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Calm's superb Before album is the gift that keeps on giving as Hell Yeah serves up a collection of the best remixes from it. Willie Graff, Gallo and Aura Safari all step up on a fresh 12" that lands this summer.

Before arrived on double vinyl in 2022 after a CD-only release in Japan in 2021. Since then it has become a Balearic mainstay and go-to record for lovers of lavish downtempo sounds. Now, remixes of three tracks from it all appear on this one record with Ibirican-American Willie Graff going first. He is a deep house don who has held several key residencies around the world while dropping his sublime sounds on the likes of Leng, Music For Dreams and many more. His remix of 'I Love You' is a gloriously horizontal one with blissful piano keys rippling over the bubbly drums and bass. Yearning reed melodies add an emotional romantic edge to make this a standout in any setting. Then comes Gallo, the Balearic Gabba Sound System member and resident at Berlin Balearic nightspot Buena Onda. His 'Tropical Hinterhof' remix of 'I Love You' is expertly exotic and soothing as mellifluous keys rain down over a groove as smooth as silk. It's a heart-achingly beautiful sound that will make for truly special moments on the dance floor.

Italian collective Aura Safari then offers two different remixes. They are master musicians who have served up a superb double album Islands Dreams here in late 2023 where they showcased their escapist blend of dub, jazz, Afro-cosmic, Balearica and boogie. First up, 'Feel It' (Aura Safari Desert mix) is six minutes of oriental melody over loose drums. There's a playful feel to the dancing piano keys and richness in the percussion that makes this one a sophisticated sound for both early evening warm-ups or moments of late-night reflection. 'Kunpoo' (Aura Safari Daydream mix) has a nineties feel with its gentle breaks, hypnotic string loops, and sustained chords. They break over you in gentle rays of earth and euphoria to ensure utterly blissed-out results.

These four versions all bring sophisticated dance floor energy to the timeless originals.

The vibrant label "Bunte Kuh" from Basel, Switzerland, releases brand new remixes of the track "JeBoDa" which was originally released on the label a year ago by the trio Dan Bay, Chill Sander & Between Machines, as well as "More Rooms" - a new original track from the artist trio.
A total of seven artists closely associated with the label reinterpret the catchy and intoxicating original, delivering inspiring remixes for the dancefloor. These new works span various genres, rooted in Down Tempo and Organic House, as well as Melodic House, Minimal, and Indie Dance.
Iorie enriches his remix, paving a vibrantly painted path to another dimension, full of love for detail. Kon Faber significantly increases the tempo, distilling the original down to its essence and adding splendid and powerful synths.
Focusing on the organic spirit of the original, Olivan carefully dresses his remix in a stylish framework of diverse layers and emotional depth. With minimal influences and gentle dub techno elements, Mira Vána crafts an immersive remix that captivates step by step, pleasantly dissolving the mind.
Hypnotically, Niju takes us on a special and completely ecstatic journey through his cosmos, enchanting body and mind with a magically rich remix. Niki Sadeki fuses the darker parts of the original with a unique spirit, creating an extraordinary piece through heartfelt arrangement and powerful instrumentation. Bīsu writes a psychedelic-tinged and completely new story with his remix, plunging the track into deep club waters that seem to separate the mind from the body.
With "More Rooms," Dan Bay, Chill Sander & Between Machines add a captivating and charismatic new track to the release. Organic elements merge with facets of the electronic, inviting an excursion into the night full of fluorescent elements and fairy-tale breaks whose aftereffects slowly but surely transform into unforeseen climaxes.
The remixes and the original will be released splitted on two digital EPs and then all together on vinyl.

Following a run of successful digital releases, eloelo records presents its debut vinyl release, a multifaceted 4-track EP, featuring three original tracks by label head ELODIE and a remix from coveted producer Michael James.

The A side is headed by the title track, ‘Bohemian’. Consistently well-received, especially by those lucky enough to have heard it on a heavy-duty sound system, the track creates an immersive, euphoric atmosphere that oozes warmth and vibrant energy. Coupled with one-off hits and delightful ear candy meticulously sprinkled throughout, ‘Bohemian’ offers a feast for the senses making it impossible not to move to. Your ears and your feet won’t be able to get enough. Michael James' remix of ‘Bohemian’ transforms it into a peak-time anthem that ignites the dancefloor. His rendition adds a layer of intensity and excitement, characterised by his trademark percs and a thrilling breakdown that leads to an explosive drop, leaving revelers ecstatic every time it is unleashed. A proper ‘bomb’.

The B side takes a more emotive turn with two more original tracks from ELODIE. ‘Like To Dream’, envelops listeners in a dreamy, sense of deep introspection via complex soundscapes which have been expertly woven to create a mesmerising depth of sound. Its seamless blend of pads and synths create a profound journey, inviting listeners to lose themselves in this moving, mature track inspired by the Rominimal sound.

‘Pineapple Ice’ rounds off the EP with a mood that is both tranquil and experimental. The track’s minimalistic yet intricate composition offers a soothing yet intriguing auditory experience, balancing calmness with a touch of playful unpredictability. A dubby techno number which perfectly balances out the EP. ELODIE has stayed true to the production style that she is carving out for herself with an EP that stands to advance the label’s dedication to delivering unconventional releases that cultivate a distinctive and timeless minimal sound.

16 Jahre nach dem letzten Studioalbum kommt das neue Album von LOIKAEMIE mit Namen "Menschen"! "Anschnallen! Unglaublich, aber wahr! Verdammte Axt!" Die Worte von Sachsens größtem Punkfestival hätten keinen Funken kleiner sein dürfen. Mit ihrem Überraschungs-Headliner verkündete das Back To Future 2019: LOIKAMIE ist wieder da! Innerhalb von fünf Jahren ging so gleich zweimal ein Ruck durch die europäische Oi!- und (Street-)Punk-Szene: Schwer die Emotionen beim Abschied 2014, umso größer die Euphorie beim Live-Comeback! Und noch größer angesichts 12 neuer Songs! Seit 2019 ist LOIKAEMIE wieder eine feste Größe, weit oben in den Lineups der Festivals und den Clubs, und das weit über Deutschland hinaus. Thomas, Eddie, Paul und Bruno konnten live nicht nur nahtlos anknüpfen, sondern eine Stufe emporsteigen, auf den Konzerten trifft sich Jung und Alt in seiner ganzen subkulturellen Vielfalt, LOIKAEMIE ist eine Band, auf die sich - im besten Sinne - alle einigen können. Auch die Kreativität ist wieder erwacht: 2022 erschienen mit "Lumpenmann" und "Tief im Herzen" die ersten neuen Songs seit 2007 (digital und als limitierte 7"-Single), dazu gesellen sich bisher "Was Soll Die Ganze Scheisse?" und "Lasst Uns rein", alles Vorboten des nun erscheinenden fünften Studioalbums "Menschen" und schon auf einer Menge Playlists zuhause. Kein Wunder, dass nach 16 Jahren die Erwartungen riesig sind, bei den Fans wie der Band selbst. Und ,Menschen" ist nicht weniger als ein Manifest dessen, wie Punkrock im Jahr 2023 klingen muss: Rotzig und melodisch, kompromisslos und reflektiert, politisch und gut gelaunt. Alle zwölf Ohrenfräsen atmen den unverkennbaren LOIKAEMIE-Spirit und doch ist ,Menschen" ein Riesenschritt nach vorn. Schon der überaus modern klingende Opener ,Wenn wir alle so wären" fegt alles weg, was derzeit belanglos auf Allgemeinplätzen durch den Punk pogt, vom anschließenden hymnischen Titeltrack bis zur abschließenden Selbsteinladung ,Lasst und rein" bleibt die Energie ganz oben, gleichzeitig ist das Album vielschichtig wie nie zuvor in der Bandgeschichte. Zu Streetpunk- und Rock'n'Roll-Brettern gesellt sich Reggea, Sprechgesang, Ballade und Melodien, die sich auch im Pop nicht verstecken müssten. Statt markiger Statements erzählen die Texte pointierte Geschichten, teilen durchdachte Gedanken zu aktuellen Miseren in der Welt, der Szene oder im eigenen Kopf. Aber es gibt auch keine Scheu vorm hymnischen Refrain, den fortan volle Konzertsäle gemeinsam intonieren können. Oi!, was sind das knallende Hits! Im Klappcover mit bedruckter Innenhülle, hier auf klassisch schwarzem Vinyl!

