Favorite Releases from November 2023
November witnessed a diverse array of fantastic releases spanning ambient, techno, deep house, IDM and Electronica. This curated list spotlights ten exceptional releases from renowned artists such as Mark Van Hoen, Forest On Stasys, Kastil, Polygonia, Popp, Joe Davies, Otik, Wata Igarashi, Oreste, Alpi, and John Tejada.
Mark Van Hoen
This Is For Them
Touch Music
Mark Van Hoen's latest EP, "This is For Them," released on November 10, 2023, under the Touch Music label, unveils a nuanced exploration of IDM, electronica, and ambient. Following his recent live set at the Mysteries Of The Deep party, anticipation for this release has been palpable, and it doesn't disappoint.
The title track, "This is For Them," skillfully pays homage to the electronic music zenith of the '90s. Van Hoen effortlessly intertwines intricate melodic sequences and pads, creating a gloomy atmosphere that resonates with the era's emotive tendencies. The broken groove, reminiscent of a signature UK trip-hop beat, adds a distinctive layer to the track.
Forest On Stasys
Hive Mind
Kizen Records
Berlin-based Kizen Records unveils a nine-track compilation under the title "Inclusion." This compilation marks the label's first release of the year and boasts an impressive lineup of both seasoned Delayed usual suspects and producers who have already made a significant impact on Kizen Records' six-year journey. The compilation features contributions from well-known artists in our niche, such as Unjin, Javier Marimon, BLNDR, Barefoot, Inhmost, Forest On Stasys, Daniel[i], Erik Mowinckel, and the dynamic trio VSJ.
In "Hive Mind," Forest On Stasys skillfully orchestrates a convergence of two musical realms. The symbiotic relationship between dub chords and trippy halftime rhythms creates an irresistible after-hours ambiance, blurring the lines between genres and resulting in a murky yet groovy atmosphere that defines a unique electronic journey.
Released on November 24, "Inclusion" promises a compelling listening experience that showcases the collective talent and versatility within the Kizen Records.
Kastil
DoreL
ExoPlanets
Kastil, the moniker of the accomplished Spanish producer Mario Castillo, is renowned for his intense and intricate techno productions characterized by a pronounced industrial influence. However, with his latest release, the "QuadroQuill EP" under the Exo-Planets label, Kastil deliberately departs from his customary four-to-the-floor techno, delving into classic IDM and emotive electronica. This shift is exemplified in the standout track, 'DoreL,' a melancholic break-beat composition that elegantly pierces through the listener's emotional core from the very first beat. The EP predominantly pays homage to the timeless sonic aesthetics of the 90s, showcasing Kastil's versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical territories.
The EP has been released on 30D Records' sub-label ExoPlanets in vinyl (strictly limited edition) and digital formats.
Polygonia and Popp
Onyx
Squama
Polygonia and Popp's debut collaborative effort, "Candid," released on November 10, 2023, under the Squama label, is a sophisticated fusion of Munich-based Polygonia's electronic wizardry and the rhythmic prowess of drummer Simon Popp. The album is rooted in live recordings from the vibrant ZIRKA venue in late 2022, interspersed with meticulously crafted studio sessions during breaks from their touring commitments. It is an organic blend of electronic and percussive elements.
The standout track, "Onyx," is a sonic marvel, proof of the duo's creative synergy. Popp's drumset commands the spotlight, intricately crafting a rhythmic complexity that seamlessly intertwines with Polygonia's daring electronic compositions. The result is an intricate musical journey, where each layer of sound unfolds to reveal a nuanced landscape. The live energy from ZIRKA injects a raw and visceral quality into "Onyx," elevating it beyond a mere composition to a living, breathing experience.
"Candid" emerges as an album and a sonic portrait, capturing the essence of two distinct voices converging into a harmonious exploration of electronic and percussive possibilities.
Buy on Bandcamp
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Joe Davies
Smile and Wave
Smallville Records
Joe Davies, shedding the DJ Assam moniker, unveils his first release, 'Shields In Full Sunlight,' an eight-track EP that unfolds like a musical mosaic. Released under Smallville Records, the album reveals Davies' musical dexterity. The track "Smile and Wave" is a brilliant example, demonstrating his knack for interlacing complex melodies into a dynamic musical narrative.
This project culminates in Davies' decade-long journey, releasing on labels like Lehult, KANN Records, and Smallville Records' Down by the Lake. The album's diversity is evident, ranging from the deep and dubby Smallville house signature in tracks like "Two Hours Earth Room" and "AMY" to the experimental foray of "Echo Form," where broken rhythms and jazzy melodies take center stage. 'Shields In Full Sunlight,' released on November 24, 2023, marks a significant shift in Davies' career, presenting an immersive experience that effortlessly navigates various musical landscapes.
