Special remarks: Limited capsule collection 1/3 from Midnight Shift

Tracklist:
A1. Time Spiral A2. Heed B1. Fading Inward B2. Transitory

Short info:
A homecoming for Singaporean Xhin as he releases on the Singaporean label Midnight Shift for its limited triptych capsule collection focusing on straight-up techno: 'SHIFT LTD'. A 4-tracker full of asiatic heat bound for the dancefloor from the iconoclastic sound designer. This is the first release out of three.
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Xhin's debut album on Stroboscopic Artefacts, 'Sword', showcases the breath of his vision. As the second full-length release on Stroboscopic Artefacts, 'Sword' stretches the remit of the label's identity ever further. Produced and recorded in Singapore, Xhin plucks sounds from the outer edges of electronic music and
fuses them together. Xhin's approach revels not only in a hybrid sound palette but it's also an album designed for multiple contexts. It’s a record typified by duality. Xhin's process seamlessly traversed analogue and digital production, and 'Sword' harbours electronic music that ranges from brutal club sounds to deep and delicate murmurs. It's clear from the way the album is crafted and layered that Xhin is a skilled sound designer. The tracks seem to have been worked on from a 360o perspective. His muse? The void. But rather than soundtracking the abyss, 'Sword' is a strategy, an attempt to negotiate a way out. Part of the answer that he proposes abandons the shadowy recesses of melancholy in search of the ecstatic. 'The Secret Closet' depicts a dream state in frosted tones and icy ambience that is returned to again with the discordant jangles of 'Inside'. 'Wood' picks up the motive once more. At the kernel of 'Wood' is melody that Xhin composed on the
piano and then digitally processed into a state of bliss. However, 'Sword' refuses to languish in a romantic hinterland and the ambience is off set by aggressive,
weighty cuts. 'Fox and Wolves' is Xhin ripping into any nostalgia that opening track 'The Secret Closet' promised. Equally 'Teeth' gnashes and writhes over a bed of deep beats. 'Vent' is fortified with metallic rasps and built from the droning aggression that characterized Xhin's early Stroboscopic Artefacts releases. Even
at its darkest, its most violent, 'Swords' envisions the club as a place of refuge. Proposing a collective acknowledgement of the void, where dancing fends off its grip, and realization is paradoxically escapist. 'Sword' could not be more aptly titled. Xhin creates allusions with track titles that snatch images from a post-modern fairytale: woods, wolves, foxes, wardrobes. Xhin appropriates the fairytale hero's sword and the weapon becomes symbolic of a struggle, a tool against the void. A way out of dystopia. Journeying to the crispy cusp of experimentation and musical questioning, 'Sword' is one of those rare creations that emerge when a producer has absolute artistic freedom. The 10 tracks navigate parallels and paradoxes allowing Xhin to cut a deft mark across the album format.
Tracklisting:
1 - The Secret Closet
2 - Fox and Wolves
3 - Teeth
4 - Insides
5 - Wood
6 - Medium
7 - You Against Yourself
8 - Vent
9 - Foreshadowed
10 - This Is What You Drew While You Were Half Asleep More

‘Cutlass’ is the 12? that precedes ‘Sword’ Xhin’s forthcoming full-length album on Stroboscopic Artefacts. Four tracks from the album have been selected and spliced into completely new forms by four producers with very separate agendas. The minds, computers and analogue tools of Surgeon, Dadub, Pfirter and Perc have extracted new visions from Xhin’s ‘Sword’ with nothing short of scientific precision. A cutlass just like a sword but with a slightly curved blade, and accordingly the way that Surgeon, Dadub, Pfirter and Perc cut into these tracks is experimental and left of the centre. The four producers’ remixes uncover latent facets of ‘Sword’, adding not just anticipation to the release of Xhin’s album, but also widening the scope of Stroboscopic Artefacts’ soundscape. More

