wp_1644810 – Pagina 96 – Different Grooves

HE ‘Sometimes + / Sometimes x’

Artist: HE
Title: Sometimes + / Sometimes x
Label: Blumoog Codec
Cat. #: Blugcodec 011

HE appears with his 1st released EP in Blumoog. This release is a story about his life and his mind. HE is trying to fight for better world by music. All his music is focused on acid from several sources, connected by loads of harmony. “Sometimes +” and “Sometimes x” are tracks about hard working, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. With multiple beliefs. These tracks are acidic stories about giving an energy from the Earth to heaven and taking it back where the world needs it. Something like a circulation. “Better World” is a happy and strong result of this work. The results that HE reads in newspapers and weather forecasts every day. And also this is his favourite tune from this EP. “After work” is a lovely, lazy, housy, melodic with some crazy and chaotic, sweetie notes. Perfect before going sleep. Like a lullaby. Because Jesus was communist, politicians are not so smart and green is a new red.

Alexander Church ‘Exploring Fear & Sadness Part 1’

Artist: Alexander Church
Title: Exploring Fear & Sadness Part 1
Remixer: James Welsh
Label: Configurations of Self
Cat. #: Config 006
Release Date: 10th March 2020
Tracklist:
1. Grief & Loss
2. Grief & Loss (James Welsh Version)
3. Conditions Of Worth
4. Conditions Of Worth (James Welsh Version)

Alexander Church continues to establish his vital Configurations of Self label with a new collaborative project with James Welsh.

Church is an adventurous artist who has been in the scene since the mid-nineties. He has made everything from melodic soundscapes to industrial techno under a range of aliases and always draws inspiration from his own deep thinking and desire to tell a personal story. This new project is an introduction to a series of collaborations between Church and Welsh. This is Part 1, with Part 2 coming a month later and two further EPs later in 2020 which will aim to highlight PTSD through music and a VR experience.

“Each track in this series aims to propel the listener into different thoughts and experiences aimed at exploring our own fears and sadness” says Church

The EP opens with ‘Grief & Loss’, a superb piece of elegant techno with lithe synths, cosmic chord sweeps and the sort of late night energy that defines early Detroit sounds. It is musical techno of the highest order.

James Welsh has been making inventive electronic sounds on labels like Phantasy Sounds, among others for many years. He always layers up enveloping bass and skyward synths into highly intoxicating and avant garde tracks. Here he reworks ‘Grief & Loss’ into a cosmic techno adventure with hi-tek soul and intricately layered synths all soaring and gliding.

‘Conditions Of Worth’ then builds up bleeping synth sounds into molten layers of Millsian techno that will carry you deep in on yourself to ruminate. It’s timeless techno that oozes class. Welsh’s version is more uptempo, with skittish lines shooting about the mix over cantering, rubbery drums that get you into a real state of hypnosis.

Once again here, Configurations of Self offers up thought-provoking techno from the very sharp end.

Slam ‘Inversions EP’

Artist: Slam
Title: Inversions EP
Label: Soma Records
Cat. #: SOMA570
Date: 9th March 2020
Tracklist:
1. Inversion
2. Primative Shift
3. Container
4. Zero Dip

Slam return to Soma in overwhelmingly top form with their latest release, the Inversion EP. After the release and finalisation of their Archive Edits project at the tail end of 2019, the dynamic Glaswegian duo set about working on new, original material, culminating in this expertly produced 4 track EP in which the pair really work through their peak time Techno material.
Title track Inversion has them with the foot firmly on the gas as relentless percussion drives atop a warping and tripped out synth hook. Primitive Shift edges more on an acid tip as a jacked up 909 beat thunders behind a pulsating 303 sound. Container continues the jacked up feeling with the pair really working up the distortion on the 909 beats, this time increasing the overall pace of the track with a turbo charged, rave powered sequence. Closing out the EP, Zero Dip doesn’t have the duo letting up on intensity as a more industrial vibe is prevalent throughout, created by searing drones and tough atmospherics moving across pounding drums.

Dennis Quin ‘House Is Love EP’

Artist: Dennis Quin
Title: House Is Love EP
Label: ORIGINS RCRDS
Cat. #: ORIGINS023
Format: Digital
Release Date: 28th February 2020
Tracklist:
1. House Is Love
2. Busted
3. Village Groove
4. Duna

Dennis Quin debuts on ORIGINS RCRDS to open the label’s 2020 schedule with ‘House Is Love’.

