At this point a regular contributor in defining Token's sound, Border One steps up for his sixth EP on the label in five years. As in many of his past projects, 'Where is Now' bleeds character through effect for a trip on the dancefloor.

Tracklist
A1. Border One - Where Is Now
A2. Border One - Time Drift
B1. Border One - Echo State
B2. Border One - Split Recall


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

(2LP, remastered, printed innersleeves) This re-release features the original 80s, highly sought-after albums Sabotage and Melting Close (Antler 056), along with the original 12-inch Fear (Antler 058). The comprehensive double album includes 4 live recordings and 12 studio tracks, all housed in a luxurious package comprising double 180-gram vinyl with exclusively designed inner sleeves.



The Klinik are Dirk Ivens(vocals) and Marc Verhaeghen (music). Also featured on Fear is Eric Van Wonterghem (sequence and percussion), Guy Drieghe cover design on Fear. Luxury package design and reconstruction by Pieter Willemen, All tracks remastered as " like you have never heard them before" by Pieter Dewagter early 2025.



Tracklist

A1. Decay
A2. Hours + Hours
A3. Braindamage
A4. Sabotage

B1. Sick In Your Mind
B2. Time Watch
B3. Vietnam
B4. Burning Inside

C1. Never Get Out
C2. Melting Close
C3. Nautilus
C4. Feel The Evil

D1. Memories
D2. Nursery
D3. Sick In Your Mind (Remix)
D4. Fear


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

With his first EP on Token, Phara conjures up four tracks detailing dancefloor impact with robust personality. In 'Second Skin', the Belgian artist is eager for resolution, keeping tension high with the bold analog sound he's known for. Coming eye to eye with the label's sound, Phara pays homage to Token while fiercely defending years of artistic direction - layering the label's astral ambiance with his unstoppable movement.

'Second Skin' sets Phara's intentions clear. The titletrack rolls forward like heavy machinery with what seems like shifting vocals breathing life into the stereo image. This first cut is a gold standard of peaktime production, creating a sense of purpose at the core of urgency. Claps and rides boom and whip around the track that lumbers on with chord stabs to add soul to flare. 'The Ring', however, takes the listener into another direction. Heavily centered on the drum sequence with a sharp slap-back delay, Phara plays with resonance, sparking psychosis amongst movement. Playful in the short term, 'The Ring' proves to be an ultra-hypnotic track reserved for a set's high intensity stretches on an already surrendered dancefloor. Taking this energy and pulling it in, 'Neon' comes to establish a bit more intimacy at first. Here, the producer diffuses his elements into themselves and, in turn, creates a thick ambiance that drives the record forward in space and dissonance. 'Neon' is inquisitive and almost spiritual in its effect, playing with the line between a unified dancefloor and an introspective journey. The conclusion to the EP is 'Blood', a return to dryer production - at least in the beginning. Ambient, almost psychedelic synth work sucks in the listener over unwavering energy to create a closing track worthy of its name. Rolling through to the end, 'Blood' delivers the final blow to an insatiable record on Token by Phara

.

Tracklist

A1. Phara - Second Skin
A2. Phara - The Ring

B1. Phara - Neon
B2. Phara - Blood

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

Unmistakable are the sonic experiments of Spanish alchemist ORBE; with this fresh release on Token. ORBE's iconically viscous textures and impactful percussion weasel their way into 'Ascender' for a deeper release on Kr!z's label. Thick, brooding atmospheres drive these tracks into stories of pursuit and escape throughout its four tracks.

A slick, pulsating low end in 'Flashback' stands out as a first impression for an imposing EP. Electric leads zip by for maximum psychosis; he's known for his uncompromising dissonance and drive. A staple of the Spanish scene, ORBE bites down hard on deep and hypnotic techno to resonate through concrete warehouses. This jagged edge to club music continues through 'W9Y' - a more drum-forward cut with noisy transitions and breathable synthwork. Sharper stabs occupy this space as opposed to the track's predecessor and tension is maintained with a lingering pad in the background. A meditative conclusion for the A side, ORBE quickly shifts his attention in the titletrack 'Ascender'. Emphasizing tone and tune on the kick, the lead comes with confrontation. Rolling through shifting hats, the producer brings boiling tension through minimal arrangement and the weight of his sound design - a skillset only the most seasoned artists can claim. To close things out, 'Break Nation' does just that - cutting off the traditional four/four rhythm and instead presenting itself as a bass stepper. With ORBE's classic unison packed synths, this dweller presents a whole other perspective on 'Ascender'. A hybrid of influences and yet still destined for the techno dancefloor, this breath of fresh air serves as deep dive into the subconscious for an eyes-closed experience.



