digital front maison

Re.You ‘Maison (LP)’

Artist: Re.You
Title: Maison (LP)
Label: Connected
Cat. #: Connected054
Release Date: May 29th 2020

After more than a decade at the forefront of underground electronic music, Re.You puts all his vast experience into a long-awaited debut album on Connected, breathing new life into house music. ‘Maison’ is a bold artistic statement across nine tracks featuring guests and label bosses Stereo MCs, plus Florian Busse & Ahmad, Elli and Oluhle & Aaaron.

German artist Re.You is Marius Maier, a producer who runs his own Younion label and continues to innovate with his edgy house and tech fuelled productions. As well as on releasing Connected, he has seen his music issued on Moon Harbour, Kompakt and Mobilee and manages to transcend fashions and scenes with his unique sound. After many years in Berlin, he moved to Paris, and found himself full of new ideas, inspired by the city and its creative energy.

As such, most of this new album was written in the French capital. He was there for just six months but as Marius says ​”it was a truly inspiring place and time, so I thought I would give the album a French name. ‘Maison’ means home. That’s what I feel now I’m back in my German hometown Ulm after 10 years of Berlin and a short stay in Paris. I feel now is a good time to release my debut album on Connected, a platform on which I always felt at home.”

Things get off to a dramatic start with the lurching bass and broken kicks of ‘When I’m Lost’ featuring the emotive vocals of Elli. It sets a serious mood that continues on ‘We Want To Go’, a sparse and expansive track with found sounds, creeping chords and a sense of late-night menace. ‘Relocate’ feat. Stereo Mc’s is another broken beat that could come from the streets of London and is complete with spoken word vocals, then ‘Freedom’ offers a high-speed house cut with cosmic arps and driving claps.

The excellent ‘In The Dark’ switches up the vibe again, this time with unbalanced bass and crisp percussion taking you deep into the night, while ‘Inyani’ feat. Oluhle & Aaaron gets you in an afro-tinged trance thanks to the vocal chants and suspensory, spiritual chords that cast a real spell. ‘Soft’ rolls beautifully deep with distant bird sounds, then ‘If You’ feat. Elli picks up with a slick and slippery tech groove full of mystery and intrigue and the journey is complete with the emotionally stirring trap style house of ‘Strings Of Joy’ feat. Florian Busse & Ahmad.

Maison is an adventurous culmination of many years of artistic endeavour that brings plenty of fresh and exciting new perspectives to house music.

Tracklist:

1. When I’m Lost feat.Elli
2. We Want To Go
3. Relocate feat.Stereo Mc’s
4. Freedom
5. In The Dark
6. Inyani feat.Oluhle & Aaaron
7. Soft
8. If You feat.Elli
9. Strings Of Joy feat. Florian Busse & Ahmad

img_4692.jpg

Florian Schneider deceased

The Kraftwerk cofounder died this week at the age of 73. Following some main mike stone of his great life and career.

Here, we look back on 11 essential records from the catalogue of his pioneering band.Florian Schneider was born in occupied Germany just two years after the end of World War II. With Kraftwerk, the band he cofounded, he would come to define everything hopeful about postwar-Europe: technological advancement, prosperity, open borders and freedom of movement. By bringing synthesizers into the mainstream and inspiring the originators of techno, hip-hop and electro, Kraftwerk has had a profound impact on 20th century music.

Schneider started out playing the flute in an early version of Kraftwerk (after one album as Organisation) that created earthy, pulsating jams. Though the flute was beloved to Schneider, after the group’s first three albums (which have never been officially reissued), he discovered the potential of synthesizers on “Autobahn,” the group’s first hit, and never looked back. 

“Autobahn” proved you could have a hit song made with just synthesizers. From there, the group made several albums of inspired electronic pop, with themes that touched on the Cold War, travel, robots, emerging technology and the encroaching loneliness of the modern world. And they did it with style, creating rhythms and melodies that reverberated far beyond Germany.

Schneider left Kraftwerk in 2008. (The band hasn’t put out any new music in his absence.) From their early longhair hippie jams to the suave, suited man-machines they became, Schneider was a member of a group that helped define the way we see synthesizers, computers and electronic music as a whole.

