2023 was a busy year at WNCL HQ - a string of high quality underground bangers culminating in a nomination for Best British Label at the DJ Mag awards

2024 continues apace with yet another masterclass in bass music courtesy of Mani Festo …

01 . MANI FESTO . Bioscan

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Tracklisting:
A1 Mani Festo - Leviathan
A2 Mani Festo - Tethys
B1 Mani Festo - Night Drive
B2 Mani Festo - With U

Sales Note
Following a collaborative release on Sherelle and Naina's Hooversound Recordings and EPs on Sneaker Social Club, WNCL Recordings and his own Club Glow (ran alongside Denham Audio, LMajor and Borai), contemporary UK breaksmith Mani Festo readies four typically lairy cuts of gun-finger, rush-in-the-rave energy.

Mani Festo has become something of a breakbeat assassin in recent years with a deserved spotlight being shone on the producer as one of the brightest artists to emerge from within the dark 'n' dutty UK breaks and electro scene. What you see is what you get from Mani Festo; what you're getting is a screwface and a smacked jaw.

'Leviathan' kicks things off with its stripped-back, grime-like textures - distorted kicks, frantic claps and growls from the belly of the beast blend on a minimal-breaks sequence that packs quite a punch despite its uncluttered soundwaves. 'Tethys' follows in a similar vein; distorted screams come from a brass-creature deep in the darkness, scattered percussion and step-tipped production blur the lines between garage, breaks and electro.

Large wubs and basslines guide the listener front left (just make sure you've got your protective earplugs in!) on 'Night Drive' before 'With U' strays down an emotional and introspective route with its otherworldly atmospherics, jungle tones and contemplative stillness - a creative combining of both heaven and hell.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Mani Festo - Barrier
A2 Mani Festo - Barrier (Addison Groove remix)
B1 Mani Festo - Grass Snake
B2 Mani Festo - Synkron

Release Note:
After Mani Festo's last contribution to our techno-oriented Basement Tracks series, a sequel was a no-brainer. It's no exaggeration to say that over the last couple of years the DJ, producer and label boss has become widely recognised as one of the UK's most exciting techno artists, given his easily identifiable sound, each release just as bold and hard-hitting as the last - this one included.

Synkron EP boasts Mani Festo's ability to create raw, industrial electronics which never sacrifice movement nor swing. Each track is crafted with a precise direction, some via industrial electro instrumentals ('Barrier'); others with acidic accents and the introduction of breaks ('Grass Snake') and another with hard techno proclivities ('Synkron'). If this weren't enough, we're stoked to draft in iconic Bristol producer Addison Groove who adds sharp rim shots and spasmodic synths to 'Barrier' to give it even more movement and body.

Synkron EP drops 28th October 2022 via Basement Tracks.

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Hot on the heels of Dawn Razors “Blizzard EP” we are back with an EP from yet another hot new talent making their DEXT Debut “Mani Festo” has been on our radar for some time now releasing imprints such as Shall Not Fade , Sneaker Social Club , WNCL Recordings Lobster Theramin & Club Glow His tough & raw no nonsense sound which encompasses Techno , Electro , Breakbeat whilst paying tribute to UK underground sound system & Rave culture is exactly sort of heavy weight tackle that you would expect to see released on DEXT and this EP certainly doesn’t disappoint, expect speaker rattling subs , chest piercing distorted kick drums , mutated flanged breakbeats , dark and immersive textures and soundscapes not to mention a rerub of eyes open from fellow Club Glow comrade Denham Audio .

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Tracklisting:
A1 Mani Festo - Digital Projection
A2 Mani Festo - Jungle Poison
B1 Mani Festo - Roam
B2 Mani Festo - Sleepless in West Norwood

Release Note:
Hot on the heels of his LOW BATTERY debut and the announcement of his next EP on Shall Not Fade, Club Glow cofounder Mani Festo readies his latest arsenal of breaks-fuelled dubs for the Lobster White Label series.

