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steve o'sullivan/ frazer campbell - No Title
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steve o'sullivan/ frazer campbell - No Title
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steve o'sullivan/ frazer campbell - No Title
With spring well and truly in the air and party season in step, Mosaic Records boss Steve O'Sullivan launches Mosaic's 38th release - joining forces with fellow Londoner Frazer Campbell for a new studio collaboration. Not content with letting the dust settle from his recent work alongside Ricardo Villalobos, O'Sullivan has stayed a little closer to his London home to work with Frazer Campbell for this latest tag team effort. A dextrous hand in the mix and producer in his own right, Campbell has a passion for all things that sit on the deeper end of the house, techno and electronica spectrum. In his own words, thought emoting music is central to his mission having launched Open Recordings and Elliot Project Records last year: a worthy sparring partner indeed. Since the start of the year, the pair had their heads down focusing on finding a happy medium between deeply swung grooves and the airy influences of Detroit - shaking out an interesting trio of tracks for their label debut. Far from treading the obvious path, the main event A1 'Hypnotonic' revels in a lighter touch as metronomic beat programming cycles endlessly to a held set of notes. Off-kilter bass pulses, warped out vocals and effect splashes all intersect to keep the energy input constant as they capture one of those less frenzied moments where the very notion of time seems to hold still. Make no mistake, this is a slow burn vibe. Head to the flipside B1 'Soultonic' to plunge yourself straight into hip twitching mode when the lights go down. A deep chord, syncopated hats and deftly tweaked synths echo as a full dose of shuffle inflicts its move. Simple yet so effective, this track will not let you down. Winding things back up a touch, the tougher edge of 'Alleyway Funk' pushes the feeling on thanks to a thumping kick and a deft nod towards UK Garage. Met with a soft glisten of a Rhodes piano and tweakish melody, the pair round things off in a boyant mood - fans of Soul Capsule and Schatrax will no doubt agree. Repeat play of this EP is recommended as its all the more rewarding for it.
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More records from mosaic
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Sub Basics - Mediterranean
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Fletcher - Sludge
Steve O'Sullivan's Mosaic label is back with a second volume of its dubs series, this time on nice yellow vinyl with Sub Basics and Fletcher given one side each to shine. Sub Basics goes first with 'Mediterranean', a lovely liquid dub with bottomless depths and perfectly smooth, frictionless drums. Lovely soft melodies drift in and out as the echoing hits and icy hi-hats help oil this most heady of grooves. On the flip, Fletcher offers up 'Sludge' which is a little more tense and menacing, with darker bass and more texture as well as distant groaning pads that keep you guessing and on edge.
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Steve O'Sullivan Vs Paul Simmons - Inner Glow
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Steve O'Sullivan Vs Paul Simmons - Still Burnin'
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Steve O'Sullivan Vs Paul Simmons - Inner Glow (Bluespirit Dub)
We're always glad to hear new material from undisputed dub techno don Steve O'Sullivan. This new one on his own Mosiac label finds him facing off with Paul Simmons on a pair of deliciously deep cuts. 'Inner Glow' is given the whole of the A-side to make its mark and it does - with a slightly more soulful sound than you might expect. Rather than pure heads down underwater deepness, it's got a heart warming vocals hook and brighter chord vamps over the signature drum smoothness. 'Stilll Burnin''is a quicker cut with more radiant chords and a soulful spirit, then a Bluespirit dub of the a-side zones things out nicely.
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Sub Basics - Quarters
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Hidden Sequence - Synapse (Bluetrain Special Edition Dub)
Dub techno don Steve O'Sullivan's Mosaic label is back with a new dubs series and vol 1 kicks things off with a real doozy on lovely red wax. The boss himself offers up a Bluetrain special edition dub of Hidden Sequence's 'Synapse' which is all icy lines and liquid rhythms which make you think of some frozen lake on a misty morning. Sub Basics (Temple of Sound, Lion Charge Records) opens up with a fresh dub laden track with rippling chords, tons of echo and rolling drums on 'Quarters.' Both are timeless dub outings, as you would expect from this label.
