INTERGALACTIC FM - TRAPPED EP REVIEW

Alek Stark kicks off his latest EP on 158.8Mhz Records in epic fashion with Trapped, an expansive discoid odyssey that effortlessly marries lush pads and cowbells to start off with. Then the bassline kicks in which works to accentuate the groove that was set up at the start with sparser ingredients. The vocoder is indecipherable, at least at first listen, but that adds an allure of lonely and dejected Cylon to the mix ... "By Your Command" no more. The opening track also operates on some sort of alternate timeline, because however many times I listen to it, I cannot get tired of this track. It starts grooving and ends before you know it so that you're left with the rare feeling of "that wasn't 10+ minutes". Your body feels refreshed and your mind has travelled at the speed of light without knowing it.

Who I Am starts on the same thrust as Trapped but priviledges a more quintessential arpeggio bassline. The percussion remains completely tasteful and correct. The vocoder makes a comeback, maybe more laidback this time, varying in tone for the different parts. Synth swathes form a big part of the track once the vocoders stop their talking head chatter. This track is yet another contradiction. On paper, it is supposedly more muscular than Trapped but actually ends up feeling more soothing. This maybe because of those elongated pads again. So, Who is Alek Stark? The track title begs an answer. From this track, you could conclude that Alek Stark is cinematic, nocturnal and solitary.

Inside You is a much shorter and riskier proposition. A natural, simple, alternating yet funky bassline takes the lead and plays nice with strong claps and sampled chants that accentuate the start of every few bars. While the composition alludes to a seamier side it isn't until we hear some familiar moans that you get an inkling what territory we could be in. But, before you can be certain the basslline, claps and shouts are complemented by wonderful arpeggio melody on top that rounds off the track as well as the release perfectly.

Whether you are a private listener or a public DJ, this is a release not to miss. For the private ears, these three tracks contain a great groove, some intricate yet effortless soundscapes and an aura of mystery. For playing out, this release contains some perfect dancefloor cuts which can work in many situations and are sure to delicately tickle the fancies of both the dancers and the talkers.


Review by: Randy Vogue

Read more...

ALEK STARK - TRAPPED EP - 158.8MHz REF.: M31-IT001

After weeks of hard work here is my new EP for the Italo Disco lovers.



Only the first 97 downloads will be free. Release date, 13TH Feb, you can listen it HERE




If you are interested in the vinyl release write here: 158.8mhz@gmail.com, very limited copies will be available...

Read more...

FIRST RELEASE PLANEADOR SERIES, AVAILABLE 28TH FEB 2010

As you know 158.8MHz Records is divided into three series: Electro, Italo-Disco and Planeador (Glider).

Many people write asking what we mean by "planeador" style, well, I first heard this term was Andrés Noarbe, Geometrik Records founder and owner of the best electronic music store in Spain, Rotor Discos.

He used the "planeador" term when referring to music developed with analog modular synthesizers much like the Fax label, elsewhere in Europe is called Berlin-school, but "planeador" is a name that really defines this style of experimental music that does not is to create only sounds impossible and goes beyond describing as soundscapes makes us imagine another dimension in space.

I think that is the great difference between this style and avant-garde experimental electronica. The planeador style is going to have something concrete beyond own synthesis of sound.

The first reference of almost twenty minutes of the planeador series was produced by Alek Stark and is inspired by the basic principle of light and water and how the chaos of simple elements come to associate to go further and create Life.

This work is composed as a single track since the beginning and end of each track are united and are based on a unique concept but download files also included as separate tracks for easy listening.

As usual at 158.8MHz the first 97 downloads will be completely free. This reference, M31/001PL will be available from Jan 10th to Feb 10th, 2010.

Read more...

ELECTRIC DREAMS, REVIEW EN TECHNODISCO.IT!!

My old friend Giosuè Impellizzeri aka Dj Gio MC-505 has made the first review of "Electric Dreams", the "000" reference of italo-disco series, could we start of a better way??, tutto tuo!, una review con lo stile italiano da DJ Gio, clicca qui...

Read more...

FIRST RELEASE ITALO DISCO SERIES, REFERENCE "000" AVAILABLE NOW!

The refence "000" of italo-disco series is available now!. This release is produced by Alek Stark, this track was produced exclusively to play in the Benicassim Music Festival 2003. Alek made the opening act for the Ersatz Audio Night.

This first release is accompanied by the video that you can see below, it´s live sound..., but this video shows the great moment where Alek sings with his vocoder and the people are dancing completely out of control!.

Listen and download here, it´s limited to 97 downloads!

Read more...

WHAT IS 158.8MHZ?

158.8MHz is a music platform created by Alek Stark to release the music of all the artists who compose it.

158.8Mhz or M31 is not a closed platform, it´s open to any artist that fits the style electro, Italo-disco or experimental-berlin-school. Just contact us at this email address:

158.8mhz@gmail.com

Please do not send MP3 files or otherwise without prior consultation with us. We prefer you to send a link where we can download your work or listen online.

This platform aims not profiting from the sales of songs from the artists, but keep this site has a high cost due to the heavy investment of time we do daily. So is the artist that determines what price he want to sell his work and what percentage of that amount goes to maintenance and conservation of 158.8MHz.

In return 158.8MHz will promote his work in internet and will offer to the artists a virtual space where they can sell their music digital or any hardware or merchandising like T-shirts, cups, vinyl or compact disc, etc.

The artist only needs to take care about his music and determine how he want to get his work to the fans and we promote his work on the Internet at all levels and provide download links or we do only shipments of merchan.

Many musicians have their hard drives full of songs that never will saw the light because companies can not absorb all their releases. There is any waiting queue in 158.8MHz, you choose when and how you put your music on the market. You have the last word. We will only guide you to amplify your ideas.

For more information contact us at the email address above.

Read more...

158.8MHz THE ANDROMEDA GALAXY SOUNDTRACK COMPOSED BY ALEK STARK

Read more...