Ekman – Elixers [SHIP075]

April 30, 2025April 28, 2025 hipodromeacid, ekman, electro, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

After five years, Ekman returns to Shipwrec with ‘Elixers’. Throbs of bass and rasping snares shear a path for smoother tones in ‘Alruin Met Cranberry’. Injecting the ever-present sense of unease, a menacing melody stalks the constricting recesses as paranoia takes hold. These inner alcoves are further explored in the disturbing ‘Doornappel Met Peer’. Spectral synth-lines don a thin shimmering veil, warbling notes tremble while beats offer little relief in this unstable outing. Aquatic undercurrents introduce the flip, a sharp drum slicing through the burbling bass of ‘Codeine En Rozemarijn’. From this murky soup, a string ascends as Ekman toys with contrasting tones to produce a piece of acid dipped elegance. Shattered drums pierce the ambient fog of the finale. ‘Alsem Met Anijs blends’ intricate percussion with soulful strings to produce a hauntingly beautiful dreamscape to finish Ekman’s heady brew

2024 Best Tracks part 7 (of 10)

December 26, 2024January 9, 2025 hipodromealpha sect, andres, arp frique, best tracks 2024, black dot, deeptrax records, disctechno, dry feel, eric schwab, gt flips, ian martin, italo moderni, konstant, mainrecords, mark grusane, matthias schildger, oraculo records, orlando voorn, rush hour, shipwrec records, soil records, subject to restrictions discs, the perpetual singers8 Comments

We start presenting our favorite tracks from 2024. More or less in a chronological order we present here the seventh set of tracks.

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VA – Shipwrec Electro Sampler 2 [SHIP074]

August 21, 2024August 21, 2024 hipodromeelectro, fleck esc, ian martin, konerytmi, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

Volume Two in the Electro Sampler Series of Nijmegen’s finest Shipwrec. The genre bending Ian Martin opens with the frigid funk of “Metaphysical Travellers.” Stripped back, the track is bare in terms of its elements. Despite such meagre ingredients, Martin concocts an engaging and rich work of darkened grooves and sinister undercurrents. o-0._.0-o is the playful pseudonym of acid freetekno enthusiast Owen. His contribution, “Acidrobotik”, releases a free and wandering 303 lines that forges a bubbling path through crisp percussion. The flip brings an artist better known for his work in techno. Cliche Morph delves into the clinical side of his palette and emerges with the stunning “Placebo.” Balancing alienated and arctic blasts with a thawing warmth, the outcome is pure classic electro. A rising star of machine music follows, Fleck E.S.C. A dirty bassline is further sullied by layers of gritty distortion and glitched vocals in this re-wired work of ghetto. A legend of electronics closes, Kirill Junolainen. Under his lauded Konerytmi moniker, this synthesiser shapeshifter delivers “Kuva Alkio.” Stuttering bass and tight drums are the foundation from which sci-fi inspirations take hold, sailing strings tethered by a terse snare as SES2 is brought to a triumphal close.

Ian Martin – Future Dawn [SHIP072]

May 16, 2024May 16, 2024 hipodromeelectro, ian martin, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

Ian Martin arrives on Shipwrec with four tracks that make up Future Dawn. Cosmic Garden opens. A piece that blurs genre lines; soft synth-lines are coupled with ruffled rhythms that immerse the listener in gentle orchestral ebbs and flows. Sounds of isolation introduce Future Dawn, modulations reaching over an ever-widening expanse before strings descend. Drums arrive late in this atmospheric journey, one that pulses with a primal energy while conjuring vivid images. The ominously titled Dead Calm opens the flip. Soundtracks have always been an inspiration for Martin and the scores of the silver screen are at the forefront of this work. Brittle beat patterns are the bedrock on which melodies whirl – a bitter acid bass bubbling as tension builds to paranoic peaks. Darker skies loom with the marine chop of Phantom Machine finishing. A flotsam and jetsam of hi hats swirl in the liquid undulations of distorted bass and aquatic echoes, rougher rusted rhythms providing ballast to the eddies and maelstrom of Martin’s machines.

