Night Court – Law & Order [NNF313LP]

August 8, 2015April 14, 2021 hipodromealbum, christopher hontos, cold wave, experimental, night court, not not fun records, synth waveLeave a comment

NIGHT COURT - Law & Order

The origins of these enigmatic VHS-scrambled prog-techno explorations are so true and tripped they’re worth quoting in full from co-chairman Christopher Hontos: “Night Court was recorded in July two summers ago (’13) in a remote cabin on Lake Namekagan (located on national forest grounds in northern Wisconsin). We usually do these ball-busting weeklong recording sessions up there with a good group of folks and a grip of mushrooms. For this one we had this idea of setting up our synths on the deck and doing a trippy somnabulistic overnight open-air recording sesh that would be called “Night Court.” However when the time came and the crew got together we interpreted the name literally and ended up jamming out an album of legal system-themed tracks. We recorded the entire album in one day every song in one take and with very little post-production. Track after track flowed and we never drifted from the theme nor spent time diverting our focus (with the exception of Farstad being vetoed after trying to start up a footwork-style track). After the session we were all so burnt-out and fried we thought little of the recordings. But as time passed we went back to them and realized we had struck gold. Italics ours – this is rare ore. A freaked fusion vision, flowing cold city collectivist synths interlaid with executioner guitar, ambulance/TV samples, alley haze, and flashing sirens sax. Insane music for insane times. Its meanings are manifold: political (a sweeping overview of the nothing-specific nature of humanity via the American legal system), metaphoric (tongue-in-cheek turns to fist-in-air, and we realize that life imitates fiction less than fiction imitates life), realistic (at the time of recording none of us had ever seen an entire episode Law & Order).”

Second Layer – World Of Rubber [DE096LP]

August 8, 2015July 17, 2024 hipodromeadrian borland, album, dark entries records, graham bailey, industrial, new wave, post punk, second layer, synth popLeave a comment

Second Layer was a side project of Adrian Borland and Graham Bailey, members of post punk band The Sound. The music was bleak, detached, and desolate, but very beautiful. Honest songwriting and a harsh sonic backdrop set them apart from their peers. Second Layer’s World of Rubber, first released on Cherry Red way back in 1981 – some two years after the duo’s first outing on 7” – has long been considered something of an industrial classic by those in the know. Here, it gets a deserved re-press from the folks at Dark Entries. 34 years on, it still retains the power to shock, with Adrian Borland and Graham Green’s raw, weighty mix of post-punk basslines, sharp guitars, fuzzy electronics, tape loops and basic drum machine grooves still sounding deliciously fresh. Certainly, it’s comparable to many more celebrated releases of the time, and arguably more spontaneous in feel.

Smackos – The Age Of Candy Candy [BH018]

August 2, 2015January 26, 2024 hipodromealbum, ambient, berceuse heroique, danny wolfers, electronics, legowelt, re-release, reissue, smackos, strange life recordsLeave a comment

Smackos is one of Danny ‘Legowelt’ Wolfers lesser-known aliases. It was first used in 2004 for The Age of Candy Candy, a suitably eccentric experimental electronica full-length that was only ever released on CD in limited quantities. Here that album finally appears on vinyl thanks to the efforts of Berceuse Heroique, and it’s every bit as weird, wonderful and out-there as you’d expect, with Wolfers pursuing his passion for spacey, weightless electronics, far-out soundscapes, occasional skuzzy rhythms and dystopian synthesizer workouts. It’s previously been something of a hidden gem in his vast discography, and should be an essential purchase.

Not Wawing – Voices [NW004]

August 2, 2015March 28, 2024 hipodromealbum, alessio natalizia, ambient, drone, electronics, not wavingLeave a comment

Alessio Natalizia’s Not Waving moniker goes from strength to strength, even since ending his collaboration with Sam Willis in the highly regarded Walls project. Now focusing on the textured, modular workouts and cinematic synth journeys seen on the brilliant two previous albums Umwelt and Human Capabilities, he returns with his most ambitious outing yet. This double LP gathers together all the material Natalizia issued on the cassette series of the same name and is a must for those who like their electronics immersive to the max. From the retro futurism of “Witzelsucht” and “It Needs No Medication” to the brazen industrial attitude of “The Behaviourist Approach” and “Creating Capabilities” there are many moods of his musical identity that he explores here. But for most part its the beauty in the soulful mechanical soundscapes that he creates on this imaginary soundtrack, particularly on “Part of Thought”, “Dangerously Well” and “Negative Reinforcement”.

