Back catalogue: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: Pressed on stunning aquamarine vinyl, this 12" delivers a balearic escape through two extended reworks from the brilliant minds behind the recent Aqua Cheta remix EP. Italian producer Infradisco's original compositions are reimagined by Hear & Now and Manu Archeo, resulting in lush, transportive soundscapes perfect for blissful introspection or sun-drenched relaxation. Side-A features 'Beyond The Caduca (Hear & Now Remix)', a guitar-laced journey that glides effortlessly between balearic warmth and gentle motion. The remix expands on the original's dreamy essence, adding layers of melody and depth that ebb and flow like waves against a secluded shoreline. Side-B presents 'Beyond The Dulcis (Manu Archeo Remix)', an exquisite slice of seaside ambience. Soft, serene and filled with healing frequencies, this version unfolds with soothing textures, gentle horns and an atmosphere that feels like a tranquil sunset over endless waters. A masterful pairing of new-age dreamscapes and nostalgia, this release is great for those seeking deep relaxation or sonic escapism where tracks radiate positivity.

Review: Kaoru Inoue's latest EP continues the journey of his acclaimed long player Dedicated to the Island, which was recently released for Record Store Day 2024. This six-track sequel features a series of self-reworked tracks from the LP, a first-time vinyl release and previously unreleased material as well as a remix by Argentina's SidiRum, who is a leading tastemaker in the tribal and slower house scenes. True to its title, the EP emphasises enhanced rhythmic elements and delivers a blend of organic, left-field electronic sounds. Inoue's talent for crafting atmospheric, innovative sounds will only improve with this superb 12".

Review: Intrallazzi and Dario Piana have been friends and Milanese scene contemporaries since 1981, when they both fell in love with the distinctive Afro-Cosmic sound of local DJ (and later Piana collaborator) Daniel Baldelli. Since then, they have both made records aplenty under a variety of aliases, but this EP on Leng marks their first joint release. The headline attraction is opener (and lead cut) 'Out of Control', a dubbed-out cosmic disco chugger propelled by echo-laden percussion and a deep, low-slung bassline, smothered in psychedelic synth and guitar sounds. Fellow Italian producer LTJ Experience remixes, offering up a stripped-back and acid-flecked interpretation. Elsewhere, 'Lazise' is a TB-303-sporting cosmic shuffler and 'Saocraffen' is a Baldelli-influenced fusion of Afro-cosmic funk and ethereal Balearic sounds.

Review: Ilija Rudman shows his class here with two edits for the always-on-point Brooklyn Highs label. He turns his hand to an original by Soul Men aka Black Moses and Part 1 will her you lost in a reverie. The meandering, stoned, slow-motion funk licks, gentle drums and wallowing chords all wash over you like a soothing breeze. The Higher Ground mix part II introduces buttery male vocals that drip with eroticism and soul. This one should come with a pregnancy warning.

Review: Revered Japanese house producer and DJ Kaoru Inoue has been making his mark since the late 90s with releases music through his label Seeds and Ground and others like Mule Musiq and Groovement. Originally released in Japan in 2013, this newly reissued album blends world music, field recordings, ambient and electronic elements into an immersive and widescreen sound. It opens with the minimal gamelan ambient track 'Malam' followed by the Afro-Brazilian house of 'Selva' which is reminiscent of early Luciano and Villalobos. The album also features electric jazz fusion house, avant-garde tribal breakbeats and Balearic slow house. Closing with the melancholic new age piece 'Healing Force,' it's a timeless delight.