Various
Neo Violence Sampler 01

Portuguese artist Armando Mendes makes a huge statement with his debut album 'Parallel Universe', which was written and recorded over two and half years between LA, London and Berlin with legends including Robert Owens,Ithaka from the N.W.A. crew and Defected's Jinadu.Armando Mendes is one of Portugal's most assured artists. His rich and musical sound is informed by jazz and funk and he has played all over the world from Russia to Australia, all while picking up more than 80,000 monthly plays on Spotify for his music. His tremendous debut album ranges across the electronic music spectrum from downbeat and jazzy to deep house and electronica.Ithaka is the guest on the album opener 'This Life's All We Got,' which is a lush downbeat song with pensive lyrics. Late night jazz house stylings define 'Things U Do 2 Me' while 'Acid Yardies' looks to the club with its serrated 303s and dub wise drums. Chicago vocal royalty Robert Owens lends his heartfelt and buttery tones to the perfectly deep 'No Regrets' and after an acid and piano ambient fusion on 'MS20 Interlude' there is more rich, spiritual and jazzy house ('Parallel Universe,' ' Khun Pui - Mae Nam' and 'The Melody Inside') as well as more synth laden and electronic grooves to get dance floors moving ('One Night in Bangkok').The majestic, percussive and colourful 'Tropical Affair' is just that, then things get tender and introspective on the gorgeous 'Electric 88' before a radio edit of the classy pop house that is 'The Melody Inside' feat. Jinadu closes things out in emotional fashion. This is a widescreen musical journey that makes a lasting impact from an artist who is looking set for big things.

Pedro Goya’s new album Sycamore proves to stand the test of time. The combination of tracks for this album take the listener on a journey from the best of the 80s to present day with that classic Goya style. Rhythmic, grooving basslines, dreamy 80s synth, hypnotic melodies and the unassuming break this album has it all.One Iota the premiere track of Pedro Goya’s latest album is the timeless track we never knew we needed.The emotion and energy is palpable, melodic keys digging the proverbial ear worm all while the classiest touch of 303 bassline infused groove really captures an outer body experience. Dun, next up in line, further exemplifies Pedro’s profound innate understanding of rhythmic grooves, catchy riffs, complexity in simplicity.Ace turned my head while listening. Nostalgic in vibe, emulated elements that could be from a Super Mario video game takes me on a journey down memory lane.Zextra is the track I would find myself playing out most from this selection. I have always enjoyed Pedro Goya’s simple approach to music and the adaptability of tracks in any situation. For me Zextra will fit into most of my sets, each time used for different approaches on the mixing journey.Sycamore the title track of the new album is classic Pedro Goya. Simple, grooving, relentless and continuously progressive. This is Pedro Goya sound at its best!Each of the tracks on this album have a unique vibe that could be transferable in any situation. What might be used as an opening track for one DJ would make for a pleasant break in the mix for another. “Sycamore” by Pedro Goya is a timeless, instant classic."