Henri Bergmann - "Our Time Has Come" - (5:44) 124 BPM
Henri Bergmann & Wennink - "We Just Keep On Going" - (6:27) 123 BPM
Mind Control (Stephan Jolk remix) - (5:12) 124 BPM
Mind Control (Echonomist remix) - (5:58) 62 BPM
Review: Londoner Henri Bergmann has been tipped for big things on the underground for some time, so it's nice to see her stepping things up via a first EP for Berlin institution Watergate's in-house label. Her trademark style sits somewhere between new wave, throbbing electronic house, electro and stylised European techno. It's an undoubtedly exciting and strobe-lit sound best exemplified by the subtly Ann Clark-influenced chug of 'Our Time Has Come' and the EBM-influenced muscularity and surging melodies of Wennink hook-up 'We Just Keep Going'. The headline attraction though is Biesmans collaboration 'Mind Col', where here whispered spoken word vocals rise above a densely layered, synth-heavy, post-Italo new wave backing track. Tidy, club-ready remixes of that track from Stephan Jolk and Echonomist complete a rock-solid package.
Review: The talented French artists Kiko & POPOF are both veteran producers, whose careers began in the '90s. Kiko is currently turning heads with releases on Diynamic and Afterlife, while POPOF's diverse output has been heard on Cocoon, Truesoul and Hot Creations. Berlin institution Watergate presents their latest collaboration "Night Sky" and sees the pair serve up a moody and captivating style of dancefloor drama led by its absolutely hypnotic melody, while the chugging, adrenaline-fuelled "Love Triangle" is perfect for dancers to lose themselves under the strobe lights. Remixes come from Yulia Niko and Mia Mendi - the latter's breakbeat driven rendition is pure euphoria.
Review: Following up a terrific run of releases on Lost & Found, Disco Halal and Knee Deep In Sound, Dutch native Budakid returns on Watergate Records, this time in collaboration with regular collaborator and fellow countryman Nordfold. The now Berlin-based producers present two killer tracks on this one; the first is "United", a sublime serving of dancefloor drama awash in airy pads, a strong chord progression and an elevating melody, while second offering "Aika" is more straight-ahead on this tunneling and hypnotic cut.
Review: Marco Bailey should require no introduction. Throughout a career spanning nearly three decades, the Belgian veteran makes a more than worthy appearance here on Berlin institution Watergate. The From My Mind EP begins with the epic main room techno workout "The Spirit", then, as heard on other recent material by him, Bailey leans into electro territory on the title track which carries on his research into sci-fi beats. Remixes come from German 'maximal' heroes Extrawelt who take the track further into future realms, while label staple Biesmans gives it a pumping, Italo disco style re-rub.
Review: Stephan Jolk returns to Berlin institution Watergate for his first release in over a year. This two-tracker is another dose of emotionally charged techno which has seen him become a staple of the Afterlife label in his native milan. A roaring Reese bassline underpins pitch-shifted vocals offering a powerful message throughout first offering "Freedom", while more dancefloor drama awaits on the immersive and mesmerising second offering "Moonlight Sun". It's another terrific release by Jolk which takes his intuitive approach to musical production to another level.
Review: Fresh from helping to launch the Peace Symphonies label, rising star Gorge Hewek steps up on Watergate with an expansive EP full to bursting with collaborations. You'll find two versions of 'Fluminesse', both created alongside Volen Sentir and Lost Desert: a wonderfully atmospheric, bass-heavy 'Dub' mix full of sustained string sounds, ambient pads and starry melodies, and a vocal-sporting '12" Version' that takes the track to even higher, more uplifting heights. Elsewhere, Lost Desert lends a hand on three other cuts: the billowing, soul-flecked deep house/tech-house fusion of 'Ocean', the Isolee-inspired 'Night Walk' (think 'Beau Mot Plage' re-made for 2022) and the deeper, dubbier and hazier 'Covered in White'.
Review: Watergate rounds off 2021 with a debut EP from Joplyn, an artist that we're sure to hear a lot more about over the coming years. With a deep musical background, she brings a melodic sensibility to this two-track release. The title track is shot through with icy synths and Joplyn's own vocals, which unravel seductively over snare-led crescendos and a growling rhythm. "Can't Get Enough" is deeper; she conjures up a building melody line that features her own vocals intoning the track's title, before the arrangement moves into a pulsating groove and crisp percussion. Both tracks make for an impressive debut.
