Genres: Dub Techno, Techno, House


ZentaSkai and Laura Merino Allue return to Mask Records as Cuddling Monsters with volume two of their vinyl-only house and techno series


Tracklist:
A1 Dark REM
A2 Monster Talk
B1 Event Horizon
B2 Temporal Aura

Arriving on a limited 200-copy translucent orange vinyl, 'Dark REM' on Cuddling Monsters’ second release on Mask Records is a hunched-over and direct dub techno cut with forceful drums and deft percussion, adding texture next to warm, sustained pads.
There's a real sense of urgency in this most frictionless groove, which means it cannot fail to cast a spell on the dance floor. The fantastic 'Event Horizon' is then infused with the aura of deep space - sustained chords with a cosmic edge add vast scale to the well-programmed deep techno drums. 'Monster Talk' is a mid-tempo dub track with underlapping drums and rattling, rusted chords that disappear to infinity. It's cavernous and evocative, with myriad little details occupying the mind. 'Temporal Aura' is another standout sound that blends deep techno, dub, and minimal into a serene soundtrack that encourages inward reflection while driving onwards through the cosmos.
Mask Records founder ZentaSkai and his creative partner Laura Merino Allue are Berlin mainstays helping shape the underground. Cuddling Monsters is a new project that debuted on the label in March. It is all about crafting music with analogue instruments, which they believe "offer distinctive sonic qualities, creative constraints, and genuine sound reproduction”. They explore Detroit-infused house, dub techno and minimal soundscapes with raw edges and a great sense of atmosphere. Cuddling Monsters' 'Cuddling Monsters_CM Vol. 02' releases via Mask Records on 6th December 2024.








Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Genres: Dub Techno, Romanian, Techno

Vinyl only

Tracklist
A1. ZentaSkai - Bob (6:16)
A2. ZentaSkai - Bob (6:52)
B1. ZentaSkai & Sebastian Klenk - Bob (11:41)

Release Date:
Following a ten-part series of unannounced artist records and a spectacular high-concept album on Mask Records, label head ZentaSkai returns to the imprint for his next solo vinyl-only release, ‘Bob’.
The A1 sees the Berlin-based ZentaSkai combine a dusty, taped white noise feel with subtle, swirling dub chords as its high-end propels the track forward. It’s a stunning and evocative piece before the A2 continues with minimal drums and electric acid bleeps, a smooth organ lead completing its gorgeous soundscape.
On the B-side of the ‘Bob’ EP, ZentaSkai joins forces with long-time collaborator Sebastian Klenk. It follows their
‘Apeiron’ track on ZentaSkai’s 2023 ‘Architecture Of The Mind’ LP, among other joint work, and sees them deliver a near-twelve-minute track that is a true masterpiece. The track takes listeners through found-sound texture samples, intricate drum patterns, crunchy breakbeats, and more beautiful dub melodics.
‘Bob’ is another fantastic listening experience on Mask Records, already supported by Satoshi Tomiie, Raresh and Laurent Garnier.






Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Tracklist:
01 Lucky Star
02 Crystal Growing
03 Floating Tank
04 Analog Dreams


MASK’s ZentaSkai & Laura Merino Allue announce vinyl-only underground house and techno series as
Cuddling Monsters.
Cuddling Monsters serve up the first vinyl-only volume of a new self-titled series on Berlin-based Mask Records. All
four cuts explore deep and classy techno, dub and house soundscapes with the aim of rediscovering the soul of
electronic music and forming new bonds between human creativity and technological innovations.
Cuddling Monsters is the coming together of creative partners ZentaSkai and Laura Merino Allue. ZentaSkai is the
MASK founder recognised for his immersive, hypnotic groove, and Allue is a fashion and graphic designer. They are
newly assembled under this alias but have a long-time love of vinyl and analogue machines, which shows in their sounds.
"Crafting music with analogue instruments holds profound importance in the contemporary musical landscape. Despite
the omnipresence of digital technology, analogue instruments maintain a pivotal role, offering distinctive sonic qualities,
creative constraints, and genuine sound reproduction. The tactile, hands-on connection." - Cuddling Monsters
The superbly deep and atmospheric 'Lucky Star' is a dubby minimal cut with a deft rhythm and warm pads that are
perfect for cosy back rooms. The absorbing 'Crystal Growing' is another stripped-back techno roller with rubbery drums
and pensive chords that lock you into a state of meditation. Up next is the powerful 'Floating Tank' which pairs gorgeous
ambient synths with driving drums. It's a great coming together of the physical and the emotional that will take dance
floors to the next level. 'Analog Dreams' shuts down with more perfectly smoky pads and grainy lo-fi atmospheres as
slick but driving drums power onwards.
Cuddling Monsters ‘Cuddling Monsters_CM Vol. 01’ releases via MASK 29th March 2024.





Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

3LP, triple gatefold


Tracklist:

Side A
01 Mind Mapping
02 030

SIDE B
03 Fügung (feat. Laura Merino)
04 Flow Dreaming

SIDE C
05 Structural Understanding
06 Quiet Reflection

SIDE D
07 Geruda Dub
08 Boiling Range
09 Interlude

SIDE E
10 Karl-Marx-Allee (ZentaSkai & Jeremy Reinhard)
11 Dynamic System (ZentaSkai vs. Palawan)

SIDE F
12 Apeiron (ZentaSkai & Sebastian Klenk)
13 Parallel 30 (ZentaSkai & Apoena feat. Yucuma)

Release Info:
ZentaSkai unveils stunning, high-concept house album on Mask Records.
ZentaSkai undertook a period of research into the underlying structure and organisation of the human brain
before writing ‘The Architecture Of The Mind’. The Berlin-based artist then took what had been learned and
kept it in mind when writing the music that marks Mask's first album release. It comes with extensive
background notes on each track, and an operational manual of sorts - notes from the artists as to the effects
each piece will have on those who hear them.
"The message conveyed by this album is that life itself is filled with music, but our egos often prevent us from
being in harmony with this symphony. Inner chaos and silence can be challenging to bear, leading us to seek
solace in external noise. We have constructed a barrier between our inner and outer worlds, causing us to
lose touch with the rhythm of harmony. However, by embracing the illusion of separation and dancing to good
music, we can rediscover harmony with ourselves and our environment. To fully experience the essence of
the album, it should be played loudly on a proper sound system or high-quality headphones. By immersing
themselves in the music, individuals can engage with its transformative power and potentially find a deeper
connection with their own minds and surroundings." - ZentaSkai
The gorgeous 'Mind Mapping' opens up with deep and dubby drums and lush harmonies that soothe you to
your core, '030' then has more raw, heavy drums with many layers of glowing synths, glassy melodies and
organic found sounds. 'Fügung' keeps the deep and introspective moods coming before the crisp tech of
'Flow Dreaming' ups the ante with more drive and layers of vocal whispers, hi-hats and smeared dub chords.
Elsewhere the likes of 'Quiet Reflection' lean into the groove with swirling pads and one-word vocal sounds
drifting through the air over propulsive drum loops, and 'Boiling Range' suspends you in deft synth loops
amongst the stars over a prickly house beat.
The superb synth craft and well-designed grooves continue through the dusty deep house of
'Karl-Marx-Allee' and minimal dub of 'Dynamic System' before the elegant melodic techno of 'Apeiron' and
dreamy synthscapes of 'Parallel 30' close the album in a reflective fashion.
This is a deeply evocative album with a fully realised concept that is as thought-provoking as it is immersive.






Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Format: Vinyl Only (Limited 250 copies)

Tracklist:
01 A1
02 A2
03 A3
04 B1
05 B2
06 B3

Release Info:
MASK unveil the final entry in its untitled release series.
Berlin-based label MASK records has become known for releasing a string of vinyl-only EP’s by unnamed
producers which have seen the support of respected artists such as Jimpster, DJ Bone, Ben Sims,
Santiago Salazar, Laurent Garnier, Ryan Elliot, Marcel Dettmann, and the Blessed Madonna amongst
others. Now, the tenth and final instalment of the series consists of an eclectic collection of techno and house
cuts, all recorded on tape during an analog live session in the artist’s studio.
The A1 eases you into the record through glitchy textures, swelling synths and broken beats before the A2
gets you into a rapturous tracky groove offset by lo-fi vocals and dreamy pads. The A3 takes a darker turn
through hypnotic drums and a droning bass, readying the listener for the B-Side which continues this raw
energy.
The B1 picks up the pace with energetic drums and clean ride cymbals while the B2 incorporates floaty arps
and a tantalising repeating vocal. ‘B3’ closes out the release with a retro 80s synth feel, putting a wrap on yet
another incredible vinyl EP by this exciting underground label.
Unknown Artist’s ‘SENNIN’ vinyl-only release drops via MASK Records mid-september.





Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Format: Vinyl Only (Limited 250 copies)

Tracklist:
01) A1
02) A2
03) A3
04) B1
05) B2
06) B3

Release Info:
Independent label MASK returns with another untitled release featuring six innovative interpretations.
Blossoming Berlin-based imprint MASK continues to invite anonymous artists to the label, delivering quality
cuts produced using analogue gear across the imprint’s trademark style of raw house, techno and ambient
territories. With support from the likes of ItaloJohnson, Truncate, DJ Bone and Ryan Elliott, DATE welcomes
the arrival of six fresh, immersive cuts as they enlist yet another unknown artist to join the series.
The widely appealing package opens via the filtered loops, layered sonics and low humming frequencies of
‘A1’, whilst ‘A2’ reveals a deeper, darker cut with sharp boom bap drums, distorted tones and warped effects.
Next, ‘A3’ has an ethereal edge and explores a plethora of robust sounds, dubby chords and heady, pulsating
rhythms.
On the flip, the richly euphoric ‘B1’ leads with seductive drum programming, chopped-up vocal snippets and
scintillating keys that take listeners to another level. Penultimate offering ‘B2’ reveals a driving, feel-good
affair before rounding out proceedings with the off-kilter, jazz-leaning and undoubtedly enrapturing
soundscapes of the low-slung ‘B3’.







Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Vinyl Only (Limited 150 copies)

Tracklist:
1. A1
2. A2
3. A3
4. B1
5. B2
6. B3

Release Info:
German imprint MASK return in 2021 with yet another inviting anonymous release featuring six
raw original cuts.
The MASK imprint continue to impress with their signature aesthetic which places focus on intricate,
modular based house, techno and ambient cuts and everything in between. Their previous releases have
garnered strong support from various artists including the likes of Laurent Garnier, DJ Bone, Photonz,
Anastasia Kristensen, Marcel Dettmann and many more, and ‘Knef’ sees the esoteric German imprint
deliver yet another impressive collection of tracks to kick start 2021.
The ‘A1’ gets the EP rolling with muffled drums and enticing moods that sit delicately underneath the
soulful, samples and sweeping synths before ‘A2’ offers up resounding kicks that balance delightfully with
the reverberating modulations and powerful yet interesting fx. The A3 lays focus on an aquatic house roller
with bubbly melodies and dreamy pads with magnetising emotions brimming to the surface.
On the flip, the ‘B1’ is an engaging cut with breezy resonance and ethereal leads which lure you in from the
start whilst the dubby drums, solemn ambience and laid-back moods take focus in the ‘B2’. Rounding
things off in experimental fashion, the ‘B3’ is an eccentric meditative, cut with leftfield oscillations and
beatless vibrations which blend together with stunning effect.
Unknown ‘Knef’ drops on MASK in early Spring 2021.





Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Vinyl Only, Limited to 200 copies

Tracklist:
1. A1
2. A2
3. A3
4. B1
5. B2
6. B3

Release Info:

Esoteric German imprint MASK are back with another untitled release featuring six modulated
cuts.
The MASK imprint have steadily built themselves a reputation within the electronic music world honing a
sharp production style which lays focus on effervescent, live jams on hardware gear. The previous six
releases on the imprint have garnered an array of support from some of the scene’s most respected names
including the likes of Laurent Garnier, Danny Daze, Dan Curtin, Machine Woman, DJ Deep and more
names, with MASK continually delivering the goods.
The ‘A1’ kicks thing off with warm pads sitting gracefully underneath the sweeping percussive groove whilst
‘A2’ focuses on resounding kicks, otherworldly undertones and enlightening leads in the distance. ‘A3’ is
breaks-tinged cut featuring spiralling chords, syncopated rhythms and luscious melodies floating above the
spacious yet swinging flow.
On the flip, the ‘B1’ offers up dreamy pads, shimmering synths that bounce delightfully off the vibrant hihats in this late night, deep house gem. Low-slung electro drums, ethereal melodic keys, scintillating bass
whirls makes up the inspiriting cut that is ‘B2’ before the ‘B3’ delightfully rounds off the release with gentle
soundscapes underneath the pensive ambience and German vocals.
Unknown ‘Amy drops on MASK in October 2020.


