The journey Big Special have been on is one of the key stories told by their second album, National Average. And trust Big Special to invest those stories with wisdom, insight and the most absolute humanity. And these might be their stories, but the lessons speak to us all.

And so National Average reflects the world as it is, as Big Special have seen it while grinding around the nation and screaming their poetry at the people. The album also registers how their own lives, their own world has changed, and what that means.

With characteristic Big Special flair, the darkness is leavened by more than a ladle-full of the blackest humour.

But the upbeats are easily matched by the album’s downbeats, the album’s emotional shifts more crafted than on the debut. “The first half of the album is about ambition – you can hear the confidence of it, even a little bit of sleaze,” says Hicklin. “The second half is about reflecting on what’s happened, how everything’s changed. You’ve got to be honest with the darkness.”

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A
1. THE MESS.
2. GOD SAVE THE PONY.
3. HUG A BASTARD.
4. SHOP MUSIC.
5. PIGS PUDDIN.
6. PROFESSIONALS.
7. GET BACK SAFE.
8. YESBOSS.

SIDE B
9. DOMESTIC BLISS.
10. JUDAS SONG.
11. THE BEAST.
12. I ONCE HAD A KESTREL.
13. THIN HORSES.

Mercury and BRIT nominated Kae Tempest’s fifth studio album ‘Self Titled’ featuring Neil Tennant, Tawiah, Connie Constance and Young Fathers and co-produced by Fraser T Smith and Tempest. Tempest has an impressive list of prizes under his belt. His book Brand New Ancients made him the first person under 40 to receive the Ted Hughes Award in 2013. Kae also won the Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Contemporary Song’ in 2024, following two previous Ivor Novello nominations in 2020 and a BRIT Award nomination in 2018. Kae has been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize twice.

The album’s first single, ‘Statue In The Square,’ was released in March. Tempest’s fast flow delivers a raw, rhythmic track. The accompanying video was filmed in Deptford, London, and features key community voices, including Princess Julia, Joelle Taylor, Sweatmother, Debbie Smith, and Dr Ronx. The collaborations on Self Titled don’t stop there. For his fifth offering, Tempest has ensured a stellar line-up of features. Guest appearances include Neil Tennant, Young Fathers, Connie Constance, and Tawiah.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Tempest's brand new LP swims in the sort of gritty, downbeat hip-hop poetry we all loved on 2016's brilliant 'Let Them Eat Chaos', but this time around there's a grittier, industrial aesthetic underpinning proceedings. There are moments of sublime melodicism, much like there are segments of chaotic noise, but it's the perfect balance that sets Kae apart from the rest and keeps us coming back for more. A superb new outing from one of the UK's hottest poets.

TRACK LISTING

1. I Stand On The Line
2. Statue In The Square
3. Know Yourself
4. Sunshine On Catford
5. Bless The Bold Future
6. Everything All Together
7. Prayers To Whisper
8. Diagnoses
9. Hyperdistillation
10. Forever
11. Breathe
12. Till Morning

Having penned over 200 songs in the last six years, The Reds, Pinks and Purples release a collection of tracks previously unreleased on physical format that continues to romanticise the wonders and woes of the world.

With song titles that read like chapter sub-heads for a post-Douglas Coupland novella, ‘The Past Is A Garden I Never Fed’ takes The Reds, Pinks and Purples central orator Glenn Donaldson through the turmoil of small talk and everyday water cooler moments with a fine sense of pathos and irony.

Set to a soundtrack that swerves between the dark days of Television Personalities and Byrdsian twang to the Jarvis Cocker-styled rhetoric and vocal tenderness of ‘Richard In the Age Of The Corporation’ with hints of everything from Husker Du’s fuzzed splendour to the chiming majesty of The Chameleons it’s an empowering listen.

The pathos and irony of the glorious track ‘The World Doesn’t Need Another Band’ sets out the band’s store, it’s a measured and quietly outspoken rant at lacklustre opposition peppered with a gorgeous guitar break. Meanwhile, ‘I Only Ever Wanted To See You Fail’ rumbles with an Eddie And The Hot Rods pre-punk riff before dissolving into a tale of self-doubt and remorse, bemoaning others’ good luck. ‘Toxic Friend’ is from the book of the TVP’s Daniel Treacey with an upbeat chorus that smacks of all that was good in old school indie in a hail of fuzzy logic and guitars.

From humble beginnings as a home recording project, The Reds, Pinks and Purples has blossomed into a sporadic live unit with tours on both sides of the Atlantic and appearances at Pitchfork Fest London and Woodsist Fest as well as support slots for indie legends such as Destroyer, Guided By Voices, and The Feelies.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A lovely selection of pieces that haven't ever been available on a physical format from one of our favourite psychedelic jangle-pop outfits, and most prolific songwriters. It's always a hit and miss affair, the ol' B-sides compilation, but if anyone can sidestep that, it's the RP&P. A great, stylistically fluid collection.

TRACK LISTING

1. The World Doesn’t Need Another Band
2. I Only Ever Wanted To See You Fail
3. A Figure On The Stairs
4. Slow Torture Of An Hourly Wage
5. Trouble Don’t Last
6. You’re Never Safe From Yourself
7. Your Cult Is On Fire
8. My Toxic Friend
9. Your Taste Makes You Strange
10. Marty As A Youth
11. What’s The Worst Thing You Heard?
12. No One Absolves Us In The End
13. Richard In The Age Of The Corporation
14. There Must Be A Pill For This

Rival Consoles has been concurrently in the foreground and background of electronic music since the late-‘00s; conjuring tense melancholia for Black Mirror soundtracks, playing in front of 10,000 dance fans at Drumsheds, selling out London’s Barbican Hall, and logging an expansive, wandering collection of synth-sculpted albums that explore a myriad of different styles and aesthetics—but always with human emotion as their lodestar. Landscape from Memory, the ninth studio LP from the UK producer and musician born Ryan Lee West, finally blossomed following a frustrating fallow year away from the production desk. For West, having spent the past decade producing and writing in a habitual way, falling out of love with creativity meant a slowing of the clock that makes him tick, a sense of being swallowed whole by some elementary force.

Partly stitched together from a scrapbook of discarded audio snippets, Landscape from Memory demanded a degree of openness and vulnerability in its assembly. “There is a kind of strange beauty to it because it involves the past, present and future in a very strong way.” He set to work massaging melodic kernels into full tracks, like the skippy, haunted club shuffle of memory-jogging lead single ‘Catherine’, which is dedicated to his partner. “It’s extremely open, just like a naked melody on drums, so exposed as an idea… I think because she was so excited by it, I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, I'm excited too, actually, I just didn't realise,” he reflects.

Appropriately, the title track became the first piece of music that made West “feel an emotional reaction after a long time of having zero reaction”—closing the record transcendently in a fever dream of euphoric synthwave—although ‘Catherine’ can be understood as the spark that lit the fuse, bristling with energetic joy.

“I like music that has a sense of momentum, really pushing forward,” he adds of the ‘Landscape from Memory’ icebreaker. “And it just instantly has that from the first breath. So I kind of like moments like that when they appear.”

These climatic productions are characterised by their propulsive quality, and driven by West’s own push to step outside his comfort zone, having found inspiration flowing from new and unfamiliar sources. After his self-built Hackney studio suddenly felt too controlled of an environment, West altered course, mapping out tracks away from his desk. To that end, Landscape from Memory is a travelogue of creativity on the move, a collection of postcards from everywhere, and an album defined by its restlessness.

As Rival Consoles, West’s calling card is his ability to channel hope, pain, sadness, and euphoria all at once, twisting the key in the lock of his internal world and telling stories without words. Crucially, Landscape from Memory is as much about zooming in on the details as it is about seeing past the horizon. Like a saturated photograph or an abstract painting daubed with bright splotches, Landscape from Memory is a riot of colour, an album blazing with a sound-shaper’s renewed love for his craft.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: I've been a massive Rival Consoles fan for as long as I can remember ('Howl' still gets played weekly in the gaff), and this latest LP toes the perfect line between rhythmic glitch and floor-filling electronica. There are moments of divine melody and soaring majesty, noisy grit and crackling saturation, and all perfectly pulled together. It's sublime.

TRACK LISTING

1. In Reverse
2. Catherine
3. Drum Song
4. Soft Gradient Beckons
5. Gaivotas
6. Coda
7. Known Shape
8. Nocturne
9. Jupiter
10. In A Trance
11. If Not Now
12. 2 Forms
13. Tape Loop
14. Landscape From Memory

Dimple Discs is pleased to announce its first release from the legend that is Jah Wobble - an exclusive dub LP with full colour outer and inner sleeves based on paintings by Wobble himself. It is a completely solo work with Wobble writing playing and arranging. Lee Perry and King Tubby are deep influences with astounding top layer sonics.

Expertly mastered by Anthony Chapman of Collapsed Lung and cut to get maximum clarity and volume.

Jah Wobble, is an English bass guitarist and singer. He became known to a wider audience as the original bass player in Public Image Ltd (PiL) in the late 1970s and early 1980s; he left the band after two albums.

Following his departure from PiL, he developed a solo career. In 2012, he reunited with fellow PiL guitarist Keith Levene for 'Metal Box in Dub' and the album 'Yin & Yang'. Since 2013, he has been one of the featured pundits on Sunday morning's The Virtual Jukebox segment of BBC Radio 5 Live's Up All Night with Dotun Adebayo. His autobiography, Memoirs of a Geezer, was published in 2009.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A full LP of dub musings by the great Jah Wobble, with rich basses and horn stabs the order of the day, and beautifully produced and mastered to give that classic dub shake in the belly. A brilliant set of dubs from one of the great modern bassists.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dub In The East
2. Tyson Dub Remix
3. Existential Dub
4. Losing All Sense Of Balance Dub
5. Lovers Rock Dub
6. Tragic Slavic Dub
7. Sweet Dub
8. Old Jewish East End Of London Dub

A dark Italo compilation not for the faint of heart with the mystery, murder and madness of all that is Giallo. Serving as a soundtrack to a fictitious film Luna Rossa, Johnny Jewel of Italians Do It Better fame laces the opening with the breathy arsenic laced "Flesh" as Simple Symmetry's "Il Gatto Nero delivers a disco banger that even samples a cat's heartbeat. Legowelt creeps into lens with "Oberalp Catarsi under his Occult Orientated Crime moniker. Other suspects include Prefuse 73, Antoni Maovvi, Makeup And Vanity Set and Om & Grails member Emil Amos. Lucky dip vinyl with base transparent blood base edition with a red moon marbled rare version. QR code on label for a secret non album track! Limited and will be gone by nightfall!!

STAFF COMMENTS

Mine says: Secrets Of Sound are back with their third comp, this time introducing us to considerably darker sounds (which - shock, horror - I am totally on board with). Look at that sleeve too, what a beaut!!

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Johnny Jewel - "Flesh"
2. Makeup & Vanity Set - "Notte Della Norte"
3. Simple Symmetry & Gilbert Broid - "Il Gatto Nero"
4. Occult Orientated Crime AKA Legowelt - "Oberalp Catarsi"

Side 2
1. Umberto - "Nightwish"
2. Prefuse 73 - "Snare Attack Illusion"
3. Antoni Maiovvi - "The Emperor Drowns Three Times"
4. Emil Amos - "Realistica II"

Jon Murphy marks the 4th release on the Barcelona-based label Adepta Editions with ''Modular Overture'', a 12" vinyl EP that explores the depths and textures of modular sound. "Modular Overture" is a meticulously crafted work built with a Eurorack system, where Murphy creates immersive atmospheres, delving into the experimental realm of raw, analogue synthesis, unafraid to explore abrasive sonic territories. In addition, the EP features three remixes by prominent artists in the electronic scene: Serge Geyzel, Cignol, and PERA STA ORI, who bring their own perspectives and styles to Murphy's work, further enriching the sonic experience. Comes with printed sleeve and is a strictly limited pressing of 200 copies!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Remarkable modular braindance excursions that'll make yer head pop! Real deal Cornish acid RIYL: RX-101, Ceefax, AFX, Vibert etc.

TRACK LISTING

01 Get Real Soon
02 Embrace Failure
03 Buzzstop
04 Trapchat
05 Get Real Soon - Serge Geyzel Remix
06 Embrace Failure - Cignol Remix
•07 Buzzstop - PERA STA ORI - Tornado Remix

Voom Voom Records and Fred Spider presents, "The Future Is Now", along with The Tune Recreation Committee. Mandla Mlangeni's project, co-produced and including some compositions from the virtuoso Afrika Mkhize, this masterwork transcends boundaries, weaving South African jazz heritage with global influences into a tapestry of sound that feels both timeless and revolutionary.

The formidable core ensemble expands its sonic palette with extraordinary guest collaborators including classical flautist Khanyi Mthethwa and 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist Sisonke Xonti, and Mark Fransman, Reza Khota, Yonela Mnana, Nick Williams, Haile Supreme...The album pays heartfelt tribute to giants who shaped their journey - Bra Hugh Masekela in the stirring “Wena Fela” and trumpet innovator Roy Hargrove in the soulful “RH”- while confidently establishing TRC’s distinctive musical identity.

These ten compositions represent the pinnacle of creative exploration and ensemble interplay. The Tune Recreation Committee continues to push boundaries and reimagine the possibilities of South African jazz with uncompromising vision and breathtaking artistry.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Voom Voom turn their attention to some new material here, with The Tune Recreation Committee adding to the rich cannon of SA jazz. As per every other release on the label - the quality is high, and every attention given to the pressing and presentation. A real beauty for jazz lovers.

TRACK LISTING

A1.The Future Is Now
A2.RH
A3.Kwaai Pappegai
A4.Kwame's Jive
A5.Interlude

B1.Wana Fela
B2.Didimala
B3.Impimpi
B4.Mothership Interlude

To celebrate Tucker’s phoenix-like rise from the ashes, Big Potato are issuing a new unheard collection of his material titled 'Music By River Words By Ear',
consisting of songs recorded with fellow forgotten legend Dave Evans and Tucker’s son Quanah on guitar and Geert Waegman on fiddle and Jef van Cool on bass.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A bucolic suite of flickering campfire balladry and athletic guitar fingerpicking, highlighting Tucker Zimmerman's expansive but understated career. A fascinating, beautifully written collection of simple folk and country swooners.

TRACK LISTING

1.River Boat
2.Old Hippies Lament
3.Back Off Blues
4.We Are Always Watching
5.Never Know (Never Know)
6.Pretty Neat Guy
7.Room 47
8.Beyond Belief
9.Walls Of Amsterdam

Betino’s Records is taking pride in releasing Lucas Moinet Trio debut album. "Time Travel". It takes us on a deep journey into jazz fusion, funk, boogie and 70's inspired vocoder love songs. Lucas Moinet invited his music friends to be a part of the project: Camille Frillex, on bass and Lulu Jems on drums plus a few guests like Illa on vocals, Donald Devienne on trumpet, Lucas Piette on saxophone and Stupid Flash for some additional production. Being a multitalented musician, he composed, arranged the music and recorded the Fender Rhodes piano, guitars, Korg MS20, string machine & vocoder parts in the studio. Through the vocoder, he turned jazz fusion into love songs, from the funky "Close To You" to the organic "Crescendolls Are Missing", paying tribute to the Rhodes and vocoder masters from the 70's. Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen and Alain Mion to name a few…

The album explores a lot of different styles with the downtempo bossa nova track "Soupir de Caracole" or the deep and atmospheric "New Morning".
Everything was composed, recorded, arranged and mixed at Lucas Moinet's Studio 937 in Paris. The production and recording process took a long time and after many years, the band is really proud to introduce "Time Travel".

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Fabulously diverse, contemporary jazz album that embraces electronic intervention, whilst maintaining a tight and disciplined approach to the genre. Real head turning stuff from these new French wonderkids.

TRACK LISTING

A1.Just The Way You Dance
A2.Take Your Time

B1.Time Travel
B2.Givin' Up

C1.New Morning
C2.How Sweet Could Be Your Love
C3.Crescendolls Are Missing

D1.Close To You
D2.Soupir De Caracol
D3.Waste My Time

Introspekt’s hotly anticipated debut album “Moving The Center” comes nearly a year after the release of her latest EP “Tectónica”. “Moving the Center” sees Introspekt play homage to dubstep’s point of genesis in South London in order to then shift the center of focus from a singular point of origin, to a more global narrative of bass and vibration. The album blends UK bass with contrasting genres like garage and ballroom, creating the perfect feminine blend of these historically masculine genres. The album merges the Black diaspora from across the Atlantic, crafting a sonic world where past, present and future are parallel and immersed in an early millennium type dubstep soundscape.

Speaking about the album, Introspekt says, ‘”Moving The Center” embodies an alternate perspective to that which has been dominant in dance music, particularly so-called bass music. The narrative it presents is one which throws a wrench in the seemingly common perception of dubstep as a masculinist sensibility. “Moving The Center” pushes a feminine physicality to the front of the bassbins. Femmes to the front!’ 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Precision bass techniques from the other side of the pond as the US's Introspekt takes cues from London's garage and dubstep scenes to create her own view of feminine bass music.

TRACK LISTING

A1. The Transmission
A2. Dilation
B1. Afro Bass
B2. Fractal
C1. Physicality
C2. Respect
D1. The Front
D2. Perhaps... 

At long last we bring to you the next 5 LPs in The Heads - Reverberations Series.

The Reverberations series continues with The Heads in their natural home (the Kings Square (appropriately next to the Centre for the Deaf)) playing at speaker blowing, Synapse-destroying volume.

We could name-check some inspirations and kindred spirits: The Stooges, Spacemen 3, High Rise PSF, 13th Floor Elevators, Hawkwind, Floyd, Loop, Sabbath, NEU, Walking Seeds, Mudhoney, McBain era Magnet among them... But in all honesty, The Heads have always existed in a world of their own, surfacing as and when the mood takes them, before returning to their subterranean rehearsal room where The Heads would transcend themselves (and now you the listener) into a mantra-like, multi-layered, cross-dimensional, wah wah powered nirvana to inhabit that place where the pyramid meets the eye of the storm. The Reverberations series represents the full force of The Heads’ psychedelic pummel at their trippiest and most psyche, a shining example of the band’s ecstatic intensity - brutal yet beautiful. Strap in. Let go.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - KRT (24/10/04)
A2 - KRT (28/01/05)
B1 - KRT (14/02/05)

At long last we bring to you the next 5 LPs in The Heads - Reverberations Series.

The Reverberations series continues with The Heads in their natural home (the Kings Square (appropriately next to the Centre for the Deaf)) playing at speaker blowing, Synapse-destroying volume.

We could name-check some inspirations and kindred spirits: The Stooges, Spacemen 3, High Rise PSF, 13th Floor Elevators, Hawkwind, Floyd, Loop, Sabbath, NEU, Walking Seeds, Mudhoney, McBain era Magnet among them... But in all honesty, The Heads have always existed in a world of their own, surfacing as and when the mood takes them, before returning to their subterranean rehearsal room where The Heads would transcend themselves (and now you the listener) into a mantra-like, multi-layered, cross-dimensional, wah wah powered nirvana to inhabit that place where the pyramid meets the eye of the storm. The Reverberations series represents the full force of The Heads’ psychedelic pummel at their trippiest and most psyche, a shining example of the band’s ecstatic intensity - brutal yet beautiful. Strap in. Let go.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Shankared
A2 - Velcro Gusset
B1 - Frog Prog Pt 1 (no Gap Into Off My Boats)
B2 - Off My Boats

At long last we bring to you the next 5 LPs in The Heads - Reverberations Series.

The Reverberations series continues with The Heads in their natural home (the Kings Square (appropriately next to the Centre for the Deaf)) playing at speaker blowing, Synapse-destroying volume.

We could name-check some inspirations and kindred spirits: The Stooges, Spacemen 3, High Rise PSF, 13th Floor Elevators, Hawkwind, Floyd, Loop, Sabbath, NEU, Walking Seeds, Mudhoney, McBain era Magnet among them... But in all honesty, The Heads have always existed in a world of their own, surfacing as and when the mood takes them, before returning to their subterranean rehearsal room where The Heads would transcend themselves (and now you the listener) into a mantra-like, multi-layered, cross-dimensional, wah wah powered nirvana to inhabit that place where the pyramid meets the eye of the storm. The Reverberations series represents the full force of The Heads’ psychedelic pummel at their trippiest and most psyche, a shining example of the band’s ecstatic intensity - brutal yet beautiful. Strap in. Let go.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Space Rock Toast
A2 - Dragster
B1 - Frog Prog Pt.3
B2 - Neu Wah Jam

At long last we bring to you the next 5 LPs in The Heads - Reverberations Series.

The Reverberations series continues with The Heads in their natural home (the Kings Square (appropriately next to the Centre for the Deaf)) playing at speaker blowing, Synapse-destroying volume.

We could name-check some inspirations and kindred spirits: The Stooges, Spacemen 3, High Rise PSF, 13th Floor Elevators, Hawkwind, Floyd, Loop, Sabbath, NEU, Walking Seeds, Mudhoney, McBain era Magnet among them... But in all honesty, The Heads have always existed in a world of their own, surfacing as and when the mood takes them, before returning to their subterranean rehearsal room where The Heads would transcend themselves (and now you the listener) into a mantra-like, multi-layered, cross-dimensional, wah wah powered nirvana to inhabit that place where the pyramid meets the eye of the storm. The Reverberations series represents the full force of The Heads’ psychedelic pummel at their trippiest and most psyche, a shining example of the band’s ecstatic intensity - brutal yet beautiful. Strap in. Let go.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Bedminster Hayride
A2 - (parts 1+2) An Overpsych
B1 - Frog Prog Pt 4
B2 - Bareback (outro)

At long last we bring to you the next 5 LPs in The Heads - Reverberations Series.

The Reverberations series continues with The Heads in their natural home (the Kings Square (appropriately next to the Centre for the Deaf)) playing at speaker blowing, Synapse-destroying volume.

We could name-check some inspirations and kindred spirits: The Stooges, Spacemen 3, High Rise PSF, 13th Floor Elevators, Hawkwind, Floyd, Loop, Sabbath, NEU, Walking Seeds, Mudhoney, McBain era Magnet among them... But in all honesty, The Heads have always existed in a world of their own, surfacing as and when the mood takes them, before returning to their subterranean rehearsal room where The Heads would transcend themselves (and now you the listener) into a mantra-like, multi-layered, cross-dimensional, wah wah powered nirvana to inhabit that place where the pyramid meets the eye of the storm. The Reverberations series represents the full force of The Heads’ psychedelic pummel at their trippiest and most psyche, a shining example of the band’s ecstatic intensity - brutal yet beautiful. Strap in. Let go.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - 12 Miles High
B1 - Gnu
B2 - Chipped
B3 - Television
B4 - Spliff Riff (garage Version 92)

The Sound of Love International 007, curated by Moxie.

A love letter to the open-hearted spirit of the Adriatic coast and the sounds that have defined her career. Curated with the theme 'U Skladu' (Croatian for 'In Harmony') in mind, the 13-track collection embodies the soulful, euphoric energy of Love International.

TRACK LISTING

A1. East Coast Love Affair - Xylocopa Violate
A2. Helen Sharpe - Got 2 Have Your Love (Jazz Rave Mix)
A3. Len Lewis - Joy
B1. Percy X & Mark Broom - Lady Killer
B2. Sound Of The Suburbs - All You Need
B3. Amtraxx - Funky
C1. Eden Burns - Big Bark Manifesto
C2. Karizma - Kellah
C3. Ivan-I & Starchild - All Things Dub
C4. Lightning Head - Me & Me Princess (Version 2)
D1. Selective Perception - Dij-Ya-Do-One
D2. 82J6 - Exercise Life
D3. Quest - Smooth Skin

Swedish italo disco / synthpop duo Sally Shapiro announce their fifth studio album, 'Ready To Live A Lie'. Taking inspiration from synthwave, italo disco, nudisco, indie pop and bossanova, the album becomes their second for Italians Do It Better - again mixed together with label founder Johnny Jewel (Chromatics, Glass Candy, Desire).

'Ready To Live A Lie' may, however, be the duo's darkest album yet. The lyrics have shifted from the euphoria of first love to exploring "Sally's" struggles in long-term relationships—love triangles, boredom, resentment, and the lingering sense of loneliness.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Other Dyas
2. Hard To Love
3. Rent
4. Purple Coloured Sky
5. Happier Somewhere Else
6. Guarding Shell
7. Hospital
8. Did You Call Tonight
9. Oh Carrie
10. He’s Not You
11. Rain

Daniel Johnston’s legacy is legendary. The quintessential DIY artist started his career in Austin, TX whilst hawking cassettes from his day job at McDonald’s. The rest, as they say, is history and fans of US alternative music from the 1980s onwards know about his work and the people he went on to inspire.

This is a project inspired by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Marc Riley and the tracks have been licensed from the BBC and approved by Daniel’s family, management and charity. The sessions were spread across an eight-year period with two sessions for Rob Da Bank and three with Marc Riley (both of whom are executive producers of this album).

A few bootleg recordings of these sessions have been available across the years but now they have been lovingly mastered and cut by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios in London. Daniel was a lifelong fan of The Beatles and the overwhelming consensus from those who knew him was that he would be so proud and excited to have his music mastered above the legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road. This project’s objective is to celebrate Daniel’s musical legacy, rather than explore further his well-documented mental health problems. However, profits from the album will go to Daniel’s Hi, How Are You Project based in Austin. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Mountain Top (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
2. Fish (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
3. Walking The Cow (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
4. Casper The Friendly Ghost (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
5. Go (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
6. Love Enchanted (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
7. Hey Joe (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
8. Rock ‘N’ Roll / EGA (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
9. Speeding Motorcycle (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
10. True Love Will Find You In The End (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
11. Devil Town (Rob Da Bank Session 2008)
12. True Love Will Find You In The End (Marc Riley Session 2008)
13. Go (Marc Riley Session 2008)
14. Life In Vain (Marc Riley Session 2009)
15. Living Life (Marc Riley Session 2009)
16. Speeding Motorcycle (Marc Riley Session 2011)
17. Rock This Town (Marc Riley Session 2011)
18. Love Enchanted (The Blue Room 2003)
19. Forever Your Love (The Blue Room 2003)
20. Mountain Top (The Blue Room 2003)
21. True Love Will Find You In The End (The Blue Room 2003)

Too Slow To Disco are back with another chapter in their ongoing series of unearthing smooth vibes from all over the world, this time they go back to the FUTURE for you with: 'THE SUNSET MANIFESTO Volume 2'.

After a five year break mainly concentrating on the late 70s/early 80s Westcoast Soul/Yacht/AOR sound, they finally dive deep into the modern world of their beloved sister-label Too Slow To Disco NEO (for the third time after 2018s TSTD NEO - 'En France' and 2020s 'The Sunset Manifesto' excursions).

But of course it wasn't a real 5 year break since the first Sunset Manifesto compilation, as in the meantime they also released a few digital TSTD Neo singles, and - more importantly - their "Too Slow To Disco NEO - FM" playlist on spotify (handcurated by Dj Supermarkt every week and now hosting more than 1500 tracks of mellow, modern sunshine vibes) was growing steadily and becoming a new, important fixpoint in the TSTD musical universe.

TSTD NEO is the outlet Dj Supermarkt is using to unearth modern laidback, smooth, sunny slow disco vibes with a soulful Westcoast/Balearic touch. For him TSTD always has been about a laidback vibe/feeling, not a certain time period in musical history. And that sunny Westcoast vibe that they dug out on those traditional TSTD compilations has become a huge influence to so many modern artists. So it makes sense that they present the cream of new slo/mo Nu- Disco/Sunset Disco/Daytime Disco acts in the TSTD format, a luxurious compilation, with artists from all across the globe: Not only from the two homelands of that modern slow disco sound, Los Angeles/California and France, but also from Beijing, Montreal, Mexico, London, New York, Stockholm, Rotterdam… the moon, you name it! This music is more a state of mind, a feeling, then a geographical thing. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Lovetempo - Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year) (Extended Summer Breeze Mix)
2. Nicholas Cangiano - Falling Behind
3. Poolside - Ventura Highway Blues (Monsieur Van Pratt Dub)
4. Prep & Eddie Chacon - Call It (Turbotito Remix)
5. Moi Je - Découvre
6. Turbotito - Time Starts Moving Slow
7. Young Gun Silver Fox - Curious
8. B.U.M.P. - Give A Little Love A Lot
9. Woolfy Vs Projections - Seeds
10. 1-900 - Breakin' 84
11. Goodvibes Sound - Stay For One More Night (Matt Hughes Remix)
12. Moods & Nic Hanson - Music Never Looked So Good Good
13. BowAsWell - Over When The Night Is Gone
14. Joel Sarakula - Hands Of Love (Phil Martin Remix)
15. Kimchii - Do You Ever

Pacha Ibiza is steeped in dance music history. Originally a playground for the rich and famous during the 70’s and 80’s, the club has transformed into a mecca for music lovers the world over. Pacha is to Ibiza what Studio 54 was to New York, encapsulating glamour and hedonism while regarded as an institution that turns underground hits into global house anthems.

Pacha House Classics compiles twelve undisputed anthems from the vaults of Defected Records’ vast catalogue, all of which have been championed year after year at the legendary nightclub. Spread across three individual records are classics from The Shapeshifters, Kings of Tomorrow, CamelPhat, Shakedown, Spiller and more; Pacha House Classics is the ultimate house soundtrack for Pacha Ibiza’s rich history.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A catch-all snapshot of one of the most glorious era's of Ibizan club culture. Before the island went super instagram and VIP centric (yes, believe it or not, there was a time!) Pacha was one of the biggest nights (it wasn't called a 'brand' back then) on the island. So much so, all of these tracks spilled over into UK club culture. They're all absolutely massive!

TRACK LISTING

A1. Soulsearcher - Can't Get Enough! (Vocal Club Mix) 
A2. Fish Go Deep & Tracey K - The Cure & The Cause (Dennis Ferrer Remix) 
B1. Shakedown - At Night (Original) 
B2. Soul Central - Strings Of Life (Danny Krivit Re-Edit) 
C1. Spiller Ft. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Extended Vocal Mix) 
C2. The Shapeshifters - Lola's Theme 
D1. Kings Of Tomorrow Ft. Julie McKnight - Finally (Original Extended Mix) 
D2. Pete Heller's Big Love - Big Love 
E1. Noir & Haze - Around (Solomun Vox) 
E2. Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey (DF's Attention Vocal Mix) 
F1. CamelPhat & Elderbrook - Cola (Club Mix) 
F2. Louie Vega & Jay 'Sinister' Sealee Starring Julie McKnight - Diamond Life (Dance Ritual Mix) 

Co-produced by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, with contributions from Devonte Hynes (Blood Orange), Dan Nigro, Fabiana Palladino, Buddy Ross, and Andrew Aged, 'Virgin' is the sound of Lorde returning to the beat-driven and raw lyricism that propelled 'Pure Heroine' and 'Melodrama' to commercial and critical success. Preceded by lead single ‘What Was That’ (which peaked at #1 on the US Spotify Chart), Virgin marks the return of a truly generational artist.

TRACK LISTING

1. Hammer
2. What Was That
3. Shapeshifter
4. Man Of The Year
5. Favourite Daughter
6. Current Affairs
7. Clearblue
8. GRWM
9. Broken Glass
10. If She Could See Me Now
11. David

Every BC Camplight album has a backstory every bit as compelling as its music.

A Sober Conversation is no different, as virtuoso songwriter and pianist Brian Christinzio documents the last two years of his life, finally confronting a shocking childhood trauma while embracing sobriety, to create his bravest and most revealing record. It's an enthralling, sometimes haunting quasi- concept record marked by ruthless tragic- comedic purging and sublime, intricate melody, knitting lyrical screenplays to dazzling arrangements.

It is BC Camplight at the height of his remarkable powers.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A superb, cinematic journey that's as instantly alluring as any album in his brilliant back-catalogue, but who's myriad sonic non-sequiturs make more sense every time you hear them. A beautifully warm, endlessly enchanting journey from one of the most capable and talented figures in the game. Brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

The Tent
Two Legged Dog
A Sober Conversation
When I Make My First Million
Where You Taking My Baby?
Bubbles In The Gasoline
Rock Gently In Disorder
Drunk Talk
Leaving Camp Four Oaks

Red Laser Records switches on the smoke machine and strobe light, dishes out the high grade poppers and continues with the most unprofessional approach in the biz as they celebrate their FIFTIETH fuckin' release - a double disc photon torpedo diving into the label's roster and featuring all new tracks from RL stalwarts across the ages.

Marking this half century milestone, their in-house graphics team have been on a strict diet of kryptonite and engine oil, conjuring up one of the most lavish (and budget destroying) gatefold sleeves to date; alongside personal insights (and an in-depth cigar review) on their 13 year journey from label heads Il Bosco and Pharaoh Brunson.

Eight, sizzling, white hot MANCTALO jams that'll have knickers dropped, shirts lifted, fists pumping and your room stinking of fried circuit boards quicker than you can say #inabiteveryoneelse.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A huge milestone for local firm and manctalo originators Red Laser is celebrated in suitably fine form with eight brand new tracks from the roster's crack squad of machine molestors. Coupled with one of the most eye-catchingly glorious sleeves to date (don't forget the cigar review!); this is a proper collectors item from the celebrated Manchester label.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Kid Machine - Neutron Star
A2 - Tommy Walker 3 - Fell Running
B1 - Starion - Nebula
B2 - Il Bosco - Nottio Botherdini
C1 - LeonxLeon - The Laser Gazer
C2 - Flemming Dallum - Solar Eclipse
D1 - Starion - Red Laser Worshippers
D2 - Tom Sharkett - Mind In Motion (Il Bosco Remix)

GOLLIWOG is billy woods’ first album in two years, preceded by 2023’s Maps, his second collaboration with producer Kenny Segal. That nimble travelogue has little in common with woods’ newest work, despite the fact that Segal shows up a couple times in the credits. GOLLIWOG is a haunting collection that weaves horror, humor, surrealism and Afropessimism into a cinematic tapestry, aided and abetted by a murderer’s row of producers. African zombies, time traveling trap cars, malevolent ragdolls and a dying Frantz Fanon are just a few of the revelers in woods’ danse macabre.

GOLLIWOG features production from The Alchemist, Kenny Segal, EL-P, Conductor Williams, Preservation, Messiah Musik, Sadhugold, Ant (Atmosphere), Shabaka Hutchings, Steel Tipped Dove, DJ Haram, Willie Green, Jeff Markey, Saint Abdullah, and LA-based experimental jazz trio Human Error Club. Meanwhile, woods is joined on the mic by Backwoodz labelmates ELUCID and Cavalier, along with rappers Bruiser Wolf, Despot, Al.Divino, and singer-songwriter Yolanda Watson.

GOLLIWOG is another triumph in the woods oeuvre, as layered and compelling as anything he has ever done. A black carnival pitched in a muddy field overnight, empty rides whirring and clattering in the dark

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: If it wasn't for Woods' *impeccable* rapping, this could easily be an outsider noise / plunderphonics odyssey, with lo-fi samples bringing to mind Lilacs & Champagne or DJ Shadow, while Woods' obviously political lyrics and Sci-Fi fantasism adds a rich, odd lore. Brilliant, and completely startling experimental hip-hop. Anticon eat your heart out.

TRACK LISTING

1. Jumpscare Produced By Steel Tipped Dove
2. STAR87 Produced By Conductor Williams
3. Misery Produced By Kenny Segal
4. BLK XMAS Feat. Bruiser Wolf Produced By Sadhugold
5. Waterproof Mascara Produced By Preservation
6. Counterclockwise Produced By The Alchemist
7. Corinthians Feat. Despot Produced By EL-P
8. Pitchforks & Halos Produced By Kenny Segal
9. All These Worlds Are Yours Feat. ELUCID Produced By Shabaka Hutchings & DJ Haram
10. Maquiladoras Feat. Al.divino Produced By Saint Abdullah
11. A Doll Fulla Pins Feat. Yolanda Watson Produced By Jeff Markey
12. Golgotha Produced By Messiah Musik
13. Cold Sweat Produced By Ant
14. BLK ZMBY Produced By Steel Tipped Dove
15. Make No Mistake Produced By Messiah Musik
16. Born Alone Produced By Kenny Segal
17. Lead Paint Test Feat. ELUCID & Cavalier Produced By Willie Green
18. Dislocated Feat. ELUCID Produced By Human Error Club

A soulful, elastic collaboration, 'Clay' treads nimbly between the dancefloor and the more introspective moods of the early hours, both reminiscent of Herbert’s iconic album 'Around The House' while taking off in a compelling new direction. Agile and open-hearted, 'Clay' is a thrilling, sonically adventurous record from two of the UK’s most forward-thinking artists.

