VA – Back Up Dos: Mexican Tecno Pop 1982-1989 LP [DE-323]

Dark Entries returns to Mexico with Back Up Dos: Mexican Tecno Pop 1982-1989. Following 2021’s Back Up compilation, Back Up Dos delivers 10 more tracks of synth-pop and New Beat, 7 of which have never before appeared on vinyl. From mutant drum machine beats to irresistible synthesizer hooks, fans of the fringes of the 80s will find songs to stir their cold, dark hearts. But Back Up Dos does more than mine retro kitsch; it documents the development of a rich DIY music scene that is still underexplored. As affordable samplers and digital synths spread throughout the decade, post-punk and new wave gave way to more aggressive EBM and cyberpunk sounds. The scene also developed in opposition to the political climate of the times: the rise of the drug cartels and a reactionary turn in national politics. Using home recording techniques, these bands took cues from the electronic wizardry of the Human League and Wax Trax Records while reflecting the vibrant and chaotic Mexican cultural landscape of the era. On Back Up Dos, impeccable pop anthems from Casino Shanghai and Los Agentes Secretos sit alongside gnarled obscurities from Ford Proco and María Bonita, showcasing a decade of sly deviance and enthusiastic experimentation. Back Up Dos compiles synthetic music produced in Mexico at the crossroads from Tecno Pop to Post-Industrial, nourished by culture shock and stories of dystopian worlds. 

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VA – Back Up Dos: Mexican Tecno Pop 1982-1989 LP [DE-323]

Alpha Sect – Fragmented Reality [SOIL027]

Dive into the mesmerizing fusion of sounds with Alpha Sect’s latest vinyl release, ‘Fragmented Reality’, on Soil Records. Featuring remixes by the renowned talents of Curses, Local Suicide x Skelesys and Raw Ambassador, this EP spans the realms of EBM, Italo-Disco, Wave, and Techno. Each track invites you to journey through a sonic realm where pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies converge, blurring the lines between genres. With Alpha Sect leading the way, immerse yourself in a hypnotic experience that transcends conventional boundaries. ‘Fragmented Reality’ is out now, offering a unique sonic adventure for the discerning listener.

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Alpha Sect – Fragmented Reality [SOIL027]

Nomenklatūr – King Da Ka [SAM018]

Samo Records, the label run by Facets, presents a new release from French electronic duo Nomenklatür. Renowned for their innovative and genre-blending sound, Nomenklatür makes their debut with a captivating EP featuring three original tracks, each offering a unique sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of leftfield electronica. On the remix front, Karassimeon reimagines “King Da Ka” with a high-tempo twist, infusing the track with fresh energy and amplifying its dynamic qualities.

Nomenklatūr – King Da Ka [SAM018]

WLDV – The Fifth Element [MUT001]

The first release of Mutante Records comes from WLDV, the Spanish producer coming from Bilbao in the Basque Country. Navigating between genres such as New Beat, EBM, House and Techno with dark Spanish vocals to bring you a solid 4 track EP.

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WLDV – The Fifth Element [MUT001]

Black Dot – Love At Glance [IM017]

Black Dot lands on Italo Moderni with a cult futuristic gem on vocals by Le Chocolat Noir and hardware wizard Christian Kroupa, three obscure killers bangers ready for the dancefloor, last but not least with an epic remix by the king Marcel Dettmann.

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Black Dot – Love At Glance [IM017]

Candido – Mechanical Dances Part I LP [MEGA07]

The inaugural chapter of a two-part epic. Get ready for an eclectic and unique modern twist fusion of proto- EBM, New Beat, Electro, Rave Breaks and early UK house, weaving together a tapestry of diverse influences. Experience the raw energy pulsating through potent basslines, driving each track forward with unstoppable force. Meanwhile, deep and thought-provoking lyrical voice samples captivate the mind, inviting listeners to ponder existential questions and explore the depths of consciousness and creating innovative soundscapes leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s psyche.

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Candido – Mechanical Dances Part I LP [MEGA07]

Intergalactic Noize Commander – Intergalactic Noize Commander EP [MEGA06]

Intergalactic Noize Commander’s electrifying new EP blends elements of electro and electro-funk provoking a psycho dive into a cosmic journey. This sonic adventure unveils simple yet mysterious and dark sounds, transporting listeners to uncharted realms where pulsating rhythms collide with enigmatic melodies. Experience a fusion of retro-futuristic vibes and captivating beats that resonate throughout the cosmos.

