Buscar:a drum

Debut album by Ydegirl staging modern day R&B and pop elements in a Nordic baroque scene. The destiny of Yde resonates through the music next to strings, woodwinds and electronic drum patterns in unique sonic arrangements, like a timely contraction of past and present. On clear swirly vinyl colored with swamp extract + double sided 70x100 cm poster with album art and lyrics

Lost Tapes Showcase; released on 6th October 2023, was short in the making, when Marcus I visited the Bakery Studio, Manchester for 1 week in June 2017 to voice the album. The album was then lost to the Bakery vaults for a long 6 years! It is a international collaboration with Marcus I hailing from Spain, bringing his lyrics and vocal styles to the UK with additional over-dubs (backing vocals and Kette drum) laid down at Golden Hen Studios in Madrid. Working together before the visit, Marcus I sent Al Breadwinner 4 acoustic guitar demos which he then built into rhythm tracks ready for voicing. The other 2 tracks were preexisting rhythm tracks from the Breadwinners archive that just seemed to fit the lyrics Marcus I had written.

Absolute stone-cold classic from 1985 produced by the legend Kurtis Mantronik - only ever came out on 45 as a promo and hard to find.

The visionary 1983 album by Anthony Hobson, is a bold exploration of enterprising drama themes. Featuring hypnotic synth layers, commanding brass motifs, and the pulsating rhythms of electric bass and drum machine, each track resonates with confidence and ambition. Hobson's masterful compositions from this album were regular features on sports highlight reels throughout the 80’s and 90’s, including “Polestar 1” on NFL Films. From touchdowns and slam dunks to space age captains of industry, "Millenium" captivates listeners with its dynamic compositions, offering a compelling musical journey through the aspirations and achievements of the burgeoning digital age of the early 1980s.

‘You are behind the damn wheel every day and you don’t even know it’ , weightily remarks Powerplant’s band leader Theo Zhykharyev on the reading of his latest single. London-based project signals the return to signature formula of marching drum machines and wailing synthesisers, matured by life experiencing of prolonged touring. ’Car is life, brother. Sometimes you drive it, other times - the car drives you. And, statistically, we’ll all see the airbags go off sooner than later as consequence of choices made by us or onto us, consciously or not.’
Crashing Cars breaks out the gates to the heavy low end driven dance floor. ‘I was listening to a lot of Bladee when I wrote it and needed a similar thick kick to get you moving’, says Theo. Its an emotionally loaded cannon of a track that will keep you in its grip until it has run its course and told its story. Yearning from connection unfulfilled, rings out through the heartbroken and weeping synth and choir lines. The ever-morphing and dynamic bass works in tandem with razor sharp guitars. The instrumentation, through combined ‘no looking back’ forward charge and immediacy, conjure a manic and emotional forward momentum, which rings out in the song’s lyrics. The vocal performance ranges from the trademark Powerplant goblin squeaks, to more mature, tour-hardened singing. On a sonic aesthetic level, Crashing Cars vibrates in a familiar fashion to Powerplant’s biggest hit Dungen. However, this time far less playful and harder hitting. Described as the fallout of “avoiding, chasing and running away”, lyrically it paints a dead end in human relationships concluding it car-crash heading for the scrapyard. The song concludes with a loaded four line spoken word poetry segment, that hangs over the fleeting outro.
The B side of the single, Never Smile, rolls the speed back, but throws in jangly guitar hooks and bouncy bass lines. Zhykharyev’s vocals sit in a lower register, hence are more stoic and melancholic. If this track had to be a day of the week, it would be a calm, introspective Sunday. With lyrics about looking into evil omens, the sky and reading people as ‘not something different’, it paints an ambiguous, but heavy conclusion about the world and its people. It tells a story about circumstantially settling into an identity and playing the assigned part for the convenience of the external world. It’s easier to fit than to stand apart. It's a perfect balance of mid-tempo radio-rock that builds and changes, before exploding into a shaggy guitar solo, only to go into an unexpected ethereal outro and this 7”s crescendo.
‘Both of these songs are kinda old now, sitting at around 4 years old. And although I haven’t changed the lyrics since then, I somehow find new meaning in them as time goes on. Being Ukrainian and going into the fourth year of the full scale Russian invasion back home, the chorus “my death to you - a better price to pay” makes a lot of sense looking at how the world powers are trying to spin the devastation of my people for a quick profit and an easier life for themselves. This single coming out now at this very point in my life feels both profound and very ironic. Life never ends’, summarises Zhykharyev.

Rock’n’roll revivalists Split Dogs are not here to make 15 second viral videos, they’re not here to sell you a lifestyle, they’re here to destroy. Born from the frustration of seeing music become commodified and soulless, vocalist Harry Atkins and guitarist Mil Martinez had the idea to form a band as far back as 2015, with the name ‘Split Dogs’ pulled from the classic zombie film ‘Return of the Living Dead’.
In South London, a young Martinez would hear Status Quo, Bachman Turner Overdrive and Dire Straits on the car radio while his father drove him to school. At home he would invade his older brothers’ record collection which leaned towards the harder sounds of punk and heavy metal. Meanwhile in the Black Country, Harry’s mother instilled a love of Northern Soul, Slade and rock’n’roll, with stories of nights out at Club Lafayette and family singalongs at home. According to Martinez, “Our sound is a culmination of all those early influences and, to be honest, it really shows.”
It wasn’t until 2022 that Split Dogs officially arrived on the scene with bass player Suez Boyle joining the band in 2023. Already a prominent figure in the queer punk scene, Suez played the first ever Rebellion Festival at the tender age of 16 with her band The Walking Abortions. Up until that point, drummer Chris Hugall, an old friend of Martinez and former member of ska punks Mouthwash (signed to Rancid’s label Hellcat back in the day), was only on hand to help design artwork. It wasn’t until 2024 Hugall joined the band full time, cementing the current line-up.
The raucous live shows and infectious lyrics saw the four-piece make a name for themselves among the punks of Bristol, a scene that has always welcomed LGBTQ+ and marginalised people. As word spread, so did the gigging, and soon enough Split Dogs were playing to sold out rooms in mainland Europe, eventually grabbing the attention of UK label Venn Records (Gallows, Bob Vylan, High Vis). ‘Here to Destroy’ was recorded over three days at Middle Farm Studios by producer Peter Miles. All tracks were laid straight to a 16 track reel-to-reel tape machine, no autotune, no effects pedals, no computers. To add to the music’s authenticity, the album was recorded live, with Harry singing along in a vocal booth. No cutting and pasting, just nailing takes. According to Martinez, “It was a blast! We fully immersed ourselves, sleeping in a small apartment below the studio, cooking meals and listening to Pete’s extensive record collection”. While the final result is a step away from Split Dogs early punk sound, the attitude is still there in droves. “We wanted the album to have a raw bones feel,” Martinez tells us, “real 1970s rock’n’roll!”. Harry channels the spirit of Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister as they tear through hook after hook, singing about the Northern Soul clubs their mother once frequented (‘Lafayette’), the Orwellian nightmare we’re heading for (“Stay Tuned”) and a touching homage to British working class culture (“And What?”). As the album title makes clear, Split Dogs are here to destroy, but they’re also here to rebuild and remind us of music’s essence. “We’re not beholden to the digital age, we don’t want to get famous on social media, we just want to show the world that rock’n’roll is alive and well”.

Available 13 June 2025 on double translucent orange vinyl, Trios captures the magic of Buddy Rich's legendary three- man jam sessions-- performances that have never been officially released until now. Recorded live during international concerts in 1976 and 1977, Trios showcases Rich alongside extraordinary talents: bassists Jon Burr and Tom Warrington, and young piano prodigy Barry Kiener. These trio interludes--recorded by Rich's alto saxophonist Alan Gauvin--feature Rich playing with brushes in an intimate setting, spotlighting his dynamic range and nuance. "These trio sets were often played to give the brass section a break," says Gauvin. "But what Buddy did with those moments was extraordinary. It was a masterclass in restraint, creativity, and musical interplay." Among the album's ten tracks are beautifully reimagined standards such as "Just Friends," "Stella by Starlight," and "My Romance." Each performance highlights Rich's desire to step back and allow the piano and bass to shine--something unheard of for a drummer of his stature. The release also serves as a tribute to Barry Kiener, the immensely gifted pianist who tragically passed away at 30. "Barry had been like a son to him," remembers Buddy's daughter Cathy Rich, who serves as an Executive Producer. "This album is a rare glimpse into Barry's brilliance and the deep musical bond he shared with my father." Trios was recorded and produced by Alan Gauvin, mastered by Tom Swift, with cover art by Michael Patterson, the award-winning visual artist and USC professor known for his work on a-ha's iconic "Take on Me" video.

Elsden Music presents the vinyl version of 'Above The Clouds', by the Ilario Ferrari Trio, with two brand news tracks - a new recording of the title track featuring trumpeter Henry Spencer and a stunning live version of "Leah Meets Laika"

The release of the vinyl comes at the point of an extensive tour across the UK and Europea between now and the end of this year.

On the cusp of releasing this, his fourth studio recorded album, pianist and singer Ilario Ferrari has developed a distinctive compositional style that integrates instrumental contemporary jazz with vocal harmonies, adding hints of sounds and rhythms from both Indian and Mediterranean culture, alongside some classical nuances with additional influences from Ilario's southern Italian heritage. This approach is singular to Ilario Ferrari as an artist: a style that is perfectly complimented by his two well-known collaborators and rising jazz stars in their own right; drummer Katie Patterson and bassist Charlie Pyne.

At the heart of 'Above The Clouds' lies the notion of relationships. Between us and our planet, the musical and personal relationships between Ilario, Charlie and Katie, and, of course, with their loved ones. It is also about elevation and observation, from 'Above The Clouds' and from the grounded embrace of Mother Earth, impressions of love, loss, and home, expressed through a beguiling blend of vocal led songs and instrumentals.

This recording is more than just a simple jazz trio album, with the trio expanding and contracting as the song requires. The Ilario Ferrari Trio's innovative approach combined with their indisputable skill promises to be a breath of fresh air in the jazz world and beyond.

Ilario Ferrari: piano, piano effects & vocals
Charlie Pyne: double base & vocals
Ketie Patterson: drums & vocals
Plus: Henry Spencer: trumpet (on "Above The Clouds")

Polar Bear's groundbreaking debut 'Dim Lit' (2004) is being released on vinyl for the first time, marking over two decades since its arrival reshaped the UK jazz landscape

Led by drummer and composer Seb Rochford, the album introduced a band whose fearless approach to improvisation, rhythm, and texture would go on to influence a generation. Blending raw energy with intricate composition, 'Dim Lit' set the blueprint for Polar Bear's signature sound - expansive, unpredictable, and entirely their own.

From the outset, 'Dim Lit' positioned Polar Bear as one of the most forward-thinking groups of their time. The album bridged jazz, electronic elements, and avant- garde sensibilities, carving out a new space in the contemporary music scene. The interplay between Rochford, saxophonists Pete Wareham and Mark Lockheart, bassist Tom Herbert, and electronics specialist Leafcutter John created a dynamic, shape-shifting sound that blurred genre boundaries. With its hypnotic grooves, explosive improvisation, and unexpected sonic detours, 'Dim Lit' remains a vital document of a band redefining what jazz could be.

This first- ever vinyl release offers a new perspective on 'Dim Lit's deep, layered soundscapes, giving longtime fans and new listeners alike the chance to experience the album in a fresh, immersive format. Edition Records now represents all digital rights to the Polar Bear catalogue, ensuring the band's visionary work continues to reach audiences worldwide.

Having spent the last half decade building up a name as a jazz and soul singer of rare distinction, Ada Morghe now presents her fourth album, 'Pure Good Vibes', which features the British reggae icon Maxi Priest A trip to Jamaica in January 2024 set 'Pure Good Vibes' in motion. Ada headed to th island after hearing that her bassist and producer Livingstone Brown, was flying the to work with Maxi Priest. It was an idea that was underlined by her desire to explo the music, culture and Jamaican heritage that had also shaped the lives of her oth band members Luke Smith (keyboard) and Josh McNasty (drums). The resulting album is a beautiful, intimate reflection on adult themes, such a keeping the passion alive, making the most of life's sweet moments and capturing th closeness of two people in love, which is underpinned by a sound that, though n beholden to Jamaica's musical traditions, certainly shares a spirit with them. The are other influences - such as Michael Kiwanuka's soulful fervour, the vibrancy of '60 R&B, and a love of Sade's 'Diamond Life'. Before stepping whole- heartedly into music, Ada Morghe was already a renowne actress and an award-winning author in her homeland of Germany. Having written an starred in the play-turned-film 'Frau Mutter Tier' and been asked to write songs for i soundtrack, she found herself working with former Prince sound engineer Han Martin Buff. That led her to Abbey Road studios in London, her debut album 'Picture and 2020's 'Box', an expression of her refusal to be tied down to any one genre o profession. From there came 2023's 'Lost', a free-flowing vocal jazz suite based on th four elements. 'Pure Good Vibes', however, pulls her toward what sounds like her most natural albu yet: sophisticated jazz and soul that deals with both the romance and reality o matters of the heart.

