Review: The "Falling Down EP" marks 8Kays' impressive debut on Watergate Records, showcasing the talents of Ukrainian sound-producer and live act Iryna Shvydka. The EP opens with "Falling Down," a collaborative effort with Buenos Aires-based producer and live act Juan Hansen, resulting in a captivating blend of electronic progressive sounds. The EP takes a different turn with the remix by Dutch duo Colyn & Beswerda, who infuse "Falling Down" with a tougher edge while retaining its melodic intricacies while Chris Avantgarde contributes his own rework with his bold and memorable production style. And to send you off on a cloud of musical bliss, the EP finishes with "Lyra," a solo track by 8Kays herself. Think: floaty, dreamy vibes with these cool, cascading arpeggios that'll leave you feeling all happy and relaxed. Perfect way to end the ride!
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: Following on from last year's Flower of Cane EP, Hamburg house duo Adana Twins return to Watergate. The title track is subtle but effective and austere-sounding but also uplifting. It chugs along to a solid groove and features eerie synths that build and build thanks to some effective filtering - and is exactly the type of track one would expect to hear at the feted Berlin club. On the flip side, "Sequence 01" is centred on a different approach. While its groove is also linear, it is powered by a pulsation bass and the kind of evocative, crystalline hooks that sound like the modern embodiment of classic German trance.
Review: For their next release, Berlin institution Watergate welcomes back two of Hamburg's finest: Adana Twins. Last seen on the label's last compilation, the duo returns with a bunch of stunners which the label itself best describe as 'low slung, infectious cuts blurring the lines between house and techno' and truly showcase the signature sounds of these two Harbour City heroes. The original version of "Flower Of Cane" sees the duo follow their darkest route into the abyss yet on this druggy and heaving main room groove that follows in the tradition of classic Reude Hagelstein or even local legends like Stephan Bodzin. "Ortus" is an adrenalised exercise in mood lighting which is perfect to make a transition with its elevating EBM style bassline. The third offering "Relentless" (feat Jeppe Kjellberg of Danish electro-poppers Whomadewho) offers yet more quality, but if you ask us: it's all about Andre Lodemann's vocal mix, which is so incredibly dreamy and evocative as always.
Review: Zurich based DJ and producer Jimi Jules is one of the most promising upcoming artists within the international underground. With previous releases on top labels like Superfriends, Cocoon and local imprint Zukunft - he tops all that by being picked as selector for esteemed Berlin institution Watergate's 24th mix album. Here we get treated to a few exclusives: first we have Jules & Jesaya's +4 BPM Update of Ame's "119 BPM", there's also his collaboration with Domenico Ferrari on the sleazy lo-slung pop of "Parkuhr". Then, we soon discover its almost entirely a Jimi Jules affair (naturlich!) with his remix of Swiss/German duo Egopusher's "Flake" (venturing into truly sublime territory) and the dreamy and bittersweet tones of Ed Ed & Petja Virikko's "Sundroina" (feat Jinadu).
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Review: As Summer peaks, Berlin clubbing institution Watergate brings you the brand new series where standout tracks from their discography are remixed by some of their favourite artists. Kicking off the first instalment we have Matthias Meyer and Jimi Jules stepping up to deliver their twist on two big tunes from heavy-hitters Butch and Henrik Schwarz. First up is Meyer's remix of Butch's "Shahrzad", where he dishes out a truly timeless piece of dancefloor euphoria. With his trademark organic groove and swirling pads, Meyer guides you through a heavenly journey into the distant reaches of sonic elation. On the flip, Jimi Jules brings his A-game with a revision of Henrik Schwarz' classic "Words In Return" and in the process demonstrates an incredibly mature restraint, with precise and calculated efforts which results in an enchanting trip.
Watergate 18 (continuous DJ mix by Butch) - (1:19:51) 124 BPM
Review: By the stuffy standards of German techno, Bulent "Butch" Gurler is something of a maverick - an eccentric whose seemingly never-ending output regularly pulls techno in a variety of different directions. Certainly, he's a great choice to mix the latest instalment of Berlin club Watergate's excellent mix series. Beginning in a deep and contemplative mood, Gurler works through a range of micro-genres in an undulating, entertaining, 22-track trawl through various contemporary inspirations. Along the way, you'll find cuts by The Horrorist (as remixed by Ricardo Villalobos), Redshape (the thrilling broken techno of "Goom"), and Shifted and Sigha. There's also a couple of exclusives from the man himself and regular studio partner Hohberg, including the exotic, Arabic pulse of "Thai Cubensis".
