Heinrich Dressel – The Obscure Cities EP [BAP194]

Few artists have done as much as Heinrich Dressel to rekindle the genre of soundtracks. Even fewer are as capable as the Italian at writing such silver screen scores. Yet, Valerio Lombardozzi is much more than just one style. He has shown this time and time again, doing so once more with The Obscure Cities. Works of fiction, rather than film, are the fount of inspiration with tracks drawing on the likes of J.G. Ballard, Francois Schuiten, Benoit Peeters and Valerio Mattioli. The listener is transported to worlds of Dressel’s own making, landscapes of melody, textures of bass punctuated by drums. “Galatograd” opens. From understated beginnings, the track expands into a symphony of strings as columns of warmth descend. Tempos rise for “Eden Olympia”. A different tone is set. Juddering arpeggios and clean snares are elevated by bright and hopeful keys that sparkle with an enthusiasm and innocence. Deep unctuous bass gives way to gliding notes for “Remoria”. A piece where melodies and memories melt in the morning dawn. “Mylos” is the last visit of the EP. Delicate, almost fragile, notes are buttressed by drum patterns in this hazy dreamlike finale.

listen

Heinrich Dressel – The Obscure Cities EP [BAP194]

Okay Temiz – Drummer of the Two Worlds LP [CAZLP007]

First official reissue of one of the most sampled Turkish records in 45 years, a psychedelic masterpiece from 1980. Recorded between Istanbul and Stockholm, it captures the era between Okay Temiz’s Don Cherry Trio touring and his own band Oriental Wind’s sensational debut. Mentioned distinctive elements have elevated the record to cult status among record collectors, sample enthusiasts, and diggers around the world. `Drummer of Two Worlds` is a star map of Okay Temiz’s musical worlds. Blending elements from the grand piano to his handmade drums, and from the amplified Berimbau to his cowbell array, weaving Turkish rhythms like 9/8 and 7/8 with the universality of 4/4, it presents a unique sound narrative that resonates with the dimensions of a well-traveled mind.

listen

Okay Temiz – Drummer of the Two Worlds LP [CAZLP007]

Ali – White Stallion / Abyadh Aswad [DEA010]

The track ‘Abyadh Aswad’ is a manifestation of Ali’s self-described Middle Eastern beats with Southeast Asian twists, specifically influenced by Indonesia. It offers tropical cruising vibes and tranquil melodies, incorporating Arabic lyrics and repetitive desert-like riffs. Floating melodies and background vocals inject a psychedelic element into the track. The lyrics themselves translate to ‘Black and white in one vision.’ On the B-side, there is an instrumental track titled ‘White Stallion.’ It’s a simply cinematic funk track with psychedelic elements and hypnotic repetitive riffs. This track aims to capture the adventurous landscape of Indonesia through music, offering a flat, chill, and contemplative vibe that would suit a cinematic soundtrack.

listen

Ali – White Stallion / Abyadh Aswad [DEA010]

Timothy J. Fairplay – Convictions That Stick [PNKMN54]

Timothy J. Fairplay finally lands on Pinkman, furthering his sonic excursions into raw, jacking, yet evocative house music. ‘Convictions’ rattles through drum-machine workouts topped with soaring synthlines, inviting you to spiral in the club’s darkest corners. Between the shuffled claps, ominous melodics and delay-laden syncopation, ‘Convictions’ playfully evokes both the mechanical exploration of urban space, and the claustrophobic intimacies encountered within it. There’s even a nod towards 1980s’ cult cinema hit ‘The Bronx Warriors’ at the end. Naturally, these six tracks find a perfect home on Pinkman.

Timothy J. Fairplay – Convictions That Stick [PNKMN54]

Bobby Dreams – Let Them Know EP [NICE001]

‘Let Them Know’ is the debut EP by Bobby Dreams, marking the inaugural release of All Nice Records. This record is a groundbreaking introduction to the label’s ethos, characterized by a raw, distorted, and authentically underground sound, paying homage to the gritty energy of Chicago’s underground house scene.

listen

Bobby Dreams – Let Them Know EP [NICE001]

Betonkust – Tropicana Tracks EP [ALT010]

New Betonkust release featuring melody-focused underwater house and electro on Innershades’ Altered Circuits imprint. ALT010 is a collection of four tracks that owes its name to Tropicana, the infamous subtropical swimming complex erected in 1988 on the outskirts of Rotterdam. Although it has long stopped serving its initial purpose, the huge, outlandish building remains an inescapable relic, reminding everyone of its faded heyday. Back then, next to welcoming thousands of families for a swim, it occasionally hosted mega raves – and thus also played a small, obscure part in the then equally burgeoning Dutch dance scene.

listen

Betonkust – Tropicana Tracks EP [ALT010]

Plant43 – Luminous Machines LP [PLANT43013LP]

Luminous Machines, the eighth album by UK based Emile Facey recording under his Plant43 alias, is made up of eight dancefloor tracks and eight cinematic interludes all of which are inspired by visits overseas to play live in 2023.

listen

Plant43 – Luminous Machines LP [PLANT43013LP]

Dopplereffekt – Infinite Tetraspace [CRTSX011]

The 11th release on Curtis Electronix comes from one of the most influential figures in the history of electro, Dopplereffekt. Infinite Tetraspace EP is a mind-altering combination of ambient beauties, ice cold machine-funk and spaced out 4/4 kickers that play with the concept of space and time, as expressed almost clearly in the title. Four next level cuts that push their electro even more into the future. We are very much glad they are back.

listen

Dopplereffekt – Infinite Tetraspace [CRTSX011]

Detroit’s Filthiest – Proceed With Caution [SYNCRO44]

