When it comes to underground electronic dance music, Crosstown Rebels are up there with the best. Founded by Damian Lazarus eight years ago, the London-based label has had a great year and highlights include artist albums from Maceo Plex, Deniz Kurtel and Art Department. As 2012 draws to a close, there’s plenty to celebrate – which they’ve done very neatly with the triple CD compilation Rebel Rave 2, releasing on November 28th.
Clubbers in Barcelona are no strangers to the Crosstown Rebels vibe with Clive Henry (who mixed the first installment of Rebel Rave), Matthew Styles and Subb-an all playing here recently and the likes of Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler and Glimpse regular visitors. There’s a good chance you’ll hear DJs spinning music from the label at the cooler clubs around town most weekends, and much of it can also be found on Rebel Rave 2.
The first two CDs bring together some of the best moments of 2011 with tracks from Russ Yallop, Dan Berkson, Fur Coat and others alongside the more established names, while the third CD is mixed by Los Angeles trio Droog who run LA’s famous Culprit parties (label head Damian Lazarus is now based there). Droog have put together a top quality mix travelling through deep and dubby techno, futuristic disco and trippy electronica – pretty much what Crosstown Rebels are about basically.
“It’s been an amazing year for the label, probably its best to date,” explains label manager Leon Oakey. “In 2012 we have great new albums from Maceo Plex, Jamie Jones and Art Department vs. Deniz Kurtel coming up as well as debut albums from Amirali and Fur Coat and a new project from Dinky and Matthew Styles. We look for music that’s unique and interesting, something with a groove and feeling that can easily fit into the Rebel family.” In other words, there’s no stopping the Rebels.
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