The Greg Foat Group – The Dancers at the Edge of Time [JMANLP083]

”This major new release from the Greg Foat Group sees celebrated jazz quintet making the most of the acoustics of an ancient church, accompanied by a full ensemble of supporting musicians. The fourth album from the celebrated jazz combo will further delight Foat fans who have been consistently enthralled by the taste and finesse with which they execute their beguiling arrangements and instrumentation. Last year, during the long, hot summer of 2014, a couple of tons of vintage studio gear were bundled into an ancient church on the charming and picturesque village of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. There the centuries-old church organ was the centerpiece and the Group was accompanied a string quartet and woodwinds to create a musical style like no other. The resulting hauntingly sublime sounds need not only fill vaulted chapel ceilings, but our hearts and ears as well. Recorded across three of the hottest days in summer, direct onto 1” tape and with all the rich, live analogue sound and the hallowed magnificence that church acoustics can bring, The Dancers at the End of Time features the classic Foat group with guesting local musicians and friends, and celebrates the summertime and beach ambience of living on the island.”

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The Greg Foat Group – The Dancers at the Edge of Time [JMANLP083]

King Sporty & The Root Rockers – Fire Keep On Burning [K100003]

Pure badness all over this 1979 Jamaican Disco-Funk odyssey. King Sporty should be no stranger to those of you with a keen ear for esoteric underground Disco sounds, his tracks have been getting serious play by top shelf, discerning jocks since the 1970’s & his Konduko label has dropped many a left-field bomb on unsuspecting dance floors. “Fire Keep On Burning” is one such bomb, an LP crammed full of unstoppable stripped back island sounds, too many killer cuts to mention but just check out the OG version of “get on down” for starters. An essential & extremely rare record & one that deserves a spot in any self respecting Disco lovers collection. %100 heat on here, party jams from start to finish.

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King Sporty & The Root Rockers – Fire Keep On Burning [K100003]

Max Vincent – The Future Has Designed Us [DCM001]

A lifework compilation of 10 never released songs from 1984-2002 by one of the most innovative synth pioneers in Eastern Europe, Max Vincent, mainly known as Max & Intro. His music will take you deep through the horizonts of unexplored analog synth sounds, human voice and sound effects, providing you with liring recapitulation of various electronic styles. Those who love early Yello, wave, EBM or 80’s synth pop will find this material very seductive, wondering how it happened that they haven’t heard for this music before! A bleak, prophetic and very convincing synthetic dream of future that has designed us.

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Max Vincent – The Future Has Designed Us [DCM001]

Smersh – Super Heavy Solid Waste [DE090]

Dark Entries returns to the New Jersey basement studio to unearth another compilation cassette recordings by Smersh titled Super Heavy Solid Waste. Smersh was the duo of Mike Mangino and Chris Shepard, who began making music together in the late 70s. They were uninterested in traditional notions of songwriting or live performance. Smershs sound is a lush hybrid of techno, industrial, dance, and experimental. Sometimes easy, sometime not. Most songs revolve around driving EBM style beats, intricate industrial noise manipulation and synth melodies. The Smersh sound has so many faces it doesn’t fall into any one category. For Super Heavy Solid Waste we have selected 8 songs, focusing on the harder, harsher, rhythmic side of Smersh’s vast discography.

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Smersh – Super Heavy Solid Waste [DE090]

Scarpa – Wilderness [FBLP003]

It was a remorseless hatred that enslaved a people many millennia ago in the captivity of those who worshiped the sun and the moon and the gods in the stars and of the earth and beneath the earth. In toil and despair the people were flogged and cursed by the searing whip, scorched by the flaming desert sun above and burned by the abrasive sand below their feet. In agony, they cried out for rescue from the malice-bred bondage of the kingdom. “How long?” While ridden with anguish, their captors became plagued with disease and death, and so the enslaved fled. Within a day, they reached the edge of a vast sea from which mountains grew blocking them in on both sides, and as they looked back in terror they witnessed their captor’s army quickly approaching. A watery death spread out before them while a spear-pierced death raced in from behind.

Yet their cries for help were not unheard… billowing clouds rolled in and a tower of fiery blaze appeared as manifestations of the theophanic Glory-Spirit protecting and separating the people from the approaching wrath. With no where to go, the great sea split apart, and before them a narrow path was unveiled through the voided waters for the people to pass through to their deliverance. The army rushed in after them only to be swallowed by the raging sea that had just brought life for those who had been enslaved, but now brought death to the death that had held them captive.

