TURNTABLE LAB

Armand Van Helden & Steve Aoki
Brrrat! (Will Bailey, His Majesty Andre) 12"

big club tune from Armand Van Helden & Steve Aoki

As evidenced by his impressive catalog of past releases and the more recent Duck Sauce involvement, Armand Van Helden understands how to produce dance records. Combine that with Steve Aoki's ability to generate and disseminate "hype" through music, we get a no-brainer club banger - "Brrrat!(1)." The track begins with a short, repetitive organ loop which turns into old school rave stab accompanied by a tight breakbeat. After it builds and builds for a while, the explosive kick drums and bassline drop, at which point you can just sit back and watch the crowd go buck wild. Will Bailey(2) and His Majesty Andre(3) remixes included, both as big and epic as the original.
reviewed by Peebra

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Boy 8-Bit
Still Killing (Philipe de Boyar, Memory Tapes) EP

electro house and house remixes

Remix EP for tracks from Boy 8-Bit's The Suspense Is Killing Me EP, originally released by Mad Decent back in 2008. The most eyebrow raising name on this one has to be that of synth-pop/chillwave artist Memory Tapes, who turns in a squelchy, break-filled take on "Cricket Scores(1)." That track also gets a makeover from Boy 8-bit himself, in which he turns his original production into a surprising house cut(2). He also contributes one new original to the EP, an electro track called "Ghost House (Suspense Is Killing Me Part II)(3)." Elsewhere, you also get electro remixes from Philipe De Boyar, who takes on "Suspense Is Killing Me(4)," and Obi Blanche who reworks "Bulbs Burn Out(5)."
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Boys Noize
Sessions Pt. 1 (Buuurg / Pur) 12"

hard electro house, limited pressing

Boys Noize returns to the raw with the limited vinyl-only Sessions series. Apparently this series will feature the best of Mr. Noize's live studio sessions - sessions in which he just lets the machines run and freak and tweaks the knobs and buttons, no editing after the fact! Check the intense bounce on "Buuurg(1)" that builds and builds to insane energy levels. On the flip, "Pur(2)" takes it to deep driving acid territory for endless jackin'. Hand stamped, 500 copies only!
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Carte Blanche
White Man On The Moon (w/ FREE MP3 Download) EP

house bangers from Mehdi/Riton

Comprising of the super team of DJ Mehdi (RIP) and Riton, Carte Blanche can do no wrong. You take two of best DJ's/Producers around and let them go nuts with their fetish for old school house grooves and what do you get? Banging-ass tracks! So much heat on this White Man On The Moon EP, it's like "damn". There's a track for every situation here. Check the vocal flip of "House That Jack Built" and insane piano work for "Jack On The Moon(1)", the chuggy electro groove on "Bronx Brooklyn Queens(2)" and the pop/dance power of "With You(3)" featuring Alexis Taylor (who sounds strikingly similar to Hot Chip). Epic dancefloor material. Recommended!
reviewed by the Commish

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / vinyl with free mp3 / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Daft Punk
Discovery 2LP

all time electro classic

In 2001, Daft Punk released this sophomore full length which basically made them superstars. You've heard their production on Madonna's "Music" single, or the club hit "Music Sounds Better With You&" by Stardust, but if you're unfamiliar with the Daft sound, this is a good intro. It's much poppier than Homework and has most of the hits you might know by them (no "Around the World" though). They go straight pop here- unapologetically, proudly, and completely. If you doubt the confidence of these Frenchies, how about the fact that the album starts off huge with the singles ";One More Time&" and "Digital Love(1)" These are followed by "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger(2)," one of the few songs that can make me do the full Woodman olympic-edition dance (another one is "Vibeology"). But that's just to smash you over the head: the Daft sound is also defined by warm, bassy synth lines, weaving their way liquidly through garage disco and house loops, all hot chocolate for the ears. These guys can go on for hours about who their influences are, and in fact spend much of the album doing so. Take the luxurious "Something About Us(3)," which uses a slowed-down Patrice Rushen type bassline under Quincy Jones guitar licks and an Air-y ambience before Serge Gainsbourg on a vocoder starts singing. Whoa, slow down, influences! There's also the Moroder-like composition "Verdis Quo(4)," the Prefuse 73 sequencing stutters of "Face to Face(5)," the 4 on the floor loop of "Voyager(6)," etc etc. Basically, if you like video games, the Beach Boys, Metro Area, and dancing, you will like this. 14 tracks total in a full gatefold sleeve. Also includes a free Daft Club membership card!
reviewed by the Woodman

