Founded in 2002 by Gerd Janson and Thorsten Scheu, but now primarily run by Gerd, Running Back is a German label that’s made a name for itself for its spaced out, melody-rich, modern house and disco flavours. Running Back has so far seen feel-good releases from the likes of: Roman Fluegel, KiNK, Dusky, Alan Dixon, Tensnake, Tiger & Woods, Lauer, Tornado Wallace and more. The label also boasts some incredible peak hour tracks, including Krystal Klear’s ‘Neutron Dance’, Todd Terje’s ‘Ragysh’ and Storken’s ‘Lille Vals’.
Review: Running Back boss Gerd Janson has been a fan of Raphael Schon for some time. Last year, he reissued the German producer's 2021 breakthrough hit, 'Fiesta 2000', on the Misfit Melodies offshoot. Now he's gone further still, offering up an expansive EP of brand-new music by the producer, all of which is shot through with references to dance music's storied past. Our picks of a very strong bunch include the sparkling positivity of the 303 bass-powered 'Bearhit', the riff-happy retro-futurist smoothness of 'Do You Like That' - whose breakdowns and drops are suitably excitable - and the kaleidoscopic, near techno-tempo joy explosion that is 'Distant City Transport'. The more nu-disco and maximal house influenced 'Sometimes I Miss You' is also superb.
Review: Sascha Funke's latest EP for Running Back Halle Weissensee pays homage to the iconic hallmarks of rave while makong sure to add more context than simple retro revivalism. Across its four tracks, Funke crafts a hypnotic blend of house and techno that seamlessly merges classic structures with contemporary production techniques, resulting in an EP that effortlessly navigates various sonic landscapes; taking in the classic jackin' numbers through contemplative deep house and progressive hypnotism. With an open-minded nod to nostalgia, tracks like "Reality" and the warped bleepiness of its title track echo the aesthetic of legendary rave nights, "Fantasy" and "Puzzle" explore various other facets of electronic music while giving a shouts out to Berlin's lake district too!
Review: Brand spanking new remix package of Ede & Deckert infectious new wave post-punk anthem "Immer" has landed and receives the deluxe treatment with a diverse array of remixers giving their own spin to the tale of lover's emotion! Berlin's Narciss delivers two distinct interpretations, showcasing a fearless approach to emotional peaks with delightful precision, while the Venice Remix busts out some vintage charm, perfect for primetime - oh yeah. A Salford version caters to a more rugged dancefloor environment, let's say, while Cinthie's grassroots house rendition takes it back to basics with a nod to DJ Duke. Alongside that we have a Curses Vocal remix that maintains the original vibe while switching up the language, allowing Kid Simius to then add a playful touch of sound reminiscent to Miami Sound Machine and Yazoo!
Review: Self-styled "international style pirate, sex icon and enigma of the Australian underground" Partiboi69 has been making waves in recent time, as much for his hedonistic and freewheeling approach to DJing as his (admittedly on-point) productions. This Running Back label debut is undoubtedly his most high-profile release yet, and one the imprint claims "shows his sensitive side". While that may be true to an extent musically - the synths and electronics are largely deep, dreamy and melodious - the beats beneath are still sweat-soaked, techno tempo workouts. Our picks of a very strong bunch are 'Bodies', a fiendishly sub-heavy workout topped off with looped vocal samples and rave-igniting keyboard riffs, the Pet Shop Boys-go-to-the-club flex of 'Feel This', and the melody-rich rush of 'Call of the Void'.
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