Electro. Electronic. Electronica.

The sub-genres of Electronic music are endless and certainly a little perplexing to even the most adept music aficionado. There is unfortunately a common misunderstanding that anything with the tag electronic has incessant beats with abundant knob twiddling and otherworldly reverb. Yet, even the slightly curious listener will realize that electronic music is packed full of creative experimentation and downright clever ideas. For this volume we have curated new releases identified as Electronic and sub-genre(s) – enjoy!

DDWY – Theme On  The PCCP 

From their Spinning Stones 4 track EP, London duo Ronan & Naomi AKA Nangi & Inner give us organic, rhythmic dance music with mystic vocals as the basic element rolls in reverse. Perfect for a segue into the Chillout room and a little close-body entanglement. This one comes via Public Possession out of Munich. Electronic, Ambient, Dub, Psychedelic

First Epoque – Boro Waka

From the 4 track FT5ZM EP on Well Street records out of London, French producer, First Epoque shares this oblique information, “Musical and scientific entity living and working in a time-related research center in the French Kerguelen island”. Be sure to check out Well Street’s shop, cool slip mats and artwork c/o Bloody Bishop. Electronic, Broken Beats, Drum & Bass, Techno

Poison Zcora – Return Of The Rattle Pendants

Return Of The Rattle Pendants EP is the work of Sean Keating, musician, producer and DJ based in London but originally from Dublin. Politically-charged instrumentals skillfully crafted and top marks for the artwork, all by Poison Zcora. Plus, he says, For the next few months 100% of Bandcamp proceeds will be donated to legendary Soca producer and artiste Jason “Big Red” Phillip to help him and his family rebuild their homes in Carriacou after they were completely destroyed by Hurricane Beryl. We can identify after going three days of nonstop torrential rain and 70+ mph winds from the outer bands of Beryl. Broken Beats, Electronic, UK Funky

Villager – Sósia

This is the project of Maryland-based producer, Alex Young whose writing and production credits included Halsey’s double-platinum Manic. According to a peek into our venerable dictionary Sósia means Look-alike – A person who looks (exactly) like someone else, a double. Electronic, Garage, Dub, Experimental

Von D – THL

Jérôme Meyer is Von D, the French producer says his, “Dubstep is brewed in a castle on analog gear” True or not. The fact is The French producer is going back to his musical roots. He continues to evolve his style and sound, touring and setting clubs on fire night after night. Curious sleeve artwork – we like it. Electronic, Dub, Dubstep

Giants Of Discovery – Moonlight On Myrtle Corner (wir heal)

From the album, Two Arrow Falls (From Chester City Walls, this is the work of Brighton-based Kevin Downey who is highly regarded as a taste-maker on the club scene. With this collection Kevin tantalizes us with this, “Electronic artist. Victorian cosmic horror, Greek mythology and modular soundscapes”. Then goes onto inform with, “The Wirral, where I was born and bred, has an incredibly rich Viking heritage and is the only place in mainland Britain to have documented evidence of Norwegian Viking settlers, from 902AD. This album is a homage to that heritage and the many places from around the peninsula whose names are born of Viking tongue. The album title is taken from an entry in the Domesday Book which described the border of the Wirral from the rest of Cheshire as being “two arrow falls from Chester city walls”, adding, “The album cover is a section from the first map of Cheshire, produced in 1577 by the Yorkshire surveyor, Christopher Saxton”. All fascinating stuff for a uniquely captivating album. Cool logo, too. Electronic, Ambient, Drone, Experimental

Jabu – Oceanside Spider House

An enchanting double-sided single on the Do You Have Peace? Imprint. This is the work of Jasmine Butt, Alex Rendall & Amos Childs out of that nonstop hub of creativity, Bristol. I will admit to being clueless about Gaming, so  Oceanside Spider House and Zelda Dungeon leaves me scratching my head but no worries, this is an exceptional offering. Everything here is perfectly executed. And, I’m positive Trainspotters will have fun quarreling over the “sounds like” issue. Top notch artwork, too. Electronic, Dream Pop, Dub

Milan W. – Face To Face

“Milan Warmoeskerken skirts the edges of dance music while never allowing his listeners to get totally comfortable”. Suggested one review. Adding, “The Antwerp-based artist’s early work often veered towards ambient”. I would accept both of those comments as compliments. Here on the LP Leave Another Day via the Stroom label Milan W has concocted a satisfying collection, each cut staying away from a well-worn formula. A lot going on here, Martha Maieu provides the pleasant additional vocals on Face To Face and the obeo is courtesy of Anse Kuyl. Do take note of the sleeve artwork, a fragment from ‘The Myth’ (1896), a painting by Jos Dirks. Ambient, Electronic, Experimental, Indie

Mia Koden – Up (Run That)

Mia Koden AKA Sancha Ndeko is a South London-based South Sudanese and British music producer and DJ. Mia Koden says, “After hearing loads of house-y vocalled stuff at Gottwood Festival recently I felt like knocking up something similar-ish quickly just 4 fun. Looking into the sampled track, I discovered that the singer was part Sudanese (like myself); so I’m honoring the double connection by donating proceeds from this track to some Sudanese/South Sudanese causes close to my heart”. Darfur Women Action Group and Confident Children Out Of Conflict. You are advised to look for Mia Koden’s other releases especially her 2023 EP Decode on Ilian Tape imprint out of Munich. Bass, Dubstep, Electronic, Steppas

Ome & Jafu – Waiting So Long

Courtesy of the excellent Dubstep label, Foundation Sounds out of Bristol, a guarantee of pedigree. on the Guess You’re Not EP, four tracks of cleverly conceived dance music to make your brain take over your body.  Another damn fine sleeve. Bass, Electronic, Dubstep

Hodge & なかむらみなみ – Bounce On The Water (Flipped)

What we have here is a test to find out if you are really alive and paying attention. Bristol, UK-based producer and DJ Hodge, who continues to influence the global bass music scene teams up with Japanese rapper なかむらみなみ (Nakamura Minami). Their Everyday In The Club EP has been on repeat play at LE Tower for the last week. Just what we need now, a three cuts to bring a big ‘ol grin to your fizzog. Make sure to search out videos of Nakamura doing her thang. Electronic, Bass, rap, Techno

RSD – Pretty Bright Light

We go back to 2018 for this double-sided single from Rob Smith using the moniker of RSD who also happens to be one half of the legendary, Smith & Mighty. Here we find the Bristol-based beat-maker proving how Dubstep begets Jungle or is that the other way around? No matter, Smith is not only an expert in all aspects of Dub Stylee the man certainly knows how to deftly use the Jamaican samples. Dubstep, Jungle, Dub Reggae

DGY – This Real Love

On Sounds Minimal imprint, another quality label from Bristol specializing in 2 Step. Delightful sample work utilizing some all-time faves in the mix. Somewhat unexpectedly at times. Altogether a well-crafted excursion, best heard at volume 11. 2 Step, Electronic, UK Garage

Loraine James – Speechless ft. George Riley

It may well be considered unforgivable to not include Ms. James in this round-up of new Electronic music. We here at LE have been praising the work of this talented North London producer for a number of years. Gentle Confrontation is Loraine’s third album for Hyperdub and what a treat this is. We have already played a few cuts in past volumes, here we have included our favorite cut, Speechless. This thought-provoking LP sees Loraine James revealing a new chapter in her life, which she says examines her past and present. There is much to savor as Loraine collaborates with a diverse set of peers to share sensitive and reflective performances. Truly superb. Electronica, Ambient, IDM, Experimental

The artwork is by Vaughn Gerrard 1947 – 2023 “I speak this from my heart” 2006 46″ x 56″ mixed media on raw canvas. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection