Various Artists - Receivers VA (CIRCUIT)

Receivers VA is a the first in a series of ‘various artists’ EPs from New Delhi-based techno label CIRCUIT. Led by Ashish Sachan AKA Hashback Hashish, the CIRCUIT label presents forward-thinking electronic sounds, effectively exposing another side to India’s always fascinating musical landscape. The three tracks on Receivers VA make this clear, led by Hashback Hashish’s own cut “Output”. Dark and percussive, this track showcases a unique rhythmic structure, given weight by commanding throbs of bass that will shake the speaker bins. The mood is expanded on through the next track, the buzzing “Novembrie” by New Delhi’s MachineX. The tempo is low and slinky, providing the backbone to layers of synthesized tones and textures, giving way towards the end to a surprising piano and strings breakdown. The release closes in a big way with “H(CHB11Cl11)”, a collaboration between Hashback Hashish and 5Volts (Wind Horse Records, Soupherb Records). This one transmits a refreshing dose of gritty funk which develops through the course of the track into a tough electro work-out. As with the other cuts on Receivers VA, the emphasis is on the low end, with a good bit of acid and swirling sci-fi flavor thrown in for good measure.

Gemini Brothers (Skint / Nein) – “Novembrie is just outstanding!”
Brian Busto (Serious Soul) – “I will definitely be rocking this one.”
Michele Vitucci (BTE Podcast) – “Wow, amazing tracks.”
Projekt Gestalten (VRAAA Records) – “Really nice to hear techno from different labels that are neither based in Berlin or Detroit. Very classy Techno, I’m definitely supporting it.”
Damaged Man (Jambalay Records) – “Really nice release. Hot sound inside! Full Support.”
Abhi Meer (Bhavishyavani Future Soundz) – “BIG sound. Will play out for sure and feature on radio show.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Nice dark acid sounds!”
Harry Avers (NOICE! / 365mag) – “It’s not often that we get to hear quality dance music coming out of India ... this is a solid effort. Well done!”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex Radio Show) – “This release is amazing! CHB11CI11 is just a wonderful tune that is sure to get many placements in many of my sets to come! Excellent release!”
Nedj (The Electronic Underground Radio Show) – “Output is great opener with it's deep grinding, chugging bass-line, plowing throw the airwaves. In contrast the hi-hats in Novembrie are light and sharp at the start, adding to that a heavily synthesized crunch and almost 303 acid flecks drive the track to an euphoric climax of keys and strings. H(CHB11I11) is the anchor to this release, a more traditionally formatted Techno track and moves the release from 4 to 5/5 stars.”

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

Hashback Hashish - ZONE Remixes (CIRCUIT)

Just back from touring the USA and his third-time visit to Austin’s SXSW conference, Delhi’s Ashish Sachan AKA Hashback Hashish returns with his mesmerizing new EP, Zone, self-released on his own label CIRCUIT. With over ten years of musical experience, Hashback Hashish has had ample time to perfect his craft, both as a producer and performer. He has performed to crowds across South East Asia, as well as playing alongside Noisia, 808 State, and The Bug at Bangface Festival in the UK earlier this year.

The release of his critically acclaimed Brevity EP in 2015 resulted in the producer being featured in Rolling Stone India where he discussed his past work with international labels – such as Berlin-based Plastik.FM, Ireland’s Nice & Nasty, and Robotica Records in Serbia – and reflecting how his music offers something for fans across the globe.

Marking a clear shift back to minimalism and away from the eclecticism of Brevity, the Zone EP opens with its title track: a piece whose pulsing, deep bass line builds to give way to layered percussive kicks. A midway breakdown offers the listener a second to catch their breath from the industrial sounds before intensifying through glitchy, warped synths to create a dark and futuristic atmosphere.

The original is joined by a special remix, which sees “Zone” reworked by fellow Indian producer _RHL, real name Rahul Giri. _RHL has been recognized for his footwork productions as glimpsed through the remix’s syncopated rhythms, slow bass lines, and subtle-yet-sultry sound effects, whilst still retaining elements of Hashback Hashish’s driving original mix.

