Sonar Base – Sonar Bases 4-10 [DPTX-009]

December 25, 2017December 22, 2017 hipodromealbum, deeptrax records, detroit techno, electro, frank de groodt, re-release, reissue, sonar base, u-traxLeave a comment

Twenty years after the Sonar Base 4 – 10 release on the legendary Dutch record label U-Trax, it is now time for an official high quality remastered vinyl re-issue on Deeptrax Records. The rare original was very hard to find and is considered as one of the highlights of Dutch electro and techno. The Dutchman Frank de Groodt a.k.a Sonar Base is hitting hard with a perfect blend of 70 minutes of aquasonic electro, intergalactic boogie and deep techno. This bass oriented, mind bending album is considered one of The Netherlands best kept secrets and has been a fave amongst connaisseurs, selectors and DJs around the globe for many years. A real post apocalyptic gem from Utrecht that is as fresh and sharp as it was originally released 20 years ago. The tracks are full bodied, muscular pieces of electro and techno with hidden melodies and savage beats upon clever bass lines. This is just the first one of a series by Sonar Base released on Deeptrax Records.

Trisomie 21 – Chapters IV [DE195]

December 21, 2017December 21, 2017 hipodromealbum, dark entries records, hervé lomprez, minimal synth, phillipe lomprez, post punk, re-release, reissue, synth wave, trisomie 21Leave a comment

Trisomie 21 is a post punk band formed in 1981 by Phillipe Lomprez (vocals, drums) and Hervé Lomprez (guitar, electronics), two brothers from Abscon, in the North of France. They began composing songs at the age of 16 while studying at school. Their music consists of lush soundscapes that do not easily fit into any one category. Lyrics are sung in English because in the north of France the duo sought to contradict the trend at the time for everything to be sung in French. Since 1983 they’ve recorded 15 albums and appeared on numerous compilations and remain active to this day. For their fourth album the Lomprez brothers spent September and October of 1985 recording nine new compositions. In January 1986 ‘Chapter IV, Le Je-ne-sais quoi et le presque-rien’ was released by PIAS sub-label Scarface. The title came from a 1957 book by French philosopher and musicologist Vladimir Jankélévitch. The songs on the album, including the emblematic The Last Song’, were captivating, original and without concession. This record further opened the door to new opportunities, and the band’s music spread further internationally. Sadly some of the songs had phase related problems and caused partial cancelation playing back monophonically, so the band remixed and re-recorded the songs and reissued them on CD only in 1987.

Powell – New Beta Vol 2 [DIAG041]

December 21, 2017August 2, 2018 hipodromealbum, diagonal records, electronics, experimental, powell, synth waveLeave a comment

Powell loosens up and reaches out on the 2nd New Beta playground – a place to explore his more reflexive, emotive urges – with seven curious permutations that swerve from Æ-style abstraction to pointillist electro-acid and a brace of mutant diskotheek breakers. As with the first volume, he’s clearly still gassed off his new hardware, resulting in a nerve-jumping fizz and crack that sounds like he’s jamming with fingers directly in the jack ports, channelling his thoughts and feels practically unimpeded.

Trisomie 21 – Wait & Dance LP [DE194]

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017 hipodromealbum, dark entries records, hervé lomprez, phillipe lomprez, post punk, re-release, reissue, synth wave, trisomie 21Leave a comment

Trisomie 21 is a post punk band formed in 1981 by Phillipe Lomprez (vocals, drums) and Hervé Lomprez (guitar, electronics), two brothers from Abscon, in the North of France. They began composing songs at the age of 16 while studying at school. Their music consists of lush soundscapes that do not easily fit into any one category. Lyrics are sung in English because in the north of France the duo sought to contradict the trend at the time for everything to be sung in French. Since 1983 they’ve recorded 15 albums and appeared on numerous compilations and remain active to this day.In Spring 1985 the group went back into the studio to record a new batch of songs. Trisomie 21’s notoriety had increased following two concerts in Belgium and the Brussels recording label Play It Again Sam decided to sign them. In September 1985 the 5-song mini-LP ‘Wait & Dance’ was released by PIAS sub-label Scarface. It contained the band’s first female guest vocals on two of the tracks. Sadly some of the songs had phase related problems and caused partial cancelation playing back monophonically, so the band remixed the songs and reissued them on CD only in 1987. We have added the 5 remixes as bonus tracks here presented for the first time ever on vinyl.

