Breaks | Breakbeat 237 Items

Originally released in 1992, the now rare 'Dred Knought EP' 12" by Bald Headed Dred is back in circulation via MPS!

Gnork returns to Uttu after a couple excursions under his DJ Shark alias - here we are treated to 4 futuristic lo slung dance-floor burners that capture Gnork’s unique take on house & electronica.

REZ18eighteen coming up soon on our home label Rezpektiva, with a release from Quaid (Ben Naylor) with his Cascade/Fusbares EP. Originally recorded for UK label Seraphim Records back in '98 but made available as 'promo only' so never fully released, it's two tracks of top level work. This release comes as a prelude to two albums from Quaid that will also appear on Rezpektiva in the near future.

The Beat by SPUN – West Coast Breakbeat Rave Electrofunk 1988-1994

In the late 1980s, Disco was taking a backseat to the burgeoning psychedelic scene in San Francisco, marking a pivotal shift in musical culture. A dynamic transformation was underway as the younger generation sought a fresh auditory adventure, all while the devastating AIDS epidemic cast a somber pall over the city's nightlife. Amidst this evolving backdrop, a subtle yet distinct sonic movement quietly emerged within the confines of San Francisco’s vibrant club scene, often referred to as "The Beat." Although Hip-Hop, New Wave, Gothic, Punk, and the burgeoning Modern Rock genre held considerable sway, the pre-RAVE clubs in SF witnessed the fusion of these genres into a unique amalgam of sound that insiders dubbed “The Beat.” This musical tapestry encompassed everything from Hip-Hop and Freestyle to Industrial, New Wave, Boogie, Miami Bass, and Techno – the unifying thread being the distinctive vibe that characterised this eclectic mix.

As House, Techno, and Raving gradually gained prominence along the West Coast, a distinctive interpretation of these evolving sounds took root. Drawing inspiration from influential hubs like New York, Chicago, Detroit, Europe, and notably the UK, which saw a wave of talented young DJs migrate to California, San Francisco became the backdrop for its own version of the second Summer of Love. While the exact chronology might spark debate – some recalling '92, while others leaning towards '93 – what remains indisputable is the era spanning from 1990 to 1994, an unparalleled epoch of exuberant dancefloor revelry on the western shores.

In the face of limited backing from major labels or established independent dance music entities of the time, a grassroots movement of labels and producers emerged organically, ardently championing this distinct sound and catapulting it onto the global stage. This sonic identity was deeply influenced by “the Beat,” acting as a creative wellspring that informed the musical landscape. While the tracks compiled in these volumes might not encompass the entirety of this transformative musical epoch, they offer a vivid snapshot of the melodious tapestry that coloured San Francisco and the broader West Coast during that era. Each track featured stands as a 100% Sure Shot that was played heavily by DJ Spun back in those very heady days.

"The Flying Guillotine 2" is the bloody sequel to Serenace's first appearance on Shaw Cuts in 2019, continuing the head-lopping violence with a group of freedom fighters lead by the heroic Ma Teng battling against the evil despot Emperor Yung and his reign of terror.

Teng has developed a protective device, similar to a spiky metal umbrella, that allows him to defend against the deadly flying guillotine attacks of the violent regime. "Current", its bombastic drum patterns, razor-sharp synth waves and vicious vibe strengthens the rebels to resist the brutal assaults.

But the Emperor immediately reacts, creating a double flying guillotine to counter Ma Teng's iron umbrella and the rebel union is left defenseless again. "Aiming From A Distance", a vivid breakbeat cut combining rolling percussion, arpeggiated synth chords and sirens from hell, raises the rebels' hopes to give them another answer.

Secret insurgent Na Lan infiltrates the Emperor's inner circle by gaining his trust with a group of female warriors whom he allows to train with the flying guillotine palace guards. However, Na Lan only wants to steal the plans of the improved weapon and deliver it to the rebel squad, in order to devise another counteracting force. With the crisp bassline and the energy-filled breaks of "Test 21", the rebels can gain an insight into the elaborated guillotine and find a possible way to defeat it.

