. Birds tweet and a female Korean voice creeps in and out of the mix, luring us deeper into the depths of the island.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Hopping over to the B side we arrive at the climax of ‘Tam Tam Land’ with the thumping ‘Basalt (玄武岩)’. Closet Yi flexes her skills in producing a peak time acid-tropische-prog-banger and doesn’t disappoint.

                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Patrick says: Gorgeous fourth world dancefloor business here from Closet Yi - taking us away from the everyday to a gorgeous forest of the mind. The digi-birdsong and rainforest house of the A-side tracks is a total vibe, but the killer here is B-side banger "Basalt" - a proper techno-tropical rocker!

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Whisper To Me by E. Live.

                                                                                                                                                                                              E. Live

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whisper To Me

                                                                                                                                                                                              Star Creature US

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tempting us with some Summer (read: Spring) sunshine, the Star Creature cartel's ever-faithful renditions of modern funk, new boogie and bedroom soul music continues to remain top of the charts.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Regular starting 11, E Live heads up a home attack with two sides apparently dedicated to California.

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to admit there's a sun scorched, urban swagger to both tracks which unfurl languidly like a stroll down Sunset Boulevard in the late afternoon swelter. Pitch bent keyboard licks decorate both tracks while searing synth-string patches provide that sexual tension. Add a voluptuous bottom end complete with heavily slapped bass and these are the early evening vibrations you need sir!

                                                                                                                                                                                              As always limited copies and very high demand.



                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Matt says: The No.1 brand continues. Regular signing E. Live bringing the modern funk flavours.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of East Coast Edits by Liam Doc.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Liam Doc

                                                                                                                                                                                              East Coast Edits

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sulta Selects Silver Service

                                                                                                                                                                                              Liam Doc AKA Liam Docherty is next up on Denis Sulta’s Sulta Selects Silver Service label.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Liam grew up in London before moving back to the family hometown of Glasgow at 14. Growing up, his schooling in house and techno was on the floor of the Sub Club’s legendary Saturday night session with residents Harri & Domenic.

                                                                                                                                                                                              After he started producing house and techno, his edit “Voices of East Harlem” caught Sulta’s attention, who championed it in his sets to awesome effect. Liam is the resident at Wednesday house and techno night RARE at Sub Club. He also started his own quarterly warehouse parties in Glasgow, called Cyberfreq. After hours illegal raves at first, after a run in with a Scottish tabloid they went legit and started programming them at Glasgow’s The Berkeley Suite club. In addition to releasing on SSSS, he’s founded his own label Eyeangle Records (releases from Kamus and Lobec) as well as sub-label Roux Records and released on Huntley & Palmers.

                                                                                                                                                                                              “East Coast Edits” is a perfect snapshot of where this producer is at right now. A succinct and indispensable collection of ecstatic dancefloor filtered edits, sure to give the floor at the Sub Club and beyond a workout. TIP!


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Four cuts of disco house with some good old French filtering looping. Bar tackle for those anxious to have a fun time.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Operation Chaos by Mutant Joe.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Mutant Joe

                                                                                                                                                                                              Operation Chaos

                                                                                                                                                                                              Natural Sciences

                                                                                                                                                                                              Mutant Joe returns on Natural Sciences with his debut vinyl release "Operation Chaos". Merging underground trap, booty bass aesthetics, lo-fi electro and Miami Bass tropes into some noxious head fuel! Guest collaborations from Freddie Dredd, YVNCC and Julien Andreas.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Raw and nasty, the tongue-in-cheek lyrical content belies an edgy, nuanced production style that's maverick and inventive. At home on the dancefloor as it is in blacked out & hotboxed Civics, the release explores the disruptive boundaries where urbanism and hedonism merge. Mega stuff here from the local firm. TIP! 


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Matt says: Top drawer release from MCR's half-way house for nightclub freakz and mutant reprobates. A mix of booty, ghetto & electro tropes suitably vandalised and defaced by Mutant Joe.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Blast by DJ Gaston & Baba Stiltz.

                                                                                                                                                                                              DJ Gaston & Baba Stiltz

                                                                                                                                                                                              Blast

                                                                                                                                                                                              BLAST

                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                              A hypnotic trip riding along some ambient techno vibes with an uber classic 90s hi hat are offered on 'Zoltan's Hyperloop' which remains groovy all along till the end without being cold or distant. 
                                                                                                                                                                                              In 'Just Listen', Gaston et Baba get close and cheeky with a superb and subtle sample over a slightly slower and dubbier rhythm producing a hypnotic deep house number.

                                                                                                                                                                                              'Salo' goes more tropical yet maintains the necessary seriousness and composure to produce a killer house tune... or is it techno? The debate is out there. 

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rest assured that this will fly easily. Essential on my books.


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Love in the times of cholera or dancing the panic away to Baba and Gaston visions of house. Absolutely essential 12".

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of State Of Resilience by LX72 Aka Lexx.

                                                                                                                                                                                              LX72 Aka Lexx

                                                                                                                                                                                              State Of Resilience

                                                                                                                                                                                              LXMZK

                                                                                                                                                                                              Lexx adopts the brand new LX72 alias for three tracks of vintage deep house. Powering up the moody organs, dusty drum boxes and glassy keys with a not-to-subtle tribute to the eyes-down, ‘red light and a basement’ sounds purveyed across the dancing cities of Detroit, Chicago, Manchester and London.

                                                                                                                                                                                              It's a formula we're well versed in here at Picc HQ, but Lexx's particular attention to detail, his incredibly well programmed percussion and the emotion conveyed through the various musical passages is nothing short of sublime; and is instantly comparable to some of the tastiest bits off Theo and Kenny's Sound Signature and KDJ Records respectively.

                                                                                                                                                                                              RIYL: Marcellus Pittman, Andres, Trus'me, Garth Be, KDJ, Theo Parrish, MCDE etc etc.


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Matt says: Lexx turns his hand to the classic blueprint: dusty deep house with Detroitian leanings. And boy does he pull it off with some spectacular precision! Would we have expected anything less?!

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Inta Min Feen? by Moving Still.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moving Still

                                                                                                                                                                                              Inta Min Feen?

                                                                                                                                                                                              Orange Tree Edits

                                                                                                                                                                                              Up next on Jimmy Rouge’s Orange Tree imprint is Moving Still aka Jamal Sul.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Following his Dar Disku release, supported by Hunee and Palms Trax, Jamal steps up with an eclectic four track EP full of Arabic influenced chuggers, a style quickly becoming synonymous with the young Dublin based producer and adored by global audiences.

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Bint Al Sa7ra" vocoderizes elements of the Eastern vocal, whilst deploying sitar solos across it's pulsating electroid arpeggios. If Giorgio Moroder was infact from an Arabic country, this may well be the music he would make! 

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Ah Stop" employs a boogie-flavoured sound palette: big rugged synth bass, huge snare splashes and flat kicks. MS adds yearning, evocative vox and chiming melodies for a late night, smoke-machine friendly excursion. 

                                                                                                                                                                                              "I’ll Tell Ya For A Tenner" is more ethereal and cerebral in nature, utilizing manipulating vocal lines and weaving, intertwined leads it rattles thru its course taking no prisoners on the way. 

                                                                                                                                                                                              Final track "Molecular Mimicry" sees the EP close on a technological high note. An electro-techno hybrid rich with advanced circuitry and mainframe intelligence. Traces Sparky, John Shima and Model 500 all resplendent in its technoid grooves. 






                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Shame current world 'incidents' are stopping this banger getting the exposure it deserves. One of the best Orange Edits to date.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Tugboat Edits Volume 14 by Midnight Runners.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Midnight Runners

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tugboat Edits Volume 14

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tugboat Edits US

                                                                                                                                                                                              More concerned with the off killer disco side of the spectrum, Tug Boat Edits follow up the double headed Star Creature release from this week with serious selection of sonic surgery from Indonesia's Midnight Runner (aka Munir).

                                                                                                                                                                                              6 tracks in total. fast paced and funky, emanating from a time before quantized DAW's and multitrack VSTs; therefore unequivocally rich in musicianship throughout!

                                                                                                                                                                                              No idea as to originals (help?) but if space disco, full of flanging hats n guitar chops, bolshy brass and frenetic basslines is your thing, then get on the boat!

                                                                                                                                                                                              Limited copies, high demand = move quick! 


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Four slabs of disco edits and rarities extensions. Crate diggers, this is for you!

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Ammo 1 by Popular People's Front.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Popular People's Front

                                                                                                                                                                                              Ammo 1

                                                                                                                                                                                              PPF AMMO

                                                                                                                                                                                              Long live Popular People's Front! It's been 15 wild years since their beautifully packaged series of EP's found their way into the world's best record crates and after two recent & very well received releases on Hot Peas 'N Butter, we get four more certified floor-fillers from the vaults. Constructed as club-ready reworks for their own sets, this pin sharp selection appears here as a one-off limited vinyl release.

                                                                                                                                                                                              A 4-way of their most wanted secret weapons for the faithful, these re-tailored & timeless classics are the sonic manifesto for preserving those good ol' dirty basements. Juggy Jones, Unabombers, Risque III and one more I can't quite remember the name of but it was a big spin with Ron Hardy also!






                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Four classic cuts in one package! And the four of them are absolute dancefloor classics with disco in its many variants being the underlying narrative.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Diaz by Parasols.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Parasols

                                                                                                                                                                                              Diaz

                                                                                                                                                                                              Power Vacuum

                                                                                                                                                                                              Parasols (Ali Renault) applies an advanced breaking system to Power Vacuums usually excessive BPMs with the new beat friendly "Diaz"; a slasher disco stalker prowling the lower east side of somewhere deep in your residual nightmares. "Red Corner" thwacks hard and dusky like a dustbin full of grit. Now your as giddy as the time you had your first bucket. The mutated commentary that underpins this clash of pans melts woozily into "Sacrifice", which comes on all Baldelli inspired like some Rimini horror fest where Benetton and Timberlands frug it out amongst shadows in the Mediterranean dusk. Bursting with energy the finalimente of this accomplished brace of tunes is possibly the standout, "Cessana Learning", which leers and lurches with weird gut belches that are both melodic and disorienting at the same time; shifting gears midpoint into some glorious electro chimes that will strike a chord with fans of other post techno luminaries such Ed DMX. Get some of this, enjoy, flagellate and try to stay conscious!

                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Slow, sweaty, chuggy and industrial beats and vibes on this killer Parasol trip! Dark and strobe filled basement feelings on this one.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Love Directions / Love Jelly by Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Velvet Season & The Hearts Of Gold

                                                                                                                                                                                              Love Directions / Love Jelly

                                                                                                                                                                                              Resista

                                                                                                                                                                                              Black Cock founder Gerry Rooney reunites with Quiet Village man Joel Martin as velvet Season & the Hearts of Gold continuing their series of exceptional releases with this new 'Special Versions' 12" for Resista - Free Your Mind!

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the A-side "Love Directions" sees the duo work the scalpel over People's Choice classic "Movin In All Directions", extending the low slung disco funk killer in Lofty fashion. VSHOG weave their magic and transform this monster Philly groove into a mesmerising future dance classic, to ignite the senses, mind body and soul! Soaring strings, Jazzy Fender Rhodes licks, tight fatback drumming, and the sweet soulful chorus, 'Come Follow Me'! Give yourself up to the music! Love is the message!
                                                                                                                                                                                              On the flip "Love Jelly" is like the cream of British library session musicians recording moody David Axelrod Jean-Jacques Perry vibrati for the Hip Hop break beat sampler! 'Love Jelly', VSHOG exclusive special version is the spirit of the highly sophisticated 70's/80's London Jazz-Funk Rare Groove scene & warehouse parties. The Cote d'Azur, Seductive Italian countesses driving Ferraris, a gentle breeze over the Mediterranean, the smell of Night Panther, and Leslie Anne-Down's Lingerie drawer! Strangers in the Night...she had a tongue like an electric Eel!

                                                                                                                                                                                              As always the artwork has been completed by the very talented Pedro Carvalho de Almeida.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Vinyl Only.

                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Patrick says: Velvet Season etc swing back through Resista with another essential edit release, extending and upgrading a People's Choice classic on the A, and a lush and loose library funk neck snapper on the flip.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Fresh Rhythms EP by Local Group.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Local Group

                                                                                                                                                                                              Fresh Rhythms EP

                                                                                                                                                                                              Human Concrete Block

                                                                                                                                                                                              UK duo Local Group (aka Corporeal Face and LMajor) follow up their sold out "Laser Done" EP and appearance on "Secret Rave 4" with "Fresh Rhythms" - an EP that may contain tracks up to three years old.

                                                                                                                                                                                              After last summer’s appearance at Field Maneuvers, the Oxford festival they’re residents at, one punter requested ‘Local Group for 36 hours straight’ in 2020. Negotiations are on-going. In the meantime, this four-tracker provides almost 25 minutes of their ‘Field Maneuvers famous’ sound.

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Baby Talk" self-identifies as a ‘Hardcore Summer Anthem’. It’s got uplifting piano and a glissando, the classic switch up between light and dark, and a spine-tingling vocal that fitted like a silk glove. Why wear a silk glove in the studio? It helps EQ your snares, bro.

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Fresh Rhythm" is ‘avin’ it 150BPM hardcore acid breaks with a brief but cheeky donk mid- section. It’s the title track but is on A2. A mystery deeper than the cover of The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album.

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Stolen Dreams" continues the acid, but in breakbeat house form – in reverence to 1992’s ‘XL- Recordings: The Third Chapter - Breakbeat House’ compilation. Samples various favourite tracks about dreams, hence the title. Follow your dreams. They may be cheating on you.

                                                                                                                                                                                              "Back In The Daze" is late 90s D&B, a formative era for Local Group, channeled into 130 amen breaks and topped with the sort of soulful vocal loved by all-time hero Manix. As the saying goes, if you can remember the 90s you weren’t there. At a squat rave. On K.


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: M25 soundtrack made today for those blooming youngsters. I was not there neither I am pill popper but if you are, this is your record. Total killer.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Sunshine Of My Day by Twinn Konnexion.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Twinn Konnexion

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sunshine Of My Day

                                                                                                                                                                                              Super Disco Edits

                                                                                                                                                                                              Taken again from the vaults of Mr Stu Gardner we have the next instalment of the Twinn Konnexion story. Back in 2016 SDE dropped a double sided 45 of "Dont Fight The Love", a blistering slab of modern boogie soul that sold out very quickly upon release. The single was first championed by Dj Jeremy Underground at many of his DJ nights. Move on a few years and the label have discovered the original studio reels from that session. And it doesn't disappoint! Pulled from those reels are another three amazing compositions where there's no doubt Mr Gardener called on his long list of musical associates. The information of the players and singers has never been divulged, but what we do know is that each song oozes class from start to finish and there is something for everyone's taste. "Sunshine of you day" has an almost gospel feel to its rhythm, with the singer telling how his women lights up his day - a heartwarming message which heats the dancefloor just as quickly. Moving on to the B-side there are two incredible ballads / 2 step songs for the connoisseurs amongst you. As soon as you hear the opening guitar and horn section with the male singers sultry voice you just know that "Love Side Facing Up" is taking you down that classic 2 step sound that was big on the London and rare groove scene. The same goes for the brilliant B2, "Memories Don't Fade Away", another sureshot if ever I've heard one.


                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sil says: Two soul drenched cuts on the A side and two slow disco bangers on the flip. Can't go wrong with this one in your collection.

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Chocolate Lover by Donnell Pitman Feat. Lynnette Pitman.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Donnell Pitman Feat. Lynnette Pitman

                                                                                                                                                                                              Chocolate Lover

                                                                                                                                                                                              Star Creature US

                                                                                                                                                                                              Donnell Pitman's gotta be one of the sexiest men in Chicago right now. The disco legend known for his incredibly in-demand vintage work from the 70s / 80s is back again on hometown label Star Creature with a collab with family member Lynnette Pitman. "Chocolate Lover" might contain some pretty cliched lyrical tropes, but that doesn't mean it ain't got the funk! So much so it needed two different mixes!