Trisomie 21 – Passions Divisées [DE193]

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017 hipodromealbum, dark entries records, hervé lomprez, phillipe lomprez, post punk, re-release, reissue, synth wave, trisomie 21Leave a comment

Trisomie 21 is a post punk band formed in 1981 by Phillipe Lomprez (vocals, drums) and Hervé Lomprez (guitar, electronics), two brothers from Abscon, in the North of France. They began composing songs at the age of 16 while studying at school. Their music consists of lush soundscapes that do not easily fit into any one category. Lyrics are sung in English because in the north of France the duo sought to contradict the trend at the time for everything to be sung in French. Since 1983 they’ve recorded 15 albums and appeared on numerous compilations and remain active to this day. After the success of the debut mini-LP the band returned to the studio and spent October 1983 to March 1984 recording their sophomore album. ‘Passions divisées’ was released by Stechak Products in October 1984. Pascal Tison was replaced by Laurent Dagnicourt on bass guitar. Featuring eight cold wave compositions including the instrumental funeral waltz La fête triste’. Songs cross genres, moving from post-punk to synthetic electronics.

Damon Wild – Cosmic Path [INF024]

December 18, 2017December 17, 2017 hipodromealbum, damon wild, function, infrastructure new york, minimal technoLeave a comment

Damon Wild and David Sumner (aka Function’s) relationship dates back to 1991 at Lord Michael’s Future Shock, Limelight, New York City – when Damon was running Experimental Records via Northcott Productions. At the time, he first saw something in Dave and added him to Brand X, a record pool run by Moneypenny. But their bond is based around a period 5 years later when Dave had an apartment above Rogue Music at 251 West 30th Street in Midtown, Manhattan. It was during this time Damon developed him as a Synewave artist and released his first EP as Function in the Fall of 1996 – catalog number; SW-24. Falling in and out of contact over the years, across continents, the two have somehow remained on the same cosmic path. So it’s not a coincidence that now Damon has turned to Dave to release his first album in 13 years. This is where those paths cross again…21 years later, this Fall, Dave will release Cosmic Path on Infrastructure. The cosmic connection.

Mohlao – Landforms [SSV012]

December 16, 2017December 15, 2017 hipodromealbum, ambient techno, drone, mohlao, samuel van dijk, silent seasonLeave a comment

Samuel van Dijk is an electronic music producer, sound designer and media artist from the Netherlands releasing deep electronic music as VC-118A, Mohlao, and Multicast Dynamics. Drawing inspiration from technology, nature, film, and fiction, his productions and live sets embody a dynamic musical framework. Since the Dutchman surfaced as Mohlao for labels like Meanwhile, Field and Other Heights at the turn of the decade, van Dijks music has found a firm position; the ethereal electro VC-118A project, deep ambient techno as Mohlao, and subterranean ambient as Multicast Dynamics.

Isorinne – Speechless Malison [NE47]

December 16, 2017December 15, 2017 hipodromealbum, ambient, isorinne, michael isorinne, northern electronicsLeave a comment

There is an intricate sorrow to Isorinne’s new album, ‘Speechless Malison.’ Though broadly melodic, it feels exhausted rather than restrained; though rippling with a pulse, the rhythmic passages are sparse, their measured source a great distance away. Building on last year’s cassette, ‘Echoic Memoir,’ ‘Speechless Malison’ takes greater and emotive strides, however brittle the path.

Santiago Salazar – Aspirations For Young Xol [REKIDS111]

December 14, 2017December 13, 2017 hipodromealbum, detroit techno, rekids, santiago salazarLeave a comment

Legendary Los Hermanos member Santiago Salazar’s album ‘Aspirations For Young Xol’ is given a vinyl release courtesy of Rekids. A heartfelt dedication to his son Isaias, ‘Aspirations for Young Xol’ takes us through the life of a pillar in the electronic music community – Santiago Salazar. From his formative years spent in California to his connection with Detroit and the passing of a childhood friend, the long-player’s tracks signpost the musician’s significant experiences, both positive and negative. This meaningful body of work now gets a full release on wax.

