wp_1644810 – Pagina 69 – Different Grooves

Ke Thu ‘Every Aspect EP’

Artist: Ke Thu
Title: Every Aspect EP
Label: DU-NTRL5

Ke thu are a Detroit-based musical duo consisting of Steven Stavropoulos and Tim Barrett. Their music is an earnest exploration of techno and everything it is capable of.

The group’s latest release comes in the form of a 3-track EP–their second with Detroit Underground. The collection of songs was written throughout the course of 2019 and 2020, with a significant portion of the sound designing coming from their two main instruments: guitar and modular synthesizer, often acting as one instrument. The tracks were meant to be part of an album, which ended up turning into two separate EPs, this being the first to see a release. Originally more driving and club-focused, the two revisited the tracks and stripped them down to their core, making them more ethereal, experiential pieces, while still remaining “techno”.

Miles Ellis ‘House of Fun EP’

Artist: Miles Ellis
Title: House of Fun EP
Label: Motech Records
Cat. #: MT143
Format: Digital Download / Streaming
Release Date: 30 April 2021
Tracklist:
1. Weight of Gravity
2. Don’t Make Me
3. House of Fun
4. Be Yourself

Next up on Motech Records is Miles Ellis with the brilliant ‘House of Fun EP’. Hailing from Arizona USA, Miles provides four fresh Detroit Techno tracks in true Motech form, having delivered his wildly popular ‘Jack The Beat’ on Motech’s ‘Consortium Vol. 2’ compilation and a recent EP for Simon Shaw’s Sense Traxx, as well as running his own label, Limitlessun Recordings.

The EP opens with ‘Weight of Gravity’ a track that personifies the journey Miles has made to get where he is right now in the Techno scene. ‘Don’t Make Me’ is filled with addictive claps and groove filled funky stabs. Ellis comments on title track ‘House of Fun’ saying, “I really wanted to have something heavy hitting, more of something everyone would hear and be like ‘Damn!’, the vibe is 100% raw warehouse techno feelings, this track was influenced by the sets of Ben Sims, FJAAK, Ben Klock and more European techno DJs to be honest”. Finally ‘Be Yourself’ came from Ellis messing around with the TR8S, crafting grooves and layering a rough distorted stab with the vocal hook. Ellis adds, “the vocal alone is a great part because it’s something I’ve always remained to do – ‘be yourself’, my own music and my own sound”.

‘House of Fun EP’ [MT143] from Miles Ellis is available on Motech Records via all digital and streaming platforms from April 30th.

zlene ‘boop EP’

Artist: zlene
Title: boop EP
Remixer: Mihai Popoviciu and Silat, Bekski
Label: Seaweed Rhythm
Cat. #: SEAWEED003
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Release Date: 29th April 2021
Tracklist

boop
Q Suite
boop (Mihai Popoviciu Remix)
Q Suite (Silat Beksi Remix)
Betty boop (n20 version)

Swedish artist zlene is up next on his newly formed sub-label Seaweed Rhythm with the ‘boop’ EP, which includes remixes from Mihai Popoviciu and Silat Bekski.

zlene explores the minimal genre’s deeper realms, and this EP is produced in his fishing hutiir studio in the Swedish archipelago. His work is often deeply connected to nature with underwater samples and animal sounds. This is especially prevalent within the Q suite track, where seals are sampled under the ice, which creates natural ice echoes and delays. zlene invites remixes from Romanian artist and Cyclic Records boss Mihai Popoviciu and Ukrainian wonder Silat Beksi, who has released tons of material on his Modeight imprint and other key labels.

Title track ‘boop’ gets the EP started with low-humming bass frequencies, fluttering percussion and an evolving groove before ‘Q Suite’ offers up marine soundscapes of seals below the ice fused smoothly with perfectly swung hats and inviting pads. Up next, Romanian artist Mihai Popoviciu lays down a floaty remix of ‘boop’ as the hypnotic vibrations balance gorgeously with the shimmering bass and soothing elements. Silat Bekski’s remix moves the release into moody territories with a stripped-back version of’ Q Suite’ featuring minimal sonics, trippy fx, and dreamy tones until ‘Betty Boop (n20 version) rounds off proceedings with fluid modulations, rubbery synths and trippy vocal samples.

Seaweed Rhythm wants to give back to the animals and waters sampled in their work and have seen firsthand how much of the ocean’s wildlife has been affected by climate change. Therefore 50% of all digital sales will be donated to various water wildlife foundations and projects.

Richy Ahmed & Jamie Jones ‘More Energy / I Need It’

Artist: Richy Ahmed & Jamie Jones
Title: More Energy / I Need It
Label: Four Thirty Two
Cat. #: 432R017
Format: Digital
Release Date: 23rd April 2021
Tracklist:
1. More Energy
2. I Need It
3. I Need It (Butch Remix)
4. I Need It (Ray Mono Remix)

Richy Ahmed’s Four Thirty Two label fires back into action this Spring, with a mouthwatering collaboration between the label head honcho and Jamie Jones, who needs no introduction The release comes backed with remixes from house music stalwarts Butch and Ray Mono.

With a friendship and professional relationship that goes back years, Richy Ahmed and Jamie Jones have often paired up and sparred with each other, via ping pong-ing releases on the Hot Creations label, B2B DJ sets in Ibiza and beyond, to studio collaborations. Incredibly, these brace of tracks are the first officially released ‘fruits of their labour’ when it comes to their joint productions, and it’s most definitely worth the wait.

Entering stage left, ‘More Energy’ comes at a time when we’ve never needed it more, providing a brilliantly rattling and spirited house groove. Built around a playful organ riff that lays the foundations for this dynamic track, spoken refrains (from Richy Ahmed no less) then come as a call to arms sealing off this bright, good times club cut. Likewise, energy levels are maintained on ‘I Need It’; banging house piano chops over a diligent 909 drum pattern, laced with rousing strings and female vox, it’s the sort of track that two seasoned pros like Ahmed & Jones are so good at carving out.

Two remixes of ‘I Need It’ are offered up here. Firstly, Butch (Running Back/Hot Creations) serves up a seductive and breezy percussive version, featuring the kind of floating deepness that perfectly soundtracks sunsets and sunrises. To complete proceedings, rising UK talent Ray Mono provides a groovy and swinging minimal remix that echoes the sweet sounds he’s been delivering for labels like Ben Rau’s META imprint and Deeperfect Records.

An all-star cast tastefully assembled then for another stellar release on Four Thirty Two.

Truncate & Ruskin ‘Sketch’

Artists: Truncate & Ruskin
Title: Sketch
Label: Blueprint
Cat. #: BP059
Format: Digital / Vinyl
Release Date: (d) 30 April / (v) TBC 2021
Tracklist:
A1. Sketch 1
A2. Sketch 2
B. Sketch 3

James Ruskin continues Blueprint’s 25th Anniversary with a new EP collaboration alongside Truncate, which follows Ruskin’s solo outing, ‘Shortcut’ released in March.

L.A.’s Truncate (David Flores) has made previous significant appearances on Blueprint with his ‘Terminal 5 EP’ (BP049) in 2017 and ‘The Bell EP’ (BP055) in 2019, but this will be the first time he’s joined production forces with its label head.

Truncate and Ruskin’s EP features three sketches, but don’t be fooled by the EP’s title – these are fully rounded slices of techno finery delivered by two mainstays of the scene and an essential release for your BP collection.

Look out for further Blueprint celebrations including a new Ruskin and Broom EP and special anniversary compilation later this year.

Super Flu ‘Pancham EP’

Artist: Super Flu
Title: Pancham EP
Remixer: The Journey
Label: Thick As Thieves
Cat. #: TAT001
Format: Digital
Release Date: 9th April 2021(Beatport Exclusive & Streaming)
Tracklist:

Pancham
Nicotine
Nicotine (The Journey Remix)

Leading Australian touring brand Thick As Thieves launch new in-house label as they welcome German duo Super Flu to deliver their ‘Pancham’ EP, accompanied by a remix from rising Australian pairing The Journey.

