Review: In the summer of 2023, Upgrade Records launched via a nostalgic, party-starting EP from the previously unheard artist In 5 D (likely an alias for someone a bit better known, but don't quote us on that). For the label's return, long-serving DJ/producer Buckley Boland (best known for his releases on Made To Play, Black Riot and One Records) is the man at the controls. What he's delivered is a nostalgic, sample-rich affair that combines the angular wonkiness and mind-mangling noises of early-to-mid-2000s tech-house with nods towards vintage acid house, electro-house and the hard-to-pigeonhole house filth of the (long gone) Music For Freaks label. Basically, it's all fun-time, party-starting fare, with the bump-and-squelch of 'Daft Sandwich', the bustling brilliance of 'Nude Night' and the break-sporting hustle of 'S/A/M Real Man' standing out.
Review: Novaj Records presents its second vinyl release - 'Space Energy', an electrifying compilation EP inviting listeners on an interstellar journey through a wide array of sonic cosmologies, in good stead with the nascent trend of space-age acid house emergent of late. Lauching into the boundless realms of space, the likes of Donnie Cosmo's 'Venus Transit', MLink's 'Frequencia' and Sunaas' 'Flash Dancer' are all as enchanting as they are out-of-body-experience-inducing.
Review: Amulanga, operating out of Thailand, emphasise beauteous atmospheric progressive house, pairing each compilation with exquisite, extra-worldly sci-fi themes. Their latest, sixth vinyl V/A hears additions from Dulus, Acrobat, Ilias Katalenos & Plecta, Taleman and Shri & Alej, each track a seamless infusion of living, writhing organic sound. More than just music, the aim is to imply a narrative, shuttling and transforming listeners over and beyond centrifugal, interplanetary orbits - not just dancefloors.
Review: This is the thirrd release by the amazing Italian producer Ivan Iacobucci for the Perlon label. The previous two were so well received, this next one was destined to come out sooner than later. Perlon fans know what to expect from their label of choice and Ivan delivers the goods. Those addictively quirky and fonky jackin' minimal techno jams. The title track is that and then some! We especially like the sexy jam 'Waiting For My Love'. Expect the unexpected when you flip over the record as 'Close the Door' is a full-on acid banger that combines high energy techno into what sounds like a video game soundtrack theme song! Closing things out is the wild sounding 'Fear & Madness in the Desert'. We are smiling at the thought of someone playing out these corkers to audience. Expect to see WTF typefaces everywhere!
Alex Kassian x Spooky - "Orange Coloured Liquid" (part I) (6:25)
Alex Kassian x Spooky - "Orange Coloured Liquid" (part II) (5:54)
Alex Kassian x Spooky - "Orange Coloured Liquid" (Placid Angles remix) (7:08)
Spooky - "Orange Coloured Liquid" (5:02)
Review: After last year's standout 'E2-E4' rework, in-form producer Alex Kassian returns to Test Pressing Records with the next instalment in the series i this time turning his attention to Spooky's 'Orange Coloured Liquid', taken from their 1993 debut album Gargantuam. Alongside acts like Underworld and Leftfield, UK duo Charlie May and Duncan Forbes helped shape the early 90s progressive house sound under their Spooky moniker. Now, decades later, Kassian delivers two versions designed to serve dancefloor and sunset respectively, with the rolling breaks of Part I beautifully complemented by the ambient swells of Part II. John Beltran dons his Placid Angles alias for a sumptuous remix pitched somewhere between the two, while the still-fresh original rounds out an essential EP i no surprise, given the calibre of those involved.
Review: Aiming squarely for the charts once again come German and American minimal maestros Adam Port and Stryv, together joining forces with the irresistibly tremolo'ing voice of singer Malachiii. Few songs in the contemporary climate do so well as those which blow up on social media, and 'Move' is one such case. The present zeitgeist's mode of "hip ennui" is achieved with great celerity here, with the track's instrumental weaving an excessive yet insouciant trance around Malachiii's neon croons. Impressively echoic, it's the fusion of minimal techno and contemporary Afrobeats - both fervently identifiable styles - that make this one catchy.
