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Four Flies Records is proud to present Paesaggio Bellico, a collection of unreleased music from legendary composer and multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Alessandroni.

Available digitally starting on the centenary of the maestro's birth on 18th March 2025 and on vinyl on 21st March, Paesaggio Bellico is a true gem hidden within the vast treasure trove of Italian film scores and library music.The album brings together themes and atmospheric pieces inspired by the world of war, viewed not just from a military standpoint, but also through a deeply human and existential lens.

The LP version features 18 tracks, while the digital release expands to 29, including alternate takes and thematic variations. These compositions were meticulously unearthed from scores written and recorded by the maestro between 1969 and 1978 for television documentaries and war films.

Alessandroni's war-inspired music masterfully balances action, suspense, and introspection. Expansive, panoramic themes give way to anxious, tormented moments. Horrifying visions are countered by calmer atmospheres, and glimmers of hope soften the intensity of pain.

Each track embodies the unique sound that has made Alessandroni an irreplaceable figure for soundtrack and library music enthusiasts. His signature whistle – so unmistakable for generations of fans of the genre – soars above delicate 12-string acoustic guitar arpeggios. More dramatic pieces feature his iconic Fender Stratocaster, equipped with a fuzz distortion pedal. And, of course, Alessandroni's vocal group, the Cantori Moderni, a constant presence in his arrangements, contribute, this time lending their voices to the more unsettling aspects of military psychology. An elegant string section adds depth and emotional impact to the more orchestral tracks, completing the picture of this monumental work.

The result is a sonic journey that delves into the darkest, most martial sides of war, but also explores its intimate and deeply painful dimensions, creating a powerful dialogue between the atrocities of conflict and the human emotions it evokes.

The release is enriched by original artwork from Eric Adrien Lee, who reimagined the 1970s graphic design of Italian war-themed library albums. The vinyl LP is housed in a tip-on hard cover (the kind used for higher-end productions during the golden age of Italian soundtracks), with an inner sleeve featuring a color-inverted variation on the cover art, which makes the physical record even more unique.

Folding the ambient techno tradition into neatly arranged packets of rhythm and space, Delsin proudly presents a striking new collaboration from Tobias. and Doltz. A project developed from a chance encounter, Versus combines classic synth and drum machine configurations with needlepoint sound design to create a quintessential electronica listening experience. Tobias. is the lead alias from Tobias Freund, the celebrated German techno pioneer who has been actively exploring new territories in electronic music production since the early 1980s. As Doltz, Shun Watanabe has quickly developed his own impressive artistic stamp in the field of leftfield techno and ambient since debuting in 2020. After seeing Doltz perform a live set at Eden Festival 2024 in Japan, Freund instantly invited him to collaborate. After the success of the first collaboration, they went on to develop five of the tracks on Versus together, while Jiawen Wang performed additional vocals on 'We Are Not Alone'. Versus is an album that balances variety and consistency across its finely sequenced run time, maintaining a focus on pointillist, exploratory rhythm from crisp drum machines and twitchy digitalia alike, all backed up by richly rendered atmospherics from gaseous pads to icy drones. It's a warm and inviting sound world, but also fearlessly futuristic, speaking to both Freund's decades of refinement and the startling clarity of Doltz's vision.

Foreigner's Double Vision album achieved success through a combination of well-crafted songs, strong songwriting, talented musicians, extensive radio airplay, and favorable timing within the music industry.

Double Vision, released in 1978, followed up the group's blockbuster debut with an album of FM mega-hits. Songs such as "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," and "Blue Morning, Blue Day" became radio staples and resonated with a wide audience. Lou Gramm's powerful vocals and Mick Jones' guitar playing were key components of the band's sound, and their musical prowess was evident throughout the album.

The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned platinum-selling certification just a week after its release, and now has marked 7x platinum for sales in excess of 7 million units. "Hot Blooded," reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In September, it was followed by "Double Vision," which charted at No. 2. This was the highest position Foreigner had attained to that time. The third and final single, "Blue Morning, Blue Day," was released in December and climbed to No. 15 on the chart.

Foreigner was known for their energetic live performances, and they toured extensively to promote Double Vision. Their live shows helped to further connect with fans and promote the album.

Analogue Productions is proud to offer the definitive reissue deluxe 45 RPM 2LP of Double Vision. For Foreigner fans, this is a can't-miss addition to your album collection.

»Re:Polyism« is a track-by-track reinterpretation of Friedrich »Fritz« Brückner’s 2022 debut solo album as Modus Pitch, »Polyism,« through artists affiliated with Altin Village & Mine and/or former collaborators of the prolific Leipzig-based musician and producer. Each track from »Polyism« has been remixed or reworked by different artists such as Modeselektor, Angel Bat Dawid, Maya Shenfield or Mouse on Mars member and HJirok producer Andi Toma, but the album—mastered by Tim Roth a.k.a. Sin Maldita and released as a strictly limited vinyl LP with reimagined artwork by Carmen Orschinski—follows the original record’s tracklist. This makes »Re:Polyism« a veritable musical prism, refracting the creativity inherent to Brückner’s genre-transcending original works through other people’s artistic lenses to create an even more colourful end result.

First off are the Gebrüder Teichmann with their take on opener »Drive,« carefully adding more depth and uncanny sounds to the jazzy, drum-focused piece. Unsurprisingly, Modeselektor go a lot further with their remix »Rainbow,« turning the two-minute track into a dubstep-adjacent banger with infectious synth work that is twice as long and comes with a mind-melting breakdown. With their take on »Hilltop Jacuzzi,« Peaking Lights turn the blissful original into a piece that calls to mind experiments at the intersection of dub, ambient, and industrial music in the mid-1990s. Cloud Management radically transform the eerie »Compound Eye Dialogue« into a rhythmically charged mid-tempo post-krautrock epic, while the Seekers International’s »Jelly Roll Dub« of »Gelée Royale« uses the original’s lush textures to turn up the intensity even further.

On the flipside, Andi Thoma gives the intricate synth pop/breakcore fusion of »Suspender« a similarly dubwise treatment before venturing into gqom territory, pulling it out of the leftfield and straight onto the dancefloor—peak-time use only. Maya Shenfeld then brings her trademark modular synth work to »Outer Veil,« accentuating the focus on Hendrik Otremba’s uncanny spoken word performance even further. This sets the mood perfectly for vocal experimentalist Agnese Menguzzato working her singular magic. Under her hands and with her voice, the multi-layered ambient soundscapes of »Lava Fans« become even larger-than-life-like than before. When Angel Bat Dawid takes the menacing drones of »Iridescent Path« as a template for a trap-inspired beat over which she lets loose on the clarinet, that serves as both the ultimate counterpoint and perfect coda to »Re:Polyism.«

These nine reinterpretations of the highly diverse source material underline Brückner’s singular approach to music-making while also emphasising their makers’ idiosyncratic talents. This makes »Re:Polyism« more than simply a remix album—it’s a polylogue between visionary minds.

For the past couple of years, Sam Akpro has been rising as one of the brightest talents coming from the thriving UK alternative scene. Hailing from Peckham, South London, he incorporates elements of post-punk, wave, dub, jazz and trip-hop, fueled by a fascinating range of influences (from Joy Division to SAULT, through Miles Davis, Talking Heads, Cocteau Twins, Dean Blunt, Fela Kuti, Frank Ocean). Fuzzy, moody and dreamy at times, "Evenfall" paints a refreshing picture of life in the London suburbs in your twenties. It"s the light, the darkness and the slow passing of time in an accomplished, genre-defying art form. With this beautiful debut, Sam Akpro is destined to break through in 2025.

2025 Repress

Max Lessig journey started in the north of germany, he travels the country and is gaining followers by the minute. Adapting styles as he pleases never loosing his clear vision, he is offering five new messages on HALO EP. Readymade for wide, open fields - magnetically attracting hands towards the air. Praise the prophet, he brings nothing but pleasure and good vibrations. Vinyl Tastes Better...

With Helldorado, the third installment of SPIRITWORLD’s death-western trifecta, chief hombre Stu Folsom and his rhinestone- encrusted, Stetson-wearin' wrecking crew take you deeper into a world where the hot desert sun beats down on a singular vision of the American West as a gateway to hell. “It’s a different album than the past two,” says Folsom of the thematic and sonic journey that began with the Las Vegas band’s 2020 Pagan Rhythms LP and continued with 2022’s Deathwestern. From the honky-tonk swing of opener "Abilene Grime" to the Slayer-worthy riffing of "No Vacancy in Heaven" and the unforgettable "Oblivion" (which features members of Black Braid and Rise Against), SPIRITWORLD's story rides on with this latest offering, blasting Mojave-born bloodlust and stomping tomahawk riffs while charging straight into a sonic vision of macabre Americana.

Goldstar takes perennial New Yorkers, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT's exploration of the extreme and arcane and delivers the band’s most focused, authentic and accessible work to date. While the triumvirate has expanded the language of extreme music with albums including Alphaville (2021) and Spirit of Ecstasy (2023) via musical improvisation and a visual obliqueness that extends to their haunting masked performances, this is their defining moment. Also joining the Decibel magazine vaunted ensemble are Meshuggah drummer Thomas Haake and legendary drummer, Dave Lombardo, both of whose presence makes it clear that musically, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT are in a class by themselves. From album opener “Eye of Mars” to the stirring “Hotel Sphinx” and the death metal scraping “Rot Moderne”, this is the sound of IMPERIAL capitalizing on months of churning up the road in the company of Behemoth, Carcass and Zeal & Ardor. In their vision of urban disorder, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT's monolithic cityscapes are dark as any of their extreme or black metal brethren.

