Number 8 in the Running Back's summer series arrives in fine style, serving up a dessert spoon for almost every taste. Skatman discovers his inner crooner and shares his feelings with the world - electronic disco poetry of the highest order on "What I Am Feelin'". Australia’s high-velocity aristocrat, Baron von Trax, delivers a mirror ball tearjerker of the finest kind: "If I Only Knew" strikes the golden balance between tried-and-tested Italo tropes, classic disco elements, and their razor-sharp transformation into a zenith of happiness.

"In Your Eyes" by Janis Zielinski & Sowhy3 continues the journey of heartfelt things-to-think-about with a pop dance hit from a parallel universe. To round it all off, recurring Running Back artist Morphena delivers a new wavey masterpiece, while Zoé Zoé offers an ode to tangerine-like Berlin School music - complete with a dance beat underneath. Fancy!

TRACK LISTING

A1. Skatman - What I Am Feelin’ 
A2. Baron Von Trax - If I Only Knew 
AA1. Janis Zielinski X Sowhy3 - In Your Eyes 
AA2. Morphena - Venus Underworld 
AA3. Zoé Zoe - Palikau Dzemperi 

Esteemed Irish producer Space Dimension Controller returns to Running Back with "Acid Sampler 1.5". Most of the EP presents itself as an ode to the brain dance vibe of acid house rooted music. While leaving out the harder and faster styles of the genre, SDC manages to pour his heart and soul as a producer into these four charming tracks.

"Kosmische Conga" works as the leader of the pack and pirouettes with memorable hooks, synthesizer swells and descant acid lines. "Echopet" introverts the whole concept, while "Minehead" peaks with it. Named after the seaside town that harbored the Bloc Weekend festival, its a warp-free romantic reflex of the brain dance vibe - or a heartfelt love song for circuits. "Carinacid" completes the quartet with a chugging and hugging mid tempo beat that could have gone on forever. Acid test passed! Artwork by Gasius.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Long serving Belfast vet Space Dimension Controller deploys a vast array of synths, 303 and classic drum patterns for a technicoloured and frenetic EP for his good friends at Running Back. RIYL: Legowelt, DMX Krew, Acid Test, Roman Flugel etc.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Kosmische Conga
A2. Echopet
B1. Minehead
B2. Carinacid

Some records come from the head, others from the heart. "Weltraum EP" by Cara Carpaccio is a bit of both - an interstellar blend of cosmic vibes, disco roots, and a touch of robot melancholy. Born out of a time when the world felt both distant and strange, the EP channels those moments of isolation, longing, and unexpected creativity into something playful and deeply human. What started as an open-ended studio session turned into a journey guided by synthesizers we could only dream of owning, Marvin the robot’s dry wit from The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and Cara’s love for cosmic sounds and disco grooves. The tracks came together in single evenings, capturing emotions as they unfolded.

Cara brought her energy, composing, performing, and singing her way into the stars, with Luis (aka Planet Zwo) riffing on guitar to ground it all. Marabou (Fabian) tied it together, wiring up gear, recording, and even finding a remix idea in the middle of mixing.

The result? A collection of tracks that balances nostalgia and futurism, melancholy and euphoria. Adding even more fuel to the ship are remixes from the likes of Intergalactic FM’s I-F + Gerd Janson, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Real deal cosmic musica! Channel the spirit of Baia Degli Angeli (albeit a little quicker and less opiated) with this interstellar classic brought up to speed with some fresh remixes.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Im Weltraum - Original
A2. Im Weltraum - Marabou Dub
A3. Im Weltram - I-F Remix
B1. Im Weltraum - Gerd Janson Remix
B2. Im Weltraum - Gerd Janson Instrumental

The second outing of Johannes Volk for Running Back picks up where "Extra Dimensions" left us: traditional techno components, an inclination for melodies, 80s electro(nic) pop and aesthesia for ecstasy. Something for everyone’s taste and nothing tacky.

"Lightweave" is like the conversation that Giorgio Moroder and Wolfgang Voigt never had ('I Feel Sägezahn'). With a power plant of a bassline that’s pretty much all you need.

