Author: hipodrome
Scan 7 – Dark Territory LP [TRESOR057X]
Patience is a virtue well-rewarded in techno; finding the right groove to build on then holding your nerve long enough to pay off the wait at the optimum moment is a much more skillful endeavour than it would seem for such a minimalistic style. And few display this talent better than Detroit originals Scan 7. Part of the hallowed Underground Resistance family, Scan 7 first broke out in the mid-90s with a series of jacking machine funk 12”s that showcased their savvy for self-control – a faculty they have demonstrated in releases year-on-year since. Highlighting this continuous font of vitality, Tresor Records has returned to the source and presents the reissue of Scan 7’s debut LP, Dark Territory. First unleashed on the label in 1996, the album has been remastered from the original DATs by Mike Grinser, augmenting already powerful tracks such as the snake-like, teasing Unusual Channel (mixed by the master Blake Baxter), and the harder-edged VII resulting in music that will, without doubt, provoke an enhanced response when the pressure is finally released.
Fred P – Singular Point Of Focus EP [SYNCRO56]
New EP by Fred P brings a definitive futurist vision of Dance floor mayhem of the late night variety. ‘Singular Point of Focus’ is an EP packed with weapons of mass euphoria for the discerning selector and enthusiast alike. Incorporating augmented vocals by the Artist himself with a character that can’t be pinned to his natural rich deep voice yet an exact fit that represents the current moment in time. Fred P seems to be entering a zone most dare to tread boldly going beyond in service of the music that he so dearly loves to provide the everlasting sonic voyage for the people who understand there is more than meets the eye.
Don Carlos – Alone [A004]
Anorax has got a vital 10″ here featuring a stone cold classic Balearic house tune from Don Carlos in two different mixes. First is the Paradise mix which is as Ibiza as house music gets – the swirling pads, the subtly joyous feeling in the piano chords, the blistered bassline. It all immediately transports you to the White Isle and gazing out to see as the sun sets and the party ratchets up a gear. On the flip is a Lute Mix which brings some more mellifluous melodies and makes the drums a little more bouncy.
Theo Parrish – Traffic Jams [SS102]
Detroit innovator and singular soundsmith Theo Parrish returns with a new EP which we’re told is his response to “stagnation and nonmovement” either physiologically, mentally or physically. ‘Positive Mental Attitude Solves All’ is up first and is a tribute to the late great funk-father Amp Fiddler. It’s a typically deep cut with dusty drums and irregular, scruffy percussive lines layered in next to diffuse synth warmth and soulful melodies. ‘Traffic Jams’ plays with similar signature themes and is sure to loosen up mind, body and soul. Another standout bit of work from the venerable Motor City man.
Andi – RND 119
Jennifer Touch @ HÖR (Berlin) 18.11.2024
VA – Deep Entries : Gay Electronic Excursions 1979-1985 [DE320]
Dark Entries has raided the bathhouse to bring us Deep Entries: Gay Electronic Excursions 1979-1985, 10 tracks of obscure queer synth bliss. One of Dark Entries’ most important missions has been illuminating neglected facets of gay musical history, with crucial archival works by legends like Patrick Cowley, Sylvester, and Man Parrish. On Deep Entries, the label spans 6 years of gay electronics – from sultry to angsty to camp, these songs are overflowing with snappy 808 snares and sinewy analog synth leads. The ’80s were a difficult period for many in the gay community as they grappled with the horrors of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The 10 tracks on Deep Entries, varied in genre and vibe, are united in their portraiture of 1980s gay life, and the hope for love or fleeting romance. Previously unreleased cruising soundtracks come courtesy of Patrick Cowley’s “Love Me Hot” featuring vocalist Paul Parker and Boytronic’s “Tonight (Alternate Mix)” set on Hamburg’s famous “Mile of Sin.” Brisbane-based Megamen deliver the proto-electroclash number “Designed for Living,” which prefigures Madonna’s Marlene Dietrich rap in “Vogue.” Trans vocalist Paula “Ula” Villagrá declares, “Everyone is gay!” on Muzak’s “Happy Song,” a skittering tecnopop anthem. Dereck Higgins’ “This Was Something” rings like a lost Joy Division cut draped in bizarre effects, and Polar Praxis’ “(I Want) To Be Different” is a seething ode to alterity. Nightmoves’ “Nightdrive,” is best known as the brooding instrumental B-side to their epochal “Transdance.” Transistor Jet’s “Master Of The Universe (BW’s f-w)”, Maxx Mann’s “Just Like a Razor” and Bachelor’s Anonymous’ “A Stranger’s Bed” are mood music for the pleasures of BDSM and one-night stands. The record comes housed in a retro bathhouse fantasy sleeve designed by Gwenaël Rattke and includes a double-sided poster with photographs and lyrics. Deep Entries arrives on December 1st in honor of World AIDS day, and proceeds will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
Army Of God – Endless Skies [BAP211]
In 2012, Army of God released a cult cut of cold wave: “Salvation”. This was the only EP by the partnership of Aroy Dee and Miss Jagroe, the only EP until now that is. Army of God are back, after more than a decade the duo return with Endless Skies. Analogue warmth is sliced by surgical synth stabs and bittersweet strings, Jagroe’s unmistakable voice echoes into the distance with the beseeching mantra of “until the music dies”. Aroy Dee’s edit of the title piece fortifies drums for the floor, emotion is further stripped from the already deadpan lyrics as melodies bleed into distorted wonder. The black streak that characterises Army of God turns a shade darker for the flip. A throbbing bass is inked by off-kilter keys, clusters of claps piercing the thicket of static and chilling chorus of “Fear the Night”. Venturing ever deeper into the night, the darker version will set speaker cones shaking and shivering. Juddering and trembling, basslines are bolstered with vocals invoking the very darkest regions of the dancefloor.
Asymmetrical – Porno Incubo [RWCLTR027]
As is now a well-established tradition, when 7 appears in the catalogue number it is the turn of handyman Asymmetrical. The title takes its inspiration from a tag that appeared in the bathroom of the historical Knick Knack Yoda after one of the (in)usual nights, and is a leap in time, a project born from the layering of different sessions that took place between 2018 and 2020 and only sees the light of day today. 7 is also the number of inches of PVC on which this double is engraved, hosting on one side the track that gives the album its name, on whose rhythms the sound of Luigi Gargano’s saxophone echoes. On the other Estetica Della Notte, is a journey into the phenomenology of tumultuous nights in the shadow of Rome’s Dome.
G.S. Ruessler – Fool Or Genious LP [SNT-06]
Sweet Nectar Tapes is proud to present the label’s first LP: “Fool or Genious” by G. S. Ruessler. Nine hardsoft cuts combining stubborn grooves and naïve melodies form an uncompromisingly honest album. Pursuing a genuinely straight-to-the-point approach, the tracks were recorded live from desk without any overdubbing. This record marks the departure point of G. S. Ruessler’s explorations in the sonic realm.
The Nightstalker – Isoutopic Fantasia [WWW004]
Mystical sounds from the shadows of the night The Zurich duo The Nightstalker, consisting of producers Dan Piu and Popshop (Gary Rich), create a cosmos of sound that plunges deep into the darkness and unfolds an almost magical attraction. After two acclaimed albums on the Berlin label Childhood Intelligence, they now invite us on a sonic fantasy journey with their new mini-album ‘Isoutopic Fantasia’ on World Wide Web Records. With six tracks that oscillate between danceable darkness and playful, surreal moments, ‘Isoutopic Fantasia’ embodies a seductive fusion of mystical depth and bizarre beauty. The sounds are addictive and lead us through a musical dream realm where each beat reveals a new twist and the melodies unfold into sprawling, unexpected dimensions. A sonic fantasy carried by the shadows of the night, in which light and darkness unite in a hypnotic dance.
Mamosato – Volume 3 [STL006]
The italian trio Mamosato composed of Paolo Macri, Cristian Sarde and Emanuele Montalto, come back to squeeze a new lemon.
Roman Flügel – No Solutions EP [PH139]
Roman Flügel returns to Phantasy Sound with his second release of 2024 on Erol Alkan’s beloved London label, ‘No Solutions EP’. ‘No Solutions’ expands Flügel’s contributions to Phantasy into a triple track delight, another generous expression of his lifelong immersion in electronic music culture.
Trey Risqué – Desire [PKWY016]
The Beat Boy Wonder returns to Parkway this fall with his brand new single “Desire” Hard to pin down, Trey’s music is part freestyle, part hi-nrg, part electro, part Italo synth-pop, but always rooted in the traditions of the NYC dancefloor.
Cetu Javu – Por Que? [BASIX134]
Reissue of this fantastic 12 from 1994. Pure European techno pop with Spanish vocals. Includes the English version ‘Don’t Leave Me’, and the original remix from 1994.
B1980 – Chrolonogy EP [IM018]
Prolific and versatile musician Bert Libeert brings his distinctive sound to Italo Moderni making his debut as B1980 with a hard-hitting 5-track Electro/EBM release, crafted to ignite the dancefloor.
Karolina Bnv – Yet To Come [WE015]
Karolina Bnv returns to Wrong Era with ‘Yet To Come’ an industrial-infused, masterful exploration deeper into her ever unfolding sound. The sophisticated follow-up to ‘Lessons On Good Behaviour’ further enrichens our experience of her world. Opening with ‘Unforgivable Decisions, ‘ an aptly named track that holds its own amongst the industrial greats. Shimmering mechanisms and pulsating arps intertwine, building to harmonic swells and a ghostly vocal from the captivating tones of Karina Jilaz. ‘Germany Calling’ opens Karolina’s new beat intrigue with focused arps circling beneath a commanding vocal loop chanting the track’s title. Soft acid lines flutter across the mix, perfectly sitting on either side of the punctual snare. ‘Context Abuse’ bursts open the second half of the EP with defined bass and the distinct clattering of rimshots. A powerful homage to the sound of Belgium with refreshing flair. Karolina Bnv’s sophisticated palette is in full force, with her unmistakably ear-pricking melodics and vocal lines. ‘Yet to Come’ closes with ‘1988’ an infectious Acid House anthem that weaves between New-Beat and Detroit House. Karolina Bnv brings her sophisticated sounds and undeniable strengths to Wrong Era once again, broadening her horizons with skillful taste.
SIIE – Grand Virage [CTM]
“Grand Virage” is the first single from SIIE’s upcoming debut album Acmé, set for release in April 2025 on Cold Transmission Music. This darkwave electro track invites listeners on a haunting, introspective journey, featuring driving synths, mesmerizing melodies, and evocative French vocals. It captures the experience of navigating life’s uncertainties and pivotal choices. Enhanced by a remix from Emmon, which adds a minimalistic, atmospheric touch, the track becomes an ideal soundtrack for those unafraid to explore both the light and dark sides of their path.
Abe Schwartz – Schwarze Leidensleider [LXRC52]
Lux Rec number 52 presents Abe Schwartz aka Giulio Parzino, a musician from Milano with strong ties to Zürich. Active since years in the industrial and cassette culture scene he delivers this time 7 astonishing emotional, danceable, yet potently noisy tracks.
The Hipodrome Of Music 