Tracklisting
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Principle Of Rotation
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Antiruffa
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Below The Surface
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Fire From The Shadows
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Tone Of Rush

Sales Note
The characteristic spirit of a momentum feeling folded into a rotation work ethic. Manifesting on the fly while keeping the tension alive with a clear eye on the horizon, he embraces the hayday era of techno foundations and captures his 'Principle Of Rotation EP' on EMERALD.


More

Tracklisting:
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Stronger Than Fiction
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Mechanix
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Stronger Than Fiction (Alarm Mix)
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Mutual Manoeuvre
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Guardian

Sales Note
'Stronger Than Fiction EP' is a result of investigating sounds and information while channeling techno in an oldschool manner. Arising from sheer call and response strength and folded into a no-nonsense, momentum-feeling arrangement approach rather than considered thought. Designed to push things off the rail a bit long after sunset and far from dawn.

More

Tracklisting:
A1 Remco Beekwilder - The Dusk Hour
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Transmax
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Avia
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Early Birmingfunk
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Rwina

Sales Note
A delightful blend of 5 tracks reflecting the years on our 5 year anniversary celebration. 'The Dusk Hour EP' embodies the power and ritual potential of the night, making the Dutchman's new EP truly emerge in line with the label's output and the spirit it is intended. With the hallmarks of 00's pressure, he sweats his technique on new fundamental resources.

More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Kaaihallen
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Magickarp
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Paradise Garage
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Somewhere Only Few Know
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled I

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Outlined
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Euromantica
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Luminous
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Belladonna
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled III

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Tegengeluid
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Force Of Funktion
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Forever & Ever
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Nachtvlinder
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled II

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

The Dutchman goes straight for the jugular with his Menace Of Mysteria EP. Causing ominous havoc with his diverse take on brutal wrecking cuts, adding yet another new facet to his signature sound shows his ability to consume music. A strength to be reckoned with, whether it's cuts to be remembered or tools to wreck. More

Tracklisting

A1 Remco Beekwilder ? Culture Vulture (Terence Fixmer remix)
A2 Remco Beekwilder ? Skeemask (I Hate Models 'Eternal Snow' Remix)
B1 Remco Beekwilder feat. Nur Jaber ? Flower Warfare (Parallx remix)
B2 Remco Beekwilder ? Universe Of Memories (Cleric remix)



As far as signature sounds come, EMERALD brings together an iconic cast and their captivating take on 'Culture Vulture'. The cuts that never decay, but lingers on with new life given to the originals.

More

Embracing the underground culture with open arms when it matters most, the Dutchman arrives with his 'Goddess Of Vice EP'. Drifting through hardcore, tribal and acid, he aims to create a nostalgic getaway. More

Remco Beekwilder continues with his Blurring The Lights EP on EMERALD. A fair warning for those out there with love for nostalgic non-traditional cuts. More

Remco Beekwilder kicks of EMERALD with his Nightlife EP. Humbly pushing his vision of electronic music whilst trying to stay loyal to the rave. Four to four edge signature sound cuts. More

Tracklisting
A1 William Arist - Paleolithic Exodus
A2 William Arist - Nataruk
A3 William Arist - Mousike
B1 William Arist - KwaZulu
B2 William Arist - Jaguar Warrior
B3 William Arist - Aboriginal

Sales Note
Adventurous and playful tribal rhythms aligned with Latin American sound explorations encounters the listener into a straight sense of movement. William Arist lands with his 'Chronicles Of Civilization EP' on EMERALD and remains in a constant state of forward motion with his percussive driven foundation and his remarkable use of tribe voices from around the world.


More

Tracklisting
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Principle Of Rotation
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Antiruffa
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Below The Surface
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Fire From The Shadows
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Tone Of Rush

Sales Note
The characteristic spirit of a momentum feeling folded into a rotation work ethic. Manifesting on the fly while keeping the tension alive with a clear eye on the horizon, he embraces the hayday era of techno foundations and captures his 'Principle Of Rotation EP' on EMERALD.