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Steve O'Sullivan - Composure (Unreleased Extended Mix)
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Steve O'Sullivan - She Don't Do Chicks
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Steve O'Sullivan - Bumpe Car Dub
The latest from Steve O'Sullivan and Mosaic's archive raiding series sees the first ever airing for an unreleased extended mix of the soft and soul-drenched 'Composure', plus two choice selections on the slip, the sleek sub-bass powered 'She Don't Do Chicks' and a dub mix of the equally streamlined 'Bumper Car'. If the A-side is a luxurious period piece of sorts - it could be related to Underground Resistance's 'Galaxy 2 Galaxy' for instance - then two on the other side could have been made yesterday they're so relevant and playable, coasting along with the kind of subtly jacking framework and dubby basslines that G Man made his own. All lovingly remastered at The Exchnage too.
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Nick Beringer - Intercity
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Nick Beringer - Time Shift
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Nick Beringer - Counterclockwise
Berlin native and Rubisco label head Nick Beringer lays down some serious rolling beat science for Mosaic’s 5th LTDX edition. The EP kicks off in style in the shape of ‘Intercity’: straddling a square 4/4 house rhythm with an ‘Art of Trance’ spirit ? all brought together in contemporary style. Layers of subtly filtered melody pulsate their way throughout, rising and falling as minimal elements collide for maximal sonic impact.Switching to more familiar territory, ‘Time Shift’ reins things back a notch as tight 909 beats swing to well rounded bottom end, carrying the warm layers of evolving synths and chorded elements with precision effect. Ending on the introspective mood of ‘Counterclockwise’, Beringer displays an even defter touch, heralding the light fantastic as the spectre of night passes by.
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Jay Tripwire - Mung Bean Medley
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Hidden Sequence - Synchro
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Fletcher - Makka
Steve O'Sullivan invites a trio of artists to lay down some serious head nodding beats for ‘Rhythm Method Vol.4’. Calling on one of Canada’s trusted talents and solid purveyors of deep grooves Jay Tripwire leads the charge with ‘Mung Bean Medley’. There’s simply no messing: pushing through a taught rhythmic workout, incessant toms and metallic tones etch deep into the mood - awash with dubbed out atmospherics and crafty touches that more than a give a nod to the dark house dubs of yesteryear. On the flip, ‘Hidden Sequence’ inject their creative flex, demonstrating the all important art of minimalist bounce with ‘Synchro’. The kind of fully swung beats and tripped out twinges that brighten the groove more often than not when 7am comes calling. The svelte bustle and soothing tones of ‘Makka’ from Fletcher by contrast, soothe the mind and leaves plenty of room to kick back as weary limbs take their toll: a fine tonic indeed.
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The WISE CAUCASIAN / STEVE O'SULLIVAN / - No Title
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The WISE CAUCASIAN / STEVE O'SULLIVAN / - No Title
With the summer season well and truly in full step, Mosaic returns with two finely tuned cuts of classic dubbed-out minimalism. A Side "In The Night" is a typically understated affair from label boss Steve O'Sullivan under his Wise Caucasian alias. Propelled by a bass-heavy tone and lit by layers of percussion that build on each other you'll find yourself getting lost in the washes of sparse vocals, rhythmic stabs and splashes of delay that reach out over the dance floor. Far from providing instant gratification, this requires timely and repeated play to uncover the layers of subtle finesse and craftsmanship: perfect for keeping those feet moving at any hour of the night, or day for that matter. On the B Side, Steve teams up once again with fellow Londoner , Frazer Campbell on "Rise" which goes straight for the full smile effect as the duo conjure up one of those rare pieces of magic. Set to a melee of skippy percussion, high-pitched toms and warmly toned melody, the prophetic voice of Maya Angelou and her timeless poem "Still I Rise" resonates supreme, bringing a touch of thoughtful intelligence that's all too often forgotten. As the track hits it peak, you can't help but feel the deep elation a groove like this brings in the darkest of hours.