VA – Shipwrec Electro Sampler 1 [SHIP071]

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023 hipodromealpha visitor, andrew red hand, compilation, electro, endfest, jauzas the shining, manasyt, serge geyzel, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

Electro is fundamentally modern. The coldness of the machine laid bare, a human attempt to express through circuits and wiring. Despite adhering to specific codes and norms, it is a sound that refuses to be pigeonholed. It is with this in mind that Shipwrec has collected a wealth of international talent to showcase their own vision of this bracing style. Serge Geyzel incises from the needle drop, the acid blistered “Still There” is sliced and quartered by scissoring snares. Endfest changes the trajectory with the modular warmth of “La Chouffe” before the lines change and Manasyt delivers the darkened angles and punishing percussion of “Row Hammer.” Andrew Red Hand maintains the shadowy synthlines of his predecessor, industrial undertones bubbling to the surface in distortion-soaked aggression. The mood shifts with Alpha Visitor. Crystalline chords are punctured by crisp drum patterns, stabbing keys and broad arcs unveil a world of sci-fi inspirations. The finale comes from Jauzas the Shining. Broad sweeps introduce “Shemale” before dripping drums are countered by samples and icy blasts. Modern machine music from six masters.

DMX Krew – Tree in Space [SHIP070]

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 hipodromedmx krew, ed dmx, edward upton, electro, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

Ed Upton is back to Shipwrec for his sixth release with the label. The British musician has crafted icy electro, thoughtful electronica and textured techno and ‘Tree in Space’ is a combination of these styles. Blending a spread of sounds, acid, braindance and techno, DMX Krew serves up something truly special. Brooding notes are met by cracked percussion and simmering 303 squawk in a track that pursues its own path. An EP from a musician that continues to stretch boundaries and imaginations.

Umwelt – Collapsar [SHIP069]

May 27, 2023May 26, 2023 hipodromeacid, electro, shipwrec records, umweltLeave a comment

Umwelt knows his craft. From no-nonsense acid-drenched electro assaults to more thought-provoking works, the Frenchman can shred speakers as well as soothe souls. The two sides of the New Flesh boss’ sound combine as he returns to Shipwrec with the five tracks of “Collapsar”.

Alpha Visitor – Ciudad Fantasma [SHIP068]

December 15, 2022December 14, 2022 hipodromealpha visitor, electro, ivan zapico, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

A new entity has made musical contact with Shipwrec. Alpha Vistor. The newly minted moniker of musician and sound designer Ivan Zapico, this four tracker debut is steeped in the traditions of electro. In the ghostly “Ciudad Fantasma” threats lurk in the murky shadows of basslines and beats, an unsettling atmosphere of menace penetrating speakers from the outset. Clinical percussion and an overarching unease introduce “20202020.” Dark undercurrents of melody brood below shimmering glass chords in this foreboding work. The flip comes to life with “Malos Tiempos para la Guerra,” an ominous prescience coming to bear in the track title. A hi-hat haze is broken by sweetened strings, a kick drum maintaining the intensity. When a snare arrives, it is accompanied by greasy acid basslines; brightness countered with shadow. The final encounter comes with “Templo de Cova.” A soaked beat surfaces amid stabbing sythlines and twilight tones that break to triumphal highs, a reflective culmination to this ruminative record.

Galaxian – We Are Power LP [SHIPLP09/DOWN6]

June 5, 2022June 3, 2022 hipodromeabstract, album, electro, experimental, foul-up, galaxian, mark kastner, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

“We Are Power”, Galaxian’s first album in over a decade, cuts a new path. On this Foul-Up and Shipwrec joint release, Mark Kastner presents a rumination on the confrontation and power clash between humankind, nature, the spiritual and mechanistic industrial growth societies. What is authentic power? What is granted power? What is innate natural power? How is power accessed, wielded, utilised, felt? On this album the blistering beats and razor-edged rhythms that characterise the Glaswegian’s productions have been softened, the menace melted, the angst soothed (well almost.) Across eleven tracks, distinct audio vistas are surveyed. This album is unmistakable Galaxian, it marks a high-point and brings with it a culmination of intense expression.

Caron – Shattered [SHIP067]

March 12, 2021March 11, 2021 hipodromeacid, caron, electro, industrial, marcel caron, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

CARON - Shattered

Caron debuts on Shipwrec with a four tracker of sheer quality. Off-kilter percussion introduces the breathy pads and grandeur of “Ancestry,” a piece of dreamy chords and acid undertones. The haunting “Common Sense” follows. Drums stagger next spectral vocals in this chilling electro piece. A similar stalking note continues on the flip with the 303 soaked “Lost.” A steady kick offers a bedrock from which looming keys, bitter squawk and dancefloor paranoia take hold. Hopeful shades arrive with the brilliance of “Ruins.” From industrial percussion and metallic rinses, a deep and intricate finale forms to bring “Shattered” to a terrific close.