After humble lo-fi beginnings in the Australian Art-Pop Underground, Donny Benet has expanded his cult-like following across the Globe with a resonant Array of danceable Repertoire dealing with Love- and Affection. New album "Mr Experience" marks a new chapter, informed by a wealth of musical- and personal development.

For Mr Experience, Donny envisioned a Soundtrack to a Dinner-Party- Set in the late 1980's. While his earlier Recordings drew Inspiration from DIY Pop Conspirators such as Ariel Pink & John Maus, Donny channelled the Stylings of Bryan Ferry & Hiroshi Yoshimura as the Impetus for new Material, evident on the Intimacy found on ‘Girl Of My Dreams’ and it's lush production- with a soothing whistle-along Chorus for good Measure!

Sincerity has been a key component of Donny Benet’s output since the beginning. His songs deal with genuine Emotion served on a kitsch Platter. An alter-ego manifested in the beginning of the 2010's, Donny has blurred the Lines of Artifice to create a back- Catalogue that can embrace- and challenge, often simultaneously, - the notion of Irony in Art.

"Mr Experience" moves further away from ironic Notions as Donny explores lyrical- and musical themes which embody Observations of Maturation in his audience, his tightknit musical Community- and himself. While ‘mature’ is a term that often rings hollow as an album descriptor, the term couldn’t be more apt for Mr Experience.

Previous album The Don was created with the luxury of time. The phenomenal Response to that Album across Europe- and the United States - fuelled by accompanying Music Videos clocking in Views in the Millions- meant that there were scant Windows of Opportunity to write- and record a follow-up.

With a legacy in Sydney’s music community, working with Sarah Blasko, and tightknik collaborators Jack Ladder & Kirin J Callinan, Donny Benet is accustomed to collaboration on the Stage- and in the Studio, mostnotably on the 2014 full-length release Weekend At Donny’s.



“There is such immense talent evident in every aspect of the Donny Bene experience - the vision of the character, the steadfast adherence his narrative and the musicality of Benet himself all combine to makesomething truly genius.” - Double J, Australin.

“Donny Benet makes feminine music for everybody” - Vice, Netherlands.

“The Don does not sound like amusical copying machine”. - 3voor12 National, Netherlands.

“The set was punctuated with virtuosic solos and exquisite harmonies, and added another layer of genius to the show.
We almost couldn’t handle it... Donny for president!" - Indie Berlin.

“Everyone loves Donny Benet” - Feature in Gonzai, France.

“Phenomenal Australian Showman... Offers Top-Class Dance Music with Virtuose-Bass Guitar- and Keyboard Parts & incredible Sound-Colour feel.” - Podujatie.sk, Slovakia.

Donny has toured Europe five times since the start of 2018 and has played in the UK, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, France, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Greece and Sweden. The Don will revisit Europe twice in 2020, once for his own headline shows in May then back again in August for festivals!

A regular of Australia’s thriving musical circuit, Kane Dignum aka Little Fritter makes his debut on Hot Creations with Dub Riddem. The EP continues an impressive 2020, that has seen the Gold Coast native’s standout productions land on the likes of Desert Hearts and etcetc already this year.

Those aforementioned features are present right from the offset, as Dub Riddem leads proceedings. A reverberating vocal keeps us hooked, before hard-hitting drums combine with a shimmering cow-bell lead to form a real dancefloor weapon. Puff Puff comes next, with prominent kicks giving way to a chuggy, up-and-down bassline, whilst lyrical samples echo in the background to create a choppy, groove-lead atmosphere. How Lucky Should We Feel? rounds things off in a similarly club-ready vein, merging resonant vocal cuts with punchy drum patterns and bringing shimmering hi-hats in tow.

Little Fritter has been a regular on the electronic music circuit for more than a decade. Having had his first release back in 2008, few artists have stayed as relevant and cutting-edge as the Gold Coast mainstay. Performances at Berlin’s Club De Visionaire and Barcelona’s Off-Sonar cemented his reputation as a respected prospect in the scene.

Der Grammy-nominierte Produzent und musikalische Visionär, Benjamin David aka Mild Minds, veröffentlicht sein zweites Album, „GEMINI“ über ODESZAs Label Foreign Family Collective.

Während Mild Minds 2020 erschienenes Debütalbum, „MOOD“, eine kreative Offenbarung und eine risikofreudige Abkehr von seiner Arbeit hinter den Kulissen darstellte, ist „GEMINI“ ein Zeugnis dessen, dass sich dieser künstlerische Sprung gelohnt hat. Das Album verweist auf die Underground-Clubmusik der Jahrhundertwende und verwendet Breaks, luftige Pads und abgehackte R&B-Samples aus den 2000erJahren, neben frühen Trance-Einflüssen und ätherischen Vocals. Diese klangliche Grundlage schafft auf dem Album einen beispiellosen Dialog zwischen cluborientierten Elementen und melancholischen Emotionen, die in der Dance-Musik selten erforscht werden. Das Album zeigt Benjamin Davids Entwicklung als Produzent und vertieft die Überschneidung von organischen und elektronischen Soundscapes, die zum Markenzeichen seines Projekts, Mild Minds, geworden sind. Der neueste Teil der Geschichte, die mit „GEMINI“ erzählt werden soll, demonstriert die Fähigkeit von Mild Minds, komplexe, emotionsgeladene Kompositionen zu schaffen, die sowohl auf der zerebralen als auch auf der viszeralen Ebene bei seinen Hörer:innen ankommen.

Format: Transparentes Vinyl (140G) inkl. Downloadcode

T. Gowdy returns with a major statement and luminous stylistic expansion on his third album for Constellation. Trill Scan is an exquisite suite of songs literally and figuratively about alchemy, where Gowdy melds his background in choral and medieval music with his trademark analogue electronics. Following the acclaimed Miracles (Bleep Album of the Week / Albums of the Year 2022), Gowdy's bar-raising new LP centers human voice for the first time. Choral set-pieces and solo lead vocals, along with his own lute playing, are novel elements in Gowdy's work, and draw on strains of Middle Ages polyphony and the Baroque "broken style" to further distinguish Trill Scan from anything in his discography to date. Gowdy sees "the modal language of medieval Europe as a less distant cousin to indigenous traditional music practice" compared to a Classical-colonial "patriarchal order of tonality that honours a system of domination." The 12th century Notre Dame School of choral music and 17th century style brisé each carry tonal materiality, heterodox technique, and cultural-historical symbolism central to Trill Scan's conceptual and compositional alchemy. Gowdy coheres these beautifully into his palette of serpentine slowburn electronics, a minimal analogue-driven techno shaped by aleatory strategies and tinged with post-punk grit. Gowdy's sound has been aptly described as "gently transportative, flickering like a busted halogen lamp" and his overriding pursuit of psychoacoustic immanence likened to "getting your brain massaged" and praised as "blissful work that bristles with effervescent energy, like brain waves coming in and out of focus." Trill Scan expands this sonic sensibility with more conspicuous harmonic complexity, stylistic variety, and humanistic narrative arc. Alternately sacramental and intimately personal vocals, sometimes wordless and sometimes lyrical, are worked into superlative instrumental tracks, yielding a warmly immersive concept album that's equally Gowdy's most musical. Gowdy sings explicitly of alchemy on the hypnotic album centerpiece "Novus Lumen" with lyrics that gesture at these medieval processes of material investigation. The tension between the scientific and esoteric is crucial; the separation and synthesis of physical substances in medieval alchemy maps onto his fixation with the interplay between the materiality of sound and psychoacoustics. Gowdy follows the Jungian interpretation of classic alchemical texts as an historical bridge to theories of the psyche, where consciousness itself is treated as materiality and similarly subjected to methodical analysis and experimentation, to deconstruction, dissolution, transformation, reintegration, metamorphosis. Song titles like "Arislei Bone" and "Materiadiscipuli" further reference these mythopoetic throughlines from medieval alchemy to modern psychology. Gowdy chooses disruptive forms from the history of Western music that symbolize and prefigure the modern psychological subject and its struggle for/against order, even as they also evoke liturgy and the Renaissance court. The sacramental adds a potent dimension to his pursuit of psychoacoustic activation, meditation, and transcendence, as choral passages intersperse with electronic drone and pointillism throughout the album. His gorgeous Fennesz-meets-lute rendition of the Baroque composition "Courante" by François Dufault offers idiomatic salon-secular counterpoint. Album closer "Strewn" is bookended by a final recurrence of choral invocation, with pulsing earworm motorik techno in between, over which Gowdy whisper-sings a dreamlike vision quest of mythic-alchemical imagery: "as I washed my eyes they turned to metal / and the memories melted to the metal / the metal of my heart." A mesmerizing final song that explicitly invokes Gowdy's search for materialized abstraction and substantive musical immanence wrought from his own psycho-therapeutic subjectivity, and encapsulates the album's turn towards more harmonic, historicized, and humanistic elements. Trill Scan commingles empyrean and earthly electronic songcraft to genuinely original and absorbing effect. Thanks for listening. RIYL: Coil, Nicolás Jaar, Alessandro Cortini, Pantha Du Prince, Fennesz, Visible Cloaks, Actress,

Blasé is a French-American pop artist, composer, arranger, producer, singer and author. Since his childhood and adolescence in New York, he experimented, mixed together 70s rock, electronic music, disco and hiphop, to create a sound that will take him directly to Paris with his first band Haute, with Anna Majidson. A first hit will be born, «Shut Me Down», whose session Colors accumulates more than 30 million views on YouTube.

After this first success, and following numerous collaborations with various artists such as Agoria, DJ Pone, Lala&ce, Niro or Jwles, he found his musical signature and started solo. The UFO Blasé released his first EP «Why Blasé? » in 2023 on Record Makers label, a unique fusion of Chic, The Strokes and Manu Chao.

Blasé releases his first album «BLABLABLA» in 2025, an album that stands as a personal manifesto of his sound obsessions that open almost as many tracks: 15 original titles in search of the groove.

With his educated ears to the radio and charts across the Atlantic, he honors this generous vision of pop that encompasses old-school hip-hop, R&B, jazz, funk, disco and new-wave, and navigates between different styles in the manner of American artists. Some songs are in French while others are in English, featuring singer Anna Majidson, rapper Jwles, and the late American artist Cola Boyy. So we go on «BLABLABLA» from a studio haunted by Quincy Jones to a cellar where he rehearses The Cure of «Boys Don’t Cry».

It’s been 20 years since Hinder’s major label debut Extreme Behavior was released, and we’re still not sure the music industry has recovered. Seldom have commercial and critical success been poles apart to this degree; this record went TRIPLE platinum and scored, what, four major hit singles (more if you count the international charts)?! Yet, critical scorn was unrelenting, one reviewer commenting Hinder “appeal not to fans of music, but fans of high fives.” Which is pretty funny…but this Oklahoma City band laughed all the way to the bank, as songs like “Get Stoned,” “Lips of an Angel” (#3 on the Hot 100), “How Long,” and “Better Than Me” were worldwide hits.

Part of this was due to the undeniable charisma of lead vocalist Austin John Winkler; producer Brian Howes also deserves credit for co-writing the songs. But a big part of Hinder’s allure (aside from the fetching cover photo taken straight from the cover of the book How to Tell a Naked Man What to Do: Sex Advice from a Woman Who Knows) was the band’s devil-may-care attitude. Fans of Jackass found their party-hearty soundtrack right here; Extreme Behavior is good, unclean fun. Remastered for its firstever vinyl reissue on its 20th birthday by Mike Milchner from Sonic Vision, and pressed in blackberry vinyl!

Demonstrating the poignant power of experience + human connection + innate musicality + operating in the present moment, Jeff Mills' Spiral Deluxe collective unveil their second album - The Love Pretender. Driven by the free expression and creativity of improvised performance, Spiral Deluxe is an electronic jazz fusion project comprised electronic music visionary Jeff, along with legendary keyboardist Gerald Mitchell (Underground Resistance/ Los Hermanos), Japanese rocker Yumiko Ohno (Buffalo Daughter/Cornelius) on Moog synthesizer and the Japanese bassist, adopted New Yorker, Kenji "Jino" Hino - son of Terumasa Hino, the world famous jazz trumpeter. Together, the four key players formed a band centred around completely improvised journeys through sound.

During their unrestrained performances, what Jeff describes as sonic "conversations" arose between the musicians, as they each contributed to full-length live shows, and studio sessions. Within the boundless parameters of freeform spontaneity, they developed an unspoken understanding of one another, finding balance and poise within the unplanned performances. The resulting recordings have been used for three releases so far: Two EPs, Kobe Session (2016) and Tathata (2017), and their debut album Voodoo Magic in 2018. With The Love Pretender, we're presented with another stunning collection of "tracks" extracted from one long improv session.

With each musician proficient in their specialism and, of course, an all-out music lover, the communication between the group members became almost telepathic. Very little preparation was needed, and their performances flowed naturally and organically. This can be heard, and felt, throughout The Love Pretender. Tracks like 'The Soloist' evolve effortlessly, each new shift subtly influenced by one of the musicians nudging the conversation into a different phase, and the rest responding accordingly, or vice versa. It's music that embodies the true nature of mindfulness and letting go of fear. In their unstructured, liberated cocoon the artists thrive and create musical moments that have, fortunately, been captured for us all to immerse ourselves in. Jazzy notes fill the air, combined with electronic bass, synthesised beats, sparkling keys and an all-round warm and welcoming atmosphere, with the slight edge you can only get from improvised performance.

Sylvain Luc's posthumous appearance on the album is of significance too. The French guitarist died in March 2024 at the age of 59. His natural flair adds another dimension to the album, bringing a touch of that laid back 1980s American California Coast feeling to tracks such as 'Society's Man'. These contributions to the LP, recorded separately, add character - a final sprinkling of humanity to complement the aliveness and presence of this body of work. Three other musicians also added their creative energy to the project. They were; TOKU, a Japanese jazz musician who specialises in wind instruments, especially the cornet, trumpet and flugel horn. And there's Masa Shimizu, who also has wide-ranging with the guitar, as well as being a producer.

Themes on the album include the optimism one can have by simply trusting the process and trusting that everything will work out in the end. By playing together in the way they do, Spiral Deluxe place their trust in the mystery of what will happen next. Getting comfortable with not knowing is key to a sense of peace with regard to the future and this energy is vital to their collective musical output. By embracing the notion of the unknown, you become an eternal optimist, living in the moment, rather than projecting into the future. This cultivates excitement, an antidote to anxiety.

Meanwhile, the title alludes to the shifts and changes that have occurred in today's society, whereby it's possible to achieve success through pretending. The superficiality, and falsehood, that can often be presented via social media, can lead to questions about what's real and what's not. From AI to the fake personas that populate the dominant platforms, The Love Pretender speaks to a process that is symbolic of the time we're living in. Behaviour that has become acceptable in today's world, which may not have been as welcomed a few decades ago. But this is part of the cycle of life...

Jeff's intention with this music is to present it in high-fidelity, to be listened to over and over and over again. In post-recording he worked for hours to ensure the audio quality was as high as it could be. The goal is to create music that people can live with their entire lives, from his solo work to these masterful improvisations. Music that comes to life, music that has a voice we can replicate with our own vocals. Expressive, unstructured, and alive...

With The Love Pretender Jeff Mills continues his mission to experiment with music outside the bounds of what is typically expected. It's freeing, enlivening, vibrant and uniquely human. As ever, Jeff's visionary outlook and bold approach to musical performance and recording has produced a body of work that epitomises his often revolutionary capabilities. There's no pretending here, just pure unadulterated sonic transmissions from a wonderfully daring, inspiring and optimistic ensemble...

Strut introduces the highly anticipated third volume in the Disques Debs International series, diving deeper into the archives of one of the greatest French Caribbean labels, Disques Debs, based in Guadeloupe. Founded by the visionary Henri Debs in the late ‘50s, the label and studio operated for over 50 years, releasing more than 300 7” singles and 200 LPs, making it a cornerstone of Caribbean music history.

By the dawn of the 1980s, Henri Debs had already established himself as a prolific producer, with a record of releases unmatched in Guadeloupe and Martinique. From its humble beginnings with a 2-track tape machine in the back of a clothes shop, Disques Debs evolved into a powerhouse, boasting a state- of-the-art studio in downtown Pointe-à-Pitre, retail shops for records and musical instruments in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Paris, a nightclub in Gosier, and international distribution deals reaching Europe, the U.S., and South America.

Disques Debs played a pivotal role in shaping modern Caribbean music. The label bridged traditional genres like biguine and gwoka with contemporary styles like cadence, compas, and zouk, the latter becoming a global phenomenon in the 1980s with contributions from iconic acts like Kassav’ and Zouk Machine. The period also saw Disques Debs champion a new generation of artists while maintaining ties with legendary figures from earlier decades.

Volume 3 in this series spotlights one of the label’s most dynamic and influential periods as it expanded its global reach during the 1980s. Across 2 LPs, the release features a curated selection of tracks from the Disques Debs circle, highlighting both emerging talents and established artists who defined the era.

This collection not only celebrates Henri Debs’ unmatched legacy but also offers a snapshot of Caribbean music’s golden age, cementing Disques Debs as a cultural institution.

No matter how much of their filthy riches Munich’s oh-so shiny and smart glitterati are going to spend on generic pest control, they’ll never manage to exterminate SPINNEN (n.b. German for “spiders” – and also for “being bonkers” ;) Instead, SPINNEN will spread even further, they’ll form new networks, take over new corners, new spots, connect more musical dots with invisible, incendiary cobwebs.

Whereas these two SPINNEN – Sophie Neudecker (drums) and Veronica “Katta” Burnuthian (bass) – have been doing their spidery thing(s) in countless muggy, experimental corners of Munich for years (think bands such as Bombo, Uschi, Apian, The Living Object, Friends of Gas + other art ventures, tats, Schaufel & Besen Records…), the duo’s first full-length offering for Weilheim-based Alien Transistor sees them move on towards a warm kind of light – “Warmes Licht”. Inspired by Lambrini Girls, Peaches, McLusky, Amyl And The Sniffers, and all things loud and gain-heavy around their hometown, the album – obviously two body parts (A + B side), 8 legs (tracks) – is set to arrive in March 2025.

“Zusammen wachsen/Zusammen fallen,” meaning grow together/fall together feels like a fitting motto on opening track “Träume,” an initial onslaught of shouts, spiky basslines, crunchy chords, a whole lot of awesome friction in that lovely lower end. “Visionen folgen/Kämpfen und Erschaffen,” is another apt line while doing just that, fighting, creating, turning visions into soundscapes, into pure sonic fun & resistance. Putting even more pressure on the mosh pit with wordless “Wirken,” that titular warm light eventually breaks through towards the end of hypnotic “Moment”: The lyrics might talk about a calm state of mind – but these two are certainly not slowing down, not aiming for consistency, or for “making it”…

“Warm” has no drums, no message, it’s pure light, all playful organ hypnosis, paving the way for the b-side that opens with first single “Geister” (spirits/ghosts/genies): Arriving with a rough wind that immediately turns things upside down, it’s all screams and riffs, turbines and propellers – one of many moments that make you realize how bad you want to see this hi-octane duo live, how good it must feel to have them scare the shit out of your body (“Verscheuche mich aus meinem Körper”). They’re like two genies coming from the same smashed bottle, offering three wishes to those who’re lucky enough to listen (Fuzzy Noise Pop? Punk Catharsis? Rrriot Krautsound?).