Alessandro Cortini – Risveglio [HOS426]

August 2, 2015November 26, 2025 hipodromealbum, alessandro cortini, ambient, drone, hospital productions, industrialLeave a comment

For his last outing on Hospital Productions, Nine Inch Nails collaborator Alessandro Cortini utilized just two pieces of equipment: a Roland MC-202 and a delay pedal. For this follow-up, he’s expanded his toolbox a little, supplementing those hardware pieces with two further machines: a Roland TR-606 and TB-303. Musically, Risveglio inhabits a similar space to its predecessor, with Cortini creating blurry, fluid dreamscapes built around semi-rhythmic loops, distorted chords and fuzzy ambient textures. Listeners may struggle to spot the TB-303 – most often used to create ragged waves of intense electronics – such is the unique way in which Cortini manipulates it. Regardless, the Italian’s post-industrial, half-awake soundscapes are thoroughly mesmerizing.

Alessandro Cortini – Forse 3 [IMPREC418]

August 2, 2015November 26, 2025 hipodromealbum, alessandro cortini, ambient, drone, electro, imprime recordsLeave a comment

Most pieces consist of a repeating chord progression, where the real change happens at a spectral/dynamic level, as opposed to the harmonic/chordal one. I believe that the former are just as effective as the latter, in the sense that the sonic presentation (distortion , filtering, wave shaping, etc) are just as expressive as a chord change or chord type, and often reinforce said chord progressions.

Bézier – Telomeres [DE097]

July 29, 2015July 17, 2024 hipodromealbum, bezier, dark entries records, electro, minimal synth, robert yangLeave a comment

Analogue synthesizer enthusiast Bezier first surfaced on Dark Entries in 2012, delivering the hard-wired retro-futurist fantasy Ensconced. Two years on, he’s finally ready to release the follow-up, the similarly sharp and sci-fi themed Telemores. As with his previous output, the influences are obvious – think Radiophonic Workshop, electro, minimal, new wave and Italo-disco – but he smartly steers clear of pastiche and empty revivalism. Instead, we’re treated to a range of dancefloor-friendly instrumental cuts, cyborg jams, and intoxicating robot rinse-outs. Closer “Fukushima”, in which he doffs a cap to the synthesized horror-disco of John Carpenter, is particularly potent.

Fingers Inc. – Another Side [ML9001LP]

July 27, 2015July 4, 2022 hipodromealbum, alleviated records, chicago house, deep house, fingers inc., larry heard, re-release, reissue, robert owens, ron wilsonLeave a comment

Some 17 years after it’s original release, Fingers Inc’s expansive debut album, Another Side, remains one of the greatest deep house full-lengths of all time. Here, the album gets the re-master and re-issue treatment, with the original double vinyl set being expanded to a triple to guarantee loud cuts for club play. While there are plenty of well-known Heard and co classics present – “Mysteries of Love”, “Bring Down The Walls”, “Can You Feel It” etc. – it’s actually the long-forgotten album tracks that really hit the spot. It’s on these moments – often influenced as much by ’80s soul and synth-pop as acid and Chicago jack-tracks – that Larry Heard, Robert Owens and Ron Wilson really cut loose.

Teknospray ‎– God In Land [DERKLANG001]

July 21, 2015August 18, 2015 hipodromealberto ramella, album, andrea lesmo, andreea costa, der klang records, disordine records, lucio lesmo, mauro tavella, new wave, synth pop, teknosprayLeave a comment

Active on late 70s / early 80s Teknospray were formed by Andrea Costa, Mauro Tavella (who later formed Monuments), Andrea Lesmo, Alberto Ramella (who later formed Carmody) and Lucio Lesmo. They recorded few demos and an album which they never released until today”God In Land”is now reissued on Disordine’s sub label Der Klang for the 1st time. The ten tracks mix influences of Devo with dark synth electro and they sound still fresh and amazing.