Fallbeil – Macht Macht Zement [BOIDAE003]

December 11, 2017September 5, 2018 hipodromealbum, boidae, electro, fallbeil, kluentah, techno, wostoLeave a comment

‘Macht Macht Zement’—what does it mean? 80s drums, synths and vocals, almost without context. Fallbeil, two soon-to-be men (aka boys), finish tracks at the rate of butchers kneading meatballs. Due to laziness and a lack of technique, everything gets recorded on one track and immediately thrown into the frier. Nothing is planned. First up, school detention followed by rough LoFi rap. The album contains a wide variety of themes; from mailmen to warthogs, from latecomers to sensible conversation, every track is created out of spontaneity. Two very short tracks on this album date back to 1999, when the boys performed as ‘Funky Granatos’ in the local youth centers. Sadly, their performances weren’t successful. Nobody wanted to listen to them and almost every concert ended in mass brawls. The track ‘Postman’ comes from the duo’s side project Grand Malheur and was recorded in 2015 in Bronxfeld. More output from this project will appear on various EPs in the near future.

Grotto – Wait… No Hurry [LIVST004]

December 10, 2017January 10, 2025 hipodromeafrican, album, disco, funk, grotto, odion livingstone, re-release, reissue, temitope kogbe, uchenna ikkoneLeave a comment

First official reissue of Nigerian Boogie Disco Grail LP produced by Grotto for EMI Nigeria and originally released in 1978. Contains dance classic’Bad city Girl’. Liner notes by Nigerian Music expert Uchenna Ikkone, include previously unpublished photos and extensive interviews by Temitope Kogbe. It contains more examples of disco-era dancefloor heat, with the band utilizing Moog synthesizers alongside their usual instrumentation. While naturally rooted in Afro-funk, the set contains some of the earliest examples of Afro-boogie while also touching on jazz-funk, psychedelic funk and undulating Afrobeat/Afro-disco fusion.

Darkhouse Family – The Offering [FW168]

December 10, 2017May 23, 2021 hipodromealbum, daf davies, darkhouse family, don leisure, downbeat, earl jeffers, first word records, henry wu, hip-hop, jazz, jonathan williamsLeave a comment

First Word Records present you with ‘The Offering’ – the debut album by Darkhouse Family, a Cardiff-based duo consisting of Earl Jeffers & Don Leisure. Previously releasing music under their respective monikers, Metabeats and Jamal, they’ve produced an assortment of sounds over the years, from Hip Hop to House to D’n’B. Connecting as a duo almost a decade ago, this merger logically saw the birth of their own unique style, comprised of a bonafide fusion of genres. Recruiting friends Daf Davies on drums, Jonathan Williams on strings and cameos from Henry Wu; a keen eye on the soulful jazzy details is maintained throughout as swooning, sunny side keys, dusty samples and gorgeous vocals from the likes of Vanity Jay, Jessy Allen and Esther wrap themselves around their hybrid of chopped beats and Daf’s lavish, highly swung drums. Highlights include the Soul II Soul style “Journey To Love”, the twinkling slo-mo bruk of “GAEA”, the slinky slap bass and Rhodes tickle of “Modaji Suite” and the spiritual climax of the finale “The Accession”.

Tony Burkill – Work Money Death [ATALP008]

December 10, 2017July 26, 2019 hipodromealbum, ata records, jazz, tony burkillLeave a comment

A stalwart of the Leeds music scene for the best part of 3 decades, Tony Burkill has so far maintained a low profile nationally, choosing to favour continued study and development of the instrument over the attainment of success or recognition within the music industry. Working as a sideman for hire on the local circuit, he has impressed audiences with his powerful and gutsy approach to improvisation and has been a well-kept secret amongst both musicians and audiences in the north of England since the 1980s.Recently featuring as a guest soloist on the debut album by The Sorcerers, Tony has been on the radar of ATA Records since the inception of the label. Impressed by his exuberant and earthy performance style they decided to embark on the writing and production of what was to become ”Work Money Death”, choosing to frame his playing in the context of the performers that have helped to shape his sound, most notably the spiritual jazz of the 60s and 70s.

Vakula – Techno Game [ARMA018]

December 9, 2017March 25, 2019 hipodromealbum, arma records, minimal techno, techno, vakulaLeave a comment

Ukrainian producer Vakula, whose name is linked to the early days of Arma, re-emerges with Techno Game. The double vinyl features seven confidently-carved tracks that reflect Vakula’s current exploration of techno landscapes. As the cover suggests, it is a game. The author does little to nothing to explain the rules, throwing the listener into an elegantly structured space that feels alarmingly material.

