Downbeat | Electronica | Leftfield 224 Items

Cosmic Breeze takes listeners on a neverending love trip through the cosmos, channeling the warmth of 70s funk
grooves, the lush textures of modern Indie-Rock, and Knowsum's signature experimental flair. With it's infectious
rhythms, raw synths, and psychedelic melodies, the album creates a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

The sea has long been central to Japanese culture, symbolizing both sustenance and spiritual
depth. Charles A.D.'s Deep Diver draws inspiration from this, channeling the ancient traditions
of diving and fishing into his music. Historically, the sea has influenced everything from Shinto
rituals to the livelihoods of coastal communities. In Deep Diver, this reverence flows through
aquatic soundscapes, where rhythmic waves of 90s house and Detroit techno meet Japanese
minimal production techniques, New Age and Pacific Jazz. Like the tides, the album ebbs and
flows, creating a serene yet dynamic homage to the timeless connection between Japan and
the sea.
The opening track 'Deep Diver' plunges into the depths, its abstract sound design capturing the
sensation of deep-sea propulsion. Rhythmic bubbles pulse gently alongside slow-moving
chords, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The textures are lush yet restrained, setting a
tranquil stage that pulls the listener into a submerged world. 'Underwater Ruins' builds on this
aquatic theme, introducing rhythmic layers and bass-heavy notes reminiscent of mid-90s
Japanese ambient techno. The smooth, melodic flow nods to pioneers like Mr.YT and Susumu
Yokota, while subtly incorporating the Detroit techno influence through soulful, deep basslines.
The track feels like a fusion of ambient and techno, balancing serene tones with a rolling
groove, emblematic of Japanese techno soul. As the album progresses into 'Bubble Ring', it
becomes clear that Charles A.D. is a master of minimalism. The production is timeless, leaning
on analog techniques where echo-drenched chords and carefully layered soundscapes take on
an addictive, hypnotic quality. The simplicity of the composition is deceptive, as each element
carries weight, drawing the listener deeper into the rhythm and space between the notes.
'Merperson' is where organic rhythms truly come into play. Charles A.D. gently evolves the
patterns, allowing each percussive hit to flow naturally into the next. Soothing melodies emerge
from within the track’s structure, eventually reaching an emotional peak without ever feeling
forced. The organic nature of the arrangement creates an effortless progression that feels
deeply connected to the natural movement of water.Starting the second half with 'Deep Exploration', the theme of underwater excursions becomes
even more pronounced. Light, steady drumming anchors the track, allowing the melodic layers
to develop gradually. It unfolds with a calm, measured pace, before ending softly, almost as if
the sounds are drifting off into the oceanic depths. 'Diffuse Reflection' stands out as the most
dub house-influenced on the album, with rolling rhythms and hypnotic elements reminiscent of
Maurizio's deep, pulsing sound. Yet here, the production feels submerged, with aquatic effects
swirling around the rhythmic core, blending dub house with a fluid, oceanic touch. 'Traitors'
delves even deeper into dub-inspired territory. Deep, resonant bass hits combine with wooden
drums, while static-like sounds evoke the image of a radio tuning through static to find clarity.
Chords shimmer briefly before fading back into the liquid depths, evoking the ebb and flow of
the tide. The final track on Deep Diver 'Levitation', is a fitting conclusion, as the rhythms merge
and overlap like waves gently lapping the shore. The minimalistic arrangement allows each
element to blend effortlessly into the next, creating a sense of unity and closure. The sounds
move with the gentle grace of water, ending the album in a way that feels both complete and
open-ended, like the infinite motion of the sea.

Scale and Scope is a set of four colour flexidisc records, each containing an instantiation of an individual microtonal designer scale, developed by Stefan Goldmann. The four discs are housed in a printed cardboard portfolio.
The flexidisc medium plays like a vinyl record, but is inherently noisier and tends to exhibit more signal disruptions than conventional vinyl. Expect occasional clicks, crackle and other variations, which differ substantially from copy to copy. These make each set unique.
The digital file versions are re-recorded directly from the flexidiscs, with very few corrections and a few spectral interventions by the original artist. The full resolution digital files used for cutting the flexidiscs will be available exclusively and individually to collectors who wish to acquire one of the scales as
instantiated in the recordings.

From the deepest recesses of our collective memory comes “Fordomdags”, the latest creation of Sweden’s leading dungeon synth artist, Örnatorpet.