The direct connection to the EPs artwork is "Cubistic Pathway". Painted with acryl on canvas as a birthday present, it’s like the title tracks little and playful brother and a homage to 16bit platform games like Turrican or Contra.

"Fragments of Moments" is the sort of piano-not-piano-house stomper that classic techno DJs love, while "Sense of Wonder" is one of those songs without vocals that appeals to 80(8)s-kids and their offspring.

Last but not least, "Emotional Message" and its hypodermic breakbeat dates back to 2011, wears the heart on the sleeve, and screams tearjerker, bear hug or elevation. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Tough and melodic in equal measure. Volk manages to harness a wild, flailing, technicoloured club sound that could dip into both techno and electro-disco flavoured DJ sets. The poise and, ultimately, release is quite spectacular. This could send listeners rocketing up to the stars!

TRACK LISTING

A1. Lightweave
A2. Cubistic Pathway
B1. Fragments Of Moments
B2. Sense Of Wonder
B3. Emotional Message

If Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira were a utopia instead of its opposite, this EP could be a possible sound track. Using the ingredients of classic house as a platform (pianos anyone?), Nick Nikolov‘s imagination as a producer for his new NKLV project is far too vivid to stay on the beaten track.

The sound design and nerdy attention of IDM and ambient (“Clusters”) connects with the brazen boogie approach of the French touch, micro-sampling manifestos have to stand up to the weirder moments of signature sounds like Basement Jaxx or KiNK‘s musical side (“Heartbeat”). Not too far off from his peer‘s early approach, the Bulgarian‘s take is emotionally charged, play- and powerful.

For instance, “Speak to Me” and “No More” hit their respective topical nails on the head and the EPs title track “Inbetween” is sultry serotonin soul. If you are looking for plain and pure euphoria in between all the hardships, happiness is just around the bend

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Big room fun here which should have arms involuntarily aloft and feet shuffling, unbeknownst to their host. Wide-screen ear worms that'll capture the energy of the masses.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Inbetween 6:55
A2. Speak To Me 5:47
A3. No More 4:29

B1. Heartbeat 6:22
B2. Crisis 5:32
B3. Clusters 5:24

Good things come to those who wait! A commonplace saying that is also true in the case of Perel’s Running Back debut. Ever since "Die Dimensionen“ appeared on DFA, their CEO couldn’t wait for a call from the lady herself. Star is the consequence of said call and not only that. The very first 7“ on Running Back features Perel’s vocal talents in her native tongue. "Star (German Version)" is mesmerizing and charming, dead on target and unforgettable.In her hometown, they call this an Ohrwurm. Collectors and completist will be delighted to hear that the flip side contains two more track exercises: Eis am Stil and In The Box. A magnificent 7.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Star (German Version)
B1. Eis Am Stil 
B2. In The Box 

History revealing compilation project centering around the legendary Front Club in Hamburg Germany that existed from the 80´s - late 90´s - a leading club in terms of music selection, mixing technique, rave culture - in a very important period of time.

Eponymous resident DJ´s Klaus Stockhausen and Boris Dlugosch take a close look back at that time, guide you through the history, the early beginnings and absolute key moments of house music club culture in Germany.

37 legendary tracks make up the CD release - many of which have not been on sale forever and a day while the vinyl, set across two volumes, selected 16 of the hardest hitting numbers for an unmixed selection for the DJs and collectors alike.

Hamburg’s Front club was already the stuff of legend, and the story is important now, 21 years later as not many peoiple know how house music infiltrated Germany to give techno some competition on the dancefloor. With Front you wouldn't have Robert Johnson or, to some extent, Parorama - house and disco simply were not celebrated in large numbers until Front, Stockhausen and Dlugosch opens minds and record boxes to the soulful sound. 

