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ORDERS FOR THIS WEEK RELEASE DATE: 24TH FEBRUARY 2023 |
View this list on the website with audio and pre-order information ➠Download a CSV order sheet of all the releases in this email ➠ |
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![]() | HUDDI001 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | CRM285 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | DFTD655 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | PH124 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | MC059 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | YUM069V | 10" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | HOTC197 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | REKIDS216 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | OBL12032 | 12" | £8.49 | ||
![]() | PLW006 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | LOCLP023 | LP | £12.59 | ||
![]() | VELOCITY001 | 2 x 12" | £16.50 | ||
![]() | S88100ABCLEAR | 2 x LP | £18.29 | ||
![]() | CBSAB6502286RED | 12" | £8.49 | ||
![]() | C&D002 | 2 x 12" | £16.49 | ||
![]() | HOTC203 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | YUM068V | 12" | £8.99 | ||
![]() | CRM284 | 12" | £7.99 | ||
![]() | NATURE003 | 12" | £10.99 | ||
![]() | NTZ008 | 12" | £10.99 | ||
![]() | ASWV030 | 12" | £8.49 | ||
Releases in detail:
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA1. Todd Terry - When You Hold Me A2. Lyon - Get 2 U (Body N Soul Mix) B1. Danell Dixon - Touch Me (Dub Touch Me Mix) B2. The Diggers - Jazztaker Dub | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionEddie Leader’s Northern PowerHOUSE imprint Hudd Traxx has, over its 17 year history, become synonymous as a home of quality underground sounds. As a label that has consistently kept the vibe alive through its unwavering insistence on quality over quantity, it has seen many masters of the craft feature on the Huddersfield-based label... Including Agnès, Chez Damier, Chris Carrier, Brett Johnson, JT Donaldson, Rick Wade and more. As we kick-start ’23, Hudd Traxx announce an exciting new series of releases… Hudd Influence. A new run of vinyl offerings that see label boss Leader digging deep, licensing, remastering and pressing to vinyl a spicy selection of joints that have played their part, not only in his own musical journey, but also in influencing the foundation of the Hudd Traxx label. Volume One brings us four choice cuts from House music royalty, kicking off with the Todd Terry’s 1992 classic ‘When You Hold Me’, taken from his debut ’The Unreleased Project’. Next up, the ‘Body N Soul’ Mix of ‘Get 2 U’ from long-time friend of the label, Jovonn, under his 1999 alias LYON. On the flip we’re treated to ’Touch Me’ (Dub Touch Me Mix), the ’94 production from Chicago’s Danell Dixon, alongside a huge Eddie Leader favourite in The Diggers 1996 jam, ‘Jazztaker’s Dub’. Whether this is a first introduction or a reaffirmation of their greatness, Hudd Traxx are excited to provide a fresh platform for these true house classics. Keep ‘em peeled for Vol. 2! | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA1 Made By Pete ft. Zoe Kypri - Horizon Red A2 Made By Pete & Zoe Kypri - Horizon Red (Pete's Dub) B1 Made By Pete - Horizon Red (Damian Lazarus Re-Shape) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionMade By Pete returns to Crosstown Rebels as he links up with Zoe Kypri for the anthemic ‘Horizon Red’ and features a brilliant remix courtesy of Damian Lazarus. Born and raised in London, DJ and producer Made By Pete has flourished in recent years, making appearances around the globe from Set Underground (Tulum) and fabric (London) to Off Week (Barcelona) and beyond. Gaining plaudits from leading names in Damian Lazarus, Keinemusik and Pete Tong, to name just a few, the UK talent has crafted a string of stand-out releases via the likes of Flying Circus, RADIANT and Crosstown Rebels. Having first touched down on the imprint in 2018 alongside Jem Cooke for ‘So Long’, with two further appearances since, he opens the label’s 2023 schedule alongside R&B, jazz and Neo-soul singer/songwriter Zoe Kypri for the gripping sonics of ‘Horizon Red’. A dynamic track guided by rich chords, rolling organic percussion and Kypri’s powerful yet graceful vocals, ‘Horizon Red’ is a euphoric and captivating journey balancing energetic builds with deeper moments, while Pete’s Dub strips things back as spiralling