Stroboscopic Artefacts is proud to welcome on board Singapore-based Xhin. “Fixing the Error” is an enormous peak-time club killer. Xhin knits together the sinister sound of the revolt of the machines. High frequency drum machines and ferrous sub-bass synthesizers are working urgently against the clock. Close your eyes, dissolve, step into dystopia. You are transported into a post-human cityscape where strobes reflect off smelting metallic sounds and deafening alarms wail. These warning codes, layer upon layer, fashion a vision of a metropolis gorging itself on sprawling noises. The flip side, “Link” has no narrative. Instead, this deep, brooding slice of dub-techno is composed of pure atmospheric pressure. The undercarrige slithers and slinks, interrupted by crackles of lightening and prehistoric rumbles. The result is a construction created in a cold palate of pyrite grey: bubbling, spherical and terrifying. This is dark. This is urgent. This is Xhin. More

Tracklist:
A. Feeling It
B1. Spector
B2. Scatter

Short info:
One of the founding fathers of Chicago house, himself a grandson to a DJ and frequently alongside other greats such as Ron Hardy on the decks, Gene Hunt summons a 3-tracker for the Midnight Shift label. True house and techno direct from the source and in his own words, a rather 'jungly' take of it due to the tracks' chaotic percussion.

'Feeling It' takes you back to the original old school, with all the classic elements in place, it's a house lover's wet dream, 30 years after the fact. 'Spector' twists things up while keeping that pumping jacking groove a perfect intersection between then and now. 'Scatter' punches through the noise like a clarion call to arms - where are all our jacks and jackies at? Report to the dancefloor, please.
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Special remarks:
-Special spot UV cover, double-pack LP packaging
-Black inner sleeves
-Limited run
-All proceeds go to Andreas Gehm's memorial affairs

Tracklist:
A1. KiNK - 1st Electric A2. Marco Bernardi - Diffused Partitions
B1. Mark Forshaw - Further B2. Basic Soul Unit - Running in the Night
C1. Tzusing - I Do Not Own This Song C2. L/F/D/M - Beaks in Zen
D1. Umwelt - Praise to Insanity D2. Rivet - Shards will Shine

Short info:
A tribute to Andreas Gehm (1972 - 2016), German producer, king of acid and inspiration to many including the artists in this compilation. All proceeds will go towards funding Andreas Gehm's post-mortem affairs, managed by his best friend, Joe Kurta. Long live the king.
Vital Sales Points:
- Tribute album to acid king, Andreas Gehm, who took his own life in 2016
- Andreas released one of his last few EPs with Midnight Shift
- All artists in this compilation have been influenced by and are deeply saddened by his passing
- All proceeds will go towards funding Andreas Gehm's post-mortem affairs, managed by his best friend Joe Kurta
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Tracklist:
A1. Reputations A2. Hold It In
B1. Decisions (Mike Dunn's M.A.M Instr. MixX) B2. Decisions (no vox)

Short info:
Crunchy, funky techno trax from the workshed of Ford Foster. Featuring a Mike Dunn remix for ‚Decisions' with two other versions for digital release.
Early support from Hodge, Fabrice Lig etc
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Tracklist:
A1. Role One Myself
A2. From The Rough Ends
B1. I Feel You (Mark Forshaw remix)
B2. I Feel You

Short info:
The 3rd release completes a series by Tapirus aka Charlton featuring a remix by Mark Forshaw, part of the Phantom Planet Outlaws.
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Tracklist:
A1. KiNK - Chorus
A2. KiNK and KEi - Madame X
B1. KiNK - Emotional Breakdown
B2. Loop 1 (vinyl only)
B3. Loop 2 (vinyl only)
B4. Loop 3 (vinyl only)
B5. Loop 4 (vinyl only)


Short info:
Full multi-pack from KiNK and hometown collaborator KEi. Loops not available for digital release.
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Tracklist:
A1. Offal & Sellotape A2. Spirit B1. Fruit Slob (Bleaching Agent remix) B2. Fruit Slob

Short info:
A secret weapon from London featuring a remix from Bleaching Agent.
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Tracklist:
A1. Brzzzl
A2. The World Ends in 3 Minutes
B1. Little Funk
B2. Boxx


Short info:
Andreas Gehm aka Elec Pt. 1 serves up a 4-track blitzkrieg (no remixes) for the Midnight Shift X series.
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Tracklist:
A. Ravisher
B1. Let Me Be feat. Jerry The Cat
B2. Let Me Be (Kirk Degiorgio Instrumental Remix)
Short info:
The Midnight Shift White Label series (MNSW) features full EPs from the label's artists. Where mood meets melody.

