Introducing STELLAR OM SOURCE

The new album from Christelle Gualdi (AKA Stellar OM Source) entitled Joy One Mile is one that defies categorisation. It would be difficult to classify the album solely as techno in the traditional sense, as Gualdi's knack for programming and harmonic abstraction push the album into the realm of the experimental. This being said, most of the tracks do rely on steady rhythms to propel them forward, which places the album into a grey area between conventional dance and the avant-garde.

Joy One Mile (Preview) - Stellar Om Source [RVNG Internationl]


'Polarity' opens the album with a mixture of percussive elements and a throbbing bass synth. Kick drums chop in and out throughout the track, giving the track a wobbly unsteadiness, a theme that recurs throughout the album. 'Par Amour' then follows with its rave like synth stabs and a vocal that sounds like it could be from an old Inner City track. The heavy use of 909 and 303 sounds on this album nod to classic Detriot techno, as well as Chicago acid, but these elements are mutated through the abstractions in programming. 'The Range' provides listeners with what appears to be Gualdi's take on contemporary bass music, whilst 'Trackers' is a study in hyper synth arpeggio that eventually gives way to cool pads and 303 sounds towards the end of the record.

The single from album 'Elite Excel' stands to demonstrate the concept of the album best, constantly morphing, twisting and is really several small compositions in one track. 'Fascination' begins with an airy, cosmic synth line and a few percussive elements, before it gives way to a heavy, albeit stuttery, 4/4 bass kick. Almost every track on the album has some kind of redeeming quality, and also serves to push our own perceptions of what is and isn't right for use on the dance floor.

It should be noted that Gunnar Wendel (AKA Kassem Mosse) was a collaborator on the album and his remix of Elite Excel is included on the CD / digital version. If you decide to pick up the vinyl, which you can do from Juno, then it's advised you download the Kassem remix via the code included with the release.

1. Polarity
2. Par Amour
3. The Range
4. Trackers
5. Elite Excel
6. Fascination
7. Natives / Most Answers Never Unveiled
8. Elite Excel (Kassem Mosse Remix) (Bonus Track)

Digital is available for download from Bandcamp.

Featuring REDSHAPE

Redshape's forthcoming release Red Pack II on Delsin records is comprised mainly of quality industrial and sci-fi laden techno. 'Disco Marauder' delivers the classic Redshape sound with buzzing and bleeping beats and a great ethereal synth line that runs throughout. There are also elements of the EP, such as the track 'Daft Mode', which nod to classic Detroit, with a tough mechanical feel and dark chords. We're highly recommending this one so discover the rest of the EP for yourself.

Daft Mode - Redshape [Delsin]


Pre-order it from Juno here or Delsin here.

It's hard to know when you don't understand...

artwork: Gareth Lloyd
The name Essáy has cropped up here and there over the past couple of years, and usually the words deep, beautiful, emotional are somewhere nearby. This time he's collaborated with CoMa who we believe is also responsible for that epic track titled 'Raindrops'. Listen here if you haven't already. If this belief is correct (they're both from Germany and the name on Beatport is the same) then this combination was always destined to produce great things. Here we have something for the fans of The xx. Deep, beautiful, emotional - play this one to your girlfriend.

Deceptive - Essáy & CoMa

Get following. Essáy here. CoMa here.

Introducing PALACE

We like to keep our ears to the ground and our eyes on the net to keep up with new sounds and artists. This one, Palace is a producer from north east London, not to be mistaken with Palace Skateboards, the collective who also hail from London, although we're told that this is where the name comes from – on the back of being given one of the brand's stickers...

The early sounds coming from Palace were simple and dark, hovering around 130bpm, which can be used as a crude marker for Garage but as influenced by a variety of music, every track sounded disjointed from the last.

Following a progression similar to most in this generation, Palace was introduced to Drum and Bass and Breaks, before discovering Dubstep and Garage. Now, he cites House and Techno as his main influences, with this progression being evident when comparing recent efforts with his first Trust EP. The most recent productions are slower, verging on Techno beats fused over a more melodic bass.

'Down With You' is the track that first brought Palace to our attention – showcasing many elements of a producer making a transition from their nascent stages, beginning to build a more fully formed sound. With a really catchy beat and top end, it will make you want to groove. But at the same time, the mysterious synths and vocal sample provide a more ambient depth. The track is forthcoming on the first Future Electronic Music compilation, but we have been kindly granted permission to distribute it to you, so download it now and have a listen.

Down With You - Palace

From here, we expect a more coherent and developed sound, the first example of which, a demo entitled 'Make Me Feel', which was uploaded to his Soundcloud yesterday - where you can also check his remixes of Koreless, James Blake and Sines.

Make Me Feel - Palace


However, we anticipate that those remixes will soon be forgotten and we’re most looking forward to more originals. Vocal samples have permeated throughout so far, and we’re told that Palace is currently in the studio working with vocalists on new tracks for the next EP. Expect a lot from this man in the near future.

Introducing GYU

Gyu recently put out a release on his own Coral imprint. The tracks impress with a unique mix of ambient melodies and 2-step beats. They are available to buy over at the label's Bandcamp page so make sure you go cop them...

