Transitions 495
Hour 1: John Digweed
01. Booka Shade feat. Fritz Helder - Love Drug (Eve LP) [Embassy One | BMV001]
02. MANIK & Maxxi Soundsystem - Live You Love (Black Butter Spread Love Vol.3) [Black Butter Records | BLKBTR-SLCD03]
03. Stelios Vassiloudis - Green In Blue (One Of Them Remix) (It Was What It Was Remixes) [Bedrock Records | BEDSVRMX2]
04. Thor - Yellow Sky Over Reykjavík (Baikal Remix) (Remastered Version) (Livingroom Techno 4 Compilation) [Connaisseur Recordings | cns018D]
05. Agents Of Time - Lost Dreams [Stem Records | STR007]
06. Philogresz - Mooder [Bedrock Digital | Beddigi43]
07. Amber - Waves Of Grain [Mobilee Records | MOBILEE124]
08. Ellen Allien & Thomas Muller - Free Nation (Ellen Allien Edit) [BPitch Control | BPC282]
09. Acumen - Between The Lines [Time Has Changed Records | THCD060]
10. Acumen - Between The Lines (Matthias Meyer Remix) [Time Has Changed Records | THCD060]
Downloads:
Hour 1 >> John Digweed Transitions 495 Studio Mix
Hour 2 >> Gardens Of God Transitions Guest Mix
Release Notes:
01. Booka Shade feat. Fritz Helder - Love Drug (Eve LP) [Embassy One | BMV001]
German house duo Booka Shade return with their fifth studio album, Eve. Named for the Manchester studio where members Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier crafted the songs that nearly marked their demise, the album marks a new beginning for the pair, who have remixed tracks by artists ranging from Depeche Mode to Kings of Leon. Despite their rocky road, they hung together and sparked a new lease on life in the process.
“We wanted to tell a new story, a story which represented a new start,” Kammermeier told Rolling Stone. “In order to create something exciting we needed to be somewhere exciting, so in search of inspiration we headed to the U.K. home of electronic music – Manchester – to record at a residential vintage recording studio.
We recorded an electronic album in a traditional way, and it made us feel like a band again. It was like going back to the beginning.” With Eve, Booka Shade has rendered 12 imaginatively structured electronic numbers. Led by its latest single, “Love Inc,” which pays tribute to one-time Chicago house giant Lil Louis with a sample of his 1992 hit “Club Lonely,” the disc balances the atmospheric, jazzy pulse of “Many Rivers” with the artful “Kalimera.” On the latter, a lilting piano meets the sound of a rumbling subway train. Still, it’s the brilliantly built “Crossing Borders,” which features the vocal assistance of deep house fixture Fritz Kalkbrenner and the trombone work of Groove Armada’s Andy Cato, that begs to be heard, either on the dance floor or in a car commercial.
" 'Love Drug' featuring Fritz Helder (formerly of Azari & III), is a highlight, in which Booka Shade combine glowering dubstep bass, minimal techno beats and an emotional vocal into a compelling slice of electronic pop." [RA]
"Booka Shade is back with a high-impact dance track, employing synths both deep and buoyant, dirty and etheric. A layered and contradictory cut with something for every electronic music lover. Except for minimalists." [Snack Tunes]
02. MANIK & Maxxi Soundsystem - Live You Love (Black Butter Spread Love Vol.3) [Black Butter Records | BLKBTR-SLCD03]
Taken from the forthcoming BB Spread Love Vol.3 compilation, featuring 23 exclusive tracks. Out 30th Dec 2013.
MANIK and Maxxi Soundsystem recently teamed up in this beautiful collaborative effort called “Life You Love.”
US meets the UK in this minimal but melodic tune — an interesting choice for label Black Butter Records. “Life You Love” is neither bassy, crunchy, or mean. It doesn’t thump as much as it rolls and it’s far from the more pop, garage-driven tracks we’ve heard from label mates like Clean Bandit, Rudimental, or Kidnap Kid.
