Cocoon HHV Records 32 Items

Cocoon Recordings presents: Dots And Pearls 8
This year's Dots And Pearls once again impresses with its broad spectrum. From minimalistic grooves and melodic house to dark techno and even EBM influences back to playful tunes for the heart. The musicality of this long-player is a beautiful showcase of the depths and expanses to be discovered in the Cocoon Recordings universe.
Kyivian producer JOSS breaks the first ground with "Assessing". A sweet opener that immediately reveals its emotional but happy core. As the song progresses, it gradually immerses you in its world of smooth and phasing string pads. The rhythm groove, while fluffy, also manages to create a sense of intensity that keeps the listener engaged throughout. 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. This combination creates a sense of enchantment as if being transported to a place where love reigns supreme. "When I First Met You (I Knew You Were The One)" is undeniably a love
song, capturing the essence of affection and infatuation. A musical message delivered with sincerity and genuine emotion that paints a heartfelt picture of a love that is destined and undeniable. Denis Horvat and Skarn have joined forces to create an electrifying track titled "Triii" that ventures into a realm of edginess and artistry. Metallic bells add a haunting and mysterious layer to the sound, while
the stripped-down beats keep the rhythmic foundation strong, perfectly complementing the edgy vibes. One of the most distinctive features is the inclusion of Slavic vocals, which bring an ethereal and otherworldly dimension to the track. When combined with the dwelling effect sounds, these vocals create an enchanting and almost hypnotic effect, further enhancing the song's allure. Each sound is
meticulously placed, creating a well-defined sonic landscape that showcases the artists' attention to detail and creative vision.
The following collaboration between AÖCRAM and Ramsey Neville in their track "Brooklyn Structure" takes us 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. Driving claps that pepper the track play a crucial role in propelling the momentum forward, further intensifying the infectious energy that permeates. "Antidot" is an electrifying peak-time thriller by Alex Bau, a monstrous techno track that commands attention and ignites the dance floor with its wicked bassline and explosive energy. This relentless and formidable low-end presence sets
the tone for the entire track. The use of FM synth percussions adds a unique touch to the rhythm, creating layers of complexity, and contributing to the acceleration. Banging snare drums hit with force and precision, driving the rhythm forward without any mercy, although the 909 rimshot pattern adds a classic touch.
As we float on to the third part of the compilation, Redshape’s "Ghost Story" cuts the surface. Let’s delve into a realm of tales and mysteries through mesmerizing and enthralling soundscapes. The synth melody tells a captivating story, creating a narrative that unravels like a spheric saga while an EBM-like bassline serves as a pulsating and energetic guide, injecting a dose of liveliness. 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. One of the notable aspects is the raw bassline that undulates up and down throughout the track, gently combined with some soft percussion with lots of delay, making it a perfect track for kick-off. His contribution undoubtedly explores new sonic territories for Raxon. It stands out as an unusual and excellent addition to his repertoire. 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 us into the heart of the music. The track's somber aura creates a tantalizing sense of anticipation, hinting at something grand waiting just beyond the shadows. But as the piece unfolds, Björk's expert composition takes us through a series of transitions that elevate the mood from mysterious darkness to soaring heroism. The track gradually shifts gears, as if the protagonist of the story has discovered a newfound strength and determination. A theatrical synthesizer melody manifests as the guiding force amidst the shifting. It swells and transforms, it becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration. The beat evolves and the melodic motif gracefully intertwines, building up an empowering energy that beckons the listener into a triumphant ascent, enveloping us in a world that feels simultaneously familiar and otherworldly.
As we reach the final moment, we are rewarded with the perfect closing. The track finds resolution, leaving a lasting impact, and ensuring that we culminate in a satisfying and memorable conclusion.

L'Esperanza (Hope) is undoubtedly one of Sven Väth's greatest hits. After more than 30 years, we are very proud to revive this timeless masterpiece for you on Cocoon Recordings. The artwork of the A-side 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 we 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.

A1: L'Esperanza (Original Album Version) 1993 Produced in 1993, this track 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.

B1: L'Esperanza (Hardspace Mix) 2023 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 stripped-down 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. Let’s go back to the good old days of the original 90s trance sound since the cheerful arpeggio synth melody takes us along.

What is certain, you can't tell that either version has been around for 30 years.

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… do we
need to go on? 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.

True to form, the running order is very much rooted on the dance floor, Silvi‘s Dream, revisited by
Damiano von Erckert, explodes like a Balearic sunrise. Dreamy strings with a touch of Detroit create a
lovely atmosphere while the beautiful piano sound goes right into your heart and appears as if you
could feel the warm sun on your skin. Roman Flügel’s acidic rework of What I Used To Play is a
homage to the 80s and the early sound of electronic music which creates nostalgic feelings and offers
a greatly produced retro soundscape à la Kraftwerk. Staying close to the original, but with the perfect
amount of spin, it’s a symbiotic interplay of synthetic bass pads, and a tiny bell melody. Robag
Wruhme’s cranking minimal funk takes us down The Worm-hole. A concise interference sound builds
up sustained tension, tangled but structured, deep and yet driving. Robag took over the deep and dirty
rhythms of the original perfectly and delivers a versatile piece. This opening salvo oozes quality and
sets things up perfectly for the electrified celebration of hi-octane technology come.

Jonathan Kaspar‘s growling interpretation of We Are provides a melancholic atmosphere with
fascinating percussion parts. Zaps shoot through the air like small laser pistols while we let ourselves
be carried away by the bass, the frisky vocal stutter effect is the icing on the cake. Speeding things up,
the euphoric trance that engulfs Krystal Klear’s epic version of Feiern. Expansive strings increase up
to ecstasy and guide us to a love-filled unity. This remix is sure to be an excellent peak-time smasher
for the open-air season. On to a wild ride of pure techno with Benjamin Damage, who delivers a dry
and uncompromising Berlin Techno version of Mystic Voices. Harder pace but the string synthesizer
harmony brings light to an otherwise gloomy environment. Next up is Luke Slater’s PAS Deep Heet
Mix to add a retro nineties vibe to proceedings on Nyx. Entering a rough space with gigantic clap
impacts, we are blessed with straightforward Techno. Shimmering and spooling, this groove hits the
mark. Then, as if it was ever in doubt, Sven‘s lofty place in the techno firmament is underlined by a
peak-time contribution by non-less than Detroit legend Robert Hood. Unmistakable, you must
recognize the signature Robert Hood drive on Butoh. Chord stabs fulfill the Detroit feeling with offtaking string elements and high-energy vocal transformations. It’s a warm embrace that triggers
emotions. Planetary Assault Systems then blasts things ever deeper into the cosmos on a second
outing of Nyx. Reduced and to the point but of course, true to form, with powerful tribal percussion
parts and intensive cutting hi-hats.

From there on in, the collection gradually re-enters the atmosphere, burning with a phosphorescent,
melancholy glow. Harald Björk extrapolates Being In Love into a hypnotic groove for the early hours. A
playful and atmospheric electronica interpretation to soothe our souls due to disharmonious synth
pads and a dreamy deformation of the original melody. Mano Le Tough harnesses the ethno-rhythms
and brooding energy of Catharsis into a low-slung, tribal stomper. Anomalous organ parts ring out and
link up with a trance-like sequence, summer feelings arouse as you feel like you can almost smell
Ibizan air. The collection comes full circle with a second equally seductive interpretation of Silvi‘s
Dream by Florian Hollerith. Stripped-down and hypnotic, the homage to Sven's girlfriend Silvi is
extended as a reverence to Sven himself. 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.

written & produced by: Sven Väth & Gregor Tresher

Single release from the forthcoming album “Catharsis”, produced by Sven Va¨th & Gregor Tresher

The second release before the upcoming mighty new Sven Va¨th album “Catharsis” gives you another hint at what´s coming at you! Let us tell you, we couldn´t be more excited for everyone to finally experience Sven´s new masterpiece!

But before we unleash the beast, we decided to release a second single. This time containing 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 we 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 percussions that eventually get topped by the haunting vocals of Cana Hatsushiba.

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.

2021 Repress, Black Doublehole Sleeve

With respect, my name is Minimal Rock! Extrawelt give us a good going over and bravely break new grounds with their “Titelheld” EP. Here, insane minimal sounds merge with Rock flair, Electro and Trance harmonies. The title track with the telling name “Titelheld” brings us an electro hymnus with hints to Anthony Rother or Codec&Flexor, paired with a juicy deal of pain in the heart. A guaranteed hit for next summer! “Stammgast” is a perfect DJ tool, which has a strong recognition effect, still, and makes the crowd go wild in seconds. Minimal rock par excellence! For all of you who don’t know much about Extrawelt (yet): the human beings behind this project name are Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe, who have worked primarily under the akas Midimiliz and Spiralallianz. Until now, they have released more than thirty maxi singles and several albums (on Border Community among others!), and will record a new 12″ for Traum Schallplatten this summer.

