Curses returns to Wrong Era Records under the veil of Tutto Vetro, presenting the mechanical masterpiece ‘Trust The Beat’ in this fresh form. A master of cinematic body music, Tutto Vetro ignites the release with ‘Trust The Beat,’ a slamming and enigmatic proto cut. ‘Wild Things’ delves deeper into his talent for infectious melodies and commanding percussion. Features a remix by Fabrizio Mammarella.
Italian visionary Franz Scala returns to Slow Motion Records, with the infectious, ground-moving LP ‘Cafe Futuro’, a follow-up to his highly acclaimed debut’ Mondo Della Notte. A homage to the influential Neukolln bar and meeting point for Italo and Cosmic disco heads, Cafe Futuro is a testament to this special place, the soundtrack and its revered legacy.
Accompanied by the illustrious Furotica, Franz Scala unveils “New Look” another shimmering tribute to “Cafe Futuro,” infused with shared Italo sleaze and Scala’s signature melodics. His chest-thumping bass lines resonate alongside iridescent synth harmonies, delving deeper into the further reaches of his sound. The twilight-toned vocals and accompanying spoken words between Argentinian Furotica and Australian Pino D ́Angelo (Boots & Legs) dance with each other beautifully. Ultimately, it culminates in a thunderous dancefloor gem, embodying the Italian Dance Wave sound through Franz’s unique proto vignette and Furotica’s dazzling charm.
In anticipation of the highly awaited LP ‘Cafe Futuro,’ Franz Scala releases ‘Crush Test.’ This track features Charlie, Wrong Era’s own enigmatic electro icon. ‘Crush Test’ captivates listeners with Scala’s menacing bass arps and haunting whispers. Continuing their collaborative efforts, Scala and Charlie evoke the celebrated essence of the Neukölln melting pot, drawing a ballad on kindred memories and welcoming listeners into the atmosphere of before.
Imogen Recordings label head and Peti Kupe’s frontrunner, Antonio Zuza, joins Slow Motion’s ‘A UFO’ free edit series. Zuza reworks the enigmatic journey of Zdenka Kovacíček’s “Elektra,” infusing it with his crisp, disco flair. Capturing the energy of the original 1978 track, he incorporates dancefloor-friendly percussion that drives the arpeggiated melodies from this Yugoslavian disco gem, enhanced by sharp hi-hats and the snap of snares. Croatian native Antonio Zuza delivers a thoughtful reinterpretation of the original while carefully preserving its soulful essence.
Compiled by Label Head Fabrizio Mammarella, Wrong Era Vol.1 explores the label’s early spearhead releases, celebrating its seminal sound with 12 iconic tracks. The compilation includes remixes from fellow Slow Motion founder Franz Scala and originals from key players such as Curses, Ton Globiter and Aphonia who have helped shape the now unmistakable Wrong Era sound and sonic aesthetic.
Franz Scala, head of Slow Motion Records and Italo Pioneer, launches his Cafe Futuro LP with the new-beat, instant classic “Saxon Rebel”. Cafe Futuro, once the homebase meeting point for the true italo music soul of Neukölln now encapsules an album that is both forward thinking and filled with italian dance wave nostalgia that is the very proper will of Franz Scala. The single features striking vocals from Local Suicide and embodies Scala’s forward-thinking, proto-house nature. It includes both vocal and instrumental versions. With its refined flashes of the past combined with intense dancefloor energy, “Saxon Rebel” showcases the strengths of true IDW fashion.
Emerging from the Italian West Coast and the mind of Violet Poison, Diana Berti lands on Slow Motion Records with ‘Like A Pierrot In The Night,’ a record that traces their Proto-EBM silhouette and dives deeper into the murky depths. With sprinkles of chimes and the guttural force of affirming low ends, Berti pieces together a rich tapestry, casting an ethereal light on darker industrial tones.
Slow Motion affiliate Radondo returns to the “A UFO” free edit series with his high-octane rework of Mac Jr.’s “Elephant Song.” The vibrant energy of the original track is enhanced by Radondo’s signature percussive instrumentation and metallic flair. By sacrificing the original vocals, he creates a version that focuses more on the instrumental elements, capturing the captivating, energetic essence of the 1984 ZYX gem.
