Tracklisting
A1 Ctrls - Ectomagnetic
A2 Ctrls - Injection Shuffle
B1 Ctrls - Subsumed TM1
B2 Ctrls - Nanocaust

Sales Note
Hailing from Denmark, CTRLS takes the steering wheel for KEY042, delivering an EP that embodies techno and raw industrial energy, marking his third appearance on the label.
The A-side begins 'ectomagnetic', a highly rhythmical track building through layers into a dreamy chord progression thats traddles the line between eyes-closed fantasia and full-body pump. In the midst of it all, the bassline drags our attention as its earthy, round essence stands out from the metallic universe created around it. A2 'injection shuffle' is a heavy hitter, characterized by distorted, ringing textures and old-school methodology, boasting menacing drum programming thatsolidifies its status as a peak-time big room monster. Continuingon the B, 'subsumed' offers another mystical journey blending body music with spaced-out melodies, all stamped with CTRLS's unmistakable touch. A sort of sci-fi tension, eerily drawing listeners into its other worldly atmosphere. Closing with 'nanocaust', the EP dives into intense atmospheres led by a broken beat bone and cavernous soundscapes - once again - presenting a general sound which will make you feel a different kind of energy.
Strong package of densely populated sonic environments, all inline with the sound of KEY.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Ctrls - You Win
A2 Ctrls - The Wash
A3 Ctrls - NP Soup
B1 Late Night Approach - L Ultimo Ritmo (Ctrls remix)
B2 Ben Pest - Strict Saws (Ctrls remix)

Sales Note
Ctrls lands on Mechatronica, and fiercely mutates forward-thinking electro with machinist bass music into a cold-blooded and carefully programmed record, for the mind and for the floor.

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Micron Audio opens its doors to an external artist for the first time, welcoming in Ctrls with a crucial new EP entitled Your Data. Across four tracks, the Danish producer unravels a dark and funky electro core, taking inspiration from the rapidly intertwining codependence between technology and society. As digital twins, metaverses or humanoid robots lodge themselves deeper into our surroundings, Ctrls unpicks the deepening complexity brought on by our pervasive digital lives. Encouraged by Micron Audio boss Stingray to delve into the darker productions as a means of exploring a contemporary electro sound, Ctrls fixes a hypnotic heft with fresh industrial sound design, never resting as he navigates contorting track structures and twisting tones. The digital hum rages, as brain neurons fire from information overload, with a tsunami feeling and emotions in tow. Remarkable is the combination of pounding rhythm, hauled in by a magnetic motion, with tones of digital disintegration, all flux and shift. This electro sound is a far cry from a clone of the genre's forebearers - no retro-specificity. Instead, Ctrls delivers a timely dose of accelerated culture - The Future is Now.

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CTRLS takes a hard line of attack on the groove, lashing dissonant layers of analog machine funk over brute force percussion. KEY Vinyl is Freddy K's most recent contribution to the techno community - an imprint founded in 2009 that stands for tradition as well as progress. This year's relaunch of the vinyl-only platform signals Armeni's return to the fore of techno advocacy, releasing the bruising brand of techno that fuels Freddy K's colossal DJ sets.

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Following last year's Two Worlds EP, Nonuser takes Ctrls club focused sound to new heights, delivering rolling percussion alongside twisting, distorted leads and thundering bass lines.

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Ctrls delivers three high grade, heavy hitting sessions of unrelenting techno you won't find anywhere else.


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We know the storm caused by Ctrls' last record ('Movements EP' came out in February) hasn't quite calmed down yet, but we just couldn't hold this one back.




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Mechanical rhythms, whip-crack electronic riffs, insistent robot vocals: Ctrls proved to master these sounds very well on his past EP's and he only seems to perfect his skills on this 4th instalment. Conventional? Never. Powerful? Always.





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(sleeparchive remixes) After 2 ep's, 1 remix, 1 track licensed to Norman Nodge's Ostgut compilation, support from Blawan, Luke Slater, Marcel Dettmann, Untold & others, gigs at Fabric, Berghain and other clubs across Europe, Ctrls delivers his 3rd EP



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Early support by Blawan. After Ctrls' outstanding & critically acclaimed debut ep in April, the Danish Token resident is now back with 4 new cuts. Pure machine funk.


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After releases by Phase & Xhin, which left the techno scene with a pair of extra holes, Token now introduces its third release for 2012.
We introduce a new name: Ctrls, from Copenhagen, Denmark. A new name, but not a new artist. Troels B-Knudsen is an ex drum & bass head and earned his producer stripes throughout the years. He slowly made his transition to techno and last year him & long time friend Lasse Buhl formed Northern Structures. To great acclaim, they released their first 2 EP's on Adam X's legendary Sonic Groove label. 2012 sees the start of a new chapter, his solo project: Ctrls. His debut for Token is called 'Interface EP' and holds 3 powerful pieces in Ctrls' own style: hard edged, stripped down, metallic sounds, detailed drum programming and a mean low end. With this first EP and a follow up in the works, we're excited to add Ctrls to the Token roster.
Take notice.

