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XTAL & Keita Sano - Broken
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XTAL & Keita Sano - Let Us Have Nice Days, The Sun
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XTAL & Keita Sano - Time Passing
Keita Sano joins forces with fellow Japanese producer XTAL and makes a welcome return to Delusions following last years amazing Love Is Emotion EP.
Those familiar with Keita’s production will know that his sound is a unique blend of raw, crunchy disco beats, touches of acid and a left-field sensibility which creates an intense and captivating atmosphere on the dance floor. A vibe that has seen his tracks become secret weapons for DJ’s as diverse as Ivan Smagghe, Pablo Fierro, DJ Nature, Frank Tope and Hot Toddy.
Kicking off the EP we have a track called Broken, a high energy and uplifting slice of loopy filter disco which hits all the right notes. Things roll along perfectly, building to a crescendo as a full on string break cuts loose, everything dropping away before slamming in with timbale fills joining the party.
Let Us Have Nice Days, The Sun is up next and makes great use of a classic Italo bassline to drive the track along whilst dub delay FX and side chained pads keep the energy bubbling. Bending bass synth notes bring an extra bit of drama without upsetting the flow and rolling 16th note intensity from the bassline. Feel the love!
Closing the release, we have Time Passing which slows the BPM slightly for a chugging slice of string-drenched gorgeousness. Drop this at sunset and watch as this melancholic gem creates a little bit of magic on the dance floor. More
Those familiar with Keita’s production will know that his sound is a unique blend of raw, crunchy disco beats, touches of acid and a left-field sensibility which creates an intense and captivating atmosphere on the dance floor. A vibe that has seen his tracks become secret weapons for DJ’s as diverse as Ivan Smagghe, Pablo Fierro, DJ Nature, Frank Tope and Hot Toddy.
Kicking off the EP we have a track called Broken, a high energy and uplifting slice of loopy filter disco which hits all the right notes. Things roll along perfectly, building to a crescendo as a full on string break cuts loose, everything dropping away before slamming in with timbale fills joining the party.
Let Us Have Nice Days, The Sun is up next and makes great use of a classic Italo bassline to drive the track along whilst dub delay FX and side chained pads keep the energy bubbling. Bending bass synth notes bring an extra bit of drama without upsetting the flow and rolling 16th note intensity from the bassline. Feel the love!
Closing the release, we have Time Passing which slows the BPM slightly for a chugging slice of string-drenched gorgeousness. Drop this at sunset and watch as this melancholic gem creates a little bit of magic on the dance floor. More
More records from Delusions Of Grandeur
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6th Borough Project - One Way
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6th Borough Project - Spare Change
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6th Borough Project - Backlash
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6th Borough Project - The Other
It’s been exactly a year since the 6th Borough boys emerged from their hiatus to bring us the Rhythm & Truth EP. This killer three tracker picked up where they left off and showed us that fans of deep, dusty, dubbed-out disco were as hungry as ever for new 6BP material and went on to garner praise from the likes of Jamie 3:26, Luke Solomun, Dam Swindle, Young Pulse and the Faith crew to name a few. Here on their follow up we’re treated to more of the good stuff and sees Craig Smith and Graeme ‘Revenge’ Clark whipping up four new cuts spanning speaker- wobbling sub-aquatic grooves and stripped back deep house. One Way sets the tone with a subtle yet infectious percussive workout which is one of those mood setting tools which looks set to become a lot of DJ’s secret weapons this summer. Filtering strings and tweaked synths add that classic Chicago energy which won’t fail to get you locked into it’s groove. Spare Change treads a similar path but goes heavier on the echoing synth stabs and deep string pads proving that when the rhythm is rolling this nicely just let it roll. Flip over for Backlash which takes us deeper still with lush chords and driving square wave bassline taking centre stage supported by an unrelent ing kick drum which helps to keep an intensity throughout the arrangement. Closing out the EP we have The Other, which sees 6BP dropping the BPM’s to create a low-slung slice of deep, underground house perfection.
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Session Victim - Screen Off ft. Ras Stimulant
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Session Victim - Screen Off ft. Ras Stimulant (Acapella)
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Session Victim - Light The Way
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Session Victim - Light The Way (Iron Curtis Illuminati Mix)
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Session Victim - Light The Way (Iron Curtis Reprise)
Session Victim need little by way of introduction having been releasing on Delusions consistently for the last 10 years and becoming the undisputed poster boys for the label in the process. Despite their regular appearance however, it’s always a real treat to announce a new record from the German duo and we have to say, the Screen Off EP may well find them in their finest form to date! Coming hot off their latest downtempo LP entitled Low Key, Low Pressure for Night Time Stories, you can tell Hauke and Matthias were ready to take things back to the dance-floor and have delivered an EP which looks set to become a future classic and no doubt big in the box of discerning DJ’s the world over. Screen Off is really it’s own thing, living somewhere on the long and winding road between the Bar Kays and the Bad Brains, suffice to say that what it lacks in easily definable attributes it makes up for in sheer energy and raw attitude. Hauke and Matthias re-invite Jamaican poet and vocalist Ras Stimulant, who contemplates our screen addictions and urges us to disconnect and be present in the moment. Matthias’ rolling bassline provides the backbone, whilst hints of crunchy Moog and chopped guitar samples all bring a sense of urgency to the track. Light The Way acts as an antidote, bringing a sense of calm melancholia in contrast to the title track’s low-end, funked-up fervour. A soft focus and almost distant drum groove draws us in whilst arpeggiating synths add a sense of optimism, reinforcing the tracks title. Closing out the release we have Session Victim’s studio partner, good friend and all-round top producer Iron Curtis in for a remix of Light The Way. Johannes takes an interesting approach for his Illuminati interpretation, enhancing the breakbeat feel and mixing up chopped samples with classic 808 drums. A muscular bassline adds extra weight to his remix but without losing the subtle musicality and positive vibe of the original. Being the vinyl purists they are, Session Victim and Iron Curtis top up the physical 12“ EP with the exclusive Screen Off Acapella and an additional Iron Curtis Remix Reprise.
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Franc Spangler & Hudson's Choice - AcidMan
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Franc Spangler & Hudson's Choice - Heavily Percussed
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Franc Spangler & Hudson's Choice - Myatts Field
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Franc Spangler & Hudson's Choice - Roots
Jimpster dons his Franc Spangler cap and joins forces with up and coming London-based producer and DJ Hudson’s Choice for a four track EP entitled Myatts Field. Touching on trippy slo-mo electronic grooves, tropical moods and percussive house jams it brings a more experimental and left field sound to Delusions Of Grandeur which we’re sure you’re going to love!
Opening track AcidMan sets the tone of the EP with a bubbling 303 line taking centre stage while pitched down vocals add a hint of menace, heightening the psychedelic mood. Dubby FX and analogue synth lines drift in and out of focus and give a live jam feel to the arrangement reminding us of something that might grace the decks of A Love From Outer Space. Heavily Percussed continues offering up a crazy percussion tool loaded with wonky cross rhythms, glitchy found sounds and a hypnotic synth sequence for good measure.
Flip over for Myatts Field, another slower tempo mutant discoid house groove which takes us on a deep trip into the jungle. Echoing sax and hazy vocals transport us to another world where Weather Report experimented with rolling four on the floor grooves and spacious dub.