Life for the people of God is a pilgrim journey through an alien wilderness under the shadow of death. So it was in days long ago. So it is in ours.

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Scarpa – Wilderness [FBLP003]

Conforce – Presentism [111DSRLP]

Boris Bunnik is back with a brand new album under his Conforce guise. Entitled Presentism, is his fourth under this alias and proves once that this most prolific talent is still very much an evolving producer. Presentism is more organic and less dystopian and mechanical than before, with a light hearted sense of joy and vivid musical patterns lingering long in the airwaves, and as such harks back to earlier full lengths like Machine Conspiracy, which leaned more on Detroit rooted techno. It is a collection of diverse musical compositions that leans more on musical structures than technical obsessions, and where his last effort Kinetic Image was a tightly programmed conceptual thing, this LP is a much warmer, more organic and aquatic bit of floating modern techno. As such, you get the sense Conforce is back and having fun with his music making once more, free from any rules and instead just crafting what he feels inside.

The expertly designed sounds of this album float and drift in subtly uplifting ways, right from the off. It is a diverse collection sounds with a fine sense of mood through, and that is what ensures it makes sense as a greater whole. At the same time it retains that signature Conforce sense of rhythm, underwater atmosphere and vivid seascaping that really takes you away from the world in which you live. Some tracks like ‘Realtime’ are slow and moody, others like ‘Erased Connections With The Past’ are more propulsive and physical and those such as ‘Monomorphic’ are heady, hypnotic affairs that make for beautiful electronic soundtracks

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Conforce – Presentism [111DSRLP]

Acronym – June [NE021]

Since his emergence onto the scene in 2012, Acronym has carved a bold name for himself within the burgeoning sphere of techno championed by his Northern Electronics compatriots, with releases on Semantica as well as his own Dimensional Explorations imprint. ‘June’ continues to affirm the young producer’s reputation as a skilled craftsman of densely woven, atmospheric electronic music, whilst serving as a substantial contribution to the Northern Electronics catalogue.

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Acronym – June [NE021]

Amir Alexander – Love & Fear! [AC007]

“A recontextualized hybridization of that which is familiar to create the foreign….
Using classic Chicago, Detroit and New York as a reference, I sought to explore new sonic possibilities while limiting myself to the classic machines and sounds of the era that inspired me to dedicate my life to this art-form.
Revivalism was not my intent. Perhaps neo-futurism if any ism’s must be assigned. That, and a strict code of minimalism. I aspire to use time, space, and absence, as well rhythm and sound, all in equal measure to create suggestive music (pun intended). Defined as much by what is not there as by what is. Music for travel. For Dance. For Contemplation. In a club among hundreds, or at home in bed.
An album. Along player. A fantastical voyage through the soul and mind via abstract, minimalist etudes exploring the range of emotions that are joined to a particular year in my life. Using as few elements as possible to create the most emotive material I could, these studies are recorded documentation of one student’s pursuits to master the craft of creating raw, yet elegant. Rich and sonorous, yet stripped down modern electronic music. For the club, at home, and everywhere between. Modern music for modern living.
I hope to contribute to the progression of the form and create excitement in the next generation so that some of them will also be inspired to expressively create and add on to the culture. Peace”

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Amir Alexander – Love & Fear! [AC007]

Piero Piccioni – Colpo Rovente [BEAT067]

‘Colpo Rovente’ is one of the rarest soundtrack albums in the Italian film music history. This soundtrack stands out from the traditional period into the psychedelic era. Soft-spoken and suave cool jazz, along with hallucinogenic go-go sounds appears throughout the film and soundtrack. Dynamic big band tunes are stunningly matched with impossibly beautiful jazz funk scores infused with a touch of bossa nova.

