Digging does not always mean discovery in the sense of the unknown. Sometimes it is about noticing someone operating with clarity inside a language you already understand. I first heard Paul Thomas via a mix he recorded earlier this year for the Chimaera radio show. It was immediately clear that this was someone fluent in experimental and ambient forms, comfortable with negative space, pacing, and restraint. The hook was instant. Not long after, we crossed paths in Spain through shared nights on the dancefloor and on both sides of a DJ booth. His set at this year’s Perpendicular Festival inside La Cabaña was one of the standouts, marked by a calm command of atmosphere and momentum that allowed the room to settle into its own rhythm.

Under the Horizontal alias, Paul Thomas operates as a multidisciplinary artist with a deep interest in the crooked edges of electronic music. As a core member of the Ouroboros crew, he has become part of the more inward-facing currents of the scene. Horizontal represents a fresh pulse, bringing a lightness of touch to music that often leans too heavily on concept. His contribution to "Delayed with" closes our 2025 series. It unfolds with patience, but not passivity. Small shifts accumulate. The mood is tense yet restorative. Unpredictability plays a central role here, not as a gimmick, but as a contract of trust between listener and DJ. This is not background music. Details flicker at the edges, atmospheres thicken, and time stretches in subtle ways that reward full attention. After spending countless hours this year immersed in experimental and ambient listening across many contexts, it felt right to close out 2025 in the same way. Horizontal offers a final chapter that does not conclude so much as open a door, pointing toward other rooms, other journeys, still waiting.

https://soundcloud.com/paul-thomas

https://www.instagram.com/paulthomas_horizontal/

Write up by @gilleswasserman

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Another year comes to a close. Albeit not the easiest of them, there were still good moments to reflect back upon and cherish. So much great music, mixes, and times spent abroad and here in New York with friends afar. I’m now looking forward to some family time as they’ll be arriving soon for a week-long stay in the big city. I wish everyone joyful celebrations and I’ll see you all in the new year.

Tracklist:

Adhémar + Nils Edte - Flottant vers l'infini lunaire

Arp - Dissolve

Gabriel Brady - Ambrosial (Dylan Henner Remix)

Rene Lorenzo - Beauty Cycles

Gëinst - Murmures

Saïph - Silence culture

Iti & Axon Growth Factor - Sleep Pressure

Bot1500 - AL 1

Carbon Based Lifeforms - Set Theory

Voices From The Lake - Aquateo

mixed and compiled with love by hue | @huedj

december 2025

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Indian label & collective Qilla is closing out a busy 2025 with their final release of the year ‘Morung’, a 4-track EP that marks the return of Hyderabad-based producer Midnight Traffic. The release exemplifies the symbiotic relationship that can develop between artist & label. It’s a beautiful full circle moment, as Qilla was the home of Midnight Traffic’s debut EP back in 2015. Over the course of the past decade, he has made regular appearances on Qilla. His fifth release there, ‘Morung’ is a representation of 10 years of creativity & growth, compressed into 4 tracks with his immersive, psychedelic take on techno. It’s music for fast, light-footed movement on an energized dancefloor.

In Northeastern India, a 'morung’ is largely a symbolic structure in modern times but represents a place of community to attain important life skills at a young age in India’s past. Their influence has faded as society continues to advance rapidly into the future, but the symbolism is felt here as Midnight Traffic draws a parallel to his own growth as an artist over years. The abstract shape of a morung can be seen on the artwork, which immediately brings to mind some of the triangular DJ booths & stages at our favorite festivals around the world.

One of four talented remixers on the EP, French producer Aerae has confidently molded & reshaped the title track into her own signature style of heady downtempo / drum & bass. Her remix is a pressure cooker, buzzing with energy & warmth as it builds tension & slowly releases it throughout the course of the track’s entirety.

Midnight Traffic’s ‘Morung’ EP including remixes from Aerae, Zara, Audrey Danza & Andy Garvey will be released digitally on December 22nd.

