Splits is a new series of releases from OO Recordings that focuses on connecting two artistic minds into one split release.

The first installment is a Nordic affair with Iceland's Jónbjörn on the A-side and Finland's Torolf Stendik on the B-side. Though stylistically operating in different shades of electronic music, both artists share a knack for relentless experimentation, ingenious use of their chosen array of sounds, and Nordic quirks that are hard to put a finger on. The release spans a spectrum of glitchy experimental with hints of IDM and minimalistic techno with industrial twists on the A-side, whereas the B-Side combines slower, downtempo-ish tracks with deeper house cuts with acid tips.

Having been fans of both artists for years, we're more than thrilled to present to You the meeting between two mind-bending talents. The release is mastered by Noah Kin.

Jónbjörn - 13.50

He'd never been superstitious before but recent events had led him to start questioning things; or "looking deeper" as he called it. Until now these occurrences had been dubbed as coincidences, as pure luck or chance - be that good or bad, though it predominantly ended up being the latter. Cursed was a strong word but that was what he'd resigned himself to believing.

It's been three years since Bristol stalwart Appleblim landed on fellow local imprint Sneaker Social Club. His 2018 LP 'Life In A Laser' also marks one of his last outings period, so we're pretty stoked to see him return with a second long player for the label - the first to be released via tape. On 'Infinite Hieroglyphics' Appleblim gives himself to the technology, flexing his singular production abilities through an expansive range of styles and sounds that pull from techno, electro and rave music.

Infinite Hieroglyphics

PREMIERE: Appleblim - Opal Moon [Sneaker Social Club]

Everything ground to a holt that morning. This seemingly well-oiled machine was not all it was cracked up to be; people had already left in their droves, only a few remained in the hope that they'd be rewarded for their commitment, but they'd be waiting a long time. Nobody knew the root cause of this breakdown but it had been a longtime coming, there was only so much those who wielded power could get away with before a mass exodus would ensue.

Newly born label Terra Magica are kicking off proceedings with a release from the two head honchos: Munich-based producers and DJs Mirko Hecktor and Tom Sprenger. Under their Hektisch Sprengen guise, which in German means to blow up things in a very hectic manner, the pair are doing just the opposite sound-wise - the two tracks are slow analog jams that draw from an array of genres and places. The pair have invited four artists to remix the tracks too including our pick from Aussie producer DJ Chrysalis who puts a UK-G influenced spin on 'Dancing Dust'.

PREMIERE: Hektisch Sprengen DJs - Dancing Dust (DJ Chrysalis PDQ Remix) [Terra Magica Rec]

Providing his debut for Ransom Note Records offshoot Insult To Injury, our fellow Amsterdammer and ECHOBOX radio DJ Oneven (a.k.a. Andrew Visser) offers up five pieces of electronic meatiness for our ravenous consumption. As a duel British/Dutch citizen, his electronic music heritage is strong and he draws on early IDM / Braindance methods to create a unique, trademark sound. With a huge passion for hardware, Oneven tries to keep the music as organic and honest as possible, mistakes and all.
Lead single (and synth master class) VM1S2RM springs out of the trap first, hurtling along at breakneck pace, peppered with curious bleeps, noises and percussion stabs, this IDM monster leaves little breathing room. Next up, M52t5, comes down a few gears and treats us to some laid back, electro tinged 808 beats and beautifully ethereal chords over the industrial, Kraftwerk-esque synth lines.
brrytmt takes us into another world completely, tugging at the heartstrings with its expressive, lofi chords, rolling over the top of some beautifully heavy, distorted beats. Tissue continues in that vein, more subdued machine sounds are juxtaposed to the frantic 707 rhythms and repeating vocal edit, conjuring up an eerily stunning scene.
Rounding off, we’re treated to more stirring, processed sounds with Dlaciebie. A sparse and precise piece of automaton music that invokes a certain sadness, proving once and for all that, machines do indeed have emotions...

Gebarentalen EP

Buy/Stream

Oneven - Dlaciebie [ITI#19]

An eerie calm had settled on the beach. The sea was still under the jet-black sky, which was dotted with pinprick stars, like a billion tiny torches shining down from the heavens. The moon cast shadows on the sands and the tranquillity was enhanced by the gentle sound of the waves as they drifted up onto the shoreline and back again. In the distance you could just about make out the thrum of the soundsystem from the bar in the far corner of the beach. It could be playing any song you wanted and anyone you knew could be in there, waiting for you to arrive with a hug and a smile and whatever else you fancied…

It’s a double celebration for the Ransom Note and Bytes family today! As well as being the release day for the four-track Remix EP featuring reworkings of tracks from Water Groove, the stunning debut album from the multi-instrumentalist composer and visual artist Yoann Pisterman, it is also the 40th birthday of R$N friend Enrique “ELO” Leon, the Venezuelan/Colombian DJ also known as Leeon. He just so happens to have provided one of the remixes on the EP, so R$N is posting it to mark this special day.

ELO’s ethereal take on Marbling soothes the mind with a meditative aura of sonic crescendo. As the music evolves, it feels as though we are transcending through unknown dimensions, pervaded by introspection and bliss. This take on Marbling was inspired by a recurrent midnight sitting down at Playa Marmol in Río Claro, a nature reserve in Colombia.

PREMIERE: Yoann Pisterman - Yoann Pisterman - Marbling (ELO Marble Beach at Midnight Remix) [Bytes]

Frankfurt producer and co-founder of Precision Breakbeat Research imprint, Kabuki, brings us the final instalment of the collaboration-focused Beat Excursions series.

Invading his nostrils were the smells of spices, fish and bodies which, when experienced in tandem, made for a deadly concoction. This was especially true in his case where survival would depend on the sharpness of wit and perception. Swimming through swathes of people who clamoured clumsily on top of each other, he felt the air begin to prickle his face, signalling an opening which would either lead to safety, or more danger.

Following 5 editions, 24 tracks and 17 artist collaborations which range from Detroit-based Footwork connoisseur Sinistarr to Bronx native Anna Morgan, Kabuki's self-released Beat Excursions series has reached its final form. For its sixth and final manifestation, it's down to Exit Records boss dBridge, label affiliate Fixate, and Japanese dubstep and DnB stalwart ENA to offer their bass-heavy input.

Our pick sees Kabuki go solo. Inspired by a trip to Hong Kong where he visited the iconic location immortalised by Wong Kar-wai's 1994 movie, 'Chungking Mansions' is a playful half-timer. Opening the track are high-frequency synth plucks which glimmer on a liquid surface before melodic low-ends and a hard-hitting beat plunges things into mischief. This track is action-packed, with sharp edge sounds that glisten under neon lights.

Beat Excursions #6

PREMIERE: Kabuki - Chungking Mansions [Beat Excursions]

READ https://inverted-audio.com/lyder-talk-musical-influences-theory-and-off-grid-instrumentation/ 

@Lyderlyderlyder, a trio of Münich-based musicians composed of Lindsey Wang (@Polygonia), Niklas Bühler (@delusionalcircuits) and Moritz Stahl (@odizouu), take inspiration from their diverse musical backgrounds for their debut EP on @Jazz-O-Tech. In our feature, the band share their thoughts and experiences in writing music.

Vivacity EP

Lyder - Helichrysum [Jazz-O-Tech]

Dyptych is a treble in exploration of dark, minimal, and glitch-driven breakbeats. Each track mirrors the other - similar in tone and structure, yet fractured into distinct variations. Heavy sub pressure and warped percussion anchor the sound, while off-kilter edits, clicks, and stutters twist the groove into unexpected shapes. It’s music that thrives in the shadows: quirky, tense, and hypnotic, balancing minimal restraint with intricate glitchy detail.

Cryoritic

Towards light

Athrú

From 'MMXX Leap' compilation 

ceadcead.bandcamp.com/album/mmxx-leap

NWO - Elliptical Axiz

Ransom Note is an online music, arts and culture magazine. We provide a home for readers and writers with boundless enthusiasm, esoteric knowledge, fierce opinions and impeccable taste.

With our core team immersed in all aspects of dance music, we publish news, articles, and interviews covering the greatest in innovative, underground culture from across the globe. We offer regular, exclusive music and mixtapes from our favourite artists, and publish features shining a light on everything from the freshest new artists to the untold tales from rave history.

Alongside this we offer musings on film, books, life, and art, generating some context and controversy as an antidote to the reheated PR that clogs up the internet. Our office is fuelled by Tunnock’s Bars, cat memes, hangovers and a ridiculous, never ending love for our culture.

We're always interested in getting new writers on board – feel free to get in touch if you’ve got a story to tell.

With love until the grave.