Review: A four-track EP that seamlessly blends electronic, acid house and breakbeat influences. Opening with 'Keep Off,' the track establishes a driving, pulsating rhythm that sets the tone with intricate synth patterns. 'N64' picks up the pace, with its relentless bassline and sharp percussion, evoking energy and urgency. On the flip side, 'Oscillator' takes the listener into a hypnotic trance-like state, with oscillating synths creating an immersive atmosphere. Closing with 'Diffusion Network,' the track layers complex rhythms and sounds, demonstrating the duo's ability to craft rich, engaging electronic music.
Review: Retro 90s techno vibes with a futuristic edge, delivering a compelling mix of melody, rhythm and atmosphere. Side-1 opens with 'Constellations', a standout track that elevates vintage techno with a fresh, unique melody and futuristic flair. 'Oracle' follows, blending serious electro and techno elements with a commanding bassline and spacey soundscapes, making for a deep listening. On Side-2, 'Waking Life' continues the spacey techno journey with solid production and hypnotic rhythms that evoke a sense of cosmic exploration. Closing the release is 'Gothic Medicine', a trancey techno gem that balances sci-fi textures with vintage influences, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. With strong production values and a cohesive vision, this release offers a dynamic take on techno and mixing it with many other forward thinking electronic dance music.
Review: The Revivis-run Santo Tomas label launches a new edits offshoot devoted to reworking less obvious, forgotten house and prog gems from the 90s. The A-side is a collision of techno, prog and trance with cosmic synths, twitchy pads and plenty of old school stabs. The flip is a little more stripped back - the drums slap, the acid lines grow ever more wild, and a steamy and sensuous vocal sample is run through the middle for maximum emotional impact. Two dancefloor destroyers, for sure.
Review: Prog house legend Sasha collaborates with Newcastle's Artche on a stunning new track, 'Hold On,' which blends dramatic, sweeping synths with deep, moody basslines and emotional vocals. The original version is a cinematic journey, building with profound melodies and lush chords that create an expansive, atmospheric vibe. The track is both sophisticated and impactful, with its grand architecture tugging at the heartstrings. The 'Artche Mix' offers a different twist, working in airy, dusty broken beats while keeping the original's vocals and synths. This version introduces a fresh rhythm and texture, yet still retains the emotional core of the track. Both mixes highlight the collaborative synergy between Sasha and Artche, showcasing their ability to craft deeply emotive, melodic dance music.
Review: Sasha is back with another standout release on his own label, Last Night On Earth, this time joining forces with Jody Barr. After recent collaborations with Super Flu and Sentre as well as his solo hits like 'Florian Drift' and 'How to Wear Raybans Well', Sasha remains a leading figure in the melodic house and techno world. Jody Barr, with releases on Krankbrother, among others, brings his rugged, hardware-driven sound to the mix. Their track 'Phaxon' is an elegant, emotive affair, while Einmusik's remix adds a darker, club-ready edge.
Review: Sasha's journey from trailblazer in the late-90s to one of the most influential figures in the dance music scene is a saga that feels as expansive as his discography. Having spent decades shaping the sound of progressive house, his career is a masterclass in reinvention i and collaboration. Whether you're hearing him weave his magic through orchestral synths, deep baselines, or finely tuned atmospherics, it's clear that Sasha never rests on his laurels. His latest collaboration with Joseph Ashworth continues this legacy. Known for his work with labels like Anjunadeep, Needwant and Pets Recordings, Ashworth brings his textured, melody-driven style to the mix, further enhancing Sasha's exploration of emotional soundscapes. The single 'HiFiHi' adds another layer to Sasha's ongoing journey, with the original mix offering cinematic build-ups and euphoric moments, while the LoFiLo Mix opts for a more introspective, vulnerable tone. Together, the tracks highlight a refined maturity in both producers' craft, reinforcing Sasha's place as a key figure in contemporary electronic music.