                                                                                                                                                                                              E Live is on hand to provide a fresh boogie bounce to proceedings whilst Wings Of Sunshine (who I assume are a new signing to the label) go on a proper Prince-esque tip full of sex-funk synths, classic era guitar chops and a much more sleazier take on the track. Limited quants... move quick! 




                                                                                                                                                                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                              Matt says: E. Live receives this week's MVP award from the Star Creature bench. His second star appearance, here laying down a sick ass mix of "Chocolate Lover".

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Sentimental Coast EP by A Vision Of Panorama.

                                                                                                                                                                                              A Vision Of Panorama

                                                                                                                                                                                              Sentimental Coast EP

                                                                                                                                                                                              Cala Tarida Musica

                                                                                                                                                                                              What more can be said about Saint Petersburg producer Mikhail Khvasko, a.k.a. A Vision of Panorama that hasn’t been said before? His ”Sentimental Coast’' EP continues to cultivate his unique glistening soundscape characterized by a lush jazz-tinged blissful Balearic ambience. The four original tracks here are a range of sun-drenched, unfolding narratives, full of gentle sounds and chords.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Smooth and vibe-focused ''Atlantic Dawn'' exudes sensuality-tethered vibe that is highly intoxicating. Emblazed with mysterious deep breaths and shimmering sonics that entrances the listener straight away to the whole release. Disarmingly beautiful ''Mediterranean Tribal'' is an old school-fare downtempo jam with classic chilled out laid back Mediterranean instrumentation. ''Sentimental Coast'' is distinctly deeper and more emotive than his vintage synth-laden sounds and is one of his most fragile and still moments within a superbly arranged delicate piano solo. On ''Vibechos'' things get more upbeat and aquatic, featuring beautiful chords and textures that float into the track with a sun-kissed vibe reminiscent of Italian dream house. “

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of Juicy by Notorious BIG.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Notorious BIG

                                                                                                                                                                                              Juicy

                                                                                                                                                                                              45 Kings

                                                                                                                                                                                              "It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! magazine
                                                                                                                                                                                              Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
                                                                                                                                                                                              Hangin' pictures on my wall
                                                                                                                                                                                              Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
                                                                                                                                                                                              I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped
                                                                                                                                                                                              Smokin' weed in Bambu, sippin' on Private Stock
                                                                                                                                                                                              Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack
                                                                                                                                                                                              With the hat to match
                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember Rappin' Duke? Duh-ha, duh-ha
                                                                                                                                                                                              You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far
                                                                                                                                                                                              Now I'm in the limelight 'cause I rhyme tight
                                                                                                                                                                                              Time to get paid, blow up like the World Trade
                                                                                                                                                                                              Born sinner, the opposite of a winner
                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner
                                                                                                                                                                                              Peace to Ron G, Brucie B, Kid Capri
                                                                                                                                                                                              Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starski
                                                                                                                                                                                              I'm blowin' up like you thought I would
                                                                                                                                                                                              Call the crib, same number, same hood
                                                                                                                                                                                              It's all good (It's all good)
                                                                                                                                                                                              And if you don't know, now you know"

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                                                                                                                                                                                              Cover of 70’s Sumting / The Beat Changed by Notorious B.I.G.

                                                                                                                                                                                              Notorious B.I.G

                                                                                                                                                                                              70’s Sumting / The Beat Changed

                                                                                                                                                                                              D90 Discs

                                                                                                                                                                                                D90 Discs drop another bomb on our asses here with a set of killer Biggie reworks, showing the Brooklyn MCs inimitable style over a set of fresh beats and alternate versions. Neck snappers and booty droppers throughout.

                                                                                                                                                                                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                                                                                7" Info: Limited 7" of 300 copies

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                                                                                                                                                                                                Cover of Straight Outta Compton / Black Superman by NWA / Above The Law.

                                                                                                                                                                                                NWA / Above The Law

                                                                                                                                                                                                Straight Outta Compton / Black Superman

                                                                                                                                                                                                West Coast Classics

                                                                                                                                                                                                The debut album by N.W.A, "Straight Outta Compton" is now best remembered as the pioneering record of gangsta rap; with its ever-present profanity and violent lyrics, it helped to give birth to this then-new sub-genre of hip hop. It has been considered groundbreaking by music writers and has had an enormous impact on the evolution of West Coast hip hop. "Straight Outta Compton" redefined the direction of hip hop, which resulted in lyricism concerning the gangsta lifestyle becoming the driving force in sales figures. It also helped to shift the power to the West Coast from the East Coast, which had enjoyed a period of prominence in hip hop for most of the 1980s. There's no better example of its raw and raucous power than LP opener "Straight Outta Compton". 
                                                                                                                                                                                                On the flip we get a hit from Easy E's Ruthless Records' group Above The Law, who dropped the mighty "Black Superman" on '94 LP "Uncle Sam's Curse", bringing us pure West Coast brilliance to the present day.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                Cover of Byrons Theme by Pillow Queen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Pillow Queen

                                                                                                                                                                                                Byrons Theme

                                                                                                                                                                                                Radiant Love

                                                                                                                                                                                                For its second release, Radiant Love sticks to family values. Paying homage to the party and label’s co-director and resident Byron Yeates, "Byron’s Theme" comes from the likes of Vani-T (one half of Berlin’s forceful, femme party Climax) and D. Tiffany (who threw down a ruthless remix on the label’s first release by Fio Fa). Together, they take the name of Pillow Queen which through up some pretty interesting definitions when I googled the meaning I can tell thee! :oP

                                                                                                                                                                                                “Byron’s Theme” presents a rich palette in its 2-minute buildup: a dry trance hook, high-end synths buzzing and wavering, pitch-shifted voice samples and a pan-flute ran through with tremolo. Throbbing, the 303 bassline picks up after a breakdown at the 4-minute mark, and only then does one realise the song’s still building. There’s still room in the last 40 seconds for some percussion modeled on a breakbeat loop – which is to say, the track is incredibly cheeky and hard-hitting.

                                                                                                                                                                                                While the EP’s first track feels expansive, “Estrel Nights” opens the EP’s B-side in a much closer, tighter space. The build is percussive: bongo taps, claps, cowbell; then a hi-hat snaps things into shape, and in lopes the kick drum. And rhythm remains the central player here. It’s not until 3 minutes in that the percussion finds a melodic backdrop – a dreamy, detuned pad, choral, like a moan from a giant cosmic entity much greater than our own.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Ex-Terrestrial’s remix of “Byron’s Theme” repositions some of the elements and ratchets up the tempo of the original, but maintains its respiration: the energy and erotics flow into a different structure, closer to traditional trance, with sharp hi-hats and loopy arpeggios that phase in and out of syncopation, measure to measure. Diagonal, we incline to a climax that dizzily plateaus at 6 minutes, de-escalates and breaks down over the next 2, glows until it’s just a kick drum, slower, slower still; we’re catching our breath.


                                                                                                                                                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                Matt says: D. Tiffany continues to be a crucial force across modern breakbeat, techno and house music; joining forces with Vani-T for the hilariously named Pillow Queen project, they unload two high caliber breakbeat-techno opus’ with a stunning remix from esoteric house wizard Ex-Terrestrial. Peeowm!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                Cover of Evil Vibrations / Family Tree by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Various Artists

                                                                                                                                                                                                Evil Vibrations / Family Tree

                                                                                                                                                                                                Mighty Tree

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Super limited split 7" here containing two classic soul heavy funk cuts, from '78 and '75 jam packed with good time grooves, heavyweight licks and insatiable melodies. On the A-side we have Mighty Ryeders' "Evil Vibrations", the irresistible jazz funk classic famously flipped by De La Soul for their "Rollerskating Jam Named "Saturdays". Raw funk guitar, killer keys and some gorgeous vocal harmonious ride a peerless groove right here - just cop an earful. On the flip we get another bite at the awesome "Family Tree" by the band of the same name. Powerhouse vocals, cool jazzy chords and a delicious descending bassline do the damage here, still leading the dance in 2020.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Earth EP by Maurice Fulton.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Maurice Fulton

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Earth EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Gudu Records

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Following its 2019 launch with Peggy Gou's ‘Moment’ EP and a follow up 12" from DMX Krew, Gudu Records continues its journey with one of the true heroes of the underground, Maurice Fulton. Consisting of three diverse tracks, the ‘Earth’ EP captures a shared love of esoteric experiments in house, disco and funk, delivering a different flavour with each cut.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  The EP opens with a collaboration between Fulton and label founder Peggy Gou: ‘Jigoo’ is the sound of both artists in full swing, combining a rolling, infectious bassline with the sort of joyous chords that have won Gou's previous productions quite so much play. Vintage Chicago house drum work drives the track forward, while a series of psychedelic breakdowns combine to create another understated club anthem in waiting.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  On the B side, ‘Not Sure How I Would’ may offer the perfect introduction for those yet to have fully immersed themselves in Fulton's wonderful back catalogue. A chugging bassline, live drums and guitar plus a barrage of effects invite listeners into a hugely accomplished, utterly unpredictable dancefloor space, one primed to invite full-scale freakouts for heads-down crowds.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Finally, ‘One Itself’ provides the most understated moment on Gudu thus far. Slowly and surely bubbling, yet more raw percussion intertwines wildly with fizzy, analogue manipulations, Fulton engineers a veritable pressure-cooker of slo-mo rave euphoria that could once again leave a dancefloor spinning on its collective head.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                  Cover of Dimitri From Tokyo Edits - French Affair / Sfunky by Disco Deviance Presents.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Disco Deviance Presents

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dimitri From Tokyo Edits - French Affair / Sfunky

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Disco Deviance

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The legendary Dimitri From Tokyo wields his blade on two disco classics and re-ignites them for the dancefloor with his trade mark hi fidelity style. The results are to be expected…100% dancefloor dynamite!

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Side A runs with Donna Summer's 1976 cut 'Spring Affair', which features the creme of Casablanca's live disco players - killer bassline, lush strings, hooky keyboard lines and Summer's breathy vox make this a winner. With the original only ever on a three and a half minute-long 7", Dimitri's extended 12" version for Disco Deviance is an absolute essential.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    On the flipside 'Sfunky' gets busy with Bob James' 'Spunky', the original sample source for Moodymann's 'Shades Of Jae', chunking up the beats into a disco-house dancefloor slayer, chopping THAT jazzy keyboard line up and weaving in the crowd noise from Marvin Gaye's 'Got To Give It Up'. With mega drops and filtered builds this is gonna create mayhem on the dancefloor! For some reason I feel the need to have camouflage netting above my head... (one for the old school Electric Chair faithful).


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Sil says: Dim does Donna (Summer) and Bob (James) on this ace new Disco Deviance 12". Disco and jazzy disco-house are the order of the day.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Sunflower by Mall Grab.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mall Grab

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Sunflower

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Looking For Trouble

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Starting 2020 on a high note, and following a surprise charity EP along with a collaborative EP with Turnstile, Jordon Alexander returns as Mall Grab for the “Sunflower” EP. Take it away Jordon...

                                                                                                                                                                                                    "The title track, "Sunflower", was composed in New York, looking out at the skyline on an incredibly sunny day and feeling a sense of positivity and energy wash over me. Daydreams of love, fun, ecstasy, love and the people who are special to you. Above all, the desire to share how I felt and feel coming into 2020. Something undefinable - I hope "Sunflower" can share that with you.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The second track, "Hidden Worlds", is an amalgamation for a euphoric dark room - sweaty, throbbing and uncompromising. Recorded in New York several hours before a show at Knockdown Center as a draft, and finished in London a week or so later.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    "Switchblade" is a return to the spoken word layering of early MG tunes, set to an electro-esque, broken beat club beat. High energy, not to be taken too seriously, but locked and loaded.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    "Leaving Tokyo", the closing track was recorded the day before leaving japan, late 2018. It, for me, represents the melancholy of leaving somewhere special, full of fantastic memories and people but optimism for the next stop and next adventure.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    In a world where everything seems a bit chaotic and bleak, I hope I can share the love a little with you... Positive energy forever."

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Mall Grab dons his steel toe caps and studded leathers for a rugged and abrasive outing on the apt Looking For Trouble label. Kickin', elbows out, lo-fi tekno. No fux given. Ace.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of March Of The Imbecile / Love From The Astroplane by Leisure Connection.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Leisure Connection

                                                                                                                                                                                                    March Of The Imbecile / Love From The Astroplane

                                                                                                                                                                                                    R=A

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The latest freakbeat wig out on the wonderful R=A imprint delivers a pair of high voltage fairy-tales from the ever psychedelic Leisure Connection crew (responsible for the classic frolicking, sloth adorned "Jungle Dancing" No 'Label' 12" back in 2013) . With twists and turns a plenty along the way - everything sounds gloriously badly wired and sparking. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                    On the A-side "March Of The Imbecile" joins the dots between organ exotica, orgonite buttplugs and Black Ark desk-work to achieve an effect something like taking too many inhalents then riding a knackered sea side waltzer. On the flip, "Love From The Astroplane" sees a solid kosmishce dancer emerge from the chaos of glitching noise and deranged sound design. Top marks!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of FON by Jacksonville.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Jacksonville

                                                                                                                                                                                                    FON

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Hobbes Music

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Continuing a run of highly eclectic and quirky but consistently individual releases (most recently GAMING's internationally lauded Scenes "From A Deserted City" LP), Hobbes Music welcome Jacksonville aka Yorkshire-born, Edinburgh-based artist Chris Lyth, to the fold. He has carpet-bombed the last few Hobbes Music events at Edinburgh's Bongo Club with his excellent live sets and the release has been in the pipeline for some time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The 'FON' EP (caps intentional) combines a love of classic electro and techno with dub reggae, sound system culture, the UK's contemporary bass scene etc. Mastering was done by Optimum in Bristol, who did a really lovely job, with loads of width in the mix.


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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of One Night EP by Rune Bagge.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Rune Bagge

                                                                                                                                                                                                    One Night EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Клуб / Kisloty

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second release on Клуб is co-produced by another 'fast Copenhagen techno' star Rune Bagge and features his two original tracks, as well as a vocal version of "One Night" with lyrics co-written by Saint Petersburg based artist Nakulla Man with the assistance of Alexei Borisov of soviet cold wave Nochnoi Prospekt fame.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Reinforcing the hair-raising energy previously delivered on the label, and aligning itself next to fellow luminaries VTSS & Schacke, this is frighteningly good techno with 'nuff nods to industrial and gabba to keep the hardcore, trench coat techno crews more than energized.


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Saint-Petersburg club dubbed by DAZED as 'the wildest club in Russia' continues to spearhead the hard-edged techno front. New guy Rune Bagge providing heavy artillery support to Schack's previous mortar blast. Take cover!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of The Earth EP by The Deep.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Deep

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Earth EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mint Condition

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mint Condition - A record label focused on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics and overlooked gems mined from the last 20+ of contemporary dance music are the order of the day. From Chicago, Detroit and New York to London and beyond, Mint Condition have got their expert digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been on your wants list for years! Dig in....

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Released in 1998 on French label Basenotic, 'The Earth EP' is a rare, sought after and sublime collaboration between 2 of the countries shining stars of underground dance music, namely DJ Deep and Julien Jabre. Across 3 cuts we're treated to a palette of different shades of the deepest house, from the shuffling bumpin' garage stylings on 'love your brother', featured here in 2 versions and the stripped funk of 'gratiot's tiger', 'The Earth EP' showcases the deft stylings of 2 of the Gallic masters of the scene. An essential reissue, fully legit and sounding absolutely top shelf.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    'The Earth EP' has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of DJ Deep & Julien Jabre and remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original DAT's especially for Mint Condition. 100% legit, licensed and released. Dug, remastered, repackaged and brought to you by the caring folks at your favourite reissue label - Mint Condition!