TRACK LISTING

CD Tracklist: 
Disc 1 (Mixed By Klaus Stockhausen)
1. Blue Moderne – Through The Night (Dub Mix 1)
2. Connie - Funky Little Beat
3. Skyy – Show Me The Way
4. KC Flightt – Let’s Get Jazzy (Dope Dub Mix)
5. Modern Romance - Can You Move (Midnight Mix)
6. Nitro Deluxe – This Brutal House
7. Shirley Lites - Heat You Up (Melt You Down)
8. Mark Imperial - J' Adore Danser (Club Mix)
9. Mario Reyes - Whatever Turns You On (Club Mix)
10. Wired - To The Beat Of The Drum (On The Burn Mix)
11. Toyin Agbetu Presents Nemesis – After The Storm (Boris DlugoschEdit)
12. John Beltran – Aquatic
13. The Wizard & The Prince – The Wiz Is A Genius
14. Val Young – If You Should Ever Be Lonely (Street Mix)
15. Syncbeat – Music (Boris Dlugosch Edit)
16. CT Satin – I Found A Friend (Underworld Version)
17. Temper – No Favors (Dub)

Disc 2 (mixed By Boris Dlugosch)
1. Üdytü Ützeltürk And His Male Harem – Kairo
2. Answering Service – Call Me Mr. Telephone (Street Dub Mix)
3. Simphonia - You And Me (Dub)
4. Sandee – Notice Me (Notice The House Mix)
5. The 28th St. Crew – I Need A Rhythm (Vocal Club Mix)
6. Solution – Feels So Right (Original Victor Simonelli Mix)
7. Housefactors – Play It Loud
8. Fortran 5 - Heart On The Line (Bassline Mix)
9. Ralphi Rosario - An Instrumental Need (Club Need)
10. Mood II Swing Feat Lee Smith Jr – I Need Your Luv (Right Now)
11. Nick Holder – Frantic
12. Dee Dee Brave – Can’t Get Over It
13. D.O.G. – The Key (Lunar Dub)
14. The Prince & The Wizard – The Music Is Kicking
15. Fila Brazillia – Mermaids
16. Station Q – That Special Melody (Club Mix)
17. Sensory Productions - Deep Introspection
18. Hot Streak - Body Work (Vocal Mix)
19. Steve Arrington - Dancin' In The Key Of Life (Special Mix)
20. Executive - Celebrate Your Love

Vinyl Part One: Gatefold 2LP Tracklist (Unmixed)
A1. Blue Moderne – Through The Night (Dub Mix 1)
A2. Modern Romance - Can You Move (Midnight Mix)
B1. Simphonia - You And Me (Dub)
B2. Answering Service – Call Me Mr. Telephone (Street Dub Mix)
C1. Wired - To The Beat Of The Drum (On The Burn Mix)
C2. Temper – No Favors (Dub)
D1. Steve Arrington - Dancin' In The Key Of Life (Special Mix
D2. Executive - Celebrate Your Love

Vinyl Part Two: Gatefold 2LP Tracklist (Unmixed)
E1. KC Flightt – Let’s Get Jazzy (Dope Dub Mix)
E2. Toyin Agbetu Presents Nemesis – After The Storm (Boris DlugoschEdit)
E3. Dee Dee Brave – Can’t Get Over It
F1. Mark Imperial - J' Adore Danser (Club Mix)
F2. The 28th St. Crew – I Need A Rhythm (Vocal Club Mix)
G1. CT Satin – I Found A Friend (Underworld Version)
G2. Ralphi Rosario - An Instrumental Need (Club Need)
H1. D.O.G. – The Key (Lunar Dub)
H2. Fila Brazillia – Mermaids

