12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 – 22 Halo
A2 - Polygon
B1 – De Tomaso Pantera
B2 - Azores

INFO:
Kangding Ray consistently fascinates the scene with his unique style that is bridging the dance floor and abstract electronic composition, talking equally to the mind and the body. His first record for Figure spans exactly that arc, introducing to the label something both for headphones as it is built for the big clubs.

The tracks on X13 feel as intimate as the artist‘s work on other long players but are focused clearly on impacting the physical realm. Teeming with ideas, he first lets his modular synths sway and turn loosely before switching it to a more bassy and propulsive approach on the flip. Balancing cinematic strings against stepping rhythms, the EP‘s closing track is another prime example of this producer‘s skill to craft something which holds up as an abstract piece of art as much as it does yield a lot of emotional tension.







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UPC: 827170493568 Release: 15.04.2013
Deluxe packaging with discobag 300g cardboard + hidden innerprint (visible from the hole when you take out the vinyl from the discobag).
Tracklist EP: A1 - Tempered Inmid A2 - Dimen Andesso B1 - Nuis Octury B2 - Ezerb Altren
For SA017 Kangding Ray brings an EP defined by dexterity: Tempered Inmid. It is a record which balances the deepest drum with the most celestial synth, weaving a legend of both menace and tenderness. Possessed of an underlying hiss, the title track surges to dampen its muscular beat with a fabric of warm melodies. The discerning 'Dimien Andesso' is the Tempered's partner, shuffling with a considered high-end and off-kilter pads. On the flip KR ramps up the pace in introducing the mendacious thumps of 'Nuis Octury', which he twists into a fever. But emblematically KR once more tempers. Closer 'Ezerb Altren' conjures the image and emotion of an underground lake: depth, resonance, and total, glacial serenity.


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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Quintessence
A2. Elusive
B1. Diminished Dub
B2. Unattributed


INFO:

On Figure X45 we are presenting a new up and coming artist, Jancen. With only a handful releases under his belt, this promising young dutchman delivers immaculate productions that veer between the deep and the jacking, always powerful and driving but with a strong sense of groove pervading throughout.

His opener Quintessence leans on the hypnotic side, distilling the effect of a mesmerizingly simple loop reduced to the beauty of its essential elements. Racking up the momentum is tightly bouncing Elusive, riding a funky acid riff that transforms the track into one of those unexpected moments of raising the energy mid-set.
On the B-side, Jancen showcases his talent of building mind-expanding dub-techno excursions, as the echoes of Diminished Dub roll out while even packing some proper propulsive percussion on top! Final track Unattributed takes us way down the rabbit hole into atmospheric trippy territory as searing hats pave the path ever further into the belly of the beast.
For buyers of the digital package, Frostbite sits somewhere in between all of the above, combining sparse stabs of resonant synths with thumping kicks and a pumping rhythm to find that complex equilibrium of depth and charge…

Stay tuned for more tracks from Jancen to keep you warm later this winter, coming right here on Figure.




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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Brocken Clock
A2. Pulsing

B1. Plaintive
B2. Dark Clouds


INFO:

Fresh off the heels of his first release on Figure, French producer Arkan deepens his explorations of a unique sound with Part 2 of his Lightworker EP.
His signature blend of mental techno is expanded upon, with opener Broken Clock swaying and rumbling mysteriously like a hypnotic pendulum over an abrasive groove. Pulsing picks up traction and pushes the momentum forward while still allowing jagged textures and cavernous effects to paint a largely looming soundscape.
The flipside gets treated to more colours, with the linear Plaintive works its magic through a set of dense and emotive synths, slowly creating an uplifting yet condensed energy.
Dark Clouds equally builds a strong atmosphere, using ricocheting sparks of panning synths and lighting to conjure the ominous feeling of a rising thunderstorm.

If you haven’t checked it yet, make sure to go back for Lightworker Pt 1 and hear more of this promising new talent’s sounds.




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12" vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Delirium
A2. Vicious Night

B1. Voltaris
B2. What Is Not Born Cannot Die



INFO:

The latest addition to the Figure roster comes in form of French producer Arkan. A musician from young age, he combines minimalist, deep-cut grooves with understated harmonies.

His first release on the label arrives as part one of his Lightworker double EP, giving the artist ample room to showcase his own vision of contemporary, „mental techno“ as he dubs it himself.

Fitting this description, opener Delirium is a deeply hypnotic tune, mastering the subtle art of sustain and release to effortlessly cycle its own energy. Vicious Night then tips towards a more percussively lead momentum yet stays true to the less-is-more approach of Arkan.
On the flip he gets to further build on his musical ideas, whether it be the melodic fragments echoing pensively in and out of the 4/4 grid over the galopping beat of Voltaris or eventually the saccharine, IDM-reminiscent ambient closer What Is Born Cannot Die.



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12" vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Don't Be Stupid Day (Herbert's Brain Dub)
A2. It's Time (to Move Your Body) (Cromby Remix)

B1. Gamma (Glaskin Remix)
B2. Blackjack (Cromby Remix)

INFO:

This third and final installment of the Fusion remix series sees Len Faki personally select from his most beloved producers to expand on his ambitious album project Fusion that was released as a double LP in 2023.


First up is Herbert's trippy rework of Don't Be Stupid Day, one of the album's most memorable vocal cuts. Herbert's Brain Dub transforms the track slowly and playfully, using the witty lyrics for crafting catchy hooks.

Irish powerhouse Cromby has two appearances on this EP, getting to revamp the more house-leaning productions from Fusion. His take on It's Time (to Move Your Body) is grooving grand, its bubbling acid riff and dancing hi hats teeming with life. Meanwhile, the Blackjack remix further energizes the original's shiny centerstage synths, crazily riding the pitch up and down for an all-out party.