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: It doesn't get more late 90s that this pop pickers! Harking back to that OG dance party sound as championed by Danny Rampling.. Beats so shuffled you'll dislocate your shoulder!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Mosquito by Dan Shake.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dan Shake

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mosquito

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Shake

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dan’s latest outing offers three driving, thoughtful Detroit house influenced club tracks: from the synth-heavy adrenaline rush of title track "Mosquito", to the jacking, motoric resolve of "The Deep End", and "Hide Seek"’s kinetic, sample-driven house groove.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Since debuting on Moodymann’s Mahogani Music in 2014 with "3AM Jazz Club / Thinkin About U", Dan made it into a springboard for his ambitions to work crowds the world over. His love of groove - ranging from sparky acid to Brazilian samba, itchy funk to heavyweight house - fuels his drive to make those around him dance as keenly as he does. At a party, Dan Shake isn’t just loaded with peak time weapons: he is one.


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: London's answer to MCDE, Dan Shake continues to ply more of his idiosyncratic house wares onto our willing dance spaces. Another three original tracks from the rising upstart of the UK house scene.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Mediterraneo by Wang Inc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wang Inc

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mediterraneo

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Random Numbers

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Starting from the assumption that polyrhythmic music is a political statement,
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wang inc. developed this 12” focusing on the stories of the past years taking place in the central Mediterranean Sea. Stories of hope and despair, often tragic by the will of powerful and egoistic people.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Each track describes a fase of the crossing of the Sicilian channel: "Fuga" is the escape from the Libyan prisons, "Gommone" is the crossing on an inflatable raft that often finds a tragic epilogue, "Approdo" is the battle between humanitarian aids and governments to find a place of safe, "Abbraccio" is the tragic history of mother and son found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea still hugging each other. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                    It’s harsh techno, slow, with vivid images, lots of tension and bleak atmospheres. All titles are in Italian because this story is part of the history of Italy. 

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Company EP by Harmonious Thelonious.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Harmonious Thelonious

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Company EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Highlife

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Whether working on his own or operating as part of Salon Des Amateurs supergroup Durian Brothers (with Don't DJ and Marc Matter), Harmonious Thelonious has consistently rocked the Piccadilly world with his weird, techno-tribal compositions, endless obscure polyrhyms and unstoppable outsider dance. Here he kicks off Highlife's 10th Anniversary celebrations with a brand new EP documenting his musical adventures in Uganda. "Versteckte Muziek" opens the set in uplifting and optimistic fashion, wrapping your dancing body in a mesmeric web of overlapping rhythms, chimes and mallets. "George Villa" follows, featuring Leo Palayeng's kora (?) work amid an undulating groove of stripped back and low slung electronics. The titular "Company" kicks off the flip in playful manner, cartwheeling through Ugandan folk music and late 80s idents as if it were the Corwn Prince of Zumunda's hold music. Finally "It Never Rains In Jinja" with Ocen James string prowess serves sonic sunshine through the film of a typhoon.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Tribal polyrhythms bespoke to our now de rigor shamanic house section, but nonetheless possessing the spellbound qualities we look for whilst offering a decidedly more optimistic and cheery view on proceedings. It's not all dark voodoo in the rainforest you know!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Trouble On The Land - A Love That Is Real by The Boogie Twins Pres. Heaven & Earth.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Boogie Twins Pres. Heaven & Earth

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Trouble On The Land - A Love That Is Real

                                                                                                                                                                                                    G.A.M.M.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Boogie Twins aka Ashley Beedle and Ray Mang have reworked and edited one of Paul 'Trouble' Anderson's biggest signature tracks, providing both new vocal and instrumental versions of the 80s rare groove smash "I Really Love You" by Heaven & Earth.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Retitled, "Trouble On The Land - A Love That Is Real", it gets straight to work with infectious guitar chops, rich vocal harmonies and impenetrable groove. A huge tune for Ashley Beedle and the Electric Ballroom massive, he's gleefully tightening things up for modern dancefloor whilst keeping all the feel-good spirit of the OG. Mega things here people!





                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Ashley Beedle and Ray Mang have steadily and deliberately infiltrated the record boxes of pretty much every DJ worth their salt across the globe, in some way or another. Here under their Boogie Twins alias they provide yet another reason to enter their prolific catalogue.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of 404 by 404.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    404

                                                                                                                                                                                                    404

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Crowdspacer

                                                                                                                                                                                                    After a truly excellent debut LP on Candomble (where are our copies guys?) young Parisians 404 join the Crowdspacer ranks with their second ever release, a four track 12" packed with dark and claustrophobic sounds for the most underground clubs. Opener "Retour A L'Ether" sets the tone for post apocalyptic rave ups, rolling out the stacks with oozing synth swathes, thumping percussion and a trilling Belgian hook, somehow packing a little tropical rattle on top of its wicked undulating bassline. We head into the zero grav insanity of the underworld via A2 cut "Styx", an ultra-ketty combo of broken UK rhythms and that ultra heavy body wobbling bass - perfect for fans of Hessle et al looking for their new jam. Taking no prisoners as we move onto the B-side, "Cliffhanger" weighs in with some serious slow techno pressure, raining echoing snares, vertigious lead lines and a sumo-sized kick onto our cranii. Finally, "Low Bottom" lurches from one distorted bass whomp to the next, transforming the sound of an electric razor into a 5D club banger. Fully future proofed and slow as sludge, this is the dark wired sound.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Diverse Parisian crew 404 follow up a razor sharp release on Candomble with this uncompromising four tracker on Crowdspacer. If you're into dark and demented techno on that low speed tip, the pummelling kicks, growling basslines and rattling tops will have you punching the ceiling as you snap your neck nodding.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Incapable - Inc. Crooked Man Remix by Roisin Murphy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Roisin Murphy

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Incapable - Inc. Crooked Man Remix

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Skint

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Roisin Murphy’s disco-hued "Incapable" track, created in partnership with long-time collaborator DJ Parrot, was met with universal acclaim when it was released in June last year. A masterclass in effortless cool; shuffling house beats collide with Murphy’s pirouetting vocal which moulds and morphs across 8 perfect minutes. Meanwhile lyrically, it brilliantly subverts the tropes of the traditional heartbreak lament. Alongside the original, Skint also give us another remix from Parrot on side B. Adding a shape shifting bottom end and stripping back the stems to a bare, essential, electrical throb the Pt. 3 Mix is just as enticing offer as the original.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Highly recommended, limited copies, move quick! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Honorary Manc Roisin Murphy adds to her already stonking credentials here with a massive single made alongside fellow Steel City inhabitant Crooked Man.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Disco Pregnancy (Tonal + Rhythmical) by Laima.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Laima

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Disco Pregnancy (Tonal + Rhythmical)

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Deewee

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back in November Brazilian born but London based Laima dropped a mighty (and mental) double vinyl set on the excellent Deewee, and now comes through with a 12" companion.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    The 2019 LP "Home" was a striking proposition - a package which features two records that are designed to be played simultaneously: Laima’s vocal and synth tracks on the ‘Tonal’ disc alongside Iggor’s beats on the ‘Rhythmical’ record. By syncing the two records listeners are offered an unconventional way to experience the music.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    The ‘Disco Pregnancy’ 12” features for the first time the combined Tonal + Rhythmical versions of album tracks ‘Disco Pregnancy’ and ‘Home’, all recorded, produced and mixed by the Dewaele brothers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: The recombined multitracks from Laima’s debut LP offer a double drop of superior cosmic grooves with wonderful whispered vocals - think Fern's "Baby Let Me Kiss You", "Adventures In Success" or "Was Dog A Donut" translated for 23rd century beings.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of N/A by Blazer Sound System.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Blazer Sound System

                                                                                                                                                                                                    N/A

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Youth

                                                                                                                                                                                                    >>>CALL THE COPS!!! BLAZER SOUND R COMIN (FIRE EMOJI)

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Artwork by RockersNYC aka Marcus Burrowes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    NYC's Blazer Sound System on rising, cult, MCR imprint Youth, who seem insistant on providing the most up-to-date renditions of (post)dancefloor culture possible. Following previously well received records by FUMU, Georgia & Kassem Mosse amongst others, Andy Lyster signs this impressive US collective to his growing roster of acts.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Seemingly comprised of two artists, Rainstick and Zebrablood and landing somewhere between the industrial electronic wastelands of Natural Sciences, and the cerebral, interstellar exercises perpetuated by SUDS & SKRS this is arresting, challenging new music for scorched Earth inhabitants. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Waxing bumholes and putting the removed hair directly onto your chest, Youth's carnal rampage continues with new noise makers BSS in tow. Take cover!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of DB12 003 by DJ Si Si Si Gracias.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    DJ Si Si Si Gracias

                                                                                                                                                                                                    DB12 003

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Duca Bianco

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Time for a crisp cocktail with a twist as DJ Si Si Si Gracias lands on Duca Bianco with a quartet of whacked out and weird revisions of unhinged obscurities. "We're Gonna Make It" introduces a frazzled guitar to all the world's effects pedals at once, encouraging maximum wigginess over a low slung cosmic groove - sounds like getting stoned at sunset. Next up "Glide Right" gives us delicious funk guitars, chattering, clattering percussion and a zinging pinging bassline in the grand disco dub tradition. Things remain strange on the flip as "Gerry" swerves through slow motion synth noodles, wormhole bass whomps and a tacky tapey groove before emerging as a lost Talking Heads body wobbler. Finally "All The Feeling" powers into hi-NRG territories, consuming everything in its way with electrodisco sequences, drum box bells and an expansive vocal loop. It's worth adding that this whole set sounds like it was recorded direct to sellotape, pulled tight like taffy then left to try and find some internal understanding of rhythm. The result is an utterly cosmic sound you can play alongside Mori Ra edits or Talking Drums Vol. 1.



                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Ker-azy cosmic funk edits here on Duca Bianco, driving the weird and the wonk right down your lugholes. Tapey and trippy, this is the shit!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Moliendo Cafe - Inc. Hysteric / Flemming Dalum Remixes by Cheaps.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cheaps

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Moliendo Cafe - Inc. Hysteric / Flemming Dalum Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ZYX Records

                                                                                                                                                                                                    ZYX reminisce with a fresh repress of this Italo disco rarity originally released on Memory Records in 1983. For the new millenium with label add a couple of chunky remixes from Flemming Dalum and Hysteric to the original tracklist. The main mix of this ripper rocks us with a classic bass sequence, simple machine drums and balmy Mediterranean touches (chimes and sax) which lend this killer cut a coastal style suitable for the Balearic bods. Romantic and exotic lyrics give the dancefloor a lift, rounding out a wonderful example of the genre. The overdub instrumental lays a short blast of those vocals over the breakdown, but spends the rest of its runtime tearing through the circuitry on and electronic mission. The A-side closes with "Kalisequencer Story", a stripped back mix which separates the mid range synth riff and drum track from the rest of the pack. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Flemming Dalum takes the lead in the remix race, feeding the original an orgonite smoothie and pushing the clubbier elements into overdrive for a BIG Italo sound. Hysteric draws level with another inspired edit, lending the original a wonderful extended arrangement which extracts every ounce of emotion and energy from the source material and serves it to the eager dancefloor.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Hair slicked back, cigarette in mouth, gold watch on tanned wrist, this Italo masterpiece takes us back to a summer fling at the Moliendo Cafe - dive in deep and you can smell the Ambre Solaire and Sex On The Beach...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Time Out - Inc Flemming Dalum / Kid Machine Remix by Florio Time DJ.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Florio Time DJ

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Time Out - Inc Flemming Dalum / Kid Machine Remix

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Giorgio

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Giorgio Records arrive at their third release, delivering the first reissue of 1983 Italo masterpiece "Time Out" by Florio Time DJ. Riding classic octave bass sequences, parmesan-chord progressions and some fine fretless bass, the track hits the sweetspot between new wave and Italo, an irresistible blend in my opinion. Alongside the original and instrumental there are new a couple of updated interpretations from Flemming Dalum and Kid Machine. Time out, time out, music in my heart, time out, time out, music in your heart…

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: An Italo juggernaut that's also a chuggernaut - spacey, laced with unstoppable synth parts and neon blush, "Time Out" builds from the deep black hit of space to a sophisticated sister to Roxy and Japan. Reissued for the heads with remixes from Flemming Dalum and Kid Machine.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Back Fire / 'Lectric Love - PBR Streetgang Reworks by David Christie / The Destroyers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    David Christie / The Destroyers

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back Fire / 'Lectric Love - PBR Streetgang Reworks

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Salsoul

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Salsoul opens the vaults once more to today's top editors and remixers. This incredible 12" sees those PBR Streetgang dudes take the reins to great effect.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Digging in the vaults for those lesser spotted gems, the PBR crew have tweaked up two Tom Moulton related killers here for our enjoyment. Side A is a finely tuned, lovingly fondled version of David Christie's LP cut "Back Fire" from 1978. A sleazy, almost Euro-disco good timer that more than does the biz. On the flip, is the Destroyer's mammoth "Lectric Love", another lowdown cruiser of a track, nice cosmic FX and leather vibes for the late night prowlers! Both edits are brilliantly done, and with a knowing and respectful approach; one for the heads for sure...


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Some clever bugger let PBR Streetgang loose in the Salsoul vaults, and the Leeds duo stick their scalpel into classics from David Christie and The Destroyers, delivering a couple of up-to-date edits on a cosmic / Balearic / Disco tip.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Kind Of Life, Kind Of Love / Magic Love - PBR Streetgang Re-Versions by North End / Michele.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    North End / Michele

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Kind Of Life, Kind Of Love / Magic Love - PBR Streetgang Re-Versions

                                                                                                                                                                                                    West End

                                                                                                                                                                                                    West End records open the vaults once more to today's top editors and remixers. This incredible 12" sees the mighty PBR Streetgang take the reins for the second time this week, reworking tracks by both North End and Michele in their distinguished style. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Michele's 1977 "Magic Love" kicks things off in fine style, a slick bass driven groove is what we get with this funked out slab of string-laden disco heat. Nicely cut n pasted for the DJ's, dropped at the right time this one will go off! On the flip is North End's 1979 jam "Kind Of Life, Kind Of :Love", boasting some serious harmonica and an almost AOR feel, the PBR version clocks in at 10+ mins of slowly building dancefloor magic. Tweaked just right, and with a respectful nod, these two new versions are essential for the discerning disc jocks out there. Recommended. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Patrick says: Not content with a raid on the Salsoul vaults, PBR Streetgang ransack West End, whipping up mega versions of Michele's galloping "Magic Love" and the soulful and bluesy "Kind Of Life, Kind Of Love", an emotional disco-rock winner from North End.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Our Time by Pender Street Steppers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Pender Street Steppers

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Our Time

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Mood Hut

                                                                                                                                                                                                    'Pender Street Steppers Productions (PSSP) proudly presents a sweet new double single. One side describing a relationship in its infancy and the other side its end. Not letting the truth stand in the way of a good story. Dubs included at no extra charge. Please enjoy and thanks for everything.' - Mood Hut.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Our favourite Canadian Riviera dwellers are back with more sun-kissed boogie-house pleasure. It could only be Pender Street Steppers responsible for "Falling". Effortless, hardware driven and with a melancholic vocal contrasting against the serene dusk calm emanating from the machines and rhythm boxes. Distinctly 'live' as per their previous output, PSS reaffirm the songwriting structure in dance music showing that you can achieve depth and character whilst still working within house music's formulaic framework. As always - hats off to the lads!

