Alpenmarmot – Unheimliche Landschaftsgestaltung (translates as ‘eerie landscaping’) is my new power electronics industrial acid ambient noise project, Recorded at 1500 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Wildhorn mountain in Switzerland. Unfussy sewer-synths mixed with field recordings of the local Alpine nature and infrastructure. We hear mangled rusty cable cars, crumbling mountains, unknown nocturnal creatures and ofcourse the ever so cute Alpen Marmot.
Robert Hood’s techno and Femi Kuti’s Afrobeat intertwine in a new form where jazz-grooves reign supreme. For the fourth season of La Compagnie des Indes & Sourdoreille ”Variations” live series of creations for France TV, they unite around James Brown, performing a tribute to the legendary Godfather of Soul. This album is the live recording of this unique collaboration and performance, capturing a very special moment in time.
After the success of the first Alessandroni Proibito box set, which sold out in pre-sale before it even hit the stores, Four Flies is back with Volume 2 of the compilation. This new release too features five exclusive 7-inches, housing a total of 10 seriously rare tunes. All previously unreleased in physical format, the tracks have been carefully selected from the soundtracks of five obscure Italian films from the late ‘70s – sexy flicks that flirted with the line between erotic and explicit, and which are now largely forgotten, having been out of circulation for decades. Alessandroni’s music rises above the films’ flimsy plots, improvised actors, and amateurish production, exuding his distinctive touch thanks to the (typically Italian) artisanal approach he took to his musical craft. The composer let his creativity run free, playing with his instruments at home as if he were in his own little amusement park; trying to have fun and produce something entertaining and captivating with just the few means at his disposal.
“Strange World” is not merely an album; it’s a sonic expedition that probes the aberrations of a society shaped by the strange and transformative influence of technology. The music industry, a microcosm of this surreal universe, has become an intricate web of formatted reactions and impersonal interactions. Foreign, the musical observer, takes the audience on a solitary journey through the night—a time of introspection where raw feelings and emotions are eclipsed by the numbing shadows of social media and the relentless march of technology. The album resonates with an unmistakable romanticism, shrouded in a dark, mysterious atmosphere. Each track is a testament to the disquieting beauty found in the synthesis of opposites—the warm, pulsating beats of EBM intertwining with the ethereal melodies of synth-pop. The result is a musical landscape that is simultaneously haunting and alluring, much like the strange world it reflects.
Eighteen years ago, Oppenheimer Analysis made its indelible mark with the iconic track ‘The Devil’s Dancers,’ heralding the birth of the Minimal Wave label. Founded with a singular mission, the label set out to share this musical gem with the world. This historic release graced the world on December 6th, 2005. Remarkably, this EP has been elusive for a decade now. In an exciting development, the fifth edition of the Oppenheimer Analysis self-titled EP, is presented as a loving tribute to Martin Lloyd (1950-2013 R.I.P.), one half of Oppenheimer Analysis. The EP showcases select tracks from the 1982 Oppenheimer Analysis cassette titled “New Mexico,” the original remastered version of ‘The Devil’s Dancers’, along with two previously unreleased gems.
Dunkeltier is back on wax, this time on the German label Reach Another System aka RAS Records. It comes as no surprise that it’s a surprise box drawing from the bottomless pit that is the 80s. And again, these edits are closer stylistically to his dark side project boldly named GOTT than to his more gleeful mainstay alias Sneaker. The sources of these four obscurities are only revealed to the third ear of the knowledgeable digger, but let us give you a hint – gathered are Teutonic Titans, a Bauhaus offshoot and a digital symphony orchestra.
Brussels’ own Altinbas returns to Token with a second release entitled ‘Spirit Moves’. Recognisably full-bodied tracks, riddled with classic techniques yet designed for the modern dancefloor, Altinbas offers intention in the age of impulsivity.
Germany’s Dircsen has a solid track record of 303 infused releases across labels like We’re Going Deep and Soundtravels, but this is his first full-length vinyl outing. Across these two slabs of wax he slips and slides between electro, deep techno, jacking house, and psychedelic live workouts, but throughout the eight tracks the silver boxes work their indefinable magic.
Tom Carruthers on his own Data Sync, sub-label of Non Stop Rhythm. A 6 track EP loaded of stripped back cyborg temperature tracks.
Raw Chicago flavored house track from Tony Price. 14 minutes of stone cold house music spread out over several tracks and interludes.
Vibraphone presents another huge release. This time it’s Silicon Minds – IHY (Interstellar Hypnotic Yama -Biko), with an timeless Mayday Tribute Mix by the one and only Derrick May.
After releasing heavyweights like Patrice Scott and Dego, Forbidden Dance Records continues its story with a new release from Chicago don Specter with a 4-track EP.
Prolific producer Felipe Gordon back on Royal Oak with his signature deepness. Joined on remix duties by Byron the Aquarius for two versions of ‘No Words’ for different vibes.
After two years of silence, Downbeat comes back with an old friend of the label. DaRand Land releases a new vinyl on the label from Madrid and he is fit as a fiddle. This underground music hero presens 4 synthetic deep house tracks with all those elements that are already an original brand: Hypnotic vibes with warm and smooth synth lines, silky pads and dubby basslines, This whisper from the lake EP will be immediately loved by the label followers because is exactly what the label is. Atmospheric and erotic midtempo house that represents perfectly the sound of Downbeat.
Avidya continues with EP#3, offering tracks, tools and meanderings from a coterie of individuals whose relationship is phylogenetic, presenting their music for dancefloors. Tracks from 53X, Odopt, Remotif and a collaborative remix by Full Circle (Alexis Le Tan and Joakim project) & Khris Baha of N-Tropic (Alexis in youth)
FR Fels and Interviews join forces for a collaborative 12” entitled The Adventures of Helmut Muten. Comprising four tracks, the duo navigate across genres with ease. Opening the EP with the late night bloom of Passage, followed by the rollicking groove of Drift, the scuffed beats of V5000 and, closing procedures, the beatless, brooding 3 Years.
The Hipodrome Of Music 