The Zombies – Zombi / In The Land Of The Zombi [BST-X102]

It’s difficult to ”label” the songs of this authoritative and necessary official reissue. ”Zombi” and ”In the Land of the Zombi” are two electro disco-funks from 1979, therefore from three years before was born the ”Italo-Disco” style, certainly more powerful, aggressive and more electronic than the ”Made in Italy” disco style of the 2nd half of the 70s. The creation of the original 7″ by Salvatore Ida, great musician and bandleader – to whom this excellent reissue is dedicated – was a sort of game for the authors of the two pieces: Federico Ida and Massimo Ida, were protagonists 4 years before of the Italian progressive rock scene with the sister Silvana Ida, Marcello Surace and Franco Vinci thanks to the immeasurable and acclaimed album ”Apoteosi”. So The Zombies were destined to pair with another easy ’79 joke by the Ida brothers: ”Let’s Go” and ”Mustang” by Sandwich. The two long versions of ”Zombi” and ”In the Land of the Zombi” were re-edited by Massimo Berardi, always diligent and active, as well as tidy and aware of where he was putting his hands, are fundamental in order to complete this 12″.

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The Zombies – Zombi / In The Land Of The Zombi [BST-X102]

Flavio – Drum’s Explosion [MISSYOU036]

Highly wanted amongst collectors for its unique sound, this Italian psychedelic percussion heavy disco single was originally only released on 7 inch format sometime in the late 70s on the Idea label. Quite experimental for its time, it stands out not only for the reckless use of percussion but also the use of early synthesiser sounds in very rhythmic conscientious manners, some moments almost sounding as if a pioneering example of Acid House years before its time. While it seems like all possible percussion instrument sounds are chaotically employed into the drum salad that unfolds, the clavinet and vibraphone offer a contrasting dreamy nuance via a simple and slowly moving melody. Besides the original Parte 02a version this release comes with a new remix “Drum Implosion (Parte 10a) further propelling the chaos commenced in the original release with the aid of flangers and delays, already striking the fancy of DJs like Marcell Dettmann. Severely remastered at Manmade mastering, now featured in 12” format with full cover artwork.

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Flavio – Drum’s Explosion [MISSYOU036]

Jimmy The Hand – Paitience EP [ORN034]

Purveyors of deep-tinged electronic grooves since 2008, Ornate Music returns for their next analogue emission. Dropping four refreshingly shaped cuts from mysterious Bolton boy: Jimmy The Hand. A seriously talented artist and shaper of off-kilter sonics, Jimmy works his alchemy in all the right places on this impressive collection of creations. Punchy drums and uplit mood colour the way in opener ‘Nail Varnish”, as ‘Delve Deep’ opens the Arps to crunched drums, setting the mind to cycle with impressive effect. Over on the flip, rising pads and rhythmic shuffle fuse with warped effects as you skip through the sunny climes of ‘That’s More Like It’. Last but not least, you’re met with the RAW punch of ‘Breath’: a full complement of Millsian influenced psychotropia that leaves you screaming for more, you’ve been warned.

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Jimmy The Hand – Paitience EP [ORN034]

J.P. Energy – I Have A Pessimistic Outlook Of Life EP [SMI-015]

The second release to come out of Sound Metaphors’ collaboration with the Italian electronic music Don, Gianpiero Pacetti aka J.P. Energy. “I Have A Pessimistic Outlook Of Life EP” showcases a considerably more mature and polished sound relative to the previous release as the artist moves into the end of the 90’s. Here things get more serious and even more “industrial” with a darker and perhaps more cynical tone, not unlike the title of the EP. A 3 track record, very much oriented towards the dance floor. The EP was fisrt released in 1999 by the Italian label Spectrum (Civiltà Del Suono).

