Tracklist:

A1. Dilute Developer
A2. Subtractive Color
B1. Stop Bath
B2. Fixer

Beat machine freak duo Bill Converse and Patricia (Max Ravitz) present 380/750, a new EP on Acid Test that blends the two producers’ singular styles to form an emotive “introspection on the dance floor” experience over the course of 4 tracks.

Recorded at Ravitz’s Brooklyn studio over the course of two days, 380/750 features raw, no-multitrack, no-edit live recordings that showcase the duo’s intuition for expressive rhythm tracks. Considering Converse’s roots in the 90’s Michigan rave scene, and Ravitz’s Chicago upbringing, the midwestern strains really shine through. With rhythm-composer mutations, acid dripping over atmospheric synth textures, and the ever-present jack throughout, 380/750 offers a deep sound to get lost in that feels both new and classic at the same time.









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Tracklist

A1. Test 7
A2. Test 3 (Vocal Version)
B1. Test 2
B2. Test 3

The now 10 year old Acid Test 09 sees a special 10th Anniversary Edition repress with a new vocal mix of track “Test 3”.

The original EP saw acid nomad Tin Man team up with techno dreamweaver Donato Dozzy for three slices of deep acid and dubby, bleepy ambient.

In this special 10 Year Anniversary Edition Test 3” comes with a new vocal mix and it’s a welcome return to the mic for Tin Man. Perfectly-placed words sit among chiming bells and are layered deep into the echoes, almost like the synths themselves are speaking.

Acid Test 09 proved to be pairing in 303 paradise, but the results outclassed even Dozzy and Tin Man’s special partnership - they created simply a timeless signal that could broadcast through space ad infinitum.

Mastered and recut by Rashad.










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Tracklist

A1. Nonneo
A2. Mystified Acid (2024 rework)
B1. Nonneo – Donato Dozzy remix
B2. Love and Sex Acid

Acid Test repress the very first Acid Test 12”, a now-renowned outing by Vienna’s Tin Man aka Johannes Auvinen. ACIDTEST01.1 the repress serves up the original “Nonneo” alongside a new 2024 rework of “Mystified Acid” on the A side, while the B-side sees the revered hypnotic “Nonneo” remix by Italian techno master Donato Dozzy, rounded off by long-time favourite “Love Sex Acid” from the Acid Acid album. It’s a sweetly balanced package of vintage Tin Man vibes, always searching for the heart in the machine.

Mastered and recut by Rashad.









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Tracklist

A1. Hidden Acid
A2. Swaying Acid
B1. Running Acid
B2. Wrapped Up Acid


Release Info:

Vienna-based producer and 303 maestro Tin Man returns to Acid Test for his first solo EP for the label in over 5 years. It's another impeccable outing of romantic acid variations, especially tailored for unforgettable dancefloor revelations.

Tin Man has been setting the pace for forward-looking acid lovers for close to two decades now, and on his 15th Acid Test appearance he takes the vibe back to early and proto-house roots, stripping back the musical elements while layering in the euphoria with four perfectly crafted slices of feelgood 303.

Opening track Hidden Acid already sounds like a long lost classic, with strings draped over bouncy acid and motorik drums, stretching out over nearly nine minutes, and beautifully capturing the feel of house music circa 1991. Swaying Acid comes in all propulsive, toms and congas setting the foundation for melodic acid lines to weave through your heart strings.

On the B Side, Running Acid is fully optimized for the autobahn fast lane - a gradual, slow-filtered acid meltdown that builds and releases in tandem with driving hats and vaporous pads that hang over the track like early morning mists. Wrapped Up Acid brings the EP to a fitting close, slowing the tempo for a low-key easy dance excursion par excellence - smooth yet spikey 303 riffs punctuate the chords that drift through with a hint of Badalamenti in the progression.

With the Hidden Acid EP Tin Man might hark back to more vintage times, but the emotive power is as strong as ever. The naivety of the ‘90s is instead replaced with a conviction behind the musical choices that brings even more weight to the heartwarming vibes. This is acid in some of the best shape it's ever been, enhanced and upgraded specifically for the dance.









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Tracklist

A1. Facid Trunktion
B1. Sanskrit Body Rock
B2. Ask It Acid

Release Info:

Detroit’s Marcellus Pittman returns to Acid Test following his Unknown Species track featured on the “10 Years of Acid Test” compilation, he’s back with his debut EP for the label.

Juddering mechanical beats, layered percussion and gurgling 303 basslines are on the menu, from one of Detroit’s finest.

Housed in a full colour sleeve, with a photo by Marcellus himself






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Tracklist

A1. Helium Flash
A2. Red Shift

B1. Meteor Shower
B2. Solar Wind


Johannes Auvinen (Tin Man) and Max Ravitz (Patricia), two devotees in the cult of the TB-303, return to Acid Test with the Celestial Body Music series, a follow up to their 2020 LP Powers Of Ten.