Farron's profound techno version of "Current" brings in the necessary tension for the final showdown. The improved double flying guillotine VS a new secret defensive system. Will the rebels be able to team up and defeat the tyrant once and for all? No matter what happens, the saga continues.

Orlando Voorn takes you on a journey with this very deep 3-track ep on the Partout label.

Sounds Benefit turns 7! A milestone release featuring carefully curated electro, house, and techno tracks on a double vinyl LP. Timeless sounds and hidden gems from essential artists and rising talents, transcending genres..

Fuse head honcho Enzo Siragusa drops his first EP of 2023 with the long-awaited release of ‘Laughing Tones’, backed by a remix from Subsequent boss Voigtmann.

It’s safe to say that every time Fuse founder Enzo Siragusa steps out on his home label with fresh music, it’s an event that carries a lot of attention and for a good reason. His last EP on the label ‘Dreamscape’ celebrated the imprint’s 50th EP release, while stand-out releases and records dating back to his very first on the imprint back in 2011 have continued to shape and evolve the label’s core identity, pushing the sound forwards while still bringing that trademark ‘Fuse aesthetic’. Returning to the label for his first release of the year, mid-July sees the renowned selector and producer unveil his latest EP ‘Laughing Tones’ as he uncovers a pair of heavily-requested productions that showcase his diverse production range backed by a driving remix from Voigtmann.

“While many people know about the influences I draw from jungle and hardcore, my sound has always been routed within house music. The inspiration behind ‘Laughing Tones’ comes from the house music from the late 90s; Mood II Swing, Inland Knights, the dubs and those deeper b-sides.. this record is a bit of a modern twist on that influential sound” - Enzo Siragusa.

A production drenched in rich melodies, title cut ‘Laughing Tones’ is a bright and lively production as the vibrant, sweeping leads and delicate chords meet a zigzagging, engrossing bassline and skippy percussion arrangements for a deep and bubbly trip through all hours of the night. Next, ‘Blossom’ enters the fray built around killer breaks and subtle low-end evolutions, all accented by jazzy tones and hazy textures, before Voigtmann’s vinyl-only remix of the title cut takes things into more off-kilter territories as eerie interludes, sharp hats, and cosmic tones take hold of things and dive deep into the early hours.

Embarking on a thrilling sonic departure, Michael Claus resurfaces with “Dark Forest,” a 12″ EP that’s sure to incite movement on dance floors everywhere. Shifting away from the chill, down-tempo vibe of his previous release “Lavender Palace,” Claus dives headfirst into the realm of breakbeats, heavy synth lines, and distortion. The two original tracks, “Dark Forest” and “Paranoia,” bear witness to the innovative producer’s penchant for exploration, as he navigates the new BPM range and sound palette with fearless curiosity. Designed for the sub-heavy club sound systems, this EP is destined to reverberate with unbridled energy and intensity. As if the original tracks weren’t enough, the EP also boasts two outstanding remixes that add their own distinct flavor to the mix. Force Placement takes the reins with a jungle-inspired rework, infusing a groovy bass line that rolls beneath a vortex of mind-bending sound effects. This percussive adventure will undoubtedly captivate the senses, transporting dancers to an immersive world of rhythm and intrigue. Further enhancing the EP’s allure, Lara Sarkissian delivers a hazy and psychedelic remix, blending sub-heavy rhythms with mesmerizing sound design. This ethereal concoction showcases Sarkissian’s deft touch and mastery of her craft, as she seamlessly weaves together entrancing elements that complement Claus’ original vision. “Dark Forest” is a testament to Michael Claus’ ever-evolving artistry, and with these remixes, the EP promises to leave a lasting impression on all who dare to enter its enigmatic domain.

