Andy Kolwes
Soundtrack

A reference work, a body of knowledge, a record of human endeavour: this archival release of works from Arcarsenal's fertile collaboration in the period 2011–2016 is all of those things. Pressed on its two discs you will find, in the duo's own words, the 'broken flowers that needed just a little care and attention to bloom'. And exquisite flowers they are, rooted in the reduced formality of minimalism, yet prone to frequent and unabashed florescence. Ranging from their very earliest productions, made with limited gear, through to later recordings from a fully-equipped studio, the tracks move from techno to dub and house and into blissful after-hours and ambient, all with the rich and spacious imprint that is their own. Most of these tracks have been firm favourites on the dancefloor, whether played by other DJs or Arcarsenal themselves, yet this is the first time any of them have seen an official release. This 'Compendium' is a record of Arcarsenal's past achievements; only time will tell what new endeavours the two may pursue.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression”Rovas presents Aleexe (Panea Records) with a solid four-tracker EP that provides a complete experience into this inspiring artist's intellect.My Shoulder is Your Shoulder”, kicks off this EP with a highly danceable and dense vibe. Deep synths evolve with snappy percusions and a bassline that leaves no doubt: this is going to be serious shit. “Teson” follows on the same side getting the table ready, with some breaky vibes and a resting bassline, mastered by cheeky vocals and playful synths.The B side seems to spread a brighter atmosphere designed for the daytime, delivering stripped back and sensual contrasting tracks. “Teapetesis” incorporates great melodies and rolling riffs that bring the energy flow up until the end. Lastly, “Comprehension” gives a closing with the perfect dreamy calmness.

Neck-breaking swing and deep moody pads; that when good Naybas make good beats.

For it s third release, CYRK brings Detroit legend Suburban Knight to the label! 4 electro oriented tunes James Pennington did with Sierra Sam and Gerome Sportelli back in his Belgium days.

DSP returns with a deep & contemplative split EP from Dublin’s Cignol & Bristol’s Gilbert. ‘Vision System’ boasts 4 machine-made, melodic electro tracks to tug on your heart strings.The record opens with ‘Events Unknowable’ an eerie example of Cignol’s distinct sound. Full of broken rhythms, swinging percussion, ice cold arpeggios, LFO warped pads and an acid line to remember.Electro doesn’t get much deeper than ‘Multicellular’. A beautifully sorrowful sonic statement coated in icey synth elements and nostalgia. Sophisticated simplicity at its finest.Gilbert takes us in a slightly more utopic direction on the flip side. Starting with the musical insight of ‘Harmony In Space’. A Dream laced vision for the future full of smooth synthesis, crisp basslines and pumping percussion.The release comes to a heartfelt conclusion with ‘Eleni’. Full of playful acid lines and expressive sonic elements. A loved up, euphoric masterpiece named after and dedicated to Gilbert’s daughter.