North-East based Magic Ritmo imprint launches, debuts with EP reissue of Adel Dhibi's 'M'Hajer' album
The release is the first ever time that it'll be available on vinyl, and to keep it local, the imprint is using a pressing plant based in Middlesbrough
A new label has launched based in the North East, Magic Ritmo, and shared its debut record: a curated selection of tracks from Adel Dhibi's 'M'Hajer' album.
The 1996 album is being reissued in EP form on vinyl for the first time through the label, with the album only previously released via CD and cassette following its recording in Belgium, Dhibi's longterm base.
To support local setups, Magic Ritmo has used Middlesbrough-based pressing plant Press On Vinyl to produce the limited number of 100 12-inch copies.
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On the reissue, 'Tensi' opens the A-side. Its glittering strings and synths set the tone and build tension before a release of euphoric breaks, arpeggiators and echoing Arabic vocals. The B-side sees 'Fadha' take control, with psychedelic, high tempo energy driving towards bursting percussion and odes to early-Goa soundscapes.
Closing the record is 'Sabrin', which takes a downtempo turn. Flooded with spaced-out electronics and pummelling bassline, the curation of these three tracks, Magic Ritmo believe, both epitomise Dhibi's sound - an interlacing of various electronic genres with sounds inspired by his Tunisian heritage - and his mission to empower through music, and create a more peaceful world through sound.
"Magic Ritmo is a record label, party series and store dedicated to exploring our shared consciousness and curiosity for music and the culture that runs parallel," explains founders Rees and Lewis Wilson. "A deep dive into archival sounds and future hits, we will be releasing and reissuing records, music and goods with a mindful nod to our inspiration; expect swampy electronics, organic tones and a healthy dose of hedonism to keep it moving!"
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Grab your copy of 'M'Hajer' by Adel Dhibi now here.
Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Twitter