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J.P. Energy – I Have A Pessimistic Outlook Of Life EP [SMI-015]

DJ 3000 – Immigrant Son [MT-175]

Detroit’s DJ 3000 is back with a fresh new release, the Immigrant Son EP on his own Motech label. “Immigrant Son” is a heartfelt celebration of family and deep-rooted traditions. The track “Gëzuar,” meaning “Cheers” in Albanian, blends traditional Albanian rhythms with the soulful essence of Detroit techno, creating a unique and compelling soundscape. Another standout track, “Kanuni (Traditë Mix),” draws inspiration from the Code of Lekë Dukagjini, further enriching the EP with historical and cultural depth. Smooth morphing Detroit synths and some theme’s that remind of his roots in Europe.

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DJ 3000 – Immigrant Son [MT-175]

Smackos – Once a Mirror [PERS004]

Legowelt worked as a sound designer for the factory presets of Mirror, which ended up as Muse which is an 8 voice polyphonic bi-timbral synth. The entire album was recorded with an early prototype of of Moog Mirror.

Smackos – Once a Mirror [PERS004]

VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola [STRUTLP273]

Strut introduces a pioneering new compilation ‘A Dancefloor In Ndola,’ curated by revered East African DJ, Kampire. This release marks an evolution in Strut’s approach to compilations, showcasing emerging DJ talent from across the world and embracing an innovative approach to musical discovery from the next wave of selectors. Forging her reputation through memorable sets for the Nyege Nyege Festival in Uganda over the last decade, Kampire now tours worldwide and is celebrated for her brilliantly curated sets spanning the full range of African music styles from the ‘70s and ‘80s to the present day. Although born in Kenya to Ugandan parents, Kampire spent her formative years in Ndola, Zambia. ‘A Dancefloor In Ndola’ is inspired by artists and songs that formed part of her soundtrack during that time. The compilation flows through different East African and South African genres from Congolese rumba and soukous to 1980s township bubblegum and the rich guitar-led sounds of Zambian kalindula.

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VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola [STRUTLP273]

Andrés – GTFlip313-002 [GTFLIP313-002]

From the wide-ranging livestream sets he does from his basement to the sprawling hip hop and house albums he does for Moodymann’s Mahogany via disco-laced house anthems like ‘New 4 U’, Andres always unites this music with a unique sense of groove and emotion. That is still true now as he steps out on GT Flips with a bunch of electro-leaning cuts that are classy yet primed and ready to ignite any party. Track 2 is a quick and punch one with ghetto undercurrents and jazzy keys, Track 4 is an excellent ass-wiggler with expertly deployed vocal hooks and Track 3 is a stripped-back bumper with a feel-good vibe.

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Andrés – GTFlip313-002 [GTFLIP313-002]

Andrés – GTFlip313-001 [GTFLIP313-001]

Detroit mainstay and masterful hip hop and deep house fusionist Andres is back with not one but two new EPs. For this first one, he brings some silky electro rhythms to his signature sound but doesn’t forgo that irresistible sense of r&b lushness he is known for. Track 1 brings a heart-aching vocal sample to quick beats and pristine snares, Track 2 has skittish rhythms topped with snapping snares and another classic, well-worked sample, then Track 3 takes off to the cosmos on ice-cold electro rhythms topped with plaintive chords. There is a hint of acid squelchy to Track 4 but it still somehow sounds very much like Andres.

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Andrés – GTFlip313-001 [GTFLIP313-001]

Tom Carruthers – Downtown Rhithms LP [LIES208]

The ever prolific Tom Carruthers is back on L.I.E.S. flipping the script with a new double LP ”Downtown Rhithms”. On this one Carruthers takes his sound into uncharted territories with a style heavily indebted to the late 80s-early 90s New York House sound. Filled with heavy duty samples heads are sure to know, TC spliced, diced, rearranged and transformed them into something sounding like it came out of Todd Terry or Bones SP-1200 back in the days. Funky, deep, introspective, these 12 tracks are guaranteed to rock the floor wherever you may be. Perfect music for the summer heat, bumping out your car stereo or in the club, these cut will make em’ sweat guaranteed. True old school productions for real DJs! Featuring additional production from Risk Management’s Benedek and Lipelis on a couple of cuts.

