We’re kicking off the new year in style with a fantastic new double header by RAXON. This Egypt-born, barcelonese powerhouse has left his scent marks all over the place in recent years. He has developed an instantly recognizable sound and that’s no small feat in these times shaped by so much formulaic dullness. “Your Fault” sees our Catalan hot shot in an exuberant disco mood. Mind bending chord progressions foiled with Raxon’s trademark vocal stutters guarantee for wonderfully twisted hands in the air moments. With “Beskar” we’re entering Star Wars nerd territory. Jedipedia says, Beskar is a uniquely resistant iron that develops a wide range of properties—and colors—in the hands of skilled metalsmiths. Alright. Musically speaking, we’re dealing with a stealthy, funky as hell trance-not-trance juggernaut. 2024 is off to a good start:)
Wir beginnen das neue Speicher-Jahr stilvoll mit einem fantastischen neuen Doppelwhopper von RAXON. Dieses in Ägypten geborene Kraftpaket aus Barcelona hat in den letzten Jahren überall seine Duftmarken hinterlassen. Er hat einen Sound entwickelt, den man sofort wiedererkennt, und das ist keine kleine Leistung in diesen Zeiten, die von so viel formelhafter Langweiligkeit geprägt sind. “Your Fault” zeigt unseren katalanischen Draufgänger in ausgelassener Disco-Stimmung. Verrückte Akkordprogressionen, gepaart mit Raxons Markenzeichen, der Stotterstimme, sorgen für wunderbar verdrehte Hands in the air Momente. Mit “Beskar” betreten wir Star Wars Nerd-Territorium. Laut Jedipedia ist Beskar ein besonders widerstandsfähiges Eisen, das in den Händen geschickter Schmiede eine breite Palette von Eigenschaften – und Farben – entwickelt. Nun gut. Musikalisch gesehen haben wir es mit einer verstohlenen, verdammt funkigen Trance-Not-Trance-Rakete zu tun. 2024 hat einen guten Start hingelegt : )
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As a standout and highly requested track in Maceo Plex sets over the last year, his Ellum Audio label finally releases Raxon's 'The Cage of Love,' an epic cover of trance classic 'Age of Love'. The original 'Age of Love' is a genre and era-defining tune. Despite its legendary status, Raxon is an artist who is more than up to the challenge of reinterpreting it for contemporary dance floors. The Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based artist is an underground mainstay with a fantastic album on Kompakt, top singles on Ellum Audio and Cocoon Recordings and gigs all over the world. He has teased this track at many of them, and it has never failed to light up the dance floor. 'The Cage Of Love' has an all-new techno feel with a taught bassline and slapping drum funk. The lead synths are molten and futuristic, while the original's vocal adds the iconic hook. The track builds in layers, teasing and then pleasing when it finally drops as the dance floor explodes and the laser-like synths spray about the mix with a life of their own. The vinyl comes with extended and instrumental mixes, while digital downloads include the radio edit and extended mixes. This is a new high point for Raxon and a bona fide classic in the making from Ellum Audio. More

Ellum Audio welcomes back Raxon for another of his cosmically minded techno EPs. Egypt-born but Barcelona-based, Raxon is at the forefront of the melodic techno scene thanks to always well-designed sounds on Diynamic, Kompakt, Cocoon and more. As a DJ, too, he explores an interplanetary sound that has seen him on the billing at influential festivals and clubs worldwide, from DGTL to Resistance Ibiza at Privilege. He opens this one with the superb 'Mantis,' a terrifically twitchy and astral track. Robot vocals are stitched into the mix with turbo-charged synths and a looping bassline over heavy drums. It's the sound of intergalactic warfare with a real sense of electronic funk and cinematic design. Then comes 'Input Robot,' a jostling broken techno groove laced up with sleek cosmic chords. Alien life forms live between the beats, and the elastic bass keeps you moving as the track rolls on through a turbulent night sky. The ‘Mantis EP’ is another innovative techno exploration from Raxon. More

