Originally released in 2014, Strut re-introduces Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997, highly sought-after definitive retrospective of one of Chicago’s most important and innovative house music. Emerging as a raw alternative to the powerhouses of Trax and DJ International during the mid-‘80s, Dance Mania continued to represent street-level Chicago club music into the ‘90s, helping to pioneer the Ghetto & House sound. Hardcore Traxx traces the full story of the label from its heyday.
Dennis Liber & Lex (Athens) step up to Rocksteady Disco with the Club Eden EP. Named after the party series in Tulum, Mexico, the record is a musical journey inspired by the community and creativity that flourished at the intimate party series that brought together global rhythms, cultural exchange, and a shared sense of freedom, connection, and celebration. It was at one of these gatherings that Dennis invited Peter Croce, the founder of Rocksteady Disco, and Lex to play and share the decks. Their connection was immediate, and the experience led to lasting friendships. This bond eventually brought the Club Eden project full circle, with Peter and his label helping to bring this record to the world. The record captures the essence of those unforgettable nights, where music, community, and magic intertwined.
Michigan techno and ambient virtuoso John Beltran wraps up the so far so excellent Back to Bahia 7″ series with the a final volume that proves to be the most dancefloor focussed offering yet. Leading with ‘O Pátio’ Beltran shows his class with a blend of jazz-funk and MPB that comes with a rather sunny Ibiza-inspired twist. On the flip side, ‘Belle Isle’ is a perfect party anthem for those outdoor sessions – think beach gatherings or cookouts and you won’t go wrong.
Hot Street is the brand new sublabel of HOTMIX Records, runned by Nick Anthony Simoncino. The first release comes from Shin Watanabe. Propper Classic House Music.
Kléo’s second release Acid Coolada is a meticulous blend of deep, groove-heavy acid house elements with a spontaneous flair and live instrumentation, striking the perfect balance of fiery heat and warm groove.
Hieroglyphic Being presents The Blessings Vol. 1 on Mathematics Plus.
DJ Sotofett comes with a new album on Clone West Coast Series that showcases a playful take on electronic music. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of DJ Sotofett & The Colours of Computer Generated Instruments. With 12 electrifying electro tracks that blend a wide spectrum of rhythms with 80’s Nintendo console vibes and holy grail analog vs digital synthesis, this album is a jubilant celebration of that sound.
Florian Kupfer lands on Urban Legend Records label with Unmasked EP. The work explores the human condition through the symbol of the spider, representing the duality between creation and destruction, patience and control. Like a spider’s web, the EP weaves complex emotional and psychological connections, guiding the listener on an introspective journey where tensions between light and shadow, the hidden and the revealed, are revealed, in search of inner truth.
“Love Me More” by Mono Junk debuted on the ultra-limited Korento Compilation 01, released by Dum Records in 2001. Among its eleven tracks – ten of which were previously unreleased – “Love Me More” stands out as a compelling exploration of electro vibes, a shining example of the creativity that flourished in the Finnish electronic music landscape at the turn of the millennium.
Harlem Electronics, the Stockholm-based duo of Martin Thomasson and Johan Skugge, returns to Veyl with a new 8 track LP titled Cage, diving deeper in to their infectious cocktail of menacing electronics. The pair fuse electro, no wave, post-punk, disco, proto-body, dub, hip-hop, and grime, creating a unique sound that cannot be categorized.
French coldwave act Corps Diplomatique comes to Dark Entries with ‘Dans Ta Nuit’, a collection of tracks recorded between 1984-1987. Founded in Marseille by Olivier Aubin, Marie-Eve Bensussan, Patrick Loubet and Nicolas Pélissier, Corps Diplomatique remain shrouded in mystery. The band only released one 7” during their time, 1988’s Paradis I, in addition to appearing with three tracks on the La Muse Vénale compilation, a holy grail for devotees of the French coldwave. Dans Ta Nuit brings us nine tracks from this cult band, seven of which have never before appeared on vinyl. These cuts are raw and unembellished but not at the expense of dramatic tension. Tracks like “Sin of Flesh” and “Eros Phobia” deliver the kind of high octane mix of despair and ecstasy that coldwave enthusiasts crave.
Belgian label Stroom presents a 7″ release featuring Luc Van Acker’s ‘The Fear In My Heart’ on the A-Side and Pas De Deux’s ‘Cardiocleptomanie’ on the B-side.
Berlin-based synth-wave band Dina Summer returns with their highly anticipated second album ‘Girls Gang’ via Iptamenos Discos. Donning a decadent “dark disco meets EBM” sound, Dina Summer is a collaborative project formed of electro-punk band Frittenbude member Kalipo and dark disco DJ & producer duo Local Suicide. The new album is a versatile collection of 11 tracks that delve into themes such as empowerment („No More Tears“ & „Girls Gang“), outsiderhood („Alien“ & „Zombie“), impermanence („Promise featuring Curses and Joshua Murphy“), nostalgia („Halkidiki“), and relationships („Nothing To Hide“ & „Hypnotized“). While their debut album was characterized by its club-centric sound, drawing from Italo disco and ’90s electro influences, this new release explores a richer palette of new wave, post-punk, and synth-pop.
“Cité Lunaire” seamlessly blends EBM and synthpop to create a sonic journey between dream and reality. The lyrics, both poetic and introspective, explore the desire to escape the “chains of existence” and lose oneself in a parallel reality. The dense electronic production, with cold synths and powerful beats, enhances the feeling of drifting and intensity. Accompanied by an electro remix by Panthera, this version adds a dynamic touch with punchy beats. “Cité Lunaire” invites both introspection and escape, through a modern and mesmerizing soundscape.
Next on the Slow Motion ‘A UFO’ free edit series is Karassimeon’s masterful rendition of ‘Los Niños Del Parque’ by the legendary wave group Liaisons Dangereuses. Renowned for his consistently slick productions, the Parisian artist captures the essence of the city’s iconic sound from the 2000s, infused with his signature mind-bending modern flair. Combining the original commanding vocals with a unique electro twist, Karassimeon elevates ‘Los Niños Del Parque’ to exhilarating heights. Lasers whip throughout the edit, punctuating each bar while the arrangement slices through beautifully detailed, intoxicating spaces. This unstoppable dancefloor gem encapsulates the irresistible energy of the seminal 1982 release whilst bringing 2025 a refreshing tone.
Syncrophone drops Commuting Part 2 by Conforce – cold, relentless techno straight from the machine room. Subterranean grooves and raw pulses built for the true heads.
Cold Blow presents Bonus Beats: Rare & Unreleased Finnish Electro 1990–2002, a landmark compilation celebrating Finland’s underground electro scene around the turn of the millennium. Featuring 12 rare tracks – including three previously unreleased – this collection highlights a fiercely DIY-driven movement that flourished far from Europe’s major electronic hubs, showcasing a distinctly Nordic approach to the genre. With contributions from notable names such as Jori Hulkkonen, Mr. Velcro Fastener, Mono Junk, and the late Mika Vainio, this release highlights the experimental and DIY ethos that defined Finland’s electronic music scene during this period.
Egyptian Lover has been kicking out the jams now for a full four decades. His famously hardware-driven sound is pure bay-popping perfection and has seen him define and redefine electro many times over. Staying true to his signature 80s west-coast electro sound, his new album 1987 echos classics of his like ‘Egypt, Egypt’ and Thebes of them all, ‘I Need a Freak’, by blending signature Roland 808 beats with Kraftwerk and hip-hop influences. He’s a veteran at this stage, but he still moves a floor like few others can.
The Hipodrome Of Music 