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In between the folds of ceremony and commonality lies a perennial spring of musical expression.

A statement along the time continuum, or a testament to the resilient resourcefulness embedded in that truth, forms the philosophical approach of this album – the first outing of Dídac.
Studying an extensive archive of instruments, artifacts, and field recordings at the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève—a space steeped in folkloric gesture – Dídac encountered a cosmos of liturgical music and folk song. Anchored in reverance for tradition and transformation alike, this album navigates the old-world Mediterranean lore through a post-modern ambient lens, threading drone, gentle rhythm, electroacoustic textures and the crude tactility of archival material into one woven tapestry.

Under the guidance of Dr. Madeleine Leclair, Dídac was invited to work within one of the world’s most extensive ethno- musicological archives—L’AIMP. In the saturated basements and tape-lined backrooms of the museum, he submerged himself in the sounds of ritual and rural life: wax cylinders from the Eastern Mediterranean, tapes of liturgical hymn, the worn edges of communal song.
In a makeshift studio on the fourth floor of the museum, he sifted through the hours of material he collected, gradually discovering that the archive was no static source – It did not dictate; rather, it served as a companion—offering not answers, but questions. Not a beaten track, but a cluster of sonic clues and riddles. Samples do appear occasionally, tenderly interwoven into the dialogue of the songs. In Dídac’s self-titled debut, the past is not worn as ornament or kitsch; it is listened to and responded to. The museum, its archives, and the visit to Geneva became a foundational culisse of sorts, igniting a myriad of rough cuts and improvisational outtakes.
Dídac, or Diego Ocejo Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1994 to a family of both Catalan and Castilian origin.

Brought up in a religious household, the influence of the Catholic Church innately shaped the social fabric, schooling and daily life. This lingering dominance led the adolescent Diego into a path of rejection of everything sacramental, promptly resorting to subversion in the shape of grafitti, skateboarding and underground music. Only later in life, after a rigorous venture as an acid and electro producer, the Church re-emerged before him in new light, invoking a deep fascination for its mysticism, iconography and choral tradition.

Spain in general and Catalonia in particular, has long served as a crossroads of the eastern–western Mediterranean continuum, with many of its cultures sharing aspects of way of life and ceremony. At the MEG, Diego found himself puzzled with this realization, resulting in a sonic amalgamation that reaches farther away from the rugged mountains of Catalonia than you might perceive at first encounter.

The deeply embedded memory of rite and public ceremony, religious hymn and landscape—sieved through the undercurrent of personal re-emergence, forms the emotional topography of this album. The record does not trace this landscape; it inhabits it. Its repetitive mysticism and ambient, wide-eyed gaze could possibly evoke (perhaps redundant) comparisons to artists such as Dimitris Petsetakis, or Popol Vuh’s late 70’s cinema scores.
The delicate lines between the sacred and the secular – between memory and re-invention – serve as a cipher to understanding this album in its entirety. Titles like Malpàs Mines or Pantocrator’s Portal Outro nudge toward a folkloric and devotional bedrock—places where labor and spirituality coexist, where names preserve both dust and veneration.

Nevertheless, this is far from mere nostalgia. It is a reclamation — singing alongside the spirits of the past, nurturing what still hums beneath the soil. It is an intimate reflection on tradition, rebellion, adolescence, ceremony and fantasy – a pastoral contemplation on what once was and what is to be.

Das 1970 veröffentlichte, selbstbetitelte Debüt von Funkadelic war eine radikale Kollision von psychedelischem Rock, Gospel, Blues und Soul - ein chaotisches, genreübergreifendes Statement, das die Möglichkeiten der schwarzen Musik neu definierte. Wo Motown auf Hochglanz und Crossover-Appeal abzielte, stürzten sich Funkadelic kopfüber in Verzerrungen, Improvisationen und spirituelle Zweideutigkeiten, mit einem Sound, der so düster und unberechenbar war wie die Ära selbst. Unterstützt von einer wilden jungen Band, lehnte das Album Konventionen zugunsten von rohem Groove und existentiellem Lärm ab. Als Teil der Westbound Records Reissue Serie von Org Music stellt diese Ausgabe die volle Wirkung des Albums wieder her. Die Deluxe-Doppel-LP, die von Dave Gardner direkt vom analogen Band mit 45RPM neu gemastert wurde, bietet das bisher beeindruckendste Hörerlebnis dieses Klassikers. Gardner und die Restaurationsspezialistin Catherine Vericolli archivierten und restaurierten die Original-Masterbänder in den 54 Sound Studios in Ferndale, Michigan, mit Unterstützung des hauseigenen Ingenieurs Nick King. Neben CD, Kassette und digitalen Formaten ist auch eine einfache LP-Ausgabe erhältlich, die von hochauflösenden Bandüberspielungen geschnitten wurde. Funkadelic waren zu ihrer Zeit eine klangliche Revolution mit bleibendem Einfluss, ihr selbstbetiteltes Album ist ein bahnbrechendes Zeugnis für Musik ohne Regeln und Freiheit ohne Grenzen.

An electrified meeting of minds, Candy Girl is a lost 1975 session by jazz pianist Mal Waldron, recorded in Paris with core members of the mighty Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the American funk unit who had made France their home and whose deep grooves would later be mined by generations of hip-hop producers.

By 1975, Waldron was a decade into his self-imposed exile from the United States—a transformed musician who had reassembled his sound in Europe and Japan after a devastating breakdown in the early '60s. His post-1969 output had stripped jazz down to its core elements: modal intensity, locked grooves, and hypnotic repetition. Candy Girl doesn’t interrupt this trajectory—it extends it, wrapping Waldron’s minimalist mantras around the funked-up chassis of the Lafayette rhythm section.

Originally released in microscopic quantities on the Calumet label and long shrouded in obscurity, Candy Girl was recorded spontaneously in the studio of French producer Pierre Jaubert, whose Paris HQ had become the workshop for both avant-garde jazz (Archie Shepp, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Steve Lacy) and psychedelic funk (Lafayette Afro Rock Band AKA Ice). This session finds Waldron jamming freely with bassist Lafayette Hudson, drummer Donny Donable, and keyboardist Frank Abel on clavinet, Moog and more—laying down raw, unfiltered instrumental funk with an experimental edge.

Highlights include the low-slung vamp of “Home Again”, the crisp, break-laden groove of “Red Match Box”, and the mesmeric swirl of the title track “Candy Girl” —a minor-key electric piano waltz with hints of cosmic soul. There's even a deep cut for the crate diggers: the somber yet meditative “Dedication to Brahms”, where Waldron deconstructs the Romantic composer’s third symphony into a sparse jazz reverie.

Unlike his polished sessions for Japanese labels or the avant-garde swing of his earlier Prestige work, Candy Girl feels more spontaneous, even accidental — and that’s part of its power. It’s a document of Waldron as bandleader, collaborator, and explorer, captured in the midst of a vibrant, cross-cultural scene in mid-70s Paris. Never officially issued with a cover and barely released at all, Candy Girl is a rare convergence of two underground traditions: Waldron’s Euro-exile electric jazz and the raw, sampled-future funk of the Lafayette Afro Rock Band. Now finally resurfaced, it deserves its rightful place in both stories.

