Philipp Otterbach @ We Are Radar, Jasna 1 (Warsaw) 28.10.2022
Author: hipodrome
Cucina Povera & Ben Vince – There I See Everything [ELP073]
Cucina Povera and Ben Vince’s debut full-length collaboration deploys an engrossing suite of noirish nocturnes based around Maria Rossi aka Cucina Povera’s muzzy vocal loops and Ben Vince’s accompaniments on saxophone, synth and piano. Born out of wonder, innocence and creative discovery, it’s the sound of two exploratory collaborators swimming into each other’s ideas, from Terry Riley-esque transcendence to late-night sax swirls shrouding Rossi’s distinctive voice in dimly lit psychedelic smoke.
Gamut Inc. – Sum To Infinity [DOSER044LP]
The sum to infinity of a sequence is the sum of an infinite number of terms in the sequence. It is only possible to compute this sum if the terms of a sequence converge to zero. “sum to infinity” is also the second release from gamut inc, the retro-futuristic ensemble around composers and curators Marion Wörle and Maciej Sledziecki. This second album by Gamut Inc combines custom-built autonomous music machines with haunting classical synthesiser sounds to create a dense musical kaleidoscope. The core of the album is formed by Risset rhythms – cyclic accelerations and decelerations, in which rhythmic layers repeatedly fade in and out, setting in motion a seemingly endless process of rhythmic movement. The motifs are taken from geometric and arithmetic series that create urgency and restlessness. The rigour of the construction is obscured by an orchestra whose timbres are reminiscent of a retro-futuristic indigenous ensemble. Gamut Inc translate strategies of electronic music like pulse-width modulation to music machines such as automated accordion, automated percussion or glockenspiels and create an intense atmosphere that is idiosyncratic, original and modern at the same time.
Don Cherry & Jean Schwarz – Roundtrip: Live at Theatre Recamier – Paris (1977) [TRS026]
After more than 45 years forgotten in the personal archives of Jean Schwarz, Transversales Disques is releasing this previously unpublished recording which brings together the great Don Cherry and his friend, composer Jean Schwarz, pioneer in electro-acoustic music and member of G.R.M. This concert was recorded in 1977 at the Paris MIX festival (Théatre Récamier) organised by G.R.M and hosted by director François Bayle. An elegant mix of spiritual jazz and electronic sounds around this astounding quintet made up of JF Jenny Clark, Nana Vasconcelos and Michel Portal.
Ma Spaventi – Vicino Lontano LP [BAP167]
Ma Spaventi is a wonderfully versatile artist. Over his decade-long career, the Italian musician has turned his capable hand to everything from ambient to techno. Once again, he is expanding his sound palette and challenging expectations with “Vicino Lontano”.
Lords Of The Future – Terrestrial Exploration EP [BAP176]
In a future that is closer than it may seem, a vessel is sent back to earth, to find out what caused the final demise of human kind. Reporting and recording their findings, Lords of the Future are sending us tunes of sad robots, lonely algorithms and artificial intelligence in moral conflict with itself.
Pop Wallpaper – Strawberry Letter 23 [SEAT002]
Glasgow’s Seated Records return with more archival Scottish New Wave material; this time, in the form of Pop Wallpaper’s disco-not-disco interpretation of the Shuggie Otis classic, ”Strawberry Letter 23”. The Edinburgh band first released ”Strawberry Letter 23” in 1986 as a double A side 12” alongside original song, ”Nothing Can Call Me Back”.
Gilbert – Transit Of Venus [MOS032]
Bristol’s Gilbert turns in a very classy EP of deep and nostalgic IDM cuts – just how M>O>S like it.
Fear-E – Pigs Do Fly EP [SRTX038]
Super Rhythm Trax welcomes back Glasgow’s Fear-E for his second full EP on the label. 4 fresh tracks each designed to tear the club up.
Prince de Takicardie – Volume 2 : Prince de Takicardie EP [STICKYPLASTIK002]
Sticky Plastik returns with its second release featuring a Prince de Takicardie solo EP. The French artist known for his distinctive raw and acidic, yet full of melodies and baselines tech/electro analogue sound won’t disappoint you with these 4 gems.
Gigi Galaxy – Interview With An Alien [DET313E]
A hard to find sci-fi Detroit techno classic gets a timely reissue complete with a new, super solid Delano Smith remix. It’s hard not to love the original in all its futuristic glory, led by a sturdy four-to-the-floor pummelling but boasting a throbbing neo-disco bassline – imagine a lost Gorgio Moroder classic being remade by Jeff Mills in PurposeMaker mode. But the Delano Smith remix updates it for modern palates, ironically by delving back even further, to the early 70s model Kraftwerk from whom he borrows some very austere but classy synth sounds and a touch of electro syncopation.
Partenope – Odysseia [NP006]
Neapolitan producer Partenope certainly wears a big Underground Resistance influence on his sleeve in the case of ‘Odysseya’ – it’s even mentioned in the press release, and we’re not going to argue either. But it’s no bad thing, especially as it’s a general love of the soulful, uplifting, musical end of the techno scale rather than a creative plunder of any UR track in particular. The label has pulled out the big guns with a Gerd Janson remix to accompany it too, and Janson certainly delivers with his warm production bringing out the best via three way acid trance techno hybrid.
Planet People – Terra Firma [PP001]
Planet People have love for Chicago & New York House, Detroit techno & 90s UK ambient. The crew is coming from the UK and this is their first chapter.
Hara Katsiki – Italo Moderni Mix 102
Marcello Giordani DJ – Advanced Process LP [SLOMO050]
‘Advanced Process’ presents itself as a distinguished LP, oozing with Marcello Giordani’s innate talent to evolve the classic Italo Disco sound into consistently ear catching productions of the future. Crisp, analog drum machines and glistening synthwork are a constant. Giordani captivates you with compelling arrangements and considered hints to electro in the likes of ‘Metamorphosis’. Powerful vocals from Fred Ventura and Ready In LED feature on the two alluring singles ‘Mysterious Calls (In The Night)’ and ‘Fase Rem’. Encapsulating, intelligent acid work is heard in ‘Forbidden Pleasures’. Marcello’s clear love for analogue authenticity is at the forefront of this LP. Crisp, analog drum machines and glistening synthwork are a constant.
Members Only – The Worst Edits Vol. 5 [MO021]
Members Only is back at it with a double 12″ featuring 8 previously unreleased tracks of the off the wall lo-fi edit madness they’re known for.
Djedjotronic @ HÖR (Berlin) 21.01.2023
CYRK – Attack Of The Blow Up Dolls [CE043]
Cyrk with some fierce ruling electro tracks on Cultivated Electronics. The title track Attack of the Blow Up Dolls is a robotic electro cut, while the other three tunes are smooth and at times remind us of some of the classic I-f releases with bubbly analogue basslines, frantic synths and relentless electro beats.
The Hipodrome Of Music 