Late 80s / early 90s body music

Label text

" Attack Decay Sustain Release, or ADSR, was the name of Todd Nickolas and Dominic Paterson's high school synthesizer group, an outlet for their electronic music experiments recorded on Todd’s parents’ farm in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

In the idyllic rural setting of the Nickolas' dairy and crop farm, the juxtaposition of natural ambience and the repetitive rhythms of the machinery merged within their youthful music- saturated subconscious and found its way into their recordings. This bucolic environment also inspired the teenagers to channel their restless energy into endlessly experimenting with whatever gear they could get their hands on and listening to a steady diet of new music.

A big part of that exposure to non-mainstream sounds came via CBC Radio's Brave New Waves program — a saviour for adventurous and curious listeners living outside of major urban centres. The title "Poised Over Pause Buttons" is directly borrowed from a live studio broadcast by Severed Heads, where host Brent Bambury introduced the set by saying, "Do you know how many fingers are poised over pause buttons right now?" The title is also a head nod to those early processes of recording onto cassette decks or 4-track tape recorders, and to the tape culture of the time, capturing favourite songs off the radio with precision and making mixtapes from owned or borrowed record collections.

Todd was constantly seeking new electronic music through those formative years — whether it was the futuristic space rock of ELO's “Time” in grade school, Skinny Puppy’s blistering electronic body music in high school, or the ambient bliss of Aphex Twin in university. The tracks coming from their studio in those early days were inspired by a steady diet of these new discoveries. They were rapidly devouring a wide variety of acts from 4AD and Wax Trax!, “indie” artists like Husker Du, Chicago house to Belgian New Beat, the On-U Sound label to Public Enemy, and all points in between.

The unreleased cassettes that Todd recently rediscovered (some of which are included on this release) are a flashback to that era of pure discovery but also a reminder of the explorations and achievements accomplished by the confidence of the fearless amateur. Over the past three years, Todd and Linus Booth have compiled their favourite glimpses from that '87-'91 period and present them to you as a personal reflection of that time and place."

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Childhood Intelligence’s 18th release by ADSR aka. Todd Nickolas & Dominic Paterson from Toronto, Canada. The 2x12” album presents mostly tracks written and produced by Todd, with A1/D1 being in collaboration with Paterson. "Give a teenager in a rural Canadian setting an analog synthesizer, a drum machine and a four-track cassette recorder and feed him a steady diet of 80s EBM, Post-Punk, Synthpop, Electro, Dub, Acid, Hip Hop and House, and you’ll get the kind of genre melding electronic-based music that Todd Nickolas has been known for since his early days of writing and producing." The end result is a versatile one, with “Passive Articulation” presenting abstract Techno - House - Electro visions, and fusing all the elements of vintage Intelligent Dance Music that we cherish so much: warm basslines, beautiful chord progressions, diverse and surprising arrangements infused with haunting melodies, hypnotic cyber sounds, detached vocal cuts and dubbed percussion.…Overall fresh & timeless classiness for the present, past & future.

Recorded various locations New Hamburg, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, Toronto, San Francisco and Los Angeles. ADSR greatly thanks those who were there from the start, those who joined along the journey and those here now.

Urban thoughts.
Rural dialects.
No separation.
Transmission between.
End notes.
Attack decay.
Sustain release.

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For the third release in Klasse Wrecks' ELEGAL RECORDS sub-label, the clock is turned back to the early nineties and the destination is set for Toronto, Canada. Throughout their career the duo of Dominic Paterson and Todd Nickolas released a handful of EPs on their own 'Floorshaker Productions' and two albums, one of which on Cargo Records during the tim they were signed to the label. ADSR cultivated a rich and unique sound, one that ranged from piano induced euphoria to heads down serious breakbeat territory. ELEGAL3 is based around one track that originally was only available on the 1993 CD album 'Accelerated Emotions', 'Haunted' is a floorfiller comprising of piano stabs, choir vocals, depth charge basslines and acid energy. The record features the original track remastered for 2021 and two remixes, one from label boss Luca Lozano and a reinterpretation by original member Todd Nickolas. Also included is a never heard before DAT tape find of 'Menace', a grooving beast with a low slung bassline and a simple chord stab melody.

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That's Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release. The ADSR envelope is just one type of envelope, but it's a popular one that's been used in electronic music for decades. Attack is the period of time after the initial release, it's typically the loudest part of the sound Decay is the phase while you're going from the attack to the sustain – you're "decaying" Êthe volume from this sharp initial phase to the normal volume phase Sustain is the normal phase of the sound. ÊIt is typically less volume than the attack, and go on for an indefinite period of time, or for a specific amount of time Release is the draw down from the sustain period to no sound. A fade out.

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That time of the year has arrived! The next Various Artists is the prefect blend between old and new generations, including 2 new addition to the label and 2 familiar faces.

