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Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Odopt is back on Especial and this time is in collaborative mode with Sebastian Hoyos aka Sano, who is a regular on the likes of Matias Aguayo's Comeme and Munich's Public Possession. The pair cook up a fine globally-minded club trip that comes with another label return, this time from remixer Jamie Paton. The original 'Picha' first started as a sketch in 2016 then became a demo in 2019 now finally arrives on wax. It's a raw percussive workout with razor-sharp snares and plenty of cowbells. Next to an instrumental comes the Paton remix and it is a trademark deep and dubwise piece of work with widescreen dynamics.

Review: (Emotional) Especial and Giraffi Dog join forces once more to offer up the second installment of their concept EP series. It is focussed on live and studio collaborations and this one comes in two halves: the first half kicks off with '6th Chakra' (feat DJ Deflektorschild) - a fully live deep house and hi-tek soul exploration with mind-expanding synths and Detroit drum sounds. 'King OTN' is a jack dup acid cut ripped with cosmic synth details and 'DX Metero' has sheet metal synths lashing about next to ethereal synths and busted drum breaks. 'Starfather' is a star-facing closer with elegant piano notes dancing over serene grooves. A vital showcase of this essential live artist.

Review: Especial is a label always on a mission to unearth left-of-centre perspectives on club music. This new EP, Be Honest, is just that from long-time friends Lipelis and Arsenii, who are based in Belgrade and New York but seek inspiration in the New York sounds of the 80s and hook up with Gayana for some woozy and lovelorn vocal additions. 'Be Honest' is a dubbed out and swaggering deep disco groove that comes as long, dub and cappella versions on the A-side. The 12" dance mix brings some superb house drums into the picture and the Dubplate VIP is a fresh jungle rhythm. This is an EP with something for all.

Review: Berlin's Giraffi Dog and (Emotional) Especial have joined forces for a special two part EP series that brings their live set to wax. It came after so many live tours were cancelled during the pandemic and proves to be a great success. The Giraffi Dog sound comes from Max Webber who debuted it with his L'Existence Du Reve album back in 2016 and further drops on the likes of Aiwo Recs and the WARNING label series. Poker Flat and Dessous associate Max Heesen was then brought on board to take the show on the road and thrill crowds with elements of their punk and hip-hop background colouring their breakbeat driven club cuts. These have been recorded live in the studio using drum machines, synths and vocoders and really do capture their pair's live energy.

Review: DJ/producer Philip Lauer from Frankfurt has teamed up with Berlin vocalist Dena to create a modern take on Julie Stapleton's soulful house classic, containing multiple versions. Lauer's Hotel Lauer EP on Especial in 2016 cemented his position in the scene, with albums for Permanent Vacation and Running Back. Dena, born in Bulgaria and raised in Berlin, has released electronic dance-pop stylings on Kitsune Music and K7. The EP features a Club Mix, a Demo Mix, a deep tech remix by DJ Slyngshot, and a drifting Balearic version for late summer nights and dawn.

Review: [Emotional] Especial looks back at the first 9 releases since its inception to provide a
selection or "Eleccio" via a special dubbed out DJ meets studio mix from label stalwart
Jamie Paton. Ever since the first white labels appeared at the end of Summer 2013, [Emotional] Especial
has been busy putting out music that are their own warped take on club music. Mixing the
influences of dub, electro, disco, proto-house, house and techno, a sound appeared without any preordained plan. To celebrate the end of the first series of releases come EES10CD - a DJ meets studio
compilation mix created by label artist, remixer and even in-house designer, Jamie Paton. Freaturing tracks from every EP, including two unreleased remixes are the tight productions
of Richard Sen; the wiggle of Scott Fraser; deep, chugging Cage & Aviary dubs; the Eastern
influences of Baris K and newcomers Khidja; the quirky discoid wonk of Maurice & Charles and finally not forgetting of course, the stand out Timothy J Fairplay touches. Whether
alongside Mr Weatherall, Andy Blake or in solo remix mode, young "Junior"s skills (and name)
grows and grows.
All this is perfectly put together by Jamie Paton, the man who launched the label with his
Bizarre Feeling EP. As well as the inclusion of several unreleased cuts, Jamie has edited the
"selection", adding live studio dubbing, FX and the odd mega-mix to make it truly (E)special.

Review: Odopt is back on Especial and this time is in collaborative mode with Sebastian Hoyos aka Sano, who is a regular on the likes of Matias Aguayo's Comeme and Munich's Public Possession. The pair cook up a fine globally-minded club trip that comes with another label return, this time from remixer Jamie Paton. The original 'Picha' first started as a sketch in 2016 then became a demo in 2019 now finally arrives on wax. It's a raw percussive workout with razor-sharp snares and plenty of cowbells. Next to an instrumental comes the Paton remix and it is a trademark deep and dubwise piece of work with widescreen dynamics.

Review: Remotif is a fast-rising star with a sound being called 'trance fusion.' He makes his mark again to that end with a new one on Especial that brings more of his modern-day ethnic styles to the driving breaks of techno following outings on the likes of Coymix and Space Lab and sets everywhere from Fabric to Berlin's Warning parties. This one kicks off with 'U 15' which is a busy blend of shimmery timbres and sharp perc, spaced-out pads and psychedelic synths that are ever on the rise. More trance overtones define 'Glint's Pursuit' and 'The Elevated Place' is slick and sleek, ascending and always rising. 'The Sunken Place' shuts down with more slow and percolating dub mutations to round out a superb EP.

Review: Emotional Especial marks its milestone 50th release with Gracias Especial, which is a showcase of the label's past, present and future. Founded in 2012 as the club-focused sibling to Emotional Response, Especial has become a trusted home for genre-blurring dance music from Jamie Paton's dubwise vision to trance-infused gems by 53X. This celebratory collection release features standout contributions from Alphonse, Chez De Milo, Jonne Lyden and remixes by Paton, whose design and sonic imprint define the label's identity. A heady blend of slow-motion trance, acid dub, rave nostalgia and deep, dubbed-out beats, it distils 12 years of dancefloor devotion into one essential release.

Notes: Bad Comrade Pedal

(Glitch, Pitch, Slice, and Dice)

Is it a distortion pedal? Is it a ring modulator? Delay? Just call it the Bad Comrade, the world's first hand-wired glitch, pitch, slice, and dice pedal. For the adventurous guitarist (or anyone wielding a 1/4" jack) that craves unthinkable tones, the Bad Comrade lets you distort, modulate, glitch, and slice on the fly.

The Bad Comrade is hand-wired in Seattle, Washington. True bypass, chrome plated LED, lead-free solder. It operates on a standard Boss style 9vdc power supply, not included. Includes a limited lifetime warranty, if registered within 30 days of purchase.

Important: power up the Bad Comrade with Glitch and Time wide open.

Enclosure size: 4.67" x 3.654" x 1.547"

Notes: Cutting Room Floor V3 Eurorack Module

(Vintage Reel-to-Reel Tape, Echo, and Stutter)

The Cutting Room Floor was designed to emulate the sound and functionality of vintage reel-to-reel tape overdrive and echo. This eurorack module reaches into the 21st century with customized features that traverse the world of modulation and delay. Imagine an abandoned factory with a fluttering tape machine left on repeat.

The Cutting Room Floor provides beautifully marred saturated tape tone, and ethereal repeats in a streamlined 6hp interface. Other features include a freeze button that traps any tone while still playing and CV control for time.

Designed and assembled in Seattle, Washington. Includes a limited 1-year warranty, if registered within 30 days of purchase.

6hp, 43mm deep, 150ma current draw.

Notes: Bleeding Hearts Eurorack Modular Device

(Random Sequencer, Rhythm Generator, Destroyer, and Filter)

The Bleeding Hearts is a device that starves, bit crushes, splatters, and filters audio sources like no other. Feeding a gate signal to the Bleeding Hearts enables a whole new world of strange and random analog-generated movement. Each position of the 8-step sequencer can bleed into each other and interact with the destruction effect, creating gated and filtered splatters, glitches, and crunches that move to the beat of your patch.

Designed and assembled in Seattle, Washington. Includes a limited 1-year warranty, if registered within 30 days of purchase.

20hp, 42mm deep.

Notes: Sound Destruction Device (Ultimate Distortion Tool)

The Sound Destruction Device is a variable resistor distortion with a twin T-notch filter that distorts, glitches, clips, and filters sound into unearthly shapes. Five parameters allow for creating super thick fuzz, starved splatters, and sonic malformations. CV control takes the damage to another level. Warp, contort, and twist shapes to create your own distinctive tones. The Sound Destruction Device has no limits. It is the ultimate distortion tool!

Designed and assembled in Seattle, Washington. Includes a limited 1-year warranty, if registered within 30 days of purchase.

8hp, 18mm deep, 10ma current draw.

Notes: Inspired by vintage drum synths, the unique Seven Sisters creates everything from classic percussion tones through to experimental synth effects. Play via buttons or trigger inputs compatible with widely available sequencers.

Supplier's Notes:
Seven Sisters is a percussion synthesizer with seven voices that aims to capture the essence of late '70s instruments like the Syncussion and Syndrum.

Each voice is equipped with multiple oscillators, noise generators, and filters, providing rich, complex tones beyond the capabilities of the original devices. This allows you to recreate classic sounds or craft more realistic snare, hi-hat, and cymbal effects. The result is a powerful percussion synthesizer that blends the essence of early drum synthesis with modern flexibility.

You can trigger Seven Sisters using the buttons at the bottom of the unit or trigger inputs at the top. It's the perfect companion for your Beatstep Pro, Korg SQ-64, Eurorack, or other trigger sequencers, whether in the studio or on stage.

Notes: Inspired by classic 70s analogue drum synths like the Syncussion and Syndrum, the Eurorack version of the Seven Sisters offers seven different sound modes, each with four CV-controllable parameters.

Supplier's notes:
Seven Sisters is a percussion synthesizer featuring seven voices that aims to capture the essence of late '70s instruments such as the Syncussion and Syndrum.

This module contains 7 presets, with one voice playable at a time. Each voice has four editable controls, including volume, and parameters such as decay, pitch, and filter, all of which can be controlled via CV. Each voice also includes multiple oscillators, noise generators, and filters, providing rich, complex tones beyond the capabilities of the original devices. This enables you to recreate classic sounds or craft more realistic snare, hi-hat, and cymbal effects. The result is a powerful percussion synthesizer that combines the essence of early drum synthesis with modern flexibility.

Review: BBC Radio 6Music favourites Tom Ravenscroft and Nemone are already backing +33JOY's The Wellness Remixes, a year on from Bopperson & Bikbaye's original Wellness Project. This 12-inch release sees four UK-based producers reimagine the message for the dancefloor. Frankson brings an atmospheric, found-sound collage, perfect for closing sets, amplifying Bikbaye's powerful words. K15 takes 'Consumption' deeper, blending Rhodes melodies with shuffling percussion and sub-heavy basslines. Titeknots flips 'Changes' into a tropical journey, all hypnotic guitars and infectious grooves. Michael J. Blood wraps things up with a 15-minute, cavernous techno stomper, pushing boundaries and commanding the B-side in style.

Review: L&F's The Zeer Zamin EP on +98 Records is a stellar showcase of UK garage, featuring four exceptional tracks that highlight the genre's versatility. Side-1 opens with 'The UG,' a prime example of main room house work and garage music at its finest. It's followed by 'What You Do,' a fun breakbeat garage track adorned with diva samples and a respectful nod to the island sound of Jamaica.Side-2 continues with 'I Feel It,' a track that harkens back to mid-90s UK house, inspired by American house yet infused with UK-specific elements like techno, bleep, and deeper sounds. The EP concludes with 'Oi Listen,' a playful broken beat garage track rooted in dub, bringing an infectious energy. The Zeer Zamin EP is setting the example of great UK Garage, blending nostalgic influences with fresh, dynamic sounds. Huge!

