Review: This 2024 reissue of an all time and much love classic Raumgleiter by Der Dritte Raum presents an exceptional concept trance album that remains ahead of its time, defying the stigma once and sometimes attached to the genre. Highlighting tracks like "Hale Bopp" and "Polarstern," which made waves in big rooms at the time, the real gem lies in "Lava," transitioning seamlessly from acid builds to progressive trance, which then leads perfectly into "Hale Bopp." Der Dritte Raum's hypnotic beats and catchy melodies went far to transport listeners to other dimensions back in the day, and a fresh 2024 re-up does the same thing- groundbreaking stuff for trance enthusiasts.
Review: Amsterdam's Human Space Machine, a co-founder of the esteemed De Lichting collective, presents a versatile arsenal of techno gems perfect for both the scorching mid-day festival vibes and the enigmatic depths of the night. With tracks like the pulsating ''Mopo'' and the mesmerizing ''Arp'', Human Space Machine navigates through crystallised basslines and squishy chord stabs, delivering a hypnotic journey that transcends time. From the high-speed pursuit sensation of ''Lyf'' to the bubbling groove of ''Newendam'', this record offers a captivating blend of darkness and euphoria, making it a must-have for any techno aficionado's collection.
Review: In 2003, amid a shifting landscape of closing record stores and evolving electronic music genres, Phonica Records emerged as a haven for dance and electronic music enthusiasts. Founded by Simon Rigg, Tom Relleen, and Heidi Van Den Amstel with backing from The Vinyl Factory - Phonica aimed to be a welcoming hub for all genres. Starting quietly, the shop gradually gained a strong reputation, fueled by the founders' ties to Koobla Records. Phonica thrived in its early years by championing emerging genres like electro house and minimal-micro house from labels like Kompakt and Perlon. In 2007, the Phonica record label was born, evolving into a platform for both staff and emerging talents, featuring early releases by now-established artists such as Peggy Gou and Four Tet. In 2023, celebrating its 20th anniversary, Phonica showcases its journey with 20 Years Of Phonica - a compilation boasting 18 exclusive tracks from established and rising artists across the label's diverse musical spectrum. Hot tips include tracks by Willow, Dorisburg, Ron Basejam, Roman Flugel and more!
Review: Acid house in sound but punk in nature, the title of Paranoid London's new album is a reference to "the cavalcade of c***s we find ourselves surrounded by". However, while there is despair there is also hope, and this long player is testament to the power of underground music. Arseholes...also demonstrates the importance of collaboration. Bobby Gillespie croons his way through the gentle tones of "People (Ah Yeah)". At the other end of the sonic spectrum, Joe Love and DJ Genesis feature on the gnarly, 303-led grooves of "Love One Self" and "Up Is Down" respectively. Somewhere between these polar opposites sits the evocative Chicago house sound of "Start To Fade" with Josh Caffe and Mutado Pintado's sonorous vocals on the pulsating "The Motion". Paranoid London proves yet again that when confronted by a***holes, music really is the only answer.
Review: Following up her 2022 Kissing O The Dancefloor release, Berlin-based producer Sarah Wild goes big in Rush - with a hell of a master going down over these tracks too. Opting for a post-warehouse techno sound, her use of Italo-inspired arps, streaking house chords, disco percussion and techno bleeps make for a huge combination in the lead track, "Rush". For her B-side cut she brings in a back-beat with disco fever that's cruisin' the Rimini freeways in a track that feels like a new age ultimo combination of Yello's "The Race" and Kavinsky's Testarossa. Free wheelin'!
Review: Next up on Sleep D's label is Fader Cap with a tripped-out four track EP. Following a path that traverses techno and progressive house while making nods to trance and dub influences, Blue Pool is a distinctive release. "Toxic Lip" resounds to bugged out acid and a pulsating bass, while "1080 Beach" is all about the frazzled, hypnotic textures that Fader Cap fuses with a rolling groove. "Day Dream" is just as tripped out, with half-heard vocal samples unravelling over spiralling acid lines. "Blue Pool" is another wonderfully frazzled track - led by reverberating, synth hook and lithe break beats, it's the ideal soundtrack to accompany warmer, longer days.
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