Best New Releases from April
by Irina Kotik
Spring has sprung and along with it a cavalcade of fantastic releases from Denis Horvat, Olderic, DJ Tennis, Rampa, Laurent Garnier, SBTH, Hammer, Kornèl Kovàcs, Benjamin Fröhlich, Patrice Bäumel, Abstraxion & Kasper Bjørke.
We compiled a list of 10 tracks released in the month of April for you to enjoy.
Denis Horvat
Axle
Exit Strategy
Denis Horvat has been on the rise over the past few years with releases on labels such as Innervisions, Aeon, Exit Strategy, Balance Music to just name a few. Copenhagen-based producer returns to Exit Strategy with an impressive two-tracker ‘Axle’ EP.
The title track ’Axle’ draws the listener in from the first note. The beautifully discordant and twisted melody lines working alongside the mesmerizing groove and deep, drone-drenched melodic elements create an infectious charm and hypnotic vibe.
Laurent Garnier
1-4 Doctor C’Est Chouette
Kompakt Extra
Pioneering French producer, techno bohemoth, and France's prestigious "Legion Of Honor" Award recipient, Laurent Garnier, brings his diverse, multi-dimensional talent and musical vision to Kompakt's sub-label Kompakt Extra. The two-track 'Tribute' EP will mark the 95th release in the Speicher series and artist's first release on the Cologne-based record label.
Here is how Laurent Garnier tells the story behind this powerhouse package: "One Saturday in February I was having an amazing night playing at Oval Space in London. In the middle of my set I dropped '1-4 Doctor C'est Chouette'. A fan came up to the DJ booth to ask me what I was playing. When I told him it was one of my new tracks, he replied - to my surprise - 'There's so much melancholy in this track, what were you thinking about when you made it?' His question struck a deep chord: he had understood what I was feeling when I made the track - isn't that what music is all about? But did I really have to tell him the story? It wasn't the place or the time to get into a deep conversation, so I simply smiled at him to thank him for his enthusiasm. There are times in our lives when we should dedicate a little something to people or places that are important to us. This is what this record is all about: just to say I love you, I miss you or just simply thank you.".
Pastaboys & Osunlade
Deep Musique (Rampa Remix)
Rebirth
The ever-impressive Berlin-based producer Rampa continues his great run of success with the immensely addictive rework of Pastaboys & Osunlade's "Deep Musique" from the "Rebirth 10 Remixes" compilation, out on Rebirth Records.
Rampa propels the original tune with his signature fusion of tribal rhythms, punctuated percussions patterns, and sophisticated textures of perfect vocals. This stunning version will keep the listener engaged and dancing with its intensity and magnetism.
SBTH
Moritzplatz (Jupiter Mix)
Lossless
SBTH is the musical partnership of Lossless label founders, Thomas Herb and Mathias Schober, also know as Show-B or SB. The duo debuted under their SBTH moniker last year on their own label with the impressive re-edit of King Britt’s 2002 house classic ‘Uzomaka’ and innovative exploration of avant-garde, groovy, and melodic deep house magic. After their stunning ‘Ribolla’ EP which quickly gained the support of key figures of the underground electronic music scene such as Dixon, Âme, John Talabot to just name a few, SBTH returns with another gorgeous release. ‘Moritzplatz' EP is titled after the location of SBTH’s studio and captures the true essence and magic of Berlin. ‘Jupiter Mix’ takes its cues from the classic-era of deep house but strives to put a delightfully modern spin on it. Warm pads, crunchy claps, lush textures and unpolished groove structures give the track a sensuous edge, pushing it into the realm of cosmic-euphoria.
Space Dimension Controller
Exostack (Kornèl Kovàcs Remix)
R&S Records
Space Dimension Controller is a project emanating from the studio of Belfast electro/house producer Jack Hamill, who brings his trademark funky retro-futuristic and mind-melting synth sounds to his new ‘Exostack’ EP, released via London’s R&S Records. The four-track EP is announced in a press release as “a return to the “astro-boogie” of his early singles following a diversion into ambient music with last year’s Orange Melamine”. The remarkable package features remixes from Studio Barnhus artist Kornèl Kovàcs and Minimal Violence.
Kornèl Kovàcs’s version of ‘Exostack’ is a pure funk bliss. Swedish producer throws in a dreamy hypnotic melody, silky synth chords and seductive irresistable groove to stamp his own unique mark on the original, resulting in the breath-taking contrasting interpretation.
