Ron Morelli – Gabriela Mix #9
Gene Hughes aka Bluemoon Productions – Track Show (Volume One) [HM031]
HOTMIX Records re-issues Bluemoon Productions aka Gene Hughes “Track Show (Volume One)”. Formerly released on Code Blue Records in 1990.
Andu Simion – Slow Lights [Relic]
Romanian producer from Ploiești, Andu Simion released a new track on the Relic label from Perth, Australia. The release includes also a remix by Andu’s fellow from Ploiești, Bogdan Ardeleanu aka Ardb.
Cento – Photochrome [MISSYOU034]
With a mysteriously unknown release date, “Photochrome” could have been originally put out somewhere between the late 70’s to early 80’s on the Italian Idea label, which although only boasting a minuscule catalogue of mainly 7”s has gotten the attention of many collectors of European disco obscurities for releases such as “Flavio – Drum Explosion” and “Aleo’s Band – EOE”. “Photochrome” features a very organic sound with hints of early electronics that might have been making their way into studios at the time. A fast passed driving bass line layered with what almost sounds like an early 303 bass line and spacey/cosmic vocals. Dry drum recordings give it a naive DIY feel which coupled with the experimental tricks on the vocals results in a very unique sound that has put this release on the radars of diggers world-wide. Now available once again at an affordable price with a new two part bonus beats remix that starts off as a more DJ friendly tool but soon embarks into a questionable full-fledged acid house excursion.
OTTO – Wir Kommen [EW12004]
OTTO is back with a Maximal Super Sound Maxi 12″ on Eine Welt. The label, run by Alexander Arpeggio concludes this 12″ series with an obscure banger by the Berlin-based Organ Band OTTO. On the A-side: Obscure uptempo Italo Madness, bassline-heavy, and featuring dirty vocoder Ansagen. On the other A-side: a driving and full of surprises midtempo groover with mysterious german voodoo ritual chants.
Oliver Decrow – I’m Too Young To Die [CT175]
This long awaited debut album offers a cross-section of songs, previously performed live multiple times, where Oliver Decrow provides insights into his life and emotions, attempting to process experiences. Themes such as the suicide of a friend, self-doubt, grief, courage, love, fear, hope, the subconscious, letting go, escaping, and numerous emotional highs and lows are explored in his album.
The Spy – Halt and Hack EP [KRI008]
The Spy is on a mission for the 8th Kri release and it ends with a bang. Hhis signature sound keeps evolving by melting electro, EBM and wave into a hypnotising dystopian soundtrack. His Kri debut is named ‘Halt and Hack’ and it ranges from melancholic EBM-ish slow burners to mutated wave-meets-electro anthems, rounded with a nostalgic remix by the mighty Zement operator Kluentah.
Zsa Zsa “La Boum” – Tu Veux Ou Tu Veux Pas? [SMI-013]
A much needed release essential to any respectable New Beat record collection. The second and last single for the Zsa Zsa Laboum project, originally released in 1989, shortly after the prolific impact of ”Something Scary”, although a different formula, ”Tu Veux Ou Tu Veux Pas?” is deep in tune with the Belgian Acid aesthetic, but with a more industrial edge to it. Simplistic but effective use of vocals, streamlined to the basics of maximum club efficiency, dark and not trying to make friends – De Smet is here to sell records, and with much success at the time with his honed production experience from years in the studio. Own a very relevant piece of club history from a special time in rave culture. Topped off with a new remix by Anatolian Weapons.
Zsa Zsa “La Boum” – Something Scary [SMI-012]
“Something Scary” is probably one of the most representative examples of Belgian New Beat as the genre shifted to Hard Beat, by one of the key figures in the explosion of the early Belgian rave scene Rembert De Smet. Starting with the first few seconds of the track, the listener is presented with what could arguably be one of the most unforgettable New Beat acid bass lines to attack the human ear. Very much in your face, characteristic of a genre that emerges from studio experimentation during a time when Chicago Acid was establishing itself and already contaminating the UK. Although relatively simple in terms of production, the way De Smert employs all the elements at play is ingeniously effective, from the simple vocal sample placement to the bassline, propelling it timelessly throughout decades to follow as an iconic example of the Acid sound in Europe. Re-released with two new remixes by the masterful Anatolian Weapons.
