The Happiness Cage, by Engram Recordings

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Engram Recordings (Berlin, Germany) burst onto the scene at the end of March this year, treating us to a 20-track compilation project of lush drone experimentation.

The Happiness Cage itself is a massive sound collage, focused around a central swirling ball of noisy energy that permeates outward through the participants – each harnessing and interpreting it in their own unique ways.

The bulk of the release meanders through experimental ambient sound art. Some producers take a more rhythmic approach, while others harness harsh white noise cast into the void. It all lends itself to the feeling that Engram Recordings is proudly experimental in nature.

As I enjoyed this collection of songs over the past month, a few have stood out and become favorites, such as doktorb – Konnektiv Hellscaep , ░▒▓█₳§ᗐM̶R̳█▓▒░ – Mixed Reality and Shalyzer – Squeezing Speech . The only time I found myself not immersed in enjoyment was the track Rudolf Eb.er – Blä , which seems more like a ASMR endurance test than anything, but I will chock that up to personal taste! The overall vibe of the compilation is pure quality abstraction, and an interesting and rewarding listen!

Since the compilation has dropped, Engram Recordings have also released a 6-track EP from Japanese experimental composer ysk – and it appears more goodies are incoming, so give them a follow + stay tuned!

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DaP Station & Zypher Unlabel Compilation 4

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DaP Station Records and Zypher Unlabel have teamed up yet again for a bonkers compilation of spaced-out beats! Continuing the tradition begun years ago of creating genre-defying collections of music, this compilation acts as a reunion of sorts, bringing those producers still active back together for another sonic feast!

Of course there is a shameless plug for my own track in there, but the rest of the album is equally amazing with some truly gnarly beats and treats. Did I mention there is a cassette version which sounds great? Give it a listen…

Concepto Hipnotico Five Years Anniversary

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Concepto Hipnotico celebrates their 5-year Anniversary with one heck of a compilation. 22 tracks strong, you can purchase the album via bandcamp.

Deep Diversity Vo. 5 – Various Artists

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From the Netherlands Deep Electronics Label comes this massive compilation of dubbed-out tunes. Featuring 17 tracks from a slew of producers, each with their own unique style, grace the tracklist of this album. Best of all, you can pick this up at the price of your choosing. What are you waiting for!!

Dub for Helly – A Charity Compilation

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If you buy one techno album this year, make it Dub for Helly, a new compilation record benefitting dub-techno artist Helly Larson and his Brain Cancer Journey. Through the power of crowdfunding and the music community coming together, there are hopes to raise 30,000 EUR to help Helly conquer this epic battle with the help of a Private Clinic.

You can download the album or donate more via the albums Bandcamp page, or alternately you can donate money directly via GoFundMe.

Lars Helbig aka Helly Larson -Dub Techno and Deep House artists –
needs our help. Born near Dresden and now living in Cologne. Helly was diagnosed 6 Months ago with brain cancer. His last chance to win the fight is to go to a private clinic, which costs around 30.000 EUR.
In addition to his crowdfunding campaign the community of artists around him has started this compilation to provide him with some good music, positive vibes and of course to help him to get the money he needs to survive.

Helly Larson has been producing music for more than 15 years now and contributed his releases to the people around the globe on labels like LucidFlow, Plastic City, Sofa Sessions, Etui Records and many more. Ibiza is a second home for him and his wife, where they play regular dj-sets at Ibiza Live Radio.

This compilation is a way to say THANK YOU HELLY AND STAY STRONG! All money goes to Helly Larson’s Brain Cancer Journey Fund.

Deep and Dub Summer 2016

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Tehnofonika Records Brings us a marvelous summer sampler of Dub-Techno tunes, perfect for relaxing while the sun sets on a hot day. Featuring tracks from some of my favorite producers (Martin Frost, Dublicator) as well as a few fresh finds, this sampler is 10 tracks of high-quality techno tunes. Each song fits perfectly with the relaxed, sunny-mellow vibe, steeped in atmospheric flavor and texture. The album is currently only available for download via the Labels Bandcamp page.

Futur​[​e​]​cho 2015 – Various Artists

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Cold Tear brings us another glorious compilation of deep techno goodness. This super chill long player is a great representation of the label and its artists, containing tracks from some of my favorite producers such as Coppice Halifax and Warmth! With a generous 15 track playlist, this is the kind of record you can put on for an evening at home or a nice long drive. Now available via Bandcamp.

Favorite Track: 5. Oliver Dombi – Worthless

Our 2015 edition of Futur[e]cho brings in a lot of new faces, retains some old ones and has a great feel of atmospheric techno. Everyone went above and beyond what we thought possible for tracks and this release will for sure surprise you. Lots of artists try out new styles to entice the listener that the music can always change as time goes by. Futur[e]cho 2015 is more of a chilled out bliss release, but still very much fits the themes of the series. So why don’t you take a journey along with us?
released 23 August 2015

Cover: The Analog Botanist
Mastering: Sage Taylor
Tracks produced by artists credited

Catalog Number: CFM068

Archive Vol​.​3, by Various Artists

Lovely collection of dub gems

Favorite Track: 6. Ocralab – Lacunosus

The Eternal Dream System (Various Artists)

Incredible compilation commemorating Dream Catalogues 100th release. A truly amazing feat and an outstanding album to boot. The tapes are sold out for now, but they may re-print them, it is still available for download though!