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.

Atnarko - This Feeling (Approved Electronic Device Remixes) (Viva Recordings)

Viva Recordings revisits Atnarko’s “This Feeling” single with a remix pack from Approved Electronic Device, a nom-de-plume of underground dance music stalwart Chris Fortier. Orlando’s Atnarko continues on his rise in deep house circles, with top notch cuts in his belt for the likes of Noir, Kolour, and Robsoul and the growing renown of his Infiltr8:Celebr8 parties. Atnarko’s double A-side single “This Feeling” / “Before Sleep” – his first for Viva Recordings – garnered praise from the likes of Anthony Pappa, Phonogenic, and Pete Moss and continues to be heard in sets a year later. Fellow Orlando production don Chris Fortier has been a friend and collaborator with Atnarko since the ’90s, so it’s fitting that he tackles “This Feeling” with a remix from his Approved Electronic Device moniker. The mix begins with a deep, tribal groove that’s both crisp and beefy, accentuated with a simple but punchy bass motif. Mesmerizing stereo pads form the backbone of this cut, repeating in a dubby cycle as effected vocal drops occasionally beam into focus. Approved Electronic Device also supplies an ambient Reprise that adds lush, syncopated vocoder chords, as well as an old school-style Bonus Beats, showcasing the deeply percussive rhythm.

Shane Johnson (Fish Go Deep) – “I like the stripped back vibe of the Reprise.”
Atish (Desert Hearts) – “Thank you for this delicious meal of roasted Beats.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club – Glasgow) – “I’m liking these. Will play and support.”
Zack Hill (VinylTribe LA) – “Dope bassline and vox.”
Greg Eversoul (Elektek / Tenampa) – “I love this. Great stuff from Mr. Fortier.”
Steve 'Griffo' Griffiths aka F (Freak Da Funk Radio Show) – “Simple but effective tribal vibes outing.”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex Radio Show) – “What a lovely release! Deep and Jackin’. Excellent.”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) – “I love all 3 versions.”
DJ Osric (Black And Blue Show – Perth) – “Late night deep house goodness.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Great to see this in the hands of Chris Fortier. Wonderfully deep and hypnotic, with that distinctive crisp, punchy production. Fantastic!”

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

Rory Hoy feat. Ashley Slater - Gettin' Home (Super Hi-Fi Recordings)

Super Hi-Fi Recordings welcomes the return of Rory Hoy (Skint, Howlin’ Records, Breakbeat Paradise) in cahoots with Ashley Slater (Freakpower, Loose Tubes) as the duo drops the future soul classic “Gettin’ Home”. It’s a catchy uptempo tune with retro elements like big horns, gritty organ, and plucked bass guitar mixed with squelchy synth lines and floor-filling effects. On top of all this is Ashley’s silky trademark voice, which pleads, “somebody please get me home!” As expected from the team at Super Hi-FI, included are a slew of fine remixes taking the track into distinctive dance floor directions. This elite teams of remixers consists of Skeewiff (who has had hits under the name Shaft and remixed artists like Amy Winehouse), Freddy Fresh (US big beat legend known for working with Fatboy Slim and remixing artists like Eminem), funky breaks master Qdup, and brilliant future star in the making Mr. Moustache. Dig in and work those feet!

Kid Loco (Flor / Tromolo Records) – “Classic. This is a killer.”
Djouls (Paris DJs) – “Quite irresistible, well done Guys!”
Quincy Jointz (Timewarp Music Radio Show) – “Super release. I love the Skeewiff Remix and the Original. Full support guaranteed!”
Shantisan (Salted Soul / One Note Samba Radio Show) - “A great package of remixes. All very different, all well done.”
Lebrosk (Mixmag) – “So Funky!”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “Slides along and down like a very greasy hamburger after a long night absolutely delicious!”
BadboE (Breakbeat Paradise / Baffin Island) – “Groovy original and classy remixes.”
BMD (XLNT / Tru:Funk) – “Excellent release! I love the Original and Skeewiff remixes, but Qdup is my definite favorite.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Mr. Moustache remix is brilliant. Well played.”
Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) – “Boom. B-Boy Style! Funky fresh & super dope!”

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

AndyFellaz - BeatBop Street (Cold Busted)

The Greek beat-head massive is represented once again on the Cold Busted label with Beatbop Street. It’s an album from the cool new project AndyFellaz, a collaboration of Athens-based producer Billa Qause (Beatquick) and percussionist Nikos Martziokas (Wolfy Funk). Influenced by ’90s hip hop, trip hop, Latin montunos, jazz, and lounge, the pair have delivered fourteen exciting cuts that groove and shimmer with the best of ’em. Highlights include the melancholic skank of “Just One More Time”, “Rumbetas”’s classic acid jazz style, the funky swing of “Two Weirdos”, and “Madrugada”’s dreamy cosmic salsa. The set also includes contributions from Wolfy Project’s bass player Konstantinos Stamou, as well as Yegor Cergei who reveals an elegantly cut-up remix of “Just One More Time”. Beatbop Street will satisfy the hip hoppers, the loungers, the jazzers … pretty much any fan of funky downtempo will be convinced by AndyFellaz. Dig it.

Quincy Jointz (Timewarp Music Radio Show) – “Really good downbeat stuff.”
misterG (Green Arrow Radio Show) – “Taste this, with your earholes.”
Mister T. (Cold Busted) – “Very cool and comprehensive work here. Hard to pick a favorite. Keep it up Fellaz!”
Rusty (All Good Funk Alliance) – “Dope Latin deep breaks here. Digging these a lot.”
Mr. Bristow (Subtek / Detox) – “Nice soulful hip-hop & jazzy vibes on these. Great release!”
Andreas Kinzl (Aromabar – Austria) – “Superb old school Sunday format groove.”
Opolopo (Tokyo Dawn Records) – “Nice and Dusty.”
BMD (XLNT / Tru:Funk) – “Really cool chill out album. Difficult to pick just one favorite tune.”
DJ Firefly (WRCT 88.3 FM – Pittsburgh) – “These guys totally nail that classic jazzy downtempo sound. Love it!”
Dr. Best (Radio Z – Germany) – “Jazzy Downtempo with a sunny vibe … right up my alley!”
DJ Jazzy L (Jazzy Lounge Radio – Chicago) – “Mo’libre is super funky. Global York is really jazzy. Great sound all around!”
Lakatos Sandor Suefo (Radio Tilos – FM 90.3 Budapest) – “AndyFellaz made my day! Especially Just One More Time and Rumbetas.”

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