COCOON - Forced Exposure

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Long overdue, Cocoon Recordings welcomes Damiano von Erckert to the label with his debut single, bringing late summer vibes that were well worth the wait. Damiano's lovely energy shines through in this EP, resulting in music that blends soulful character with his signature house sound. "Steam (Staub Mix)" lifts your spirits from the very first beat, and the summery vibe of the housey Rhodes piano brings a smile to your face. Yet, the track retains a somewhat wistful and melancholy feel. Skillful intonation gives the break a jazzy feel, it's this friction that makes it special. Von Erckert showcases his skill with this playful arrangement, sure to have dancers' hands reaching skyward. The second track "Das Was Not Around" is a masterclass in purism, where simplicity meets profound emotion. Swirly synth pads unfold to create a dreamy, immersive atmosphere, pulling listeners into its depths. Despite its introspective title, a sense of hopefulness permeates the track, as if reaching for light through the shadows. Damiano's approach allows every element to shine, making the deep grooves and ethereal sounds feel both intimate and expansive. It's a journey of reflection yet imbued with a quiet optimism that lingers long after the final beat fades. The essence of reduced Chicago drumming is brilliantly embodied in "Roh", channeling a raw, stripped-back rhythm that strikes with precision and purpose. This forms the bedrock of a composition that feels timeless. The track carries an unmistakable grandeur, echoing the majestic hymns of certain legendary French artists. As the beats develop, they evoke a profound sense of reverence and nostalgia, seamlessly blending classic house influences with a modern edge. It's a track that honors the roots while confidently advancing the frontiers of contemporary house music. "Fantazia 93" is a nostalgic dive into a '90s house vibe, channeling the essence of that unforgettable era with authenticity. Damiano's signature sounds are front and center, infusing the track with a unique touch that's fresh while reminiscent of classic house anthems. The track exudes an Ibiza after-hour feeling, transporting listeners to those sun-drenched days where time seems to stand still. It's a sonic journey that feels like sunbeams warming the skin, bathing the senses in a radiant, feel-good energy that resonates long after.

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Cocoon Recordings' next 12" vinyl comes from a well-known face. No introduction needed as nobody less than Gregor Tresher once again delivers a superb and surprising pair of tracks. Black Halo is down-the-line and perhaps one of the catchiest tracks by Gregor Tresher. The wobbling driving bassline builds up a rising tension that increases through the vast, detuned, and powerful string parts appearing to extend out to light years, reaching far beyond. Zaps drive the rhythm forward while rushing cymbals push the groove and weld everything together to absolute unity. For Gregor, techno and club culture have certain transcendental qualities, "Black Halo" is concerned with these sentiments and tells an ambivalent story. The onset of bliss oscillates between melancholy and hope, making it an exuberant roller coaster of emotions. A classic Gregor Tresher track, which perfectly represents Gregor's signature sound! "Phantom Dancer" literally pulls you onto the dance floor. Discharging beats, which hit you heavily but pleasant. The atmosphere violently evolves with a twisted noise-like signal sound and gets even more brute through the low-pitched filter vocals. An exceptionally deep techno production by Gregor Tresher, which will definitely come to full fruition in the clubs at peak time.

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The epochal energy of "Ascension" captivates from the very first moment, making it an ideal intro track. With its cinematic soundtrack reminiscent of "Vangelis," Italian producer Riccardo De Polo has crafted a sublimely ethereal experience that transports listeners into the vast expanse of space. As stars and planets drift by, the music beckons listeners to explore further, to surrender themselves to the moment. The low strings serve as a booster until the rocket engine roars to life and the spaceship disappears into another galaxy. Subsequently the polyrhythmic sequence of "Wahnstimmung" spirals abstractly far below the cerebral cortex. The driving bass drum, paired with shakers and percussion, propels the composition forward at a steady pace. The tension intensifies, painting a picture of liquid metal pouring into a melting pot. Pure, stripped-down techno as we know it from its origins. "Inception" hypnotically takes you into a deep state of trance, engulfing you in a tribe's energy. It's truly a classic Cocoon sound that has its very own place in Sven's sets. The vigor is palpable, the shimmering sequence will make the dust visibly glow above the open-air dance floors while the air begins to shimmer. Noisy snare drums heat the narrowed arrangement to the absolute boiling point.

