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Composer and multi-instrumentalist Koen Holtkamp has spent more than two decades shaping a body of work at the intersection of ambient, experimental, and electroacoustic music. Known for his role in the influential duo Mountains, as well as a solo catalog defined by texture and spatial awareness, Holtkamp has long explored how sound interacts with environment and perception. With Nightlife, he enters a new phase of that inquiry, one shaped as much by physical relocation as artistic evolution.

After leaving Brooklyn for the relatively rural setting of New York’s Hudson Valley, Holtkamp found himself immersed in nature and embracing a slower way of life, a shift that directly informed the album’s creation. Rather than rushing into a new project, he allowed the space itself to guide him, focusing on experimentation and play instead of a fixed outcome. Over time, a new instrument emerged from his modular system, built around physical modeling techniques that emulate plucked string sounds. Drawing on a deep affinity for acoustic traditions, from guitar soli to the kora and other chordophones, he began translating those influences into an electronic language, creating music that feels tangible, effusive, and even intimate, despite its synthetic nature. As the pieces took shape, Holtkamp expanded the project into a kind of imagined ensemble. Composed with specific collaborators in mind, the album features extensive contributions from drummer Greg Fox and saxophonist and flutist Matt Bauder, whose performances subtly reshape the material and draw it toward more fluid, song-like forms, alongside a guest appearance from Ben Vida on synth bass. Yet even as Nightlife occasionally resembles a band in motion, its construction resists traditional cohesion. Acoustic and electronic sources coexist to create a hyper-dimensional sense of space, with each element deliberately placed in its own distinct environment, yielding a complex yet inviting setting that feels both otherworldly and completely natural.

Much of the album was created during late-night sessions, which became a kind of personal ritual and ultimately inspired its title. Nightlife unfolds as a series of finely detailed environments, where stillness, texture, and subtle interplay take precedence over momentum. Each piece invites close listening while remaining open and unforced, reflecting both a change in pace and a deepening of focus. The result extends Holtkamp’s ongoing interest in how sound can shape, and be shaped by, the spaces we inhabit.

Cologne based DJ and producer Barnt has been bottling his own weather system since 2010: captivating techno where melodies flirt, rhythms evaporate, and structure is something to tease rather than obey. An attitude, that pierces the average definition of techno. With an album and endless EP’s, he turned club orthodoxy inside out. Barnt has sent his tracks out via labels like Cómeme, Mule Musiq, Hinge Finger, Hivern Discs, Kompakt, or Magazine from Cologne, the enterprise he co-runs with a bunch of friends.

After his 2014 debut album on Magazine, that came out as catalogue number 13, Barnt is back with number 25, a new album, titled “After completing the Hex”. Eleven tracks, each grinding lowkey skewed. This is techno for dramatic entrances. Dance music for confusion. Freely played chords oscillate with intention. Alluring melodies glide across stoic beats. Peaktime vibes stripped to the bone. An album that provides Barnt’s most complete release until today, displaying his unique sound world effortless assembled. Mastered by longtime accomplice, producer Matt Karmil, it features playful, seemingly unintentional, meandering club spirits. There are melodies made from 100 notes and hooklines fashioned from just one. In-between calmer electric enchanters, minimal, free-spirted, tempting. His slinky madness occasionally presents sublimely embedded environmental sounds or oral samples, taken from sources like Torn Hawk’s “Trustfall” TTT cassette album. There is a touch of sadness, that veils the recordings at times, always defied by lightness and optimism. A record made with true inspiration, that overrides all fears. Drawn frankly from emotions, bringing the ultimate flow state, that unlocks a new techno gate.

Vega Records proudly presents "Mercy Of Time," a breathtaking new collaboration between Grammy Award-winning producer, DJ, and songwriter Louie Vega and acclaimed South African composer, singer, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist Msaki.

Widely regarded as one of Africa's most powerful and influential musical voices, Msaki has earned international recognition through her award-winning solo work and celebrated collaborations with Black Coffee, Sun-El Musician, and Prince Kaybee, including the multi-platinum anthem "Fetch Your Life." A South African Music Award winner, recipient of the prestigious 2022 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music, and Basadi in Music Songwriter of the Year, Msaki's artistry has resonated with audiences around the world. Her songwriting and vocal contributions to Black Coffee's Grammy Award-winning album further cemented her place among the continent's most revered contemporary artists.

Born from a creative meeting of musical minds, "Mercy Of Time" brings together the extraordinary talents of Msaki, Louie Vega, and renowned Cuban pianist, composer, and producer Axel Tosca. Written by Msaki, with music composed by Louie Vega and Axel Tosca, the song is elevated by the unmistakable rhythmic touch of internationally respected producer and dj Manoo, whose infectious drums provide the heartbeat of the record.

At its core, "Mercy Of Time" is a deeply moving and uplifting composition that blends deep songwriting, rich musicianship, and powerful rhythms into a timeless musical journey. Msaki's evocative lyrics and captivating vocal performance intertwine seamlessly with Axel Tosca's virtuoso musicianship and Louie Vega's signature production style, creating a sound that transcends borders, cultures, and genres.

Rooted in soul and infused with African Electronic and global influences, "Mercy Of Time" speaks to resilience, hope, healing, and the wisdom that comes with life's journey. The song beautifully captures the spirit of collaboration between artists from different corners of the world, united by a shared commitment to authenticity, artistry, and musical excellence.

With all forces combined, "Mercy Of Time" is poised to resonate with audiences across dance floors, airwaves, and listening spaces worldwide. A powerful fusion of soulful expression, world-class musicianship, and timeless rhythm, the release stands as a testament to the creative magic that happens when visionary artists come together.

2x12" Vinyl

Limited Edition 500 Copies

Remastered

Inside Out Cut - Starlight Coloured Vinyl

Original, Baby Doc & The Dentis, John 00 Fleming, Reinier Zonneveld, Charlotte De Witte, Red Jerry remix

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the pulsating beats of the 90s with the iconic anthem “The First Rebirth” by the visionary duo Franky Jones and Axel Stephenson. Since its inception in 1993, this timeless classic has etched its place in dance music history, and now it returns in a dazzling new avatar.

The much-celebrated track has been meticulously repackaged in a sleek, cool sleeve, accompanied by an electrifying array of both recent and classic mixes. Some of these renditions, previously confined to digital realms, make their long-awaited debut on vinyl, adding an extra layer of allure to this collector’s dream.

This exclusive 2 x 12" vinyl edition is strictly limited to just 500 copies worldwide and features a unique Inside Out cut, pressed on stunning Starlight vinyl — a striking black colour with vibrant coloured speckles, making each copy visually unique.

Don’t miss your chance to own a strictly limited piece of dance music history and immerse yourself in the reawakening of this electronic masterpiece. Only 500 copies available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Gary Bartz und das neue Londoner Ensemble Your Brother’s Keeper präsentieren mit "Where Rivers Meet" ein tiefgründiges und intuitives Studioalbum, das die seltene Begegnung zweier Generationen von Jazzmusikern einfängt. Das Album, das pünktlich zum 20-jährigen Jubiläum von Brownswood erscheint, vereint Bartz' Tradition mit der jungen, pulsierenden Szene Londons. Das Ergebnis ist Musik, die sich mit Offenheit und Intensität entfaltet, getragen von tiefem Zuhören und gemeinsamer Improvisation.