Recorded in Ravitz’s studio in Asheville, NC, Celestial Body Music once again showcases the pair’s penchant for raw yet emotive dance music. With Auvinen’s signature TB-303 programming and Ravitz’s typical melancholic flair, the duo’s styles merge seamlessly over the course of 8 tracks that harken back to the heyday of American techno and house. Following on from Powers of Ten, the pair continue to fix their eyes firmly on the stars, as Celestial Body Music’s song titles conjure visions of listening to Dance Mania 12”s on the ISS. With a tonal palette that features the well-trodden sounds of classic analog hardware like the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, and SH-101, Ociya demonstrate their ability to breathe new life into these old instruments through thoughtful programming, arrangement, and mixing. This is made all the more significant when considering every song was recorded live to 2-track with no editing over the course of a few days. Sweet and savory both, the new material strikes a perfect balance between emotive sensibility and dance floor appeal.






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Tracklist

A1. Orbital
A2. Oort Cloud

B1. Distant Star
B2. Open Cluster

Release Info:
Johannes Auvinen (Tin Man) and Max Ravitz (Patricia), two devotees in the cult of the TB-303, return to Acid Test with the Celestial Body Music series, a follow up to their 2020 LP Powers Of Ten.

Recorded in Ravitz’s studio in Asheville, NC, Celestial Body Music once again showcases the pair’s penchant for raw yet emotive dance music. With Auvinen’s signature TB-303 programming and Ravitz’s typical melancholic flair, the duo’s styles merge seamlessly over the course of 8 tracks that harken back to the heyday of American techno and house. Following on from Powers of Ten, the pair continue to fix their eyes firmly on the stars, as Celestial Body Music’s song titles conjure visions of listening to Dance Mania 12”s on the ISS. With a tonal palette that features the well-trodden sounds of classic analog hardware like the TR-808, TR-909, TB-303, and SH-101, Ociya demonstrate their ability to breathe new life into these old instruments through thoughtful programming, arrangement, and mixing. This is made all the more significant when considering every song was recorded live to 2-track with no editing over the course of a few days. Sweet and savory both, the new material strikes a perfect balance between emotive sensibility and dance floor appeal.






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2022 Repress Edition, Beautifully Designed 2LP

When Recondite, AKA Lorenz Brunner, emerged with his debut LP for Acid Test (2012's On Acid), we were still learning about the German producer's inward-
looking dance floor sound. A few years later, his sinewy jams have proved near universal -- like an underground Zelig, he's fit perfectly everywhere from Rødhåd's Dystopian to Ghostly International and Innervisions. Acid Test also allows Recondite the chance to indulge his more outré tendencies and a welcomed return it is.

Tracklist:
A1 Compel , A2 Pass Up , A3 Sequenze feat. Tale Of Us
B1 Subdue , B2 Pages , B3 Poised
C1 Ley , C2 Undulate , D1 Nifty , D2 Placid

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Tracklist

A1 – At A. Gallop
A2 – Head Gap Width
B1 – Winding To The Side
B2 – Coffee Computer

Release Info:
After appearing on Acid Test’s 10 Year Anniversary compilation Patricia, aka Max Ravitz, debuts an EP on the label with Less Than 7, a collection of tracks that sits squarely in the club-focused end of the label’s output. Ravitz grew up in Chicago and has family roots in Detroit; these cities cultivated his affinity for mid-western dance music, with early Trax Records being a standout favorite. Years later, while living in New York, collaborator Alexis Georgopoulos introduced Ravitz to Tin Man’s Neo Neo Acid LP (released on Acid Test in 2012). This album struck a particular chord, impacting his creative vision for the Patricia project and setting him on the path towards a fruitful collaboration with Tin Man as Ociya (also released on Acid Test).

After 2021's IDM-leaning Blue Ridge LP, the Less Than 7 EP marks Patricia's return to the dance floor. Here, Ravitz explores four dimensions of acid music, each track deploying that classic squelch to differing effect. Both tracks on the A side pack a gut punch. The almost industrial beat on ‘At A. Gallop’ stomps along under moody pads and dripping acid lines until, midway, new harmonies reveal fresh vistas. ‘Head Gap Width’ is the EP’s most direct statement, a bolt of dubby techno energy with gurgling acid bass and rhythmic Detroit stabs. The B side then shifts things to a more emotive plane. ‘Winding To The Side’ uses its 9 minutes to fully explore the harmonic interplay between its buoyant braindance acid lines, which are engineered to suspend the late morning dance floor in time. ‘Coffee Computer’ closes things out, with its detuned pads, walking acid bassline and child-like piano lending it a wistful air that falls between house and IDM.

Less Than 7 was recorded at Ravitz’s home studio in Asheville, NC, and mastered by close friend Josh Bonati.






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2LP - 2022 Repress Edition

"Recondite's debut album "On Acid" ATLP01 see's a reissue on September 18th together with a brand new single ASD025 "Limber/Undulate - Lawrence Mixes" !
The melancholic acid album released on Absurd's Acid Test imprint gained much acclaim upon it's initial release and has been in high demand for a repress since.
Next to the mentioned Single 12" - the album repress also precedes the release of his upcoming album "PLACID" - For those who have been waiting for "On Acid" to be listened to on long autobahn rides or more generally to have it at hand ready to be played any other time
- Placid will also be released on CD with "On Acid" being Bonus CD 2 !


