Toy Tonics updates its devotion for house and disco infected music adding in its vaste catalogue a brand new album signed by nothing less than Cody Currie, one of the many rising stars in the emergent dj/producers costellation. The title given to the whole opera is ‘Lucas’, as expected it features a well sounding array of laid but ecstatic songs. ‘Money’, ‘Night Sky’, ‘De Ja Vu’ and ‘Danger’ reveal to be just some of the top notch productions of the album, inserting into the whole sound elements from jazz, deep house, soulful and tribal, styles which lets the listener to add warmth and positive envisions into the daily routine.
“Stroboscopic”, “Apathy” Set the pace for this release, these two tracks represent the base for most of my productions bringing two of my favourite sounds in techno music like the dub and warehouse rhythms. “Etile”, “Luna en leo” and “So close” are the representation of these two sounds working together with a groovy percussion base to come along and blend the whole mix.
Artist: NoNameLeft Title: Exaltation Label: 1605 Cat. #: 1605282 Format: Digital Release Date: November 4th 2022
UMEK’s 1605 welcomes a three track EP from NoNameLeft who delivers three peak time techno tracks with driving percussion and spine-tingling synth lines.
NoNameLeft are a Hungarian duo who previously featured a single track on one of 1605’s mixed artist compilations and this time they return with a solo EP. They have also featured on other influential record labels including Mark Reeve’s SubVision, The YellowHeads’ Reload and Lampe’s Alula Tunes.
1605 has been influential in the careers of artists such as Mha iri, Rebel Boy and Sam WOLFE who are all talented artists who caught the attention of UMEK. NoNameLeft are the latest up-and-coming artists to feature on 1605 and this release is a perfect example of their exceptional talent for making hard-hitting techno tracks.
For the label’s third LP release, Oath are extremely proud to present this extraordinary sonic journey from Jascha Hagen, one which continues to showcase the producer’s penchant for defying expectations and finding consistency in flipping switches and moving from one form of expressionism to the next.
Who doesn’t love a record which seamlessly moves from one side of the audial spectrum to the other, whilst seemingly filling in all the gaps that persist inbetween? Well this has been the career trajectory that Jascha Hagen has set himself out on since 2008, and his discography speaks for itself in this regard. Operating within the realms of House and Deep House, Hagen has made it his mission to push out the boundaries of what feels possible within the genre, deconstructing the meaning of rhythm and melody to really stamp his own sense of identity on proceedings. Each release speaks to this concept, with differing tones and beats stretched out and impeccably built upon as a means to provide an enriching experience and first and foremost, a balanced and beautifully curated one. His ability to weave the notions of house into other genres has become more prevalent in recent years, taking in Downtempo and Techno leaning vibrations into his already deeply engrossing sound.
With releases on imprints such as Shh, Auditive, Mana All Nite and his own imprint Physical Pleasure, there is so much goodness to dive into if you like your House music ever shifting and ever illuminating, along with the comforting knowledge that the next release will only add to the ever engaging soundscape Hagen has conjured up so far.
Two years after his debut LP effort ‘Harmonies Romantiques’, Hagen graces us with the presence of ‘Songs for a Future Generation’. Continuing on with a similar vein of musical exploration that occurred on his debut LP and records such as the highly vibrant ‘A Touch of Cold Water’, Hagen turns on the style in regards to creating a deeply compelling series of sounds that all for one but deeply individual all at the same time, with the micro evolutions that occur throughout giving much over to the idea of creating a rounded and fulfilling experience. The album begins and ends with two uptempo numbers in the form of ‘QQQ’ and ‘Slide Through the Valley’, both of which allow for a release of sorts through the inspired use of live instrumentation and the layering of elements which makes the music feel so very alive. Quiet spaces are found in the cuts ‘Rivers of Absence’, ‘Too Far’ and ‘Swaying’, all of which persist between the rhythms impeccably and act as these thoughtful, beautified interludes that touch upon the question – what will the future look like? All of which is answered in three differing tonal ways. ‘L7 Dreams’, ‘Gem’ and ‘XX Blues’ all shift between the other vibrations, exploring in their own exciting ways a very conceptual manner of being, and it caps off the experience beautifully.
