Carlos Nilmmns with a collection of atmospheric tracks between classical compositions, Detroit techno and oldschool deep House, on the Ornaments label.
001.Features
Benjamin Milz – Basic Motion [PLAYRJC042]
Ramona announces Benjamin Milz first full-grown EP. Being made by a Frankfurt kid with a mature sound signature, Basic Motions nods towards what once was and what could be one day.
Arno E. Mathieu – The Earth Project [SOL003]
Frenchman Arno Emilien Mathieu is the boss of Clima Records. On The Earth project, he shows us some really immersive and complex deep house arrangements such as on “Tears Of The Whales” which is just beaming with soul. On the flip “Terra” has that spiritual house vibe; with its mesmerising harpsichord melody and tribal rhythms, this one was absolutely sublime.
Marcelus – Vibrations [TRESOR287]
Following an already fluent relationship with music and a string of single releases on Tresor Records, Marcelus – given name Cedric Bros – thought it would be the opportune moment to dive into his most intimate inspirations and produce Vibrations, his debut album. This full length project naturally comes at a pivotal moment for Marcelus, his experiences and knowledge coming together to create a homogenous body of work reflective of his expertise as a musician so far. Vibrations is purposefully techno oriented. It is a personal journey through his proficiency in the genre, travelling from techno to house inspired dub techno to futuristic and experimental by the end of the three vinyls.To calculate the dark, nonetheless melancholic energy of the record, mathematical datas of Pi and Phi were deliberately measured into some parts of the composition of each track. The result is an ever-evolving web of rhythms that redefines pre-established structures
OWL – Cloned EP [ANK003]
Anekoic Records has its debut on vinyl, with Cloned EP, featuring 4 dark and hypnotic tracks. Original mixes are written and produced by OWL. Remixers are Shaded Explorer and Antonio Ruscito.
Peter Van Hoesen – Quadra [DKMNTL-UFO1]
Dekmantel is adding a new series to their label called UFO. Following the same-titled stage on the annual summer festival in Amsterdam, the UFO releases focus on the same sound spectrum, aphotic, experimental and futuristic techno, electro and electronica. Kicking off the DKMNTL UFO series is esoteric techno stalwart Peter van Hoesen. The Berlin-based Belgian DJ and producer has attracted a dedicated following for his signature sound of psychedelic and perscussion driven productions, and will continue to do so thanks to his distinctive take on how to inaugurate our new platform. From dystopian kinetic techno (‘Cartesian Taiko’) to an anarchic and dub heavy break beat jam (‘Duet Dub’), and from the rolling and hypnotic peak-time intensifier (‘P2ME’) to synth-heavy seductive high tech soul (‘Qaudra’): Van Hoesen casually wallops you round the back of the head with gargantuan bass vibes.
Planetary Assault System – Planetary Funk 22 Light Years Series: Part I [MOTE046]
More than any other UK techno producer, Luke Slater has remained at the cutting edge. This is partly due to his ability to make forward-thinking music, but as this new series demonstrates, he also possesses an uncanny knack for pairing off with other inspired artists. “Gated” is vintage PAS material from the 90s, its distorted rhythm lent a housey bias here thanks to Ben Sims’ superb remix. It’s hard to believe that “Dungeon”, available here in its original format, dates back to 1997, as its bleepy, tunneling groove and its ‘swarm of bee’ hums make for exactly the kind of hypnotic sounds that many modern producers try – and fail – to emulate. Completing this excellent release is a dry, tribal version of “Dunegon” by O [Phase] from Token.
Elitechnique – Automaticamore / Get Closer [DQPQ001]
Elitechnique with their new Disques Panoramiques project. Five 45’s scheduled with italo styled cover versions of 80’s rarities. Featuring female vocals on top of their slow and sexy disco grooves. Original versions by Patrizia Pellegrino and Valerie Dore coming in fine crafted Elitechnique versions. No samples used, all music performed with the elite technique from Phako and Florintintin.
Cold Colors & Xiu – Loneliness [OR0082015]
Facit – Mandag Mon Amour [WH010]
Hailing from Goteborg, Sweden, Facit is the project of Joakim Karlsson. For almost a decade, he has been producing tearful synthesizer music under various aliases, often teaming up with compatriot Mai Nestor on vocals. Smartly drawing a line between Swedish chanson and minimal synth, ‘Måndag Mon Amour’ is Facit’s second EP. Picture two passengers with paralyzing hemophobia, riding a sad carriage and smiling with tranquil melancholy, endlessy playing early 80s analog gear through some spring reverb. It doesn’t take long to remember « notre amour était dans un igloo » and never forgetting it.
