Search dance music

Review: Spasibo Records introduces a new 7" vinyl by St. Petersburg outfit the Vicious Seeds, this time on yellow and green wax. In an unconventional move, vibraphonist Pavel Chizhik takes the spotlight and the result is that he truly enhances the band's signature sound. 'Village Hassle' offers a unique blend of rare groove and instrumental reggae-soul - the A-side highlights Chizhik's vibraphone prowess, intertwining it with a dynamic instrumental backbeat. On the flip side, 'Monthly Rainfall' delves into a soulful journey, characterized by cross-sticked snares and offbeat chord plucks which create an atmosphere reminiscent of slow-jammed soul with a contemporary twist.

Review: Spasibo Records has been busy lining up plenty of great funk sounds that all seem to be dropping at once. One of them is this limited yellow and red marbled vinyl from The Great Revivers. The band hail from St Petersburg in Russia and these two instrumental tunes are perfect examples of their lush library funk sound. Both were recorded pre-pandemic back in 2019 at a vintage studio in an old church. The organs really shimmer and bring the heat to opening cut 'Adventures Begin' while 'Estrellas' dial down into a more late night and intimate atmosphere before the funky breaks and neat guitar riffs come on with full force.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Intended as an all-rounder for all production purposes, the HD 490 Pro are built for comfort as well as top-notch sound quality thanks to their open-back design. DearVR MIX-SE software allows you to mix, monitor and master with accuracy.

Supplier's Notes:
The perfect mix of clarity, comfort, and reliability, HD 490 PRO studio headphones are built to handle all the complexities of today's music production. The open-back design delivers an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise sound reproduction, eliminating audio blind spots and ensuring you're in full control of every detail.

Handcrafted and German-engineered with built-to-last components and a lightweight, comfortable design, HD 490 PRO lets you feel the music and forget about the headphones. Meticulously engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points while the open-back design provides natural ventilation, making hours in the music feel like minutes. Two sets of switchable ear pads, each with a unique sound signature for long hours of mixing and producing, eliminate ear fatigue and are designed with sustainability and durability in mind - they're both washable and replaceable. HD 490 PRO mixing headphones also include the innovative DearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality, placing you in the "sweet spot" and turning your DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment. DearVR MIX-SE simulates the carefully designed acoustics of mixing studios, helping you ensure a balanced, consistent translation of your mix on different systems. HD 490 PRO helps you achieve your full creative vision, eliminating audio blind spots, putting you in full control of every detail, and ensuring accurate playback beyond the studio.

Features

Backed by decades of Sennheiser engineering, technology, research and development
Open-back design with an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise localization
Uncolored frequency response for honest, dynamic sound reproduction across the full spectrum
Innovative low-frequency cylinder system for full, accurate, and clearly defined low end
Precision-engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points and deliver supreme, flexible, lightweight comfort
Sennheiser Open-frame Architecture reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) and minimizes resonance,improving audio accuracy
Includes Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, turning your DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment via advanced spatial audio technology
Two unique sets of ear pads for producing or mixing help eliminate ear fatigue and pinpoint frequencies


Sustainability-inspired with washable, replaceable pads and FSC-certified, forest-friendly packaging
Geometrically angled earcup design optimizes transducer placement for a consistent listening experience
State-of-the-art neodymium magnets for superior driver performance and efficiency
Patented cable coil structure blocks cable-borne noise, ensuring the clearest signal
Ultralight voice coil for remarkably authentic and dynamic audio reproduction
Right and left ear jacks with detachable cable easily adapts to any studio configuration
Patented accessibility features: braille-guided L/R earcups and grooved ear pads for eyeglasses
Open-mesh metal earpiece covers provide natural ventilation
Durable design meticulously engineered in Germany and hand-assembled in Romania

Specs

Weight (g): 260 gr. (w/o cable)
Max. Sound Pressure Level: l128 dBSPL (1 kHz @ 5% THD)
Sensitivity: 105 dBSPL (1 kHz/ 1 Vrms), 96 dBSPL (1 kHz/ 1 mW)
Transducer principle: Dynamic, open
Wearing Style: Circumaural