Closing out the EP Roots picks up the pace with another percussion-heavy slice of tropical sounds which doffs a cap to masters such as Gregory and Osunlade. Steel pan melodic lines intersperse with chiming synth sequences making for an unusual yet hooky club track which will lock the dancers into its incessant groove. More
Opening track AcidMan sets the tone of the EP with a bubbling 303 line taking centre stage while pitched down vocals add a hint of menace, heightening the psychedelic mood. Dubby FX and analogue synth lines drift in and out of focus and give a live jam feel to the arrangement reminding us of something that might grace the decks of A Love From Outer Space. Heavily Percussed continues offering up a crazy percussion tool loaded with wonky cross rhythms, glitchy found sounds and a hypnotic synth sequence for good measure.
Flip over for Myatts Field, another slower tempo mutant discoid house groove which takes us on a deep trip into the jungle. Echoing sax and hazy vocals transport us to another world where Weather Report experimented with rolling four on the floor grooves and spacious dub.
Closing out the EP Roots picks up the pace with another percussion-heavy slice of tropical sounds which doffs a cap to masters such as Gregory and Osunlade. Steel pan melodic lines intersperse with chiming synth sequences making for an unusual yet hooky club track which will lock the dancers into its incessant groove. More
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Alma Negra - Madrugada
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Alma Negra - Funky Fever
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Alma Negra - Madrugada (Yuksek Remix)
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Alma Negra - Madrugada (Dub)
Dersu and Diego Figueura are Basel-based brothers also known as Alma Negra and have been responsible for some seriously fresh and funky, afro-inspired dance music since their inception a decade ago. With releases on Heist, Lumberjacks In Hell, Basic Fingers and their own Alma Negra imprint, the duo wear their Cape Verdean roots proudly on their sleeves ensuring a warm, tropical sound emanates through their productions. For their Delusions debut Alma Negra have delivered a compelling and well-rounded EP which shows off their skills across two original tracks, a dub version and a brilliant remix from Yuksek.
Title track Madrugada takes us directly to the afterparty. More specifically, the kitchen of the house party where the action invariably continues to the early hours. Live horns, guitar, percussion and bass all bring a big sound and real band groove to the production making for a feel good modern-day boogie tune guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Next up we have the aptly named Funky Fever which treads a similar path with big horn parts rubbing up alongside Moog synth lines and punctuated with 80’s tom fills and a rock solid rhythm guitar riff. The real star of the show is the vocal which is unashamedly raw and unpolished giving an authentic and endearing hook to the track.
French producer Yuksek is someone whose productions we’ve been loving for some time and really happy to finally have him onboard for a remix for what we feel is the perfect project for him. Like Alma Negra, Yuksek is another talent who is difficult to pigeonhole and enjoys mashing up genres and incorporating many outernational influences into his sound. On his remix of Madrugada he keeps many of the live parts intact but generally ‘houses’ up the drums and mix which increases the energy without losing the overall vibe of the original.
Closing out the EP we have Alma Negra’s own Dub Mix of Madrugaga which goes for a classic dub approach; pairing back the parts, muting the vocals and creating space for the groove to shine, all making for a perfect track to warm up the dance floor early doors. More
Title track Madrugada takes us directly to the afterparty. More specifically, the kitchen of the house party where the action invariably continues to the early hours. Live horns, guitar, percussion and bass all bring a big sound and real band groove to the production making for a feel good modern-day boogie tune guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Next up we have the aptly named Funky Fever which treads a similar path with big horn parts rubbing up alongside Moog synth lines and punctuated with 80’s tom fills and a rock solid rhythm guitar riff. The real star of the show is the vocal which is unashamedly raw and unpolished giving an authentic and endearing hook to the track.
French producer Yuksek is someone whose productions we’ve been loving for some time and really happy to finally have him onboard for a remix for what we feel is the perfect project for him. Like Alma Negra, Yuksek is another talent who is difficult to pigeonhole and enjoys mashing up genres and incorporating many outernational influences into his sound. On his remix of Madrugada he keeps many of the live parts intact but generally ‘houses’ up the drums and mix which increases the energy without losing the overall vibe of the original.
Closing out the EP we have Alma Negra’s own Dub Mix of Madrugaga which goes for a classic dub approach; pairing back the parts, muting the vocals and creating space for the groove to shine, all making for a perfect track to warm up the dance floor early doors. More
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Lex - Without You
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Lex - Strip Town
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Lex - Purity (ft. Guto Fernandez)
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Lex - No Time For Formalities
Lex makes a welcome return to Delusions Of Grandeur with a brilliant follow up to last years 7 Day Path EP. The Athenian producer, DJ and former record shop owner has been honing his unique sound for the last 7 or 8 years resulting in releases for labels such as Leng, Samosa, King Street, Black Riot and B2. His densely layered textures incorporating lots of live elements and expansive Ron Trent inspired arrangements bring a warm, musical flavour to his productions but without ever losing sight of the dance floor. Without You sets the tone with touches of acid melting into sun-drenched strings and Rhodes making for an atmospheric tune tailor-made for daytime beach sets and late night dancing under the stars. Both hypnotic and trippy in equal measures, this is the kind of versatile track that will make a big impression and put you under its summery spell. Next up we have Strip Town which features some brilliant live bass bringing a jazz-funk swagger whilst the tasty synth chords ensure maximum deepness. Flipping over we have a percussive roller going by the name Purity which features the spoken word of Guto Fernandez and sees Lex joining up with regular collaborator Locke. Closing out this special EP Dennis Liber joins the party injecting pure energy with the help of a serotonin-boosting classic piano house riff and old school house beats
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This June Session Victim return to Jimpster's ' Delusions Of Grandeur' imprint with a third studio album. 'Listen To Your Heart' is the result of a year of cross-continental scripting, started in their Hamburg studio and wrapped up stateside in San Francisco's Room G Studios where the duo had worked on their 2014 LP 'See you When You Get There'. Sampling still remains an ever present backbone throughout the album. Session Victim have dug deep for sounds, resulting in a richly detailed and organic sound collage that goes hand-in-hand with their live instrumentation, this time enhanced through several guest musician appearances, most notably Carsten "Erobique" Meyer (ex-International Pony). Smooth guitar samples are built up on 'Over and Over' while on 'Moons & Flowers' the live instrumentals that Session Victim do so well come to the fore. The treasure trove of San Francisco's record shops proved to be a hard bait to resist and the pair spent a large part of their Californian time hunting for records to sample. Three new tracks emerged from these digging sessions, with the sweeping disco string arrangements on 'Shadows' standing out as a prime ode to days spent combing through bargain bins. Listen To Your Heart is equally a product of the road. While heavy touring is often cited as a hindrance to the creativity of artists, Session Victim see their live shows as a catalyst to their creativity. Two US tours in 2016 gave the Hamburg duo the opportunity to take track sketches and fragments on the road to incorporate into their live shows and then digest them back in the studio. The playful funk soaked groove of 'Matching Half' captures the sense of movement present throughout Listen To Your Heart and the LP mix of 'Up To Rise', which caused heavy ripples when it dropped as part of 2016's Matching Half EP is an extension of the upbeat and euphoric groove that permeates the album.