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steve o'sullivan/ mike schommer - Submerged (Deepchord Negative Space Exploration Version)
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steve o'sullivan/ mike schommer - Submerged
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steve o'sullivan/ mike schommer - Depth Charge Dub
As Mosaic reaches release number 40, Steve O'Sullivan dives into another studio collaboration with his new label mate and expert hand, Mike Schommer - bringing in the talents of Rod Modell on remix duties. Etching two slices of dub heavy grooves that cover either side of the techno and house spectrum, their first effort emphasises the former on title track "Submerged" (B1). It doesn't pull any punches - precision moulded bass takes centre stage around evolving synths and classic delay action. Their 2nd "Depth Charge Dub" (B2) leans more towards the latter as the duo focus on the combination of a rolling sub, laidback percussion and subtle stabs that cycle gently around. The cherry on top comes in the form of Rod Modell's "DeepChord's Negative-Space Exploration Version" as he takes a 9 min trip to the hinterland of his sonic imagination, elegantly finding new layers and spatial effects. Call it what you will, 'dubbed out house with a splash of techno' or 'dubbed out techno with a splash of house' - this is heavyweight material.
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mike schommer - No Title
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mike schommer - No Title
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mike schommer - No Title
Deepchord co-founder Mike Schommer is back from a 15 year hiatus with an entrancing 12'' on Steve O'Sullivan's Mosaic Records. After withdrawing from production for an extended period, the enigmatic producer revives his legacy with an unrestrained session using analog synths, drum machines and cavernous sound manipulations. 'Invitation to Love' uses minimalist 4/4 percussion and unfurling delays whilst 'Remember When' explores echoed synth stabs in a broken beat framework. Lastly, tranquil stepper 'Into The Night' carries floating chords and cyclical melodies through airy acoustics. 'Anamnesis' presents three quintessential dub techno methods - offering a masterfully engineered package by one of the genres most revered figures
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dean decosta/ sean dixon/ bobby o'donnel - Dean Decosta - "Recon"
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dean decosta/ sean dixon/ bobby o'donnel - Bobby O'Donnell - "Within,Without
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dean decosta/ sean dixon/ bobby o'donnel - Sean Dixon - "Dignity
Steve O'Sullivan's Mosaic Split Series is back with a fresh instalment for you in 2017 as the boss continues to discover and compile music from artists new and old for the well-received series that marked his return a few years ago. Focusing on three slabs of high grade deepness for release number six, the A Side comes from a firm Mosaic favourite Dean Decosta, a long-time friend and contributor to the imprint. Hailing from California, his music has always held a timeless quality and subtlety that is in key with the label and Steve's ethos. Stripping everything back to basics, Recon feels like a tribute to the last days of summer and the warm coastal breeze that inhabits the shore in Decosta's native California. Filling the space with warm pads and twinkling synths, the bass end neatly pulses and tweaks throughout as it elegantly moves to a spatial groove that seems to freeze the very moment in time you inhabit. Complimented perfectly by Within Without, Leeds lad Bobby O'Donnell serves up an instant ace for the B side as he fuses a tough ended kick with dub tinged Rhodes chords, pattering hats and swirling melody: evoking the kind of uplifting vibe that won't go amiss with DJs and dancers alike. Expect some heavy rotation and smiling faces on this. Last, but not least, rising Swedish producer Sean Dixon lays down a fusion of Omar S styled synth jams to dub driven house. By taking elements of the classic and injecting a fresh angle, Dixon creates a unique space in the sound that builds and builds, deserving both your time and attention. With repeated play, you can't but help admire his craft. If you haven't already checked out his catalogue don't get caught sleeping.
