Incognita
Scenes For The Dancefloor

It’s approximately been a year since Antoine lost what would have been his debut album, ironically dubbed ‘Humour. Positivity & Affection’. In its wake, stemmed the idea for the producer to reform his conceptually based project (Mise En Place) into a vinyl only label.The Land Down Dunder EP being the first, of hopefully, many releases throughout this new imprint. The label head feels there is no better way to start this campaign, than with a body of work, entirely inspired by the modern, timeless TV Sitcom - The Office (US).

Through 35 hedonistic highlights stretched across three volumes, Music For The Radical Xenomaniac delivers the first ever deep dive into The Netherlands’ colourful house sound of the 90s and the under-celebrated producers and record labels whose music soundtracked a countrywide cultural movement.Plenty of books and documentaries have celebrated the riotous raves, legendary clubs, high profile DJs and promoters who shaped The Netherlands’ hedonistic house scene throughout the 90s. Music For The Radical Xenomaniac dares to challenge these narratives by shining a light, for the first time, on those who created the scene’s kaleidoscopic, game-changing and globally influential soundtrack.Leading the charge were a disparate group of key creators who not only forged links with their counterparts in Detroit, Chicago, New York, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom, but also became celebrated figures on the worldwide electronic underground (Eric Nouhan, Aad De Mooy, Orlando Voorn, Stefan Robbers and Steve Rachmad). Alongside key underground imprints (Stealth Records, Basic Energy, ESP, Prime and Outland Records included) and lesser-known producers, these pioneers gave flavour to a radical musical movement via open-mindedness, unheard-of creativity and a genuinely futuristic ethos. All of these artists and labels are represented throughout the series.So, what defined this hedonistic house sound from The Netherlands? Stylistically, it was varied – as the series so emphatically proves – but was defined by a set of distinctive sonic characteristics: emotive musical motifs, high-frequency synth sounds, mellow basslines, pulsating rhythms and more than a touch of hallucinatory intent.Volume 1 boasts a wealth of notable tracks and slept-on gems. There’s ‘No Strings Attached (Freedom of the Soul Work)’ by Marionette, a magical spell of percussion-rich fairy-tale house from 1991 courtesy of R.o.X.Y Amsterdam resident DJ Dimitri and mellow pioneer Eric Nouhan, and the sole single by Eindhoven techno producer MAX404 as Faceless Techno Bastards, the rushing excellence of ‘Go Mellow’.Other highlights include Rachmad Project’s ‘Summer Breeze’, a chirpy house masterpiece from foundational producer Steve Rachmad that first appeared on Outland Records offshoot Spiritual Records, a genuine oddball obscurity from John Krengiëlczak as Land of Fantasy, Tales And Myths (‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’), and a seriously sought-after cut from Rotterdam duo Space Trax, 1992’s ‘Aura’.Packed full of forward-thinking 90s gems remastered for today’s dance floors by Alden Tyrell, Music For The Radical Xenomaniac Volume 1 is a life-affirming celebration of a distinctly Dutch musical movement, whose rich textures and melodies are still inspiring new generations of DJs and dancers today.

Pierre Codarin makes an anticipated return to his Spaghetti Club label this winter with his “High Times” EP. The UK producer never tires from evolving his sound, and throughout this cosmic four track record he addresses a multitude of territories, constructed upon refined house textures full of life for your record bag. Ain’t no time like a high time!The A side boots off with “Herbies Chanz”, punchy drums from the get go, conversing with a killer elasticated groove, animated with squelchy acid beeps. A slick house number for the heads. A deliciousbiscuit for some, but for Pierre Codarin “Viennese Whirl” is a tasty slab of wonked out funk for the dance floor.Title track “High Times” resides on the B side, spreading a feel good energy throughout. Intricately arranged with shining chords and a distinct drive at its heartbeat. Percussive bliss in the final track in “Ruff Rumble” perky congas lead the way bringing a fresh vibe to the EP, the mid way change up shifting the club into the next gear.For returning members, welcome back to the Spaghetti Club, and to the newcomers, enjoy your first meal!! Fine dining from the label founder himself.

Rudimentary Music garners worldwide high praise with their first release. A strong, fluid and very well-rounded EP with something for every electronic dance fan. The Barcelona based butItalian born artist Deiv, sets the foundation and tone with the stunning 'Paranoik Android' EP forthe fledgling label whose everyday life revolves around and embodies the synergy and spirit of dance music culture. 'Take control of your shit' is the first cut and is the ideal smooth late night electro jam. A sexy, melodic deep machine groove that is nothing short of pure class. Thishighly addictive track is sure to get many repeat plays. To complete the A-side is the technostormer 'Technology'. A body grabbing bassline that will surely get everyone's attention. Thiswicked,robotic workhorse is guaranteed to move the main room by any DJ who selects it.Inspired by the label's search for music that fits every part of life, this track encapsulates thepower of techno in the late night. The reverse side showcases the title track 'Paranoik Android'.It rides a strong balance of house and funk sentiments for the primetime slot on the dancefloor.The killer acid line, island percussion and blips and bleeps, makes this a great ying and yang of futuristic and retro sounds. The title track, it stands out from the crowd but here in this EP, it blends perfectly into the wide array of vibes blossoming here. 'Dolphins' closes out the EP inelegance. With the soothing almost aquatic melody notes it exudes the perfect vibe to drift away your cares to. Overall, this is a very versatile EP with a track for every emotion and time during a night out with dance music

London based OPIA step up for a 16th release on the label with, Longhair. A fusion of futuristic funk, and dreamy rave nostalgia throughout the four cuts, keeping well in line with the stream lined direction of the label. The “Surf & Turf” EP intricately melds vibes as it moves, wandering between versatile shades of hazy house, and shimmering innovative techno, synonymous with the OPIA sound year after year. Classy underground atmospheres from start to finish.

Venture into the unknown with "SPOOR3" and encounter the eerie serenade of digital tumbleweed as you urbex through the sonic architecture. These tracks are the perfect companions for explorations, leaving you with more questions than answers. Concrete galleries echo, posing existential questions, like the very material they are made of.