Aurgasm

cinematic // psychill

Ancient & modern, acoustic & electronic, sacred & sensual, ethereal & worldly… Joshua Penman’s Akara project collapses dualities and guides the listener into a state of aural samadhi with a sonic ceremony called Extradimensional Ethnography. Composing a team of classical musicians, and sweetened by Femke Weidema’s heavenly chanting, this transcendent album is an absolute must-have for fans of globally-flavored grooves with a psychedelic touch. (review by Travis Nobles)

Mystical dancefloor symphonies.
Akara – The Far Shore
Akara – Gelfling
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dance // acoustic techno

Brandt Brauer Frick, a Berlin trio of classically trained musicians, redefines 21st century dancefloor music by playing deep house, minimal electro and techno beat with pianos, drums, strings, glockenspiels and even a rainstick. While their incredibly dynamic debut LP You Make Me Real (2010) ranges from infectious house loops to raw and jazzy textures, the trio pushes the envelop further. Recently Brandt Brauer Frick expanded to a ten-piece ensemble so they can play completely live. Mr. Machine (out on October 25) offers some new pieces along purely acoustic re-interpretations of their previous work such as standout “Bop” as well as cover versions, including one of Aurgasm featured Agnes Obel and Emika‘s “Pretend” (featured below).

Hypnotic grooves for the dancefloor and the headphones.
Brandt Brauer Frick – Pretend (from Mr. Machine)
Brandt Brauer Frick – R. W. John (from You Make Me Real)
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dance-funk // latin funk

Los Amigos Invisibles, possibly Venezuela’s greatest musical export, has been active for more than a decade. The band’s latest release, Not So Commercial (2011) offers remastered b-sides and alternate versions from previous recording sessions, following the successful, critically acclaimed and Grammy winning record Commercial (2009). This quick 25 minutes EP, however, offers some tasty “leftovers” for your next party. From funky-disco to reggae stylings and smooth acid groove, this EP will please your ears and move your feet.

Explosive, danceable grooves in the tropical heat.
Los Amigos Invisibles – G-String
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italo house // remix culture

Sometimes a catchy remix is made better by a fabulous video. Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup’s “We No Speak Americano” has easily found its way into the dance clubs and discos across Europe. Up and Over It are a professional Irish duo who are looking to redefine Irish Dance by mixing it up with Euro-Pop and French Folk. Lucky for us, this collaboration means creating a video full of complex jazz hand stunts and choreographed table slapping. Look for upcoming tour dates on Up and Over It’s Facebook. Yolanda Be Cool & DCup are currently on tour in Australia; peep their myspace for dates. (Tune found and words by Brandon Merritt)

Strictly manual percussion
Yolanda Be Cool & DCup – We No Speak Americano (ft. Up and Over It) on youtube
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afro-disco // urban // funk

Undeservingly forgotten and ignored for decades, in the late 70′s Lagos, as a large Nigerian metropolitan, was home to many recording studios and the real disco queen of West Africa. Lagos Disco Inferno (2010) is the first compilation of rare and groovy Nigerian disco tunes released outside of Africa. The compilation offers 12 examples of the 70′s disco era where African rhythms meet irresistible urban grooves. “Boogie Trip”, the opening track of the record, gives a taste of this funky and vibrant 70′s spirit, carrying that somewhat familiar disco vibe, yet unique and exotic. Put on your dancing shoes!

Tropical boogie party.
Doris Ebong – Boogie Trip

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