Saturday, 11 October 2025

Azo drops the ideal echoes of infinity





The resident dj of Kiosk Radio and very prolific producer, Azo returns with a brand new EP that marks yet another cosmic journey.

'Echoes of Infinity' comes out via London's Manual Smiles, comprised of five emotional, genre-blurring vibes that beam out from the edges of the dancefloor and deep into the unknown.

Azo masterfully blends acid, trance, techno, and breaks across her productions, and this new release is no exception. It’s a highly recommended sonic weapon for adventurous dancefloors.

The opener 'Human Love Language' launches the experience with a raw electro pulse, thunderous Reese basslines and yearning pads give it weight, while keeping the heart at its core. From there, 'First Light' lives up to its name, slicing through the shadows with radiant keys, glowing acid lines, and a hopeful, upward energy. The voyage intensifies with 'Orbit Breaker', which warps us into new sonic dimensions on a remarkable spacey trip. 'Where We Belong' comes up next, expressed by an emotional piano, breakbeats and hoover bass. The title track wraps up the exquisite EP, delivering a full-throttle Drum & Bass energy, guided by a razor-sharp groove and uplifting piano riffs. It’s a feel-good closer that leaves both the heart and the body in motion.

This standout EP is already supported by tastemakers like Dave Harvey, Josh Caffé, and Massimiliano Pagliara. Also worth noting: the next Bandcamp Friday is on December 5th - a perfect opportunity to support this release, among others, with 100% of your purchase going directly to the artist via this artist-friendly platform.




Catch up Azo upcoming events here




MANUAL SMILES
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Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Album Review: Various - Codewise [Soiree Records International]


Buy Vinyl: https://www.hhv.de/en-GB/records/item/v-a-codewise-1309332

I've been spending time with the latest Codewise compilation, and it's a really impressive showcase of where underground techno and house are right now. The four-track release feels cohesive despite each artist bringing their own distinct flavour to the table.

Drivetrain opens the record with 'Rachel', a hypnotic, marching techno groove that builds with purpose. There's a spooky lead hook that develops rapidly, creating tension without losing that locked-in, driving feel. It's the kind of track that grabs your attention immediately and sets the tone for what's to come.

Blaktony's 'Alternative Homework' shifts the mood entirely, going deeper and lighter with a warm three-note refrain that feels like it's wrapping around you. It's subtly melodic without being obvious about it, the kind of production that reveals more with each listen.

BJIKA takes things in an ethereal direction with 'House On The Hill'. The Lo-Fi aesthetic works brilliantly here, with satisfyingly crunchy sound design that gives the track real character and texture. There's something nostalgic about it whilst still feeling contemporary and fresh.

Closing out the EP, Jesus Gonsev's 'Cosmic Sand' is absolutely the right way to end this journey. It's hazy and light with a gliding feel that's basked in early morning atmosphere. The 303s are perfectly deployed, evoking that classic rave sound without feeling derivative. It's the kind of track that makes you want to keep dancing as the sun comes up.

Codewise [BLACK] is a strong release that balances variety with cohesion. Each artist brings something unique whilst contributing to a bigger picture that feels thoughtful and well-curated.

Friday, 12 September 2025

Leo Sanderson-Gonna Be Me / You Know House

 


Manchester's Leo Sanderson drops two rush inducing slices of House on the oldskool rave tip!

Out now on Agro Tracks, 'Gonna Be Me' is a bumpin' House jam, bursting with optimism, energy and euphoric piano that calls back to New Atlantic, Love Decade and Q+Tex.

'You Know House' ramps up the rave even more with a House diva refrain "I Wanna Tell You a Story About House", fierce beats and- whisper it- Happy Hardcore influenced piano. As someone who listened to 90s House and Happy Hardcore, this resonates with me. 

Both tracks are already tearing it up in the clubs, now you can buy them and tear up the place wherever you're playing!