Browse by Label: SWAYZAK (UK)

Artist:	SWAYZAK
Title:	Snowboarding In Argentina
Label:	SWAYZAK (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.50
Catalog #:	SWZ 001CD

Originally released in 1998, here is the edited and remastered version of Swayzak's Snowboarding In Argentina, compiled from two versions that were originally released in the UK (Pagan) and USA (Medicine Label). A culmination of the early Swayzak years, Snowboarding In Argentina is finally re-issued as it should be. Ten years on, it is deemed a classic by many for its deep and melancholic house tendencies -- it is also inspired by a darker Detroit/Berlin techno edge, with a hint of dub reggae and ambient padisms thrown in! Snowboarding In Argentina came out of the melting pot which was 1990s London. The Swayzak roots began in 1994, but did not start their true journey until the release of Bueno/Fukumachi EP in 1997, earning the fanhood of Laurent Garnier. In his sophisticated French tones he said, "beautiful and moody." The duo were ecstatic when a distributor chased them down the street wanting copies, and the top London techno store sold out of copies in days. Recorded in various bedrooms around London, the tracks were made over weekends -- while others partied, they stayed in, drank beer & tea, smoked pot and experimented with their sound. When time would allow, they would stick their heads in a Jah Observer Soundsystem to get some vibes. They used a 2MB Akai Sampler, Atari Computer, a cheap drum machine and a couple of analog synths. The creation of this LP was a truly minimal experiment and each mix was hand-crafted, culminating in hours of DAT recordings to sift through. Some of the tracks lasted 30 minutes (nowadays deemed genius) but then, to quote a journalist -- "who has the time to listen to this?" -- many were edited down manually. A release that was truly ahead of its time.

Artist:	VA
Title:	Two Hundred And Forty Volts
Label:	SWAYZAK (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$18.00
Catalog #:	SWZ 002CD

"Two Hundred And Forty Volts came together as a result of the Swayzak tours, where they were given material by acquaintances and strangers encountered along the way. It is an album compiled with a sense for travelling as well as listening. Influences are broad, yet echoes of Kraftwerk, Underground Resistance, Basic Channel, etc. Turns out 80s synth pop can be ideal for combining sounds from the past with those of the future. The first half of the record is pure analog -- no computers involved and a decidedly strong dose of electro funk. The second half of the compilation is a more digital affair, where warmth, depth, and melody flow from our more tech-oriented bretheren." Artists include: Swayzak, Roger 23, James S. Taylor, Betamax, Theorem, Dwayne Sodahberk, and Tavern On The Green.

Artist:	SWAYZAK
Title:	So Cheap
Label:	SWAYZAK (UK)
Format:	12"
Price:	$10.00
Catalog #:	SWZ 013EP

"The winter seemed longer that year. The hard ground remained barren with no concession to the new life below. There was little color in our days, monochrome and fluid we felt as if we had slowed the clock in some wakeful hibernation state. How could we live again? What magic catalyst would reaffirm our existence? We dreamed of comets, fireflies and volcanoes. But neither fire nor fury was to be found. The only solution must come from within: creation. The machines were cleaned, oiled and primed. We began our task with some glee, willing ourselves to make the colored light. We longed to bask, vitamin D deficiency, a pallid opacity in our faces. 'So Cheap.' Started life in southern France on a vintage PC. Went to London for a new suit and haircut. Became a live / CDR favorite. Pure Swayzak classic, moody synths, skipping beats and 'Reverb by the Rub of Love' -- danger in the building. Prehistoric techno slapper. Nil by mouth. 'Schlaffen' -- cash converters revenge. Get up early -- no sleepers."

Artist:	SWAYZAK
Title:	Smile And Receive
Label:	SWAYZAK (UK)
Format:	12"
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	SWZ 014EP

Swayzak present 3 tracks from 2007's Some Other Country album. "Smile And Receive" was remixed by Roger 23, featuring Cassy on vocals -- a super-sub Chicago house track and pure analog/wonky heaven. "Claktronic" uses live percussion, flutes, and a child's voice for a very trippy vibe that will be looping in your brain all day. "Distress And Calling" is a blissful, Philip Glass-inspired sub-bass growler, with arpeggiated vocals, deep bass and tight snare drum. The bigger the system, the better this one sounds.

Artist:	SWAYZAK
Title:	Bueno/Fukumachi
Label:	SWAYZAK (UK)
Format:	12"
Price:	$12.00
Catalog #:	SWZ 015EP

Originally released in 1998, Swayzak's classic Snowboarding In Argentina is finally re-issued as a series of 3 12"s. Ten years on, it is still revered for its deep house tendencies, its Detroit/Berlin techno edge, and for its dub and ambient padisms. The first of the original 3 12"s that would comprise Snowboarding In Argentina was 1997's Bueno/Fukumachi EP. Each mix was hand-crafted, culminating in hours of DAT recordings to sift through, and many were edited down manually. This material is now re-edited, remastered, and reissued on blue vinyl.

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