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Piero Piccioni – Colpo Rovente [BEAT067]

Ma Spaventi – Viaggi [PN043]

SPAVENTI, Ma - Viaggi

Released by Pizzico for the first time in 2009 with the moniker “Erre”, Marco Antonio Spaventi was one of the most pleasant surprises about what an excellent techno producer can do with his beloved background: Italo disco. Influenced by soundtrack masters as Vangelis, John Carpenter and most of all Italian maestro’s like Nico Fidenco, Pino Donaggio, Francesco De Masi, and appearing in the sky like a laser beam in a post-atomic Bronx filmed by Enzo G. Castellari, the positive first album of MA Spaventi called “Viaggi” is landing. A real journey into obscure worlds, dirty streets, atomic sunsets, broken hearts and analog feelings, a blessing for your most romantic and cinematic essence. Could this folding full length fit the modern dance floors? Maybe It could be better for the outcast clubs of a near future: synths atmosphere are sweet and pressing at the same time, the melodies and beats fit together in a succession of deep emotions, the “tape” sounds old school and totally irresistible. Pizzico is proud to present MA Spaventi’s VIAGGI: nine exclusive tracks for a brand new album, invoking and evoking dusty Italo vibes, analog synths and written soundtracks for unwritten movies.

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Ma Spaventi – Viaggi [PN043]

Tala A.M. – Arabica [ARTREC002]

Andre-Marie Tala is one of the father figures of African music. Born in the western Provence of Bandjoun, Cameroon, his early years were plagued with tragedy. He lost his mother at 4, his father at 12 and then when on to lose his sight 15. Thankfully, the love of music stayed with him throughout his career and with the help of Manu Dibango he made his first recordings in 1972 and had two hits in Cameroon with Sikati and Potaksima. He created a group, the Rock Boys, later the Black Tigers, with Sam Fan Thomas as guitarist. At this time, Africa was immersed in music from overseas and many American acts toured all over Africa. Whilst touring Cameroon, Tala handed James Brown a demo of his song ”Hot Koki”. Seemingly, the Godfather liked it a lot, he actually re-recorded it and released it as his own song, entitled ‘Hustle’. In doing so, he took all credit for composing, which meant Tala had to sue Brown and luckily he won the case! We had so many great LP’s to choose from Tala but we decided to start with ‘Arabica’ where we find Tala in experimental mode. We hit the ground running with the lead track ‘Arabica’, disco drums, phased guitar licks and sweet soulful backing vocals, what’s not to like? ‘Black Gold’ takes the same path as laid out on ‘Arabica’ but we see the introduction of the Moog Synthesizer and the funky Rhodes Piano. ‘Sugar Lump’ is once again up-tempo and has bassline to get your body moving in the right direction. ‘I know what you want’ has a more traditional song approach Tala simply asks his love interest ‘not to let him down’. ‘Soweto’ is a Balearic DJ classic! Beautiful layers of guitar and flute ease you through this one. Soweto was a troubled place and high on the thoughts on African people around this time, this song reflects that. We end with ’20 ans’ a more tradition song with some Hammond organ and super sweet guitar playing from Tala once again. This record demands a high fee for obvious reasons so don’t miss your chance to own this official reissue which has been made with love.

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Tala A.M. – Arabica [ARTREC002]

Octave One – Burn It Down [4WCLLP2-600]

”This new album comes at a time when the pair are still evolving and searching out new forms. As live performers they are reaching an ever larger audience around the world and plenty of the energy they exude there is bottled up in this new LP. Made using a fine collection of hardware including bits by Roland, Moog, Dave Smith Instruments and much more besides, it follows 2008s Summer on Jupiter and proves that as individuals and as musicians we have grown with time and through our travels. Our music reflects that. Our work this time around has taken a lot longer to produce, but we feel it represents, more than anything else we have done to this point, our complete idea as an album project. Kicking off with the rooted kicks and sci-fi, slo mo techno of Eighth Wonder the album unfolds through elastic and triumphant diva house on Jazzo/Lose Myself [featuring Ann Saunderson], cosmic soundscaping on Afterglow and melodically enriched grooves and funky guitar licks on A Better Tomorrow (O1 Remake) [featuring Random Noise Generation]. Elsewhere there is breezy and anthemic fair with Believer, soul kissed sounds and lush pads on Whatever She Wants and then shapeshifting, industrial tinged beats and twisted techno in the later half. Things unfold on Burn It Down with a real sense of narrative, though, and despite being a techno album never do things grow to stern or serious. Instead the mood and tempo switches up knowingly, just like an Octave One live set, and really transports you to another place entirely in the process.”

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Octave One – Burn It Down [4WCLLP2-600]

The KVB – Mirror Being [INV147]

Now Berlin-based duo The KVB land on Geoff Barrow’s Invada label for the first in a series of releases. Mirror Being differs from most releases from The KVB as the pair’s deep set vocals, a key component of their sound, are largely absent from the 10 tracks but their reverb soaked mastery of guitars and analogue gear is still very much evident throughout.

