It’s True What They Say is the debut EP from Edinburgh-based, husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), aka Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced “McLochlin”).
“Sarah and I both have a love for nostalgia,” explains Shaun. “We watched that amazing old 80’s Sci-Fi, (John) Carpenter movie, Starman, a few months back. Myself and my brother David used to watch it all the time. We must have been, roughly, 5-7 at the time. I remember loving the movie but the end, you know, with the beautiful, atmospheric, synth ending, I love that particular moment the most - best part of the movie, you know, when he goes home… It’s heartbreaking but stunning, all the same. It’s the music that moves you most… It did when I was 5 and it still does to this day. It must have had some form of a (much deeper) impact on me.”
The duo narrates stories across themes of love, hope, family, friends, dreams and sadness - the good that comes with the bad in everyday life, not just on a personal scale but within a community as well.
“Starbed is the first song I have ever written and just came out of the blue really, with Shaun playing a melody and me singing along,” says Sarah. “It’s simple and just about two people in love. Love songs are always the best songs, after all… Music has been a big part of my life from a young age. I was unwillingly dragged to piano and violin lessons, which I’m thankful for now! I’d say the first band I really became obsessed with growing up were the Beatles, and on the back of that a lot of 60s music and fashion. From then on, I had a love for music.”
“Shaun definitely opened my ears to a lot of sounds and got me thinking about soundtracks and all the noises that can be made,” she goes on. “We love just spending time experimenting in the house with instruments, pedals etc and Ali is a real magician to work with, too…”
The recordings took place over the summers of 2022 and 2023, with fellow Delta Mainline member Ali Chisholm (aka Jaguar Eyes) plus long-term friend and collaborator Gavin King. Further collaboration then came via the ‘net from the (international) likes of Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty), Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz) and Daniel Land (The Modern Painters), among others (see a full list of credits below).
Both Sarah and Shaun have a love for uber-soundtrack producers such as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter, Cliff Martinez plus live acts such as Beach House, Spiritualized, M83, Suicide, Moby and OMD (to name a few). Shaun also credits the work of Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (from Survive) on the Stranger Things score… “Even a moment in a movie, whether it be just 30 seconds during a particular scene, it grips you,” he says. But there’s something much deeper at play as well. “Music is a healer,” he goes on, “and I write from my own perspective but more so for others. Once I've done my bit, it doesn't belong to me any longer. It belongs to whoever wants it or needs it.”
The result is a cinematic, synth-wavey, dream poppy and downright beguilingly beautiful body of work. And they’re just getting started…
REVIEWS/RADIO/FEEDBACK:
“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part Human League. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON
"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN
"Woozy pop" NEMONE (Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)
"Nice one, very David Lynch meets Euro dream pop" YOUTH (Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, U2, The Orb, Spiritualized etc)
"Music sounds killer! Real emotion” DAVID HOLMES
"I’m enjoying it” TIM BRINKHURST aka LONDON (IKLAN, Young Fathers, Callum Easter)
“Oh, this is lovely!” SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"It’s totally my cup of tea with milk and biscuit" BRENT RADEMAKER (Beachwood Sparks/GospelBeach)
"Beautiful, ecstatic electronica! Short and to the point" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized, Julian Cope, Soulsavers, BE)
"Makes me wanna sit in the sun and sip an Arnold Palmer" CHRIS DIXIE DARLEY (Father John Misty)
“Really beautiful - Cocteau Twins / Spiritualized vibes but has its own thing going on, too - worth checking out!” JULIAN CORRIE (Franz Ferdinand, Miaoux Miaoux)
‘Sounded nice on a sunny day, makes me think of Twin Peaks, nice moods’ EAMON HAMILTON (Sea Power)
"Dealing in nostalgia, no bad thing at all, great to play that (Dust Tears) for you” RODDY HART (BBC Radio Scotland)
“I'll give the vocal tracks a spin before the release." VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio Scotland)
"Rather good!" IAIN ANDERSON (BBC Radio Scotland)
CREDITS:
Lyrics, Guitars, Keys, Synths, Drums, Drum Programming, Percussion, Mandolin, Glockenspiel: Shaun McLachlan
Lyrics, Vocals, Keys by Sarah McLachlan
Guitars, Synths, String Arrangements, Drum Programming, Engineering: Jaguar Eyes Percussion/Drums/Effects, Fire Extinguisher: Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz)
Guitars by Daniel Land
Slide Guitar by Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty)
Brass by Bruce Michie
Keys, pre-production & engineering on “It’s true what they say”: Gavin King
All produced by Jaguar Eyes and Shaun McLachlan and then mixed at Glasgow’s Chem19 Studios by David McCaulay (From Scotland With Love, Rick Redbeard, BBC TV’s Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard score).
Artwork: Jamie Walman (Fourteen Admirals)
MORE INFO:
Although Shaun released a pair of solo singles (When We Dance and Give Your Love To Me) during Lockdown, he will be better known to many via his work as the multi-instrumentalist in Edinburgh band Delta Mainline. With two albums released to date, Oh! Enlightened and Bel Avenir, both rapturously received by fans and critics alike, Delta Mainline have developed an international, cult following. Oh Enlightened (2013) achieved widespread critical acclaim on release, earning the band comparisons to Arcade Fire and Echo & The Bunnymen, while 2019’s Bel Avenir pulled in references to The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and krautrock. A third DM album is currently being mixed and due for release later this year…
Search:col hamilton
The Bobby Hamilton Quintet Unlimited's Dream Queen has been captivating jazz collectors ever since it was first released in 1972. Its meditations on spiritual jazz are profound as they are moving with the deft touch of band-leader Bobby Hamilton on keyboards weaving his way through subtle textures of sound. The backing band is an equally formidable force with each adding to the melting pot as it builds into a frenzy on third track "In the Mouth of the Beast".
The mysterious Gluten People return to the fold, handing over their next vinyl-only transmission. For this second helping of "glutenous" dancefloor heat, the duo has paired up with Giacomo XL, following the massive demand for their debut EP.
Expect more of the same raw, rhythmic energy that made their first outing a must-have for heads and selectors alike. This is essential, no-nonsense club material built specifically for the wax-only connoisseur.
Early Support from: Archie Hamilton, Liquid Earth, Enzo Siragusa, Huxley, La Fleur, Sean Johnston, Make A Dance, Baby Rollen, Ysanne, Eliza Rose, Bartolomeo, Ryan Clover, AGELESS, Alec Falconer, Call Super, Bas Ibellini, ADMNTi, Gearmaster (fka Abdul Raeva), Timo Maas, Christopher Ledger, Moodymanc, Nathan Colinet, Gabski, Greogorio Soave, and many more.
First ever official reissue of the 1992 digital heater ‘Slow Down’ by Villette Holmes. Produced by the late Cedrica Anthony Hamilton, better known as Soljie, this release captures a master at work.
A veteran engineer at the iconic Channel One Recording Studio, Soljie’s innovative approach at the mixing desk made him a giant of the reggae and dancehall scenes. He was the sonic architect behind many hits of the era, notably serving as the mixing engineer for Shabba Ranks’ seminal Grammy winning albums As Raw As Ever and Xtra Naked. In 1990, he launched his eponymous label, Soljie Records, which became a vehicle for his own distinct productions.
‘Slow Down’ is a quintessential Digi Dub production, balancing a heavy, driving rhythm with strong melodic hooks and a dreamy crossover feel that transcends the genre. Licensed from Soljie’s son, Chioke Hamilton, this reissue comprises the original version and Dub, alongside a previously unreleased Extended version.
Pressed on 140g vinyl and housed in a striking 3mm spine, full colour disco sleeve designed by Bradley Pinkerton.
- A1: Intro + Dreams Feat Liv East
- A2: Fruits Of The Universe Feat Douniah
- A3: Define Us Feat 30/70 & Dreamcastmoe
- A4: High Feat Cor.ece
- B1: Vibin Feat Ben Westbeech & Sanity
- B2: Without The Sun Feat Oliver Night
- B3: Bells
- C1: Rearrange Yourself Feat Ben Westbeech & Obi Franky
- C2: Downstream With Life On Planets
- C3: Be Real Feat Life On Planets
- D1: Looks Like It (Space Talk)
- D2: Illusions (Midnight Dub) Feat Ava Lavá & Life On Planets
- D3: Simulate Feat Goya Gumbani & Javonntte
DJ Support: Laurent Garnier, Dennis Cruz, Girls Of The Internet, Horse Meat Disco, Stacey Pullen, Elliot Schooling, Solomun,Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, The Martinez Brothers, Dam Swindle, Soul Clap, Luke Solomon, Riva Starr, Franky Rizardo, Archie Hamilton, Silvie Loto, Fouk, Austin Ato, Salomé Le Chat, Blackchild, Jean Pierre, Black Loops, Kassian, Seamus Haji, Melvo Baptiste, Rimarkable, Sophie Lloyd
In-demand Amsterdam-based duo Makèz step into new ground with the release of their album ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’, via ANOTR’s No Art label. A kaleidoscopic project that moves between deep house, cosmic jazz, R&B, broken beat, and club-ready energy, the record is both a declaration of identity and a dissolution of boundaries - proof of the duo’s rare ability to merge worlds without diluting or compromising their true essence.
