Cosmetics – Baby LP [CITI030]

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 hipodromeaja emma, album, cititrax, cosmetics, minimal synth, minimal wave records, nic emm, synth popLeave a comment

Cititrax present a new album by Cosmetics, a Vancouver-based synth wave duo formed by Nic Emm and Aja Emma in 2008. Cosmetics reappeared in 2022 after having been relatively quiet since its very memorable releases on Captured Tracks in 2010. In 2023, the band returns with a phenomenal full-length LP entitled ‘Baby’. Their music is sultry, minimalist, and atmospheric, backed by lush analog synths and sparse drum machines. Aja’s seductive vocals cut through the perfectly crafted dark synthpop forming a filmlike narrative that draws us in. The ‘Baby’ LP will have you listening on repeat and the single featuring alternate versions of two songs from the album will bring you from your bedroom listening to the dance floor. Cosmetics continue the lineage of Minimal Wave into the present day.

Plague Pits – Creatures [TNP04]

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 hipodromealbum, cold wave, minimal synth, new wave, plague pits, synth pop, transnecropolitanLeave a comment

Plague Pits is a collective from Bern, Switzerland. Inspired by the DIY electronic tape underground of yore, they play disco dirges for the Anthropocene – cold wave for a heating planet. After a string of DIY releases on their bandcamp page, on Transnecropolitan and Young And Cold Records, the band released their first full length album “Creatures“ on DIY label Transnecropolitan, from Bern. “Creatures” was conceived and recorded over a span of six months in early 2022 and contains eight songs that are just as inspired by the clattering electro-industrial rhythms of the mid-eighties as by early electronic post-punk and its krautrock forbears. The record lyrically centers around all manners of exploitation – of human beings, other living creatures, and our planets resources.

Schicksal – Perpetuum: Cycle I [MEC078]

October 4, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromealbum, ebm, mecanica records, minimal synth, new beat, new wave, pedro bol, re-release, reissue, rudi huybrechts, schicksalLeave a comment

Schicksal is the alias of Rudi Huybrechts from Belgium. Heavily inspired by Front 242 first album “Geography”, DAF’s elektronische körpermusik “Alles Ist Gut” and of course Kraftwerk’s “Man Machine” and “Computer World”, Rudi bought his first Roland SH-101 synthesizer and started in 1982 with Schicksal to experiment with synths and drum computers. He spent lot of hours programming and composing on his bedroom and recording everything on a tape recorder. A selection of these old tracks are included on this album. You can definitely feel the vibe of this period and the place where the songs were created: the old industrial town of Hoboken, the culmination of the cold war and the aim of a young musician to combine melody and harmony into minimal electronic music.

Schicksal – 24 Hours [MEC077]

October 4, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromeebm, mecanica records, new beat, pedro bol, re-release, reissue, rudi huybrechts, schicksal, subway recordsLeave a comment

Schicksal is the alias of Rudi Huybrechts coming from Hoboken, a small town near Antwerp. He started experimenting with synths and drum computers in 1982. Heavily inspired by Front 242 first album “Geography”, DAF’s elektronische körpermusik “Alles Ist Gut” and Kraftwerk’s “Man Machine” and “Computer World”, Rudi spent lot of hours programming and composing at home with just some gear and a tape recorder. Some of these tracks appeared on local compilations but it was not until the hype of New Beat in Belgium that Schicksal gained a real attention. In 1988 Rudi persuaded Marc Grouls, the resident DJ of discotheque Prestige in Antwerp, to play the track “24 hours”. All the people on the dancefloor just got wild and the next day Schicksal signed a contract with Maurice Engelen for the release of a maxi-single on Subway Records.

Max & Intro – We Design The Future [MEC083]

October 4, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromeintro johnnie, max & intro, max vincent, mecanica records, minimal synth, re-release, reissue, synth popLeave a comment

Max & Intro was a short-lived duo formed by Vincent Max and Intro Johnnie in Belgrade. In 1984 they composed “Ostavi Sve” (in English: “Leave Everything”), probably the greatest ex-Yugoslavian minimal synth song of all times with heavy rotation on radio and even TV appearances. It was a tribute to Fairlight synthesizers, in that time non affordable for these young musicians and became an obsession, especially for Max. In 1985 was published their first and only release “We Design The Future” including “Ostavi Sve” and the B-side “Beogradska Devojka”, another synth gem.

VA – Northern Nightmares III [UNR012]

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromeanna funk damage, antonio barbetta, b1980, cassette, compilation, ebm, eindkrak, industrial, kluentah, lbeeze, lvrin, metal, nghty, post punk, spzkr, up north recordsLeave a comment

Northern Nightmares returns for a third instalment. Alongside the usual suspects, Up North welcomes some new blood to the party. NN III also has the honour of lifting the veil from Parrish Smith’s latest project, METAL! From Antonio’s blistering basselines to Eindkrak’s twisted rhythms, this intoxicating compilation will shatter speakers and clench fists.

