Tracklisting
A1 Toru Ikemuto - Don't Play 171
A2 Toru Ikemuto - Don't Play 162
B1 Toru Ikemuto - Don't Play 170
B2 Toru Ikemuto - Don't Play 170 (Lindsey Herbert remix)

Sales Note
Conundrum Records proudly presents The Primitive Loops, a three-track EP from acclaimed Japanese techno producer Toru Ikemoto. Known for his uncompromising approach, Ikemoto delivers a set of stripped-down, functional tracks that dive deep into the darker, hypnotic side of techno. With throbbing low-end, urgent rhythms, and gritty textures, each track on this release embodies the signature Conundrum aesthetic.

Rounding out the EP, Southern California's own Lindsey Herbert reinterprets Don't Play 170 with her signature touch, layering vocals over a relentless beat that adds a fresh intensity to Ikemoto's original.

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

Tracklisting
A1 Hitam - Nagini
A2 Hitam - Hoia Baciu
B1 Hitam - Kaelago
B2 Hitam - Kaelago (Rene Wise remix)

Sales Note
Conundrum Records delves into the depths of techno with a riveting release from Hitam, the Dutch producer who's renowned for his immersive soundscapes, stimulating textures and dynamic low-end. The "Subterranean EP" is a compelling journey through shadowy, bass-driven terrain, meticulously designed for powerful club systems. Despite the variety in tempo, the EP's relentless energy and thunderous low-end form a cohesive thread throughout.

The EP kicks off with "Nagini", where minimalist, driving drum patterns intertwine with glitchy synths and eerie atmospheres, setting the stage for what's to come.
"Hoia Baciu" intensifies the experience, maintaining a dark, brooding energy that envelops the listener in its foreboding vibe. "Kaelago" shifts gears slightly, slowing the tempo but upping the complexity with intricate sound design and broken beat transitions that showcase Hitam's deft production skills.

Adding to the EP's allure, renowned techno artist Rene Wise contributes a hypnotic, tribal-infused remix of "Kaelago," layering new depths onto the original and enhancing its already potent impact. For those seeking an even more intense experience, Hitam's alternative version of "Kaelago" serves as a digital bonus, pushing the boundaries of auditory immersion.

"Subterranean" is a masterclass in crafting dark, cerebral techno, with Hitam firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. This EP is not just a collection of tracks but an exploration of mood and atmosphere, making it an essential listen for those who appreciate techno's deeper, more introspective side.

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

Tracklisting:
A1 Stephen Disario - Filling The Void
A2 Stephen Disario - When They Fall
B1 Stephen Disario - Sixth Sense (Ketch remix)
B2 Stephen Disario - Sixth Sense

Sales Note
Conundrum Records is back for its third installment, presenting the sophmore release from label head Stephen Disario. The "When They Fall EP" showcases three original tracks alongside an exceptional remix by SYXT/Glukkon Records boss, Ketch. A long-standing and respected figure within the lively Los Angeles music scene, Stephen's signature stripped-back and pulsating sound takes center stage right from the outset. This EP further solidifies the burgeoning label's reputation as a distinguished hub for top-tier techno.

Starting things off is "Filling The Void", a moody and otherworldly track with a rolling groove and sharp percussion. The echoing, almost chant-like pads wrap you in a mysterious atmosphere, creating a sense of curiosity and anticipation.

The title track, "When They Fall", takes a more lively direction, driven by rhythmic percussion and spacey blips, along with a swelling bassline that adds extra depth and movement.

The B side of the EP features Ketch's remix of "Sixth Sense", where urgent percussive elements blend over a steady low-end foundation, guided by a strong kick drum that pushes the track forward with unwavering determination.

Bringing the release to a powerful conclusion is the original track "Sixth Sense", in which Stephen increases the energy, skillfully using ride cymbals and on-beat claps to highlight moments of high intensity. All of this is done while working within a more limited range of sounds, showcasing his ability to create captivating sonic stories within a controlled framework.

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

Tracklisting:
A1 Stephen Disario - Under The Rug
A2 Stephen Disario - Walking Through Trees
B1 Stephen Disario - The Marathon
B2 Stephen Disario - Lights Down Under

Sales Note
Stephen Disario delivers four-tracks as the debut release on his newly-launched imprint, and in so doing sets the tone for the output we can expect in years to come: driving basslines and infectious percussion crafted with meticulous perfection.

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

Tracklisting:
A1 Jack Fresia - Night Ride
A2 Jack Fresia - Wrong Turn
B1 Jack Fresia - Sintesia
B2 Jack Fresia - Sintesia (Jay York remix)

Sales Note
Italian techno artist Jack Fresia churns out three original tracks to form Conundrum Records' second outing, titled Night Ride EP.

Founded and curated by LA-based producer and DJ Stephen Disario, Conundrum Records is a label focusing on the groovier and deeper ends of the techno spectrum. The imprint debuted in March of 2023 with Stephen's very own Lights Down Under EP and continues on its mission with this brilliantly curated second release, which also comes complete with a Jay York remix.

The EP starts off with title track "Night Ride" a groovy piece that features hypnotic elements over an infectious bassline and percussive elements.

"Wrong Turn" is a slightly funkier affair, at first continuing in the same vein as "Night Ride" before taking you on unexpected twists characterized by darker elements and stripped-down percussions. This one is ideal for the later segments of a long dance floor night as it provides some breathing room and respite in between the otherwise dance floor-focused foundations of the track.

The third original track, "Sintesia" picks up the pace by speeding things a notch with an ever-so-slight crescendo, before bringing you back into the depth of its captivating peak-time journey.

Closing out the release is the brilliant Jay York remix of "Sintesia" Here, the young up-and-coming American producer increases the BPMs, transforming the original into a fast-groove tool, while maintaining its discerning underground elements.

Jack Fresia's Night Ride EP is out on Conundrum Records on June 30th and will be available on the label's Bandcamp.

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