The Real Sun (Giraffi Dog 700 Lakeside remix) (4:55)
Review: Secretsundaze, both the label and party, is now helmed by James Priestley alone. Here the long-time London staple embarks on a new journey with his first solo release which features a fresh pair of originals. The EP opens with 'Doesn't This Sun Feel Great' which is a slick, speed house cut that is pent up with joy and celebration and has some twisted vocal manipulations and superb percussive details. 'The Real Sun' is similar in that it features plenty of live percussion, some tropical bird calls and humid synth lines that will get big reactions in the club. On the B-side, Drua's remix brings a psychedelic tech-house edge, while Giraffi Dog closes with his '700 Lakeside Remix' which is a little more sundown and sultry.
Review: Shat is a place in Yorkshire (well, the nickname a village called Skelmanthorpe). Shat is something you hope to never do. Shat is also the alias of an artist who makes progressive house with a 90s twist. This outing is a third on the Party Tricks label and it opens with some swirling celestial pads, dream-scape beats and dusty hits that get your head amongst the clouds. 'Dwingeloo' is a faster slice of progressive techno with freewheeling pads and raspy basslines. Two remixes on the flip that things into very different territory but both of them are going to prove effective in the right setting.
Review: "Yeah, as I gaze upon you, I am overwhelmed by the fact that beauty is an insufficient phrase to describe you. You are the definition of pure perfection, and though many have tried and failed to get close to you, I run that walk into the flame." Echoing the seductive vocal soliloquies heard overlaid in much deep Chicago house - the work of the late Paul Johnson springs to mind - K' Alexi Shelby marks a terrific introduction to this new V/A from Cod3 QR. The label was long the subject of much speculative chinstroking; only in recent years was it revealed to be the brainchild of Laurent Garnier and Oliver Way. Here on this latest output from the label, we hear a mix of technical and tribal moods traverse across a mostly slow-burner sensibility, pinnacling on DJ Bone's bosomy chord viber 'DD'.
Review: The debut album from Ukrainian collective Noneside unites musicians and visual artists under the inspiring words of poet Taras Shevchenko, who said 'Make love, o dark-browed ones.' Framed by a painting from contemporary artist Iryna Maksymova, the music explores the trance and tech house that is destined to bring souls together on the dancefloor this summer and beyond. Shjva opens with fresh and mashed bass and sleek trance pads that are subtle but effective. Lostlojic layer sup deep, bubbly techno drums and bass with an angelic vocal tone and Saturated Color's 'Trancia' is a speedy, scuffed-up tech groove for late-night cruising. Peshka and Yevhenii Loi offer two more future-facing trance-techno fusions packed with feels.
Review: Gooey Editz is launching a new sub-series here and Siggatunez is behind the first limited 12". 'Live CUtz' has four tunes that are all designed to shake up the floor. 'Gettin' Love' is raw, percussive house with bright melodies and a sense of celebration. 'Movin' On' slips into a deeper realm with more moody synths and pulsing bass and 'By Your Side' brings a gorgeous pitched-up Erykah Badu vocal over punchy broken beats that take you to the next level. Last of all is 'Trust Me', a steamy and densely layer house track with intense keys, jazzy chords and vocals.