Total harmonic distortion: <0.2% (1kHz, 100dB SPL)
Connector: 3.5mm/6.3mm

Ambient Conditions

Operating Relative Humidity: 10 to 80%, not condensing
Operating Temperature: +0-CC

Electrical Properties:

Sensitivity: 105dBSPL (1kHz/1Vrms), 96 dBSPL (1kHz/1mW)
Impedance: 130 ohms (1kHz)

Dimensions

Weight (g): 260g (w/o cable)
Cable length: 1.8m

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


Berlin-based Korean Peggy Gou has been surprisingly quiet since first bursting onto the scene back in 2016. Here, she returns to action having graduated from Technicolour to parent label Ninja Tune. Many may already have heard EP standout "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)", a percussively ambidextrous beast based around a bouncy, off-skilter, snare-heavy rhythm track. It has been much discussed online after Gou included it her recent Resident Advisor podcast. On the B-side you'll find tracks representative of her developing style, which draws together elements of European deep house, electro, early '90s U.S house, the rubbery disco eccentricity of Maurice Fulton and the instinctive polyrhythms more often found in traditional African music.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Admirably no-nonsense house duo Dungeon Meat kick off a new label here, Slabs, which aims to serve up only the chunkiest hulks of wax aimed squarely at the club. Borren takes charge of the first platter and is the latest fast-rising talent to emerge from the ever-fertile Dutch scene. He has come up on a diet of Bret and Slapfunk parties and that shows in the tunes he presents here. 'Up Next' is heavy but silky, with gliding grooves and splashy cymbals next to cut-up vocals that will amp up any party. 'Beat My Shit' is another no-frills hardcore house assault with drums that have just the right amount of swing under old school chords and busy melodies that never rest. A fine first release.

Review: Mad About Records officially reissues super rare private press Quintessence's 1981 LP. Surprisingly for the level of talent and production / recording wit that it flaunts, Quintessence was one of many original jazz LPs to remain in private circulation and thus completely wanting of the public ear. Led by Ron Ancrum, with George Sovak, David Gaedeke, Winston Johnson and Steve Muse, the band nonetheless recorded an exceptional slice of artistic pie here, bringing Rhodesy, tritoning sundowners to the then already well-fleshed milieu of 80s jazz, an unmistakably bulbous and gaudy sound to which Quintessence do much justice; our favourite here by far is 'In My Apartment', a tssking blue-jazz suite for boughed double bass and noir piano.

Review: It is time to succumb to the sounds of the Magic Wand label once more and this eighth sonic spell is another one that will leave you happily helpless. It finds the Coyote lads step away from their fine work on Is It Balearic? to cook up two top edits. First up they offer 'Lonely' - a broody, steamy and shimmering tropical Balearic workout and then comes the organic and lazy drums of 'Western Revolution' with an iconic gravelly vocal. There are folk-tinged Americana sounds on 'Love Home' and laid-back disco licks on the seductive 'Luca' to make this a summer party essential.

Review: Brazillian Yoruba artist Eduardo Brecho has been snapped up for this new series and limited run of 7"s on Barbershop Records. It features a pair of classic remakes starting with the cult Fela Kuti tune 'Water Get No Enemy.' His version is an uptempo take in which he sings purely in Yoruba and it is beautiful to hear. London poet Juno then joins in on the flip as the pair remake Gil Scott Heron's 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'. It is a well-worn classic by now but takes on new charms in this sublime version.

Review: The by-now seminal Is It Balearic label welcomes long-time Balearic boss Max Essa for another superbly horizontal offering that will take you to the beach no matter where you are. He is a regular on this label who has been serving up top tunes and compiling superb collections like 2016's 10-Year Anniversary comp for ages, and the quality levels never dip. This fresh four-tracker traverses gently breaking synth waves, undulating dubby undercurrents and gloriously sun-kissed synth work all in a soothing and meditative style.

Review: Scottish artist Barry Can't Swim has made big moves in the last year or so and finally, he capitalises on his ever-growing momentum with a debut album on the mighty Ninja Tune. The multi-faceted talent explores his most broad and diverse range of sounds to date here with 11 sublime tracks that move from deep house to jazz, heavy and percussive Afrobeat to lush ambiance. Each of the tracks feels like a fine technical achievement with complexity at its core but never at the expense of good vibes, such as the choral harmonies on 'Always Get Through To You', smart samples of Brazil's Trio Ternura on 'Dance Of The Crab' and digital and organic blends on 'Woman.'

Review: Baby Ford's Trelik label is as revered as they come in underground circles. Ion Ludwig is not far behind when it comes to his productions and so the two are a perfect match who reunite once more here. This fresh 12" kicks off with the brain cleansing minimalism of 'A Beladen Date 4 Ever', a silky groove doused in harmonic chords, with swirling pads and rubbery bass all tightly intertwining. 'Transport Fighter' is a more punchy cut with thudding kicks and heftier bass, but still a nebulous eco-system of pads and melodies swirling around up top. Two killer cuts. no doubt.

Review: This massive anthology box set compiles all five volumes of the Stereolab Switched On series: 94 non-album tracks and sought after deep cuts by the group. Beginning with the original Switched On compilation LP from 1992, the series that ensued - though entirely comprised of deep cuts - still makes for a comprehensive jaunt through the Anglo-French auteurs' oeuvre, which never once lets up on quality. Every track here could've appeared on a full-length, so it's a testament to the band's work ethic that they simply had this much material to follow up with. Warp's comprehensive new 8xCD includes experimental highlights such as the original weirdo-chanson 'Plastic Mile', an Autechre remix of 'Refractions In The Plastic Pulse' and the stripped back 'XXXOOO', among many other gemstones.

Review: Four new originals from French Berlin-based singer and JD Stella Zekri, whose low-range, buzzing vocals are lent happily to a selection of cloudy electronic Latin beats. Produced and co-written by Ed Longo, it draws heavily on the post-zouk and disco styles endemic to the 80s French underground; our choice bit is the offbeat boogizm heard on the sonic ponderance: 'Pourquoi (Why)'.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: James 'Bursnki' Burnham aka Constant Sound label boss and garage head Instinct is showing no signs of running out of ideas despite having put out such a high amount of high-class club weaponry in the last few years. He goes big once more with this latest 12" which subtly features the iconic vocal cries from Moby's 'Go' but repackaged in a shuffling and banging garage groove with dark synths and wonky bass. On the flip is pure grade bassline track, 'Bassline Track.' It'll take you back to the days when this northern take on garage was all the rage, and why not?

Review: The pivotal Lobster Theremin welcomes D.Dan for a new EP that follows on from a fine run of recent form. As always, he serves up thrilling, hard hitting techno that has you clenching both your fists and your teeth as you buckle in for the white knuckle ride. "Switchblade" kicks off with distorted drums and urgent synth stabs that race along at 100 miles an hour. "Mutant Force" is just that with its tortured synths and surging drums, then burn out offers a dystopian take on mind warping Mills-ian techno. There is slightly deeper, warmer stuff on the flipside that carries you to the very fringes of the galaxy.

Review: Given her runaway success in recent years, it was almost inevitable that Peggy Gou would launch her own record label sooner or later. Wisely, she's chosen to kickstart said imprint - the freshly minted Gudu Records - with her first EP of fresh material for over 12 months. A-side "Starry Night" is an unashamedly positive and life-affirming affair, with Gou placing bouncy piano riffs, sultry South Korean and English vocals and Boyd Jarvis/Paul Simpson style synth-bass atop a snappy, late '80s style house rhythm. There's a similarly retro-futurist feel to the equally loved-up "Han Pan", where Gou's attractive vocals once again catch the ear alongside heavy analogue bass, chiming synth lines and Kwaito influenced drums.

