Combining the best of his two characters: the one-take spontaneity of TMO and Lipelis’ more linear and structured style, these jams are rooted in a true romance with drum machines, synths and studio workout spanning over two decades of dedication and love for the music. Effective house tools inspired by the classic house days of the early 90’s.
As the first release for 2023, Undersound welcomes Böhm with 4 tracks reminiscing of the golden days of UK techno. “Light Transmission” opens the EP at a slower pace, gently inviting the listener to the producer’s musical world. “Solar Limit” picks the pace up with intertwined portamento leads, bass-line and pads. On the flip-side, “Unsolved Origin” continues the artist’s melodic emotional journey. The last track closing the EP, “Monarch Monster”, sees a departure from the producer’s trademark style with EBM/new beat influenced drums.
Kontra-Musik returns with a new release on its sought after, vinyl-only, white label series. The label from the start has celebrated analogue expressions of dance music and now presents a new record by long time label collaborator PST (of Kontra, Workshop & Sued fame).
On the A-side PST brings us a 15-minute long analogue techno meltdown. The track is so powerful the vinyl almost melts when played. On the flip, the mood is different. The title of the first track, Houseparty +, is very revealing to say the least, before the EP ends with artist’s signature mood music house sound. PST is a master of his craft, and it is with joy and pride we release a new hand-stamped vinyl after a few years of COVID hiatus.
Too Many Cars Records from north of France is back with four electro tracks from Betonkust and Franz Scala & Malkut.
The Worldwide Connection compilation finally touches down. New and mainly unknown artists from all over the place gather on this stuffed double LP. It’s a firing set of clued-up dance tracks that pay homage to the underground greats while blasting hard with a much needed dose of fresh air. It’s all been put together by the ‘Non Stop Rhythm’ mastermind, Tom Carruthers (who serves up two killers on the comp).
Bristol’s Gilbert turns in a very classy EP of deep and nostalgic IDM cuts – just how M>O>S like it.
Sticky Plastik returns with its second release featuring a Prince de Takicardie solo EP. The French artist known for his distinctive raw and acidic, yet full of melodies and baselines tech/electro analogue sound won’t disappoint you with these 4 gems.
A hard to find sci-fi Detroit techno classic gets a timely reissue complete with a new, super solid Delano Smith remix. It’s hard not to love the original in all its futuristic glory, led by a sturdy four-to-the-floor pummelling but boasting a throbbing neo-disco bassline – imagine a lost Gorgio Moroder classic being remade by Jeff Mills in PurposeMaker mode. But the Delano Smith remix updates it for modern palates, ironically by delving back even further, to the early 70s model Kraftwerk from whom he borrows some very austere but classy synth sounds and a touch of electro syncopation.
Neapolitan producer Partenope certainly wears a big Underground Resistance influence on his sleeve in the case of ‘Odysseya’ – it’s even mentioned in the press release, and we’re not going to argue either. But it’s no bad thing, especially as it’s a general love of the soulful, uplifting, musical end of the techno scale rather than a creative plunder of any UR track in particular. The label has pulled out the big guns with a Gerd Janson remix to accompany it too, and Janson certainly delivers with his warm production bringing out the best via three way acid trance techno hybrid.
Planet People have love for Chicago & New York House, Detroit techno & 90s UK ambient. The crew is coming from the UK and this is their first chapter.
‘Advanced Process’ presents itself as a distinguished LP, oozing with Marcello Giordani’s innate talent to evolve the classic Italo Disco sound into consistently ear catching productions of the future. Crisp, analog drum machines and glistening synthwork are a constant. Giordani captivates you with compelling arrangements and considered hints to electro in the likes of ‘Metamorphosis’. Powerful vocals from Fred Ventura and Ready In LED feature on the two alluring singles ‘Mysterious Calls (In The Night)’ and ‘Fase Rem’. Encapsulating, intelligent acid work is heard in ‘Forbidden Pleasures’. Marcello’s clear love for analogue authenticity is at the forefront of this LP. Crisp, analog drum machines and glistening synthwork are a constant.
The K Lost Acid Dub series makes it come back with the third output with more reinterpretations/remixes of inspiring tracks from the past. This record challenges the trainspotters for a game of sample hunting. Of course, like the earlier ones, there is loads of acid.
Borgo Dora is a multiethnic neighborhood located in the centre of Torino. A perfect example of inclusion between different people from (mainly) the Mediterranean area and home to Porta Palazzo, the largest open-air market in Europe. In 1991, a newly born studio located in the middle of the district guided by Biagio Puma decided to give birth to a dance LP called Teknoafro with the support of local Techno dj Bart Spinelli. The title almost speaks for itself, mixing the Italian “Afro” dj culture and the new Akai samplers with 909-driven Techno rhythms. The result was impressive, giving birth to a quite unique recording that reveals many aspects of the ’90s Italian dance creativity and tapestry. Dualismo Sound comes with a fully remastered selection of 6 tracks taken from the original LP.
From over the hills and far away, the cobblers and their boots are here to stay. The sartorial scallywags return with another collection of kaleidoscopic, Italo-tinged party pleasers. First off the block, London royalty Super Drama team up with homeboy Kayroy for ‘Something New’, a cut of propulsive glitterball synth-funk, with just the right amount of cowbell. Next up, Italy’s Disco Mortale and Futuristant take us for a tour of the dark side, with cyborg vocoders and cyberpunk arpeggios painting a vivid dreamscape of neon and steel. ‘Until Forever’ flirts the line between sinful and sincere, abandoning you to the rise of the machines, and a dance-off to the death. Flip that wax and step on the gas because Gabto reunites with collaborator Kauan Marco for the colossally cool ‘Ki Ko Ho’. These brilliant Brazilians have delivered a bonafide gem, complete with drums that hit you in all the right places, and a killer synthesiser solo – brilliant stuff. For the cherry on top, Marching Machines bring their intoxicating and hypnotic flavour of Belgian chug and psychedelic dark disco to the table with the festival-ready epic ‘Seraphic’ – molto bene!
An electrifyingly eclectic and adventurous collection of toe-tappers and hip-snappers, made with love and coming soon to a discoteca near you.
One of Stockholm’s finest exports, Elfenberg arrive at Bordello with four slices of synthesizer goodness. The duo open with “Forever Alone”. A cruising arpeggiator steers its way through glistening snares, rolling kicks and classic italo vocals. Night falls in the jungle “Conga Coronation”. The treetops bristle with birdsong, thickets of bongos, toms and rain sticks lead a path to dawning melodies. A wonderfully textured percussive piece, the track is intricately carved and demonstrates the diversity and depth of Elfenberg. The disco dipped futurism of “Sphere Of Missing Out” follows. Echoes of “Conga Coronation” rhythms are countered by beaming synth bars and vocoder lyrics with the Swedish pair pushing for the floor. “Cosmic Tribune” is the curtain close. Astral chords, spiralling key shifts and incising drums coalesce in this space inspired finale.
The Hipodrome Of Music 