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.

Cohuna Beatz - Dubaliciouz (B.A.B.A. Records)

Vienna-based electronic music producer DJ Anza continues his prolific output as Cohuna Beatz with the new album Dubaliciouz, released on his own B.A.B.A Records imprint. As part of the self-described 'Downtempo-Nu-School movement,' Cohuna Beatz has crafted ten choice tracks of spaced-out organic mid-tempo house and dubby sonic frequencies at ODC (Oberwart Downbeat Center). Included is "SpyWorX," the first single, which dramatically builds over a pulsing 4-on-the-floor beat as layers of electronics and horn riffs portray covert maneuvers. There's also the bass-heavy "Duality (Yin Yang Mix)," filled with addictive chord melodies backed by an addictive, crunchy rhythm. There are also more floor-oriented cuts like the rousing "Pump It Up" as well as the epic trip-hop flavors heard on "Carrys." Those are just a few highlights — as diverse and multi-faceted as Dubaliciouz is, each track is an exceptional addition to a DJ's set. Feel the Beatz!

Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Another great release from Cohuna Beatz! Can’t wait to play these out.”
Gabriel Ferreira (Items & Things) – “I love this, will definitely play it.”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Bros) – “It’s ‘That Sample’ and ‘Spyworx’ for the win.”
Andrew Emil (5 Magazine) – “Really dig this whole drunken midtempo vibe. Dope.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “An epic selection. My fave: Jazzadelic.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Lovely to hear the return of the mid tempo chugger, always a treat. Some great stuff here, hard to choose a favorite.”

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

Fiendsh - Hayashi Reborn (Cold Busted)

Fiendsh returns to Cold Busted with Hayashi Reborn, the Bangkok-based producer’s long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s To The End. The title refers to the Hayashi, a group of instrumentalists in Japanese Noh theater. Noh often revolves around themes of life, so with this album the Fiendsh alter-ego takes on the role of the Hayashi of the young beat-producer’s life. The album’s sounds are introspective and rich, combining deep rhythms and warm melodies. Sometimes a hint of Fiendsh’s Thai culture drops in, but mostly the influences are straight from the well of hip-hop, soul, and jazz classics.

Hayashi Reborn opens confidently with “Astronaut,” jazz sound blasts giving way to compressed beats and evocative strings. Midway the song transforms to a dream state as things start to flow in reverse. Other highlights include the subdued trip-hop of “Eye Pt. 1,” the shimmering piano boom-bap of “Jun Satori (feat. Puddie),” and “No Limitations” with its pulsing feel and ambient audience sounds. “Champagne Promises” and “Lucid S Dreamin” display a mellower side to Fiendsh, making Hayashi Reborn a well-rounded listen. This album’s a choice set for audio explorers everywhere.

Crate Invader (Point Blank FM London) – “Sometimes uplifting, sometimes emotive, always sublime - just some brilliant programming right here.”
Kid Loco (Flor) – “Fancy the beats, don’t I? I’m dancing.”
Michael Moebus (Meem) – “A nice, atmospheric release.”
Snooba (Radio Panik) – “Nice atmospheric & jazztastic trip hop experience.”
Andrew Emil (5Magazine) – “A really lovely LP.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “A mega selection of tunes to warm your soul and ears.”

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

Cohuna Beatz - ODC (B.A.B.A. Records)

Cohuna Beatz is Franz Johann, a producer and DJ based out of Vienna specializing in a slinky style of downtempo dub-electro-funk. ODC (standing for ‘Oberwart Downbeat Center’) is a 12-track album that fully expresses the Cohuna Beatz sound. The grooves are gritty and pulsing throughout, with buzzing synthesizer melodies and techy blasts of funk sending vibes to smoky, strobe-lit dance floors. These beats are extra-chunky, from the psychedelic dopeness of “Down Unter” to the mid-tempo techno throwback of “Talking Bout Love” to the ominous but sexy grind of “Nitz Rebb Garage.” It’s all beaming out of Batusim Studio Oberwart and coming at you from Franz Johann’s B.A.B.A. Records imprint. Listen loosely and feel that Vienna groove!

Kid Loco (Tromolo Records) – “Brilliant and fantastic.”
Makossa (Luv Lite Recordings) – “This is a great album.”
DJ Sabo (Sol Selectas) – “All The Fellows In the House is the one for me.”
Rune Lindbæk (Drum Island Records) – “Cool Project. Tigerauge In Dub for me here.”
DJ Mark Cooper (Bedford Falls Players) – “Loving this! Will play on my radio show.”
Redstickman (The Ambient Mafia) – “Holy crap, I have a new favorite artist!”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Hype! Loving this gritty but crisp lower bpm style here.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “Down Under has legs, so does Nitz Rebb Garage – but Joga Bola is firkin awesome!”

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