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Eskimo Recordings – The White Collection
As it enters its 20th year of existence Belgian label Eskimo Recordings shows no sign of slowing down or scaling back its ambition. To kickstart this auspicious year the label returns with The White Collection’, 8th release in its acclaimed ‘Colour Series’ and a globe-trotting compilation featuring 14 tracks of leftfield electronic music drawn from 9 different countries.
Opening the compilation we head to the Russian Republic of Tatarstan where producer Anton Firtich, aka Antenna, has been steadily making a name for himself with a series of stunning cosmic disco releases. ‘Song for Udmurtia’, named for the region where both Anton’s wife and his cat came from, builds on that reputation. A breezy piece of laid back electronica perfectly positioned somewhere between the sophisticated lounge music of Herb Alpert and the Scandi-sounds of producers, and Eskimo alumni, like Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas.
Heading west we find ourselves in the Greek capital of Athens where Eskimo veteran NTEIBINT joins forces with vocalist Matina Sous Peau for ‘Back to the Roots of Love’. Well known for his sumptuous reinterpretation of classic disco sounds, ‘Back to the Roots of Love’ sees NTEIBINT widen his sonic palette, the result a stunning number that combines pop and disco sounds with the jazzier end of 90s Broken Beat.
Returning home, Gent 4-piece Omar Dahl provides the first entry in the compilation from a Belgian band with ‘Oscar’s Walk’. Inspired by Arabic and Balkan sounds and even a little of the widescreen cinematic feel of Ennio Morricone’s Spaghetti Western soundtracks, ‘Oscar’s Walk’ combines mournful brass and string instruments and shuffling beats to create a wonderfully hypnotic 5 minutes of genre-defying music.
Having previously provided 2 remixes for Eskimo much tipped Australian producer The Oddness makes his full debut on the label with ‘Get It Together’. Another dose of psychedelic, dub flavoured electronica that keeps the tempo low and the strangeness dialled up, ‘Get It Together’s chugging beat provides the perfect backdrop for myriad sounds to rattle and reverb their way into the cosmic ether.
Tel Aviv’s Middle Sky Boom makes a welcome return to Eskimo with the aptly titled ‘Dreamy Route’. A hazy, atmospheric jam featuring gauzy vocals, insistent looping chimes and textures that drift over the stuttering beat, the perfect accompaniment to a cocktail, or two, on a golden Mediterranean beach as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.
Back to Belgium and this time an up & coming producer, Julian Hival, who recently made his debut on Traum Schallplatten. Drawing inspiration everywhere from Berlin underground techno to alienating downtempo compositions Julian’s contribution to ‘The White Collection’, ‘Lavender’, is a sprawling epic filled with eerie menace that recalls the likes of composer John Carpenter’s synth heavy 80s soundtracks.
With just a handful of releases to his name Sweden’s Paresse has already been tipped for big things by the likes of DJ Mag in the UK and ‘Angelus Redux’, a club ready number fuelled by a percussive heavy beat, bubbling bass line and topped with sparkling synth arpeggios and the kind of breathy French vocal that ecstatic moments in dark spaces were made for, shows just why so many have him on their radar.
One of the many highlights from Eskimo’s recent releases was the debut EP from Belgian producer Transistorcake. Ending a 5-year hiatus since his debut was picked up by Soulwax for their GTA station, ‘The Future Plans EP’ featured a set of evocative and ultimately euphoric electronica. This ‘Alternate Take’ of ‘Future Plan I’ from Transistorcake himself showcases his full live band and features a more improvised feel to the lead synth melody and driving motorik drums.
Heading west to San Francisco’s Bay Area Eskimo welcomes back Michoacan after a 7-year absence. Making up for lost time the producer, whose back catalogue also includes releases on labels such as DFA and Bear Entertainment, delivers a fine return in the shape of ‘I Can See’, a rousing disco-punk-pop number sure to find a home in both sticky-floored indie clubs and tropical disco beach parties alike.
If records were judged on name alone then Tonarunur’s ‘Relatively Safe Horseback Riding’ would be a shoo-in for all 2020’s end of year lists already. As it is the Icelandic producer’s Eskimo debut more than stands on its musical merits too and if ever a song has better captured the fun and excitement of a ride on a magical flying horse via the medium of sparkling synth-heavy space disco then we’ve yet to hear it (and of course would love to).
One of the new generation of Scandi-disco artists to have emerged in the past couple of years Bergen’s Cavego follows up a series of hugely acclaimed releases for Eskimo with the euphoric, bouncing, ‘Alfred (Og Vennene Hans)’. Harnessing the power of his enviable synth collection to dramatic effect Cavego delivers a more club focussed effort than previous releases without losing any of the cinematic feel that made his debut EP so entrancing.