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Mark E - Enchantment Under The Sea
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Mark E - Zone Tonight
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Mark E - Vertigo
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Mark E - Bodymap
Underground house and disco maestro Mark E makes a welcome return to Delusions following hot on the heels of last years Leaning Into The Light EP. The revered producer has been steadily doing his thing for almost two decades now, racking up releases on Running Back, Golf Channel and Spectral Sound to name just a few. His sound is a unique, sublime vision of US deep house which transcends the dance floor and he proves his salt once again on the four new tracks that make up this stunning EP. Title track Enchantment Under The Sea sets the mood with a minimal, low slung drum machine groove laying the foundation for layers of Rhodes and synth chords conjuring up images of a sub-aquatic vision of depth and beauty. Up next we have Zone Tonight, the epitome of a late night city scape driving track utilising heavily saturated drums, subtle acid line, distant piano melody and moody Detroit pads to draw you into its deep confines. Flipping over we have Vertigo which treads a similar sonic path as Mark effortlessly fuses rich harmonies and entrancing melodies, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its depths. Closing out this blissful journey we have Bodymap which drops the BPM a little more with simple understated drums, melancholic string line and pulsating bassline. The Zone Tonight EP is a testament to Mark E's unparalleled prowess in crafting immersive, uncompromising and emotive soundscapes for your aural pleasure. He also created the original artwork for this release.
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KEITA SANO - Runner
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KEITA SANO - Violet
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KEITA SANO - I'm A Man
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KEITA SANO - Love Is Emotion
Keita Sano is a prolific Japanese producer who has released on revered labels such as Mister Saturday Night, Lets Play House, Morris Audio and 1080P. His fusion of dark, distorted, acidic textures and crunchy disco beats gives his produc tions a unique sound which works perfectly for Delusions Of Grandeur and the label is proud to welcome him for his debut DOG EP entitled Love Is Emotion. The title track comes on like a proverbial runaway train with heavy, pounding beats and bassline forging things ahead while the most twisted, tripped out FX rise and fall creating an absolute juggernaut of a track which takes no prisoners. A decept ively simple DJ tool which is loaded with drama for maximum impact on the more left of centre dance floors. Up next we have Violet which takes a low-slung deep house approach but with the grit and dirt that Keita always brings to the party. The first half of the track teases with tension-building chords and syncopated bassline which bounces around a massive four on the floor kick drum. Things fall away in the middle of the track to reveal a beautiful, heartwarming piano part, setting the scene before things get truly epic with orchestral strings bringing a touch of the film noir to proceedings. I’m A Man picks up the pace again for an intense acid work out which pushes the sonic boundaries to the limits with seriously warped FX creating mayhem around a simple, percussive disco groove. As secret weapon DJ tools go, this is right up there. Closing out this mind-bending release Keita remains in experimental mode on Love Is Emotion offsetting melodic arpeggios and sweet chords with off-kilter sonic madness ensuring things remain dark, dirty and deep.
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Franc Spangler - Fight The Feeling
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Franc Spangler - Powerslide
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Franc Spangler - Dance The Funk
Jimpster makes a welcome return to Delusions, donning his Franc Spangler cap and serving up three funked-up, disco-infused tracks to get down to. Opening up the release we have party starter Fight The Feeling which sees Spangler work up a rolling groove laced with dubby percussion, horn solos and souring lead synth. Powerslide goes full retro with clav and guitar chops, hammond slides and an irresistible bassline bringing the funk, making for a high energy club cut to nice up the dance floor. Closing out the release we have the deeper, lo-slung bounce of Dance The Funk which comes complete with Prelude-inspired synth stabs, heavy Moog bassline and crunchy house drums.
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6th Borough Project - Rhythm
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6th Borough Project - Truth
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6th Borough Project - Keep On
The boys from the ‘Borough are back! It’s been almost ten years since 6BP were last on Delusions Of Grandeur so we’re stoked to welcome them back with a killer 3 track EP which sees them on fine form and with their classic sound mixing up crunchy disco drums, warm analogue synths and punchy bass lines to make you move. Opening track Rhythm sets the pace with a loopy, uptempo filter house track which takes you straight to the dance floor. Reminding us of that classic DJ Q sound of the late 90’s the fellow Scotsmen let things roll, the one bar re peating bass sample hooking you in whilst dubbed out FX add a trippy touch. Next up things go nice and deep on Truth with a repeating piano sample tak ing centre stage whilst trademark 6BP vocals filter in and out of the mix. Later on we’re treated to some classic Philly strings which lift the track, adding a euphoric element to this pensive yet uplifting little groover. Rounding off the EP things go deeper still on Keep On, a subtle, mid tempo house chugger which will set the tone perfectly in any warm up set worth its salt whilst maintaining that distinctive warm and musical 6th Borough flavour we know and love.
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Session Victim - Motivation (With Ras Stimulant)
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Session Victim - Dromedary Twist
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Session Victim - Green Run
Time to welcome Session Victim back to Delusions Of Grandeur following some heavyweight releases on Toytonics and Rhythm Section International. The German duo show absolutely no signs of slowing down continuing to impress with their unique sound which combines organic live elements, fat, floor-filling beats and a deep, musical approach. Here on The Intangibles EP we’re treated to three original tracks spanning high energy jazz disco meets techno, soulful uplifting house and downtempo blunted beats. Opener Motivation features spoken word from Ras Stimulant backed by urgent looping Rhodes stabs and an uptempo disco groove. An instant Session Victim dance-floor shaker if ever there was one, the energy cranked up to the maximum without losing sight of that all important groove. Next up we have Dromedary Twist which keeps up the pace but goes deeper on the jazzy organ chords and lays down a heavy syncopated bass- line which ensures the funk factor remains present and correct. Rounding out the EP in fine style, Green Run drops the BPM’s as we head into lazy, hazy, blissed-out jazzed-up beats territory. Lush strings and layers of analogue synths come together on this simple yet enchanting little tune which compliments the other tracks perfectly and will appeal to fans of SV’s more home-listening output from their 2020 LP Needledrop.
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Mark E - Swimming Through A Diamond
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Mark E - Compact Object
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Mark E - Heartaches
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Mark E - Leaning Into The Light
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Mark E - Mirrored Cube
We’ve been loving underground UK house hero Mark E for time so it’s a great pleasure to welcome him to Delusions Of Grandeur for his debut release for the label. With killer edits and sublime releases on esteemed labels such as Running Back, Golf Channel, Ghostly/Spectral and his own MERC, Mark E has crafted a distinct and original sound that is uniquely blue collar and utilitarian classic, deep house, with a tinge of disco warmth. The Leaning Into The Light EP has more an LP feel and is definitely one for the heads, taking us on a deep trip across five stunning and expansive productions which will leave you well and truly spellbound. From the opener Swimming Through A Diamond with its raw and minimal groove, glacial FM electric Piano and naive synth melodies you know you’re in for a real deep treat with what’s to come. Compact Object treads a similarly subtle yet captivating path with a stripped back groove and entrancing synth pads and stabs which intertwine and bounce off of each other like light refracting through a prism. Heartaches loops up a live electric bassline and jazzy piano chords to brilliant effect, creating a blissed out mood and feeling of being suspended in the air, at once muted, otherworldly and contemplative. The title track follows taking us deeper still with majestic chords and a tone palette which calls to mind Larry Heard and the inimitable sounds of Black Dog, B12 and the golden era of ambient techno and IDM. Closing out this incredible collection of tracks we have Mirrored Cube, another example of Mark E’s mastery of his craft, everything sitting perfectly in its own space and perfect pace rewarding you with its simple beauty. Mark E also created the original artwork for this release.
