KRYSTIAN SHEK & MILLY JAMES - NEVER ENDING
Label: Cinta Gara Records - Format 12" Vinyl
Krystian Shek returns with Never Ending, his second release on the recently established Cinta Gara Records. The EP also marks the third collaboration with vocalist Milly James, following last year’s standout Promise on Greyscale Records. The collaboration begins with “Only Love” and sees Milly James’ voice fitting seamlessly into the layered and carefully sculpted production provided by Shek. Few tracks manage to sound this rooted in deep techno while carrying a Balearic warmth that envelops the listener. The delicate and well-placed chords work perfectly with the hazy, summery vibe that this song gives off. “Pancakes” follows as a solo statement from Shek. It’s minimal in structure but rich in detail, rewarding attentive listening as textures quietly evolve beneath the surface. Hypnotizing and groovy all at once. On “Can My Music Make You Happy”, tension builds patiently from an eerie opening into a controlled surge of techno energy that sounds sci-fi. The pacing is particularly effective, as it is patient and always deliberate, with intricate percussion that is brilliantly subtle yet so perfect. The title track “Never Ending” also features Milly James and closes the EP in fine style. Milly's almost angelic vocal glides across the dynamic foundation Krystian has created. The beat provides just enough technical presence while leaving room for emotion to breathe. In a genre still largely dominated by male vocal contributions, Milly James brings a refreshing perspective that feels natural and special. As expected, Shek’s production talent is always trusted, and the strong mastering gives the record real authority on a large sound system. Powerful and memorable, Never Ending is another classy pairing between the two of them.
RELEASE DATE: MAY 1st 2026. CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO BANDCAMP!
KRYSTIAN SHEK & PETER COY - NEVER SURRENDER
Label: ROHS! Records / Italy - Format: 7" Vinyl + CD
Frankfurt`s Krystian Shek and trumpeter Peter Coy unite on two deep dub explorations, merging timeless tradition with forward-looking experimentation.
The first track, “Never Surrender”, dives deep into the heart of roots dub, carried by a weighty bassline and enriched with guitar, keys, and layers of echo and delay.
The second cut, “The Empire Must Fall”, leans into dub-techno territory, layering hypnotic chords and pulsating rhythms with the same heavy low-end foundation. The result is an atmospheric yet urgent piece where Shek’s electronic textures and Coy’s horn meet in a cinematic soundscape.
Uniting roots dub and dub-techno with heavy bass, trumpet, and deep atmospheres, Krystian Shek and Peter Coy deliver a collaboration that is as timeless as it is groundbreaking.
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GELIKS & SR. WILSON - GWAAN (REMIXES)
Label: Cinta Gara Records - FORMAT: 12" VINYL & DIGITAL
Catalan veteran vocalist Sr. Wilson teams up with producer Geliks for an exciting EP that marks the debut release on the newly minted Cinta Gara Records. These distinct unique versions all orbit around dub while branching into adjacent genres with confidence and creativity. Sr. Wilson’s vocal performance on the title track is nothing short of blistering. His delivery balances freshness and reverence, bridging hip-hop swagger with the melodic phrasing of classic roots reggae to compelling effect. His presence leaps from the mix, balancing each version with charismatic force and lyrical edge through each genre it's laid over by the remixers… The Krystian Shek Version beings the EP with deep, atmospheric synth washes and rich dub chords. It’s a smooth deepness cascades over the urban beat making and Jamaican sound system heritage. Quindactiv’s Version dials up the percussive element, layering island-style drums over a broken trap rhythm. The result is powerful yet it maintains the EP’s dub identity with finesse. Sascha Reder’s Version is perhaps the most radical reinterpretation. The minimal, ominous techno construction deconstructs into a more organic tribal groove as it completes. The closing instrumental of the Shek version strips away Sr. Wilson’s vocals to reveal the full depth of the production. Dub fans, hip-hop heads and adventurous electronic music lovers will all find something to lock into on Gwaan. It’s a strong statement from a new label and an example at genre fusion done right.
Written & produced by Geliks & Sr. Wilson.
Lyrics and vocals by Sr. Wilson.
Remixed by Krystian Shek, Emrullah Akar & Sascha Reder.
Artwork by Brenda Rodriguez.
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KRYSTIAN SHEK - RESILIENCE
LABEL: GSP / RUSSIAN FEDERATION - FORMAT: CD & DIGITAL
This is a curated collection of Future Garage tracks I've crafted over the past few years. Each piece captures a moment, a mood, a memory.
Now finally available as a full-length album. Ready for you to dive in, drift away, and enjoy the journey.
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KRYSTIAN SHEK - AS YOU WISH
LABEL: ROHS! RECORDS / ITALY - FORMAT: CD & DIGITAL
Write-up by Tim Humphrey:
Frankfurt-based artist Krystian Shek returns with As You Wish, his first full-length album since 2022's Suddenly, once again released on Rohs! Records. This latest album deepens Shek's exploration of ambient textures, where nature and synthetic elements seamlessly intertwine, creating an impactful listening experience that is both emotive and cinematic.
The album opens with 'Skin Like Silk', where the gentle sound of running water provides a tranquil backdrop. Swirling synths subtly replace the natural ambience, illustrating a transformation from organic to digital. The delicate piano tones in the distance add a breathtaking depth, eventually fading out like echoes through a tunnel. It sets an exquisite example for what follows. 'Miss You' introduces birdsong and an ominous undercurrent, blending keys and synths to evoke a wistful, somber mood. As the track progresses, the atmosphere swells and drifts, carrying a sense of fleeting memories that dissolve like clouds. It feels deeply personal, almost like the soundtrack to a long-forgotten film reel. On 'Never Touched', Shek incorporates the sound of rain hitting a sidewalk, underpinned by rich low frequencies that resonate deeply. The melody is riveting, striking an ideal balance between piano and synths. As the rain returns in the conclusion, it leaves the listener with a profound sense of closure. The title track, 'As You Wish', is where Shek's mastery of effects truly shines. The piano remains the centerpiece, but it is the lingering low tones and the gradual mid-track swell that give this piece its momentum. It feels like a journey, full of movement and emotional resonance. 'Without You' shifts the tone to something more eerie, with digital waves replacing water. The atmosphere suggests mystery, almost cinematic in its suspense, adding variety to the album's soundscape. The final track, 'In Your Eyes'. is a important last moment. A rich, passionate vocal performance adds honesty and depth, while the familiar swelling keyboard textures maintain the album's cohesive, soundtrack-like quality. It serves as a powerful and unique conclusion.
As You Wish is an evocative, meticulously crafted album where each track tells a story. Shek continues to demonstrate his ability to blend natural and synthetic elements with emotional depth, leaving the listener both moved and mesmerised.
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KRYSTIAN SHEK - CELESTIAL COURT
LABEL: CARPE SONUM RECORDS - FORMAT: CD & DIGITAL
Cue up a new Krystian Shek release, and it makes for a time of automatic rejoicing. The man has shown a limitless ability to crack any old electronica nut through the years, starting with his very early FAX recordings unveiled to us via the late Pete Namlook’s expert tutelage. Celestial Court holds forth in the expected manner, threading its way across a veritable starfield of opulent ambience, twinkling synths, and an almost fairy-tale aesthetic. Shek is perhaps one of Namlook’s prime FAX grad students who have taken his notion of ‘new environmental music’ to heart. “Hope” surely points the way there, marrying birdsong to a rugged dub-techno aesthetic minus the techno: it’s an absolutely riveting slice of 2001-like melancholia, Vangelis-tinted grandeur, and Yagya-flavored animotion. “Solace” also acclimatizes us in expert fashion, ushering in contemplative weather systems wherein late summer rainfall is further mimed in a torrential sequencer downpour, burbles, bangles, and beads reflecting off shiny silver surfaces. Shek is but one of the few synth glitterati who not only imparts majesty on his digital landscapes but the right tincture of emotional rescue when called for: “Moment of Truth” is one such lovely piece, steeped in the kind of synthetic hush-hush Robert Schroeder’s made famous, but embellished with Shek’s singular touch and enveloping warmth. Go gaga over it all.
Tim Humphrey's review of Celestial Court:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WDAyR7b5IU
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KRYSTIAN SHEK & MILLY JAMES - PROMISE (INCL. YAGYA & GRAD_U REMIXES)
LABEL: GREYSCALE - FORMAT: 180gram white 12" vinyl + digital
A heavyweight lineup of dub techno talent comes together for a deep and textured journey. Krystian Shek's Promise features two original productions from himself alongside with reworks from Yagya and grad_u. As a bonus, this collection expands even further with digital-exclusive remixes from Raytek and Noosa Sound System that come with the original purchase. Milly James returns to the label, lending her amazing voice to a release that bridges atmospheric depth with driving rhythm.
'Glow & Shine' locks into a hypnotic groove from the outset, its analog warmth and weighty percussion forming a solid foundation. A crisp snare and hi-hat pattern provide an irresistible swing, while chords and vocals land together in perfect sync, draped in a rich layer of delay. Spacey breakdowns allow the ride cymbal to subtly emerge, giving the track an evolving energy. The closing moments strip things back, with the chords guiding everything to a natural finish. 'Better That Way' shifts into a more melodic space, balancing intricate drum programming with an emotive vocal delivery. The initial rhythmic stutter adds a unique touch before settling into a flowing beat. As layers build, the chords and voice intertwine seamlessly, evoking a deep, contemplative feel. The breakdown smooths everything out, allowing the track to breathe before a striking bassline shift in the final section brings fresh momentum. The last ambient passage is particularly stunning, offering a moment of reflection.
The legendary Icelandic producer Yagya creates his interpretation of 'Glow & Shine' sees it drifting into dreamlike territory, wrapping the original’s elements in a lush, aquatic atmosphere. More of a song than a club tool, it glides effortlessly, capturing a serene, almost weightless mood. On the flip side, grad_u reshapes 'Better That Way' into a crisp, rolling dub excursion. Airy chords swirl above a commanding groove, with well-placed melodic flourishes adding an elegant touch. The arrangement continuously morphs, deepening its hypnotic pull.
Raytek’s remix of 'Glow & Shine' injects a sharper rhythmic intensity, pushing the track into darker, more driving territory. The vocal treatment becomes a focal point, cleverly reshaped to make the singing the true hook. Meanwhile, Noosa Sound System takes 'Better That Way' into stripped-down, immersive terrain. The off-kilter drum work and layered percussion create a mesmerizing flow, while the winding structure makes it a DJ-friendly tool.
This well-rounded collection that explores multiple shades of dub techno, this release has both dancefloor energy and introspective depth. With a strong roster of contributors, it delivers a blend of classic textures and fresh perspectives.
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KRYSTIAN SHEK & MILLY JAMES - PROMISE EP
Label: Greyscale Records - Format: 12" Promo Vinyl
Exclusive Promo 12". For promotion of the final record and available months prior the official release date.
Black 12", White label. Hand stamped / stickered.
15 ULTRA RARE copies available.
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