Rotterdam's Bright Message Records' second release is the highly anticipated 12-inch vinyl "KING INNA THE RING," produced by Imperial Sound Army. The title refers to the powerful vocal version, sung by UK-based King Stanley, which immediately creates the impression of a true anthem and a strong tribute to Jah Rastafari. The vocal version is paired with a dub cut that strongly emphasizes this element of praise. The way this dub connects the A-side and B-side of the record, reveals both Dan-I's years of experience as a soundsystem selector and excellent production skills.

The B-side contains the fantastic melody version "TROMBONE INNA THE RING." With an unexpected intro and upfull vibes, Matic Horns shows he grooves like no one does and keeps the melody tuff till the end. The final track is a dub of Matic's melody version, in which Dan-I explores the full depth of his riddim.

"King Inna The Ring" is a versatile record that captivates from start to finish and was played as dubplate by a handful of well-known soundsystems during the summer of 2025.

Play it loud and let the world know who's the KING INNA THE RING!

Vocals: King Stanley (UK)
Trombone melody: Matic Horns (UK)
Horns vocal riddim: Ital Horns (UK)
Keys: Smiling Roots (IT)
Riddim, mixing and production: Imperial Sound Army (IT)
Mastering: Pressure Mastering (UK)

Cindy Lee is the diva alter-ego of singer / guitarist / drag queen Patrick Flegel, the one-time captain of heralded Canadian experimental guitar pop act, Women. In Flegel's working on / as Cindy Lee exclusively over recent years, their songwriting makes a move toward high atmospherics, often achieving a mysterious sweetness rooted equally in beauty and ache.

As Cindy Lee's first long-form statement, Act Of Tenderness makes use of antipodal themes to create a living sound: static with grace, distortion and sugar, all masterfully arranged with crooked nods toward pop classicism. The layered vocal on "Power And Possession" creates a palpable haunt, bringing historical girl-group lament to choir-esque heights. The feedback shriek and industrial grind of "Bonsai Garden" provides near-operatic damage, yet never stumbles into the irrevocably grave. These snowy pieces give the album a decidedly cinematic feel, albeit one bent more towards Eraserhead.

Originally released in a scant private edition in 2015, Superior Viaduct's imprint W.25TH is pleased to give Act Of Tenderness its deserving wide release.

Repress 2025

The King of K-Pop Returns!

To those unfamiliar, G-Dragon is regarded by many as the Godfather of K-Pop. Rising to fame in the mid-00’s with his group, Big Bang, that later went on to become one of the world’s biggest selling boy groups. He quickly stood out with his unique and intricate songwriting as the leader of the group. A talented songwriter and trendsetter within the youth culture and fashion space, G-Dragon has received a bevy of awards, nominations for his music and fashion sense from the World Music Awards, to Hypebeast’s 100 list, to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, it’s apparent that G-Dragon has cemented his place in cultural relevance.

After serving his mandatory South Korean military service and a brief hiatus from music, the global superstar, G-Dragon has returned! He announced that he signed with indie-powerhouse, EMPIRE, and released his first comeback single on October 31, 2024 with POWER to immediate global fanfare and buzz, with the music video garnering over 44 MILLION views in a month and over 115 MILLION global streams. He soon followed that up with an electrifying performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards show in Osaka coupled with the release of his new single, Home Sweet Home which has garnered 100 MILLION global streams since release.

2025 will see the release of his first full length album since 2017 entitled Übermensch along with global tour dates. The album is expected to make a huge impact globally and further cement his place in music history!

Difficult as it may be to imagine, there was a time when Sun City Girls did not exist. Prior to the Bishop brothers teaming up with drummer/shaman Charlie Gocher to form SCG's classic trio lineup, there were various ad-hoc assemblages of local Phoenix-area freaks and weirdos – groups which existed only long enough to play a single gig, open mic or house party before disbanding without a trace. Hatched from this milieu was Paris 1942, a short-lived band formed by guitarist Jesse Srogoncik that included Alan Bishop, Richard Bishop and former Velvet Underground drummer Maureen Tucker.

Paris 1942 would play only four shows in as many months, but between April and August of 1982, the band would gather several times a week in Tucker's living room, where the group feverishly wrote and rehearsed with a kind of quotidian discipline. While P42 didn't release anything during their brief tenure, a 7" EP and LP (both self-titled) surreptitiously surfaced on the Majora label in the mid to late '90s. Until now, those two titles – as well as an appearance on Placebo's Amuck comp in late '82 – would be the only documented evidence that this improbable, serendipitous and magnificent band ever existed.

While those expecting P42's music to sound like a tantalizing combination of Sun City Girls' iconoclastic hoodoo havoc and the Velvets' primal drug-chug certainly won't be disappointed, Paris 1942 more often than not transcends even these nearly impossible expectations. Srogoncik's songs, in particular, are a revelation, displaying as much in common with the exuberant raunch of The Gun Club and the chapbook punk of Peter Laughner as they do any of the more obvious touchstones.

The group's foresight to document and capture this meeting of musical minds – a meeting as unlikely as it was short-lived – provides a missing link between the Velvets and the Voidoids, between the Dead Boys and the Dead C, between ESP-Disk' and DNA. Far more than a historical curiosity, Paris 1942 provides a fresh perspective on an embryonic and sadly vanishing US underground. It is music that blinks at the past and anticipates a thousand possible futures.

– James Toth (excerpt from the liner notes)

Eyvind Kang ist Komponist und Bratschist, dessen Werk experimentelle, klassische und traditionelle Musikformen umfasst. Zu seinen Kollaborationen zählen unter anderem Jessika Kenney, Bill Frisell, Laurie Anderson, Bennie Maupin, Stuart Dempster, Sun City Girls und SUNN O))). Kang ist bekannt für seine Erkundungen der Mikrotonalität, der modalen Improvisation und des Klangrituals. Seine Werke wurden weltweit auf führenden Festivals und Veranstaltungsorten präsentiert. Kang ist derzeit Fakultätsmitglied am CalArts und unterrichtet Komposition und experimentelle Klangpraktiken. Seit über dreißig Jahren erforscht Eyvind Kang die verschwommenen Grenzen zwischen Komponist, Interpret und Zuhörer. Auf Riparian präsentiert er eines seiner bisher intimsten und fokussiertesten Werke: zwei Langformstücke für Viola d'amore, improvisiert innerhalb mikrotonaler Systeme, die er während der Pandemie entwickelt hat. Kang bezeichnet diese Improvisationsmethode als ,Riparian" und beschwört damit das Bild eines Flusses herauf, der in verschiedene Richtungen überquert wird - fließend, nichtlinear und lebendig mit subtilen Variationen. ,Ich stellte mir Pizzicato und Arco wie das Springen von Stein zu Stein in einem Bach vor", sagt er. ,Es gibt eine geerdete Zufälligkeit, wie bei einem Frosch oder einer Schildkröte, die sich zwischen Land und Wasser bewegt." Jedes Stück auf Riparian ist eine erste Aufnahme, die im Studio als Teil dessen aufgenommen wurde, was Kang als ,eine Art Geschichtenerzählen unter gleichgesinnten Freunden" bezeichnet. Das Ergebnis ist Musik, die mit stiller Intensität und emotionaler Klarheit fließt und Melodien entfaltet, die sich sowohl uralt als auch lebendig präsent anfühlen. Produziert und aufgenommen von Randall Dunn (SU NN O))), Omar S ouleyman, Kali Malone) produziert und aufgenommen, fängt Riparian die volle Resonanz der Viola d'amore in einem reichen, dimensionalen Klang ein. Dunns Handschrift verleiht Kangs lyrischer Phrasierung Wärme und Transparenz und offenbart subtile Klangtexturen, die ein tiefes Hören belohnen. Meditativ und ausdrucksstark zugleich lädt Riparian den Hörer in einen Raum ein, in dem die Zeit weicher wird und Klang zu einer Form der Einstimmung wird .