Two more remixers later appeared: French house pioneer Clyde P, placing a rather cosmic template on top of the Delhi talent’s curious abstraction, and Hashback Hashish’s compatriot 5volts – known for remixes and releases on Wind Horse Records – delivering an exceptional acid rework.

Tronik Youth (Nein Records) – “Great track and 5volts Rework.”
Freddy Fresh (Howlin’ Records) – “Really liking the slower tempo joints.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek / Detox) – “Feeling this. Deep and dark yet funky – nice work!”
Spettro (Get Physical Music) – “The original is well done.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica / Loca FM) – “Solid x 3! Especially the 5volts Rework.”
Scheibosan (Shanti Roots) – “Perfect slowhouse tracks. Really on top of art, more of this please!”
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) – “The original does it best.”
Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel – Sydney) – “Love that rhythm on the _RHL remix. Nice dark sounds all around here.”
Jon Barnes (Pandora / Airpusher) – “Oh yeah, nice workout! This has some attitude.”
Snooba (Radio Panik / Rif Raf Magazine) – “Great slow tempo infected tracks, dope!”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, iTunes, And Spotify.

Various Artists - Wind Horse Sampler 5 (Wind Horse Records)

India's Wind Horse Records has unveiled its latest artist compilation focusing on the emerging talent that orbits around the label's sphere. Internationally recognized as a tastemaker of sophisticated deep house styles, often with an exotic worldly twist, Wind Horse and its samplers are often looked to for the discovery of exciting new producers by DJs and punters alike. This latest collection will be no exception as eleven high quality tracks are presented, showcasing the dynamic, well-produced electronic sound that this ambitious label excels at.

Contributions from familiar names from previous Wind Horse releases – such as Soulspace, Vinayak^A, Stalvart John, JFunc, Hamza, and 5volts – confidently sit alongside tracks by newer additions to the roster. Jay Pei, Leon Russell, Doktor Daniel, EJAZ, Subandrio, and Tatsama all give shimmering contributions that provide their introductions to followers of the label.

The swirling deep house of Jay Pei's "Michigan" and Tatsama's "June Bug" accompany techier entries like 5Volts' expansive "Cemani" and EJAZ & Subandrio's "Before the Storm", showing the breadth of the sampler. New tracks by recurring Wind Horse artists – such as Hamza's spacey and thumping "Indigo Activation" and Stalwart John's hypnotic "It's Just A Matter Of Time" – join gems from the catalog that may have been overlooked. Vinayak^A's "Pleading To Be Forgiven" and the ROH remix of Soulspace's "C'est La Vie" are two past Wind Horse highlights that certainly deserve a second listen. Glasgow's JFunc appears as one of the only non-Indian producers on the compilation with the lush and flowing "Ek Sien n' Ses". Doktor Daniel's funky "Prime" and Leon Russell's tough "Reform" round out the sampler … two more cool cuts from seasoned Indian DJs, now ready to infiltrate the world.

With five samplers now under its belt and a wealth of promising music-makers within its family, Wind Horse Records continues the path of being a consistent source of deep house discoveries. Stay tuned to this refreshing New Delhi-based imprint to hear the sonic treasures it has yet to uncover.

Nick Holder - "Dope!"
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch / Mega Jawns) - "A smooth-as-silk selection from a brilliant label. Lovely!"
Aki Bergen & Richter (Neurotraxx Recordings) - "Nice one."
Denite (Diynamic / Get Physical) - "5volts' 'Cemani' is the one for me."
Marques Wyatt - "Solid!"
Sean Danke (Affin / Dialtone) - "The JFunc track sounds phat. Nice compilation."
Ivan Garci (Vlosfer Records / Deepwit) - "Great tracks here … I love it."
DJ Harri (Sub Club) - "Lots to like here … full support."
Tom Lown (Lucky Sun Recordings) - "A brilliant compilation with some cool tracks … my favorite is 'Ek Sien n'Ses' by JFunc. I love the way it builds … solid, deep, and driving stuff."
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite / Dialtone Records) - "Excellent release, as expected. There are a couple here I'll play out soon."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "Rarely if ever does something this good come in such quantity … truly extraordinary sonic talent. An amazing release once again from this unique label."
Ornette (Radial Blur Radio Show) - "All sorts of awesome all over this sampler. Wind Horse Records is very consistently good!"
Sean-Michael Yoder (Ibiza Voice) - "These Wind Horse samplers are always pure quality."
Matthias Kirsch (JazzRadio 106.8 FM, Berlin) - "Exhilarating, uplifting deep house with twists and turns. Pure delight."
Mark Mac (The Sounds Collective) - "Wow … Wind Horse hits a home run. Spot on vibes … brilliantly deep."