“Life You Love” is closer to a classic house track and is down right enjoyable to listen to. Catch the release on December 26.
Massive support from Rudimental, Kidnap Kid, Gorgon City, MistaJam, Target, Laurent Garnier, Jaguar Skillz, Justin Martin, Huxley, DJ EZ, Dimitri from Paris and more.
Black Butter is a fairly new but well established imprint. They primarily release singles but we can envision some long players coming our way within the near future. This label has been moving from strength-to-strength since its launch in 2010, Black Butter supports the grittier end of the ever expanding bass-led scene with a distinct collective of producers under its wing, citing influences as broad as jungle, drum & bass, breakbeat, house, techno and 2-step, as well as ragga, dancehall, reggae and of course grime and dubstep.
The latest Volume includes releases from MANIK & Maxxi Soundsystem, My Nu Leng, Just Kiddin and a whole load of other Black Butter talent. You’ll find underground house vibes from Lokate, deep & sensual tracks from MANIK & Maxxi Soundsystem and bassy electronica from BNRY and loads more. Another well balanced compilation from the Black Butter crew.
Released by: (c) Black Butter Records
Release/catalogue number: BLKBTR-SLCD03
Release date: Dec 30, 2013
03. Stelios Vassiloudis - Green In Blue (One Of Them Remix) (It Was What It Was Remixes) [Bedrock Records | BEDSVRMX2]
From ambient soundscapes, down-tempo vocal tracks and slo-mo house, through to deliciously deep experiments, firing tech-house and acid grooves, “It Is What It Is”, the supremely exciting double-disc debut artist album from Stelios Vassiloudis, was released on Bedrock at the tail end of 2011. Then, at the height of summer 2012, came the first of a planned series of album remix packages featuring interpretations from some of the most exciting producers from around the world, fittingly titled “It Was What It Was”. Now, at the start of 2014, comes the next highly anticipated, super-exciting selection of remixes.
The original album is rich with the many vocal talents it hosts, one of the most glorious contributions coming from Astrid Suryanto on “Feed”, giving Russ Gabriel (whose name has been synonymous with UK Techno since 1993) the perfect backdrop to create an absolutely beautiful, fresh interpretation. The brilliant One Of Them (aka New York based Niko Dalagelis) continues with the beauty theme, taking the vocal contribution of Japan’s Tomomi Ukomori on “Green Is Blue” into a deeply chilled house excursion, whilst the Japanese music master, Satoshi Tomiie, interprets things a more upbeat manner that is equally enthralling for his remix.
Guy J’s work is always touched with a magic and emotion that few rival and his remix of “I Burn Like” is yet another example of why his productions are so special. This time the distinctive original vocals of Darren Murphy are meshed into a deeply hypnotic journey. In contrast, Wiretappeur (the production partnership between Florian Kruse, Nils Nurnberg and Stelios himself) turn “I Burn Like” into a seductive slo-mo vocal house masterpiece.
Dieb Audio’s John Dalagelis (brother of the aforementioned Niko) was heavily involved in the original album project and returns here with a delightfully adventurous, jazz-influenced, widescreen techno take on “Repetition”. The superb selection of creative remixes is brought to a finale with India’s Arjun Vagale joining forces with Spain’s Ramiro Lopez to put together a frenetic percussive acid interpretation of “What's That” (odd one out here as the original track first appeared on the Bedrock 14 compilation album).
Anyone open to the emotions on display here really should check out “It Is What It Is”, the original debut artist album by Stelios Vassiloudis, as it is much more than a collection of great tracks. It’s an exceptionally exciting, bold and brave body of music that defiantly stands the test of time, beyond fickle trends and fashions, and remains a benchmark release from Bedrock to this day.
Released by: Bedrock Records
Release/catalogue number: BEDSVRMX2
Release date: Jan 20, 2014
04. Thor - Yellow Sky Over Reykjavík (Baikal Remix) (Remastered Version) (Livingroom Techno 4 Compilation) [Connaisseur Recordings | cns018D]
After having recharged our batteries over the holidays and having planned the upcoming year, it is time for another part of Livingroom Techno.
