Nia Archives is not interested in being one fixed thing. Since emerging in 2020, the 24-year-old producer, DJ, singer and songwriter has been at the forefront of the latest era of jungle. The Bradford-born, Leeds-raised artist has garnered accolades including placing third in the prestigious BBC Sound Poll for 2023, alongside a nomination for the Brit Awards’ Rising Star prize, plus wins at the DJ Mag, NME, the MOBOs and Artist and Manager Awards. She has also toured the world – be it North America, Europe or Asia – and even opened a show in London as part of a little something called Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. She’s renowned as a party-starter in her own right, too, with takeovers at Glastonbury, Warehouse Project and her own Bad Gyalz day event. She’s done official remixes for the likes of Jorja Smith, had a huge summer hit with her Yeah Yeah Yeahs rework ‘Off Wiv Ya Headz’, and worked with brands like Corteiz, Nike, Flannels, Burberry, FIFA and Apple. In just three years, it’s fair to say that Nia Archives has become a need-to-know name in dance music.

On Silence Is Loud, her much-anticipated debut album, Nia Archives sounds thrillingly free as she looks to make music for beyond the rave. Working with Ethan P. Flynn (known for his work with FKA twigs and David Byrne) Nia is intent that Silence Is Loud is taken in as a full body of work of something “more song-focussed, putting interesting sounds on jungle.” It means that this is a record which finds gloomy Britpop, warm Motown, soaring indie, a love for Kings of Leon’s Aha Shake Heartbreak, skittering IDM, Madchester, classic rock, old skool hardcore and more, woven and fused into her ragga and junglist tapestry, all layered with feeling, imbued with her songwriterly lyricism about loneliness, relationships, family, navigating her 20s, and the intense potential power of silence.

Sitting in the push and pull between melancholy and euphoria, Nia’s work is always a snapshot of where she’s at when she’s making it. This might not be the debut album you were expecting, but that’s what makes Silence Is Loud so special. Nia Archives has learned the rules of her sound, and is unafraid to break them, pushing jungle and herself into new, unchartered territories that, in turn, go some way to map the history of the greats of British dance music. More than that, it plants her firmly in that lineage.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: 'Silence Is Loud' sees the brilliant Nia Archives flawlessly pulling together soul, jungle and synth-pop influences into a distinctly after-party flavoured groove thats both hugely enjoyable and undeniably skilled. A ground-breaking and hugely enjoyable debut from one of the biggest upcoming names in UK dance music.

TRACK LISTING

Silence Is Loud
Cards On The Table
Unfinished Business
Crowded Roomz
Forbidden Feelingz
Blind Devotion
Tell Me What It’s Like?
Nightmares
F.A.M.I.L.Y
Out Of Options
Silence Is Loud (Reprise)
Killjoy !
So Tell Me…

Indulge in the timeless charm of Kings Of Convenience’s debut masterpiece, ‘Quiet Is The New Loud’, available as a gatefold reissue. Immerse yourself in the delicate harmonies and introspective lyrics that define this modern classic.

‘Winning A Battle, Losing The War’ sets the tone of the album, a melancholic yet uplifting ballad that captures the essence of longing and resilience. ‘Toxic Girl’ captivates with its poignant lyrics and soothing melodies, exploring the complexities of love with grace.

With its blend of acoustic guitars, heartfelt vocals, and poetic storytelling, ‘Quiet Is the New Loud’ invites you on a journey of introspection and connection.

TRACK LISTING

Winning A Battle, Losing The War
Toxic Girl
Singing Softly To Me
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From
Failure
The Weight Of My Words
The Girl From Back Then
Leaning Against The Wall
Little Kids
Summer On The West Hill
The Passenger
Parallel Lines

Galaxy Sound Co is well known for its super 45 edit series but has also recently turned plenty of heads with their instrumental hip-hop interludes - and that's just what we have here. Up first is 'Loud & Clear', a brilliant boom-bap gem with a sweet soulful piano riff, great work from the classic MC and nice dusty beats. 'NORE' (Buttas remix) noise sup raw beats and squealing piano lines with lively bars that are a snippet from Noreaga's 'SuperThug'. Last of all is 'Cherry Blossoms (Love Notes Mix)' which is a perfect late 90s hip-hop joint that has a sample from 1969's 'Maybe So Maybe No' by the New Holidays, This is a summer gem to keep the long sunny day vibes alive as autumn arrives.

