Beatsnack.mp3

dZb 1028 - SHAKHRAI - Dusty Town (Original Mix).

A. Kat Race
B. Alarms Cyclone

Overview
Jeff Mills’ “The Bells” is one of the most iconic tracks in techno history, often called the genre’s anthem. Known for its hypnotic bell melody, driving kick, and euphoric build, it became a staple in DJ sets worldwide. The track was first played live by Mills in 1995 (e.g., at Liquid Room in Tokyo), but it wasn’t officially released until 1997 as part of the Kat Moda EP on his Purpose Maker label. This EP is the original record pressing you’re asking about—no standalone “The Bells” single exists from that era. It has since been repressed multiple times due to massive demand (over 500,000 copies sold across versions).


Original Pressing Details
* Release Year: 1997 (though the track dates to 1995 performances and test pressings)
* Format: 12” vinyl EP, 33 ⅓ RPM
* Label: Purpose Maker
* Catalog Number: PM-002
* Country: US
* Pressing Notes: First pressing on standard black vinyl. Matrix runouts indicate a repress or variant: A side - PM 002-A (RE I) NSC; B side - PM 002-B (RE I) NSC (etched, with NSC circled). The mastering has been criticized as “shit” by some collectors for its raw, unpolished sound—typical of ’90s techno but quieter than modern represses, often requiring gain boosts in DJ sets. Sold out quickly at shops like Cisco in Tokyo upon release.

Tracklist
Side	Track	Duration
A1	The Bells	4:46
A2	Kat Race	4:22
B1	Alarms (aka “Masterplan” in later compilations)	5:32
B2	Cyclone	4:48


* 	•	Production Credits: Written, produced, and edited by Jeff Mills. Published by Millsart/BMG-Ariola.
* Why Buried on an EP? Mills reportedly avoided hype-sticker promotion to let the track’s organic popularity (from crowd reactions) drive sales. Purpose Maker was for floor-focused material, contrasting his experimental Axis label.

How to Identify an Original Pressing
* Visual Cues: Gold-on-black label design. No “10th Anniversary” or remix mentions. Check for wear from heavy club play—originals often show it.
* Sound Cues: Raw, dynamic mix with prominent kick and bells; lower loudness (not -5 LUFS like some digital remasters). Test pressings exist but are rare and unnumbered.
* Value (as of Oct 2025): $20–$50 USD for VG+ condition on Discogs/Reverb; mint originals can hit $100+ due to collector demand. Recent sales: Median $30–$40.

Later Versions and Represses
The track exploded in popularity, leading to reissues. Key ones:
* 1999 Repress: Same EP format (PM-002), minor matrix tweaks. Often mistaken for original.
* 2006 (10th Anniversary): Standalone 12” on Purpose Maker (PM-020). Includes reworked B-sides (“Gift of the Hills,” “Circus”). Louder mastering; promo versions exist. ~$15–$30.
* 2006 DVD Edition: Axis (AXDV-002). Enhanced with visuals from 1997–98 footage; limited audio/video hybrid.
* 2019 Remaster: On Sight, Sound & Space compilation (Axis). Cleaner, higher fidelity; first vinyl appearance of orchestral “Blue Potential” version.
* 2025 Remaster: Digital-only (e.g., SoundCloud edits); no new vinyl confirmed.

If you’re hunting for an original, check Discogs for verified sellers—avoid fakes by matching matrix numbers. For audio, stream the 1997 version on Beatport or Spotify. Got a specific copy or need value check? Share details! 🔔

Recording 14-10-25, 11.34.55 am

Berlin based SLV DE makes a welcome return to Soma with his latest release, Gestern und Heute EP. Having gradually built himself to be one of the most exciting prospects on the Soma roster, SLV DE continues to impressive with his dark yet emotive sound. This release also features a spectacular remix from rising UK Techno act Cleric.

The melancholic Artefakt opens the EP with its wonderfully crafted syncopated beats and cold, haunting synth work. Kreuzwege has SLV back on four to the floor territory and working a real dance floor burning as tweeked out leads are bolstered by typical powerful drum work from SLV. Jetzt keeps things moving at a fast pace yet brings a more emotive side. Intense percussive workouts drive the tracks with fleeting pads taking the tone of the tracks to other heights. Cleric takes on Artefakt and delivers a suitably punchy, furious rework yet still retains the essence of the original.

Another unique release has SLV DE standing out from the crowd with his distinctive sound.

Gestern un Heute

Buy all on Beatport

SLV DE - Kreuzwege (Soma514d)

"A Perspective Of Dimensions" (SRIE028) by Axling, Pulso, Deauwd, Translate, Eric Fetcher, FLAWS, Ocktawian and Pfirter.

This album is played & supported by Arnaud Le Texier, FU-5, Vertical Spectrum, Kotec, Filip Xavi, Angel Molina, DVS1, Zadig, Abstract Division, Antonio De Angelis, MTD, Kike Pravda, HD Substance, Fundamental Interaction, Mekas, Aleja Sanchez, Temudo, Alderaan, Ribes, LPP, Jandroid, I/Y, Subsist Records, P. God, Takaaki Itoh, Augusto Taito, Saidman, Hollden, Kinenz, Covert Operative, Vivi an, Rotten, Albert Chiovenda, Joey M and many more...

[...SRIE Records warrants a great deal of respect and recognition for identifying, promoting and showcasing the skills of numerous flawless producers.
The next instalment of our vault is a sublime 8 track V/A featuring great producers and friends of the label.
''A Perspective of Dimensions'' offers abstract and elaborated running techno by Axling, Deauwd, Pulso, Translate, Eric Fetcher, FLAWS, Ocktawian and Pfirter, who represent the actual sound of the label...]

-Artwork by Fractales DIY.
-This album is Written and Produced by Various Artists.
-All tracks Mastered by Pulso.

A1) Axling - Slow Attack
A2) Deauwd - Ancient
A3) Pulso - Amatista
A4) Translate - Stellar Observatory

B1) Eric Fetcher - Host
B2) FLAWS - Bassiani
B3) Ocktawian - Assimilated
B4) Pfirter - Looking Glass

Pfirter - Looking Glass [Srie Records]

Various Artists - Ephemeral EP (PRRUKBLK052)
A1] Shekon - Hypno (Phara Remix)
A2] Gotshell - Sindrome De Volar  
B1] Shekon - Guardians Of Heaven (Re:axis Remix)
B2] Simone Tavazzi - Ephemeral
5] Earwax - Ypno  (Digital Only)

Planet Rhythm:
www.planetrhythm.audio
@planetrhythmrec
www.facebook.com/planetrhythmrec
www.discogs.com/label/347-Planet-Rhythm-Records

Follow us on Spotify to: goo.gl/wxITRf

All Planet Rhythm releases appear first as exclusive on Bandcamp:
planetrhythm.bandcamp.com

Ephemeral EP

DIGI.  Earwax - Ypno

Slam vs. Obscure Shape ( @utobscure0010 ) & SHDW ( @shdw-music ) - Oblique Strategies ( @Soma 576)

1. Strategy 1
2. Strategy 2
3. Strategy 3

Soma present a special collaboration between label heads Slam and another of Techno’s top tier duos, Obscure Shape & SHDW. With both of these acts currently at peak form, Oblique Strategies is the culmination of a shared vision where both styles of production shine through on every track. Starting as a singular idea, shared between the pairings, each then took their turn to put their own stamp on the tracks. The results are plain to see as Strategy 1, 2 & 3 express the very best of what these renowned duos bring to Techno.

Mastered By Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Slam Vs. Obscure Shape & SHDW - Strategy 1 (Soma576)

Slam / @paragraph - Sense Of Purpose EP (Soma584d)

1. Capture
2. False
3. Episode

Soma label heads Slam are back on home turf with another high pressure release, the Sense Of Purpose EP. The pairing of Stuart McMillan & Orde Meikle hit hard once again with 3 expertly crafted tracks that give a nod to the roots of the tougher side of Techno.

Opening track Capture harks to the unrelenting nature of early 2000s Techno. A sturdy blend of hammering percussive elements, backed by rebellious vocals make for a typically high octane track Slam. False maintains the pressure but has a more warped and hypnotic hook that adds even darker overtones. Episode closes out the EP and has a trademarked Slam groove element whilst still remaining rough and ready as added dubbed out atmospherics and pads play to the tracks deeper momentum.

Mastered By Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Sense Of Purpose EP

Capture

Slam - Capture (Soma584d)

Planet Rhythm:
www.planetrhythm.audio
www.facebook.com/planetrhythmrec
www.discogs.com/label/347-Planet-Rhythm-Records

Follow us on Spotify to: goo.gl/wxITRf

All Planet Rhythm releases appear first as exclusive on Bandcamp:
planetrhythm.bandcamp.com
Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/label/planet-rhythm/3022

Vinicius Honorio - Roadkill (PRRUKD 20061)

@phara-6 - The Great Attractor EP (incl @setaoc_mass Remix) - Soma595
A1. Great Attractor
A2. Great Attractor (Setaoc Mass Remix)
B1. Mission 3,2,1
B2. The Andromeda Manoeuvre
Messier 33*

Belgian based Phara makes a huge debut on Soma with The Great Attractor EP. With his fast, raw and energetic sound, Phara’s ascent has been quick off the mark and this latest release has the young producer stretch himself farther with cleverly produced and exciting tracks. UK Techno don, Setaoc Mass backs up this already masterful EP, lending his own prowess to the title track. 

Great Attractor leans on 90s, spaced out techno vibes as fast paced 909s fire against the backdrop of rapid, modulating synths. Setaoc Mass’ remix comes up next, offering a deeper more restrained affair. However, as usual, the adept nature of his productions deal out devastating effect. On the flip, Mission 3,2,1 delves into dubbed out synth work whilst retaining drive and groove. Further dub explorations are found on closing track The Andromeda Manoeuvre. Spacial synth work and atmospherics ebb and flow as Phara’s hard hitting and relentless percussive work deals the final blow. 

*Messier 33 appears as Bandcamp Exclusive
Mastered By Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

The Great Attractor EP

The Andromeda Manoeuvre

Vinyl/Digital

Phara - The Andromeda Manoeuvre (Soma595)

@bpitch-control

La eminente techno terrestre de Berlín, Ellen Allien, nos trae la edición final de la gigantesca serie recopilatoria We Are Not Alone, con tres entregas de 11 pistas cada una. 

Cada una de las entregas presenta nuevos ritmos de artistas que serán parte de la  serie de eventos We Are Not Alone en el futuro.

Este es el capítulo final, así que abróchense el cinturón para viajar a través de esta increíble compilación.

01 Ryan James Ford - EQ 10MG Base Cybernetic assimilators enter Earth’s exosphere
02 LADA (Dasha Rush & Lars Hemmerling) - Kassi Dense cosmic minimalism
03 Cosmin TRG - Sourde Unorthodox renegade snares
04 Heidi Sabertooth - Innergaze Introspective laser precision
05 Henning Baer - Nightwing Microlight Thunderous cataclysmic vibrations
06 Setaoc Mass - Silent Tension Primeval ritualistic practices
07 Truncate - Basic Taut atmospheric pressure
08 Shlomi Aber - Terrified Terrifically terrifying techno terrorism!
09 Hemka - Culture Dreaming of a mischievous nightdrive
10 Bertrand. - Midsummer Dream Beats are rough, pads are fluff
11 Adriana Lopez - Chaos Transition Malfunction, meltdown... mayhem

PREMIERE:  Shlomi Aber - Terrified [BPitch]

BOOKINGS DJ & Live sets: chris@elitemm.co.uk
Slam (aka Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle) are a tour de force on the global techno circuit. Their unique, six deck, back-to-back DJ performances have seen the duo play leading clubs and festivals across the world. They are renowned for both their experience and their powerful, contemporary sound. 

They are co-owners of Glasgow's Riverside Festival, and also host the legendary Maximum Pressure warehouse parties, which showcase the best emerging local talent alongside some of the most established names in international techno.

Their iconic Soma Records label boasts in excess of 600 releases, hosting Mcmillan and Meikle's own productions and many of today's most cutting-edge techno artists.

The last few years have seen some of the duo's most prolific studio output as they continue to innovate and keep things moving forward, most recently with the release of their experimental full length record Athenæum 101. In addition, Slam have also remixed tracks from the likes of Planetary Assault Systems, Clouds, Dax J, Damon Wild, Richie Hawtin, and Truncate, to name just a few. 

Slam also host one of Techno's most respected weekly podcasts, Slam Radio, which has now surpassed over 400 episodes. The show allows the duo to demonstrate their conviction to creating and promoting music and vibes that provide an antidote to the mainstream by inviting fellow artists from the vibrant Techno scene, from obscure names to current trailblazers.