Roman Flügel returns to Phantasy Sound with his second release of 2024 on Erol Alkan’s beloved London label, ‘No Solutions EP’. ‘No Solutions’ expands Flügel’s contributions to Phantasy into a triple track delight, another generous expression of his lifelong immersion in electronic music culture.
Apnea Records proudly welcomes a new face to the family, though one whose name resonates deeply in the electronic music world. Versalife, also known as Conforce, steps onto the label with the first of two meticulously crafted EPs in the “Parallax Effect” series. With a career spanning over 20 years of sonic innovation, Versalife delivers a masterful blend of broken rhythms, metallic textures, pulsating synths, and analog tones. From industrialesque electro to deep IDM explorations, “Parallax Effect PT.1” takes listeners on an immersive journey through cutting-edge soundscapes. And with Part 2 on the horizon, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Versalife and Apnea Records.
E-bony returns to Distant Gaze with a full 6-track EP, diving deep into the unfiltered world of acid and Detroit, where roots meet modern. This release delivers a range of moods and intensities through analog textures, heavy-hitting kicks, and gritty basslines that have become synonymous with E-bony’s distinct sound. As the EP unfolds, PRZ shifts gears into a futuristic electro soundscape, a glimpse into a sci-fi utopia. Clouzer wraps up the EP with a crushing rendition of ‘Let it Be’—a hard-hitting rave anthem.
Heinrich Dressel presents Reflected Skies: a tribute to Dressel’s distinctive style of cinematic ambience. The scenery in Reflected Skies is not the protagonist but rather the details, that hint at a larger picture, like the sky as it appears in everyday reflections. Dark, expectant and mysterious where the listener is left to awe at the subtle questioning of an untold story.
The Maltasian master Sound Synthesis with a brand new album! Another fine timeless journey into electro and electronix that will stand the test of time..
Dalmata Daniel’s third LP comes from Rapha, marking his return to the label after contributing to its split and compilation series. Known for bold acid treatments and dark, futuristic tones, Rapha takes his craft to new heights on ‘Midnight Dancer’, which also features remixes by CT Kidobó and PRZ. In ‘Midnight Dancer’, Rapha showcases his ability to blend industrial grit with cosmic melodies, delivering hard-hitting electro suited for both club play and immersive listening at home or on a night ride.
Lectromagnetique dystopian soundscapes are a reflection of the nature of radioactive Chernobyl, poisoned by humanity, it still looks deceptively alive, but invisible acid flows easily cause side effects.
Red Laser Records continue their stellar form with another knockout release, blending Manctalo fire from old hands and fresh faces alike. Frank Butters opens the EP with The Call Of The Wild, a dazzling blast of crystalline synths, thunderous bass, and cosmic effects that showcase his forward-thinking production skills. Bob Swans delivers ‘Bodyform4U’, a dreamy arpeggiated groove that builds an uplifting, futuristic atmosphere, perfect for igniting the dancefloor. Lone Saxon switches things up with ‘Hypersleep’ a breakbeat-infused piano gem that oozes nostalgic charm, before Franz Scala and Il Bosco finish strong with Webo, a late-night, tension-filled Manctalo banger.
For its landmark 20th anniversary, Apnea Records proudly presents XX, a double 12″ compilation that chronicles the label’s journey from its inception to its current cutting-edge form. Featuring both original innovators and fresh talents from its recent relaunch, this release is a sonic time capsule and a forward-looking statement. Spanning from deep techno to Detroit-infused house, Jamal Moss’s abstract house, electro, and E.R.P.’s signature machine funk, XX dives into the label’s broad sonic spectrum. With contributions from Alex Under, Damian Schwartz, Jamal Moss, E.R.P., Dopplereffekt, Thomas Brinkmann, and Kyle Hall & Kero, this collection serves as both a reflection of Apnea’s past and a bold vision for the future.
Belgian independent label De:tuned, founded by Ruben Boons and Bert Hermans, celebrates its 50th release with the long-awaited 10-track studio album ‘Analog Days’ by Swedish electronic music pioneer Robert Leiner. During the first years of De:tuned, Robert Leiner (aka The Source Experience) played a vital part in kick-starting the label. He also graced the De:tuned parties with his outstanding dj sets and captivating live acts. Continuing the label’s 15th anniversary celebrations, De:tuned and Robert Leiner mark the occasion with an extraordinary collection of mostly hardware productions recorded between 2005 and 2015. These diverse jams have now been mixed and completed for this momentous milestone. On offer a unique interplay of rhythmic movement and soothing sounds, each presenting Robert’s distinct characteristics.