Where most albums that span electronic realms lean on functionality, ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’ reaches for something much more expansive. The project is a true hybrid: half shaped for the intimacy of a headphone listen, half designed for the electricity of the dancefloor. together forming a seamless continuum between reflection and release. Tracks like ‘REARRANGE YOURSELF’, ‘BE REAL’, and ‘LOOKS LIKE IT (SPACE TALK)’ are stripped to the core of house music’s driving pulse, made for bigger systems and peak-time release. In contrast, ‘Dreams’, ‘Fruits of the Universe’ (with douniah), and ‘Without The Sun’ (with Oliver Night) explore lush, textured arrangements where live instrumentation and improvisation carry equal weight to rhythm and groove.
Collaboration is at the heart of the LP, with Makèz inviting a constellation of voices who each expand the project’s palette. Ben Westbeech, Liv East, and SANITY bring soulful intensity; 30/70 and dreamcastmoe connect Amsterdam to Melbourne and DC; Cor.Ece and Oliver Night weave delicate threads of emotion; Goya Gumbani and Javonntte guide the production with their vibey, groove-led performances; while Life on Planets reprises his role as a core creative partner, appearing across the album on tracks including the standout ‘BE REAL’ and the previously released ‘ILLUSIONS’ alongside rising Amsterdam talent AVA LAVÁ. Together, these contributions shape an album that feels less like a singular statement and more like a living, breathing ecosystem.
For Makèz, ‘Arriving Home Elsewhere’ is as much about philosophy as it is about music. The title encapsulates a tension central to their art: the feeling of belonging to multiple worlds without ever being confined to one. Jazz, house, soul, and experimental club sounds are not separate influences but parallel languages, and in merging them, the duo has created a record that mirrors the fluidity of contemporary identity and expression. And while it may speak in many voices, the LP tells one clear story - that of Makèz, arriving, again and again, home elsewhere.
Dave Hamilton revived ‘My Sweet Baby’ his 1967 release by J T Rhythm on a harmony group from Flint, Michigan called the Mark-Keys. The backing tracks are similar, but the harmonies are softer and it is this version that appeals to the Lowrider scene devotees. The beautiful ballad flip ‘Heavenly Thing’ adds further interest for the collectors and DJs who are so influential nowadays; the high demand has brought about this Repro pressing.
Italian Ibiza favourite Tuccillo returns to legendary NYC label Nu Groove with another four-track EP, ‘Frames’, including a feature from Chicago native Ron Carroll. With previous Nu Groove releases like the ‘Sunshine City EP’ and ‘I Believe’ with TradeCraft earning the respect of esteemed selectors including Archie Hamilton, Chloe Caillet and Laurent Garnier, Tuccillo’s expertly crafted sound is revered for its analogue approach. Similarly, his passion and respect for vinyl has earned him respect from crate diggers and house music tastemakers globally ever since the 90s. Tuccillo’s ‘Frames EP’ opens with the eponymous lead, showcasing his malleable sound that comes alive in underground scenes for heads in the know. Chicago house authority Ron Carroll lends his vocals to ‘Don’t Walk Away’, supported by Tuccillo’s fresh club-defining production that also permeates ‘You Got Me’. ‘Everything’ closes out this collection of pure house excellence, with expressive yet softer synthwork creating a cooler feel perfect for the afterhours.
It’s True What They Say is the debut EP from Edinburgh-based, husband-and-wife duo Sarah/Shaun (pronounced simply Sarah Shaun), aka Sarah and Shaun McLachlan (pronounced “McLochlin”).
“Sarah and I both have a love for nostalgia,” explains Shaun. “We watched that amazing old 80’s Sci-Fi, (John) Carpenter movie, Starman, a few months back. Myself and my brother David used to watch it all the time. We must have been, roughly, 5-7 at the time. I remember loving the movie but the end, you know, with the beautiful, atmospheric, synth ending, I love that particular moment the most - best part of the movie, you know, when he goes home… It’s heartbreaking but stunning, all the same. It’s the music that moves you most… It did when I was 5 and it still does to this day. It must have had some form of a (much deeper) impact on me.”
The duo narrates stories across themes of love, hope, family, friends, dreams and sadness - the good that comes with the bad in everyday life, not just on a personal scale but within a community as well.
“Starbed is the first song I have ever written and just came out of the blue really, with Shaun playing a melody and me singing along,” says Sarah. “It’s simple and just about two people in love. Love songs are always the best songs, after all… Music has been a big part of my life from a young age. I was unwillingly dragged to piano and violin lessons, which I’m thankful for now! I’d say the first band I really became obsessed with growing up were the Beatles, and on the back of that a lot of 60s music and fashion. From then on, I had a love for music.”
“Shaun definitely opened my ears to a lot of sounds and got me thinking about soundtracks and all the noises that can be made,” she goes on. “We love just spending time experimenting in the house with instruments, pedals etc and Ali is a real magician to work with, too…”
The recordings took place over the summers of 2022 and 2023, with fellow Delta Mainline member Ali Chisholm (aka Jaguar Eyes) plus long-term friend and collaborator Gavin King. Further collaboration then came via the ‘net from the (international) likes of Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty), Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz) and Daniel Land (The Modern Painters), among others (see a full list of credits below).
Both Sarah and Shaun have a love for uber-soundtrack producers such as Hanz Zimmer, Max Richter, Cliff Martinez plus live acts such as Beach House, Spiritualized, M83, Suicide, Moby and OMD (to name a few). Shaun also credits the work of Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein (from Survive) on the Stranger Things score… “Even a moment in a movie, whether it be just 30 seconds during a particular scene, it grips you,” he says. But there’s something much deeper at play as well. “Music is a healer,” he goes on, “and I write from my own perspective but more so for others. Once I've done my bit, it doesn't belong to me any longer. It belongs to whoever wants it or needs it.”
The result is a cinematic, synth-wavey, dream poppy and downright beguilingly beautiful body of work. And they’re just getting started…
REVIEWS/RADIO/FEEDBACK:
“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part Human League. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON
"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN
"Woozy pop" NEMONE (Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)
"Nice one, very David Lynch meets Euro dream pop" YOUTH (Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, U2, The Orb, Spiritualized etc)
"Music sounds killer! Real emotion” DAVID HOLMES
"I’m enjoying it” TIM BRINKHURST aka LONDON (IKLAN, Young Fathers, Callum Easter)
“Oh, this is lovely!” SEAN JOHNSTON (A Love From Outer Space)
"It’s totally my cup of tea with milk and biscuit" BRENT RADEMAKER (Beachwood Sparks/GospelBeach)
"Beautiful, ecstatic electronica! Short and to the point" KEVIN BALES (Spiritualized, Julian Cope, Soulsavers, BE)
"Makes me wanna sit in the sun and sip an Arnold Palmer" CHRIS DIXIE DARLEY (Father John Misty)
“Really beautiful - Cocteau Twins / Spiritualized vibes but has its own thing going on, too - worth checking out!” JULIAN CORRIE (Franz Ferdinand, Miaoux Miaoux)
‘Sounded nice on a sunny day, makes me think of Twin Peaks, nice moods’ EAMON HAMILTON (Sea Power)
"Dealing in nostalgia, no bad thing at all, great to play that (Dust Tears) for you” RODDY HART (BBC Radio Scotland)
“I'll give the vocal tracks a spin before the release." VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio Scotland)
"Rather good!" IAIN ANDERSON (BBC Radio Scotland)
CREDITS:
Lyrics, Guitars, Keys, Synths, Drums, Drum Programming, Percussion, Mandolin, Glockenspiel: Shaun McLachlan
Lyrics, Vocals, Keys by Sarah McLachlan
Guitars, Synths, String Arrangements, Drum Programming, Engineering: Jaguar Eyes Percussion/Drums/Effects, Fire Extinguisher: Darren Coghill (Neon Waltz)
Guitars by Daniel Land
Slide Guitar by Chris Dixie Darley (Father John Misty)
Brass by Bruce Michie
Keys, pre-production & engineering on “It’s true what they say”: Gavin King
All produced by Jaguar Eyes and Shaun McLachlan and then mixed at Glasgow’s Chem19 Studios by David McCaulay (From Scotland With Love, Rick Redbeard, BBC TV’s Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard score).
Artwork: Jamie Walman (Fourteen Admirals)
MORE INFO:
Although Shaun released a pair of solo singles (When We Dance and Give Your Love To Me) during Lockdown, he will be better known to many via his work as the multi-instrumentalist in Edinburgh band Delta Mainline. With two albums released to date, Oh! Enlightened and Bel Avenir, both rapturously received by fans and critics alike, Delta Mainline have developed an international, cult following. Oh Enlightened (2013) achieved widespread critical acclaim on release, earning the band comparisons to Arcade Fire and Echo & The Bunnymen, while 2019’s Bel Avenir pulled in references to The Flaming Lips, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and krautrock. A third DM album is currently being mixed and due for release later this year…
Memory Remains boss Kirik joins forces with Miami’s Imbue for their collaborative ‘On Distance’ EP.
This time Kirik pairs up with the Miami-based trio Imbue who add their dynamic instrumentation to the project through guitars, piano, and synthesizer improvisation.
Opening the release is the jazzy funk-infused ‘On Distance’, laid out across seven minutes with an amalgamation of guitar licks and looped hooks alongside plucked bass tones, strings and organic rhythms combined to create a psychedelia-tinged twist on House. ‘All Right’ follows next and shifts gear into a more classic house feel, employing Latin percussion and wandering keys alongside guitar melodies and soulful vocal chants.
Opening the flip-side is ‘Lovers’ with its acid bass groove, intricately intertwined synth stab sequences and crisp drums all underpinned by Imbue’s hypnotic musicality. ‘Son Us On’ then rounds out the release, diving deeper into the House courtesy of bumpy low-slung drums, airy synth chimes and plucked guitars merged with an underlying dubbed-out and subtly unfurling feel.
early support by Massimiliano Pagliara, Archie Hamilton, youANDme, DJ Heather, Moskalus, Jean Pierre, Red Pig Flower, Red Rack'Em, Just Her, Michel De Hey and many more...
PIV serves up the fourth edition of their highly sought-after Amsterdam Dance Event Sampler - collecting tracks from fresh new talent, as well as artists that have been affiliated with the label since the very beginning. 15 tracks, in total, with eight of them appearing on this vinyl edition, that will be sold in Amsterdam during the PIV events and in all good record stores.
Showcasing the true sound of PIV, this is a must-have package of dancefloor weapons.
DJ support:
Chris Stussy, Enzo Siragusa, Sidney Charles, Fabe, Lauren Lo Sung, Hector Couto, Artmann, M-High, Prunk, Darius Syrossian, George Smeddles, Kellie Allen, Dennis Quin, DeMarzo, Archie Hamilton, and more.
Rico Herrera is back on Roots Underground after his previous works for Marco Celeri’s label, Uno Ep (2018) and Excursions Vol.1 (2021), with four brand new tracks forming this release "Under Your Spell EP”,
full of collaborations, with a result that surely will not disappoint all the soulful and jazzy house music’ lovers.
The record opens with the catchy Slow Down (A1), rhythmic broken beat, pressing stab, perfectly matched with cosmic synth leads by Filippo Guerrieri and the beautiful voice of Scottish’ Jane Hamilton, whom we already had the opportunity to appreciate on 'Excursions Vol.1'.
Side A continues with Train Home (A2), a powerful jazz-dance track in house music sauce, features, in addition to our Rico and the aforementioned Guerrieri, here on bass & synths, also Paolo Peewee Durante, on organ and additional synths
Side B opens with the title track Under Your Spell (B1) exquisite classic soulful house music featuring the collaboration of Amsterdam-based keyboardist Soul Supreme on piano as well as Hamilton's incredible vocal line.
While With Love (B2) closes this precious EP with the most Detroit Deep House feel, produced entirely by Rico Herrera, here with the persuasive voice of Wallace.
Roots Underground continues its series of top-quality releases able to satisfy the most demanding taste in house music with classic, deep, jazzy & soulful approach and this "Under Your Spell EP" by Rico Herrera is just the latest example.
Spanish artists Jay Nortown and Jacobo Saavedra aka JNJS delivering the next installment of MOVIN'. The collaboration of these two talents has produced top releases on many highly respected labels and gained support of industry leading acts. Now they continue with this beautiful 4 track vinyl EP for us."
Early Support from: Priku, Arapu, Traumer, Barac, Archie Hamilton, S.A.M, Janeret, Nu Zau, Direkt, Cosmjn, Tania Vulcano & more
Classic jazz-funk fusion from the late, great Japanese guitarist Ryo Kawasaki. Recorded in New York, and originally released in 1976, 'Juice' presents Ryo at the height of his powers.
Born in Japan in 1947, Ryo had a long and stellar career recording and releasing music up until his passing on 13 April 2020, in Tallinn, Estonia. Ryo is one of the pioneers of the jazz fusion genre, with the Japanese jazz fusion / funk sound becoming extremely influential within the 80s UK club scene and amongst its DJs. His track 'Trinkets & Things' became a bonafide underground classic. In the US he worked with some of the greats of jazz, such as Elvin Jones, Chico Hamilton and Bobbi Humphrey, to name but a few. A forward-thinking and ever-evolving musician, Ryo collaborated with the Roland Corporation and Korg on the 'guitar synthesizer' and later wrote music software for computers. Later in life he relocated to Estonia and worked there, as well as Finland, Sweden, and the Baltic states.
'Juice' has become a much-loved album for crate diggers and jazz-funk enthusiasts, with its tracks frequently being sampled and re-imagined in hip-hop. The smokey, beat-down, spiritual funk jam 'Bamboo Child' has been flipped by Diamond D, Puff Daddy, and Kool G Rap. The album was released in 1976 on RCA Records and features the musicians' drummer Jimmy Young, rhythm guitarist Hugh McCracken, and bassist Stu Woods amongst other luminaries. A solid album throughout that incorporates a heavy dose of tripped-out synths alongside the emerging disco sound of the time. Tracks such as the opener ‘Raisins’, with its drum beat intro and bubbling bass-line, rivals The Headhunters at their finest. A superb album from an underground legend.
Daze is back! with a stone cold 90’s classic we have brought back to life for 2022.
Support from Raresh, Priku, Sepp, Arapu, Archie Hamilton & many more.
Mid-July signals the arrival of Rossko’s debut solo EP on his home imprint FUSE, delivering two tracks accompanied by a remix from Burnski in the form of his ‘Blossom’ EP.
An artist immersed within London’s rich electronic scene for the last 20 years, Rossko remains a central figure at the heart of the city’s ever-evolving sound. A DJ first and foremost, known for his slick and powerful sets and his ability to unearth forgotten gems from across the electronic sphere, his journey as one of FUSE’s core residents now stretches over 10 years, with the Berlin-based talent also featuring as a head resident DJ and A&R for the label’s sister imprint Infuse as well as heading up his own label ‘Late Night Skanking’ and ‘Arkityp’, the project with Archie Hamilton. Following on from his recent collaborative EP alongside Swedish talent Per Hammar on Infuse, here we him step out on home turf to offer up his debut solo EP and the most complete and matured example of his sound to date via the aptly titled ‘Blossom’, whilst Constant Sound boss Burnski also joins on remix duties.
A-side production ‘The Step Up’ opens the EP in slick fashion, as rolling organic percussion arrangements weave amongst slinking bass licks to reveal a stripped back yet dynamic lead cut. Next up, second original ‘Cerca Trova’ takes things a little deeper as off-kilter sonics and vocal murmurs work amongst skipping hats and rich low-end tones, before Burnski’s remix of ‘The Step Up’ sees the production paired back even further to reveal swinging drum grooves, floating, hazy melodies and playful synth flourishes throughout.
LTD Color repress !
Curtea Veche returns with this 3 track vinyl only release! 'Ganduri Spirituale' 3 huge techno Groovers from an exclusive unknown artist... Huge support coming from the likes of Archie Hamilton, Nu Zau, Georgia Girl and more!
- 1: Journey To The East
- 2: Pars Fortuna = Part Of Fortune
- 3: The Look Of Love
- 4: Song Plum
- 5: Arc 294°
- 6: Lady Friend
- 7: Antares
Welcome to the mind-expanding 1968 jazz recording of Bill Plummer and The Cosmic Brotherhood—where Eastern and psychedelic influences meld together to produce one of the trippiest jazz albums on Impulse Records. This LP is a much-sought-after sonic travelogue, with the pop-psych spoken-word sitar freakout of “Journey To The East” to Bill Plummer’s swinging, rapid fire/cool jazz compositions, to his covers that go straight to the heart of any 60’s genre-crossing jazz fans. Featuring an incredible who's who of the high-caliber talent bubbling over in the Los Angeles music scene at the time: Carol Kaye (legendary bass player of The Wrecking Crew), Maurice Miller (drummer in The Jazz Corps), Dennis Budimir (guitarist with Chico Hamilton Quintet, Ravi Shankar & Frank Zappa), Mike Lang (Piano with Flamin’ Groovies & Hal Blaine), Tom Scott (Saxophone with Gabor Szabo & Thelonious Monk), Ray Neopolitan (Bass for The Doors & Leonard Cohen), Milt Holland (Percussionist with The Wrecking Crew &
Captain Beefheart), Bill Goodwin (Drums for Mose Allison & Tom Waits).
Housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with iconic liner notes by Frank Kofsky, who comes out swinging hard in favor of the album, while shaking the dust off any jazz snobs left in the '60s who still were not ready to embrace the future of jazz. Produced by Bob Thiele who produced everyone from John
Coltrane, Art Blakey to Charles Mingus, this sonic rarity is yet another impressive vinyl reissue from the folks at Jackpot Records.