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Medlar - Interruptor
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Medlar - I Wish (feat. Kim Anh)
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Medlar - Cable Street
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Medlar - Turn Things Around
We’re stoked to welcome back Medlar to Delusions for his third EP on the label and you’re in for a proper treat! One of the unsung heroes of UK underground house music, Medlar has released on Wolf Music, Wah Wah 45’s and West Friends. His remixes and edits for the likes of West End, Kon, Dele Sosimi, Glenn Astro, Disclosure and Billy Cobham always hit the spot with an authentic, raw and crunchy sound that work magic on the dance floor. Here on his Interruptor EP we have 4 tracks which show off his range as a producer, taking in percussive tools, deep and dusty basement jams and blissful late night atmospherics. Lead track Interruptor is deceptively simple but devastating on a big system. Chopped up percussion, speaker wobbling bass and a heavy kick lay the foundation for crazy timbales and filtering syn-toms, all topped off with a familiar sample from back in the rave days. Next up we have I Wish which features Kim Anh who delivers a brilliant vocal complimenting the low-slung disco drums, 808 percussion and fat bassline perfectly. This is our idea of what a modern day house hit should sound like. Raw and unpolished with a loose, un-quantized groove so you can feel the funk and a dynamic arrangement which keeps the energy high throughout. Flipping over we have Cable Street which cranks things up with a techy house jam perfect for more peaks time sets. Once again, Medlar knows ex- actly how to make more with less and keeps the shuffling drums stripped back and simple stabs and modulating FX front and centre for maximum im- pact. Finally, Turn Things Around brings a more 90’s deep NYC feel to the EP with floating pads, bouncing bassline, piano stabs and organ riff. Subtley epic and grandiose without being showy, this is a slow-burner that could just be one of those B2 tracks which become your favourite of the release.
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Soul of Hex - Mystic (feat. More Lotion)
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Soul of Hex - Love Is In Control (feat. Steve Lucas)
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Soul of Hex - Heliocentrico
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Soul of Hex - Sphynx (feat. Temporal Wangan)
Brothers Gerardo and Emanuel Cedillo aka Soul Of Hex are making serious waves right now. Born and raised in Mexico’s infamous border city Tijuana the duo have been immersed in the underground house and techno scene DJing, promoting events, performing live sets on their trusty Elektron hard- ware and releasing underground floor fillers for labels such as Quintessen- tials, Secret Crunch, CVMR and Dirt Crew as well as running their own Vicario imprint. Most recently, they have not only established a new venue Marko Disco in TJ, but also a new moniker Mano De Fuego and release dropping in April on Underground Resistance no less! Here on the Mystic EP we find a little bit of that UR electro inspiration rubbing up against classic late 80’s US vocal house, crunchy disco grooves and driving Italo. Love Is In Control features the vocals of Steve Lucas of Fusion Groove Orchestra/If Only I Could fame and elsewhere we have vocal features from More Lotion and Temporal Wangan. In theory, this could be a miss mash of pastiche ideas but in the hands of Soul Of Hex the authenticity shines through and we’re presented with a brilliant 4 track EP which will appeal to electronic music fans and DJ’s across the board. SOH delivering the good stuff once again!
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Lex & Locke - 7 Day Path
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Lex & Locke - 7 Day Path (DJ Rocca Remix)
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Lex & Locke - I See No Ball (feat. Locomotives)
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Lex & Locke - Catch Up With The Sun
Lex first grabbed our attention following his brilliant release on B2 Recordings which became a staple vibe setter in Jimpster’s DJ sets and Sofa Sessions streams in 2021. Gaining his deep musical knowledge through his own revered record store Radical Soundz, the Greek DJ and producer has been immersed in dance music for over 20 years and considered one of the key figures in the Athens underground house scene. With releases and remixes on labels such as Leng, Samosa, King Street and Black Riot, Lex is making waves internationally with a unique sound that fuses live elements and expansive arrangements taking influence from masters such as Ron Trent but adding a warm, cosmic glow. Fellow Greek artist Locke joins pro- ceedings for this EP bringing his own psychedelic sound garnered from his years playing crazy events taking in South American jungle parties, burning hot African desert raves, the underground clubs of Berlin to the sparkling coastal shores of Baja California. Locke is more than just a DJ. He is a connector, educator and traveler whose soulful music has the crowds chasing the sun as he brings love and celebra- tion to the events he plays. On title track 7 Day Path we’re treated to a beautiful spacious jam which unfolds across 7 minutes, driving, live percussion keeping the energy high whilst Herbie- esque synth leads help to create a beautifully paced and dynamic arrangement. Next up we have Italian legend DJ Rocca onboard for a remix of 7 Day Path. The prolific producer and DJ has been a tour de force since the late 90’s collaborating with the likes of Howie B, Dimitri From Paris, Chris Coco, Daniele Baldelli and Jazzanova producing singles, remixes and albums for labels such as Sonar Kollekt- iv, Compost, Classic, Rekids, Futureboogie, !K7, Tirk, International Feel, Defected, Rotters Golf Club and Faze Action Recordings. Here he adds his trademark dubby disco wiggle pushing the original in a jazzy direction with live flute. Definitely one to be heard under the stars on a Croatian beach for maximum Adriatica effect! Flipping over, things head deeper and darker with See No Ball featuring Locomot- ives, a more straight-up heads-down stripped back club jam with a repeated vocal, funky guitar chops and a smattering of improvised synth and Hammond B3 keeping things jazzy and musical. Closing out this brilliant EP we have Catch Up With The Sun which drops the BPM’s for a low-slung cosmic jam loaded with good vibes.
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Session Victim - Two Crowns
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Session Victim - Guidance
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Session Victim - Village Youth
Session Victim have become something of a phenomenon since their inception a little over 12 years ago. They bring a sense of fun and unrivalled energy to their live shows and DJ sets which instantly connects with any crowd in front of them and their charming disregard for musical boundaries ensures that you never know quite what to expect or where they’re heading next. When not feeding their addiction to pinball machines, the duo of Hauke Freer and Matthias Reiling are constantly creating, keeping things fresh by forming labels such as Retreat run by Hauke and Quarion, Pen & Paper run by the duo themselves and Hauke’s new baby Save The Books. Last year’s Needledrop LP for Night Time Stories saw them step away from the dance floor and head into deep, downtempo mode to great effect, and now we’re proud to welcome Session Victim back to Delusions Of Grandeur for the release of Two Crowns which sees them edging back towards clubbier sounds, albeit with their trademark live instrumentation and highly musical approach. The EP gives us three original tracks which move smoothly from the low-slung funky wobble of the title track with it’s stabbing analogue synths and house not house live drum groove, through to the lush, expansive sounds of Village Youth. Once again, Session Victim have created a collection of tracks which give us a sense of nostalgia for early 90’s Fila Brazilia/Solid Doctor records on the influential Porky label. A world where trippy spoken word samples, cut up breakbeats, deep pads and sine wave basslines live in perfect harmony and a sense of optimism flows through every note. Let’s face it, we can all do with some of that right now!