Review: Ever reticent contemporary ambient techno artist Nthng shares 'Two People', their latest EP to hit the shelves. Building on their always wordless sound - one native to a certain "mysterious" corner of the techno world, one that implies that words are insufficient in capturing both breadth and depth of sound - 'Two People' is a minimally stirring EP, one that relies on the bare associations of just two visual indicators of theme: snow, unity. Imprinted on the planar white surface shown on the front cover is a lowercase trace of the title track, which, in sound, hears a vocal recollective of a baby's gurgle, and a lonesome pad lilt that only ever so much as teases a movement, ghosted by the absence of (and so haunted by the promise of) a beat. When beats do interpellate the scape, they do with the textural quality of stalactites, breaking and dropping to the floor in step on both 'Echo Trak' and 'In Statik'. Nthng's filtrated percussion and long-release tails serve to dust the surface snow off many ambered, glaciered memories, preserved in the unspelunked caves of an antarctic psyche. Closer 'Don't Be Scared' plods forth, steppers style, with the stridency of an epiphanic polar walkabout, its swells contrasting to the many radiophonic FX peppering the mix: they give the sense of the odd "do you read me?", grounding the far-yonder miracle pads in telecommunicated reassurances from the outpost.

Review: Here is the third and final chapter of the 'Systema Naturae' series on Berlin-based 012, with fresh deep techno visions from newcomers such as Daniel(i) from Belgium (Whispering Signals) who ventures into foreboding and murky territory on the off-kilter journey of 'Carabus', and there's the return of Greek producer Alex Tomb who gets into some hypnotic minimal techno on 'Paradisaea'. Elsewhere, Leipzig-based Kontinum pushes into full mental overdrive on the strobing cut 'Octandria' and finally you have the collaboration between Mary Yuzovskaya and label head Claudio PRC titled 'Marmor' which perfectly nails that ethereal Sound Of Rome vibe.

Review: Claudio PRC and Andrea Cossu return with a collaborative release that plunges headfirst into the immersive depths of deep techno. The opening track is a masterclass in tension and restraint, layering pulsating bass tones with intricate, hypnotic rhythms that seem to stretch endlessly into the ether. There's an unmistakable aquatic quality to the second piece, where fluid melodic lines and submerged percussive details conjure the sensation of drifting through an underwater cavern. The final cut takes a more introspective turn, with meticulously crafted soundscapes that ebb and flow over a steady, grounding beat. It's the kind of release that rewards close listening, pulling you further into its world with every rotationia thoughtful and textural exploration of the genre's most meditative corners.

Review: You can't have missed the hype surrounding Stormzy's new full-length - it's one of the most hotly-anticipated albums of the year. The question is: has it delivered on the promise? Yes - and then some. The grime superstar recorded the set on location with an extended group of trusted collaborators - Ms Banks, Sampha, Black Sherif, Debbie, Jacob Collier and NAO included - and the results are more sonically beautiful and soulful than much of his previous output. The distinctive flows are still there, though the subjects covered are often more personal and thoughtful than some may have expected, but Stormzy sings as much as he raps, and the accompany beats - often laden in strings, jazzy guitar flourishes and warming electric piano - are informed as much by R&B and hip-hop as the grizzled, sub-heavy East London vibes of grime.

Review: Rave Angst is an alias of German producer Alexander Potthof. He invites us deep into his soul here with a superb double pack of deeply atmospheric sonics that features food for the mind, body and soul. Plenty of these cuts will challenge you as a listener but then reward you in equal measure. They are deeply emotional even when rather apocalyptic sounding and there is plenty to love here for those who enjoy the sounds of Aphex Twin and early Plastikman as metallic rhythms suck you into Potthof's unique sound world.

Review: Netherlands-based 030303 Records is back with a fifth installment in its various artists series. As with the previous four editions, this is high-class electronic music pure and simple. Caramel Chameleon kicks off with a good time mix of cheery melodies and chattery drums, then Perseus Traxx brings his signature analogue murkiness to the lo-fi house trudge that is 'Something More Than This.' Elsewhere you will find quietly optimistic cuts like Raving Kid' restless 'Edgware Acid' or the dream house reveries of Kreggo's 'Hearthpulse' amongst many other varied treasures.

Review: The brilliant 'Late Night Attack' is the latest reissue in 10 Roosevelt Jamaica's Harry J grail series and it features this long-awaited 1987 gem. Sharing the rhythm of the previously reissued 'Jam The Calypso,' the track showcases Vicious Irie, aka Sedley Downer, delivering an electrifying performance that stays with you long after the beats have finished tumbling. His powerful lyrics ride the fast-paced Harry J digi riddim to make this release a must-cop for these final days of summer when dub still sounds best played nice and loud.

Review: Formed in the 90s, angst-rock act Skunk Anansie made two albums on the indie imprint One Little Independent Records before signing to Virgin Records. 1999's Post Orgasmic Chill was hugely successful but became their first and final album for Virgin as they went on a ten year hiatus two years after its release.

With major label budgets at-hand, the British band shipped themselves over to New York City and New York state to record with Andy Wallace, who had worked with Slayer and Nirvana. The brutal heaviness is glorious on tracks such as 'We Don't Need Who You Think You Are' and 'The Skank Heads'. Meanwhile, 'Lately' is Manic Street Preachers-esque and 'Secretly' sees them employ a more tender approach with atmospheric strings front and centre. Elsewhere, their hit single 'Charlie Big Potato' is akin to nu-metallers Evanescence and there's flashes of The Prodigy.

Naturally, whenever it comes to settling on a tracklist to deliver a record there are some tracks that don't make the final cut for brevity. But with a quarter of a century now passed and a lot of people keen to have the companion information, the 25th anniversary edition of the album includes ten B-sides, many of which have never been on vinyl before. And the double record comes on a psychedelic double yellow/purple splatter vinyl, which is a truly stand-out piece to marvel at.