Over the past decade, Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based DJ and techno producer Raxon, known to friends and family as Ahmed Raxon, has popped out a steady stream of twelve-inch singles, precision-tooled, for labels like Cocoon, Drumcode, Diynamic, Truesoul, and Ellum Audio. An alumni of Kompakt’s Speicher series – check the insistent, vibrating pulses of “The Ancient” and “Dark Light” on 2019’s Speicher 107 – with Sound Of Mind, Raxon has produced a long-awaited debut album that’s ready and aching both for the dancefloor and the boudoir, traversing the heat of the club and the warmth of the home. Like many albums from the past twelve months, Raxon’s debut developed partly thanks to the unique social situation the planet has found itself caught within. “In the beginning of 2020 I started working on a few tracks with the album in mind,” he recalls, “with no idea of what’s to come in the next few months. As catastrophic as the situation was/is, I found myself in the studio; in a way the lockdown gave me that creative freedom in the studio, [to] try to tell my story through sound.” And indeed, there is something in the way of ‘life writing’ about Sound Of Mind, particularly in the way Raxon’s productions pay subtle homage, perhaps, to his formative listening experiences in the late nineties. It’s no retro trip, but there’s plenty of variety here, and a few moments that’ll tickle the collective memory – see the prowling pulsations of the opening “Majestic”, the alien breakbeat action of “Vice” and “Journey Mode”, where the interstellar tones feel like Foul Play or Steve Gurley, the leaking gas and woozy keys that make “Droid Solo” so subtly destabilising, or the strobelight drones that sputter and flare throughout “El Multiverse”, where dappled organ tones fight it out with interdimensional transmissions, all sucked into the vortex of a late-night techno mantra. Beautifully sculpted, Sound Of Mind feels consummate, an elegant set that pulls Raxon’s vision into its sharpest focus. Alive with possibilities, it’s a fever dream of creativity. More

Ellum Audio mainstay Raxon is back with two more of his cosmic techno wonders. Raxon hails from Egypt, is Barcelona based and has risen through the ranks with a well crafted and emotive techno sound on labels like Diynamic, Kompakt, Cocoon and more. Last summer he played huge parties like Resistance Ibiza at Privilege as well as festivals like DGTL. Though he has made big moves in recent years, Raxon has been deeply involved in the scene for more than two decades. Characterful opener 'Loop Machine' is a dark and playful tune with loopy vocals layered over a rolling drum beat. The pixelated synths spray about the mix and the whole thing is destined to make the club bounce as one. The excellent 'Love Lapse' has a retro feel with its 80s synth chords and widescreen astral atmospheres. A busy bassline does plenty of work to keep things moving, while turbulent blasts of synths and prickly percussion add vital texture to this late night jam. These are two more forward-looking and evocative tracks from the ever on-point Raxon. TRACK LISTING. A. Loop Machine,, B. Love Lapse More

Ellum Audio welcomes impressive new school talent Raxon for four suitably cosmic techno tracks. Raxon hails from Egypt, is Barcelona based and has risen through the ranks with a well-crafted and emotive techno sound on labels like Diynamic, Kompakt, Cocoon and more. This summer he has been playing the revered Resistance Ibiza at Privilege as well as festivals like DGTL. Though he has made big moves in recent years, Raxon has been deeply involved in the scene for more than two decades. Opener ‘Andromena’ is a tense and futuristic groove that keeps you in suspense. Synths and chords ride up and down the scales without resolving and will make for a rapturous effect in the clubs. The superb ‘Vortex Cortex’ is stripped back, driving techno with a sleek bassline and sci-fi sounds making it all the more cinematic. The whole track feels like it is going to take off and carry you away to the stars. After the scene-setting ambience of ‘Introspect’ - a short and atmospheric interlude with more cosmic sounds, pulses and sonar blips - the excellent ‘Second Contact’ closes things out. A dark and prickly jam with expertly programmed drums that are broken and punchy, this one is about creating real intergalactic energy and is does that in style. This is Raxon’s most accomplished EP yet, and as such is perfectly at home on tgmthe mighty Ellum Audio. More

