Techno/House/Trance | NovaFuture Blog

out now: Echoplex – The Soft Reaction EP [Index Marcel Fengler]

Artist:
Echoplex

Title:
The Soft Reaction EP

Label:
Index Marcel Fengler

Cat#:
IMF02

Release Date:
31st March 2014

Format:
12″ & digital

Tracklist:
01)
The Soft Planet

02)
The VS Theme

03)
The Reaction

Info:
Index Marcel Fengler continues with its second installment, introducing an expertly produced EP from respected long-running artist Echoplex.

Since 2000 Echoplex, the Polish born Peter Sliwinski, has released truly pioneering, atmospheric and soulful techno, appearing on his own Soleil label, or Synewave amongst many others.

This triumphant return to the limelight comes in the form of three stand out tracks. Aside cut ‘The Soft Planet’ gyrates to a slamming hi-tech broken beat, a purist and well controlled atmosphere-track, full of details and refined advanced sounds.

‘The VS Theme’ moves into driving 4/4 mode, while maintaing Echoplex’s rich sound palette, warm Detroit-vibes keys and full-spectrum high-end production. The B-side is then completed with the more submerged tones of ‘The Reaction’; taking a hypnotic, side-angle snapshot of the deeper, more abstract places inside his classic producer’s headspace. Each track is rich in colour and detail, well balanced and elegantly sequenced. Simply essential, timeless techno from one of the underground’s finest.

Listen:

Special:
Echoplex @ Berghain Club, Berlin, Germany June 30th, 2013

Recommendation:
IMF01 by Marcel Fengler himself

Buy Vinyl:
Hardwax
deejay.de
decks.de
djshop.de
Juno
Phonica Records
Red Eye Records
more soon

Buy Digital:
Beatport
JunoDownload
iTunes
Google Play
Amazon
DJtunes
more soon

Websites:
Echoplex
Index Marcel Fengler

out now: Luis Flores – Rituals Of Submission [Blank Code]

Artist:
Luis Flores

Title:
Rituals Of Submission

Label:
Blank Code

Cat#:
BCR007

Release Date:
March 2014

Format:
vinyl, download & streaming

Tracklist:
01.
Discipline

02.
Discipline
(Black Asteroid Remix)

03.
The Word

04.
The Word
(DJ Hyperactive Remix)

05.
Discipline
(Black Asteroid Experimental Remix)

Press Info:
Blank Code starts 2014 off strong with their latest EP Rituals of Submission, produced by Luis Flores with remixes by Black Asteroid and DJ Hyperactive. The opening track Discipline starts off with a nice creepy atmosphere supported by a solid kick and just the right amount of percussion to hook you into the track’s core rhythm, which stays consistent while the supporting percussion keeps the intensity of the track in constant motion. Black Asteroid’s Discipline Remix gives the track a whole new perspective, while staying true to the original’s excellent use of classic elements. The straightforward kick and up-beats work perfect with this track’s industrial bass line, while cleverly programmed analog synths carry the track with slow triplet rhythms, and quirky stabs that drift off to space.

Luis Flores’ second original composition, The Word, follows the same philosophy as Discipline with many elements coming together to form one solid rhythm. This is a huge sounding track with intricate metal percussion and pitch modulated stabs that form a dark and inciting hook which is overtaken by filtered claps as the track progresses. DJ Hyperactive gets down to business with his remix of The Word and lets his Chicago roots shine through as hats on all fours and hard hitting claps are used to raise the energy sparked by the deep kick and well processed stab.

Black Asteroid gives us something special exclusive to the digital release, with an alternate version of his Discipline remix. The Experimental Remix uses the same parts from his original remix and rearranges them into a much more dynamic composition where the synths get really tweaked out.

Snippets:

Special:
“CLR Podcast 205”

Recommendation:
Black Asteroid’s “Metal EP” with Luis Flores Remix

Buy Vinyl:
Blank Code Shop
deejay.de
decks.de
clone.nl
Spacehall
HHV
Juno
more soon

Buy Download:
Blank Code @ Bandcamp
Beatport
more soon

Commercial Streaming Services:
soon

Websites:
Luis Flores
Blank Code

Cat#:
BCRLTD017

Release Date:
10th June 2025 (Beatport)
24th June 2025 (vinyl & other digital stores)

Format:
vinyl, download & streaming

Tracklist:
01.
Flyby

02.
Twister

03.
Slider

Press Info:
Blank Code is a Detroit, USA techno outfit that have released music by artists like Bas Mooy, Mike Parker, Brian Sanhaji, DJ Hyperactive, Drumcell, and many more.

American born, now Germany-based, Bill Youngman joins the illustrious Blank Code ranks. An artist who has been working with live music since 1994, his release back catalogue includes labels like Tresor, Killekill, Snork Enterprises, TANSTAAFL, as well as collaborating with Neil Landstrumm and Janice.

“Flyby” opens with a stomping kick met with a throbbing bassline which is contrasted by captivating melody overtones that change mood to a dreamy and spacious, delicate journey of analogue emotion.

