Favorite Releases from March 2024
March offered a dynamic selection of electronic music, showcasing versatility and innovation. From the halftime explorations of Reeko on Samurai Music and Vardae & Toé on Monochrome to the mind-bending experimentations of Jin Synth on Fractal Phenomenon and warm analog electronica from MP101 courtesy of Ilian Tape, the month defied easy classification.
Groove enthusiasts will find themselves gravitating towards the infectious breaks and basslines of DJ Polo's Livity Sound release. Deep house devotees can find solace in the latest album from Frank & Tony on Scissor & Thread.
Beyond the dancefloor, Mary Yalex offers a meditative ambient experience while Ocram Orchestra brings all the feelings with Toucheng alongside the exciting techno explorations of Neel and Foreign Material.
Reeko
Tomorrow Doesn't Exist
Samurai Music
Following his critically acclaimed "Confront The Serpent" EP on Samurai Records in June 2023, Spanish producer Reeko makes a swift return to the influential label with another powerful four-track offering: "Tomorrow Doesn't Exist."
This EP pulsates with a powerful message: seize the present. Each track throbs with depth, infectious grooves, and immaculate sound design, all wrapped in a hazy psychedelic 170/85BPM realm. Imagine a late-night dance floor bathed in an ethereal glow – that's the world Reeko conjures here.
The title track is a masterclass in earth-shaking grooves and crisp percussion. Ethereal vocals add a touch of light in this dark halftime odyssey.
"Tomorrow Doesn't Exist" dropped on March 22nd via Samurai Music.
MPU101
MPU104
Ilian Tape
Munich label Ilian Tape continues its fruitful partnership with the enigmatic MPU101, delivering their fourth album in four years. "MPU104" pushes forward with mesmerizing analog synth journeys, echoing the golden age of Warp Records and UK electronica.
The album unfolds in two distinct chapters. Powerful, cinematic tracks "BLOCK-1_dv190" and "BLOCK-1_2AREA666" set the stage. A shift occurs between these "blocks," where pure emotion takes center stage. Lush, arpeggiated pieces like our current favorite, "TEAM 700_76," weave melancholic melodies and interlocking sequences that evoke a powerful response.
Following the jolt of "BLOCK-1_2AREA666," the album drifts back into a daydream state. Tracks like "vanlife_702 ABCD," "TrailerparkBeauty," and "sunset memories" showcase MPU101's masterful exploration of analog synthesis.
Released on March 7th, "MPU104" might be the producer's most emotionally resonant work yet. Expect it to be on repeat this spring.
DJ Polo
If the Glow Fits
Livity Sound
DJ Polo makes a triumphant return to Livity Sound, showcasing his evolution beyond the established UK funky styles that he previously pioneered alongside Tribal Brothers in their acclaimed 2021 release, "The Link Up EP." Renowned for his signature lean and bass-heavy rhythms, the Bristol-based producer has carved out a distinct niche through his productions and consistent presence on online radio platforms.
With his latest EP, "If The Glove Fits," Polo explores a diverse array of tempos and influences ranging from gqom and techno to afrobeats. Rather than merely sampling different genres, Polo's work showcases the universal qualities that unite dance music worldwide. The result is a collection of four meticulously crafted club anthems, each bearing Polo's unmistakable stamp—a delicate balance of tension and release, adorned with flashes of flair and subtle nuances, all underscored by a formidable physical presence that aligns seamlessly with Livity's commitment to soundsystem excellence.
While every track on this EP is a standout in its own right, "Autumn Layers" emerges as a frontrunner. Its infectious blend of groovy breaks, razor-sharp percussion, atmospheric dub chords, evocative tribal vocals, and entrancing synths form an irresistible concoction that promises to ignite dance floors with unparalleled energy and fervor.
Jin Synth
Dedication EP
Fractal Phenomenon
Fractal Phenomenon, or '分形現象,' encapsulates the intricate patterns echoing across various scales, akin to the nuanced reflections found in music and art. Founded by Jin Synth, this avant-garde label explores the symbiotic relationship between auditory and visual realms, unraveling layers that mirror the depths of human experience and connection. Through its creative endeavors, Fractal Phenomenon extends an invitation to venture on a voyage of discovery.
At the heart of Jin Synth's philosophy lies the belief in sound as a healing force, a source of solace and enlightenment for wounded spirits. Her artistry strives to capture the essence of existence, with a focus on the transcendence of the mind and the refinement of the soul. This is particularly poignant in moments of reckoning with mortality, when the spirit reaches its purest form.
The "Dedication" EP serves as a sonic tableau, evoking the ambiance of a conceptual art installation. Its abstract nature grants listeners the liberty to traverse their own mental landscapes as they absorb its sound collage. For optimal immersion, indulge in this release in a reclined position, enveloped by headphones, allowing its narrative to unfold seamlessly from inception to culmination.
Foreign Material
Above Abysmal Rivers
Navigare Audio
Martin Respaut aka Foreign Material makes a stunning debut on Navigare Audio imprint with his ‘Saturnian’ EP. Drawing inspiration from Saturnus, the god of time, transcendence and agriculture, Foreign Material has crafted a journey that moves seamlessly through the peaks and valleys of deep, hypnotic techno and beyond. On this EP, he’s also joined by Toffes Värld who provides a reimagination of Saturnian Dub.