Having become one of the go-to names for high quality electro, breakbeat and jungle over the last few years - thanks to releases on Sherelle and NAINA's Hooversound Recordings, EBeamz and WNCL Recordings - the UK producer picks up where he left off, re-imagining rave futurism and hardcore sounds through his own distinctive lens.

'Digital Projection' is a terrifying cut of grime-laced jungle. Stripped-back, but packing a punch, its large, alien-like wubs will make even the cleanest of ravers need a shower afterwards. 'Jungle Poison' reconsiders the typical junglist template with a dose of 2-step influence that makes for a high-energy cut of bouncy UK fusion.

The tempo drops as we venture into 130BPM breaks territory on 'Roam' - it's introspective and melodic aesthetics providing a moment of calm from within the eye of the storm - before 'Sleepless in West Norwood' captures that distinctive warehouse rave energy with a sequence of breaks-scattered techno.



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Pushing hardcore machine music into a new paradigm, with a combination of sonics and visuals that pull from the past and future in equal measure. It’s first release; a four track EP by Mani Festo (label founder) entitled ‘Higher’ captures its essence perfectly. Fusing breakbeats, soaring rave pianos, dark-side kick drums and industrial machine funk to soundtrack post-pandemic hedonism in a way that nothing else could.

The title track ‘Higher’ is a tale of long-lost raves, written during the summer of 2020. It reflects the first time in the history of electronic music that gatherings ceased to exist. The track is hopeful, but longs for the freedom of dancing in a field, something that seems like nothing more than a forgotten memory.

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Amongst his many great achievements, Mani Festo once held the highly acclaimed position of being the only other artist on WNCL to actually reside in West Norwood. Before leaving, he at least gifted us with a most excellent EP to add to his already rock steady discography of battle weapons. Forget what you think you know about Mani Festo and prepare to disengage ...

TRACKLIST
A1: Neutronics
A2: Come Wid It
B1: Disengage
B2: Iron Fist


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Tracklisting
A1 WTCHCRFT - OOO
A2 WTCHCRFT - The Kink
A3 WTCHCRFT - VVV
A4 WTCHCRFT - New Friends
B1 WTCHCRFT - New Friends (Valerie Ace remix)
B2 WTCHCRFT - OOO (Keepsakes remix)

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Tracklisting:
A1 MarcelDune - I Am Looking For Date Ideas
A2 MarcelDune - Final Loose
A3 MarcelDune - The Scene
B1 MarcelDune - Independence Creating Distance
B2 MarcelDune - Independence Creating Distance (New Frames remix)

Sales Note
HAVEN is proud to present another new catalogue number with the first full EP on the label from London-based Greek producer of hard-edged speedy techno MarcelDune, following on from their contribution to the Sardonic Tonality Vol. 4 VA compilation.

The A1 kicks off with 'I Am Looking For Date Ideas' - a hectic 4-4 dance-floor assault with chugging synths, hardcore kicks, overdriven percussion and cheeky vocals loops. This is followed by 'Final Loose' with its addictive vocal hooks, charging drum patterns and playful melodies. The A-side is closed with 'The Scene' with rolling bass-lines, bubbling synth sounds and distorted vocal breaks.

On the B-side 'Independence Creating Distance' hits us with hypnotic vocal loops and ear-worm synth patterns amongst its speedy drum patterns sure to get feet moving. HAVEN main-stays New Frames close out the record with their remix of the B1, with their usual heavy drum programming interplaying with dubbed out synth work creating another club killer to end another dance-floor focused record from the imprint.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Keanu Raves - Secret Base Aesthetic
A2 Valerie Ace - Fear Less
B1 Draugr - THS1
B2 Xiorro - Never Stare At A Ghost

Sales Note
The HAVEN white label series is back after a year's break with the fifth instalment of the infamous Sardonic Tonality compilation series - this time with three newcomers to the imprint and one existing label artist visiting the series for the first time.

