Siavash Amini is a composer from Tehran, Iran. He Has worked with labels like Room40, Hallow Ground, Opal Tapes and Umor Rex for the better half of the past ten years. He has performed at festivals like CTM & MUTEK and many other well known international events. Apart from it Siavash is a co-founder of the “SET experimental art events” and “SETfest” in Tehran, Iran. His work ranges from fragile ambient pieces and brittle IDM (incorporating his distinctive style of atmospheric guitar playing) to noisy drones and bleak modern classical pieces. His compositions have been inspired by films such as Andrei Tarkovsky's The Mirror as well as novels by Dostoyesvky and poems by T.S. Eliot.
Saffronkeira is the Sardinian sound researcher Eugenio Caria being active in the electronic music scene since almost two decades. His most recent work - a cooperation with the Italian jazz trumpet legend Paolo Fresu - earned a lot of praise from the international music press for the pure timelessness of the album.
"Upon hearing a small snippet of sound an image is conjured, not a memory but not unfamiliar. A shell of a memory, thousand events superimposed on each other. While trying to extract points of a narrative to ease the discomfort of this recollection, I try to separate and unfold the image and with it the points of the spectrum which make up the sound, a shell of a narrative. Here is an album based upon an almost entirely imagined/ synthesized happening upon hearing a snippet of sound. It sounded like of a whole story that never happened but yet I felt myself amongst it’s participants, a sound triggering a false memory. Each sound in Eugenio’s collection of sounds and ideas guided me a to a point in the narrative and it’s construction. He had handed me a portals of some kind to a few scenes of the whole narrative. This is the soundtrack for that false memory from all the perspectives I can think of."
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Yamila presents her second album on Umor Rex, Noor. Following Visions, Yamila returns with a work that merges nature-experience listening with expansive musicality. Noor was born from her time in an ecologist community, where she sought refuge in stillness, learned from animals, and tried to forget the human. In this communion with nature, she discovered a new compositional approach: reducing acoustic noise to allow unheard voices to emerge, transforming music into a possibility for interspecies dialogue.
Since ancient times, sound has been used to care for herds, to call across distances, to communicate with the non-human. Noor reimagines that ancestral role in a contemporary language, where epic harmonies collide with delicate micro-tonalities, and where rhythm unfolds not only as pulse but as movement for the body, a natural extension of Yamila’s work with dance companies and choreographers.
Her voice is interwoven with electronics and the resonant strings of Echo Collective, creating sonic landscapes that radiate intensity and fragility. At times monumental, at others almost whispered, Noor oscillates between composition and spontaneity, structure and suspension.
The album unfurls as a dialogue between the organic and the artificial, where sound grows like a sprout breaking through hard soil. Yamila’s music here is not only to be heard, but to be inhabited: a choreography of air, vibration, and resonance. Noor is both shelter and revelation, a reminder that music can still be epic, luminous, and deeply human, while listening beyond the human.
All music and voices by Yamila Ríos. Recorded at Destelheide by Christophe Albertijn. Strings by Trio Echo Collective (Violin: Margaret Hermant, Viola: Neil Leiter), (Cello: Stijn Kuppens), (Arrangements: Pierre Slinckx). Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri at Black Knoll Studio, NY. Photos by Assiah Alcázar. Design & layout by Daniel Castrejón.
C.L.A.W.S. comes to Dark Entries with a new ripping LP, Splat City II. C.L.A.W.S. is the solo project of musical luminary Brian Hock, who has been a key figure in the Bay Area underground for over two decades via his involvement in projects like Bronze and The Vanishing, as well as helming the record labels Squirrels on Film and Immortal Sin. With C.L.A.W.S., Hock takes on the dancefloor, picking up cues from the Hague’s Giallo-dipped electro, the skewed minimalism of Chicago acid, and the mind-rending forays of San Francisco post-punk icons like Chrome and Tuxedomoon. Following 2019’s inaugural Splat City EP, Splat City II continues to map the psychogeography of a metropolis both alien and immediately recognizable, one where life is cheap, but so are the thrills. Previously released on Squirrels on Film in digital-only format, this expanded vinyl edition of Splat City II features two new cuts. Things kick off with “Route 505” and “One Tear,” a duo of rompers that vibe like Tom Ellard and Chip E locked in a room with a vial of liquid. Next up, Bay Area deckmaster Tyrel lends his editing chops to “Vigilant Slimy Monsters,” sculpting a moody space disco beast. Squirrels on Film co-founder Solar teams up with Hock for “Black Magic Carpet Ride III,” a cavernous downtempo banger. The slow-mo pace continues with “Wild Slugs United,” which features the no wave-esque clarinet work of Paul Costuros. Closer “Don’t Flip the Crystal Ship” pays homage to Bayview venue Bay Area 51 with melancholic strings and a quartz-solid electrofunk bassline. Splat City II comes in a sleeve with artwork by Bert Bergen, which features a vampiric cat and sci-fi cityscapes.
TrioRox is a project born from the encounter between three leading figures on the Italian music scene (and beyond):
pianist Giovanni Guidi, bassist Joe Rehmer, and electronic musician DJ Rocca (Luca Roccatagliati).
Three individuals boast eclectic and impressive resumes. Guidi, a child prodigy of jazz piano, has released several
albums for the prestigious ECM label and has collaborated with top jazz and electronic musicians, from Enrico Rava
to Matthew Herbert, Joe Lovano, and Ricardo Villalobos. Joe Rehmer, an American living in Italy, is one of the most
sought-after bassists, sharing stages and recording studios with such luminaries as Bob Mintzer, James Moody, and
Danny Gottlieb. DJ Rocca has been a DJ and musician since the 1990s, boasting numerous albums, singles, and
remixes with and for key figures in the alternative dance scene (Andrew Weatherall, Dimitri From Paris, and Howie
B), as well as a stint in the jazz scene, releasing several albums with Franco D’Andrea.
The trio's music is a blend of electronic, dance, jazz, and pop, with hints of groove in house and techno, as well as
blends of electro, classical, and minimalism. A melting pot of styles between Keith Jarrett and Carl Craig. The album
will be released on IRMA Records in September 2024, featuring guests Luigi Di Nunzio, Gianluca Petrella, Dan
Kinzelman, and Jacopo Fagioli.
This EP of remixes is by:
Zed Bias: Manchester-based electronic musician, producer, and DJ in the Garage/2-step, Broken, and Funky
Breakbeat genres.
Alexander Robotnick: Italian record producer, DJ, and composer considered a cult figure in the New Wave and Italo
Disco scene.
Daniele Bladelli: One of the first and most important Italian DJs, famous for pioneering Afro and Cosmic music.
Bjorn Torske: Norwegian house and breakbeat producer. He has collaborated extensively with Röyksopp.
- 1: Nocturnal (Ft. The Weeknd)
- 2: Omen (Ft. Sam Smith)
- 3: Holding On (Ft. Gregory Porter)
- 4: Hourglass (Ft. Lion Babe)
- 5: Willing & Able (Ft. Kwabs)
- 6: Magnets (Ft. Lorde)
- 7: Jaded
- 8: Good Intentions (Ft. Miguel)
- 9: Superego (Ft. Nao)
- 10: Echoes
- 11: Masterpiece (Ft. Jordan Rakei)
- 12: Molecules
- 13: Moving Mountains (Ft. Brendan Reilly)
- 14: Afterthought
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Disclosure's sophomore studio album, Caracal.
This record features an eclectic lineup of vocal collaborations including The Weeknd, Sam Smith, Gregory Porter, Lorde, Jordan Rakei and many more. With a total of five singles, the acclaimed second single, 'Omen' featuring Sam Smith was the highest charting of the singles, peaking at No.13 in the UK charts, and has accumulated almost 1 billion global streams since release. The Lorde featured track 'Magnets' follows closely behind with just under 710 million streams since release. Caracal has sold over 135,000 physical copies worldwide since release and was Grammy nominated for The Best Dance/Electronic Album back in 2016.
The limited edition will be available for the first time on a 2LP Zoetrope, housed in a gatefold die cut sleeve. Each side of the vinyl is inspired by the original album artwork and campaign poster from the time, using the caracal cat and the featured vocalists illustrations to create animated movement across the discs as they spin.
