Favorite Release from September 2023
It's time for our latest music roundup, where we dive into the standout releases from September. In this curated list, we explore a diverse array of musical creations that have graced the airwaves recently. These tracks have emerged from some of the most respected record labels in the industry, such as Delsin, R&S, Scissor & Thread, A Strangely Isolated Place, Harmony Rec., West Mineral Ltd, Dial, Carrier, Bambe, and introducing our very own musical venture, Never Late.
VC-118A
Stream
Delsin
Dutch artist Samuel van Dijk, aka VC118-A, explores the theme of change on his fifth album, "Waves of Change," released by always-on-point Delsin on September 22, 2023. Building on the experimental downtempo direction set by 2021's "Spiritual Machines," van Dijk relies on his distinctive crooked machine rhythms as the driving musical element. Crafted meticulously using a primarily analog array of instruments, such as the 606s and 101s, alongside vintage and modern gear, "Waves of Change" impresses with its finely detailed sonic textures. The album's standout track, "Stream," exemplifies van Dijk's skill in merging fluid synthesis and sound design to reflect the ever-shifting nature of the universe.
Aspetuck
Atoll
Never Late
September was a special month for us here at Delayed. After months of preparing and much longer in planning, our record label called Never Late had its first official release on September 15 - a ten-track album by one the label's co-founders, Griff Fulton, aka Aspetuck, who joined forces with us for this exciting journey. "Early Color" sets the bar high for the label's future endeavors, and we are over the moon with the feedback we've been getting in the past couple of weeks. The album strikes a delicate balance of tracks meant for sofa surfing as well as dancefloor. "Atoll" definitely goes under the latter. The track has quickly become a DJ favorite, thanks to its mesmerizing use of hypnotic sequence that gracefully rides atop an infectious groove, skillfully layered with crisp percussion elements.
Frank and Tony
Understanding
Scissor and Thread
Frank & Tony's "Understanding EP," released on September 15, 2023, on Scissor & Thread, is a shining example of their enduring talent in the deep house genre. The EP's titular track, "Understanding," pays homage to the 90s Chicago deep house sound. With its languid, rolling groove, enriched by plush pads and euphoric stabs, "Understanding" seamlessly transports listeners to the pulsating heart of the dancefloor. Whether you're swaying to its rhythm in the early hours of the night or surrendering to its charm in the gentle morning light, "Understanding" exudes an infectious aura that's simply irresistible.
Serwed
Bloomin
West Mineral Ltd
Serwed's latest release, "IV," a collaborative effort by Russian producers Flaty (Evgenii Fadeev) and OL (Oleg Buyanov), is a striking addition to their evolving discography. Dropped on September 15, 2023, through West Mineral Ltd, this ten-track album represents a transcendent journey through leftfield electronica and cosmic ambient.
"Bloomin" is the perfect curtain closer for this fourth Serwed chapter. With its melancholic pads and emotive melodies, the track conjures an atmosphere reminiscent of early mornings in remote forests. Field recordings of forest sounds seamlessly meld with the music, immersing the audience in a world where nature and technology harmoniously coexist.
Ben Kaczor
Tranquility
Dial Records
Swiss producer and DJ Ben Kaczor is back on Dial Records with his latest contribution to the various artists' EP "Aestivation," which dropped on September 1, 2023. The release also features label co-founder Lawrence alongside Mary Yalex and Andrea Ferlin.
Kaczor's track, "Tranquility," is anchored by a relentless rolling groove that keeps the energy flowing and delicately weaves in brooding, distant-sounding keys hovering in the background. These keys inject a subtle but undeniable melancholic touch to the track, creating an emotional depth that resonates with the listener.
Carrier
The Motions
Carrier
Guy Brewer, known for his work as Shifted, Covered in Sand, and Alexander Lewis, emerges under his new moniker, Carrier, with the release of "Neither Curve Nor Edge." Known for his confrontational dancefloor creations, Brewer's latest endeavor marks a striking departure from his previous work. The debut of Carrier showcases a profound shift in his musical trajectory, embracing new beginnings and sonic exploration.
"The Motions," encapsulates Carrier's transformative approach. Brewer's keen sense of timing and pacing is evident as he navigates through four gothic stepping patterns, showcasing his dedication to redefining the electronic music axis.
Alfred Czital and Vand
Wuwuwu
Harmony Rec.
The first collaboration between two label heads, Alfred Czital of Harmony Rec. and Vand of Isotoop, brings four excellent dance floor stompers across the spectrum, from infectious breaks on the A side to pure techno energizers on the B side.
"Wuwuwu" is a delightful halftime journey that effortlessly blends hypnotic rhythms with a highly infectious bassline. The track's undeniable charm lies in its ability to transport listeners to a cosmic dancefloor filled with positive energy. Czital and Vand masterfully intertwine cosmic synth sound with a groove that's impossible to resist, making "Wuwuwu" an instant earworm. This track exemplifies the EP's versatility, setting the tone for a release that navigates seamlessly between breakish beats and energetic techno.
Polygonia
Never Have I Seen…
Bambe
Munich-based producer Polygonia is in the spotlight once again, this time with a powerful five-tracker on Bambounou's Bambe label, 'Otro Mundo,' which represents a compelling exploration of electronic music's multifaceted possibilities.
The EP, released on September 15, 2023, is characterized by intense rhythms and a strong emphasis on sound design and colorful harmonies. One of our picks from the release 'Never Have I Seen...' offers a metaphysical experience through rhythmic shifts and unveiling a world of unknown marvels.
Alex Albrecht
June
A Strangely Isolated Place
Alex Albrecht's debut on A Strangely Isolated Place with "Violet Visionary" is another collaboration that perfectly fits the aesthetics of the excellent LA-based record label. Drawing from a range of influences, Albrecht masterfully combines elements of downtempo and deep house, creating an ethereal and rhythmic sound. From the six-track LP, "June" emerges as a favorite, exemplifying Albrecht's ability to blend percussive elements and powerful drum patterns with dusky atmospheres and perfectly executed melodies, resulting in a warm and inviting experience that feels equally at home during dawn's orange hues or the purple tints of sundown.
Quartz
Lilac Cobwebs feat. Selena Jones
R&S Records
Quartz's inaugural offering on the revered R&S Records, the "Deity Spear EP," is a four-track journey into intriguing and atmospheric electronica. This release showcases the Cardiff-based producer's expertise in crafting a thrilling fusion of sounds and rhythms across the electronic music spectrum. With a background that spans drum & bass and grime-influenced dubstep, Quartz constructs an irresistible sonic narrative that's both deeply personal and artistically innovative.
The EP's standout track, "Lilac Cobwebs," featuring Selena Jones, is a poignant homage to Quartz's late mother. Seamlessly integrating a snippet of her voice notes and a reference to a cherished memory of her favorite color, the track strikes a delicate balance between melancholy and hope. Throughout the EP, Quartz demonstrates a talent for angular breakbeats, gargantuan bass tones, intricate rhythms, and expansive sound design.