Jessika Kenney ist Sängerin, Komponistin, Autorin, Klangkünstlerin und Lehrerin, deren Engagement für Improvisation, Poesie und Klangforschung eine einzigartige Perspektive hervorgebracht hat. Ihre Erkundungen von Klang, Raum und der Metaphysik des Klangs wurden in vielen Kontexten und an vielen Orten präsentiert, darunter in der Seattle Public Library, im Nottingham Contemporary und im Benton Museum. Zu ihren Kollaborationen und Projekten gehören eine umfangreiche Diskografie mit Eyvind Kang, das letzte aufgezeichnete Vokalwerk von Alvin Lucier, Auftritte mit Melati Suryodarmo, die Komposition der Vokalmusik für A24s Midsommar und die Chorleitung für SUNN O)))'s Monoliths and Dimensions. Jessika Kenney, bekannt für ihren einzigartigen Umgang mit der Stimme, hat in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten neue Klangwelten geschaffen, die auf intensiven Studien, rituellen Praktiken und einer ungezähmten Ausdruckskraft beruhen. Von ihren gefeierten Kollaborationen mit Eyvind Kang bis zu ihrer Vokalkomposition für A24s ,Midsommar" bewegen sich Kenneys Arbeiten an der Schnittstelle zwischen dem Heiligen, dem Klangvollen und dem Unsichtbaren. Auf Uranian Void wendet sich Kenney nach innen und spürt den Konturen von Erinnerung, Resonanz und Wahrnehmung nach. Mit verschwommenen Sinuswellen, Hydrofonaufnahmen, einem Ghazal von Hafez und Originaltexten ist das Album eine Meditation über Liminalität, in der Schimmer und Schatten gleichermaßen vibrieren. Kenneys Stimme webt sich durch alles hindurch: manchmal flüsternd, manchmal strahlend , immer präzise. ,Dieses Album ist eine Übung in Transparenz innerhalb der Dunkelheit", erklärt Kenney. ,Es geht darum, offen zu bleiben für Zweifel , für Nachhall, für das, was jenseits unserer Wahrnehmung liegt." ,Uranian Void" wurde von Randall Dunn (SU NN O))), Kali Malone, Annea Lockwood) produziert und aufgenommen, dessen charakteristische räumliche Details und Tiefe dem Album seine immersive Klangarchitektur verleihen. Jeder Ton, jeder Atemzug und jede Resonanz wird mit Intimität und Dimension wiedergegeben und verstärkt Kenneys Erforschung von Präsenz und Abwesenheit. Fragmente, die während Besuchen in Spokane, ihrem Elternhaus, aufgenommen wurden, bilden die Grundlage des Albums. Im Studio transformiert, werden diese zu beschwörenden Vierzeilern - leise, aber eindringlich - die den subtilen Puls von Ort, Zeit und Körper offenbaren. Echos der Vergangenheit verschmelzen mit der Gegenwart , als ob die Wände selbst sich erinnern und mitschwingen würden. Uranian Void ist Musik für Schwellenbereiche - eine Einladung, sich mit dem Unsichtbaren und Kaum hörbar. Mit dieser kraftvollen und poetischen Aussage bestätigt sich Kenney als eine der visionärsten Vokalistinnen der Gegenwart.

Chloe Kim ist eine in Korea geborene, in Sydney lebende Schlagzeugerin und Improvisatorin, deren Musik Traditionen und Geografien miteinander verbindet. Bekannt für ihren unerschrockenen Improvisationsansatz und ihre ausdrucksstarke Beherrschung des erweiterten Schlagzeugs, ist sie in ganz Australien und international in den Bereichen Jazz, Experimental und Neue Musik aufgetreten. Aufgewachsen in Korea und heute in Sydney ansässig, hat sich die Perkussionistin Chloe Kim als einzigartige Stimme im zeitgenössischen Schlagzeugspiel etabliert, indem sie furchtlose Improvisation mit kompositorischer Klarheit und interkultureller Tiefe verbindet. Ratsnake markiert ihren kühnen Einstieg in den Kanon der Solo-Schlagzeugalben, indem sie viszerale Kraft mit Präzision und Fantasie verbindet. Kims internationales Ansehen stieg 2023 nach ihrer ,herkulischen" (The Guardian) 100-stündigen Solo-Drum-Performance über 10 Tage. Auf Ratsnake kanalisiert sie dieselbe Ausdauer und Vision in ein zutiefst persönliches Studioalbum, das das vollständige klangliche Potenzial des Schlagzeugs auslotet und es als melodisches und skulpturales Instrument behandelt. Der Titel des Albums stammt aus einem Traum, den Kims Mutter vor ihrer Geburt hatte und der sich auf die Rattennatter bezieht, ein koreanisches Symbol für Widerstandsfähigkeit, Verwandlung und seltenes Glück. Dieses symbolische Erbe zieht sich durch das gesamte Album, während Kim komplexe rhythmische Ideen mit Eleganz und Kraft entfaltet. ,Als ich zum ersten Mal in New York war, spürte ich, wie die Energie der Stadt neue Ideen aus mir hervorbrachte ", sagt Kim. ,Jeder Track hebt eine Facette meiner Solo-Sprache hervor - von ausgedehnten Percussion-Parts und langen rhythmischen Zyklen bis hin zu Texturen, die ich noch nie live verwendet habe ." Auf dem gesamten Album greift Kim auf jahrelange persönliche Motive zurück: eine im Laufe der Zeit verfeinerte Zwei-Takt-Phrase im Titeltrack, komplexe Strukturen in ,The First Gift" und weitläufige Arrangements in ,Birth Dream". Jedes Stück baut auf ihrer fortwährenden Auseinandersetzung mit Rhythmus, Form und verkörpertem Klang auf. Produziert und aufgenommen von Randall Dunn (SU NN O))), Annea Lockwood, Kali Malone), fängt Ratsnake Kims dynamische Phrasierung mit räumlicher Fülle und Detailtreue ein. Es ist ein kraftvolles , nuanciertes Debüt, das die Möglichkeiten der Solo-Percussion neu definiert .