Review: Berlin-based Polish duo Catz 'n Dogz return to Watergate Records, this time collaborating with Mexico's Theus Mago of Duro Records fame. As expected, there's dark disco vibes abound; like on the tunnelling late-night chug of opening cut "Understand", or the hypnotising main room stomper "Fly" which is sure to have crossover appeal, and the elvating energy of "Intuicion" with its razor sharp and multi-layered arpeggios that are equally sure to set off the main room.
Review: Watergate 22 is Catz'N'Dogz second official mix CD. It shows that the Polish pair have outgrown their minimal roots and have delivered a wide ranging, house selection. There's the deeper than deep late 90s "Let It Rain" by City People, while Chicago is represented by the veteran K-Alexi - on the wailing diva vocals of "You Get Down" - and later on with Da Posse. While there are echoes of minimal thanks to appearances from the likes of Krikor, the mix jumps quickly and breathlessly through styles that also includes Credit OO's tough jacking sound and the dense tribal house of Mr G's "Absurd Beatz 4".
Review: Like their first official mix CD for Get Physical back in 2012, Catz 'N Dogz latest mix on Watergate - Watergate 22- sees the pair drop classic house music from DJ Garth, Mystic Bill and Todd Terry. But as this second sampler shows, it also sees them deliver their own interpretation of these sounds. "Blakkat", their collaboration with Yotam Avni, is a killer chord-heavy serving of 90s tech house, while on "Afterglow", the Polish duo delivers a tough tribal workout. The mood changes on "To Ma People", their collaboration with Reno Wurzbacher, where deep Detroit chords are mixed with a soulful vocal to create a truly memorable deep house sound.,
Review: The Watergate 22 mix compilation is curated and mixed by Polish duo Catz 'N Dogz of the wildly popular Pets Recordings imprint. They deliver eight exclusive tracks from their mix via two EP's showcasing their expert ability to navigate a multitude of different styles. Spread across two releases are originals from the duo themselves, collaborations with Rotam Avni and Reno Wurzbacher plus two remixes from Prosumer ("Fire Burning When We Are") and Sebo K ("Afterglow" featuring the vocals of Shaun J. Wright). If that was not enough, there's another exclusive track from Wooton's finest Eats Everything and Lord Leopard.
Review: At the tail end of 2016, Culoe De Song enhanced his growing credentials with a fine set for the Watergate mix series. This tasty EP offers a first outing for the four previously unreleased productions he slipped into that mix. All are naturally superb, and tend towards the atmospheric. "Deadman's Walk" is a deep and emotion-rich shuffler that boasts some seriously stretched-out organ chords, while "Aftermatch" fixes spacey electronics and stargazing melodies to a jaunty, Osunlade style drum pattern. "Bang Royales" sounds like his fusion of deep house and the steppy rhythms of fellow South African DJ Mujave, while "Juice" is a stretched-out shuffler with distinctive nods to both Innervisions style tech-house, and Motor City futurism.
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: 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: Fur Coat have released EPs on some of techno and house music's biggest labels, including Crosstown Rebels and Hot Creations. Now they consolidate their relationship with a second EP for Berlin imprint Watergate. The Venezuelan pair's strength lies in their ability to effortlessly blur underground sound design with a big room sensibility and this approach is evident in spades on Immersion. The title track features slamming kicks providing the backdrop for chords that loop and filter their way hypnotically over the course of eight minutes, but without once sounding repetitive. "Inner Circle" is more understated, and sees the duo drop a pulsating, tranced out groove that is sure to dawn DJ sets ablaze with its electronic intensity.
Review: Fur Coat have enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past few years, releasing on labels like Bpitch, Hot Creations and Crosstown Rebels, with Damian Lazarus' label also putting out their debut album. The Venezuelan pair's latest record is on Watergate and showcases again their sleek, clubby sound. The title track revolves around a tone-shifitng bass and hissing percussion and these elements combine for a heads-down, late night sound. "Desire of Mine", which features Delhia De France provide some breathy vocals, resonates to blustery synths and has a more epic feeling to it. Changing tact, Watergate has commissioned Ruede Hagelstein to deliver a tripped out, minimal house take that is sure to hypnotise the Berlin club's main room.
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: 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: As stated previously, Hamburg house hero Matthias Meyer presented the 20th edition of Berlin super club Watergate's acclaimed mix series and several exclusive tracks he premiered for the mix are now finally available individually. On the second volume he serves up "Turgoyakk" by Russian up and comer Gorje Hewek; a stunningly gorgeous deep house excursion with dark elements that has just the right amounts of suspense and drama to captivate the world's dancefloors at present. Next up Frenchman via Sydney via Berlin YokoO teams up with Retza on "Satori", which has a bit more energy and bump in its groove but still focuses on dreamy and mesmerising elements. That string section that comes in around the two minute mark is just brilliant.
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: 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.
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.
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