Alongside the legendary Mercyful Fate and more obscure acts such as Alien Force, Randy, and Crystal Knight, Copenhagen's Witch Cross are undoubtedly one of the best Danish metal bands of all time. Their 1984 album “Fit For Fight” is definitely among the top five metal records in the country. One of the two guitarists on this masterpiece was a certain ‘Cole Hamilton’. His real name is Ole Hamilton Poulsen. He joined the band after the recording of Witch Cross' debut single, “Are You There” (from 1983). His partner on guitar was Mike Wlad (his birth name is Michael Koch). Mike Wlad is not only a founding member of Witch Cross, but also their main songwriter. After the premature end of the original Witch Cross, Mike Wlad formed a band called Harlot, which released a hard-to-find album called “Room With A View” in 1988. He then moved to London. Witch Cross are now active again and are currently working on their third album.
- 1: Bury Me
- 2: Weak And Mean
- 3: Seeds
- 4: Chew Toy
- 5: Nimble
- 6: Wrong Nothing
- 7: Quiet Storm King
- 8: Going Gone
- 9: Lemonader
- 10: Rollover, Please
- 11: It's Your Ceiling
- 12: Resistance Is Futile
- 13: First History
(make of that what you will). FIG DISH were four high school friends: guitarists/ vocalists Rick Ness and Blake Smith, bassist/ vocalist Mike Willison, and drummer Andy Hamilton. In their day (a day that began in the late Winter of 1991 and ended in the early summer of 1998), they were known for catchy songs, memorable (often booze-fueled) live shows, and self-sabotage. In July 1995, FIG DISH's debut That's What Love Songs Often Do was released. And just like that, the band was catapulted from regional obscurity into national obscurity. MTV played the video for the band's first single, "Seeds" and FIG DISH toured the U.S. and Canada relentlessly with bands like Veruca Salt, The Muffs, Letters to Cleo, Juliana Hatfield, Local H, and The Rentals. In 1997, their sophomore album When Shove Goes Back To Push , was sunk by a risque music video for the single "When Shirts Get Tight" Featuring adult film stars that MTV refused to play and the band was dropped by an indifferent Polygram Records in the summer of 1998. FIG DISH returned from hibernation in 2024 with two sold out shows in Chicago and the release of Feels Like The Very First Two Times, the band's first "new" release in 27 years, collecting unreleased tracks recorded in the late 90s. On August 1, 2025, Forge Again Records reissued That's What Love Songs Often Do on vinyl for the first time, 30 years after the original CD release. The officially licensed 2xLP features white vinyl, reworked gatefold jacket art by Wall of Youth and vinyl mastering by Carl Saff. FIG DISH celebrated the 2025 re-release with live shows in Chicago and Milwaukee with old tour-mates Letters to Cleo and capped off the year with shows in Kenosha and Chicago with Local H and Fountains of Wayne.
Back In Stock!
Grammy Award winner Louie Vega has the unique ability to spotlight and highlight the most essential elements of classic dance tracks and remix and recreate them to create something just as powerful for today’s audiences. Currently in the midst of putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, Expansions In The NYC, Louie took some extra time to gather together the original members of the seminal New York – based disco funk band Unlimited Touch and collaborate with them at Log Cabin Studio in Manhattan and his own Daddy’s Workshop Studio in New Jersey to produce the 2020 edition of “I Hear Music In The Streets.”
Unlimited Touch consists of Audrey Wheeler (lead singer), Phil Hamilton, Tony Cintron, Sandy Anderson (RIP), Stephanie James and Lenny Underwood. “I Hear Music In The Streets” was originally released on legendary imprint Prelude Records in 1981.
Growing up in the Bronx, from an early age Louie had an affinity and love for all the various musical genres that were bubbling up in New York during that era defining creative period. It is that passion that has stayed with him during a career that has brought him Grammy’s, several worldwide hit records, and a status as one of the world’s most sought after DJs. It was especially fulfilling for Louie to work with the original members of Unlimited Touch, He quickly realized that their talents were still as strong as ever as they performed musical and vocal elements from the original song, and that they had the vision to see how the song could be re-energized by having Louie add his unique production elements to this seminal tune.
Louie is in the midst of an especially prolific and productive period. In 2016 he released the Grammy nominated Louie Vega Starring….XXVIII full length album; 2018 saw the release of the widely acclaimed and chart topping NYC Disco 2 X CD and 4 X vinyl album on Nervous Records. Known universally as “The Maestro” due to the standards of excellence he maintains in his productions, DJ Performances and live appearances with his Elements of Life Band, Louie Vega is now ready to unleash another gem to add to one of the music industry’s most remarkable body of work.
- 1: Rhythm Riff
- 2: Easy To Love
- 3: Old Folks
- 4: Tangerine
- 5: After You've Gone
- 6: Pennies From Heaven
During the past 50 years, tenor-saxophonist Scott Hamilton has been one of the most consistent jazz artists, always taking thoughtful and swinging solos while displaying a warm tone. His 2004 live recording brought a top-notch quartet to the Jazzclub De Tor, Enschede, the Netherlands. Accompanied by pianist Rein de Graaf, bassplayer Marius Beets and on drums Eric Ineke, Scott Hamilton plays six jazz tracks from the set including "Rhythm Riff", a 12-chorus solo that gradually builds in excitement. Live at De Tor is available as a limited edition on silver coloured vinyl, contains liner notes on back of the sleeve by jazz journalist/author Scott Yanow.
- A1: It’s Too Quiet..’!! Featuring Pher, Nick Hakim, Kamilah Produced By Melo-X, Foisey Additional Production By Blk Deco, Dj Harrison, Iiye
- A2: Wywd’!? Featuring Hitech X Milfie Produced By Hitech
- A3: Nxgga League..’!! Featuring Ss.sylver, Tyah, Dende Produced By Michael White, Devin Burgess, Iiye
- A4: Lookin..’!!
- A5: Jeff Hamilton..’!! Featuring Lance Skiiiwalker Produced By Harry Fraud
- B1: Velvet Room..’!! Featuring Jaas, Ss.sylver Produced By Jacob Rochester
- B2: Exxxtra Prelude..’!! Featuring Kamilah, Tyah Produced By Groove Additional Production By Dj Harrison X Iiye
- B3: Exxxtra..’!! Featuring Peso Gordon, Sista Salem, Vonbeezy Produced By Groove
- B4: Cadillac Or Lex..’!! Featuring Tyah, Lance Skiiiwalker Produced By Swarvy
- B5: X..’!! Featuring Vonbeezy, Swaggyq Produced By Velvetian Sky
- B6: Rip Brittany Murphy..’!! Featuring Peso Gordon, 1Rich Park Produced By Conquest Tony Phillips
- C1: Pig Head..’!! Produced By Apollo Rome
- C2: Swamp..!! Produced By Swarvy
- C3: Keith Sweat..’!! Ft Big Rube Produced By Lookdamien
- C4: Uptown..’!! Ft Kamilah, Ss.sylver Produced By Iiye X Dj Harrison
- C5: What Eye Became..’!! Featuring Nelson Bandela, Nick Hakim, Vcr, Kamilah, Tyah, Lance Skiiiwalker / Pro-Duced By Iiye, Lance Skiiiwalker
- C6: Iss On De Floe’..!! Featuring Hitech X Vonbeezy, Ss.sylver Produced By Hitech Additional Production By Melo-X
- D1: Dirty Steps Produced By Iiye
- D2: Twin N Paris’! Produced By Lyele
- D3: Wipemedwn Produced By Tony Seltzer X Clams Casino
- D4: 22’S Produced By Devin Burgess
- D5: Hgtv’! Produced By Ben Hixon
- D6: Tote’! Produced By Conquest Tony Phillips
Acclaimed experimental hip-hop artists Pink Siifu and Turich Benjy are thrilled to announce the release of a limited edition vinyl of their groundbreaking 2023 collaborative album, IT’S TOO QUIET..’!!. This exclusive pressing includes six previously unreleased bonus tracks, offering fans an expanded auditory journey through the duo's innovative soundscape.
Originally released on October 31, 2023, IT’S TOO QUIET..’!! was lauded for its genre-defying fusion of underground hip-hop, alternative trap, and electronic influences. The album showcases Pink Siifu's visionary artistry and Turich Benjy's dynamic versatility, creating a sonic experience that is both immersive and boundary-pushing. The project fea-tures collaborations with notable artists such as Nick Hakim, WiFiGawd, Vayda, Lance Skiiiwalker, and Kamilah, among others.
Critics praised the album's eclectic production and cohesive vision. HipHopDX noted that "IT’S TOO QUIET..’!! is a grab bag of deliriously joyful rap songs that span all sorts of popular subgenres," highlighting the album's ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly. In Search of Media commended the album's high energy and eclectic sound, stating that it "combines both their skills as emcees poignantly."
In addition to the original 17 tracks, this special release includes six unreleased bonus tracks, providing listeners with new material that delves deeper into the duo's creative synergy. All packaged in a beautiful 2LP vinyl in gatefold sleeve — don't miss out!