An Introduction To Frost (Apt E Glacier dub) (8:04)
Review: Simic's contribution to Accessory's eighth release is a masterclass in minimal house that ventures into frosty sonic landscapes. On the A-side, 'Third Dream' opens with delicate precision, utilising airy percussion and sparse melodies that leave plenty of room for the listener's imagination to wander. Its hypnotic, minimal structure feels perfectly at home in a late-night set, inviting dancers to get lost in its clean lines and steady pulse. 'When The Foot Falls' follows, maintaining the minimalist ethos but with a touch more warmth, weaving intricate rhythms into a seamless, immersive journey. The B-side shifts the mood with 'An Introduction to Frost', bringing in the krautrock-inspired textures that lend the record its icy allure. There's a deliberate pace to the track, each layer added carefully, building a shimmering, crystalline atmosphere. This progression is taken a step further with Apt E's 'Glacier Dub' remix, which plunges even deeper into the chill, transforming the original into a dubbed-out, weighty exploration of sound. Apt E's treatment introduces a spaciousness that reverberates with echoes, as if the track is playing out in a vast, frozen cavern. Simic's deft balance of minimalist house and krautrock elements results in a release that is equally suited to introspective listening and dynamic club environments. It's an impressive addition to the Accessory catalogue, showcasing his versatility while remaining rooted in the colder, more experimental corners of electronic music.
Review: Over the past ten years brothers Sasha and Sergey Lipsky have been throwing down their own brand of wayward grooves as Simple Symmetry, tapping into a kind of cosmic sound which has been right at home on labels like Disco Halal. Now the Russiann pair have arrived on Multi Multi after teasing the connection with a compilation offering in 2021. On this EP we get dark n' dirty electro throb, ascendant trancey techno, sentimental sax-laden wooze-house (think 'Pacific State' on luudes) and a remix from kindred spirits Red Axes which will do maximum damage on the floor.
Review: Newcomer Liam Sinigoi shares a debut release for Nonsono, impressing us seasoned types with an evidently sparse but efficacious sonic palate. While Sinigoi's dancefloor acumen is second to none, you'd be surprised to learn that most of these tunes were made while he was living on the site of a former hospital in London's Shadwell, not in some action-stations studio. Packed with piquant acid leads and haunting over-synths, the likes of 'Steel's HC' and 'Can't Dance!' make up a sonic tetragram, each corner of which reveals a different side to the initiate producer.
Review: Cracking the back window open, Sleep D aerate our inner herbaria with a gas exchange in progressive techno, letting us in again on their outdoorsy brand of photosynthetic dance music. Always deepeneing their connection to the natural world, the EP opens with 'Green Thumbs' before vine-whipping us into the curious perks of 'Mountain Ash'; both nail a blithe, fairylike spirit, and the flushed-out, unencumbered feel of braving a hike after a cucumber face mask. 'Acheron Cauldron' carries the listener to a volcanic peak, where relentless kick and pulsating bassline brings us to seismic climax, leaving only eerie whispers. Closer 'Magma Flow', finally, is a trance-inducing finale hearing a slowed but thicketed texture, as brambles and stamens cloud our vision of a synth aurora.
Review: Sohrab's 'Dreams of Dawn' on his new Toneblind label is a musical story that bridges night's last whispers and dawn's first light. Blending progressive styles along the way, it marks a clear evolution from his past work and so each track throngs with transitional energy that captures dreams melting into reality. It is an EP which is a heartfelt statement reflecting friendships forged on the road and global experiences lived, while even without the backstory, the tunes make an impact from the colourful and painterly pads of 'Perplexity' to the more jacked up trance-house of 'Constance'.
Review: Aussie label Foul Play Records snip the red tape with a logographic roll of the dice, and an initiatory two-tracker by resident producer Solar Suite. Described rightly as two techy peak-time cuts, 'Plumb' and its sibling tune 'Second Wind' are alleged to have been made following a near religious experience experienced at Amsterdam club DOKA in 2021. The holy frenzy that follows is indeed a kind of percussive enthusiasmos, centring on deep, resonant sampled shouts and slippery sound design between fidgeting drums. 'Plumb' moves only ever so slightly more harmonic, its underlying chords and "ah" stutters functioning as audial anchors.
