Late 80s / early 90s body music

Label text

" Attack Decay Sustain Release, or ADSR, was the name of Todd Nickolas and Dominic Paterson's high school synthesizer group, an outlet for their electronic music experiments recorded on Todd’s parents’ farm in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

In the idyllic rural setting of the Nickolas' dairy and crop farm, the juxtaposition of natural ambience and the repetitive rhythms of the machinery merged within their youthful music- saturated subconscious and found its way into their recordings. This bucolic environment also inspired the teenagers to channel their restless energy into endlessly experimenting with whatever gear they could get their hands on and listening to a steady diet of new music.

A big part of that exposure to non-mainstream sounds came via CBC Radio's Brave New Waves program — a saviour for adventurous and curious listeners living outside of major urban centres. The title "Poised Over Pause Buttons" is directly borrowed from a live studio broadcast by Severed Heads, where host Brent Bambury introduced the set by saying, "Do you know how many fingers are poised over pause buttons right now?" The title is also a head nod to those early processes of recording onto cassette decks or 4-track tape recorders, and to the tape culture of the time, capturing favourite songs off the radio with precision and making mixtapes from owned or borrowed record collections.

Todd was constantly seeking new electronic music through those formative years — whether it was the futuristic space rock of ELO's “Time” in grade school, Skinny Puppy’s blistering electronic body music in high school, or the ambient bliss of Aphex Twin in university. The tracks coming from their studio in those early days were inspired by a steady diet of these new discoveries. They were rapidly devouring a wide variety of acts from 4AD and Wax Trax!, “indie” artists like Husker Du, Chicago house to Belgian New Beat, the On-U Sound label to Public Enemy, and all points in between.

The unreleased cassettes that Todd recently rediscovered (some of which are included on this release) are a flashback to that era of pure discovery but also a reminder of the explorations and achievements accomplished by the confidence of the fearless amateur. Over the past three years, Todd and Linus Booth have compiled their favourite glimpses from that '87-'91 period and present them to you as a personal reflection of that time and place." More

Childhood Intelligence’s 18th release by ADSR aka. Todd Nickolas & Dominic Paterson from Toronto, Canada. The 2x12” album presents mostly tracks written and produced by Todd, with A1/D1 being in collaboration with Paterson. "Give a teenager in a rural Canadian setting an analog synthesizer, a drum machine and a four-track cassette recorder and feed him a steady diet of 80s EBM, Post-Punk, Synthpop, Electro, Dub, Acid, Hip Hop and House, and you’ll get the kind of genre melding electronic-based music that Todd Nickolas has been known for since his early days of writing and producing." The end result is a versatile one, with “Passive Articulation” presenting abstract Techno - House - Electro visions, and fusing all the elements of vintage Intelligent Dance Music that we cherish so much: warm basslines, beautiful chord progressions, diverse and surprising arrangements infused with haunting melodies, hypnotic cyber sounds, detached vocal cuts and dubbed percussion.…Overall fresh & timeless classiness for the present, past & future.

Recorded various locations New Hamburg, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, Toronto, San Francisco and Los Angeles. ADSR greatly thanks those who were there from the start, those who joined along the journey and those here now.

Urban thoughts.
Rural dialects.
No separation.
Transmission between.
End notes.
Attack decay.
Sustain release. More

That's Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release. The ADSR envelope is just one type of envelope, but it's a popular one that's been used in electronic music for decades. Attack is the period of time after the initial release, it's typically the loudest part of the sound Decay is the phase while you're going from the attack to the sustain – you're "decaying" Êthe volume from this sharp initial phase to the normal volume phase Sustain is the normal phase of the sound. ÊIt is typically less volume than the attack, and go on for an indefinite period of time, or for a specific amount of time Release is the draw down from the sustain period to no sound. A fade out. More

For their recent capsule collection in collaboration with Obey Clothing, Klasse Wrecks label owners Mr. Ho and Luca Lozano turn their hands to an EP entitled 'FREE TEKNO'. Inkeeping with the range's celebration of free spirited exploration and unbridled creativity the well seasoned and experienced production duo provide 4 tracks of various flavours. The mood is a little darker and faster than usual KW fare and throws knowing glances to late 90s genres such as Tribal Techno and Acid Breaks. The resulting EP is a good reflection of two producers happily in their own lane, enjoying the journey that come alongside with making music and running a record label. More

'The 12 Moons of Ikutaro', originally slated for release in 1993 tells the story of Shioi, a young girl who embarks on an intergalactic journey to avenge the death of her father. Her journey takes her to the solar system of Ikutaro, where she must visit each moon to defeat the 'Moon Boss', and ultimately destroy the 'System Controller'. Aided by her 'Liquid Sound Device' she undertakes the task journeying between the moons on her 'Model JP8080' and meets various friends and foes on the way. More