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For his next Token EP, Kr!z delivers squelchy synth sequences over robust kicks, reinforcing his no-nonsense approach to club music. Classic in its conception yet psychotic in effect, Ipso Facto is a record built for powerful sound systems during thenight's most delirious moments.

First impressions are important; the Belgian producer has never been one to waste time, and this record is no exception. What you hear is what you get-an anxiously slithering synth line makes his intentions clear in Defeat the Purpose, driving people to the dancefloor. Dry drum machine work thunders throughout, locking in the Token style with precision. Moving into the next track, 'Chrome Dust' focuses more on the tonal side of things and its irresistible groovemakes it an instant ear catcher. Playful rides and snares shape the progression, with Kr!z swapping percussion elements to keep the movement lively.
The title track is a true hip swinger on the B1 as he reaches in the low end of the synth sequence to establish a very compelling rhythm. Everything in its right place, and not a hair more, the percussion transitions are reminiscent of his 4 channel DJ sets, the energy always being on the move. Equilibrium closes the EP with high energy, opening up filters over a reliably bouncy rhythm. Years of experience behind the decks can be very instructive for a perceptive producer, and Kr!z proves us just that in this track and in the whole EP.



Tracklist

A1. Kr!z - Defeat The Purpose
A2. Kr!z - Chrome Dust

B1. Kr!z - Ipso Facto
B2. Kr!z - Equilibrium



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Tracklist
A1. Border One - Strange Attractor
A2. Border One - Astral Plane
B1. Border One - Time Dilation
B2. Border One - Fractal

Border One's fourth contribution to Token Records is an ode to the cosmic, an ever-present theme in the Belgian's acclaimed career. 'Strange Attractor' takes techno and applies Border One's bubbly modular sound glossing over thick drums, weaving through sound design destined for sophisticated sets on worthy sound systems. Calm and collected, he offers yet again his attention to detail and devotion to effect.

As an introduction, 'Strange Attractor' presents a gripping story. Displaying sustained tension, he takes his time to reveal his channels. Forcing the listener to settle in and anticipate, the elements diverge and converge over the space of six minutes, shifting groove throughout. A return to calm, slightly uneasy control helps us arrive at an influx in energy for the rest of the project. Moving along to 'Astral Plane', we are introduced to more extroverted sequences. Boomy through fluctuating synth lines and stomping claps, the seasoned producer uses the size of his design in the low end to justify a more erratic arrangement. Spread noise in the background interweaves with confronting synth work, making 'Astral Plane' impressive in weight without losing the intricate quality that its producer is known for. Opening the dimension of the project through far spread elements, 'Time Dilation' creates linear focus with a cloudy entourage. An always club efficient throbbing main synth persists through an exciting structure, highly resonant transitions whip through drum machine patterns, making the third track on the record nothing if not a nail biter. The shuffle of the hi hats does nothing to slow down the energetic peak of the EP; we find Border One confidently in control of layered machinery. Drawing the project to a close, 'Fractal' blinks through persistent tension. Linear rides and drones open and close with each transition, making for a bent atmosphere of intrigue. With a sturdy rhythm dotting along from start to finish, the tonality of Fractal makes it the perfect final bow to grasp Border One's intentions and the universe he puts his work in.



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Tracklist
A1. Nørbak - Flauta
A2. Nørbak - Despida

B1. Nørbak - Golpe
B2. Nørbak - Camarada


A natural fit for the Token label and now a regular contributor, Nørbak presents his new release 'Flauta' on the Belgian imprint. Keeping things driving and dense, his productions boast a raw intensity, continuing to describe spacious rooms with roaring atmospheres.

The title track serves as a firm introduction to the project; 'Flauta' is a typical Nørbak A1. Claps on the kick, thick sound design on all levels, and tribal percussion make for an imposing first track. Finding groove in the chaos is never difficult for the Portuguese artist, his seamless blend of functional and mental techno make for quite a recognizable sound with reliable effect. On the other hand, his followup 'Despida' sharpens the tone and focuses its elements. Proving he can do just as much damage with a more minimal approach, Nørbak drops the claps for shakers and whips up a distorted stab as the main driver of the track. Despite the versatility of his records, there is something very homogenous about the tonality of his drums and synths - they seem electric, and 'Despida' truly nails that aesthetic. Moving on to the B side, we have yet another facade of the project. While 'Golpe' has a classic foundation, Nørbak's flamboyant sound design guides the track's arrangement, making anything but a loop. The record's structure makes for clear accents that insist on a pulsating atmosphere. This moves perfectly into the EP's conclusion. 'Camarada' resembles more 'Despida' in the minimal construction, retaining a lot of the squelching lead textures. Mastering the question/answer style of techno, Nørbak is able to capitalize on the tonality of his sonic experiments to create swing on the dance floor. Obscure, quick, and elusive, Nørbak wraps up 'Flauta' with restraint and efficiency.





