Various Artists
The Nug-Net Winner's Circle 2024 Disc 1

The Athenian Aggelos Baltas is known to the world by many names. Fantastikoi Hxoi, Faint Object, Kitephonics or most famously Anatolian Weapons. Be it with his EPs on Lurid Music, an album on New York's groundbreaking label Beats in Space or with several tracks and remixes for DJ soFa, Lena Willikens and others: Anatolian Weapons orders many fields. Now he reaps what he has sown on his »Mantili« EP for Kame House Records. Here different strains from Kraut over Trance to traditional music are successfully being crossed and his delicate songwriting and relaxed composition come to fruition.Based on a traditional Greek song the title track »Mantili« evokes the power of the handkerchief and its symbolism, reminiscent of farewell scenarios, of mourning, of Othello and strawberries; but also of tears of joy and comfort. Elegant sampling and crafty loops merge with tribalistic drum settings, vocal speckles and shimmering sound design.It is a truth often forgotten that the surface of the moon is more explored than the depths of the oceans. »To The Stars« builds an interstellar submarine and takes us on a great voyage of discovery seemingly inspired by Jules Vernes and HG Wells. Mild »extraterrestrial« flora and the tremendous achievements of humankind. Carefully crafted Electronic Listening Music (ELM), which will also lead to psychedelic self-dissolution on – mind you: inhabitable – dance floors.Lastly, »Let’s Talk« is an almost nine minute journey into the human psyche. Balanced downbeat, elegant and fluid, but also trip-hoppy in the best sense of the word. We encounter worries, confront them and come out stronger. Our consciousness seems expanded. Perfect for the living room couch, for retreats and a suitable soundtrack for nightly walks.

The first Huerco S. album in 6 years, Plonk’s world does not wholly resemble anything Brian Leeds has made under any alias. His sound palette has broadened to absorb and refine trap’s un-smeared geometrics and drill’s taught rhythms amongst the gaseous bodies and soul-piercing ambience that has garnered such acclaim; Where those previous veins were rooted in the pre-Columbian civilizations of his native Kansas, Plonk reflects the mournful sodium glow of cities at night, street corners that light up with painful moments of clarity you wish would disappear.

DMX Krew is back on Furthur Electronix! Here with a fine versatile EP, ranging in style from tripped out downbeat to Bleepy Sheffield style bass techno and acidic breakbeats. All in all another fine release from one of our greatest living underground legends.

Having released his own music for several years on his self-titled label, Berlin-based DJ/producer Amotik presents AMTK+, a new extension of the imprint focussed on featuring other artists via split-EPs. Leading this new series is an EP from Italian-born producer Deluka and Amotik himself, a four-track offering of stripped-back, hypnotic, driving and meditative techno from two artists at the top of their game.

For the first Klasse Wrecks release of 2024, the label looks back to 2020 and a previously digital only track from label co-owner Mr. Ho. During the first lockdown of covid Mr. Ho released '000Baby' as part of the digital 'Homeboys' EP alongside Luca Lozano. An alternative version popped up on the 'Michaelsoft' album in 2021 but the much lauded original has never seen the light of day on wax....until now. The first 10inch on Klasse Wrecks also features a suped and sped up interpretation from Om Unit, who expertly increases the pressure with deft 808 bass subs, a half time swagger and dubbed out atmospherics.