Review: Molchat Doma are one of the global music phenomenons of our time. The Belarusian trio first started causing a small stir among the kind of circles that actively hunt out Belarusian synth bands. That grew into widespread rumblings throughout the underground, driven by online shares as much as play on independent radio stations. Skip forward again, and the outfit can claim true viral sensation status, having conquered tastemakers and social networks across the world. Monument is their third album, and was largely written during Covid-19 quarantine in their hometown, Minsk. Again, it's an evolutionary thing. Post-punk vies for your attention next to synth pop, cold wave, New Wave and romantic electronica. Calling to mind, at various points, The Cure, Depeche Mode and Joy Division, among others, nevertheless those comparisons don't feel fair - the work here is fresher feeling and, ultimately, removed from the North Atlantic hegemony, so it should be analysed in that context.

Review: Jihoon links with some talented musicians including Thomas Xu, Omar Meftah, Eric Meftah and Ian Gold on this brilliant new three-tracker on One Spoke. It kicks off with the sublime 'Good In The Bad' which is a jazzy viber with flute lines dancing their own dance above lovely contemporary broken beats. 'There Is No End' layers chords, synths and jazz drums into a richly atmospheric groove before last of all the whole of the flip side is given over to a Thomas Xu & Ian Gold remix of 'There Is No End' that is gloriously sunny jazz-fusion at its finest. These will keep you warm no matter the weather outside this winter.

Review: Melbourne, Australia based sextet The Traffic, headed up by Ivan 'Choi' Khatchoyan, serve up a special MJ feature funk 45. Presented in a special pressing in red vinyl with black splatter, we get awesome renditions of Michael Jackson tracks 'Beat It' and 'Thriller' from his iconic Thriller album from 1982. The big band energy of the players make these cover versions worthy your attention, with a killer horns section imitating the king of pop's falsetto to great effect.

Review: Australia's Choi Records drop their second release in the shape of two powerful cover versions either side of a devilish little 7" by The Traffic. The A-side, "White Lines", is a funky, horn-led reinterpretation of Grandmaster Flash's original tune : an instrumental brass ode to the original beast. On the flip, there's "Smack My Pitch Up", another mighty instrumental rework of The Prodigy classic, complete with a string of trumpets that imitate the original's inimitable vocal loop.

Review: Danny Krivit's officially sanctioned re-edits of Earth Wind & Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme" and "Runnin" have been sought-after since they first appeared on a Japan-only 12" back in 2004. In fact, such is demand that even later bootleg pressings now go for silly money online. As this reissue proves, though, they're arguably amongst Krivit's strongest scalpel works. Certainly, his three-minute revision of the always too short "Brazilian Rhyme" teases it out to just the right length, in the process delivering a sweltering, sing-along summer anthem. The flipside revision of the equally as summery "Runnin" is every bit as good, with Krivit making merry with the original's life-affirming scat vocals and killer piano solos.

Review: Philadelphia International Records continues to dip into its bulging archives and offer up double-packs containing some of the finest 1970s remixes from remix pioneer Tom Moulton. As you'd expect, there's plenty to get the juices flowing and the heart pounding on this third volume in the series. Record one opens up with Moulton's epic version of the O'Jays' "This Time Baby", a swirling Philly Soul classic that later became a favourite of sample-loving disco-house producers and disco re-editors, and continues with his sugary but floor-friendly version of the Futures' "Party Time Man". Over on record two, Moulton's inspired extension of Jean Carn's seductive "Love Don't Come Easy" is followed by his must-have version of the Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt".

Review: Native Soul Recordings made a great start with release 001 and the follow-up is easily as good. It's a collaborative offering from two venerated veterans in Roman Nunez and JT Donaldson that taps into both men's signature sounds. The result is 'Feelin' Real Good' which will indeed make you feel real good such is the irresistibly warm nature of its bump 'n' slide house groove and twinkling late night melodies all topped off with a smart male vocal. JT Donaldson also offers a more trippy out and tech-y dub and synth laden remix. This is timeless and summery house music that oozes class and sophistication.