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Westcoast Goddess - Step Inline (The Narcotic Soul)
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Westcoast Goddess - The Devil In Mr Holmes (The Erotic Soul
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Westcoast Goddess - I Might Be Ok (The Faithful Soul)
Westcoast Goddess first came to our attention at the end of 2018 following his debut release on Canadian label Heart To Heart, but his productions actually date right back to ’93 (under various different guises) when he first began making music with his trusty Roland DR550 and Kawai K1. With a fresh and distinctive sound, WG successfully fused soulful touches and late 80’s-era digital synths with raw, punchy grooves and a euphoric, ravey atmosphere. Since then, the Berlin-based producer has built a solid following amongst underground house heads with subsequent releases dropping on esteemed labels such as Omena, Slam City Jams and Let’s Play House. Opening up the EP we have Step Inline (The Narcotic Soul), which is a piano driven, uplifting slice of house heaven. A simple repeating 2 bar chord pattern lays down the foundation for soaring strings, cascading chimes and seductive echoing vocal hook. Next up we have The Devil In Mr Holmes (The Erotic Soul) which once again goes heavy on the piano stabs but this time developing the arrangement into something that feels more like an instrumental dub of a long lost Prelude release. Crystalline synth lines come and go, whilst electronic tom hits add pace and energy to the unrelenting house groove. Flipping over we have the epic I Might Be Ok (The Faithful Soul) coming in at over 9 minutes and being all the better for it. A dirty Moog bassline leads the charge with beautiful synth lines layering up on top, creating a blissed-out vibe which can’t fail to lift your spirits. TRACK LISTING: A1. Step Inline (The Narcotic Soul), A2. The Devil In Mr Holmes (The Erotic Soul), B. I Might Be Ok (The Faithful Soul)
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1
Andy Ash - Bottleneck
2
Andy Ash - Hump
3
Andy Ash - Actual Price
Andy Ash has been quietly sneaking out seriously good analogue-driven electronic music on some of the best underground labels for over a decade. The Liverpool-based producer, DJ and visual artist (the artwork for this re- lease is Andy’s own oil on canvas) has graced the likes of Chicago’s Stilove4music, NYC’s On The Prowl, Sydney’s People Must Jam and has remixed Fantastic Man for Detroit label Kolour LTD amongst many others. The bottom line is that he’s definitely one of the UK’s unsung heroes when it comes to deep, raw, Chicago and Detroit-influenced house music and we’re proud to welcome him to Delusions Of Grandeur with an amazing three tracker entitled the Bottleneck EP. The title track opens with snappy hats, flappy congas and sloppy baseline all sitting perfectly in the mix and with a looseness that is much harder to achieve that it may seem. A simple synth melody doubles up the bassline while an extra square wave lead adds that little extra hook without distracting us from the bouncing groove. With Bottleneck, less is definitely more. Flipping over we have Hump, an altogether darker affair with a twisting acid line joining distorted 808 drums and tripped-out snippets of spoken word coming in and out of focus. The low-slung bumpy groove and spacey synth parts make this a compelling warehouse track which will draw everyone into it’s seductive confines. Closing the release we have Actual Price, a shuffling, deep groover with rumbling low end and machine-like analogue synth part skipping around the crunchy beats. A cerebral yet punchy and dynamic closer to an excellent release!
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1
Solomun - Can't Stop
2
Solomun - Follow The Disco Ball
3
Solomun - Can't Stop (Dub)
Tracklist
A. Can't Stop
B1. Follow The Disco Ball
B2. Can't Stop (Dub)
Can't Stop .There seems no better way to describe the work, party and music ethic of Solomun. Carrying the mirror ball on his shoulders like Atlas, it is impossible to imagine the modern disco world without his dynamics. While his countless DJ sets give fresh impetus to the many shades of house, techno and their siblings, conversely they are a driving force behind his studio and remix excursions. Can't Stop provides an impressive insight into his musical universe.
Resulting from a rather casual after-dinner-listening-session during a car ride on Ibiza with a zesty Gerd Janson, who coaxed the title track out of Solomun making use of their friendship to full capacity, it is a triptych of direct, functional and free-spirited dance floor approach. After some back and forth in the search of the missing pieces to make it so, Solomun managed to deliver the perfect Running Back peak time record.
While Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values, which makes it perfect for dance hall and car rides (yes, indeed!) alike, its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball leads us back to the aforementioned Greek titan and can be read as a love letter to the genre that can be found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. We repeat: the perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop!
Short: Solomun on Running Back. Dance floor fanatics at work. A triptych of fun, friendship and functionality. Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values. Perfect for dance hall and car rides alike. Its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball can be read as a love letter to the genre that is found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. The perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop! More
A. Can't Stop
B1. Follow The Disco Ball
B2. Can't Stop (Dub)
Can't Stop .There seems no better way to describe the work, party and music ethic of Solomun. Carrying the mirror ball on his shoulders like Atlas, it is impossible to imagine the modern disco world without his dynamics. While his countless DJ sets give fresh impetus to the many shades of house, techno and their siblings, conversely they are a driving force behind his studio and remix excursions. Can't Stop provides an impressive insight into his musical universe.
Resulting from a rather casual after-dinner-listening-session during a car ride on Ibiza with a zesty Gerd Janson, who coaxed the title track out of Solomun making use of their friendship to full capacity, it is a triptych of direct, functional and free-spirited dance floor approach. After some back and forth in the search of the missing pieces to make it so, Solomun managed to deliver the perfect Running Back peak time record.
While Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values, which makes it perfect for dance hall and car rides (yes, indeed!) alike, its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball leads us back to the aforementioned Greek titan and can be read as a love letter to the genre that can be found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. We repeat: the perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop!
Short: Solomun on Running Back. Dance floor fanatics at work. A triptych of fun, friendship and functionality. Can't Stop channels UK dance music highs through German engineering values. Perfect for dance hall and car rides alike. Its heavy dub is constructed with fearless techno DJs in mind who like new beat excerpts, rave stabs and a lot of bass in equal parts. Follow The Disco Ball can be read as a love letter to the genre that is found in its name. Catchy, compelling and cool, it is a masterclass in user-friendly, yet edgy arrangement and dancing shoe compatibility. The perfect Running Back peak time record. Can't Stop, won't stop! More
1
Steve Bug - Ebb And Flow
2
Steve Bug - Back From Eternity
3
Steve Bug - Lost Sector
4
Steve Bug - Shadow Master
Steve Bug returns to RAWAX! Presenting "The Dark Lion" on DUBWAX - a superb dubby piece of art with this typical Steve Bug trippiness.
More
1
NTFO - Drivenman
2
NTFO - SMRK
3
NTFO - Tsipla
4
NTFO - Soulistics
Special remarks: VINYL ONLY // 180G VINYL // PRINTED KRAFTPACK SLEEVE
Tracklist 12":
A1 Drivenman
A2 SMRK
B1 Tsipla
B2 Soulistics
Romanian duo Dani and Robert aka NTFO returns to the label with four minimal monsters
The vinyl comes as 180g vinyl only release.
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Tracklist 12":
A1 Drivenman
A2 SMRK
B1 Tsipla
B2 Soulistics
Romanian duo Dani and Robert aka NTFO returns to the label with four minimal monsters
The vinyl comes as 180g vinyl only release.
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1
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (DJ Kid Paul Mix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
2
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Three ’N One Remix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
3
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Nalin & Kane Remix)
4
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Deadmau5 Remix)
5
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Tale Of Us Renaissance Remix)
6
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Paul van Dyk’s XOXO Remix)
7
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Orbital Remix)
8
ENERGY 52 - Café Del Mar (Michael Mayer Remix)
Limited Edition, includes
- 4 x 12” with full cover artwork
- exclusive Bonus-10” with new remixes from Amirali and REZarin
- printed Energy 52 biography leaflet
- handnumbered
GENRE/S:
Progressive House, Techno, Trance, Breaks
TRACKLISTS:
A. Café Del Mar (DJ Kid Paul Mix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
B. Café Del Mar (Three ’N One Remix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
C. Café Del Mar (Nalin & Kane Remix)
D. Café Del Mar (Deadmau5 Remix)
E. Café Del Mar (Tale Of Us Renaissance Remix)
F. Café Del Mar (Paul van Dyk’s XOXO Remix)
G. Café Del Mar (Orbital Remix)
H. Café Del Mar (Michael Mayer Remix)
I. Cafe Del Mar (Amirali Extended Remix)
J. Cafe Del Mar (REZarin Extended Remix)
SHORT INFO:
Energy 52's Café Del Mar is one of the most iconic tracks in dance music. Over the years, Café Del Mar has achieved legendary status, regularly featuring in lists of the greatest dance tracks of all time. To put it simply, Café Del Mar is a cultural phenomenon, encapsulating the spirit of an era and influencing generations of artists and fans alike.
