Sound Metaphors Germany Schallplatten & CDs

Review: 80s synthpop stars Anti Time laid down 'Dream Baby/Free Recipe' first off in 1982, sadly rendering them one of many acts from the time who'd only ever release once single. But that doesn't mean we'll forget about them, no sir/madam: the 7" now comes reissued via Sound Metaphors, and slaps us around the ears with its jam-packed samples, industrial textures and sex-iconic whispers. Like the original, the weirdos' favourites 'Delkom Free Beats' and 'Target' also feature.

Review: Marco Calderoni seems to have released just one thing and that was his How to Use The World Volume 2 EP back in 1991. Sound Metaphors Records has now remastered it and recompiled it for this all new pressing which sends you deep into his mix of ambient, house and Balearic across six sublime cuts. '7 Heavens' is the glistening opener with nice deep analogue beats, and 'Exploring The Unknown' carries on the same vibe before 'How 2 Use The Sky' is like a perfect post rave comedown. The second half is another scintillating mix of silvery, shiny synth lines and dusty analogue drums that sounds like little else before or since.

Review: Sound Metaphors has lined up a bunch of killer EPs to drop in quick fashion and this one from Data features several different versions of one fantastic single. 'Extroscopic' is deft techno with nimble baselines and light synths that float through space on the Extroscopic version while the dub is even more warm and bubbly. 'Extroscopic' (Trancextro Scopie) has more trance-tinged chord work and then Anatolian Weapons turns out a more psychedelic version with silvery percussive chatter and last of all a Deep Mix that is indeed a heads down back room techno trip.

Review: Those of a certain age might well remember this early trance and breakbeat anthem from Life Form. It landed in 1993 and now on the occasion of its 30th birthday, it has been fully remastered for this reissue on Sound Metaphors. Right now this sort of sound is full back en vogue with all sorts of young producers aping those early glory days but few will match the quality of 'Come Down' with its slick breakbeat loops and alluring female vocals. There are two mixes, a Juan Ramos remix that is more downtempo and the captivating 'Summer's Child' is also included.

Review: First released in 1992 on Muzak, an Italian label headed up by Leo Mas, Fabrizio Lazzari, and Andrea Gemolotto, this crucial 12" played a pivotal role in shaping Italy's dancefloor electronic scene of the early 90s. Infused with influences from Detroit and New York, it forged a unique sound that is still fresh today. Now, it sees an official reissue with a great remix of 'Futureless' by Berlin-based Trent. This revamped version strips away the breakbeat elements, infusing the track with a new acid vibe. The reissue breathes new life into a timeless classic, bridging the gap between past and present electronic landscapes.

Review: West Coast rave scene specialists Michael Kandel and Tom Chasteen are Voodoo Transmission and they have one again plunged deep in their vaults to serve up this reissue EP. One side boasts two dynamic dancefloor renditions that blend rhythmic layers with dubbed-out effects - 'Crazy Jane' channels Debbie Harry's 'Heart of Glass' on LSD. The flip side intensifies with downtempo gabba vibes with raging synths and abundant cymbal action. Three versions incorporate samples from Jimmy Stewart's 1946 monologue in It's A Wonderful Life to add another vibe entirely.