Volume 1 of this expertly curated project of 90s Italian House put together by Don Carlos.
001.Features
Omar S – Something Real [FXHE-AOS891]
Omar S, the FXHE label boss, wastes no time in dropping heat this New Year as he once again hooks up with vocalist Desire for this latest house gem. Up first is ‘Something Real’, in the classic Omar S mould of laying down a deep, heartfelt drum line and then topping it with a mad emotive vocal hook that is filled with r&b goodness and joined by the most subtle cosmic chord motifs. ‘Hard Leaf Rag’ follows next, so raw it will make your ears tickle with its busted drums and serrated stabs. Then flip it over for ‘Conant Leaf Rag’, which pairs warbling synth sounds with dusty hi-hats and tight kicks for a nice, full mind and body workout.
Shaka – Lost In Time EP [YRE-055]
Swiss Master Shaka returns to Yore and brings as the deepest, most musical House for his new EP entitled as “Lost In Time”.
Kosmologic Research Society – Inner | Outer [DM10]
The story of “Inner | Outer” begins in 2015, when two members of Berlin bass combo X.A.Cute and Jerusalem’s psych grooves expert, Markey Funk, set up a spontaneous jam session in the basement of an ex-spring factory building. The outcome of that meeting – now known as “Aquasonic Research Society” (Som Recordings, 2020) – was so inspiring for the three that they determined to record again the next time Markey is in Berlin. Eventually, two more sessions took place in consecutive years at Oberbaumstübchen, overlooking river Spree, U-Bahn tracks and Universal Music headquarters. The change of location also led them to depart from the bubbling aquatic motives towards darker mesmerizing soundscapes that explore themes and mysteries of deep outer space and the human body (sometimes described as “inner space”).
Robert Hood – Internal Empire LP (30 Years Anniversary Edition) [TRESOR027LPX]
This album holds an undeniable significance, serving as a cornerstone of both techno and Tresor’s legacy. Its story is deeply entwined with that of the label, following Robert Hood’s Waveform Transmission 2 under his The Vision moniker, released just one year earlier and reissued on Tresor in 2023. On Internal Empire Robert Hood perfected his signature sound already present on Waveform Transmission 2, marking a pivotal moment in techno’s history. It elevates its maker as master, sharing an irrefutable singular magic, sounding as present and indispensable as when first created. To understand this work fully is to stand back and celebrate its impact. Originally released in 1994, the album marks a point of transition for Robert Hood moving on from his previous collaborations within Underground Resistance. Robert Hood advanced, uncovering the power of true minimalism. Deep soul through a simplicity that showed how much could be done with so little. The devastating rhythms of this album forge the unmatched spirit of this sound, influencing generations to come.
Cirkle – Velar [BCCO002]
BCCO, label from Berlin, presents a new release from the Greek techno artist Cirkle.
Hieroglyphic Being – Promethean Sounds Vol. 3 [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Volume 3 of Promethean Sounds featuring four name-your-price classic Hieroglyphic Being tracks.
Konerytmi – UFO-Kommando EP [STILLEBEN113]
New release from Konerytmi on Gothenburg’s Electro outfit Stilleben Records.
Elektrokohle – Kalt Wie Du Bist LP [OR135]
Elektrokohle’s debut album has instantly become a legendary record due to the tragic loss of their incredible bassist just hours after its release. This album is a masterclass in future punk sound; it couldn’t be more powerful or punchy, being a great legacy to actual and future generations interested in furious music.
Yvgoslavia – Zairja [OR134]
Yvgoslavia is undoubtedly one of the best post-punk and minimal wave acts from Spain, and they’re returning to Oráculo with their second mini-album, following the highly sought-after “Vertebra”. Their frozen atmospheres and relentless, punishing beats immediately captivate any advanced darkwave enthusiast.
Tassel – V. Crawling/ X. [OR133]
Tassel is an emerging industrial punk trio from Phoenix, Arizona. Oráculo Records present their first vinyl EP to date, featuring the two singles from their acclaimed debut album A Sacrifice: Unto Idols, along with remixes by Kontravoid, Plack Blague, Black Light Smoke and Lana del Rabies.
JG Outsider – Cruzier [OR132]
JG Outsider is returning to Oráculo Records to once again deliver his unique blend of twisted modern EBM, advanced industrial, and power electronics. This time, he’s joined by Nightcrawler and Spammerheads with two dancefloor-filling remixes. Tracks are taken from JG Outsider’s album “Despierto” released last year by Cold Transmission Music.