Finally, the brotherly duo Glaskin are reshaping the ambient album highlight Gamma into a highly effective, reduced but propulsive, tunneling techno affair.




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2x 12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Sexuality (My Reality) (Hardspace Mix)
A2. Shri Yantra (Luke Slater Deep Heet Remix))

B1. Make Me Scream (Amotik Remix)
B2. Raum 422 (Ploy Remix)

C1. Hymn (ANNA Remix)
C2. Astra (Len Faki Beat Room Mix)

D1. Don't Be Stupid Day (Modeselektor Remix)
D2. Waver (Beste Hira Remix)

INFO:

Len Faki assembles second star-studded Fusion Remixes instalment

The Berliner recruits his favourite producers for the second edition of ‘Fusion’ reworks


Berlin-based renowned techno artist Len Faki has announced the second instalment of his Fusion remix trilogy, out 19th April on his label imprint Figure.

Nearly a year on from the original LP release, Fusion Remixes 02/03 reminds us of the versatility and musical expansiveness of Len Faki’s latest masterwork. The Berliner has hand-picked his favourite producers, from ANNA to Modeselektor, to reimagine eight originals on the second double 12“ EP of the Fusion Remixes collection, following January’s first instalment.

Part two of the trilogy kicks off with ‘Sexuality (My Reality)’, recrafted by Len himself under the moniker Hardspace into a rasping stomper, adding a cacophony of hit hats into the mix using his understanding of floor dynamics. Fusion deep cut ‘Shri Yantra’ gets the club treatment next, with Luke Slater’s Deep Heat remix ramping up the intensity, transporting the original’s delicate synth textures into a high octane screamer.

On the B-side, Amotik morphs the bouncing ‘Make Me Scream’ into a one-way tunnel of haunted voices and pummeling percussion, while the sharp breakbeats and warm synths give Ploy’s rework of ‘Raum 422’ a distinctly old school feel.

Next up, ANNA crafts the album highlight two-parter ‘Hymn’ into a club anthem with thick low end and intricate topline melodies, and ‘Astra’ gets a rework from the man Len Faki himself on a lean Beat Room mix crawling with otherworldly sound effects.

Closing this second remixes EP out, Fusions lead single ‘Don’t Be Stupid Day’ is reinterpreted as an ominous, distorted fever dream by Modeselektor, before Beste Hira’s take on ‘Waver’

Stay tuned for part three of the remix trilogy, bringing even more of the Fusion originals back in a new guise…





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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Endless Love feat. Theo Nasa
A2 Endless Love feat. Theo Nasa (Hardspace Mix)

B1 Gunz Blazin
B2 Stabbed In The Heart

all tracks figured out by Vinicius Honorio.
vocals on Endless Love by Theo Nasa.
2024 copyright figure

INFO:

Adding his first EP to the label’s catalogue, Figure warmly welcomes Vinicius Honorio onto the roster.
Having first made his mark in the DnB-world as BTK, the vetted Brazilian producer now has been conquering the global techno scene for some years as well. His darkly foreboding sound is on full display across this 12“, featuring three clean-cut, impactful original productions and a remix by Len Faki’s Hardspace moniker.

Endless Love comes punching strong, carried by colleague Theo Nasa’s ominous spoken words and evolving stab synths textures. The remix strips back the vocals in favor of reduced frequencies, keeping the heat condensed and always ready to boil over.
On the flip, Honorio introduces his rolling high-energy machine funk, stacking elements around a hypnotic vocal loop and expertly playing the game of build and release. Closer B2 showcases a different style, using subdued dubby chords to craft a dreamy ride that is at once powerful and deep.




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2x 12" vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1. Voices (Arthur Robert Remix)
A2. Temple (Ø [Phase] Remix)

B1. Tor 8 (rRoxymore Remix)
B2. Space Cowboys I (Pangaea Remix)

C1. Yantra (Planetary Assault Systems Remix)
C2. It's Time (to Move Your Body) (Truncate Remix)

D1. Don't Be Stupid Day (Djrum Remix)
D2. Friedrichshain Funk (Polygonia Remix)

INFO:

With an album as versatile and expansive as his LP Fusion, Len Faki wanted a collection of remixes to display a similar kind of musical variety. Hand-picked from his favorite producers, the cast now features a diverse group of artists who have re-imagined 20 of Fusion's tracks, set to arrive on two double and one single 12" EP.

FigureX39 kicks off the trilogy, with our very own Arthur Robert at the helm, fittingly remaking the album's pensive closer into a melodic peak time stomper. Ø [Phase] ramps up the intensity on straight-laced Temple, keeping the BPM in line with modern techno's need for speed.
On the flip, rRoxymore inverts Tor 8 into a psychedelic funnel of haunted voices and pummeling percussion, while dubby synth swilrs and ferocious filter action give Pangea's rework of Space Cowboys I a distinctly UK-feel.
Coming in as hard hitting as ever, PAS layers high-octane rave stabs and nonstop propulsive drums on his version of Yantra and one of the album's few original house tracks, It's Time … gets the Truncate treatment, making for lean, clap-heavy groover with enough low-end to move some bodies. Often known for his cinematic compositions, Djrum delivers a complex masterpiece of heady drum science and intricate patterns condensed into one dazzling mosaic of sound. Closing this first EP out in style is Munich-based newcomer Polygonia, presenting her shimmering and always shifting remix of Friedrichshain Funk, effortlessly moving between driving rhythms and mystical melodies.