As we enter into a new decade, 2020 looks set welcome a big twelve months for rising talent Dennis Quin, with a string of notable releases and high-profile collaborations on the horizon for the Amsterdam based DJ and producer. A regular on Kerri Chandler’s Madhouse imprint, and with further material on the likes of Snatch!, Circus Recordings and Rejected, the Dutch talent looks set to build on previous support from the likes of Joris Voorn and Groove Armada to Laurent Garnier and Catz ‘n Dogz, and start the year in style as he touches down on Josh Butler’s ORIGINS RCRDS for the very first time with a fresh four-tracker entitled ‘House Is Love’ to close February.

Title cut ‘House Is Love’ opens proceedings in silky slick fashion as Quin works rich chords, skipping hats and soulful vocals to reveal a bright and lively slice of house music, before ‘Busted’ switches things up and introduces jacking drums and buming bass licks underneath off-kilter bleeps and sporadic samples throughout. Next up, ‘Village Groove’ sees slick percussion arrangements alongside jazz-tinged lead melodies and further vocal work, with the up-front ‘Duna’ closing the package in style via a series of snaking basslines and soaring synths.

Le Croque ‘Melancholia’

Artist: Le Croque
Title: Melancholia
Remixer: Themba
Label: Connected
Cat. #: connected050
Format: vinyl, digital
Release Date: 28th February 2020
Tracklist:
1. Melancholia feat. HRRSN
2. Melancholia feat. HRRSN (Dub)
3. Melancholia feat. HRRSN (Themba Remix)

As a long-time friend of the Connected label, Le Croque makes his debut with a superb single that comes with a remix from Themba.

At the forefront of the ever-growing Greek afro-house scene and part of The Madorasindahouse team, Le Croque has also released on Open Bar Music and King Street, and DJed alongside such legends as Black Coffee, Adam Port and &Me. For this release he teams up with Berlin via Munich vocalist HRRSN who came to electronic music from soul and R&B and has released on such labels as Stil Vor Talent, Suol and Noir Music.

This latest partnership leads to a beautiful deep slice of electronic hypnosis on ‘Melancholia.’ The track has a driving rhythm that is sparse and simple, with lush keyboard refrains and vocals soaring in the drop. It is the sort of majestic and melodic offering that will make for a fantastic high point in any set, while the dub keeps things even deeper for more intimate moments.

Remixer Themba has swiftly risen to prominence over the last few years and is at the forefront of the South African house scene. Here he delivers a sharp and striding groove that is joined by stabbing bass, with fading, string-like notes and dubbed vocal refrains taking things to another level as HRRSN comes into the spotlight and delivers a message from the heart.

This is a subtle but celebratory house package packed with plenty of emotion.

Monticule Finalises 2020 Lineup

MONTICULE FINALISES 2020 LINEUP

WITH
EFDEMIN, CASHU, BENEDIKT FREY, DREEMS,
LAUREN HANSOM, DJ DUSTIN, VLADA & INIT

AND
ILIAN TAPE SHOWCASE w/ ZENKER BROTHERS,
SURGEON & ANDREA

MACADAM MAMBO SHOWCASE w/ ZOZO,
EVA GEIST & SACHA MAMBO

MALKA TUTI: 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY w/ OPTIMO, COSMO VITELLI, HUGO CAPABLANCA, KHIDJA, SHARI VARI, FANTASTIC TWINS, FULL CIRCLE &
ASAF SAMUEL & KATZELE

Wednesday 17th – Sunday 21st of June 2020
Domaine de Gayfié, St. Jean de Laur, France

Monticulefestival.com

Heading into its sixth year, Monticule finalises its stunning lineup for 2020. Having already announced a tantalising selection of names, the festival welcomes further talent from across the dance music spectrum, featuring showcases from an array of influential labels and the scene’s most exciting trailblazers. With activities away from the dancefloor also on offer, Monticule continues to boast a diverse and global programme for all attendees that’s simply not to be missed.

The previously announced and eagerly anticipated Malka Tuti showcase expands to 24 hours, with I’m A Cliché label boss Cosmo Vitelli and Hugo Capablanca joining the likes of Khidja, Asaf Samuel & Katzele, Shari Vari live, Full Circle, Fantastic Twins live and Optimo (Espacio) in taking dancers on a dizzying and ambitious trip across day and night. The unmissable showcases continue, as the pioneering Zozo, mesmeric Eva Geist live and Sacha Mambo play in the prestigious name of Macadam Mambo and Andrea live, Zenker Brothers and Surgeon represent the iconic Ilian Tape sound, the latter having just released the twisted techno of The Golden Sea EP on the imprint earlier this month.

