Mindsight's "Proof of Concept": A Sonic Journey of Exploration and Emotion

Mindsight's latest EP, "Proof of Concept," is a compelling exploration of the artist's evolution in the electronic music landscape. Joshua Neumann, the creative force behind Mindsight, is a Munich-based producer and visual artist known for his boundary-pushing approach to music. With a career marked by sonic experimentation and a penchant for blending genres, Mindsight has carved a distinctive niche in the electronic music scene.

Neumann's artistic journey is marked by a diverse discography that showcases his versatility. From ethereal soundscapes to intricate beats, Mindsight has consistently defied genre conventions. With tracks that range from the dreamy atmospheres of "Trojan Matter" to the energetic and introspective "W___," Mindsight's previous works have been a captivating sonic odyssey.

"Proof of Concept" continues this sonic exploration, presenting a four-track EP that delves into themes of isolation, fears, and societal questioning. The EP's standout tracks like "WDW" and "Lost Time" weave together intricate electronic elements with emotive melodies. Mindsight's use of German lyrics in "WDW" adds an intimate layer to the EP, inviting listeners to contemplate the human experience. "Proof of Concept" is a testament to Mindsight's artistic growth and willingness to push the boundaries of electronic music, making it a must-listen for fans of experimental and genre-blurring soundscapes.

Support Mindsight “Proof of Concept” over on Bandcamp

Clouzer's LMNTL EP: A Hypnotic Journey through Cosmic Electro and Breakbeat Bliss

Clouzer, a Berlin-based DJ and producer, has been steadily making waves in the electronic music scene. With a background in dark/nu disco, EBM, electro, breakbeat, and synth wave genres, Clouzer's artistic range is diverse and captivating. As a regular guest at the esteemed Saint Petersburg Kisloty Club, Clouzer's DJ sets were known for their energetic and dynamic atmosphere. He is also a co-founder of LMNTL, an underground event collective that has been organizing immersive experiences in Berlin for the past three years. Additionally, Clouzer runs Distant Gaze Records, a label focused on powerful and deep sounds within Electro, Breakbeat, Dark Disco, and EBM.

Clouzer's discography reflects his versatility as an artist, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining a unique and captivating sound. His previous releases, including the woozy dark EP ‘E-Effect’ on NEIN records, have garnered attention and acclaim within the electronic music community. Clouzer's music is characterized by cosmic textures, layered abstractions, and futuristic soundscapes that transport listeners to extraterrestrial realms. His skillful fusion of electro, broken beats, and dirty bass lines creates hypnotic and immersive environments that captivate the audience's attention.

Clouzer's latest EP, "LMNTL," is a testament to his artistic evolution and growth. The four-track collection is tailor-made for the "big room" stage, showcasing Clouzer's ability to create powerful and enthralling sonic experiences. From the cosmic journey of the title track to the infectious rhythms of the remix by Sestrica, the EP is a testament to Clouzer's craftsmanship. Each track on "LMNTL" is a sonic exploration, combining intricate production techniques with infectious grooves. The EP's fusion of dark disco, electro, and breakbeat elements results in a cohesive and engaging listening experience.
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Facing forward with Mindsight's 'Source'

Mindsight, AKA Joshua Neumann, hails from Munich, Germany. At 22 years old, he’s been making quite a stir in European and US music scenes. With a varied discography of EP’s, tracks, and remixes, Mindsight melds genre and sounds into his own concoctions. From cavernous synths, deep bass, and hard hitting rhythms, to vibrant and spacious downtempo, Mindsight stares fiercely forward into the future and is one to keep an ear out for in 2019 and beyond. 

Their latest track ‘Source’ opens with an arpeggiating synth, building with a harmonic underlayer before promptly dropping into a syncopated, swing heavy percussion typically associated with UK Garage. Sharp vocal cuts punch through the groove with sass. Utilizing long breaks and deep swelling bass to rally energy, the track concludes with all elements peaking in a melancholic drift. Just as apt for deep home listening as it is on a murky late night dancefloor.

Pre-order the whole EP- W___

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Robot Orchestra leads the way to space with 'Strange Beauty'

Like a rocket launching to space, brand-new German label Block Opera hits us with a kick-off compilation titled ‘Cosmic Void’. Seemingly inspired by the Voyager spacecraft’s iconic golden records, a send-off to would-be extra-terrestrials, Cosmic Void collects tracks from artists from around Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, to be pulled from the march of time and held in posterity for some unknown future. The compilation releases the 5th of July, but today we get a sneak peak at one of the tracks, Robot Orchestra’s ‘Strange Beauty’.

