Originally released in 2005, this standout EP returns as part of the much-anticipated reissue campaign from cult New York imprint Drugsex — a label that quickly became a treasured name among heads who lived and breathed the underground. Born from the creative partnership between UK producers Rob Pearson and Simon Copleston, Drugsex carved out its own raw, hypnotic corner of the international tech house movement.

For the second instalment in the reissue series, label head Rob Pearson teams up with Daniel Poli under their Distant Strangers moniker — a project that, even back then, was whispered about among selectors for its deep, rolling grooves and stripped-back intensity. Both artists had already made their mark with releases on some of the most respected labels of the era — from Rekids and Swag Records to Evasive Records, Rescue Recordings, and beyond.

The pair’s first collaboration, the Lost Souls EP, became a highly limited, in-demand underground gem, pressed in small quantities and played by those in the know. This follow-up, crafted at Online Studios in Croydon, took their sound to the next level — two original tracks built for dancefloors that like things hypnotic, physical and uncompromising.

On the A-side, Virtual Morality is a slick and driving slice of tech house pressure. Crisp percussion, rolling low-end and a subtle but addictive hook make it a peak-time weapon that never goes out of style. Flip it over for Take Us In Deeper — a track that lives up to its name with a shadowy groove, atmospheric layers and a perfectly balanced push and pull that draws dancers further into the late-night haze.

Adding even more weight to the release, Adam Collins — known for his work with Omni AM and Euphoria Records — steps in with a remix of Virtual Morality on B2. His version injects an unmistakable acid edge, elevating the original into a tripped-out, floor-focused burner that fits as comfortably in a basement sweatbox as it does on a sunrise terrace.

Nearly two decades later, these tracks still carry the same raw power and effortless groove that made them cult favourites in the first place. This reissue isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a reminder of why this sound endures.

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“What? No, we can’t stop here, this is a bat country!”

Buy the ticket, take the ride for this new chapter on Maison Mere.

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Tracklisting
A1 Pugilist - Metaphysics
A2 Pugilist - Motif
B1 Pugilist - Emulsify
B2 Pugilist & POD - FKRY

Sales Note
Best Intentions announces Inverse, a new 4-track EP from Melbourne-based producer and DJ; Pugilist, arriving 12 December on digital and limited white-label 12" vinyl.

Marking his first release on the London imprint, Inverse sees Pugilist expanding further into the shadowy, percussive terrain he has become known for, merging future-focused techno, lo-fi industrial, and the energy of early hardcore breaks through his own
atmospheric lens. The EP captures both the toughness of the dancefloor and the subtle experimentation that runs through his catalogue.

A Scottish/Kiwi artist now based in Melbourne, Pugilist has built a reputation for stylistic range and rhythmic depth. His releases on Modern Hypnosis, Samurai Records, and 3024, along with the recent launch of his own imprint Ruff Kutz, demonstrate his ability to
move across tempos and moods while maintaining a distinctive sonic identity. On the decks, he is celebrated for tightly curated sets, deep crates, and an array of unreleased dubs.

Speaking on joining the Best Intentions roster and the inspiration behind the project,

Pugilist shares:
"Stoked to be joining the Best Intentions fam with 4 x retro rave rollas across the hardcore continuum, from minimalist Techno, to smoked out Electro, to krusty Hardcore and Breaks.
This EP is a mix of styles which have informed my production style over the years. It is great to be putting out music with a shared vision for giving back for a greater cause. I have been a fan of the label since its inception so jumped at the chance to do a 12". I will
be donating my share of profits to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre - a wonderful Melbourne-based charity for asylum seekers here in Naarm. They do wonderful work."

The EP's closing track, FKRY, a collaboration with POD, brings warped leads, stepping drum work, and old-school jungle tension into a modern, heavyweight techno frame.

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Duality Trax welcomes the newly formed 9 Hours Ahead to the label with their debut release, complete with a remix from progressive royalty Bliss Inc.

Landing in early 2026, Smooth Sailing traces a blissed-out sonic journey from the combined minds of San Francisco’s Namastrange and Amsterdam’s Breeze. Their cross-continental connection threads throughout the EP, with subtle nods to the vast ocean that separates them.

The title track opens the release with a gentle drift: airy synths, angelic pads, and tribal percussion guiding listeners steadily out to sea. Meridian Space picks up the momentum, driven by a pulsating, ever-expanding bassline. Namastrange’s whispered vocals weave between swelling orchestral pads, before the track mutates into a mind-bending acid line - perfect for a heads-down, eyes-closed dancefloor moment.

The B-side turns up the energy with Transatlantic Dreams, a dancefloor-minded cut that nods to the golden era of San Francisco progressive and the Hardkiss legacy. Lush piano melodies, breakbeat interludes, rave stabs, and glimmering gated vocals collide in a warm, nostalgic swirl.

Closing the EP, Bliss Inc. delivers a psy-tinged reinterpretation of Meridian Space - a dark, brooding acid workout that pulls the original into deeper, murkier waters.

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VINYL ONLY release! Another EP from the newly resurrected duo. Long format house tracks and tools for you!

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