                                                                                                                                                                                                    "Our Time" takes things deeper into the night, with a nocturnal framework driven again by the group's authentic hardware. Creeping through the cityscape with another well placed vocal part working in dynamic harmony with the rest of the piece. PSS make some of the most subtly brilliant music that just grows and grows in your headspace.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    We'll still be spinning this one well into 2021.... Recommended! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                    STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Matt says: Timeless stuff from the now buy-on-sight Mood Hut crew. Hitting a mellifluous sweet spot between boogie, house and street soul; with a glowing internal radiance and heartfelt vocal utterances. Injecting some real song writing into house music's oft-repeated framework.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Cover of Payday by Herb LF.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Herb LF

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Payday

                                                                                                                                                                                                    International Extraterrestria l

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Herb LF’s legacy in the garage scene is immense. With his work retaining class and style over more than twenty years. He returns to this integral spirit and provides International Extraterrestrial Music with their debut record - a two-part dancefloor orientated EP. On the A-side, Helicopter money slips and pulses between powerful pads and expertly crafted drum patterns, commanding instinctive movements in a club. On the flip, Payday provides a concoction of nostalgia and forward-thinking garage spirit, a result that is suitable for any rascal to dance it out both in the club or sat on the sofa

                                                                                                                                                                                                      STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Matt says: Intelligent and sophisticated two-step that'll appeal to the classier end of the spectrum a la Zed Bias, El-B etc.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Cong Burn 06 by Lack / Tonto / Chekov / Perfume Advert.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Lack / Tonto / Chekov / Perfume Advert

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cong Burn 06

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cong Burn

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Salford's Cong Burn drop the latest in their ongoing 12" series feating entries from regulars Chekov, Perfume Advert & Lack, with newcomer Tonto making their debut. Lack provides a low key roller subtely flashing glimpses of their studio sleight of hand and their ability to craft rhythms with real momentum. Tonto's "Rust" slows things down with a sub 110bpm DJ tool that pings splashy springs, bird calls and ascending sine tones - made for long blends and layering! Leeds' own Chekov continues to intricately weave interlocking melodies in their most finely sculpted effort to date - with some Idiots Are Winning indications which are more than welcome. Salford / Teeside's Perfume Advert wear their heart on their sleeve for an emotional 130bpm+ closer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Matt says: Another shining star in a local Nebula, Cong Burn continues to shed light on the most futuristic and advanced nightclub mechanics & New World synthesis. Another brilliant comp from the cru. Check!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of We Are The Mod! (Assembler Code Mix) by London Modular Alliance.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      London Modular Alliance

                                                                                                                                                                                                      We Are The Mod! (Assembler Code Mix)

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Electrix

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Welcome return of both London Modular Alliance (Barry's favourite purveyors of all things modular), and Billy Nasty's Electrix Records. The label, responsible for introducing Zeta Reticula to the world alongside a whole manner of techno royalty - Silicon Scally, The Advent, RadioNasty (Billy's collaboration with Keith Tenniswood) and Mr Velcro Fastener - celebrates its 20th anniversary with this accomplished release.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      The hardwired sound wizards drop three tracks in their inimitable, stuttered, nu-electro style; while Assembler Code Rewind is drafted in on remix duties.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Unlike much of the modern electro resurgence, LMA keep things crisp, detailed and high-def. Tracks are balanced, mixed beautifully and hum, snap and crackle in all the right places.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Assembler Code Rewind is a bit more of an agro younger sibling - snarling and banging his drum box as wailing acid lines and and punishing leads signal their aggression.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mad good release for electro headz! TIP!



                                                                                                                                                                                                      STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Matt says: Weighty and intricate, LMA's productions are (sequencer)steps ahead of the pack, rivalling longer serving stalwarts with their potent brand of modular mayhem.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Stronghold by B.C. (aka The Advent & The Source Experience).

                                                                                                                                                                                                      B.C. (aka The Advent & The Source Experience)

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Stronghold

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Midnight Drive

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Midnight Drive return and to kick off 2020 in fine style, they bring you something different from the far depths and fringes of London's mid 90's Techno scene....

                                                                                                                                                                                                      B.C. aka Cisco Ferreira (The Advent) and Robert Leiner (The Source Experience), are 2 very well known and respected figures in the global Techno underground. Between them, Cisco and Robert have both performed across the globe and been behind numerous seminal records, and worked with some of the most highly respected record labels to date including: R&S, Apollo, Jack Trax, Fragile / Transmat, Labworks, New Electronica and more since the late 1980's. Entrenched in electronic music, and armed with decades of experience, it is safe to say their collective reputations precede them.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      'Stronghold' was a one-off concept from Ferreira and Leiner that yielded only one EP, realised in 1994. The perfect frisson of dub aesthetic, electro-techno and ambient. A stripped-back juggernaut of cavern deep weaving rhythms, modular melodic sonar blips and driving bass. Total power. 'Stronghold' is one of those records that seems to morph, winding from skeletal electro snares into an off-the-rails kick drum driven freight train, pure soundsystem pressure. Only for the headstrong. Peep Dave Angel's seminal 'X-MIX' from 1995 for a taste, the track features prominently early on in the mix to devastating effect. Also featured on this special and limited reissue of this most sought after and lesser spotted techno classic is a never heard before, unreleased and alternative take of 'Stronghold', from 1994. Lifted from DAT. It's possible that this newly unearthed version may be dubbier, trippier, perhaps more potent, more driving.....? But we'll let you decide.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Remastered from Cisco's DAT archive by Radioactive Man. Artwork by Atelier Superplus.


                                                                                                                                                                                                      STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Matt says: Shit-your-pants scary techno with electro and new beat inflections; this instantly transports you to some stormy European fortress rave where cheap whizz and bad acid are drugs of choice.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Waimea 55.000 / Curto De Veu E Grinalda by Jorge Ben / Baby Consuelo.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Jorge Ben / Baby Consuelo

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Waimea 55.000 / Curto De Veu E Grinalda

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Jorge Ben can do it all - vocalist, songwriter, musician, producer and to many their ‘all-round’ favourite Brazilian artist. Jorge has had an amazing career, involved in music from the early 60s through to the current day, writing countless classic songs for him and other artists. This awesome samba-disco-funk joint ‘Waimea 55.000’’ is a lesser-known production, taken off a 7” B-side released on Som Livre in 1978. This is a gem which needed to be dusted off and given the wider audience it deserves.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Baby Consuelo with her distinctive voice is one of Mr Bongo’s favourite Brazilian singers. The only female founding member of the mythical group Os Novos Baianos, Baby is a real innovator and pioneer, changing her persona and musical styles over the years, but still staying unique. Here we have Baby at the start in raw psychedelic hippy mode, giving a powerful vocal delivery where she manages to sound simultaneously badass and lovable. This early song was released in 1970 on RGE records on a compacto 7” credited to Baby Consuelo and additionally featured on Os Novos Bahianos’s debut album ‘ Ferro Na Boneca!’ in the same year (re-issued on Mr Bongo in 2019).

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Marraio / Oh! Man by Sonia Santos / Marcia Maria.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sonia Santos / Marcia Maria

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Marraio / Oh! Man

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                                                      The third appearance in the Brazil 45 series for the mighty Sonia Santos, here with a relatively under-the-radar gem. ‘Marraio’ is a quirky sambafunk bomb with tripped out synths, wah-wah guitar, horn stabs and is one aimed straight for the dance-floor. Written by Hélio Matheus, it was released on a 7” and four track EP on Som Livre records in 1974 and 1975 respectively. Brazilian record digger and DJ hero DJ Nuts included ‘Marraio’ in his epic mixtape ‘Cultura Cópia’ back in 2004.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      On the flip we keep the funk-vibes going but drop the tempo. The late-great Marcia Maria’s AOR/Rio-funk slow-jam ‘Oh! Man’ was only released on a 7” single on Odeon Records in 1979. It features the distinctive sounds of Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti in the production team.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cover of Now You've Got The Upper Hand / You're Acting Kind Of Strange by Candi Staton / Chappells.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Candi Staton / Chappells

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now You've Got The Upper Hand / You're Acting Kind Of Strange

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Deptford Northern Soul Club

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Northern Soul 45 featuring two super-rare sounds. The A side features Candi Staton’s ‘Now You’ve Got The Upper Hand’, a record that goes for over £2000. Released briefly in 1969, it was soon withdrawn as Candi went on to top the charts around the world with a string of hits. A gorgeous upbeat gem that’s gained a huge reputation on the Northern scene, remastered for maximum effect. A must have for any Candi fan ahead of her UK dates in 2020. The flipside features another super rare side, Chappells’ ‘You’re Acting Kind Of Strange’, which is out there for around £350 if you can find a copy. Features the non-strings version from 1969. An emotional rollercoaster from the East Baltimore quintet, remastered for maximum effect.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Change The World / Try, Try by Solat.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solat

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Change The World / Try, Try

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is hard to think of many 7” singles where both sides are as heavy as this one! Change The World / Try, Try was released in 1977 by Solat, a Dutchbased funk group made up of Surinamese and Dutch-Antillian musicians. Formed after ex-band members of Reality / Tony And Reality; Eddy Veldman, Franky Douglas, Ivor Mitchell and Glenn Gaddum teamed up with singer Billy Jones, Solat went on to release two singles for Poker records.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        With its crossover nature, it pleases disco, funk and modern-soul collectors and DJs alike, plus due to only been released in the Netherlands, the record has now become an extremely sought-after item with a high price tag to match. Both amazing cuts are aimed straight for the dance-floor, but retain conscious and positive messages that are as relevant now as they were back then. ‘Change The World’ is an anthemic feel-good disco funk gem, whilst ‘Try, Try ‘ is reminiscent of a Mizell Brothers golden-era production. Mr Bongo present a replica edition with dinked centre and original cover and label artwork, for all to enjoy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Millie says: Reissue of these 1977 gem ‘Change The World’ and ‘Try, Try’ are funk and soul essentials to have on vinyl, it’s been highly sought after for years and the time is here to play these classics loud.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of You Can Make The Change / What People Say About Love by Madcliff.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Madcliff

                                                                                                                                                                                                        You Can Make The Change / What People Say About Love

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Soul Brother

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Madcliff recorded one album in 1977 from which come these two tracks for the first time on 7” single. Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, Bassist and Keyboardist Chris Hills wrote the songs and was integral to the group before joining Players Association. The killer cut is the funk bomb “You Can Make The Change” which was made popular by Keb Darge at his legendary deep funk nights and has been sought after ever since.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Millie says: If you’re in need of some more funk in your life – look no further. Two killer tracks from Madcliff are on fire with these catchy lyrics and irresistible grooves . First time pressed on 7” which won’t be around for long!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Dromedary / Super Express by Talking Drums.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Talking Drums

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dromedary / Super Express

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Talking Drums

                                                                                                                                                                                                        After a global trek we're back at base camp with a pair of thrillers from the chiller for your next rumble in the jungle...

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Prepare to take a cosmic cruise on the A side with 'Dromedary', a masterclass in daft drum-breaks, Saharan strings and syrupy synth-lines perfect for Arabian nights and disco daze. This one's been a TD sure shot since their first parties, so it's high time they shared the love boat.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Move to the flip for an interdimensional trip, as TD Transport welcomes you aboard the 'Super Express', a lysergic locomotive burning up the mainline from Mos Eisley to Mumbai. Linn drum lasers lock into a lurching groove, fuelling the furnace as we blast past Bollywood, take a detour into the Metro Area and arrive right on schedule to save your party.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        100% Drum fun guaranteed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Limited pressing inc. hand numbered insert...


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Those Talking Drums return with the all important record number three. Losing none of their spectacular source material and keeping the knife work deft and creative, fashioning two fabulous garments to dress the dancefloor with.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                                                                                                                                                        12" Info: Limited 12" with hand numbered insert...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Hierbas by Rune Lindbaek.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rune Lindbaek

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hierbas

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Drum Island

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rune's ever dependable Drum Island return for a new decade with a life-affirming celebration of the sunset moments which underpin his always excellent output. "Hierbas" has been causing euphoric dancefloor moments for a handful of selectors for over a year, but it's now - as the nights bristle with cold air - that we receive this warming hug of a track, a brief window into the promise of summer, the freedom of letting loose outdoors, and then basking in the glow of love with the celebratory chug of "Mina Musica" and transcendent "San Augustin". Beautiful stuff from our favourite barefoot viking.



                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Rune returns to rock us horizontally, most notably with the punk-funk dub of sunset stormer "Hierbas", a proper party jam for the Balearic crowd. "Grisefest" wrongspeeds a Hans Hasse track (you may recognise from Basso's Proper Sunburn), Mina Musica gets Reich to the point, while "San Agustin" cuts the rhythm and lets us drift into heaven.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Whities 025 by Neinzer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Neinzer

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Whities 025

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Whities

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Taste-defining futurists of dancefloor kinetics, Whities, can always be relied upon to usher in the New Sound. Number 25 on the label is penned by one Neinzer, who turns his attention to some stupendously intoxicating vibrations landing somewhere between nu-minimal-wave, industrial techno and hi-tek shamanism.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The indefinable "Voyager" kicks things off: unquestionably technological in its outlook but unlike anything previously existing in the machine-code genre. Oscillators and tone generation growl, moan and buzz off the wax; while a steady metronomic pulse gives the piece momentum. The perfect track to create unfathomable levels of tension in the club.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Deff" is a glassy and rounded exercise in syncopation; with as many nods to Akufen and Herbert as there are to Monolake and Friedman. Talking perx, bell like tones and squelchy sfx all contorting our minds and bodies in unexpected ways.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Ronda" beguiles us with an opening Rhodes passage; teasing us into lullaby-like serenity with its calming and simple vocal utterances and fractal arrangement. The theme is continued from "Elliptical Footsteps" which sees fluttering atmosphere pasted against manipulated Rhodes and a push-pull, gently rocking action.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mixing serenity with arresting tension and cranium splitting sound design, Neinzer's highly unique and majestic piece is a wonder to behold and yet another reason to check out this imperative label. TIP!




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Worth it alone for the tightly wound coil of electronic tension that is "Voyager"; the B-side's exercises in electro-acoustic piano are ridiculously serene; late night technological lullabies to put us to rest. Neinzer's got bare talent when it comes to sound design and synthesis.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Drums & Steel Song by The Golden Sunshine Steel Band.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Golden Sunshine Steel Band

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Drums & Steel Song

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Kalakuta Soul Bahlo Records

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Snag this official re-Issue of hard-to-find private press steel drum reggae from Kalakuta Soul!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        They've joined forces with the infamous Jamaican based Bahlo Records and for their first collaborative release, they were able to license two songs originally released on a private pressed LP by the mighty Golden Sunshine Steel Band in 1980 that will definitely see you through day and night movements, whether you’re listening to it at home, on the road or in a furious set on a mind-blowing sound system. Mastered by Sean P and limited to 500 copies this is proper collector’s edition tackle folks and will disappear FAST. You have been warned!


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Fuck the rainstorms! This wicked 7" has even turned drizzly Manchester into a tropical paradise! Steel drum reggae with a wonderful likeness to a Kraftwerk classic!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Portamento / Dark, Slow by Dame Bonnet.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dame Bonnet

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Portamento / Dark, Slow

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Höga Nord Rekords

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Berlin based Dame Bonnet makes music influenced by post-punk and cold wave and with a primitive and reverb-drenched production he creates a tragic dream for the listener to sink in to. The music has a sentimental feel to it but the pretentions are avoided thanks to the direct sound and the unremitting drums which contributes to give the tracks a forward momentum instead of a sedentary feeling.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dame Bonnet makes sad, political club music which reminds us of the industrial and electronic unrest created in 80s England. Again, we live and ‘like’ in a society being pulled apart, and dominating neo-conservative views are as rife as ever as everyone stares hopelessly into their Instagram feeds for inspiration. Henceforth we’ve seen a rise of dark n jagged post-club music; and one of the better stables of this bleak new world music is Hoga Nord. Perfectly encapsulating all that is pathetic about the now; smothering it in black eyeliner and forcing out to play with the bullies and fascists with nothing but a red mohawk and a black trench coat. A needy catalyst for modern disillusionment. Recommended. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Close your instagram accounts! Have an argument with someone IRL! Make love the old the fashioned way! Dame Bonnet deconstructs the New World into the pathetic, sad and withering mess it's reduced itself too.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Black Hole EP by Ara-u.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ara-u

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Black Hole EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        No Static / Automatic

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Venezuelan electro producer Ara-u presents his first solo EP on newly launched label No Static/Automatic which follows his collaboration with Radioactive Man on Asking For Trouble in 2019.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Black Hole EP" carries three original tracks of raw, analogue machine music backed up by a bass-weighted, grinding remix from Carl Finlow. Support coming in from Andrew Weatherall (RIP), Radioactive Man, Jerome Hill and DJ Mag.




