Genre: House

Tracklist 12”:

A1 Johannes Albert “Create-A-Dance” (06:01)
A2 Johannes Albert “House Of Triton” (05:42)
A3 Johannes Albert "Spacer By Camac" (04:34)
B1 Johannes Albert "Voices Traces Noises Spaces" (05:14)
B2 Jean Crémant "Hyperspace" (Johannes Albert Re-Space-Mix) (06:21)

Short Info:
Create-A-Dance: The eternal mantra for each and everyone making dance music. In this case it’s Johannes Albert delivering a fresh House EP on his very own Frank Music imprint. Yes, we are talking piano, phun-ky basslines, synth melodies and vocal statements on top. Another epic break? Included! Being known for constantly trying to find the perfect sweetspot in between House, Disco and Italo, Johannes delivers one of his most catchy EPs to date. As a bonus on the flip you shall find „Voices Traces Noises Spaces“ plus Johannes’ remix for Jean Crémant’s initial super heat „Hyperspace“. As Bryan used to say: „Don’t Stop, Don’t Stop The Dance“.





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Genre: Ambient

Tracklist Tape:

A1 Frischling (03:33)
A2 Suhle (03:45)
A3 Gewaff (03:20)
A4 Überläufer (02:48)
B1 Keiler feat. Rudi Albert (03:04)
B2 Leitbache (02:46)
B3 Rauschzeit (03:05)
B4 Kessel (01:53)


Short Info:

Originally born in days of a global lockdown, Johannes Albert gets ready for a second round of Ambient music. "Spessart II" follows the footprints of its predecessor and keeps things mostly quiet yet very thrilling at the same time. Starting off with "Frischling" the beat maker takes us on a calm synth trip through his home forest Spessart, using wild boar - Wildschwein - vocabulary all the way. Sparks of early Downbeat ("Gewaff"), even Trip Hop ("Überläufer") and instrumental Sade ("Leitbache") occur in the well balanced 8 track album. Johannes' dad Rudi adds to the vibe playing the Jagdhorn on "Keiler". If you like the band "The Art Of Noise" you will most likely love this too.

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Genre: Ambient

- 180g heavy vinyl pressing
- comes with postcard & MP3 Download
- full cover/sealed

Tracklist 12" LP:

A1 Mariabuchen (03:12)
A1 Beilstein (03:50)
A3 Katharinenbild (02:45)
A4 Sohlhöhe (03:31)
B1 Schönrain (03:18)
B2 Kuhruh (03:05)
B3 Franziskushöhe (02:18)
B4 Sindersbach (03:15)

Short Info:

The Spessart with its presence of extended woodlands is widely known for its legends, ghost stories and fairytales. Thus, the tale of Snow White may have originated in the Spessart heartlands, with the town of Lohr pushing forward a substantial case for being the home and inspiration for the main characters and elements like the magic mirror. Now let us return to innocence: Spessartraeuber Johannes Albert goes beatless for the first time over this 8 tracker. You may hear the rhythm of nature. Crystal clear bell sounds sit next to warm pads, bird song and even his own voice add to the peaceful piece. Heavenly strings approach guilt free piano sounds while blameless digital choirs whistle along. Music for dreams basically. File under New Age. Are you in?






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2021 PURPLE REPRESS
- Beautiful PURPLE vinyl - Clear Sleeve - new label design

Tracklist 12":

A1. Giovanni Frizzante (06:10)
A2. D-Trainse (No Cure Mixx) (06:50)
B. Giovanni Frizzante (Prins Thomas Diskomiks) (09:37)


Short Info:

2021 PURPLE REPRESS. A full on 12" Disco EP coming your way via the notorious Frank Music label. Johannes Albert - in Italy they call him Giovanni Alberto - plays the rattle bass and bangs out the sweetest piano solo you will hear all year. Accompanied by a more sample-laden arp-disco tune that won't give you any cure. Added for good measure? Jep, Prins Thomas Diskomiks on the flip in all its glory. Fresh label design by DJ BOOMING B.

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Johannes Albert debuts on Renate Schallplatten, releasing his first vinyl EP of 2020.

Tracklist:
A1 1-800-PIANO
A2 1-800-PIANO (Panthera Krause Remix)
B2 More Action Pleeease!
B2 Contra Pein

Shortinfo:
After being a longtime resident at two of Berlin's most beloved institutions Renate & ELSE it was about time that Johannes Albert joined their inhouse imprint, Renate Schallplatten. Being known for finding the perfect sweetspot in between of House, Disco and Italo, Johannes delivers one of his most catchy EP's to date.
The record is out May 22nd on all formats and comes along with a remix from close friend Panthera Krause.


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Tracklist 12":

A1 Credit Jive (07:02)
B1 Linn Dreams (06:42)


Short Info:

Somewhere between the lines of Italo Disco, House Music and a little bit of Cosmic Trance you will find "Credit Jive", another feel-good measurement created by the guy who obviously fell into the fountain of youth last year. Your endorphines will shine straightaway while being sober altogether. On the flip we honour the drum machine that is Linn Drum. Yes, it's that Prince machine. Never stop dreaming!

Vital Sales Points:

- DHA premiere
- news via ransom note & mixmag

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Genre: EBM/House/Techno/Electronica

Tracklist 12" LP:

A1 Phony Emotions 02:54:00
A2 Hooligan 04:23:00
A3 Copper Bolt 03:58:00
A4 Milieu feat. Gundula Schulze Eldowy 04:36:00
A5 Wing House 04:58:00
B1 Built-In Acceptance feat. Iron Curtis 04:21:00
B2 Chestnut Poetry 04:44:00
B3 Dong Xuan 05:00:00
B4 Whirring In Distance 03:13:00
B5 Cell feat. Moritz Heppner 03:27:00


Short Info:

Lichtenberg: Name of a district in East Berlin and Johannes Albert's second LP. Ambient structures over New Wave rhythms via EBM to current rave revivals blend a sense of multidisciplinary art into one medium. After the sublime and welcoming vibes of "Phony Emotions" we wander into a bit of indie dance room when listening to the meaty bass tones of "Hooligan". Renowned photographer Gundula Schulze Eldowy (mostly known for her work "Berlin on a dog's night") lends her voice to the dark mood of "Milieu" speaking about life in the city in the 1980s. We find a rare moment of happiness dancing to "Wing House" with a positive arp baseline. Long time producer-pal Iron Curtis comes into the mix now for the uptempo acid tune "Built-In Acceptance". Bringing back the vast, massive drop in e-music, sure to be a hit at festivals this summer. Carrying on with "Chestnut Poetry" an ode to 90s Rave with a touch of EBM. Snare Rolls included. "Dong Xuan" feeds the energy of the infamous Vietnamese center based in the albums namesake by evoking a shattered vocal sample over lofty pads with an engaging acid bassline, however its mostly a follow-up to Johannes' 2016 anthem "All Things Mind Altering". Rounding up things with the majestic New Age sound of "Cell". Another collaboration this time with Moritz Heppner, aka "Monosoul". The producer reveals his darker side on Lichtenberg and slows down. Ancient drum machines and synthesizers however play a main role. Throughout this whole journey Johannes still maintains his house music foundation and the album embodies genre fluid styles that depict the motions of the area. Features come vast and great: Gundula Schulze Eldowy, Iron Curtis & Moritz Heppner add to the fold with their musical stylings.
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Do you remember Groove la Chord Well, we dive into similar Rave territories with Johannes Albert and his Generators . Some might call it peak time stormer. Endless arps warped into nasty basslines is what we manage on Minilogue . Yeah it's kind of a tribute to a silver machine. Please wait for the break, though. Calming things down with a skit of Ambient. Well, 2018, bring it on! More

Tataaa! A full on 12“ Disco EP coming your way via the notorious Frank Music label. Johannes Albert – in Italy they call him Giovanni Alberto – plays the rattle bass and bangs out the sweetest piano solo you will hear all year. „Giovanni Frizzante“ it is. Truth is he just watched a „how to make italo disco in ableton“ tutorial and listened to another 238 Lauer tracks for inspiration on top. Accompanied by a more sample-laden arp-disco tune that won’t give you any cure. Added for good measure? Jep, Prins Thomas Diskomiks on the flip in all its glory. What could possibly go wrong?
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Genre: House

