Founded in the stillness of 2020 when a group of tight tight-knit up and coming musicians were robbed of their livelihood and greatest joy - live performance - the group came together in a graffiti smudged artist s space in an old industrial facility in Copenhagen s outskirts and created a space for themselves to improvise in a funky, groove based setting. A followup to their 2023 debut Moko Jumbie which explored the rich culture of West African music popularised by Mulatu Asastke and Fela Kuti, as the name suggests, Soul Piece leans further into the tropes, grooves and idioms of Western 60" s Soul and Funk. Recorded live over two days at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, the albums raw, warm production captures the energy, intimacy and excitement of a live performance, transporting the listener right in the centre of a pulsating dancefloor. Each song is rooted in groove and exemplary band musicianship, and made up of every stylistic feature one might crave from the genre: crunchy rhodes tones, percussive clavinets, thick organ textures, grooving tambourines, searing guitar solos, deep pocket drum grooves, infectious basslines, punchy horn backings and James Brown Brown-esque stabs. Self described as the young lions " of the Danish jazz scene, each member of the six piece is an active contributor to the country s diverse musical output; Norregaard, Langebæk & Besiakov can be heard performing regularly in the Fela Kuti saluting Black Money Orchestra and Bæst, Eskildsen with the Addis Ababa Band, and Thofte & Toftemark each leading their own projects in contemporary hard hard-hop to name but a few of their many ventures.
quête:energy
Askkin's latest release, 'NECH027' marks his debut on Nastia's NECHTO. A former resident of techno nights at Faktice in Nantes, Askkin has found his footing in the Brussels techno scene. His work at Faktice, now a label co-founded with producer Exal, has garnered
attention across the European scene. With collaborations alongside artists like Hadone and releases on labels such as TWND and Maison Close, Askkin continues to develop a distinctive sound.
For Askkin, producing music serves as an expressive outlet, capturing a range of emotions and reflections. 'NECH027' conveys both introspective and uplifting moments, especially the
track "Social Medication" exemplifying his approach to blending light and darkness while maintaining a strong groove and energy.
The EP features five tracks: "Keep Your Chin Up", "Not All Silences Sound The Same", "Social Medication", "Tick", and "Yes". Each track showcases Askkin’s focus on deep emotions with a touch of hope, making 'NECH027' a notable addition to his growing discography.
The Raging Nathans, the Dayton, Ohio-based punk band known for their high-energy performances and
melodic punk sound, re-issue their 2014 album "Losing It" after being out of print for a decade. The LP
captures the band's raw, emotive style, blending fast-paced rhythms with introspective lyrics. Features
all new artwork!
When Bob Vylan won the first MOBO award for Best Alternative Music Act in 2022, the punk-grime duo took to the stage and used the platform to speak about how they managed to achieve the impossible as independent artists in a genre-defying space. “We released an album this year that we produced entirely, mixed entirely, recorded entirely, all from my bedroom…so everybody that’s here, bigging up Atlantic and bigging up Warner, fuck that, us man did it ourselves”.
It was an acceptance speech that rattled the room and built anticipation for their next projects.
Humble as the Sun, the forthcoming album from Bob Vylan continues with much of the rage and urgency that they have come to be known and loved for, but this latest project shows that they are now stronger and wiser, bolstered by the wins and learnings that they have fought hard for along the way. The resulting tracklist aims to leave the listener feeling power alongside their anger, and brings a fresh and compelling blend of punk, rock, grime and rap together in an experimental way.
Following on from the last album, Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life, the message woven throughout Humble as the Sun remains dark in places but is high-energy, defiant and unapologetic in its critique of a broken social and political system that so many have fallen victim to, but feel powerless against.
This album is for the underdogs, the ones who come out swinging and those who refuse to be defeated in the face of injustice, and aims to remind listeners that anger is a fire that can be harnessed and put to use. The album creation started from a conversation with the sun, which is, after all, a big ball of fire that sustains life.
From masculinity to myths about the G Spot, the themes and topics explored on Humble As The Sun make for an often humorously empowering celebration of the peoples ability to endure, overcome and bring about change.
The lyricism on this album is even more layered than their previous projects, still darkly humorous, anti-establishment and unforgiving but at times pauses to deliver much-needed words of afrmation to listeners, “You are loved. You are not alone. You are going through hell but keep going.” Bobby assures the listener, ofering an antidote to the state of the world, aiming to give some power and agency to those who hear it. At a time when so little trust or faith exists between the people and the powers that be, Bob Vylan ofers out a hand in the despondent darkness that has overwhelmed so many in the shadow of a burning planet. They guides the listener to a place where they can see some light and feel empowered to do something, to fight back, to continue pushing forwards despite the challenges faced along the way.
Mixing all of the best quintessentially British - and Jamaican - musical elements from punk to drum and bass, grime and rock, Bob Vylan creates a sound that reflects the state of the nation, at once voicing the frustrations that normal people have, while also highlighting one’s ability to persevere, overcome hardship and to change.
Confidence Man’s third studio album, "3AM (LA LA LA)" released via CHAOS/Polydor Records/I OH YOU Records, sees the delinquent party starters popify 90's UK rave sounds like no one before. Inspired by a recent move to London, meeting their idols KLF, and becoming immersed in the queer club scene, Confidence Man have taken the ideas of hedonism, ecstasy and losing yourself to the music and distilled them into pure a-grade euphoria. The record spans the electronic spectrum from breakbeat and trance, to left-field Underworld size techno and the “let’s 'ave it” punk energy of legacy artists like The Prodigy. “3AM (LA LA LA)” follows their hugely successful second album “TILT”, which featured breakout single and festival crowd favourite ‘Holiday’. Staunchly defying trends and bringing Janet, Sugar, Reggie and Clarence along for a helluva good time, "3AM (LA LA LA)" feels bigger, bolder and in some ways brutal, but like, in a hot way. "3AM (LA LA LA)" is a welcome escape from the dull wasteland of modern mediocrity, bringing the weird and wonderful world of Confidence Man to the masses.
Wajeed's brilliant Dirt Tech Reck brings some Latin flair to this new 12" from Michele Manzo. 'NiNos Del Mar' is bright and sunny and hella lively from the off with opener 'Liquida' layering up warm, soulful chords and percussive drums with an exotic vocal loop. It's a great mix of organic and synthetic sounds and it radiates warmth and energy for any dance floor. 'Quasi' is a house shuffler with more minimal drums but still a sun-kissed sound thanks to the steamy vocals and tropical percussion which flutters over the relentless groove. Summer may be nearly over, but this one keeps the vibes well and truly alive.
- 1: Dick Rabbit "You Come On Like A Train" 968 - Bay City, Michigan
- 2: Blizzard "Be Myself" 1974 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- 3: Fox "Sun City - Part Ii" 1969 - San Francisco, California
- 4: Sweet Wine "Bringing Me Back Home" 1970 - Virginia, Minnesota
- 5: Enoch Smoky "Roll Over Beethoven" 1969 - Iowa City, Iowa
- 1: Flight "Get You" 974 - Elyria, Ohio
- 2: Quick Fox "Indian" 1978 - Berkshire, Massachusetts
- 3: Bonjour Aviators "The Fury In Your Eyes" 1976 - Boston, Massachusetts
- 4: Cedric "I'm Leavin'" 1970 - Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 5: Zane "Step Aside" 1976 - Malm?, Sweden
There is NO LIGHT at the end of this tunnel! BROWN ACID: The Nineteenth Trip fires ten more savage nails deep into the coffin of ‘60s psychedelic idealism. This series is THE premier top dog journey into the rarest and most wasted early local eruptions of heavy rock, unleashed at a time when harsh reality, human nature and disillusionment drove prevailing underground rock glimpses of a ‘better’ world into ever darker selfabsorbed comedowns. Mind expanding ’60s love energies transform into toxic aggression right before your ears! The great thing is that these moves are totally justified, ‘we are all one’ is cosmically good in theory but ‘get it while you can’ ends up perhaps better advice in the light of human history. Both of those angles of awareness can coexist, some of these bands deliver unrelenting sideways positive energy but they aren’t over-thinking it, they are youthfully driven by hunger for life and satisfying the undeniable urges their DNA thrusts upon them. Sonically, the results in the BROWN ACID series never fail to breathe hot and heavy, the guitars kill it every time, the variety of approaches these tracks take keep the scenery shifting into new places. The key element that makes this stuff so potent is that THEY (the bands) are in control. Captured genuinely with no compromise, right out of the gate. No doubt they had ambition with high hopes for the future when they laid down these primal efforts, the fact that they captured their energy so vividly at a moment in time when the only direction imaginable was UP creates a hard hitting life affirming subtext to the proceedings. That is the core energy of blues and rock and roll, dealing with the struggles of existence by flipping a gigantic ‘what the fuck’ high energy bird right in the face of the moronic defective reality these bands were born into. If you take this stuff too ‘seriously’ you are utterly missing the point, it is beyond analysis, it is life itself! No amount of thinking will get you there quicker! BROWN ACID: The Nineteenth Trip is scary... the bottomless pit of deranged vintage heavy rock the series presents continually expands over time... one deadly dose too many and you might be trapped in the bad trip loop forever... enjoy it or lose your mind!
- A5: Where Have I Been All My Life
- A3: Maniac
- A1: Oo Cute
- A2: Heart Of Lead (Take It Off!!!)
- A4: Leo’s Song (The Social Media Guy)
- A6: Stay Wid De Money (Go Home!!!)
- B1: Footyliciou$
- B2: The Bomb (Is It The Tear Gas Or Babe Are You)
- B3: Sukc My Dikc
- B4: Vip Parties
- B5: An Old Country Ballad
- B6: Best Dj Ever (I’m The!!!)
In a world of division, BEÃTFÓØT’s delayed second album is as an invitation to unite at a utopian celebration of life. Originally scheduled for release in October 2023 but postponed due to the ongoing Israel/Palestine war, the intrinsically-political ‘TOO CUTE’ has taken on more prominence than the Tel Aviv duo of Udi Naor and Adi Bronicki could have imagined.
“It's more urgent than ever for us to share this now, even though the album has been ready for a while,” says producer Naor. “BEÃTFÓØT are against any war, and believe that people should talk and not use violence - never,” he adds vehemently. “We feel the pain of Palestinians and Israeli loss of life, and are devastated by it. We hope the war will be finished soon and that peace and prosperity will come soon for both sides.”
While both Naor and vocalist Bronicki have been active in protests, charity work and community efforts over the past year - explicitly against the current government in Israel - such values of peace, acceptance, coexistence, inclusiveness and anti-hate from all sides are further instilled in the songs that form ‘TOO CUTE’.
“We're really trying to highlight that there are people here working tirelessly for a brighter future for our ill kids and our neighbour’s kids,” adds Naor, who is also co-founder of techno duo Red Axes. Having had to flee the country with his family, it’s through music that Naor and Bronicki have found hope.
In light of such conflict, the multi-layered yet sonically-bonkers record also enables escapism, which is needed more now than ever. Following their self-titled 2021 debut (released on DJ Tennis’ label Life and Death), ‘TOO CUTE’ is a refreshingly-ridiculous dark-rave rollercoaster which careers between hard-dance, big-beat, post-punk, techno, hyperpop, country and everything in between.
Things blast off at breakneck speed with the chaotic title track’s hyperpop snares, instantly-catchy lyrics (which feel ominously striking considering the war) and a stadium-ready chorus that erupts into rolling breakbeats, punishing EDM and even a nod to The Bloodhound Gang’s ‘The Magic Touch’. Somehow, we’re just three minutes into the record.
The tongue-in-cheek ‘HEART OF LEAD (TAKE IT OFF)’ still bangs despite its silliness, like if Kero Kero Bonito got in the studio with will.i.am. Later, ‘LEO’S SONG (THE SOCIAL MEDIA GUY)’s wittily satirical one-liners - “I just wanna get high with AI” - come thick and fast amid a barrage of glitches and guitars. ‘SUKC MY DIKC !!!’, meanwhile, pairs flute with pulsing hardstyle beats.
While their first record’s experimental explosion captured the pure carnage and energy of the BEÃTFÓØT universe in a conceptual fashion (though remaining polished in its own way), album two is primed to connect with a bigger audience thanks to its pop melodies, structures and songwriting.
Much of ‘TOO CUTE’ was written while the duo toured Europe for the first time, with rough sketches of tracks created in the moment during their incendiary live shows, and then recorded in planes and cars.
If their first record was a case of testing the vibes, album two is more assured and confident within their sonic world. “In the first album, we stepped into the club, metaphorically, and started making eye contact with everyone to figure out the energy,” Bronicki says. “But, this time round, I already had an idea of the story that I wanted to tell to these random people.”
And what is that story? “Radical silliness, or radical fun – that’s the essence of BEÃTFÓØT,” Naor confirms. “What we really want to do is goof around and have fun, and that brings out something very profound and honest,” he explains. A sense of nostalgic freedom is also at the album’s core, thanks to the removal of adult predetermined social constructs that decide how people should behave or look. “There’s a very honest and positive energy in holding onto your childlike wonder and trying to explore that with others,” Bronicki suggests, adding that “the adult world can be so wrong and angering”.
She feels this relates to both the album’s lyrics and the artistic state of mind that the duo always work to: “the goal is to feed a really thought-out and profound idea, but through a playful spoon,” she says. With this in mind, the recurring theme of ‘TOO CUTE’ stems from the duo’s “radical and lived experience of existing in a place that holds a lot of guilt and fear – because death is so imminent and prevalent in a very confronting way”. This is clearly represented on ‘FOOTYLICIOU$’, on which Bronicki screams “someone’s gonna die tonight!” before emphatically shouting “NOT ME!”
The album title is BEÃTFÓØT’s response to that: “We want to be a celebration of life, and that applies to all lives, of all backgrounds, including animals… that’s our guiding light,” Bronicki says.
“We create in the context of living in a country where the current government’s anti-democratic measures are limiting who is included in the celebration of life. Because different people are always being pushed out and excluded: whether it’s queers, Palestinians or people from different religions.”
BEÃTFÓØT - who have found a home among the LGBTQIA+ community - are fighting back against oppression. “We want everybody to come to the party and celebrate life together,” says Naor, setting out his and Bronicki’s mission… “and our goal is to widen that party as wide as it can go.”
c MANIAC ft. Princess Rani
e WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE ft. Bugle Boy
c MANIAC ft. Princess Rani
[e] WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE [ft. Bugle Boy]
[c] MANIAC [ft. Princess Rani]
[e] WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE [ft. Bugle Boy]
One Way Trip to Gaia, Alberta Balsam's debut album, propels listeners into uncharted territory, delivering a futuristic fairytale--a utopian world that serves as a sonic refuge from reality. Building on the electro-IDM foundations of her earlier releases , this record evolves into an odyssey of bass-driven beats, breakbeat rhythms, and dub-infused atmospheres. As her most vocal project to date, the album showcases her ability to merge pop sensibility with otherworldly sound design, all while maintaining that club-ready energy. Limited edition: pressed on a black and silver marbled vinyl. Sleeve design by Timaeus
- A1: New Hook - Lebenskonzept Perfektion
- A2: Innere Tueren & Map Ache - Xxii (The Goodbye)
- A3: Curses - In Disarray
- A4: Mano Le Tough - Keep Noddin’
- B1: Skelesys - Synesthetic Serenade
- B2: Rebolledo - Alright Pingüino Rodriguez
- B3: Moderna Y Theus Mago - Amor De Verano
- C1: Massimiliano Pagliara - Get Moving
- C2: Man Power - Unbekannt
- C3: Dj Oyster - House Of Bookla (Gerd Janson Remix)
- D1: Lydia Eisenblätter - It Doesn’t Stop
- D2: Alinka - Light Tunnel 8
- D3: Dc Salas - A Journey
- E1: Llewellyn - High5, Twenty5
- E2: Benjamin Fröhlich - Perfectly (Version Pour Offenbach)
- E3: Peter Invasion & Gregor Habicht - Kasalina
- F1: Kalexis - Pulsar Radio Star
- F2: Adana Twins - Neue Realitä
- F3: Oskar Offermann - Live Forever
- G1: Robert Dietz - Deny The Flaw
- G2: Cromby - Lost Tool
- G3: Odopt - Gristlecut
- H1: Kadosh Feat Tony Y Not & Common Occupation - Wake Up
- H2: Ali Schwarz - Tougana
- J1: Ludwig A F. - Sky
- J2: Shubostar - First Children
- J3: Jennifer Touch - Shiver (Robert Johnson)
- H3: Current Location - Terrace Dub Tool
- I1: Hcl - Riv
- I2: Irakli - Infinite Errors
- I2: Rkjvk - Memory Lane
In the heart of Offenbach, where the city's pulse synchronizes with the beat of the night, stands the illustrious Robert Johnson Club. For a quarter of a century, it has stood as a bastion of sonic exploration, a sanctuary for those who seek solace in the rhythm, and a beacon of inspiration for the global electronic music community. As it proudly raises its glass to toast 25 years of unrivaled musical excellence, the echoes of countless memories reverberate through its storied halls. To honor this landmark anniversary, „Live at Robert Johnson“ presents a kinda like masters blueprint of sound: "Tell Me Something Good - 25 Years of Famous When Dead!" This compilation, aptly named after the club's mantra, serves not only as a celebration of its rich history but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of the artists who have graced its stage. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each track on the compilation is a sonic journey unto itself—a symphony of beats and melodies that weave together to tell the story of Robert Johnson's evolution over the past quarter-century. From the pulsating rhythms of underground techno to the ethereal melodies of deep house, the compilation encapsulates the club's eclectic spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music. But beyond the music lies something deeper—an intangible energy that permeates every aspect of Robert Johnson's existence. It's the sense of camaraderie that binds together the club's patrons and artists alike, the shared experience of losing oneself in the music, and the profound sense of belonging that transcends language and culture. As the compilation reverberates through the speakers, it serves as a rallying cry—a call to arms for all who have ever felt the transformative power of music. It's a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found in the simple act of coming together and losing oneself in the rhythm of the night. So let us raise our voices in celebration of Robert Johnson Club and the indelible mark it has left on the world of electronic music. Here's to 25 years of passion, of creativity, and of "something good" that will echo through the ages for generations to come.
Max Essa is a bonafide Balearic boss man and one of the regulars of the Is It Balearic? label. It is there that he returns now with 'I'm Homeward Bound' which is a textbook sound from the producer, with a hint of Tears For Fears. The pads are delightfully gooey and subtly uplifting over gently percussive and stuttering beats and the whole thing is rich in lazy poolside energy. Nathan Dawidowicz remixes into a percolating bit of deep and tribal disco, Secret Soul Society brings out the early evening house grooves ready for sunset sessions and the closing cut 'Chasing Horses' is a super sweet late night groove with heartfelt chords
The "Sula Bassana" project marks the fusion of two distinct but complementary musical worlds: that of 20syl, electro-hip hop producer and DJ, and that of Christophe Panzani, versatile jazz musician. The album is an ode to contemplation, an immobile voyage embodied by the Gannet, the symbol of their creativity as they fly across styles and soundscapes.
The duo affirm their complicity with the eponymous track "Sula Bassana", where 20syl's sophisticated electro production blends with Christophe Panzani's melodious instruments. The track was accompanied on its release by a remarkable interactive video that poetically retraces the journey of a gannet.
The album also features a number of enriching collaborations. On "Dreams", they invite Yael Naim with her haunting voice and poignant harmonies. "Nuevo Mundo" invites La Chica to take us into a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, fusing electro rhythms with Latin influences. Finally, "Playtime" features jazz pianist Eric Legnini, whose subtle chords and virtuoso improvisation infuse the album with a refined energy.
"Sula Bassana" is a space where the duo asserts itself with confidence, a rich and varied musical exploration, transcending the boundaries of genres to offer a unique and captivating sonic experience.
The Outer Edge is excited to announce the release of an intense and previously undiscovered funk rap / boogie single, featuring two tracks recorded in 1986.
While researching for his book on 80s funk music in Germany, DJ Scientist explored bands from Bavaria that collaborated with GIs. One of these bands is Grand Slam, a group that remains active to this day. The band’s leader, Toby Mayerl, lived near a US Army base in Amberg, where he fell in love with funk after hearing Roger Troutman and Zapp. He soon became part of two groups: Total Control and Grand Slam.
Originally led by guitarist Harry Zawrel, Grand Slam had a “European” funk sound similar to Talking Heads or Level 42. However, in 1985, Mayerl took over the band and merged it with Total Control, a mixed group that included African-American soldiers. From that point on, they shifted towards a heavier funk and soul sound, continuing to work with musicians from the GI community. By late 1986, they had enough material to record their debut album, Make My Day. Although published by the independent label Kerston, the album was only available on cassette, primarily sold at their concerts in early 1987.
DJ Scientist managed to track down an original copy of this ultra-rare tape in the MUZ archive in Nuremberg. "What I heard blew my mind," he said. "The cassette featured seven raw, well-produced funk and soul jams with fantastic arrangements and vocals." As an old-school funk and disco rap collector, he was immediately captivated by the track "Goin' Out," which features GI rapper Calvin E. Flagg. This song evokes the energy of early recorded rap singles from labels like Enjoy or Sugar Hill Records.
On Side B, the second track from the unheard debut album, ‘Don’t Let You Down,’ offers another glimpse of what we've been missing. This uptempo boogie-funk track features lead vocals by Aletha Mcbryde, Calvin E. Flagg, and Oliver Allwardt, along with thrilling synths and a lively brass section - perfect for turning up the volume.
Both tracks have been remastered from the original master tapes, which Toby Mayerl fortunately still had in his archive. The artwork for the release is inspired by original band posters, with the Grand Slam logo taking cues from Bootsy's Rubber Band’s Body Slam! cover from 1982. This limited vinyl pressing is capped at just 350 copies.
- Terminator (Intro)
- How To Survive (Feat. Zoe Osama, Caleigh Pen)
- Real La (Feat. Meaku & Dreebo)
- Do Anything (Feat. Bale & Trizz)
- Curbside Pickup (Feat. Flee Lord)
- Tryna Get Rich
- Makin A Run Wit Slink (Skit) (Feat. Slink Johnson)
- Yea Yea Yea (Feat. Meaku & Selly Sel)
- Toast (Feat. Larry June, Jay Worthy, Washeyi Choir)
- Born Blue (Feat. Space Monsta, Lilbunko)
- Dick Tracy (Feat. Tiona Deniece)
- Home (Feat. Lovey Jean)
- House Party (Feat. Dreebo, Legree Shine)
- Full Circle (Feat. Westside Traffic)
- Slaves (Feat. Hydeparkfb)
- Stuck In The Ways (Feat. Bale, Jameel Na'im X, Young Roddy)
"SKANLESS SUMMER: 80Z BABYZ (RE-ROCK EDITION)" takes you on a nostalgic yet groundbreaking musical journey, masterfully curated by the LA up-and-coming star T.F. In this innovative album, T.F. seamlessly fuses the raw energy of 80s hip-hop with contemporary beats, re-rocked by Local Astronauts, redefining the very essence of rap music and featuring guest appearances by Larry June, Jay Worthy, Flee Lord, Tiona Deniece and more!
Tina Edwards "absolutely loving Ensoul and Locked! Big fan of what this band are doing. One of the most original outfits in London Jazz atm."
Jamie Cullum "beautiful music from Ambient Jazz Ensemble"
Presenting the genre defining and much hip hop sampled Ambient Jazz Ensemble. AJE’s Colin Baldry has a highly accomplished career in music writing and producing for iconic labels Motown, RCA, Geffen, Virgin and Capitol Records
London Fields describes London energy, vibe, anticipation; ‘fields' of electricity. The phrase conjours something of my own relationship with London. Having moved away after living & working there for 20 years I’ve recently fallen in love with the city again. I've been walking the streets, rediscovering it’s parks, canals, the architecture, the river; … & experiencing new music in London is always a joy. The 'London Fields’ have recaptured my imagination
Ensoul delivers sparse felt piano before Lynsey Ward releases her inner Kate Bush. Locked inspired initially by Tony Robert-Fleury’s 1891 painting ‘Alix Appearing in Mask’. And then the collaboration with singer songwriter Lynsey Ward an inspiration and a joy which comes across in the music
The Mellons are set to enchant and enthrall with their new 7” release, ""Tell Me Why b/w Please Baby Please,"" marking a vibrant follow-up to their acclaimed 2022 album “Introducing... The Mellons!”. Continuing their homage to '60s psych pop, these singles encapsulate their signature blend of shimmering harmonies, intricate baroque touches, and rock sensibilities.
""Tell Me Why"" offers a lush tapestry of melody and emotion, while the B-side, ""Please Baby Please,"" emerges as a raw, urgent cry for relief amid life's chaos. With its grittier edge and desperate energy, this track delves deep into the turmoil of personal and collective struggles.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue, the B-side features a ghost track, an unexpected surprise that promises to captivate listeners with its enigmatic allure. Accompanied by a visually arresting music video directed by A.C.B. and filmed by the Captain, ""Please Baby Please"" embodies the Mellons' evolving sound and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Get ready for a sonic journey that mixes sunshine pop with stormy introspection, and let The Mellons' captivating new release sweep you off your feet.
Where would a painter paint if it were not on a white canvas? Where would a composer compose if it were not on the stave and the spaces in between the lines? How would a musician play his instrument if there were no melodies composed, written down, painted for him to follow?
The magic of art needs a frame, a somewhat solid container to hold the freedom that can only be found once we integrate some form of structure. And that also holds in every other area of life. We all need a frame, a structure, a rhythm, or else, we fall apart. This human form needs the body, and yet it transcends the limitations of the body - through art.
Consistency being one of them seems oftentimes less tangible, for it resides more in the act of doing, and showing up for the practice, for devoting energy and presence. Strangely, if we consistently show up for our practice, regardless of its form, the solid frame of the hour we devote to playing the instrument, learning a language, doing the sport, sitting silently for that meditation: It feels different every single time. It feels new every single time.
The repetitive consistency in being present again and again allows for nothing short of magic to happen. Magic feeds consistency. Consistency feeds magic. Consistency sets a foundation that strengthens over time. It allows us to slowly but surely develop any kind of skill, to find and hence to embody expertise. On the fertile grounds of such a solid foundation, creativity fosters, and innovation blossoms.
Establishing consistent rituals and routines can bring a sense of comfort and safety into every-day-life. For routine beholds repetition and its frame enables our experience within to change. In the familiar, we dare to explore, maybe even experiment, merely because a part of us remembers we depart from, and always return to, a safe space. We do not get lost. We do not fall apart. As we practice, again and again, we build resilience in overcoming obstacles or literally persevering through challenging situations and stretches of time.
While consistency gifts steadiness and stability, its overdose risks to result in what may appear as uniformity. It feels like constantly - consistently - dancing on the fine line of freedom within a structure. Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns, adjustments need to be made to accommodate change and avoid rigidity. By striking a balance between consistency and flexibility, we can create harmony in our lives, just like a beautiful melody that flows smoothly from one note to the next.
Within the magical waves of music, skills are needed, too. Consistency is key to show up and do the work. It frames the freedom of magic that resides beyond and only beyond effort. Learning to play an instrument, learning to sing, does never happen within the blink of the eye. It takes time. Time to show up for the practice, to do precisely that: practice. Again and again, every single time, again and again. Precision feeds perfection that falls apart inside the structure of a song, a line, a rhythm, dissolving into magic.
Consistency in practicing, in composing and sharing music with the world regardless of the form allows any musician to refine his style, to carve out his uniqueness. For any artistic expression is, after all: Unique. And this uniqueness is born inside the vessel of any structure, over and over again. Sharing music in the form of new releases and public performances nourishes the bond between artist and audience. And for that to unfold, both parties need to show up - while the underlying beat of this never-ending practice is presence fuelled by consistency.
"Beneath the Mask" marks a return to the more commercially viable jazz-funk of the Chick Corea Elektric Band’s earlier albums, and marks the end of the first stage in the band’s history, which began five years earlier with the group’s self-titled debut.
Energy meets craft on this superlative outing, which finds the five virtuoso musicians (Chick Corea, drummer Dave Weckl, bassist John Patitucci, guitarist Frank Gamble, and saxophonist Eric Marienthal) engaging in a highly sophisticated yet accessible set of music.
Massive in the scale of the influences it contains, the album travels from the heavy grooving funk-fusion of the title track “Beneath the Mask,” to the lively West African township jive of “One of Us Over 40.” to the mellow smooth jazz of “A Wave Goodbye,” and the grandiose ‘70s style prog-rock/fusion of “Charged Particles.”
Originally released on GRP Records in 1991, the album reflects the innovative spirit of The Elektric Band, pushing boundaries and creating a unique sonic landscape that captivates listeners.
The legendary Lagoa club, a temple of techno in Menin, is celebrating its 34th anniversary in style with the exclusive release of LAGOA TRAX Vol. 1, a vinyl compilation featuring four unreleased tracks composed by four of the club's iconic resident DJs: Manu Kenton, DJ HS, Jamie Dill, and Max Walder. These artists, who have made their mark in Lagoa's history with their memorable performances, pay tribute to the soul and energy of the club through compositions that are true to its unique musical style, known for its powerful beats and dynamic sounds.
This vinyl captures the essence of Lagoa's legendary nights, offering fans four exclusive tracks to once again vibe to the intense rhythm that has shaped the club's reputation.
Le légendaire club Lagoa, temple de la techno à Menin, célèbre son 34ème anniversaire en grande pompe avec la sortie exclusive de LAGOA TRAX Vol. 1, un vinyle regroupant quatre titres inédits, composés par quatre des DJ résidents emblématiques du club : Manu Kenton, DJ HS, Jamie Dill et Max Walder. Ces artistes, qui ont marqué l’histoire de Lagoa avec leurs performances mémorables, rendent hommage à l'âme et à l'énergie du club à travers des compositions fidèles à son style musical unique, reconnu pour ses rythmes puissants et ses sonorités dynamiques.
Ce vinyle capture l'essence des nuits légendaires de Lagoa, offrant aux fans quatre morceaux exclusifs pour vibrer à nouveau sur le rythme intense qui a forge la reputation du club.




