[d] A4. lookin..’!![gorgeous] featuring WifiGawd, Vayda produced by Tony Seltzer, iiye
Francois Kevorkian (Wave) : Lovely EP, atmospheric vibes.
Chris Udoh (Various) : Lovely !!!
Lea Lisa (Phonica Records / Folklor Club) : Fred P is a master of deep house. Live Long Love & When in Miami for me.
Will Hofbauer (Third Place, Wisdom Teeth, Rinse) : nice n deep ty!
Radio Slave (Rekids) : The King is back and what an EP ! Full support.
Jon Hester (Rekids, EDEC, Les Enfants Terribles, L.A.G.) : Lovely vibes on When In Miami and Live Long Love!
Jacques Renault : Nice EP, into When In Miami and The Heights in particular
Danny Howells (Dig Deeper) : Love Fred so much, always the highest quality music with soul. All four are stunners.
Dan Beaumont (Chapter 10 / NTS) : Always brilliant.. deeep! When in Miami for me
DJ Sprinkles (Comatonse) : thank you
Kai Alce (Real Soon) : Live Long Fred P!
Tomoki Tamura (Holic Trax) : pure class, deep house
Raresh (ar:pi:ar) : super! thanks
Laurent Garnier : FRED P alwayssssssssssssssss
Marcel Dettmann : thx
Archie Hamilton (Microhertz / FUSE) : Nice thanks
DVS1 : thanks
Alinka (Twirl, Classic, Crosstown Rebels, Batty Bass) : Beautiful tracks
Pat Hyland (Northside Loft Society) : Fred P is a master of deep. AWEsome EP!
Thor (Thor-Thule Records) : Another great release by the master of Deep House. Full support
Colin Dale : One of my fave producers from way back! Excellent 4 tracker with all the cuts 'hittin' the mark'. Will rotate & support.
Geir Aspenes (G-Ha (Sunkissed)) : Thank u
Jaye Ward (Dalston Super Store / Netil Radio) : Syncrophone just continues to churn out the goodness.. love Fred P too. so deep and full of the good soul ace! thx
Ame (Innervisions) : thanks
Domenic Cappello (Subclub) : love this
Greg Gow (Restructured / Transmat / KMS) : cool vibes full support
Jerome Sydenham (Ibadan) : When Miami is the business! Overall nice E.P!
Bill Brewster (NTS) : FRED P RETURNS!
Bailey Ibbs (Metafloor Records / Habits / Dansu Discs) : Live Long Love <3
DJ Support: Laurent Garnier, Archie Hamilton, Radio Slave, Mark Farina, Horse Meat Disco, Ilario Alicante, DJ Harvey, Harri, Ame, Inland Nights, Massimiliano Pagliara
The Netherlands Dennis Quin makes a welcome return to Kaoz Theory this September with ‘New York To Amsterdam’, featuring one collaboration with the legendary Mr. V and accompanied by remixes from Rotterdam’s underground royalty, Benny Rodrigues. Dutch house maestro Dennis Quin returns to Kerri Chandler’s Kaoz Theory imprint with a brand-new EP, reaffirming his position as one of Europe’s most consistent purveyors of groove-led, rhythm-driven house music. With a career spanning acclaimed releases on PIV, Beeyou, Dungeon Meat and on his own label Eardrums, Quin’s work seamlessly bridges deep house heritage with contemporary dancefloor energy.
Opening the EP, ‘New York Accent’ sets the tone with a classic New York house vibe—raw drums, choppy chords, and snippets of street-level vocal samples. ‘Hard Days Work’ dives deeper into house territory with shimmering piano keys, dreamy chord progressions, and crisp percussion layered with twitchy synths, sax flourishes, and soulful vocal hooks. Dennis Quin - New York to Amsterdam ft. Mr V (Incl. Benny Rodrigues Remix)
Next up, ‘My Amsterdam Legacy ft Mr. V’, Quin tells us “My Amsterdam legacy tells the story from hitting the clubs in the early ’90s as a House music loving teenager to rocking stages worldwide right now. Mr. V captures that journey in a track that’s as soulful as it is raw. It’s my past, present, and future all in one”. Rounding off the release, Benny Rodrigues reworks ‘New York Accent’, retaining its essence while injecting his signature rhythmic grit and intricate dynamism.
- The Garden Spot
- Witch Grass
- Chinook
- Wading The Plain
- Open Space Properties
- Telegraph Weed Waltz
- Fracking Starlite
- Field House Deer (Mice)
- Tender Of Land
Tender / Wading zeigt Matthew Sage, alias M. Sage, in den Ausläufern und Weiden Colorados, wo er schreibt, aufnimmt und zu einem Stück seiner Heimat und Identität zurückkehrt, wobei ein Akt der Fürsorge den nächsten nach sich zieht. Das Album, das hauptsächlich auf Klavier und Klarinette aufgebaut ist und dann mit Gitarre, modularem Synthesizer, Percussion und Feldaufnahmen aus der Umgebung seines Zuhauses verziert wurde, ist eine weitreichende, ruhige Vision von Vitalität, radikaler Sanftheit und dem beruhigenden Gefühl, nach Hause zu kommen, auch wenn sich das Zuhause verändert hat. Seit den frühen 2010er Jahren hat Sage ein eigenwilliges Musikrepertoire zusammengestellt, das sich in verschiedene Klangrichtungen erstreckt, sich in Veröffentlichungen auf Geographic North, Orange Milk und Moon Glyph manifestiert und sowohl kritische Aufmerksamkeit als auch eine treue Zuhörerschaft für jede neue Wendung erlangt hat. 2023 debütierte Sage bei RVNG Intl. mit Paradise Crick, das zeitgleich mit seiner laufenden Arbeit im improvisierten Ambient-Jazz-Quartett Fuubutsushi erschien. Nun präsentiert er sein nächstes Soloalbum und seine neue Richtung. Tender / Wading folgt auf Sages Rückkehr nach Colorado nach fast einem Jahrzehnt in Chicago, wo er nun mit seiner jungen Familie dreißig Meilen außerhalb seiner Heimatstadt ein paar Hektar verwildertes Land bewirtschaftet. In einem ganzheitlichen Kontrast zu Cricks synthetischer Klangwelt schafft Sage Kunst aus dem Akt des Pflegens neuen Wachstums, hinterfragt Konstrukte des häuslichen Lebens und versteht die Spuren seines früheren Selbst durch die schmutzverschmierte, schweißvernebelte Linse der Gegenwart. Das Ergebnis ist sein bisher autobiografischstes Material, geprägt von Zeit und Veränderungen in der Wahrnehmung sowie bedeutungsvollen Details aus Sages psychischer Suche. Sage vergleicht das Gefühl, verschiedene Versionen von sich selbst zu sehen, mit der berühmten Hase-Ente-Theorie des Philosophen Ludwig Wittgenstein. ,Es ist dieselbe Zeichnung, aber je nachdem, wer man ist, wo man ist und wann man ist, sehen manche Menschen einen Hasen und manche eine Ente oder beides", erklärt Sage. Hier sind das Subjekt und der Betrachter, zurück in vertrauten Landschaften, als Partner und Elternteil, der Gestrüpp zurückschneidet, gedemütigt von invasiven Pflanzen, Schädlingsbefall und verdichtetem Lehmboden, seine Prioritäten haben sich grundlegend geändert. Und doch ist auch dieses andere Ich da: ein gewiefter Akademiker, der oft in Memes denkt und das Ziehen seines Handys in der Hosentasche spürt. ,In diesem Album geht es darum, diese Wahrnehmungsverschiebungen zu ergründen und ihnen Raum zu geben, beides zu tun: hüpfen und quaken." Es ist ein inneres Kind, das Sages intermediale Praxis in seinem Atelier leitet, einer Scheune, die nach dem großen Umzug im Jahr 2022 im Rahmen einer hausweiten DIY-Renovierung umgebaut wurde. Im Inneren werden Gedichte zu Zeichnungen, zu Skulpturen im Hinterhof und darüber hinaus, und alberne Ausflüge in den Vogelgesang oder die Freude an der Herausforderung, Klarinette zu lernen, weichen ernsthafter Musik. ,Ich glaube, ich habe entdeckt, dass es diese Linien gibt, die alles miteinander verbinden", sagt er. ,Und dieses Album ist voller hartnäckigem Optimismus und Hoffnung, aber auch der Bewusstheit, dass wir uns in einer späten Phase befinden, und dem Versuch, mit der Rhetorik dieser Phase umzugehen." Für Tender / Wading setzt Sage einen unverwechselbaren Sound ein: eine pastorale Art von Folk Kosmiche, kontemplativer elektroakustischer Barn Jazz für die Front Range, voller blasser Puddle Blues und rostigen Oil Drum Reds. Die meisten Songs entstanden auf einem 1910er Hamilton-Klavier, das kurioserweise in Chicago gebaut, von den Vorbesitzern zurückgelassen und von Mäusen bewohnt worden war. Die zufällige Begegnung mit dem Instrument fühlte sich kosmisch an, nicht nur wegen seiner Verbindung zur Windy City, sondern auch wegen Sages sich weiterentwickelnder Herangehensweise an das Songwriting nach Fuubutsushi. Er fühlt sich hinter den Tasten wohler und kehrt zurück zum Schlagzeug (seiner Jugendliebe). In einem passenden Raum für Holzblasinstrumente umarmt er das Elementare und Absichtliche und verleiht der Musik von Anfang an mehr strukturelles Gewicht und Wärme. Tender's M. Sage verbindet die Studioexperimente und Improvisationen seiner Vergangenheit mit einem geschärften Ohr für melodische Phrasierungen und Akkordwechsel und hat seine übliche Fülle an Demos auf neun finale Stücke reduziert. Seine charakteristischen Weltbilder bleiben erhalten, von Holzhauskröten, die in statischer Elektrizität schwimmen, über raschelndes Gras und Regen, der in die Dachrinnen plätschert, bis hin zu walzenden Sternbildern im Mondlicht. Während Cricks Universum aus magischem Realismus und digitaler Fantasie entstanden ist, greift Tender / Wading direkter auf menschliche Erfahrungen zurück. Er weist schnell Vorwürfe zurück, es handele sich um ein hochkonzeptionelles Album: ,Ich mache einfach die Musik, die ich selbst gerne in meinen Kopfhörern hören würde, während ich Unkraut jäte oder so." Es könnte beides sein, wie der Hase und die Ente behaupten würden: zutiefst persönlich und abstrakt, eine faszinierende und natürliche Wendung eines experimentellen Künstlers des 21. Jahrhunderts, dessen Vermächtnis sich in Echtzeit weiterentwickelt und wächst.
Ein kammermusikalisches Cool-Jazz-Juwel aus dem Jahr 1955 von einer der letzten bedeutenden Bands
des West Coast Jazz. Auf dem Album stellte der Schlagzeuger und Bandleader Chico Hamilton ein neues
Quintett in der damals ungewöhnlichen Besetzung mit Saxofon, Gitarre, Cello und Bass vor. Mit seinem
einzigartigen Klang und seinen nuancierten, einfallsreichen Arrangements errang das Ensemble, das in der
derselben Konstellation noch zwei weitere Alben einspielte, schnell beträchtliche Popularität.
"Astral Americana hymns hovering somewhere between the dirt and the stars" Pitchfork
"Mood music for moments of solitude, best experienced without distraction" The Times
"Overwhelmingly effective and ravishingly beautiful" The Wire
American Dust is an ode to the beauty of the American Southwest, where vast desert landscapes hold stories both stark and tender. Eve Adams’ characteristic folk noir weaves a vivid tapestry of love, sacrifice and quiet revelation, conjuring images of dust storms, stray dogs and far off trains.
The high desert of California is a vast and confounding place. Equally inspiring as it is punishing, it’s a landscape that carries magic in its deep dark nights, holding stories both tender and stark in the coarse layer of dust that settles upon everything. It’s long been a source of inspiration for musicians, writers, and painters, each of them adding to the same current, carried forward over time, through hope and hardship and the passing years.
Somewhere out there in that broad and boundless landscape, Eve Adams has been living her own desert life, quietly writing the follow-up to 2021’s Metal Bird LP. Where that album sang of liminal space, the dream-like turbulence of Hollywood’s golden age, American Dust is far more rooted in traditional storytelling; a eulogy for the American Dream channeled through that sweeping part of the country that holds such power and mystery. Slipping into different and varied costumes throughout its ten songs, it finds Eve not just observing the people around her but stepping into their shoes and peeling back the layers of their quiet lives.
Adams writes from within. A few years ago she moved out there, to “the middle of nowhere”, finding a slowness that didn’t exist in the city, and she knows only too well about the mystical nature of the land and those who live within it. Weaving together themes of grit and romance, American Dust holds its focus on the bittersweet poetry of lives lived in solitude, most notably the women who sustain life at the center of it all. “There’s something very radical about domestic life,” Adams says of this thread. “So many women live their entire lives behind closed doors, completely in the shadows. Within those lives is such sacrifice, devotion, and love. I wanted to honor that: the poetry in the mundane, the longing in the repetition. The way love survives boredom and dust and time.”
Eve is joined on American Dust by Canadian musician Bryce Cloghesy, aka Military Genius of Crack Cloud, who plays throughout and also helped produce the album. Musically bold and vivid, it’s an ambitious and detailed stride forward from what’s come before, the scope of the LP’s narrative reflected in the radiant sweep of the playing. On top of gentle piano and guitar, gorgeous strings drift through the album, lending the songs a woozy sense of romanticism; a collaboration with Gamaliel Traynor (Cello) and Caroline’s Oliver Hamilton (Violin).
For all the drama that’s coiled around these songs, it’s the recurring notion of love and hope fighting against everything that holds true throughout American Dust. Musically it’s lush and vibrant, intimate and cinematic side by side, and always bursting with warmth. But it’s what it holds in its weary bones that elevates it to something truly special, something more than just a collection of songs penned in the heart of the desert. The characters it speaks of, and from, feel shadowed but wholly real, like they’re bursting to share their stories that have remained hidden for years and years and they allow Eve Adams to grow as a songwriter right in front of our eyes.
“The same swirling dust that clung to the covered wagons of my ancestors as they crossed the Great American Desert is the same dust my great-great-grandmother swept off her porch during the Dust Bowl of 1936 in Oklahoma, is the same dust that blows in through the cracks in my windows here in the desert, carrying stories from a time long gone,” Eve says, reflecting on the personal narrative that runs through her new album.
“It’s not just dust—it’s American Dust, the kind that settles into the bones of a family and never leaves. I think about that dust as a symbol of the passage of time. I hope this album will be part of that same current, carrying forward for the next generations of my family to find. I’ve been lucky enough to have journals and poetry from my ancestors that documents their lives during times of pure hope and pure hardship. I’d like to think of this album as a contribution to that family history.”
- Freda Payne - Band Of Gold
- Robert Knight - Love On A Mountain Top
- Lynne Randell - Stranger In My Arms
- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
- Stevie Wonder - Nothing's Too Good For My Baby - Single Version
- Dean Courtney - I'll Always Need You
- The Velvelettes - A Love So Deep Inside - 2004 Anthology Version
- Barbara Mcnair - Baby A Go-Go - Cellarful Of Motown Version
- Darrell Banks – Angel Baby (Don’t You Ever Leave Me)
- Carolyn Crawford - Forget About Me
- Holly St. James - That's Not Love
- The Trammps - Scrub Board
- Major Lance - Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um
- The Supremes - He's All I Got - Stereo Version
- Gladys Knight & The Pips - Just Walk In My Shoes - Single Version
- Four Tops - Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) - Single Version / Mono
- Frank Wilson - 'Til You Were Gone - Writer/Producer Demo Version
- Lou Johnson - Unsatisfied
- Four Below Zero – My Baby's Got Esp
- David Ruffin - Walk Away From Love - Single Version
- Dusty Springfield - Long After Tonight Is Over
- Chairmen Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
- The Marvelettes - Your Love Can Save Me
- Roy Hamilton - Crackin' Up Over You
- Towanda Barnes - You Don't Mean It
- Vibrations - 'Cause You're Mine
- San Remo Golden Strings - Festival Time - Single Version
- Just Brothers - Sliced Tomatoes
- Sandi Sheldon - You're Gonna Make Me Love You
- Marvin Gaye - Little Darling (I Need You)
- The Spinners - I'll Always Love You - Single Version
- The Elgins - Put Yourself In My Place - Single Version
- Frankie Valli - You're Ready Now
- The Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumor Baby
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Whole Lot Of Shakin' In My Heart (Since I Met You)
- Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You
- Kiki Dee - The Day Will Come Between Sunday And Monday - Album Version
- Tony Clarke - Landslide
- Edwin Starr - Time
- The Impressions - You've Been Cheatin' - Single Version
- Brenda Holloway - Just Look What You've Done - Single Version
- Martha & The Vandellas - My Baby Loves Me - Single Version / Mono
Head back to the floor with this brand-new 2LP compilation featuring 42 more of the world’s most remarkable Northern Soul tunes.
Expand your collection and freshen up your dancing shoes with this must-have sequel including none other than the incredible Stevie Wonder, Dusty Springfield, Freda Payne, Robert Knight, The Supremes, Major Lance and the all-time classic duet between Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
- Forty (Feat. Chris Clarke And Mickey Factz)
- Worthy (Feat. Cashus King And Scienze)
- Simple (Feat. Sene And Chester Watson)
- Love (1-4) (Feat. Wyldeflowher, Geminelle, Yah Ra, Lexxus, And Noveliss)
- Dance (Feat. Phoenix Cruz And Charles Hamilton)
- Happy (Feat. Kota The Friend And R.a.p Ferreira)
- Knowledge (Feat. Triune And Tristate)
- Bible (Feat. Propaganda And Pch)
- Human (Feat. Homeboy Sandman And Asher Roth)
- Loser (Feat. Cashus King And Stik Figa)
- Joy (Feat. Fashawn And Choosey
In the turbulent world of hip-hop, few artists are able to make the transition from hot young star to acclaimed rap luminary. Los Angeles emcee Blu has followed this rare path, graduating from a spot on the 2009 XXL Freshman list to an expansive catalog with more than 25 celebrated releases. Now, the talented lyricist is celebrating his remarkable journey with Forty, a new album entirely produced by influential beatsmith August Fanon, who has crafted tracks for Westside Gunn, Mach-Hommy, Tha God Fahim, billy woods, Navy Blue, and more. “This album is a celebration of me reaching 40 years of age,” Blu explains. “All the content is a reflection of where I am mentally at the age of 40.” With intricate verses packed with wisdom and maturity, the collection finds Blu and a host of guests reflecting on happiness, religion, love, knowledge, humanity, and more.
Fanon brings these tracks to life with a unique production approach, taking it back to basics with soul heavy soundscapes Blu describes as “straight loops, no drum programming or layers, just really soulful loops.” With appearances by Kota The Friend, Asher Roth, R.A.P. Ferreira, Mickey Factz, Homeboy Sandman, Chester Watson, Fashawn, and more, Forty is a timless experience from an artist who remains a vital presence in any decade of life.
- Here Comes The Black Moon
- Liftoff In Stereo
- Trial By Fire
- The Clouds Will Drop Ladders
- Triumph Of The Metal People
- Frequency Converter
- Birth To Death In Slow Motion
- Dream Scientist
- Bird Wings
- Nudists Disc
- The Landing
- Under The Mountain
- Sonar
- Mercury
- The Valium Machine
- Spies
- Inside The Static Cult
- Then, In 2060 A.d
- Alum Rock
- Interruptor
- Slower
- Excerpt From Mount Hamilton
- 96:
- Spark Collector
Just as Duster's landmark debut album Stratosphere was making its first orbit, Clay Parton, Dove Amber, and Jason Albertini tracked a largely improvised companion capsule under their Valium Aggelein alter ego. An ode to '70s Kosmische, Hier Kommt Der Schwartze Mond is a skeletal space nap for the prozac generation. Remixed and remastered from the original 16 track analog tapes, the 1998 album has been adjoined by 15 period-appropriate bonus tracks. A fuzzy masterpiece, hidden in plain sight, by the most important slowcore band of all time.
Ground-breaking afro-rock and jazz with Memphis soul roots on this lost 1972 gem. Lovingly restored and reissued by Matsuli Music
'Black Soul' from 1972 is the third and last known album by The Anchors, a soul group originally formed in Johannesburg's Alexandra township in 1968. Their first two albums, 'Soul Upstairs' from 1969 and 'Everything' from 1971, were issued on Teal's City Special label alongside other prominent South African soul groups of the era like The Beaters, The Movers and The Flaming Souls.
On 'Black Soul', The Anchors undergo a notable shift, moving away from their early Memphis soul influences towards a pioneering African-driven sound. These changes laid the foundations for an emerging afro-fusion scene in the years to come from groups like Batsumi, The Drive and Harari.
'Black Soul' features a who's who of intergenerational musicians from great South African bands over the decades. In addition to Zacks Nkosi, the renowned bandleader of the Jazz Maniacs and long-time member of the African Swingsters in the 1940s and 50s, this album includes kwela star Little Kid Lex Hendricks, known for his Columbia recordings of the late 1950s; as well as Zack's son Jabu Nkosi who would go on to play with The Drive, Roots and Sakhile; and Banza Kgasoane later a member of The Beaters, Harari and then Mango Groove.
Now remastered for its first release since the original 1972 pressing, this lost gem offers a revealing glimpse into the evolution of South African music during a transformative era.
Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director).
Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972.
Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational.
Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive.
Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen.
Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery.
Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.
- A1: Love To All Doulas! 03 52
- A2: Some Rest For The Midwives . . . 07 19
- A3: Real Vital Organs 03 57
- A4: Surges, Expansions 02 43
- A5: In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound 02 44
- B1: Birthworkers Magic, And How We Get Hear . . . 07 21
- B2: This "I" Was Not 02 37
- B3: Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy 09 03
- C1: Carla's Beads 01 51
- C2: Moonlight Watsu In Dub 04 34
- C3: Generous Pelvis 04 26
- C4: Bi-Location 09 08
- D1: Play Kerri Chandler's Rain" 17 32
black 2x12"[28,15 €]
Placenta is the fourth collection of broadly imaginative and highly collaborative Carlos Niño & Friends music released on International Anthem since 2021. But perhaps more notably for the zeitgeist of today, it is the first new music to be released by Carlos Niño & Friends following the November 2023 release of André 3000’s New Blue Sun – an album which Carlos produced alongside André, while co-writing, performing, and co-mixing every song. The announcement of Placenta also comes while Carlos is in the middle of tours with André to support New Blue Sun, where Carlos wields an immense presence as music director, bandleader, and percussionist, and performs alongside many of the same musicians that are present on his recent & Friends albums, including this new one.
Placenta is announced on the 1st solar return of Moss Niño, of whom Carlos and his partner Annelise are Earth parents. Their experience of pregnancy, labor and delivery were all profoundly impactful for Carlos. Becoming a father again (a whole 25 years after the birth of Azul Niño, who has become a regular artistic collaborator for Carlos) he felt total Inspiration for this set of recordings, and hence it is perhaps the most conceptually-grounded Carlos Niño & Friends album we've yet to present–fully connected to the spirit of family, birth, and "how we get here."
In Niño’s words, Placenta is “dedicated to Mothers, Children, Babies, Aunties, Doulas, Midwives, Birthworkers...,” and a short list of track titles includes: "Love to all Doulas!," "Some Rest for the Midwives," "Real Vital Organs," and "Generous Pelvis." The centerpiece of the album, the sprawling "Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy," is an unbelievably vivid immersion in the sonic architecture of Niño's memory-scape...like being present in his energy field...or being present in a birthing room, or maybe even being born yourself. And it just might be the most powerful, unique piece of music Niño has ever created.
Featured artists on Placenta, in order of their entry on the album, include: Nate Mercereau, Jamire Williams, Sam Gendel, Jamael Dean, Dexter Story, Brandon Eugene Owens, Maia, André 3000, Jesse Peterson, Ariel Kalma, Surya Botofasina, Annelise, Haize Hawke, Aaron Shaw, Devin Daniels, Tiffany de Leon, Michael Bolger, Michael Alvidrez, Moss, Iasos, Photay, Deantoni Parks, Adam Rudolph, Andres Renteria, and Cavana Lee.
London-based DJ and producer Steven Julien returns to his Apron Records imprint with a double A-side 12" , bringing together the new gospel and R&B-influenced EP TIME and previously digital-only EP Wraap't.
Bridging sonic worlds together, from the soulful anthem TIME and the glossy rap hit ULTRA ft. James Massiah to the old-school house sound of UP and Julien's driving club remix of Wraap't ft. Fatima. Rounding off the EP with the instrumental BALLAD, a dreamy jazz-inspired excursion, further highlights the unique contrast of Steven Juliens' work.
Available in two vinyl colours, limited Red and a classic black vinyl printed with the TIME EP artwork on the cover and Wraap't EP artwork on the inner sleeves. Two EPs, one record.
Eine Ella-Entdeckung sondergleichen: die „First Lady of Jazz“ singt und swingt ein dynamisches Konzert mit Top-Musikern der Ellington-Band. Dass dieses Traum-Konzert von 1967 in Stereo mitgeschnitten
wurde, war bislang unbekannt. Im Nachlass ihres Managers Norman Granz fanden sich jetzt die von Wally
Heider hervorragend aufgenommenen 4-Spur-Bänder, und die haben es in sich! Ella war in phänomenaler
Form und wurde vom Trio aus Jimmy Jones, Bob Cranshaw und Sam Woodyard sowie Ellington-Legenden
wie Paul Gonsalves, Jimmy Hamilton und Johnny Hodges zusätzlich beflügelt.
Vom swingenden Opener “The Moment Of Truth” und dem lässigen Klassiker „Let’s Do It“ bis zum
Fitzgerald-Evergreen „Mack The Knife“ ist alles dabei, was man als Fan liebt. Zwei zusätzliche Pop-Songs
der Sixties transponiert Ella meisterhaft in die Jazz-Welt: die bittersüße Ballade „Alfie“ von Burt Bacharach
und den Ohrwurm „Music To Watch Girls By”. Beide Songs waren bislang noch nie von Ella interpretiert
zu hören!
Ausstattung LP: 140g, Gatefold-Sleeve mit ausführlichen Linernotes von Will Friedwald
Ausstattung CD: Mintpack, Booklet mit ausführlichen Linernotes von Will Friedwald
The first of three collaborative albums by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, United was released on August 29, 1967 on the Motown subsidiary label Tamla Records. It was the duo's as well as Marvin Gaye's most successful album of the 1960's, with sales almost reaching one million copies. It yielded four Top 100 Billboard chart hits, including the two Top 10 singles, "Your Precious Love," and "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You." United peaked at #69 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart and #7 on the U.S.
Billboard R&B albums chart upon its release. United received a 4 ½ star rating on AllMusic, with reviewer Andrew Hamilton stating that it "was the first of their three LPs, and quite possibly the best of the lot."
DJ support - East End Dubs, Archie Hamilton, Sidney Charles, Alisha
Eastenderz welcomes Louden with a four-track journey that’s ready to push boundaries. With punchy grooves, hypnotic textures and an unmistakable drive, this collection showcases Louden’s unique approach to defining his own sound. Each track unfolds with precision and depth, capturing his attention to detail while maintaining an infectious, dancefloor-ready vibe.This release is set to become a standout in any collection.
- Bussin Bricks Intro
- Nobody Knows (Feat. Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden & Adonica Nunn)
- Humble Me
- Higher Level (Feat. Jori & Adonica Nunn)
- Exit 9 Scenic Route (Feat Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles & Troy Durden)
- Lord Prepare Me (Feat. Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn)
- Slummer 4 Junkies (Feat. Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa & Troy Durden)
- Had To Go Get It (Feat. Troy Durden)
- ’97 3-6 Freestyle
- Still Talk’n That Shit (Feat. Key Glock & Project Pat)
- High & Holy (Physical Only)
"For me this is a testimonial. When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. After the celebratory atmosphere that followed MICHAEL I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear. I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints.” - KILLER MIKE
MIchael & The Mighty Midnight Revival - Songs For Sinners And Saints", a ten song collection that provides a bookend to the 3 time GRAMMY winning MICHAEL era and puts the speculation about the aftermath of February 4 to bed. Killer Mike states "This is the epilogue to MICHAEL. This is what comes after Feb 4th. I had a year to live with MICHAEL and realized I had more I wanted to do with this sound before moving on."
- A1: Nat King Cole The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
- A2: Laufey Winter Wonderland
- A3: Jamie Cullum It's Christmas
- A4: Diana Krall Feat The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Jingle Bells
- A5: Tom Gaebel Last Christmas
- A6: Ella Fitzgerald Sleigh Ride
- A7: Kurt Elling Cool Yule
- B1: Gregory Porter Christmas Wish
- B2: The Puppini Sisters Here Comes Santa Claus
- B3: Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter Christmas In New Orleans
- B4: Robbie Williams, Jamie Callum Merry X-Mas Everybody
- B5: Silje Nergaard Feat Roger Cicero If I Could Wrap Up A Kiss
- B6: Nils Landgren, Johan Norberg, Jonas Knutsson Maybe This Christmas
- B7: Dean Martin Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- C1: Norah Jones Christmas Calling (Jollyjones)
- C2: Mel Thormé Comin' Home Baby
- C3: Tony Bennett Winter Wonderland
- C4: Perry Como, The Fontane Sisters, Mitchell Ayres & His Orchestra It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
- C5: Frank Sinatra Jingle Bells
- C6: Bill Evans Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
- C7: Peggy Lee The Christmas Waltz
- D1: Melody Gardot Ave Maria
- D2: Samara Joy Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- D3: Kenny G Silent Night
- D4: Louis Armstrong, Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra White Christmas - Single Version
- D5: Andy Williams Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season
- D6: Ella Fitzgerald Frosty The Snowman
- D7: Seth Macfarlane & Liz Gillies We Wish You The Merriest
„aboutJAZZ – Christmas“: Dieses Album vereint die schönsten Jazz-Versionen beliebter Weihnachtsklassiker und liefert damit eine stilvolle Musikbegleitung für die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Ob stimmgewaltige Titel wie Nat King Coles „The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)”, sanfte Melodien wie in Norah Jones‘ „Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)“, verspielte Töne mit Jamie Cullums „It’s Christmas“ oder eine märchenhafte Atmosphäre wie in Peggy Lees „The Christmas Waltz“ – dieses Album vereint die beliebtesten Weihnachtstitel mit dem vielseitigen Genre der Jazzmusik. Echte Klassiker und neue Interpretationen von Künstlern wie Gregory Porter, Laufey, Diana Krall, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Melody Gardot, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald und vielen weiteren sorgen für ein rundum stimmungsvolles Musikerlebnis. „aboutJAZZ Christmas“ ist ab dem 22. November als 2LP, 2CD und Download erhältlich.
The Leeds jazz scene is the gift that keeps on giving. From the dub-leaning ambience of Submotion Orchestra through to the afro-jazz fusion of Nubiyan Twist and TC & The Groove Family, a multi-generational lineage has emerged. Adding yet another page to the eclectic story of jazz from the city, emerging punk-jazz upstarts Plantfood announce the imminent arrival of their debut album ‘Carnivores’ on Friday 4th October via Bridge The Gap.
Consisting of JJ Petrie (percussion), Ruben Maric (keyboards), Joe van der Meulen (tenor saxophone), Woolley (baritone saxophone), Finn Hamilton (drums) and Woody Hayden (bass), Plantfood began in the throes of lockdown, during which all the members lived together. The group spent day after day sharing their eclectic music tastes, ranging from the electronic punk of The Prodigy and art-rock of Black Country New Road, through to the jazz dance of Steam Down and The Comet Is Coming. Taking these influences, they crafted their own sound, but without live shows, their only audience was the plants in their rehearsal room:
“We called the band Plantfood because we were writing and rehearsing in one of our bedrooms which was full of house plants. The plants kind of became our only audience, so it was like the music was food for the plants.”
The band’s debut album ‘Carnivores’, plays on this theme, referring to the plants as carnivores for consuming the bands music, whilst also reflecting the apocalyptic palette of sounds and chaos found within the record. However, mirroring the dynamism of a Plantfood live show, the album is anything but one-dimensional. The group expertly balance moments of serenity and vulnerability with cataclysmic urgency, all brought together under the guidance of producer David Haynes (TC & The Groove Family, Nubiyan Twist). The group share:
“The album’s moments of vulnerability and hope are intended as the depiction of a return-to- earth theme (circle of life, growth and decay), reflecting that the cycle of nature is not simply destructive.”
The project’s lead single ‘Y.U.S.’ drew praise from tastemakers including Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 6, with the track featuring the talents of UK-Palestinian MC Yung Yusuf, a serial collaborator who also appears on album closer ‘Monstera’. Both tracks channel Plantfood’s explosive live energy into a blend of afro-latin rhythms and broken grooves, with the distinctive blend of tenor and baritone saxophone weaving in and out of grime-leaning, poetic exchanges with Yusuf.
Elsewhere, the second single from the project ‘Birdgang Pt. II’ is a fresh take on the band’s contemporary jazz sound, blending jazz, Balkan folk and Moroccan rhythms with a punk edge. The album’s title track resets the balance, soothing the soul through a swirling approach to spiritual jazz that wouldn’t be amiss amongst the Gondwana Records catalogue.
Most of the writing of Naima Bock's second album, Below A Massive Dark Land, was a solitary affair. It may not sound like it - it's made up of strong, purposeful arrangements with a huge host of musicians, filled with cradling space and warm light. This will also come as a surprise to anyone who has seen Naima perform in the time since the release of her 2022 debut Giant Palm, which was undoubtedly a communal experience. But there's power in the solitary, too. Giant Palm was arranged with collaborator Joel Burton, but going this one alone in search of something that was truly hers, Naima found she was capable of more. "After me and Joel stopped working together", she remembers, "it was an impossibility to even fathom doing arrangements myself but then I started learning violin and it was possible". Finding that she could go it alone was incredibly powerful for Naima: "I think I needed it, to be able to feel proud of something". Beyond the writing process, however, the record is not a stark, stripped back affair. Below_ still has the majesty that made Giant Palm so remarkable. Having tugged the first record down from the skies and spreading it across the earth, Naima finds a newfound vocal power and confidence born from hundreds of hours on stage, and the music sounds fuller, more tangible, and no less enveloping. This can be heard on the album's lead singles: "Kaley" feels fresh and surprising in its rug-pull choppiness but is distinctly Naima in its swinging, jubilant choruses. The accompanying "Further Away" takes a different tack, drawing you in with its simplicity. Finally, the hazy, luxurious beauty of "Feed My Release" draws on the sepia-toned traditions of The Roches, John Prine and Loudon Wainwright III and imbues them with the kind of stark confessional songwriting of Mount Eerie. These are ambitious, rich arrangements that reach deeper and darker lyrically than Giant Palm. Below a Massive Dark Land was predominantly produced by Jack Osborne (Bingo Fury) and Joe Jones, and recorded at The Crypt in north London, with additional production and arrangement by Oliver Hamilton (caroline, Shovel Dance Collective) and Naima herself. Six of the tracks on Below_ were mixed by Jason Agel, with the remainder done by Osborne and Jones. The album was mastered by Kevin Tuffy.








