As Klasse Wrecks enters the second chapter of our century of releases, we're happy to welcome the sounds and skills of Nicola Cruz to the roster. The Ecuadorian producer masterfully turns in a perfectly tuned handful of tracks for his 'Data Passenger' EP, the overiding soundscape being one of Electro, Breaks and infiniteless cosmic exploration. Sonically the tracks are as much for the soles as they are the souls, a heady mix of intricate rhythms and vibrations await the listener and dancefloor. Plug in to the console let the soundwaves carry you across the spectrum. More

Somehow Klasse Wrecks has made it to 50 official releases, not bad for a label that wears its ignorance for others and 'the norm' proudly on its dirty sleeve. Over the years the label has released a multitude of various sounds, spanning bleep, rave, deep house, down tempo and the 50th release does well to encapsulate that free spirit and openess. Without much planning and totally by way of coincidence the responsibility lies with label co-owner Luca Lozano and its sonically a typical mixed bag as to be expected. Kicking off with restless acid stomping, the title track barges through the door...knocks over a few drinks before blossoming into a breakdown that propels the 303 deep into space and back again. On the A2, Lozano shows off his love for creaky breakbeats and DX donks on a track called 'Re-Mix'...which as far as we know isnt a remix of anything at all. The flip contains more raving beauties, 'Save Me From The Rave' might be a desperate plea but by the sounds of it he's still enjoying the madness, the producer makes an epic breakdown that might well signify the end of all Trance homages. Then the final track of the EP sounds like it could be played in a field in Glastonbury in 1993, its haunting vocal harmonies signify the sun is coming up soon and likely that we're about to start Chapter 2 of the Wrecks Wrebellion. The special edition sleeve artwork features examples of previous artwork from the last 50 records, overlaid in a typically chaotic manner by the label's designer, PLANETLUKE.COM. More

Klasse Wrecks continues its expedition through the wilderness of early 2024 with a release from your favourite producers' favourite producer. Bufo Bufo continues his golden run after sterling records for the likes of Cabaret with a unique 4 tracker for Wrecks. Distilling all styles and influences into one record, 'Beelzebufo' sees the producer capture rare species of electro, breakbeat and mangled rave together...resulting in a supernatural sonic hybrid. Play with caution...the sounds you hear maybe devastating to your ear. More

For the first Klasse Wrecks release of 2024, the label looks back to 2020 and a previously digital only track from label co-owner Mr. Ho. During the first lockdown of covid Mr. Ho released '000Baby' as part of the digital 'Homeboys' EP alongside Luca Lozano. An alternative version popped up on the 'Michaelsoft' album in 2021 but the much lauded original has never seen the light of day on wax....until now. The first 10inch on Klasse Wrecks also features a suped and sped up interpretation from Om Unit, who expertly increases the pressure with deft 808 bass subs, a half time swagger and dubbed out atmospherics. More

It's the one you've been searching for....new white label action from Klasse Wrecks in the form of BOY1. The boy-wonder behind the music is none other than Seoul's favourite soulful son, Mogwaa. It's dubbed out pianos, forget-me-not vocal hooks and classic breaky House with a sprinkle of acid to sweeten the pot. More

Luca Lozano and Mr. Ho buckle up in the bucket seats and bring you a shiny new collaboration in the form of TWOCKERS. Club-ready and suped up Hard-House bangers with an injection of classic Rap lyrics that are sure to slay every dancefloor. This is not the sound of your favourite audiophile listening bar complete with gold plated Rotary mixer and wall of expensive unplayed vinyl, this is the sound of Southport's Manhattans nightclub in 1997. This is the sound of Vauxhall Corsa's driving down the M62 and Max Power compilation CDs with fresh hot rock burns in the casing. More

Always exciting when Klasse Wrecks comes with a new label project!! This one they do together with Kid Who and is a series of records showcasing previously unreleased house, techno, acid and more from the 90s Amiga Demoscene. Created using early sample sequencers such as ProTracker, these tracks radiate the authentic energy of techno's golden era - and they've been hiding in plain sight in Demoscene web repositories for many years. It was during the long days of the 2020 lockdowns that Kid Who began to explore these archives, sifting through thousands of tracks to eventually amass a collection of several hundred of his favourites. Curated by Klasse Wrecks and Kid Who in close collaboration with the talented artists behind them, the .NFO project aims to bring some of these finds to the broader dance music community via a series of VA 12"s and mixes. Tip!! Vinyl comes with A4 insert and stickered sleeve. More

For it's 46th outing, Klasse Wrecks recruits the Brooklyn based producer Gee Dee to it's ranks. Gee Dee aka Greg Droggitis turns in a wonderful and fully fledged collection of tracks that burst to the brim with atmosphere and sunny vibrations. True to the label's ethos, the music is as always, hard to pin down under one specific genre but instead slyly calls on various classic House, Electro and Acid tropes. The overall sound is one that is both universal and transcendent, feeling familiar but still surprising. 'Dream In Colour' is indeed an apt title for the EP as it spans the musical spectrum and is a lucid and vivid trip into the imagination of this new and exciting producer. More

