AD ABSURDUM – wraetlic (LP Vinyl)
Ever since hearing Pete Tong announce Chica Wappa as his Essential New Tune back in 2004, weve been following the bold Alex Smoke on his musical journey. Coming from Glasgow, weve shared a lot of common influences - both from within and outside of the city and we have Alex to thank for introducing and strengthening our love for the likes of Villalobos, Rhythm & Sound, Carl Craig and Actress, amongst others. Although he was a familiar face on the minimal scene, he always operated on his own terms and thats a throughline weve admired throughout his career. Not only is he comfortable releasing techno on Soma and R&S, hes produced for ballet, films and even the NHS. Over the years, Alex has played at a few seminal parties for us; alongside the likes of Oni Ayhun, James Holden, Helena Hauff and Veronica Vasicka. So we were delighted to be approached by him to work on a record together and its been really exciting to hear it evolve over time. It would be arrogant to compare it to Thom Yorkes - The Eraser, but it certainly occupies a similar world in our mind. To still be producing innovative and inspiring albums 15 years into a career is no mean feat in this age and its a great honour to welcome such a musical hero on to the label. As with the last Auntie Flo album, were also lining up a very special remix package with a swarm of our favourite producers of the moment and we cant wait to share them with you too over the course of the year. *Huntleys & Palmers