Superstition Records appreciates the 30th anniversary of the legendary track with a limited box set release consisting of four 12”es and an exclusive Bonus-10”.
The original version (DJ Kid Paul Mix) and the Three ‘N One remix appear in remastered, vinyl only versions alongside new classic remixes from Nalin & Kane, deadmau5 and Tale Of Us. The newer remixes include Paul Van Dyk’s XOXO remix as well as reworks from Orbital and Michael Mayer. The package also includes a Bonus-10” featuring new, exclusive remixes from UK producer Amirali and Latvian DJ REZarin.
More
- 4 x 12” with full cover artwork
- exclusive Bonus-10” with new remixes from Amirali and REZarin
- printed Energy 52 biography leaflet
- handnumbered
GENRE/S:
Progressive House, Techno, Trance, Breaks
TRACKLISTS:
A. Café Del Mar (DJ Kid Paul Mix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
B. Café Del Mar (Three ’N One Remix 30 years anniversary Vinyl Remaster)
C. Café Del Mar (Nalin & Kane Remix)
D. Café Del Mar (Deadmau5 Remix)
E. Café Del Mar (Tale Of Us Renaissance Remix)
F. Café Del Mar (Paul van Dyk’s XOXO Remix)
G. Café Del Mar (Orbital Remix)
H. Café Del Mar (Michael Mayer Remix)
I. Cafe Del Mar (Amirali Extended Remix)
J. Cafe Del Mar (REZarin Extended Remix)
SHORT INFO:
Energy 52's Café Del Mar is one of the most iconic tracks in dance music. Over the years, Café Del Mar has achieved legendary status, regularly featuring in lists of the greatest dance tracks of all time. To put it simply, Café Del Mar is a cultural phenomenon, encapsulating the spirit of an era and influencing generations of artists and fans alike.
Superstition Records appreciates the 30th anniversary of the legendary track with a limited box set release consisting of four 12”es and an exclusive Bonus-10”.
The original version (DJ Kid Paul Mix) and the Three ‘N One remix appear in remastered, vinyl only versions alongside new classic remixes from Nalin & Kane, deadmau5 and Tale Of Us. The newer remixes include Paul Van Dyk’s XOXO remix as well as reworks from Orbital and Michael Mayer. The package also includes a Bonus-10” featuring new, exclusive remixes from UK producer Amirali and Latvian DJ REZarin.
More
1
Exos - Dark Light 05:09
2
Exos - Fire Chant 04:30
3
Exos - Grátt Silfur 04:41
4
Exos - Green Light 05:11
5
Exos - Ráðabrugg 05:31
6
Exos - Ruff Cut (Digi Bonus) 05:41
7
Exos - Only One Way (Digi Bonus) 05:02
8
Exos - Everyday (Digi Bonus) 04:59
Territories: World excl. UK
FORMAT 12" vinyl, generic sleeve, dl card
TRACKLIST
1. / A1 Dark Light 05:09
2. / A2 Fire Chant 04:30
3. / A3 Grátt Silfur 04:41
4. / B1 Green Light 05:11
5. / B2 Ráðabrugg 05:31
6. / DX1 Ruff Cut (Digi Bonus) 05:41
7. / DX2 Only One Way (Digi Bonus) 05:02
8. / DX3 Everyday (Digi Bonus) 04:59
Growing up on the north Atlantic island of Iceland bestows one with an unusual and often intense relationship with light and colour: Summers come with endless days, Winters with scant sunlight yet increased sightings of the Aurora Borealis; the mysterious and awe-inspiring glow across the sky. Channelling these energies, Exos
comes to Tresor with his Green Light EP, a five-track collection of the sort of spectrally rich techno synonymous with the Northman’s 27-year career.
Across the EP, the five tracks fizz and pulsate driving ever forward, making the release’s title a three-way play on words referencing the continuous travelling of photons, the verdant warping of the Northern Lights, and the universal colour for Go, for forward propulsion. Smart wordplay can also be found in titles like Grátt Silfur, a term in Íslenska (literally “grey sliver”) which signifies a tension between two parties, further extending the colour metaphor and dark/light dichotomy found elsewhere.
The digital release comes with three extra tracks that continue the dynamic energy, pushed along by the same shifting, mutating force where the music often feels like voices calling out from the darkness or the shimmer of light as the sun rises across the horizon.
Green Light EP continues this year’s blazing return from an artist who, similar to his output, is never stagnant: ever changing form yet ever moving forward.
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FORMAT 12" vinyl, generic sleeve, dl card
TRACKLIST
1. / A1 Dark Light 05:09
2. / A2 Fire Chant 04:30
3. / A3 Grátt Silfur 04:41
4. / B1 Green Light 05:11
5. / B2 Ráðabrugg 05:31
6. / DX1 Ruff Cut (Digi Bonus) 05:41
7. / DX2 Only One Way (Digi Bonus) 05:02
8. / DX3 Everyday (Digi Bonus) 04:59
Growing up on the north Atlantic island of Iceland bestows one with an unusual and often intense relationship with light and colour: Summers come with endless days, Winters with scant sunlight yet increased sightings of the Aurora Borealis; the mysterious and awe-inspiring glow across the sky. Channelling these energies, Exos
comes to Tresor with his Green Light EP, a five-track collection of the sort of spectrally rich techno synonymous with the Northman’s 27-year career.
Across the EP, the five tracks fizz and pulsate driving ever forward, making the release’s title a three-way play on words referencing the continuous travelling of photons, the verdant warping of the Northern Lights, and the universal colour for Go, for forward propulsion. Smart wordplay can also be found in titles like Grátt Silfur, a term in Íslenska (literally “grey sliver”) which signifies a tension between two parties, further extending the colour metaphor and dark/light dichotomy found elsewhere.
The digital release comes with three extra tracks that continue the dynamic energy, pushed along by the same shifting, mutating force where the music often feels like voices calling out from the darkness or the shimmer of light as the sun rises across the horizon.
Green Light EP continues this year’s blazing return from an artist who, similar to his output, is never stagnant: ever changing form yet ever moving forward.
More
1
IGLO - Stille
2
IGLO - Conditioning
3
IGLO - Doubting Systems
4
IGLO - Entwöhnung
GENRE/S: Techno, Experimental
TRACKLISTS:
A1: Stille
A2: Conditioning
B1: Doubting Systems
B2: Entwöhnung
SHORT INFO:
IGLO debuts on the infamous UKW49b label with an EP which shows his holistic approach on music having an ear for the floor and hedonistic listener.
More
TRACKLISTS:
A1: Stille
A2: Conditioning
B1: Doubting Systems
B2: Entwöhnung
SHORT INFO:
IGLO debuts on the infamous UKW49b label with an EP which shows his holistic approach on music having an ear for the floor and hedonistic listener.