Im Zentrum des Projekts steht Bartz, eine der einflussreichsten Vertreter des modernen Jazz. Der Saxophonist, dessen Karriere sich über mehr als fünf Jahrzehnte erstreckt, machte sich einen Namen durch Auftritte mit Charles Mingus, Max Roach und Art Blakey, bevor er sich Miles Davis in dessen elektrisierender Phase der frühen 1970er-Jahre anschloss. Mit seinen gefeierten Aufnahmen mit der NTU Troop wurde er schnell zu einer prägenden Figur des Spiritual Jazz und schuf ein Werk, das Generationen von Musikern und Zuhörern gleichermaßen begeistert. Sein Spiel – lyrisch, tiefgründig und unverkennbar gefühlvoll – zählt nach wie vor zu den markantesten Stimmen des Jazz.

Das Album markiert zudem die Gründung von Your Brother’s Keeper, einem neuen Kollektiv um Schlagzeuger und Produzent Jake Long (Maisha), dessen musikalischer Dialog und die Improvisation tief in der Musik verwurzelt sind. Mit Ali MacSween (Piano, Synthesizer, modulare Effekte), Axel Kaner-Lidstrom (Trompete), Twm Dylan (Kontrabass), Tim Doyle (Percussion) und Chelsea Carmichael (Tenorsaxophon) sowie Long am Schlagzeug spiegelt die Gruppe eine Szene wider, die den Sound des zeitgenössischen Jazz im letzten Jahrzehnt maßgeblich geprägt hat.

A six track remix compilation born from serendipity and a creative bond between its featured artists - thee Angel 6 Suite features Mark Grusane, Daniella DeLuna, S4M23 and Vesolo.

The release reimagines Angel 6, written and performed by Daniella DeLuna and produced by Grusane - a sensual and haunting composition steeped in industrial textures.

The compilation expands Angel 6 into multiple directions: an extended edit from Grusane and DeLuna rooted in industrial body driven tension; a new beat inspired acid reinterpretation from S4M23; and an avante garde early electro dreamscape from Vesolo. The release is rounded out by an off-axis B-side from DeLuna and Grusane that pushes the project into their personal brand of dissonant grit.

Across all versions, thee Angel 6 Suite moves between dark wave atmospheres, new beat influence and acid driven club structures.

A six track remix compilation born from serendipity and a true creative bond between its featured artists - thee Angel 6 Suite features Mark Grusane, Daniella DeLuna, S4M23 and Vesolo.

The release reimagines Angel 6, written and performed by Daniella DeLuna and produced by Grusane - a sensual and haunting composition steeped in industrial textures, marking the beginning of their creative partnership.

The compilation expands Angel 6 into multiple directions: an extended edit from Grusane and DeLuna rooted in industrial body driven tension; a new beat inspired acid reinterpretation from S4M23; and an avante garde early electro dreamscape from Vesolo. The release is rounded out by an off-axis B-side from DeLuna and Grusane that pushes the project into their personal brand of dissonant grit.

Across all versions, thee Angel 6 Suite moves between dark wave atmospheres, new beat influence and acid driven club structures.

Die schwedischen Metalcore-Visionäre Imminence kündigen ihr sechstes Studioalbum „Axis Mundi“ an, das am 2. Oktober über Sumerian Records erscheint. Mit den beiden neuen Singles „False Light“ und „Crestfallen“ gibt die Band einen ersten Einblick in das Album und dessen zentrale Dualität zwischen brutaler Härte und atmosphärischer Weite.

„False Light“ zählt zu den härtesten Songs des Albums und verbindet wuchtige Growls, schwere Gitarren und intensive Percussion mit kurzen, ruhigen Violinen- und Gesangspassagen. „Crestfallen“ zeigt dagegen die emotionale, atmosphärische Seite von Axis Mundi – getragen von elektronischen Texturen, Orchestrierung und Eddie Bergs klarem Gesang.

Mit „Axis Mundi“ verfeinern Imminence ihre Mischung aus Metalcore, orchestralen Elementen und cineastischem Storytelling. Produziert wurde das Album von der Band selbst, gemeinsam mit Henrik Udd (Architects, Bring Me The Horizon) und Drew Fulk (Twenty One Pilots, Knocked Loose). Inhaltlich erzählt das Werk eine mythologische Reise zwischen Leben und Tod und beschäftigt sich mit Themen wie Leid, Erlösung und Hoffnung.

Swedish metalcore visionaries Imminence return with their highly anticipated new album Axis Mundi via Sumerian Records. Following the breakthrough success of The Black, the band's latest full-length expands on their signature fusion of cinematic orchestration and modern metal across 11 powerful tracks, delivering their most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date. Featuring the singles "The Sword That Never Bends" and "Crestfallen," Axis Mundi stands as Imminence's boldest work to date.

Swedish metalcore visionaries Imminence return with their highly anticipated new album Axis Mundi via Sumerian Records. Following the breakthrough success of The Black, the band's latest full-length expands on their signature fusion of cinematic orchestration and modern metal across 11 powerful tracks, delivering their most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date. Featuring the singles "The Sword That Never Bends" and "Crestfallen," Axis Mundi stands as Imminence's boldest work to date.

Das wandlungsfähige Trio Vanishing Twin präsentiert sein neues Album ,Archives" - eine Collage aus postmoderner Songkunst, die im gemeinsamen Schaffensprozess Transzendenz findet. Der Albumtitel spielt auf den unverwechselbaren Ansatz von Vanishing Twin an, tägliche Aufnahmesessions anzuhören, zusammenzufügen und neu zu bearbeiten. Gründungsmitglied Cathy Lucas beschreibt den Prozess so: ,Material sammeln, damit herumspielen, es auf den Kopf stellen, versuchen, die Teile zusammenzufügen und daraus eine Geschichte zu erschaffen". Da Lucas mittlerweile ins ländliche Frankreich gezogen ist und Valentina Magaletti sowie Susumu Mukai in London leben, verbinden sich die drei, indem sie Songs und Instrumentalfragmente in einem virtuellen Studio austauschen. Die geografische Distanz wird durch ihre kollektive Kreativität überbrückt, wobei jedes Mitglied als Multi-Instrumentalist seinen Beitrag leistet. Jeder Musiker bringt umfangreiche Erfahrung in Zusammenarbeit und Improvisation mit, wobei das Anhören und Bearbeiten von Studio-Sessions ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des kreativen Prozesses ist. Konzepte von Urheberschaft und Eigentumsrechten lösen sich in der Musik von Vanishing Twin auf, während die Mitglieder Instrumente tauschen und sich ganz dem Moment der Zusammenarbeit hingeben. Die ,Archive", die dem Albumtitel seinen Namen geben, werden zu Dokumenten der kollektiven Intelligenz des Trios. Die chaotische Energie von ,Archives" treibt Vanishing Twin in ungewohnte Formen und Richtungen. Außerhalb ihrer Komfortzonen findet das Trio neue Momente der Erleuchtung und Freude. Tief im Mix hörst du vielleicht, wie Magaletti zum Bass greift, Mukai unerwartet am Schlagzeug einspringt oder Lucas chamäleonartig durch die Lücken gleitet. ,Archives" verfeinert Vanishing Twins Modell des kollektiven Musizierens, bei dem Egos in spielerischen Mix-and-Match-Spielen in den Hintergrund treten und die Kreativität zwischen den drei Multi-Instrumentalisten fließt. Sie bewegen sich zwischen und außerhalb konventioneller Genrekategorien und reihen sich neben Weggefährten wie dem Tara Clerkin Trio und Still House Plants ein, wodurch sie die Vorstellung vom zeitgenössischen Musikensemble erweitern. Nach einem Jahrzehnt ihres Bestehens sind Vanishing Twin wandelbarer denn je.