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Intergalactic Noize Commander – Intergalactic Noize Commander EP [MEGA06]

Second Sight – Second Sight EP [MEGA05]

This is a truly gem for darkwave collectors. Noah Renolds is the Australian behind Second Sight, a hidden project reminiscent of // Tense // , Valis or Ortrotasce. Pulsating beats, a peculiar use of short samples á la Wax Trax and amazing minimal synth compositions makes the perfect combo.

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Second Sight – Second Sight EP [MEGA05]

Panico En Directo – Television [VKT001]

Voykot initiates its inaugural release featuring the enigmatic producer Panico En Directo in a concise mini LP format. Comprising 6 tracks, this collection showcases robust percussion and daring melodies, spanning a broad spectrum of EBM and Techno influences.

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Panico En Directo – Television [VKT001]

Harlem Electronics – Cagey [MRG017]

Marguerite Records welcomes Northern Europe’s machine funk masters, Harlem Electronics, as the 17th label output. ‘Cagey’ is a punchy cocktail of sly bass hooks, raw machine grooves, and found sounds, all tied together by vocals that shape-shift from staccato statements to haunted murmurs and back again. Featuring six tracks including a remix by Colombian producer Filmmaker.

Harlem Electronics – Cagey [MRG017]

Jäger 90 – R​ü​ckspulen [OR123]

Jäger 90, from Germany, stands as one of the last genuine bastions of body music, akin to DAF or Liaisons Dangereuses. Their album “Rückspulen” provides an hypnotic sonic experience characterized by simple yet powerful instrumentals, where acoustic drums intertwine with deep square wave monophonic basslines to create an immersive and intense atmosphere.

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Jäger 90 – R​ü​ckspulen [OR123]

Oliver Decrow – I’m Too Young To Die [CT175]

This long awaited debut album offers a cross-section of songs, previously performed live multiple times, where Oliver Decrow provides insights into his life and emotions, attempting to process experiences. Themes such as the suicide of a friend, self-doubt, grief, courage, love, fear, hope, the subconscious, letting go, escaping, and numerous emotional highs and lows are explored in his album.

Oliver Decrow – I’m Too Young To Die [CT175]

The Spy – Halt and Hack EP [KRI008]

The Spy is on a mission for the 8th Kri release and it ends with a bang. Hhis signature sound keeps evolving by melting electro, EBM and wave into a hypnotising dystopian soundtrack. His Kri debut is named ‘Halt and Hack’ and it ranges from melancholic EBM-ish slow burners to mutated wave-meets-electro anthems, rounded with a nostalgic remix by the mighty Zement operator Kluentah.

The Spy – Halt and Hack EP [KRI008]

Unconscious – Il Punto Di Non Ritrono [OR126]

Unconscious, Italian recognised EBM producer, surprises with a sound turn in his latest album “Il Punto di Non Ritorno”, where he ventures into New Beat incorporating touches of dark trance that clearly refer to some of his roots in electronic music. The album showcases the artist’s evolution capacity and highlights his versatility and ability to explore new sounds without losing the EBM and industrial essence that characterizes and defines his previous works.

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Unconscious – Il Punto Di Non Ritrono [OR126]

Recall IV – Interstate [MEC085]

Recall IV is the project created by Andre Fischer that reached a massive success in the German techno scene in 1990 with the release of the single “Contrast” on Techno Drome International / ZYX Records. This was shortly followed by two more releases in 1991 (“Contrast – Part 2” and the extended play “Aesthetic”) and contributions to various compilations. Andre has been a very active techno composer and producer since the late 80’s working with people like Lars Janzik, Carlos Perón, Giora Schein & Holger Wick (Konzept), Volker Then (Friends Of Carlotta) on countless projects including Scope, Scrot, Technoline, Trust in 6, ADSX, etc. “Interstate” compiles tracks from all Recall IV singles, some old compilations and a selection of unreleased cuts and remixes.

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Recall IV – Interstate [MEC085]