Review: DJ Tijzza from Berlin overturns his lapels for a look into his latest illicit wares, this time taking the form of a pair of 'Nasty Tools' to top up Mood Waves' Rap Moods series. Said Rap Moods are essentially dirty house cuts interspersed with obscure hip-hop vocal samples; this is indeed a form in which you cannot go wrong. 'Rap House Jam' compels us to depart from the sofa and relocate to the street floor, with a four-bar vox from god knows where furthering our motivations ever-forward; 'Micro Twerker' is bassier and sparser, but brings proper energy when the thematic "shake yo weight" sample is heard.

Review: Hailing from Spain's Non Series label, Ritmo Oscuro' offers a diverse techno exploration. Sciahri / Conceptual join forces to delve deep into the title track and evolve it enough to make alternate versions stand on their own. The original track oozes sci-fi ambiance with its heavy beat and eerie atmosphere. 'Ritmo Oscuro 2' shifts towards a more aggressive, energy-building tech sound. LDS' remix brings broken beats and distinctive sound effects. Finally, 'Ritmo Oscuro 3' transports listeners to the 90s with its ravey, linear techno. If you are looking for some percussive, sci-fi techno then look no further then this.

Notes: Great value from this entry-level rotary mixer. Simple two-channel design with three-band EQ and an intuitive multi-mode filter. A strong rival to the Omnitronic TRM-202MK3.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing the Headliner R2, a 2-channel rotary DJ mixer that is perfect for DJ's looking for precise control and a warm sound, without breaking the bank. Don't let the price tag fool you. The R2 is packed with features, like an analog filter and 3-band isolator EQs on each channel, and uses only high-quality components, including genuine ALPS potentiometers.

Featuring two stereo channels with selectable Line and Phono RCA inputs, each channel on the Headliner R2 comes equipped with gain control with a peak LED, a 3-band isolator EQ, a headphone cue selector, a large channel volume control knob, and a filter activation switch.

The Master channel boasts an analog filter, headphone monitoring, and output control section. The analog filter features selectable High Pass / Low Pass Filter modes with Frequency and Resonance controls, giving you precise control over your sound. Independent Master and Booth outputs with volume controls, both with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, give you the flexibility to connect to any sound system.

The headphone Cue control section is packed with features, including headphones volume control, headphones mix control (Cue/Master), and split monitor switch. You can easily switch between listening to the master output and the cue output, or blend them together in your headphones, giving you complete control over your mix. The high current headphone amplifier with, dual 1/4" and 1/8" jacks, allows you to use any type of headphones you prefer.

The Headliner R2 features genuine ALPS potentiometers, and a sturdy metal enclosure with stained wood side panels for a classic look that will complement any DJ setup. The modular internal construction, coupled with the external power supply connected via locking Mini XLR ensure superior audio performance.

The Headliner R2 is a reliable, high-quality mixer that will give your DJ performances that classic vibe. Whether you're spinning house, techno, or classic funk/soul/disco jams, this fun little mixer is the perfect addition to your setup.

Specifications

Microphone Input
Nominal Input Level: -50dBu
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB)
THD + N: < 0.1%
EIN: -120dBu (150O Load)
Input Impedance: 3 kOhm

Line Inputs
Nominal Input Level: -10dBV (-7.8dBu)
Gain Range: -12dB to +12dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB)
THD + N: < 0.05%
Input Impedance: 47 kOhm

Phono Inputs
Maximum Input Level: -40dBu
Gain Range: -12dB to +12dB
Frequency Response: RIAA
THD + N: < 0.05%
Input Impedance: 47 kOhm

Main Outputs
Nominal Output Levels, balanced: +4dBu
Maximum Output Level, balanced: +20dBu
Nominal Output Levels, unbalanced: -10dBV (-7.8dBu)
Maximum Output Level, unbalanced: +12dBu
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.5dB)
Residual noise: <-80dBu Dynamic Range: > 100dB
Crosstalk: < -65dB
THD + N: < 0.05%

Headphone Output
Maximum Output Level: 70mA/channel into 150O
Minimum Load Impedance: 32 Ohms/channel