Running Back's Mastermix series is a timely reminder of what has made Running Back endure and remain at the top of many house music fans' favourite label lists for over a decade. Gerd Janson's widely adored imprint has invited one of house music's original & greatest proponents of the Mastermix, NYC's Tony Humphries, to curate and mix the CD edition of the compilation, accompanied by an unmixed double-LP which features a handful of the compilations rare & exclusive cuts. Beginning with Todd Terje's blockbuster "Ragysh" and traversing tracks from across the label's history, it includes contributions from long time label regulars alongside more recent additions and reminders of some of RB's best reissues. Label mainstays Tiger & Woods, Matthew Styles, Redshape and Leon Vynehall all appear, alongside Mr G, Paul Woolford and recent breakthrough artists Shan, Jex and Roy Camanchero. Tiger & Woods's "Don't Hesitate" appears on vinyl for the first time, while the Dixon edit of Precious System's anthem "The Voice From Planet Love" will be available on wax again after only appearing on a super limited 12" run the first time around. The choice of Tony Humphries to mix the compilation is a significant one. Having received his break in the early 80s as an understudy for the legendary Shep Pettibone's Kiss FM show, Humphries went on to become one of the defining DJs of house music's formative years with his residency at New Jersey's Club Zanzibar and London's Ministry of Sound. His previous mixes illustrate his continuing ability to bridge dance music's past & present, with prior contributions to Resident Advisor and Fabric's respective series in addition to label compilations for King Street Sounds and West End Records.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: New Jersey don, Zanzibar luminary and Kiss FM's most celebrated dance jock, Tony Humphries takes time to explore the vast Running Back catalogue and delivers a highly enjoyable master-mix that perfectly encapsulates both the impressive depth of the label alongside Tony's unique and coveted DJ style.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Todd Terje - Ragysh
A2. Tiger & Woods - Do Not Hesitate
B1. Tiger & Woods - Time
B2. Precious System - The Voice From PlanetLove (Beat-Appella)
C1. Precious System - The Voice From The Planet Love (Dixon Edit)
C2. Leon Vynehall - Beau Sovereign
D1. Mr. G - Ben & Gerd (Killin 'It M Day)
D2. Paul Woolford - Forevermore (edit)

The eye of the storm: welcome to Tornado Wallace's debut album! How about some references? New Age sounds meet new wave melodies, Grace Jones runs into the Dire Straits at Compass Point, while a Korg Mini Pops and a Roland CR78 make amends for Sly & Robbie's absence, Michael Mann pictures Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', Robert Rauschenberg tries his luck at naturalism and an imagined Wally Badarou echoes through all of it. The accumulation of about four years of work, with tracks written in Berlin and Melbourne, "Lonely Planet" is nothing like you may have expected from the Australian expat. Merging functionality with a musical playfulness on releases for ESP Institute, Beats in Space and Music From Memory's sister Label Second Circle, Tornado Wallace's found himself as one of the producers behind José Padilla's International Feel album. Here, he leaves the needs of the dance floor behind in order to create a magical mystery tour de trance into his and our inner jungle. Sandwiched between the title track and the yearning beauty of the album's final point "Healing Feeling", you get all of that as well as collaborations with and contributions of NO ZU, David Hischfelder and the voice of Sui Zhen on "Today", who would easily make Anna Domino take her proverbial hat off.
Tornado Wallace created an album that supersedes the requirements and expectations of a debut. Like a lost Island Records or a never released Made to Measure album, "Lonely Planet" soundtracks notions and ideas that recall the nostalgic future in the past as much as it looks ahead.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Comprising of seven expansive compositions, ‘Lonely Planet’ transports the listener to a dreamlike landscape alive with excellent birds, dense foliage and breathtaking vistas. As he glides effortlessly between future primitive visions and otherworldly ambient suites, Wallace marries lush FM synthesis with Knopfleric guitar and organic percussion, grounding us in reality while our eyes dart over the intangible. And there, nestled in the midst of all this utopian beauty is ‘Today’, the greatest 80s pop record that never was. Boasting a blithely shrugged vocal from No Zu’s Sui Zhen, the track sounds like a springtime meeting between Talk Talk and Gina X at a far flung resort. Yet despite its abundance of detached cool, this cinematic gem lends the LP a human touch, allowing the listener to find their place in the natural rhapsody. Clear your schedule, close your eyes and take the trip of a lifetime.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lonely Planet
2. Trance Encounters
3. Today Ft. Sui Zhen
4. Warp Odyssey
5. Voices
6. Kingdom Animalia
7. Healing Feeling