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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Symmetry Zone
A2 Chaser

B1 Tracking
B2 Formed


INFO:

After putting out a slew of self-released cuts as LKY, Figure finally gets a hold of the rising techno talent that is Nathan Lockwood. Hailing from the UK, this young talent carries an extensive understanding of Britain’s techno lineage, with over a decade of experience in the game both as promoter and DJ.
Now fully coming into his own as a producer, LKY’s tracks are informed by the loopy nature of his progenitors, while still retaining some of the core dub influences and yet always keeping a propulsive momentum going.
On his EP for Figure, title track Symmetry Zone opens with full force, seamlessly intertwining twisting rhythms and searing percussion into a powerful maelstrom of energy. The A2 Chaser is a more reduced take on the formula, rolling out a muscular groove with only a handful of elements, such as precise low-end and some curious synths doing all the work.
On the flip, LKY shows a deeper side to his work, focusing on the hypnotic element that he has become known for. Tracking strikes a wonderful balance between the dubby synth stabs and driving claps, while Formed has an almost Deep House-feel to it, imbued with gorgeous warm ambiance and teasing vocal snips. The digital format of X38 comes with bonus track Idle Ride, a deeper, more tribal affair, displaying LKY’s versatility as a gifted producer.




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vinyl box with full cover print filled with 8x 12" colored vinyl in disco bags with full cover print + digital download code for the whole album inside
EACH COPY Personally SIGNED BY LEN FAKI


TRACKLIST:

A1 Yantra
B1 Tor 8
B2 Temple


C1 Black Jack
C2 Astra
D1 Gamma (Alternate Mix)


E1 Sexuality (My Reality)
E2 Space Cowboys I
F1 Raum 422


G1 Friedrichshain Funk
G2 Solar



I1 Hymn (In The Name Of Fantasy)
I2 Gamma (The Other Side)
J1 Don't Be Stupid Day (Extended Album Mix)


K1 Space Cowboys II
K2 Waver
L1 It's Time (To Move Your Body)


M1 Shri Yantra
M2 Make Me Scream
N1 Liyah


O1 Halide Part 1
O2 Voices
P1 Halide Part 2


INFO:

Len Faki has always been a defining character of the techno underground. His unique approach to DJing, the consistent work as a producer and the quality output of his label Figure has all shaped the current environment.
Starting out as a clubber in the 90's, his inspirations have always reached back to the first encounters with electronic music, when new worlds opened and everything seemed possible.

While these experiences have always influenced Faki's productions and used to be released under many different aliases back in the day, they have been waiting since to be made into a proper album under the Len Faki moniker.

After quickly climbing to the top of the international DJ circuit, busy touring schedules never quite allowed for it. Finally faced with the opportunity of a long overdue creative break, Faki decided tackle the life-time venture with the necessary dedication and focus.

Excited about the new project, he also took the time and energy needed to expand his production methods. Finding new techniques allowed him to truly bring all his different influences to the surface. The process was one of following his own heart, occasionally challenging and surprising himself. Naturally the result emerged as two parallel experiences, which are now presented across two discs. Both still carry all the signature features of Faki's style but with added layers of depth and detail. There's that special contrast of dark and heady grooves, paired with dreamy melodies that transport the listener to places beyond the mind. But we also see all strains of his previous work being incorporated, mixed and molded into something new altogether.

While the first disc focuses on the kind of techno, which Faki has been brought up by and given back to for so many years of his life, the second is more loose and experimental, with forays into house, ambient and broken beats - the sounds he has always kept very passionate about.

It creates two distinct experiences, showcasing the entire breadth of Faki's cosmos. Where some ideas stay straight and kick hard, like the neon bleep opener Tor 8 or joyfully booming Astra, others take the newfound freedom to inspire a wistful broken beat ballad such as Hymn (In the Name of Fantasy) or the soulfully subdued Drum & Bass closer Voices.
Many songs even exist as pairings, with their respective counterpart on the other disc. For example, the duo of Shri Yantra/Yantra, where similar soundscapes have been looked through different lenses, making for a more straight-laced or shuffled rhythm. Also noteworthy are Faki's appearance as a veritable house producer on Hymn (In the Name of Freedom) as well as the inclusion of two very personal pieces:
The Halide tracks were made in remembrance of Faki's late mother, who passed away during the final production stage of the EP. These delicate tracks capture the intense sadness Faki was feeling at the time and helped him to process his grief and eventually to finish off the album.

By doing so Faki has given us a complete artistic statement, one that proves him to be as curious and driven now as ever, taking his sound to all-new realms.






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12" vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Halide Part 1
A2 Make Me Scream

B1 Tor 8
B2 Astra


INFO:

When writing his album Fusion, Len Faki never quite knew where the creative process would take him. Eventually it transported his sound into an all new realm, where he could show 360 degrees his talents and styles. Finally finding completion as a mighty double LP, the Figure x37 EP takes four of the album's new cuts to be presented in this special format ahead of the official release of Fusion.

An important corner stone of the album, the Halide tracks were made in remembrance of Faki's late mother, who passed away during the last production stage of the LP. These delicate tracks, which both feature the voice of Halide, capture the intense sadness Faki was feeling at the time and helped him to process his grief and eventually finish off the album. Part 1 is a softly mourning, melancholic breakbeat ballad, musically reminiscent of the chillout rooms Faki found himself spending a lot of time at going out to clubs throughout the 90s. The much darker second part,
echoing the hopeless bleeps of a heart rate monitor, will only be released on the full album.

Next to this very personal track are more examples of Faki's versatility as an artist, who has seen it all and now uses the album format to work without any constraints or expectations.

A gentle yet gritty electro homage, Make Me Scream is a take on the classic breakbeat from days long gone, with hollow drums and a mysteriously sweet vocal lurking underneath the track's soothing pads and lively synth riffs.

On Tor 8 Faki combines his driving techno and strong melodic elements, subdued chords rising to create an atmosphere of euphoria, while a classic bleep keeps things on track.

Astra (taken from Fusion's more straight-laced disc one) is the most punchy outing of the record, but it still comes with a myriad of detailed sounds to explore amongst its tight-knit rhythmic corset. Twinkly synths slowly rise to make the track bloom into its full, exuberantly colourful form.