Review: Swung Selections is back with a second volume of club ready tech house bangers. There is a great blend of retro nostalgia and fresh and forward-facing sound designs across the four-track selection. Soulfreq's 'Holiday Break' begins with twisted old shock bass and slapping hits. Retrospect then keeps it smooth with the nice cool tech bubbler 'Pickled Moose,' No Results Found wigs out the floor with the wriggling synth madness and electro rhythms of 'Tackle Maestro' then Harrison BDP shuts down with the thumping house of 'Buggin Out.'
Review: Belfast's Space Dimension Controller returns with six glistening slow-burners that nod to Warp's early 90s Artificial Intelligence era, while gently messing with the co-ordinates. There's a subtlety in the programming: 'Infinite Image' drifts with a low-lit acid bassline and glassy synth layers, while 'Variation Five' hints at the woozy futurism of B12 or Spacetime Continuum. 'The Mirror Dome' and 'Chemical Glass' are deeper stillibuilt less for peak-time than post-club recalibration, hovering somewhere between ambient techno and dream-sequence electro. Even the percussive flickers of 'Reflect Itself' feel fluid, while closer 'Island Eye' stretches out like mist. Not nostalgic, not entirely newijust rich, soft-focus electronics executed with typical finesse.
Kauris 1979 (Feel Fly Piano Emozione remix) (0:49)
Review: Night Vibez first outing on vinyl is a limited affair, with only 200 copies available worldwide. It sees Steb join forces with Dario Rossi for 'Karius 1979', a shimmering, impactful late-night number that giddily blurs the boundaries between sci-fi deep house, trippy nu-disco, and strobe-lit Italo-disco of the sort more associated with basements in The Hague than open-air clubs in Italy. Van Der Kirche and THC kick-start the accompanying remix package with a bouncy, stab-happy breakbeat take that sounds like it could have been recorded in 1990 or 91, before big guns Marvin & Guy re-frame it as a throbbing Chic-meets-Italo-disco workout. To round things off, the Feel Fly 'Piano Emozione' mix is a dreamy, piano-laden trance number that recalls the mid-90s excellence of Robert Miles.
Review: Stones Taro's latest offering is a masterclass in the art of tension and release, where breakbeat rhythms meet house grooves in a seamless, almost hypnotic blend. 'Clutch' anchors the release with a frenetic bassline and chopped vocal snippets that feel precision-engineered for the dancefloor. Then there's 'Stealthy Meow,' a surprising turn into trance-inflected euphoria, its shimmering melodies wrapped around a sturdy rhythmic core. Christopher Ledger's remix of 'Clutch' takes a darker path, stripping back the original's energy in favour of a creeping, minimalist tech-house groove. It's music that feels alive, constantly shifting under the weight of its own restless momentum. Here, Stones Taro has refined his genre-blending formulai as well as perfected it.
Review: Philadelphia producer and DJ Sweater makes a blistering debut on New York's BLKMARKET MUSIC with five cuts that blur the lines between breakbeat, tech-house and low-slung electro. It's a sound rooted as much in dusty record bins he works the counter at Impressions Philly as it is in the warehouse circuits that forged this connection back in 2021. 'The Answer' opens with choppy drums and cosmic static, before both versions of 'Twilight Zone' spin the same eerie motif into sleek machine funk ('Space Mix') and woozy stepper ('Broken Mix'). On the flip, 'Better Ask Somebody' dials up the groove with bumping mids and a ghosted vocal chop, while 'Contact In The Zone' sends things into sludgy, broken-rhythm hypnosis. A bold first outing that speaks in riddles but hits with intent.
Review: While most party DJs lament their wedding gigs while lauding their fun cool jobs, Wedding Acid Group - the openers of this latest V/A by Undersound Recordings - marks a point of going beyond mere cultural Stockholm syndrome, not just making light of our matrimonial masters, but redirecting those cheugy energies into a killer beatific-corrosive intro.AThen come three more riveting uplifts of a blissful and bouncey variety, from 'Do As I Say' by Albert Ess to 'Singlestranded' by Systelman to 'Love2' by J. Mono, seguing from industrial anvil clankage to a nightbus-bound house closer.
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