STAFF COMMENTS

Mine says: We love a nice hip-hop mash-up on 7" here at Picc HQ. Strictlybutters muscles in alongside Moar for BBQ-friendly beats and discourse.

TRACK LISTING

Loud & Clear
NORE (Buttas Remix
Cherry Blossoms (Love Notes Mix)

Collaboration between Dirk Serries and Justin K. Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu). Talking about the nature of Loud As Giants, Dirk Serries marks that for both him and Justin K. Broadrick the project is more like 'a trip down memory lane.' Thirteen years after their collaboration as Fear Falls Burning and Final, these two kindred spirits return with an album that symbolizes their mutual fascination for the 80's culture in which they grew up and all the relevant and groundbreaking genres Justin and Dirk were influenced by.

For Fans of: Jesu, A Place To Bury Strangers, The Telescopes.

London-based Gina Birch began her storied career in music in 1977 when she formed the feminist punk band The Raincoats with fellow Hornsey School of Art student, Ana da Silva. Gina and Ana witnessed an early performance by The Slits and although neither of them knew how to play any instruments, they knew they had to start a band. Just months after they picked up their instruments they were on stage doing their thing around London and the UK in the fledgling and groundbreaking punk rock scene. The Raincoats quickly developed a large and loyal groups of fans and supporters, among them Red Krayola, Swell Maps and Geoff Travis and his new record label, Rough Trade. The Raincoats went on to record 3 albums for Rough Trade that are frequently found on lists of the most important records of the punk rock era and are still name checked as influences by artists today.

Originally, The Raincoats broke up in 1984 but were talked into reforming in 1994 when Kurt Cobain asked them to go on tour in support of Nirvana (sadly, that never happened). With a renewed interest in the band led by Kurt and Kim Gordon, The Raincoats records were reissued with liner notes by Kurt and Kim themselves. Worldwide tours and a brand new 4th album on DGC resulted in 1996. The Raincoats still perform today for special events and have started their own record label, We Three Records, to handle their back catalog.

Gina is a respected painter, a celebrated filmmaker and video director (directing videos for The Libertines and New Order to name a few) and is a mother of 2 wonderful daughters. She has formed and fronted the band Dorothy and The Hangovers.

In September of 2021, Gina released her first ever solo single, Feminist Song, on Third Man Records in celebration of the opening of their brand new London location. Now Third Man release Gina’s brand new and first ever solo full length album, I Play My Bass Loud, recorded by Martin “Youth” Glover from Killing Joke and featuring Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth.

STAFF COMMENTS

Laura says: The debut solo album from the former Raincoats singer / bassist is a glorious amalgamation of new and old sounds. Meandering bass weaves around brooding synths, while Gina's vocals sway from heavily processed and angsty to softer (but no less defiant) to sprechgesang and spoken word. There are some great dub infused tracks that hark back to late 70s post-punk too. It's an album that could really have been made any time between 1977 and the present day and would sit nicely alongside your The Raincoats, The Slits, Big Joanie and Dry Cleaning LPs.

The Complete Singles 1982 – 85 & More.

Includes indie chart-toppers Snake Dance, Deep and Walk into the Sun 7” versions (the first time the Deep and Walk into the Sun 7” are available since the 80’s).

22 tracks – all their ‘80’s repertoire, plus 3 highlights from this century.
From Leeds, label-mates of Sisters of Mercy, they issued six singles & a compilation.

The March Violets came out of Leeds in the early 80’s, label-mates of Sisters of Mercy. Releasing six singles, they were a constant presence in the UK indie charts, hitting the top two with Snake Dance and Deep and no. 1 with Walk into The Sun. They never got around to recording an album – their only '80's long-players, Natural History in the UK and Electric Shades in the USA, were compilations. Eventually they signed to a major label and were groomed for a USA breakthrough, performing in the 1987 Some Kind of Wonderful movie. However they were asked to make too many compromises and split up.

Here is their entire 1980’s independent catalogue compiled in the original versions, together with three tracks from this century. It chronicles their development with lead singers Simon Denbigh, Rosie Garland and Cleo Murray, backed by bassist Lawrence Elliot and guitarist Tom Ashton.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1. Radiant Boys
2. Religious As Hell
3. Fodder
4. Children On Stun
5. Bon Bon Babies
6. Grooving In Green
Side B
1. Steam
2. Crow Baby
3. 1 2 I Love You
4. Long Pig
5. Snake Dance
6. It’s Hot
Side C
1. Slow Drip Lizard
2. Walk Into The Sun
3. Lights Go Out
4. Essence
5. Deep
Side D
1. Eldorado
2. Electric Shades
3. Cut Down Pretty
4. Road Of Bones
5. Mortality

One of Indie-pop’s brightest prospects, BLOXX have come a remarkable way since exploding onto the scene.