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Mega breaks n ruffage from this Keith Tenniswood affiliated cat from Venezuela. Nicely peppered with acid and biting harder than a wound-up Akita. Want!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Itinerant Dub 006 by Itinerant Dubs.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Itinerant Dubs

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Itinerant Dub 006

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Itinerant Dub

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Stored in a basement since 2016 and previously pressed on few acetates only. Acid-electro-dub-shamanism fused in pure Itinerant dub. Honestly, someone's been quaffing the moonrocks - this is some faarrrr ouuuttt shiiit maaann!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Akin to some of the mushroom capers released on Tax Free, some of Andy Rantzen's most wacky, and with elements of Krikor's industrial crack and rattle; two crater-crawling acid-dub exercises strictly for the inebriated!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Limited quants, move quick! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Yup, you know I be feelin' dis!! Sometimes the occasion demands melting into your nearest star cluster as you natter to the space fairies. Record's like this open up the communication channels.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Relics EP by Mammo.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mammo

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Relics EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Nduja

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Intriguing and mystery-fueled electronic discovery here from Mammo who unpacks three sonic quests for the intrepid and adventurous.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Ecosystem" is its tentative new steps across a digital soundscape. Tuff hydraulics churning up the terrafirma as synths hover in midair. "Summit" engages thrusters for a high speed drag race across the craters while "*.¥.*" extends the race out to the rainbow road for a hybrid touring car race through the outer cosmos! "Absorb" quickly engages the thrusters into power-down and cooling mode; a beatless excursion populated by icy synths and glassy pads as sonic-thermal-conduction ensures components don't overheat at the maximum velocity range. Impressive stuff; technical prowess and engineering ingenuity all combining to create a polished and advanced version of the future.




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Brave new sound worlds for techno and electro adventures. RIYL: John Shima, Huerco S, D. Ball, Afrodeutsch etc.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of JS02 by Jump Source.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jump Source

                                                                                                                                                                                                        JS02

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jump Source

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jump Source release their second record on in-house imprint JS with their heaviest endeavour yet. Four dense, forward-propelled cuts for smokey, low-ceiling dancefloors. Fast paced and littered with dub-techno artefacts, "Empathy Dub" rattles and ricochets of a rigid soundbed, like sonic fibraglass snapping back all that you throw at it. Fans of James Zeiter and cv313 are gonna love this one.. An interestingly titled "A Capella" then follows suit, but instead of ditching the instrumental stems for the vocal we're treated to a beatless and meandering synthesizer journey; again peppered with dub-delay and outerspatial fx and finding us landing in a deep pool of Martian plasma...

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Empathy Dub 2" will instantly pique the attention of any Basic Channel fans with its rootsical, dread-tek beat; whilst "Empathy Dub 3" concludes this highly elegant, late nite stepper with a trickski, intricate, interwoven journey into delicate, staccato sequences and a highly textural hi-def aesthetic. Mega stuff here, made in Montreal, delivered to the world and really quite exceptional. You need! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Who'da thunk the tried and tested dub-techno formula could still yield exciting and interesting results. Jump Source here proving the genre is anything but dead as they drop three, killer, beta-tested updates.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Fragments 5 by VV.AA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        VV.AA

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fragments 5

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hivern Discs

                                                                                                                                                                                                        While compilations tend to look backwards, 'Fragments' is far from being a retrospective. Since its launch in 2008, Hivern Discs has favoured a documentary approach, capturing the most vital and exciting sounds within its orbit at each particular moment. In keeping with the ethos of the label, this extensive compilation, comprising 29 new tracks across six 12"s, offers a panoramic glimpse of Hivern's present and gives indications as to its near future.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hivern take us laaaaate into the session with Volume 5 in their Fragments series, serving up more of that future proofed sci fi madness. As we slap the wax on the platter, Cooper Saver pops up in holgraphic form, flying us from wormhole to wonderland with a killer cosmic techno chugger a la Sombrero Galaxy, before frequent flyer Pional cooks up a sparse and spacey chamber electro cut called "Purple". Flip it and Marc Pinol (no relation) lets loose with the euphoric, acidic and uplifting "Vol De Nit" and relative newcomer Velmondo drops into a slow-fucking-mo slanked out zero gravity fuckbomb called "Transubstantiation". 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: The fifth edition of this superb series keeps the quality high, letting loose with the exceptional, intergalactic electro and then, what's this on the B2? Velmondo's brainmelting 82BPM curveball "Transubstantiation" that's what - worth the entry fee alone!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Fragments 6 by VV.AA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        VV.AA

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fragments 6

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hivern Discs

                                                                                                                                                                                                        While compilations tend to look backwards, 'Fragments' is far from being a retrospective. Since its launch in 2008, Hivern Discs has favoured a documentary approach, capturing the most vital and exciting sounds within its orbit at each particular moment. In keeping with the ethos of the label, this extensive compilation, comprising 29 new tracks across six 12"s, offers a panoramic glimpse of Hivern's present and gives indications as to its near future.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hivern's suuuuuuper sweet "Fragments" comp comes to its completion with this sixth edition of whacked out futuristic sound. For the final instalment, Samo DJ rescores Metropolis as a chilly electro-mambo, Oma Totem serve up the spooky tribal electronics and Shame On Us explore polyrhythm and patience with the pulsating and textures "Fingers Crossed". An excellent A-side gives way to the beats of the B, kicked off by the 95 BPM growl of Nadia D'Alo's "Ten-High Straight", a sexy, scary and sensual jam. Mioclono leads us down the home stretch on a chunky and dubby tech house tip via "Center Of Things" before Born Free affiliate Odopt brings down the curtain via the industrial groove of "Bretonn".

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: The sixth instalment of the Fragments series signs things off the right way, working through some forward thinking / backwards dancing electronics with a strange and spooky edge. A fitting send off.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Sandoz by Sandoz.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sandoz

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sandoz

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second Circle

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The fifteenth release on Second Circle sees the label’s first exploration into an artists archival works; this time bringing together a selection of four early tracks by the seminal English musician Richard H. Kirk under his Sandoz moniker.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        As founding member and driving force of pioneering Industrial band Cabaret Voltaire, Richard H. Kirk began his solo project Sandoz in 1992, evolving out of and running in parallel to Cabaret Voltaire’s evolution in sound from innovators of Industrial and post punk electronics towards pioneering works within Techno and House.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Taking the name from Sandoz Laboraties, a pharmaceutical company best known for inventing LSD in 1938, Kirk’s somewhat lesser known solo project evolved out of Cabs’ fascination and own development of Acid House and Rave culture, whilst leaning more heavily on Jamaican Reggae and Dub influences.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Presenting a selection of four mind-bending tracks, originally released between 1992-1993 on his very own Sheffield-based Intone label, SC015 further reveals Richard H. Kirk’s unique and visionary voice within electronic music.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Second Circle get archival here with one of Sheffield's finest Richard H. Kirk, of Cabaret Voltaire fame. Flavours on offer range from hypnotic fourth world house, Crystal Maze electro, new age dancers and evolutionary techno.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Have It Tall B/w Daily Gates by Afrikan Sciences.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Afrikan Sciences

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have It Tall B/w Daily Gates

                                                                                                                                                                                                        ESP Institute

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Afrikan Sciences hold time in one hand and space in the other. This is his first offering for the ESP Institute. Side A’s 'Have It Tall' boasts the characteristics of an improvised jam session. Tipped-off in a theme of rapid-fire percussion and an innocent chord progression, each instrument ventures into its own loosely carved space, allowing squelching sporatic bursts of bassline, rhodes piano twinkles and a frenetic funky drummer pattern that haphazardly cuts in and out, to coexist without ever stepping on one another’s toes. The production is simultaneously aggressive and mesmerizing, bright cracking punctuations alternate with a fat rolling bottom end, all elements dry and present. On side B’s 'Daily Gates', things are a little slower to get rolling. Currents of swirling synth chords carry over from the previous side, but here we’re dragged across a long and thumping upright bass intro. The fabric of instrumentation casually weaves itself over a 5 minutes of liberally syncopated rimshots, hi-hats and snaps, before a guitar interjects with a triumphant and otherworldly melody, a brief shot of glowing optimism before returning us to a heavy cosmic slop. These two songs have built the end into the beginning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Decidedly future-focused and refined, modern dancefloor exotica here from technology purists Afrikan Sciences that'll appeal equally to fans of electro-acoustic luminaries Burnt Friedman & Jan Jelinek.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Automatic Dub 2 - Inc. Rex The Dog / Cabletoy Remixes by Wolfram.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wolfram

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Automatic Dub 2 - Inc. Rex The Dog / Cabletoy Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Public Possession

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second edition of Wolframs “Automatic Dub”, the Über Hit originally released in 2018. Wolfi has put some new touches on his dub & handed the material to Rex The Dog and Cabletoy. Rex got back with some high energy trance, while Cabletoy takes a whole other route getting extra Balearic. High energy and full spectrum throughout, keeping all corners of the dancefloor satisfied. Mega!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Public Possession return with their in-house allstar, Wolfram. If buzzing electro-disco (that verges into trance on Rex The Dog's remix..) is your thing then register your interest pronto!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Ket City by Scott Young.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Scott Young

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ket City

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Discos Capablanca

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hypnotic, scuffed dancefloor movements, dub-dilated drum workouts &
                                                                                                                                                                                                        heavy-lidded ambient zones. Made in Hong Kong before the storm, Manchester and Bristol.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Born and raised in Hong Kong, Scott Young’s music traverses a wide sonic palette, encapsulating leftfield dance music, musique concrete, experimental film soundtracks and lush ambient excursions. Following a noteworthy appearance on Samo DJ’s Born Free imprint, a series of accomplished releases on Discos Capablanca and a mesmeric contribution to the 2019 Opal Tapes compilation ‘Amateur Vampires’, Young returns with his most significant output to date. Comprised of five tracks that work towards different styles, ‘Ket City’ is intended as an intimate ode to the United Kingdom, and a response to the oppression of algorithmically filtered modernity and the drudgery of work. Diving into hypnotic, artfully fractured dancefloor movements, dub-dilated drum workouts & heavy-lidded ambient zones, ‘Ket City’ is a diverse prospect that nevertheless reveals the execution of a unique signature.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: A hilariously named EP that, thankfully, delivers in terms of quality and imagination. It's as wacky and drug-indebted as the title gives it credit for, but easily deserved of sober ears also.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of By Your Side - Remixes Part 3 - Inc. Gallo / Yuri Shulgin / Cantoma / Lucas Croon Remixes by Calm.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Calm

                                                                                                                                                                                                        By Your Side - Remixes Part 3 - Inc. Gallo / Yuri Shulgin / Cantoma / Lucas Croon Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hell Yeah

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Completing a red hot trio of remix EPs of Calm’s "By Your Side" album is this final part with Lucas Croon, Cantoma and Gallo and Yuri Shulgin all serving up expansive and mind altering new versions.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        He doesn’t release often but when he does you need to listen to Lucas Croon. His unique take on ‘Before Landing’ is a proper dance floor heater to get you on your toes. Once you're there, a gentle rush of rave euphoria tases over you and sends shivers down your spine as old school breakbeats and glowing pads complete the trip.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Elsewhere, long time Balearic pin up, scene hero and all round blissed out boss man Phil Mison has a new album coming the spring. Before that, he becomes Cantoma for a timeless version of ‘You Can See The Sunrise Again’ that has bright blue skies and jaunty chords making you move.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Regular label artist homie Gallo is in the form of his life right now - he's resident DJ at Hell Yeah's weekly Balearic night Buena Onda in Berlin, has a growing reputation for being one of the best eclectic selectors in the game and is currently working on compiling the forthcoming BUENA ONDA comp with label head Marco. He gets long legged on his deep cut remix of ‘Sky Color Passing’ which is another killer that slowly but surely works you in a slow motion acid trance.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Completing this most exquisite outing is Yuri Shulgin, a multi-instrumentalist music producer from Tajikistan with credits on Cocktail d'Amore Music. His spellbinding take on 'Ending of Summer, Beginning of Autumn' is a fusion of jazz, leftfield and electronica will have you in a spin and your head lost in the clouds amongst the twinkling stars and cosmic pads.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Marco flexes the Hell Yeah Rolodex yet again, inviting a ridiculous cast of production talent to complete this triptych of Calm conversions. Berlin based Gallo gives us a divine and dreamy chugger, Yuri Shulgin indulges both the arps and his inner Gilmour for a cosmic expedition, Phil Mison enjoys a PSB-oogie by the Med, before Lucas Croon gets ravey with a basement friendly future breaks romp.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Deep Cover / Bad Ways by Dr Dre / Too Short.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Dre / Too Short

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Deep Cover / Bad Ways

                                                                                                                                                                                                        West Coast Classics

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Straight West Coastin' right here folks, as we find out exactly what happens when Compton and Long Beach together on the A-side, and indulge in a bit of the pimp lifestyle on the flip. Originally released in 1992, "Deep Cover" (recorded for the soundtrack of the movie of the same name) was Dre's first volley after leaving NWA, and what a sureshot it was! Built on arguably his hardest ever beat, the cut depicts a drug deal gone bad and an police attempt to turn Dre, and his accomplice Snoop Doggy Dogg (who shows of an outrageous flow on his first ever appearance) into snitches - the result, well, "It's 187 on an undercover cop!" On the flip, smooth mofo Too $hort, Studd, Murda One and Joe Riz trade tales of the ghetto over a sultry and steamy G-funk instrumental with a super squelching bassline. Shouts to the world wide West!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: It's been a while since I dedicated some time to my teenage obsession with the West Coast, but man "Deep Cover" still bangs. Not only does the beat SLAP, but Snoop's debut is basically as cool as it gets! Flip it for the BBQ sauce of Too Short's "Bad Ways", another essential from an OG!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Kisloty Forever EP by Schacke.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Schacke

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Kisloty Forever EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Клуб / Kisloty

                                                                                                                                                                                                        'Kin ell we've been waiting a while for this 'un!! One of the most talked about records of the summer is now available to all. A tribute to St Peterburg's legendary Kisloty club and a must have for fans of VTSS, Courtesy, Clouds and all forms of hard n rapid dance music.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Opening with the bleak ambience of "Don't Look For Me", gusting icy winds through the deserted cityscape (presumably cos everyone's inside the club getting at it...).

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Klub Theme" thrusts us right into that 3am mainline; strobes and lazers on full blast with frequent huffs of poppers thrust down our nose. Reminiscent of the harder edge of techno, skirting dangerously close to gabba but in a tasteful and accomplished style - strictly for the brave!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Kisloty People" is more playful but none less energetic as it deploys a crazed vocal loop over slamming tekno beatz. Surely a big one with Villalobos and DJ Bone, this fiery inferno of techno goodness has ANTHEM written all over its narcy grooves. Don't believe us? Ask the 70K soundcloud users buzzing their tits off this track right now!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Anyone needing anymore convincing need look no further than the galvanized metallic techno of "Check It" which concludes this essential record with summat Ben Sims or Surgeon will get plenty use of out int' field.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        You need this.