The A1 kicks off the record with Otautahi (Christchurch) local techno legend Keanu Raves - a regular DJ at HAVEN events in their hometown. Booming kicks, rolling percussion, and emotive synth work come together in this perfect dance-floor killer that's already been making the rounds at Aotearoa warehouse raves and outdoor parties. Following up is Valerie Ace on the A2 with a tripped-out slab of techno weight. Eerie synth textures, creeping vocal whispers and pounding drum rhythms combine in another delight for all club creatures from the promising German producer.

On the flip French production demon Draugr revisits the label again following on from his Nine Nights EP at the end of 2021. Menacing melodies, charging drum work and ominous atmospheres pour out of yet another industrial-tinged mammoth from the Parisian nightmare weaver. Ending the record is the label debut of Berlin-based Puerto Rican heavyweight Xiorro. Off-beat bass, hypnotic percussions, and grungy synth blasts close out the compilation with another certified club weapon.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Ebb - Cryogenic Anthem
A2 Witch Trials - Dilemma
B1 Cressida - Berlin Grammar
B2 Peder Mannerfelt - Planns

Sales Note
HAVEN are back and charging in to the beginning of the year with a new catalogue number and compilation series. 'Vague Weight Vol. 1' launches the black label series that will be focused on the intersection of grime, dubstep, break-beat and other UK bass flavours with the hard and gritty techno sounds the label has become renowned for.

The A1 thrusts us straight in to this sonic world with an icy 4-4 slammer from Otautahi local legend and 1985 signee Ebb. Grimy cold square waves, gun reloads and some of the chunkiest drum programming in the South Pacific come together in this perfect representation of what the black label series is about. The A2 follows on with this theme with a huge bassy dance-floor anthem from London-based Irish artist Witch Trials featuring ghostly melodic hooks, creeping atmospheres and stepping rhythms to close out the A-side.

The B1 begins the flip with UK hardcore stylings from Voitax regular and bass experimentalist Cressida. Broken beats, monstrous bass pulses, faded rave synths and diva vocals combine in this huge slab of break-beat weight from the Berlin-based producer. Finally the compilation closes with an odd-ball chunk of 4-4 dub experimentation from Swedish HAVEN legend Peder Mannerfelt, following on from 2020's 'Ensnared' EP. Four-to-the-floor kicks flow alongside half-time rhythms and grungy synth work to close out this new chapter in the HAVEN discography.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Ryan James Ford - Lost In The L.E.S.
A2 Ryan James Ford - Ekstase
A3 Ryan James Ford - Undertow (S02E05)
B1 Ryan James Ford - The Promise Of Money
B2 Ryan James Ford - Parllyster (92 Mix)

Release Note:
HAVEN is proud to invite Berlin-based Canadian artist Ryan James Ford for his second appearance on the label, this time with a full 5-track EP of dark tripped out dance floor weaponry following from their track on the second Sardonic Tonality compilation as well as his huge album on Clone in 2021 and an EP on Mama Told Ya earlier this year.

The A1 launches with 'Lost In The L.E.S.' with its threatening synth rising and falling alongside quick vocal chops and rolling drum rhythms providing the perfect start to this collection showcasing the murkier side of Ryan's production. The A2 continues on this tip with 'Ekstase' - where distorted percussions and a cheeky scream sample bounce off the sombre synthesiser programming in another slab of quirky 4-4 experimentation. The A3 closes the first side with 'Undertow (S02E05)', a certified club banger making fine use of distorted kicks, bouncy rhythmic work and dub-style synth stabs in another unique brain twister.

On the flip the B1 keeps things rolling with 'The Promise Of Money' - another peculiar workout full of experimental textures, dusky synth melodies and charging drums to keep feet moving. The B2 closes the record with 'Parllyster (92 Mix)', which takes a brighter turn with its euphoric melody and gravely bass alongside punchy broken rhythms that quickly turn in to pounding four-to-the-floor in this club-heavy offering from the Canadian producer.

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Tracklisting:
A1 New Frames - Clownhouse Reality
A2 New Frames - Variation Is A Feature Not A Flaw
B1 New Frames - Proton Isospace
B2 New Frames - Scatter (Manni Dee remix)

Release Note:
HAVEN return with another killer EP from Berlin duo New Frames - Mathis Mootz (aka The Panacea) and David Frisch. There's no messing around in their second release on the imprint, with the A1 track 'Clownhouse Reality' designed pummelling bodies with it's driving 4-4 rhythms, spiky synths and perfect techno sound design. The A2 continues this formula with 'Variation Is A Feature Not A Flaw' - where the huge pounding drums and rolling break samples interplay with wailing sound effects and a lively side-chained mid-range synth in another dance-floor burner.

The tempos increase on the flip with the B1 track, 'Proton Isospace', leading the charge with its sinister melodic stabs, rolling drum patterns, and creeping washes of mid-bass guaranteed to get feet moving. The B2 ends the record with a massive Manni Dee remix of New Frames modern classic 'Scatter' released on the first Sardonic Tonality compilation back in 2019. The UK producer proves his mettle in this re-imagining with colossal drum work, a monster rap line, and a cheeky half-time build up to close out another hefty offering from the HAVEN camp.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Keepsakes - Peak Egotist
A2 Keepsakes - Malignant Motion
B1 Keepsakes - Mr. Shakedown
B2 Keepsakes - No Acceptance Uptown

Release Note:
For the twelfth release on the main catalogue and first record of 2022 Haven are proud to present the first full EP on the imprint from label boss Keepsakes for two years. Following on from releases in recent years on South London Analogue Material, Perc Trax, and more, Keepsakes brings the dancefloor heat in this 4-track collection of 4-4 killers.

The A1 kicks things off with "Peak Egotist" - where rolling tribalistic drums, playful vocal samples and 80s industrial-inspired synth stabs interplay in a confronting track of driving techno. This is followed by "Malignant Motion" on the A2, with its swung rhythms and discordant rave synthesiser keeping the club energy high for concrete dancefloors.

"Mr. Shakedown" launches the flip on the B1 with its fast-house-gone-crunchy stylings, where a rolling 16th note synth pattern works with heavy drum patterns and ear-worm vocal shouts to set feet on fire. The B2 closes out the record with "No Acceptance Uptown" - a tried-and-tested frisky club banger with mischievous "yo" vocals and a lively acid-like sequence closing out the latest offering from Haven.

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Tracklisting:
A1 Draugr - Gjöll
A2 Draugr - Völva
B1 Draugr - Vigrid
B2 Draugr - Gjöll (Headless Horseman remix)

Release Note:
For the eleventh release on their main catalogue Haven are excited to invite French king of spooky crunched-up rollers and Wrongnotes member Draugr to the label for the first time, alongside some half-time madness from Headless Horseman on the remix.

The A1 gets us moving with Gjöll, where creepy atmospheres, disembodied vocal hits and noisey drum rhythms crash together in a concoction of hard techno destruction. The A2 continues this formula in Völva, with rolling synth lines and demonic ambient textures leading in to an infernal animalistic wail breaking in to the mix following the breakdown.

The B1 continues the destruction on the flip with Vigrid - a hectic drum rhythm work out buttressed with spiky metallic patterns and further ghoulish sound design and sampling. Headless Horseman closes out the record with his remix of Gjöll, transforming it into sinister half-time stepper ripe with droning atmospheres and powerful drum hits to finalise another offering of club ready mania from Haven.

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Tracklist:
A1 138 & DJ Angeldu$t - Litty McGuire
A2 138 & DJ Angeldu$t - Linebacker
B1 138 & DJ Angeldu$t - Fuck That Shit
B2 138 & DJ Angeldu$t - Prescription Poolz (VIP Mix)
B3 138 & DJ Angeldu$t - Happiness Is A Cold Cup

Release Note:
Haven are back with another storming delivery on their white label series, this time with a vinyl-only collection of past tracks from L.A. troublemakers 138 and DJ Angeldu$t that were previously only available as digital or tape releases.