Like a fine wine, Fu Manchu's 1999 classic, King Of The Road, gets better with age and fans continue to demand hearing these tunes the way the band intended - on wax. Out of print since 2019, the Joe Barresi (Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Queens Of The Stone Age) helmed work is back and this time on yellow and black splatter vinyl in a limited edition. This is a repressing of the 2015 remaster done by Carl Saff, which includes 2 bonus tracks: "Breathing Fire" (originally on the German vinyl release) and "Hanglider" (which was previously unreleased). "After a bit of a break from albums, not counting the Return to Earth singles compilation, Fu Manchu fully fired up and took off again with King of the Road, an album that doesn't so much follow on from The Action Is Go as flat out continue it. Hill has a touch more bite to his vocals this time around, but otherwise there's little to differentiate the two records -- and that's very much meant as a compliment. With plenty of touring and other things under their belts, the lineup has fully jelled and sounds it, Bjork's bad-ass drumming (and occasional cowbells, of course) and Balch's insane lead guitar crunch possibly even better than ever. Together it's all one megariff and nasty, slamming rhythm after another, and face it, anyone expecting anything else from Fu Manchu really needs to find another band. Joe Barresi co-produces with the band, and while there's no extra keyboard/organ weirdness this time around, it hardly matters. In as much as there's a theme to King of the Road beyond the basics of driving, drugs, and that demon rock & roll, it's driving -- there's a reason why the cover and internal art features a slew of great '70s-era photos from a massive van rally. The one shot of the fully leather-covered interior of one mobile love nest, complete with black curtains, about says it all. Then there's the megachugging title track ("King of the road says you move too slow!"), "Hell on Wheels," "Boogie Van," and so forth -- call it a concept album that doesn't waste time with elves and yogis. As with the last album, a punk/new wave nugget gets the cover treatment here -- none other than Devo's "Freedom of Choice." Needless to say, now it sounds just like a Fu Manchu original." ALLMUSIC

Secretsundaze’s 9FINITY imprint make it a hat trick of releases with label favourite DJ Life’s ‘Forbidden Space’ EP.

The four track release from the Naarm/Melbourne native is a techy excursion that subtly meshes elements of minimal with modern UK bass dynamics, informed by the Australian’s psychedelic production style.

‘Utility’ sparks the ignition with a bass-driven peak time beast that morphs through syncopated grooves and punchy drops, the A2 ‘Electrolyte’ takes a hedonistic turn where resonant tones spiral across a rolling 4×4 drum groove.

‘Breathe’ steers us onto the B-side with dubbed out subs and percussive layers fusing up across this impeccable roller. ‘Stay Playful’ takes on a early-tech house feel with tribal drums and hypnotic echoes that venture on throughout the night. Digital bonus track ‘Love Sensation’ draws UK-Garage influences combined with lush pads and quirky vocal snippets drifting amid the tops.

Another big one from the 9FINITY crew, with plenty more in the clip for the year ahead…

Art is a term that's often associated with Robert Hood's work and the next vinyl release on M-Plant comprises his recent digital releases - the March single "Art Form" and April's double-header "Art Class / Art School" to create the "Art Project EP".

The acidic "Art Form" is Hood's first Techno release since 2024's "Alpha Key EP". The Minimal Techno originator continues to show off his prowess with "Art Class" which stays on the Acid path we hear on "Art Form" but delves even deeper. Meanwhile, "Art School" on the B-side brings sci-fi sounds and an atmospheric punch.

Robert Hood has said of his M-Plant label: "M-Plant is what I've always wanted to hear: the basic stripped down, raw sound. Just drums, basslines and funky grooves and only what's essential. Only what is essential to make people move. I started to look at it as a science, the art of making people move their butts, speaking to their heart, mind and soul. It's a heart-felt rhythmic techno sound. M-Plant is just M. minimal."

Oslo-based label Boring Crew Records (BCR) makes its vinyl debut with the Prærien EP. The EP showcases the label’s diverse range and vision, with six tracks that span various moods and genres, setting the stage for what’s to come.

BCR01 kicks off with Oasen by Anders Hajem, a dark and chugging track. The title track, Prærien, seamlessly picks up where Oasen left off, delving deeper into the atmosphere with a hypnotic bassline and subtle tension. Perkules rounds off the A-side with his Oasen remix, stripping it down into a raw, minimal version with a heavy(!) bottom-end.

On the B-side, Henrik Villard’s Cowgirl hits hard with raw and gritty drums, with a touch of dubbed-out vocals. Woodfall Temple follows, enveloping listeners in its tribal and slight meditative energy. Canadian producer Cooper Saver then closes the EP with his mesmerizing remix of Woodfall Temple, ramping up the tempo with layered synth lines that create an irresistible, trance-like atmosphere.

Boring Crew Records’ Prærien EP offers a captivating and dynamic introduction, teasing more exciting releases on the horizon.

A new vinyl album from Nat Birchall, this is the Dub version of his Dimension of the Drums LP, a roots reggae instrumental set that was very enthusiastically received last year, ending up on many best Of The Year lists.
For this album Nat has remixed the tracks in classic early to mid - 1970s style. Inspired by the classic Dub LPs like Keith Hudson’s ‘Pick A Dub’ and Winston Edwards’ ‘King Tubby Meets The Upsetter at the Grass Roots of Dub’ the tracks have been reimagined in Roots Dub fashion, some with new horn lines and all with hand drums, giving the album a very authentic Rootsy sound. Additionally there are two different mixes of a new rhythm track that wasn’t on the previous album.
Once again Nat plays all the instruments and did all the recording, mixing and mastering.
Drums in Dub features eight tracks of instrumental Dub delight, specially designed for the 1970s Dub connoisseur.

José James just can’t leave the ’70s alone. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer was born in 1978, after all, but over his past 17 years of fundamentally forward-looking, blessedly mercurial music, he keeps getting pulled back in. His 2013 Blue Note breakthrough No Beginning No End revisited the hooky, funky, jazz-streaked songcraft of the time through a modern crate-digger’s ears. On 2020’s No Beginning No End 2 — James’ debut on his own Rainbow Blonde Records — he went back through the portal with a small army of fellow celebrated eclecticists. Just last year, there was the album 1978, a richly layered love letter to said year that felt deep, luxe, and cool. It’s as if — vested with the restless fluidity of jazz, the tuned-in sensitivity of soul, and the revisionist grit of hip-hop — he is trying to play his way into the exact moment when, culturally speaking, everything was about to change.

“I'm still so fascinated by the tension in that era of all these seemingly clashing things happening at once,” says James. “The loft scene, the jazz scene, Elton and Billy, Bob Marley, the Isleys, Funkadelic, disco being this behemoth in a way I don't think we even understand today… And then there’s where everybody went from there — into hip-hop, into punk rock, exploding jazz. It's like a summation of the ’70s, and it's about to transform. It's the peak of the rollercoaster.”

Literally breaking into history is impossible, of course, but James’ new LP, 1978: Revenge of the Dragon, does feel like breaking through or bursting out. In loving contrast to its predecessor, the fresh set plays hot, like a Friday night out at the Mudd Club in its prime. Though he’s dreamt up albums with collaborator counts approaching the dozens, James gathered a tight crew for this one. Himself and Taali on vocals. BIGYUKI on keys and analog synth. Jharis Yokley on drums. Bass split between David Ginyard (Blood Orange, Terence Blanchard) and Kyle Miles (Michelle Ndgeocello, Nick Hakim). And an all-star brass lineup: Takuya Kuroda on trumpet, young lion Ebban Dorsey on alto sax, and genre-spanning ronin Ben Wendel on tenor sax. They set up in Dreamland Studios near Woodstock, a restored 19th century church, and recorded live to tape, two tracks, drums pushed to the max — “a small homage to the rise of punk,” says James.

In that place out of time, the band laid down a handful of choice covers and some wild originals, like the single “They Sleep, We Grind (for Badu),” a decades-collapsing cut powered by an ugly groove. Steeped in dub, funk, and sampledelia, James chants an artists’ mantra (“They sleep, we grind / Man, f--- your nine to five”), makes lyrical callouts to Marley and Nas, and channels everything from George Clinton to J Dilla, not to mention the earthy mysticism of Erykah Badu. In 2023, James released and toured his Badu covers LP, On & On. “Living in her musical house for a year was transformative,” he says. “This is my summary of everything I learned through her, tying it to this idea that artists move differently. We are in society but we are outside, too, looking out and in at the same time. Our hours are different, our schedules are different.”

To that point, James and co. actually began each day in the woods, filming the album’s visual companion piece, Revenge of the Dragon, an honest-to-God kung-fu short complete with bad overdubs, training montages, camera tricks, and plot twists. The film pays tribute not only to the genre’s greatest year (1978, of course), but also its cinematic exchange with Blaxploitation, plus James’ own recent Shaolin training and admiration for Bruce Lee as a culture-bridging force (the LP’s cover recreates an iconic shot of Lee). On top of that, says James, “We had this immediacy in the studio. Live, one take, no overdubbing. I feel like that's where the martial arts piece comes in, where it's about being relaxed but also aware, and there's immediacy in your movements.”

Across the project, tribute takes that refracted, multifaceted form. From his personal late-’70s playlist, James chose four covers reflecting the era’s disco-fied churn: the MJ-meets-Quincy dancefloor masterpiece “Rock With You”; Herbie Hancock’s prescient vocoder fever dream, “I Thought It Was You”; and a pair of Black-radio hits from two bands whose fans typically wouldn’t have been caught dead in the same stadium: “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones and the Bee Gees’ “Inside and Out.” All of it gets filtered through a contemporary Black (and beyond) lens, coming out loud, free, funky, and buzzing — dynamic, yes, but also of a joyous piece.

1978: Revenge of the Dragon transports you to a crowded room where all this is playing out in real time. That feeling is helped out by opener “Tokyo Daydream,” a bass-driven swan dive into a neverending night of boutique bar-hopping and neon revelry. Later, “Rise of the Tiger” finds James bringing rare braggadocio to a propulsive track with growling synth lines and a hunger for whatever comes next. And then there’s the closer, “Last Call at the Mudd Club,” which with its upbeat energy and string of Stevie-inspired pickup lines, evokes the sort of unabashedly elated track the DJ throws on at 3:56 a.m. before everyone is kicked out. “I wanted to leave the album on that note,” says James. “If this was a night out in New York, this would be the last thing you hear before you get in that taxi and go back to your apartment.” Or, perhaps, back to 2025.

Crashing into 2025, the elusive Abstract Drumz delivers 4 signature tracks…..the 4 tracker showcases his angry precise breaks and choppage, but also highlights his more mellow side with the jazzy lushness of I Like the Rain.

Norman Connors was a 'go to' producer in the 70s and 80s for soul and jazz while recording an impressive array of solo albums. His first instrument is drums, and across his recordings were the introduction of singers who went on to have their own individual careers. Besides people like Jean Carne and Phyllis Hyman were more established names like on Once I've Been There', the exceptional Phillip Mitchel. On 12', this song was only ever a promotional release, copies of which now exchange hands at over £100.

Eight years ago exactly, in April 2017, the Australian soon-to-be dark synth maestro Buzz Kull released his first full-length album Chroma via Burning Rose imprint.

The seminal album is a mass of jagged synth lines and pounding drum machines, a testament to Marc Dwyer’s personal sonic exploration over time. Each song on Chroma transcends the traditional archetype of darkwave by pushing pop sensibilities, focusing on different emotional states and boundaries. Since his debut, Dwyer has given the world tewo more album tackled multiple tours abroad, and continues to remain an elusive but omnipresent figurehead of goth electronics global underground.

With this dark gem being out of print for years now, it was time to bring it to life!

New run of 500 on black vinyl LP housed in reverse board jackets.

A Side – Peg (Smoove Multitrack Rework)

Smoove gets his hands on the ultimate multitrack studio separates and goes to town peeling back the layers, revealing crisp drums and iconic slap bass from Chuck Rainey, rearranging the structure to spotlight the lush backing vocals -A fresh spin on a classic, with every nuance shining through.



