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Die deutschen Epic-Doom-Metal-Meister Lord Vigo veröffentlichen im Mai 2025 ihr sechstes Studioalbum auf High Roller Records. Nach den von Presse und Fans gleichermaßen gefeierten "Danse De Noir" (2020) und "We Shall Overcome" (2022) handelt es sich bei "Walk The Shadows" mitnichten um den dritten Teil der begonnenen Trilogie. ""Walk The Shadows" steht für sich alleine und ist unabhängig von einem durchgehenden Konzept", erläutert Schlagzeuger, Sänger und Keyboarder Vinz Clortho. "Das war nach zwei doch sehr ausgefeilten Konzeptalben eine schöne Abwechslung für uns. Es hat wirklich Spaß gemacht." Stücke wie "Through A Glass Darkly", "Servant Of The Dark" oder "The Triumph Of The Killing Heart" verströmen eine Art von Gothic-Horror-Atmosphäre, die einem eklektischen Mix aus Sisters Of Mercy, Fields Of The Nephilim und sogar The Cure ziemlich nahe kommt. "Das kann man durchaus so ausdrücken", stimmt Vinz Clortho zu. "Das Album kombiniert viele verschiedene Stile und kreiert dadurch etwas ganz Neues. Meine Roots liegen im klassischen Metal, und dies in Kombination mit den düsteren Songs auf der neuen Platte ergibt eine komplett andere Richtung für Lord Vigo. Ich denke nicht, dass es ein Album gibt, das ähnlich wie "Walk The Shadows" klingt. Ich weiß nur nicht, ob das ein Vorteil oder ein Nachteil ist." "Der Song 'Walk The Shadows' ist die erste Single", erklärt Vinz. "Dazu haben wir auch ein Video gedreht. Jeder Song steht für sich. Deswegen ist es auch schwierig, bestimmte Nummern herauszuheben. 'El Hakim' ist zwölf Minuten lang, es ist nicht nur der längste Song des Albums, sondern auch der atmosphärisch dichteste. Ganz sicher einer meiner Favoriten." "Stilistisch ist das neue Album sehr wohl ein Sprung für uns" fährt Vinz fort. "Aber genau aus diesem Grund denke ich, dass es eine wegweisende Platte für uns werden kann. Es gibt Gruppen, die immer wieder das gleiche Album schreiben. Aber das sind nicht wir. Bei Lord Vigo klingt jede Scheibe anders. Diesmal haben wir unsere Komfortzone verlassen. Kommerziell mag das nicht unbedingt sinnvoll sein. Aber das ist uns ziemlich egal. Wir wollen Erfolg auf unser Weise. Stellenweise singe ich eine ganze Oktave tiefer als für gewöhnlich. Auch das ist ein Grund dafür, warum "Walk The Shadows" so klingt, wie es klingt."

An endling is the final member of a species. When an endling dies, the species is extinct. Pakistani-American composer Qasim Naqvi returns with Endling. Written as a modular synth prequel to his 2023 BBC Concert Orchestral work, God Docks at Death Harbor, Endling takes the listener on a 43-minute odyssey through an intense and beautiful landscape, set hundreds of years into the future. On the album"s centrepiece "Power Down the Heart," featuring Moor Mother, our character stumbles upon an A.I. being that is in the final moments of its life. As a kind of last rites, this ancient artificial consciousness describes the beauty, sadness and horror it has observed for hundreds of years. Qasim Naqvi is a percussionist, composer and synthesist. Along with being the drummer of lauded cult minimalist trio, Dawn of Midi, Naqvi is an accomplished solo artist and his passion for multidisciplinary work has brought him into the world of film, dance, installation art, and the stage of orchestral and chamber music. His concert music has been commissioned and performed by The London Contemporary Orchestra, The BBC Concert Orchestra, Crash Ensemble, Bang on a Can All Stars, Jennifer Koh, Stargaze, The Cello Octet of Amsterdam, The Helsinki Chamber Choir and others.

A tribute to one of Canada’s biggest ever rock bands, this album is filled with covers of classic tunes by the likes of Slash, Dorothy, Dee Snider, Sebastian Bach, and more. All produced by famed producer Mike Clink (Guns and Roses)

Der in Süd-London geborene und mittlerweile in Atlanta lebende Puma Blue - das Pseudonym von Jacob Allen - veröffentlicht sein Überraschungsalbum 'antichamber'. Es markiert eine klangliche Wende für Puma Blue, da er sich von der vollen Band abwendet und ganz auf obskure elektronische Texturen und akustische Instrumente setzt. Während sein bisheriges Material irgendwo zwischen Trip-Hop, Jazz und Electronica schwebte, hat 'antichamber' einen rohen und direkteren Ansatz beim Songwriting. Hauptsächlich getragen von der sanften Stimme Allens und akustischen Gitarren zeigt sich 'antichamber' verletzlich und von überwältigender Schönheit.

THE SPEAKER WARS, an American rock band formed by Stan Lynch and Jon Christopher Davis, brings a unique blend of rock, country, and gospel influences to their debut self-titled release, the product of a longstanding collaboration. Stan Lynch, a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer, has contributed his talents as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, drawing on his work with Don Henley, Ringo Starr, The Byrds, and many others. Lynch produced, engineered, and mixed the album, lending guitar, keyboard, bass, and vocal skills to the mix. Jon Christopher Davis, a seasoned singer-songwriter from Dallas, honed his craft in Nashville, writing songs for icons like Dolly Parton, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill. Davis, known for his soulful lead vocals, fronts the band and adds guitar, bass, and keyboard layers to their distinct sound. The band’s live lineup features Lynch on drums, Davis on guitar, and additional musicians Jay Brown, Brian Patterson, Steve Ritter, and Jay Michael Smith, creating a dynamic stage presence.

Deathchain’s early albums reissued on vinyl for the first time in May via Svart Records Finnish death-thrashing maniacs Deathchain’s debut and sophomore albums will be available on vinyl for the first time ever on May 30th, 2025 via Svart Records. Deathchain, hailing from the city of Kuopio, was formed in 2001 from the remains of Winterwolf when the band’s guitarist Corpse moved from the countryside to the city to kick things off, and they continue their illustrious and wild axe wielding path to this day. DEADMEAT DISCIPLES (2003) and DEATHRASH ASSAULT (2005) were originally released by Dynamic Arts Records only on CD. The debut gained a lot of great reviews in Europe, paving the way for the band’s substantial touring around Central Europe, Netherlands, and Belgium. The sophomore album DEATHRASH ASSAULT, which ended in the 18th place on the Official Finnish Album Chart, unleashed Deathchain on the Hellhoundz of Doom and Thrash -tour with Candlemass and Destruction, playing live shows in thirteen countries across Europe. The Japanese version of the album was later released on CD in 2006, featuring a bonus cover track of Slayer’s Black Magic. Corpse comments the reissues: ”It's been over two decades since we recorded our first two albums, and finally they will be unleashed to haunt in the format that is closest to our hearts. Both of these albums were recorded in Kuopio at Studio Perkele, which was the beating heart of the underground back then. We were young and handsome alcohol fueled bastards aiming to make music that is fast, furious, and riff driven. The legendary Valhalla metal bar scene was our home and starting point, and surely you can hear the echoes of North Sawonian madness within these albums. Those times were full of insanely good times, and we did our best to catch the spirit of the old school within our music. Finally with the help of Svart Records we are proud to present you these buried gems of death thrashing metal.” DEATHRASH ASSAULT is available on Svart exclusive black & white marble vinyl, limited natural vinyl, and classic black vinyl. Includes Slayer's Black Magic cover as a bonus track.

Deathchain’s early albums reissued on vinyl for the first time in May via Svart Records Finnish death-thrashing maniacs Deathchain’s debut and sophomore albums will be available on vinyl for the first time ever on May 30th, 2025 via Svart Records. Deathchain, hailing from the city of Kuopio, was formed in 2001 from the remains of Winterwolf when the band’s guitarist Corpse moved from the countryside to the city to kick things off, and they continue their illustrious and wild axe wielding path to this day. DEADMEAT DISCIPLES (2003) and DEATHRASH ASSAULT (2005) were originally released by Dynamic Arts Records only on CD. The debut gained a lot of great reviews in Europe, paving the way for the band’s substantial touring around Central Europe, Netherlands, and Belgium. The sophomore album DEATHRASH ASSAULT, which ended in the 18th place on the Official Finnish Album Chart, unleashed Deathchain on the Hellhoundz of Doom and Thrash -tour with Candlemass and Destruction, playing live shows in thirteen countries across Europe. The Japanese version of the album was later released on CD in 2006, featuring a bonus cover track of Slayer’s Black Magic. Corpse comments the reissues: ”It's been over two decades since we recorded our first two albums, and finally they will be unleashed to haunt in the format that is closest to our hearts. Both of these albums were recorded in Kuopio at Studio Perkele, which was the beating heart of the underground back then. We were young and handsome alcohol fueled bastards aiming to make music that is fast, furious, and riff driven. The legendary Valhalla metal bar scene was our home and starting point, and surely you can hear the echoes of North Sawonian madness within these albums. Those times were full of insanely good times, and we did our best to catch the spirit of the old school within our music. Finally with the help of Svart Records we are proud to present you these buried gems of death thrashing metal.” DEATHRASH ASSAULT is available on Svart exclusive black & white marble vinyl, limited natural vinyl, and classic black vinyl. Includes Slayer's Black Magic cover as a bonus track.

»Mother Nature« is the debut solo album by Berend Intelmann, a key figure in the German indie music scene since the late 1980s. Having made his name as a member of groups such as Hallelujah Ding Dong Happy Happy, Guther, and Paula, Intelmann most recently focussed on his work as a producer for artists such as Jens Friebe, MissinCat, or Fotos. »Mother Nature« sees the multi-instrumentalist and singer navigate between pop sentiment and his penchant for classical music on these eight pieces, three of which feature additional contributions by Karaoke Kalk label mate Marla Hansen, synth pop iconoclast Der Assistent, and the versatile Mieke Miami, respectively. »Mother Nature« combines a sense of playfulness with cunning compositional rigour to stunning effect.

Intelmann took full creative licence and worked with the instruments that he feels most comfortable using: the drums, synthesizers, and his voice. While inspired by his life-long passion for pop music in all shades, he also took some cues from his more recent passion for classical music. »The synthesizer melodies are arranged like string quartets, while the songs are presented as musical themes strung together so that they form a coherent story,« he explains. The resulting sound isn’t quite as »krauty« as someone called it, instead the artist prefers to call it »slow-kraut—1980s synth sound with 1970s George Duke-style beats,« though of course he never attempted to fit in one specific genre or replicate a certain sound: This is simply the essence of Berend Intelmann as a composer and storyteller.

The lyrical matter of »Mother Nature« is inspired by life and death. This informs an album that masterfully creates contrasts and utilises the friction generated between them to tell its stories. The album opener and second single »All Gone« greets its audience with the couplet »In the long run / We’re all gone,« but sets this to soothing sounds that form a joyful counterpoint to the fatalism of the words. Also the slowly-unfolding first single »Life Of Another One« sets the stage for a reflection on memories that have become so distant that they feel like belonging to another person altogether with sombre, intertwined melodies. However, these darker tones slowly give way to laid-back grooves, Intelmann’s smooth vocalisations and whirling synthesizer sequences.

The collaborations—a vocal duet with Marla Hansen on »A Focused Mind,« Der Assistent’s subtle theremin contributions to »The Less We Cared« and Mieke Miami flute and saxophone playing on »Mother Nature«—further enrich this album that the artist claims has been »co-produced by friends and family.« Indeed, »Mother Nature« might be Intelmann’s solo debut proper, but he remains a teamplayer at heart.

Fall in love with the sound of Paris on Valentine’s Day through Parisian Romance, a romantic lofi collection that captures the city’s timeless charm and bittersweet beauty.



On this special day of celebrating love and appreciating loved ones, each track transports you to quiet Parisian streets beneath soft, evening skies, where love and loss intertwine. With the heartbeat of the city echoing through cozy cafes and twinkling lights, this collection offers the perfect soundtrack for embracing the delicate emotions that define the City of Lights.

Dark Blue Vinyl. Nina Nastasia's rare gift of a voice is an intimate, winged presence that is able to either freeze or melt your heart; that can powerfully soar and twist, or brush ultra-gently against you, suddenly summoning goose bumps. Released in 2003 by Touch and Go Records (and out of print for almost two decades), Run to Ruin is the third album by Nina Nastasia. It was recorded by Steve Albini at Black Box studio in Noyant-la-Gravoyère, France and at Looking Glass studio in New York. Combined with the prodigious talents of her backing band and the sparse but lush arrangements of the instruments, the songs on Run to Ruin evoke haunting scenes of heartache, passion and a slightly seedy world. Nina's voice is at once delicate and intense, neither sweet nor harsh, i conveys an array of emotion moving between joy and sadness with just a moment's pause.