Review: Formed in 1995, Morcheeba - Skye Edwards and brothers Paul and Ross Godfrey - have spent nearly three decades darning their organic trip-hop to the wider global music fabric, with ear-catching success. The London trio are now raring to contrast their debut statements Fragments of Freedom (2000) and Charango (2002) with a stylistic evolution and a paean to human peace of mind. Escape The Chaos comes after many a solo project, film score, and lineup change, all of which have heard Morcheeba relocate themselves on the popular music map, with far-Eastern instrumental echoes and cinematic sublimes once again bridging divides between classic and contemporary trip hop.

Review: Stone Foundation's latest 7" single, 'Reach Out', featuring Laville, delivers an uplifting soul anthem. The track blends soulful grooves with a danceable rhythm, carrying a powerful message of unity and positivity. Laville's expressive vocals are complemented by a classy keyboard solo, adding an elegant touch to the overall vibe. On Side-2, 'The Beat I Know' brings Carmy Love and Sheree DuBois on board, offering a smooth, laid-back counterpoint to the energetic A-side. This track maintains the band's signature soul style, providing the perfect balance. Both songs are part of their forthcoming album, The Revival of Survival, continuing Stone Foundation's legacy within the UK soul scene.

Review: Early arrivals at Stone Foundation's intimate gig are greeted with oversized cardboard masks of frontman Neil Jones, setting a playful tone for the evening. As the venue fills, a palpable buzz builds among the devoted fans packed into the steamy room. The band's latest offering, their first new material in over a year, hints at exciting new directions for the UK soul stalwarts. This double A-side single whets appetites for their 11th studio album, due in 2025. Stone Foundation's signature sound evolves here, incorporating fresh influences while maintaining their soulful core. 'Fix You Up' rides a propulsive groove, its urgent rhythm section driving forward as layers of brass and keys build to euphoric heights. Jones' impassioned vocals soar over the mix, his lyrics touching on themes of resilience and redemption. The addition of Mick Talbot's distinctive keyboard work adds a new dimension, his deft touches elevating both tracks. 'Everything and All I Want' takes a more introspective turn, its shimmering arrangement recalling classic 70s soul ballads while feeling thoroughly modern. As the set progresses, the new material sits comfortably alongside fan favourites, demonstrating Stone Foundation's knack for crafting timeless soul music. The limited pressing of 500 copies ensures this release will quickly become a coveted item for collectors. It's a fitting testament to a band continuing to evolve and excite after over a decade in the game, bridging their past work with whatever they're cooking up next.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: Stone Foundation's 11th studio album continues to yield delightful singles with this being the third. It features vocals from recent Moby collaborator JP Bimini and follows in the footsteps of a remarkable 17 previous singles which have all made the Top Ten of the UK vinyl singles charts. 'Cut Me Loose' is surely destined for the same fate with its impactful melodies and heart-swelling emotions all flowing freely thanks to the great vocal top line. On the flipside is a non-album cut 'Starting from Zero' which offers a different kind of soul vibe.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Scratch on sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: During interviews promoting their 11th album, Escape The Chaos, 90s trip-hop heavyweights Morcheeba have naturally been in a nostalgic and introspective mood; after all, it appears almost 30 years to the day from the release of the popular duo's debut single. Musically, it feels like a warming, string-laden, head-nodding blast from the past, with core members Skye Edwards and Ross Gordon being joined on the record by various musically gifted friends and family members. Fans will particularly love songs like 'We Live And Die', a John Barry Bond theme-esque exploration of their own undulating history, the rap-sporting mid-90s trip-hop blast of 'Peace of Me (featuring Oscar #Worldpeace)' and the languid, low-slung 'Call For Love', where Edwards is at her most lyrically alluring.

Review: A collection that blends classic soul, jazz, and rhythm & blues with a touch of British mod flair, this is the 11th album from the British veterans. From the outset, the album demonstrates the band's ability to capture emotion with the haunting saxophone and reflective vocals on 'How Many Times', which sets a powerful tone for what follows. The title track delivers an uplifting, seventies-inspired anthem, combining brass, hand percussion and heartfelt harmonies that evoke the essence of Isaac Hayes and Stevie Wonder. Tracks like 'Everything & All I Want' and 'Cut Me Loose' highlight the band's versatility, drawing influences from artists such as Paul Weller and Fela Kuti. The latter, featuring JP Bimeni's stunning vocals, delivers a funky, rhythm-driven groove. Meanwhile, 'Close To Where You Are' is a beautiful love dedication with its soulful brass arrangements and dreamy trumpet segments. The album also explores more introspective moments with 'Fix You Up', which exudes a relaxed, jazzy vibe, while 'The Beat I Know' offers a peaceful, bass-driven composition with serene vocals from Sheree DuBois and Carmy Love. Other tracks like 'When Worlds Collide' and 'Reach Out' deliver elegant slices of rhythm and blues. The band's ability to mix emotion with impeccable musicianship is on full display. The closing track, 'Summer Song,' featuring the legendary Omar, is a poignant tribute to overcoming life's challenges, closing the album on a deeply reflective note. The Revival of Survival is a stunning, soulful journey that will leave listeners eagerly demanding more.

Review: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: Trip-hop pioneers Morcheeba return in full force with a stunning 11th studio album, Escape The Chaos. Lead member Ross Godfrey says of the record: "this whole record is a process of trying to reconnect with what really matters, whether it's what in your heart, or with the world, putting your feet on grass and feeling the earth beneath you" says Ross Godfrey. Skye Edwards adds: "In a way, it's a homage to the thirty years of being in Morcheeba, which is 60% of my existence." Since forming in London in 1995, they've sold over 10 million albums, from their platinum-selling Big Calm to collaborations with David Byrne and film work with Steven Soderbergh; now 30 years in, their presence within trip-hop is felt again, with forerunning single 'We Live And Die' providing buzzing hugs of electric bass and clear, haute beats, as Edwards muses on the counterbalancing ups and downs of life.

Review: Stone Foundation return with their 11th studio album, also marking their first in three years. Known for their collaborations with the likes of Omar, Laville, J.P. Bimeni, and above all their long-time collaborator Mick Talbot (The Style Council), this wonderwork hears this stylish high council of soul rejoice at their formative 25th anniversary, as they tour the world with the likes of Grace Jones and Paul Weller, their sights set firmly on the future. This new release promises a fresh evolution of their signature "small town soul" sound, which, despite the name, takes cosmopolitan flight into an atmospheric sound, in the stead of home.

Review: DJ Panthr is the "shadow self" (or, as we'd put it, alternative alias) of Hunter P Thompson, better known for his genre-bending ambient house and ambient techno releases as Akasha System. 100% Silk describes 'Jade District' as a 'technoid night ride inspired by the fern-shoruded neon streets' of South Tabor in his home city of Portland. It's an atmospheric and fairly accurate description all told, with Thompson combining his usual dreamy chords and colourful sonics with grooves and musical motifs more often associated with electro, acid, sci-fi techno, 'Artificial Intelligence' style IDM and hypnotic dub techno. What unites it all, aside from the colourful stylishness of the whole thing, is a pervasive sense of loved-up, wide-eyed tactility.

Review: Fresh from delivering a gorgeous and colourful album under his DJ Panthr alias, Hunter P Thompson returns to 100% Silk under his ambient and ambient techno-inspired alias, Akasha System. Dealing in waves of warming electronic colour, 90s ambient nostalgia, mid-80s 'new age' synth sounds, heady grooves and memorable melodies, the Portland-based producer delivers a set that's as sonically vivid as it is loved-up and unashamedly nostalgic. Standout moments are plentiful, with our picks including the delay-laden drums and delightfully drifting synth washes of 'Light Energy', the saucer-eyed Mr YT swell of 'Canopy Song', and the sunrise-ready wonder that is 'Life Cycle'.

Review: 10000 Lions Sound System brings some serious heat to their final release of 2024. It's a various artists affair with four artists offering up one heavyweight tune each. Spectacular's 'Big Bold & Brave' opens up with raw, guttural vocals over mid-tempo digi-dub rhythms. Bulby Yorke's 'Big, Bold Dub' stirs it back to a more low-end heavy roller but the bright melodies remain. Reemah's 'Run Dem Down; adds some nice female vocal soul next to big horns and raw percussion before a final dub again pairs things back to the rich basslines.

Notes: A digital mixer at heart but so much more. 1010's unique take on mixing and recording includes built-in effects and EQ, compression, headphone/monitor mixes and output routing. Clever stuff.

Supplier's Notes:
Bluebox is the portable digital audio mixer that lets you get the most out of your electronic music gear. Connect your eurorack, sampler, drum machine and synthesizer outputs to 6 stereo, 3.5 mm TRS inputs and map them to 12 mono tracks or 6 stereo tracks, all with independent control for recording and playback. It's that keyboard mixer with live performance features that you always hoped someone would make.

Connect the output of your electronic music gear to Bluebox, and then route each track independently to the three outputs and effects sends. Each track offers control of volume, gain, 4 band parametric EQ, pan, mute and solo functions. Apply high-quality global reverb and delay effects along with 4 band EQ per track to add new depth to your sound with total control to quickly tweak incoming audio or track playback as needed.

With Bluebox you can record independent tracks or the Main mix using a standard microSD card. Capture your jam session for later review, or record the ultimate mix of the tracks for your song.

Bluebox's compact 5.5h x 5h x 2h case lets you tuck it into a crowded tabletop studio or throw it in your pack for the next gig.

Interact with the dynamic visual interface on the 3.5h touchscreen along with physical knobs, navigation buttons and transport buttons to quickly access the most important functions. MIDI input and output allow you to sync the clock with external gear for synchronized effects and metronome.

Add Some Colour to Your Mix:
Mix 12 mono/6 stereo tracks of live or prerecorded sound.
Independently route each track to any combination of three stereo TRS outputs:

Stereo Output 1 - Main mix
Stereo Output 2 - Assignable, with dedicated sub-mixer (pre or post fader)
Stereo Output 3 - Headphone output, with dedicated sub-mixer (pre or post fader)
Control one parameter for multiple tracks at once in Mixer mode.
Focus on one track at a time in Track mode.
Adjust the level or mute state of each output independently.
Use touch gestures or knobs to tweak your sound with four band EQ per track with support for Low Cut/Low Shelf, Parametric, and High Shelf/High Cut settings for each band.
Apply high-quality Reverb and Delay effects with independent effects sends for each track.
Override the headphone output with the Main mix on demand.
Maximize the loudness and unify your mix with the built-in global compressor
Sync to external clocks through the MIDI Input and Output.
Record hours of music as 48k, 24 bit WAVs directly to the microSD card as multi-track or as the main stereo mix.
Playback a previously recorded track while recording new ones.
Load firmware updates through the microSD card.
Mix electronic music gear such as the 1010music blackbox, eurorack modules, drum machines, samplers and synthesizers.
Save and recall Project settings including all parameters for tracks, outputs, EQ and effects.
Copyright 1010music LLC 2020 --- CONFIDENTIAL ---
Copyright 1010music LLC 2020 --- CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL 10/10/2020 ---
Fit it into a small spot on your desk and then tuck it in your pack for the next gig.

