Cacophonous Bling
Random Ruminations On Dance Music Culture
Monday, August 24, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Track Of The Day: D5 - Sides Of Space (Delsin)
The title track form an album that I finally got hold of today. ‘Sides Of Space’ came out just over ten years ago I think, and is from D5, a ;producer that went under my radar at the time, but who I am now discovering.This album is quite laid-back and feels like ambient with a kick. Obviously influenced by Detroit, but with a strong IDM feel as well. D5 also released another album on Delsin, along with some singles at ht turn of the millennium. He’s also put stuff out within the last few years. On the basis of this, I’d like to hear a lot more.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Track Of The Day: Leonid - Urania 2 (Soul Print Recordings)
One that I’d forgotten about, but am pleased to reacquaint myself with. This comes from a split release on Serbia’s Soul Print Recordings. The A side has two versions of ‘Urania’. I prefer this one because it flows better. The other is very good as well though and both make great use of the 303 and keep the acid deep. Which is all I want from the 303. I’m not a fan of when it’s in your face, but ‘Acperience’ and the Hardfloor ‘Yekeyeke’ remix are exceptions. Leonid, who seems to have gone awol in the last few years, was always a producer I kept tabs on. Pity he seems to have stopped releasing. The B side of this release features two tracks by Laak, who are still recording and put out their latest a couple of months ago. Their contribution is of a similar high standard. Pity I can only put one up, so keep a look out for the others.
Friday, August 21, 2026
Track Of The Day: Anthony Rother - Redlight District (Psi49net)
It’s just after 9 o’clock on a Friday night. The dark nights are already drawing in and, despite the last heatwave only ending last weekend, the weather is already starting to feel autumnal. It’s raining again! That’s three ties in the last week, and three times in the last 2 months. In the park directly outside my house, the local council have organised their annual free concerts for the townsfolk, and there’s a Queen covers band belting out ‘Someone To Love’. Queen’s popularity always puzzled me. Anyway, what better time than to listen to something else. So track of the day today comes at an opportune time. ‘Red Light District’ is another one of those tracks that I can’t believe I haven’t already posted, such is its overarching majesty and funkiness. The lyrics are just a repeat of a few lines with the advantage of being voiced through a vocoder, or something similar. And they fit the vibe incredibly well. The bass throbs, and the background is awash with symphonic overtones. It’s electro dystopia transplanted to your mind.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Track Of The Day: Shuang Hua - Palindrome (Dub) (Shuang Hua)
Minimal it is, but it came out a lot more recently than the bulk of that genre. This is the dub version of the A side. It’s n to as heavy, eschewing a low end that goes all out weird and folky, dominating the track to an unhealthy degree. Records like this can highlight a set without any embellishment as long as the sound system is good, and the DJ has already managed to inject a healthy sense of imbalance. Because that’s just preparation for the wonkiness to come, and one of the positives of records like this is that the wonkiness operates under restraint. It’s surprising that there isn’t a spoken word sample somewhere in the mix, but production is polished and there is a good degree of separation between the various elements. As left field as house gets while still being a mover and groover.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Track Of The Day: Nitzer Ebb - Shame (Mix 2) (Mute)
This video of William Orbit’s Mix of ‘Shame’ was doing the social media rounds just after the producer’s untimely demise a week or so ago, so I had to post it as it’s so ace. Is this from ‘Soul Train’? I have no idea. Anyway, an excellent video and an excellent track. William Orbit had more than a few of those.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Track Of The Day: R Rash - Smokin Jakkit (Trelik)
Peter Ford oversaw two labels which are critical to both UK and global techno: Ifach and Trelik. And it might not be too much of a stretch to say that minimal house/techno is their lovechild. Ifach stopped releasing at the turn of the century, but Trelik marches on. Having said that, I am not familiar with most of its recent output. No mind. ‘Smokin Jakkit’ is boss, and not unlike Tan Ru’ Purple Heart’. Not surprising as both R Rash and Tan Ru are the work of Eon, aka Ian. Loveday and co-conspirator with Peter Ford as far as Trelik is concerned. Incredibly funky and with a touch of the manic. Not minimal at all, but not complicated either.
Track Of Yesterday: C.V.O. - Party Time (Detroit Mix) (Balance)
Sometimes all that’s left to do is randomly pull something from the shelves and go with it. And so it comes to pass that this one will have to do. C.V.O., aka Glenn Underground on fine form here with the Detroit Mix of ‘Party Time’, differing from the original in depth and electric quality. Both mixes reach the disco heights, but this one is more out there and jazzy. Plenty of interesting drum patterns and improvisation. Well, as much as can be had within the house music template. The vocals come in slightly off beat and the siren-like synth holds everything together. Sort of. At times it feels like a live jam. The type of track that could dislocate your joints if you follow shape throwing through to its logical conclusion.