Acclaimed Berghain resident Efdemin makes his Monticule debut and it’s destined to be one for the history books, while supreme selector Lauren Hansom touches down to showcase her vast record collection and strictly individual spirit with Multi Culti boss Dreems demonstrating his “multiply your mind” label ethos with thrilling results. Berlin’s LackRec crew is well supported thanks to slots for Fadi Mohem, Marie Montexier and Victor, along with Benedikt Frey, who will treat dancers to his unique channeling of electro. DJ Dustin and Vlada from Giegling will make appearances across the weekend, as well as activist of the Såo Paulo LGBTQ scene, Cashu, whose politically-charged set should make for a festival highlight.

Credits from left to right: Kegen Lorentzon, Louis Guibert, Rubens Ben

Further features can be found away from the dancefloor and within Monticule’s quieter corners, as the nearby swimming hole and picturesque waterfall entices weary dancers to take a peaceful dip or limber up during yoga lessons. Thrill seekers can get to grips with a skateboard mini rap, while festival goers can also tap into their creative side through painting workshops or turn their gaze to the sky with astronomy classes.

Only 1h30 drive from Toulouse, festival-goers can also sample the famed cuisine and wine of the area at their leisure, with local producers and food trucks serving up the tastiest grub throughout the 5 day stay.

5 day tickets for Monticule Festival are now 149€ + booking fee. 3 days weekend ticket and group tickets also available.

Amotik ‘Vistār Remixes’

Artist: Amotik
Title: Vistār Remixes
Remixer: Ellen Allien, Anthony Linell, Tensal
Label: Amotik
Cat. #: AMTKLP1RMX
Release Date: 7th February 2020 (Vinyl) / 21st February 2020 (Digital)
Format: Vinyl & Digital
Tracklist:
1. Amotik – Chautis (Anthony Linell Remix)
2. Amotik – Paintis (Tensal Remix)
3. Amotik – Tetalis (Ellen Allien Remix)

Ellen Allien, Anthony Linell and Tensal remix tracks from Amotik’s Vistār LP on his self-titled imprint.

After moving to Berlin in 2014, Amotik has been steadily building a base in the city that significantly inspired him. Having developed a unique style of atmospheric techno with a relentless raw undertone, his consistency as both a DJ and producer has seen him perform at some of the most exciting clubs and festivals around the globe. Amotik delivered his first full-length double vinyl LP on his Amotik label earlier in 2019 which will be accompanied by a debut live tour to end the year. The album features 10 tracks with elements of ambient, broken beats, textured soundscapes but has its foundations firmly rooted in techno and invites remixes from heavyweights Ellen Alien, Anthony Linell and Tensal.

Presiding over Stockholm’s Northern Electronics label with Varg, Anthony Linell aka Adbullah Rashim dispenses a deep, hypnotic approach which can be heard on releases on Northern Electronics, Semantica Records and Abdulla Rashim Records. Anthony’s remix of ‘Chautis’ deploys his meditative production style to great effect through shimmering low end, glistening synths and alleviating elements.

Spanish producer Tensal who has over fifty releases on labels such as Polegroup, Modularz, Mord, Falling Ethics, Arcing Seas, Kynant, Float, Ownlife, Soma, Attic, Propaganda and his own Tensal Records imprint, gears his remix of ‘Paintis’ towards a modern, raw sounding number through crunchy oscillations, thudding kick drums and obscure yet brain-tickling atmospheres.

Berlin’s Ellen Allien has been at the forefront of the techno scene for many years adopting a style that sees her blend and weave between mesmerising Berlin techno, acid, freak jack slammers and classics which can be heard on her BPitch Control imprint, as well as her remix of ‘Tetails’ which adopts sharp rhythms, entrancing leads, dramatic yet euphoric leads filled with nostalgia to round off this remix package with majestic style.

Manuold ‘Smiles EP’

Artist: Manuold
Title: Smiles EP
Label: Madhouse Records
Cat. #: KCTDL1193
Format: Digital
Release Date: 21st February 2020
Tracklist:
1. Smiles
2. This Is Power
3. Sweet Groove
4. Old Tradition

Italian DJ and producer Manuold returns to Madhouse this February as he unveils his ‘Smiles’ EP.

