Vinyl only.

Tracklist
A1 - Vibrate
A2 - Tarot Nouveau
B1 - Vibrate (Broke One Remix)
B2 - Ouija Dub

Shortinfo:

The Stone Tape EP is the fourth record in Session Victim's Pen & Paper series and sees Matthias Reiling's first solo outing for the vinyl only imprint.
Three original cuts betray Reiling's fascination with the mystic and occult, elevating the listener's perception and sending dancers into a spiritual and physical seance.
Fellow Sorcerer Leafar Legov's coproduction and Erobique's enchanting Melodica on Tarot Nouveau and Ouija Dub add more layers of depth and an extra set of black magic spells to the whole.
On top of that, italian beatsmith Broke One stuns everyone at Pen & Paper with his remix of the title track "Vibrate", boosting the original with an intense rhythm section and finally lighting up it's dark path with warm and hopeful harmonies.

Vital Sales Points:

Matthias Reiling is one half of Session Victim and has released his solo material under his own name on labels such as Giegling, Retreat and XK.


More

Your favourite vinyl-only label kicks off its 2012 discography with another episode of the Treats saga! If the previous volume were associated with straightup dancefloor goodies, Number 4 is more focused on musicianship as Session Victim, The Hints (Quarion & Jules Etienne) and Iron Curtis & Leaves pick up the instruments to compose 3 songs drenched in Funk and Soul with an undeniable 21st century House feeling! Fresh off their acclaimed The Haunted House Of House album, Session Victim fire up the ep with something that seldom occurs nowadays: the cover of a modern Dance classic! Originally released on Deeply Rooted House by the enigmatic Rootstrax, Harlequin has already achieved mythical status thanks to its amazing bassline. Clocking in at almost eight minutes, svm's version is a proper Funk workout that begins with rhodes chords, percussion, guitar melodies and saxophone licks over a long yet exciting intro. But as soon as the live bassline kicks in, you know that it's game over and that people with or without true dancing skills will sweat it out on the floor! Add to that an enigmatic vocal, some rhodes and sax riffs coming at every turn as well as a few chord changes and this piece really is the closest Session Victim have ever been to sound like a proper band. Wow! … More

track name
A1 Session Victim - Good Intentions
Nebraska Soho Samba Mix

B1 Iron Curtis & Leaves - A & F
Session Victim 612 Remix

B2 Session Victim - Black Cream
Quarion’s White Smoke Remix

Seven years and five volumes of »Treats« down the line, Retreat flips the script in 2016 and introduces a brand new remix series (cheekily) entitled »Re-Treats«! With Nebraska, Session Victim and Quarion reworking stables fromthe RTR back catalogue, »Re-Treats Vol.1« is a brilliant showcase of the art of the remix as each artist comes up with a truly personal take on the original material.

RTR18 starts in high fashion with digger extraordinaire Nebraska tackling the label’s most famous track so far, »Good Intentions« from Session Victim. It’s merely impossible to rework a bonafide modern classic but the english producer manages this task with ease and stays close to the original by breaking down the main loop into a one bar groove with super crisp beats. This would already suffice as the core for a powerful track but the real action begins after a short break: Nebraska brings the original four bar loop back at the forefront while adding a wicked samba twist to it! And as the kick comes back in, you can help but dance with your arms in the air and a big smile on your face. The »Soho Samba Mix« is an irresistible tune with that unmistakable »London« flair, not to mention a proper dancefloor anthem in its own right!

Turn the record over for Session Victim’s take on »A & F« from Iron Curtis & Leaves. It will only take a few bars for you to feel that you’re in for a special ride with the one and only »Two Man House Band« at the commands. Matthias’ and Hauke’s version of »A & F« is much more a cover than a traditional remix as SVM add percussion, layers of juicy synths, loose drum fills and quirky samples over the original chords and vocals. There are shades of Jazz, Soul, Reggae and even a bit of Pop in the »612 Remix« but the vibe is 100 % Session Victim. The lads really excel in sun-drenched grooves and this remix is bound to become another staple in their dynamic live set for this summer’s festival season.