With x37 readied, it's only a few weeks until the final release of the Fusion double-album. Here at Figure we can't wait to let you explore the full range of the singular sound that Len Faki has created.



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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 - Gamma
A2 - It's Time (To Move Your Body)
B1 - Yantra
B2 - Shri Yantra

INFO:

Dropping as the second standalone EP ahead of Len Faki’s highly anticipated debut album Fusion (due out later this year), this release provides a new outlook on the producer’s sounds, going far beyond the confines of techno that he previously has been known and lauded for.

Opening the record in bold yet sensible style, Gamma subtly transcends the dancefloor functionality by anchoring its driving momentum in a wistful and enigmatic melody; a regular of Berghain, Faki also occasionally plays the upstairs room - where the bumping house of his own It's Time (to Move Your Body) could well go down as the highlight of a long night, whizzing with of colourful synths and anthemic vocals. Yantra then is a reminder of the powerful, loopy and trippy techno, which Faki (amongst all the newfound sonic explorations) has still not lost his appetite and knack for. A genuine counterpart, Shri Yantra then picks up elements of its predecessor, reframed in an enveloping breakbeat journey through time and space.

Going past the constraints of his previous work, Faki’s signature style is still very much audible on this EP, while also showing how there are still endless possibilities to develop. Stay tuned for one more special EP (x35) before the final release of the Fusion double album!





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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 - Don’t Be Stupid Day
A2 - Temple
B1 - Hymn (In The Name Of Fantasy)
B2 - Hymn (In The Name Of Freedom)

INFO:

Announcing the release of Len Faki’s extended debut album, Figure x34 is the first in a series of special EPs that give a glimpse into the body of work which the label head has put together as Fusion over the course of the last two years. Using the double album format, Faki finally found himself free to explore the whole breadth of electronic club culture, inspired by decades worth of his own experiences as a DJ and clubgoer.

Don’t be Stupid Day, centered around the namesake vocal, is a slow-burning, deep techno roller, while Hymn (In The Name of Fantasy) contrasts a dreamy, wisp-like melody with heavy punches of broken up bass. Both cleverly represent the wide variety of sounds found on the more ambient and house-leaning disc 2 of the album.
Disc 1 is a contemporary take on the techno that has defined Faki’s life and career since the 90s. Hymn (In The Name Of Freedom) borrows on the trancey lead synths and booming bass from those early days, making for an unusually euphoric and uplifting Faki track. Finally, Tempel aligns with his reputation as a DJ, steadily layering mechanic percussion for an ever-increasing sense of rhythmic urgency.

A bold introductory statement, Figure x34 already gives an exciting taster of what is to be expected on the full double LP Fusion coming later this year.
Watch out for two more special EPs (x35 / x37) to be released ahead of the final album drop!




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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 - Point Zero
A2 - Upward Spiral
B1 - Clarity
B2 - Rotation Of Consciousness

INFO:

London based Biri has long been a part of the extended Figure family, first releasing on Figure Jams in 2019, appearing again on the electronica compilation series Open Space. With Figurex36 we finally get his first full solo EP, and it’s a proper statement of his artistic breadth as an accomplished techno producer.

Proving his club-readiness, opener Point Zero comes with all the right assets: functional, fast and equipped a propulsive bass-charge that ramps the velocity alongside grooving slabs of synth for a searing finale. A beautifully intertwined web of chopped up amens and cascading arps is Upward Spiral, showcasing Biri’s gathered influences from living in both London and Berlin. On the flip there’s Clarity, an atmospheric roller of booming bassline, brooding trance stabs and no-nonsense rhythmics. Towards the end Biri takes things deeper, blending bleeping melodies on Rotation Of Consciousness to slowly build up an icy intensity, which surges until it pervades all of space around the stomping beat. Bonus track Rather See My Heart Turn Crystal comes only on the digital release, telling a story of melancholy and longing through swelling synths and broken percussion.



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12" vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Doubtful
A2 Dry Dub
B1 Insider
B2 Worthiness


INFO:

Kristian is a new anonymous project on Figure Music, exploring a different kind of sound that is based on subtly nuanced live jams and oriented towards a slightly more raw house and dubby-related style.

Opener Doubtful makes a strong first impression as Kristian weaves together lush, cheerful chords with a tight yet rolling bass momentum, carrying the track forward effortlessly. In stark contrast, Dry Dub is groove reduced to its bare essence. A straight-up drum track made of
sparse elements that confidently unfold their subliminal power over time.

The flip holds cuts that really want to spring to life. Swirly, dubbed-out sounds create a colorful and dynamic palette, rapidly changing in movement and direction. Insider riffs on heavily animated, filtered synth action, while closing track Worthiness goes deep and spacey, oozing with warm machine charm, squelching acid, and bubbly bass.



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2x 12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

a1 Cha´kwaina (Marcel Dettmann Remix)
a2 Beauty Begins With Us (µ-Ziq Remix)
b1 Clouds Over Clifden (Dauwd Remix)
b2 Sun (Placid Angles Bonus Track)
c1 Our Love Is The Place (Baltra Remix)
c2 Natsukashii (Plaid Remix)
d1 Deep Blue (Cassy Remix)
d2 Touch The Earth (Feel The Rain) (Jakojako Remix)
d3 When The Sun Shines Through (John Beltran Remix)


INFO:

One year after its original release, the Placid Angles album Touch The Earth is being remixed by an impressive array of artists from the extended Figure family. With John Beltran being a distinct voice within the electronic music scene for over thirty years now, Figure is thrilled to reveal a whole LP’s worth of reinterpretations, including two works by the original artist himself.