Already a club hit Russian duo Radial Gaze’s ‘Totem Echoes’ makes a much-welcomed reappearance on ‘The White Collection’. An eclectic mix of disorientating synths, tribal chants and industrial percussion it’s a stunning release from this nascent partnership that recalls the like of Moscoman and fellow countrymen Simple Symmetry.
Having previously released on Eskimo with Middle Sky Boom, Eliezer teams up with fellow Tel Aviv producer Asaf Sanzer, aka Rina, for ‘San Sebastian’. Recalling the likes of Red Axes and Curses ‘San Sebastian’ filters Middle Eastern melodies through post-punk, house, disco and techno to dramatic effect, the end result in the kind of track that could equally soundtrack a beach party in Tel Aviv or a Goth basement club in Leeds.
Ending the compilation on a sweet, sweet blissful high Eskimo turn to another Nordic star in waiting, Boblebad. Built around a simple yet instantly addictive acoustic guitar refrain and sympathetic beat, ‘Kontemplasjon’ subtly builds as new elements, swirling synths, softly caressing strings and additional guitar parts, glide in and out of the mix gently melting away all your troubles.
Since launching in the year 2000, Gent based Eskimo Recordings has gone onto become one of the leading electronic music labels in the world releasing genre-defining artist albums and compilations from the likes of Satin Jackets, Aeroplane, Lindstrøm, Prins Thomas, The Glimmers, Optimo, Psychemagik and many more. Since its launch in 2013 the ‘Colour Series’, now in its 8th edition, has continued to build upon the label’s reputation, not only for discovering and curating great music but for great design and continuing that tradition the cover for ‘The White Collection’ features a stunning photo, ‘Gravitation’, by Amsterdam based German photographer Katrin Korfmann.
The White Collection out April 3 – fanlink.to/TheWhiteCollection
Tracklist
01. Antenna – Song For Udmurtia
02. NTEIBINT ft. Matina Sous Peau – Back To The Roots Of Love
03. Omar Dahl – Oscar‘s Walk
04. The Oddness – Get It Together
05. Middle Sky Boom – Dreamy Route
06. Julian Hival – Lavender
07. Paresse – Angelus Redux
08. Transistorcake – Future Plan I (Alternate Take)
09. Michoacan – I Can See
10. Tonarunur – Relatively Safe Horseback Riding
11. Cavego – Alfred (og vennene hans)
12. Radial Gaze – Totem Echoes
13. Eliezer & Rina – San Sebastian
14. Boblebad – Kontemplasjon
Digital Bonus: Franz Matthews, Local Suicide – Tutan Jamon (1001 Nights Instrumental Version)
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Franz Matthews & Local Suicide – Remixes
Making their debut on Eskimo Recordings this March, Berlin producers Franz Matthews& Local Suicide’s ‘Meditation / Tutan Jamon’ was a heady brew of psychedelic disco that joined the dots between the German capital and the sun soaked souks of North Africa.
Hailed as “propulsive and zen” by Resident Advisor and championed by DJs including Dj T, Red Axes, Perel & Acid Washed, the tracks have now been giving a fresh rub, with Eskimo going one better even than the genie from the Arabian Nights and fulfilling 4 wishes summoning up remixes from Manfredas, Chaim, NTEIBINT and The Oddness.
First out of the trap is Lithuanian producer Manfredas. Having made a name for himself with releases on labels like Les Disques de la Mort, Multi Culti and I’m A Cliché, Manfredas turns in a head spinning remix of Tutan Jamon, teasing out and extending the track in a masterclass of delayed gratification that eventually dissolves into acidic bleeps and drones.
Tel Aviv’s Chaim remix of Tutan Jamonmeanwhile sees the sometime Bpitch Control and Disco Halal producer up the tempo whilst losing none of the original’s exotic vibe. In his hands the track becomes a propulsive nu-disco number perfect for late summer parties under the stars.
Eskimo stalwart NTEIBINT is up next with his reinterpretation of Meditation. Once again the Greek producer goes to show just why the label has him on speed dial, delivering a stunning remix with Vamparela’s vocals and a hypnotic bass line combining to mesmerising effect.
Finally fresh from remixing Satin Jackets Australian rising star The Oddness returns to Eskimo with his own spaced out take on Meditation. Keeping the tempo slow and low the Melbourne producer unravels the track, pulling apart its constituent parts and allowing them all to float free.
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Franz Matthews & Local Suicide – Meditation
Having previously featured on Eskimo Recordings’ 2018 compilation ‘The Purple Collection’ as one half of Languages, Franz Matthews returns to the label alongside fellow Berliners Local Suicide with the ‘Meditation’.
