''Over the past three decades, Philipp Lauer has produced an incredible body of work, deploying a myriad of aliases, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative projects. From his hardware-steeped Frankfurt studio Pyramide 2, he has built this catalogue through original material and remix commissions, taking on the full spectrum of electronic music while retaining an unmistakable signature. He combines a hands-on approach to rhythm and composition with a DIY MO and a love of big hooks. The level of expertise seems to facilitate a playfulness that subtly permeates all layers of his work. He's a pop melody natural who just so happens to love fiddling with synthesizers, drum machines, and effects an equal amount. All of these qualities are exemplified on ''Embalmed In Martino'': Lauer's four-track ode to the Belgian Martino sauce, a spicy tomato-based condiment, and arguably the essential ingredient to top off the namesake raw meat sandwich. On ''Embalmed'', which makes use of instrumentation that would fit right in on an early eighties Manchester cut, and ''Martino'', where a sturdy, electroclash flavored arp bass provides the stamina, a slew of big and small riffs easily work their way in, thirsting for our ears. On the other side, ''Transactional'' combines Miami basslines and similarly electro-fundamental twinkling synth work with a flanger-laced 4/4 beat, while ''Don't You Know'' features soaring synthwave patterns and the only vocal samples on the EP. Both sport rich arrangements as well, right down to the cowbell overdubs. Lauer's often lauded for his ''summery sound''. In this light ALT026 lands right on time - yet we might disagree here, as it's suited for all seasons, and all terrains, both the shiny festival grounds and the dim-lit club floors.''

''Over the past three decades, Philipp Lauer has produced an incredible body of work, deploying a myriad of aliases, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative projects. From his hardware-steeped Frankfurt studio Pyramide 2, he has built this catalogue through original material and remix commissions, taking on the full spectrum of electronic music while retaining an unmistakable signature. He combines a hands-on approach to rhythm and composition with a DIY MO and a love of big hooks. The level of expertise seems to facilitate a playfulness that subtly permeates all layers of his work. He's a pop melody natural who just so happens to love fiddling with synthesizers, drum machines, and effects an equal amount. All of these qualities are exemplified on ''Embalmed In Martino'': Lauer's four-track ode to the Belgian Martino sauce, a spicy tomato-based condiment, and arguably the essential ingredient to top off the namesake raw meat sandwich. On ''Embalmed'', which makes use of instrumentation that would fit right in on an early eighties Manchester cut, and ''Martino'', where a sturdy, electroclash flavored arp bass provides the stamina, a slew of big and small riffs easily work their way in, thirsting for our ears. On the other side, ''Transactional'' combines Miami basslines and similarly electro-fundamental twinkling synth work with a flanger-laced 4/4 beat, while ''Don't You Know'' features soaring synthwave patterns and the only vocal samples on the EP. Both sport rich arrangements as well, right down to the cowbell overdubs. Lauer's often lauded for his ''summery sound''. In this light ALT026 lands right on time - yet we might disagree here, as it's suited for all seasons, and all terrains, both the shiny festival grounds and the dim-lit club floors.''

''Over the past three decades, Philipp Lauer has produced an incredible body of work, deploying a myriad of aliases, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative projects. From his hardware-steeped Frankfurt studio Pyramide 2, he has built this catalogue through original material and remix commissions, taking on the full spectrum of electronic music while retaining an unmistakable signature. He combines a hands-on approach to rhythm and composition with a DIY MO and a love of big hooks. The level of expertise seems to facilitate a playfulness that subtly permeates all layers of his work. He's a pop melody natural who just so happens to love fiddling with synthesizers, drum machines, and effects an equal amount. All of these qualities are exemplified on ''Embalmed In Martino'': Lauer's four-track ode to the Belgian Martino sauce, a spicy tomato-based condiment, and arguably the essential ingredient to top off the namesake raw meat sandwich. On ''Embalmed'', which makes use of instrumentation that would fit right in on an early eighties Manchester cut, and ''Martino'', where a sturdy, electroclash flavored arp bass provides the stamina, a slew of big and small riffs easily work their way in, thirsting for our ears. On the other side, ''Transactional'' combines Miami basslines and similarly electro-fundamental twinkling synth work with a flanger-laced 4/4 beat, while ''Don't You Know'' features soaring synthwave patterns and the only vocal samples on the EP. Both sport rich arrangements as well, right down to the cowbell overdubs. Lauer's often lauded for his ''summery sound''. In this light ALT026 lands right on time - yet we might disagree here, as it's suited for all seasons, and all terrains, both the shiny festival grounds and the dim-lit club floors.''

Balearic London's very own Ben Gomori presents his first extended play since his 2024 debut album 'Collapsing Time', collecting an array of sensual sounds across four tracks. 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' is a punchy collaboration with German powerhouse Lauer, powered by bright piano and synths paired with '80s acid house drums and a thick melodic bassline. 'Mucho Gusto!' goes full Italo, bouncy energy matched to an anthemic horn sample. 'Fun As Fk' makes great use of rising star Caio Cenci's infectious guitar licks over a phat-bottomed groove and camp '80/90s sample synths, and 'Inner Luv' slows the tempo for a chuggy flamenco-flecked bliss-out. All tracks written & produced by Ben Gomori. Additional production on 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' by Lauer. Guitar on 'Fun As Fk' by Caio Cenci. Mastering by RV Audio Mastering. Artwork by Camillo Miranda.

Altered Circuits Electro (Classic / Detroit / Modern)

Balearic London's very own Ben Gomori presents his first extended play since his 2024 debut album 'Collapsing Time', collecting an array of sensual sounds across four tracks. 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' is a punchy collaboration with German powerhouse Lauer, powered by bright piano and synths paired with '80s acid house drums and a thick melodic bassline. 'Mucho Gusto!' goes full Italo, bouncy energy matched to an anthemic horn sample. 'Fun As Fk' makes great use of rising star Caio Cenci's infectious guitar licks over a phat-bottomed groove and camp '80/90s sample synths, and 'Inner Luv' slows the tempo for a chuggy flamenco-flecked bliss-out. All tracks written & produced by Ben Gomori. Additional production on 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' by Lauer. Guitar on 'Fun As Fk' by Caio Cenci. Mastering by RV Audio Mastering. Artwork by Camillo Miranda.

''Over the past three decades, Philipp Lauer has produced an incredible body of work, deploying a myriad of aliases, both as a solo artist and as a part of collaborative projects. From his hardware-steeped Frankfurt studio Pyramide 2, he has built this catalogue through original material and remix commissions, taking on the full spectrum of electronic music while retaining an unmistakable signature. He combines a hands-on approach to rhythm and composition with a DIY MO and a love of big hooks. The level of expertise seems to facilitate a playfulness that subtly permeates all layers of his work. He's a pop melody natural who just so happens to love fiddling with synthesizers, drum machines, and effects an equal amount. All of these qualities are exemplified on ''Embalmed In Martino'': Lauer's four-track ode to the Belgian Martino sauce, a spicy tomato-based condiment, and arguably the essential ingredient to top off the namesake raw meat sandwich. On ''Embalmed'', which makes use of instrumentation that would fit right in on an early eighties Manchester cut, and ''Martino'', where a sturdy, electroclash flavored arp bass provides the stamina, a slew of big and small riffs easily work their way in, thirsting for our ears. On the other side, ''Transactional'' combines Miami basslines and similarly electro-fundamental twinkling synth work with a flanger-laced 4/4 beat, while ''Don't You Know'' features soaring synthwave patterns and the only vocal samples on the EP. Both sport rich arrangements as well, right down to the cowbell overdubs. Lauer's often lauded for his ''summery sound''. In this light ALT026 lands right on time - yet we might disagree here, as it's suited for all seasons, and all terrains, both the shiny festival grounds and the dim-lit club floors.''

Toolroom have once again unearthed some of the finest selections of underground dance music from the labels extensive archive for Vol. 5 of the Toolroom Vaults compilation series. Reprising secret weapons, hidden gems and of course club heaters that have been staples in label boss Mark Knight's sets for over a decade amongst other AAA artists across the globe. The music team at the label have selected another 50 hot tracks to include in the latest volume, from Harry Romero, Prok & Fitch, PAX, Rene Amesz, Muzzaik, Adrian Hour, DEL-30, Federico Scavo and many more revered names in dance music. Toolroom Vaults Vol. 5 is shaping up to be another choice album for many crate-diggers alike.

Balearic London's very own Ben Gomori presents his first extended play since his 2024 debut album 'Collapsing Time', collecting an array of sensual sounds across four tracks. 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' is a punchy collaboration with German powerhouse Lauer, powered by bright piano and synths paired with '80s acid house drums and a thick melodic bassline. 'Mucho Gusto!' goes full Italo, bouncy energy matched to an anthemic horn sample. 'Fun As Fk' makes great use of rising star Caio Cenci's infectious guitar licks over a phat-bottomed groove and camp '80/90s sample synths, and 'Inner Luv' slows the tempo for a chuggy flamenco-flecked bliss-out. All tracks written & produced by Ben Gomori. Additional production on 'It's Always Sunny Above The Clouds' by Lauer. Guitar on 'Fun As Fk' by Caio Cenci. Mastering by RV Audio Mastering. Artwork by Camillo Miranda.