Sunday, March 31, 2024

Yürke - Not Available [Hauch Records 032]

Put out on the circuit by the Düsseldorf-based Hauch Records imprint on November 17th, 2k23 is "Not Available", the six tracks spanning vinyl debut by German producer Stefan Jürke a.k.a. Yürke. Issued as a limited to 200 copies split into two pressing variants on standard black as well as a purple vinyl edition we see the producer enter the world of classic, surely 90s infused Electronica x IDM with the opening track "Slither" and its spatial polyrhythms and deep atmospheric layers which evoke faint memories of early works by The Future Sound Of London whereas the subsequent "Readiediedie" caters more panoramic atmospheres and brooding drones, yet this time accompanied by heavy, sluggish, almost Industrial-leaning Illbient beat structures as well as swathes of hostile Noize before "Tiny Blarge" provides a split journey with its extended intro bringing forth nocturnal ambience at the lower end of the audible spectrum only to introduce sparse minimalist rhythm signatures throughout the tunes second half. On the flip side the "Quellqualle" takes on crackly Post-BrokenTechno with a brooding, tectonic, rumbling and slightly dubbed out edge followed by the intricately structured Dubtronica approach of "Mutual Motif" before the "Qualquelle" introduces not only a cheeky and playful take on the German language but also also a stripped down fusion between raw and dry Electronica and echoes of echoes of echoes of Rhythm Industrial influences whilst the final cut that is "Rephon" provides closure with a final journey into the deepest realms of Electronica Dub. Quite a nice and nicely varied one, this.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

04.04.2024 baze.djunkiii presents Booty. Volume 5 @ Radio Flouka / Paris, France

Back for the Booty. Once again Hamburg-based Radio Flouka-resident baze.djunkiii dives deep into the Electro-leaning sections of his unending vinyl archives and takes us on a robotic ride, starting with Pop-informed Electroclash anthems and bubbly Acid x Electro fusion cuts before progressing into heavyweight, hard-hitting RoboFunk, clean cut sci-fi futurisms, brooding, wonky and bass-heavy Phonk workouts and even Rave-infused NuSkoolBreaks over the course of this months 60 minute selection. Get ready to move!

decks: baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / Carsharing Tapes]

file under: Electro / Electroclash / Phonk

transmission time: 22oo - 23oo GMT+1

get locked via Radio Flouka
Paris

Friday, March 29, 2024

Massimo De Mattia / Suonomadre - Domicide [Aut Records 108]

Scheduled for release on April 10th, 2k24 via the ever busy - and ever busier... - Aut Records label as their cat.no. 108 is "Domicide", the forthcoming sonic venture by the Massimo De Mattio led quartet operating under the name of Suonomadre. Over the course of eight brand new compositions and a total running time of roughly 44 minutes the ensemble employs a purely acoustic set-up for its latest longplay effort which was recorded in its entirety on October 25th, 2k23 in a studio based in Cavalicco / Italy, providing a musical journey which starts out with the slighly abstract Jazz skit that is "Tristan" which leads up to the almost cinematographic storytelling of the intricately arranged title track "Domicide" with the subsequent "Lessness" building up tension in a way reminiscent of vintage movie scores harking back to the era of black and white films of yore. Furthermore the extended center piece "Circular Conversation" creates a magical atmosphere with enchanted flutes and floating piano minimalisms and evolves into a lively, carefully arranged Jazz opus sporting a gazillion micro movements all whilst crossing the 11 minutes mark whereas the closing cut named "Commonplace" enters lively, playful and in parts even frolicking Jazz teritorries just to name a few. One for the experienced genre connaisseur, this.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

User70009821546 - Tracks EP [User Recordings 058 Promo]

Released via the still mysterious digital imprint that is User Recordings as their cat.no. 058 on January 30th, 2k24 is the "Tracks EP" featuring indeed two tracks cooked up in the lab by User70009821546. Opening with "100 Acid Tracks 003" the producer serves a raw, storming and untamed variation of fast-paced, 90s leaning Acid Rave sporting sharp, driving hi-hats, heavy sweeps and insane clap patterns for peak time crowds before "Plan 9" slows things way down with its shuffled, only slight Acid-infused Minimal Techno approach which would've be well suitable for fans of the first wave of Cologne style minimalism for a reason. Intredasting.