Syncrophone presents ‘Proceed with Caution’ by Detroit’s Filthiest. This 4-track catalog masterpiece is a rhythmic exploration, featuring infectious funk-infused beats and a distinctive style that pays homage to the city’s illustrious musical heritage. Detroit’s Filthiest seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, creating an electrifying experience that echoes the Motor City’s iconic sound.

listen

Detroit’s Filthiest – Proceed With Caution [SYNCRO44]

DJ 3000 – Kashkaval EP [MT173]

“The ‘Kashkaval EP’ marks DJ 3000’s fourth vinyl release, stemming from his acclaimed ‘Mezë’ album. This EP encapsulates DJ 3000’s evolution, weaving a narrative from his Albanian heritage to his current thriving career. ‘Kashkaval EP’ stands as his most intimate and comprehensive work to date, embodying a profound musical odyssey. It extends an invitation to all, urging them to partake in a celebration of diverse cultures and a symphony of sound that transcends geographical boundaries. Through meticulously crafted tracks, it guides listeners on a shared and cherished voyage, forging connections through the universal languages of music, culture, and food.

listen

DJ 3000 – Kashkaval EP [MT173]

Frequency – Darkheart Energy Remixes [RRR009]

Taken from the Clone Records Sonic Transmutations compilation the trippy ”Darkheart Energy” by Orlando Voorn in his Frequency guise comes in the original instrumental and 3 remixes from Marcal, the Lady Machine and Lenson. Three different heavyweight techno bunker interpretations, all worthy of the Repetitive Rhythm stamp.

listen

Frequency – Darkheart Energy Remixes [RRR009]

VA – Copenhagen Electro Alliance: Merger [IF002]

Danish imprint Inherent Futurism returns with its second release in 2024, entitled ‘Merger’ and made up of a selection of cuts from the Copenhagen Electro Alliance. Inherent Futurism is the new label launched by Morten Kamper, an intrinsic member of the Copenhagen electronic music scene and the man behind the city’s 313vinyl_collective record store. Here he brings things closer to home and revisits an array of select compositions from the Copenhagen Electro Alliance, compiled together to make up the aptly titled ‘Merger’. The package is made up of twelve tracks across two twelve-inch vinyl from artists in the alliance, Nixxon, Brain Enterprise, Deimos Defender and Kruzh’em. As the name of the Copenhagen Electro Alliance collective would suggest, the aesthetic leans heavily towards experimental sounds and draws influence from the soul of Detroit electro, which paved the way for the future of the genre. The twelve-track collection explores all of the classic Electro tropes from punchy and crunch 808s, intricately intertwined synthesizer melodies, murky bass lines and dynamically unfolding, heavily modulated constructions, some leaning towards dance floor friendly while others lay more in the realm of sonic exploration of futuristic music.

listen

VA – Copenhagen Electro Alliance: Merger [IF002]

Bound by Endogamy / Raw Ambassador – Acid Avengers 028 [AAR028]

The 28th split of the series exudes a sweet perfume of raw energy and sweaty bodies banging in a feverished cellar. On the A-side, Switzerland-based duo Bound by Endogamy, coming from the punk scene, delivers three industrial-synth-rave-hardcore bombs that will definitely destroy your brain. On the B-side, italian producer Antonio Barbetta aka Raw Ambassador delivers two strong dark electroid cuts designed to heat up dancefloors around the globe.

listen

Bound by Endogamy / Raw Ambassador – Acid Avengers 028 [AAR028]

L.F.T. – Electric Vampire [PNKMN053]

L.F.T. lands on Pinkman with a 6-tracker aimed squarely at the dancefloor. Tough drums and raw basslines are the wire frames around which spectral vocals and percussive quirks breathe and coil. Bridging the gap between Dutch electro heritage and horror-movie soundtracks without sacrificing dancefloor functionality, Electric Vampire presents a synthetic super-highway in which the only thing more pervasive than the bright lights is the solid concrete underfoot. Daring excursions in dance music from an artist stepping out on his own, and relentlessly stalking the night.

listen

L.F.T. – Electric Vampire [PNKMN053]

Andrei Rusu – I’ve Lost Control [MT0035]

Malka Tuti presents the solo debut EP by Andrei Rusu, one half of Khidja. Ahead of a full LP planned on MT for later this year, Rusu is presenting us with 2 fresh new tracks. The A-side is a 120bpm dirty and distorted super- trippy banger for the biggest floors and the darkest rooms. On the B-side Rusu collaborates with an artist known to the followers of the label – Decha, who contributes her signature expressive vocals on this half time industrial dub track. This time however, the vocals run through the hands of Rusu who soaks them with distortion and even more punk attitude. Comes with proper tripped out remixes from Philipp Otterbach and Black Merlin.

listen

Andrei Rusu – I’ve Lost Control [MT0035]

Open Yellow Circle – New Meridian LP [OMLP28]

In 1994, UK ambient pioneers O Yuki Conjugate recorded their landmark Equator album. To mark the 30th anniversary of this musical milestone, many of the same personnel – Roger Horberry (co-founder of O Yuki Conjugate), Dan Mudford (ex-Sons of Silence and co-creator of the Shaun of the Dead soundtrack), Joe Lamb (ex-Sons of Silence) and Malcolm McGeorge – came together to make New Meridian, reflecting the range of influences they’ve picked up over the intervening years. Generously described as “almost like normal music”, the eight tracks of New Meridian feature instrumentation ranging from classic analogue to actual wooden logs. The result takes you on a rain-drenched, open-top ride from Electronica Avenue to the drone caverns of Uranus, with various Fourth World ambi-dub diversions along the way.

listen

Open Yellow Circle – New Meridian LP [OMLP28]