We’re back! Escondido Freakness “Brian Ellis” brings us this amazing Maxi with versions of two classics: Egyptian Lover’s anthem “Freak-A-Holic” on side one and “Never Gonna Give You Up” on side two.

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Hailing from Escondido, CA, Brian Ellis has arrived with the "REFLECTION" EP, and has set out to push authentic drum machine synthesizer funk to the livest, rawest level. His gear list is strong, his output is prolific, and his work ethic is unrivaled…armed with his oberheim DX, oberheim Matrix-1000, Roland SVC-350 Vocoder, and an arsenal of various guitars, synths, and outboard effects, Brian and his group “REFLECTION” are prepped to unleash an array of utterly devastating jams onto the dancefloor. His debut EP, “REFLECTION” includes the Egyptian Lover, a master of the 808 and veteran party-rocker on vocoder detail, to guest on “Love Is”.

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Introducing "Stop 2 Quit," a captivating new deep, jazzy, and lo-fi house music 12" compilation EP that delves into the art of sonic escape amidst the overwhelming noise of modern life. Featuring a hard-hitting lineup of producers — Darone Sassounian, Jamma D, and Jarren representing Los Angeles, Roche in Portland, and Morris Mobley in Nancy, France — each track serves as a remedy to the relentless barrage of messages and distractions that flood our minds.

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Following up on the Hayal EP in 2023, Dutch techno refractor Konduku makes a welcome return to Bitta with another four cuts of prismatic club fuel. Throughout his consistent output Ruben Uvez applies non-standard ideas to the techno formula, toying with rhythm and eliciting transcendental atmospheres from unusual patterns. This mode of exploration continues unabated on Gazoz, with the title track in particular leaning on a full-frequency, one-note synth pulse which dominates the mix and becomes truly hypnotic in its relentless presence. In the wrong hands it would come off garish, but ?vez knows how to weave subtlety around such forthright sonics to create a sublime sonic experience. 'Mikros' aligns with Konduku's more recognisable palette -- taut, bell-like rhythmic threads that balance delicacy and impact while tunnelling into mysterious, introspective zones. Aimed squarely at the heads-down section of the night, 'Luna' strides forth with a decisive dub techno palette and finds space for expression and progression in the most linear of arrangements. In true B2 style, 'Inici' rounds the EP out with a more fractured approach centred on reversed kicks and psychoactive arps riding wide and slow pitch bends for a mind-melting finish running at a formidable pace. As well as showcasing Konduku at his best, the sound on Gazoz serves as an extension of Bitta boss DJ Nobu's own particular tastes in techno -- brain-tweaking machine music crafted from supple parts, honed for the club without being limited by it.

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Step into the unknown as Dawn Razor launches his mind-bending new EP, “From another Galaxy”, on the UK label DEXT Recordings. Blending Electro, Breakbeat, and Techno influences, the EP explores a sonic landscape that's truly out of this world. The release features 4 original tracks alongside a cosmic remix by the renowned Techno artist Shed, sending listeners into uncharted territory with its otherworldly atmospheres and intense energy. We hope you enjoy the release!

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Presenting the second single from D.D. Mirage, a double header aimed squarely at the dancefloor featuring guest musicians Daniel Monaco and Nu Genea's Andrea De Fazio. A side 'Feel it' is a glittering cosmic disco jam with a hint of hedonism and an air of psychedelia. Capturing the euphoric exuberance of the dance floor, it draws influence from boogie legends such as 400 Blows, Patrick Cooley, Quando Quango and the Idjut Boys. The 12" Instrumental Mix takes inspiration from the Paradise Garage and Larry Levan, stripping back the musical elements to their core resulting in a Dubby and powerful DJ orientated mix.

B side 'So Hot' is a wonky mid-tempo heater, fusing trippy, sun-stroke delieria with infectious disco grooves. D.D. Mirage collaborated with some of Italy's finest groove merchants on this track, with Daniel Monaco (Rush Hour/Periodica Records) featuring on bass and Andrea De Fazio (Nu Genea/Parbleu) on drums. The track was influenced heavily by 80s Italo and Nigerian Disco. Label head Jura Soundsystem provides a Dubby extended take on the B2.

Instruments: JX-3P, Farfisa, Roland D-50, Jupiter, JV-1080, Korg Poly61, Juno-60, Guitar, Bass, Drums and various percussion.

A 140 gram pressing in 3mm spine kraftboard sleeve with labels and sticker designed by Bradley Pinkerton.

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An antidote for the other side. New stuff for the new stuff. Just add your own stuff.

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As 2024 begins to flow onwards, what better way to accompany that than with the latest release from Oath sub-label Benthic, courtesy of label heads Lucid Void, who bring a certain kind of never-ending mood, feel, and atmosphere to the table….

The Tbilisi based duo occupy a very intriguing in-between musical space, one which touches upon the expansive feel of big yet subtle techno flourishes, progressive and floating but with a hint of melody all at once. They are able to pull at the numerous threads that the genre has expanded into, bringing together motifs of the past and the present to create something very obviously future-leaning. This hasn’t come about by mere circumstance, as the duo have spent a significant amount of time honing their craft, alongside having deep appreciation for their shared genre passions, all of which contribute to the quality and intrigue found within their music. Their previous records, which included efforts on Arts Gallery, Virtual Lounge and the 2021 release ‘Assurance’, the debut record on Benthic, all point towards a mindedness of creating bold, beautiful and thought provoking music. Deep set rhythms, delicate wobbling bass lines, and soaring metallic melodies all morph together with gusto and purpose, functionally moving through the gears but with a definite human touch – a expert interplay between human and machine, feeling, evolving, graceful.

‘Inner’ represents their most involving and expansive release to date, and the record spares no expense when it comes to covering as much ground sonically as possible. If their previous releases helped to touch upon the cornerstones of the duo’s sound, then this release acts as a summarisation of all that has come before, bringing together their aims, ambitions and musical meanderings. The record draws upon multiple frequencies and spatial dimensions in order to achieve a collectivized sound that is both broad and dense in feel, feeling its way up the walls of the mind as much as it moves through the ceiling of the club. The most significant manner in which differentials are made is the inspired use of drumming patterns to help evoke certain kinds of energy, moving through a broad spectrum of atmospheres in line with some wonderful, expressive melodic expressionism. ‘Quasar’, the opening cut, crafts a compelling yarn, with the hi hats forming a rock solid foundation for the swirling, waterfall like keys and pads which point to the stars and the infinite space that exists beyond them. ‘Escalate’ draws focus from the repeating bass note, a pulsating anchor that provides focus for the swirling tones that shift all around the peripheries and parameters of the track, encouraging the swells that linger long in the memory. ‘Transporter’ again leans into the focus on the bass note, with a particular 90s vibe being evoked here, further reinforced by the warm and thoughtful melodic notes.

The title track and ‘Signal’ move the record into a chugger space, with the regular kicks on both numbers moving the energy into the heat of the mix. The feel is one of euphoric release, allowing the rhythm rather than the mind take things away into the heavens, and it works ever so well as a counter point to the involving, tonal pieces that came before. ‘Vision’ finishes things off, and this one swings its way into hearts and minds, shifting perspective from one side of the view to the next, feeding into the human spirit and embracing the possibilities of the unknown. A fitting end to a record that promises so much, and delivers on it all – a perfect encapsulation of Lucid Void’s vision, which leaves a lasting impression.

Techno is alive and well, and it couldn’t be healthier than within the music of Lucid Void, who entice and delight listeners with their sublime take on the genre and its many offshoots. ’Inner’ is no exception, a record that doesn’t compromise or shy away from bold beautiful strokes – instead it embraces the swiftness of change, the promise found in the progressive, and the full range of emotions that people experience when engaging with melodic beauty. Moods, atmospheres and sonic environments abound within this record, pointing to many differing spaces and places, and Benthic couldn’t be prouder to feature their talents. So why not pop this one on, and drift, drift away – its quite the ride to the cosmos…..

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Last Nubian joins the ranks of Eglo Records with his ‘We Celebrate Us’ EP, a love letter to London and its diasporic community of musical creators, innovators and celebrators. The EP is a soul filled, jazzed out affair, flirting with moments of deep and dubby House, skipping Broken Beat and bumping UKG. Last Nubians production continues the legacy of Underground, Black British Dance music, furthering the sonic conversation that grew out of Jamaican Soundsystem Culture, spilling onto the streets of London and bouncing between cities like Detroit, Chicago and New York. Culminating in a dynamic array of sounds, all of which can be found woven deep into the fabrics of this EP.

On ‘We Celebrate Us’ the Brixton based producer is joined by a talented cast of collaborators and vocalists, adding emotive vocal tones and inspired poetic verses. Across three original tracks and two deep, exploratory remixes, the producer evokes tones of West Londons notorious Broken Beat scene, the uplifting party grooves of Soul II Soul, the acidic bounce of Larry Heard and the deeply personal, reflective words of Linton Kwesi Johnson.

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Tracklist
A1. Border One - Strange Attractor
A2. Border One - Astral Plane
B1. Border One - Time Dilation
B2. Border One - Fractal

Border One's fourth contribution to Token Records is an ode to the cosmic, an ever-present theme in the Belgian's acclaimed career. 'Strange Attractor' takes techno and applies Border One's bubbly modular sound glossing over thick drums, weaving through sound design destined for sophisticated sets on worthy sound systems. Calm and collected, he offers yet again his attention to detail and devotion to effect.

As an introduction, 'Strange Attractor' presents a gripping story. Displaying sustained tension, he takes his time to reveal his channels. Forcing the listener to settle in and anticipate, the elements diverge and converge over the space of six minutes, shifting groove throughout. A return to calm, slightly uneasy control helps us arrive at an influx in energy for the rest of the project. Moving along to 'Astral Plane', we are introduced to more extroverted sequences. Boomy through fluctuating synth lines and stomping claps, the seasoned producer uses the size of his design in the low end to justify a more erratic arrangement. Spread noise in the background interweaves with confronting synth work, making 'Astral Plane' impressive in weight without losing the intricate quality that its producer is known for. Opening the dimension of the project through far spread elements, 'Time Dilation' creates linear focus with a cloudy entourage. An always club efficient throbbing main synth persists through an exciting structure, highly resonant transitions whip through drum machine patterns, making the third track on the record nothing if not a nail biter. The shuffle of the hi hats does nothing to slow down the energetic peak of the EP; we find Border One confidently in control of layered machinery. Drawing the project to a close, 'Fractal' blinks through persistent tension. Linear rides and drones open and close with each transition, making for a bent atmosphere of intrigue. With a sturdy rhythm dotting along from start to finish, the tonality of Fractal makes it the perfect final bow to grasp Border One's intentions and the universe he puts his work in.



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Detroit's stalwart Kyle Hall is back on Apnea Records with "Crimson Clouds," his second release for the label following the acclaimed "Cosmic Touch." This acid-infused record is a tribute to Detroit's electronic legacy, drawing inspiration from the 90s sound of labels like Matrix and Underground Resistance, all while injecting Hall's unmistakable modern flair. Tracks like "Acid Tea" showcase Hall's acid-driven approach, delivering a dancefloor twister that's pure bliss. Meanwhile, "Nimbus" stands out with its syncopated rhythms and soulful synth lines, and "Told Them Before" brings raw, head-spinning techno energy to the forefront. With "Crimson Clouds," Kyle Hall delivers another essential record that bridges classic Detroit sounds with his unique modern twist. A must.

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Tracklist
A1. Amorphic & Tensal - AT1
A2. Amorphic & Tensal - AT2

B1. Amorphic & Tensal - AT7
B2. Amorphic & Tensal - AT8

Amorphic & Tensal join James Ruskin's Blueprint Records family with their "Distant Landscapes EP" this November, which closes out the label's 2024 catalogue.

Amorphic is the pseudonym of Scottish artist Vince Watson, aimed at exploring more raw and hypnotic signatures. Launched in 2022, Amorphic has featured on labels like Token, Symbolism and Modularz as well as Vince's self-formed labels Amorphic and Morph. With almost 30 years in the industry, Vince has released over 1000 tracks, which has allowed him to work and gig with some of the very best. He now teams up with Spanish artist Tensal for this new EP.

Tensal is the alias of Héctor Sandoval (who is also one half of Exium, Komatssu and Selección Natural), created togive space to his more cyclical and modern vision of Techno in which he combines different rhythms and textures. After a handful of works released on his own label, he has recorded for the likes of Mord, Modularz, Arcing Seas, Warm Up, Perc Trax, Cabrera, Polegroup (of which he is a founding member) and Soma, where he released his first LP in 2018.

Together they've drawn on their individual skills to deliver 4 deep and driving Techno cuts that perfectly fit James Ruskin's influential label.


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Another deep dive into the Steve Pickton DAT archive brings us this gem from the golden age of UK Techno. Not previously credited as a Stasis outing this 4 track EP was originally released in 1995 as a limited run white label and stamped Sugar Plum (with Fat Boy Funk etched into the run out groove). Each track builds with Steve’s signature Detroit inspired beats and chunky bass lines and those trademark ethereal pads eventually release the tension. Raw and powerful these are classic machine edged productions from a UK Techno pioneer. Remastered by Simon Davey at The Exchange

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