Favorite Releases from June 2023
the silence before the sound
is a quiet envelope between
the now and the after,
your last moment of unknowing
before the sowing
of whatever
whoever
wherever
comes next
- Donia Olia
The month of June brings warm weather, summer solstice, gardens into full bloom, and a slew of fantastic releases in the likes of Lb Honne, Shoal, Segue, Lawrence, HVL, Gacha Bakradze, DJ Balduin, Carlo Maria, Ira Aka and Barker.
Ben Kaczor
Odsjaj (Lb Honne Legacy Remix)
Dial Records
Ben Kaczor's "Odsjaj (Lb Honne Legacy Remix)" is an outstanding addition to Dial Records' first remix package of the highly anticipated album "Bura." Released on June 02, 2023, the remix package features an impressive lineup of artists, including Orion, Martinou, Efdemin, and the talented Swiss producer Lb Honne, who contributes two exceptional remixes.
Lb Honne's "Legacy Remix" of "Odsjaj" delivers a driving groove characterized by a punchy kick drum, crispy hi-hats, and a resonant snare, all blending seamlessly with a beautifully subtle melody. The track's dynamic energy makes it a perfect fit for late nights on the dance floor.
Shoal
Tilde
The Something Something
The Something Something introduces the new album "Terugblik" by Kenny Keefel, aka Shoal, the talented Utrecht-based Dutch producer. The album, aptly named "Terugblik," which translates to "retrospect" in Dutch, offers a contemplative compilation of seven reworked tracks from Shoal's live performances over the years. Each piece resonates with an incandescent red thread of euphoric melancholy, evoking a bittersweet sentiment akin to bidding a sad farewell only to find solace in a beautiful "welcome home." In a saturated landscape of ambient and modern new-age music, "Terugblik" stands out for its organic evolution that gracefully unfolds throughout, demonstrating the artist's equally refined and ethereal musical style.
Within "Terugblik," "Tilde" emerges as a rhythmic gem, alongside the enchanting "Iterations," making both tracks ideal choices for afternoon opening sets. The album serves as a retrospective calling card for Shoal, showcasing the producer's versatile skills and unique musical personality. Rather than clamoring for attention, "Terugblik" gently beckons the listener with an enticing glance, drawing them into calmness and intrigue. Recently premiered at the prestigious Amsterdam arts festival, Fiber, in collaboration with visual artist Orah, the album's artwork masterfully captures the essence of Shoal's introspective journey, accentuating the thoughtful and captivating nature of the music within "Terugblik."
Segue
Constellations Dub
Huinali Recordings
"Constellations Dub" by Segue, featured on the "Harbour Cove Dubs" vinyl release from Huinali Recordings, sets the stage for a tranquil and reflective musical journey. Being the first vinyl release on the label, it signifies a significant milestone for Huinali Recordings. Just as Harbour Cove provides refuge from storms, this EP offers a sanctuary of peace and calm for its listeners.
The tracks on "Harbour Cove Dubs" emerged from samples and concepts developed between 2018 and 2021, resulting in a collection of longer-form compositions that hypnotize and captivate. "Constellations Dub" stands out as a stripped-down dub groover, emanating a "feel-good" vibe from its beautifully crafted sequences and lush melodies, which gracefully levitate over a steady and infectious groove. The melodic elements present in the track exude warmth and positive energy, creating an uplifting and enveloping atmosphere.
Molly
On The Road Again (Lawrence Remix 1)
Stólar
Molly, the acclaimed French producer, DJ, and Recit De Voyage label owner, graces Philipp Priebe's esteemed Stólar Records with her latest EP, "On The Road Again," which was released on June 2, 2023. The EP features remixes from two exceptional artists, including the co-founder of Dial Records, Lawrence, and Dial artist Soela. Stólar Records has been on an upward trajectory, boasting a series of well-received releases from Philipp Priebe himself, along with contributions from international talents such as Japan's Metome, the UK's Yard One, and Feuilleton's Tim Eder & Fossar. With Molly joining the label's roster, her repertoire, which has found homes on respected imprints like Giegling, Cin Cin, Kilometro 4.5, and her own RDV (Recit De Voyage), promises to elevate Stólar's standing even further.
In Lawrence's first remix of "On The Road Again," the German maestro displays his signature finesse, guiding listeners on an intricately woven and serenely evolving journey. The remix embraces listeners with comforting melodies, memorable piano chords, undulating bass notes, and ethereal textures. Lawrence's masterful touch adds a touch of dreamy allure, culminating in an exquisite and imaginative reimagining of the track.
We had the pleasure of premiering this track a few weeks ago.
DJ Balduin
Da Float (Mimosa Cut)
KANN
DJ Balduin's "Da Float (Mimosa Cut)" is a standout addition to his new album, "Concrete Mimosa," released by Kann Records on June 9, 2023. Balduin's unique approach to music creation shines through as he skillfully weaves repetitive loops and ambient patterns, creating moments of euphoria that unfold seamlessly throughout the track. By embracing a genre-defying mindset, Balduin's musical productions reflect his diverse range of influences, resulting in enchanting music stories that resonate both on the dancefloor and in more intimate settings.
Having already made a mark on labels such as QC Records, Kompakt, and his GLYK imprint, DJ Balduin makes an impressive entrance on KANN with the "Concrete Mimosa" LP. Featuring 11 tracks that traverse downtempo, ambient, and house elements, the album showcases Balduin's talent for quality sound design. "Da Float (Mimosa Cut)" stands out as one of the more dancefloor-oriented tracks from the release, exuding a raw and energetic vibe with its infectious breakbeats, alluring vocal samples, and enchanting melodies driven by arpeggiated sequences. The track perfectly fits a daytime beach party, setting the stage for an exhilarating and joyful experience on the dance floor.
Gacha Bakradze
Morning Chatter
Lapsus Records
Georgian producer Gacha Bakradze introduces his third album, "Pancakes," released under Lapsus Records on June 9, 2023. Beyond its seemingly conventional name, the album encompasses profound philosophical concepts that infuse Gacha's creative journey. Inspired by the transformative act of making pancakes with his son, Gacha perceives it as a metaphor for change and adaptation, emphasizing the significance of balance, attention to detail, and patience in each process.
On "Pancakes," Gacha skillfully reworks his music, preserving his previous works' melancholic yet vibrant essence. The album explores new genres, including Gacha's unique interpretation of hyper-pop and trance. It harmoniously combines contrasting elements, blending bucolic interludes with heavier tracks suited for club environments. "Pancakes" presents an aural universe that defies categorization, fusing IDM, electro, bass music, and cutting-edge techno. Gacha Bakradze's sound eludes classification, reflecting his artistic versatility.
Among the notable tracks is "Morning Chatter," a highly anticipated release since its appearance on a beautiful mix Gacha made for our podcast series. The track exemplifies Gacha's meticulous sound design, featuring a powerful breakbeat and elegant melodies that gracefully dance over an infectious bassline. Adding to its allure are the hypnotizing "stuttery vocals" that weave a captivating tapestry.
Carlo Maria
Luna Preina
Drone
Carlo Maria makes an impressive debut on Drone with his latest EP, "Inverno," released on June 23, 2023. This four-track collection takes listeners on a contemplative journey through the winter season, challenging conventional perceptions of life's dormancy during this time. Instead, Carlo Maria sees winter as an incubator for change, when life quietly renews its potential. Through a combination of heart-wrenching ambient and cerebral techno elements, "Inverno" serves as a series of evocative diary entries, capturing the artist's memories of past winters and embracing the inevitable arrival of new ones.
The closing track, "Luna Preina," is a melancholy masterpiece driven by an intricate, broken beat. The mesmerizing melody pulls at the heartstrings and skillfully triggers a myriad of emotions and nostalgia for the times when these tracks were conceived, underscoring the personal nature of Carlo Maria's musical journey. Recorded across different years and locations, "Inverno" weaves a tapestry of introspection, celebrating stillness's beauty while acknowledging life's cyclical nature.
HVL
Collective Genius
Organic Analogue
Organic Analogue introduces an exciting new 12" series, Splits, featuring the talents of Tbilisi-based artists HVL and Gacha Bakradze. Released on June 30, 2023, the series is designed to showcase tracks with a sharp and physical focus, tailored for the club environment, whether techno, jungle, or hip-hop tempos. The collaboration brings together artists connected through their shared location or the vibrant scenes they thrive in. HVL, a familiar name on the OA roster, previously contributed to the label's second 12" release, Away From Everything We Know, in 2015 and followed up with his debut LP, Ostati, in 2018. As a resident at Bassiani, one of Georgia's best clubs, HVL has earned recognition for his exploratory techno ventures. In "Collective Genius," HVL leads us through dimly lit corridors of introspective techno and angular braindance, crafting a soundscape with inherent moodiness.
At the heart of "Collective Genius" lies a raw and broken groove that pulsates with energy, drawing listeners into a captivating rhythm. As the music journey unfolds, cosmic synth melodies gradually emerge, weaving an otherworldly atmosphere around the track. The skillful blending of these celestial elements elevates the composition to new heights, evoking a sense of cosmic transcendence.
Iro Aka
Biosphere 3
Hivern Discs
Iro Aka returns to Hivern Discs with their highly anticipated final installment of the trilogy, "Planet Earth." Following the success of their previous releases, most notably "El Passatge de les Ombres" in 2020, the Catalan duo takes a new artistic direction with their latest album. The seven tracks on this album exhibit a meticulous approach to sound design, blending precise percussion and atmospheric elements. Iro Aka masterfully balances tension, ethereal beats, and hypnotic cuts, resulting in an album demanding careful exploration and rewarding dedicated listeners.
Among the album's standout tracks, "Biosphere 3" stands tall with its infectious polyrhythms and captivating synthesis-driven melodies.
JakoJako
Kambo (Barker Remix)
System Revival Recordings
System Revival Recordings introduces the latest gem in their Minor Setbacks series with "Kambo," an entrancing track by JakoJako. Previously featured on the "Beirut Will Rise Again" fundraiser release in November 2020, JakoJako's contribution reflects her unique musical talent and style. This time, the spotlight falls on two exceptional artists, Barker and Kangding Ray, who have skillfully reimagined the original in their respective remixes. Barker's version revolves around a mesmerizing repetitive sequence that drives the track's core while the background delicately weaves in cosmic melodies, adding a touch of otherworldly allure.