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Tough but anthemic, if "Kisloty People" doesn't become a future White Hotel anthem I'll eat my own slipmats!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Rim That Snare by 131 BPM.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        131 BPM

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rim That Snare

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Vitamina Musica

                                                                                                                                                                                                        131BPM is a young French DJ and music producer based in Berlin.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        He has already been bringing his sassy and bouncy vibe to Paris, Milan, Berlin and London. Always sweaty and sexy, his sets are very eclectic, built from punchy techno to vocal trax smattered with electro & breakbeat, as well as Chicago ghetto house and 90´s groovy tracks.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        He has played in Whole Festival in Ferropolis, Lecken in Berlin, Sous Tes Reins in Paris, and in Milan for Vitamina where he is a resident.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Rim The Snare" details his fun-loving, hard hitting and arresting sound perfectly. File alongside Leon Vynehall, Daniel Avery, Modeselektor and Big Miz. Big room party tracks for the massive!


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Big room party tracks for the massive! Upfront, fresh and huge with tuned in dancefloors.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Price Of Love by Rev. Harvey Gates.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rev. Harvey Gates

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Price Of Love

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Aquarian / Salvation Rock

                                                                                                                                                                                                        With its killer drum break and sweet piano arrangement courtesy of Zelpha Wells, "Price Of Love" stands as a manifesto of Harvey Gates' musical vision, which was clearly ahead of its time; the song, written in 1978, give us a glimpse of what was to come in the following decades. Soulful, humanist gospel blessed by the deepest funk - frankly a beat digger's dream! Salvation Rock drop the first and only official repress on original format, beautifully presented in a thick cardboard company sleeve and full label original artwork. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Now, while Kanye may be onto something with his Sunday Service project (unpopular opinion - I love Kanye), Rev. Harvey Gates was fusing funk and gospel all the way back in the day. These two deep nuggets are as soulful as music gets while maintaining maximum emphasis on THE GROOVE!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Funky Dopeman by Jim Sharp.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jim Sharp

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Funky Dopeman

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Soul By The Pound

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Back again with a pair of edits in the lower BPM spectrum, Jim Sharp takes us on a regional tour of the South. Side A, breaks down then reassembles an early West Coast gangsta hit, Dopeman. Us-ing the OG drums and extending the breaks, this will rock dance floors and bass bins alike. The B side, takes us to the Dirty South with 808 kicks, sprinkler Hi-Hats and sweet Soul music. I Chose You Could be dropped at a bounce party or a wedding. Willie Hutch sounds like an International Player with the revamped construction and drums. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Jim Sharp does his thing for Soul By The Pound here, breaking down and building up NWA classic "Dopeman" as a bass heavy, break-led beast then recreating that killer beat from UGK's "Int'l Players Anthem" on the flip.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Dusty Donuts 17 by Various Artists.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Various Artists

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dusty Donuts 17

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dusty Donuts

                                                                                                                                                                                                        To the Wesssstside! Side A is treated with heavy synth play by Doc Flex infused with a funky guitar lick to get everybody Lifted in the club from the Gin & Juice. It’s enough for George to change his surname to McDre. On the flip, Evelyn let’s us know the The Show Is Over and also How We Do It on a smooth soulful stroll down Crenshaw Blvd. Two G-Funk tracks that are cold as Ice Cubes. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Massive Mash Ups here from Doc Flex and NMX as George McRae's "I Get Lifted" meets "Gin N Juice" and Evelyn King's "The Show Is Over" gets a full extension over Ice Cube's "You Know How We Do It".

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Step In To Our Life by Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Roy Ayers & Wayne Henderson

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step In To Our Life

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dynamite Cuts

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dynamite cuts has another Roy Ayers 7” releases, this time, a collaboration with Wayne Henderson. Both of these tracks have never been on 7” before. A side is a laid back groove with hip-hop feel. The B-side “For Real” a little known cover version of the Flowers Anthem, which sell for £2k+. So that Make this release a gem of a find 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Now, the modern room two step of the A-side is as sweet a fusion headnodder as you're likely to hear, but this release is all about the flip, an insanely funky cover of super rare Flowers jam "For Real". Dope!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Lovely Lady / Joy & Pain by Vernon Burch.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Vernon Burch

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Lovely Lady / Joy & Pain

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dynamite Cuts

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Boom! Dynamite Cuts gives a 7" debut to Vernon Burch's heartfelt and funky rare groover "Lovely Lady" with a special disco edit of "Joy & Pain" for company on the flip. Swinging through the slow dancers on a rolling bassline, the soulful and emotional "Lovely Lady" is a sureshot for deep listeners and fans of true musicality, while the break-heavy disco-funk of "Joy And Pain" is a little more to the point with a sizzling guitar solo.



                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Vernon Burch is one funky MF (just ask Dee-Lite), and he puts the groove in our heart with two super cool rare groovers on one portable 7". Feels like summer's just round the corner...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Split 01 by Darling & Ben Penn.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Darling & Ben Penn

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Split 01

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Safe Trip

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Flawless label Safe Trip continue to be no.1 choice in Kickin' Pigeon's record bag with another doozy of a 12" from the impeccable stable.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Whether it's reissuing lost ambient / Italian house classics, delivering kwaito-flavoured afro-house belters or providing a home for some of the most unique production to have graced the dancefloor in recent years, the label's always on point regarding taste, manufacture and styling.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Double A-side here, collaborative effort, one side each for Darling and Ben Penn. Darling's "Sierra" is a glistening, high speed ride into technicoloured late nite house music. Peppered with high register licks and driven by gliding bass plumes it'll sound great next to Planet-E and Art Recordings releases.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ben Penn adopts his rain strck and poncho for the shamanic house offering, "Trouble". Synthesized perc powering the track as a whole manner of digital marimbas and wailing synth lines twist wind and weave through the track. Magical! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Yup it's another doozy from one of my favourite labels. Serendipitously turning their attention to two of my favourite styles - late nite house music and esoteric shamanic business. The label's like catalogue of all my favourite styles and flavours...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Eastern Codes by East Man.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        East Man

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eastern Codes

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Padre Himalaya

                                                                                                                                                                                                        East Man returns with a four track EP that explores his own hi-tek take on grime, stripping everything down to the raw, bare essentials.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Opening the EP is "Fight For A Cause", a rough and fuzzy sub bass driven exercise in beat science that draws as much upon dancehall as it does grime. The second track, "Selector", is a straight up DJ tool, utilizing an alternating 32 bar pattern interspersed with splashes of pirate radio chatter.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The flip side opens with the storming "Bandit Country". The subdued intro lulling you into a false sense of security before the beats and bass are unleashed in full attack mode, the relentless onslaught pausing only briefly midway for you to catch your breath before continuing on it's devastating path. The closing track, "Darkage", is an ominous brooding affair that those of you familiar with East Man's sets will know well.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        One for the technical & upfront DJ's!


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: East Man continues to blur the boundaries and cross the streams (Excuse me? - Ed), mixing dancehall, grime, techno and ehtnic instrumentation into a heady pot of right now business.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Remember / Dream On by Gino Soccio.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Gino Soccio

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Remember / Dream On

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Groovin

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tasty repress of Gino Soccio's cosmic classic, "Remember". Handy as it's actually been out of press since 1982! Well rinsed by Baldelli and Beppe Loda, Alfredo and sonofapizza man, it's yearning, Italo desire is resplendent from the very get go and those phazed, galloping synthlines just draw you ever inwards to its hypnotic core.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On the flip, electro-disco styles are presented with aplomb on "Dream On". A funky, driving, feel-good groover that'll impose big wide smiles on anyone dancing to its greatness.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tasty re-ish that's we've waited an eternity for! Don't sleep...


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Hard to believe this has been out of press since 1982 but it has! Big spin with Full Beam!'s sonofapizza man; Gino's electro-disco grooves have gotta be some of the most seductive of the genre...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Sick Universe Demands Sharing by SUDS.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        SUDS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Sick Universe Demands Sharing

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Anno

                                                                                                                                                                                                        **ALERT!! - Stupendously fresh vibrations within!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        >> Mindblowin' sound manipulations from SUDS, a collaboration between Christoph De Babalon, whose previously spearheaded Alec Empire's Digital Hardcore Recordings as well as co-founding Cross Fade Enter Tainment (CFET); and Wilted Woman - a multifaceted artist gracing a plethora of cassette labels from Wicked City, Private Archive and birdFriend and put out a number of tasty 7" releases on Primitive Languages.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The music is totally out of this world. A mix of re-imagined dance music tropes, thrown chaotically into a simmering melee of digital interference and overdriven hardware, Opener, "Shuttlecock Fanfare" is as skippy a slice of dark side jungle as one could hope for while it's successor, "Trauerweide" defies any current genre boundaries entirely as it deploys analogue notes, heavenly pads and a concoction of holographic sfx into a completely unique musical form - superb!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Sad And Done" ups the ante even more with creative bass plumes expertly mixed to formulate a heady space track that'll cause ripples of excitement both through nightclub dancefloors and your cerebral cortex with its tantalizing palette. "Mirage March" ends on a mournful precession through sparse, baron lands.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        With programming flair akin to Monolake and an obvious obsession with modern technologies; SUDS have succeeded in grasping that rare magical place which pushes away all existing electronica tropes yet invites the listener into a friendly and evocative space. Masterful! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Completely new soundscapes and aural-flora to be explored here folks. Picturesque, clever and with tons of programming flair. SUDS soundtrack new world exploration perfectly.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Frndzne 03 by Violet / Denham Audio.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Violet / Denham Audio

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Frndzne 03

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Frendzone

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Frendzone returns with another split EP featuring tracks from Violet and Denham Audio, and if it's upfront dancefloor presha you're after, then look no further!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Violet opens up with the hoover n breaks-indebted, "Second Nature"; which planets itself confidently in warehouse territory. Rugged and ravey with a token smiley face melting thru its stems. Second track, "Above The Clouds" sees the producer turn his hand to some precision engineered jungle ruffness. A melee of swirl sax licks, buzzsaw bass and chopped breaks ensures maximum energy every time on this spin.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Denham Audio takes over side B with two slower track utilizing classic dancefloor vox. The first, sampling Soul II Soul, sees a vintage breakbeat and stoner pads applied for a classic downbeat, come-down anthem. The second uses the tried n tested "Love Sensation" snip, and drops some luminous pads and piercing strings before a pneumatic and up-to-date bass hybrid beat hurtles in over more vocal choppage.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Classic stuff that guaranteed to work in the dance! Check!




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Really feeling Violet's contribution on this one. One for the warehouse gremlins and one for the jungle rollers'. Tight and tuff standards from this new cat. Check!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Diamond Life 08 by Necrotype.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Necrotype

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Diamond Life 08

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Diamond Life

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Following on from 2018's Yosei 12” Necrotype returns to Diamond Life for 2 more cuts of top shelf junglism.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On A-side track "Fever" he slaps us around the face with multiple layers of meticulously programmed hardcore breaks, juxtaposed by the sweetest of pads and stuttering synth stabs.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "So Fine" is a slow burner, starting off sounding almost like an 80s R&B jam, over the course of 4 minutes it builds up towards its second drop, morphing into a lush jungle D&B roller.


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Market leader in new jungle, Coco Bryce signs more top drawer ruffage from Necrotype. Double A-side for maximum damage on the waltzers...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Straight Jacket / Get Funky by The Beatnuts.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Beatnuts

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Straight Jacket / Get Funky

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Old Chillin

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bangers from the Beatnuts yo! Old Chillin pluck a couple of utter head nodders from the Queens' duo's 1994 debut LP, and slap 'em on either side of a party sized 7". On the A-side we get golden age boom bap with snatches of the Beasties and ODB chucked in for good measure, meanwhile "Get Funky" kicks a Roy Ayers sample into overdrive for the hip hop kids.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Old Chillin' come through with a pair of total bong-rippers here from Queens duo Beatnuts' 1994 debut, now cherry picked and sprinkled on a tasty 7" joint.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Vinyl Collection by Ben & The Platano Group.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ben & The Platano Group

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Vinyl Collection

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dynamite Cuts

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mega rare and collection Ben and Platano group is for me another Long awaiting 45s release. Massive B-boy dance “Platano split is worth its weight in Gold!!!! And Castle Battle – just gets me every time. Hammond groove!!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Hefty double pack of HEAVY HEAVY psych funk here on Dynamite Cuts, coming all the way live for the B-boys and trapdoor obsessives.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Symphonium EP by Drivetrain.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Drivetrain

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Symphonium EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dark Groove

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Originally released on Soiree Records International in 1993, Drivetrain's "Symphonium EP" has been known to fetch upwards of £100! Handy then that Dark Groove have aquired the master tapes in order to produce a mighty fine replicer for us here!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Deep, heads down flavours are order of the day as the EP traverses house and techno in sophisticated fashion. Derrick Thompson is somewhat of an underrated production genius, and on this 12" he really finds his flow! Limited copies so move quick if you want one!




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: An obscure but highly desired nugget for those that know of its existance. Mid 90s, Derrick Thompson-penned deep house beast that slays all. Now available for all!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Conscience Dream by Timeline.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Timeline

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conscience Dream

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Underground Resistance

                                                                                                                                                                                                        **LIMITED REPRESS**

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Timeline marks the third and final record to emanate from the UR camp this year and displays the label's love of hi-tech jazz to an unconquerable power. "Light My Fire" is just pure Detroit jazz house joy, live licks meeting a loose and sloppy house beat while liquid soul vocals fly over the top. Bumpety basement / loft house music - so good. "Moment In Marseille" is an eyes down groover, delicate piano chords meeting a subtle refrain and gentle saxophone licks. Again, ever-so-subtle vocal sections are finely crafted into the mix. Another smooth burner undeniable Detroitian. Finally "Next Step 4wrd" returns to the infectious grooves of the first track; mixing weaving piano lines, staccato string stabs plus undeniable funky drums to a slow but breathtaking crescendo. UR is back with a vengeance! Recommended. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Back in stock! Proper banger from the last salvo of UR bombs. Was fetching big money blah blah blah. "Light My Fire" - UR house music at its very best

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of The ECZtasy EP by Ruf Dug.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ruf Dug

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The ECZtasy EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ruf Kutz

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fresh new one from the Ruf Kutz stable as the man himself takes the reins. Wielding Casio's infamous CZ5000 for maximum smiley flavour throughout!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The glassy and exploratory nature of the keyboard is present from the off as "Inward Conversation Process" takes us on a sun-flecked boat ride down some Amazonian river basin. Ruffy's on deck, piloting the hull at a smooth 15 knots as toucans, parakeets and green palms dart by.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Wet Play Banger" sees our trusty cyberpunk unpack a tribute tool dedicated to the club night he's co-run over the last decade, Sure to cause eruptions of chaos in the White Hotel's mist system come 4AM it's a taut and tense piece and perfectly fitting to the erogenous nature of the party's later hours....

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Shoppin" graces the flip with a tasty, scintillating slice of tropical nu-boogie. Traditional Jomox drums and unquantized keyboard passages the now Ruf Dug trademark as he turns his hand to these classic dancefloor tropes as easily as he rocks the discotheques of the world's tastier nightspots.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Fruity Dance" is an apt name for the record's conclusion; a melee of digital instrumentation from marimbas to steel perc and a dizzying, winding synthline that ties our feet in knots. It's a unique, charismatic and highly engrossing end to this remarkable EP from this producer that continues to surprise and reinvent the dancefloor. Highly recommended!




