Amsterdam’s fastest, getting down with the machines and laying down some proper dirty rhythm tracks.
Magic Mountain High – MMH Live @ Fuse [MHLIVE001]
The improvised electronics of Dave Moufang’s long running Magic Mountain High project with Juju & Jordash is no stranger to the vinyl format, first appearing on a Workshop 12″ back in 2012 and gracing that label as well as Jordan ‘Jordash’ Czamanski’s Off Minor with further material. However, as anyone that’s witnessed Magic Mountain High in the flesh will attest, the trio are best experienced live, but for logistical reasons that might not always be possible. This 12″ which consists of a recording of Magic Mountain High straight from the mixing desk at Brussels venue Fuse last year will satisfy the cravings of anyone whose yet to see them perform, with three next level deep house workouts to lose yourself in again and again.
Nu Sound II Crew / Magnus II – Split EP [DE081]
Dark Entries reissues a split EP of rare and out of print Detroit Electro jams from Nu Sound II Crew and Magnus II. Both were projects of mastermind Sam Anderson aka DJ Maestro. Influenced by Kraftwerk and Cybotron, Nu Sound II Crew created fresh, fast, dark electro beats with tough drum machines and lyrics about traveling through outer space.
DJ Overdose – Master Control [V026]
After being returned from his abduction by aliens from the hidden planet Nibiru, DJ Overdose was given an alien synthesizer ‘the HAEX-HRLL’ as a thank you for all the cerebral research the aliens did on him. On returning back to Earth all DJ Overdose had to do was finish the 6 tracks the aliens had started to work on, which became this EP. Straight forward Techno Hop Electro Funk without any fancy-pants pretentious hooha. It’s like a black and white movie which makes you think ‘why the hell is there colors anyway?!’ After completion, the only record label he could imagine being fit for such rawness would be Viewlexx… and so here it is.
Momentform – Grave [LXRC022]
Lux Rec’s first record for 2015 is a dark and moody affair coming from Momentform, a French musician that has no fear to plunge into obscurity, melancholy, a somber look into memories that are too painful to forget. Yet, he transformed all those postcards from the past into listening and dance material. Our last dance together.
VA – Enter The Plague LP [MR027]
After the night sea journey of Francesco Clemente-Heinrich Dressel’s split release Il Faro, MinimalRome returns with a concept album inspired by the silence and the noises of the plague. Heinrich Dressel, Umberto, Anton Maiof, Alessandro Parisi, and Vercetti Technicolor explore the solitude, terror, stillness and unsophisticated chaos of the epidemic in a 5 tracks LP.
Hinode – Globular Clusters [HLN001]
Limited copies, analog lovers Hinode offer three distinct techno soundspaces to lose yourself in and never come back.
Conforce – Travelogue EP [TRSDW002]
Stepping up for the second release on his own Transcendent label, the unstoppable Conforce offers up four more tracks of studiously deep and moving music that is as filmic as it is atmospheric. His Travelogue EP features four cuts that continue ion the Dutchman’s fine tradition of fusing moods and grooves in submerged and aqueous ways. Up first is ‘Phase7’, with little sounds scurrying across dollops of thick bass synth. Eventually a deep and subliminal rhythm emerges to float you through the deep abyss and little rays of light shine though to light the way. ‘Informatica’ is laced up with nervy, edgy pads and distant siren sounds as well as hunched percussion and ambient soundscaping. It’s heady and physical at the same time and really comes from another sound world entirely. On the flip, ‘Coast to Coast’ has more human charm and melody to it but still wallows in the deepest oceans, with supple and subtle rhythms and tons of detail all fizzing about and firing your every synapse. Finally, Zero Eight Five toys with spangled synth lines, feint percussive impressions and lots of gloopy bass to transfix you in a hypnotic headspace.
Gianluca Petrella – 103 EP [ELER007]
Gianluca Petrella is one of the most talented trombonist all around the world. “103 Ep” is traveling on the most intimate and electronic side of Gianluca’s music, clarifying its fine taste with a series of cinematic atmospheres described with the combination of haunting jazz melodies with obscure electronic pathways. This record captures completely the atmospheres evoked by dark cities, midnight, smoky streets, loneliness, existentialism and romanticism, allowing you to experience the jazz music from an unusual perspective.
Takeshi Kouzuki – Les Yeux Orange #038
VA – Halal Prepared Vol.3 [BOE025]
While their sporadic appearance remains a frustration, it’s hard to find fault with Boe Recordings’ Halal Prepared series of EPs. This third installment of the series, which lands 12 months after it’s’ predecessor, contains another quarter of high quality deep house jams. The real highlights – to our ears, at least – are the two tracks that doff a cap to classic Detroit techno, whilst keeping their feet firmly rooted in deep house. Both “Star Struck” by Chicago Deep and Havantepe’s “Plane Waves” capture the retro-futurist spirit and stargazing electronics associated with the Motor City perfectly. Elsewhere, keep an eye out for Taelue’s “Desolate Dreams”, which offers a bittersweet trip into ultra-deep house territory.
Iron Curtis – Care EP [HUDD047]
Iron Curtis delivers his 2nd full 4 track EP for Hudd Traxx. The opening track ‘Care’ demonstrates IC’s diversity as a Producer as he lays down a killer bassline with melodic keys which will find it’s way into many big hitters bags. ‘Sing Along With Your Friends’ has deep laid keys and an MCDE esk feel to it accompanied by some heavy snares for good measure. Flip for the B Side and find ‘Shouting & Screaming’, a dark driving track that even Spencer Kinsey would be proud of. Iron Curtis rounds off the EP with a solid groovy little number entitled ‘Lasga’s Return’
Lumitecc – Spinnin Steel [RAWAX017]
VA – Art 21 EP [DAS009]
Side A contents two masterpieces of nu soul remixes produced by Abicah Soul Project and vocals featured by Harold Brandon. Yotam Avni presents the first piece (Sign it away) which he is mostly known for his soulful background. Side B is represented by the two label fellow of deepArtSounds Ernie and Jenifa Mayanja with two magnificent deep house tracks.
Villa Abo / M Jupiter – Transfusion [BORFT121]
2 Different sides of pure drummachine techno. Minimal and functional. Two artists, M. Jupiter and Villa Åbo, here share a vinyl 12 inch with two tracks each.
Daniel Araya – Hope [VR004]
Swedish label Virgo Rising presents a new release featuring 4 raw techno cuts by Daniel Araya.
D’Marc Cantu – Decay [DRONE003]
Ann Arbor-based producer D’Marc Cantu will next land on Richard Fearless’ fledgling Drone imprint with the ”Decay” b/w ”Rival” 12”. The two-track record will serve as Drone’s third release.
Drvg Cvltvre / Umwelt – Horned Be The Hunter [ROD003]
For its third release, French indie label Rave Or Die introduces two dystopian & dark tunes with haunting atmospheres from Drvg Cvltvre & Umwelt. A serious release for smoking dancefloors.
