1
Maara - Spiral 2 The Other Side
2
Maara - Take The Wheel Miss Sweetie
3
Maara - Forget The World
4
Maara - Doom Quest
Repress!
Maara makes seductively uninhibited, proggy dance music. In fact, she’s quickly becoming one of its foremost exponents. Barely pausing for breath between releases, ‘Spiral 2 the Other Side’ finds the Montreal artist summoning divine feminine frequencies with a hypnotic, ritual-ready 4-tracker.
Some Maara productions are shot through with an almost radiant optimism, but here, darkroom throb prevails. Big on the gated vocals, ‘Spiral 2 the Other Side’ achieves cybernetic sensuality through trippy,
moire´-d electro, while ‘Take the Wheel Miss Sweetie’, with its driving, fathoms-deep approach, provides a direct take on the blueprint.
The Canadian assumes the role of high priestess on the flip. ‘Forget the world’ is a ritual incantation for bridging seen and unseen worlds; prog house magick with shades of ‘90s trance utopia. Rounding things off with a tunnelling electro tripper, ‘Doom Quest’ references the vortex-dwelling atmospherics of early tribal modes to mind-altering effect. More
Maara makes seductively uninhibited, proggy dance music. In fact, she’s quickly becoming one of its foremost exponents. Barely pausing for breath between releases, ‘Spiral 2 the Other Side’ finds the Montreal artist summoning divine feminine frequencies with a hypnotic, ritual-ready 4-tracker.
Some Maara productions are shot through with an almost radiant optimism, but here, darkroom throb prevails. Big on the gated vocals, ‘Spiral 2 the Other Side’ achieves cybernetic sensuality through trippy,
moire´-d electro, while ‘Take the Wheel Miss Sweetie’, with its driving, fathoms-deep approach, provides a direct take on the blueprint.
The Canadian assumes the role of high priestess on the flip. ‘Forget the world’ is a ritual incantation for bridging seen and unseen worlds; prog house magick with shades of ‘90s trance utopia. Rounding things off with a tunnelling electro tripper, ‘Doom Quest’ references the vortex-dwelling atmospherics of early tribal modes to mind-altering effect. More
More records from Maara
1
Maara - What U Do 2 Me
2
Maara - Drama On
3
Maara - Sigmund Freud's Big Day Out
4
Maara - Giving Me Ecstasy
5
Maara - Not My Web, Not My Problem
A third Punctuality enters the chat; its latest member Maara proclaiming Drama On for Spray’s ever-evolving label. The Montreal maverick cues up a psy-eyed sesh for the ages, 5 wily thumpers shaded sapphic for those enthralled by the mischievous dance.
Since 2021, Maara has operated on an ‘all pills, no frills’ basis. Her prolific run of EPs for the likes of Kalahari Oyster Cult, Step Ball Chain and Radiant Records has cemented her rightful place within the club pantheon of the prog and divine. Spray and his Punctuality cohort reside there also, teasing clubland salvation for those who dare. Maara giddily joins for the ride, offering a gift in the name of Drama On; an EP of direct dancefloor transmissions that map out kinetic paths to sordid euphoria.
The curtains rise as What U Do 2 Me skips, gallops and jumps across theatrical plains, breaking for a titular reflection before reuniting with its ravey chaos. Drama On swings sharper, riding a sleazy donk through a dimly lit groove of pulsating vulgarity. An outright sassier affair celebrates Sigmund Freud’s Big Day Out; an unconscious slip of the hard house tongue that feeds an otherwise techno-driven delirium with wry glee. Give Me Ecstasy eases the tempo while raising the temperature, commanding your gaze with a noxious roller that seductively writhes in sexed-up delight. The house lights beckon, and Not My Web, Not My Problem she retorts with an unforgiving groove thrusting its charged-up rump through a cauldron of salacious murmurs and groans.
It’s Maara’s world, and we’re all just dancing in it. More
Since 2021, Maara has operated on an ‘all pills, no frills’ basis. Her prolific run of EPs for the likes of Kalahari Oyster Cult, Step Ball Chain and Radiant Records has cemented her rightful place within the club pantheon of the prog and divine. Spray and his Punctuality cohort reside there also, teasing clubland salvation for those who dare. Maara giddily joins for the ride, offering a gift in the name of Drama On; an EP of direct dancefloor transmissions that map out kinetic paths to sordid euphoria.
The curtains rise as What U Do 2 Me skips, gallops and jumps across theatrical plains, breaking for a titular reflection before reuniting with its ravey chaos. Drama On swings sharper, riding a sleazy donk through a dimly lit groove of pulsating vulgarity. An outright sassier affair celebrates Sigmund Freud’s Big Day Out; an unconscious slip of the hard house tongue that feeds an otherwise techno-driven delirium with wry glee. Give Me Ecstasy eases the tempo while raising the temperature, commanding your gaze with a noxious roller that seductively writhes in sexed-up delight. The house lights beckon, and Not My Web, Not My Problem she retorts with an unforgiving groove thrusting its charged-up rump through a cauldron of salacious murmurs and groans.
It’s Maara’s world, and we’re all just dancing in it. More
1
Maara - Sip From My Chalice
2
Maara - Nothing Sacred
3
Maara - Yearning
4
Maara - Erotics Of Betrayal
5
Maara - Rough N' Ready
6
Maara - The Ancient Truth
7
Maara - Just Give Me Time
8
Maara - Insidious Force
9
Maara - Oh I Remember...
10
Maara - Awaken, Plum Plum
11
Maara - Sapphic Rehabilitation Center
12
Maara - Surrender
Montreal’s sapphic mixxtress, the elusive mogul Maara, unveils her debut full length LP via Step Ball Chain. A pairing written in the stars, with twelve dynamically diverse and emotive soundscapes of downtempo bliss, spine-chilling drum and bass and elevated electronica - timeless anthems for sonic indulgence and reflection. Take a deep dive into the sensually charged inner workings of the already prolific producer’s mind.
