Buscar:demons

- Originally released in 1993, 'The Brown Album' marked a significant evolution in Orbital's sound - and was met with widespread critical acclaim. NME awarded it 9/10 in their review, and it was chosen as one of Mixmag's best albums of all time.


- Standout track, "Halcyon + On + On", became an instant classic, known for its ethereal atmosphere and haunting vocal sample from Opus III's It's a Fine Day. The track's dreamy progression and uplifting yet melancholic tone made it a staple in film soundtracks and DJ sets, embodying the emotional depth electronic music could achieve. "Impact (The Earth Is Burning)" is another defining moment, an evolving journey of layered breakbeats and dynamic synth arrangements, reflecting the duo's ability to create both club-ready and introspective music. Meanwhile, "Lush 3-1" and "Lush 3-2" demonstrate Orbital's knack for crafting intricate, evolving grooves, balancing pulsating rhythms with melodic flourishes that keep the listener engaged.


- 'The Brown Album' 2LP reissue has been cut at half speed, to ensure maximum audio fidelity for this landmark release, and is the first time the album has been pressed on vinyl for over ten year

- The Brown Album' 2CD includes a 2nd disc of rarities, including the full 11:09 version of Halycon and the 13-minute Underworld mix of Lush.

Album "My Life - Preisner's Music is a live recording from a concert held in November 2024 in Bielsko-Bia?a, marking the occasion of Zbigniew Preisner receiving Honorary Citizenship of his hometown, Bielsko-Bia?a.
This year, on May 20th, Zbigniew Preisner will celebrate his 70th birthday, and the album is a his gift he made to himself.

The album includes 17 iconic themes composed by Zbigniew Preisner among others from Three Colours, Decalogue, The Secret garden, The double life of Veronique, Damage, When a man loves a woman, Eminent Domain, Aberdeen, Mouvements du desir, Lost and Love, but also Lacrimosa from Requiem for my Friend in the interpretation of Dominik Wania.

Few words from Zbigniew Preisner:
"For years, I've been thinking about reducing my orchestral themes to a single instrument. As a composer, I pay special attention to melody-each of my compositions always has melodic themes.
Ten years ago, I met Dominik Wania, now a jazz star and a brilliant pianist who records albums for ECM. I knew he was the perfect person to bring my idea to life.
The concert you are about to listen to is the result of our collaboration, which has given me great satisfaction. Dominik Wania's interpretation went beyond my wildest expectations. I hope you will enjoy the album."

Reviews of the album:

"When I teach the films of Krzysztof Kieslowski at Columbia University, I always mention that Zbigniew Preisner is one of the world's greatest film composers. He has many fans among my students. And now there is a new album, a haunting distillation of his movie scores into solo piano performances. It demonstrates how he is the master composer of the tritone, trill and tremolo. Listening to his compositions in their own terms - separate from the cinema screen - foregrounds his distinctive and often plaintive melodies.
Because orchestration, lyrics and narrative function are absent, the listener can focus on the richness of the "standalone" music, beautifully performed by Dominik Wania. For example, the memorable score from Kieslowski's "Double Life of Veronique" now feels more ominous than lyrical. From "Mouvements du desir," the tinkling piano sounds grow into cascading notes that envelop the listener. Whether classical (as in "When a Man Loves a Woman" and "The Waltz from The Funeral") or jazz ("The Secret Garden"), the music reigns when there is no movie screen to distract us. This is equally true of the minor-key gems like "Dekalog" and the briskly upbeat "Transient from Twilight" (which invokes for me the joy of Jon Baptiste's compositions).
In addition to Preisner's scores, the mournful "Lacrimosa" is stripped down from a public performance - which included a choir - to a more personal evocation of grief via solo piano. Finally, listening to "Lost and Love" suggests that if Frederic Chopin and Keith Jarrett had an heir together, it would be Zbigniew Preisner".
Annette Insdorf, Film Professor Columbia University

With Harmonia, Trikk takes us on a rich, multi-faceted trip of club music. Spread across five singles, the project explores a wide spectrum of styles, tempos, and textures—all while staying rooted in the heart of the dance floor.