synths and hazy atmospheres take hold for a late-night trip. The B Side features a mesmerizing, awe-inspiring Remix courtesy of Crosstown Rebels Label Boss, Damian Lazarus. | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA1. Claptone, Rune - Calabria (Claptone Remix Extended) A2. Jack Back - Feeling B1. Marco Faraone - My Name ft. Lolita Leopard B2. Payfone - Day & Night | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionThe sixteenth edition of Defected’s vinyl series continues to commit the label’s biggest digital releases to wax, delivering some of the best house music previously unavailable on vinyl. EP16 brings together four recent releases from Defected’s catalogue of world-class house. First up on the A-side is Claptone & Rune’s ‘Calabria’, a highly anticipated release from summer 2022 thanks to its warm familiarity, big rubbery bassline and brassy saxophone hook that captivated dancefloors instantly. Similarly, Jack Back’s ‘Feeling’ has a hint of noughties nostalgia, released in March of 2022 ready to sweep dancefloors with a rave-ready bass and electrifying vocal. The B-side opens with Ibiza stalwart Marco Faraone’s 2021 release ‘My Name’, featuring intoxicating vocals from Lolita Leopard; dripping with attitude. Closing out this club-focused collection is Payfone’s distinct ‘Day & Night’, featuring an orchestral approach to composition and a deep house groove that bursts in with ease. | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA. Meine Lederjeans B. Meine Lederjeans (Paranoid London Remix) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionReturning to Phantasy for a triumphant fourth single, ahead of a debut album to be released later in 2023, Josh Caffe dons ‘Meine Lederjeans’ for a gloriously tight squeeze of electro-funk, accompanied by an unapologetically gritty, stroboscopic remix from Caffe’s frequent collaborators, Paranoid London. Dialing the tempo down from the frenetic club play of previous releases ‘According To Jacqueline’ and ‘Do You Want To Take Me Home?’, ‘Meine Lederjeans’ finds the British-Ugandan DJ and performer melting into a hedonistic slow jam of Prince-indebted grooves driven by drum machines oozing Chicago spirit with additional playing from Alex White of cult groups Fat White Family and Saint Leonard. Celebrating and subverting queer tropes in double measures, ‘Meine Lederjeans’ is an exquisite blend of soul and sexuality. Paranoid London, the duo of Gerardo Delgagdo and Quinn Whalley (Caffe’s principal studio partner, and producer of ‘Meine Lederjeans’) deliver a characteristically merciless remix of Caffe’s original, looping their vocalist into an acid-soaked stupor. Throbbing, insistent, maximal yet minimal, this is PL in particularly raw form. | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA1. Tangerine Train (Absolute Runaway Train Mix) A2. Tangerine Train (Runaway Train Beats) B1. Tangerine Train (Lost In A Tunnel Of Dub Mix) B2. Tangerine Train (Last Acid Train To Euphoria Mix) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionMint Condition - A record label focused on excavating the outer fringes of classic House and Techno. Unreleased mixes, classics, overlooked gems and never heard before material, mined from the last 30+ years 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 digging hats on to bring you exclusive heat and those rarer than rare jams that have been in your wants list for years. Dig in.... With acclaimed releases on Strictly Rhythm under his belt, much lauded Californian DJ and producer Safar followed up his early success on L.A. based Aqua Boogie. Originally released in 1996, 'Tangerine Train' would become his most sought after release, rightly garnering the attention of the most discerning DJs, record collectors and music heads alike as the eye watering Discogs prices will attest. 4 complimentary mixes of 'Tangerine Train' feature here, so get ready to jump on board. The 'Absolute Runaway Train Mix' opens proceedings with driving beats and railroad bells. An undulating acid line builds and builds, adding chords that lead to a dramatic breakdown, train FX and strings add to the tension, reaching a mesmeric peak when a killer breakbeat kicks in and the acid line returns. Next up the 'Train Beats Mix' cuts the track back to the percussion and FX for those wanting to get creative in the mix. 