An effervescent atmosphere envelopes it’s way through the records entirety, whether it be gloriously lush pads, melancholic words and whispers from her own lips or subterrantian bass. Maara’s world of sound showcases the wild spectrum of emotion, the empathetic passion of joy in Awaken, Plum Plum and Sapphic Rehabilitation Centre alongside the darkness of Insidious Force or Rough ‘N’ Ready. But like most things, the purest beauty can be found within the grey areas, where majority of this records lies. A powerful ebb and flow between cloudy twilight and it’s recurring silver lining, Nothing Sacred wraps you around it’s finger whilst Erotics Of Betrayal pulls you in unexpected directions sure to conjure feelings you didn’t know existed.
A masterfully united album from start to finish, each listen unveils endless intricacy, delicately and deliciously revealing the potent DNA of Maara. More
An effervescent atmosphere envelopes it’s way through the records entirety, whether it be gloriously lush pads, melancholic words and whispers from her own lips or subterrantian bass. Maara’s world of sound showcases the wild spectrum of emotion, the empathetic passion of joy in Awaken, Plum Plum and Sapphic Rehabilitation Centre alongside the darkness of Insidious Force or Rough ‘N’ Ready. But like most things, the purest beauty can be found within the grey areas, where majority of this records lies. A powerful ebb and flow between cloudy twilight and it’s recurring silver lining, Nothing Sacred wraps you around it’s finger whilst Erotics Of Betrayal pulls you in unexpected directions sure to conjure feelings you didn’t know existed.
A masterfully united album from start to finish, each listen unveils endless intricacy, delicately and deliciously revealing the potent DNA of Maara. More
1
Maara - The Forbidden Plum
2
Maara - Miss Sweetie's Inferno
3
Maara - Dungeon Babes
4
Maara - Do U Feel Me? Ft. Nap
5
Maara - Do U Feel Me? (D Tiffany Remix)
Portal to the underworld: five pulsating tracks transport you between heaven and hell, featuring a collaboration with NAP and a remix by D.Tiffany. A Potion Activated.
Give in to the temptation of The Forbidden Plum. Take a bite and let the juice drip. Your journey begins with a hypnotic seduction, stoking the flames of desire as the voice in your head whispers, Want it so badly.
Dark and sexy, the flames get higher. The walls sweat on your descent as you lose control. Flood lights sweep over the crowd of bodies, cutting through smoke. Horns cry out in urgency—Miss Sweetie’s Inferno. Sludge bubbles over into the dungeon, alive and radioactive.
Dungeon Babez are the past and the future speaking with one voice. Moans echo in the grimy humidity, a druggy throb. You catch a glimpse of sky through the static haze and it’s like looking through memory. Something wet glimmers. Catch the droplets, sip sip and float away down the lazy river...
Do U Feel Me? This polyvocal track sounds like how it feels to be on the dance-floor, vibrating in union of body and spirit. Surrender in this dank chamber of voices echoing incantations. When you look into my
eyes, you are looking into your own soul.
D.Tiffany answers Maara and NAP’s call and response with a driving, elemental reply. A lost island reemerges from the depths of the ocean floor, breaking through the water’s surface. A message in a bottle floats over and washes up on shore. You open it and write something back. Ritual dance around a bonfire as the wind howls. Something large and dark passes overhead like a storm cloud. The air is electric. The sky bursts. More
Give in to the temptation of The Forbidden Plum. Take a bite and let the juice drip. Your journey begins with a hypnotic seduction, stoking the flames of desire as the voice in your head whispers, Want it so badly.
Dark and sexy, the flames get higher. The walls sweat on your descent as you lose control. Flood lights sweep over the crowd of bodies, cutting through smoke. Horns cry out in urgency—Miss Sweetie’s Inferno. Sludge bubbles over into the dungeon, alive and radioactive.
Dungeon Babez are the past and the future speaking with one voice. Moans echo in the grimy humidity, a druggy throb. You catch a glimpse of sky through the static haze and it’s like looking through memory. Something wet glimmers. Catch the droplets, sip sip and float away down the lazy river...
Do U Feel Me? This polyvocal track sounds like how it feels to be on the dance-floor, vibrating in union of body and spirit. Surrender in this dank chamber of voices echoing incantations. When you look into my
eyes, you are looking into your own soul.
D.Tiffany answers Maara and NAP’s call and response with a driving, elemental reply. A lost island reemerges from the depths of the ocean floor, breaking through the water’s surface. A message in a bottle floats over and washes up on shore. You open it and write something back. Ritual dance around a bonfire as the wind howls. Something large and dark passes overhead like a storm cloud. The air is electric. The sky bursts. More
More records from X-Kalay
1
Velvet Velour - Clickin'
2
Velvet Velour - Panda Express
3
Velvet Velour - Q&A
4
Velvet Velour - Full Circle
Rapid-fire with the releases like it’s effortless, minimal donny Velvet Velour steps up with his latest 4-tracker. Strong tech house currents in a similar vein to Kepler’s recent ‘Lowlife’ EP, but with extra zonk - it’s a head turning label debut.
The growing catalogue of releases belies a relatively short time spent producing. That said, he’s already a key proponent of the sound’s contemporary vanguard and XK035 might be the most vital effort to date. More
The growing catalogue of releases belies a relatively short time spent producing. That said, he’s already a key proponent of the sound’s contemporary vanguard and XK035 might be the most vital effort to date. More
1
Julian Anthony - Full Moon Fever
2
Julian Anthony - Open Minded
3
Julian Anthony - Stormy Tuesday
4
Julian Anthony - Virtual Reality
Repress!