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Daft Punk
Translucence (Record Store Day) 10"

Tron soundtrack cuts on limited pic 10"

Record Store Day Exclusive! Daft Punk's Translucence 10" is easily the coolest looking of the RSD releases. The duo teamed up with Disney Records to release 4 tracks from the Tron soundtrack on pic discs made to resemble the Tron discs from the movie (you know the ones they throw at each other in the arena). Too cool, plus the music is awesome as you'd expect from Bangalter & Homem-Christo. You get the epic theme track "Derezzed(1)," "TRON Legacy(2)," "End of Line(3)" and "Castor(4)" which was previously only available on the special edition bonus CD. Comes in three randomly shipped colors (orange, blue, and yellow - sorry we cannot fulfill any color requests). Act fast 'cuz these are super limited, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Dinky
Sealed / Eeled 12"

smooth deep house

Alejandra Iglesias aka Dinky hails from Chile, and her debut release for the of-the-moment label Crosstown Rebels packs two smooth deep house heaters. On the a-side is "Sealed(1)," a balearic tech-house tune sure to hit big at classy dancefloors. "Eeled(2)" follows on with powerful bass and "erractic electronic keys" on the b-side, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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DJ Gant-Man
Juke Dat Girl (Nadastrom, Greenmoney) 12"

Chicago Juke with dance remixes

I JUKE DAT GIRL FROM THE BACK. I JUKE DAT GIRL FROM THE BACK. I JUKE DAT GIRL FROM THE BACK! Yep, it's DJ Gant-Man bringing the real Chicago Juke sound(1) on Fool's Gold Recs. Can't help but wanna get up and shake it after listening to the stripped down, yet uber-bouncey drums and hypnotic hook. Dave Nada and Matt Nordstrom give it a hype make-over(2) that would sound at home on Dubsided, while Greenmoney goes for a hype global sound(3). Sure to make 'em move. Instrumental included for the OG.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / ghettotech + bass - vinyl / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Dr. Gonzo
Bust 'Em Up (Crookers, Savage Skulls) 12"

high energy club bangers

Phra & Bot aka Crookers go under the Dr. Gonzo guise for three monstrous bangers to tear up the club. Compared to their electro-rave stuff, the Dr. Gonzo material (here along with Sweden's Savage Skulls and Canada's Neurotic & Wax Motif) seems rawer - banging on a whole other level. Check the high octane energy on "Bust Em Up(1)" with the hype stadium rocking samples and crazy drops. "Get The F Out My House(2)" is a potent hybrid of dark jacking house and tropical bass, while "Springer(3)" is just plain bonkers. Drop this and watch kids go nuts.
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / and more

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Dr. Gonzo
Dr. Gonzo Anthem (Crookers) 12"

heavy club bangers

Second single from the new Crookers project, Dr. Gonzo. This one's just as hype as the previous release ("Bust 'Em Up") and features their signature track "Dr. Gonzo Anthem(1)" that takes the hyper active sound and infuses melodic synths work before the barrage of screeching fx and heavy bass kicks take over and tear down the club. Next up is "Dushi(2)," another tripped-out banger with a hefty bounce guaranteed to move asses. The EP rounds out with a triple threat of Italian producers (Crookers, His Majesty Andre & Lazy Ants) going HARD on a the dancefloor smasher "Carcola(3)." If you like lazer sounds, you'll love this one!
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / and more

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Drop The Lime
Devil's Eyes Remixes (Diplo, Tomb Crew, Kanji Kinetic, Rossi B & Luca) 12"

dubstep and electro house remixes

Four of the biggest remixes from Drop The Lime's "Devil's Eyes" digital single get pressed up on wax for all the collectors and Serato hold-outs out there.. The original version of this track was released by Bacardi (yeah, the rum people), and over the course of a year these remixes slowly started trickling out of the internet. Diplo's remix gets top billing here, and it's more of the wild, global sounds that we've come to expect from him. Huge drums on that one. Tomb Crew and Kanji Kinetic both contribute some heavy, bull-in-a-chinashop dubstep remixes(2,3), and then Rossi B & Luca (a different Luca, not DTL using his government name) bat cleanup with a rambunctious electro house version. Four tracks in all, comes packaged in a nice pic sleeve that kind of looks the poster for a campy horror flick.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Factory Floor
Two Different Ways 12"