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Tom Carruthers – Downtown Rhithms LP [LIES208]

DimDJ – Classics 2023-2024 EP [PKP015]

DimDj is a legendary figure of the Greek electronic music scene. After establishing his reputation as an excellent DJ already since the 90’s, he continued to grow his personal myth with the delicate production of a wide variety of singles and EP’s. Following his many releases in various labels worldwide (Mathematics, Alley Version, June, TH Tar Hallow, Lower Parts, Anopolis Records), he now delivers a mini-LP for To Pikap Records. Chicago house blends with Detroit’s Afrofuturism and 707 grooves meet warm melodies, acid basslines and jazzy leads. Six tracks of pure dancefloor mental wellness by Thessaloniki’s 303 maestro.

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DimDJ – Classics 2023-2024 EP [PKP015]

PRZ – Lost Art LP [CE047]

PRZ comes to Sync 24’s Cultivated Electronics with his first double Album “Lost Art”. In the ever-evolving realm of electronic music, where sonic innovation is the currency, PRZ (Gal Perez) emerges as a luminary, crafting sonic landscapes with a distinct style that blends intricate rhythms, ethereal melodies and pulsating beats. As a producer, DJ and co-founder of the Chateau Royal label and Pluto Junkies member, PRZ has spent the last decade shaping his sound and releasing tracks on some of dance music’s most respected labels including Clone West Coast Series and Hilltown Disco. With a boundless imagination and unwavering commitment to sonic exploration, his “Lost Art” release is a fully-formed album rather than just a collection of tracks, opening with the atmospheric intro of “Introvert”, before the playful sonic antics of tracks like “Lazerton”, “Lost Art” and “Voice Over”. Other tracks bring pure Electro darkness like “Velocity Shift” alongside the ElectroTechno of “Time To Decide”, the EBM-esque “Azaya” or the retro funk of “Back From 89” – all primed for dance floors, before closing on the melancholy “Miss You”.

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PRZ – Lost Art LP [CE047]

ANDI A. – Bass Control [TFZ017]

Tooflez returns with their latest serving, the “Bass Control’’ remix package, exploring the different dimensions in the multi-faceted universe of electro. The original cut was cooked up by label head-chef ANDI A. On remix duties we find 3DIZ, DJ Di’jital, Echowoman, Indigo Plateux and Viikatory.

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ANDI A. – Bass Control [TFZ017]

Five Ten – Near End EP [FM006]

Flight Mode latest release comes from label co-founder Five Ten. This marks his second solo project, showcasing his evolving artistry and dedication to the craft. ‘Near End’ EP is a collection of four meticulously crafted tracks, drawing deep inspiration from old school sounds, delivering a raw and nostalgic yet innovative experience. Each track plunges into a dark and heavy atmosphere, where aggressive, pounding drums dominate the soundscape, creating an intense and immersive listening journey. Five Ten’s signature style shines through in this release, showcasing his ability to blend the essence of classic influences with a modern twist.

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Five Ten – Near End EP [FM006]

Babes In Love – Surrender [BLESSYOU024]

It might sound like an overlooked European dance record from 1985, but “Surrender” is a catchy Pop oriented production with strong influences from Italodisco and HiNRG, written and produced entirely from scratch by Benny Howell (aka DJ Subaru) and his friend Bella Quirin. Innocent and charming lyrics over 120’s BPM drum machine and a simple melody that you’ll be humming in the back of your mind for days to come. The remix on the B-side by Castro takes a darker turn into what almost sounds like a Techno version with heavy dubbed out effects taking the “Surrender” theme through an unhinged Ketamine flanger vortex.

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Babes In Love – Surrender [BLESSYOU024]