What is Included:
Bluebox digital recording mixer
A microSD card with bluebox firmware and pre-loaded project files
A USB power cable and AC adapter with 3 international adapters
2 MIDI Adapters . Male 3.5 mm TRS to Female 5 pin DIN, MIDI Class B standard
A Quick Start guide to show you the basics (full user manual available online)

Specs:
6 stereo 3.5 mm TRS inputs
12 mono tracks, 6 stereo tracks or something in between
3 independently controlled stereo 3.5 mm TRS outputs
3.5h touch screen, 4 knobs, 8 navigation buttons and 3 transport buttons
3 effects: reverb, delay and compressor
Records and plays back 48k, 24-bit audio WAV files
4 band EQ per track
MIDI In and Out for beat syncing effects
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5 x 2 (14 cm x 13 cm x 5 cm), 1 lb (450 grams)
Durable aluminum case

Notes: Updated version of the excellent Bitbox sampler module offers more powerful sound processing and an improved touch screen. Improved effects and mixing with all the same creative power of the original.

Supplier notes:
Bitbox mk2 delivers powerful sampling and mangling for Eurorack. With this module you can add recording, sample playback, clip launching, slicing, granular sounds and musically intelligent looping capabilities to your Eurorack rig. With a 3.5 inch touchscreen, bitbox mk2 makes easy work of selecting, editing, and tweaking your samples. You can stream large samples of up to 4 GB file size straight from the microSD card. Interact with other musical components via CV and MIDI. Tweak your configurations to get them just right, then save them to multiple presets for future reuse. With the new bitbox mk2 hardware, you can now do more with the new more powerful processor.

Sample Playback
Play up to 24 polyphonic notes when your samples fit in the 64 MB of internal memory or up to 8 larger samples streaming directly from the microSD card
Configure 16 sample pads per preset as single or multi-samples, clips, slicers, granular or new recordings
Stream long samples from the microSD card with a max sample size of 4 GB, which can be many hours of audio
Trigger samples with the touch screen, CV gate inputs, or MIDI input
Use MIDI for polyphonic playback of samples or slices
Control how samples start and stop by choosing from one-shot, toggle, and gate launch modes
Tweak playback through a variety of sample parameters, including start position, length, pitch, gain, filter, loop mode, launch quantization, ADSR, Exclusive Grouping, clip synchronization, slice placement and sequencing, grain size, grain spread, grain count, and MIDI note and channel mapping

Record Eurorack level audio straight into the module:

Record samples from a stereo audio input pair
Configure each pad for stereo or mono recording with the option to synchronize the start and stop times to clock inputs
Trigger recording via audio level threshold
Create perfectly sized loops by setting the recording length
Enable immediate playback after recording for live looping capabilities
Make recordings up to 4 hours in length
Store recorded samples as WAV files on the micro SD card then remove the card to transfer them to your computer
Sample Modes
Find creative ways of using your samples with our 5 sample playback modes:

Trigger one shots or launch loops using sample mode
Load a folder of samples into a sample mode pad to improve the quality of the pitch shifting when playing a sample chromatically or to trigger different samples with each note
Play time-synchronized loops with constant pitch time shifting in clip mode
Skip between slices of a WAV using slicer mode
Create rich textures and other worldly sounds with granular mode
Inputs and Outputs
Connect up to 8 CV modulators to control numerous sample parameters
Trigger each of the 16 pads with a dedicated gate input
Record through the dedicated stereo audio input pair
Use CV to keep time through the dedicated clock input
Confidently connect with both TRS MIDI Type A and Type B, no adapter needed
Route the audio from each pad out to one of 2 stereo audio output pairs or any of the corresponding single channels
Inputs and outputs are DC coupled so you can record and play out CV signals

External Control and Synchronization
Playback can be immediate or synchronized to internal clock, TRS clock in, or MIDI clock in and out
Trigger each pad independently through a dedicated gate input
Use MIDI to trigger pads via a note per pad
Play a single or multi-sample pad pitch shifted using MIDI notes or CV
Trigger different sample slices using MIDI notes or CV
Modulate a wide variety of sample parameters through the MIDI input and up to 8 CV signals
Quickly set up MIDI modulation using Learn mode- no need to look up CC numbers
Module Features
Use the 3.5? diagonal touch screen to intuitively explore the features of the module
Get more creative with double the processing power of the original bitbox
Fill out your sound with reverb and delay
Import or export WAV files with your Mac or PC using a microSD card
Save and recall multiple presets
Increase your capacity with larger microSD cards
Select Flipped UI mode to mount the unit with the screen on the bottom and use the screen, knobs, buttons, and CV jacks as you normally would

Notes: One of 1010music's first miniature Nanobox instruments, the Lemondrop is a granular synth in a compact format. Touchscreen interface gives full hands-on control of the four-voice sound engine.

Supplier's Notes:
Freshly Squeezed Granular Synthesis

Explore a freshly squeezed approach to granular synthesis with Nanobox | Lemondrop, a polyphonic granular mini synthesizer with intuitive touchscreen control. Four voice polyphony, two granulators and an oscillator provide a wide sonic paletteifrom lush environmental pads to rugged and glitched-out textures. Instantly morph and shape sounds with the swipe of a finger using touchscreen X/Y control. Choose from hundreds of professionally designed presets and wav files, or quickly create your own patches with deep parameter control via the 2" touchscreen. Integrate lemondrop seamlessly with your existing tabletop gearior create on-the-go thanks to a compact design that fits in the palm of your hand.

What Is Included

Nanobox | Lemondrop compact polyphonic granular synthesizer with touchscreen control
MicroSD card with presets and wav files
USB power cord
Type B TRS MIDI To MIDI 5 Pin DIN adapter
Quick Start Guide

Technical Specs

Includes 153 presets and 311 wave files
16 grains per oscillator for a total of 128
Sample memory per oscillator 30 seconds
Power: USB-C connection 5V, 500mA
3.5mm audio input and output
Maximum input and output level: 2Vrms
DAC and ADC resolution: 24-bit
Internal resolution: 32-bit
Sample rate: 48kHz
MIDI Input: 3.5mm Type A/B auto sensing
MIDI Output: 3.5mm Type A/B selectable
Clock Input: 4 PPQ
MIDI support: Note On/Off, Mod Wheel, Sustain, Pitch Bend, Mono & poly Aftertouch, assignable CCs, and clock
H x W x D: 1.5" x 3.75" x 3"
Weight: 0.25 lbs.