Despite living on the same street for 4 years Franz Matthews and Brax Moody and Vamparela from Local Suicide only met recently through their common friend Sam Berdah (Days of Being Wild, Club Bizarre). Making up for lost time, the trio soon found themselves bonding in the studio, digging into their love of both the esoteric and travelling, and together channelled those passions into 2 spiritually infused numbers.
‘Meditation’was the first result of this inspired partnership, appropriately recorded at the same time that Matthews was also recording music for a meditation app, and features a freeform stream of consciousness from Vamparela over a suitably hypnotic backing of wistful guitars and breezy rhythms.
Between his production studio MOWD, his duo Languages, and his solo electronic project, Franz Matthews keeps himself busy. Making Berlin his hometown for the past 5 years, the Franco-German producer and DJ has always kept one hand in the Indie Dance world, while the other wanders in more Psychedelic Pop realms, a winning combination that’s seen him release music on imprints such as Eskimo Recordings, Days of Being Wild, Rockets & Ponies.
Local Suicide, aka DJs and producers Brax Moody and Vamparela, meanwhile have made a name for themselves putting on some of the most infamous underground parties Berlin has to offer, running their acclaimed blog and still finding time to make waves with their productions, a wild fusion of new wave, acid, slow techno and post-disco that has seen them work with the likes of Rodion, Mijo and Curses in recent years.
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Theus Mago & Local Suicide – Komm Ins Loch
After a hugely prolific year for the Local Suicide duo, which has brought us collaborations with names such as Low Manuel and Mijo as well as DJ sets across Europe and Asia, they are joining the Mexican label Duro with a three-track EP as a joint effort with the label’s owner Theus Mago. This Mexican producer comes off the back of a similarly hectic year, most recently releasing the ‘Inertials’ single and the acclaimed ‘Ella’ EP, featuring remixes from Arthur Johnson and Il Est Vilaine. This collaborative EP is a masterful blend of styles, merging Local Suicide’s characteristic catchy techno-disco sound with the darker notes typical of Theus Mago. His signature style is that of freeform, synth-driven, moody techno that brings together intricately interwoven influences from across the spectrum of electronic music, providing a perfect foil to Local Suicide’s infectious rhythms.
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Mijo & Local Suicide – Edo Kai Tora / Ganz Falsch EP
Mexican Dj & producer Mijo and Berlin duo Local Suicide collide in a wonderfully fresh and inventive collaboration on their latest EP ‘Edo Kai Tora/Ganz Falsch‘. Local Suicide, comprised of couple Brax Moody (Munich) and Vamparela (Thessaloniki), weaves in their signature blend of Post-Disco, New Wave, Jacking Acid, and Slow Dark Techno while Mijo injects his own stylings of the Latin Techno that he helped to define and create.
The result is a spacious, energetic, and stunning product from start to finish. As the latest installment from San Francisco-based label Roam Recordings, which specializes in Dark Disco, Post Techno, EBM, and Acid, ‘Edo Kai Tora/Ganz Falsch‘ is an impressive sonic feat that will leave you dancing all night.The EP opens with the original ‘Edo Kai Tora‘, an infectious uptempo track with hypnotic, oscillating synths and an undeniable groove. Greek Vamparela of Local Suicide brings her voice to the track. The result is a sultry, spoken vocal that repeats the resounding phrase ‘Edo Kai Tora‘, which in Greek translates into ‘Here And Now’. The words themselves couldn’t be more fitting to the overall feel of the project, which has an extremely ‘in the moment’ sensibility to it.
In ‘Ganz Falsch‘, Mijo and Local Suicide revitalize the electronic boogie, keeping things light and fun with a warbling bass hook juxtaposed with a playful, spitting rhythmic vocal.Supporting the EP, Berlin-based DJ/Producer Sascha Funke along with Moscow Duo Simple Symmetry lend their talents to create standout reinterpretations of both title tracks. Where Sascha Funke fleshes out the darker, cosmic undertones of ‘Edo Kai Tora‘, Simple Symmetry mix in an extra kick of pop and funk sensibilities to the project by layering rhythmic, post-punk garage style guitars into ‘Ganz Falsch‘, bringing to mind the underground indie rock scene of Southern California. The project comes to a delightful close with an additional digital bonus track – an energetic dance version of ‘Ganz Falsch‘.
As a whole, the EP is an electric, collaborative accomplishment of unique sonic character, versatile and exemplifying the best of each producers creative talents. ‘Edo Kai Tora/Ganz Falsch‘ is out now under Roam Recordings.
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Rodion & Local Suicide – Abu Dhabi EP
My Favorite Robot welcome the collaborative outfit of Rodion & Local Suicide for their next EP, which comes boosted by remixes from Los Mekanikos, Moscoman and Fairmont, as well as artwork that is made up 3D prints of the act.