More

Tracklisting
A1 Conrad van Orton - Alive and kicking
A2 Conrad van Orton - Overcloud
B1 Conrad van Orton - Power Nap
B2 Conrad van Orton - Use It Wisely
B3 Conrad van Orton - Wishful Thinking

Sales Note
The respected long-running artist Conrad Van Orton brings a character of soul and is rich in colour and sounddesign. With his 'Alive And Kicking EP' he showcases a spectrum of sounds ranging from golden hour sunset experiences towards directing the mind to hit the bricks


More

Tracklisting
A1 Jacobworld - Fixed
A2 Paul Ritch - La Défense 97
B1 Lucass P - Cold Soldier
B2 Conrad Van Orton - New Devotion
B3 RUIZ OSC1 - Moderate
C1 Rebecca Delle Piane - Wearing Boxers As A Woman
C2 Sons Of Hidden feat. Manuelita - Mystery Of Vibrate
C3 Chontane - Angora
D1 Dynamic Forces - If She
D2 Augusto Taito - Awareness
D3 Jacobworld - Intent

Sales Note
The fifth instalment of the Essential Memories compilation marks the edition that breaks the traditional circle and therefore holds more contributors than ever before. The VA series expands with mostly new appearances and previously known artists to the label, making this compilation one of the label's most varied collections yet.

More

Tracklisting
A1 Chontane - Calade
A2 Chontane - Laurel
A3 Chontane - Izombe
B1 Chontane - Alerce
B2 Chontane - Gamma Whateela
B3 Chontane - Janto

Sales Note
Along with Chontane's debut on EMERALD he brings a booming revival of heavy looped percussion pressure and stylistic shifts. Every piece is executed with enough feel to cut through the layers and provide warmth and emotion with an updated formula on the earliest impressions of techno.

More

Tracklisting:
A1 Rebecca Delle Piane - Deranged
A2 Rebecca Delle Piane - Depostura
A3 Rebecca Delle Piane - Facing My Obsessions
B1 Rebecca Delle Piane - Tabata
B2 Rebecca Delle Piane - Claro Prefiero
B3 Rebecca Delle Piane - Stripped
B4 Rebecca Delle Piane - Sex On Uranus

Sales Note
Rebecca Delle Piane arrives at EMERALD and takes front and center with her 'Nervine EP'. Free of form and executed with an oldschool approach in regards of feel and structure. She provides a spectrum ranging from strong stripped repetitive driven techno to soulful forwarding percussions and somewhat mysterious leaning cuts.

More

Tracklisting:
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Stronger Than Fiction
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Mechanix
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Stronger Than Fiction (Alarm Mix)
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Mutual Manoeuvre
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Guardian

Sales Note
'Stronger Than Fiction EP' is a result of investigating sounds and information while channeling techno in an oldschool manner. Arising from sheer call and response strength and folded into a no-nonsense, momentum-feeling arrangement approach rather than considered thought. Designed to push things off the rail a bit long after sunset and far from dawn.

More

Tracklisting:
A1 Remco Beekwilder - The Dusk Hour
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Transmax
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Avia
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Early Birmingfunk
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Rwina

Sales Note
A delightful blend of 5 tracks reflecting the years on our 5 year anniversary celebration. 'The Dusk Hour EP' embodies the power and ritual potential of the night, making the Dutchman's new EP truly emerge in line with the label's output and the spirit it is intended. With the hallmarks of 00's pressure, he sweats his technique on new fundamental resources.

More

- 2023 repress - printed sleeve / incl. inserts

Tracklisting:
A1 Kenji Hina - Addicted
A2 Kenji Hina - Cargo
B1 Kenji Hina - Club 49
B2 Kenji Hina - Jackin'

Release Note:
In the frontline of new generation techno, Kenji Hina aka Alarico sets the precedent of density and rhythmic essence with his Tokyo Rythms Trilogy and leads the way ahead of the curve. Each district gives an insight in his imaginary vision of what the depths of Tokyo is about techno wise. An example of the past and the future with clearly a framework in which no rules exist, he's pushing fundamental elements to new extremes. More

- 2023 repress - printed sleeve / incl. inserts

Tracklisting:
A1 Kenji Hina - 762
A2 Kenji Hina - At Closed Doors
B1 Kenji Hina - The Love Hotel
B2 Kenji Hina - Maniac

Release Note:
In the frontline of new generation techno, Kenji Hina aka Alarico sets the precedent of density and rhythmic essence with his Tokyo Rythms Trilogy and leads the way ahead of the curve. Each district gives an insight in his imaginary vision of what the depths of Tokyo is about techno wise. An example of the past and the future with clearly a framework in which no rules exist, he's pushing fundamental elements to new extremes. More

The infamous VA series returns and takes it back to the essence with 12 full clip cuts. Commanding, captivating - with charming allure and straight into the heart. Nothing but debutants and a battery of tool artillery on Essential Memories EP Part IV.
More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Kaaihallen
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Magickarp
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Paradise Garage
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Somewhere Only Few Know
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled I