Tracklist 12”:

A1 Johannes Albert “Create-A-Dance” (06:01)
A2 Johannes Albert “House Of Triton” (05:42)
A3 Johannes Albert "Spacer By Camac" (04:34)
B1 Johannes Albert "Voices Traces Noises Spaces" (05:14)
B2 Jean Crémant "Hyperspace" (Johannes Albert Re-Space-Mix) (06:21)

Short Info:
Create-A-Dance: The eternal mantra for each and everyone making dance music. In this case it’s Johannes Albert delivering a fresh House EP on his very own Frank Music imprint. Yes, we are talking piano, phun-ky basslines, synth melodies and vocal statements on top. Another epic break? Included! Being known for constantly trying to find the perfect sweetspot in between House, Disco and Italo, Johannes delivers one of his most catchy EPs to date. As a bonus on the flip you shall find „Voices Traces Noises Spaces“ plus Johannes’ remix for Jean Crémant’s initial super heat „Hyperspace“. As Bryan used to say: „Don’t Stop, Don’t Stop The Dance“.





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Yellow Vinyl / LIMITED TO 100 COPIES

Genre: House

Tracklist 12”:
A1 Biesmans & Johannes Albert “Sunshine Inc.” (06:32)

Short Info:
LIMITED TO 100 COPIES: After having cake & coffee at least twice a week studio neighbors Joris Biesmans & Johannes Albert teamed up again. Remember "Luft"? This time they got a little inspired by the sun and even more - the legendary sunshine blotters from California. As a result, the duo hammered out a tune that you will dance to all summer and beyond: Sunshine Inc. is fabricated out of concrete chords, the bass was welded, and the lead is still dripping with sweat. Add a little acid here and there and BOOM we're off to space! Before you ask: Tripping is more than okay.






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comes with inlay & MP3 Code

Genre: House

Tracklist 12”:

A1 Lauer & Johannes Albert “Based On Boss” (05:06)
A2 Lauer & Johannes Albert “Four 44” (04:44)
A3 Lauer & Johannes Albert "Posh-O-Rama" (04:19)
B1 Boris Dlugosch x Marc Romboy x C.A.R."Survivor" (06:23)
B2 Boris Dlugosch x Marc Romboy x C.A.R."Survivor" (Johannes Albert Remix) (06:05)

Short Info:
Sharing a mutual love for Dance Music in all its shapes and forms please welcome Philipp Lauer & Johannes Albert for the first time together. These Bucketheads overcame the franko-hessian border and give us a 3-Tracker on the A side that is "Based On Boss". The title track swims in 909 Drums, vocal samples shine through, and organ chords lead the way. You will be moving your feet with "Four 44", still all about a basement, a red light and lots of feeling. Rounding things up with the loopy powers of "Posh-O-Rama", if you are in need of soft breaks with a lovely twist. Now who's the boss?
Speaking B sides: Hamburg-Moenchengladbach-London? Probably not your everyday route. Three pillars in their own leagues team up for "Survivor": Boris Dlugosch, Marc Romboy and C.A.R. on vocal duties. Created in times of lockdowns and standstills "Survivor" is a midtempo stomper, slightly dark yet extra moving. Clocking in at 110 BPM a percussive beat is haunted by C.A.R.'s voice and a hypnotic robot bassline. Occuring melodies and pads do the rest. Remix time? Oh yes! Spicing and speeding things up a little the Johannes Albert remix arrives with additional chords, gated snare drums and maybe even happiness.




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Genre: Ambient

Tracklist Tape:

A1 Frischling (03:33)
A2 Suhle (03:45)
A3 Gewaff (03:20)
A4 Überläufer (02:48)
B1 Keiler feat. Rudi Albert (03:04)
B2 Leitbache (02:46)
B3 Rauschzeit (03:05)
B4 Kessel (01:53)


Short Info:

Originally born in days of a global lockdown, Johannes Albert gets ready for a second round of Ambient music. "Spessart II" follows the footprints of its predecessor and keeps things mostly quiet yet very thrilling at the same time. Starting off with "Frischling" the beat maker takes us on a calm synth trip through his home forest Spessart, using wild boar - Wildschwein - vocabulary all the way. Sparks of early Downbeat ("Gewaff"), even Trip Hop ("Überläufer") and instrumental Sade ("Leitbache") occur in the well balanced 8 track album. Johannes' dad Rudi adds to the vibe playing the Jagdhorn on "Keiler". If you like the band "The Art Of Noise" you will most likely love this too.