'Lost In A Tunnel Of Dub' has all the classic elements of its predecessors, although programmed in a slightly more subtle way, the percussion remains as crisp as ever and a classic organ riff lightens the mood without ever losing the dancefloor energy. Last, but by no means least the 'Last Acid Train To Euphoria Mix' goes on a deeper hypnotic trip, losing the train FX, but adding an ethereal vocal to devastating effect. Whichever mix you choose to play you can't go wrong, all are worthy of your attention and hard earned cash. The sound design and execution are second to none and what's more your dancefloors will shudder. "Tangerine Train' has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Safar, lovingly remastered by London's Curve Pusher from the original DATs 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 - | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA. Ourpeggio - Ourpeggio (Original Mix) B. Ourpeggio - Ourpeggio (Shadow Child Remix) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionThe beautifully mysterious Ourpeggio - so heavily supported by TEED and Bonobo - finally lands on Food Music. The timeless original takes you to another dimension with it's melancholic synth patterns and exquisite middle eastern vocals which weave around a tripped out groove, whilst the Shadow Child remix loses the four-to-the-floor, instead fusing Garage and Rave breakbeats which will keep you entranced until sunrise. This one's set to turn heads for a long time. | |||||||||||||||||||||
HOUSE |
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Track ListingA1. London Bass A2. Saludos A Todos B1. Off White B2. This Is Underground | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionItalian DJ and producer Francis De Simone debuts on Lee Foss and Jamie Jones' label Hot Creations with London Bass. Having built a solid back catalogue in recent years, his first Hot Creations release embodies the dynamic sound of the Palermo-born artist, channelling chunky tech house and disco-flavoured melodies. De Simone explains his creative thinking behind the EP. "These tracks fully express my devotion to music. I ranged a lot, trying to remember an 80's sound up to a more raw and synthetic groove with Latin vocals to embrace the different ethnic groups." Reflecting his thoughts to a tee, the title track rumbles with a massive bassline and chopped-up vocals that add an instant burst of energy. Things get weird on Saludos A Todos, as thumping kickdrums collide with a trippy melody and even trippier vocals, creating a wavey atmosphere. The ideal club curveball. On Off White, De Simone delivers a pacey number packed with burbling beats and clicky percussion, complemented by dreamy vocals. The hint is in the name on closing track, This Is Undergound. A big room delight, De Simone drops a stripped-back banger, where the lyrics do the talking in tandem with a driving bassline. An excellent addition to the Hot Creations discography. Based in Palermo, Italy, Francis De Simone stems from a family of musicians. Having played the drums from age two, the versatile artist can make anything from rock, pop and jazz, but these days, De Simone pens electronic music. His father worked as a bouncer for various local discos and exposed De Simone to dance music from a young age, later inspiring him to produce house and techno with an uplifting tint. Releases on Glasgow Underground, LW Recordings and REALM Records have helped shape the profile of this flourishing artist, with plenty more to come further down the line. | |||||||||||||||||||||
TECHNO |
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Track ListingA. Giddy Up B1. Push B2. Skyboy | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionCromby returns to Radio Slave’s Rekids with three-track stunner ‘Skyboy EP’ Following 2021’s ‘Twisted Future’ on Rekids and EPs on Phantasy, Craigie Knowes, and his recently launched Potency imprint, Irish-born DJ/producer Cromby returns to Radio Slave’s label with three fast and chunky club cuts. Across ‘Skyboy EP’, the Panorama Bar regular’s three latest offerings show precisely why he’s one of house and techno's most exciting and dependable prospects. Opening the release, ‘Giddy Up’ combines skippy drums, sizzling pads, and squelchy acid lines for a propulsive club cut. On the flip, ‘Push’ leads with dubby bleeps, rolling low-end, and tripped-out vocal samples for a hypnotic late-night groover. Closing out the B-side is the title track ‘Skyboy’, which sees Cromby draw for emotive synths, trancey leads, and soaring atmospherics, a suitably compelling way to finish another standout EP from the Berlin-based artist. | |||||||||||||||||||||