Opening the EP is MikeroBenics with “Julika (Original Mix)”. This track was officially released in 1994 on Harthouse and through the years on other labels in different versions. The version we are publishing has never seen the light before today. A deep melancholy trance journey characterised by driving acid lines and club-oriented rhythms.
Followed by the return of Noboot with “Drive Control”. Made in 2022, this track bring us back to the sound of his first release. An immersive electro-acid track with a 303 melody that moves with punchy rhythms, letting our bodies move and our brains fly.

On the B side, Periferico is back with a new production made in 2021. “2804 A DEF12MIX” is an engaging journey into Livio progressive house world.
Closing the VA, we welcome our dear friend CRL with “Breathe”. Composed in 2024 while trying new techniques and samples, characterised by its ethereal pads and a slow unfolding vortex of acid bassline, brings the minds into a deeper conscious state.

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We couldn’t start the new year in a better way than sharing with you our upcoming release.

We are glad and proud to have on board Mr. Pauli. Ingmar needs no introduction, his unique style has been an inspiration for a long time with remarkable releases on Clone, Viewlexx and Bordello A Parigi just to name a few.

After 9 years from his last vinyl appearance, Mr. Pauli is back with a 3 tracker EP showcasing his melodic and emotional side. A release devoted to the Italo-Disco and Synth Pop sound, with an electro touch here and there, that will bring you to another deep dimension towards your inner self.

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For the last release of the year, we are back with our annual Various Artists welcoming on board 3 producers for their first appearances on the label and a very special track from WAG.

Opening the VA is a dear friend, Agostino Casillo. “Midnight Bloom”, born from late-night studio sessions, captures that fleeting magic when ideas blossom in the dark. A groovy bassline drives the flow, while dreamy synths unfold a story made for the night.”

Following our beloved WAG with “Jam Mash (Vass Edit)”. This track is very dear to us because it is the reason why we got in touch with WAG in the first place. Made in 2016 meanwhile preparing the live set for Sleepers at OHM in Berlin, it was included in the live set jam session that we previously released on tape. Somehow the file got missing till not so long ago when, luckily, they were able to find the stems and ,thanks to our friend Vass, edited to have the same version from the tape. One of the most iconic tracks ever made by WAG.

On the B side we welcome, Cesare Muraca with “We Are Evil”, a dark but melodic techno journey, filled with hypnotic synths and haunting vocal fragments while the energy focus to the dancefloor.

Closing the ep in style Ambidextrous with “Steamroller Manoever”. This track is a tribute to a long-lasting friendship with Aton. He played this track during is set at our party at Doka letting us so speechless that we had to released it on our label. Be ready for a trip full of introspective emotions.

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RDS showcases his darker side opening the EP with “Four Monsters,” produced using the EMU E-64, delivers a loud, heavy bassline that unveils the artist’s aggressive side. Followed by “64+1 Voices” is inspired by the sound of 90s Belgian bleep techno, mixing old-school vibes with a modern twist.
On the B side, the most psychedelic track on the record, “Bias Adj” features an unusual groove and a haunting background that evolves throughout. Midway, a powerful lead bass enters, using a factory preset from the Yamaha DX200. Finally, “Slep2bn” is an electro track featuring steady rolling rimshots, classic 303 basslines, melodic bleeps, and immersive atmospheric textures.

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For the second instalment of 2025, we are excited to have Sandra with his “Echoes of the Infinitive”.

The EP opens with “Oblivion,” a track that delivers a pure dance floor energy, elevated by celestial melodies. Next is “Androgena,” a deep and dark journey into the heart of Acid-Techno, elegant yet complex. On the B-side, “Exodus” brings a neotrance vibe, blending electro sounds with spiritual pads. The EP closes with “Until We Arrive,” a slow-paced live jam that brings a sense of inner peace.

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Periferico is back after his first release in 2023 with a very special 5 tracker EP. All the tracks were produced between 1998 and 2009 and we were able to recover them from old DATs. While the A side is written and produced entirely by Livio, the B side was co-produced with Luigi Mussi showcasing the first 2 drum&bass tracks ever released on Undersound Recordings.

The EP opens with Sixth Event (2004), a slow, hypnotic track with a trance-infused, syncopated disco vibe, making it perfect for 5am listening and setting a reflective mood. Car Ride (2009) is an acid slow-burner, characterised by classic Periferico chords and a mesmerising sequencer, offering a laid-back yet evolving energy that pulls you in. Twelve Dances (2009) stands out with its filtered chords, solid bass-line, and melancholic pad harmonies, creating an emotional depth that resonates. The B-side includes Cuts and Seamed (1998), a vintage drum & bass track with an experimental, dark vibe, adding intensity and unpredictability to the mix. Finally, 2 Weeks (2001) carries a cinematic, slow drum & bass feel, evoking a serene, peaceful atmosphere—perfect for quiet moments of introspection or calm.