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Tracklist
A1. Kr!z - Angels Landing
A2. Kr!z - Medusa

B1. Kr!z - Oblivion
B2. Kr!z - Ninth Circle


(early support by Luke Slater, Ben UFO, Marron & Border One) In the wake of a string of record releases, Token's curator returns to his label with 'Angels Landing' highlighting his mission statement. 4 delirious & dissonant techno cuts from the Belgian artist have proven to be a stylistic favorite in both his productions and his DJ sets. With a wink to older production techniques, Kr!z keeps this contribution to Token fresh and efficient while reaffirming the historic label's sonic identity.

In the wake of a string of record releases, Token's curator returns to his label with 'Angels Landing' to highlight his mission statement. Four cuts of delirious and dissonant techno from the Belgian artist have proven to be a stylistic favorite in both his productions and his DJ sets. With a wink to older production techniques, Kr!z keeps this contribution to Token fresh and efficient while reaffirming the historic label's sonic identity.

While using a steady bassline for his tracks, Kr!z ups the ante with a Detroit-style pad that floats around the rest of the record for the 'Angels Landing' title track. By opening and closing hihats, rolling the claps all along, and pitching his rides, he creates tension by fully utilizing his drum machine.The synth stabs and overall pace make for a modern twist, however; it's applicable music for layered sets that the Token boss has been known for performing over the years. This dance-ready, nostalgic-nudging kind of techno is spread throughout the entirety of the EP, but is most transparent on the B1 'Oblivion'. Key stab sequences have been iconic in the scene for some time, but it's Kr!z's persistence and minimalism that renders this track so exciting. Opening and shutting filters, sliding portamento, and pushing the release, the seasoned artist manifests tension through minimal elements and relies on his transitions to keep up the pace. Usually juggling between rounder and sharper sound design, 'Medusa' boasts both; Kr!z's electric lead bites a low- swaying synth line. Destined for peak use, complete with white noise transitions and open rides, Kr!z combines the sound of a club at its climax with his almost psychotic low-mid arpeggio to createone of his most hypnotic tracks to date. 'Ninth Circle', on the other hand, dials it back as the last track. More keys, yet obscure in intention and effect, the closer creates a question mark at the end of the EP with big transitions and a groovy use of toms. Cementing himself as a game player in production as much as in DJing, Kr!z's 'Angels Landing' continues his search in eerie sounds and expressive drums to add to his label's catalog of savant club music.





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Tracklist

A1. Singular Anomalies - Partenope
A2. Ketch - Whispers

B1. Justyn Nell - Amaranth
B2. DHÆÜR - Sculpting The Mind

C1. Maasym - Intermediate Direction
C2. Ray Kajioka - Black Hole

D1. Kameliia - Point Of View
D2. Kashpitzky & Casual Treatment - Diffusion

With eight fresh tracks for the modern dance floor, Token writes another chapter of the Fuga series. Challenging new faces to complete the label's sound, Fuga V is another focused compilation that balances spatial detail and rhythmic bite.

Bubbly yet cosmic synth work opens the VA convincingly, a record for true Token fans. Dissonance, delay, slithering pads, and the occasional thundering 909 clap make 'Partenope' by Singular Anomalies an obvious choice as an opening, retaining the label's original sound with a nice twist. With Singular Anomalies staying light on rhythm, Ketchquickly turns up the intensity with his contribution 'Whispers'. Plowing through the ambiance with a heavy kick, the producer lines up a track of percussive melodic harmony with a moody groove. The followup by Justyn Nell, 'Amaranth' employs a classic, distorted bassline that runs persistently throughout the track with playful 909 work for the drums. A full force club controller now passed, the followup by DHÆÜR delves back into vast open spaces for a close-eyed, mental experience. 'Sculpting the Mind', appropriately named, breathes through with opening and closing background textures along a loopy lead. The introspective quality of this track is continued by Maasym, who takes things in an almost tribal direction with hypnotic wooden textures. 'Intermediate Direction' is a progressive addition to this edition of Fuga that serves as a dancefloor brain-soother. Taking things back to the roots with some old school machine work, we have 'Black Hole'by Ray Kaijoka. A nice psychotic arp leads the listener along into a surprisingly melodic arrangement supported by infectious drums, all of which is expertly crafted for club movement. Taking a dive, Kameliia gives us 'Point of View' which boasts a powerfully round low-end and an intense progression with far off strings that add a warm cinematic feel. Serious and effective, 'Point of View' is a track communicating tone and mediation. To close Fuga V, the dup Kashpitzky & Casual Treatment take matters into their own hands with a very high intensity record 'Diffusion'. Huge cut transitions, saturated drums pushing the limit with a loud clap, and laser-like lead make for an impressive last chapter of Fuga V.





