Our favourite vinyl-only labels
A wealth of house and techno within
Perlon
While Perlon has released a few longer compilations and albums on CD, it remains staunchly non-digital and its incredible run of over 100 EPs and singles are vinyl only so we've seen fit to include the imprint on this list.
Helmed by minimal masters Zip and Markus Nikolai, the pioneering label pushed its abstract, micro sound into prominence with a multitude of groundbreaking releases that sound as fresh now as the day they were created. Get Perlonized parties are famed for being state altering club experiences, characterised by these disorientating records.
Perlon's discography features more legends than Medieval folklore, with the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Herbert, Luciano & Mathew Jonson, Soul Capsule and Cassy providing innovative productions. More recently the label has showcased sounds from forward thinking artists such as Margaret Dygas, San Proper and Shackleton.
Sex Tags UFO
Brotherly duo Sex Tags, comprised of DJs Sotofett and Fett Burger, received an esteemed co-sign from straight-talking producer Omar S in a 2009 RA interview when he listed them as two of only three non-Detroit artists he enjoys: "I like Donato Dozzy … Sex Tags … Scott Grooves. Theo Parrish. Kyle Hall, and that's it."
Listening to the output of Sex Tags UFO, it's not hard to see why they made the grade. While the label only formed in 2010, it's one in a long line of Sex Tags affiliated imprints that showcase some of the funkiest takes on house and techno going. The quality of release has been unwavering since its energetic debut from Skatebård 'Way Out'.
Bossman Fett Burger has turned in his best work for UFO, combining infectious guitar licks with a stomping beat on 'Discro Tre' and utilising perhaps the best slap bass we've heard since the 70s on DJ Speckgürtel collaboration 'Speckbass'.
Stripped & Chewed
Stripped & Chewed made its first three releases available digitally, but since then has moved exclusively to wax. We'll overlook the youthful exuberance because since the move to vinyl only S&C has produced some slammin' jams straight outta the home of house Chicago.
Latest release '2000 (And We're Still Here)' is a re-issue of a classic Merwyn Sanders record, featuring the updated 'Mimi Likes 2 Dance' which has been an omnipotent dancefloor hit of late with its smooth vocal line and added xylophone chimes. Other label highlights include The Black Madonna's euphoric slice of piano house 'Exodus' and the magical funk of Ka§par's 'Missin' You Feat. Mr White (Philosopher's Stone Dub)'.
White Material
White Material rose to prominence at a meteoric speed. Co-founder Young Male stamped the debut release of atmospheric techno 'All R' with the slogan "Working Man's Techno" in reference to his job in a tool factory funding the label's inception. By the time WM002 dropped, fellow label head DJ Richard's 'Leech2' featuring the brilliant fuzzy stomper 'M.D.W.B', the pair sat atop the helm of the hottest new property in underground dance music.
Galcher Lustwerk joined the party for its third outing 'Tape 22' providing his signature seductive take on house. Already riding high on his own wave of hype following the sublime '100% Galcher' mix for Blowing Up The Workshop, this meeting propelled the label even further into the spotlight. Its limited-run records began appearing on Discogs for inflated prices pushing the £50 mark. Calls to go digital rang out, but the label stayed vinyl-only and has begun repressing alongside new releases.
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