TECHNO |
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Track ListingA1. Doc Martin Feat. Blakkat - Amberrox (Original Mix) A2. Doc Martin Feat. Blakkat - Amberrox (Bushwacka! Electro Mix) B1. Doc Martin feat Blakkat - Amberrox (Bushwacka! Remix) B2. Doc Martin Feat. Blakkat - Amberrox (Joeski Remix) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionBushwacka! welcomes the legendary Doc Martin & Blakkat to Oblong with their single "Amberrox". Included in the package are two remixes by label boss Bushwacka! covering bases of Electro and Techno and NYC legend Joeski delivers a huge Tech House mix for which Oblong is famous for. Limited Edition 12" Vinyl | |||||||||||||||||||||
TECHNO |
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Track ListingA1. Do You Want To See Some Puppies A2. Banged Up The Slammer B. Tooled Up | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionMore edits from the PL archive. “Get out of jail” cards for discerning DJ’s. Get em while they’re there … they don’t stick around long. | |||||||||||||||||||||
TECHNO |
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Track ListingA1. Cyclorama A2. Have You Ever A3. Smooch Track A4. Chasers A5. Birdflite Tonite B6. Slab Of Meat B7. Smoke Machine B8. Gemstone B9. Tropical Depression | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionLocal Action is proud to present Cyclorama, the long-awaited debut album by Ariel Zetina. A resident DJ at Chicago’s iconic Smartbar, a long-standing Discwoman family member and a key part of the city’s dance music and LGBTQ+ communities, Ariel has established herself as one of the most exciting electronic artists operating today - through releases such as 2020’s acclaimed MUAs at the End of the World and 2017’s Organism, and her meticulous approach to DJ mixes - as recently evidenced on Sestina, her 2020 contribution to Mixtape Club. Written across 2021 and honed this Spring, Cyclorama is Ariel’s most impressive and all-encompassing work yet, showcasing her as a producer, vocalist and also curator, pulling together an ensemble cast of her peers in Chicago (Cae Monāe, Mia Arevalo, DANNN) and some of the most exciting names in contemporary club music (Violet, Bored Lord). Conceptually, Cyclorama draws heavily from Ariel’s background as a theater writer and producer. Popularized in 19th century German theater, a cyclorama (or cyc) is a large curtain, placed on the back wall of the stage. This creates an illusion of extra depth in the background, and often is used to represent the sky. In Ariel’s words, “I imagine all the tracks on this as the lights and action projected onto the cyclorama. The whole album is like the cyc, a representation of the sky. Or an imagined sky. An imagined dancefloor. An imagined theatrical production.” As well as drawing conceptually from Ariel’s background in theater, the album draws on a personal level from Ariel’s journey as a trans woman of color - most directly on Cyclorama’s three vocal tracks, ‘Gemstone’, ‘Slab of Meat’ and lead single ‘Have You Ever’. On ‘Have You Ever’, Ariel collaborates with Cae Monāe, a dear friend and fellow trans woman of color. “‘Have you ever been with a girl like me before?’ and all the lyrics refers to the fear and anxiety that cis men who are attracted to trans women feel, and also any woman that doesn’t fit the mold of a stereotypical woman”, Ariel explains. “Cae and I - and many trans women - have been in so many situations where society tells cis men they cannot be with trans women and this explores that and gives power to all trans women in this situation. The techno reflects that, as well as the “Spell my name” section at the end, showing the true power of trans women.” On ‘Slab of Meat’, Ariel delivers a hypnotic solo vocal performance that builds in intensity with each line (“I am treated like a slab of meat both emotionally and sexually sometimes, especially one left in the freezer on the back burner. Why did you bring this meat home from the market? For what? You’re wasting meat!”), while ‘Gemstone’, a collaboration with Mia Arevalo, continues the empowering themes of ‘Have You Ever’ in a different context: “[‘Gemstone’ is] a call for trans women to take time with your transition because it will all happen eventually. As two girls who have started our transition