Following a quick melancholy breather (“Lichter”), things once again get restless as they rush towards the punk finale via slow-burning demolisher anthem “Ermüdend”/“Immer wieder,” only to unleash one last battle cry, one last middle finger made of light and noise to the heated room (“Mäuse”) they’ve long taken over.

It’s certainly no coincidence that a certain square/fine/upstanding citizen named Margit O. gave Munich’s Bürgerpark Oberföhring a scathing 1-star review on Google Maps exactly four years ago – at the very moment that Sophie and Katta first met just there, which eventually lead to the formation of SPINNEN. The reason for O.’s negative rating: “Too loud”.

Preparing your debut full length record is no small undertaking for any artist. The format itself deserves a certain frame of mind and approach – it’s different, and with Sarah Wild’s debut LP she embraces the idea. Expanding her artistic vision to offer something different, making use of the format and bringing new ideas and musical pathways to her established sound. Releasing on her imprint Midnight Operators in early 2025 – My Body Flows In Gravity constitutes a sophisticated homage to the early 2000s trance movement, integrating nostalgic motifs with her ultra-on point production that sits perfect in todays scene.

From the dreamy proto-house vibes of the opener, establishing a foundation with its understated beats, to the Orbital-esk serenity of the title track My Body Flows In Gravity the album works at evoking the emotive resonance of a golden era of music reborn. This trip is backed up by the Early-Balearic styled tracks such as “Fly With Me To The Moon” and “Visit To Mars” which pull you into hazy smoked filled dancefloor territory, hypnotic melodic progressions effectively capture the essence of Trance’s peak cultural moment.

At the mid point “I Don’t Wanna Go” introduces a different dimension, exploring a more Euro sound that is at the peak of the contemporary scene, but infused with Sarah’s unique edge, hyper pumping beats work alongside spoken word to really up the tempo. Following this the journey returns to a more progressive feel, “Floating Around” and ” On My Way Home” take things into deeper territory, bringing the focus’s of the record back the groove after the blurry eyed highs. Bringing the record in for a perfect landing. There is an emotional duality to this record, a movement through a juxtaposition of yearning and almost frantic emotions alongside more uplifting harmonics through to more introspective moments. The final track “Landing” gracefully closes this arc.

Sarah Wild delivers a sonic journey as much concerned with the process as with the destination itself. My Body Flows In Gravity shows Wild’s capacity to synthesize the deeply personal with the universally resonant, a set of tracks that equally speak to the introspective solitude as they do to the collective euphoria of the dancefloor.

When the late Jazz impresario and trailblazer Meghan Stabile first launched the Revivalist platform and Revive Da Live concert series in NYC, the goal was to bridge the gap between younger Hip-Hop audiences and traditional Jazz purists. Born from this vision in 2010 was the Revive Big Band, an inventive 20+ piece ensemble led by artistic director, trumpeter, and composer Igmar Thomas. Merging tradition with groundbreaking creativity since its inception, the multi-generational band’s world-class cadre of musicians unites for Like A Tree It Grows. As the Revive Big Band’s official full-length debut, this album represents not only a 14-year timeline of the Revive collective’s journey, but also a deeper tribute to the Black American Music lineage. It’s a celebration of community that uses the timeless power of music to tell a story of cultural legacy, innovation, and artistic collaboration. From original compositions like “R&P” and “The Coming”, to reinterpretations of classic records paying homage to musical legends (e.g. Wayne Shorter, Dizzy Gillespie, etc.) Like A Tree It Grows showcases Thomas’ intricate arrangements that blend Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, and a range of genres from the lineage of Black American music. With guest features from Talib Kweli, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terrace Martin, Jean Baylor, Bilal, and more, the album provides a bridge between past and future, inviting listeners to explore the roots of Black music while reimagining its possibilities.

-Lagartijeando is synonymous with pushing the alt-Latin electronic scene forwards along with his contemporaries Nicola Cruz, Chancha Via Circuito and El Buho.
-7 Caminos marks Lagartijeando's 4th consecutive LP with Wonderwheel, following La Tercera Vision (2021), Jallalla (2019) and El Gran Poder (2017)
-The album was recorded between Cholula, Mexico and Tarapoto, Peru - it has the energy of the South American jungle and the volcanoes of the Mexican Altiplano.
-Touring Japan all of October 2024 with winter dates in Mexico and Latin America
-Lagartijeando has been releasing music since 2009 (both under that name and Mati Zundel). He's been associated with labels like ZZK (Nicola Cruz) and Waxploitation (Gnarls Barkley, Danger Mouse)
-His releases have sold over 15,000 physical units (Vinyl and CDs) and over 25 million cumulative streams across all DSPs
-Extensive press and blog coverage from the likes of The FADER, Vice, KCRW, NPR and many others.
-Past tour history includes dates throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia

-Lagartijeando is synonymous with pushing the alt-Latin electronic scene forwards along with his contemporaries Nicola Cruz, Chancha Via Circuito and El Buho.
-7 Caminos marks Lagartijeando's 4th consecutive LP with Wonderwheel, following La Tercera Vision (2021), Jallalla (2019) and El Gran Poder (2017)
-The album was recorded between Cholula, Mexico and Tarapoto, Peru - it has the energy of the South American jungle and the volcanoes of the Mexican Altiplano.
-Touring Japan all of October 2024 with winter dates in Mexico and Latin America
-Lagartijeando has been releasing music since 2009 (both under that name and Mati Zundel). He's been associated with labels like ZZK (Nicola Cruz) and Waxploitation (Gnarls Barkley, Danger Mouse)
-His releases have sold over 15,000 physical units (Vinyl and CDs) and over 25 million cumulative streams across all DSPs
-Extensive press and blog coverage from the likes of The FADER, Vice, KCRW, NPR and many others.
-Past tour history includes dates throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia

Das neue Album beschäftigt sich nicht nur mit der üblichen Kriegsthematik, sondern die Songs von "Landkrieg" kreisen um den 30-jährigen Krieg, der die deutschen Lande von 1618 bis 1648 verwüstete und noch bis heute prägt. Auf "Landkrieg" bleiben SCALPTURE ihren tödlichen Wurzeln treu, aber der Schliff durch die endlosen Stunden auf Tour, zahlreiche Shows und viele Tage und Nächte sowohl im Proberaum als auch im Hellforge Studio haben ihren Sound hörbar nachgeschärft. Die neuen Songs sind brachial, hammerhart und 100% Death Metal, aber sie lassen auch Raum für Abwechslung und spannende Wendungen. Als SCALPTURE im Jahr 2009 in Bielefeld ins Leben gerufen wurden, hatte Gitarrist Felix Marbach als Gründer bereits eine klare Vision: Die musikalische Ausrichtung sollte kompromisslos dem klassischen Death Metal folgen, aber gleichzeitig sollte die Band in jeder Hinsicht ihren eigenen Stil entwickeln. Alle bisherigen Albumtitel von SCALPTURE beziehen sich auf den Krieg, den die Band zu ihrem wichtigsten lyrischen Thema gemacht hat. Ohne Glorifizierung und Stereotypen, stützen sich die Texte auf detaillierte historische Recherchen und schildern die Schrecken des Krieges, der viele Länder dieser Welt bereits in den Abgrund gerissen hat. Trotz ihres Themas vertreten SCALPTURE moderne Werte wie Toleranz, Frieden und Vernunft. SCALPTURE entfesseln einen neuen musikalischen "Landkrieg" und lassen der Welt nur zwei Möglichkeiten: Kapitulation oder die Schädel schütteln!

Arny Margret, Iceland’s remarkable and poetic upcoming singer-songwriter, is due to release her second album ‘I Miss You, I Do’ on March 7th via One Little Independent Records. The follow-up to 2022’s celebrated, minimalist folk debut ‘they only talk about the weather’ sees her working with new producers in America to develop and hone a sound that’s more textured, expansive, and mature.

‘I Miss You, I Do’ incorporates sessions from Arny Margret’s trips to New York City, North Carolina, and Colorado, as well as those recorded in Iceland. During extensive international touring, she wrote prolifically and spent time getting to know producers and musicians who each brought their own unique and individual talents to the project. Arny’s atmospheric and introspective material has been layered with country-inflected full band ensembles, keys, banjo, harmonium, slide guitar and more, adding an ambience that only enhances her natural ability to convey crystal-clear imagery within thematically rich writing.

In pursuit of her creative vision, Arny enlisted producers Josh Kaufman, Andrew Berlin, Brad Cook, and Guðm. “Kiddi” Kristinn Jónsson. Josh Kaufman is best known for his work with Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir, The National, This Is The Kit, Hiss Golden Messenger, Josh Ritter, and The War on Drugs. Andrew Berlin, GRAMMY nominated for his work on Gregory Alan Isakov’s record ‘Evening Machines’, also mixes national punk rock staples such as A Wilhelm Scream, Rise Against, and Teenage Bottlerocket. Brad Cook served as a producer for Bon Iver, Big Red Machine, Waxahatchee, Hand Habits, Kevin Morby, and Whitney amongst others. Arny also returned to Iceland to record with her long-time collaborator and friend Kiddi Jónsson in Reykjavík, Iceland.

200 copies only. 10 track LP....

GLOW WORLD is Rod Modell's new project resulting from his collaboration with Taka Noda. The duo delivers what could be an example of perfect elegance and musical refinement, but the resulting sounds are once again dirtied, ruined and ravaged by a noise capable of deafening us, sounds that come from afar, that seem to fade away but suddenly illuminate the world around us, which lands on us and which no longer belongs to us, leaving us lost in an infinite melancholy.

