A highly sought after album from UK's mid 90's underground trance/rave scene, originally released on the Magick Eye Records (label co-founded by Swordfish from Astralasia). "Cubic Space" is the only album released by SYT (Shave Yer Tongue) and it came in a double LP format, featuring 8 tracks in a wide range of paces, with extended length excursions ranging from downtempo atmospheric dub to faster trancey electronic psychedelia. More

The second release to come out of Sound Metaphors’ collaboration with the Italian electronic music Don, Gianpiero Pacetti aka JP Energy. “I Have A Pessimistic Outlook Of Life E.P.” showcases a considerably more mature and polished sound relative to the previous release as the artist moves into the end of the 90’s and seems to shed the naive playfulness one could still hear in “Strano E.P.” with it's Italo-disco influences. Here things get more serious and even more “industrial” with a darker and perhaps more cynical tone, not unlike the title of the EP. A 3 track record, very much oriented towards the dance floor, “Fantastic Machine” comes in at over 130BPM with a very metallurgical flavour, something one could imagine hearing at a moving assembly line for car engine parts in a factory somewhere in Brescia, yet with an overlaying eerie nuance. “Automatic Sun” comes in with a very driving beat, the secret weapon of the release by all means, very effective employment of electronic percussive elements. And finishing the EP, Gianpiero’s Requiem to the format, a once record store owner who by 1999 might have already been feeling the tides of change brought in with the early CDJs (one could imagine) “The End Of Vynil” goes into full on electro territory with the beat and very much in tune with the title expresses a funerary darkness with the melodic elements. All in all, no need to put on sunscreen for this one. Remastered with new full cover artwork. More

A continuation of the extensive research project initiated last year between Sound Metaphors, Transmigration and surviving eye-witness/historian Ray Castle. An in depth analysis of the dancefloor landscape that developed in Goa during the 80s' and early 90's well before "Trance" became the unfortunate dirty word it is today. Before "trance" was even a genre, Goa was brewing a scene with unparalleled aesthetics, with a constant influx of dedicated collectors and DJs coming and going to this tropical underground dancefloor haven, filtering through vast amounts of emerging electronic music of the times and distilling only the finest of "Special Goa Music". Here is another compilation of our chosen most impactful tracks that would have been soundtrack to a very special and pure moment of freedom in dancefloor culture before the bastardisation of what we now know as "Goa Trance". A highly sought after selection of New Beat, Proto Techno, early Progressive/Trance, Industrial, EBM and House Music. Featuring photographs of the events presented in a double LP gatefold with poster and liner notes by Ray Castle himself. Re-mastered at Manmade mastering in Berlin. A generous body of research essential to any well rounded record collection. More

"Something Scary" is probably one of the most representative examples of Belgian New Beat as the genre shifted to Hard Beat, by one of the key figures in the explosion of the early Belgian rave scene Rembert De Smet. Starting with the first few seconds of the track, the listener is presented with what could arguably be one of the most unforgettable New Beat acid bass lines to attack the human ear. Very much in your face, characteristic of a genre that emerges from studio experimentation during a time when Chicago Acid was establishing itself and already contaminating the UK. Although relatively simple in terms of production, the way De Smert employs all the elements at play is ingeniously effective, from the simple vocal sample placement to the bassline, propelling it timelessly throughout decades to follow as an iconic example of the Acid sound in Europe. Re-released with two new remixes by the masterful Anatolian Weapons. Remastered at Manmade Mastering in Berlin. More

"Something Scary" is probably one of the most representative examples of Belgian New Beat as the genre shifted to Hard Beat, by one of the key figures in the explosion of the early Belgian rave scene Rembert De Smet. Starting with the first few seconds of the track, the listener is presented with what could arguably be one of the most unforgettable New Beat acid bass lines to attack the human ear. Very much in your face, characteristic of a genre that emerges from studio experimentation during a time when Chicago Acid was establishing itself and already contaminating the UK. Although relatively simple in terms of production, the way De Smert employs all the elements at play is ingeniously effective, from the simple vocal sample placement to the bassline, propelling it timelessly throughout decades to follow as an iconic example of the Acid sound in Europe. Re-released with two new remixes by the masterful Anatolian Weapons. Remastered at Manmade Mastering in Berlin. More