Legowelt returns to Clone Records with yet another sonic journey that defies conventional electronic music boundaries, offering an album that is as eclectic as it is immersive. Blending different styles and textures seamlessly and proving that electronic music can still be creative and that function doesn’t always prevail style. He delivers a collection that transports listeners through a kaleidoscope of retro-futuristic sounds, deep grooves, and cosmic melodies. Despite being in the music game for more than 25 years the music from Danny Wolfers remains playful and refreshing. Stylistically taking elements from his whole musical career and not commiting to the latest trend or any genre specifically, and low-key taking the piss with everyone who takes themself to seriously. While many electronic music artists are stuck in their own void, busy pleasing the big room, Legowelt meticulously crafts rich textured soundscapes, balancing between cosmic exploration and the dancefoor, that evoke both nostalgia and futuristic visions. His ability to fuse elements of house, techno, disco and electro with cinematic influences results in an album that is not only ready for club use but also gratifying at home. Each track offers something unique–whether it’s the hypnotic rhythms, the lush synth lines, or the subtle, eerie undertones that creep in unexpectedly. Legowelt’s attention to detail and passion for his craft shine through, making this album a worthy follow up to his last album on the Clone Jack For Daze series.
Fanzine project presents the latest compilation Xuntanza Vol. IV, featuring tracks from The Exaltics, Robot City, Elektrotechnik, Acidulant and and label boss, Roi.
Teslasonic makes his second appearance on Tiger Weeds with Libero Pensiero EP, following his contribution on the label’s first VA compilation. Teslasonic is the solo project of Gianluca Bertasi, who delivers a fine blend of Electro, Italo, Acid, Downtempo and atmospheric elements, featuring a mesmerising remix by the legendary DJ Overdose. ‘Libero Pensiero’ translates directly to ”free thought”. That’s exactly how you should approach this six-track EP. Each track stands on its own, yet together, they form a cohesive narrative of creative freedom.
The Orbital Mechanics saga is almost coming to an end, here is the 9th of a 10 in total series. Again Sound Synthesis is delivering the finest top quality acidic vocoder electro.
20/20 Vision present the first new Random Factor album for 15 years. Random Factor was originally created by Carl Finlow in 1994 as an alter ego alias for his productions, forging an unique and instantly recognisable sound over the years. ‘Silencer’ sees Finlow create a stunning return to Random Factor, featuring a mix of electro pop songs with melodies that stay in the head, demonstrating his ability to write songs that stand the test of time with a production prowess considered second to none in the world of electronic music. Synthesizers play a huge role as always and every track feels like an ever-evolving sonic adventure through Finlow’s imagination with the overall effect of a long-playing record that is best listened to from beginning to end.
Astral travel with Cybotron into the meta-narrative of the Parallel Shift, a new sonic fiction that raises many questions about military science of the near-future and the possibility of other worlds. Descending backward through the rhythms of time, the Skynet module retracts from the hyper-structural society of 2100, edging toward the mid-century modern age teetering on the brink of what was then the frontier of “the future”. The system boots the Infiniti process, morphing into a cosmotechnic vessel coursing the superhighway of burgeoning general intelligence, seeking data from just before “the overshoot and collapse.”
Both we and Gosub are the beneficiaries of this loving reissue of ‘Low Volume Lovers’, a classic electro EP released on the Frustrated Funk label in 2005. With updated artwork and remastered audio, this one’s a nimble and tricksy electrifier, working in many a high-voltage drum snap and alternating-current impact, around quirky melodies and flighty beats.
Ole Mic Odd debuts on Nocta Numerica with ‘Vapor Lock’,the sixth release of the digital series.
The Exaltics are back on Repetitive Rhythm Research with 3 tracks of intense, ravey, 90’s Detroit inspired dark, driving techno. Alden Tyrell & Serge add a razorsharp, expertly produced club friendly remix completing the 4 tracker.
The Hipodrome Of Music 