Available now from Beatport, Traxsource, and iTunes.

Various Artists - 5 Year Anniversary Sampler (Wind Horse Records)

Wind Horse Records’ evolution on the world stage never fails to captivate. The label has helped develop India’s many talented resources for export to the outside world while pioneering the deep house movement in its own country with releases, parties, and ground-breaking collaborations. Inspired by his own travels and life on three different continents (South Asia, Europe, and North America), Hamza is the guiding light behind Wind Horse. Hamza’s musical mission has been to seamlessly merge floor-driving house music styles with a reverent helping of more traditional south Asian influences.

Under his vision the label has reached its most important release to date and a comprehensive representation of their progress, the 5 Year Anniversary Sampler. Not just a showcase for the label, the compilation also celebrates the success of Indian producers in achieving a cocktail of world sounds without fully assimilating, keeping with the common thread of a culture that has so much history and such a rich musical heritage. The artists are honoring the same aesthetic and passion as their elders have in their classical, traditional forms of music – the same medium and feel, but with different paints and processes. These are exactly the sort of intangibles that raise labels above the foray of an over-run market place of commodities for sale and grants camps the staying power and weight of a true cultural force.

In five years the label has gone beyond even their highest expectations to reach the level they’re at today. To celebrate, Wind Horse Records has gathered from their full range of music. They go from worldly, in a collaboration of Hamza with celebrated international Danish jazz pianist Niels Ian Doky and renowned Tibetan vocalist Yunchen Lhamo, to other-worldly, with Yidam’s new analog techno alias 5volts; from soulful, in working with DeepWit artist Alvaro Hylander to include the fine track “Change”, to soul-escaping, in the hypnotically deep and atmospheric qualities of Priyesh Patel’s productions; from the ambient “Lonesome Train” by Vinayak A to the ambiance of far out beats by Aman Anand and Soulspace. Staple Wind Horse artists like Kartech and Audio Units are joined by the debut of Mumbai producer Farhan Rahman and the Bangalore-based southern India transplant Stalvart John to hammer in the foundations of the label: a distinctly Indian sound naturally swallowed in deep, tech-house stylings and a knack for harboring an established crew while always introducing new talent.

It’s easy to feel like Wind Horse Records has been blessed in their ability to release music from such a wide range of artists from all corners of the globe, with some folk tale-like stories to prove it. Decidedly capturing and presenting the label’s growth on the 5 Year Anniversary Sampler, supporters and new fans alike can feel confident that there’s even more on the horizon for the next five.

Laurent Garnier - "Some superb tracks in here … great release."
Nick Warren - "Wonderful album from a label to be proud of."
Nick Holder - "Dope!"
Pablo Bolivar (AvantRoots) - "This is very nice."
Jose Marquez (Tribe Records / Djoon Experience) - "Great release with a wide variety of sounds to fill the needs of the dance floor."
Massimiliano Pagliara (Live At Robert Johnson) - "Nice compilation."
Adam Collins (Euphoria Records / Omni A.M.) - "This is a really beautiful collection of music. 'Enlightenment' is unreal. So magical."
Ejaz Ahamed (Pacha Dubai / Disclosure UK) - "I love this release … it's the bomb!"
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "This compilation demonstrates the variety of the label and is a superb collection of high quality beats. Always a pleasure to listen to and play out."
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite / Dialtone Records) - "Beautiful music. I look forward to giving these many more listens."
Ivan Garci (Great Stuff / Deepwit) - "Fantastic tracks here … I love it."
DJ Di Costa (MoodyLushious Influences) - "Outstanding package. I'm loving the layers and the depth of this entire release. I'm truly enchanted."
Robert Lochmann (Jazzmadass Radio Show) - "This is the sound of the beach in summer 2015."
Jean Jérome (Radio FG) - "Just fantastic … well done."

Available now from Beatport and Juno Download.