Madison Palmer & Zy Khan-Torn Apart [Of Us Records]

 

 Oh what an infinite joy to discover hidden gems in our scene and unearth them, giving them their chance to gleam and sparkle in the sunlight! Anyone that purely loves dance music feels this way when discovering a new and enthralling tune! My latest find is a brand spanking new release out on "Of Us Records". This one is called "Torn Apart" and it is a joint collaboration between two very talented upcoming artists. "Madison Palmer" formerly known as "MeowWow" and the "Zy Khan". Both artists have been forging their own path in the scene and slowly but surely climbing the ladder of success!

 Addictive beats are easily formulated by the use of throbbing basslines, grunting synths and rolling sounds. This track progresses beautifully with the gradual introduction of the main melody and vocal effects, teasing us ever so slightly, in anticipation of the main riveting vocal that arrives at the opportune moment like a flare in the dark night sky. So much emotion, anguish and regret can be found within as the listener utterly empathizing with the singer, willingly borrows her misfortune to ease her load. Moody, dark, progressive grooves follow, accompanied by an assortment of effects and instinctive melodies, all adding to the marvelous atmosphere created ever so wonderfully by Madison and Zy! A truly wonderful track that will melt the iciest of hearts!

Released: 15/11/2024

Label: Of Us Records

https://sokorecordings.ampsuite.com/releases/links?id=201

 

Follow Madison on: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JAIobxc0Rf8NqgsyoRPRj

https://www.instagram.com/madisonpalmer_music/ 

https://soundcloud.com/madisonpalmer

Follow Zy on:https://linktr.ee/zykhanoffcial

https://soundcloud.com/zykhan 

Perfecto Black E.P-The Sound Of The Underground [Perfecto Records]

 

As we leave summer ever so slowly behind we begin to focus on the next season at hand. Fall brings with it a different kind of light, a season of faded colors and mysterious shadows. The perfect time for diving into this delicious six track E.P you have before you. One of our favorite sub-labels “Perfecto Black” focuses its energy on “the sound of the underground”. This E.P is zinging with talent as you will swiftly realize. We are ever so proud to present you with some of the finest tunes courtesy of a fine selection of artists such as “Aldor”, “Jetason”, “Joe Fisher”, “XZYKO”, “Zuccasam”, “Stub & Foxtrot”, “Aradya” and “Nytefix & Sim”.

Each tune is a representation of each artist’s unique vision of what a proper underground track should sound like.

“In The Dark” contains dark, mystical tones and an inner vibrance within. Emotional and so full of life, yet dark and murky at the same time. Complex and beautiful. Let’s all bask in the darkness created by “Aldor & Jetason”!

“Addictive” is an epic collab between two of South America’s rising stars “Joe Fisher” and “XZYKO”. Filled with techy vibes, hypnotic grooves, distorted leads, offbeat synths and a futuristic yet retro sounding tune full of originality.

“Cloudwalker” is another killer collab here. This one is between “Stub & Foxtrot”. Expect to encounter cosmic melodies, trippy synths and deep, dark basslines. A well executed concept combining ethereal and subterranean elements purely justifying its title.

“The Abyss Beckons”: “Aradya” is back on our label with a riveting tune, which is deep, techy, cavernous and definitely nefarious. Expect to encounter eerie melodies, mystical female choir segments and loads of raw distortion which create the ultimate deep down, undergroundish vibe to be sure!

“Soulbind”: A new and exciting duo that go by the name of “Nytefix & Sim” bring us the infamous “Soulbind”. This is a deep, dark, progressive affair. Gripping synthwork, enigmatic cinematic vocals and curious spacial effects are all here, creating an atmosphere that is without a doubt futuristic with a spacial flavor. Soul piercing and mind boggling, a tune that will get your mind and body moving!

“84”: “Zuccasam” delivers a killer tune here as well. Techy tuneage with loads of twists and turns. Pesky and mischievous tune that even features a fine lecture on the theory and origins of house. Expect a trip down memory lane back to 1984! Dark, twisted and proper undergroundish house.

Definitely something all of you may enjoy this fall! Check it out!

Released: 23/8/24

Label: Perfecto Black

https://www.blackholerecordings.com/music/perfecto-black-the-sound-of-the-underground-ep/ 

 

Thirty Years of Perfecto Records

 

The dance music world is a wild, wacky and ever shifting place. Trends come and go, specific sounds or styles get pushed to the forefront while others get ditched and ultimately get kicked to the curb. Underground goes mainstream, attaining a place in the spotlight while the current sound or trend, rides the wave of popularity! A phenomenon so natural and common like the rise and fall of the tide of the mysterious kingdom of the deep, blue sea. 

 There have been a handful of record labels out there seeking to make a difference and in the end leave their mark in the scene, altering it and enhancing it, enriching it if you will for the greater good. There is a label out there that has stood the test of time and shaped the way, guiding us like lost souls, educating us like a wise elder on proper dance music all of these years. That label is none other than the mighty "Perfecto Records" founded in 1989 by the legendary DJ/Producer and all around dance music aficionado "Paul Oakenfold". Anyone may look back over the years and remember a favorite track which meant something to them, containing a special memory perhaps, that would trace us back to "Perfecto Records". A record label responsible for such a wide variety of releases, styles and eclectic sounds. It has featured House, Trance, Techno, Progressive and Breaks. It has been a home to artists such as "Jan Johnston", "BT", "Sandra Collins", "Adam White", "Nat Monday", "Susy Del Vecchio", "Kenneth Thomas", "Danny Stubbs", "Swab & Joey Mova" and so many others. The label of course has been cleverly divided into several sub-labels suited to showcase each sound and style accordingly. Along with the main label of "Perfecto Records" we have "Perfecto Fluoro", "Perfecto Black", "Perfecto House" and a relative newcomer dubbed "Perfecto Street". All of these contain the soul and essence of what is "Perfecto" .

 This year we are in celebration mode as we celebrate thirty wonderful years of "Perfecto Records".It was only appropriate to schedule a tour to properly celebrate this marvelous occasion. "Paul Oakenfold" set out on a thrilling Summer European tour which took him from Ibiza, Spain to Glasgow, Scotland, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Prague, Czech Republic, Athens, Greece and the island of Malta to name a few. Each destination as beautiful and as special as the next, all played a huge part in the grand scheme of things, the grand celebration of something that has become much more than a label. An ideology, a global subculture that has gained a large number of followers over these many many years. I discovered "Paul Oakenfold" and "Perfecto Records" many moons ago. There is a reason as to why Paul and Perfecto have remained a force to be reckoned with. A man who has always remained ahead of the game in every step he has made, whose utter passion for proper dance music is evident! A label whose ethos has and continues to remain quality over quantity! No small wonder why so many artists have risen by being nurtured and built up by "Perfecto". New generation heroes of this later years include "Anunnakis", "Glenn Molloy", "Sherpa", "Madison Palmer" all have begun to see their ships come sailing in.

 Let us all rejoice and celebrate! Thirty years of love for the music, thirty years of beloved releases, thirty years of chills and thrills, thirty years of radiance and excellence! Thirty years of Perfecto! Here's to many many more! Keep on guiding the way!    

Carlos De Matos-11:49 Praha [Future Fusion]

 

It is always a rare joy when a dance music enthusiast discovers a new and exciting release! My most recent find led me to the discovery of an upcoming talented DJ/Producer who goes by the name of "Carlos De Matos". His releases pack a solid brick punch with a most riveting approach. His recent release is the magical "11:49 Praha", a real aural delight which is out on the very promising sub-label "Future Fusion" of the relatively new dance music label owned and operated by "MJ Smallman", "Simon Kaye", "Vlad Olteanu" ("Airnova") and singer songwriter legend "Jan Johnston". This label is called "Future Force" so keep on a eye out for it!

 Pumping basslines, ecstatic claps and frantic fills spread through the airwaves while a most thrilling synth heightens the anticipation decorated by acids and squelches fueling the ongoing rush in such an environment. Epic melodies find their way ever so eagerly inwards into the mix while an evident sense of adventure is unleashed like the most delicious scent on the drifting wind. The break arrives, serving as a refreshing gust on a hot summer's day, bringing with it serene, dreamlike melodies and delicate strings with a slight hint of choir segments, painting such an imagery before us. We imagine in our mind's eye our ultimate destination, the fairy tale like vision of our beloved Prague! The build is bursting with endless positivity and joy oh so ready to be set free. When it does escape we are pleasantly engulfed in a cloud of euphoric, joyous leads amidst the rest of the key elements, leaving us all to bask in the rare glory of this vision of sound!

 A sure hit for Carlos who has gone above and beyond for the creation of this fine track! Get this one while it's hot!

Released: 19/7/2024

Label: Future Fusion 

https://www.beatport.com/release/1149-praha/4615849 

Yelow & Susie Ledge-Solitaire [In Trance We Trust]

 So many amazing tunes out there one's head may begin to spin trying to keep of them all. Our job is definitely to highlight the ones that have made an impact on ourselves and perhaps many, many others. My latest find comes to us from two talented artists that have both been letting their passion and hard work be their guides. "Yelow", who has been on the forefront of the scene since he entered the spotlight via his first release on "Roger Shah's" esteemed record label "Magic Island Music" has been on a mission of his own to showcase his fresh and unique sound to the world.On the other hand singer/songwriter known to all of the dance music cosmos, a legend in her own right,  "Susie Ledge" continues to bring the quality and emotionally gripping elements with every release she is called to work upon! These two very gifted artists have got together and created the sublime "Solitaire", which is out now on legendary record label "In Trance We Trust".

 From the very first moment we are pleasantly thrown aback by the sheer goodness of this one. Chugging basslines, metallic synths and chopped female vox serve as our very tasty appetizers before the main course. Amongst the energy fueled atmosphere which continues to build, Susie's ethereal vocal performance rings out, enthralling us all like a fluttering sprite, never glimpsed by the human eye, through this dense forest of sound. Her vocals are perfectly placed against the lush melodic backdrop   created by the expert craftsmanship of "Yelow". The break is an aural vision of beauty to be sure. While the track begins to build it surely hits home, sending shivers down our spine! Feel good energy is unleashed freely as all the elements come together in a perfect harmony, an alliance if you will of sound, letting the euphoric leads take over! 

 Marvelous, majestic, wonderful! A release that captures all the goodness and brightness of our world! Definitely needs to be added to your playlists for the longest time possible!

Released: 31/5/24

Label: In Trance We Trust

https://www.beatport.com/release/solitaire/4561310 

Daniel Wanrooy & Clara Yates-Change Everything [Black Hole Recordings]

 

On a constant search for some of the finest tunes out there it is always a pleasure to discover glorious releases, which in turn I present to you my fellow dance music lovers. My latest find and one I wanted to review for quite some time now, as life got in the way, is the most beautiful and fruitful collaboration between two of the scene's talented and charismatic artists. Dutch DJ/Producer "Daniel Wanrooy", who has been on his own road to stardom for quite a spell and English singer/songwriter and DJ (in case you did not know) the multi talented "Clara Yates" who has been collecting her very own accolades over the years and continues to ascend, sat together and created this wonderful release you have before you. "Change Everything" deserves your undivided attention and is out on "Black Hole Recordings".

A light percussion cuts through the air doubled up by a buzzing bassline acting as our hosts for what lies ahead. Fair amounts of well applied distortion enter the mix, giving the track character and its very own identity, as a melody which could be crafted and come to life from glass wind chimes swaying in the slight summer breeze, makes its way ever inwards, enslaving us if you will with its rare beauty and song it lightly carries. As the tune progresses and the break arrives we are greeted by a lullaby of sorts, complemented by female chopped vox and Clara's enchanting vocal performance, which could easily be plucked straight from an imaginary fairy tale-like domain, such is the power of her singing abilities! Powerful leads dripping wet with raw emotion rush in like waves crashing on the rocky shore, while the rest of the elements fall into their rightful place, complementing each other and the tune while Clara's voice continues to soar on high like adventurous seagulls above the waves. 

 Powerful, emotional, gripping tuneage. I daresay this has the makings of a future classic! A modern day enchantment if you will conjured up by the wizards of sound Daniel and Clara!  

Released: 12/4/24

Label: Black Hole Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/change-everything/4494894 

 

Tomcraft-That Beat [Magik Muzik]

 

An artist that surely shaped the scene in 2003 has to be Tomas Brueckner also known as "Tomcraft". I do not think that there was a soul alive who loves dance music that did not experience the magic of his undeniable anthem "Loneliness" and did not find themselves dancing helplessly to the beat. A tune that defined an era to be sure. No small wonder that a huge amount of DJs added it to their playlists and it even inspired like minded future releases. Not one to be at the constant forefront of things, "Tomcraft" did not stay forever in the limelight. It is no secret that when I spotted a new release by him I was ever curious and excited to see and hear for that matter what he now has in store for us all. "That Beat" is out now on "Magik Muzik" and rest assured this track is aurally delicious! 

 We are eagerly introduced to pounding basslines, a most lively percussion and a fine selection of appropriate effects to conjure up the mood that is quickly formulating before our very eyes. An intriguing synth makes its appearance while echo effects are added to that wild and untamed percussion. A turbulent wind brings us to the all mighty break which sports a mysterious melody, buzzing synths and vocal effects to add to the heightened drama that begins to build. Preacher-like vocals dipped in all sorts of effects carry out an impressive yet persuasive new age sermon, catered to the dance music fanatics, goading us all to dance relentlessly to the electrifying, soul shaking beat that follows! Chugging synthwork and semi distorted leads take control slipping in quite comfortably amidst floating vocal effects and the rest of the track's key elements. The preacher arrives once more to resume his now familiar sermon and the energy builds anew, fueling us for another round of uncontrollable dancing while the words "to that beat" thunder all around us like a mantra, keeping the movement going! 

 Definitely a sure hit for "Tomcraft" who surely knows how to keep things interesting and fresh! Get on it!

Released: 26/1/2024

Label: Magik Muzik

https://www.beatport.com/release/that-beat/4382253