Charmaine Lee ist eine in New York lebende Sängerin, Komponistin und Elektronik-Künstlerin, die für ihre furchtlosen Erkundungen von Stimme, Geräuschen und Improvisation bekannt ist. Zu ihren Kollaborationen zählen Ikue Mori, Conrad Tao, JACK Quartet, Spektral Quartet und Wet Ink Ensemble, mit Auftritten im Lincoln Center, MoMA und Storm King Art Center. Nach ihrem von der Kritik gefeierten Debüt KNVF (Erratum Musical , 2021) kehrt Charmaine Lee mit Tulpaa zurück, einem kühnen neuen Statement, das das Ausdruckspotenzial der menschlichen Stimme und der Elektronik bis an die Grenzen treibt. Während ihre früheren Arbeiten ruhige Texturen und gestische Nuancen erforschten, ist Tulpa viszeral und unmittelbar und verbindet rohe Stimmkraft mit dichten Schichten analoger und digitaler Bearbeitung. Inspiriert von der Körperlichkeit des Rock der 70er Jahre und den esoterischen Eigenschaften von Hochspannungs-Röhrengeräten, schafft Lee eine Klangwelt, die sowohl wild als auch futuristisch ist. Tulpa pulsiert mit gesättigten Obertönen, mikroskopischen Details und dynamischen Verschiebungen in der Skala, die zwischen Intimität und Unermesslichkeit hin- und herpendeln. Produziert und aufgenommen von Randall Dunn (SUNNO))), Kali Malone, Anna von Hausswolff), wurde Tulpa mit einer einzigartigen räumlichen Technik erstellt: Lees Stimme wurde in ein direktes Signal und mehrere Vintage-Röhrenverstärker aufgeteilt, die als Lautsprecher dienten, wodurch eine feedbackreiche, dimensionale Umgebung entstand. Das Ergebnis ist eine Aufnahme, die sich taktil und immersiv anfühlt - gleichzeitig geerdet und spektral. ,Ich war fasziniert von diesem Sound der 70er Jahre - wie lebendig und unvorhersehbar er sich anfühlte und doch so tief verkörpert war", sagt Lee. ,In Tulpa geht es darum, Grenzen aufzulösen: zwischen Körper und Maschine, Raum und Wahrnehmung, Klang und Illusion." Der Titel bezieht sich auf ein Konzept aus der tibetischen Mystik: Ein Tulpa ist ein Wesen, das durch konzentriertes Denken heraufbeschworen wird. Lee verwendet diese Idee als Metapher für ihre Praxis, in der Klang zu einem materiellen Akt der Vorstellungskraft wird, der zwischen Präsenz und Erscheinung wechselt. Das Album endet mit einem meditativen Duett mit dem weltberühmten Reed-Spieler Ned Rothenberg an der Bassklarinette , einem spärlichen und weitläufigen Track, der vom Noh-Theater inspiriert ist. Es bietet einen Moment der Stille, der noch lange nach dem Ende des Albums nachhallt.

Long-time NuNorthern Soul contributor, B.J. Smith is a man in demand, dividing his time between solo work, playing guitar in Crazy P man James Baron’s popular JIM outfit, collaborating in a variety of well-regarded projects (Smith & Mudd, Bison and White Elephant amongst them) and composing for TV. Due to this impressive list of musical commitments, solo releases have been few and far between of late, with Smith’s most recent NuNorthern Soul release, a stripped back version of his Big Sur single, dropping late 2023.

It's been ever longer since he delivered a volume in his popular and ongoing Dedications To The Greats series, where the singer-songwriter and composer successfully turns his hand to other people’s songs. Since debuting the series on NuNorthern Soul in 2013 via revelatory and inspired covers of tracks by Mos Def and the Pharcyde, Smith has covered cuts by Outkast, Prefab Sprout and Soul II Soul.

On volume four, Smith’s first volume in the series for five years, he delivers a “cover of a cover” – a revolutionary and imaginative interpretation of Billy Swan’s ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, itself a version of a song first made famous by Elvis Presley. It was their mutual love of Swan’s version that brought Smith together with the release’s most prominent guest artist, Joe Harvey-Whyte, whose lilting, bittersweet and deeply emotive pedal steel performances can be heard across the EP.

Smith provides three contrasting takes. The EP is led by the ‘Mother Earth’ version, a slowly unfurling epic in which waves of effects-laden pedal steel and sun-splashed picking acoustic guitars usher in Smith’s eyes-closed vocalisations, settling into a groove reminiscent of his collaborative work with long-time friend and collaborator Paul ‘Mudd’ Murphy that showcases Harvey-Whyte centre stage to joyful effect. As the 14-minute epic progresses, we’re treated to long, languid electric guitar solos, percussion-laden slow-motion builds and hazy, stretched-out organ solos. It’s a breathlessly brilliant concoction that’s a million miles away from either Swan or Presley’s versions.

In contrast, the similarly epic ‘Earth Heart’ version – available in full vocal and instrumental takes – pushes the song front and centre. Following an extended build up, where Tamar Osborn’s gorgeous and fluid flute motifs rub shoulders with languid guitar solos and Harvey-Whyte’s pedal steel, Smith takes to the mic, delivering an emotive performance of the song’s heartfelt lyrics over a hushed, slow-motion groove. The track builds in waves as it progresses, with Smith layering up instrumentation as it rolls towards a fine conclusion.

Completing a superb package is the ‘Root Heart Version’, a Balearic-meets-Americana take built around shuffling drums, toasty bass guitar, extended pedal steel instrumentation, flashes of flute and Smith’s sun-bright acoustic guitar. Loved-up and more than a little saucer-eyed, it’s a bona-fide sunset delight.

Limited edition Gatefold LP version on 180g Red/Black Marble Vinyl with 16-page lyrics booklet. El Pez Que Volo (The Fish who Flew) is a musical quest to unearth the divine gem hidden within oneself. A cartoonish collection of desires, phobias, pathologies and virtues which are funnelled to create an ambivalent moral mishmash of East and West traditions. This zoomorphic, naïve & messianic hero's journey is infused with a psychedelic aura that invites us to dream the impossible... Act II - The Cave: After leaving the nest, Teezûck feels he's ready to fly, but in his premature attempt he hits a bump and fails, falling back to the bottom of the sea and plunging into the darkest and most terrifying cavern of all: the subconscious mind. Reality, fiction, memories, myths and legends intertwine in this dark, acidic mirrored circus where Teezûck will have to learn to meditate and master his psyche. The El Pez Que Voló series feature a capricious, free mixture of musical styles, genres, production values and aesthetics, which serve as narrative devices to highlight moments, characters & emotions across this highly unconventional sonic expedition.

‘Icon’ is an overused word when it comes to describing singers and musicians, but when it comes to Nina Simone there are few artists that the word describes more accurately. The ‘High Priestess Of Soul’ is surely one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, and one whose fame and acclaim stretches far beyond conventional black American music circles. 

Nina Simone has featured on Ace and Kent CDs before but this is the first time she’s had one all to herself. “Let It All Out” is the first and only Nina Simone collection to draw repertoire from every label she recorded for between the late 1950s to the late 1970s. 