B Side 1 – Baby Be Mine (Smoove Multitrack Rework)

Smoove dives in from the start, isolating Rod Temperton’s iconic parts, showcasing the synth bass line with groove-heavy drums while drawing out every breath and detail in MJ’s vocals. A loving, funk-infused rework.



B Side 2 – This Time (Smoove Multitrack Rework)

Smoove takes a bold approach, stripping the track down to its essentials, creating an extended live drum intro section dubbed in space echo effects. Original vocal samples and acoustic guitar breakdowns with additional fender rhodes piano provide contrast, while the string section steals the spotlight in a stunning finale.

2025 Repress
OSLO is happy to welcome new artist Federico Lijtmaer to the family with his wonderful EP Impermanencia.

Inpermanencia on the A-side is a superb deep house track with the right kind of funkyness for the cool. Federico combines smooth bass with shifty drums and classy synth action. This track will conjure a smile on your face and we are happy as hell to be able to release this little gem.

Unselfish on the B-side is as funky as its big brother on the flip-side. A throwback to bygone times in a way, if you consider labels as Mosaic or Trelik. However, Federico definitely succeeded in terms of a modern interpretation. The inclined listener will recognize his musical roots anyway.

2025 Repress

A tale of paramount love for machines and the inextinguishable power of subjugation that lies in these button-studded boxes teeming with cabled bowels that feel so intimidating to the uninitiated, Italo Brutalo's longed-for debut album "Heartware" is a 12-track voyage across 25 years of intense synth collecting, fiddling,
composing and endless loving for audio synthesis and the art of how robots make human bodies jack.
Throughout the twelve cuts that compose "Heartware", a feeling of retro-gazing, candidly playful glee prevails. Looking right in the eye of the era when dazzling flipper visuals and static-filled VHS glitches
reigned supreme, Italo Brutalo invites us to witness first-hand his own textbook smorgasbord of fast-wheeling arpeggios and vocodized hoodoo ("Heartware", "Reach Horizon"), dystopian digital sunsets by the beach ("I Feel Lonely"), early hip-hop-informed whackin' n' thumpin' ("Analog Bars") and the slo but hard churn of a robot heist score ("Nobody Moves").
A lush tapestry of woozy exotic pads set in contrast with a deft and aggro drum programming ("As Above So Below"), followed by a new-beat oriented hammer-drop that shall leave no raver unscathed ("Heat of the Knight"), Italo Brutalo shifts the scope to radical effect whilst maintaining that cohesive headspace flush with the iconic 80s-to-90s-sourced assets. The hardware used in the making of "Heartware" is obviously the star here, and the inner sleeve pays tribute to that: the ideas behind the album have been there waiting to find their way out for over twenty years!
From adrenalin-boosting fractals of keyboard razzle-dazzle ("Chemical Element") to straight out pumping EBM primed for hi-octane mosh pits down the basement ("You Are Welcome"), via polyrhytmic percs-driven assaults and sizzling hot synth-smithery ("Into a Sampler"), the pressure levels never falter. Yet, Italo Brutalo sure knows how to weave further oneiric, softer narratives for your mind to frolic in unhindered ("Dream Machine") and rounds it all off with a total, space-opera'esque epic bound to have you spinning out of orbit into the great unknown ("Eternia").
"Heartware" is released in a neat double-vinyl gatefold package presenting the concept and machines involved in its making, including a twelve-page booklet featuring Italo Brutalo's key pieces of gear.

After recent excursions on X-Kalay and Craigie Knowes, Melbourne's Escape Artist follows on from his excellent 'Energy Breakthrough EP' on Phonica's main label with another special release, the 'Forgot Who I Was / Remembering' 12".

As ever, euphoria and energy are his production calling cards, with A-side 'Forgot Who I Was' gradually building and releasing its intensity, all delicately programmed melodies underpinned by a potent shapeshifting bassline.

B-side 'Remembering' is almost a flipside of the same coin, maintaining aspects of the previous track's two-step-esque drum pattern yet slowing and gliding along in a more uplifting direction, touching on ambient techno with flourishes of acidic breaks.

Unearthed in a storage facility in Jersey City, NJ these lost Joe Claussell instrumental takes of the Blaze produced classic Black Rascals ’So In Love’ are finally available. Produced during Claussell's formative years at Dancetracks, a time when he was always creating original jams under the ‘Instant House’ moniker, they still sound as fresh as they did in the early nineties. This is an EXTREMELY LIMITED pressing 7” on red vinyl. Comes in stamped white 7” cardboard sleeve.

Madlib Invazion reissues Madlib’s collaboration with legendary Brazilian drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti, propellant for lauded jazz fusion archetypes Azymuth. 5000 pressed for worldwide. Debuts on Black Friday. First released in 2008 on CD by the US based Mochilla imprint with vinyl being issued only in Europe on the Kindered Sprits label. Both formats are out of print with vinyl unavailble since its initial run. Alternate cover artwork, photography by B+. When Madlib went to Brazil in 2002 with Mochilla to participate in the production of Brasilintime his one mission was to meet Ivan “Mamao” Conti the drummer of the legendary trio Azymuth. Madlib had made an Azymuth tribute record he wanted to play for him. On a rainy night in Rio Mamao and Madlib went in the studio. Several hours later the rhythm tracks that make up Sujinho were laid and the process began. Featuring the music of Madlib, Mamao, Edu Lobo, Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Luiz Eca, Baden Powell, Vinicius De Moraes, Marcos Valle, Joao Donato, Dom Um Romao, Airto Moreira and even George Duke… and with guest vocals by Thalma De Freitas — Jackson Conti is a unique and classic record. Filled with the angularity and edge of a Madlib production and underwritten by the polyrhythmics of Mamao — Sujinho takes Brazilian music into places it has never been, bringing oft forgotten classics like Upa Neguinho to 21st century ears.

This material was released digitally via Belgian label, Stroom as single tracks, as well as located on the Internet Archive as a free download in the form of 4 bulky sides (A,B,C,D) as it was originally conceived. Now available for the first time as physical, compact double MC-set via Tax Free Records.

Alepher “Dodges Aim” was made by iRiAi Verlag and TRii Compiler ca. between 2020-24.

Repress of 2018’s classic compilation from Brownswood.

A primer on London’s bright-burning young jazz scene, this new compilation brings together a collection of some of its sharpest talents. A set of nine newly-recorded tracks, We Out Here captures a moment where genre markers matter less than raw, focused energy. Looking at the album’s running order, it could easily serve as a name-checking exercise for some of London’s most-tipped and hardworking bands of the past couple of years. Recorded across three long, fruitful days in a North West London studio, the crossover between each of the groups speaks to the close-knit circles which make up the scene.

Surveying the way that London’s jazz-influenced music had spread outside of its usual spaces in recent years, this album bottles up some of the vital ideas emanating from that burgeoning movement. Giving a platform to a scene where mutual cooperation and a DIY spirit are second-nature, it’s a window into the wide-eyed future of London’s musical underground.

Ubiquitous, much-lauded saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings is the project’s musical director. His own recent projects span from South Africa-connected, spiritually-minded jazz players Shabaka and the Ancestors to Sons of Kemet, who match diasporically-connected compositions with viscerally-direct live shows. His entry on the album, ‘Black Skin, Black Masks’, is typically difficult-to-define: with an off-kilter, shifting rhythmic backbone, repeated phrases – mirrored between clarinet and bass clarinet – shape the track with an alluring hue. His input ties together a deft, genre-agnostic sensibility that’s shared through all the players on the record.

Theon Cross – who’s also part of Sons of Kemet with Hutchings – starts his track, ‘Brockley’, with the solo, distinctive low rumble of his tuba. Winding and mesmeric, it sees tuba and sax lines winding together in rhythmic and melodic parallels. Ezra Collective – whose drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso has toured with Pharaohe Monch – run a tight, Afrobeat-tipped rhythm on ‘Pure Shade’, with the final third changing gear into a melodic, momentous closing stretch.

Joe Armon-Jones, whose ludicrous chops on the piano have seen him touring with the likes of Ata Kak, showcases earworm-like, insistent motifs on ‘Go See’, balanced with a playful, improvisatory approach with room for ad-libbing and solos a-plenty. Taking a softer tact than many of the other entries, Kokoroko – whose guitarist Oscar Jerome has been making waves with his solo material – spin a lyrical, steady-paced meditation on ‘Abusey Junction’, matching chanted vocals with gently-played guitar.

Nodding to spiritual jazz influences, Maisha’s ‘Inside The Acorn’ is a wandering, explorative rumination, balancing delicate washes of piano and percussion with sharp interplay between flute and bass clarinet. In contrast, Nubya Garcia’s ‘Once’ is taut and carefully-poised, her tenor sax guiding a carefully-built energy to an explosive conclusion. And finally, Triforce’s ‘Walls’ is a performance in two parts: starting with Mansur Brown’s languorous, lyrical guitar, the second half switches up to a low-slung, g-funk-tipped groove.

Swiss saxophonist Gilles Torrent, perhaps known from our recent Spiritual Jazz collection 'A Tribute to 'Trane', leads the way with his new album 'Buleria'; a mesmerizing set of modal jazz pieces that will speak directly to any listener who has felt the other-worldly depths of John Coltrane. The album comprises of Torrent originals and explorations of Coltrane standards. It reaches for something beyond the mundane, and blends complex harmonic structures with raw, improvisational energy.

The Torrent original, 'Danse Tropical', opens the set with a contemplative tone. Led by a sax that pulls the listener through a maze of scales and modes, the rhythm section remains steady, creating a grounding space for exploration.

'Quannassa' drives the energy forward, and the band moves seamlessly through shifting tensions as Torrent's saxophone searches for answers within a pantheon of harmonic structures.

The standout track, "Buleria" is a daring 8-minute piece, with an evolving, meditative flamenco piece that showcases the saxophonist's raw improvisational skill, a spiritual journey that takes us to the windswept plains of Iberia.

The quartet is a faithful tribute to classic modal jazz, with the interplay between piano, bass, and drums feeling natural and organic. They provide a harmonic foundation that encourages the saxophone to glide and soar, pushing into new emotional territory, going from tender and melodic to fiery and free. This interplay gives the album its distinctive feel - while drawing from Coltrane's influence, it's clear the musicians are searching for something new, something personal.

o encapsulate the themes. “Aseurai means around you in the atmosphere, hard to reach, fading away,” Choi says. “It’s a poetic expression. You wouldn’t say it in normal conversation, but I like that.”

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

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

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

아스라이 흩어지는 하늘의 별이 (May the falling light of faraway stars) / 그대의 손 끝에 닿아 숨이 돼주길 (Reach your fingertips and let you breathe),” Choi sings in the title track “Aseurai.” Imagined as a breezy track inspired by a 90’s Korean pop band, Choi discovered, when fleshing out the lyrics, that it was about yearning for people she couldn’t see anymore. In the old-school disco track, “Get Up,” Locke addresses struggles with mental health in a Matrix-inspired driven mantra:  ‘Just get up / Just get up.’ The groove persists with ‘Fading Star,” a quirky ballad filled with steely jazz/rock guitar solos dedicated to a suburban aging musician. Kavanagh-Vincent’s lead single ‘Drifting’ is an unrequited celestial love song with bouncing bass and playful synths.

The band wrote, produced, and engineered the album across studios and band members’ homes in 2023/2024 in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). It features mixing/mix production by local legend Jeremy Toy (Bic Runga, Aaradnha, Princess Chelsea) and mastering by Kelly Hibbert. With Aseurai, Phoebe Rings mark out a brilliant new constellation in their sky, bringing their individual compositions to the fore whilst seamlessly threading them into one celestial body - launching skyward on Carpark Records in June 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

Germany's iconic deep funk collective digs into a new soundscape: "A Higher Frequency" was recorded with a nine-piece live to tape at legendary MPS studio in the Black Forest, adding an airy, jazzy flavour to their trademark raw and breaks-heavy funk. Ten tracks full of spiritual grooves, soulful themes, loose funkiness and organic interplay, captured with state-of-the-art 1960s gear in a super-vibey room - but the title A Higher Frequency is not just about the pristine analogue sound quality of the recording, it is also a reference to a trancendant wavelength where minds meet and music connects.

Together with long-time friends and collaborators Daniel Kimaz on flute and Guillame Métenier, who worked his magic on the studio's historic Bösendörfer grand piano and Hammond organ, the group spent a week in the Black Forest, with full focus on the mission to capture the live energy and togetherness of the ensemble.