Opening up is Marcel Dettmann, who seamlessly has integrated the lush soundscapes of the original album into a beat-driven but equally serene journey. Picking up on the LP’s underlying dark garage tropes, Planet Mu headmaster M-ziq infuses his rework with even more rolling drums and ethereal vocal chops. The also inherent IDM roots of Touch The Earth have been kept close by Warp-veterans Plaid who deliver a shuffling flurry full of horns, synths and syncopated rhythms. More straightforward interpretations include Dauwd’s dazzling piece of feathery, fast, atmospheric techno; a gorgeous melodic house remix by Baltra and Cassy who turns in a rigid UK stomper.

Amidst all the reworks, John Beltran himself makes two appearances across the record. As Placid Angles he adds another heads-down percussive/ambient swirl, which represents exactly what the producer has been hailed for since more than three decades now. His own remix finishes the record on an epic note, with an organic drum track that celebrates life and the necessity for communal gathering in order to dance.
Beltran’s own additions to this LP are like the essential glue that makes it all bind together, forging the old and the new into something equally exciting as already intimately familar.







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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Abundance
A2 Watchful
B1 Homing
B2 You Cannot Hurt Me
B3 Tunnel Vision


INFO:

Part two of Arthur Robert’s most recent EP package showcases his atmospheric style of dubby, strong rhythms and rich, detailed sound design.

On this EP Robert explores his mastery of mesmerizing machines, looping bleepy signals into trance-inducing patterns on Abundance, Watchful and Homecoming. A welcome brief respite from the madness, delicate ambient interlude You Cannot Hurt Me twinkles soothingly, as does the warmth offered by subdued hazy chords on the almost housy Tunnelvision.

Such versatility not only further establishes Arthur Robert as one of current Techno’s most promising producers but also makes this EP package a strong contender for one of the year’s defining releases.














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12” vinyl with full cover print

TRACKLIST:

A1 Mastermind
A2 What We Do With Our Time
A3 Relentless
B1 Rising
B2 Cosmic Traveler


INFO:

A year from his latest release on Figure, Arthur Robert clocks back in with two full EPs.

The first one is a jam-packed 5-tracker, sporting full-on peak time thrill rides such as electrifying elated opener Mastermind or its more brawny brother, the bellowing beast that is stab-driven roller Relentless. But x31 features also Robert’s more introspective side, be it the glowing experimental excursion of What We Do With Our Time or the dreamy half-time stepper Cosmic Traveler. Fans of his more hypnotic techno productions will find joy in the modular magic of Rising, hinting at what’s to come on x32…













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Format : Vinyl 12” (180 gr., Limited Full Cover)

Track list:

A In the Sky
B1 Burnin’
B2 Dark

Release Info:

Crackazat seamlessly blends contemporary electronica with dancefloor euphoria on his new record “In the sky”

Crackazat has had quite the run of amazing releases on Heist since his first outing back in 2021. Alfa, 2022 follow up Demucha and his mini album ‘Senses’ released last year have shown that Heist is the perfect label for him to show off his keyboard wizardry and broad musical influences. Whether he’s doing his ‘Monday Jams’ from his home for his dedicated Bandcamp followers, or he’s on the road to South Africa where he has a huge following, Crackazat always brings something special with his music. ‘In the sky’ hits you right in the feels and sees the talented musician navigate from synth-happy dancefloor cuts to electronic & jazzy deep house.

What might stand out most on his new record is how Crackazat feels totally at ease with all these different styles and how he blends his voice seamlessly in the tracks to add depth, meaning, and energy. This might be most apparent on the title track, which is built around a syncopated ‘Alfa-esque’ key loop (Crackazat fans will know what we’re talking about here). There’s gorgeous vocal chops and warm arpeggiated synths in the background that give the track lots of texture, while the percussion shuffles along in perfect swing with the song’s energy. Add some lovely strings, leads, and a moody breakdown, and you’ve got yourself a fine piece of dancefloor magic.

On “Burnin’”, Crackazat channels his inner raver with 90s inspired percussion, a honky
piano loop, and some very catchy & quirky vocal chops. He freely sprinkles claps and snares around like it’s Christmas and the big breakdown has the kind of madness-inducing energy that gets every clubber going!

EP closer ‘Dark’ is Crackazat in his most contemplative mode; a vibe he always loves to explore on his Heist outings. The bass is deep, the kick heavy, and the synth licks are mellow but powerful. His voice and effects give this track a beautiful extra dimension that would even make Fred Again jealous. The stripped-back percussion has clear influences from contemporary African dance music, which adds yet another layer to Crackazat’s broad sonic landscape. All in all, Dark is a track that makes you want to close your eyes and just sway into oblivion.

Crackazat once again manages to take us on a deep trip into his sonic world and showcases a level of craftsmanship that most of us can only dream of. ‘In the sky’ is a lovely end to our 2024 releases and we hope you enjoy the music.

As always, play it loud and dance, dance, dance!

Maarten & Lars

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Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Format Notes:
2024 first time double vinyl reissue with exclusive bonus track, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork


Track List:

A1 Intro 0:50
A2 WordPlay 3:17
A3 Spontaneity 4:08
A4 Rugged Ruff 3:08
A5 Interlude 0:29

B1 I Confess 4:06
B2 UKNOWHOWWEDU 3:35
B3 Interlude 1:09
B4 Total Wreck 3:26
B5 Innovation 3:23

C1 Da Jawn 5:19
C2 Interlude 1:05
C3 True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t) 3:41

D1 3 Tha Hard Way 4:12
D2 Biggest Part Of Me 4:51
D3 Path To Rhythm 3:24

Release Notes:

Bahamadia’s 1996 debut album Kollage is rightly regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of the 1990s. For the first time ever, Be With present the definitive double LP version of this eternal hip-hop classic, including the legendary "Path To Rhythm" which never appeared on the original LP or on vinyl, anywhere. An indelible VIBE from start-to-finish, Kollage presents Bahamadia's swirling rhymes delivered with an irresistibly butter flow and razor-sharp assuredness over a steady slew of smoothed-out, jazzed-up, blunted beats. Achingly cool and effortlessly funky throughout, it's an absolute must for true 90s hip-hop fanatics.