If the previous two reworks manage to somewhat stay close to the original material, then Quarion’s version of »Black Cream« takes an alternative route and propels Session Victim’s track into another dimension. Constructed around a tough beat and an hypnotic synth, the »White Smoke Remix« is thrusted by a powerful bassline and flying hi-hats that evolve in rapid succession. Parts of the original (a vocal here, a guitar there) are being fragmented to molecular level and clash with each other at light speed, as if Quarion managed to run these elements through the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. It’s a dense, yet fluid remix and a thrilling conclusion to this first volume of »Re-Treats«.


More

track name : A1 Summer Games , B1 Black Cream , B2 Finderlohn

After last month’s »Busted Moniker« EP from Quarion, Retreat is thrilled to announce a new 12" courtesy of house music’s most energetic duo, the incomparable Session Victim! The aptly titled »Two Man House Band EP« is the lads’ first record since their 2014 magnum Opus »See You When You Get There« and perfectly transcribes the energy that Session Victim pour into their incendiary live show. Tailormade for a night out in the club or a joyous day at the festival, the »Two Man House Band EP« once again prooves that Session Victim are unstoppable in their pursuit of the ultimate groove!

»Summer Games« is an ode to that most festive of seasons and could easily hold the claim of being Retreat’s »biggest« track so far. Built around an Hypnotic organ loop, »SummerGames« completely blurs the lines between house, funk and soul : rolling breakbeats, catchy vocal snippets and a very groovy bassline are the core elements of this anthem that could rock any party. Yet Session Victim add a slight twist in the form of a melancholic string motive that appears in two chiseled breakdowns. It’s a little reminder that summers do not last forever and that one should enjoy them while they last ...

Flip the record in order to dive into the deeper realms of »Black Cream«, a more reflective track for the late hours. With its jazzy (almost broken) beat, guitar licks, rhodes pads, subtle percussion and ethereal vocals, »Black Cream« is the soundtrack to an exciting underwater trip with Matthias and Hauke at the controls. Thanks to the captains’ lively drum programming, the track flows effortlessly and we’re treated with many surprises along the way before a gradual rise brings us back to the surface.

»Finderlohn« is a smokey downtempo workout which finds Session Victim digging deep in their collection to demonstrate their prowess in manipulating samples. Beginning with an instanly classic guitar and piano loop, »Finderlohn« allows a shuffly breakbeat to take center stage, sometimes reinforced with double-time hihats for a more dramatic effect. The tune is definitely a headnodder’s paradise and the listener is taken that little bit higher thanks to a mystical flute solo that concludes »Finderlohn« in a psychedelic way.


More

track name
A1 Lost Coordinates , A2 A Thousand Questions , B1 Burnin’ , B2 You Were The Only

FFinally putting to rest a one-year break, Retreat is back in full swing in order to bring more heat this summer thanks to the "Busted Moniker EP" from Quarion! With four tracks that showcase a jazzier, somewhat wilder side of the Retreat co-founder, "Busted Moniker" has the stamp of a producer on top of his game, squeezing out all of the funk from his machines and letting loose without too much over-thinking. Can you handle it?
The ambient introduction "Lost Coordinates" represents a direct follow-up to Quarion's offering on the "Treats Vol.5" Compilation. Built around a circular four note theme, white noise percussion and a distant choir, "Lost Coordinates" evokes a ghost spaceship that is drifting through the void, his destination unknown and his point of origin long forgotten.
The bumpy house beat of "A Thousand Questions" teleports us back to a more familiar territory: this is proper club music with a sweet jazzy touch. Not holding back on his skills as a musician, Quarion treats us with a Rhodes bassline, deep piano chords and many drum fills. The tune moves along nicely and just when you think it couldn't get any better, Quarion surprises us with a break that introduces energetic Juno stabs and a booming new bassline. Slick!
"Burnin'" is maybe the EPs hottest track (all puns intended) and is sure to light fires on dancefloors all over. Beginning with a deep bassline atop a shuffled beat, the groove becomes irresistible as soon as the cheeky vocal samples arrive, but it's the entrance of an infectious and offbeat Rhodes loop that is sure to make the dancers go crazy. As the track gets stronger, the theme breaks down in descending chords and we're left with just the kick drum and a percussive noise. The loop soon emerges anew from the background now coupled with a phased cymbal for one more everlasting burn... Ouch!
"You Were The Only" is the EP's conclusion, a jazzy Broken Beat workout reminiscent of what came out of West London at the turn of the millennium. Starting with a catchy synth, the track truly opens up when the additional sub bass and skippy Juno chords come into play, but the real magic happens after a short break. The bassline evolves into an 8-bar sequence with beautiful chords to match and we're instantly taken on a jazz journey with sprinkling keys, ethereal strings and more Juno stabs. A perfect finish to a very juicy EP!
More

