BL001 - Spirits of the Black Lodge Vol.1

The Black Lodge launches their own imprint with a 5-track compilation titled, Spirits Of The Black Lodge Vol.1. The release features BL residents Kosmik and Force Placement, as well as BL veterans Vexation aka Dirty Jak [Hoe Down/Creme Organization/Dust Traxx], Brown Irvin aka Ashtre Jenkins [Apron Records/Motion Ward/NCA], and Frequencia aka Esteban Adame [Underground Resistance/Yaxteq/EPM/Planet E].

From Vexation's renegade-techno anthem, 'Commercial Whore', to Brown Irvin's dubbed out analog banger, 'Things Sharp'; Kosmik's hypnotizing acid entrancer, 'The Endless Void' rounds out the A side. Frequencia's, 'Fall Trax', perculates the start of the B-side with its punchy techno bass hooks, while Force Placement's regimented rhythm mantra sampler, 'Missing Words', closes out the record. The collection of tracks conjure up those particular energies and spirits that on may experience at a Black Lodge gathering.

It's a solid debut from The Black Lodge crew. Stream and purchase it below.

Spirits Of The Black Lodge Vol.1 is available now on digital and 12" via bandcamp.




Also ::
If you live in LA - this Saturday be sure to check out The Black Lodge at Hyperion Tavern with a live set from SF hardware queen, Fanciulla Gentile aka The Creatrix [No-Tech, Jacktone], and Jacktone Records co-founder Doc Sleep. They will be joined by DJ sets from He Valencia and BL residents Simnowsky, Kosmik, and Force Placement. Find out more info here.

heavy rotation :: Various ‎– Space, Energy & Light (Experimental Electronic And Acoustic Soundscapes 1961-88)

Soul Jazz Records recently released a phenomenal collection of electronic and acoustic soundscapes from the 1960s through the 1980s. Titled Space, Energy, & Light, the glorious 14-track experience takes the listener on a journey through era's of sonic sound conjunctions created by a vast array of early electronic and synthesizer pioneers, mid-1970s new age gurus and 1980s guerrilla D-I-Y cassette-era electronic artists way ahead of their time. To the future and beyond the tracks transcend and leave the mind in a state of calm embellishment and awestricken cosmic empowerment, with music in harmony with the natural world. Incredible start to finish. Highly recommend. On heavy rotation.

This album is available as a heavyweight triple vinyl album, CD and digital release. Purchase here and worldwide.

Dirty Jak - I Don’t Need U Hoe EP

The Black Lodge, is having the best of month of the year so far. With the recent launch of sister label Hoe Down Records run by Vexation aka Dirty Jak; Black lodge will also debut their new imprint at the end of the month with a V/A compilation featuring original tracks from Black Lodge residents/founders, Kosmik / Force Placement, and BL alumni, Vexation, Brown Irvin, and Esteban Adame's darker techno alter ego Frequencia. Digitals will be available at the end of the month while 12" will start shipping out sometime in July. More details to come soon.

Stream and purchase Dirty Jak’s EP, I Don’t Need U Hoe, in the meantime via bandcamp. From jaked acidic analog machine madness to ethereal synth arpeggios, Dirty Jak produces a solid 5-track record fit for a variety of dancefloors.




Catch Dirty Jak doing a live set this Saturday May 20th at the Black Lodge. He will play alongside Bopside/Creme Organization/Ghostly Intl./Spectral Sound legend, JTC and NTS Radio/LA Club Resource’s Delivery. Black Lodge residents will start out the evening at this special after hours TBA location for the one-off all-nighter. Find full event details/tickets via Restlessnites.

video :: Vex Ruffin - 'Front'

Los Angeles based producer, Vex Ruffin released his sophomore LP, Conveyor, on the legendary Stones Throw Records a couple days ago. One of the star tracks off the album - 'Front' recently debuted its music video directed by the very talented Geneva Jacuzzi. The 12-track album features a track with rapper/hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy on the colorful production, 'The Balance'. This track also receives a remix from Peaking Lights, check it out below!

Vex Ruffin's Conveyor is out now on vinyl and digital via Stones Throw.

premiere :: Aria Rostami - 'Information Age'

Aria Rostami is set to release his newest album entitled, Reform, on our favorite SoCal label, Zoom Lens, next week. This album is continuation from Rostami's first two albums, "Form" and "Uniform" showcasing new and old recordings from his evolving musical journey. Zoom Lens label was kind enough to let us premiere the music video for the second single, 'Information Age' from the new release.

"The poem reads "When it ends, your life flashes before your eyes, it was different this time, it was 3 minutes from when I was 8. I was at my mother's friend's house, she had made candy out of roses, they tasted bitter. I looked to the sky, it was blue, or white, or grey, or red." It's a quote from a melodrama, over-the-top film noir I made where I played every character. It was the soliloquy from the moment the detective first saw the femme fatale. It's also a real memory I have from my own childhood. I didn't know someone could simply make their own candy and I was surprised that it wasn't as saccharine sweet as the American candy I was used to. Rose is a common ingredient in Persian desserts." - Aria Rostami

'Information Age' pays ode to a former long distance relationship he encountered in life which inspired him to write this particular song. Transforming his room into a childhood-like memory book, Rostami's DIY visual pairs effortlessly with his sweet like roses nostalgia and shifting frame personalities. The light and melancholic composition gives entry into the past, present, and future and has a gradual entrancing tone through it's duration. Beautiful in every way and very telling of Aria's 'Information Age' story. The rest of the album is all that and more. Be sure to check out the first single 'Lowered Intentions', released a couple weeks back below...



Reform is out on Zoom Lens March 14th.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Previously :: Aria Rostami & Daniel Blomquist - Wandering Eye

DECKast #65 x Deep Club

Almost 4 year old label/d.i.y. party, Deep Club out of Denver, Colorado serves up an off-the-cuff 4 hour long vinyl mix for this issue of the DECKast. Ryan Scannura - curator, founder, and A&R tastemaker of the imprint, recorded this eclectic B2B session with fellow label member Occidental (Check out DC-002 Pariah Dreams EP) a couple weeks ago at his apartment.

The mix delves deep through their wax collections pulling an array of classic dance records, new school house/techno rhythms, and everything in between. The grooving chemistry of tracks shed light onto the type of sounds that Deep Club pushes on the label and likely soundtrack at their underground parties in Denver. This mix is coming in hot and so is everything they are doing right now - keep up to date with all things Deep Club here.

Read what Ryan had to say about the mix, the origins of the label, and his connection with Esteban aka Occidental below...

"Esteban (Occidental) and myself are both from central Illinois, but we didn't meet until sometime around 2012 in Denver. I had moved to Denver for graduate school, and he moved there a couple of years prior to get out of rural Illinois. I think that deep down, our common origin is why our music tastes align so well. We both grew up surrounded by cornfields, driving up to Chicago on weekends to have our minds consistently blown at Smart Bar and underground loft parties. When I met him he was one of the best djs I knew with the best record collection, and that is still true today. With his skill in mastering, cutting, and producing, along with others that we picked up along the way here in Denver (Bocaj, Lone Dancer, Ponyrok, Drew, Gant Johnson), it seemed only fitting to start a record label to showcase our own work. Since starting Deep Club in my basement in 2013, we've thrown dozens of underground parties in Denver and released 3 records. Our 4-year anniversary party is coming up next month.

This is an off-the-cuff mix from my apartment that went for several hours like we often do.

-- Ryan Scannura"



Tracklist ::
Sem - Red Dragon
Rising Sun - Hacienda
DJ Silver - Jack In Your Bed
G Flame & Mr G. ‎– P 'N' Sizzla
Polysick - Rubberbeard (JTC Remix)
Mannella - Letters From Mars
Will Azada - Flutter Butt [CGI]
Leisure Connection - Jungle Dancing
Lone Dancer forthcoming on Deep Club
Detboi Ft. Goldie - Joyride [Metalheadz Platinum]
Full Swing - Freestyle ’96 [Groove On]
C Powers - Smash [CGI]
Aggborough ‎– The Answer To Everything
Mark Forshaw - The Fuck
Chaos In The CBD - Trial Rider
Gesloten Cirkel ‎– Chasing Away The Night
Gut Nose - Drifting To Parts Unknown
Cheeba Starks presents The Toupe Committee ‎– GoGo Bop
Deepchord - Fargo
Antinote - Tape 1
Nthng - Are You Here [Pacific Command]
Ian Pooley - Celtic Cross (Bangin’ Bass Mix) [Force Inc.]
Channel One - Technicolor (Long Mix) [Metroplex]
Wood, Brass & Steel - Funkanova (Mr. K 7" Edit) [Most Excellent Unlimited]
Convertion - Let’s Do It [Sam Records]
Gay Marvine - Street Life [Bath House Etiquette]
Julee Cruise - Rockin' Back Inside My Heart (A Cappella)
Polysick - Twilight Part 1
Polysick - Twilight Part 2
Huerco S - A Verdigris Reader A2 Untitled
Polysick - Citylights
Polysick - Haze
Special Request - Lolita (Warehouse Mix)
Timeblind ‎– Squelch Trials
Gary Martin - Pimping People In High Places (Woodword Ave Mix)
Shed ‎– Opulence22
The Age Of Love - The Age Of Love (Boeing Mix)
Xosar ‎– The Calling
L'estasi Dell'oro - Belle
Titonton Duvanté - ? [God Particle]
Occidental - I Have Always [Deep Club]
Trackman - Two [Infrastructure New York]
?
Armand Van Helden - Witch Doctor (The Possessed Mix) [Strictly Rhythm]
The Buffalo Bunch - Take It To The Street! [Crydamoure]
Julian “Jumpin” Perez Ft. Connie V - Jack Me Till I Scream (? Mix) [D.J. International]
Pom Pom ‎– 05 A Untitled
Pan Sonic ‎– Pyokki Halko
Tony Senghore - Where Is The Love ? (Ricardo Villalobos Rmx)
Mad Rey - Jaja Californien
Adalberto - My Tools
Jack Lagoon - Lookin At U
Gunnar Haslam ‎– Athabaskan Languages
Virginia - Funkert (Extended Mix) [Ostgut Ton]
The Underground Solution - Luv Dancin’ (In Deep Mix) [Strictly Rhythm]

Also ::
Be sure to check out Deep Club's most recent release from Denver based producer Bocaj. Already Used To It, Already Used is out now on limited 12" and digital via bandcamp and other good online record shops in US, UK, EU, & JP. Distribution by Crosstalk Int'l. Highly recommend...

Perpetual Dawn EP1 by Force Placement

Following his Pay No Mind EP on L.A. 909 last year, Force Placement returns with a new EP for the launch of LA underground party, Perpetual Dawn's new dance oriented EP series. Jason aka Force Placement has been hard at work crafting his sound this past year which has helped emerged this 5-track EP shining light on his unique lo-fi techno electro arrangements. From the machine bubbling dubbed techno cadences in 'My Mind is Telling Me No V1' to the phasing melodic noise number, 'Lifter' - this EP has all the feels for the dancefloor and more.

Perpetual Dawn EP1 by Force Placement is available now on digital via bandcamp.



Watch ::  Check out the music video for 'Dirty Camry' made by PD's visual genius Alex Pelly...


Also :: In celebration of the new EP and Perpetual Dawn's label launch, PD will be throwing an epic party this Friday at a secret location in LA. It will feature Telefon Tel Aviv, Olin (Chicago/Smartbar), Force Placement, and of course PD residents Kid606, Dahlia, Eric Parren. Check out Force Placement's promo mix to get you in the mood and find out more info on the late night dance gathering here...

Best of 2016

There's no doubt that 2016 brought the highest of highs and lowest of lows to the world. Politics and catastrophes aside the universal mission from musicians and labels were more creative and exuberant than ever. Times are a shifting and the music this past year definitely helped document that chaos, peace, and creativity all at the same time.

It's been a pleasure to help share the beauty of new music from up-and-coming artists and record labels that are currently pushing the boundaries in producing some the most unique sounds in the universe. Big shoutout to all the hard-working artists, producers, DJs and labels that came under our radar this past year, we appreciate you ever so.

A lot of new changes coming into effect in 2017 for That's Deck including a brand new website and new contributors. Stay tuned! Thank you all for the support over the years. Music gives life to us as we continue to share and explore sounds from around the globe. Shoutout to Adam, Hollabec, and Force Placement for contributing their top 5 favorite releases from this past year!

Adam Gibson (That's Deck)

Huerco S. - For Those of You Who Have Never (And Also Those Who Have) [Probito]


Bekelé Berhanu aka Yves Tumor fka Teams - Serpent Music [PAN]


Buz Ludzha aka The Cyclist - Jungle Tapes [Tape Throb Records]


1991 - No More Dreams [No More Dreams]


18 Carat Affair - Adult Contemporary [Flat XL]

Force Placement (Black Lodge, RWD.FM)

Patrice Scott – The Detroit Upright EP [Sistrum]


Convextion – 2845 [a.r.t.less]


JTC – S/T LP [Bopside]


DJ Bone/Deetron – The Storytellers EP [Subject Detroit]


Social Service – SS1 [Motion Ward]

Hollabec (TRNSMT.TV)

Franco Cinelli ‎– Time To Time [Raum...musik]


FERRO - Futurist EP [Oscillat Music]


Oshana ‎– The Arcadia EP [Partisan]


Varhat ‎– VRHT222 [Aku]


Mandar - Blubay & Canary [Oscillat Music]

SwarJi (That's Deck, RWD.FM)

NU GUINEA - The Tony Allen Experiments: Afrobeat Makers Series Vol 3 [Comet France]


Mr.Fingers - Outer Acid EP [Alleviated Records]


Studio OST - Scenes 2012-2015 [Lustwerk Music]


Rezzett ‎– Doyce [The Trilogy Tapes]


Earthen Sea - The Sun Will Rise [Other People]



Also ::
Here is the BEST OF 2016 special from SwarJi that aired on RWD.FM earlier this week in case you missed...

First Listen :: Information Flash - 'Shape Shift'

On Jan.5, 2017 Canadian label, Kudatah will release its 4th cassette - this time from Toulouse based producer, Information Flash. The 9-track album titled, Ego Murda Sound is jam packed with an array of sounds that lie between lo-fi, jungle, and vapor-stilled house. There's a lot happening in the tracks but somehow it's a very refreshing listen. Combining old styles with the new.

We got a first listen premiere into 'Shape Shift' off the A-side - a progressive acid dancefloor cut reminiscent of the 90s era. Mind-altering synth arpeggios and a regurgitating "Touch me" vocal sample that formulates a shifting euphoria that is tangled in Information Flash's gripping production. Give it a listen below...



Ego Murda Sound is out on January 5th, 2017 via Kudatah bandcamp on cassette and digital.

Tracklist ::
1. Balearic Acid
2. Concrete Bubble
3. Early In The Mornin’
4. Shape Shift
5. Nothing Lasts Forever
6. Euphoria 2K
7. Garden Of Heaven
8. Late Night
9. Crystallize

Simic debut on Acid Camp Records

LA based party, Acid Camp has had a good run this past year throwing some of the best Sunday dance gatherings on the west coast. Curator, Aaron Davis, unveils a new chapter for Acid Camp, with the launch of a record label in 2017. The debut 4-track EP comes from Seattle's secondnature collective contributor, Simic - who played a live set at Acid Camp earlier this year.

Exploring cosmic analog modulations and hypnotizing drum patterns, Simic surfaces Corot-7b with a remix from LA legend, John Tejada on the title track. From the mind-tingling acid syncopation's on 'SysOp1' to the uplifting scenic ambient sweepers on, 'Expressway' - it's very fitting for Simic to be leading the debut for Acid Camp Records.

A week before the release, Acid Camp will throw a party on Jan 13th w/ Berlin's Mike Dehnert, LA based Jason Loveland, and Black Lodge resident Force Placement. You can grab tickets now on RA.

Corot-7B is out January 20th on 12" and digital. Pre-order it now on bandcamp. Listen in full below.

Michael Claus - Assorted Tracks Vol.2

Earlier this month Jacktone Records released the second album from up and coming SF producer, Michael Claus. Following his self-titled debut, Michael whips up 8 tracks of hazy analog euphoria. Beginning the album with 'Reflections', a seven and a half minute arpeggiated build up of staccatoed  bass hits and spacey synth stabs. Claus sets up the rest of the album nicely with an assortment of several other unique atmospheric ambient/house/techno/acid cuts to vibe out to that might just be some of his best productions to date. 'With It', is definitely a highlight from the release, an instant banger for the dancefloor. Highly recommend.

Assortment Tracks Vol.2 is out now on digital/limited edition cassette via Jacktone's bandcamp. Listen to previews below...

video :: Evy Jane - 'Breaking'

Vancouver favorite - Evy Jane released their long awaited LP, Breaking on King Deluxe last month. Evelyn Mason and Jeremiah Klein harmoniously put together an enlightening melancholic winter soundtrack, blending elements of soul, pop, and R&B. Excellent for the heartbreaks, make-ups, and everything in between. The duo is to see their first VR music video come to life for, "Give Me Love", which will be dropping soon, keep an eye out here.

Purchase and listen to Breaking in full over at bandcamp.

DECKast #64 x P.H.O.R.K.

With releases on Opal Tapes, Orange Milk Records, NNA Tapes, Sacred Phrases, and Time No Place - LA based producer Neal Reinalda aka P.H.O.R.K. (People’s Higher Order of Royal Kinship) has been consistently putting out notable productions left and right. Carrying a unique sound throughout, Neal formulates a wide variety of analog noise and off-kilter dance experimentations that are ever so engaging and revitalizing. He crafted up a gnarly techno leaning mix for this issue of the DECKast. See what he had to say about it and listen below...

"The mix is my version of the 'Freak Easy' sound, a pleasure patina on new shapes for pain. Its sounds for the searchers and lurkers, the pushers and sleepers, the criers and grinders. Its for the people who think another world is possible, you know who you are. Freak USA. Never give up."

PHORK ‘Freak USA’ mix



Tracklist ::
System 2256 - Bryan Sonderman - (unreleased)
Flavor&Sound - Co La - (unreleased)
Sorbet Lexus - Killd By - (unreleased version of ’Nasty Future’ from THRU THA RIP)
New Edition - Jeremy Hyman - Future Times
Steals - Bruce - Hessle Audio
Castles Olympique - Clouds - Timeslip Roadmender
With Patsy - Tessela - Swimming With Patsy
Love Re-Circulation - PHORK - (unreleased)
Trident - Matrixxman & Echologist - The Black & White EP
Stimulant Dub - Pangaea - New Shapes In The Air
Bell Blocker - Planetary Assault System - The Messenger
In The Clutches - Demo Lick - (unreleased)
untitled (track 4) - Forcefield - Lord Of The Ring Modulator
Stop It - Pylon - Gyrate

Also :: This Friday Oct.28 in LA check out P.H.O.R.K.'s party, FREAK EASY, where special guests JEREMY HYMAN(Future Times), US HARD, DJ OVNI (ex-dangelxxx) & EBB DEEZY will be throwing down some freaked beats...

First Listen :: The Magic Valley Tarot Society - 'Dawning'

Supraman of Austin TX takes an official stab at his side project as The Magic Valley Tarot Society for the second release on recently established Canadian imprint Kudatah. Last year Supraman released his unofficial debut with the side project with four tracks of solid disco. With this new EP, Vanishing Act, MVTS, turns out four lo-fi hard-house induced productions that bring all the euphoria and joy you need for a good sweat on the dancefloor.

We have a first listen into the stellar closing track, 'Dawning', from the release. The almost 5 minute track sirens and hits all the right nodes in the body to get it moving and into a trance. Crossing genres and speeding rhythms, the track is relentlessly raw and vibey. Take a listen below...



Vanishing Act will be out on digital/cassette October 26th via Kudatah bandcamp.

Tracklist ::
1. Phase
2. Transport
3. Rendered
4. Dawning

James Booth launches Share XL

Berlin based James Booth launched his new label, Share XL, this past month with an inaugurating release from himself. Following his previous releases for Church, 100% Silk, Nous, Farbwechsel and Out to Lunch, James is no stranger to the scene and has finally taken it upon himself to start his own imprint and catalog releases from a wide cross section of artists. This debut release explores Booth's darker acid modulating productions, that culminate direct emotions on a no hassle rhythmic plain. Minimal machine euphoria and encouraging kinetic body movement. Highly recommend.

Stream 'O.I.L.' below and listen to the whole EP via bandcamp. Its available now on digital - first 50 orders come with cassette and A3 artwork print that will ship early 2017.