Review: Blackmarket is a New York party that has always led from the front and been a rare underground haven for threads. The label reflects that similar mindset and here label boss Taimur and long-time Costa Rican friend Artro link up for a four-track techno trip. 'Know Your Friends (Vox)' is a percussive workout with sinewy synths reaching into the cosmos. There is more low-end heft to 'Machina' which is weighty and dubby. A second version of 'Know Your Friends' is surging and metallic and last of all 'Elements' brings a touch of high-speed funk to a techno framework.
B-STOCK: Torn sleeve, otherwise in excellent working condition
Duration Rhyme (vocal mix)
Duration Rhyme (acappella)
Duration Rhyme (Tofubeats remix)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Torn sleeve, otherwise in excellent working condition***
Recorded in 1999 but only released in December 2020 on Takecha's excellent 120A EP, 'Duration Rhyme' is a simply gorgeous slab of sunrise-ready deep house in which glistening chords, sun-kissed melodies, elongated chords and jazz-funk synths rise above a locked-in beat. Previously, we've only ever heard an instrumental mix, even though Takecha recorded a full vocal version with singer Mayumi Tusruta at the tail end of the '90s. Here that mix finally gets released, and it really is a doozy: a super-sweet, life-affirming affair that sits somewhere between deep, warming pop and classic deep house. It comes backed with a luscious, piano-heavy, jazz-funk-flecked dancefloor revision from Tofubeats and a handy acappella.
Review: Takovou stakes his claim to a wider audience with 'Perfect Match', a wonky four-tracker with a sense of depth and slow unfurling that is hardly achievable by most artists (presumably, they'd lose their patience). Dreamy movers like 'Homesickness' and 'Bubbles' are at once light and deep, perhaps reflecting the airy and unburdened headspace of this obscure Russian artist, who now resides in Tbilisi. A curveball also comes in the form of 'Another The Same', which more recalls Four Tet than the prior, less dense ambient works heard before.
Review: Recently Norm Talley launched a new label, Upstairs Asylum, and delivered a much-needed sequel to his superb 2011 EP on Mixmode, Tracks From The Asylum. A decade on from the record's original release, he's finally got around to producing a sequel. The native Detroiter predictably starts in fine fashion via 'Gonna Luv U', a chunky and locked-in house number rich in groovy bass, bold piano motifs, ear-cathing sax riffs and colourful P-funk samples, before heading ultra-deep via the beatdown-influenced haziness of 'Detroit Dubz'. 'In Your Soulz' sees him add energy-packed hand percussion and chiming lead lines to a bustling deep house beat, while 'Digital XTC (Detroit Mix)' is a spacey, hypnotic workout that sounds like it was tailor-made for dark warehouses in the hours approaching dawn.
Review: Detroit legend Norm Talley calling his new EP Deep Essentials suggests that, somehow, everything he makes isn't deep and essential. But it is. Anyway, here are five more perfectly designed grooves that sink you into a warm, smoky basement and keep you there. 'Holla-Day' has those trademark sharp hi hats and rolling drums, 'One Track Mind' has a hypnotic synth loop you hope never ends and 'Deeptroitsrumental' is a fantastically rickety drum workout that is primed for dance floor action. 'D-Toolz' rounds out with a sense of edginess, the promise of a big techno breakout that never comes but keeps you locked in hope.
Review: Following his impeccable album Norm-A-Lize last year, Detroit's City Boy Player returns to Alex O Smith's FXHE imprint with five more soul-stirring sessions. "Foundation" lives up to its name with a classic spoken sample and 11pm mood-changing struts, "Detroit 2 Step" has a touch of the Bonobos with its woozy oboes over lightly swung, organic drums. "Fan Ta Cee" flips the mode for something a lot deeper and darker (think Theo's classic remix of "Falling Up" and you're not far off) while "Consciousness" is a cool creative percussive tool with a swooping rise that sweeps and dips in all the right places. Finally we're sent packing with the bold chord-striking piece "Friday Night". If this doesn't have you marching, nothing will.
Review: Kai Alce's pretty much faultless label NDATL looks to a fellow American house heavyweight here in Detroit soldier Norm Talley, who is head of his own Upstairz Asylum label. First up is a textbook hard edge but deep house sound from Norm on 'Gonna Be' He then keeps things brilliantly deep on 'Power' which is laced with insightful spoken words. Things are just as essential on the flip side with 'The Bounce' making sure dancefloors do just that thanks to Norm's next level drum sounds, then comes the hypnotic 'The Truth' before Norm shows a different look than usual with the more soft and tender delights of 'Dearly Beloved' ft Jerald Dameyon.