The result is an album bursting with positive energy and power, rooted in a universal funk groove with excursions into many colourful branches like outernational, cinematic, soulful jazz, psychedelic & disco.

The common thread is a propulsive, driving-forward feel: "Open The Gate" welcomes us with hard-hitting breakbeats and dramatic crime brass, followed by the cool groovin' piano-led soul jazz of "Get Loose", while "Spinning" takes us on a ride through cinematic horn choruses and folky-psych flute and guitars. "Back And Better" is Nichola Richards' time to shine, laying her sweet vocals over the sparse hiphop-infused soul beat to tell a comeback story. "Sweet Company" is a lighthearted uptempo tune inspired by TV and library themes of the 1960s. The swampy groove of "Sparks Of Joy" best reflects the fun of the band playing together and "Phantom Power" combines a trademark Mocambo breakin' theme with an unusual instrument, an electric phin from Thailand – a nod to the many so-called "world music jazz" recordings that the MPS studio gave birth to. On "Can't Stop This Fire", soul singer Carlton Jumel Smith from New York City takes over the mic as a special guest and brings the house down with a heavy funk delivery. "When We Roll" builds another highlight where bouncy drums play off disco-jazz horn themes and finally, the gospel-flavoured cine-soul epic "Homebound" drives it all home.

The vinyl record comes in a limited first edition in hand-made tip-on sleeve.

An album announcement that was fifteen years in the making, GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater return in 2025 with their sixteenth studio album, “Parasomnia”. The album marks the first album featuring the iconic lineup of vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy since 2009’s “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”. “Parasomnia” was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art. From the opening track “In The Arms Of Morpheus” to the closer of “The Shadow Man Incident,” Dream Theater returns with a collection of songs that showcase what has earned the band a loyal following for four decades. Clocking in at 71 minutes, “Parasomnia” takes the listener on a musical journey that has become synonymous with the band since the beginning of their career.

As several limited vinyl versions are already sold out, the album is now being released as a black and white marbled 2LP in a gatefold cover with LP booklet.

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

The vinyl is a collaboration between two indie labels KXNTRAST and U JAZZ ME.

The record was pressed on 180g vinyl with printed innersleeve.

HER NAME WAS YUMI is the title of hoshii's second studio album, created by saxophonist Kuba Więcek in late 2022. On this album, the musicians deliberately free themselves from the burden of European music genres, exploring sounds that carry a spark of hope and a free spirit. In the musical layer, they focus on deep synthesizer basslines, intensification of electronic sounds and an extensive layer of samples, redefining their approach to composition.

The album title refers to YUMI (夢美 - from Japanese "beautiful dream") - a friend of hoshii who brings him to Earth when he feels tired of life on the distant planet Versus. However, even among earthly sounds, loneliness becomes inevitable. At the right moment, YUMI, overcome with longing, decides to fly and find her friend.

HER NAME WAS YUMI is a musical journey full of experiment, freedom and a new sonic identity. The album shows hoshii in a new version - even more conscious, bold and not limited by genre frames.

Kuba Więcek - alto saxophone, electronics

Grzegorz Tarwid - synthesizers

Max Mucha - bass guitar, synthesizers

Miłosz Berdzik - drums, glockenspiel

Ting was released in 1992. The band decided to record the songs with mainly piano and percussion accompaniment. Hofstede put his guitar aside, Stips did not touch his extensive library of sounds and samples and Kloet did not played the drum-set, but played orchestral percussion instruments. Guest musicians were invited for most songs (mainly bass and cello) and on some songs 'Klangsteine' (musical stones), works of art by the Swiss sculptor Arthur Schneiter, were used. These stones could be played with mallets, which explains the title of the album. They could also be rubbed by hand to create a buzzing sound. On the album the entire band plays the stones, together with Schneiter and friend Swiss percussionist Fritz Hauser. The music is often quiet and melancholic, but also contains some strong pop songs, including the cheerful "Soap Bubble Box", the lyrics of which were inspired by the artist Joseph Cornell and the Nits classic "Cars And Cars". The lyrics are often introverted and/or abstract, even poetic and much less immediately understandable than on previous albums. Ting is available as a limited edition of 500 copies on silver coloured vinyl and includes an insert with additional pictures provided by the band.

LIMITED 300 ONLY CRYSTAL CLEAR VINYL WITH PURPLE BLOB AND BLACK SPLATTER. HOUSED IN FULL COLOUR MATT SLEEVE WITH POLYLINED INNER BAG AND DOWNLOAD CODE. NON-RETURNABLE.
Following his two sold out releases ‘Vertigo’ & ‘Water Music’ on Riot Season last year, the ever prolific Ivan The Tolerable returns with ‘An Orphan Form’
A beautifully strange and immersive suite that feels both otherworldly and rooted in something organic. Drawing on kosmische drift, loose-limbed jazz, and warped psychedelic textures, the record moves like a half-remembered dream.
Field recordings and nature sounds weave in and out, grounding the swirling synths and off-kilter rhythms in real earth and air. It's a record that doesn’t follow a straight line, but instead wanders, curious, alive, and quietly spellbinding.
Recorded in winter 2024 in Middlesbrough, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands
Oli Heffernan: bass/guitars/synths/drones/field recordings/electric piano
Mees Siderius: drums/percussion/vibraphone
Elsa Van Der Linden: saxophones/flutes

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.

One of the most legendary, influential and enduring names in rock music history, SWEET, will re-release their 2012 studio album "New York Connection" via Metalville Records. The release will see the album being pressed for the first time in coloured vinyl and a special edition CD with bonus tracks not included on the original release. "New York Connection" is a selection of material that was originally written by other artists, to which the band has unmistakably put their signature sound on . So is it a boring cover album? Well, no! Not really! This time it's a little different! Aside from a decent selection of must-haves - Andy Scott, said we have also added guitar riffs, drum beats or vocal lines from our own classics where appropriate. So their rendition of "It's All Moving Faster" incorporated the guitar line from SWEET's "Burn On The Flame" while "Blitzkrieg Bop" by The Ramones used elements of "The Ballroom Blitz". Although the most obvious example is the fusion of Russ Ballard's "New York Groove" (previously covered by both Hello and former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley) and Jay-Z's "Empire State Of Mind". Amazingly, it works!

180g schwarzes Vinyl

Tom Reinbrecht (sax), die beiden PassportɞMusiker Patrick Scales (bass) und Christian Lettner (drums), und Jan Eschke (keys) Sinnliches Kopfkino, das funky und beseelt ist

I must admit to being a sucker for two-guitar bands. Ok, Hendrix pulled off a trio. But I don’t care what anybody says: The Yardbirds were a better band than anything that came out of them (Ok, maybe not Zep. But Cream?).

Maybe the reason I go back so far in my references is that, within the two-guitar band format, original new roles are difficult and rare. There’s the classic (socially problematic and often boring) “rhythm/lead” solution. There’s the JB’s or Nile Rodgers’ chicken pickin’ vs comping solution (which avoids chordal clashes by relegating one of the guitars to the role of single-note percussion instrument). There’s Ornette’s Prime Time division between Bern Nix’s rolled-off “jazz” tone and Charles Ellerbee’s trebly wah. Almost everything else is a variation on one of these.


In Ches Smith’s record Clone Row, each piece is built around a different concept for guitar interaction. The delightful and gifted weirdness of Mary Halvorson’s playing is counterpointed, contrasted, unisoned with, played off, juxtaposed (that is to say, enters every relationship possible) with Liberty Ellman’s equally amazing sound palette, chops, and imagination. This definitely ain’t your father’s guitar band.
The overall vibe of the record—despite Halvorson’s occasional noise outbursts or Ellman’s distorted guitar lines (see Mixed Fridge) is neither punk/funk, nor Zorn-ish metal—and certainly not the looser parameters of Ornette’s improvised harmolodics. Smith’s vibraphone playing, Halvorson’s guitar tone (whammy pedal squiggles aside), the brilliant electronics, and (most of all) the compositions themselves are somehow strangely West Coast cool. It’s as if I’m hearing a Jim Hall concert in which one of us did a lot of mushrooms, or (dare I write this?) some post-punk post-Dave Brubeck post-trip-hop experiment with classical form.

This recording is, most of all, about Ches as composer. He’s picked up a lot on his long, strange trip of the last few decades. The Haitian funkiness of his work with We All Break is audible—but deeply buried, encoded in the polyrhythms (check out Heart Breakthrough). His long-running side musician collaborations with John Zorn and Tim Berne are also evident but sublimated here into something new.

Not that improvising is absent. Check out the compelling collective statements in Sustained Nightmare and Ready Beat. Check out the brilliant interplay and bass soloing on Abrade With Me (a Weather Report for the age of extreme weather?) Nick Dunston is my favorite bassist of the new generation, and he plays brilliantly throughout. And Ches’ drumming here has all the groove, energy, and incredible range that have kept him in demand from Saturday night Vodou services to jazz and new music recording sessions (…the thinking man’s rock barbarian?).
The sus chords in Abrade With Me do build, for a moment, towards a fusion type of climax...but just at the moment I was gritting my teeth in anticipated defense against some horrible synth solo, the drums drop out, and we’re transported to the ambient lounge at the rave, and we suddenly understand we’re in the hands of a composer with the power to transport us just about anywhere.
So, this is a composer’s record most of all; a composer’s record performed by musicians who happen to be great improvisers. Ches Smith builds here on his reputation as a gifted new voice with an important vision, while showcasing some of the most creative musicians of our time.

Viktor Ori's debut solo album LEPSIE NEBOLO NIKDY DOBRE NEBUDE is an album all over the place. in the most complimentary of senses.

Coming from one of the deepest and most uncompromising projects on the Slovak contemporary music scene, it is an album of profound weltschmerzen.

The music and themes are acute, harrowing, and deeply radical. LEPSIE NEBOLO NIKDY DOBRE NEBUDE paints a bleak picture. exactly as the time we're living in.

It is a statement at times subjective and personal, at other times universal, general, generational. at all times deeply honest and political.

It is not hopeful but at least, it feels sincere.

LEPSIE NEBOLO NIKDY DOBRE NEBUDE is Viktor Ori's debut solo album. thematically and compositionally, it marks a departure from Viktor's band Shallov, but still features his closest collaborators - brother Dusan Ori on bass and Antonin Kropacek on drums. additionally, the album is heavy on collaborations with various, yet likeminded artists.

The songs are simpler and shorter and perhaps more straigh-forward, but as intense and heavy as ever. layered, surprising, full of odd time signatures, sublime harmonies and sudden sonic changes. you can still feel the grandeur, monumentality, and mayhem of Shallov. many moments are cathedral, cathartic and the music leaves you in awe.

Viktor has somehow // unfathomably managed to compress Shallov's eposes into almost-radio-friendly almost-popsongs (had the "common" radio-listener been slightly more openminded and keen on social awareness) and for the first time, his songs feature Slovak lyrics. these are not only hopeless and unsettling, but also astute, sardonic,almostcynical. yet, it is perhaps thisdetachedand more realistic way of experiencing the world that allows for some relief and reconciliation. and at the same time, encourages action.

When Madlib went to Brazil in 2002 with Mochilla to participate in the production of Brasilintime his one mission was to meet Ivan “Mamao” Conti the drummer of the legendary trio Azymuth. Madlib had made an Azymuth tribute record he wanted to play for him. On a rainy night in Rio Mamao and Madlib went in the studio. Several hours later the rhythm tracks that make up Sujinho were laid and the process began. Featuring the music of Madlib, Mamao, Edu Lobo, Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Luiz Eca, Baden Powell, Vinicius De Moraes, Marcos Valle, Joao Donato, Dom Um Romao, Airto Moreira and even George Duke… and with guest vocals by Thalma De Freitas — Jackson Conti is a unique and classic record. Filled with the angularity and edge of a Madlib production and underwritten by the polyrhythmics of Mamao — Sujinho takes Brazilian music into places it has never been, bringing oft forgotten classics like Upa Neguinho to 21st century ears.

"U.S. Maple's first album, before they fell all apart on """"Sang Phat Editor"""". This is the album that """"rocks"""". Disjointed machinations, poppy locksteps and jarring sideways excursions all leading down a path to nowhere's-ville. Engineered by Jim O'Rourke with a cold. Pressed on Muleta Maroon Colored Vinyl LP includes a vinyl-only bonus track plus a Two-Sided Footlong OBI and Lyric Sheet.

In high school, the members of U.S. Maple never said a word to anyone. And although this had disastrous results (stolen shoes, constant de-pantsing, gum in the hair, etc...), a fire was burning inside each one of them.