An influential name down under for the last decade, Melbourne-based event favourites Thick As Thieves continue to lead the way when it comes to the curation of international and local talent within the Australian house and techno scene. Featuring as the country’s premier touring company, bringing names such as Patrick Topping, Claptone, Andhim, ANNA, Rebüke, and Mathew Jonson to name just a few to Australian soil over the past few years, April sees a new string added to the brand’s bow as they launch their new self-titled in-house imprint, continuing their ethos of ‘Raising The Vibration’.

“There’s such creative talent out there pushing the boundaries of sound, and some are bound to get my attention. There needed to be an outlet to introduce those sounds and warm up a few ears prior to taking on these artists at tour level. It’s always a bonus when the dancefloor erupts, and an artist is playing their own track or remix. Sometimes it’s the difference between an average gig and a gig that’s etched into the memory. Here’s a chance for the Thick As Thieves crew to give these artists our best shot at raising the vibration all round.” – Mike Toner, Thick As Thieves

Developed naturally across the past ten years, the label will bring tracks discovered on the dancefloor to a global audience and serve as a home for fresh music from leading international names including Monkey Safari alongside exciting, rising Australian talent such as Not Just Me. Kicking things off, 9th April welcomes the label’s debut release courtesy of leading German duo Super Flu, who step up to deliver their entrancing ‘Pancham’ EP following music via the likes of Dynamic, Crosstown Rebels, and Moon Harbour, backed by a remix from emerging Melbourne-based duo, The Journey.

Title cut ‘Pancham’ showcases the German pairing at their best, combining crisp organic percussion with wavering synths, eerie eastern-influenced melodies and rolling grooves, whilst ‘Nicotine’ weaves off-kilter leads atop of wandering stabs, sharp drum licks and snaking low-ends to showcase two original cuts packed full of quality. Rounding out proceedings, rising Melbourne pairing Jacob Malmo and Tom Evans, aka The Journey, up the energy and introduce pulsating bass patterns, vocal chants and hair-raising builds throughout their interpretation of ‘Nicotine’ – shaping up a slick label debut from one of Australia’s most important players within the house and techno landscape.

Pepe Mateos ‘4Ever’

Artist: Pepe Mateos
Title: 4Ever
Label: Self-released
Cat. #: S004
Release Date: 15th April 2021

Pepe Mateos continues on his self-released mission of releasing one track a month throughout 2021 with another compelling cut, ‘4Ever.’

After 10 years in the underground scene, Mateos has earned himself a fine reputation for his ever evolving sound. His high impact house and techno workouts have come on the likes of Toolroom, Circus Recordings and Time Has Changed always make an indelible mark. His own Flow Musique labels with friend Davirus is just as vital, and as a DJ he has been a resident at Sankeys Ibiza as well as playing all round Europe.

Mateos has already turned heads with this new project just a few weeks into 2021. The first three singles picked up big support from DJs like Anthony Pappa, Stacey Pullen and Terry Francis, and press coverage from Mixmag, DMC World and Faze. The story continues with a fourth new tune, which shows off yet another side to this producer’s sound as he explores some warm microhouse vibes.

The excellent ‘4Ever’ is a song that has percussive touches typical of Pepe Mateos, with melodies that seem to come out of a psychedelic fable. Built on a slick and lively rhythm and bass combination, it’s always bristling and bubbling with energy that makes you want to shake every bone in your body. The tripped out melodic daubs, muffled vocals and twisted sense of groove never let up and find Mateos drawing out the tune to perfection.

Full of colour and soul, this is another gem from Mateos with plenty more to come each and every month.