Jascha Hagen has always had a knack at making the extraordinary feel effortless, the in-sequential feel complete and whole, and the wide reaching feeling laser focused and total. This new record is testament to these notions, and from the moment you press play until the record wraps itself up, there is a deep satisfaction to be had, a journey that merits revisiting time and time again. So why not take a little meander, and loose yourself within an audial experience of such quality…
Damián Schwartz makes a welcome return to Pulp for his third full-length album, La Sal De Tu Especie. The 11 track record was written over the last three years as a way of coping with some tough experiences and features remixes from K15 and Gifted & Blessed. It once again finds the Madrid producer serving up the sort of richly musical house that has always stood him apart.
Schwartz has been away for a while but emerged in the early 2000s with an artful take on house music. As a student of jazz, composition and bass, his intricate grooves have always been embellished with real melodic craftsmanship. In the past, they have come on this label, Esperanza and A Harmless Deed which he co-runs with José Cabrera. He has put out two albums before now and also works under the Epiphany alias as a producer and live act. He is a real master of his analog machinery and someone who never fails to bring fresh ideas. This superbly adventurous and widescreen new album proves that once again and shows off diverse influences such as 90’s broken beat by acts like Hanna and 4 Hero, the early IDM of LFO and Aphex Twin and the Detroit house and electro styles of greats such as Juan Atkins, Teknotika, Marcellus Pittman and Kyle Hall.
It kicks off with ‘Renacido’ which is a cinematic synth opener that places you into orbit. ‘La Elipa’ is expansive and jazzy house with cosmic chord work over the tight, punchy kicks and ‘Lopp’ then gets physical with broken beat drums and funky bass dancing around each other to uplifting effect. The superb ‘Zwei Danke’ is another masterclass in off-grid beat programming and soulful machine sounds that captures the essence of early Detroit house.
It is remixed by K15, a vital London beatmaker with credits on labels like Eglo and Wild Oats. His version showcases rugged, lo-fi and dusty drums softened by heart-melting chords and angelic vocal coos.
Schwartz’s ‘Morro Da Urca’ is a suspensory ambient interlude that makes way for the crisp electro-funk and starry-eyed pads of ‘Rufo,’ then ‘Meco’ cuts loose with boogie bass and glistening drums and perc that voyage through a whole eco-system of bright, nebulous synths. ‘Mika’ is another out of this world house composition with majestic leads and pixelated pads that bring warmth and future soul. There is real electricity in the freeform keys and corrugated drums of ‘Coney Island’ that will ensure any dance floor takes off.
Final remixer Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker aka GB (Gifted & Blessed) is a composer and sound artist whose music is a constant exploration of the bridge between the technological and the ancestral. He flips ‘Loop’ into an Afro-future jazz dance with infectious percussion and expressive chords that never rest.
La Sal De Tu Especie is a timeless fusion of jazz freedom and house grooves that takes you into a magical new dimension.
“The 11 track record was written over the last three years as a way of coping with some tough experiences and features remixes from K15 and Gifted & Blessed.”
Artist: Markantonio, Drumsauw Title: Foundation EP Label: On Edge Society Cat. #: OES031 Format: Digital Release Date: 4th November 2022 Tracklist 1. Foundation 2. Keep Moving 3. Tribe
On Edge Society welcomes Italian techno mainstay Markantonio and rising English talent Drumsauw as the pair deliver their three-track ‘Foundation’ EP.
Founded in 2015, Carlo Lio and Kareem Cali’s On Edge Society imprint has been a long-standing provider of impactful techno cuts from the scene’s biggest names and freshest talent, including artists such as Truncate, Regal, Marco Faraone, Marco Bailey and Avision. Up next, the US-based imprint welcomes Neapolitan techno staple Markantonio as the AnalyticTrail boss follows up releases via EI8HT, Mindshake and REDIMENSION with three gripping collaborations alongside UK talent Draumsauw (Analytic Trail/Planet Rhythm) as the pair make their label debut with their ‘Foundation’ EP.
Title track ‘Foundation’ sets the tone and launches into a loopy ride through classic techno textures reinforced by tough kicks as a fiesta of hi-hats propel the production forwards, while ‘Keep Moving’ brings a robust yet hypnotic approach as metallic drums march forth beneath the track’s evolving melodies. Closing the show, ‘Tribe’ welcomes further deeper grooves and sharp claps for another punchy yet silky workout, rounding out an impressive first appearance on On Edge Society from the two talents.
JUST2 returns to Solid Grooves Raw as he serves up his new single ‘Wasted’.
