Block Barley - Ether Ghost (The Content Label)

The Content Label presents Ether Ghost, the sophomore album from Hamburg-based producer and artist Block Barley. Block Barley is recognized for his innovative contributions to the music scene, like the notable full-length album Dead At The Control and a collaboration with Guilty Simpson, known for his work with the late producer J Dilla.

Ether Ghost is a sonic journey through thirteen psyche-out tracks that seamlessly fuse classic production methods with a contemporary edge. Drawing inspiration from Italian Giallo soundtracks, library records, darkwave, progressive rock, and the Memphis rap-tape culture, Ether Ghost is a pitch-shifted exploration of gritty soundscapes.

From the cinematic tone set by the opening track, "You Better Sleep," with its mighty drums reflecting the urgency of modernity, to the post-industrial pulse of "Iron Gate Sanctuary," providing a path to break free from constraints, each piece contributes to the album's distinct and hypnotic vibe. "The Coffin" unfolds with a codeine-laced bounce, serving as a poignant eulogy for our times. Throughout the album, Block Barley manipulates cinematic themes, creating tension and anticipation through repetitive motifs, leading towards the final track, "Ether's Whisper" — an ethereal infusion of ambient hope that resolves the prevailing dark atmosphere, leaving listeners with a profound and emotive experience.

Enter the realm of the Ether Ghost.

This project is available on a limited vinyl edition, a collaborative effort between Hafenschlamm Records and Votava Records, while the digital release is managed by The Content Label from Los Angeles. Ether Ghost pays homage to the global community spirit of the underground beat scene, celebrating music as a collective experience.

DJ Clairvo (Tilos Radio, Budapest) – “This is top-notch downbeat material. Enjoying the several moods and tones the tunes have. Well done!”
Marcelo Taveres (Deep Space Podcast) – “I love the very dark and shadowy sonic soundscapes.”
Dogu (Ancient Astronauts) – “I like ‘You Better Sleep’ and ‘Purple Dawn’. Will play on air.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Iron Gate Sanctuary is such a groove.”
Jeannie Hopper (WBAI FM New York) – “Spooky, dreamy, ethereal grooves. Diggin’ it.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “A strangely compelling selections. Swampy, wonky, and definitely cinematic. Some real standouts here, a great album.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Oded Nir - Indoor Life (Suntree Records)

Almost five years after the success of his acclaimed LP, Rooftop Conversations, the immensely talented bassist and multi-instrumentalist Oded Nir returns with a captivating and dreamlike new album. Indoor Life is a sonic exploration, seamlessly blending elements of jazz, trip-hop, funk, soul, and downtempo gems. The result is a transformative musical journey that invites listeners into realms of self-reflection and dreams.

Highlighting this album are extraordinary collaborations with Grammy award-winning Jamiroquai's legendary drummer, Derrick McKenzie. Together with Oded, McKenzie co-wrote and produced the mesmerizing track "Alive," featuring the soulful vocals of his daughter, Jenner McKenzie. Derrick's production prowess also shines on "Late Bloomer," a disco-infused easy-listening tune, and "Hot Mess," where his live, powerful drums take center stage.

Adding to the supergroup dynamic is Matt Johnson, another member of Jamiroquai, who lends his keyboard magic to Oded's funky track "Hot Mess." Tel Aviv-based vocalist Meital De Razon graces the soulful and romantic "Come Back," while India-born vocalist Sandhya Sanjana contributes to the meditative early morning track "Sunrise."

The late Paris/Amsterdam DJ producer Benjamin Ellery lends his French spoken word voice to "Film Noir," infusing the track with a trip-hop allure. Local Amsterdam musician and Oded's band member Thijs Van Den Geest collaborates on the fantastic "Sababa Dub," a smoothly rolling groove. The title track, "Indoor Life," evokes feelings of nostalgia and love. At the same time, the album concludes with a re-edited 2023 version of Oded's 2011 hit "Into Your Heart," featuring Dutch vocalist Gia Mellish.

Indoor Life has already seen the release of five singles, earning acclaim from FM radio stations worldwide and securing placements in major Spotify playlists. Prepare to be transported by the enchanting sounds of Oded Nir's Indoor Life album.