Ekman – Kronkel [SHIP066]

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 hipodromeekman, electro, roel dijcks, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

Ekman is no stranger to Shipwrec. With three EPs and an album, the dutchman’s brand of fire and brimstone has seared a serious impression on the Nijmegen imprint. The fourth 12″ comes with a marked difference. That burning smouldering intensity that has characterised the acid soaked electro and stained techno of past records is present, however it is now sheathed. Beats are still sharp edged, as in “Verdraaide Logica”, yet keys have softened and taken on an introspection. “Kronkel” is cast in a similar mould. From a fearsome kick blooms an incredibly layered and thoughtful track where melodies bob and weave while rhythms rail. Even amidst the sinister sidling synthlines of “Anker Punten”, with its piercing and punishing percussion, there are understated pads to mellow. The glass and steel of “Vast/Los” ends the EP. Angular lines permeate the piece, reflection and refractions arc and bend in this science fiction finale. Depth mixed devilment from start to finish.

Versalife – Vortices EP [SHIP057]

October 22, 2018November 8, 2022 hipodromeboris bunnik, conforce, electro, shipwrec records, versalifeLeave a comment

Boris Bunnik is no stranger here at Shipwrec, having graced the label with some beautifully deep and textured music under his Conforce, Hexagon and Versalife monikers. It is to his Versalife guise that the Rotterdam based producer returns, this time for a quartet of works in the shape of Vortices. A spectrum of musical radiance from a modern day master.

Noamm – Psychoanalysis EP [SHIP062]

October 2, 2018December 14, 2022 hipodromeelectro, noamm, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

Noamm is the electronic equivalent of a honed switchblade. With surgical precision the Bass Agenda alumnus incises keys, cuts chords, pierces percussion and razors through rhythms. It is this slicing sound that the Greek artist brings to his debut 12″ for Shipwrec. Seven tracks of machined melodies and frigid fire make up Psychoanalysis. The EP is brimming with calculated fury and clinical rage. From the coursing cruelty of “Ruhestimmung” and the menacing “Dance Macabre” to the future world coldness of “Das Schwarze Korps”, Noamm is direct and straight to the point with his hard hitting style and no-nonsense approach. Few respites are to be found on this 12″, “Into The Abyss Of Changing Subconsious” being the only refuge from the arctic winds and audio blasts that scour this record. Frosted ferocity from start to finish from this exciting musician.

Plant43 – From Deep Streams [SHIPLP07]

June 24, 2018May 3, 2021 hipodromealbum, ambient, electro, emile facey, experimental, plant43, shipwrec recordsLeave a comment

Emile Facey (Plant43) has been at the forefront of electronic for more than twelve years. During that time the British producer has released on a host of seminal labels, expanding his style and sound in new directions. Although Plant43 is typically classified as a purveyor of electro, behind those driving rhythms and steely percussion a tenderness has always been present, an emotion expressed in lilting melodies and complex harmonies. It is these melodies and harmonies that come into focus on Plant43’s debut ambient album. On “From Deep Streams” is a rich and textured tapestry of synth work, a soundtrack that organically unfurls from nightime woodland walks and city stargazing to mindful solitude. The eight tracks offer the listener a calming journey into stillness, an excursion through gentle audio currents and a moment to pause and take in an inspiring vista of sound. Recorded over the space of 3 months, this album gives the quiet, the subtle and the sometimes underappreciated centre stage whilst casting light on yet another side of Emile Facey’s ever-evolving music.

Posthuman – The Damocles Syndicate [SHIP056]

April 4, 2018April 3, 2018 hipodromeacid, electro, josh doherty, posthuman, richard bevan, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

Two miscreants of UK electronics have been drafted in by Shipwrec for a 12″ of techno debauchery. Richard Bevan and Joshu Doherty, aka Posthuman, have been addicted to acid from their first contact with the caustic and cruel chords of the TB303. Since then the two cousins have gone on to curate 10 years of I Love Acid as well as doling out some toxic classics of their own. The duo deliver the soured goods once again, starting the audio anarchy with the ominously titled “Netflix and Kill”. Drum patterns are gnarled and nasty in this slow burning jacker where basslines boil over into a thick syrup of late night revelry. The flip is taken over by the bullying sounds of “The Damocles Syndicate.” The track rumbles with venomous menace. Coils of 303 spite bulge and contract under the strict resolve of a stern beat in this ready made floor filler.

