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Deluxe LP features 140g virgin vinyl; heavy-duty board jacket, artwork by Art Rosenbaum + DL. RIYL: Bob Dylan, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Ry Cooder, Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, The Youngbloods & Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Jake Xerxes Fussell’s 4th album finds the acclaimed folksong interpreter, guitarist, and singer navigating fresh sonic and compositional landscapes on the most conceptually focused, breathtakingly rendered, and enigmatically poignant record of his wondrous catalog. Produced by James Elkington and featuring formidable players both familiar (Casey Toll, Libby Rodenbough) and new (Joe Westerlund, Bonnie “Prince” Billy), it includes Jake’s first original compositions; atmospheric arrangements with pedal steel, horns, and strings. One of the most striking and strangely moving moments on Jake Xerxes Fussell’s gorgeous Good and Green Again an album, his fourth and most recent, replete with such dazzling moments arrives at its very end, with the brief words to the final song “Washington.” “General Washington/Noblest of men/His house, his horse, his cherry tree, and him,” Fussell sings, after a hushed introductory passage in which his trademark percussively fingerpicked Telecaster converses lacily with James Elkington’s parlor piano. That’s the entire lyrical content of the song, which proceeds to float away on orchestral clouds of French horn, trumpet, and strings, until it simply stops, suddenly evaporating, vanishing with no fade or trace, no resolution to its sorrowful minor-key chord progression, just silence and stillness and stark presidential absence. It feels like the end of a film, or the cold departure of a ghost, and is unlike anything else Jake has recorded. In all his work Jake humanizes his material with his own profound curatorial and interpretive gifts, unmooring stories and melodies from their specific eras and origins and setting them adrift in our own waterways. The robust burr of his voice, which periodically melts and catches at a particularly tender turn of phrase, and the swung rhythmic undertow of exquisite, seemingly effortless guitar-playing here he plays more acoustic than ever before pull new valences of meaning from ostensibly antique songs and subjects. On Good and Green Again, Jake not only ventures beyond his established mastery of songcatching and songmaking into songwriting, but likewise navigates fresh sonic and compositional landscapes, going green with lusher, more atmospheric and ambitious arrangements. The result is the most conceptually focused, breathtakingly rendered, and enigmatically poignant record of his wondrous catalog. It’s also his most deliberately premeditated album, representing his fruitful return to a producer partnership after two self-produced projects, What in the Natural World (2017) and Out of Sight (2019) (William Tyler produced his friend’s self-titled 2015 debut.) This time James Elkington produced and played a panoply of instruments, bringing to Jake’s arcane song choices his own peerless sense of harmony and orchestration, balance and dramatic tension. The pair enlisted a group of formidable players including regular bandmembers Casey Toll (Mt. Moriah, Nathan Bowles) on upright bass, Libby Rodenbough (Mipso) on strings, and Nathan Golub on pedal steel. They were joined by welcome newcomers Joe Westerlund (Megafaun, Califone) on drums, Joseph Decosimo on fiddle, Anna Jacobson on brass, and veteran collaborator and avowed Fussell fan Bonnie “Prince” Billy, who contributes additional vocals. Album opener “Love Farewell” (featuring some beautiful singing by Bonnie “Prince” Billy), an elliptical tale of the folly of war, set to the world’s most heartbreaking goodbye march for a lover left behind. “Carriebelle” and “Breast of Glass” each similarly concerns, in its own way, romantic love and leavings. All three songs highlight Jacobson’s diaphanous, understated brass parts, tying them together in a true lover’s knot. “Rolling Mills Are Burning Down,” with its distant keening strings and capacious sense of space, observes and mourns the loss of work and community in the wake of elemental disaster. Nine-minute tour de force “The Golden Willow Tree,” the sole explicitly narrative song herein, is a hypnotic, minimalist rendering of a tragic maritime ballad about scuttling an enemy ship in exchange for wealth and glory and a captain’s inevitable betrayal. “Fussell is creating his own legacy within the long lineage of traditional folk musicians and storytellers that have come before him.” The New York Times // “So elegant … It’s relaxing in the way that pondering a Zen koan is relaxing, and sweet in the way that the wounded, honey-voiced blues of Mississippi John Hurt are sweet.” Pitchfork // “Music that resides at the seams of Appalachia and the cosmos.”