Orbiting around Herbert’s fleet-footed productions and the ingenuity of Momoko Gill’s dexterous, melodic writing, 'Clay' is at once stripped-back and rhythmically complex, drawing on a variety of found sources - from japanese kotos to basketballs - to give the sound an unmistakably organic feel.

Bringing together original sampling techniques, live improvisation and lush, expansive arrangements, 'Clay' is lifted into higher realms by Momoko Gill’s intimate vocal performance, soaring wide-winged across the album’s eleven tracks, whether on the euphoric melancholia of ‘Mowing’ or the emotive duet ‘Heart’.

Prefaced by lead singles ‘Babystar’, ‘Need to Run’ and ‘Someone Like You’, Clay follows the 2024 release of debut collaboration ‘Fallen’ and Momoko Gill’s remix of Matthew Herbert’s ‘The Horse Is Here’. And yet, although 'Clay' marks the first full-length release between Herbert and Gill, the duo’s shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries has played a crucial role in their respective careers to date.

For Herbert that means treating the world as an instrument, making music using everything from the sounds of a bomb exploding in Libya, a horse skeleton, a tank driving over a meal made for Tony Blair, 20,000 dogs, 245 shops and countless other noises. His album 'ONE PIG' – which follows the lifecycle of a pig from birth to plate – remains one of the most ambitious and provocative pieces of electronic music this century, cementing his reputation as an utterly singular composer, artist and producer.

Self-taught in drums and composition, Momoko Gill’s journey to 'Clay' has been similarly experimental – cutting her teeth in South London’s multi-disciplinary music scene, embracing new challenges andcollaborating with the likes of Coby Sey, Tirzah and Alabaster DePlume. Although drums and vocals are her mediums of choice, Gill’s multi-instrumental talents were on full show on 2024’s EP as 'An Alien Called Harmony' with poet/rapper Nadeem Din-Gabisi, and she continues to hone her style in the frictions between genres.

With an intuitive feel for one another’s sound, 'Clay' is a meeting of musical minds that resonates far beyond the sum of its parts - a startlingly fresh, beautifully conceived record from two artists who sound like they’ve been playing together all their lives.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Funky, organic dance music that would be just as comfortable soundtracking the post-club meetup or bouncing heads in the mid-afternoon sunshine terrace. Falling somewhere between mellow house, Balearic and downbeat, the dream collaborative efforts of Herbert & Momoko will hopefully continue beyond this stunning electro-acoustic statement.

TRACK LISTING

1. Calm Water
2. Need To Run
3. Mowing
4. More And More
5. Heart
6. Animals
7. Fallen Again
8. Babystar
9. Show Me
10. Someone Like You
11. Circle Shore

After more than a decade of music-making, Durand Jones & The Indications have blossomed as a unit and are basking in their successes. On their aptly titled new album, 'Flowers', The Indications unfurl their true colors — embracing all their roots and influences, maturation and confidence, and share them with the world.

Since forming in 2012, the road has taken The Indications from those origins at Indiana University, Bloomington to the global stage, selling out shows across Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand to the West Coast— where DJI has a strong following among the lowrider and vintage soul enthusiasts.

For as far as Durand Jones & The Indications have come, 'Flowers' grew from the desire to return to their roots in a Bloomington basement, a space where they first found camaraderie in gritty funk and Southern soul that would inspire their self-titled debut. Pulling sonically and spiritually from each of the group's previous releases and solo work, Flowers is the next stage of DJI's inspired soulful discography. DJI are not only accepting their flowers, but indulging in their sweet and sexy fragrance.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Jones returns for another of his super-smooth soul time capsules that ooze modernity while paying obvious tribute to the roots of the sound (There's more than a little Gaye here). 'Flowers' is full of beautifully sanguine melodies and perfectly produced instrumentals, all topped by Jones saying 'Love' and 'Baby' loads. What more could you want.

TRACK LISTING

1. Flowers
2. Paradise
3. Lovers' Holiday
4. I Need The Answer
5. Flower Moon
6. Really Wanna Be With You
7. Been So Long
8. Everythin
9. Rust And Steel
10. If Not For Love
11. Without You

'Different Talking', the sixth and, so far, best album by NYC indie-rock four-piece Frankie Cosmos, seems to exist across time and space, as we all kind of do. It’s a collection of fragments and memories, remembered places, and reinterpreted feelings that adds up to a lucent, humming whole: a sturdy, worldly indie-rock record about aging and the passage of time that nonetheless manages to feel sharply current. Frankie Cosmos’ lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Greta Kline has long been heralded as one of contemporary indie music’s most deft and most necessary writers, but on 'Different Talking', her lyrics soften out slightly, the wry cynicism that defined recent records now giving way to an acknowledgment of the awesome, and necessary, fallibility of the human brain and heart.

To classify 'Different Talking' as a return to form, or at least a return to the lush directness of earlier Frankie Cosmos records, would be rude but also wholly incorrect: as 'Different Talking' makes clear, you can never return to the comfort and bravery of your early twenties, but that person always kind of lives inside you, no matter how much you change. 'Different Talking' is about finding that person, honoring them, and learning from them. “A lot of the album is about being grown up and figuring out how to know yourself – like, ‘What is moving on?’” says Kline. “How do we move on when we’re addicted to a cycle of haunting our own past? Writing songs is just the way through that.”

Kline has been a fixture of the American indie underground since her late teens when her prolific Bandcamp releases and 2014 indie-label debut Zentropy led her to be dubbed “the poet laureate of New York City DIY.” A tag like that is a lot for young shoulders to take on, but it’s hard to deny the singular influence she has had on contemporary pop music. If the idea of a young woman picking up a synth in her bedroom, putting a couple of songs on the internet, and quickly becoming a superstar is now de rigeur, it’s because Kline and her peers normalized and exalted (female) DIY genius long before they were pinned to moodboards in major-label marketing offices.

A lot has changed since then: after going through a handful of different permutations over the past decade, Frankie Cosmos is now a four-piece featuring Kline, Alex Bailey, Katie Von Schleicher, and Hugo Stanley. Kline is the only constant, but Stanley, Bailey, and Von Schleicher are crucial collaborators, and to use the names “Greta Kline” and “Frankie Cosmos” interchangeably would be incorrect. Kline remains the primary songwriter, and the music on Different Talking is arranged by the band as a whole, but this is the first album to be self-tracked and self-produced by the band. Not coincidentally, it feels like a purer, more distilled take. “It does feel like the best version of what I’ve wanted to make since I was a teenager,” says Kline. “Although this was recorded in a living room, it’s as high fidelity as anything we’ve made in the studio.”

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Retaining the pace and structure of their early work, but bolstered by the musical and production skills of Katie Von Schleicher and their earned experience (since the 2012 debut), Frankie Cosmos' 'Different Talking' shows a band at ease with their shifting sound. Warm synths, floating melodies and harmonies, perfectly crisp percussion and impeccable melodic sensibilities. Fantastically paced and perfectly formed.

TRACK LISTING

1. Pressed Flower
2. One Of Each
3. Against The Grain
4. Bitch Heart
5. Porcelain
6. One! Grey! Hair!
7. Vanity
8. Not Long
9. Margareta
10. Your Take On
11. High Five Handshake
12. You Become
13. Joyride
14. Tomorrow
15. Wonderland
16. Life Back
17. Pothole

'Lost And Found: Selections From The Lost Albums' is a curated collection of 20 previously unreleased songs from Springsteen's 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' box set.

These recordings illuminate key chapters in Springsteen's storied career, offering fans unprecedented insight into his creative process. "The Lost Albums were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released," Springsteen reveals. "I've played this music to myself and often close friends for years now. I'm glad you'll get a chance to finally hear them. I hope you enjoy them."

Journey through Springsteen's sonic evolution, from the raw, lo-fi 'LA Garage Sessions '83' that bridges 'Nebraska' and 'Born in the U.S.A'., to the innovative drum loops and synthesizers of 'Streets of Philadelphia Sessions'. This collection spans 35 prolific years of Springsteen's songwriting and home recording experiments. "The ability to record at home whenever I wanted allowed me to go into a wide variety of different musical directions," Springsteen explains.

The compilation showcases his versatility across genres: unreleased film soundtrack work from 'Faithless', soulful country arrangements with pedal steel from 'Somewhere North of Nashville', richly textured border tales from 'Inyo', orchestral mid-century noir from 'Twilight Hours', and signature E Street rock from 'Perfect World'.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Now then, 'The Lost Albums' was (is) a lovely but financially prohibitive box set of unheard gems from Springsteen's past, and here we have a 'Best Of' from that banger-encrusted box. It's classic Bruce, massive ballady rock business with country leanings and legendary songwriting credentials, and its not three hundred quid.

TRACK LISTING

1. Follow That Dream
2. Seven Tears
3. Unsatisfied Heart
4. Blind Spot
5. Something In The Well
6. Waiting On The End Of The World
7. Faithless
8. God Sent You
9. Repo Man
10. Detail Man
11. You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
12. The Lost Charro
13. Inyo
14. Adelita
15. Sunday Love
16. High Sierra
17. Sunliner
18. I’m Not Sleeping
19. Rain In The River
20. You Lifted Me Up

With 'But Remember What You Have Had', Stephen O’Malley continues and expands his musical approach by transposing it to multiphonic electroacoustic writing and acousmatic listening. Drawing not only on his extensive experience as a composer and live instrumentalist, but also on the countless studio production and mixing sessions he has taken part in the course of his many projects (in solo, with SUNN O))) or KTL, to name but a few), Stephen O’Malley’s work on this new piece is ambitious, engaging in an inspired research that delves into the deep intricacies between polyphony, intonation and timbrality, enhanced by melodic motifs. To do this, O’Malley summons up his own very personal sound universe, constellated with amplified textures, instrumental sustained tones and raw energy, in order to diffract them into wavefronts, waves and blows that weave a complex, rich and fascinating matter. But remember what you have had stands out as an important work in Stephen O’Malley’s repertoire: it brings together the multiplicity of his musical approach in an exemplary way, while laying the foundations and promises for the future of an already extraordinary journey.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: As one half of Sunn0))), you'd expect that O'Malley is well versed in drone, be it catatonic earth-shattering distortion and belly-wobbling bass or brittle, textured modern-classical wrought from woodwind and strings. This (much like the brilliant 'Gruides', 2015) is of the latter ilk, and is absolutely stunning. Slow-mo classical drone.

TRACK LISTING

1. But Remember What You Have Had

'A Necessary Escape' is the new M83 Soundtrack to the forthcoming film 'Dakar: Race Against The Desert'.

This will be the 4th album soundtrack released by M83 and was recorded in both France and the US by M83's leading man, Anthony Gonzalez, along with regular M83 contributors, Joe Berry & Clement Libes.

The film 'Dakar: Race Against The Desert' will be released digitally by Universal Pictures on the 12th May and the film will get its World-wide cinematic premiere on the 26th June at the MK2 Bibliotheque in in Paris. The film, which is directed by the French actor/director Jalil Lespert, follows the World famous Dakar Car Rally - an event that for 45 years has been the ultimate test of resilience, skill and endurance in the world of Motorsports. Spanning 9,000 kilometres, the race lasts for 14 gruelling days over harsh desert terrain. With unprecedented access, this film dives into the world's toughest race, following legends like Sebastien Loeb, reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, and pioneers Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel. It also spotlights rising stars like Mason Klein.

* 'Dakar Chronicles' is the film's title in French version.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: There are few artists better suited to soundtrack work than M83, and 'A Necessary Escape - Dakar Chronicles' sees Anthony Gonzalez forge his crescentic electronic swells around some beautiful albeit intense footage of endurance car racing. Not sure I would have called this one, but it works *perfectly*.

TRACK LISTING

A Necessary Escape (Part 1)
Strike Machine
First Steps Upward
Members Of The Universe
Human Deceleration
Solid State Ricochet
Echoes
Atlas Imperial
Artificial Infinity
To Our Guided Voices
A Necessary Escape (Part 2)
A Necessary Escape (Part 3)

Through the interaction of dulcet textures and harmonious melodies, infused with Greek bouzouki string plucks, sporadic piano and violin, enigmatic Alexandria, Virginia born musician Gabriel Brady laments the everyday with daring simplicity on his lustrous ambient / alt-folk debut 'Day-blind' for the Tonal Union imprint.

Attracted by the sensibilities of old French film scores, especially those by Michel Legrand and Jean Constantin and the sheer simplistic beauty of forbearing composers Debussy, Satie and Ravel, Brady cites inspiration in a warm earnestness to the melodies; and the complete, unmediated feeling that such scores and orchestrations create. Written and produced in his bedroom dorm at Harvard, in Cambridge Massachusetts, Brady recorded organic instruments (violin, bouzouki) before routing them through a compact modular synth setup acting as a sound chamber for further manipulation (loops, effects, textures). In striving to make sense of the ordinary, on 'Day-blind', Brady’s works are invariably imbued with a sense of serenity and tension as he explains:

“There’s a way in which everyday life can be a source of deep pain and melancholy, intensely disquieting and dull and leaden, and yet it can also be a place of deep peace and conscious attunement to the present moment, and it’s this tension that the album is built around.”

The woozy opener ‘Womb’ accesses deep and personal emotional spaces with its textural synth swells alternating between two simple chords, a gentle piano interlude and grainy textures that induce a day-dream state. The intentional unhurried-pace of the track ‘Ordinary’ drifts between two key centers of doleful Wurlitzer chords, hand in hand with the listener who might only register the tonal shifts on a subconscious level. Another distinct feature is the warm enveloping presence of an eight string Greek bouzouki (a longnecked, string instrument) as heard on ‘Land and Sea’, after Brady fell in love with its unique timbre that echoes a filmic quality to that of Jean Constantin’s 400 Blows score to depict a sense of yearning. ‘Attune’ enters with slowed-down synths and bouzouki, looped over itself, delayed, and then resynthesized to create a strange but seamless blend of acoustic and electronic as Brady moves the centre of gravity. This deliberate intervention takes the ordinary instruments and defamiliarizes them, making their source/origin not readily apparent therefore removing any blanket of association.

'Day-blind' too explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and melancholia which emanate from its lo-fi, intimate and sensitive nature. Through a hazy smokescreen of delays, tape loops and decays Brady contemplates a typical post modern-era dilemma of wistful longing and lonesome nostalgia, existing parallel/alongside contentment and staying in the present moment. The bare, reflective ‘Streetlight’ with its pitch-shifted and vari-speed piano, spliced with a weeping violin melody performed by Kalman Strauss, precedes the re-constructive ‘Untitled’ with a heavily filtered looping piano and rhythmic pulse. ‘Ambrosial’, dims the spotlight to a close being the most textural-laden track, combining loose sonic materials similar to Eno’s Ambient 4 collage techniques. By channelling his own acute musical sensibilities by means of evocative voicings, Brady momentarily deconstructs, warps and reshapes reality, posing questions about perception and our states of being as the album's curious title mysteriously suggests.

Across its seven vignettes, 'Day-blind' is life animated as Brady makes possible an everyday encounter with the transcendent.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A frankly mindblowing, and perfectly conceived collection of bristling modern classical, ambient and folk timbres that grow and swell, weave and bloom into massive walls of sound then BOOM, you're back in piano droplet city with the little bugs and stuff. Ace.

TRACK LISTING

1. Womb
2. Ordinary
3. Land And Sea
4. Attune
5. Streetlight
6. Untitled
7. Ambrosial

'Corporation P.O.P', produced by Jim Shaw, Zach Jones and KJ Strock, was recorded between the band’s Salford flat and a live room in LA. Jim Shaw elaborates on the record’s themes: “Corporation P.O.P is a flurry of thoughts, feelings, ramblings from the afters n questions about where we’re at right now in England, the further western world and emotionally. It is an entry from the perspective of us lot who live a dichotomy of months in faraway lands and then experience the sudden grounding of returning home to Salford. It’s hard not to compare, contrast and try to understand. P.O.P = Payment of Pain. We all must live with the burden of modernity and this pain has been commodified; we all must pay.”

Carrying on the long tradition of sentimental jangle pop songwriters, Lightheaded distil decades of lovelorn tunes into sounds for modern softies. They have the sunshine sparkle of The Left Banke and Margo Guryan, the C86 charm of Dolly Mixture and Would-Be-Goods, and the cinematic swell of Belle & Sebastian and Camera Obscura.

Formed on the shore of New Jersey in 2017 by Cynthia Rittenbach and Stephen Stec, Lightheaded took time to hone their sound with a rotating crew of drummers, guitarists and backup vocalists. They found a community of like-minded bands in a vast but tight-knit international indie pop scene, which eventually led them to the iconic California label Slumberland Records. Their debut cassette EP 'Good Good Great!', a collection of five perfect pop songs, landed in 2023, followed by the full-length 'Combustible Gems' in 2024. A European tour and gigs opening for bands like Heavenly, The Softies and The Ladybug Transistor rounded out their breakout year.

The band signed to Skep Wax Records for 'Thinking Dreaming Scheming', their most collaborative and earnest release to date. A slate of five brand new songs is combined with the five tracks from 'Good Good Great!', now available on vinyl for the first time. Recorded bi-coastally with Gary Olson (The Ladybug Transistor) and Alicia Vanden Heuvel (The Aislers Set, Poundsign) and drenched in lush reverb on tape by Fred Thomas (Saturday Looks Good to Me), the new songs are rendered in a dreamy soft focus that perfectly suits their starry-eyed themes. Adding to all the fun are the cameos and contributions from the new generation of New York indie pop goodness, featuring members of Starcleaner Reunion and Trinket, pushing the songs on this record to a high point in the young band's discography.

TRACK LISTING

1. Same Drop
2. The Lindens, The Lindens, The Lindens
3. Me And Amelia Fletcher
4. The View From Your Room
5. Crash Landing Of The Clod
6. Mercury Girl
7. Orange Creamsicle Head
8. The Garden
9. Patti Girl
10. Love Is Overrated

Over the course of nearly a decade making music, Alicia Jeanine and Jed Smith have charted a distinctive course through the history of pop, evoking influences as varied as the 60s folk of early Fairport Convention and Vashti Bunyan, the sunshine pop of Margo Guryan and Laura Nyro, and indiepop touchstones like Dear Nora, Marine Girls and Dolly Mixture.

Their new album, 'How Long Can It Last', finds Jeanines grappling with themes of personal upheaval and self-excavation, adding weight to their finest set of songs yet. With Alicia’s lyrics incisively interrogating connections, ruptures, and time and its reverberations, songs like 'Coaxed a Storm', 'What's Done Is Done', and 'On and On' combine rich melody with co-composer Jed’s crisp arrangements (along with contributions from longtime live show bassist Maggie Gaster) to stellar effect.

Where 'How Long Can It Last' really shines is, as always, in the songs. While the themes are sometimes heavy, the melodies and harmonies are simply heavenly, elevating these economical songs to give each the feeling of a lost classic. From the first notes of opener 'To Fail' to jaunty closer 'Wrong Direction', this album announces itself as the work of a band in full command of their art (and craft).

TRACK LISTING

1. To Fail
2. You Can’t Get It Back
3. You’ll Figure It Out
4. Coaxed A Storm
5. That’s What You Say
6. What’s Done Is Done
7. On And On
8. What’s Lost
9. What You Do
10. One Art
11. Satisfied
12. How Long Can It Last
13. Wrong Direction

The Madmen of Apocalypso’ is the second solo album by Paul Molloy on Spring Heeled Records. Recorded between his work with The Coral ‘The Madmen of Apocalypso’ has found Molloy forging a genre hopping 11 songs of dystopian mayhem and apocalyptic satire. We find evil self replicating A.I robots taking over the world to jiving red hot Dixieland jazz; end of the world calypso dance crazes, alien invasion spy-fi soundtracks, Huxleyan style cloning, tycoons, typhoons and megalomaniac buffoons!

Think the Kinks, Harry Nilsson, The Beatles and the Bonzos meet Noel Coward and Monty Python in a 1920s jazz age saloon for a good old fashioned knees up. So blotto they did the Charleston into a black hole; transporting them through time a century later, only to find themselves in the midst of a new dystopian 20s..The age of The Madmen of Apocalypso…

TRACK LISTING

Doomsday Bottle Of Wine
When The Fatman Sings
Hey Nancy
Apocalypso
Luxury Bunker
Apocalypse Rag
Little Green Men
Artificial Intelligence
Absent Friends
Dolly The Sheep
Silicon Valley

Juan Wauters’ ‘MVD LUV’ is more than just an album—it’s a homecoming. For the first time in his career, Wauters has recorded a full-length project in his birthplace of Montevideo, Uruguay, embracing the city’s rich musical traditions while continuing to push the boundaries of his distinctive songwriting.A love letter to both his roots and his present, ‘MVD LUV’ brings Uruguayansounds to the global stage, incorporating candombe and murga rhythms into Wauters’ signature fusion of folk, pop, and experimentation. Having spent much of his career in the United States, Wauters has long carried the dual identity of immigrant and native son. With ‘MVD LUV’, he set out to bridge those worlds, capturing the essence of Montevideo’s streets, homes, and communal spirit. The album was recorded in various locations across the city, from his own studio to sidewalks, rooftops, and the homes of featured musicians. This approach lends the project a raw authenticity, making Montevideo itself feel like an active presence in the music. Thematically, MVD LUV explores identity, nostalgia, and human connection. Tracks like “Manejando por Pando” and “Siempre Vuelven” reflect on returning home and the passage of time, while “If It’s Not Luv” and “DimeAmiga” delve into love, companionship, and personal reflection. “Ando conMiedo” captures urban anxieties, juxtaposing introspection with the vibrant rhythms of the city. Throughout, Wauters crafts a deeply personal yet universal meditation on belonging. With ‘MVD LUV’, Juan Wauters presents a vibrant, heartfelt exploration of place and identity, creating an album that feels both deeply rooted and universally resonant. This is a record that doesn’t just introduce listeners to Montevideo—it invites them to feel at home within it.

TRACK LISTING

1. Amor Montevideo
2. If It’s Not Luv
3. Manejando Por Pando
4. Acting Like I Don’t Know
5. Canción Mamá
6. Dime Amiga
7. La Lucía
8. Mutuación
9. Niño
10. Get A Habit
11. Aeropuerto
12. Lonely By Myself
13. Ando Con Miedo
14. Siempre Vuelven

Smut is the project of lyricist Tay Roebuck, guitarists Andie Min and Sam Ruschman, drummer Aidan O’Connor, and bassist John Steiner. Roebuck, Ruschman and Min started the band a decade ago in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, they’ve played alongside Bully, Wavves, and Nothing. After years in the Cincinnati DIY scene, they made their Bayonet Records full-length debut, 'How the Light Felt'. The record was a revelation. Pitchfork called it “a rigorous, decade-spanning study,” and a “well-oiled spin on late-’80s guitar pop.” Under the Radar called it “pop perfection,” that “blends subtle hooks with wistful lyrics.” It was a record that explored grief through the lens of melancholic dreampop, using drum machines and layered, intricate melodies.

'Tomorrow Comes Crashing', Smut's first record with O'Connor and Steiner, sees the band re-energized and trained on the limitless potential that comes with making music with people you love. Galvanized with a new lineup, Smut focused on creating a record that possessed the same towering intensity as the records that first got them into music: Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, Relationship of Command. The outcome is ten of their most intense, bombastic, and focused songs to date.

Catharsis bursts through the seams throughout 'Tomorrow Comes Crashing'. 'Syd Sweeney', inspired by the actress, is the record's centerpiece. It's about how profoundly strange it can be to be a woman, to be misunderstood by people who don’t even know you. The song is driven by chugging guitars and big, rolling drums. In other words: stadium rock about perception. Paramore meets Dookie. “She connects to the youth and the girls in the water/All she amounts to is someone’s daughter,” sings Roebuck in one particularly poetic moment. The song comes to a thrashing metal-inspired breakdown. It’s ecstatic.

To make the record, Smut recorded “as live as they could,” alongside Aron Kobayashi-Ritch(Momma) in a studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn, over the course of ten days. “We have so much energy right now,” says Roebuck. Right before they went off to New York, Roebuck and Min got married, with the rest of the band by their side. The recording was a true labor of love — driving from Chicago with all their equipment, returning from 12 hour studio days to sleep on friends' couches and floors, Roebuck completely blowing her voice by the end. Smut has always been DIY. Because they love it. Because they have to do it–there’s no other option. 'Tomorrow Comes Crashing' is the culmination of that DIY spirit: making a record that completely encompasses the intensity, moodiness, and emotion of their journey so far.

TRACK LISTING

1. Godhead
2. Syd Sweeney
3. Dead Air
4. Waste Me
5. Ghosts (Cataclysm, Cover Me)
6. Burn Like Violet
7. Touch & Go
8. Crashing In The Coil
9. Spit
10. Sunset Hymnal

Acclaimed director and musician Jim Jarmusch and experimental lute player and composer Jozef van Wissem met nearly 20 years ago, forming a close bond after they ran into each other on the streets of New York City. In 2011, they began performing and producing records together.

The duo weaves an intricate Lute and guitar string tapestry of droning, minimal free-folk compositions destined to captivate listeners with their dark hypnosis. This time vocals and electronics are added as well.

Van Wissem’s work comes from a tradition of avant-garde minimalism and lends itself well to the director’s stark cinematic works. Jarmusch has played guitar in bands on and off since the late ‘70s. Van Wissem’s compositional style involves hypnotic circular musical phrases that allow for a lot of contemplative space between the notes.

TRACK LISTING

1. CONCERNING CELESTIAL HIERARCHY. 3:50
2. THE DAY THE ANGELS CRIED 4:22
3. THE FIRST LANGUAGE 4:22
4. SHE BURNS IN DEVOTION, HER VIRTUE SWEET LIKE HONEY
5. THERE IS NO ANSWER
6. TO THOSE WHO MOURN
7. CONCERNING THE LAW OF ANGELS 4.19

In the weird world of Wevie Stonder, things are never straightforward. The four-piece collective headed up by Al Boorman have returned with their first album in 16 years – and one reason it took so long is that they couldn’t think of a title.

The group are renowned for their outlandish electronics and humorous vocal performances, with a series of treasured releases on Manchester’s eminent Skam Records, and their latest album 'Sure Beats Living' ventures into unknown realms. Introducing a host of new characters, tall tales and bizarre scenarios to a musical backdrop as varied as it is striking, the record darts between ambient tranquility, strange soundtracks, bass-heavy beats and emotive R&B.

TRACK LISTING

1.That’s Magic
2. Carpet Squares
3. Vanja & Slavcho
4. Tiktaalik
5. Piccolo’s Travels
6. Album Titles
7. The 38th Parallel
8. Push It
9. Customer Services
10. Nothing To Write Home About
11. Ready?
12. The Void

Georgie is a singer / songwriter currently based in Brighton, with a uniquely smooth, soulful vocal tone.

Whilst working on her debut record ('Misunderstood'), Georgie began a songwriting partnership with multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who is on the boards throughout this project. The duo discovered a natural musical connection instantly, and began working on an abundance of beautiful new material shortly after the release of the first album; writing and creating at Rapson's home in Hertfordshire at various sessions from 2021 onwards, culminating in this new 12-track album, 'I Swear To You'.

Despite being one of the UK's best kept secrets, Georgie's already been pricking the ears of some highly-respected selectors. The first single from this record ('Smaller / All That We Were') received love from tastemakers such as BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson ("this one melts"), Jazz FM's Tony Minvielle ("supremely talented") and Clash Magazine ("exudes soulful grace"), whilst previous material found itself in the crates of legendary luminaries like DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna amongst others.

At the end of 2024, Georgie signed to Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label, First Word Records; although she previously featured before on the label, via the title track of the highly-acclaimed 2021 sophomore album by Children of Zeus, 'Balance', along with Akemi Fox. Prior to this her debut album 'Misunderstood' dropped back in 2020 on Futuristica Music; an independent imprint run by Deborah Jordan & Simon S, on which Georgie also collaborated with acclaimed producers like K15 and Mecca:83.

An all-round creative soul, away from creating music, Georgie also works as an illustrator and animator. However, her lifelong love of music is unquestionable. She's been a vocalist from a young age, initially working with her musical parents (a producer and professional singer respectively).

With a hugely diverse set of inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder to Michael McDonald, Hiatus Kaiyote to Chappell Roan, Mac Miller to Sampha, and George Duke to EW&F, Georgie's respect, love and admiration for a wide range of music is clear; from jazz to soul to pop to hip hop.

Her own sound sits within the realm of glo-fi alternative r&b. From powerful piano-led ballads, to head-nod boom bap backdrops, this album exemplifies Georgie's eclectic influences and unique talents as a writer and a vocalist, which are growing exponentially. A tapestry of sound that developed whilst Sweet and Rapson moved from the beat-driven vibes of Georgie's earlier work, to finding themselves gravitating more and more to the simplicity of the piano and the voice.

It's this shift in styles that encapsulates the sonic and spiritual feel of the entire project, born out of a warm, creative environment, and full to the brim with heart and soul. 'I Swear To You' is a deeply personal reflection on youth, grief and self-acceptance. An homage to childhood, and the transition into adulthood, exploring the range of experiences and emotions that come with that.

The album cover mirrors the essence of the record; a photo of a hopeful, younger version of Georgie, filled with optimism and joy. Despite the emotional highs and lows expressed throughout the songs, the overarching message remains one of hope; encouraging listeners to keep looking toward the future, to never give up, and to hold onto that youthful sense of possibility.

From the ethereal acapella opening of 'The Ones We Loved', through to the irresistible jazz-hop bounce of tracks like 'As I Am', 'Smaller' and 'In My Stride', to the midtempo soulful bop of 'Equal Measure' and previously-released 'Energy', to epic ballads like 'Bedsheets' and first single 'All That We Were', to the more melancholy tones of 'Patricia' and 'Maybe in a Different Life', to the almost-gospel flavoured closing title track, this is a truly accomplished and timeless piece of work from edge to edge.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Ones We Loved
2. Become New
3. All That We Were
4. Smaller
5. Energy
6. Maybe In A Different Life
7. As I Am
8. Equal Measure
9. Patricia
10. In My Stride
11. Bedsheets
12. I Swear To You

With this, their fourth album Black Helium find themselves widening the parameters of their take on heavy psychedelic rock, with probably their most baked and hook-laden material to date.

From the no-safety-net freak out of ‘Return the Curse’, to the sawtooth groove of ‘Up on a Hill’, ‘The Animals Are Coming’ LP is Black Helium at their most exploratory and focused.

Recorded one sun-drenched week in late June 2024, this time at Axe and Trap Studios with Ben Turner (Hey Colossus, Part Chimp). ‘The Animals Are Coming’ is the band sweating it out in a room, fueled by “party foods “and vintage amps. Digging deeper towards the source, no matter how transcendent, no matter how dark.

Black Helium are a psychedelic power trio, based in London. Never afraid to stray from the beaten path, they traverse aural hallucinatory soundscapes; from detuned Neanderthal rock to deep oceans of introspective blissed out psychedelia.

The band consistently gig across the UK (including a two week tour with Japanese label mates Hibushibire late 2024), and have recently started ventures into mainland Europe. And plan to continue throughout 2025.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Return The Curse (11:44)
A2. Saviour Destroyer (6:23)
A3. Worm Vision (4:00)
B1. They Have Bodies (6:27)
B2. On A Hill (4:37)
B3. Inside The Horror Mask (10:11)

Influential hardcore innovators Botch have delivered their electrifying new live album '061524', recorded at the iconic Showbox in Seattle on June 15, 2024—exactly 22 years to the day after their original farewell show at the same venue in 2002. '061524' captures a band still pushing sonic and emotional boundaries, now sharper, louder, and more dynamic than ever.

Botch’s impact on aggressive music is undeniable. Their chaotic, math-laced brand of hardcore helped shape the genre’s landscape well after the band’s abrupt breakup in 2002. For years, a reunion seemed unlikely—until a chain of unexpected events brought the original lineup back together for the band’s first new recording in over 20 years: 2022’s 'One Twenty Two'. The song was released to critical acclaim, building into a frenzy of anticipation for Botch to reunite. What started as a nostalgic experiment quickly became a full-circle celebration, with the band reconnecting both personally and musically. That spark unleashed a wave of activity: secret warm-up shows, sold-out headlining gigs, and eventually a carefully curated international reunion tour, culminating in their hometown return at the Showbox—where '061524' was recorded in front of a packed, exhilarated crowd.

'061524' is a blistering, unflinching document of a band reawakened—not as a legacy act, but as a vital force. The album captures the energy, grit, and heart of a group that’s not only older and wiser—but more rehearsed and way more ambitious. The performances are tight but still full of the raw unpredictability that defined their early years. Fan favorites like 'To Our Friends in the Great White North' and 'Transitions from Persona to Object' are more complex and invigorating than ever before. Other songs, like 'Afghamistam' and 'Oma', never considered feasible to pull off live previously, are delivered with the intricacy and intensity that has earned the band a lasting legacy and fresh legion of followers.

TRACK LISTING

1. Intro
2. To Our Friends In The Great White North
3. Mondrian Was A Liar
4. John Woo
5. Spaim
6. Japam
7. Framce
8. Oma
9. Thank God For Worker Bees
10. One Twenty Two
11. Vietmam
12. Transitions From Persona To Object
13. Hutton’s Great Heat Engine
14. Afghamistam
15. C. Thomas Howell As The “Soul Man”
16. St. Matthew Returns To The Womb

Me Lost Me - the project of Newcastle-based artist Jayne Dent - delights in experimenting with songwriting, creating a beguiling mix of soaring vocals and atmospheric electronics that playfully push the boundaries of genre.

On Me Lost Me’s fourth full-length, 'This Material Moment' - arriving on Upset the Rhythm - she has created an “emotionally raw” album, her most honest and vulnerable yet.

Concerned with physicality, interpretations, and, yes, materiality, 'This Material Moment' is an album akin to rummaging through a box of long-forgotten trinkets. With each song, Me Lost Me extracts something from the box and asks us to consider it from every angle. "This is an album which uses words as a material, a playful tool for experimentation, full of metaphor, abstraction and analogies.” Jayne says, “it has softness and anger, humour, hope and despair, intensity of feeling in all directions expressed as textures, objects, places."

With the release of 'This Material Moment' Me Lost Me puts into practice the automatic writing techniques she developed during a workshop with Julia Holter, and in the process has spun her music in different directions that draws on poetry, psalms and using mesostic poems and phonetic translations to generate words. “Despite the chance-based writing strategies throughout, it feels like the most emotionally raw album I've ever made,” she says, likening the process to a Rorschah test which revealed things to her she wasn’t expecting to express. “I wanted to hide in stories, but I saw things plainly when I tried to write.” Having finished the writing process, Jayne realised that she had an unexpectedly personal album on her hands, into which her feelings of burnout and overwhelm had crept unconsciously. “Several of the songs for me express a kind of inner conflict, where you’re trying to keep hope and desire and beauty and art near to your heart, to live a meaningful life, but finding that increasingly hard to hold onto in a world that’s so fucked up.”

Whilst Jayne Dent’s music as Me Lost Me has previously presented time stretching back and forwards in opposition (noticeably on 2023’s album 'RPG'), on This Material Moment she does away with linearity altogether, evoking rather than narrating, and presenting feelings, happenings and moods with no clear beginning or end point - “like experiencing a vista, trying to capture a moment that is unfolding all at once”. Instead, each track on 'This Material Moment' exists entirely in media res, adjacent to past and future, and instead sprawling across the endless now.

'This Material Moment' was written and arranged solo, but played with a core band of John Pope on electric/double bass, Faye MacCalman on clarinet, and now with the addition of Ewan Mackenzie (Dextro/Pigs x7) on drums - bringing in live drums and electric bass for the first time. The album was recorded by Sam Grant at Blank Studios in Newcastle, who also worked on 'RPG'.

TRACK LISTING

1. Useful Analogies
2. Compromise!
3. Lasting, Not To Last
4. A Painting Of The Wind
5. Still Life
6. A Souvenir
7. Ancient Summer
8. Take It On Board
9. A Small Hand, Clamped
10. An Affirmation
11. Vanishing Point
12. Have You Been Changing?

"Melodic, dreamy bedroom pop with a nostalgic sheen" is how Tom Davies, creator of brand new dream-pop artist Flopsy's dream, describes this charming little album. Some of you may know him as GeoWizard; the mad British adventurer/YouTuber who travels in straight lines, but here you get to see or indeed hear a completely different side to him - one that sings in soft, tuneful tones reminiscent of Damon Albarn or Ray Davies, builds ethereal, layered harmonies that wouldn't sound out of place on a Fleet Foxes track, and crafts gorgeous guitar and synth parts that could easily have come straight out of John Frusciante or Kevin Parker's handbook.

Written in a young Davies's bedroom between the years of 2008 and 2014, the songs themselves are far from brand new, but with the help of his good friend and writing partner Liam Rhodes (with whom he played in Birmingham Psychedelic outfit "Kinds of light"), Davies has brought these sentimental tracks to life whilst keeping them bang in line with their original vision. The result is an album that doesn't really fit into any specific genre, in fact you could argue it's just regular old generic pop, but there's an innocence and a playfulness in there that disarms the listener and transports them to a simpler time when melody ruled supreme.

TRACK LISTING

1. Loyal Girl
2. Outnumbered
3. Going To Waste
4. Never Be Annoyed Again
5. Michael
6. Great School Trip
7. Garden Trouble

Saphileaum (the pseudonym of Georgian multi-media artist Andro Gogibedashvili) is inspired by Georgian myths and legends, esotericism, earth, unity, truth and the secrets of the universe.

Over the past few years, Saphileaum has released a diverse array of albums and EPs on labels such as Good Morning Tapes, Oslated, Silent Season, Mule Musiq and Slow Life, each one reflecting his unique blend of cosmic expansiveness, tribalism and meditative storytelling.

On his first collaboration with P&F Recordings, he draws inspiration from mysticism, self study, ancient civilizations and their various cultures and mysteries.

These musings unite to create an immersive sonic experience that traverses cosmic and tribal landscapes, bringing us 'TAMALUNGMA'.

Here, the listener enters a mystical realm-space, where nature's precious spirits guide you through a journey of transition. As you walk this path, their wisdom and presence illuminate the way, helping you move closer to your true purpose.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Exotic Joy
A2. Kolkhuri
A3. Moqua Well
A4. Yuzu Maracuya
A5. Galapagos
B1. Golden Age Tandem
B2. Oolong Fashion
B3. Water World
B4. Tahitian Pearls
B5. Oriental Art Of Symmetry
B6. Cuicas

Following the release of their triumphant breakthrough album ‘Cartwheel’, which gained widespread critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork (8.4/10 Best New Music) and Stereogum (Top 10 Albums of 2023 - “riveting, restless shoegaze packed with massive hooks”), NYC’s Hotline TNT are back with their best album yet, ‘Raspberry Moon’. The record marks what many are calling 'the next phase in New American Shoegaze'.

Hotline TNT have toured relentlessly, including US-wide tours with Wednesday and Snail Mail, enduring seemingly endless lineup shifts to become a linchpin of several interconnecting DIY scenes. Whilst ‘Cartwheel’ was largely conceived by frontman Will Anderson (previously of cult indie group Weed), ‘Raspberry Moon’ is very much a full-band effort, which is evident in the album’s all-consuming, rip-roaring sound. For fans of Teenage Fanclub, Dinosaur Jr. and My Bloody Valentine.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Throbbing, chorused guitars and soaring vocals coalesce into a beautiful mix of the languid, woozy shoegaze aesthetics of the late 80's and the heft and moody saturation of mid-90's grunge. A wonderfully chameleonic burst of melody and drive. Perfect for any fans of Momma / Smashing Pumpkins / Rival Schools etc. Lovely stuff.

TRACK LISTING

1. Was I Wrong?
2. Transition Lens
3. The Scene
4. Julia’s War
5. Letter To Heaven
6. Break Right
7. If Time Flies
8. Candle
9. Dance The Night Away
10. Lawnmower
11. Where U Been?

Rock trio HAIM have announced a June 20 official release date for ‘I quit’, their highly anticipated fourth studio album on Polydor Records. The 15-track album was produced by Rostam Batamanglij and Danielle Haim. The album radiates the raw energy of seasoned performers whose deep reverence for classic rock shapes songs that are built for live performances.

I quit is the first new album since the band’s 2020 album Women In Music, Pt. III, which earned them a Brit Award for International Group. The album received two GRAMMY Award nominations, including the prestigious “Album of the Year” recognition. With this nomination, HAIM became the first all-female rock group to be included in the GRAMMY’s top category.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Haim return for their latest LP, rich in their classic rock roots, but setting itself apart with hints of more electronic leanings (including ripped-up samples on a couple tracks) or more slow, loungy numbers. Brilliantly textured, and comfortably familiar while still pushing boundaries.

TRACK LISTING

1. Gone Lyrics
2. All Over Me
3. Relationships
4. Down To Be Wrong
5. Take Me Back 
6. Love You Right 
7. The Farm
8. Lucky Stars
9. Million Years
10. Everybody's Trying To Figure Me Out
11. Try To Feel My Pain
12. Spinning
13. Cry
14. Blood On The Street
15. Now It's Time

Genre-bending Tropical Fuck Storm present their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Fairyland Codex,’ on their new label home Fire Records. Recorded with co-producer Michael Beach at the band’s Dodgy Brothers studio in Nagambie, Australia, the songs on ‘Fairyland Codex’ immerse us in the chaos of a fateful landslide, picking out the characters that litter the impending collapse of society.

Acidic, acerbic, anarchic; Tropical Fuck Storm's command of wordplay, undercut by snarling guitars, pulsing rhythms, and explosive salvos, populates a hinterland between light and dark. The vocal interplay between Liddiard and the soaring harmonies of Kitschin and Dunn creates a teetering balancing act that’s intensified by the frantic narratives that evolve from their collective psyche.

Tropical Fuck Storm formed when guitarist and vocalist Gareth Liddiard and bassist and vocalist Fiona Kitschin’s previous band, The Drones, went on hiatus in 2016. Joined by guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist Erica Dunn and drummer Lauren Hammel, the group has released a string of critically acclaimed albums and gained a reputation for their incendiary live shows.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Tropical Fuck Storm return, bringing with them a storm of off-kilter guitars and near-atonal jangles, resulting in an album that is as comfortingly weird as it's predecessors but that branches out nicely into avant pop, jazz and (dare I say it) near radio-friendly melodicism.

TRACK LISTING

1. Irukandji Syndrome
2. Goon Show
3. Stepping On A Rake
4. Teeth Marché
5. Fairyland Codex
6. Dunning Kruger's Loser Cruiser
7. Bloodsport
8. Joe Meek Will Inherit The Earth
9. Bye Bye Snake Eyes
10. Moscovium

Loyle Carner's fourth album is a life-affirming exploration of fatherhood, childhood and alternative music. Whereas his previous albums drew on his past experiences, on 'Hopefully!' he takes a confident stride forward both musically and personally as he embraces change and looks to the future. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: An absolutely stunning, heartfelt new album from Loyle Carner, perfectly mixing his established disaffected lyrical flow with understated full-on singing! It's a perfect melodic counter to the more intense sections and lends a lovely sense of balance, showing that Carner (Larner) really is one of the UK's premier musical talents. Brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

1. feel At Home 
2. In My Mind
3. All I Need
4. Lyin
5. Time To Go
6. Horcrux
7. Strangers
8. Hopefully (Ft. Benjamin Zephaniah)
9. purpose (Ft. Navy Blue)
10. don't Fix It
11. about Time

GoGo Penguin, the Manchester trio that has inspirationally blended jazz, classical, and electronic influences since forming in 2012, has reached a thrilling moment with their new album, 'Necessary Fictions'.

This release finds pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott digging deep internally to reach their integral and authentic qualities at this moment in time. This entails some of their boldest moves to date, such as incorporating modular synthesizers into their sound more than ever before. For the first time, GoGo Penguin expanded their familiar three-man formation to invite guest players, including the Manchester Collective led by creative director and violinist Rakhi Singh. Additionally, 'Forgive The Damages' features the debut appearance of a human voice on a GoGo Penguin recording, belonging to singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko.

All told, 'Necessary Fictions' is an album of ambitious fresh developments from a band fully at ease with who they are: confident enough to open the door to collaboration, excited about where they can explore next, and keen to have fun doing so.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Formerly one of the only bands even slightly jazz-adjacent i'd consider myself a fan of, Gogo Penguin ooze non-frantic, languid and easy. All of this while retaining the sort of impeccable frenetic musicianship and effortlessly beautiful developmental songwriting we've become used to from them. It's impeccable, and it's pretty and it looks *stunning* too. We've got a lovely signed edition as well! Essential.

TRACK LISTING

1. Umbra
2. Fallowfield Loops
3. Forgive The Damages (feat. Daudi Matsiko)
4. What We Are And What We Are Meant To Be
5. Background Hiss Reminds Me Of Rain
6. The Turn Within
7. Living Bricks In Dead Mortar
8. Naga Ghost
9. Luminous Giants (feat. Rakhi Singh And Manchester Collective)
10. Float (Loi Krathong, 2003)
11. State Of Flux (feat. Manchester Collective)
12. Silence Speaks

Just a year after her critically-acclaimed album 'Still', Erika de Casier returns to surprise release her fourth album 'Lifetime'.

A sonic moodboard fully written and produced by Erika herself, 'Lifetime' is a testament to de Casier’s singular taste - her ability to pull from the past, to curate sonic and visual references with intention, and to transform them into something uniquely hers. Thoughtfully composed yet effortlessly cool, 'Lifetime' is an album that resonates, proving that Erika’s vision isn’t just about what she creates, but how she makes us feel when we listen.

She began dropping breadcrumbs about the record last month, Erika mysteriously putting a limited set of nameless cassettes up for sale on Bandcamp. Even with no context of what was on it, the tapes quickly sold-out in under thirty minutes and fans began to speculate new music coming. As cassette deliveries began to pour in last week, their theories proved correct. Derrick Gee streamed the cassette live on his channel and fans online began freaking out as they put the pieces together (see here and here!). That so many rushed to embrace the music before even knowing what it was speaks volumes - Erika isn’t just admired, she’s trusted, and with 'Lifetime', she rewards that devotion in the most Erika way: subtly, stylishly, and on her own terms.

'Lifetime' follows last year’s aforementioned album 'Still', which was named one of the Best Albums of the Year by Pitchfork, Stereogum, NPR, Vogue, Vulture and more, and features Blood Orange, They Hate Change, and Shygirl. The album took her on a world tour including a US run that included both weekends of Coachella. She also released one of the best songs of the summer shortly after in the form of 'Bikini', a track with her frequent collaborator Nick León that was named the #1 song of the year by The FADER and Resident Advisor.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Eagerly anticipated new LP from recent star of alt-RnB. Hypnotic and hazy, tipping its hat to downbeat and street soul flavours; this is the mellowed out sound of the summer.

TRACK LISTING

Miss
You Can't Always Get What You Want
Season
You Got It
December
Delusional
The Chase
Moan
The Garden
Two Thieves
Lifetime

Co-written with Edwin de Goeji, ‘Bookends’ is the heart of 'Scratch It'. The sprawling ballad pays tribute to Remy’s late friend and former Power Trip frontman Riley Gale, through the lens of Remy’s own reading of John Carey’s Eyewitness To History, a historical collection of 300+ eyewitness accounts spanning twenty-four centuries. In consuming these first-hand accounts of human history, she began to ponder the thought, “there is not a hierarchy to suffering, and death is the great equaliser.”

Remy was asked to play a festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas — over one thousand miles away from her Toronto home — it was instinct that led her to enlist guitarist friend Dillon Watson (D. Watusi, Savoy Motel, Jack Name) to assemble a one-time Nashville-based band for the occasion. The performance went so well that she decided to ride that energy right back to where the impromptu band had initially rehearsed, in Music City itself, kickstarting the journey toward 'Scratch It'.

In just ten days, Remy and the band — Watson on guitar, Jack Lawrence (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, Loretta Lynn) on bass, Domo Donoho on drums, and both Jo Schornikow and Tina Norwood on keys, as well as harmonica legend Charlie McCoy (Elvis, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison) — recorded Scratch It live off the floor with minimal overdubs, mixed to tape. Closeness and ease emanate from this core band with Remy’s singular voice sparkling on top of every tune, the most relaxed it has ever been.

'Scratch It' weaves together country, gospel, garage rock, soul, disco, folk balladry, and more, with Remy’s masterful songwriting threaded throughout. Her choice to discard the computer-based production of previous albums in favour of two-inch tape serves the songs well, introducing an element of sonic shapeshifting expected from an artist nearly twenty years into making records. If instinct was an instrument, Remy would be a virtuoso. 'Scratch It' and see.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Deeply funky, country flavoured soul music that rides happily into off-kilter janky pop and garage rock. Rippling with surprising turns and beautifully sequenced, 'Scratch It' is a knowingly bizarre triumph.

TRACK LISTING

1. Like James Said
2. Dear Patti
3. Firefly On The 4th Of July
4. The Clearing
5. Walking Song
6. Bookends
7. Emptying The Jimador
8. Pay Streak
9. No Fruit

With number-one albums in seven countries, Yungblud describes 'Idols' as “a project with no limitations,” marking his boldest and most ambitious work yet.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: We get a huge swathe of stadium rock progressions and Dom Harrison's massive vocal belting out on the first part of YUNGBLUD's Idols, showing that his days of hiding in the musical shadows have come to an end. Massive, anthemic pop music.

TRACK LISTING

1. Hello Heaven, Hello
2. Idols Pt. I
3. Lovesick Lullaby
4. Zombie
5. The Greatest Parade
6. Change
7. Monday Murder
8. Ghosts
9. Fire
10. War
11. Idols Pt. II
12. Supermoon

UNIVERSITY, the Crewe-based four-piece formed of Zak Bowker (vocals/guitar), Ewan Barton (bass), drummer Joel Smith and Eddie (mascot), announce their debut album, ‘McCartney, It’ll Be OK’, following last year's incredible debut EP and a slew of shows that have them firmly established as one of the best live bands in the UK right now.

With influences from the 80's DIY noise underground, emo-core, Burroughs and obscure arthouse cinema and the likes of 'Windmill' scenesters Black Midi they're the most exciting group to emerge from Crewe since, well, ever. The tightest of friendships thrust them together in a void of culture, where in-jokes, a fourth member who plays computer games on stage whiles they thrash out (and maybe writes all the songs!?!?!), these charismatic young upstarts invite you into their gang, where the riffs are melodic, the lyrics emotional yet humorous and the drums are set to eleven.

Recorded with producer Kwes Darko (Sampa The Great, Denzel Curry) at Damon Albarn’s Studio 13 in London, ‘McCartney, It’ll Be OK’ furthers the extremely exciting beginnings of UNIVERSITY’s 2023 debut EP, ‘Title Track’, with the hooks now brighter and more melodic, the breakdowns heavier and the lyrics more refined. The band recorded ‘McCartney, It’ll Be Alright’ totally live, and it retains the delightfully unhinged energy that’s defined their work so far, with everything thrillingly close to falling apart at any minute.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Frenetic, clattering noisy indie rock that's nestled nicely into blasts of punky drums and snappy distortion, athletic guitar shapes and screaming vocals. Fantastically weird, angular mayhem.

TRACK LISTING

1. Massive Twenty One Pilots Tattoo
2. Curwen
3. Gorilla Panic
4. Hustler’s Metamorphosis
5. GTA Online
6. Diamond Song
7. History Of Iron Maiden Pt. 1
8. History Of Iron Maiden Pt. 0.5

When his father died in 2021, James McMurtry went through his effects and discovered a rough pencil sketch of himself as a child. “I knew it was of me, but I didn’t realize who drew it. I had to ask my stepmom, and she said it looked like Ken Kesey’s work back in the ‘60s.” The Merry Pranksters—Kesey’s roving band of hippie activists and creators—stopped by often to visit Larry McMurtry, his wife Faye, and his very young son James.

He held on to that drawing as he worked on a new album, The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy, his eleventh. It’s a collection of rough-hewn story-songs and richly drawn characters sketches that have elements of Americana—rolling guitars, barroom harmonies, traces of banjo and harmonica—but sound too sly and smart for such a generalized category. Funny and sad often in the same breath, it adds a new chapter to a long career that has enjoyed a recent resurgence as younger songwriters like Sarah Jarosz (who plays on the new album) and Jason Isbell (who took McMurtry on tour) cite him as a formative influence.

McMurtry’s characters face similar realizations, although theirs are harder, sadder, and arrive at the end of life rather than the beginning. Sometimes they find life savers, like a calling or a fond memory; sometimes they drown, like that South Texas lawman. Even the songwriter himself doesn’t always know what will happen or what will inspire him. “You follow the words where they lead. If you can get a character, maybe you can get a story. If you can set it to a verse-chorus structure, maybe you can get a song."

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: It’s a collection of rough-hewn story-songs and richly drawn characters sketches that have elements of Americana—rolling guitars, barroom harmonies, traces of banjo and harmonica—but sound too sly and smart for such a generalized category.

TRACK LISTING

Laredo (Small Dark Something)
South Texas Lawman
The Color Of Night
Pinocchio In Vegas
Annie
The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy
Back To Coeur D’Alene
Sons Of The Second Sons
Sailing Away
Broken Freedom Song

La Rat steps up to the center circle with a collection of funk and soul-soaked loops and bars, soundtracks for a late night drive through a rainy city. The La Rat aesthetic weaves wider than a drunken cyclist on a busy gracht, delivering ripostes to the status quo across eight tracks, with nods to psych and blues, jazz and latin. The resulting beat collages then laid the foundations for a flurry of outer-limits raps, beamed in from the mind of a cut ‘n’ paste lyricist. The collaborative duo take inspiration from such varying sources as Georgia O’Keeffe, MC Hellshit and DJ Carhouse, Pauline Oliveros, and Rammellzee, and end up reclaiming a slice of hip-hop’s supercharged universe for themselves.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A heady brew of benzo-rap, old school head nodders and really experimental sound design stirred in a pot of red lined analogue production and tape saturation. Fronted by an MC who sounds like the female version of Wiki (Ratking), only even more opiated and scuzzed up. An incredible and singular slice of leftfield hip-hop. If Shit & Shine made a hip-hop LP it'd probably sound like this!

TRACK LISTING

La Rat
Crab Dish
Rodent Scavenger
Problems
Dribble
Metal
Puppet Show
New Suns

Oslo's own Leoparden returns with the new album "Disko Inferno", which draws inspiration from everything from 80's disco and pop to Nigerian boogie and laid-back 90's West Coast beats...

Leoparden's lyrics - witty and relaxed - capture everyday moments from life in Oslo, while the music pulses with infectious energy and a playful spirit, crafted for a proper boogie on the dance floor.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Both strikingly stylish and quirky at the same time, a release that could have only really have come from Norwegian label Lyskestrekk! Jump into Leoparden's sleek and sexy world, putting a whole new meaning to the phrase 'bedroom boogie' ;)

TRACK LISTING

A. Intro
A. Disko Inferno
A. 113
A. Fashion Designa
A. Fineste Jenta I Oslo
B. Toppen
B. Hemmelighet
B. Rytmen Er En Danser
B. Hode Skulder

Greg Foat and Forest Law (Brownwood, Bongo Joe) collaborate on an epic concept album about Life, Death, painting and Surfing. Inspired by the art and life of a local Isle of Wight artist and surfing legend Dave Gray.

The album philosophically chronicles the many aspects of surfing and surf communities.

TRACK LISTING

1. Imaginary Magnitude
2. I Vibrate
3. The Undertow
4. The Dark Descends
5. Waves Of Bliss, Pt.1
6. Waves Of Bliss, Pt.2
7. Midnight Wave, Pt.1
8. Midnight Wave, Pt.2
9. Fields Of Ever Blue

RWR's latest release comes straight from Berlin's underground electronic jazz scene. Simon Herody, originally from the South of France but living in the German capital since 2020, delivers an eight-track suite of ambient-informed jazz.

The album grew out of solo gigs in hotel lobbies, low-key half improvised sets where Simon blended sequenced electronics with live sax, clarinet and flute. These in-between spaces, half-public and half-private, set the tone for Hard Lounge: an eight-track trip that's ambient enough to fade into the background, but rich enough to keep you engaged.

There's a clear love for 80s new age and electronic jazz, but it's not just nostalgia - the album also channels leftfield Japanese pop and ambient. A big turning point was hearing "Heisei No Oto" (that killer compilation on Music From Memory) & "Music For Dance & Theatre, Vol. 2", also released on MFM, which blew the doors wide open in terms of texture and mood.

While working shifts at Motif, a bar and record shop in Neukölln, Simon started deep-listening to these kinds of records, thinking about how sound can shape space and attention. Design and architecture trickled into the album's artwork, hinting at a broader idea: that music, like furniture or lighting, can be part of how a space feels - part of the design. That blend of curiosity and immersion became the blueprint for "Hard Lounge", a record that plays with presence, atmosphere and memory.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Fantastic slice of lounge jazz bolstered by sophisticated electronics and a real deft of hand. Actually quite arresting when you get deep into it.

TRACK LISTING

A1: Sunny Terasse
A2: Table For Two
A3: May I Join?
A4: Dimmed Lights
B1: City Lights
B2: Kupka's Design
B3: Sleep Tuff
B4: Running Behind

Japanese musician Mermaid offers up his own unique view of digi-dub: stripped back, with echoes of chamber music, Japenese folk songs and utilizing his own voice, it wears its sense of humour and playfulness on its sleeve whilst being an accomplished and forward thinking slice of dub music.

Mermaid is one of the members of DDM (Dangerous Dance Music), which is the movement spread from Los Apson? record store in Tokyo.

After participating in dub & electronic compilations and continuing his own research into reggae, he has finally unleashed 10 songs on "Dubmaid".

RIYL: Froid Dub, Adrian Sherwood, Sheriff Lindo, Andy Rantzen.

Limited to 300 copies worldwide. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Unusual Japanese-dubwise LP draped in a quirky playfulness and primitive fun with more than enough low end pressure to keep a bass head happy and content.

TRACK LISTING

Chopin Dub
Water
Lonely
Free Dub
Buddy
Love
Herb Dub
Bodies
Let It Dub
Blood

Biosphere’s album 'The Way Of Time' takes loose inspiration from Elizabeth Madox Roberts’ novel The Time Of Man, sampling Joan Lorring’s voice from the 1951 radio play adaptation of the novel. Biosphere’s signature ambient loops, soothing arctic synths and melodies combine with Lorring’s sweet, wistful and deep-south wonderings to create a record that is both deeply human and searching.

TRACK LISTING

1. TIME OF MAN
2. THE WAY OF TIME
/3. LIKE THE END OF THE WORLD
4. ALL STARS HAVE NAMES
5. THE OLD WAY WAS GONE
6. THE WAY OF TIME (ON AND ON)

The three-time Grammy-nominated duo ODESZA have teamed up with the hit Apple TV+ show Severance across a new 7-track EP, adding their unique signature to the unmistakable sounds of Theodore Shapiro’s Emmy Award-winning compositions.

The music, which first appeared on the 8-hour visual/audio experience 'Music To Refine To' – serving as a playful nod to the idea of a soundtrack for your ‘innie’ at work. The seamless 23-minute mix loops continuously over the full duration, immersing listeners in the various motifs, tones, and atmospheres of the show. Since its launch two weeks ago, the video has been viewed more than 2 million times, while ODESZA’s social posts about the collaboration have reached more than 3.5 million views in the same period.

The multi-award-winning show, which concluded its second season on Friday 21st March, sees Mark Scout (Adam Scott) lead a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a severance procedure that surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. With a prestigious cast that also includes Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and John Turturro, the show has been called “an engrossing thriller" by the New York Times and “an impressively idiosyncratic thing, wholly itself and confident in its mission to make your mind implode" by The Guardian.

The vinyl release will find the 7-track continuous mix appear on both the A and B sides of the record, playing into the looping nature of the original upload.

TRACK LISTING

1. Entering Lumon (ODESZA Severance Remix)
2. Mammalians Nurturable (ODESZA Severance Remix)
3. Music Of Wellness (ODESZA Severance Remix)
4. Elevator Down (ODESZA Severance Remix)
5. Morning Routine (ODESZA Severance Remix)
6. Irving Watermelon (ODESZA Severance Remix)
7. Muzak Kier Hymn (ODESZA Severance Remix)
8. Entering Lumon (ODESZA Severance Remix)
9. Mammalians Nurturable (ODESZA Severance Remix)
10. Music Of Wellness (ODESZA Severance Remix)
11. Elevator Down (ODESZA Severance Remix)
12. Morning Routine (ODESZA Severance Remix)
13. Irving Watermelon (ODESZA Severance Remix)
14. Muzak Kier Hymn (ODESZA Severance Remix)

The 7:45s are an original soul collective from Manchester, UK – the brainchild of songwriter and bassist Sam Flynn. Inspired by the house bands of soul labels from Motown to Big Crown, the young collective spotlights guest vocalists such as Martin Connor and Nicole Battick. Named after 7-inch vinyl, The 7:45s write snappy singles that blend the vintage feel of rare groove with the songcraft of perfect pop.The 7:45s have been played on BBC Radio 6 Music by Craig Charles, Stuart Maconie and Chris Hawkins and on Jazz FM by Simon Phillips.

A concept album for the soul, Spinning is a retro-soul love story. Side A is sunshine soul about the dizziness of an on-off relationship, as heard in the Charles Bradley-inspired opener 'The Way That I Love You'. Side B is nocturnal. Head-spinning heartbreak is the subject of rare groove-influenced 'The Writing's on the Wall' while dancing to a new dawn is the theme of Prince-inspired disco number 'We Will Be Friends'. The album also features a reimagination of The Beatles' 'Don't Let Me Down'.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Way That I Love You (feat. Martin Connor)
2. Too Little Too Late (feat. Martin Connor)
3. You're Too Good For Me
4. I'll Be Fine
5. Tell Me No Lies
6. Don't Let Me Down (feat. Martin Connor)
7. How Could You
8. The Writing's On The Wall (feat. Nicole Battick)
9. We Will Be Friends
10. The Music's Always There For You

'Different Rooms' is the sophomore album by Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer. The follow up to their critically acclaimed 'Recordings from the Aland Islands', this collection extends the path of pastiche forged by their debut: quietly multi-rhythmic, modular-trance-meets-processed-and-unprocessed-chamber strings, bewitching and bewildering field recordings all knitted tightly, an LA patchwork.

"Our studios are side-by-side. When we were writing this album, you might have found us tracking viola stacks in one studio while, in the other, we were writing through-composed themes and rearranging the material. Granular synthesis and tape manipulation are key tools we use to create variation and movement in a composition. This process often yields surprising results, capturing the emotion but expressing it in unexpected ways. It feels essential that we embrace a bit of chance.

In contrast to our first album, 'Recordings from the Aland Islands', we wanted this music to feel very present. Where 'Recordings...' was intended to transport you to another place, 'Different Rooms' is meant to meet you where you are. It's a decidedly urban album. The field recordings were captured on rain platforms, in city streets, in rooms at home, and intentionally paint a quotidian sonic image, blurring the line between what you hear in your own environment and what is on the record."

TRACK LISTING

1. Mean Solar Time
2. Long And Short Delays
3. Side By Side
4. One Of Eight
5. Before And After Signs
6. Different Rooms
7. Speaking In Parallel
8. Side By Side (Reflected)
9. Mind By A Way
10. Mean Solar Time (Reflected)

Emerging from London’s underground music scene, The Sick Man Of Europe is distinctly monochrome in its outlook. Each note counts in this climate – economical but played with absolute precision and conviction.

Propelled forward by machines and seeking solace in repetition. There are echoes of the post-punk and European art rock pioneers at the cusp of the 80s, but re-tooled for the present. The same fears. Looking for answers or something to believe in, but finding more questions in an age of absolutes.

The Sick Man Of Europe name connects the current post-Brexit landscape to the austerity of Thatcherite Britain and the social conditions that shaped the likes of Bauhaus and Joy Division. These are touchstones for TSMOE, but the influence and discipline of Neu!, Suicide and Swans are just as intrinsic to the sound.

The debut album follows the release of the Moderate Air Quality EP on limited edition cassette and digital in February. (EP tracks are included as a bonus on the CD version of the album.)

Minimal, but with a strong eye for the right detail - on the eponymous debut album, that eye is focussed firmly on the battle between the internal and the external. TSMOE draws on the tensions between human identity, technological advancement and the pursuit of meaning in the modern world.

Produced as a reaction to previous musical projects, TSMOE was looking for clarity and complete control in its creative endeavours. It’s consciously anti-rock in its recorded approach - no low-end bass guitar, minimal effects and no live drums. Dedication to the craft of focussed song writing rather than attempting to follow current production trends.

‘BLENDS PULSATING MOTORIK BEATS , NAGGING BASSLINES AND DRONING ELECTRONICS INTO ALL-CONSUMING ATMOSPHERES….FRONTED BY FOREBODING VOCALS THAT SIT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN IAN CURTIS’ MELANCHOLIC BARITONE AND SOMETHING MORE EXPERIMENTAL, PHRASES ARE REPEATED OVER AND OVER LIKE MANTRAS’ - ELECTRONIC SOUND.

TRACK LISTING

LP: CD:
A1. 1. Obsolete (6:04)
A2. 2. Transactional (4:12)
A3. 3. Sanguine (9:44)
B1. 4. Profane Not Profound (4:48)
B2. 5. Slow Down, Friend (4:08)
B3. 6. Movement (3.52)
B4. 7. Acidity Regulator (2:51)
B5. 8. I’m Alive (2:52)
    - 9. Moderate Air Quality (6:08) (CD Bonus Track)
   - 10. The Son Of A Diplomat (7:42) (CD Bonus Track)
   - 11. Consumption (5:14) (CD Bonus Track)

Flooding out of Glasgow in 2022, Water Machine quickly gained a reputation for their weird and wonky art-punk, winning hearts with sing-along songs about dogs, struggling artists and the housing crisis. Their ascendency has seen releases with GoldMold Records and Upset the Rhythm, shows across the UK (with Shannon and the Clams and The Orielles), and a BBC Radio 6 Music live session. They are now set to release their debut LP ‘God Park’ via FatCat Records.

The world of Water Machine is a swirling eddy of melodic bass lines and volatile guitar sliding between jazz chords and punk riffs, all the while narrated by sardonic social commentary and silly stories. Driving rhythms thumped out on a sparse kit with cowbell flourishes are reminiscent of Beat Happening and The Jesus and Mary Chain, while cherubic vocal and violin harmonies hint at country and folk influences. A band with pop sensibilities and indignant punk urgency, these oddballs dart from sweet C86 to spiky post-punk, often within a single song.

'God Park' takes disparate influences and distils the disjointed into something new. Taking influence from everywhere - from LiLiPUT to The Pastels - the tunes are always on the verge of falling apart or breaking down. Whether it’s the bubblegum pop of lead single Tiffany or the country-punk bait and switch that is 'Hando', their frantic genre-hopping is always underpinned with anarchic joy.

In places, Water Machine’s songs do indeed echo hometown touchstones such as The Vaselines and the arty, pre-Ecstasy, Soup Dragons, plus the bands on Postcard Records. Similar to their predecessors there
are affectionate nods to pop’s past. Handclaps and harmonies hark back to the ’60s. Organs grind like garage nuggets. Motown gets mutated through Rickenbacker jangle. There are Tropicalia-like touches, and bass-lines pay homage to Peter Hook. Everything on the album packs positive, punk energy. Think Buzzcocks, not The Pistols. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Clouds

2. Thunder

3. Hot Real Estate
4. River
5. Dog Park
6. Jimmy’s Waltz
7. Water Machine

8. Tiffany
9. Junction

10. I Quit
11. Park Highs
12. Hando

The self-styled ritualistic electro-mechanical ensemble OSMIUM is a veritable supergroup. Made up of Oscar-winning composer and instrumentalist Hildur Guðnadóttir, veteran engineer and producer James Ginzburg, Senyawa’s idiosyncratic vocalist Rully Shabara and Grammy-winning sound designer / producer Sam Slater, while each member brings along a laundry list of accolades, the project is far greater than the sum of its parts.

Alloying burnished electroacoustic soundscapes with dense, metallic drones, barbed rhythms and buckled, bio-mechanical vocalizations, OSMIUM’s eagerly awaited debut album doesn’t try to cast a rigid future. Rather, it tempers a viscous flow of unorthodox speculations that smolders through the distant past, blazing a trail all the way to the frontier of fate. Absorbed by questions about the relationship between humans and technology, tradition and progression, the individual and the group, OSMIUM channel their experience and expertise into a set of forward-thinking sonic interrogations that skewer established cultural preconceptions. And although genre is acknowledged - the album draws from folk, doom metal, 20th century minimalism, industrial music and extreme noise - there’s never a sense that it’s riveted firmly in place.

Widely known for her soundtrack work (including ‘Joker’ and ‘Chernobyl’) Guðnadóttir plays the halldorophone, a unique cello-like electroacoustic instrument designed by Halldór Úlfarsson that allows the performer to harness unstable feedback loops. Taking his cues from this process, Slater (who has worked alongside Jóhann Jóhannsson, Ben Frost and others) generates rhythms using a self-oscillating drum he designed with KOMA Elektronik and Subtext boss and Emptyset member Ginzburg responds in kind, producing booming tambura-like sonorities from a device he developed himself based on the monocord, an ancient single- stringed resonator.

OSMIUM synchronize the three unique instruments using a custom system of robotics to generate basic rhythms that underpin their improvisations and experiments, and Shabara’s alien tones supply the band with their conceptual fulcrum. The vocalist is one of South Asia’s most recognizable underground artists, and the sounds he’s able to create using exhaustively rehearsed extended techniques are so distinctive that he’s been studied by scientists back home in Indonesia.

Never weighed down by needless sound design or modish ornamentation, it’s music that feels authentically experimental; OSMIUM have figured out an awkward symmetry between their discrete approaches, concentrating their gaze on the outcome rather than the process. The result is a work of science fiction that’s driven by interaction, conversation and sensation.

TRACK LISTING

1. OSMIUM 0
2. OSMIUM 1
3. OSMIUM 2
4. OSMIUM 3
5. OSMIUM 4
6. OSMIUM 5
7. OSMIUM 6
8. OSMIUM 7

Needle Mythology, the label founded by music writer, author and broadcaster Pete Paphides, is honoured to announce the release of "Think Once More - A Journey with The Montgolfier Brothers", the first ever anthology by the feted duo made up of Mancunian musicians Roger Quigley and Mark Tranmer.

The Montgolfier Brothers released three acclaimed albums between 1999 and 2005. Roger Quigley had released music as Quigley and At Swim Two Birds, while Mark Tranmer has released music both as GNAC, in his own name and with Vetchinsky Settings.

The Montgolfier Brothers’ music is perhaps best compared to that of artists such as The Durutti Column, Yann Tiersen, Young Marble Giants and Robert Wyatt – artists whose music is celebrated for its ability to arouse deep emotion by the sparest of means.

Working closely with the family of Roger Quigley who passed away in 2020, Think Once More was sequenced by Mark during the summer of 2024. Think Once More gathers together music from the albums Seventeen Stars, All My Bad Thoughts and The World Is Flat.

Featured on the album is Between Two Points, interpreted by David Gilmour and Romany Gilmour on the recent UK number one album Luck and Strange. Prior to the album release this was also a single and, across all platforms, has surpassed 10 million streams. Of its 14 songs, nine songs featured on Think Once More have never previously been released on vinyl. As well as David Gilmour, other well-known fans of The Montgolfier Brothers include Tim Burgess and the celebrated author Jonathan Coe, who has written liner notes for the release of Think Once More.

Think Once More comes in specially created artwork by esteemed Philadelphia-based Creative Director Timothy O’Donnell. It is also first Montgolfier Brothers release to feature Roger and Mark on its front cover – the photograph (by Olivier de Banes) captures the duo in 1997, following a French show two years prior to the release of Seventeen Stars. 