Introducing "Faith in Another EP” by Christian Kroupa – a captivating blend of raw, hypnotic, big room ready techno. Presented by Bardo Records, a boutique record label from Ljubljana, this vinyl EP marks their very first physical release, showcasing the talent and ambition of the music producer behind it.

With this release, Christian Kroupa who is known for his innovative and insatiable drive, returns to his roots of techno with a refreshing approach. Embracing a non-mainstream sound, he dives deep into the essence of this genre, redefining its boundaries with each track.

"Faith in Another" takes listeners on an immersive journey, showcasing Kroupa's ability to create intricate layers of pulsating beats and electrifying melodies. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke a medley of emotions, inviting all listeners to explore its uncharted sonic territories.

With a dedication to preserving the richness of techno's inviting sound, Faith in Another promises to captivate a broad audience of music lovers. Loose yourself in the pulsating beats and allow the hypnotic melodies to transcend.

With extensive practical and academic understanding of the ‘remix’ process, Stian Balducci takes on the role of audio architect in this refined and redesigned remix album.

His meticulous approach has not replaced, but built upon Kjetil Jerve’s piano material and boasts a thorough dedication to mood and timbre through-out. The outcome combines new strokes of colour and delicately layered textures, offering fresh perspectives to an old canvas. The aural landscape takes shape in progressive, parabolic pulsations, coupled with sparse, rhythmic heart-throbs that embody the faint silhouettes of drum reverberations. This atmospheric landscape is complimented with subtle, pensive keys from Kjetil’s piano recordings that add emotional depth to the work and pay diligent tribute to the free structures of jazz.

The final project may be understood as a window, giving view to life’s sentient and evocative themes, without ever infringing on their delicacy. The sonic progressions tap into nature’s cycles through meditative repetition and offer the listener some brief respite from innate human habits of over-thinking.

As the contents of the album unfold, we are taken reassuringly by the hand to familiar, foreign lands, filled with curious sonorous tales and subtle insights that shed light on a world of deeper perception.

In keeping with the communal ethos of Dugnad Rec, ‘Tokyo Tapes: Piano Recycle’ reflects a thoughtful exchange between Stian and Kjetil. Stian professed that the project went ahead with just one rule: “to work only with the original source material, no external samples or sound sources”. This puritan approach spotlights a shared characteristic between them; namely, a unified desire to explore vibrations and a wholistic dedication to sound experimentation.

An All-Time Jazz Audiophile Masterpiece - Now on UHQR!
200-gram 45 RPM 2LP release limited to 5,000 copies
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original analogue tapes
Set includes 8-page booklet with liner notes by renowned jazz critic Bob Blumenthal
Pressed on Clarity Vinyl at Quality Record Pressings
Purest possible pressing and most visually stunning presentation and packaging!
One of the most classic jazz albums and live recordings, a regular on most best-of jazz lists!

The fourth and final album by one of the most influential groups in jazz history, the Bill Evans Trio album Waltz For Debby was originally released in 1962 as a companion to Sunday At The Village Vanguard. It captures the mesmerizing and intimate live performances of Evans and his trio at the Village Vanguard in New York City. The album showcases Evans' unique approach to jazz piano, characterized by delicate touch, introspective improvisation, and profound musicality.

The title track, "Waltz for Debby," serves as the centrepiece of the album. It is a hauntingly beautiful composition penned by Evans himself as a tribute to his niece, Debby. The waltz unfolds with a graceful and melancholic melody, carried by Evans' masterful piano playing.

Throughout the album, Evans and his trio venture into other classic jazz standards, including "My Foolish Heart," "Detour Ahead," and "Milestones." With each performance, they delve deep into the heart of the music, exploring its nuances and improvising with a profound sense of lyricism. Evans' introspective style shines through, as he delicately navigates the harmonies, unveiling layers of emotion and introspection.

The beauty of "Waltz for Debby" lies not only in the musicianship but also in the intimate atmosphere it creates. The live recording captures the ambiance of the Village Vanguard, with the audience's presence adding an extra dimension to the music. The subtle clinks of glasses, the occasional applause, and the hushed whispers become a part of the experience, enhancing the authenticity and charm of the album.

Now Analogue Productions, the audiophile in-house reissue label of Acoustic Sounds, Inc., together with Quality Record Pressings, is creating the definitive Waltz For Debby reissue: the Ultra High Quality Record (UHQR) pressed on Clarity Vinyl with attention paid to every single detail of this one-of-a-kind reissue.

Four glorious sides of 200-gram Clarity Vinyl from QRP, the world's best pressing plant. Cut at 45 RPM to reduce distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. UHQRs from Analogue Productions are the gold-standard in premium vinyl releases, with attention paid to every single detail. The proprietary vinyl compound enhances the sound quality, offering improved dynamics, detail, and tonal accuracy. The heavier vinyl minimizes resonance and warping, providing a stable and flat playing surface. And great care is taken to eliminate any surface noise or imperfections throughout the manufacturing process.

Overall, UHQR Clarity Vinyl from Analogue Productions is a sought-after format among audiophiles and collectors who value the highest possible audio fidelity from their vinyl records.

Waltz for Debby stands as a testament to Bill Evans' genius as a pianist and composer. It is a profound and evocative exploration of melody, harmony, and improvisation, revealing the depths of emotion and the artistry that Evans brought to his music. The album remains a beloved gem in the jazz canon, cherished by fans and musicians alike for its timeless beauty and the lasting impact it has had on the genre.

PYJÆN are delighted to announce the release of their second album 'Feast', planned for September 2021 on DeepMatter Records. The five-piece outfit reaches inside the deep, multidimensional well of what is broadly called Jazz, bringing together all its diverse components in a singular, emotional sound. After setting a blueprint for their multifaceted artistry, combining cross-genre sensibilities with ferocious talent on their first two releases, PYJÆN have been busy writing and recording music for their second album, their most accomplished offering yet. ‘Feast’ was recorded at Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World Studios in Bath over a full week in November 2020. This proved to be an unforgettable experience, which elevated the music and created an unrivalled connection between the 5 band members and the albums featured artists Nix Northwest, Elisa Imperilee, Hilts and Corto Alto.
With the recording of this new record, each member of the group brought their own specific flavour to the table.

They explain: “We want the album to showcase our growing abilities and confidence as a group of 5 individuals, each with strong personalities and varied sets of influences, while still leaving room for featured artists, an exercise we thoroughly enjoyed on our 'Sage Secrets' EP with Blue Lab Beats and Odette Peters.” The EP reached over 1M streams on Spotify within only a few months, testimony that the band has become a major force in the UK "Jazz and beyond" scene. Their new album will fearlessly navigate the world of funk, jazz, hip-hop and punk. With their trademark raw energy, their objective is to bring people together in their love for music. 

Adventurous songwriting, meticulous timing, incredibly tight horn arrangements and an obvious joy to play together are the PYJÆN trademarks. These are brought to the table in ‘Feast’ through vibrant melodies and rich cadences. The band presents a full course musical experience with four singles: in ‘Beetle Juice’ the band joins forces with rapper Nix Northwest to offer a delicious tune characterized by an easy-going yet alluring atmosphere. ‘The Nightbus’ sees a vivacious journey narrated by enticing piano, guitar and trumpet motifs. ‘Moonlight’ sets a sultry tone with Elisa Imperilee’s ethereal vocals accompanied by delightful and intricate beat sequences. ‘By Your Side’ is the final instalment before the great ‘Feast’ showcasing an enchanting vocal exchange between Byulah and Renato Paris. With its mouth-watering combinations of jazz, ‘Feast’ is a witness to the band’s exponential growth, taking listeners on a vivid sensory experience

Formed in 2016, PYJÆN is composed of Dani Diodato (guitar), Dylan Jones (trumpet), Ben Vize (sax), Benjamin Crane (bass) and Charlie Hutchinson (drums). Releasing their debut self-titled album to wide critical and public acclaim, they have gathered support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Jazz FM, and Clash Magazine to name a few. Live, as seen at A Love Supreme, Ronnie Scott's, Jazz Cafe or Brainchild Festival, the atmosphere is sizzling and the sense of enjoyment communicated from the stage is infectious.