Schermata 2020-05-03 alle 18.47.01

Nodo & Mule ‘Amistad EP’

Artist: Nodo & Mule
Title: Amistad EP
Label: Loot Recordings
Cat. #: LOOTREC027
Release Date: 29th May 2020
Tracklist:
01 Amistad
02 Ambar
03 Ambar (Viktop Remix)
04 Azahar
05 Azahar (Lucefora Into The Wild Remix)

Argentina’s Nodo & Mule (ARG) make their debut on Loot Recordings with three wonderfully deep tracks backed with remixes from Viktop and Lucefora.

Nodo & Mule (ARG) are relative newcomers to the scene, bringing their fresh take on emotive house music from the streets of Argentina to the world, via imprints like Oleeva, Canopy Sounds and Magician on Duty. Now they join forces with the always impressive Loot Recordings for an EP that is set to cement their position on the international stage.

Title cut ‘Amistad’ is an elegant offering of deep, summertime house, a slow burner backed by the rhythm of crisp drums and bottomless low end. A dreamy, hazy piano drifts throughout the track, immersing the listener with delicate notes and warm chords.

‘Ambar’ centers on a medley of gentle piano chords and a striking vocal, wrapped with organic, lush drum patterns. The original is complimented by a remix from Viktop (Den- ver by way of Miami, Do Not Sit on the Furniture resident) who delivers an intense reworking of the original, giving the vocal a more ethereal effect and incorporating the piano riffs and chords to make this a standout reinterpretation.

Last of the original cuts is the mysterious ‘Azahar’ featuring a mesmerizing arrangement of tribal percussion and tinkling pianos which offers up a melancholic soundtrack for desert sunrises and island sunsets. Fellow Argentinian Lucefora turns in his “Into The Wild” remix, a gorgeous version that maintains the groove of the original combined with playful melodies and euphoric vocals that hit all the right emotions.

This is another winning release from the Loot Recordings stable and their latest international signing.

 

10SN010_EP_Cover (1)

Various ‘Northern Lights Vol 1’

Artists: Various
Title: Northern Lights Vol 1
Label: 10 Steps North
Cat: 10SN010
Format: Digital
Release Date: May 8th 2020
Tracklist:
Yeadon – Ten
Dan Patrick – Torus
Port Manteau – Deadline
Gallago – Freefall

Pre order link: https://www.beatport.com/release/northern-lights-vol-1/2882266

10 Steps North is the project run by Yeadon, a cool record label that is getting recognized for its interesting stuff published and the artists collaborations. As stimulation to the innovation the label’s catalogue is ready to open its door to a new series of compilations titled ‘Northern Lights’. The sound shared through this EP is fresh and brilliant, featuring artists such as Dan Patrick, Gallago and Port Manteau who carried good vibes and instrument combinations in their productions. The Gallago and Port Manteau’s productions deserve a mention because their catchy and engaging nature, ‘Freefall’ by Gallago reminds to the oldschool trance and progressive style, while Port Manteau’s ‘Deadline’ is really dreamy and night-loving.

More info:
https://soundcloud.com/10stepsnorth

GRU105 ARTWORK Dachshund - Slow Deep Breath EP - Gruuv

Dachshund ‘Slow Deep Breath EP’

Artist: Dachshund
Title: Slow Deep Breath EP
Label: Gruuv
Cat. #: GRU105
Format: Digital
Release Date: 22nd May 2020
Tracklist
1. Slow Deep Breath
2. Alive
3. Meanwhile

Dachshund returns to Audiojack’s Gruuv imprint this May as he delivers his ‘Slow Deep Breath’ EP.

DJ, producer and label boss Dachshund is an artist renowned for his exceptional production talent, releasing material via the likes of Nick Curly’s 8bit, Joris Voorn’s Rejected and his own Clapper Records. Having released his Major Shift’ EP on Audiojack’s dancefloor-focused Gruuv imprint in late-October last year, the multi-faceted Swiss artist now makes a welcome return to close May as he delivers three groove-led cuts in the form of his ‘Slow Deep Breath’ EP.