The songs were all mastered for this release by Miles Showell at Abbey Road.

TRACK LISTING

1. Even If My Mind Can't Tell You
2. Pro-Celebrity Standing Around
3. Seventeen Stars
4. In Walks A Ghost
5. Between Two Points
6. Fin
7. Be Selfish
8. The World Is Flat
9. Think Once More
10. Inches Away
11. The First Rumours Of Spring
12. Koffee Pot
13. Brecht's Lost Waltz (Summer Is Over)
14. Journey's End

'Profound Non-Event', the debut album by Sydney-based three piece Daily Toll, comprises 11 songs traversing three years of forged friendships, collaborative experimentation and a shared love of growing through words and song.

Those attuned to the ever-vibrant Australian underground may already be well familiar with Daily Toll, their consistent live presence since their inception in 2021 embroidered by a handful of (mostly) home-recorded, (mostly) digital self-releases that have steadily accumulated an appreciative following. Initially the project of self taught musician, poet & artist Kata Szász-Komlós(they/them) and Jasper Craig-Adams(he/him), and expended to a three piece with the more recent addition of friend Tom Stephens(he/him), Daily Toll represents the union of three unique creative dispositions, of relationships blooming through the push and pull of creative practice. Mapping the band’s existence through their recorded output is to bear witness to the flux of three people learning to respond to one another and gently ossify into a collective vision that at once calls to mind folk song intimacy, post-punk dynamics and the artful poeticism of an adjacent Flying Nun legacy.

If those earlier recordings reflect a band imagining themselves into being in real time, 'A Profound Non-Event' observes a clear shift in both conviction and approach. Recorded in just three days with Alex Bennett at the purely analogue Sound Recordings studio in Castlemaine and holing up at night in the century old cottage situated beside the studio, sheltering from the late-June wind and rain within walls littered with instruments and microphones, lighting fires to stay warm. Kata describes the experience as defined by “candle light and creative camaraderie”, an idyllic account of a collection of songs that glide with an undeniably warm, easy charm, evidenced in particular in the record’s second half as the tone turns increasingly introspective, the very sound of a cold evening’s drift into night. When contrasted with the moody swirl and sing-song bounce of the opening trio of tracks, there’s clear evidence of a band not simply in the process of becoming, but committed to finding their truth in that process.

Still, if Daily Toll display a reluctance to be wholly defined, then album centerpiece ‘Killincs‘ (positioned in the middle for a reason) might just be their Rosetta Stone. A verbose rumination on unsettled feelings of isolation and longing, exploring the challenges in making peace with one's decisions amidst the uncertainty of an often harsh world and the realisation that some things remain best unresolved - “I have the keys still, but I’ve buried the path”.

TRACK LISTING

1. Another World
2. Fleeting
3. I’m Bored
4. Easy Man
5. Killincs
6. My Sister’s Loom
7. Mountain Song
8. Belljar Convenience
9. Fated To Pretend
10. Waiting Game
11. A Light

S.G. Goodman returns from the Western Kentucky bottomland with her latest full-length album, Planting by the Signs, available June 20, 2025 on her very own Slough Water Records via Thirty Tigers. Composed of songs inspired by love, loss, reconciliation, and the aforementioned ancient practice - how planting a garden, or weaning a baby, or getting a haircut are best timed in accordance with the cycle of the moon. A concept diametrically opposed to the tech-obsessed, profit margin-driven mania swirling around us. Through exploring themes related to planting by the signs, Goodman hopes to help herself and others reconcile this jarring disconnect, as well to pass along the story of the practice. Eleven tracks highlighted by the critically-acclaimed and award-winning artist’s singular voice and her penchant for juxtaposing vulnerable folk music with punchy rock ‘n roll, replete with chiming guitars, ethereal atmospherics, and her DIY ethos. Goodman provides a timely reminder that the only way forward is together, and that we must always take into account humanity’s dependence on and responsibility to the natural world.

TRACK LISTING

1. Satellite
2. Fire Sign
3. I Can See The Devil
4. Snapping Turtle
5. Michael Told Me
6. Solitaire
7. I'm In Love
8. Nature's Child (ft. Bonnie "Prince" Billy)
9. Heat Lightning (ft. Clyde Charles, Mary Overbey, And Myrtle Turner)
10. Planting By The Signs (ft. Matthew Rowan)
11. Heaven Song

20 years into a career of indie bangers and amazing live shows The Pigeon Detectives bring the definitive tracks from across their catalogue onto one album...'Still Not Sorry'

This marble designed record comes as a double vinyl featuring the best of on one disc, and 3 re-works of classic tracks on the second disc. Side D features signatures from the band ETCHED into the record.

The album comes in a gatefold sleeve with previously unseen pictures from the band's history by long-time photographer Justin Slee. 

TRACK LISTING

1. This Is An Emergency
2. I Found Out
3. Wolves
4. Lovers Come And Lovers Go
5. I Don't Mind
6. Take Her Back
7. Everybody Wants Me
8. Romantic Type
9. What Can I Say?
10. Say It Like You Mean It
11. Falling To Pieces
12. Enemy Lines
13. Done In Secret
14. I'm Not Sorry

Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano 'Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo' a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso

A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy's rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the '60s to the early '90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand- new exclusive composition by Gabriele, 'Ritmo Italiano' shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum. A connection sparked from an early age; percussion has always deeply resonated with Gabriele. It led to years of studying percussion traditions across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, crafting his own songwriting skills in the process. An acclaimed producer and compiler, his releases on Yoruba Records, BBE and Soundway Records have garnered global support. Yet a growing need to rediscover the essence of his country's cultural heritage laid the foundations for this new compilation.

In Gabriele's own words, "Italy has always been a crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe converging over centuries. Ports like Naples, Genoa, and Venice played a crucial role as gateways for musical exchange, a melting pot of sounds and cultures brought by sailors, merchants and travellers. These influences blended with Italy's own folk and religious traditions, creating Italy's unique and emotionally resonant rhythms."

Across the 12 absorbing tracks, there's jazz influences, Italian library music aesthetics and experimental beats mixing with Afro- Cuban and Mediterranean rhythms. It's a broad selection anchored by the drums. The synth- heavy, '80s jazz funk flavours of Gege Munari's 'Police Man', sit side-by-side with the samba-infused 'Napulitano D' 'O Brasil' by Don Marino Barreto Jr. Tribal, earthly energy radiates from Naco's 'Volando Con Milton', with Tullio De Piscopo serving up cosmic disco brilliance, and blistering jazz funk mastery coming courtesy of Agostino Marangolo. Taking the name of the compilation, a new original track by Gabriele, 'Ritmo Italiano', blends traditional rhythms with contemporary energy, Afro-Latin influences with Italian jazz essence.

Recorded live in one take, it captures a raw, unfiltered vibe. "Each track tells a story, connecting the past with the present, and highlighting the deep-rooted traditions that shape Italy's rhythms. The collection also offers a glimpse into the diversity of Italian music with a variety of styles from the organic, earthy beats to the more experimental and modern takes on traditional rhythms. It's a reflection of how these rhythms have not only shaped Italian culture but also influenced global music."

A captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems from the '60s to the early '90s, curated by multi- instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. Includes an exclusive new track by Gabriele.

TRACK LISTING

Puccio Roelens E La Sua Grande Orchestra TV - Caravan
Gege Munari Percussion Modern - Police Man
Don Marino Barreto Junior- Napolitano D'o Brazil
Tony Esposito - Pagaia / Naco - Volando Con Milton
Rosario Jermano - Grand Oceano
Tullio De Piscopo - Temptation
Tony Cercola - Lumumba
Gabriele Poso - Ritmo Italiano
Agostino Marangolo - Certi Giorni Mi Sento Bene, Certi Giorni Mi Sento male
Tony Cercola - Lumumba (Clap! Clap! Version)

Berlin-based Colombian DJ, producer, and curator Edna Martinez presents a sonic journey into the electrifying world of Picó—the vibrant and dynamic sound system culture that has defined the streets of Cartagena and Barranquilla for decades. More than just a musical movement, Picó is a way of life, a bold expression of identity, community, and resistance. From its roots in the working-class neighbourhoods of Colombia’s Caribbean coast to its deep connections with Africa and the Caribbean, this compilation captures the pulse of a culture where music is played at full volume, rhythms travel across oceans, and dance is both a form of celebration and storytelling. For those unfamiliar, Picós are hand-painted sound systems, often adorned with dazzling colours and striking imagery, each with its own name and sonic identity. These mobile discos became the heart of neighbourhood bailes, where the sounds of champeta, highlife, soukous, mbaqanga, zouk, soca, and cumbia would turn every street corner, market, and terrace into a dancefloor. Initially built by local craftsmen using modified speaker components, Picós became legendary for their powerful bass and exclusivity, with DJs sourcing rare vinyl from African and Caribbean ports and rebranding them with unique piconemas—new names adapted to local slang, making the tracks instantly recognisable within the community.

This compilation brings together a carefully curated selection of these rare and sought-after tracks, tracing the deep-rooted musical exchanges between Colombia, West and Central Africa, and the Caribbean. Featuring artists like Los Corraleros De Majagual, Peacocks International Highlife Band, Pedro Lima, Zaïko Langa Langa, and more, the album also includes edits by Edna Martinez, reimagining these timeless rhythms for contemporary audiences while staying true to their original spirit.

TRACK LISTING

1. Wulomei – Takoradi
2. Conjunto Ana N’Gola – Puxa Odoette
3. Zeal Onyia & His Music – Egbe Ne Lueli
4. Los Corraleros De Majagual – Remanga
5. Aquí Suena – Abel Llinas
6. Peacocks International Highlife Band – Igbala Oso
7. Pedro Lima Et L’Orchestre Os Leonenses – Philomene
8. The Shoe Laces – Isitha Somunthu
9. Claudio Y Su Combo – Como Sea
10. Pa’ Entro Mi Gente – Ángelo El Auténtico
11. Zaire – I’m Tired Of Living In The Shack
12. Afous - Anavdhou (Edna Martinez Extended Edit)
13. Zaïko Langa Langa – La Tout Neige (Edna Martinez Edit)
14. Erick Cosaque Et Les Voltage 8 – Ajaccio (Edna Martinez Remix)
15. Picó Sin Fronteras – Abel Llinas
16. La Calandria – Como Duele Una Traición
17. African System International – Amina
18. Carlos Díaz Y Su Orquesta – Tres Meses De Vida
19. No Puedes Conmigo – Ángelo El Auténtico

Every compilation series has an end. After 10 outstanding issues, we are saying goodbye to the Praise Poems series, which is highly appreciated by collectors and music lovers, with this 11th installment. With this final installment, we are deliberately venturing into a genre that we have only included in exceptional cases to date: Power Pop of the late 1970s and early 80s.

We start with "Real Proof", an unreleased song by the band The Nails, originally from Boulder, Colorado, who were even signed to a major label a few years later. Although the Fingerprints recorded an entire album, it took over 45 years before it was finally released in 2022. "Wasted On You" comes from one of the three singles released between 1978 and 1980. In contrast to the Fingerprints, the original singles by Naked Rush are extremely rare. This is probably one of the reasons why none of their songs can be found on a compilation to date. It's great that we are now changing this. Incidentally, this applies to the majority of the songs on this album and to all our compilation albums in general. Fritz, Blue Rain and Holidaye are no exception.

We would like to mention two songs in particular. Firstly, "Don't Quit" by The Scam, which was produced by William Garrett. Garrett was responsible for the launch of Spotify Singles as Senior Music Producer at Spotify from 2016 to 2023 and has worked with artists such as Elton John, Ed Sheeran, John Legend and many more during this time. Secondly, there's a great story about Animal Logic. In 1989, the band found out that Stuart Copeland from The Police was forming a new band. The name? Animal Logic! After pleas not to use the name were ignored, the Animal Logic guys were forced to take the matter to court and eventually sold the name to Copeland. There are many more exciting stories about the bands in the booklet accompanying the CD and the LP insert.

With "A journey into raw, energetic power pop from the 1980s", we now conclude our 10-year journey of discovery through music history under the "Praise Poems" umbrella. We very much hope that you have enjoyed our meticulous work. When one door closes, another opens. It will be the same here. There is still so much to discover and we are already looking forward to many more releases!

TRACK LISTING

1. The Nails - Real Proof
2. Fingerprints - Wasted On You
3. Naked Rush - Top 40
4. Spektr'm - What Do I Do (What Do I Say)
5. Fritz - Number Nine
6. Blue Rain - New Morning
7. Merrell Fankhauser - Calling From A Star
8. Nick Coluccio - Awaken (feat. Dream Illusions)
9. The Scam - Don't Quit
10. Angry Young Bees - Tell Me TV
11. Ted Paugh - Headin' Down The Highway
12. Animal Logic - The Meaning Of Life
13. Holidaye - Times
14. Hangnail Phillips - Let Me In
15. Sly Dog - Cryin' For Love

‘Queen Dem’ brings together a global selection of all powerful, maverick female artists, all creating new musical forms and re-writing the rules of expression to educate, entertain and empower.

Featured artists include Yaya Bey, Sudan Archives, Yaeji, COUCOU CHLOE, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Miso Extra, Aunty Rayzor, TeeZandos, Queenie, MC Yallah, Dizzy Fae, Vanessa the Finessa, Nira and Warrior Queen.

From Lagos to Brooklyn, London to Hong Kong, these artists’ widely diverse music is connected through an all-encompassing self-awareness of both self and musical identity and a collective fierceness in attitude.

‘Queen Dem’ features multi-talented artists writing, singing, producing and creating new genres of sound. This album offers a snapshot of the current writing of musical history by women who embody confidence and conviction in their art - whether they are firmly-established artists such as Yaya Bey, Yaeji, Dizzy Fae, Sudan Archives, COUCOU CHLOE and Georgia Anne Muldrow, or under the radar rising stars such as Queenie, Aunty Rayzor, Vanessa Tha Finessa, MC Yallah or Nira.

TRACK LISTING

COUCOU CHLOE - Nobody 
Yaeji Featuring Nappy Nina - Money Can’t Buy
TeeZandos - Lioness
Sudan Archives - Selfish Soul
Miso Extra - 1013
Aunty Rayzor - Kuku Corona
Yaya Bey - Meet Me In Brooklyn
COUCOU CHLOE - Pokerface
Queenie - Okay Twin
Yaya Bey - Best Thang
MC Yallah X Debmaster - Kubali
Dizzy Fae - Solo
Vanessa Tha Finessa - Bad Bitch Steppin’
Dubbing Sun & Blue Hill featuring Warrior Queen - Armageddon
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Big Mama Africa Jam
Miso Extra Featuring NAYANA IZ - Great Taste
Nira - Train Of Love

The debut solo album from Ride bassist Steve Queralt is a beautifully brooding collection that combines the darkly textured soundscapes of early M83 or Sigur Rós with the post-punk of Joy Division and New Order, all with an electronic sheen reminiscent of Mark Pritchard or Boards Of Canada. It features guest vocals on several tracks from Sonic Cathedral labelmate Emma Anderson (formerly of Lush and Sing-Sing) and Verity Susman (Electrelane, MEMORIALS).

Swallow has been slowly but surely pieced together between Ride albums and tours over the past eight years and, perhaps as a result, has a slightly dystopian, almost Blade Runner feel that reflects the liminal spaces in which it was created.

There’s also an underlying anger and political slant. Despite the fact that the majority of the album is wordless, there is plenty of power and emotion, summed up by the few lines from Julie Sheldon’s poem ‘The Same Boat’ that appear on the closing track ‘Motor Boats’ (“We’re all in the same boat they say, but I would disagree”). According to Steve, they “capture the reality of our times perfectly”.

There are also other words on the album courtesy of the two guest vocalists. “There have been some amazing instrumental albums made over the last few years, especially in the nu-classical and post-rock worlds,” says Steve, who points out the influence of Mogwai, and even titled one of the album tracks ‘I Don’t Know How To Sing’, “but some of the tracks sounded like songs to me, just without any words.”

This led to the collaborations that, ultimately, tied the whole thing together and paved the way to the finished album. “One of the demos reminded me of Lush, who Ride had toured with in the ’90s, so I contacted Emma thinking her voice would be perfect. But she was confused and said she’d never sung lead vocals.”

“At the time I hadn’t even decided I was going to sing on my own records, so I told Steve I couldn’t do it,” explains Emma. “Then, a couple of years later, when I was singing on my own records and my debut album Pearlies was about to come out, I enquired about it, thinking he must have found someone else, but luckily he hadn’t.”

“After a few false starts, I started to doubt the project altogether. It was going nowhere,” says Steve. “Then, out of the darkness, Emma got back in touch to tell me that she’d found her voice and could I send her some tracks. A few files back and forth and an afternoon in the studio later and we had ‘Lonely Town’ and ‘Swiss Air’.”

In the meantime, Verity from Electrelane had added vocals to the song ‘Messengers’ and transformed the track. Matthew Simms, her then future bandmate in MEMORIALS, would go on to mix the finished album.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: I've been a fan of Queralt's music for some time now, with his lovely album with Michael Smith getting a good amount of attention since I got it a few years ago. As brilliant as that was, this is a notable step up in cinematic intensity and songwriting skill. A profoundly superb debut album.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
Mission Creep
Lonely Town Feat. Emma Anderson
High Teens
A Porsche Shaped Hole

Side B
Swiss Air Feat. Emma Anderson
I Don’t Know How To Sing
Messengers Feat. Verity Susman
1988
Motor Boats

The Bug Club are back, again, for their annual appointment at the garage rock makers’ market, where they’re flogging yet another pedigree record. LP number four, 'Very Human Features', arrives hot on the heels of the band’s first Sub Pop release, 2024’s 'On the Intricate Inner Workings of the System'. That record saw the band continue their love affair with BBC Radio 6, start up a new one with KEXP thanks to a session with them, and crop up in the pages of the NME. Anything else from the bucket list? Oh yeah, festival slots including packing home ground Green Man’s Walled Garden to its non-existent rafters. Then shows across the US in those venues us Brits tend to only hear about.

This record - a new batch of typically playful, riff-laden, smart Bug Club tunes - gives the band an excuse to continue their never-ending tour and feed their baying fans, engorged and expectant thanks to this band’s relentless record-releasing hot streak. “Have you ever been to Wales?”, asks the band in the album’s lead single. ”If not, why not? It’s good." A new, discordant national anthem, if they didn’t already have a decent harmonious one. Oh, to be from a country where national pride is something other than the mark of a tosser. Starting as a classic, chugging chantalong, it’s interrupted by what sounds like an alien choir before they let rip. Think Dinosaur Jr. with a job at the tourist board. And Welsh. Definitely Welsh. On 'Very Human Features' The Bug Club have continued in their habit of presenting as a collective mind. Two-in-one. Rarely do you find a band with two creative forces that have such a singular, shared perspective, sense of humour and knack for a pop melody. In 'Beep Boop Computers' vocalists Sam (also on guitar) and Tilly (on bass) swap between “I”s, “my”s and “we”s as if there isn’t any difference between the lot, all the while skewering interpersonal relationships and experiences in a glorious, glam rock dismantling of the human aspects the album’s title references. Staying on topic, 'How to Be a Confidante' does that-thing-The-Bug-Club-really-know-how-to-do where they, again speaking as two voices from the same mind, pluck out common aspects of how we all live and make them sound ridiculous. The surreal is in the familiar, not in ignoring the familiar - The Bug Club know this and that understanding joins an unrelenting bassline in forming the backbone of this garage rock-infused belter. Having gained an appropriately beefed-up stateside following thanks to the beefy slab of garage-punk on 'On the Intricate Inner Workings of the System', and the band’s subsequent US tour, The Bug Club’s fruitful partnership with Sup Pop gets even tastier with 'Very Human Features'. An assured and endlessly witty whirlwind of literary, self-referential, good-humoured rock ‘n’ roll, the new record sees the band riding their ever-swelling wave of popularity as if it’s a quick whizz around the Caldicot Aldi carpark on a pair of rollerskates. Long may it continue.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Fuzzy, jangling indie-rock that lets up just long enough to show how truly melodic and groove-led The Bug Club can be before launching into another harmonised burst of soaring distorted garage rock and thumping, snappy choruses. Cleverly written lyrics and wonderfully presented, brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

1. Full Grown Man
2. Twirling In The Middle
3. Jealous Boy
4. Young Reader
5. Beep Boop Computers
6. Muck (Very Human Features)
7. When The Little Choo Choo Train Toots His Little Horn
8. How To Be A Confidante
9. Living In The Future
10. Tales Of A Visionary Teller
11. The Sound Of Communism
12. Blame Me
13. Appropriate Emotions

Brand new album from indie satirists Half Man Half Biscuit 'All Asimov And No Fresh Air'. Expect plenty of wit, absurd tales and some of the best track titles you'll see all year (Horror Clowns Are Dickheads is a highlight), HMHB never miss and there's nobody quite like them!

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Classic jangling chords and upbeat missives from Half Man Half Biscuit here, humorously lamenting society and presenting it all in their well-honed garage rock style.

TRACK LISTING

1. Horror Clowns Are Dickheads
2. Goodbye Sam, Hello Samaritans
3. Rawlplugs Of Yesteryear (Breaking The States)
4. The Bliss Of The Hereafter
5. McCalliog And His Hens
6. Record Store Day
7. I'm Going Out Of My Mind Trying To Get Into Yours
8. No-One Likes A Polymath
9. Don't Get Me Wrong Yvonne
10. Birmos In The Cowshed
11. Falmouth Electrics 
12. Jack's Been To The National
13. Possible Side Effects

From the homogenous grey fizz of cloud hanging over deepest Lancashire springs this up-lifting, mad-cowbell infused self-unconscious and nostalgic record from Chorley’s British Birds; 12 songs of journeying through melancholy guided by sweet or shriek harmonies, disco bass, thumping drums and Bobby’s signature loping guitar and swoopy, off-kilter vocals: at times deeply intimate and at others theatrically dizzying with psych. Silence Daedalus is self-released by these staunchly DIY low-key ornithologists.

STAFF COMMENTS

Liam says: Chorley DIYers British Birds are back with their latest LP 'Silence Daedalus' and it's another belter. Lead single 'This Bin' feels like a perfect mash-up of Parquet Courts and The Orielles, whilst elsewhere the quartet are pecking out indie-pop morsels from the soil for fun - top stuff!

TRACK LISTING

1. Baby Blue
2. Sheena’s Locket
3. This Bin
4. Merry-Go-Round
5. Drunk Dancing To The Ramones
6. I’m Not There
7. Please Close The Curtains
8. Spinning Jenny Forever
9. Mother Of Jeanne
10. Chivalry
11. Reaction Time
12. Price I Pay

Legendary yet ever-evolving, Zamrock pioneers WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) continue to push boundaries with their bold new record, 'SOGOLO'. After their remarkable resurgence and 2023's critically acclaimed 'Zango'–their first album in nearly 40 years–'SOGOLO' proves that their innovative spirit remains as strong as ever.

Derived from the Zambian word for “future”, 'SOGOLO' weaves together strains of the garage-infused psych, funk, and rock that WITCH quite literally helped invent back in their 1970s heyday, all while embracing the experimental spirit of the moment. Recorded in Berlin during their whirlwind world tour, 'SOGOLO' brims with urgency, excitement, and discovery, propelled as always by the magnetic presence of frontman Emmanuel ‘Jagari’ Chanda.

The full story of WITCH is almost too extraordinary to believe. Known as the "Zambian Beatles," they founded the Zamrock movement and released seven albums throughout the 1970s and early '80s. Tragically, the AIDS epidemic brought an end to the Zamrock era, claiming the lives of all original members except Jagari. Their music was reissued in 2012, sparking a global rediscovery that led to their triumphant return. Zango was met with rapturous acclaim, including a major New York Times profile, sold-out world tours, and an award-winning documentary that screened globally.

With 'SOGOLO', WITCH reaffirm that their creative fire still burns bright, proving their legacy is far from finished.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A fiery distillation of western psychedelia and traditional Afro-rock, perfectly mixing their respective vibes into a danceable burst of energy and unpredictable, inventive joy. Superb.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kamusale
2. Nadi
3. Queenless King
4. Tiponde Madzi
5. Bang Bang
6. Set Free
7. Mbangula Sesa
8. (In Memory Of) John
9. Dancer On A Trip
10. Nibani
11. Totally Devoted
12. Machiriso

If you've been following the Payfone story over the last 13 years, you'll know that Phil Passera and Jimmy Day's long-running collaborative project has specialised in one-off musical morsels - sublime songs cooked up in cahoots with all manner of guest musicians and vocalists. Never ones to rest on their laurels, Day and Passera have now delivered a full six-track tasting menu in the shape of Lunch, their hotly anticipated debut album.

Recorded over an 18-month period at Passera's Barcelona studio and Day's studio in Brighton, 'Lunch' is an unsurprisingly assured and musically detailed affair that's entirely made up of previously unheard songs. Unlike acid-flecked recent single 'Volt To Volt', which delivered a tweaked take on late 1980s house music, the album's six tracks showcase the trademark sound the duo has been developing since first joining forces 13 years ago.

Trawl back through Passera and Day's high-quality catalogue, which includes outings on Leng, Golf Channel Recordings and Defected as well as their own OTIS imprint, and that distinctive musical recipe becomes clear. Rooted in their love of classic drum machines and their trusty JUNO-60 synthesiser, the Payfone sound combines equal amounts of electronic and organic instrumentation, warm and inviting downtempo and mid-tempo grooves, and pertinent and thoughtful lyrics delivered with panache by an impressive roll call of guest vocalists.

'Lunch', then, is a standalone sonic statement - an initially vinyl only album on their own OTIS imprint - that continues this impressive lineage. Like all Passera and Day's collaborative work, it is free of samples, with the pair preferring to create their own sounds from scratch. Opener 'Movin' On', featuring the honeyed vocals of former XL Recordings artist Willis Earl Beal AKA Nobody and slap-bass from Jo Gabriel Harris (who also features on three other songs across the album), is a deep and effortlessly evocative mid-tempo delight that perfectly sets the tone for what's to come.

Brooklyn-born April Pittman and Russian/Armenian vocalist Zara Kian lend their talents to woozy, sun-baked shuffler 'Paperman' before regular Payfone collaborator Ludmilla Rodriguez headlines 'Joan of Arc', a veritable Mediterranean breeze rich in tumbling analogue synth synths, elastic bass and tumbling guitar solos. Those yearning for a touch of lightly disco-flecked dancefloor heat will savour 'Spend The Night', where Los Angeles singer Collette Tibbetts AKA Carmella The Balls, accompanied by virtuoso keys courtesy of Parisian pianist Gabriel Cazes, rises above a sweet, melodious, dub disco-adjacent backing track. In contrast, 'Pamela' is low-slung and hypnotic, with 'Sofian' vocalist Barbara Alcindor ushering us through a deep, heady groove-scape.

Fittingly, Passera and Day round off Lunch via a vibrant and potent sweet treat, 'Pony Bar'. Headed up by the J.J Cale-esque lead vocals of man of mystery Leon Lace, the pedal steel-sporting song joins the dots between dusty Americana, kaleidoscopic Balearic beats and lilting, slow-motion disco. Like the rest of the album, you'll be thinking about it long after you've washed down the last few musical mouthfuls.

Payfone have released over 16 individual 12" singles, including Phonica's 'Record of 2023 - 'I Feel You'

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: The highly anticipated debut album from Payfone arrives and it doesn't disappoint! Seductive beatdown grooves, impressive vocals and skilled instrumentation throughout detail one of the hottest production duos across the new disco / Balearic / modern soul landscape. A truly breathtaking album that'll find constant rotation through the summer ahead.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Movin' On
A2. Paperman
A3. Joan Of Arc
B1. Spend The Night
B2. Pamela
B3. Pony Bar

Composed, performed and produced by Cosey Fanni Tutti, the 9-track album moves between propulsive beat constructions and expansive electronic explorations, continuing themes from 2019’s acclaimed album 'TUTTI'. It is a personal reflection; a sonic realisation of her life, drawing on her powerful inner resolve and expressing it through music. The album finds Cosey making sense of some very tough years, dealing with personal bereavements alongside swinging world events that have impacted us all. Centering on her own strength and self will, the album’s two distinct sides – one rhythmic, one more meditative – are connected by an overwhelmingly positive mood.

She explains, “My overtone chanting on the track ‘Stound’ was part of that, tapping into the inner self, to the core of your being, emotionally, physically, allowing the sounds to permeate and soothe as well as create a sense of power, resistance and resilience to what we face.” Even in the more melancholic moments, there’s a lightness that she explains is an “acknowledgement that it’s alright to be sad, that’s part of life, but there is so much joy too in our memories of people we lose and in the moments we share with each other. Joy is our resistance.”

There are also threads from her most recent projects running through '2t2'. Her latest book RE-SISTERS and the score she wrote for Caroline Catz’s film 'Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and Legendary Tapes' are acknowledged, most directly on ‘Threnody’ which is dedicated to Delia Derbyshire and Andy Christian, an artist friend of Delia’s. He sent Cosey an abstract drawing of the same name, created one night from an improvised evening where he drew while Derbyshire intoned and sang softly as she looked at the drawings, as if reading a score expressing how they made her feel. Cosey’s process and the different strands that make up her work form a totality of vision.

She goes on to say, “Once you get creating and listening, weaving, collaging sound it’s a wonderfully fulfilling feeling that takes you both out of yourself at the same time as essentially deep within.” The artwork reflects this idea that the album is a “sound cameo”, reflecting the light within the music, and the buzz of life that exists within all of Cosey’s work. Musician, artist and author Cosey Fanni Tutti has continually challenged boundaries and conventions through her work. As a founding member of the hugely influential avant-garde band Throbbing Gristle, one half of electronic pioneers Chris and Cosey, and as an artist channelling her experience in pornographic modelling and striptease, her work on the margins has reshaped the mainstream.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A startling, incredibly complex sonic document from one of the leading figures in electronic music history, and an artist who has managed to maintain their sonic identity while simultaneously drifting through remnants of every recognisable genre there is. A brilliant, beautiful electroacoustic journey.

TRACK LISTING

1. Curæ

2. To Be

3. Stound
4. Never The Same

5. Stolen Time

6. Respair

7. Threnody

8. Sonance
9. Limbic

Stephen James Buckley, aka Polypores, releases his brand new studio album on June 6th.‘Cosmically A Shambles’ sees a slight shift in direction from his signature sound, with stronger elements of rhythm and melody than his more abstract back catalogue though still remaining unmistakably Polypores.

Highly textural, intricately woven modular synth tapestries, through to whirling psychedelic freak-outs with hypnotic polyrhythms and fuzzed-up drum machines. Still creating in the same method, using modular synths and ‘playing’, rather than the use of samples or studio or synthesiser pre sets, this album features more beats and textures, seeing a shift towards almost psyc or krautrock. Preceded by his first ever 7” lathe cut single ‘Whorl’, the album is released by Cracked Ankles Records from Stephen’s homewtown of Preston.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Wildly energetic, fluid dance music that's forged through Buckley's love of ambient, jazz and electronica and honed through bracing live performances and hypnotic improvisational jams. One of the greatest electronic musicians on the scene. Video for the stunning lead single, 'Whorl' by Yin Wrong is a particular delight, and all beautifully presented on Preston's Cracked Ankles Records. Brilliant all round.

TRACK LISTING

1 Lungs & Limbs
2 Whorl
3 Timeless Spirals Of The Motherfungus
4 Spoonbender
5 Mystery Energy
6 Score
7 Untethered (Ascend Now)
8 Interdimensional Hopscotch
9 Lossy
10 Hazy Dazy

With his 7th album 'Crying The Neck', 41-year-old multi- instrumentalist and composer Patrick Wolf has created a confident, uplifting and hopeful record inspired by the transfiguring power of grief at the death of his mother, folklore, the Kentish landscape, and the state of England. On this album Patrick brings in long term friends Zola Jesus, Serafina Steer and Seb Rochford to provide guest appearances.

The first in a planned four-album series, 'Crying The Neck' was written and recorded in the Kent coastal town Patrick now calls home. As well as the album’s release, 2025 will also see the release of a BFI funded feature-length documentary film about his life.

Across his first six albums Patrick established himself as a much loved and respected artist. He is known for combining electronic sampling with classical instruments.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Grand, mournful orchestral music topped by Patrick Wolf's powerful vocals. Though the album is ostensibly about grief and sadness, there are pieces (in particular the uplifting monolith 'The Last Of England') which contrast that perfectly.

TRACK LISTING

1. Reculver
2. Limbo (ft. Zola Jesus)
3. The Last Of England
4. Jupiter
5. On Your SIde
6. Oozlum
7. Dies Irae
8. The Curfew Bell
9. Lughnasa (ft. Serafina Steer)
10. Song Of The Scythe
11. Better Or Worse
12. Hymn Of The Haar
13. Foreland

Instrumentals (CD Only)
14. The Curfew Bell + Lughnasa
15. Foreland

Norwegian electronic pioneer Lindstrøm returns with Sirius Syntoms – seven tracks of melodic, cosmic disco and shimmering synth grooves.

This is also the relaunch of Lindstrøm’s Feedelity label, with artwork by longtime collaborator Ole Martin Lund Bø. For fans of cosmic disco, nu-disco, synth-driven house, and electronic explorations with heart and soul.

This album marks a more focused and open sound than his previous work, with warm analog textures, pulsating rhythms, and hypnotic basslines at the core.
Combining the uplifting energy of house and the introspective tone of ambient synth music, Sirius Syntoms blends dancefloor elegance with emotional depth. The lead single “Cirkl” sets the tone for a record that’s both refined and playful.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Proper summer Scando disco business here from one of our favourite Norwegian synth fiddlers. Deep, percussive grooves that are both propulsive and danceable while retaining a woozy spacey quality that tempers the obviously upbeat backline. The production is, as you'd expect, impeccable too.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Cirkl (5:11)
A2. Thousand Island Man (4:33)
A3. Moo)n (4:52)
A4. Sharing An Orange (With Omar S On The Train From Minehead To London) (2:51)
B1. These Are A Few Of My Favorite Strings (7:10)
B2. Solveggen! Nå! (5:10)
B3. Sirius Syntoms (5:21)

Conceived and compiled by Robert Smith, new remix collection from 2024 album 'Songs Of A Lost World', featuring remixes from Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold, Orbital, and more.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: An absolutely star-studded stack of names on this remix LP, and an absolute wealth of superb takes from tracks on The Cure's brilliant new LP. For me, it's a particular delight to see a new remix from 65DOS who did the stunning 4 remixes that made up the last track of their 'Hypnagogic States' EP. Shout-out to the Four Tet remix we saw at RSD too, a lovely track.