Fronted by powerhouse lyricist Fee Booth, the trio craft stadium worthy indie anthems with deep, relatable undertones, a seamless snapshot into love, loss, and teenage life in a satellite town.

TRACK LISTING

Lie Out Loud
Coming Up Short
Go Out With You
5000 Miles
Thinking About Yourself
Off My Mind
Give Me The Keys
Hey Jenny
Changes 
It Won’t Work Out
What You Needed
Swimming

First-time stand-alone audio release of the Nirvana concert video LIVE AND LOUD from the MTV-shot performance in Seattle on 13th December, 1993 that was previously only available in the IN UTERO 20th anniversary Super Deluxe box from 2013.

There will be the 180-gram black audiophile 2LP vinyl edition in a gatefold jacket with replica backstage pass audio download card.

TRACK LISTING

“Radio Friendly Unit Shifter”
“Drain You“
“Breed”
“Serve The Servants”
“Rape Me“
“Sliver“
“Pennyroyal Tea“
“Scentless Apprentice“
“All Apologies“
“Heart-Shaped Box“
“Blew“
“The Man Who Sold The World” (David Bowie)
“School”
“Come As You Are“
“Lithium“
“About A Girl“
“Endless, Nameless”

Makeness drops his debut album, "Loud Patterns" on the Secretely Canadian labe. Crafting tracks which make a virtue of disparate influences, Kyle Molleson manages to pull off something difficult: songs which have been tirelessly worked on, although sound loose-limbed and to-the-point.

"Loud Patterns" is noticeably indebted to house and techno; there are 4/4 rhythms, and a no-nonsense directness that harks back to the Detroit pioneers. Channeling avant-garde experimentalism and an outsider’s interest in pop, Kyle embraces the distance between those two poles.

Cosmic Slop, an underground institution in Leeds, was another touchstone. As Kyle recalls,'That place was definitely an awakening in terms of dance music.' It boasts a hand-built, peerless soundsystem, a near-pitch black dancefloor and a music policy that ranges from Dilla instrumentals to Detroit house. It takes dance music away from regimented structure, fashion and trends and into a freeform world of creative, one which Kyle thoroughly embraces.

"Loud Patterns" arrives after a series of releases that have established his particular, in-between approach to dance-minded music. He put out two EPs on Manchester-based imprint Handsome Dad, a one-off single with Adult Jazz and self-released Temple Works EP; Whities also released a limited-edition white label of a Minor Science dub of one of his tracks.

Containing single, “Stepping Out Of Sync" - 'for me is about losing a little bit of a grip on reality,' says Kyle. 'There’s a big nod to the world of pop music in the track and I wanted to reflect that in the video too. Josha and Felix, who directed the video, came up with this great time splicing technique using a custom 3-camera rig. The idea was to use the technique as a character in the video to add a sense of detachment from reality and subtly invert the upbeat aspect of the music. I had also been talking to my friend Maddie who is a brilliant dancer about working on some choreography for the video. These aspects seemed to come together perfectly when Josha and Felix started sending ideas across. I think the video really captures the range of emotions that exist in the track, it’s upbeat and positive aspect alongside a layer of dissonance and confusion that lies under the surface.'. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Loud Patterns
2. Fire Behind The 2 Louis
3. Who Am I To Follow Love
4. Stepping Out Of Sync
5. Gold Star
6. The Bass Rock
7. Day Old Death
8. Rough Moss
9. Our Embrace
10. 14 Drops
11. Motorcycle Idling

TRACK LISTING

1. Ill Ray (The King)
2. You're In Love With A Psycho
3. Twentyfourseven
4. Good Fight
5. Wasted
6. Comeback Kid
7. The Party Never Ends
8. Are You Looking For Action?
9. All Through The Night
10. Sixteen Blocks
11. Bless This Acid House
12. Put Your Life On It

Beach Slang's second full-length is a crash-and-thunder collection of songs about what it takes to keep yourself going, to make it through the rest of the night—hell, through the rest of your youth—and beyond. Frontman James Alex wrote much of A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings on their first album’s support tour, during which he spent a lot of time with the kids who’d picked up the record.