Review: RISE Music main man Hyenah is becoming something of a go-to producer for Berlin's Watergate Records. This four-track missive marks the producer's third EP for the imprint in as many years and easily lives up to the promise of its predecessors. Perhaps the highlight of an all-round excellent EP is title track 'Once a Man', an intoxicating, undulating slab of winding, Afro-tinged tech-house goodness that boasts evocative spoken word vocals from Aquarius Heaven, stirring synth-strings and slowly flowering electronic melodies. The EP's other calling card is 'The Greed', a deep house flavoured chunk of early morning hedonism that Nandu subsequently turns into a hypnotic, sunrise-ready, deep-tech shuffler. Throw in pleasingly positive opener 'Words of Love' and you have a genuinely fault-free EP.
Review: Watergate (liebe*detail & Cecille Records) hall of famer Matthias Meyer returns with some fresh material after more than 12 months! Teaming up with Budakid - who first debuted on the label last summer with "Orrery" from Watergate Affairs 04 - the pair deliver a sweet and melodic journey through progressive house and Italo techno sounds! Said to have inspired Watergate's open airs in 2021, "Sweat Ease" kicks things off with a classic breakbeat and bouncing bassline that evolves into a vocal-arpeggio track that would light up any Italo-inspired dancefloor. "Hybrid Society" on the flip goes deeper and maintains some subtle Daft Punk sentimentalities while keeping in the zone for those sunset, just after dark moments. To Rimini and beyond!
Review: Veteran British producer Thomas Gandey (aka Cagedbaby) teams up with Mancunian Youtube stars Mia Mendi (Hydera) on their third outing, following up impressive releases on Stil Vor Talent and Los Suruba's Nazca Records. This once comes courtesy of Berlin powerhouse Watergate, featuring the late night, neon-lit boogie-down business of "Ubi" complemented by its seductive vocals. Also on offer is the brooding, acid-tinged dark disco journey of "Gatekeeper" followed by the slinky and hypnotic mood music of "Nightliner" packed full of sparkling retro synth sounds and immaculate rhythm programming.
Review: Joris Biesmans recent debut album, Trains, Planes & Automobiles, offered a scintillating, synth-heavy fusion of electro, Italo-diso and classic-sounding house. There's a similar feel to this fine collection of remixes. Adana Twins lead the way with a refreshingly squelchy, club-ready old school electro re-fix of 'Save The Night', before Alex Medina turns 'Cold Void' into a bubbly trip through analogue-rich cold-wave territory with added melodic clout. Geordie hero Man Power's revision of 'Cosmic Cruise' is a delightful fusion of cascading synthesizer sounds, dreamy chords and locked-in acid house grooves, while Biesmans' own rework of 'Hawkins' is a spiralling, uplifting electro roller with spacey sounds and filthy bass aplenty.
Review: Israeli duo Jos & Eli return to Berlin institution Watergate, to follow up last year's impressive Mozar EP with Mayhem, on which they craft beautiful deep house with sonic inflections from their homeland and strong percussive influences. From the slinky and hypnotic opening cut "Inner Sky" which also receives a majestic and utterly euphoric rework by Stephan Jolk (Afterlife), to additional offerings such as "Mistakes" which is a glassy-eyed and bittersweet affair featuring British vocalist Alex Clare, and of course the title track - which sees the pair execute their singular style of dancefloor drama once again.
Review: Since their label debut in 2017 with "Flower of Cane", Hamburg heroes Adana Twins have become staples of the Watergate institution. From being handed over the reins on the 25th edition in their esteemed mix series to playing regularly at the club, the duo deliver the goods once again on their new offering. The Curve EP features the brooding dark disco epic that is the title track, the rather dystopian "Cyrus" with its bass heavy electro beats, and the neon-lit aesthetic of closing cut "Nimbus" calling to mind the heady days of early noughties electroclash.
