Some sentences you think you’ll never write as a music journalist, but here we are. ABBA are back together and releasing new material!
After splitting rather acrimoniously in 1982, it seemed a forgone conclusion that the legendary Seventies outfit would never work together again. But the entertainment industry has a habit of throwing up surprises.
Now, 40 years since their last material, the group are back together in the recording studio. New album, Voyage, is set for release at the start of November, and is rumoured to include at least one festive song.
ABBA-tars: Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid
A virtual concert of the same name will feature avatars of all four members designed by Industrial Light and Magic, the special effects experts used in the Star Wars franchise.
Already, we’ve been graced by two new singles, piano ballad I Still Have Faith In You and soap opera-esque Don’t Shut Me Down, proving ABBA are as camp as ever.
Whether these new tracks are as timeless as the band’s extensive back-catalogue, only age will tell. Make your own judgment in the meantime.
In related news, band member Björn Ulvaceus launched his Credits Due initiative last week. The campaign seeks to tackle issues surrounding music royalties, metadata and ensure all writers are paid for their art.
Sticking with the theme of legends, this month we’ve been treated to some new music for some serious big-hitters. More than a couple occupy berths in our chart.
No prizes for guessing who.
Sven Väth | Feiern | Cocoon Recordings | 10 September
"When you cannot play music, make some."
During lockdown, Papa Sven got back into the recording studio for the first time in many years. Carthasis, produced alongside Cocoon regular Gregor Tresher, will be released next year. Feiren is the lead single and its a proper goosebump-inducing Sven Väth track!
While we did manage to catch Sven's appearance at Cova Santa last month, as good as it was, truth be told, we're holding out for a proper dancefloor and club experience. Maybe soon, huh? Who knows... ich will feiren!
Anastasia Kristensen | Volshebno | Houndstooth | 10 September
Imagine if you could bottle-up fervent anticipation and suck it up whenever you needed a hit. That is the premise of Anastasia Kristensen's new one, featuring a cool video directed by fellow Dane Jens Steinicke Kjær. There's also a more ravey mix doing the rounds, courtesy of Kettama.
Kristensen describes the word "volshebno" as "the feeling inside when you know something special is happening", a crush on someone or an epiphany on the dancefloor. We've got a suspicion some of these moments are just around the corner.
Los Niños (Luciano & Michel Cleis) | Star Odyssey | Rebirth Records | 24 September
Dictated by a primordial instinct, two dear friends, Luciano and Michel Cleis have embarked on a new project, Los Niños. Driven by the desire to share moments of fun, without the pressure of expectation, Star Odyssey is the first product of their sessions under this banner.
Latin percussion, acoustic instrumentation and irresistible melody - we look forward to more of this.
Eelke Kleijn | Woodstock (Mano Le Tough Remix) | DAYS like NIGHTS | 17 September
Hot off the back of the stunning At This Moment, our August album of the month, Mano Le Tough returns with more new music. This time, the understated Irishman moves focus to the dancefloor, remixing Eelke Kleijn's Woodstock.
Not an ode to the legendary music festival of 1969, as you might think, but a beach club in the north of The Netherlands.
Carl Cox & Franky Wah | We Are One | Ministry Of Sound | 3 September
For many, Franky Wah is still a breakout star, yet he's already managed to collaborate with Sasha, Lee Foss and Cristoph - not bad for a new kid on the block. His latest hook-up eclipses them all, however.
Jumping into the studio with the Big Man himself, Mr. Carl Cox, Franky adds to his accolades with We Are One. How's that for a legend, for you? Swirling pads, big breaks and Coxy's distinctive monologue. What's not to love?
HAAi | The Sun Made For A Soft Landing | MUTE | 23 September
Rhythmic breakbeat meets warped synthesis on the outlandish new single from HAAi. The first in a series of experimental productions HAAi made off the back of club closures, The Sun Made For A Soft Landing is what its creator refers to as "daylight" music.
Her interpretation of the night is coming next. We can't wait to hear that.
Anabel Englund | Midnight Rapture | Area10 | 17 September
Anabel Englund turns up the heat with new single, Midnight Rapture, which depicts a late-night rendezvous edging towards euphoria.
Do you recognise the rift and those enchanting bells? It's a sample from Blondie's Rapture, of course, but we reckon Miss Englund also takes some inspo from Madonna's Vogue. What do you reckon?
Jamie Roy | Organ Belta | Trick | 24 September
Jamie Roy, a regular at Ibiza Rocks tech-fest Cuckoo Land, makes use of a pounding bassline, rattling percussion and the under-utilised organ on his Trick anthem Organ Belta. Dancefloor madness is sure to ensue. Proper belta!
Word has it he's sitting on a couple of "sequels" ready to be unleashed. Stay tuned.
Kellie Allen & Kreature | Closer | Deeperfect | 17 September
Frequent studio partners Kellie Allen and Kreature are back with some more cutting-edge Deep-Tech. This time the pairing land on Stefano Noferini's Deeperfect. Acid foot tapper Closer is our pick of the Trust Me EP.
Read our recent interview with island sweetheart Kellie Allen.
Jamie Jones | Sunday In Paris | Hot Creations | 24 September
Our final legend is Jamie Jones.
Taken from his Handy Work EP on Hot Creations, Sunday In Paris is a blissful number with elevated chords, perfect for the sunrise hours. JJ is the headline act on The Terraza for Amnesia Closing Party on Saturday 23 October. What, hadn't you heard, we're back?
You'd better believe, we'll see you on the dancefloor!
If you haven't already, make sure you check out our latest album of the month by Saytek, Motifs From The New World. If that isn't enough to satisfy your musical cravings, head to our Spotify channel and hit subscribe.
And next month, who knows, maybe we finally get to chart some new music heard on the dancefloors of Ibiza's clubs!