In dialogue with both past and future, Slapfunk protégé Julian Anthony drops his debut solo EP and touches down with a 4-track invocation of classic 90s house templates.
Tripped out sensibility meets sci-fi tendency as ‘Full Moon Fever’ and ‘Open Minded’ deliver full-bodied exercises in total dance floor immersion. Fractal fuel for the vision quest, they’re sophisticated like the finest dream house while channelling the buoyant, jacking heft of timeless Chi-town material.
Wide eyed but tuff, ‘Stormy Tuesday’ rolls in with more of the groove-forward drive that typifies Anthony’s best work. It’s just the kind of immaculate gear we've come to expect from the Dutchman, and evoking golden era Dream 2 Science, ‘Virtual Reality’ ploughs the same furrow of propulsive, ‘90s-indebted house. Deep space projections radiating togetherness and warmth from the start. More
In dialogue with both past and future, Slapfunk protégé Julian Anthony drops his debut solo EP and touches down with a 4-track invocation of classic 90s house templates.
Tripped out sensibility meets sci-fi tendency as ‘Full Moon Fever’ and ‘Open Minded’ deliver full-bodied exercises in total dance floor immersion. Fractal fuel for the vision quest, they’re sophisticated like the finest dream house while channelling the buoyant, jacking heft of timeless Chi-town material.
Wide eyed but tuff, ‘Stormy Tuesday’ rolls in with more of the groove-forward drive that typifies Anthony’s best work. It’s just the kind of immaculate gear we've come to expect from the Dutchman, and evoking golden era Dream 2 Science, ‘Virtual Reality’ ploughs the same furrow of propulsive, ‘90s-indebted house. Deep space projections radiating togetherness and warmth from the start. More
1
Kepler - Lowlife
2
Kepler - Control
3
Kepler - Stranded (Ft. Wickham)
4
Kepler - Need
Minimal don Kepler strikes a balance between dancefloor utility and introspection on his latest record, and debut for X-Kalay. Big house and techno incursions straight out of Yorkshire – Leeds, to be precise. It’s a strong testament to the region’s long standing reputation as a hotbed for late-night minimalism.
Subtle flourishes and details stand out across all four tracks. Uncovering relics from ancient futures, ‘Lowlife’ stimulates the pineal gland with a mescaline-strength take on classic ‘90s tech house. While it dials the trippier elements down just a tad, ‘Control’, like its predecessor, recalls golden era Wiggle or Asad Rizvi under his Silverlining moniker.
No half measures on the next one. Bringing heft in spades, ‘Stranded’ comes hurtling in with swinging, jacking 4 AM NRG. It’s some serious gear, which makes the EP closer such an unexpected left-turn. ‘Need’ offers proper heads-down introspection, complete with widescreen, nebulous chords that ripple out into the vastness of space. More
Subtle flourishes and details stand out across all four tracks. Uncovering relics from ancient futures, ‘Lowlife’ stimulates the pineal gland with a mescaline-strength take on classic ‘90s tech house. While it dials the trippier elements down just a tad, ‘Control’, like its predecessor, recalls golden era Wiggle or Asad Rizvi under his Silverlining moniker.
No half measures on the next one. Bringing heft in spades, ‘Stranded’ comes hurtling in with swinging, jacking 4 AM NRG. It’s some serious gear, which makes the EP closer such an unexpected left-turn. ‘Need’ offers proper heads-down introspection, complete with widescreen, nebulous chords that ripple out into the vastness of space. More
1
Qnete - A1. Going Short
2
Qnete - A2. Wrapped
3
Qnete - B1. Stepperals
4
Qnete - B2. Circuit Friend
Qnete’s back in the building for a third X-Kalay release and it’s an anticipated return for the prominent purveyor of prog. Four diverse but coherently related tracks with pit stops in deep house and electro territory.
We open proceedings with a dose of the lysergic sound that has become his trademark since debuting on the label in 2021. Evoking ritual and ceremony, ‘Going Short‘ commences with choral pads that beckon to the altar. A slo-mo exercise in dancefloor hypnosis with trace echoes of bleep.
Where ‘Wrapped’ takes a turn toward mellow, ‘Stepperals’, like its A1 counterpart, recalibrates trance tropes into something more chugging and restrained. Another example of Qnete smudging his third eye on a tunnelling, wormhole flex.
And finally, the Leipzig native signs off with a nod to the American Midwest. Opening cerebral gates in a way that recalls classic Detroit In Effect, closing track ‘Circuit Friends’ taps into the futurist utopia imagined by Detroit electro’s pioneers. More
We open proceedings with a dose of the lysergic sound that has become his trademark since debuting on the label in 2021. Evoking ritual and ceremony, ‘Going Short‘ commences with choral pads that beckon to the altar. A slo-mo exercise in dancefloor hypnosis with trace echoes of bleep.
Where ‘Wrapped’ takes a turn toward mellow, ‘Stepperals’, like its A1 counterpart, recalibrates trance tropes into something more chugging and restrained. Another example of Qnete smudging his third eye on a tunnelling, wormhole flex.
And finally, the Leipzig native signs off with a nod to the American Midwest. Opening cerebral gates in a way that recalls classic Detroit In Effect, closing track ‘Circuit Friends’ taps into the futurist utopia imagined by Detroit electro’s pioneers. More
1
Remotif - In The Blink Of A Cosmic Eye
2
Remotif - It's Inside U
3
Remotif - For Love Or Money
4
Remotif - 3AM In The Möbius Strip Club
Familiar Strangers founder Remotif heralds the 30th release, complete with a digital-only remix from Youandewan.
The first half finds the Bristol mainstay at his deadliest. Harnessing pure proggy momentum, peak-time scorcher ‘In the Blink of a Cosmic’ comes hurtling out the tracks. ‘It’s Inside U’ then keeps pace with more of that driving, fractal pressure. Tunnelling wormhole torque straight out the nether-realm.
