Alexis Namur
Late To The Party

Betonska continues their journey of (re)releasing concealed and wantlisted gems from the past, for the future. The Biotone - D.Wave EP is the first one on sub-label Dzungla, a sub-label focusing on the heavier sounds from the 90s and beyond. This early psy-/breaks release from 1996 was one of the first of many great releases by Sebastian Taylor, pushing the UK rave scene to its fullest.While delving not too deep in the ‘psy’ part of early psy, this release remains notably bright/clean, uplifting and proggy, with a healthy dose of acid lines and breakbeat rhythms. An early bird in the psy-breaks genre, ready to strengthen its existence on contemporary dance floors."

Archie Hamilton is next up on Dansu Discs with his ‘Kick It’ EP. Includes 2 remixes from label regular Harrison BDP on the flip side.It’s club ready and it’s large…

After a first distinctive appearance in 2021 on the dynamic XX LAB compilation, Vel returns on the independent label leading this next release. "Era L" comprises a series of atypically structured tracks in which modern techno with minimalist tendencies becomes a model on which rich emotional soundscapes are carved. Sensual and complex, Vel's futuristic sound is well established throughout the "Era L" journey.

Moving from the raw and mechanical rhythms of his past works, with this new moniker he is expanding his musical horizons by combining sub-aquatic bass, humid soundscapes and unstable rhythms.The seven tracks of the album flow with some distinctive sound signatures, pitched-down vocals, heavy and slow kicks, fast percussions, eerie pads and analog bleeps.The world of Nova Mundi is a mesh of cultures and influences, where the high temperatures have slown things down, the air is tense and where the most primordial instincts seem to have overcome any artificial intelligence.All tracks written, produced and mixed by Andrea Natale

Mind Dance’s first release of the year, ‘Furious Frank – Wavepool', offers up four emotive, yet unique, club cuts. Including a proggy remix of the A1 by NZ’s own Eden Burns, which skillfully weaves between energetic perc build ups, catchy vocal synths and indulgent chords.

Toronto label and party Hypnotic Mindscapes presents another issue of modern electronics crafted for the dancefloor with the third edition of their compilation series, displaying a bundle of trend-defying tunes from crew-adjacent artists. A1 opens with long-time friend and collaborator Patamamba (half of Kimchi Records) with “Igoon of Blue”, shades of progressive house music simmered in evocative acid lines reminiscent of 90’s nostalgia. The A2 features Hypnotic originator Cosmic JD with a deep-slamming breakbeat piece titled “Steam”, punchy basslines and trancey Arps bubbling into the early morning. On the flip, scene-vet and Seekers boss Alex Picone debuts on the label with “WhyWasteWine” a fast-paced, modern tech-house number with wonky melodies and metallic artifacts. Rounding things up, Moroccan (via Montreal) up and coming artist Jalil enters with an electro-infused ode to “Technology”. Artwork by Sofia Eleni.