The entire Kollage project was recorded at D&D Studios and the ties to Gang Starr are keenly felt, with DJ Premier producing five tracks in addition to the killer songs Guru had already produced with her. Working with the cream of the mid-90s East Coast sound, Kollage is, accordingly, a record that demonstrates a varied musical taste with disparate influences, as Bahamadia has previously stated: “The title Kollage was a reflection of my state of mind. I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted Kollage to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically."

With intelligent, poetic lyricism and a laconic verbal style bursting with both warm texture and deceptive energy, Bahamadia’s flow was as inspired by Aretha and Nancy Wilson as it was Q-Tip, Schoolly D and Lady B. Swaggering out the gate, "WordPlay" finds Bahamadia confidently showcasing her considerable old-school battle-rhyme skills over a Guru beat that utilises an infectiously bouncy bassline with splashes of sultry jazz horns and a Jeru vocal snatch for the hook. Up next, the quietly shimmering and ruggedly beautiful "Spontaneity" is one of the most alluring on the record, Da Beatminerz crafting a brilliantly soulful and jazzy soundscape for Bahamadia's effortless vocals to float across. It's followed by "Rugged Ruff", where the rapper carefully constructs a swift off-beat flow over Premier's raw jazzy fire.

With smooth spacey synth vibes overseen by former Geto Boys producer N.O. Joe, "I Confess" is, without question, a fly love song and soothing (p)-funk groove. "UKNOWHOWWEDU" is an airy, chilled tribute to her hometown. Produced by Ski Beatz & DJ Redhanded, it rides a gloriously mellow break. It's a true Philly anthem, shouting out a who’s who of the entire city’s scene. Early banger "Total Wreck" follows, presenting a murky Guru instrumental elevated by jazzy horns. Bahamadia invokes the title's suggestion, firing her brilliant bars more aggressively than we’re accustomed to. More Beatminerz-brilliance comes in the way of "Innovation", an opportunity for the MC to invoke Freestyle Fellowship in her forward-thinking and literary verses. "Da Jawn" features hometown buddies The Roots, with Black Thought gliding into a back-and-forth with Bahamadia over ?uestlove’s warm, snapping percussion. With the strut club banger "True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t)", DJ Premier provides some laidback vibrant boom bap for Bahamadia to share a wild, cautionary tale about a night out with her girl, Kia.

Fan favourite "3 Tha Hard Way" is a hypnotically sinister cut, with Bahamadia, K-Swift and Mecca Star taking star turns to coast over DJ Premier’s raw beat whilst the tender "Biggest Part Of Me" is a heartfelt stunner dedicated to her son. Incredibly, only the European and Japanese CD versions of Kollage was released with the brilliantly breezy “Path To Rhythm”, featuring Ursula Rucker. Whilst ostensibly a "bonus track", it's anything but, to our ears. Very much in sonic conversation with KRS-One's stretched-out sleeper classic "Higher Level", it's absolutely essential so we had to include it, appearing on wax for the first time here, exclusively. Quite a coup.

Somewhat predictably, whilst Kollage was released to significant critical acclaim, it suffered from disappointing sales. In the intervening years - and for far too long - it was a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We hope this double LP reissue - which looks and sounds amazing - will go some way to correct this. This 2024 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. It's too bold and beautiful to remain overlooked and underserved.


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Vinyl 12"


Tracklist

A1 Number One

B1 DT64
B2 Almost Wanted



Short Info
New inductees to the Permanent Vacation congregation, say hi to Reznik & Mikesh. To be precise, Mikesh left his mark on the PV backcatalogue in conjunction with Filburt a couple years back already, but in pairing with Keinemusik's mainstay Reznik, it is a premiere for the label. They've previously been dropping joint EP-releases on Mike Simonetti's 2MR imprint and on Keinemusik respectively, now following up with this three chapter spanning "Number Done" EP. And frankly, it is quite a ride.

From the roughed up groove monster that is the opener "Number One" - straight forward in arrangement, yet keeping a tongue in cheek attitude. Rave launching leads, breakbeat climax, pads to fire up frenzy heaven - it is all in place. Followed by "DT64" - in title hinting towards the real-socialist upbringing of the lads, in sound leaning even into Detroit admiration and Techno realms, yet adding their very own take while flashing that subtle piano line and keeping things utmost catchy. To the closing "Almost Wanted", the House-anthem in this batch, building up floor wreaking, piano driven 808 patterns to follow up with glorious string-shaped euphoria in a break that is bound to cause numerous dancefloor meltdowns.









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non-exclusive
2LP R&S and Apollo Records present an official vinyl repress of this most classicand timeless album The vinyl uses the 2013 re-masters made from original DAT tapes cut by Matt Colton and presented in original artwork.

All time favourite Aphex Twin Album. Nice and accesible experimental techno. Originally released in 1992. What else could be said here, we finally are stocking copies on arguably the most important and influential electronic album of album time, Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works 85–92. You will always need this!!!

Tracks: A1 Xtal
A2 Tha
A3 Pulsewidth
B1 Ageispolis
B2 i
B3 Green Calx
B4 Heliosphan
C1 We Are The Music Makers
C2 Schottkey 7th Path
C3 Ptolemy
D1 Hedphelym
D2 Delphium
D3 Actium



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Format Notes: 2024 first time vinyl reissue, 140g vinyl

Track List:

A1 The Rough With The Smooth
A2 Beautiful People
A3 Tumbleweed
A4 Bits And Bats
A5 A Change Of Pace
A6 Janelle

B1 Time And A Half
B2 Supersplash
B3 Fillet Of Soul
B4 Well Above Average
B5 The Clan
B6 Sing Song

Release Notes:


Music To Varnish Owls By. Does Geoff Bastow have a claim for the best album title of all time? It's certainly up there. It's also one of the hardest to find library funk records. But don't let the eye-catching name fool you into thinking this isn't serious business.