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Tracklist
A. Inigo Kennedy - Magnitude Seven
B1. Inigo Kennedy - The Calling
B2. Inigo Kennedy - Out Of The Woods

As Token gears up for its 126th release, the time has come to invite a label favorite - Inigo Kennedy. The Englishman responsible for Token 1 readies us for three tracks of pure grain and warbling melodies packaged as 'The Calling' - a hypnotic yet stomping club record that highlights his unique production style full of character.
Taking up the entirety of the A side, 'Magnitude Seven' pulses itself through the first part of the ep. Melodic yet dissonant as many of Kennedy's best records, the track calls on a stripped down acid line to support a saturated groove and noisy synthwork. Epic in construction, 'Magnitude Seven' comes in waves of unsettling intensity emphasized by a powerful double kick sequence. The B1 takes it up a notch as the title track appropriately named 'The Calling'. A frantic four to the floor rhythm pushes along sustained notes, settling in a certain pressure. Harmonic sections breathe more life in an otherwise nail biting record that defines the Token sound accurately and Kennedy uses this arrangement to distance himself from the classic loop based template used by most producers in his field today, confirming the ongoing relevance of a longstanding career in club music. Ending with a bit of a twist for most, longtime fans will be unsurprised by the choice to wrap things up with 'Out of the Woods' - a fitting electronica closer that departs from 'The Calling' with a focus on introspection. Drifting notes and a shuffled percussion line are reminiscent of his UK roots and fit perfectly as an epilogue to his previous techno tracks. Ethereal as ever, Inigo Kennedy offers us another masterclass in out of the box production techniques in soulful electronic music.




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Tracklist

Tracklist
A1. Oscar Mulero - The Sweat And The Salt
A2. Oscar Mulero - The Reddish Glow

B1. Oscar Mulero - Why Are You Holding a Gun?
B2. Oscar Mulero - The Sunlight Blinded His Eyes


Known for his intense DJ sets and heavily textured productions, Oscar Mulero embodies all that has made him a central figure in the international techno scene in 'The Stranger'. His first release on Token since 2021's 'Titan', the Spaniard announces his return the only way he knows how, through layered concoctions of noisy synth work and impactful percussion wrapped up in a four track EP of impressive weight.

The record's first track 'The Sweat and the Salt' is a representative introduction to the rest of the project. Mulero holds nothing back with his moody, obscure style and funnels measured grit into every detail he can. Hypnotic to its core but noisy and saturated enough to give it an industrial edge, the intricacies of this first track are upheld and continued in 'The Reddish Glow'. Here, we have more of a melodic back and forth being played between synth sequences. With no small dose of reverb to open up the dimension of the track, the incessant tapping of high to low frequency plucks make it a destabilizing mind trip of a club record. Complete with racing hi hats and his signature kick, Mulero plays with his elements to ensure depth in disorientation. 'Why Are You Holding a Gun' flattens up the space a little bit, creating more of a two-dimensional ambiance and taking synth distortion to a new level. A mess of an analog sequence hissing in the high end is paced out by metallic rides and short hi hats, making an effective dancefloor instrument. As powerful as ever, the PoleGroup boss controls his chaos with rhythmically questionable elements that add to the general delirium of 'The Stranger'. As the final chapter, 'The Sunlight Blinded His Eyes' is the perfect arrival to a stomping EP. A meditative pad hovers in the back while a rhythmically centered track forms, shuffling through drum patterns and an infectious bassline. Still packing a punch in the kick, this final song takes us out into the cosmos after a high pressure club music display by one of Spain's most respected contributors to techno.





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Tracklist
A1. Border One - Strange Attractor
A2. Border One - Astral Plane
B1. Border One - Time Dilation
B2. Border One - Fractal

Border One's fourth contribution to Token Records is an ode to the cosmic, an ever-present theme in the Belgian's acclaimed career. 'Strange Attractor' takes techno and applies Border One's bubbly modular sound glossing over thick drums, weaving through sound design destined for sophisticated sets on worthy sound systems. Calm and collected, he offers yet again his attention to detail and devotion to effect.