The D3VI7 - Agent 666 EP [Ende Records 588 Promo]

Put out on the digital circuit via the Australian imprint Ende Records on February 4th, 2k24 is the "Agent 666 EP", the first contribution to the labels catalogue cooked up exclusively by The D3VI7. Spanning a total of four tracks the dark lord opens with "Death Of An Agent", a relentless take on lo-fi Speedcore garnished with a sweet, yet braincell melting micro-melody and all kinds of strangely horrific utterings followed by "Newsline Of The Agent Death" which caters unsettling, spatial and somewhat futuristic rumblings of probably field recorded origin, electrical buzzes and subdued, highly muffled vocal bits. Subsequently "The Agent Girls" brings on a similarly unsettling amalgamation of dark, thundering atmospheres, indecipherable female voices speaking through an old telephone landline and a most brutal Rhythm Industrial / Hardcore fusion whereas "The Agent Funeral" rounds things off with hyperbleak, desolate and highly compressed Gabber madness for illegal warehouse raves and ketamine crowds. Intense!

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Magnus Murphy Joelson & Ojkos - Noe Gøy Pa M(etamorphosis) [Smeik]

Released via the Norwegian Smeik label on March 6th, 2k24 is "Noe Gøy Pa M(etamorphosis)", the latest full length album collaboration between composer and trombone player Magnus Murphy Joelson and the large scale Oslo-based Jazz orchestra named Ojkos, an ever fluid, shifting and meandering pool and catalyst of artists and creatives from the countries buzzing scene. Over the course of a total playtime of 51 minutes, with a few pieces split in several sub sections, Magnus Murphy Joelson and Ojkos explore a wide variety of Jazz-infused stylistics, opening with the playful, tongue-in-cheek dynamics of "Poem 4 Ojkos" which seemingly is based on what could be described as a pretty straightforward Rock rhythm section whereas "Refusal Of The Call" presents an intricate arrangement of interwined and carefully layered harmonics in what could be referred to as a well romantic, somewhat cinematic late night Jazz setting before the two segment piece "Midten Pa Alt" opens with airy, almost classical piano etudes accompanied by longing solos and extended large scale panoramic harmonies, sporting full scale orchestra sequences and well thought out, oftentime playful interactions between multiple corresponding instruments. Furthermore the title piece "Noe Gøy Pa M..." brings forth an astounding 21+ minutes spanning six part non stop journey touching on both classic and FutureJazz, catering beautiful harmonic journeys and cascading melodies for both experienced fans and followers of the genre as well as for the rather unexperienced novice whose attention might be especially drawn to the cheekily named "Noe gøy pa M(agnesium)" for a reason whereas "Noe Gøy Pa M(edias Rev)" even enters the realm of Psychedelic Rock for a second or two. Quite a journey, this. Go check.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Goto80 - Bork 28 [Ghostfloppy Recordings 011]

Put out on the circuit via the Floppy Disk-focused imprint that is Ghostfloppy Recordings on December 19th, 2k23 is "Bork 28", the first ever release on the label for Swedish producer Anders Carlsson a.k.a. Goto80. Released as a limited edition Floppy Disk sporting a roughly 7 minutes spanning mp3 file with a whopping 16 kbps bit rate Goto80 presents his very own vision of complex, glitched out, yet super seductive LoBit Phonk with this one, evoking memories of classic Electronica x Braindance workouts once released by legendary labels like Rephlex and still rocking advanced late night dancefloors with a playful and uplifting, ever meandering stream of miraculously entertaining sonic events. Highly recommended.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Leslie Ting - What Brings You In [People Places Records]