Sagrado marks the peak of the project, with Trikk once again on quality control. It hits the heart and essence of the project—club music to the core. The track begins with a tight framework of kick drum, claps, and a bubbling bassline, a welcoming foundation for the elements that follow. Gradually, it opens up into a wide musical sunrise, as Trikk demonstrates his sure instinct once more—balancing warmth with his distinctive style.



The project took off with Rigor, a peak-time statement that paired massive, tactile sound design with surprising moments of piano serenity—setting the stage for both bold and nuanced. Luxo followed, weaving together industrial grit and organic warmth, further expanding Trikk’s musical language. With Fortuna, the project stepped into the glow of summer, as Trikk joined forces with Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau. The latest single Raiva unites two worlds, blending Trikk’s rhythmic, new-wave-infused sound with MEUTE's commanding brass power.



Harmonia is a carefully woven narrative of rhythm, design, and identity—an artistic statement built to move.

With Harmonia, Trikk takes us on a rich, multi-faceted trip of club music. Spread across five singles, the project explores a wide spectrum of styles, tempos, and textures—all while staying rooted in the heart of the dance floor.

Sagrado marks the peak of the project, with Trikk once again on quality control. It hits the heart and essence of the project—club music to the core. The track begins with a tight framework of kick drum, claps, and a bubbling bassline, a welcoming foundation for the elements that follow. Gradually, it opens up into a wide musical sunrise, as Trikk demonstrates his sure instinct once more—balancing warmth with his distinctive style.



The project took off with Rigor, a peak-time statement that paired massive, tactile sound design with surprising moments of piano serenity—setting the stage for both bold and nuanced. Luxo followed, weaving together industrial grit and organic warmth, further expanding Trikk’s musical language. With Fortuna, the project stepped into the glow of summer, as Trikk joined forces with Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau. The latest single Raiva unites two worlds, blending Trikk’s rhythmic, new-wave-infused sound with MEUTE's commanding brass power.



Harmonia is a carefully woven narrative of rhythm, design, and identity—an artistic statement built to move.

Tarja Turunen is a Finnish singer-songwriter and one of the most iconic voices in symphonic metal. She blends her classically trained soprano with metal and rock influences, creating a unique style. Since launching her solo career, Tarja has released critically acclaimed albums spanning genres from symphonic metal to classical and Christmas music. Her powerful live performances, theatrical stage presence, and global fanbase solidify her as a pioneering artist in modern music.
THE PRODUCT
The “Circus Life” concert was an unforgettable live experience, recorded with 16 musicians in a unique “In the Round” format at the circus in Bucharest. Tarja was joined by talented vocalists, including her brother Toni, and a mix of musicians from various stages of her career.
The concert captured the joy and camaraderie among the performers, with Tarja opting for a minimalistic approach to her wardrobe to prioritize the music. The whole experience, marked by togetherness and spontaneity, became a cherished memory before the world shut down in 2020. The setlist spans her career, featuring greatest hits such as “I Walk Alone”, “Until My Last Breath” and “Innocence”, as well as fan favorites like “Victim Of Ritual” and “Demons In You”, showcasing her evolution as an artist.
The show was originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja’s 2022 “Best Of: Living The Dream” release. It is now made available stand-alone as “Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak”, featuring the 2-hour live show as audio and video, “Ltd. Black 3LP Gatefold”, including a LP-sized booklet and Blu-ray softcase.

AAA Gripper have seemingly dropped out of nowhere but the story goes back. The idea was conjured in the summer of 2023 at the first Wrong Speed Records festival in the town of Glastonbury. Inspired by a weekend of radical sounds and fine company a decision was made - 'let's try something'.
Recording hours and hours of bass and drums in deep Somerset then editing it down to a sharp and concise 32 minutes. From Can's Lost Tapes boxset to No Means No's 0+2=1 via a thousand song structure decisions. Wild guitar strafe and precise hyper vocal added. Nine tight tunes magically appeared. The band raised a glass of tea. The band was born. The 'something' had worked.
We Invented Work For The Common Good is a deep dive into the world of the working person. How we end up. Why we climb onto the conveyer belt and never get off. The front cover is one of many of the same photo taken every day, on the walk to work, the dark mills looming - KEEP THEM BUSY, THEY WON'T RISE UP.
Music is therapy. They think it's part of the bread and circuses. We know it's armour. We know it's weaponry.
Gigs being planned.

This fourth selection of outernational dub from Richard Norris is the best one yet. Booming bass, seismic echoes and fathoms deep reverb take up a widescreen space and shake the foundations. Mighty dub versions and melodies. Dive in!

Infinity Division is the alias of electronic producer Ash Luk. Best known for his innovative blend of euphoric melodies, scattered breakbeats and gabber infused rhythmic chaos drawn from his relentless live performances, Ash’s newest offering, debut album SATISFACTION (which also marks the launch of his label, SOFTCORE UNLTD.), explores his relationship with all things anthemic.

Featuring artwork from Spyros Rennt, the thirteen track album traverses a diverse array of sonic landscapes. Spanning doomy post-rave and trance-driven metal to breakbeat-infused industrial pop, the album is united by a genre-defying exploration of the elusive essence of anthemic sound.

Venturing beyond the safety of machines, Ash steps to the forefront with his vocals on Seven Demons and Like Heaven, while From Evil, Weather Prophets, and Satisfaction feature vocal contributions from Zastar of Violent Magic Orchestra, Coy Mistress, and Nova Bruise, enriching the album’s diverse soundscapes.

In addition to his work with Infinity Division, Ash is one half of the doom electronic live duo S.A.T.I.N. alongside Ireen Amnes and is possibly best known for his work in Minimal Violence, a project known for their raw, hardware, punk influenced live performances. Releasing on well known labels such as Tresor and Technicolour / Ninja Tune. Their work was characterized by a DIY ethos and an emphasis on analog equipment, allowing for a direct and visceral approach to production. Now, with Infinity Division, Ash continues to build on a body of work that explores the space between genres, combining an attention to detail through carefully constructed sound design with the spontaneity and raw energy of his live performances. SATISFACTION sets the stage for the next phase of Infinity Division, showcasing a collection of tracks that draw from the essence of the past while reaching out toward a mirage of the future.

CADAVER, one of Norway's first and most influential death metal bands, has carved a distinctive path through the annals of extreme music. Formed in 1988 in Fredrikstad by Anders Odden (guitar/vocals) and Ole Bjerkebakke (drums/vocals), the band emerged from the ashes of their earlier black metal project, Baphomet. Their vision blended thrash and death metal with progressive influences from bands like Voivod and the chaotic insanity of Napalm Death, forging a sound that defied conventions. In 2024, Anders Odden delved deep into CADAVER 's history, unearthing unreleased material that offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's formative years. Before signing with Earache Records in 1992, CADAVER had worked on what would eventually become their second album, ...In Pains. During this period, they recorded raw and unpolished versions of many tracks in the same studio where Hallucinating Anxiety was born. These early recordings featured working titles that were later changed, and among them was a song titled "Maltreated Mind Makes Man Manic," which was never completed at the time. Anders revisited these hidden gems at Studio Tomb, located in Råde, Norway—the very place where CADAVER was first formed. With the old lineup reunited for this session, they finished the additional recordings necessary to bring their original vision to life. The result is Hymns of Misanthropy, a newly completed album from 1991 that will finally see the light of day through Listenable Records in April 2025. This release showcases CADAVER's unique approach to extreme music and highlights their previously underappreciated influence on the early Norwegian black metal scene. With Hymns of Misanthropy, listeners can experience a raw and powerful chapter of CADAVER's history, demonstrating once again that they were never just a typical death metal band. Instead, they remain an ever-evolving force that consistently pushes the envelope of what extreme music can achieve.

“Lift off! Full throttle!! Bounce off!!! Interstellar ballistic mode!!!!!

Earth has gone crazy again, so set course to imaginary -M-E-L-M-A-K- nebula and its planetary, two-suns system – the refuge for sanity…

Since their last release in 2004 the duo Prarhamansah remained somewhat active in local underground but haven’t released anything officially. This is their first official 12” single release for years and is featuring remixes from friends – fellow artists – who also gravitate around the provincial Bulgaria’s homemade electronica dealers from -M-E-L-M-A-K-.

Have your seat on a trip where small-community-artists demonstrate their own versions of various propulsion technologies imagined by mankind.

To celebrate the label's 10th & 11th release, Soul Quest Records have curated a family type affair that sees faces both new and old for the label. An encapsulation of the sound that the label has been pushing since its inception back in 2023, the VA contains a wide reaching spread of house orientated cuts that showcases the labels musical personality and depth - and is reflective of the supreme talents behind the music.
The A side opens proceedings with three emotive house numbers, with label co-founder Max Sinàl and King Crowney’s track ‘Intentions’ landing first. A smooth, soul-laden progression, with subtly placed muted trumpet throughout. From the ethereal vocal lines of Liv East through to the gentle breeze of thechords, this one is Soul Quest to its core. Co-founder SIxm Sol lands next with ’NYBB’, a percussive groover that once again demonstrates a deft level of subtle interplay within the melodic layers. Dreamy vocal lines hit all the right notes alongside a blend of atmospheric pads and tinkling jazzy notes. Wrapping up the A side, Hitch 93 presents ‘Uno, Dos, Tres, Four’, which features an ear worm of a chord progression weaves its way around a rock solid percussive foundation, as the vocals chime out through the middle that helps craft a deeply hypnotic atmosphere.
The B Side opens up with Rob Redford and his track ‘Garden Party’. This track focuses around an inspired ‘everybody loves the sunshine’ sample, and exudes big level, blue sky energy, with hands in the air feels throughout as the dance shifts with smiles all round.

Two prime house steppers land next, with ‘The Blues Kitchen’ by Soul Groove presenting a top quality drum pattern that entices whilst the vocal lines and engrossing melodic section wrapping the dance around its little finger; and finally, ‘Edith’ by Flying Moth may be short but its ever so sweet - skipping stepped grooves interlaced with a bass line that thuds to the rhythms of the heart, whilst the melodies atop stir the emotions ever so delicately.

CAJU, THE SECOND ALBUM BY BRAZIL'S UPCOMING STAR - LINIKER

A SEAMLESS BLEND OF POP, SAMBA, JAZZ, R&B, AND HOUSE, FEAT. LULU SANTOS, PABLLO VITTAR, TROPKILLAZ, MELLY, PRISCILA SENNA, BAIANASYSTEM, AMARO FREITAS & ANAVITÓRIA

LIVE - JUNE 14 - ELECTRIC BRIXTON

VINYL IS A 2LP GATEFOLD with a 4Page Booklet

+ OBI & PRINTED INNER SLEEVES

BorninAraraquara/SãoPaulo,Liniker is a multitalented artist - singer, songwriter, music producer, and actress - whose passion for the arts began in childhood. Influenced by her mother and uncles, who were active in samba rock circles, Liniker's early musical experiences planted the seeds for her future career. Today she is one of the most exciting Brazilian artists. In 2022, she won the Best Brazilian Album category at the Latin Grammy Awards with Indigo Borboleta Anil. In 2023, Liniker became immortalized by the Brazilian Academy of Culture, taking the seat once held by Elza Soares, the eternal Brazilian singer. Liniker's sophomore album CAJU, released in August 2024, has quickly become a classic in Brazilian popular music. The album's 14 tracks—some extending beyond 7 minutes—demonstrate Liniker's commitment to artistic expression over commercial constraints. Liniker showcases versatility and artistic growth through a seamless blend of pop, samba, jazz, R&B, and house. Songs like "Veludo Marrom", "Tudo" and "Ao Teu Lado" shine for their musical complexity and emotional depth. Its success led to multiple wins at 2024 Multishow Brazilian Music Awards, including Artist and Album of the Year. The album features Lulu Santos, Pabllo Vittar, Tropkillaz, Priscila Senna, Melly, BaianaSystem, Amaro Freitas and ANAVITÓRIA.

"Fimbulvinter" by Bjorn Riis: A Journey Through Darkness and Light... Named after the legendary long winter that heralds Ragnarok, a time of both destruction and rebirth. Bjorn Riis' new album Fimbulvinter is a profound and deeply personal work. Drawing from his own experiences with anxiety, Bjorn explores themes of hopelessness, paranoia, and despair, ultimately finding a spark of hope and gratitude in the darkness. "This isn't an autobiographical album," Bjorn explains, "but I wanted to share parts of my own journey and address a subject that I feel is both deeply important and still somewhat taboo." Musically, Fimbulvinter reflects Bjorn's diverse influences, blending the atmospheric and introspective tones of progressive rock with the energy and swagger of the hard rock bands he grew up with in the early '80s. Fans of Kiss, Black Sabbath, and classic progressive acts will find much to love in the album's rich soundscapes. From the driving, anthemic energy of "Gone" - a track made for blasting on the open road - to moments of introspection and monumental heaviness, Fimbulvinter is a dynamic journey through darkness and light. Bjorn takes centre stage on the album, performing all instruments and vocals, while also enlisting contributions from talented collaborators, including Henrik Bergan Fossum (Airbag), Arild Broter (Pymlico) and Kai Christoffersen on drums. Longtime partner and co-producer Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes also returns, ensuring the album's production is as impeccable as its compositions. With Fimbulvinter, Bjorn Riis once again demonstrates why he is a cornerstone of the progressive rock scene, delivering music that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically captivating.

"Fimbulvinter" by Bjorn Riis: A Journey Through Darkness and Light... Named after the legendary long winter that heralds Ragnarok, a time of both destruction and rebirth. Bjorn Riis' new album Fimbulvinter is a profound and deeply personal work. Drawing from his own experiences with anxiety, Bjorn explores themes of hopelessness, paranoia, and despair, ultimately finding a spark of hope and gratitude in the darkness. "This isn't an autobiographical album," Bjorn explains, "but I wanted to share parts of my own journey and address a subject that I feel is both deeply important and still somewhat taboo." Musically, Fimbulvinter reflects Bjorn's diverse influences, blending the atmospheric and introspective tones of progressive rock with the energy and swagger of the hard rock bands he grew up with in the early '80s. Fans of Kiss, Black Sabbath, and classic progressive acts will find much to love in the album's rich soundscapes. From the driving, anthemic energy of "Gone" - a track made for blasting on the open road - to moments of introspection and monumental heaviness, Fimbulvinter is a dynamic journey through darkness and light. Bjorn takes centre stage on the album, performing all instruments and vocals, while also enlisting contributions from talented collaborators, including Henrik Bergan Fossum (Airbag), Arild Broter (Pymlico) and Kai Christoffersen on drums. Longtime partner and co-producer Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes also returns, ensuring the album's production is as impeccable as its compositions. With Fimbulvinter, Bjorn Riis once again demonstrates why he is a cornerstone of the progressive rock scene, delivering music that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically captivating.

DESCRIPTION
Looming above Hastings on the South Coast of the UK, carved into East Hill, three black shapes are visible from a distance. Mysterious and ominous, they assume the aspect of the entrance to a church or a portal to dimensions unknown. Closer inspection however reveals them to be no more than mere follies carved and painted into the rock, as hoaxster John Coussens sought to convince visitors that an elaborate subterranean kingdom lurked within. Centuries later, this coastal town remains a place that serves as a magnet to the wyrd and the mischievous. And it’s here that the meeting of minds took place that led to 'Folly' - the second release for Rocket’s Black Hole series - an imprint focused on the unorthodox, otherworldly and esoteric. The journey that led to ‘Folly’ began in the dingy cellar of a wine bar in the town. Black Arches formed around a regular local experimental night in such environs aptly named Weird Shit, initially as a freeform musical outlet for author and musician Gareth E. Rees’ later incorporating Matt Frost from his garage rock troupe The Dirty Contacts, and frequent collaborator James Weaver, to form a vehicle for wild experimentation and psychic abandon. Given he was also a regular attendee, it was no surprise when Sexton Ming, arch maverick outsider artist and uncompromising iconoclast of over four decades standing, entered the picture. Soon after a perplexing but serendipitous chain of events took place, with demons conjured up via improvised sessions, poetic licence taken, dystopias chronicled, audio files gone awry, vocals overdubbed and laptops lost, Somehow amidst the sturm-und-drang ‘Folly’ was summoned in all its murky glory. As we embark on the second quarter of an uncertain century, just maybe this psychic travelogue is a dark prism to make sense of the chaos we confront. Whichever, it remains a spectacle as compelling as that by which Black Arches were named

Legendary New Zealand-born experimental composer and sound art pioneer Annea Lockwood returns to Black Truffle with On Fractured Ground / Skin Resonance, her third release for the label. Having recently celebrated her 85th birthday, Lockwood shows no sign of slowing down in her exploration of new sound sources and collaborations with an ever-growing intergenerational pool of performers – here with Vanessa Tomlinson. Her creative vibrancy is alive as ever on the two recent works presented here, which demonstrate both her engagement with the social dimensions of sound and the deeply reflective, meditative aspect of her art.

On Fractured Ground derives from material recorded with Pedro Rebelo and Georgios Varoutsos for the soundtrack of Maria Fusco and Margaret Salmon’s opera-film, History of the Present (2023). Working together in Belfast, Lockwood, Rebelo and Varoutsos made extensive recordings of the city’s ‘peace lines’, the dozens of walls erected since the beginning of the Troubles in the late 1960s to separate Catholic and Protestant areas of the city. Struck by the immensity of these barriers, ‘the brutal way they sever neighbourhoods’, Lockwood and her collaborators focused not on the sound environment of the city, but on the walls themselves, playing them as gigantic resonant instruments, using their hands and objects such as stones and leaves. Continuing to work in her studio with the material collected for the soundtrack after its completion, Lockwood composed the work presented here, occupying a space somewhere between her own extended-technique percussion music and the Cagean tradition of hyper-amplified small sounds. From deep, gong-like metallic tolling to dry scrapes and uneasy groans, the piece’s sustained attention to single sounds derived from unorthodox sources draws a line all the way back to Lockwood’s classic Glass World (1967-1970). Its spaciousness and delicacy are at odds with the dark historical background of the Troubles, creating a moving listening experience somehow haunted by the shadow of violence and conflict.

Skin Resonance is a collaboration with Australian composer and percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson. Developed through conversations in which the two discussed the idea of ‘sonic attraction’, the piece focuses on Tomlinson’s relationship to the bass drum, reflecting on the complex web of connections embodied in this seemingly simply instrument, which is at once ‘animal, wood, and metal’. Approaching the instrument in a suitably elemental fashion, Tomlinson’s performance strips away conventional technique to explore the resonance and timbral properties of skin, drum, and metal hardware, producing overlapping waves of texture that at times seem closer to wind swishing through leaves or the ocean than anything usually associated with a drum. Emphasising the symbiotic relationship between performer and instrument, Tomlinson’s voice is heard at times, exploring the field of associations and connections the bass drum suggests to her: ‘Maybe the bass drum skin is an ear as well?’

Accompanied by insightful liner notes on both pieces and photographs documenting the recording of On Fractured Ground and a performance of Skin Resonance, this LP is a moving testament to the engagement, generosity, and openness that sustain Annea Lockwood’s work, still finding new directions after more than fifty years of activity.

Koinè is the new album by Pellegrino & Zodyaco, a record that explores the desire to escape by interpreting it as an act of emancipation, an aimless journey in search of creative freedom. The demonstration that escapism, when it is conscious, can bring us back to the heart of things. Inspired by Éloge de la fuite by Henri Laborit, the album embarks on a journey to discover a “common language” (Koinè), blending Neapolitan roots with a global and contemporary musical vision. It blends melodic traditions with disco, funk, jazz fusion, and world music, experimenting with vintage instruments, ethnic percussion, and Mediterranean atmospheres. Pellegrino, a pioneer of the “new school” Neapolitan sound, after 4 years since his last LP “Morphé” (2020) continues the path started with Zodyaco I (2018), painting an authentic portrait of modern Naples and celebrating musical contamination as a form of creative euphoria.

Tony Holiday has been at the center of a Memphis soul blues revival anchored by a contingent of young, savvy, well-schooled musicians who have a "family-like" attitude and a strong belief in one another. Over the past couple of years, Holiday has been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. The result is Keep Your Head Up, an album that demonstrates an impressive command of styles, as Holiday leads his band fluidly through Texas, Chicago and hill country blues with plenty of Memphis soul and even a touch of Afrobeat. It features a nice array of special guests including Eddie 9V, Kevin Burt, Albert Castiglia and Laura Chavez, last year's Blues Music Award winner for 'Guitarist of the Year’ with Holiday shining throughout on vocals and harmonica.

Jess Sah Bi is well-known as half of the legendary duo Jess Sah Bi & Peter One who brought homegrown Country-Americana to the West African masses with their smash debut Our Garden Needs Its Flowers in the mid-1980s. Touring stadiums and reaching listeners worldwide, their music has racked up millions of spins on YouTube and remains imprinted in the hearts of Ivorians of a certain age. ATFA reissued their album in 2018, garnering critical acclaim from publications including Pitchfork and Rolling Stone and reaching a new generation of listeners outside Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire). Sometime in the early 90s, Die Sahbi - or Jesse, as he known to friends-became gravely ill with an unknown ailment and almost died. He visited various doctors and all kinds of religious healers and nothing helped. One day he went down to an Evangelical Christian revival in his neighborhood. They prayed over him and he was delivered. He says, "Their prayers helped chase out whatever demons and unhealthy spirits were inside me. After that my illness went away. When I went to the United States a few months later on an exchange program I wanted to make music to thank God because I was saved." He recorded an album of music praising God in order to honor a promise he made to himself at the depths of his desperation in the hospital. The album Jesus-Christ Ne Deçoit Pas Jesus Christ Does Not Let Us Down came out in 1991 and sold around 3000 cassettes in Ivory Coast. The master tape was lost along the way so the recording has never been on digital platforms until now. Jesse didn't have much time to record while visiting South Carolina, hence the relatively short album, 6 songs including two reprises for filler. A local pastor connected him with a studio and some American musicians (Robert Fortner and Gary Davis) to help. They added acoustic guitar, percussion and keyboard accompaniment to Jesse's soaring French and Gouro vocals, harmonica and finger-picked acoustic. The resulting recording is deeply soothing and contemplative music that perfectly compliments the songs already embraced by millions. But he had to find the rest of the studio expenses-$600 total-which he secured drawing cartoons for UNICEF. Jesse is Ivory Coast's first political cartoonist, a vocation for which he was widely celebrated at the time. It also made him a few enemies which lead to him leaving the country permanently a few years later. Jesus-Christ Ne Deçoit Pas is Jess Sah Bi's first and only gospel album. Fortunately, fans responded with enthusiasm: widespread radio airplay and concerts followed, along with a growing solo profile in the country. The first big gospel artists in Ivory Coast were the duo Mathieu et Constance, who emerged in 1989. There was a bigger gospel music movement in English-speaking counties like Ghana and Nigeria (Christians make up roughly 40% of the population in Ivory Coast, slightly less than Muslims). Jesse didn't have any intention of working in Christian music but he realized, "You don't make music to make money-you want to send a message." In the years since Jesus-Christ's release, gospel music in Ivory Coast has grown to become a key part of music culture in the country. Spiritual music appears in community actives across the public and private spectrum from religious gatherings and parties to television broadcasts and music festivals. And, as it has evolved and indigenized locally, gospel music has picked up elements of traditional Ivorian music, reggae and soul. The album ultimately precipitated the demise of the duo, who were soon separated geographically as Peter One relocated to Nashville. He went on to become a nurse and release a successful solo album on Verve following the ATFA collaboration. Nowadays Jesse lives in the Bay Area and continues to record and perform music wherever and whenever he has the chance. He is publishing a new book of humorous cartoons in 2025 and his most recent album Never Give Up came out in 2020

Edinburgh-based three-piece funk band High Fade are set to release their debut album 'Life’s Too Fast'.

Capturing the raw, on-stage energy that has been the driving force behind High Fade’s meteoric rise was never going to be easy, but that’s exactly what Harry, Oli and Calvin set out to do with a clear creative vision to record their album live at the iconic RAK Studios in London.

'We recorded in RAK Studios, with the desk built for the Rolling Stones in ‘76, with the same cigarette burns still on the faders. It instantly had a vibe of raw energy and liveliness to it that matched the way we wanted to record - live.' – Calvin

The result? 'Life’s Too Fast' – a blistering 10-track debut from one of the UK’s most exciting bands that manages to deliver the same tight, groove-laden funk rock that has put the group on the radars of Jack Black, Cypress Hill and Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk, has seen them tour with The Cat Empire, and tick off iconic venues including Glastonbury, Jazz Cafe, and Boomtown Festival.

'We decided to record the album live rather than through the normal single track overdubbed method – we felt this would help to fully convey the band’s power, sound and energy across to the listener! More like we’re playing a gig and having it recorded – it was a tough process, but we went about it in the best way for both us and the audience, to ensure they’re getting the most authentic High Fade sound and experience possible.' – Oli

Having spent much of the last three years on the road seeing to a punishing tour schedule, 'Life’s Too Fast' is a chance for the band to stop and take stock, to reflect on their whirlwind success, and create an artistic milestone that demonstrates who High Fade are today. 'It’s the most accurate representation of what High Fade is, what we sound like, and who we are' explains Harry. Telling a clear story that matches their own experiences over the last few years, the album is a snapshot taken by a band who are accelerating towards real success and recognition.

'I’m glad we finally have a body of work that we’re proud of and feels like a collection of songs that nicely represents where we are right now. It’s organised chaos and shows that we like to play, but can also write a catchy tune.' – Calvin

Launching into proceedings with the effortlessly uplifting 'Take Me To The Floor', every track is a demonstration of the band’s technical prowess and broad sonic palette. A forward-facing selection of completely original material, the album also gave the band the opportunity to re-imagine fan-favourite 'Sharpen Up' as a stripped-back cut that reflects the band’s current lineup.

'Honestly, I kinda feel like I could explode with excitement about getting it out for everyone in the world to hear because it has been a long time in the making! A culmination of what all the singles have been working towards! I guess the album represents us and the direction we’re taking the music, it represents us as a trio and the gel that is High Fade.' – Oli