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For the last release of 2024, we are welcoming on board Matthias with a 3 tracker EP named “Life Among Nightmares”.

The EP opens with “Global Thunder”, a mind-bending techno synth-wave track that slowly crescendos into an epic, nostalgic journey of cinematic, futuristic distress. On the B-side is “Living Nightmare”, a moody fusion of eccentric analog sounds, swinging percussion, and acid techno sequences, followed by “Sunfall”, an ode to eternal night where sinister synths and gloomy pads lurk in the shadows, setting the stage for an enigmatic techno-wave excursion.

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USR031: The 5th Various Artists 12”

“Transference of Energy” by our beloved Wedding Acid Group opens the EP in perfect Undersound style. No words are needed for this iconic trio anymore. Following that, we are very happy to welcome Albert Ess with “Do As I Say,” a crunchy electro beat that will hypnotize your brain. Next, Syntelman presents “Singlestranded,” showcasing his darker and melodic musical vision.
Closing the EP, J. Mono returns to Undersound after three years with “Love2.” This track is an ode to resilience, reminding us to stay strong in our darkest moments and that we can overcome anything, no matter what.

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For the 30th release on Undersound Recordings, we welcome on board Eversines.

“Void Walk” emerged from playful experimentation with gears, resulting in a straightforward, acid-laced tune. “User Six”: Inspired by an earlier live set, features a loop that straddles the lines between house and techno. “Rainy Move” was thought and produced on a rainy day, this track maintains a dreamy and ambiguous atmosphere while retaining a driving house groove.“XP Pattern Test” explores sampling from other instruments, culminating in a dark, closing track with an ominous tone.

“From vision to reality”

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Directly from Saudi Arabia, Noboot delivers a 4 tracker ep as his first solo 12” ever released.

The Ep opens with “404,” a nocturnal ambiance takes center stage. The synthesizer tones weave a captivating tapestry, initiating a profoundly gratifying journey through pulsating acid 4/4 rhythms. Following “Weather Systems,” cosmic dreaminess evokes pure contentment, with a neon-hued, blissful ambient backdrop.
The B side takes an even more melancholic direction with “Glumnite” that brings a dark midnight vibe, blending tempos into a mix of blue acid Electro and techno. In “Sing & Cry,” the music unfolds organically, sidestepping predictable crescendos to create a melancholic atmosphere. The result is a truly poignant track that evokes genuine sadness and emotional resonance.

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REPRESS

For the next release, we are glad to introduce the Wedding Acid Group and also inaugurate a major redesign of our label. WAG are a group of three friends based in Budapest, jamming on both classic Roland gear, but also modern instruments like the Monomachine. All the tracks were recorded live around 2016 in the Ballacid studio “Újpest”.

The EP opens with three fast paced tracks where emotional melodies are intertwined with classic 909, 707 and 606 drums. The flipside presents the uplifting “Chocoball 707” and closes with “Paprika Dye Acid”, the slowest jam of the EP.

Overall, the tracks offer a glimpse into the emotional world of these three talented Hungarian producers and we are extremely happy to have them on board for their second vinyl release.

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After many years of dedication, devotion and hard work behind the scenes we are happy to share the first album ever released on vinyl by the Wedding Acid Group.
This musical odyssey consists of 8 meticulously crafted tracks, created between 2010 and 2021, representing over a decade of evolution and growth. Each song showcases a unique facet of the trio’s musical prowess, with tempos ranging from 100 to 150 bpm.

Disc 1 serves as a testament to the signature sounds of WAG, kicking off with the iconic and mesmerizing dark break journey “Toy Story” at 150 bpm. The energy continues to soar with the pulsating beats of “Colombo Acid” and “Low Moisture Acid,” both guaranteed to ignite dancefloors worldwide. The first disc comes to a close with “Lost Memory FM,” a true sonic adventure that starts in the abstract, gradually building up to the trademark dancefloor groove that the trio is renowned for.

Disc 2 delves into the introspective and emotive side of WAG’s production process. “Optimistic Acid,” the sole 4/4 track on the second record, enchants listeners with its rhythmic grooves and dreamy melodies, setting the stage for a captivating journey. “Sunday Circles” takes a detour into deeper realms with its evocative and playful melodies. The final side of the album delves even deeper into emotional territory with “Dog Park Memories,” culminating in the breathtaking closing track, “City Gate Funk.”

We are humbled and honoured to present this remarkable work by our dear friends, the Wedding Acid Group. As the second album to grace the shelves of Undersound Recordings.