Released on March 1st, 2k24 via the Ontario-based label named People Places Records is "What brings You In", the latest conceptual album effort conceived by Canadian violin player and multidisciplinary creative Leslie Ting. Presenting a set of five pieces, two of her own compositions as well as works by Linda Catlin Smith, Rose Bolton and Julia Mermelstein, Ting's most recent longplayer spans a total of 47 minutes twice, if one considers the fact that the album consists of a 2CD set with one mixed and mastered as a classic stereo version whilst the additional secondary CD is considered the so-called 'binaural version'. Opening with the hovering, eternal, yet ear-piercing high frequency floatations of "Dirt Road (Movements 4 & 5)" which are accompanied by meditative, almost ritualistic percussion provided by Germaine Liu Leslie Ting tackles a rather minimalist piece written by composer Linda Caitlin Smith, fusing the realms of Modern Classical and Minimal Music whereas the subsequent "What Is The Most Yourself You Can Be (With Another)?" provides a rather nervous, tense and even danger-inducing take on minimalist improvisation culminatimg in slightly off-harmonic violin repetitions and lively, yet subtle drumming. Furthermore "Sandplay" enters the world of electroacoustics with its use of an amplified therapeutic sandbox resulting in rather cold, hostile and alarming sweeps, swooshes and spatial tectonic movements, "Beholding (For Solo Violin & Electronics)" brings forth atmospheric and gaseous electronic textures as well as playful and curious violin motifs alongside cold, futuristic rumblings, swampy bubbling electronics and occasional abstract percussive interventions of seemingly artificial origin whilst "Folds In Crossings (For Solo Violin & Electronics)" presents a fusion of score'esque Ambient and a beautifully panoramic (Neo)Classical attitude for fans and followers of Deep Listening Music. Quite an interesting album this, even though it is debatable whether the additional binaural recording really adds immense additional value for the average home listener using an average, non-audiophile home stereo system setup.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Nitrogene - Terminate The 2nd Flight [La Bomba Recordings 019 Promo]

Put out on the circuit as cat.no. 019 of La Bomba Recordings on February 1st, 2k24 is "Terminate The 2nd Flight", the latest digital two track single cooked up by the established label staple named Nitrogene. Opening with the title track Nitrogene caters pumping classic House grooves accompanied by a well funky and seductive mid-range synth bassline, bubbly Acid modulations and a lively, futuristic and almost TechHouse-leaning lead synth motif for heaving peaktime crowds whereas the follow up that is "Redwing" brings forth more of a slightly Latin-infused late night House bomb sporting rising, washed out pads and highly seductive grooves for maximum dancefloor impact before introducing an additional layer of Acid Trance-informed 303 workouts for the raving crew. Pure energy!

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Teufelskopfstreitkolben - Primitive Murder *Insane Anger Version [Dangerous Diskettes 010 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via Dangerous Diskettes as a limited to 15 copies Floppy Disk release on March 2nd, 2k24 is "Primitive Murder *Insane Anger Version", the seemingly sole and singular track ever produced by Paha Henki's project named Teufelskopfstreitkolben. Recorded in 2016 the 85 seconds long track on this one presents a rhythmic, yet totally unleashed Noize excess seemingly created on a highly distorted, feedback heavy electric guitar set-up backed and accompanied by uncontrollable and undecipherable vocal utterings as well as intense high frequency screams for fans and followers of the most extreme within the fringes of most extreme music - and Punk. Explosive madness.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Nadah El Shazly - Les Damnes Ne Pleurent Pas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Asadun Alay Records 003]

Scheduled for release on March 29th, 2k24 as cat.no. 003 of the still relatively fresh label Asadun Alay Records is "Les Damnes Ne Pleurent Pas", the soundtrack and score written by Cairo-based Nadah El Shazly for Fyzal Boulifa's feature film of the same name, translating into English as "The Damned Don't Cry". Over the course of twelve pieces and a total runtime of roughly 34 minutes Nadah El Shazly draws and imagines a sonic realm mostly brought to life by a trio setting of harp and electronics, double bass and violin, providing a glimpse into her musical vision and imagination with short (Neo)Classical scenes of oftentimes dark'ish, solemn nature contrasted by ethereal, chiming and electronically processed harp tones, unsettling nocturnal atmospheres of haunted, spine-tingling qualities like the only 72 seconds long miniature "Flight With Auntie" whereas the extended vocal piece "Adi" tells sonic tales of setting desert suns and eternities beyond eternities, "More Lies" flirts with Dark Ambient textures at the lower end of the audible spectrum and "Haircut" introduces almost rural and naturalistic Classical innocence and tenderness just to name a few. Defo an interesting, and probably also rarely recognized, addition to the collection for all fans and dedicated collectors of soundtracks and scores, this.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Frog Bitch - What's Your Emergency EP [Psychocandies 111 Promo]

The long-standing Psychocandies label is hitting its cat.no. 111 with the third appearance of the Frog Bitch on the imprint, this time coming at us with the "What's Your Emergency EP". Released on February 8th, 2k24 the digital two track single opens with the title track "What's Your Emergency", a hounded uptempo AcidBreakbeat cut sporting an eerie, haunted, almost Classical-referencing synth motif buried deep within the overall mix whereas the subsequent follow up named "Orbital One" presents more of a groovy, yet still fast-paced fusion of 90s Rave Acid and complex, ever shifting Detroit-leaning arrangements for an exhausting, yet excellent club night out and therefore turns out to be our favorite cut on this one.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Kim Myhr & Kitchen Orchestra - Hereafter [Sofa Music]