IVM Trio is made up of percussionist & composer Sébastien Forrester, producer & visual artist Mika Oki, and artist & producer Apulati Bien. All three sit within the French-Brussels axis, united by a shared love of free improvisation, sparse atmospherics and rapturous club mutations. Inner Voice Movement is a genuinely exploratory record — abstraction and contemplation sit side by side, as the trio dives into the micro-precision of computer music while mirroring organic, environmental schemes. These have long been persistent points of study for all three artists.

Arriving on Accidental Meetings, their debut album has been a long time coming, and it features three outstanding vocalists. South Korean artist bela brings the depth and range of their guttural vocals; Bristol-based Grove, a leading voice in punk-dancehall crossover, pulls things back with a spoken-word feature; and Naples sound artist Sara Persico rounds things off with a stunning excerpt of storytelling.

This VA release brings together four producers who share a common language: hypnosis, movement, and an obsessive attention to sound design. Across two sides of vinyl, the record moves through different shades of deep and mental techno, held together by a sense of restraint and clarity rather than force.

Na Nich opens the A-side with a mental yet groove-driven piece, where impeccable sound quality meets a clean, deliberate design. LFO-driven elements float underneath the surface, almost speaking, giving the track a voice of its own without ever breaking its hypnotic hold.

Forest On Stasys follows with a tribal and deep approach that still hits with weight. Shakers and layered percussion drive the movement forward, building a rhythmic body that feels both organic and controlled.
On the B-side, Translate stays true to a purely mental identity: repeating LFOs and speaking tones that fold in on themselves, always kept clean and precise, letting the repetition do the work.

Save Your Atoll & Gabriele Santucci close the record with a deep, tribal-leaning cut full of groove and motion. Bongos, shakers, and background percussion build a danceable hypnosis, where every element serves the movement.

Four tracks, four voices, one shared sense of direction — a record built for the floor, but never at the expense of detail.

Space Afrika, das in Manchester und Berlin ansässige Duo aus Joshua Tarelle Reid und Joshua Inyang, schafft rohe, detailreiche und eindringliche Musik mit Anklängen an Ambient, Trip-Hop, Techno und moderne Klassik, wobei es aus den Konturen seiner Stadt weitläufige urbane Dub-Landschaften entwirft. ,Quiet Storm" erweitert ihren Klang und ihre Bandbreite zu einer weitläufigen, kollaborativen Vision, die mit tiefer Geduld und Absicht geformt wurde und ihre eigene Coming-of-Age-Geschichte in eine bewegende Suite kathartischer Abstraktion einbettet. Die Songs spielen auf Spiritualität und die conditio humana an, auf die Spannung zwischen Kühnheit und Sanftheit, Ehrgeiz und hartnäckigen inneren Dämonen. ,Quiet Storm" ist eine Antwort auf den Werdegang des Duos seit der Veröffentlichung von ,Honest Labour" im Jahr 2021. ,Wir haben uns selbst und unsere eigenen Vorstellungen von Identität herausgefordert, insbesondere in Bezug auf Klasse und Diaspora, und wie dies in verschiedenen Musikgenres dargestellt wird. Wir wollten die Charakteristika unseres Projekts durch die Menschen zeigen, mit denen wir zusammenarbeiten wollten", sagt Reid. Inyang merkt an: ,Bei der Entstehung dieses Albums haben wir keine Kompromisse gemacht. Die Idee begann als eine Hommage an die Kunst der Schwarzen. Unsere Kooperationen waren sehr bewusst gewählt, als wir die Grundpfeiler der Geschichte entdeckten." Von der multidisziplinären Natur des Projekts zeugt die Beteiligung des gefeierten Künstlers Glenn Ligon, dessen Werk sich mit schwarzer Identität und Queerness befasst. Ligon, der zu Beginn der Aufnahmen eine zentrale Inspirationsquelle darstellte, stellte sein Werk ,Figure #30" (2009) für das Cover-Artwork zur Verfügung und erklärte sich nach Abschluss der Aufnahmen bereit, dem Projekt seinen Namen zu geben - eine beispiellose Geste dieses wegweisenden Künstlers. Beim Anhören der endgültigen Fassung dachte Ligon an ,Quiet Storm", das Radioformat der 1970er Jahre, das für seine sanfte Late-Night-Programmgestaltung mit Themen rund um Leben und Liebe bekannt war. ,Quiet Storm" führt den Hörer durch verschiedene Szenen, Zwischenspiele und Handlungsbögen, geprägt von dem Gefühl, dass seine Bewegung fließend und seine Figuren flüchtig sind. Monologe vor dem Spiegel setzen sich mit dem Existentiellen und dem Unmittelbaren auseinander: Überleben, Autonomie, Sinn. Das Album beginnt mit dem explosiven, von Streichern begleiteten ,Vanity", bei dem die Grammy-Preisträgerin Axelle Fanyo zu hören ist. Zunächst auf die Spalten eines stillen Raumes fixiert, entfaltet sich ,Vanity" unter Fanyos ausdrucksstarkem Sopran und durchläuft ein breites emotionales Spektrum von erhabener Kontemplation bis hin zu ergreifendem, herzzerreißendem Schmerz. Auf dem gesamten Album werden gesprochene und gesungene Worte sparsam eingesetzt, um eine kraftvolle Wirkung zu erzielen. Die Schönheit und Katharsis von ,MLN" ist ein kollektiver, langsamer Marsch, bei dem der britisch-nigerianische Künstler Tony Njoku mitwirkt, begleitet von Gabriel Evans an Gitarre und Lead-Bass, PIKE aus London am Schlagzeug und GB aus Kopenhagen an Keyboards und Streichern. Der letzte Satz verleiht ,Quiet Storm" seinen krönenden Höhepunkt. ,If This Is Hell" ist in einem einzigen Take als Bewusstseinsstrom des New Yorkers Deuén aufgenommen, dessen nachvollziehbare Spirale geistiger Aktivität von jazzigen, frenetischen Percussion-Klängen begleitet wird. Das Druckventil öffnet sich, als die phasenverschobenen Drums und die scharf beobachtenden, dialogartigen Phrasen abrupt nach der Zeile ,I wonder if that's what heaven's like?" abbrechen. Wir bleiben in der Behaglichkeit des Album-Closers ,Regards" zurück. Regentropfen treffen auf Orgel, Drone, Streicher und Keyboards, während das Nachladen von Waffen dem ruhigen Summen gegenübergestellt wird. Schwer und doch hoffnungsvoll erinnern Joshua Tarelle Reid und Joshua Inyang an ihre bisherige Reise. Als passend geheimnisvolles und mitreißendes Outro für ihr offenes Opus ist ,Quiet Storm" ein Meilenstein: selbst produziert, selbst finanziert und aus purer Tatkraft und Überzeugung entstanden. Durch verzerrte Zeit und schummrigen Dunst ist Space Afrika zweifellos angekommen