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Watch for one of his tracks coming soon in the Block Rockin' Series, it's on a different tip, but right in time for summer. Think Hot Natured vibes...

Submotion Orchestra - Finest Hour LP

This one's long overdue, so our apologies go out to all of you – most of whom have probably already bought the release, but we still feel the need to highlight the brilliance of one of our favourite bands.

It’s hard to believe that 'Finest Hour' is Submotion Orchestra’s first LP – especially as it seems as if we've been listening to them for years and years. The album sparkles like a diamond in the sun and instantly transports us back to the time when we first saw them, early in the evening as the sun was setting, on Sunday of Outlook last year. Describing that set as magical would be appropriate. Only a handful of people were present in the fort as they took the stage, gleaming rays visible in the gently swirling dust, but by the end the place was full and everyone left with that funny feeling that you get when you know you’ve just witnessed something special. Since then we’ve been following them around Leeds, be it their semi-regular residency at Hukaz or their single launch in the middle of an industrial estate in Kirkstall, and they never fail to emit that feeling.

Angel Eyes - Submotion Orchestra [Exceptional Records]


'Angel Eyes' is the first track of the record, and the soothing, melodic beats invoke memories of a happier place in the spectrum of Dubstep. This is especially true when coupled with the vocals that fuse seamlessly on many, but not all of the tracks – a decision that serves to make the music all the more poignant, adding further depth to the seven piece ensemble's sound, but equally serving to focus on other aspects of composition when absent. Their musical ability is magnificent, no doubt comparable to Bonobo.

'All Yours' is the first release on the album, and if you’ve not got the hour to spare to the properly get into the album in a single sitting, (we strongly recommend you make time), then it’s a good place to start. We're huge fans of the brass that permeates throughout the album, especially three minutes in on this one - and once again we found ourselves transported back to the sun in Croatia, filling you with a euphoria that’s usually reserved for music in the dance section. It's also backed with a wonderful Jack Sparrow remix.



It’s not only the slower mood-makers where the album triumphs but there's also the faster paced 'Always' that'll get you grooving. It would be easy to go on and on about this release, especially with summer coming – it’s perfect for those lazy sunny afternoons, or even watching the suns ray break through the dark barrier of night. To be honest, it wouldn’t be out of place in a club or a bar or if you slipped it into your parent’s car – it’s that good.

'Finest Hour' is available to buy now on Amazon, Beatport, Chemical, Juno, iTunes etc.

Featuring BUCK UK

Cut Records has released another EP, this time by Manchester-born, Buck UK. The release, entitled Once EP, features an original ambient garage tune by Buck UK as well as a dub-techno remix by Essáy, of Cut Record's last release, Distance & Lights EP.

Once - Buck UK


Once (Essáy's Ambstep Mix) - Buck UK


In typical Cut Records fashion, Once EP is available for free or for any price you choose on their bandcamp page.

Introducing DAUWD

Dauwd's debut release on Pictures Music is a fine piece of electronica, masterfully representing sounds from the post-dubstep / future-garage melting pot. Shimmering synths and keys reside alongside a tainted vocal sample on 'Could It Be', the more dancefloor orientated of the two tracks. 'Shimmer' sits on more of a rolling house template and employs gliding soundscapes and vinyl crackle to create a really rich atmosphere. This is definitely for fans of acts such as Mount Kimbie, a truly inventive use of organic sounds in an electronic sphere. Hailing from Liverpool, Dauwd is certainly one to watch.

Listen to, then download both tracks for free via the player below (hit download and enter £0.00).


This single is a prelude to a forthcoming 12" from Dauwd, which will be available from Pictures towards the end of the summer.

Introducing ESSÁY

DFRNT's side-label, Cut Records, has released a new EP by Germany's Essáy. The EP, entitled 'Distance & Lights' is quite phenomenal. Essáy's sound, which he calls "emotional ambient dub," is a deep and beautiful combination of minimalistic beats, resonating atmospheres, and natural samples, such as rain.

Distance & Lights - Essáy


Love & Air - Essáy


The two song EP is available on the label's bandcamp site for free (or for whatever price you choose if you are generous).

Featuring KID SMPL

20 year old Seattle bass music producer, Kid Smpl, has a couple of EPs coming out. The first, Digital Hands EP, features five Dubstep and Garage tunes, and is forthcoming on Subdepth Records. With Burial-esque vocal samples and a continuous layer of white-noise and static, Kid Smpl achieves a unique, deep sound.

Digital Hands EP - Kid Simpl [forthcoming Subdepth]

1. Digital Hands
2. On My Mind
3. Seasons
4. Women
5. U Were
   

The second release, Ghostsuit EP, is forthcoming on Car Crash Set. It is on the chiller end of the dubstep spectrum, and features a couple of remixes from VVV and Archie Pelago.

Morning - Kid Simpl [forthcoming Car Crash Set]

1. Morning
2. Healer
3. Ghostsuit
4. Morning (VVV Remix)
5. Morning (Archie Pelago Remix)
   

Featured below is the music video for Kid Smpl's ambient gem, "Healer."