RECORD OF THE WEEK: Midland - Final Credits EP [ReGraded]

‘Final Credits’ is the third EP to be delivered out of Midland’s disco oriented sub-label ReGraded and comes from the main man himself. On the A-side, ‘Final Credits’ is a song so damn sexy it may already lay claim to the title ‘track of the summer.’ Over the top of a relatively straightforward drumbeat, the song progresses with a distinctively high-pitched trumpet-like sound that I’m not really able to describe (listen and you’ll understand). Nonetheless, eventually it develops into a catchy melody that would have been enough for any decent record. However, being the brilliant producer that he is, Midland takes it to a new level with the irresistible vocals he introduces at the halfway point. Not only do they complement the other sounds perfectly, but listen carefully enough and you’ll hear they also reveal the song’s purpose: that of being the night’s final track, hence the name ‘Final Credits’. There aren’t many songs like it, which is probably why I’ve had it on repeat for the last few weeks. Be sure to give it a proper listen.

The B-side’s not bad either. ‘Vigilante’ is a more atmospheric track but equally as impressive in its own right. Along with some authentic sounding percussion, the song winds up and down with a few long, rolling chords, giving it a slightly mysterious tone. In many respects, it’s the perfect way to complement such a killer A-side. All in all, Midland has delivered the goods once again.

4.5/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Hugo

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Project Pablo - Beaubien Dream EP [SOBO]

I have picked him before and no doubt I will pick him again. After strong releases on 1080p and Church, Project Pablo aka (Patrick Holland) is back with Beaunien Dream. The title of the EP refers to Montreal's Beaubien Ouest neighborhood, where Patrick Holland lives.

Released on the 3rd of June and sold out later that afternoon, this is an EP that you will not be able to escape this summer. With sun-soaked, dreamy afternoons in mind, Project Pablo lays down some of his distinctive synth tones and signature drum patterns, led on this one predominantly by some very catchy cowbells.

Closer fills, Side-A in full, and is like taking a journey down a lazy river, which you wish, will never come to an end. The B- side slows things down to an early evening sway without changing the atmosphere.

This EP is like a ball of happiness... buy it!

Coming to a rooftop near you…

4.7/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ed R

MIX OF THE MOMENT: Beats In Space #829 with Mano Le Tough

Beats In Space has always been known to throw down some beautiful mixes. Tim Sweeney has now had his show running for a staggering fifteen years, yet the quality always remains – the sole reason for its longevity. This mix in particular though has struck a chord with us, and it is Irishman, Mano Le Tough who is responsible. Lawrence, Suzanne Kraft and Phil Kieran star in the phenomenal track list. His selections are perfectly built around one idea that is constant throughout the mix. Profound, yet light, energetic and relaxed all at the same time, it is a master set for the radio. He weaves in and out of these feelings with tracks that are so interesting and engaging you yearn for it to be longer.

As expected, his mixing is flawless, however here he takes it to another level with some of the transitions being 2 to 3 minutes long, with some pretty complex instrumentals to think about. Check out the break between Kraft’s ‘DJ Safety Track’ and Soul Capsule at 43 minutes. On top of it being a characteristically lengthy changeover, the introduction of the swoony, dreamlike ‘Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)’ is just a delight. Mano Le Tough has showed us a slightly more mature side of his taste with this mix and though it is a surprise, it is a very, very good one. To have the element of surprise and pull it off is something only the very best can do!

Mano Le Tough:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook

Words by Ben S

RECORD OF THE WEEK: DJ Sotofett & SVN - Current 82 / Dark Plan 5 [Keys Of Life]

It's been 5 years since Keys of Life's last 12" proper, but boy is this new one worth the wait. The legendary DJ Sotofett, of Sex Tags fame, and SVN, a core member of the exciting SUED crew, each contribute an extended dancefloor epic to what is quickly becoming one of my favourite records of the year so far.

Sotofett takes the A side and provides the undoubted highlight of the two. He chops up an almost dainty break on top of a slow 4/4 kick whilst a simple 3-note bassline provides the groove. The real showstopper is the soaring pads which hit that beautiful grey area between bliss and melancholia, and are guaranteed to soundtrack many an ECHITA (eyes-closed-hands-in-the-air) moment this summer.

The B side finds SVN on a more meditative tip, albeit at a higher tempo than Sotofett. Moody pads and sparse percussion are the order of the day, with very little high end frequency presence at all. This one's for the dark, heads-down clubs.

4.6/5

Listen & Buy on Vinyl

Words by Matt J

WHAT'S ON | JUNE

RECORD OF THE WEEK: RECLOOSE - ON & ON [AUS MUSIC]

Recloose pulls it out the bag with his new EP ‘Honey Rocks’ on Will Saul’s front running label Aus Music. ‘On & On’ is the B side to this incredible release, I could have done the piece on Honey Rocks itself as its tremendous but I think On & On should get a bit of air time as its got a lot going on from the off. It starts off slow and repetitive with a dreamy laid back vibe to it, the vocal sample touching the surface every now and again. The breakdown changes everything with added vocals turning the direction of the track completely into a fun upbeat summer stonker, but out of no where you’re attacked with this bouncy baseline which even on my Rokits is doing the song a lot of justice, but imagine it on a huge system! I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I have and definitely check out the other tracks on the EP its out on the 30th May.

3.8/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Henry

MIX OF THE MOMENT: PLO Man on Berlin Community Radio

After a string of beautifully crafted EPs, Acting Press have seen themselves rise to the very forefront of the electronic music scene. Showcasing their sound is the label's affiliate PLO Man on Berlin Community Radio and as expected the show delivers beautiful hypnotic breaks and ambient trips that are reminiscent of the label's releases. The mix features music from the likes of KMFH (Kyle Hall), Das Ding and KWC 92 as well as a host of unknown tracks that may or may not see the light of day. The energy is built up perfectly and it's definitely worth easing yourself through the spacey and comparatively downtempo first half hour before the remainder is unleashed on you.

 

PLO Man:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook

Words by Tom G

RECORD OF THE WEEK: MR. BC - PROTAGONIST EP [LOGICAL RECORDS]

My pick this week comes from Mr BC on the Madrid based Logical Records label. Logical have only recently burst onto the scene and Mr BC’s record and remixes this week encapsulate a real range acid and cosmic influences.

Mr BC, who harks from Leeds, is just breaking onto the scene like many of his ‘Chugging’ compatriots, and delivers a stormer in the form of the ‘Protagonist’ and its remixes this week.

Mr BC’s original is a real builder It’s a subtle chugging sound synthesised with hints of cosmic influences. The song starts off like a murmur you heard in the next-door room that slowly increases over the course of 6 minutes crescendo-ing in the middle in a storm of guitar and percussion, then returning to its original murmur.

Logical Records boss Ivan de La Rouch provides the first remix which has a heavy acid influence at a slower pace. This corresponds with the energizing touch of the percussion and guitar. 

The second remix of the record is done by Duncan Gray, the King of Tici Taci records, who remixes ‘Protagonist’ with a heavier base line and a much slower chugging sound. One thing to take from Duncan Gray’s remix is the variety of instruments and sounds used in the production. These days it is quite refreshing seeing electronic records produced that use instruments outside of the Logic Pro application.

Finally Damon Jee’s remix provides more consistency, without breaks and its acid and cosmic influences are subtler. The track is a lot smoother compared to others on the record. Sliding along at 110 bpm it is complemented with a real mouthful of bass and weighty synthesisers.

I highly recommend nabbing this lean mean chugging machine when you get a second, well worth the price.

3.5/5

Buy: Digital

Words by Jack

PREMIERE: Geddes - FingersAndHands [20/20 Editions]

For the fourth instalment of Ralph Lawson's brand new Editions sub-label to his renowned 20/20 Vision Recordings theywelcome London stalwart Geddes with his Understand EP, which comes complete with a remix from Huxley.

Among those ahead of the game when it came to the decline of the super club and the dawn of a new era of raves in warehouses, Geddes became an integral cog in the evolution of a thriving underground with his now legendary party Mulletover. The last 10 years have seen him play in almost every notable club across the world and release on some of the biggest labels in the game.

Understand EP is filled with the trademark grooves, and subtle yet devastatingly effective melodies, that Geddes has become renowned for over the course of his career. Driving drums, deep basslines and solid grooves characterise a release which is sure to set some main rooms on fire in the coming months. 

The EP is rounded off with a mega remix from 20/20 favourite Huxley, who channels the spirit of deep house greats such as Mood II Swing for his reinterpretation of Understand. One word, bassline. 

WE ASKED GEDDES SOME QUESTIONS RELATING TO PRODUCTION AHEAD OF HIS THIRD RELEASE OF THE YEAR:
 

Can you talk us through how you go about making your music - what is the creative process and what hardware/software do you use to make it on?

I always start by making a groove in Native Instruments Maschine, for me its hands down the best thing for making drums and ideas. I'll then move on to a bass sound and work with the drums and bass until I'm happy with the groove, it's worth spending the time on getting it right. From there I leave I'll play around on some of my synths, record some sounds and takes of me messing around, same goes with soft synths too I record everything even midi then go back through and see what works. That's the beauty of Ableton its so free and enables you to get a good work flow. Out board stuff I have Juno 106, Korg Monopoly, Nord Lead and (on loan) Jupiter 8.
 

This year being your tenth year as a producer; what notable differences are there to your approach in the studio since?

Having the confidence in my own abilities as a producer, it doesn't come easy I come from a DJ background it's taken me a long time to get to where I am.
 

How long did it take you to make this EP?

A couple of months I reckon? I'm continually going back to tracks to make them better. I find working in the studio for hours on end listening to the same loop leaves you a little disjointed after a while and unable to give accurate judgments on your work. Leaving it and coming back helps me a lot to get my tracks to where they need to be. 
 

Do you have a particular piece of kit in the studio you couldn't do without?

Would be Maschine
 

Geddes' Understand EP is out 23rd May.

1. Understand feat. Normski
2. Understand (Huxley Understands Deep Remix) 
3. FingersAndHands
4. Sapiens
5. Understand (Huxley Understand Jack Drum Tool) 

 

Words by Ben C

RECORD OF THE WEEK: TVA & Le Visionnaire - Forty Seven [Soulfooled]

This weeks record was produced by TVA, another emerging Techno duo from Italy worth keeping a close eye on. All of their music creates a real synthesis between the more industrial and ethereal aspects of the genre which is what makes them so interesting. ‘Forty Seven’ does this particularly effectively. The evocative concoction of spaced out synth lines and jarring Techno samples work very nicely. In turn they cross-pollinate to create a dreamy and harrowing soundscape that could be experienced in multiple scenarios. At 5:30 PM in a relaxed beachfront bar, or at 4 AM, driving the dance floor in a trance to the early hours of the next morning. This kind of diversity is a hard trick to pull off.

‘Forty Seven’ was released on Soulfooled, one of Alex Niggemanns flags-ship labels. They’re being noticed, for good reason, by the right people.

3.8 / 5

Buy: Digital
 

Words by Chris

RECORD OF THE WEEK: LASZLO DANCEHALL - TIDE OUT EP [WOLF MUSIC]

Wolf Music has been one of YoungOnes favourite labels from the beginning. Consistently putting out alluring melodic house and sensual disco. This week sees the premier of Leon Vynehall and A1 Bassline/Christian Piers’ Tide Out EP on Stamp the Wax. The first release the two have put out under their Laszlo Dancehall alias in two years, it echoes the sounds of their previous crisp energetic melodies, and fits perfectly into what the label’s about. The title track is the danceiest track, with a charming use of a cowbell sample over bouncy basslines and the echo of a distorted vocal. Channel is more melodic, a chilled number prepping us for sunshine-drenched garden parties. Pelagos, (our pick of the EP) is real Wolf-esque: beautiful piano riffs, with a sublime build up releasing into a euphoric rolling beat. This is the festival groover for when the sun’s at its peak. Expect to hear this out this summer; fingers crossed for that allusive sunshine!

Listen to the full EP here

3.5 / 5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Fred

What's On | May

MIX OF THE MOMENT: RON BASEJAM

My pick this month, comes from Ron Basejam the anagrammed alter-ego of Crazy P co-founder, James Baron; knowing that, need I say more!!

Starting out steady with a subtle first fifty minutes, which grows on you until you have it on repeat, this is a beauty of a builder. Ron drops tunes from the likes of Mr Fries, LK, Sven Weisemann, MMT and Red Rack’em to name just a few.

Stick on your cans and lock in…

Check out Ron's recently released funky house EP on Futureboogie with Neil Diablo here

 

 

Ron Basejam:
SoundCloud | Facebook | Discogs
 

Words by Ed R

RECORD OF THE WEEK: RAMPA - TRUST EP [KEINEMUSIK]

One of my favourite labels of the moment Keinemusik churn out yet another success, this time from their own Rampa. Based in Berlin the collection of &ME, Adam Port, David Mayer, Reznik and Rampa have been taking over dance floors all around the world with their unique African Berlin, jazzy house sound. Check out their back catalogue to understand what I mean by ‘African Berlin’. It has elements from both utilising the individuality of their own artistic brand taking what’s popular at the moment but making it theirs, and killing it.

Structured in a very classical way ‘Trust’ is one of those chugging house tunes  that drops in spectacular fashion that mixed well can be one of those peak time hits that get the crowd gasping. You know the one I’m talking about, one of those moments when the DJ excels your expectation and you declare it ‘one of the best nights you’ve ever been to’. Reminiscent of &ME’s ‘Trilogy’ EP and with a similar aesthetic, ‘Trust’ is groovy dance music with intelligent soundscapes perfect for that cinematic experience. Check out the moody percussion set in ‘Defiled’. I highly recommend Keinemusik’s party at Funkhaus next week, which is sure to be more than just your average clubbing experience.

3.4/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben S

RECORD OF THE WEEK: DEREK CARR - DANCEFLOOR [For Those That Knoe]

For Those That Knoe, an offshoot of the great Boe Recordings, have been turning heads for a while now after a string of reissues from the likes of Casey Tucker and LHAS to name but a few. The label, in their very own words, focuses on unearthing ‘under the radar tracks recorded by unsung heroes’ and have subsequently earned themselves a sterling reputation amongst record collectors.

Their latest effort certainly doesn’t disappoint and comes from Derek Carr, a relatively unknown producer from Ireland. With just a handful of releases to his name, of which were only pressed in small numbers, he has become a cult figure in the world of deep techno. The record features four fairly diverse tracks and my pick of the bunch is the classic ‘Dancefloor’. Originally released on Geek Records, the track is a clean sounding, spacey groover that perfectly highlights his production skill. The various melodic tones are cleverly interweaved with the hi-hats and this creates an ethereal atmosphere, making for an emotional journey.

4.1/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Tom G

MIX OF THE MOMENT: KRYWALD & FARRER

Percolate residents Krywald & Farrer are kicking off the spring season with a luscious fifty four minutes of selecting for Clash Magazine, featuring tracks from the likes of Urulu, Gene Farris, Philip Louzolo and themselves among others.

The duo are becoming known for their crossed genre approach to their sets and productions.  recently they released 'Innacamo,' an 'African-inspired' dance floor shaker, on the third Gottwax installment and had a groovE VARNISHED HOUSE EP entitled, 'top pocket persies' drop on rob da bank's imprint, Silver Bear recordings. Further to that last week k&F announced the launch of a series of hip hop based releases, all of which will be available for a free download. Check out the first from the series and many other goodies on their soundcloud below.

 

 

Krywald & Farrer:
SoundCloud | RA | Facebook | Twitter 
 

Words by Ben C

 

 

RECORD OF THE WEEK: ROMAN FLÜGEL - 9 YEARS (DJ KOZE REMIX) [PAMPA]

Featuring in the first compilation album to be released on Marcus Fink and DJ Koze’s Pampa Records, Koze makes his mark with a stunning contribution, a remix of Roman Flugel’s 9 Years which also features on the compilation. The remix is a mesmerising ten minute sonic journey; this is what Koze had to say about his remix, “As I listened to this beauty I felt a deep wish to make a version for the club in a decent and humble way. Just adding a beat and stretching the arrangement to 10 minutes. Only god knows how the significant snaerdrum of my favorite Mood 2 Swing Classics made it into my version. We asked these old heroes for permission and a new child was born.”

‘Pampa Compilation Vol.1’ features a collaboration with Jamie XX, a remix by Matthew Herbert and originals from Axel Boman, Mount Kimbie, Stimming, and Isolee among others. Vol.1 will be available from April 29th.

4.1/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Ben C

REVIEW: GLOBEX - INVERSIA [ACTING PRESS]

So far this April, one record seems to have taken the limelight within the techno/house category, selling out within a couple days and with Discogs sellers going crazy putting it at 29 pounds in the same week! One of 2015’s most popular new labels, Berlin-based Acting Press hits the mark once again with an absolute stellar release from another of the label’s groups, Globex. This moniker is made up of Vancouver’s finest, Hashman DeeJay, along with BCR’s resident, PLO Man and C3dee, who have both previously released under the label’s additional groups. 

PLO Man and Hashman go in on the A side with a pulsing ambient house number. Opening up with dreamy synth lines, the track’s set to entice from the start. Detroit-esque keys run throughout. Soft pads compliment the melodic atmosphere, whilst a slack kick drum retains the dancefloor functionality. Layering of scratchy high hats, gentile percussion and distressed vocals keeps the track raw amidst the ethereal aesthetic. The trip is drawn out with distortion under the sounds of melodic synths. In all, distinctive ambient lulls complemented with mid-tempo groove will no doubt make this perfect summer garden party opener.

On the flip, PLO Man and C3dee take things up a notch with a higher tempo, clubby venture. Jacking kick drums have you moving from the start. An audacious, bouncy bass line affirms the track’s initial direction, whilst intriguing hypnotic lulls set the track’s trippy aesthetic. Claps round off the tracks build up. The entrance of bubbley cosmic synths twist over the driving rhythm, picked up by sizzling high hats. The 3:10 marks a reset with a hyper cosmic breakdown, where cordial bass gives way to the mesmerizing synths. Heads are sure to be set nodding when the rhythm’s taken up again with a timely entrance of the kickdrum that sends the track into its conclusion. Tailing off with more celestial melody, trippy sounds and echoey vocals, this track complements the enigmatic sounds of the A side.

4.0/5

Buy: Vinyl

 

Words by Fred