Born in Egypt, bred in Dubai and now situated in the electronic music hub of Barcelona, RAXON makes his SPEICHER debut with this double header that falls into line just past his breakthrough “Destiny EP” on DIYNAMIC. THE ANCIENT could be taken as a twisted modern version of YAZOO’s “Superstition” - subtle and bold this track bridges on the sexier side of electro-strasse with a gleaming dagger of nu-wave sophistication. His roots as one of the Middle East’s biggest DJs shines through the “Dark Light”. Mysterious minimal rhythms propelled with a sinister synth hook drives this track to a nowhere that makes you feel that you are somewhere that is right. More

As tension and seduction overlap in “Zero One”, the sound and the build-up is just enough to suck the listener in before the slight shift of style in “Zero Two”. The track gains the rhythmic flow of its own and grapples with higher pitch without losing the distinct tone of the producer. All three tracks share familiar dark undertones which are notably highlighted in “Zero Three” with a clear intention to leave the listener on an unmistakable high. More

With his new four-track EP, Gardens of God takes you in and keeps your body and mind in motion alongside its somber, yet fast-paced rhythmic flow. “Blut” comes in with a feeling of impending danger which lingers throughout the higher-pitched title-track “Rau”, never cutting down the established tension. As the anticipation grows and the dark and steady “Trys” lets you revel in its consistent beats, “Red Is The Colour” takes in on the challenge to bewilder, remaining sharp and compelling before leaving the listener lingering on the ominous dreamscape of “Rau EP”. More

Lithuanian based label Sodai started its journey in 2016, making it a label still in it’s infancy but making a big impression. Owned by artist Gardens Of God, who started the label to create his own ‘no limits’ plat-form for his experimental sounds and projects. While at the same time a platform to give other artists the chance to also have freedom with art and music. With releases from Raxon, Few Nolder and Third Son under their belt, the label shows no sign of slowing down, next in line is Italian producer Alex Schaufel (Suara, Diynamic) who is welcomed to the label with a his heavy hitting four track EP entitled ‘Roots’. More

Lithuanian based label Sodai started its journey in 2016, making it a label still in it’s infancy but making a big impression. Owned by artist Gardens Of God, who started the label to create his own ‘no limits’ platform for his experimental sounds and projects. While at the same time a platform to give other artists the chance to also have freedom with art and music. With releases from Raxon, Few Nolder and Alex Krell under their belt, they can announce the exciting debut from UK producer Third Son this April. “I’ve been an admirer of Gardens Of Gods’ music for a long time, when he asked me if I could do something for his imprint, I was more than thrilled!” adds Joseph.
Syncope’s’ synths spread far and wide, making this a journey of a track, modulating and panning in and out, pushing and pulling along a percussive drive. His broad musical range can be felt in this mix, with its slightly hypnotic tones. ‘Irony’ has a punctuated low end, which creates a deep and dark groove. The synthetic elements in this track gain in attitude, on top of ambient pads, leading nicely into ‘Bach’ to close out the release. It’s driving and determined bass makes the backbone of the track, with a modulating hook line, along building and expanding frequency ranges. More

One year ago, Sodai burst onto the electronic soundscape with fearless River / Ghost from label boss Gardens of God. Renowned for delivering the highest quality with meticulously selected artists, the label has carved out a fresh sound and distinct style. To celebrate the first milestone, Gardens of God solidifies the integrity of the label with the profound Maple EP . “These three tracks represent what I’ve been playing and enjoying since River / Ghost was released last year. No compromises, just for people to get lost in.” - Gardens of God Subtle distorted keys pan the atmosphere in lead track Maple for an enticing start to the EP, before a dominating bass soon carries the track through layers of melodic synths. The sinister tones of Whistler are next and set to cause a serious stir on the dancefloor. Last up, Bek is a solid techno roller with a thundering bass, enhanced by an incredible richness in the haunting synths that echo throughout. Vilnius based Gardens of God has established himself as a key player in the world of house and techno. The classically trained artist has enjoyed a groundbreaking few years with weighty features on BBC Radio 1, plus vital releases on Maceo Plex’s Ellum and his own imprint Sodai. More