TRACK LISTING

2CD/2LP Tracklisting:
1. I CAN NEVER SAY GOODBYE (Paul Oakenfold ‘Cinematic’ Remix)
2. ENDSONG (Orbital Remix)
3. DRONE:NODRONE (Daniel Avery Remix)
4. ALL I EVER AM (meera Remix)
5. A FRAGILE THING (Âme Remix)
6. AND NOTHING IS FOREVER (Danny Briottet & Rico Conning Remix)
7. WARSONG (Daybreakers Remix)
8. ALONE (Four Tet Remix)
9. I CAN NEVER SAY GOODBYE (Mental Overdrive Remix)
10. AND NOTHING IS FOREVER (Cosmodelica Electric Eden Remix)
11. A FRAGILE THING (Sally C Remix)
12. ENDSONG (Gregor Tresher Remix)
13. WARSONG (Omid 16B Remix)
14. DRONE:NODRONE (Anja Schneider Remix)
15. ALONE (Shanti Celeste ‘February Blues’ Remix)
16. ALL I EVER AM (Mura Masa Remix)

3CD/3LP Tracklisting:
1. I CAN NEVER SAY GOODBYE (Paul Oakenfold ‘Cinematic’ Remix)
2. ENDSONG (Orbital Remix)
3. DRONE:NODRONE (Daniel Avery Remix)
4. ALL I EVER AM (meera Remix)
5. A FRAGILE THING (Âme Remix)
6. AND NOTHING IS FOREVER (Danny Briottet & Rico Conning Remix)
7. WARSONG (Daybreakers Remix)
8. ALONE (Four Tet Remix)
9. I CAN NEVER SAY GOODBYE (Mental Overdrive Remix)
10. AND NOTHING IS FOREVER (Cosmodelica Electric Eden Remix)
11. A FRAGILE THING (Sally C Remix)
12. ENDSONG (Gregor Tresher Remix)
13. WARSONG (Omid 16B Remix)
14. DRONE:NODRONE (Anja Schneider Remix)
15. ALONE (Shanti Celeste ‘February Blues’ Remix)
16. ALL I EVER AM (Mura Masa Remix)
17. I CAN NEVER SAY GOODBYE (Craven Faults Rework)
18. DRONE:NODRONE (JoyCut ‘Anti-Gravitational’ Remix)
19. AND NOTHING IS FOREVER (Trentemøller Rework)
20. WARSONG (Chino Moreno Remix)
21. ALONE (Ex-Easter Island Head Remix)
22. ALL I EVER AM (65daysofstatic Remix)
23. A FRAGILE THING (The Twilight Sad Remix)
24. ENDSONG (Mogwai Remix) 

Keyboardist, producer and songwriter Joe Armon-Jones shares his most elevated solo project to date, 'All The Quiet'. A galvanising statement of intent, traversing jazz, funk, dub, hip hop, and soul music, entirely written, produced and mixed by Armon-Jones himself. As a band member, he is best known as part of the Mercury prize winning Ezra Collective, who capped 2024 by being the first jazz band to headline London’s Wembley Arena. 'All The Quiet (Part II)' is the second chapter of a two part album, released on his own label, Aquarii Records. Guest musicians & features include Greentea Peng, Wu-Lu, Yazmin Lacey, Hak Baker, Nubya Garcia, Oscar Jerome, and more.

Six years have passed since Armon-Jones’ last solo album, 2019’s 'Turn To Clear View' was released on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings, but don’t mistake that gap for a break. In this time he’s toured the world, built a studio, contributed to albums from the great and good of UK jazz, and recorded collaborative releases with Liam Bailey, Fatima, Hak Baker, Prince Fatty, Ranking Joe, Maxwell Owin, and dubstep legend Mala.

TRACK LISTING

1. Acknowledgement Is Key (feat. Hak Baker)
2. Lavender
3. Westmoreland (feat. Asheber)
4. PSR Orchestra
5. Paladin Of Sound & Circumstance
6. Another Place (feat. Greentea Peng & Wu-Lu)
7. War Transmission
8. 505 Standby
9. Journey South
10. One Way Traffic (feat. Yazmin Lacey)

Amsterdam natives Maarten Smeets and Lars Dales, aka Dam Swindle, unveil their third long-player, a multi-genre trip exploring lower tempos, synthwave, hip-house, and downbeat across fourteen tracks. With a gestation period that traces back several years, ‘Open’ is their most intimate and personal body of work thus far, birthed during a time of self-reflection away from touring and during a time of individual growth for the pair.

While the trademark Dam Swindle four-to-the-floor beats are still ever-present on tracks like ‘The Present Is Always Perfect’, ‘I Need You’, and ‘Is This Love?’, it’s the gentle waves of synths on opener ‘Home’, the contemplative piano chords of ‘Bloom’ featuring Joep Beving, and the lo-fi ambience of ‘It’s Okay, I Can Wait’ that showcase a melancholic, ethereal sensibility previously uncharted by the duo. Collaborations with vocalists such as NYC’s Haile Supreme on ‘Not Enough’ and Neo-soul singer Faye Meana on ‘Girl’ expertly find room in between the dancefloor and home listening sessions, and a clear standout on the LP is the title cut where message-heavy rapped vocals from UK artist Samson ebb and flow amongst iridescent grooves.

Under the helm of Maarten and Lars’ adept A&R, their Heist imprint has become a beloved home for house heads of both schools old and new, platforming some of dance music’s biggest names from Cinthie to DJ Sneak as well as the musical dawning’s of artists such as Kassian and Makèz. The Dam Swindle alias has achieved house music royalty-like status across a storied 15-year career that includes two critically lauded full-lengths, collaborations with the likes of Tom Misch and Kerri Chandler, and a globetrotting touring schedule. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Not content with crafting certified club bangers for their Heist label, Dam Swindle turn their attention to a varied and expansive long player featuring a wealth of guest vocalists and exploring myriad styles.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Home
A2. Not Enough Feat. Haile Supreme
A3. The Present Is Always Perfect
A4. Girl Feat. Faye Meana
B1. Run, Run, Run
B2. Only Ever Now
B3. Open Feat. Samson
C1. I Need You
C2. Bloom Feat. Joep Beving
C3. Some Day Feat. Ric Wilson
C4. Kiki Feat. LYMA
D1. Is This Love?
D2. It's Okay, I Can Wait
D3. Closer

Aldorande  is a band of five groove adventurers, led by their founder and captain Virgile Raffaëlli, who are pushing the boundaries of music with boundless passion and unparalleled instrumental mastery. After two critically acclaimed albums, the group returns with "Trois", the final chapter of their cosmic trilogy, recorded on tape at a prestigious Parisian studio.

"Trois" is an epic album, driven by bold instrumental explorations and waves of celestial choirs. Drawing inspiration from the 70s fusion movement, it honors the genre’s masters while adding a unique, contemporary twist. The galactic textures and sophisticated arrangements transport the listener on an unforgettable astral journey.

Once again, Favorite Recordings has poured its heart and soul into this album. Every note, every arrangement has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of that era, with a relentless drive to ensure that every step of production and recording stays as true as possible to the genre’s iconic references.

On drums, Mathieu Edouard lays down a killer groove that leaves no one indifferent. Florian Pellissier, on keyboards, unfolds an interstellar sound palette with a spectacular collection of instruments: Fender Rhodes, Yamaha CP-70B, Moog Minimoog Model D, Sequential Prophet 5, ARP Solina String Ensemble, Roland Juno 106, Roland Jupiter 8, and Oberheim OB-8. On percussion, Erwan Loeffel scatters a jungle of intoxicating rhythms. Laurent Guillet, on guitar, fires off hypnotic, irresistible riffs, while Virgile Raffaëlli, on bass, anchors the entire experience with deep, melodic bass lines that give the band a captivating and unique dimension.

Get ready to take off with Aldorande  and their album "Trois", which promises to take you beyond the stars.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Frenetic jazz-funk from this French collective who've more than a casual penchant for old school synthesizers. Alongside the electronics, the instrument playing is second-to-none; making this a heady brew of modern grooves delivered by the good folks at Favourite.

TRACK LISTING

A1.Alderaan Overture
A2.Gulf Of Mexico
A3.Opium Des Nuits
A4.Cosmic Boy
A5.Swingers On The Moons

B1.Sweet Spot
B2.Riviera Serenade
B3.Back To Mother Earth
B4.City High
B5.Carnaval Ao Sol (para Airto)

The fourth album from DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson couldn't have a more explicit title. Masters of emotions and feelings, the duo has always known how to express melancholy and nostalgia with precision. Yet this time, all their efforts have concentrated on a single goal: taking listeners by the hand - no, by the ear, obviously! - to bring everyone back to the dancefloor and explore a variety of atmospheres together. And naturally, a variety of styles. Funk, ndombolo, electro, hip-hop or zouk, each new vibration discovered carries away the previous one to form a dancefloor where all eventually come together. 

To evoke transidentity, consent, economic malaise as well as the spiritual, or to tell little stories of frustrated loves, seemingly insoluble but which will end well. Anthony Hilaire for Creole words, Sarah Solo for hip-swiveling soukous, Patrick Bebey for pygmy flute notes, and Grégoire Mahé to bring electricity to DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson's songs; styles blend in a musicality worked into its smallest interstices. Gathered on this dancefloor illuminated with 80s disco brilliance, you observe brassy notes slithering under the electronic veneer, synthesizer keys splashed by furious hip movements. To raise your eyes to connect with the spiritual is to watch the sky become constellated with crystalline Fender Rhodes notes, destined to fall like rain on the heavy bass of afrobeat groove. Smiles attached to faces, no one should think they can get through the ten tracks of "Divine Dances" while remaining seated.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Cosmic outernational vibrations! DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson refine their Afro-French formula for an album that's tailor made for summertime enjoyment.

TRACK LISTING

A1.Danses Divines
A2.Inflation
A3.Joséphine (Ft. Manone)
A4.La Go Kitoko
A5.Redessiner

B1.Jackson Pollock
B2.I Salé
B3.Sarah Solo
B4.Consentement
B5.Sa Ou Fè

“James [Dean Bradfield] was always banging on about Big Flame and I could never understand it. But then I played a record of theirs at a slower speed by mistake on vinyl once, and suddenly I got the jazziness of it.” Nicky Wire, Manic Street Preachers

Working within a pre-determined lifespan, bIG*fLAME developed their own distinctive sound and style: super-fast, two-minute, non-decadent Mach 2 beats overlain by distinctive, spiky, loud, unorthodox guitars, and politically-charged lyrics.

John Peel described the band as “one of the two or three very best bands of Planet Earth”, and also called them “the best dance band since Glenn Miller and his Orchestra”.

Find out for yourself on this album which features all four Peel sessions recorded by the agitpop trio between 1984 and 1986 – 16 tracks in total, with versions of nearly everything they ever recorded. And a few things they didn’t.

Among the highlights are the covers of the June Brides’ indie standard Every Conversation (Phil Wilson, a big fan of bIG*fLAME, loves it), plus These Boots Are Made For Working – Nancy & Lee eat your hearts out.

Plus, of course, the notorious Wham! cover … Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go it ain’t. Well it is, but it’s also Testament To The Slow Death Of Youth Culture. Once heard, never forgotten.

There never was a bIG*fLAME LP because they didn’t believe in it. So we’ve struck it lucky here. All this, plus sleeve notes from Greg O’Keeffe and printed inners with photos and flyers etc. All the stuff you love from Precious.

STAFF COMMENTS

Laura says: Finally I can bin my crackly cassette versions of these sessions! This collection is long overdue and perfectly captures the energy and intensity of the legendary biG fLAME. I think it was probably on the John Peel show that I first heard them and they left an immediate impression on me, a 17 year old Smiths fan who was used to guitars that jangled, not snarled and spat! I'd heard nothing like it before: the jagged guitars, odd time changes and rattling drums (I think it was journalist James Brown that described them as amphetamine harassed - which made me laugh at the time and always stuck in my head. It's the perfect description.) It took me a few more listens to actually catch the lyrics too which were political but not sloganeering: clever and satirical. I was hooked! I saw them live numerous times and as you can probably tell, I loved them. Over time they would open my eyes and ears to a whole new world of music - everything from Gang Of 4 and The Fire Engines to The Pop Group and On U-Sound, stuff I may never have discovered on my own it the pre-internet days.
Check this album out - they could be your new favourite band!

TRACK LISTING

Debra
Man Of Few Syllables
Sargasso
Breath Of A Nation
All The Irish Must Go To Heaven
New Way
Chanel Samba
These Boots Were Made For Working
Earsore
Let's Rewrite The American Constitution
Cat With Cholic
Every Conversation
Sink
XPQWRTZ
Three On Baffled Island
Testament To The Slow Death Of Youth Culture

‘Poems & Non-Fiction’ is the debut album by Newcastle’s Ruth Lyon - a powerful songwriter who weaves deeply evocative narratives and potent meditations, with an artistry that balances delicacy and strength. Forged by her experiences as a disabled woman and a life-long sense of otherness, she explores the beautiful mess of existence, challenges social norms and ignites a journey towards self-acceptance, empowerment and perhaps most importantly, hope.

Working with acclaimed producer John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding) and influenced by artists like Adrienne Lenker, Fiona Apple and Moondog, the songs are rich with poetic nuance and the unconventional insight of a young life lived to capacity. A mesmerising blend of analogue and angular indie-folk that gives as much attention to silence as sound, with understated yet muscular grooves. Musically the album is gently driven, with dreamy clarinets and melancholic strings sitting diffused like sea light on top of the mesmeric groove of piano, bass and drums.

Shimmering between the abstract, the archetypal and the naked truth, meaning lingers just beneath the surface, with Lyon daring listeners to both reach out and dig deep; to give emotion a solid, tangible shape. She says that “I surprised myself with the raw honesty in these songs and I hope these stories inspire healing and growth.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Artist
2. Wickerman
3. Books
4. Perfect
5. Hill
6. Confetti
7. Ceasar
8. November
9. Cover
10. Weather
11. Seasons

Ryan Adams has always included a number of cover versions in his live sets. Most prominent is  Oasis' Wonderwall (not included here) which went on to be one of his biggest ever songs when it was physically released as a single. He's an artist, also, that's whizzed between genres, unashamedly wearing his musical heart on his sleeve.

Finally Adams has released the album we've all been waiting for: his soulful, unique take on some of his favourite ever songs. Here we have 20 tracks from all over the musical spectrum taking in the Velvets, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Repalcements , Alice in Chains, then beautiful "surprises" like  The Smiths, Prince, Pixies and even Simple Minds. My personal favourite though is his moving reading of the gorgeous Black Sabbath song "Changes".

Ryan Adams has been in deep and choppy waters in recent times, and its hard not to think that his enduring love of music, coupled with his ridiculous and undeniable talent , is the one thing that's kept him afloat. Maybe these songs are his "rubber rings"? Sounds like it to me. It makes for a superb record.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Beautiful album featuring 20 cover songs from across the musical spectrum. Powerful renditions.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1.Powderfinger
2.Panic
3.Aching To Be
4.Don’t You Forget About Me
5.Changes

Side B
6.Headshrinker
7.The Man In Me
8.Candy Says
9.Runaway Train
10.Queen Of Hearts

Side C
11.Sympathy For The Devil
12.Harvest Moon
13.After The Gold Rush
14.Atlantic City
15.Living On A Prayer

Side D
16.Nutshell
17.Monkey Gone To Heaven
18.The Crystal Ship
19.When Doves Cry
20.True Love Will Find You In The End

With ‘Remembering Now’, Van Morrison returns to the transcendent, uncategorisable rhapsodies that make him unique. Soul, jazz, blues, folk, country - this is music in conversation with all of them but limited by none. Its rich with hallmarks of classic Van Morrison, from dominant themes of love in spirit with the great ‘Someone Like You’ (the escapist romance of ‘Once In A Lifetime Feelings’, the self-deprecating candour of ‘The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours’) to specific references to locations from his youth in the title track and ‘Stomping Ground’. The title of another song, ‘When the Rains Came’, echoes a lyric from his classic ‘Brown Eyed Girl’.

From the radiant opener, ‘Down to Joy’, to the joyously resilient ‘Haven’t Lost My Sense of Wonder’, Van Morrison’s voice, guitar and saxophone continue to mesmerise and he is surrounded, as always, by a fabulous band - Richard Dunn (Hammond organ), Stuart McIlroy (piano), Pete Hurley (bass) and Colin Griffin (drums and percussion) - who have worked with him since ‘Three Chords and the Truth’ in 2019.

The single ‘Down To Joy’ feels like he has gone back to his soul and gospel roots, its strong emphasis on an uplifting big band arrangement with evocative strings providing fans with a taste of timeless sounds which represents the rest of the album.

Beyond his key band members, ‘Remembering Now’ features an array of accomplished collaborators. Its strings were arranged and directed by Fiachra Trench (Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello), whose association with Van Morrison goes back to ‘Avalon Sunset’ in 1989. Those strings were performed by the Fews Ensemble led by Joanne Quigley.

Other contributions come from Michael Beckwith, the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, the renowned lyricist Don Black (Ennio Morricone, John Barry, Quincy Jones); and the acclaimed folk artist Seth Lakeman.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A new one from one of the most legendary voices in music, 'Remembering Now' sees Morrison tone down the political and ideological campaigning of the past few albums to great effect, sounding like a beautifully relaxed version of his smoothly delivered best and accompanied by a host of impactful orchestrations.

TRACK LISTING

1. Down To Joy
2. If It Wasn’t For Ray
3. Haven’t Lost My Sense Of Wonder
4. Love, Lover And Beloved
5. Cutting Corners
6. Back To Writing Love Songs
7. The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours
8. Once In A Lifetime Feelings
9. Stomping Ground
10. Memories And Visions
11. When The Rains Came
12. Colourblind
13. Remembering Now
14. Stretching Out

UK Salford band The Ting Tings released their first catalogue of hits in 2008, with global success taking them on an immediate 6-year world tour. 'That's Not My Name', 'Shut Up & Let Me Go', 'Great Dj' & 'Hands', still regular fixtures on playlists and syncs worldwide. They vowed never to make the same record twice, 5 albums in, they are sticking to their word.

Their new album 'Home' was recorded in a wooden decked analogue studio is an easy breezy yacht rock album committed to traditional songwriting inspired by their all-time favourites, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, The Eagles, The Carpenters, Cosby Stills & Nash, Supertramp, Christopher Cross, best heard in a car, preferably with the sea in view and the windows down.

TRACK LISTING

1. Good People Do Bad Things Dreaming
2. Home
3. Goodbye Song
4. Winning
5. In My Hand
6. Danced On The Wire
7. Song For Meadow 
8. Mind Thunder
9. Down

Two years after releasing the 'Frontier’s Edge' EP, the Budos Band are returning with their first full-length since 2020’s 'Long in the Tooth'. Titled simply 'VII', the new album sees them doing what they do best: laying down hypnotic, horn-spiked grooves that menace and mesmerize in equal measure.

Produced by Budos guitarist Tom Brenneck with Simon Guzmán engineering, 'VII' features 11 tightly constructed new tracks that draw on the group’s wide range of influences, sounding like only the Budos can. It’s music for getting down, for nighttime drives, and for alternate headspaces — a beguiling mix of mystery and rhythm that stands with the formidable work they’ve released in their two decades of recording. 'VII' was recorded in California and serves as the Budos Band’s first full-length album on Diamond West, the independent label founded in 2023 by Tankel and Brenneck. It’s also the group’s first album to include instrumental contributions from percussionist Rich Tarrana, who previously played in the Frightnrs. All told, it succeeds in opening up some new sonic spaces while staying tethered to the intuitive, unique musicality that made them such a sensation from the jump.

TRACK LISTING

1. Thrice Crowned
2. Overlander
3. Night Raid
4. Lair Of 1,000 Serpents
5. Kudzu Vine
6. Sharky’s Delight
7. Curse Of The Ivory Fang
8. Behind The Black Curtain
9. Escape From Ptenoda City
10. The Strigoi
11. Mean Streets

Featuring: Coby Sey, Mica Levi and Mark Pell (Good Sad Happy Bad / Micachu & The Shapes)

‘Affectionately’ is the debut album by London based songwriter and musician Raisa K. With self produced instrumentals supporting Raisa’s signature vocal performance, the record delves into the intricate emotional cycles of relationships with heartfelt sincerity. Melodies appear simple and direct, while the themes explored present a great level of complexity. Whether about trust, kindness, doubt, frustration, annoyance, regret, honesty, insecurity, loneliness or friendship, each of the album’s twelve songs lie somewhere in between a diary and a letter.‘Affectionately’ is almost entirely produced on Raisa’s laptop and written in her home in London, as well as finding small pockets of time on trains and buses, during breaks at work, during the kids' nap-times, at the playground, in the park. The production's backbone is formed by a synthesiser sample, weaving together a range of recordings and sonic textures.

This creates a consistent expression where diverse electronic styles merge with Raisa's crisp, candid vocals in unique and personal songwriting. Some listeners might recognise Raisa’s voice and musical language from records by the band Good Sad Happy Bad, which she is a part of. While ‘Affectionately’ certainly moves in its own space, a kinship with fellow London artists is also present, as the record includes a feature with Coby Sey as well as instrumental contributions from long-time collaborators Marc Pell and Mica Levi.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Intriguing DIY / bedroom, experimental synth-pop curio which will appeal to regular visitors to the Dean Blunt sphere.

TRACK LISTING

Affectionately
How Did You Know
Feel It
Tall Enough
As It Seems
Both Still
Honest
Step
Dreaming
Stay Feat. Coby Sey
Come Down
Final Generations

An immersive long-form composition in two parts that seamlessly blends a collage of spoken word, field recordings and drones with elements of dub, jazz, fourth world and ambient music.

Son Of Chi is the latest project of Rotterdam-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Hanyo van Oosterom. Van Oosterom’s prolific career spans multiple decades and genres; among countless projects he has been involved in, he is known for founding the Dutch ambient collective CHI in the early eighties, and in recent years for his prolific collaboration with CHI co-founder Jacobus Derwort as Chi Factory. Following Derwort’s passing in 2019, van Oosterom decided to close the CHI circle with the birth of Son Of Chi.

Sonically, the world of ‘We Carry Eden’ is fully immersive; it ripples with depth and shimmers in detail. Motifs, ideas and fragments, arise and disappear like passing thoughts, drawing the listener deeper and deeper inwards. For those familiar with Oosterom’s work as Chi Factory, the depth and meditative nature of the work will come as no surprise; however it is Oosterom’s skill with grooves that shines equally bright here; his infectiously dubby basslines and percussion rise up from the ether, grounding the listener to the earth. ‘We Carry Eden’ at times invokes the fourth world landscapes of Jon Hassell, (with whom Oosterom has collaborated) but as a whole, it remains the unique work of an artist fully in tune with their vision.

Thematically, storytelling traditions lie at the heart of ‘We Carry Eden’, with van Oosterom’s long-time collaborator Omar Ka playing a central role. Ka, who hails from the West African nomadic Fulani tradition of storytelling, responds to the collage of field recordings and sounds collected by Oosterom. His voice is woven throughout ‘We Carry Eden’, creating a narrative that binds the multiple sound sources of the album together.

As with much of van Oosterom’s musical output, inspiration is drawn from the Greek Island of Patmos and the wisdom and prophecies of the Native American Hopi Tribe. Since his work with CHI in the early eighties, van Oosterom has often incorporated quotes from Hopi Elders into his music. Gods, spirits, animals and humans, all existing in one unchangeable relationship tied to nature; ‘We Carry Eden’ is rooted in this philosophy, serving as a peaceful message of beauty, harmony and respect for the wisdom of the Elders and ancient traditions.

Sleeve art and design by Michael Willis.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A rich, exotic sonic garden full of enchanted artefacts, transportive textures and dreamlike mood. Perfectly hitting the MFM remit, but also opening up a whole world of musical curiosity.

TRACK LISTING

1st Movement Side One
2nd Movement Side One
3rd Movement Side One
4th Movement Side One
5th Movement Side One
1st Movement Side Two
2nd Movement Side Two
3rd Movement Side Two
4th Movement Side Two
5th Movement Side Two
6th Movement Side Two

British synth wizard James Holden and Polish clarinet guru Waclaw Zimpel (Saagara, Shackleton) continue their fruitful collaboration with the blissful escapism of lush album debut 'The Universe Will Take Care Of You'.

A deeply emotive warm and fuzzy delight, the rich textures and beguiling sound palette of the entrancing 'The Universe…' roams freely between bucolic pastorals, insistent arpeggios and shimmering euphoria.

Embracing the playful, experimental approach of their Krautrock forefathers to explore their deepest improvisational urges, this is the joyful convergence of two like-minded masters of their craft, weaving in violin, percussion, lap steel guitar and the Indian twin pipe algoza flute amongst the expected modular synth and clarinet.

TRACK LISTING

1. You Are Gods
2. Sunbeam Path
3. Time Ring Rattles
4. Sparkles, Crystals, Miracles
5. Incredible Bliss
6. The Universe Will Take Care Of You

Always unique in blending traditional elements (latin jazz, funk, soul) with modern sounds, since "Moving Ahead" in 2020 Gerardo Frisina, a leading name in the international jazz and electronic music scene, has introduced new 'cosmic' and 'futuristic' elements into his style. His evolution culminates today with "In Sight", a double work conceived and produced in two separate volumes. "In Sight Vol. 2" is characterised by four new structured compositions with a distinct psychedelic and minimal-dance vein that makes them more structured and thoughtful. In addition, the new arrangements of "Mindoro", "Tarab" and "Mystical Funk" represent the 'club-oriented' moments of this release. One of Gerardo Frisina's most complete and eclectic productions ever!

TRACK LISTING

1. Uzuri
2. Gigil
3. Mindoro (Alternative Version)
4. Ingenua
5. Ya'aburnee
6. Tarab (Dub Version)
7. Mystical Funk (Album Version)

‘Talkin To The Trees’ is a personal and powerful album featuring ten new compositions by Young. 'Big Change', the first song from the album, was released in January 2025, with a message that left no doubt where Neil Young stands in these challenging times.

The Chrome Hearts are Spooner Oldham (Organ); Micah Nelson (Guitar and Vocal); Corey McCormick (Bass and Vocal); Anthony LoGerfo (Drums); with Neil Young (Guitar, Harp, Piano, Vibes). The album is co-produced by Lou Adler and Young, and recorded at Shangri La Studios in Malibu.

TRACK LISTING

1. Family Life
2. Dark Mirage
3. First Fire Of Winter
4. Silver Eagle
5. Lets Roll Again
6. Big Change
7. Talkin To The Trees
8. Movin Ahead
9. Bottle Of Love
10. Thankful

The guitars are out, and the knives are drawn. To the galloping rhythm of a world spiraling out of control, The Young Gods take aim and strike with renewed power. From the very first second of 'Appear Disappear', the six- string tears through space, baring its fangs in an electric howl. The trio has returned to its most aggressive fundamentals, to its art of sonic warfare - never superfluous when war is everywhere.

Rarely has a Young Gods album been so deeply infused with its era-one of military conflicts, mass surveillance, and intimate dramas. Since their inception in 1985, the band has pioneered musical landscapes that dared to fuse the raw urgency of rock with the power of electronics. 'Appear Disappear' captures that beating heart. The Young Gods honor their wn history as much as their lifelong influences, from psychedelic rock to post- punk, from the swirling, very «Doors-like» 'Intertidal' to the industrial rolls of 'Systemized'.

«We wanted something raw,» summarizes Franz Treichler, guitarist and vocalist. «After the atmospheric rock of 'Data Mirage Tangram' (2019) and the instrumental piece 'In C by Terry Riley' (2022), we needed and wanted to express ourselves more directly.»

A guerrilla album, then. A record of resistance. In both its themes and intensity, it plunges into the heart of the trap, into «the brain of the monster» - which Che Guevara precisely located in Switzerland and which still thrives there comfortably. But it is not impossible to confront it.

'Appear Disappear' is a reflection on our involvement in the world’s problems and our ability to take a stand. How do we react, make the right move amid the vast sea of data we process every second?» asks Treichler. Propelled skyward by the electro pulse of Cesare Pizzi (sampling, electronics) and the pounding drums of Bernard Trontin, 'Mes yeux de tous' unfolds the same dizzying question: How do we avoid being swallowed by the «cloud» we ourselves feed?

The answer is in our hands. The impact is physical, the dance tribal. To an obsessive tempo, 'Shine that Drone' imagines a crowd stomping the ground, raising a wall of dust to blind surveillance drones. 'Blackwater' celebrates new tools of resistance how to turn digital surveillance to our advantage. 'Blackwater' was the codename of a Chinese activist who mapped police movements in real-time during the Hong Kong Umbrella Revolution. The bass undulates and sways, like a silent revolt spreading through the streets.

But 'Appear Disappear' is also - and above all - a record about love. A collective chant, created in jam sessions by a trio more united than ever, and an ode from Franz Treichler to his wife Heleen, who passed away in 2023. Love is shouted, it overturns everything. 'Blue Me Away' reserves the album’s most beautiful explosions, its rawest bursts of sound. Treichler is certain: «Chaos dances when feminine and masculine dances unite.» The music of The Young Gods is its soundtrack.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Appear Disappear
A2. Systemized
A3. Blue Me Away
A4. Hey Amour
A5. Blackwater
B1. Tu En Ami Du Temps
B2. Intertidal
B3. Mes Yeux De Tous
B4. Shie That Drone
B5. Off The Radar

Jon Savage's Space - An amazing musical voyage through the theme and idea of Space - music for Space - Space - Music - Through West-Coast US Rock , Techno, Post-Punk , Jazz, Ambient & Experimental sounds-this is a journey like no other .. From Sun Ra to Mr Fingers and way beyond..

"We are taken to less familiar musical quadrants-fascinatedly & instructively so"
(Roy Wilkinson - MOJO Feb 2025) .

Freestyle Records compile a killer overview of rare & undersung UK street soul & boogie tracks from across the 80s and early 90s, selected from the creme of the label's recent 12" reissue programme. Features an exclusive mid-90s cut from Manchester street soul act Gold In The Shade, along with photography from Andrew Holligan and notes from Kevin Le Gendre.

"The sleeve of this album has faces that tell a thousand stories. In Hackney, east London, where photographer Andrew Holligan created a series of inspired pictures, every day people developed a vibrant culture, enlivening a part of the capital that was much maligned during the Thatcher years. The street was a lounge, a place to meet, talk, laugh, and, generally, hang. This was also the golden age of the house party.

At the dawn of the 80s the sound of black popular music that these good folk were listening to was in the grip of change. For the most part bands with horn sections were scaling down and the 8-10 piece unit gave way to much smaller ensembles with a less orchestral sound, as saxophonists, trumpeters and trombonists who provided finely shaded harmonies and counter-melodies were being replaced by keyboard players. Indeed the rainbow of colours fashioned by an arsenal of synthesizers, from Prophets and Korgs to Rolands and Yamahas, brought preen and sheen to soul, which, with a lower tempo and heavy bouncing bass lines, was being referred to as boogie. Needless to say the new sub-genre caught on in the UK and became another form of vocabulary for audiences to embrace in the slipstream of the Brit-funk movement of the mid '70s, which was spearheaded by groups of mostly young Britons of West Indian heritage.

During this transitional period, which also saw the emergence of lovers rock, there was a certain amount of movement between genres, and a cursory glance at the total output of black British music reveals the presence of female vocalists recording in several styles. Lines were crossed. Furthermore, there was an increase in the amount of one-off studio projects, in which a producer-composer wrote a track, played keys and called in a singer and some additional sessioneers to add finishing touches. This is one of the main reasons why the era is so fascinating, and is still the subject of the extensive research that has led to an album such as The Way U Make Me Feel. Rather than being a scene that was centred around several marquee bands, boogie Brit-Funk was more disparate and fragmented, and therefore far harder to pin down and document.

The other term that was coined for the slew of releases was Street Soul, which also resonated with a certain spirit of independence, as the bulk of the artists who stood under this umbrella were releasing their work on small labels that did not have the reach of the majors. It meant that they were often consigned to obscurity, for the most part. The story is all too familiar. But low key can be high grade. Big labels and large venues serve a purpose but the real good times are to be had at house parties on the street where people live. The Boogie is always funkier when it drops in the basement."

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: They might be a few volumes behind the Full Beam mob (at least these are licensed shhh!) but you can't fault Freestyle Records' collection of UK boogie and street soul. A perfect snapshop of this fertile time; if you're yet to dip your toe into this funky homegrown scene, this is the perfect place to start!

TRACK LISTING

1. La Famille & Caron Wheeler - Dancer (Vocal Mix)
2. Clarity - The Way U Make Me Feel
3. Distance - Just One More Kiss (feat. Janey Hallett)
4. Pause - It's Just Amazing
5. Roy Hamilton & Capiche - Turn Up The Music
6. Rick Clarke - Gonna Make You Happy (feat. Jill Francis)
7. Candy McKenzie - Remind Me
8. Eddie Capone's Treatment - I Won't Give You Up (feat. Diane Jones)
9. T.J. Johnson Band - I Can Make It (Good For You)
10. Private Funk-Shun - All That I Wanted Was You
11. Purely Fizzycal - Make A Move
12. Gold In The Shade - I Really Love You So

The fifth Jahtari label compilation full of all-new outsider dubs, bit-crunched reggae, circuit bent dancehall and lots of cosmic low end, marking twenty years of mainframe skanking oddness from Leipzig.

Vol. 5 is the first addition to the "Jahtarian Dubbers" series in over ten years, starting off with "The Loop Jerk" by DJ and activist Dave Watts aka KingLMan (who sadly passed away in 2024).

Kiki Hitomi turns up the heat with "Red Mustang", a raw but sweet PG 18-rated Japanese lofi reggae gem, followed by "Casio HipHop", an addictive synth & drum machine session by UK bedrock producer Kris Kemist (Reality Shock Records).

Singjay miracle El Fata brings the positive energy with "Boom Sound", a synthie dancehall scorcher hot off the tape reels at Naram’s studio in the New Zealand bush, while Jura Soundsystem’s hypnotizing "On My Way (Dub)" easily shifts gears into Sly & Robbie-mode.

Side B starts off with Pupajim’s prophetic "Tidal Wave", produced by digi-reggae specialist Raggattack and coming in an epic extended Disco Dub version.

Melodica wizard Taka Noda (Mystica Tribe) and synth shaman Danny Wolfers (Legowelt) enter into deep magnetic communion with their Sacred Tascam tape deck on "Cabal of Puppeteers", followed by DJ veteran Speng Bond chanting "Wha Mek" over a spaced out depth charge by Jahtari co-founder Rootah.

Gameboy-whisperer DJ Scotch Egg (WaqWaq Kingdom, Seefeel) joins forces with disrupt and dub trumpet black belt Pablo Volt (STA) for a mindbending journey going all the way from synth heavy roots to acid jazz, on Namahage‘s "Voidout Dub".

The voyage ends with a hazy and mystical Ambient Dub version of "Muuri" by Finish singer Tiiu Helinä, with Tapes on keys – not to be missed!

All lovingly mixed by disrupt, coming with iconic artwork by Disko 69 (Doppeldenk).

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: The iconic 8-bit soundsystem wreckers return! The ingenious concept has spread far and wide; volume 5 hosts a range of global talent - all tuned into the mystic wonders of the retro sound circuits.

TRACK LISTING

Dave Watts Aka Kinglman - The Loop Jerk
Kiki Hitomi - Red Mustang
Kris Kemist - Casio Hiphop
El Fata - Boom Sound
Jura Soundsystem - On My Way (Dub)
Pupajim - Tidal Wave (Raggattack Disco Dub)
Noda Wolfers - Cabal Of Puppeteers
Speng Bond - Wha Mek
Namahage - Voidout Dub
Tiiu Helina - Muuri Dub

This compilation sees the return of Acid Jazz’s iconic ‘Totally Wired’ series, which became a huge success in the early ‘90s, following the international breakthrough of the likes of The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai and the James Taylor Quartet.

Originating in 1988, initially compiled by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson as a ‘best of…’ , it became an independent music phenomenon, selling in the tens of thousands, with major label artists even vying for inclusion, with a significant influence in shaping the sound of the time, as Acid Jazz went global.

The return of ‘Totally Wired…’ is a milestone , which continues to showcase the depth and development of Acid Jazz, combining new and exclusive releases with previously unheard gems.

TRACK LISTING

1. Something In My Eye – The Acid Jazz Orchestra
2. Samba De Flora – Romero Brothers
3. Tambores De Vida (Drums Of Life) – Chris Bangs
4. Coconut Rock – Soul Revivers
5. Rocksteady – The Brand New Heavies
6. Crucifix Lane – Matt Berry
7. Thinkin’ About You – Carmy Love
8. Beggin’ – BDQ
9. This Is Day One – Earth-o-Naut
10. That’s About The Time (I Fell In Love With You) – Quiet Fire

WORDS FROM JARVIS ON “MORE”

“This is the first Pulp album since “We Love Life” in 2001. Yes: the first Pulp album for almost 24 years.

How did that happen?

Well: when we started touring again in 2023, we practiced a new song called 'Hymn of the North' during soundchecks & eventually played it at the end of our second night at Sheffield Arena. This seemed to open the floodgates: we came up with the rest of the songs on this album during the first half of 2024. A couple are revivals of ideas from last century. The music for one song was written by Richard Hawley. The music for another was written by Jason Buckle. The Eno family sing backing vocals on a song. There are string arrangements written by Richard Jones & played by the Elysian Collective.

The album was recorded over 3 weeks by James Ford in Walthamstow, London, starting on November 18th, 2024. This is the shortest amount of time a Pulp album has ever taken to record. It was obviously ready to happen.

These are the facts.

We hope you enjoy the music. It was written & performed by four human beings from the North of England, aided & abetted by five other human beings from various locations in the British Isles. No A.I. was involved during the process.