                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: MCR dance music ambassador chief Ruf Dug deploys a cheekily named but completely vital vinyl nugget with four dancefloor-ready offerings.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of PL 004 by Steady Income Band.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Steady Income Band

                                                                                                                                                                                                        PL 004

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Pond Life

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let's face it, there's an impossible amount of music out in the world, and sorting the beauties from the beasts is a time consuming task. Lucky then that your local (or global) vinyl pushers at Piccadilly delight in finding the finest music available then making the friendly introductions to your ears. Armed with a magnifying glass and a jam jar, we make like a Year 4 science lesson to find this musical masterpiece, coming, as it does from Berlin imprint Pond Life. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                        The label's fourth release since its 2018 inception, this highly limited 7" is the work of the mysterious Steady Income Band (who may or may not be M*x Gr**f and good buddy Gl*nn As**o), who take time away from recent forays into electroacoustic hypnosis and rainforest techno to treat us to a pair of power Balearic gems dripping in DX7 charm. On the A-side faux-panpipes, fretless bass and aquatic pads shimmer like a warped VHS copy of Romancing The Stone, slinking into a perfect coastal groove before a blast of Miami Vice guitar heralds the cinematic 80s snare which takes us home. It's far and away the best Balearic 7" we've had in store for aaages, and that's without sampling the skewed tribal electronics of the flipside, a highly mixable addition to any cosmic set. This one gets the highest recommendation!

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: What an absolute delight! I dunno if I'm allowed to spill the beans on this mysterious duo, but they've been on fire of late with releases on Tax Free and Delta Rain Dance, and this limited 7" delivers an uber Balearic killer on the A-side (synth pipes, oceanic pads, fretless bass, Phil Collins snare) with a wicked tribal electronix workout on the flip. Buy on sight!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Nightlife by Blair.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Blair

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Nightlife

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Spaziale

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The first officially licensed, re-mastered reissue of the late ‘70s rare groove classic, "Nightlife" from original Blackbyrds guitarist, Barney 'Blair' Perry. Original 12” copies of this New York, soul-crooning, boogie masterpiece trade hands for £225+ and with the likes of DJ Harvey and Mr Scruff putting it on rotation, this reissue is serious news for those in the know.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Only a member of the Blackbyrds for their first two albums, penning their hit "Walking in Rhythm", by 1978 Perry had released this lone solo gem that would go unappreciated until the ‘90s rare groove scene embraced it. The title cut, "Nightlife" is a boogie funk madness, drenched in sleazy synths and dripping with trademark Perry guitar solos, soul-soaked vocals and straight-up, NYC style.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On the flip - more than 7 minutes of blissful fusion vibes going by the name of "Virgo Princess", heavy on the sweeping strings and kind of eyes closed, lean-back riffs you'd hope for with Barney at the controls!


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Finally! One of those records that only seemed accessible via the (thankfully illicit) Rusty's Dusty Disco; we now get a fully licensed, and sounding super hot reissue. Rejoice!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Systems Up, Windows Down by HAAi.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        HAAi

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Systems Up, Windows Down

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mute

                                                                                                                                                                                                        A need for experimentation, exploring new sounds and new ways of making music - the inspiration driving Mute’s newest signing HAAi: the Australian-born London-based DJ who continues an incredible couple of years by announcing her first EP on the prestigious label. Inspired by a chance trip to Berghain, HAAi started DJing by digging into a wealth of music on the psychedelic spectrum from around the globe. Her Coconut Beats parties in Dalston led to shows on Rinse FM and Worldwide FM and eventually to a prestigious residency at the London club Phonox where Throssell played Saturday nights for two years. As her residency came to end, BBC Radio 1 broadcast her Essential Mix which went on to win the accolade of the Best Essential Mix Of The Year, alumni of which include Helena Hauff, Caribou, Nicolas Jaar and Ben Klock. HAAi was then granted a monthly Radio 1 slot, which continues into 2020.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The new release, "Systems Up, Windows Down", feels like an evolution from the previous releases on her own label. With a more mature, dancefloor focused sound, full of heavy basslines, breaks and crisp percussive electronics, she has experimented more and pushed the boundaries of her production. The opening track includes the revving of her stepdad’s 60s Mustang engine on "It's Something We Can All Learn From" she uses an almost forgotten artefact from a trip to Marrakech and "CHONKIBOI" is grounded in an earwormy ritualistic vocal. "6666" was initially composed for the Genesis stage at Glastonbury and has since grown to be a monster of a tune, adding a tougher element to the EP. The closing track is a ten-minute burner which has been garnering love over the summer festivals.


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Never has an artist caused so much joyful, arresting discomfort as HAAi! Reminiscent of just how little sense Modeselektor made (but how much fun they were) when they first burst onto the scene, and making me feel painfully old by simply not already being up on this cat; HAAi should be what every kid across the country is pissing off their parents with. Incredible.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Hello World / Taking A Break by Gabe Knox.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Gabe Knox

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Hello World / Taking A Break

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Polytechnic Youth

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Two fabulously infectious synth pop gems that contain Gabe’s uncanny knack for killer hooks and unerring ear for playfulness within his amazingly melodic electronica.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        These two tunes precede a 10” mini LP with PY later in the year and contain an interesting back story which we’ll allow Gabe to explain: “In 1982 at the height of the first Personal Computer boom, I was commissioned by a company called Automated Micro-Systems to compose and record some demonstration music on a prototype of what was going to be a home computer/music studio aimed at musicians called "MusiComputer". The system was a combination of analog synth, drum machine, and 4-track cassette recorder all housed in and controlled by an 8-bit computer. From what I understand, certain world events and a recession disrupted the supply chain, and it became unfeasible to bring the product to market, so the project was scrapped. I was recently sent the master tapes by someone involved with the project and have done my best to duplicate the concept artwork for the cover”.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Barry says: Another absolute classic from Polytechnic Youth, with this rich synthesis retropspective from the ever excellent Gabe Knox. Soaring krautroctaves and swirling oscillators work their way around blipping melodic hooks and a driven, CR-78-y backline. 'Talking A Break' is a particular favourite.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of From The Bottom Of My Heart (Disco Socks) / Sarasota (Que Bueno Esta) by Omni.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Omni

                                                                                                                                                                                                        From The Bottom Of My Heart (Disco Socks) / Sarasota (Que Bueno Esta)

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Terrestrial Funk

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Traveling time to the year 1979 we find ourselves on the Gulf Coast of Florida in a city called Sarasota. Sal Garcia leads Omni, the resident band at the Columbia, a Spanish restaurant operating in the city since the turn of the century. Sal and his band look to record a single ironically called Disco Sucks but the restaurant isn't willing to fund a record with the word 'sucks' in it, so the band changes the track title to 'Disco Socks'. The song is a disco odyssey with driving drums, ethereal flutes, playful lyrics, and a synth solo for the gods. On the b side there's a little latin number called 'Sarasota (Que Bueno Esta)'. An ode to their city, the song praises Sarasota for its beautiful women and precious beaches. Sal is still living his dream playing at piano bars in the city. Terrestrial Funk provides you with the first officially licensed reissue of this rare disco 12". Floridian Love.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Flashlight / Flashlight (Masalo Remix) by Tom Noble.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tom Noble

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Flashlight / Flashlight (Masalo Remix)

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rush Hour

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Superior Elevation's Tom Noble debuts on the Store jams imprint with a loud 12" two-tracker. Going on a full throttle disco tip, "Flashlight" is heady enough to play alongside the latest house music but still possessing that original flair and musicality from the golden era. Flanging guitar strums, swirling keyboard textures and a rock solid, octave bassline all keep in-the-pocket with driving, 4/4 drums and light conga patterns.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On the flip Masalo flips it into a technicoloured electro-boogie romp with gated arp bassline, more glistening keyboard textures and in this case, an electronic drum palette.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Both tracks are impeccable to the stylistic origins and will be feverishly sought after by collectors of disco and boogie. Big TIP on this one folks! 


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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Meta by Milord.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Milord

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Meta

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Pinchy & Friends

                                                                                                                                                                                                        After hitting the bullseye with each of their first three releases, P&F Recordings returns with it’s fourth release, beaming out of Napoli with a f-f-f-fresh four track EP from Milord (known to many as one half of the duo “The Normalmen” and one-third of “The Mystic Jungle Tribe”).
                                                                                                                                                                                                        M • E • T • A / M • U • S • I • C. is one part vintage library-music studio wizardry another part lowkey house. Imagine a slinky G-funk synth at a new-age retreat, a spacey kraut jam at an eighties video arcade - all at once familiar, yet unglued from any particular moment in time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Fully living up to its name, opening gambit "Transcendental Experience" drifts through an IC-style cloud of billowing pads, laser guided keys and new age percussion idents. Things switch into cosmic boogie territory for "The Kemetist", a low and loose club-cut for the weirdos led by a frazzled motif and synth bass. I would think this plays great with that Phaser Boys EP on Aiwo. "Infinite Balance" continues to shake a leg between boogie, street sounds electro and new age, exploring the overlap between Herbie's "Earthbeat" and Paul's "Rainforest". Milord drops the tempo but ups the temperature on the titular closer, delivering a tropical groover topped with Asian melodies and backed with a gentle 808-bell groove.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        12 Inch Picture Sleeve shrink wrapped with an obi strip.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: The endless, endless stream of brilliance coming from Naples continues this week, with Milord's mega "Meta" on Pinchy & Friends, a dope distillation of IC electronics, Neapolitan boogie and new age dance.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of One More Mission by Quinn Martin.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Quinn Martin

                                                                                                                                                                                                        One More Mission

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mothball Record

                                                                                                                                                                                                        “One More Mission” is the Italo-disco answer to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”, the tale of a lonely space explorer lost forever with no hope to return.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Originally released in 1987 and fitting neatly into the Afro / Cosmic movement popularised at that time by DJs such as Daniele Baldelli and Beppe Loda, thanks to it’s heavy downtempo beat, spaced out melody mixed with sound effects, classic rock and even oriental influences. The track is completed by one of the greatest vocals in Italo-disco; the mysterious Quinn Martin’s melancholy, heavily accented voice capturing perfectly the plight and of a space explorer trapped in another dimension.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Quinn Martin – “One More Mission” is in many ways a lost and overlooked Italo track, known to hardcore Italo fans and collectors but one with huge crossover potential and one that can fit into a variety of DJ sets.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On “Mars Orange” vinyl, including both tracks of 1987 vinyl offering different arrangements and completed by an edit from Mothball label boss Hysteric removing the more rock elements and bringing the track closer to new beat territory.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of ILPI003 EP by Nicola Cruz & Pigmalião.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Nicola Cruz & Pigmalião

                                                                                                                                                                                                        ILPI003 EP

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I Lost My Poncho In Istanbul

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I Lost My Poncho In Istanbul lands on our shelves to arm you with a fresh selection of bomb tracks from Ecuadorian mastermind Nicola Cruz and the Brazilian label honcho Pigmalião. Twisting the musical traditions of their homelands into tracky, tribal dance music, both men are on the forefront of the current club scene and this release is further evidence of their talents.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Multi Culti associate Nicola Cruz takes the controls on the A-side with a pair of pulsating shamanic house dancers complete with ancient rhythms, spiritual chants and neon electronics. Opener "Apnea" clashes ring mod bells with pummeling bass tones and moody blasts of feedback, screaming out the speakers like a storm in the jungle, while the ketty sequences, fractured vocal and writhing bassline of "Marea" dominate the witching hour in shoulder rolling majesty. On the flip Brazil's Pigmalião continues his poncho-shedding odyssey with the slow, skewed breaks and echo-chamber bleeps of "B2" and laser guided hypno crunch of "Ocrânimo", both perfect tools for a basement assault.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patrick says: Highest grade shamanic slammers here from Nicola Cruz and Poncho Honcho Pigmalião, fusing club polyrhythms and primal idents with up front electronix…

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Want You In My Soul by Lovebirds Feat. Stee Downes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Lovebirds Feat. Stee Downes

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Want You In My Soul

                                                                                                                                                                                                        South Street

                                                                                                                                                                                                        You’d be hard pressed not to have been completely won over by Lovebirds and vocalist Stee Downes magnetic "Want You In My Soul" back in 2011. A record that is as blissful as it is absorbing, a true crossover that seemed to appeal to everyone and anyone, skyrocketing prices up to £200 for an original on Discogs. South Street continue their incredible run with a fully remastered, officially licensed reissue of this cherished cut.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Clocking in at over eight minutes "Want You In My Soul" is as pure a modern deep house anthem as you’ll get. An extended intro that gradually builds in intensity from the echoing pads to the shimmering arps, before the pulsing synths and Stee Downes instantly recognisable soul infused vocals come to the fore. Packed with passion, brimming with emotion it’s about as sun kissed as you can get without getting burnt.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        On the flip, the never before released "Summer In London" edit, that gets straight down to business, shortening the lengthy intro and adding extra percussive touches for a more DJ friendly take on the original.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        A highly sought-after EP, finally given the reissue it deserves - a must-have in any collection.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Nice n soulful house vibes here which should be big with the old Community & That Amazing Thing crowds here in Manchester. Surely a big one at Notting Hill's Sancho Panza also.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of LoveHrtz Vol. 2 by LoveHrtz.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        LoveHrtz

                                                                                                                                                                                                        LoveHrtz Vol. 2

                                                                                                                                                                                                        LoveHrtz

                                                                                                                                                                                                        LoveHrtz returns with another two track single, and the vibes are set to maximum on this one. The previous release in the LoveHrtz series sold clean out and is swapping hands on Discogs for silly amounts, so diggers are advised to get on this one without delay.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        LoveHrtz chop out another brace of feel good, disco-house bangers, with "Music Makes Me High" and "Sweet Style" already picking up BBC Radio 1 airplay from Annie Mac and Danny Howard, and a handful of DJs such as Jamie Jones, Butch, Martinez Brothers and Seth Troxler giving these cuts some serious road testing in the clubs.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Immaculately produced and capturing all the wild energy of classic OG house music, this 12" is destined to be humongous! But I fear won't last long on the shelves... You know what to do!!


                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Loud n wobbly, mainroom house with tons of swagger. This is what you want blarin' outta the stacks when your pink soundcloud kicks in!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of With The Void by Heidi Sabertooth.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Heidi Sabertooth

                                                                                                                                                                                                        With The Void

                                                                                                                                                                                                        UFO Inc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        UFO Inc. starts the new decade with fast, dark improv-techno tracks by the New York DJ, producer and singer Heidi Sabertooth. The four tracks on UFO4 are an impressive testimony to her passion for vintage gear and are the result of an interplay of mainly three machines with which she also plays live: Roland SH-101, Korg ESX2 Electribe and Yamaha DX200 - Sabertooth knows her tools inside and out by heart and tried on this EP to sound as liveand spontaneous as possible. She plays her machines like instruments and want them to have some life and breath in them because she grew up playing all kinds of wind and string instruments and played in bands many years before she became a DJ. Her approach to making tracks is to capture as much live experimentation and weirdness as possible, while still making something that grooves and kicks on the dancefloor. She is not so concerned about making things perfect, in fact sometimes she intentionally try to disrupt things if it starts sounding too polished or square: 'I like things to be human. I think you can feel it in the recording when the hands are touching the machine - it is human / machine / spirit connection?This is why I named the EP as such - "With The Void" - this is how I like to create: jump into outerspace, into the unknown, with my machines and we all have an experience together - a cosmic electric dance - and that's when I hit the record button.' On UFO4 you can definitely hear the fun she and her machines had in the recording process.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Matt says: Big n squelchy, max-headroom analogue techno tracks for the hardware heads and late nite freaks respectively. Sure to sound toxic in the most polluted dance spaces and taking no prisoners as it storms forth. Big tip.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cover of Stop & Go by The Galleria (Morgan Geist).