Gene Hunt – Living In The Land Part 2 [MD6002]

July 19, 2015November 10, 2023 hipodromeacid, album, chicago, chicago house, gene hunt, maad records, re-release, reissue, techno, trax recordsLeave a comment

Killer Gene Hunt double pack from 1995, with 9 killer tracks spread across 2 discs. Heavy duty jackers. Released in conjunction with Trax and MAAD records.

G-Machine – Primo Contatto [BAP044]

July 16, 2015April 13, 2022 hipodromealbum, bordello a parigi, disco, funk, g-machine, giovanni damico, italo-discoLeave a comment

Turning back the clock, before fast forwarding it, comes Giovanni Damico as G-Machine. A new virtuoso of space boogie. Buckle up, destination: Primo Contatto. Across eight tracks the Italian astronaut traverses the sounds of the cosmos. Warbling reverberations introduce “Flying Objects”, with thick bands of synthesizer throbbing in its veins. The ultra slick “Contact” follows. Electrofunk bars float beneath stratospheric synth. Styles co-mingle. Patrick Cowley melts with Afrika Bambaataa. Disco Magic meets Tommy Boy. An overarching groove permeates the album, a heady funk that courses through tracks like “Body on the Ground” and “Transmission”. The moon based mirrorball sounds flex and flow, “It’s A Shame” cutting floors with sleek vocoders and addictive analogue riches. If you’re waiting for re-entry think again, there is no return ticket. G-Machine will only be taking passengers further and further on his cosmic odyssey with tracks like “In My Arms” and “Boogie Down”. Buck Rogers in the 25th century breakdowns and rollerskate goodness from needle drop to the run-out.

The Mystic Jungle Tribe – Solaria [EAS009]

July 14, 2015July 12, 2024 hipodromealbum, dario di pace, disco, early sounds recordings, enrico fierro, house, mystic jungle, raffaele arcella, the mystic jungle tribeLeave a comment

Mystic Jungle’s tribe lands to Solaria planet with a sound inspired by craters, solar wind and obscure presences who are probably responsible for the hieroglyphics found in an abandoned cavern.

214 – North Bend [SHIPLP003]

July 13, 2015December 14, 2022 hipodrome214, album, chris roman, electro, frustrated funk, kenneth roman, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

Cultured Dutch label Shipwrec is to team up with Frustrated Funk to release ”North Bend”, a new album by 214 aka Chris Roman. The album features atmospheric techno ambient with scattered beats, lush electro that is filled with true electronic soul and cosmic soundscapes that come from another world. This album is furthering Roman’s own signature sound as well as a new and subtly evolved brand of electro that builds on a rich history of electronica. It’s another fine statement that reminds us just why Roman, the Frustrated Funk and Shipwrec families, are such puristic minds that push music from the heart.

Calimex Mental Implant Corp. – El Saber Del Arpavor [NW003]

July 12, 2015March 25, 2019 hipodromealbum, ambient, calimex mental implant corp., danny wolfers, electro, nightwind recordsLeave a comment

Danny Wolfers comes again with a new project, Calimex Mental Implant Corp., on his label Nightwind Records. 13 summer cruising tracks very much in the style of Legowelts PPU release from last year. Gold plated cassette in faux plastic luxurious case.

Eduardo de la Calle – The Intellinet Prophecy [BAD006]

July 12, 2015July 16, 2025 hipodromealbum, ambient techno, badance, deep techno, detroit techno, eduardo de la calleLeave a comment

Eduardo De La Calle is back with his debut album and it comes through the young Badance label. The Intellinet Prophecy is a techno album with audible influences of jazz and the supremely scientific, where tracks like “Call From Beyond” or “Faith Necessary” go way beyond the dancefloor and land somewhere in outer space, a place on which genres don’t seem to exist and the passage of time is swamped in beats and melodies.

Matrixxman – Homesick [GI245LP]

July 10, 2015September 24, 2018 hipodromealbum, charles duff, ghostly international, house, matrixxman, techno, vin solLeave a comment

Matrixxman uses his debut album to evoke visions of a not-too-distant-future with music made both for the dancefloor and the early morning zone-outs that follow. These are the real world applications of Homesick, though Duff comes to it all from an entirely different mindset. “We will have the technological capability to fully map out a human brain in its entirety within 30 years,” he starts. “The implications of such a possibility are deep and far reaching. We will be crossing a rubicon towards a new phase in human consciousness. I am one person that is prepared to take that step.” Once you emerge on the other side of Homesick, it seems possible that Matrixxman already has.

