baze.djunkiii Charts 06/2k23

01. Arbitrary Demons - Endzeit [Dubplate]
Cooked up by baze.djunkiii and Sascha Müller as the first ever outing of their new project Arbitrary Demons in the last days of 2k22 and cut on dubplate exclusively for the forthcoming BETA-ZERFALL event "Endzeit" is taking us all the way back to the late 80s / early 90s, drawing inspiration from Belgian NuBeat, early Techno, EBM and Agreppo at a staggering 116bpm whilst weaving in a good portion of tongue-in-cheek attitude with its over the top German vocal bits. Set and signed for a full vinyl release via Cheezy Crust Records in late 2k23.

02. L.S.G. - Blueprint E.P. [Superstition Records]
It's been almost 30 years since Oliver Lieb released his "Blueprint E.P." under his L.S.G. moniker and this recent re-issue on most beautiful translucent turquoise-blue marbled vinyl proves that those early Trance tunes still stand the test of time, with "Hearts" bringing forth a dreamy and yearning, slightly distorted synth motif for highly emotional moments on the dancefloors whilst the super-classic "Blueprint (Version 1)" provides equally floating early morning Trance layers for a touching flashback to the raving 90s. Essential.

03. The Smile - A Light For Catching Attention [XL Recordings]
Thom Yorke's new band project The Smile debuts with vinyl double album filled with beautifully tender, slightly washed out Indie and some hints of PostPunk mixed in with the more uptempo cuts of which especially "Thin Thing" and "We Don' Know What Tomorrow Brings" as well as the cinematic beatless take "Waving A White Flag" and the tender "Skrting On The Surface" will find their way into yours trulys DJ sets covering this specific sonic field. Unfortunately the second disc is pressed quite poorly with audible distortion on several tunes and visible matrix x dirt wear all over the record which indicates that quality control is not really doing good job with rushed quasi-major large quantity pressings these days.

04. Wunder & Nei.N - Meine Schwester Sagt: Das Werde Ich Nie Wieder Los. Unerträglich Traurig! [W&N 001]
Art School Industrial? Check. Quirky Lo-fi Electronics paired with twisted lyrics? Check. Self-released DIY madness of doom from the deepest vaults of the German underground? Check. We don't have any idea or further information about the heritage of this record or what kind of spaced out drugs the artists invlvd are on but if you've ever heard, and liked, the first ever limited one-sided demo tape of the Hamburg-based HGich.T collective you might've goz a clue what you're getting yourself into with this one. #DAFUQ ?

05. PVNCTVM - Armand [Hauch Records 035]
See review for details...

06. -

07. -

08. -

09. -

10. -

Xotox - Die Strömung Der Welt [Infacted Recordings Promo]

Released via Infacted Recordings on May 5th, 2k23 as the next digital precursor to the new upcoming Xotox album is "Die Strömung Der Welt" - another new musical outing celebrating the 25th anniversary of the long-standing project this year. Opening with "Die Strömung Der Welt *Single Version" Xotox caters a complex and distorted, yet surprisingly groove-orientated take on grinding Industrial Techno garnished with occasional trademark movie samples, intricate modular arrangements and Noize eruptions, subsequently followed by "Erkenntnis *Ziguo Chen Remix" which could be best described as an ultimate Agreppo x EuroRave hybrid for laser-lit peaktime floors. Furthermore the "[PSI] *Areal Kollen Mix" brings forth uptempo Industrial Rave heat and a barrage fire of thundering mid-low bass eruptions probably generated from mutated hoover signals turned into alien ammunition for primetime DJ sets whilst "Die Strömung Der Welt *Extended Album Version" finally caters a galopping fusion of Industrial brutalism and heavy quasi Drum'n'Bass double time influences before transforming into clean, yet claustrophobic Industrial Techno soundtrack for the looming apocalypse. This is combat music.

Various Artists - This Is Zologo Beat [Makkum Records 035 / Red Wig 060]

Put out on the circuit on April 7th, 2k23 is "This Is Zologo Beat", the latest coop release between the ever active imprints Makkum Records and Red Wig and another various artists compilation coverage of the musical developments in Ghana's Upper East region. Subtitled 'a new dance compilation from Ghana, Upper East' the ten tracks and 35 minutes spanning album focuses on the relatively fresh Zologo Beat movement most popular in and around the cities of Bongo and Bolgatanga, drawing elements and inspiration from the traditional music of the Fare Fare tribe whilst amalgamating these with modern synths and creative, oftentime Fruity Loops-based production techniques to a well catchy and uplifting result, from the groovy call-and-response chants of Sammy's opener "Tu Daana" to the electronic banging Urban Uptempo madness of Fadester's "Guru Anowuu", the melodic autotune romanticism of Prince Buju's "Life Is A Mission", the driving, snare-focused riddim vibes of Ramond's "Agana Sela Tufu Malla" and the raw and groovy lo-fi dancefloor power provided by FCL's "Zom Koom" just to name a few. Defo a thrilling selection for collectors of contemporary African music, this.

Album artwork on Instagram!

P.T.B.S. - Abstract Emotions (Insane Industry Recordings)

INSANE INDUSTRY RECORDINGS · 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 | P.T.B.S. - Abstract Emotions [IN10FD]

A banging, yet still well atmospheric Rave Techno affair cooked up by our man Ufuk Özbayar a.k.a. P.T.B.S.. Go check!

01.06.2023 baze.djunkiii presents Nacht Aus Beton Volume 2 @ Radio Flouka / Paris, France

„Nacht Aus Beton“ - the second time around and therefore the second tribute to what used to be a monthly Tuesday-night residency for Radio Flouka-resident baze.djunkiii at Hamburg's former Meanie Bar, an offshoot of the famed Indie-venue Molotow back in the days. Brimming with energy and vibes this new 2k23 broadcast iteration of „Nacht Aus Beton“ takes us way beyond the boundaries of regular electronic club music with a spine-tingling selection touching on French Minimal Wave as well as contemporary SynthPop, PostPunk, classic German New Wave, Industrial and many things beyond hand picked from baze.djunkiii's vast and deep vinyl archive.

decks: baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / El Caballo Semental]

file under: Synthwave / Industrial / SynthPop / PostPunk / New Wave

transmission time: 22oo - 23oo GMT+1

get locked via Radio Flouka
Paris

Fendika & K-Sanchis - Gojo [121234.Records]

Released recently via the well cryptically named imprint 121234.Records is "Gojo", the first ever collaboration album cooked up by sax player Jeroen Visser and Ethiopian dancer and cultural ambassador Melaku Belay alongside a nine piece strong set of contributing musicians, all working together under the name of Fendika & K-Sanchis. Together, the ensemble presents a set of nine brand new tracks rolled out over the course of roughly 54 minutes, fusing the innate melancholia of traditional EthoJazz with uplifting African chants, meandering Afrobeat elements, infectious grooves and a highly joyful lust for life which provides proper dancefloor heat from the get-go with cuts like "Paean" adding bits of Funk-infused oriental mystique to the mix whereas "Adage" pays homage to more of a swingin' Jazz vibe right before "Era" drifts off into deep and dreamy DesertJazz realms and "Longing" even lays down a dramatic, almost Bollywood-worthy groove monster just to name a few even more outstanding tunes embedded in this highly recommended sonic ocean of greatness. Get!

Album artwork on Instagram!

Manga Saint Hilare - Save Yourself

Manga Saint Hilare · Save Yourself

Absolutely clean Grime shit. Pure fire.

The D3VI7 - Death Of Cultures *Epic No Vocal Mix [Dancefloor Socialism 017 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via Dancefloor Socialism as their cat.no. 017 on January 16th, 2k23 is "Death Of Cultures *Epic No Vocal Mix", a digital one track single cooked up by The D3VI7 who's presenting one well extended cut here which indeed is stretched out over a little more than 21 minutes overall. With this being a statement in and of itself the musical tone set by The D3VI7 presents, after a well crafted and arranged intro sequence, a hammering and surely relentless array of marching, reverberating Techno drums accompanied by percussive Tribal hits of doom, continuously modulated and filtered hi-hats, clean, hypnotic synth motifs, mystic, large scale Progressive bass pulses and ever tripping Acid lines set and ready to transport your inner self to the next level of universal conciousness. This is a trip.

Violeta Vicci - Cavaglia [Fabrique Records 110]

Put out on the circuit via Fabrique Records on April 14th, 2k23 is "Cavaglia", the latest full length album outing by contemporary violin player Violeta Vicci, a multifaceted and ever active artist who's been working, in some way or the other, with household names like Thom Yorke, Ellie Goulding, The Orb and Fontaines D.C. whilst also leaving a mark in the Contemporary Classical world as well. With "Cavaglia", seven tracks and 39 minutes strong, Violeta Vicci is fusing oftentimes elegic, elegant, ever floating and beautifully arranged Classical melodies with additional, yet sparse electronic background textures to a result oozing with such a grandeur and grandiosity almost matching the overwhelming beauty and landscape of the Swiss alpine valley Violeta Vicci grew up and probably wrote the most part of her album in, also reflected in the albums excellent cover photograph taken and rendered by the artist herself. Epic.

Album artwork on Instagram

Beatings Are In The Body - Beatings Are In The Body [For The Living And The Dead]

Scheduled for release via a label going by the excellent name of For The Living And The Dead on May 26th, 2k23 is "Beatings Are In The Body", the self-titled album debut of the experimentalist Canadian group that is Beatings Are In The Body. Over the course of 12 pieces and a total playtime of roughly 47 minutes the group, comprised of Erica Angell, Roisin Admas and Peggy Lee, rolls out a series of beautiful and tentative songs from the get go, starting with somewhat folksy and rural Chamber Ensemble Pop cut that is "Blurry", followed by the quite uplifting, bleepy and tongue-in-cheek Novelty instrumental "Triploop" whereas "Cottage Rounds" focuses on the unscathed naturalist beauty of a combination of piano and violin which takes a surprising turn after a swell of noises drowns out the initial melodic approach of this cut. Furthermore we see cuts like "Rainbow" combine tender, yet cascading pianos with a creaky, avantgarde-leaning take on Contemporary Classical music and highly expressionistic lyricism, "Unfetter" uncovers a jazzier facet of Beating Are In The Body's sonic spectrum before the subsequent "5.5. Prayer / Tree" goes full on enchanted minimalism and could well accompany some kind of theatrical stage play, "Her Hands" pays tribute to great, jazzed out Broadway anthems of yore in a certain way whilst "Dog Moon" enters a state of large scale panoramic melancholia garnished with tender Spoken Word lyrics just to name a few. A most beautiful release, this one, and one one should defo enjoy with a significant other close by.

Avenue Azure - Avenue Azure [Ensemble Klang Records 013]

Put out on the circuit on March 31st, 2k23 via Ensemble Klang Records is "Avenue Azure", the self-titled album by the duo of the same name comprised of Pete Harden and Saskia Langhoorn who are fusing electric guitar, piano, voice and electronics over the course of six brand new compositions and a total of approx. 43 minutes playtime. Opening with the beautiful, slightly washed out Indietronica cut "Avenue Pasteur" built from sparse, yet overwhelming bass movements and hovering, ghostly Piano repetitions as well as twangy echoes of echoes of inward-looking Post-Folk allures the duo sets the pace for things to come like the organic Ambient meanderings of "Early Black" which drift and shift like the bed of large river stream over the course of millenia, the calming, minimalist bass drones at the foundation of "Cyane's Message" and the lost and dreamy (neo)classical piano etudes of the "River Chorale" whereas "Saguaro Blossom" pairs twangy, slide guitar resembling swells, minimalist piano tones and distant thunders to create a bit of a spine-tingling atmosphere whilst the concluding cut that is "Dark Tenderness" dives deep into an amalgamation of atmospheric crackles, cascading pianos and ethereal non-vocalisms for a closing. Stunningly tender and beautiful. Recommended.

Album artwork on Instagram!

baze.djunkiii Chart Haul 05/2k23

PVNCTVM - Armand [Hauch Records 035]

Coming in from the Düsseldorf-based Hauch Records imprint these days is "Armand", the April 14th, 2k23 released album debut by Kaspar Clemens' PVNCTVM project which comes at us in two limited editions with 100 copies of black and gold vinyl respectively. Presenting two extended compositions "Armand Pt. I & Pt. II" rolled out over the course of pretty much exactly 40 minutes and therefore nearly maxing out the reasonable capacities of the vinyl format PVNCTVM aims for a sonic approach best described as Deep Listening Music, amalgamating a steady flow of atmospheric crackles with tender and brittle Ambient harmonies, echoes of otherworldy vocal recordings, lonely piano melodies, ancient FoundSounds and tectonic bass drones, partially accompanied by sequences of washed out, glacial electroacoustics, Field Recordings and even cinematic, well melancholia-inducing DarkAmbient sequences all falling together to create a deep, collage'esque and storytelling late night listening journey for all sorts of Ambient and score lovers out there. If that's you, you need to check this out for a reason.

Listen Again: baze.djunkiii presents W.hat A.bout H.ouse Volume 12 @ Radio Flouka / Paris (04.05.2023)

Radio Flouka راديو فلوكة · baze.djunkiii presents W.hat A.bout H.ouse Volume 12 - 04/05/2023

Various Artists - 20y20k [20kbps Records]

Released via the Swiss netlabel 20kbps Records on December 27th, 2k22 is "20y20k", a well massive 23 tracks and roughly 115 minutes spanning anniversary compilation covering a wide and wildly varied selection of mostly LoBit-induced cuts cooked up by what could be called a label all star roster of artists including the likes of Jimmy Slaughter, Origami Repetika, Sascha Müller, Goto80, Toxic Chicken, Larsht, Stereo Realist and many more which present a mostly heavy, yet obviously bit rate reduced, musical journey ranging from blasting Happy Hardcore and Rave to looped, monotonous and mind-numbing Rhythm Industrial x Electronica x Jazz crossovers, uplifting Piano Industrial collages, dynamically unhinged Anarchcore, super cheesy lo-fi Computer Game Space Rock, even deep and bleepy Intelligent Techno as well as super gnarly, improvised vintage bassline warpings, trippy LoBit Reggae hypertrash, slighty kitsch-y, yet magnificient panoramic Ambient cuts and things way beyond which makes "20y20k" one of the most interesting digital compilation releases we've heard in a while. Go check.

Otwinowski / Sikorski / Witkowski - Spalona Ziemia [Gusstaff Records Promo]

Put out on the circuit via the ever active Polish label Gusstaff Records on May 19th, 2k23 is "Spalona Ziemia", the latest, roughly 44 minutes spanning, collaborative album released by the artistic triumvirate of Marek Otwinowski, Michal Sikorski and Marcin Witkowski. Based in Wroclaw the trio presents a sonic approach that fuses a variety of probably Jazz associated #irl instruments with various preparation techniques and a set of experimental electronic devices to create their version of 'scorched earth' - at least this is what the albums title translates to - which chooses violence in Improv from the get-go with "Tank II" bringing forth a heavy and muscular take on stop-and-go Industrial x Metal eruptions which find their continuation in the straighter, FreeJazz-infused "Tank I" subsequently whilst the "Soundbox" gravitates to experimental electro-acoustics and sound collage techniques, "△ Mo" combines nocturnal brooding atmospheres with tentative FreeJazz x JazzImprov followed by the more DarkJazz-leaning "△ Ms" and its droning, ever so overwhelming bassline pulses. Additionally, and further down the line, "Tank IX" harks back to a straight up bulldozer of an audio assault with its in your face low-pitch Industrial Metal meets saxophone torture before "Etnograf" rounds things off on a nervous, spine-tingling, yet tentative and increasingly romantic Improv tip once more just to name a few. Heavy.

09.06.2023 BETA-ZERFALL @ Nachtasyl / Hamburg

file under: PostPunk / ElectroPunk / (No)Wave / Industrial / IndieElectro + more

decks:
baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / El Caballo Semental / The Absence Of Light]
Herr Brandt [Sonnenbrandt / Damaged Goods / The Convent]

doors: 10 P.M.
RSVP: Facebook event

BETA-ZERFALL For people. Not Consumers.

Nach dem wunderbaren Nachtasyl Debut der quasi-legendären BETA-ZERFALL Reihe Ende März setzen baze.djunkiii & Herr Brandt kurz vor Einsetzen der alljährlichen Sommerlethargie ihre thermonuklear angetriebene Reise durch die Nacht in einer der zweifelsohne schönsten Locations der Stadt fort. Und ihr könnt dabei sein!

Angetrieben von einem eklektischen Vinyl-Cocktail aus PostPunk, (No)Wave, ElectroPunk, SynthPop, Industrial, IndieElectro und artverwandten Sounds befeuern die beiden altgedienten DJ-Veteranen die Tanzfläche mit legendären Underground-Favorites, Alltime-Klassikern und allerlei raren, seltsamen oder auch pressfrisch veröffentlichten Vinylscheiben aus ihren frisch polierten Plattenkisten.

Und wo mehr als 50 Jahre Erfahrung an den Decks zusammentreffen wundert es nicht, dass sich die Kreaturen der Nacht auch zu Klängen und Songs bewegen, die jenseits des BETA-ZERFALL nur sehr vereinzelt den Weg in den Playlisten einschlägiger Clubs, DJ's und Events finden.

Denn BETA-ZERFALL ist seit mehr als zehn Jahren das Synonym für einen in dieser Form fast einzigarten Crossover zwischen Indie- / PostPunk- / Goth-Disco und der technisch versierten Mixkunst der elektronischen Clubkultur, die Zusammenkunft von Track-Ansatz und Songstruktur, Brücke zwischen musikalischen Welten und ein immer wieder neu aufbrodelnder Melting Pot aus Soundstrukturen, der sich trotz klarer konzeptioneller Ausrichtung keiner Szene zuordnen lässt. Und lassen will.

Der Hamburger DJ baze.djunkiii ist seit 25 Jahren umtriebig in Sachen vorwiegend elektronischer Musik, mit seinem Label El Caballo Semental unter Anderem verantwortlich für die 7“ Single Wiederveröffentlichung des Hits „Suicide Commando“ der Kieler Kultband NO MORE und hat mit einem in Kürze erscheinenden Death Ambient-Remix für den Industrial / EBM / HardTechno-Act Xotox und einem für Herbst geplanten Vinylrelease des neuen NuBeat / Agreppo-Projektes Arbitrary Demons zur Zeit zwei heisse Eisen im szeneübergreifenden Feuer.

Herr Brandt hingegen, ebenfalls ein Urgestein der Hamburger Szene, ist als Veranstalter der Partyreihe Damaged Goods seit vielen Jahren als Vorreiter des mittlerweile im grossen Stile gezündeten PostPunk Revivals aktiv, regelmässig hinter den Plattentellern verschiedenster hanseatischer Clubs zu finden und bespielt als Musiker seit Jahrzehnten mit stilprägenden Bands und Projekten wie The Convent, Sonnenbrandt und The Promise Clubs, Venues und Festivals in ganz Europa.

Save the date!

Nachtasyl
Alstertor 1
20095 Hamburg
Germany

Elizabeth Reid / Alison Bruce Cerutti - Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger [Redshift Records]

Released via the Canadian Redshift Records imprint on February 3rd, 2k23 is "Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger", the new collaborational album effort by viola player Elizabeth Reid and pianist Alison Bruce Cerutti who're taking on compositions by famed Canadian composer and musical hallmark figure David Jaeger on this album. These pieces, written within a period from 1980 to 2021, offer an introduction to the sonic world of the manifold composer, opening with the Classical romanticism and touching, wide spread melodies of "Tristan And Isolde" whereas the subsequent "Sonata No. 1 For Viola And Piano" presents a more light-headed and frolicking approach with interesting, somewhat sneaky call and response sequences going on between the two instruments, later on with a more dramatic twist, whilst the "Constable And The Spirit Of The Clouds" brings forward a certain sense of gravitas and drama ocasionally accompanied by cheekily plucked violin strings and certainly unexpected electronic tweaks contributing, despite being minute addition, largely to the fascination of this specific piece just to name a few. One for the avid collector of Contemporary Classical music, this.

Album artwork on Instagram!

häk / Philipp Danzeisen - häk / Danzeisen [Karlrecords 105 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via Karlrecords on April 28th, 2k23 is "häk / Danzeisen", the full length collaboration album debut conceived by Berlin-based producer Bernd Norbert Würtz and Essen-born drummer Philipp Danzeisen. Together, the duo caters a conceptual sonic journey rolled out over a total of four tracks and 38 minutes playtime, combining an acoustic, yet enhanced drum kit with modular synthesizers and self-built electronic devices to create a sensory high-alert situation combining alarming, hyperintense electronic frequencies and eruptive, thundering drum rolls in the opening piece "Aufwärts" whereas the subsequent "Kurve (Part I & II)" follows an even more muscular and more complex, Mathrock x Metal infused path despite being comprised solely of drums and modular bleeps. Furthermore "Abwärts" is upping the intensity game with immensely fast drum roll outbursts announcing a fiery age of doom and apocalypse before turning towards somewhat folkloristic Tribal pulses of yore whilst the closing cut that is "Ungerade" presents a combination of experimental electro-acoustic soundscapes, eerie atmospheres, tectonic drones, defo terrifying and soul eating sound warps as well as heavy Industrial Noize episodes alongside brutal, yet relatively stripped down DoomJazz x Illbient drums and therefore could end up as our favorite composition on this one. Super intense. Not for the faint hearted.

Johann Schwengel - Manhattan EP [Fresscode Records 013 Promo]

Another relatively fresh release put out via Fresscode Records as their cat.no. 013 is Johann Schwengel's "Manhattan EP", a three track single that has been available on the digital circuit since March 16th, 2k23. With the title track "Manhattan" Johann Schwengel caters a surprising combination of stomping, highly compressed Techno beats and tender ethereal atmospheric layerings followed by the deep intelligent TechnoHouse groove of "Springbreak" whereas the closing cut that is "3" presents dark and twisted, ver stumbling BrokenTechno foundation as a backing for ravey reverse synths, filtered hi-hats and a plethora of curious Intelligent Techno bleeps for extended late night bunker sessions.

Der Schwarze Adel - Fuck Society EP [Psychocandies 102 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via the long-standing Psychocandies label on February 24th, 2k23 is the "Fuck Society EP", the first digital two track single on the imprint produced by Der Schwarze Adel. Opening with the title track "Fuck Society" the project provides an injection of solid contemporary Acid-infused Rave Techno for heaving peaktime floors whilst the second cut, named "When The Truth Is Found To Be Lies", follows on a well similar path, yet adds some looped female microvox samples to the highly functional recipe.

the_empath - Black Hole [Audiophob 042]

Coming in from the long-standing Audiophob label these days is "Black Hole", the latest full length album conceived by Mike Erkau a.k.a. the_empath who's been active in the electronic music scene under this moniker since 1999. Released on April 21st, 2k23 the new album, housed in a beautiful DVD-format casing, provides a new load of ten new tracks rolled out over a total runtime of 63 minutes, all of them more or less space-themed in terms of their titles which conceptually runs well with the sonic approach presented by the_empath who, starting with the opener "Darkstar", a collaboration effort with Heimstatt Yipotash, explores as a somewhat retrofuturist, yet thrilling universe defined by sci-fi-leaning ChillOut and Space Ambient, deep, floating and playful Electro structures, dark'ish, yet highly atmospheric Deep Listening Music as well as panoramic arrangements for advanced late night dancefloors ("Lost Your Cygnal"), cascading Ambient ("Star Cradle"), tender and dreamy IDM arrangements ("Hypernova") and even some large scale romanticisms for star rises observed on planets far far away ("Southern Hemisphere"). One for dedicated space lovers, fans of the legendary former German TV program HR3 Spacenight and x or avid collectors of slightly retrofuturist Ambient x Synth music.

Brad Henkel - Croon [Neither / Nor Records 021]

Released via New York City-based label Neither / Nor Records on March 3rd, 2k23 is "Croon", the first fully flegded full length album outing by Berlin's Brad Henkel, a trumpet player who's appeared on many a release of the course of the past 15+ years or so. Now on a solo tip Henkel presents a total of nine acoustic trumpet pieces rolled out over roughly 43 minutes, starting his journey on a rough and gnarly improv tip with the swirling, highly aggressive opener "Bay" which sets the tone for all Improv / Free Improv things to come, like the subdued microtonal air flows of "Whir", the crooning late night Jazz melancholy of the title track, the eerie, somewhat otherworldy soundscapes bleeding over from the upside down in "Squall" as well as the playful, well balanced FreeJazz exercises in melodic repetition and variation to be found in "Clamor" just to name a few. One for the dedicated and Avantgarde-informed Jazz head, this.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Holy Similaun - Radicor Al Flort, Espert On'ill Erb, Aor Raeti [Kohlhaas 026 Promo]

Scheduled for release on May 26th, 2k23 via the Italian Kohlhaas imprint is "Radicor Al Flort, Espert On'ill Erb, Aor Raeti", the latest mini album x EP release by Trevina-based musician and sound designer Alberto Bertelli under his sonic nom de guerre that is Holy Similaun. Presenting two brand new compositions clocking in at a little under 20 minutes of total playtime Holy Similaun lays down a brooding, threatening, washed out and at times claustrophic amalgamation of UnAmbient and collage techniques, pairing vantablack atmospheres of hyperdoom with brutal, heavily compressed digital Noize eruptions, post-apocalyptic sunrise panoramas as well as slightly reprocessed harp signatures, tender female whispers and episodes of near silence leading into eerie sci-fi scrapings and unstable percussive sounds of unknown, yet well spatial origin alongside atmospheric DarkAmbient to create a probably nightmare-inducing score for those who can take on and handle a fair share of darkness. If Industrial Ambient and x or Illbient are terminologies describing your musical taste fairly well this is one to check out for a reason.

Emiliano Aires & Santiago Bogacz - Retrato Anos Despues [Relative Pitch Records]

Released via the ever buzzing imprint Relative Pitch Records on March 24th, 2k23 is "Retrato Anos Despues", the first ever full length album cooked up by the Uruguay-based duo of Emiliano Aires and Santiago Bogacz which present a quite unusual combination of soprano clarinet and electric guitar on this one, rolled out over the course of nine tracks and 43 minutes total runtime. With individual track lengths varying wildly from under a minute to nearly 12 minutes the duo seems to feel most at home at both ends of the spectrum, presenting both super short and long form pieces which, due to their tentative and improvisational character, should resonate most with an Avantgarde-informed audience gravitating towards experimental FreeJazz, yet showing an inherent appreciation for twangy guitar tones and echoes of echoes of echoes of echoes of Latin influences, a somewhat noir'esque overall tonality and intense climaxes climbing up to cacophonic, probably unnerving to some, heights whilst bringing forward both heavy explorations of the soprano saxophones uppermost frequency range as well as super detailed, yet raw and partially brutal guitar string manipulations. Not for the faint-hearted, this.

Album artwork on Instagram!

X.D.D. - Vol. 05 [X-Static Dance Department 005 Promo]

Put out on the circuit via the label known as X-Static Dance Department on February 19th, 2k23 is "Vol. 05", the fifth digital two track single outing crafted and conceived by the labels head honcho X.D.D.. Opening with "Hard Hit" X.D.D. caters kinda muffled and braincell-twisting Post-AcidGrunge for ketamine-driven, dimly lit basement afterhours whereas the subsequent "Self-Propellered Gun" presents a trippier, more muscular and way more dancefloor functional variation of slighty AcidGrunge-infused and well hypnotic late nite Techno for all those dedicated punters who're in for a proper 24-36 hour non stop dancefloor workout. A timeless and ever spiralling affair this second cut is.

Ingar Zach - Strumento Di Etimo Incerto [Aspen Edities 015]

Put out on the circuit via the Belgium-based avantgarde imprint Aspen Edities on April 21st, 2k23 is "Strumento Di Etimo Incerto", the latest album by Norwegian percussionist and sound researcher Ingar Zach who further continues his exploration of the effect of vibrating speakers on instruments with this one. Pairing vibrating speakers on snare drum, voice, timpani and gran cassa over the course of nine tracks and a total runtime of 44 minutes Ingar Zach summons an unusually nervous, sometimes even hectic sonic landscape built upon a foundation of slow, ever repetetive low end pulses garnished with ever buzzing, almost electrical sounds which resemble sped up microtonal recordings of air flowing through a complex brass instrument, presenting rhythmic implications close to hyersubdued, folksy guitar strumming, crackly and partially uncanny white noise pulses alongside more electrical crackles, modernist takes on Minimal Music x minimal composition and other goodness which tick the boxes of seasoned fans and followers of contemporary avantgarde music even though especially the final cut, "Davoli", requires quite a fair bit of proper equipment to be experienced in all its physicality on the fringes of the actually audible low frequency spectrum.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Bridghde Chaimbeul - Carry Them With Us [Tak:til / Glitterbeat Records]

Put out on the circuit via the Glitterbeat Records offspring Tak:til on April 14th, 2k23 is "Carry Them With Us", the third full length album outing by Scottish smallpipes player Brighde Chaimbeul and her first one for the label so far. Being an awarded spearhead of the smallpipes revival and influential in what is described by the label as Experimental Celtic Music Brighde Chaimbeul teamed up with saxophone player Colin Stetson for a total of nine pieces rolled out over approx. 36 minutes playtime to present a one of a kind sonic journey, amalgamating classic Celtic Folk traditions with a contemporary compositional approach resulting in fascinatingly spiralling cuts like "Tha Fonn Gun Bhi Trom: I Am Disposed Of Mirth", the intense multilayered droning of "Cronan" or the festive, solemn melodic sequences of the traditional "Piobaireachd Nan Eun: The Birds" which, btw, is one of only two full on vocal pieces on this album just to name a few. This is something interesting and different even if smallpipes and Folk related music seem to be far off your beaten musical path. Go check.

Album artwork on Instagram!

Various Artists - Level Radar Impact Volume 1 [Level Radar Records Promo]

Released on April 8th, 2k23 via the Italian imprint Level Radar Records is "Level Radar Records Impact Volume 1", the labels first full on digital werkschau which caters a total of fourteen tracks cooked up by artists associated with the label roster including the likes of Cement Tea, Raver Blaster, Knarz Maschine, Mirage Of Pain, Hallucihate, Low Entropy and many more which cater a musical journey which includes grinding Slow Motion Hardcore, hard-hitting Dark Techno infused by Berlin School Ambient and early morning Trance, dedicated Mainstyle Gabber, spiralling, soul eating and teknival-informed Uptempo goodness, uplifting Dark Rave with a stomping oldskool twist and even epic Freetekno x Anarchcore experimentalism as a worthwhile proof that the underground Hardcore scene is still alive and thriving. Boom.

Alex Zethson - Terje [Supertraditional Records]

Released via Supertraditional Records on April 7th, 2k23 is "Terje", the latest mini-album x EP cooked up by Swedish composer x improviser Alex Zethson who's catering a total of two tracks on this one, covering a playtime of 19 minutes. With both compositions being part of a more extended score composed for Victor Sjöström's 1917 silent film "Terje Vigen", a cinematic piece unknown to us, we see the opening cut "Öja" embark on an absolutely majestic journey, pairing the gravitas of Modern Classical pulse generation with ethereal, non-vocalist choir glissandos whereas the subsequent "Grimstad" presents a more dramatic, yet also slightly more Folk x Nordic Folk-leaning approach to Modern Contemporary Classical composition. Timeless excellence.

Album artwork on Instagram!

15.05.2023 baze.djunkiii presents BETA-ZERFALL Vol. 3 @ CuttersChoiceRadio / London, UK (2300 GMT+1)

And now we're in for something different. For the first time ever since he started to partake and participate, albeit on a irregular basis, in broadcast transmissions aired via London-based station CuttersChoiceRadio baze.djunkiii ventures off the beaten path of electronic club music and pays homage to the mighty BETA-ZERFALL, the groundbreaking event series he launched alongside his partner in DJ crime Herr Brandt more than a decade ago which is still catering a thermonuclear fusion of SynthPop, (No)Wave, Indieelectro, PostPunk, Industrial, ElectroPunk and many things beyond, all played, merged and blended with the knowledge of a long standing club DJ for all adventurous creatures of the night. It is a trip. Enjoy the ride!

Transmission will start at 2200 London time which makes it 2300 GMT+1 for the rest of continental Europe and whatever time it is in your specific area. Get locked!

decks: baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / El Caballo Semental]

file under: New Wave / PostPunk / SynthPop / IndieElectro / Industrial

transmission starts: 2300 GMT+1

get locked via CuttersChoiceRadio

UK + the global internet

User08200140031 - Extra EP [User Recordings 046 Promo]

Released via the mysterious User Recordings imprint on January 27th, 2k23 is the "Extra EP", a digital two track concoction cooked up by User08200140031. Opening with "Untitled 1-1" we see the quasi-anonymous producer provide dry, bubbly and unprocessed uptempo Acid whereas "Untitled 2-1", the second cut on this one, fuses mind-bending anti-grooves and busy, spiralling Acid modulations paying homage to the original Chicago oldskool for those who really know about Jack.

Christopher Butterfield - Souvenir [Redshift Records]

Put out on the circuit via Vancouver's Redshift Records on March 31st, 2k23 is Christopher Butterfield's "Souvenir", the latest album by Canadian composer - and the second dedicated selection x compilation of its type ever. With the four compositions - "Souvenir", "Parc", "Frame" and "Port Bou" in this subsequent order - all being performed by the acclaimed Aventa Ensemble conducted by Bill Linwood this specific werkschau coves pieces from the period 1995 - 2013, showcasing a wide range of Butterfield's musical spectrum from rather traditional Classical / Modern Classical string elegies simultaneously contrasted by rather unsettling, brooding and nervous minimal moves and stark singular french horn bursts to cheeky noir'esque sequences, primordial drum repetitions in combination with airy, ever chiming main motifs, in part cartoon score suitable micro sequences, vibrant and playful polyrhythms as well as more curious detail for the avid follower of Contemporary Classical and Avantgarde composition. If that sounds like you, go check this one out.

Album artwork on Instagram!

04.05.2023 baze.djunkiii presents W.hat A.bout H.ouse Volume 12 @ Radio Flouka / Paris, France

It's time for... House. House Music. Deep, groovy, subtle, seductive and with a sweet late late night twist. For this months show we see Radio Flouka-resident baze.djunkiii digging deep in the crates once again, aiming for a well intimate vibe. Think small underground clubs tucked away behind non-suspicious unmarked doors in red light district alleyways, red velvet, thick air and tiny dancefloors crowded by a small, yet dedicated local crowd comprised of those in the know. No tourists, no cameras, just vibes and hot, sweaty bodies rubbing against each other under one groove. Be our guest, enjoy the ride.

decks: baze.djunkiii [Intrauterin Recordings / Carsharing Tapes]

file under: House / DeepHouse

transmission time: 22oo - 23oo GMT+1

get locked via Radio Flouka
Paris

baze.djunkiii Charts 05/2k23

01. Various Artists - Cherry Moon 30 Years [541]
On an ongoing quest to backwards complete the collection and filling the gaps in terms of tunes and anthems most important to me in my formative years as a raver there's absolutely no way I could've missed out on this massive 5x12" compilation box paying homage to the legendary Belgian venue Cherry Moon which still is associated with some of the biggest tunes in Rave, Trance and HardTrance of the 90s. With Cherry Moon Trax' "House Of House", CJ Bolland's "Camargue", DJ Dave Davies Trance x Hardtrance bang0r "Transfiguration", the Breakbeat-infused Techno x Rave goodness of Musix' "No Dope *Ruch Edit" as well as the eternal anthem that is Paragliders' "Oasis" and many more this one is a well essential collection that needs to find a home in every former ravers home for a reason.

02. Stefan Bodzin - Tron Caligula Marathon Man *The Remixes [Systematic Recordings]
Quite an interesting release coming from the Systematic Recordings imprint which seems to be steering away from their usual TechHouse approach these days, gravitating towards an Electro-infused variation of (Neo)Trance. This is especially obvious in the well gnarly "Tron *Raxon Remix" which could easily find its way into both Electro as well as ElectroBreaks x NuSkoolbreaks sets as well as in Fedele's Bigroom Trance-oriented rework of "Caligula" which features a short Technolectro breakdown sequence which, alongside the "Tron *Elax Remix", are the two main tunes to consider on this 2x12" vinyl set.

03. Microwave Prince - Golden Times [Esprit De La Jeunesse]
Basically everyone who's been raving to Trance and AcidTrance in the 90s has been dancing their ass off to tunes produced by Stefan Müller a.k.a. Microwave Prince at some point, yours truly included. Therefore catching wind of this 3x12" compilation it became immediately clear that it'd end up as an important addition to the collection especially because of "Trancemitter Online", one of my favorite (Hard)Trance cuts of that era which in itself made it worth shelling out the money for this one. But also besides this specific there's quite a few floating and dreamy AcidTrance cuts for late night sessions to be found on here, with the large scale panorama sequences of "Microwavin'", the dark and spiralling title track "Golden Times", the minimal hypnotism of "Eternal Light" and the technoid steamroller that is "The Piperoom" standing out in particular. Yet, on the downside the super massive "I Need Your Love" is missing for some reason unknown which is quite a pity as it could be considered to have been one of the most defining 90s HardTrance / Rave tunes of all time.

04. -

05. -

06. -

07. -

08. -

09. -

10. -