Spanish Crash – Life Is Now [THANKYOU040]

November 8, 2024November 6, 2024 hipodromecastro, italo-disco, marzio benelli, sound metaphors records, spanish crash, thank youLeave a comment

Playful Italo-Disco project by Florentine Marzio Benelli, originally released in 1984. “Life Is Now” delivers a number of what seem to be almost very important life-teachings over a rather sloppy beat. The hi hats, although very present also make it clear “Spanish Crash” is in no rush to get anywhere any time soon, sounding almost off beat. What strikes the listener even more than the smudges of highly valuable advice in some form of English language is the creative usage of what might have been some of the latest studio recording toys to reach Italy in 1984, an array of rather unorthodox synthy effects, vocoders, trippy delays all topped off with imposing guitar riffs for good measure. Very much sounding like what could be the soundtrack to a bootleg Disney comic strip on acid. Castro’s “Paella Crash” shifts the original lazy gear into a dubbier, high BPM, striped down version of the original that is more club oriented.

Gigi Testa – Sichuan [RH-STOREJAMS026]

November 8, 2024November 6, 2024 hipodromedisco, gigi testa, house, rush hour, rush hour store jamsLeave a comment

Napoli based Gigi Testa brings the heat yet again on his third Rush Hour Store Jams release with some spicey Sichuan flavours, straight from the Dragon Temple.

VA – Xuntanza Vol. IV [FAN019]

November 7, 2024November 11, 2024 hipodromeacidulant, electro, elektrotechnik, falconetics, fanzine records, robot city, roi, the exalticsLeave a comment

Fanzine project presents the latest compilation Xuntanza Vol. IV, featuring tracks from The Exaltics, Robot City, Elektrotechnik, Acidulant and and label boss, Roi.

Teslasonic – Libero Pensiero EP [TGRWDS04]

November 7, 2024November 6, 2024 hipodromeacid, dj overdose, electro, gianluca bertasi, teslasonic, tiger weedsLeave a comment

Teslasonic makes his second appearance on Tiger Weeds with Libero Pensiero EP, following his contribution on the label’s first VA compilation. Teslasonic is the solo project of Gianluca Bertasi, who delivers a fine blend of Electro, Italo, Acid, Downtempo and atmospheric elements, featuring a mesmerising remix by the legendary DJ Overdose. ‘Libero Pensiero’ translates directly to ”free thought”. That’s exactly how you should approach this six-track EP. Each track stands on its own, yet together, they form a cohesive narrative of creative freedom.

Sound Synthesis – Orbital 109 [ORBITAL109]

November 7, 2024July 28, 2025 hipodromeelectro, keith farrugia, orbital mechanics, sound synthesis, under the radarLeave a comment

The Orbital Mechanics saga is almost coming to an end, here is the 9th of a 10 in total series. Again Sound Synthesis is delivering the finest top quality acidic vocoder electro.

Random Factor – Silencer LP [VIS338]

November 6, 2024November 5, 2024 hipodrome2020 vision recordings, album, carl finlow, electro, random factorLeave a comment

20/20 Vision present the first new Random Factor album for 15 years. Random Factor was originally created by Carl Finlow in 1994 as an alter ego alias for his productions, forging an unique and instantly recognisable sound over the years. ‘Silencer’ sees Finlow create a stunning return to Random Factor, featuring a mix of electro pop songs with melodies that stay in the head, demonstrating his ability to write songs that stand the test of time with a production prowess considered second to none in the world of electronic music. Synthesizers play a huge role as always and every track feels like an ever-evolving sonic adventure through Finlow’s imagination with the overall effect of a long-playing record that is best listened to from beginning to end.

Cybotron – Parallel Shift [TRESOR313EP2]

November 6, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodromecybotron, detroit, electro, juan atkins, tresor recordsLeave a comment

Astral travel with Cybotron into the meta-narrative of the Parallel Shift, a new sonic fiction that raises many questions about military science of the near-future and the possibility of other worlds. Descending backward through the rhythms of time, the Skynet module retracts from the hyper-structural society of 2100, edging toward the mid-century modern age teetering on the brink of what was then the frontier of “the future”. The system boots the Infiniti process, morphing into a cosmotechnic vessel coursing the superhighway of burgeoning general intelligence, seeking data from just before “the overshoot and collapse.”

Gosub – Low Volume Lovers [FR008R]

November 6, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodromeelectro, frustrated funk, gosub, re-release, reissue, shad t. scottLeave a comment

Both we and Gosub are the beneficiaries of this loving reissue of ‘Low Volume Lovers’, a classic electro EP released on the Frustrated Funk label in 2005. With updated artwork and remastered audio, this one’s a nimble and tricksy electrifier, working in many a high-voltage drum snap and alternating-current impact, around quirky melodies and flighty beats.

Ole Mic Odd – Vapor Lock [NND006]

November 6, 2024July 15, 2025 hipodromeelectro, michael padgett, nocta numerica digital, nocta numerica records, ole mic oddLeave a comment

Ole Mic Odd debuts on Nocta Numerica with ‘Vapor Lock’,the sixth release of the digital series.

Iron Curtis @ HÖR (Berlin) 28.10.2024

November 5, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodromehor berlin, house, iron curtisLeave a comment

Soshi Takeda – Secret Communication LP [SILK152]

November 5, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodrome100% silk, album, deep house, soshi takedaLeave a comment

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]

November 5, 2024November 5, 2024 hipodromedeep house, house, julio j, sfr records, snake free roofingLeave a comment

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]

November 4, 2024November 18, 2024 hipodromealex smith, detroit house, fxhe records, house, omar sLeave a comment

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]

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodromechicago house, disctechno, house, mark grusane, rahaan, saucy ladyLeave a comment

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]

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024 hipodromedanou p, disco, frappe records, house, jamie 326, mystic freaks, young pulseLeave a comment

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]

November 3, 2024October 31, 2024 hipodromealbum, experimental, flock, jazz, strut recordsLeave a comment

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]

November 2, 2024October 31, 2024 hipodromealbum, ambient, drone, eddie ness, experimental, liem, percusions, space drum meditation, technoLeave a comment

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]

November 1, 2024March 3, 2025 hipodromedisco, experimental, gaeg, house, keita sano, monkey timers, sound of vastLeave a comment

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]

November 1, 2024October 31, 2024 hipodromeapiento, apiento & co, bless you, castro, disco, new beat, paul byrne, sound metaphors recordsLeave a comment

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]

November 1, 2024October 31, 2024 hipodrome10 records, alan hawkshaw, disco, funk, miami vice, miss you, re-release, reissue, sound metaphors recordsLeave a comment

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.