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Straight club business up next on Slipdisc Recordings, featuring a debut from Dive Crew (Squash & not even noticed), alongside a new Gearmaster roller and the first ever vinyl issue of Abdul Raeva’s 2023 hit Codeine.

Power Electronics, for the most part, stays within its lanes of transgressive misanthropy, with a blackened explosiveness of tortured psyches and nightmarish reflections for the darkest facets of the human condition. Since Whitehouse introduced the phrase, concept, and framework to Power Electronics, its authorship has been primarily male. But within the past decade or so, a diverse web of voices - female, feminist, non-binary, queer - has thrust the PE aesthetic beyond that of the tortured male artist. As such, the notion that Power Electronics is synonymous with true crime worship, political ugliness, degraded sexual fantasies, and misogynistic perspectives has been somewhat dispelled (though many still pursue such ignoble agendas).

Enter Ester Kärkkäinen. For close to a decade now, she has developed her own voice, tread her own path, and exorcised her own demons in her unique take on Power Electronics, recording as Himukalt. A Power Electronics album based on the collapse of a relationship is probably not as uncommon as one might think. The sexual violence portrayed through Power Electronics may very well have had its origins in the heartbroken, scorned, or otherwise romantically mistreated. Kärkkäinen gives us two very different perspectives on these themes through two rather different sounding records. There is Last Wish from the plague year of 2020, and there is Torn Asunder: The Half Girl, recorded in 2019. Where the 2020 record is a long-form fever dream of the erotic gone horribly wrong and turned morally questionable, Torn Asunder is the more fractured, yet more concise extrapolation of Kärkkäinen's anger, horror, confusion, and depression from the end of a sexless relationship. She nakedly reveals a psyche that has been shattered, scarred, and broken as she alternates between deadpanned proclamations and barked sermons amidst the harrowing articulation of heavy industrial electronics, laced with shrill feedback tones, disjointed rhythms, and harsh noise outbursts. Torn Asunder stands as a significant milestone in Himukalt's catalogue, but remains one her most rarely heard documents given it was originally published as part of Helen Scarsdale's instantly out of print, 10 cassette On Corrosion boxset. With this vinyl reissue, Torn Asunder can get a proper re-evaluation as one of her strongest works.

Hailing from Las Vegas, Himukalt began in 2016 as a vehicle for Kärkkäinen's noise constructs and crude programming that found references to Puce Mary, Anenzephalia, and Atrax Morgue’s Mörder Machine. Since then, she has maintained a manic schedule with releases for Tesco Organisation, Cloister Recordings, Old Europa Cafe and her own EK Verlag. With the release of Torn Asunder, Helen Scarsdale terminates the mission for the On Corrosion reissue campaign.

A heartfelt band from Small Town, Texas, with a penchant for pop melodies and medieval harmonies, Tele Novella write songs the old-fashioned way and perform them in a minimal style filled with delicate arrangements. Influences include Connie Converse, Lee Hazlewood, Pentangle, Marty Robbins, The Magnetic Fields, and PRAM. Merlyn Belle is a homespun creative bricolage that pulls from influences as diverse as cowboy troubadours and folk baroque to tell stories that are at once cinematic and deeply personal. Painstakingly assembled using a blend of hi-fi and lo-fi recording gear, Tele Novella have crafted a cohesive pop record that feels equal parts mysterious, evocative, heartfelt, and sincere.

Florian’s Morning is the musical project of Mats Lideborg. Originally from Motala and now based in Stockholm, Mats balances life as a troubadour and songwriter with driving subway trains across the city. His music carries the weight of Scandinavian melancholy, intimate storytelling, and timeless songwriting traditions.

The project grew out of a long-standing friendship between Mats and ionnalee, who first met as teenagers in Motala playing music together. More than two decades later, they reconnected in Stockholm and began revisiting a collection of songs originally written by ionnalee years earlier.
Hearing Mats interpret the material sparked a complete transformation. The songs were rewritten and newly produced, evolving into something both cinematic and deeply personal, somewhere between Bryan Ferry and Elliott Smith meeting in a small town Swedish dive bar at closing time.
Florian’s Morning’s self-titled debut album is a striking introduction to an artist with a rare voice and quietly magnetic presence.

Florian’s Morning’s - Florian’s Morning’s is written and produced by ionnalee, out April 22, 2026 on To whom it may concern.

Terence Fixmer Reimagines Chris Liebing & Luke Slater's 'Double Split' for CLR. Fixmer's remixes of Liebing/Slater's collaboration from the former's 'Evolver' LP release on 31st July.

Terence Fixmer has delivered two remixes of Chris Liebing and Luke Slater's 'Double Split' track, one of a handful of collaborations on Liebing's first-ever solo LP, 'Evolver', which was released in March this year. Having contributed to the LP as a member of The Alte Stuben Modular Ensemble, a super-group featuring Liebing, Daniel Miller, and Pascal Gabriel, Fixmer is a fitting choice to remix 'Double Split'.

Fixmer has been evolving his sound for more than 25 years. From deep and mind-bending to experimental and soulful, he is a visionary who has been hugely prolific, with many standout LPs and EPs on labels such as Mute Records, Novamute, Ostgut Ton, and Planete Rouge Records.

Fixmer's first 'Double Split' remix is inspired by the energy of the original, but focused on dubbier, hypnotic vibes. Strident drums and clattering percussion are stark by design, but smoky vocals and eerie synths hang in the air, bringing a bleak human futurism over all-consuming bass. Then comes the Melting Mind rework, which is boiled down to a handful of key elements, not least the original's penetrating acid line. It's an immersive, late-night dive that locks you in a state of constant motion and unrelenting pressure. The original from Chris Liebing and Luke Slater, a dark and futuristic roller with automated drums and layers of rusty synths encircled by acidic gurgles, completes the package.

First Word Records proudly bring you the sophomore EP from Ruby Wood - ‘No Rain, No Flowers’.

Ruby is a singer / songwriter hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the UK. Her soulful yet distinctive voice has enabled her to front numerous projects over the years; perhaps best known as lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed Submotion Orchestra, since 2009.

Her first solo EP ‘Sincerely’ dropped back in 2023, and received love from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles, Jyoty, Huey Morgan, Wordplay & saw Ruby named Mi-Soul Radio's 'One to Watch'.

The follow-up EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’ is a personal tale of growth through adversity. Reflecting on long-term love, fleeting intimacy, grief, and the relationships that shape us. Rather than offering answers, the 8-track EP sits with life as it is. Imperfect, cyclical and shared. The title speaks to the belief that difficult experiences are not separate from growth, but essential to it.

Musically, the project encompasses contemporary flavours within the realms of r&b, soul and hip hop. It features an impressive collective of vocal collaboraters; Illa J, Devin Tracy, Abnormal Sleepz & PRIDO. Each bring their own distinct perspective, whilst complimenting the EP’s introspective tone; favouring warmth, restraint & lyrical authenticity. All are backed by a smooth sonic backdrop of beautifully rich instrumentation, produced primarily by Rob Mitchell of Abstract Orchestra.

Ruby has performed live shows with Nightmares on Wax & Abstract Orchestra as well as with r&b legend Bryson Tiller at his sell-out UK gigs, including Wembley Arena & Manchester Apollo. This is additionally to touring with Bonobo & Nubiyan Twist, and collaborating with the likes of Krept & Konan, Alfa Mist, GLXY and Roska, to name a few.