Otik
Odyssey
3024
London-based maestro Otik unfurls his debut album, 'Cosmosis,' a sublime creation released under the aegis of Martyn's venerable label, 3024. Dropping on November 24, 2023, this 11-track opus represents the fourth chapter in the label's decade-spanning saga, showcasing a nuanced and reflective facet of Otik's musical prowess. The standout composition, "Odyssey," is a gateway into Otik's sonic universe, characterized by intricate melodies, ethereal atmospheres, and the warm embrace of analog sounds. Conceived during the crucible of a lockdown three years prior, 'Cosmosis' materialized amidst Otik's spiritual odyssey, where he grappled with the profound questions of faith, morality, and the complexities of the human condition. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it's a profound articulation of Otik's inner dialogue, beautifully translated into music within the confines of his Peckham-based studio and finding its rightful place in the storied catalog of 3024.
Sequencing his sophomore release on 3024 after the lauded 'Soulo' EP in 2021, Otik expands his sonic horizons with 'Cosmosis,' demonstrating a panoramic view of his artistic vision. The album traverses a diverse terrain, seamlessly oscillating between airy ambient textures and the rugged beats of D'n'B, attesting to Otik's artistic maturity and versatility. In a quest to encapsulate the journey towards enlightenment and the tribulations along the way, Otik drew inspiration from the cinematic philosophy of Terrence Malick, akin to the maestro's evocative narratives in films such as The Tree of Life and Voyage of Time. 'Cosmosis' emerges not only as a musical endeavor but as a compelling rebirth narrative skillfully narrated through Otik's exquisite sound design and a dynamic pace that ebbs and flows across the album's captivating expanse.
Wata Igarashi
Touch
WIP
Wata Igarashi's "Forgotten Tales," released on November 30, 2023, alongside the EP "Lost Journey," offers a unique perspective into the artist's creative process, showcasing tracks that didn't end up onto his recent album, "Agartha." These EPs serve as a compelling retrospective, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into the evolution of Igarashi's sonic exploration during the making of "Agartha."
"Touch" emerges as a standout track, delivering a beautiful and tranquil composition. The music paints a vivid picture of crisp, cold mornings, evoking the experience of a leisurely walk in the park while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee. Released under the WIP label, "Forgotten Tales" serves not only as a supplement to "Agartha" but also as a valuable archive of tracks that, although not part of the album, significantly contributed to the artist's creative journey.
Oreste
Locus Form
Annulled Music
Oreste's "Swelling Truth" is like stumbling upon a hidden sanctuary amid a chaotic world. Released on November 3, 2023, under the wing of Annulled Music, the album is more than just a collection of tracks – it's a journey through the soul of sound. Oreste's musical wisdom shines as he leads us through an enchanted forest of melodies, where each note is a step deeper into a meditative trance.
Among the gems of this release, "Locus Form" stands tall. Imagine starting with a heartbeat-like rhythm that not only grounds you but feels like the very pulse of the Earth. The beats are deliberate, carrying a subtle tension that keeps you moving forward, almost like a dance through the trees. There's a synth that creeps in, a growling companion beneath the surface, adding a touch of mystery to the experience. In the depths of this unnamed forest, Oreste proves himself a sonic shaman, conjuring rhythms that resonate with the heartbeat of nature. "Swelling Truth" isn't just an album; it's a whispered secret shared between artist and listener, an invitation to get lost in the sound and find a piece of peace in the chaos.
Locus Form and the rest of Swelling Truth will be released on November 3 by Annulled Music.
ALPI
Aquilegia
Trule
Nestled in the rugged embrace of the northern Italian mountains, ALPI, a daring duo, introduces their debut EP, "Flora Resonantia," under the always reliable UK-based record label Trule on November 24, 2023. ALPI's sonic exploration of the natural world transcends the mundane, crafting an intimate dialogue between the symphony of nature and the profound vibrations felt by the human soul.
Within this release, "Aquilegia" emerges as a bewitching gem. The track lures the listener into an otherworldly dimension with its trippy sequences operating in the background like echoes bouncing off ancient mountain walls. The rhythmic heartbeat of the rolling kick drum provides an irresistible groove, inviting the audience to surrender to the magnetic pull of the music. ALPI's artistry in "Aquilegia" is a sonic pilgrimage, an invitation to lose oneself in the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere, mirroring the delicate dance between nature and human emotion explored throughout "Flora Resonantia."
John Tejada
Resound
Palette Recordings
John Tejada's "Resound," the 15th jewel in his solo discography, arrived on November 3, 2023, and it's a refreshing departure from the beaten path. In this 36-minute auditory journey across seven tracks, Tejada opts for brevity with intent, crafting an experience that's a sonic kaleidoscope of feedback-laden textures and the pulsating heartbeat of classic analog drum machines. The synths here aren't just instruments; they're shape-shifters, bending and distorting to conjure tones that dance on the edge of familiarity and innovation.
The album's heartbeat, "Simulacrum," sets the stage with a potent drum track that entwines breaks and an analog bassline, creating a harmonious fusion of raw beauty and rhythmic intensity. But it's in the heart-wrenching "Someday" that Tejada unveils his vulnerability. The deliberate decay of soft synths through intentional noise and delays provides a moment of introspection, disrupting the rhythm in a way that feels like a musical sigh. "Resound" isn't just an album; it's a testament to Tejada's willingness to evolve. It's a sonic autobiography, borrowing inspiration from the eclectic corners of his musical and cinematic influences. With this release, Tejada invites you into his sonic world and challenges you to explore the depths of your own.