DyLAB – Malibu & Sess [NYH120]

December 5, 2017December 21, 2017 hipodromeacid, album, dylab, new york haunted, technoLeave a comment

Highly anticipated full length album by Australian producer DyLAB. Heavy duty analogue acid and techno with a distorted and sometimes industrial edge. Some lengthy tracks that are made to play in your car and drive 140.

Nocturnal Emissions – Nocturnal Emissions [MNQ102]

November 26, 2017November 24, 2017 hipodromealbum, cold wave, experimental, industrial, mannequin records, minimal synth, nigel ayers, nocturnal emissions, post punkLeave a comment

Nocturnal Emissions has been one of the best kept secrets of the industrial genre since the 1970s. Led by Nigel Ayers, the band was one of the first to use tape cutting, avant-garde art, and underground video works to create a stage experience that was being cultivated by like-mindedartists like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. The band moved on to using samplers and electronic noise in their early 80’s work, creating a twisted funk sound that would go on to influence everyone from Foetus to Negativland. They still utilized their former tricks, upping the ante with extremist performance art and more professional video displays. The group avoided signing to a major label, instead focusing on releasing their own music more effectively. They followed this path into the 90’s when they started http://www.earthlydelights.co.uk, an incredibly detailed website that promotes their various ideologies (they are strongly against the British monarchy and believe that citizens should have unlimited access to space travel) and constant release schedule. The band has released countless tapes and CDs of their material, and continues to unleash their noise through their website.

Black Zone Myth Chant – Feng Shen [GRVTS010]

November 26, 2017November 24, 2017 hipodromealbum, ambient, back zone myth chant, editions gravats, electro, experimental, max p, maxime primaultLeave a comment

Among many of the producer’s aliases and side monikers, Black Zone Myth Chant is surely Maxime Primault’s finest accomplishment as an artist. Having come through via Low Jack’s unfailingly pleasing Editions Gravats over the last few years, he has now begun to establish himself as our go-to man for sounds that truly lie on the periphery of what is deemed normal or sane. Feng Shen is his new LP, once again coming out through Editions Gravats, and it’s a wild, ethereal journey from start to finish. The frameworks are loose and cavernous, but most tracks going further than ambient or drone do contain plenty of rhythmic flow, making them playable on the more open-minded of dancefloors. “Spiritual Decay Dub” perfectly reflects the diversity of sounds on here, their mysticism, and Black Zone Myth Chant’s ability to construct meaning out of sparse sounds.

Tensal – Disco Negro [TENSAL008]

November 23, 2017December 15, 2022 hipodromealbum, hector sandoval, minimal techno, tensalLeave a comment

After a little more than three years since the beginning of the label, Tensal returns with a very strong new double work. It contains eight tracks in which he defines the new evolution of his sound without losing too much sight of his roots.

Acronym – Malm [FIELD026]

November 19, 2017November 17, 2017 hipodromeacronym, album, ambient, field recordsLeave a comment

Field Records welcomes Acronym for a new album, Malm, which follows many great ambient laced deep techno EPs and LPs on Semantica and Northern Electronics. The 10-track beatless affair pays homage to one of his lost friends who was torn between his dualistic nature. In a state of paranoia, stress and inner conflict, even brief moments of panic can be fatal for yourself and the people around you. This album is born from those ideas and was recorded and arranged between 2015 and 2017 in different parts of the world using various analog and digital synthesizers and effects. Informed by grief and sorrow, the album evolved through a number of different forms and finally comprises three acts; the first two showcase the artist’s take on the mental and physical circumstances during the events that took place on the 4th of January 2016 in Malmi, Helsinki, and the final act presents his viewpoint after that date. The Swedish artist offers absorbing and meditative passages of ambience and sombre atmosphere across all pieces here. Long, tailed pads gently come and go, occasional percussive sounds get sprinkled about and bleak keys bring real tenderness. It’s an escapist listen that ranges from oppressive and heavy to more subtly uplifting and is one of the most coherent and cohesive albums you could wish to hear.

Pauline Anna Strom – Trans-Millenia Music [RERVNG10]

November 19, 2017November 17, 2017 hipodromealbum, ambient, experimental, pauline anna strom, re-release, reissue, rvng intl.Leave a comment

Special re-issue in the form of a compilation of various tracks from Pauline Anna Strom’s albums: Trans-Millenia Consort (1982), Plot Zero (1983), Spectre (1984), Japanese Impressions (1988), Aquatic Realms (1988) and Mach 3.04 (1988). Essential ambient works by one of the pioneers from back in the days.