Cocoon Recordings is back with a bang after the winter break, cranking up the pressure once again. What’s more, we’re seriously pleased that we’ve managed to land Johannes Volk for the new season.

EXTRAWELT are back! Although in fairness, they were never gone. On the contrary, since their first release on James Holden's Border Community Label dropped in 2005, Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe have been responsible for a plethora of classics including "Schöne Neue Extrawelt" and "In Aufruhr", their two seminal albums on Cocoon Recordings. The duo are one of the most booked live acts worldwide, commanding a huge fan base. Their performances are the stuff of legend, making them the absolute highlight at every club and festival they play. So it's with great pride and respect, that we can announce the release of Extrawelt's third album for Cocoon Recordings. "Fear Of An Extra Planet" completes the Cocoon trilogy and the excitement growing among their fans represents a new high in the history of EXTRAWELT! Musically, of course, there's enormous pressure on EXTRAWELT to deliver, but this is dismissed with a playful disregard and they are clearly focused on the job in hand. The album title "Fear Of An Extra Planet" sounds cinematic, like some art-house science fiction film, without giving too much away. However, from the first seconds of the opening track "Superposition", the album title makes 100% sense and sets the scene for the rest of the trip. We are immersed in wide open spaces and invited to explore dark and dusky worlds that transport us back to their Border Community years.

For this uniquely personal retrospective spread over twelve vinyl discs, Sven Väth takes us back to the early days of his DJ career. On What I Used To Play we 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. "Actually, it's always been part of my DNA to think ahead," and nothing had been further from his mind than looking back at his past, but when in spring of 2020 the international DJ circuit had to be scaled down to virtually zero, the 'restless traveler' suddenly had time. Time to stop and reflect on "how it actually was back then, at the very beginning of my career..."

"It was a great trip and with every track, beautiful memories came flooding back".
In the London apartment, he had just moved into, Sven has 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. From these 'Best of Sven Väth's favorites', the project What I Used To Play crystallized. Sven remembers how the Cocoon team reacted to his proposal: "They found the idea of making a compilation out of it MEGA from the beginning and everyone said 'Sven, go for it', but then, of course, the work really started, namely, to clear the rights and to get clean sounding masters of the up to 40-year-old tracks. There was also disappointment, of course. We couldn't clear certain titles because the rights holders in the USA had fallen out with each other or simply disappeared from the scene. In short, it wasn't easy, but now I can safely say we got the most important tracks."

Finally, after two years of research, curation, design, and administrative fine-tuning, the "little retrospective" from 1981 to 1990 is available. The exquisitely packaged, and three-kilo heavy box set is not only physically impressive, WIUTP is also 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.

Seasoned producer Oliver Kapp takes us back to the glory days of underground techno where pounding sound systems ruptured the space time continuum for fun. The old guard will already know that Kapp has pedigree, from running and releasing on his own record labels Indulge and Raygun to a string of appearances on Stockholm LTD, Logistic and Gigolo, his dedication to the cause is unquestionable.

A download code is included. Extrawelt are Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe. Both have been around for about 40 years, and making music together for half that time. They enjoy normal things and are ashamed of their carbon footprints due to the large number of flights they take to bring them to their gigs. Unknown, is the tenth studio album from the producer team, and the fourth under the name Extrawelt. Its largely devoted to another side of their creations.

The epochal energy of "Ascension" captivated us 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 us to explore further, to surrender ourselves 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. This is the energy we have been looking for!

For this uniquely personal retrospective spread over twelve vinyl discs, Sven Väth takes us back to the early days of his DJ career. On What I Used To Play we 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. "Actually, it's always been part of my DNA to think ahead," and nothing had been further from his mind than looking back at his past, but when in spring of 2020 the international DJ circuit had to be scaled down to virtually zero, the 'restless traveler' suddenly had time. Time to stop and reflect on "how it actually was back then, at the very beginning of my career..."

"It was a great trip and with every track, beautiful memories came flooding back".
In the London apartment, he had just moved into, Sven has 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. From these 'Best of Sven Väth's favorites', the project What I Used To Play crystallized. Sven remembers how the Cocoon team reacted to his proposal: "They found the idea of making a compilation out of it MEGA from the beginning and everyone said 'Sven, go for it', but then, of course, the work really started, namely, to clear the rights and to get clean sounding masters of the up to 40-year-old tracks. There was also disappointment, of course. We couldn't clear certain titles because the rights holders in the USA had fallen out with each other or simply disappeared from the scene. In short, it wasn't easy, but now I can safely say we got the most important tracks."

Finally, after two years of research, curation, design, and administrative fine-tuning, the "little retrospective" from 1981 to 1990 is available. The exquisitely packaged, and three-kilo heavy box set is not only physically impressive, WIUTP is also 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.

A download code is included. Cocoon Recordings presents: Cocoon Compilation T Another year, another expertly curated compilation touches down courtesy of Cocoon Recordings. Somehow, the world keeps turning and with it the Cocoon universe keeps expanding, causing subtle yet persuasive shifts in the sonic soundscape that continue to capture and captivate the imagination. In time-honored tradition the old guard and the new combine with devastating effect, to define the current state of play. 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’ - a true work of art. 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-raveNew Release Information abstractions and disobedient synth-patches causing mayhem before the track finally unfolds in all its terrifying beauty. Motoring on, the collection wastes no time reaching that familiar tipping point as we enter the techno phase of the journey. 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 us deeper and deeper, into the matrix. Marco Bailey then kicks off a triptych of trance with some massive filtered piano action on ‘Kanai’ that’s destined to trigger a serotonin smile with everyone it touches. 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. The emotional resonance climbs ever higher with brittle melodies endlessly circling a lush, throbbing bass drone to create the sense of something stirring out of reach. 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. Riding in on a wave of expectant arpeggios, the squelching bass and noise filter go toe to toe before Kaspar gets busy with a freaky tempo excursion that’ll be destroying dance floors all year long. ‘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. The funk starts to flow as the bass drops, the machines cut loose and a swarm of cascading bleeps ride the trans-europa express to oblivion. 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 us 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. All in all, it’s a supremely ambitious collection of tracks, generously featuring some of the most inspirational and durable artists of their respective generations. In fact, is this perhaps the best Cocoon Compilation to date.

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 arrives on 25 February 2022 and is a musical autobiography that charts Svens most extraordinary life in techno.

Without the West German-born Väth, techno would look, sound and feel very different. Since falling in love with electronic music and DJing in 1981, his dedication to the art has never faltered. He plays every party as if it were his last. His broad smile has connected with millions of people around the world. His colourful and curious character has imbued techno with a personality it was often lacking. His selections remain hugely unpredictable, despite the fact that he has been playing around the world for more than 40 years. To remain not only relevant but innovative after so long is a testament to Sven's ability to connect through music on a deeper level.

Technically, of course, he is a DJ who can play for thirty hours and not miss a beat. His track selections seem almost divine, and his aura is certainly otherworldly. But more than that, he is a ringleader who is able to mix the artful side of techno with the playful side of partying. Most famously he has done this for more than 20 years at his iconic Cocoon parties in Ibiza. They single-handedly introduced techno to the White Isle and have been its beating heart ever since. Under his charge, strict style guidelines and exaggerated pigeonholing no longer apply. Instead, he has perfected the art of playing far and wide while always remaining true to his own musical identity.

In the studio, Sven has always been just as unique. He has worked under several aliases but always brought a fresh perspective. Whether securing chart hits as part of OFF in the eighties, serving up brutalist techno and trance-tinged sounds in the nineties or crafting major label albums in the 2000s, his music has remained utterly forward-looking. That legacy continues with Catharsis as Sven teams up with highly respected producer Gregor Tresher for his latest long-form offering. Tresher has long been part of the Cocoon family and is a revered artist in his own right, when the two got together in the studio it was clear they had an instant connection and there would only be one person fit to co-author this LP.

It is a record inspired by Sven's interest in the physical and spiritual processes that take place when we dance. "They are realms into which we immerse ourselves to experience our own mysticism and ecstasy," he muses. "Dancing is a conversation between body and soul and it spiritually connects us with each other." Because of the pandemic, that is of course a feeling that we all missed out on for so long. "No dancing, no paradise!" says Sven. "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', which is named after the idea that we are what we think. "With our thoughts, we make the world.? says Sven.

Then comes the moody reflection of 'Silvi's Dream', which was 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 on almost every album Sven has written because it can bring a certain emotional deepness, a quality that Sven always has been looking for.

'Catharsis' is an adventurous album that captures the good times, the sad times and, most importantly, the times of hope.

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. 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 offer an intense cosmic workout with ‘Trauma’.

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. Dark industry when André Galluzzi & Daniel Stefanik link on ‘The Regulator’ and high grade machine soul from Extrawelt.

Cocoon Recordings has never been shy about pitching curve balls to the crowd. It also has an instinct for knowing what we want, even before we do! So here we are, with both these concepts in full effect in the form of International Anything’s „Running in the Underwood“. Markus Nikolai and Ole Schulte’s fledgling project has already featured on both Cocoon and Nikolai’s ubiquitous Perlon imprint and the Frankfurt/Berlin axis represented by these two heavyweight labels is perfectly encapsulated in this ‘summer anthem in the making’.

Just like the recent „Disco Rout“ remix package, „Running in the Underwood“ channels the vibe of the early 2000s, one of the most creative and influential periods in German electronic dance music where some of the most influential genres momentarily converged. This release not only recaptures that moment but emboldens it with state of the art technology that lifts it to another level. The low slung, smoldering intro suggests producers supremely confident in what lies ahead. The track creates intensity and momentum with sparse machine funk allowing maximum space for the dusty electronics to perform their elegant gymnastics while the hypnotic, cut-up dada logic of the vocals worm their way into your mind.

It’s a pleasure to welcome back the iconic Michael Mayer on remix duties, who turns in a peak time bomb with a significant amount of bounce to the ounce. Ring shifting electro beats slowly deconstruct into a booming 4/4 rhythm that carry the nervous staccato synths and surgically dissected vocal snippets forward. Mayer also let’s fly with a rampaging old school bass line that leads in and out of the swirling breakdowns for maximum dancefloor pressure. Safe to say it’s an entirely different trip that perfectly compliments the original, taking it into uncharted and totally unrestrained territory.

„See Where You Are“ is another song based groove utilizing a loose, swaggering bass riff designed to disorientate and disrupt. Disobedient synth lines trip the light fantastic while the monotone vocals speak the language of the dance floor, creating a classic interplay between rhyme and rhythm. Over time, everything crystallizes into a more solid arrangement giving the track a deeper, more self-reflective atmosphere through its lavish analogue instrumentation. It’s a point that shouldn’t be overlooked, scratch below the obvious dance floor appeal of International Anything and you’ll find masterful sonic sculptures at work.

As a winemaker hailing from the Palatinate, Florian Hollerith understands a thing or two about vintage. It’s something that also comes through when you sample his music - rich, full bodied with just the right level of acidity.

Berlin-based American Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent is definitely no stranger to the scene. With “R U OK” on Richie Hawtin’s M_nus label he landed one of clubland’s absolute hits of 2007 which can still be found lurking in discerning DJ’s record cases today. Since 2015 he has been providing high quality tracks on his Delft label, and he celebrated his Cocoon debut two years ago with the “Daylights” EP. Together with Dutch Clone-producer Martijn Hoogendijk aka Alden Tyrell, Ambivalent has cooked up another serving of straightforward techno complete with rigorous hi-hats, which will no doubt summon up the uncompromising energy of his Berghain sets wherever it’s played.

Although Rico Puestel has been producing since 2005, he still seems to be something of an insider tip. Since "Caravel" though, his August release on Cocoon Recordings, things have taken a dramatic turn with Puestel currently enjoying "man of the moment" status, especially when it comes to progressive techno and peak time action on the dance floor.??"973" picks up exactly where "Caravel" left off, kicking powerfully with irresistable, effect-loaded breaks that really twist your melon. This one really works you over but there's also feeling and a touch of elegance, in fact we can't remember hearing anything like this since Len Faki's Dustin Zahn Remix! "973" proves that "Caravel" was no flash in the pan, just one tantalising glimpse into the musical world of Rico Puestel and that's not the end of it...??"272" is a little more stripped down and chilled to start with, but soon opens up into the same crazy atmosphere as "973". This is dominated by an up-and-running arpeggio synth, which combines with the now familiar effects-break motif to create an incredible hypnotic effect. A little less brutal than "973" but drenched in more reverb, "272" is something like "kicking Deep Techno" with a nod to the Tech House corner in the style of Mark Broom or Joris Voorn.
Mr. Puestel serves up two choice cuts here and there's no question that 973272 will be with us for a while. Buckle up, hold tight and off we go!