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The Italian electronic music scene of the 90s was a melting pot where influences from different parts of the world fused to give rise to a unique and interesting sounds. Out of this vibrant scene, Italian producer Livio Foglio released a string of EP’s under different aliases and collaborations spanning all genres of electronic music and beyond. ??We are glad to present four archival tracks rescued from DAT under his less-known Periferico alias. The EP opens with two positive dance floor cuts, where progressive influences meet techno flavours. On the flip-side “Ambrasex” takes the listener through an introspective journey with its nostalgic overtones. “Persuasive Flight” closes the EP, leaving the listener in a sweet trance.

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As the first release for 2023, we are happy to welcome Böhm, part of the infamous 030303 label, to our discography with 4 tracks reminiscing of the golden days of UK techno. “Light Transmission” opens the EP at a slower pace, gently inviting the listener to the producer’s musical world. “Solar Limit” picks the pace up with intertwined portamento leads, bassline and pads.

On the flip-side, “Unsolved Origin” continues the artist’s melodic emotional journey. The last track closing the EP, “Monarch Monster”, sees a departure from the producer’s trademark style with EBM/new beat influenced drums.

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Undersound is back with its second split EP. This time we have invited two of the leading new school electro producers: Cyan85 and LeiteDos Santos.

The EP opens with two tracks from scene mainstay Cyan85. “If I could” haunts the listener with its vocoder and eerie pads and bassline whereas “Leave” is a classic groovy workout.

On the flipside, Leite Dos Santos presents two machine-funk infused jams, with the jazzy melodies in “Before The Train” and oriental mood in “Night’s Warrior” closing the EP.

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RAWAX proudly presents Swayzak - Ping Pong/ Skoobarl from 2000!
We are very happy to re-issue this beauty and celebrate the 26th anniversary with a new mastering.

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RAWAX welcomes Jay Tripwire & Maher Daniel to the artist Family!
happy to present you this with their fabulous release called "Low and Slow".
Subtile minimal techno at it's best.

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Next in the vinyl-only Kontra-Musik White Label series is a new collaboration between founder Ulf Eriksson and the label's most prolific artist, Andreas Tilliander, also known as TM404. The record opens in housier territory and ends with the deepest of dubs. In between, the duo carve out a distinct sonic language through two stripped, old school Detroit techno-inspired cuts, built around rolling basslines, subtle swing and a dense sense of depth.

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very limited.

E-FREQ return to UTTU with 2 HOTT klub traxxx - 1st up TIME 2 FREQ - a KOSCHMICHE ELEKTRONIK journey into the unknown traversing through the outer reaches of dance music genres fusing kraut-electro into a cosmic brew of psychedelic-laced houz muzik - on the flip Elysium Dream absorbs acid tek-breakz braindance alongside jungle DRUMM n’ BAZZ bassbin warblers for maximum pumpage!

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It is often in times of crisis and upheaval that the most fascinating music emerges. It is clear that times are grim, not only but particularly in the USA. On the ‘Numb Denial EP’, Orlando Voorn reflects on the emotional climate in his adopted home and conveys his uncertainty, his pain and also his anger. He impressively expresses his emotional states musically through the instrumentarium of timeless Detroit-style technosoul. These tracks are among the most moving, immediate and beautiful he has created in his decades-long career. To quote Roxy Music: “Dance away the heartache, dance away the pain.”

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RAWAX proudly presents the 9th release by Fresh & Low on their own „TREASURES" series!
This time we have the honor to re-issue "Love Capsule Deluxe“ formerly released on Guidance Recordings in 1998!
Our vinyl only edition includes the 4 strongest (in our opinion) tracks.

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Four cuts of grimey, creepshow, noir tech and jackin Chicago House by Fugitive Artifact, NYC-via-Atlanta artist behind the Headcrack party. Not a rehash or revival, but still full of respect for the founders of jack (also John Carpenter!). At times on the A-side, these tracks are psychedelic…driving bass lines over syncopated claps and rimshots with building, atmospheric swells inviting you to tumble down the manhole into a world of insomniac crime bosses and bleary eyed pleasures. The B side opens with a more techno tempo, but keeps the swirling percussion cooking. The record ends with an ominous daybreaker. You can hear the arrival of a grey dawn. An invitation to join the freaks in the gutter. Will you heed the call and join the ranks?!

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The Drop presents Based On A True Story - 21st Anniversary Edition. Honouring Chris (MU) Faiumu, aka Dj Fitchie. Manuia Lou Malaga.
Mystic soul supernova, 'Based On A True Story' aka BOATS is the debut studio album from Fat Freddy's Drop unleashed in May 2005.

Listen: https://fatfreddysdrop.bandcamp.com/album/based-on-a-true-story

Tracklist
1. Ernie
2. Cay's Cray
3. This Room
4. Ray Ray
5. Dark Days
6. Flashback
7. Roady
8. Wandering Eye


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