More
1
Arkan - Brocken Clock
2
Arkan - Pulsing
3
Arkan - Plaintive
4
Arkan - Dark Clouds
12” vinyl with full cover print
TRACKLIST:
A1. Brocken Clock
A2. Pulsing
B1. Plaintive
B2. Dark Clouds
INFO:
Fresh off the heels of his first release on Figure, French producer Arkan deepens his explorations of a unique sound with Part 2 of his Lightworker EP.
His signature blend of mental techno is expanded upon, with opener Broken Clock swaying and rumbling mysteriously like a hypnotic pendulum over an abrasive groove. Pulsing picks up traction and pushes the momentum forward while still allowing jagged textures and cavernous effects to paint a largely looming soundscape.
The flipside gets treated to more colours, with the linear Plaintive works its magic through a set of dense and emotive synths, slowly creating an uplifting yet condensed energy.
Dark Clouds equally builds a strong atmosphere, using ricocheting sparks of panning synths and lighting to conjure the ominous feeling of a rising thunderstorm.
If you haven’t checked it yet, make sure to go back for Lightworker Pt 1 and hear more of this promising new talent’s sounds.
More
TRACKLIST:
A1. Brocken Clock
A2. Pulsing
B1. Plaintive
B2. Dark Clouds
INFO:
Fresh off the heels of his first release on Figure, French producer Arkan deepens his explorations of a unique sound with Part 2 of his Lightworker EP.
His signature blend of mental techno is expanded upon, with opener Broken Clock swaying and rumbling mysteriously like a hypnotic pendulum over an abrasive groove. Pulsing picks up traction and pushes the momentum forward while still allowing jagged textures and cavernous effects to paint a largely looming soundscape.
The flipside gets treated to more colours, with the linear Plaintive works its magic through a set of dense and emotive synths, slowly creating an uplifting yet condensed energy.
Dark Clouds equally builds a strong atmosphere, using ricocheting sparks of panning synths and lighting to conjure the ominous feeling of a rising thunderstorm.
If you haven’t checked it yet, make sure to go back for Lightworker Pt 1 and hear more of this promising new talent’s sounds.
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1
Josh Wink feat. Ursula Rucker - Sixth Sense (Hardspace Mix)
2
Aoki Takamasa - Ham (Hardspace Mix)
3
DJ Yoav B. - Energize (Hardspace Mix)
4
Huxley - Weapon 3 (Hardspace Mix)
5
Tuttle & Chich - Funktion (Hardspace Mix)
6
Mike Parker - Shakuhachi Two (Hardspace Mix)
2 x 12” colored vinyl with full cover print
TRACKLIST:
A1 Josh Wink feat. Ursula Rucker - Sixth Sense (Hardspace Mix)
B1 Aoki Takamasa - Ham (Hardspace Mix)
B2 DJ Yoav B. - Energize (Hardspace Mix)
C1 Huxley – Weapon 3 (Hardspace Mix)
D1 Tuttle & Chich – Funktion (Hardspace Mix)
D2 Mike Parker – Shakuhachi Two (Hardspace Mix)
INFO:
Arriving on transparent blue vinyl, the fourth installation of Figure’s Hardspace series brings six new re-interpretations of Len Faki’s favorites via his Hardspace alias.
Starting with a true classic, the gem that is Josh Wink’s Sixth Sense picks up on the original’s tight plastic groove and creates some serious low end rumble.
A less obvious choice, Aoki Takamasa’s minimalist dub from Japan, gets a complete makeover in the Hardspace edit, using driving percussion to morph the pensive blueprint into an upbeat peaktime slammer.
One of the most iconic basslines of the last decade, DJ Yoav B’s Energize is a standout on its own but paired with the relentless groove of the high-energy Hardspace remix it unlocks new levels of rave potential.
Huxley’s Weapon 3 was maybe one of the darkest tunes ever released on the otherwise house-centric catalogue of UK label Aus, which Len Faki already played back when it was first released. The Hardspace Mix merges a feeling explosive force with the originals sultry ambiance, catapulting the track back onto today’s dancefloors.
Colourful, dubby synth stabs are what keeps the momentum on peak time roller Funktion by French producer Tuttle, which in its Hardspace version packs even more heat, as Faki employs his signature claps and tunes up the original’s enervating siren sound, squeezing out every last drop of energy.
Originally released in the 90ies, Mike Parker’s Shakuhachi Two is as techno as it gets. Only now sounding even more powerful and dynamic, as the Harspace Mix keeps all of the original goodness while stacking additional propulsive percussion for a sweaty floor workout.
More
TRACKLIST:
A1 Josh Wink feat. Ursula Rucker - Sixth Sense (Hardspace Mix)
B1 Aoki Takamasa - Ham (Hardspace Mix)
B2 DJ Yoav B. - Energize (Hardspace Mix)
C1 Huxley – Weapon 3 (Hardspace Mix)
D1 Tuttle & Chich – Funktion (Hardspace Mix)
D2 Mike Parker – Shakuhachi Two (Hardspace Mix)
INFO:
Arriving on transparent blue vinyl, the fourth installation of Figure’s Hardspace series brings six new re-interpretations of Len Faki’s favorites via his Hardspace alias.
Starting with a true classic, the gem that is Josh Wink’s Sixth Sense picks up on the original’s tight plastic groove and creates some serious low end rumble.
A less obvious choice, Aoki Takamasa’s minimalist dub from Japan, gets a complete makeover in the Hardspace edit, using driving percussion to morph the pensive blueprint into an upbeat peaktime slammer.
One of the most iconic basslines of the last decade, DJ Yoav B’s Energize is a standout on its own but paired with the relentless groove of the high-energy Hardspace remix it unlocks new levels of rave potential.
Huxley’s Weapon 3 was maybe one of the darkest tunes ever released on the otherwise house-centric catalogue of UK label Aus, which Len Faki already played back when it was first released. The Hardspace Mix merges a feeling explosive force with the originals sultry ambiance, catapulting the track back onto today’s dancefloors.
Colourful, dubby synth stabs are what keeps the momentum on peak time roller Funktion by French producer Tuttle, which in its Hardspace version packs even more heat, as Faki employs his signature claps and tunes up the original’s enervating siren sound, squeezing out every last drop of energy.
Originally released in the 90ies, Mike Parker’s Shakuhachi Two is as techno as it gets. Only now sounding even more powerful and dynamic, as the Harspace Mix keeps all of the original goodness while stacking additional propulsive percussion for a sweaty floor workout.
More
1
Arkan - Delirium
2
Arkan - Vicious Night
3
Arkan - Voltaris
4
Arkan - What Is Not Born Cannot Die
12" vinyl with full cover print
TRACKLIST:
A1. Delirium
A2. Vicious Night
B1. Voltaris
B2. What Is Not Born Cannot Die
INFO:
The latest addition to the Figure roster comes in form of French producer Arkan. A musician from young age, he combines minimalist, deep-cut grooves with understated harmonies.
His first release on the label arrives as part one of his Lightworker double EP, giving the artist ample room to showcase his own vision of contemporary, „mental techno“ as he dubs it himself.
Fitting this description, opener Delirium is a deeply hypnotic tune, mastering the subtle art of sustain and release to effortlessly cycle its own energy. Vicious Night then tips towards a more percussively lead momentum yet stays true to the less-is-more approach of Arkan.
On the flip he gets to further build on his musical ideas, whether it be the melodic fragments echoing pensively in and out of the 4/4 grid over the galopping beat of Voltaris or eventually the saccharine, IDM-reminiscent ambient closer What Is Born Cannot Die.
