Soshi Takeda – Secret Communication LP [SILK152]
Tokyo deep house master Soshi Takeda returns with a long-awaited six-song sequel to 2021’s landmark Floating Mountains, surfing deeper into mystery, motion, and liquid dreams: Secret Communication. Recorded across 2022 and 2023 at his home studio with a unique assemblage of 80’s and 90’s hardware, the tracks cruise through a latticework of skyways on lush pads, bubbling bass, and blissed BPMs, dusted in sunrise acid and cosmic piano. His is a dance music of idyllic emotions and inner worlds, yearning for new horizons.
Julio J – Rhythm Vault 1 [SFR006]
Julio J, aka Californian-born Julian Smith, resurfaces with ‘Rhythm Vault I’ on his SFR imprint, showcasing his ability to evolve through multiple aliases. Known initially as Don Froth and later as Jane In Palma, this EP marks a return to form with a modern, tightly wound house sound. The four tracks offer a blend of broken beat and UKG influences, while inventive percussion and razor-sharp production give each track a distinct, spacious feel. The echo-heavy dubs feel built for the dancefloor, with cavernous reverberations creating a dynamite soundscape perfect for peak-time sets.
Omar S – O Maarr [AOS893]
Detroit house maverick and FXHE boss man Omar S is back with a new EP named seemingly in honour of himself. And why not? Few house producers can touch him even 20-plus years into his career. The title cut ‘O Maarr’ is dry, paired back but immediately catchy with a loved-up vocal loop and knackered kicks that bump along nicely. The second track ‘Glass’ is for lovers of lo-fi sounds of the sort that this man has made his signature. Searching synths circle the dusty analogue drums and coarse claps add some raw texture. ‘Bug Off’ is another archetypal Omar S cut – pensive chords that are whimsical and inwardly reflective over chunky beats and bass with brighter chords bursting out of the mix to bring a hint of optimism.
Mark Grusane ft. Saucy Lady – Take Me [DM12001]
Chicago underground legend Mark Grusane presents ”Take Me” on his own Disctechno imprint, a proper 12” single featuring vocals from DJ Saucy Lady, the Beantown Disco Queen. The lead single uses a driving bassline, infectious synth fills and filtered arps and pads to build up an electrified disco heater with sweat-soaked NRG. Saucy Lady’s seductive, dubbed out vocals bounce off the walls with a repeating mantra of ”just take me” and spoken words from a creature of the night, backed by her harmonizing ooh’s and aah’s. This combination sounds something like Bobby O locked in a Chicago basement during a heatwave with nothing but a fog machine and broken A/C for company. On the B-Side, disco wizard Rahaan reworks the lead single with a ”Psychedelic Dub” that layers the sounds of machine funk synth sweeps and disorienting tweaks for a mesmerizing take on the lead single. On either side of the record are also the Dub Instrumental and Accappella versions – versatile tools for freaking out any dancefloor.
Mystic Freaks – Blast Off [FRPP030]
Three groove heavyweights unite on this new Frappe release. Jamie 326, Young Pulse and Danou P are the Mystic Freaks, taking us on a cosmic Disco House flight. These 3 tracks are sweaty, made for dancing numbers. They are sexy, dirty and relentless, dripping with funk and disco influences. The very essence of House Music. You’ll hear disco drums, over housy drum machines, eiry sound effects surrounding groovy keybords and vocals franctically whispering at the dancer’s ears.
Flock – Flock II [STRUT331LP]
UK supergroup Flock return with their anticipated sophomore album ‘Flock II’. Comprising an exceptional line-up featuring Bex Burch (fresh from her debut solo album on International Anthem), Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi, Unknown To Known), Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming / Soccer96) and Al MacSween (Kefaya), the new recordings showcase Flock’s ability to push the boundaries of the composition process and craft unique tracks based on their collective spirit. Recorded amidst the serene landscapes of the Welsh countryside during 2022, ‘Flock II’ emerges as a compelling departure from their debut album, which was captured in a single day at London’s Fish Factory. Nestled within the enchanting environs of the Druidstone, a mystical coastal retreat in West Wales, the group embarked on an immersive week-long recording session. Here, they crafted unique “jump-off” devices for each musical piece, drawing inspiration from unconventional structures and atmospheres.
Space Drum Meditation – Four Tusks LP [SDMLP01]
Space Drum Meditation unveils ‘Four Tusks’, their debut album and seventh release on the label. This 12-track journey blends tribal rhythms, atmospheric textures, and electronic elements, interweaving darkness and light. The album un- folds like a ritual, revealing a murky, immersive soundscape shaped by primal beats, ethereal ambience, rumbling thunder, and the whisper of rain, reminiscent of a primeval marshland and drawing one into its depths. Featuring a wide array of instruments including deep percussion, traditional flutes, throat singing, and field recordings – Four Tusks crafts a mysterious tapestry that feels both ancient and futuristic, resonating with nature’s elements.
GǼG – Jack EP [SOV022]
GAEG is the production pair of Tokyo’s Monkey Timers and Okayama’s Keita Sano and now they present a heavyweight release on Sound of Vast. The EP opens with ‘Jack’ with its powerful bassline, sharp synths and ACID voices from Ron Hardy’s Jackmaster Hater tapes. ‘Yamato’ follows with percussion inspired by Curt Cress’ 80s jazz-rock drumming, while ‘Central’ reimagines The S.O.S. Band’s funky bassline with roaring guitars and cosmic synths. Blending disco, krautrock and Chicago house influences, the EP showcases Monkey Timers’ club music expertise alongside Keita Sano’s experimental, leftfield production style.