$27.00 NOT IN STOCK

L'Esperanza (Hope) is undoubtedly one of Sven Väth's greatest hits. After more than 30 years, Cocoon Recordings are very proud to revive this timeless masterpiece for you. The artwork is from the original 12" cover, which was released on Eye Q Records back then. Anyone who knows Sven recognizes that he has always felt free and evolved in terms of appearance and style. That's why Cocoon instantly loved the idea of Sven re-staging himself in the same pose but in a new guise. This picture disc documents a 30-year-long transformation, both sonically and visually. It is a beautiful journey through time and a true collector's item. Produced in 1993, "L'Esperanza" has certainly not lost any of its charm over the years. Lovely string sounds envelop you in a cloud of comfort, while the filtered downbeat emphasizes this feeling of lightness. The catchy tune of the playful synthesizer melody invites you to close your eyes and start dreaming. Let yourself fall into a deep state of meditation and trance. The airy electric bassline comes with a charismatic power and opens a door to the subconscious, calling on you to dive deep. The atmosphere of this composition sits somewhere between drifting through the sea and hovering through space. "L'Esperanza (Hardspace Mix)," a revised version of the "Hope Will Move Mountains" Mix by Visions Of Shiva, occurs on the B-Side in the form of Len Faki's hardspace mix. Len is renowned for his elegant edits and refined modifications as part of his side project, this time delivering a strippeddown 135 BPM version that fits perfectly into the current zeitgeist. A club version of "L'Esperanza" that radiates a high level of euphoric energy, constantly pushing the rhythm patterns forward. All hands go up in the air at the latest when the piano part starts in the middle section.

$30.50 IN STOCK

From minimalistic grooves and melodic house to dark techno and even EBM influences back to playful tunes for the heart, 2024's Dots And Pearls impresses with its broad spectrum. Kyivian producer JOSS breaks the first ground with "Assessing". A sweet opener that immediately reveals its emotional but happy core. Emanuel Satie joins with a groovy tom rhythm complemented by a heavenly and angelic choir that adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the composition. Denis Horvat and Skarn have joined forces to create an electrifying track titled "Triii" that ventures into a realm of edginess and artistry. The following collaboration between AÖCRAM and Ramsey Neville in their track "Brooklyn Structure" takes you through the depths of NYC's compressed techno. Sequences morph throughout the track's progression, seamlessly transitioning between layers of sound and adding a sense of intrigue to the overall arrangement. "Antidot" is an electrifying peak-time thriller by Alex Bau, a monstrous techno track that commands attention and ignites the dancefloor with its wicked bassline and explosive energy. As you reach the third part of the compilation, Redshape's "Ghost Story" cuts the surface. The track delves into a realm of tales and mysteries through mesmerizing and enthralling soundscapes. Despite its haunting undertones, "Ghost Story" manages to maintain an untroubled vibe, striking a balance between a mysterious ambiance and a lively spirit. "Year Zero" blends elements of the characteristic Raxon sound with a fresh and futuristic twist, resulting in an unusual and excellent addition to his discography. Harald Björk rings down the curtain on Dots And Pearls 8. From the very beginning, "Aluco" reveals an atmosphere shrouded in darkness, inviting listeners to embark on a hero's journey. Intricate beats pulsate with a magnetic allure, drawing you into the heart of the music.

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After their debut 12" on Feel My Bicep and their contribution "Halluzinelle" to the Dots And Pearls 7 compilation, DeFeKT and Extrawelt are joining forces again. In the act of remembering the true spirit of no-nonsense, raw, and direct techno, they created these two masterfully executed, original, and timeless cuts. Each time they get together they come up with something truly unique, blending their styles effortlessly and seamlessly. Their expertise, knowledge, and recognition of our music's history just radiates out of this release. Featured on limited, hand-stamped 10" vinyl.

$119.00 IN STOCK

Long-awaited, finally Cocoon Recordings is back with its renowned Cocoon Compilation. The iconic series continues with the 21st edition Compilation U and brings top-notch artists together as usual, providing zeitgeist and versatile sound. From deep and hypnotic techno beats to uplifting and euphoric melodies, there is something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned clubber or a casual listener, this album is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your feet moving. Compilation U is a seamless blend of cutting-edge production and timeless musicality. Featuring New Jackson, Ian Pooley, Jakob Reiter, DJ Tennis, Drumcomplex & Frank Sonic, Michael Klein, Benjamin Damage, Levon Vincent, Space Dimension Controller, Orlando Voorn, Marco Faraone & The Florentian Cabaret, and Fango.

$45.50 IN STOCK

The life-affirming energy at the heart of Sven Väth's recent album Catharsis is revisited, reanimated, and remixed by some of the most exciting names around, closing the circle on a superlative burst of recent work that has not only given us the epic original LP, but also the extraordinary compilation What I Used To Play. Roman Flügel, Benjamin Damage, Robert Hood, Planetary Assault Systems, Mano Le Tough; this hand-picked list of luminaries have answered the call and certainly don't disappoint, each fusing their signature sound with Sven's DNA to create a wild, uncompromising companion piece to the original album. Sven's profound vocals clearly infuse time and space and leave a forever-lasting memory of love. By accident or design, it somehow leaves us with the reassuring sense that, although this specific part of the journey may be drawing to a close, the mission of the man behind it all most definitely isn't. Also featuring Damiano von Erckert, Robag Wruhme, Jonathan Kaspar, Krystal Klear, Luke Slater, Harald Björk, and Florian Hollerith.