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Continue reading “The KVB – Mirror Being [INV147]”

The KVB – Mirror Being [INV147]

Cio D’or – All In All [SEMANTICA073]

While music in its definitive nature fills both space and time, creating environments in which we live and breathe, these miniature dramaturgies string together to become the screenplay to ones existence. Sometimes chosen, and often times forced, these sounds influence the subconscious and designate emotions. Purposely flowing fluently through a spectrum ranging from theatrical to rapturous tensions that mingle through the night. Cio D’Or’s cinematic compilation for Semantica explores another side of techno, a niche home to Cio where each intricate sound takes a risk for the sake of progression.

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Cio D’or – All In All [SEMANTICA073]

No More – A Rose Is A Rose [DE084]

NO MORE - A Rose Is A Rose

No More are a band from Kiel, Germany, founded in the summer of 1979. Their music is rooted in early Post Punk / No Wave. No More began as a quartet with Andy A. Schwarz (vocals, guitar, bass), Tina Sanudakura (synthesizers), Christian Darc (drums, vocals) and Thomas Welz (bass, vocals). In 1982 No More released the mini­-album “A Rose Is A Rose’ on 10′. Songs on this mini­-LP convey the desolate and bleak attitude of German youth in the early 1980s. This reissue compiles all 8 tracks from the mini­-LP, both tracks from the Suicide Commando’ 7′ plus 3 demos from 1982.

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No More – A Rose Is A Rose [DE084]

Trevor Jackson – Format [FV113.16]

Trevor Jackson releases a collected triple LP edition via The Vinyl Factory featuring 13 tracks including an exclusive bonus cut not available on any of the initial releases. Curated from an archive of over 150 tracks Trevor had built up over the past 2 decades, the inspiration for Jackson’s music, has come from “the times and places where genres weren’t quite formed.” While his synth and beatbox workouts might touch on proto-house, on new wave, on Italo and techno, on ambient and psychedelia, they are at the same time none of these things. Musically, Format explores Jackson’s usual obsessions – industrial, new wave, EBM, electro, post-punk disco and techno, in particular – with great gusto.

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Trevor Jackson – Format [FV113.16]

Fabio Monesi – Parasol Dance [WLS011]

Wilson Records boss Fabio Monesi returns with a blistering seven track LP. ‘Parasol Dance’ embodies the musical headway and fruition Fabio experienced exploring different soundscapes and rhythms in his London based studio this last year. The crisp analogue cuts in the album are peppered with Monesi’s organic evolution from the New Jersey sound drawing inspiration from Jazz, Funk and even Disco, all the while never faltering on the end product of raw undulating grooves. In a sentence, in ‘Parasol Dance’ Fabio has dished up a vibrant collection of raw and robust cuts that keep you locked from start to finish and will be no doubt be finding a welcome home in record bags across the globe.

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Fabio Monesi – Parasol Dance [WLS011]

45 ACP – Change Of Tone [LIES061]

Known for his work on the Antinote label as DK, 45 ACP is the alias of Parisian producer Dangkhoa Chau. Having seen prior releases on Italian label, Dog in the Night Records and French label Odd Frequencies, 45 ACP has caught the attention of L.I.E.S. Records where we see him issuing his debut six track LP. Not straying too far from his prior works, we get a wide yet cohesive grouping of tracks throughout the record. Sounds ranging from the slo-mo cosmic chug of 7th Circle, to the percussive boogie leaning Ground to Ground or the Sakamoto-esque lush b-side opener Hidden Garden, 45 ACP delivers start to finish proving equally effective on the dancefloor or in your headphones.

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45 ACP – Change Of Tone [LIES061]

Trevor Deep JR – TDJ LP [HPTY004]

The mystery man from Finland is dropping a shit hot album after a couple off critically acclaimed 12”s. Moving in the deep waters of timeless quality house and techno this album showcases the fine taste and production skills of Trevor Deep JR. Seven tracks ranging from cuddly and inviting, with undulating basslines and serene strings to darker, more meaning and atmospheric such as on ‘Kreuzberg.’ There is also airy, spacious stuff with distant piano motifs, fat bottomed acid house, timeless dub and freeform jazz cuts with big trumpets, walking basslines and lush percussive patterns. Closing out on a tender vocal number from legendary Detroit producer vocalist Niko Marks, with inviting Motor City broken soul.

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Trevor Deep JR – TDJ LP [HPTY004]