Paolo Rocco feat. Robert Owens ‘Ever So’

Artist: Paolo Rocco feat. Robert Owens
Title: Ever So
Remixer: S.A.M.
Label: FUSE
Cat. #: FUSE045
Format: Vinyl / Digital
Release Date: 9th April 2021
Tracklist

Ever So (Original Mix)
Ever So (S.A.M. Remix)
Ever So (S.A.M. Hypnotic Remix)

FUSE reveal the first single from Paolo Rocco’s forthcoming album ‘Ever So’ alongside house icon Robert Owens, backed by two slick remixes from S.A.M.

Ahead of the release of his ten-track album on the label in late-April, FUSE unveil the first single from Montreal- based talent Paolo Rocco’s ‘Life In Pieces’ LP as he combines with legendary singer-songwriter, DJ, producer, and one of the most iconic voices in house music, Robert Owens, to deliver the soulful and slick ‘Ever So’ – accompanied by two warping remixes from Mandar member and Delaphine boss S.A.M.

“There are times in this crazy music career where you have to stop and take in what’s going on. The first vinyl I ever picked up to buy as a ‘DJ’ over 15 years ago was a Robert Owens record. To be given the opportunity to create something in collaboration with him is surreal. I remember sending Robert a sample of an instrumental I was working on. When he sent back his recording, I realized he gave me a gift and the beat I had for him originally wasn’t going to do it justice so I literally got in the studio and built the track from scratch around his vocals. I even changed some of the timing on how it was sung. To say I was nervous sending back that completely different demo for approval is an understatement, but luckily for me he understood exactly where I was going with it all. With this in mind I have to give an unconditional thank you to Robert and the FUSE family for catching all the curve balls I threw their way. These people are in music for the right reasons, and I consider myself very fortunate to be in the mix with them for this project.” – Paolo Rocco

A warming and rich production from the off, ‘Ever So’ welcomes a melting pot of classic and modern influences as Rocco’s bright keys and resonant chords meet Owens’ infectious and inimitable vocals to reveal a smooth, classy slice of house music. On the flip, S.A.M’s first interpretation of the production sees the introduction of trademark swirling, spacey synths and vibrant stabs, whilst his ‘Hypnotic’ take on the production flows and journeys into deeper moments guided by arpeggiated melodies, acid-tinged basslines and sweeping atmospherics.

Werner Niedermeier ‘Time & Again’

Artist: Werner Niedermeier
Title: Time & Again
Label: Bulletdodge Records
Cat. #: BDREC007
Format: Digital
Release Date: 12th April 2021

Bulletdodge Records release a new album from label stalwart, Werner Niedermeier entitled ‘Time & Again’.

German artist Werner Niedermeier has been mastering his craft for more than 25 years, nurturing his audio production, engineering and mastering skills to a professional studio standard. He has released an array of music on labels such as on Supplement Facts, Rue De Plaisance, Phonica, Biotop, Bedrock, Get Physical, Audiomatique and Scottish label Bulletdodge Records that have provided him with a platform to express his artistic flair. In keeping with Bulletdodge’s new musical direction, Werner has constructed an album that demonstrates an eclectic approach to composition and arrangement.

‘Soyo Kaze’ begins proceedings in meditative fashion as the dreamy undertones harmonise with the organic drums and sparse textures before ‘Global G’ combines sparkling tones, sweeping pads and stabbing synths. The intricate sound design continues in ‘Electrum’ – electro-tinged rhythms and humming low frequencies balance together wonderfully whilst ‘Odd Yssey’ reveals deep, broken-beat grooves and trippy melodies with dubby echoes underneath. Up next, funk-fuelled synth links and floating arpeggios take the focus in ‘All Alone’ before leading into the glitched-out, psychedelic cut ‘Kuchisabishii’.

‘Get 2 Get R’ permeates with revolving fx, cosmic energy and calming chords whilst ‘Thursday’ is a low-slung track with sluggish sonics, laid-back cadence and soothing ambience with everlasting tranquillity. ‘Lightbulb Moments’ moves smoothly with murmuring waves, shamanic humming and meditative soundscapes in this ethereal spectacle of sound. ‘Level Unknown’ then deploys slow-burning sequences, sludgy frequencies and heavenly builds transporting you down the wormhole until ‘Clouded Thoughts’ provides a cinematic feel with emphatic synth work. To finish, ‘Täknology’ provides entrancing swells of ambience, poignant modulations and oceanic bliss rounding off this exquisite album beautifully.