Skelesys – Fading Echoes LP [PNKMN058]
Pinkman presents the debut album of darkwave artist Skelesys. Across nine evocative tracks, “Fading Echoes” navigates the tension between nostalgia and self-discovery, weaving together a moody blend of synth-pop, post-punk, and goth influences. The result is an atmospheric exploration of memory, heartache, and resilience—a soundtrack for those moments when the past refuses to stay buried, and the future feels uncertain. From the cold, creeping synths to the mournful guitar lines that echo like distant whispers, “Fading Echoes” immerses the listener in a soundscape where shadows and light coexist. The album has a distinct cinematic quality, evoking the smoky allure of neon-lit cityscapes and rain-slicked streets, where every track feels like a chapter in a film noir tale of introspection and escape. There’s a sense of longing that runs through the album, a desire to hold onto something beautiful, even as it slips through your fingers.
Adrian Marth – Labyrinth Mind [SBOX021]
Schrödinger’s Box welcome Catalonia’s Adrian Marth into the fold. The Iberian artist has been drawing crowds and turning heads with his analogue inspired productions and dancefloor inhibitions. This five tracker sees the Italo Moderni founder explore the glittering angles and brooding shadows of his machines. The punishing percussion and beaming laser lights of “Labyrinth Mind” give way to the tumbling drums and racing synthlines of the addictive “Sex Tonight.” The flip opens with the sleazy grandeur of “Beverly Hills”, looming melodies and retro flourishes combine in this operatic ode to the 1980s. Speaking of the 80s, the inspiration for the penultimate comes from a figure who symbolised the bombastic bravado of the era. “Divine on the Late Show 88” is a tribute to the Pink Flamingos legend, beats sparkle as her sequenced dresses and larger-than-life attitude screams into the present. Danny Wolfers takes the helm to close. Donning his familiar Legowelt moniker, the behemoth of all things electronic delivers a saturated and spiralling rework of “Divine on the Late Show 88” to the close.
La Nuit Je Mens – Teatro Del Metapresente LP [RASLP002]
‘Teatro Del Metapresente’ is the debut album by La Nuit Je Mens, a duo hailing from the Parisian suburbs and southern Italy. Now based in Rome, the two artists (Asymetrical & Rawmance) have crafted a striking sound that merges their DIY ethos with raw, unfiltered energy. Driven by synthetic, minimalist rhythms created on a fleet of analog machines, the seven tracks pay homage to the sound of the ’80s – yet entirely forward-looking and embracing the dancefloor modernity. Blending genres such as EBM, synth-pop and minimal-cold-wave, paired with French vocals, the album delves into themes of underground activities, the slow decay of the club scene and the depths of emotional yearning.
DMX Krew / DVDE – Set Free [HOU08]
The latest House of Underground 12″ presents a brilliant collaboration between UK legend DMX Krew and French young blood DVDE. Including 2 vocal featurings by none other than the iconic Fingers vocalist Robert Owens.
Patrice Scott – Solitude [SIS033]
‘Solitude’ is a perfectly apt title for anything Sistrum label head Patrice Scott does. The US deep house master makes such introverted and introspective sounds that they have you utterly transfixed in the moment, locked into thought and gazing on at his gorgeous synth designs which are cosmic, meaningful and jazzy. The title track here does all that and more with some deft vocals laced in and gentle tambourine sounds. ‘Inoffensive Dance’ is another meditation of deepness with loose drums and lovely melodies all soothing mind, body and soul.
Millsart – Star Child [AX121]
This is Axis Expressionist series Pt. 7. A Star Child is the idea that a person can be incomplete and not self-aware, yet accept their imperfections and still direct their influence despite the arrangements of periodic and trending consequence. It can also mean that imperfections can make admirable qualities stand out more clearly.
Sanna Mun – Deus Ex Machina [RRR014]
‘Deus Ex Machina’. Unexpected intervention from the machine, a three act masterclass. Force Reaction lends their hand remixing the Second Act.
Oraculo X Anniversary Special Series 1: Ortrotasce [FREE DOWNLOAD]
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Oráculo Records, the Catalan label has invited some of their most talented and beloved artists to contribute with a special celebratory gift in the form of a free download release. They will also have a non-profit, ultra-limited, handcrafted vinyl edition of these celebratory releases. Please check for details on their bandcamp page.
The first in this special series is Ortrotasce.
The Hipodrome Of Music 