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Amine Edge & DANCE ft. Pershard Owens ‘It Was’

Artist: Amine Edge & DANCE ft. Pershard Owens
Title: It Was
Remixer: Shermanology
Label: Hot Creations
Cat. #: HOTC218
Format: Digital / Vinyl
Release Date: 22nd September 2023
Tracklist:
1. It Was
2. It Was (Shermanology Remix)
3. It Was (Dub)

Amine Edge & DANCE bring their soulful sound to Hot Creations with their uplifting new release ‘It Was’ featuring Pershard Owens backed by a remix from Shermanology.

Maintaining a constant presence at the top of the charts, with an impressive catalogue boasting releases on esteemed labels such as Defected, Nervous Records and their very own CUFF imprint, French duo Amine Edge & DANCE have solidified themselves as frontrunners when it comes to the modern house landscape. Up next, their partnership takes them to Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’ Hot Creations imprint for the first time with their latest single ‘It Was’ featuring Pershard Owens, with brother-sister duo Shermanology on hand on remix duties to bring the heat.

“This track is a nod to one of our biggest influences from the 2000s R’n’B and Nu Soul sound. It’s a heartfelt journey back to one of the sounds that have shaped us. Being featured on Hot Creations is a dream come true for us. We’ve always admired their groundbreaking releases and innovative approach to music, to now have our track signed by them is beyond words. A special shoutout to Pershard Owens, who reached out to us on Instagram one day. This collaboration has been pure magic from the start, and together, we’ve created something truly remarkable.” – Amine Edge & DANCE

‘It Was’ opens with rich piano chords, led by luscious melodies, Pershard’s tender vocals and bright keys crafting a delightful serving of summer house grooves before Shermanology flips the track shifting the focus onto pulsing drum hits and playful rhythms full of energy, perfectly crafted for open-air dance floors.

 

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Martyn Playfrd ‘Saturn’

Artist: Martyn Playfrd
Title: Saturn
Label: Trapez
Cat. #: Trapez 262
Release Date: 27 October 2023

Martyn Playfrd’s next techno EP!

Martyn Playfrd’s new 5 track ep kicks off with “Resistance”, a track that is clad in the mystic world of sonar system sound aesthetics. The continuum of a strong forward motion with beats is relentless and merciless. This techno for the floor a 100%.

“Planet 1” compared to the opening track is cool slacker piece of techno. The beats show a nice polyrhythmic groove where dragging percussion can create a fantastic funk, which they do here. Important to say the track is in full motion when suddenly the gears are down shifted and it becomes a different track. A break follows to our surprise which throws in a bit of “Stravinsky” and now we know this is a “far out track” with an experiential nature, something we have not heard from Martyn so much in the past. Is it good? We definitely think so!

The title track of the ep “Saturn” directly builds up tension from the first second to dive into a hypnotic state of techno galore. This track puts a strangle hold on you and gets you going, the break here is another surprise and has some early Alan Parsons/ Pink Floyd flavor, but before you can become aware of it it is gone and back to techno. What a journey!

“Communication Blackout” is one of these morse code piece of techno music, all ghostly and dark and foggy. There is a community out there who are waiting exactly for this track.

The last track of this 5 track ep is called “Bias” and opens up with what we call a proper kick drum. The track is also a slaker track but involves some noisy video game sounds. This sounds a bit like early Chicago house from K-Alexi to Lil Louis with open rim shots and Pac Man sounds dominating the track.

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Nick Curly ‘Altrip EP’

Artist: Nick Curly
Title: Altrip EP
Label: Cécille Records
Cat. #: CEC050
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Release Date: 22nd September 2023
Tracklist:
1. Altrip
2. It’s You And Me
3. Altrip (Manda Moor Burning Remix)

Cécille Records celebrates its fiftieth release with label head Nick Curly’s forthcoming ‘Altrip’ EP

From running his imprint 8Bit to curating his ‘Trust’ events which he’s taken from Sonus Festival to Watergate, Cécille Records’ co-founder NickCurly (who runs Cécille with Marc Scholl) is helping celebrate its milestone fiftieth release with his ‘Altrip’ EP. Unveiling two new tracks and a rework from Manda Moor known for her Paradise residency, and reaching number one on Beatport’s top 100 release chart with her Hot Creations‘Picante’ EP, it marks a historic moment for the Mannheim-based label.

With chunky sub-bass complimented by its punchy drum programming, the title-track ‘Altrip’ starts the EP, while ‘It’s You And Me’ keeps the same pounding energy, with rolling note arpeggios and scuttling percussion moving through its mix. Then Manda Moor’s ‘Burning Remix’ of ‘Altrip’ injects her high-octane sounds into the original with ravey stabs, pan drums and diced vocal samples.

In the last quarter of the year, Cécille Records is relaunching its event series in collaboration with Peoples Agency, and two official dates have emerged which will mark its start. Alongside Nick Curly, artists like Sidney Charles, Manda Moor, Leon, Dennis Quin, Fabe, and many more will be joining them, launching at a 2000-capacity Groove Fest London-owned tent, as well as at ADE with the promoter Hush at Melkweg Club in Amsterdam.

