- Nightlife in Lisbon is in good health. But for those wanting to dig into the scene's history, check out José Acid's Paraíso label. Inspired by illegal parties, seminal clubs like Alcântara-Mar and Kremlin, and Lux Frágil DJs like Rui Vargas and Yen Sung, DJ Vibe and DJ Jiggy, Paraíso is all about retracing Portugal's dance music origins. Besides the record label, Paraíso has a night at Lux where old school heroes play '90s-style sets alongside established and rising names. There's also a talk-based radio show on Rádio Quântica, where guests get nostalgic about the heyday of rave.
The label arm is mainly about pushing talent through it's Genesis compilations. Vol. III kicks off with a tribal house homage to Kremlin by Photonz, one of the city's better-known exports. "Statue Room" is buoyant and playful, with a few cheeky rave squiggles to set the tone perfectly. "Deep Nights, Dark Mornings," by an unknown producer, is tougher, with grainy background crackles and a retro synth melody. Elite Athlete delivers a murky tropical number in "Adufe," with melody washes, deep pads and some bursts of moaning voices. The best is saved for last with 2JACK4U's "Tape Recognition," which percolates with synths and weirdness—it's a dark acid banger at heart.
TracklistA1 Photonz - Statue Room
A2 Unknown Artist - Deep Nights, Dark Mornings
B1 Elite Athlete - Adufe
B2 2JACK4U - Tape Recognition