Following a busy 2019 which saw releases via the likes of DJ Steaw’s House Puff and Spanish imprint Esuoh, not to mention a contribution to Madhouse’s ‘MMXIX’ Various Artists compilation, late-February sees Italian talent Emanuele Macagone, aka Manuold, deliver his first full EP on the label as he returns with his four-track ‘Smiles’ EP.

Lead cut ‘Smiles’ sees Macagone combine slick organic production licks alongside bright synth stabs and resonant vocal hooks, before ‘This Is Power’ reveals a series of hazy lead melodies atop of skipping drums and further slick vocal work. Next up, the paired back ‘Sweet Groove’ welcomes a well-worked balance of evolving synths at its core, before closing the package out via ‘Old Tradition’ – a slick, chord-driven final cut that feels perfectly at home on Chandler’s ever-impressing imprint.

ANOTR ‘Don’t Mind Ya Weight EP’

Artist: ANOTR
Title: Don’t Mind Ya Weight EP
Label: No Art
Cat. #: NOART027
Format: Digital
Release Date: 17th February 2020
Tracklist

Don’t Mind Ya Weight
Self Love
Zima Blue

No Art bosses ANOTR open their 2020 schedule with a return to the label as they deliver their ‘Don’t Mind Ya Weight’ EP.

Rising talents within the world of house music, 2019 is a year in which Dutch duo Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney, aka ANOTR, soared into the limelight following a string of stand-out releases and appearances at notable institutions including fabric and Printworks (London), Ushuaïa and Privilege (Ibiza), Lost Beach Club (Quito), and their own label nights at The Loft (Amsterdam). Following on from recent material via the likes of ORIGINS RCRDS, Moan, Hottrax, Inermu and Solid Grooves, late-February welcomes a return to their own blossoming No Art imprint as they deliver their latest EP ‘Don’t Mind Ya Weight’, featuring three classy, slinking cuts.

Title track ‘Don’t Mind Ya Weight’ is a bubbling opener guided by funk-fueled guitar licks, rolling drums and sweeping, filtered vocal hooks, whilst ‘Self Love’ harnesses further slick vocal work amongst rumbling sub-bass to offer up a groove-heavy second original. To close, the lively ‘Zima Blue’ rounds out proceedings in style as the duo work sharp, organic percussion licks alongside hazy lead melodies and spiraling synths, shaping up yet another impressive offering from the hotly-tipped pairing.

Claudio Ricci ‘Above My Head feat. Jinadu’

Artist: Claudio Ricci
Title: Above My Head feat. Jinadu
Label: Stripped Down
Cat. #: STRD011
Release Date: 14th February 2020
Tracklist:
1. Above Your Head (Original Version)
2. Above Your Head (Kollektiv Turmstrasse Remix)
3. Above Your Head (Jepe Remix)
4. Above Your Head (Kollektiv Turmstrasse Dub Mix)
5. Above Your Head (Jepe Bailando Remix)

Stripped Down kick off 2020 with a fresh new single from label boss Claudio Ricci that comes with a wealth of remixes from big names Kollektiv Turmstrasse and Jepe.

It was in summer 2019 that Ricci served up his last single here, and that one went on to become another classic in his arsenal. It comes after a life in dance music, appearing as a DJ at the likes of Shadows by Magdalena (Cova Santa), Blue Marlin and Zoo Project Ibiza, as well as a producer with credits on Compost, MoBlack and Connected. He is a master of emotionally charged dance music and shows that again here.

‘Above Your Head’ is elegant deep house with gentle chords washing over the grooves and vocals from Defected artist and London singer-songwriter Jinadu that send shivers down your spine. The whole thing is soft, lush and comforting, and will bring real moments of tenderness to any DJ set.

Regular label associates Kollektiv Turmstrasse are masters of melodic house who have proved their worth on Diynamic, Connaisseur and numerous other imprints. Their remix of ‘Above Your Head’ sends the vocals through some moody filters, layers in a little grit in the percussion and gets you in a trance with its rolling drums. They also turn in a more upright dub that allows the music to shine.

Berlin based, Portugal born Jepe has landed on Moodmusic and Connaisseur and is renowned for his deep, curious sounds. Here he flips the original into a majestic cut that is fuelled 80’s influenced sounds that serve to sweep up your heart. A Jepe Bailando remix closes the package with a superb house rendition driven on by tribal elements.

Once again from Stripped Down, these are classy house tracks are stuffed with very real feelings.