Lithuanian Alex Krell rides the new wave of deep and dark techno straight into the Sodai fold, delivering a comprehensive and cohesive four track EP for Gardens Of God’s respected imprint. Enticingly deep and dubby, title track Parallel Seduction sets the tone with a rumbling bass and reverbing stabs. Optyx picks up the pace, with driving percussion and shimmering synth soundscapes. The subtle distortions of Wiemar are next up, conjuring a deep brooding atmosphere. Lastly, Knocturne is expertly crafted for the dancefloor leaving us fully immersed in a flawless EP. “ I find it difficult to finish tracks, so most of mine are made in just one session” Alex reveals. “I also avoid listening to electronic music when spending time in the studio, because with all those sounds stuck in your head it’s hard to keep your originality.” Alex Krell is a DJ, producer and petrolhead who lists Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and Queen as his influences. Now living in the capital, Vilnius, his background enhances his productions with a uniquely dark and earthy energy that makes his techno stand out from the crowd and proves he is one to keep a close eye on. More

Gardens Of God Sodai imprint continues to unearth creative production talent from the label’s native city of Vilnius with the third and latest artist from the city to feature on the label. Introducing Talassa Barda for his debut introducing three expertly crafted techno cuts.
Lead track Wolf has a howling big room sound effect and a dark Techno underbelly. Human with it’s haunting like qualities develops into a peak time monster that is sure to thunder in vast spaces over the summer. Finally, Bleed is a rolling acid tinged track that fuses electro, breakbeat and techno for possibly the most interesting of all three. More

Few Nolder has created a fitting second EP for Gardens of God’s Sodai label, spotlighting the cream of electronic talent coming out of Lithu?ania. ’?Ace Of Space’ confidently delivers three original tracks that build upon an already solid reputation. “?Showing a steady upward trajectory, Few Nolder has established himself as an internationally respected ? DJ-producer”sosaid?XLR8Rofhisrecentwork.H?isopeningtrack‘?Balance’isthemostunexpectedtrack Linas Strockis AKA Few Nolder ?claims to have done in years. He is particularly surprised with his approach, discussing the “?deep percussion and long tail cowbells together with windy tex? tures, and lush hypno feel”. While ‘?Teaser’, which Gardens Of God played during his Back to Back with ?B.Traits ?on BBC Radio 1 recently is contrastingly unrelenting. “?The m? elody evolves into a monster”, he says of the record, which can be heard in the metal snares and enchanting flute.? On title track ‘?Ace Of Space’ Nolder wants you to imagine “?stars passing by in their intergalactic travels ?[whilst the drops] are like a return from an uncharted nebula”. This is an EP based on big melodies and endless spaces, and a worthy fit for the burgeoning label. Few Nolder has been creating music for over a decade with a steady succession of releases on Ghostly International, Planet MU, Connaisseur Recordings and Needwant Recordings. More

Since his first release in 2014, Gardens of God has been building himself a sterling reputation that many can only dream of. This Autumn sees the Lithuanian DJ and producer launch his own Sodai imprint, with his own two track production 'River / Ghost EP' forming the debut release. 'River ' opens with a captivating force and level of intricacy that’s undeniably a Gardens Of God signature production. 'G host ' is highly emotive and charged, a record that unfolds with such force taking overarching white noise and horns to command the peak of the night. The creation of the Sodai label arose as an outlet to release his own music at his own pace. As he explains, “[Sodai will allow me] to experiment with my sounds and create an ongoing project that gives me the freedom to style both with art and music ”. Minidaugas Lapinskis aka Gardens of God has only released a handful of EP's and yet his name is often spoken with great regard among fellow artists, including the illustrious Maceo Plex. For over a decade Gardens of God has been steadily mastering his craft and creating both film and television scores. It is only in recent years that he has decided to unveil his work and open the doors to his studio, as seen over at XLR8R .

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