Dean Denali
Non Solo Moda Ep

This December, 2020 offers us a gift in the form of ‘The Inner Space’ LP from Moscow based artist, designer, DJ, music producer and live performer, Finetune known for his affiliation with the Slowdance label and event organisation.The LP will be spread across vinyl, and digital (free download on the Finetune Bandcamp) in two parts. An immerseful experience that not only strains the boundaries of sound, but also visually as real name Michael Dop fuses his eclectic talents with sound and art accompanying the album by creating the full visual concept.The Finetune project was initiated in 2018, creating poetry via his modular and fm synthesizers, upright piano, sampers, gong, drum machines, groove boxes, and different percussion instruments, all being utilised here across “The Inner Space” release.

How do you get 'in the box'? Gal Tsadok-Hai knows. After some experiments with hardware, the Amsterdam-based electronic producer recently went back to his first love: computer composing. Thus keeping open all the options. Footsteps is his first EP for SoHaSo, filled with four tracks of adventurous, left-field explorations in rhythm and melody. cl_forwardspeed 5 is dominated by sub low baslines and razor blade rhythms, while mp_footsteps 1 nods more towards early Aphex Twin and the IDM trickery from last century. Flip the record for max_smokepuffs 999, on which Gal Tsadok- Hai proves he can also bring a straight four-four to great heights. It is both spacious and tense, which makes for a great combination. On closer sv_gravity 0 it's back to the days when melody was still the default in most techno and electro. If you like the abstract machine funk from Dopplereffekt, this might just be right up your alley.

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.

Making their return with further innovative output this Spring is Bucharest based outfit, VARME, a label curated and cared for by, Paul Popa. Crafting the seventh release on the label is the incredibly talented beat maker, Maximo. The Uruguayan’s “XKP” EP meanders through low end leaning electro, and intelligently arranged spaced out techno, rough and ready for the club.Title track “XKP” moves in mechanical motions, chugging by as trippy beeps and bleeps make themselves known. Futuristic elements breathing life into the chunky drums. The A2 “Trip To the Moon” teeters on the fine line of techno, and trance, sitting comfortably between the two, blasting you with dusty nostalgia from records of the past but maintaining the modern twist Maximo consistently captures.On the flipside delving deeper into the mind of Maximo is “1945” is a sleek and crisp trip, a punchy kick and ice cold hi-hats drive the groove. The vocal sample used fits perfectly, transcending the listener as it continues to flash in and out. Closing 007 is “Sinrazón” a curious journey through shimmering pads and synths, teasing you down a path of mystery with the dark bassline that simmers throughout.Solid impressions from a label that continue to propel their distinguished energy, showing no signs of slowing down, continuing to become somewhat of a diggers paradise with their catalogue. VARME are not afraid to push music they believe in, never taking the restraints of genre on their shoulders. Whilst not making music Maximo is helping steer the ship at Deeper, a collective who share their musical vision in their native country of Uruguay.

If you're reading this then you will know that Instinct is one of the UK's powerhouse garage labels. Run by Burnski aka James Burnham it deals in serious tackle for rude boys and nasty girls. The drums hit hard, the reversed bassline burn goose old school cool and there gun finger salutes come think and fast throughout this EP from Mance. 'Checkpoint' opens with the dusty drum shuffles and bulbous bass, then 'The Going Is Rough' is a little more soulful and sweet with its rolling basslines and silky pads. 'Beat 93' closes down with a seriously OG garage sound that takes you back to the mid-90s.

After this long period of pandemic and staying at home, these tracks represent a glimmer on which to look out and have the hope of soon returning all together to party.