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.

New Jackson conjures a beautiful beginning into existing with a spheric acidic micro house opener. Melancholic harmonies combine with spacy "Acid Jackson" vocoder parts while the bouncing sequence gives this track an exceptional unique mood. A musical journey that could go on forever. Next up is German house legend Ian Pooley. “DDG Talk” offers distinctive funk with a deep grooving rhythm. Synth parts ring out like tightly stretched rubber bands and you can literally hear Ian’s love for special analog curiosities. Complex modulations add to the charm of this piece and lead to a nifty production with a certain vintage charm. Sweet vibes that fit almost any moment. The impulsive deep tech track “Il Rotori”

then welcomes us to the circus ring and shows us the attraction of the virtuoso. Grinding hi-hats shake up and down alongside progressive sequences to form a cloud of happy frequencies. A sweet memory that lifts the energy of the moment and is reminiscent of a sunset on a beloved island.

DJ Tennis smoothly takes us to the next phase with a warm musical embrace. The bassline with Italian flavor grooves true to form, recalling the early 2000s. The perfect accompaniment for a sundowner. Shimmering zap sounds, hitting stabs, and energetic vocals that command us to “Take It, Take It” as we will for sure! Drumcomplex & Frank Sonic get things rolling with “Lacalute” serving hypnotic shaker patterns and a charismatic synthesizer sequence. Sven has already been playing this tune on heavy rotation since the beginning of the year. So, let’s head off on a thrilling trip with lightspeed. Get on the high-tension lift, next stop: peak time! The wild ride continues with a remarkable techno track from Michael Klein, primed to fill the main floor with a significant sound pressure level. “Time Warp” is a warehouse monster that offers a powerful bassline groove, a booming bass drum, and pulse-width synth madness, so time appears to move unpredictably.

Motoring on, a UK Rave 90s breakbeat rhythm – brought into the future with the perfect zeitgeist. Benjamin Damage is a hardware lover without a doubt, his machines seem to be an extension of his soul, which can be clearly heard in his sound. “Light” appears in wonderful harmony, and the blissful string sounds beam us out of the galaxy. Magical female vocal parts add the final touch, Benjamin did it again right down to the last detail. Balm for the soul from Levon Vincent, this tune is made for open air. The melancholic energy fluctuates between hope and summertime sadness but leaves us with a warm and fuzzy feeling. We reach a high energy level due to the radiant synth hook line and the pure 909 techno beat gains the underground feeling of the track in contrast to its comprehensiveness. Coming up next is “Cold Tuning” by Space Dimension Controller. It’s a timeless sci-fi saga, nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. Dreamy synth pads take us into another world and dimensions quickly rush by. A beautiful and touching atmosphere evolves, and the slightly off-key sensual string harmonies are predestined to generate emotions. A fast floating 808 kick expedites the spaceship beyond infinity. Mission accomplished!

Entering the final stage, no one less than Orlando Voorn spreads happiness all over. Orlando’s particular shuffle rhythm paired with alien reverbed synthesizer stabs form the basis of “Samurai”. But the outstanding feature is especially the noisy gritty bit-crushed synth hook line in connection with energetic and graceful vocal samples. As the penultimate, Marco Faraone & The Florentian Cabaret serve a playful and harmonious composition with 80s charm, which clearly stands out from their independent releases. Lovely organ sounds are layered with shimmering Roland-Jupiter-like synth pads, bringing everybody back together on the dance floor in the morning hours. To close things out, of course, we need an after-hour vibe provided by a stripped-down minimalistic groove from Fango. “Betta” invites you to close your eyes and let yourself go due to its hopeful carpet of sound and love designed to stimulate your soul. It’s a deep immersion in emotions and the perfect ending for this year's compilation.

Experience the magic for yourself, each track takes you on a journey through different emotions and moods, leaving you breathless and wanting more. From the moment you press play, you will be transported into a world filled with pulsating beats, hypnotic rhythms, and mind-bending soundscapes. But what makes this release truly special is its ability to surprise you at every turn. Just when you think you have heard it all, a new track comes along and blows your mind. Compilation U is a seamless blend of cutting-edge production and timeless musicality. “U” like ultimate music collection that will transport you into a world of pure sonic bliss.

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.