Ekman – Primus Motor [SHIPLP08]

January 28, 2018January 26, 2018 hipodromealbum, ekman, electro, roel dijcks, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

“Primus Motor” sees Ekman return to many of the sounds that gained him a reputation as an artist on labels like Bunker and Berceuse Heroique. Although harsh bucking acid lines, pockmarked notes, brutal beats and eerie echo are all present, a new tone has been added to the caustic palette. A psychological nuance, an undercurrent of the inchoate has been investigated and exploited to chilling effect. Crippling psychoses. Debilitating neuroses. Physical pain. Suffering stalks this first full vinyl album. Sinister sounds encircle the eight offerings, hovering like vultures over inhospitable plains of ashen grey, jagged peaks and dark sweeping swamps. Hope is all but drawn away in this bleached audio landscape, drained by sheer synthlines and reduced renderings. Amidst the sorrow and strain there are pin pricks of joy, albeit bleak and pallid ones. An album that unnerves as it engages, a collection of icy radiance and industrial indifference from a dutch master.

Umwelt – Encoding the Future [SHIP053]

November 20, 2017November 19, 2017 hipodromeelectro, shipwrec records, techno, umweltLeave a comment

Umwelt returns to Shipwrec for his third 12″ on the dutch label in as many years. Encoding the Future sees the French pioneer deliver five tracks of on point electronics. Umwelt is known for his trademark sound of piercing percussion, serrating synthlines and industrial strength bass. These elements are all present on this latest EP but have been carved back to allow strings to soar and pads to resonate. New plains are explored. Frigid elegance is juxtaposed by coarse chords, deep basslines countered by lilting lines. Encoding the Future opens a new chapter for the Lyons based producer as he dives into new textures and tones whilst remaining tethered to his cold electro roots.

Drvg Cvltvre – Presents H-World: Recolonization [SHIP0521]

October 31, 2017October 30, 2017 hipodromedrvg cvltvre, electro, h-world, shipwrec records, techno, vincent koremanLeave a comment

1997. ‘Drexciya don’t have no phone. They’re too busy to do your remix’. Mad Mike’s response was short and to the point, enough to put off some; but not Vincent Koreman. Addicted from an early age, the dutch producer dug deeper and deeper into the mythology and mystery of James Stinson and Gerald Donald. The sounds, images and ideas conjured up by the Detroit electro duo pulled Koreman in, his “fascination” growing ever more “intense” as the underwater dwellers sonically prospered. Fast forward twenty years and that fascination has not diluted one drop, in fact the aquatic dream of the wavejumpers is the inspiration for “Recolonization”. These tracks “would have never had existed,” says Koreman, “if it wasn’t for Stinson and Donald creating that great, energetic, abstract electronic music and coupled it with an original vision on the African diaspora, art and culture.” This music is an homage to the enigma of Drexciya, a tribute to the machine marine men who pioneered electro and a vision. Drvg Cvltvre continues that vision, one of “an underwater race” that has reconquered Earth, overcoming “big business, corporate greed and water pollution” to reclaim the surface from man. Forget mankind. Our time is over, ‘Recolonization’ is here.

Quadratschulz – WW303 [SHIPLP006]

October 20, 2017October 19, 2017 hipodromealbum, electro, quadratschulz, shipwrec records, wolfgangschaltungLeave a comment

Quadratschulz delivers his debut album “WW303”. Ten tracks make up this vision, a vision of lazers, pulsing neon and gleaming chrome. Arcade game memories. Curls of acid. Electrofunk vocals. Synth wave chic. And even some past greats. All are lovingly folded together in this rich and diverse collection. Styles are juxtaposed. 303 bars throb and strings soar in the lilting “Der rasende Roland” whereas “Robotic Dancer” struts to a future-world funk. Quadratschulz sculpts his sound with a wonderfully warm and autumnal quality, as in the cascading synth showers of “Ferrofluid.” Yet there are colder moments, the frigid flows of “Kran” sprouting into the chilly house tones of “Piloten.” a Tribute to the groundbreaking LFO is also included. Bleep festooned chicanery is the offering as “Ring The Bell” takes you back to the infamous warehouse parties of 90s Britain.

DMX Krew – Generic Wizard [SHIP050]

September 28, 2017December 14, 2022 hipodromeacid, dmx krew, ed dmx, edward upton, electro, shipwrec records, technoLeave a comment

Shipwrec is 50 releases old. No mean feat and to celebrate the dutch label is returning to one of its stalwarts, Ed Upton aka DMX Krew. For this very special 12″ the veteran audio alchemist conjures up five tracks of machine music magic. Squirming, acid soaked electro forms and melts in “Bush Baby Bug Eyes” before the shapeshifting “EQShift Trak.” “Language Reponse” goes up a gear, rhythms zipping along on a highway of bright bars as synth lines beam warmth. The flip skids into the corners for the chiptune freshness of “Irrational Momentum” before the wave funk wizardry of the title piece. Ed Upton cracking open the champagne for this Shipwrec milestone and once again proving his undeniable prowess behind the machines.