Germany’s thriving beat scene can trace its roots back to LA in a myriad of ways, but the track from Cologne producer Robot Orchestra, ‘Strange Beauty’, seems almost directly connected to the sound that was defined by the recently-defunct institution Low End Theory. Artists such as Lorn and Dorian Concept spring to mind, the latter of whom is also Austrian himself. The beats have a west coast swagger, the lead synth is pure retro-space-future, and the harmonies are sidechained to the moon and back for a lurching composition that certainly lives up to the Robot Orchestra moniker. If, like Sun Ra, space is your place, give a listen to Strange Beauty above, and keep an eye out for the full compilation from Block Opera, dropping digitally and on double-LP vinyl, 5 July 2019.

— review by @autonomy

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David Löhlein delivers broody, driving goodness in 'Exo'

Title: Exo EP Label: Gynoid Audio Release date: 27.05.2019 Tracklist: 1. Exo 2. Lana One 3. Prurient Times Buy at: https://www.beatport.com/release/exo-ep/2584776

David Löhlein is a producer, DJ and promoter from Stuttgart Germany. Starting his love affair with music at twelve years old by playing the trumpet, his passion for music grew into full realization when he discovered electronic music in his late teens. From there he decided to become an active member of his community by throwing events before developing into a well rounded DJ and producer. You can find many of his releases on; Vision Ekstae, Gynoid Audio, Translucent, and Counter Pulse. 

David has crafted a trademark sound for deep and dark driving techno and In his latest title track from his ‘Exo’ Ep, David delivers a groover that is perfect for building tension and atmosphere in any big room setting. ‘Exo’ would not be out of place on a release run from labels such as Bush, Blueprint and Drumcode back in their heyday in the mid-late 90s. ‘Exo’ is full of warmth while remaining broody and full of purpose. Field recorded ambient sounds give a sense of danger while the chopped and delayed vocal offers a sultry and grounding release from the darker elements giving the track a well rounded feel while still being singular in its intension to forge atmosphere.

‘Exo’ working perfectly as a reliable builder for moments before you plan to take the roof off the place. A solid release from a consistent producer who has a strong focus on delivering exciting, high energy, dynamic techno. Perfect for your library of weekend bangers. 

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Robot Koch delivers an elevated piece of emotive electronica in 'Movement I'

Movement I, a song by Robot Koch, Julien Marchal on Spotify

Robot Koch is a Berlin born, Los Angeles based artist/composer who has cultivated a dream list of career achievements that would humble most successful artists these days. I could easily write pages about the gigs, collabs, labels, and awards but instead will leave this upto the inquisitive reader. I will however reference a quote from the late John Peel who described his music as “Strange and wonderful pop music from the future” because it’s a good segue into my impressions of his music. 

‘Movement I’ is simply a highly emotive piece of electronica that grabs you from the first note and wraps it's arms around you in the most intense embrace and doesn’t let go until it’s last phrase. The opening three repeating notes almost have the same reverence as a John Williams or Carpenter theme. There is something profound and transcendent about the repeating notes and their effect on our senses. While it would be easy to reference the impact of this kind of notation from such iconic, classic 70’s horror sound tracks it wouldn’t be an accurate comparison because these theme tunes are minimalistic and draw on a sparse sensibility to create tension and dread. ‘Movement I’ does quite the opposite, it creates warmth, melancholy and hope. Offset from the somber melody and opening urgency are lush layers of reversed vocals, soaring synth lines and flourishes of orchestral rapture that whisk you into a frenzy until it’s abrupt end. What you are left with is a piece of electronica that has the emotional range of a film score while being rooted in genre production styles that gives a piece of music like ‘Movement I’ that kind of awe that warrants all of the above dream list achievements. 

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Sublime simplicity from Berlin Composer Jonas Hain

WIth the almost unlimited sonic possibilities at the fingertips of today’s producers it’s refreshing to hear a composer go back to the basics of strictly expressive instrumentation and emotive musicality. And this is exactly what 27 year old Berlin based composer and pianist does with his recent track MMXV.

Originally written for a director friend’s film project with an imminent deadline, the track was quickly composed in 2015 over a single night of spontaneous creative composition. Afterwards, Jonas still felt that something was missing, so he recorded a synth and added a bassline to serve as the counterpoint to the stark, organic piano arrangement.

Although just a brief 2 and a half minutes long, MMXV serves as an excellent introduction into the music of the young German composer. Emotive piano notes fall like a blanket of fresh snow as the electronic counterpoint provides some synthesized heat. Excellent use of panning as the piano and synth lines communicate back and forth for a memorable lesson in sublime simplicity.

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Tape-tinged techno from audio/visual creative- Daniel Brandt

Daniel Brandt, co-founder of acclaimed German ensemble Brandt Brauer Frick, is set to release his second solo album via Erased Tapes on October 12th. Called 'Channels', the new record follows the release of the London and Berlin based producer’s solo debut Eternal Something from 2017. Pre-order 'Channels' on LP/CD/DL: https://www.erasedtapes.com/release/eratp113-daniel-brandt-channels The seven-track LP is Brandt’s biggest statement yet, with the album’s thrilling avant-garde framework interweaving chord-driven techno, orchestral flourishes, rich electronic textures and hints of dark cinematic pop. Following on from Eternal Something, which captured a contemplative kind of isolationism, with Channels Brandt set out to create an album that captures the essence of minimalism whilst lending it to a more playful context. Intricate floor-filler and lead track ‘Flamingo’ synthesises the measured pacing of Detroit techno with an orchestral background. As with all of the tracks on Channels, ‘Flamingo’ began life as a sketch with very basic instrumentation, before taking it into the studio to rehearse with his band members, giving the album a live and visceral sound that sets it apart from his debut; “It was a great experience to do it this way as I have always wanted to have the chance to try out something in a live setting before recording it in the studio and not the other way round,” explains Daniel. “The actual typical rock band recording style that I never had the chance to do before.” With Brandt also being skilled as a filmmaker, directing and producing visuals for BBF and Eternal Something, much of the new album’s creative ideas reference a rich visual palette. He directed the video for ‘Flamingo’, a sideways glance at the art world that takes the concept behind John Cage’s 4’33” and turns it on its head. “The video for Flamingo is deliberately non performance — people sitting in a room and watching basically nothing, never really sure if anything is ever going to happen. It’s also a play on John Cage’s 4’33”, except in this instance there isn’t even a performer present.” — Daniel Brandt Daniel’s passion for film even prompted him to kick start his own online television channel Strrr.tv in 2017 that since attracted a lot of attention with guest moderators including BBC Radio DJ Gilles Peterson, modular synth legend Suzanne Ciani and Berghain bouncer Sven Marquardt counting amongst the most popular episodes. Recorded between Berlin and London, Channels is a deeply enthralling listening experience, which sees Daniel Brandt build upon his distinctive percussive sound whilst exploring new and expansive horizons. Praise for Daniel’s previous album, Eternal Something: “Propulsive, tense, and entirely mesmerizing” 7.6 — Pitchfork “An evocative ray of multi-instrumentalism” 9/10 — DJ Mag “A fizz bomb of overlapping ideas” — Record Collector “Utterly abstract and wholly melodic” — Clash “A cracker” — Electronic Sound Released by: Erased Tapes Records Ltd. Release date: 12 October 2018 P-line: ℗ 2018 Erased Tapes Records Ltd.

London / Berlin based filmmaker, composer, and musician- Daniel Brandt, is set to release his second full length solo album ‘Channels’ on October 12th via London imprint- Erased Tapes. As co-founder of the infamous ‘Brandt Brauer Frick’ trio which has been dubbed by the BBC as “concert hall compositions for the clubbing generation”, Brandt is no stranger to intricate and impeccably executed studio productions and live music performances. As both a filmmaker and musician, this multi-disciplinary creative approach ensures an inventive and original artistic output where boundaries are blurred and inspiration spontaneous.

Take the most immersive, club-ready track ‘Sailboats III’ from the album for example. As Brandt explains:

“The song is named after a painting by Roy Lichtenstein which is not one of his typical ones but rather a kind of abstract cubist painting of sailboats on the sea. I wanted to make a song that feels like an electrified sailing voyage and tried to imitate the feeling of this imagined trip.”

This type of cross-disciplinary creative communication is a common thread throughout the album, with many of the tracks referencing rich visual palettes. The blossoming cosmos of ‘Cherry Dream’ is informed by Tangerine Dream’s iconic soundtrack to the film Risky Business, a compelling reinterpretation of Love On A Real Train replete with darker, electronic elements and live orchestration. ‘Daze’, co-written with guitarist Pascal Bideau, chimes with an acoustic melody and is carried by a rhythmic percussive pulse, whilst the understated ‘Ltd’ was stylistically inspired by Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint.