This album is dedicated to Steve Mackey.

This is the best that we can do.

Thanks for listening.”

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: It's been over two decades since the last full Pulp outing, not counting Cocker's solo work as Jarv Is, so you'd be right to expect some of the magic from the band we once loved has dissipated. If that's you, then fear not! All of the deadpan Northern lyricism and operatic vocal turns you'd expect are well in place, and tempered by a good few years lying fallow. It's a beautiful exercise, a tentative teasing of their more unique aspects and a strong indication of what sort of persepctive a few years can give. Wonderfully well humoured, brilliantly memorable. Classic Pulp.

TRACK LISTING

1. Spike Island
2. Tina
3. Grown Ups
4. Slow Jam
5. Farmers Market
6. My Sex
7. Got To Have Love
8. Background Noise
9. Partial Eclipse
10. The Hymn Of The North
11. A Sunset

Little Simz returns with Lotus which she describes as her ‘most personal album to date’. It’s a heart on its sleeve collection of songs, at times angry, at others reflective. The raw emotion kicks straight in on opening track ‘Thief’, which may or may not address the breakdown of her friendship with producer Inflo. A subject which has obviously impacted the album massively, not just emotionally and lyrically but production wise too. Themes of loss, anger, paranoia and grief are all covered and she’s diverted her rage into creating yet another absolute killer album. Where her previous two albums were all lush cinematic production and sweeping strings, this time around there’s a more contained sound: a darker, brooding intensity that’s powerful and provides the perfect space for Simbi’s smart, witty and incisive flow. With the help of a whole host of guest collaborators, she’s really spread her musical wings this time around too. The previously mentioned ‘Thief’ is a direct, pounding rocker (yes really!), while collaborations with Obongjayar are infused with afrobeat, There’s a 70s soul-funk vibe to ‘Free’ and ‘Enough’ reminds me of late periods Specials: a playful funky groover with snappy drums. Both Michael Kiwanuka and Sampha’s soulful vocals prove the perfect foil for her rage on ‘Lotus’ and stunning album closer ‘Blue’ respectively. Other standout tracks include ‘Blood’, a conversation between siblings that is an amazingly perceptive look at family dynamics and ‘Hollow’ which again (possibly) addresses the breakdown of her relationship with Inflo and perhaps deliberately is the most like the feel of her previous albums full of lush strings and cherubic backing vocals. It’s an absolutely stunning album and Simbi once again proves that she is one of the greatest artists of her generation.

Recorded between Los Angeles and their homes in Baltimore, 'NEVER ENOUGH' is produced by TURNSTILE’s Brendan Yates. The expansive collection is a restless and exhilarating evolution of the band’s genre-defying sound. A transformative journey, both fearless and alive, by one of the most forward-thinking and influential bands of their generation. 'NEVER ENOUGH' follows TURNSTILE’s widely celebrated album 'GLOW ON', which earned the band four GRAMMY nominations.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Genre-hopping electronic rock music that veers between ambient synth throbs and snapping kick drums to scathing distorted guitars and roaring hardcore vocals. A hugely athletic, surprisingly cohesive collision of seemingly disparate sound worlds.

TRACK LISTING

1. Never Enough
2. Sole
3. I Care
4. Dreaming
5. Light Design
6. Dull
7. Sunshower
8. Look Out For Me
9. Ceiling
10. Seein’ Stars
11. Birds
12. Slowdive
13. Time Is Happening
14. Magic Man

The Fear of Never Landing takes us on a dynamic journey that's atmospheric, diaphanous and never short of mesmerising. While the new record is certainly infused with a sense of hope, there's more than a soupon of anxiety too, as the title suggests.

Formed in Manchester in 2003, their debut album, Under Wires and Searchlights (2003), introduced their signature sound, but it was their 2011 release of Weightless that brought international acclaim. Developed in collaboration with a sound therapist, Weightless was scientifically recognised as "the world's most relaxing song", praised for its ability to reduce anxiety and heart rates. With over 900 million streams and widespread coverage across media, the track remains a cultural phenomenon.

Over the years, Marconi Union has continued to evolve, producing critically acclaimed albums such as Signals (2021), Ghost Stations (2016), and Tokyo+ (2017). Their work has been hailed for its emotional resonance and sonic depth, with The Quietus noting their ability to find "beauty in the bleakest places" and The Sunday Times describing them as "amongst today's most talented musicians."

With The Fear of Never Landing, Marconi Union once again showcases their unmatched ability to create immersive soundscapes that resonate deeply. The album reaffirms their position as masters of atmosphere and emotional storytelling, making it an essential addition to their storied catalog.

A 55-minute odyssey presented as one seamless piece divided into nine movements, they transcribe the nexus of modern living into a mostly wordless odyssey. The album encapsulates Marconi Union's ability to translate the complexities of the human experience into sound, all while maintaining a stunning sense of cohesion.

Beyond their studio albums, Marconi Union has collaborated with visual artists, provided soundtracks for installations, and remixed notable acts like Max Richter and Vk. Their invitation by Brian Eno to perform at Norway's Punkt Festival further cemented their reputation as innovators in the ambient music sphere.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Stunningly rich electronic music that beautifully drifts in the open space between ambient downbeat music or 'IDM' (sorry) like Kiasmos or Jon Hopkins while cleverly and impactfully floating through a series of clever key changes and pivots more akin to the jazzy timbres of GoGo Penguin or The Drift. A stunningly cohesive, evocative behemoth of an album, and a collection that shows the true breadth of MU's staggering sound design skill.

TRACK LISTING

Through The Heat Waves
Eight Miles High Alone
In Motion
Inhale
Crystalline
Exhale
One More Rush
Silence Is Gliding
Cloud Surfing

Los Angeles psych-punk shapeshifters Frankie and the Witch Fingers have spent the last decade mutating their sound into bold, electrifying new forms. Their latest release, ‘Trash Classic’ (via Greenway Records and The Reverberation Appreciation Society), plunges into a sewer-slick fusion of proto-punk venom, fractured new wave, and industrial grime. Brimming with wiry synths, angular melodies, and grooves that squirm and bite, it’s all delivered with a sly, playful wink. Fueled by relentless global touring and a fierce DIY ethos, the band has shared stages with OFF!, Ty Segall, Oh Sees, Cheap Trick, and ZZ Top, cementing their place as one of the most unforgettable live acts around. Frankie and the Witch Fingers continue to morph, dragging listeners into whatever warped direction their experimental journey takes next.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A snapping blast of acerbic mid-heavy guitars and grimy distortion atop insistent percussion and syncopated garage-rock groove. Moving from scattered instrumental shards and atonal weirdness into a dynamic burst of momentous rock riffage in the blink of an eye. Ace.

TRACK LISTING

1. Channel Rot
2. T.V. Bab
3. Dead Silence
4. Fucksake
5. Economy
6. Eggs Laid Brain
7. Out Of The Flesh
8. Total Reset
9. Conducting Experiments
10. Gutter Priestess
11. Trash Classic

Ajay Saggar has been making music under the moniker Bhajan Bhoy for the last 5 years, releasing several albums and touring around the globe. As a member of both Water Damage and CHELA, he appeared on 3 consecutive nights at Le Guess Who? festival in November 2024. Bhajan Bhoy’s music “plough a peak time psychedelic furrow; from lazy interstellar ragas to lysergic dance music, mellow psychedelic rock and all sorts of kosmische mutations” (The Slow Music Movement).

“Summer In St. Mary’s” is an album of beautiful and highly meditative and minimalist compositions with repetitive motifs, played on a 19th century church organ in the 15th century church of St. Mary’s in the small village of South Cowton in North Yorkshire (U.K.).

It’s an incredibly beautiful church with a rich history. Built in the 1450s by Sir Richard Conyers (who also built his castle on the hill opposite), this handsome church, like the castle, is sturdy in character. Inside the church are the alabaster effigies of Sir Richard Conyers and his two wives. The church is unused but maintained by the the Churches Conservation Trust. Inside is a church organ built by the The Packard Company, who were based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. I dated this particular organ by finding the serial number that had been scratched into the back of the organ, and via a wonderful website setup by a fan of the organ company, could see that it was built somewhere between 1896 - 1898!

I discovered the church in the summer of 2022, whilst on a visit, that summer, to unusual buildings in North Yorkshire with my mum. I saw the organ tucked away in a corner and immediately was drawn to playing it, and heard the amazing sound that emanated from it, and the seeds of an idea to record on it were sown. Over two long days in the summer of 2023, I composed and recorded a number of long compositions. Spending those long hours in the church gave me a stereophonic impression of the auditory surround. Inspired by the “natural musics” of the house’s structure (its acoustics, creaks, wind blowing through the wooden doors and room tone) and the history of it (stain glass windows, effigies of Sir Richard Conyers and his two wives, Latin inscription above the doors), I fell into a spell of playing music in a very open and free manner for many hours that, within the confines of this very special building, felt transcendent and astral.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Eschewing Bhajan Bhoy's usual widescreen psychedelic fare somewhat for an entirely minimalistic sound palatte seems like it could easily sacrifice some of BB's usual seismic intensity, but 'Summer In St. Mary's' is a completely absorbing, dizzying wonder.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
Sir Richard Conyers
Alice Wycliffe

Side B
Piscina
Font

Side C
Funeray Helmet
Gauntlet

Side D
Custom
Parvis

F.G.S.–the musical project of Los Angeles artist Flannery Silva–announces the first-ever vinyl release of her debut album ‘Tinker Bell’s Cough’, arriving May 27 via Scenic Route. Alongside the release comes a new single, ‘The Punisher (Tinker Bell’s Edit)’, and an exclusive vinyl-only live track, ‘Passions (Live at Tinker Bell’s Clubhouse)’.

Co-created with musician and producer Chase Ceglie, ‘Tinker Bell’s Cough’ is a surreal Americana record that filters the language of girlhood, heartbreak, and fantasy through a warped, theatrical lens. It’s Lana Del Rey meets David Berman in a cartoon whirlwind, with traces of Dolly Parton, Arthur Russell, and David Lynch.

Silva describes the record as “fairy tale theatre”. It’s packed with alt-universe country hits (‘Beth’s Deth’, ‘American Shield’), uncanny ballads (‘I’m Growing A Cross Around My Neck’), and leftfield pop songs rooted in character and place. ‘Passions’, the opening track, was inspired by Mary MacLane’s ‘I Await the Devil’s Coming’, while the title track imagines Tinker Bell herself singing a lullaby to God.

New single ‘The Punisher’ is an anthemic road song about loneliness and transcendence. “It’s about driving north on I-5 in California, worrying my car will overheat, bargaining with God, and falling in love with dust tornados,” Silva says.

Raised in the woods of upstate New York and formerly one half of the cult duo Odwalla88, Silva brings a visual artist’s sensibility to music. She studied art in Baltimore and continues to make sculpture and performance work that informs her songwriting. ‘Tinker Bell’s Cough’ was written on the Rhode Island coast, where she and Ceglie met weekly to write and record—drawing from old texts, visual references, and poetry.

F.G.S. has drawn praise from NTS, The FADER, Gorilla vs. Bear, The Line of Best Fit, Artforum, Sex Magazine, and more. With the reissue of ‘Tinker Bell’s Cough’ and the release of ‘The Punisher’, Silva continues to expand the strange, magnetic world of F.G.S., one that feels both deeply American and entirely her own.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: The ketamine-fueled, make-believe love child of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey debuts on taste-making imprint Scenic Route for a fairy tale of disassociation and lost American dreams.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Passions
A2. Tinker Bell’s Cough
A3. Beth’s Death
A4. Buck Blood
B1. American Shield
B2. Fairuza’s Theme
B3. I’m Growing A Cross Around My Neck
B4. The Punisher
B5. Passions (Live At Tinker Bell’s Clubhouse)

Death In Vegas return with new album ‘Death Mask’, where disintegration, overload and total sonic immersion tell a personal tale. With dirty circuitry and rough-hewn textures at the fore, this is gritty, unpolished techno; an audio outlier that’s full of personality, and a bold artistic statement. It’s closer in DNA to the grainy growl of sunn O))), or the searing intensity of Underground Resistance at their fiercest, and as far from generic influencer business as you could possibly get.

“I’ve been soaking in Ramleh’s ‘Hole In the Heart’, the machine funk of Terrence Dixon’s Population One, Jamal Moss’ psychedelic techno jams, the stunning minimalism of Mika Vanio’s Ø and Panasonic, the layered drones of LOOP, and drowning in the acid of TM 404”

Broader inspirations are weaved into the album’s fabric too; from his Thameside Metal Box studio and evocations of nautical ghosts, to lamentations for a broken world, to memories of a youthful Detroit pilgrimage, and the innocent fraternity of rave euphoria, there’s a lot going on, acting as a chronicle of moments, and locations.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Grinding arpeggios and roaring basses, skittering hardware drum machines and slowly evolving pads, the elements you've definitely heard before but Death In Vegas' core sound is something nobody else can replicate and that is woven among the hardware oscillators and grinding industrial soundscapes.

TRACK LISTING

1. Chingola
2. Lovers
3. While My Machines Gently Weep
4. Hazel
5. Roseville
6. Róisín Dub(h)
7. Robin’s Ghosts
8. Your Love
9. Death Mask

Ambre Ciel is a composer, violinist, pianist and singer who hails from Montreal, Canada and is a purveyor of dreamy, expansive, spacious pop music that draws influence from the contemporary classical influenced artists such as Agnes Obel, Patrick Watson, Sufjan Stevens and Thom Yorke. As well as the impressionist world of Debussy and American minimalists such as Phillip Glass and Steve Reich and in addition mentions ‘music that breathes’ from such artists as Gyða Valtýsdóttir, JFDR, or the collaborative work of Jónsi and Alex Somers.

Ambre who sings in both her native French and English hails from a family of singers and artists, “I started my journey learning violin at six and began experimenting with pedal effects and looping melodies later on”. University followed with a focus on composition and recording. “That’s when I started exploring composing and songwriting more deeply—both the world of sounds in itself and songs built mostly with layers of violin and voice. It was also during this time that I returned to my ‘first’ instrument, the piano, which opened more harmonic possibilities.”

For Ambre, her debut album still, there is the sea, represents a beginning, a first and she says imperfect attempt to create this other world that was living in her mind. She has crafted a beautifully refined ‘pop album’ making a lot of space for strings arrangements and other acoustic instruments, as well as her own beautiful voice. “On a personal level, I was searching for silence. I had just finally moved to a quiet apartment in Montreal and for the first time, I had all the time and space to hear silence and create, being solitary and living in the intangible world of possibilities”.

The enigmatic title of the album, ‘still, there is the sea’, came to Ambre when she realised that water was a subconscious but recurring theme throughout the album in terms of melodies and lyrics: ‘eau miroir’ refers to how the water can be some kind of mirror, ‘cycle’ embodies a cyclical, perpetual movement, ‘atlantis’ refers to this inward looking quest and distancing from the world, ‘sometimes’ has sounds from rain and storm, and refers to a storm happening inside someone’s thoughts. The water element can be very thin, fragile, but it’s always in movement and can resemble a larger and massive current, expansive, and I wanted to move between instrumental and song with this fluidity and was interested in finding ways to create something that could still feel cohesive. It also reflects this entire season of solitude and silence, how to me creating music represents this access to an underworld closer to the realm of dreams, that can be deep, surreal, rich and very grounding too”.

While ‘still, there is the sea’ is very much Ambre’s own personal statement and artistic vision as a composer, arranger and producer, Pietro Amato, a member of Bell Orchestre and The Luyas and a french horn player for Patrick Watson and Arcade Fire, offered support and experience (and an extra pair of ears) as co-producer and Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy, Arcade Fire) gave assistance with the orchestral arrangements Ambre wrote for the FAMES Skopje Studio Orchestra conducted by Sasho Tatarchevski. And deeply sensitive musicians such as percussionist Stefan Schneider (Bell Orchestre, The Luyas), clarinettist Guillaume Bourque and a string trio made of Marilou Lepage, Sebastian Gonzalez Mora and Julien Siino all brought their unique voices to the record.

This then is ‘still, there is the sea’ the debut album from Canadian composer and singer Ambre Ciel, at once dreamy, spacious, self-contained, fragile, mysterious but open and honest and we’re delighted to share this gift with the world and invite you to join this wonderful artist on the first steps of her artistic journey.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Evocative, folky modern classical that falls comfortably in neither camps but slowly moves between worlds, bringing with it a draft of Ciel's haunting, beautifully pitched vocal. Wonderfully warm in parts, but painted with the mysterious chill of winter. A superbly transformative, gloriously enjoyable listen.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Sun, The Sky
2. Eau Miroir
3. Cycle
4. Atlantis
5. Dream / Mirage
6. Sometimes
7. Pièce No.8
8. Fragment Of

Every ATA project is marked by collaboration – some over a few weeks and some over decades. When drummer Sam Hobbs and bassist Neil Innes decided to make 'The Reurn Of', by The Flying Hats they were building on twenty yeards of playing together; Innes’s years of nightclub residencies and love of Afro-American dance music, and Hobbs’s intensive exploration of the links between American soul and R&B, Jamaican rocksteady and roots, and the music of the wider Caribbean from Cuba to Trinidad and Brazil. Organist Bob Birch (the original Organ player for New Mastersounds) and Chris Dawkins (Nightmares on Wax, Jimi Tenor, David Holmes, Finlay Quaye) were the other crucial elements – Birch started out as a jazz Hammond player in the bluesy McGriff/McDuff role before discovering the more exotic colours of Art Necille and Jackie Mittoo, and Dawkins has been a session guitarist for the cream of British reggae and rock for a generation.

'The Return of the Flying Hats' occupies a space somewhere between The Aggrovators and The Meters, under the influence of Lynn Taitt & the Jets, and Fatman Riddim Section. Tracks like 'Grafter' and 'Bust Up' conjure up the image of classic New Orleans funk recorded in Kingston, whilst 'Tough Swagger' sounds like half of Bunny Lee’s Aggrovators have dropped in at Ultrasonic to jam with Ziggy Modeliste.

In other places the Jamaican sound predominates: 'An Autumn Sun' is as sweet a dish of Kingston soul as you could wish for, 'Strong Fish' an honest homage to Hot Milk-era Mittoo, whilst the introductory fanfares of opener 'Night Bus' and 'Power Cut' feel like they should be ushering in hot I Roy cuts.

Meanwhile, 'Iron Fist' mixes everything up together in a fresh brew of asymmetric drums, talking bass and free-flowing organ melodies: when Innes and Hobbs started jamming together they roughed out melodies to every groove, but Birch came in and ignored virtually every note, preferring instead to simply channel extempo lines that sound both original and traditional at once.

It would be a mistake to call this group a new band, with all the communal miles they’ve travelled together: what this undoubtedly is though, is a fresh take on a couple of cherished genres (New Orleans R&B, Instrumental Rocksteady) that comes up with something more than the sum of its parts.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Amazing vintage scented collection of Hammond-powered dub-reggae-funk-ska that'll appeal to fans of Al Breadwinner and Jackie Mittoo, as well as the other contemporary crossover dub albums we've had recently from Jimi Tenor & Nat Birchall.

TRACK LISTING

1. Night Bus
2. Grafter
3. An Autumn Sun
4. Power Cut
5. Strong Fish
6. Bust Up
7. Forward
8. Tough Swagger
9. Iron Fist

The debut release from Lil Ronin
RIYL - Hype Williams, Malibu, Drain Gang, Simo Cell.

Getting You Back to the Game of Life Records’ opening release, ‘Comme Des Mots’ LP is a journey through diverse sonic textures and energies from label-founder Lil Ronin.

Getting You Back to the Game of Life Records is the headline of a physical and mental health therapy center. Casually popped in your conscience from an advertising board. But what is the game of life? This label could be that space to get you back, to forget and perhaps find a form of youthful innocence again.

As a first solo project Lil Ronin freely experimented between different influences and genres that present his intimate universes, juggling with abstract, ballad and more dancefloor music, mostly recorded in Parisian suburb Alfortville between 2022 and 2024.

‘Comme des mots’ means ‘like words’ and evokes the ambiguous presence of his voice in the album, hidden in different characters, sometimes raving other times being conscious. Finally becoming a schizophrenic presence guiding you for the trip.

The cover follows the same ambivalence showing a typography with a distinct message that loses its readability in abstraction. The record also includes an insert with a childhood photo of Lil Ronin.

The LP was mastered in Paris by artist and engineer Krikor KOUCHIAN,
(past works for Simo Cell, Maoupa Mazzocchetti, Tolouse Low Trax…);
The design was created by sculptor artist and designer Marie-Mam-Sai BELLIER (past works for Erwan Sene’s JUnQ LP - PAN record, Zulu’s Hear The Sound Of My Feet - Association fatale etc.). The handmade drawings are by Vincent BENTOLILA (associated with the ‘Isengard’ label and parties in Brussels). The cover was handmade through silk-screen printing by the Lyon-based printer Olivier BRAL (whose past projects include Brigade Cynophile, Ateliers Dénudés, and Megabasse).

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: A beautifully intriguing and intimate piece of modern electronica with nuances of experimental synth pop a la Sophie or the futurist sophistication of South Korean artist Yetsuby.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Monday
A2. Edge
A3. Comme Des Mots
A4. Katerina Star
B1.timbaland
B2. California Gate
B3. Chinagora
B4. Quelqu’un Aurait Vu Mes Lunettes ?
B5. Happy End

Gay's de facto debut album—the 2018 compilation 'Downtown Castles Can Never Block The Sun'—properly introduced him to the world by placing fifteen stylistically diverse tracks from seven then-unreleased albums next to one another. The release of his critically-acclaimed 2021 song cycle 'Open Arms To Open Us' followed, and then the explosive free-electronics of 2022’s 'Certain Reveries'. In addition to being featured on a staggering number of International Anthem releases (including albums by Makaya McCraven, jaimie branch, Damon Locks, Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly), Gay is one of the most prolific collaborators in creative music today, making active contributions to Mike Reed’s Separatist Party, Joshua Abrams’s Natural Information Society, Bitchin Bajas, Theaster Gates’s Black Monks of Mississippi, and many more.

A uniting factor in Gay's deep, multi-faceted discography is a never-ending commitment to taking the stories of the past and pushing them outward, filtered through a sense of self, to keep that information moving. Information moves through 'Yowzers' via the intuitive physicality of Gay’s creative polyrhythmic constructions, as he covertly delivers familiar folk melodies. “It’s the most natural thing,” says Gay. “That’s how the world is. There are overlapping rhythms all around us, and so it reminds you of the reality of the world when you hear them. It’s a loop and the loop is always changing.”

'Yowzers' features Gay's working quartet with Tommaso Moretti (drums, percussion, voice), Matthew Davis (tuba, piano, bells, voice), and Will Faber (guitar, ngoni, bells, voice), as well as guest instrumentalist Rob Frye and a mini-choir comprising vocalists Ayanna Woods, Tramaine Parker, and Ugochi Nwaogwugwu. The album recalls the high-minded freedom of Liberation Music Orchestra, the glitched-out electronic webs of Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, the unbridled rhythms and sandpaper bellows of Bukka White, and the harmolodic cartoon glory of Arthur Blythe’s Illusions. It’s all there, filtered through an improvisational approach and a lifetime of secrets embodied. For a man who has inhabited and traveled these continents so extensively, it’s safe to call this work true “Americana,” despite what that word might mean to the average person in the United States. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Yowzers
2. The Glorification Of Small Victories
3. There, Inside The Morning Glory
4. Roller Skates
5. For Breezy
6. I Am (bells)
7. Promontory
8. John, John Henry
9. Damn You Cute
10. Cumulus
11. Touch
12. Leave Some For You

Magic, Alive! Began life when Dixon received an unexpected email from English producer Sam Yamaha. Dixon’s early beats had inspired Yamaha’s own nascent work, and he wanted Dixon to listen. Before long, Dixon rendezvoused with him in London, digging through his archive to find a wealth of beats that resonated with his own approach and with the burgeoning concept for Magic, Alive! In July 2024, Dixon returned to his native Richmond, Virginia, with a tranche of sounds from Sam Yamaha and Koff, with whom he’d worked before.

Alongside a cavalcade of guests and friends, from the mighty singer Anji mile and imaginative Alabama emcee Pink Siifuto trombonist Reggie Pace and harpist Eli Owens, Dixon split these beats wide open, adding hooks and horn lines and guest spots. He strung several songs together, too, so that Magic, Alive! moves like adream or, at the very least, an alternate reality where new rules reign.

For the better part of a decade, Dixon has been turning his experiences as a native Southerner sometimes living in Queens and an eager student of literature into vivid reflections on joy, pain, and perseverance. His breakthrough, though, began with2021’smuch-lovedFor My Mama and Anyone Who Look Like Herand continued with 2023’s Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, both instrumentally rich exercises in storytelling wrapped up in the trauma and grief of losing a young friend. Those albums were emotional expurgations, Dixon dumping his feelings into marathons of literary references where Toni Morrison and Greek mythology shared space with detailed personal reflections.

TRACK LISTING

Side A:
01. Watch My Hands
02. Sugar Water (feat. Quelle Chris And Anjimile)
03. Crooked Stick (feat. Ghais Guevera And Alfred.)
04. Recitatif (feat. Teller Bank$)
05. Run, Run, Run Pt. II
06. We're Outside, Rejoice!

Side B:
07. All The Loved Ones (What Would We Do???) (feat. ICECOLDBISHOP And Pink Siifu)
08. F.F.O.L. (feat. Teller Bank$)
09. Listen Gentle
10. Magic, Alive!
11. Could've Been Different

Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth , their new album Marca Passo proves that the band's alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full- length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamao" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist Jose Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band's musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra's" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s--a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global infuences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth's two previous studio albums, Fenix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel's credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel's father, British jazz- funk royalty Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth's eighties classic "Last Summer In Rio", in tribute to the song's composer, Jose Roberto Bertrami. Equally, "Samba Pro Mamao" is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth's beloved original drummer, Ivan "Mamao" Conti.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Still life in the old dogs yet, as Brazil's finest jazz-funk and cosmic disco export, Azymuth return marking some 50 years in the game. Impressive stuff!

TRACK LISTING

1. Fantasy '82
2. Belenzinho
3. Marca Tempo
4. O Mergulhador
5. Last Summer In Rio (Featuring Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick, Of Incognito)
6. Arabuta
7. Criancas Valentes
8. Andarai
9. Samba Pro Mamao
10. Togu
11. Arabuta (Daniel Maunick Extended Mix)

Since the release of his 2023 record, 'The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored', Pedigo earned widespread critical acclaim, performed a stunning NPR Tiny Desk Concert, toured non-stop with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Devendra Banhart and Hiss Golden Messenger, and more. He then decamped on a 20,000-acre ranch at an artist residency in Wyoming to write his new album, which he’d later record in Ojai with Scott Hirsch and name for a “pretty devastating” episode of Little House on the Prairie from 1978. The resulting album, 'I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away', is the final installment of what Pedigo has dubbed 'The Motor Trilogy’ – his three latest solo albums, tied together by their vehicular Jonathan Phillips artwork. An innovator of the instrumental genre, challenger of the stereotypical, and son of a truck-stop preacher, Pedigo has crafted an intentionally maximalist, genre-resistant work of warped instrumental Americana on this release, which he calls “a micro-dose psychedelic album…as if somebody had cut up a tab of LSD and put on a Fahey record.” 

TRACK LISTING

1. Long Pond Lily
2. All The Way Across
3. Smoked
4. Houndstooth
5. Hermes
6. Small Torch
7. I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away

The youthful trio of Asher Case (bass, baritone guitar, vocals), Isaac Lowenstein (drums, synth), and Kai Slater (guitar, vocals) have been making music together since they were in high school, nearly a quarter of their lives. Noisy and immediate, cryptic but heartfelt, they draw inspiration from punk, dub, power-pop and experimental sounds, and bring them all together in explosive cacophony.

Recorded last year in Chicago with producer Randy Randall (No Age), the album captures a claustrophobic scrappiness that evokes the feeling and energy of house parties and tightly-packed rooms, where ears are easily overwhelmed, and ragged improvisations connect with the same force as melodic hooks.

The members of Lifeguard are no longer kids. As they’ve grown up, their tastes and identities have naturally diverged with Case, Lowenstein, and Slater each immersing themselves into passions and subcultures that lay outside of the group’s initial scope. But they’ve learned to make space for one another, mirroring the motto of UK experimental icons This Heat: "All possible processes. All channels open. Twenty-four hour alert.”

'It Will Get Worse' evokes early punk, with Lowenstein swapping seamlessly between a blistering d-beat and a shuddering odd-time break. The dub-inflected “Like You’ll Lose” takes inspiration from Lee Perry’s tight drum sound and expansive lo-fi atmospherics, with Case’s baseline providing a center of gravity for skittering rhythms and tumbling echoes.

'Under Your Reach' has become a linchpin of the Lifeguard live set, where its electric organ intro often signals the close of a mid-set free-form freakout. That drone gives way to Slater’s laser-beam guitar riff, and to his and Case’s eerily anthemic vocals, before ultimately blasting off into buzzsaw noise in the song’s climactic breakdown.

Lifeguard remains a singular and intimate space where freedom, noise, and melody find visceral form. “The physical element is something we’re all very together on,” explains Slater. “The immediacy of making music. The instant pleasure and satisfaction of it.”

TRACK LISTING

1. A Tightwire
2. It Will Get Worse
3. Me And My Flashes
4. Under Your Reach
5. How To Say Deisar
6. (I Wanna) Break Out
7. Like You’ll Lose
8. Music For 3 Drums
9. France And
10. Charlie’s Vox
11. Ripped + Torn
12. T.L.A.

Formed in London in 1992 by singer and songwriter David Christian, Comet Gain were originally inspired by early Creation Records, Television Personalities and mod culture, drawing from the same ideals as Dexys, The Style Council and Vic Godard, and from the lineage of The Velvet Underground, The Byrds and the 13th Floor Elevators. In the ensuing years they have released eight albums on such esteemed labels as Wiiija, Kill Rock Stars, What’s Your Rupture and Fortuna POP! that blend French New Wave with English kitchen-sink heart, Riot Grrrl with acid punk, and C86 with Post-Punk and Northern Soul, somehow outliving their peers and in turn inspiring a younger generation of DIY musicians. On this record, their second album proper for Tapete Records, Comet Gain are David Christian (vocals, guitar), Ben Phillipson (guitar), Rachel Evans (vocals), Robin Christian (percussion), Anne Laure Guillain (keyboards) and Clientele bassist James Hornsey, with additional vocal, brass and keyboard contributions from producer Sean Read (Dexys, Edwyn Collins, Rockingbirds).

So who IS the ‘Ordinary Outsider’? The wayward, hungry, tender, bruised, scared, defiant, shy but knowing, blessed with unseen magic, keeping their flames hidden away until needed, waiting for the time to let rip their powers in his age of hopelessness. In this TikTok narcissist era they hide from the spotlight but in their hearts are all reaching  for the total Whatever-It-Is. These songs are postcards to and for them - you can’t go wrong in hard times with a
 ense of belonging. After Comet Gain’s last LP ‘FIRERAISERS FOREVER!’ which was a necessary exorcism of the Moron Era that has in fact only got worse – they have put aside the fuzz drenched broken glass howls for a more immediate, toe-tapping rush of melody and intent. Sifted through from the library of songs David Christian Feck had been recording over the last couple years for Bandcamp LPs of homemade snap, crackle and POP and picked the best bunch and streamlined, improved and muscled up 8 or so and wrote new songs that would fit into a living thing - a jukebox of favourites playing somewhere in the background - evergreen sixties UK pop with tough edges, soul stompers with a slight tear in the eye, Alex Chilton, Gene Clark, ’Sound Affects’ Jam, euphoric melancholic folk rock, Hitchcock and Cope, The Fall when they made pop records, snarling freakbeat, yearning 80s baroque popness and jangled mornings and sad midnights - an alchemy mix to make something direct with hooks and hope and heart-looking back to look forward and looking forward to be in the NOW.

Songs about old buildings, old streets and the ghosts that live in them - when you’re gone does the house remember you, does it mourn you? Songs about clothes, the ones you don’t fit in anymore, the ones you only have photos of, songs about that time you used to walk by the Thames with the gang of ordinary outsiders at midnight singing Style Council songs into the wind - when you were younger and stronger, songs about that first band - the one that never made it anywhere but gave you the strength to carry on, about the scars that build up in your heart like punctures from darts that turn into a kind of forcefield to protect you from the sadness now, about the vibrant pound of blood as the beat of the song ricochets into your system giving you the strength you need, about the defiant, tender poets whose job it is to show us how we can get OUT of here, about the girl who walked through the factory door and changed your life, lifted your broken spirit and made the day beautiful again, about the new wildhearted outsiders – the next generation of weird lions and lionesses who will show the NEXT lot the way to get out, because y’know, maybe one day it’ll REALLY happen….

And who better to glue all this together than Sean Read (Dexys, Edwyn Collins, Rockingbirds, The Loft, etc etc) who not only breathed vivid life into these postcards of song but added his golden touch with vocals, brass sections, keyboards etc so the songs stomp, shimmy and soar. Comet Gain also welcome new drummer (and old comrade) Robin Christian (no relation/ex Male Bonding etc) to the gang whose fire and skill propels these new hymns along. Truly this is one of the best of the Comet Gain LPs - a concise mix of all their bags of tricks but in a way where everything fits like close friends that finish their own sentences - pop singles, garage snarl, midnight ballads, morning floor shakers, folkrockers, obtuse angles and direct hits. Just good things to hum for the Ordinary Outsiders every-where as they watch the world falling down around them… because sometimes that’s all you can do.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Ballad Of The Lives We Led
2. If They Can't Find The Way Then There's No Way Out
3. Beat Of The Veins
4. We Were Paintermen
5. Threads!
6. Yeah, I Know It's A Wonderful Life, But There's Always Further  You Can Fall 
7. Do You Remember 'The Lites On The Water'
8. Danbury Road
9. Buildings
10. Hearts Of Scars
11. Ashtray Cult
12. Maybe One Day It'll Really Happen

Brian Eno is a legendary musician, producer, visual artist and activist who first came to international prominence in the early ‘70s as a founding member of the British band Roxy Music, followed by a series of solo albums, collaborations, and production work with artists such as David Bowie, Talking Heads, Devo, U2, Coldplay, his brother Roger Eno, and most recently, fred again.

Beatie Wolfe is a Los-Angeles-based, British-American conceptual artist & activist. Named by WIRED as one of the “22 people changing the world,” Wolfe is pioneering new artistic formats that bridge the physical and digital. United by their mutual commitment to art & the environment, the pair team up for Luminal and Lateral. Recorded in London and centered around the concept of “art, and feelings,” both albums feature original music and cover an array of genres/styles: Luminal being a vocal alternative album, and Lateral comprising of a continuous ambient work.

Brian Eno is a legendary musician, producer, visual artist and activist who first came to international prominence in the early ‘70s as a founding member of the British band Roxy Music, followed by a series of solo albums, collaborations, and production work with artists such as David Bowie, Talking Heads, Devo, U2, Coldplay, his brother Roger Eno, and most recently, fred again.

Beatie Wolfe is a Los-Angeles-based, British-American conceptual artist & activist. Named by WIRED as one of the “22 people changing the world,” Wolfe is pioneering new artistic formats that bridge the physical and digital.United by their mutual commitment to art & the environment, the pair team up for Luminal and Lateral. Recorded in London and centered around the concept of “art, and feelings,” both albums feature original music and cover an array of genres/styles: Luminal being a vocal alternative album, and Lateral comprising of a continuous ambient work.

On her debut album, Lucy Gooch stays true to her electronic foundations, while incorporating more acoustic instrumentation and digging deeper into her folk roots through songwriting. But at the heart of Lucy’s music is her rapturous vocal, with which she has experimented more than ever over the course of her first full-length.

Many of the pieces on ‘Desert Window’ started out as vocal improvisations from which she pulled a narrative. Taking cues from the incantatory chanting found in middle English poetry such as ‘The Names of the Hare’, as well as the prescient imagery in contemporary works like ‘The Hearing Trumpet’ by Leonora Carrington (1974). “To a larger extent, this became an experiment in placing my voice in a more narrative way, while remaining oblique,” Gooch explains.

