WHERE TO GO: Noisily Festival 2017

Noisily is just around the corner, which means a weekend packed with psychedelic delights, glitchy treats, thumping bass levels and a beautifully produced set up.

Nestled in the Leicestershire countryside, the range of music offered up is staggering: the main stage (Noisily Stage) hosts deep techno, house and progressive grooves: the legendary Michael Mayer thumps alongside, Acid Pauli, Nanoplex and Yeti plus many others. The Tree House stage serves up all things bass driven with Glitch Hop, D'n'B, Neuro and Breakbeats represented: Congo Natty, Beardyman(!) JFB, Nimbus to name a few. Last stage but certainly not least is the hefty Liquid Stage, hosting Liquid Psychedelic wonders from the likes of Hopi, Laughing Buddha, Zen Mechanics and so many more. Sounds are brought to the people via the hefty Funktion-One system adding the icing to that sonic bonanza cake. Also on offer are a wide range of interactive and stimulating workshops, with sound meditation, drum circles, stargazing, sacred signing and shamanic shenanigans! Delicious food will be available throughout, with understandably a fair few vegan options awaiting your pallets. 

Tickets

Words by Giles O

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Batu - Marius EP [Hessle Audio]

On the hugely successful Hessle Audio, comes a meaty release from Batu, head of Bristol techno label Timedance. Hessle Audio’s sound is distinctive- bass- heavy, dubby dance music exemplified in releases from Pearson Sound, Pangaea and Kowton, and the label has a huge following as a result of its bold and weird character. Batu has earned himself and his label a well-deserved reputation as creator of some of the most thoughtful, original and slickly produced dance music of the moment, and at an impressively young age.

This EP, 'Marius', takes on the distinctive Hessle Audio sound in a big way, whilst retaining the ethereal ingenuity that has brought Batu so much acclaim. Primarily rooted in techno, the record nods heavily towards dubstep, trap and footwork in the chunky, drilling bass lines, syncopated drums and reverbed overlays.

The whole release is characterised by creative use of playful and weird percussion, layered over unashamedly punchy low ends. These tracks have a sense of humour and intelligence in their dialogue-like composition. In every track, distinct phrases play off each other, reacting and interacting as if in conversation, and then merging to reveal an overarching harmonic climax.

The four tunes carry a similar cheeky personality, but differ enough to make it an interesting and surprising listen. The title track of Marius is deliciously satisfying with muted, mechanical drums and a sparkly high end, which together form a warrior-like work of art.

'Nosema' is a quick descent into dark, quirky madness with syncopated percussion and warm bongos. 'Don’t' has a slow, melodic build which becomes progressively grittier and more distorted throughout.

My personal favourite is 'Off Court', a driving, dubby track, with asymetrical drums and atonal, tumbling chords. A spacey, bouncy high end contrasted with the moody bass kick makes it humourous and terrifying at the same time.

The whole record is overall a little bit wicked. Bold, clever and strange, 'Marius' treads the lines between genres and mood indefinably. Batu has created a devil of a release with real substance, guaranteed to inspire a grin and get you marching.

4.3/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

 

Words by Dora T

Old 'n' Gold: Instinct - Mindsearch [Sound Metaphors Records]

Continuing on from the success of the DJ Dove reissue, Berlin’s Sound Metaphors again shines light on another sought-after record, this time in the form of Instinct’s seminal 'Mindsearch' EP. Originally released in 1990, the record marked the first in a string of only five EP's on the now defunct Decisive Records, a label run by Joseph C. Smith II and solely employed for his own musical explorations. With limited pressings and an almost unparalleled quality across all the releases, the label has since gained a cult following and certainly helped to inspire a lot of techno coming out of Detroit in the subsequent years. Upon listening, said origins are clear; a sound so unique and one which is often imitated but rarely emulated these days. 

All three tracks stand equally on their own and share the same futuristic and metallic sound that helps to create an immensely raw and melancholic feel, a form of electronic music almost impossible to replicate with modern software. ‘A Groove’ is the pick off the EP for me, a dreamy and emotive track that’s carried by signature Detroit cowbells and some uplifting strings which are reminiscent of some of Derricks May’s finest works.

In the years that followed the demise of Decisive Records, I’ve been informed that Joseph has since plied his trade in the world of real estate, but as is the case of many greats, his music lives on and it’s credit to the work of Sound Metaphors that future generations will be able to cherish and enjoy his works. A futuristic record for the ages!