Following the emotive and personal 'The Journey' EP from Eddie Niguel, Kaspar (Lisbon, Portugal) and former RBMA participant in '05 now brings his 'Sisyphean Rage' EP to the table.

Of the legend of Sisyphus and his endlessly laborious and futile effort this EP is not. Instead, it is a remarkable breakthrough for the long-standing artist, with combined light from both Detroit's Jerry The Cat and the ever uncompromising Kirk Degiorgio for the remix.

The leading track, 'Ravisher' sees Ka§par flexing his mettle under the spotlight. The ruff n' tuff house-meets-techno tumble will perk the ears of even the most seasoned listener as ripe for the dancefloor. An original composition is paired with comfortable expression, and casts a new stone in the heart of both genres.

The B side shows the other side of Ka§par and delightfully, makes just as a powerful impression. One may know Jerry The Cat as a producer, DJ or percussionist on Theo Parrish and Moodymann productions, but the multi-talented cat puts on his singer-lyricist hat here for the personal anthem 'Let Me Be'. Backed by Ka§par's mod take on proto electro, it's a revival gem captured on vinyl.

On B2, Kirk Degiorgio completes the all-rounded package with a less-says-more emotional instrumental, waiting needle to groove for that perfect moment. A vocal version remix of 'Let Me Be' is also available from Kirk Degiorgio as a digital bonus.