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Casual Treatment

Artist: Casual Treatment
Title: The Secret Code EP
Label: Symbolism
Cat. #: SYMDIGI034
Format: Digital
Release Date: 22nd September 2023
Tracklist:
01 All The Way Up
02 Phenomenon
03 Secret Code
04 Cognitive Dissonance
05 Utopian Theme
06 Distorted Reality

Casual Treatment arrives on Ben Sims’ Symbolism

After his ‘Inner Urge EP’ dropped on Sims’ Hardgroove imprint in April ’23, Casual Treatment steps up with another six tracker for the UK don’s Symbolism imprint this September.

Entitled ‘The Secret Code EP’, the hefty release kicks off with the sub-aquatic sounds of ‘All The Way Up’, a bottom-heavy and tweaked-out cut that combines dance floor intensity with disorienting atmospherics. ‘Phenomenon’ and ‘Secret Code’ follow, gradually pulling back on the opener’s heady sounds and ramping up the tension/release stakes before the heavy swing of ‘Cognitive Dissonance’ funks things up. ‘Utopian Theme’, an organ riff-driven ode to Detroit, walks the line between dark/light perfectly before Casual Treatment disappears into the night with the tunnelling groove of ‘Distorted Reality’.

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Hottrax presents Tripleution Part 4

Artist: Endor, Cristian Viviano, Raumakustik, Clyde P & Jil Tanner
Title: Hottrax presents Tripleution Part 4
Label: Hottrax
Cat. #: HXT116
Format: Digital
Release Date: 22nd September 2023
Tracklist:
01 Endor – Fakez
02 Cristian Viviano – Mastafunka
03 Raumakustik, Clyde P & Jil Tanner – Come With Me

Aptly named Hottrax to deliver the fourth part in their Tripleution series

Tastemaking platform Hottrax, run by house music authority Jamie Jones, already boasts a discography including Patrick Topping, East End Dubsand Yousef. The fourth part of their ‘Tripleution’ Various Artist EP series sits in good company, merging new artists and longtime label stalwarts for another stacked tracklist as it gears up for the release of its next edition.

With cleverly sampled instrumentals and plucked sonic strings, Endor’s ‘Fakez’ kicks off proceedings, having previously guested on highly esteemed imprints such as Solid Grooves, Repopulate Mars, Defected and Toolroom. Self-taught producer Cristian Viviano steps up next with ‘Mastafunka’, with its strumming bass notes and groovy drum programming. The German duo Raumakustik, Sola and Repopulate Mars associate Clyde P and multifaceted musician Jil Tanner join forces on the jagged beat notes of ‘Come With Me’, punching through with pumping breakdowns and a weighty bassline and highlighting Hottrax’s penchant for underground cuts.

 

 

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Various ‘Mental Picks Vol.42’

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Mental Picks Vol.42
Label: Expmental Records
Cat. #: XPMVA042
Format: Digital
Release Date: 20th October 2023 Worldwide
Tracklist:
Schime – Dark Bright (Original Mix)
Adam Rahman, Sonic Jay – Maya People (Original Mix)
Eddy Romero, Dave Hang – Flash (Original Mix)

End the year on an energetic note with the final instalment of our Mental Picks series from Expmental Records. As we mark 15 successful years, we reflect on a year characterized by superior events held at Sonar week, London, Manchester, Ibiza, and culminating at ADE in Amsterdam.

Our concluding Mental Picks compilation introduces an eclectic mix of three tracks from a diverse array of talented artists. We commence with a track from Schime, now featured for the second time on our label within the same year.

Our second offering is a complex track that blends the signature styles of India-born Adam Rahman and Sonic Jay based in Dubai, marking their first contribution to our label.

To encapsulate the collection, Eddy Romero, the linchpin of our label, collaborates with Dave Hang for a sonically intriguing closing track crafted during the post-Sonar week festivities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more releases that await you beyond this collection.

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Mike Shannon ‘Shadow Moves EP’

Artist: Mike Shannon
Title: Shadow Moves EP
Label: Rekids Special Projects
Cat. #: RSPX57
Format: Digital
Release Date: 15th September 2023
Tracklist:
01. Shijima 3000
02. B4B
03. The Way We Rise

Mike Shannon joins Rekids Special Projects for his ‘Shadow Moves’ EP

Mike Shannon brings his debut Rekids Special Projects EP ‘Shadow Moves’ to Radio Slave‘s label, following the internationally acclaimed producer releasing three albums on respected imprints Plus 8, Force Incand ~Scape. Alongside releases on his storied Cynosure Recordings, the forthcoming three-track ‘Shadow Moves’ EP restates why Shannon holds such a revered status in modern electronic music. The ‘Shadow Moves’ EP sees the Canadian artist deliver sublime techno with well-chiselled grooves.

After ‘Shadow Moves’, the next nod to its manga inspiration, ‘Shijima’, moves through tight percussive layering and jaunty, bass-led build-ups. Then comes ‘B4B’ featuring rhythmic, shaking subs as its clattering kick drums sit beneath. ‘The Way We Rise’ finalises the EP with shifting hi-hat patterns and growling bass levels as the cut weaves through its striding beats.

