Retrospective euphoria from one of Melbourne’s most notorious. J_Feels | 4 months ago : "This takes me back! 1991... Joe, Damo and I used to hit every Biology at the docks. We were young and skint, but somehow managed to always make it to the rave. We were so up for it! The vibes were sick… good music… best mates... and the ecstasy… mannn those little fuckers (Damo from Carlton north, if you ever listen to this on here, hit me up brother!). I’m a family man in my 40s now but this music takes me back to my 20s, I close my eyes and I can still feel the rush, the heat of everyone crammed into those warehouses and the huge, stupid grin on my face.” More

It’s been a year since Francis Inferno Orchestra’s last hit for Superconscious Records ’Harmony’ shredded it’s way into record bags across the globe, Now, twelve months on, he returns with his latest 12’ 'Oasis and A Time'. The A-side consists of two versions of the lead track ’Oasis'. The 'Celestial Body Mix’ which is a dreamy uptempo dance escape, and the 'Erotikk Mix' which gives a nod to early Italian DFC records and the sounds of Deep Forest. On the flip, 'Mating Rituals of the Eastern Suburbs' is a devoted chant to the humble inhabitants of the suburb of Burwood in Melbourne. More

Take a trip deep into the Kalamari desert with Australian ex-patriot and Superconscious co-founder Francis Inferno Orchestra. In his first outing since last year’s LP ‘A New Way of Living’ “Where Will You be Spending Eternity?” is a four track mirage inspired by spiritual and religious junk-mail and a lust for the extraordinary. It also comes complete with a remix from fellow Australian techno wizards Sleep D. So this summer, ask yourself the question; where will you be spending eternity?

More

Let's Play House is kicking the new year off with its own Times Square ball drop: Francis Inferno Orchestra's three-track solo EP, Hezbolla. The wonky, off-kilter, eccentric package manages to be two disparate and often contradictory things at once: a guaranteed chaotic, debaucherous barn-burner and a deep, heady epic journey. The title track is just as violent and nasty as its name might imply, but it's underscored by the sort of lightheartedness and good humor that FIO is known for. The first five minutes are a jumble of distorted, fuzzy kicks, toms, and bouncy bongos that all magically coalesce into a euphoria buttressed by bright horn samples, chopped-up vocals, and a groovy bass riff. When it finally sputters out, it's hard to believe all of ten minutes just flew by. The flip starts with “Vibrations,” a saccharine, buttery disco-tinged cut that's all glitz and glam, a hypnotizing cocktail of sublime, sparkling melodies and glistening keys. Bookending the 12” is “Hezbobongo,” a sort of bonus beats rendering of the A1, thrown in to keep the party chugging along and offer DJs some fun toys to fiddle around with in the booth. Hezbolla will be followed by a second EP on LPH WHITE featuring two remixes of the title track and another original
More

"In the animist framework of Australian Aboriginal mythology, Dreamtime is a sacred era in which ancestral totemic spirit beings created the world." Francis Inferno Orchestra is Griffin James, a young and talented DJ and music producer from Melbourne. He released various 12"s on labels like Let's Play House, Wolf Music and FINA to name just a few. We believe that he could become a major player of this scene as his musical skillz and his sounds impressed the people at Zurich's Drumpoet Community imprint. On this 12" he shows us two different sides of his output. The soulful "Amber Express" could be an hommage to Moodymann's excellent work, similar to "You're The One" whereas "Dreamtime" and "Dusty Echoes" refer more to the Dub and Techno influenced corner of dance music. We were simply overwhelmed by this tracks and the reactions we had, playing them out was great. Anyway, listen and decide yourself, we hope you enjoy it too. More

One of the most exciting of these producers is Griffin James, aka Francis Inferno Orchestra, who in the last 6 months has been kicking up a whirlwind of attention due to his own slick productions and growing listenership on Soundcloud. Ringing endorsements have come in the form of luminaries such as Mark E spinning his tracks, not to mention the likes of Soul Clap queuing up to do remixes, while Resident Advisor also pointed him out as the one to watch coming out of Melbourne. His production midas touch certainly belies his age, and the appetite for more has definitely been whetted. Lo Slung deep house on the title cut & the usual round of FIO feel-good deep house bliss on the B-side More

More beatdown disco badassery from camp Sleaze, courtesy of Melbourne's Francis Inferno Orchestra (FIO), whose profile is skyrocketing after a string of stellar releases on Dikso, Wolf Music and Under The Shade. Unsurprisingly, "The Night He Came Home", his debut EP on Sleazy Beats Recordings, is a right clusterbomb of a record. With Rush Back and This Fire is Real, FIO showcases just how good he is at capturing the sound of 80s disco (crappy vocals and tom drums, what's not to love?) and transforming it into infectious, midtempo dancefloor fodder while keeping things deep, down and dirty. Lovers on the flip is a tasty dreamy chugger with a hypnotizing groove that will appeal to the fans of the Super Value Special Edits series. One of Sleazy Beats' finest releases yet, and as usual, a very limited affair (no digital, no repress). More

After nine years of quality assured house music, FINA Records hits release number 30 with another of its forward looking offerings, this time from red hot young Frenchman Armless Kid. Well known on his native Paris circuit, Armless Kid is now breaking out on the wider international scene. He's released his bustling, heart felt house grooves on Rekids and the legendary Classic Music Company, is a Rinse FM regular and has an anything goes approach that has won him high profile fans like DJ Harvey and The Black Madonna. Opener Shadows is a superbly warm deep house cut with real drive in the silky smooth drums. It's perfect for cosy dance floors, while Lost Days picks up the pace with raw and hurried kick drums and dusty piano keys bringing real beauty to the groove. Brute Factor Disco pumps any party with its urgent drum programming, explosive sense of energy and dazzling disco chords and last of all, NaturaL FL Groove slips into a funky bass riff, with organic licks and authentic old school production values that make it a timeless classic in the making. More

FINA co-owner Corbi makes his long-awaited debut on the label with three tracks of his playful, inventive house sounds. He has made a notable impact in just a couple of years, with EPs and edgy, in demand edits on The Bricks, Music For Freaks and Morris Audio. Opener 'Samurai' continues in that rich vein, with seven sublime minutes of dreamy house. It's awash with gorgeous chords and vocals, adding to the escapist effects of a truly lush track. The smooth 'Access Serenity' slows things down, with loose drum tumbles, summery and Balearic string sounds and exotic, tropical percussion that take you direct to the beach. Last of all, 'Warp' with J33 reworks a cult classic with driving, elastic drums and bass and the original's deadpan vocal style. Add in curious whistles and the whole perfectly off-balance groove is sure to get big reactions. More

Fina’s next release comes from Mathew Ferness, an exciting and already hotly tipped rising star for just his second ever EP. It features three tracks that showcase his musical house style with a remix from Helsinki’s Saine. Ferness hails from a small town near Montreal in Quebec, where he was an outcast obsessed with music. With no access to record shops, parties or scenes Mathew started taking matters into his own hands DJing in his teens taking inspiration from J Dilla, he soon began producing his own beats on a sampler and drum machine. An exploration of analogue sounds, DAWS and most recently electronic music have all lead him to the rich sound he has now. His last EP on Beat changers was championed by Rhythm Section International and Radio 1 tastemaker Bradley Zero and this latest EP is likely to prove just as popular. Pad laced opener ‘Escapade’ is a summery deep house jam with breezy acoustic guitar and warm, punchy drums of the sort to get any floor cutting loose. ‘Solitude’ is more paired back, with thoughtful piano keys laid over deep rolling drums. There is a musical romance and beauty to the synths that elevate this one above purely functional fodder, and then ‘At First Sight’ awakens your senses once more with broad synth smears and perfectly rough-edged drums which create pure deep house soul. Saine is a producer with a range that goes from hazy hip hop to dusty house on labels like Odd Socks, Andy Hart’s Voyage and this one before now. After his 2017 EP Mint, he returns with a remix that is bubbly and laden with colourful melodies and open-air house grooves.
This is EP full of rich house music that is for mind, body and soul. More

FINA Records welcome Jad & The for a new EP that shows off the Australian-born, Berlin-based producer’s majestically melodic house sound. A special dub from 6th Borough Project makes this another essential release. Before now Jad & The has served up tracks of the year (‘Strings That Never Win’ - Mixmag 2017), fronted four piece live act Mitzi—who played alongside the likes of Nile Rodgers—and also produced as Jad & The Ladyboy, all the while picking up fans like Moxie and Bradley Zero. Sonar Kollektiv and Toy Tonics have put out his charming sounds before and this new one is another joyous offering. The feel good ‘2 Getha (4 Eva Mix)’ kicks things of with old school drum breaks and loved-up vocals. Big smeared pads, a new age melody and classic bassline line finish it off and carry you away to summery house heaven. ‘Twist Club’ then drops into lush deep house with a long legged bassline tumbling beneath organic drums. It’s a dreamy and romantic cut before ‘Disco Hold Down’ has live sounding jazz drums, choppy vocals and rough edges that take you to the heart of a vibe-fulled basement party. Delusions Of Grandeur’s 6th Borough Project serve up a Dub that’s more stripped back and built on a big rubber bassline. Jacking drums and a more rapturous vocal make it a truly steamy jam. More

Fina Records strides into 2018 with another fresh new house EP, this time from PASO aka Pascal Pamme. Over the last few years this French artist has released on the likes of D.KO Records, Increase, and The Groove, and always showcases his knack for loose limbed, organic house grooves laden with jazzy keys and soul-infused synths. The four cuts he offers up here once again prove he is a producer with a truly authentic and musical style. The warm and golden ‘Idocracy’ kicks things off with gently shuffling kicks, noodling chords and twinkling keys that together make for a perfectly cozy and intimate house track. ‘Fuzy’ is another perfectly louche and disheveled number with woody kicks stuttering beneath effusive Rhodes keys. Vinyl crackle and tinkling percussive sounds add to the immediately aged and lived in style of the track and mean it is one that will get smaller rooms well and truly involved. On the flip, ‘Limited Perception’ ups the ante, with quicker drums decorated with more languid chords, plenty of smartly sampled sounds and a breezy sense of groove that is heartfelt and effortlessly feel good. Last of all, ‘No Matter Where You’re From’ has great female vocals stitched into long-tailed pads as lazy, swaggering drums lay down a perfectly imperfect groove. It rounds out an EP of masterfully atmospheric house for those who like their beats with real feeling. More

For our next FINA records release we welcome French native Closed Paradise… Closed Paradise has been on our radar for a while after hearing releases on Fools & Fables, Kolour LTD & Whiskey Disco. His unique (and mainly vinyl only) productions have featured heavily in our sets over the last few years, If you are familiar with his vibe you’ll know his tracks have a certain French finesse, and these are no exception. So we are extremely happy to finally put this out and add Closed Paradise ‘Praise’ Ep to the FINA family. More

Quality house label FINA Records are back with their next carefully curated EP of 2016. This one comes from the choice house duo of Rob Glassett and Sam Fussell aka Homepark, who serve up four more of their finely crafted cuts. Over the last six years, Homepark have slowly but surely built up a classy discography that takes in smooth and seductive deep house that has real drive. It has come on labels like Ornate Music and Chez Damier’s Courtesy Of Balance Recordings, and always marries a classic sense of house history with fresh new perspectives for both head and heel. This latest EP kicks off with ‘RFMS,’ an immediately atmospheric track with shakers, rubbery drums and smeared synths all making for a fulsome groove. Some choice vocals help elevate things to a higher level and the whole thing exudes real warmth as it effortlessly glides along. If that was a more peak time offering, ’Lost In Days’ is much less direct and hurried: it encourages you to wallow in the encircling and spiritual synths that spread out all around you as whispered female sounds add real soul . The widescreen, dubby house vibes continue on ’16 Sessions’ with its firefly-like synths squiggling about above a gurgling FM bassline and crisp claps. Again with an exquisite sense of electronic soul, the whole EP gets rounded out with the rueful and far-gazing ‘Endings.’ Globular synths step up and down the scale, thin pads add a glow of white light and fresh drum programming and fingers clicks really help get you on your toes and swinging those hips. All in all, this is a timeless house EP that reaches heartwarming depths whilst also keeping one foot well and truly on the ‘floor. More

FINA Records presents 'Tyranny of Fun', the debut EP from Slow Learner. The coining of the new alias 'Slow Learner', marks a new chapter and musical direction for an already established artist who is by no means new to the game. Preferring to start afresh and steer clear from associations, the somewhat reclusive figure from the South Coast is now focused instead on allowing his new output to speak solely for itself. And his debut release under his new pseudonym achieves just that. 'Tyranny of Fun' is an accomplished sonic offering that reveals a versatile sound characterized by original combinations of samples, depth and range. The EPs opener, 'The Skin Horse' is surely one for the after afters - a dark and off kilter growler of a track whose prevailing bassline and waltz time beat provide a brooding backdrop and relentless rolling nod to its intricate fusion of dissident chords, dusty synths and jazz stabs. On the flip side, an unpredictable 'Cupboard Love' starts muted and deep but soon surprises, opening out into a warm and progressive feel-good groove. Mixing things up again, Slow Learner impulsively cuts up the flow 4 minutes in with a funk-filled refrain, leaving the track dancing in and around dirtier disco territories. Last up, a made for vinyl 'Honey' goes deeper still; a delectably crafted down tempo offering whose syrupy vocals stir and evocative cross-rhythm synths, coupled with the vintage analogue percussion, ooze an unmistakable old 90's deep house sound.
More

FINA Records returns with its sixteenth release this June, this time coming from German duo Tarron Trekka who offer up a four-track self-titled EP. Daniel Muller-Sachs and Andreas Kriester aka Tarron Trekka have been releasing material via the likes of Freude Am Tamzen, Brut! and Milnor Modern since the late 2000's, although have been actively DJ'ing since the late 90's. Since unveiling the Tarron Trekka alias in 2006 the pair have picked up support from some well respected heads in the underground circuit such as Rodhad, Don't Be Afraid founder Semtek and Adultnapper, so it's no surprise to see the pair snapped up for a single here on the illustrious FINA imprint.
More

FINA Records marks its fifteenth release this March/April with Borrowed Indentity's 'Bang Bang Boogie', a four-track single of rugged house and disco grooves. Romanian born now Germany based Borrowed Identity has been releasing gradually creeping out his electronic compositions since late 2011, releasing through reputable imprints such as Supplement Facts, Pets Recordings and Quintessentials to name a few. Picking up support along the way from leading names such as Mike Huckaby, Move D, Brawther and Delano Smith. Here we see Borrowed Identity join the FINA Records roster, a fitting placement for his soul-laden electronic sound. Title cut 'Bang Bang Boogie ft. Mechanical Soul Brother' opens the record, a stab fuelled Chicago house number, employing an amalgamation of organic piano chords, fluttering pads, cutting bass tones and soulful vocal snippets to create a classic house piece, skilfully crafted. Following we have 'Mental State', which again tips its focus to the foundations of house with a gritty acidic bass hook, retro cowbells, shuffling snares and Juno strings, while a seemingly improvised sax melody in the latter stages adds a further charm to the arrangement. On the latter half of the release we see Borrowed Identity display his diversity as a producer, with 'Roboto Moves' veering into dub territories, animated by dubbed out synth stabs, ethereal bass and a sharp bass hook. We then see the release rounded off with an infectious disco track entitled 'You're Mine', which blends organic rhythms and gospel-style vocals with slap bass licks and funk infused guitar lines to truly close the package in style.
More

Powel aka Paul Christie is a Berlin based DJ/Producer, and a relatively fresh name on the underground house circuit. Christie has previously released material with some exciting new labels, namely, Berlin-based label Keller, Wunderbar Recordings and Deliciuse, here he joins the FINA roster, well and truly putting him on the map, and slotting in alongside Move D, Cottam and Leif. Title track ‘Cloud City’ opens the single here, an ethereal deep house number featuring an amalgamation of cosseting synth tones, understated, organic drums and intricate, blooming melodies.This is a stunning opener for the EP and a clear-cut sign that Powel has a deep-seated knowledge for sculpting heartfelt house music. Up next is ‘Falling In A Black Hole’, which sees Powel take a more reserved approach and minimal sentiment, opting for sparse drums, emotive chord progressions and smooth pad lines. On the B-Side of the release, first up we have ‘I’m Talking Quietly’, Powel drops the tempo down to create a chuggy, disco inflected feel. Throwing in loose, organic percussion for an authentic nu-disco feel, while piano chords, heavily delayed strings and sax licks further fuel the musicality, adding a further charm and character to the record. Then up last to close things is ‘Getting Out’, embracing a similar slo-mo, low-slung aesthetic to the preceding track, yet introducing a gritty electronic bass hook and analogue style synth lines this time to create a brilliantly contrasting track, and rounding off a stellar package full of understated, intelligent electronic music. More

Guy Andrews has been a prominent name on the underground circuit as of late, racking up a reputable back catalogue with releases and remixes for the likes of Hotflush, Hemlock and The Vinyl Factory. Andrews has seen heavy support on the aforementioned singles from the likes of Lorca, The Black Dog and A1 Bassline, testament to his classy, understated take on house and techno. Here Guy joins the FINA Records roster, following a release from DFRNT, a striking indication of the attentive A&R approach of the label so far this year. The release opens with ‘Divide’, a brooding house cut employing punchy organic drums, smooth ethereal synthesizers and dubbed out chord progressions as its driving force. Andrews throws in a modern drawn-out bass hook to add a contemporary touch to the otherwise classic format, resulting in a classy, understated opener for the EP. Up next we have, ‘7AM’, embracing a similarly natural percussive edge, with rolling toms, heavily reverberated claps, and shakers taking the reins, while emotive melodies and bulbous low-end tones drive the musicality. First up on the B-Side is ‘Fixture’, taking on a more direct 4/4 approach with raw distorted drums, gritty electronic synth hooks and a blossoming atmospherics. The record builds in this state for several minutes, before Andrews reverts back to the punchy drum groove and hypnotic pads to tail things out. Lastly to close the EP Guy offers up ‘Tapes’, tipping the focus towards an off-kilter, deep aesthetic, with broken kicks, claps and shuffling hats, while swirling synths, vocal snippets and heavily delayed Rhodes build a profound depth around them.
More

DFRNT aka Alex Cowles, has put out a string of critically acclaimed releases via his own Echodub, and London’s, On The Edge imprint, since his arrival on the scene in 2008, had his track ‘Headspace’ remixed by Scuba which featured on the producer’s Sub:Stance mix CD for Ostgut Ton, and maintained a consistently forward-thinking approach to electronic music throughout this. Here he joins 2020 Vision offshoot FINA Records, alongside the likes of Move D, Leif and Roberto Rodriguez. The release opens with title track ‘Nobody Stop Me feat Caye Slaymaker’, an emotive slice of piano-laden house music. Bulbous, subby bass tones meander around shuffling drums and emotive vocal lines that build for several minutes before a gritty saw wave hook is introduced, upping the energy and adding a direct, driving feel to the cut. ‘Sugar Free’ follows on next, embracing a similar aesthetic to the preceding track, taking beautiful, organic elements and tightly blending them with gritty electronics, Cowles fuses bright string melodies, cosseting pads and crunchy drums with heavily manipulated vocals chops to once again create something intelligent and brilliantly crafted. Entering the latter half of the release we have ‘Start Changing Tempo’, takings things deep with a bright chord progression, subtle, chiming marimba style percussion and a cavernous atmosphere achieved through echoing vocal murmurs and off-kilter reverberated drums. ‘Frisky Disco’ follows, and as the name would suggest, veers things into an eighties disco influenced direction, dropping the tempo with a slo-mo beat, warbling Rhodes, dubbed out guitar and brass licks and R&B vocal samples, creating a fantastic contrast against the previous cuts. Finally to close things Cowles turns in ‘The Way You Look At Me’, the perfect way to wind things down, with heartwarming piano melodies and call and response style vocals.

More

Fina Records return with a stellar six track EP entitled ‘ These Things’ this .... by Leeds-based producer Tom Taylor, backed with mixes from Jack Dixon and Clive Herny & Rui Da Silva.The release opens with ‘Twilight’, a smooth, ethereal number employing gentile filtered melodies, a whispering vocal hook and off-kilter broken beats all of which are seemingly ever-evolving for seven minute duration. Following is ‘Don’t Give Up’, a chuggy, slo-mo track, driven by punchy disco drums, soulful vocal licks and a cosseting pad-line. Taylor demonstrates his ability to craft intelligent, hypnotizing music across the board here brilliantly. Next up is ‘This World’, a piano-driven, groove-led track focusing on steady progression and subtle background automation to create a flourishing dynamism, Taylor throws in some emotive vocal lines and hi- strings to boot, resulting in a beautiful house cut. Stepping up on remix duties is man of the hour Jack Dixon reworking ‘Twilight’, the Hotflush artist strips back the vibe of the original with sparse, weighty drums and infuses drawn out reverb tails and elongated echoes into the depths of the background alongside a heady synth line tipping this interpretation into peak-time territory. Closing the release are the digital exclusives, firstly Clive Henry teams up with Rui Da Silva to reshape ‘This World’, the duo instil a raw energy to the original, adding sharp keys and dark atmospherics that slowly blossom towards a huge reverb soaked breakdown. This is perfect early hours deepness.

More

With MAM bringing some local-yet Modern Heat to FINA Records, we decided to keep things up close and personal once again – a sort of family affair minus the Costra Nosa connotation. Although Simon Baker may have left us standing in Yorkshire sized puddles for the big smog, he luckily still has a soft spot for his northern roots. Fresh from his universally acclaimed debut L.P ‘Traces’ on stable mate label 2020Vision, Simon has already taken 2012 by the horns. Since January Simon has already made a welcome return to 2020Vision with ‘Let Me In’, rolled out the emphatic 'All Of A Sudden' on Nic Fanciulli’s Saved Records with production cohort Robert James (Hot Natured), and delivered the masterful Osaka Nights E.P on trend spotter label du jour, Leftroom Ltd - not to mention completing a world tour. FINA Records is therefore proud to present the ‘Riker EP’ - a three track cosmic delight from the man himself. Title track ‘Riker’ is a warm, emotive, progressive number, interspersed with glockenspiel lines that would make Lil Louie Vega jealous. In stark contrast, ‘Geo’ is a spacious, punchy, deep kicker of a house track layered with ghostly dropping baselines and shimmering echo’s. A futuristic Deep House shoulder shaker for the terrace. On the ‘Riker Remix’, purveyor of new vibrations and rising star Elphino (somethinksounds) delivers a driving House track, chopping up the vocals, and firmly stamping his own imprint across the basslines into an up-tempo designated dance floor record. More

Spring has arrived. Think daffodils, premature outdoor parties, ambitious BBQ's and the new FINA 007. Continuing our trend for spotting emerging stars we have enlisted the talents of Mannheim poacher turned gamekeeper, and Air London starlet, Steffen Deux. After mixing the '5 Years of 8 Bit' compilation and appearing on Cocoons 'Party Animals' mix , Steffen has demonstrated his ability to turn his Loft Club fame, into a reputation as a producer, not just a record maestro.
More

Cosmic Dutch space cadets Morning Factory step up for FINA 005 with a slow motion rhythm and tone EP. Having previously appeared for Yore Records and brother from another mother 2020 Vision, the guys have been busy in the windmill whittling a perfect autumn release. Sultans of Swing EP doesn't quite shadow Dire Straits but it certainly delivers. Hypnotic title track of the same name is features futureproof basslines, layered with an enigmatic drowning echo-led synth while 'Lady' adds a different finish to the wax. Here we find D'Angelo's 96 vocal hook effortlessly breaking through the shuffling punchy bass. There's no Edam to be found on the reverse either as mysterious edits man Cottam reworks 'Sultans of Swing' into a mid-tempo cosmic number. More