Takenoko – L’Amour Est Mon Arme [ERC062]

August 28, 2018August 27, 2018 hipodromealbum, emotional rescue, emotional response recordings, italo-disco, synth pop, takenokoLeave a comment

Emotional Rescue presents French 80s electronic band Takenoko and their unique and quirky euro synth-pop, here as collected works from 1982 to 1988. The compilation includes their 3 singles plus a number of unreleased songs heard for the first time. Formed in 1981 when Bruno Aujard, Jean Louis Simonet and Jean Michel Louisor met in Bordeaux, France, the trio took their admiration of post punk bands like Talking Heads and Gang Of Four and mixed it with the pioneering sound of Kraftwerk and the new wave of UK electronic bands and set about composing songs with the simple aim to make people dance. Encompassing their interest in Japanese culture, Takenoko, meaning young bamboo shoot – a metaphor for teenager in Japan – was born.

Sun Ra – Disco 3000 [COSMOALIENS111]

August 26, 2018August 24, 2018 hipodromealbum, art yard records, jazz, re-release, reissue, sun raLeave a comment

You can count on Art Yard to replenish our jazz charts with the very best material from the great Sun Ra, whether that’s them putting out previously unreleased material or simply reissuing some of their already excellent material. This time, we have a tidy repress of the mythical “Disco 3000”, cited by many as Ra’s nuttiest piece of work or, in fact, a segment of music which totally made – and arguably finished – the free jazz sound. It’s a ride – if you haven’t heard it already then pounce on it! On the B-side, the magnificent “Third Planet/Friendly Galaxy/Dance Of The Cosmos-Aliens” is pure heaven for all those with an itch for some innovative drum machine patterns, as Ra goes further than anyone else ever did with some drums, organ and…are those effects? Legendary stuff!

Reedale Rise – Luminous Air [KONDI019]

August 23, 2018August 22, 2018 hipodromealbum, detroit, electro, house, kondi records, reedale rise, simon keatLeave a comment

Kondi welcomes Reedale Rise to the imprint with his debut album. The Liverpool wonder AKA Simon Keat has impressed almost everyone with his unique take on classic house and techno compositions in a wide range. Beautiful synth pads, punchy, crunchy and groovy electro beats arranged around a good old fashioned analogue synth bass with a characteristic bending synth lead sound on top is really hard not to love and pretty much sums up what Reedale Rises electrofunk journeys are all about. Luminous Air is one big lush, joyful and emotional ride throughout the late summer breeze and is a sure hit whether you go for a party on the beach, a nighttime drive on HWY1 or just need an easy night with a drink on the balcony.

Cold Beat – A Simple Reflection [DE223]

August 21, 2018July 17, 2024 hipodromealbum, cold beat, dark entries records, re-release, reissue, synth popLeave a comment

Cold Beat is a San Francisco-based quartet fronted by Hannah Lew (synths, vocals) with Kyle King (synths, guitar), Luciano Talpini Aita (synths) and Sean Monaghan (guitar). Formed in 2013 the band has released three albums and two EPs. ‘A Simple Reflection’ is a 7-song collection of Eurythmics covers, yet feels just as personal as any of their original material. While digging through a collection of 12?s for her record shop Contact Records, Lew stumbled across the earliest Eurythmics B-sides and was floored. This lead to the discovery of their debut album ‘In The Garden’. Annie Lennox’s abstract and poetic lyrics really struck a chord with Hannah. What had started out as a single cover quickly snowballed into a full blown obsession. The synth and drum programming resonated with her songwriting process, so reimagining them was very creatively fulfilling. The covers on this EP are simultaneously dynamic and atmospheric post-punk that plays to Lew’s ethereal vocals and King’s crystalline guitar.

Polaroid – Senza Respiro LP [DE219]

August 21, 2018July 17, 2024 hipodromealbum, dark entries records, polaroid, re-release, reissue, synth popLeave a comment

Polaroid were an Italian post-punk/new wave band, formed in Turin in 1981. The original lineup of the band consisted of Marcello Zavatto (voice, guitar), Massimo Vagnarelli (bass, drum-machine), Evandro Fornasier (guitar), Claudio Vagnarelli (synthersizer) and Marco Farano (Drums). Polaroid made their debut with the cassette 6-track EP ‘Senza Respiro’, self-released in 1984. Influenced by Bauhaus, Joy Division, The Cure, Pere Ubu as well as Chic and Talking Heads. The music was dark and cold, but also melodic especially with regards to guitars and voices. At the end of 1984 the band added vocalist Michele Cantoblundo while drummer Marco left and was replaced by a Roland TR-909. With Michele began a period of very dark and poetic music, influenced also by bands like Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and The Sisters of Mercy. The band peacefully broke-up in 1987. This vinyl re-issue of ‘Senza Respiro’ contains all 6 original songs with 4 bonus tracks from the band’s later period.