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Vinyl Only, Limited to 150 copies

Tracklist:
1. A
2. B

Release Info:
Mysterious Berlin label MASK return in 2020 with a vinyl only release consisting of a pair of raw
cuts entitled ‘Marilyn’.
MASK preserve their esoteric philosophy of delivering well-crafted, modulated house and techno cuts
produced on hardware equipment and ‘Marilyn’ certainly follows suit. MASK releases are the result of
anonymous artists live jamming together in unison with the first five releases picking up support from the
likes of Laurent Garnier, Marcel Dettmann, Elena Colombi, Machine Woman and many more.
The A side is 13-minute voyage featuring fluttering, resonant drums, lo-fi synth stabs and growling
oscillations that take the focus in the later stages while on the B side sweeping pads, spacey undertones
and squelchy, acid soaked sci-fi elements keep the sonical experience obscure yet fascinating throughout.
Unknown ‘Marilyn’ drops on MASK in February 2020.


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

12" Vinyl only 150 Ltd

Tracklist 12":
A1 Unknown – untitled
A2 Unknown – untitled
B1 Unknown – untitled
B2 Unknown – untitled

Release Info:
The elusive Berlin label MASK are back with another anonymous release featuring four
analogue driven tracks entitled ‘Cliff’.
Known for being purveyors of mysterious yet exquisite hardware induced tracks, MASK continue to
hold up their reputation following on from ‘Hunter’ that picked up support from the likes of Laurent
Garnier, Elena Colombi, Machine Woman, Anastasia Kristensen and DJ Deep. ‘Cliff’ involves four
people live jamming on analogue equipment in a Berlin based studio.
A1 begins with crunchy drums fused with revolving, modulated synths and obscure elements that are
soaked in acid flavours before the A2 focuses on an electro-tinged sequence in harmony with ominous
atmospherics and eccentric oscillations.
On the flip, sweeping pads balanced with intense kicks and washing synths take the focus on the B1
until the B2 rounds off this magical EP with wavering compositions, hard-hitting percussion and
unsettling sound design keeping the atmosphere intense yet truly absorbing.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Vinyl Only, LTD 200 copies

Tracklist:
A1 – Untitled
A2 – Untitled
B1 – Untitled
B2 – Untitled

Release Info:
Enigmatic Berlin label MASK return in 2019 with a vinyl only release consisting of four eccentric
cuts entitled ‘Hunter’.
The mysterious German label maintains its reputation of providing quality, esoteric music by anonymous
artists with a focus on analogue sound design and modulated oddities. ‘Hunter’ is the result of the first take
of a live recording coming from a duo who have been playing together for over a decade.
The A1 kicks off with lo-fi drum programming, emphatic leads and stabbing bass shoots before the A2
throws down sharp 303 bleeps, angelic pads and resonating kicks creating a euphoric ambience
throughout.
On the flip uplifting synth work, shuffling percussion and crunchy oscillations take the focus until chugged
out experimentation becomes ever present in the final track as it harmoniously balances sweeping
elements, growling tones and sonic obscurities.
Unknown ‘Hunter’ drops on MASK in February 2019.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

June will see the return of the mysterious Berlin based label MASK with four raw and murky cuts entitled ‘Rellik’.

Tracklist
A1 - No Titel, A2 - No Titel
B1 - No Titel, B2 - No Titel

As with the previous two releases on the label, ‘Rellik’ was recorded live and on the first take using a
selection of analog synths, drum machines and sequencers, particularly the warm and dynamic sound
of the E-Mu SP 1200 as the lead.
“The ’Rellik” project is a mashup between Rock and Hip Hop elements using SP1200 classic drum kits,
filtered and distorted synths. We call this Krauttech” - MASK
Intense sirens set the tone of the A1 before introducing a thumping sub and delayed snares, making
way for harsh bass and dark effects in the A2 to generate an ominous atmosphere. On the flip, the B1
brings crunchy, modulated synths alongside an intense and thunderous kick whilst the B2 delivers a
thick, pulsating low-end with an assortment of metallic and heavy drones that round off this cryptic
package.
‘Rellik’ drops via MASK June 29, 2018

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

Mysterious Berlin imprint MASK preps its second release with four more untitled tracks this
March.
Continuing the theme of the first release, ‘Noah’ has been produced and recorded live in one take using
a selection of analogue gear, including an EMU SP 1200, Mutual Instruments Ambika, Nord Rack 2x,
Octatrack, Vermona Action Filter 4.
A soothing synth line sets the tone of the ‘A1' before implementing sporadic drums and squelchy notes,
making way for the melodic chords and a wall of sub bass in the mesmerising ‘A2’. Murky atmospherics
and a medley of percussive hits generate a dusty aesthetic in the ‘B1’ until the organic beat and
distorted robotic sounds of the ‘B2' provide an otherworldly conclusion to the enigmatic release.
Tracklist
1. A1 - Untitled
2. A2 - Untitled
3. B2 - Untitled
4. B2 - Untitled

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More