Above Abysmal Rivers is the last but certainly not least track of the Saturnian EP. Coming in as the digital bonus, Foreign Material slows things down to a rhythmic 98 bpm, providing that chuggy low slung vibe that is all over our Delayed HQ. Nicely textured synths add to the movement, fending off the repetitiveness, while a glittering melody builds and our favorite melancholic pads round out the atmosphere.
Foreign Material’s Saturnian EP was released on the Navigare Audio imprint on March 29th.
Frank & Tony
Too Poor for Movies, Too Tired for Love
Scissor & Thread
Frank & Tony, the Brooklyn-Biarritz duo, have graced us with their latest offering, "Ethos," marking their return to the scene after a decade-long hiatus since the release of their 2014 LP "You Go Girl," interspersed with a plethora of EPs. This album is a tribute to the cherished house music genre, deeply rooted in the vibrant scenes of NYC, Chicago, and Detroit. "Ethos" embodies the signature hazy, atmospheric, and deep house sound that Frank & Tony have masterfully cultivated over the years, evident in its meticulous production.
A dozen years have elapsed since the debut of Frank & Tony's inaugural record. Over this period, the electronic music scene has traversed several phases, yet the essence celebrated by Frank & Tony has endured, akin to an evergreen fixture on the dance floor. Our experiences at countless F&T parties in Brooklyn have consistently exuded positive energy. "Ethos" effortlessly encapsulates this vibe, evoking a sense of light-hearted euphoria combined with laid-back tranquility.
Featuring nine tracks, "Ethos" boasts collaborations with Eliana Glass on two tracks, as well as Lawrence, DaRand Land, and DJ Aakmael. Among these gems, "Too Poor for Movies, Too Tired for Love," emerges as an instant standout featuring the Dial founder Lawrence. The longstanding friendship between these artists has fostered a profound mutual respect and chemistry, resulting in one of the most exquisite deep house tracks of recent years.
Released on March 22 via Scissor & Thread, "Ethos" marks a triumphant return for Frank & Tony, reaffirming their status as stalwarts of the house music scene.
Soundcloud - Francis Harris
Soundcloud - Anthony Collins
Buy on Bandcamp
Vardae & Toé
Rao
Monochrome
In the second installment of Primärwald on Monochrome, a phenomenal seven-track VA compilation, the journey continues through the spiritual and tribal landscape, now expanding into the realms of drum & bass.
Vardae & Toé unite their talents to create an energetic drum and bass track reminiscent of the exhilarating atmosphere of a crowded dancefloor. Tribal chants echo against deep, resonant drums, while surging basslines drive the rhythm forward. With its spectacular groove work, this track emerges as a true powerhouse among other meticulously produced tracks on this release.
Soundcloud - Vardae
Soundcloud - Toé
Buy on Bandcamp
Ocram Orchestra
Toucheng
Indefinite Pitch
Yandai-based record label and music platform Indefinite Pitch has recently unveiled their third various artist compilation, which features tracks from many producers close to our hearts here at Delayed, whose work is well known to our community.
From the ethereal soundscapes of ambient and downtempo to the pulsating energy of halftime, hypnotic techno, and deep grooves, "Selected Works Series 3" explores many different corners of electronic music.
A special shoutout goes to Ocram Orchestra, whose track "Toucheng" perfectly encapsulates the burgeoning spirit of spring. This infectiously positive piece opens with beautiful field recordings and unfurls into a hazy broken-beat music tale with an infectious bell melody that evokes the peaceful ambiance of a stroll through the idyllic Guishan Island.
Selected Works Series 3 was released on March 8.
Mary Yalex
The Patience of Eternity
Yalex Recordings
Following her critically acclaimed 2023 album on A Strangely Isolated Place, the prolific German producer Mary Yalex returns with another full-length offering, "The Patience of Eternity," released under her own imprint, Yalex Recordings. This new release features 11 original compositions, delving deeper into the allure of synthesis and textural atmospheres. Like its predecessor, "Fantasy Zone," "The Patience of Eternity" eschews beats entirely, instead focusing on warm, analog-infused, introspective themes—a style Yalex has honed over recent years. This album demands uninterrupted attention from its audience. Still, amidst its cohesive brilliance, "Eismond" emerges as a standout, a cosmic ballad woven from enchanting melodies that evoke feelings of acceptance and affection.
Neel
Disco Quarantine EP
Interdimensional Transmissions
Neel embodies the epitome of Interdimensional Transmissions ethos. Co-founder of Voices From The Lake, a luminary DJ since youth, mastering engineer at Enisslab in Rome, and a partner in a record pressing plant, his multifaceted pursuits culminate in the Disco Quarantine EP.
In "Disco Quarantine" EP, Neel crafts a psychedelic, propulsive experience yet subtly nuanced and flawlessly executed. From underground revelries where time stands still to cosmic explorations, each track on the EP is a narrative unto itself. But "Deep Quarantine" stands out as a masterpiece. We have a penchant for deep techno at Delayed, and "Deep Quarantine" flawlessly embodies this ethos. Neel's meticulous sound design manifests subliminal energy that resonates on any dancefloor. The precision of his razor-sharp hi-hats and 808 claps adds an irresistible touch of sophistication.