Hammer
Manaka
Loft Records
The Belfast talent Hammer is next to make his mark on LOFT Records. Having already made his name with releases on the globally acknowledged Feel My Bicep and Optimist music, as well as a DJ residency at Sub-Club, Hammer is back with another stunning package featuring three forward-thinking cuts. The mystery-infused "Manaka" floats seamlessly between warm pads, a dizzyingly twisted synth melody, and driving drum machine percussion with sparks of psychedelia.
Tuff City Kids feat. Joe Goddard
Tell Me (Benjamin Fröhlich Long Journey Remix)
Permanent Vacation
Tuff City Kids (Running Back boss Gerd Janson and Frankfurt-based Phillip Lauer), are back to the German powerhouse Permanent Vacation with a new remix package of “Tell Me” and “R-Mancer”, both striking tunes from their debut album “Adolescent”.
The “Tell Me/R-Mancer Remixes” EP features Hot Chip’s vocalist Joe Goddard and consists of five exciting and equally unique takes on the originals. Remixes are contributed by Hamburg-based Tensnake, Joe Goddard himself, German veteran Roman Flügel and Benjamin Fröhlich, who provided an exclusive long journey version of “Tell Me” for band camp.
Permanent Vacation co-owner Benjamin Fröhlich delivers a massive take on the catchy “Tell Me”. Masterfully blending futuristic synths with Joe Goddard’s seductive vocals, he effortlessly unleashes infectious energy and flawlessly addictive rhythms.
Abstraxion & Kasper Bjørke
Ivre
Biologic
French producer Abstraxion (a.k.a. Harold Bouè) has teamed up with the acclaimed Danish producer Kasper Bjørke for a stunning three-track EP titled 'Matin/Nuit'. This release will be their second collaboration via Abstraxion’s Biologic Records.
“Ivre” ('drunk’) is a rich sonic tapestry that takes the listener through a subliminal emotive journey. Building around a subtly groovy bassline and hypnotic percussions the duo works with an elegant, acid infused synth lines to create a strikingly gorgeous nostalgic atmosphere.
Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons
I Found You (Patrice Bäumel Remix)
Crosstown Rebels
Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons return to Crosstown Rebels with the iconic I Found You, remixed by Black Coffee and former resident of Trouw Patrice Bäumel.
Lazarus closed his Day Zero festival in Mexico with I Found You back in January, and since then it has become one of his most requested tracks. His magical live project The Ancient Moons was first unleashed in 2014 with Lover’s Eyes (Mohe Pi Ki Najariya) and followed in 2015 by the highly acclaimed album, A Message From The Other Side, co-produced with James Ford. Since then, Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons have traveled the world with their highly immersive live show, supported Roisin Murphy on tour, and played at Glastonbury festival and Melt! amongst others.
The Fader labeled The Ancient Moons “a journey into techno’s dreamiest recesses” and the four piece have been continually shrouded in mystery. Last year Lazarus and his collection of musicians retreated into the Italian countryside and started work on new self-produced material. The Ancient Moons brings together Zulu on vocals, Ben Chetwood on electronics, and Rob Gentry on keyboards. I Found You is the first fruits of their labor. Continuing on a path first started by the band’s anthemic single Vermillion, I Found You is intensely soulful and warm, with anthemic vocals from singer Zulu. This is the first of a string of tracks from the band in 2017.
Lazarus comments: “This is the first time I've created music in a band situation and I loved every moment of it. I decided to make the new music as a collective and the four of us have created magic. The energy that we enjoyed from beginning to end of this process was electric."
Champion of the South African electronic scene Black Coffee supplies the first remix and takes I Found You to new dimensions. This is a rare remix outing from this pioneering South African DJ.
Amsterdam based Patrice Bäumel is a former resident of the now legendary Trouw and has released on Get Physical, Systematic, Diynamic, Kompakt and My Favorite Robot among others. Patrice adds some complexity and takes things deeper and more atmospheric. It’s quite the package.
Olderic
Hydre Intime
Connaisseur Recordings
Venice-based producer, DJ, radio host, vinyl collector and CIRQ club resident Olderic hits hard with his first solo appearance on Offenbach’s Connaisseur Recordings with a release full of sumptuous tunes and vibrant rhythms. The stunning three-track “The Secret Chambers” EP showcases his wide and evolving spectrum of sounds.
The elegant "Hydre Intime“ is brimming with majestic abstract soundscapes, with a beautiful shimmering synth, a bewitching baseline, and dreamy, evocative harmonies.