In this new chapter of Lab, the two minds behind the label collaborate on a record that represents the two souls of the label. The break-techno-ish dance-oriented Slak vision, and Datafive introspective sonic adventures. The ep has two tracks from each producer and one collaboration by them. On one side, we can see the evolution of the Slak sound where he evolves from a dubby and lightful identity from the first ep to a new darker and solid sound. Pressure and Under Control, two dark and groovy UK break-techno missiles. Dark atmosphere and powerful drums ready for the dancefloor. Flipping the record, we find two eclectic tracks by Datafive. Plenty of influences here: electronic, glitch, IDM, hip-hop, dubstep, to name a few. The first track of the side is Outsiders, a journey into the artist’s feelings. Mysterious pads, mid-tempo syncopated drums, warm basses, dreamy chopped vocals, and more. The Hive instead explores the territories of the classic UK-step heritage. Vibrant sub-bass, ethereal textures, and solid stepper beats. The last track is Patience, a collaboration between Datafive and Slak. Meditative, yet powerful cyber trip-hop. We have dark-dub pads and stabs with sharp broken beats which portray a desolating landscape of a lost future.

Having operated as Anoesis since 1994 - Letchworth based producer Howard Dodd now readies a fresh body of work cherry picked from studio sessions spanning 2010 > 2023. 'Frame Jack 1' utilises modular synths through to Casio toys with heavy doses of UK breaks to inaugurate a new label Kranq.

Formations 09 kicks things off with a heady tapestry as snares and wood blocks are braided over warm, psychedelic tones. Amorgos follows with a snappy but low-slung break that is set swinging over gooey pads, snarling low frequencies and more hazy atmospherics.

'Trash Man Broken' follows with an exercise in molten robotics, recalling a Metamatics vibe with it's pin-prick hats, jagged bass notes and colourful melodies. 'Hawassa' then rolls out another deftly mapped 2-step groove that manages to occupy a zone between rude and classy.

'Cargo Cult' then renders a fractal trip - a pastiche of 90's Electronica and Trip Hop that finishes off a highly accomplished batch of productions and signals the birth of a captivating new project in Kranq.

Bourassa is back and serving us a scorching new summer hit. This time, label boss Smolny doesn't hold back, unleashing a powerful holiday anthem titled "Need Love." If you're truly in dire need of some love, this track is definitely for you!

It starts off slowly and nostalgically, seasoned with a distinct amen break. The growing tension sends shivers down your spine, while a beautiful trance chord intertwines with a long pad in the background. Adding to the flavor is a twisted female vocal that seductively flirts with your senses. It all culminates in a euphoric experience, gradually building up to release the accumulated energy. Finally, everything explodes as a strong and expressive bass line hits you like a ton of bricks.

The following track "Running" takes a more tranquil approach, transporting us to a dreamy realm. Broken drums keep propelling us forward, never allowing us to pause. The melodic chord gracefully emerges, creating a chill atmosphere and setting the mood. After the breakdown, grooving bongos complete the picture.

The B-side features two fantastic remixes of the title track, "Need Love." The first one is a fierce breakbeat roller from Denham Audio. With its powerful bass and mesmerizing droplets cascading in the background, it creates a distinct hypnotic atmosphere. The change in bassline to the typical speed garage sound delivers an even more potent punch at the end.

The second remix is crafted by SLG, who flawlessly captures the sound of the '97s, creating a track in the progressive trance style from that era. A brilliantly composed bass line constantly propels the track forward, building tension alongside the melodic line. A real dance floor killer!

Stranger in Paradise. What a name and what a sound!
We fell in love by this remote mysterious producer and his infectious tracks… and the result is this out of nowhere EP.
In this fast forward way of living, Stranger in Paradise brings back a kind of euphoric nostalgia that is missing in our
dancing nights.
To make the choice harder, James Shinra and Jon Gurd capture Groovement's new member vibe and add their
distinctive remix treatment.

Originally produced and self-released by Abelcain in 2015. Vocals by Andrea von Bolz’n. Newly remastered for vinyl in 2022.