Tracklist

A1. ORBE - Flashback
A2. ORBE - W9Y

B1. ORBE - Ascender
B2. ORBE - Break Nation


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

(incl. tracks by Skjöld, Tapefeed, Stephen Disario, Merino, JSPRV35, Terminus, Sanna Mun & Mode_1) Token presents the 6th chapter of the Fuga series. Challenging new faces to complete the label's sound, Fuga VI is another focused compilation that balances spatial detail and rhythmic bite.



Tracklist

A1. Skjöld - Forbidden City
A2. Tapefeed - Residual Memory

B1. Stephen Disario - Out Of Tune
B2. Merino - Memoria

C1. JSPRV35 - Question
C2. Terminus - Catch 22

D1. Sanna Mun - Binary Systems
D2. Mode_1 - Lifespan



Skipping any introduction to dive straight into the essence of the compilation, Skjöld portrays 'Forbidden City' as a tense aquatic exploration. With pressure in the low end, he keeps the record alive by conjuring obscure pads to give dimension and intrigue to an already nervous track. This persistence is quickly met with weight; Tapefeed's 'Residual Memory' follows up to tap into the label's more aggressive side. Riddled with mechanical sound design bordering on the industrial, the Tapefeed duo creates dancefloor dominating energy that sets them apart with an all-out approach. The density of this second track feeds smoothly into Stephen Disario's 'Out Of Tune' - a drum-forward record with dispersed texture. The LA based producer puts his hi hats brutally forward to cut through the space, finding a remarkable balance between its two sides and exploiting its confrontation. Returning to the label's recognizable resonance, Merino steps in with 'Memoria' - a manic 5 minute synth loop with minimal percussion. Dealing in restraint and dissonance, Merino naturally finds a home in Fuga VI with this track before heading back into the peak time paranoia of JSPRV35 in 'Question'. Pushing up the intensity and flicking through vintage percussion lines, 'Question' is an extraverted homage to the origins of techno that embodies flair. The track drives through the middle of Fuga with ease, bouncing rhythm off a sharp bassline with thundering claps and snares. 'Catch 22' by Terminus restores balance with minimalism but pace. A hypnotic break in the second half is sure to mesmerize dancers and home listeners alike. Stuttering hats shake throughout 'Catch 22' to push the track along, keeping the harmony low and maintaining focus on the movement. With a similar tempo, Sanna Mun follows up with 'Binary Systems'. A speedrun through an acid-like bassline, the track's rhythm is obsessive and persistent as we reach the conclusion of the compilation. Fuga VI comes full circle with a ghostly track by Mode_1 called 'Lifespan', stretching time and tunneling through with booming toms and shuffled hats. Keeping the pressure high and maintaining that never ending energy is the only way to wrap up such a high energy release and Mode_1 does just that.







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

For his next Token EP, Kr!z delivers squelchy synth sequences over robust kicks, reinforcing his no-nonsense approach to club music. Classic in its conception yet psychotic in effect, Ipso Facto is a record built for powerful sound systems during thenight's most delirious moments.

First impressions are important; the Belgian producer has never been one to waste time, and this record is no exception. What you hear is what you get-an anxiously slithering synth line makes his intentions clear in Defeat the Purpose, driving people to the dancefloor. Dry drum machine work thunders throughout, locking in the Token style with precision. Moving into the next track, 'Chrome Dust' focuses more on the tonal side of things and its irresistible groovemakes it an instant ear catcher. Playful rides and snares shape the progression, with Kr!z swapping percussion elements to keep the movement lively.
The title track is a true hip swinger on the B1 as he reaches in the low end of the synth sequence to establish a very compelling rhythm. Everything in its right place, and not a hair more, the percussion transitions are reminiscent of his 4 channel DJ sets, the energy always being on the move. Equilibrium closes the EP with high energy, opening up filters over a reliably bouncy rhythm. Years of experience behind the decks can be very instructive for a perceptive producer, and Kr!z proves us just that in this track and in the whole EP.



Tracklist

A1. Kr!z - Defeat The Purpose
A2. Kr!z - Chrome Dust

B1. Kr!z - Ipso Facto
B2. Kr!z - Equilibrium



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

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.



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

Tracklist
A1. Nørbak - Flauta
A2. Nørbak - Despida

B1. Nørbak - Golpe
B2. Nørbak - Camarada


A natural fit for the Token label and now a regular contributor, Nørbak presents his new release 'Flauta' on the Belgian imprint. Keeping things driving and dense, his productions boast a raw intensity, continuing to describe spacious rooms with roaring atmospheres.

The title track serves as a firm introduction to the project; 'Flauta' is a typical Nørbak A1. Claps on the kick, thick sound design on all levels, and tribal percussion make for an imposing first track. Finding groove in the chaos is never difficult for the Portuguese artist, his seamless blend of functional and mental techno make for quite a recognizable sound with reliable effect. On the other hand, his followup 'Despida' sharpens the tone and focuses its elements. Proving he can do just as much damage with a more minimal approach, Nørbak drops the claps for shakers and whips up a distorted stab as the main driver of the track. Despite the versatility of his records, there is something very homogenous about the tonality of his drums and synths - they seem electric, and 'Despida' truly nails that aesthetic. Moving on to the B side, we have yet another facade of the project. While 'Golpe' has a classic foundation, Nørbak's flamboyant sound design guides the track's arrangement, making anything but a loop. The record's structure makes for clear accents that insist on a pulsating atmosphere. This moves perfectly into the EP's conclusion. 'Camarada' resembles more 'Despida' in the minimal construction, retaining a lot of the squelching lead textures. Mastering the question/answer style of techno, Nørbak is able to capitalize on the tonality of his sonic experiments to create swing on the dance floor. Obscure, quick, and elusive, Nørbak wraps up 'Flauta' with restraint and efficiency.





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

Tracklist
A1. Kr!z - Angels Landing
A2. Kr!z - Medusa

B1. Kr!z - Oblivion
B2. Kr!z - Ninth Circle


(early support by Luke Slater, Ben UFO, Marron & Border One) In the wake of a string of record releases, Token's curator returns to his label with 'Angels Landing' highlighting his mission statement. 4 delirious & dissonant techno cuts from the Belgian artist have proven to be a stylistic favorite in both his productions and his DJ sets. With a wink to older production techniques, Kr!z keeps this contribution to Token fresh and efficient while reaffirming the historic label's sonic identity.

In the wake of a string of record releases, Token's curator returns to his label with 'Angels Landing' to highlight his mission statement. Four cuts of delirious and dissonant techno from the Belgian artist have proven to be a stylistic favorite in both his productions and his DJ sets. With a wink to older production techniques, Kr!z keeps this contribution to Token fresh and efficient while reaffirming the historic label's sonic identity.

While using a steady bassline for his tracks, Kr!z ups the ante with a Detroit-style pad that floats around the rest of the record for the 'Angels Landing' title track. By opening and closing hihats, rolling the claps all along, and pitching his rides, he creates tension by fully utilizing his drum machine.The synth stabs and overall pace make for a modern twist, however; it's applicable music for layered sets that the Token boss has been known for performing over the years. This dance-ready, nostalgic-nudging kind of techno is spread throughout the entirety of the EP, but is most transparent on the B1 'Oblivion'. Key stab sequences have been iconic in the scene for some time, but it's Kr!z's persistence and minimalism that renders this track so exciting. Opening and shutting filters, sliding portamento, and pushing the release, the seasoned artist manifests tension through minimal elements and relies on his transitions to keep up the pace. Usually juggling between rounder and sharper sound design, 'Medusa' boasts both; Kr!z's electric lead bites a low- swaying synth line. Destined for peak use, complete with white noise transitions and open rides, Kr!z combines the sound of a club at its climax with his almost psychotic low-mid arpeggio to createone of his most hypnotic tracks to date. 'Ninth Circle', on the other hand, dials it back as the last track. More keys, yet obscure in intention and effect, the closer creates a question mark at the end of the EP with big transitions and a groovy use of toms. Cementing himself as a game player in production as much as in DJing, Kr!z's 'Angels Landing' continues his search in eerie sounds and expressive drums to add to his label's catalog of savant club music.





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

Tracklist

A1. Singular Anomalies - Partenope
A2. Ketch - Whispers

B1. Justyn Nell - Amaranth
B2. DHÆÜR - Sculpting The Mind

C1. Maasym - Intermediate Direction
C2. Ray Kajioka - Black Hole

D1. Kameliia - Point Of View
D2. Kashpitzky & Casual Treatment - Diffusion

With eight fresh tracks for the modern dance floor, Token writes another chapter of the Fuga series. Challenging new faces to complete the label's sound, Fuga V is another focused compilation that balances spatial detail and rhythmic bite.