Havukruunu is the spirit of freedom, harbinger of oblivion, and it tells you: FLY, YOU FOOLS! Svart Records is set to release the band’s fourth album TAVASTLAND in February 2025 After three albums, the pieces of the puzzle fit, and Havukruunu, the favorite band of the sensitive and sorrowful returns with a vengeance to blur the line between the real and unreal. The sorrowful guitars of Stefa and Bootleg-Henkka draw threatening dark shadows on the wall, Kostajainen's drumming bombardement pulses like embers of a dying fire in the hearth. All the while, Humö's bass guitar is clanking and wailing like the icy wind rattling windows and banging walls, as Stefa roars and channels messages from the netherworld or preaches wisdom of ancient days, backed by a choir. Lords of Hell smile approving as the flames of hatred and cunning of their beloved sons drowns a dying old world, and heart of the earth trembles the birth of new and weird. Havukruunu is the spirit of freedom, harbinger of oblivion, and it tells you: FLY, YOU FOOLS! Havukruunu’s upcoming album TAVASTLAND tells the story of a small, strange people. ”-TAVASTLAND tells how in 1237 the Tavastians rose in a rebellion against the church of Christ and drove the popes naked into the frost to die. TAVASTLAND reveals our fathers’ centuries old sins and lies of consolation. TAVASTLAND speaks of him, who has become a prisoner of his home, alienated from the land of the forest and is now afraid of the dark with all lights on, surrounded by his smart devices. TAVASTLAND tells about the freedom we lost. TAVASTLAND haunts its listener to the grave, and I will personally open that grave one bleak night, and steal the fading light of your sempiternal soul.”, says Stefa. TAVASTLAND is available on Svart exclusive ice & blood vinyl edition, limited to 666 copies. Also available on limited amber & black smoke vinyl, classic black vinyl, CD, cassette tape, and digital platforms. All vinyl editions of the first pressing include a booklet and poster. New Havukruunu T-shirt also up for pre-order now at Svart’s webstore. Release date February 28th, 2025.

Love is a first kiss, a late night call, an ache of longing that can break your heart or a long drive with the top down to anywhere but here. Love can equally be contained, repressed and longed for as much as it can save, nurture and embolden. Love is a measure of our humanity or how lost we have become. In her new album, How Love Bends, Reb Fountain muses on the transformative power of love. Imprinted with our fear, desire, hurt and hope as much as it is an expression of our suffering and joy, love is an ever-evolving shapeshifter that lives in our marrow; magnetic and emergent it is loosed by its archer to ride on the wind. Reb's medium is that of a surrealist, playing with the stories that we tell ourselves she harnesses the sage wisdom of the dream; we embark upon a limitless exploration of love, life and loss within a landscape entirely of Reb's making. Reb's love is the stuff of chaos and oceans, vulnerability and revolution; stirring up the depths of the human condition and dancing with the richness of who we really are. Unapologetic, vulnerable, heartbroken and commanding; this is How Love Bends. How Love Bends is at once haunting and alluring, mystical and triumphant. Reb is a seeker, actively reaching for the expanse. A reverent explorer she traverses the turbulent and tidal with heartbreaking vulnerability and blazon courage. The result is an emergent odyssey; a dynamic dreamscape unfolding and revealing itself mid-evolution. Reb has explored new approaches to songwriting revealing nuanced layers with endless depths.

Love is a first kiss, a late night call, an ache of longing that can break your heart or a long drive with the top down to anywhere but here. Love can equally be contained, repressed and longed for as much as it can save, nurture and embolden. Love is a measure of our humanity or how lost we have become. In her new album, How Love Bends, Reb Fountain muses on the transformative power of love. Imprinted with our fear, desire, hurt and hope as much as it is an expression of our suffering and joy, love is an ever-evolving shapeshifter that lives in our marrow; magnetic and emergent it is loosed by its archer to ride on the wind. Reb's medium is that of a surrealist, playing with the stories that we tell ourselves she harnesses the sage wisdom of the dream; we embark upon a limitless exploration of love, life and loss within a landscape entirely of Reb's making. Reb's love is the stuff of chaos and oceans, vulnerability and revolution; stirring up the depths of the human condition and dancing with the richness of who we really are. Unapologetic, vulnerable, heartbroken and commanding; this is How Love Bends. How Love Bends is at once haunting and alluring, mystical and triumphant. Reb is a seeker, actively reaching for the expanse. A reverent explorer she traverses the turbulent and tidal with heartbreaking vulnerability and blazon courage. The result is an emergent odyssey; a dynamic dreamscape unfolding and revealing itself mid-evolution. Reb has explored new approaches to songwriting revealing nuanced layers with endless depths.

GROUPLOVE commemorates the Rock N’ Roll You Won’t Save Me Tour of 2024 with an expansive 2LP set, complete with gatefold jacket, color-in-color vinyl, printed inner sleeves & a fold-out 24 x 26" poster. Recorded at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, IL (except 'Cheese' which was taken from the Wiltern in Los Angeles) and mixed by engineer wiz Matty Green, the release highlights "an incredible and surreal heart opening tour for us" that the band wanted to remember, press, and share. Play it loud!

Havukruunu is the spirit of freedom, harbinger of oblivion, and it tells you: FLY, YOU FOOLS! Svart Records is set to release the band’s fourth album TAVASTLAND in February 2025 After three albums, the pieces of the puzzle fit, and Havukruunu, the favorite band of the sensitive and sorrowful returns with a vengeance to blur the line between the real and unreal. The sorrowful guitars of Stefa and Bootleg-Henkka draw threatening dark shadows on the wall, Kostajainen's drumming bombardement pulses like embers of a dying fire in the hearth. All the while, Humö's bass guitar is clanking and wailing like the icy wind rattling windows and banging walls, as Stefa roars and channels messages from the netherworld or preaches wisdom of ancient days, backed by a choir. Lords of Hell smile approving as the flames of hatred and cunning of their beloved sons drowns a dying old world, and heart of the earth trembles the birth of new and weird. Havukruunu is the spirit of freedom, harbinger of oblivion, and it tells you: FLY, YOU FOOLS! Havukruunu’s upcoming album TAVASTLAND tells the story of a small, strange people. ”-TAVASTLAND tells how in 1237 the Tavastians rose in a rebellion against the church of Christ and drove the popes naked into the frost to die. TAVASTLAND reveals our fathers’ centuries old sins and lies of consolation. TAVASTLAND speaks of him, who has become a prisoner of his home, alienated from the land of the forest and is now afraid of the dark with all lights on, surrounded by his smart devices. TAVASTLAND tells about the freedom we lost. TAVASTLAND haunts its listener to the grave, and I will personally open that grave one bleak night, and steal the fading light of your sempiternal soul.”, says Stefa. TAVASTLAND is available on Svart exclusive ice & blood vinyl edition, limited to 666 copies. Also available on limited amber & black smoke vinyl, classic black vinyl, CD, cassette tape, and digital platforms. All vinyl editions of the first pressing include a booklet and poster. New Havukruunu T-shirt also up for pre-order now at Svart’s webstore. Release date February 28th, 2025.

Fit for Consequences: Original Recordings, 1984–1987 is the first ever archival release from Repetition Repetition, the “two-man electric minimalist band” consisting of Ruben Garcia and Steve Caton hailing from Los Angeles in the mid 1980’s. Repetition Repetition’s unique blend of cosmic art-rock minimalism / maximalism was self-released across a series of cassettes produced in micro editions, and while garnering the attention and participation of luminaries such as Harold Budd, remained under the radar during the band’s existence. Fit for Consequences: Original Recordings, 1984–1987 collects select material from across the duo’s catalog.

It was over a plate of Mexican breakfast food when Ruben Garcia and Steve Caton first told Harold Budd of Repetition Repetition and the worlds they intended to explore by respective way of synthesizers and guitars --- a rendezvous instigated by the former’s fan mail to the legendary composer. If the upstarts entered this restaurant from a one-way street of admiration, they would leave with not only Budd’s interest but, sometime later, a blessing in the wake of many hours shared by the three in Garcia’s Los Angeles home recording studio: “This is going to be difficult, but God help them, I think they’re great,” noted Budd in a USC lecture in 1985. Now several degrees removed from prior rock music aspirations, the real game was afoot.

Between 1984 and 1988, Repetition Repetition operated within something akin to the underground of the experimental underground, although even that designation perhaps overstates the case. The duo’s sparse output consisted of three cassettes self-released on Garcia’s Third Stone Music label: Repetition Repetition (1985), Lakeland (1987), and The Machinist (1987). Their songs would also be included during this period on Trance Port Tapes’ vital scene-scanning compilations assembled by A Produce. Live performances occurred with similar infrequency, but Garcia and Caton counted converts in quality over quantity, numbering among them the aforementioned Budd, a Chambers Brother, and, judging by a memorably drop-jawed reaction following a rare Repetition Repetition gig, Jackson Browne.

Likewise, critical support materialized in the form of KCRW deejays Brent Wilcox and Dean Suzuki, whose steady airplay positioned Repetition Repetition’s music amidst fearless company like Jon Hassell, Hiroshi Yoshimura, and Richard Horowitz. Yet, to hear fellow Trance Port featured players like Tom Recchion and Bruce Licher of Savage Republic tell it, Garcia and Caton moved as ghosts --- a notion more vexingly endorsed by the silence of record companies that failed to come knocking --- and therein lies an overarching truth to the work itself.

Journey to the heart of Repetition Repetition and one discovers a collective ear impossibly attuned to the hypnotic possibilities of stylistic convergence, the resulting music possessed of seamless multimodalities which beckon to a glimmering plane of the disembodied. Where Caton sought his artistic fixes at an intersection of popular genres, Garcia zoned in on the sonically spare, drawing from the same wellspring as the Enos and Rileys of his personal avant-garde pantheon, and in their coming together the two tapped into a deeper cosmic source. Synthetic walls of keyboard sound in forever states of reprise met waves of shimmering --- and at times even punishing --- guitar in reply, their soundscapes hovering convincingly between, as suggested in fittingly dualistic fashion in a press kit assembled by Garcia, such disparate sensations as bird flight in one song and oil drilling in the next.

But don’t call it a push-pull dynamic, as this was a creative partnership founded upon fluidity and organicism by way of, naturally, repetition. In contrast to, say, the Bressonian ideal of repetitive motion as a great stripping away, the concept in the hands of Garcia and Caton equated to ascendancy via continuous unfolding, a maximal route to minimalism. To be sure, their recording philosophy morphed over the course of the act’s short history, and what started as a process defined by consistent in-person interplay developed into a more isolated method formulated by Garcia, who eventually took to his own one-man bedroom-studio sessions in order to fully chart any and all potential ostinato-loaded paths which he could travel down, the Tascam-captured resonances subsequently provided to Caton as blueprints from which to take flight himself, adding layer upon layer of steel to the proceedings.

If the practice and execution changed, however, the evidence certainly didn’t rest in the results: The seamlessness remained, and, despite the brevity of their time together, so has Repetition Repetition. With this finely calibrated collection of songs in Fit for Consequences: Original Recordings, 1984–1987, Freedom To Spend sees to it that the private worlds of Garcia and Caton can now be visited by all rather than just the count-‘em-on-both-hands lucky few whose musical endeavors or collector vocations carried them into this once-distant dimension.

Repetition Repetition’s Fit for Consequences: Original Recordings, 1984–1987 will be released on Freedom To Spend in vinyl and digital editions on May 30, 2025. The collection includes extensive liner notes from Bill Perrine, and wil be offered alongside Over & Over, a supplemental collection of music available exclusively as a mail order cassette from Freedom To Spend and RVNG Intl.

Tony Christie is proud to announce his first new album in over 12 years - ‘We Still Shine’. Released on 16th February 2024, it is from the heart and sees Tony go back to his love of country music, something he has been planning to do with long-time producer and close friend Graeme Pleeth for many years. Now available on WHITE vinyl, this record has been half-speed mastered to DMM for ultimate audio quality and pressed on heavyweight vinyl contained within a printed inner sleeve and gatefold outer sleeve.

Stabbing Westward's 1996 album Wither Blister Burn + Peel is a defining release in the industrial rock genre. The album features a dark, aggressive sound with intense lyrics exploring themes of pain, heartbreak, and inner turmoil. The standout singles "What Do I Have to Do?" and "Shame" propelled the band into mainstream success, thanks to their haunting melodies and heavy guitar riffs. Produced by John Fryer, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Wither Blister Burn + Peel blends harsh electronic elements with raw emotion, creating a brooding atmosphere that resonated with fans of alternative and industrial rock. The album solidified Stabbing Westward’s place in the 90s rock scene, offering a perfect balance of angst and melodic hooks. For fans of industrial rock, Wither Blister Burn + Peel is a must-listen, capturing the dark energy of the era. Wither Blister Burn + Peel is a release on black vinyl.

Sterling Drake continues his run of his rustic and authentic Country & Western music with "The Shape I'm In." It's hard to find authentic Western music these days but Sterling Drake clearly lives these songs. Sterling Drake sings songs of the lifestyle he knows as he devotes time to ranching and conservation. The heartbreak, the longing, the loneliness - it's all there in the grooves of this LP. Close your eyes while you listen to this one and you can smell the campfire and feel the big Montana sky above you. A modern Country & Western classic.

Pianist Rob Clearfield, who has been a regular sideman for drummer Makaya McCraven, both live and in the studio, emerges from the shadows with an album that reveals the strength and originality of his talent.

In trio with double bassist and teenage friend Joe Sanders (Gerald Clayton, Charles Lloyd) and drummer Fred Pasqua, or in quartet adding trumpeter Itamar Borochov, the American pianist presents a dense, spellbinding opus as carefully produced as it is sensitively arranged, reconciling the creative heritage of the Chicago scene, of which he is one of the most fertile offspring, with a sense of lyricism that goes straight to the heart.

Includes two tracks produced by Makaya.

Die amerikanische Rockband Skid Row eroberte in den späten 80er Jahren die Musikszene und wurde zu einer führenden Kraft im Hard Rock- und Heavy Metal-Genre. Bekannt für ihre unbändige Energie, ihre melodischen Hooks und ihre unerbittliche Härte, feierten Skid Row mit Hits wie "18 and Life", "Youth Gone Wild" oder "I Remember You" weltweite Erfolge. Die Band wurde zum Synonym für den rebellischen Geist der späten 80er und frühen 90er Jahre, verkaufte weltweit Millionen von Alben und festigte ihren Platz in der Rockgeschichte. Im Jahr 2022 meldeten sich Skid Row mit ihrem mit Spannung erwarteten neuen Studioalbum "The Gang's All Here" zurück, das von Kritikern und Fans gleichermaßen als kraftvolles Revival ihres klassischen Sounds gefeiert wurde.
"Revolutions Per Minute", erstmals erschienen im Jahr 2006, stellt einen entscheidenden Moment in der Karriere der Band dar, da Skid Row aus ihrer Komfortzone heraustraten und neue Ideen und Einfl üsse in die Band einbrachten. Das Album präsentiert den sich weiterentwickelnden Stil der Band, der ihre charakteristische Härte mit einem moderneren, aƽressiveren Sound kombiniert. Die komplett remasterte Neuaufl age bietet den Fans die Möglichkeit, dieses klassische Album neu zu entdecken und seine nachhaltige Wirkung zu schätzen.

Blur celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Magic Whip with a special edition vinyl release, featuring new cover artwork by original designer Tony Hung. A reimagining of the iconic ice cream cover with added gold foil and embossed details, the new format is presented in a gatefold sleeve and available as a half-speed mastered, single gold disc for the first time. The Magic Whip is Blur's eighth studio album and includes the tracks Ghost Ship, Go Out, Lonesome Street, and Ong Ong. This was previously RSD stores & D2C exclusive

Deathchain’s early albums reissued on vinyl for the first time in May via Svart Records Finnish death-thrashing maniacs Deathchain’s debut and sophomore albums will be available on vinyl for the first time ever on May 30th, 2025 via Svart Records. Deathchain, hailing from the city of Kuopio, was formed in 2001 from the remains of Winterwolf when the band’s guitarist Corpse moved from the countryside to the city to kick things off, and they continue their illustrious and wild axe wielding path to this day. DEADMEAT DISCIPLES (2003) and DEATHRASH ASSAULT (2005) were originally released by Dynamic Arts Records only on CD. The debut gained a lot of great reviews in Europe, paving the way for the band’s substantial touring around Central Europe, Netherlands, and Belgium. The sophomore album DEATHRASH ASSAULT, which ended in the 18th place on the Official Finnish Album Chart, unleashed Deathchain on the Hellhoundz of Doom and Thrash -tour with Candlemass and Destruction, playing live shows in thirteen countries across Europe. The Japanese version of the album was later released on CD in 2006, featuring a bonus cover track of Slayer’s Black Magic. Corpse comments the reissues: ”It's been over two decades since we recorded our first two albums, and finally they will be unleashed to haunt in the format that is closest to our hearts. Both of these albums were recorded in Kuopio at Studio Perkele, which was the beating heart of the underground back then. We were young and handsome alcohol fueled bastards aiming to make music that is fast, furious, and riff driven. The legendary Valhalla metal bar scene was our home and starting point, and surely you can hear the echoes of North Sawonian madness within these albums. Those times were full of insanely good times, and we did our best to catch the spirit of the old school within our music. Finally with the help of Svart Records we are proud to present you these buried gems of death thrashing metal.” DEADMEAT DISCIPLES is available on Svart exclusive green & yellow marble vinyl, limited transparent green vinyl, and classic black vinyl.

Deathchain’s early albums reissued on vinyl for the first time in May via Svart Records Finnish death-thrashing maniacs Deathchain’s debut and sophomore albums will be available on vinyl for the first time ever on May 30th, 2025 via Svart Records. Deathchain, hailing from the city of Kuopio, was formed in 2001 from the remains of Winterwolf when the band’s guitarist Corpse moved from the countryside to the city to kick things off, and they continue their illustrious and wild axe wielding path to this day. DEADMEAT DISCIPLES (2003) and DEATHRASH ASSAULT (2005) were originally released by Dynamic Arts Records only on CD. The debut gained a lot of great reviews in Europe, paving the way for the band’s substantial touring around Central Europe, Netherlands, and Belgium. The sophomore album DEATHRASH ASSAULT, which ended in the 18th place on the Official Finnish Album Chart, unleashed Deathchain on the Hellhoundz of Doom and Thrash -tour with Candlemass and Destruction, playing live shows in thirteen countries across Europe. The Japanese version of the album was later released on CD in 2006, featuring a bonus cover track of Slayer’s Black Magic. Corpse comments the reissues: ”It's been over two decades since we recorded our first two albums, and finally they will be unleashed to haunt in the format that is closest to our hearts. Both of these albums were recorded in Kuopio at Studio Perkele, which was the beating heart of the underground back then. We were young and handsome alcohol fueled bastards aiming to make music that is fast, furious, and riff driven. The legendary Valhalla metal bar scene was our home and starting point, and surely you can hear the echoes of North Sawonian madness within these albums. Those times were full of insanely good times, and we did our best to catch the spirit of the old school within our music. Finally with the help of Svart Records we are proud to present you these buried gems of death thrashing metal.” DEADMEAT DISCIPLES is available on Svart exclusive green & yellow marble vinyl, limited transparent green vinyl, and classic black vinyl.

»Resurrection Of The Graveless« ist eine Hommage an den Old School-Death Metal der frühen Neunziger Jahre. Das neue Album ist die bisher kompromisloseste Veröffentlichung der Band. Die Songs sind dazu bestimmt, mehr als nur Tracks zu sein – sie sind Hymnen. Aufforderungen an diejenigen, die ebenfalls miterleben, wie die Welt um sie herum zerbröckelt und brennt.

A prominent Ukrainian experimental music artist Kateryna Zavoloka creates a follow-up to her previous album “Amulet” – the new album "Istyna" features more melodic structures and complex polyphonic layers that deepen the emotional light.

“Istyna,” which translates to “truth” or “verity” in Ukrainian, explores further the concepts of inner liberation and freedom. The album is Zavoloka’s most personal statement – combining her deep-rooted connection to her homeland with experimental sound steppes, polyrhythms, and polyphonic melodies, this album translates resistance of light.

“Istyna” expresses the quiet truth that lies in the heart. It takes an integral approach to Ukrainian folk traditions in a more complex and harmonious sound, where melodies and polyphony are more affluent. Zavoloka recorded traditional Ukrainian instruments, such as the kobza and kolianka, which are embedded in the album's textures. It is raw emotions, from meditative introspection to moments of intense sonic expression.

Zavoloka a.k.a. Kateryna Zavoloka is a Ukrainian experimental musician, composer, and sound and visual artist whose work seamlessly blends traditional Ukrainian influences with contemporary, avant-garde electronic and experimental music, merging lush melodies, and textures with polyrhythms.

LG Records presents a vinyl-only collection of songs from the archives of the friends and family of Sam Jayne. A very personal assembly of ten songs spanning over 20 years that were compiled from home demos, studio outtakes, obscure compilations, and out of print EPs. Many of these recordings had only been circulated for years amongst friends and fans, never having been formally released on a vinyl album format until now. A condensed and intimate collection of five cover songs and five original compositions that embody Sam’s endless depth of wit, absurdity, humility, passion, and heartache. Dedicated to all of the people who were graced to have shared their lives and fellowship with this beloved, one of a kind human being. Compiled by Zeke Howard and mastered by Tim Green at Louder Studios. 180g black vinyl, 500 pressed with Stoughton 28 pt tip-on sleeve.

Angelo Debarre's extraordinary guitar technique has long been the tree that hid the forest of his profound musicality and above all, his talent as a composer. Belonging to the family of Django Reinhardt's heirs, Debarre has become a legend among Gypsy Jazz fans, one of those rare musicians, who can enchant a room and make hearts beat in unison.

The New Dictionary of Jazz (Nouveau Dictionnaire du Jazz) describes Angelo Debarre as supersonic, and indeed, he is with mad virtuosity. His left hand moves up and down the fine neck of his gypsy guitar, with speed but always with musicality. But it would be an understatement to speak only of his dexterity; he has a marvellous ability to play with subtlety, and his improvisational possibilities seem endless; all done with great ease and apparent composure. Solos, counterpoint, he's everywhere.

A child from the gypsy community, Angelo started playing guitar with his family at the age of eight. In 1984, he formed the first "Angelo Jazz Quintet". In 1985, he became one of the pillars of the famous Parisian cabaret, "La Roue Fleurie" and participated in numerous tours and recordings, including the famous Gypsy Guitars, a reference album of the genre.

Very comfortable in several gypsy styles, Debarre can be found alongside fellow guitarist Petro Ivanovitch and singer and balalaika player Raya from the group Arbat. As a guest, DeBarre can be heard with the band Bratsch, in dialogue with the pianist Bojan Z, percussionist Xavier Desandre-Navarre, the violinist Florin Niculescu and other leading figures of the gypsy guitar.

Angelo Debarre: guitar
Serge Camps: guitar
Frank Anastasio: bass

A deeply intimate and cinematic body of work, My Goddess unfolds as a self-contained emotional universe; an album about grief, depression, healing, and the enduring human urge to find beauty in a world that often feels unrelenting.
Composed against the backdrop of Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic collapse, My Goddess captures what it means to process personal heartbreak and collective trauma simultaneously. Across nine emotionally charged tracks, Etyen draws from profound loss, existential reflection, and the tragic death of his beloved cat Lucy to craft a record that is as fragile as it is resilient; both a personal reckoning and a universal portrait of survival through art. “This album is a conversation with myself. It’s about loss and grief, about finding beauty and trying to hold on to it,” says Etyen. “It’s about confronting the painful parts of life while still believing there’s something gentle and divine to hold onto.”
Blending cinematic textures, Etyen's unique and inspired electronics, and minimally sculpted yet immersive melodies, My Goddess pushes further into the raw introspection first glimpsed on Etyen’s 2022 debut album Untitled. But this time, the sonic architecture is more distilled, the emotional stakes more immediate. The result is a record that gently lingers in the spaces between memory, absence, and hope.
The album’s first single, the title track “My Goddess,” drops May 5 with a self-directed music video, one of three cinematic visuals accompanying the album. The trilogy further expands the emotional world of the record and affirms Etyen’s role not only as a musical artist, but as a multidimensional storyteller.
With over a decade of work that spans Netflix scores (Jinn), international festivals (Sonar Barcelona, Mutek), and critical acclaim and editorial support from Bandcamp Daily, BBC Radio and much more, Etyen has carved out a singular voice in electronic music—bridging personal, cultural and political resonance through sound. As the founder of Thawra Records, he also continues to champion independent artists from the region, building a vital platform for forward-thinking music in and beyond the Arab world.

Nina Nastasia's rare gift of a voice is an intimate, winged presence that is able to either freeze or melt your heart; that can powerfully soar and twist, or brush ultra-gently against you, suddenly summoning goose bumps.
Released in 2003 by Touch and Go Records (and out of print for almost two decades), Run to Ruin is the third album by Nina Nastasia. It was recorded by Steve Albini at Black Box studio in Noyant-la-Gravoyère, France and at Looking Glass studio in New York. Combined with the prodigious talents of her backing band and the sparse but lush arrangements of the instruments, the songs on Run to Ruin evoke haunting scenes of heartache, passion and a slightly seedy world. Nina's voice is at once delicate and intense, neither sweet nor harsh, it conveys an array of emotion moving between joy and sadness with just a moment's pause.

Outstanding, heart-warming, experienced Techno & Ambient manifesto - Tip. (w/ download code)

Double trouble from the depths with this audacious edit package taking in two ultimate, belt from the bottom of your heart classics. Reworked, reloved and revamped to provide maximum dancefloor elation. Two big, bold edit beasts to help you break on through to the other side.

Oxford band Low Island announce their new album, bird, produced by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor on label Emotional Interference. Recorded at the legendary La Frette Studios, bird is an album as brash as it is tender, exploring the struggle to find freedom and presence in an increasingly automated world.

The result is an album where Jay’s guitars and synths screech with unhinged anger as much as they wail with anguish; Lively’s bass dances frantically whilst swimming underneath the songs with an effortless beauty; Higginbottom’s drums are as deft as they are punishing; Posada’s voice as frail as it is resilient.

These emotional polarities speak to the heart of bird: a coming to terms with the overwhelming breadth of experience in the modern world, trapped as we are in our own bodies. How do we act in the face of this? Do we try to reach beyond ourselves? Wish to be saved or transformed? Retreat inwards? Or embrace things as they are? These are the questions that haunt bird in its search for freedom and presence.

Nach seinen Megaerfolgen der letzten Jahre mit der erfolgreichsten Radiosingle 2021 „Save Your Tears“ (Platin) und dem erfolgreichsten Song 2020 „Blinding Lights“ (3x Platin) beginnt The Weeknd nun sein
nächstes Kapitel.
Dieses kündigte der Superstar bereits im Herbst 2021 mit “The Dawn Is Coming” auf seinen Social-MediaKanälen an und bestätigte die Gerüchte für ein neues Album dann an Neujahr. Der erste Vorgeschmack auf sein neues Album erfolgte mit der Single „Take My Breath“. Diese stieg direkt in die Top 20 der deutschen Charts ein und erreichte Platz 2 der Airplay Charts.

Sein letztes Studioalbum „After Hours“, welches u.a. die Erfolgshits „Blinding Lights“, „Save Your Tears“ und „After Hours“ enthält belegte Platz 5 der Albumcharts. Seine anderen Alben „Beauty Behind The Madness” (2015) und “Starboy” (2016) sind in Deutschland beide mit Gold ausgezeichnet. Sein neues Album „Dawn FM“ erscheint nun am 07.01.2022 digital und enthält Feature-Artists wie Jim Carrey, Tyler The Creator und Lil Wayne.

Am 28.01.2022 erscheint es auch auf CD und wird ab dem 29.04.2022 auch als Vinyl erhältlich sein.

Trip-hop royalty Morcheeba make a blistering return with a stunning 11th studio album Escape The Chaos.

“This whole record is a process of trying to reconnect with what really matters. whether it’s what in your heart or with the world, putting your feet on grass and feeling the earth beneath you” says Ross Godfrey.

“For me, ‘We Live and Die’ is about my duration in the band and the music world and life in general,” Skye says of the lead single. “The lines become blurred after all this time. In a way, it’s a homage to the thirty years of being in Morcheeba which is 60% of my existence.”

Formed in London in 1995 the legendary band have extensively toured the globe, sold over 10 million albums worldwide and left their mark as one of the most influential acts of recent times. Releasing their acclaimed debut album Who Can You Trust? in 1996, the band have gone on to release a string of successful studio albums, including 1998’s platinum selling Big Calm, produced an album for Talking Heads’ David Byrne and produced soundtracks for Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh.

In their 30th year Morcheeba are as relevant as ever and are set to mark the celebration in style.

What We Have Now is a love-letter to New York City, written by a breaking heart weathering the deep indigo night of a soul realizing dawn will release it from the dried tears of youth. There is no brighter or harsher wasteland of self-discovery than the one in which we see that childhood is a dream and the now is something we will have to fabricate alone, from those broken mirror shards of memories in service to a world that does not seem to know how to care for us any longer. Full of feeling and shepherded by Clara's intensely honest vocals, these songs transcend place and time to share a universe of wonders beneath the hard-wrought questioning of the deeply human condition we are all living within. Clara Joy is a songwriter full of melody and vision. These home recordings were made by Clara in NYC between 2020 and 2024. The songs were then arranged, mixed & mastered by Kramer in December 2024 in his studio in the mountains of North Carolina. Clara is at the dawn of her career and Shimmy-Disc is proud to bring this amazing work to the world. This creation is a beacon on the murky horizon of this Pyrocene age landscape we find ourselves traversing.

As on their first EP "Mokili Na Poche" on Seismographic Records, ATELIER KAMIKAZI'S collaborative lyrics are dedicated to their spectrum of life as street kids. They struggle with the exhausting and dangerous beauty of life in Kinshasa by encouraging themselves and promising never to give up. Neither in the face of lying politics, nor in the face of a religion whose representative they call "Priest Cat's Heart", nor in the face of that great power to which they dedicate several songs, the drug called "Bomb", made from car catalyst deposits mixed with a wild cocktail of ingredients. They warn against using this drug to see "the nakedness of the turtle", because the only thing that could really be seen would be the ridiculousness of those consuming the drug. They counter that they are on a mission to conquer the future with their weapons: the weapons of speech, their knowledge and Loketo, the hip swing of dance.

Midnight Blue Vinyl. Kelly Finnigan has teamed up with soul music legend Renaldo Domino for his next 45, out May 23rd via Colemine Records. The A-track 'Keep Me In Mind' is a catchy, straight-down-the-middle soul tune in the classic dual male duo style of Sam & Dave, Eddie & Ernie, and Bob & Gene. Featuring organ and classic horn stabs, Kelly and Renaldo's voices blend harmoniously and make for a killer cut. The B-side, 'Let Me Count The Reasons,' is a track from Kelly's critically acclaimed new LP 'A Lover Was Born.' Slower in tempo and full of love and heart, the tune is a masterclass in romantic soulful sounds.

Denmark's premiere outlet for forward-thinking modern jazz, April Records proudly presents the debut of a brand new quartet featuring some of Scandinavia and the UK's most celebrated instrumentalists: Mathias Heise, Anton Eger, Rasmus Sørensen and Conor Chaplin. Meeting for the first time on a spring day in 2023, the quartet quickly discovered a natural synergy.Their debut performances that summer were met with resounding acclaim, with Politiken music editor Thomas Michelsen calling them a "supergroup" and awarding their concert at Balders Plads five hearts. Buoyed by their success, the group headed into the studio to record their eponymous debut album. THE ACTION 4s thrives at the intersection of jazz, rock, funk, fusion, and electronica. Their music is a dynamic interplay of raw energy and masterful artistry, seamlessly blending the acoustic and the electronic. The chromatic harmonica's soulful tone meets the rich textures of piano and synthesizer, while the foundation laid by the electric bass and dynamic drumming creates a playful arena for ever-evolving spontaneity. Their compositions pulse with rhythm, melody and interplay, pushing the boundaries of genre and tradition to forge an exciting new direction for Danish jazz. The quartet brings together four internationally acclaimed musicians, each a master of their craft: Mathias Heise: Chromatic Harmonica, Synthesizer Anton Eger: Drums, Percussion Rasmus Sørensen: Grand Piano, Synthesizer Conar Chaplin: Electric Bass

BED ist eine neue in Berlin gegründete Band, im Kern ein queeres Musikprojekt mit einem Sound, der in Shoegaze, Dream Pop und Post Punk verwurzelt ist. BED's Texte sind traurig und sexuell, während sie Fäden von Verletzlichkeit und Begehren verweben und so ein Werk schaffen, das den normativen kreativen Ausdruck in Frage stellt. Dies zeigt sich auch in den Vocals, die absichtlich geschlechtsneutral sind und eine fließende Identität darstellen. In den Kompositionen von "everything hurts", dem Debütalbum der Band, eineComing-of-age Story, in der es ein Gefühl geht, ein bestimmtes Alter im Leben zu erreichen, eine zweite Jungfräulichkeit in ihrer musikalischen Praxis zu verlieren, Unschuld zurückzugewinnen und die Wunden des Erwachsenenlebens zu pflegen. Es gibt narrative Aspekte, die HörerInnen fesseln, Interludes, die ein Geheimnis flüstern und der Erzählung des Albums Tiefe verleihen. "everything hurts" ist ein zartes und doch raues, lautes und gleichzeitig dramatisches Werk, das einem sensiblen Publikum gehört - jemanden, der auf der Suche nach tief empfundenen Melodien und autobiografischen Geständnissen ist, gepaart mit post-produzierten vocals und druckvollen elektronischen Beats.

Jerry David DeCicca is songwriter and producer. He makes his living as a vocational rehabilitation provider for special education students and adults. He"s produced albums for Ed Askew (Tin Angel Records), Bob Martin and Ralph White (Worried Songs), Will Beeley (Tompkins Square), Chris Gantry (Drag City), Larry Jon Wilson (1965 Records/ Drag City) and worked on reissue projects for Numero Group. Collaborators on his DIY solo albums include David Hidalgo, Kelley Deal, Augie Meyers, Jeff Parker, Spooner Oldham, Will Oldham, and many others. He lives in the rural town of Bulverde, TX with his two dogs, three cats, five toads, and wife. His previous band, The Black Swans, released 5 albums and toured for 10 years.

Ltd edition in transparent yellow vinyl!



The Mystery Lights 2nd outing on Daptone's rock subsidiary, Wick, sees them digging deeper into their cavern of influences, taking on tips from Suicide, The Kinks and Television as they look to build on their already party fuelled, raucous sound.

The Mystery Lights story begins in 2004 in the small town of Salinas California when friends Michael Brandon and Luis Alfonso -whose shared fondness for groups like The Mc5, Velvet Underground, Dead Moon, and The Fall (just to name a few) -decided to join forces and craft their own brand of unhinged rock and roll. From there they spent the better part of 10 years touring relentlessly before migrating to Queens, New York in 2014.

With a live show known for its raw, visceral energy and relentless assault –leaving little to no stoppage between songs –they barreled through countless NYC haunts and DIY venues, quickly amassing a fervent local following. The buzz soon caught the attention of Daptone Records execs who were in the beginning stages of launching a new rock-centric imprint, Wick Records. Impressed by the groups’ musicianship, groove, endless supply of energy, and understanding of musical history the Mystery Lights were quickly signed to Wick. Though a rock band at heart, the parallels to what Daptone Records had traditionally looked for in their Soul artists was undeniable. Soon sessions were booked with Producer/Engineer Wayne Gordon, and the release of their debut single “Too Many Girls” b/w “Too Tough to Bear” launched to mass critical fanfare.

Upon the release of their self-titled full-length on June 24th 2016 The Mystery Lights were quickly crowned “one of New York’s finest garage rock bands” by NME. Extensive touring, including multiple stops in Europe, Asia and Australia followed which found the group graduating from support slots at hole-in-the-wall clubs to headlining stages at major festivals worldwide.

After two years of break-neck, non-stop touring, the group settled back into Queens to prepare for their second full-length record, Too Much Tension(out May 2019). With Wayne Gordon in the producer’s chair and several intense writing sessions under their belt the group were back at Daptone’s House of Soul and ready to track. While keeping the hard-hitting approach of the first LP, Too Much Tension finds the group digging deeper into their well of eclectic influences, enriching their sound without echoing the past. Mixing the eerie, insistent synth sounds of groups like The Normal and Suicide, the energy and swagger of punk’s golden age, the pop sensibility of The Kinks, and the stark, deliberate execution of Television -The Mystery Lights are taking their idiosyncratic brand of rock and roll to dizzying new heights.

What We Have Now is a love-letter to New York City, written by a breaking heart weathering the deep indigo night of a soul realizing dawn will release it
from the dried tears of youth. There is no brighter or harsher wasteland of self-discovery than the one in which we see that childhood is a dream and
the now is something we will have to fabricate alone, from those broken mirror shards of memories in service to a world that does not seem to know
how to care for us any longer.
Full of feeling and shepherded by Clara’s intensely honest vocals, these songs transcend place and time to share a universe of wonders beneath the
hard-wrought questioning of the deeply human condition we are all living within.
Clara Joy is a songwriter full of melody and vision. These home recordings were made by Clara in NYC between 2020 and 2024. The songs were then
arranged, mixed & mastered by Kramer in December 2024 in his studio in the mountains of North Carolina.
Clara is at the dawn of her career and Shimmy-Disc is proud to bring this amazing work to the world. This creation is a beacon on the murky horizon of
this Pyrocene age landscape we find ourselves traversing.

Pleaser’s musicality, ethics and community are undeniably punk, but their expression is vast and more personal than it is bound by the confines of any one genre. The band projects the heart-on-sleeve earnestness of early emo, the in-your-face vivaciousness of punk rock and a metal-tinged darkness, as well as infusing both classic rock and modern experimental elements into their own unique aural aesthetic. Songs are both catchy and impenetrable at the same time, with the band appreciating a pop hook just as much as a labyrinthine song structure. Pleaser chews it all up and infuses it with their own noisy but charming melodic rattle.
Double lead vocalists and guitarists Annie Nyvold and Suo Fei, drummer Oliver Nehammer and bassist Olle Bergholzall enjoy omnivorous taste in music, and a pure love for creative expression.
Pleaser’s 2023 debut was acclaimed internationally by media such as Cvltnation, Bandcamp and Maximum RocknRoll. Aligned with the release of their debut album, Pleaser played a wide range of concerts in Denmark, from underground punk shows to well established festivals such as Roskilde Festival, K-Town Hardcore Fest and Metal Magic. This sparked a new wave of attention and airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music, and led them to stages in Scandinavia and Germany.
With their new album more cohesive than ever before, Pleaser persists in experimenting with their catchy, yet aggressive and dynamic sound, heightening listeners’ emotions in the process. The forthcoming full-length presents a series of adventurous new punk songs, fusing their creativity with a new force of excitement and curiosity. This new universe revolves around the journey of self-exploration, liberation from inner darkness, and transcending that darkness to form new pathways.

K.K. Hammond is a slide guitar playing songstress living in the backwoods of the UK. She takes her influence from the Delta Blues players of the 1930s, the roots music of Appalachia and its ancestors fusing the vibe of the swamp with a sprinkle of Southern gothic horror, K.K. writes traditionally inspired roots music but twists it her own unique way for an untapped sound that appeals to contemporary music listeners as well as classic blues fans.

K.K's music has garnered critical acclaim worldwide as well as airplay on a multitude of blues radio shows internationally. This includes the Cerys Matthews BBC Radio 2 Blues Show and the award winning Gary Grainger Blues Show.
A video of K.K. playing a slide guitar cover of "Nothing Else Matters" with her good friend Kaspar "Berry" Rapkin accompanying her on banjo was shared by Metallica on their official TikTok and described by them as "Incredible"!

K.K.’s biggest success to date arose from the release of her debut album Death Roll Blues. The vinyl and CD run sold out via pre-order prior to the album's official release date. Upon its release, the album hit the #1 spot in the UK iTunes Blues chart and subsequently bagged another #1 spot in the US iTunes Blues chart. It also exceeded her expectations by breaking into the #12 spot in the mainstream iTunes charts (across all genres) and the #18 spot in the UK iTunes mainstream chart. It was also the #3 best seller of all time for an iTunes Blues album pre-sale. Death Roll Blues also enabled K.K.’s first breakthrough into the Billboard Blues Charts with a #7 position.

K.K.'s has also had some great successes with her self produced and directed music videos. The music video for Heart Shaped Box winning a multitude of awards including wins at the Video Nasties Genre Film Festival, the David Film Festival in Turkey, the Euro Music Video Song awards, the Anatolia Film Festival, The Golden Wheat Awards, as well as K.K. receiving an honorable mention at the London Director Awards.
U.K. born, K.K. took an interest in guitar, Americana and roots Blues from an early age. She spent some years exploring the back roads of the USA eventually settling in the remote, forested English Countryside, where she works her farm. A self-professed hermit living in an isolated spot in the woods, K.K. enjoys exploring the wilderness surrounding her home to seek inspiration for her song writing.

WHEN RIVERS MEET – BREAKING BOUNDARIES IN ROCK, BLUES & AMERICANA - When Rivers Meet aren’t just making waves—they’re blazing their own trail. The husband-and-wife duo, Grace & Aaron Bond, have carved out a unique sound that defies genres, fusing the raw power of blues-rock, the storytelling soul of Americana, and the heartfelt intimacy of folk. Their music is gritty, soulful, and electrifying, with Grace’s powerhouse vocals and Aaron’s dynamic musicianship creating something truly unforgettable. A huge part of their unmistakable sound comes from their dual vocal chemistry. Grace’s voice is raw, powerful, and deeply emotive, delivering every lyric with intensity, while Aaron’s vocals bring a rich, warm depth, perfectly balancing power with soul. Whether harmonising in haunting unison or trading lead vocals, their voices create a magnetic dynamic that sets them apart. Aaron’s expressive guitar work, especially his masterful slide guitar playing, adds another layer of grit and emotion, helping to shape the band’s signature sound—blending bluesy swagger with anthemic rock energy. Their breakthrough album, ‘Aces Are High’ (2023)—recorded deep in the heart of Suffolk—marked a seismic moment in independent music, launching them into the UK Official Album Charts Top 10, a first for an independent Rock/Blues band. Now, they’re ready to raise the stakes once again. Expect a bigger, bolder, and more dynamic sound, combining powerful harmonies, raw energy, and hard-hitting rock with foot-stomping Americana grooves. This album is When Rivers Meet at their most passionate, unfiltered, and intense. To celebrate, they’re bringing their explosive live show back to the stage: May 23 – Glasgow, Oran Mor, May 24 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms, May 26 – Southampton, The Brook, May 29 – Norwich, The Waterfront - A SOUND LIKE NO OTHER – MUSIC THAT TRANSCENDS GENRES

Collodion is the follow-up to Andrew Rumsey's 2023 solo debut Evensongs, which won widespread praise (from Mark Radcliffe on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, among others) as an unexpected gem of pastoral psych-folk 'An enchanting, enthralling album', according to Shindig! magazine. Next came Andrew's involvement with the Ghostwriter collective, whose September 2024 release on the Subexotic label Tremulant was described by Folking as 'hypnotically beautiful' and championed by author Sir Ian Rankin as a 'unique and spiritually enthralling listen ... with a touch of Bright Phoebus'. Collodion was (like its predecessor) recorded on a single day, in the historic setting of Rushall Church in Wiltshire, by RealWorld Studios'chief engineer Katie May. It features eight songs and a poem, with Andrew being joined by longtime collaborator David Perry on guitar and organ, plus jazz musician Cameron Saint on double bass. Collodion is a chemical used to develop images in early 'tintype' photography: these short songs, likewise, capture fleeting moods and moments before they fade.

Inspired by Abba, early AC/DC, Beefheart and the dark heart of outsider pop, The Beyond and the Better Way is a record featuring warped orchestrations, extended autobiographical rants and sumptuous performances by a collection of Glasgow's (and Ireland's) finest musicians and singers The Gorgeous Pouting Mr AR is a pseudonym for Ronan Breslin - a recording studio owner, composer and academic who teaches sound and music at The Glasgow School of Art.

Ronan comes from an Irish family of musicians, with the most notable being his brother Niall Breslin, who helmed the iconic Irish band "The Blizzards" before becoming a highly regarded mental health podcaster and now presenter on BBC Radio 3. Niall's stellar guitar playing features on many of this record's tracks. The recording will be released on the 23rd May via Strength in Numbers Records on vinyl and digital platforms and will be accompanied by an online collection of song- related essays (aka rants). The album is distributed by Last Night From Glasgow. "The songs explore OCD, politics, anxiety, grief, regret, rage, lost love, but also reflect on joyous moments that define the transition from fearful child to fuck- you adolescence and finally reluctant adulthood. The album title song 'The Beyond and the Better Way' is morbidly confessional; however, it is also a statement of resilience, positivity and optimism for the human condition. There is always a better way." - Ronan Breslin

'Heartstrings' is the fourth album from London-based Snowpoet, led by the creative partnership of Lauren Kinsella and Chris Hyson Since their debut EP in 2014, the band has built a devoted audience drawn to their emotionally rich songwriting, intricate production, and distinct sonic identity. With 'Heartstrings', they take a bold step forward, writing and recording in the studio as a collective for the first time, capturing the raw immediacy of live performance while expanding their sound with lush textures, layered harmonies, and deeply personal storytelling. "We wanted to capture the moment to create something that feels real, unfiltered, and alive," says Chris Hyson.

This album marks an evolution in Snowpoet's approach. Instead of the fragmented process of previous records, 'Heartstrings' was born in the moment, with the full band improvising, shaping, and refining ideas together in real time. The result is an album that feels alive - organic, immersive, and deeply human. Sonically, the group leans into rich, analogue synth tones, intricate drum textures, and a dynamic push- and- pull between electronic and acoustic elements. Lyrically, it is their most personal work to date, weaving themes of life, loss, and renewal with poetic honesty. "The sound of this record is richer, bigger, more expansive, representative of the culmination of everything we've done so far," reflects Lauren Kinsella. At the heart of 'Heartstrings' is a powerful contrast - moments of deep emotional weight balanced with luminous joy. Songs like "Host" dive into themes of grief and the body as a vessel for experience, while tracks like "New Tree" radiate warmth and rebirth. The band's signature harmonies and layered production give the album a three- dimensional quality, pulling the listener into a space where vulnerability and beauty coexist. With 'Heartstrings', Snowpoet solidifies their position as one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant bands in the UK's jazz- adjacent and electronic-acoustic crossover scene. This is an album for listeners who crave depth, sonic richness, and lyrical honesty.

THEE ALLYRGIC REACTION are a fuzz'n'Farfisa-powered 60's garage punk outfit from San Diego, CA USA! While they specialize in fuzz stompahs that will move your feet, they will also melt yer mynd with minor key psych madness! They are also leaders in the emerging "protest garage" scene, with songs that address the import topics of today's over aged teen scene!They have a maraca-breaking wyld live set, but also managed to sit still long enough to record their debut LP for Soundflat Records As every band does, they argued over the title for the LP, and finally settled on one that NO ONE likes, simply, "Thee Allyrgic Reaction"! All four lads grew up in the 80s Charmkin Scene, witnessing first-hand groups like the Unclaimed, The Primates, The Miracle Workers, The Tell- Tale Hearts, The Cynics, The Gruesome, Lyres, The Chesterfield Kings, The Fleshtones and The Brood! (and about a 100 more not named here!) The boys are THRILLED with their new LP on Soundflat, which was recorded over a two day period, and required nine California burritos, three pizzas, two cases of beer, and several cans of wine.

The record features 11 original compositions, as well as their own version of their favourite UNCLAIMED-song. One of the originals is an ode to Peter Maniette of the Crimson Shadows and Wylde Mammoths. So what do they sound like? They certainly pull from the farfisa'n'fuzz blasters of the past, but also employ some 12 string, harpsichord, harp and a few other surprises. They are a little folk, a little psych and LOT of garage punk! The group records at Earthling Studios in the San Diego area, which features an array of vintage gear, including an 8- track from Sunset Sound that was used on Forever Changes. That's how you say "MO-JO"!!!

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

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



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



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

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

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



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



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

Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18 release their new album "Fontana Rosa". Possibly the world's only musical group to fuse Latin music of all kinds with the Welsh language, this time Rio 18 draw inspiration from slightly different musical corners, including Chicano Soul, Nuyorican pop, and Salsoul disco plus Latin sounds filtered through the cultural spectrum of the USA.

Most significantly though, the album was among the last ever to be recorded by the acclaimed producer Liam Watson at his legendary studio and shrine to all things analogue, Toerag Studios - a huge inspiration and influence on Rio 18's Carwyn Ellis. The "Fontana Rosa" sessions saw Ellis draw together an all-star band at the fabled studio which is perhaps best known through its place in the White Stripes history.

Talking about the story and gestation of the album, Carwyn said:

"I was in Mexico City with Baldo Verdú when I heard that Toerag Studios in London was going to close. It came as a shock - Toerag and Liam Watson, its owner and resident producer had been a massive influence on me. Liam, along with Edwyn Collins, had taught me much of what I know about recording, had hired me as an instrumentalist on countless sessions and had helped me to get started when I began my own solo career. And over the years, I'd still go in to record with Liam whenever the opportunity arose. When I heard that Liam was shutting up shop, I took it upon myself to try and ensure he went out with a musical bang. I rounded up the best band I could get: the aforementioned Venezuelan percussion wiz and singer, Baldo Verdú: American drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Shawn Lee: the Isle of Wight's finest drum and percussion master, producer and composer Rupert Brown (whom I'd originally met at Toerag many moons ago): Elan Rhys, one of Wales's finest voices and long term collaborator with Rio 18, as well as being one third of the wonderful folk group, Plu: and Kassin - my Brazilian brother from Rio de Janeiro, bassist and producer with artists such as Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and a multitude of others, including Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18.

So this was my dream team, assembled to make beautiful music one more time at Toerag (I have to add at this point that Shawn and Rupert hit it off so well at our sessions that they booked their own session shortly afterwards! Look out for the brilliant Shawn Lee's Toerag Orchestra 'Percussion Discussion' album). Toerag, if you're not familiar with the place, made its name as London's foremost analogue studio for some 30 years, recording directly to tape which in essence means musicians playing live, together in a room until they get it right. And the sound? Oh the SOUND!! And this is all Liam Watson's doing, his sonic aesthetic - a real master engineer. The studio is perhaps best known as the place where the White Stripes recorded their monster hit album 'Elephant' but for me it's where I got to record with James Hunter, Lay Low (from Iceland), Quruli (from Japan), Fabienne Delsol (from France) and made many lasting friendships, learnt a great deal about popular music, as well as making a bunch of my own best recordings with Colorama.

Over the course of five days we laid down as much music as we could. We had some visitors too: guitar slinger Little Barrie (Primal Scream, The The and Liam Gallagher among other things, but also my dear bandmate in Edwyn Collins's band): sax and flute maestro Jim Hunt (Amy Winehouse, Primal Scream, Duffy and very many others): and Diego Laverde Rojas, the Colombian Latin harp virtuoso.

This time the music had a slightly different edge - although we still maintained our Brazilian/Welsh connection on 'Deffro'r Dydd' (written with and sung by Elan Rhys), our Cumbia vibe and some Merengue ('Mariposa' and 'Te Adoro', sung by Baldo Verdú) and even a traditional Afro-Venezuelan tune ('La Quichimba', again sung by Baldo) - the main influence for me this time was Latin music as recorded in the USA, both new and old. 'No More Secrets' is a straight up slice of Salsoul disco, while 'Hei Ti' is a punky funky but of Nu Yorican pop somewhere between ESG and the Beastie Boys. But one of my main influences in the last couple of years has been the current wave of Chicano Soul coming from California, particularly via the Penrose and Big Crown labels. I was turned on to this music when I was in Japan in early 2023 - Takashi-san at Pleased To Meet Me Records in Nara played me the Altons' 'Float' and I was hooked!

And that music has a similar aesthetic to Toerag: music recorded live to tape by excellent engineers, performed by fine musicians and singers. So our songs 'Impossible', 'Heartbreaker' and 'Lovesick' are very much in this vein. And that just leaves the title track, 'Fontana Rosa'."

NOW is pleased to announce the next addition in the Millennium series NOW –the ultimate celebration of the finest pop hits from the 2000s . NOW – Millennium 2008-2009, bringing the first decade to a close – out September 27th! Available on STD 4CD set and a special edition 84-track 4CD set is housed in ‘hard-back-book’ packaging, including a 28-page booklet summary of the years and a track-by-track guide and 30 tracks across 2LP’s, pressed in a Gorgeous Gold and a White Vinyl, showcasing some of the most iconic sounds of the noughties!

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of world-famous DJ Pete Tong, conductor Jules Buckley, and The Heritage and The Essential Orchestra coming together to create orchestral versions of some of the greatest electronic dance songs as you’ve never heard them before. Alongside his Royal Albert Hall shows in May Pete has curated a special 2LP neon coloured vinyl, featuring hits from all four albums such as ‘Pjanoo’, ‘Lola’s Theme’ ‘Killer’, ‘Insomnia’, ‘9PM (Till I Come)’, ‘Your Love’ & many more. The releases also feature new Mark Ralph 2025 edits of fan favourites ‘Finally’, ‘Man With A Red Face’, ‘Yeke Yeke’ & ‘Cafe Del Mar’ which all previously featured on medleys and a new 2025 single. This limited edition release features brand new artwork and notes from Pete.

Mr Bongo proudly presents the third album by Melbourne/Naarm multi-instrumentalist, Don Glori, entitled ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. A kaleidoscopic genre-surfing odyssey that brings together the worlds of jazz, soul and funk. Feeling both contemporary and classic, familiar yet novel, it’s an assured third release that sees an artist in full flight, showcasing their creative prowess and the uniqueness of their musical voice.

Steering in a new direction, Don Glori (aka Gordon Li) has delved headfirst into his songwriting with ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’. Deftly showcasing his talents as a writer and bandleader, he brings with him a whole host of friends from the creative crossroads that is Naarm. It’s an album enriched with more soul, R&B, and funk-oriented songs than his previous jazz-rooted productions, yet there’s still plenty of jazz material for those familiar fans of Don's earlier works.

The album’s title is an old Chinese proverb, roughly translated as 'you can’t deny the truth'. This underlying thread is woven between the songs. “A lot of them are in some way about truth-seeking, observations and the masks you put on to deal with life (hence the cover art)”, Don mentions. Take, for instance, the sensational soul single 'Brown Eyes' featuring silky lead vocals by ML Hall. A dissection of the minority experience, and the power and comfort in building those communities. Elsewhere, 'Disaster' is a satirical take on the structures serving everyone but the artists, and 'Flicker' tackles notations of truth and clarity after introspection.

To marry that meaning with the level of musicianship on these tracks is what really stands out. Don has set out his stall here as an artist who can write songs that hit home in the heart, as much as they do in the head. It’s a journey infused with a glistening jazz finesse, layered with nourishing vocal harmonies and powered by an instantly relatable human soul.

Recorded over two hot summer days in Rolling Stock Studios in Collingwood, Naarm, the lineup of musicians is built up of Don's friends and family. Featuring the backbone team of Tim Cox, Al Kennedy, Joel Trigg, Robyn Cummins and Lachlan Thompson, who were part of Don's touring band before he relocated to London, and a stunning selection of vocalists in the form of ML Hall, Ruby Dargaville, Isadora Lauritz, and Bianca Kyriacou. Also gracing the album are trumpeter extraordinaire Audrey Powne, saxophonist Joshua Moshe, and Alcides Neto who sprinkles some Brazilian magic into the record.

Taking influence from artists including Azymuth, SAULT, Jordan Rakei and Lynda Dawn, as well as from London musical beacons such as NTS and Total Refreshment Centre, Don has run with this, leaned in and come out with a record truly unique to himself and his distinctive core, with no mask necessary.

A SIDE: "Smooth Co-Operator" 124 BPM
Deep within the Co-op laboratory, a timeless classic was lifted from the ether and reborn under the alchemists’ touch. "Smooth Co-Operator"
takes the silk and smoke of Sade’s iconic Smooth Operator and fuses it with the pulse of an uptempo soulful house rhythm. Sprinkled with the
magic dust of hip-hop and funk samples, the track moves effortlessly—grooving on a smooth, rolling bassline, locked into a four-to-the-floor
heartbeat. The result? A dance where elegance meets momentum, where the past is reimagined for the now. Let yourself be carried away—
this is RnB soul jazz, remixed for the future.

B SIDE: "Dream Alchemy" 120BPM
Summoned from the realm of dreams, "Dream Alchemy" is a hypnotic, Kubrickian voyage through sound and shadow. Co-op bends time,
doubling the original tempo into a driving force of tech-house vibes. J Diggns layers ethereal, cascading keys—melodies that flicker like lucid
visions—while Whiskey Drop layers in A$AP Rocky and grounds the experience with a deep, rolling bassline that pulses from the underground.
The groove is relentless, the atmosphere cinematic. Step inside—The dream and the Sandman await.

NOW is proud to present the next instalment in our ongoing ‘Yearbook’ series, and the final one representing an individual year from the 1980s: NOW – Yearbook 1989. 78 tracks across 4CDs – celebrating a magnificent and eclectic year in pop! This release is available as a standard 4-CD set, and as a special edition 4-CD set in ‘hardback book’ packaging, which includes a 28-page booklet packed with notes about all of the 78 featured tracks. Also available as 42 tracks across 3LPs, pressed in stunning pink vinyl…celebrating a magnificent and eclectic year in pop!

"1980 was a huge year in pop music with every genre competing for hits. We have already included many tracks on the records of the 1980 Yearbook, the 80-84 Final Chapter, and their extras so far in our appreciation of the year…

Those tracks were generally the bigger hits of the year, with their chart achievement a factor in their inclusion – however – that’s not the whole singles story of the year, and our celebration of 1980 wouldn’t be complete without shining a light on some of the years’ singles that have been compiled much less frequently over the years.

Welcome to THE VAULT for 1980… Some of the tracks included were Top 40 hits, some missed the chart completely. Some were representative of massive selling albums, and some were big hits in the U.S. and not in the U.K… but all are part of the wonderful pop story of 1980. "

In the Andes of Peru, in a valley formed by the Huallaga River, lies the city of Huanuco. There, a little over fifty years ago, the emblematic cumbia band Los Darlings de Huánuco was born, and since then their compositions have gone around the world, bringing their homeland to the ears of music lovers and collectors. Adversities kept them away from music for two decades, but in spite of this, they marked a parallel path and created their own history in the maximum splendor of Peruvian cumbia. In a valley formed by the Huallaga River lies a temperate land located on the eastern slopes of the central Andes of Peru: Huánuco. A little more than seventy years ago, in that land of mountains and starry skies at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, Juan Nájera was born. A multifaceted musician by profession, he did not always have the privilege of being able to dedicate his life to music. For almost ten years he ran a family hardware store in Huánuco and then a mechanic shop on La Marina Avenue in Lima. He was also a truck driver. A decade of military dictatorships in Latin America made the artist's path very hard in the region, and Peru was no exception. Nájera was only nineteen when his first son was born. He had to make a living and the possibilities for entrepreneurship were slim. But if we go back in history, Juan Nájera was, first and foremost, a boy who dreamed of becoming a musician. Later, he was a boy who made it. Los Darlings de Huánuco managed to cross borders, not only in the capital of Peru, but also abroad. There are many collectors and music lovers around the world who seek and appreciate their songs, musical gems that have toured different latitudes and have managed to position this band from the Peruvian countryside in the most remote places on the planet. In a country characterized by its centralism, where opportunities in the countryside are much scarcer than in the capital, where the foreigner is greeted with more warmth than the local, and where getting ahead, especially in the musical field, implies an extraordinary effort, Los Darlings de Huánuco managed to take their sound to where they never thought it would be possible. From the Andes to the skyscrapers, from the heart of Huánuco to the immensity of other continents.

'the fun years', comprised of multi-instrumentalists Ben Recht and Isaac Sparks, have been making music together since the turn of the century, producing intriguing interrogations of ambient, drone, post-rock, and turntablism. Originally released in 2008 on the now-defunct Barge Recordings, 'baby it’s cold inside' is perhaps the high watermark of their discography. Equally concerned with microtonal nuance and harmonic intensity, it is both a product of its time and something well past it. The chief protagonist is surely the turntable, deployed to create woolly, evocative loops from unidentifiable source material that recall, at times, the work of Philip Jeck or Jan Jelinek—churning, roiling, hissing, atrophied textures further articulated with nuanced processing and buoyed by baritone guitar drones and anti-riffing.

The title of opener "my lowville" feels like a wink to the famed slowcore duo, with spare post-rock motifs hovering in a dusty ether, slowly consumed by distorted washes of rich, harmonic sound. One of the most satisfying aspects of the album is that despite the recumbent nature of most of their sound design choices and compositional proclivities, Recht and Sparks are loath to sit still. "auto show of the dead" is a serpentine piano/guitar exploration full of subtle detail, preceding the immaculately titled "fucking milwaukee’s been hesher forever," in which the tactile delights of clicks+cuts are liberated from the laboratory and allowed to slum it in the world of tape gunk and '90s plate reverb. Later, "re: we’re again buried under" presents an inky black ambience that feels truly expansive and almost overwhelming, and closer “The Surge is Working” tears apart an anthemic shoegaze dirge at the seams, leaving only billowing filtered noise and negative space in its wake.

Presented here with a brilliant remaster by LUPO, 'baby it’s cold Inside should be considered alongside records like Belong’s October Language and Polmo Polpo’s Like Hearts Swelling—an arresting early aughts ambient marvel that warrants ongoing investigation.

Born at Theme Ltd, one of London’s most exciting new music studios in the heart of Camden, ‘Driver’s Seat’ is an unapologetically bold and enduring work. MICHAEL, staying true to his name, delivers a debut project that is authentic and unfiltered, offering a glimpse into his true self. Staying true to the ethos of Theme Ltd, he channels his optimistic spirit into tracks that radiate hope and possibility. ‘Driver’s Seat’ combines infectious raw technique with a mesmeric, intimate journey into the mind of a true artist. The collaboration with Theme Ltd is unmistakable, evident in the crisp precision of the audio. This is elevated by the use of their new Live Studio, acoustically treated to perfection by audio legend Paul Gilleron, who also lent his expertise to iconic venues like the O2 and Roundhouse.

‘Drivers Seat’ opens with ‘In The Rain,’ where veteran vocalist Chili graces the track with her soothing yet powerful voice, perfectly complementing a timeless R&B instrumental reminiscent of Anita Baker / Patrice Rushen. MICHAEL uses this introduction to immerse listeners in his musical utopia. The next track, ‘Drivers Seat’—the project's namesake—oozes effortless cool, with a memorable chorus and a captivating melody that leaves listeners both intrigued and enamoured by the enigmatic MICHAEL character. The B side continues the motif of positive self-expression and praise with ‘Satisfaction’ an optimistic celebration of love. The prospect of joy is more ambiguous in the ultimate track ‘And I Love You’ cruising down an infectious baseline, crafted in collaboration with resident producer Theme, the soft beautiful vocals take us to the natural end of a uniquely wonderful debut project.

This special EP is like a MixTape, a melt of old school sound (Forward Di Ravoltion" (A1) or "ZMK001" (B2), plusLive Set recorded... Actually this is the feeling i got when listening to it...
A question "chat is a live set" is asked here.

There are some special records... Singularity is the subject. more than ever !

ENJOY !

Claire Chicha aka Spill Tab is feeling more free than ever before. The LA-based, French-Korean songwriter and producer,has spent the past five years as spill tab honing a sound that is as raw-edged as it is refined, channelling low-slung guitar-strumming confessionals as well as the earworming melodic hooks of anthemic pop to produce a heady and distinctive mix.

Following the 2019 release of her intimate and infectious debut single “Decompose”, Spill Tab has evolved her spill tab project through three EPs: 2020’s synth-pop influenced Oatmilk, 2021’s playful, uptempo Bonnie, featuring Gus Dapperton and Tommy Genesis, and 2023’s co-produced, sonically-intricate Klepto, which gleefully meanders from the Hiatus Kaiyote-influenced jazz freakouts of “CRÈME BRÛLÉE!” to the guitar-chugging thump of “Splinter”. Live, meanwhile, Spill Tab has been tapped for her explosively energetic presence to open the North American leg of popstar Sabrina Carpenter’s tour, as well as touring through Australia with alt-rock trio Wallows.
With “PINK LEMONADE”, opening single from her forthcoming debut album “ANGIE” , spill tab’s freewheeling sound finds its fullest expression, harnessing this onstage experience and recorded experimentation with her bass-weight and pitched-up vocals. Here we find Chicha only ever chasing that “weird thing”, fizzing with an infectious enthusiasm and intricate musicianship. “The best songs come from writing the main idea in a day, as it’s so instinctual,” she says, such as “PINK LEMONADE” recorded “from a clip taken out of a 40-minute jam that we then chopped and spliced”.
Born to her French Algerian composer father and Korean pianist mother, Claire Chicha spent her early childhood in the mixing room of her parents’ LA post-production studio, bringing coffees to artists as they tracked scores for exciting new projects. “I hung out in that studio all the time until I was around 10 years old, absorbing jazz music my dad was into and classical music that my mom loved,” Chicha says. “My mom had a big hand in making me an adventurous kid, always trying new things from piano to harp and violin, forever soaking up new sounds.”

At 12, Chicha’s life was uprooted as she relocated to Thailand to live with her mother’s family following the collapse of her parents’ business after the 2008 recession. What followed was an unstable and formative few years of early teenagedom, navigating new cultures and life changes. In Thailand, Chicha began learning guitar to cover the Paramore and Green Day tracks she had grown to love while also becoming immersed in Thai traditional music. After a year, she moved once more to live with her aunt in Paris and there she was introduced to the classic sound of Serge Gainsbourg and Édith Piaf before ultimately returning to LA following the untimely death of her father.

“I had to become a real people person to fit in everywhere I was moving, and it immersed me into so many different styles of music,” she says. “I went from listening to the nasal singing of Thai traditional music at muay thai fights in Bangkok, to emotive classic French songs. It definitely informed the need to experiment with my sound as I became more interested in making music.”

At high school in LA, Chicha joined one of the country’s foremost show choirs and realised a natural aptitude for stagecraft and performance as she sang medleys in competitions throughout the US. Going on to study Music Business at NYU, Chicha found a love for the alternative soul and singer-songwriting of the likes of Moses Sumney and Bon Iver, as well as developing her own sound while spending summers interning as an A&R at Atlantic Records and being exposed to the gamut of New York’s live music scene.

“I was going to so many shows as an A&R intern and seeing just how much a lot of music sounded alike,” she says. “It made me realise I wanted my music to feel different, to cut through the noise but still make something that felt honest to me.”

Beginning to independently release tracks, Soill Tab gradually built a loyal fanbase with the release of wistful early numbers “Calvaire” and “Cotton Candy” and soon found herself signed to a major label. Yet, as her career progressed through the COVID pandemic the demands of a corporate major began to conflict with her own searching style. “My last two EPs were under contract and it felt like I was always chasing the carrot,” she says, “I felt a certain pressure to put out tracks quickly and find that ‘hit’. It wasn’t the right environment to truly make what I wanted.”

Ultimately parting ways with her label, Chicha began work on a new album, exploring new sounds and ideas with her LA-based community of collaborators like producer David Marinelli, Solomonophonic, Wyatt and Austin and John DeBold, without expectation. “It became this beautiful experience of only following ideas that I really believed in and exploring all the musical avenues I hadn’t before,” she says. “I’ve never been more excited about songs and I’ve never felt like a project is more mine.”

Writing and recording while touring with Sabrina Carpenter and Wallows, Chicha road-tested her new tracks to see what might land best with an audience who had likely never heard her music before. “You have to win people’s hearts as an opener and you can see what resonates and what doesn’t,” she says. “I would watch people fall in love or not and it’s usually always the song you’re having the most fun with that does the best. That’s what I put on the record.”

« Angie », Spill’s Tab debut album is relased on because Music and expected for May 16th release.

Punching our ticket for the tenth trip on the Drum Chums line, we rattle past the control centre, where Approach Release delivers another masterclass in genre-blurring brilliance.
Darting through emotional New Beat, psychedelic soul, stomping Afro-disco and coastal cosmic, AR keeps things right on track and perfectly off the rails.

'So Wrong' starts the party with a growl and a gurn, all gnarly sequences and robotic drums until that mournful vocal moves us into a land of Lynchian longing. Teardrops on the dance floor, clouds in your coffee, it's, it's, Goth Italo folks.

Shifting tone like McCrae shifted gears, Approach Release moves on from Main-Room Gloom into the smooth and sensual soul of 'LuvLuvLuv'. Low-slung, lilting, loose and lysergic, this versatile version-excursion works wonders as warm up and rub down, its brilliant bedroom vocals floating atop the synthetic and psychedelic groove.

Over on the B-side, 'E-Killa' bursts out the speakers with about 100,00 volts of Afro-disco energy, each one perfectly harnessed to whip a crowd into a grinning frenzy. Armed with an unstoppable arrangement, vital vocals and a stomping rhythm section, this delicious drink of tropical pop just keeps on fizzing.

For an encore, Approach Release drops the deeply dramatic 'Lou Cee', a full-hearted bit of Balearique-brilliance stacked with enough synth strings, faux-accordion and earnest outpourings to give Chris Rea a run in the anthem stakes.

100% Drum Fun Guaranteed. .

For customers of the Rush Hour shop, this item ships for its may 23rd release date. Any items ordered along with this will ship then also

A classic returns. Mystery, one of The RAH Band’s most beloved albums, celebrates its 40th anniversary with this long-awaited reissue - the album's first time on vinyl since its original 1985 release.

The RAH Band, the brainchild of producer and arranger Richard Anthony Hewson, has been synthesizing jazz, funk, and electronic pop into out-of-this-world tracks since the late 1970s. Mystery marked an important moment in Richard's career, following on from The Crunch & Beyond (1978), RAH (1980), and Going Up (1983). With this album, Hewson took his pop songwriting and commercial success to new heights while never compromising his unique and unbound production style.

At the heart of the album are eight perfectly crafted pop songs, each standing strong on its own, with no filler in sight. The lead single, Are You Satisfied?, set the tone for the album’s jazz-funk evolution, but it was Clouds Across The Moon, with its futuristic narrative of love and longing across the cosmos, that became a chart-topping phenomenon, reaching #6 in the UK. The track’s space-age storytelling cemented its place in pop history, with many still recalling that 1985 Top of the Pops performance as the moment they fell in love with The RAH Band - if you know, you know.

From the dreamy synth-jazz of Float, a club and radio favourite to this day, to the smooth saxophone solo on Out On The Edge, recently featured on Steven Julien (aka Funkineven)'s DJ Kicks mix, Mystery remains an essential album four decades later - a testament to the genius of one of the most quietly influential songwriter-producer-arrangers of our time.

"Kunst zu kreieren ist für mich ein ständiger Kampf den Fokus zu behalten; denn wir leben in einer Zeit voller Unterbrechung und Zerrüttung, äußert sich die Tune-Yards Sängerin Merrill Garbus über ihr sechstes Album "Better Dreaming". Mit einer klaren Haltung zu Antifaschismus, Befreiung und Anderssein präsentiert das neue Album einige der eingängigsten und funkigsten Pop-Momente von Tune-Yards bisher - und ja, tanzen kann man dazu auch. Die Songs entstanden für Garbus und ihren Bandkollegen und Partner Nate Brenner mit ungewöhnlicher Leichtigkeit - sie ließen die Musik einfach fließen und folgten jeder kreativen Spur, die sich ergab. Nach der Isolation in der Pandemie und der langen Pause von Tourneen und Live-Shows war das Bedürfnis, sich von Musik bewegen zu lassen, stärker denn je. Auch die einzigartige Erfahrung, ein menschliches Wesen heranwachsen zu sehen, prägte den Entstehungsprozess. Ihr gemeinsames Kind, heute drei Jahre alt, ist auf dem Song "Limelight" zu hören - ein Song, der aus gemeinsamen Tanzmomenten zur Musik von George Clinton entstand. Die Songs wurden als Duo aufgenommen und basieren - mit einer Ausnahme - auf Merrills Drum-Loops und Rhythmusstrukturen, ähnlich wie auf ihren frühen Alben_Ç»"Bird-Brains"_Ç»und_Ç»"W H O K I L L". Der Opener_Ç»"Heartbreak"_Ç»baut riesige Vokalharmonien um einen druckvollen Beat aus Klicks, Pops, Samples und gedubbten Snares. Garbus besingt darin Herzschmerz als Antrieb, als Herausforderung - Zeilen wie "Watch me survive another heartbreak"_Ç»wirken wie ein Aufruf zum Weitermachen. Das treibende_Ç»"How Big is the Rainbow"_Ç»setzt auf Four-on-the-Floor-Rhythmus und versprüht Disco-House-Energie - mit der Atmosphäre eines queeren Club-Hits voller Strobo und Intensität. "Better Dreaming"_Ç»ist ein kraftvolles Manifest für Selbstliebe, kollektives Handeln, Befreiung auf der Tanzfläche sowie die Hoffnung auf eine bessere Zukunft. Angesichts der Herausforderungen und Unsicherheiten der Gegenwart stellt sich Tune-Yards die Frage: Wie viel echte Energie und Freude lassen sich durch Musik überhaupt transportieren? Mit seinem mitreißenden, lebensbejahenden Art-Pop für eine Welt im Umbruch macht_Ç»"Better Dreaming"_Ç»genau das.

"Kunst zu kreieren ist für mich ein ständiger Kampf den Fokus zu behalten; denn wir leben in einer Zeit voller Unterbrechung und Zerrüttung, äußert sich die Tune-Yards Sängerin Merrill Garbus über ihr sechstes Album "Better Dreaming". Mit einer klaren Haltung zu Antifaschismus, Befreiung und Anderssein präsentiert das neue Album einige der eingängigsten und funkigsten Pop-Momente von Tune-Yards bisher - und ja, tanzen kann man dazu auch. Die Songs entstanden für Garbus und ihren Bandkollegen und Partner Nate Brenner mit ungewöhnlicher Leichtigkeit - sie ließen die Musik einfach fließen und folgten jeder kreativen Spur, die sich ergab. Nach der Isolation in der Pandemie und der langen Pause von Tourneen und Live-Shows war das Bedürfnis, sich von Musik bewegen zu lassen, stärker denn je. Auch die einzigartige Erfahrung, ein menschliches Wesen heranwachsen zu sehen, prägte den Entstehungsprozess. Ihr gemeinsames Kind, heute drei Jahre alt, ist auf dem Song "Limelight" zu hören - ein Song, der aus gemeinsamen Tanzmomenten zur Musik von George Clinton entstand. Die Songs wurden als Duo aufgenommen und basieren - mit einer Ausnahme - auf Merrills Drum-Loops und Rhythmusstrukturen, ähnlich wie auf ihren frühen Alben_Ç»"Bird-Brains"_Ç»und_Ç»"W H O K I L L". Der Opener_Ç»"Heartbreak"_Ç»baut riesige Vokalharmonien um einen druckvollen Beat aus Klicks, Pops, Samples und gedubbten Snares. Garbus besingt darin Herzschmerz als Antrieb, als Herausforderung - Zeilen wie "Watch me survive another heartbreak"_Ç»wirken wie ein Aufruf zum Weitermachen. Das treibende_Ç»"How Big is the Rainbow"_Ç»setzt auf Four-on-the-Floor-Rhythmus und versprüht Disco-House-Energie - mit der Atmosphäre eines queeren Club-Hits voller Strobo und Intensität. "Better Dreaming"_Ç»ist ein kraftvolles Manifest für Selbstliebe, kollektives Handeln, Befreiung auf der Tanzfläche sowie die Hoffnung auf eine bessere Zukunft. Angesichts der Herausforderungen und Unsicherheiten der Gegenwart stellt sich Tune-Yards die Frage: Wie viel echte Energie und Freude lassen sich durch Musik überhaupt transportieren? Mit seinem mitreißenden, lebensbejahenden Art-Pop für eine Welt im Umbruch macht_Ç»"Better Dreaming"_Ç»genau das.

15th Anniversary Edition. Lime Green Vinyl. When Dinosaur Jr. reunited, more than 20 years after their formation and legendary dissolution, the worry was that these guys were just flogging the back catalog, taking the old show on the road as a marketing gimmick. But the 2007 release of Beyond gave a hearty Marshall-driven "F**K YOU!" answer to those inquiring ears. Restoring the sound established by the unassailable hat-trick gambit of their first three albums -- Dinosaur, You're Living All Over Me, and Bug -- Beyond continued the band's march into rock greatness by making old ears smile and new ears bleed afresh. And then came Farm, the 9th full length record by the original line-up: J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph. If Beyond was Dinosaur Jr.'s return to form, Farm is proof that Dinosaur Jr. could (and still do, to this day!) deliver timeless, exhilarating rock music. Farm encompasses Dinosaur Jr.'s signature palette: soaring and distorted guitar, unshakable hooks, honey-rich melodies. At times wholly 70's guitar-epic, at times perfect for sitting by a babbling brook with Joni and Neil, these songs get into your head and stay there, bouncing happily around. The ear-catching "Plans" is nearly seven minutes of classic whipped-topping rock dessert, while "I Don't Wanna Go There" is a meat-and-potatoes main dish, mixing unapologetic lead guitar with straight-ahead delivery a la James Gang or Humble Pie. This expanded deluxe edition of Farm features four songs never pressed to vinyl and never given worldwide release:"Houses", "Whenever You're Ready" (The Zombies Cover), "Creepies" (Instrumental), and "Show". "Whenever You're Ready", a cover of classic pop-rockers The Zombies, is impossibly good for a hidden gem; Murph stomps in with a sledgehammer to the kit, J and Lou layer low-end and fuzz like two halves of one brain, and right when things feel biggest, airy and colossal, there's J with a lightning bolt of a guitar solo. Pure electricity and melody like only he can make. Recorded in J Mascis' Bisquiteen studio in Amherst, Massachusetts, Farm was produced by Mascis himself, and delivers the singular, unique energy of one of America's greatest living rock bands.

Haggerston-based production wizard Jeigo kicks off the year after a standout 2024 by serving his own label Fleurella Records' first release. For the occasion, he reissues his track 'Pearl Leaf' which sits in between the worlds of Bicep, Sasha and UKG. It has floating pads and airy, organic beats that carry you away on a melancholic mood with deeply buried vocals adding a blurry, heart-tugging hook. On the flip are two new and unheard jams. 'Headpains' is full of a flurry of breaks but is also laden with introspective emotion in the vocals and chords and 'The Days You Were Here' is a more downtempo cut with shimmering pads, pitched-up vocals and languid bass.

Two Times Juno awards listed and 2 times Polaris price listed, Canadian Soul Star Tanika Charles unleash the new album "Reason To Stay that drops on May 16 via independent soul label Record Kicks. Reasons To Stay is Tanika Charles' fourth full-length album, and her most introspective to date. Where her songs have typically touched on romantic love and heartache, the core love and loss of this record is family focused. It has taken years for Tanika to be able to publicly reflect on the childhood trauma and family breakup that occurred during her teens. The majority of the album was composed by Tanika with the tight knit team of Scott McCannell (Lydia Persaud, Henry Nozuka), Kyla Charter (Aysanabee) and Chino de Villa (Jessie Reyez). Kelly Finnigan of the Monophonics joined in to mix the bulk of the project and apply some trademark analogue grit to Tanika's sheen. Guests include Quebec-based Soulful singer/songwriter Clerel on the last track "Win", as well as Toronto soul artists Aphrose and Claire Davis providing additional vocals. "I love this album. I love singing these songs. I love that it's made me step outside of my comfort zone. It's forced me to face the root causes of my own insecurities that I carry to this day. Why am I striving so hard to seek validation, and why take it so personally when it doesn't come? That distortion has prevented me from celebrating my own successes at times. This album is me trying to change that." "I love the conversations that have begun with these songs. It's about childhood trauma, but it's not a victim story. I'm doing well, despite the baggage I carry. I want others to be able to carry theirs too." In the last few years, Canadian Soul/R&B powerhouse Tanika Charles has transformed from an emerging solo artist to a commanding performer and bandleader, cementing her status as a staple in the Canadian soul scene. Her previous studio albums - "Soul Run" (2017), "The Gumption" (2019), and "Papillon De Nuit" (2022) - have propelled her to international acclaim, earning her two JUNO nominations, two Polaris Prize listings, and a growing global fanbase. Extensive touring across North America and Europe has further solidified her reputation, with standout performances at festivals such as Trans Musicales in France, Fusion Festival in Germany, Mostly Funk & Soul Festival and Jazz Festival in the UK, Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain. She has also shared the stage Estelle, Mayer Hawthorne, Haitus Kayote, Lauryn Hill, Bedouin Soundclash and Macy Gray. Tanika's meteoric rise and undeniable artistry have been widely championed by outlets such as KCRW, KEXP, BBC6 Music, Exclaim!, CBC Music, Uncut Mag, PopMatters, Albumism .. further solidifying her position as a global soul sensation.

Katagory V sind eine Progressive-Power-Metal-Band aus Salt Lake City in Utah. Anfang 1999 gegründet, sind bis dato fünf Studioalben erschienen: Auf "Present Day"(2001) folgten "A New Breed Of Rebellion" (2004), "The Rising Anger" (2006), "Hymns Of Dissension" (2007) und schließlich "Resurrect The Insurgence" (2015). Nun hat die Gruppe einen Vertrag mit High Roller Records unterschrieben, dessen erstes Resultat das brandneue Werk "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" ist. Die Platte wurde von Dustin Mitchell (Bass), Curtis Morrell (Gitarre) und Matt Suiter (Schlagzeug) eingespielt, allesamt Teil der Originalbesetzung, plus Sänger Albert Rybka sowie Neuzugang Dan Coxey an der zweiten Gitarre. Das Album ist im Streamline Studio in Salt Lake City aufgenommen und von der Band selbst produziert worden. Für das Mastering zeichnete Alan Douches (Fates Warning, Cannibal Corpse) verantwortlich. Mit Riffmonstern wie "Empire Of Ignorance" und "Blood Siphon" oder melodischen Stücken wie "Absolute Divide" oder "Through Fate's Eyes" entpuppt sich "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" als Meisterwerk des modernen Progressive Power Metal. In der Vergangenheit wurden Katagory V gerne mit Fates Warning, Queensryche, Hades, Sanctuary und Lethal verglichen. Laut Bassist und Gründungsmitglied Dustin Mitchell durchaus zutreffend: "Die genannten Bands haben uns ganz ohne Zweifel beeinflusst. Aber auch eine Menge Speed-, Thrash- und Doom-Bands der späten Achtziger und frühen Neunziger. Dazu Thrash-Metal-Gruppen der alten Schule - Realm, Death Angel, Helstar, Flotsam & Jetsam sowie Atrophy - und ferner auch härtere Melodic-Hardrock-Formationen, speziell aus Deutschland, da denke ich an Bonfire oder Jaded Heart." Das sollte all denjenigen, die mit Katagory V noch nicht vertraut sind, einen guten Eindruck davon geben, wie die Band klingt. Alles in allem ist das neue Werk "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" von einer überraschend dunklen Grundstimmung geprägt: "Oh ja, dem stimme ich ausdrücklich zu", bestätigt Dustin Mitchell. "Diese Platte ist viel düsterer und auch zorniger als alles, was wir in der Vergangenheit gemacht haben, vielleicht mit Ausnahme unseres zweiten Albums. Im Verlauf unserer Karriere haben wir einige Tiefschläge einstecken müssen, weswegen die Band die letzten zehn Jahre auf Eis gelegen hat. Es ist also nur natürlich, dass sich die Wut darüber auch in unser neuen Musik Ausdruck verschafft hat."

Katagory V sind eine Progressive-Power-Metal-Band aus Salt Lake City in Utah. Anfang 1999 gegründet, sind bis dato fünf Studioalben erschienen: Auf "Present Day"(2001) folgten "A New Breed Of Rebellion" (2004), "The Rising Anger" (2006), "Hymns Of Dissension" (2007) und schließlich "Resurrect The Insurgence" (2015). Nun hat die Gruppe einen Vertrag mit High Roller Records unterschrieben, dessen erstes Resultat das brandneue Werk "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" ist. Die Platte wurde von Dustin Mitchell (Bass), Curtis Morrell (Gitarre) und Matt Suiter (Schlagzeug) eingespielt, allesamt Teil der Originalbesetzung, plus Sänger Albert Rybka sowie Neuzugang Dan Coxey an der zweiten Gitarre. Das Album ist im Streamline Studio in Salt Lake City aufgenommen und von der Band selbst produziert worden. Für das Mastering zeichnete Alan Douches (Fates Warning, Cannibal Corpse) verantwortlich. Mit Riffmonstern wie "Empire Of Ignorance" und "Blood Siphon" oder melodischen Stücken wie "Absolute Divide" oder "Through Fate's Eyes" entpuppt sich "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" als Meisterwerk des modernen Progressive Power Metal. In der Vergangenheit wurden Katagory V gerne mit Fates Warning, Queensryche, Hades, Sanctuary und Lethal verglichen. Laut Bassist und Gründungsmitglied Dustin Mitchell durchaus zutreffend: "Die genannten Bands haben uns ganz ohne Zweifel beeinflusst. Aber auch eine Menge Speed-, Thrash- und Doom-Bands der späten Achtziger und frühen Neunziger. Dazu Thrash-Metal-Gruppen der alten Schule - Realm, Death Angel, Helstar, Flotsam & Jetsam sowie Atrophy - und ferner auch härtere Melodic-Hardrock-Formationen, speziell aus Deutschland, da denke ich an Bonfire oder Jaded Heart." Das sollte all denjenigen, die mit Katagory V noch nicht vertraut sind, einen guten Eindruck davon geben, wie die Band klingt. Alles in allem ist das neue Werk "Awaken A New Age Of Chaos" von einer überraschend dunklen Grundstimmung geprägt: "Oh ja, dem stimme ich ausdrücklich zu", bestätigt Dustin Mitchell. "Diese Platte ist viel düsterer und auch zorniger als alles, was wir in der Vergangenheit gemacht haben, vielleicht mit Ausnahme unseres zweiten Albums. Im Verlauf unserer Karriere haben wir einige Tiefschläge einstecken müssen, weswegen die Band die letzten zehn Jahre auf Eis gelegen hat. Es ist also nur natürlich, dass sich die Wut darüber auch in unser neuen Musik Ausdruck verschafft hat."

Clear Vinyl. Holt Eure Spandex raus, der Glam kommt JETZT in Euer Leben. Eine super warme Dusche aus Australien, mit Leuten von CLOWNS und CABLE TIES. Es gibt 11 zuckersüsse PopPunk Perlen, die mit Twin Leads auch den Hardrockfan an den richtigen Stellen abholt. Stellt Euch eine Melange aus The Exploding Hearts, The Shivvers, Thin Lizzy und Judas Priest vor... Und bums: da stehen Leatherman vor Euch. Qualitativ hochwertig hauen die 5 fünf Australier Hit nach Hit raus, der Gesang von Annabel Brown trifft genau den richtigen Ton zwischen rotzig, unschuldig und aggressiv...