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Galleria (Morgan Geist)

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Stop & Go

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Environ

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The Galleria is a project from Morgan Geist (Storm Queen, Metro Area) that ripples with echoes of the indigenous music of long-dead suburban New Jersey shopping malls and NYC radio stations: bombastic freestyle, club dubs, razor-edits and bubblegum-pop R&B. The newest single, Stop & Go, is the second release since the 2015 debut, Calling Card/Mezzanine. Vocals are once again provided by Jessy Lanza, whose two solo albums on Hyperdub were met with critical acclaim and were both shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. Stop & Go features a drum-a-pella for creative mixing, plus an extended, dancefloor-friendly dub.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Barry says: A brilliantly thumping, neon tinged synthy hit from Geist here in his Galleria moniker, swimming with rich percussive bass and soaring FM keys, all topped with the sweetest of bubblegum vox from the superb Jesyy Lanza. Ace.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Daylight by Synchrojack.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Synchrojack

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Daylight

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Melodies International

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Originally from Portsmouth in the UK, Synchrojack is a London based production duo formed by Dean Slydell and Greg Wheeler in the mid 90s. Both deeply into records and production gear, they connected through figuring out how to set up a shared studio in Dean’s parents’ home and starting to produce electronic music in their late teens.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          They were completely taken over by the sounds of Detroit and Chicago that were getting imported at the time. Starting out trying to emulate those sounds they loved, tracks by Model 500, Glenn Underground, Lil Louis, Steve Poindexter and Mike Dunn among many others, what came of Dean and Greg’s sessions wasn’t a carbon copy but their own distinctive sound.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          They began releasing on Russ Gabriel’s mythical UK label Ferox records in 1995 and would go on to release a string of releases throughout the 90s, using the moniker Downlink as well. Melodies International now presents two tracks by Synchrojack, one from each of their two first EPs released on Ferox, both in 1995.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above anything, what’s clear listening to Synchrojack is their deep love, knowledge and appreciation for music and their talent as producers, channeling their many influences into their own sound. "Daylight" is a bouncy, stripped back drum heavy banger that just steams ahead with percussive synth patterns and a hypnotic deep bassline while "900th Lifetime" brings a dramatic sci-fi vibe reminiscent of some of the best out of Detroit.


                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Matt says: Wowweeee! Where's Sam pulling these from?! The Floating Point-headed label turns its attention to classic, but rare as hen's teeth house music; queue massive applause and adoration from moi. Winner.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Sensory Deprivation by Torai.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Torai

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Sensory Deprivation

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lunar Orbiter Program

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Engage thrusters! Lunar Orbit Program is ready for another launch and it's Manc synth n boxes stalwart, Torai who's piloting the craft as we delve into electro-funk hyperspace.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          A rising star from our local scene, and a frequenter of our very shop floor; we've all been eagerly awaiting what kinda sounds this young whippersnapper had up his sleeve and we're not disappointed! Exerting the kinda of controlled aggression, poise and flair onto his chosen pieces of sound artillery, Torai aka Louie Ferrara has imagined up a doozy of an EP which respectfully tips its hat to Dopplereffekt and Drexciya whilst refusing to even complete with the plethora of electro also-rans currently polluting the market.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Opening with the side-chained buoyance of "Eleccy", bobbing in crystaline sound pools, thru to the electronic shudder and 8-bit sfx of "Doppler"; next is acidic bassbin botherer "Fr34k" and finally, the sheer growing machine menace of "Fright" which would make Keith Tenniswood himself sit up and pack a change of underpants! - Torai has announced himself confidently as a dominant force! Get yer head around this exciting new producer pronto and pack some electroid firepower into your next DJ set...


                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Matt says: Take note pop pickers! Rising star from our own zones, Torai takes aim with some precision electro(funk) biznis. Loud n wobbly full throttle bangers! yEs mAte!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Synesthesia - Inc. Anthony Naples & Pariah Remixes by Nathan Melja.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Nathan Melja

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Synesthesia - Inc. Anthony Naples & Pariah Remixes

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Kalahari Oyster Cult

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The steadily brilliant French producer Nathan Melja – who’s made the rounds between choice outlets over the past half decade, from Mister Saturday Nights to Antinote, via Ninja Tune offshoot Technicolour and Opal Tapes, is here to potently cement his status as one of Europe’s number one club trailblazers, and one that knows all too well how to turn any dancefloor into an infinity pool of pure liquid euphoria.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Drawing its name from the physiological and psychological process that results in a confusion of one’s sensory perceptions, "Synesthesia" is indeed the kind of club single that shall trigger off massive reaction amongst right-minded bipeds and chromakey house suckers. Straightforward club business done right.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Melja’s original is a vivid kaleidoscope of skittish drums, swampy bass stabs and a well-rounded, supremely curvy synthwork, tailored to take ravers on a flash journey through space and time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Called in on remix duty, TTT affiliate and Incienso co-founder Anthony Naples delivers a more fragmented and cerebral variation, though functional and club-ready in its own right. Brushing even wider verbed-out pad tapestries for your brain to wander in, the track expands to deeper organic horizons with a field-depth that can not but recall that of the KLF and Bochum Welt’s emotional soundscaping. Meanwhile, Pariah takes care of whelming us deep into more techno-friendly terrains, true to his ever masterly touch for epic buildups and multi-level textural innovation, bringing up the acidic phlegm of Melja’s original as he treats us to a carefully orchestrated ballet of synthetic whorls, contemplative chords and propulsive drum programming. 


                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Matt says: Another winner from Kalahari Oyster Cult. It seems no matter what corner of the global electronic music movement they turn to - they got it nailed each and every time! Check the Pariah mix for a Sven Vath-esque epic that'll light up any outdoor stages this Summer!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Fragments 3 by VV.AA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          VV.AA

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fragments 3

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Hivern Discs

                                                                                                                                                                                                          While compilations tend to look backwards, 'Fragments' is far from being a retrospective. Since its launch in 2008, Hivern Discs has favoured a documentary approach, capturing the most vital and exciting sounds within its orbit at each particular moment. In keeping with the ethos of the label, this extensive compilation, comprising 29 new tracks across six 12"s, offers a panoramic glimpse of Hivern's present and gives indications as to its near future.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Hivern's heady compilation series continues with the third volume, once again uniting a clutch of forward thinkers and sonic outliers in a properly leftfield dancefloor caper. ESP affiliate Cleveland double drops on the A1, imbuing "Via Sole" with a whirring zero grav sound, propelled by some subwise bass, subtle percussion, metallic motifs and a trilling sequence which floats way above the rest of the track via some miracle of mixing. Label boss John Talabot teams up with Pional as Lost Scripts for the A2, dropping the classy, glassy new age dance of "Deep", a shining travellator through a chrome and glass future. Lawrence Le Doux picks up the baton in that utopic future and plots a course through acid dancehall and optimistic ambient to arrive at the most contemporary sound I've ever heard. Sapphire Slows joins the chat as we tee off on the back nine, laying a treated spoken vocal over a nifty, nebulous example of cosmic house with another soundsystem-inspired bassline. Finally, Swedish talent Simon Haydo indulges in a splintered, spangled dub techno deconstruction which serves as a perfect psychtropic palate cleanser.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Fragments 4 by VV.AA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          VV.AA

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fragments 4

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Hivern Discs

                                                                                                                                                                                                          While compilations tend to look backwards, 'Fragments' is far from being a retrospective. Since its launch in 2008, Hivern Discs has favoured a documentary approach, capturing the most vital and exciting sounds within its orbit at each particular moment. In keeping with the ethos of the label, this extensive compilation, comprising 29 new tracks across six 12"s, offers a panoramic glimpse of Hivern's present and gives indications as to its near future.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          So far, so far out for Hivern's Fragments series, and the quality remains utterly undiluted on Volume 4. C.P.I. serve insectile sound design and acid hypnotism on the ever-building "Miasma" before Beesmunt Soundsystem pick up exactly where they left off on that General PDC remix for the pulsating rainforest breaks of "Hypno". Turn the page and you'll take a mid tempo excursion into the far reaches of Italo space via Parple's "El Dia Oscuro" (check out the vocal meltdown!!!) before St. Petersburg's Inga Mauer locks us into the icy techno pressa of "It's Gone", a mind melter for laaaaate in the session.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Blue 07 by Happa.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Happa

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Blue 07

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Whities

                                                                                                                                                                                                          New shit from the faultlessly up-to-date Whities label. I talked at the start of the year about hybridization across dance music and this is demonstrated brilliantly on this cross-genre romp from electronica stalwart Happa. Combining myriad elements, all with a multidimensional and holographic approach, "Clip" is like Hudson Mohawk and Lunice's TNGHT moniker taken underground into the city's sewers and drizzled in some mutant plasma. Imagine a scene out of Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles set in 3030AD and a marauding band of mutant ravers going of it to DJ Crank.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          "One Three Five" explores those advanced half-time areas that Whities' fans love so much and adds some warehouse friendly M1 stabs. It's a captivating, sweeping and wholly transportive listen that again cements label and producer as market leaders of all things fresh and electronic related. If you've a penchant for the new you need this! 


                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Matt says: As always, Whities detail the sonic topography of the emerging sonic terrain before us mere mortals have discovered it.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Amigo Branco by Marcia Maria.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Marcia Maria

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Amigo Branco

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Marcia Maria’s slow to mid tempo disco gem ‘Amigo Branco’ has become a club favourite in recent times. Released in 1978 on Capitol Records, despite being better known these days, is actually from the hard-to-find and expensive album/7” EP & promo-only 12” single which features the greats Lincoln Olivetti & Robson Jorge in the production team. Not many tracks sitting around 96 BPM work so well on the dancefloor! It could be argued that the talents of Simone have been somewhat over-looked of late. A key performer of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB), who has had a remarkable career recording over 30 albums. Simone’s adaptation of ‘Tudo Que Voce Podia’ is a real treat and takes things back to the start of her career. Taken off the self-titled album from 1973 on Odeon Records, this brilliant anthemic song was penned by L Borges & Marcio Borges and has also been recorded by the brilliant Milton Nascimento, Quarteto Em Cy (see BRZ45.09) & Azymuth. This stripped-down version has a beautiful build, with amazing strings riding the percussion & jazz-funk bass line, ending in melodic whistling.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Deixa A Tristeza by Neno Exporta Som.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Neno Exporta Som

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Deixa A Tristeza

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Mr Bongo

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Neno Exporta Som’s super-rare compacto 8206; ‘Deixa A Tristeza’ from 1971, has been high on the want-lists of Brazilian record collectors and DJs for years. This was intensified, along with a wider cult-following, following Floating Points dropping the gem on his amazing ‘BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix’ back in 2015. Mr Bongo included ‘Deixa A Tristeza’ on our Record Club Vol 1 compilation. Following that came many requests to release it back on its original ‘compacto’ 7” format. So finally, here it is for all to enjoy. By sheer coincidence, also released in 1971 on Copacabana Records is Agnaldo Rayo’s ‘Suma ma’. A fairly un-known record which has the potential to become an underground classic. This epic track has a psyche break-beat drum and bass groove intro - just asking to be sampled! Along with lush string and horn arrangements and a soaring female/male vocal duet.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Teddy by Caserta.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Caserta

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Teddy

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bridge Boots

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Timed perfectly for DJs working the Valantine's shifts, Caserta and co welcome Teddy to the Bridge Boots family. With another iconic voice spread out on 2 distinct mixes, Caserta is a firm believer in the 'If it ain’t broke don’t fix it' approach.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The A Side takes you under the stars of a rooftop disco on a warm summer night. With live bass and triumphant horns this mix is sure to have you feeling right into the wee hours. Speaking of the wee hours, when that time approaches you can flip her on over to the B Side for the "Bassment Dub". The repetitive bassline and hard drums are sure to keep you busy right until the sun comes up! Just remember to pack a toothbrush! ;) 


                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Martin says: Maximizing your bang for your b.. erm, record bag space, Bridge Boots pack two fantastic Valantine's Day flavours onto one compact 7".. Saving spines but pleasing ears!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Club 02 by Club Internacional.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Club Internacional

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Club 02

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Club Internacional

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Club Internacional unearth more long lost Brasilian grooves from the archives of Rio imprint Top Tape for lovers and collectors around the globe.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          This edition kicks off with the funk-driven sounds of "Melo Do Fricote" by Band' Azul. Fusing rapturous vocals, guitar and horns this track originally appeared in 1982 and was the band's only 45 single release. Here it is in its original format at last.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The flip side features the much more established artist and celebrated guitarist Octavio Burnier. As one half of Burnier & Cartier he produced one of the most sought after LPs in Brazilian music in 1974, which became like gold dust to collectors of Brazilian music. It was recently reissued by the excellent Mr Bongo to the relief of all.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In this later solo track "Que Nem Sol", Burnier demonstrates his exquisite guitar playing as well as his talents as a composer and singer.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          A seriously delicious slice of soft boogie funk it was released only on 45 single on the Top Tape label back in 1980, and again has never been repressed.



                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Martin says: Brazilian flavours attempting to usher in some much needed solar positivity amongst this long & testing Winter...

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of Impossible Dreams by Rajan James.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Rajan James

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impossible Dreams

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Left Ear

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Rajan James, the Jamaican-born English-raised musician’s ‘Impossible Dreams’ is an inspirational sax-laced single that walks a fine line between North American boogie and British synth-pop influences of the 1980’s, yet manages to sound distinctly her own. Left Ear have salvaged both the unreleased full-length versions, including the instrumental for a 12” single.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In the early 80’s Rajan headed to the States for a 5-week holiday, which turned into a 3 year hiatus. It was here that she was initially looking for inspiration from gospel singers, a natural progression from the choirs she had been singing in back home, even performing solo alongside her drum machine. It was in the States the she saw what she describes as the “future” of music, particularly “dance” music. Rajan returned to England with an open mind and an enriched cultural appreciation for a diverse range of sounds. It’s at this stage that she recorded ‘Impossible Dreams’ and released it on Steve Ayers’ ‘One Giant Leap’ compilation. Unfortunately, due to the release being an album of demos the track was cut short to make way for songs from other artists. Furthermore, it was never picked up for a single release and faded into obscurity. Rajan did release a single the following year called ‘Time’, unfortunately the label went into receivership and the release failed to make ground. After this, Rajan explains that “life got in the way and music had to take a back seat”. Thirty-seven years after the fact and Rajan’s ‘Impossible Dreams’ sounds just as relevant today, with an eternal message of optimism and hope.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          “Remember don’t give up on Your dreams it's never too late. If you fall get up and try again” Blessings R T James

                                                                                                                                                                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Patrick says: If you buzzed of Isle of Jura's reissue of Yvonne Archer's "Ain't Nobody" cover, then this wax wonder should tickle yer pickle too. Take a pinch of brit-funk, a little US boogie and a dash of the Sheffield / Eurozone synthpop nexus and this MC Hammer-jammer is what you get. Whatever your genre preference, you'll buzz like vrazy over this one!

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cover of If It Ain't Jazz - Volume 1 by Aroop Roy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Aroop Roy

                                                                                                                                                                                                          If It Ain't Jazz - Volume 1

                                                                                                                                                                                                          If It Ain't Jazz

                                                                                                                                                                                                          London-based DJ, producer and edit maestro Aroop Roy spent the last decade teaching dancefloors the merits of deep digging, promoting the Latin/Brazilian end of the disco / funk spectrum with a string of essential releases for the likes of GAMM, Kampana, Basic Fingers and Stamp. Stepping into the new decade in style, Roy joins us in the roaring twenties with a stunning 12" on the new If It Ain't Jazz imprint. Now, this badboy landed in store last week, but it's taken me approx 7 days to get over how effin great this is! As a child I tracked down snatches of Body & Soul on the primitive internet, losing my shit to the warm, deep and noodling jazz-dancers Claussel, Krivit and K had tucked away, and despite frequent trips into the jazz sections of second hand stores as an adult, I never quite caught that same feeling - until now! On the A-side "Reach N Search" rocks us with hot horns, buoyant bass and sizzling syncopation, blasting out the speakers with such ecstatic energy the whole room has their hands aloft. There's no let up in quality on the B-side as 'Monterey' propels us right into the pocket with a pinging b-line, fierce rhythm guitar and more magical brass action. Total buy on