Title cut ‘Slow Deep Breath’ opens with shattered synths and rolling drums atop of a heavy, evolving bassline, before the eclectic ‘Alive’ enters with skipping hats, sharp snares and pulsating melodies to reveal an elevating track ready to take dancers to emotional heights. To close, the hypnotic ‘Meanwhile’ combines electric stabs with slick-drum work, topped off with distorted vocal samples alongside incredible lead lines and fluttering low-end frequencies to seal this impressive EP together in slick fashion.

 

 

80REC229

Dan Mckie feat. King Hitz ‘Dance’

Artists: Dan Mckie, King Hitz
Title: Dance
Label: 1980 Recordings
Cat: 80REC229
Format: Digital
Release Date: 8th May 2020
Tracklist:
Dance (Original mix)
Dance (Dub mix)
Dance (Radio edit)

Dan McKie is a man in form right now and continues his hot-streak with a new single on 1980 Recordings that comes with a featuring spot for King Hitz.
‘Dance’ is a low-slung and late night cut of moody deep techno encapsulated with an afro-house vibe. The prickly drums are enough to get you moving and the vocals add a touch of welcomed darkness. It’s filled with sporadic and flittering laser synths, giving a textured and layered trippy feel to the overall track aura. It makes for another fine entry to Dan McKie’s growing discography.

More info:
Dan Mckie Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/danmckie1980
1980 Recordings Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/1980recordings

Words by Jamie Ferguson

Júlio Cruz & Momo Arigato_ CGN to LE EP_ Artwork

Júlio Cruz & Momo Arigato ‘CGN to LE’

Artist: Júlio Cruz & Momo Arigato
Title: CGN to LE
Label: Petra Digital/Vinyl Recordings
Cat. #: PTR026
Release Date: 03.06.2020 Vinyl / 19.06.2020 Digital
Tracklisting
A1: Júlio Cruz – Chercher La Nuit (Original Mix)
A2: Júlio Cruz – Dancing Love Affair (Original Mix)
B1: Momo Arigato – Mario’s Rhythm (Original Mix)
B2: Momo Arigato – Don’t Believe (Original Mix)

German talents Júlio Cruz and Momo Arigato join forces for a superb new deep house release for Istanbul based imprint Petra, with each artist taking care of two originals each.

Cologne native’s Júlio Cruz makes tracks that are close to the dance floor with a chill vibe that really makes a mark. His opener Chercher La Nuit is a bubbling house cut with a warm and fat bassline. Lush chords bring light and emotion and carry you away. Dancing Love Affair has a big heart with soulful chords and disco tinged beats getting you moving.

Leipzig’s Momo Arigato’s tracks represent the pure side of house music with sampled elements brings them alive and have come on labels like Friend in Need and Bigbait before now Mario’s Rhythm is a raw, DIY groove with rough edged kicks and blasts of bass that are smoothed out with lush chords and experimental modulated sounds. Don’t Believe is a dreamy track with cloudy pads and lumpy beats that are perfectly atmospheric and authentic. This then is a truly killer EP.

3000Grad083_Mollono.Bass_Woods_Friends_Tales_Part01

Mollono.Bass ‘Woods, Tales & Friends (Part One)’

Artist: Mollono.Bass
Title: Woods, Tales & Friends (Part One)
Label: 3000Grad
Cat: 3000Grad083
Format: Digital
Release Date: May 8th 2020
Tracklist:
01. No Silence feat. Kuoko
02. Furaha Ya Kucheza
03. Wild River

Mollono.bass is a German dj and producer known for his great appearances on 3000Grad, right now he still continues to churn out excellent tracks. His forthcoming musical challenge is entitled ‘Woods, Tales & Friends’, it suggests a series of some EPs that will be published under this title. This release features three dense and rich tracks of new sound elements, which slightly diversify the usual artist’s style, that is characterized by an average slow speed of the songs.
One of the most interesting pieces of this EP is ‘No Silence’, it has been created in collaboration with Kuoko: a fascinating female vocal and an instrumental track with many references to techno music create a positive and joyful atmosphere.
‘Furaha Ya Kucheza’ recalls the vibe of the old track ‘Crazy Diamonds’ by Phunk Investigations [Net’s Work International, 2008] but it’s mixed with interesting tribal elements.
Finally the closing track ‘Wild River’ mixes again ethnical and world instruments with a solid drum loop.