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Tegengeluid
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Force Of Funktion
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Forever & Ever
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Nachtvlinder
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled II

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

Tracklist
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Outlined
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Euromantica
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Luminous
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Belladonna
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Untitled III

Release Note
Breaking the circle with a one-off release item consisting of 3 EP's called "Tales From Tramkade". At a first listen slightly out of order with the general view of the label's output till date yet still in balance and recognizable as EMERALD catalog. This collection of work by Remco Beekwilder contains recorded loops and concepts initially produced between 2010-2015 and now re-assembled, polished and finalized at the authentic Tramkade, 's-Hertogenbosch in 2021. Expect everything within the range of sweet melancholic tenderness and raw to the floor takes. More

The VA series is facing it's 3th landmark with 12 tracks featured on Essential Memories EP Part III. A return trip for some, a debut for others, keeping the electronic banner alive with cuts destined to nightlife. More

The Dutchman goes straight for the jugular with his Menace Of Mysteria EP. Causing ominous havoc with his diverse take on brutal wrecking cuts, adding yet another new facet to his signature sound shows his ability to consume music. A strength to be reckoned with, whether it's cuts to be remembered or tools to wreck. More

Tracklisting

A1 Remco Beekwilder ? Culture Vulture (Terence Fixmer remix)
A2 Remco Beekwilder ? Skeemask (I Hate Models 'Eternal Snow' Remix)
B1 Remco Beekwilder feat. Nur Jaber ? Flower Warfare (Parallx remix)
B2 Remco Beekwilder ? Universe Of Memories (Cleric remix)



As far as signature sounds come, EMERALD brings together an iconic cast and their captivating take on 'Culture Vulture'. The cuts that never decay, but lingers on with new life given to the originals.

More

Embracing the underground culture with open arms when it matters most, the Dutchman arrives with his 'Goddess Of Vice EP'. Drifting through hardcore, tribal and acid, he aims to create a nostalgic getaway. More

Four years after Nuova Napoli, Nu Genea are back with Bar Mediterraneo, a new album and journey, which projects the
sounds of the Neapolitan duo formed by Massimo Di Lena and Lucio Aquilina even further.
Nu Genea's Bar Mediterraneo is an idea of a shared place where people meet and fuse together; a space that leaves its
doors open to travellers and their lives, always exposed to the whims of fate. Some of this can be experienced through the
multitude of sounds that come together in the tracks, layers of different acoustic instruments, voices and synthesizers
merging in a unique musical blend.
Opening up to the voices of many different people, separated by languages but united by the sea and the music, Nu
Genea's hometown, Napoli, becomes a true place of encounter.
You can hear this all along. In "Gelbi", a gorgeously deep and propulsive Ney flute plunges into murky waters of the
melancholic Tunisian dialect sung by Marzouk Mejri. In "Marechia'", unbridled happiness and sun ooze from the delicate
vocals of Célia Kameni and create an acrobatic bridge between French and Neapolitan language. In "Straniero", your
soul is arrested from the moment the slow spell-binding mandolin ignites the hypnotic patterns recorded by the legendary
Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. In "Bar Mediterraneo", the title track, bittersweet guitar’s riffs, analog waves and choirs are
overwhelming the song giving you what you would like to hear on a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.
Nu Genea couldn't afford to overlook their firmly anchored roots into the Neapolitan culture and its dialect with "Tienaté",
where the power of neapolitan language (interpreted by Fabiana Martone) supports those quarter-tone strings and the
uncessant folk-disco groove that spreads to the entire song. In "Praja Magia", repetitive mandolin riffs lead the song,
giving space to a choral yet tight vocal line that speaks of Varcaturo, a village close to Napoli. In "Rire", a volley of poetic,
deceptively laidback, lyrical fury interpreted by Sicilian Marco Castello intimately combines with a highly musical, multitextured
instrumental backbone and the swoon of a chanson in its heart. In "La Crisi'', the lyrics of a Raffaele Viviani’s
poem from 1930 have been adapted to a laidback jazz-funk groove in full NG style. In "Vesuvio", revaluing the evocative
verses and powerful mantra of Vesuvio, Nu Genea re-adapted to the dancefloor a folk song by the working-class band E’
Zezi from Pomigliano D'Arco, combining the voices of a school choir with Jupiter-6 arpeggios and bold percussions.
Bar Mediterraneo is the place where people constantly return to transform curiosity into participation, tradition into
sharing, unfamiliar into familiar. When travellers come through its “doors”, carrying their treasures of words and emotions,
they aren’t strangers any more. They take part in a shared experience, enriching themselves and others by leading to
unexpected musical journeys.

TRACKLIST:

A1. Bar Mediterraneo
A2. Tienaté
A3. Gelbi (with Marzouk Mejri)
A4. Marechià (with Célia Kameni)
A5. Straniero
B1. Praja Magia
B2. Vesuvio
B3. Rire
B4. La Crisi More

Tracklisting
A1 VIL - Summer Loop
A2 VIL - Moon Chords
B1 VIL - Summer Loop (Fireground remix)
B2 VIL - The Rtm is Burning

Sales Note
Floating melodies and low swung grooves concoct an atmosphere of pure ecstasy on Moon Chords from Portuguese talent, Vil. Fireground debuts on the label contributing a euphoric, hardgroove interpretation. More

Repress!

Following the recent dip into the theo parrish archives that was the twin cities, Phil Weeks' Robsoul imprint looks to another one of Detroit's adopted sons in the form of Rick Wade. Like that recent Parrish reissue, Weeks re-releases another three tracks from wade's bulging discography. The upbeat disco loops of "Players Theme" was originally released on French label Funky Chocolate in 2002 and still sound fresher than anything being plied by the soundcloud dwellers today, while "Can't You See" from 2003 provides a more soulful take on house music. On the flip, the tracky funk and cascading string melodies of "I Feel Good" originally graced Wade's own Harmonie Park imprint in 1998, but sound no less vital today. Essential.... More

Tracklisting
A1 KiNK - Unicord
B1 KiNK - Quantum Shake
B2 KiNK - Pitch Down

Sales Note
House and techno's most innovative improviser, KiNK, lands on Mutual Rytm X.

Offering four more thrilling dancefloor weapons, the iconic talent lands on SHDW's new Mutual Rytm X Series to deliver the label's second release.

Legendary Bulgarian artist KiNK is widely regarded as one of the most respected live acts on the global scene. He is a noted tech wizard who creates loops on the fly, crafts killer drums and never fails to hypnotise dancefloors. He has released on almost every influential label of the last 15 years and taken his unrivalled live show to all corners of the world, often drawing on those sets to bring aspects and inimitable qualities from his performances into his tracks. This innovative approach has helped to solidify his reputation as a groundbreaking figure, inspiring a new generation of musicians and producers, and he once again showcases precisely why he's in a league of his own here with a first appearance on SHDW's newly minted Mutual Rytm X.

'Unicord' opens up this new EP in thrilling fashion with sleek, Detroit-style synth loops flashing up top as the heavy, pounding while warm drums drive things down low. 'Quantum Shake' brings 90s energy with new school sound deists - the dubby drums are fast and urgent, the synth craft is deft, and the percussion adds texture to a straight-up but sophisticated techno anthem. 'Pitch Down' then brings fantastically unhinged synth leads that spray and zip about the mix to boggle the brain. Rattling percussive loops and chunky drums keep things moving as those synths get even more wild. To close, the digital bonus 'Highpass Lowpass' is a masterfully muscular cut with rugged bass and taught synths interlinking to mind-melting effect.

KiNK 'Quantum Shake' EP drops via Mutual Rytm X on 21st June 2024.


More

Burroughs continues his evolution on Seventh Sign, with the singular Carl Finlow lending a masterly remix to an overall formidable bunch More

Tracklist:
A1 - David Löhlein - Bad Bitch
A2 - Fabian Wegmeth - Nyama Mabe
B1 - Hiss - Will
B2 - Symon - Cyberpunk More

Tracklisting:
A1 Vladimir Dubyshkin - Belissimo
A2 Vladimir Dubyshkin - I Decided To Fly
B1 Vladimir Dubyshkin - Machines Behave Badly
B2 Vladimir Dubyshkin - Pigeon Epilepsy
B3 Vladimir Dubyshkin - Rooyggbiv

Sales Note
- 2023 repress -

Hailing from the ancient Russian city of Tambov, on the banks of the Tsna River, the youngest member of the Trip family Vladimir Dubyshkin emerges for a potent debut solo EP. cheerful pessimist is an engaging package of highly anticipated deep, swirling techno tracks that many will recognise from label head Nina Kraviz's DJ sets. Diving straight into the core of a peak time set, Vladimir unleashes five formidable doses of unrestrained energy. Swollen sub bass and thumping percussion forge an unmistakable sense of physicality, whilst spiralling, a melodic leads run circles around the listener. Cheerful pessimist wastes no time warming up, plunging head first into the belly of the beast. A thrilling debut and an essential release for lovers of vibrant techno. More

The WD wagon continues to roll, bringing back the sounds of London's streets circa 1992 in all it's gritty glory! This, the latest instalment of reissues, reworks and rediscoveries see's a rare EP featuring cuts from a clutch of artists from the stable including No Smoke, Addis Posse & Gary A'Gaye. As ever, the Warriors sound is a stew of Dub, Hip-Hop breaks, House, Techno and synth sounds all collaged together using minimal gear and the UK warehouse and sound-system mentality. A heady mixture, you might say. Across 4 tracks we are treated to the ruffness, a handful of club ready bombs that will still do the damage right now in the 2019. As a special Record Store Day treat the mighty Jonny Rock has been drafted in via satellite to give us his extended, narcotic re-rub of No Smoke's killer 'Ai Shi Temasu (Japanese Love)' turning it into a winding, after hours DJ tool that will skilfully snake it's way through the dance at silly o'clock at any rave. Pure joy. OG pressings of this EP are sought after, expensive and rarely turn up. Now you can own this seminal piece of UK street music with a 2019 twist, in all the right ways! More

Tracklisting
A1 Remco Beekwilder - Principle Of Rotation
A2 Remco Beekwilder - Antiruffa
B1 Remco Beekwilder - Below The Surface
B2 Remco Beekwilder - Fire From The Shadows
B3 Remco Beekwilder - Tone Of Rush

Sales Note
The characteristic spirit of a momentum feeling folded into a rotation work ethic. Manifesting on the fly while keeping the tension alive with a clear eye on the horizon, he embraces the hayday era of techno foundations and captures his 'Principle Of Rotation EP' on EMERALD.


More

Tracklisting
A1 Chontane - Calade
A2 Chontane - Laurel
A3 Chontane - Izombe
B1 Chontane - Alerce
B2 Chontane - Gamma Whateela
B3 Chontane - Janto

Sales Note
Along with Chontane's debut on EMERALD he brings a booming revival of heavy looped percussion pressure and stylistic shifts. Every piece is executed with enough feel to cut through the layers and provide warmth and emotion with an updated formula on the earliest impressions of techno.

More

Introducing Cold Diamond & Mink's latest offering on Timmion Records: an instrumental soul album that strips away the vocals from their collaboration with Jonny Benavidez "My Echo, Shadow and Me".The instrumental version of the well-received Daptone release unveils a rich tapestry of soulful melodies and captivating rhythms that speak volumes on their own. With each track, Cold Diamond & Mink invite listeners on a trip through deep and uncompromising soul terrain. From the haunting ballads such as the previously unheard instrumental of "Your Last Song" to the infectious grooves of the early single releases "Tell Me That You Love Me", their instrumental mastery shines through stringing the songs together into a well-rounded album experience. This album is more than just a collection of songs - it's a proof point of Cold Diamond & Mink's skill in composing and arranging with feeling and authenticity. Whether you're lost in introspection or grooving to the beat, this instrumental soul record offers a unique listening experience that will leave you wanting more. More

- Spec: 2 x LP in paper inners, in 5mm outer sleeve with download card insert.

Tucked away in the great depths of the Warp catalogue is this elegant, liquid heartache of a record. An album credited to the late James Stinson, one half of cult-Detroit techno unit (alongside Gerald Donald) Drexciya, Lifestyles... stands as one of the remarkable records of the genre. Stinson died a year after release, lending this already beautiful work endless resonance.
Where the dystopian aqua-tronics of previous Drexciya were often jet-black, cold, brittle and abrasive this is a yearning soul music, played out down rain soaked streets, the buzzing lights of industry flickering in the darkness, the warm blue of a new day ready to break. This is a record where techno reached its raw, most emotive peak... Sustained pads paint minor-key melodies while electroid-vocals are buried deep in the hydrothermal mass of squelching bass-clusters and funky-filtered bleeps. At its skittering percussion core, a stripped back 808 tapestry, sequenced into myriad jazz-inflected shapes, a pulsing kick drum the snapping heartbeat, ticking hi-hats bursting from every angle.

All this tingles with the ghosts of records past, of Kraftwerkian humanoids, of first-wave Detroit, of refracted Hancock and Ayres, but as Stinson intones on the fifth track, ‘let me be what I wanna be’, Lifestyles is a creation all of its own special making, a sound that would inspire the latter day deep-house machinations of Omar S, Jus-Ed, Moodymann and influence –however indirectly- a wealth of current UK/US bass operators including Actress and Kyle Hall. More importantly it remains a beguiling epitaph to Stinson’s sadly distinguished life. More