Experienced Dutch producer Tom Ruijg rightly won praise for his first 12” as Tracey, Skyfall, which surfaced on Voyage Direct in early 2017. Combining elements seemingly inspired by vintage Detroit futurism, ‘90s ambient techno and his own love of colourful synthesizer melodies, the EP saw Tracey set out his stall in impressive fashion.
Some things are just too good to be hidden from view. That’s certainly the case with Things To Think About, the first album from Dutch electronic music legend Steve Rachmad’s lesser-known Sterac Electronics project. It’s a while, though, since the public has been treated to a heavy dose of Sterac Electronics material. He first established the alias at the turn of the millennium, primarily as an outlet for hardware-driven electro music shot through with funk and soul. Recently, Rachmad and Tom Trago decided to revisit the Sterac Electronics archive, discovering a killer collection of cuts created at different points over the course of the last 15 years. Now 9 of those spellbinding hardware jams have been gathered together for the first time on Things To Think About, a warm, rich and evocative collection of electro-fuelled workouts that giddily pay tribute to the music of Rachmad’s youth.
Another side of Steve Rachmad. Preceeds and album of archive tracks that shows the far reaching talents of this master producer. Some things are just too good to be hidden from view. That’s certainly the case with ‘Things To Think About’, the first album from Dutch electronic music legend Steve Rachmad’s lesser-known Sterac Electronics project.
Amongst those on the Amsterdam club scene, Tom Ruijg is highly regarded as a DJ and producer. “Skyfall” is his first 12” for Voyage Direct, following a fine contribution to the First Mission compilation back in 2015. More pertinently, the EP marks the first time he’s used the Tracey moniker for a release. Perfect balance between head-in-the-clouds melodiousness – delivered via cascading, new age influenced synthesiser motifs, starry electronics and crystalline lead lines – and serious dancefloor grunt.
As part of the label’s mission to champion Dutch talent, Voyage Direct has always promoted new, up and coming, and little-known producers. Here the debut 12” from a mysterious young producer known only as Darling.
Tom Trago’s Voyage Direct label returns to action with a brand new 12” from Amsterdam scene stalwart Simon Weiss. The gloriously positive ‘Tele-Vision’, and it’s cyber-house fusion of darting synthesizer arpeggios, Detroit-influenced percussion, and thrusting acid bass – that heads up Weiss’ first EP for Voyage Direct. Dutch veteran and longtime friend of the family Dexter turns in a stunning remix, putting a well-placed boot up the backside of Tele-Vision.
The label say: ‘Its rare to hear a debut 12 single that really blows you away. Thats hardly a controversial statement; in truth, most producers take time to find their feet, developing a distinct style over a period of years, rather than months. Magnesii, then, is something special. Currently based in Amsterdam. The previously unheard of producer has delivered a stunning debut 12 for Tom Tragos Voyage Direct label. Raw, fuzzy and in turns melancholic, spellbinding and intense, its three tracks bubble and hiss to the distinct sound of vintage analogue hardware.’
Voyage Direct label turns to a man who needs little introduction: Dutch legend and man of many pseudonyms Danny Wolfers aka Legowelt. For this first outing on Voyage Direct, Wolfers resurrects the House of Jezebel alias and delivers two tracks of synth-laden analogue house goodness. “Back In Dogtown USA” sets the tone, as Wolfers layers rising chords, darting electronics and wide-eyed synthesizer melodies over a clattering analogue house groove. Wolfers’ ups the tempo dramatically on “I Took A Train In 1979”, transplanting us to the far reaches of our galaxy via jackin’ techno drums, picturesque organ melodies, drifting chords and intoxicating pads. There are echoes of classic Detroit techno, surging Rotterdam electro and vintage cosmic disco, yet it doesn’t really sound like any of these things.
Tom Trago’s Voyage Direct series brings us another Amsterdam based talent. This time its the debut release of Interstellar Funk, who delivers the haunting and sleazy “House Train” which is backed up with a Makam remix. With its raw drums and deep bassline “House Train” sounds like an 80’s Chicago production, however the vocals give the track an unique timeless character and make you want to listen to the track over and over again. Oddly addictive. On the flip, Makam adds an extra drive to the track with its forward drums and synth lines.
Two hot new tracks from Steven De Peven aka Awanto 3 with a beauty of an Aardvarck remix. ‘Holy Mozes’ builds on a positively funky 80’s beat that reminds somewhat of Prince’s danciest grooves. The long, loopy synth stabs that Awanto 3 adds give away his history with Rednose Distrikt, as this sound was one of their trademarks. It also gives the track its dusty funk as it rolls into the quirky cross-over swinger it becomes.
William Kouam Djoko’s debut on Hursh Hour Voyage Direct. With this new release by the The Hague native, the label continues to release Dutch only artists. William delivers some late night house goodies here. The title track is a pulsating and hypnotic track that leads with a repetitive ‘We Are Your Brothers & Sisters’ vocal before diving into an epic organ and drum break. ‘Enforce YS’ is a deeper, warmer synth track that really gets under your skin after a few listens.
Next up on Tom Trago’s Voyage Direct series is Maxi Mill, a young producer from Amsterdam. ‘To The Next’ / ‘Sun Rays’ is his debut release and showcases his love for raw, dirty and syncopated house music.
‘Voyage Direct’ series presents two mid-tempo heaters from Rednose Distrikt aka Steven De Peven. ‘Get That BeeDeeBee’ is discofied-house music is the stringest Rush Hour tradition, elegant yet dirty, sensuous and hypnotic ‘Dam-style beatdown. ‘I Am Cumming’ pushes up the tempo on the flip, teasing up warmest filtered disco vibes and Detroit-debted soul chords.
The voyage continues. With this Out Takes release Tom Trago delivers two new dance floor tracks that were created during his Voyage Direct project.
The Hipodrome Of Music 