JUNO & Jamek Ortega link up for ‘Deep Breath’ on Crosstown Rebels.

Following an impressive label debut earlier this year alongside Alex Wann on ‘Allo’, crowned Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune, Germany’s JUNO returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘Deep Breath’ in collaboration with longtime production partner Jamek Ortega. Immediately drawing listeners into a hypnotic, percussive world, snaking rhythms and rattling cowbells build steadily beneath an atmospheric backdrop, before a commanding vocal emerges to anchor the groove. The release continues a relationship that has seen the pair produce across labels including Arodes’ Unreleased Records, Wired World, and more, as well as regular back-to-back performances. On the flip, ‘Sloppy Disk’ sees JUNO step up solo, locking into a driving four-to-the-floor groove where a rolling bassline provides the foundation for pensive chords to drift alongside subtle melodic flourishes, steadily expanding the track’s atmosphere before tumbling into a sweeping, cinematic finale.

JUNO has accelerated onto the scene with hits like ‘Last Dance’ on Magnifik Music and a Hot Mix for Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1, firmly earmarking him as one to watch. Meanwhile, DJ/producer Jamek Ortega continues to connect with audiences worldwide with outings on Three Six Zero, MoBlack, Abracadabra, Madorasindahouse, and more, picking up heavy rotation from the likes of Keinemusik, Solomun, Tiësto, and Black Coffee. Here, the pair show no signs of slowing down as they join forces once again, stepping onto Damian Lazarus’s imprint and marking a major milestone in their respective trajectories.

"John Beltran joins forces with Ireland’s Intrinsic Rhythm for a masterclass in emotional Detroit Techno with his "Roots EP" featuring a deep & soulful remix from Fireground.

Few names command the same reverence in electronic music as John Beltran. Since pioneering the more melodic, ambient-soaked textures of Detroit techno in the 1990s and 00s, the Michigan producer has spent over three decades crafting electronic music with an unmistakable human soul.
For his latest outing, Beltran links up with Irish imprint Intrinsic Rhythm for a physical and digital release after previously providing a remix for IR004 . The A1 "My Faith In You" is a perfect distillation of his signature sound: lush, cinematic chord progressions, propulsive rhythm arrangements, and that deep-running emotive warmth that makes his catalog timeless and this continues on the A2 with "Gratiot" a timeless piece of Deep Detroit Techno with a shuffling groove and precise tones and textures.

Sharpening the edge of the package is a stellar remix from dynamic Italian duo Fireground. Known for their driving, soulful and rich sound on labels like Tresor and Ilian Tape, Fireground adds a deeper more textured version of "Gratiot" and reconstructs it into a sun drenched musically rich remix. Together, the release forms a beautiful bridge between the two artists. "

Wewantsounds is proud to present the first official release of a legendary 1977 concert capturing Don Cherry, Collin Walcott, and Leon Thomas in their only documented performance together. Recorded live on March 5, 1977, at Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the performance featured the three musicians playing an immersive hypnotic set, joined for part of the evening by the rest of Oregon. Long circulating among a few Don Cherry fans, the full concert is now available as a deluxe, remastered 2-LP gatefold set featuring Moki Cherry artwork and new liner notes by Jason Weiss—licensed by the Don Cherry Estate and producer James Quinlan.


