Review: Judging by the overcrowded sweaty scenes in Dalston for the launch party of Justice's second album, the iconic French duo still retain a core number of fans - who will no doubt be eager to snap up this deluxe version of said album. Audio Video Disco comes in gatefold, silver embossed sleeve, holding both the double vinyl and CD versions of the eleven track album. Musically, this is an album that delves deeper into Gaspard and Xavier's passion for prog, marrying the jagged harshness of the 07 era when they ruled the roost with stadium sized ambition. It's probably one of this year's most divisive albums, but then Justice have always liked making a noise.
Review: We got a repress of this gem this year thanks to the lovely people at PIAS, a body-pumping amalgamation of synth-pop and electroid deluge. There's plenty or tracks here, but the standouts are definitely "Alice Practice", a cross between Boys Noize and some deranged industrial outfit form the 80s; "Air War" a glitchy, technoid thumper; "1991" their most concrete electro piece and "Black Panther", one of the most moving soundscapesque pieces we know.
Review: This is New York-based, Florida native Anthony Naples' first EP since OTT/ZTL back in 2018. Produced right at the start of NYC's summer reopening, the five tracks on Club Pez 'express a state of optimism and excitement for club and dance experiences equal parts real and totally imaginary.' A bouncy bass plays centre stage while underpinned by Afro-house beats on the psychedelic dance of 'Bonk', before taking it down a couple of notches for the deep and minimal afterhours acid of 'Pez Anthem' as well as the elevating energy of 'Solero' on the flip.
Calypso Of House (Keytronics Ensemble original mix)
Review: After the success of Faze Action "In The Trees" Juno Records continue their 10th Anniversary series with the classic Balearic track "Calypso Of House". For this release Juno employ the skills of French deep house producer Julien Jabre who delivers a corking slice of peak time action - he said he had a lot of fun doing this remix and it definitely sounds like it. Also on the remix duties are Pearn & Bridges who had one of the biggest dance hits of last year with Bodyrox's "Yeah Yeah".
Pretentious Friends (feat Busdriver - Call by Pillowtalk)
Shipwreck (with Thom Yorke)
Evil Twin (vocals by Otto Von Schirach)
German Clap
Berlin (feat Miss Platnum)
Grillwalker
Green Light Go (with PVT - additional synth by Siriusmo)
Humanized (feat Anti Pop Consortium)
This (with Thom Yorke)
War Cry (guitar by Sascha Ring of Apparat)
Review: Over the years, Modeselektor have forged a reputation as fearless innovators, neatly sidestepping genres and frequently confounding critics. Given their tireless touring schedule and the fact they run two prolific labels it's perhaps no surprise that it's been some four years since the last full-length Modeselektor album. Monkeytown flits effortlessly between skittish 140 BPM bass music, clandestine electronica, sludgy hip-hop and even warehouse-flavoured tropical rhythms (see "German Clap"). There are some real standouts, including a dreamy, slo-mo pop outing with PVT, two collaborations with Thom Yorke and a droning Anti-Pop Consortium hook-up. Must-check.
Review: It's easy to forget that Justice were once one of dance music's most hyped acts, gracing magazine covers and gate-crashing the pop charts with a succession of crunchy, electro-house bombs. Times may have moved on, but the Parisian duo remain big news. Woman is their first studio album for five long years, and smartly moves between quirky, radio-friendly pop and thrusting club workouts. In the latter category you'll find the spiraling, low-slung, Italo-disco-with-balls of "Alakazam", the classic Ed Banger growl of "Chorus", and the vintage Daft Punk madness of "Heavy Metal". While these are impressive, it's actually the more downtempo songs - "Love S.O.S" and the dreamy "Close Call" included - that arguably stand out.
Review: In 2013, Africaine 808 man Dirk Leyers joined forces with pal Mirko Hector under the Project01 alias. Two 12" singles appeared, before the duo parted company to work on other projects. Two years on, they return with a new 12" for Endless Flight. They begin with "Institution 01", an alluring blend of weighty acid house bass, loose drum machine rhythms, creepy electronics and fluttering deep house melodies. As you might expect, "Planet 01" sees the duo drag their sound further towards Motor City techno, whilst retaining the snappy drums and wiggling acid lines of Chicago. Closer "Pawnshop 01", meanwhile, is an altogether warmer and hazier proposition, with the winding synth melodies and baked bassline suggestion Balearic inspirations.
Review: Hot Chip are back! The coolest dudes since Devo return like a monkey with a miniature cymbal with their seventh full length album. With vocoding effects layered over the sweet tone of Alexis Taylor's voice referencing all matter of contemporary and retro-active pop and trance sensibilities, this album once again sees Hot Chip at the front of pioneering, friendly and avant garde pop music. Produced by the late Philippe Zdar (one half of Cassius) - also responsible for applying award winning touches to albums by Phoenix and Cat Power, Domino is calling the record "a celebration of joy but recognises the struggle it can take to get to that point of happiness". Our tips: album opener "Melody Of Love" and the '80s trance-pop that is "Hungry Child".
Review: Alter Ego's world conquering "Why Not?!" is back, along with a typically brilliant Joakim remix to boot. Don't miss this Klang Electronik release.
Review: Tornado Wallace & Jamie Tiller's Basic Spirit (named after their popular party series in Berlin) returns with its sophomore effort, with Wallace flying solo on this one titled 'Dream Corner'. The title track is an absolutely euphoric offering, featuring emotive vocals, pan-pipes and contrasted by a sinister and lurking bassline. The hyperaware energy of the Speed Bump mix follows, while the loved-up sunrise breaks of B-side cut 'Sea Translation' comes with an ambient version.
Review: Slovenian imprint phi hands controls over to Rub800 for this new EP Port Escape. The producer heads on to see on a wave of silky final grooves and aqueous pads that very much keep you afloat in to the wee hours. After the wispy neons and smeared chords of 'Port Escape' comes the hissing perc and winky bass tones of tripped out delight 'The Gate Keeper.' Weird and wonderful melodies and harmonic tones continues to define 'Home For More' as it bumps along in low key fashion and '4 Days' (Won't Stop mix) closes out with a stylish electro vibe.
Review: Rabid Sweden are currently reissuing a number of The Knife's early records. Silent Shout is arguably the band's most famous. It was their second after the bubbly euro-dance delights of Deep Cuts and proved a marked change in sound and style. Gone were the bright arps, the happy-go lucky drums and upbeat dance songs, and instead came low slung bass, menacing and snaking guitar leads and tortured vocals. All these years later the album has stood the test of time and still very much stands out as a high point in the band's career. This special reissue comes on limited violet vinyl.
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