Bubbly yet cosmic synth work opens the VA convincingly, a record for true Token fans. Dissonance, delay, slithering pads, and the occasional thundering 909 clap make 'Partenope' by Singular Anomalies an obvious choice as an opening, retaining the label's original sound with a nice twist. With Singular Anomalies staying light on rhythm, Ketchquickly turns up the intensity with his contribution 'Whispers'. Plowing through the ambiance with a heavy kick, the producer lines up a track of percussive melodic harmony with a moody groove. The followup by Justyn Nell, 'Amaranth' employs a classic, distorted bassline that runs persistently throughout the track with playful 909 work for the drums. A full force club controller now passed, the followup by DHÆÜR delves back into vast open spaces for a close-eyed, mental experience. 'Sculpting the Mind', appropriately named, breathes through with opening and closing background textures along a loopy lead. The introspective quality of this track is continued by Maasym, who takes things in an almost tribal direction with hypnotic wooden textures. 'Intermediate Direction' is a progressive addition to this edition of Fuga that serves as a dancefloor brain-soother. Taking things back to the roots with some old school machine work, we have 'Black Hole'by Ray Kaijoka. A nice psychotic arp leads the listener along into a surprisingly melodic arrangement supported by infectious drums, all of which is expertly crafted for club movement. Taking a dive, Kameliia gives us 'Point of View' which boasts a powerfully round low-end and an intense progression with far off strings that add a warm cinematic feel. Serious and effective, 'Point of View' is a track communicating tone and mediation. To close Fuga V, the dup Kashpitzky & Casual Treatment take matters into their own hands with a very high intensity record 'Diffusion'. Huge cut transitions, saturated drums pushing the limit with a loud clap, and laser-like lead make for an impressive last chapter of Fuga V.





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

Tracklist
A. Inigo Kennedy - Magnitude Seven
B1. Inigo Kennedy - The Calling
B2. Inigo Kennedy - Out Of The Woods

As Token gears up for its 126th release, the time has come to invite a label favorite - Inigo Kennedy. The Englishman responsible for Token 1 readies us for three tracks of pure grain and warbling melodies packaged as 'The Calling' - a hypnotic yet stomping club record that highlights his unique production style full of character.
Taking up the entirety of the A side, 'Magnitude Seven' pulses itself through the first part of the ep. Melodic yet dissonant as many of Kennedy's best records, the track calls on a stripped down acid line to support a saturated groove and noisy synthwork. Epic in construction, 'Magnitude Seven' comes in waves of unsettling intensity emphasized by a powerful double kick sequence. The B1 takes it up a notch as the title track appropriately named 'The Calling'. A frantic four to the floor rhythm pushes along sustained notes, settling in a certain pressure. Harmonic sections breathe more life in an otherwise nail biting record that defines the Token sound accurately and Kennedy uses this arrangement to distance himself from the classic loop based template used by most producers in his field today, confirming the ongoing relevance of a longstanding career in club music. Ending with a bit of a twist for most, longtime fans will be unsurprised by the choice to wrap things up with 'Out of the Woods' - a fitting electronica closer that departs from 'The Calling' with a focus on introspection. Drifting notes and a shuffled percussion line are reminiscent of his UK roots and fit perfectly as an epilogue to his previous techno tracks. Ethereal as ever, Inigo Kennedy offers us another masterclass in out of the box production techniques in soulful electronic music.




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

Tracklist

Tracklist
A1. Oscar Mulero - The Sweat And The Salt
A2. Oscar Mulero - The Reddish Glow

B1. Oscar Mulero - Why Are You Holding a Gun?
B2. Oscar Mulero - The Sunlight Blinded His Eyes


Known for his intense DJ sets and heavily textured productions, Oscar Mulero embodies all that has made him a central figure in the international techno scene in 'The Stranger'. His first release on Token since 2021's 'Titan', the Spaniard announces his return the only way he knows how, through layered concoctions of noisy synth work and impactful percussion wrapped up in a four track EP of impressive weight.

The record's first track 'The Sweat and the Salt' is a representative introduction to the rest of the project. Mulero holds nothing back with his moody, obscure style and funnels measured grit into every detail he can. Hypnotic to its core but noisy and saturated enough to give it an industrial edge, the intricacies of this first track are upheld and continued in 'The Reddish Glow'. Here, we have more of a melodic back and forth being played between synth sequences. With no small dose of reverb to open up the dimension of the track, the incessant tapping of high to low frequency plucks make it a destabilizing mind trip of a club record. Complete with racing hi hats and his signature kick, Mulero plays with his elements to ensure depth in disorientation. 'Why Are You Holding a Gun' flattens up the space a little bit, creating more of a two-dimensional ambiance and taking synth distortion to a new level. A mess of an analog sequence hissing in the high end is paced out by metallic rides and short hi hats, making an effective dancefloor instrument. As powerful as ever, the PoleGroup boss controls his chaos with rhythmically questionable elements that add to the general delirium of 'The Stranger'. As the final chapter, 'The Sunlight Blinded His Eyes' is the perfect arrival to a stomping EP. A meditative pad hovers in the back while a rhythmically centered track forms, shuffling through drum patterns and an infectious bassline. Still packing a punch in the kick, this final song takes us out into the cosmos after a high pressure club music display by one of Spain's most respected contributors to techno.





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

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.



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

TRACKLIST:

A1. Ignez - Enchant
A2. Ignez - Bliss
A3. Ignez - Veiled Dreams

B1. Ignez - Euphoria
B2. Ignez - Oceanid

C1. Ignez - Drama
C2. Ignez - Scene

D1. Ignez - Delusional Bond
D2. Ignez - Awakening
D3. Ignez - Immersive Mind



(gatefold sleeve) Ignez makes his Token comeback for a new format yet again, presenting his first ever LP with the Belgian label. One of the scene's most intriguing artists to emerge in the past few years, the young Dutchman has paved his road to acclaim by experimenting with sonic narratives and interpreting them with dance floor efficiency. Constantly working the conceptual intentions of his records, Ignez offers a refreshing take on club music by giving it his unmistakable touch of cinematic storytelling.

'Tides' is an ode to his personal connection with nature, and each track represents a shift in energy and emotional ambiance, rising and falling with each transition. With this approach, it only makes sense to release a project of this length; Ignez is able to tell his story through waves, washing over assertive rhythmic work with far off keys and soothing pads. Songs like the album's introduction 'Enchant' and 'Delusional Bond' inspire curiosity of what lies beyond murky waters and the impactful aftermath of these tracks explains the untameable quality of ocean tides through erratic percussion and razor-sharp sound design like in 'Bliss'. Ignez's synth work throughout 'Tides' is elusive if anything, swimming through his arrangements in an unpredictable manner. He tells the story of an environment that imposes the sometimes harsh rules of its territory with restless elements ready to jump out at any given moment. This feeling of almost powerlessness can be felt in 'Awakening' for example, a record that's bent on intrigue and suspense over a stomping four to thefloor kick. Curiosity, anticipation, discovery: these are all things that can describe the chosen theme and, of course, Ignez's work as a composer. The album serves as a look into the respect the artist has for unstoppable energy and his translation of it thereof through the expressive sound design and thick atmospheres that propelled him to the forefront of his scene.

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

TRACKLISTING

A1. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 1)
A2. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 2)
B1. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 3)
B2. ORBE - Andromeda (Part 4)


INFO

For Token's 120th release, the imprint reintroduces scene favorite ORBE for another EP. Revered for his deep and viscous textures over stark rhythms, the Spaniard furthers his point in four calculated and layered examples.

Opening with deeply filtered synth work, ORBE takes his time to subtly introduce shrill tension in the first track, displaying control in a progressive arrangement. He's quickly able to accentuate his intention with a single stab, providing a shimmer and a sharp edge to a rounder-bodied record. Turning over to Andromeda 2, we switch to a dryer lead with a convoluted ambiance, giving a driving track more structure through contrasted transitions. ORBE intensifies the rest of the cut with an electrifying noise circling around the mainland of his identifiably layered work. Alleviating some harshness from the main components, the artist dives into a more liquid and cavernous environment. Pressing through with sustained keys, ORBE continues to evoke a sense of suspense even in his more adventurous tracks. Anticipation rises and falls with the sustain of his resonant lead, taking us to the final chapter of Andromeda. To round off the cosmic voyage our artist departs with what, in the beginning, seems like another intimidating presentation of thick synthlines whipping across a steady rhythm - but then comes a surprisingly ethereal pad, oscillating throughout Andromeda 4, to indicate a safe arrival from a nail-biting story.

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

Two years have passed since his last release on Token Records, and now Jeroen Search is back with his unmistakable style for a lesson in techno production called 'Shadow Dimension'.Stripped down and minimal, we're reminded that the original character of this music can be found in the hissing of circuits and the impact of analog distortion.