Multidisciplinary artists Lex Rütten and Jana Kerima Stolzer alias A2iCE & BO3 are the faces behind Paryìa records’ fourth release – further manifesting Paryìa's role as a genre-bending entity while also expanding the artist’s respective portfolio. The debut EP Extracted Soil unites four enthralling tracks with broken beats and evocative percussions as the common denominator, including a remix by Mor Elian. With this release Paryìa brings together sound, art and physical elements, conceptually working around the artist's exhibitions, combining different formats and creating space to break out of conventions and experiment freely.

Gear up, get down & flip shit! It’s Party Time!!! San Diego, California’s Peak Geeks brings it in the form of real-deal west coast Breaks, like actual f’n Breaks!!! - for all the ladies, homies & heads far & wide, from street 2 shore!

Vinyl Only !! NO Represses!! Snooze = lose & cry the blues. Get the goods at One Eye Witness.. NOW!!!

Three classy cuts constructed upon deep and emotional yet danceable narratives, crafted for the fond memories that will be made in the long and warm months ahead.

Raito, known for his work in the tech house genre and recordings on Deadmau5' Mau5trap, showcases his love for the UK bass scene with his latest EP, "Black Tracksuit." This collection of tracks draws on influences across the hardcore continuum, delivering a unique and genre-defying sound.

"Black Tracksuit" is a hard-edged mix of grime, jungle and UK garage with a UK influence that sets the tone for the EP. The A-side also features "Foresight," a psychedelic jungle track that constantly evolves, keeping listeners on their toes.

The B-side opens with "Junk Dog," a roughneck hardcore tune that harkens back to the sound of 1992. Rounding out the EP is a remix of "Junk Dog" by London-based producer Basic Rhythm. This straight up drum and bass track strips down the original and transforms it into a bass-heavy drum and bass stepper straight out of 1999.

Digitally remastered tracks from 1993 by TCM. 'The Gospel According to a Soundbwoy' was only released on a Llabello record compilation. Proper 1993 hardcore breakbeat classics essential to your collection.

Potatoheadz Records come back, out of nowhere, with JCow’s ‘in my elem3nt7’. Often spotted cycling about town, it’s no secret that JCow is diligently & quietly (and not so quietly) crafting big tunes. This release is the sound of that inevitable 2020’s shut-in inspiration. Written during those periods, they are finally seeing the light of day. With focused time in the studio, some serious imagined musical landscapes are the result. Tracks designed for dance-floor breakouts and closed-eye catharsis. We’ve heard these tracks come a long way from inception. Cerebral and kinetic, each track has a unique character, functional yet bound to stand out in any set. Tracks like ‘a complex range of human emojis’ pay-no-mind in referencing the past with a sly smirk and an updated twist. Are we hacking? While the title track ‘in my elem3nt7’ conjures a certain mystical atmos - the tracks bold narrative shift midway is one hell of a notable payoff. Swerving boldly into new territory, the beats fade and return from new angles, sounds cutting and slicing through the speaker like angelic machine gun fire. The drum programming is truly used like a weapon in this one, with those majestic horn samples like calls from the ether. Exaels ‘swampbuggy’ reworking of title track on the B2 provides the perfect alternate universe, working its way from a sparse ambience into an inspired IDM-leaning breakbeat epilogue.

Gear up, get down & flip shit! It’s Party Time!!! San Diego, California’s Peak Geeks brings it in the form of real-deal west coast Breaks, like actual f’n Breaks!!! - for all the ladies, homies & heads far & wide, from street 2 shore!

Vinyl Only !! NO Represses!! Snooze = lose & cry the blues. Get the goods at One Eye Witness.. NOW!!!

Hear the sound of my feet - title says it all, but it would be too easy to bring it back to his african roots only. Zulu explores his double identity, both ways, extrovert as well as introspective, and draw a go-between, from club hit Hooligan Break to the feverish eponymous title Hear The Sound Of My feet. Trance synth stabs, sharp percussions as well as ambient (!) reminisce of his DJ record (alongside Bruits de la Passion collective and on Lyl radio) and lead the narrative - back to the roots he wants to introduce you to.