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To the untrained ear a collaboration between Mosaic boss Steve O'Sullivan and minimal house maestro Ricardo Villalobos may not seem like the most obvious sound clash. However, dig a little deeper and you'll find that both these artists have a long history and shared love of stripped back aesthetics and dubbed out rhythms carving out respective sounds that have never strayed far from their roots. Sullric is the result of a daylong session at the end of 2016 where the pair plugged in, switched on and set everything to cycle: recording several hours' worth of material to tape with an edit of their favourite passage worked into two versions in post-production. As you'd expect from anything Villalobos turns his hands to, the sound palette is fully laden with dreamy tinges of warped audio, pulsating synthesis and psychedelic tinges that are as equal as they are diverse never failing to surprise. O'Sullivan's input shines through in the rhythmic feel and the application of effects throughout, holding the entire track together as they hit on a moment that truly captures the spirit of joint electronic enterprise. The Side A edit totals 10 mins and leads with lighter touch hat work that evolves in layers and builds, focusing more on the bass edged tones and vocals that envelope the senses throughout: the use of meditative gongs and a large stringed breakdown cutting through the mix to maximum effect. Side B, titled the deeper dub, stretches over 12 mins and is slightly denser in feel as the rhythmic chug is brought to the fore - driving the track into a sparser territory that gives more ground and emphasis to the breakdowns when they drop. Either way, if you're seeking some heavy beats with weird shit on top look no further.
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andre kronert - Track Called Jinx
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andre kronert - The Bottom Line
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andre kronert - Pressure Dub
Long-time influential techno label Mosaic is back with a fine new EP from Germany's Andre Kronert. The Odd/Even boss has been turning out dubby and atmospheric EPs for ten years now, and here he adds three more such sumptuous tracks to his discography. A Track Called Jinx is first and is an economical but effective roller with vast drums, subtle hi hats and a wonky lead synth line that brings a trippy feel to the groove. Perfect for basements or warehouses alike, it works on both head and heel in style. Bottom Line is more forceful and hard hitting thanks to slamming drums and a nervous, twitching, haunted synth sound off in the distance. Racing along and taking you with it, the urgency of this one really is compelling. Finally, Pressure Dub is somewhere in the middle, with rolling kicks looping down low, scattered percussive hits up top and unsettling synth motifs all layered up into a smooth dub techno classic. Spacious and spooky it is another effortlessly essential cut from Kronert and Mosaic. Available on limited edition 180 yellow vinyl only.
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mark ambrose/ kumquat kids/ steve o'sull - Mark Ambrose - "Greetings From Madam Dominique" (extended mix)
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mark ambrose/ kumquat kids/ steve o'sull - Kumquat Kids - "Flip The Switch" (Wise Caucasian long dub)
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mark ambrose/ kumquat kids/ steve o'sull - Steve O'Sullivan - "Breezer Dub" (remastered)
The first in a series of special 12's to mark the 20th anniversary of the labels inception sees much sought after tracks from Mark Ambrose , Kumquat Kids and Steve O'Sullivan reissued in remastered and edited versions. Deep minimal rollers for those that know.
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For the third volume of the Mosaic Red Label Series Drumcode's Alan Fitzpatrick provides two slices of perfectly crafted main room jackin techno. Limited to 500 copies and pressed on 180g purple vinyl in a special collectors edition sleeve.