Second up, “Twister” has a thundering rhythm wrapped up in building tension and bouncing, modular textures that create an aggressive, heads down trip, with unrelenting techno power.

“Slider” closes the release with a more hypnotic approach, using static fuzz and quirky effects as its backdrop. A tight, swirling lead over a steady groove with skittering hi-hats add a sense of depth to this mind and body workout.

Snippets:

Full Track Streaming:
soon

Special:
“@ Krake Festival 2013”

Recommendations:
Bill Youngman’s “Marmor EP” on SCR Dark Series
Headless Horseman’s “Inhabited Shadows” on Headless Horseman
compilation “Krake #002” w/ Bill Youngman track on Krake
https://novafuture.blog/2012/11/23/various-killekill-megahits-killekill/” target=”_blank”>compilation “Killekill Megahits” w/ Bill Youngman track on Killekill

Buy Vinyl:
soon

Buy Download:
Qobuz
JunoDownload
Beatport
soon

Commercial Streaming Services:
soon

Websites:
Bill Youngman
Bill Youngman @ Instagram
Blank Code
Blank Code @ Instagram

out now: Psyk – Time Foundation [Mote-Evolver]

Artist:
Psyk

Title:
Time Foundation

Label:
Mote-Evolver

Cat#:
MOTECD02 | MOTELP02

Release Date:
19th May 2014

Format:
CD, vinyl & digital

Tracklist:
01.
Automatic

02.
Myriad

03.
Riot

04.
Avadon

05.
Five

06.
Silhouette

07.
Shift

08.
Parade

09.
Nine

10.
L3

Press Info:
After two successful EP releases on the label, Psyk aka Manuel Anós is back on Mote-Evolver inaugurating his first full-length album effort with “Time Foundation”. It’s no surprise that Psyk is releasing his debut album on the label as his previous two EPs Distane (2012) and Arcade (2013) both have left us wanting for more to see his full potentials as a producer.

Time Foundation proves to be an outstanding collection that shows the full spectrum of Psyk’s sound and the range of skills as he expands and explores different depths and moods. Keeping the energy level constant at the peak, there’s no downtime in “Time Foundation”. And while 10 sharp-cut tracks are all armed with clean, streamlined groove and impressive sound design therefore may soundincredibly slick and effortless, once you listened closely – and they will demand your attention – that kind of breezing through swift force is only the byproduct of Psyk’s high caliber production ability to map out meticulous structures with a great detail.

The opener “Automatic” rolls like a well-oiled machine on cruise control with the signature unison of single-chord bouncing on top of relaxed but energetic groove. Expanding on the similar theme is “Myriad”, which takes further playful approach. “Riot” steps into more minimal territory, featuring a subtle development that keeps you engaged while “Avalon” grounds itself to just-heavy enough bass kicks to evoke deeper vibe without compromising the uplifting spirit.

Slipped in the middle of the album like an intermission is “Five”, and it’s a curious and ominous kind that flashes a different side of Psyk. It shows off his craftsmanship as muted and muffled beeps faintly goes in and out while blinking synth melody renders unique, intriguing beauty. Starting off the second half is “Silhouette”, picking up the tempo and elevating the mood with much-loved bass drums and claps, followed by demure crescendo of melody and floating fuzzy hiss of “Shift”.

Perhaps the darkest number on the album, “Nine” may not be the most brooding techno assault but the one designed for the deeper moments you encounter during the longer sessions in the clubs, surrounded by people yet alone with the pulse of music. The album closes with stunning “L3”, and just as “Automatic” was no shy intro but a practical fast-forward to the jest of the story, “L3” is not a conventional closing but rather another opening. Equal parts of swinging white noise and hint of acid may as well invite you back to the beginning of the album to listen all over again.

Time Foundation is packed with no-frills, on-point peak-hour techno tools finely executed with a minimalistic concept of doing more with less, as most of the tracks are composed with no more than five elements. It’s a highly functional album and strong effort from Psyk that spoils the listener with mesmerizing details and provides the diversity of sounds and textures today’s techno has to offer.

Listen:

Specials:
Psyk @ Ohm (Rotterdam) 08-02-2014

Luke Slater’s “The Space Station – Episode #1” with album previews

Recommendations:
“Eclipse” on CLR
“Arcade EP” on Mote-Evolver
“Distane EP” on Mote-Evolver

Commercial Streaming Services:
Spotify
more soon

Buy CD:
Amazon GER
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon FR
Amazon ES
Amazon IT
Juno
WOM
decks.de
Boomkat
Norman Records
Forced Exposure
more soon

Buy Vinyl:
Amazon GER
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon FR
Amazon ES
Amazon IT
Juno
deejay.de
decks.de
WOM
Spacehall
Hardwax
clone.nl
Boomkat
Norman Records
Red Eye Records
Forced Exposure
more soon

Buy Digital:
Amazon
7Digital
iTunes
Hardwax
Boomkat
Beatport
Google Play
more soon

Booking
Psyk

Websites:
Psyk
Mote-Evolver
Mote-Evolver @ Facebook

Photo taken by Maite de Lorenzo Bollen @ Draaimolen 21-02-2014

out now: Mike Parker – Spitting Electricity [Mote-Evolver]

Artist:
Mike Parker

Title:
Spitting Electricity

Label:
Mote-Evolver

Cat#:
MOTE039

Release Date:
14th April 2014

Format:
12inch & digital

Tracklist:
01)
Spitting Electricity

02)
Polar Vortex

03)
Ice Fissure

Press Info:
Mote039 comes from New York-based Mike Parker, a producer known for his consistent stream of quality work, whose first release goes back to 1997 and who is the creator of his own language of music.