Although one could imagine that by 1993 any Italo Disco nuances would have been vanquished from sophisticated Italian production setups of the time, it is hard to ignore its presence in this particular work of Italian DJ and producer Gianpiero Pacetti. Much more so than in the work of his contemporaries at the time who would have shifted into full on early progressive trance in pursuit of novelty. Resulting in a refreshingly playful exploration of melodic themes, an aesthetic only to be heard again more than 10 years later with Dutch works like Alden Tyrell. With exception of Alvorada which distinguished itself as completely detached from any of the previously mentioned influences, diving deep into percussive samba elements adjoined by alluring arpeggios and other subtle melodic ornaments characteristic of early progressive trancey movements of the time. Includes new remix of “Alvorada” by Berlin's E-Talking. Remastered with new artwork. More

Cafe Del Mar chill out classic classic from 1992. Tap into your subconscious and conquer anything with these 4 different mixes featuring the voice samples of new age hypnotist Barry Konicov, known for an outstanding proclivity towards not paying Federal Tax in the US, but also for being the founder of Potentials Unlimited, a self-help hypnotism program that became especially popular in some circles during the 80s and 90s. From beat less ambient excursions to rhythmic drum samples these mixes explore modern Balearic themes in different ways - take a trip. More

Hidden gem from the early 90s Frankfurt electronic sound, checking all the boxes for shifting gears in any well lubricated dancefloor, female cyborg spoken word about something important in a k-hole, dramatic/dreamy pads, new beat like acidity nuances, driving percussive bass lines, hard one to go wrong with. Re-issued with two previously unreleased mixes from the artists.

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Another release from the always surprising CATT records inventory, this time a generous 5 tracker EP featuring a wide variety tasting in early UK synthetic club sounds with 4 different projects. Clearly abandoning any pop influences in structure, these tracks celebrate the dancefloor's needs in a healthy club scene that would have already started to see a new wave of producers with backgrounds shifting from the conservatories to the dancefloor and DJ booths. Perfectly streamlined driving beats for maximum dancefloor effect of an epoch that would borrow from European new beat scenes while simultaneously establishing itself as a reference in club culture worldwide, timelessly transposed to current dance floors. Can't go wrong, thoroughly remastered at Manmade mastering in Berlin.

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Early 90s' UK club oriented project comprised by "two young lads that made a record", as innocently described by Mark Lloyd, one half of Deep Pearl together with Mark Robertson. Originally released on mysterious private press label called "Big Apple" based in Croydon (South London). A dancefloor oriented production that seems to transition from earlier acid sounds into more hypnotic early progressive directions, propelled by an established Mediterranean appreciation of its epoch combined with a somewhat naive rawness and energy in the studio, keeping it simple and effective at upper 130's BPM. Clearly the work of someone with veteran status in rave mileage. A-side features dreamy female vocals (courtesy of two other young lads from Germany, at the time, also known as "Air Liquide"), easy to imagine being played over a dusky horizon in Ibiza or an airfield in Suffolk. B-side mix is another peak dancefloor torpedo armed with heavy breakbeat shrapnel, hard to miss - if you know you know - newly re-issued with new artwork channeling Sean Connery memorabilia in acid mode "Hunt for Tie-dye October".

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Sound Metaphors and Transmigration take another dig at the CATT Records catalogue with another EP comprised of two cuts that have been part of the secret weapon arsenals of many seasoned DJs and collectors. A side investigates what might come across as a British response to the Belgian New Beat contingent that had been brewing for a while at the time, serious bass lines and synthetic Gregorian chants echoed over solid four on the floor action. B side unfolds the rhythm in half beat with a breaky electro/freestyle indulgence with Led Zeppelin samples unexpectedly sprinkled about. Highly effective on the dancefloor. Remastered at Manmade Mastering in Berlin.

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Hard to go wrong with another one from the mystery CATT Records catalog, once secret weapons to many seasoned dacefloor operators, brought back to clubby spotlights via the Sound Migration imprint. Originally released in 1990, this EP constitutes a sterling archetype of early sampling techniques woven into salubrious base lines, stripped down drum machine work and minimal melodic flavors - undoubtedly propelling a highly efficient Baleric deep UK club sound on to a new generation of dancefloors of its time. Another powerful example of the sound that established a direct correlation with airfare prices from UK to Ibiza. Original artwork with remastered and digitally restored sound.