industrial strength synths for the dancefloor

Factory Floor has been making waves in the underground scene for a minute (remixes/remixers include Optimo, Gavin Russom, Throbbing Gristle, and Joy Divison's Stephen Morris!), and now make their debut on DFA for their most dance-y release to date. Though FF often get the "post-industrial" label attached to them, "Two Different Ways(1)" has a minimalist house vibe that's squarely aimed for the dancefloor. Check the mesmerizing synth lines that drive the track with an old school acid house feel, while Nik Colk's haunting vocals breathe life into the groove. As the title states, the track is literally done in two different ways, and for the second way(2), Factory Floor flip the arrangement, going full force from the start for more of a driving instrumental feel. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Fully Fitted
Re-Edits (XXXchange, Pase Rock, Amanda Blank) EP

remixes by the Fully Fitted crew

Led by Spank Rock producer XXXchange and featuring the talents of Amanda Blank, Pase Rock (Five Deez), !!!'s Tyler Pope, and Sylvia of Kudu, the Fully Fitted crew has been steady infiltrating clubs this year, and the takeover can only get stronger with this, their official debut release on Money Studies. Leading off with an intro from French rap clown prince The Genevan Heathen, the EP hits the ground running with a remix of DJ Class' blazing, "Rump Shaker" horn-sampling "Roll It(1)" with Pase on vocals (instrumental also included). XXXchange's dirty south / French electro hybrid "100 Million(2)" is sure to blow some heads; ditto for his rework of house favorite "He Not In(3)," which features insane original synth work and even some dancehall flavoring. And that's just the A-side! Every wondered how Paul Simon would fare in a grimy Bmore club? Chipset & Devlin give you the answer on the much anticipated "50 Ways(4)," which has literally been years in the making and now features a verse from fellow Spank Rock associate Ms. Blank. (Got the instrumental for that one, too.) The terrifying trio of XXX, Devlin & Darko round things out with the extra hype party break "New Day(5)," and "Shake It(6)," which transforms DJ Blaqstarr's "Shake It To The Ground" into a Rong-style slow burner. Pic sleeve designed by PH. Definitely recommended.
reviewed by el generico

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / new electro / electro rock / rave

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GULLS
Boom Miami / Cesco Chavo 12"

experimental dub techno

The dubby techno stylings of Gulls reaches into the Cumbia melting pot and comes up with some pretty interesting material. "Boom Miami(1)" takes the delay heavy approach and mixes in some accordions, properly filtered of course, to some pretty impressive results. Neither aiming to reproduce the style or create something that is reverent Gulls makes something entirely his own. On the "Version(2)" a more jacking beat is added to great effect. "Cesco Chavo(3)" goes in somewhat more traditional dub techno direction, while the "Mike M(4)" remix adds a little more melodic action.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Herve
Zombies (Franzy Scanner Remix) 12"

intense electro house

Heavy electro sounds from Herve on this one. "Zombies(1)" features some massive chainsaw synth lines and a campy vocal sample from a horror flick that may or may not exist. Franzy Scanner gets not one but two remixes here. His "Graveyard Remix(2)" adds some dramatic strings to the equation but sticks pretty close to the feel of the original, while the "Dandruff Remix(3)" builds a more melodic house vibe. Also includes the intense track "Hot! Drum Attack(4)," which has some spastic snare programming and even more buzzsaw synths.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / house / minimal / techno / and more

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In Flagranti
Skematic Tracks Vol. 1 EP

dirty electro disco house

In Flagranti switch up it up a bit on the first volume of their Skematics Tracks series. Though they are best known for their dirty disco style, these tracks find the In Flagranti exploring uncharted zones of looped up electro jack, and funky schitzo house. Check "Paroxysm(1)" that seamlessly fuses abstract vocal chops, jackin' drums and flipped detroit style chords and the heavy bumps of "Aspiration(2)." "Consumer Goods(3)" is more familiar IF style, an infectious disco loop topped with dirty effects for freaky late night excursions on the dancefloor. Good to see the dudes venturing in new directions while still retaining that signature In Flagranti grit.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / vinyl new arrivals / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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In Flagranti
The Beauty Contest Remixes (Pete Herbert) 12"

electro disco

Four more remixes from the Worse For Wear Album with three different takes on "Hallow Discourse." Pete Herbert(1) keeps the swingin' disco vibe of the original but edits the best parts together for maximum impact on the floor, Abstraxion(2) pours on the italo NRG juice for his remix, while Fabrizio Mammarella(3) screws the f*k out of the vocals for some bugged out disco fun. Also includes Stop Making Me's remix of "Peculiar Protagonist(4)" aimed directly at the big room floor.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / new electro / electro rock / rave

