DMX Krew has been turning out electronic music from his analog-laden studio since 1994. He has built a discography nothing short of prolific. He mixes tech savvy with a firm understanding of club music and a penchant for catchy and clever hooks and the Powerplay EP, released on Innershades’ Altered Circuits imprint, forms a great display of this.
Lisbon’s purveyor of dance incantations Paraiso are back with an EP that packs a meeting of 3 legends of the local and global underground – a trio of fearless pioneers and cultural agitators from different eras. Yen Sung and Photonz have partnered up in 2020 to collaborate on new music and start a record label. Fast forward to today and this Paraiso EP is their third release, further exploring their mutual penchant for ethereal house music drenched in subtle but fiery grooves and acid basslines. Angolan-Portuguese producer DJ Satelite steps in for remix duties, adding his iconic deep afro house edge to a wonderful effect, all blissful motifs and broken percussive sonics.
Double LP documenting a realtime collaboration between Terrence Dixon (Metroplex/Tresor/Rush Hour) and Jordan GCZ (Off Minor/Minimal Detroit/Rush Hour). In September 2019, Motor City techno legend Terrence Dixon made a rare trip to Europe. He was introduced to Jordan Czamanski AKA Jordan GCZ. The pair hit it off immediately, so Czamanski powered up his studio and the pair began to jam. Over the following five days, the pair improvised extensively, stopping only periodically to drink coffee and discuss music, life and much more besides. While in the studio, they barely uttered a word to each other, instead responding almost psychically to the rhythms, grooves, riffs and musical motifs the other was spinning into the mix. The results of these surprisingly magical 2019 studio sessions are showcased on “Keep In Mind, I’m Out of My Mind”.
The second chapter of the Nowhere Series brings four forgotten dance floor bangers. First up is a dark and twisted acid track “Flashback” by Laurent Garnier, from 1997. “It Talks To Me” is proper Detroit techno, with it’s abstract stabs and moody strings, by Donnell Knox and released in 1995. On the flip are two forgotten gems. “Inferno” came out in 1993, a full on acid affair, with a massive break made by Dutchies Eric de Man, Frederick Borgesius, Heiko van Eindhoven, Kamil van der Wal and Saul Poolman. “Solartrek” by Roland Klinkenberg is closing the release. This track was picked up by I-F in 1995 for his Top Secret label.
John Beltran aka Indio is back with a follow up to the great Detroit Dancer release earlier this year. Here with a even more Detroit sounding production that makes us think of early Detroit / Transmat releases. On the remix duty we have 2 absolutely stunning remixes from Convextion / E.R.P.
Böhm delivers pure dance floor action on Dolly with this solid 3 tracker. “Solar Cycle” is serious UK rave, deep bleep and slamming breakbeat dance floor madness.
Yellow Jackets number four follows the direction of the previous releases with more phat jams spread on a vinyl only 12’. Fred P offers the rhythmic yet melodic and spiritually engaging ‘Inspired By Dopeness’. Chicago’s own Specter and Madrid’s Josè Rico, who often work together as Our Own Organization, go extradeep, raw and hipnotic on the other side with the aptly titled ‘You Don’t Believe’.
Legendary Vibraphone Records re-issues another holy grail “The Bermuda Trinagle” from 1992. The Bermuda Triangle is a pseudonym of The True Underground Sound Of Rome and is composed by Mauro Tannino and Stefano Di Carlo.
Delusions Of Grandeur welcomes underground UK house hero Mark E for his debut release for the label. Mark E has crafted a distinct and original sound that is uniquely blue collar and utilitarian classic, deep house, with a tinge of disco warmth. The “Leaning Into The Light” EP is taking us on a deep trip across five stunning and expansive productions which will leave you well and truly spellbound.
Konerytmi is back for his final EP on the Telomere series. Here we have a six tracks mini LP, with a blend of breaks, electro, IDM and tech house, there’s something for all hours of the night.
Empathy is the codeword when it comes to The AM’s second solo EP: The ‘Sexworker’ EP. Sat in a not-so distant neon tomorrow, downtown Detroit, this is the vivid concept and narrative conjured by Detroit native, violinist-turned-techno artist Ann-Marie Teasley. ‘Sexworker’ is another revelation from the agenda-setting artist who’s crafted a completely immersive narrative that ranges from the playful electro beats of ‘Intercosmic Lap Dance’ to the runaway juggernaut ‘Black Galaxy’ (a collaboration with Scan 7’s Track Masta Lou). Each track adding layers of tension and intrigue, cutting through the late night sleaze and exploitation with raw machine soul.
Originally released in 1981, this cosmic italian disco anthem written by Claudio Gizzi has charmed diggers the world over with its subdued mannerism and breathy vocals. Sounding like a Julee Cruise soundtrack cut meeting a Tuscan ‘theque, the song hears Italian TV presenter/actress Patrizia Pellegrino utter deep-resonating lyrics into a funky and dark beatscape, in what has been described as an ‘erotic futuristic ode to the cosmos’. Remastered and pressed to wax once more for your pleasure, ‘Miss You’ is a charmer and relationship-rekindler for the ages.
An Italo Disco rarity from 1985 now available again as a 12” maxi single. On side A there are the rare original versions and as a highlight on side B two new and exclusive remixes by Flemming Dalum and Viktor Ark.
Karlos Moran returns to his own Moran Music Group label (helmed by the people at Klasse Wrecks no less) for his 5th release. Showcasing the producers flair for classic US Deep House tropes and a deft talent when it comes to singing and playing instruments live, MMG005 is collection of 4 tracks of wonderful and positive vibes. Trainspotters might notice something familiar and newcomers might discover a new favourite artist, step into the house of Moran and enjoy.
In the wake of Portable’s acclaimed album My Sentient Shadow comes a trio of remixes which expand on his unique slant on techno and synth-pop. Finding three artists who reflect his own experimental tendencies within dance music, Alan Abraham’s original productions head into unexpected new places while retaining the physical, club-ready energy he manages to instill in his own creations.
Here we have another offering from GB on his Technoindigenous Studies label. The spirit of all his Gifted & Blessed productions remains, but this time the tools used to create the music differ. Upon finding what he thought was an old broken toy Yamaha keyboard tossed in a trash bin, GB decided to take the toy home and see what it did. For years it sat unused while he kept creating with his usual analogue setup, but he later realized that hidden within the toy keyboard was a vast array of sounds which, via MIDI, he used to produce this offering. Here were have five pieces made with that little old Yamaha synth. This approach sums up what technoindigenous studies is all about: using the technology of those before him to explore uncharted territory with a modern twist.
The Hipodrome Of Music 