Listen to the full release

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Tom G

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Aroop Roy - Tembandumba (Vocal Mix) [Sol Power Sound]

This weeks record comes from the much-celebrated label Sol Power Sound. This is Sol Power All-Star’s fifth instalment on their label. Deep Sang, Meistro and DJ stylus head the culturally diverse label. The incredibly gifted trio have been grafting and making serious movements in the underground hip-hop, Latin and house scene. Their passion for everything Afro was the clincher to their innovative relationship. The heterogeneous sounds the guys perform ranges from samba, afro-beat all the way to electronic. The real enchantment is their capability to merge these cultured sounds with a modern groove. In 2015 the label was launched which was accompanied by their first release, ‘Plaza Bolivar’. The year after saw them achieve more success, releasing Tom of Brooklyn’s ‘Theme Song' and their best work to date ‘Djidjo Vide’. The best way to describe the label is by citing their own explanation to their approach to music. The trio denote that their way is “A sweaty, exhilarating party experience that connects beats from Cuban roots to the beaches of Rio to the discos of Lagos. Three obsessive crate diggers and veteran party rockers team up with a master percussionist to destroy dance floors and release music that moves them”. This citation is most certainly prevalent with Aroop Roy’s 'Tembandumba (vocal mix)'.

Aroop Roy is a London based producer and is the latest member of the Sol-Power family. Roy has produced many records since his debut in 2007 on Freestyle Records. He has worked with many illustrious labels such as GAMM, Basic Fingers and House Of Disco Records, which demonstrates that he is no novice when it comes to production. 'Rising Tides’ is truly a masterful release but it’s the vocal mix of ‘Tembandumba’ which enthuses the eardrums.   The track starts off with a beautifully epic vocal by Totó la Momposina an eminent singer from Columbia, who in 2006 was presented with the WOMEX lifetime achievement award and in 2013 was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The track then seamlessly progresses into a suspenseful drum pattern and then climaxes into an effervescent bass line. However it’s the talented synth work, fluctuating rhythms and mouth-watering filters exhibited by Roy that makes the vocal mix the exemplary track on this record . 

The whole EP is truly a delight to experience. Definitely a selection for the cultured foot stompers! 

4.5/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Max J

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Gacha Bakradze - I Can Still See You [Transfigured Time]

In the midst of the continually growing hype over the clubbing scene in Georgia’s capital, Tibilisi, ounce allusive talents are now being unearthed to the wider electronic music community. Native Gacha Bakradze returns to the Tibilsi-based label, Transfigured Time for his second EP, ‘I Can Still See You’, after having appeared on their first two Various Artist compilations. Starting out his career being signed to R&S and Apollo Records, the former’s ambient sub-label which is home to artists Cloud Boat and Synkro, since 2012 Gacha has released on a wide array of labels including the sonically progressive and dubstep pioneering label, 2nd Drop Records, and more recently Berlin-based Best Works Records and Fort Romeau’s Cin Cin Records. 

‘I Can Still Hear You’ is a blissful loungey house EP which portrays some of the best work yet from a master of experimental, genre bending ambience.  ‘River’ sets the toned of the EP as a hush, cerebral break-beat track built on lulling keys. To begin with it seems to be on the edge of being overly sentimental, but the magic of the composition keeps an authenticity that can capture the emotions of even the most resolute character. ‘Saysea’ is a more provocative break-beat track with sharper percussion, yet still emphasises romantic hushed chords.  The standout track of the EP is undoubtedly the ambient house epic, ‘Reflection’ again built on soft synths and euphoric pulse, but has several well-crafted switch-ups and evokes an undeniable New-age influence. ‘Through the Glass’ has a different punctuation, being a droney directionless cut made up of ferocious percussion, yet stands in as a fantastic instrumental tool or perhaps even a transition track for DJs.  Finally, ‘Advice’ is a lethargic free-flowing house track incorporating a faint inspirational vocal sample, dropped in over serene paddy percussion. 

4.2/5

Buy: Vinyl

Words by Fred D

WHERE TO GO: Junction 2 @ Boston Manor Park

This Saturday the industry’s finest techno and house DJs congregate for one of the UK’s most jaw-dropping dance music events, Junction 2. Set amongst the harsh industrial overpass of the M4 motorway and the rolling wonders of Boston Manor Park, this one-dayer’s location is something to behold in itself. On site, LWE have gone all guns blazing to create five stages offering the most complete and diverse raving experience out there. An oppressive hangar-style warehouse hosts the likes of Chris Liebing, Alan Fitzpatrick, and Rodhad for an epic afternoon/evening of ominous and dark techno. There’s then two more tents put on by The Hydra (Daphni, DJ Koze…) and Sonus Festival (Joseph Capriati, Maceo Plex…), plus an additional wooded area. Then it’s the showstopper: the Drumcode Stage, set beneath the overhanging M4, with Adam Beyer, Ben Klock, and Tale of Us at the helm – in terms of stage design and production, it honestly doesn’t get any better. The list of names go on and on…

Personally, this was undoubtedly the highlight of last year’s music calendar. If you’re in town, then you know the drill!

Tickets

Words by Hugo P

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Roger Van Lunteren - On And Dna No [XXX]

Dutch label XXX brings us the second half of their compilation this month. 'XXX004' compiles of nine tracks from nine different artists that will be released over two calendar releases. My favourite track on the record is Roger van Lunteren’s ‘On and Dna No’. Born in the Netherlands but bred in Cologne, Roger van Lunteren has got a good pedigree for any electronic producer. His productions cover a range of styles from downright scary techno to slow ambient sounds. However, with some really good acid edits in the past and this latest track ‘On and Dna No’ he definitely has a way with his synthesiser. ‘On and Dna No’ is a fiery track with its deep drum cuts and squelching acid. As they say nu rules, no genres, two vinyl’s, one love. This should be coming out on the 5th of June, so get it while its hot!

3.5/5

Buy: Vinyl 

Words by Jack A

MIX OF THE MOMENT: Ace & Tate Sounds - Guest Mix by Marcus Worgull

This weather ain’t bad eh? Well have a listen to Marcus Worgull’s devious guest mix for Ace & Tate to make it that much sweeter. Away from his dancefloor antics, the Moodmusic, Sonar Kollectiv and Innervisions regular clearly has an ear for music beyond house and techno for which he’s so well known for.

There’s something very refreshing about discovering the more alternative tastes of top DJs, which is that it no longer portrays them as the one-dimensional, electronic music nerds that we become so used to seeing.

Soul, jazz, reggae, and rock; merged into one hour of total euphoria - a classy mix from a classy guy.

Words by Hugo P

WHERE TO GO: The Pickle Factory x Timedance with Skee Mask, Batu, Ploy and DEBONAIR @ The Pickle Factory

Bristol-based record label Timedance are at the forefront of a crop of exciting young UK techno imprints. Indeed, they release the kind of alien, machinic, bassline and dubstep influenced music that Hessle Audio are perhaps best known for. Timedance are emblematic of the manner in which the UK, at the moment, is such an exciting and thriving breeding ground for progressive electronic music. Bearing this in mind, an evening curated by label boss Batu, with himself and guests providing the music promises to be an otherworldly and unmissable affair. 

Headlining the night is enigmatic Illian Tape regular Skee Mask. The Munich born DJ/producer specialises in techno often on the more breakbeat, bass orientated and ambient side of things. Undoubtedly one to watch, his compelling, progressive and simply different approach to techno makes him a harmonious fit alongside Batu and Ploy. The former has most recently cut his teeth with a Hessle Audio debut in the form of ‘Marius’- a percussive, eccentric and atmospheric four track endeavour. Finally, the aforementioned trio are joined by DEBONAIR, the most eclectically minded booking of the night, and part of the inceptive group of NTS radio. A London-based local loved DJ, playing anything from post-punk, to techno, italo-disco, coldwave, house and back again, DEBONAIR will play an extended b2b with Ploy, a combination that only furthers the intrigue of this carefully curated night.

Proceedings will take place in the Oval Space owned Pickle Factory, an intimate, stripped-back venue that rightly prioritises the sonic over the visual. On paper this Timedance showcase provides one of the most intriguing line ups in recent memory. Combined with an intimate venue and an unusual b2b, intrigue is reason in enough to give this the green light. 