TRACKLISTING

A1. Jeroen Search - Light Spinner
A2. Jeroen Search - Six Requests
B1. Jeroen Search - Ten Foot Radius
B2. Jeroen Search - Restore Balance


INFO

Two years have passed since his last release on Token Records, and now Jeroen Search is back with his unmistakable style for a lesson in techno production called 'Shadow Dimension'. Stripped down and minimal, we're reminded that the original character of this music can be found in the hissing of circuits and the impact of analog distortion.

Wasting no time, Search kicks the record off at full pace with a spacey arpeggio and resonating percussion. Hiding 'Light Spinner' in initial obscurity, the Dutchman reveals steady intrigue by controlling tension and opening up his elements throughout its duration. The fluttering synthline is quickly exchanged for shuffled hi hats and a brutally monophonic lead. What begins as a rather two-dimensional track is given depth by levitating pads wide in the stereo image and competing 909 rides. Still a rhythm-heavy record, Search gives 'Six Requests' thrilling atmospheres to a throbbing core. Moving on to the B-side, the seasoned producer starts fresh with a warbly lead over a layered kick drum in 'Ten Foot Radius'. Keeping things simple most of the time, Search fiddles lightheartedly with his parameters to turn his synth into almost noise over a steady percussion. The quirkiness of the record has a more aggressive underbelly, luring the listener into a club ready cut. Moving on to the closer 'Restore Balance', Search does just that. Finding a groove in a quicker percussion-line, bouncy keys hop about a fun but concentrated record. An ever evolving structure cutting along, he plays with the dry of his percussion and the wet of his synths, mastering the unique production style he's known for.

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

Reclaiming his place on Token with another 12" record, Belgium's Border One presents 'Light Trail' - an ode to dissonance and drive. With his recognizable use of dynamic percussion and metallic synth work, he stops at nothing to provide a sound-system ready record for a busy dancefloor.



TRACKLISTING

A1. Border One - Light Trail
A2. Border One - Transmute
B1. Border One - Radiant
B2. Border One - Prism

INFO

Opening the record with a throbbing bassline and a sustained pad, Border One wastes no time in getting to the point. He begins with leaning on rock solid groove to space out his ambient elements and stabs, creating a rich atmosphere while remaining focused on the movement. Transitioning from an intriguingly subaquatic A1, the needle slides to a more brutal second followup 'Transmute'. Providing a constant and saturated low-end, Border One remains expressive with his use of his drum machine while keeping a familiar bubbly main synth. The reduced depth in 'Transmute' is likely due to the tension coming from his percussive work as opposed to a synth, making it very efficient for virtually any occasion. As the A2 draws to a close, Border One dives back into the mind with the other side of the record - starting with 'Radiant'. Shrill tension makes its return over a playful, hypnotic synth sequence to create a satisfying contrast between crystal and viscous elements. 'Prism' then closes the record down on a driving jazzy tone, showing the artist's versatility and understanding of his genre. Dissonant chord stabs peak out of sometimes busier percussion lines, making it the perfect way to conclude a dance floor-oriented record.

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

Offering a three track EP on Token, emblematic UK producer James Ruskin proves his capability and linear focus once again through 'From the Ashes'. Looking past trends tocreate a lasting record rich in texture and thick with impact, the project affirms what the scene has already known to be true about his work for the past 25 years.

TRACKLISTING
A1. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 1
A2. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 2
B. James Ruskin - From The Ashes 3

INFO
Setting his intentions from the A1, Ruskin wastes no time by creating an intimidating introduction. Saturated percussion and stuttering keys whip through a 4 minute masterclass of sound system focused production. Adventurous in structure, Ruskin remains unquestionably in control of a bursting, almost chaotic track. 'From the Ashes 2' picks up what was left off, containing a hard-set groove with hi hats slithering in progressively from the stereo image to slightly destabilize an impressive club-heavy tool. With intricate work being done in the ambience, the EP's hard hitting second track booms through a cavernous acoustic, giving the record not only body, but dimension. Switching up the rhythm and focusing on more mental synth work for the third act, Ruskin quickly and mercilessly rips through his work with a shrill pad, creating overwhelming tension to be released in the first third of the recording. He brings a dosed dissonance between his elements, reflective of the qualities of vintage techno with today's capabilities and arrangement. Pushing intensity through waves, Ruskin leaves us in anticipation of a fourth track that is never given.

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