The A1 kicks off the record with "Litty McGuire", previously released on Parisian collective RAW's "Second Breath" VA compilation. Crunching drums thump away with distinct rhythmic funk and groove, with an addictive syncopated snare propelling the track to a screeching acidic synth line at the track's half-way point. The punishment continues through to A2 track "Linebacker", previously released on NYC party-starters Whirlwind Trax's VA celebrating 3 years of Brooklyn rave The Black Hole. A cheeky synth line bubbles underneath swung yet aggressive drum rhythms in another slab of distorted dance-floor machine funk.

The B-side turns attention to three tracks from 138 member DJ Angeldu$t's 2020 solo cassette "Menace To Sobriety Vol. 1". The B1 gets straight to the point with "Fuck That Shit", a certified gravely electro killer with brazen drum overdrive and fluttering bleeps and vocal sampling that goes straight for the jugular. The B2 continues the bold ghetto disrespect with "Prescription Poolz (VIP Mix)". Expertly crafted pops and garbled vocals interplay with shuffling drum programming culminating in a crowd-pleasing rap refrain guaranteed to get feet moving. The B3 closes out the record with "Happiness Is A Cold Cup", another crunched-out electro smasher lean tribute assaulting the ears with nasty acid and snappy rhythmic syncopation to finalise another A-class collection from Haven.

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Tracklist
A1 Makornik - Funky Transfusion
A2 Buzzi - Blablazo
B1 MarcelDune - Distorted Perception
B2 Céilí - Intinn Do Cheann

Release Note
For their second release of 2021 Haven are proud to welcome four brand new talents to the label for the fourth edition of their "Sardonic Tonality" VA compilation series.

French production powerhouse and central Wrongnotes member Makornik launches the record at full-steam-ahead with his heavy roller "Funky Transfusion" on the A1. Perfectly tuned drum rhythms, tense risers and an addictive vocal loop propel this opener forward with precise production techniques guaranteed to give dancers itchy feet. This is followed by a quirky stomper from NYC-based party starter Buzzi, a founding member of Brooklyn's seminal Black Hole event series, with "Blablazo" on the A2. Driving Schranz kicks, an uplifting synth melody and squelchy alien percussion elements combine in another dance-floor number ripe for the return of nightlife over the coming year.

London-based Greek rising talent and Repitch signee MarcelDune picks up the tempo on the B1 with rave destruction in "Distorted Perception". Rolling basslines, relentless drum patterns, wailing synth design and crunchy vocals fuse together in another colourful smasher that demands moving feet. Finally upcoming Irish artist Ceili closes the record with his distinctive broken-beat bruiser "Intinn Do Cheann" following from his outing on Lobster Theremin last year. Peculiar, droning atmospheres, speedy drum programming, and a cheeky synth melody interplay to closer out another VA ready to light up international dance-floors.

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For their milestone 10th release on their main label series Haven is honoured to be working with celebrated Swedish experimentalist Peder Mannerfelt with a collection of energetic and diverse UK-influenced stompers.

The EP kicks off with "Enter Reoccurring Disparity" on the A1. Fierce synth bleeps, classic drum breaks and creative percussion interplay around the pounding kick in this hectic club banger. Following on the A2 "And That Happened" takes the record in to moody broken beat territory, utilising murky drones and experimental textures alongside wild, morphing drum work in a sludgy mutant roller.

The flip-side launches with "Stockholm Shuffle" on the B1 with grimy bass pulses, half-time snares, and ominous atmospheres in the ideal half-way point between dubstep and 4-4 techno. The EP closes with a driving remix from yung Haven main-stay Tommy Holohan. Rolling drum rhythms, vocal chants and nimble synth work propel the track towards its euphoric breakdown and square-bass melody in another impressive track from Ireland's finest up-and-comer.

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For the ninth release in their main label series Haven are proud to be inviting German production duo New Frames for their first full EP on the label, following on from the release of "Scatter" on Haven's first VA compilation - easily one of 2019's biggest tracks with support across the board.