Tickets

Words by Hugo B

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Duke Hugh - Approaching lights EP [Music Of Color]

The Dutch newcomer, Duke Hugh, clearly hasn't had time to look back since Bradley Zero crawled into his USB. His debut release, Canvas, on the Peckham-based label Rhythm Section provided a earful of versatility. In this latest EP, Duke opens up with ‘A New Beginning’, a dreamt state of ambience provided by a core of blissful strings. The title track follows this quiet beginner with a grooving 4/4 kick and viscous synth chords fermenting through those all to familiar strings into a bass driven stonker calling for the after hours. Flipping over to the B side ‘Burning up’ gives you a taste of those summer days, brimmed with excited percussion and fragrant chords, powered through its driving kick and jaunty bass-lines. Finishing off this outstanding EP, Duke leaves you with an array of latin percussive drums, that will leave your left foot searching. Accompanied by syrupy synths and a peppering of that signature guitar ‘Broken samba’ will have you smiling ear to ear. Its a must add to the collection my dudes and at £12 you’ll still be high and dry.

3.9/5

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Freddie T

8 tracks that blew the roof off...

Last Saturday saw London party starters 12inch take to Dalston Roof Park for a sun-soaked day party with none other than Ray Mang and Pete Herbert heading the bill, along with a strong support in the shape of Jive Talk and the 12inch residents. After now a handful of events the London based outfit, 12inch, are getting known for their on-point programming (if you fancy house & disco) at some of the capitals best spots. With Ray Mang and Pete Herbert at the helm, on rotation for five hours at the newly refurbished Dalston Roof Park we knew this one wouldn’t disappoint. As expected these two blew the roof off, quite literally (DRP’s electric roof is very smart), and so here is a flavour of some of our favourite tracks that were laid down… 

Words by Ben C

PREMIERE: Demuja - Turn Me On [Freerange Records]

Fresh off the excellent Freerange Records, comes a beautiful EP from Demuja - ‘Move’.  The London-based label has developed organically from a project started by Tom Roberts and Jamie Odell, and was originally a platform for Jamie’s music to be released to the world (on his projects Audiomontage and Jimpster).  In the twenty-one years since its inception, however, Freerange has accumulated an incredible number of talented producers and become a staple in the house scene churning out surprising, varied, and consistently high quality dance records. 

Demuja joins the ranks of artists who have released on Freerange, with the likes of Catz n Dogz, Oxia and Andhim. Following in the wake of the Austrian artist’s previous uplifting disco and house tracks, this EP does not disappoint and also dips into some darker sounds in the title track ‘Move’ and in ‘B.o.o.m’.

The ‘Move’ EP is a lovely, varied record, with each track boasting its own distinct personality. Throughout the record, common traits are classic house melodies, made more special by driving, rough drums, acid lines or lo-fi kicks. 

‘Turn Me On’ is undeniably a summer track, with a bongo-led beat, a sunny melody, and a beautifully warbled vocal sample. Acid lines bubble into the tune once in a while, and muted, under-produced drum kicks cheekily cut across the melody. The overall effect is a soulful and satisfying hybrid - a house classic with a hint of garage gruffness. This will undeniably be a staple in festival sets this summer.

Buy: Vinyl / Digital

Words by Dora T

WHERE TO GO: Submit x Berliner w Max Graef, Glenn Astro, Andrew Ashong & More @ Brixton Jamm

Since its makeover, the Brixton venue has become quite the exquisite soundspace. Kitted out with Funktion-One’s across two rooms, the new look Jamm provides a spacious dance-floor for clubbers to lose themselves in. With some impressive previous billings, this bank holiday Saturday night it is the only place to be south of the river, with a Money $ex Records takeover - Berlin hits our capital in style. 

Room 1 showcases Money $ex Records with label chiefs Max Graef, Glenn Astro and Delfonic playing an extended b2b set for the first time in London, with the capital’s SUBMIT DJs warming things up and closing down in style. 

Room 2 is hosted by the likeminded London collective Lucid and features sets from Andrew Ashlong (Sound Signature), Anu (Rhythm Section) and Theodor (YAM). 

House, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Afro, Disco & Intergalactic Funk alllll night long. 

SUBMIT YOURSELF!

Tickets

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Words by Oli L

RECORD OF THE WEEK: Bottin – Roulez Jeunesse (Y-A-M-L EP) [2mrecords / Retrogroove Records]

Hailing from Venice, Italy Guglielmo Bottin a.k.a Bottin when in the studio and gracing the decks, is a producer, DJ and sound designer described as “one of the finest purveyors of electronic disco around at the moment.” He has a range of influences, working with some of Italy’s finest pop producers such as; Lucio Dalla, Donatella Rettore, Sergio Caputo and Spanish group Chambao.