The diversity of her career, ranging from the intimate to the large-scale performances, gives Ruby a unique balance of vulnerability and musical depth, prioritising authenticity over spectacle. As a solo artist, her work is rooted in honest lived experiences, leading to a focus on songs that resonate long after first listen.

This EP offers a reflection of where Ruby is at now, informed by where she’s been before. It’s a project that embraces imperfection, recognising that those experiences that challenge us the most, shape us the deepest.

About From Resuscitation to Reincarnation - The Early Years: "From Resuscitation to Reincarnation - The Early Years" presents Convulse's transformation from the straightforward death metal band to the more diverse death & rock band. It includes CONVULSE's first demotape "Resuscitation of Evilness" (1990) and the "Lost Equilibrium" EP (1992). ABOUT CONVULSE REISSUES 2026: Finland's CONVULSE present the official 2026 Remastered, Reissues of their classic titles "World Without God", "Reflections" & the new demo compilation "From Resuscitation to Reincarnation - The Early Years" All three remastered titles are streaming now & pre-orders are out July 31, 2026 on LP/CD/CS formats. Convulse original member Rami Jämsä comments on the reissues: "I am very grateful for the Relapse Records from all these three classy Convulse reissues. "World without God" (1991) is our best known debut album with full of rotten old school death metal notes. But don't miss our hidden gem "Reflections" (1994), which is our second album and will be released first time ever on vinyl format. Death 'n roll album "Reflections" comes to home on Relapse Records after 30 years with a brand new layout and a brilliant remastered sound. Third release will be "From Resuscitation to Reincarnation" which presents Convulse's transformation from the straightforward death metal band to more diverse death&rock band. It includes our first demotape "Resuscitation of Evilness" (1990) and "Lost Equilibrium" EP (1992)." All 3 Convulse titles were Remastered by Jaakko Viitalähde/Virtalähde Mastering (Oranssi Pazuzu, Havukruunu).

Primus return with a brand new song, “The Ol’ Grizz." The song travels through high-speed bass riffs, spaced-out arpeggios and double bass drumbeats to create a singular sound that can only be described as Primus. Paired here on this limited edition 12" with a new cover of "Holy Diver" and two songs released as a 7" last summer: "Little Lord Fentanyl" and a live recording of "Duchess (and the Proverbial Mind Spread)". Pressed on gold vinyl.

ABOUT WORLD WITHOUT GOD: Alongside the band's early '90's counterparts 'World Without God', Convulse's first proper full-length, helped pave the way for a new generation of death-metal extremity. ABOUT CONVULSE REISSUES 2026: Finland's CONVULSE present the official 2026 Remastered, Reissues of their classic titles "World Without God", "Reflections" & the new demo compilation "From Resuscitation to Reincarnation - The Early Years" All three remastered titles are streaming now & pre-orders are out July 31, 2026 on LP/CD/CS formats. Convulse original member Rami Jämsä comments on the reissues: "I am very grateful for the Relapse Records from all these three classy Convulse reissues. "World without God" (1991) is our best known debut album with full of rotten old school death metal notes. But don't miss our hidden gem "Reflections" (1994), which is our second album and will be released first time ever on vinyl format. Death 'n roll album "Reflections" comes to home on Relapse Records after 30 years with a brand new layout and a brilliant remastered sound. Third release will be "From Resuscitation to Reincarnation" which presents Convulse's transformation from the straightforward death metal band to more diverse death&rock band. It includes our first demotape "Resuscitation of Evilness" (1990) and "Lost Equilibrium" EP (1992)." All 3 Convulse titles were Remastered by Jaakko Viitalähde/Virtalähde Mastering (Oranssi Pazuzu, Havukruunu).

After a critically acclaimed trilogy of albums and a 10-year hiatus, Romain Turzi, the underground pope of uncompromising French music, returns to the helm to compose and produce his new opus “Drop!”. He is joined on vocals by his longtime friend Oliver Gage, whose autobiographical and melancholic writing brings to life an intimate and redemptive musical epic, woven with oblique pop songs and club tracks that reconcile punks and dancers.



An album of diverse influences, it draws on the masters of film music (Goblin, Angelo Badalamenti), the titans of electronic and techno music (808 State, Dopplereffekt), the hedonistic spirit of ’80s Brit rock (Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses), the finely crafted melodies of timeless folk singers (Woody Guthrie, Neil Young), and the sonic power of My Bloody Valentine or the productions of Andrew Weatherall.



A record born of friendship and fearless creative freedom, “Drop!” is an invitation to escape the heaviness of the present and brush against a form of utterly necessary ecstasy.

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With his Periodical EP, Isaiah delivers a six-tracker rooted in the foundations of early techno, built around percussion, groove, and stripped-back functionality. As a driving force in the underground scene, both as a DJ and the founder of the Frenzy and Vulged collectives, Isaiah meticulously designed this EP for selectors and club settings.

Opening with 'Monthly', the EP sets the tone with a punchy kick, crisp high-end percussion and a driving bassline, while smeared textures and subtle effects create depth within a minimal framework. 'Yearly' intensifies the approach, with sharper hi-hats and layered mid percussion pushing the energy forward, maintaining a hypnotic yet no-frills momentum.'Hourly' keeps the focus on rhythm, pairing dense percussion work with a bouncing bassline that locks into a steady groove, while occasional pad accents add flashes of brightness.

On the second half, 'Real' strips things back, centering around a rolling bassline and sparse percussion, with shimmering synth touches guiding the track into deeper territory. 'Everlasting' reintroduces a tougher edge, driven by a hard-hitting kick and a bouncing low end, while eerie synth elements add a darker tone. Closing the EP, Beau Didier, a rising force in the Techno scene and fellow Frenzy collective member, reshapes 'Everlasting' into a smoother, more low-end focused roller. Known for his heavy basslines and powerful rhythms, Didier brings the bassline to the forefront, softens the percussion and introduces vocal chops that expand the atmosphere.

On his debut EP on Regal's Backspin Records, the 8th release of the newborn imprint, Isaiahpresents a focused collection of percussive techno tools built for diverse sets, offering tracks for every moment while maintaining a consistent, groove-driven identity throughout.

Thoma Bulwer delivers a solo EP and part of his soul in this diverse 4 tracker with titles conceived in his studios at different points in his life and studio engineering career, all revamped or freshly written to this ‘mini-album’. The A1 kicks off with ‘Work It’ a 4×4 house n techno roller you’d be familiar hearing at Starlane Pizza Bar, something like Hackney Wick meets Perlon. A2 ‘Bit’s n Bobs, is an electro, 2Step garage deep roller inspired by his time at Freerotation festival and digging their at Template of Vinyl. B1 ‘Situation Escalation’ is exactly what is says on the tin and captures at intense night and time in his life. The EP rounds off with B2 ‘Home Wrecker’, a wonky garage and breaks track with dental vocal clicks from the past fused in to nasty UK bass n drums and write raw to the floor.

The late, great J Dilla is one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, in part because his ear for music
was so diverse and expansive. As Dilla's mother Ma Dukes explains, "He didn't come with a limited capacity, and real producers produce, produce, and produce. There are no formats for genius workers…just non-stop creations."
Now, a fresh batch of those creations is available to the world, in the form of the official J Dilla release Dillatronic. This 2LP edition from Ma Dukes and Vintage Vibez Music Group includes the full Dillatronic collection – over 40 rare instrumentals that showcase Dilla's undeniable electronic influences.

OMRI. returns to Crosstown Rebels with his latest three-track release, ‘Signals’. Out on 24th July 2026, the in-demand DJ/producer follows up one of the label’s standout tracks of recent years with a collection of hypnotic, after-hours club cuts.

OMRI.’s relationship with Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels imprint began last summer when he made his debut with ‘Nothing Wrong’, a record that quickly became one of the imprint’s defining releases of the season while being awarded Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune on BBC Radio 1, and introduced his distinctive blend of understated yet driving dancefloor psychedelia to a wider audience. Returning to the label a year later, following a prolific run of recent releases on the likes of Hot Creations, TSZR, Higher Ground and AFFAIRS, plus his own burgeoning Collecting Dots Records imprint, his ‘Signals’ EP picks up where that breakthrough left off, while pushing deeper into his unmistakable sonic world.

Opening the release, the title track ‘Signals’ is quintessential OMRI. throughout. Rolling low-end pressure, spiralling effects, and an infectious female vocal hook all combine to create a track that feels playful and hypnotic. Built with a light touch yet packed with personality, it showcases the instinctive groove-led approach that has become central to his rise. On the flip, The Space dives further into late-night territory, pairing punchy drums and a wicked bassline with warped, stuttering vocal fragments that drift in and out of focus. Meanwhile, Scenius closes the EP through crisp percussion, acid-dipped textures, and cleverly manipulated samples, steadily drawing listeners deeper into its hallucinatory atmosphere.

DJ NOTOYA, whose mix "Tokyo 1980s" has garnered attention from listeners around the world. His previous release, “Tokyo 1980s Victor Edition”—a compilation
of selected tracks from the Victor archives—was a massive hit on streaming platforms and in vinyl format! Now, the long-awaited vinyl release of the second
installment has been confirmed.

As the subtitle suggests, this release features a diverse lineup showcasing DJ NOTOYA’s signature taste, ranging from Japanese boogie to AOR and slow,
mellow tracks. The album features eight tracks, including the popular “I'M IN LOVE” by Aru Takamura—a Japanese track with an unusually thick bassline and
a swaying beat—as well as “YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE” by ONE LINE BAND (the predecessor to SHOGUN, led by Fujimaru Yoshino), and the refreshingly mellow
dance track “ADIOS” by Sadistics, which included YMO’s Yukihiro Takahashi and Masayoshi Takanaka, who is currently making a big splash overseas.
The cover artwork is by Hiroshi Nagai.

2026 Repress

Portuguese techno mainstay Dextro drops cultured EP 'Covil Dos Abutres' for his label debut on Mutual Rytm.

Dextro has been immersed in electronic music and DJing since the early 90s. In the decades since, he has become synonymous with a sound deeply rooted in simplicity and authenticity. Fuelled by a passion for his craft, his production process is guided by intuition and spans a diverse range of styles, from tunnelling grooves to more potent techno with deep and hypnotic layers. He has held several key residencies and released on top labels like CLR and Missile Records, and he adds to those with a first outing on SHDW's Mutual Rytm with 'Covil Dos Abutres'.

The five-track 12" and eight-track digital EP has a sleek, stripped-back style, with wide-spanning corners of the techno realm explored. 'Covil Dos Abutres' is a deep space transmission with journeying, frictionless beats and deft sci-fi motifs that recall classic touches synonymous with the genre's pioneers. 'Correct Incorrect' keeps the pressure on with more rubbery, dubbed-out groves beautifully decorated with delicate melodies. 'Vida E Morte' is another sublime and hypotonic minimal techno sound with funk in the kicks and a freaky late-night spirit. 'Element One' again combines perfectly reduced drum groves with atmospheric pads and curious samples that keep you intrigued, and 'Beautiful Day' closes out with sonar-like synth pulses over the most skeletal but captivating rhythms. Digital cuts 'Time Line', 'Savana Urbana', and 'Diferencas' further explore the intersection of minimalism with cosmic synth designs that take you off into distant astral worlds.

2026 Repress
The journey continues with Constellations Vol. 3, weaving together a powerful blend of electro and techno. Anthony Rother delivers his signature precision in sound design, while Maelstrom bends the grid with a glitchy, IDM-infused excursion. Credit 00 dives deep into electro's darker corners, joined by a trippy collaboration from Serge Geyzel & Dagga, the rolling energy of TaronX, and The Spy'sindustrial-tinged intensity.

A bold and atmospheric continuation of the Constellations saga - built for exploration beyond the dancefloor.

Limited Edtion
Die Scorpions sind zurück mit einem brandneuen Studioalbum: Auf 'Return To Forever', erneut produziert von dem schwedischen Produzententeam Mikael Nord Andersson und Martin Hansen, befinden sich zwölf brandneue, rockige Scorpions Tracks, die Deluxe-Edition des Albums enthält zudem vier weitere neue Songs. Sie alle zeigen die Scorpions einmal mehr auf der Höhe ihrer Schaffenskraft. Tracks wie die erste Single 'We Built This House' sind so zeitgemäß wie das mitreißende 'House Of Cards' (ein garantierter Live-Hit). Ebenso in die Rubrik künftiger Live-Hit fällt 'Eye Of The Storm', ein Stück, das eine Ahnung von der unglaublichen Dynamik und Spielfreude vermittelt, die die Bühnenauftritte der Scorpions prägen. In Liedern wie 'We Built This House' reflektiert die Band auch die letzten 50 Jahre, ihre Philosophie und die Lehren, die sie aus einem außergewöhnlichen Leben gezogen hat.

Im Jahr ihres 50. Bandjubiläums erscheint das brandneue Studioalbum 'Return To Forever' der Scorpions am 20.02.2015 und wird als CD, Deluxe-CD, Vinyl, Limited Collector's Box und diversen weiteren digitalen und physischen Konfigurationen veröffentlicht.

After few years of collaboration, Stinging Ray and iRiE iTES Records, have joined forces to produce this brand new album entitled The Man From Beijing.

Comprising 16 tracks, this album showcases the amazing voice of this Reggae singer rising from the east. His music dives into a wide spectrum of themes, reflecting both personal depth and global realities-from faith and friendship to love, money, and an uncertain future. Through sharp, conscious lyricism, he sheds light on social inequalities and challenges the influence of the powerful, urging listeners to rise above limitations and stay true to their values.
The Man From Beijing is an album that will undoubtedly mark Stinging Ray's career, and will undoubtedly be one of his landmark albums. A must-have for all Reggae Roots fans!

Für sein treffend betiteltes Solo-Debütalbum "Introducing..." hat Aaron Frazer mit Dan Auerbach von The Black Keys zusammengearbeitet. Soft spoken und mit dem Aussehen eines leicht unzufriedenen Matinee-Idols aus den 1950er Jahren gesegnet, besitzt Frazer eine einzigartige Stimme, die sowohl zeitgemäß als auch zeitlos klingt. Der in Baltimore aufgewachsene, zurzeit in Brooklyn lebende Songwriter wurde als Schlagzeuger und Co-Vokalist von Durand Jones & The Indications bekannt. Jetzt tritt er mit "Introducing..." als Solist hinter dem Drumkit hervor und demonstriert nicht nur seine beeindruckenden stimmlichen Qualitäten, sondern auch sein Können als hochklassiger Songschreiber. Schon die erste Single "Bad News" sorgte für Aufsehen ("a gorgeous piece of vintage R&B" - CLASH), die sich anschließende Lead-Single "Over You" ist inspiriert von elektrisierenden Northern Soul 45s der 60er Jahre. Nur zwei Belege der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Frazer und Auerbach. Die zwölf Songs auf "Introducing..." verbinden gekonnt den Soul der 70er Jahre mit Dan Auerbachs besonderer Sensibilität für Vintage-Sounds im neuen Gewand. "Introducing..." enthält klassische Message-Songs im Stil von Künstlern wie Gil Scott-Heron sowie motivierende Liebeslieder, die von Disco-, Gospel- und Doo-Wop-Einflüssen durchzogen sind. Das gesamte Album wurde innerhalb nur einer Woche in Auerbachs berühmten Nashville-Studio nach einer schnellen und produktiven Songwriting-Session aufgenommen. Auerbach holte auch den legendären Songwriter und Falsettspezialisten L. Russell Brown (schrieb früher Hits für Frankie Valli von The Four Seasons) an Bord, der den wunderschönen Opener "You Don't Wanna Be My Baby" auf dem Album mitkopmponierte. Für "Introducing..." rekrutierte Frazer eine beeindruckende Schar alteingesessener Session-Musiker aus Nashville. Darunter Mitglieder der legendären Memphis Boys (die in Dusty Springfields "Son of A Preacher Man" und Aretha Franklins "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" mitspielten), den Perkussionisten Sam Bacco sowie diverse Musiker aus dem Daptone/Big Crown Records-Umfeld.

Das Debutalbum der Indie-/Alt-Rock-Band Bantom Woods aus Austin, Texas. Obwohl die Band noch recht neu ist, gehören ihre Mitglieder zur Indie-Rock-Elite Austins und sind seit über zwei Jahrzehnten in diversen Bands aktiv. Sie verbinden Alt-Rock, Dream-Pop/Shoegaze, Post-Punk und Underground-College-Rock der frühen 90er Jahre zu einem unverwechselbaren, höchst eingängigen Sound mit den gewissen Austin-Touch. Nach dem Start mit einer digitalen EP im März 2025 folgt nun das volle Album, das unter anderem die Singles "Lotteries & Lightning Strikes" und "Bail Polish" enthält. Klassisch schwarze Vinyl-LP gibt's hier, kein Firlefanz.

Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) is a bold new mix that fuses the raw essence of the "Brush-fires of the Mind" LP (2009) and the "Spirit of the Times" EP (2011), breathing fresh life into a message that has proven eerily prophetic in an era of escalating world challenges. " Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) " is out now on all streaming platforms, inviting listeners everywhere, old or new, to discover its urgency. For collectors, a special physical rollout will arrive via The Circle Music on July 4, 2026 , marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At its core, Sons of Liberty's music exposed the machinations of a fraudulent financial system and the insidious creep of authoritarianism, serving as a stark warning to humanity. Today, with those shadows cast longer than ever, this music stands as a timeless testament to truth, unfiltered and unapologetic.

What sets Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) apart is its transcendence of partisan divides. This is not an echo chamber of political agendas; it's a universal wake- up call, championing freedom as the bedrock of peace and prosperity for every person on the planet. In a world fractured by division, Schaffer's lyrics rally for pro-freedom/pro-humanity ideals: anti-authoritarian, non-partisan, and rooted in the unyielding principles of liberty. It's a reminder that true empowerment comes from questioning and resisting systems that promote aggression and erode our shared dignity, fostering unity through principles of liberty, individual sovereignty, and collective resilience. Elevating the original material to new heights, this release features thunderous, newly recorded drums by longtime friend Mark Prator , whose precision and groove has powered classics from Iced Earth ( The Dark Saga , Something Wicked This Way Comes ), Demons & Wizards (Self- Titled Debut), and Jon Schaffer's Purgatory (EP 2018).

Paired with a cutting- edge modern mix by Jim Morris , the result is a sonic powerhouse that has matured like a fine wine - delivering an intensity and honesty that's all too rare in today's pop culture landscape. In an age where ideas can be silenced, this stands as the most censored and cancelled heavy metal music in history. It begs the question: Why? Are thought crimes an inevitable reality in a world that fears unbridled truth? Dive in, reflect, and educate yourself-- because freedom isn't a spectator sport; it is difficult, it requires action, and it's the only path to a better world for all of us

Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) is a bold new mix that fuses the raw essence of the "Brush-fires of the Mind" LP (2009) and the "Spirit of the Times" EP (2011), breathing fresh life into a message that has proven eerily prophetic in an era of escalating world challenges. " Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) " is out now on all streaming platforms, inviting listeners everywhere, old or new, to discover its urgency. For collectors, a special physical rollout will arrive via The Circle Music on July 4, 2026 , marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At its core, Sons of Liberty's music exposed the machinations of a fraudulent financial system and the insidious creep of authoritarianism, serving as a stark warning to humanity. Today, with those shadows cast longer than ever, this music stands as a timeless testament to truth, unfiltered and unapologetic.

What sets Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) apart is its transcendence of partisan divides. This is not an echo chamber of political agendas; it's a universal wake- up call, championing freedom as the bedrock of peace and prosperity for every person on the planet. In a world fractured by division, Schaffer's lyrics rally for pro-freedom/pro-humanity ideals: anti-authoritarian, non-partisan, and rooted in the unyielding principles of liberty. It's a reminder that true empowerment comes from questioning and resisting systems that promote aggression and erode our shared dignity, fostering unity through principles of liberty, individual sovereignty, and collective resilience. Elevating the original material to new heights, this release features thunderous, newly recorded drums by longtime friend Mark Prator , whose precision and groove has powered classics from Iced Earth ( The Dark Saga , Something Wicked This Way Comes ), Demons & Wizards (Self- Titled Debut), and Jon Schaffer's Purgatory (EP 2018).

Paired with a cutting- edge modern mix by Jim Morris , the result is a sonic powerhouse that has matured like a fine wine - delivering an intensity and honesty that's all too rare in today's pop culture landscape. In an age where ideas can be silenced, this stands as the most censored and cancelled heavy metal music in history. It begs the question: Why? Are thought crimes an inevitable reality in a world that fears unbridled truth? Dive in, reflect, and educate yourself-- because freedom isn't a spectator sport; it is difficult, it requires action, and it's the only path to a better world for all of us

Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) is a bold new mix that fuses the raw essence of the "Brush-fires of the Mind" LP (2009) and the "Spirit of the Times" EP (2011), breathing fresh life into a message that has proven eerily prophetic in an era of escalating world challenges. " Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) " is out now on all streaming platforms, inviting listeners everywhere, old or new, to discover its urgency. For collectors, a special physical rollout will arrive via The Circle Music on July 4, 2026 , marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At its core, Sons of Liberty's music exposed the machinations of a fraudulent financial system and the insidious creep of authoritarianism, serving as a stark warning to humanity. Today, with those shadows cast longer than ever, this music stands as a timeless testament to truth, unfiltered and unapologetic.

What sets Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) apart is its transcendence of partisan divides. This is not an echo chamber of political agendas; it's a universal wake- up call, championing freedom as the bedrock of peace and prosperity for every person on the planet. In a world fractured by division, Schaffer's lyrics rally for pro-freedom/pro-humanity ideals: anti-authoritarian, non-partisan, and rooted in the unyielding principles of liberty. It's a reminder that true empowerment comes from questioning and resisting systems that promote aggression and erode our shared dignity, fostering unity through principles of liberty, individual sovereignty, and collective resilience. Elevating the original material to new heights, this release features thunderous, newly recorded drums by longtime friend Mark Prator , whose precision and groove has powered classics from Iced Earth ( The Dark Saga , Something Wicked This Way Comes ), Demons & Wizards (Self- Titled Debut), and Jon Schaffer's Purgatory (EP 2018).

Paired with a cutting- edge modern mix by Jim Morris , the result is a sonic powerhouse that has matured like a fine wine - delivering an intensity and honesty that's all too rare in today's pop culture landscape. In an age where ideas can be silenced, this stands as the most censored and cancelled heavy metal music in history. It begs the question: Why? Are thought crimes an inevitable reality in a world that fears unbridled truth? Dive in, reflect, and educate yourself-- because freedom isn't a spectator sport; it is difficult, it requires action, and it's the only path to a better world for all of us

Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) is a bold new mix that fuses the raw essence of the "Brush-fires of the Mind" LP (2009) and the "Spirit of the Times" EP (2011), breathing fresh life into a message that has proven eerily prophetic in an era of escalating world challenges. " Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) " is out now on all streaming platforms, inviting listeners everywhere, old or new, to discover its urgency. For collectors, a special physical rollout will arrive via The Circle Music on July 4, 2026 , marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At its core, Sons of Liberty's music exposed the machinations of a fraudulent financial system and the insidious creep of authoritarianism, serving as a stark warning to humanity. Today, with those shadows cast longer than ever, this music stands as a timeless testament to truth, unfiltered and unapologetic.

What sets Sons of Liberty - Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) apart is its transcendence of partisan divides. This is not an echo chamber of political agendas; it's a universal wake- up call, championing freedom as the bedrock of peace and prosperity for every person on the planet. In a world fractured by division, Schaffer's lyrics rally for pro-freedom/pro-humanity ideals: anti-authoritarian, non-partisan, and rooted in the unyielding principles of liberty. It's a reminder that true empowerment comes from questioning and resisting systems that promote aggression and erode our shared dignity, fostering unity through principles of liberty, individual sovereignty, and collective resilience. Elevating the original material to new heights, this release features thunderous, newly recorded drums by longtime friend Mark Prator , whose precision and groove has powered classics from Iced Earth ( The Dark Saga , Something Wicked This Way Comes ), Demons & Wizards (Self- Titled Debut), and Jon Schaffer's Purgatory (EP 2018).

Paired with a cutting- edge modern mix by Jim Morris , the result is a sonic powerhouse that has matured like a fine wine - delivering an intensity and honesty that's all too rare in today's pop culture landscape. In an age where ideas can be silenced, this stands as the most censored and cancelled heavy metal music in history. It begs the question: Why? Are thought crimes an inevitable reality in a world that fears unbridled truth? Dive in, reflect, and educate yourself-- because freedom isn't a spectator sport; it is difficult, it requires action, and it's the only path to a better world for all of us

The band's name stems from the idea of reinterpreting and renewing what already exists: a creative drive that has underpinned their songwriting and the development of their sound from the very beginning. Following the EP/ demo 4 Little Hanged Toys (Copro Records/Casket Music), they made their debut in 2012 with Technicolor Noise (Zeta Factory), an album blending alternative rock, electronica and industrial influences. In 2015, they released Daytime Sleepwalkers on This Is Core, marking an evolution towards darker atmospheres, in which dark and new wave elements are woven more consciously into their sound. The following year saw the release of DSRMX, a collection of remixes that further expands the project's electronic dimension. After a hiatus due to personal circumstances, the band returned in 2026 with Faithless on Overdub Recordings, an intense, conceptual and political album that heralded a new artistic chapter, deeply influenced by their lived experiences.

2026 Repress

Mihai Popoviciu, one of the most esteemed names in the deep house and minimal scene, is set to unveil his anticipated new album, ‘Puzzle Box’, on Bondage Music. As one of the label’s core artists, Popoviciu returns for his second full-length album release on the imprint following his successful 2016 album, ‘Home’ - available on vinyl from 15th November 2024.

With a career spanning over a decade and with releases on numerous influential labels such as 8Bit to Berg Audio, Popoviciu has firmly established himself as a go-to within the minimal-leaning realms of house music. Known for intricate soundscapes and deep, hypnotic grooves, his work continues to captivate audiences globally. On ‘Puzzle Box’, he delves deeper into his signature stripped-back yet soulful aesthetic, offering a diverse collection of tracks that traverse through various sonic textures.

“With Puzzle Box, each track unlocks something deeper with every listen” - Mihai Popoviciu.

Consisting of thirteen tracks in total, ‘Puzzle Box’ showcases the Romanian’s sound to its fullest. On the vinyl edition, fans are treated to standout tracks like ‘Batiscaf’, ‘Storm Rider’, and ‘Far Gone’ — vinyl-only gems that capture Popoviciu’s talent for layering subtle, dubby tones with groovy rhythms. The opening track, ‘They All Say’, sets the mood with smooth, atmospheric beats with a skippy groove, followed by the dynamic “Video” and the driving, pulsating energy of “Frankfurt.”

Popoviciu’s skill in crafting versatile productions is showcased throughout the album, with each track offering something unique.
From the sleek, melodic strains of ‘Puzzle Box’ to the hypnotic, rolling basslines of ‘Kinetic’, this LP is a journey into his meticulously constructed sound. The digital version also features the bonus track ‘Body Count 2’, offering a final, rhythmic flourish to round off the release.
‘Puzzle Box’ further cements Mihai Popoviciu’s role as a mainstay on Bondage Music, a label which continues to champion forward-thinking, minimal-leaning house music. With this latest LP, Popoviciu once again proves why he remains a favourite, building on his storied career with another masterclass in refined, deep electronic music.

After appearing on Kulture Galerie Volume 4 alongise Uncanny Valley and fellow North Marcedonian Herzel, L.O.V.D joins the Digital Artefacts series with 'Dive'.

L.O.V.D is a doctor by day, synth geek by night, set between North Macedonia and Berlin. The title track of this new EP on Kulture Galerie was being picked for a mixed comp by Voltage Lab and his sound is started to being recognised internationally with appearances at many music festivals with his live set as well as international hotspots like Kiosk Radio.

This brand new 4 tracker is a personal journey that Ljuben describes like this:

'Dive is a collection of songs that embody my perception of the complex emotions experienced between two people in love. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes sad, always heavily emotionally charged, never perfect.'

The scope, variety and ambition of Ebbb’s debut album Shallow Hits is clear from the off. “Come Alive” whirs into being quietly before morphing into a sun-kissed, radiant piece of calypso-esque electronic pop; the Latin-flavoured “Now You Know” feels destined to soundtrack sun-drenched festivals this summer; “Shallow Hits” is as deft and detailed as it is big, bold and euphoric; while the wonky yet propulsive charge of “Side On” sounds like a drum ‘n’ bass club and church choir combined. A fervent eclecticism and unpredictable restlessness underpins the album. Latterly the record dives into the moody technoid textures and multi-layered harmonies that characterised their debut EP All At Once - exemplified by ‘Youth’ and the closing track “I’m Not Enough” that lands an emotional gut punch to an album that is already littered with them. However there’s a remarkable coherence and identity that underpins the album. Ebbb are exploring far and wide, deep and vast, yet they do so via an approach that remains unmistakably them.

Double LP pressed on Pearl Dawn vinyl. Akupara Games, Videocult and Black Screen Records are beyond stoked to release the soundtrack to Rain World: The Watcher, a DLC of the massively successful game hit Rain World. The music was crafted by year-long companions of the game James Primate and Lydia Esrig but it's also featuring works by Serpanoy, Pinpoint, snoodle, Intikus and Kaeporo. This collection of hugely talented artists makes the score an eclectic journey that at the same time follows a coherent concept that reflects on the atmosphere of the game. The wilds that await will be unlike all that's come before. The double LP on stunning Pearl Dawn vinyl, that is featuring a total of 54 tracks, presents exclusive gatefold artwork by Kelocitta with UV spot varnish. This set is not only a true beauty but also perfectly in line with the vinyl releases for Rain World and Rain World: Downpour - don't miss out to complete your collection! Rain World: The Watcher is a DLC expansion of Rain World. Journey beyond to something, somewhere only ever glimpsed. Unknown creatures stalk and climb and dive and hunt. New breeds rip and pluck and burrow and hide. Predator and prey redefined. And through the middle of it all, a lonely lost slugcat trying their best to outlast the ravages of a warped world. When the world beneath your feet cracks and crumbles, will you hold on to all you once knew? Or dive into the unknown?

The latest release in the series exploring the musical worlds of Gerry Anderson is the most extensive yet. Space: 1999 ran for two series from 1976 to 1977 and depicted the occupants of Moonbase Alpha and their struggle for survival when, after the explosion of a nuclear waste dump, the Moon is hurtled into space.
The series was the most expensive produced for British television at that time and the most musically diverse of all the shows made by Anderson for ITC. Gerry Anderson’s long-time musical partner in all the previous adventures was Barry Gray and Space: 1999 proved to be the last of their collaborations.
Uncut Magazine referred to Series 1 music as “Pink Floyd without the mythology”. The first recording session for Space: 1999 took place on December 11th 1973 with a 52-piece orchestra performing the opening and closing title music. For the series’ incidental music between 32 and 38 instruments were utilised at any one session, all conducted by Barry Gray. The selections from Year 1 show Gray’s skills in creating a memorable opening theme as well as dramatically evocative cues highlighting the plight of the Alphans as they became known. The Year 1 album also showcases a selection of library cues which featured throughout the series.
Barry Gray was a classically trained composer and a versatile musician and was amongst the first composers to use electronic instruments in music for television. Best known for creating the music for most of the Gerry & Sylvia Anderson television series in the 1960's and 70's (Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, UFO, Space:1999), Barry Gray’s complete musical opus is still not commercially available in its entirety. Fanderson, dedicated to the productions of Gerry Anderson, has gained access to all Barry Gray's original studio tapes and have undertaken a major re-issue project. Together with Fanderson, Silva Screen Records is championing Barry Gray’s incredible musical opus and is releasing the material in a series of physical and digital albums and vinyl records.

With their tenth studio album "X", Swedish melodic metal pioneers Narnia enter a new and powerful chapter, marking their 30th anniversary and nearly three decades of unwavering presence on the international metal scene. While "Ghost Town" (2023) reaffirmed the band's melodic metal foundation, "X" expands the sonic landscape. The album moves confidently between soaring arena-ready choruses and more adventurous, progressive passages, without ever losing the band's unmistakable identity. Songs like "Oceanwide", "Every Breath", and "Heaven's Calling" showcase Narnia's gift for strong hooks and uplifting melodies. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-energy "Remedy (SOS)" pushes the tempo to new heights, while tracks such as "God Under Fire" and "Jerusalem" explore more intricate arrangements and progressive textures. Multiple lead vocalists share the spotlight throughout the album. CJ Grimmark and Jonatan "Jono" Samuelsson both step forward on selected tracks, adding new tonal colors, while Christian Liljegren's unmistakable voice continues to anchor the sound. "The Man from Nazareth Pt. II" reconnects with the band's early era and serves as a continuation of a fan-favorite from the 2006 album "Enter the Gate", while "The War that Tore the Land (Reprise)" offers a reflective callback to 2019's "From Darkness to Light". "X" stands as both a celebration of Narnia's legacy and a bold statement of where the band stands today, musically sharper, more diverse, and more confident than ever. The album is produced and mixed by CJ Grimmark and mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson at Studio Bohus. - Narnia - pioneers of Scandinavian melodic metal since 1996. - Celebrating their 10th studio album "X" - marking nearly 30 years of legacy. - Part of the original Swedish melodic metal wave alongside HammerFall, In Flames and Evergrey. - Christian Liljegren - one of the most recognizable voices in melodic metal, fronting the band since day one. - CJ Grimmark - founding member, main songwriter and producer, widely regarded as one of Sweden's finest melodic metal guitarists. - Worldwide sales of several hundred thousand physical units plus strong global streaming presence. - Strong and loyal international fan base in Europe, South America and Japan. - Extensive touring history with Dio, Judas Priest, Europe, Sabaton, Saxon, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Yngwie Malmsteen and Stryper. - Recent music videos approaching 1 million YouTube views combined.

H- side is etched
The American cable-television industry exploded in the 1980s, pushing broadcasts of diverse programming and emissions of low-laying cultures into homes. Community stations piggybacked on the digital developments of the time, extending their existence through telephony and broadcast a iliates. For those growing up in this time, in locations such as New York City, the localized communications beamed into their homes exposed them to an impressionable array of disparate sounds and visions.
Move into the 1990s and New York was filled to the brim of emergent cultures drawing from this ebullition of communication. From Rammellzee’s shapeshifting to the late Judy Russell and Frank and Karen Mendez’s Nu Groove imprint fusing reggae, poetry and house, nascent ideas emanated from the city walls, from within stores such as Sonic Groove store and on VHS releases such as Stakker’s The Evil Acid Baron Show, a legendary technicolor psychedelic trip along the wildest frontiers of acid house. As scenes expanded and identities developed, such individuals weather the events of the visceral now, expressing themselves right into an unpredictable future.
Function’s long career has seen him uncover a vast range of sonic identities, a mainstay through house, techno and industrial with collaborations with the likes of Regis, Damon Wild alongside his highly influential Infrastructure imprint. With influences deeply tied to pop art, rave and gay scenes, and early memories of block-parties emitting Kraftwerk and Strafe, he found himself seeking out the undercover illegal nights of the 90s on a quest of sexual unearthing, mixing the ever-yearning escapology mission of disco with the influential DJ sets of Jeff Mills.
For his new album Existenz, he marks a clear step away from the corporeal techno of his recent releases. Pivoting around themes of religion, sexuality, trauma and healing, it is a work expansive and celebratory, a clear liberation from a deeply internalized past. Formed from a collection of recordings made in a period from late 2016 to mid 2019, Existenz takes the form of a creative outburst in reaction to a number of traumas - recent, childhood and throughout Function’s life. Life partner Stefanie Parnow assisted the production process in its entirety, providing inspiration, spiritual healing and featuring vocal contributions.
Cosmic synths soar and swoop in ‘Pleasure Discipline’ through towering stacks of rhythm that stutter and creak to a halt before rebooting, a firm robotic response to human intervention. ‘Zahlensender’ reflects a spatial tetris of urban life, as digitalization set within an XYZ matrix confronts the sprawling city. Constant arpeggiated meditations echo synaptic transmissions, e ecting a dissolution of boundaries. ’The Approach’ recalls the unification of the self, a state of delirium non-subjective and smooth, as all connections and functions give way to simple intensities of feeling, crossing the threshold into spirituality. ’Golden Dawn’, featuring Stefanie Parnow, marks a further elevation of dubbed-out euphoria, as once more positive rays emerge. His ode to the effortless short-trip urban navigation 'Kurzstrecke' finds Function in motion, upfront and bold, snapshots of conversation and flickers of light. 'Ertrinken' finds metallic bass jabs swamping snipped synthetic voices, with hidden stores of emotion set as a nod to the history of vocoders as a tool for encrypted military communication. House icon Robert Owens features on 'Growth Cycle' and 'Be', entrenching a celebratory atmosphere over Function's clubwise leanings. Closing track 'Downtown 161' reflects the unmistakeable filtered and squashed interjections of television, and sampled dance vocals - a sound for the curious, dreamers and dancers.
With Existenz, Function reveals an essential body of work, spread over 4LP - thought experiments on the role of identity and spirituality after a lifetime of upheaval and trauma. Leading up until the release date, Function will undertake an album promo tour with select dates - A/V shows at Berlin Atonal and Rural festival in Japan, and three dates as part of his Bassiani residency.

After the dissolution of his wave-making duo project Ameli Paul, Berlin based musician and producer Paul Valentin aims to venture down new roads and finds help from illustrious folks like Liv Lisa Fries, DJ Koze, Thomass Jackson and Philipp Fein along the way. Valentin’s debut EP on Feines Tier marks his first solo release in 10 years and is a colourful journey through sonic worlds and emotions in the continuous search for his own sound.

Opener ELVAU is a collaboration with actor Liv Lisa Fries built around their intimate voice recordings which are woven delicately into a dreamy web of shimmering synths atop pulsating break beats that would make Bicep proud. For his remix, His Kosiness, the Tripsitter Himself also known as DJ Koze follows the breakbeat path further down, gleefully taking all sorts of wonky and fun diversions on the way, which makes one hope that the ride never ends.

Follow-up tune MALFUNCTION is a more straightforward affair with its rolling synth arps and is - in Valentin’s own words - “about personal failure, dissolution, and the distortion of the self“. Equally dark under- and overtones are throwing shades over WHATTHE!, dealing with anger and transformations, resulting in a banger for the heavier moments on the dancefloor or the mind between your headphones. The EP closes on a more hopeful note with LISTEN, which stands for „everything that could be, if we listened to each other“. And it’s never a bad idea to listen to chirping 303 basslines, especially when paired with melancholic synth pads and weird vocal samples, as is the case here. The rework of Thomass Jackson and FT-head honcho Philipp Fein feels beautifully anachronistic with its reduced tempo and could have been something Andrew Weatherall would have played when he was still playing our earthly dancefloors.

For nearly four decades, since its founding during the mid 1980s, the Belgian imprint, Sub Rosa, has continuously plumbed the depths of numerous, radical creative histories, assembling a catalog of releases that has almost no equivalent, while remaining nearly impossible to nail down. That said, for most of its run, Sub Rosa has been primarily recognized for its rigorous explorations of the lesser explored shadows of experimental sound practice (sound-art, sound-poetry, early electronic and electroacoustic music, free-improvisation, etc.), delivering a remarkable body of artifacts that have collectively helped to rewrite history in their wake. While it's always been impossible to anticipate where the label might take us next, threading their catalog are plenty of releases that throw further wrenches in the cogs, expanding our understanding of what they pursue, as in the case of a handful of titles, appearing as early as the 1980s, dedicated to ethnographic field-recordings from various parts of the world. Among the most striking and celebrated of these was 2017's Ethiopian Urban And Tribal Music: Mindanoo Mistiru / Gold From Wax, comprising an astounding body of recordings made by Ragnar Johnson and Ralph Harrisson in Ethiopia during 1971, reissuing material originally released by Lyrichord the following year. Now, Sub Rosa returns to the incredible work embarked upon by the pair and captured on that same trip with Ethiopian Musics 1971, comprising the recordings originally released by Ocora shortly after their completion, expanded in this edition to include an entire disc of never before released music. Widely regarded as some of the most important field-recordings ever made of indigenous Ethiopian folk music (as captivating and intoxicating as they are revelatory: providing insights into the roots of the country's singular traditions of popular music and jazz that have come to be celebrated the world over), this incredible collection is issued by Sub Rosa in a beautifully produced 2LP edition, complemented by a four page insert providing detailed descriptions of each song, as well as notes by the ethnomusicologists and recordists, as well as a 2CD edition, with a twelve page booklet. Insanely good and absolutely essential for any fan of field-recording, ethnomusicology, the music of Ethiopia, or the label's mission at large. Once again, Sub Rosa has defied our expectations and delivered a remarkably important intervention in the history of recorded sound.

Located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa, few cultures are distinctly singular, while being so diverse (containing 80 distinct ethnic groups who speak 70 languages and 200 dialects) as that of Ethiopia. The home to some of the oldest surviving sects of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (each contributing important aspects of its collective cultural body), particularly the country's culinary and musical traditions have become celebrated the world over, and (generally speaking) feel entirely independent of those of its neighbors. Given this, it's unsurprising that, during the summer of 1971, the young ethnographer, Ragnar Johnson, accompanied by Ralph Harrisson, traveled to Ethiopia to begin his brief career as a field recording ethnomusicologist, capturing material on reels of magnetic tape that would be subsequently released across three LPs for Lyrichord and Ocora, respectively, coming to form a cornerstone of documentation and study of the country's many indigenous musical traditions, as well as providing wide, global access to them for the first time. While Johnson's recording career was relatively brief, ending toward the end of the decade when he began to focus more on teaching in UK universities, with a focus on the anthropology of art and social anthropology, his impact on the field was lasting. Between 1971 and 1979, in addition to those he made in Ethiopia, he made hugely significant recordings in Yemen (also issued by Lyrichord before being reissued by Sub Rosa) and Papua New Guinea, which were originally released by David Toop's Quartz Publications to wide celebration, before being revisited by Ideologic Organ in 2023.

While it's worth noting that commercial releases of ethnomusicological recordings by labels like Folkways, Lyrichord, and Ocora were still in their relatively early days when he entered the field, Johnson's recordings quickly stood apart for their vivid qualities and clarity of space, allowing them to stand the test of time. As he later stated: "I used a Uher Report L stereo tape recorder, BASF quarter inch tapes at a recording speed of seven and a half inches per second with two directional microphones mounted to record an isosceles triangle of stereo sound," he reveals. "The location of the microphones and musicians was critical. The musicians were fully informed of all aspects of the recording process."

Johnson's recordings are extremely vivid, there is a clear sense of space and the cries of the flutes exist across the entire stereo field. It's a reflection of Johnson's skill as a field recordist that his recordings continue to be reissued over forty years later. "I used a Uher Report L stereo tape recorder, BASF quarter inch tapes at a recording speed of seven and a half inches per second with two directional microphones mounted to record an isosceles triangle of stereo sound," he reveals. "The location of the microphones and musicians was critical. The musicians were fully informed of all aspects of the recording process… I used to enjoy being in the moment and hearing something wonderful despite the stress of the vigilance required to ensure that the recordings were accomplished according to plan. The responsibility is to record and document the music as effectively as possible so that it has been preserved for posterity. It is better to actually record music than to sit in a seminar room debating the ethics of recording music." It is this very ethos and sense of clarity that can be encountered across the length of Ethiopian Musics 1971.

For the sake of clarity, the two LPs of material that comprise Ethiopian Musics 1971 should be regarded as a single body of recordings alongside those made in Ethiopia by Ragnar Johnson and Ralph Harrisson during the summer of 1971 (previously issued by Lyrichord and reissued by Sub Rosa), and as two that have, until now, remained historically distinct. The first LP gathers that material released by Ocora during the early 1970s on Musiques Ethiopiennes, while the second comprises (as far as we can tell) twelve never before issued recordings, expanding the journey and making this the definitive edition of the release with its incredible total of 23 recordings of songs, allowing it ever greater scope to achieve the recordists' modus operandi of capturing the broadest and most diverse cross section of Ethiopia's many musical cultures, ranging from different forms of urban music captured in Addis Ababa, documenting largely orally transmitted idioms within which lyrical content is given greater emphasis than the instrumental components (played on masenko fiddles, craar and bagana lyres, washint flutes and kabaro drums), to folk idioms hailing from the Danakil desert and the border regions with Sudan and Kenya. There are songs sung and played in bars, divination chants, laments, dances, Christian songs, and Amharic sung poetry, to only begin to scratch the surface.

Ethiopian Musics 1971 is one of those rare albums where each musical moment is pure, intoxicating gold, while also being greater through the sum of its parts. There are the many songs, forming a rich tapestry of remarkable range across the respective two LPs/CDs (moments that wondrously flirt with sonic abstraction; hypnotic rhythms; pulsing chant; melodies that, in structural arrangement and tonal combination, help us reframe how such a thing might be understood, and a great deal more), each imbued with a remarkable directness and emotive sensibility, and there is the stunning quality of these recordings themselves, transporting each sound to our ears as though we intimately share its creator's space, while being imbued with the pure heart and remarkable spirit with which they were made. As we said before, it's little wonder, once heard, why these recordings and this music feels as fresh and relevant (enduring more than 50 years) today as when they were made. Once again, Sub Rosa has raised the bar with this essential addition to the incredible work that Ragnar Johnson and Ralph Harrisson did back in Ethiopia during 1971, radically expanding our access to the sounds that they captured with these stunning, beautifully produced 2LP and 2CD editions. Absolutely engrossing from the first sounding to the last, this one can't be missed.

Crimson Buffalo is a narrative-driven album built as a fragmented story following Asagaya through a shifting parallel world shaped by conflict and transformation. Blending cinematic composition, diverse musical influences and collaborations with vocalists including Hannah Williams, Gaye Su Akyol, Moonlight Benjamin, Odile de Mainville, Mary May, Days and Alanna Matty, the record unfolds as a continuous arc where each piece contributes to a broader story. More than a collection of songs, it forms a constructedworld shaped by sound, contrast and progression.

artist bio
Asagaya is the project of French multi-instrumentalist David Kern. Through cinematic and narrative-driven songwriting, his albums unfold as cohesive stories centered on fictional characters.
Drawing from late 60s/70s aesthetics, 90s genre-crossing influences and a wide range of global musical traditions, his work blends live instrumentation, layered production and diverse sonic textures, shaped through collaborations with vocalists and musicians.

Kitchen Knife Conspiracy emerged in 1998, blending death metal, hardcore, nu-metal, and thrash metal into a volatile concoction labeled ‘stompcore’ early in the band’s career. Forged in the industrial, run-down steel mills of Youngstown, Ohio, the group has laid down brutal riffs and relentless grooves over the course of five full-length albums, one EP, and a live DVD set.
The band has always diversified their sound from album to album: their debut, Sin-Pathetic, leans proudly into death metal and thrash. Their sophomore effort, Handicapitated, bears influence from hardcore, nu-metal, and sludge. Worst Case in Stereo, recorded and produced by Steve Austin of Today is the Day, “stands firmly in the shadow of grind-kings like Obituary,” as reviewed by Cleveland Scene. Their fourth effort, A Friend in Need...Is a Friend to Kill, incorporates a large dose of thrash and grind. Their most recent album, Seven Deadly Sins, is an ambitious concept record dealing with the faults of man, handing
out hardcore beatdowns with hints of black metal throughout. The future is now at hand as Kitchen Knife Conspiracy signs with a new label as diversified and ambitious as their own discography and issue the 25th Anniversary of Handicapitated on a Limited Edition (250 copies) White and Blue Splatter.
Stompcore looks to expand to a wider audience—a Kitchen Knife
Conspiracy is the blunt force weapon ready to deliver the killing strike.

Vacation. A backpack trip through Australia, a campfire in the Schrebergarten. Cruising in the car with friends through the Lüneburger Heide or just a short holiday in the mind, during a rainy lunch break or with a glass of Sprizz on the balcony. And this all includes music, music, music! Grooves which roll like an intercity train into the horizon, Rhodes chords as soft as sand on the beach and synthesizers that sparkle like the reflections on the ocean. Music as colourful as a Hawaiian shirt and as warm as the morning sun.


Welcome to Erobique’s second album “Erobique No. 2”. Here even the song titles are in a holiday mood: “Ahoj!” greets the young “Springinsfeld”. The “Mantas” glide elegantly around the “Acquamarina”. “Salut Les Copines!” we shout to the yacht next to us. “Come on the ‘Ravedave!’” they echo cheerfully. “Riding Low” is the motto while the “Arpeggiator” beautifully condenses the “Synaesthesia” of our dazed senses. The “Italotape” in the cassette deck plays the “Hitsong Von uns Beiden”. It’s all so beautiful “Verkackt”, it sounds like “Zukunftsmusik”!


Carsten Meyer released his debut album “Erosound” in 1998 under the name “Erobique”. Exactly 25 years later, the now 50-year-old releases his second Erobique album on his own label A-sexy. Thirteen diverse tracks ranging from holiday disco to rhythm box rave, recorded and produced with many of his friends and companions. Twenty-five years, that's pretty much the time it took disco to evolve from the legendary loft parties of pioneer David Mancuso to the impressive mass spectacles of Daft Punk's performances, or from Meyer's birth to his first full-length record. So why only now a second album as “Erobique”?

Acid Jazz presents the second volume of their Jazz Sessions series with the first album from the Matt Berry Trio, with Matt Berry joined by band members Phill Scragg and Graham Mann on ‘Everything’s Peachy’.
When not creating numerous indelible characters on the screen, Matt Berry has forged a remarkable, diverse and acclaimed career as a recording artist. Following the widely lauded ‘Heard Noises’ (2025) and a collaboration album with KPM ‘Simplicity’ (2023), he returns in yet another musical guise as leader of a studio-based mid-century jazz adjacent trio.
‘Everything Peachy’ is a 12-part instrumental suite, inspired by ‘the Sky King’ (American folk hero Richard “Beebo” Russell), who stole a large aircraft with no flight training, performing stunts and manoeuvres, before crashing to his own demise, and takes its name from his response to air traffic control.
Conveying variously the chaos, nostalgia, regret and acceptance of Russell’s maiden flight, it is an open, freeform and flowing composition, drawing influence from the electronic experiments of Miles Davis and the melancholy of Satie, to create another moment of musical beauty from Matt’s curious and ever-moving musical mind.
The Jazz Sessions series was conceived by Acid Jazz founder Ed Piller as a return to the jazz roots of the label. The first release came from former Style Council drummer Steve White, with his first album as leader ’Soul Drums’, further releases will follow over the next year.