More info:
https://soundcloud.com/mollonobass
https://soundcloud.com/3000-grad

SSSR003 - Orlando Voorn - Never Knew - Soul Stage Records

Orlando Voorn ‘Never Knew’

Artist: Orlando Voorn
Title: Never Knew
Label: Soul Stage Records
Cat. #: SSR003
Release Date: 22nd May 2020
Tracklist:
1. Never Knew (Original Mix)
2. Never Knew (Remixed)
3. Never Knew (Morgan Anson and Luke Neptune Mix)
4. Around Me (Original Mix)
5. Around Me (Paul Donton Tribal Beatdown)

J​ust one month after his ‘Super Soul’ release on Soul Stage Records, Orlando Voorn is back with more lush house, disco and soul infusions that feature remixes from Morgan Anson & Luke Neptune and Paul Donton.

Orlando Voorn is a Dutchman who has long provided a key link to Detroit techno in the States. He has released on the likes of Kevin Saunderson’s KMS and Derrick May’s Fragile as well as having collaborated with Juan Atkins and Blake Baxter. His recent run of fantastic form has seen him serve up more organic, cosy and feel good bombs for the club that lean heavily on soul, funk and house. This latest offering comes, as the label says, after ​”six months of pushing boundaries to make something uncompromising that we can be proud of”.

‘Never Knew’ is a fantastic blend of dazzling disco synths, funky bass and deep house drums. Soulful vocals tug at the heartstrings while the loose-limbed grooves and boogie bass make you move your booty. In remixed form it is a little more club-ready but still full of romance and feeling, with a killer bassline driving things forward beneath warm keys and those superbly soulful vocals.

Morgan Anson is a new artist who has always been heavily influenced by Orlando Voorn. He was a fan who played Vorn’s records as a teenager and has become a natural collaborator who impresses here alongside Luke Neptune, a singer/songwriter and producer from Blackpool UK with a massive love for all things synth. Their standout remix of ‘Never Knew’ is prickly and colourful, with busy synth arps dancing about the mix as the golden chords keep things deep.

The excellent ‘Around Me’ is timeless Detroit house with a nagging lead over the top of rattling percussive drums and wiggling basslines. Part filter house, party New York swing, part gospel, it’s a brilliantly characterful track that brings plenty to any party. Paul Donton is a DJ, producer and label co-owner at Bombis Records who has been building a fine discography and laying down slick sets all over Europe for the last decade. His take on ‘Around Me’ is a Tribal Beatdown with heavy, purposeful kicks, jumbled toms and loopy chords and stabs that will send the club wild.

These are five full flavour tracks that brim with original ideas and real soul.

Web

China Charmeleon ‘Colours’

Artist: China Charmeleon
Title: Colours
Label: Stay True Sounds
Cat No: STS065
Release Date: May 8th 2020
Tracklist:
1. Bomalume
2. Colours
3. Do You Remember?
4. Looking Into Water
5. If You Try feat. Fynn
6. Return To The Air
7. Nowhere Near
8. So Much Trouble In The World
9. Best Friends feat. Andile Andy
10. Somewhere In Tokyo
11. Dear God (Tribute To Kid Fonque)
12. Only You feat. Ncedo & Malebo (Live Edit)

The South African dj and producer China Charmeleon goes big with the publication of his debut album titled ‘Colours’. This long playing record features 12 tracks that float into soulful, deep and tribal house: the sound proposed is smooth and relaxing, the aroused vibes mirror a need for calm and tranquillity in daily life.
The album in its overall shows also a distinctive and fascinating side of house music, which is unfortunately getting lost in most of the contemporary published music.
‘Bomalume’, ‘Dear God’ and ‘Do You Remember’ are three brilliant expressions of the producer’s skills, hoping that he’ll continue composing and producing in this way and getting released on many other labels with his EP, remixes or albums.

More info:
https://staytruesounds.bandcamp.com/album/colours
https://soundcloud.com/china-charmeleon
www.staytruesounds.com