Wrekcs045 blurb.... Somewhere in the dark corners of Barcelona, hidden away from the relentless sunshine and perfect weather there exists a group of friends. All veterans, skilled DJs and legends of the local scene, the friends have slowly been building up a powerful body of music that defies generic categorisation but at the same time somehow perfectly encapsulates the Mediterranean spirit and positive energy of the great Catalan city. Their debut EP 'Mi Yoyo', is a short selection of some of that wealth of music and centers around the epic title track. A summer anthem of good vibes and positive energy, 'Mi Yoyo' builds on a catchy vocal hook and a bassline reminiscent of French filter house. Ladies and gentlemen please keep your eyes firmly placed on the horizon and your heart open....enter Limit Blau. More

Klasse Wrecks is happy to welcome new Berlin-based producer Jotel California to the family. The emerging young artist provides a strong and varied EP that introduces his deft production skills and understanding of balanced sonics. 'Borrowed Time' traces the lines of traditional electro but stirs the pot with new flavours and the result is something that is both unique and powerful. Late 90s Techno is referenced on the title track, a dark and haunting driver that emerges into euphoria later on in the journey. While the A1 features the cut up vocals of Babyblade and takes the listener on a pulsing trip that thrashes back and forth before restlessly settling down More

It was maybe only a matter of time before DJs Luca Lozano and Dawl collaborated on a record, the two artists have been circling each other in orbit for years now. 'Cybernetik Synergy' plays on the virtual space created between the two producers while working online, the tracks on the EP were sketched out, passed back and forth in folders until they were finished...meaning the artists never actually met in person. The result is both bleepy and breaky, its a rave record that takes in the duo's influences and love of old classic dance hits. The theme of technocractic collaboration is developed further by the final (vinyl-only) track, a collection of separate stems from the A1 that enable the listeners to be able remix the tracks themselves and then send in to the label via the QR code on the sleeve. More

Klasse Wrecks' sub-label Junglish Massive returns for a third installment of breakbeat beat chaos, this time brought to you by friend of the label..Alphonse. The 'Android Mash' EP is an epic ode to Jungle, mangled and squashed together through a lens of classic drum and bass references. The title track spans over 15mins and invites the listener to join in on the journey of constant shifting and movement. Its Jungle...but not as we know it! More

Hot release alert!!! WRECKS041 is a sampler of Luca Lozano's recent 'Man of Science' album. Previously only available on compact disc the EP now puts together four of the most successful and sought-after tracks on wax. The title track, 'Man Of Science' opens with sampled words from astrophysicist and planetry scientist Neil Degrasse Tyson and hints at the overarching theme of the original album. Tracks like 'Prognosis' and 'Make Peace' show off Lozano's flair and interest in early Progressive House and Tribal Techno, with addictive grooves and unique collages of familiar but new sonic elements that hark back to dance music's history. The result is, as usual with Lozano's work, defiant of genres and difficult to pigeon hole but always irresistably tasty More

Klasse Wrecks' first release of 2023 comes storming out of the gate, hot on the tail of Mr. Ho's previous album and his collaborative 'Eu-Li' EP with Mogwaa. 'Angel Number 909' is a collection of three versions of one track, the over-riding element in the EP is an incessant and catchy acidic synthline that bounds across racketing breakbeats and galloping basslines. Alongside the 'US Breaks' version is an old school influenced 'Acid House' version as well as a moodier 'House' mix. Three pedigree tracks that will be sure to go the distance on any dancefloor... More

As one half of the Psychick Warriors Ov Gaia Robbert Heynan helped define the burgeoning sound of Tribal Techno in the early 90s, the duo produced a slyly conceptual and wonderfully cohesive body of work which included, amongst others, 3 classic albums, many groundbreaking singles and a Radio 1 Peel Session. In 1992 Heynan left to pursue a solo project under the name Exquisite Corpse and continued to release an inimitable string of House and Techno tracks, his production techniques and meshing of styles resulted in a unique signature that refuses to be categorised still to this day. For WRECKS042, Klasse Wrecks is proud to present a repress of one of Robbert's most hidden records, long out of stock around the world and well under the radar is the 'Chief' EP. Originally released in 1996 on Dutch label Prime the two tracks from the original EP have been remastered and are presented alongside two brand new and unheard versions, which have been laying dormant since waiting for the right time to peer out into the daylight. The resulting record is a wonderful capsule and insight to the body of work and creativity of Robbert, at times dark and hypnotic, introspective and heady but with the crosshairs always firmly set on the dance floor. More

DJ Steve's third EP for Klasse Wrecks delves deeper into the sonic universe of the Sheffield producer's arsenal, a slow but deliberate progression can be traced from the previous EPs. Whereas 'Secret Touch' and 'Mainline' ploughed a path made more by the lighthearted genres of UK Hardcore and Yorkshire Bleep, 'Reality' sinks lower into heady vibrations of psychedelia and heavy acid hallucinations. The producer again shows off his musical flair and control of his machine kingdom, every sound perfectly placed on the sound canvas. Classic 303 lines writhe under 101 basslines whilst 808 hihats shuffle over recognisable breakbeats, proving some things never go out of style. More