almost a decade ago, I think we have both seen that we have always needed to take our time to take our time. Reminders not to rush or compare yourself to other girls. I love the metaphor of gemstone months representing different periods of transition. I’ve been so many different women in recent years, and I'm excited to continue my journey.” It’s immediately followed by album closer ‘Tropical Depression’, the title of which is a reference to Ariel growing up with tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes affecting her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida as well as her family in Belize City: “This track for me is about living day to day and continuing while dealing with my really intense clinical depression. The sample comes from “Why can’t you let me go?” but is supposed to be transformative and not necessarily legible. How we hold on to our trauma and depression like a protective shell. This is an attempt to deal with it in a different way.” The Cyclorama album cover, directed by Dylan Bragassa, stars Ariel alongside Monāe and Arevalo in an imagined theater production. In Ariel’s words, “a theoretical performance starring only trans women of color - I wanted an ensemble shot to represent the ensemble nature of this album! Love how Dylan combines so many ideas to create a very unique image that asks so many questions.” | |||||||||||||||||||||
JUNGLE / DNB |
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Track ListingA1. DJ Tamsin & The Monk - A Better Place (DJ Trace Remix) A2. Nookie - Shining In Da Darkness B1. Origin Unknown - Valley of The Shadows (Long Dark Mix) B2. Chimeira - Deeper Life C1. DJ Nut Nut - Special Dedication C2. Omni Trio - Renegade Snares (Foul Play Remix) D1. Slipmatt - Breaking Free (DJ SS Rollers Remix) D2. Rude Bwoy Monty - Steppas Anthem | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionIn 2021 Velocity Press published Who Say Reload: The Stories Behind the Classic Drum & Bass Records of the 90s, an oral history of the records that defined jungle/drum & bass straight from the original sources. The deluxe coffee table book has since sold thousands of copies and prompted many to comment that it should have an accompanying soundtrack. Now author Paul Terzulli has compiled a Who Say Reload album. However, where the book focused solely on classics and anthems, the compilation takes a different route and offers up a selection of top-quality tunes from some of the scene’s most respected artists and labels. Like the book, the album covers the genre’s nineties golden era, and the many styles of D&B are represented. Pioneering producers and crowd-pleasing favourites sit alongside a few sought-after obscurities by the unsung heroes of the scene. Most importantly, there are some absolute bangers! The 16 tracks are spread over two volumes of 2 x 12"s, and there is also a 13-track digital version, taking you on a journey through music forged from raw breakbeats and basslines that soundtracked a culture of all-night raves, specialist record shops and pirate radio stations. Jungle/drum & bass is approaching its 30th anniversary. Its sonic and cultural legacy is still being felt today. There’s still plenty of old music that might be “new” to some, and these tunes still pack as much of a punch as they did back in the day. That unique energy generated by a combination of breakbeats, bass and creativity never gets old. Produced in conjunction with Above Board distribution. All tracks mastered from original sources and fully licensed. Mastering by Beau Thomas @ Ten Eight Seven Mastering. Liner notes from Who Say Reload author Paul Terzulli. Photography by Eddie Otchere. Artwork and design by Protean Productions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
COLOURED VINYL REPRESSES |