As an introduction, 'Strange Attractor' presents a gripping story. Displaying sustained tension, he takes his time to reveal his channels. Forcing the listener to settle in and anticipate, the elements diverge and converge over the space of six minutes, shifting groove throughout. A return to calm, slightly uneasy control helps us arrive at an influx in energy for the rest of the project. Moving along to 'Astral Plane', we are introduced to more extroverted sequences. Boomy through fluctuating synth lines and stomping claps, the seasoned producer uses the size of his design in the low end to justify a more erratic arrangement. Spread noise in the background interweaves with confronting synth work, making 'Astral Plane' impressive in weight without losing the intricate quality that its producer is known for. Opening the dimension of the project through far spread elements, 'Time Dilation' creates linear focus with a cloudy entourage. An always club efficient throbbing main synth persists through an exciting structure, highly resonant transitions whip through drum machine patterns, making the third track on the record nothing if not a nail biter. The shuffle of the hi hats does nothing to slow down the energetic peak of the EP; we find Border One confidently in control of layered machinery. Drawing the project to a close, 'Fractal' blinks through persistent tension. Linear rides and drones open and close with each transition, making for a bent atmosphere of intrigue. With a sturdy rhythm dotting along from start to finish, the tonality of Fractal makes it the perfect final bow to grasp Border One's intentions and the universe he puts his work in.



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TRACKLIST:

A1. Ignez - Enchant
A2. Ignez - Bliss
A3. Ignez - Veiled Dreams

B1. Ignez - Euphoria
B2. Ignez - Oceanid

C1. Ignez - Drama
C2. Ignez - Scene

D1. Ignez - Delusional Bond
D2. Ignez - Awakening
D3. Ignez - Immersive Mind



(gatefold sleeve) Ignez makes his Token comeback for a new format yet again, presenting his first ever LP with the Belgian label. One of the scene's most intriguing artists to emerge in the past few years, the young Dutchman has paved his road to acclaim by experimenting with sonic narratives and interpreting them with dance floor efficiency. Constantly working the conceptual intentions of his records, Ignez offers a refreshing take on club music by giving it his unmistakable touch of cinematic storytelling.

'Tides' is an ode to his personal connection with nature, and each track represents a shift in energy and emotional ambiance, rising and falling with each transition. With this approach, it only makes sense to release a project of this length; Ignez is able to tell his story through waves, washing over assertive rhythmic work with far off keys and soothing pads. Songs like the album's introduction 'Enchant' and 'Delusional Bond' inspire curiosity of what lies beyond murky waters and the impactful aftermath of these tracks explains the untameable quality of ocean tides through erratic percussion and razor-sharp sound design like in 'Bliss'. Ignez's synth work throughout 'Tides' is elusive if anything, swimming through his arrangements in an unpredictable manner. He tells the story of an environment that imposes the sometimes harsh rules of its territory with restless elements ready to jump out at any given moment. This feeling of almost powerlessness can be felt in 'Awakening' for example, a record that's bent on intrigue and suspense over a stomping four to thefloor kick. Curiosity, anticipation, discovery: these are all things that can describe the chosen theme and, of course, Ignez's work as a composer. The album serves as a look into the respect the artist has for unstoppable energy and his translation of it thereof through the expressive sound design and thick atmospheres that propelled him to the forefront of his scene.

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TRACKLISTING

A1. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 1)
A2. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 2)
B1. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 3)
B2. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 4)


INFO

For Token's 120th release, the imprint reintroduces scene favorite ORBE for another EP. Revered for his deep and viscous textures over stark rhythms, the Spaniard furthers his point in four calculated and layered examples.

Opening with deeply filtered synth work, ORBE takes his time to subtly introduce shrill tension in the first track, displaying control in a progressive arrangement. He's quickly able to accentuate his intention with a single stab, providing a shimmer and a sharp edge to a rounder-bodied record. Turning over to Andromeda 2, we switch to a dryer lead with a convoluted ambiance, giving a driving track more structure through contrasted transitions. ORBE intensifies the rest of the cut with an electrifying noise circling around the mainland of his identifiably layered work. Alleviating some harshness from the main components, the artist dives into a more liquid and cavernous environment. Pressing through with sustained keys, ORBE continues to evoke a sense of suspense even in his more adventurous tracks. Anticipation rises and falls with the sustain of his resonant lead, taking us to the final chapter of Andromeda. To round off the cosmic voyage our artist departs with what, in the beginning, seems like another intimidating presentation of thick synthlines whipping across a steady rhythm - but then comes a surprisingly ethereal pad, oscillating throughout Andromeda 4, to indicate a safe arrival from a nail-biting story.

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Two years have passed since his last release on Token Records, and now Jeroen Search is back with his unmistakable style for a lesson in techno production called 'Shadow Dimension'.Stripped down and minimal, we're reminded that the original character of this music can be found in the hissing of circuits and the impact of analog distortion.



TRACKLISTING

A1. Jeroen Search - Light Spinner
A2. Jeroen Search - Six Requests
B1. Jeroen Search - Ten Foot Radius
B2. Jeroen Search - Restore Balance


INFO

Two years have passed since his last release on Token Records, and now Jeroen Search is back with his unmistakable style for a lesson in techno production called 'Shadow Dimension'. Stripped down and minimal, we're reminded that the original character of this music can be found in the hissing of circuits and the impact of analog distortion.