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Round number four on the Frank Music Rarities series: Music that deserves being cut on a platter. "Come Closer" may sound like a long-lost Chicago House record from the late 80's but it's new. Jakob Mäder rides on a melody you've never heard before, still all about the love. On the flip you shall find two songs out of Iron Curtis' & Johannes Albert's current "Moon III" album. Oui madame, the french touch arrives via "Enjoy" and a little pop music shines through "Something Unique" featuring Indie rockets Zoot Woman on vocal duties.

Tracklist 12”:

A1 Johannes Albert - Come Closer (Your Body Next To Mine) (05:37)
A2 Jakob Mäder - Love Is Love (04:41)
B1 Iron Curtis & Johannes Albert - Enjoy (06:43)
B2 Iron Curtis & Johannes Albert - Something Unique feat. Zoot Woman (05:43)
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12"
- light green vinyl

Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Guinness Italo (05:58)
A2 Guinness Emotions (03:20)
B1 Guinness Trance (06:22)
B2 Guinness Drumapella (04:21)


Short Info:

Third times's a charm! Sir - or better - Signore David Jackson is back with his third record for Frank Music. Our Heidelberg posterboy has constructed some of his best work to date. "Guinness Italo" is by far the recipe you need at your party too. Imagine the spice of a perfect Negroni mixed with all the charme of another pint in your favourite pub with all your mates. Nothing but good times indeed. "Guinness Italo" arrives in various forms, shapes & dreams. One for the euphoric Italo moment, one a hundred percent emotional, one going Trance all the way and finally one just for the Drums. What's your choice lad? Slainte!



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Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Iron Curtis & Johannes Albert "Hurting" (I:Cube Remix) (05:48)
A2 Johannes Albert "Schönrain" (Ibiza Mix) (04:12)
A3 "Hurting" (I:Cube Bonus Beat) (04:02)
B1 Johannes Albert "Kuhruh" (Italo Mix) (06:02)
B2 Sascha Ciminiera "Milla calls" (Johannes Albert Metro Mix) (06:03)


Short Info:
When talking I:Cube it is hard to avoid superlatives. The french maestro is surely in your favorite producers top 3 producers list. Nicolas Chaix delivers the goods since the mid 90s. From inventing French House (see "Disco Cubizm" with the help of Daft Punk for reference) over the massive 12" dancefloor-madness of "Prophetization" to the perfect warmup track "Falling" he manufactures dance music that is unpretentious, classy and most of all: eternal. In a nutshell: we are true I:Cube disciples. He twists "Hurting" by Iron Curtis & Johannes Albert in a heartfelt way. File under Melancholic House. For the hard working DJ - Bonus Beat included. We carry on with Frank Music chairman Johannes Albert and 3 of his latest dance mixes. Now let the arpeggiator speak and the dancefloor holler.



Vital Sales Points:
- I:Cube!!!!
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- full printed cover
- MP3 DL + Sticker included

Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Amount - Dphrase (05:37)
A2 Captain of Your Heart – L.ove (03:22)
A3 Levitation Venue – Everything’s Good (04:43)
B1 Johannes Albert - Dynamo (05:46)
B2 Iron Curtis – Münster West (05:39)
B3 Max Lessig – Make Me Cry (06:22)

Short Info:

Steering his dance label, Frank Music, all the way through the last decade, Johannes Albert would like to welcome a bunch of new and old friends for its 10 years anniversary. Berlin’s Amount steers the ship into contemporary disco waters with his „Dphrase". All hands on deck please! The Captain Of Your Heart is more than a good friend. He is the boss from Zürichsee actually. We „L.ove“ his Synth Pop all the way. Darmstadt’s finest Levitation Venue are back with the calm yet groovy „Everything’s Good“. Now we set sail for the flipside. High waves and a storm comes up on the floor when Johannes drops his „Dynamo“. A very 90s informed rave affair! Sir Iron Curtis takes over the realm and shows a little respect for classic Electro. We travel to „Münster West“. The sea calms again with the bittersweet symphony of Max Lessig’s „Make me cry“. We reach safe havens. To the next 10!