Dj Nephil – Horizon Rising [KRI004]

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromeacid, alonzo, dj nephil, ebm, electro, kri records, univacLeave a comment

The fourth chapter of the Kri discography was conceived in the cold northern parts of Europe by a well-seasoned electro producer and Gravitational Waves label owner, Dj Nephil. Sharp electro-minimalism on the Horizon Rising EP is ranging from hypnotic and subtle to a punkish kick in the arse. Lush textures, bitter-sweet acid, and thick bass lines are looking past trends to create a lasting record. Adding extra weight to this polar electro voyage are remixes by two among our favorite producers, Alonzo and Univac.

Meshes – Always Against EP [DAME048]

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 hipodromeacid, bloody mary, dame music, ebm, electro, industrial, meshesLeave a comment

For its 48th release, Dame-Music welcomes back Meshes to the label, this time for his first full solo EP showcasing his fresh take on the modern EBM sound. Israel based producer Meshes marks his return to the label with his Always Against EP, including a remix from the label boss Bloody Mary. Full dose of heavy analogue bass, powerful percussion and punkish vocals across all 4 tracks.

Dylab – I Love Acid 27 [ILA027]

October 2, 2023September 29, 2023 hipodromeacid house, balkan vinyl, beyun, dylab, i love acidLeave a comment

It’s been a quiet couple of years for Posthuman’s I Love Acid series, but it’s back with the first of three 12”s to see out 2023. ILA027 comes from Australian hardware wizard Dylab. Three tracks of 3am heads-down-in-the-haze chugging acid DJ tools, with a remix from Vault Wax label head Beyun.

Dan Piu – Zeit Des Erwachens [TRUETWO]

October 2, 2023September 29, 2023 hipodromeacid house, childhood intelligence, dan piu, deep house, true confession records, venus news networkLeave a comment

Tales of self-prophecy. Civilizations born from ancient technology. The architects of the future. Transformation of the world. A Childhood Intelligence project by Dan Piu & Venus News Network.

TMO x Piankov – TMO x Piankov [LIES196]

October 2, 2023September 29, 2023 hipodromedeep house, house, l.i.e.s., lipelis, long island electrical systems, piankov, tmoLeave a comment

Lipelis makes a welcome return to L.I.E.S. with his TMO project and lines up a huge release with this four track ep, housed in a killer picture sleeve. Massive anthem alerts here as Lipelis teams up with keyboardist Eugene Piankov with epic results. From the absolutely soaring and melodic 303+909 driven opener, to the pensive mid tempo “Bright Jam” Everything comes to a head with the B1. cut that is a huge piano house anthem, this will save the party or bring it to the next level… solos, chord progressions, 303’s, phased claps….everything going exactly how it should be…clean as a whistle, rockin the floor like mad. Absolutely recommended for connoisseurs of real dance music.

Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids – Afro Futuristic Dreams LP [STRUTLP312]

October 1, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromealbum, idris ackamoor, jazz, strut records, the pyramidsLeave a comment

Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids are back with their first major new studio album in over 3 years, an epic, sprawling new work exploring the future, the past and the urgent reality of the present, ‘Afro Futuristic Dreams’. Recorded between San Francisco and London and brought together by the genius of Malcolm Catto at his analogue Quatermass Studio, the new recording represents another bold step in Ackamoor’s ever-evolving journey in jazz, adding full, intricate scores including string sections and choral elements to the Pyramids’ trademark spiritual Afro-jazz sound. Driven by the core Pyramids members Ackamoor (sax, keytar, organ), Margaux Simmons (flute), Sandra Poindexter (violin) and Bobby Cobb (guitar), tracks range from hard-hitting commentaries about police brutality (‘Police Dem’) to celebrations of the ancestors and departed loved ones (‘Requiem For The Ancestors’, ‘Re-Memory’) and hazy cosmic journeys, including the album’s title track and the sparkling, experimental closer, ‘Nice It Up’.

Rod20 – White On EP [ROD2009]

September 30, 2023September 29, 2023 hipodromebenny rodrigues, detroit techno, minimal techno, rod malmok, rod20, technoLeave a comment

Swinging and pumping club bangers by ROD’s strictly hardware-project Rod20.

Linear System – Simian EP [MDZN003]

September 30, 2023September 29, 2023 hipodromelinear system, mind medizin records, minimal techno, technoLeave a comment

Mind Medizin continues its upward trajectory with a groovy third instalment coming from Linear System. The Italian DJ and producer takes the reins with his warehouse-ready ‘Simian’ EP. Sinister pads creep over chugging percussion, alarming bleeps and moody basslines in the loopy ‘Simian’, before rolling low-ends meet eerie analog synths in ‘Unknown Object’ as heavy claps complement crashing cymbals in this other-worldly cut.