Space Afrika, das in Manchester und Berlin ansässige Duo aus Joshua Tarelle Reid und Joshua Inyang, schafft rohe, detailreiche und eindringliche Musik mit Anklängen an Ambient, Trip-Hop, Techno und moderne Klassik, wobei es aus den Konturen seiner Stadt weitläufige urbane Dub-Landschaften entwirft. ,Quiet Storm" erweitert ihren Klang und ihre Bandbreite zu einer weitläufigen, kollaborativen Vision, die mit tiefer Geduld und Absicht geformt wurde und ihre eigene Coming-of-Age-Geschichte in eine bewegende Suite kathartischer Abstraktion einbettet. Die Songs spielen auf Spiritualität und die conditio humana an, auf die Spannung zwischen Kühnheit und Sanftheit, Ehrgeiz und hartnäckigen inneren Dämonen. ,Quiet Storm" ist eine Antwort auf den Werdegang des Duos seit der Veröffentlichung von ,Honest Labour" im Jahr 2021. ,Wir haben uns selbst und unsere eigenen Vorstellungen von Identität herausgefordert, insbesondere in Bezug auf Klasse und Diaspora, und wie dies in verschiedenen Musikgenres dargestellt wird. Wir wollten die Charakteristika unseres Projekts durch die Menschen zeigen, mit denen wir zusammenarbeiten wollten", sagt Reid. Inyang merkt an: ,Bei der Entstehung dieses Albums haben wir keine Kompromisse gemacht. Die Idee begann als eine Hommage an die Kunst der Schwarzen. Unsere Kooperationen waren sehr bewusst gewählt, als wir die Grundpfeiler der Geschichte entdeckten." Von der multidisziplinären Natur des Projekts zeugt die Beteiligung des gefeierten Künstlers Glenn Ligon, dessen Werk sich mit schwarzer Identität und Queerness befasst. Ligon, der zu Beginn der Aufnahmen eine zentrale Inspirationsquelle darstellte, stellte sein Werk ,Figure #30" (2009) für das Cover-Artwork zur Verfügung und erklärte sich nach Abschluss der Aufnahmen bereit, dem Projekt seinen Namen zu geben - eine beispiellose Geste dieses wegweisenden Künstlers. Beim Anhören der endgültigen Fassung dachte Ligon an ,Quiet Storm", das Radioformat der 1970er Jahre, das für seine sanfte Late-Night-Programmgestaltung mit Themen rund um Leben und Liebe bekannt war. ,Quiet Storm" führt den Hörer durch verschiedene Szenen, Zwischenspiele und Handlungsbögen, geprägt von dem Gefühl, dass seine Bewegung fließend und seine Figuren flüchtig sind. Monologe vor dem Spiegel setzen sich mit dem Existentiellen und dem Unmittelbaren auseinander: Überleben, Autonomie, Sinn. Das Album beginnt mit dem explosiven, von Streichern begleiteten ,Vanity", bei dem die Grammy-Preisträgerin Axelle Fanyo zu hören ist. Zunächst auf die Spalten eines stillen Raumes fixiert, entfaltet sich ,Vanity" unter Fanyos ausdrucksstarkem Sopran und durchläuft ein breites emotionales Spektrum von erhabener Kontemplation bis hin zu ergreifendem, herzzerreißendem Schmerz. Auf dem gesamten Album werden gesprochene und gesungene Worte sparsam eingesetzt, um eine kraftvolle Wirkung zu erzielen. Die Schönheit und Katharsis von ,MLN" ist ein kollektiver, langsamer Marsch, bei dem der britisch-nigerianische Künstler Tony Njoku mitwirkt, begleitet von Gabriel Evans an Gitarre und Lead-Bass, PIKE aus London am Schlagzeug und GB aus Kopenhagen an Keyboards und Streichern. Der letzte Satz verleiht ,Quiet Storm" seinen krönenden Höhepunkt. ,If This Is Hell" ist in einem einzigen Take als Bewusstseinsstrom des New Yorkers Deuén aufgenommen, dessen nachvollziehbare Spirale geistiger Aktivität von jazzigen, frenetischen Percussion-Klängen begleitet wird. Das Druckventil öffnet sich, als die phasenverschobenen Drums und die scharf beobachtenden, dialogartigen Phrasen abrupt nach der Zeile ,I wonder if that's what heaven's like?" abbrechen. Wir bleiben in der Behaglichkeit des Album-Closers ,Regards" zurück. Regentropfen treffen auf Orgel, Drone, Streicher und Keyboards, während das Nachladen von Waffen dem ruhigen Summen gegenübergestellt wird. Schwer und doch hoffnungsvoll erinnern Joshua Tarelle Reid und Joshua Inyang an ihre bisherige Reise. Als passend geheimnisvolles und mitreißendes Outro für ihr offenes Opus ist ,Quiet Storm" ein Meilenstein: selbst produziert, selbst finanziert und aus purer Tatkraft und Überzeugung entstanden. Durch verzerrte Zeit und schummrigen Dunst ist Space Afrika zweifellos angekommen

Over the course of 2026, jazz piano trio Okonski (Steve Okonski on keys, Durand Jones and the Indications bandmate Aaron Frazer on drums, and bassist Michael Isvara “Ish” Montgomery) have been trickling out a wide variety of singles to keep fans at bay ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 LP3. The tracks offer a variety of influences, and include collaborations with the likes of Saxophonist Cochemea and harpist Rachel Kitchlew. To conclude this series of singles, Colemine records has pressed up a limited number of cassettes including all the newest tracks and a few bonus live tunes. The group's regarded EP 'Trio Session Demos' have been added to the flip of the cassette, the first time these hip-hop inspired early cuts have been available physically.
At the top of 2025, Okonski released their sophomore LP 'Entrance Music' to wide acclaim. The spiritual jazz record received praise from Rolling Stone, BBC, Billboard, KEXP, countless others and has streamed over 10 million times. The trio recently completed a sold out LA show and embark on their first UK/EU tour this fall. There is much more to come from Okonski in the coming years.

Pioneering Ghanaian musician King Ayisobareturns September 4, 2026 with his forthcoming seventh album Pure Confusion, recorded and produced by On-U-Sound’s Adrian Sherwood.

Ayisoba is one of Ghana’s most distinctive musical voices. The world’s foremost player of the kologo - a homemade two-string lute fashioned from a calabash and covered in goatskin - he delivers fiercely political and socially observant songs using three different voices, including the voice of his grandfather that possessed him as a child. Sherwood meanwhile is the pioneering British producer and founder of On-U Sound whose hugely influential career has connected dub, post-punk, industrial, hip hop and experimental music through collaborations with artists including Lee “Scratch” Perry, Mark Stewart, Horace Andy, Sinéad O’Connor, Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode.

Ayisoba and Sherwood first collaborated during a BBC Radio 3 Late Junction session at Maida Vale in 2017, organised by Ayisoba’s long-time collaborator Arnold de Boer/Zea of The Ex. The pair immediately connected, and during the pandemic, when Adrian’s long-time African Head Charge collaborator Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah was in Ghana looking for musicians to collaborate with Sherwood suggested Ayisoba, who eventually featured on two tracks on African Head Charge’s 2023 album A Trip To Bolgatanga (Bolgantanga is the region Ayisoba is from). Ayisoba then returned to the UK in late 2024 and travelled to Sherwood’s Ramsgate studio where the pair laid down the songs that would become Pure Confusion: “All the songs were already in my head,” says Ayisoba. “This album is all recorded live, over one afternoon. Adrian only plays live, and I like that. And he works hard - he doesn’t sleep. I woke up in the night and he was still working.”

“In my role producing it, I just let it roll to make a good vibe,” says Sherwood. “We recorded it completely live, did some programming and processing on some tracks, using dub techniques live on the mixing desk and adding some slick touches. We wanted the colours on the album to swing off what Ayisoba was doing, so we invited some friends to participate. Doug Wimbish (Sugar Hill Gang) arrived from America and lent his services playing bass on a couple of tracks; the wonderful Ivan Hussey (Celloman) played bass, keyboards and cello - cello is not really featured on African recordings so we thought it would be really cool to try it. I'd been working with Alex White (Fat White Family/Primal Scream) on my album (The Collapse of Everything) and so he added sax to a few tracks and I brought Alan Glenn down especially - Alan was in Little Axe but also Nine Below Zero and played in the Yardbirds – to add some mouth organ; Mark Bandola added a bit of flavour with his Juno, Ayisoba’s long-time Ghanian collaborator Ayuune Sule added some percussion and vocals and Matt Smith did some programming.”