Released via the Norwegian Sofa Music imprint on February 23, 2k24 is "Hereafter", the latest collaboration effort by composer x artist Kim Myhr and the Stavanger-based Kitchen Orchestra. With two extended pieces, both split up in several sub-sets and written with the ensemble in mind at the height of the pandemic period in 2k20, the 47 minutes spanning body of work provides an astoundingly hopeful attitude despite the dark and grave circumstances its compositional foundation was conceived in, revealing a silver lining of hope at the horizon with shimmering, yet slightly washed out atmospheres, peaceful pads and lively, yet subdued microrhythms, plucked, somewhat twangy guitar tones and subtle additional, slow morphing electronic textures all falling together in a quite intimate and close-up recorded manner, culminating in a peak of highly compressed and carefully processed Avantgarde Jazz revealing minor PostRock-influences as well before turning into an array of shimmering, cascading and scintillating synth tones whereas the second piece opens on a quite majestic, almost Contemporary Classical-infused tip accompanied by crystalline cosmic retrofuturisms, klaxon'esque signals of a slightly off kilter nature, more PostRock-leaning rhythm signatures, (neo)krautsy meanderings and almost psychedelia drenched electric guitar workouts and therefore, for us at least, turns out to be the more fascinating half of this long-form composition even though this album might require several session to reveal all of its layers.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

baze.djunkiii Chart Haul 03/2k24

Monday, March 18, 2024

P.B.R. - Blunt E.P. [Psychocandies 110 Promo]

Another relatively fresh digital two track single put out on the circuit via the ever active Psychocandies label on January 23rd, 2k24 is the "Blunt E.P.", the first ever appearance on the imprint and the first ever release for the new P.B.R. project. Opening with "Death Row" P.B.R. caters highly intense peaktime Techno with an immediate urgency once a trademark of producers like Jeff Mills and pairs this vibe with raw Acid sweeps drilling right into punters brains to cause a massive adrenaline rush whereas the subsequent cut named "Dynamic Range" brings forth a dark, psyched out and ever spiralling amalgamation of AcidTechno and AcidTrance for densely packed, hyperecstatic rave dancefloors lit by nothing but lasers and high speed strobes. Big tunes, this.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Czarnoziem - Socha [Gusstaff Records]

Set for release via the Polish Gusstaff Records label on March 22nd, 2k24 is "Socha", the latest, five pieces and roughly 47 minutes spanning, album conceived by Dawid Dabrowski and Michal Gizycki under the roof of their shared sonic alias that is Czarnoziem. Combining the sounds of a modular synth set up with bass clarinet and saxophone the duo opens with the ever floating, yet raw, granular and nocturnal "Substancje Smoliste" which combines carefully executed FutureJazz tonalities with slow moving low end drones and crackly surface noises, working its way up to ear-piercing heights at times whereas the subsequent "Zrywki Drew" follows in a similar, yet more subdued vein which results in a fusion of Deep Listening Music and minimalist, stripped DarkJazz for those who know. Furthermore "Ida Ostatni" fuses more hopeful and somewhat traditional Jazz improvisiations with gaseous, slightly claustrophobic (Dark) Ambient drones, "Pierunski Taniec" sees the two artists explore a well busy and intense maelstrom of screaming FreeJazz x FreeImprov and an atmospheric washed out modular backdrop of rather misty nature which surprisingly dies off into near silence before the closing cut that is "Nie Ma Co Gasic" provides a rather peaceful finish, serving an amalgamation of rumbling electronic textures and tender, almost longing, ruminant and somewhat romantic, ever meandering Jazz progressions. Rather interesting stuff which transcends beyond the regular realm of Jazz as a genre. Go check.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Farah Kaddour - Bada [Asadun Alay Records 002]