GLOW WORLD is a work characterized by buoyant ambient sounds from which delicate rhythmic textures emerge, and never speeding up they run along the routes of an electronic music that surely knows how to be as minimal and suffused as it is distressing. Touches of piano, slow pulsations of bass lines and constantly disturbed sounds that nevertheless almost lull the listener into listening to this timeless music, perfect for letting go, observing time inexorably slipping out of our hands forever.

Sounds that are timeless, it was said. Rod Modell and Taka Noda are visionaries, and GLOW WORLD is a rare gem. Simply another masterpiece.

La Pambelé Unveils Nací Mestizo, A Bold New Album Reviving Salsa with a Contemporary Twist Bogotá’s heavy guaguancó orchestra, La Pambelé, proudly presents their highlyanticipated second studio album, Nací Mestizo, now available on all major digital platforms as of November 27th. This album pays tribute to the golden era of salsa, particularly the 1970s, while breathing new life into the genre with modern lyrics and stories that resonate deeply with Latin communities.

All while maintaining a distinct Bogotan essence that highlights the city’s unique cultural flavor. Nací Mestizo seamlessly blends the timeless salsa brava sound with contemporary themes, reflecting the everyday lives of people across Latin neighborhoods. The album’s songs capture the struggles, passions, and joys of ordinary people, presented through the vibrant rhythms of salsa, creating a musical experience that connects the past with the present. Building on Their Rising Popularity Prior to the album’s release, La Pambelé debuted the singles “Amargura” and “Perdí mi Corazón”, which quickly captivated audiences and set the stage for the full album's success. The band’s electric performance of these tracks at the MedPlus Coliseum in Bogotá, before an audience of 22,000 attendees awaiting Marc Anthony, was met with enthusiasm as fans danced and applauded.

This moment marked a significant milestone for the orchestra, cementing their place as a rising force in the global salsa scene. Additionally, La Pambelé’s growing visibility has been marked by their appearances at major festivals such as Salsa al Parque and features on prominent radio stations, including Radio Nacional de Colombia and Latina Stereo. These platforms have helped introduce La Pambelé’s signature sound to a wider audience, building anticipation for the release of Nací Mestizo and reaffirming their influence in Colombia’s tropical and alternative music scenes. A Contemporary Salsa Sound with Classic Roots La Pambelé’s unique blend of traditional salsa brava and contemporary Latin storytelling is showcased through their distinctive nine-piece orchestra, which includes piano, conga, flute, trumpet, trombone, timbales, bongos, and baby bass. The dynamic vocals of Miguel RoRebolledo and Lorena Contento elevate the album’s themes, creating a sound that invites listeners to their feet and onto the dance floor. Under the direction of Camilo Toro Morato, the orchestra has honed its signature style, pushing the boundaries of salsa while staying true to its roots. As a proud defiance of stereotypes about Bogotá’s musical abilities, La Pambelé’s name pays homage to legendary Colombian boxer Kid Pambelé, symbolizing resilience and strength.

The name also draws from the Bantú language, meaning "defender of one's own," reinforcing the band’s connection to their Colombian heritage and pride in their distinctive sound. Global Recognition and Continuing Influence Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2022, La Pambelé has gained international recognition, especially within the vinyl collector community. Theirdebut album was released in both 45” and LP vinyl editions, further solidifying their unique position in the contemporary salsa movement. Influenced by salsa greats such as Markolino Dimond, Eddie Palmieri, Edy Martínez, and Ismael Miranda, La Pambelé has carried forward the torch of salsa brava with passion and innovation. Nací Mestizo marks a significant evolution in the orchestra’s journey, melding the old and the new, and cementing La Pambelé as a driving force in the future of salsa music. A Collector’s Dream With their 2022 debut album garnering international recognition, La Pambelé’s vinyl releases—including 45” and LP editions—have become coveted items for salsa collectors worldwide. Their music is a bridge between classic salsa traditions and a modern vision, appealing to seasoned fans and new listeners alike. About La Pambelé La Pambelé is a heavy guaguancó orchestra from Bogotá, Colombia, known for their vibrant, rhythm-driven sound that blends 1970s salsa brava with modern Latin influences. With a unique nine-piece lineup and powerful vocals, the band continues to break boundaries, defying expectations and inspiring audiences around the world

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated re-issue of Ash Ra Tempel's legendary 5th Studio Album "Starring Rosi" in our "50th Anniversary Edition". Originally released in 1973, this seminal work remains a cornerstone of the Krautrock and "Kosmische" movement, blending psychedelic rock, ambient soundscapes, and early electronics into a transcendent auditory experience.
The Album has been recorded by Manuel Göttsching in it´s entity, with additional help to come from Producer Dieter Diercks playing bass, percussion, Drummer Harald Grosskopf and of course Rosemarie "Rosi" Müller.
"Starring Rosi" is an essential piece of their continuation of blending cosmic psychedelia, ambient textures, and avant-garde electronic experimentation. Originally released in 1973, this album marked a significant departure for the band, featuring Rosi Müller, who added a lyrical and vocal dimension to the band's typically instrumental soundscapes & Manuel Göttsching background singing.
To many technically Ash Ra Tempel last, yet most accessible, release, although there was the soundtrack to Philippe Garrel´s movie "Le Berceau de Cristal" and there might be some further previously unreleased, music to come out later.

Album Background:
*Starring Rosi* stands out in Ash Ra Tempel's discography for its lighter, more accessible sound, balancing the band's signature cosmic explorations with melodic structures and poetic lyrics.
It marks an unique chapter in Ash Ra Tempel's discography, featuring the ethereal vocals of Rosi Müller alongside Manuel Göttsching's visionary guitar work. The album is a sonic journey that takes listeners through seven distinct tracks, each showcasing Manuel Göttschings pioneering approach to music.
From the dreamy opening track "Laughter Loving" to the meditative "Day-Dream" and the atmospheric "Interplay of Forces," songs that illustrate the band's evolution from their earlier, more intense and improvisational albums, showcasing a more reflective and introspective side .
"The Fairy Dance" is delving into the mystical and meditative, transporting listeners to a dreamlike state.
While "Schizo" sounds like a continuation of the best moments of the previous Ash Ra Tempel records, is the last track "Bring Me Up" an Up-tempo Song that features Manuel as well on vocals.
"Starring Rosi" captivates with its blend of cosmic improvisation and melodic beauty.

Reissue Details:
This reissue of *Starring Rosi* has been introduced and overseen by Manuel Göttsching still, and finalised by his Family exactly to his standards, in which the meticulous approach to his work lives on.
An updated 2024 recut carefully commissioned by Schnittselle in Berlin (who also signs responsible for the previous ART Reissues, likewise, the 2016 E2 E4 Anniversary Edition ensure the warm depth sound while bringing out the rich textures and nuances, all of the original recordings. The reissue is available on 180-gram Black vinyl and a Limited Edition in transparent Pearl Sunrise Vinyl.
Both vinyl editions comes with a replica of the original Vinyl Artwork including it´s original Backside.
The Limited Edition also includes a Poster of the alternate Backside, used later on the CD Editions showing Rosi and Manuel improvising during studio sessions. Also included are prints of previously unreleased Original "The Fairy Dance" Music and "Schizo" Composition Sheets handwritten by Manuel

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated re-issue of Ash Ra Tempel's legendary 5th Studio Album "Starring Rosi" in our "50th Anniversary Edition". Originally released in 1973, this seminal work remains a cornerstone of the Krautrock and "Kosmische" movement, blending psychedelic rock, ambient soundscapes, and early electronics into a transcendent auditory experience.
The Album has been recorded by Manuel Göttsching in it´s entity, with additional help to come from Producer Dieter Diercks playing bass, percussion, Drummer Harald Grosskopf and of course Rosemarie "Rosi" Müller.
"Starring Rosi" is an essential piece of their continuation of blending cosmic psychedelia, ambient textures, and avant-garde electronic experimentation. Originally released in 1973, this album marked a significant departure for the band, featuring Rosi Müller, who added a lyrical and vocal dimension to the band's typically instrumental soundscapes & Manuel Göttsching background singing.
To many technically Ash Ra Tempel last, yet most accessible, release, although there was the soundtrack to Philippe Garrel´s movie "Le Berceau de Cristal" and there might be some further previously unreleased, music to come out later.

Album Background:
*Starring Rosi* stands out in Ash Ra Tempel's discography for its lighter, more accessible sound, balancing the band's signature cosmic explorations with melodic structures and poetic lyrics.
It marks an unique chapter in Ash Ra Tempel's discography, featuring the ethereal vocals of Rosi Müller alongside Manuel Göttsching's visionary guitar work. The album is a sonic journey that takes listeners through seven distinct tracks, each showcasing Manuel Göttschings pioneering approach to music.
From the dreamy opening track "Laughter Loving" to the meditative "Day-Dream" and the atmospheric "Interplay of Forces," songs that illustrate the band's evolution from their earlier, more intense and improvisational albums, showcasing a more reflective and introspective side .
"The Fairy Dance" is delving into the mystical and meditative, transporting listeners to a dreamlike state.
While "Schizo" sounds like a continuation of the best moments of the previous Ash Ra Tempel records, is the last track "Bring Me Up" an Up-tempo Song that features Manuel as well on vocals.
"Starring Rosi" captivates with its blend of cosmic improvisation and melodic beauty.