Review: More '80s themed than a Steve Martin & John Candy odd couple comedy, Joris Biesmans Trains, Planes & Automobiles is an ode to '80s arcadia, retro synths and spaced out motifs. Combining his octane video game music with swirling layers of electro and cosmic synth, Watergate's current marquee act also draws upon touches indie disco, French touch house music and Italo. Delivering a most impressive debut album, subtle gothic rock influences make themselves known furthermore in "Cold Void (feat Tom The Bomb & Boi Wonder)", with the album's hit material coming through in "The Last Chase", "Another World" and "Pac Man" to its synth riffing title track. Open the floodgates!
Review: Extrawelt follow recent releases on Traum and Furthur Electronix with this EP for Watergate. Recorded in one take, this raw three-tracker touches on elements of trance, techno and break beat to create unique fusions. "Alpha & Oma" resound to a throbbing bass and a series of spine-tingling synth builds. In contrast, "Email Auf Klinke" is more stripped back and rugged, built on punchy, rolling drums - remaining true to Extrawelt's approach it also contains the occasional sliver of trance melody. "Automatik" closes out the release in a more haunting mood; resounding to a niggling acid bass, cinematic synth scapes lend it a truly mysterious feeling.
Review: German wunderkind Tim Engelhardt returns to Watergate to follow up 2020's Rooted EP. The Cologne-based producer was prolific throughout 2020, seeing the release of the LP Idiosynkrasia on Stil Vor Talent, and remixes for the likes of Trentemoeller. From the sublime deep house stylings of the title track, which is as glassy-eyed and bittersweet as it gets, there's also the sunny and uplifting open-air vibes of "Polygon Particles" with a strong influence of Afro house and an innate soulfulness. Finally, Engelhardt executes one more expression in perfect dancefloor drama on "Connected in Silence", guided by a wonderful melodic progression and underpinned with moody elements which intensify the track's overall tension and suspense.
Review: The Berlin-based producer/live act and in-house engineer for Watergate club, Jans Biesmans has created a 'nostalgia-driven delight' here for their eponymous label. 'Trains, Planes & Automobiles' is a neon-lit night drive through a nu-disco fantasy. The remix up next by Italian duo Fideles (of Correspondant and Afterlife fame) deconstructs classic rave motifs on their emotive and breakbeat driven rendition - which is equally as worthy of your attention. Finally, Biesmans serves up the shimmering and euphoric Italo disco energy of "Save The Night" with its infectious vocal hook which seals the deal.
Review: Berlin-based DJ/producer Hyenah is a Watergate club resident and founder of its monthly RISE events. With his latest Watergate 27 mix, he has carefully selected and curated a vibrant house mix that touches all corners of the genre and refreshingly showcases artists outside the normal European hotspots.This is the second various artists EP taken from the mix with the individual track selections. Featuring Monaberry bosses Super Flu on the slinky and hypnotic tech house of "Effretikon", South African house hero Floyd Lavine delivering some super spiritual life music on his rework of Kerri Chandler's "Think Of Something", Frenchman Manoo (a former guest at RISE) with the evocative mood music of "De's Lullaby" and Casablanca's FNX Omar with the sublime deepness of "Minuit".
Review: The enigmatic Hyenah is a renowned tastemaker, who is passionate about sounds from across the house spectrum. For his edition of the Watergate mix series, the RISE resident selects an inspiring range of artists, while highlighting emerging African and Afro-German talent such as: Berlin-based JAMIIE teaming up with the Stil Vor Talent affiliated Niko Schwind on "Suwedi", talented singer Nanghiti Aviankoi's amazing vocal range is accompanied perfectly by Emanuel Satie's production on "Forever More" and veteran of the Johannesburg house music scene Da Capo appears with the powerful dancefloor drama of "Dark Knight".
Review: Enigmatic Berlin-based producer Hyenah has established himself as a passionate proponent of Afro house in his local scene. Spearheaded by the successful RISE monthly club night and associated music imprint, as well as being one of the most exciting newer acts associated with Watergate. His latest contribution to the label is 'The Message' EP, which keeps on with the same high standard of production. The deep and spiritual vibe of the title track features former Bonobo collaborator Bajka on vocals, followed by a remix from Innervisions staple Henrik Schwarz where he creates a life affirming rendition. Teaming up with Cape Town's Floyd Lavine next on the hi-tech soul of "Soul Rise" and closing it out with the self-reflection of "Not Enough" featuring Lazarusman's powerful and important message.