A beginning was struck in Chicago, early in 1995. The four met near the corner of Grand and Western Avenues to devise a working method for reorganizing rock and roll, keeping what was felt to be it’s most important core elements.

The mumblings are slick. The melodies are souped-up and soured. The drums are spastic bursts of laughter, rocket fuel and confetti. It is fronted by a singer who reminds one or the other of Kevin Costner's stoner bro. A 7” single and a version of AC/DC’s Sin City are the first to be recorded.

U.S. Maple’s debut full-length, “Long Hair In Three Stages” was recorded late in 1995 with Jim O'Rourke at Solid Sound Studios in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This was Jim's first legitimate recording session with a rock and roll band. The album receives critical acclaim. Soon thereafter, U.S. Maple find themselves flying coach to Deutschland for a European tour. The extensive six-week tour spans 12 countries and includes a Peel Session for the BBC's John Peel Show. More history is made.

""""Long Hair In Three Stages"""" goes on to be ranked #85 on the Alternative Press “90 Greatest Albums of the '90s” list. We all know better."

The Ottawa composer/performer and head of Black Bough Records plays every instrument on his CST debut: an accessibly avant-garde work of dark/ambient modern chamber music. Mark Molnar has been a linchpin of the Ottawa experimental music scene for over two decades, spanning contemporary classical, electroacoustic, industrial/noise, and improv. As a string player in a wide range of projects, an organizer and curator of innumerable shows, and via his own avantgarde label Black Bough Records, Molnar's unflagging contributions to independent music culture in Canada's capital city have been significant. EXO is his Constellation debut: a remarkable and bracing suite of post-classical composition on which Molnar plays every instrument. Meticulously self-recorded, primarily with strings, harp, and piano, EXO balances thematic melodicism, polytonality, and dissonance across three elegiac pieces of exquisitely expressive dynamism. This is exacting modern chamber music that blends formal and harmonic complexity with a solemn emotive sensibility accessible to a broad audience. Listeners that yearn for some edge and disquietude in a landscape of often all-too-approachable post-classical music should find EXO eminently worth their time and attention. While Molnar is a highly trained string player, and studied music under Aubrey Wolfe, microtonality with James Tenney, and composition with R. Murray Schafer, his trajectory has been entirely and intentionally outside the academy, signalling a socio-artistic commitment to DIY culture, forged from an early passion for the sonic worlds of post-hardcore, post-punk, no-wave, free improv, power electronics, and other independent/underground musics. His classically-informed works have been described as "tense currents of musical modernism invigorated with punk's raw vitality." EXO carries an undercurrent influenced by dark industrial and ambient metal in particular, with microphones purposely placed to pick up the low-end frequencies of the piano body, and of a bass drum positioned as a resonant skin in the acoustic space; an electroacoustic strategy organically meshed to the crisply defined and pristinely recorded pointillisms and polychords of strings, harp, and piano, which feed into this noisefloor of crepuscular sub-bass disquietude and decay. It's a production aesthetic that lends EXO a distinct undertow of tension and feeling, a sort of roiling maximalism where the chamber instrumentation traces arcs and waves of form and flow as if drawn from a dark, impervious ocean below. It also reinforces the profound hermeticism of Molnar's process, as a forbiddingly solitary creative act of immersion and navigation. The album artwork, featuring semiabstract stills of the sea by British photographer Ed Allen, further reifies this metaphor. The album's opening piece 'Sub Luna' (and its shortest at 8 minutes) showcases Molnar's adeptness at naturalistic and flowing complexity: tight cascades of climbing and descending chordal clusters hold their polytonal densities for various durations, yielding to more clarified harmonic suspensions and motifs, as melodic themes led primarily by violins in the higher registers provide a fractured lyricism. Molnar says: "the opening and closing figures of this piece act as opposing shorelines; the shorelines provide a reliable expression of range and key signature, and the tides come in and swallow them up, the motion of a body that addresses the relationship between states of lucidity and melodic figures." On 'Terre Sacer' everything happens in soupier waters, as a slow and doleful theme, anchored by grinding bass notes, circles in a gyre of dark resonances, until glistening strings gradually ascend to enrobe a plaintive and gently harrowing single-voiced ostinato over the composition's final third. Molnar's drone, ambient, minimalist, and goth-industrial influences are on display here. Side Two of EXO features the 18-minute multi-movement 'pallida Mors' (pale death): a waterfall of heterophony introduces dense chordal movements where strings are recorded and mixed to evoke pipe organ, in the album's most overtly dissonant and (anti)liturgical sequence. This gives way to ever more open and fragile spaces, before a resurgence of dark clusters and noise treatments introduces a final repeating piano coda, shrouded in devastated bass resonance, settling into what Molnar calls "a meditative hollow." Constellation is honoured to release this work by Mark Molnar, a longtime fellow-traveler whose selfless and boundlessly generous activities as an independent arts enabler sometimes obscure his own accomplished and uncompromising artistry. We trust EXO can help shed some much deserved light on this fine composer. Thanks for listening.

Harri Pearson is referred to as 'the Most Balearic Man in The World' and goes someway to prove that here on Magic Wand. 'Sweet Machine' is a lively disco cut with plenty of raw machine sounds, elements of peak-time party flavours and fat synths. 'Drums Of Fire' flips the script with a much more chilled out and exotic downtempo offering and 'Acid Reign' is a real dreamy excursion on bongo-laced drums. 'Trash Dubbing' brings a little grit and sleaze to close.

B2 Recordings is one of those labels that is deeply entrenched in proper house circles. Its latest comes from Bengoa who keeps it nice and chill on 'I Won't Love You' (feat Mimi X FY). The drums are low-slung, the chords are breezy and warm. 'Bibi's Funk' then layers in some lively percussion that adds a nice texture to the swaggering, slo-mo grooves. 'Listen' picks up the pace with some electro-charged rhythms and corrugated bass funk and then 'Exiles' leaves you with another classy, spacious sound with persuasive claps and big splashy cymbals.

Right on time once again, the fifth outing on Punctuality welcomes Irish producer Drua to the fore. In typical Punctuality fashion the release draws influence from the canon of golden era late 90s and early 2000s dance music with an entirely modern production aesthetic, engineered for big rigs and sweaty dancefloors alike.

Nightfire is a fully realised vision of Drua’s sound that could best be described as contemporary hard house. All four tracks are laden with punchy, rolling basslines, detailed low end, vibrant stabs, sultry vocals, undulating rhythms and sprinklings of quintessential club sparks.

The nouveau handbag styling of UP kicks off the EP. Stuttered vocals, M1 organs and solid grooves are fused together with clever sampling that is sure to make this one a hit for the festival season of s/s ‘25, as early support from the likes of Roza Terenzi, Confidence Man, Spray, Sally C and Maara would indicate.

Job 2.3 has all the elements of a Punctuality anthem and maintains the big tune mood of the EP: skippy bass notes, low end wubs, subtle breaks, catchy vocal hooks and precise drums nail the brief in executing this prog-hard-house hybrid heater.

On the flip, Nightfire nods to classic leaning deep house through a peak time lens. Introspective pads make way for pulsing subs, sensuous vocal chops and hip catching basslines. This is one of those tracks that can shift the arc of a DJ set to the next level. Big tip here.

The EP concludes with Arch In Ur Back which has all the elements to work a dancefloor: multiple grooves, rolling breakbeats, party starting vocals and the modern sound design that punctuality has gained worldwide notoriety for. An all killer no filler EP in the form of four well rounded club tools from Drua that are sure to be mainstays for discerning DJs and Punctualists

Gideon heads up Homo-Centric Records and returns to the label here alongside Rush Davis for more emotionally intense house music brilliance. 'The Two Houses' has dusty, cubby, US garage-inflected drums with a gorgeous male vocal up top serving up the soul and fantastic chord work layering in real musical class. The House Mix strips things back a touch and layers in a nice dynamic four-four groove and the dub shuts down with a little extra funk and flex.

To kick off Ace Records 50th Anniversary we are delighted to offer up a 2-LP version of one of the most seminal and important heavy metal albums of all time.

Funded by and released on Chiswick Records in 1977, Motörhead’s debut album was a sonic blister of epic proportions capturing the musical lighting generated by Lemmy (bass/vocals), Phil Taylor (guitar) and Eddie Clarke (drums).

This 2-LP set not only offers up this classic first album featuring tracks like ‘White Line Fever’, ‘Violator’ and ‘Keep Us On The Road’ but also collates together, on sides three and four, ‘City Kids’ the “Beer Drinkers EP” as well as different mixed and alternative versions of ear-bleeding classics like ‘Motörhead’, ‘The Watcher’ and ‘Keep Us On The Road’.

The album cover features a silver hot foil replication Joe Petagno’s original Motorhead logo in all its glory. Sleeve notes are by Ted Carroll who takes the reader through the story of how Chiswick Records managed to scrape together the money to fund the recording and write themselves and Motörhead into rock and roll history.

It’s one hell of a way to kick off Ace’s 50th Anniversary re-issue schedule.

This is a single taken from UK jazz-funk outfit Funkshone's debut album which features a cover of the classic free-soul anthem 'I Believe In Miracles' by the Jackson Sisters. It's a raw and direct funk-soul sound that has been increasingly popular in recent years with champions like Floating Points often weaving it into his sets. On the B-side, they offer a freshly recorded take on 'Panama' by Roy Porter Sound Machine, which was previously only found on select CD editions. It is powered by an explosive drum break that hits with near-manic intensity from the very first beat and is a nice driving counter to the soulful A-side.

On his second EP for Altered Circuits, "Signal Drift", Jacopo Latini further distills his sound. Taking a more minimalist approach, he unreservedly treats the groove as the focal point. Still relying on his staple talent for weaving melodies and hooks, he delivers four trippy club tracks that show more can be done with less. Opener "Sharp" delivers immediate proof. After starting with a sequence of eerie sci-fi atmospherics and recondite vocoded vocals, the adding and subtracting happens so ingeniously, the track switches to club velocity 303 squelches and enhanced drum programming seamlessly. Similar techniques in building and layering are deployed on "Impulse", but this time, the shifts seem a tad more dramatic. The track revolves around an FM bass melody that's equally effective as it is simple, and its return to this stripped theme, surrounded by characteristic jittery hats, squashed claps, and a little more frills, keeps the listener on his toes. A bass patch, its sustain knob turned wide open, somewhat buried in the mix, drives "Bright Sound" together with a heavily modulated formant mid lead. Deadpan vocals add icing, and slightly euphoric, phased chords bring in a touch of subtle contrast. Closer "Rave Harvey" is a rare diversion as it starts in medias res with chords that reconfigure nineties trance and a distinct bassline immediately going for the limelight. It also shows Latini switching up his palette, trading restraint for vigor, with a slab of direct, unfiltered hi-energy as a result.

Smerz expand the universe, leaving no one behind. Feelings. Nourished sounds of drums. Strings. One-finger piano riffs. Synth preset: crushed dance floor. Their voices and stories. All perform a sonic rite of passage. Anthems to yourself.

DJ Sodeyama returns to Sound Of Vast under his The People In Fog guise this June with the nine track 'Too Much Knobs And Cables' LP.

Over the past three decades DJ Sodeyama has been a staple in Japan's underground and beyond across the globe as a DJ and releasing material under his own name via the likes of Radio Slaves' Rekids, Dynamic Reflection, Nina Kraviz' трип and more. Here though, he makes a welcome return under his The People In Fog alias to Tokyo's Sound Of Vast, the platform that's played host to all of his material under this alias as well as others like The Mole, Shinichiro Yokota, San Proper and more.

Across the nine-track 'Too Much Knobs And Cables' LP, The People In Fog once again radiantly showcases his depth and understanding of true underground sounds. From the classic Deep House aesthetic of opener 'Red Morning', 'CC Love' and 'New Life' to more classic Chicago House inspired cuts like 'Animal Kingdom', 'Jack Out' and filtered Disco house jams like 'Dance To The Air', 'New Life' and 'Miraval'.

Sodeyama also dives deeper beyond House once again in true long player fashion to deliver the unique 80's tinged, funk-infused and vintage synth/drum machine laced 'Night Driver' and the cinematic closing piece 'Sun Moon Lake', which leans into a Balearic leaning sonic world via drifting guitar melodies, arpeggios, acid licks and a crunchy rhythm section.

Pierre Bastien and Michel Banabila return with Nuits Sans Nuit, their second collaboration following their Baba Soirée debut from 2023. Recorded as an intuitive exchange between Rotterdam and Valencia, the album emerged from a simple ping-pong process: Banabila sculpted sounds and atmospheres, to which Bastien responded with his distinctive instrumental palette: flute-augmented cornet, mechanised log drum, and more. Mixed by Banabila, the result is a raw yet immersive work that resonates with a somnambulant, wide-awake presence. Nuits Sans Nuit unfolds through shifting shades of melancholy. "I don"t know how to describe the feeling of these crazy times we live in," says Banabila. "Les plus désespérés sont les chants les plus beaux," Bastien quotes De Musset. Wordless yet deeply expressive, the album invites listeners into a space of contemplation, where meaning emerges through immersion - like ritual music carrying an unspoken message. Echoes of saudade, blues, fado, and soleá surface in the duo"s playful noise, reimagined through their singular vocabulary.

Suburban Base Records Presents: SUBBASE SAMPLER – 2 x Vinyl Album First Time Ever as a Vinyl Release!

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

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

This long-awaited vinyl edition is a must-have for collectors and fans alike, delivering timeless cuts that shaped the underground. For the first time, the album will also be available digitally to stream and download—bringing these essential tracks to a new generation.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Suburban Base history!

After a seven-year hiatus, Concept e25 is back which will, quite literally, be music to the ears of deep hose heads. This is the alias of French producer Frederic Boeuf who has been crafting his own grooves since 2012 on labels like Skylax, Copie Blanche and Swedish Brandy. The 'Thesis' EP shows what he is all about with deep, cuddly drums, infectious kick patterns and subtle, painterly synths that help smooth the groves and get your mind wandering.

Bristol’s techno dreamweaver A Sagittariun returns to the fray with new music. A trio of tracks are featured on ‘The 23 Enigma’, and A Sagittariun’s first release since 2022’s ‘Strange Brew’ EP for Radio Slave’s REKIDS label.

A production career spanning near to fifteen years, with albums and single releases on labels such as Hypercolour, Running Back, Craigie Knowes, Permanent Vacation, Idle Hands and Secretsundaze, A Sagittariun traverses genres with ease, peddling raw and hypnotic techno, ambient dub, breakbeat and deep electronic sounds each tinged with a heavy dose of psychedelia and cosmic power!

‘Fountainhead’ and ‘Mind Games’ take it back to the raw, with panel beating drums, frenetic percussion and wigged out synths designed for the more discerning of dancefloors, whilst lead track ‘The 23 Enigma’ goes down a wormhole of muscular electronica as deep as a wizard’s sleeve.

A Sagittariun ‘The 23 Enigma’ is released from 16th May 2025.

This is one of a couple of proper holy grail boogie funk gems that French label PBT are dropping this month. Love At First Sight by First Love was originally released in 1982 out of Chicago and is a rare gem that captures the peak of modern soul and funk. Led by powerhouse vocalist Yvonne Gage (who is credited as Yvine Gage), the newly reissued record deals in rich production by Randy B and Chuck Colbert, who are icons of the genre. Standout tracks include the synth-drenched 'Don't Say Goodnight' and the smooth, late-night groove 'Party Lights', while 'Don't Be Afraid' is a sentinel, string-laced slow burner. With deep basslines, tight drums, and lush synths throughout, this one is a real heart melter.

Shadow Pressings celebrates one year and its 5th release with another killer selection of deep, chunky house from the very same (unknown) producer as the label’s debut release.
My Soul sets the tone with a stripped back late night groove, working up THOSE Freddie Hubbard strings and a hooky sax riff. The sound palette is familiar but put together in a skilful and original way ensuring this banger will stand out in the crowd.
Tears follows with a similarly punchy, paired back groove which leaves space for the chiming melodies and spoken word samples to shine. Flipping over we have Lost In The Dance and What Galaxy Is This? which continue the theme of choice vox samples, shuffling drums and rolling basslines.

HBomb is the first new EP from The Criminal Minds coming from their forthcoming album, and it is a dancefloor hit, It is being played across the scene and outside of it, and had gathered rave reviews wherever it lands. A perfect blend of old skool vibes, jungle attitude and heavyweight drums, this is an unmissable release from a legacy act on top of their game!

Detroit mainstay John Beltran is back to present Sol Set having already impressed with their Ola de Novo album. This summery and soul-drenched outing opens with the florid flutes and shimmering rhythms of 'Through Fire' before a wonderful cover of Sade’s 'War of the Hearts' with Taylor Taylor on vocals brings tropical percussive delights. South African house vocalist Earl Green brings expressive soul style to the feel good 'Love Revolution' while closer 'Maragogi' taps into an authentic Brazilian sound with feather drums and subtle samba shuffle.

Originally released in 1973 by New York-born soul singer Melvin Bliss, 'Synthetic Substitution' was never meant to change music. A B-side to his single 'Reward', it quietly slipped out on Sunburst Records i and then, years later, exploded.

With 'Funky Drummer' sticksman Bernard Purdie's drums at its core, it became one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history, forming the rhythmic backbone of cuts by De La Soul, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Justin Bieber and hundreds more. This new release gives the track its due, with a sharp remaster and a respectful rework from Just Blaze. The original still hits hard i a slinky, minimal soul groove with impeccable swing and eerie vocal calm. On the flip, the 'Just Blaze Take 6 Master Mix' lifts that legendary break into widescreen, looping and layering it with warmth and flair. It's not flashy, just smart i honouring the DNA while letting it breathe. It's a fresh pressing of a foundational beat, and a timely reminder of how deep hip-hop's roots run. Whether you're crate-digging or just craving drums with history, this is as vital as it gets.

Marcellus Pittman is one of the Motor City's finest. The long-time house explorer has a singular sound that is built around brittle drum loops, hissing and dusty hi-hats and loose-limbed arrangements that are stark and dehumanised but somehow full of intriguing machine warmth and soul. Take this EP, 'Loneliness Leave Me Alone,' first dropped back in 2010: the title cut has bouncing, bulbous bass and jacked up drums that sound both menacing yet playful, which the fizzy, sugary chords spray across the mix like a mist of pixelated water. 'Razz 09' has that Omar-S style melancholy and trudging rhythm that's heightened by the curious melodies which unfurl with a mind of their own in the background. Superb.

The formidable duo of Seba & Paradox return to Metalheadz, more than 5 years after their first collaborative release on the label. Both artists are prolific in their own right, each with their own distinctive signature sound that they have managed to seamlessly combine, resulting in truly first-class drum and bass. This latest offering is no exception as we present both 'Cypher' and 'Orlean' to the world, another masterclass from Seba & Paradox.

On the latest Soul Quest adventure, the imprint places the journey in the hands of Italian producer Flying Moth, who serves up an enriching palette of groove-laden cuts that are sure to chime along to bright days and sun-kissed evenings.

Flying Moth is the latest alias from producer Niccolò Terranova, who has already demonstrated his jazz-laden dance music chops through the Justnique project and others. Flying Moth is presented as the artist’s most personal project to date, with the ‘Oh Oh’ EP out on Apparel Music highlighting his ability to deliver highly danceable and beautifully presented soulful dance music that lives and breathes heartfelt moments and emotions.

Channelling a myriad of genres and eras, Flying Moth’s music is about catering to new kinds of experiences through displays of enriching musicality and deeply profound compositions. ‘Tides’ is the next step in Flying Moth’s journey, and it feels right at home amongst the sunny vistas and dancefloors of Soul Quest. The EPs opener, ‘Take you higher’ which was made alongside Renato Patriarca is a groover of the highest order. Allowing plenty of time to embed listeners deep within the mix, the first breakdown emerges with a delightful lead melodic line that embraces the chords. The further this track unravels, the more magic is presented—the flute solo is a notable example of this. ‘Bobby’s here’ shares connotations similar to the previous number, albeit with some subtle differences. The chords swirl and dance, with arpeggios adding cascades of melody alongside the hypnotic rhythm section. The track is one of diving deep through the layers in order to deliver a joyous forward momentum - one which feels like it will never cease.

‘Please, keep drinking with me’ begins with a typically upbeat feel. A semi-skippy drumming pattern provides the basis for an overflow of melodic brilliance to come forth, with the track retaining a powerful forward momentum through the mid-range. Inspired, breathy vocals and a one-of-a-kind key solo at the track’s halfway mark add personality and variance. ‘Always Groove in you’, a joint affair alongside Gondii, and this number wastes no time in getting going. A stripped-back yet varied groove weaves around a deep-set bass sequence, but the show that happens up top is a sight to behold - a continual shift between inspired key work and vocal snippets mean that the track never stands still, only evolves and grows. Wrapping things up is Toronto Hustle and Sean Roman providing their twist on ‘Please, keep drinking with me’, and as a remix, it adds an enormity of flavours in the form of sparkling keys, powerful bass notes, and infectious breakdowns.

‘Tides’ might only be Flying Moth’s second EP, but it is a sign of an exciting discography to come. For now, this EP contains all the ingredients to get dancefloors and living rooms moving. Filled to the brim with creativity, thought, and delicateness, ‘Tides’ has an infectious musicality to it - and, perhaps most importantly, a big heart. Time to revel in its emotive brilliance …

A bit of background on how this release came about: I was touring Australia & New Zealand and for one of the shows, I was performing in Melbourne, which is where Kloke is based. I finally got the opportunity to meet him in person for the first time ever, after many years of collaborations with him online and having supported/enjoyed a lot of his music.

I got to visit his studio where we worked on a tune together and afterwards, he was playing me some of the music he had been working on recently and I noticed that they were all in one big folder, where he explained that every time he works on music, he exports what he's done so far into this one folder with multiple versions/iterations of each track he does. There were 1000s & 1000s of files in this folder... ????

Of course, I was insistent on taking this folder away with me haha, and even though I didn't get everything off him, he was generous enough to give me a lot of what was in there. After the tour was done and I was back home, I listened through everything I had from him, which took weeks (if not months) of ploughing through it all, with the aim of putting together an album of my favourites and after a lot of back & forth between us, we were able to come up with this release, On Rhythm, which I'm really pleased with & I hope he is too!

Anyway, big respect to Kloke for consistently creating some amazing music, thank you to my girlfriend Marta who handled the design for this release & a special mention to Nergal who brought me to Australia & New Zealand, which led to me meeting Kloke in person, visiting his studio and then putting this release together.

Drum & Bass progressive. Efficace (gravure The Exchange)

Embark on a funky synth-drenched journey as the cosmic count Jimi Tenor reunites with Timmion Records’ soul architects Cold Diamond & Mink for yet another album. When placed side by side with the fellows’ recent effort “Is There Love In Outer Space? “July Blue Skies” glides on a slightly more raw and mystical plane.

Crafted over fiery sessions between Tenor and Cold Diamond & Mink, this vinyl release offers six soul-grasping tracks ranging from mellow groove to soundtrack funk. The album’s opening title song kicks off with an extended analog synth intro which eventually develops into a sweet romantic invocation, painting a sonic canvas reminiscent of a boundless summer sky. The most vocal tune of this quite instrumental set of songs “Sky Train Baby” propels the listener on a locomotive ride through the star systems while “Venus of Barsoon” with its drum breaks and fuzz sounds blast you straight into sci fi movie funk territory.

The album’s B-side opens with “Ikuchi,” where Tenor’s always trusted flute and tenor sax take the spotlight over the slinky library beats. Closing the album we discover two single releases, the sublime “Summer Of Synesthesia” and the demonic “Tsicroxe” both completely worthy to hear sequenced inside this album as well. This album might be just the Spring jam that you needed in your life.

Robyn is doing brilliant and important work - the world needs more music like this. Just one word: listen!" Giles Peterson “Even aside from her skills on her instruments and unique approach to music, Robyn devoted an immense quantity of emotional resources to the delivery of this record, and seemed to take its challenges on as a chance for personal growth. It was consistently clear that the personal input of the players was welcome in a fundamental way, and we all responded to Robyn’s efforts that went to the limits of her capacity and her love for bringing her project to you, the listener” Alabaster DePlume “It has been such a joy to work with Robyn, especially when entering the fascinating world of Robyn’s Rocket and Avant Garde jazz. We had our fun moments, like when the fire alarm went off during our recording session of Mystery Man, and we just rolled with it and kept it in. It’s like nothing matters. It’s such an honour to be part of the world of Robyn’s Rocket and to listen to the many stories, expressions and colours that shine throughout the album.”Sebastian Golgiri What happens when you bring together familiar faces at London experimental music venue Café OTO, Charles Hayward (drummer Abstract Concrete, This Heat) and John Edwards (double bass), and the Total Refreshment Centre (hub of new london jazz scene recording studio ) like Alabaster DePlume (singer and saxophonist) and Danalogue (synths from Soccer96, The Comet is Coming), and the learning disability autism art scene like singers/spoken word artists Sebastian Golgiri and Dean Rodney Jnr (Fish Police), on a magic carpet with space trumpeter Robyn Rocket? The answer materialises in the groundbreaking collaboration 'Robyn Rocket and People You May of Heard of'. Recorded across three days in three different studios connected to the three communities Robyn Rocket calls home, each session brought together musicians from these diverse backgrounds—many meeting for the first time. Together, they improvised and created a musical journey that transcends conventional boundaries.

This cosmic voyage features more than 20 musicians and a dog ( Taz from lost socks), gliding through free jazz, danceable tunes, loopy vistas and spoken word doors into different ways of seeing the world. At its heart lies a profound message about community as a vital part of existence and difference as something to embrace and value. The project culminates in the final single and focus track 'We Are All Human', featuring a poignant speech by Rocket from her night 'Robyn's Rocket - a residency at cafe OTO featuring experimental music and live visuals by artists with and without Learning Disabilities/ autistic and non autistic artists ' in the speech rocket talks about supporting each other—words she actively lives by and encourages others to embrace. Like many autistic people, Rocket has experienced abuse, bullying, isolation and feeling unwelcome in the world. “This project is like my nights but you can carry it around with you”, she explains. “I started my own night to share my work. I also recognised, it was a privilege to have my own night, I wanted to help other artists share their work too, and create an environment where people with and without learning Disabilities/Autistic and non autistic people as audience and performers could come together and get to know each other”. Historical Context

Born from a desire to explore her background in film composing to create a music film, Hannah Holland’s upcoming album 'Last Exit On Bethnal’ is set for release via PRAH Recordings on 18th July. Together with director Lydia Garnett, the multi-faceted London producer shaped ideas born out of images the pair weren’t finding in film, inspired by queer icon filmmakers like Kenneth Anger and Derek Jarman. “We wanted to craft something unapologetically for dykes: a poetic, surreal exploration of dyke power and sexuality set in a fantasy underworld,” explains Holland. Once the film was shot, she channelled its stunning imagery and the energy of the cast into making the record. Seductive and bass-driven, its nine tracks merge sleazy guitars with 707 machine drums, beautiful evolving arps, and surreal moments of Lynchian dreaminess and Aphex Twin-inspired atmospherics. "It was a really amazing collaborative experience and coming together of a community to make something totally unique….and hot!” she continues. The first single ‘Biker’ features a filthy synth hook atop Hannah’s signature bass-guitar, perfectly capturing the raw and sexy energy of the album and its visual centrepiece. You can listen to it here. The film will be screened at a one-off club night at London’s ICA on 11th April in association with Culture Divided, Somesuch and Bala Project.

Hannah Holland has played a pivotal role in London’s alternative and queer London club scene since the mid-noughties. Rooted deeply in London’s fertile musical community, musical exploration and the transcendent potential of dancefloor have always been her biggest inspiration. Her recent delve into experimental theatre, film and TV scores has proved a future further artistic voyage to explore her creative vision. Holland first arrived on dancefloors sharing electro-tinged techno, with equal inspiration taken from the sounds of DnB and jungle heard at legendary parties such as Metalheadz, which she had frequented in her early teens. Having already been “borrowing” (and perhaps never since returning) Kraftwerk, Grace Jones and Talking Heads records from her parents, the influence of this metropolitan musical soup ensured that Holland emerged on the decks with a unique musical character and diverse taste, hallmarks of her sound that she has not lost since. This has been reinforced with trusted residencies at iconic parties such as Trailer Trash, Adonis, Glastonbury’s NYC Downlow, or undertaking far-reaching marathon sets at Berlin’s Panorama Bar. In 2006 Hannah started Batty Bass with vocalist Mama. Immediately a roadblock party and then a record label with releases from Josh Caffe and The Carry Nation sitting in its discography, Batty Bass explores the disparate strains of electro, acid, techno and house. Hannah also released her own music on the label including the ever-anthemic Paris’ Acid Ball.

A steady stream of releases have followed on Shall Not Fade, Super Rhythm Trax, Crosstown Rebels, Classic, Nervous, as well as remixes for Blessed Madonna ft. Kylie Minogue, Planningtorock, The Knife and Goldfrapp among others. Hannah also finds the time to play bass in several bands including Black Gold Buffalo whose debut album she also co-wrote. Her much-anticipated debut album, Tectonic, came out on PRAH Recordings in 2021, with a second on the way. Hannah’s latest venture into the world of film scores have included queer icon Bruce LaBruce’s ‘The Visitor,’ Channel 4 series Adult Material and award-winning indie feature Electrician.

Hannah Holland continues to push the boundaries of electronic and live music, telling stories and carving her own path in the deeper frequencies.

Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from flat copies of the original U.K. and U.S. analogue master tapes Third studio album featured advanced studio recording techniques Featuring original U.S. tracklisting with bonus track "Alive And Well And Living In" from U.K. release Plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings Gatefold old-style tip-on jacket by Stoughton Printing Jethro Tull's 1970 classic Benefit was their third studio album in as many years, following the successes of This Was (1968) and Stand Up (1969). For Benefit, Ian Anderson (flute, guitars, vocals), Martin Barre (guitars), Glenn Cornick (bass), and Clive Bunker (drums) were joined by John Evan on piano and organ.

Evan would go on to play on all of Jethro Tull's albums throughout the '70s. It was also the last to include Cornick, who was fired from the band upon completion of touring for the album. Recorded at Morgan Studios, where the band recorded Stand Up, the album featured more advanced studio techniques, such as a backward-recorded flute on "With You There To Help Me" and a sped-up guitar on "Play In Time." Frontman Ian Anderson said Evan had changed the band's style: "John has added a new dimension musically and I can write more freely now.

In fact anything is possible with him at the keyboard." Compared to Stand Up, although containing a similar mix of bluesy hard-rockers and melodic acoustic numbers, Benefit had, as Ian Anderson put it, a "harder, slightly darker feel" compared to previous material. The eclectic fusion of folk, rock, and progressive elements creates a sonic tapestry unlike any other. Anderson's virtuosic flute playing intertwines with Barre's electrifying guitar work, weaving intricate melodies that transport listeners to a world of introspection and imagination. From the hauntingly beautiful "With You There to Help Me" to the whimsical energy of "To Cry You a Song," each track invites exploration of both the inner self and the world beyond.

This Analogue Productions 45 RPM release, plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings, gives this historic album the rich sonic presentation it deserves. The dead-quiet double-LP, with the music spread over four sides of vinyl, reduces distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. Benefit stands as a testament to Jethro Tull's pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of musical expression and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. This reissue is clean, balanced and richly detailed, the way an Analogue Productions reissue should sound.

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

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

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

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

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

Pianist Rob Clearfield, who has been a regular sideman for drummer Makaya McCraven, both live and in the studio, emerges from the shadows with an album that reveals the strength and originality of his talent.

In trio with double bassist and teenage friend Joe Sanders (Gerald Clayton, Charles Lloyd) and drummer Fred Pasqua, or in quartet adding trumpeter Itamar Borochov, the American pianist presents a dense, spellbinding opus as carefully produced as it is sensitively arranged, reconciling the creative heritage of the Chicago scene, of which he is one of the most fertile offspring, with a sense of lyricism that goes straight to the heart.

Includes two tracks produced by Makaya.

In his sixth and latest album “New African Orleans”, released by ENJA and Yellow Bird, bass guitarist and composer Alune Wade explores the multiple junctions between his native West African rhythms, the Afrobeat and juju rhythms from Lagos and the brass band repertoire immortalized in New Orleans. “I’m exploring a world that goes from my roots to the lost branches on the other side of the Atlantic,” explains the musician from Senegal. He has whittled down around 50 compositions – both original and standards - to a dozen which Alune recorded in Paris, Dakar, Lagos and New Orleans. “The idea first came to me during the Jazz à Gorée festival I organized back in 2014,” he explains. “It had me reflect on the notion of reversing the musical trip most people take from the United States to the African continent. I wanted to set out westward and begin a musical conversation with the best artists, both in Nigeria and the US.”
To achieve this, Wade has invited top artists from both sides of the Atlantic, including the Nigerian talking drummer Olaore Muyiwa Ayandeji, the percussionist Weedie Braimah and the jazz drummer Herlin Riley from New Orleans. The musical inspirations are equally transatlantic, ranging from Dr. John to Manu Dibango and Charlie Parker. But the 45-year-old also pays homage to his father who was a brass band star in his native Senegal back in the Sixties.
BACKGROUND

We only have a partial idea of the birth and remarkable development of the music born of the transatlantic slave trade. From Malinke ballads to Cuban son, from call-and-response patterns to field hollers and hip-hop, Yoruba rhythms to Argentinian tango, from Angolan percussions to the New Orleans brass band sounds… all have roots in Africa and a shackled migration that lasted four centuries. No more so than Congo Square in the Louisiana capital. In 2024, we mark the 300th anniversary of the implementation of the Code Noir which “gave enslaved Africans Sundays off to dance”. A drop in the ocean, but one which shows the importance of culture as a lifebuoy against this barbaric trade. As the Guadeloupian writer Daniel Maximin once claimed: “Our music guided us from the scream to the song, from dragging our chains to dancing.”

Hailing from the southwest side of Detroit, Michigan, Dusty Rose Gang makes music that sounds like a celebratory summer evening with friends on the beach of the city’s crown jewel, Belle Isle. The band’s feel-good rock & roll rests its laurels alongside many of the city’s musical heavyweights, bringing a swagger and heft present in the best of the MC5 and the Stooges, while balancing the subtle tones and attitude found in prime-era Sabbath, Queen, Jimi Hendrix and the Flower Travellin’ Band. It should be no surprise that the band’s songwriter, Dusty Rose, haunted the same high school halls as the MC5 at Lincoln Park High, as much of the attitude, poise and spirit can be found on the band’s A-One From Day One long player debut for the legendary Riding Easy Records. The songs shimmer and shake, shredding through solo after solo, while packing just enough hazy 70’s influence to make it sound like Dusty Rose Gang has been here all along. This is Detroit rock n’ roll made by lifers for lifers, the no-bullshit real deal that the Motor City has been breathing since before Gene Simmons coined the term “Detroit Rock City." A-One From Day One was produced and recorded by Warren Defever at Free Party Bar, Hamtramck and mastered at Third Man Mastering. Engineered by Cam Frank. The album was recorded with Brett Donlon (bass), J. Rowe (drums, percussion), Kara Meister (backing vocals), and Warren Defever (mellotron, organ). The current line-up of Dusty Rose Gang features Dusty Rose (guitar, vocals), Brett Donlon (bass), Blake Hill (drums) and Josh Budiongan (guitar).

Folwark is a duo composed of Francesco Marcolini (guitars, synths, vocals) and Tommaso Faraci (drums, theremin, vocals). Their music fuses syncopated rhythms, introspective loops, and psychedelic mantras, forging an intense connection with listeners that transcends sound, reaching into emotional and spiritual depths. "All Shadows Stretched" blends heavy grooves, psychedelic explorations, and deep spiritual themes, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. The band's signature dynamic setup of guitars, drums, theremin, synths, and vocals shapes a powerful, emotionally charged soundscape. Produced by Folwark, mixed and mastered by Lorenzo Stecconi (Amenra, Ufomammut, ZU).

»Ich denke immer wieder aufs Neue darüber nach, wie ich mich als Schlagzeug-spielender Bandleader so positionieren kann, dass das Instrument eine tragende Funktion einnimmt, dies aber auf eine musikalische Weise geschieht und auf keinen Fall als Zurschaustellung von Virtuosität«, sagt Wolfgang Haffner. Diese Haltung zieht sich als roter Faden durch seine gesamte Karriere - und auch durch »Life Rhythm«, sein zehntes Album auf ACT.

Und obwohl Haffners Musik gängigen Vorstellungen virtuoser Schlagzeug-Leader ganz bewusst widerspricht, steht das Instrument diesmal besonders im Fokus. Ausgangspunkt dafür war Wolfgang Haffners allererstes Solokonzert im Jahr 2022 auf Schloss Elmau. Er erinnert sich: »Das war eine Wahnsinns-Herausforderung bei der ich auch vor der Entscheidung stand: Spiele ich jetzt eine Stunde Schlagzeugsolo? Natürlich nicht! Also habe ich habe eine Menge melodisch klingender Perkussionsinstrumente eingebaut, Passagen live geloopt, mit Echos und Delays gearbeitet – im Grunde wie im Studio, nur eben auf der Bühne.« All dies brachte Haffner dazu, sich noch einmal auf ganz intensive Art mit dem Thema mit dem Instrument zu beschäftigen, welches ihn sein Leben lang begleitet. Und so haben alle Stücke auf »Life Rhythm« diesmal ihren Ursprung, nicht wie sonst bei Haffner, am Piano, sondern am Schlagzeug.

Das Ergebnis dieses Prozesses kann man gleich zum Auftakt von »Life Rhythm« auf dem Titeltrack erleben: Das Stück basiert auf einem hypnotischen Groove, bei dem nicht die Becken, wie sonst im Jazz üblich, die Time angeben, sondern vor allem die Trommeln. Das dieser Groove direkt Phil Collins und besonders an dessen Stück »Take Me Home« erinnert, ist kein Zufall: Collins' Art, Drum-Parts zu elementaren Teilen des Songwritings zu machen, ist bis heute eine von Haffners größten Inspirationen. Und auch jedes weitere der elf sehr kompakten, Song-haften Stücke auf »Life Rhythm« öffnet eine eigene Welt des musikalischen Schlagzeugspiels: Mal mal trocken-reduziert mit Besen wie auf »Balance«, poppig bei »Joy of Life«, mit filigranen Becken-Grooves, dezenter Elektronik und Percussion auf »Eternity« oder minimalis-tisch bis kurz vor der Stille in »Silence and Sound«.

Das aus all diesen Stilistiken ein so stimmiges Ganzes ent-steht liegt daran, das Wolfgang Haffner diese im Laufe seiner Karriere bis in die Tiefe durchdrungen hat - an der Seite von stilbildenden Charakteren wie Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Pat Metheny, Jan Garbarek, Esbjörn Svensson, Nils Petter Molvaer, Albert Mangelsdorff, Ricardo Villalobos und vielen, vielen mehr. All diese Kollaborationen haben Wolfgang Haffners Voka-bular am Instrument und auch als Komponist geprägt und die da-mit verbundenen, unterschiedlichsten Stile sind gleichermaßen Teil seiner musikalischen Persönlichkeit.

Vielseitigkeit und höchste Musikalität sind auch die Eigen-schaften, die Wolfgang Haffner und seine Mitmusiker auf »Life Rhythm« verbinden. Die Basis bildet ein bestens einges-pieltes Trio zusammen mit Keyboarder Simon Oslender, selbst auch Drummer und Bandleader, und Thomas Stieger, einem der gefragtesten deutschen Bassisten in Pop wie Jazz. Dazu kommen Trompeter Sebastian Studnitzky, Mitstreiter Haffners seit seinem ACT-Debüt »Shapes« und der Finne Arto Mikälä, eine echte Entdeckung in Sachen Klangvielfalt an der Gitarre. Diese Band herausragender Allrounder erweitert Haffner um eine Reihe musikalischer Charaktere, die der Musik ihre ganz eigene Farbe verleihen: Nils Landgren, Freund und Weggefährte seit mehr als 20 Jahren, Saxofon-Ikone Bill Evans, Sting-Gitarrist Dominic Miller, Balkan-Beat-Star Shantel, Bass-Feingeist Nicolas Fiszman, Oud-Virtuose Thomas Konstantinou und Bruno Müller, einer der besten deutschen Jazzgitarristen.

»Life Rhythm«, sagt Wolfgang Haffner, »ist für mich eine Fortsetzung, keine Wiederholung«. Die Musik trägt mit ihrer Wärme, Kraft und Klarheit die charakteristische Handschrift, die Haffner mit seinen Alben und auf tausenden von Konzerten in mehr als 100 Ländern zum wohl populärsten Schlagzeug-spielenden Leader Europas gemacht hat. Und gleichzeitig ist es eine Evolution seiner Musik. Gut möglich, dass Haffners Erfolg genau darin begründet ist, dass seine Musik immer etwas Ver-trautes und etwas Neues beinhaltet und dass Haffner sein Publikum so immer »mitnimmt« im Fluss seiner Ideen - und in einem gemeinsamen »Lebensrhythmus«

"In 2020, Chick Corea—27-time GRAMMY® winner, National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, and one of the most iconic figures in jazz—hit the road with his powerhouse trio of Christian McBride and Brian Blade, and embarked on what would be his final tour. Candid Records and Chick Corea Productions proudly present the recordings from that tour as Trilogy 3, the third installment from this extraordinary group. This unforgettable double live album showcases their unparalleled chemistry and cements their legacy in contemporary jazz history.

With years of collaboration to draw from, 9-time GRAMMY®-winning bassist Christian McBride and 4-time GRAMMY®-winning drummer Brian Blade bring a profound musical connection to their work with Corea. Their longstanding partnership fuels a dynamic, ever-evolving soundscape that elevates the art of the jazz trio to new heights.

Following the critically acclaimed Trilogy (2013) and Trilogy 2 (2018) albums, which each earned two GRAMMY Awards® including Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Trilogy 3 marks yet another milestone for this celebrated ensemble. The release brings together live performances from their February-March 2020 tour, cut short by the onset of the pandemic, capturing the trio’s extraordinary interplay and artistic brilliance. The album features fresh interpretations of jazz standards and Chick Corea originals, including the first trio recording of Corea’s iconic composition ""Windows"" since its appearance on the album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, nearly six decades ago.

Widely regarded as one of Chick’s most acclaimed ensembles, this trio has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz with technical brilliance, playful camaraderie, and deep emotional resonance. Trilogy 3 invites listeners to join these masters on a journey through music that is both timeless and groundbreaking."

THE SPEAKER WARS, an American rock band formed by Stan Lynch and Jon Christopher Davis, brings a unique blend of rock, country, and gospel influences to their debut self-titled release, the product of a longstanding collaboration. Stan Lynch, a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer, has contributed his talents as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, drawing on his work with Don Henley, Ringo Starr, The Byrds, and many others. Lynch produced, engineered, and mixed the album, lending guitar, keyboard, bass, and vocal skills to the mix. Jon Christopher Davis, a seasoned singer-songwriter from Dallas, honed his craft in Nashville, writing songs for icons like Dolly Parton, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill. Davis, known for his soulful lead vocals, fronts the band and adds guitar, bass, and keyboard layers to their distinct sound. The band’s live lineup features Lynch on drums, Davis on guitar, and additional musicians Jay Brown, Brian Patterson, Steve Ritter, and Jay Michael Smith, creating a dynamic stage presence.

Magenta-Canary Yellow-Black A Side/B Side Colourway
Pushing every boundary to a breaking point, GRIDIRON will go to any extreme and then some. They follow quite possibly the most unpredictable playbook in the game. The band might flood the zone with a corpsepaint-smearing death metal barrage only to double back around for a victory lap narrated by blinged-out and braggadocios bars. Their hybridization of metal, hardcore, and hip-hop wouldn’t be out of place at either OZZfest 1997 or Rolling Loud 2027. It’s why the quintet—Matthew Karll vocals, Will Kaelin [guitar, vocals], Xavier Wilson [guitar], Lennon Livesay [bass], and Tyler Mullen [drums]—have bulldozed their own path as a phenomenon with millions of streams and acclaim from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NO ECHO, and more. GRIDIRON was born out of a series of COVID-era marathon Call of Duty sessions, which led to writing and recording together. Their musical pedigree spoke for itself with Will also in Never Ending Game, Xavier in Simulakra, and Tyler and Lennon in Scarab. Given their individual experiences, the guys instantly locked into a creative groove. Following the Loyalty At All Costs EP [2020] and Worldwide Brotherhood EP [2021], they dropped their first full-length, No Good At Goodbyes [2022]. The title track reeled in over 851K Spotify streams followed by “25-8” with 560K Spotify streams. Along the way, they also shared stages with everyone from Missing Link to Trapped Under Ice. Now, GRIDIRON continue to smash through walls on their second full-length offering and Blue Grape Music debut, Poetry From Pain.












[k] 11. Still Playin' For Keeps (Big Umbrella Remix) [feat. Daniel Son, Pro Dillinger, Jay Royale]
[l] 12. Heavy Metal Money (Seen It All Before) [feat. Big Body Bes]

Sechzehn Jahre und fünf Alben nach der Gründung der Band aus Pennsylvania legen die Progressive-Death-Metal-Urgesteine Rivers of Nihil mit ihrem 2025 erschienenen, selbstbetitelten Album Rivers of Nihil einen Zahn zu. Traditionell kann ein selbstbetiteltes Album eine Rückbesinnung auf das Wesentliche und/oder einen Neuanfang signalisieren, und in den 10 kraftvollen Songs wird deutlich, dass diese beiden Faktoren im Spiel sind. Gründungsbassist Adam Biggs wurde 2023 zum neuen Leadsänger/Bassisten der Band; im selben Jahr kam der zusätzliche Gitarrist Andy Thomas (Ex-Black Crown Initiate) hinzu, dessen Gesang auch auf Rivers of Nihil eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Die Produzenten Carson Slovak und Grant McFarland von Atrium Audio haben die neue Dynamik in mehr als 50 Minuten Musik eingefangen.Rivers of Nihil tracklisting CD/Digital:1. The Sub-Orbital Blues2. Dustman3. Criminals4. Despair Church5. Water & Time6. House of Light7. Evidence8. American Death9. The Logical End10. Rivers of Nihil Lineup:Adam Biggs Bass Guitar, VocalsAndy Thomas Guitar, VocalsBrody Uttley Guitar, Piano, Keys, ProgrammingJared Klein Drums, Vocals

Sechzehn Jahre und fünf Alben nach der Gründung der Band aus Pennsylvania legen die Progressive-Death-Metal-Urgesteine Rivers of Nihil mit ihrem 2025 erschienenen, selbstbetitelten Album Rivers of Nihil einen Zahn zu. Traditionell kann ein selbstbetiteltes Album eine Rückbesinnung auf das Wesentliche und/oder einen Neuanfang signalisieren, und in den 10 kraftvollen Songs wird deutlich, dass diese beiden Faktoren im Spiel sind. Gründungsbassist Adam Biggs wurde 2023 zum neuen Leadsänger/Bassisten der Band; im selben Jahr kam der zusätzliche Gitarrist Andy Thomas (Ex-Black Crown Initiate) hinzu, dessen Gesang auch auf Rivers of Nihil eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Die Produzenten Carson Slovak und Grant McFarland von Atrium Audio haben die neue Dynamik in mehr als 50 Minuten Musik eingefangen.Rivers of Nihil tracklisting CD/Digital:1. The Sub-Orbital Blues2. Dustman3. Criminals4. Despair Church5. Water & Time6. House of Light7. Evidence8. American Death9. The Logical End10. Rivers of Nihil Lineup:Adam Biggs Bass Guitar, VocalsAndy Thomas Guitar, VocalsBrody Uttley Guitar, Piano, Keys, ProgrammingJared Klein Drums, Vocals

Jahtari label compilation full of all-new Outsider Dubs, Dancehall bangers and lots of cosmic low end, marking twenty years of Reggae oddness from Leipzig.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foxwarren, the Canadian indie collective fronted by Andy Shauf, returns with their sophomore album "2." Joined by his fellow Canadian childhood friends and close collaborators Dallas Bryson (guitar), Darryl Kissick (bass), Avery Kissick (drums), and Colin Nealis (multi-instrumentalist), the eclectic sound of "2" - weaving genres ranging from folk to psych rock to downtempo - coincides with Shauf"s curiosity and desire to incorporate a Native Instruments Maschine MSK3 sampler into his process. There is something uncanny about the feeling of these songs, the way bits recorded in different rooms amplify your attention, listening for how these layers lock. But their true connective tissue is the generous and gentle ways Shauf and the rest of Foxwarren move with melody.

Skyjoggers, the innovative band from Tampere, Finland, fuses the exhilarating elements of space rock and psychedelic soundscapes. Their music captures the essence of cosmic exploration, characterized by hypnotic riffs and an experimental approach that pushes boundaries. With a focus on dynamic performances and rich instrumental textures, Skyjoggers invites listeners on a journey through uncharted musical territories.
On ”12021 : Post-Electric Apocalypse” Skyjoggers focus on themes such as death, loss and despair. Writing of the album took place during the pandemic, forest fires in the Amazon and wars around the planet - the band took inspiration from such themes trying to channel the hard topics into something beautiful shining a ray of hope and light into the world through music. The album showcases the heaviest side of Skyjoggers heard to this day, bringing elements of black and doom metal into the band's unique mix of modern space rock.
Skyjoggers are:
Alexi Belle - guitars & effects - Juan Rico - bass, synth & vocals - Gabo Sabor - drums & vocals