Set for release on March 29th, 2k24 is "Bada", the seven tracks and roughly 39 minutes spanning album debut conceived by Beirut-based buzuq player Farah Kaddour. Having tackled both Folk and Arab Classical throughout her musical journey in which Kaddour participated in various ensembles and band outfits, including a performance ensemble curated by Faust's Hans-Joachim Irmler in 2021, the album sees Farah Kaddour reflect upon the instruments traditional value and history whilst at the same time opening new realms with extended improvisation pieces and own compositions. The result of this musical efforts is a longplay piece providing a sonic arc opening with an intense, meandering and surely in-your-face Desert Rock attitude to be found in the opening tune "Hijazkar Halek" whereas the traditional "Bulbul el-Afrah" provides an insight to the classic rhythmic backings and performance techniques associated with the lute-like instrument, "Madd Ou Jazz" once again brings forth an undeniable, yet this time slighty mediterranean and surely danceable, desert x oriental vibe for hot days under clear skies and a burning hot sun and the closing improvisation named "Khuzama" seemingly once again shines a light on more traditional buzuq playing, yet this time accompanied by a lively and well ecstatic drum foundations just to name a few.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

X.D.D. - Vol. 08 [X-Static Dance Department 008]

Released via X-Static Dance Department as the imprints cat.no. 008 on December 14th, 2k23 is "Vol. 08", the eighth consecutive digital two track single on the label produced by X.D.D.. Opening with "Savage" we see the label head on a storming high energy tip fusing raw, driving Techno beats, sharp hi hats and slighty melancholic synth piano stabs nicely contrasted by a gooey, well futuristic synth counterpoint whereas the second cut on this one, "Momentaufnahme", brings forth a similarly seductive energy in terms of hefty pumping HardHouse sporting a shuffled hi-hat groove and playfully twisted, ever evolving synth lines for a 90s Hardbag crowd. Sweet.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Phill Niblock - Looking For Daniel [Unsounds / Echonance Festival]

Released on February 2nd, 2k24 - shortly after the artists passing - as a joint venture effort between the long-standing Unsounds label and the Echonance Festival is "Looking For Daniel", a commemorative, roughly 45 minutes spanning album featuring two extended compositions x recordings by the late Phill Niblock. Opening with "Biliana", recorded at the famed Akademia Der Künstler in Berlin we see Biliana Voutchkova perform a 21+ minutes piece written for her on violin accompanied by her own voice, presenting a combination of glacial, timeless, slowly evolving drone works in resonance with hovering, sustained and ethereal non-vocalisms. Furthermore "Exploratory, Rhine Version, Looking For Daniel", an ensemble piece recorded at the very first iteration of the Echonance Festival in 2022, sees an atmospheric shift towards a slightly darker, brooding and ominous mood created by intricately intertwined drone layers atop of tectonic low end movements surely about to resonate with all fans and followers of Deep Listening Music, Avantgarde Ambient and similar genres. Highly recommended.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Christian Meeas Svendsen - Body Of Sound - Body Of Music [Nakama Records 024]

Put out on the circuit via the Norwegian Nakama Records label on February 26th, 2k24 is "Body Of Sound - Body Of Music", the latest full length album release by double bass player Christian Meeas Svendsen. Following the concept of treating his instrument with several bows at the same time whilst having sensitive microphones placed on several parts of his own body Christian Meeas Svendsen presents an extended, 72+ minutes spanning body of work comprised of four long-form pieces, opening with the highly dramatic multi-bow movements of "Emerging Body" providing a stark contrast to the calm, organic and ever present low frequency foundation of this specific cut which is subsequently followed by "Restless Body", an excursion into experimental double bass techniques including scraping, plucking and more physically straining treatments of the instrument as a whole. Furthermore "Concealed Body" provides hints of nocturnal melancholia buried deep within eerie layers of ominous off-harmonics, unsettling tonal shifts and an overall focus on the low frequency end of what a bowed double bass can provide before drifting off into surprisingly rhythmic x percussive minimalisms whereas "Joyful Body" turns out to be the albums climax, catering an in parts straining and nerve-wrecking sonic workout in form of raw brooding and apocalyptic drones as well as intense, almost violent bowing excesses and spine-tingling atmospheres, alarming rhythm signatures triggering basic survival instincts of one's primeval brain alongside indecipherable high pitch communication signals leaking into our reality from the outerworld before slowly vanishing from our plane of existence. Quite a fascinating and multi-layered journey, this.