This album is an ethereal yet explorative body of work journeying through various sonic realms with effortless grace and mastery from Werner Niedermeier.

Tracklist

Soyo Kaze
Global G
Electrum
Odd Yssey
All Alone
Kuchisabishii
Get 2 Get R
Thursday
Lightbulb Moments
Level Unknown
Clouded Thoughts

Cortexmaltex ‘Metamorphose’

Artist: Cortexmaltex
Title: Metamorphose
Label: Traum
Cat. #: Traum V252
Release Date: 07. May 2021
Tracklist:
1. Metamorphose
2. Back To The South
3. Custom Trails
4. Dark Side Of Saturn
5. Back To The South || Deep In Calm Remix
6. Back To The South || Zoi (CA) & Dustin Nantais Remix
7. Metamorphose || Mentat Remix

Cortexmaltex’s debut!

The month May sees the appearance of another artists who has been successfully releasing on our Tour de Traum imprint now releasing his debut solo EP on Traum called “Metamorphose”.

The French artist Cortexmaltex originally started with jazz music but decided to switch over to recording electronic music. Although he has been recording for a longer period now he has released very little music up to date.

His tracks “Gestaltunsbedingung” and “Locking Down” already showed his great skill to compose music beyond the DJ hemisphere, introducing a well thought out arrangement with sublime mood changes, always keeping the track alive.

We can proudly say his “Metamorphose EP” has taken up that approach and taken it to the next level, combining the repetition and abstract quality that one finds in techno with the new generation of melodic baroque techno.

“Metamorphose“ by Cortexmaltex

The EP kicks off with “Metamorphose”, a melodic masterpiece of interacting melodies and different categories. He manages to have the tender and calming presence of his melodies rise to an emotional level that can keep bodies move in synchronization on the dance-floor. Cortexmaltex gives that balance a new quality.

“Back To The South“ by Cortexmaltex

“Back To The South” has that vibrating echoing sound you might associate with wetlands, swamp, marshes in Louisiana with Spanish Moss hanging in the trees picturesque, spooky and just beautiful.If you know the novels by James Lee Burke you know what to expect here.

“Custom Trails“ by Cortexmaltex

“Custom Trails” evokes images of trails high in the mountains near the clouds all foggy and mysterious. Humming voices and lingering sounds build a matrix of exotic sounds. All of that forms a comfort zone and is perfect for late summer nights outside!

“Dark Side Of Saturn“ by Cortexmaltex

The music suits the title “Dark Side Of Saturn” well. The circulating sound, the encoded messages of sound, the urgency and interstellar performance of these all add up to an intense polyrhythmic cluster that you can just walk into with your ears and enjoy. To speak in Saturns scientific terms… this track has a “magnetic moment” which is breathtaking. Noticeable sounds are those “great white spots” jabbed into the busy complexity of it that leave an open wound in our memory.

“Back To The South“ Deep In Calm Remix

Remixes come from Deep In Calm who had with “Nowhere City” a huge track on Tour de Traum XV with more the 600 000 plays. He remixed “Back To The South” in the fashion of an uptempo house track with a stunning 2 minute intro and from there taking it towards a very glamorous deep epic house track where he shows why he is such a writer/producer in demand.

“Back To The South“ Zoi (CA) & Dustin Nantais Remix

The next remix comes from Traum artist Zoi who has teamed up with Canadian writer Dustin Nantais. Together they have churned out an exceptional moody piece of deep house.

“Metamorphose“ Mentat Remix

Mentat who has created a reputation for himself also through his Tour De Traum contributions, has remixed “Metamorphose” with a very minimalist and hypnotic approach that adds something special to the original.