Brazilian artist Tjor returns to Wrong Era with his 5-track EP ‘Multiflex’. This release showcases his unique blend of brooding arrangements and hopeful, esoteric tones, highlighting his remarkable ability to continuously evolve sonically. Opening with a rich kick and harmonious pads, ‘Hyperdrive’ sets a robust tone and reinforces Tjor’s sonic charm. Swelling to an acidic echo of the purity of 1980s Chicago house, his innovative approach courses through the track.
From the debut album of cold wave/new wave acts of Konstant, La Nuit Je Mens and Oliver Decrow, to the electro art of veterans Anthony Rother, Dark Vektor, E.R.P. and Legowelt; from the roughness of Filmmaker, Gesloten Cirkel and Howard Thomas to the melodic synthscapes of Steve Moore; from the jacking house of Paranoid London and Timothy J. Fairplay to arpeggiated madness of Rodion & Fabrizio Mammarella, here are our favorite 20 albums from 2024, compiled in chronological order.
Continue reading “2024 Best albums”
Just in time for Christmas we present a 2024 retrospective with “musical gifts” discovered on bandcamp. The music here is shared for free download / pay-what you want from artists and label we admire.
Continue reading “2024 Giveaways”
llusive master reworker E.E. returns to Slow Motion’s ‘A UFO’ Free Edit series with his seductive blend of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Bobby O. The rework results in a full-power marriage of ‘Relax’ and ‘Pump It Up’ reminiscent of Paradise Garage and this unmistakably shimmering era. E.E. raises the tempo and cuts the majority of the vocals, keeping the thumping bass line and classic synth riffs as a focal point throughout. Staying true to the sound of 1985 and not messing with the delicate tones, he achieves a perfect balance, re-invigorating these hits and readying them for another round of dancefloor explosion.
Following her iconic and genre-defying EP ‘Spacewoman’, Charlie has joined forces with Italo heavyweight David Vunk and prolific label head Franz Scala for two remixes of her singles, “Let Go” and “Spacewoman.”
British producer Radondo makes a striking debut on Wrong Era with his EP, ‘Deluge’. His unique blend of influences, drawn from his time in the German Capital and inspirations within Italo Disco, creates a musical landscape that is both familiar and refreshing.
We start presenting our favorite tracks from 2024. More or less in a chronological order we present here the third set of tracks.
Karolina Bnv returns to Wrong Era with ‘Yet To Come’ an industrial-infused, masterful exploration deeper into her ever unfolding sound. The sophisticated follow-up to ‘Lessons On Good Behaviour’ further enrichens our experience of her world. Opening with ‘Unforgivable Decisions, ‘ an aptly named track that holds its own amongst the industrial greats. Shimmering mechanisms and pulsating arps intertwine, building to harmonic swells and a ghostly vocal from the captivating tones of Karina Jilaz. ‘Germany Calling’ opens Karolina’s new beat intrigue with focused arps circling beneath a commanding vocal loop chanting the track’s title. Soft acid lines flutter across the mix, perfectly sitting on either side of the punctual snare. ‘Context Abuse’ bursts open the second half of the EP with defined bass and the distinct clattering of rimshots. A powerful homage to the sound of Belgium with refreshing flair. Karolina Bnv’s sophisticated palette is in full force, with her unmistakably ear-pricking melodics and vocal lines. ‘Yet to Come’ closes with ‘1988’ an infectious Acid House anthem that weaves between New-Beat and Detroit House. Karolina Bnv brings her sophisticated sounds and undeniable strengths to Wrong Era once again, broadening her horizons with skillful taste.
Señor Chugger, a prolific Bristol-based producer and remixer, makes his debut on Wrong Era with an EP filled with his unique blend of euphoric synth lines and sophisticated, arcane themes. His music immerses listeners in a synth-ridden realm, offering a collection of instant classics. The EP, ‘Sunset On The A38’ , also includes remixes from Wrong Era Label heads Sesto Senso and fellow label affiliate Radondo.
In addition to Fabrizio Mammarella and Rodion’s momentous album’ Musica E Computer’, Rodion provides a shimmering remix of the driving instant classic ‘A Corrente Alternata’. He re-imagines the original with an esoteric proto edge, maintaining the defined low end and re-harmonising the melodics. Cleansing chords warm the mix and elevate this remix’s energetic yet ominous emotions, giving ‘A Corrente Alternata’ a refreshing electro twist.
The Hipodrome Of Music 