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Two highly effective late 80's house tracks channeling early Balearic house vibes one might imagine hearing outdoors on a sunny dancefloor at Amnesia in Ibiza. "Feeling Wild's" dreamy use of samples and bass lines places the listener somewhere between subaquatic deep diving with sea mammals and moments of tropical dawn. A potential Balearic anthem that sounds too familiar for those who might have been previously swayed by classics like "Sueno Latino" or Malcom McLaren's "Call A Wave". "Mentality" brings a more decisive direction to the sound of the EP shedding some of the atmospheric nuances much enjoyed on the A-side yet very much in the same line of very digestible outdoor-house, much exported from the UK to the Mediterranean House Mecca at that time. Dial in the summer vibe with this aural breeze of ease, yet again, only 3 decades later. Skillfully remastered by manmade mastering in Berlin. More

A few years past the Technotronic hitmachine times, Belgian producer Jo Bogaert explored other outlets for big room club force to brew. Although his Nux Nemo project was more New Beat focused, “I Feel It” steps away from its roots and into the Rave/Techno realms. A powerful addition to the DJ's dancefloor arsenal, the Fast Forward Mix checks all the boxes for guaranteed dancefloor menace at peak time hour. Comes with the original beat-less “No Beat Mix” version and now for the first time with two additional new remixes by Berlin's finest Juan Ramos and Trent.

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The long-awaited new album by Jamie xx In Waves is the next chapter in the career of one of the most in demand producers of his generation.

With In Waves, Jamie replicates the emotional crescendos and thrilling volatility of an almost mystical night out– one where you return home in the cigarette ash dawn, the specifics of the last eight hours already blurring, but aware that these feelings will remain a crystalline memory.

In Waves is a melancholy paradise of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection. The story of a journey where you merge into the divine pulse of shadows, light, and dance floor rhythms.A strobe light epiphany about the illimitable possibilities and spiritual capacities of humanity.

Nine years after his debut solo masterpiece, In Colour the London producer has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, he’s somehow made all supernatural adjectives and analogies seem understated.

Tracklist
1.1Wanna
1.2Treat Each Other Right
1.3Waited All Night (ft. Romy, Oliver Sim)
1.4Baddy On The Floor (ft. Honey Dijon)
1.5Dafodil (ft. Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear)
1.6Still Summer
1.7Life (Ft. Robyn)
1.8The Feeling I Get From You
1.9Breather
1.10All You Children (ft. The Avalanches)
1.11Every Single Weekend (Interlude)
1.12Falling Together (ft. Oona Doherty)
2.1F U (ft. Erykah Badu)
2.2It's So Good
2.3Do Something
2.4Let's Do It Again
2.5Kill Dem More

The long-awaited new album by Jamie xx In Waves is the next chapter in the career of one of the most in demand producers of his generation.

With In Waves, Jamie replicates the emotional crescendos and thrilling volatility of an almost mystical night out– one where you return home in the cigarette ash dawn, the specifics of the last eight hours already blurring, but aware that these feelings will remain a crystalline memory.

In Waves is a melancholy paradise of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection. The story of a journey where you merge into the divine pulse of shadows, light, and dance floor rhythms.A strobe light epiphany about the illimitable possibilities and spiritual capacities of humanity.

Nine years after his debut solo masterpiece, In Colour the London producer has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, he’s somehow made all supernatural adjectives and analogies seem understated.

Tracklist
1.1Wanna
1.2Treat Each Other Right
1.3Waited All Night (ft. Romy, Oliver Sim)
1.4Baddy On The Floor (ft. Honey Dijon)
1.5Dafodil (ft. Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear)
1.6Still Summer
1.7Life (Ft. Robyn)
1.8The Feeling I Get From You
1.9Breather
1.10All You Children (ft. The Avalanches)
1.11Every Single Weekend (Interlude)
1.12Falling Together (ft. Oona Doherty)
2.1F U (ft. Erykah Badu)
2.2It's So Good
2.3Do Something
2.4Let's Do It Again
2.5Kill Dem More