$18.00 IN STOCK

Next up is an overdue reunion with a familiar face. After his outstanding contribution to Cocoon Compilation S and his first solo EP on Cocoon Recordings, Raxon is back with a more than equally fascinating sound. The Egyptian-born and now Barcelona-based artist is back on it again, delivering two tracks that will take you on a journey through the depths of robotic soundscapes. Intricate beats, hypnotic synthesizer melodies, deep bassline grooves, and distinctive EFX sounds create Raxon's very special signature sound. Straight drum programming paired with chirping percussions takes you away to embark on a travel through space and time while distinctive claps poke through a futuristic nebula of floating and shifting sequences. The twisted melody of "Robotalia" carries you to a parallel dimension of machine sound and if you listen closely, you can hear the robots' screwing and sawing. Warping bleeps and mechanical effects complete the robotic feeling. Raxon's understanding of structures and architectural abilities are reflected through the arrangement, slowly increasing to ecstasy. "Kryptonite" scores with alien soundscapes. Stuttering vocals are the questions, while futuristic and dramatic chord stabs are the direct answer. A straight, radiant sound appears as an electronic trombone from outer space, offensively supporting the driving bassline. The symbiotic interplay between the euphoric synthesizer hook line and the relentless beat with pushing sharp hi-hats visualize powerful images in one's mind's eye. Suddenly the beat stagnates and results in a morphing break going head over heels developing a start-stop pitch effect that not only builds up tremendous tension but also bears an increased risk of melting your brain.

$19.00 IN STOCK

After the limited splattered one-sided vinyl edition, this 12-inch pressing comes with the remastered original mix on the B-side. The original, the second release on the label Harthouse at the time, is an all-time classic and went down in the music history of Frankfurt. Thirty years later, the track by Sven Väth and A.C. Boutsen has not lost its shine and will certainly continue to provide goosebump moments. Techno is all too often described as timeless but while most of it eventually evaporates into the ether, there are some riffs, melodies, and breakdowns that remain etched into our collective consciousness forever. Legendary Frankfurt label Harthouse is home to more than its fair share of such moments, but you must go all the way back to 1992, the opening strains of the Metal Master classic "Spectrum" to locate the source for this special single-sided remix release. The common denominator and catalyst to all this is of course Sven Väth, co-creator of "Spectrum" and founder of both Harthouse and Cocoon Recordings, while the independent variables in the equation are Bart Skils and Weska, who lend their considerable talent and vision to this sublime makeover. Coming on like rolling thunder, sparks fly immediately as crackling vocoder licks, silky ride cymbals and soaring arpeggios build an atmosphere taut with anticipation before giving way to that iconic melody -- a love letter from Frankfurt to Ibiza, wrought from metal, drenched in distortion yet pulling at the heartstrings -- the perfect soundtrack to any chemical sunrise. It's a powerful re-interpretation that pays the warmest respects to the original and, despite the relentless groove, there is still room for sentimentality -- an invitation to momentarily pause for thought and reflect on the journey so far as the sumptuous breakdown washes over the dancefloor. But not for long, the simmering bass line soon emerges from the euphoria and the track kicks in again, driving you forward towards a new, uncharted spectrum of possibilities. Cover with rainbow silver foil.

$15.50 LOW STOCK LEVEL

Catharsis is Sven Väth's first solo album in almost 20 years, and the 50th album to be released on his incomparable label, Cocoon Recordings. Produced alongside Gregor Tresher, it is a musical autobiography that charts Sven's most extraordinary life in techno. Tresher has long been part of the Cocoon family and is a revered artist in his own right. Catharsis is a record inspired by Sven's interest in the physical and spiritual processes that take place when we dance. "My imagination for this record was fueled by the many cultural experiences and encounters I have had in my life. They gave me the strength to find a way, the way to myself." And that way to himself is through music, through purifying dancing rituals and the exchange of spiritual energies that are generated in the club. The thirteen-track album explores all facets of Sven's sound. It opens with the stomping drums but sleek synths of "What I Used To Play" and unfolds through deep and dirty rhythms like "The Worm", subtly euphoric highs on "The Inner Voice" and the bubbly tribalism of the title track. There is the impassioned call-to-arms that is "Feiern", peak-time melodic workout "Mystic Voices" and soothing electronic lullabies like "Being In Love". The second half of the album takes in many more twists and turns, such as the exotic strings and driving drums of "Butoh", the paranoid techno minimalism of "NYX" and expansive synthscapes of ambient gem "The Cranes Of Gangtey Valley" before things play out though rugged beats and emotive chords on "We Are". Then comes the moody reflection of "Silvi's Dream", written in French for Sven's girlfriend. Last but not least, we have the immersive dream that is "Panta Rhei", which completes a trio of electronica tunes on the album. Ambient music has been an integral part of almost every album Sven has written because it can bring a certain emotional deepness, a quality that Sven has always been looking for. Catharsis is an adventurous album that captures the good times, the sad times and, most importantly, the times of hope.

$260.50 IN STOCK

12LP box set version. For this uniquely personal retrospective, Sven Väth takes you back to the early days of his DJ career. On What I Used To Play, you meet great pioneers of electronic music, gifted percussionists, obscure wave bands, and innovative producers of a bygone "new electronic" era. Rough beats and irresistible grooves from the identification stage of house, techno, and acid remind us not just how far electronic music has evolved over the past four decades, but how great it was to dance to EBM, techno, and house for the very first time. If there is one protagonist of the electronic music scene who has remained curious, innovative and at the very cutting edge of music for over four decades, it's Sven Väth. His multi-layered artist albums and Sound of the Season mix compilations have been defining the genre for over two decades, and even today, he is constantly on the lookout for the next top tune to add to the highlights of his next set. At least, that's the case when he's not producing them himself as an artist or remixer. In his London apartment, Sven set up a "little music room", where he cocooned himself for several days, "to look way back for the first time and review my musical journey through the eighties, so to speak." The interim result was six thematically oriented playlists with a grand total of 120 tracks from "early '80s" to "Balearic late '80s", together with excursions into Afrobeat, European new wave, and EBM sounds and a few epochal techno/house tracks from the USA in between. After two years of research, curation, design, and administrative fine-tuning, the "little retrospective" from 1981 to 1990 is available. WIUTP is the definitive record of Sven Väth's musical development. On each of the twenty-four sides of vinyl, you can trace track by track, what influenced him during which phase, and how he took off as a DJ from his parents' Queen's Pub straight into the spotlight at Dorian Gray. There and at Vogue (later OMEN), Sven became the style-defining player in the DJ booth that he still is today.

Features Logic System, Kraftwerk, Whodini, Rocker's Revenger, Donnie Calvin, Klein & MBO, Liaisons Dangereuses, Yello, The The, The Residents, Clan Of Xymox, A Split, Severed Heads, 16 Bit, The Weathermen, New Order, Anne Clark, Phuture, Model 500, Frankie Knuckles, Jamie Principle, Quest, Jasper van't Hof, Guem Et Zaka Percussion, Hugh Masekela, Sly & Robbie, Brian Eno & David Byrne, Primal Scream, Andy Weatherall, The Ecstasy Club, Foremost Poets, Lhasa, A Guy Called Gerald, M/A/R/R/S, Bobby Konders, Meat Beat Manifesto, Raze, Sueño Latino with Manuel Goettsching performing E2-E4, and OFF.

$29.50 IN STOCK

For this uniquely personal retrospective, Sven Väth takes you back to the early days of his DJ career. On What I Used To Play, you meet great pioneers of electronic music, gifted percussionists, obscure wave bands, and innovative producers of a bygone "new electronic" era. Rough beats and irresistible grooves from the identification stage of house, techno, and acid remind us not just how far electronic music has evolved over the past four decades, but how great it was to dance to EBM, techno, and house for the very first time. If there is one protagonist of the electronic music scene who has remained curious, innovative and at the very cutting edge of music for over four decades, it's Sven Väth. His multi-layered artist albums and Sound of the Season mix compilations have been defining the genre for over two decades, and even today, he is constantly on the lookout for the next top tune to add to the highlights of his next set. At least, that's the case when he's not producing them himself as an artist or remixer. In his London apartment, Sven set up a "little music room", where he cocooned himself for several days, "to look way back for the first time and review my musical journey through the eighties, so to speak." The interim result was six thematically oriented playlists with a grand total of 120 tracks from "early '80s" to "Balearic late '80s", together with excursions into Afrobeat, European new wave, and EBM sounds and a few epochal techno/house tracks from the USA in between. After two years of research, curation, design, and administrative fine-tuning, the "little retrospective" from 1981 to 1990 is available. WIUTP is the definitive record of Sven Väth's musical development. On each of the twenty-four sides of vinyl, you can trace track by track, what influenced him during which phase, and how he took off as a DJ from his parents' Queen's Pub straight into the spotlight at Dorian Gray. There and at Vogue (later OMEN), Sven became the style-defining player in the DJ booth that he still is today.

Features Logic System, Kraftwerk, Whodini, Rocker's Revenger, Donnie Calvin, Klein & MBO, Liaisons Dangereuses, Yello, The The, The Residents, Clan Of Xymox, A Split, Severed Heads, 16 Bit, The Weathermen, New Order, Anne Clark, Phuture, Model 500, Frankie Knuckles, Jamie Principle, Quest, Jasper van't Hof, Guem Et Zaka Percussion, Hugh Masekela, Sly & Robbie, Brian Eno & David Byrne, Primal Scream, Andy Weatherall, The Ecstasy Club, Foremost Poets, Lhasa, A Guy Called Gerald, M/A/R/R/S, Bobby Konders, Meat Beat Manifesto, Raze, Sueño Latino with Manuel Goettsching performing E2-E4, and OFF.

$24.00 NOT IN STOCK

As ever, Cocoon Recordings celebrate the turn of the year with another mouth-watering collection of electronic music. Dots And Pearls Volume 7 includes eight choice techno cuts of varying shapes and sizes, that somehow manage to acknowledge both past and future, while staying forever rooted in the "here and now". The lush, beach bar vibes of "Halluzinelle" get things rolling courtesy of DeFeKT x Extrawelt, and it's not long before we're lost in the subsonic undertow as the warm acidic vibes ebb and flow. Sudo's "Daytona" then complements a dark, low-slung groove with a soaring, nostalgic melody that reaches skywards, melting hearts and minds in the process. "Solaris" takes a more urgent turn as JA:CK utilizes growling synths, stuttering arpeggios and an elongated breakdown, slowly raising the stakes as the dance floor starts folding in on itself. Avision offers no respite on "Groove Theory", maintaining the intensity while surfing the frequencies through a dense forest of loops with a pounding 909 for company. Zzino & Insider continue the '90s leaning retrospective with "Mind Crush" and they're certainly true to their word, juxtaposing razor-sharp acid arpeggios with seductive chords and analog washes in a cavernous, serotonin-soaked epiphany of sound. Monaco, Povoa then gets downright dirty on "Makeup Artist", raising the tempo with freaking metallic riffs, twisted vocals and a plethora of disorientating filter action that'll push even the most headstrong dancefloor to the brink of implosion. Defex, Tsodor reels it in just in time on the epic "Sieg der Liebe", unleashing thick swathes of melancholy chords over a fat, rolling groove and the beats remain broken to the end, as Christopher Ledger closes things out with a classic slice of sci-fi electro. "X24" is all stuttering edits, intricate sequences, squelching fx and metallic bleeps, adding yet another unexpected dimension to this dynamic compilation series.

$117.00 LOW STOCK LEVEL

Another year, another expertly curated compilation touches down courtesy of Cocoon Recordings. Veteran techno producer Stephen Brown makes it clear the compilation series is back with a bang, opening things up in epic fashion with the lucid dreamscape "Level Steps". Another heavy-weight hitter steps straight up in the form of Claude von Stroke, who adds his own unique swagger to proceedings with those trademark shuffling beats and freaky, hypnotic bleeps scuffling for dominance on "Moody Fuse". Denis Horvat then slows things down on "Monomono", with post-rave abstractions and disobedient synth-patches causing mayhem before the track finally unfolds in all its terrifying beauty. A very special appearance from Daniel Avery makes it all the more worthwhile amid a dense forest of chiming melodies and blistering electrical surges on "Your Future Looks Different In The Light", before Jeroen Search's aptly titled "Subversive Elements" lead you deeper and deeper, into the matrix. Marco Bailey then kicks off a triptych of trance with some massive filtered piano action on "Kanai". Revisiting the huge, ever-growing pulsating brain of planet Orb, Damiano van Erckert continues the loved-up vibe on the gorgeously titled "500 People 500 Hearts 1 Love", expertly complimenting the classic ambience with some slick 909 snare and cymbal interplay. The melodic pull of "Vision99" then signifies that the party is peaking at just the right moment as YOKTO concocts a glistening, psychedelic groove. Just when you think the acid sound is done and dusted, up pops a track like Jonathan Kaspar's "CCC" that somehow manages to offer an entirely new perspective. "The Art of Electronics" is, as the title suggests, another superlative example of pure analogue fire, served up by UK legend, Andrew Meecham aka The Emperor Machine. Electro overlord Carl Finlow, has come to define the UK take on the genre over the last couple of decades. Here, he makes his long overdue label debut, taking you into the closing straight with a nervous sliver of dystopian futurism, complete with molten basslines and a fuzzy logic that underpins the tight, laser-guided groove on "Surface Control". DeFeKT then draws this great adventure to a close with the deliciously dark robo-disco overtones of "Terraform" creating a dusky landscape that skillfully seduces the listener before the tension finally breaks in a wash of ecstatic chords. Includes download.

$15.50 LOW STOCK LEVEL

Harvey McKay makes a welcome return to Cocoon Recordings with the Black Spider EP, featuring three heavy-duty cuts that spin out in a variety of directions, constructing a formidable web of peak-time mayhem in the process. "Black Spider" bites hard from the get-go with a venomous bassline that pulses and mutates through a series of precision peaks and troughs. The track kicks repeatedly, drenching the dancefloor in washes of analog noise while McKay still finds space for a barrage of clattering percussion. Haunting ambient voices and a mysterious spoken mantra add yet more texture to the cavernous, gothic atmosphere it conjures. Next up, the disconcertingly titled "Sticky Carpet" utilizes a '90s hard house vibe complete with crunching, distorted beats, and a glistening octave-jumping synth pattern that slides and constricts around the chugging bassline. However, the track really comes into its own as alternating metallic patterns start to dominate in a homage to the hi-hat, whipping the dancefloor into shape as they switch in and out, jostling relentlessly for attention. Finally, hardcore junglist tendencies take center stage on "Packed Lunch" as another rasping, doomsday bass rides the sonic spectrum, simultaneously spitting sparks and shaking the foundations to the core. Scattered arpeggios add a certain discord to the fray as the pounding breakbeat hammers out a pathway to oblivion. "Packed Lunch" definitely packs a punch, adding extra spice to an EP that's exclusively for the headstrong.

$43.50 IN STOCK

3x12" version. Gatefold; includes paper insert. Catharsis is Sven Väth's first solo album in almost 20 years, and the 50th album to be released on his incomparable label, Cocoon Recordings. Produced alongside Gregor Tresher, it is a musical autobiography that charts Sven's most extraordinary life in techno. Tresher has long been part of the Cocoon family and is a revered artist in his own right. Catharsis is a record inspired by Sven's interest in the physical and spiritual processes that take place when we dance. "My imagination for this record was fueled by the many cultural experiences and encounters I have had in my life. They gave me the strength to find a way, the way to myself." And that way to himself is through music, through purifying dancing rituals and the exchange of spiritual energies that are generated in the club. The thirteen-track album explores all facets of Sven's sound. It opens with the stomping drums but sleek synths of "What I Used To Play" and unfolds through deep and dirty rhythms like "The Worm", subtly euphoric highs on "The Inner Voice" and the bubbly tribalism of the title track. There is the impassioned call-to-arms that is "Feiern", peak-time melodic workout "Mystic Voices" and soothing electronic lullabies like "Being In Love". The second half of the album takes in many more twists and turns, such as the exotic strings and driving drums of "Butoh", the paranoid techno minimalism of "NYX" and expansive synthscapes of ambient gem "The Cranes Of Gangtey Valley" before things play out though rugged beats and emotive chords on "We Are". Then comes the moody reflection of "Silvi's Dream", written in French for Sven's girlfriend. Last but not least, we have the immersive dream that is "Panta Rhei", which completes a trio of electronica tunes on the album. Ambient music has been an integral part of almost every album Sven has written because it can bring a certain emotional deepness, a quality that Sven has always been looking for. Catharsis is an adventurous album that captures the good times, the sad times and, most importantly, the times of hope. 3x12" vinyl version comes in gatefold sleeve with paper insert.

$16.00 LOW STOCK LEVEL

Single release from the forthcoming album Catharsis (COR 050CD/LP), produced by Sven Väth and Gregor Tresher. The single contains two absolute highlight tracks. If you have heard Sven playing in the past months, you will recognize both, as they were pivotal moments in almost every set! First up, you have "Mystic Voices", a track that was created during the early stages of the album production with Sven gathering ideas and words to finally record the unmistakable vocals during a hectic tour through India, and Gregor spending days and nights on the other side of the planet in his studio to process the stream of inspiration. When the two finally sat down together in the studio, the track emerged quickly. Some would call the instant vibe that magic that every creative mind is longing to find. "Butoh" is a raw and dark force, influenced by Japanese dance, an art form that deeply touched Sven during his travels on Nippon Island. It´s an otherworldly sounding track, still based in the techno realm but heavily twisted by a long break that introduces Japanese percussion that eventually get topped by the haunting vocals of Cana Hatsushiba.

$125.00 NOT IN STOCK

To celebrate 20 since inception, Sven Väth's Cocoon Recordings is serving up a special 15 track collection that brings together new and exclusive tracks from artists that have been a huge part of the journey. A suitably spectacular collection that pays homage to one of techno's finest operations. 20 years is a long time in any facet of life, but in techno it is eons. The popular character, much loved DJ and always innovative creative force started out with an early rave techno sound back in the late '80s that he has steered into much broader realms ever since. Väth has ensured Cocoon has always covered all points of the spectrum. Cocoon's unique brand of techno has always been at the heart for the operation and now, these brand new and exclusive tracks confirm that once again. Rampa kicks off with the jittery broken beat techno of "2000" and Emanuel Satie keeps the melodic vibes alive with his wistful "Departure" and then Diynamic label boss Solomun serves up a rare new production "We Will Never Have Today Again" which is a dramatic and epic groove with majestic synth work lighting up the bold drums. Gregor Tresher slips into a more slick and funky drum work out with "Nostalgia (is The Enemy)" and Joseph Ashworth's "Eavesdrop" reaches for deep space with its distant synth swirls and astral atmospheres. Pig & Dan very much came of age through their releases on Cocoon and here offers an intense cosmic workout with "Trauma", while US legend Josh Wink keeps it deep and heads down with his gritty roller "Nuclei". After lush techno trance from Ricardo Tobar comes a heavyweight collaboration between Tiga and Roman Flügel that is designed for those freaky late night hours and then exceptional minimalist Planetary Assault Systems gets you in a spin with his mind-melting cosmic melodies and pounding drum rhythms. There is paranoia and urgency in the excellent work of Jacek Sienkiewicz, dark industry when Andre Galluzzi and Daniel Stefanik link on "The Regulator" and high-grade machine soul from Extrawelt. Croatian mainstay Petar Dundov brings his trademark melodic magic to "Overtone" and things come to a perfect close with the techno warmth and mellifluous synth work of Sebastian Mullaert's "Kikaqu". Limited edition 6x12" vinyl deluxe boxset, with individual fluorescent color sleeves and paper insert; edition of 700.

$18.00 LOW STOCK LEVEL

Cocoon's unique brand of techno has always been at the heart for the operation and now, these brand new and exclusive tracks confirm that once again. Rampa kicks off with the jittery broken beat techno of "2000" and Emanuel Satie keeps the melodic vibes alive with his wistful "Departure" and then Diynamic label boss Solomun serves up a rare new production "We Will Never Have Today Again" which is a dramatic and epic groove with majestic synth work lighting up the bold drums.

$63.50 NOT IN STOCK

To coincide with their 15-year anniversary, Extrawelt are quietly proud to release Extra Welt Hits. A collector's box, which covers every album and period from their dominant yet enigmatic history as one of Germany's most highly regarded electronic acts. Etched into the four-piece vinyl box-set is a 15-track playlist which takes you back to the dawn of their beautiful Extra World. Extra Welt Hits is a time capsule drenched in the essence of the act's DNA. Accentuated by newly remastered tracks that serve their ever-evolving, clever and out-of-the-box sound, each recording spills into the next with sonic precision. From the monumental masterpiece of the album's opening track "Ferneh", through to the "One-way ticket to oblivion, please" hits of "Soopertrack" and "Titelheld", the listener is left captivated. And, because it's what they do best, the destruction and artful reconstruction echoed through their shows are also present. These are beamed out in the exclusive live versions of "Zu Fuss", "Dark Side Of My Room", and "Herzstück". Recorded in Tokyo, Paris and at the Fusion Festival, these bent, broken and rebuilt icons prove once again why they are one of the most influential live-acts of the semi- underground. That live-act -- a futuristic symphony of dance music -- is both undefinable and strays well past the norm. Their chance to manipulate their creations in a flow of measured spontaneity, it continues to leave permanent impressions on audiences everywhere. The result is an experience focused on purism with great care in presenting the deepest core of their craft, in essence; exactly what sums up their musical galaxy. It was never the acts plan to release a best-of album, especially at the unusual 15-year mark, rather, it rolled into motion naturally as a way to immortalize the victory of being around so long (in a scene where the shelf life for most artists doesn't last much longer than an album or two, fifteen years is something of a triumph). With that, Extrawelt invite those that were there from the start to join them in getting a kick out of being "officially mature". And for those that were not, to have the chance to hear their story up until now, like it's never been told before. And yes, while the listener may have outlived many of the clubs which first introduced them, it is unlikely that anyone has outgrown this brave, intangible and absorbing music.

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Cocoon Recordings invites well-known international artists to once again rub shoulders with some of the freshest new talents around on Dots & Pearls 6. First up, Eduardo de la Calle and Romina Cohn's "I'm Losing My Mind" does a decent job helping you lose yours. Taking the classic DBX template as a start point, Cohn's random, spaced-out musings elevate things to another level as they filter through all manner of machinery, bathing the hypnotic percussion in a lysergic glow. Fabe's "Call Of Origin" pulls no punches either, the energetic, bass driven intro bouncing its way centerstage before expanding into lush open spaces with occasional melodic scatters and washes of warm pads that radiate good vibes. Over the last couple of years, Adana Twins have rightly consolidated their position at the top table, so it's a pleasure to have them on board with "Origo". Like snake charmers relentlessly teasing and twisting the infectious hook line in all manner of directions, they demonstrate complete control of their art, pushing all the right buttons to bring things nicely to the boil. As with all Cocoon compilations the deeper you dive, the stranger the vibe and Juan Sanchez delivers a dose of trance-inducing, minimal techno. Abiding by the same dogma as the track before, "Narcissus" offsets a constantly morphing hypnotic hook line with raw, stripped 909 beats in a classic mid '90s style. Michael Klein's "Continuation" maintains the intensity as Cocoon's Techno Tardis transports the listener even further back to a sweaty early '90s warehouse. It could be London, it could be Berlin... wherever it is, but it sure sounds like home. Rico Puestel then snuffs out the candle, plunging you back into darkness. With "Perpetua Mobilia" he unleashes a deep, prowling beast of a track. As you motor on towards morning, Radu Dracul adds some bite to proceedings with "Spectrae", a slow-burning psychedelic trip with gently percolating acid lines that smooth out the rough textures of the preceding tracks before giving way to a cavernous breakbeat inflected breakdown. And then finally, Joe Metzenmacher and Borka & The Gang close out the collection, paying homage to the melodic side of Detroit with the quirky, idiosyncratic yet ultimately beautiful "Magic Talk". It surrounds the dancefloor in a warm embrace as keys, strings, and bass combine effortlessly to produce a priceless moment of collective euphoria.