Having established himself as one of the most energetic and exciting Jazz musicians within the already thriving worldwide scene, New Zealand born, London based Drummer & Producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global music landscape.

 A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, and racked up tours and collaborations with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others . Myele has developed a strong live presence in his new London base; his quartet has shared stages with the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, The Bad Plus, Alfa Mist, and drawing packed houses to top venues such as The Jazz Café and Ronnie Scott’s. Last year, the first two instalments of his 'Crisis & Opportunity’ record series saw him garner praise from Mary Anne Hobbs, Cerys Matthews, Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan, The Guardian, Complex, Jazz FM, Lefto, Worldwide FM, Jazzwise and more.

Following the release of his last offering, a chance conversation between Myele and a young Barista at a local coffee shop occurred - their topic (centred around the trials and tribulations of following your musical passions) sent Myele down a spiralling path of internal reflection, spawning a new lease of creative energy and examination of new ways to approach his craft. The third addition to the heralded series, ‘Crisis & Opportunity Vol.3 - Unfold’ sees Myele change his approach from drummer / improviser, altering his sonic output to a more electronic dance music output, opting for a more producer / beatmaker focussed role. Sharing production duties with Lewis Moody (Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange) and taking a more producer / beatmaker focussed role. His initial instinct was to create music that could be played in a club, but also incorporate elements music of the Jazz and technical musicianship he’s renown for.

Articulating his thoughts on the record’s genesis, Myele explains: ‘‘As the process developed, I was also drawing a lot of inspiration from vocal driven soul, RnB and songwriter-driven music to a point where I had lit a new creative fire. Reconsidering the direction of the album, I was left with the creative question “What broader ranges of emotion might my music be able to access, and what kinds of art could be made possible if I were to open up my music to hold space for singers and for stories?”

First single ‘Silencing The Sun’ features the vocal talents of fast-rising fellow Kiwi artist Wallace, whose spectral tones glide gracefully over the pulsating rhythm section and twinkling keys. On second single ’Therapy’ UK Soul royalty Omar weaves his trademark magic over a solid 4/4 beat, soulful key stabs and lush synths, bottling lightning into dancefloor alchemy. Final single ‘Unfold’ sees Rachel Fraser deliver a delicate and introspective vocal performance over stripped back instrumentation as cold, angular electronics juxtapose the warmth of piano keys and sweeping strings. With a wealth of additional incredible talent (such as China Moses and Rosie Frater Taylor) enlisted to further compliment the record’s grainy synth textures, emotive chord changes, driving low end sonics and expressive percussion, the scene is set for a beautiful, shifting and engaging listening experience.

Repress!

Condition is the 2019 debut, full-length album from Natty Reeves. 11 tracks painting internal monologues and complex feelings across mesmerising groove-driven melodies and brightly coloured guitar soundscapes.

“I wanted to create an honest musical reflection of my past year. Condition is an attempt to balance my perfectionist approach and the imperfections in day-to-day life. The album was made in my bedroom with some help from close friends.”

All music throughout is written, performed, mixed and mastered by Natty, with the exception of Living Lonely & Living Lonely (Reprise) in which he brought in his good friend and long-time collaborator, Simon Jefferis. As well as being an expression of himself as a musician, it was also an opportunity for Natty to show off his artistic side with a paintbrush – Using paintings he has created himself as the artworks throughout.

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Natty Reeves is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter currently residing in Brighton, UK. Taking inspiration from the likes of Chet Baker, Blake Mills and Antonio Carlos Jobim, Natty produces music riddled with charm and honesty that blurs the lines between Soul, Jazz and Hip-Hop. Drawing from real-life events and human interactions, Natty's song-writing is simple but potent, often cutting straight to the core of an emotion with a single turn of phrase.

Lemonheads’ seminal album ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’, lovingly reissued for it’s 30th Anniversary. The long overdue reissue includes a slew of extra material, including an unreleased ‘My Drug Buddy’ KCRW session track from 1992 featuring Juliana Hatfield, B-sides from singles ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’ and ‘Confetti’, a track from the ‘Mrs. Robinson/Being Round’ EP, alongside demos that will be released for the first time on vinyl. This reissue celebrates their prestigious fifth album, these deluxe bookback editions feature new liner notes and unseen photos.

Described by music journalist and author Everett True as “A 30-minute insight into what it’s like to live hard and fast and loose and happy with like-minded buddies, fuelled by a shared love for similar bands and drugs and booze and freedom.”. ‘It's A Shame About Ray’ had a considerable impact back in those heady, carefree days of '92, the record perfectly captures Dando’s ability to effortlessly encapsulate teenage longing and lust over the course of a two-minute pop song.

Singles such as 'My Drug Buddy' and the breezy perfect pop of the title track might stand out (plus the add-on of 'Mrs. Robinson' which later copies included), but the album's real strength lies in the tracks in-between; the truly fantastic 'Confetti' (written about Evan's parents' divorce), and the eye-wateringly casual acoustic cover of 'Frank Mills' (from the "hippie" musical Hair), a version that seems to resonate with every ounce of pathos and emotion felt for the lost 1960s generation. To hear Evan Dando sing lines like 'I love him/but it embarrasses me/To walk down the street with him/He lives in Brooklyn somewhere/And he wears his white crash helmet' is to truly appreciate how wonderful and tantalising pop music can be. Then, there's the rush of insurgency and brattishness on the wonderfully truncated 'Bit Part'; the topsy-turvy 'Ceiling Fan In My Spoon'... this was male teenage skinny-tie pop music on a level of brilliance with The Kinks, early Undertones, Wipers.

UNSURPASSED SPACIOUSNESS, IMAGING, AND TRANSPARENCY: MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL TAPES, MUSIC EMERGES WITH NEW DETAILS AND TONES
1/2" / 30 IPS analogue master - Plangent Processed - to DXD to analogue console to lathe

Love Over Gold is all about contrast, tension, and crafty composition. Dire Straits' fourth album finds the band continuing to evolve by welcoming increasingly bold arrangements and exploring moody variations. Parts edgy and sharp, and part seductive and relaxed, the five lengthy songs on Love Over Gold sprawl out like a long, winding road cutting through a pastoral landscape. The addition of a new rhythm guitarist, Hal Lindes, encourages deeper atmospheric interplay while the presence of engineer Neil Dorfsman – his first appearance in what would be a long string of collaborations with Mark Knopfler – ensures stunning sonic properties that now come to life like never before.

Mastered from the original master tapes and pressed at RTI, Mobile Fidelity's 180g 45RPM 2LP version of Love Over Gold teems with superb balances, front-to-back soundstages, and crystalline purity. The dead-quiet surfaces and extra-wide grooves bring forward previously obscured details, extra information, and mastering-studio-quality transients. The distinctive textures of a host of instruments – marimbas, acoustic and electric guitars, vibes, synthesizers – further enhance the ambitiousness of the 1982 album.

On this audiophile pressing, everything Knopfler does seemingly turn to gold. Gearheads will hear the unique characteristics afforded by his use of a Mesa Boogie Mark II guitar amplifier (soon again employed on Brothers in Arms) and carefully chosen selection of Schecter Stratocasters, 1937 National steel guitar, and Ovation six- and twelve-string models. Reference-level separation and lifelike imaging place Knopfler and company in your room, while tube-like warmth, spaciousness, and airiness causes the music to breathe anew. This LP will be in your rotation for months.

It doesn't take long to realize Love Over Gold is like no other Dire Straits album – and a staunch proclamation of independence from a band that continued to take longer creative strides with each successive project. Fearlessly extending over metaphoric hills, valleys, and plains for nearly 14-and-a-half minutes, the opening "Telegraph Road" is a guitar hero's dream and exhilarating showcase for Lindes' give-and-take capabilities. In tandem with keyboardist Alan Clark, Lindes provides the ideal foil for not only Knopfler but the long-time rhythm section of bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers.