Comparatively restrained but no-less mind-altering, the B-side embarks on a full-blown vision quest. Where breaks-fuelled cut ‘For Love or Money’ nods to early ‘90s bleep, ‘In The Mo¨bius Strip Club’ ushers into a chugging, ritual-ready space. Proper third-eye dilating stuff. More
The first half finds the Bristol mainstay at his deadliest. Harnessing pure proggy momentum, peak-time scorcher ‘In the Blink of a Cosmic’ comes hurtling out the tracks. ‘It’s Inside U’ then keeps pace with more of that driving, fractal pressure. Tunnelling wormhole torque straight out the nether-realm.
Comparatively restrained but no-less mind-altering, the B-side embarks on a full-blown vision quest. Where breaks-fuelled cut ‘For Love or Money’ nods to early ‘90s bleep, ‘In The Mo¨bius Strip Club’ ushers into a chugging, ritual-ready space. Proper third-eye dilating stuff. More
1
Guy Contact - Out Of My Head (Into My Body)
2
Guy Contact - Sacred Mist
3
Guy Contact - Amygdala Tongue Wobble
4
Guy Contact - Optimystic
Next up on X-Kalay it’s fresh heat from one of the finest among a current generation of prog-inclined producers. Guy Contact’s ‘Out of My Head (Into My Body)’ speaks to a sublime, utopian conception of dancefloor utility; dance music primed to achieve ascension through collective physical experience.
Navigating mystic, offbeat zones, Contact sets out his stall from the start. ‘Out of My Head (Into My Body)’ is as pristine as it is expansive, inducing trance states as trippy flourishes oscillate over driving rhythm in impeccable lysergic style. Then, with another dose of melt-on-the-mind groove, a radiant bliss-out arrives in the beautifully buoyant flex of ‘Sacred Mist’.
Taking its name from a part of the brain associated with emotional processes, ‘Amygdala Tongue Wobble’ propels into fractal introspection with dense, insistent pulse. Finally, ‘Optimystic’ finds Contact channelling new age spirits as he assumes the role of innerzone healer - wide-eyed downtempo to close things out. More
Navigating mystic, offbeat zones, Contact sets out his stall from the start. ‘Out of My Head (Into My Body)’ is as pristine as it is expansive, inducing trance states as trippy flourishes oscillate over driving rhythm in impeccable lysergic style. Then, with another dose of melt-on-the-mind groove, a radiant bliss-out arrives in the beautifully buoyant flex of ‘Sacred Mist’.
Taking its name from a part of the brain associated with emotional processes, ‘Amygdala Tongue Wobble’ propels into fractal introspection with dense, insistent pulse. Finally, ‘Optimystic’ finds Contact channelling new age spirits as he assumes the role of innerzone healer - wide-eyed downtempo to close things out. More
1
Escape Artist - Wanna Dance?
2
Escape Artist - Wanna Dance? (Roza Terenzi's Bassbin Mix)
3
Escape Artist - Levitator
4
Escape Artist - Time Knife
The first X-Kalay release of 2022 finds Melbourne’s Escape Artist traversing wormholes, complete with an assist from the ever-prolific Roza Terenzi.
Picking up where a 2019 Salt Mines debut left off, ‘Wanna Dance’ allows proggy tendencies to flourish across some mind-altering electro. Portals to higher planes of consciousness and uncharted star systems fling open as widescreen, celestial pads make way for lysergic climax.
Ramping up the intensity with her ‘Bassbin Mix’, Roza Terenzi jumps on remix duties; another electro workout, but this time more urgent, more propulsive. Bringing the tribal-breakbeat pressure in spades, it’s quintessential Terenzi.
More prog, but leaning further towards cosmic techno percolation, ‘Levitator’ finds mazy arpeggios in seemingly infinite ascent. ‘Time Knife’, on the other hand, is a radiant, beatless highlight. Deploying cascading synth arps to truly mesmeric effect, it sees the Antipodean achieve sublime tension in a rare moment of introspection. More
Picking up where a 2019 Salt Mines debut left off, ‘Wanna Dance’ allows proggy tendencies to flourish across some mind-altering electro. Portals to higher planes of consciousness and uncharted star systems fling open as widescreen, celestial pads make way for lysergic climax.
Ramping up the intensity with her ‘Bassbin Mix’, Roza Terenzi jumps on remix duties; another electro workout, but this time more urgent, more propulsive. Bringing the tribal-breakbeat pressure in spades, it’s quintessential Terenzi.
More prog, but leaning further towards cosmic techno percolation, ‘Levitator’ finds mazy arpeggios in seemingly infinite ascent. ‘Time Knife’, on the other hand, is a radiant, beatless highlight. Deploying cascading synth arps to truly mesmeric effect, it sees the Antipodean achieve sublime tension in a rare moment of introspection. More
1
LT - Disc Trail
2
LT - Grain
3
LT - Grain (No Moon Remix)
Lewis “LT” Taylor returns to X-Kalay and follows up 2019’s “Staminize” with his latest effort, “Disc Trail” - two tracks of blistering proggy techno and hazy breaks backed with a remix from fellow label artist No Moon.
Spanning the full A side and cut to a crisp 45, “Disc Trail” is an epic 9 minute peak time destroyer. A huge proggy roller complete with trance inducing breakdown, it goes for days and absolutely slaps at 140 BPM.
On the flip, Grain sees Taylor in familiar territory; lush enveloping pads cascade over a finely crafted breakbeat and pulsating sub - the adeptly syncopated percussion perfectly showcasing his first love and talent as a trained drummer.
Topping things off No Moon is on remix duty, reworking Grain into a chugged out 4x4 with some expansive arrangement and jacked up bass >:) More
Spanning the full A side and cut to a crisp 45, “Disc Trail” is an epic 9 minute peak time destroyer. A huge proggy roller complete with trance inducing breakdown, it goes for days and absolutely slaps at 140 BPM.
On the flip, Grain sees Taylor in familiar territory; lush enveloping pads cascade over a finely crafted breakbeat and pulsating sub - the adeptly syncopated percussion perfectly showcasing his first love and talent as a trained drummer.
Topping things off No Moon is on remix duty, reworking Grain into a chugged out 4x4 with some expansive arrangement and jacked up bass >:) More
1
Cloudsteppers (Ciel & Dan Only) - The Limit
2
Cloudsteppers (Ciel & Dan Only) - Slinky Bork
3
Cloudsteppers (Ciel & Dan Only) - Diva Loops
4
Cloudsteppers (Ciel & Dan Only) - Trigger Happy
XK025 sees a fresh label debut in the form of Cloudsteppers - a collaboration between Toronto based artists Ciel and Dan Only. Born out of an impromptu jam session at Dan Only's NDG 208 Studio in late 2019, the pair quickly hit it off. Ciel brought her trusty Korg ESX-1 sampler, and alongside Dan Only's arsenal of vintage synths and samplers, they quickly wrote the first two cuts of what would eventually turn into the first Cloudsteppers EP. After getting great feedback from playing them on tour and sharing with friends, the pair wrote the last two cuts when lockdown restrictions loosened during the summer of 2020.
Both artists are instinctively melodically-inclined producers, so for this release they tried to focus more of their attention on the drums and fx, while limiting the amount of melodic parts in each track. Working within those parameters resulted in what is now their debut EP.
Title track, “The Limit”, is a huge undulating cut of 160bpm energy - it shimmies effortlessly between skittish jungle, breakbeat and techno rhythms, centred around a tripped out sample of Manchester’s finest physicist, Brian Cox. “Slinky Bork” brings a distinctly UK Tech House flavour reminiscent of Housey Doingz, Get Fucked and others of the Wiggle/Euka House era - underpinned by a solid 4x4, subtle rhythms and spacey atmospherics abound.
On the flip, “Diva Loops”goes in hard with a pounding kick, warbling bass and some massive clattering drums before breaking out into a playful melodic refrain. Closing things out, “Trigger Happy” is another functional 4x4 club cut full of skippy tech styles and punchy rhythms. A dreamy melody floats along into a tension building crescendo, complete with massive reese-ish bassline. Big! More
Both artists are instinctively melodically-inclined producers, so for this release they tried to focus more of their attention on the drums and fx, while limiting the amount of melodic parts in each track. Working within those parameters resulted in what is now their debut EP.
Title track, “The Limit”, is a huge undulating cut of 160bpm energy - it shimmies effortlessly between skittish jungle, breakbeat and techno rhythms, centred around a tripped out sample of Manchester’s finest physicist, Brian Cox. “Slinky Bork” brings a distinctly UK Tech House flavour reminiscent of Housey Doingz, Get Fucked and others of the Wiggle/Euka House era - underpinned by a solid 4x4, subtle rhythms and spacey atmospherics abound.
On the flip, “Diva Loops”goes in hard with a pounding kick, warbling bass and some massive clattering drums before breaking out into a playful melodic refrain. Closing things out, “Trigger Happy” is another functional 4x4 club cut full of skippy tech styles and punchy rhythms. A dreamy melody floats along into a tension building crescendo, complete with massive reese-ish bassline. Big! More
1
Andy Garvey - More Than Meets The Eye
2
Andy Garvey - This Silence Is False
3
Andy Garvey - Double Planetoid
4
Andy Garvey - This Silence Is False (Tred Remix)
Rising Australian DJ and producer Andy Garvey debuts on X-Kalay showcasing her take on deep and breaksy electro.
More
1
Lou Karsh - Amongst us in Harmony
2
Lou Karsh - Internally Vexed
3
Lou Karsh - Alien With a Subwoofer (Skyline Mix)
4
Lou Karsh - Lifeforms
Another X-Kalay OG returns to the label this summer and we couldn’t be happier :) It’s not a huge overstatement to say that Lucas’ first record on X-Kalay, “Ataraxia”, was somewhat of a milestone in the development of both artist and label, and it has been a huge pleasure to see him go from strength to strength since its release just over two years ago. These days it’s fair to say that Lucas is one of the most exciting young artists in the game - with a finely crafted knack for electro, and the 303 in particular, pretty much second to none. We’re super proud to welcome him back with his next effort -“Lifeforms”.
The emotive opener is “Amongst us in Harmony” - steadily building through deep pads and bouncing arps, the now trademark Lou Karsh acid bassline ever present. Coming in over 8 minutes, it’s a truly galactic track. “Internally Vexed”is a more stripped back affair. The breaksy groove is underpinned by the snappiest of snares and shrouded in celestial pads, the masterful use of the 303 demonstrating one of the sharpest and slickest basslines you’re likely to hear this year >:0
On the flip, “Alien With a Subwoofer (Skyline Mix)” is pacey club material built around deep wobs, a seriously wiggly 303, and carefully constructed pads building subtle tension. The sound of aliens redlining straight through your hood. Rounding things off, title track “Lifeforms” is beautifully crafted deep electronica; full of emotion and lush pads, otherworldly atmospherics and yearning synths.
This is a special record, and some of Lucas’ best work without a doubt. Don’t sleep!
