SUBNXT - Digital Underground

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 13-10-25, 3.14.28 pm

++++++TTB_9M

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