The A1 launches the record with the apocalyptic "Eine Andere Welt" - a true peak-time smasher showcasing the duo's production capability, with epic rave synth work, pounding drums, and crunchy sound design already proving to move international dance floors. This is followed by "Stylized Fear" on the A2, utilising broken drum patters, perilous vocal chants and threatening atmospheres in a hectic roller. The flip is kicked off with "The End Of It All" on the B1 bringing things back to slamming 4-4 territory - where ominous and powerful synth design, stomping drum rhythms, and a DnB-inspired breakdown provide another soundtrack to club madness in the duo's discography. Finally the B2 closes the record with an enormous Perc remix of the A1 tune, finishing with another potent piece of dance floor fodder from Haven.

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A1 Taken Name ? Step Out
A2 Riesenfeld ? Skamlebaek Radiotarn
B1 Ryan James Ford ? Dollar Hits
B2 Julien Andreas ? Lethal Hardcore 3

Haven's fourth release in their white label series continues its focus on dance-floor-ready madness with the label's second VA compilation on "Sardonic Tonality Vol. 2", this time with four newcomers to the burgeoning imprint.

The A1 launches the release with "Step Out" from mysterious duo "Taken Name". With razor-sharp sound design, bass-heavy synth work, and sinister atmospheres this certified banger is already proving its ability to get bodies moving. Following on the A2 is a hazy smasher from Copenhagen resident and TRTLNCK co-founder Riesenfeld, featuring epic synth lines and emotive pads while being propelled forward by its rolling drum work in a perfect example of what draws people to the sound of the Danish capital.

The B-side begins with a true weirdo slammer from Ryan James Ford. With its pounding kick, drum breaks, ominous melody and peculiar atmospherics it provides the perfect ingredients for a hectic club weapon. The release closes with a creepy, drugged-out banger from US producer Julien Andreas. Malevolent vocals, pulsing bass, crunchy drums and bizzaro sound design combine in another dance-floor-ready trip to close another potent collection from Haven.

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Haven is kicking off 2020 with a boom with a new EP of politically pessimistic dance-floor-ready weapons from label boss Keepsakes. Following on from his exploration of chunky slow rippers on 2019's "Modern Anxious Vernacular", this next edition in the Haven mastermind's discography puts greater emphasis on rhythmic groove for the dancers among us.
The record starts with "And So The Feckless Fall" on the A1, featuring shuffling drum rhythms and ethereal vocal work, descending in to a menacing, swung synth-line for maximum club effect. This is followed by "Blue Boy Fucks It All" on the A2. Reminiscent of the slo-mo bangers of Keepsakes' last EP, this crawler of a track is initially propelled by its moody synth melody and booming drums, with a mid-track switch up putting melancholic pad chords front-and-centre. The flip side begins with "Ignorant Irony" - a certified floor smasher prioritizing groove with it's swinging drum rhythms, cheeky vocal samples and sinister synth sounds. The record ends with a remix of the B1 from UVB - who re-imagines the track in to a sneering, ominous slammer, with brutal yet groovy drum work and sampling closing the EP with another no-nonsense banger.

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For the seventh release on their main catalogue Keepsakes and Jaded Nineties Raver are once again working with Ireland's top up-and-comer in the world of ridiculous techno bangers, Tommy Holohan, for the second release in his "Skull Crushing Techniques" series. Following on from the success of his debut vinyl release on Haven last year, this release is just as banging, but represents a new turn in the young producer's sound with greater focus on hardcore euphoria.
The A1 begins the record with "Unedeuxtrois", where the skill of Tommy's rolling drum programming shines through alongside cheeky sampling of French TV and the bliss of his new-found melodic pad work. This is followed by "Fear What You Don't Understand" on the A2 - featuring the same impressive drum skills propelled forward by a true ear-worm vocal sample that will see this track gracing many a dance floor. The B-side kicks off with "Trancegression' and it's euphoric pads and tight rhythmic patterns in another perfect hardcore-inspired smasher. This is followed with a cheeky jungle number on the B2 with "Father" - containing hectic breaks, uplifting pads and piano stabs to make for the perfect recipe for a rowdy 160bpm banger. The EP ends with the ambient exploration of "Mega.D", with emotional and slowly evolving melodies creating the ideal wind-down to an EP filled with addictive dance floor fodder.
All tracks produced and mixed by Tommy Holohan
Mastered by Simon at The Exchange Vinyl

