Selected Favourites
Ian O'Brien – Tattoo Jazz
From the EP 'Tattoo Jazz', 4th Wave, 1997
A beautiful example of when techno accommodates jazzy undertones. O'Brien had an impressive resume, releasing a slew of EPs in the 90s, but this cut takes it for us. As soft and melodic as it comes, it shows the purer side of techno, with the slick keys cascading on top of the fullest beat going. It also showcaes the genres ability to constantly evolve, never sitting still for one moment as it shifts to new plains.
Check it out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Ian-OBrien-Tattoo-Jazz/master/237620
Connective Zone – Complete
From the EP ‘All the Ones’, Unexplored Beats, 2002
Lovely slamming early 2000s techno tune, by the man Connective Zone. The tune starts off with a beauty of a drumming sequence, before deep as fuck pads come in and elevate the track beyond the stars. The energy doesn’t drop one bit throughout, its wicked!
Check out his other releases here, all very very good modern day techno cuts:
Sterac – Darkness
From the EP ‘Asphyx’, 100% Pure, 1995
Hmmmmmm. This one is a real thumper, combining the stylings of breakbeat with the depths of trance and techno. It feels like a powerful blend of all the amazing genres and sounds swirling around at the time, with a sick bass line to throw into proceedings (reminiscent of works by Roni Size, to People’s Plus).
The whole EP, to be honest, is superb, and crosses many dimensions on its way to sonic dance perfection. check it!
Check out the rest of his discography here:
Casey Tucker – BST
From the EP ‘Knoe 2/1’, For Those That Knoe, 2013
This is some proper deep stuff. A lovely combo between the softer techno lines, acid house, and the deep chords of Detroit Techno early release. Tucker delivers it all with supreme confidence and ability, a superb blend of all these good things into a well rounded tune and a fantastic ep to boot!
Check out his discography here:
Tons Of Tones – Sheherezade
(Funk D’Void Remix)
(from the EP ‘Sisteron’, Urban Sound of Amsterdam, 1997)
coooooor. Techno never felt so deep. The charming beats move away to give space to deep as hell pads, that swell from the underworld with such a force they punch ya right in the temples. The layering and sequencing then takes it to another level, as the jam progresses in full force. Pure techno power! a workout for the heart and the feet.
Check out the rest of Tons of tones discography here:
North / Clybourn – O Ban 1 (Radio Edit)
(from North / Clybourn’s ‘O Ban 1’ EP, Gherkin Records, 1989)
cooer! this one could move mountains. Proper flavours from Chicago, during the later years of the original house movement that occurred here. A looping synth that runs through the heart of the tune, on top of light yet jackin drums, are tied together but a beautiful series of vocals that drive deep and soar high. Released on the superb Gherkin imprint, that served up the goods for dance floors around the globe. Feel good aint even the word! its otherworldly! dance!
check out the rest of the Gherkin back catalogue here:
https://www.discogs.com/label/5805-Gherkin-Records
Ross 154 - Sun
(From the LP 'Strike', Delsin, NWAQ, 2004
On this most exploratory of sonic expansiveness, Jochem Peteri aka Newworldaquarium shows us the goods on this epic techno belter. The whole record explores every neurone on its journey to heavenly scenes, where we are transported to the outer reaches of dance music. The hazy dubby nature of the melodies is counter acted with the deep kick, a beating heart that propels us perpetually forward. Pure bliss.
For fans of Traumprinz, Giegling and the like. This is some deep shit! check out all of this guys work here:
The 4th Wave – Electroluv
(From the EP 'Touched', Planet E, 1995)
What can you consistently expect from Carl Craig's Planet E label? second wave Detroit techno and electro excellence, of course. It is testament to Craig that the label has remained so enduring throughout its near 30 year history, and its tracks like this from the 4th Wave that make it so. A beautiful, emotive techno track sent from above, the tune starts from the ominous bass line that just sees things really kick off from there. The evolving drum track sees deep deep pads come in around the back, and it just soars from there. The evolution within this cut is superb, moving from one plain of existence to the next, as we are taken away to depths of the galaxy and our own existence. Stellar techno of the highest order.
Check out the Planet E discography here, and check out the rest of the EP too, its a classic!:
R.E.M - Computer Communication
(From the EP 'Computer Communication', Xanadu, 1983)
Proper spread out Italo on this number. Italo disco was well known for its long, drawn out compositions, but nothing compares to this. Clocking in at a mammoth 10 minutes, this epic of instrumental Italo has all the moves. The steady beat that keeps everything in time, the little chip tune lines, deep pads, chiming and beating strong. It has all the ingredients, and with no lyrics, it allows the music to the do the talking. Serious heat here!
check out the rest of the Xanadu discography here:
A Factor – Make Me Feel (Aarons Jazzy Dub 2)
(From the EP 'Make Me Feel' feat Lisa Arias, Dub-A-Records, 1994)
what a mover! proper swinging beat over all those 90s chord stabs, gently working underneath the looping vocal work of Arias. This jazzy edit just stands above the rest of the EP, as when it breaks down the dub is so very strong. Transports you right back to 94, this one. A prime example of the new style of jackin', a pure garage house Classique.
check out the rest of Dub-A-Records discography here:
https://www.discogs.com/label/13800-Dub-A-Recordshttps://www.discogs.com/label/13800-Dub-A-Records
Beat 4 Life – Your Life (Deep Bonus Mix)
(From the EP 'Lifetime E.P', Free Zone, 1992)
Beautiful little groover from the fantastic Free Zone label, that operated out of Italy during the early 90s. Smooth pads operate on so many levels here, from the intro progression to the additional ones through in later, it all amounts to a sublime 90s cut of dreamy house. One for the late nights, hot afternoons and everything inbetween, its a groover if we ever found one!
Check out the rest of the Free Zone discography here:
Shape Navigator – Solar II
(From the EP 'Solar/Jupiter, Guerilla, 1994)
Some proper edge of your seat progressiveness from the Shapes, aka Peter Coyle, who released a series of EPS in the 90s. This one covers many bases, with two versions of Solar and Jupiter on both sides, but this cut takes the biscuit in terms of its marvellous balance between trance, house and deep deepness. What begins as a deep house track with a real kick to it, then descends into a very lengthy and energetic as fuck journey through the cosmos. Defo worth the trip!
Check out the rest of Coyle's discography here:
Seofon – YIem
(From the EP 'Access', Visible Records, 1994)
What a blinder of a track! Seofon was widely known for his expressive and boundless take on trance and ambient, and this one pairs of the best of both worlds together for a sonically excellent trip through to galaxies of unknown origin. The layering and sequencing of sound provides an enriching and nourishing experience, music that washes over the listener through wave after wave of tonal genius, with the elements blending together to create atmospheres like no other. BIG OLD TIP!
Check out the rest of Seofon's discography here:
https://www.discogs.com/artist/19669-Seofon
Minimal Vision – Night of Love
(From the EP 'Minimal Vision', Vibraphone, 1992)
If you want a trip through some of the best 90s house on offer, then Vibraphone is the label for you. An absolute treasure trove of some incredible Italo dream house, the dive keeps getting deeper and deeper the more you go. None more so than this gem by Minimal Vision, that goes towards the more high octane side of things. The synth work is brilliant, layered between reverbed deepness, solid stabs and deep bass keys. It all works effortlessly around a absolute stomper of a beat, with chord styles that ring true with many a contemporary producer. TIPP!!!
Check out the label here:
https://www.discogs.com/label/10403-Vibraphone-Records
Bumforhire – Club 2000
(From the EP 'I Need a B--ch/Saturday/Club 2000', Cutting Trax, 1994
Ahhhhh, Mood II Swing. The duo came up with some of the most iconic and revered house music from the 90s, set apart from the rest for their tunes abilities to blend the club with the home, delving deep into the art of properly refined house music. Here, under their alias of Bumforhire, they switch the mood up slightly, with the emphasis on the drawn out riddims rather than the deep deep chordal deepness we know them for. But when that moment happens, on the cut 'Club 2000', oh jesus does it hit hard. The beautiful rhythmic chordal patterns do their part, creating a sound that is as hypnotic as it is infectious. This one will live on in your mind for a long, long time.
Check the rest of Mood II Swing's discography here:
Maas – Fallen Arches
(From the compilation album '00-50', Soma Recordings, 1997)
Soma might be one of the 90s most enduring techno labels, and with tracks like this one, its hard to argue. The label, founded by Dave Clarke and legendary Glasgow duo Slam, released some serious shit, and continue to do so today, the meaning and weight of the music fuelled by the high octane artistry behind it and its context within the iconic Glasgow scene of the 1990s. This cut resides on one of their many compilations, and takes our pick as the stand out, a hard hitting track with beautiful pad arrangement and techno key lines at all the right times, its near perfection. Defo top tip!
Check out the rest of the labels discography here:
https://www.discogs.com/label/18-Soma-Quality-Recordings
Symbols & Instruments – Mood (Metaphysical Mix)
(From the EP 'Mood', KMS, 1994)
Well now, this is the one. A transcendent and mystical slab of techno, the very highest order of what the genre is capable of. The trio, consisting of Chris Nazuka, Derrick Carter and Mark Farina, only made one record together, but does it hit the mind on so many levels. This cut showcases the spiritual side of the track, beautiful sliding pads interplay with wonderful vocal samples. It gives over so much life, the enriching emphasis that all old school techno strives for, but is only achieved in such gloriousness on occasion, like this track. fuck yes!
check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Symbols-Instruments-Mood/master/31772
Paul Johnson - A Little Suntin Suntin
(From the EP 'Various - 4 Jazz Techno Classics', Sharivari Records, 2013)
A masterpiece right here from a deep house don. Johnson is well known for his sublime and groovy take on house, which we see hit new heights here. Delightful, fast paced and complete with a breakdown that brings the moments to get down, its a slammer in every sense of the word. The ep its on ain't too bad either, defo worth checking out for jazzy takes on house and techno!
check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Various-4-Jazz-Techno-Classics/release/4746430
Kyoko Koizumi – Fade Out (Moody Strings Mix)
(From the LP 'Koizumix Production Ⅳ 88-99 Vinyl Collection', Victor, 1998)
An absolute peach of a house track right here, off a wonderful compilation of dance music from Japan. The track combines all the feel good beauty of 80s house stylings, the big and bountiful synths combining with the always moving drumming patterns, the vocal lines, gaaah its all just so damn good. Check out immediately!
check out the rest of the LP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Kyoko-Koizumi-Koizumix-Production-88-99-Vinyl-Collection/release/4154059
DJ Edge – CIr Sky
(From the EP '*1', Edge Records)
Some proper emotive action going on with this glorious early 90s UK techno track. The soaring synths rise high and wide above a bed of constantly evolving bass lines and percussive elements, giving over an experience of such majesty and beauty. From the mind of DJ Edge, who founded Edge Records, which is an outstanding 90s label - check it out!!!
Check out the rest of the EP here:
Shi-Take - (In The Age Of) Perfect Virtue (Full Moon Over Maduri Club Mix)
(From the EP '(In the Age of) Perfect Virtue', Zoom Records, 1992
Some serious 90s progressions found within this gem. Combining all the carefree sensibilities of rave, with the careful yet powerful transitions only really found within the early 90s, this track moves through the motions with grace and a real sense of ease. The bouncing bass lines really hit hard, as they swing in and out of view, always round the corner to knock you off your feet!
Check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Shi-Take-In-The-Age-Of-Perfect-Virtue/release/54474
Kingdom Come - Groovy Baby
(From the EP 'Groovy Baby/Jungle Bliss', Strobe Records, 1992
Cooooooor. If you ever wanted to hear the epitome of high quality, timeless early 90s deep house, then look no further than this absolute slice of gold. Ron Allen really did flex some brilliance via his various alias, but this Ep just about edges the rest. This cut in particular, a sublime fluid journey through gorgeous repeating key lines, sombre chord progressions and smooth as fuck drumming patterns. Its all hear, music for the heart and the soul.
Check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Kingdom-Come-Groovy-Baby-Jungle-Bliss/release/37242
Hot Lizard - The Theme (Love From San Fransisco Mix)
(From the EP 'The Theme', Pacific Records, 1995)
A deep house tune with bags of heart, bags of soul, and bags of quality. At 12 minutes long, its a hefty slab, but the wait is well worth it, as a drawn out drumming sequence then descends into euphoria with the intro of the most beautiful chord progressions going. As house cuts go, this one is very high on the list. Check the wicked Carl Craig remix of it as well, its all very good!
Check out the rest of the EP here:
Unit 93 - Trust No One (Full Length Mix)
(From the EP 'Trust No One', Bassic Records, 1990)
A prime example of early UK techno right here, a stunning track that provides such a mood and a groove to proceedings. The fast paced drumming pattern are interwoven with gorgeous chordal progressions, crafting this wonderful vibe that you can get lost in so easily. A beauty, nothing less. If you wanna check out a wonderful label to dive into, you can't go much wrong with Bassic, with each release a real classic. Big!
Check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Unit-93-Trust-No-One/master/84664
Keep Moving Ahead - Always Searching (Uhura Mix)
(From the EP 'Come Together', Backbeat Records, 1991)
K Street and Richard Payton may have only released one record together as Keep Moving Ahead, but its a house record that will last into the new age and beyond. This cut in particular is a timeless blend of beautifully considered piano and keys, all bound within a rhythm that makes you want to move and feel in equal measure. One for the spiritual dance music enthusiasts out there, this one is absolutely mega. Big old tip.
Check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Keep-Moving-Ahead-Come-Together/master/849250
Sunshower - Face Bass
(From the EP 'Sunshower', Prime, 1993)
A beautiful swelling tune that dips and weaves its way into the back corners of your minds. The group Sunshower, consisting of Dutch producers Dirk-Jan Hanegraaff, Gert-Jan Bijl and Mark Ripmeester, released three records together, with an inherent focus on considered and progressive melodic techno, but for us this is the pick of the bunch. Big melodic chords evolve constantly over a pulse that would delve deep into any dance floor, its a track for the sunrise and the dance, or even perhaps the walk home.
Check out the rest of the EP here:
https://www.discogs.com/Sunshower-Sunshower-EP/release/90335
Renee Washington- Is It Me (That You Want)
(From the EP 'Back To Basics', New York Underground Records, 1988)
A pure belter that represents the very best of the late 80s NYC house scene. Washington provides a very powerful vocal performance over a track that rises from subued areas and into a sea of house music perfection, with Washington singing over the most infectious melodic progression you will hear ever. The track keeps growing and growing in stature, whipping you into a proper frenzy over the course of 6 breathtaking minutes. Absolute class, this one will get you groovin!
check out the rest of the EP here - and trust us, its a stunner!
https://www.discogs.com/Various-Back-To-Basics/master/401920
Random Access - Peace Of Mind
(From the EP 'Revival', Bangin Traxx Muzik, 1999)
Well, this one has been on repeat for a while. A truly gorgeous track of endless emotive quality, it takes you way deeper than ever before. The deep pads that wash over you at the beginning set the tone, before the dubby key sequence pounds underneath like a musical element with a mind of its own. The lovely live insrumental elements add real flavour to proceedings, with the track weaving around through the notions, taking its time to allow for its full power to be taken in. Check it out! the rest of the label ain't half bad either!
Check out the track and the label here:
Raze of Pleasure - In Control
(From the EP 'Peace E.P', Vice Versa Records, 1992)
The Pleasure boys really knocked it out of the park with this release, with excellence across the board, but this cut sticks out as the most enduringly brilliant. Starting off with the simplest of melodic sequences, the track just continues to evolve, touching on so many brilliant transitionary features that continue to keep the fire burning at maximum velocity. The melodic layering and development is out of this world, and just keeps things going at such a rate. One that will free your mind deep in the night!
Support the troops - Repress out via Late Night Burners! check it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjV0Ogn0Vf0&feature=emb_title
Kinesthesia - Kobal
(From the EP 'Kinesthesia Volume 1', Rephlex, 1995)
A track that perfectly embodied the early 90s UK sound. A touch of techno, a hint of IDM, and a underbelly of forward thinkingness, Chris Jeffs truly hit the nail on the head with this absolute gem. Sultrily moving between bass laden mid sections as towering synths cascade on top, its quite the journey through so many moods and twists and turns, crafting a narrative that speaks volumes. A truly brilliant piece of music, it will have you hooked in no time!
check it out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Kinesthesia-Kinesthesia-Volume-1/master/213830
Kollage - Rough & Smooth (Get A Grip)
(From the EP 'Beneath The Earth (Part Two)' , Subwoofer, 1997
Coooor, this is a real gem. A track that begins off in the slightest of places, before bringing in a kick drum from the gods, before going through the gears to reach maximum overdrive. A cut of the highest order is to be expected really from a label with such pedigree as Subwoofer, that saw some serious records getting released under its name during the 90s. We don't like to pick favourites, but this has to be up there with the top, top chune of next just the label but of the whole decade. A track that works hard to pick the crowd up, before taking them down a notch, before slamming it home with a true moment of percussive genius. check it!
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Kollage-Beneath-The-Earth-Part-Two/release/3201431
Freq - Submerse
(From the EP 'Innerspace' , Matrix, 1994)
Sean Deason really carved a name out for himself in the 90s techno landscape, and we think this cut represents one of the real pinnacles of not just his beautiful discography, but of the genre in general. A rhythmic masterclass dawns upon the listener, with high octane hats and cymbals crafting the sub base as swelling chords wash over the top, crafting an experience that is deeply moving both physically and emotionally. The vibe reaches for the stars, but grounds itself very much on the floor, and you will drift endlessly between the two. Absolutely stellar.
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Freq-Innerspace/release/54559
Kingston Black - Clear As Day
(From the EP 'After Dark' , Burning Records, 1993)
As deep house beauties go, this one definately ranks very high up the list. From the mind of the mysterious Kingston Black comes this cut, which landed off their second EP, and its quite the deep track, with all manner of excellence to point out. Around a consistent beat we see all form of expression occur, be it either the lovingly laid out keys or the high octane piano lines, the manner in which it all unravels and weaves around the beat makes for one hell of a journey. Be sure to check out both the EPs, they're absolutely excellence across the board.
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Kingston-Black-After-Dark-Extended-Play/release/163644
Tribal Mass - Deception (Lush Groove Mix)
(From the EP 'Deception' , Euphonic Records, unknown release date)
The heat of the dance, the climatic euphoric state when it all swirls around you, the moment when life affirms your presence on this earth. You find this all and more on the sole release by Tribal Mass, and its an absolute beauty. A intoxicating series of trance laden strings and keys lie on top of a percussively rich rhythm structure, with the rising nature of the melodies ensuring for maximum emotional gains. Its one for the heat of the dance, a tune that gets people back on their feet and hungry for more. An absolute stunner.
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Tribal-Mass-Deception/release/2144457
Marvin Dash - Liquid Strings
(From the EP 'Deep Image' , United States Of Mars, 2000)
I swear you ain't heard nothing like this one. Ronald Reuter made some pretty fascinating music during the late 90s and early 2000s (check his records with Stoned Raider for weird excellence), but this release and this tune in particular take the biscuit in terms of sheer magnificence. The track is hypnotic to the point of lucidity, its sombre bass line and delicate drumming giving a foundation for hyper vivid keys and chords to take a hold of your heart strings. Its pure euphoria on the most subtle of scales, and we are all fucking for it. Top draw all day long.
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Marvin-Dash-Deep-Image-EP/release/112879
Black Note All Stars - Loadstar
(From the EP 'An Irrational Fear Of Bongos', Stronghouse Records, 1997)
This one is just utterly mint. The Stronghouse Records discography is littered with iconic house gems, but this one for us is one of the picks of the bunch. Starting off in subtle circumstances, the track then descends into a full on riot that is kick started by the thudding bass line that reaches its climax before dropping out, then jumping right back into proceedings with such a sublime effectiveness. We ain't even heard the rest of the record, but we just know that it will be as strong as this one. Pure brilliance.
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Black-Note-All-Stars-An-Irrational-Fear-Of-Bongos/release/190590
Chris Shivers - Do Right (The Ocean Deep Mix)
(From the EP 'Do Right', Intangible Records & Soundworks, 1993)
Serious deepness. Chris Shivers only released a small handful of records, but they are all utterly impeccable, and a prime example of the Detroit House sound during that time period. The pick of the bunch for us has to be this mix of 'Do Right', which like it says on the tin takes us down into the soothing ocean bed. Deep bass lines, soft and delicate drumming patterns, and some stellar piano and chordal arrangements all just make up one of the finest deep house tracks we have ever heard. Brilliant!
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Chris-Shivers-Do-Right/release/6760541
Jon Cutler & DJ Romain - My Destiny
(From the EP 'The Hard & Dark', Emotive Tracks, 1995)
This is bigggg. A track that swings then swings some more, with the beats leading the way with an extended percussive segment interspered with 'my destiny' riding out on top, its intoxicating blend only intensifying as time passes by. The bass and singular chord rise from within the track's core to move us to new places indeed, and when it all breaks down we get some beautiful deep house chords to wrap it all off. Fucking killer!
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Jon-Cutler-DJ-Romain-The-Hard-Dark-EP/release/127825
Slice Of Life - Deep In The Heart
(From the EP 'Deep In The Heart', Doghouse Records, 1993)
On the sole release under the Slice of Life name, producer Orly Angelo produces a moment of pure melodic euphoria with the title track, which remains the pick of the bunch on an overall exceptional record. The drums have those techno type fills underneath as the melodics on top are emphatic, with italo house style stabs interspersed with beautiful piano and soaring pads. We picture the dance floor on this one, 5am, hands up, spirits lifted, life feels good. Exceptional!
Check the record out here:
https://www.discogs.com/Slice-Of-Life-Deep-In-The-Heart/master/744896