Robert Hood – Master Builder [TRESOR032]

September 30, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromedetroit techno, minimal techno, re-release, reissue, robert hood, techno, tresor recordsLeave a comment

Twenty five years after its initial release, and accompanying the re-release of ‘Internal Empire’ Tresor Records present a new cut and pressing (180gm) of Robert Hood’s essential ‘Master Builder’. The ongoing importance of this single and its adjacent album is indisputable, essential both to techno and to Tresor. It is a history intertwined. This work elevates its maker as master, and remains a cherished moment in the Tresor story, sharing an irrefutable singular magic, sounding as present and indispensable as when first created. To understand this work fully is to stand back and celebrate its impact.

Millsart – Morning Glory [AX115]

September 30, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromeaxis expressionist, axis records, detroit techno, jeff mills, millsart, minimal technoLeave a comment

Part of the Axis Expressionist Series. A collection of vinyl and limited digital releases, curated by Millsart, an alias of Jeff Mills, of his most eclectic and transcendent compositions that derive from his Every Dog Has Its Day project as well as new unreleased works. Vernacular creations that fall off from the ”other side” of the Electronic Music tree, this project is designed for the experienced Techno music listener, and its goal is to reflect upon the pure artistry of the craft of storytelling. A realization between music and life. Whereas ”dancing” is the goal of Dance Music, the goal of this music is about ”reflecting on the complexity and simplification of life”. Soundtracks for people in their evolutionary process.

Delano Smith / Norm Talley – Straight Up No Chaser [UAR015]

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromedelano smith, detroit house, detroit techno, norm talley, upstairs asylum recordingsLeave a comment

Norm Talley returns to his Upstairs Asylum label alongside fellow US house pioneer Delano Smith for Straight Up No Chaser, an eight-track opus featuring four solo cuts each. Talley’s gritty, dubbed-out, low-rolling house style is present and correct throughout with the loopy chords of ‘Blak Bottom’ getting things going, ‘The Flip’ getting more cavernous and aqueous and ‘ISO Vision’ leaning into dub techno. ‘Believe It’ is a soulful deep house looper, while Smith gets bubbly with ‘The Bassline’, lays down thumping kicks on ‘Travels 23’ and his trademark synth smears on ‘The Drive’ while ‘Remembrance’ is a heady dub house cut that locks you into a state of perfect hypnosis.

Tony Price – Hit Piece LP [LPTER113]

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromealbum, house, telephone explosion records, tony priceLeave a comment

Tony Price returns to Telephone Explosion Records with the new “Hit Piece” LP. The album is his first full-length since his 2022 release, “IBM CONTRA,” on L.I.E.S. Records, and the follow-up to the “Bail Bonds” EP on his Maximum Exposure imprint in May 2023. There are no lofty intentions or concepts here; this is music about action and movement. Eschewing the narrative-driven structures of his previous albums, Tony shifts his focus to the groove, reducing dance music to its rawest textures and core principles. With this project, he unites jackin’ house rhythms, early hiphop bombast, and the hydraulic drive of Motor City funk with a punk rock immediacy and abrasiveness that recalls pre-robot Daft Punk, Todd Terry, Dance Mania, and his L.I.E.S. label mate Delroy Edwards.

Anatolian Weapons – Sound Metaphors Remixed Pt. II [BLESSYOU016]

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023 hipodromeaggelos baltas, anatolian weapons, bless you, delkom, house, new beat, sound metaphors records, technoLeave a comment

Weaponize your DJ record bag again with fresh ammo from the Greek studio machine, Aggelos Baltas does it again with another volume of remixes to the Sound Metaphors re-issue catalogues, an invigorating contemporary club touch to a wide range of dance floor material that was originally produced in the early 90s and late 80s. A new patina layer formed by the aging acid baths and chemical reactions of the experienced studio magician. Aggelos’ signature atmospheric grandiosity and big room sound once again delivered with precision and high efficiency for the caring modern dancefloor.

Wedding Acid Group – Metro-303 [USR027]

September 28, 2023September 27, 2023 hipodromeacid, album, eletro, galactic jackson, j. mono, saint leidal the 2nd, undersound recordings, wedding acid groupLeave a comment

Undersound Recordings presents the first album ever released on vinyl by the Wedding Acid Group (Galactic Jackson, J. Mono & Saint Leidal The 2nd). This musical odyssey consists of 8 meticulously crafted tracks, created between 2010 and 2021, representing over a decade of evolution and growth. Each song showcases a unique facet of the trio’s musical prowess, with tempos ranging from 100 to 150 bpm.