More
The emotive opener is “Amongst us in Harmony” - steadily building through deep pads and bouncing arps, the now trademark Lou Karsh acid bassline ever present. Coming in over 8 minutes, it’s a truly galactic track. “Internally Vexed”is a more stripped back affair. The breaksy groove is underpinned by the snappiest of snares and shrouded in celestial pads, the masterful use of the 303 demonstrating one of the sharpest and slickest basslines you’re likely to hear this year >:0
On the flip, “Alien With a Subwoofer (Skyline Mix)” is pacey club material built around deep wobs, a seriously wiggly 303, and carefully constructed pads building subtle tension. The sound of aliens redlining straight through your hood. Rounding things off, title track “Lifeforms” is beautifully crafted deep electronica; full of emotion and lush pads, otherworldly atmospherics and yearning synths.
This is a special record, and some of Lucas’ best work without a doubt. Don’t sleep!
More
1
No Moon - CPU Limit 99
2
No Moon - Aoe_Rushin
3
No Moon - Aoe_Rushin (Adam Pits Remix)
4
No Moon - Set Phasers to Stun
It’s been long overdue but finally No Moon is back on X-Kalay and we are HYPED. A lot has changed in the three years since his debut on the label but Fred’s ability to turn in forward thinking and original electro definitely has not. This latest effort is the work of an exciting producer on the rise.
Opening the A side “CPU Limit 99” is full of jungley skittish breaks, acid bass and off kilter rhythms. By the time we hear the voice of Agent Smith creeping out in the first break we could be forgiven for casting our minds back to Metalheadz circa 2002. Next up, “Aoe_Rushin” is the pick of the bunch for us and continues The Matrix theme, albeit less explicitly, via a full on bonkers trip of searing acid, razor sharp drums and smashed up vocals.
On the flip Adam Pits switches up “Aoe_Rushin” into a pacey 4x4 club joint utilising some expansive arrangement and lovely speed garage-esque bass. Closing things out, title track “Set Phasers to Stun” winds things back and rounds up with a deep and meditative cut of melodic electro. More
Opening the A side “CPU Limit 99” is full of jungley skittish breaks, acid bass and off kilter rhythms. By the time we hear the voice of Agent Smith creeping out in the first break we could be forgiven for casting our minds back to Metalheadz circa 2002. Next up, “Aoe_Rushin” is the pick of the bunch for us and continues The Matrix theme, albeit less explicitly, via a full on bonkers trip of searing acid, razor sharp drums and smashed up vocals.
On the flip Adam Pits switches up “Aoe_Rushin” into a pacey 4x4 club joint utilising some expansive arrangement and lovely speed garage-esque bass. Closing things out, title track “Set Phasers to Stun” winds things back and rounds up with a deep and meditative cut of melodic electro. More
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CoastDream - soft moon
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CoastDream - Oh La La
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CoastDream - About You
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CoastDream - No Title
Second repress of CoastDream’s debut X-Kalay release and now cult record, Soft Moon. With the title track now racking up 1.2m views on youtube (and counting), and both the original and first repress priced at £40 on discogs, we expect this fresh pressing to sell as fast as the first two.
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Internation Music System - Dancing Therapy
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Internation Music System - The B Generation
Remastered versions of this italo disco classics!
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BAUGRUPPE90 - Torx
2
Kenji Hina - Machete
3
Chlär - Neck Carver
4
Cult - Rock The Mic
5
DJ SUN - Everybody Dance
6
Sol Caballero - Au Noise
7
Beau Didier - Take 1
8
Lucass P - Murder Czn
9
Dylan Fogarty - Purification
Tracklisting
A1 BAUGRUPPE90 - Torx
A2 Kenji Hina - Machete
B1 Chlär - Neck Carver
B2 Cult - Rock The Mic
C1 DJ SUN - Everybody Dance
C2 Sol Caballero - Au Noise
D1 Beau Didier - Take 1
D2 Lucass P - Murder Czn
D3 Dylan Fogarty - Purification
Sales Note
- 2024 repress - More
A1 BAUGRUPPE90 - Torx
A2 Kenji Hina - Machete
B1 Chlär - Neck Carver
B2 Cult - Rock The Mic
C1 DJ SUN - Everybody Dance
C2 Sol Caballero - Au Noise
D1 Beau Didier - Take 1
D2 Lucass P - Murder Czn
D3 Dylan Fogarty - Purification
Sales Note
- 2024 repress - More
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Julian Anthony - Full Moon Fever
2
Julian Anthony - Open Minded
3
Julian Anthony - Stormy Tuesday
4
Julian Anthony - Virtual Reality
Repress!
In dialogue with both past and future, Slapfunk protégé Julian Anthony drops his debut solo EP and touches down with a 4-track invocation of classic 90s house templates.
Tripped out sensibility meets sci-fi tendency as ‘Full Moon Fever’ and ‘Open Minded’ deliver full-bodied exercises in total dance floor immersion. Fractal fuel for the vision quest, they’re sophisticated like the finest dream house while channelling the buoyant, jacking heft of timeless Chi-town material.
Wide eyed but tuff, ‘Stormy Tuesday’ rolls in with more of the groove-forward drive that typifies Anthony’s best work. It’s just the kind of immaculate gear we've come to expect from the Dutchman, and evoking golden era Dream 2 Science, ‘Virtual Reality’ ploughs the same furrow of propulsive, ‘90s-indebted house. Deep space projections radiating togetherness and warmth from the start. More
In dialogue with both past and future, Slapfunk protégé Julian Anthony drops his debut solo EP and touches down with a 4-track invocation of classic 90s house templates.
Tripped out sensibility meets sci-fi tendency as ‘Full Moon Fever’ and ‘Open Minded’ deliver full-bodied exercises in total dance floor immersion. Fractal fuel for the vision quest, they’re sophisticated like the finest dream house while channelling the buoyant, jacking heft of timeless Chi-town material.
