Luke Mandala - Ignite / NewFangled Slang (Uniting Souls Music)

Uniting Souls Music returns in force with Luke Mandala’s “Ignite” and “NewFangled Slang,” the hundred and hundred and first tracks to be released on the label. The release showcases Mandala’s masterful ability to marry crisp, thoughtful production with explosive rhythms igniting the dancefloor in festive unity, much as the Uniting Souls movement itself. Mandala’s production speaks to the heart and flows through inspiring and intense emotive movements, as if flying through the cosmos or the deepest primal caves with a focus on play, inspiration, and unification. The prolific producer has released music on Traum, Selador, Tulipa, Desert Trax, Merkaba Music, Addictech, and Booka Shade Music imprints.

“Ignite” hosts a turbo-charged rollicking percussive intro giving way to creamy synth swells layered in polyrhythmic complexity. Cerebral sounds are rendered corporeal in their ability to incite both goosebumps and gyrating movement—a perfect track to host the first sun rays breaking the horizon following an all-night outdoor desert party. The explosive anthem is followed by b-side “NewFangled Slang,” whose slow percussive build gives way to brute force synth and spacey vocals. This two-track wonder marries the cerebral and corporeal in festivity, and is sure to set ablaze dancefloors from San Francisco to Saigon.

Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Ignite is outstanding. Great track.”
Adam Collins (Euphoria Records / Omni A.M.) – “Nice sounds by Luke, creating a unique production style. Super strong release, and a nice statement.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies / Viva Recordings) – “NewFangled Slang for me. Lovin’ it!”
Pointbender (Guidance / Harmonious Discord) – “I’ve really enjoyed Luke’s stuff lately. Great release.”
Jamie Kidd (Thoughtless Music / BYC Music) –“Heaters!”
Jon Lee (Tilted Records) – “Excellent release. Support!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Very creative and driving. Love it.”
Harry Avers (NOICE! Show on proton radio) – “A solid project from this emerging artist.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory Radio Show) – “Mad and hypno. Exctiting tracks in here, this is wonderful stuff. I dig it!”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “These are powerful! An absolute 10/10. Love that vocal on New Fangled Slang.”

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

Sleight of Hands - Neon Dreams EP (Green Gorilla Lounge)

Sleight of Hands – comprised of San Francisco rave stalwarts Manny Alferez (DJ M3) and Phil Collis (Bachelors of Science) – have delivered the Neon Dreams EP, featuring six deftly produced cuts ranging from mid-tempo electronic funk to silky deep house to prime time club stompers. Previously responsible for singles on Smoke N' Mirrors, remixes for the likes of Groove Armada and Dirty Vegas, and top tracks for their own Green Gorilla Lounge imprint, the duo has been consistently working crowds on the club and festival circuit. The Neon Dreams EP cements their reputation as a rising act on the global electronic music scene.

The release features female vocals are the forefront, with the sexy, slowed-down groove of “Thankful,” the emotional ride of “Not In Love” with the vocals of Jesse Rennix, and Octavio Genera's gorgeous interpretation of “How Long.” The Neon Dreams EP also nods its hat to Sleight of Hands’ clubbier inclinations, presenting the after-hours deep house of “Hypnotize,” “Walking Alone” with its peak time build-ups, and the shimmering dance floor magnet “Last Disco In The Attic.” Sleight of Hands’ acute sense of funk binds all six tracks, making for a compellingly diverse yet unified EP.

Severino (HorseMeatDisco) – “Oh Wow Yes!”
Chris Todd (Crazy P) – “Wicked EP. Cuts through the deluge of mediocre promos like a hot knife through butter!”
Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) – “This is great. Super fresh and orginal. Top marks for all tracks!”
Amrisha Prashar (IAMRISHA) – “Love it!”
Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “Epic Ep. Thanks for sending!”
Tronik Youth (Nein Records) – “Great EP.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “Seriously groovy selection!”
Quincy Jointz (Timewarp Music Radio Show) – “Very nice modern pop music.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z) – “Thankful feat. Jesse Rennix is a bomb! Big tune.”
SimonG (Volcano Radio) – “Dang, Walking All Alone develops into a skanky jam. I’ll be looking forward to testing it on the big rigs.”