Tracklist:
A1 Petrichor , A2 Tie In , B1 Felicity , B2 Petrichor - Tin Man remix , C1 Harbinger , C2 Sultry , D1 Jaded , D2 Jaded - Scuba remix




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Cassette tracklist

01. Apollo
02. Tank
03. Mentat
04. The Woods
05. Propwash
06. Time and Distance
07. Crush
08. Factory
09. Controlled
10. Suite de Paris

Release Info:
Lerosa’s fourth full-length, Catena, is also his second for Berlin-via-LA label Acid Test. It sees the Dublin-based producer once again draw deeply on his diverse influences – dub, industrial, electro, trance, funk, IDM – and transform them into a sound signature that has always been uniquely his own.
This alchemy is no accident. Rather it is driven by Lerosa’s ongoing pursuit of the fundamental meaning of dance music: to immerse ourselves in sound to the point where our only desire is to move and feel in the moment. Hence how, on Catena, the slow and sensual sway of a cavernous bit of dub can sit side-by-side with hands-up trance-like ecstasy, and all still sound like Lerosa.
This achievement is the result of a dedicated daily studio practice. Each track starts from a dynamic studio jam in which Lerosa plays drum machines and synthesisers live and then overdubs them with further modulated layers. He uses looping techniques to build up the density of certain instruments while mixing the layers on-the-fly, using something as unassuming as an iPad. This imbues each track with a spontaneous shifting quality that defines the entire album.
What comes through is a sound that speaks of Lerosa’s love for the studio, for the tangible substance of an audio frequency – analogue and digital, raw and processed, pure and saturated – and the intangible, indeed bewitching mystery of how these frequencies can transport us to other places.



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12” tracklist

A1 - Apollo - Jordan GCZ remix
A2 - Apollo – Original
B1 - Suite de Paris - Donato Dozzy remix
B2 - Suite de Paris - Original

12”
Accompanying the cassette album of Lerosa’s fourth full-length, Catena, this heavyweight 12” features two originals from the album and two remixes from familiar faces: childhood friend Donato Dozzy and long-time fellow traveller Jordan GCZ (of Juju & Jordash). Album closer ‘Suite De Paris’ places pitch-bent liquid acid over a huge skanking bassline, the perfect material for Dozzy to make hay with his simmering techno take. Meanwhile, album opener ‘Apollo’ churns with industrial fervour, before Jordan GCZ reduces it down to its acid techno essence, leaving little space for us to catch our breath.





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3LP

Tracklist:
A1. Lerosa - Uneasy
A2. Tin Man - Afters Acid
A3. VC-118a - Silver
B1. Erika - Violet Fungus
B2. TM404 - Rysa
C1. Achterbahn D’Amour - 7_edit
C2. Marcellus Pittman - Unknown Species
D1. John Tejada - Squillo
D2. Sepehr - Persian Acid Prince
D3. Wata Igarashi
E1. SW. chalAnJAzzz
E2. Donato Dozzy - Morena
F1. Skudge - Bite
F2. Patricia - Higher Still
F3. AAAA - Extended Fantasy


Release Info:
Ten years ago, Acid Test began with a simple concept—each track the label released would make use of the Roland TB-303. Like a producer purposefully paring down their studio setup, or the continuous imperative within underground electronic music to reduce, this concept engendered creativity with the introduction of what seemed to be an aesthetic limit. However, the decade that followed, which now culminates in the triple-LP compilation Ten Years Of Acid Test, proves acid is limitless.

That the Berlin-via-LA label would expand upon the classical conception of acid house and techno is no surprise considering the cast of characters that have come in fold over the past decade. Ten Years Of Acid Test gathers key material from the label's extended family of acid acolytes. There's that Vienna-via-LA maestro of sad, elegant acid Tin Man (Johannes Auvinen), whose "Afters Acid" is both a highlight within his prolific catalogue and a distillation of his symphonic approach to the 303. Detroit giants Erika and Marcellus Pittman, both of whom have released remixes on Acid Test, present their respective and singular Bass Line visions. Erika, the Interdimensional Transmissions lynchpin, crafts a dark, delicate take on broken techno on "Violet Fungus" while Pittman continues his cubist house explorations on "Unknown Species," both tracks straying from typical acid lines in favor of the intricate textures achievable on the 303.

This variation in approach applies to tempo as well. Irish-based master Lerosa, as well as Delsin affiliate VC-118A, delve into downtempo atmospherics. Meanwhile, Japanese deep techno virtuoso Wata Igarashi, SUED co-founder SW. (a regular on Acid Test's leftfield sub-label Avenue 66) and Patricia (one-half of Acid Test act Ociya) use acid as a creative jumping-off point for complex melodic concepts. Wata layers an orchestra of synth-bliss drone overtop a squelchy bassline on "Ephemeral." SW.'s "ChaIAnJAzzz" cycles through an array of dusted chords eventually landing in skewed, fuzzy rave nostalgia, anthemic chords held aloft by a wicked UK-flavour bass line. Patricia's “Higher Still” explores dreamy, IDM-flavoured acid, cinematic synthlines counterbalanced by propulsive, squelching acid.

