Top Dutch producer Francesco Pico is back and ready to knock your socks off. Absolutely Flabbergasted is upcoming on Manual Music. Every bit as surprising and exciting as the title suggests, this is an excellent chance to experience a true student of musical narrative at the top of his game.

The release is Francesco Pico’s third full-length album, following 2007’s Imagining Sounds (Extrema Music) and 2009’s Imagining Sounds 2 (Outside The Box Music). Absolutely Flabbergasted takes Pico into previously unexplored territory, and it feels as though he has broadened his list of musical influences considerably.

To be flabbergasted means to be left speechless. It’s certainly the case that you’ll be far too busy enjoying the music to want to utter a word. A casual listen reveals a deftly executed progressive mix, yet there’s so much more at play beneath the surface. Especially nice is the introspective exhale of Absolute Breakdown and the subsequent segue into title track Absolutely Flabbergasted, which teems with densely layered polyrhythms.

It’s hard to identify favourite tracks when part of what makes the album so outstanding is their relationships with one another, which feel as natural as breathing in and out. Pico’s collaboration with Royal Sapien, another genre-buster, on You Changed My Way has clearly paid dividends though, as has a willingness to explore some more playful beats on Orphan Up Your Guard.

Absolutely Flabbergasted is Francesco Pico’s first album release on Manual Music, following on with a single release The Confusion Grows last year and several remixes.

He has also released and remixed tracks for labels including Global Underground, AudioTherapy, Urbantorque, Extrema, Outside The Box, Proton and his own label Magnitude Recordings. Tracks are supported by multiple big-name DJs such as Sasha, Nick Warren, Hernan Cattaneo, Jimmy v M and Laurent Garnier. Pico also presents a slew of radio shows including spots on Proton Radio and 3FM.

Buy the CD: http://bit.ly/ssegqZ
Buy downloads at Beatport: http://bit.ly/tPQdJf
Buy downloads from Manual Music: https://ganxy.com/i/26457

Francesco Pico’s third artist album ‘Absolutely Flabbergasted’ will be released on November 21st and will be available on digital formats and limited edition CD. For a short preview of all tracks please check out the Soundcloud player below.

The limited edition CD copies will only be available thru our very own online shop. So if you want to obtain a copy, you know where to go!

Noraj Cue can easily be called on of our resident artists by now as he has released numerous tracks on Manual Music and little sister techno imprint Stolen Moments in the last couple of years.

This talented Dutchman returns on Manual Music with a brand new full on five track EP that finds the subtle middle between techno and melodies, without shifting the focus to either one of those too much.

Each track cleverly builds up, keeping the listener captivated througout the whole track. These are not random exchangeable dj tools, these are for the clever DJ’s and crowd out there who know their music well!

Spanish funk maestro Jesus Soblechero has made quite a name for himself in the hardgroove techno scene a couple of years ago. But in the last period both Jesus and his label Threesoul Records had slowly but surely made the switch to a lower tempo sound, crossover between techhouse and techno.

‘Moare EP’ is the latest example of his new found sound. Jesus still drops his trademark funk sound, but the tempo has gone down and with this sound he’s bound to reach bigger crowds.

Talented artist Luke Mandala (USA) teams up with label owner Paul Hazendonk (NL) which resulted two straight forward techno tracks.

The first track ‘Demolition’ wears it’s title with pride; it truly sounds like grinding electronic machines demolishing stuff. Cleverly produced and very effective on the dancefloor, guarenteed to work (we’re not giving a money back guarentee, but still..). ‘Precious’ is a dark, underground, loop based techno mover. A usefull tool for the ‘oldschool’ techno deejays.

Don Ruijgrok is the winner of Vinylized, a famous annual Dutch producer contest in co-operation with Amsterdam Dance Event. The winner gets studio time at SAE + his release on vinyl.

Next to Don’s outstanding original we are proud to present remixes by Zoutman, Mladen Tomic and Locomatica. All mixes are melodic and warm, as is the trademark sound for Manual Music, but they all bring a different approach to the table, making this a package which includes something for everyone!

Early support by Bart Skils, Nick Warren, Pole Folder, Daniel Mehes, Paul Hazendonk, Dance Department, Anthony Pappa, Dibby Dougherty, Daniel Sanchez, Alexi Delano, Cora Novoa, Eelke Kleijn, Remy and many others!

Some might know him as DJ Stephen, resident DJ of the infamous Amsterdam club iT, others might know him from his techno alter ego Stefanowitz (on our sublabel Stolen Moments in the near future), but most of you will know him from his strong releases on Anjunadeep under his Stephen J. Kroos alter ego.

It’s obvious that we are very proud to welcome this veteran on board at Manual Music with this full on 5 track release!

Deep, moody, warm and cleverly produced tracks that find the middle between techhouse and techno, but also suitable for the prog lovers out there, this is a very versatile package. Enjoy!

Early support by Estroe, Remy, Eelke Kleijn, Dance Department, Dibby Dougherty, Paul Hazendonk, DJ3000, Daniel Mehes, Francesco Pico and many others!