Review: The star of Berlin-based Russian Yulia Niko continues to rise, with this new release on Watergate which follows up a terrific run of EPs on taste maker labels like Crosstown Rebels, Dee-P-erfect and Nervous. Dub techno, minimal and early '90s techno collide on her latest moody thriller titled 'Manifesto' which receives two reworks by globetrotting Frenchman YokoO on the flip. The All Day I Dream staple takes the track further into glacial and cavernous territory on his haunting Defragmentation mix, until things get more upbeat and optimistic on the deep and sensual Vegas mix - featuring a helping hand from London-based Italian Francesco Mami.
Review: Oona Dahl is the New York-based producer, DJ and sound designer that has cultivated a curious and evocative sound going back almost 10 years, releasing quality cuts on Anjunadeep, Hallucienda, and of course All Day I Dream - where she has become a regular at Lee Burridge's iconic party series. Her new one comes courtesy of Berlin institution Watergate: "Godtripper" is a mesmerising excursion in minimal tech house with strong acid inflections that accentuate the track's euphoric qualities, remixed by Amsterdam veteran Patrice Baumel up next. The next original offerings are a collaboration with fellow New Yorker Dance Spirit: the ethereal mood music of "Manic Space" followed by the deep and sweltering tribal house workout "Universe Within You".
Review: Hanseatic hero and Watergate stalwart Matthias Meyer rounds up some ascendant debutants here, on the fourth instalment of the 'Watergate Affairs' series - for the Berlin superclub's in-house label. There are a variety of moods and grooves on offer: melodic dancefloor drama comes courtesy of Dutch wunderkind Budakid (Last Night On Earth/Einmusika) on the mesmerising "Orrery", as well as from London/Munich connection Henri Bergmann & Julian Wassermann on the particularly impressive "Maenad". Elsewhere, Meyer himself is on-point as always with the glassy-eyed and bittersweet feel of "Interlude", until Danish artist Nandu rounds out the package with the slinky and evocative deep house of "My Mystery Is A Mystery".
Review: German house wunderkind - his first single dropped when he was just 14 years old - and Poker Flat regular Tim Engelhardt comes to Watergate with a three-track EP. The title track 'Rooted' is by far the standout: with its nagging three-note synth bassline, this dark, hypnotic throbber should serve you well pretty much anywhere that house music is played! Elsewhere, 'Brought To Bare' and 'Future Matter' are perhaps more specific to the prog/melodic floors but just as accomplished in their production, with a hint of an Italo/disco sensibility nudging 'Future Matter' into the Silver position.
Review: Italian duo Fabio Giannelli and Alessandro Gasperini aka Glowal debuted on Adana Twins' TAU label last year and have since appeared on Innervisions, Siamese, Afterlife and Suara. They continue their winning streak with their sophomore release which comes courtesy of Berlin-based institution Watergate. The Night Queen EP features four servings of solid dancefloor drama: from the bass-driven hypnotiser that is the title track, the evocative mood music of "Moment" featuring Simon Batten's charming vocal work, and finally the moody minimal trip of "Antenna" which is perfect for the warm-up or the afterhours alike. An EP that is sure to cause a buzz this summer.
Review: Like nothing ever happened Watergate have dropped their summer anthem with Crying Juno! Replete with ambient atmospheres and nostalgic soundscapes, this record searches for sunrises in Berlin as much as it does the setting sun in Ibiza. As 2020 keeps the dancefloor of Watergate closed for now, Mathias Mayer and Ryan Davis deliver the label its fourth release for the year which pushes deep into a melodic, trance and progressive territory. For the melancholy-heads it's "Cafune" with its breathy vocal progressions and arpeggiated rhythms surfing the track's warm bassline. For everyone else, there's no denying the uplifting techno-pop of "Crying Juno" made extra sweet by its open air vibe and outdoor festival quality.
Review: Ascendant Israeli talent Jos & Eli join Berlin institution Watergate, following up some dynamic releases on Diynamic, Sudbeat and Noir Music. Both artists have been musicians since childhood and their natural talent shines brightly on the 'Mozar' EP. The title track is a moody and mysterious high tech epic that is sure create some tension and suspense on the dancefloor, while the spellbinding hypnotism of "Atomica" (followed by a classy re-work by Yotto) will help you drift away with its rich symphonic arrangements. Finally, London based vocalist Jinadu (one half of the band The Beauty Room) joins them on the elevating anthem "One".