Acid Test devotees will be thrilled at the return of various luminaries from the catalogue, including Achterbahn D'Amour, Skudge, AAAA, John Tejada and Donato Dozzy, whose memorable remix of Tin Man's "Nonneo" from Acid Test 01 served as a kind of proof of concept for the label. There's new blood too. San Francisco up-and-comer Sepehr makes his label debut with the excellent "Persian Acid Prince," as does Andreas Tilliander's beloved hardware techno project, TM404.

Like the original Hot Mix 5 Acid compilation, which highlighted the original cohort of Chicago acid innovators including Pierre, Fingers and Armando, Ten Years Of Acid Test is a valuable portrait of a group of artists linked by a dedication to innovation within acid, in line with the genre's storied roots. Over ten years, Acid Test has gracefully made a case for the 303's past, present and future, the story of acid continuing to unfurl in unpredictable, addictive patterns.


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2LP

As Ociya, hardware freaks Tin Man (Johannes Auvinen) and Patricia (Max Ravitz), come together in unholy acid matrimony on a definitive double-album, Powers Of Ten.

We know both sides well. Over a prolific run of records for Acid Test and his own Global A, Auvinen has expounded upon the promise of "Nonneo" (recently named one of Resident Advisor's 2010-19: Tracks Of The Decade), unearthing new, emotional vistas from the Roland TB-303. Ravitz, meanwhile, matches Tin Man in studio ethic, establishing himself as one of North America's hardware masters on records for Ghostly and Opal Tapes.

What we couldn't have predicted is how well the parts merge. Cuts like "Ghost Moons" channel the hazy IDM legacies of the past, while "Hopeful Galaxy" mixes a plaintive Rhodes motif with a hopeful 303 line for the perfect "tears on the dance floor" cut. The track titles on Power Of Ten— a perfect melodic techno LP generously spread across two records—are celestially minded ("Gravity Knots," "Star Scraping") and indeed, the cosmic metaphor is apt or the newly-formed duo. On Powers Of Ten, Tin Man's acid lines rocket through space like brilliant, shooting stars. His signature orchestral acid moments are given the perfect backdrop, the nebula of Patricia's rich atmospherics and melodies.

The album was recorded live to 2 track in Patricia’s studio in New York, no edits.

Tracklist

A1 - Powers Of Ten
A2 - Ghost Moons
B1 - Overview Effect
B2 - Control Subsystem
C1 - Hopeful Galaxy
C2 - Gravity Knots
D1 - Spring On Jupiter
D2 - Star Scaping

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As Ociya, hardware freaks Tin Man (Johannes Auvinen) and Patricia (Max Ravitz), come together in unholy acid matrimony on a EP (here) and definitive double-album, Powers Of Ten (coming up on april 27).

We know both sides well. Over a prolific run of records for Acid Test and his own Global A, Auvinen has expounded upon the promise of "Nonneo" (recently named one of Resident Advisor's 2010-19: Tracks Of The Decade), unearthing new, emotional vistas from the Roland TB-303. Ravitz, meanwhile, matches Tin Man in studio ethic, establishing himself as one of North America's hardware masters on records for Ghostly and Opal Tapes.

The album was recorded live to 2 track in Patricia’s studio in New York, no edits.
This 12-inch simply called Acid Test 15, will be released before the album and also features remixes from Plasmic Eddy

EP
A1 - Solar Flare
A2 - Ghost Moons
B1 - Delta Sector Discotech
B2 - Gravity Knots - Plasmic Eddy remix




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Leopoldo Rosa's debut for Acid Test is the producer's first album in eight years, but since then he's put out in the neighborhood of 15 EPs for the likes of Idle Hands, Ferox and Saft, homing in on his own lush sound, which weaves effortlessly between deep house, acid and electro.

A/BUCKET OF EGGS
CLUSTER
B/CONJURORS
DEADLINE
ONE IS TOO SHORT
C/DAMOCLES
SHEFFIELD
D/SUBTERFUGE
SELF INFLICTED
DON'T WORRY



Release Info:

" To know Lerosa is to have a huge amount of respect for him. The Dublin-based, Italian producer isn't concerned with the limelight. Rather, his studio philosophy resembles the Japanese concept of "kaizen" a workmanlike, incremental improvement.

Leopoldo Rosa's debut for Acid Test is the producer's first album in eight years, but since then he's put out in the neighborhood of 15 EPs for the likes of Idle Hands, Ferox and Saft, homing in on his own lush sound, which weaves effortlessly between deep house, acid and electro.

He applies all these patient lessons on "Bucket Of Eggs", the ten masterful tracks fit perfectly within the label's concept. Yet Rosa, like the label's stable of 303 auteurs (Tin Man, Recondite, John Frusciante, Pepe Bradock) opens up bold new vistas for the subgenre. On "Conjurors," he spends half the track building up atmosphere so thick and dubby you could cut it with a knife, before introducing an acid line and jack track heralding back to the acid's maddening, revolutionary roots.

About halfway through the set, Lerosa is done setting the stage, and thusluy delivers a string of freakishly good late night tracks. For Lerosa, the hips and the head work in concert-"One Is Too Short"'s no-nonsense rhythm section perfectly balanced by the track's dreamy synth and zero-grav piano breaks. On "Self Inflicted," he joins a rarified class, synthesizing electro funkiness, widescreen ambience and acid counterpoint.