“A lot of the songs [on Loud Bash] are the stories of the kids who got turned on to Beach Slang by the first album,” says Alex. “They’re autobiographical, too, but kind of at a remove—I’m not that young kid anymore, but I used to be. You know how it is; rock and roll is a new crop of 15-year-olds picking up guitars every year and having at it. There was something really cool about documenting someone elses life, but seeing myself in it. I suppose that’s why we connect. We’re all kind of one big gang.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Future Mixtape For The Art Kids
2. Atom Bomb
3. Spin The Dial
4. Art Damage
5. Hot Tramps
6. Punks In A Disco Bar
7. Wasted Daze Of Youth
8. Young Hearts
9. The Perfect High
10. Warpaint

The riot grrrls have grown up. And their music just gets sassier. Former Melody Maker journo Ngaire Ruth sums up The Wimmins’ Institute to a T: “The Raincoats meets Throwing Muses, with an individual down-to-earth humour that shows these women live their ordinary lives with extraordinary flair, wickedness and good grace.” (Louderthanwar.com) By this she refers to their songs about caesarean sections, mansplaining, and mother-in-laws. Wry humour in awesome punk-pop.

This all-woman supergroup has only been together as a band since April 2015, however they are all ͚old hands͛: Jen Denitto and Deb Van Der Geugten were in seminal riot grrrl band Linus in the 90s, and Cassie Fox and Melissa Reardon are also in Thee Faction, the notorious ͚socialist R’n’B band who wowed this summer’s Leftfield stage at Glastonbury. Charley Stone (of Salad, Gay Dad, Ye Nuns amongst many others) produced the album at Dean Street studios in Soho, and frequently joins the women on stage as guest lead guitarist. Cheerfully DIY, the Wimmins posted a few CDs out to the media, and have had a flood of glowing reviews back. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Boy Rules
2. (Don’t Call Me) Sugar
3. Darling Heart
4. Your Mum (Hates Me)
5. Bye Bye
6. Juno
7. Bicycle
8. Mansplaining
9. Let It Go On Another Planet

The third studio album from singular artist Julia Holter.

New album of avant-pop experimentation from the LA based singer / composer that blends influence ranging from Joni Mitchell to Arthur Russell and the poetry of Frank O’Hara into a daringly unique work as conceptually strong as it is immediately affecting.

‘Loud City Song’ follows, and progresses brilliantly from ‘Ekstasis’, one of last year’s most critically lauded records.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Julia Holter's Domino Records debut fittingly feels like the start of something new, honing as it does, everything that's special about her. Dark and dreamy.

TRACK LISTING

World
Maxim’s I
Horns Surrounding Me
In The Green Wild
Hello Stranger
Maxim’s II
He’s Running Through My Eyes
This Is A True Heart
City Appearing

The album includes performances from a handful of very special guests including Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (singing duet on "Would You") and members of Lambchop and The Silver Jews (Matt Swanson on bass, Tony Crow on synth and William Tyler on electric guitar). Strings and horns were recorded in Kangaroo Valley by Tony Dupe. "A Loud Call" was recorded in a brick house on a leafy street in Nashville, Tennessee by engineer and producer Mark Nevers (Lambchop, Andrew Bird, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy). Partly written on the road , partly written at home, the songs on "A Loud Call" find their inspiration in the tenuous gaps between hope and resignation, romance and indecision, nostalgia and rejuvenation. From the swelling guitar feedback and beds of vocal harmonies which engulf the opening track ("Warm Jets") to the odd-pop, bicycle wheel percussion of "Time It Takes" and the bright sparks of trumpets and pizzicato cellos on "A Heart Divided" the album is richer and more full bodied than its predecessors. But for all it's diversity, "A Loud Call" is effortlessly cohesive: quotidian narratives, epigrams against heartbreak, and vivid, otherworldly fragments are anchored by Holly's distinctive phrasing and lyrical concision.

Ramones compilation compiled by Johnny Ramone. This limited edition version, includes a bonus disc, live in London, featuring eight previously unreleased songs.

Recorded by Steve Albini at his electrical audio studios, this dark and addictive music that will appeal to fans of Low, Tortoise, Papa M, Codeine and Yo La Tengo.