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In Flagranti
Worse For Wear Remixes (Shit Robot, Moullinex) 12"

house remixes of dirty new disco

A couple of remixes from In Flagranti's most recent full length courtesy of DFA's Shit Robot and Moullinex. The title track "Worse For Wear" gets pumped up by Shit Robot(1) who channels the sleazy disco vibe into more of a bouncey throwback house jam. Moullinex take "Latter Day Methods(2)" and add percolating percussion and big shiny synths to the mix for a funky electro house romp.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / new electro / electro rock / rave

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In Flagranti
Worse For Wear Sampler 1 12"

dark and sleazy new disco

The infamous dirty disco duo known as In Flagranti is back! Sasa Crnobrja and Alex Gloor have certainly made their mark on the new disco scene with oodles of sex-charged beats inspired by the sleaze of yesteryear. This EP is a sampling off the new album, Worse For Wear and finds the boys switching it up a bit, introducing lo-fi trash, italo and house vibes. Don't get me wrong though, the disco sleaze is still there (and even grimier than before), but paired with an expanded and evolved sound. "Worse For Wear(1)" sets the tone with cavernous synth bass and dark druggy vocals, while "Prelude To Chaos(2)" keeps it uptempo on the lo-fi punk funk tip. "Peculiar Protagonist(3)" brightens up the mood with a new take on italo-house, and "Latter Day Methods(4)" closes it out off-kilter synth style. Choice material for the freaks. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / and more

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Jaimie Fanatic
Whats Happening To Ya (Say Wut Remix) 12"

What you know about Jaimie Fanatic? The Dutch house bad boy is the latest addition to the Mad Decent fam, and though this is his debut release on the label, he is by no means a newbie to the game (just check his discogs entry). Take a listen to the hybrid dance styles of "What's Happening(1)" and it's obvious dude has had plenty of experience rocking the massive crowds. A killer combination of house, electro, fidget, and even some bmore elements make this one huge with the likes of Diplo, Switch, Laidback Luke and Armand Van Helden. Speaking of bmore though, Unruly representer Say Wut turns in a hard hitting bmore remix(1) of the track that's sure to tear the roof off. Also check "Someone To Count On(2)," which takes up the entire b-side on the more minimal vocal house tip. Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / new electro / electro rock / rave

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J-Wow
O Dedo (Bird Peterson, Sbtrkt) 12"

huge electro house sounds, dubstep remix

Sorry Jersey Shore fans, this isn't that J-Wow. Rather, he's one of the producers behind the already-successful Buraka Som Sistema. "O Dedo(1)" (Portuguese for "the finger")is a big electro tune that features some of that global sound that Buraka's known for, as well as some crazy sounding synth riffs towards the end. "The Rattle(2)" is a more subdued track, built on bullfrog bass and some great bongo loops. Austinite Bird Peterson takes on "O Dedo(3)," putting his own spin on the electro sound, and then SBTRKT flips the track into a dubstep cut(4) with some nice melodic arpeggios that ride on top of the bass.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave / sale vinyl + cds

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Knightlife
Serves You Right / Otherway (Emperor Machine Remix) 12"

new disco and cosmic house heat

Third release from the mighty Knightlife on Cut Copy's Cutters label. Both Knightlife I and Knightlife II have been tearing up dancefloors since their release with a sound that modernizes classic house and injects a bit of future disco vibes for good measure. Here on Serves You Right Knightlife has perfected his sound and has even added live vocals from AP to really get the floor juiced. The title track(1) takes it to a whole new level of "regal sophistifunk," with building precussion and synths, bug pianos, and vocals all geared to make people dance their asses off. Also includes "Otherway(2)", an equally effective floor worker with a sound that takes cues from early sample-based house and techno, and Emperor Machine's rework of "Serves You Right(3)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / and more

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La Roux
La Roux (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

debut LP from the UK synth-pop duo

BONUS - Each copy of this LP includes a coupon redeemable for a free high-quality download of the album.