Retreat slipmats "Homeis where the turntable is"

2x slipmats silk screen print
Colour:r mango
More

Retreat slipmats "Homeis where the turntable is"

2x slipmats silk screen print
Colour:r white
More

Releasedate 18.8.2014
Artist/track name
A1 Jamie Lloyd/Spiro Hustle A2 Session Victim/Much Too Strong A3 Johannes Albert/Co Co Jam Boo B1 Reverend G/Pam’s Cleavage B2 Kim Brown/I Am Batman C1 Quarion/Enter Coordinates C2 Mr Beatnick/Hold On To Your Dreams D1 Iron Curtis/Love Commitment D2 Robert Oh/Blush
More

Rounding up a year which saw crucial releases from Iron Curtis and Quarion, "Can't Help It" is the long awaited return of sample wizards Session Victim to the ep format. This Retreat 3-tracker is a profound, subtle and quite melancholic affair, perfect for those emotional moments in the early morning. Skillfully arranged and featuring the impeccable playing of Linnart Ebel, "Can't Help It" is once again an essential statement from one of House Music's most fascinating duo. "Pass The Diesel" begins with a stuttering beat, seagulllike noises and muted chords that wouldn't be out of place on a vintage Group Home instrumental. Staying on the aquatic tip, Session Victim introduce a beautiful rhodes sequence which takes the track into a dream-like - dare we say californian? - direction. Spiced up with gentle synth noodlings, ethereal vocal snippets and a magical strings motive, "Pass The Diesel" bathes in the deeper shades of House without ever drowning in a cliché, thanks to its snapping drums and vivid arrangement. Slowing things down a notch, "Hyuwee" starts off with what is maybe the most unconventional instrument in Session Victim's repertoire, the banjo! But the fear of witnessing these down-to-earth-boys actually becoming the boys-down-south vanishes after 30 seconds: a melancholic 3-Chord theme, snappy 808 patterns and funky drum fills lead the tune in a familiar (but vast) territory. Linnart Ebel's talent is put to great use with subtle guitar licks that give a lively feel to the whole song. You will notice that Session Victim have labeled "Hyuwee" as an "instrumental". More

After the well-received "Treats Vol.4", Retreat closes its 2012 chapter with a fantastic 4-tracker from House maestro Iron Curtis! Following his accomplished debut album on Mirau, "Glazing " is a highly versatile EP which sees the producer breaking new ground. More

Is there a better way to introduce a label than by releasing 2 exclusive tracks from its founders? Quarion and Session Victim (featuring Hauke Freer) show what RETREAT stands for with this pancake-hot split EP!" More

More than a year after his last EP, Quarion returns to Retreat for a fantastic expedition: a journey to the "Moons around Jupiter". Consisting of four tracks dedicated to the four Galilean satellites, "Moons around Jupiter" is a sonic masterpiece that blurs the lines between House, Techno,
Broken Beat and Disco. A certain Detroit mystique (the futurism & outer space themes) also surrounds thismesmerizing ep which Quarion himself ranks as possibly his best work to date … come and take a ride! We may share the ultimate bond with the moon Europa: the presumption of oceans underneath its crust of ice as well as an atmosphere that is mostly filled with oxygen make this satellite a good candidate for possible extra-terrestrial life (more micro-organisms than 3-eyed aliens though). Quarion's "Europa" hopes to reveal the secrets underneath the ice layer: beginning with a skippy beat and
a tinkling piano, the track evolves rapidly as subtle keys and a cosmic choir appear from beyond. .. More