Legowelt – Like A Song From Your Dream [LIES206]
Legowelt returns to L.I.E.S. Records with a new album full of ultra-RAW hypnagogic lo-fi electrofunk. Classic, murky, cold as ice Hague-style slammers from the king of Smack. These eight tracks go back to the essence of the Legowelt sound, cutting through the noise of modern dance music charlatans, taking them to school with his undeniable signature stamped all over this release. A dancefloor classic in the making.
Human Rebellion – Alien Radio [SCV12]
Human Rebellion premieres on Science Cult with an absolutely effective dance floor stormer. Four solid electro cuts dominate with an excellently crafted remix by The Exaltics.
Mascarpone – Chronology Of The Universe [NOCT009]
The 9th release on Nocturbulous Records. Mascarpone explores the darkest side of Electro, experimenting analog sounds just like in a scientist lab in the 1960’s. Features remixes by Arpatronic and CT Kidobó.
VA – Weaponized Fuel On The Acid Playa [KL-NR16]
Klakson drops another hot various artist EP with an ultra fresh team; Wachita China & DJ DISAPPOINTED, Driven By Attraction, Shcuro and Decent Damage & Shawn Cartier on duty. A heavy electro machine funk 4 tracker with serious weaponized fuel on your acid playa this summer.
Br. Beta / Kenneth.X / Dataintrång – DATAMAN EP [STILLEBEN080]
CEM3340 – Future Tribe EP [CRTSX012]
The Curtis Electronix saga follows up with new material from its head and curator CEM3340. Despite keeping its roots firmly into the deepest depths of electro, Future Tribe EP moves slightly away from his usual purism and across the four tracks manages to strike a careful balance between beauty and austerity, harmonizing elegance and restraint with the booming energy of techno and funk.
Ian Martin – Future Dawn [SHIP072]
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 – Collectio Vol. 7 [XRUST008]
The oldest Finnish electronic music organization (est. 1993) is back with another killer vinyl release. Once again they have put out a compilation of 12″ featuring fresh tracks from fresh Finnish talents Funktor, Arre, Doswon and Vapor. Music varies from tight electro tracks to acid house, certain to make every floor burn.
Trontsephore – Elephant EP [SCART01]
SCART records begins its journey with music from the mind of Trontsephore. Hailing from the wild side of Dublin, Trontsephore cites influences such as Skee Mask, Om Unit, and Al Wooton as inspiration, and his music is certainly crafted with the kind originality and quality those artists are known for. The Elephant EP exudes breakbeats of finesse and sonic electro experiments, as we journey deep into the realms of the subconscious. On the B-side, ‘Elephant’ is twisted into a heavy techno mammoth, with remix from the mysterious INVNTR.
Sound Synthesis – Cosmic Dance [EUDEMONIA017]
Sound Synthesis returns to eudemonia with another stellar acid-infused Electro EP. This time the Maltese delivers four wonderfully crafted tracks that send you to the outer space.
Legowelt – The Sad Life Of An Instagram DJ [SLVMNCR006]
Pioneering electronic artist Legowelt delivers a sonic masterpiece with his latest EP, “The Sad Life of an Instagram DJ”, released on Barcelona’s imprint Selvamancer. This 5-track release offers a captivating glimpse into how Legowelt’s ideal rave would sound, blending techno, acid, and electro elements into an immersive and fun sound journey full of trippy bangers. Each track on the EP is meticulously crafted to evoke euphoria, showcasing Legowelt’s unparalleled creativity. Like a tear rolling down a cheek in a moment of nostalgic introspection, only to spiral towards the dancefloor.The moment the tear hits the floor, together with the heavy kicks and smooth synth action, it launches your mind back into the ongoing rave.
The Hipodrome Of Music 