Wasting no time, Search kicks the record off at full pace with a spacey arpeggio and resonating percussion. Hiding 'Light Spinner' in initial obscurity, the Dutchman reveals steady intrigue by controlling tension and opening up his elements throughout its duration. The fluttering synthline is quickly exchanged for shuffled hi hats and a brutally monophonic lead. What begins as a rather two-dimensional track is given depth by levitating pads wide in the stereo image and competing 909 rides. Still a rhythm-heavy record, Search gives 'Six Requests' thrilling atmospheres to a throbbing core. Moving on to the B-side, the seasoned producer starts fresh with a warbly lead over a layered kick drum in 'Ten Foot Radius'. Keeping things simple most of the time, Search fiddles lightheartedly with his parameters to turn his synth into almost noise over a steady percussion. The quirkiness of the record has a more aggressive underbelly, luring the listener into a club ready cut. Moving on to the closer 'Restore Balance', Search does just that. Finding a groove in a quicker percussion-line, bouncy keys hop about a fun but concentrated record. An ever evolving structure cutting along, he plays with the dry of his percussion and the wet of his synths, mastering the unique production style he's known for.

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Reclaiming his place on Token with another 12" record, Belgium's Border One presents 'Light Trail' - an ode to dissonance and drive. With his recognizable use of dynamic percussion and metallic synth work, he stops at nothing to provide a sound-system ready record for a busy dancefloor.



TRACKLISTING

A1. Border One - Light Trail
A2. Border One - Transmute
B1. Border One - Radiant
B2. Border One - Prism

INFO

Opening the record with a throbbing bassline and a sustained pad, Border One wastes no time in getting to the point. He begins with leaning on rock solid groove to space out his ambient elements and stabs, creating a rich atmosphere while remaining focused on the movement. Transitioning from an intriguingly subaquatic A1, the needle slides to a more brutal second followup 'Transmute'. Providing a constant and saturated low-end, Border One remains expressive with his use of his drum machine while keeping a familiar bubbly main synth. The reduced depth in 'Transmute' is likely due to the tension coming from his percussive work as opposed to a synth, making it very efficient for virtually any occasion. As the A2 draws to a close, Border One dives back into the mind with the other side of the record - starting with 'Radiant'. Shrill tension makes its return over a playful, hypnotic synth sequence to create a satisfying contrast between crystal and viscous elements. 'Prism' then closes the record down on a driving jazzy tone, showing the artist's versatility and understanding of his genre. Dissonant chord stabs peak out of sometimes busier percussion lines, making it the perfect way to conclude a dance floor-oriented record.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Offering a three track EP on Token, emblematic UK producer James Ruskin proves his capability and linear focus once again through 'From the Ashes'. Looking past trends tocreate a lasting record rich in texture and thick with impact, the project affirms what the scene has already known to be true about his work for the past 25 years.

TRACKLISTING
A1. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 1
A2. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 2
B. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 3

INFO
Setting his intentions from the A1, Ruskin wastes no time by creating an intimidating introduction. Saturated percussion and stuttering keys whip through a 4 minute masterclass of sound system focused production. Adventurous in structure, Ruskin remains unquestionably in control of a bursting, almost chaotic track. 'From the Ashes 2' picks up what was left off, containing a hard-set groove with hi hats slithering in progressively from the stereo image to slightly destabilize an impressive club-heavy tool. With intricate work being done in the ambience, the EP's hard hitting second track booms through a cavernous acoustic, giving the record not only body, but dimension. Switching up the rhythm and focusing on more mental synth work for the third act, Ruskin quickly and mercilessly rips through his work with a shrill pad, creating overwhelming tension to be released in the first third of the recording. He brings a dosed dissonance between his elements, reflective of the qualities of vintage techno with today's capabilities and arrangement. Pushing intensity through waves, Ruskin leaves us in anticipation of a fourth track that is never given.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

(incl. tracks by Coefficient, Bailey Ibbs, Phara, Hemka, Norbak, Vinicius Honorio & Ricardo Garduno, Kike Pravda & Amorphic) Fuga returns with a new chapter. This compilation serves as a reflection of techno today while maintaining the cosmic, driving sound that has become Token's signature over the years.

TRACKLISTING

A1. Coefficient - Neutron Star Remnant
A2. Bailey Ibbs - Caelid
B1. Phara - Evoke
B2. Hemka - Bazaar

C1. Nørbak - Dano
C2. Vinicius Honorio & Ricardo Garduno - Murked
D1. Kike Pravda - Lost In Darkness
D2. Amorphic - A57

INFO

As the second release of 2023 and already on its fourth edition, Fuga is back on Token. This compilation serves as a reflection of techno today while maintaining the cosmic, driving sound that has become Token's signature over the years.