“King Ayisoba is quite amazing, so unique,” Sherwood continues. “He’s got his own handmade instrument and three different voices - when you’re listening you think it’s three different people. He’s a breath of fresh air, full of love for the music which he wants to share with everybody. Some tracks we kept very straight and others we experimented with - adding dubby psychedelic little touches to trip you out a bit. The added production we did at On-U has given it a shine while still keeping it vibrant, live and spontaneous. I’m really proud of this record”.

On Pure Confusion, Ayisoba documents the anxieties, contradictions and changing social realities of contemporary Ghana. “Land is a problem for everyone,” says Ayisoba of the opening track “Property”. “If you don’t build on your land they will take it away. Plenty corruption in Ghana, plenty confusion. They sell the land to two, three, four people and then everybody fights.”

Elsewhere Ayisoba explores illness, spirituality and social stigma on “Bemba”, warning against hiding sickness out of shame or fear of “bad juju”: “People hide their sickness and the sickness kills them.” “Tewigiloge” reflects on cultural difference and open-mindedness encountered through world travel: “We will tour the whole world and we will see many things we may not like or understand… your eyes will see, but don’t talk - you have to be open-minded.”

Spirituality runs deeply throughout the album. Ayisoba’s grandfather was a respected spiritual healer whose presence the musician says still guides him today. “The grandparents’ spirits are the ones you can contact,” he explains of the spiritual chant “Nkaase”. “This song talks about the forefathers.” The closing track “Leeda-Mampanga (It’s Not My Strength)” acts as a statement of humility and gratitude: “You have to be humble, even if you have talent. God gives you the power.”

For more than two decades, King Ayisoba has been one of Africa’s most distinctive musical innovators, transforming northern Ghanaian kologo traditions into a bold contemporary sound rooted in hypnotic rhythms, social commentary and spiritual intensity. Since the breakthrough success of 2006’s Modern Ghanaians, Ayisoba has built an international following through acclaimed albums, relentless touring and collaborations with artists including Lee “Scratch” Perry, Orlando Julius and African Head Charge. Performances at Roskilde, WOMAD, Le Guess Who? and the Barbican have further cemented his reputation as a singular live performer and cultural force.

In an era where pedalboards, laptops and samples have become commonplace, American blues-rock/metal guitarist and singer Eric Steckel goes against the grain and harkens his listeners back to the days when great guitars were played loudly through great amps. Hailed by many as the top rising star of Blues/Rock, Eric delivers a powerhouse performance that has left audiences in 30 countries (and counting) mesmerized. "My forthcoming new album, 'Sandstorm' is the most fun I’ve had making a record in my career thus far," comments Eric Steckel. "The incredible vibe in the studio brought forth tons of new and spontaneous material such as the title track 'Sandstorm' which instantly became my favorite track on this album and a perfect representation of this body of work." Eric has toured worldwide sharing the billing with Steve Vai, Gregg Allman, Johnny Winter, John Mayall, Ray Charles, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, and others and was voted into Total Guitar magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time" and named one of "10 Future Blues Stars” by Guitar Player.

In the early ‘10’s the WPH Summer Special was a yearly tradition: a stamped vinyl only releases featuring lost tracks, one-off collabs, dreaded digital only gems, etc. Some summer specials were so hot we released them in the winter to battle the cold…

Guess what? It’s back! Four killer tracks on one slice of vinyl. Satoshi Fumi remixing Ian O’Donovan to devastating Detroit-styled effect, Red D taking things deep with some dreamy deep house magic, Fabrice Lig going from ‘Border 2 Border’ on vinyl with Red D & Lady Linn and then Uit De Hoogte teaming up with Lefto for an oldskool house jam that will only be available on this release.

If this doesn’t get your heat up…

Ame: Thanks for ‘Border 2 Border’

Frankey & Sandrino: Great music in here, thanks!

Ben Sims: Ian O’Donovan one…asap!

Axel Boman: The dancefloor is open indeed.

Terre Theamlitz: Thank you for ‘Sweet Synthie Pauline’.

Simon Caldwell: Lovely E.P. of reminiscence!

Satoshi Fumi: Cool pack J

Red Rack’em: Love the Satoshi Fumi remix.

Severino Panzetta: Grooovy!

Jimpster: I can imagine the Ian O’Donovan working nicely. Classy stuff!

Harri Subclub: Play and support from me.

Massimiliano Pagliara: Great tunes!

The Gates of Slumber’s debut album and EP reissued in August Svart Records continue to reissue the works of Indiana’s true doom metal legends The Gates of Slumber by bringing back their debut album The Awakening and early EP Like a Plague Upon the Land in late August 2026. The 2005 EP Like a Plague Upon the Land is a punchy release praised for its authenticity to the genre. Never before released on vinyl, this hard-hitting fan favorite is heavily rooted in 70s rock-influenced doom. Traditional, slow, and heavy in the vein of Reverend Bizarre and Saint Vitus. The Gates of Slumber was formed by Karl Simon in 1998. Various people were in and out of the group between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003 Jason McCash took over the bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely demise in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits. That was until 2019 when the renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back on stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original member Chuck Brown on drums and Steve Janiak on bass and got back to work, which resulted in the new self-titled album released in 2024 on Svart Records.

The Gates of Slumber’s debut album and EP reissued in August Svart Records continue to reissue the works of Indiana’s true doom metal legends The Gates of Slumber by bringing back their debut album The Awakening and early EP Like a Plague Upon the Land in late August 2026. The 2005 EP Like a Plague Upon the Land is a punchy release praised for its authenticity to the genre. Never before released on vinyl, this hard-hitting fan favorite is heavily rooted in 70s rock-influenced doom. Traditional, slow, and heavy in the vein of Reverend Bizarre and Saint Vitus. The Gates of Slumber was formed by Karl Simon in 1998. Various people were in and out of the group between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003 Jason McCash took over the bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely demise in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits. That was until 2019 when the renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back on stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original member Chuck Brown on drums and Steve Janiak on bass and got back to work, which resulted in the new self-titled album released in 2024 on Svart Records.

The Gates of Slumber’s debut album and EP reissued in August Svart Records continue to reissue the works of Indiana’s true doom metal legends The Gates of Slumber by bringing back their debut album The Awakening and early EP Like a Plague Upon the Land in late August 2026. Crushing debut The Awakening from 2004 is an album of raw, slow, monolithic traditional doom with a gritty sound. Featuring heavy, battleaxe-in-the-gut riffs and depressing, slow leads, The Awakening is strongly influenced by Pentagram and Candlemass, with Conan-style lyrical themes and Ozzy-like vocals. An essential, cult classic album for the fans of true doom. The Gates of Slumber was formed by Karl Simon in 1998. Various people were in and out of the group between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003 Jason McCash took over the bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely demise in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits. That was until 2019 when the renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back on stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original member Chuck Brown on drums and Steve Janiak on bass and got back to work, which resulted in the new self-titled album released in 2024 on Svart Records.

The Gates of Slumber’s debut album and EP reissued in August Svart Records continue to reissue the works of Indiana’s true doom metal legends The Gates of Slumber by bringing back their debut album The Awakening and early EP Like a Plague Upon the Land in late August 2026. Crushing debut The Awakening from 2004 is an album of raw, slow, monolithic traditional doom with a gritty sound. Featuring heavy, battleaxe-in-the-gut riffs and depressing, slow leads, The Awakening is strongly influenced by Pentagram and Candlemass, with Conan-style lyrical themes and Ozzy-like vocals. An essential, cult classic album for the fans of true doom. The Gates of Slumber was formed by Karl Simon in 1998. Various people were in and out of the group between 1998 and 2001, when the Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo was recorded with Jamie Walters aka Dr. Phibes/Athenar (Boulder, Midnight) on drums and bass. In 2003 Jason McCash took over the bass duties and was a long-time member of the band until his untimely demise in 2014, after which Simon decided it was time to call it quits. That was until 2019 when the renowned metal festival Hell Over Hammaburg wanted to bring the band back on stage to perform at the festival’s 2020 edition. Simon reformed the band with its original member Chuck Brown on drums and Steve Janiak on bass and got back to work, which resulted in the new self-titled album released in 2024 on Svart Records.

Mariá Portugal has been active in the music scenes of Brazil and Europe as a drummer, composer, singer, and music producer. After graduating in composition, she has focused her research on free improvisation and its possible intersections with popular song. This exploration resulted in her acclaimed album EROSÃO (2021) and in the formation of two groups: the EROSÃO Septet and the EROSÃO Percussion Trio, both based in Germany.

She is also a member of the group Quartabê and has toured and recorded around the world with various artists, moving between pop, free jazz, free improvisation, and Brazilian popular music. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Elza Soares, Anthony Braxton, Joe McPhee, Fred Frith, and Tomeka Reid. She is a member of Fire! Orchestra, Fire! Trio, Endless Breakfast and MONSTER.

In 2020, Portugal was the 13th Improviser in Residence at the Moers Festival. As a curator, she has participated in the Soundtrips-NRW in Duisburg and currently coordinates the concert series “TOMA CHOCOLATE!” in Berlin, besides being the guest curator for this year's unlimited Wels festival. She also composes music for dance, theater, and film, including the award-winning soundtrack for the film “1976”, which earned her the Chilean Film Academy Award in 2025. She was nominated for the 2025 and 2026 German Jazz Prize in the drums and percussion category.
Emilio Gordoa is a Mexican sound artist, percussionist, and composer whose work focuses on sound and performance as primary means of expresion. Based in Berlin since 2012, he has been an active contributor to the city’s Echtzeitmusik scene and is involved in the international avant-garde music community.

His projects include solo and ensemble performances, sound installations, and compositions for film, theater and dance. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Jérôme Noetinger, Ingrid Schomliner, Yuko Kaseki, Burkhard Beins, Don Malfon, John Butcher and Sabiene Vogel. Gordoa’s approach combines experimental percussive techniques with electronic elements, leading to invitations to perform at events such as the Moers Festival, Meakusma Festival in Belgium, A’larme!, and Maerzmusik in Berlin.

He founded WildSonico, a platform for experimental music, and has been part of artist residencies at institutions like the Akademie der Künste and Kunststiftung NRW. He also worked as the Improviser in Residence for the Moers Festival. His discography includes albums such as Substantial Myths (2022), Balderi Variations (2019), and GRIFF (2021), which reflect his ongoing engagement with music. His work has been supported by organizations such as the Goethe-Institut, Musikfonds e.V., and INM - initiative neue musik berlin, and he has received recognition, including an Honorary Mention at the Prix Ars Electronica.

Burkhard Beins was born in 1964 in Lower Saxony and has been living in Berlin since 1995. He is considered a stylistically influential percussionist as a composer/performer, due to his individually developed playing techniques. Additionally, he works with analog synthesizers and live electronics, plays electric bass, and has created various sound installations.

He collaborates as a soloist, as well as with artists such as Chris Abrahams, Keith Rowe, Sven-Åke Johansson, Axel Dörner, Andrea Neumann, and many others. He is also a member of several ensembles including Sawt Out, Activity Center, Polwechsel, The Sealed Knot, Zone Null, Perlonex, Trio Sowari, Vertigo Transport, the NoWave/Krautrock band Slurge, and the Berlin Splitter Orchestra.

Since the late 1980s, he has performed concerts and participated in international festivals for experimental and contemporary music across Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. He has released more than 70 CDs and LPs in collaboration with various artists.

Burkhard Beins has been an Artist-In-Residence at the Künstlerhäuser Worpswede (2009), EMS Stockholm (2014), Muong Studios, Hoa Binh/Vietnam (2015), the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Captiva/Florida (2017), as well as at DAR, Drsukininkai/Lithuania (2018), and the Agosto Foundation, Prague (2019).

In 2023 we began our hugely successful 80s 12” series on CD – a year-by-year journey through the greatest 12” singles from the decade, and in 2024 we presented a selection of tracks from 1980-1982 as the first volume in our collectible vinyl boxset series, followed by Volume Two celebrating 1983-1984 in 2025.

This year, Now Music is proud to announce the third instalment in this essential collection, NOW Presents…12" 80s: Volume Three: 1985-1986, as a stunning 5-LP boxset. A limited edition and numbered set with each of the 5-LPs pressed on a different colour vinyl – red, yellow, blue, hot pink and lime green – to be released on July 17th, 2026, and for many of these tracks this marks the first time back on vinyl since their original 12” release!

Opening with one of the decade’s most powerful rock anthems, Queen’s ‘One Vision’ appears in its Extended Version, ahead of Eurythmics’ euphoric ‘There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)’ in the Special Dance Mix and Dead Or Alive’s irresistible ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’. Side A closes with Frankie Goes To Hollywood and the epic ‘Welcome To The Pleasuredome (An Alternative To Reality)’. Flip the LP over for more iconic 12” versions from 1985, beginning with Tears For Fears and the UK Extended Version of ‘Shout’, alongside Go West’s ‘We Close Our Eyes (The Total Overhang Mix)’, the massive soundtrack hit ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ from Simple Minds and Arcadia’s sophisticated ‘Election Day (Consensus Mix)’.

LP2 opens with four defining tracks that perfectly capture the electronic and cinematic sound of the mid-80s. Paul Hardcastle’s groundbreaking hit ‘19 (The Destruction Mix)’ leads into two instrumental classics: Harold Faltermeyer’s ‘Axel F’ and Jan Hammer’s ‘Miami Vice Theme’, both featured in their Extended Versions, before Propaganda’s peerless ‘Duel (Bitter-Sweet)’ closes the side. Side B showcases some of the era’s biggest dancefloor favourites, from Mel & Kim’s ‘Showing Out (Get Fresh At The Weekend)’ and Gwen Guthrie’s enduring club anthem ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent’, to Aretha Franklin’s ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who?’ in its Dance Mix and the soul-pop brilliance of Loose Ends’ ‘Hangin’ On A String (Extended Dance Mix)’.

LP3 brings together some of the decade’s most beloved pop and rock crossover hits. Side A opens with the powerhouse pairing of Philip Bailey and Phil Collins on ‘Easy Lover (Extended Dance Remix)’, followed by Bonnie Tyler’s dramatic ‘Holding Out For A Hero (Club Mix)’ and Pat Benatar’s classic ‘Love Is A Battlefield (Extended Version)’. Stephen Duffy’s infectious ‘Kiss Me (Mixe Plural)’ precedes The Human League’s U.S. #1 ‘Human (Extended Version)’. Over on Side B, Duran Duran lead with the ‘Extended Mix’ of ‘Notorious’ before a run of timeless dance-pop including Sly Fox’s ‘Let’s Go All The Way’, Jellybean’s ‘Sidewalk Talk’ and Maria Vidal’s ‘Body Rock’, culminating with Ashford & Simpson’s club classic ear-worm ‘Solid (Special Club Mix)’.

LP4 opens with huge examples of sophisticated synth-pop and dance-floor innovation from 1986. Pet Shop Boys’ era-defining ‘West End Girls (Dance Mix)’ is joined by New Order’s influential ‘Bizarre Love Triangle (Extended Dance Mix)’. Up next, Red Box’s pure-pop of ‘For America (Bazooka Mix)’ and Nick Kamen’s breakthrough hit ‘Each Time You Break My Heart (Extended Version)’. The reverse side celebrates some of the biggest floor-fillers of 1986 – all in their 12” Versions, beginning with The Communards with Sarah Jane Morris and their unforgettable #1 version of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, alongside Bronski Beat’s ‘Hit That Perfect Beat’, Bananarama’s global smash ‘Venus’ and Five Star’s ‘Can’t Wait Another Minute’ in its ‘M&M New York Remix’ form.

The final LP opens with a side packed with some of the most enduring dance-pop and of the era. Whitney Houston’s ‘How Will I Know (Dance Remix)’ is followed by Steve Winwood’s uplifting ‘Remix’ of his massive hit ‘Higher Love’, the celebrated ‘Shep Pettibone Remix’ of Level 42’s ‘Lessons In Love’ and Bryan Ferry’s elegant and atmospheric ‘Slave To Love (12" Remix)’, whilst over on the final side some of the years’ most distinctive and innovative sounds are showcased: Big Audio Dynamite’s genre-blending ‘E=MC2 (12 Inch Remix)’ and Furniture’s cult classic ‘Brilliant Mind (12" Mix)’ feature alongside Talk Talk’s majestic ‘Extended Mix’ of ‘Life’s What You Make It’, and to close this superb collection, the full ‘Extended Version’ of Spandau Ballet’s powerful ‘Through The Barricades’ provides a fitting finale, bringing together 42 essential 12” versions from 1985 and 1986 across five superb LPs.

The Steel Woods - The Lexington Tapes (Live) This was never meant to be a record. This is exactly how the band sounded in 2017. We found the recording digging through old files and brought it back to life. Recorded live in Lexington, KY, The Lexington Tapes captures The Steel Woods raw, loud and locked in. Jason “Rowdy” Cope is at the center of it. This is the band at full force.

The highly original free jazz / avant garde trio Sulida, featuring three of Norway's most visionary musicians in Marthe Lea, Dag Erik Knedal Andersen and Jon Rune Strøm, played an amazing show together with the legendary trumpeter Axel Dörner at Kongsberg Jazz Festival in 2025. Luckily the show got recorded, and have now been processed into full proper album being released on Sauajazz August 21!

‘THE GREATEST ROCKSTEADY ALBUM OF THE MILLENNIUM’ NARC - MAY 2022
4/5 REVIEW IN MOJO: “ONE OF THE MOST THRILLING ROCKSTEADY ALBUMS TO HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE THE GENRE EMERGED IN THE LATE 60's”

8/10 REVIEW IN UNCUT + TRACK ON COVERMOUNT: “A STUDIO-ONE INDEBTED, VINTAGE-SOUNDING STUNNER.”

The Frightnrs escort Daptone into the world of long-playing reggae with both the sweetest and the roughest record of the decade. This record will long be treasured by lovers of reggae, lovers of soul and lovers of love...

Crafted under the meticulous eye of black-belt reggae mastermind/producer Victor Axelrod (AKA Ticklah), Nothing More to Say is a rocksteady masterpiece the likes of which has not reared it’s head since the golden era of Studio One. However, you’ll find no imitation here - none of the faux-jamaican cliches of lesser reggae bands. Like all things Daptone, this record is above all soulful and honest.

With the exception of two soul covers (both from the Daptone catalog: Bob & Gene’s "Gotta Find a Way” and Saun and Starr’s “Gonna Make Time”,) the record is populated by original compositions of the highest order.

They are simply great songs, and though their treatment here is masterful, each one of them has the melodic and lyrical substance to hold it’s own in any genre. “Till Then” invokes the coquettish hyper-rhymes of top-form Smokey Robinson, while “Hey Brother” sounds like it fell off the desk of Gamble and Huff, and “Purple” defies any comparison at all.

From the first cracking snares of “All My Tears” through the final pulsing echoes of “Dispute,” the murderous rhythms of Rich Terrana (drums,) and brothers Preet and Chuck Patel (bass and piano, respectively) can be heard chunking mercilessly towards oblivion as Dan Klein pours his endearing poetry over the top like some
otherworldy falsetto potion.

The collaboration we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Thee Sacred Souls asked him to... and Victor Axelrod delivers with two massive platters sure to usher summer in with a swing.

Thoughtfully plucked from their sophomore album, Got a Story to Tell, the politically -charged ‘One and the Same’ gets a soulful reggae reboot from Axelrod and session team The Inversions.

Josh Lane’s emotional delivery and impressive vocal range meld with the raw, heavy rhythms as if preordained—transforming the beloved tracks into something exciting and fresh whilst leaving its DNA intact.

A testament to what a skilled producer can do with rock- solid compositions. Comes complete with respective HEAVY B SIDE DUB VERSIONS. Get into it!

Sir Richard Bishop returns for a new sponítaneous six-string meshing of people"s music, recollections and psychic intentions. Are y"all ready for some Hillbilly Erotica? Migration from last album"s Ragas to this new Erotica is another chapter in Bishop"s progress, drifting via songs into the further frontiers of his pappy"s hometown sounds, trancing over and out in their hand-me-down clothes. As with the ragas, the "rotica"s hung round the neck of John Fahey"s infamous dubbing of certain tradiítional American folk sounds as "American Primitive." A perfectly good thought, but Sir Richard picks his own axe and chose a separate path. Rushing through gutters & picking pickled brains in the saucy head waters of the down-low & literal American primitive, his hillbilly music is a mash of brined cultural inheritance, mini-ragas and moonshine-drunk savagery breaking out on the frets. As a conception for Sir Rick"s acoustic guitar music, it"s a dynamite means and frame, centering his improvisations in a place overflown with pagan desire and unbound in deliverance. Here he flies up and down the neck, his manner less pristine, yet more exquisite, a flailing, flowing-on-the-river medley through stubborn whitewater turbulence, post-grass and folk"s classical gas. Anybody who takes a snort of this here Hillbilly Erotica will find a frankly spellbinding richness of intent and execution in their ear-mouths. And may thereafter find brain and blightness. It"s fine!

Sir Richard Bishop returns for a new sponítaneous six-string meshing of people"s music, recollections and psychic intentions. Are y"all ready for some Hillbilly Erotica? Migration from last album"s Ragas to this new Erotica is another chapter in Bishop"s progress, drifting via songs into the further frontiers of his pappy"s hometown sounds, trancing over and out in their hand-me-down clothes. As with the ragas, the "rotica"s hung round the neck of John Fahey"s infamous dubbing of certain tradiítional American folk sounds as "American Primitive." A perfectly good thought, but Sir Richard picks his own axe and chose a separate path. Rushing through gutters & picking pickled brains in the saucy head waters of the down-low & literal American primitive, his hillbilly music is a mash of brined cultural inheritance, mini-ragas and moonshine-drunk savagery breaking out on the frets. As a conception for Sir Rick"s acoustic guitar music, it"s a dynamite means and frame, centering his improvisations in a place overflown with pagan desire and unbound in deliverance. Here he flies up and down the neck, his manner less pristine, yet more exquisite, a flailing, flowing-on-the-river medley through stubborn whitewater turbulence, post-grass and folk"s classical gas. Anybody who takes a snort of this here Hillbilly Erotica will find a frankly spellbinding richness of intent and execution in their ear-mouths. And may thereafter find brain and blightness. It"s fine!

Repress of the 13th chapter of this highly acclaimed compilation series, originally released in 2017.

As usual FSOJ is compiled by Compost head honcho Michael Reinboth with a solid sense of leftfield tracks, punchy floorfillers, ghostly, cinematic, balearic, frazzled, bitter-sweet or mind-shaking hybrid tunes.
Several magazines voted FSOJ as the one of the best compilation series of all time. With this series starting 1995 the term Future Jazz became a genre landmark.

FSOJ 13 including some exclusives, sought-after tracks and previously unreleased tracks. Some highlights are: First of all the Van Hai track in a Ripperton remix is a perfect opener into a tranquil music venture. A sheer bliss tune. Montezumas Rache „Wu Du Wu“, which was only released on vinyl before - still difficult to find the original 12“ - is a freaky outstanding funk hybrid. Karim Sahraoui – with a punchy Detroit-ish track, picked up from Derrick May’s Transmat label - is currently in the works with a follow up 12“ later in 2017 on Compost. Acid Pauli delivers a brand new dubby balearic remix, which he recently did for Matanza, a live band from Chile. Peter Kruder came up with something special exclusive, a warm breath in the open air tune, which drives listeners into a chilled wormhole. Beside new names, bigger names like Axel Boman, Tony Allen with a Ricardo Villalobos & Max Loderbauer remix, you’ll find more lefties tracks from respected labels like Studio Barnhus, Innervisions, Lovemonk, Transmat, Mule, Tru Thoughts, Rebirth, Ninja Tune and m.o. next to other exclusive deliveries by Manuel Tur, Marsmobil, coupled up with semi exclusives: the first time on vinyl or digital.

Two supreme House Grooves from the world renowned “Maestro” of the dancefloor in the continuing build-up to the Louie Vega “Expansions In The NYC” album release. With “Another Day In My Life” Louie Vega incorporates elements of the classic jam “Never Had A Love So Good” by Charles Johnson (fully cleared and licensed from the legendary Henry Stone Music Company), and creates a driving and infectious soul-infused club anthem that ruled the DJ download platforms prior to its vinyl release. On the AA side, Louie works with his long time collaborator Axel Tosca as well as legendary Chicago DJ / Vocalist Mike Dunn to create his own very soulful and New York flavored interpretation of the renowned 1999 Deep Burnt song by Pepe Bradock, done of course with Pepe Bradocks blessings and appreciation.

The young French doctor and producer Disciple Of The Sun makes his debut EP, with a refreshing take on classic progressive house. Powerfull and uplifting vibes that have been long tested by the crew.

Berlin, späte 1960er Jahre: Eine geteilte Stadt wird zum Epizentrum einer musikalischen Revolution. Inmitten der Spannungen des Kalten Krieges trat eine Gruppe junger Klangforscher auf den Plan, um die Grenzen der Rockmusik neu zu definieren. Agitation Free, 1967 gegründet, war nie nur eine Band, sondern ein Labor für "Bewegung, Unruhe und Veränderung" - so die Definition des Wortes "Agitation", die ihr Mentor Folke Hanfeld in einem Lexikon gefunden hatte. Von Anfang an fungierte Agitation Free als Knotenpunkt der aufkeimenden "Berliner Schule" der elektronischen Musik. Ihre frühen Proben im Electronic Beat Studio unter der Leitung von Thomas Kessler wurden zum Anziehungspunkt für andere Legenden wie Tangerine Dream und Ash Ra Tempel. Gleichzeitig dienten sie als Sprungbrett für Ausnahmetalente wie Christopher "Chris" Franke (Tangerine Dream) oder den Gitarristen Axel "Ax" Genrich (Guru Guru). Während die Studioalben "Malesch" (1972) und "2nd" (1973) von Agitation Free Meilensteine des Genres sind, war die Bühne der Ort, an dem das "Free" in ihrem Namen wirklich zum Leben erwachte. Ihre Konzerte waren avantgardistische Erlebnisse, die Flüssiglicht-Shows und Experimentalfilme mit hypnotischen, langgezogenen instrumentalen Improvisationen verbanden. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist ihr neues Live-Dokument "Live in Berlin" vom 1. Dezember 2025 aus dem Berliner Kesselhaus, auf dem das aktuelle Line-up zu hören ist: die Gründungsmitglieder Lutz "Lüül" Graf-Ulbrich und Burghard Rausch sowie Michael Hoenig, der sich zwar vom Live-Betrieb zurückgezogen hat, aber "Spiritus Rector" der Band bleibt, zusammen mit Daniel Cordes, Axel Heilhecker und Tim Sund. Wie Michael Hoenig einmal feststellte, ist die Musik von Agitation Free eine "Zeitmaschine, die Vergangenheit und Zukunft verbindet". Die Magie lebt weiter.

Lockhart is a new melodic rock/AOR band from Canada, fusing synthesizer-fueled eighties arena rock with classic hard rock. The trio consists of Devon Kerr (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Jason Junop (bass) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums). Jason is best known for his work in Cauldron and Goat Horn. Devon’s main band is Axxion, and Fabio plays or has played in Bonfire, Enforcer, Annihilator, Hardline and many others. Lockhart issued their debut EP »No Chance« in 2022, followed by the single “City Pulse” in 2025. The band has signed with High Roller Records, and their first full-length album »City Pulse« is now ready to be unleashed to the public. It's hard to describe the specific sound of Lockhart in all its details but on »City Pulse« you will certainly hear a lot of Journey, Boston, Toto, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and maybe even some Starcastle. “The influences are endless,” comments the vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player Devon Kerr, “and they go deep. I appreciate the comparisons. These bands are monumental. Lockhart has a sound of its own though. Bands that existed during the times you mentioned definitely provide influence! However, if you look past the surface (overdriven guitars and old synthesizers), you’ll hear influences from 50s doo wop, legends like Brian Wilson, and straight up choral music, too.” Compositions such as “The Dose That Made You Poison”, “Under Fire”, “Before The Fall’” or “Together As One” are very well constructed and flawlessly performed. “For me, songwriting is a deliberate process,” explains Kerr. “I set out a time and carve out the songs. Lyrics are written last. Once the song is ready, it undergoes hours of polishing to mold the perfect choir parts, guitar leads, and so on. Everything is very deliberate and carefully selected. Nothing was written by accident.” You can clearly hear that on »City Pulse«. With their melodic, at times even poppy approach Lockhart may stand out a bit on High Roller Records. Devon Kerr: “Our music has so many elements that traditional metal fans value, but with something very different, too. Something that might be new for some of the High Roller Records fanbase. I mean for those unsure, we’ve got Nick from Municipal Waste shredding guitar leads on ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, and Ian from Cauldron on ‘Can’t Shake It’ …”

Tywi steps forward on People & Places with Suspended Memories. Pulling together years of studio exploration, the four-track EP offers the most complete reflection of the Welsh producer’s sound to date.

Drawing on dub soundscapes and a spectrum of progressive influences, each track tells a different story. The title track, Suspended Memories, brings together murky atmospherics and an infectious bassline, drawing the listener deeper with an understated sense of tension. Off Axis leans into a more driving energy, offsetting the EP’s introspective core, while Night Seeker settles into a subtler groove, capturing those early dancefloor moments as tension begins to build. Closing track Onko adds weight and resolution, its name nodding to the Japanese concept of learning from the past – an idea that runs through the release as a whole.

Not just a musical project, but an outlet for him to push the envelope of extreme music, challenging the listener to leave behind preconceptions of genre limitations and to approach the music with an open mind. In his exploration of the musical outer limits, he is joined by fellow seasoned pros Steve Tucker (Morbid Angel) on vocals, Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy) on drums and Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Malmsteen, Kiss) on keys. An allstar line up that grabs the attention of any metal/ progressive music enthusiast. The project began whilst Sonny was on tour with Morbid Angel. Sonny explained the concept of the band to Steve Tucker, who was intrigued and fully committed to getting involved. Sonny wasted no time and began handwriting transcripts for what would become the earliest Arise From Worms material, whilst on tour.