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Special remarks: 12" with printed sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Roswell Case A2. Synthesized Priorities B1. Mexican Madness (Hodge Remix) B2. Mexican Madness
Short info:
The MNS X series returns for its 4th issue after a blistering John Heckle EP with one from the Spainard mystic: Eduardo De La Calle. Featuring full EPs from the label artists, the MNS X series plays in the field of the analog, acid and techno. For this, Eduardo De La Calle has put forward a tougher stance from his other silky productions, heading into the rough, analogue and raw terrain for Midnight Shift. The result packs a punch, rounded up with a remix by Hodge. Getting straight into business out of his Ashram studio is 'Roswell Case' on A1. A relentless pulsating and slithering acid bassline anchors the raw and percussive track, making it a peak-time earworm roller that will resonate across dancefloors. 'Synthesized Priorities' takes the respectable second position and is another builder where the soul of the machine makes itself heard amidst a temple of ethic drumming. What is it spelling out to you? Don't get hypnotised! On the flip, the title track 'Mexican Madness' gets the Hodge aka Jacob Martin remix treatment, turning the opening synth groove into an all-out rugged union jack. Fire and another winning move from the Bristolian producer. B2 goes to the original 'Mexican Madness', a twisted journey into the chaotic mind, led by an analogue synth and its friends. Get dizzy standing in the Mexican heat, as the crowd noise builds and claps around you. Too much tequila can just about begin to describe this peculiar product, waiting to wreck insane havoc on the floor.
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Tracklist:
A1. Wet Noises A2. Alpha Deux B1. Wet Noises (Tapirus remix) B2. Frozen Planet
Short info:
Hot on the tail of two prior releases by Tapirus aka Rotterdam's own Charlton, the MNSX series presents its 3rd instalment with none other than yung John Heckle from Merseyside, UK with a remix by Tapirus. Three incredible tracks from John Heckle make up this blistering hyperactive EP. Raw, acidy landscapes and analog drum programming are the trademarks of this artist and he displays his mastery in full force. Together with Tapirus, the result is a meeting of minds; an energetically harmonious release in similar spirit. The title track 'Wet Noises' takes us full throttle into Heckle's domain. Upfront drumming, acid bassline and soaring synths mix and melt in a dancing cosmic soup. Tinkling notes add signposts throughout the oceanic chaos, before the song reaches its ultimate arrival on shore. 'Alpha Deux''s beginning and deceptive ambient soundscape unfolds deliciously, evolving organically into a full blown Chicago acid workout. Let it reverse and play on for a secret easter egg ending! On the B-side, Tapirus takes 'Wet Noises' to his territory on just as rough terrain. An acid bounce start slowly snakes its way into higher Asiatic ground with a hand of the mystical. Less of a remix in the traditional sense but an equally honourable version. A special treat is reserved for last. B2's 'Frozen Planet' is an evocative piece anchored by a broken beat and deep bassline. Brought alive by helter-skelter notes and wrapped up in soaring, mountain-high synth lines, it is a bright asteroid in the galaxy of John Heckle's discography for us.
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Special remarks: 12" white label
Tracklist:
A1. City 2 City A2. Where Do We Go From Here B1. The Warehouse B2. Where Do We Go From Here (Locked Groove remix)
Shortinfo:
Presenting the first release in Midnight Shift's White Label series. Full EPs from the Midnight Shift stable of artists. Where mood meets melody.
The different shades of Eddie Niguel are discernible in his first full EP for Midnight Shift and the launch of the label's White series. From the melancholic 'Where Do We Go From Here' to the authentic tribute 'The Warehouse', we are taken through the changes in the seasons with each track casting further light on this producer. The polymorphous opener 'City 2 City', like its name suggests, has a character that is anywhere yet everywhere. From the dancehalls of Berlin to the festivals of Krakow to basement dens in Singapore, it is a track that travels as far as it is hard to pin down from whence it came from. The Warehouse' on B1 has a special touch that fills up any space it reaches from wall to wall, warming up the surrounds with classic drum work, uplifting vocal and synth lead, plus wide, spacious breathing capacity. A future classic encapsulating the holy production grail of 'simple but effective'. Young Belgian Locked Groove aka Tim va de Meutter who has been rising up the ranks does the honours on the remix of 'Where Do We Go From Here'. With the hand of an alchemist, he transforms the original's sincere and pensive yearning on A2 into a heroic statement. Turning the arrangement inside-out and spreading the track to its farthest edges without losing its essence, it is a lifting response we have on B2.
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The second instalment in Midnight Shift's remix series sees Eddie Niguel and Juju & Jordash put their magic touch on already well-received tracks by Iron Curtis (Johannes Paluka) and Detroit veteran Terrence Parker. On the A-side, duo Juju & Jordash let their love for the jazz and experimental shine through. From a straight-up melodic house number by TP to some form of beautiful ugly, the track leads in with a deceiving pop bassline before turning into a broken, asylum hideout for the deranged. Thankfully for us listeners, it fades off with grace. 'Never Give Up' is Iron Curtis's contribution to the label (Shift 002), which saw two versions of a deeply complex composition and an inclusion in Ian Pooley's Raveline Mix Session. Here, Eddie Niguel of 'Absolute' fame turns the intention into a full onslaught aimed at the clubber's jugular, pausing just long enough for a twisted break. Another hit out of the ballpark by Eddie? More

Moving to a house formation, the fourth release from Midnight Shift combines the forces of Detroit veteran Terrence Parker with small German hometowner Simon Hinter, plus an additional remix by Turkish Philogresz. Covering the spectrum of the ever-evolving genre from classic to techy, jazzy to deep, it’s one for both the recently initiated and original house music lover. “It Hurts”, we are told is Terrence Parker’s tribute to the 2011 Japanese Tsunami. A multi-layered instrumental composition expressed over a chugging beat successfully conveys the complex and highly strung emotions involved in a tragic event. A heavyweight tune from a key player of the music world. From Siegen, Germany, a town with a population of 100,000 comes Simon Hinter, as yet an underrated artist with a talent for subtle melodies. “Finding Home” is as exploratory as its name suggest; a tribal trip in the twinkling wilderness of space. On the flipside, “Leave” employs microsampling to jazzy effect, using choice bites to create a hypnotic groove out of loop heaven.
Philogresz (Ilker Soylu) adds the tech flavour to this bag of tricks – an arresting crossover waiting to unleash its magic spell on the dance circles of the world. More