Michael Kortenhaus – Am Rand Der Stille [Soundteller Records] After a rare week off, Deersky's Soundteller Records welcomes Michael Kortenhaus to the label for his debut single. Based in München, the German artist first appeared earlier this year with a string of projects for Bynomic's Another Life Music, where he released his debut album in March. His blend of dub techno, progressive house and melodic house & techno quickly found it's way to Soundteller affiliate 'Provider Music', who released Michael's 'Closer' EP in July. Now stepping up to parent label Soundteller, Michael presents his 'Am Rand Der Stille' single, alongside remixes from Dysco and Ric Niels. The original leads the release off and encompasses much of Michael's unique blend of styles. From a hazy dub techno style backdrop comes some progressive flavoured musicality. Icy pads marry perfectly with glowing swells across the first act, as charming vocal fragments and cascading tones carry the narrative into a well constructed break. Emotive chord changes and processed piano's Read More
Madloch & Subnode – A Short Moment [Another Life Music] Celebrating their milestone 100th release, Bynomic's Another Life Music welcomes Madloch and Subnode to the label for their debut single. Having been paired since the summer of 2018, the creative synergy between Madloch and Subnode has continued to grow. The Belgian duo have released seven originals and a remix since beginning their collaborative partnership. Their borderless approach to production has found the duo in the creative space between house and techno, oftentimes with a glacial, dubbed-out quality that appeases the underground's most discerning tastemakers. Now presenting their first original project of 2021, Madloch and Subnode commemorate Another Life's 100th release with A Short Moment', alongside remixes from Petar Dundov and Zoi (CA). From the opening bars of A Short Moment' you get an immediate sense of how strong the creative synergy between Madloch and Subnode is. Deep and powerful, its warm foundation is full of contour and character, while meandering atmosphere Read More
Alexiandro – Lost City [Wout Records] Continuing what has been a great year, Wout Records welcomes Alexiandro back to the label for a new EP. Born in Sicily but now based in the French Riviera, Alexiandro made his debut on Wout Records in December of last year with a contribution to the label's popular 'Wout Stars' collection. Finding a comfortable home on the label, Alexiandro then returned for his first artist EP in April of this year. Comprised of three tracks it showcased the Italian artists penchant for crafting astral sonics over contemporary techno frameworks, not unlike what is currently favoured by Tale of Us and Mind Against. Continuing to build a bond with Wout Records, Alexiandro now returns for a much anticipated follow up EP entitled 'Lost City', alongside a remix from Pisetzky. Beginning with the title selection, Alexiandro delivers one of his best productions to date. Led by a punchy groove, pulsating rhythms and astral stabs, its ethereal nature proves to be quite compelling. Dark and mysterious across Read More
The Cobb – Veter [-102C] -102C follows on from the release of Chapter One with a new single from label manager The Cobb. Firmly established in the worlds of progressive and organic house, the Russian artist has split time between -102C and Deepwibe Underground since first appearing a year ago. Now ten credits deep into his discography, The Cobb has earned support from electronic tastemakers Sasha, Solomun, Nick Warren and Guy J, while also being remixed by progressive music stars Dmitry Molosh, GMJ and Kamilo Sanclemente. As the year approaches it's fourth quarter The Cobb now returns to -102C with 'Veter', alongside a remix from Dmitry Molosh. With each production The Cobb continues to evolve and his latest entitled 'Veter' finds the Russian artist drifting further into organic territory. A deep, almost subterranean groove sets the piece in motion, as breathy vocal gates and layers of exotic percussion get added in. Delicate tones bring a lighter mood as the story evolves, perfectly intertwined with those Read More
Agustín Ficarra & Teleport-X – New Beginnings [Deepwibe Underground] The latest offering from Deepwibe Underground finds Agustin Ficarra & Teleport-X presenting their first ever collaboration. The Argentinean duo have both achieved measurable success in their respective solo careers, earning the support of Hernan Cattaneo while showcasing their music via Droid9, Nature Rec., Soundteller and Strangers Beats. Now joining forces for the first time, Agustin Ficarra & Teleport-X land on Deepwibe Underground with 'New Beginnings' alongside a remix from K-Loveski. Getting underway with the original mix, Agustin and Teleport-X combine their extensive forces for a nostalgic slice of progressive house. From its full, muscular groove comes driving percussion and buzzing effects. Evolving with power and momentum across the first act, placid pads provide a serene backdrop for a landscape of bubbly electronics. A majestic break sits at the heart of the journey, expertly crafted and concise in delivery, it’s effervescent rumble builds, as rising effects marry h Read More