Taking its time to arrive at destinations, the quintet paints evocative musical and lyrical portraits steeped in patience, drama, and, often times, sadness. Desolate emotions colour the sweeping "Telegraph Road" and barren "Private Investigations," which finds Knopfler in the role of a tired private eye contemplating the emptiness and scars of his profession. Vocally, the Dire Straits leader remains in top form throughout, his whiskey-coated rasp conveying romantic ache, ongoing frustration, and what Rolling Stone beautifully deemed "wracking schizophrenia between the heart and the heartless, the loving and the pain."

Called Dire Straits' prog-rock statement, Love Over Gold is a classic that defies labelling and avoids ageing.

Having gathered up praise from Mary Anne Hobbs, Cerys Matthews, Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, The Guardian, Jazzwise and more, for his lauded ‘Crisis & Opportunity’, drummer and composer Myele Manzanza returns with the fourth instalment of his series, titled ‘Meditations’.

On ‘Meditations’, we see Myele revert to a purely acoustic line-up, channeling a focused and razor-sharp return to his Jazz roots. Showcasing an incredible level of musicianship between three musicians at the top of their game - including Matthew Sheens (Ross McHenry, John Patitucci) on piano and Matt Penman (Joshua Redman, Sfjazz Collective) on double bass - the trio exchange motifs over the length of 7 tracks.

Opening proceedings with frenetic rhythmic improvisation, complimented by melancholic and cinematic layers of sound, ‘Crayford’s Room’ is a tribute to Myele’s musical mentor back in New Zealand. Remembering his time as a student in Wellington, Myele shows his deep connection to his origins, manifesting itself as lament on ‘Winter’ and ‘Homesick’. Introducing hypnotic, contemplative melodies take centre stage on ‘Something Old Something New’ (the first single to be released from the project)’ It maintains a sense of tension and intrigue throughout, and intensity rises to a crescendo sending sonic particles sprawling into space.

Intuitive, darker and deeply contemplative, Myele shares his innermost thoughts on ‘Crisis and Opportunities Vol.4 - Meditations’. He divulges:

‘The personal angst and existential frustration I was going through across 2020 - 2022 I believe is well reflected here. The album is deeply informed by the musicianship and sound of my trio, Matthew Sheens on piano and Matt Penman on double bass. Knowing that musicians of their calibre were going to be involved gave me licence to go further in my writing, deploying odd time signatures, sharing the melody roles across the piano and the bass, and delving deeper into the nuances of what the acoustic piano / bass / drums trio can do. The compositions present a challenge even to the best musicians, and I knew that it was essential to have a team on this level to really move the music beyond an academic exercise and draw out the emotion and colour from the material.’

Black Bile compiles some of Umberto"s most resplendent, sanguine music to date The solo work of LA composer Matt Hill draws heavily from the world of cinema, spinning immersive narratives and rich atmospheres using sound alone. Hill, an active composer for film and television, recently scored the 2022 Jerry Pyle film Loveseat (soundtrack was released in 2023). Other recent scores include the 2020 thriller Archenemy, from the producers of cult classic Mandy. Inspired by the ancient Greek theory of the "four humors," an early medical theory linking the inner workings of the human body to the elements. "Black bile" specifically links the feelings of melancholy with autumn. Hill"s celestial compositions are an autumnal soundtrack conveying beauty, yearning, reflection and comfort. Many of the album"s phrases are constructed from just two notes or sounds, arranged by Hill into complex patterns that undulate with an organic pulse. The spare melodic structure holds a myriad of small and beautiful details. The songs began with Hill improvising on the piano, to find the notes and patterns that created the musical and emotional structure from which he could expand with textural detail. Hill then would often remove the initial structure leaving a sparer and more skeletal one which he could again expand upon to create a full piece. The careful attention to each detail gives his minimal compositions emotional heft. The album masterfully stakes Umberto"s claim among other avant-ambient boundary pushers such as Lawrence English or Laurel Halo.

Experimental hardcore outfit Rats Will Feast draws their musical landscape from extreme aggression and hallucinatory chaos. Hailing from Jyväskylä, Finland, the band has been touring actively in its current form since 2018. Varying between crushing hardcore, noisy psychedelia and more mellow postrock sounds on their 2019 album Scarcity, 2020 EP Songs of a Racehorseand 2021's Malady, the band's new album Hellhole continues the development of the bands destructive chaotic hardcore sound. Hellhole is the culmination of the band's all the previous work. It's a bruising demonstration of the bands core sound: chaotic rhythms, battering drums, screeching vocals, varied guitar melodies and crushing riffswith gritty low frequencies. Characteristic of the band, the album is defined by the twisted song structures and desolate, emotional lyrics which deal with the artificiality of the modern world. Hellhole is the culmination of the band's all the previous work. It's a bruising demonstration of the bands core sound: chaotic rhythms, battering drums, screeching vocals, varied guitar melodies and crushing riffswith gritty low frequencies. Characteristic of the band, the album is defined by the twisted song structures and desolate, emotional lyrics which deal with the artificiality of the modern world.

OVERVIEW KEEP OF KALESSIN - KATHARSIS is set to be released in March 2023! via Morningstar Music & Back On Black Records, Distributed by PlasticHead Distribution. KEEP OF KALESSIN return with their most epic work to date! The pioneers of Epic Extreme Metal have crafted an album that will hit both hard and direct as well as challenge the listeners with its rich detail and enormous atmosphere. Epic and melodic. Extreme, yet diverse. Intense, captivating and simply grand in every form! KATHARSIS marks a new era for a band that has proven to continue to make metal of the highest quality despite facing many challenges and lineup changes along the way. 2017 would leave the band without a drummer and it would take KEEP OF KALESSIN a few years to get the new lineup together, but these changes have given the band renewed energy and main man Arnt Obsidian now leads what is probably one of the most powerful bands in Norwegian metal. And together they have crafted an album that is so epic and so diverse that it has the potential to capture listeners from the entire spectrum of the metal genre. KEEP OF KALESSIN longtime bass player Wizziac and one of the most well known YouTube metal drummers, Wanja "Nechtan" Groeger, complete the lineup for KATHARSIS and the band sounds more mature and powerful than ever. As EPISTEMOLOGY was Arnt Obsidian's first take on vocals and frontman of the band, KATHARSIS proves that he is not only one of the fiercest riffers out there, but now also one of the most diverse singers. KATHARSIS is simply an amazing journey exploring everything from the most empowering emotions to the deepest fears and darkest thoughts. It is a life journey explained, battling both outside challenges and inner emotions. All this set in epic otherworldly surroundings. It is the rebirth. The resurrection. The purgation. The battle of leaving the old and embracing the new. It is the musical embodiment of you against you!

KEEP OF KALESSIN return with their most epic work to date! The pioneers of Epic Extreme Metal have crafted an album that will hit both hard and direct as well as challenge the listeners with its rich detail and enormous atmosphere. Epic and melodic. Extreme, yet diverse. Intense, captivating and simply grand in every form! KATHARSIS marks a new era for a band that has proven to continue to make metal of the highest quality despite facing many challenges and lineup changes along the way. 2017 would leave the band without a drummer and it would take KEEP OF KALESSIN a few years to get the new lineup together, but these changes have given the band renewed energy and main man Arnt Obsidian now leads what is probably one of the most powerful bands in Norwegian metal. And together they have crafted an album that is so epic and so diverse that it has the potential to capture listeners from the entire spectrum of the metal genre. KEEP OF KALESSIN longtime bass player Wizziac and one of the most well known YouTube metal drummers, Wanja "Nechtan" Groeger, complete the lineup for KATHARSIS and the band sounds more mature and powerful than ever. As EPISTEMOLOGY was Arnt Obsidian's first take on vocals and frontman of the band, KATHARSIS proves that he is not only one of the fiercest riffers out there, but now also one of the most diverse singers. KATHARSIS is simply an amazing journey exploring everything from the most empowering emotions to the deepest fears and darkest thoughts. It is a life journey explained, battling both outside challenges and inner emotions. All this set in epic otherworldly surroundings. It is the rebirth. The resurrection. The purgation. The battle of leaving the old and embracing the new. It is the musical embodiment of you against you!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds melden sich mit ihrem neuen Album 'Wild God' nach fünf Jahren Pause zurück! Auf zehn Tracks tanzt die Band zwischen Konvention und Experiment, indem sie Linkskurven und Umwege macht, die die reiche Bildsprache und Emotion in Caves herzergreifenden Erzählungen verstärken. Es gibt Momente, die liebevoll an die Vergangenheit der Bad Seeds erinnern, aber sie sind flüchtig und dienen nur dazu, dem unerbittlichen und ruhelosen Vorwärtsdrang der Band eine weitere Facette zu geben. Nick Cave sagt über das Album: “It bursts out of the speaker, and I get swept up with it. It’s a complicated record, but it’s also deeply and joyously infectious.”

Produziert von Cave und Warren Ellis und gemischt von David Fridmann, begann Cave am Neujahrstag 2023 mit dem Schreiben des Albums. Bei Aufnahmen in der Provence und in London fügten die Bad Seeds schließlich ihre einzigartige Alchemie hinzu, mit zusätzlichen Auftritten von Colin Greenwood ( Bass) und Luis Almau (Nylonsaitengitarre, Akustikgitarre).

"Wild God…there’s no fucking around with this record. When it hits, it hits. It lifts you. It moves you. I love that about it." - Nick Cave

Acid-washed motorik drone with buried vocals from experimental duo.
Follows up, thirteen years later, from critically acclaimed album Common Era.

Realistic IX, the third full-length by the duo of Michael Jones and Turk Dietrich aka Belong, is both an expansion and excavation of their signature acid-washed songcraft.

Bleached guitars, metronomic drums, and buried voices rev, swirl, and seethe across shifting gradients of haze and hypnosis, alternately driving and diffuse. Melodies surge closer to the surface, flexing their form before resubmerging into quickening currents of feedback. Elsewhere the elements dissipate into a dusk of murk and microtonalities, electricity liberated back into infinite night.
Although it’s been thirteen years since Belong’s prior Kranky offering, Common Era, none of the duo’s rare synergy has decayed in the interim. Jones and Dietrich’s commitment to oblique states of motorik drone and liminal emotion continues to evolve and unfold, increasingly tactile and unreal, an alluring glow glimpsed through fogged windows at witching hours.

IAMX haucht seinem hyper-emotionalen Elektronik-Projekt mit dem neuen Album "Fault Lines " neues spirituelles Leben ein. Es ist der Nachfolger der aggressiven, kultigen Machenschaften, die auf dem 2023 erschienenen Album "Fault Lines " zu hören waren.
Dieses Sequel ist halb Mutant, halb Ballkönigin-Schwester mit pochenden Bassmonstern wie "Neurosymphony" und "Infinite Fear Jets", die ätherisch in Tracks wie "The Ocean" übergehen, in dem die großartigen Gesangstalente von Hafdis Huld im isländischen Intro und Outro zu hören sind.

Hätte Ivo Martins Genre einen Namen, er könnte "Humble Pop" lauten. In seinen Liedern trifft bildhaftes Storytelling auf detailverliebte Soundwelten - Fesselnde Emotionalität und die großen Fragen des Lebens, verpackt in moderne, zugängliche Popmusik, von Hand gemacht. Mit dem Debut-Album "Puls" gibt es nun erstmalig Ivo's Musik auch als handliche CD und als 12-inch Vinyl in der besonderen Citrus Farbe der Schallplatte inklusive einer hand-signierten Autogrammkarte sowie eines Posters in DinA1. Das Artwork des finalen Produkts wird von der Abbildung abweichen. Die Vinyl besteht aus 100% recycleten Farben.Die als Beispiel verwendeten Farben stellen nicht das tatsächliche Aussehen des bei der Produktion verwendeten ECO Mixed dar.

Enumclaw aus Tacoma, WA, angeführt von Sänger/Songwriter Aramis Johnson, ist eine Bewegung von Menschen für Menschen. Mit ihrer neuen, zweiten LP „Home in Another Life“ ist Enumclaw mehr als nur eine Rockband. Stattdessen sind sie eine Gemeinschaft von Kreativen, Videofilmern, Fotografen, Schriftstellern, Kritikern und Skatern. Sie sind für die punkigen Kids in den Skateparks in jeder Stadt, für die Kids, die die Hähnchenstreifen im Supermarkt essen, ohne zu bezahlen, für die Kids, die vielleicht nicht in den Theatern und Amphitheatern anzutreffen sind, aber auf jeden Fall im Punk-Treffpunkt die Sau rauslassen. „Home in Another Life“ packt ein ganzes Leben voller Emotionen in seine elf Songs - Johnson gibt gleich beim Opener „I'm Scared I'll End Up All Alone“ den persönlichen Ton an, einem schwankenden, aber heftigen Auftaktsong, der sich an Bands wie Dinosaur Jr und Archers of Loaf orientiert, aber einen modernen Touch hat. Singles wie „Change“ und „Not Just Yet“ zeigen, dass sich die Fähigkeit der Band, Hooks zu schreiben, seit ihrem Debüt „Save the Baby“ aus dem Jahr 2022 komplett verbessert hat. „Would you want me to change?“ schreit Aramis über einem krachenden Riff von Gitarrist Nathan Cornell, während das aggressive Schlagzeug- und Bass-Duo Ladaniel Gibson und Eli Edwards bei „Not Just Yet“ zum Headbanging-Tempo des Songs beiträgt. Nach einem hektischen Tourneeplan mit Bands wie Nothing, Illuminati Hotties und Toro Y Moi gibt es bei Enumclaw keine Anzeichen für eine Verlangsamung ihres Non-Stop-Tempos. Von Anfang an waren sie stolz darauf, eine Band der Arbeiterklasse zu sein, die so viel wie möglich unterwegs ist und CDs an Merch-Tischen brennt, wenn es nötig ist. „Home in Another Life“ fängt diese Energie ein - es ist ein Soundtrack, den man verdammt laut aus dem Fenster einer Mittelklasse-Limousine oder durch die Wände des Wohnhauses des Nachbarn schmettern kann. Es ist ein Album, das darauf abzielt, sich mit dir zu verbinden - das ist die einzige Art und Weise, wie Enumclaw funktionieren.

Enumclaw aus Tacoma, WA, angeführt von Sänger/Songwriter Aramis Johnson, ist eine Bewegung von Menschen für Menschen. Mit ihrer neuen, zweiten LP „Home in Another Life“ ist Enumclaw mehr als nur eine Rockband. Stattdessen sind sie eine Gemeinschaft von Kreativen, Videofilmern, Fotografen, Schriftstellern, Kritikern und Skatern. Sie sind für die punkigen Kids in den Skateparks in jeder Stadt, für die Kids, die die Hähnchenstreifen im Supermarkt essen, ohne zu bezahlen, für die Kids, die vielleicht nicht in den Theatern und Amphitheatern anzutreffen sind, aber auf jeden Fall im Punk-Treffpunkt die Sau rauslassen. „Home in Another Life“ packt ein ganzes Leben voller Emotionen in seine elf Songs - Johnson gibt gleich beim Opener „I'm Scared I'll End Up All Alone“ den persönlichen Ton an, einem schwankenden, aber heftigen Auftaktsong, der sich an Bands wie Dinosaur Jr und Archers of Loaf orientiert, aber einen modernen Touch hat. Singles wie „Change“ und „Not Just Yet“ zeigen, dass sich die Fähigkeit der Band, Hooks zu schreiben, seit ihrem Debüt „Save the Baby“ aus dem Jahr 2022 komplett verbessert hat. „Would you want me to change?“ schreit Aramis über einem krachenden Riff von Gitarrist Nathan Cornell, während das aggressive Schlagzeug- und Bass-Duo Ladaniel Gibson und Eli Edwards bei „Not Just Yet“ zum Headbanging-Tempo des Songs beiträgt. Nach einem hektischen Tourneeplan mit Bands wie Nothing, Illuminati Hotties und Toro Y Moi gibt es bei Enumclaw keine Anzeichen für eine Verlangsamung ihres Non-Stop-Tempos. Von Anfang an waren sie stolz darauf, eine Band der Arbeiterklasse zu sein, die so viel wie möglich unterwegs ist und CDs an Merch-Tischen brennt, wenn es nötig ist. „Home in Another Life“ fängt diese Energie ein - es ist ein Soundtrack, den man verdammt laut aus dem Fenster einer Mittelklasse-Limousine oder durch die Wände des Wohnhauses des Nachbarn schmettern kann. Es ist ein Album, das darauf abzielt, sich mit dir zu verbinden - das ist die einzige Art und Weise, wie Enumclaw funktionieren.

Milky Clear Vinyl. Aprender a Ser: Extended is an EP by Mexico City band Mint Field. It was recorded in the same sessions as Mint Field's latest album, Aprender A Ser. Mint Field decided to split the work into an album and an EP as they felt it was too dense for a double album and wanted these songs to co-exist in another space and have its own time to shine. As with Aprender A Ser, the EP incorporates influences from shoegaze, trip-hop, dream pop and electronic music. The final track includes longtime friend and cello player Mabe Fratti to play Cello. Time. It's something we tend to cherish. As a band, you're typically thrown into more than usual stressful scenarios when recording albums and rushing decisions becomes the norm. Mexico City's Mint Field knows this all too well. Rewind to the spring of 2020 (yes, Covid). The band started fleshing out their new album Aprender a Ser (meaning Learn To Be in English), the follow up to 2020's minimalist psych/ shoegaze album, Sentimiento Mundial. For the first time, the band was not under any time constraints in the recording process. They wrote, recorded, produced and mixed the album in isolation. They had time to slow things down and think more obsessively about the sound, environment and vibe they wanted to create. Aprender a Ser became really intimate, every single detail was meticulously worked on. Mint Field recorded take after take, but at the same time tried to keep the soul of the demos intact. Some of the guitar and drums are first takes in the final versions. The band would let a recording sit, leave it and come back to it. The songs evolved a lot doing so, but at the same time didn't lose the essence of its original intention. Thematically, Aprender a Ser talks about opening our perspective of the reality that we live every day, acknowledging each moment that we witness in life. Learning to recognize what we are, what we live, what we see, what we feel. Whether it's seeing ourselves in the past and observing how we have evolved in the present. Or the lifetime of a butterfly from its formation within a cocoon to how it lives its short life in five days. Or seeing how an orchid slowly opens every day, never forgetting the essence of what we are and will be. Nothing in life should be taken for granted. Living in the present is a gift. Learning to be (Aprender a ser) is learning to recognize our emotions, not repress them, not turn them off and feel them.

Experience the divine power of gospel music with the reissue of the legendary album Together by Gloster Williams and The King James Version. Originally released in 1977 on Gospel Roots Records, this seminal work is now re-released for the first time on vinyl, courtesy of Regrooved Records.

Together captures a moment in gospel music that is both timeless and transcendent. Led by the dynamic Gloster Williams, The King James Version choir brings an electrifying blend of traditional gospel with hints of soul and R&B, creating a sound that uplifts and inspires. This album is famed for its stirring harmonies, powerful lyrics, and the passionate delivery that fans and newcomers alike will find deeply moving.

Highlights of the album include the soaring title track, "Together," which has been a staple in gospel music playlists for decades, celebrated for its message of unity and spiritual upliftment. Each song on the album is crafted with care, featuring intricate arrangements and a raw emotional energy that captures the essence of gospel music's golden era.

This reissue is a meticulously remastered version that enhances the original recordings while preserving the authentic sound that made Together a must-have for gospel collectors and enthusiasts. It's pressed on high-quality vinyl to deliver the best listening experience, ensuring that the richness of the choir’s vocals and the depth of the instrumentation are beautifully rendered.

Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of gospel history. The reissue of Gloster Williams and The King James Version’s Together is a testament to the enduring power of gospel music to console, celebrate, and connect us. Add this vital record to your collection and let its messages of faith and fellowship fill your home with joy and inspiration.

Love Rudiments is a meditation by Ty Segall on his first love: the drums. Known popularly as a singing guitar player, he generally starts the recording of his songs by laying down a drum track. Love Rudiments kicks off with drums and percussion then adds a few other percussive and production aspects. It travels a great journey in this configuration. However, Love Rudiments wasn"t written or performed to present as some kind of solo drums album - it"s just another music album, with vibes (figurative as well as literal), feels, a theme and a through-line. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ty"s made an instrumental album of percussive music that rides the wild surf of a waxing-then-waning love affair - from the first blinding look, to the eventual recognition, that look back at love"s rudiments, viewed from beyond and outside that seemingly infinite sensation And why not? Drums are a melody instrument too. Ty plays them with precision and sensitivity, delving deep into the textures of timpani, vibraphone, xylophone, percussion and e-drums, all of them occupying space within the luxe stereo spread of the drum kit. In the process, a psychological space is opened - a private emotional location where only two can meet. Love Rudiments reembodies the passion and compulsion that drives all of Ty Segall"s music in a suite of moments played on orchestral batterie to explore the most delicate passages of human interaction - playing on the bones of love.

Love Rudiments is a meditation by Ty Segall on his first love: the drums. Known popularly as a singing guitar player, he generally starts the recording of his songs by laying down a drum track. Love Rudiments kicks off with drums and percussion then adds a few other percussive and production aspects. It travels a great journey in this configuration. However, Love Rudiments wasn"t written or performed to present as some kind of solo drums album - it"s just another music album, with vibes (figurative as well as literal), feels, a theme and a through-line. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ty"s made an instrumental album of percussive music that rides the wild surf of a waxing-then-waning love affair - from the first blinding look, to the eventual recognition, that look back at love"s rudiments, viewed from beyond and outside that seemingly infinite sensation And why not? Drums are a melody instrument too. Ty plays them with precision and sensitivity, delving deep into the textures of timpani, vibraphone, xylophone, percussion and e-drums, all of them occupying space within the luxe stereo spread of the drum kit. In the process, a psychological space is opened - a private emotional location where only two can meet. Love Rudiments reembodies the passion and compulsion that drives all of Ty Segall"s music in a suite of moments played on orchestral batterie to explore the most delicate passages of human interaction - playing on the bones of love.

‘Rick Astley's 1991 album 'FREE' marked a significant departure from his previous pop-driven sound, showcasing a more mature and introspective side. The album, which featured a blend of pop, soul, and R&B influences, and a star-studded list of collaborators, including Elton John, Michael McDonald and Mark King, presented Rick in a new light, exploring themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Singles like ‘Cry for Help’ and ‘Move Right Out’ displayed Astley's emotive vocals and soulful delivery.

'Free' received critical acclaim for its musical diversity and Astley's vocal prowess, earning praise for its mature songwriting and emotional depth. 'Free' remains a standout moment in his career, demonstrating his artistic evolution and versatility as a musician. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, 'Free' continues to resonate with listeners, offering a timeless exploration of love, freedom, and self-discovery.

The LP format is available for the first time featuring the full 11-track album (originally released with just 10 tracks) and comes in a highly desirable gold mirrorboard sleeve. The double CD format features 18 bonus tracks, 7 of which are previously unreleased, including studio track ‘Call Me’.

Formed in 2007, The Boxmasters have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music that touches on their love of a wide array of influences, but most importantly, the rock and roll of the 1960’s. Love & Hate In Desperate Places is their 17th album and the ten songs evince a wry perspective on human nature and love. The lively melodic rock cloaks the wry wit of the lyrics. The album was produced by The Boxmasters, Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew, who also wrote every song. Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, but also important to The Boxmasters are The Mothers of Invention, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Big Star. Since forming The Boxmasters, several long-time friends have contributed to the sound of the band, but the core of The Boxmasters has always been Andrew and Thornton. As primary songwriters, the sound of the Boxmasters has been an evolution as the duo constantly strive to find new inspiration, new sounds and new ways of expressing what is in their hearts and on their minds. But at the core, there is a backbeat, a lyric with meaning and music played with emotion. As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid cult fanbase across the United States and Canada. Opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Steve Miller, George Thorogood and Kid Rock The Boxmasters have proven to win over large audiences. As a headliner, frequent stops in Kansas City at “Knuckleheads”, Springfield, Illinois at “Boondocks” and “Merrimack Hall” in Huntsville, Alabama have shown dedicated yet still growing audiences. Two appearances at Levon Helm’s “Midnight Ramble” in Woodstock, New York were highlight performances for the band, as well as the “Ramble at The Ryman” that Levon hosted in 2008. The Boxmasters performed on “The Grand Ole Opry” in 2015, another in a growing resume of must-play venues.

At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick. One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing. An upper-case ONE. A universal hum. A deep vibration that encompasses two different points of view. On their latest release, Every Time I Think About You, brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, aka The Cactus Blossoms, once again prove themselves to be among the most adept - and instinctive – modern practitioners of the classic tradition.

All sorts of emotional colors shine through on their new album. “Something's Got A Hold On Me” is pure Saturday night two-steppin' joy, “Keep Walkin'” has a Stones-y swagger and “There She Goes” casts its romantic regret against a danceable bop beat. “Statues” is a gorgeous meditation on the weight of permanent honor, “Is It Any Wonder” weaves its pledge of enduring love through nature images, and the title track is a heart-wrencher about loss and letting go. In all, the ten beautifully open-ended songs here invite listeners in to find their own stories as they revel in the old-school melodies and harmonies.

At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick. One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing. An upper-case ONE. A universal hum. A deep vibration that encompasses two different points of view. On their latest release, Every Time I Think About You, brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, aka The Cactus Blossoms, once again prove themselves to be among the most adept - and instinctive – modern practitioners of the classic tradition.

All sorts of emotional colors shine through on their new album. “Something's Got A Hold On Me” is pure Saturday night two-steppin' joy, “Keep Walkin'” has a Stones-y swagger and “There She Goes” casts its romantic regret against a danceable bop beat. “Statues” is a gorgeous meditation on the weight of permanent honor, “Is It Any Wonder” weaves its pledge of enduring love through nature images, and the title track is a heart-wrencher about loss and letting go. In all, the ten beautifully open-ended songs here invite listeners in to find their own stories as they revel in the old-school melodies and harmonies.

"The Modulations released their album It's Rough Out Here in 1975. This album featured the singles ""Rough Out Here”, “I Can’t Fight Your Love”, and the title track, along with other soulful tracks that explored similar themes of struggle and resilience. The singles received considerable airplay and managed to chart on Billboard’s R&B single Chart. While the group never achieved great mainstream commercial success, they garnered a dedicated following among soul music enthusiasts for their emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The Modulations recorded extensively with MFSB, the house band of the famed record label Philadelphia International. These sessions yielded to this album It's Rough Out Here, which is considered a gem of 1970s soul music, showcasing The Modulations' talent and ability to capture the essence of everyday life through their music. The group reached the pinnacle of its career with an appearance on Don Cornelius’ popular TV show Soul Train in 1976. It’s Rough Out Here is being reissued for the first time in almost 50 years and is available as a limited edition of 500 copies on yellow coloured vinyl. "

Die Musik von Ausfahrt entspringt den Erfahrungen der Gitarristin und Komponistin Christina Zurhausen. Ihre eingängigen Songs beschreiben den rauen Alltag ihrer Heimat, dem postindustriellen Ruhrgebiet. Verschiedenste Elemente verschmelzen zu einem Lebensgefühl, zu den wichtigsten gehören die Grungerock-Ästhetik der 90er Jahre und die improvisatorische Energie des Modern Jazz. Es geht um Liebe und Streit, aber auch um philosophische Gedanken: Was hält die Welt im Innersten zusammen?Das eingespielte Quartett aus Köln besteht aus Yaroslav Likhachev am Saxophon mit seinen expressiven und virtuosen Linien, Torben Schug am Bass mit seinem klaren Ton und straight gespielten Riffs und Ramon Keckam Schlagzeug, dem gefühlvollen und verspielten Rhythmuslieferanten. Geleitet wird die Band von Christina Zurhausen, die mit ihrem unverwechselbaren Spiel gekonnt zwischen nachdenklichen Linien und ausgelassenen Sounds wechselt.Die 2015 gegründete Band Ausfahrt versteht es, Stimmungen von Elegie und Inbrunst auszudrücken, und ihre Improvisationen spiegeln die Bandbreite zwischen klagendem Weltschmerz, reißender Wut und versöhnlichen Klängen wider. Ob in streitsuchenden Riffs, verspielten Beats oder emotionalen Soli - Zurhausens Musik wird mit Punk-Attitüde und virtuoser Spielfreude direkt und unverschnörkelt interpretiert.

Experimental hardcore outfit Rats Will Feast draws their musical landscape from extreme aggression and hallucinatory chaos. Hailing from Jyväskylä, Finland, the band has been touring actively in its current form since 2018. Varying between crushing hardcore, noisy psychedelia and more mellow postrock sounds on their 2019 album Scarcity, 2020 EP Songs of a Racehorseand 2021's Malady, the band's new album Hellhole continues the development of the bands destructive chaotic hardcore sound. Hellhole is the culmination of the band's previous work. It's a bruising demonstration of the bands core sound: chaotic rhythms, battering drums, screeching vocals, varied guitar melodies and crushing riffs with gritty low frequencies. Characteristic of the band, the album is defined by the twisted song structures and desolate, emotional lyrics which deal with the artificiality of the modern world.

The world of ENDON is one of constant evolution and revolution. The Tokyo-based ensemble of Taichi Nagura, Koki Miyabe, and Taro Aiko have made a name for themselves with their relentless exploration of sonic extremes in the vein of artists such as the Boredoms and Merzbow. The resulting music is a powerful emotional release for both artist and listener. Their commitment to evolution and dystopian noise as a playground for exploration and pure expression carried them through the recent departure of their drummer Shin Yokota and the tragic death of brother and band member Etsuo Nagura in 2020. Where some might have tried to replace members, ENDON"s core pressed forward with an autobiographical work exploring these changes and the shifts in their lives. Honest and raw emotions delivered with uncompromising sonic intensity, Fall of Spring is a thrilling tidal wave of sound and raw emotions born of the psyche of three individuals musically congregating into one tumultuous voice. Fall of Spring captures the electricity and unpredictability of ENDON"s live performances in vivid detail. The album harnesses the power of their storied performances through unpredictable movements, deft arrangements and an exhilarating textural palette. By imbuing their sound with raw feeling at every edge of obliteration, the trio are able to create what they call "organic music with inorganic material." For ENDON, those moments of suspense and surprise are the core of their music. As with their shows, Fall of Spring is a vessel for band and audience to share moments, to suspend time and move through grief and pain, and to bask in catharsis and resilience. ENDON continues to be a mercurial force in the world of extreme music.

Das Debütalbum ”The Dichotomy” von David Kushner erforscht die menschliche Existenz anhand von zwei
Gegensätzen. Das 17 Songs umfassende Werk untersucht das Zusammenspiel von Licht und Dunkelheit,
Glück und Traurigkeit, Wut und Liebe, Helden und Schurken, sowie die Dichotomie unserer inneren Dä-
monen und Engel. Durch die Verschmelzung von introspektiven Texten fängt David Kushner die Essenz
emotionaler Erfahrungen ein und schafft Verbindungen zu allen Lebensbereichen. Das Album entstand
in Kooperation mit einer Reihe Künstlern und Produzenten, darunter Wesley Schultz von The Lumineers,
David Baron (Shania Twain) und der zweimalige Grammy-Award-Nominierte Rob Kirwan (Hozier, U2).
David Kushner, der aus Chicago-stammende Singer/Songwriter, schaffte 2023 den weltweiten Durchbruch
mit seiner Single ”Daylight”, die hierzulande die Top 5 der Singlecharts erreichte und mit Gold ausgezeichnet ist. Neben ”Daylight” sind auch die Nachfolgesingles ”Dead Man”, ”Skin and Bones” und ”Hero” auf
seinem Debüt ”The Dichotomy” zu finden.

Am 30. August 2024 veröffentlicht der aus Kaiserslautern stammende DJ und Produzent Zedd sein neues
Album „Telos“, welches seine erste Albumveröffentlichung seit 9 Jahren ist. Nach dem großen Erfolg seines
letzten Albums „True Colors“ aus 2015, das mit Dance-Hymnen wie „Beautiful Now“ und „I Want You
to Know“ mit Selena Gomez glänzte, bietet auch „Telos“ wieder spannende Feature, u.a. auch die Single
„Out Of Time“ mit Bea Miller.
Zedd beschreibt „Telos“ als sein bisher ehrlichstes und persönlichstes Album, weiter sagt er: “With Telos, I
wanted to create a profound album listening experience that takes you on a journey beyond just the songs.
I wanted everyone to be able to feel a deeper emotional connection, like how I felt listening to my favorite
albums when I was growing up. It was the details, transitions and cohesiveness that made me want to
create a truly meaningful body of work.”
In seiner Karriere arbeitet der jetzt in Los Angeles beheimatete Zedd mit einer beachtlichen Reihe von
Künstlern zusammen und remixte Songs von u.a. Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas und Skrillex.
Neben fünf Nominierungen und einem GRAMMY Award (2019) für die beste Pop Duo/Group Performance seiner Single „The Middle“ feat. Grey und Maren Morris, räumte er auch noch zahlreiche weitere
Auszeichnungen ab. Das Album wird auf Vinyl am 30.08. erscheinen

The learning process is just as much an act of healing as betterment. The enabling of solutions through sheer willpower and openness to discovery, or a noble mission, never completed. In that spirit, the latest album by Berlin-based Slovak duo Päfgens – comprising Jana Drábeková Kočišová and Filip Drábek – represents a pensive development for the project.

Drifting from their lo-fi shoegaze beginnings, Päfgens drone-infused soundscapes have become increasingly immersive and expressive “framed improvisations,” where spontaneous passages are captured, then revisited with fresh layers upon layers over the course of months, breathing and evolving naturally, mirroring the unpredictability of nature. Songforms have all but melted away, with ethereal guitars and bass nestling up against field-recorded sounds, synth beds, percussion, and singing bowl tones.

The framed improvisation on ‘Aspect of What’ explores love and loss, relishing both the joy and melancholy of paying tribute to Filip’s late ethnologist grandmother, Božena Filová (1926-2020). Her voice opens track 2, ‘Particles’, speaking of the humble desire to “help the people in the rural environment”, and the goal of “uplifting people to better living through education”. The album’s emotionally charged approach to improvisation is suitably uplifting and seemingly made without ego, the couple melting away into the flitting wall of rustling drones and heavenly fuzz. Even at their most serrated (the groaning guitar amp squall underpinning ‘Journey’) or when surrounded by chiming bells, clocks and bowls (‘Around the Clock’), Päfgens is ready to listen, rest, learn, and improve, extracting and nurturing hidden abstract emotion in every piece, plundering something universal and teachable from very personal depths.

"Even God Has A Sense Of Humor" is the long-awaited follow up album to Maxo's critically acclaimed 2019 release Lil Big Man. Across the 14-tracks, Even God Has A Sense Of Humor pays tribute to the mercurial nature of life and includes features from Liv.e, keiyaA, LastNameDavid, and Melanie Charles along with the previously released singles "Free!," produced by Dev Morrison and "48," produced by Madlib and featuring Pink Siifu. The FADER recently sat down with Maxo to discuss the album, which they described as having "a defiant glow, like a bronze statue still standing after an intense tornado."

Born Maxamillian Allen, Even God Has A Sense Of Humor finds Maxo earnest, full-hearted, and lyrically agile. His delivery punches as he poetically unpacks the trials and blessings that have marked the last three years since Lil Big Man, his stirring and meditative debut album. “Life is always gonna be life-ing,” Maxo says, speaking to the spiritual lessons that inspired this new project and an album process that has revealed to him the many ways in which he’s divinely protected.

The album’s striking cover features three casted sculptures of Maxo by legendary NYC-based artist artist John Ahearn, photographed by the rapper’s friend Steven Traylor. The image both preceded the music and set the tone for the record’s overall aura. Experiencing the casting process—which required long periods of stillness for form, and breathwork to avoid claustrophobia—became a metaphor about ego death for Maxo. “I had to go to a space where I was just not there,” he says. As the molding was poured over his body and the voices of those in the room became distant, Maxo’s inner world came into focus. “By the time it hardened, it seemed like the sculpture had risen to be 20 feet above where it was first— almost like it grew tall,” he explains. EGHASOH, in its aural ebbs and flows, honest questioning, profound revelations, and elegant verse, is Maxo standing spiritually tall following a period of challenges with family and friends.

Maxo’s writing process has always been rooted in imagery, observation, and capturing moments. Growing up in Southern California, Maxo spent a lot of time combing through old family photo albums, some of whose contents have become the artwork for prior releases. But his fascination with visual memento is less about nostalgia or remembering, and more about exploring concepts of growth, healing, and cycles. His artistry is intentional and deeply sensitive: “If I’m not feeling it, I’m not gonna record.” While his past records openly grappled with emotional turbulence, anger and depression, EGHASOH is Maxo’s acceptance stage: “I can't really judge nothing. I can't sit up and be mad at shit because everything is, everything is kind of coexisting,” he says.

Musically, EGHASOH is an impressive evolution from Maxo’s earlier, unornamented lo-fi projects. With an emphasis on jazzy instrumentalism and soothing, intricate vocals from both the artist and featured chanteueses Liv.e, Melanie Charles, and keiyaA, EGHASOH is a welcome and beautifully complex sonic effort. Its contributors include a range of musicians: Pink Siifu, LastNameDavid, Madlib, GrayMatter, Karriem Riggins, Beat Butcha, Lance Skiiiwalker, and more. The album was executive produced by Mount Kimbie’s Dom Maker.

“Nobody talks about the fact that we’re changing as we get older... Everybody just acts like you supposed to know,” Maxo says on album standout, “Face of Stone”. It's moody bassline meets a cinematic accordion melody that paradoxically both broods and uplifts—a fitting production choice that mirrors the song’s story. “I’m seeing how this world is chipping you and withering your bones,” Maxo says. “I’m talking about myself, talking about my bro. But it’s never nothing you gonna do that’s a one stop shop in this life. You gotta keep staying diligent and consistent.” For Maxo, Even God Has a Sense of Humor is nothing more than another moment on the timeline of his offerings of self-expression as an artist—one whose sole intention is to, in his words, develop as a human being and heal.

The brothers Fognini aka Mind Against return to Life And Death with their new single Love Seeking with a remix from friends and fellow masters of the emotional dancefloor Âme.
It’s fitting that techno storytellers Mind Against should revisit the home of their first EP with a revamped sound and turbo-charged take on current-day disco. Their history with DJ Tennis and Life and Death is almost as old as the label itself, harking back to their days living together in Berlin.
Now the brothers leave behind their signature hypnotic techno palette for a boogie-fied stepper that’s equal parts pop breeze and deep synth trip, full of hopeful anticipation. For the remix, Innervisions duo and cultural tour-de-force Âme twist the knobs and stretch out the heartstrings for an extended slice of big room goosebumps.
In the words of Mind Against themselves:
“10 years after releasing our very first EP Atlant on Life and Death, we’re excited to come back to our first imprint with such a special track and remix by Âme.
We’ve stepped out of our usual comfort zone and done something that can be both linked to our own musical world and to the sounds that Life and Death have evolved in recent years.
Our friendship with DJ Tennis is about as old as the label is, bringing us back to the times we used to share a flat in Kreuzberg. One may say this release is both an ode to the past and to a bright future, full of promises.”