Ma Spaventi – Isola Sommersa [MOSLP4]
A year after his debut album “Viaggi”, Amsterdam based italian Marco Antonio Spaventi is back with another fine full length statement. Entitled “Isola Sommersa” and landing on M>O>S Recordings, it follows up after many great EPs on the label over the last five years. Spaventi has a passion for old school house but always brings it up to date. Using hardware tools like a natural extension of his body, he cooks up rugged grooves, nostalgic moods and smoky atmospheres that cocoon you in sound of its own. Long the way here, Spaventi dips his toes into various waters with equal success. There are spaced out and invitingly warm grooves such as the rubbery ‘Tape Noodles’, blissful ambient interludes like ‘Undisclosed’ and serene synth passages filled with retro future beauty such as the closer ‘Titanic Moments.’ Cuts like ‘Simple Mind’ prove this artist can conjure up genuine feelings of internal reflection as well as raw physical drum lines, and ‘Best Regards’ is a tantalisingly go slow bit of cosmic house that erupts into a fluid acid track. Though Chicago and Detroit are obvious reference points, Spaventi always develops his own ideas with a refreshing vibe. It makes for an album that is house at its heart, but also one that is ambitious, absorbing and widescreen in the way it is executed.
Snuffo – Live Free Or Die [DARK001LP]
Steve Poindexter – Classic Collection Vol.1 [MUZIQUE012]
Limited edition reissue compiles 3 much sought-after classic tracks from one of the true Chicago House pioneers, Steve Poindexter. Original uncut versions of ”Jam The Body” and ”Short Circut”, as well as ”State Of Shock”.
Ron Trent – Electric Moods & Long Play [MAP003]
Music And Power is home to Ron Trent’s contemporary material, and by that we mean the best deep house around; music that is ultimately for dancing but that champions a deeply musical style akin to jazz and soul. “Liquid Love”, for instance, is a gorgeous meandering of synths and smooth vocals riding high over a chunky house beat, complete with a reprise mix full of Balearic edge as a follow-up. “Sound System Prevail” is a bumpier, more hard-edged and spewing delicate pianos left, right and centre beneath another wave of masterful synth solos. 10 out of 10 from the master of Chicago sexiness.
ESB – Origins EP [HTH05]
The fifth release on the Heart to Heart label brings four ethereal house cuts from Vancouver’s master analogue chef ESB aka Elan Benaroch.
Christopher Rau – Yamato [SMALLVILLE047]
Christopher Rau is one of Smallville’s steady mainstays, with “Yamato” he is delivering four tracks, that perfectly describe the seductive cosmos of Smallville’s sound. There is nods to the past as well as a paved way to a timeless future. Carefully evolving melody, voices and something caressing from somewhere far away- but within your heart in just a moment. It’s bubbling and telling stories from the inside but it’s still targeted straight to a dancefloor- dedicated to the sweetest ones of the world.
Effetto Joule – Mechanic Soldier [MR059]
Medical Records in collaboration with Crispy Nuggets returns to Italy for it’s 59th release. Hailing from Bologna, Italy in the late 80s, Effetto Joule were brothers Flavio and Valero Biagi , Massimo Chericoni and Valerio Tassinari. Drawing on influences of the early 80s new wave and synth pop scene and armed with an arsenal of synthesizers (Korg Poly-800, Roland alpha juno-1 and juno-2, etc) from the mid 80s, Effetto Joule crafted their own sound. With the exception of the few of the tracks, almost all were home recorded during the years of 1988-1990. Effetto Joule self released a couple of cassettes entitled Ultraviolet A and B as well as one 12″ single in 1989 on Top Sound Record (recently reissued by Mannequin Records with bonus material). The rest of their music has been unreleased demos from which thee tracks were hand selected. The tunes can best be described as densely new romantic with unquestionably catchy hooks and lovely vocals to boot. Standout tracks include Active Ray and Stars Your Memory.
Bernardino Femminielli – Plaisirs Americains [MINDLP002]
12″ LP, vinyl record, varnished 350g premium quality paper sleeve. Limited edition of 400 copies.
Bernardino Femminielli – L Enfer Et Ses Fils [MINDCS002]
Metropolis – Angstpolitiek [PBD001]
Introducing Broken Dreams, a new series of white label releases on Rotterdam based Pinkman label. First up is Metropolis, who returns with four Wave, Electro and Body Music hybrids. A quartet of tracks that draw on Lapien’s diverse catalogue, this is undoubtedly some of his darkest music to date. Acid, New Beat and Post-Punk influences bubble and churn throughout. Crisp beats crash, strings lament, vocals sigh and synth stabs squirm for an EP that refuses to conform to norms. A hoarse and harsh cry to open a new Pinkman chapter.
The Hipodrome Of Music 