As a key member of Giorgio Moroder's team, the legendary Geoff Bastow shouldn't need any introduction. You'll be familiar with his singular brilliance as the brains behind the much-sampled boogie/disco classics "You Don't Like My Music (Hupendi Muziki Wangu?!)" and "Don't Stop", released by his group, K.I.D.

But 1975's Music To Varnish Owls By is where it all began for our hero.

It's packed with incredibly soulful, soothing music that - despite being utilised a few times by Knxwledge - remains still largely un-mined. So, beat-makers, get cracking. And instead of that hyper-rare original, spend that £300 on something else.

Born in 1949, Bastow was a Munich-based English songwriter and record producer. Originally working as a guitarist and pianist in dance bands around his home county of Yorkshire, he moved to London in the early 1970s and then Munich in around 1976. He was one of the main architects of the Munich disco sound of electronic innovator Giorgio Moroder and also released heaps of killer library records for legendary labels like Bruton (with brother Trevor), Impress, JW Music Library and the Munich-based Sonoton between the 1970s-2000s. Bastow died tragically young, in Berlin, Germany on 16 March 2007, at the age of just 57. But he left behind a truly incredible electronic music legacy. He deserves to be much better known and this reissue should bring him to a fair few more ears. Let's see why...

Light-hearted opener "The Rough With The Smooth" contains a killer open drum break and is basically guitar-drenched flute-laced piano-funk. However, the first genuine highlight, "Beautiful People", is just majestic. Reflective, pastoral and silky smooth - as the title suggests, it's just straight beautiful; a chiming, deeply soulful instrumental that has to be heard to be believed. Sampled by Knxwledge but nobody else of note, which is crazy. Slo-mo soul beat "Tumbleweed" is another stone cold track just desperate to be laced by a skilled MC. Laconic, lysergic funk with nostalgic overtones, the guitar is prominent but the flute and glock really elevate it to perfection.

"Bits And Bats" is clav-enhanced Blaxploitation-esque street-funk with tough bass and crunchy drums that, despite its hardness, manages to flirt with breeziness. All in all, sumptuous, pounding wah-wah brilliance. Another huge one, up next. The insistent piano-funk head-nodder "A Change Of Pace" is a total sleuth-funk jammer, with a wonderfully soft snare and more hypnotic, melancholic flute lines. Man, we'd love to hear Alchemist chop this up. It even sounds a bit like Bastow was keeping things thoro with this one. Closing out Side A, the bright and breezy Bossa of "Janelle" makes it a perfect run of six untouchable gems. As elegant as it is sleazy, it sounds like it could've been on the classic KPM greensleeve, Piano Viberations.

Side B opens with the Ramsey Lewis-inspired "Time And A Half", a deceptively simple bass, drums and piano workout, decorated with stylish percussion with some great chord changes and hints of drama via a great bass solo. The heavy "Supersplash" is a doped-out drama suite with fuzzy wah-wah guitars, electric piano and glock. "Fillet Of Soul" is a catchy wah-wah propelled shuffle with piano and vibes, super dynamic but also incredibly chill.

"Well Above Average" is exactly that, a funky instrumental that serves as a straight ahead guitar-soul workout. Oozing bass-driven class, it gets better with every listen. Some open drums for your delectation, too. The fuzzy clav-and-vibes funk of "The Clan" - also understandably sampled by Knxwledge - is a monster head-nod slow jam whilst, seeing us out, the uber-relaxed "Sing Song" rounds things off in bright fashion with its slow but insistent clav, electric piano and glock greatness. Swoon.

As ever, the audio for Music To Varnish Owls By has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring it sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.


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Genre: UK Garage / 2Step

180 Gr. black Vinyl - limited 250 pressing!!

L&F is back with 4 tracks for your clubbing pleasures...

A1. The UG - L&F
A2. What You Do - L&F
B1. I Feel It - L&F
B2. Oi Listen - L&F

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Rights : World excluding FR,UK,Spain, Argentina, Uruguay,Chili,Bolivia

Product Informations: Black Vinyl, gatefold sleeve, 4 page 12'' booklet. "Viva Tu", Manu Chao's new album. Includes " Viva Tu ", "Sao Paulo Motoboy " and collaborations such as "Heaven's Bad Day" with Willie Nelson & "Tu Te Vas" with Laeti.

SHORT BIOG
For years, Manu Chao has been travelling the world to meet his fans in unusual venues, villages and small festivals. Elusive, but always accessible to those who cross his path, Manu now presents his new studio album 'Viva Tu', a collection of songs written at the heart of daily lives and struggles, and a fresh take on the state of the world, singing sunny, universal songs in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese, painting an unforgiving picture of social imbalances.
The lead song 'Viva Tu', a heartfelt rumba dedicated to the daily life heroes, has already made its mark. The second single, 'São Paulo Motoboy', is a colorful, sunny ode to the two-wheeled delivery people venturing the Latin American metropoles every day.
The album, to be released September 20th, also features some memorable collaborations, including 'Heaven's Bad Day' with country legend Willie Nelson and 'Tu Te Vas' with rising French rapper Laeti.
Available now in preorder (CD/Vinyls/Digital).

Vinyls Tracklisting:

SIDE A
1.Vecinos En El Mar
2.La Couleur du Temps
3.River Why
4.Viva Tu
5.Heaven's Bad Day (feat. Willie Nelson)
6.Tu Te Vas (feat. Laeti)
7.Coraçao No Mar
SIDE B
1.Cuatro Calles
2.La Colilla
3.São Paulo Motoboy
4.Tom et Lola
5.Lonely Night
6.Tantas Tierras






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2023 repress

Format Notes: 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes

Territories:
Worldwide no restrictions

Track List:

A1 : Flying High (3:35)
A2 : Going Home (2:46)
A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)

B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
B5 : Having Fun (4:00)

Release Notes:

More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.

Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.

No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.

Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.

The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.

“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.

The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.

The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.

“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.

“Feelings” is a profoundly appropriate title for such an emotionally funky and genuinely affecting record. Groove-laden bass, irrepressible horns, sweet flute lines, warm Rhodes, lush string arrangements, blaxploitation-styled wah-wah guitars and so, so much more make this one of the finest instrumental soul LPs of the 70s, if not of all time.

The audio for this re-issue of Feelings comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis and cut by Pete Norman. The same care has been taken by the Be With team to restore that glorious original Carosello sleeve. Feelings is almost too good to be true. Feels good all over.


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Genre: House

TRACKLIST:
A1-Azuli
A2- Connection Found
B1- Cosmo
B2- The New Generation

Cormac first became aware of Tjor in 2019 while on tour in Brazil. “Azuli” fast became a staple in his sets that
year.
An avid digger and record collector, Tjor has been mixing since 2010. He his noted for his outstanding sets at
the infamous ODD Parties in Brazil where he glides between techno, synthwave and italo influences

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A boy named Suzanne. Travelling from Los Angeles to Portland and back to Los Angeles again, Suzanne Kraft's vinyl debut (check out his previous efforts on http://discothequerecords.wordpress.com/tag/suzanne-kraft/) features four tracks of frenetic sunshine ecstasy. Chill rave, pill wave, hypno disco, Balearic beats or slow-motion house made by the careless youth of the US-American west coast? Call it what you want, at the end of the day or the night it's simply joyful music made to make you happy. On Kraft's "Green Flash EP", the contemplative romance of "Green Flash" counteracts the straightness of "Morning Come", while "Turning" and especially "Femme Cosmic" are the icing on the cake. Let's face it, old people: The kids are all right! First 5000 copies housed in a killer and tremendously flamboyant sleeve. Bite into summer.

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– original release on Italian Records EXIT 513


SPECIAL EDITION 12” single RED vinyl /400 copies
180 gr.

GENRE/S:
Italo Disco

TRACKLISTS:
A01 – STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND (Vocal Extended) 6:50

B01 – STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND (Club Mix) 7:31

4. VITAL SALES POINTS:
"CCR - Club Culture Rarities" the record label exclusively dedicated to re-prints of cult and rare 12” taken form Expanded Music’s labels.

The 9th release on "CCR - Club Culture Rarities" Stranger In a Strange Land of N.O.I.A. originally released on Italian Records in 1983


Ask for it and stay tuned.

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Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl, remastered from the original Vertigo Master Tapes for this edition by Simon Francis, original gatefold sleeve replicated in fine detail

Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Track List:

A1 : Elements I & II (2:28)
A2 : Changing Times (4:44)
A3 : Bedrock Deadlock (6:52)
A4 : Spirit Level (9:20)
--
B1 : Torso (6:12)
B2 : Snakehips’ Dream (15:28)

Release Notes:

What a record! The outstanding Solar Plexus, the much-loved third album from Ian Carr and Nucleus, was first released on Vertigo in 1971. Inevitably, original copies are now very tricky to score and, like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well. This Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.

Genius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.

Under bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”.

We'll let Ian describe this one: "I wrote Solar Plexus' last year with the help of an Arts Council grant. It is based on two short themes which are stated at the beginning (Elements I & I1). The first theme is angular and has a slow, crab-like movement: the second theme is direct, simple and diatonic. CHANGING TIME and SPIRIT LEVEL explore the first theme and BEDROCK DEADLOCK and TORSO explore the second one. SNAKEHIPS DREAM tries to fuse both themes. (The title is a reference to the famous dancer 'Snakehips' Johnson)."

Solar Plexus features the same lineup as Elastic Rock and We'll Talk About It Later, but they're augmented by six guests, three of which play brass. Carr himself had almost full control of the writing and it does feel very different to the previous albums. It's more of a jazz record loosely based on a rock foundation rather than jazz fusion jamming.

The haunting synth-and-bass soundscape "Elements I and II" opens the album in dramatic, experimental fashion. It gives way to the bright, funky feel-good jazz of "Changing Times". An elegant onslaught of horns, courtesy of guests Kenny Wheeler and Harry Beckett, ride a solid groove for the duration. How the brass refrains have eluded samplers is beyond us. The melancholic "Bedrock Deadlock" features the brooding majesty of Jenkins' oboe and Clyne's mournful, skittering double bass. Wah wah guitar, drums and funky percussion then take over before the horns ride us out over frenetic beats. The dark, angular "Spirit Level" is a real highlight, by turns harmonic and beautiful then dissonant and wayward. Wonky jazz with no apparent structure or melodic bones. Regardless, it represents a great showcase for each virtuoso performer.

The breezy soul of "Torso" feels like a breath of fresh air, skipping along in the uptempo style with guitar, horns, drums and bass. A track which truly sounds scintillating, featuring sax solos, fantastic propulsive interplay from all the group around the halfway stage before Marshall gets his chance to really shine in closing out with a polyrhythmic drum solo. Final track "Snakehips' Dream" stretches cooly out over 15 minutes to round out a spellbinding album. An epic, suave groove, it's a relaxing piece with warm electric keys, laconic guitar and languorous horns. Truly sophisticated soulful jazz. An absolute masterclass. We could easily listen to this all day long.

This Be With edition of Solar Plexus has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Cicely Balston's cut at AIR Studios to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The stunning gatefold sleeve has been restored to complete this sensational package.

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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More