Doris Norton – Artificial Intelligence [MNQ121]

August 20, 2018June 21, 2024 hipodromealbum, doris norton, electro, experimental, mannequin records, re-release, reissue, synth pop, synth waveLeave a comment

Mannequin Records present a trilogy of reissues from the avantgarde Italian-born producer Doris Norton, ”Norton Computer For Peace” (1983), ”Personal Computer” (1984), ”Artificial Intellingence” (1985). Apple’s first music ”endorsement” and Roland affiliate, Doris Norton is one of the most important women pioneer in the use of synths and in the early electro / computer music.

El Deux + Martin Kraft – Nur Fur Madchen LP [DE218]

August 20, 2018July 17, 2024 hipodromealbum, dark entries records, el deux, krautrock, martin kraft, re-release, reissue, synth pop, synth waveLeave a comment

El Deux is the Swiss electro-pop trio of Gutze Gautschi (guitar, vocals), Steno Onetz (bass), Martin Kraft (vocals, drum machine). Formed circa 1981 in Aarau by Gutze and Steno who played together in punk/New Wave band Fresh Color aka Frische Farbe featuring a pre-Yello Dieter Meier. Gutze’s minimal electronic compositions did not fit the concept of Fresh Color, so they formed a new project with their live mixer, Martin Kraft, on vocals. The group was quite successful with many concerts, mainly in southern Germany and various TV appearances in Germany and abroad. Between April/September 1982 they recorded and mixed their debut album ‘Nur Für Mädchen’ in 15 days at Powerplay Studios, Zurich. The LP was released later that year on Gold Records. Influences at that time were of course the NDW “Neue Deutsche Welle” movement and also from Gutze’s time as a musician & guitarist since 1965. Their step up for recording was a Moog Prodigy, Korg Rhythm 55 (KR-55), Simmons Drums, Casiotone 202, Guitar and Bass.

Lebanon Hanover ‎– Let Them Be Alien [FP024]

August 4, 2018December 25, 2018 hipodromealbum, cold wave, dark wave, fabrika records, lebanon hanover, post punk, synth pop, waveLeave a comment

It’s been almost six years since the release of the band’s critically-acclaimed debut album “The World Is Getting Colder”. Since then the half Brit-half German duo have established themselves as one of the most powerful and successful genre-defining acts throughout Europe, scoring 5 heart-throbbing albums and numerous performances all around the world, making them one of the most successful bands of the cold wave / minimal wave scene. Lebanon Hanover’s the 5th album “Let Them Be Alien” is available via Fabrika Records. Exploring the sonic and emotional range that the audience have learned to expect from Lebanon Hanover, “Let Them Be Alien” is built up in emotional vocals, liquid chords, dramatic keys, and distorted digital waves where the duo recalls the eerie clouds of industrial and goth 1980’s. The album depicts the dark honesty and profound feelings of two alienated personas with true romantic hearts yet feeling socially unrest. In each track, William and Larissa tell a different story which will sweep the audience through a deep, conscious, continual and wistful trip, and ultimately keep them anchored in feelings.

Helena Hauff – Qualm [ZEN253]

August 3, 2018August 3, 2018 hipodromeacid, album, electro, experimental, helena hauff, ninja tune, technoLeave a comment

Qualm has a duality that Helena Hauff enjoys – The German word translates as fumes or smoke, whilst the English meaning refers to an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one’s own conduct. True to form, the record is unapologetically raw and finds Helena returning to her original modus operandi – jamming on her machines, trying to create something powerful without using too many instruments and layers. By design, the 12 tracks are raw, distorted and lo-fi, with Hauff peppering heavyweight, redlined drum machine beats – think wayward Chicago jack, laidback electro and nails techno – with a mixture of razor-sharp acid lines, moody industrial textures and drowsy chords. The clattering intensity of the album’s dancefloor moments is in sharp contrast to the creepy and evocative, soundtrack style electronic soundscapes showcased elsewhere on the album. These – ambient in ethos, but more experimental in tone – are frequently amongst the set’s most inspired moments.

Broken English Club – White Rats [LIES120]

August 1, 2018April 12, 2019 hipodromeacid, album, broken english club, industrial, l.i.e.s., long island electrical systems, oliver ho, technoLeave a comment

L.I.E.S. presents the first part of Broken English Club new album trilogy, White Rats. Following on from last years The English Beach, White Rats is described as, “a collection of caustic and absurd portraits of the human animal”. Oliver Ho continues to push his industrial influenced sound with metallic acid tracks, guitar noise/drone experiments and heavy synth wave once again with this nine track release. White Rats part 2 and 3 will surface in 2019.

The Conservatives – Terrorama [V007]

July 29, 2018March 25, 2019 hipodromealbum, ambient, electro, experimental, i-f, intergalactic gary, interr-ference, the conservatives, viewlexxLeave a comment

Olds friends I-F and Intergalactic Gary revisit old material from their longtime alias The Conservatives. Appearing first time on vinyl. The film tells the story of six mental cases, trying to get rid of society’s norms and values by kidnapping, a well-known TV host. Delivering the soundtrack, The Conservatives (I-F & Intergalatic Gary) are setting down the perfect mood for this cult classic.

Max Vincent – Beograd [DCM006]

July 26, 2018July 25, 2018 hipodromealbum, discom, max & intro, max vincent, minimal synth, new wave, synth popLeave a comment

One of the biggest sampling innovators and the pioneer of electronic music in Eastern Europe, Max Vincent initially played in Belgrade’s Max & Intro band. “Beograd” is a lost LP album which consists of 8 previously unreleased tracks made in period 1986-1999 which Max wanted to use in a single concept album. This is ultimately an intriguing album, dark, cloudy, with unpredictable solutions and transitions between rhythm, paths, synth textures, vocals and other layers. One of the records that every fan of the 80s electronic must have.

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Gavin Guthrie – The Totality [MR082]

July 24, 2018July 23, 2018 hipodromeacid, album, electro, gavin guthrie, medical records llc, synth waveLeave a comment

Medical Records present the 2nd full length album by Gavin Guthrie AKA TX Connect. Influenced by a diverse background of Italo, acid, horror soundtracks, industrial and EBM, Gavin crafts dance floor stompers using analog tools and tape. These 10 tracks could just as easily be the soundtrack to your next cerebral vacation.

747 – Paleo [AQR010]

July 22, 2018January 12, 2023 hipodrome747, acid, album, aquaregia records, ryan chan, technoLeave a comment

747’s Paleo is an essential acid collection of eight diverse tracks. Aquaregia’s first long playing release weaves through the different faces of acid on a time travelling trip through geological history. The journey begins with warm pads enveloping lush landscapes fringing the shallow. prehistoric seas where swarms of trilobites frenetically scurry. seeking to survive and evolve. Roiling subaquatic vulcanism rules the B side. a seeding ground for exotic crystals whose hexagonal points vie for space as the magma cools and the minerals speciate. We’re then taken further into the depths. where planispiral ammonoids swim in the pseudo-antigravity of the saline seas. And finally. closing out the excursion. we’re transported from ages past. through the fleeting present into the future. to a warming ocean with disrupted ecosystems and unpredictable currents. the effect of a morphing climate.

Dan Curtin – The Silicon Dawn [PF018]

July 21, 2018July 18, 2018 hipodromealbum, dan curtin, detroit techno, minimal techno, peacefrog records, re-release, reissueLeave a comment

Reissue of the legendary debut album “The Silicon Dawn” by the US producer Dan Curtin, which appeared in 1994 on Peacefrog. In the best Detroit-style, Curtin managed to set melodies and harmonic levels over complex percussion, which at that time in an innovative way broke the usual techno standard.

Aura (Aspiritual Emanation) – Spiritual Conection [DWAPS2003]

July 15, 2018August 30, 2023 hipodromeafrican, afrodisia, album, aura, funk, outernational, re-release, reissueLeave a comment

The unseen forces emitting out around ever being natures forces of destiny. Belief itself is God. AURA’s journey could be best described as a spiritual call to connect man and music. Each new day brought in new and more difficult problems. In the hardest of times Aura lost their original lead guitarist. Green-Bird real name Dannie Stewart – a Jamaican, humble, handsome, and talented to the bones. He was too nice to die. He was drowned in a river within the historical city of Benin. All friendly hearts cried and cried, a memory too sad to recollect. Aura’s journey sorrowly went along. Full of accedents, and frustration. We nearly crash-landed. Thanks to Sheila, for her love and courage. Uzo, a true frendship that inspired every-body in Aura. He solved so many problems. Gratitude is the only word of our choice. The Lawsons and the Shotade family also have their very noble thanks; they were nice and helpful. Many more thanks to the numerous friends and heart-felt appriciations to Mr. J. H. Booth – Decca’s new Director for his kindness and the entire staff that made this great 8 track maiden stereo album possible. A solid belief in ourselves has pushed this group to this point; Aura making an ”Astral Trip”. This is an album which is a sincere sweet fruit of determination, soulful enough to turn you loose into true life experiences of good music. All I owe you is love and appreciation.