A continuation of the extensive research project initiated last year between Sound Metaphors, Transmigration and surviving eye-witness/historian Ray Castle. An in depth analysis of the dancefloor landscape that developed in Goa during the 80s' and early 90's well before "Trance" became the unfortunate dirty word it is today. Before "trance" was even a genre, Goa was brewing a scene with unparalleled aesthetics, with a constant influx of dedicated collectors and DJs coming and going to this tropical underground dancefloor haven, filtering through vast amounts of emerging electronic music of the times and distilling only the finest of "Special Goa Music". Here is another compilation of our chosen most impactful tracks that would have been soundtrack to a very special and pure moment of freedom in dancefloor culture before the bastardisation of what we now know as "Goa Trance". A highly sought after selection of New Beat, Proto Techno, early Progressive/Trance, Industrial, EBM and House Music. Featuring photographs of the events presented in a double LP gatefold with poster and liner notes by Ray Castle himself. Re-mastered at Manmade mastering in Berlin. A generous body of research essential to any well rounded record collection. More

“Maledetta Quella Notte” is the first EP by Il Mago del Gelato, a new band from Milan (IT) with a strong Mediterranean imprint.

This first release runs through funk, afrobeat and jazz, where all the different souls that make up the project converge and blend in a perfect balance. The EP ranges between more energetic moments, strongly characterized by Afro-beat and Funk influences to introspective atmospheres, where the reminiscence of a warm, sensual jazz rings out loud.
All held together by a full sound, the unique and recognizable mark of the Il Mago del Gelato: vocoder, percussion, 80's synthesizers, roots guitars and a rhythmic section of drum and bass which drags you in a wild and sweaty dance.

Before being a record product, Maledetta Quella Notte is a project human, in which the concept of union, exchange, positive vibes is summarized in six tracks with taste of your favorite ice cream. More

Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH275gX4auQ

The debut album from Bahraini-born, British-based musical duo Dar Disku is a celebration of their Arabic heritage and multicultural influences that melds golden age West Asian and North African sounds with a contemporary dance floor focus. Recorded between the UK, Algeria, Turkey and Tunisia, the album seamlessly crosses from disco to Raï, piano house to Turkish psychedelia, ambient to Bollywood and features guest artists from Algeria, Turkey and Bahrain as well as legendary Indian singer Asha Puthli.

Dar Disku is the innovative duo of Mazen Almaskati and Vish M, known for their dynamic DJ sets and eclectic mixes, into which they bring a deep-rooted passion for the rich musical traditions of the SWANA region (South West Asia and North Africa).

The self-titled album is a culmination of years of learning, listening, and creating. It serves as a transportive portal into the duo's expansive world beyond the dance floor, capturing the cosmic emotions of cinema through a meticulous analog approach to live recordings. It channels a wide range of influences, including Egyptian folk, Turkish psych, Algerian rai, Sudanese funk, Ethiopian jazz, and Khaleeji disco.

“Sonically we have tried to capture what time traveling with Dar Disku through our different influences would feel like,” they say of their recording process, “and although inspired directly some of our favourite hidden gems from the past, the sound of this record remains unmistakably rooted in our present day where current influences from electronic genres, hip hop, jazz and psychedelia also shine through.”

The pair explain that they learnt much of this through their own previously released edits of middle eastern music “which inspired us to create our own brand new original songs that draw from a similar breath. We've been able to combine this with our contemporary inspirations and bring to life something that is comfortingly nostalgic and yet refreshingly new.”

Vish and Maz have put immense effort into researching the songwriting and recording methods of the decades they draw inspiration from - utilising vintage consoles, analog synthesisers, and carefully crafted sonic spaces. This dedication is evident in every track, which combines their contemporary influences with the rich musical traditions of the region to create something that feels both timeless and innovative. More

Repress!

Harmonies is the new long player from underground super-producer Lord Echo. Hotly anticipated for the last few years by his growing entourage of fans, many were frustrated by his descent into obscurity in the industrial backwaters of New Zealand where he lived alone and went completely insane trying to complete the record. But those frustrations are finally at an end, and the wait was worth it - for fans at least.

The new album solidifies his already distinctive mutations of reggae and rock steady with disco, African soul, techno and spiritual jazz. In other words, the Lord has returned from the wilderness with a bounty for his followers. Eat of the bread of life and enjoy access to his crazy World of Sound.

Quotes:

“Lord Echo thoughtfully incorporates dub reggae rhythms and a production aesthetic redo- lent of the ‘60s into an expansive pool of sounds that draws from 1970s West African clubs, quiet storm-era Motown, Caribbean disco, and more.” Pitchfork

“... a DJ-friendly sound using ’60s production techniques, once again joining up imaginary and unforeseen dots between reggae, disco, soul, African and Latin elements.” Vinyl Factory


FOR FANS OF... THE BLACK SEEDS, FAT FREDDY’S DROP, ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE. More

“Balearic Breakfast doesn't give into clichés, and it's not a purely sunlit affair. Instead, it's sonic escapism that seems unwilling to be beholden to any one locale. The entry requirements are simple: the more transportative the sounds, the more likely they are to slot into Colleen's vision of Balearic.” Resident Advisor

“The biggest heroes of the underground typically wouldn’t describe themselves as such. Frankie Knuckles, Kelli Hand, Andrew Weatherall… all possessed a humility that made them even more honourable and endearing, and they went about their business with little regard for fame and a distaste for industry bullshit. Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy falls firmly into this category.” The Vinyl Factory

Ask anyone to define Balearic music nowadays and you’re guaranteed to get a different answer each time. Since the concept flew from its original Ibizan home and become a global concern, it has become almost impossible to pigeonhole. Now it’s more of a vibe than a musical style; more a reflection of wide open skies and sunshine on the brain than any particular rhythm track or sonic inflection.

That said, if you were after a definitive answer there’s probably no one better placed to give it right now than DJ and broadcaster Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy who has just put together the third volume of her peerless Balearic Breakfast compilation series. This latest collection flies the flag high for that most hazy and hard-to-pin-down genre, gathering up the very best genre-fitting music from around the world, whether from Copenhagen or California, or from the high plains of the desert to deep down in the land of Oz.

Each track may sound completely different from the one it follows, but the same sun kissed spirit runs deep through them all, whether in Cosmo’s own take on Jacob Gurevitsch’s gentle Spanish guitar picking or in the throbbing dub disco of a long lost Andrew Weatherall remix for Primal Scream from 2008. The ten tracks on Balearic Breakfast Volume 3 all add up to create the perfect mixtape for the summer, whatever weather we end up with, whatever time you chose to listen to it. After all, why wait ’til breakfast?

As with each of the other volumes in this essential compilation series, many of the tracks on Balearic Breakfast Volume 3 are previously unavailable on vinyl and others are long since out of print and rarely seen outside of the dustier corners of Discogs. And as with each of the previous albums, numbers are strictly limited (the first two volumes sold out quickly and are now selling for high prices on Discogs).

•••

A true music obsessive, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy’s standing in the global dance music community has arguably never been higher. Whether she’s presenting, remixing, hosting or DJing, her belief in music’s redemptive properties shines through. And rather than downplay her eclecticism she wears her versatility as a badge of honour, ensuring she is constantly fulfilled creatively.

“I’m a music lover, a music curator and a music educator,” she concludes. “It’s about trying to transcend everyday life through music. When people say Balearic Breakfast got them through the pandemic, I think that’s because music has a healing quality. When people are on the dancefloor, I want them to forget about their everyday life. And similarly with Classic Album Sundays, when people are fully immersed listening to an album, it brings them out somewhere else. Those experiences have been very important to me.

“The quest is never-ending and that is what motivates me. I never set out to intentionally do any of this – it just happened because of my passion. One thing led to another which fed into another which fed into another. I will never stop discovering music. You always have to be looking ahead, expanding your horizons.” More

Having already forged a scene-shifting career as a DJ, producer, remixer and collaborator, it was only in 2013 that Erol Alkan released a debut EP, 'Illumination' on his label Phantasy. Its shimmering opener was 'A Hold On Love', the soaring, glossy chords that have remained a staple in Alkan's DJ sets in the decade since.

Upon its tenth anniversary, Alkan presents two subtle but hugely effective reworks that transport one of the London producer's most enduring tracks onto contrasting dance floors.

The '(dyna-mix)' finds canyons of heady dub and psychedelia among halcyon chords, first means tested on wide-eyed crowds at Houghton Festival and throughout Alkan's ongoing 'To The Rhythm' all-nighters. Meanwhile, the '(trip-mix)' subtly lifts the energy for a pacier take, rich in reverie yet without sacrificing the detail and musicality always at the centre of Alkan's still fertile blend of house, electro, techno and alternative sensibilities.

The two tracks are available pressed onto extremely limited edition vinyl featuring manually screen printed sleeves, hand numbered by Erol himself. 300 copies only. More