Our introduction to this excursion is appropriately named 'Neutron Star Remnant' by UK's Coefficient. A pulsating bassline over a syncopated kick swings along lush pads to create a first look into the compilation, promising character and quality. Turning the page over to Bailey Ibbs, our dreamlike curtain is dropped and we're left with 'Caelid'. The tone is set, the nostalgia is lost, and we are left with Ibb's sleek uptempo techno track, bursting with groove; the sequence of percussive elements brew the perfect storm of infectious techno. Phara then takes control with 'Evoke', boasting a thick and persistent bassline. Returning to a rounder, analog sounding record, the dissonance of the lead bells make it a true nail-biter of a track. The intensity of the project is quickly lifted by Hemka's 'Bazaar' for nearly six and a half minutes of barely contained, high-pressure club music. The cyclical rise of the background atmosphere and soundscapes make this a properly anxious piece. Nørbak then uses 'Dano' to take down the intensity with a tom-driven percussion line and a thick, intricate ambience evolving like waves through a reliable rhythm. For our 6th chapter, Vinicius Honorio & Ricardo Garduno guide us back to the body. A drum machine skips along to a muffled synth line, reducing the dimensions of the record that had been opened, and resorting to being slightly more claustrophobic to create that needed tension. We then jump into Kike Pravda's 'Lost in Darkness' for a full-on space and granular submersion. Our second to last track inches along almost like an insect, one texture exchanging for another, constantly pushing through its duration. Finally we turn to our last chapter by Amorphic called 'A57'. This ending picks up the pace but offers space for a meditative and relaxing conclusion to wind down after another intense installment of Fuga.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

After a more than convincing debut on Token with his contribution to 2020's Fuga II compilation, Deniro returns with a 4-part sonic manifesto entitled 'Saola'.

TRACKLISTING

A1. Deniro - Saola
A2. Deniro - Vaquita
B1. Deniro - Gharial
B2. Deniro - Baiji

INFO

After a more than convincing debut on Token with his contribution to 2020's Fuga II compilation, Deniro returns with a 4-part sonic manifesto entitled 'Saola'. With each track name referring to either a highly endangered or extinct wild animal, Deniro offers analog efficiency denoting various ecospheres through minimalist composition. Linear in form yet immersive in effect, Saola guides the listener from lucity into spacious abyss.

Initiating the EP with the title track, 'Saola' confronts with what can almost be perceived as a hastily played piano. The A1 provides nail-biting dissonance to kick things off with hypnotic delay, gripping the listener until the very end with consistent progression through a simplistic albeit powerful percussion line. Deniro then picks up the pace and shines things up with a brightly stabbed synth and 16th hats to roll us through the highly efficacious followup, 'Vaquita'.
Even more explosive than its predecessor, Deniro uses 'Vaquita' to show tense restraint in his arrangement that's complemented by his pressing lead sequence.

The record is then flipped to reveal a B side that takes off as soon as the needle hits the wax. 'Gharial' begins explosively full-on, throwing the listener into a vicious pursuit soundtracked by a fleetingly polyrhythmic arpeggio. The energy is underlined by rolling snares and toms to expand the width of the EP before arriving into the final excursion through the record's most introspective piece. High pitched plucks like stars brush along a song that inspires discovery. Whirlpooling white-noise in the far stereo field gives deep ambience to 'Baiji', offering an ethereal conclusion to an suspenseful adventure.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Border One returns to Token with 4 tracks of no nonsense, body focused music. This collection of tracks, meant to deliver uncompromising groove, affirms Border One's sonic identity through his use of evolving yet persistent tension brewing above hypnotic elements. This signature storm adds a dimension to Cyclone that guides the listener between club and mind by adding this constant yet recognizable anticipation.

TRACKLISTING

A1. Border One - Cyclone
A2. Border One - Halo
B1. Border One - Stratus
B2. Border One - Spheric


INFO

Token sees the return of Brussels-based Border One for 4 tracks of no nonsense, body focused music. This collection of tracks, meant to deliver uncompromising groove, affirms Border One's sonic identity through his use of evolving yet persistent tension brewing above hypnotic elements. This signature storm adds a dimension to Cyclone that guides the listener between club and mind by adding this constant yet recognizable anticipation.

The EP opens up at full capacity with the title track; bent metallics over an intimidatingly deep kick are stalked and circled by a sinister pad that leaves only to release maximum tension. This peak-time cut is followed by the subdued A2 'Halo' where, this time, melodic ambience is prioritized. Light toms drive us forward to undress a track with a patiently strained arrangement, partially through a filter only opening fully midway through, imposing the producer's pace. Border One then lifts the energy with 'Stratus' through 1/16th rhythmics with an almost psychotic arpeggio and tunneling hi hats in a track that can be visually described as racing fractals. The invigoratingly hypnotic quality of 'Stratus' creates an ultimate closed-eye dance floor experience to then pull us into 'Spheric' that closes the EP out in an entirely new but familiar cosmic atmosphere. Space is given to this last cut, with short plucked synths resonating through vast soundscapes, giving the project an ethereal closing over lighter, bouncing percussion.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Luke Slater presents "Sky Scraping", a new Planetary Assault Systems album. P.A.S. has become a byword for hypnotic, funk-heavy Techno in a purist tradition. Toeing the line between heady, psychedelic material and all out main room fare - Slater's work as PAS captures the very best facets of the genre, with economically selected parts exquisitely arranged and engineered with a shrewd and uncompromising ear for what really makes people move.