We're thrilled to welcome Iron Curtis as a new character in the retreat saga! Hailing from Nuernberg but now based in Berlin, Mr. Curtis is known for his contemporary take on the classic Chicago House sound and has been making waves for the past two years with quality releases on Mirau, Morris Audio, Mule Electronic and Jackoff. However, we strongly believe that Iron Curtis is presenting a different aspect of his personality with "Stumbled Across", an EP that ventures in weirder territories with the help of Hip-Hop, dubstep and techno influences. A definitive statement froma blossoming producer who brings the element of surprise back to the dancefloor More

After their hot contributions for Treats Vol. 2, session victim
prove indeed that they are On The Roll with a funkafied
and no holds barred EP that pays homage to their Hip-Hop
Roots. Move Me So starts rather simply, with just a guitar
and a vocal, but you can hear a moving bassline and
distant rhodes chords creeping up from the background.
Two minutes into the track and there’s still no kick drum,
although the level of excitement produced by the magnetic
groove is almost unbearable. A filtered drum break finally
gives way to a four to the floor beat that should turn any
dancefloor into a frenetic party. The track builds with high
energy, as the pounding bassline seems to be directly
lifted from an early 90’s Hip-Hop classic. The breakdown
sees the vocal/guitar loop being played differently until the
second part shifts gear and brings more surprises in the
mix with the intro rhodes chords coming in and out. … More

One year old and four releases deep, RETREAT present
its first 2010 offering with the long awaited second volume
of the "Treats" series. Featuring 3 exclusive tracks from
Session Victim and Quarion, "Treats vol.2" showcases the
producers' ability to move beyond the traditional House
sound, incorporating more Soul and Disco influences as
well as coming up with a few surprises! SESSION VICTIM
start things off with the magical "Danish Daughters", a slow
groover that begins in a gentle but assured way, sparking
your interest with its infectious guitar and piano loop until
the beat kicks in and makes you irrepressibly shake that
thang. Adding a synth line here or a bell sound there, the
duo keep the pace of the track steady until a startling guitar
riff breaks it down, giving way to the original loop to return
in its full glory, complete with extra organ dashes! More

Just in time to conclude a bittersweet summer (at least in
Berlin), Retreat brings the heat with a soulful EP from one of
his founders, hotshot producer Quarion. As the name implies,
Dusty Fingers sees the beatmaker return to his Hip-Hop roots
and dig in the crates for a sample-based deep & dirty 3
tracker!
Quarion was last seen circling around Venus and we hope he
won't be More

big with: Ripperton (Perspectiv), Mr
Scruff (Ninja Tune), Soultourist
(Drumpoet), Audio Werner (Hartchef),
Langenberg (Dessous), Julius Steinhof
(Smallville), ND Baumecker (Pbar),
Nathan Mclay (Future Classic),…
+ DEBUG CHARTS # 3
Welcome to the second chapter of the Retreat saga!
"Contribute" was just a teaser for SESSION VICTIM so
with "Out On Love”, Hauke Freer and Matthias Reiling
show their true potential through 3 tracks of undiluted
funkiness. The first track on the EP starts off quite simply
but your excitement builds as promising chords and a
Detroit-style acid-synth give you an idea where "Memory
Lane" is heading. After a dramatic break that features a
notorious groove legend proclaiming that he's "out on
love", the chords reveal their full potential and the track
rolls into a major floor filler, complete with tight drum
patterns, extra sub bass and some more vocal snippets.
Yes! Flip the record and the beat of "Calypso Strut"
introduces a mysterious pad, decorated with wild
percussion and playful cut-up samples. 2 minutes in and
the pad morphs into a drunken piano that propels the track
into another dimension. More

12" EP

- first vinyl from Super Flu’s new label Didschn
- 3 Tracks from SuperFlu, Ivan Masa, Monkey Safari and Mar+Mer

TRACKLISTING
A1 - Super Flu, Ivan Masa - It´s a house day (05:58)
Genre: Indie Dance / Melodic House

B1 - Monkey Safari - Malmedy (05:42)
Genre: Melodic House & Techno

B2 - Super Flu, Mar+Mer - AMA (5:34)
Genre: Indie Dance, Afro

In the episode „Didschn,“ the town faces an unusual crisis as a mysterious figure known as Super Flu arrives. Contrary to its
name, Super Flu is a benevolent being with the ability to heal ailments by absorbing them into itself. Mar+Mer, a pair of curious
twins intrigued by Super Flu‘s powers, seek to understand its nature and offer assistance. Meanwhile, Ivan Masa, a skeptical
scientist, fears the unknown entity and aims to contain it. As tensions rise, Super Flu demonstrates its ability to heal not just
physical ailments but emotional wounds as well, bringing unity and understanding to the town. In the end, Mar+Mer and Ivan
Masa join forces to protect Super Flu from outside threats, realizing that its presence is a gift rather than a menace to Didschn. More

12”

200 ltd copies

GENRE/S: Deep House, Deep Techno

TRACKLISTS:
a1 Pablo Bolivar & Ben Preisinger - Rainy Dawn Lights
a2 Nhar - Jouret V
a3 Francisco Aguado - Aimless Dreams
b1 Juan Deminicis & Pablo Acenso - Opposite Poles
b2 Pablo Bolivar & Sensual Physics - Kleine Freude (Alessandro Crimi Remix)
b3 Ercos Blanka - You and him

SHORT INFO:
We continue selecting our “all time favourites” works from the catalogue for this second part of the “Ten Years Anniversary”.
Six hidden gems that has never been release in vinyl, beautiful deep works by our homies Pablo Bolivar & Ben Preisinger, Nhar, Ercos Blanka, Francisco Aguado, Juand Deminicis & Pablo Acenso and Alessandro Crimi. More

Format: (LP)

Special remarks : white vinyl


Genre: Ambient


Tracklist LP:

A1. Autumnal Dew
A2. Dawn Lined Horizon
A3. Zodiacal Clouds
B1. Infinite Pathways
B2. Dusk Settled Over The Mountains
B3. Alternate Spring Sundown


Short Info:

Simon Huxtable’s Inhmost project has been a focal outlet for his ambient and downtempo compositions. Pierre Nesi’s Owl production alias likewise is rich in ambient tones and textures. The resulting collaboration is chillout bliss.


More

WSNWG continues it's collaborative story with label head Rødhåd and upcoming Dj and producer Ignez.

With the label's love for nature and like-minded interests from Ignez, their mutual affinity laid the foundation for a profound collaboration in composing a novel sonic narrative. In febuary 2022 a marathon week of studio sessions yielded these driving yet emotive tracks. This EP initiates the first interoperation of a two-part series. More

Listen: https://listen.empi.re/278964

Gatefold Jacket, Picture Discs, Marketing Sticker, Poly-lined Protective Sleeves

About:
Walker & Royce have released their highly-anticipated sophomore album No Big Deal out now via Dirtybird Records.

Embarking on a four-part mission to bring the party back to dance music, Walker & Royce have embraced the boisterous, unruly nature of their over-the-top signature to deliver 10 non-stop anthems. A highly collaborative body of work, No Big Deal features a colorful collection of characters including comedian/ musician Reggie Watts, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson (and 1/2 of the electronic duo The Knocks), peak-time queen VNSSA, Grammy-nominated vocalist Barney Bones, and more.

From the tongue-in-cheek lyricism of ‘I Don’t Remember’ and ‘Might Just’ to the overzealous charisma imparted on tracks like ‘Motivashun’ and ‘Fatalistic Groove’, No Big Deal boasts the sense of humor and lightheartedness that Walker & Royce have brought to countless dance floors throughout their career. The album is hallmarked by the kaleidoscopic elements of their dance music roots: catchy vocals, playful melodies, thumping basslines, and relentless four-on-the-floor percussion.