In the fourth year already, we deliver what we can do best: dance music, but not primarily for dancefloors. Cozy beats for bopping along, head nodding and hip shaking. Again, we have selected highlights from our repertoire and combined them with exclusive pearls by friends of the label. Enjoy!
Released by: Connaisseur Recordings
Release/catalogue number: cns018D
Release date: Mar 2, 2014
[Original Release notes]
If we had to say, which artists or labels from the 90ies influenced and inspirited us most, Iceland citizen Thorhallur Skulason with his imprints Thule, AE etc. would definitely be one of our top choices. Under his monikers Thor, Flow.machine, Sanasol or OZ Arists just to name a few, he has created timeless pearls, which to this day, still are true companions in many a knowledgeable DJs case and an essential of every proper record collection. Dub, Techno, Disco and House all are ingredients you will find in his music, however always with this specific and unique kind of Icelandic atmosphere.
A few months ago, we came in touch, initially actually only to toll him respect. However, following avid contact, we had the spontaneous idea of asking Thor if he had any unreleased music or tracks, he would like to re-release from the 90ies. This question turned out to be the bull’s eye: an unexpectedly huge amount of music, somehow lost in a box full of DAT tapes. Over the course of weeks, Thor sent us package upon package of tracks, digitalized from this treasure box. Several tracks really made us speechless and inspired us to plan the Icelandic Lost Tracks series. How many parts there will be in the end, we don’t yet know, but so far two 12”s are definite.
With Yellow Sky Over Reykjavík, part 1’s a-side features a previously unreleased piece of music by Thor, which, had it been released in the year it was made, would definitely be a classic nowadays, similar to Cold’s Strobelight Network, the first catalogue number on his Thule Records. A track for those rare magic moments, we all longingly seek for, a tune to reset the dancefloor. A true milestone!
You Are All Lost on the flip side already was released in 1997 on Thor’s famous Alien’s Don’t Boogie release. A track that might as well be a blueprint for deepness, raw yet warm, a subtle dub house experience, deserving a re-release, properly re-mastered of course.
We are proud to have the opportunity to release such outstanding tracks. Part 2 will be released in November.
Released by: Connaisseur Supérieur
Release/catalogue number: cnss017-6
Release date: Sep 22, 2010
[Re-Release Notes]
When we released Thor's “Yellow Sky Over Reykjavík” on the first part of our “Icelandic Lost Tracks” series in 2010, we were proud beyond words to discover such an outstanding and still unreleased track from one of our heroes from the 90ies.
We called the original a dancefloor-resetter, an expression which was also used more than onceby reviewers and press-people when writing about the release.
When we decided to do the Iconography series with its wonderful artwork, split in four parts and illustrated by Julia Humpfer, we knew we had to use this bomb for it, but also that we have to choose the remixers wisely.
After making the right choice with Tuff City Kids and Lake People as remixers for Chymera's classic “Caprica Burning”, the first part of our Iconography Series, we apparently also had the right instinct with Prins Thomas and Baikal for Thor's “Yellow Sky Over Reykjavík”. Both interpreted the tune in a very personal way, but with full respect for the original parts. Two directions, two anthems. Nuff said!
Released by: Connaisseur Recordings
Release/catalogue number: cns062-6
Release date: Oct 2, 2013
05. Agents Of Time - Lost Dreams [Stem Records | STR007]
Hailing from Bari, the Agents Of Time are Andrea Di Ceglie, Fedele Ladisa and Luigi Tutolo. The italian trio started this ambitious project in July 2013. The debut album will be released on the british label, Stem Records, in January 2014.
Their innovative sound, characterised by the fusion of strong elements that are electronic, progressive, techno and ambient, allows to relate with any kind of dance-floor.
The ubiquitous Stem Records outfit kicks off 2014 with another slick jam, this time hailing from debuting Italian producer trio Agents Of Time. After exceptional releases from Alveol & Genoveva, Ted Alexander or Kurt Baggaley, the upcoming "Lost Dreams EP" is another proof for Stem's neato A&R work, sifting through tons of new, virtually unknown artists to find that rare gem that will satisfy DJs and crowds alike.
Released by: Stem Records
Release/catalogue number: STR007
Release date: Jan 27, 2014
06. Philogresz - Mooder [Bedrock Digital | Beddigi43]
Bedrock welcome Dutch artist Philogresz to the family with his latest track 'Mooder'.
The productions of Ilker Soylu have been described as "channeling unexpected sudden deep space or possibly even beyond that", and when listening to Mooder you can empathise with this quote as the listener is gently drawn in by his melodic synth line and warm, pulsing bass. The clever hammer shots that evolve into robotic bird song add to the draw as Philogresz casually builds with piercing but never painful chords. Pain is the last thing we feel here as Mooder's constantly evolving composition sees that we are enveloped by the music. Smooth, steady and uplifting.
Mooder is released as a single track download on February 3rd 2014.
07. Amber - Waves Of Grain [Mobilee Records | MOBILEE124]
Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent officially launches his new Amber project with 'Wave of Grain', his debut EP for Mobilee Records. Beginning life as a part a one-off collaboration Jake & Amber on Minus - which resulted in This Is Mine, perhaps the most house track the label ever released - Amber captures the lighter side of McHugh's sound, which shone through in his Ambivalent work, notably via the mischievous vocals of Down or the disco groove of his Plus 8 EP Jackson.
Having spent his career to date as part of the Minus collective, Amber marks the starts of a new phase in McHugh's career - no longer obligated to confine his sound to within a very specific label aesthetic, the New York via Berlin producer now enjoys the freedom to take his sound into new area, with Amber representing the house end of the various projects he now has in motion, while his main Ambivalent guise has already begun to widen its scope, with appearances on Turbo, Cocoon, Ovum and Soma in the past couple of years.
Tasked with finding a home for the new Amber sound, Anja Schneider's Mobilee label was the perfect fit for Waves of Grain's combination of fleet-footed house and darker techno undercurrents, and so it proved upon the huge reception for the track's test plays in recent Schneider sets.
The A2, Space Album, makes the distinction of the Amber project from McHugh's previous work even more explicit, with a rubbery synth melody and swinging beat putting the funkier elements of his sound front & centre.
The vinyl edition of the EP packages the two tracks with a remix from Hobo, which takes the low-slung style of the original and pumps it up into an unashamedly big room house track that's sure to appeal to anyone who went crazy for Hobo's 2013 summer anthem Incise.
The digital edition, out a week after the vinyl, comes with its own exclusive in the shape of The Story, a melancholic counterpoint to the EP's title track, with its dueling male and female vocal samples supplementing a disarmingly light melody underpinned by a stealthy pulsing rhythm.
Released by: mobilee records
Release/catalogue number: mobilee124
Release date: Feb 3, 2014
08. Ellen Allien & Thomas Muller - Free Nation (Ellen Allien Edit) [BPitch Control | BPC282]
Could Ellen Allien and Thomas Muller be crowned the new dream team of tech-house?
In all modesty – with their current collaboration and the resulting 12" Free Nation the two long-standing label colleagues have delivered four absolutely killer tracks. The basic framework initially came about in Ellen's living room. Ultimately the tracks were completed independently of one another in Berlin and Thomas' previous home city of Paris.
It is remarkable how a common starting point can lead to such different results: the Grande Dame of tech-house has her puppets dancing with no inhibitions as she mixes freaky noises with deliciously overdriven Roland SH-101 synth lines in “Free Nation” and Jupiter 6 synth lines in Delta Zoo before launching an all-out assault on the ears with an explosive mixture of straight-up, bone-dry, old-school beats. This creates a sumptuous retro-techy sound that still throbs with the energy of the present day.