Rodion is an Italian classical piano player and acclaimed producer whose albums and EPs for the likes of Gomma, Nein & Nang have helped to reshape modern disco. Also one half of Alien Alien and boss of the Roccodisco label, he is a real studio visionary who for ten years has mixed up classical, trance and psychedelic sounds. He makes everything from chamber music to computer game soundtracks, has remixed Giorgio Moroder and counts the likes of Tim Sweeney, Erol Alkan and DJ Hell as fans. Berlin-based duo/couple Brax Moody and Vamparela aka Local Suicide have been collaborating together since 2007, either as a DJ duo, in bands, or as remixers and producers. They have played all over the world and are in favour with the likes of XLR8R, Thump and Mixmag for their fusions of slow techno, post disco and acid.
These original analog tracks were recorded between 2014 and 2016 in Rodion’s vintage studio in Berlin. They came about when they all met following one of his gigs just after he moved there, and after being in touch online for a while. During one of the nights, Rodion brought friend, producer and singer Ali Bey (part of the Belgrade DJ collective Beyond House and a famous record digger) to contribute.
Impressive opener ‘Abu Dhabi’ includes samples from field recordings from all over the world. The most prominent is the recording from an airport in Bangkok—where Brax Moody and Vamparela were waiting to catch their plane to Saigon—and it ended up being the main vocal hook. The alluring track is a wonky feeling number with gurgling synth lines and gentle releases of white noise lulling you into the groove. A searching synth line and distant siren add urgency and the whole thing feels urban and futuristic.
Comprised of Mexico City producers Max Jones and Eddie Mercury, Los Mekanikos combine raw hypno-rhythm tracks with pumping grooves that pay homage to Chicago, Detroit and Berlin. Their special remix is another late night and unhinged number that encourages you to freak out amongst the panning and paranoid synth patterns and robotic grooves.
Then comes the brilliant ‘True Love Floats’ with Ali Beys singing and Vamparela’s vocoded vocals. The interplay between the two is tense and alien and makes for a perfectly inhuman groove with popping bell sounds, undulating pads and spooky deep space ambiance.
Remixing this one is Berlin via Tel Aviv artist of the moment and Disco Halal label head Moscoman, whose raw machine grooves have impressed on labels like ESP Institute, Correspondant and I’m a Cliche. His slow and purposeful version is deep and psychedelic with disorientating vocals and blistered synths wallowing in a menacing urban landscape. Buy it digitally and you will also get a fine remix from label regular and Canadian Fairmont. He is a partner in the fine Beachcoma label, has worked with cult outlet Border Community over the years and mixes up dark disco and goth into his own fresh sounds. His remix here is more direct and driven, with powerful drums and well sculpted synths making it another great rework.
This is a unique sounding package featuring plenty of heavyweight names and marks another cultured outing from the always considered My Favorite Robot label.
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Video: Local Suicide – We Can Go Everywhere
Berlin-based Greek/German couple & duo Local Suicide just revealed a video for their new catchy disco-house single ‘We Can Go Everywhere’, which was released via Bordello A Parigi on August 4th 2014.
The video is divided in two parts, the first part is scenes from the duo’s travels around EP release in France, Poland, Sweden, Greece, UK and Germany. The second part is friends which they met through music and travels all over the world. The video was directed by awarded Greek film-maker Dimitris Argyriou.
“Music has helped us to go everywhere and combine our two passions. In the 5 years of Local Suicide we’ve been in all four corners of the world, played, met interesting people and different cultures. From Oslo to Tel Aviv, from Athens to Tunis, from Barcelona to Istanbul, from Paris to New York. It’s all about music uniting everyone no matter where they come from and what their backgrounds are.”
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Local Suicide – We Can Go Everywhere EP
Finally, the debut EP ‘We Can Go Everywhere’ by Greek/German couple & duo Local Suicide is out now via Dutch Italo-Disco Label Bordello A Parigi . With remixes by In flagranti (Kitsuné, Phantasy, GOMMA, La Belle, Domino), Richard Rossa (Discotexas, Young Society) & Inigo Vontier (Correspondant, NANG, Pizzico, Turbo) and its catchy hookline, the track is turning into one of 2014’s disco-house summer hits!
Stream the full EP below. Order here. In case you missed it, download for free the Richard Rossa remix here.
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Local Suicide – We Can Go Everywhere (Richard Rossa Remix)
Berlin-based couple Brax Moody (Munich, Germany) and Vamparela (Thessaloniki, Greece) aka Local Suicide, have been playing music together since 2007, either as a DJ duo, in bands, or as remixers and producers. The duo will issue its debut release on June 24th 2014. The four-track “We Can Go Everywhere EP” will offer the pair’s synth-indie-dance original track of the same name, along with three remixes by the likes of In Flagranti, Iñigo Vontier, and Swedish producer Richard Rossa, whose playful rework is available for free download here via XLR8R.
SERIALGK 