No Big Deal is a wondrous homage to the weird and wacky tropes that have distinguished Walker & Royce’s no-holds-barred style for more than a decade. An auditory yearbook cataloging Walker & Royce’s sonic inspirations from their early days in New York City’s 90s underground raves to the Dirtybird BBQs and Campouts where they found their home, No Big Deal is a victory lap for Walker & Royce as they cement their status as headliners and hitmakers.

No Big Deal is a reminder to enjoy the ‘Cheap Thrills’ that life presents, to ‘Get Down Down’ and adopt a motto like ‘Let’s Live It Up’.

2xLP, Gatefold Jacket, Picture Disc, cut at 45rpm. First pressing limited to 500 copies.

Key Marketing/Selling:
• Playful, quirky tech-house that isn't afraid to dip into other genres
• Walker & Royce have been performing in the dance/club circuit since 2012
• Walker & Royce are performing at multiple festivals in 2024, including Lollapalooza and Beyond Wonderland, and have played at several high profile venus across the world, such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Petco Park, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium & more
• Recently performed a sold out show with John Summit/Experts Only at Stanford’s Frost Amphitheater
• Walker & Royce regularly perform at iconic nightclubs across the country
• To celebrate the album, Walker & Royce hosted a secret Dim-Sum pop up party with over 2000 RSVPs, and a line around block
• Just wrapped up an extensive nationwide No Big Deal tour from 10/27-2/23
• Partnered with Insomniac & their cannabis company, RNBW, for a golden ticket contest to win signed gear and 2 tickets to Beyond Wonderland
• Partnered with Perfect Circuit to give away a Novation Peak Hybrid Polyphonic Synthesizer, in celebration of the album release
• Received wide acclaim in the dance community for the “I Don’t Remember” music video
• Features on the album include comedian/musician Reggie Watts, Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson (and 1/2 of the electronic duo The Knocks), peak-time queen VNSSA, Grammy-nominated vocalist Barney Bones, Glass Petals, Elohim, & ZOF
• Walker & Royce have previously collaborated with notable artists such as Green Velvet, DIPLO & Channel Tres, and many more
• Walker & Royce’s previous album, Self Help, has been pressed twice on vinyl, with both pressings selling out
• 2xLP, Gatefold Jacket, Picture Discs, 45 RPM

Tracklist:
A1/1. Let's Live It Up (feat. Harm Franklin)
A2/2. Fatalistic Groove (feat. Barney Bones)
A3/3. Cheap Thrills (feat. Barney Bones)
B1/4. Get Down Down (feat. Reggie Watts)
B2/5. I Don't Remember (feat. VNSSA)
C1/6. Tha Tea
C2/7. Might Just (feat. James Patterson)
C3/8. Motivashun (feat. Reggie Watts)
D1/9. Stop Time (feat. Glass Petals & Elohim)
D2/10. Did You Mean It (feat. ZOF)

Socials:
Twitter: 15.2k followers
IG: 61.8k followers
FB: 72k followers
YT: 1.2k subs / 235k views
More

2024 repress, Watergate standard sleeve

Tracklist:
A1) Checkmate
A2) Checkmate (Cinthie Remix)
B1) Checkmate (Steve Rachmad Remix)

Infotext:
It's been quite a while since we've last seen our next artist on Watergate Records. It was 2014 when he dropped his Watergate mix and EP so it is with great pleasure that we welcome back the legendary Kerri Chandler.
'Checkmate' is the epitome of a Kerri Chandler classic and has all the makings of a timeless future classic. With bold, soulful keys and massive analog drums 'Checkmate' elevates any dance floor's intensity to meteoric levels. To give an extra perspective to the single we invited another icon, Steve Rachmad to remix the original and he delivers an incredibly soulful Techno revision while Watergate mainstay Cinthie hands over a expertly crafted modern twist with classic appeal. No matter what your searching for, there is a gem for you here. Welcome back Kerri!
More