‘Very excited to finally get these manga-inspired groove weapons out into the wild. Been test driving these in my dj sets and can’t wait to share these with you.’ – Mike Shannon.

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Anchoret ‘Brussels EP’

Artist: Anchoret
Title: Brussels EP
Label: Solar Phenomena Music
Cat. #: SOLARD49
Format: Digital
Release Date: 15th September 2023
Tracklist:
01 Absynth
02 Brussels
03 Absynth / Brussels (Ion Ludwig’s Dramatique Fille Vision Remix)
04 Brussels (Martinou Remix)

Ion Ludwig and Martinou remix Anchoret’s ‘Brussels’ EP on Solar Phenomena Music

‘Absynth’ opens Anchoret’s ‘Brussels’ EP, its mysterious synth work carefully massages the mind through excellent tonal frequencies weaving and gliding among its minimal drums. ‘Brussels’ then continues with a raw reese bass moving up and down over its steady rhythm, it’s a track filled to the brim with feeling, evoking a sense of yearning and nostalgia.

Perlon, Meander & Trelik’s Ion Ludwig then puts his spin on both tunes, melding them together into his signature psychedelic, minimalistic house style. Closing out the release, sewer sender boss Martinou remixes ‘Brussels’, turning the track into a chilled-out groover, losing the bulk of the reese and instead letting the beat roll through its ambient soundscape.

3024 artist Anchoret returns to Solar Phenomena Music after dropping his ‘Stay High’ single featuring Jay Tripwire and Anja Schneider remixes earlier this summer, already winning the support of artists like Kölsh, NicoleMoudaber, Gerd & Louise Chen.

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Kyle Hall ‘Cosmic Touch EP’

Artist: Kyle Hall
Title: Cosmic Touch EP
Label: Apnea
Cat. #: Apnea 105
Format: Vinyl/Digital
Release Date: 11th September 2023
Tracklist:
01 The Cosmic Touch
02 Cobalt
03 Phantom

Kyle Hall preps three-track ‘Cosmic Touch’ EP for Apnea

Kyle Hall’s ‘Cosmic Touch’ opens his EP of the same name with masterful machine drum funk. Anything he touches turns into interplanetary gold, proven by the hypnotic and detailed grooves present across the release and his output to date. In ‘Cosmic Touch’, hazy resonant synths playfully bounce off layers of infectious rhythm, entrancing the listener before ‘Cobalt’ rides in with galactic pads and rolling toms, a swirly acid-line unfolding slowly in the second half. Closing out this next entry on the Spanish Apnea imprint, ‘Phantom’ chugs along a mystifying, ghastly synth line while typewriter-like hats hammer onto its steady kickdrum, chirpy sequences carefully filling the spaces between.

Detroit artist Kyle Hall blends classic motor city techno with house influences, his personal take on the genres characterised by a warm, soulful sound and intricate rhythmic patterns in turn drawing from jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His music has landed on labels like Hyperdub, his own Wild Oats & ForgetThe Clock, and now, he follows up his collaborative ‘Crown’ LP with StevenJulien on Apron Records with a three-tracker on Apnea, a label which recently returned to the fold with quality releases from the likes of GeraldDonald’s Gedankenexperiment and E.R.P.

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Chicks Luv Us ‘Rhell/Trippin’

Artist: Chicks Luv Us
Title: Rhell/Trippin
Label: Desolat
Cat. #: DESOLAT084
Format: Digital
Release Date: 8th September 2023
Tracklist:
1. Rhell
2. Trippin

French duo Chicks Luv Us return to Desolat as Loco Dice welcomes them back to the label for their two- track release, ‘Rhell/Trippin’.

Launched back in 2007 by internationally renowned DJ/producer Loco Dice, Desolat stands today with a history and reputation as rich as any within the global house realm. With the label relaunched after a brief hiatus earlier this year as Miami’s Cortes took the wheel for its big re-introduction, the label boss now reveals the second release of 2023 on the label as French pair Chicks Luv Us make an impressive return. Heading up their own CLU Recs and Encasa Records imprints while releasing material via Hot Creations, MÜSE, elrow and more, their breakthrough single ‘Qu’est Ce Qu’il Veut Lui?!’ on Desolat in 2019 saw them rack up a wealth of support from across the scene and stands today as a gem within their growing catalogue. Now returning four years later, early September brings two fresh productions on the label as they return with a pair of heavy-hitting cuts across ‘Rhell/ Trippin’.

Setting the tone via hefty kicks and menacing low-end tones before introducing wonky electronics, skippy hats and warped hip-hop vocal samples, the title cut ‘Rhell’ is a no-nonsense and impactful production crafted for packed dancefloors as it marches forth with authority. Switching things up but keeping the energy levels high, ‘Trippin’ fuses rubbery basslines, harsh metallic tones and squelchy acid-tinged leads for a chaotic yet precise and driving journey deeper into the peak hours.