A reverent ode to the days of yore, “Fordomdags” emerges as an anthology of forgotten sagas and mythical narratives, each track a portal to realms ruled by enigmatic forces. As the wistful chords echo through the annals of history, they invite listeners on an ethereal voyage into magical soundscapes where folklore intertwines with the spectral resonance of forlorn melodies.

Founded in Borås, Sweden, in 2018 by a solitary artist with no musical training but an affinity for atmospheric sounds, Örnatorpet has become a cornerstone of the Nordvis pantheon. Drawing inspiration from the majesty of nature, Scandinavian folklore, and the nostalgic undertones of video game music, Örnatorpet melds dungeon synth with the spiritual fervour of black metal.

Listeners have lauded Örnatorpet for revitalising the dungeon synth genre, venturing beyond imitation to create distinct auditory worlds that evoke vivid, immersive visions. “Fordomdags” stands as a testament to the project’s ethos – music that is both a homage and a personal revelation.

Cover artwork by Luciana Nedelea.

Strange Meridians is an album by multidisciplinary artist upsammy. It is released by adventurous electronic music label topo2 on November 21, 2024. The record is pressed on 180 grams of ICCS-certified bio-vinyl, housed in a heavy full-colour sleeve, and comes with a download-code to the full release. Mastering is done by Isabel Schröer at Scape Mastering and artwork by courtesy of Thessa Torsing and Kees de Klein. Poetry by Thessa Torsing with editing by Eelco Couvreur.

When I finally lowered the Mordant Music portcullis after 20 years of sauntering alongside the mainstream I signed off with an EMS-based album entitled Mark of the Mould several tracks from which I re-worked for a Sony/KPM online-only library music release entitled Synthi Spores…during the ensuing C-19 castaway phase I composed a further hefty batch of library-style tunes intended for a mooted album with Sony/KPM, which was looking distinctly likely until my contact there vamoosed and corporate ‘reshuffles’ left the music abandoned and huddled in a folder on my desktop - classic ‘industry’ fayre i've witnessed many times and KPM itself has now moved St. Elsewhere… Enter CiS, who had also previously re-released the Dead Air album and an eMMplekz 12” , to resuscitate ’n’ rally my underscores ’n’ jingles with their renowned gusto…myself and Phil Heeks fashioned a classic KPM-style ‘1000 Series’ sleeve and a random web pop-up provided the ad-hoc title (I was searching for raw plugs at the time)…I’ve made untold library tracks over the years for firms such as Boosey & Hawkes, Cavendish, Universal and Pifco etc and these are certainly some of my favourites, running a gamut of dinky styles for adverts, film and Netflix, whatever that means these days…njoi/endure, IBM

In Cornish slang it is said that things get done ‘dreckly’; that is, not now, not necessarily tomorrow, but, at some indefinite point...in the future...soon... Fitting then that when Bristol’s Langkamer decamped to their de facto home-from-home in the picturesque south-west seaside town of Falmouth to record their third album in as many years (with an EP thrown in there too) - there was no particular need to rush things: “The process was much slower and more considered for Langzamer.”, drummer/vocalist Josh Jarman explains: “The first two albums felt pretty urgent, and each was finished in about 6 months, but this one feels a lot more deliberate. It’s taken us two years to get this done.” Equally fitting too that Langzamer kicks off proceedings with ‘Heart of Tin’: the first bars are languidly lugubrious, so deliciously plucked-out and scuzzed-up that they linger in the air like passing smoke, magically, slowing time down to their own assured and steady will. And in so much time, that also feels like no time at all, comes an opening line of such stark, disarming confessionalism as might be found in the David Berman/Silver Jews songbook: “Do you want the good

news or the bad news first?// They’re both bad news, but the bad is worse” It’s Langkamer in a nutshell: embattled, heart- on-sleeve Slacker Rock slaked with twinges of fret-sliding Americana, yet deeply embedded in the folk mythologies,

colloquialisms and experiences of the band’s West Country roots.

Oxide Manifesto is intended as an audio sketchbook, which explores a particular method of creating music. It aims to link obsolete machines and experimental composition. In recording it, I embraced as many techniques of working with magnetic tape as possible. I gave myself the freedom to lean into the perceived flaws of tape as a recording format. Often we hear ‘it’s not about the equipment’. But on this album the equipment is in equal focus to the music. Wow, flutter, wonky pitch, abrupt edits, hiss, rough tape loops, rewinds, half-speed, mains hum. I started building an archive of sound-art experiments using the following method. Compose an idea and record it quickly. Deconstruct its elements onto tape loops or spools. Set up an equipment patch, then perform using reel-to-reel machines and effects. Record the result and discard the original idea. After collecting enough pieces, I began to edit and organise them into a structure. By this point I had fragments of music, linear studio experiments, structured and partially destroyed songs. The finished album serves as a sonic diary as I explored this specific way of working. Use distinct stages in your process. Capture performances. Use limitations. I recorded most of this album at my old studio on Hornsey Road. It was the smallest room imaginable. A former cupboard with a tiny window and no soundproofing. Inside temperatures ranged between 30 degrees in summer and 0 degrees in winter. Phantom radio interference came from the Post Office depot opposite. It made mid-1970s tape machines unusable. Thankfully, whatever components Akai used in the 1960s fared better. Try to work fast when possible. Don’t be afraid to throw something away. Be patient.