Sean Harvey – Implode Explode [Dopamine White] Nikko.Z's Dopamine White welcomes Sean Harvey to the label for his debut EP. Based in the UK, Sean has been a fixture of his country's nightlife for the better part of three decades. Having promoted his Raise nights around central London for years, Sean eventually turned his hand to music production, landing releases via Future Avenue, Keep Thinking and PL7, where his amalgamation of progressive house and techno flourished. Now adding another impressive notch to his resume, Sean debuts on Dopamine White with a two-track showcase entitled 'Implode Explode'. Always finding the creative sweet spot between progressive house and melodic techno, Sean leans closer to the latter on the title selection. A tight fluid foundation makes for a strong presence early, as drone-like synths and clattering percussion percolate throughout the framework. Esoteric chord changes and whimsical motifs provide a unique emotional response leading into the break, where clustered arps and elastic-like lines p Read More
Lastraw, Nine Collins – Wonder Mind [Movement Recordings] The latest release from Tash's Movement Recordings finds Lastraw and Nine Collins returning to the label for their debut EP. The former has enjoyed a near decade long career as a producer, showcasing his techno sounds via Exotic Refreshment, Rhythmetic Records and Us and Them Records. Meanwhile, Nine Collins has enjoyed similar success as a DJ, playing some of Greece's trendiest venues such as Tokyo City Bar, Club Division and The Real Rock n Rolla. With a contribution to the Movement Recordings 'Technical Progress' Vol. 11 collection and the Her Kind' EP for label affiliate Astral Records both landing earlier this year, Lastraw and Nine Collins now return to Movement with Wonder Mind', alongside a remix from Circle of Life. Beginning with Wonder Mind', Lastraw and Nine Collins deliver one of their best productions to date. Led by a warm rolling groove, pulsating rhythms and astral stabs, its ethereal nature captivates from the outset. Dark and spacious across the first act, its em Read More
Marcovits – Weft [ICONYC] Kick-starting the month of September, John Johnson's ICONYC welcomes Marcovtis to the label for his debut EP. Born in Guatemala and now based in Israel, Marcovits first came to our attention with a release on Traum in 2018. Earning support from Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati and Nick Warren, the next three years saw Marcovits land projects on Cinematique, Natura Viva and Mercurial Tones. Now adding ICONYC to his resume, the Israeli artist presents his 'Weft' EP, alongside a remix from MR.MNT. Beginning with the title track Marcovits crafts a smooth, emotive journey that's nicely dialed for the waning summer months. Melancholic across the first act, a foundation of well shaped bass moves through poignant chord changes, eventually leading to a solemn sounding break. Building a nice amount of anticipation, the centrepiece drifts through placid pads and gentle bass swells, perfectly setting up a heartfelt finale. The companion piece 'Warp' follows a similar sonic profile Read More
Various Artists – Chapter One [-102C] The latest release from -102C finds the label showcasing the first installment of it's Various Artists EP compilation series. Set to be a recurring release and carefully curated by label bosses Monograph and The Cobb, the 'Chapters' series will showcase a colorful blend of deep, organic and progressive house. Getting the series off to a promising start are (in order of appearance) Monojoke, Alex Konstantinov and The Cobb. Getting the release underway and making his label debut is Monojoke. From progressive beginnings the Polish artist has successfully found a place in the organic house scene over the last year. Releases on 3rd Avenue, Nature Rec., RYNTH and more have all been a home for his revitalized sound. Now continuing that journey he debuts on -102C with 'Tristesse'. Smooth and evocative, it's a creation which showcases some amazing organic qualities, from the dusty percussion, exotic drums and warm key changing groove there is a lot to like. A building melodic storyboard is Read More
Various Artists – Celestial [Astral Records] Opening up the month of September in style, Astral Records presents the first installment of their Celestial' series. These VA collections will stretch across the globe searching out the finest untapped talent along with industry veterans. With a concise approach the label explores a full spectrum of melodic house and techno, with an emphasis on the astral qualities that has made the genre appealing to many. Wrapped up in this five-track journey is a veritable smorgasbord of beats and melodies that are sure to delight the senses. Featured on the first installment are (in order of appearance) Asonanete, Ta'kaam, Leghet, Bruno Longhitano and Jickow. Hailing from Spain and providing the first selection is Asonante. His dark atmospheric sound has found a home on Infinite Depth and WOOD, the latter of which has been his primary home since making his debut in 2018. Now adding Astral Records to his portfolio, Asonante makes his first appearance on Greek imprint with Volcano'. Punchy beats Read More