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Track ListingA1. Abran Paso - Ahoa (Enrolle) A2. Ay, Mulata Mia A3. Mama High, Mama Way A4. Jibaro (Aperitivo) B1. Simon B2. Cuando Llegaré B3. Anacaona B4. Tema De Amor C1. El Maniqui C2. Ain't No Sunshine C3. Rosa Rosa C4. Marcha Final D1. Jibaro (Enrolle) D2. Abran Paso (Aperitivo) D3. Tumbalo D4. Los Invitados | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionA true Balearic / Cosmic classic LP - Columbian brothers Elkin & Nelson's 1974 debut double album 'Angeles Y Demonios' is the perfect blend of traditional latin music, psychedelia, fuzz, glam, ethnic rhythms, progressive rock leanings and everything else in-between! The album had been received quite well on it's release, enabling the brothers to move to Spain and explore their ideas and melodies full-time, but it wasn't until the late 1980's Balearic explosion that the brothers unique musical vision struck a chord with those outside of Spain whose interests were rooted in the more esoteric corners of the record shop racks. Possibly the most well-known track from this LP was 'Jibaro (Enrolle)' that featured on the closing side of the set. This track was picked up and subsequently covered by Paul Oakenfold and the burgeoning wave of UK DJ's who had become enamoured with the white isle and her many sounds, thus birthing the term 'Balearic Beat'. 'Jibaro (Enrolle)' is perhaps one of the benchmarks of that particular microcosmic scene and sound but that doesn't mean the rest of this amazing LP should be ignored. A truly wondrous trip through the rock underground, not traditional by any means, if you dig the Balearic sound, psych-rock, funk and all of it's orbiting planets then this will certainly flip all the right switches for you. A very original set. This classic has been legally reissued by Above Board distribution in conjunction with the legal rights holders - Sony Music Entertainment. This high quality 2 x LP repress features original 1974 gatefold sleeve and label artwork and has been remastered from Sony's original sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK. | |||||||||||||||||||||
COLOURED VINYL REPRESSES |
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Track ListingA Jibaro (Long Version) B Jibaro (Short Version) | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionA true Balearic classic. One of a handful of records that can comfortably boast this title, Elkin & Nelson's 1979 classic 'Jibaro' sits in the canon of selections that enlightened the ears of the jet-set and globe trotting music fanatics in the heady and much storied years of the White isle in the 1980's. The Colombian brothers Javier and Leon Marin Velez brought their own rustic brand of folksy-Rock-Psychedelia to the listening public in 1974 with their debut LP 'Angeles Y Demonios' on Columbia records. The brothers had relocated to Spain, snared a major label deal and ran with it. The first of 3 LP's it proved a big hit in later years with adventurous DJ's and selectors. A cult record you might say. Of course, this LP featured 'Jibaro' in all it's forms, but it is this 1986 reissue 12" promo pressing with it's iconic, distinctive jacket that was the coveted slab sonic adventurers were seeking. Fully sanctioned and legitimately remastered from the original sources and packaged in it's original Columbia promo sleeve 'Jibaro' is back on the shelves, still an incredible record that gets pulled by the most discerning selectors across the globe. A true classic, featured here in it's long and short versions as per the '86 release. Absolute top-shelf stuff here, essential, must own and classic. | |||||||||||||||||||||
REPRESSES |
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Track ListingA1. World Standard - ばら二曲 (Fellini & Rota) A2. Masumi Hara - Your Dream A3. Normal Brain - M.U.S.I.C A4. Hiroyuki Namba - Who Done It? (Part 2) B1. Yasuaki Shimizu - Crow B2. Hiroyuki Namba - Tropical Exposition B3. Imitation - Exotic Dance B4. Pecker - Sha La La C1. EP-4 - Db C2. Earthling - You Go On Natural C3. Masumi Hara - Camera D1. Geinoh Yamashirogumi - Rinne Kohkyogaku Meikei D2. D-Day - Ki・Ra・I D3. Ryuichi Sakamoto - A Wongga Dance Song | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionEver since he made his first trip to Japan to DJ, Optimo Music founder JD Twitch has been bewitched by Japanese music, and particularly the vibrant, imaginative, and often far-sighted sounds which emerged from the island nation during the 1980s. Now he’s put years of digging in Japanese record shops to good use on Polyphonic Cosmos, the latest release on his compilation-focused Cease & Desist imprint. Subtitled ‘A Beginners Guide to Japan In The ‘80s’, the collection offers a personal selection of Japanese gems recorded and released between 1981 and ’86 – a period when advances in recording and musical technology offered the nation’s artists and producers a whole new tool kit to employ. When combined with the unique musical culture of Japan, where local traditions are frequently fused with Western styles to create timeless, off-kilter