In the shadow of contemporary, industrial-driven electronics, a few labels and collectives stand out by establishing a name for themselves. Whether it’s a signature aesthetic or a distinguishable catalogue, achieving a high level of quality while balancing both aspects is definitely challenging. So, in the pursuit of such traits, the π project reached this year the significant milestone of its tenth anniversary. Originally appearing as an event series in the Athenian scene in early 2014, then shortly after, the acclaimed record label Pi Electronics came into existence. While first a complement to its sister label Modal Analysis, it quickly carved out a strong identity in the industrial garrison. Next summer, the founder Alex Pi already relocated to Berlin and continued the events there with forty-one installments, so far, in both capitals. As of late, though, the project went for an exciting tour in the Asian continent and plans a visit to North America by the year’s end.
After its establishment, the label released its first record, VOFA – PI01, from another debut collaboration between Sawf and ANFS under the Vofa moniker. Then, a series of affiliated artists, like JK Flesh, Geistform, Elements of Joy, Stave, Ontal, and the late Damcase, appeared over the following sixteen records. The compilations have an equally strong presence in the imprint, counting three at the moment with an extended one called Limitation. In fact, all those collections serve as a meeting point for the artists who performed at the event series through the years. Moreover, the covers decorating each release are noted for their fiendish medieval xylographic depictions, pouring a symbolic essence into the musical context. As for its objective, the label specifically aims to showcase a blend of Greek and international acts that purvey their productive inspirations from a genre-breaking temperament between industrial, noise, breaks, electro, groove, and EBM.
So, to present this occasion and celebrate the label’s output after years of dedicated effort and significant contributions, Alex’s mix is the next addition to the Orb Podcast series. The selection, recorded at Astron Club in Athens, includes a variety of styles for all to vibe with, acting alongside as an invitation to the Pi Electronics musical vaults. Transitioning between rumbling techno and intricately revolving sonic calibres to obscurely deep and hypnotic passageways, unhinged pounding industrial themes, and even spinning trance-like grooves, the list unfolds with captivating enthusiasm. Although this mix may reflect a personal testimony, there are fragments of unreleased and forthcoming tracks from the label, boldly and faultlessly interlacing with Alex’s favourites and classics. Eventually, in the emphatic flow on which we so readily plunge, the purpose becomes clearer in each transition: “Keep your mind and ears locked.”
Tracklist
01. Photek – Under the Palms
02. Backbone – Mundo Novo
03. Lycurgus – 831_16 (Templeyard Studios Remix) [forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
04. Tama – Infra
05. Stave – [Forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
06. Fabrizio Lapiana – Stasi
07. DSNGDMANN – Lucha Constante
08. Ulwhednar – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
09. Michel Lauriola – Basic Solutions
10. Monrella – Shank (Tensal Remix)
11. Hurtado – Reflection of your adventure
12. Unified Methods – Enter the Stream (Rommek Remix)
13. Violent – Spherical Scattering (Low Order Remix)
14. Obscure Shape – Elemental
15. Bralle – Self Termination
16. Lidvall – The only way
17. Elements of Joy – Dopamine (Sawf Remix) [forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
18. Kastil – Zero Wear
19. Unhuman – Cerberus [forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
20. Eebone – Playbackontheflow / Fodra – Halfata
21. Endlec – Systemica
22. Nikitas Grs – Unreleased / Human Safari – 9:09 in the Morning
23. Phara – Grey Ribbon
24. Body Snatchers – Systemic Failure
25. AgainstMe – Unreleased
26. Unhuman & New Frames – New Force [forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
27. Hoxan – Sarioka
28. Groof – Rescale
29. Nemesis – Sphere
30. Yrsen – Sonic Encounters
31. Giri – Luogo Del non Destino
32. Stave – Rack 10 (Samuel Kerridge Remix) [forthcoming on Pi Electronics]