Zak Olsen, the creative force behind the guitar riffs of Australian doom psych band Orb, is set to release his highly anticipated solo album, Ghost Notes, under his Traffik Island moniker. 12 Esoteric Instrumentals for Ethereal Beings feels like going on an acid trip through a haunted house, where folk melodies merge seamlessly with jazz rhythms and psychedelic textures. Creating freakout moments such as the track ‘Pandemoniom!’ featuring Kenny Ambrose-Smith of King Gizzard and haunting folk horror moments on ‘winds’ Fans of esoteric instrumentals and spooky soundscapes alike will find much to love in this haunting collection. Frank Maston of Maston captures the essence of Ghost Notes perfectly: “Olsen has created a monster - channeling Joe Meek, Goblin, and Broadcast in this cursed disc of groovy fugues. Traffik Island may be alive and well in these tracks, delivering premium melodies with ease, but the undead certainly had their say. Mixing terrifyingly sick beats with warped organs, sinister synths, and spooky found sounds, this is the horror movie soundtrack we deserve. An instant Halloween classic.”

Irene Bianco is Italian-born percussionist, free improviser and composer based in Copenhagen. Starting playing drum-kit at an early age and then trained as a classical percussionist, her music influences span from baroque and orchestral music to 90s rock and club music.

Other than in solo, she is an active freelancer and a member of Damkapellet collective and Wolfskin Ensemble.

Now Permanent Draft, London based all-female label run by Valentina with Fanny Chiarello, is making this document available worldwide. -- Kronblade, the Danish word for “petals”, is Irene’s debut solo album. The album includes six instrumental electroacoustic tracks recorded in a studio in Copenhagen in November 2023. Kronblade music aims to explore the spontaneous and unconventional, leaving space for unpredictability and whimsicality.

Most of the sounds, rhythms and melodies have been collected and composed over the last years, during traveling around cities, in nature and in Irene’s everyday life. The tracks present layers of flexible forms and have a large use of improvisation.

The acoustic instrumentation includes mainly percussion, from vibraphone and vintage bass drums to metal objects, bells, shakers, paper carillon, wind-up toys and an old zeither. Electronic sounds, effects and field recordings have had a main role in the creation process, not as an opposition but as a fundamental, complement merging component.

Takuma Matsunaga, a musician based in Tokyo, grew up exposed to a wide variety of music, from classical and black music to ambient and electronic music, and began his professional career in 2021. His latest album, "Epoch," produced by Miru Shinoda, also known as a member of Japanese band "yahyel", took about a year and a half to create and is now being released by P-vine in physical format for the first time. The sounds on the album were recorded through real-time manipulation using both analog and digital synthesizers, resulting in a unique and pure work that blends ambient and electronic music with elements of hip-hop.

The Greek origin of the word "epoch," "epokhe," means "to suspend judgment, to hold on (epi) and to have (ekhein)." "Epoch" seeks to suspend ecstasy and intoxication within the everyday. It is both ordinary and extraordinary, real and dreamlike, or perhaps neither. "Epoch" embodies all of these states, suspended, reflecting the acoustic journey of Takuma Matsunaga as he navigates through them.

Takuma Matsunaga, a musician based in Tokyo, grew up exposed to a wide variety of music, from classical and black music to ambient and electronic music, and began his professional career in 2021. His latest album, "Epoch," produced by Miru Shinoda, also known as a member of Japanese band "yahyel", took about a year and a half to create and is now being released by P-vine in physical format for the first time. The sounds on the album were recorded through real-time manipulation using both analog and digital synthesizers, resulting in a unique and pure work that blends ambient and electronic music with elements of hip-hop.

The Greek origin of the word "epoch," "epokhe," means "to suspend judgment, to hold on (epi) and to have (ekhein)." "Epoch" seeks to suspend ecstasy and intoxication within the everyday. It is both ordinary and extraordinary, real and dreamlike, or perhaps neither. "Epoch" embodies all of these states, suspended, reflecting the acoustic journey of Takuma Matsunaga as he navigates through them.

