Radial Gaze & Ludviq
Ruins of Argos

After 6 years, label boss Ewan Jansen circles back to Red Ember’s main with a new EP. A concept journey equally for the mind and the dancefloor that strays from his house roots with themes of mysticism pushing wider rhythm palettes and creative synthesis.The opener ‘Solanoid’ marches over the horizon; a solid progression of sun-scorched chords, goaded by some distinctive chanting synths and driving bass.‘Caravania’ answers as a stomping IDM-esque fable, joined by bubbling rhythms on the ground and a central writhing serpentine synth guided from high above by voices unknown. The flip side quickly de-camps from the physical, with the organic ‘Mistik’ seeing elements of rave and tribal electronica driven by tuned kicks, sub-bass and resonant rhythms.Lastly, a stoic tome of stone and water is left with ‘Gecko’ – a skittish chunky groove, with isolated melancholic tones that find harmony in the end.

Toronto label and party Hypnotic Mindscapes presents another issue of modern electronics crafted for the dancefloor with the third edition of their compilation series, displaying a bundle of trend-defying tunes from crew-adjacent artists. A1 opens with long-time friend and collaborator Patamamba (half of Kimchi Records) with “Igoon of Blue”, shades of progressive house music simmered in evocative acid lines reminiscent of 90’s nostalgia. The A2 features Hypnotic originator Cosmic JD with a deep-slamming breakbeat piece titled “Steam”, punchy basslines and trancey Arps bubbling into the early morning. On the flip, scene-vet and Seekers boss Alex Picone debuts on the label with “WhyWasteWine” a fast-paced, modern tech-house number with wonky melodies and metallic artifacts. Rounding things up, Moroccan (via Montreal) up and coming artist Jalil enters with an electro-infused ode to “Technology”. Artwork by Sofia Eleni.

RITMOTHERAPY is the brainchild from the creative minds behind one of London's most vibrant music brands, Ritmo London.THRPY001 sets the tone with an enthralling cosmic journey crafted by the talented Volodymyr Gnatenko. Prepare to lose yourself in the unique and captivating world of his creative compositions.

Not so long ago in 2017, the first release on Michiel Claus' and Ailsa Cavers' Basic Moves saw the light of day and especially the shine of night. Produced by founding father Walrus, BM01 set the tone for a record label that focuses on releasing hidden archives from the 90s, whilst combining them with modern club music from the here and now. By highlighting the musical heritage of the Belgian electronic music scene, the label illustrates the continuity between past and present, history and shaping identities of 21st-century artists, undeniably building on the strong foundations of their forerunners. Seven years and nineteen releases later, Basic Moves is rounding off the series with BM20, a final double 12'' by one of the major figures from the Belgian underground: Circadian Rhythms also known as Dj Deg. After many years of collecting, deejaying and producing music, his musical spectrum ranges from synth, library and wave, to jazz, funk and disco, from house to techno. His journey started in clubs like Bocaccio (1988 - 1993), and La Gait? (1979 -1989), where young Deg came across deejay's like Olivier Pieters or Eric Beysens who made him choose the path of becoming a devoted disc jockey himself. BM20 is a sonic witness of Deg's first musical encounters with his machines, revealing a withdrawn selection of six bedroom patchwork tracks produced between the years of '93 & '99, a time without the internet or user manuals to help you solve the riddles of technology. Though only at the very beginning of his creative process, Deg's unique personality is nevertheless already clearly identifiable: blending techno with jazz, where the sharp edges of 16-step drum-sequences are smudged and bent in different directions. In the lower countries, the second half of the 90s was a period of fast & funky, happy Detroit, 140 BPM techno. Whenever Deg was not oscillating between record shops or gigs and had a moment on his own, mostly during morning hours after the club, he would spend his leftover energy in the studio. Either by himself or with his loyal ally Mike DMA, he would benefit from these moments to slow down and give space to a different, introverted sound - processing moods, feelings and thoughts. This record therefore gathers only a few of many (unrecorded) one-shot live sessions which were never intended to be shared - and only existed for the love of music and its power to take you beyond all things known. Thank you Deg for sharing your music and giving us a glimpse of your universe. Without your productions, your memorable warm-ups and closing sets - many of us would not be where we are now, and Basic Moves might never have been founded. As a last note to a closing song, BM20 is about being fully committed to the music and the club, a medium and place of fruitful settings for encounters, creativity and growth. Where dreams and ideas have a chance to exist, being almost ready and thought out to shape future times to come - and many party nights. Gurl, December 2023

After having him collaborating with MER’s very own Cabanelas on the B side of MER006, Fernando Zapico aka Z@P releases a full four-track EP. A record crafted with an unique imprint covering a wide range of sound within techno. A1 Submarino stands out for its ticking drumming plates and soft synths creating a sort of suspense atmosphere. A2 Sensations travels through a classic grooving sound with bright drum plates, stomping kick drum and timeless vocal sound.On the flip side, The Box features a more hypnotic and brassy sound by moving along an oscillating bassline and a jazzy percussion set. B2 features Frank 717, a peak time track with sharpened-plates percussion with an acidic and playful bassline.