Contributing Writer
For more than two decades, Rework have specialized in a kind of cold-blooded body music, distilling elements of house, electro, and new wave into sleek, tensile grooves. Their latest, the two-track ‘Disco Love’ EP refines that formula with a tight-lipped focus. Following last year’s Never Again LP and a remix collaboration with Seth Troxler and Cinthie, Michael Kuebler and Daniel Varga strip things back to their essence, delivering a release that’s as icy as it is infectious.
With the EP out now on their own exlove records, Rework have picked out 10 of their favorite tracks, from seminal classics to new discoveries.
New Order – Perfect Kiss
We love everything from New Order from the 80s. And…. we now have the original Voyetra Synth in our Studio that was previously owned and heavily used by New Order. You can see Gillian Gilbert playing the Synth in the Perfect Kiss Video. A friend of ours from the band “The Soulboy Collective” brought this synth to our studio. He made a remix for Bernhard Sumner and in return he got the Voyetra Synth. A nice true Story and one of the best sounding polyphonic synths from the 80s.
Art of Noise – Love
Art of Noise’s Love is a dreamy, atmospheric trip built on lush synths, ethereal vocals, and signature Fairlight CMI sounds. Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn, it feels nostalgic yet futuristic, like floating through a neon-lit city at midnight. I particularly love this version—it just hits different. Cool, sophisticated, and timeless.
She Lies – Met You
This new wave banger is from our exlove side project “She Lies” also on exlove records. A Disco New Wave band from Berlin we started with two friends. A highlight in our discography was the Asphodells Andrew Weatherall remix of our track “Needed You”. Still not so active but already released 4 EPs on exlove records.
Freur – Doot Doot
Freur-Doot Doot is a synth-driven gem from the ’80s, crafted before Underworld by Freur and legendary producer Conny Plank. Its hypnotic beats and mysterious vibe make it a timeless underground classic. A neon-lit trip that still echoes in electronic music today.
Cathrine Moan – Soda Pop
Beautiful new artist with a fascinating voice and synthpop for the future. We invited her to our party in Stuttgart to perform live when she was on her Europe Tour 2 years ago.Loved the concert, her singing and presence on stage. The artist to watch in the future.
Stahlnetz – Vor All Den Jahren
Another Conny Plank masterpiece, this time from 1981—Stahlnetz’s ‘Weißt du noch vor all den Jahren’is a haunting blend of post-punk and avant-garde brilliance. With its raw energy and poetic depth, the track remains a timeless piece of German underground history. And guess what? Stahlnetz are back! We were lucky enough to catch their mesmerizing live show last year, and it was nothing short of magical. A true testament to their enduring power and artistry.
Geneva Jacuzzi – Dry
So many good tracks with 80s Synth references released by Geneva over the last years. Following her and her work for a long time. Missed to see her live show/performance in the Berghain Kantine Berlin on her recent European Tour some days ago, sadly. Always a good feeling for Synths and Sounds and a special great cool singing on her tracks. Real Queen of the underground.
Ricardo Villalobos – Hansup
Ricardo Villalobos’ ‘Hansup’ is a masterclass in minimal techno, blending hypnotic grooves with intricate, ever-evolving rhythms. It’s a track that pulls you into its own universe, where every detail matters and the vibe is endlessly deep. Pure Villalobos magic.
Glass Candy – Beautiful Object
Super good production and Synthesizers with fantastic vocals by Ida No. Also like the aesthetics of the Video. This one comes from Glass Candy “Italians Do It Better” one of my favourite many projects by Johnny Jewel. Also like the new project by Ida No and Nat Walker called “Fawn”. Exciting music to discover on their last Album.
Ron Trent – Altered States
House classic, iconic bassline, iconic strings, iconic beat-flip. Pure emotion on the dancefloor—a masterpiece that still hits just as hard today as it did back then. Absolute goosebumps material.