Motion Control - Blåmuggost (Beatservice Records)

Celebrating thirty years in an industry as volatile as the music industry is no mean feat. One of Norway's finest electronic record labels, Beatservice Records, marks this massive milestone by unveiling a special EP featuring four unreleased tracks from Motion Control's treasured back catalog.

Bergen's Oddgeir Hvidsten began releasing music as part of the ambient trio Neural Network in the mid-1990s. A desire to create more rhythm-oriented productions led to the formation of the Motion Control moniker alongside fellow Neural Network member Lars Kristian Sande.

Their early releases were heavily influenced by the pioneering Detroit techno greats, with the first EPs on Universal Code and the subsequent Digits album on Beatservice Records in 1998 housing a swell of melodic, future-facing techno. Their sound then leaned into the realms of disco-infused house for the follow-up album Groove Tool.

Taking four unreleased tracks from their archives, the EP kicks off with "Blåmuggost." Created in connection with Motion Control's live show at the club Blå in Oslo for Beatservice Records's fifth anniversary in 1999, the track has remained a hidden treasure until now. Combining an EBM-engineered bassline and robo-disco undertones, cascading claps meet with rapid-fire synth squelches for a peak-time hit of interplanetary body music.

Next, "Hjul" rotates the listener's brain. A percussive techno head-scrambler that fuses crunched snares, dizzying synth loops, and pulsating bass grooves.

The flip side reveals a deeper facet of Motion Control's material. "Hysj" is an introspective, space-age dwelling, synapse-firing cut full of sweeping strings, interlocking percussive touches, and cosmic top lines: mood-setting, spell-casting brilliance.

Closing out the EP, the pace lowers for an intergalactic downtempo number titled "Conga Ambience." Grooving chillout electronics, laced with bouncing Arps, modulating pads, and metallic drum hits. This track is a homage to the eerie, shaky analog sounds of the late 1970s.

Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Fluid Radio Show) – “I heard this on SoundCloud and was like ‘yeah’. Now that I’ve heard it a few times on promo I’m ‘Hell Yeah!’ 99 out of 10.”
Rory Hoy (BigBeatTastic Radio Show) – “This is a really solid release. Supporting.”
Psycho-Jones (Kater Blau) – “I love it, thanks!”
Severino (HorseMeatDisco) – “Yessssss!”
Eric Shans (3Bridge Records) – “Nice old school ambient techno flavors.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Stunning EP. Really futuristic vibe throughout. Hjul is my top pick, the strings are beautiful.”

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

Sharif Galal - Little Rays of Sunshine EP (Suite Grooves)

Sharif Galal, a veteran radio and club DJ with nearly four decades of experience, has released a mesmerizing EP titled Little Rays of Sunshine on his own label, Suite Grooves. This collection of five tracks showcases Galal's unique ability to blend Western beats with Middle Eastern sounds and instruments, creating a captivating fusion that transports listeners to the heart of the desert.

The title track, "Little Rays of Sunshine," is an account of Galal's recent trip to Egypt, where he captured the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere of his time spent with family. The song centers around the enchanting sound of an Oud, complemented by big beats, heavy bass, and exotic melodies that build with a wild intensity. The result is a slightly ominous yet irresistibly alluring track that evokes strong desert vibes.

"Yallah," meaning "Come on," "Let's go," or "Hurry up" in Arabic, picks up the pace and aims straight for the dancefloor. The exciting hand percussion vibes and the interaction of string instruments with orchestral melodies create a driving feel that will have listeners moving to the bouncing beats. This versatile word, familiar to anyone who has spent time in an Arabic-speaking country, perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the track.

The EP also features "White Girl," a remix of a popular Egyptian folk tune sans vocals. The mid-tempo four-on-the-floor rhythm, combined with an array of cool percussion and Middle Eastern instrumentation, results in a hypnotic floor fodder with a touch of dubby-ness. It's a track that will keep dancers entranced and engaged.

Up next is "Zaar Saraab," a nod to the Sufi gatherings where participants try to achieve a trancelike state, losing themselves in the infinite oneness of life. The rhythms and percussion transport the listener and the dancer to a place made from a mirage in the desert.

Closing the EP is "Ban War," a poignant and atmospheric track that reflects on the current state of the world. With a hip-hop beat, female vocals, and a flute that calls for peace, this emotional and layered lament showcases Galal's ability to convey powerful messages through his music.

The Little Rays of Sunshine EP is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the fusion of Middle Eastern sounds with Western beats. Sharif Galal's decades of experience as a DJ and producer shine through in each track, making this release a true gem in the world of dance music. Embark on a musical journey through the sands of time.

Rory Hoy (Super Hi-Fi) – “Really enjoying the Middle Eastern vibes here.”
Seth Jordan (The Tiki Lounge Remix) – “Good work Sharif! I’ll use some tracks in The Tiki Lounge Remix.”
Klaus Benedek (Fortunea Records) – “Little Rays of Sunshine is the track for me.”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) – “Brilliant release. Will support.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Excellent blend of desert sounds and electronic beats.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Wonderful EP. Zaar Saraab has such an amazing atmosphere.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Apple Music, Pandora, And Amazon Music.

Ursula 1000 - I Like Your Style (Insect Queen Music)

Ursula 1000's new single, "I Like Your Style," struts onto the scene with the swagger of a time-traveling disco deity. This infamously in-demand DJ and producer has concocted a potent brew of vintage funk and modern flair that'll have listeners shimmying across dimensions.

The track kicks off with a choppy '70s disco guitar riff that sets the stage for a full-blown dance floor fantasia. Ursula 1000, known for his genre-bending prowess, doesn't disappoint. He seamlessly weaves classic house elements with slick DJ scratching, creating a nostalgic and refreshingly current soundscape.

"I Like Your Style" is an undeniable groovy manifesto. The cut-up hip-hop vocals add a playful edge, while the big beat b-boy breaks keep the energy high. It's the kind of tune that makes you want to dust off your platform shoes and hit the town.

This brilliant track showcases Ursula 1000's knack for crafting big-city jams that feel familiar and innovative. Look no further—"I Like Your Style" delivers with an irresistible blend of retro charm and modern production.

Steve / Fort Knox Five (Fort Knox Recordings) – “Style for miles and miles! Top notch groovy tune. Full support.”
DJ Sammy Jo (Nightlife) – “I love this … style! Great pastiche of sounds and vibes.”
DJ Dooby (Funkdooby) – “Very funky indeed. Great vibes.”
BMD (XLNT) – “Ursuala 1000 as usual delivers an amazing summer tune filled with funk and groove.”
Kurt B Reighley (KXCI Tucson) – “I’m livin’ for this one!”
DJ Morpheus (Radio Campus 92.1 FM) – “It’s well funky! Fun stuff, I dig it.”

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

Luis Machuca & Casomado - How We Do It (Friskybeat Records)

Friskybeat Records is thrilled to present the latest collaboration from Casomado and Luis Machuca, titled "How We Do It." Drawing inspiration from a captivating Caribbean album recorded in 1966, this three-track Ep captures the perfect essence of its colorful, vibrant rhythms creating a crossroads of modern musical innovation.

Luis Machuca's rendition is a creatively orchestrated composition driven by samples, featuring a crisp hi-hat bell sequence, punctuated by organ hits and vocal snippets. Enhanced with a dynamic house beat and deep bass grooves, it guarantees an electrifying party atmosphere.

Casomado delivers a deeper dubby mix highlighted by a bouncy beat and syncopated bass-line. The track evolves with rich synth layers that integrate smoothly into the groove, creating a foundation for cheeky vocals and horn hits that gradually intensify. This progression builds momentum throughout, enhancing the track's dynamic energy and capturing the essence of its deeper, more intricate sounds that will appeal to all listeners.

Finally the "Tease Mix." emerges as a stripped-down version that seamlessly blends the unique styles of Casomado and Luis Machuca. This rendition generates exotic moods, stylish grooves, and stimulating drops, creating a fascinating auditory journey.

This EP is a must-have for DJs, music lovers, and dancers alike.

Lee Jones / Country Gents (Buslife) – “All 3 of these are wicked, love them. Will be played on air.”
Scott Ferguson / ROBOT84 (Paper Recordings) – “Yeah, cool vibe. Lovin’ all the tracks.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “Lovely stuff. Will play and support.”
Jamie Topham (Actlikeyakno) – “Sunshine vibes!”
Jon Barnes (Pandora) – “The Tease Mix is slammin.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show) – “What a lot of fun. Captures the mood exquisitely.”

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