High-Speed Warmth: MAR VISTA & Club Angel – Outrun (Higher Ground)

Buy Here 

Seoul’s club scene has been moving at its own pace for a while now- fast, bright, and full of energy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 'Outrun', the new release from MAR VISTA and Club Angel on Higher Ground, captures that feeling perfectly.  

It’s a track that feels like movement- part video-game rush, part late-night dancefloor release. Sitting at 140 BPM, it blends melody with pace in a way that feels warm rather than harsh. You can hear traces of Seoul’s underground in every part of it: the DIY community spirit, the small-crew mentality, and the refusal to chase trends.  

MAR VISTA’s background in fashion and his work building platforms like 'lifestream' and 'Bumpy' gives 'Outrun' a real sense of purpose. It’s music that treats connection as the main event- not just a by-product. Club Angel’s influence adds punch and polish, keeping the track driving while still open and human.  

Higher Ground’s involvement gives this collaboration a wider reach, but 'Outrun' never sounds like it’s trying to fit in with a global template. It’s rooted in Seoul’s micro-scene energy- a kind of underground optimism where friendship and frequency matter more than metrics.  

If 2025’s “joyful rave” wave has a sound, this might be it- fast, melodic, and grounded in the idea that rave can be emotional again.

Club Angel · Outrun

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.

Bandcamp

Azo · Azo - Echoes of Infinity EP (MANUAL010)

Catch up Azo upcoming events here

MANUAL SMILES
bandcamp
soundcloud
instagram

AZO
website
soundcloud
instagram

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.