On initial contact, Lerosa's "Bucket Of Eggs" feels astonishing, an expertly-paced, near-perfect LP. But for those who have been following the low-key producer, it feels like a natural culmination. "




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On their debut album as DOVS, Tin Man and AAAA summon the ethereal spirit of acid.

Tracklist:
A1 – Rad Glyers Above All
A2 – Distant Buildups
A3 – Fluffy Designs
B1 – Nostalgic Oblivion
B2 – Rene Figures
C1 – Portal Vein
C2 – Sixteenth Shelters
C3 – Whining Acid
D1 – Atlantis Drive
D2 – Dysphoric Fix
D3 – Diazepam Blues

Release Info:
On their debut album as DOVS, Tin Man and AAAA summon the ethereal spirit
of acid. Tin Man, AKA Johannes Auvinen, has been studying the emotional potential of the Roland TB-303 for 15 years now, and AAAA (Gabo Barranco), a fixture of the Mexico City underground, might as well be his acolyte. While the coincidental similarities of their studio and live approaches make this collaboration feel natural, even expected, Silent Cities is anything but.

We recognize most of the elements here—the ubiquitous acid box and hardware drum machines—yet Auvinen and Barranco arrive in new, mysterious territory this time out. Lush arpeggiation, breakbeats and atmosphere imbue tracks like "Nostalgic Oblivion" with a widescreen grandeur. "Rene Figures" recalls Specific Momentific-era Cristian Vogel, symphonic, melodic techno with a kick heavy enough for dark, cavernous rooms. Meanwhile, beatless cuts like "Whining Acid" are as intricately crafted as Tin Man's well-loved classical work (Vienna Blues). But as a duo, they craft a virtuosic harmonic narrative almost solely with 303s.

Tin Man and Donato Dozzy's "Nonneo" was the first release on Acid Test, setting the tone for the label and unlocking new potential for the genre. DOVS' closer on Silent Cities, “Diazepam Blues”, is the label's new melancholic acid anthem and a statement of purpose for Tin Man and AAAA, two hardware masters who have created an album of remarkable emotional depth.



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On their debut album as DOVS, Tin Man and AAAA summon the ethereal spirit of acid. Tin Man, AKA Johannes Auvinen, has been studying the emotional potential of the Roland TB-303 for 15 years now, and AAAA (Gabo Barranco), a fixture of the Mexico City underground, might as well be his acolyte. While the coincidental similarities of their studio and live approaches make this collaboration feel natural, even expected, Silent Cities is anything but.

Acid Test 14 features remixes from select trackboth Tin Man & AAAA individually as well as label mate John Tejada.

A1 - Nostalgic Oblivion - John Tejada remix
A2 - Distant Buildups - AAAA remix
A1 - Whining Acid - Tin Man Sweet Harmony mix)
A2 - Whining Acid - Tin Man's Weepy mix)






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Double-LP

GENRE/S:
House, Deep House

TRACKLIST:
A1. The Nature Of Reality
A2. Wander Being
B1. Turn To The Music
B2. At The Feeling Level
C1. Jazz Intent
C2. Thematicism
C3. Wade Away
D1. Natural Causality
D2. In The Meadow
D3. See Urchin

SHORT INFO:
DaRand Land, who hails from the post industrial confines of Buffalo, NY was one of the leading figures of Deep4Life, a cult label known for submersible oriented, yet dancefloor-friendly productions. With ambient synth-driven tones and heavy funk basslines being at the center of his sound, DaRand Land’s music often evokes an introspective quality, without losing its groove fundamental. DaRand’s works, which span decades on deep house labels such as Downbeat, Confluence and Pulp have been described as “uncompromising” and has afforded him a passionate following of listeners who seek a more emotive, thought-provoking brand of underground music.
Teaming up once again with Scissors and Thread - the perfect fit for his sound - DaRand Land drops an album full of crafty, trippy house for the heads. Wander Being contains 10 tracks on the double vinyl release with a pair of additional tracks for the digital release. The vibe is deep and sleek, with a rough, bumping edge. The title track sets the tone, a smattering of percussion accompanying a thick, round kick drum and Rhodes chords, giving off a classic Detroit feel. Tracks like Turn to The Music ramp up the energy somewhat, but overall the tracks sit in the sweet spot between dancefloor burners and soulful, jazzy, deep cuts. Noticeable is the space given to each element across the tracks - the hi-hats sparkle, the snare snaps, and the basslines roll and rumble. Add to this the magic melodic flourishes provided by the pads and synths, reminiscent of the late Mike Huckaby in places, made this whole album a thoughtful, joyful experience.
„The genesis for the Wander Being LP”, says DaRand “was a desire to return to the essence of some of my original Deep4Life productions. How was this accomplished? Principally, through the exclusive use of hardware components, minimalist arrangement, and a minds-eye approach to source the musical elements. In particular, the single, The Nature of Reality was written to convey a sense of what it feels like to be in a state of suspended animation. There is a natural tension introduced via the organic, swirling pad progression juxtaposed against endless vocal echoes and the low-end groove of the bassline. Thematically, I wanted to carry this forward through the entirety of the album.
balancing subdued keys and strings with ethereal tones and atmospheres