aural fusions, this embrace of locally pioneered music technology had spectacular, often unusual results. Eight years in the making, Polyphonic Cosmos provides an endlessly entertaining musical snapshot of Japanese music of the early-to-mid ‘80s with all of the open-minded eclecticism and sonic twists that you would expect from the Glasgow-based DJ. Compare and contrast, for example, the gently breezy, morning-fresh folk-plus-electronics bliss of ‘ばら二曲 Baranikyoku (Fellini&Rota)’ by World Standard – the most familiar alias of long-serving musician/producer Sohichiro Suzuki – and the hallucinatory, slow-motion tribal rhythms, post-punk rhythms and tape delay-laden electronics of Imitation’s ‘Exotic Dance’. Or, for that matter, the tipsy mid-‘80s electronic reggae of Pecker’s ‘Sha La La’, the grungy but melodic post-punk strut of ‘You Go On Natural’ by Earthling (a track Twitch accurately describes as “sheer unrelenting groove”), and the unearthly, swirling sonics, new age instrumentation and flotation tank vocals of prolific (and seemingly mysterious) act Geinoh Yamashirogumi’s ‘Rimme Kohkyogaku Meiki’. It’s a credit to JD Twitch’s curatorial skills that the quality never dips, and sonic surprises lurk around every corner. Consider for a moment the hard to describe, far-sighted audio immersion of D-Day’s ‘Ki-Ra’ – all languid post-pop guitar, enveloping chords, spoken word vocals, shuffling 808 beats and marimba melodies – and the two contributions from video games soundtrack specialist (and driving instrumental synth-pop specialist) Hiroyuki Namba. The collection naturally includes some selections that have long been favourites in Twitch’s DJ sets – see Masumi Hara’s ‘Your Dream’ – as well as a handful of tracks from artists who may be more recognisable to those with only rudimentary knowledge of Japanese musical culture. The great Yasuaki Shimizu, whose work as Mariah has become far better known in recent years thanks to reissues of some of his most magical albums, is represented via ‘The Crow’, a picturesque chunk of horizontal, hard-to-define jazz-not-jazz smokiness, while the collection fittingly concludes with a sublimely funky, oddball electronic workout from Yellow Magic Orchestra legend Ryuichi Sakamoto (the frankly incredible ‘Wongga Dance Song’). Matt Anniss | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA Bruno Furlan - Bongoloco B Bruno Furlan - Vai | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionBrazil’s Bruno Furlan returns to Hot Creations with his fresh two-track EP, ‘Bongoloco’. A DJ and producer whose recent studio endeavours have seen him release material on Black Book Records, Fool’s Gold and Material, Bruno Furlan is an artist at the centre of Brazil’s recent explosion of names within the house and tech house landscape. Based in São Paulo, the bubbling talent has built on his early experiences within the Brazilian electronic music scene to make appearances at global events such as Dirtybird Campout and AMF Festival. Following Title track ‘Bongoloco’ takes cues from its name and showcases a skittering percussion-driven production built for peak-time hours as warped drum fills and vibrant vocal calls inject an abundance of energy. Keeping things moving, the rolling ‘Vai’ delivers a slick accompaniment to the package, serving up an anthem built for bustling terraces worldwide. | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA1. Lazy Ants x Lauren Flax - Zendaya A2. Lazy Ants x Lauren Flax - NY to Rome B1. Lazy Ants x M.F.S. Observatory - Tartufini B2. Lazy Ants x M.F.S. Observatory - Cayenna | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionLazy Ants combines on 4 peak the slices of House and Techno with none other than Lauren Flax and M.F.S: Observatory. | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA. Jah Unite B. In This Life | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionNew York DJ, producer and Maya Records founder Joeski returns to Crosstown Rebels in December. Jah Unite pays tribute to Joeski's long-running appreciation for Reggae dub with two tracks of stripped-back house with a roots twist. The title track opens with minimal drums and a saxophone-led melody. Joeski stitches reggae vocals across the breakdown, evoking a gorgeous, sun-kissed soundscape. On In This Life, the producer layers snappy percussion with distant drum rolls and laidback keys while Reggae vocals wind through the atmosphere. An irresistible