3x12" Gatefold White Vinyl (Download Code Inside)


1. Extrawelt - Dark Side Of My Room (DE-Q20-08-00161)
2. Extrawelt - Wippsteert (DE-Q20-08-00162)
3. Extrawelt - Trümmerfeld (DE-Q20-08-00165)
4. Extrawelt - Must Attack (DE-Q20-08-00164)
5. Extrawelt - Wolkenbruch (DE-Q20-08-00166)
6. Extrawelt - Added Planet (DE-Q20-08-00167)
7. Extrawelt - Daten Raten (DE-Q20-08-00169)
8. Extrawelt - Lost In Willaura (DE-Q20-08-00170)
9. Extrawelt - Kurt Curtain (Skit) (DE-Q20-08-00168)
10. Extrawelt - One Tree Hill (DE-Q20-08-00160)
11. Extrawelt - Messy Machinery (Rough Mix) (DE-Q20-00-01376)
12. Extrawelt - Homing (DE-Q20-08-00171)
13. Extrawelt - Bright Side Of My Room (DE-Q20-22-00014)



Including all the tracks from the original release. But adding "Bright Side Of My Room" to the list as a counterpart of "Dark Side Of My Room" makes this release even more attractive. And to top it all off, as another treat, there's the "Messy Machinery" Rough Mix instead of the Original Mix.

It's all about hooking up our music to the emotional world of electronic music at the beginning of the Nineties, however, without falling for nostalgic references. We don't want to do cowardly Zeitgeist Techno, we want to have the heart to dare big sounds and more melodies. Sunrise scenarios, energy, revolution, and kaput-ness, all these are parts of the Extrawelt." (Extrawelt, 2008)

However, don't panic even if the aesthetics of the debut album of the two Hamburg-born artists Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe is affected by the attentive observation of electronic dance music over the last fifteen years, the "Schöne Neue Extrawelt" is above all this: Premium Techno 2008! The Hamburg-based producer team has been unmistakably imprinting the last three years' club sound with widely noticed releases on Border Community ("Sooper Track"), Traum Schallplatten ("Doch Doch") and Cocoon Recordings ("Titelheld") as well as with remixes for Gregor Tresher, Minilogue or Alexander Kowalski - last but not least due to an excellent live presence, that resulted in the second rank in the Groove Live Act Charts, even still without the accompanying long-player.

The work on "Schöne Neue Extrawelt" started more than two years ago for Schaffhausen and Raabe. "The initial idea was to present an album covering all styles of electronic music between Ambient, Breakbeats, and Techno. When we had 25 tracks for the album ready, we had to realize that this approach did not work for us. Insofar, we finally decided to use the 4/4 bass drum in all tracks except in the little intermezzo "Kurt Curtain". We have tested all tracks live over the last three months and constantly re-interpreted them. So, the 'danceability' is clearly in our focus, but the sound spectrum and the dramaturgy of the titles should not be solely functioning in the club. Our intention was definitely not to deliver an album full of superficial peak time hits."

Those twelve tracks on "Schöne Neue Extrawelt", all unreleased, are therefore primarily representing a pleasurable 'in-between', the organic development of hypnotically compressed dance music that is more than "just" Minimal Techno, reduced Trance or electronic listening sounds of the Warp era - even all those elements have left their marks. From the richly decorated musical-clock-intro "One Tree Hill" via the stereo singing bowl of "Trümmerfeld" to the Asian-sounding creaking of "Daten Raten", Extrawelt celebrate a vision of futuristic melancholy with organic detail richness, which is permanently in motion but is nevertheless seeming to be well-balanced. However, in the Extrawelt universe, one gets along quite well with antagonisms. "We have always been polarizing, not only in the Techno scene but also in the Trance scene. Because in the end, "Schöne Neue Extrawelt" - freely adapted from Aldous Huxley - is now not only a big neon-colored future but is likewise positioned in the often-disillusioning grey of the here and now."



More