@midnighttraffic

https://www.instagram.com/midnighttraffic/

@aeraemusic

https://www.instagram.com/_aerae__/

@qilla

https://www.instagram.com/qillarecords/

write up by @aspetuck

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In a moment where festivals blur into a constant scroll of names and posters, Ouroboros has always felt anchored to something more elemental. Tucked into the Cantal wilderness, it operates like a temporary ecosystem, built on trust between artists, crews, and the land itself. Toé sits at the center of that orbit. As a DJ, producer, and co-architect of the festival’s identity, her presence carries a quiet authority. The same sensibility runs through Soma Animae, her personal platform that reads like a field journal, and through Chimaera, the Eyes Wide Open radio show she curates for LYL. Spend a little time with her work and the through-line becomes clear. Nature is not an aesthetic reference point here. It is the operating system.

That context matters when listening back to her set from this year’s Ouroboros, now part of our Delayed with series. Peak hour on paper, but the usual signals are intentionally bypassed. Instead of release-driven drama, Toé builds a flexible structure where tension is constantly adjusted, stretched, and rebalanced. Acid pressure appears and dissolves, depth gives way to propulsion, grooves are allowed to settle before being nudged elsewhere. Ouroboros’ connection to its surroundings has always shaped how sound functions there, and Toé navigates that dynamic instinctively. The forest is not a backdrop but a participant, absorbing and reflecting the pulse coming from the sound system. For those two hours, the exchange holds steady, neither side dominating. What you hear in this set is that equilibrium, electronic music meeting the physical world without either one blinking first.

“We circle around and around and around.

As if dancing with the fire’s breath.

An ever-turning wheel,

Like a flame spiraling itself into endless spaces.”

Thanks to the producers :

Ground Tactic, Marco Shuttle, Black Merlin, Function, Neel, Antigone, Rrose, VC-118A, Echologist, Varuna, Boston 168, Peter Van Hoesen, Silent Servant, Maurizio Cascella, Negative Return, Cio d’Or, Oskitronik, Michal Wolski, Muzmin, Donato Dozzi, Daniel Kane, Varuna, Luke Slater, Shifted, Forest Drive West, Stojche and Andy Martin.

- Toé

https://soundcloud.com/toe_music

https://www.instagram.com/melu_toe

https://soundcloud.com/ouroboros-festival

https://www.instagram.com/ouroboros.ssss

write up by @gilleswasserman

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In times of excess, there is constant pressure to cull the noise. A pressure to find those impactful releases that one really resonates with or causes some form of internal reaction. Less is more in this world, and the Russian imprint, Shurale embodies this. Since its creation in 2022, leading off with an inaugural compilation featuring Toki Fuko, Dycide, Altinbas, and A.G., the imprint has released once per year. Embodying the oft-repeated phrase, quality over quantity.

Following a stellar Doltz release in 2024, they hand the reigns to o.utlier as he provides a master class in rhythms and textures under the guise of his forthcoming ‘Numina’ ep. Four tracks, each with a distinct personality and flow. Tensions rise and fall throughout, as there is never a stale moment, the musical elements constantly evolving and giving movement.

Impulse to Obey is the proverbial shot across the bow, a taste of what is to come. Heavy synth leads set the tone, they pop and crackle around a steady bass line. There’s a certain weight to these elements that brings the track up a level, and ratchets the tension higher and higher as the track progresses.

Numina will be released on the 12th of December.

https://soundcloud.com/o-utlier

https://www.instagram.com/outlier_rory/

https://soundcloud.com/shurale_records

https://www.instagram.com/shurale_records

write up by https://soundcloud.com/huedj

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geinst.bandcamp.com/album/hiber-trace

Drawing a coherent link between various influences, @geinst joins Never Late with Hiber Trace where his analog-driven productions expand and contract time and space. The clear consideration for detail combined with an essence of tight timing and drawn delays, sets the groundwork for this EP. The accompanying artwork reflects not only the music but keeps a connection to the human element, which is a common thread throughout his work. Stark rhythms take us on twists and turns with abundant drops of surprises throughout. One is only left asking: where will he take us now?