Wide eyed but tuff, ‘Stormy Tuesday’ rolls in with more of the groove-forward drive that typifies Anthony’s best work. It’s just the kind of immaculate gear we've come to expect from the Dutchman, and evoking golden era Dream 2 Science, ‘Virtual Reality’ ploughs the same furrow of propulsive, ‘90s-indebted house. Deep space projections radiating togetherness and warmth from the start. More
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Velvet Velour - Clickin'
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Velvet Velour - Panda Express
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Velvet Velour - Q&A
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Velvet Velour - Full Circle
Rapid-fire with the releases like it’s effortless, minimal donny Velvet Velour steps up with his latest 4-tracker. Strong tech house currents in a similar vein to Kepler’s recent ‘Lowlife’ EP, but with extra zonk - it’s a head turning label debut.
The growing catalogue of releases belies a relatively short time spent producing. That said, he’s already a key proponent of the sound’s contemporary vanguard and XK035 might be the most vital effort to date. More
The growing catalogue of releases belies a relatively short time spent producing. That said, he’s already a key proponent of the sound’s contemporary vanguard and XK035 might be the most vital effort to date. More
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Kepler - Lowlife
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Kepler - Control
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Kepler - Stranded (Ft. Wickham)
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Kepler - Need
Minimal don Kepler strikes a balance between dancefloor utility and introspection on his latest record, and debut for X-Kalay. Big house and techno incursions straight out of Yorkshire – Leeds, to be precise. It’s a strong testament to the region’s long standing reputation as a hotbed for late-night minimalism.
Subtle flourishes and details stand out across all four tracks. Uncovering relics from ancient futures, ‘Lowlife’ stimulates the pineal gland with a mescaline-strength take on classic ‘90s tech house. While it dials the trippier elements down just a tad, ‘Control’, like its predecessor, recalls golden era Wiggle or Asad Rizvi under his Silverlining moniker.
No half measures on the next one. Bringing heft in spades, ‘Stranded’ comes hurtling in with swinging, jacking 4 AM NRG. It’s some serious gear, which makes the EP closer such an unexpected left-turn. ‘Need’ offers proper heads-down introspection, complete with widescreen, nebulous chords that ripple out into the vastness of space. More
Subtle flourishes and details stand out across all four tracks. Uncovering relics from ancient futures, ‘Lowlife’ stimulates the pineal gland with a mescaline-strength take on classic ‘90s tech house. While it dials the trippier elements down just a tad, ‘Control’, like its predecessor, recalls golden era Wiggle or Asad Rizvi under his Silverlining moniker.
No half measures on the next one. Bringing heft in spades, ‘Stranded’ comes hurtling in with swinging, jacking 4 AM NRG. It’s some serious gear, which makes the EP closer such an unexpected left-turn. ‘Need’ offers proper heads-down introspection, complete with widescreen, nebulous chords that ripple out into the vastness of space. More
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Frankie Knuckles - The Whistle Song (Sound Factory 12” Mix)
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Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives (Classic Mix)
3
Frankie Knuckles ft. Roberta Gilliam - Workout (1992 Vocal Mix)
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Inner City - Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin (Def Mix)
5
Frankie Knuckles presents Satoshi Tomiie - Tears (Classic Vocal)
6
Candi Staton - Hallelujah Anyway (Director's Cut Signature Praise)
7
Electribe 101 - Talking With Myself (Frankie Knuckles 12” Mix)
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First Choice - Let No Man Put Asunder (Frankie Knuckles 12” Remix)
TO COMMEMORATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
Find out more about Frankie Knuckles Foundation and its commitment to educating and supporting initiatives across LGBTQIA+ communities and AIDs prevention here: https://thefkfoundation.org/ More
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
Find out more about Frankie Knuckles Foundation and its commitment to educating and supporting initiatives across LGBTQIA+ communities and AIDs prevention here: https://thefkfoundation.org/ More
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E.R.P. - Let's Amble
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E.R.P. - Miami Nice
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E.R.P. - Easy Afternoon
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E.R.P. - Loose Trucks
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E.R.P. - Comfortable Pants
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E.R.P. - Cape Earl
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E.R.P. - Summer Nights
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E.R.P. - El Camino Part II
For its 9th release after its relaunch, Apnea Records proudly presents another ERP record, this time in the form of a 2x12" Album "Faded Caprice" is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of summer's fading glow. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each track is a sonic tableau, capturing the essence of hot afternoons and wistful sunsets. E.R.P.'s signature blend of deep, cosmic funky electro gems resonates with emotional depth, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its hypnotic embrace. From the pulsating rhythms of "Miami Nice" to the introspective melodies of "Cape Earl "Faded Caprice" is a testament to E.R.P.'s artistry and vision. A testament to Gerard Hanson's music landscape, offering audiences a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of sound and emotion.
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Theo Parrish - Summertime Is Here
Repress!
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Frankie Knuckles Ft. Jamie Principle - Your Love
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Sounds Of Blackness - The Pressure (Frankie Knuckles Classic Mix)
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Loose Ends - Hangin’ On A String (Frankie Knuckles Club Mix)
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Frankie Knuckles - It's Hard Sometime (FK Classic Club)
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Hercules & Love Affair - Blind (Frankie Knuckles Remix) ?
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Frankie Knuckles with Jamie Principle - Baby Wants To Ride
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Chaka Khan - Ain’t Nobody (Hallucinogenic Version) ?
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Frankie Knuckles ft. Adeva - Too Many Fish (Classic Frankie Version)
TO COMMEMORATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
Find out more about Frankie Knuckles Foundation and its commitment to educating and supporting initiatives across LGBTQIA+ communities and AIDs prevention here: https://thefkfoundation.org/ More
DEFECTED HONOURS FRANKIE KNUCKLES WITH SPECIAL EDITION ‘HOUSE MASTERS’ VINYL
Defected celebrates the life and legacy of house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles with a limited-edition vinyl offering of his notable ‘House Masters’ release.
Marking ten years since his passing, join Defected in honouring the enduring legacy of house music pioneer. All proceeds of ‘House Masters: Frankie Knuckles’ will be donated to Frankie Knuckles Foundation as it was when the compilation was originally released back in April 2015.
“Frankie Knuckles, whom many consider to be one of the architects of house music is still highly influential to a new generation. Since his untimely passing ten years ago it has been incredible to see the continued outpouring of love and respect that he has received. His legacy is why the Frankie Knuckles Foundation exists. Through our work we honour him by supporting initiatives that he was passionate about: music education, AIDS and diabetes research, prevention and LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. This commemorative vinyl release of ‘House Masters’ in association with Defected will allow us to do just that!”
Frederick Dunson, Founder, President & Executive Director, Frankie Knuckles Foundation
The forthcoming vinyl releases will feature a selection of his finest productions and remixes including the seminal ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and remixes for Chaka Khan and Sounds Of Blackness.
Find out more about Frankie Knuckles Foundation and its commitment to educating and supporting initiatives across LGBTQIA+ communities and AIDs prevention here: https://thefkfoundation.org/ More
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Rick Wilhite - Good Kiss
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Theo Parrish - Blue Out
3
Kenny Dixon Jr. - Transit
FINALLY A REPRESS OF THIS THREE CHAIRS ESSENTIAL CLASSIC!
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Orlando Voorn - A1. Power Of Beauty
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Orlando Voorn - A2. Sounds Of Now
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Orlando Voorn - B1. Sounds Of Now (DJ QU Remix)
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Orlando Voorn - B2. Leftfield Essence
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Orlando Voorn - B3. Peach Town
Contrafact continue their mission to deliver high-quality, groundbreaking electronic music with the release of seminal Dutch electronic producer Orlando Voorn’s ‘Power Of Beauty EP’.
Recognized as one of the pioneers of Dutch techno who forged a significant connection between Detroit and Amsterdam in the 90s, in his early days he was a scratch master competing at a high level in the DMC World championships. Producing music over the years under many monikers, that led on to a collab with another techno pioneer Juan Atkins. Voorn recorded for KMS and Kevin Saunderson under the alias ‘Fix’, for Derrick May's Fragile imprint as ‘Complex’, and with his later album In My World out on Rush Hour. Voorn had more weighty collaborations like his album Frequency vs. Juan Atkins on OUTER Records. He put out on Jeff Mills Axis, and on Kompakt all the time demonstrating his production brilliance and versatility across the genres.
This new deep house masterpiece features four original tracks and a remix from the mighty DJ QU. The New Jersey producer and DJ earned this title ‘The Dancers DJ’ in Resident Advisor’s feature on the US East Coast house renaissance. He has consistently lived up to this reputation with a series of rhythmic, dark, and stripped-down productions on his own imprint Strength Music, Rekids, Desolat, and Mule Musiq. Renowned for his leftfield style, QU reimagines ‘Sound of Now’ with a deeper, more hypnotic edge, infusing the track with his signature rhythmic complexity
The title cut delivers a deep, soulful groove that combines lush melodies with intricate rhythms, encapsulating the essence of beauty in sound. ‘Sound of Now’ is a sonic journey through contemporary deep house, blending rich textures with a driving beat that captures the pulse of the present. ‘Leftfield Essence’ pushes the boundaries of deep house with its experimental elements, creating a soundscape that is both intriguing and immersive. Closer ‘Peach Town’ offers a more mellow vibe, perfect for those laid-back moments on the dance floor.eady stellar collection. More
Recognized as one of the pioneers of Dutch techno who forged a significant connection between Detroit and Amsterdam in the 90s, in his early days he was a scratch master competing at a high level in the DMC World championships. Producing music over the years under many monikers, that led on to a collab with another techno pioneer Juan Atkins. Voorn recorded for KMS and Kevin Saunderson under the alias ‘Fix’, for Derrick May's Fragile imprint as ‘Complex’, and with his later album In My World out on Rush Hour. Voorn had more weighty collaborations like his album Frequency vs. Juan Atkins on OUTER Records. He put out on Jeff Mills Axis, and on Kompakt all the time demonstrating his production brilliance and versatility across the genres.
This new deep house masterpiece features four original tracks and a remix from the mighty DJ QU. The New Jersey producer and DJ earned this title ‘The Dancers DJ’ in Resident Advisor’s feature on the US East Coast house renaissance. He has consistently lived up to this reputation with a series of rhythmic, dark, and stripped-down productions on his own imprint Strength Music, Rekids, Desolat, and Mule Musiq. Renowned for his leftfield style, QU reimagines ‘Sound of Now’ with a deeper, more hypnotic edge, infusing the track with his signature rhythmic complexity
The title cut delivers a deep, soulful groove that combines lush melodies with intricate rhythms, encapsulating the essence of beauty in sound. ‘Sound of Now’ is a sonic journey through contemporary deep house, blending rich textures with a driving beat that captures the pulse of the present. ‘Leftfield Essence’ pushes the boundaries of deep house with its experimental elements, creating a soundscape that is both intriguing and immersive. Closer ‘Peach Town’ offers a more mellow vibe, perfect for those laid-back moments on the dance floor.eady stellar collection. More
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Arpanet - Supernova Remnant
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Arpanet - Main Sequence Star
Arpanet needs no introduction for those who know. Hydrostatic Equilibrium EP is a reissue of the 2 tracks released by 30D Records from the Detroit artist back in 2018 (cat# 30D-006), now presented together in a special limited edition single sided 12" vinyl. The EP includes the original tracks Supernova Remnant and Main Sequence Star, being the only two tracks produced by Arpanet since 2006. Presented with a new artwork, designed by Arpanet himself, and this time on 30D Records sub label ExoPlanets, Hydrostatic Equilibrium EP becomes an instant collectors must have, especially after the quick sell out that followed the 2018 release and the numerous reissue requests received since then.
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