TRACKLISTING

A1. Planetary Assault Systems - Labstract
A2. Planetary Assault Systems - One For The Groove
B1. Planetary Assault Systems - Give In
B2. Planetary Assault Systems - If I Die

C1. Planetary Assault Systems - Coal
C2. Planetary Assault Systems - Run
D1. Planetary Assault Systems - The Drag Train
D2. Planetary Assault Systems - Nano Chameleon

INFO

Luke Slater presents new Planetary Assault Systems album, Sky Scraping.

The iconic British producer, whose last LP arrived via Ostgut Ton in 2016, follows up this year's Say It Loud on Token with a full length featuring a wealth of brand new material.

A figure who needs little introduction to fans of the genre, but whose consistency in the studio and on the road has repeatedly marked him out as true pioneer of sound design and performance with a singular vision, Slater first minted the PAS alias in '93. Since then, a slew of singles and LP's from the industrious artist have made sure Planetary Assault Systems has become a byword for hypnotic, funk-heavy Techno in a purist tradition. Toeing the line between heady, psychedelic material and all out main room fare - Slater's work as PAS captures the very best facets of the genre, with economically selected parts exquisitely arranged and engineered with a shrewd and uncompromising ear for what really makes people move.

On the new LP, Slater draws on studio material but also components recorded during the PAS live show - and he's keen to let fans know the focus is well and truly on the dance floor with this one: Sky Scraping is a loud and unabashed celebration of the formative and familiar environments so loved by the electronic music community, the dark clubs and festivals made special by their unique ability to bring like minded people together.

Sky Scraping kicks off in characteristically dense, psychedelic fashion with Labstract - a slice of classic PAS with cavernous low end and a tight, looping sequence doing the driving work while frenetic drum machine cuts and wide angle synth sirens shift the track onwards from one phase to the next. Follow up One For The Groove showcases the chunkier side of Slater's production as PAS with an infectious 909 pattern propelled on in the high mids by a squelching synth patch. Bang Wap revisits the artist's last outing on Token - a monstrous, unforgiving roller designed with peak time in mind. Say It Loud - the idiosyncratic proto-anthem that accompanied Bang Wap earlier in the year leads the LP onwards, before sequing into new recording Give In - a masterclass in dense, funky, face-melting Techno. Drums take centre stage on If I Die, as the artist returns to the 909 for a marginally slowed down cut that really highlights the artist's connection to and natural affinity with groove and drum machine cuts. Coal thrusts the listener straight back down the wormhole - an extraordinary, driving piece propelled by a guttural lead synth sequence and ghostly drums, before giving way to Run - a dry, pared back recording with plucked, staccato synths that makes for a good contrast to its fathoms deep predecessor. Though not without moments of hysteria in its closing quarter, The Drag Train, featuring a classic, more mono finish begins the wind down towards the LP's close. Nano Chameleon ties up Sky Scraping, a track as forceful as anything that has come earlier on the record - as it approaches its close, a warping lead powers the recording home with shuffling white noise percussion dipping in and out of the sonic main stage before giving way to a delicate, controlled chaos.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

TRACKLISTING

A1. ORBE - FM-2030
A2. ORBE - Extropy
B1. ORBE - Transhuman
B2. ORBE - Posthuman Being

INFO

ORBE debuts on Token.

The Spanish producer arrives on the label with a brace of high energy, atmospheric dance floor cuts. Leaning tentatively towards a more booming, warehouse-ready finish, the four track EP channels funk, density and smart sound design in equal measure.

Tripping opener FM-2030 marries a bold, aquatic lead sequence with glassy pads set in the sonic periphery that serve to create a pleasing sense of suspension. Drum machine flourishes help guide the recording onwards, increasing intensity where required and exuberant synth hits wax and bend in support along the way, tying up a classy, rolling number. A-side follow up Extropy features booming, fathoms deep low end and that same sunk, introspective finish. Noisy percussive elements inject groove and dynamics to proceedings while a growling synth shifts in and out of view for added effect. Caustic B1 Transhuman builds itself around a single warping lead, expertly tweaked and plied along its run time to generate a palpable hysteria. Buoyed by expertly centred kicks, it's a powerful piece of off kilter dance floor material. Closing piece Posthuman Being drives the record home - an expertly executed slice of peak time Techno, complete with driving bassline and crisp atmospherics for added character.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore