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Deckard “Future World EP” (Digital)
The “Future World EP” is the first release on the new Equinox Records sublabel EQUINOX.DIGITAL. Deckard, the Downbeat / IDM mastermind from munich, creates a fantastic debut for the label as well as an astonishing and long awaited follow-up release to his “Noir Desire EP”.
The 5 tracks are packed with complex sound layers and spheres, shifting between the rhythms of hauling impulsive machinery and spacy melodies. These immense soundscapes fully live up to the name “Future World”. Deckard is able to create a cosmos of his own, captivating the listener and leaving us with great expectations for his upcoming full length release.
Shoplinks:
Juno Download
iTunes
finetunes.net
Get the free track “Noir Desire (Part 2)” right here.
(01) Surgery mp3
(02) Noir Desire (Part 2) mp3
(03) Futureworld mp3
(04) Alpha 79 mp3
(05) Is This The End?
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Various Artists “One Year & A Day – A Sound Exposure Vol.2″
Following the success of the teaser mini-album “One Year & A Day – The 5inch Files” that gained worldwide attention despite its limited pressing (a hand-numbered limited edition vinyl release, and the first ever 5inch series!), Equinox Records finally drops its second full length album, the second part of the sound exposure compilation series: “One Year & A Day – A Sound Exposure Vol.2”.
„This album is one of the biggest projects in my career. I have put together everything that defines my work for the label as well as what defines me as a DJ and a record collector. I am more than happy with the final result!” (DJ Scientist)
Handpicked from a motley stack of demos and promotional CDs, Günter Stöppel (aka DJ Scientist), the founder of Equinox Records, assembled a product that features 14 outstanding tracks by some of today’s most cutting-edge artists and producers. Spanning various genres and aesthetics, the compilation is as breathtaking in its breadth as it is in its execution. Whether it be a folk-rock inspired breakbeat banger such as 2econd Class Citizen’s “Wishing Well,” the forward-thinking electronic prog-rock tune “Times Like This” by Free The Robots, the original post-instrumental Hip-Hop track “Tibetisches Gutenachtlied” by Aqua Luminus III., or the thrilling “Octobre” by electro/IDM-wunderkind Geste, the second volume of the series succeeds in representing the pioneering ethos Equinox strives to uphold. Likewise, Arcsin’s rock ballad “Scarlet Fever” juxtaposed with the bitter-sweet lyrics of Deadpan Darling’s pop song “Laugh Track,” Emynd’s inexorable electro tune “Identity Through Alterity,” or the classical cinematic introduction by the famous 60s rock group The Peddlers, the “One Year & A Day” compilation covers a diverse range of styles and genres, illustrating the amalgam of sound Equinox is known for, resulting in nothing if not one of the most distinct and forceful collections of songs within the past several years.
The Peddlers – A Year And A Day (Metamorphosis)
This is the song that gave this compilation its name. Recorded in 1972 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and released on the Album “Suite London” it was sung by the legendary composer and lyricist Roy Phillips. His unique and inimitable voice makes it the perfect intro for “A Sound Exposure Vol.2”.
Vangel – A Different Direction
It’s time for a change and we’re back: bigger, better, and louder. Equinox 2008. “A Different Direction” is the wake-up-call of this album.
Free The Robots – Times Like This
“Times Like This“ is an insatiable drum inferno that leaves you begging for more. Taken from the very limited Free The Robots debut-cd “The Prototype”, this track is THE electronic progressive rock song for the year 2008 and beyond. The vocals are sung by Phil Nisco.
2econd Class Citizen – Wishing Well (Re-Wyred Mix)
2econd Class Citizen is the master of contemporary electronic folk rock, and “Wishing Well“ is the genre’s prototypical hymn. In true postmodern fashion, because of a harddisk crash, the final version of this seemed to be lost forever. Now, one year after the release of an unmixed version on his EP „Wyred Folk“, we finally get the official version of this classic. Descry or rediscover: “Wishing Well“ is one of these songs, that won’t let you pass by unaffected.
Arcsin – Scarlet Fever
Since the label’s early days, the music of New York’s Arcsin accompanied me and Equinox. Who said he was too progressive and dark? His most recent album “Oculus Fang“ is a paragon of perfection, and though the noteworthy anthem “Scarlet Fever“ might be more accessible than most of his other work, the song still reflects the cold, brazen sound of post-9/11 New York. This is this album’s love song.
Brenmar – Cavernous
“Cavernous“ is not a merely skit, but an awe-inspiring and fascinating fragment of sound–full of tension and energy, blazing with anger and stirring your blood to just let you return back into a fair and beautiful dream.
Deadpan Darling – Laugh Track
Deadpan Darling is the music of Kingston and Ian Taggart a.k.a Blue Sky Black Death with the vocals of Ceschi Ramos of Toca and Anonymous Inc.. Ceschi travelled with Equinoix on the 2007 Tour and “Laugh Track” finally solidifies him as a recorded part of the label, making him the first vocal artist on Equinox. The bitter-sweet lyrics and the dallying-minimalistic production make it one of the album’s centerpieces. “Laugh Track” tells the story of somebody trying to escape reality; a story about battling the monotony of life. Wouldn’t it be nice to be constantly followed by laughing or a soundtrack in your head – something that nobody else could hear – a little push to get you through our often mundane reality?
Aqua Luminus III. – Tibetisches Gutenachtlied
Aqua Luminus III., producer of the obscure 88:Komaflash, is one of the most challenging composers of the German abstract hip-hop and electronic scene. Who is layering ancient rap heroes’ vocals on brutal beats better than him? “You try to run away but you can’t!”
Deckard – Dignity Of Men
With “Dignity of Men“ Deckard takes his sound to the next level. His typical sequential drums, a pulsing, hummy bass, an energetic guitar sample and a perfect arrangement make it one of the most barnstorming tracks ever made out of a breakbeat.
Geste - Octobre
„Octobre“ was the last track chosen for this compilation and was the first track ever made by the electo/IDM wunderkind Geste out of Paris. To me, it kind of symbolizes the work on this album: the calm before the storm and the storm itself. A story within the story…
DJ Sept - Morning Comes (Revised)
The original version of this track is found on the first DJ Sept demo that I received from a mutual friend. Finishing the revisited version for his EP “A Promise Never Given” was a long, hard endeavour, but it was certainly worth it. In my opinion, “Morning Comes (Revised)“ is a perfectly composed instrumental masterpiece. It has tension, energy, and emotion, all combined in a way that only Sept is capable of producing, fitting complexity with minimalism flawlessly.
Emynd – Identity Through Alterity
Emynd’s quest for the perfect beat isn’t over yet. “Identity Through Alterity” is five action packed minutes, garnished with breaks and 808-claps. This is the grand finale.
2econd Class Citizen – Change & Motion (Outro)
It’s like a movie’s end at the cinema: you don’t want to get up from your cozy seat.
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Various Artists “One Year & A Day EP”
The “One Year & A Day” EP is a teaser from the forthcoming full-length compilation of the same name on Equinox Records due out in January 2008. This collection of 6 raw, beat-driven compositions will introduce the listener to the album’s aesthetic focus, giving them a fresh first-impression of what it will sound like. Moreover, the beautifully designed picture disc will not only satisfy the growing number of Equinox collectors, but it will also be a vital club tool for DJs while also sounding quite at home in your iPod headphones and on your personal turntable.
Starting off the release is Free The Robots from Santa Ana, who is one of the most in-demand dj- and production acts in Los Angeles right now. His energetic song “Times Like This” is an instant classic that was previously released only on CD. Once the first chord hits your speakers, it will draw you in, leave you begging for more. Next up is Deckard hailing from Munich, Germany who is already well known by Equinox-Fans from his “Noir Desire” EP. His song “Dignity Of Men” is another shining masterpiece among his deeply grooving sound collages. One more name recognizable from previous EQX releases is Emynd, the nomadic DJ/Producer from Philly. Those familiar with Emynd’s work who think they know what to expect from him on this release are of course proven wrong once again. His soulful “Another Postmodern Sunset” is a warm and animated instrumental Hip-Hop track that once again proves his rich stylistic versatility as a producer. Brenmar from Chicago is another artist to keep an eye on. Whether he is performing live on stage or working in his studio, he is always pushing the envelope and exploring how beautiful the combination of big drums, found instruments and noise can be. His contribution “Watermelon Chunks” is no exception. While Brenmar has become an essential part of his hometown’s music/recording-scene, SNTC. and J. Baracuz are still relatively unknown, but rest assured, these are two names that you will remember for years to come. Listening to both of their tracks it is obvious that the future will be theirs.
But, until then, let us enjoy the present, and spend some time with some fine, forward-thinking music… for one year and a day.
Note: 4 of the 6 tracks on this EP are exclusive to this picture disc.
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Various Artists “The Day It All Made Sense”
The Equinox 10inch Series was released between winter 2005 and summer 2006. Each of the four parts of the vinyl series was limited to 500 handnumbered copies, including a lovely and exceptional cover artwork and inlay. Now, for the first time, ten tracks of the series are pieced together to form a compilation, on which each artist presents his unique vision of sound:
DiViNCi (the MPC virtuoso of the Sol.illaquists Of Sound) is featured with the incredible “PUSH Beat” and the concluding “Calm Persuasion”, Deckard from Munich presents 3 beautifully arranged downbeat compositions off his “Noir Desire EP”. Then, comprised of frozen synths and hard hitting drums, Arcsin from New York is offering 3 tracks taken from his “Uprock Citizen EP”, and last but not least DJ Scientist, the owner of Equinox Records himself, completes the album with two of his impressing sound and beat collages: “Atarius” and the melancholic “Autumn Leaves”.
This compilation will only be available digitally – for a limited time of 1 year (ending May 2008) – so go and check it out at ITunes, Beatport, Finetunes, and many other digital stores!
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Deckard “Noir Desire EP”
Deckard aka Attila Makai is one of the most promising European downbeat producers today. Having independently released a limited edition vinyl EP in 2004 called “dasABSTRAKT”, his musical abilities immediately caught the attention of the Swiss label Ish Records. Later, he was featured on their compilation “The Now Factor” which featured two of his compositions alongside artists from all over the world. Yet these by far have not been the only contributions Deckard has made to the beautiful world of music. Over the past few years he has released around 60 tracks on his own internet based network “Foundation-Crew.com” – which also serves to unite an online community of producers from Paris to Berlin.
Now, Deckard has found a home at Equinox Records. With the “Noir Desire EP” he has made another leap forward, displaying his humbling vision of downtempo beats. Still, you can hear the influences of early MoWax, and the sound of musicians such as DJ Krush and DJ Cam, but always with his personal twist and unique use of athmospheric tones and melodies. Deckard proves his style to be exceptional and pushes himself to the ranks of today’s most cutting edge producers.











