Harkonnen - Universal Control

After setting high standards with an impressive first release, the exciting NRTHRN XPRSS label is back with ‘Universal Control’, a much anticipated follow up that packs in both big names and mysterious new monikers. The release features two remixes of an original by Harkonnen— a new guise born from a well decorated dance duo—the standout of which is by the legendary Steve Mac and marks the debut of his ‘These Machines’ pseudonym. The second remix comes from an established producer who has launched a secret new project under the name, Bakerloo. ‘Universal Control’ continues to champion the label’s ethos of mixing modern tech house with the unbridled energy of old school rave, and lands exclusively on Beatport on 23rd February and in all other stores on 9th March. Listen now http://bit.ly/Listen_UniversalControl

Label heads, DJ Ricky Stone and Jonathan M Waller are both long time respected music industry figures. A DJ / producer and label manager respectively (for Circus Recordings, Selador and Kaluki Musik), they combine their vast experience and understanding of different sounds and scenes on this new label. Stone’s wide-ranging skills in the booth see him tour extensively across China, Japan and Taiwan and its was here where he first recognised the rise of the tech-rave sound. This arresting and energetic style was excellently showcased with NRTHRN XPRSS’s first EP ‘Acid Reflux’ by Cabarza (aka one half of Pirate Copy) in December 2017 and has gone on to make a big impact.

The These Machines remix of ‘Universal Control’ is the debut outing project for Steve Mac’s latest production project. As well as remixing for everyone from Amy Winehouse to Jamiroquai over 20 years plus, the pioneering Rhythm Masters man has become synonymous with a certain sound, but now wants to branch out and show his diversity. Focusing on a more musical style, his remix shifts seamlessly through house, acid and breaks with plenty of big pianos to perfectly capture the rave influenced, high energy vibe of this label. It's one that brims with tension and promises to explode dance floors into life. These Machines will also be releasing a single on NRTHN XPRSS later in the year which will continue to see him using a range of hardware and software tools to cook up his special sound.

The second killer remix comes from Bakerloo, a new name yet an artist with many great label credits and collaborative projects under his belt over many years. Connecting the dots from the overground to the underground, Bakerloo is now following his passion and going back to his roots, mixing up rave sounds with fresh techno in brilliantly sinister and spectacular new ways. Tracks will come on 303 Lovers and Friday Lights Music as well as NRTHRN XPRSS, and the remix itself is a loopy, brooding affair with big synths and icy hi hats that sweep you up off your feet. Muffled vocals add a sense of paranoia and the percussive energy is second to none, ensuring another real anthem in the making.

Those with a keen ear and with a passion for cult films will recognise the track’s sample taken from the cult film, Dune, based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert. As peculiar as the film itself, NRTHRN XPRSS marks this release with a video clip featuring sinister footage from the science fiction movie – view it over on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8egERjad8Ik

Whist some secrecy surrounds the identity of these mysterious producers, there’s no question that this is another superb release that mines an exciting new sound somewhere between the old and the new and will have dance floors going wild well into summer and beyond.

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