More
TRACKLIST:
A1. Delirium
A2. Vicious Night
B1. Voltaris
B2. What Is Not Born Cannot Die
INFO:
The latest addition to the Figure roster comes in form of French producer Arkan. A musician from young age, he combines minimalist, deep-cut grooves with understated harmonies.
His first release on the label arrives as part one of his Lightworker double EP, giving the artist ample room to showcase his own vision of contemporary, „mental techno“ as he dubs it himself.
Fitting this description, opener Delirium is a deeply hypnotic tune, mastering the subtle art of sustain and release to effortlessly cycle its own energy. Vicious Night then tips towards a more percussively lead momentum yet stays true to the less-is-more approach of Arkan.
On the flip he gets to further build on his musical ideas, whether it be the melodic fragments echoing pensively in and out of the 4/4 grid over the galopping beat of Voltaris or eventually the saccharine, IDM-reminiscent ambient closer What Is Born Cannot Die.
More
1
Eagles & Butterflies - Heartbreaks & XTC
2
Eagles & Butterflies - SH-09
3
Eagles & Butterflies - H3000
4
Eagles & Butterflies - Faith
5
Eagles & Butterflies - Time
6
Eagles & Butterflies - Sat Morning
12"
Tracklist:
A1. Heartbreaks & XTC
A2. SH-09
A3. H3000
B1. Faith
B2. Time
B3. Sat Morning
The return of the mack. Chris Barratt aka Eagles & Butterflies possess the rare ability in his music to unite a larger-than-life peak time producer personality with the understated production method of underground records, techno pop and a modern Italo twist. Perfectly suited for Running Back, Heartbreaks & XTC is luckily exactly that. The mirror image of Eagles & Butterflies and how to find common ground between polar flairs. Chord happiness, Italo bass lines, arp art, filter magic and side chain stunts. Indispensable to life or any dance floor near you.
More
Tracklist:
A1. Heartbreaks & XTC
A2. SH-09
A3. H3000
B1. Faith
B2. Time
B3. Sat Morning
The return of the mack. Chris Barratt aka Eagles & Butterflies possess the rare ability in his music to unite a larger-than-life peak time producer personality with the understated production method of underground records, techno pop and a modern Italo twist. Perfectly suited for Running Back, Heartbreaks & XTC is luckily exactly that. The mirror image of Eagles & Butterflies and how to find common ground between polar flairs. Chord happiness, Italo bass lines, arp art, filter magic and side chain stunts. Indispensable to life or any dance floor near you.
More
1
Mind Against - Love Seeking
2
Mind Against - Love Seeking – Club Mix
3
Mind Against - Love Seeking – Âme Remix
Tracklist
A1. Love Seeking
A2. Love Seeking – Club Mix
B1. Love Seeking – Âme Remix
The brothers Fognini aka Mind Against return to Life And Death with their new single Love Seeking with a remix from friends and fellow masters of the emotional dancefloor Âme.
It’s fitting that techno storytellers Mind Against should revisit the home of their first EP with a revamped sound and turbo-charged take on current-day disco. Their history with DJ Tennis and Life and Death is almost as old as the label itself, harking back to their days living together in Berlin.
Now the brothers leave behind their signature hypnotic techno palette for a boogie-fied stepper that’s equal parts pop breeze and deep synth trip, full of hopeful anticipation. For the remix, Innervisions duo and cultural tour-de-force Âme twist the knobs and stretch out the heartstrings for an extended slice of big room goosebumps.
In the words of Mind Against themselves:
“10 years after releasing our very first EP Atlant on Life and Death, we’re excited to come back to our first imprint with such a special track and remix by Âme.
We’ve stepped out of our usual comfort zone and done something that can be both linked to our own musical world and to the sounds that Life and Death have evolved in recent years.
Our friendship with DJ Tennis is about as old as the label is, bringing us back to the times we used to share a flat in Kreuzberg. One may say this release is both an ode to the past and to a bright future, full of promises.”
More
A1. Love Seeking
A2. Love Seeking – Club Mix
B1. Love Seeking – Âme Remix
The brothers Fognini aka Mind Against return to Life And Death with their new single Love Seeking with a remix from friends and fellow masters of the emotional dancefloor Âme.
It’s fitting that techno storytellers Mind Against should revisit the home of their first EP with a revamped sound and turbo-charged take on current-day disco. Their history with DJ Tennis and Life and Death is almost as old as the label itself, harking back to their days living together in Berlin.
Now the brothers leave behind their signature hypnotic techno palette for a boogie-fied stepper that’s equal parts pop breeze and deep synth trip, full of hopeful anticipation. For the remix, Innervisions duo and cultural tour-de-force Âme twist the knobs and stretch out the heartstrings for an extended slice of big room goosebumps.
In the words of Mind Against themselves:
“10 years after releasing our very first EP Atlant on Life and Death, we’re excited to come back to our first imprint with such a special track and remix by Âme.
We’ve stepped out of our usual comfort zone and done something that can be both linked to our own musical world and to the sounds that Life and Death have evolved in recent years.
Our friendship with DJ Tennis is about as old as the label is, bringing us back to the times we used to share a flat in Kreuzberg. One may say this release is both an ode to the past and to a bright future, full of promises.”
More
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith157lp
Release-Date:07.06.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith157lp
Release-Date:07.06.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
1
Superstar Quamallah - Mr. Righteous (Intro) (0:35)
2
Superstar Quamallah - You Need Knowledge (3:45)
3
Superstar Quamallah - 88 Soul (3:12)
4
Superstar Quamallah - Black Shakespeare (3:02)
5
Superstar Quamallah - For My People...It's Spiritual (2:55)
6
Superstar Quamallah - Lonely At The Top (3:56)
7
Superstar Quamallah - Just Listen (4:05)
8
Superstar Quamallah - California Dreamin' (4:33)
9
Superstar Quamallah - Purity (3:59)
10
Superstar Quamallah - Kunta Kente (4:20)
11
Superstar Quamallah - 1993 Shit (3:49)
12
Superstar Quamallah - We Got Plots (3:38)
13
Superstar Quamallah - Do Win-Dis (4:11)
14
Superstar Quamallah - Hope She Remembers Me (3:15)
Format Notes: 2024 first time vinyl release, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork
Track List:
A1 Mr. Righteous (Intro) 0:35
A2 You Need Knowledge 3:45
A3 88 Soul 3:12
A4 Black Shakespeare 3:02
B1 For My People...It's Spiritual 2:55
B2 Lonely At The Top 3:56
B3 Just Listen 4:05
B4 California Dreamin' 4:33
C1 Purity 3:59
C2 Kunta Kente 4:20
C3 1993 Shit 3:49
D1 We Got Plots 3:38
D2 Do Win-Dis 4:11
D3 Hope She Remembers Me 3:15
Release Notes:
Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.
Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!
Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.
Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"
This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
More
Track List:
A1 Mr. Righteous (Intro) 0:35
A2 You Need Knowledge 3:45
A3 88 Soul 3:12
A4 Black Shakespeare 3:02
B1 For My People...It's Spiritual 2:55
B2 Lonely At The Top 3:56
B3 Just Listen 4:05
B4 California Dreamin' 4:33
C1 Purity 3:59
C2 Kunta Kente 4:20
C3 1993 Shit 3:49
D1 We Got Plots 3:38
D2 Do Win-Dis 4:11
D3 Hope She Remembers Me 3:15
Release Notes:
Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.
Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!
Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.
Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"
This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
More