KNACKLESS 7 // MAXXA - COMPILED TAKES
"Compiled Takes" highlights a large selection of demos by MAXXA, recorded between 2017 and 2024. The tape is an honest showcase of works in progress, presented as snapshots of diary-like processes, in an unrestrained yet stirring form. It embodies bold exploration, favoring original thought over convention. A living archive, too vibrant to be shelved.
maxxa: “btw, those takes are still demos. happy to collaborate further on any of them.”
released May 2024
various demos produced by philipp matalla between 2017-2024.
additional production on ‘grapes’ and ‘river’ by ilse.
KNACKLESS 6 // UNAUTHORIZED SUNSET
Get your seasonal dose of environmental futurism from expert synth-operators Asako Fujimoto and Niki Neecke via Knackless. Two tracks from the duo in the spirit of the season of rebirth: »Chlorophylic Memories« makes room between canopy and soil to immerse yourself in a glistening and hyperreal forest. Flip the record over and enter a kaleidoscopic concert hidden away in the thickets of the underbrush with »Galaxian Idyl«. Precious and rare!
released September 2022
KNACKLESS 5 // NON-LINEAR VERSE - PRESSING BONES
Alright - the second outing from Knackless in 2020. Two sides, two feelings. Side A makes a raw and sudden, almost brutal impression. Halle combos LEE and Bob Rose put in some extra work to finish off raw cuts collected from studio sessions from another sphere. Label head Tim Rosenbaum caps off the side with a wild chase - the drums hot on the synth's heels.
The flipside opens up a much softer world. FM Pause’s first release is a dream evolving into a slo-mo swarm of mackerels in a forest of seaweed. Both Juergen Vonbank and Bocu offer their distinct ideas of space in music. In contrast to the last two editions on Knackless, this tape holds more for a dancefloor waiting to be challenged. Chances are, you’ll find your new secret weapon for small venues.
released June 2020
KNACKLESS 4 // VARIOUS ARTISTS
Non-Linear Verse is John Horton’s foray into articulation via sound design. With his roots in electronic club music John establishes a rhythmic baseline and puts thick layers of synth exploration on top. Mostly melodic and sometimes abrasive, Knackless 5 is an ideal soundtrack for exploring empty city centers in the small hours of the night. Also recommended for days in the park, solitary walks, and zoning out at home.
gr-1, reface cs, guitar, vox, fx, recorded leipzig jan-mar 2021
for all your work on the release - thanks tim.
released September 2021
KNACKLESS 3 // PHILIPP WEISS
The first tape on Knackless in 2020 is Philipp Weiss’ brazen endeavor in morphing acoustics into electronics via an all but random assembly of instrumental sonics and processing thereof. At times smooth, at others bumpy, the ambience of the tape is plush and comforting. Ten snippets offering an alternate perspective of things, a juxtaposition to the modern affliction of attention-scarcity, providing a break in your daily routine, if you like. A collection of really anything you’d like to imagine while listening. Philipp's debut album might as well become your summer 2020 OST.
released March 2020
KNACKLESS 2 // MAXXA, TIM ROSENBAUM, JACOB STOY
This is the long overdue follow-up to the tape-only Knackless 1. The record's 3 tracksmake up some kind of electronic-yet-organic microcosm, somewhere 'in between'. Just like the German label’s hometown of Halle claims its own space in between the better known cities of Leipzig and Berlin.
MAXXA, Philipp Matalla’s alter ego which recently saw the light of day for a new 7” on RDK Island, starts off with five minutes of what feels easy and heavy at the same time. Detuned chords team up with a comfy bass joined by 'that' synth, which could just as well be the voice of a unicorn from some underground youtube video with 1.130 clicks on it.
Space Kopa by label founder Tim Rosenbaum is something of an audio tour through the hydroponic gardens of an unpopulated space station. No need to fasten your seatbelt.
Jacob Stoy has released on Uncanny Valley and is one half of the punkers-turned-synthfiddlers duo Inkasso. On ‘Rehearsals’ he rearranges synthlines like kids build stuff with Lego: you can stick to the construction manual, or just build something fresh and exciting with the stuff you have. Jacob chose to do the latter.
It could all be totally different though. Go have a listen for yourself.
released April 2019
KNACKLESS 1 // VARIOUS ARTISTS