- Five Fifths Awaken
- Carving The Causeway To The Otherworld
- Adhradh Dé Ghoac
- Caesar's Revelation (Hibernia L. Vi V. Xiv Ad Xvi Et Xxiv)
- The Calling
- Scythe Of Saturn
- Badhah's Shadows
- Opening The Gates To Styx, Nix, Kerberos And Hydra
Wie ein schwarzer Wind, der aus längst verstummten Mooren aufsteigt, legt die irische Band Coscradh ihr zweites Album „Carving the Causeway to the Otherworld“ vor, das mit furchterregender Zauberei die Moorwege der Toten freilegt. Aus tief verwurzelter Traditionen und alter Mystik lässt das Album die sechstausend Jahre alten Eichenpfade wiederauferstehen, die von kriegführenden Stämmen unter dem kalten Blick der Druiden angelegt wurden, um in das Reich jenseits des Lebens zu gelangen, und beschwört diese verschwundenen Mühen mit der Erinnerung an die Gewalt selbst herauf. Coscradh kanalisiert den Druiden als Astronomen und Kriegsseher und ruft Mars als den Gott an, dessen rotes Licht Opfer fordert, und offenbart gälische Krieger, die sich zu Gefäßen aushöhlen und die Wut von Goac in sich eindringen lassen, um sie für den Kampf zu verschlingen. Gitarren flammen auf - brennend wie Meteore, die den Horizont durchschneiden - und lassen Riffs los, die mit der Kraft der Vorfahren durchdrungen sind. Der glühende perkussive Ansturm kracht wie Hufe auf tote Erde, während die wilde Grausamkeit der Band wie ein in den Himmel geschleuderter Kriegsschrei ausbricht, gekrönt von ruinöser Pracht. Coscradh bewohnt diesen Bereich zwischen den Welten vollständig und haucht ihrem Werk die Wut und spirituelle Kraft eines Volkes ein, das Wahrheiten in Land, Himmel und Grab gemeißelt hat. Als eine Verbindung aus druidischer Wissenschaft und Blut, ritueller Aggression und sprachlicher Wiederauferstehung zwingt „Carving the Causeway to the Otherworld“ zu einer himmlischen Abrechnung, bei der das Schicksal selbst auf den Altar geworfen wird. Wie Götter, die das Firmament bereisen, fällt Coscradhs kalte, grausame Ausstrahlung auf alle, die sie hören. Das Album ist eine kosmische Hinrichtung, die vergangene Dammwege, Kriegsgötter, Steinidole und sternengeborene Kräfte, die die Druiden zu nutzen suchten, miteinander verbindet. Eine Vision des Nachthimmels als lebendige Festungsmauer der Omen für diejenigen, die auf die alten zornigen Geister hören wollen.
In 1978, Muddy Waters released one of his most essential works towards the end of his career.
Titled I'm Ready, the album was produced by Johnny Winter and followed Hard Again, their first collaboration.
It was immediately hailed as a blues classic.
The collaboration between Winters and Waters resulted in three albums, which blues fans describe as a unique combination
that showcased Muddy Waters' rawness and years of experience to perfection. The impressive roster of featured artists included
“Pine Top” Perkins on piano and Walter Horton on the harmonica, making it a dream late-career collaboration.
I’m Ready won the Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording.
I’m Ready is available as a limited edition of 1500 individually numbered copies on pink coloured vinyl.
- A1: Carousel
- A2: Hannibal
- A3: Méliès
- B1: Funhouse
- B2: Clown
red into clear coloured vinyl[25,00 €]
Carnivalfinds the Fort Worth trauma ray captures some of their strongest, most intense, and exploratory work within the boundaries of a whirlwind year. The breakout success of Chameleon, their 2024 debut on Dais Records, further established the band amidst the current wave of shoegaze revivalists, yet increasingly agile, able to weave between scenes, touring throughout 2025 with the likes of Deafheaven, Loathe, and TouchéAmoré. A confluence of blitzing riffs and stark beauty, theirsound continues to evolve, nodding to loud-quiet-loud greats across metal, grunge, and shoegaze from Slowdive to Smashing Pumpkins. Carnival delves into moodier, more cerebral material, like holding theirpast excursions against a funhouse mirror. There's a distinct sense ofunease in these songs, built as a band in a fleeting window of time, proving they work best under pressure and when pulling from thedarkest corners of their subconscious. The wordless "Carousel" ushers in the EP's unsettling atmosphere withblasts of static and downcast strums giving way to "Hannibal", ananthemic track packed with power riffs and raw emotion. The band has hit this kind of sheer power before, from 2018's "Solstice" to Chameleon's title track, while "Hannibal" contorts with a tinge ofunprecedented evil, slithery, "Stone Temple-y, Alice in Chains-y," Avilaquips. Lyrically, he taps into teenage angst, the feeling of beingdissected and rejected.
Carnivalfinds the Fort Worth trauma ray captures some of their strongest, most intense, and exploratory work within the boundaries of a whirlwind year. The breakout success of Chameleon, their 2024 debut on Dais Records, further established the band amidst the current wave of shoegaze revivalists, yet increasingly agile, able to weave between scenes, touring throughout 2025 with the likes of Deafheaven, Loathe, and TouchéAmoré. A confluence of blitzing riffs and stark beauty, theirsound continues to evolve, nodding to loud-quiet-loud greats across metal, grunge, and shoegaze from Slowdive to Smashing Pumpkins. Carnival delves into moodier, more cerebral material, like holding theirpast excursions against a funhouse mirror. There's a distinct sense ofunease in these songs, built as a band in a fleeting window of time, proving they work best under pressure and when pulling from thedarkest corners of their subconscious. The wordless "Carousel" ushers in the EP's unsettling atmosphere withblasts of static and downcast strums giving way to "Hannibal", ananthemic track packed with power riffs and raw emotion. The band has hit this kind of sheer power before, from 2018's "Solstice" to Chameleon's title track, while "Hannibal" contorts with a tinge ofunprecedented evil, slithery, "Stone Temple-y, Alice in Chains-y," Avilaquips. Lyrically, he taps into teenage angst, the feeling of beingdissected and rejected.
- 1: Y Dechrau (Feat. Boy Azooga, Jessy Allen, Earl Jeffers, Andy Brown & Amanda Whiting)
- 2: Chware Teg
- 3: Thema Osian
- 4: Tyrchu (Feat. Gruff Rhys)
- 5: Dŵr Y Mynydd
- 6: Geiriau
- 7: Tynged
- 8: Trac Piano
- 9: Cynnau Tân (Feat. Carwyn Ellis)
- 10: Anturiaethau Pellach Capten Idole
- 11: Pino Ar Y Bâs!! (Feat. Darkhouse Family)
- 12: Brân Swît
- 13: Thema Nia (Ahmed)
- 14: Sidan Torri
- 15: Erlid Y Ddraig
- 16: Dwyrain Cymru
- 17: Un I Dewi (Feat. Andy Brown)
- 18: Maen Llia
- 19: Tad A Mab (Feat. Dafydd Brynmor Davies)
- 20: Diolch A Nos Da (Feat. Dafydd Iwan)
Don Leisure has cemented his name as one of the most forward-thinking and experimental beatmakers & producers within the current musical ecosystem. As well as being 50% of Darkhouse Family (alongside Earl Jeffers) he has collaborated with the likes of Angel Bat Dawid, Gruff Rhys, DJ Spinna and First Word label-mates Amanda Whiting & Tyler Daley (Children of Zeus). Garnering serious support from Lauren Laverne, Tom Ravenscroft, Huw Stephens, Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, The Vinyl Factory, Clash, Uncut and many more. Following the release of ‘Cynnau Tân (feat. Carywyn Ellis)’ (which gained support across BBC Radio from Tom Ravenscroft, Zakia & Huw Stephens) Welsh beatmaker Don Leisure announces the release of a new album ‘Tyrchu Sain’) as he returns with a new single ‘Tyrchu’ due for release on 22nd January 2025. ‘Tyrchu’ features the soft-spoken vocal stylings of Gruff Rhys over a gently rolling, tape saturated and expertly chopped instrumental, creating (in Gruff’s own words) ‘Shiny new beat-treasures with ghostly reflections of Welsh pop’s past - skillfully dug from Sain Records’ deepest veins’
A dedicated student of music, over the years, Don has amassed a vast encyclopaedic knowledge of music genres and subcultures, including a fascination with Welsh psychedelic folk music from the mid-20th century. This introduction was made by respected musician, producer & selector Andy Votel’s 2005 two-part compilation series ‘Welsh Rare Beat’ (in collaboration with Gruff Rhys and Don Thomas), comprising twenty-five tracks from Sain Records’ back catalogue. Now the oldest independent record label in Wales, Sain is a wildly influential bastion of home-grown Welsh talent, co-founded by Welsh-language folk singer Dafydd Iwan, whose music has seen a cultural resurgence in recent years with his 1983 song Yma o Hyd (We’re Still Here) becoming a huge anthem for Wales football fans. Set up in the Welsh capital, many of Sain’s early releases were recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, but in the early 1970s the record company moved to the Caernarfon area and opened their first recording studio in 1974 near Llandwrog. Announcing a huge digitisation project throughout 2024, Sain Records took on the mammoth task of painstakingly digitising their entire back catalogue spanning 55 years, working in partnership with the National Library of Wales the resulting archive then be submitted for to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, preserving them for future generations to enjoy. Taking this period of rediscovery as an opportunity to reimagine their impressive inventory, Sain invited Don Leisure to dig into their musical treasure chest, creating a sprawling sonic tapestry from the dusty gems within. On this exhilarating excursion, Sain Records founder Dafydd Iwan explains: ‘Imagine someone gave you access to over 50 years of Welsh popular music – almost all of it unknown to you before. It would be a strange experience of discovery, an unknown territory which could baffle and excite. This happened to Jamal (Don Leisure) – and he was captivated by a world of music he barely knew existed, and when he was asked to distill the experience into one album, he immediately warmed to the idea. And this is the result – a kaleidoscope of sounds to encapsulate a half century of Welsh music. To call it unique would be superfluous: no-one could ever recreate this album. Listen, and enjoy.’.
The resulting product is ‘Tyrchu Sain' (translating to ‘Digging Sain’), a fearless and exploratory album, which sees Don put his signature unparalleled and unpredictable skills to work, weaving together moments of forgotten beauty into celestial and otherworldly compositions. The record features appearances by artists from Wales who have a similar obsession as Don Leisure in these classic Welsh rarities including Gruff Rhys, Carwyn Ellis, Earl Jeffers Amanda Whiting and Boy Azooga. A shimmering patchwork quilt of sound, ‘Tychru Sain’ traverses a shifting landscape of acid folk, eerie vocal melodies and interstellar soundscapes, propelled forth by crisp, head nod-inducing drums and grainy textures. Breathing new life into compositions lost to time, and paving a path for new listeners to discover the magic that lies within.
Zum runden Geburtstag präsentiert Howard Carpendale mit „Zeitlos“ das Sound-Update seiner Karriere:
Die größten Hits aus 60 Jahren wurden neu arrangiert und aufgenommen. Der Entertainer, der seit sechs
Jahrzehnten auf den Bühnen steht und am 09. Januar 2026 seinen 80. Geburtstag feiert, erklärt dazu: „Zeit
verändert alles – auch Musik. Und manchmal merkt man, dass alte Songs ein neues Leben verdienen. Ich
hab meine größten Titel neu aufgenommen – so, wie sie 2025 klingen sollen. Nicht nostalgisch. Nicht retro.
Zeitlos.“ Das Jubiläumsalbum „Zeitlos“, das pünktlich zum Geburtstag erscheint, bietet packende Neuaufnahmen seiner allergrößten Hits in einem neuen zeitlosen Mix. Erweitert um einige neue Kompositionen,
etwa die jüngste Single „Ein neuer Morgen“, vereint „Zeitlos“ nur die größten Erfolge des Sängers. Dieses
besondere Geschenk an sich selbst und seine Fans ist ab dem 09. Januar 2026 in etlichen Konfigurationen
erhältlich.
- A1: Main Title / Stingray
- A2: Maritimus March
- A3: March Of The Oysters
- A4: End Title: Aqua Marina
- B1: Jazz From The Wasps
One of the last projects undertaken by the NETWORK label was the
60th Anniversary Blu-ray set for STINGRAY which was released in two versions - the Deluxe and Super Deluxe.
Each version was packed with extras but the Super Deluxe had a music item as part of the set – a 7” single of
Themes From Stingray containing cues for the original soundtrack as performed by Barry Gray.
But the 7” single was not included in the set, but to be posted separately to customers who had pre-ordered the Super Deluxe set.
When the single was manufactured, it was housed in a card envelope with a sticker placed on it with the title, catalogue number
and barcode so that all that needed adding was the address label before posting.
Although the Super Deluxe set sold out, there was some stock of the 7” single, still housed in its card envelope left
in the warehouse, NETWORK are no longer trading, and these singles have now been rescued from potential destruction!
»Rosacea« sounds as strange and demented as all the previous albums by this Norwegian one-man project (on Feeding Tube and Ultra Eczema). But it sounds right. Just like he claimed in a recent interview about his untraditional approach to writing songs: »I just make stuff until it sounds right«. It sounds absolutely right in fact.
As puzzling and lunatic as he may seem, yet a sense of order emanates from the idiosyncrasies featured on this album. Ghédalia Tazartès is a cursory reference. Especially on »Carmelade«. However, the spectrum of sound and compositions on »Rosacea« manage to actually transcend the late French eccentric composer and singer.
Tori thanks: Mark & Tash, Mom, Dad & all the family, Irene. Mollie & Dave Ward & Arminda & Beene. Johnnie & Chelsea, Ahmet, Val, Ron, Craig. Vicky, Patti, Linda, Sharon, Laura, Andrea, Kris, Bonnie, Lee Anne, Danny, Jason, Rick, Steve, Andi, Bob, Nikke, Fran and all at Atlantic, Christian. Elyse, Matthew, Peter, Carla, Stella, Nisha & all at East West, Carol Kinzel at CAA, Mike Dewdney at ITB, Dave Brock at Rima Travel UK, Mog at Warners UK, Richard Bates, Tim Shaxon at HHB, Tony Larkin at TI. Audio, Steve Trim at Stirling Syco, John & Heather & all at SSE, Jason Ogarro at Macwarehouse, Neil at Neve, Su & Bruce at Digidesign US. John Philip Shenale - vintage keyboard finder, James Naylor at Corney & Barrow and a special thanks to David Slade. Hugs to Lesley Chilkes, Cim Mahoney & Bernice Brobbery - The Glam Squad. The Bude Contingent: Cliff "The Fish' Bowden, Super Debs & Adam at Martian, Thea & Dana, Hayley & Emily, Ros, The Falcon Hotel, Mick & Pearl and Phil and Jody, Stolichnaya & Van Nelle. And finally to all the musicians.
- A1: Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro) (1:40)
- A2: We Still Party (5:13)
- A3: So Many Wayz (5:41)
- A4: Hand In Hand (4:18)
- B1: Down, Down, Down (4:43)
- B2: You’z A Ganxta (4:22)
- B3: I Useta Know Her (3:50)
- B4: No Doubt (4:12)
- C1: Speed (3:21)
- C2: Whateva U Do (7:47)
- C3: Thinkin’ Bout U (4:05)
- C4: El’s Interlude (4:05)
- D1: Medley For A “V” (The P***Y Medley) (6:27)
- D2: Bombudd Ii (2:59)
- D3: Get 2Getha Again (4:41)
- D4: Reprise (Medley For A “V”) (2:39)
2026 Repress
DJ Quik is a giant of West Coast hip-hop. With his fourth album Rhythm-Al-Ism he created his masterpiece, a perfect hip-hop album. As Quik explains, “the name Rhythm-Al-Ism alone tells you what I was doing. I was mixing up rhythms. I was meshing R&B with hip-hop and jazz. And a little bit of comedy”. It’s absolutely sensational and as with a lot of mid-90s albums those original vinyl copies are now rare so here’s the Be With re-issue.
A preternaturally gifted producer/rapper, DJ Quik has produced scores of LA gangsta rap classics. He’s released platinum and gold records of his own, as well as helped craft them for the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre. Quik has always been quirkier and more interesting than his gangsta rap peers, both musically and lyrically. An old-school funk producer at heart, he’s also incredibly nice on the mic. His raps often deal in boasts, jokes and good times but also cover his beefs, his trials and his trauma. Partying and pain, all mixed up. DJing and producing hype beat tapes from age 14, Quik’s tracks blended the languid funk and rubbery synths of Zapp and George Clinton with a gangsta aesthetic, creating a more danceable foil to Compton’s more typical nihilistic hedonism. Ultimately, his records sound custom engineered to drift out over sun-soaked barbecues.
Released in 1998 on Profile, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the closest Quik ever got to making a commercial splash. “You’z A Ganxta” and “Hand in Hand” made radio waves across the country and the less radio-friendly tracks like “Medley For A ‘V’” were bumping out of car stereos. Combining his soulful, jazzy P-Funk/G-Funk beats with his effortlessly smooth flow, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the quintessential West Coast Party. Squelchy synths, bouncy bass, monstrously knocking drums and freaky keys - this is peaking acidic party-rap, straight out the gate. Music for gliding, for skating, for time with your people and your poison. Sunshine. No cares. BBQs. Heavy smoke in the air. Dripping with wit and good humour. A real swing to the vibe.
The album opens with Quik setting out his mission statement with “Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro)”, telling us what this is all about before the self-explanatory “We Still Party” rocks the spot. It’s definitely all about the party here, complete with Quik’s signature head-nod/body-moving beat. Next up, the undeniable laidback funk and dripping swing of groove-laden “So Many Wayz”. This positively slaps.
Then we get to the three huge singles. The R&B-tinged radio-friendly minor-hit “Hand In Hand” closes the first side only for the flip to get straight into the rolling and scratching of bleepy computer-funk banger “Down, Down, Down” (featuring a particularly nice use of Howard Johnson’s epochal “So Fine”). The effortlessly smooth, flute and guitar-laced “You’z A Ganxta” completes the trio. Next up the fast-paced, vocoder-enhanced, woulda-beena-global-hit “I Useta Know Her”. This coulda (shoulda) been a single too. Head-nod funk workout “No Doubt”, with its ace sample of Prince's “Sexy Dancer”, closes out the second side.
“Speed” races out the gate on the second disc, sampling Edwin Birdsong’s “Rapper Dapper Snapper” in a harder, better, faster, stronger way than those daft Parisian punks. Amphetamine-swift raps over soaring, string-drenched b-boy beats. A total anthem. Up next, the staggering, near 8-minute laconic, lounge-y sax-rap of “Whateva U Do” cools things down and smooths things out with its flute wrapping around a sample of Smokey Robinson’s “So In Love” and some oh-so-classy lounge-piano tinkling. And speaking of smooth, things don’t get much smoother than the blissfully melodic glider-anthem “Thinkin’ ’Bout U” riding that ace flip of SWV’s “Use Your Heart”. Exceptional.
The exquisite funky-flute-slapper “Medley for a ‘V’ (The P***Y Medley)” opens the fourth and final side, with star turns from Snoop Dogg and a typically suave Nate Dogg. It’s followed by the supremely skanked-out “Bombudd II”, a beautifully sweet reggae-fuelled ode to the herb. “Get 2Getha Again” is slick funk. Stunning.
This 2022 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Pete Norman and pressed at Record Industry. Unusual for the time, Rhythm-Al-Ism was originally pressed as a double and we’ve reproduced the original LA vibe picture sleeve and insert to match.
As that original front cover says, this is “over 70 minutes of commercial free music” and it’s absolutely perfect from start to finish. There are no stand-out tracks here. It’s all gold.
: Rhythm-al-ism (2LP)
Tokyo's Encryptnude label returns, with another carefully crafted Ryota OPP selection !
Following on from the shamanic feel of his previous work, this 12inch also exudes non-dance music psychedelia.
'African Chorus' and 'Kalimba Guitar' on side A create a melodic, spiritual, hi-life feel reminiscent of Wally Badarou.
'Bop' on side B, beautifully blends dub and free jazz, creating a leftfield dance sound reminiscent of African Head Charge, Claussell's Sacred Rhythm or Frank Zappa's 'Nine Types Of Industrial Pollution' turned Deep House. .
- Promise Me
- Take Heart
- Something Blue
- Setback
- Stars In The Car
- Aster
- Faux Sweetness
- Dark Glass
- Instant Comfort
Lucid Express sind fünf junge Träumer aus Hongkong, die mitreißenden, bittersüßen Rock machen, der zum Träumen einlädt. Ihr zweites Album "Instant Comfort", das Nachfolger ihres selbstbetitelten Debütalbums aus dem Jahr 2021 ist, enthält ihre bisher komplexesten Arrangements. Lucid Express holten den Shoegaze-Autor Kurt Feldman (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Depreciation Guild) für das Mixing und Mastering an Bord - das Ergebnis ist ein noch klarerer und mitreißenderer Sound der Band. Über Discord zusammengekommen, entstand ,Instant Comfort" in marathongleichen nächtlichen transpazifischen Sessions zwischen der Band in Hongkong und Feldman in New York City - ein gemeinsames Streben nach Perfektion, das sich von Mitternacht bis zum Sonnenaufgang abspielte. Durchdrungen von gleichermaßen schleichender Melancholie und hoffnungsvoller Romantik, werden in diesen neuen Songs verwirrende Gefühle zugelassen. Luftige Melodien werden von einer schweren Gitarrenwand untermalt: siehe ,Promise Me" und ,Something Blue". Lucid Express waren schon mit Punchlove und Blushing in den USA auf Tour und hat auf renommierten Festivals in Asien und Amerika gespielt, darunter Clockenflap, LEVITATION und Slide Away.
- Fire And Ice
- We Are One
- Down Low
- Free…Forever
- Crusader
- Coming Home
- Die Like Warriors
- Until The Gods Are Calling
- Sleepless
- The Warning
- Haunted By The Past
- Betrayed
After receiving ecstatic reviews from all over the world for their 2023 debut „To The Gods We Swear“, Norwegian heavy metal warriors ROZARIO return with a vengeance. Their new album, „Northern Crusaders, is not just a follow-up — it’s a statement of intent. This is a band on their own Northern Crusades“, carrying the flag for classic, melodic heavy metal into a new era. The new album is an explosive collection of 12 powerful tracks that blend soaring, epic melodies with hard-hitting rockers — all packed with massive sing-along choruses, fierce conviction, and unstoppable energy. Behind the wall of sound lies an impressively crafted production, driven by massive drums, thunderous bass, blazing guitars and a powerful, commanding vocal performance. Every riff hits hard, every chorus soars high, and every note bleeds passion and conviction. ROZARIO have added fresh firepower to the lineup with the incredible young guitarist Taran Lister, whose talent brings an extra edge and intensity to the band’s signature sound. „Northern Crusaders“ was recorded at Holter Studio, once again with the amazing Trond Holter (Jorn, Wig Wam) at the helm — the band’s trusted producer and unofficial sixth member — ensuring a sound that’s as grand and powerful as the band’s vision itself. 1. Fire And Ice 2. We Are One 3. Down Low 4. Free…Forever 5. Crusader 6. Coming Home 7. Die Like Warriors 8. Until The Gods Are Calling 9. Sleepless 10. The Warning 11. Haunted By The Past 12. Betrayed Black Vinyl
- Illuminance
- Ame, Hikari
- In Colours
- Warped In Red
- Rainwalk
- Blue Horizon
- Aurora
- Before The Silence
- Oto, Kioku
- Was It A Dream
The artistry of Midori Hirano lives in the resonance between sonic and visual worlds. Over her distinguished career the Berlin-based, Kyoto-born composer, pianist, and synthesist has crafted a distinctive voice straddling the spheres of classical music and harmonies with abstraction and invention. In addition to works under her own name, Hirano has released dynamic experiments under her MimiCof moniker as well as composed for film, television, art exhibitions and architectural expos. Hirano has also been a prolific collaborator, working with CoH, Brueder Selke, Nils Mosh, Teodor Wolgers, Ben Lukas Boysen & Paul Emmerich, SPECIMENS, Mami Sakurai, Atsuko Hatano, and more, contributing to dozens of releases. Hirano is acclaimed for crafting emotive works that stimulate all the senses with impressionism, or painting with sound. OTONOMA is the culmination of her work synthesizing these elements and highlights her acumen as a practiced and intuitive artist. The album infuses Hirano"s more classical sense of harmony on the piano with the endless textural possibilities of synthesizers.




