Review: As Watergate's former technician, Joris Biesmans has been an invaluable fixture at the Berlin superclub for the last five years. With his new focus on making music full time, he's been added to the club's agency roster and emerges with an impressive debut EP on the label, after releases on Correspondant, AEON and Adana Twins' TAU. "Electric Love" is a delightful serving of upbeat electro-pop, featuring vocals by Idorski. It then receives a roaring rework by the ever impressive Italian duo Marvin & Guy and then two more originals follow. "Technician On A Mission" goes for a classic Italo viibe which is pure neon-lit ecstasy, while "City Boy" delves into moodier nu-disco territory similar to Lauer or Tuff City Kids.
Review: Deep and techier sounds out of Berlin's Watergate club brings two local producers to its ranks in Frank Beckers & Sandrino Tittel, a duo known for a slew of records on Innervisions, Mule Musiq and Drumpoet over the last decade. Bringing with them a Tiefschwarz remix to their stand out melodic and progressive number "Chimes" the EP hinges itself on an impressive display of lively, pulsating trance paired with subtle beats, abstract percussions and touches of acid in "Nova", with "Black Hole" taking the record down a spirale of bleeps, moody 90s-era synths and minimalistic electronica.
Review: Fresh off releases for Diynamic and Sasha's Last Night On Earth, German duo Gheist are back with a riveting outing on their local institution Watergate - and if this doesn't mean they've now hit the big time then we don't know what does! The Zukunft EP is a fitting name for its futurist house excursions, for example the euphoric and tough rolling tech house anthem by the name of "Disclose Yours" with its hands in the air piano melody which will really get in your head, followed by the title track with its moody electro breaks that is sure to get dome drama happening on the dancefloor.
Review: With a considerable catalogue that includes releases on Poker Flat, Tim Engelhardt now debuts on another German dance music institution, Watergate. In keeping with the melodic sound that the sister Watergate club champions, "Rhy" is a wonderfully esoteric affair. Supported by crisp kicks and tight percussion, Engelhardt lays down hypnotic synth riffs, accompanied by a throbbing low end. It's exactly the type of track that will resonate at the Berlin club. On the flip, "When The Sun Illuminated Her Eyes" is a more woozy affair; led by rickety drums, it sees the Cologne producer conjure up a beautiful, hypnotic synth melody.
Review: Berlin institution Watergate Records celebrates its 10 year birthday, with this special 50 track anthology of their favourite records. Over the last decade, the imprint has set a standard for captivating electronic music from across the house and techno spectrum, successfully mirroring the club's booking policy. Now up to over 60 releases including a remix of the Josh Wink classic "Higher State Of Consciousness" by residents Adana Twins, and the 26th installment in their acclaimed mix series by Danish legends Whomadewho - this compilation presents some of its most memorable cuts since its inception in 2008. Highlights come from: label staple Mathias Meyer - the Hanseatic hero presenting several tracks including "Love Letters From Sicily" with Ryan Davis, local legends Tiefschwarz on "Fire It Out" feat. Ruede Hagelstein, resident La Fleur getting remixed by Detroit legend Kenny Larkin on "Nightflow" and rising duo Adriatique's 7am remix of "The Spirit" by the ever impressive Butch (featuring Hohberg) amony many others.
Review: Here is the third installment of Watergate Affairs, after a long break and as always focusing on emerging talent. Danish duo Baime contribute the hypnotic journey into the exotic that is "Majka", Tel Aviv's Kadosh returns to the label after featuring on the Adana Twins' 'Watergate 25' compilation last year. His track is the seductive "Better Days" - a dreamy and evocative composition that you could imagine Lee Burridge playing on a sunny rooftop, while Argentinian Kintar provides some moody dancefloor drama on the riveting "Paradisou". Another Argentinian producer appears in the form of Kevin Di Serna with "Lucero Del Alma" which continues on with those heartfelt and glassy-eyed narratives for the dancefloor.