Not a traditional ‘Best Of’ or ‘Greatest Hits’ package (although the performances included here ARE among her very best, and do include most of her Greatest Hits!) it is a singles collection that presents Nina Simone’s soul and R&B-slanted 45s in chronological order. Invariably they are the definitive versions of the songs, whether she recorded the original versions or not. 

As well as almost all of her American pop and R&B chart hits from 1960 onwards, “Let It All Out” also contains all of Simone’s UK chart hits from the same period – several of which were more successful here than they were back home, including both versions of her biggest British hit ‘Ain’t Got No; I Got Life’, a UK #2 that did not chart at all in the US as was the case with the belated UK Top 5 hit ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’ which also made no chart impression on its home turf…

Carefully curated and concisely annotated, “Let It All Out” lets the listener in to two dozen of Nina Simone’s most celebrated singles. There have been many compilations of her works since she passed away 20+ years ago, but none that gets to the heart – and soul – of her catalogue in quite so direct a manner as this one does. 

Shell Company featuring Richie Culver, LINTD, Older Brother. Full artwork sleeves & label design by Ciaran Birch ///

Hazy & dark contemporary pop from Shell Company, drenched in spoken word dreamscapes...

Manchester / Glasgow trio Shell Company debut on Accidental Meetings with a record of dark hued, noise pop adjacent pieces. The trio is spearheaded by poet Rosabella Allen, whose misted balladry pierces through the textured backdrops of Chris and Rob Banks, all three complimenting and melding perfectly.

Following stand out releases for Glasgow imprint Numbers, and Rainy Miller's Fixed Abode, Locket sees the band push the boat out for AM which sees them unite with fellow collaborators Richie Culver & LINTD on the project. A deeply personal record that fuses fractured electronics, post-rock and spoken word, with the end product being a damp, noir masterpiece.

Claire Rousay"s music cascades from a well of documented experience, reflections of the past that compose the present. A prolific multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer, Rousay gracefully crafts boundaryless music. From her frequent and acclaimed collaborations with artists like M. Sage, more eaze, Gretchen Korsmo, Andrew Weathers, LEYA, and Alex Cunningham, to her film scoring like on The Bloody Lady. From her own compositions to her solo pop work, Rousay"s music is delicate yet powerful, carefully constructed with a casual intimacy. Rousay collages a wealth of found sounds and field recordings with earthy strings, stately piano, and processed instrumentation, all of which trace the outlines of memories and distinct impressions and create a complex constellation of feeling. Her music has evolved from confessional to conversational and excavates the rich emotional essence of each passage. Her work as both archivist and adept arranger and orchestrator merge sublimely into deeply honest and engrossing music. On a little death, Rousay"s blend of pop sensibility and compositional acumen turn abstracted sounds into tangible feelings, its warm, glimmering glow coalescing sensually with the darkness.

Claire Rousay"s music cascades from a well of documented experience, reflections of the past that compose the present. A prolific multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer, Rousay gracefully crafts boundaryless music. From her frequent and acclaimed collaborations with artists like M. Sage, more eaze, Gretchen Korsmo, Andrew Weathers, LEYA, and Alex Cunningham, to her film scoring like on The Bloody Lady. From her own compositions to her solo pop work, Rousay"s music is delicate yet powerful, carefully constructed with a casual intimacy. Rousay collages a wealth of found sounds and field recordings with earthy strings, stately piano, and processed instrumentation, all of which trace the outlines of memories and distinct impressions and create a complex constellation of feeling. Her music has evolved from confessional to conversational and excavates the rich emotional essence of each passage. Her work as both archivist and adept arranger and orchestrator merge sublimely into deeply honest and engrossing music. On a little death, Rousay"s blend of pop sensibility and compositional acumen turn abstracted sounds into tangible feelings, its warm, glimmering glow coalescing sensually with the darkness.

Knucks’ upcoming album 'A Fine African Man' marks his first full-length project since the breakthrough 'Alpha Place', which soared to #3 on the OCC charts. Across 13 tracks, 'A Fine African Man' delves into themes of duality, reflecting his experience as a British‑Nigerian navigating both cultures and identities. The album’s title underscores that bicultural journey. Expect a compelling evolution from the sound that defined 'Alpha Place. Knucks’ acclaimed album Alpha Place marked a major milestone in UK rap, debuting at No. 3 on the Official UK Albums Chart and topping both the UK Hip-Hop & R&B and Independent Albums Charts. The album was certified Silver by the BPI and has amassed over 480 million streams to date, with the deluxe version adding another 490 million. Praised for its sharp lyricism and rich production, Alpha Place received strong editorial backing from outlets like Complex UK and GRM Daily, while fan response on platforms like Reddit cemented its status as one of the year’s standout releases. Tracks like “Three Musketeers” and “Alpha House” became immediate fan favourites. Knucks’ MOBO win for Best Grime Act in 2022 further reflected his cultural impact, and his live shows—bolstered by previous EP runs—have built him a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in the UK scene.

Lénok’s 'Langue of Tongue' is a descent. An unhinged pinballing down a realm of incomprehension and lunacy, a darkly psychedelic ego-death-spiral into a world of pure, deranged disquiet. It is, and this cannot be emphasised enough, a truly fucked up place. It comes complete with clearly marked borders delineated by its opening and closing tracks '(Entrance' and 'Exit)’. The message is clear: this is less album than zone.

There's no comfort to be found here. It’s like the inner monologue of some insectile, cyborgian abomination, something unfeeling and hostile, something that could only thrive in a mirror world that perverts light and sullies warmth. It's a netherworld: tracks jut out and stab like cold, craggy wastelandscapes, tangled meshworks of alienic transmissions bleed out into deformed knots of gurgling white noise, lacerations of sound roil and heave and claw as if imprisoned within oppressive waveforms.

‘Tongue’ is marked by a kind of wackiness, a demented slapstick that renders its darkness all the more sinister. Voices wail and taunt like schizophrenic spirits trapped between torment and cackling ecstasy. Tracks giggle and skitter as if populated by grinning, snaggletoothed shadows.

‘Langue of Tongue’ is recommended for the curious and advanced listener. This is music for whatever the opposite of escapism is — it’s REAL twisted. But sometimes morbid fascination takes hold. Sometimes you lift the rock, because you can’t help it, and you observe the squirming mess of life it plays host to. What you experience may not be pleasant, but you might just struggle to tear yourself away.

NIKS steps further into her own sonic world with 'Moves Like 2', a powerful statement of intent that blends groove-heavy percussion and hypnotic club energy. The release offers a deeper glimpse into her identity as a producer.

The lead track 'Moves Like 2' is a pretty raw and direct UK club cut, the sound at the core which has influenced and set the tone of the more ‘heads down’ side of this release.

Sub Glow touches on the fun and playful side of the EP, providing softer textures through elongated pads, growing synths and an overall brightness.

Moves Like 2 receives a rework from one of the most tasteful and timeless producers, rRoxymore - who provides a deeper percussive and rhythmic touch to the feature track.

241 rounds off the EP with a slappy and ballsy tone, which features NIKS’ manipulated vocals, concluding the release on a succinct high and buzz.

Debuting on her new imprint, ‘Bloom Tone’, will serve as a self-directed outlet for NIKS’ own productions and friends, providing a platform for her creative autonomy and musical exploration.

Limited to 250 copies. Death comes to us all. Emmerhoff & The Melancholy Babies do not shy away from this irrefutable fact. The band, celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2026, may now rightly consider themselves distinguished "elder statesmen" of rock. With such perspectives also comes the recognition of the transience of life. There are now more funerals than weddings lingering on the horizon, and the ranks of both the idols of our youth and contemporaries on the music scene are beginning to thin. "The Dying of The Light", its title taken from Dylan Thomas' iconic poem, contemplates and embraces the twilight of life, but also, in the spirit of the poem, fighting spirit and stubborn resistance to the inevitable. Death will come, but until then we will create music and celebrate life. October 2025 will see the release of the band's seventh studio album, recorded at Duper and Solslottet Studios in Bergen, produced by Iver Sandoy and Jorgen Træen.. The music reflects the sombre thematic while also being vital and vigorous. The range is wide, from delicate contemplation to powerful outbursts, strictly composed in one moment and loosely improvised in the next.

Stepback Records is proud to announce the highly anticipated release of Jacksonville's new 12" vinyl, Oracle Memory EP.

Jacksonville is an electronic artist whose work spans multiple genres, creating music that’s designed for clubs and dance floors. With previous releases on labels such as Atmospheric Exsistence and Chez Damiers Balance Alliance imprint Jacksonvilles roots run deep.

With Oracle Memory EP, Jacksonville takes listeners on a journey of low end perfection, blending elements of house, electro and bass music genres.

Produced by Chris Lyth (Jacksonville), Oracle Memory EP was crafted with vinyl in mind with an analog warmth throughout each track. Likewise master and cut comes courtesy of Optimum in Bristol for the absolute best sound quality possible.

A samba funk essential. This debut album from Jorge Ben's iconic backing band blends Brazilian rhythms, soulful vocals, and American funk energy into one unforgettable groove. Includes the hit single 'Coqueiro Verde' along with standout tracks like 'Meu País,' 'Aleluia, Aleluia,' and 'O Canto da Ema.' A timeless gem for fans of Brazilian soul, vintage funk, or global grooves. Trio Mocotó is best known for being the powerhouse backing band behind Brazilian legend Jorge Ben during the height of his creative explosion in the early 1970s. But their contribution to music goes far beyond the supporting role-they were instrumental in shaping what would become known as samba funk, a vibrant fusion of traditional Brazilian rhythms with the groove and energy of American soul and funk music. Formed in Sao Paulo's iconic Jogral nightclub, Trio Mocotó-featuring Fritz Escovao, Joaozinho Parahyba, and Nereu Gargalo-began their musical journey as resident musicians, providing live accompaniment for a rotating cast of performers. It was here that Jorge Ben first encountered their raw talent and unmistakable chemistry, ultimately inviting them to join his band. The collaboration would go on to define an era. In 1971, Trio Mocotó stepped into the spotlight with their debut solo album, "Muita Zorra! (...Sao Coisas Que Glorificam a Sensibilidade Atual)." The record made an immediate impact, climbing the charts with the infectious single 'Coqueiro Verde' and marking the start of a prolific period in the group's career. "Muita Zorra!" is a dazzling blend of styles-mixing the baroque funk and melodic sophistication of artists like Marcos Valle with the soulful spirit of Jorge Ben. Layered with elements of American funk, the album delivers a dynamic, rhythm-driven sound that still feels fresh today. The trio's vocal harmonies are front and center, weaving through each track with warmth and richness, creating a captivating sonic tapestry that energizes every beat. This album isn't just a snapshot of a musical moment-it's a cornerstone of Brazilian soul. A must-listen for fans of global grooves, vintage funk, and timeless Brazilian music, "Muita Zorra!" is once again available and ready to take its well-deserved place in your collection. First time official reissue.

Denmarks leading outlet for fresh, forward forward-thinking jazz, April Records, proudly presents the debut release from award award-winning Danish vibraphonist Viktoria Sondergaard. With wide ranging influences from jazz, chamber music, cabaret, pop, rap and SukumaSukuma-inspired grooves, as well as the hymns and melodies of the Danish Hojskolesangbog traditional/folk songbook, the music is grounded in collective expression and responsibility. The album s bold, boundary boundary-pushing sound was built on a strong sense of musical community, as well as Sondergaard s desire to integrate spoken word and lyrics into her practice to convey her thoughts and feelings on the world around her on a deeper, more personal level. Composing with her four collaborators in mind, Viktoria imagined her quintet playing each note as she composed, making the music inseparable from their presence. The album integrates spoken word, rap, singing, screaming, and whispering - a shared sonic tapestry that expresses joy, wonder, questioning and celebration. It s a band built on inspiration, joy, dreams and love, Viktoria says. For me, one of the most beautiful things in art is that we have a platform to say something about the society and world around us. This album is an attempt to do just this. this." Balancing warmth and intimacy with tension and exploration, the music weaves rich instrumental textures and spacious soundscapes with intricate vocal arrangements - intertwining voices that move between comforting folk folk-like harmonies and angular, avant avant-garde expression. The quartet s deep listening and intuitive interplay are evident throughout, shifting fluidly from open, exploratory passages to tightly locked grooves. The result is a sound that feels both grounded and searching: a sonic conversation inviting the listener into a space of vulnerability, curiosity, and connection. With a sparkling tone, emotive improvisation and refined control over her instrument Viktoria is recognised as a fearless explorer and bold musical voice. A recipient of the Aarhus Jazz Talent Prize, Tivoli Jazz Prize and the 2025 Carl Prize Honorary Award presented by Marilyn Mazur, she balances adventurous writing and collective invention with melodic immediacy and emotional power.

After returning from Australia, Brian Baker has wasted no time in making an impact on the NZ scene with much heralded and reviewed singles and film clips, and in particular his solo show which has seen him perform at gigs and Festivals across the country. Now he"s joined two local Whanganui Musicians, Stu Duncan and pro drummer Brad MacMillan, both seasoned performers. The act is called BB and The Bullets and has a focus on the blues, doing tracks by Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters plus some Stevie Ray Vaughan and other blues classics. They also feature some of Brian"s excellent releases and have a few of their own recorded. These tracks make up their debut LP which will soon be released on vinyl, CD and digital through Nixon Street Recordings, Whanganui"s own international record label. Yes, the guitaring that made Brian"s solo show stand out is heavily on display here, now backed by a tight, live rhythm section. Their shows have been very well received wherever they have performed, getting standing ovations at the recent Bay Of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival where they played six standout shows over three days ! They are drawing crowds wherever they appear, have been invited back to the Capital Blues Inc in Wellington after a knock em dead show there, and were a solid crowd pleaser at Snells Beach this summer for Auckland city council"s Music In Parks series. They are delighting audiences with rock solid, emotive performances of classic blues tracks underlined by undoubtedly one of the finest guitarists New Zealand has produced !

Kee'ahn, whose name is derived from kee’an, the Wik word meaning to dance and to play, is a proud Yalanji, Jirrbal, and Badulaig artist. Her music is steeped in connection to culture, community, Country, and self and with her soulful voice and storytelling, Kee’ahn has had a powerful impact on the Australian music scene, earning her the Archie Roach Foundation Award and Music Victoria’s Best Emerging Artist award. She has since performed at the 2025 AFL Grand Final collaborating with Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Dallas Woods, Alice Ivy and shared stages with the likes of Julia Jacklin, Hiatus Kaiyote, Greentea Peng and Angie McMahon.

Kee’ahn’s debut EP “for me, for you x” is a collection of lush cinematic soul and rnb love letters. Across 5 tracks, Kee’ahn explores the pursuit of hope, compassion, connection, heartbreak, and healing. This project naturally and authentically came together, detailing moments across 5 years of Kee’ahn’s life. Each song begins on guitar and vocals with demo production in Kee’ahn’s Brunswick bedroom - they are diary entries to herself, formed into messages that hit the hearts of its listeners.

Each song is reminiscent of classic 60’s jazz soul to 90’s neo-soul rnb, to early 2000’s inspired soul pop weaving dynamic soundscapes with clear and meaningful catchy lyricism.

For its second anniversary, Samba Jean-Baptiste’s 2023 LP, ‘Cardinal' arrives on vinyl and CD. Two years on from its original release on Samba’s own AM Radio imprint, this physical release via Scenic Route Records celebrates an album that’s quietly built a devoted following for its intimate songwriting, cinematic arrangements, and deeply human detail.

This edition features alternative artwork by Rafi Goudy and, for CD buyers, a 32-page lyric booklet featuring images captured by Samba himself.

An intimate, richly textured record that’s grown into a modern cult classic, ‘Cardinal’ stands as a deeply personal snapshot of a singular artist - now a tactile home experience.

Banging Narcosis session ! The B1 is a bloody mother fucking bombastic killa !

"Imagine More is the follow-up to Lophae's acclaimed debut Perfect Strangers (January 2025).
Recorded live to 2-inch,16-track analogue tape with the band all in one room, engineered and mixed by Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77), and mastered by Caspar Sutton-Jones (Gearbox Studios), this second offering from guitarist and composer Greg Sanders' quartet ventures deeper into their distinctive blend of modern jazz, psychedelic exploration, and world music flourishes.
Four gifted improvisers navigate Sanders' compositions with mercurial dialogue and musical communion, weaving melodic elegance with rhythmic complexity, creating sound-worlds that echo Jeff Parker, Joao Gilberto, and Blake Mills while channeling the sophistication of Stan Getz, Bill Frisell, and Edu Lobo.
Fizzing electric guitar, flowing saxophone lines, and skittering rhythmic interplay transport listeners from north-west London's Fish Factory recording studio to the musical capitals of New York, New Orleans, Rio De Janeiro, Bamako, and Johannesburg - anchored by Sanders' unmistakable compositional voice and the quartet's intuitive sensitivity."

Impressions marks Budapest based independent label Blue Sun’s 6th release. Hungarian multi-instrumentalist, Fingerfisher guitarist Adam Gollob's debut solo LP carries forward the musical direction set by the label’s founders (Hanussen & Kozmo D) by presenting tracks that are built around concentrated, listening-based music consumption, deliberately crossing, possibly defying genres.

Impressions is a profound reflection of transformation, embracing imperfection along the way. As a former student of jazz guitar at Bartók Conservatory, Gollob evokes the wandering spirit of John Coltrane with the title, at the same time inviting the listener into a brief but intensive creative period of the artist’s own life. Music listened to, festivals visited, thoughts and conversations - all echoing through-and-throughout the composition, questioning, dismantling, and rearranging them into a piece.

The record is a rich and evocative work that blends elements of new wave, indie rock, alternative electronic, and neo-psychedelic styles. The introspective lyrics and unrefined vocals explore different aspects of existence, placing the perpetual tension between uncertainty and confidence at the center. The hypnotic synthesizers, raw drum textures, and the structurally interwoven songs provide a complex listening experience. The material reforms with each replay into an ever-changing musical landscape, with a strikingly unique, fuzzy yet soothing atmosphere.

'Find a Way' is the new album from Manchester-based pianist, composer, and producer Matt Wilde, released via his own imprint Hello World Records. The album serves as a reminder that creativity should be accessible and the importance of opening yourself to the unexpected as you 'Find a Way' through all endeavours. Digging into improvisation and jazz harmony on the LP, he crafts a sound that bridges jazz, hip hop, and electronic music, adding: "The creative act is not a matter of waiting for the perfect conditions, but of moving gently, insistently, through the imperfect".

Focus and title track "Find a Way" encapsulates this journey of process. Humans are known for adaptation and response when they face challenges, seeking solutions towards a better world. "Find a Way" leans into our instinctive reaction to improvise and reshape, taking the listener on an unexpected journey. The opening loop could as easily feel at home as part of an electronic soundscape, developing into a clock-like effect from the drums. This keeps time, allowing a duet between keys and trumpet to unfold, symbolising the individual, imperfect and non-linear paths we all carve out day to day.

The album was funded by Arts Council England and created in close collaboration with trumpeter and composer Aaron Wood, with the pair recording in Aaron's rural DIY studio in Huddersfield. Through improvising upright piano, Rhodes and trumpet over intricately programmed beats, the duo captured the spontaneity that makes jazz feel alive, but with the forward-facing touch of Ableton live production. "I actually had live drums recorded for this project and then deleted all of them and instead programmed intricate drums on Ableton live myself to create the kinds of drum sounds I could hear in my head," Matt adds, explaining the onerous process that truly made 'Find a Way' a labour of love.

Matt Wilde discovered jazz through an unconventional journey, and 'Find a Way' is an introspective map of this musical development. Starting out as a self-taught beatmaker, growing up Matt made tracks for friends in the grime scene before falling in love with jazz through the sample-heavy works of Madlib, J Dilla, and Pete Rock. Hints of this influence can be found on "Windup", driven by a deeper bass and a glitchy intensity not commonly associated with jazz. There are also nods to the weekly DJ residencies Matt had in his late teens, establishing a love for club music at iconic Manchester venues like Sankeys. "It's Ok, Feel it" incorporates pitched-up kicks and crisp, papery snares that pay tribute to UK dance culture and the foundation of connection in this world.

Guided by values of accessibility and creativity, Matt has become a key voice in the UK's boundary-pushing jazz and beats scene. His debut album 'Hello World' alongside EPs and single releases, have been championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, Jamie Cullum and Soweto Kinch (BBC Radio 2), 'Round Midnight (BBC Radio 3), and across BBC 6Music, Jazz FM and Worldwide FM. He has performed headline shows at Band on the Wall (Manchester) and The Lower Third (London) and showcased his music at Brick Lane Jazz Festival and London's iconic Jazz Café.

A proud Mancunian with Polish roots, Matt's values-driven approach reflects his passion for community and empowering others through the arts. Matt founded the UK's first youth-led charity and is a trustee of Manchester music charity Brighter Sound. Driven by these values of equality and inclusion, Hello World Records strives to champion grassroots music with a backbone of fairness built into the business model. The imprint is named after Matt's debut album, released via Band on the Wall Recordings; simultaneously championing the music scene and global musical footprint of Manchester and highlighting the importance of artists reminding people: Hello World, I've made it. I'm still here.

- Martha Cleary, Glow Artists

Since its formation in 1969, Soul Media had been advocating a fusion of jazz and rock. The next step along that line was this album, “In the Groove,” recorded in 1973.

The sharpness of jazz is brought to the forefront, with rock melting in to give it an edge, and funk injected to imbue it with power and resilience. The result was a strong, sophisticated, and simply “cool music” that could not be categorized within existing genres such as jazz rock, jazz funk, or fusion.

This work is also described as a response to The Crusaders, a group that Jiro Inagaki was paying attention to at the time. His aim was right on target. With this album, Soul Media acquired a “sophisticated black feeling” and headed for their final destination, “Funky Stuff.”

Words by Yusuke Ogawa (Universounds).

Mr Bongo proudly presents, ‘AFIM’, the second solo album by one of Brazil’s most exciting new talents, Zé Ibarra. You may be familiar with the hypnotic, entrancing tones of Ibarra’s vocals through his work with the Latin Grammy award-winning, four-piece, Bala Desejo and the band Dônica. He has also toured with the musical titan, Milton Nascimento, performing guitar and vocals, which is quite the honour and a testament to Ibarra's craft. As a solo artist, he has performed headline solo shows in Japan, Portugal and the US, as well as recently completing a support tour with the great, Seu Jorge.

‘AFIM’ is comprised of eight tracks, featuring Zé’s own compositions as well as cover versions of tracks by contemporaries and friends, Sophia Chablau, Tom Veloso, and Dora Morelenbaum. It combines elements of MPB, jazz, pop and progressive rock in a bold, authoritative style. The album represents the intersection between different facets of the artist, from the stripped-down, intimate, guitar singer-songwriter, to dense arrangements with sweeping strings sections. Writing this album allowed Ibarra "to explore sides of myself that had not yet been organized in an album: a certain darkness, a more cinematic musicality, a desire for new soundscapes.

The album features the single, 'Transe', a song with an instantly comforting tone reminiscent of classic Brazilian songs of the past (think Caetano Veloso). It is built on a rhythmic guitar that supports dynamic sound layers, opening space for Ibarra's intense interpretation. Cinematic atmospheres that lend an air of mystery come courtesy of string arrangements by Jaques Morelenbaum.

His unique cover version of Sophia Chablau's 'Segredo' is equally compelling, taking Sophia's punky-indie original in a different direction and making it feel like his own. 'Essa Confusão', a song celebrating the intensity of love and co-written by Dora Morelenbaum, is steered into epic, 70's AOR, singer-songwriter territory with wind arrangements by Ibarra, Jorge Continentino and strings by Jaques Morelenbaum.

The album is the result of the collaboration of experienced musicians and long-time partners of Ibarra. Fellow Bala Desejo and Dônica member Lucas Nunes co-produced the album. The core band featured on the record consists of Lucas Nunes on organs, Alberto Continentino on bass, Daniel Conceição and Thomas Harres on drums and percussion, Rodrigo Pacato on additional percussion, Chico Lira on Fender Rhodes and Guilherme Lírio on guitar.

The overall feel of the record is archetypically quintessential without slipping into retro mode. It is a stunning album from one of the finest musicians of his generation. A true star of Brazil’s blooming contemporary scene.

Forming as teenagers in the late 70s, female vocal group Black Harmony was comprised of Diane Cape, Dup'e Odelade, and Denise Mansfield (sister of Ingrid Mansfield-Allman, lead vocalist on Freeez’s ‘Southern Freeez’).

Whilst their much-loved 1979 cover version debut ’Don’t Let It Go To Your Head’ (Jean Carn) was a hit on the UK reggae charts, gaining major label distribution, Black Harmony’s self-penned 'Let’s Be Lovers’ has arguably become the trio’s most coveted work amongst collectors.

Originally released in 1981 by Tony Owens’ Cyprian Records imprint and distributed from his shop, Seven Leaves Records in Kensal Rise, the single marks one of saxophonist and flautist Courtney Pine’s earliest appearances on record as a member of the backing band Inity Rockers.

Dutch based producer Ivna Ji, originally from Croatia, and Mexican artist G13ck (Daniel Vela) introduce their joint imprint Parcela Sound with Archways, a six track release moving through complex rhythm structures, shadowy atmospheres, and deep low frequency currents.

The record balances wide melodic sweeps and distorted textures, building tension between restraint and intensity. Collaborations with Düsseldorf based saxophonist/vocalist Amber Pine and Italian/Dutch producer Riccardo Izzo (Fatalist/Flooder) bring vocals and lyrics into the record, giving it a more direct emotional pull.

The project was shaped mainly in Ivna Ji’s home studio with just a few instruments, including Moog’s DFAM and her favorite DSI Evolver, alongside sessions at Zarkoff’s Sensorium Studio, where she focused on mixing and heavily relied on the Sequential Prophet 6, which ultimately proved to be the key ingredient every track was missing.

Mastering was handled by Filip Motovunski, whose sharp ear and precision brought the record to life with clarity and impact, giving the low end full weight without losing the finer details.

Parcela Sound grew out of more than a decade of friendship and collaboration between Ji and Vela, first sparked by a casual exchange of thoughts and admiration developed over years of sharing ideas and supporting each other’s projects, including releases on Vela’s labels Aztlán and Baox. With Parcela, they created a platform that supports emerging and often overlooked artists, some of whom have become close friends over the years.

The artwork by Croatian designer Ugruv Smek, featuring a gecko motif, ties the launch to their shared roots and playful approach.

Archways marks the first chapter of Parcela Sound, a platform for music created with curiosity, care, and connection.

NSDA, the visionary imprint led by Anfisa Letyago, presents TUNEL, the debut album from Argentine producer Unfinished Portraits. The 11-track album explores a richly immersive world of brooding textures, melodic storytelling, and cinematic sound design.

"A journey inward. A space where the hidden comes to light and everything shifts shape. Each song is a signal in the dark, a guide to keep moving forward without losing your way" says Unfinished Portraits about the album's concept.
A rising force in the underground circuit, Unfinished Portraits builds a signature style rooted in techno, ambient, and electronica - combining hypnotic percussion with atmospheric depth. Across TUNEL, he constructs a soundscape that is both introspective and physical, designed for deep listening as much as late-night floors.

"When I first heard Unfinished Portraits music, I felt an immediate connection. There's something raw and cinematic in his sound that felt perfect for NSDA," says Anfisa Letyago. "Collaborating on this album was really special - it's a beautiful example of how storytelling and club energy can live in the same space."

Anfisa appears as a featured artist on three standout tracks - Home, Confusion, and Radar - adding emotional weight and rhythmic edge to the release. Their creative synergy underscores NSDA's commitment to supporting innovative new voices with bold sonic perspectives.

TUNEL will be available as a full digital album, with a limited-edition vinyl sampler featuring six selected tracks.