With Spitting Electricity EP Parker showcases his unique sound of dizzying array of hypnotica warped in metallic swirls. Dubbed with a fitting title to characterize his high-voltage soundscape, the EP is also a nice comeback to Mote-Evolver after his remix for Marcel Fengler’s Thwack Remixes release.

This time Parker delivers 3 tracks that are not only powerful, but also designed to deepen and strengthen almost meditative nature of techno’s outer-end, endlessly evolving with fluidity. The title track is charged with electric sparks buzzing through a hard-edged 4/4 rhythm with unstoppable ebbs and flows of intensity. Following “Polar Vortex” adds even more pressure points and characters, especially with hollowed out deep chorus of voice layering unexpected touch of solemnness. On the B-side is “Ice Fissure”, the longest track of the EP that takes time to render its full force. It’s also the track that’s most core to Mike Parker’s trademark perpetuating spiral vortex, featuring ever expanding ripples across the surface of sound.

Listen:

Special:
“SMoke Machine Podcast 082”

Commercial Streaming Services:
soon

Buy Vinyl:
Hardwax
deejay.de
decks.de
Juno
Red Eye Records
K Records
clone.nl
Phonica Records
more soon

Buy Digital:
Beatport
Boomkat
7Digital
Amazon
iTunes
more soon

Booking:
Prologue Booking

Websites:
Mike Parker
Mote-Evolver
Mote-Evolver @ Facebook

out now: Various – I Trade My Ass For Drugs [KilleKill Records]

Artist:
Various

Title:
I Trade My Ass For Drugs

Label:
Killekill

Cat#:
KILLEKILL017

Release Date:
17th March 2014 (vinyl)
31th March 2014 (digital)

Format:
limited 12″, 12" & digital

Tracklist:
A1)
Neil Landstrumm
I Trade My Ass For Drugs

B1)
Doubleheart
Tetse

B2)
Neil Landstrumm & Ralph Cumbers
Ode To Passive Soulds
[vocals by Operator]

Press Info:
KILLEKILL 017 by NEIL LANDSTRUMM is a three tracker with no less than three hits on it.

The A-Side is a dark slammer about someone trading his ass for drugs in a new acid/disco/synthwave/techno fusion style with an undisputed Chicago flavour in it. What a hit!

B1 is the result of a collaboration of Neil with JD TWITCH under the name DOUBLEHEART, under which they also released on Nonplus and other labels. “Outsider music aimed at the dancefloor”, as they put it, and that pretty much hits the nail on the head: nice electro beats, a wobbling bass, and all sorts of freaky sounds on top of it, from classic cowbells to whistles, squeaks and other weird stuff. And all this without ever losing the drive to rock the dancefloor.

B2 again was an intial collaboration between Neil and RALPH CUMBERS who produces a UK project called ‘Bass Clef’ and has released some high quality, left of field club productions over the years on the Punk Drunk and Blank Tapes labels. He is also an extremely gifted trombone player and frequently plays this at live shows along with Theremin and bass heavy garagey beat style.. They produced a few tracks together and this one stood out as glam rock/synth wave production. Then Lewis Maccoll alias OPERATOR, who recorded Scandinavia 022, was asked to write song lyrics and sing vocals over the original track. Lewis has a unique layering style of vocal production and his dark story of the deep and passive souls enhanced the song immensely and broadened its appeal to a much wider audience. Its a fresh style electronic style for 2014 very fitting to the alternative Killekill label approach.

Check this interview with Doubleheart to learn more if interested: www.dummymag.com.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

About Killekill:

KILLEKILL is a Berlin based record label and a crew promoting music events since 2008. The events at Berghain Kantine, Suicide Circus and Horst Krzbrg are focussing techno, house and electro – often with an experimental twist. A wide range of artists such as ABE DUQUE, SANDWELL DISTRICT, TIM EXILE, OTTO VON SCHIRACH, CRISTIAN VOGEL and many, many more have played for KILLEKILL nights.

The KILLEKILL label is being approached the same way as the events: challenging music of daring artists – with a focus on techno, house and electro but with an open ear for sounds off the beaten track. Releasing artists so far have been ALEX CORTEX, BAD COP BAD COP, BILL YOUNGMAN, SNUFF CREW, NEIL LANDSTRUMM and CASSEGRAIN & TIN MAN.

Listen: