quête:black man

Occasionally, you find music outside the commercial mainstream, outside of everything – the music of visionaries, eccentrics, inventors, loners, the keepers of secrets, the path-finders. Moondog, Daphne Oram, Harry Partch are from this mould. And so too is Lori Vambe.

New on Strut, the first ever reissue of Vambe’s privately pressed original albums from 1982, Drumland Dreamland and Drumgita Solo. A self-taught drummer, inventor, and sonic experimentalist, Lori Vambe is a unique figure in British music. Creator of his own instrument, the drumgita (pronounced ‘drum-guitar’) or string-drum, Vambe intended to create a kind of music that had never been made in order to pursue access to the fourth dimension.

Vambe was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and his father, Lawrence Vambe, was a noted Zimbabwean journalist and author. Moving to London in 1959, Vambe immersed himself in the Brixton squat movement of the early 1970s, teaching himself to drum and creating a short-lived performance group, The Healing Drums of Brixton (Vambe, the sculptor Alexander Sokolov and outsider musician Michael O’Shea). Vambe later had a dream-vision involving a feeling of ecstasy while playing an unknown instrument that extended from his own umbilical cord; the instrument would manifest itself as the drumgita. In 1982, he privately produced a pair of home recordings, the diptych set Drumgita Solo and Drumland Dreamland, releasing them on his own label Drumony. On these records, he rejected any commercial aesthetic and employed tape effects, temporal shifts, reversed sound and overdubbing to investigate space-time and access the fourth dimension. Combining layered drums with the rhythmic throb of the drumgita and, on Drumland Dreamland, an improvised piano performance by Brazilian concert pianist Rafael Dos Santos, the albums are both hypnotic and perturbing.



Both albums were cut at Portland Studios by Chas Chandler and stand as a concealed monument of Black British experimental music. 500 copies of each record were originally pressed, and both were released together. The albums were never performed live.



For this first ever reissue of Drumland Drumland and Drumgita Solo, Strut presents the two albums in their original artwork, housed in a deluxe slipcase including an additional 8-page 12”-sized booklet featuring unseen photos, liner notes and an interview with Lori Vambe by The Wire magazine writer Francis Gooding. Both albums are fully remastered by The Carvery.

It almost seems churlish to regard Celtic Frost as one of the great extreme metal bands, because they were so much more than that. It’s better to hail them as among the finest extreme and experimental bands of the 1980s. Refusing ever to do what was expected or demanded, the band constantly changed musical direction, always brought in surprising influences, and kept people guessing as to where they might venture next. Their catalogue of albums is formidable and unmatched. Each is not only unique, but part of an entire tapestry that only now can be appreciated for being a remarkable part of music history. Despite, or maybe because of, constant turmoil on so many fronts, Celtic Frost achieved an artistic level few others would even have dared to dream of aspiring towards. They climbed high because they were never afraid to fall. Which is why the band are now rightly regarded as icons, and iconoclasts.

Emperor's Return is the second release by the Swiss extreme metal band Celtic Frost. It was released in 1985 as an extended play and was their first record featuring American drummer Reid Cruickshank (a.k.a. "Reed St. Mark"). The band's bleak publicity photographs from this period had an influence on the fashion and style of the developing black metal genre. This EP has been out of print and available on its own since 1985.

Dan Auerbach’s debut solo album, Keep It Hid, returns to physical formats, with the seminal 2009 collection being reissued on vinyl and CD via Easy Eye Sound - the label that Keep It Hid first inspired him to create. The fourteen-song debut marked Auerbach’s first major work outside of The Black Keys, helping to establish his multifaceted career as a Grammy®-winning producer, mentor to emerging talent and founder of Easy Eye Sound, which is now Billboard’s reigning Blues Label Of The Year. Keep It Hid was originally recorded by Auerbach as he was building his first home studio in Akron, Ohio - a precursor to his Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville, where Auerbach now records and produces most of the label’s current releases. Inspired by trips to many of his all-time favorite rooms - from Suma Recording in Cleveland to Robin Hood in Texas to Toe Rag in London - Auerbach discovered a passion for studio work that remains at the center of his musical world nearly fifteen years on. Also tapping into his love of record-collecting and crate-digging more than ever before, Keep It Hid was inspired by forgotten 60s psych rock, obscure British power-pop, bluegrass family bands and even the lyricism of his own father, Chuck Auerbach (Dan would go onto produce Chuck’s debut album, Remember Me, in 2018). The album was hailed as “intimate and thrilling” by NPR’s Fresh Air upon its original release, with reviewer Ken Tucker adding it “sounds like a clearing of the throat and mind.”

Repress!

You are about to embark on a new intergalactic journey into black space, fuelled by funk, powered by computers. Soul Jazz Records" new second collection of twisted hyperspace electro/funk "Space Funk 2: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976-84", continues its intergalactic journey. Featuring rare and off-the-wall space funk and electro rarities and obscurities, all released on small independent USA record labels in the late 1970s and 1980s. Artists on this release include Alien Starr, Bobby Demo, Maggatron, Mid-City Crew, Tribe, Junie, Rich Cason and the Galactic Orchestra and many more intergalactic space warriors! This is space age bionic funk, programmed to make you dance!!!

It almost seems churlish to regard Celtic Frost as one of the great extreme metal bands, because they were so much more than that. It’s better to hail them as among the finest extreme and experimental bands of the 1980s. Refusing ever to do what was expected or demanded, the band constantly changed musical direction, always brought in surprising influences, and kept people guessing as to where they might venture next. Their catalogue of albums is formidable and unmatched. Each is not only unique, but part of an entire tapestry that only now can be appreciated for being a remarkable part of music history. Despite, or maybe because of, constant turmoil on so many fronts, Celtic Frost achieved an artistic level few others would even have dared to dream of aspiring towards. They climbed high because they were never afraid to fall. Which is why the band are now rightly regarded as icons, and iconoclasts.

Emperor's Return is the second release by the Swiss extreme metal band Celtic Frost. It was released in 1985 as an extended play and was their first record featuring American drummer Reid Cruickshank (a.k.a. "Reed St. Mark"). The band's bleak publicity photographs from this period had an influence on the fashion and style of the developing black metal genre. This EP has been out of print and available on its own since 1985.

Oráculo Records long time partner in crime Carlos Grabstein rules Berlin based MISERIA records. Started as a DIY cassette and digital label back in 2021, the imprint is clearly focused and specialized in ultra-rare synth based darkwave compilations. Now in 2023 MISERIA joins forces with Oráculo Records to present a selection of his best releases to date in vinyl format for the very first time, presented in DOUBLE GATEFOLD format in a ONE-OFF truly limited edition of 300 copies lacquered pressed on 180 gr. high quality solid BLACK vinyl. All tracks have been specially mastered for vinyl by Daniel Hallhuber at Young and Cold Studios (Germany).

”Guess Who’s Back” - Hip-Hop is! Das beliebte Genre ist aus der Musiklandschaft nicht mehr wegzudenken und feiert dieses Jahr sein 50-jähriges Jubiläum! Zu diesem Anlass erscheint das brandneue Album „HipHop At Fifty (50 Jahre Hip-Hop)“ mit vielen Hits aus den Anfangsjahren des Genres sowie zahlreichen deutschen und internationalen Chartstürmern. Eins ist sicher – dieses Album kommt ”Straight Outta Compton”!
Mit Oldschool-Pionier*innen wie Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, LL COOL J, 50 Cent, DMX, Lil’ Kim, Fugees als auch mit deutschen Rap-Größen wie Die Fantastischen Vier, Luciano, Sido, Apache 207, Seeed oder Deichkind hat das Album einiges zu bieten.

Ob die groovigen Sounds von ”Super Freaky Girl”, die explosive Rap Power von ”Bamba”, der weltweite Club-Klassiker ”In Da Club” oder der funky Vibe mit harschen Lyrics des Klassikers von ”The Real Slim Shady” – diese Mischung sorgt für die volle Ladung Hip-Hop!

Erhältlich als 4LP, 3CD, eAlbum und im Streaming ab dem 29. September 2023!

Infekto aka Rico Tubbs aka Riku Pentti is a Finnish producer, from the city of Tampere. A long time figurehead of the Finnish dance scene, he first started releasing music under Infekto on Aquasky’s Passenger label in 2002, later launching his Rico Tubbs pseudonym on Jay Cunning’s Menu Music. And prior to all of that, he was part of the Mombfunk MC’s… you remember… Freestyler!

Here he goes back to his original musical love, hardcore rave. Four total destroyers that brings the warehouse feel… uplifting melodies with heavy bass and beats.

Teaming up with The Ragga Twins on one of the tracks and bringing in the heavy remix pressure from the one and only Marc Mac from Reinforced aka Manix and one half of 4-Hero. On top of that Nervous & Anxious also delivery a kickout punch with their remix, keeping things on that Finnish tip!

Pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl and presented in a Amen Brother housebag with a black inner sleeve.

Vinyl was made in two versions - black and limited to 100 copies black&white vinyl. Both 180g.

The debut album from our specialist in bass sounds from Wrocław - TVB. AAfter many bootlegs and two acclaimed EPs (including official Sam Binga remix), the time has come for the official cross-genres long play, where, apart from solo tracks, there are many vocal guests - Mila, Bryndal, Cheeba, Krzaquu, Marceli Bober and JupiJej. An amazing mix of experienced MCs with a new generation of artists.

"The Very Bass" LP is a fresh club sound inspired by the British wave of bass music, which resulted in a mix of 2step, UK garage, dubstep and drum'n'bass.

Vinyl was made in two versions - black and limited to 100 copies black&white vinyl. Both 180g.

The debut album from our specialist in bass sounds from Wrocław - TVB. AAfter many bootlegs and two acclaimed EPs (including official Sam Binga remix), the time has come for the official cross-genres long play, where, apart from solo tracks, there are many vocal guests - Mila, Bryndal, Cheeba, Krzaquu, Marceli Bober and JupiJej. An amazing mix of experienced MCs with a new generation of artists.

"The Very Bass" LP is a fresh club sound inspired by the British wave of bass music, which resulted in a mix of 2step, UK garage, dubstep and drum'n'bass.

A defining album of the 90s, Last Splash by The Breeders turns 30 this year. To celebrate, the band have returned to the original tapes to give it its first-ever remaster, and by doing so have also unearthed two lost tracks that will delight fans. Recorded by the "classic" Breeders line-up of Kim Deal, Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim Macpherson and featuring singles "Cannonball" and "Divine Hammer", Last Splash was "an alt-rock classic" (Pitchfork"s Top 100 Records of 1990s) on release; a fast seller too, quickly attaining Platinum status in the US. Despite having had the boxset treatment on its 20th birthday, the album was still left to be remastered so 10 years on, the original y" tapes were taken out of the archives and have been lovingly worked on by Kim Deal, Benjamin Mumphrey and Miles Showell (Abbey Road). Never sounding so good, the album for its 30th anniversary, it"s getting the ultimate vinyl pressing. Entitled Last Splash (the 30th Anniversary Original Analog Edition), this new version has been cut at half speed at Abbey Road by Miles Showell, now spanning two LPs and running at 45rpm. A Japanese cd edition will also be available. This edition contains an exclusive, one-sided etched 12" which features two previously unreleased tracks - "Go Man Go" and "Divine Mascis" ("Go Man Go" is a track that Kim co-wrote with Black Francis while "Divine Mascis" is a different version of "Divine Hammer" with Dinosaur Jr."s J Mascis on lead vocals). Both tracks originate from the original sessions and were left forgotten until the sessions were exhumed to create this new master. The attention to detail continues to the album"s art, which equally celebrates Vaughan Oliver"s iconic sleeve. With Vaughan sadly no longer with us, his long-time design partner Chris Bigg has gloriously reimagined the album"s sleeve for this new version.

Topaz Jones is a rapper, producer, and filmmaker from Montclair, NJ. Rooted in an independent ethic, Jones’ oeuvre moves to document and preserve the intimacy and intricacies of Black life. His music builds from a deep investment in community, concerning itself with all measures of time at once; his vantage effortlessly weaves through the (sur)real with generous detail and the sensitivity of one who’s lived many times before. It’s hip-hop for now, as informed by the depths of tradition - funk, soul, jazz - and a grand imagination for what’s to come. To experience Topaz Jones is to be greeted with unseen flavors of a collective familiar performer both decorated and versatile, Topaz Jones is a trailblazer across medium and genre. He shapeshifts with ease, rendering no stage or space unfit for his presence. He’s shared stages with Future, David Bryne, The Roots, and Moses Sumney, and been featured at Bonnaroo, Wireless Festival, and Rolling Loud. Jones’ music has amassed over 50 million streams, earning features in the likes of Vogue, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Pitchfork, The FADER, and Okayplayer. In 2021, Jones released his critically- acclaimed second album Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma. The album’s accompanying short film, a collaboration with directorial duo rubberband., received a Short Film Jury Award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, and was acquired by The New York Times Op-Docs

Nur 1 Jahr nach ihrem erfolgreichen Album „Kreatura“ und einer ausverkauften ersten Headliner-Tour durch ganz Deutschland, sind MANNTRA mit ihrem neuen Album„War of the Heathens“ zurück!

Das epische neue Meisterwerk erscheint am 22.09.2023. Voller Energie, mit niederschmetternden Riffs und gewaltigen Melodien, die nicht aus dem Kopf gehen, sind MANNTRA zurück mit dem, was sie am besten können: einer einzigartigen Mischung aus Metal, Industrial und Folk.

Die vier kroatischen Musiker, die vom dämonischen Barren King unterstützt werden, vereinen die Energie und die Atmosphäre des Meeres der Adria und der Berge ihrer Heimat auf ihrem neuen Album. Lasst Euch entführen in die Welt der alten Legenden und Schlachten, die ganz Europa geprägt haben.

**AVAILABLE ON BLACK VINYL AND COKE CLEAR INDIE EXCLUSIVE**Detroit has a long tradition of being the farm team for the Big Apple jazz big leagues, but just as important is the acknowledgement of local legends who left their mark on the city by staying put and releasing amazing music right in Detroit. Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet is one such group that could have and definitely should have had a wider audience in their day, but their recorded legacy continues to grow in estimation. Truly a comprehensive group with no weak links, the compositions and playing on this record show the incredible talent and innovation that was brewing in Detroit before, during and after Motown locked its doors in the Motor City. Of note is group member Charles Moore, an important figure in the jazz and arts scene in Detroit and founding member of an underground art and music co-operative called the Detroit Artist Workshop. A talented musician and composer in his own right, Moore and group leader Cox composed all the material on Multidirection. Cox described it as “more of an orchestral-type effort than just a combo per se.” in the original release liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Both were integral in the future DIY jazz universe by co-founding the highly influential Strata Records. But before embarking on that journey, his group recorded two timeless classics for Blue Note Records. Like many of the greatest musical albums, this work shines brightest as a whole with new dimensions to discover with each listen. This new and exciting re-issue is certain to provide the listening experience with the best possible platform.

**AVAILABLE ON BLACK VINYL AND COKE CLEAR INDIE EXCLUSIVE**Detroit has a long tradition of being the farm team for the Big Apple jazz big leagues, but just as important is the acknowledgement of local legends who left their mark on the city by staying put and releasing amazing music right in Detroit. Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet is one such group that could have and definitely should have had a wider audience in their day, but their recorded legacy continues to grow in estimation. Truly a comprehensive group with no weak links, the compositions and playing on this record show the incredible talent and innovation that was brewing in Detroit before, during and after Motown locked its doors in the Motor City. Of note is group member Charles Moore, an important figure in the jazz and arts scene in Detroit and founding member of an underground art and music co-operative called the Detroit Artist Workshop. A talented musician and composer in his own right, Moore and group leader Cox composed all the material on Multidirection. Cox described it as “more of an orchestral-type effort than just a combo per se.” in the original release liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Both were integral in the future DIY jazz universe by co-founding the highly influential Strata Records. But before embarking on that journey, his group recorded two timeless classics for Blue Note Records. Like many of the greatest musical albums, this work shines brightest as a whole with new dimensions to discover with each listen. This new and exciting re-issue is certain to provide the listening experience with the best possible platform.

**AVAILABLE ON BLACK VINYL AND INDIE EXCLUSIVE OPAQUE PINK** Elvin Jones, one of the true great drummers in jazz, recorded this album in 1971 after having led his own band for several years following his immortal work with the John Coltrane Quartet. This unique recording has a spacious feel with plenty of room for the players to work out the melodic compositions created by the members of the group. At times the recording creates an almost cinematic space, yet always propelling forward into unexpected territory. No pandering to contemporary tastes at this date or following the trends of the time, this is simply a great example of mature musicians given the freedom to create their own vision and place in time. Saxophonists Frank Foster and Dave Liebman instruments intertwine in a spellbinding way with opportunities to showcase Jones’ incredible virtuosity as a drummer. An album that reveals itself to the listener slowly with new delights every time it’s removed from the jacket.

Committed to tradition, yet set on innovation, Super Duty Tough Work is a constantly evolving, art-rap ensemble with their intentions set on shaking up the industry and providing offerings that elevate joy, while standing in opposition to the homicidal capitalist ideals of the ruling class and their aspiring accomplices.

Rooted in the tradition of Black American resistance arts, Super Duty Tough Work is known for their scathing wit and thorough analysis, pushing their radical politic of revolution, party, and bullshit - both on record and on stage.

Inspired by the dirty jazz sample sound of 90s east coast hip hop, Super Duty Tough Work are the live incarnation of hip hop culture's quintessential era, appearing as a band but manifesting a sound that's more akin to something straight out of an MPC or SP-404 sampler.

Revered for their methodically curated sets, Super Duty Tough Work mixes laidback rap action and razor- sharp delivery with hypnotic loops and effortless transitions, keeping audiences on their feet and transfixed in anticipation for what's coming next.

Simply put: internationalism is the theme, liberation through hedonism is the dream, and satisfaction is guaranteed from the team whose specialty is taking audiences on a journey through a culture where loops are slayed and jewels are the tools of the trade.

Super Duty Tough Work. Paradigm Shift. Worldwide 9/8 via Next Door Records.

Yo! Bum Rush The Show was the debut album from Public Enemy, originally released in April 1987 on Def Jam Recordings. The album debuted the sample-heavy sound by production team The Bomb Squad and was very much a Rick Rubin-directed production. Each track is comprised of kicking heavy guitars toward the front, honing the loops, rhythms, and samples into a roar with as much in common with rock as rap.

We are delighted to finish off the last full EP on the Telomere series with a new Artist you may or may not be familiar with.

Aspetuck, a US based DJ and producer. has his vinyl debut with a well rounded and stacked four tracker.

This EP blends the many genres of electronic music while leaning towards the deeper and melancholic sounds of electronica. Tart Jam, is a real Jam that will get the dance floor movin’, groovin’ and smilin’!
Very limited black copies as always with a few colored copies available via the Wex bandcamp, be quick!