groove. Brooklyn-born Joeski began his DJing journey in 1989, honing his craft throughout the 90s in some of the finest New York-based clubs like Limelight, Tunnel and The Roxy. Today, Joeski is an established producer, selector and boss of the long-running label Maya. He's released classic to contemporary sounds on labels like NRK, Ministry of Sound, Defected, Bedrock, Nervous, Cajual and KMS, further adding to his credibility as a critical talent in the house and techno realms. As a DJ, Joeski has performed across the Americas and Canada, building a loyal fanbase. Although he's been on the scene for over three decades, Joeski doesn't rest on his laurels. He constantly evolves his approach while staying grounded in the process. In other words, he's a real one. | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA1. District A2. Sicko B1. Locked In B2. Rozzo | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionwAFF returns to his Nature imprint as he kicks off 2023 with his latest four-track EP, ‘District’. A renowned name and personality within the global house music landscape, with releases via the likes of Hot Creations, Cocoon, Desolat and Solid Grooves, wAFF’s journey has stepped up a level after becoming a label owner following the launch of his own imprint, Nature. Founded in November 2021 with the release of his ‘Colours’ EP, the label boss returns for the third instalment on the blossoming imprint as he celebrates a year since its launch with a new EP. Combining a wealth of UK influences alongside subtle global nods across the package, early December brings four new productions to the label as he unveils his powerful and impactful ‘District’ EP. Title track ‘District’ is a hard-hitting opener as the Nature boss combines sharp metallic production with hazy melodies and resonant vocal snippets, while ‘Locked In’ offers a more paired-back, rolling effort as slick drums and glossy pads combine. Next, ‘Sicko’ steps things up once again with squelching acid lines and rumbling sub- bass, before closing via the organic drums and playful sonics of ‘Rozzo’. | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA. The Sound Of Space B. Spatial Perception | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionFollowing a hugely successful inaugural release, Sangiuliano’s forthcoming “Sound Of Space” EP was quickly circulated across the festival scene, with the title track becoming one of the most hotly-tipped Track IDs of the summer. Continuing the label’s strong undercurrent of evanescence, Sangiuliano’s second chapter explores the effects of space and physical surroundings on our experience of music. Space is a concept we continuously interact with in music, whether we live it subconsciously or not. It’s a vital component in our perception; altering the expression of the music to the listener’s surroundings and functioning as an interactive field. Before the development of recording equipment & technology, music’s environmental characteristics were defined by the space in which it was performed, and as such, Enrico’s latest offering aims to revive this practice in music. To wholly pervade the senses and demonstrating this concept first hand, the 2-tracker will be also available in spatial audio, giving listeners a 360-degree infiltration of sound. | |||||||||||||||||||||
ICYMI (17/02) |
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Track ListingA1. Nocturnal A2. Cluster B1. Mindset B2. The Dust Arrival | |||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionFinally the two main protagonists of the current live electronic movement and founders of our fair label Carl Cox and Christopher Coe have stepped up to the plate with this truly innovative and uncompromisingly live collection of techno tunes that defy categorization and are certain to land us fair and square on the dancefloors of the underground clubs of the world! What can we say.. This EP just bangs! Improvised, recorded live and straight to 2 track in one day, this 4 tracker comes straight from the machines of Carl and Christopher’s collaborative studio in Australia and onto wax! It is with great delight that we can present this collaboration straight after the release of Carl’s first solo album in 10 years. This is a statement of definition from the boys, they have planted their feet firmly in the live scene with this edgy, experimental and jackin’ collection of beats! The mindset is real. | |||||||||||||||||||||