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

Klaus Benedek - Consequences (forTunea)

Klaus Benedek returns in style with the “Consequences” EP on forTunea, another grand foray showcasing the Austrian producer’s versatility and diversity. The title track is an energetic tech house adventure and stellar addition to any peak-time set. “Hibernation” and “The Rays of Your Arms Pierce the Mist” experiment with siren song vocals in sonic atmospheres reigning both dark and cozy. And yet the main show stealer on this release is the emotional “The One” on the a-side, whose iconic melody leads to a boisterous climax, rendering listeners speechless.

Inspired by ‘90s techno and a longtime vinyl collector, the multidisciplinary Klaus Benedek weaves a patchwork of genre influences—Chicago house, deep house, disco and breakbeat—into a unified oeuvre both timely and consequential.

Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) – “Chunky good vibes here.”
SONNS / Alexandre Mouracade (Kompakt Records) – “Nice lush deepness. Well done!”
Doza (LawnChair Generals) – “Very thoughtful and interesting tracks.”
Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “I love these sounds.”
Greg Dowling (Fish Go Deep) – “The Rays of Your Arms Pierce The Mist is for me, lovely track.”
Blueshift (Nurvous Records) – “Great EP! I think ‘Hibernation’ will work best for my sets.”
Dean Facer (Resident Advisor / Our House Magazine) – “Excellent EP throughout!”
Marcelo Tavares (Deep Space Podcast) – “Stunning!”
Laurent N. (House Nation Radio) – “Cool EP with nice sounds. Support.”
K-Zan (Radio Galaxie FM) – “I’m really in love with Klaus’ productions. I’ll drop it in gigs for sure.”

Avilable Now From: Beatport, Bandcamp, Spotify, And Traxsource.

saib. - Sailing (Cold Busted)

Cold Busted has navigated the smooth seas to unearth Sailing, the new album from Moroccan guitarist and beat-flinger saib. With acclaimed releases for Cult Classic Records and Japan’s Introducing! label as well as his 2016 long-player Around The World for Cold Busted, the Casablanca-based producer has steered his sound into warmer waters. Mixing tempered hip hop beats with jazzy vibes and a lounge sensibility, saib. touches on a style that’s both chill and opulent. The album’s opener, “Archipelago,” sets the scene with gentle piano, swirling strings, and beachside sounds that would make Martin Denny proud. “Tropics” pushes the agenda further, featuring delightful vibraphone lines, stand-up bass, and boom bap beats, providing the perfect soundtrack for poolside cocktails. The sleepy crooning of “Blue Memories,” the future-retro sing-a-long of “Mermaid Dreams,” and the guitar/vibes interplay of “Pastel” provide other highlights. Sailing’s twelve songs show saib. as an artist capable of bringing a sunny climate to any listening environment. All hands on decks!

Double-D (Funky Fresh Radio Show) – “Another great Down Beat project. Lovely beats and smooth samples.”
Aja Allsop – (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “Music that simply says stop the fk what your doing and just chill people!” Robert Jan Meyer (Minus 8) (Compost) – “Great easy listening!” Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “Such an incredible release - it's beautiful and soulful and will go far. Highly recommended to all music lovers everywhere.” DJ Nartak (Nightflight & Klassik Lounge) – “Pretty cool sun-flooded tunes. Love it!” DJ Nova (Rodon FM 95) – “Delicate round-the-sea rhythms and beats full of Brazilian drops, cinematic and cosmopolitan jazz. You may call it yacht hip hop.” Renegades Of Jazz (Agogo Records) – “Oh how sweet and mellow!” J. Caprice (Juiced Music) – “Every tune is a hit!” Scrimshire (Wah Wah 45s) – “Plenty of beautiful moments on there. I’m really enjoying this.” Pepe Link** (Pacha Mallorca) – “Amazing album. I love the mix between 50 lounge music and hip hop beats. This is essential for my radio show.”

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