A steady and sure buzz has been building around Steve Young’s ‘Scarper’ project over the past few years, particularly since his acclaimed 2017 debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ and subsequent dancefloor favourite ‘E-Funk', which won over fans from Skream to Carl Craig with its genre-crossing appeal. Marking a noticeable shift in direction and a new sense of focus, Scarper returns with four tracks of varying styles and influences. Drawing from dub, techno, breakbeat and rave, he mainly shoots for the floor (with a clear emphasis on bass weight), although as always, there is ample headphone fodder. Opening with ambient intro 'Wavecrush,' Scarper moves through dub- infused downtempo with the Weatherall-esque chugger 'Metadub,' swiftly picks up the energy with the chunky beats and deep bass of ‘Metadome,’ and concludes with high-octane face melter 'Slab,' which throws tech-breaks, dark garage and jungle/hardcore vibes into the pot. More quality from Scarper.

With Ascend, Alan Abrahams (Portable, Bodycode) presents his first album under his own name on Italic Recordings. Ascend opens the field wide towards pop. A very mature form of pop music, one could call it ethereal sophisticated pop. He was already no stranger to vocals in his more club-orientated productions, and he has often demonstrated his songwriting skills. Here they take centre stage.

Step into the shadowy realms of sound with Nothing But Heart's latest instrumental 7" vinyl single, "Suburban Vanguard." This haunting release features two tracks that echo the eerie dance between reality and the spectral echoes of a digital age.

The title track, "Suburban Vanguard," unfolds like a melancholic journey through fog-laden streets, where whispers of the past entwine with the pulse of a restless present. Its intricate layers and brooding rhythms conjure an atmosphere of introspection, inviting listeners to navigate the labyrinth of their own thoughts.

On the B-side, "Every Dream Is Shot By Daylight" plunges deeper into the human psyche, reflecting the weight of unfulfilled aspirations. This composition resonates with a haunting urgency, evoking the fleeting nature of existence and the shadows that linger just beyond perception.

Together, these tracks reveal Nothing But Heart's mastery in weaving electronic and ambient elements into a rich tapestry of sound, reminiscent of a dark, swirling mist. "Suburban Vanguard" transcends mere music; it serves as a mirror to the complexities and uncertainties of modern life.

Marbled (white & black) vinyls + 7"

20 years after its release, Wax Tailor's cult album, which made him a household name the world over, is back in a marbled 2LP collector's edition with the bonus single ‘Seize the Day’ (previously unreleased on vinyl). Long unavailable due to its success, this eagerly-awaited repress offers the chance to discover once again this essential work of the trip-hop scene.

This exceptional box set includes two marbled vinyl records along with an exclusive 7-inch single of Seize The Day.

A sonic portal to a parallel universe where neon-soaked dreamscapes transform the stark realities of a post-pandemic world. Music for a forgotten future, where echoes of the 80s cast long, enigmatic shadows through a rich tapestry of emotion that charts a journey from isolation and fear towards healing and hope. This is the journey of Season One and Season Two, the debut companion albums for the solo project of Italian composer Battaglia, both out this fall on Four Flies Records.

A sonic portal to a parallel universe where neon-soaked dreamscapes transform the stark realities of a post-pandemic world. Music for a forgotten future, where echoes of the 80s cast long, enigmatic shadows through a rich tapestry of emotion that charts a journey from isolation and fear towards healing and hope. This is the journey of Season One and Season Two, the debut companion albums for the solo project of Italian composer Battaglia, both out this fall on Four Flies Records.

Recloose's 5-track EP blends sophisticated emotive soundscapes, nuanced late-night jazz smoke, nocturnal energy, and playful dub-infused experimentation. Funky, cassette-like textures meet high-tech musicianship, all filtered through his meticulous standards. Over 25 years after his legendary demo submission to Carl Craig, Recloose continues to refine his craft, delivering a sound that is unmistakably his own. Made for those that know.

Renowned producer Sweatson Klank and the critically acclaimed Kondi Band join forces on a compelling new single, "Money Face". This deep mid-tempo afro house track features the legendary Sorie Kondi from Kondi Band, delivering a poignant narrative about how the Sierra Leonean government used the image of his face on their newly printed currency without his consent, leaving him uncompensated and left to face the daily struggles of life in Freetown. It"s a modern protest anthem rooted in Afro Beat and World Music influences driven by the pulse of a dance floor friendly Disco track.