Best New Releases from July 2016
by Irina Kotik
July was another outstanding month of incredible releases and impressive remixes in the underground electronic music world. We've selected ten best tracks of the month from talented producers such as Peter Pardeike, Human Machine, Bicep, Hammer, Lazaros, Mind Against, Eduardo De La Calle, Leafar Legov, Chicola, Âme and Darin Epsilon. Tracks are listed in no particular order.
Peter Pardeike
'Love Supreme'
Connaisseur Recordings
Hot on the heels of his successful “Connoisseur” release with Olderic on the label that shares the same name, Peter Pardeike is back with his solo debut. “Love Supreme“ is a beautifully crafted big room anthem that marries silky arpeggiated melodies, hypnotic vocals, and a powerful groove. This stunning tune has become a staple for many high-profile artists like Dixon, Àme, Sandrino and many others.
Bicep & Hammer
'Aracari'
AUS Music
Aus Music celebrates their 10th anniversary and 100th release in style with a novel 24-track compilation released on quadruple vinyl and triple-disc CD. It features label boss Will Saul, alongside the eminent artists who have been contributing to the label’s genre-expanding ethos. One of the outstanding tracks on the compilation is produced by the the Northern Irish tastemakers Bicep and Hammer. Entitled ’Aracari’, this gorgeous tune swirls with sweeping energy full of lush synth melodies and hypnotic grooves that both capture the mind and move the feet.
Lazaros
'GE'
Nautilus Rising
Nothing gets us more excited than discovering an extremely talented new artist. Cologne producer Lazaros Spanidis, a.k.a. Lazaros, dropped a beautiful debut ‘GE’ EP via Sub Club’s Nautilus Rising imprint. The four-track EP was recommended by Frankey & Sandrino and inspired by “forests, black coffee, beer, and his native Cologne”. The soulful, moody, and emotive title track was first included in Âme & Dixon’s Essential Mix leaving a long lasting impression. This highly imaginative and blissful slow-burner is perfect for a peak time moments, and deep late night excursions.
Eduardo De La Calle
'Mondo8'
Just This
The Milanese-based imprint ‘Just This’ has been releasing consistently high quality electronic music since its beginnings. For their first various artist compilation, entitled “Broken Promises”, the label brings together talented artists from across the globe. The three-track package explores the world of endless ambient soundscapes, intricate textures, and groovy rhythms. Contributed by Eduardo Della Calle,“Mondo 8”, is a driving force that flows with rich harmony and raw power.
Chicola
'Childhood'
Lost & Found
Guy J's Lost & Found label welcomes respected Tel Aviv House music scene veteran, Chicola ( a.k.a. Chico Chuella) to their ever growing discography. The beautifully poetic “Childhood” is a slow-burning deep melodic gem that carries the listener away on a goosebumps-inducing emotional journey with a sheer force and remarkable musical prowess. Here is what Guy J is said about this massive summer tune: “Besides being an outstanding musical track, I know the power of a track when you write at a special moment and you express yourself completely through your music, Chicola has achieved that with ‘Childhood’ and has created a beautifully honest track, true to his feelings, this is why it is so special”– Guy J ".
Leafar Legov
'Cenote'
Kann Records
Rafael Vogel, a.k.a. Leafar Legov, is one of the members of the stylish German label Giegling; a label that is synonymous with high quality electronic music, and one of our favorites. Leafar’s style is best described as deep, cinematic, and organic. He does not necessarily follow the ‘club feel’ in his productions but likes to experiment with ambient and abstract styles. Leafar Legov also performs with his label-mate Konstantin as a live act, Kettenkarussell. For this release, the Hannover-based producer embellishes Kann’s catalogue with a groovy and hypnotic composition. “Cenote” is a carefully moulded work of sonic art creating deep, evocative, and imaginative soundscapes.
Moderat
'Running (Âme remix)'
Monkeytown Records
When you see the names of Moderat and Âme together, you can bet that this is going to be another musical masterpiece. Moderat’s newest single “Running” gets a delightful remix treatment from Âme. The Berlin-based duo masterfully crafted an epic journey, carefully maintaining the original’s essence while injecting their own magical touch to keep you locked in from start to finish.
Darin Epsilon
'Jenova'
Chapter 24
The Los Angeles-based progressive house producer and mastermind behind Prospective Digital label, Darin Epsilon, brings his beautiful melodic sound to Chapter 24's "Seven Stories" compilation series. Their second installment, 'Rags To Riches', features 7 tracks from the progressive world of house and techno. 'Jenova' embodies a perfect arrangement of elements to evoke the raw emotion behind its sound. The track's energy is propelled forward by swirling arpeggiated harmonies, eerie pads resonating atop of melodic chords, and a driving baseline.
Human Machine
'The Mule'
Exit Strategy
Human Machine is an illusive musical project composed of four Sicilian DJs: Mucumeci, Pavi, Simeone and Sisio. The incredibly talented collective quickly established themselves as purveyors of powerful and forward-thinking underground music. For this release, Human Machine delivers the hypnotic “The Mule” EP via Berlin-based label Exit Strategy. The highly anticipated title track is an enchanting journey of power, emotion, and dance floor hypnotism.
Mind Against
'LongBrightDark'
Plangent Records
Plangent Records, a platform for deep, sophisticated, melancholic electronic music, are back with their first-ever various artists compilation. The ten track release includes contributions from around the globe, with old friends, established artists, and fresh talent. 'LongBrightDark' by Italian duo Mind Against is one of the finest tracks on the compilation. Infused with a dreamy sense of melancholy, this moody techno-laced tune lingers in your mind long after the music has stopped.