Apiento & Castro – The Orange Place [BLESSYOU027]
The kind of track that makes you want to know what kind of morning routine Apiento has on a weekday, “The Orange Place” is simply an underground dancefloor classic of the 2010’s that makes you realise something very special was going on with Paul Byrne’s Astrological charts at the time. Pure Sleazy Belgian Indiana Jones vibes, impossible to forget and very timeless. Now with full cover artwork and additional dubbed out afro cosmic remix by Castro.
Miami Vice – Winning Streak [MISSYOU038]
Originally released on one of Bruton’s extensive library albums but later used as the theme song to a UK drama series dealing with the intrigues of a family motor business and the world of rally driving from the 80s, “The Winning Streak” is another production by the now late library music maestro Alan Hawkshaw. A downtempo track with remarkably trippy use of percussion elements via electronics and drum machines with entertaining accents and “exotic” vocals. Another wonderful example of library music tickling the fancy of diggers and collectors with a dancefloor inclinations thanks to its highly distinct sound — everybody loves a winner.
The Exaltics – The Rising Sun [RRR010]
The Exaltics are back on Repetitive Rhythm Research with 3 tracks of intense, ravey, 90’s Detroit inspired dark, driving techno. Alden Tyrell & Serge add a razorsharp, expertly produced club friendly remix completing the 4 tracker.
Jerical – Reality Of Fiction EP [JR05]
The ‘Reality of Fiction’ EP from Jerical brings out four cuts of pure, unfiltered industrial techno—designed to lock listeners into an almost meditative state. With a dark, bleep-forward aesthetic, each track on the EP feels made for the murky corners of Berlin’s underground scene. The interplay of dark and dynamic in this release makes it feel alive, with each track contributing to the EP’s hypnotic pull.
Johannes Volk – Inner Fusion [SYNCRO53]
Syncrophone Recordings unveils the sonic mastery of Johannes Volk with his thrilling new EP, “Inner Fusion.” Volk guides listeners through a realm of pulsating rhythms and mesmerizing soundscapes, demonstrating his exceptional production prowess. “Inner Fusion” is an essential addition for any electronic music aficionado in search of innovative and cutting-edge sounds.
DJ Steaw – Holding On [PHONOGRAMME52]
Phonogramme brings back a pivotal moment in its history with a fresh repress of DJ Steaw’s ‘Holding On’. Originally released in 2012, the track marked both the label’s debut and DJ Steaw’s emergence as a serious producer. Fast forward to today, and the record has been revived with an added twist: a remix by none other than Ron Trent. Trent’s take manages to build on the original’s deep house foundations, injecting it with his signature Chicago warmth and effortless groove. Alongside this standout remix, Steaw contributes two more tracks that capture his enduring talent for crafting timeless house music. It’s a testament to both DJ Steaw’s vision and Phonogramme’s place within the scene that ‘Holding On’ remains as compelling today as it did when it first dropped.
Taelue – Dark Worlds EP [PHONOGRAMME51]
Phonogramme Records announce the upcoming release of Taelue’s highly anticipated EP, “Dark Worlds”. This exclusive, limited edition marbled vinyl EP is a five-track masterpiece that showcases Taelue’s exceptional talent and deep connection to the roots of house music, offering listeners a journey through rich, immersive soundscapes and infectious rhythms. “Dark Worlds” is a masterful collection that highlights Taelue’s signature style, blending deep house grooves with soulful undertones. Each track on the EP stands as a testament to his skillful production and unique artistic vision. Among the standout tracks is a stunning remix by the renowned artist Abacus, adding a fresh and dynamic layer to the EP.
VA – Various Vol.1 [PHONOGRAMME50]
Paris-based record label Phonogramme proudly announces its milestone 50th release, a spectacular Various EP featuring 4 exclusive and unreleased tracks from legendary artists Abacus, Fred P, Byron The Aquarius, and Felipe Gordon.
Zopelar – Astral Dynamics [ROYAL057]
Zopelar makes his debut on the Clone Royal Oak series with a 4 track EP, delivering some of his unique blend of house grooves firmly rooted in the 90’s Chicago, New York and Detroit house traditions. Pedro Zopelar is a musical wizard from Sao Paulo and is twisting the classic sounds and production methods into a fresh sonic Brazilian Caipirinha cocktail.
Stefan Ringer – Echo Chamber EP [FWM008]
Stefan Ringer returns with a new EP which us designed for “dancing in the dark.” It comes on FWM Entertainment on a nice hand-stamped 12″ that opens up with ‘Hypnosis’ which is stepped in sublime chords and detailed with Ringer’s own vocals. ‘Echo Chamber’ is a more immediate rhythm with an atonal melody and loopy bass then ‘Nasty’ explores a fresh take on the classic Chicago jack style with hefty drums and stabbed synths that amp up the party. the varied vibes continue with ‘Slanted House’ which takes the energy out and allow you to relax in the refined chords and closer ‘Sweet Chariot’ is a smooth end to a terrific EP.
Constant Agony – Reflex [GRTW013]
A deep dive into the raw, unfiltered experience of modern life, this album blends Ambient Noise Experimental with the relentless agony and struggle of societal pressure. Yet, through the chaos, a glimmer of freedom emerges—an unapologetic expression of self, breaking through the limits that confine us. A soundscape that’s both haunting and liberating.
The Hipodrome Of Music 