Notes: You can now update your Bitbox mk1 or mk2 with a black faceplate. Now you can have an all black rack and have digital sampling capabilities. This is just the faceplate.

Give your module a facelift

These replacement faceplates are designed for use with the module in the traditional orientation with the screen on top. These are the same faceplates used when manufacturing our modules, but now in black. They are anodized aluminium with a bead blasted finish.

Swapping out a faceplate is easy to do, and requires a small wrench or pliers. Here are the steps to replace a faceplate:

Remove the module from the rack.
Use a small wrench or pliers to remove the small round nuts around each of the mini jacks. Note that these nuts have a notch on the top side of them. This notch fits into a specialized tool that can be used to remove these nuts more easily.
Gently tug on the four knobs to pull them off.
Use a small wrench or pliers to remove the hex nuts from the knob stems.
Remove the washers from the knob stems.
Gently pull up on the faceplate and it will slide off easily.
Place the new faceplate on the module.
Replace the washers on the knob stems.
Use a small wrench or pliers to replace the hex nuts on the knob stems.
Use a small wrench or pliers to replace the small round nuts around each of the mini jacks. Note that the notch should be on the top side of the nuts, the side away from the faceplate.
Look at the underside of the knobs and the post that they rest on. You will see that the knobs are keyed. Line up the flat edge of the hole in the knob with the flat edge of the post, and then push the knob onto the post. If you have the knob aligned properly, it should go on with moderate pressure. If it seems to require more force, please check the alignment.

Weight: 0.19 lbs
Dimensions: 5.5 × 5 × 0.25 in
Touchscreen product: bitbox, fxbox, synthbox, toolbox

Notes: Black version of Bitbox's excellent sampling module. Touchscreen-based design allowing up to eight stereo samples, recording directly or loaded from SD card.

Supplier's Notes:
Bitbox micro provides Eurorack sampling for smaller racks and smaller budgets. In only 18 HP of rack space you can get a touch screen based sampler with support for 8 stereo sample pads. Now you can record samples directly into the module or load them from the microSD card. Trigger your samples via CV or MIDI, then apply effects and mix the outputs. Save your configurations to multiple presets for later reuse.

Powerful Sampling Capabilities in a Smaller Form Factor

With the sampling features of Bitbox micro you can add interesting new ways of generating sound and music to your Eurorack. Trigger one shots, play time synched loops or record live looping. Bitbox micro is equally at home in your studio or as a component of your live performance.

Features

Sample Playback
Play up to 24 stereo polyphonic notes when your samples fit in the 64 MB of internal memory or up to 8 larger stereo samples streaming directly from the microSD card
Configure 8 stereo sample pads per preset as single or multi-samples, clips, slicers, granular or new recordings
Stream long samples from the microSD card with a max sample size of 4 GB, which can be many hours of audio
Trigger samples with the touch screen, CV gate inputs, or MIDI input
Control how samples start and stop by choosing from one-shot, toggle, and gate launch modes
Tweak playback through a variety of sample parameters, including start position, length, pitch, gain, filter, loop mode, launch quantization, ADSR, Exclusive Grouping, clip synchronization, slice placement and sequencing, grain size, grain spread, grain count, and MIDI note and channel mapping

Sample Recording

Record Eurorack level audio straight into the module:
Record samples from a stereo audio input pair
Configure each pad for stereo or mono recording with the option to synchronize the start and stop times to clock inputs
Trigger recording via audio level threshold
Create perfectly sized loops by setting the recording length
Enable immediate playback after recording for live looping capabilities
Make recordings up to 4 hours in length
Resample the master output without patching
Automate recording of a multi-sample bank via MIDI and CV
Store recorded samples as WAV files on the micro SD card then remove the card to transfer them to your computer

Sample Modes

Find creative ways of using your samples with our 5 sample playback modes:
Trigger one shots or launch loops using sample mode
Load a folder of samples into a sample mode pad to improve the quality of the pitch shifting when playing a sample chromatically or to trigger different samples with each note
Play time-synchronized loops with constant pitch time shifting in clip mode
Skip between slices of a WAV using slicer mode
Create rich textures and other worldly sounds with granular mode

Inputs and Outputs

Use the 8 inputs the way you want: assignments include a stereo audio input, up to 8 gate inputs, up to 8 CV inputs and 1 clock input.
Route the audio from each pad out to one of 3 stereo audio outputs or one of 6 mono audio outputs
Listen to all of the pad outputs combined on the master stereo output
Inputs and outputs are DC coupled so you can record and play out CV signals
External Control and Synchronization
Playback can be immediate or synchronized to internal clock, TRS clock in, or MIDI clock in and out
Confidently connect with both TRS MIDI Type A and Type B, no adapter needed
Play a single or multi-sample pad pitch shifted using MIDI notes or CV
Trigger different sample slices using MIDI notes or CV
Modulate a wide variety of sample parameters through the MIDI input and up to 8 CV signals
Quickly set up MIDI modulation using Learn mode i no need to look up CC numbers

Module Features

Use the 2" diagonal touch screen to intuitively explore the features of the module
Get more creative with double the processing power of the original bitbox
Refine your sound with reverb and delay
Import or export WAV files with your Mac or PC using a microSD card
Save and recall multiple presets
Increase your capacity with larger microSD cards
Compare to Our Other Samplers
Our Sampler Selection Guide shows you how bitbox micro compares to our other samplers.

What Is Included

When you purchase bitbox micro, you will receive:

a bitbox micro Eurorack module
a microSD card with a bank of demo presets and samples loaded on it
a Eurorack power cable
a bitbox micro Quick Start guide
a MIDI Adapter
Firmware Updates
Get new features by downloading firmware updates from forum.1010music.com.

Documentation and Video Tutorials

The Bitbox Micro Support page has links to videos, the quick start guide and the full user manual to get you up and running quickly and answer your detailed questions. If you can't find answers there, reach out to the community with questions on the 1010 Music forum.