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Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Format Notes: Part of Be With x KPM Library Reissue Campaign, 2024 first time vinyl reissue, 140g vinyl

Track List:

A1 The Detectives (Long Version) 2:26
A2 The Detectives (Short Version) 1:31
A3 The Detectives (Link 1) 0:08
A4 The Detectives (Link 2a) 0:06
A5 The Detectives (Link 2b) 0:16
A6 The Detectives (Link 2c) 0:16
A7 The Detectives (Link 3) 0:10
A8 The Detectives (Link 4a) 0:06
A9 The Detectives (Link 4b) 0:15
A10 The Detectives (Link 4c) 0:15
A11 Helicop 2:54
A12 The Big One (Prelude) 1:26
A13 The Big One 4:05
A14 Headlights 1:09
A15 The Burn 1:05
A16 Bust Up (a) 0:14
A17 Bust Up (b) 0:13

B1 The Detectives (Slow Version) 2:07
B2 The Detectives (Interlude) 1:47
B3 The Detectives (Link 5a) 0:12
B4 The Detectives (Link 5b) 0:29
B5 The Detectives (Link 6a) 0:11
B6 The Detectives (Link 6b) 0:32
B7 The Detectives (Link 7a) 0:19
B8 The Detectives (Link 7b) 0:13
B9 The Build Up 5:57
B10 Snout 1:04
B11 The Prowler 2:02

Release Notes:

It's the pair you've all been waiting for! FINALLY!

Alan Tew's driving jazz-rock, sleuth-funk masterpiece, Drama Suite Part I is finally reissued to sate your appetites for arguably the very best library two-parter in existence. If you don’t know, get to know. Originally released in 1976 but wonderfully timeless, Drama Suite Part I is at the top of every library funk collectors' list. It's easy to see why...

Racing out the gate, the gritty crime funk of "The Detectives" makes for a thrilling, wild ride. A dramatic action theme, it's packed with strident playing and bags of attitude. There follows 10 (ten!) drama-tinged, horn-heavy, wah-wah-laced, conga-enhanced, synth-riddled links for neat segues and maximum funk fever. "Helicop" is another fast paced and energetic dramatic action background with great breaks and horns. "The Big One (Prelude)" has an ace bassline and creeps along superbly to create expectation and contains an amazing rolling piano loop that just stops you dead in your tracks. It's all building to "The Big One", a driving, dramatic, full-band action with fantastic funk breaks, heavy horns and *that* piano refrain. It was sampled by Jay-Z, and you can't really blame him, can you? The brief, tense "Headlights" and (even briefer) burner "The Burn" add some - you guessed it - deep drama over insistent rhythms to close out Side A.

Flip over for "The Detectives (Slow Version)", a relaxed, thoughtful version featuring synths. You might recognise it as being sampled by Domo Genesis and Evidence for "Tallulah" from their brilliant collaboration a few years ago. "The Detectives (Interlude)" is another slow, pensive version featuring electric piano and a trombone solo in the centre section. There follows 6 further links, Detectives versions essentially, with guitars, electric pianos, flugelhorns - all very cool and relaxed rhythms. The strutting majesty of big-time highlight "The Build Up" is next. It's a medium-slow drama background with occasional light statements of The Detectives theme peppered throughout. Nice. The fantastically-titled "Snout" is a slow, tense background theme which features a repetitive guitar figure with alto flutes over the top. The tense, stabby funk of "The Prowler" rounds out proceedings, with nervous figures over a slow, insistent cymbal beat.

As with all of our KPM re-issues, the audio for Drama Suite Part I comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. And as usual, the sleeve reproduction duties were handed over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity. We're not quite sure what else to say about this landmark record, other than, GET IT!

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Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Format Notes:

Part of Be With x KPM Library Reissue Campaign, 2024 first time vinyl reissue, 140g vinyl


Track List:

A1 The Rub 2:27
A2 Money Runner 2:15
A3 White Elephant Walk 1:24
A4 White Elephant Walk (Link) 0:07
A5 Walking Link 0:18
A6 Master Plan 3:26
A7 Night Watch 2:12
A8 The Fence (Version A) 1:49
A9 The Fence (Version B) 2:11
A10 Surveillance 1:33

B1 Total Silence 1:26
B2 Eyes 0:47
B3 Drama Backcloth (1a) 1:38
B4 Drama Backcloth (1b) 0:17
B5 Drama Backcloth (2) 0:59
B6 Drama Backcloth (3) 0:17
B7 Drama Backcloth (4) 0:24
B8 Scenechange (1) 0:17
B9 Scenechange (2a) 0:10
B10 Scenechange (2b) 0:24
B11 Scenechange (2c) 0:25
B12 Scenechange (3a) 0:17
B13 Scenechange (3b) 0:17
B14 Scenechange (4) 0:15
B15 Scenechange (5) 0:21
B16 Scenechange (6a) 0:25
B17 Scenechange (6b) 0:21
B18 Scenechange (7) 0:10
B19 Scenechange (8a) 0:12
B20 Scenechange (8b) 0:30
B21 Scenechange (9) 0:51
B22 Brass Statement 0:05
B23 Final Statement 0:47

It's the pair you've all been waiting for! FINALLY!