Enne (Electunes) – “A really good album. Gonna play some of these for sure.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House web zine) – “Truly glorious and eclectic.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “This album is a gem.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “An outstanding project!”
Michael Moebus (Back To Funk Radio Show) – “Nice bass work & funk-leaning sensibility.”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “This is an outstanding LP. Excellent music and production. I’ll enjoy playing all of these tunes.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Juno Download, Beatport, And Spotify.

Col Lawton & Scottie Soul - Tears Run Free feat. Becka (Pelvic Movements)

In the ever-evolving cosmos of house music, a new star emerges from the depths of Pelvic Movements' creative universe. "Tears Run Free," the label's third release, is a collaboration of celestial proportions, featuring the UK's Col Lawton, Scottie Soul, and the enchanting vocals of Becka. This musical odyssey is a tapestry of emotion and rhythm, where each track is a vignette of heartache and euphoria, artfully woven into a narrative that resonates with the soul of its listeners.

At the heart of this release is the titular track, "Tears Run Free," a fusion of chunky house rhythms and a funky bassline that pulsates with life. Becka's vocals, imbued with a haunting depth, glide over the vibrant soundscape of electric piano chords, sparkling pianos, and sultry saxophone lines. The track is a dance between melancholy and hope, a mirror reflecting the duality of human emotion. Next to the original and starting this package off is Alex Hernandez's Synthmaster Mix. This funk-infused nu-disco rendition takes one on a time-traveling journey back to the '80s, then catapulting into the future with its modern house sensibilities. The No Clothes Mix strips down to the essentials, offering a deep house variant that exudes sophistication and a club-ready sheen.

Completing the journey, the Original Instrumental version of "Tears Run Free" is a showcase of the rich layers of instrumentation, each element telling a story of its own. For those seeking a more intimate experience, Z-Sharp Minor's Look Down at the Stars Mix offers a soulful, downtempo vibe that's both smooth and romantic, perfect for late-night introspection or close encounters. "Tears Run Free" is a testament to the power of collaborative creativity in the realm of house music, making "Tears Run Free" a shining beacon in the Pelvic Movements catalog.

Quentin Harris (Strictly Rhythm) – “Loving the Original and No Clothes mixes.”
Edground (Brazilian Soul Crew) – “Amazing release. Soulful and groovy.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House webzine) – “Glamorous sun drenched vibes.”
MGiK (Sofa Surfing) – “On air a must!”
Black Mighty Wax (Gru Radio 93.3 FM) – “That kind of Vocal House I like.”
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX) – “This is simply stunning. A wonderful production, love it, love it, love it!”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Paul Gafni & Joe Bellingham - Geodesic (Tremulant)

Paul Gafni had been a fan of Joe Bellingham's downtempo music in Seattle for years and decided to collaborate with him. They worked on a couple of remixes for Joe's Hug Records release and the Tremulant label. Eventually, the pair decided to create an original together. With Joe on bass and percussion, Paul providing guitar, keys, and vocals, and Diana Ratsamee adding an extra layer of beauty, "Geodesic" was born.

"Geodesic" rides on a downtempo four-on-the-floor rhythm, populated with dubby echoes, ambient-flavored synth layers, moody guitar lines, and somewhat meditative vocals. The cut is chill but not motionless — there's a danceable vibe throughout ready for DJs to deploy in just the right sets. Michael Manahan answers the call with the Find a Way Through Hypnosis Mix, raising the tempo while maintaining maximum atmosphere. Woofer-vibrating bass, pulsing pads, and arpeggiated synth runs mix elegantly with the original elements. The second remix, from Chilean DJ/producer Ahau brings out a gentle guitar part over repeating bell-like tones. The beats and vibe build steadily as the male and female vocals play off each other, transmitting near-spiritual imagery through the magic of sound.

 

Trent Banks / Citrus Age (Reflect) – “Moody grooves with great textures.”
Enne (Electunes) – “Really nice stuff, cheers.”
Juan Moreno (1 Life Records) – “Perfect for the warm up.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory radio show) “I like all three tracks here. Lovely!”
Dr. Best (Radio Z 95.8 Neurnberg) – “Nice release. Michael Manahan’s remix and the original are my faves.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “Sublime & thoroughly enjoyable.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.