Tutto Un Deja Vu (Sparkling Attitude Italo Rave remix)
Magica (Gledd remix)
Review: Tamati's Notte in Riviera EP on the ever-stronger young label Saint Wax is a perfect bit of Balearic house escapism. The title track, which translates as 'night on the Riviera', is just that - a humid late-night house cut with some erect female vocals. 'Tutto Un Deja Vu' cuts loose with freewheeling melodies and blissed-out pads, and 'Magica' then goes deep. Italian producer Franz Scala blends 80s vibes with modern sensibilities like few others as he shows on his remix of the title cut, then Sparkling Attitude and Gledd add their own fresh versions.
Review: Tartan's sixth offering once again combines several different sound worlds into a couple of compelling grooves. There is a world feel to the opener 'Haai' with its exotic strong sounds, lavish jazzy flutes and deep-cut disco-house drums, all topped off with a Balearic energy that will go down well at sun-kissed outdoor parties. On the flip, it is 'Orleans' which is a low-slung chugger with some cosmic chord work up top and breathy vocals adding to the slow and sensuous sense of hypnotism. Two classy tracks for sure.
Review: The mysterious new label Tartan is back with its second release by an anonymous artist once again. On the A side of TARTA002 we have the sunny and sublime deep house of "Butterfly" featuring an unmistakable vocal from a certain pop queen that's underpinned by an incredible arrangement in the vein of Charles Webster. Over on the flip, you're treated to some boompty and swing-fuelled minimal house that'll go down a treat at the afterhour on 'Soul'.
Review: Kaidi Tatham back on 2000BLACK needs little explanation really, does it? Anyone who takes broken beat and neo soul seriously should already be slipping this on in their cart, but for the uninitiated this is one of the grandmasters of the sound in full flight. 'Galaxy' is a beautiful, uplifting soul-boogie jam with a stunning vocal turn from Lola Violet, and it comes in two different twists depending on the energy you need to bring to your set - for us the 'Uptempo Mix' is a perfect shot of joy in the arm. 'A Message From Above' cools things down with gorgeous keys, a characteristically snagging beat and sultry horns, and 'Ergonomic Structures' slinks into the sweetest of downtempo funks that'll have you head nodding hard and keeping you chill all in the same beat.
Review: The Soul Clap label that was once so hype has admirably rolled on once the headlines passed and anyone not checking in on it since then has been losing out, frankly. Just get your ears around this new release from Tatie Dee for a start - it is a stylish six tracker though warm and bumping house with real heart. 'Nuit D'Menil' kicks off with lush late night chords and slick broken beats and from there things get more heavy and big with 'Bed & Break Fast' and then a Black Loops remix takes it into late night territory. 'I Wasn't Born In 1937' has a classic 90s vocal house feel and is brilliant and '16 Swing-71' brings jazz, Chicago and swing to another characterful cut before a darker, harder Belaria remix.
Review: Not content with his role as musical director at Frankfurt institution Live At Robert Johnson, Oliver Hafenbauer unveils his new personal label shaped endeavour Die Orakel with a killer 12" from a familiar friend. TCB is the latest production alias of Live At Robert Johnson fixture Christian BeiBwenger and a man who's studio work with Hafenbauer as B.H.F.V. ranks amongst our favourite releases in the LARJ canon. Essentially an acronymic take on The Citizen Band, BeiBwenger's most recent creative concern, TCB aligns snugly with the warm, rich Frankfurt sound on both "Monogamie" and the delightful "Unchained". The latter track is remixed in suitably smudged and lopsided fashion by Leipzig pair Kassem Mosse and Mix Mup, as MM/KM. A great 12" now how about some more B.H.F.V. Oliver?
Review: Shut Off Notice welcomes Teakup - a local Columbus, Ohio DJ and producer born Lauri Reponen and known for his stylish techno - for a second outing on the label. 'Forest Bed Moss' kicks off with dusty mid-tempo breaks and deep basslines full of soul, while 'Mhm' is a mechanical groove with dubby undertones and nice chopped vocals. 'Rain Groove Revisit' is a deep, percolating and stumbling rhythm with a smattering of percussion and bubbly feel infused with cooing female vocals. Finally, Teakup remixes Rew's 'Fragile Abundance' into a deft and lithe minimal dub for the small hours. Sophisticated stuff once more from Teakup.
Review: The fledgling Pamela label hits release number three with Anthony Teasdale the man charged with taking us on a sonic trip. He kicks off with a gorgeous cut that pairs breezy grooves with flamboyant keys that sound like they come from a theatrical moment in a play. It is a super symphony that sweeps you off your feet while 'A Pavement In Palma' is a humid and sundown gem, 'Deep In The Forest Something Stared' is layered ups with retro-future synths from a band like ELO and 'It's 5am Somewhere' then has more slick kick to it, but no less a majestic sense of melody which seems to be Teaseale's calling card.
Review: For their third limited edition release, LOK Records welcomes Techu with his first ever solo vinyl EP. He presents three strong tracks that perfectly showcase his style: powerful basslines, minimalistic drums, evolving pads and hypnotic synths. On remix duties we have Hungarian talent Pauli with a beautiful, dreamy reinterpretation on the B-side. 'Where Do I Start' ironically starts things off on a note of expansive groove, while follow-up 'Radio Universe' proffers the sound of travelling deep into the heart of a funky universe. 'Point It Out' pares things back to holodeck chillout room vibes, while Pauli's version is comparatively dubbed out and minimal.
Review: Easy Listening Recordings makes its first foray into the world here with a gorgeous EP of high-quality deep house. It's Teen Daze at the buttons and that is a perfectly fitting alias given the romantic vibes and rose-tinted feels of the opener 'Quiet City' which is beautifully melancholic but uplifting. 'Life Style' is a lush and lazy broken beat jaunt that has chords that make you gaze off into the distance and 'Night Club' then brings dusty deep house depths to an early evening dance. 'New Mood' is a more cautiously uplifting feel with yet more quiet but impactful chords and synth.
Review: Telefax Productions - mysterious musical masterminds formed by veteran producers with roots in the late 80s - finally drop a vinyl release of their 2024 breakout club anthem, 'Break This House Down'. It is an unashamedly revivalist hip-house banger backed by proper DJs like Honey Dijon and Luke Solomon and features fiery verses from rising Buffalo MC DeeVoeNay. Alongside the flame-hot original is a live band version with HR Nightmare, plus a rough and ready bruk remix from London's EVM128 and last but not least, a visceral acid house rework. This is a perfect example of how you balance nostalgia and freshness and do it right. The package is finished in style with fine artwork by KLF legend Jimmy Cauty.
Review: Amsterdam's Quartet Series are back with a vibrant various artists compilation, starting out with the lo-fi and moody deep house of Tell's "Hope Springs Eternal" (featuring some sexy disco loops atop) while also on the A side we have Darko Kustura with "Messier Object" which as the label themselves claim, treats us to a "wobbling groovy bassline and sugary sweet chords." We couldn't have said it better ourselves! On the flip, we have Manchester's Loz Goddard with the deep and dusty soul jam "Home" and Hungary's BAL 5000 with the spaced out cosmic house journey "The Acid Is Mine But I Share". Sharing is indeed caring and we're up for those signature squeals from the little silver Roland box anytime!
Review: Temperature On Arrival is here to prove they are one of the UK's freshest producer duo with this new EP which blends icy beats and warm rhythms. Based in London, their debut features two vibrant house tracks enriched by the soulful vocals of London's Deli OneFourz and the inspiring Minister and singer, AJ McCloud. Fans of Fresh & Low will love '36 Degrees' which radiates sunshine with its pulsating drums, deep basslines, and Deli OneFourz's velvety vocals. Meanwhile, 'The Tunnel' spirits with its gospel-infused energy and AJ McCloud's message of resilience. The tune symbolises collective perseverance and the joy of dancing together and what more do you need to know than that?
On My Mind (feat LYMA & Elf Tranzporter - Inkswel remix) (5:46)
Review: Ed Temple takes things back to the glory age of seminal clubs like Paradise Garage and The Loft with this fresh outing on the Temple Musiq label. 'Pink Velvet' opens up with the sort of lush and dreamy arps that you want to hear either to ease you in or take you out of the dance. 'Don't Wait' then awakens the sense with steamy sax sounds drifting up above mid-tempo house drums and 'On My Mind' is all woozy vocals and smeared jazz guitar licks for some Balearic brilliance. Last but not least is an Inkswel remix of 'On My Mind' that explores broken beats and sunny vibes with a stylish original vocal.
Review: Temple Musiq kicks off with a new EP from label head Temple. The opener 'Who You Are' has already achieved anthem status thanks to getting plenty of plays during Temple's own sets while he has opened for the likes of Rick Wilhite, Osunlande and Trus'me. It's got a nice drum machine drive, subtle acid lines and hooky choruses. The Prins Thomas remix is as you would expect a little more suspensory and cosmic, while Temple's 'Wait For Love' brings you back down to the dancefloor with a taught, twisted, tech house rawness that is offset by a sultry sax line. 'The Tetrah' then winds down with more elastic and dubbed-out, slow-motion house sounds.
Review: Second release by Ten Lardell of expertly produced techno-electro, with a huge 90's vibe. Tardell is a thus far mysterious producer who has helmed the Anterspace series for yet 2 releases thus far, and has blown us away with the sheer, unrelenting energy of the tracks contained therein. On volume 2 here, mega-bangers such as the A-side's 'Isosurfer' extract energy by utilising the power of the crossrhythm, yielding a far greater potency than regular sonic exothermic reactions made under similar controlled conditions... Fooled you! The conditions here aren't so controlled: 'The Cold Equations' intelligently nuclear-blasts the music-making laboratory itself into a chaotic, fallen-out ruin of militant claps and acid. Finally, 'Polygonization II' renders everything mathematical with endless, endless acid.
Move That Body (with Cevin Fisher - instrumental) (6:52)
Review: A year after it slipped out digitally, Danny Tenaglia's superb 'The Brooklyn Gypsy' finally lands on wax. It's perhaps deeper and groovier than some of his vintage productions, which tended towards the muscular, dark and percussive, but the bassline is fabulous, the Frankie Knuckles-esque chords and textures inspired, and the piano solo that stretches out across the track nothing short of superb. Over on the flip, Tenaglia joins forces with fellow house legend Cevin Fisher on vocal and instrumental takes of 'Move Your Body', a more energetic, thickset and piano-powered affair that sits somewhere between the sun-soaked A-side and the long, Twilo-inspired workouts that marked out Tenaglia's turn-of-the-millennium creative peak.
Review: Tenderlonious returns with a standout 12" vinyl, delivering three tracks that blend deep house with lush, jazzy textures, limited to just 200 hand-stamped and signed copies. Kicking off with 'Underworld,' the A-side offers a ten-minute groove of rolling 808s, atmospheric synths, and sweeping stringsia dancefloor essential. Side B opens with 'Wild Horses,' a mellow, bass-driven journey marked by rich analogue pads and a touching piano solo, followed by 'Ur Love,' a nod to the London club scene with its layered rhythms and melodic twists.
Review: Cult Japanese video game soundtrack designer and happy house hero Soichi Terada's last album Asakusa Light on Rush Hour gets picked apart from some top remixes here. First to go is a former hip-hop beatsmith turned deep house don Byron The Aquarius. He smooths out the grooves of 'Bamboo Fighter' and layers in dusty chords and diffuse melodies that are heartwarming and hypnotic. 'Takusambient' then gets a fine treatment from Alex Attias who brings bubbly chords and bass to a lively deep house cut that is full of subtle party vibes.
Review: Originally released in 1989, Nami Shimada's "Sunshower" was the most unlikely of deep house hits, getting spun and remixed by Larry Heard and subsequently licensed by The Hague-based label in 2004 replete with one of Danny Wolfer's darkest remixes. With the record long out of print and being offered for some overly imaginative prices on Discogs, Creme decision to reissue the record should be met with vociferous applause by late adoptees to the label.
Review: Rhythmic innovator Reza Terenzi returns with a bold EP that again invites us into her signature genre-bending sound which ranges from ethereal to gritty. As such, this one offers something for every moment-whether it's for deep dancefloor energy or reflective stargazing. Recorded between Berlin and Perth, mythical adrenaline and personal introspection all colour the sounds with unpredictable twists and dynamic shifts along the way. 'Ministry Of Wish' is a spangled sound with lithe synths and fluid rhythms, 'Sweatbox' is a twisted club cut, 'Magnetize Me Baby' is more roomy and percolating and 'Endurance' is futurist minimal.
Review: Terrace is a guise of Stefan Robbers and there is a sombre sense of end of the world finality to this new EP on Cyphon. 'Territorial' is a dubby electro cut that seems to want to fight for its right to party, while 'Thermon' has a nagging bassline and bittersweet chords that suggest the end is near and resistance is futile. 'Woodward' picks up the pace with some swinging drum funk and muted acid lines that all come with a healthy dose of futurism and 'Ritual' is the most prickly and kinetic rhythm of the lot. A classy EP full of cinematic musical adventures.
Review: Hardcore followers of deep and jazzy house might well know the name Terry Tester already. He has dropped some fine cuts on labels like Brownswood and BBE and now he cooks up some gritty but glorious new grooves for Creak Inc. His loose-limbed rhythmic style is laid bare on the opener 'Walkin' while 'Wansel' brings some bright and jazzy melodies that light up the ramshackle drums with future soul. Things get nice and trippy on 'Chance' which is wried up with pixelated stabs, acid mumbles and off-grid hits. The best of the lot might be the final cut 'Seven' with its seductive female vocal coos, wispy pads and Detroit drums. Innovative stuff for sure.
Review: Terry Tester hails from Copenhagen and has already impressed with some Detroit-inspired house heat on labels like Brownswood and BBE. He has also dropped a fine solo EP on Creak Inc this month but at the same time the label has enlisted two artists to remix two of his tunes on this new 12". Up first is 'Grace' (Buscrates Reflip), an early evening and boogie-fried deep house cut with hip-swinging claps and conversational leads that bring the funk. The B-side is more business-like - 'Space Million' (Ian Wallace remix) has dev, dynamic drums and heart-aching vocal hooks for late-night dancing.
Review: The Cuttin' Grooves series is back on TNT Records, featuring a raw reissue of Todd Terry's essential, old-school productions. Leading with 'Do What You Want', it's an uncompromising, drum-heavy track that reflects Terry's gritty, underground vibe. 'Definition Wild Style' is a chaotic, sample-driven cut that keeps the energy high, while 'Dreams of Santa Anna (Remix)' offers a fresh twist on a classic. Wrapping it up, 'A Day in the Groove' is a hypnotic loop-driven gem built for relentless dancefloor action.
Review: Under his Sound Design alias, legendary US house producer Todd Terry dropped his seminal tune 'Bounce To The Beat' back in 1994. 30 years on it is out into the ether once more here courtesy of Hard Times, the newly relaunched label that played a key role in bringing Terry and his peers to UK shores back in the day. As well as the original it comes with two fresh remixes from modern-day tastemakers in Chris Stussy and Dan Shake, both of whom bring it right up to date in style.
Review: Teslasonic is the solo project of Gianluca Bertasi and now he offers up an eclectic mix of electro, Italo, acid, downtempo and atmospheric sounds on his new EP, 'Libero Pensiero', which also comes with an entrancing remix by DJ Overdose. Translating to "free thought," Libero Pensiero brings that mantra to his music as he approaches each of its six tracks from a different perspective so they all stand alone yet form a unified, expressive whole. This is Teslasonic's second release on Tiger Weeds following his contribution to the label's first VA compilation and it's another one steeped in quality.
Review: The impressive musical journey continues for the superb Giano Electronics label with a second various artists outing on vinyl. This one showcases the exceptional talents of Teslasonic who delivers an explosive electro track with the kicking and twisted cyborg energy of 'Nebulosa Omega'. The compilation also features remarkable contributions from Direct Y who impress with the acid-laced rhythms of 'A Ghost In The Head', the acid duo Twisthead Groove, Stefano Rocchi, and iQbit, who shut down with the mid-tempo electro-funk and wispy sci-fi moods of 'The Other Way'.
Review: Series Of Taboo presents its third release, collating the fiery, broken works of two ingenious verging on igneous artists. The first is the established Copenhagen producer Terry Tester, who sports a two-decades-long career as a turntablist and beatmaker. The second is the talented producer Jay Sound, the keyboardist and composer based in Detroit. Whether more a testament to biographical clout or the music itself, 'Rhythms From World Vol. 1' EP is a compellingly minimal broken beat bound-about, both tracks giving off ineffable moods of formal curiosity over concept ('Triplets' taking after the stave-straddling, crotchety musical three) and 'Loose Idea' sounding like, well, just that.
Glass Slipper - "Unification Vibration" (Atjazz main mix) (6:32)
Diephuis - "Listen To This Drum" (feat Ursula Rucker - Turbojazz & Sean McCabe remix) (7:03)
Review: Reel People Music's latest Foliage Records sampler, the second so far, is another magnificent celebration of the deeper and more spiritual end of the house music spectrum. Freerange label boss and deep house don Jimpster opens up with a shimming and warm remix of Thakzin & Ray T's 'Don't Let Me See.' Atjazz also shows off his signature sound and deftness of design with his remix of Glass Slipper's 'Unification Vibration' and Turbojazz & Sean McCabe remix Diephuis's' 'Listen To This Drum' (feat Ursula Rucker) into a steamy house jam for cosy back room sessions. A rich EP for those who like their disco house musical.
Review: Delusions Of Grandeur, easily one of the most consistent deep house labels to come out of the post-minimal era, returns with that guy we all love, Thatmanmonkz. Himself and Chicago's Khalil Anthony are remixed by the equally consistent Jimpster, who delivers the goods by laying down some utter tech house quality on "Take U 2 My House", while Brooklyn-based Sound Signature man Ge-ology takes on "Jus Anutha Wunna Deez", and comes out the other end with a murky, beat-heavy house monster that bumps so perfectly along. The originals are sexier, chunkier in the mix, and backed by some killer vocals, particularly "Take U 2 My House" - what a beaut! Recommended and tipped...
Dusty Rugs (feat John Camp - Silverlining Swung dub) (6:58)
Dusty Rugs (feat John Camp - H Foundation remix) (7:25)
Review: Theoretical Speed is an alias of Ryan Crosson, the long time Detroit underground mainstay who runs this label and has always operated at the vanguard. This EP again finds him joining the dots between Detroit and Berlin with opener 'Take Me to Bed and Mix Me Forever' featuring a trademark Visionquest vocal with deep roaming sub bass. 'Dusty Rugs' is rich with cascading keys played by John Camp as the drums bump and hints of Thomas Melchior shine through. Underground veteran Silverlining serves up a 'Swung Dub' on the flip side while H-Foundation also put their signature stamp on another 'Dusty Rugs' remix.
Review: Thierry Tomas wears his influences on his sleeve on this new one for Deeppa Records with elements of jazz, deep house and electronica all making themselves known. The title cut 'Why Why' is a lovely loose limbed jumble of live-sounding percussion and stylish vocal soul, and the revered Fred Everything reworks it into a lush, pad-laced daydream. 'Life's Great' is a playful, shuffling groove with lovely swing, and 'Blue Birds Fly' then hist harder with hypnotic piano. Last of all, 'Dad's Vinyl' is a nice smoky and jazzy grove marbled with great samples and a carefree vibe.
Review: Two years ago, Thomas Xu announced himself via a fine debut 12" on Sound Signature where he shared vinyl space with Julion De'Angelo. Here he launches his own label, Steady Flight Circle, via a first full solo EP of his own. It's really rather good, with Xu combining spacey jazz-funk synths, emotive chord progressions and rich musicality with beats that tend towards the jazzy, broken and off-kilter. All three tracks feel loose, warm and immediate, as if they were jammed-out in one take. While they clearly weren't, this improvised feel is hugely endearing. From the sounds of "Different Widsoms", Xu will clearly be a producer to watch in the months and years ahead.
Review: Thoughtforms' Blue EP features three tracks that combine forward-thinking techno with dancefloor appeal, creating a unique balance between deep thinking techno and ones that move your feet. Side-1 begins with 'E-blue,' a techno track infused with elements of Italo house and an 80s sound. Its futuristic vibe and movie soundtrack feel set an imaginative tone. On Side-2, 'Phantom' introduces alien sounds with a haunting and dark atmosphere, enveloping listeners in its eerie ambiance. The EP concludes with 'Stomper,' an electro track that is both futuristic and otherworldly, delivering dramatic flair. Blue by Thoughtforms stands out for its innovative approach to techno, blending retro influences with a modern edge. Each track on here demands your attention.
Review: This is the first release on the newly formed Thoughtforms records and also by the group with the same name, Thoughtforms. 'Tubes' straddles the line between techno, industrial and EBM and there's a psy-trance-like vision to each track where you could easily hear this in any futuristic machine movie soundtrack. 'Formas Adidas' is our favorite on this EP, but the B-side 'Our Mind' blends ambient into the trance at a slower BPM. Fans of industrial tinged EDM and EBM should particularly enjoy the sci-fi soundtrack vibes here.
Review: Detroit techno outfit Three Chairs is one of the most revered in the underground game with heavyweights Theo Parrish, Kenny Dixon Jr and Rick Wilhite all part of it. Back in 1998 they dropped this classic EP and now it's been repressed by Theo's Sound Signature. It still bangs, obviously, starting with 'Good Kiss' which is a slow, dusty and jazzy deep house methane with candle-lit pads. 'Blue Out' has heavier kicks but they're still scuffed up and scruffy with some loopy keys up top and last of all is 'Transit' with its more disco leaning loops, funky bass riffs and atmospheric vocals making for a nice cosy house party vibe.
Review: There was a time when Atlantic was one of the foremost house labels in the game, and that was back in the 1990s when artists like Kerri Chandler were defining the deep New Jersey sound. If you didn't know, Three Generations is actually one of his aliases - one that only ever spawned one tune, and this is it, featuring Chevell. It's an absolute classic of the time with the garage swing, the emotive vocals and the silky synths over a nice taught bassline as well as the sound of a needle scratching across the track which was to convey the pain Kerri was feeling at the time after the murder of his then-girlfriend. A true bit of house history.
Review: The rightly acclaimed Thundercat put out his latest album It is What It Is on Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder earlier in the year. Now a lead single from it gets offered up as three different versions. The album version is a romantic track with mellifluous chords rippling over lo-fi and subtle drums while the vocals bring the vibes. The always on point Floating Points then reworks it for the dance floor with airy drums that float in mid air as the keys get a bit busier and the vocals remain in place to bring the soul. An instrumental and acappella mean all bases are covered.
Review: Tifra ventures into uncharted territory with a four track EP that explores the hypnotic and ominous depths of the unknown. Channelling the spirit of 90s and 00s house and prog, Tifra crafts a sonic landscape of undulating grooves and mesmerizing rhythms. 'Invoke Hysteria' sets the tone with its pulsating energy, while 'Serpent' slithers through hypnotic textures and haunting melodies. The title track, 'Terra Incognita', delves deeper into the unknown, its hypnotic groove punctuated by unexpected twists and turns. Admo's masterful remix adds another dimension, transforming the track into a peak-time weapon. This EP is a journey into the depths of sound, a testament to Tifra's ability to craft captivating and immersive electronic music.
Review: As part of PIAS' 40th Anniversary celebratory series - which compiles reissues by the arch-label's proudest artist-retainers - comes this TIGA EP. A fixture of both the label and the Montreal rave scene at large, TIGA is also a renowned electro-house remix artist and afterparty promoter and owing to that legacy, he's already had his enduring track 'Mind Dimension 2' released via the series. So we're more than excited to hear his 2004 anthem 'Pleasure From The Bass', and seven others, resuscitated for another edition, most of these tracks came from TIGA's Sexor era, an LP which came to be seen as one of the foremost reference points for electronic music at the time.
Review: Tiger Stripes makes his debut on Matt Edwards' Rekids label with the I Heard It Through The Bassline EP, a two-track release that highlights his refined production skills. The title song has a deeply infectious bassline that drives the rhythm, blending seamlessly with tight house grooves and sophisticated gospel vocals. This track sets a compelling tone with its irresistible energy. On the flip side, 'Everybody's Doing It' offers a more subdued vibe, characterised by its stylish, low-slung groove. The track evokes the atmosphere of a dim-lit club or a contemplative late-night drive through the city, making it perfect for those introspective moments on the dancefloor. As the founder of the Strange Idols label, Tiger Stripes has been a significant force in the underground music scene since the early 2000s. With collaborations alongside artists like Kerri Chandler and Jerome Sydenham, and releases on labels like Hot Creations and Get Physical, his latest EP on Rekids further shows his talents.
Review: Tigerbalm is the solo project from Nicola Rose Robinson, and it has impressed over the last couple of years with music on Peng and Ubiquity. Now she returns to the latter for a new single packed with great remixes. The original is 'Waiheke', a loose-limbed rhythm with bubbling drums, rich percussion and tribal vocals that will work any dance floor into a lather. The Alma Negra remix brings more funky bass, while the Bananas For Breakfast remix slows things down to a languid crawl. On the flip, the Demi Riquisimo mix is more minimal and deep and Quartz and Tiger Sunset then offer two different perspectives to close this vital EP.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.