Favorite Releases from March 2022
"Trees are silent when lightning strikes,
for a long time then expired
tears of the rain.
There is a memory, infinite, endless.
The killer in the hide.
A horse that craves for a horse.
Her every random look -
like a thread in a needle.
Any trifle sound -
the orchestral pit..."
-Natalia Romanova
The underground electronic music world continued to stretch its wings in 2022 with beautiful releases from Simon Ferdinand, Nathan Kofi, Artefakt, Claudio PRC, Tammo Hesselink, Tim Man, Jozef K, Polygonia, Aspetuck, Tom VR, Kareem Ali, Adam Stromstedt, Edward, Azu Tiwaline, and Al Wootton.
Simon Ferdinand
Doublexx
Polycarp Records
Hamburg-based producer and Polycarp Records founder Simon Ferdinand concludes his 4-part EP series "Wie lange notch" with the final installment. Entitled "Parkhaus," the four-track EP is dedicated to the most beautiful parking garage in the city.
The opening track 'Doublexx' builds from subtle sonics, adding undulated synth sequences and occasional throbbing bass beneath wide pads to craft an evocative soundscape of groovy sound.
Nathan Kofi
Pacemaker
De Lichting
Dutch electronic music collective De Lichting unites to create a compilation that will benefit charities and support fundraisers helping Ukraine's marginalized communities. "DLUA" presents previously unreleased tracks from the collective members, including Kaap, Boris Acket, RDS, Nathan Kofi, Human Space Machine, queniv, and Eversines.
Across eight tracks, you will feel the familiar energy of the artists navigating listeners through a translucent realm of electronic music.
Nathan Kofi's "Pacemaker" is a gorgeous contribution featuring a vibrant palette of fractal textures and widescreen pads punctuated by driving percussive rhythm.
Artefakt and Claudio PRC
Gaia
De Stijl
Collaborations is a new series curated by Artefakt on their own imprint De Stijl. The production duo has invited friends and like-minded artists for extended studio improvisations crafting an EP based on live sessions.
The first guest is Claudio PRC, a close friend, and familiar face in the deep techno scene. Having been released on labels such as Semantica, TGP, his own 012, and most recently Delsin Records, he has a close connection to Artefakt. Both artists reside in Berlin and share a dedicated passion for atmospheric and immersive ambient and techno.
Collaborations I feature four jams combining the unmistakable strengths of both artists, resulting in a well-varied pack of emotive techno with room for experiment. Where 'Gaia' and 'Dwelling' feel like iconic tracks of the pair teaming up, on the flip side, 'Sonic Rite' slows down in pace and catches a magnificent groove. The shared love for ambient results in the mesmerizing closer of the EP' Distant Light'.
Tammo Hesselink
Not For Levi
Rear View Memory
Dutch producer Tammo Hesselink launches his label Rear View Memory with the new record "Borrowed Wheels." The new imprint will focus primarily on his personal work.
The inaugural EP spans four tracks of futuristic techno and halftime drum & bass, featuring a collaborative effort with the Romanian producer DYI.
Tammo Hesselink opens the EP with a beautifully crafted "Not For Levi" offering a more minimalistic approach to techno, accenting textural electronics, atmospheric elements, and hazy percussive rhythms.
Tin Man & Jozef K
Perfectly Symmetrical Acid
Sungate Records
Manchester producer Jozef K and acid techno maestro Tin Man have combined forces for the first time to release a gorgeous EP brimming with delicate acid flourishes and retro-futuristic rhythms. Through an impeccable sound design and intricate rhythms, every track provides its own mesmerizing experience. The package comes complete with Voiski, Evigt Mörker, and Moy Santana remixes.
"Perfectly Symmetrical Acid" strikes a delicate balance between storytelling and a dreamy atmosphere wrapped around acid-hued melodies and percussive rhythms to give the track undeniable danceability.
Polygonia
Dreaming Trees
Sure Thing
Munich-based musician, producer, and co-founder of the IO collective Polygonia debuts on Sure Thing with her newest EP, "Bloom." The prolific artist and collaborator Lindsey Wang continues to evolve her sound into the deep and atmospheric techno realm with the three-track record that has drawn inspiration from the numerous plants that she has grown at home. The package also features a remix of the "Dreaming Trees" track from the London-based producer Forest Drive West.
The original track "Dreaming Trees" effortlessly weaves through organic textures of deep techno rhythms and ambient sounds with delicate vocals adding color to the atmosphere.
Aspetuck
Holding Pattern (Adam Stromstedt remix)
Six months after releasing the 'Half Light Half Dark' EP, our fellow NY-er and usual suspect here at Delayed, Aspetuck, releases a remix package. The release features incredible talent from around the globe like Adam Strömstedt, Ben Kaczor, Jónbjörn, Sanguine, Forest On Stasys, and Caldera. Each track gives a new life and unique take on Aspetuck's already exceptional originals.
We had the pleasure of premiering the remix version of "Holding Pattern" by Lyssna Records founder and KANN affiliate Adam Strömstedt. Read the entire review by Gilles Wasserman here
Edward
Black Sea
Die Orakel
The German producer Edward returns to Die Orakel with his first solo materials of 2022, the "Time Stretch" EP. The long-time friend and collaborator Edward delivers groovy tracks masterfully transformed into a euphoric and harmonious sound.
The closing track "Black Sea" weaves a pulsating web of bass, atmospheric textures, and melancholic melodies, embracing a modern essence of timeless 90s IDM sound.
Azu Tiwaline and Al Wootton
Blue Dub
Livity Sound
The latest installment on the Bristol-based Livity Sound welcomes Tunisian artist Azu Tiwaline who partnered with the UK-based producer Al Wootton for an "Alandazu" EP. Balanced between sophisticated North African Arabic-punctuated rhythms and edgy dissonances that contrast dubby beats, the four-track record takes the listener on a journey full of haunting motifs and refreshingly open spaces.
"Blue Dub" channels a twisted euphoria oozed with raw energy and propulsive dubbed-out breakbeat funk.
Tom VR
Soared Straight Through Me (Kareem Ali Remix)
All My Thoughts
Tom VR has unveiled the eagerly anticipated remix packaged for his album "Please Keep Shimmering. " The EP features new interpretations by some of the most renowned names in the underground electronic music world, featuring Midland, Peach, Lone, and Kareem Ali. Here is what the label intends to say about the release: "Tom VR has been quietly developing his style under the surface. Recently his signature sound has flourished and resulted in a string of records, including the album.
'Please Keep Shimmering' was inspired by the fight against burnout and keeping the flame of creativity alive, against various odds. It resulted in an expertly crafted journey of textural patchwork electronica. The highly personal album now gets reinterpreted by four artists close to Tom's heart.
For his remix of 'Soared Straight Through', Midland picks up on the infectious sense of hope that drives the album. Peach ramps up the tempo and delivers a colorful reinterpretation of 'Partner'. Lone pursues the echoes of jungle on 'October' and adds an extra dose of breaks for good measure. Finally Kareem Ali delivers a forward-thinking deep house rework of ‘Soared Straight Through', wrapping up the remix EP beautifully."