Super Elcados – Togetherness Is Always A Good Venture: Tambourine Party Vol. 2 [MRBLP163]

July 15, 2018August 30, 2023 hipodromeafrican, afrobeat, album, disco, funk, jazz, mr bongo, outernational, re-release, reissue, super elcadosLeave a comment

Mr Bongo’s latest full-length reissue is something of a gem: the near impossible-to-find 1976 debut album from the Super Elcados. It first appeared on EMI Nigeria, though in recent years original copies have become more rare than the hen’s teeth and a coherent government policy on Brexit. Listening to this fine re-mastered reissue, it’s easy to see why the album is so beloved by African soul, funk and disco collectors. While it does boast a clutch of tracks that wear their Afrobeat influence with pride, the majority of the album is far more funk and soul-fired in tone. Throughout, the playing and production is spot on, with plenty of killer percussion breaks dotted throughout for good measure. Nigerian fire!

John Coltrane – Both Directions At Once : The Lost Album [6749301]

July 15, 2018July 13, 2018 hipodromealbum, impulse records, jazz, john coltraneLeave a comment

On March 6, 1963, Coltrane and his Classic Quartet—including double bassist Jimmy Garrison, drummer Elvin Jones, and pianist McCoy Tyner—entered Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey and recorded a session that was lost for decades after its master tape was destroyed by Impulse Records to cut down on storage space. The seven tracks making up this album survived as a copy Coltrane gave to his wife. The standard issue of the album includes one recording of each track and expanded deluxe editions include multiple takes, including several of the title track from Impressions. The source tape was formerly in the possession of Coltrane’s first wife Juanita Naima. Van Gelder made a separate copy of Coltrane’s sessions for the saxophonist to listen at home. After the Guernsey’s auction house announced plans to sell Coltrane related artefacts in 2005, the record company intervened to prevent the sale of the tapes and acquired them. Coltrane’s son Ravi and studio executive Ken Druker assembled the final album with liner notes written by Sonny Rollins.

Donato Dozzy – Filo Loves The Acid [TRESOR303]

July 14, 2018July 13, 2018 hipodromeacid, album, donato dozzy, techno, tresor recordsLeave a comment

For its 303rd release, Tresor Records present a commissioned work by Donato Dozzy. The Rome based production maestro and DJ extraordinaire Donato Dozzy is unanimously considered as an illustrious leading light in all techno artforms. Along his long career and extensive discography, Dozzy has proven to use his instruments most interesting ways, always re-inventing his music, always presenting new approaches to both the deeper and the more rhythmic forms of electronic music. It was self-evident to Tresor Records to enroll Donato Dozzy’s talents for this assignment, a nod to the seminal Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer. The result is a relentless collection of radical, propulsive and bleeding-heart acid tracks. Donato Dozzy wishes to dedicate this work to his lifelong friend Filo.

Zmatsutsi – Hookep Up [MMLP1001]

July 13, 2018March 15, 2021 hipodromealbum, disco, heidi armitage, joe gill, macadam mambo, minimal synth, sacha mambo, synth pop, tim hutton, zmatsutsiLeave a comment

Discover the sex-appeal of Leeds with the trio Joe Gill, Heidi Armitage and Tim Hutton aka Zmatsutsi. They deliver on this mini-LP a mixture of s’mazing slow beats tracks, a bit like Rimini was meeting Dusseldorf in a Golf VR6. ‘Hooked Up’ is a hazy and psychedelic trip into druggy, slo-mo disco territory. Built around head-nodding drum machine rhythms, undulating arpeggio lines, trippy synthesizer motifs and breathy, poetic spoken word vocals, it’s a hugely atmospheric and enjoyable affair. There are occasional forays into more boogie-inspired territory, but even these outings tend towards the throbbing, pulsating and hypnotic. Of course, we expect little less from the inspired Macadam Mambo label, but we were still surprised by the dizzyingly high quality threshold throughout.