Alan Tew's Drama Suite Part II. What can we really say? Honestly? We guess the first thing that strikes you is how clean the drums are. Almost impossibly slick but dripping so, so heavy with the neck-snapping funk you'd expect from perhaps the most sought-after library funk set of them all! The cheapest on Discogs is, currently, £1300+. Now's your chance to remedy that. If you know, you know. And we think you know...

"The Rub" is a cool, low-slung heavy-funk roller with relaxed brass and alto flute phrases. Up next, "Money Runner" is another edgy funk glider, its easy-tempo moving in harmony with slinky rhythmic riffs and featuring a seemingly ad-libbed electric piano solo. Strutting along after, "White Elephant Walk" is another laconic, deeply stoned walking theme with electric piano and alto flutes. There follows a couple of brief "walking" links before the brilliantly tense "Master Plan" slowly builds. Expectancy grows to the main theme around a minute in and then a melodic theme builds slightly to the 3 minute mark before floating down gradually and elegantly to its climax. It's utterly fantastic. The smoky, after-hours "Night Watch" is a slow, cool gem featuring alto flutes and synths.

Now we're talking, "The Fence (a)" is just sensational and worth buying this album all on its own. It's likely the reason you're here, anyway. Another impossibly funky, slow and easy tempo with a bass riff to die for, dramatic guitar with gorgeous electric piano and alto flute phrases. It was sampled for "Action Satisfaction" by J5, way way back. "The Fence (b)" is a slower, more deliberate version of the previous heater, but it's no less essential. Indeed, it's absolutely jaw-drooping. Closing out this remarkable side, "Surveillance" is another horizontal masterpiece of relaxed yet dramatic jazz-funk. Vibes ad-lib in centre section and give you an idea of how Roy Ayers making library funk in the mid-late 70s might've sounded. Sensational.

Flip over for "Total Silence", a near-beatless and understated scene-setter featuring neat interplay of guitar and synthesizer themes over bass and hi-hats. The slow "Eyes" follows, a brief gem with subdued electric piano solo and a light climax. The fantastic "Drama Backcloth (1a)" is up next, a repetitive piano and bass refrain with guitar figures over the top. Its creeping crime-funk vibe was pilfered for "Outta Town Shit" by Ghostface Killah in 2006. "Drama Backcloth (1b)" is a short, subdued version without the guitar figure. "Drama Backcloth (2)" features an expectant, background marimba figure over light rhythm whilst the cool "Drama Backcloth (3)" centres around a relaxed riff and the angular "Drama Backcloth (4)" presents eerie progressions with piano interjections. It's decidedly non-rhythmic!

We're then onto 14 (!) different half-minute "Scenechanges", all jazzy and funky, some cool and dramatic, some slow and rhythmic. All ace and groove-fuelled. The aptly-titled "Final Statement" closes proceedings, a slow, pensive theme on guitar joined by cool brass and a solo trumpet to its climax.

As with all of our KPM re-issues, the audio for Drama Suite Part II comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. And as usual, the sleeve reproduction duties were handed over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity. We're not quite sure what else to say about this landmark record, other than, GET IT!

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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More

2LP, Gatefold Sleeve, download code

Tracklist
A1. At First A Wide Space
A2. St. Catherine And The Calm
B1. Song For Aguirre
B2. Trivial Occupations
C1. Dalloway
C2. Recital Of Facts
C3. Parklife
D1. Minor Forms
D2. Beaumont
D3. No Useless Leniency

Release Info
'Trivial Occupations' is the third LP released under the Kingdoms and Scissor and Thread founder’s own name - and continues in the traditions of those landmark records. Having scaled to heights within the club scene and released almost a hundred records under different monikers, Francis Harris embarked on an altogether more personal journey as a composer of intimate, atmospheric pieces removed from the dancefloor.

Here, with 'Trivial Occupations', Harris dives deep into a new sound pallette - bringing the listener on a journey through various states over the almost one hour run time. The album was made over the course of four years in various studios with an array of notable players, bringing a diversity of perspectives and approaches encompassed within Harris stunning artistic studio approach. It was also mixed at Jack White’s Third Man Studios again with the help of long time collaborator and friend, Bill Skibbe.

'At First A Wide Space' opens up the album, setting the tone with a vista of soundscapes, merging synths, live strings by Kingdom’s artist Emil Abramyan. It sets the stage for what is perhaps the album’s (first) opus, 'St Catherine And The Calm'. Spanning over 12 minutes, drifting through ambient textures, shuffling beats and beautifully arpeggiated melodies and found recordings, it gives the listener a widescreen intimacy, not unlike the enveloping sensation of a cinematic experience. 'Song For Aguirre' is a more mournful affair, built around Abramyan’s cello, deep bass tones, pad washes and distant sounding horns from Greg Paulus, adding to the noir-ish 70’s soundtrack feel. 'Trivial Occupations' the album's title track and perhaps the centerpiece in terms of mood and tone, is a dizzying off kilter Jazz trip featuring a cast of remarkable jazz players, including vocalist Genevieve Marentette, Robb Reddy (tenor sax), Darkside member Dave Harrington on guitar and Will Shore (vibes).