Container – LP [SP040]

July 8, 2015May 19, 2022 hipodromealbum, container, industrial, ren schofield, spectrum spools, technoLeave a comment

Ren Schofield, otherwise known as Container, has already released two LPs for the label, both called LP, but each one has seen a constant rebirth of his distorted and utterly screwed up view of techno. There’s seven tracks on here, seven devilish pieces of brain dynamite masquerading themselves as jams made by a human and not by an extra-terrestrial. The LP starts with a shock, “Eject”, and doesn’t get any more sweet or easy on the ears. From “Remover” to “Calibrate”, Container unleashes a filthy collection of clusterbombs which will render any dancefloor a living, walking hell…and we love that idea! A must, as per usual.

Hunee – Hunch Music [RHM016]

July 7, 2015March 28, 2024 hipodromealbum, deep house, hun choi, hunee, rush hourLeave a comment

Hunee aka Hun Choi presents his debut album “Hunch Music”. “Hunch Music” is the striking assembly of the artist’s versatile inspirations and productional talent. It is a rich musical journey that latches onto you and doesn’t let go easily. “Hunch Music” is rather special: it is a cinematic journey from the beginning to the end, with scenes we haven’t encountered before. It starts with “Woods” as the perfect introduction – a moody, mystic night haze that quickly changes into a warm and soothing whole. Following with “Crossroads”, the mystery transcends into something that moves us to the dance floor, and we’re not sure whether we want to keep moving or we just want to listen. “Hunch Music” has a nocturnal aura, an organic groove, and moments of glorious acid. It takes us up and throws us down, gently, while subjecting us to many cinematic and musical elements. For an artist who is also an avid vinyl collector, it might be difficult to ensure that his numerous inspirations do not distract from his artistic signature. Hunee’s production work is as colorful as his character, displaying a broad spectrum of his inspirations that manifest themselves in a surprising and seductive artistic entity.

rushhour / juno

The True Underground Sound of Rome – The Bermuda Triangle (1992 – 2005) [VIBR001]

July 7, 2015September 29, 2022 hipodromealbum, deep house, mauro tannino, minimal vision, re-release, reissue, stefano di carlo, the true underground sound of rome, vibraphone recordsLeave a comment

TRUE UNDERGROUND SOUND OF ROME, The - The Bermuda Triangle (1992-2015)

Despite only a few releases, the Electronic deep house sound of Vibraphone Records and the production team behind it had a major impact on the international 1990’s dance scene. The original 90’s vinyl are now considered precious collectors items. Revitalized by an increasingly new young audience interest this label has reached a cult status and it is now been re-launched via Juno Records. Produced by The True Underground Sound of Rome team all the tracks included in this re-released are characterized by a heavenly atmosphere and a cinematic sound. This 2 X 12″ EP contains the analog re-mastered version of the original 6 tracks first released in 1992 plus 2 new bonus tracks.

Dego – The More Things Stay The Same [BLACKLP004]

July 5, 2015April 30, 2020 hipodrome2000 black records, album, dego, house, jazz, reinforced records, soulLeave a comment

The More Things Stay the Same is Dego’s sophomore solo LP – a collection of soulful, mid-tempo melodies laced with warm synths, impeccable beats and masterful musicianship rooted in Jazz Fusion, classic Funk and Electro. In making the album, dego digs deep into his life experiences. From the first track to the last, his sonic signature inscribes his impressions on the duality of life. Dego says: The More Things Stay the Same is about the state of play – truth can bring despair as well as hope. The two sit side by side. Like history often repeating mistakes, but also bringing learning and progress. For the LP, dego leads a team of stellar musicians and trusted co-conspirators: multi-instrumentalists Kaidi Tatham, Mr Mensah and Matt Lord, as well as vocalist Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx fame. Hip-hop artist TY also makes an appearance on The Middle Ground. With The More Things Stay the Same, dego carries out the vision of his influential 2000BLACK label and collective, formed in 1998 to continue the legacy of black music and to contribute to what makes soul, boogie and dance music great.