An acidic electro techno fusion going on here on the second outing on Lazer Records by the late great Microlith, Cignol, Sound Synthesis, Type 303 and Volth.
VA – Acid Xplore Vol. 2 [LAZER002]
microlith
VA – CPU Remixes [CPU00110010]
Following their 50th release milestone CPU celebrate 5th anniversary with a 2×12 LP remix compilation. CPU has been reticent in regards to remixes, with a grand total of zero during its first five years of existence. This all changes with this dedicated remix compilation celebrating the label’s 5th anniversary. The exalted roster have chosen their favourite tracks to remix from the label’s back catalogue and are brought together in a very special 2×12 gatefold sleeve. B12, Jensen Interceptor and Morphology all make an appearance alongside some of the label’s seldom seen artists. There is also a posthumous Microlith remix of Tryphème – Mélodramatique. Electro has again proven its staying power and CPU has played a key role in championing some of the genre’s greatest: bringing new artists to the front line and cementing the status of the established. This five year celebration showcases the diverse tastes and backgrounds of the roster, crossing many genre boundaries – all executed with precision and attention to detail that the label is known for.
Rhys Celeste – Microlith [FR016]
“Rhys Celeste aka Microlith passed away 26th February. 24 years old. The fatal weekend when Rhys lost his life I was mastering the tracks for his release in Fundamental Records. Rhys sent me the tracks only a few days before. He kept about forty untitled tracks for Fundamental Records and together we selected a perfect track list for the album. I was with all these melodies in my head all that weekend, I remember perfectly that feeling. Today I still have that special sensation that you can feel in all tracks composed by Rhys, something nostalgic with a big doses of happiness and hope in every note. When I was mastering his tracks I was like a young kid with a new record in my hands, each track is great, even the interludes are very special compositions.I am sure the people who support the projects we release in Fundamental Records will support this album not only for the circumstances but mainly because the quality of the tracks from someone with only 24 years… this is sad. I feel a deep emptiness inside of me because Rhys never listened the final tracks mastered… we released each track with the original references Rhys used for his tracks, except two tracks included in the very special 7. This feeling is something I can’t explain in words, and it is very difficult to carry within me. The next monday after his death I was like out of my body, we had a mountain of work with the shipping of the 808 Box but I felt totally paralyzed, my wife Anais and I could hardly speak, we were speechless for some minutes, looking to the screen of the computer trying to understand what happened, then I decided I have to do what I said to Rhys only two days before, and I opened the player in my laptop and I started to work in the design for the cover with the music of Rhys in repeat mode. I was in front of the screen all day, printing many sketches and color variations. I called Fundamental Records to our label for a very good reason and this project deserves this adjective in full effect. For the same reason I also decided to release this album under the real name of the artist, Rhys Celeste and use his music name, Microlith, for the title.”
Microlith – Subtle Variance [CPU00101011]
The recent passing of Rhys Celeste, the young producer behind the Microlith alias, adds extra poignancy to this posthumous EP. Given the tragic circumstances of his death, it’s hard not to hear a touch of melancholy amongst the yearning synthesizer melodies, fizzing electro beats and “braindance” style TB-303 work of “Acid in a Church”. It’s also true that the chord progressions and melodic structure of electro shuffler “Remember Members” are undeniably poignant, as are the outer-space electronics and sweeping synth-strings at the heart of “8oh8 Freight”. “Backwards”, an eyes-wide-shut chunk of 4/4-electro bliss, feels a little more positive, but is still laden with poignancy. Regardless of the connotations, Subtle Variance is a superb EP. Rest in peace, Rhys.
Microlith – Dance With Me [CPU00011110]
Sheffield’s Central Processing Unit has been one of the most prolific electro and techno labels over the last few years. Their fifth release of 2016 comes from up-and-coming producer Rhys “Microlith” Celeste, who made his debut on the imprint a few months back. As debut albums go, Dance With Me is a fine effort. Sitting somewhere between the underwater intensity of Drexciya, the melodiousness of Artificial Intelligence-era Warp releases, and the spacey sound of vintage British intelligence techno, the album bristles with gentle acid lines, ambient chords, punchy rhythms and Motor City inspired melodies.
Microlith – Hello 307 [CPU00011001]
Spacey Detroit-inspired electro from new Maltese producer Microlith, aka Rhys Celeste. Certified braindance related Electro EP.
The Hipodrome Of Music 