Thomas also takes a very punchy approach to his edits of Free Nation and Delta Zoo. Contrary to Ellen, however, he often leaves space between the straight-up, bone-dry beats for trippy atmospherics and subtly dispersed house elements. These lend his tracks a certain laid-back elegance, but without diminishing their raw power in the slightest – without doubt four genuine floor-fillers and an extremely promising artist liaison!
Written and produced by Ellen Allien &Thomas Muller 2013 in Berlin and Paris Vocals by Ellen Allien. Ellen Allien edits by Ellen Allien + co produced by Skinnerbox. Free Nation will be released on Vinyl with additional Edits.
[Exclaim Review]
Orchestra of Bubbles, Ellen Allien's 2006 collaboration with Apparat, helped the German producer stretch out her steely microhouse sound. On Free Nation, Allien again experiments with her craft, teaming up with Parisian laptopist Thomas Muller. Not quite a proper collab, Free Nation consists of four edits taken from a pair of pre-assembled skeleton beats.
Allien's edit of "Free Nation" works from a Grace Jones/Mute Records-influenced leitmotif, as her hypnotic vocal-snippets hum bold, while Muller's propulsive rhythm-heavy edit comes off more glitch than glam. On "Delta Zoo," Muller flirts with British dubstep and American neo-soul, while Allien transforms the song into a digestible, '90s-style electronic jam.
Far from an essential release, due to its arbitrary novelty factor, Free Nation is nonetheless a great musical exercise designed to help traffic these two prolific artists out from their respective comfort zones.
09. Acumen - Between The Lines [Time Has Changed Records | THCD060]
10. Acumen - Between The Lines (Matthias Meyer Remix) [Time Has Changed Records | THCD060]
For his latest release, French producer Antoine Garcin AKA Akumen, really brings the heat in his own inimitable way.
The Between The Lines EP sees the main man return to his home imprint, Time Has Changed, thanks to the Between The Lines EP, a typically fascinating prospect that emphatically showcases a sound that's been customised with his new live show in mind. One quick listen to the title track, and its immediately apparent why this is indeed the case. Full of dexterous, beguiling synths and a sound exterior that produces numerous high-points throughout, its just as catchy as it is discerning, and a nimble dance-floor slayer thats best suited to big systems.
On the remix front, Matthias Meyer elongates the originals bass-line and adds a heavy dose of techy atmosphere. Its a subtle re-rub that quite excellently picks at and manipulates the originals charming facets. Emerging Italian producer keeps the bells intact but jettisons much else on his remix, a more gregarious and sprightly listen than whats come before.
That First Feeling sees Acumen lead us on a merry dance thats full of haunting moments and pure, full-on groove once more. A true masterclass in the complexity of production, it calls on numerous contrasting sounds and brings the noise in a big way.
Lastly, Charlotte On The Rooftop signs off with a cheeky forceful outlook, the type of which you'll happily drift off to another place on the dance-floor. Another winner from the Time Has Changed boss. Watch out for his live show coming to a show near you in 2014.
Hour 2 : Gardens Of God
01. Doyeq - On My Way [Pro-Tez | PT029]
02. Arthur Russell - She's the Star/I Take This Time [Audika Records | AU10022]
03. Die Vögel - Maikäferbenzin [Pampa Records | PAMPA008]
04. ID - ID
05. Gardens Of God - YS [Ellum Audio | ELL017]
06. ID - ID
07. Rampa - Ay [Keinemusik | KM020]
08. John Tejada & Justin Maxwell - Razzle [Detone Records | DET010]
09. Agents Of Time - Lost Dreams [ Stem Records | STR007]
10. Gardens Of God - Apnea [Ellum Audio | ELL017]
11. Ruede Hagelstein - Big Bang [Souvenir Music | SOUVENIR 061]
12. Redshape - 100 (Classic Mix) [Delsin Records | 100dsr/var4]