Review: Romanian Native Bog has had a great run of releases of late on some of electronic music's most compelling labels, including Crosstown Rebels, Bedrock and Diynamic. He has steadily forged his reputation as one to watch. Following his contribution to Adana Twins' Watergate 25 compilation, he returns to the esteemed Berlin label - this time teaming up with exciting new vocal-led French trio LKF Project (Sapiens/Atlant). "Her Song" is a pop-inflected and evocative deep house anthem for the main room - you can expect to hear this a lot in 2019. This is backed up by the tension and suspense of "Discrete Class" that's sure to fuel those heads down moments under the strobelight.
Review: Emerging Spanish talent Upercent steps up for his first full-length EP on Berlin institution Watergate, after his impressive contribution to their esteemed mix series. In recent years the Valencia native has served up releases on top labels such as Kompakt and Diynamic, and late last year he made his debut at the club, where his distinctive aesthetic connected naturally. He continues with his impressive streak musically on the hypnotic epic "Somia" and its infectious Afro house influence throughout. This is backed up by the moody and atmospheric vibe of "Pulcre" which is sure to get some tunnel vision happening when the smoke machine comes on.
Review: The second of the three part EP release by Danish electronica legends WhoMadeWho (and their new Watergate 26 mix) finally arrives. This edition features German ethereal tech house hero Tim Engelhardt's "Under Armour", Echonomist's delivering some moody dancefloor drama on "At The End Of The Day", right through to the artists themselves delivering a stellar remix of Magit Cacoon & Lonya's "Shma IL" which is adrift in layers of intoxicating melodies. Finally, French enfant terribles dOP arrive with their new one "Radiowaves" which will take you deep into the exotic with its tribal rhythms, charming vocals and seductive orchestral arrangements.
Review: Hot on the heels of the Watergate 26 mix, this split release showcases some of the best tracks that were included on WhoMadeWho's selection. The storied Danish trio hook up with Ruede Hagelstein to deliver a slinky, melancholic take on Bjork's "Violently Happy". Working together with Justin Evans, Hagelstein delves into a more moody take on house music with his percussive "Love Over Pyramids", which threatens but never quite manages to spiral out of control. Overall however, this is a melodic EP, as evidenced by WhoMadeWho's mesmerising rework of Alex Schaufel's "The Day Of Rebirth", a wide-eyed, dreamy affair that shimmers and soars effortlessly
Review: A split/collaborative EP from Watergate this one, with 'Montserrat' credited to WhoMadeWho but presented in Artbat Edit form, while 'Closer' is credited to Artbat but has WhoMadeWho as a featured artist. The former is a broody, moody affair in which a muted, percussive intro is slowly joined by atmospheric synth drones, simple 4/4s and a walking bassline, before risers and other synth sounds pave the way for the electric geetar solo that provides the track's real USP, accompanied by a plainitive male vocal. 'Closer', meanwhile, sticks more closely to the European "melodic house plus indie-style vox" formula of recent years.
Hyenah & Pablo Fierro - "Panoramica" - (6:49) 123 BPM
Hyenah & Pablo Fierro - "Panoramica" (Hyenah's Raw Beat edit) - (4:58) 123 BPM
The Golden Cage Of Yesterday - (7:08) 122 BPM
The Golden Cage Of Yesterday (Da Capo remix) - (8:59) 122 BPM
Review: Meet Hyenah, one of the main residents at Berlin clubbing institution Watergate's quickly growing Afro House focused event RISE. It was long overdue to see him land his debut EP on their label. The mysterious, masked crusader delivers a stellar package of percussion heavy, hypnotic and permanently growing cuts that will surely set any dancefloor on fire. Beginning in collaboration with Pablo Fierro on the passionately evocative rhythms of "Panoramica", and followed by the hi-tech afro soul "The Golden Cage Of Yesterday" which is sure to get those mysterious vibes in effect on the dancefloor.
Review: Burlent Burler is Butch - the Mainz-based producer's career has gone from strength to strength ever since his fabulous hit "No Worries" nine years ago on Cecille. Fast forward to now, his new EP Hijacking comes courtesy of Watergate: the infamous Berlin superclub where he is one of the DJs in residence. Go deep into the exotic with the Arabic charm of "Bepsi", which then gets a wicked makeover by ascendant Brit wAFF - this bass-driven groove rolls tough! He then goes back to the disco - Middle Eastern style - on the absolutely electric "Yallah!!!" which is followed by a great dub version for your convenience.