It certainly has been a meteoric year for La Roux. What started last year with a 12" on Kitsune has now blown up into a self-titled LP that has already been certified gold in the UK (along with two top ten singles that featured some huge remixes), now finally seeing release here in the good old US of A. In case you've been sleeping, La Roux is comprised of Elly Jackson on vocals and Ben Langmaid on synths, and when you put 'em together you wind up with a duo that has a serious knack for writing catchy-as-fuck synth-pop. "Bulletproof(1)" is probably the catchiest of the bunch, and should translate to most dancefloors exceptionally. "In For The Kill(2)," which was remixed by Skream to wildly popular results, and "Quicksand(3)" are also danceable standouts. "Cover My Eyes(4)" is a great mid-tempo ballad, while "As If By Magic(5)" and "Fascination(6)" are both dripping with new wave pop sensibility. Honestly, all of the tracks here are really well crafted, the album never really falters. It's rarer and rarer to find an album without a skipable moment these days, but this is one of em. Pressed on 180g vinyl and packaged in a gatefold pic-sleeve. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new wave + no wave + electro / and more

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Le Corps Mince De Francoise
Something Golden (Oleo, Renaissance Man, Heartbreak) 12"

synthpop with house remixes

Le Corps are a French-named girl group out of Helsinki (I know, it's a little confusing, but bear with me), with a knack for synthpop sounds. I can't tell if they're rapping or singing during the verses on "Something Golden(1)," but I don't think it really matters. Nice remixes on this one as well, check out Oleo's slow burner version(2) that starts slow and moody and then morphs into a double time 8-bit track halfway through. Renaissance Man delivers a tech house version(3) that eschews the vocals entirely, and Heartbreak gives it the electro remix(4) that the track has been begging for.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
kitsune + related / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Mark Ronson
Record Collection 2012 (CSS, Logo, Moonlight Matters, Plastic Plates) 12"

synth pop w/ remixes

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl follow up the hugely successful Record Collection with a new single, "Record Collection 2012(1)" featuring MNDR, Pharrell, Wiley and Wretch 32. Fusing sophisticated synth pop sensibilities with a little bit of hip-hop, the track, released on Kitsune, is sure to appeal to a wide range of music lovers (and DJs). The release also contains 6 remixes for the track: check out CSS's(2) lighthearted take, or Logo's(3) slightly darker 4/4 version. Moonlight Matters(4) offer a dancefloor-friendly electro-disco remix, and Plastic Plates(5) does a cool nu disco/indie dance rerub. For a harder, more energetic sound, listen to DATABASE's remix. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
kitsune + related / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Mathew Jonson
Dayz / Cold Blooded 12"

melodic underground house

Driven by warm, ambient melodies and controlled rhythms, "Dayz(1)" is a simple and beautiful deep house number that'll fit nicely with a lot of the current underground dance releases. Mathew Jonson, who's described as "a legend with one of the most distinctive voices in the industry," keeps the approach just as tasteful for "Cold Blooded(2)," but the mood is darker. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / minimal house + techno / and more

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Mojo & The Supersystem
Sharp Dressed Sensi (ZZ Top, South Rakkas Crew) 12"

dj remixes, reggae-house and 80s

White label remixes from DC's Mojo Jones. "Sensi(1)" hits that Mad Decent sweetspot, merging a tribal house beat and samples from Mr. Vegas, South Rakkas Crew, Jay-Z, and even Cheech and Chong. B-side features a dance remix of ZZ-Top's "Sharp Dressed Man(2)," perfect for your next paying gig (sounds like something Roc might play for the bottle heads).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave / and more

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Mr. Flash
Blood Sweat & Tears 12"

cinematic beats, boogie, disco, and electro

Mr. Flash throws us a mixed bag with the Blood Sweat & Tears EP and really shows off his versatility when it comes to producing different styles. Of course most would associate Ed Banger with the aggressive electro style they built their name upon and Flash does that easy (check "Flesh(1)"). But he really starts to shine when he moves away from all the square waves and into more disco freak rock mode on "Motorcycle Boy(2)" and the melodic boogie vibe of "Powerlight(3)." You also get the cool ethnic beats of "Couscous(4)" (on some Punjabi MC styles) plus the cinematic goodness of "Domino A & B(5)." Cool pic sleeve too, by So-Me of course (who else?).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Spank Rock
Energy (Jan Driver, The Glimmers) 12"

Can-sampling single from MC Spank

After a five year break, Spank Rock is back (fresh off tour opening for Ke$ha) with the lead single off his sophomore full length Everything is Boring and Everyone is a Fucking Liar'. You've probably already heard the buzz around the Boyz Noize-produced, Can-sampling "Energy(1)," but here it is on proper 12" vinyl complete with excellent remixes from The Glimmers(2), Win Win(3), and Jan Driver(4). Pretty pic sleeve too, recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Surkin
USA (Limited Edition w/ CD) 2LP

french electro, house, and italo grooves

You might remember Surkin as the kid with mad skills who emerged from the big french electro-house invasion of the mid-to-late 00's. Well it's been a minute, (5 years to be exact) and the youngin' is back with his debut LP USA on Marble Players Records! The intro clues you in on what to expect - it's basically a huge buildup in proper french electro style that leads into the proper electro beats of "Lose Yourself(1)" with Ann Saunderson. "Love Shot(2)" is next and is a surprising departure into realms of high energy and cosmic italo vibes. Is this still the same Surkin? Well incase you were doubting, "I.N.Y.N.(3)" should clear all doubts as Surkin takes it back to the style that made him famous with an electro banger of epic proportions. Other highlights include the hype "Ultra Light(4)," the italo house vibes of "Silver Spring Anthem(5)," "Quattro(6)" with Bobmo, "Fan Out(7)" and the chilled out "Gold Island(8)" to balance it out. Impressive work, 16 tracks in all.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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The Rapture
How Deep Is Your Love (A-Trak, Populette Remixes) 12"

dance-rock anthem remixed

The Rapture's epic dance rock anthem "How Deep Is Your Love" gets a couple remixes here from A-Trak and Populette. A-Trak's "Dub For Mehdi(1)" version is dedicated to the late great DJ Mehdi and is a fitting homage with a fresh big room electro aesthetic that would have made Mehdi proud. A-Trak says, "I did this remix over the summer, and when I was close to finishing it, I played it to my friend, the irreplaceable DJ Mehdi. I was working on the main version of the remix, the vocal version. I knew I would make a few alternate edits during the mixdown. The funny thing was, Mehdi's favorite part was the ending! He suggested that I have that part come in earlier. My reaction was: that would work well for the dub version. And sure enough, when I finished mixing it down I made a dub with [his] suggestion. When I sent it to Mehdi shortly after, he responded (as a joke) that I should call it "Dub For Mehdi." This one's for you Memed." The Populette remix(2) takes the flip with punched up drums and twinkling arpeggios a plenty.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
dfa + related / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Treasure Fingers
Keep Up (Jackson, Kenny Dope Remixes) 12"

freestyle-infused dance, great rmxs

Fresh material from Treasure Fingers! His unique brand of super-funky-electro-dance has been tearing up dancefloors for years now, and with "Keep Up(1)," the BK-by-way-of-ATL producer shows off a slightly different (yet equally awesome) layer of his musical chops. For the track, hard-hitting 4/4 programming (don't worry - plenty of that on the remixes) is left out in favor of freestyle drums, with Haley Small's sugar-coated vocals and some vocoder funk creating another outstanding TF banger. The remixes don't disappoint either, as Jackson turns in a fully-synthed big room version(2), and house legend Kenny Dope delivers a classic NYC take on the original(3), which will be big in all types of dancing-oriented spots for sure. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new electro / electro rock / rave

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VA
Hot Creations Post Summer Sampler Pt.2 EP

hot underground house

More heat for classy dancefloors from Hot Creations... Volume two of the unstoppable label's Post Summer Sampler series packs three sure-shots tracks. Hot Natured, aka Jamie Jones & Lee Foss, takes the a-side with "Class(1)," a deep, hypnotic, and sexy piece of house music with big bass, killer stabs, and "estranged spoken word vocals." B-side starts with a collabo track from Russ Yallop & Wildkats. "System Crank(2)" is flat-out infectious - the lyrics, chorus, keyboard line, bass... They all come together to create a dependable dancefloor weapon. Alex Arnout also contribute a track, and "One (More)" is an "edgy piece of righteous house." Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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V/A
Edges: A New French Electronic Generation 2LP