A familiar name across both Solid Grooves and Solid Grooves Raw in recent years with solo productions alongside collaborations with partner-in-crime Luca M, Romanian DJ and producer JUST2 is back again to serve up the goods. Making a quick return to sister-imprint Raw, he closes October with a shadowy effort as he drops his new single ‘Wasted’.
Channelling the effortless drum grooves and airy melodies Romanian artists are well known for with his own tougher take on the genre, ‘Wasted’ balances light vocals with darker rumbling sub-bass for a subtle yet certified crowd mover.
Artist: Close Relative Title: Isopod Label: Truesoul Cat. #: TRUE12147 Format: Digital Release date: 28 October, 2022
Close Relative, the burgeoning project from a revered techno don who’s fuelling Truesoul incognito, returns with another kaleidoscopic burst of melodic cuts. His third EP on Adam Beyer’s imprint, the three-tracker sees Close Relative continue in his deft explorations that come inspired by nature.
Centered around the ocean and the species that inhabit its expanse, ‘Isopod’ is the first to plunge listeners into the producer’s source of inspiration. A booming start, meandering notes are rapidly met by steady slaps and the surging melody which looms large. ‘Oyster’ pulls back on the ferocity while maintaining depth as swirling synths and mellow chords come together with skittered synths and ascending notes to create a mesmeric implosion from the deep. ‘Plankton’ seeks to disorient the ear as the galloping rhythm clashes with a shutter shock of hi hats, and chord-led ascents soon meets accelerated, scattered synths creating a chaotic underwater plain.
Artist: Lilly Palmer Title: Resonate Cat. #: DC269 Label: Drumcode Release date: October 28, 2022 Format: Digital / Vinyl
Lilly Palmer’s ‘We Control’ was one of the standout moments on Drumcode this year, an exhilarating EP debut that peaked at no.1 on the Beatport techno charts and was supported by Mary Anne Hobbs on BBC Radio 6. Since the release, Lilly’s grown as an artist in leaps and bounds and enjoyed a huge year that’s propelled her from being one of techno’s most exciting breakout acts, to a genuine star-in-the making. From a debut Essential Mix to gigs as playing Drumcode Ibiza @ Amnesia and Drumcode OFF Sonar, right through to Creamfields and fabric, she’s slayed all before her in 2022.
Another highlight of the year was when she became the first artist to DJ at the European Space Agency (ESA) performing a streamed set in the “Hertz Room”, where they test satellites and spacecrafts. It’s these strong themes of the cosmos that inform her next EP on Drumcode, the three-tracker ‘Resonate’.
The title track is kinetic weapon made for peak-time moments with a brain spangling build up and drop. ‘First Time in Space’ gives a nod to her recent experience with the ESA and is a synapse tickling beast that swings between celestial melodic layers and propulsive techno rhythms. ‘Ultimate Feeling’ is a full force gem driven by a Reece bassline, thrilling top line melodies and a life affirming vocal as it builds over a dramatic five minutes.
Lined up next on Toolroom, we’re set to welcome the return of WEISS to the label 3 years after his last outing. Most known for his certified gold, 2018 smash-hit ‘Feel My Needs’, which received critical acclaim, topping 5 international music charts at #1, and earning DJ Mag’s ‘Best Of British Winner’ in 2018. WEISS himself has locked in an incredible collaboration with legendary Soul act The Jones Girls, using their classic record ‘You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else’ to create the club stomping cut that is, ‘I Need Some’.
A prolific DJ and producer, WEISS has released cuts on DIRTYBIRD, Universal, Island Records, D4 D4nce, Glitterbox and Toolroom along with remixing A-list artists including Kylie Minogue, Robyn, Calvin Harris and Rag n Bone Man to name a few. When it comes to the House Music elite, Weiss is amongst some of the best there is, touring worldwide and sharing stages with Armand Van Helden, Todd Terry and MK.
Of course, The Jones Girls are an act that needs no introduction, the legendary Philadelphia trio of sisters are the vocalists behind the classic Soul cuts ‘Nights Over Egypt’ and ‘Who Can I Run To’, released on the renowned Philadelphia International label. Backing singers to both Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross during the 1970’s, The Jones Girls have left their mark on Music History and still influence artists and vocalists alike today.
With a passion for all things Soul, Disco and R&B, WEISS has officially fulfilled a childhood dream working with The Jones Girls to create ‘I Need Some’. This is a Disco House focused cut that pays homage to the original record ‘You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else’, whilst reinterpreting the sample and making it club ready for dance floors in 2022.