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Hot on the heels of "Flesh Is A Prison" -- the quirky, electronic wonderland he contributed to Cocoon's phenomenal S compilation (COR 046CD/LP, 2019) -- the multi-talented Neil Landstrumm consolidates his position on the label roster with a debut three-track EP that channels the uncompromising spirit of seminal UK labels like Network, Warp, and Vinyl Solution. It's clear from the first few seconds of "Sun Universe" that you're being transported back to '90s UK rave culture at a point where rave, jungle, and house were mutating into speed garage. Ruffness abounds as stuttering snare rolls accompany the rude boy bass, ragga samples and classic "hoover" synth riff, while peripheral sounds circle the groove adding a contemporary twist. Staying true to the times, the arrangement plays it straight, alternating between two distinct structures -- one labeled "jump up" and the other "spread out"! These timely juxtapositions of mood alone mean the track will blow up on any dancefloor. "Purple" continues in a similar vein, with a phat, warping bass line underpinning the blunted beats and dusty bleeps. Landstrumm rides the mix in classic old school style, cutting up the linear arrangement with sudden unexpected deviations, alternative rhythms, and layered melodies that lend a hidden complexity to the relentless groove. There's a different energy at work here, one that flies in the face of certain overcooked, modern production techniques, finding more in common with a raw, vintage Carl Cox three deck mix tape, circa 1989. To round things off, "Catnatized" drops the tempo for a slab of grimy, acid funk that recalls the early excursions of Sheffield's electronic pioneers, with a hint of embryonic Amsterdam house thrown in for good measure. Once again, the bass line grabs the headlines, rasping and morphing in its own peculiar language while twisted vocals tease the dancefloor with the logic of the absurd.

$18.00 IN STOCK

By the '70s Ibiza had already developed into an international party destination. The fact that the third largest of the Balearic Islands is what it is today -- namely, the absolute benchmark for star DJs par excellence -- cannot be discussed without mention of Sven Väth. Even in the early '80s, more than anyone else in Germany, he stood for the idea that being a DJ could be more than just a profession, a vocation or a purpose in life: it's akin to a magician of the dancefloor, a shaman who conjures up the crowd. As a resident of Dorian Gray -- the legendary club at Frankfurt Airport that was modelled on New York's Studio 54 -- he shaped the image of the DJ like no one else in Germany at the time. Even more influential were his broadcasts on hr3 Clubnight. Without the radio shows that Väth produced there between 1990 and 2004, the seed of techno in Germany would never have been sown to such an extent. With his first club Omen, Sven wrote techno history over ten years. Soon after, the "Babba", as Väth has been lovingly and respectfully called in the scene for a long time, set new standards in international club culture with Frankfurt's CocoonClub, inspired by his Cocoon Ibiza events. Pioneer, visionary, ambassador, identification figure, DJ, label operator, club owner, and impresario; over a career spanning four decades, Väth has developed many facets of his art and yet has always remained true to himself. The fact that all over the world Berlin music temples of this kind, from Tresor to Watergate, are celebrated as the epitome of party culture, is in no small part due to Väth's influence. Like no other, Väth has given the landscape of electronic music a face -- always evolving, yet unmistakable. With In The Mix: The Sound Of The 20th Season he presents the culmination of his second decade on the "White Island," and it's impressive, how he manages to tick all the boxes. Features: New Jackson, Joseph Ashworth, Joe Metzenmacher, Dorisburg, Amberoom, Charlotte Bendiks, Stimming, Ricardo Tobar, Herzel, Erol Alkan, Rüfüs Du Sol, Zoo Brazil, Innellea, Rebuke, Patrice Bäumel, Joshua James, Josh Wink, Robert Hood, Pig & Dan, Florian Hollerith, ROD, PSYK, Daniel Avery, Inigo Kennedy, and Legowelt. In HQ lenticular print digipak.

$15.50 IN STOCK

2019's highly anticipated Live at Cocoon Ibiza mix is helmed by techno legend Luke Slater under his Planetary Assault Systems guise. As Planetary Assault Systems, UK titan Luke Slater has constantly laid down a blueprint for the future of techno. As a live performer he is a visionary who fuses mind melting minimalism, catchy cyborg funk and cinematic soundscapes that really take you on a trip. He did that once again back in July as part of Cocoon's 20th anniversary season and now the results are laid down on CD for the label to relive the magic. Over the course of eighty spellbinding minutes, Slater truly captivates with evocative sci-fi imagery and high-class melodic minimalism, smoothly shifting from moments of high-pressure drum-funk intensity to uplifting and spiritual passages of cosmic sound and back again. Along the way, he digs deep into his back catalog to serve up plenty of golden oldies as well as more contemporary cuts, and the whole thing melts together into a timeless set that explores the outer edges of techno with huge amounts of both style and substance.