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Genre: Disco/House

Tracklist 12":
A1 Cutoff Freak feat. R.P. Downie (03:51)
A2 Identification Unknown feat. Miela (04:56)
A3 Some Kind Of Electric feat. Miela (04:03)
B1 Cutoff Freak – Johannes Albert Acid Dub (05:14)
B2 Some Kind Of Electric – Johannes Albert Kind Of Dub (05:20)


Short Info:
Kayroy is back! The charismatic gentleman from Melbourne gives us three brand new songs. First, we have “Cutoff Freak” with R.P. Downie on vocal duties. Yes, we shed crocodile tears for a thousand years. The David Byrne-esque vocals perfectly add to Kayroy’s mid-tempo aussie p-funk. Last year’s “Identification Unknown” feat. Miela also sees a vinyl feature finally.
Now imagine a late summer night. You ride your local sunset boulevard in your red convertible and turn on the stereo. They play „Some Kind Of Electric“ on the radio. Kayroy & Miela on the microphone make you feel good, they make you laugh, they make you cry. All at the same time. Irresistible grooves, heartwarming melodies and that voice. Now let this summer night last forever.
Label boss Johannes couldn’t resist and bangs the tracks into a more club-styled direction on the B-side. There is an “Acid Dub” and “Kind Of Dub”. Your choice.

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Genre: Ambient

- 180g heavy vinyl pressing
- comes with postcard & MP3 Download
- full cover/sealed

Tracklist 12" LP:

A1 Mariabuchen (03:12)
A1 Beilstein (03:50)
A3 Katharinenbild (02:45)
A4 Sohlhöhe (03:31)
B1 Schönrain (03:18)
B2 Kuhruh (03:05)
B3 Franziskushöhe (02:18)
B4 Sindersbach (03:15)

Short Info:

The Spessart with its presence of extended woodlands is widely known for its legends, ghost stories and fairytales. Thus, the tale of Snow White may have originated in the Spessart heartlands, with the town of Lohr pushing forward a substantial case for being the home and inspiration for the main characters and elements like the magic mirror. Now let us return to innocence: Spessartraeuber Johannes Albert goes beatless for the first time over this 8 tracker. You may hear the rhythm of nature. Crystal clear bell sounds sit next to warm pads, bird song and even his own voice add to the peaceful piece. Heavenly strings approach guilt free piano sounds while blameless digital choirs whistle along. Music for dreams basically. File under New Age. Are you in?






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Genre: Ambient

Tracklist Tape:

A1 Another Day (05:19)
A2 November Strings (03:47)
A3 Coral Reef (03:13)
A4 Gravity Waves (06:00)
A5 Broken Café Blues (02:36)
B1 On The Balcony (02:04)
B2 Moonlight (03:25)
B3 Sleeping Cat In A Paper Box (02:55)
B4 End Of The Day (04:35)
B5 Social Distance (03:37)


Short Info:

Ambient Music? Oh yes! Number two in the Frank Music tape series comes from the city of Leipzig yet again. Mary Yalex is a mainstay in various genres of dance music. Better go and check her records on KANN & Dial for instance if you haven't already. We are delighted to give you around 39 minutes of textures, sketches, warmth, weirdness and kindness. In other words: welcome to "Sentimental Journey". Mary guides us through a 10 tracks trip over calm pads ("November Strings"), steady bubbles ("Coral Reef"), postponed dreams ("Broken Café Blues"), ascending melodies ("Moonlight") and bitter realities ("Social Distance"). Tape format for the enthusiast, digital formats for all of us. Artwork by beloved illustrator Jana Marei.
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Genre: House

- VINYL ONLY ONE SIDED BANGER!
- comes with mp3 DL code
- riso print sticker on sleeve


Tracklist 12":

A1. LMBYF (06:21)

Short Info:
Expo 2000? Mousse T? Cyberhouse at Hanomag? The many shades of Hannover. If you haven't heard of Felice, now's the time. The city's most hidden secret guides us towards Fantasy, that is. The Nine-Oh-Nine, the piano, it's all in there. House Music for the Jilted Generation. Made in Linden. For the time being available on beautiful, one-sided vinyl only. Well we through in a little download card just in case. Now close your eyes, move your feet and sing along as if nobody is ever watching.