Beyond Layers arrives with a purpose we are but to discover. All there is to do is let oneself be guided by the soundscape that Gëinst creates. From the first moment we hear the intention behind every current, every beat, every silence. It envelopes us, introducing a profound space wherein which we can land and take off from, guiding us deliberately with finely tuned clicks, hums and hisses. Murmurs opens with a mélange of calmness and suspense. Building on the soft syncopated rhythms, a muted voice reminds us we are not alone. This nicely preempts Hiber Trace, the EP namesake emerging as a crisp track with a steadily evolving groove. Muted hi-hats, snares, and kicks are balanced with strong drumbeats that travel through the body, activating muscles to contract with the same frequency. Euphoria introduces yet deeper elements as though now passing through an ancestral forest. Organic sounds, resembling digeridoos and croaks like those of frogs on the forest floor, are accompanied by a surge carrying us to the next destination – Mugen, where we are greeted by a focused drum ensemble to be overtaken by stretches of lasers whispering echoes of spatial descents – until finishing as brusquely as it began. Still within the same realm, we experience the power of Labyrinth. This may be the most intricate track of the EP, summing all the previous ones into a final, powerful crescendo. Delicious drone drops preempt a soft closing allowing us to find a moment to return with a gentle landing. Exquisite.

Written, produced and mixed by Nathan Genestier

Artwork design by Griff Fulton

Mastered by Sven Weisemann

geinst.bandcamp.com/album/hiber-trace

Drawing a coherent link between various influences, @geinst joins Never Late with Hiber Trace where his analog-driven productions expand and contract time and space. The clear consideration for detail combined with an essence of tight timing and drawn delays, sets the groundwork for this EP. The accompanying artwork reflects not only the music but keeps a connection to the human element, which is a common thread throughout his work. Stark rhythms take us on twists and turns with abundant drops of surprises throughout. One is only left asking: where will he take us now?

Beyond Layers arrives with a purpose we are but to discover. All there is to do is let oneself be guided by the soundscape that Gëinst creates. From the first moment we hear the intention behind every current, every beat, every silence. It envelopes us, introducing a profound space wherein which we can land and take off from, guiding us deliberately with finely tuned clicks, hums and hisses. Murmurs opens with a mélange of calmness and suspense. Building on the soft syncopated rhythms, a muted voice reminds us we are not alone. This nicely preempts Hiber Trace, the EP namesake emerging as a crisp track with a steadily evolving groove. Muted hi-hats, snares, and kicks are balanced with strong drumbeats that travel through the body, activating muscles to contract with the same frequency. Euphoria introduces yet deeper elements as though now passing through an ancestral forest. Organic sounds, resembling digeridoos and croaks like those of frogs on the forest floor, are accompanied by a surge carrying us to the next destination – Mugen, where we are greeted by a focused drum ensemble to be overtaken by stretches of lasers whispering echoes of spatial descents – until finishing as brusquely as it began. Still within the same realm, we experience the power of Labyrinth. This may be the most intricate track of the EP, summing all the previous ones into a final, powerful crescendo. Delicious drone drops preempt a soft closing allowing us to find a moment to return with a gentle landing. Exquisite.

Written, produced and mixed by Nathan Genestier

Artwork design by Griff Fulton

Mastered by Sven Weisemann

geinst.bandcamp.com/album/hiber-trace

Drawing a coherent link between various influences, @geinst joins Never Late with Hiber Trace where his analog-driven productions expand and contract time and space. The clear consideration for detail combined with an essence of tight timing and drawn delays, sets the groundwork for this EP. The accompanying artwork reflects not only the music but keeps a connection to the human element, which is a common thread throughout his work. Stark rhythms take us on twists and turns with abundant drops of surprises throughout. One is only left asking: where will he take us now?

Beyond Layers arrives with a purpose we are but to discover. All there is to do is let oneself be guided by the soundscape that Gëinst creates. From the first moment we hear the intention behind every current, every beat, every silence. It envelopes us, introducing a profound space wherein which we can land and take off from, guiding us deliberately with finely tuned clicks, hums and hisses. Murmurs opens with a mélange of calmness and suspense. Building on the soft syncopated rhythms, a muted voice reminds us we are not alone. This nicely preempts Hiber Trace, the EP namesake emerging as a crisp track with a steadily evolving groove. Muted hi-hats, snares, and kicks are balanced with strong drumbeats that travel through the body, activating muscles to contract with the same frequency. Euphoria introduces yet deeper elements as though now passing through an ancestral forest. Organic sounds, resembling digeridoos and croaks like those of frogs on the forest floor, are accompanied by a surge carrying us to the next destination – Mugen, where we are greeted by a focused drum ensemble to be overtaken by stretches of lasers whispering echoes of spatial descents – until finishing as brusquely as it began. Still within the same realm, we experience the power of Labyrinth. This may be the most intricate track of the EP, summing all the previous ones into a final, powerful crescendo. Delicious drone drops preempt a soft closing allowing us to find a moment to return with a gentle landing. Exquisite.

Written, produced and mixed by Nathan Genestier

Artwork design by Griff Fulton

Mastered by Sven Weisemann

geinst.bandcamp.com/album/hiber-trace

Drawing a coherent link between various influences, @geinst joins Never Late with Hiber Trace where his analog-driven productions expand and contract time and space. The clear consideration for detail combined with an essence of tight timing and drawn delays, sets the groundwork for this EP. The accompanying artwork reflects not only the music but keeps a connection to the human element, which is a common thread throughout his work. Stark rhythms take us on twists and turns with abundant drops of surprises throughout. One is only left asking: where will he take us now?

Beyond Layers arrives with a purpose we are but to discover. All there is to do is let oneself be guided by the soundscape that Gëinst creates. From the first moment we hear the intention behind every current, every beat, every silence. It envelopes us, introducing a profound space wherein which we can land and take off from, guiding us deliberately with finely tuned clicks, hums and hisses. Murmurs opens with a mélange of calmness and suspense. Building on the soft syncopated rhythms, a muted voice reminds us we are not alone. This nicely preempts Hiber Trace, the EP namesake emerging as a crisp track with a steadily evolving groove. Muted hi-hats, snares, and kicks are balanced with strong drumbeats that travel through the body, activating muscles to contract with the same frequency. Euphoria introduces yet deeper elements as though now passing through an ancestral forest. Organic sounds, resembling digeridoos and croaks like those of frogs on the forest floor, are accompanied by a surge carrying us to the next destination – Mugen, where we are greeted by a focused drum ensemble to be overtaken by stretches of lasers whispering echoes of spatial descents – until finishing as brusquely as it began. Still within the same realm, we experience the power of Labyrinth. This may be the most intricate track of the EP, summing all the previous ones into a final, powerful crescendo. Delicious drone drops preempt a soft closing allowing us to find a moment to return with a gentle landing. Exquisite.

Written, produced and mixed by Nathan Genestier

Artwork design by Griff Fulton

Mastered by Sven Weisemann

geinst.bandcamp.com/album/hiber-trace

Drawing a coherent link between various influences, @geinst joins Never Late with Hiber Trace where his analog-driven productions expand and contract time and space. The clear consideration for detail combined with an essence of tight timing and drawn delays, sets the groundwork for this EP. The accompanying artwork reflects not only the music but keeps a connection to the human element, which is a common thread throughout his work. Stark rhythms take us on twists and turns with abundant drops of surprises throughout. One is only left asking: where will he take us now?

Beyond Layers arrives with a purpose we are but to discover. All there is to do is let oneself be guided by the soundscape that Gëinst creates. From the first moment we hear the intention behind every current, every beat, every silence. It envelopes us, introducing a profound space wherein which we can land and take off from, guiding us deliberately with finely tuned clicks, hums and hisses. Murmurs opens with a mélange of calmness and suspense. Building on the soft syncopated rhythms, a muted voice reminds us we are not alone. This nicely preempts Hiber Trace, the EP namesake emerging as a crisp track with a steadily evolving groove. Muted hi-hats, snares, and kicks are balanced with strong drumbeats that travel through the body, activating muscles to contract with the same frequency. Euphoria introduces yet deeper elements as though now passing through an ancestral forest. Organic sounds, resembling digeridoos and croaks like those of frogs on the forest floor, are accompanied by a surge carrying us to the next destination – Mugen, where we are greeted by a focused drum ensemble to be overtaken by stretches of lasers whispering echoes of spatial descents – until finishing as brusquely as it began. Still within the same realm, we experience the power of Labyrinth. This may be the most intricate track of the EP, summing all the previous ones into a final, powerful crescendo. Delicious drone drops preempt a soft closing allowing us to find a moment to return with a gentle landing. Exquisite.

Written, produced and mixed by Nathan Genestier

Artwork design by Griff Fulton

Mastered by Sven Weisemann