#14 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

We love our star themes on Club Mackan. And the next release is no different. We welcome Berlin-based James Rod with a stellar two-track EP, Astrolosis. With remixes from Aleito and Marcus Christiansen, this release is a journey through cosmic melodies, galactic grooves, and star-born transformations. The title track, Astrolosis, shines with a bright, uplifting melody that never quite sits still. Like a star undergoing metamorphosis, its sound keeps shifting while its core remains the same—steady bassline, euphoric tone, and clever layering. Its cosmic, happy, and hypnotic. Giorgiolate follows with a groove that feels like a disco beat turned cinematic. The bassline takes the lead, constantly evolving and commanding the spotlight. Not-so-subtle FX and nuanced shifts in rhythm keep the track dynamic, giving it a sense of propulsion through space. Marcus Christiansens remix of Astrolosis injects drama and edge into the original. With a bit of acid and a powerful build-up, the remix builds tension like a dying star—only to explode into euphoric release, a true supernova moment. Aleito, on the other hand, turns Giorgiolate into something far darker. Think dark matter made audible. Pitched-down percussion and haunting melodies make his version feel like it belongs in a distant, unknown galaxy. Tune in, set your course, and let the soundwaves carry you across the stars.

James Rod

#47 Feat. New Releases in DJ Tools

Get ready to press play on Club Mackans latest release: Vapor Games by Brandski. This EP invites you into a sonic arcade of 80s and 90s-inspired tracks, blending Italo disco, trance, and techno vibes to create a high-score worthy experience. With three versions of the title track and two remixes, Vapor Games delivers a multifaceted adventure thats as versatile as it is nostalgic. The Italo Mix is a playful, melody-driven delight. Brandski crafts a vibrant track full of call-and-response synths that nods to retro 90s arcade games. Its an upbeat, high-energy ride that captures the charm and fun of Italo disco. For a more intense challenge, the Rave Mix speeds up to a 142 BPM. Starting with a dubby, techno-infused section, it gradually unveils familiar melodies from the Italo Mix. The laid-back, stripped-down approach combines with a trance-inspired bassline, making it a perfect bridge between genres. Then theres the Drum Tool—a rhythmic powerhouse designed to keep the energy high in any mix. Its the backbone of the EP, ready to power up any track on the dance floor. Adding their own spin to the game, RotorMotor transforms Vapor Games into a trance anthem, or shall we call it a bonus level? By reimagining the melodies as sawtooth waves and introducing heavier percussion and a fresh bassline, their remix is a euphoric ride thats ready for peak-time play. SLTBQ, on the other hand, opts for a dub techno approach with a hint of acid. Cleverly incorporating the vocals and bringing the original pads back at unexpected moments, SLTBQs remix is both atmospheric and primal, keeping listeners on their toes and making it the final boss. Whether youre a fan of Italo disco, trance, or techno, Vapor Games offers a little something for everyone. Insert your coin, press play, and let the music transport you to a retro-futuristic adventure. Welcome to Vapor Games. Ready? Player one.

Brandski