A2 - Constant Struggle

SAISEI founder Junki Inoue continues his vital archival work uncovering the riches of Japan’s distinctive electronic music scene and bringing them to new audiences around the world. The PMA EP compiles four dynamic tracks recorded around 30 years ago by the duo of Shigeru Nakamura (drums/vocals) and Mikio Kato (synths) aka B-2DEP’T. Nakamura and Kato’s first album as B-2DEP’T, Products Plus, appeared on cassette in 1993 on Trigger Records, the predecessor label to Transonic (given a retrospective on SAIS004). Its bright yellow and blue retro-futurist artwork – which is echoed in the design for this reissue on SAISEI – matched the sounds held within: inventive, out-of-the-box dance music blending overseas influences with an idiosyncratic Japanese sensibility. Two tracks from Products Plus appear on this EP, All tracks re-edited by Junki Inoue and regular collaborator Yuzo Iwata for vinyl extended play and available now for the first time on vinyl. ‘Clockwork Giant Panda’ appearing in a version co-produced with Yoshinori Sunahara (ex - Denki Groove), merges a breezy US house groove and bassline with twinkling, almost parodic Japanese keys that act as a kind of meta commentary on Western perceptions of Japan (a concept pioneered by Yellow Magic Orchestra). The two parts of ‘BSMH’, or Body Sonic Mental Health from ‘Products Plus’, were originally remixed by Daishi Hisakawa of Tanzmuzik, who draws on darker sounds from Europe and the UK: restless Depeche Mode synth harmonies spiral above a pacy EBM pulse, with robot vocals intoning the titular slogan. The package is completed by the unreleased track ‘PMA’, whose driving, bass-heavy mood falls somewhere between Sheffield bleep and the ambient techno of early Biosphere.
SAISEI is a Japanese word which translates to ‘reproduction’ and ‘to play’ (as in playing records). Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional nature just as much as it is for being forward into the future and this label’s concept does justice to exactly that. Having started digging for records as early as 16 years old, Inoue delved into productions from 1990s Japan to uncover these native gems. SAISEI’s core concept is to recapture and reintroduce unique pieces of Japanese electronic music onto vinyl, to an audience it never reached before as most of this music was only released in Japan.

B1. BSMH [Armed Plasteel Pt.1]

Quarium - Phantasia

[PREMIERE] Repetitive Thought - Christopher Ledger | Vector.Kyiv [2023]

Release Date: June 2023
Distributed by Ultrasuoni Records
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Milan-based multidisciplinary project Opal, inaugurates its very own record label unveiling a captivating 4-tracks vinyl release by the talented French duo “QR CODE” (composed of IDL and Rubens). This remarkable record embarks on a sonic voyage, encapsulating the essence and genuine identity that Opal embodies. The tracks featured on the vinyl reflect the diverse sounds and artistic expression that the project holds dear, offering a truly immersive and captivating experience for music enthusiasts.

On Side A of the release, an impeccable fusion of techno and electro takes center stage, captivating listeners with two exceptional tracks crafted specifically for the dance floor.
B side embarks on a experimental expedition, fearlessly venturing into uncharted territory. The journey delves deeper into the realms of techno, electro, and IDM, revealing Opal’s profound and introspective depths.

Credits:
Mixed by Paolo Tocci
Mastered by Tapewave Mastering
Lacquer Cut by Marco Pellegrino
Layout and Design by Vittorio Valigi

B2. IDL - LIFELESS WORLD

A2. QR CODE - LEAD ZEPPELIN

@sikuseries @sebpoblete

The collective mind of SIKU returns with its fourth outing of club-igniting material.

[PREMIERE] Re Action - Sebastian |  Siku Series [2023]

Instrumental Era marks a turning point for Obscyron — a cinematic transition from lyrical synthpop to a world where melodies and textures carry the emotion.

Across four interconnected tracks, the EP explores the evolution of transmission and silence: the awakening pulse of Instrumental Era, the haunting glow of Dark Radiance, the reflective drift of Slow Transmission, and the conclusive farewell of The Final Signal.

Fusing synthwave, chillwave, and ambient electronic elements, Obscyron captures nostalgia and introspection through analog warmth and evolving soundscapes. While this era focuses on instrumental storytelling, songs with lyrics will still appear occasionally — especially through collaborations that bridge voice and atmosphere within Obscyron’s evolving sonic universe.


Support

Final Signal

bandcamp

Oh Get Down (SEIUN Remix)

Radio (Joy Overdose remix)

Electronia

Music channel including podcasts and releases by Milan-based community Opal.

info: questions.opal@gmail.com

A2. QR CODE - LEAD ZEPPELIN

Opal.it