Reissue Details:
This reissue of *Starring Rosi* has been introduced and overseen by Manuel Göttsching still, and finalised by his Family exactly to his standards, in which the meticulous approach to his work lives on.
An updated 2024 recut carefully commissioned by Schnittselle in Berlin (who also signs responsible for the previous ART Reissues, likewise, the 2016 E2 E4 Anniversary Edition ensure the warm depth sound while bringing out the rich textures and nuances, all of the original recordings. The reissue is available on 180-gram Black vinyl and a Limited Edition in transparent Pearl Sunrise Vinyl.
Both vinyl editions comes with a replica of the original Vinyl Artwork including it´s original Backside.
The Limited Edition also includes a Poster of the alternate Backside, used later on the CD Editions showing Rosi and Manuel improvising during studio sessions. Also included are prints of previously unreleased Original "The Fairy Dance" Music and "Schizo" Composition Sheets handwritten by Manuel

Billboard Heart, das neue Album von Deep Sea Diver, stellt die Band aus Seattle auf Anhieb in eine Reihe mit St. Vincent, TV On The Radio und Flock of Dimes, Bands, die neue, kunstvolle und magnetische Wege gefunden haben, Indie-Rock zu machen, indem sie Vorstellungen davon, wie er klingen oder was er sagen muss, über Bord geworfen haben. Es ist ihr viertes Album und das erste für Sub Pop, und es ist ein Coup, ein Triumph über Selbstzweifel, der das Scheitern in eine Chance verwandelt, neue Freiheit, Glauben und Stärke zu finden. Mitte Juli 2023 nahm Deep Sea Diver-Mastermind Jessica Dobson in einem Studio in Los Angeles ein Gitarrensolo auf, spürte aber irgendwie nichts. Nur wenige Tage zuvor hatte ihre Band aus Seattle eine Reihe von halb-geheimen Auftritten vor Anhängern gespielt, die de facto als Proben für ein neues Album dienten. Die Sets waren gut gelaufen, aber die neuen Songs schienen verworren, Dobsons Überzeugung ging irgendwo in den 1.000 Meilen zwischen Südkalifornien und dem Heimstudio verloren, das sie mit ihrem Partner, Schlagzeuger und häufigen Co-Autor Peter Mansen teilt. An jenem ersten Abend in Los Angeles hatte sie einen Zusammenbruch, fragte sich, was sie dort tat, und überlegte, wie sie es in Ordnung bringen könnte. Deep Sea Diver zogen sich ohne Album nach Hause zurück. Mussten sie es verschrotten, um mit neuem Material neu anzufangen? Ganz und gar nicht: Nach einer kurzen Pause fand Dobson ein neues Selbstverständnis, ein Vertrauen in ihre Vision für ihre Band und ihre Songs und in ihre Fähigkeit, diese einzufangen. Bei einem Abendessen mit ihrem langjährigen Mitarbeiter Andy Park gestand sie in aller Bescheidenheit, dass sie Hilfe brauchte, was Dobson dazu inspirierte, Deep Sea Diver neu zu erfinden und zu beleben. Diese Enthüllung bereitete die Bühne für die Kraft und Brillanz von Billboard Heart. Drei Jahre zuvor veröffentlichten Deep Sea Diver ihr drittes Album, 2020's Impossible Weight, über das kolossale Indie-Imprint ATO. Es war ein bedeutender Schritt nach oben und brachte der Band eine Welle der Aufmerksamkeit und einen Platz in den Billboard-Charts ein. Doch der Erfolg veranlasste Dobson, an ihren Impulsen zu zweifeln und sich zu fragen, ob die Wirkung oder die Rezeption einer Idee ebenso stark sein könnte wie die Idee selbst. Zu Hause, mit ihr am Klavier und Mansen an der Gitarre in ihrem Wohnzimmer in Seattle, bahnte sich das Paar einen Weg nach vorne und belebte ihre Songwriting-Partnerschaft neu. Das Material auf Billboard Heart ist von Anfang bis Ende erstaunlich. Das Titelstück ist der einzige Song, den Deep Sea Diver tatsächlich in Los Angeles fertiggestellt haben. Die wogenden Synthesizer von Elliot Jackson und der tunnelbläserähnliche Pedal Steel von Greg Leisz sind eine Hymne auf den furchtlosen Vormarsch in die Zukunft - ein strahlendes und großartiges Stück. „Emergency“ verbindet den Elan des Hardcore mit der unmittelbaren Anziehungskraft des Electroclash, wobei Dobsons fesselnder Gesang und seine Gitarrenarbeit im Mittelpunkt stehen. Das zarte und verletzliche „Tiny Threads“ ist eine mitreißende Hymne für alle, die versuchen, etwas zusammenzuhalten - das Leben, die Liebe, sich selbst. „If it haunts me, let it haunt me“, singt Dobson sanft über einer Stille, die nur von Bass und Noise eingerahmt wird. Sie lässt ihre Gitarre in eine Rückkopplung kippen und formt sie dann stetig zu etwas Melodischem um. Es ist ein ganzes Leben voller Angst und Sublimierung, kristallisiert in 10 Sekunden. Billboard Heart fühlt sich im Großen und Ganzen so an. Billboard Heart entstand, als Dobson ihren Instinkten vertraute, es ist ein persönlicher und künstlerischer Durchbruch und das bisher beste Deep Sea Diver-Album, ein trotziges und brillantes Ausrufezeichen am Ende einer langen Zeit der Wanderschaft.

Released for the first time on vinyl, ‘Brat and it’s completely different’ is the reworked version of ‘BRAT’ which reached number 1 on the UK’s official album chart, and includes the number 1 single ‘Guess featuring Billie Eillish’.



Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli xcx has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output.



Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.

She released her sixth studio album ‘BRAT’ in June which stands as the most critically acclaimed album of the year and landed at Number 1 on the UK Official Album Chart in October.



‘BRAT’ has well and truly made its mark on the cultural zeitgeist this year; the audacious campaign has seen Charli cause roadblocks around the world with her pop-up ‘PARTYGIRL’ DJ sets, break the internet with viral videos and surprise collaborations with the likes of Billie Eilish, Lorde, Addison Rae, Robyn, Yung Lean, Julia Fox, Chloë Sevigny, and Rachel Sennott and introduce a new tone of green to the social lexicon.



The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize 2024 while ‘Guess featuring Billie Eilish’ debuted at Number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart, making Charli the first British artist to land at the top of the charts this year.



In October, Charli followed it up with ‘Brat and it's completely different but also still brat’ - a brand-new version of the critically acclaimed album featuring reimagined takes and innovative reworks of tracks from ‘BRAT’ featuring the likes of Julian Casablancas, Bon Iver, The 1975, Shygirl, Ariana Grande, Caroline Polachek and more.



Her lasting impact was cemented last year when Charli was honoured with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London, while she also received the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in March, the ASCAP Global Impact Award in May and Wall Street Journal’s Music Innovator Award in October.

Few sounds transcend time and space quite like the driving pulse of Afrobeat, and few artists, for that matter, have defined their own domains quite as profoundly as Tony Allen—the very beat of Afrobeat itself. In 2011, Allen recorded one of his inimitable rhythmic dialogues as part of the Afrobeat Makers Series for the Parisian imprint Comet Records. Charged with the same fervour for uninhibited expression that defined his trailblazing career, Tony Allen’s drumming, free from convention and charting its own course, emanates a cadenced stream of consciousness that speaks its own truth.

If Allen’s language was his beat, then on this record, La BOA—La Bogotá Orquesta Afrobeat—becomes his latest and most fitting interlocutor. What began as a tribute—a song named after Allen—now feels like the prelude to a deeper dialogue in a meeting that seems more like fate than mere happenstance.

Led by producer Daniel Michel, the ever-evolving band has spent over ten years embodying the fluid, transformative spirit of Afrobeat, imprinting it with their distinctly Colombian sensibilities. From Casa Mambo in Bogotá, Michel’s Mambo Negro Records has become a cornerstone of Colombia’s underground scene championing Afro-Colombian and independent music throughout that time.

Across this LP, Allen’s recordings lay down the canvas upon which La BOA paints its own vision of Afrobeat—raw and expansive, locking step with his drum tracks while building around the unmistakable blueprint of their Colombian rhythms: exuding Caribbean beat, rolling with Pacific groove, and, above all, shaped by the rarefied air of the Andean melting pot that is Bogotá. What ensues is an enduring conversation that crosses eras, borders, even life and death—a celebration of the passing of the baton and the boundless nature of Afrobeat as a genre that refuses to settle. Where the beat of Lagos meets the brass of Bogotá, so too La BOA meets Tony Allen.

,respite -- levity for the nameless ghost in crisis", aka ,r--L4nGc`, ist Colin Selfs drittes Album, nach dem gefeierten ,Siblings` (2018) und der dazugehörigen EP ,Orphans` (2019).In ,r--L4nGc" bewegt sich die Musik des in Berlin und New York lebenden Künstlers, Komponisten und Puppenspielers nahtlos zwischen schwebenden, unheimlichen Pop-Vocals, immaterieller experimenteller Elektronik und knallharten Dancefloor-Rhythmen. Strahlende, grenzenlose Schönheit und unentrinnbarer Terror sind ein und dasselbe. Unter Einbeziehung von Selfs langjähriger Praxis des Puppenmachens und auf der Grundlage eines bewussten Exils, das es dem Künstler ermöglichte, sich mit verlorenen Seelen auf anderen Existenzebenen zu unterhalten, ist ,rünL4nGc" eine integrierte Vision der eklektischen Praxis des Künstlers. Self singt in Polari, einer vergessenen Form des Slantwise-Englisch, das von queeren Subkulturen seit Jahrhunderten verwendet wird, um sich der Entdeckung zu entziehen, und performt für unsere verstorbenen Lehrer und Freunde und für den Rest von uns, die bereit sind, mit unheimlichen Geistern zu kommunizieren. Für Fans von Perfume Genius, Björk, Holly Herndon, Psychic TV, Oneohtrix Point Never, Lyra Pramuk, Bat For Lashes, SOPHIE, Talk Talk. "respite - levity for the nameless ghost in crisis", aka "r-nL4nGc", is Colin Self's third full length album, following the acclaimed "Siblings" (2018) and its companion EP "Orphans" (2019). In "r-L4nGc" the Berlin and New York based artist, composer, and puppeteer's music travels seamlessly from soaring, uncanny pop vocals to immaterial experimental electronics and hard-hitting dance floor rhythms. Radiant, limitless beauty and boundless, inescapable terror are one and the same. Incorporating Selfü's long standing practice of dollmaking, and drawing upon a conscious exile that allowed the artist to settle into conversation with lost souls on other planes of existence, "r-L4nGc" is an integrated vision of the artist's eclectic practice. Singing in Polari, a forgotten form of slantwise English used by queer subcultures for centuries to evade detection, Self performs for our departed teachers and friends, and for the rest of us, ready to commune with uncanny spirits. For fans of Perfume Genius, Björk, Holly Herndon, Psychic TV, Oneohtrix Point Never, Lyra Pramuk, Bat For Lashes, SOPHIE, Talk Talk.








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The prolific and internationally renowned Dancehall artist, Blaiz Fayah, announces the release of his new album "Shatta Ting" on February 21, 2025.

For his new album "Shatta Ting," Blaiz Fayah returns with pure Shatta instrumentals. Produced between Martinique, Paris, the Netherlands, and Spain, the album is built on collaborations with top Martinican beatmakers like DJ Glad, Mafio House, Gyzmo, Mikado, B Mad, as well as, of course, Kybba, Tribal Kush, and Limitlezz from the Basshall Records team. Over the years, Blaiz Fayah has forged a strong artistic bond with these talented beatmakers, whose productions are the starting point for each of his tracks.

"Shatta Ting" features two standout collaborations: one with the bad queen, Maureen, on the track "Money Pull Up," and another with the singer Le Jèm’ss, a leading artist of the new generation, on the song "Whole A Dem." Blaiz Fayah shares a common artistic vision with Le Jèm’ss, who is also the first signing to his new label, Mad Ting Records.

To accompany the album's release, Blaiz Fayah will embark on a world tour with his musicians and dancers, performing in France, Europe, Canada, Latin America, and East Africa. The highlight of this tour will be a unique show at the Olympia on January 31, 2026, promising a new performance, fresh arrangements, and plenty of surprises!

Sunny War, also known as Sydney Ward, found inspiration for her latest album Armageddon In A Summer Dress while living in her late father's 100-year-old house in Chattanooga, TN. She initially thought the house was haunted. Eerie sounds and visions led her to write the song "Ghosts." However, she later discovered that hallucinations were caused by gas leaks, shifting her understanding of those experiences but not her artistic focus. Armageddon In A Summer Dress explores themes of memory, loss, and the ghosts of past selves. After the success of her 2022 album, Anarchist Gospel, Sunny spent more time touring with artists like Bonnie Raitt and Mitski. To avoid falling back into past struggles with alcohol, she channeled her energy into music, crafting intricate demos and experimenting with sound. This process involved shifting from acoustic to electric guitar, aiming for a fuller band sound. Tracks like "One Way Train" and "No One Calls Me Baby" highlight her blend of punk and roots influences, emphasizing the rebellious spirit shared by both genres. A notable collaboration on the album is with Steve Ignorant from Crass, whose participation in "Walking Contradiction" reflects Sunny's admiration for the band and its critique of modern society. Armageddon in a Summer Dress serves as a reflection on identity and choices, balancing heavy themes with empowerment. Sunny War encourages listeners to live authentically and resist societal pressures. Committed to continual growth, she sees every performance and song as an opportunity for exploration. Through her music, Sunny War captures the complexities of life, loss, and the transformative power of creativity.

Cali Lanauze makes label debut on Crosstown Rebels with his ‘Borderline’ EP.

The three-tracker, landing on 14th February 2025, features a first-time collaboration with Cari Golden alongside two solo cuts.

Hailing from the vibrant shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cali Lanauze has spent over a decade carving out his space in the global electronic scene. A trailblazer since his teens, Cali’s rich, eclectic grooves reflect both his Caribbean roots and his deep connection to underground music. Now, with his debut on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels, he follows an impressive outing via sister label Rebellion with his ‘Borderline’ EP, cementing his position as one of his nation’s finest electronic exports.

The title track sees Cali team up with LA-based singer/songwriter Cari Golden, whose credits include collaborations with Groove Armada, Camelphat, Anja Schneider, Audiofly, and more. Having debuted on Crosstown Rebels with Fur Coat on ‘You and I’, Cari’s second appearance sees her soulful, evocative vocals intertwine effortlessly with Cali’s melancholic yet uplifting production. On the flip, Cali showcases his solo prowess. ‘Temple of Confessions’ takes listeners on a hypnotic journey with trippy grooves inspired by the otherworldly energy of Hï Ibiza’s Club Room, while ‘Talk To My People’ delivers a heady mix capturing the essence of his dynamic artistry.

Cali’s journey from a young producer in Puerto Rico has welcomed releases on labels like Flying Circus, Visionquest, and My Favorite Robot, garnering support from legends such as Carl Cox, Radio Slave, and DJ Sneak. Curating groundbreaking events in Puerto Rico, gracing iconic venues like Hï Ibiza and Brooklyn Mirage, and heading up his own label, Opulenc, Launauze has created a platform for his innovations and genre-spanning productions.

Mantar erreichten mit ihrem letzten Album Pain Is Forever... (2022) Platz 2 in den Offiziellen Deutschen Charts!- Year End "Best" Listen: Metal Hammer Deutschland, LAWeekly (US), Exclaim (CA), Terrorizer (UK)- Vorgestellt auf: All New Metal/Black & Dark Metal/The Pit/Metal Planet (SPOTIFY), Breaking Metal/New Music Daily/Optimus Metallum/Breaking Hard Rock (APPLE MUSIC)- Mantar hat 8,5 Millionen Streams auf Spotify erreicht- Massive Underground-Fangemeinde in Europa und Nordamerika, die auf einem jahrzehntelangen DIY-Ansatz und ausgedehnten Tourneen beruht- Vergangene Festivalauftritte: Hellfest, Download, Full Force, Oya Festival, Getaway Rock, Roadburn, The Fest (US), Wacken, Maryland DeathfestCharts (Pain is Forever...):Germany:#2 Official German Album ChartsAustria:#69 Official Album ChartsSwitzerland: #45 Official Album ChartsUS Billboard:#60 Current Hard Music Album#84 Top New ArtistsQuotes for Pain Is Forever and This Is The End (old):- Album of the Month - Metal Hammer (GER)"So präsentiert sich das räudige Doom-Duo auf PAIN IS FOREVER AND THIS IS THE END in Bestform. 'Art Is Hard', das wussten bereits die Indie-Rocker Cursive. Aber Mantar sind härter." - 6/7pts - Metal Hammer (GER)- Album of the Month - Metal.de (GER)- "Pain Is Forever.. skillfully keeps the balance between brute destructive fury and dense atmosphere in widescreen format with real underground hit potential." - 8.5/10 pts Rock Hard (GER)"So hält "Pain Is Forever..." gekonnt die Waage zwischen brachialer Zerstörungswut und dichter Atmosphäre im Breitwandformat und hat oftmals echtes Underground-Hitpotenzial zu bieten." - 8.5/10pts Rock Hard (GER)- "The blackened doom punk duo's biggest rock moment to date is not a betrayal, but an accomplishment" - Visions (GER)"Der bislang größte Rock-Moment des Blackened-Doom-Punk-Duos ist also kein Verrat, sondern eine Vollendung" - Visions (GER)- "A tremendous hit rate, as if we were not dealing with a regular longplayer, but with a "Best-of MANTAR". Very Strong!" - 8.5/10 pts Deaf Forever (GER)"Und so kann man "Pain Is Forever And This Is The End" eine enorme Trefferquote attestieren, so als ob man es nicht mit einem regulären Longplayer, sondern mit einer "Best-of MANTAR" zu tun hätte. Stark!" - 8.5/10 pts Deaf Forever (GER)"- "Compact and to the point interpretation of Black'n'Roll, which can not only split your skull, but also animate you to headbang and even sing along." - 9/10 pts Powermetal.de (GER)"Ein weiterer Volltreffer aus dem Hause MANTAR!" - 9/10 pts - Powermetal.de (GER) - "Auf dem neuen Album haben MANTAR nichts an Angriffslust und brachialer Wirkung verloren, ihr Repertoire jedoch eindrucksvoll erweitert, sind gewachsen und zu etwas in seiner grundlegenden Ehrlichkeit und massiven Härte unfassbar Schönem geworden, ohne auf ihren urgewaltigen Sound zu verzichten. " - 10/10 pts - Slam (AT/GER)- "Thicker grooves, anthemic refrains, head nodding rhythms and a greater exploitation of the fist-in-the-air-ology school of song writing." - 8/10 pts - Metal Injection (USA)- "...their latest studio album may be their best yet... a burning Molotov cocktail of black metal, sludgy hardcore and classic metal hooks..." - Decibel (USA)- "...they've made the album of their career so far; so buckle up and get ready for forty minutes of blackened punk that'll give you the kick up the ass you've been waiting for." - Distorted Sound (USA)- "I love how far my mind roams while listening to the same album on the repeat; the more I spin "Pain Is Forever And This Is The End", the more things I discover, driving me deeper into MANTAR's moving sand." - 10/10pts - Metal Kaoz (USA)- "Pain Is Forever... clearly takes some inspiration from their recent album of Grunge, Punk, and Riot Grrl covers by elevating this aspect of their sound a little more too, without dulling the unapologetically in-your-face edge of the music." - No Clean Singing (USA)

Mantar erreichten mit ihrem letzten Album Pain Is Forever... (2022) Platz 2 in den Offiziellen Deutschen Charts!- Year End "Best" Listen: Metal Hammer Deutschland, LAWeekly (US), Exclaim (CA), Terrorizer (UK)- Vorgestellt auf: All New Metal/Black & Dark Metal/The Pit/Metal Planet (SPOTIFY), Breaking Metal/New Music Daily/Optimus Metallum/Breaking Hard Rock (APPLE MUSIC)- Mantar hat 8,5 Millionen Streams auf Spotify erreicht- Massive Underground-Fangemeinde in Europa und Nordamerika, die auf einem jahrzehntelangen DIY-Ansatz und ausgedehnten Tourneen beruht- Vergangene Festivalauftritte: Hellfest, Download, Full Force, Oya Festival, Getaway Rock, Roadburn, The Fest (US), Wacken, Maryland DeathfestCharts (Pain is Forever...):Germany:#2 Official German Album ChartsAustria:#69 Official Album ChartsSwitzerland: #45 Official Album ChartsUS Billboard:#60 Current Hard Music Album#84 Top New ArtistsQuotes for Pain Is Forever and This Is The End (old):- Album of the Month - Metal Hammer (GER)"So präsentiert sich das räudige Doom-Duo auf PAIN IS FOREVER AND THIS IS THE END in Bestform. 'Art Is Hard', das wussten bereits die Indie-Rocker Cursive. Aber Mantar sind härter." - 6/7pts - Metal Hammer (GER)- Album of the Month - Metal.de (GER)- "Pain Is Forever.. skillfully keeps the balance between brute destructive fury and dense atmosphere in widescreen format with real underground hit potential." - 8.5/10 pts Rock Hard (GER)"So hält "Pain Is Forever..." gekonnt die Waage zwischen brachialer Zerstörungswut und dichter Atmosphäre im Breitwandformat und hat oftmals echtes Underground-Hitpotenzial zu bieten." - 8.5/10pts Rock Hard (GER)- "The blackened doom punk duo's biggest rock moment to date is not a betrayal, but an accomplishment" - Visions (GER)"Der bislang größte Rock-Moment des Blackened-Doom-Punk-Duos ist also kein Verrat, sondern eine Vollendung" - Visions (GER)- "A tremendous hit rate, as if we were not dealing with a regular longplayer, but with a "Best-of MANTAR". Very Strong!" - 8.5/10 pts Deaf Forever (GER)"Und so kann man "Pain Is Forever And This Is The End" eine enorme Trefferquote attestieren, so als ob man es nicht mit einem regulären Longplayer, sondern mit einer "Best-of MANTAR" zu tun hätte. Stark!" - 8.5/10 pts Deaf Forever (GER)"- "Compact and to the point interpretation of Black'n'Roll, which can not only split your skull, but also animate you to headbang and even sing along." - 9/10 pts Powermetal.de (GER)"Ein weiterer Volltreffer aus dem Hause MANTAR!" - 9/10 pts - Powermetal.de (GER) - "Auf dem neuen Album haben MANTAR nichts an Angriffslust und brachialer Wirkung verloren, ihr Repertoire jedoch eindrucksvoll erweitert, sind gewachsen und zu etwas in seiner grundlegenden Ehrlichkeit und massiven Härte unfassbar Schönem geworden, ohne auf ihren urgewaltigen Sound zu verzichten. " - 10/10 pts - Slam (AT/GER)- "Thicker grooves, anthemic refrains, head nodding rhythms and a greater exploitation of the fist-in-the-air-ology school of song writing." - 8/10 pts - Metal Injection (USA)- "...their latest studio album may be their best yet... a burning Molotov cocktail of black metal, sludgy hardcore and classic metal hooks..." - Decibel (USA)- "...they've made the album of their career so far; so buckle up and get ready for forty minutes of blackened punk that'll give you the kick up the ass you've been waiting for." - Distorted Sound (USA)- "I love how far my mind roams while listening to the same album on the repeat; the more I spin "Pain Is Forever And This Is The End", the more things I discover, driving me deeper into MANTAR's moving sand." - 10/10pts - Metal Kaoz (USA)- "Pain Is Forever... clearly takes some inspiration from their recent album of Grunge, Punk, and Riot Grrl covers by elevating this aspect of their sound a little more too, without dulling the unapologetically in-your-face edge of the music." - No Clean Singing (USA)

Nachdem sie gesehen haben, wie die Abholzung die Landschaft Costa Ricas bedroht, stecken Metalheads weltweit ihre Köpfe zusammen, um das Ökosystem der Welt zu erhalten.

Seit Gründung der Band im Jahre 2022 hat die 501 (c) (3) gemeinnützige Organisation 100.000 Quadratmeter Regenwald in Costa Rica geschützt. Savage Lands arbeitet mit lokalen und globalen Organisationen wie dem Jane Goodall Institute sowie mit vielen Entscheidungsträgern in der Metallindustrie zusammen. Auf „The Last Howl“ gibt es die Growls von John Tardy (Obituary) und hochfliegende Soli von Sepultura-Gitarrist Andreas Kisser. Heilung's Zeremonienmeister Kai Uwe Faust segnet den Black 'n' Roll von „Black Rock Heart“, während Maria Franz (ebenfalls Heilung) die melancholische Power-Ballade „No Remedy“ mit ihren beruhigenden hohen Tönen anmutig auflockert.

"Army of the Trees" führt mehrere neue Arten von Metalheads in das Ökosystem von Savage Lands ein. Die Eurovisions-Lieblinge Lord of the Lost versprühen bei „Out of Breath“ ihr Blut und ihren Glitter, und die Leadsingle „Ruling Queen“ wird von keiner Geringeren als Alissa White-Gluz von Arch Enemy mit ihren schlangenartigen Clean vocals und dem Gebrüll einer Löwin vorgetragen. „Jetzt ist es an der Zeit, Stellung zu beziehen“, brüllt die Band während des donnernden Titeltracks des Albums, der von Julien Truchan (Benighted) und anderen Säulen der französischen Metal-Gemeinde unterstützt wird, in einem wilden Schlachtruf.

Erhebt eure Hörner und schließt euch der Army of the Trees an, um die gemeinnützige Metal-Bewegung zu unterstützen!

Red w. Black Smoke Vinyl

After 25 years, eight albums, and countless gigs, BLEEDING THROUGH persist as a tried-and-true outlier in heavy music and culture. The Southern California stalwarts wield an enigmatic and unmistakable signature sound born at the cross roads of no-holds-barred hardcore, cutthroat thrash, and cinematic black metal.
Mastering a drastic push-and-pull, they have always occupied their own elevated realm in the extreme space, exhibiting a rare ability to not only incite a moshpit, but also invite complete immersion. It’s why they’ve endured changing tides and trends and stood strong as a force of nature with consistent critical acclaim and packed shows. However, the six-piece - Brandan Schieppati vocals, Derek Youngsma [drums], John Arnold [guitar], Ryan Wombacher [bass], Marta Peterson [keys, vocals] and Brandon Richter [guitar] - assuredly perfect this vision in 2025 on their aptly titled ninth full-length offering, NINE.

In Mallrat’s (aka Grace Shaw’s) vision of the world, light is more than photons and electromagnetic radiation hitting the eye — it’s a moment of divine intervention. A bold swerve into the metaphysical, this is the premise of the prized Brisbane-born, LA-based pop songwriter and producer’s 2025 sophomore album: Light hit my face like a straight right. Set against a newly informed backdrop of expressive breakbeats and dance music, its 12 songs explore the intangible and mysterious allure of human connection, held together by curious investigations into light — “the closest thing to a concept this album has,” Mallrat says. She reunited with Butterfly Blue producers Styalz Fuego (Troye Sivan, Tate McRae) and Alice Ivy, while bringing into the mix indie electronic producers Chrome Sparks and Casey MQ. Mallrat serves up highs like “Hideaway,” a song where heart-racing garage clashes with her trademark candor: “I’ll be your lucky charm just let me hang around your neck,” she sings. Sleek and early standout “Pavement” gets a gritty underlayer with chopped up vocals from DJ Zirk’s “Born 2 Lose” and mid-album standout “Hocus Pocus” finds Mallrat singing about being pulled “under the spell” of someone new, borrowing a different part of the same DJ Zirk sample to build its shimmering, dancefloor-ready facade. It’s an endeavor that perhaps reaches a peak on “Horses,” the record’s gentle and organic closer which Shaw herself calls “objectively the best song.” Written after returning home to Brisbane and “feeling like an alien,” it gained new meaning in the wake of her late sister’s passing. For Shaw, it’s the convergence of the song’s minimalism, lyrics, space, and the way her voice cracks on the recording as she sings, “Hey, I’m right here, I look different now.” After years of solidifying herself as a master of well-crafted, timeless pop — fielding recognition from New York Times, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Billboard, The FADER, NPR, and more — Light hit my face like a straight right is a step into the art of world-building, bolstered by her intuitive songwriting and clever, studied production.

As the first decade of the 21st century came to a close, a new generation of hip-hop artists began to emerge, leveraging the power of digital mixtapes to capture the attention of listeners around the globe. With deceptively intricate flows bringing smoke-filled visions to life, two of the leading lights in this rap renaissance were Smoke DZA and Curren$y. These talented artists both released breakthrough projects in 2009 before ascending to even greater heights, including Billboard-charting albums, high-profile collaborations, extensive touring, and joint projects alongside Wiz Khalifa, The Alchemist, Pete Rock, Big K.R.I.T., Freddie Gibbs, Benny The Butcher, Styles P, Harry Fraud, and more. In 2019, Smoke DZA and Curren$y finally linked for a full-length release, entitled Prestige Worldwide. The two longtime collaborators bring out the best in each other on the acclaimed collection, with inspired rhymes and trunk-ratting beats reverberating from Harlem to New Orleans. Featuring appearances by Styles P and Dave East, Prestige Worldwide is now receiving a new vinyl release via GoodTalk and Nature Sounds after years out of print.