Breaking up the album nicely, 'Dalloway', perhaps Harris’ most unique production to date, moves into Dancehall territory with a collaboration with Cameroon born but NY based singer, Kaïssa.

'Recital Of Facts' , one of the only beat driven songs on the LP, harkens back to the sound of Harris' last two albums with a melancholic groove paired with melodic bass fragments and the ever-present pad washes. 'Parklife' follows a similar vibe with the return of Greg Paulus’ mournful horns, but without any rhythmic underpinning, before the previous single 'Minor Forms' appears with its shuffling percussion and the singular sound of Will Shore’s Vibraphone, bringing about a climatic moment listening moment.

The final two tracks - 'Beaumont' and 'No Useless Leniency' both further explore the sense of space with which Harris has become so enamoured - creating textures and backdrops for piano (Beaumont) and horns (Useless Leniency).

It’s an album that is easy to get lost in - a structure suggesting no real beginning or end. Listening to it on loop offers the listener a chance to be fully immersed in the rich, melancholic tonalities of Harris’ sound universe..



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Artwork and Typography by Stefan Marx

Snad is back on Smallville.

Shyam Anand is a long-term friend of Smallville and an MPC wizard with a wide-open heart. We are super happy to finally present a 12“ that is fully his own.

After an amazing contribution to Smallville 49 (check out Excerptz!), Snad aka Spandrel aka Shyam Anand presents a full 3-tracker on Smallville, packed with his irrisistible grooves, the usual unexpected twists and an overall magical atmosphere. Growing up near Philadelphia, then moving to Chicago and later exploring the global underground scenes of Berlin and Mexico City, among others, Snad is a busy man. He runs his own imprint Spandrel, co-runs We R The Aliens and has an impressive back-catalogue of contributions for several favourites like Running Back, Courtesy of Balance, Kimochi, Long Vehicle, 20:20 Vision, Phonica and many more.

On this 12" the A side belongs solely to Bubblescope - 14 and a half minutes of mesmerizing Ensoniq DP/4 Vocoder driven modular spheres, an endlessly deep bubbling piece of art that builds an intense feeling that could last for hours.

The B side sees Snad staying deep – Lukewarm Lava explores the broken beat world before taking you on a ride. The beloved B2-spot goes to Tanni - an integral part of Julius' warmup-sets since forever and thus a special one to finally put on wax.

Bubblescope comes with a Full Cover Artwork by Stefan Marx.

Tracklist:
A1 Bubblescope
B1 Lukewarm Lava
B2 Tanni


All tracks written & produced by Shyam Anand
Mastering and Vinyl cut by Helmut Erler at Lathesville

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Special Remarks: clear marbled vinyl
Tracklist:
A1 - "Molekule" A2 - "Molekule Version" B1 - "No More" B2 - "No More Version"

Short info:
Paul St. Hilaire's soulful voice meets Rhauder's deep & dub inspired beats.



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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Vinyl Only Release. incl. Frank & Tony's Remix!

Tracklist 12":
A1. Discover You
A2. Discover You (Frank & Tony's Breakaway Remix)
B1. Souls Awash
B2. Marcela's Sense

Having made his label introduction with his remix of label newcomer Villete's "Rillia", DaRand Land gets to spread out and show off his unique brand of euphoric and uplifting deep house on his debut EP for the label, 'Discover You'. The title track is classic DaRand Land, with bright piano chords, buzzing organs and a thick Chicago house bass line. Siren-like pads fade in and out from the periphery, as electrifying percussion elements come into play. Frank & Tony take a turn and apply their signature style onto the former track, adding a chunkier kick with bright as day claps and hi-hats to propel the track through the opalescent haze draped over the melodic elements. On the flip, "Marcela's Sense" is a blissed out, head down late night affair. Cosmic pads swirl around glistening keys and repressed organ chords, as toms bounce among the steady hi-hat ride, lulling the listener into a state of euphoria. The EP closes out with the atmospheric, peak time Detroit house cut, "Souls Awash". A serpentine bass line runs the show amidst swelling pads and in-your-face kicks and percussion. As with all of his productions, the track shines in the smaller details that float in and out of focus throughout, lending the track's weightier elements an even greater sense of gravitas.


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Tracklist 2LP:

A1 Better Times
A2 On The Dancefloor
B1 Ne Travaillez Jamais (Still Working Mix)
B2 Shibboleth
C1 Burning Snake
C2 Thank You feat. Taiko Saito
D1 IGFT
D2 Evin


Smallville purveyor of the deep Christopher Rau with his third longplayer for the label, „Better Times“. Timeless crispy house music to stay forever.

All tracks written, produced and mixed by Christopher Rau
Vibraphone on C2 by Taiko Saito
Mastering by Helmut Erler, Vinyl Cut by Lathesville
Artwork and Typography by Stefan Marx
Distributed by Wordandsound

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More