Notes: Use these black cables with the 1010music logo on either end of the jack to connect your 1010music eurorack modules to other modules that also use stereo minijack connections. This is a TRS cable with male 3.5mm minijacks on either end. It is available in two lengths: 30cm/11.75" and 60cm/23.5". These cables can be used for connections between any two 1010music modules, and to any other modules that use a compatible mapping of MIDI signals to stereo minijack connectors.

Weight: 0.04 lbs
Dimensions: 4 × 3.5 × 0.25 in
Length: 30 cm / 11.75"
Pack size: single

Notes: Use these black cables with the 1010music logo on either end of the jack to connect your 1010music eurorack modules to other modules that also use stereo minijack connections. This is a TRS cable with male 3.5mm minijacks on either end. It is available in two lengths: 30cm/11.75" and 60cm/23.5". These cables can be used for connections between any two 1010music modules, and to any other modules that use a compatible mapping of MIDI signals to stereo minijack connectors.

Weight: 0.04 lbs
Dimensions: 4 × 3.5 × 0.25 in
Length: 60 cm / 23.5"
Pack size: 5 Pack

Notes: This is a 5 pack of 60cm/23.5" TRS cables with male 3.5mm minijacks on either end, and the 1010music logo printed on the jacks.

Use these cables to connect your 1010music Eurorack modules to other modules that also use stereo minijack connections. The cables can be used for connections between any two 1010music modules, and to any other modules that use a compatible mapping of MIDI signals to stereo minijack connectors.

Notes: This MIDI Adapter enables you to connect MIDI devices that use standard MIDI cables to the stereo minijacks used by 1010music products. The adapter has a male stereo minijack at one end, and a female 5 pin DIN MIDI connector on the other, and is 22 cm/8.5" long. It is also useful as a converter for connecting to other MIDI devices that use a different mapping of MIDI signals to the stereo minijacks.

Notes: Innovative little sampler groovebox. Works as a standalone unit or as a sequencer for other gear. A nice left-field alternative to the usual MPCs and Electribes.

Supplier's notes:
Blackbox is a portable sampler and groovebox that lets you record, save/load, apply effects and edit one-shot samples and beat-sliced loops. Create sequences with samples by tapping on pads, playing a virtual keyboard, using external MIDI controllers or by drawing-in notes using a standard Piano Roll editor on a fast touchscreen interface. Sequences can be played back to create song sections and entire compositions. Finish your song by mixing it, adding stereo effects and by saving it as a Preset for fast and easy recall.

Perform songs live and trigger samples on the fly. Blackbox makes it easy to create and perform music anywhere thanks to its compact and rock-solid hardware design. Just throw it in a backpack and hit the club.

Record hours of song ideas, jam sessions, and performances thanks to a microSD slot that enables you to expand internal memory.

Blackbox comes with gigabytes of premium samples and loops by SoundTrack Loops and Loopmasters to let you start making beats right out of the box.

Blackbox - your own personal sampler.

What Is Included:

- Blackbox compact sampling studio
- MicroSD card with blackbox firmware, about 60 presets and approximately 900 WAV files
- USB power cable and USB wall wart with 3 international adapters
- 2 MIDI Adapters - Male 3.5mm TRS to Female 5 pin DIN, MIDI Class B standard
- Quick Start guide to get you playing right away

Notes: Eurorack version of 1010's superb Bluebox. Vast power in 30 HP, with the ability to mix, record and play back in mono and stereo, hook up to a computer over USB for stereo I/O and run effects, all with CV control.

Supplier's Notes:
The bluebox Eurorack edition is the new Eurorack mixer with effects and multichannel recording/playback based on the award-winning bluebox desktop mixer. With the Eurorack edition's USB-C EXT port, you can send 2 channels of audio to and from your computer. Plus, you can control up to 6 mix settings with the 6 CV inputs. Whether recording your Eurorack jams, using it to play stems as backing tracks, or a combination of both - bluebox Eurorack edition will rock your rack!

Connect your eurorack, sampler, drum machine, and synthesizer outputs to 12 mono, 3.5 mm inputs and map them to 12 mono tracks or 6 stereo tracks - all with independent control for recording and playback. Connect your computer to the USB C port to send and receive two channels of audio.

The bluebox Eurorack edition is the ultimate in compact mixing, effects, recording, and playback for Eurorack. Smack it in your rack and hit the road with a self-contained, electronic music powerhouse!

When you purchase a bluebox Eurorack edition, you will receive:

a bluebox Eurorack edition 30 HP Eurorack module
A microSD card with bluebox firmware and pre-loaded project files
two Eurorack power cables
a bluebox Eurorack edition Quick Start guide
two MIDI Adapters

Technical Specs

Dimensions & Power
30 HP
Module dimensions including knobs: 6" x 5"x 1.6"
Depth behind front panel with ribbon cable: 1.0"
Requires the +5V rail which may not be present
on some older racks.
Uses 500-850mA at +5V (depending
on screen brightness), 320 mA at +12V, and 82mA at -12V
Requires two power connections
Capabilities
12 mono tracks, 6 stereo tracks or something in between
Connect to TRS or USB C MIDI for beat syncing effects
Lots of headroom with support for Eurorack levels up to +/-5V inputs and outputs
3 effects: reverb, delay and compressor
Records and plays back 48k, 24-bit audio WAV files
4 band EQ per track
Durable aluminum faceplate
Stream 2 channels of audio in and out over USB C

Inputs and Outputs
12 mono 3.5 mm TS inputs
2 independently controlled 3.5 mm TS output pairs that can be used as 4 mono outputs
1 stereo 3.5 mm headphone output
6 CV Inputs
1 USB C MIDI Device port
1 TRS MIDI Input
1 TRS MIDI Output
1 USB C Ext jack for streaming audio
3.5" touch screen, 4 knobs, 8 navigation buttons and 3 transport buttons