Favorite Releases from July 2023
Life’s errors cry for the merciful beauty that can modulate their isolation into a harmony with the whole.
— Rabindranath Tagore
The list of our favorite releases from July features the tracks from Aphex Twin, nthng, Len Faki, Vice City, Sonmi451, Vardae, Cousin, Loek Frey, Yogg and Teqmun.
Aphex Twin
Blackbox Life Recorder 21f
Warp
The electronic music world is abuzz with excitement as the legendary Aphex Twin makes a triumphant return! 'Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760,' the latest record released on Warp, bears witness to the iconic UK producer's unrivaled genius. In this four-track EP, Aphex Twin effortlessly weaves new tales into the fabric of cherished memories that have inspired generations of producers, DJs, and party-goers alike. One cannot help but be swept away by the mesmerizing journey Richard has crafted, shifting the boundaries of electronic music into uncharted territories.
The EP's opening track, 'Blackbox Life Recorder 21f,' exudes melancholic electronica at its absolute finest, as the irresistible breakbeat fuses seamlessly with a haunting synth melody, etching itself into the deepest corners of listeners mind. A true gem, this track is destined to linger in the musical consciousness for years to come, adding yet another illustrious chapter to the legend of Aphex Twin.
nthng
Unlimited ()
Transatlantic
The highly anticipated debut album, 'There is a place for me,' from the talented Dutch producer, nthng, is an infectious earworm that masterfully displays the producer's immense talent and diverse influences. The album opens with the beautiful track 'Unlimited (),' paying homage to Traumprinz's finest creations. Employing a tried-and-true formula of breakbeat, elongated lush pads, sampled vocals, and an irresistibly catchy sequence, this track effortlessly conjures euphoria on the dance floor.
Len Faki
Voices
Figure
In an impressive display of artistic depth, renowned Berlin-based techno producer and DJ, Len Faki, recently unleashed a monumental 24-track album. This release is nothing short of a musical odyssey, showcasing an exquisite array of styles that have significantly shaped Faki's illustrious career. The first part of the album takes us on an exhilarating exploration of techno realms, for which Faki is celebrated worldwide. As the journey progresses, the second part ventures into experimental, techno, ambient, and broken beat sounds, showcasing the artist's versatility.
In a soul-stirring finale, the closing track titled 'Voices' leads us on a mesmerizing drum & bass journey, stirring emotions and leaving listeners in awe.
Vice City
Rewild The Dreams
Companion
In an ethereal journey through soundscapes that intertwine the past and present, Vice City's latest track, 'Rewild The Dreams,' is a mesmerizing addition to Companion's 'Collection Two.' The Melbourne-based record label pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, recognizing their profound connection to the land on which this music is born.
'Rewild The Dreams' transcends conventional boundaries, offering a cinematic ambient escapade that weaves powerful bass lines, evocative granular synth melodies, and atmospheric field recordings.
Sonmi451
The Eighteen Minute Gap
Laaps
In "The Eighteen Minute Gap," Sonmi451 invites listeners to venture into an enigmatic realm of ethereal ambient music, an invitation to explore a world of serenity and tranquility. Through the clever use of field recordings and skillful manipulation of textures and tones, the artist crafts a collection of minimal yet alluring musical compositions that promise to fascinate the senses. Within these carefully woven sonic pieces, intimate whispers of voices intertwine, further adding to the mysterious allure of the journey. The release offers a deeply soothing and beautiful auditory experience, enchanting listeners with an intriguing soundscape.
Vardae
Kaipo
Ooda
Lyon-based producer Vardae makes a resounding mark with his latest music release on London's fresh imprint, OODA. The Kaipos EP, comprising four deep and rhythmic tracks, serves as an auspicious debut for the label, co-curated by Forest Drive West and localhost.
Vardae's genre-defying style is on full display as he seamlessly weaves through ritualistic half-tempo drums, immersive warping techno, and mind-bending drones. The EP perfectly exemplifies his penchant for crafting percussive entrancers, whether for solitary headphone journeys or pulsating dancefloor moments.
A prelude to the broader OODA project, which delves into the realms of polyrhythmic techno, bass, and ambient experiments, Kaipos stands out as a track that skillfully blends broken beats, intricate percussions, and massive bassline that commands center stage throughout it.
Cousin
On2
Moonshoe Records
Cousin, the talented musician who recently impressed us with his record on NAFF, has once again graced the Moonshoe label with his latest release. The new offering is a two-track EP of introspective and unbound sounds, beautifully etched into a "7 inch vinyl. With delicately staunch cuts, Cousin manages to create an emotional depth that simultaneously plucks at your heartstrings and rattles your bones. The music is an invitation to connect, as it calls out and resonates with the listener, forging an intimate bond between artist and audience.
Loek Frey
Embody Ritual
Omen Wapta
Loek Frey's latest EP, "Add Interaction," is a haunting and mysterious musical journey, showcasing his mastery of experimental shades and intricate drum patterns. This Omen Wapta release is a beautiful blend of drum and bass, IDM, and breakbeat with unexpected tempo shifts and mesmerizing effects. Created during the pandemic, the six-track EP artfully captures the emotions of loneliness, solitude, and unfamiliarity, conjuring a sense of introspection and reflection.
"Add Interaction" beckons listeners to embrace the unpredictability and immerse themselves deep into the sonic abyss, offering a thought-provoking opportunity to engage with the world around us differently.
Our favorite, "Embody Ritual" is a journey through experimental IDM driven by distinctive drum programming, haunting pads and trippy sequences.
Yogg
To Whom It May Concern
30D ExoPlanets
Tel-Aviv based producer Yogg presents a compelling four-track EP through 30D Records' sub-label ExoPlanets, exploring experimental techno, broken beats, bass, and IDM music.
'To Whom It May Concern' immediately engulfs listeners with its hypnotic low-slung rhythm, powered by the kick drum that seizes your senses right from the start. As the track progresses, Yogg masterfully keeps the grip tight, refusing to release its hold until it artfully dissolves into a shadowy drone, leaving an indelible mark on the listener's auditory journey.
Teqmun
Parachute Kernel
Flippen Disks
Amsterdam-based molecular biologist and producer Teqmun is making his highly anticipated debut on Flippen Disks with an enthralling release, 'Organic Oscillations EP.' The EP features five tracks that showcase his mastery of warm and organic sounds, blending elements of melancholic IDM, dreamy vocal chops, punchy rhythms, and playful break-beat techno.
'Parachute Kernel' perfectly encapsulates the essence of the release, boasting outstanding drum programming and hypnotic synth patterns.