french electro and dance compilation

Diesel has teamed up with Because music (home to Metronomy, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Justice, etc) to bring you the best of French electronic music released in 2009. It seems the French hype has subsided a bit since the electro explosion of '07/'08 (the year Ed Banger, Institubes, and Kitsune hit our shores full force), but this comp goes to prove there's still plenty worth checking for overseas. The selection, of course, lies on the hip and dancey side of things with lots of shimmering synths and pulsing beats on 16 tracks from the underground scene's latest and greatest producers including the recently blown-up Breakbot(1), Chateau Marmont(2), Danger(3), Donovan(4), Discodeine (5), Spa(6), Gentlemen Drivers(7), Nil Hartman(8), and Anoraak(9). Not bad at all, thick double LP pressing too.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave

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V/A
Fool's Gold 4 Deep Serato Pressing Control Vinyl (Lil B, Kingdom, Cubic Zirconia) - Clear Marble Yellow 2LP

4 previously unavailable remixes over 2 lps w/ serato tones, custom slipmats

Fool's Gold celebrates its 4-year anniversary with the release of a super limited-edition (only 2000 worldwide!) set, which includes 4 highly sought after, previously unreleased remixes spread over 2 clear marble yellow LPs with serato control tones on the flip and a pair of exclusive slipmats stamped with the iconic Fool's Gold logo. As far as the music is concerned, the label includes Tony Senghore's wicked take on Lil B's "Freeze(1)," a half-time mix of Kindom's "Mind Reader(2)," a club-ready version of Cubic Zirconia's "afterhours jam" "Night Or Day(3)" and Amen Brother's 808s-and-breaks-heavy remix of DJ Gant-Man's "Juke Dat Girl(4)." Highly recommended!
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / serato - digital djing / and more

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V/A
Hot Waves Sampler Vol. 2 EP

sexy house grooves

Here we go with another round o tracks from Hot Creations! This EP is a sampler of tracks from their second Hot Waves comp and features 4 more sexy house cuts to add the crate. Includes floor working grooves from Wildkats(1), Lee M Kelsall(2), Jakkin Rabbit(3), and Miguel Puente & Mejia(4). Haven't seen these names before, but from the sounds of things, you can probably expect to see them again! Fans of Hot Natured, Hot Creations, hot house, hot new disco, and hot things in general should definitely give a listen.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / and more

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V/A
Kitsune Maison #11: The Indie-Dance Issue 2LP

indie dance/synth pop comp

Yet another choice comp from Kitsune. For the 11th installment, label boss Gildas Loaec" explains that he wanted the release to "sit right at the crossroad" of 'club' and 'indie,' and it seems he has achieved just that with this 17 tracker. Check out the opener "Let's Go All The Way(1)" or "Roman(2)" as well as Azari & III's remix of "Days(3)" by Creep. Another standout cut is Peter & The Magician's "Twist(4)", with exclusives tracks from Housse De Racket, Polarsets, Alexander Dexter Jones, Beat Connection, T.E.E.D. and much more rounding out the release. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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V/A
Sleazetone Party Trax, Vol.1 (Bell Biv Devoe, Donna Summer, B-52s) 12"

dance edits of popular RnB and Pop songs

Collection of edits and remixes from Chrissy Murderbot and the fine folks over at Chicago's Sleazetone records that are perfect for your pop set. The record beings with a blend(1) of Bel Biv Devoe's "Poison" and Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," and then kicks the energy up a notch with a high-octane Bmore remix of the B52s' "Love Shack(2)." The flips features a high energy house remix of Sinnamon's "I Need You Now(3)," and then a percolating house version of Carl Thomas' 90s RnB classic "I Wish I Never Met Her(4)." Throw one of these in your set if you're looking to put some fresh spins on old classics.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / ghettotech + bass - vinyl / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / and more

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Wafa
Ewid Disco (Drop The Lime Remix) 12"

crazy electro house sounds!

Sinden's new Grizzly imprint is continuing the Dubsided tradition of mental bangers. Yeah, I said "mental bangers." But how else can you describe "Ewid Disco(1)"? This shit is a twelve on the craze factor, and I love how the old school house drum kit keeps it from floating into ridiculousness. Drop The Lime offers up an equally awesome remix(2), plus you get two more interesting Wafa originals(3,4) for the extra value meal deal. If you're going to buy one fidgety record this month, make it this one. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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