A Lifetime I OUT NOW!

I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

A Lifetime

Alfonso Muchacho - Go It Alone

Alfonso Muchacho - A Lifetime

Unfold, Vol. 2

Applescal - Annie

Simple Tuesday (AFFKT remix)

GusGus - Simple Tuesday (AFFKT remix) [Oroom]

Rave Girl EP

Fever

Can't Get Enough

Can't Get Enough (Adana Twins Remix)

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/_CRMLP049

The release of Crosstown Rebels’ SPIRITS compilation is always a bastion moment for the label. The first edition came to prominence in 2017 and we’ve been graced with an annual compilation ever since, showcasing a consistent habit to champion established artists and breakthrough ones alike. Now, Crosstown Rebels’ lauded SPIRITS series will see the light of day once more in June, with the release of SPIRITS V.

“Compiling the Spirits compilations and sourcing the artists that create the artwork for the sleeves is one of my favourite annual jobs for Crosstown. I get to sift through all the best music being sent to me and find a way to make a cohesive one stop shop full of underground battle weapons and future club hits whilst also setting the tone for the sound of the label in any given year. Spirits V is one of the strongest of the series”. Damian Lazarus

NYC-native Layla Benitez leads proceedings with Fides, a progressive leaning, introspective number that retains an inherent danceability throughout. It kicks off the compilation with a driving energy, one that’s perfectly matched by Trabajar - the Crosstown Rebels debut of recent Hot Creations inductee Mr.Diamond. 

A techy-inspired cut, punchy four-four drum patterns create a distinctive late-night feel, as UK-talent Denney soon arrives with Kill The Soundboy. Showcasing the groove-laced house sound with which he’s become best known, the near seven-minute piece is sure to light up many a club setting this year, paving the way for Talk To Me. It’s a collaborative venture between Munich-based artist ASK:ME and El Muerto, with Soulfoot featuring on vocals. Retaining a vintage Detroit style, the fast-paced tempo creates a natural excitement before Romanian-born mainstay GruuvElement’s gifts us the minimal-toned Boom Room.

Building with tribal-like percussion and salsa-inspired instrumentals, it’s a playful excursion into dance music’s outer realms, paving the way for young Peruvian producer Chinonegro with My Moment. Whether it be the pluck of a guitar string or a jazzy trumpet solo, there’s an inherent authenticity to the six-minute piece, as a mid track breakdown gives way to whispering hats and a rhythmic underlying backbone.

The penultimate offering comes from French-born, London-based regular Maglia, who serves up the shamanic Rayiys. The chirping of birds reside atop an ever-changing bassline, leaving us open and ready for the VA’s closing saga: Thanks Moon, by Spain’s I AM JAS. A heady combination of beautiful lyrical contributions combine with softly moving electronic elements, to leave us in a state of calm, inward reflection. Rounding off proceedings on a note of quietude, it reminds us of the final moments in clubland, transporting our psyche to sunrise, fond memories and everything in between.

Over a period of nineteen years, Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels has evolved into a world-renowned institution, garnering global audiences thanks to a consistent schedule of quality releases. In years since it’s earliest beginnings, the likes of Maceo Plex, Art Department, Seth Troxler, Ali Love, Mathew Jonson, Pier Bucci, Acid Pauli, Dennis Kurtel, Francesca Lombardo, Glimpse, Aphrohead, Fur Coat and a plethora of other figureheads have all found their home on the label.

The roster is international, showcasing how Crosstown has shaped a truly global scene. Releases are born in different continents by artists who hail from different countries, resulting in a sound that resonates worldwide. Perhaps most-pivotal to the label’s success is its musical output: no part is governed by boundary or genre. It’s underpinned by a truly eclectic sound, one that reflects the diversity of Damian’s love for music itself. An album from drum and bass icon DJ Krust here, a maiden LP from Audiojack there... traversing genres has been Damian’s forte for decades - and Crosstown epitomises that as a result.

Layla Benitez

Fides

Layla Benitez - Fides

Momentum

Temples is a tempting invitation into another world, full of light and movement. From the second the synth comes in this track has got us deep in its pocket. Shotter manages something that is hard to achieve - he has us floating completely, yet steadily carried by tip-toeing metallic rhythm elements and the relentless swells of bright synths. The game changer in the second half is a new, gritty bass quality, which couldn't roll in any more fiercely. At its fullest the track has us in an uncompromising trance, a relentless movement that we don't ever want to escape from. Breaking back down to pleasantly gentle hi-hat reverb-tails and inducing synth patterns Temples lets us down easy, with the unspoken promise to return.

Ueno claims the room to itself completely and immediately. The rise and fall of melodic synth lines lead us through a labyrinth at first, leaving plenty of space for imagination. Before we notice playful call-and-response rhythms are teasing our ears, until the track surrenders itself to an ever-growing wave of synth patterns and their behind-the-beat-delay. It climaxes into a haunting silence with tenuous high-pitched sounds and a clear outer space feel. Finally, all elements lock into a comforting groove, driving us forward, not too fast, not too slow - exactly right.

The track starts off with a blissfully nostalgic vintage-feel - slightly muffled, like the humbling quality you get from an old Technics playing your favourite LP. But don't be fooled, Cube March is bold. And unexpected. Stomping rhythms take over quickly and full-blown gritty synth-stabs cut the air effortlessly, like blades. An unapologetic and careless pumping bass line makes us want to move with every cell in our body. Shotter demonstrates his fearlessness in experimenting with heavy contrasts and elements from different genres here. A break with tastefully placed repetitive rhythm elements is complemented by the constant ebb and flow of melody lines. Both in volume and presence they fluctuate, one handing over the spotlight to the other seamlessly, keeping us hooked until the very end.

This remix lures you away from reality in a matter of seconds, with Definition's signature heavy hitting bass dominating. He expertly weaves shimmery fills into buoyant synth lines and brings us a skilful mix of dark minimal techno, breaks and infectious monster synth lines. Every so often, he adds a new layer, increasing the depth of the track, before letting it all crumble in a breakdown where time stops and tension grows, as we impatiently await the next rise to carry us away. The lengthy build-ups give this remix the energy to fill any room, easily. It is subtle, yet propulsive, too - a lane that Definition seems to manage regularly.

Cube March

Allan Shotter - Cube March (Original Mix)

Ray Silva -Rob Scene (Original Mix) (Melodic House) - 2024

Slam - Eterna (John Digweed & Nick Muir Remix)

Alex Dolby - Psiko Garden ( Dark Soul Project No Lights Re - Make)
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@djnickwarren Nick Warren @ Mix Terasz 2013 08 10 Playing Psiko Garden ( Dark Soul Project No Lights Re - Make)
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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-0LYe6YeaI
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Nick Warren was going to sign it but we couldn't get the rights to license the track about Alex Manager but here you go, Free Download :) .
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Alex Dolby - Psiko Garden ( Dark Soul Project No Lights Re - Make)Free Download

London based DJ, Producer and Label owner at @abovethestormrecords
📥Message me for bookings.
💵Tracks available here:
https://www.beatport.com/artist/alfonso-muchacho/317869

abovethestormrecords@gmail.com
Buy - https://www.beatport.com/label/above-the-storm/82891

Alfonso Muchacho - A Lifetime

Above The Storm

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