Monday, March 11, 2024

User84564100548 - Klapp EP [User Recordings 057 Promo]

Another relatively fresh digital single released via the mysterious User Recordings imprint on January 18th, 2k24 is the "Klapp EP", a two track release cooked up by User84564100548. Opening with "Klappbong" the cryptic project sets out to cause havoc on underground dancefloors with raw, psyched out and quasi-Acid infused rave signals and stomping, largely unprocessed bass drums which evoke memories of untamed, slightly anarchic live jams happening in fogged out basements of the early 90s whereas the subsequent cut that is "Kirschblut" brings forth a playful, minimalist TechHouse attitude paired with deep and tender singular DeepHouse piano pads for an early early morning crowd and therefore turns out to be our favorite cut on this one.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Listen Again: baze.djunkiii presents This Is EuroRave Volume 1 @ Radio Flouka / Paris (07.03.2024)

Saturday, March 09, 2024

Technobotts - Reaction EP [Dancefloor Socialism 024 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via Dancefloor Socialism as the labels cat.no. 024 on January 11th, 2k24 is the "Reaction EP", the latest digital two track single cooked up by the Technobotts project. Opening with the title track "Reaction" we're drawn onto the dancefloor by raw, unprocessed Techno sporting slightly tribalistic elements and a percussive, yet melodic main motif for the tool-oriented DJs out there whereas the subsequent follow up that is "Old Money" brings forth super dry experimental Techno driven by ever twisted, filtered and bent modulations and hostile, ever shifting percussion layers vaguely reminiscent of Cari Lekebusch's mid-90s TechnoJazz workouts on labels like Loop Records for those who know. Proper thrilling.

Friday, March 08, 2024

Goncalo Almeida & Rutger Zuydervelt - Eventual [Gusstaff Records]

Another fresh release put out on the circuit by the ever active Gusstaff Records label is "Eventual", the first full on collaborational album recorded by Portuguese composer Goncalo Almeida and Schiedam-based artist, musician and graphic designer Rutger Zuydervelt. Released on February 23rd, 2k24 the 32 minutes spanning one track album is comprised of material originally recorded for a score commissioned by film maker Lex Reitsma which in the end remained unused and was finally re-arranged, re-processed and re-imagined by Zuydervelt to reach its final long format form. The result of this compositional approach can be described as a droning, yet ever meandering and somewhat enchanted body of work based on Almeida's double bass improvisations, fused together with an organic, almost krautsy sensitivity to create a dark, yet comforting sonic womb hovering beyond space and time in a realm that contains nothing but sweet nothingness and slowly drifting eternity for fans and followers of (Dark)Ambient and perfectly sculpted Deep Listening Music paired with hints of deeply touching and well majestic alpine romanticisms which become more and more apparent the further the second half of the composition progresses. Excellent stuff. Highly recommended.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Thursday, March 07, 2024

DJ Housebunke - Groove Series Vol. 1 [La Bomba Recordings 018 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via La Bomba Recordings on January 8th, 2k24 is "Groove Series Vol.1", the first digital two track single on the label for this year as well as the first ever appearance on the imprint for DJ Housebunke. Opening with "Just Checking In" we see DJ Housebunke on a bouncy and hyper-energetic DiscoHouse tip for glitzed up dancefloors whereas "Stay High & Love" presents a slightly darker, more muscular take on DiscoHouse backed by goey, Progressive House-informed basslines and sharp driving hi-hat layers for an explosive peak time experience. As Hi-NRG as Hi-NRG House can get.

Wednesday, March 06, 2024

Stian Westerhus & Maja S. K. Ratkje - All Losses Are Restored [Crispin Glover Records]

Set for release via Crispin Glover Records on March 15th, 2k24 is "All Losses Are Restored", the first ever full on collaboration album conceived by Stian Westerhus and Maja S. K. Ratkje. As a duo the pair of Norwegian artists, both established and renowned composers and performers in their own respective right, caters a set of six brand new pieces rolled out over the course of roughly 32 minutes, employing a pretty unusual instrumental set up consisting of fiddle, acoustic guitar, a 19th century pump organ, their very own voices as well as occasional scrap metal, all alongside the full body of work of William Shakespeare which provided a major inspiration and overall source for this album. The sonic result of these unusual ventures is quite astounding, starting with heavy Industrial scrap metal rhythms turning into most beautiful, romantic and expressive songwriting in the opening tune "The Gravedigger", progresses into enchanted layerings of quasi Spoken Word recitals and folksy episodes in the subsequent title track, brings on full on, yet intense and captivating Folk goodness of yore in "Walking Shadow" which is our favorite cut on this album due to its slightly off-kilter nature and unexpectedly soul-devouring breakdown whereas the closing cut "Thou Blind Fool" even introduces a hint of mythical enchantment for a tender finale just to name a few. Interesting.