Dedicated 21st Century polymath Kay Logan continues to expand her soundworld in every direction at once with her Helena Celle alias. A maximalist internal landscape of broken Jungle patterns, distorted synths and heavily warped instrumentation bent out of cognisance, »If You Can’t Handle You At Your Worst, Then I Don’t Deserve Me At My Best« is Logan’s most danceable, most fun and most gloriously congealed record to date.

Conceived in part as a response to her 2016 debut release »If I Can’t Handle Me At My Best, You Don’t Deserve You At Your Worst,« 2023’s update employs similar principles (degrading technology, the joy of chance, an outsider’s gaze onto the dance floor, an embracing of the occult) to delirious effect. If »I Can’t Handle« was lo fi and fragile in its technoid recasting of dance music, here Logan’s confidence allows a frantic playfulness that retains the spontaneity of all her output. It’s the work of a creative spirit revelling in the possibilities of sound, rhythm, texture and pattern.

Helena Celle’s music opens up psychic space in front of the listener and invites them in. In this world, sounds and tropes once recognisable are rendered fractal, spectral and continually melting in and out of recognition. Simply put, Helena Celle might be detouring Drum & Bass, Techno and Breakbeat with a prankster’s grin but the result is pure ecstasy crushed into a part of the listener’s consciousness hitherto untroubled.

Since her 2016 debut, Logan has released music as Time Binding Ensemble, Otherworld, in groups Anxiety and Herbert Powell and myriad variations on the Helena Celle moniker. This album is a riposte to her debut and updates its principles. Joyful, degraded Jungle breaks, Cyberpunk synth meltdown, noise solos, true head music, like the furthest Aphex Twin being deep friend in a Glasgow backwater.

Aver created the first draft of the album between finding out about Joey's passing and attending his funeral. He arranged musical collages out of voice messages and breaks he and Joey had sent one another alongside previously unreleased material he made during lockdown with Doron Segal. The process initially served as a form of musical therapy, but after completing it and sharing it with a few friends, Aver realised that it might also bring joy to other people that knew Joey, as well as introducing those that didn't to the lovely ginger fellow behind Village Live.

The finished album features cuts by Jazz T, Evil Ed and Omas, as well as additional voice messages donated by Kuartz and Matt Smith. Mr. Krum has done all the design work for the the booklet and the gatefold cover, which features a photo-collage by Aver of the Aroe piece outside Rarekind Records, as well as the huge blockbuster at Black Rock, Brighton.

RIP Joey Deez

Meda Fury are buzzing to welcome Silvestre to the fold for a 6 track EP of low-slung party starters. This Lisbon native and London resident has been on several tastemakers lips for the last year now, serving up no-nonsense but seriously fun dance music, comparable to the spirit of mighty Portuguese scene labels Principe and Naive. Joao’s tracks are mind bending hybrids of breakbeat, reggaeton, R&B, rave and house. His recent artilary coming via Seceretsundaze, Diskotopia and his own Padre Himalaya, he now adds the Yeah EP to his weaponry.

Naissance Musik returns with their fourth release Nm-04, a remix package of the released Hear & San Proper ´- Elephantoms EP . The label welcomes an array of talented producers who are acclaimed DJ's featuring interpretations from Andrea Ferlin, Julie Marghilano, Ohm Hourani & Hear, 3lias & Raphael Merheb. We aim to bring a more dancefloor oriented feel to the package in contrast to the more abstract, ethereal feel of the original release.

Arpanet needs no introduction for those who know. Hydrostatic Equilibrium EP is a reissue of the 2 tracks released by 30D Records from the Detroit artist back in 2018 (cat# 30d-006), now presented together in a special limited edition single sided 12" vinyl. The EP includes the original tracks Supernova Remnant and Main Sequence Star, being the only two tracks produced by Arpanet since 2006. Presented with a new artwork, designed by Arpanet himself, and this time on 30D Records sub label ExoPlanets, Hydrostatic Equilibrium EP becomes an instant collectors must have, especially after the quick sell out that followed the 2018 release and the numerous reissue requests received since then.