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2021 PURPLE REPRESS
- Beautiful PURPLE vinyl - Clear Sleeve - new label design

Tracklist 12":

A1. Giovanni Frizzante (06:10)
A2. D-Trainse (No Cure Mixx) (06:50)
B. Giovanni Frizzante (Prins Thomas Diskomiks) (09:37)


Short Info:

2021 PURPLE REPRESS. A full on 12" Disco EP coming your way via the notorious Frank Music label. Johannes Albert - in Italy they call him Giovanni Alberto - plays the rattle bass and bangs out the sweetest piano solo you will hear all year. Accompanied by a more sample-laden arp-disco tune that won't give you any cure. Added for good measure? Jep, Prins Thomas Diskomiks on the flip in all its glory. Fresh label design by DJ BOOMING B.

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Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Baila Resista (06:48)
B1 Jupiter Hymn (05:57)
B2 Lonely Ways (06:38)


Short Info:

Debut time! Leipzig-based DJ & music maker Max Lessig comes through with his very first EP. Max delivers full-on classy dance music filtering the very essence of what makes a crowd move. "Baila Resista" is made for peak time use. The arpeggiator tells us to rock our itchy feet - we will never stop living this way. "Jupiter Hymn" is an elegant piece of modern synth house music. Vocals in the back, pads in the front. "Lonely Ways" goes a little deeper but the message is still and will always be: take me to ecstasy. In his own words: "Dance! Unite! Resist!"


Vital Sales Points:

- Max Lessig Debut EP!
- fresh talent
- H.O.T. shit

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Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Airport Disco (07:41)
A2 Oohhyyee (06:29)
B1 In My System (06:34)
B2 Berlin (Vinyl Only) (06:28)


Short Info:

Round two for David Jackson! Just born in the heydays of the "Airport Disco" David provides us with the future of Italo Disco and beyond. Mr. Jackson makes music for mirror balls, strobe lights, fog machines and Richard Long sound systems. The title track "Airport Disco" is a heater at first sight. It will make you whistle along or go bang straightaway. "Oohhyyee" is a modern piece of uplifting, breaky & airy UK vibe and hits just the right notes and spots. Some folks claim the only good system is a soundsystem. Well "In My System" appears with powerful synth chords and yes, believe me you want to join this system too. For the advanced customer (vinyl only that is) you will find "Berlin" on B2. A bit of Schlager-Disco with a laissez-faire message. Another top artwork courtesy of Julian Bender. Now get into magic!


Vital Sales Points:

- BBC R1 support (tbc)

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Very Limimited (50 copies) Special version in Babyblau and Marbled Vinyl.

Genre: House

Tracklist 12":

A1 Airport Disco (07:41)
A2 Oohhyyee (06:29)
B1 In My System (06:34)
B2 Berlin (Vinyl Only) (06:28)


Short Info:

Round two for David Jackson! Just born in the heydays of the "Airport Disco" David provides us with the future of Italo Disco and beyond. Mr. Jackson makes music for mirror balls, strobe lights, fog machines and Richard Long sound systems. The title track "Airport Disco" is a heater at first sight. It will make you whistle along or go bang straightaway. "Oohhyyee" is a modern piece of uplifting, breaky & airy UK vibe and hits just the right notes and spots. Some folks claim the only good system is a soundsystem. Well "In My System" appears with powerful synth chords and yes, believe me you want to join this system too. For the advanced customer (vinyl only that is) you will find "Berlin" on B2. A bit of Schlager-Disco with a laissez-faire message. Another top artwork courtesy of Julian Bender. Now get into magic!
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2020 Re Edition

Tracklist:

A1: The Great Attractor? (02:49)
A2: Industrie & Zärtlichkeit (03:42)
?A3: Proto (04:51)
?B1: Fjordig (02:35)
?B2: Café Del Landwehrkanal (03:30)
?B3: Light Of Virtue? (04:00)
C1: MFB Nights (You Needed Someone)? (05:25)
C2: Machine Rhythm Tomorrow? (04:22)
C3: The Bitter End? (02:13)
D1: Industrie & Zärtlichkeit (Black Spuma Remix) (06:06)
D2: Appeal (Lerosa Remix) (06:24)

Short Info:

Welcome to "Industrie & Zärtlichkeit", the raw, quirky yet emotional debut album from Moon! Although the Berlin-based duo is revered for dancefloor bangers such as "Ze power", Johannes Albert and Johannes Paluka (better known as Iron Curtis) have put much effort into making this album a true listening experience without sacrificing their roots in House Music. "Industrie & Zärtlichkeit" (which translates into "Industry & Tenderness") effortlessly achieves what is claimed in its title, namely a fusion of seemingly disparate elements: the rough and the smooth, dirty beats and soothing harmonies, bizarre sounds and comforting chords. The title track is a fine example of this perfectly-dosed blend with its detuned strings that glide over a crisp electro beat and an infectious melody which would make Kraftwerk proud. "Cafe Del Landwehrkanal" is a lighthearted and kinky gem while "Light Of Virtue" combines warm synth pads (Detroit is not far) with dusty drums and an acid bassline. "MFB Nights" and "Machine Rhythm Tomorrow" are also illustrations of the duo's undeniable savoir-faire, with the former celebrating garage classics thanks to its cheeky vocal sample and gorgeous rhodes chords while the latter plays out as a dedication to the early 90's, a time when people didn't care about genres and just dived in the novelty of electronic dance music.
But as we all know, there is a dark and secret side of the Moon, an aspect which is best expressed via the freaky organ chords of "Proto" and its detuned melody. Not to mention the excellent ambient pieces "Fjordig" or "The Bitter End" which showcase the duo's ability to venture into uncharted territory.?All in all, "Industrie & Zärtlichkeit" feels like drinking fresh orange juice gently sparkled with chilli... and it concludes flawlessly with two reworks that prolong the album's laidback yet assured vibe. First off is Black Spuma (Lauer of Tuff City Kids fame and Italian disco legend Fabrizio Mammarella) who rework the title track into a hands-in-the-air boogie monster that will definitely be a festival staple this summer. Finally, Lerosa emphasizes the deeper shade of the album's spectrum with an impressive new wave rework of "Appeal".

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Tracklist A. XTC - B. Knee On Belly

Shortinfo: DJ Koze's 2013 album opus Amygdala has continued to bewitch all who encounter it since its release. Tipped as his own personal Sgt. Pepper, the sublime long-player revealed a fully-realised and personal body of work, complete with a classic songwriting at its core, House in its heart, and veins coursing with psychedelic color. "La Duquesa" was the album's dreamy single standout, a journey into deep, tropical ecstasy.

"XTC" begins in the same spirit, and captures the all the blissful allusions of its name, but its initial gentility belies the deep intensity to come. Floating pads glow with celestial ambience as a kick drum is gradually coaxed into solid form, and the introduction of spoken text begins the second act. "Many people are experimenting with the drug Ecstasy," it says, "…is the drug like the lie and meditation the truth? Or am I missing something that could really help me?". "XTC" then transforms: sweetly imploring tones become demanding, gentle gradients between chords turn hard-edged, and sharp hi-hats cut through the haze. Complete with Koze's signature percussive quirks, it drives towards the track's final pay off: an undeniable, all-consuming, irresistible high.

"Knee On Belly" recalls Koze at his most tongue-in-cheek and overt; it is bright, bold and literally brassy, using cut-up horns of all shapes and sizes to patchwork together his own unique arrangement. With the highs and mid ranges accounted for, Koze adds in a swollen, thrumming bass line to mix to bring this floor-filler to life. "Knee on Belly" recalls a raw, filtered and funky approach to groove, with a nod to disco house and the art of artful sampling, as it orbits between its own neon highs and simmering lows.
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