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Various Artists - Hardgroove Selections Vol.1: Compiled And Selected By Sneja [Hardgroove Recordings 001 Promo]

Put out on the digital circuit via the newly launched Hardgrooves Recordings imprint on February 23rd, 2k24 is "Hardgroove Selections Vol.1: Compiled And Selected By Sneja", a four track compilation release that one would probably refer to as an EP if we'd be dealing with vinyl here. Opening with Groove Salvation & Sneja's "One Life To Live *Oktal 3 Remix" we're drawn to the heart of the dancefloor by stripped down and pumping, yet highly Electro-infused Techno paired with dark vocals and 'troity atmospheric synth movements before Inhum 'Awz' tune "CoColibri" gets a proper remix treatment by noone less than The D3VI7 himself who provides subtle, yet spine-tingling Acid movements alongside a slightly psychedelic late night Trance vibe with his rework. The subsequent tune by AfroNerd feat. Thoby Dladla named "iThemba *Sascha Müller Hardgroove Remix" sees Uelsen's finest on a proper uptempo tip for strobe-lit dancefloors, pairing relentless beats with ethereal vocals whereas Groove Salvation's "Warriors *Oktal 3 Remix" brings forth muscular, Afro-leaning Tribal vibes, undeniably pumping grooves and quite a big portion of sexy heat for a well seductive closing. Proper stuff, this.

Monday, March 04, 2024

The Wreckery - Fake Is Forever [Gusstaff Records]

Scheduled for release via the ever active Polish label Gusstaff Records on March 22nd, 2k24 is "Fake Is Forever", the fourth, forthcoming and ultimately delayed longplayer cooked up by Australian band outfit The Wrreckery a staggering 35 - !!! - years after their last album release. Now back with a newly found maturity and nine brand new songs rolled out over the course of a total playtime of 40 minutes The Wreckery present a well hung fusion of sleazy DesertRock, ever present elements of PostPunk and clean-cut Rock'n'Roll with a dark and slightly ominous edge from the albums opener "Smack Me Down" to the tender and subsequent slow jam romanticisms of "The Devil In You" and the almost Lynch'esque roadtrip vibe of "Stole It From Alpha Ray" whereas "Get A Name" and "Evil Eye" are oozing noctural darkness and danger on dancefloors crowded with whirling and winding creatures of the night whilst the closing cut "Young People" even flirts with undeniably sexy PopRock for advanced late night listeners, cruising cougars and dedicated hunters for love. Defo a quality comeback after more than three decades. Go check.

Sunday, March 03, 2024

07.03.2024 baze.djunkiii presents This Is EuroRave Volume 1 @ Radio Flouka / Paris, France

Let's go back. Way back. Way back in time. For this months show Hamburg-based Radio Flouka-resident baze.djunkiii steps into the time machine that the unending depths of his vinyl archives provide and reminisces about the early 90s. A time when the raw euphoria of Rave and Techno had just begun to conquer European - and especially German... - dancefloors and didn't fail to make a major impression on what became a young and aspiring raver throughout these years, with sounds unheard of before blasting through massive club p.a. systems and even being broadcasted via commercial daytime radio occasionally as the increasing popularity of electronic music catapulted tunes into the pop charts that had done damage on underground dancefloors only months prior to mainstream success. This 60 minute selection is an ode to the untamed and unchannelled energy of this era which will always have a special place in baze.djunkiii's heart for a reason.

decks: baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / Carsharing Tapes]

file under: Rave / EuroRave

transmission time: 22oo - 23oo GMT+1

get locked via Radio Flouka
Paris

Saturday, March 02, 2024

Cement Tea - Chip Withdrawal [Psychocandies 109 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via the long standing Psychocandies label on December 25th, 2k23 as the imprints cat.no. 109 is "Chip Withdrawal", a new digital two track single cooked up by Brazilian producer Cement Tea". Opening with the original version of the title track Cement Tea provides a trippy, hypnotic take on subdued AcidTrance buried under a coat of wafting, ever meandering atmospheric noises and intense, Punk-inspired eruptions whereas its second iteration, "Chip Withdrawal (Bonus Sodium)", is leaning towards the harder, more psychotic, Rave-oriented and braincell melting side of intense Acid madness. Go check.