Killer debut LP by Lol K starring vocals by Coby Sey and LA Timpa, following the Londoners’ EP for Mica Levi and co’s Curl Recordings with a crafty set of queer, sensuous pop, configured in brilliant, surprising ways for Rabit’s Halcyon Veil. The six songs and corresponding instrumentals of ‘The Breeze’ explore ideas of escapism, belonging and inner city isolation in an up-to-date vernacular firmly blunted by sparing, crisply defined but shapeshifting production. The album clearly marks a concerted development of Lol K’s sound - especially compared to their oblique appearances on the ‘Born Under a Bad One’ (Curl, 2018) EP - with the duo’s CJ Calderwood and Junior XL more confidently venturing their vocals into the mix this time, switching between melodic hooks and blunted hush, to a rave-punkish prang out and puckered chamber composition with lowkey rude and innovative production to match.

Almost 3 years after the release of "Mathusalem", François Ier reveals his fiery successor, "Incendie". In keeping with his previous releases, this new opus has been conceived on the basis of enveloping layers, deep bass and harmonies that are always very rich. The melancholy dimension characteristic of his music is also omnipresent, although it sometimes asserts itself with a form of violence. Like its abundant cover, this new opus deploys an extremely varied range of sounds, most often evoking strong English influences, with breakbeat, jungle, drum'n'bass and new-wave rhythms, all supported by vocal samples with dancehall, reggae, r'n'b, reggaeton and hip-hop accents, resulting in a hybrid sound to say the least. "Incendie" is marked by the systematic use of the Prophet 8 synthesizer, whose wild, constantly shifting sound underlines the fiery character of this new opus.

Straight out of Tokyo, the illusive Guchon steps up for the next release on Feelings Worldwide.

One for the heads who like to stay up late and get down with their games consoles, the EP is packed with dance floor curveball material.

Super fun vibes throughout, a slab of Japanese bubblegum pop-house with some bonus breaks and a remix from cult hero Chrissy of Chicago Smartbar fame.

WWM012 is Brenko's long-awaited release, a mini album that takes you on a musical journey through various emotions and soundscapes.
The project maintains a consistent feel, making it a cohesive work of art.
Brenko showcases a great talent for blending electronic and ambient elements, creating an album that’s both innovative and deeply engaging.

The Maltasian master Sound Synthesis with a brand new album! Another fine timeless journey into electro and electronix that will stand the test of time..

New Kosh production on his own label Convergence. With more than a year between outputs, his releases are carefully considered. Demonstration of electro and tech house with lyrical voices through his futuristic lenses. Not to be missed.

Deep within the freeway buzz of dystopian Los Angeles, there exists an unstoppable sonic gathering of minds, who call themselves “Fast At Work” and abide by a belief in the deeper potential of higher tempos. However, lately, there has been some debate about the true existence of the Fast At Work mantra. Just as the debate was reaching its climax, seemingly out of nowhere, a helicopter emerged containing a musical capsule from the future (or possibly aliens). The group accepted this music as scripture, and coined it “Soft Fascination,” – naming group member Carré as their chosen matriarch. Through the title hymn “Soft Fascination,” Carré preached a proto vision of a classic dubstep bassline and tender pads. With “Cute Mad,” Carré magically induced a sense of positivity and bubbly bass. And with the third offering, “Glowing,” she pushed her audience closer to understanding simplicity and space. Finally, in an effort to expand their gospel to the furthest realms of their musical world, she recruited Priori and James Bangura to create their own missions, rooted in the original offerings of the alien helicopter’s capsule disc. While Priori expertly rearranged “Soft Fascination” into a shiny mind-melter, James Bangura expanded on the lightness of “Glowing,” creating his own lucid dreamscape of deep melancholia.

Sacd

180g 2LP 45rpm