Matthias
Wisdom Keeper

'2023' is the rather unexpected new project of the Dutch cult hero Wladimir Manshanden. 32 years ago, in 1991, Wladimir M founded together with techno icon Stefan Robbers, one of the very first Dutch techno labels: Eevo Lute Muzique. While Robbers (as Terrace and Acid Junkies) pursued an international techno career in the years that followed, Manshanden preferred to remain in the shadows. His discography is as small as it is peculiar. His track 'Evil' is an undisputed classic, back in the days, picked up and licensed by the likes of Carl Craig and Dutch dj-legend Dimitri, while the re-issue a few years ago was picked up again by Nina Kraviz and others. For that reason alone, '2023' is special. But it gets even better. And weirder. On his collaborative (the music is produced by either Stefan Robbers or Bjorn Telkamp) new project, he disassembles the eighties pop hits of his youth into sober, futuristic spoken-word techno. On the one hand, he does not shy away from some cringe (Dire Straits, Simple Minds, Tina Turner). On the other, he pays tribute to some genuine electronic heroes like Kraftwerk, New Order and (low and behold) Master C&J. The path to the bare essentials leads through a futuristic labyrinth. Along the way, you get hints of monotone voices, cipher codes and wondrous Dutch titles like 'Prive Onderzoek.' The outcome is alienating and magical at the same time.

With this release the label celebrates the return to the ranks of the founder Worg. A triumphant homecoming comparable to that of Jason, the main character of the Argonautica, who travelled in search of the Golden Fleece (Il Vello d'Oro) aboard the ship Argo. After many vicissitudes, the hero returned to Iolco, his homeland, to reclaim the throne usurped by his half-brother Pelias.This new chapter in the Lykos saga focuses on the deeds of Jason and the Argonauts, but also on a key figure who was indispensable to the success of this quest, Medea. Thanks to her and her magical skills, the fellowship of heroes succeeded in grabbing the Golden Fleece. Through careful sound design, hinted melodic cells and complex rhythms, Il Piano di Medea by Worg, sums up details and facts related to this extraordinary legend. Starting from the prophecies of the Oracles, to the tragic and bloody ending of the epic poem, which took place with the death of King Pelias by his own daughters, hypnotized and manipulated by Medea's magic.The narrative begins with the track Oracolo, characterized by a syncopated groove, nebulous atmospheres and the presence of a dark anthropomorphic synth, which alludes to the solemn, grave and authoritative voice of an entity. A prophetic spirit that warns the listener of the dangers that lurk for those who dare to enter this new sonic adventure. In order to foretell the future and to spread their word, the gods took possession of the bodies of priests who had fallen into ecstasy, using them as intermediaries. In his reinterpretation of Oracolo Neel, the grand Maestro of techno, in a similar way uses musical elements such as a harsh and acid bass line or a tight rhythm to lead the listener into a psychic state of suspension and mystical elevation.In the music piece Il Vello d'Oro, Worg draws attention to the rare preciousness of this magical relic, rumored to have the power to heal all wounds and for this reason longed by Jason. To evoke the purity of the golden mantle, the artist uses shimmering percussion, radiant textures and the omnipresence of an FM synth bass, full of brilliant harmonics. All enhanced by sound details scattered throughout the arrangement.Eryx, the record's final track, has a fluid and sinuous flow, with sound elements that recall water, a natural element, protagonist of the Argonauts' journey to the remote Colchis. A melody echoes in the distance, disappears and resurfaces to then collide, like waves on the rocks, with the complex and jagged rhythms that mark the gradual evolution of the track.

Lowless is back with a new release featuring two newcomers to the label, Italy’s OPL and Worg.The label and artists continue to immerse themselves in a deep minimalist universe with this four tracks dancefloor oriented EP.A blend of synthesis and carefully crafted atmospheric sounds will take you on a mesmerizing journey.

We kick start the return of Wigflex records with a brand new release from first time flexer and Nottingham's biggest blades fan... Son of Philip.Inspired by the story of how Cans drummer Jaki Liebezeit was once told to "play monotonous" during the LSD-induced ramblings of a fan; and the experimentation into repetition which followed.We first heard Rubber Stamp during a wonky walk around Dam in the early hours of the morning, it made perfect sense then and still makes perfect sense now.King of hazy, crystallised electronics Actress steps things up a notch and takes the ep away from a Hoffman-esque bicycle ride and onto the dance floor.

This gem from 1998 is produced by Jean Frank Cochois aka Jeremy. A set of atmospheres: deep, tech, chill, which will make you travel through time. "Spiritual Reality" is considered a timeless classic in the deep-house scene.

The tracks on this record were originally produced in 1993 and 1994 by Julius Weiland. Before becoming a visual artist he released house and ambient tracks under the name „Julius“ and other aliases. Deeply influenced by early Chicago House and Detroit Techno he developed his own style and sound. This is his second release on No Acting Vibes and it‘s bringing back some of his sought after tracks on vinyl again.(All tracks produced by Julius Weiland, Basic Paradise“ coproduced by Tom Gawlik“.)