Power Supply
Type: External with locking mini-XLR connector
Input Voltage: 100-240v ~ 50/60Hz
Output Voltage: +/-15V; 500mA
Voltage Range: 32 Ohms/channel

Review: Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen and Dutch pianist Harmen Fraanje strike a fine balance on their latest collaborative jazz record Touch Of Time. Warm and tender throughout, this is a back-alleyed melanchole, with its stark counterpoints between piano and trumpet somehow eliciting the audio-sensation of more instrumentation than there is - a gestalt of ghosts. Gradients of emotion wax and wane like the strange blue lights that are often visible when one's eyes are closed. Produced by Manfred Eicher at the Auditorio Stelio Molo in Lugano, this is fine recording indeed.

Review: Available in extremely limited quantities, this new 7" from Burning Soul arrives in both black, or as we have it here, white, and it's another gem from Kidding that keeps up this fine Swiss label's high-quality output. The A-side bursts to life with 'Seriously,' a blistering funk anthem infused with Hammond-organ melodies, underpinned by a deep bass groove and gritty guitar licks. Flipping over to the B-side, 'Komet Ride' kicks up the tempo with even more vigorous drumming and exhilarating organ solos. It's a whirlwind of funk brilliance, underscoring Kidding's knack for delivering electrifying musical adventures.

Review: 3 Men Gone Mad were an independent group formed in Blackburn and Darwen in the UK. They fused electronic sounds with rock and were prolific in the 1990s when they became cult favourites amongst those who know. You Try is a much sought-after collection that has been restored by Utopia Records many years after it made its way onto John Peel's 1991 Festive 50. He heard in it a mix of The Clash, Joy Division and Talking Heads and that still rings true. The main mix has a raw energy that captures the angst of Britain at the time - and still today, frankly. A spaced-out dub brings a fresh feeling of euphoria and an extended B-side mix draws out this record's undeniable pleasures.

Review: M Parent's penchant for texture is laid bare on this searing and arresting new EP for Zement. It opens with 'Gravel Pit' which sounds like an audio diary from a car-wrecking plant. Twisted metal, fizzing battery acid, and crushed glass all feature over a distorted baseline and broken rhythm. Those same scuzzy sounds define the rest of the EP from the acid-laced 'Ideal Future' to the coruscated funk of 'Acid Thirst' via the caustic intensity of closer Climb These Walls'. An impressively unique offering that very much has its own singularly sound palette.

Review: Group Du Jour was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1983 and have had a storied career spanning the decades since. They have always brought together live, ethnic, and electronic sounds with folk and modern pop, later getting ever more experimental. Early albums Forgotten Colors in 1986 and Wonderful Vision in 1988 are groundbreaking affairs, the latter of which gave rise to 'Motion Of Waves', which is something of a cult favourite for deep diggers. It is a rich instrumental groove that layers up synthesiser, flute, guitar and haunting vocals sitting over a brilliantly electric beat. The whole thing was a live one-take recording and is perfectly suited to both sunset and sunup moments of dancing pleasure.

Review: Mateo Dufour hails from Argentina and runs a number of his own labels but here finds himself on Politics Of Dancing with an irresistible new hand-stamped white label 12". It's direct to dancefloor business from the off with the bristling drums and perc powering along 'Let Yourself Go' beneath snatched vocal yelps. There is just as much silvery metallic texture on show in 'Power Of Them', a jacked-up house sound with more vocal encouragement and neon melodic phrases panning about the mix. 'Dashed Street' is a third and final steel-plated house cut before cultured Frenchman D'Julz remixes 'Dashed Street' into a smoother tech house cruiser.

Review: London producer Scott Ferguson is the man behind the Robot84 alias. He has a love for 80s gear that very much defines the sounds he makes, from proto-house to darker disco. His self-titled label is back with more of that good stuff here as he faces off with The Raff for 'Get It Right Next Time'. This one has a creeping groove and warm chord sequences that tease and please beneath sweeping Balearic synths and celebratory melodic sequences that build to a crescendo. The drums get the hips swinging and the sprinkling of cosmic magic finishes it off in style making it a perfect cut for open-air dancing by the beach.