As we can see the album draws from a variety of sources and creative ideas, but still manages to remain original and organic, with an almost effortless spontaneity to it. Perhaps Lichtenstein said it best when he stated “Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms”.

Pre-order ‘Channels’ over on the Erased Tapes Bandcamp

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New release from Cristian Vogel's live-to-tape alias 'NEL'

Taken from 'Jelly Vision EP' by NEL released 7 September on EPMmusic... Cristian Vogel reprises his NEL pseudonym for a second EP on EPMmusic to follow ‘Gaussi Fighter EP’ at the start of the year. His studio work as NEL is a departure from his more experimental album and sound design compositions and while these will continue, NEL tracks bear a closer resemblance to Cristian’s earlier production style, delivering tougher beats and rhythmic textures primarily using Modular synths in a hands on, improvised live-to-tape process. His ‘Jelly Vision EP’ opens with the statically charged ‘Tyrkisk Peber’, hot and peppery like it’s sweet namesake. Then, like a dawn awakening, the beat-driven ‘Equinox’ follows, while its deepness is juxtaposed by the shimmering brightness of ‘118 Days’. The EP ends with the hypnotic ‘Jelly Vision Dub’ and its penetrative sonic frequencies, to close another stunning EP from this masterful producer.

Vogel first came to prominence in the techno scene when he issued two EPs on Dave Clarke's Magnetic North Records label in 1994. After further solo EPs and collaborations with emerging UK techno artists such as Neil Landstrumm and Dave Tarrida, Vogel released his debut full-length, Beginning to Understand, in 1994 on Mille Plateaux, and subsequently became the first UK techno artist to be signed to Berlin's Tresor Records. He also started the vinyl only label ‘Mosquito’ with Si Begg, on which he released both his own music and other artists', and is considered to be one of the main founders of the No-Future collective that was active in Brighton during the mid-nineties. Alongside Jamie Lidell, he formed the group Super Collider, who released two albums and Cristian also sang and played guitar in his band project Night of the Brain, whilst continuing to maintain a presence on the underground techno scene. 

Over a 20-year career, Vogel has been sought after as a remixer and album producer, having worked with artists such as Radiohead, Maxïmo Park, Chicks on Speed, and Thom Yorke. With further studio albums released on Novamute in the late noughties and albums for Sub Rosa, his most recent run of ‘techno’ productions culminated in a trilogy of long-players for Shitkatapult, ending with ‘The Assistenz’ in 2016. 

His NEL project (NeverEngine Labs) was launched at the beginning of 2018 on EPMMusic, which has seen Cristian develop a different studio process to his album work and recent sound design compositions. While work under his own name will continue to explore new stylistic and experimental territories, the NEL tracks bear a closer resemblance to his earlier production style. The new pen name will be used for studio sessions created in a hands on, live-to-tape process primarily using Modular synths. “The sound is characterized by analog rhythms, textures and beats with an improvised flow.”

This spirit of improvisation and raw rhythms are summed up perfectly in his recent release ‘Jelly Vision EP.’ 4 tracks of live and eclectic recordings from Vogel’s studio, rich in rough, uncut textures, rhythms and soundscapes. The release skillfully balances spontaneity with coherent arrangements, clever sound design, and undeniable infectious grooves. Vogel proves with his ‘NEL’ alias that going back to basics is not only about drawing from the past, but is equally about the limitless creative potential of the future.

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Idm-tinged ambient-techno from German duo 'qrauer'

Aracus EP (NR 05) Released 13 july 2018 on Nonostar Records http://www.smarturl.it/qrauer_aracus

Creating a variety of left leaning electronica, from micro house to ambient techno, Christian Grochau and Ludwig Bauer aka qrauer are a breath of fresh air in the often formulaic world of modern dance music. With a 4/4 framework driving their tracks, the duo’s productions are heavy on lush sound design and sonic experimentation while remaining reined in enough to sit comfortably within an eclectic DJ set.

With both Christian and Ludwig coming from strong musical backgrounds, Christian being a virtuosic percussionist and Ludwig being a skilled pianist, composer and multi-instrumentalist, the two are able to find the perfect balance between danceable musicality and genre pushing electronic aesthetics.

Their debut EP ‘Aracus’ fully harnesses the duo’s creative powers and concentrates them into 4 tracks of organic sidewinder rhythms and awe-inspiring moments of cinematic brilliance. Brokebone is the concluding track of the album, with an off-kilter chorus of impressively honed percussive elements and richly coloured brutish leads, the track wraps up the EP nicely while leaving us hungry for the next sonic ‘tour de force’ from the ingenious German duo.

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