While her previous work could be compared to drawn-out landscapes punctuated with moments of romance and radiance, this album feels grounded in materiality and the everyday. Gooch’s voice is at times strident, while elsewhere restrained and broken. “I lost connection to my voice and then had to rediscover it, which was exhilarating. There were these bursts of energy where I’d be messing around and occasionally stumble upon something”. There are hushed melodies and exhausted squalls, creating dissonance and space.

The result is an atmospheric balance between Kate Bush and Cocteau Twins harmonies, Vangelis major chords, and a juxtaposition of folk ambience reminiscent of the offset madrigals of The Third Ear Band and Italian cult film composers Goblin. It is a complex and elegant album, an all-consuming series of songs that reach into jazz, electronica and classical song construction.

TRACK LISTING

1. Like Clay
2. Night Window (Part One)
3. Night Window (Part Two)
4. Keep Pulling Me In
5. Jack Hare
6. Clouds
7. Our Relativity
8. Desert Window

Phoebe Rings shimmers into orbit with their debut LP, 'Aseurai', pulling from lead singer/synthesist Crystal Choi’s Korean mother tongue to encapsulate the themes. “Aseurai means around you in the atmosphere, hard to reach, fading away,” Choi says. “It’s a poetic expression. You wouldn’t say it in normal conversation, but I like that.”

Following the four-piece band’s 2024 self-titled EP, 'Aseurai' adds disco and city-pop influences while staying true to dream-pop roots. While Phoebe Rings was originally a solo project of Choi’s, 'Aseurai' marks a shift with contributing songwriting credits from the whole band. The four musicians cut their teeth working on other notable NZ projects such as Princess Chelsea, Fazerdaze, Tiny Ruins, AC Freazy,, Sea Views and Lucky Boy.

With a more ambitious collection of instruments, Choi says this album heralds the start of true collaboration: “I feel more precious about this LP because it includes everyone’s gems.” Guitar/synthesist Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent spearheads unexpected arrangements, with bold fuzzy guitar textures, to spice up the mix. Benjamin Locke adds maturity to the lyrics, paired with perfectionist bass lines. And drummer Alex Freer’s slick production soars Aseurai to diverse and synergetic heights. The broth is richer with more cooks in the kitchen, and the brewing of textures creates a distinct ‘Phoebe Rings’ sound.

If the EP was spacey, then Aseurai settles on earth, rooted in tangible moments. “Without getting too gloomy, it’s a weird world out there. A lot has changed in the world since the EP came out,” says Kavanagh-Vincent on this transformation. The album delves into hope and longing across all possibilities, and this exploration of holding on and letting go is organically threaded throughout. Across ten songs, Phoebe Ring’s storytelling ranges from tongue-in-cheek musings on gentrification to tender autobiographical memories.

TRACK LISTING

1. Aseurai
2. Not A Necessity
3. Mandarin Tree
4. Get Up
5. Playground Song
6. Fading Star
7. Static
8. Drifting
9. Blue Butterfly
10. Goodnight

Over the past few years Eskimo Recordings have invited some of the best crate diggers around to curate compilations that don’t just reveal the hidden contents of their record bags but something about themselves too. Now, following in the footsteps of the likes of Bill Brewster and Psychemagik, producer, musician, DJ, writer and more, Richard Norris, takes us on a globetrotting psychedelic journey with the epic 42 track collection, 'Mr Norris Changes Brains'.

TRACK LISTING

1. Banchee - Evolmia
2. The Dirty Filthy Mud - Forest Of Black
3. Wool - Love, Love, Love, Love, Love
4. Spencer Mac - Ka-Ka Baya Mow-Mow (Sing A Little Love Song)
5. Trifle - One Way Glass
6. Brainticket - Black Sand
7. Emma De Angelis - Trip
8. Blonde On Blonde - Castles In The Sky
9. The Braen's Machine - Fall Out
10. Eddie Warner & Roger Roger - Shut Up
11. Köy Karde?ler - Shürük
12. The Children - Beautiful
13. Moebius & Beerbohm - Doppelschnitt (Richard Norris Edit)
14. Demon Fuzz - Past, Present & Future
15. Iron Butterfly - Iron Butterfly Theme
16. Rare Bird - Devil's High Concern
17. Paul St. John - Flying Saucers Have Landed
18. Chris Hodge - We're On Our Way (2010 Remaster)
19. Juantrip - Shadows
20. 62 Miles From Space - Time Shifts
21. White Trash - Road To Nowhere
22. Blue Phantom - Diodo
23. The Mannheim Rock Ensemble - Hungarian Dances
24. Limousine - Barriers
25. Ugo Busoni - Rullio
26. Bernard Estardy - Cha Tatch Ka
27. Kate - Shout It
28. Dyna-Might - Need You
29. La Metamorfosi - Scusa, Eh!
30. André Brasseur - Saturnus
31. Contessa Vittoria - Can We Stay Together
32. Klaus Weiss - Time Signals
33. Brainstorm - You Are Whats Gonna Make It Last
34. Paladin - The Fakir
35. A To Austr - Thumbquake & Earthscrew
36. DAVE - In My Mind
37. Relatively Clean Rivers - Journey Through The Valley Of O
38. The Advancement - Stone Folk
39. The Pretty Things - The Sun
40. Poll - Psachno Na Vro To Filo Mou
41. Higamos Hogamos - Moto Neurono
42. The Invisible Girls - Huddersfield Wastes

Over the past few years Eskimo Recordings have invited some of the best crate diggers around to curate compilations that don’t just reveal the hidden contents of their record bags but something about themselves too. Now, following in the footsteps of the likes of Bill Brewster and Psychemagik, producer, musician, DJ, writer and more, Richard Norris, takes us on a globetrotting psychedelic journey with the epic 42 track collection, 'Mr Norris Changes Brains'.

TRACK LISTING

1. Banchee - Evolmia
2. The Dirty Filthy Mud - Forest Of Black
3. Wool - Love, Love, Love, Love, Love
4. Spencer Mac - Ka-Ka Baya Mow-Mow (Sing A Little Love Song)
5. Trifle - One Way Glass
6. Brainticket - Black Sand
7. Emma De Angelis - Trip
8. Blonde On Blonde - Castles In The Sky
9. The Braen's Machine - Fall Out
10. Eddie Warner & Roger Roger - Shut Up
11. Köy Karde?ler - Shürük
12. The Children - Beautiful
13. Moebius & Beerbohm - Doppelschnitt (Richard Norris Edit)
14. Demon Fuzz - Past, Present & Future

Over the past few years Eskimo Recordings have invited some of the best crate diggers around to curate compilations that don’t just reveal the hidden contents of their record bags but something about themselves too. Now, following in the footsteps of the likes of Bill Brewster and Psychemagik, producer, musician, DJ, writer and more, Richard Norris, takes us on a globetrotting psychedelic journey with the epic 42 track collection, 'Mr Norris Changes Brains'.

TRACK LISTING

1. Iron Butterfly - Iron Butterfly Theme
2. Rare Bird - Devil's High Concern
3. Paul St. John - Flying Saucers Have Landed
4. Chris Hodge - We're On Our Way (2010 Remaster)
5. Juantrip - Shadows
6. 62 Miles From Space - Time Shifts
7. White Trash - Road To Nowhere
8. Blue Phantom - Diodo
9. The Mannheim Rock Ensemble - Hungarian Dances
10. Limousine - Barriers
11. Ugo Busoni - Rullio
12. Bernard Estardy - Cha Tatch Ka
13. Kate - Shout It
14. Dyna-Might - Need You
15. La Metamorfosi - Scusa, Eh!

Over the past few years Eskimo Recordings have invited some of the best crate diggers around to curate compilations that don’t just reveal the hidden contents of their record bags but something about themselves too. Now, following in the footsteps of the likes of Bill Brewster and Psychemagik, producer, musician, DJ, writer and more, Richard Norris, takes us on a globetrotting psychedelic journey with the epic 42 track collection, 'Mr Norris Changes Brains'.

TRACK LISTING

1. André Brasseur - Saturnus
2. Contessa Vittoria - Can We Stay Together
3. Klaus Weiss - Time Signals
4. Brainstorm - You Are Whats Gonna Make It Last
5. Paladin - The Fakir
6. A To Austr - Thumbquake & Earthscrew
7. DAVE - In My Mind
8. Relatively Clean Rivers - Journey Through The Valley Of O
9. The Advancement - Stone Folk
10. The Pretty Things - The Sun
11. Poll - Psachno Na Vro To Filo Mou
12. Higamos Hogamos - Moto Neurono
13. The Invisible Girls - Huddersfield Wastes

Chapter Music's landmark collection of Australian 70s-80s post- punk, originally released in 2001, gets its first ever vinyl release!

'Can’t Stop It!' documents a fantastically inventive and dynamic era, when Australian acts stepped out of the shadow of overseas influence and asserted their own musical identity for perhaps the first time.

Featuring tracks by future members of bands such as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Einsturzende Neubauten, Dirty Three and The Go- Betweens, Can’t Stop It! is a vivid survey of the creativity and innovation bubbling away under the surface of Australia’s fairly unadventurous music culture of the time.

All of the bands on 'Can't Stop It!' released their music independently, either themselves or through the handful of visionary labels of the era such as Au-Go-Go, M Squared, Missing Link or Innocent Records.

On its original release in 2001, the compilation got Chapter Music its first major international attention, written up in The Wire magazine, stocked at Other Music in New York and selling out numerous CD pressings.

Remastered with updated liner notes and photos, this deluxe 2LP set expands on the original 20 track CD with six bonus never- before-reissued tracks.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Moodists – Gone Dead
2. Voigt/465 – Voices A Drama
3. The Take – Summer
4. Essendon Airport – How Low Can You Go...?
5. The Apartments – Help
6. Ash Wednesday – Love By Numbers
7. Primitive Calculators – Pumping Ugly Muscle
8. The Makers Of The Dead Travel Fast – The Dumbwaiters
9. Ron Rude – Piano Piano
10. Xero – The Girls
11. The Limp – Pony Club
12. The Fabulous Marquises – Honeymoons
13. Slugfuckers – Cacophony
14. Equal Local – Lamp That
15. Tame O’Mearas – Sweat And Babble
16. The Particles – Apricot’s Dream
17. People With Chairs Up Their Noses – Song Of The Sea
18. Wild West – We Can Do
19. The Pits – Words
20. → ↑ → – One Note Song
21. *****,***** – Knots
22. Electric Fans – Garden Of Uluru
23. The Voice Of Drama – A Song Of Colours
24. Synthetic Dream – Work
25. Yclept Dinmakers – Yclept Enemy
26. The Plants – The Path

Fabric Records proudly announces the latest edition in its esteemed mix series, *fabric presents Rødhåd*, a masterful journey through the dark, hypnotic depths of techno. Renowned for his innovative and atmospheric sound, Rødhåd crafts an experience that resonates deeply with both seasoned techno enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl Tracklist:
A1 Rødhåd - Inception Report
A2 Ignez - First Light
B1 Alarico - Hubris
B2 Peryl - Eternal Delay
C1 Rødhåd - Nightlife Experiences Feat. Theo Nasa
C2 Inox Traxx - DSF
D1 . VRIL - Pump Out Kids
D2 Out Of Place Artefacts - Science Faction

CD Tracklist:
Rødhåd - Inception Report
Clotur - Apexis
Beste Hira - Time
Casual Treatment - Falling Backwards
Mathys Lenne - The Moon Speaks
Rill - Molar
Arkan - The Ones Who Suffers
Rødhåd - Nightlife Expiriences Feat. Theo Nasa
Delano Legito - Kyoshi
DVS1 - Droid
Inox Traxx - DSF
SAMA - Can You Find Meaning Within?
Ignez - First Light
Nastia Reigel - Chaotic
UFO95 - Suspense
A.Morgan - I Don't
Alarico - Hubris
Peryl - Eternal Delay
Highlimiter - Lost In Fractals
Tascamboy - Recover
Rene Wise - Children Of The Night
Klint - Drunk With Fuel
Marcal - Fear Is Your Enemy (Space Mix)
Augusto Taito - Mi Tierra
Phil Berg - Photons
Holden Federico - Close
.Vril - Pump Out Kids
Out Of Place Artefacts - Science Faction

Born in 1942, Martin Scorsese is one of the major film directors of the New Hollywood era. Thanks to movies such as Taxi Driver (1976), New York, New York (1977), Raging Bull (1980), The Color of Money (1986), Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995) and The Irishman (2019), among many others, he has received several recognitions, including an Academy Award, four BAFTA Awards, three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Presented here are over 20 songs from the soundtracks of some of Scorsese's movie masterpieces.

"It really begins with the music for me. And once I hear the music, I mean, I really start to feel the story." - Martin Scorsese

TRACK LISTING

CD Tracklisting:
1. Tony Bennett - Rags To Riches (From Casino)
2. Timi Yuro - Hurt (From Casino)
3. Bobby Darin - Beyond The Sea (From Good Fellas)
4. Dean Martin - You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You (From Casino)
5. Marty Robbins - A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) (From The Irishman)
6. Bo Diddley - Road Runner (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
7. Mickey & Sylvia - Love Is Strange (From Casino)
8. Jimmy Smith - Walk On The Wild Side [part 1] (From Casino & The Color Of Money)
9. Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightning (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
10. The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman (From Mean Streets)
11. John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
12. Jerry Vale With Glenn Osser Orchestra - Al Di La (From The Irishman)
13. Eartha Kitt - C'est Si Bon (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
14. Johnny Mathis - It's Not For Me To Say (From Good Fellas)
15. Mina - Il Cielo In Una Stanza (From Good Fellas)
16. Ray Charles - Stella By Starlight (From Casino)
17. Santo & Johnny - Sleep Walk (From The Irishman)
18. Dinah Washington - What A Difference A Day Made (From Casino)
19. Brenda Lee - I'm Sorry (From Casino)
20. Ella Fitzgerald & The Ink Spots - Cow Cow Boogie (From Raging Bull)
21. Elmore James - Dust My Broom (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
22. The Cadillacs - Speedo (From Good Fellas)
23. Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me (From Raging Bull)
24. Renato Carosone - Maruzzella (From Mean Streets)
25. Billy Ward And His Dominoes - Stardust (From Goodfellas)
26. The Five Satins - In The Still Of The Night (From The Irishman)
27. Muddy Waters - Mannish Boy (From Good Fellas)

LP Tracklisting:
1. Tony Bennett - Rags To Riches (From Casino)
2. Timi Yuro - Hurt (From Casino)
3. Bobby Darin - Beyond The Sea (From Good Fellas)
4. Dean Martin - You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You (From Casino)
5. Marty Robbins - A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) (From The Irishman)
6. Bo Diddley - Road Runner (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
7. Mickey & Sylvia - Love Is Strange (From Casino)
8. Jimmy Smith - Walk On The Wild Side [part 1] (From Casino & The Color Of Money)
9. Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightning (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
10. The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman (From Mean Streets)
11. John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
12. Jerry Vale With Glenn Osser Orchestra - Al Di La (From The Irishman)
13. Eartha Kitt - C'est Si Bon (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)
14. Johnny Mathis - It's Not For Me To Say (From Goodfellas)
15. Mina - Il Cielo In Una Stanza (From Goodfellas)
16. Ray Charles - Stella By Starlight (From Casino)
17. Santo & Johnny - Sleep Walk (From The Irishman)
18. Dinah Washington - What A Difference A Day Made (From Casino)
19. Brenda Lee - I'm Sorry (From Casino)
20. Ella Fitzgerald & The Ink Spots - Cow Cow Boogie (From Raging Bull)
21. Elmore James - Dust My Broom (From The Wolf Of Wall Street)

One of the most politically charged terms of the 20th century, the Iron Curtain was a metaphor for political and cultural division. In a post-war telegram Winston Churchill referred to the fault line that ran through Europe between East and West as "an Iron Curtain is drawn down upon their front. We do not know what is going on behind".

In this two-part album, as far as jazz is concerned, we will showcase, describe and celebrate exactly what was 'going on behind'. We see that music is the power supreme, with the ability to transcend all barriers, be they physical, political or metaphorical.

Our liner notes illustrate the complex and contradictory history of Soviet jazz, and the tracks we've chosen cover the key period of the early 1960s to the 1980s. It was during these dark years of the Cold War that the Soviet Union and its satellite states produced a number of outstanding artists playing in a variety of styles. The impact of modernism, from hard bop and Latin to modal and cool jazz, had found its way through cracks in the curtain. The deeply-felt ancestral strains of traditional European folk music were combined with the exciting new and progressive sounds of the West, and a radical, intoxicating brew was created that no amount of guns, tanks or polonium tea could overcome.

We chronicle the triumph of jazz at a time of extreme geopolitical conflict. What went on behind the Iron Curtain in these countries was once mysterious and unknown to the West, but the perseverance of their artists provided sound and light amid the secretive, dark days of the communist-capitalist standoff. There was no end of life-affirming spiritual jazz behind the Iron Curtain.

"Whether it's by improvisation in the African-American jazz tradition, or by a village kobza player standing on top of a damn hill - he feels connected to the stars."

TRACK LISTING

1. Collage - Halb Sirp (Bad Sickle)
2. Manfred Ludwig - Sextett
3. Krzysztof Komeda - Crazy Girl
4. Polish Jazz Quartet - Promenade Through Empty Streets
5. Vagif Mustafa-Zade - Caucasus
6. Quartet "Jazz Focus-65" - Monday Morning
7. Theo Schumman Combo - Karawane
8. Vaclav Zahradnik - Podzimní Slunce
9. Karel Velebny - Lori
10. Sevil - Mugam
11. Focus '65 - Autumn Sun
12. Golstain-Nosov Quintet - Rosinent In Toledo
13. YU All Stars 1977 - Kosmet
14. Michael Fritzen Quartett - Rien
15. Dan Mindrila - Sonet

Suburban Base Records Presents: "Subbase Sampler" - the first time it's been released on vinyl! 

Originally released in 1997 as a CD-only compilation, "Subbase Sampler" is finally available on double vinyl for the first time ever! This iconic collection captures the energy and evolution of the jungle and drum & bass scene, featuring a heavyweight lineup of genre pioneers.

The reissued album includes classic tracks from legends like Remarc, Mampi Swift, Dream Team (Bizzy B & Pugwash), Pascal, and Intalex presents The X (Mark XTC) - bringing together the unmistakable sound of Suburban Base during the golden era of drum & bass.

This long-awaited vinyl edition is a must-have for collectors and fans alike, delivering timeless cuts that shaped the underground. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Suburban Base history!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Fierce collection of era-defining hits from one of the hottest underground labels to of ever existed. Real rude boy business from start to finish instantly conjuring up memories of pirate radio, Moschino, brandy and coke and disembowelling bass frequencies.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Intalex Productions Present The X - Turn Da Lites Down
A2. Mampi Swift - Old Song
B1. Dream Team Aka Bizzy B & Pugwash - Raw Dogs (Shy FX Re-Lik)
B2. Intalex Productions Present The X - New Dawn (VIP Mix)
C1. Remarc - One Style
C2. Dream Team Aka Bizzy B & Pugwash - X-Files
D1. Mampi Swift - Little Touch
D2. Pascal - Like Dat 

Returning with 'caroline 2', the eight-piece collective embrace a bolder, more expansive sound. Going beyond their debut's explorations of repetition, slowness and space, the new album pushes further into dynamic contrasts — organic and electronic, raw and refined. Launched with the striking single ‘Tell me I never knew that’, featuring Caroline Polachek’s unmistakable vocals, caroline 2 showcases a fearless interplay of layered instrumentation, warped vocal processing, and moments of both euphoria and melancholy. Intentional and immersive, this next chapter solidifies caroline as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary music.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: With the sort of off-piste melodic direction and slowly building, soaring verses you'd expect from any of the big post-rock bands, you'd be forgiven for thinking of Caroline as rich in feeling but lacking in hooks, fortunately you'd be dead wrong. This is beautifully structured, monolithic compositions with soul and intrigue that also get stuck in your head like nothing else.

TRACK LISTING

Total Euphoria
Song Two
Tell Me I Never Knew That (ft. Caroline Polachek)
When I Get Home
U R UR ONLY ACHING
Coldplay Cover
Two Riders Down
Beautiful Ending

Since 2020, Sea Fever has gathered the innate, restless artistry, studio craft and stage experience of New Order members, Tom Chapman and Phil Cunningham, together with Iwan Gronow, a former member of cherished 00’s emotive indie band, Haven as well as playing bass with Johnny Marr for over ten years. The band is made complete by Section 25’s Beth Cassidy and drummer, Elliot Barlow, formerly of Brix and The Extricated.

Both resulting from and regardless of previous projects and the highs and lows of global touring, Sea Fever’s identity is increasingly forged by such connection, collective growth and generosity found amongst the ever more cohesive collective. If their debut was an opening chapter, 'Surface Sound' is a complete, rewarding and open book all of its own.

Chapmans expands on the album’s special place in the band’s hearts, saying: “It’s an album full of hope and melancholy. It was written through a difficult period of my life, dealing with a breakup and the loss of my father. I immersed myself in my work on a daily basis and used music as my solace and therapy to deal with the various waves of emotions.

“The result is a beautiful album, with Iwan and Beth confirming their roles as vocalists and lyricists with heartfelt melodies and poignant words, raising the bar again with their singing abilities. Phil stepped up again as the quintessential indie guitarist and Elliot Barlow is the engine room and heartbeat of the band. I am very proud of this record. It’s Sea Fever at our best.”

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Dynamic, dancefloor indie music that sings with the influence of Manchester's musical history but brings the genre forward with a mix of soaring, poppy breakdowns and funky basslines. A particularly lovely version with the Denise Johnson featured 7".

TRACK LISTING

1. Breaking Out
2. Go To Ground
3. Shouldn’t Have Been This Way
4. Sincere To Some
5. Able Eyes
6. Thrills, Kicks And Lies
7. Triggers Us
8. Loose Cut
9. Truth Dare
10. Seen As A Lifeline

7” Tracklist:
1. Explanation (featuring Denise Johnson) - Full Length Version
2. Explanation (featuring Denise Johnson) - Edit

Hailed as “one of the most remarkable voices of their generation” (The Independent), Scotland’s Jacob Alon redefines contemporary folk with their debut album, ‘In Limerence’. Featuring the acclaimed singles’ Fairy In A Bottle’, ‘Confession’, and ‘Liquid Gold 25’, the Dan Carey-produced record weaves poetic storytelling with ghostly vocals and intricate guitar work. Alon’s deeply personal songwriting has earned praise from Clash, Billboard, and The Times, plus an appearance on Later… with Jools Holland and support from BBC 6 Music. A haunting yet hopeful debut, ‘In Limerence’ cements Alon as a singular new voice in British folk.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A beautiful wash of brittle, folky guitars and hushed vocals morph into powerful passages of reflective exuberance and celebratory praise. Though Alon's hushed vocals suggest timidity, the beautifully confident strokes of musicality and majestic changes juxtapose it beautifully. Brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

1. Glimmer
2. Of Amber
3. Don’t Fall Asleep
4. I Couldn’t Feed Her
5. Confession
6. Elijah
7. Liquid Gold 25
8. August Moon
9. Home Tapes
10. Zathura
11. Fairy In A Bottle
12. Sertraline

No one can help you build something beautiful quite like those who know you best. Alan Sparhawk knows this well. In his years in Low, he built decades of stirring music with his wife and lifelong creative partner Mimi Parker. In recent years, he has performed around Minnesota with his son Cyrus in DERECHO Rhythm Section, a funk band that also frequently features his daughter Hollis on vocals. There’s an irreplaceable naturalism that comes with this kind of dynamic. Those who know you understand you. They love you. They want to help you bring your greatest passions to fruition. So it made sense that Sparhawk would turn to fellow Duluth musicians Trampled by Turtles to realize his latest record. As friends and mentees of Low’s, taken under Sparhawk and Parker’s wing from their earliest days as a bar band, Trampled by Turtles have performed with Sparhawk countless times over the years. The Duluth ties run deep: “There’s a certain vibe that has to do with underdog syndrome, coming from a small town,” Sparhawk muses. “Some of it is the weird grind and slackness that being at the mercy of Mother Nature puts in you. It humbles you.” The two artists hold the kind of ironclad bond.

Following Parker’s passing in 2022, Trampled by Turtles invited Sparhawk to join them on tour to give him a space to be surrounded by friends. Occasionally, he would join them onstage. The outpouring of love was palpable every time they played together, a surge of warmth. When playing together is that powerful, why stop there? In winter, 2024, Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles created With 'Trampled by Turtles', a record exactly as its name implies: Collective. Communal. Fraternal. Empathetic. A vessel for comfort, a reminder of the harmony that can exist when surrounded by those closest to you. 'Where White Roses, My God', Sparhawk’s last album, plunged headfirst into electronica and radical vocal modulation, With 'Trampled by Turtles' leans into the folk and bluegrass stylings of its backing band, Sparhawk’s voice now completely unvarnished. With Trampled by Turtles is far more than just Alan Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles. It’s an affirmation of all the people who have been vital in Sparhawk’s life and music, and an opportunity to hold each of their gifts into the light. It’s producer Nat Harvie, who has been collaborating and performing with him for years. It’s Sparhawk’s daughter Hollis, who duets with her father on 'Not Broken'. And it’s Mimi Parker, too: 'Too High', 'Princess Road Surgery', and 'Not Broken' were all tracks she and Sparhawk had been working on in the last few years. These songs finally found a setting that stirringly commemorates them, bolstered by a full ensemble to make every note sing. Their presence is a kind of eternal connection to Parker, a way her musical grace will keep flourishing.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A beautifully familiar sounding album that reminds me of the most celebratory pieces in Low's famously expansive and stunning catalogue, but with a loose ensemble feel and flickering bucolic chill. Sparhawk's voice will forever be tied to Low for me (no bad thing), but this is a wonderful way to continue hearing his superbly written songs in a full band setting.

TRACK LISTING

1. Stranger
2. Too High
3. Heaven
4. Not Broken
5. Screaming Song
6. Get Still
7. Princess Road Surgery
8. Don't Take Your Light
9. Torn & In Ashes

'Get Sunk' is an ode to the infinite. It brings brush-stroked, blurry memories to the surface, amassing in a heap of colors and connections that stretches beyond individuality and into an endless altering. Under water, everything moves in slow motion and for Matt Berninger, he saw his creative voice slipping away with the current. But sometimes we have to drown to remember how to breathe. 'Get Sunk' is the purgative inhale. It’s seeing the undulating reflection in the water and realizing that you are not yourself without a thousand others: parents, friends, siblings, spouses and exes, college roommates, childhood best friends, cousins and kids, strangers even––all of it––make up the spirit of 'Get Sunk’s narrator. Berninger wanted to figure out why he loves what he does and it’s in the album’s collaborative spirit and loose, unfurling attitude that Berninger looked up and felt the warmth on his face. When we sink into ourselves, we’ll often find that we are actually swimming with others. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Matt Berninger finds his latest LP draped in the sort of thoughtful solemnity we find in the work of his parent band, but 'Get Sunk' has reaped the sonic benefits from crackly, saturated drift and staggered syncopated wooze.

TRACK LISTING

1. Inland Ocean
2. No Love
3. Bonnet Of Pins
4. Frozen Oranges
5. Breaking Into Acting Feat. Hand Habits
6. Nowhere Special
7. Little By Little
8. Junk
9. Silver Jeep Feat. Ronboy
10. Times Of Difficulty 

Continuing her creative partnership with 2022’s 'For You Who Are The Wronged' producer Lomond Campbell, recording took place in the remote Black Bay Studios on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. 'WE WERE MADE PREY.' dances on the knife-edge: of action versus inaction, of want versus wanting, of self-fulfilment versus shame. Kathryn's fourth album is both a reaction to and reprieve for the animal within. Eleven songs that accept her whole being, with all its hunger, lust and rage, and its devastating tenderness too.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Richly melodic electronic music that's steeped in the history of modern classical and post-rock, with flickers of folk and minimal singer-songwriter fare. Rock action are consistently one of the greatest labels in the game, and Joseph's latest is another stunning entry in their impressive label output. Brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

1. WOLF.
2. DARK.
3. HARBOUR.
4. BEL(ll).
5. BEFORE.
6. DEER.
7. DRAWN.
8. ROADKILL.
9. HOLD.
10. CHILDREN.
11. FIRE.

Greatest Fits is a deep dive into the superb sounds of German avant-garde new wave pioneer Gina X on the cult Dark Entries label. This double LP compilation spans the whole of the bold, boundary-blurring career of Gina X Performance, which came together first in 1978 when singer Gina Kikoine and producer Zeus B set out to create "the absolute union of music, poetry and travesty". With selections taken from four albums, you'll find their signature blend of icy electro, camp theatrics and subversive pop throughout, and it all ranges from the pulsing 'Nice Mover' to the decadent 'No G.D.M.' Greatest Fits is both a musical time capsule and a vital reminder of how far ahead Gina X always was while also serving as a celebration of queer culture and synth-driven hedonism.

STAFF COMMENTS

Mine says: One of the coolest and most interesting German artists of all time (in my humble German opinion) that I can't recommend highly enough. If you're into Saada Bonaire, Vicious Pink, Gary Numan, Soft Cell etc. do yourself a favour and get a copy of this mega compilation, you won't be disappointed!

TRACK LISTING

1. No GDM
2. Exhibitionism
3. Be A Boy
4. Tropical Comic Strip
5. Nice Mover
6. Cologne Intime
7. Opposite Numbers
8. Vendor's Box
9. Strip Tease
10. IC Code
11. Kaddish
12. Hypnosis/Hypnose
13. Babylon Generation
14. Die Kunst Des Liebens (The Art Of Loving)
15. Kanal Banal
16. French Lift
17. Waiting

Swans return with 'Birthing', the latest album, developed over the course of a yearlong 2023–2024 tour.

'Birthing' is released via Mute and Young God Records. The initial pressings of the deluxe vinyl and CD include a bonus DVD featuring Swans Live 2024 '(Rope) The Beggar', a concert film by Marco Porsia documenting the band's most recent US tour. The DVD also includes 'I Wonder If I’m Singing What You’re Thinking Me To Sing', a documentary by Christopher Nicholson following Michael Gira’s 2022 solo tour.

Refined through relentless improvisation and live performance, as well as newly composed studio pieces, 'Birthing' is a testament to Michael Gira’s uncompromising sonic vision. Beginning as skeletal acoustic compositions, the songs were gradually expanded and transformed in the studio with longtime live members and collaborators.

“This album, coupled with the recent live release, 'Live Rope', constitutes my final foray (as producer / impresario) into the all-consuming sound worlds that have been my obsession for years. We’ll do a final tour in this mode towards the end of 2025, then that’s it. After that, Swans will continue, so long as I’m able, but in a significantly pared down form. Hints of that direction can be found in a few moments on the current album. In the meantime, my hope is that the music provides a positive and fertile atmosphere in which to dream.” – Michael Gira / Swans

Produced by Gira, 'Birthing' was recorded at Soundfabrik Berlin, mixed at Candy Bomber Studio by Ingo Krauss, and mastered by Doug Henderson at Micro-Moose.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A perfect continuation of 2023's epic 'The Beggar', 'Birthing' sees Gira and Co drift through a raft of sonically expansive, emotionally weighty pre-post-rock gloomers. A perfect distillation of the modern sound of Swans.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Healers
2. I Am A Tower
3. Birthing
4. Red Yellow
5. Guardian Spirit
6. The Merge
7. Rope
8. Away

Ty hits the big sky trail of our good ol’ frontier empire, discovering non-stop bangers and inspired new sonics around every bend. With lyrics co-written by long-time collaborator, filmmaker Matt Yoka, Ty's glittering rhythm arrangements move with fresh scansion, inviting in sweeps of strings and horns to further the charge righteously. You’re invited too! Don’t miss the trip – the country inspires awe from up on Ty’s high-octane ride.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Ty & Co get all country on their latest instalment of garagey punk rock, eschewing some of the more frenetic aspects of their sound for this drifty mix of lysergic picnic fare and rhythmic head-bobbing instrumentation. For me, the best iteration of Segall yet.

TRACK LISTING

1. Shoplifter
2. Possession
3. Buildings
4. Shining
5. Skirts Of Heaven
6. Fantastic Tomb
7. The Big Day
8. Hotel
9. Alive
10. Another California Song

1yeule (aka Nat Ćmiel), the cyborg alchemist coalescing the soundscapes of glitch-pop electronica, alt rock, and trip-hop. After their breakthrough sophomore album in 2022, 'Glitch Princess', Nat Ćmiel crystallised their place as alt electronica luminary with their boundary-breaking 2023 album, 'softscars'. Both albums were named ‘Best New Music’ by Pitchfork with the latter lauded as a “riotous, high-energy journey” by the Guardian.

'Evangelic Girl is a Gun', is yeule’s most unrestrained and emotionally baring work yet, as they grapple with ideas of a self-destructive identity burning through the canvas of post-modernity. Accompanied by still visual artworks made in collaboration with artist Vasso Vu (Ashnikko, Marina Abramović), Ćmiel explores the duality of darkness, as well as their personal history to their role as the "painter.” Through the album’s hypnotic melodies, they present a portrait of the tortured artist trapped within an image, as Ćmiel’s haunting vocals act as an emotional chokehold atop dance beats. The album features production from A.G. Cook (Charli xcx, Caroline Polachek), Chris Greatti, Mura Masa, Clams Casino, Fitnesss and Kin Leonn, Ćmiel’s trusted collaborator and co-executive producer of 2023’s 'softscars'. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Jagged, snapping synth-pop that's as innovative as it is surprising. Waves of glitch and distorted vocals churn alongside rapidly morphing FM bass and snarling digital pads, all while retaining a strong sense of rhythm and unrivalled futuristic ingenuity.

TRACK LISTING

1. Tequila Coma
2. The Girl Who Sold Her Face
3. Eko
4. 1967
5. VV
6. Dudu
7. What3vr
8. Saiko
9. Evangelic Girl Is A Gun
10. Skullcrusher

Obongjayar's sophomore ‘Paradise Now’, is an ambitiously fresh global prospect, with roots grounded in his own wide-ranging world of influences. It’s everything from pop to punk, dance to Afrobeat, funk to folk, refracted through a thrilling new perspective. “I wanted an album that I could listen to from start to finish on a night out.” But he still considers it something of a Trojan Horse.

Recorded between London and LA with UK alt-rap mainstay Kwes Darko ( Pa Salieu, John Glacier) and Grammy-winning production trio Beach Noise (Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem, Bakar), the record is as emotionally complex and broad as Obongjayar has ever been, even within its contagious candy coating

TRACK LISTING

TBC

French singer, songwriter and producer Léa Sen’s debut album 'LEVELS', is a deeply immersive journey through memory, self-discovery, and emotional growth—imagined as a surreal, liminal hotel where each room holds a different chapter of her life.

Created in collaboration with her brother, Florian Fourlin, and inspired by Léa's own coming-of-age, 'LEVELS' blends experimental pop with slinky R&B, woozy trip-hop, and warm, smudged guitars. The album plays with the tension between reality and dreamlike abstraction, examining the mysterious ups and downs of existence.

Since moving from Paris to London following a personal loss in 2019, Léa has built a growing network of collaborators (Joy Orbison, Sampha, Don Toliver, Oscar Jerome, Speaker’s Corner Quartet and more). Through her intense work ethic and magnetic creative spirit Léa has settled into a reputation as an artist poised to break out, supported by the likes of the Fader, the Guardian, Crack, 6Music, Radio 1 and more.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lvl 1 - HOME ALONE
2. Lvl 2 - ALIENS
3. Lvl 3 - EDGE OF THE MAP
4. Lvl 4 - WATERSMOKE
5. Lvl 5 - GHOSTWRITER
6. Lvl 6 - VIDEO GAMES
7. Lvl 7 - LAZY DAYS
8. Lvl 8 - HOW?
9. Lvl 9 - MORE THAN HAPPY
10. Lvl 10 - LOBBY BOY

‘Let All That We Imagine Be The Light’ is the eighth studio record from Garbage and was recorded at Red Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Butch Vig’s studio Grunge Is Dead, and Shirley Manson’s bedroom. The record was produced by the band and longtime engineer Billy Bush. The album is unmistakably Garbage. All the hallmarks and signatures for which they are known are present here. Big angular guitars, precise, propulsive beats and cinematic soundscapes all lurk beneath Shirley Manson’s expressive voice, her lyrics bristling with attitude. It is the sound of a group at the peak of their creative powers - characteristically harnessing sonic juxtapositions and moods to create an album that thrums equally with both light and shade.

“Going into making this record, I was determined to find a more hopeful, uplifting world to immerse myself in. The title of the album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light is a perfect, headline statement for the record as a whole. When things feel dark it feels imperative to seek out the forces that are light, positive and beautiful in the world. It almost feels like a matter of life and death. A strategy for survival” - Shirley Manson

STAFF COMMENTS

Ashley says: I had a real soft spot for Garbage around the first two / three albums, and still consider 'Version 2.0' one of my favourite indie electronic albums of all, so I was excited to hear the new one. Fortunately, it has all of the propulsive drive and soaring, anthemic glory we've come to know and love from the STILL ORIGINAL line-up, long may they continue.

TRACK LISTING

1. There’s No Future In Optimism
2. Chinese Fire Horse
3. Hold
4. Have We Met (The Void)
5. Sisyphus
6. Radical
7. Love To Give
8. Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty
9. R U Happy Now
10. The Day That I Met God

Five years after her critically acclaimed album ‘forevher’, Shura is back with her highly anticipated third studio album ‘I Got Too Sad For My Friends’. A pastoral blend of chamber pop, sixties folk and campfire Americana, it builds Shura’s introspective songwriting out into a vast landscape – more tranquil than the soulful bounce of ‘forevher’, and more rustic than the brooding synth-pop of her 2016 debut ‘Nothing’s Real’.

That landscape is both sonically comforting and representative of her headspace during the writing process, which was one of sadness and isolation. The itinerant emotional state is mirrored in the artwork, which sees Shura perched on a Welsh mountainside in a baggy jumper, ripped jeans, Converse, and cobbled-together armour that covers everything except her vital organs – part Kurt Cobain, part Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet. The image references the French novella The Little Prince, which follows a young boy who sets out to explore other planets to cure his loneliness.
Though it’s an album exploring themes of depression and loneliness, ‘I Got Too Sad For My Friends’ is far from dejected it retains Shura’s usual crystalline sound and precision while introducing a different kind of warmth and earthiness.

Approached like an “old school record” that captures a performance rather than a production, much of the album was recorded live, with the keys, bass, guitar, and drums all tracked as a single performance. The vocals were done separately – with the exception of soft funk track 'Ringpull'.

The decision to explore a wider breadth of instruments for the first time came from a sense of urgency that was, in part, prompted by the pandemic. “It made me think: this could be over at any minute. I could never get to make a record again. I could never tour again. So my approach to this record was like, if I never get to do this again, what do I want to make sure I've done? I want to record live. I want to work with textures I've never worked with before. I want to dress up as a gnome bard knight and climb a mountain in Wales, regret it, and have no one else to blame except for myself because I'm freezing,” she laughs. “So even though it’s not necessarily a maximalist record in terms of how it sounds, the approach was maximal joy for me making it… which is hilarious, because it's about being miserable!”

TRACK LISTING

1. Tokyo
2. Leonard Street
3. Recognise
4. World’s Worst Girlfriend
5. Richardson (ft. Cassandra Jenkins)
6. America
7. Online
8. I Wanna Be Loved By You
9. Ringpull
10. If You Don’t Believe In Love (ft. Helado Negro)
11. Bad Kid (ft. Becca Mancari)

Joy Spheres Rees is the coming together of three essential innovators in contemporary music, who have fused their distinct individual sounds into a definitive collaboration for their debut album, ‘Solina’. Allysha Joy, Hidden Spheres and Finn Rees together forged a new sonic landscape which draws on vast inspirations from Balearic house to street soul, alt-rnb and jazz.

This is an album that is conceptually driven from beginning to end, as overarching melodic themes and lyrical mantras weave in and out of hard hitting grooves to create a deeply moving and meditative experience for the listener. Combining Allysha Joy’s potent lyricism, effortless musicianship, unique production & incredible vocals with Hidden Spheres' production values and Djing sensibilities, honed in over a decade's worth of music across different labels, genres, and highly revered releases, alongside the final ingredient of synths, keyboards and skilled musicality of Finn Rees, renowned for his new wave jazz and dance music output and heavy involvement with acts from the Melbourne/Naarm scene.

Personal and poetic, ‘Solina’ speaks to both the intimate and collective desires for connection, through the differing lenses of romance, spirituality, connectivity to nature and the self. It is the culmination of each member's deeply honed skill set, with Hidden Spheres as lead producer, Finn Rees guiding the harmonic synthesis and Allysha Joy’s unmistakable vocal sound, intimately interweaving to create this rich, textural masterpiece - a collaborative magnus opus.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Hidden Sphere's sets up his hammock on an abandoned beach and invites Allysha Joy and Finn Rees for a horizontal excursion into stoned street soul, spiritual jazz and island moods. Highly impressive, unhurried beauty.

TRACK LISTING

1.Caught In A Wind 03:49
2.Trust The Feeling 04:18
3.Cave Sands 04:58
4.Surrender Love 04:43
5.When Will The Day Come 04:33
6.Promised Me Love 04:28
7.Delta Spirit 03:17
8.Always Leaving 05:24
9.Surrender Love Reprise 02:18

This compilation is dedicated to the memory of the late great “Prince” Philip Smart - the first apprentice of King Tubby and the first engineer at Tubby’s studio besides Tubby himself. Alongside Tubby, Philip was integral to the innovation that took place at Tubby’s studio in the mid 1970s, where the mixing of new roots reggae revolutionized the sound of Jamaican music and created styles and techniques that are still being echoed today, nearly 50 years later.

Though rarely credited on records in comparison to Tubby, Philip also mixed a lot of the paramount music produced by those close associates of Tubby’s studio such as Bunny Lee, Yabby You, and Augustus Pablo. Philip was closely tied to Pablo due to their childhood friendship and was a partner in his stylistically significant early production works. In the early years of Tubby’s studio, both men were making and cutting custom dubs there for their sound systems before starting to produce their own tunes from scratch, and Philip becoming the second chair engineer.

Several of the songs on this compilation are a selection of the aforementioned work. All of the songs here are sourced from Philip’s personal tape archive, and basically all of these mixes and versions have been scarcely if ever heard, and never released before. This double album comprises a rare and genuine glimpse into the dubplate workings of the inner circle of Tubby’s studio in the mid 1970s, where the prime players and emerging giants of reggae music production and sound system versioned, remixed and voiced rhythms for custom and exclusive cuts. Some of the cuts heard here were formerly exclusive power plays on King Tubby’s own legendary sound system, and unlike some previous issues of such material, these are genuine mixes done at the time. Some other tracks clearly exude the youthful enthusiasm of the participants. In both cases we find this collection of tracks to be truly compelling, so please enjoy this glimpse into such rare air. Rest in power Prince Philip Smart.

-RB/DKR, Summer 2023

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Unmissable selection of previously unreleased dub recorded at Tubby's by Prince Philip. This is a high grade, vintage set; raw as a bear's arse, gritty as the backstreets of Kingston and pure rootsical energy. A must for any dub heads.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Madness
A2. You Were Mine
A3. Revolution Come
A4. Man Free Dub
A5. Days Of Old
B1. Dubb Girl
B2. Dubb Girl Rhythm
B3. Official Sound
B4. Fragile Rhythm
B5. Kid Phil Rhythm
C1. Zion City - Jacob Miller
C2. Zion City Dub Wise
C3. Lorraine Dub Wise - Jacob Miller
C4. Rock My Soul Dub Wise
C5. Trying Man - Johnny Clarke
D1. You Were Dubbing
D2. Sit And Cry
D3. Iron Bird - Jacob Miller
D4. Riding On A High & Windy Day (alt. Take) - Breezy & Hugh Mundell
D5. Riding Rhythm

Tape to tape disco edits made between 1989-1999 by Chicago DJ Mark Grusane. Super limited copies, strictly no digital release. Guess the source material for bonus material!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Big soft spot for Mark Grusane. Seems to just tweak out the edit that little bit wilder than the others cats on the scene. Case in question here: "Stomp The Floor" - incessant wiggle that'll have the whole floor salivating and whooping like a banshee.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Poho (explicit)
A2. I Can’t Come Down
B. The Fever
C1. Stomp The Floor
C2. The Dream Call
D. Giving Nothing

Wilson Tanner returns to dry land with "Legends", a wine-soaked agricultural fantasy, made among the grapevines at Manon Farm in South Australia. Where their earlier works settled into the sun-struck torpor of a suburban Perth backyard ("69" or drifted off-course on a riverboat on Port Phillip Bay ("ii"), "Legends" trades salt air for vineyard sweat, the scrape of boots on dry earth and workers’ radios humming with the summer test cricket season.

Through this agricultural haze an image of a working vineyard emerges - ducks, dogs and plovers intrude; tractors and quads fly-by; stainless steel gleams at the edges. Recorded without mains power, the Manon demos overflow with farmyard ingenuity. Wind, brass, balalaika, balloon, pipe and synth are trained onto the staff with wire, tape and string.

A caricature of Australian viticulture, "Legends" is packed to the horns with the mythology and manure of natural wine. Swigging and belching in camaraderie, Wilson Tanner press their surroundings into something raw and unfiltered, letting bum notes, leftovers and sediment linger in the bottle. A cornucopia of biodynamic sounds.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Much anticipated follow up to the best selling "69", and "II", the Melbourne duo conjure up vistas of sun-blushed, abandoned vineyards; dusty, hedge-lined lanes; forgotten glasses of wine in the midday heat and falling asleep in the afternoon. As transportive as the two albums before it, just the destination that's changed.

TRACK LISTING

1. Cherry
2. Blush
3. Grasshopper
4. Brown
5. Bubbles
6. Old Vine
7. Jaune
8. Summer Rot
9. Hogshead
10. Legends
11. Botrytis
12. Daddles

Ransom Note Records welcome illustrious French Electronic duo Froid Dub to the fold for their new release, "Tears Maker Chant". Head honchos of the wonderful Delodio label, Stéphane and François mark the 50th release for R$N Recs, and this is without a shadow of a doubt an incredibly special one. So, sit back and ready yourself for some inimitable Froid Dub cuts; laid back but pounding, graceful yet aggressive but above all, thoroughly danceable.

Opening proceedings is the acid tinged "Just One", a masterclass in making people dance at under 80bpm. Achingly gorgeous polysynth chords rain down, hovering like a film overhead the saturated 303 line that wobbles along in the low end. First single "On The Nose" enters next, with a delightfully soft, round bass that feels like bouncing around a padded room. Inside a Zorb. On MDMA. More echoed, analogue motifs dart from left to right, confirming with strong conviction that our chaps from Paris put the Dub in Indubitably Fantastic.

"Digital Pond" closes side A, a low slung, nonchalant piece of mood music. Idiosyncratically 'French,' brittle chords piece the sound stage, evoking past Italo disco spaces, but remaining conscientiously chug-dubbed out. Second single "Control (Special Mix)" opens side B... with a capital B. For Banger. Another space echo heavy workout in the lower frequencies of the audio spectrum, this is testament to the old adage that less is often, a hell of a lot more (to paraphrase).

The titular "Tears Maker" glides into view next, with its frantic 808 patterns and spacey melodica, setting the scene for the majesty to follow. This epically proportioned tune is probably going to be a little passe come the end of summer, because it’s going to be played at festivals the world over relentlessly. Be warned! Finally "Terri’s Dub" brings matters to a close, with its angular, stands and woozy vocals, we’re given the space and tie to contemplate what has just happened to us on two mere sides of vinyl.

Artwork by Sylvia Tournerie, mastered by Krikor Kouchian.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: France's premium dub specialists expand their palette with tectonic acid and a brand of cold-wave, industrial dub that's a formula all of their own creation.

TRACK LISTING

1. Just One
2. On The Nose
3. Digital Pond
4. Control (special Mix)
5. Tears Maker
6. Terri’s Dub

Rahaan brings the FIRE with his second 2x12” on Hot Biscuit offshoot: Now Is Not The Time. Disco edits inspired by the golden age of Chicago club culture. 

Super limited copies, strictly vinyl, no digital. Don't sleep. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: More top drawer snips from the man like Rahaan. This strictly limited, vinyl only series proving to be quite the wealth of disco pressure for the discerning dee-jay.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Do You Like It
A2. A Disco
B. Columbian Dance
C. Jealous 4 No Reason
D1. Return Of The Boogie
D2. Can’t Shake Your Love

Miley Cyrus' ninth studio album, 'Something Beautiful' features 13 original tracks and is executive produced by Miley Cyrus and Shawn Everett.

Captured by renowned fashion photographer Glen Luchford, the album artwork features Miley Cyrus draped in archival 1997 Thierry Mugler couture, a striking nod to the album’s bold aesthetic and visual storytelling.

TRACK LISTING

TBA

In dark and difficult times, the music of Barney Lister and Kojo Degraft-Johnson lifts us up. As MRCY, the production and vocal duo are confronting the many crises of modern life with a fresh sound full of punchy instrumentation, enveloping orchestration and lyrical honesty. On their latest project, 'VOLUME 2', Barney and Kojo deliver emotive music that surprises as much as it comforts, referencing timeless sounds as much as a sense of the cutting edge. Channeling soulful vocal melody alongside afrobeat polyrhythms, jazz soloing and driving, distorted grooves, tracks like 'Man' address the challenges of modern masculinity, while standout number 'Fear' drives a message that encourages us to fight the terror we might feel about the state of the world with optimism.

Following the acclaimed release of their 2024 debut project 'VOLUME 1', which saw the duo nominated as Rising Stars at the Rolling Stone Awards and named as one of DIY’s Class of 2025, MRCY returns with vital music that addresses the complexities of being alive today. “We’re trying to extinguish fear with optimism and worry with love,” Barney says. “'VOLUME 2' breaks the mould to present a bigger picture of who we are – something with angst, surprises and more guts. The main feeling of the project is that the world is fucked but let’s dance through it.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Angels
2. Wanna Know (Ontario)
3. Man
4. Sierra
5. Flicker
6. Wandering Attention
7. Fear
8. More Than You Are Now

“Phi-Psonics is a spiritual exploration of being together and connecting,” says acoustic bassist Seth Ford-Young of the immersive project he initiated in East Los Angeles in 2016. “From the beginning, I wanted to explore a contemplative sound, to create music that can be useful to listen to when you’re in a place of being more meditative, and maybe needing a break from the cacophony of the world.”

For his third long-player under the Phi-Psonics banner, Ford-Young marshalled a series of live recordings at the Healing Force Of The Universe record store in Pasadena, sculpting fourteen tracks, largely composed in the moment with a fluctuating cast of players, which wonderfully transmit his ideals of community and inner peace.

Called ‘Expanding To One’, it features exquisitely calming yet searching pieces like ‘There’s Still Hope’, where Seth’s softly undulating bassline underpins beatific explorations from core Phi-Psonics members, Sylvain Carton and Randal Fisher (both on saxophone), and Josh Collazo (drums), alongside guests Zach Tenorio (Wurlitzer piano) and Mathias Künzli (percussion). Equally sublime, ‘Healing Time’ ripples like a mountain stream, with Ford-Young, Carton, Fisher and Tenorio joined by Minta Spencer (harp), Dylan Day (guitar) and, on drums/percussion, Jay Bellerose, a revered LA stickman most recently under the spotlight in Jeff Parker ETA IVtet.

These exquisite recordings were captured at six fortnightly ticketed sessions at Healing Force in February-April 2024, with sixty-odd fans and locals sitting in rapt attention as the players improvised together. For Seth, the venture was partially a reaction to the brutality of COVID lockdown.

“That experience of being isolated really brought into focus how important being together is,” he says. “That’s really what we have. We have all these other ways of connecting, like via the internet, but actually being together in person, there’s no substitute for it. So, I was like, ‘Alright, I want to do something that brings people together, and builds communities.’”

As much a performance space as a record store, the room at Healing Force Of The Universe (named after the Albert Ayler album from 1970) allowed for studio-quality recording of rare warmth and definition, and Ford-Young wisely chose to present the material as a studio album, benefitting from the energy of the moment shared by all those in attendance across those six sessions, but editing out the crowd noise to let the music stand timelessly – the best of both worlds.

As the world opened up again, and social boundaries became less distanced once more, Seth very consciously took his creativity back towards the spontaneous, and opened up Phi-Psonics to broaden his community, and to improvise music collectively without too much prescribed in advance.

“I thought, ‘Let’s involve some more musicians, different instruments, people that I've played with on other things… Some of them had even sat in with the band at different gigs and stuff, so let's bring them in and really involve them in the recording, and just expand things.’ That's why I called the album ‘Expanding to One’.”

“I feel like the whole record is a document of a time and a place,” he goes on by way of summary. “There's a music community in Los Angeles right now which is doing special things, and that's part of why I chose the various people, because they’re doing beautiful work, and are of a similar mind. So, it’s all about capturing that moment”.

The audiences on each night, he says, were “an intentional listening crowd”, seated on beanbags, eyes closed, drifting with the gentle tides of the music. Experiencing ‘Expanding To One’ in the comfort of their own home, listeners can now share in that moment, and immerse themselves in the gentle beauty of Phi-Psonics musical world.

TRACK LISTING

1. Prelude: Expansion
2. There's Still Hope
3. Healing Time
4. Many Paths
5. Sunrise
6. Love Theme From Your Life
7. We're All One
8. Nature Signs
9. Discovery
10. It Finds A Way
11. Sounds Of The Universe
12. Before The Pyramids
13. New Pyramid
14. Mysteries Of The Dark

As humankind strives to create artificial intelligence what will faith, love, or morality look like to a nascent consciousness? Will it be capable of understanding its creators who often hold logic and superstition within themselves? In return how will humans comprehend its hallucinations? And the Sun, a ball of hot plasma oblivious to our existence continually burns hydrogen until it runs out and swallows its three closest neighbours.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Rare modern braindance music that's hugely innovative, non-derivative and genuinely wonderfully put together. Rippling synths and machinated drum machine glitches break into widescreen bliss and retro-futuristic momentum.

TRACK LISTING

1. Vorei
2. Air
3. Jawns
4. Redd
5. Kristall
6. XOR
7. Chalk
8. Tare

On a remote gravel-covered spit of land on the east coast lie the abandoned buildings of a government facility for weapons testing and experiments with radar.

In the mid 1960s this site witnessed the construction of an over-the-horizon radar, a technological marvel bouncing signals off the ionosphere, built to covertly monitor the activities of other nations.

The reflectivity of the ionosphere is a function of frequency, time of day, time of year and of the solar cycle. In essence, a sympathy for the celestial was required to fully exploit this man made construction.

Plagued by noise that created false returns on the monitors, the intended performance was never achieved, and despite several investigations the system was shut down and eventually dismantled in the early 1970s.

The long dormant Cobra is now a nature reserve.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A more gloomy but impeccably brilliant affair here from Dalham, with all of their meticulously written melodies and finely wrought developments coated in a sheen of shadowy unease and crunchy analogue haze. It's all good, never a dull sound.

TRACK LISTING

1. Pulse Repetition
2. Absolute Elsewhere
3. The Proxy
4. Progress Report
5. Buran
6. Tesseract
7. Backscatter
8. Frequency Shift

'Horizon' is a new collaborative album by Resavoir & Matt Gold. Across the 10 tracks the two Chicago-based producers combine their distinct sensibilities to create a hypnotic and inviting love letter to their shared admiration for '60s and '70s Brazilian music. Resavoir leading man Will Miller the acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and producer who's worked with SZA, Whitney, and more makes room at the table for Gold — a seasoned multi-instrumentalistand accomplished guitarist who has collaborated with the likes of Makaya McCraven and Greg Ward - and the results are distinctly new for both of them. The sunny and expansive tunes on Horizon are as immersive as they are endlessly replayable, a dynamic and joyous body of work.

TRACK LISTING

1. Canopy
2. Memento
3. Dewy
4 Zero Gravity
5. Diversey Beach
6. Ahhh
7. Horizon
8. Hazel Canyon
9. Metropoli
10. Tomorrow

Chancha Via Circuito - Remixes is a new compilation from the Argentine producer Chancha Via Circuito, who has been a key player in the Latin electronic music scene. The album brings together some of his top remixes from the past 11 years, now available for the first time on vinyl. This is Chancha's first physical release since his 2022 album La Estrella, and it features remixes with artists like El Búho, Nickodemus, Fuel Fandango, and Lagartijeando.

Chancha is known for blending cumbia with electronic sounds, a style he pioneered in Buenos Aires' vibrant digital cumbia parties. His music often mixes South American folk influences with environmental sounds. Over the years, he's built a global following, performing in cities like London, New York, Paris, Berlin, Sydney, and São Paulo, where he's played at some of the biggest clubs and festivals.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lulacruza | Uno Resuena (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
2. Kaleema | Velo (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
3. Lagartijeando | El Nogal De Las Pampas (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
4. Ape Chimba | Niña Del Mas Allá (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
5. LUM | Pantera (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
6. Perotá Chingó | Reverdecer (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
7. Fuel Fandango | La Grieta (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
8. El Búho | Tecolotín (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
9. Nickodemus | Do You Do You? (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)
10. Nicola Cruz | Cocha Runa (Chancha Via Circuito Remix)

Azzurro 80's new album—his first ever on LP—is a beautifully faded Polaroid that, like a true flashback, plunges listeners into the heart of the 1980s. It's a sonic journey that captures the essence of a decade, distant yet vividly etched in our collective memory.

The Roman producer unleashes his sonic vision with even greater intensity than before, weaving through dreamy italo-disco, electric atmospheres, soundtrack-worthy synth-pop, and boogie-funk grooves.

Each track opens a window onto an era the artist experienced only fleetingly as a child, yet he evokes it with a powerful and refreshingly original touch. Much like a classic library music record, these tracks conjure a wealth of images, scenes, and visual sequences—perfect soundtracks for imagined films or evocative advertising campaigns: as seductive as a perfume ad, as desirable as a car commercial, and brimming with the bright future the 80s promised.

It's no surprise that cinematic references spring to mind even before musical ones. The album echoes the dreamy atmospheres of early 80s Italian cinema, particularly films like Carlo Verdone's "Acqua e Sapone" (1983) and Carlo Vanzina's "Amarsi Un Po'" (1984). Meanwhile, flashes of New Romantic aesthetics and hints of electro-funk transport you to a neon-lit dance floor where a DJ is spinning the vinyl copy of Flashback.

Azzurro 80's new album is a vibrant, energetic work, balancing groove and emotion in equal measure and infused with a sense of nostalgia that feels remarkably contemporary.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lampara
2. Filobus
3. Rotative
4. Sequenza Gennaio
5. Estensione
6. Sabbia Magica
7. Buongiorno Il Caffè
8. Città Notte
9. Disco Blu
10. Autolavaggio
11. Azimut
12. Coccinella
13. Meridiana

An artist whose reputation has long been forged by his engagement and musical exchange with local scenes and cultures from across the world. Quantic’s vast discography of electronic releases spans two decades, ranging from focused solo productions and intimate collaborations to expansive ensemble projects. Now, the multi-instrumentalist, DJ, composer and producer Will Holland delivers his DJ-Kicks compilation, which fittingly radiates friends and family energy. Having worked and lived in the UK, US and Colombia, Quantic reached out to the many wide-ranging music connections he has made during his 20-plus-year career. “It’s not like writing an album; you’re at the mercy of what other people are creating," he reflects of the mix’s creation. “Fortunately, the homies’ submissions were of an extremely high calibre!” Gathering these artists' music together was a delight for Quantic, especially as he had personal connections with many of those who crafted them. The mix bursts with unreleased exclusives and places the art of curation at its core, giving the listeners space to go and dig more of the songs and sonics which resonate the most. Will Holland includes a glistening breadth of new material, including new music from Quantic alongside another of his aliases Sobredosis, creating a mix teeming with vitality.

Beyond raising profiles, the mix encapsulates Quantic’s tempo-changing DJing style which, over the past decade, has built him a strong community of fans. “It’s got a moody start and end, but a big portion is uplifting and joyous,” he says of the DJ-Kicks compilation’s sonic journey, “you’re going down a river and get off in a different place… it’s also a cool way to encapsulate, stylistically, what I’ve been up to as a DJ over the last few decades, while shining a light on people I admire”

This DJ-Kicks is the latest instalment in Quantic’s ever-evolving artistic trajectory, an accompaniment to those moments when the gloaming disappears into darkness. Will Holland’s longstanding dedication to a full range of melodic and percussive expression alongside continued musical collaboration is what makes his edition of DJ-Kicks such a rare beauty.

TRACK LISTING

1. JJ Whitefield Feat. Bonnie Behave - The Mind Is A Palace
2. The Heliocentrics - Minimal Engagement
3. Quantic - Dialect
4. Alfa Mist - In My Defence
5. JKriv Feat. Gabriel Oliveira - Pifeiro Malandro
6. Quantic - Twang
7. Frente Cumbiero - Michilero
8. Quantic - Theme From Selva (Remix)
9. Quantic - Eko Eko
10. Quantic - Motivic Retrograde (Live Version)
11. Eblis Alvarez, Meridian Brothers - Un Grande Nubarrón Se Alza En El Cielo
12. The Maghreban - Covent Garden
13. Anna Morgan - Throw Dat Azz
14. Ehua - Scintille
15. Turbo Sonidero - Kumbia ESSJ
16. Sobredosis - No Llores Por Mí

Ten years of Invisible Inc! My...how time has flown. It doesn’t seem that long ago since the label was first conceived in a moment of naive enthusiasm by label founder, compiler and DJ GK Machine.

The occasion of the anniversary will be celebrated with a compilation in two phases; Phase 1 being this 2xLP in turquoise and pink design on pink vinyl, with Phase 2 coming later (in pink and turquoise design on turquoise vinyl).

Phase 1 features 17 of GK Machine’s favourite artists.

On board for the ride are a few familiar faces: Secret Circuit, Sordid Sound System, Higamos Hogamos, Double Geography, Veslemes, Legion Of Green Men, Michal Turtle, Golden Bug, Sun Genam aka Sigward but the majority are making their debut appearance on the label: The Mediators (a trio featuring Andy Eardley of Horizon 222 and Zoviet-France), Girls Chat Room (feat half of Zillas On Acid), modular aficionado and Behind The Sky captain Bluetech, Exist Dance head honcho Tom Chasteen’s Skull Valley project, Dreems (of Multi Culti repute), Swiss producer and guitarist HOVE, Fourth World ambient mastermind Michel Banabila, cosmic beat rider Ravelston and last but not least, veteran avantgarde maestro, multi-instrumentalist and composer David van Tieghem.

Mastered by James Savage at Milk Mastering
Compiled by GK Machine
Sleeve layout and design by Gordon Mackinnon

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Strong contenders as poster boys for our infamous 'weird shit' section; Invisible, Inc. celebrate 10 years of twisting our melons with a catch-all snapshot of their roster to date. Frog licking optional!

TRACK LISTING

A1. The Mediators - Broccoli Polaroid
A2. Veslemes - Hotspot Volcanic Cafe
A3. Girls Chat Room - Animal Mineral Vegetable
A4. Golden Bug - Magma
B1. Legion Of Green Men - Tapenglo
B2. Bluetech - Blade Of Dawn
B3. Secret Circuit - Mother Tongue
B4. Skull Valley - Embers
C1. Dreems - Persepection
C2. Sun Genam - Eternal Return
C3. Michal Turtle & HOVE - Flying Over
C4. Michel Banabila - Memories Of The Forest
D1. Higamos Hogamos - Greenwich Tunnel
D3. Ravelston - Minding Backwards
D4. Sordid Sound System - Leather Door
D5. David Van Tieghem - Lonely Planet (Part 1)

A sense of musical wisdom, innate discipline and expansive creativity pervades the street-smart electro-soul from Ellen Beth Abdi, as the renowned, prolific collaborator turned towering solo virtuoso announces her self-titled debut album. Popping with synth signatures, swelling with slow-burning background energies and flowing with delicately placed words of potent and personal meaning, the digital single "Sad Chord" give you a taste of what to expect from the LP from Manchester’s very worst kept multi-instrumental, genre-hopping secret.

Counting back almost a decade since her prodigious talents were first discovered and her solo touring and numerous support slots kick-started a journey around national and international venues, all of Abdi’s live experience, including sharing stages with Lady Blackbird, Courtney Pine and Angelique Kidjo, will be poured into dates arranged in celebration of the long-anticipated release of Ellen Beth Abdi.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Silky smooth street soul rich with shimmering arpeggios and throbbing bass, meticulously crafted passages of minimalist electronics and Abdi's athletic, rhythmic vocals. A brilliantly cohesive, musically inventive debut from an artist we'll be hearing lots more of in the future.

TRACK LISTING

1. Who This World Is Made For
2. Thickskinpeel
3. Tenterhooks
4. Elsewhere
5. The Bad Dream
6. Sad Chord
7. Spellbound
8. Problem Child
9. Kingsway Bouquet
10. Sweet Twenty-Three

'Instant Holograms On Metal Film' is the first Stereolab album in 15 years, featuring 13 new studio recordings. Played by Laetitia Sadier, Tim Gane, Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson and Xavi Muñoz, with contributions from Cooper Crain and Rob Frye of Bitchin Bajas, Ben LaMar Gay (composer/jazz multi instrumentalist), Holger Zapf (Cavern of Anti Matter), Marie Merlet (Monade) and Molly Read among others.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: I'm obviously used to seeing Stereolab crop up on the reissue lists, but it's been FIFTEEN YEARS since a new album has hit, leaving 'Instant Holograms On Metal Film' a much needed new entry to their canon. Soaring 50's tropicalia, snappy jazz-adjacent electronics and woozy ghostlike vocals meet snappy disco grooves and rolling basslines. Further evidence, if any were needed that they're still one of the greatest acts to have dabbled in an oscillator.

TRACK LISTING

1. Mystical Plosives
2. Aerial Troubles
3. Melodie Is A Wound
4. Immortal Hands
5. Vermona F Transistor
6. Le Coeur Et La Force
7. Electrified Teenybop!
8. Transmuted Matter
9. Esemplastic Creeping Eruption
10. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.1
11. Flashes From Everywhere
12. Colour Television
13. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt. 2

Sault's 11th (yes 11th) album 'Acts of Faith' sees the Inflo masterminded project once again showing us that they're the torchbearers in contemporary soul. Originally previewed back in 2023 when Sault performed their first and still only ever gig, 'Acts Of Faith' is an album that is fascinated with belief. Whilst some artists may see this as an opportunity to ruminate upon the subject with an intense and heady degree, Sault takes the subject matter and explores it as a means of celebration. A joyous and life-affirming listen, Sault never ever miss!  

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: If you've heard of Sault, then i'm just going to tell you that this is some more of the Sault that do flawless, soaring neo-soul and warmly evocative electronic gospel music, and if you've not then you really need to have a gander. 'Acts Of Faith' is another superb entry from one of the most beloved musical entities around.

TRACK LISTING

ACT 1: I LOOK FOR YOU
ACT 2: SET YOUR SPIRIT FREE
ACT 3: GOD WILL HELP YOU HEAL
ACT 4: HEAL
ACT 5: SOUL CLEAN
ACT 6: THE LESSON IS OVER
ACT 7: SOMEONE TO LOVE YOU
ACT 8: SIGNS
ACT 9: PRAY FOR ME

'Crooked Wing' is These New Puritans' long-awaited fifth album—their first in six years. Produced by Jack Barnett and Bark Psychosis pioneer Graham Sutton and executive produced by George Barnett, it features an unpredictable lineup of collaborators, from Caroline Polachek to veteran jazz bassist Chris Laurence.

The cult duo returns with one of 2025’s boldest and most immersive records, shifting from the brutal to the beautiful. 'Crooked Wing' cements TNP’s status as visionaries—defying genre, rejecting convention, and delivering their most moving, powerful work yet.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Languid, gothic soundscapes and theatrical post-industrial noise weave together into pieces that are as athletic as they are impactful. The thoughtful majesty of 'Industrial Love Song (Feat Caroline Polachek)' is a particular highlight for me, trading the synthy momentum for wistful, floating melodicism.

TRACK LISTING

1. Waiting
2. Bells
3. A Season In Hell
4. Industrial Love Song (featuring Caroline Polachek)
5. I'm Already Here
6. Wild Fields (I Don’t Want To)
7. The Old World
8. Crooked Wing
9. Goodnight
10. Return

Most acts, by their seventh decade in the biz, would have slowed to a crawl, creakily playing their past hits on the heritage circuit and releasing nothing more than the occasional Greatest Hits collection. This is not the case for Sparks, who have triumphantly returned yet again with 'MAD!' (via Transgressive Records), proving their resilience and relevance in a modern world with a fresh record and summer world tour to accompany it.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Bristling with the energy of the club, Sparks' brand new outing continues down their synth-heavy trajectory but this time amps the energy up with a more high-octane set of stomping anthems. Wonderfully wry, presented with humour and a top listen all round.

TRACK LISTING

1. Do Things My Own Way
2. JanSport Backpack
3. Hit Me, Baby
4. Running Up A Tab At The Hotel For The Fab
5. My Devotion
6. Don't Dog It
7. In Daylight
8. I-405
9. A Long Red Light
10. Drowned In A Sea Of Tears
11. A Little Bit Of Light Banter
12. Lord Have Mercy

Pan Amsterdam blends experimental hip-hop, jazz, funk, and electronic influences, resulting in shapeshifting, genre-defying tracks. His forthcoming album 'Confines' exemplifies his improvisational style, mixing calculated ideas with spontaneous creativity. He describes his approach as organic, reflecting life’s unpredictable nature, and likens his sound to a fusion of George Clinton and Bootsy Collins.

'Confines' explores diverse themes, from racial politics and identity to pop culture references. With a stream-of-consciousness style, Pan Amsterdam raps about everything from cultural observations to food. This mix of humour, social commentary, and introspection is an exploration of the world through a childlike, almost alien perspective and his background in gospel, jazz, hip hop, and even the Grateful Dead shapes this eclectic sound.

The album title reflects Pan Amsterdam’s refusal to be confined by genre. The music channels influences from hip hop’s golden age, alongside nods to artists like Kool Keith, Busta Rhymes, and MF Doom.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Skittering, syncopated percussion and woozy synth stabs forge their way through churns of bass and reverb, providing the perfect backdrop for those trademark avant hip-hop vocals. Wonderfully weird, endlessly inventive and enjoyable.

TRACK LISTING

1. Day Out
2. Evening Drive
3. NYC Town
4. White Ninja
5. Venus Fly Trap
6. Plus One (ft Iggy Pop)
7. Meeshy J
8. Fashion Week
9. Pai Mei
10. Sure
11. Children Of Bear Creek
12. Confines 

Sophia Kennedy, the Baltimore-born, Hamburg-based artist, returns with her new album in May. Known for her genre-blending innovation and distinct vocal style, she has collaborated with DJ Koze and earned praise from The Guardian, Iggy Pop, and Resident Advisor.

Following her self-titled debut (2017, Pampa Records), a radiant dance between the glamour of the Great American Songbook, electronic textures, and clubland influences, earning her international acclaim, Kennedy released her second album, 'Monsters' (2021, City Slang), and delved deeper into surrealism and transcendence. Now, on 'Squeeze Me', Kennedy and her long -time musical collaborator and co-writer Mense Reents sketch a more disillusioned commentary on the status quo of the world at large. The complexity of interpersonal relationships, questions of power dynamics, and the quest for self-determination - longstanding themes for Kennedy - run as a cohesive narrative throughout the album.

More minimalist than her previous works, Squeeze Me brims with Kennedy’s gift for catchy melodies with a certain pop appeal and psychedelic hues. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Beautifully textured stabs of bass and crisp sidechained synth swells, forging a briliantly modern juxtaposition of saturated tape-like production and crisp, meticulous rhythmic programming. Add to that Kennedy's emotive, flowing vocal talents and you have a wonderfully well thought out whole that's as clever as it is fun to listen to.

TRACK LISTING

1. Nose For A Mountain
2. Imaginary Friend
3. Drive The Lorry
4. Runner
5. Rodeo
6. Feed Me
7. Oakwood 21
8. Upstairs Cabaret
9. Closing Time
10. Hot Match