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After the success of their first white label series Haven returns with another special offering for all the Keepsakes followers out there. With 'Years Of Delirium Part 2" Haven is pressing the stand out tracks from Keepsakes' 2016 digital-only EPs with Dutch label Obscuur and France's T/W/B.
The A1 kicks off the EP with "Peel It Off". Featuring a gargantuan kick drum, rolling percussion, and a boisterous transforming synth line, this track originally gave a monstrous opening to 2016's "Huff Trax" EP. This is followed by "Why Oh Why Oh Why Oh Why" off the same release on the A2, defined by its gabber kick, wonky drum rhythms and breakdowns pushing a uplifting synth line and demented diva vocals in a bizarro techno banger.
The B-side then focuses in on the best of Keepsakes' 2016 release with T/W/B. The B1 begins this side with "Shame Stains", a tried-and-tested distorted smasher with a wild scratchy synth line and swung drum patterns guaranteed to keep bodies moving. Finally the record closes with "Downtown Fuckboy Feel My Wrath", a frenzied and energetic dance floor killer with crunchy drums and a chaotic yet catchy overdriven synth patch that should make fans of no-nonsense frenetic techno feel right at home.

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

For the 5th release on their main vinyl series NZ-founded and Berlin-based outfit Haven have enlisted the help of Poland's finest new voice in industrial-tinged techno. VTSS, as the resident of the infamous and daring Brutaz party and Jansa1 club in her hometown of Warsaw, quickly made her name across the continent through her raw and aggressive live shows, energetic DJ sets, and a sound cutting the line between techno, EBM, rave and industrial. Furthermore, in 2018 she participated in the Berlin edition of the seminal Red Bull Music Academy and released her debut EP on SPFDJ's Intrepid Skin, further entrenching her reputation as one of the most exciting artists arising in the genre.
VTSS kicks off the EP with a slamming EBM-techno mashup in "Up & Down" on the A1, combining heavy kicks, creepy synth-lines and the screaming, atmospheric vocals of collaborator Karolina Bartczak. This genre combination is followed in "I Don't Think It's Better" on the A2, using its rolling drums and ominous synth-funk to create a defiant dance-floor killer. The B1 starts the flip side with "Nicetry" - bringing together VTSS' trademark eerie synth ambiance with tight electro drum programming. Finally, "Ununtrium" closes with a stomping broken-beat, amen-break bruiser

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

For Haven's sixth release in their main series co-head Keepsakes returns to the label with his first EP of 2019 and a new, slower direction for his sound. Following on from a busy touring schedule in the previous year and well received EPs on Haven, "Modern Anxious Vernacular" takes a different approach to Keepsakes' crunchy and vigorous tones, opting to explore slower tempos while maintaining his signature character in an environment of ever increasing BPMs.
The A1 begins the EP with "Seep", throwing mind-shattering kicks, eerie vocal atmospheres and shuffling hi-hats at the listener before striking with a hectic staccato synth line at the halfway mark in a highly effective slow-mo banger. The BPMs decrease further still in the A2 on "State Of It", which utilises effective, stepping drum programming and left-field hypnotising synth work to create a more unusual and melodic ambiance. The B-side kicks off with "Hovel Of Scum", delivering a dynamic percussion loop and crushing kick drum before introducing creepy synth lines and sampling work to reintroduce a ghostly mood. Finally, the EP is closed with "Selfies Are For The Weak", a slowed-down rolling broken-beat workout based around an ear-worm vocal sample and delay-heavy percussion, ending this new sonic expedition in Keepsakes' musical world.

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