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clandestine/ annie perez - Annie Errez - "Discovery Inn"
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clandestine/ annie perez - Clandestine - "Vengeance"
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clandestine/ annie perez - Clandestine - "Slave To The System"
The resurgence of Mosaic continues in proper form with the fifth installment of the Split Series. In keeping with the theme of pairing lesser-known artists with more established producers, Part Five welcomes Annie Errez back to the fold after her appearance on Split Series: Part Four and teams her up with Clandestine, the production duo consisting of UK house/techno mainstays, Neville Watson and Justin Drake (of Peace Division fame). Needless to say, this is a very special collaboration, indeed. A1 - Annie Errez "Discovery Inn" Following up her two blazing cuts for Split Series: Part Four, Annie blesses the A side of Part Five with a pulsating, dub inflected groove in the true Mosaic tradition. Simple yet infectious in a Blue Train style, "Discovery Inn" bumps along with classic stabs that fill the space between the bass with finesse. This is one of those grooves that can go on forever and never get old - pure quality. B1 - Clandestine "Slave to The System" Neville and Justin get right down to it with dirty, swinging, old school vibes. Raw, saturated beats snap and shuffle as gritty synths punctuate the patterns. As the title implies, this one is designed for a proper sound system, kicking along unapologetically on behalf of those who seek rough and tough sounds that reside in the zone between house and techno. As they say, "Let the rhythm hit 'em." B2 - Clandestine "Vengeance" Keeping the raw grooves alive, "Vengeance" is nothing short of a disco/techno excursion of epic proportions. Classic drum programming frames a menagerie of chopped sample bits, making for a loopy head-trip of sonic goodness - once it gets into your mind, there's no stopping this tune. This is some prime time weirdness (of the best kind) that is sure make the freaks come out of the shadows.
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markus suckut - Turn On"
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markus suckut - "Tune In"
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markus suckut - "Drop Out"
Steve O'Sullivan recently resurrected his much loved Mosaic imprint, and with it comes the Red Label Series. Following on from a first release by Ben Sims comes this new three track EP by Markus Suckut. In the last four years, German Suckut has established himself as a fine techno producer with credits on labels like Stroboscopic Aretfacts, Figure and his own SCKT. His grooves are tight, atmospheric and expertly crafted for maximum impact.
This EP kicks off with 'Turn On', a hunched over, hurried and minimal techno shuffler with doom laden spoken word snippets beaming in over the rubbery kicks. 'Tune In' is less direct, instead seeming to rock back and forth in one sport, with feint industrial sounds and distant rumbles permeating the thick groove, before finally 'Drop Out' is another dubbed out, shadowy and oppressive groove riddled with muted sine waves and rippling chords. Hugely textured, humid and inviting, these are three more killer tracks from Suckut and Mosaic. More
This EP kicks off with 'Turn On', a hunched over, hurried and minimal techno shuffler with doom laden spoken word snippets beaming in over the rubbery kicks. 'Tune In' is less direct, instead seeming to rock back and forth in one sport, with feint industrial sounds and distant rumbles permeating the thick groove, before finally 'Drop Out' is another dubbed out, shadowy and oppressive groove riddled with muted sine waves and rippling chords. Hugely textured, humid and inviting, these are three more killer tracks from Suckut and Mosaic. More
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v.a. ( nail/ annie perez) - 01
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v.a. ( nail/ annie perez) - 02
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v.a. ( nail/ annie perez) - 03
The next instalment of this nine part series sees Mosaic take a diversion into darker techno territory with contributions from Ed Davenport, Aubrey and Ozka. Over the last few years Ed has been quietly gaining respect from those who like their house splashed with a good dose of techno. The Berghain regular's "Bloodchild" rides the fine line between both genres perfectly with a dark twisted bass line driven groove and eerie vocal line that typifies his unique sound. Next up is Aubrey who has provided a storming techno monster of a remix of Ed Davenport's unreleased "Islands." A very welcome return to the label after a 17 year break and when seen alongside his recent Ostgut Ton, Ferox and Metroplex appearances it is no wonder that people are calling 2014 his best year yet. Belgian techno wizkid David Nizet (aka Ozka) provides the closing track to the EP. Despite having recorded for the likes of Dave Angel's Rotation and Mowar this guy has been bubbling under the radar for some time . With forthcoming contributions to John Beltrans Dado and Arne Weinberg's Diametric coming up we are sure his talent won't go unnoticed for much longer . Check out the wonderful bass line driven dub-stab-fest he has given us in "Thirteen years" if you have any doubts!
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