Curtea Veche presents another edition of their Serii Speciale, this time featuring the legend that is Reboot. 3 groovers for the dancefloor , tried and tested by some of the biggest names in the buisness.
Reboot – Serii Speciale [CVS007]
001.Features
Kerrie – Machine Alliance [TRESOR370]
Machine Alliance, the new EP by Irish producer Kerrie Anderson on Tresor Records, connects her music to the sci-fi origins of techno and electronic music in general. With inspiration from classic books and films of the genre such as The Machine Stops, The Matrix, and Blade Runner as well as modern explorations in art and philosophy like Free Your Mind and Technopoly, the EP’s title takes on two opposing but intersecting meanings.
Neel – Disco Quarantine EP [IT53]
Neel lands on Interdimensional Transmissions with the “Disco Quarantine” EP. Exploring the boundaries between genres, simultaneously pure deep techno and disco — this is rarely achieved — he continues to explore the edges with the ever propulsive title cut, and further connections with each song. Psychedelic, propulsive, subtle, perfectly produced gems ranging from hedonistic underground moments where time ceases to exist to moments of exploration throughout the cosmos. It feels like the B side opener Deep Quarantine was composed for the environment at No Way Back, though it is equally eternal and available to any floor anywhere in the world.
Rene Wise – Moving Pressure 01 [MP01]
Founded by Rene Wise, Moving Pressure is a record label aimed to explore the immersive dialogue between soundsystem music and the human body, celebrating the profound connection of sound and movement. As the inaugural release, Moving Pressure 01 serves as a sonic diary showcasing Rene Wise’s music storytelling. Each track on the EP contributes to a harmonious blend of innovation and restraint, inviting listeners to embark on a captivating journey through the artistry of sound and rhythm. Sometimes, it’s the space between the notes that resonate the loudest.
VA – Acid Reflux by Acid Adams [UV060]
Acid Reflux is an EP compiled by Acid Adams that focuses on acid sounds from different times, genres and genders. The journey starts with the deep and melodic excursions by Nihilist and softcoresoft before we enter a sweaty basement to get lost to rough and punchy tracks by ADSX and Ida Bux. On both sides, a track from the 90s (which has never been released on vinyl before) is followed up by a new composition that was inspired by its predecessor and has been produced especially for this release. Since the 90s-tracks are exclusively by male producers, the concept tries to balance this era-inherent state of affairs with the fact that the new tracks are solely by finta* artists. On a meta-level, this release is about connecting times, genres and genders, beyond forms of binary thinking.
VA – 1st Unit: Underpass Records EP [RH-STOREJPN12]
All musical movements require a spark to set them alight; in the case of Japanese house music, that spark was provided by the forward-thinking resident DJs of The Bank in Roppongi, Tokyo. In 1989, to celebrate the ground-breaking club’s first birthday, the venue released a 12” EP featuring first-time productions from three of its DJs, Junichi Soma, Shuji Wada and Strong Katsuya AKS Katsuya Sano. Widely considered to be one of the first ever EP of house music produced in Japan, 1st Unit was never officially released. Instead, 500 of the 1000 copies pressed were given away at The Bank’s first birthday party, with the rest initially being sold not in local record stores, but rather the venue’s own in-house shop. Three decades on, the 12” is finally set to get its first worldwide release via Rush Hour’s Store JPN Series.
Marcus Paulson – Unity [WOD025D]
For the second release this year Weapons Of Desire presents five tracks of jackin’ acidhouse, techno & pumping bleep from Manchester man Marcus Paulson. Added to the fire are two remixes by label co-pilot Iron Blu and the mysterious Spittal Hardwick.
Dima Gastrolër – Magnetic Storm [ZC-ELEC010]
Dima Gastrolër is back on Zodiak Commune Records with his first full Electro Acid EP. Magnetic Storm EP takes you on a hypnotic, deep and emotional Acid Electo journey using classic analog synths.
Carl Finlow – Heed [SYNCRO47]
Syncrophone presents Carl Finlow, an artist whose craft demands the utmost acclaim. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of electro, Finlow’s musical ingenuity takes the spotlight once more. The upcoming EP, featuring tracks like ‘Heed,’ ‘Overlord,’ and ‘Expansion,’ perfectly encapsulates his signature style – a harmonious blend of pulsating beats and forward-thinking electronic exploration.
Exotha – Soulseekers [NND005]
The fifth digital release on Nocta Numerica brings the debut of Exotha.
VIP 200 – Psicoerotica [CNLP8081]
Remember that period at the turn of the century when people were talking about Lounge, Exotica and Easy Listening? It was the so-called Cocktail Generation phenomenon, of which VIP 200, a quartet formed in Italy in 1999, was the ultimate expression as a band. The most important input came from the reissues and compilations of Italian soundtracks that debuted with great success at the time, and VIP 200’s interpretations of them were genuine, rustic and rich in atmospheres that led back precisely to music for the image. Their live shows, as well as their first and only record re-released for the first time on double gatefold vinyl by Cinedelic with many outtakes, alternated between danceable moments with fast rhythms such as shake, beat and soul funk, to more ethereal and psychedelic, to softer and more ironic ones. They loosely and spontaneously re-presented songs that before then no one had ever performed live with a band; 10 years later Calibro 35 would get there. Strong was the “fetishist” component that pushed them to research original instruments of the vintage, design, sound and atmosphere to be created. An iconographic record of the period, a must-have for those who lived through it and for those who want to understand its essence.
VA – Yarrow Ballet V.A. 01
Introducing Yarrow Ballet’s V.A. (Volume 01) featuring 10 beautiful tracks. The essence of this compilation its best describes as a listening experience that aligns perfectly with Yarrow Ballet’s musical aesthetic. It captures a balance of darkness and softness, all underscored by a sense of melancholic beauty. The V.A. also embodies a sense of community, similar to that of a close-knit family.
Rodion & Mammarella – Musica E Computer LP [SLOMO052]
‘Musica E Computer’ is a momentous release from Slow Motion label head Fabrizio Mammarella and Rodion recorded in the legendary Marche Synth Museum (Museo Del Synth Marchigiano). A fully functional recording space that houses a fusion of several private collections of Italian electronic musical instruments gathered over the many years since their creation. The Marche region, being home to some of the most ground-breaking and foundational instruments, has created the likes of Crumar, Farfisa and Elka with innovative use from the likes of Tangerine Dream, Pink Floyd and Vangelis.
Lectromagnetique – Simulation [LCTR011] FREE DOWNLOAD
Lectromagnetique dystopian soundscapes are a reflection of the nature of radioactive Chernobyl, poisoned by humanity, it still looks deceptively alive, but invisible acid flows easily cause side effects.
Siegmar Fricke – Commercial Breakdown EP [CMF003]
From home recorded tapes in the 90s to a newly released vinyl record in 2024, The Comfort presents their third release, Siegmar Fricke’s Commercial Breakdown. Back in the year 1990, the working method of Siegmar Fricke and his contemporaries was one best described as a DIY recording process. With spare tapes, glue, scissors, and sheer determination, Siegmar sought to share his music with an audience hungry for adventurous electronic music. In an era of limited access to labels and platforms, those not conforming to commercial trends had little choice. Thus, tapes like this one, dubbed simply as “home-recordings,” circulated among DJs and friends, embodying the playful experimentation of musicians exploring unconventional sounds and even dabbling with mainstream pop sounds.
Christopher Rau – Blade EP [PHONOGRAMME43]
Christopher Rau unveils his latest four-track EP, “Blade,” out on esteemed Parisian label Phonogramme Records. Rau’s signature deep, soulful sound shines through on the EP, infused with elements of jazz and funk. Each track is a captivating journey, transporting listeners into Rau’s world of emotive and atmospheric productions. Opening track “Blade” sets the stage with its pulsating bassline and hypnotic melodies, while “Alfred” delivers a soulful and groovy groove. “Comet” takes things up a notch with its energetic and upbeat tempo, while “Lee” concludes the EP on a dreamy and introspective note. “Blade” is a must-have for house music enthusiasts and is sure to solidify Rau’s position as a genre pioneer.
Terrence Dixon – Studio Space LP
New self-released album from the Minimal Detroit Audio mainman, Terrence Dixon. Recorded at 3rd floor studios on the West side of Detroit.
VA – Togo Soul 2 [HC79LP]
Hot Casa Records present Togo Soul 2: Selected Rare Togolese Recordings from 1974 to 1989. A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the 70’s and 80’s. A fusion of traditional voodoo chants, raw soul and even Electro Funk . Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn’t become any easier even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana , Benin & Burkina Faso. Hot Casa Records, with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan, selected thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country’s recording history included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani to Roger Damawuzan compared as the James Brown from Lomé to forgotten tapes and brilliant songs in Mina, Kabyié and Fon language. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so it’s with great pleasure that we present a selection here that evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history.
Lafayette Afro-Rock Band – Soul Makossa LP [STRUTLP300]
Second in a series of reissues from Pierre Jaubert’s Parisound studio archive on Strut Record is Lafayette Afro Rock Band’s elusive funk/Afro original album, ‘Soul Makossa’ originally released in 1973. Drawing inspiration from Motown’s work ethic, Jaubert initiated regular rehearsals with Ice. The band, residing in Paris and immersed in the African-dominated Barbesse district, began infusing African elements into their music frequently performing with Paris-dwelling Camaroonian and legendary composer Manu Dibango. Rechristening themselves Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the group’s musical direction shifted towards predominantly instrumental compositions, characterized by a weightier, more intricate Afro-funk sound. Their debut recording under this new moniker, ‘Soul Makossa,’ made a powerful impact with a dynamic rendition of Dibango’s classic, coupled with the intense break of ‘Hihache’ and the contagious ‘Nicky.’ Initially released by Musidisc in France and later in the U.S. via Editions Makossa, the album omitted the title track due to publishing clearance issues.
Lafayette Afro-Rock Band – Malik LP [STRUTLP299]
First in a series of reissues from Pierre Jaubert’s Parisound studio archive on Strut Record is Lafayette Afro Rock Band’s elusive funk/Afro original album, ‘Malik,’ originally released in 1974. Drawing inspiration from Motown’s work ethic, Jaubert initiated regular rehearsals with Ice. The band, residing in Paris and immersed in the African-dominated Barbesse district, began infusing African elements into their music frequently performing with Paris-dwelling Camaroonian and legendary composer Manu Dibango. Under the new moniker Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the group’s music transitioned to predominantly instrumental compositions, featuring a denser Afro-funk sound. Their inaugural recording with the new name, ‘Soul Makossa,’ included a compelling rendition of Dibango’s classic and the impactful break in ‘Hihache.’ The subsequent release a year later, ‘Malik,’ refined their sound with the percussive Afro party jam ‘Conga,’ the atmospheric vocoder and piano-led piece ‘Djungi,’ and the robust funk of ‘Darkest Light.’ Despite a limited impact upon its initial release, ‘Malik’ found appreciation as hip-hop culture flourished in the ’80s, establishing itself as a rich source of samples and riffs. ‘Conga’ was featured in the ‘Ultimate Breaks And Beats’ series, while the opening horn line from ‘Darkest Light’ became a pivotal hip-hop motif, employed by Jay-Z, Public Enemy, Wreckx ‘N’ Effect, and many others
The Hipodrome Of Music 