In 2004, he released an album of eclectic downtempo material under the name Willaim Bottin but resurfaced a few years later and operated on a last-name-only basis. The Italian is probably best known for his release of ‘No Static’ on Italians Do Better in 2009. Subsequently he has released music on Eskimo Recordings, Nang and Bearfunk.

Friday saw the release of his 12” EP featuring Lavinia Claws named 'Y-A-M-L' (You Are My Love).  Retrogroove Records and 2mrecords did the honours for this one, known for their specialisation in old school Italo-Disco and Funk. Personally, my favourite tune on the record is 'Roulez Jeunesse', mainly because of it’s friendly, rolling baseline that seems like it’s determined to keep the groove going no matter what. This is one for the record bag, so take a trip to Discogs and grab it before it sells out.

3.9/5

Listen to the full release

Buy: Digital

Words by Alex M

OLD 'n' GOLD: Techno Bert - Neue Dimensionen [Mannequin Records]

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On 5th June Berlin-based coldwave and post-punk label, Mannequin Records is reissuing a piping-hot European New-Beat hit, Techno Bert’s ‘Neue Dimensionen’.  Starting out in 2008 with Italian Alessandro Adriani at the helm, Mannequin has been consistently delivering a lively output of obscure synth music covering all sorts of moods. As well as offering future classics, the label keeps an integral ethos of uncovering fantastic forgotten gems; check out their Danza Mechanic Italian Synth Wave compilations and the recent double vinyl Orphx Archive 1993/94 release. 

‘Neue Dimensionen’ was originally released on the Italian label, Doremix Records in 1990, a sub-label of the early Italian techno label, M.C.E. Records, which was co-run by one half of Techno Bert, Stefano Cundari, who also co-owned Memory Records. Accompanied then by Robert Passera, the two sadly only worked together for this sole project, but created a dance-floor wonder in the process. The track is made up of a whole array of samples, primarily based on the guitar riff from Siouxsie and the Banshees’ ‘Happy House’, but then assembled with drums from The Human League’s ‘Being Boiled’ and a mind-melting distortion of Nina Hagen’s vocal from, ‘Herrmann Hieß Er’ - all crafted with the use of the classic Akai S1000 sampler, a Jupiter synth, a Roland TB-303 and the TR-909. Mannequin describes the track’s creation mentioning that, “While Cundari cared for the sounds from the 48-channel analogue bench and assigned modular effects to the tracks, in studio there was also the musician Stefano Carrara who piloted the keyboards and the Notator installed on the Atari computer.” Stefano Cundari unfortunately died of cancer the same year the EP was released.

The track has an incredibly energetic aura made up of heavy-synth stabs; something like spacey Italo vibes meet a coldwave edge. The funky guitar riff, the electric vocal and slithery hi-hats make it an efficacious beat-driven dance-floor weapon, and the prolonged crescendo keeps this a very positive party track. 

Buy: Vinyl

 

Words by Fred D

WHERE TO GO: Krankbrother present Under The Bridge

London’s longstanding promoter brothers Danny & Kieran (Krankbrother) have pulled out something fresh for their first open air affair of the year. Famed for combining exceptional musical programming with London’s most unique and unusual spaces, their outdoor summer parties have become legendary across the capital.

This Saturday’s day party is taking place on the banks of the River Lea in Hackney, however as the name suggests the dancefloor is situated underneath a striking industrial bridge giving the event a unique setting of urban architecture meets natural beauty. The site has been specifically chosen not just for its aesthetics but also to counter the all too familiar issues that London open air parties face in stringent noise restrictions and a lack of space. Under the Bridge’s location provides an opportunity to push to the upper limits of proper sound & far out production, whilst also having enough space to accommodate boutique food vans, craft beer & cocktail bars.

Minimal aficionado and esteemed Fabric resident Craig Richard heads the bill, alongside Giegling's Konstantin, Ostgut heavyweight Marcel Fengler and infamous punk acid live act Paranoid London. It’s an original space, played by some of techno’s finest connoisseurs, with unique production and even an official Fabric after party to top it all off, this is one Saturday session you certainly shouldn’t sleep on.

Tickets

Words by Henry C