Don Cherry’s huge influence has steadily grown over the years, as fans and new generations of listeners continue to uncover the vast breadth of his global musical vision. Sunrise captures Cherry during a particularly fertile late-1970s period, when the American jazz trumpeter blended global and Eastern spiritual concepts into his "Organic Music" philosophy, drawing deeply from Eastern and African traditions. Moving fluidly between trumpet, the West African doussn'gouni (a traditional hunter's harp from Mali), bamboo flutes, percussion, and vocals, Cherry creates a deeply resonant world music soundscape.
Recorded live on March 5, 1977, at Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the show took place just a month after Don Cherry participated in the recording of Collin Walcott's ECM album Grazing Dreams. With Walcott playing alongside Cherry and vocalist Leon Thomas, bringing his unmistakable yodel-style vocal approach—and joined for part of the night by the rest of Oregon (Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless and Glen Moore)—the performance stands as a stunning, hypnotic forerunner to the formation of CODONA. The newly remastered audio is so vivid and intimate that it feels as though you are sitting directly in the room with the musicians.
The release also serves as a vibrant homage to Don and Moki Cherry’s creative partnership, featuring a reproduction of Moki’s striking 1975 Mandala tapestry on the front cover.
The concert was produced by James Quinlan, a central pillar of the U.S. Jazz and World Music scene who worked as a sound engineer for Carla Bley, booked Fela Kuti’s major U.S. tour in the 1980s, and went on to direct the Creative Music Studio and found Miami’s Rhythm Foundation. In the album's liner notes, Quinlan reflects in conversation with writer Jason Weiss on the surprise magic of that night:
"Don brought Leon Thomas with him... as a guest, unannounced. It was not part of the advertisement or contract... I don't know of any other time that they recorded or performed together. So, that was completely unique... The audience had no idea what was coming... It was a sound that was just mesmerizing, almost like a mantra."
Licensed by the Don Cherry Estate and James Quinlan, Sunrise is available as a deluxe 2-LP gatefold set featuring new liner notes by Jason Weiss—an essential document in the rich, ever-evolving Don Cherry musical journey.

When Swingrowers released their debut in Sept 2012, electro swing was a bubbling cultural zeitgeist. This Italian band were among the earliest pioneers who helped shape the sound of the vintage-influenced genre. Their debut 12 track collection paved the way for the brilliant albums that followed and indeed for the ongoing popularity of the genre. A little rougher around the edges but with all the early promise on show, this album completes a 4 piece set for fans and collectors.

Swingrowers went on to release a further 3 studio albums, toured internationally, playing major festivals includingMontreux Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Boomtown and Tokyo’s Blue Note Festival. Their music has to date amassedmore than 100 million streams worldwide on Spotify alonewith videos clocking up many millions more.

Pronounceditself is a revelation. It stood the test of time as one of the earliest complete and fully-realised Electro Swing albums that seamlessly blend 20’s and 30’s influences - violin, gypsy jazz guitar, saxophones and swing music - with polished contemporary production. Here, superb musicianship meets great songwriting meets a unique modern sound from Swing Hop to Drum n Bass with jazz-inflected vocals in English and Italian.

As we approach the 15 year anniversary, Pronounced is being released on wax for the first time.

This releasecompletes Swingrowers’ entire album discography on vinyl, joining existing editions of Remote, Outsidein and Hybrid.

For long-time fans, collectors and anyone who discovered electro swing through artists such as Caravan Palace and Parov Stelar, Pronounced is a chance to finally own the sound of a young band (and indeed an up-start young genre) at the very start of their career.

Celestial Echo Records presents Nathaniel Best – Set Your House In Order, an incredible gospel soul LP from 1986, finally back in circulation.

Originally released on Spirit Records of Nevada, the album is very much of its time in the best way — gospel music with drum machines, warm synths and basslines that push it right into modern soul and boogie territory. Nathaniel Best’s voice carries the whole record with real conviction, joined by group vocals and arrangements that give the album that rich, uplifting 80s gospel soul sound.

For us, the standouts are clear. “Call Him” is the boogie dancer — bright, driving and full of movement, the kind of gospel cut that sits perfectly in a modern soul or boogie set. The title track, “Set Your House In Order”, is something else entirely: a beautiful downtempo soul glider, deep and heartfelt, with that slow-burning quality that makes the whole LP feel so special.

Those two tracks tell the story, but the magic runs through the whole record. Scattered across the album are these amazing slower gospel soul moments, balanced with enough groove and lift to keep it moving. It’s not just a one-tracker, it’s a proper LP with feeling, range and a sound that collectors have been chasing for years.

Best’s musical story runs deep. He grew up around gospel, recorded from a young age, played piano in church, sang with the Love Center Choir under Bishop Walter Hawkins, and later worked with names including The O’Jays and The Fairfield Four.

Original copies have always been hard to come by, and the album has built a serious reputation with gospel, soul and boogie collectors over the years.

Buy or Cry.

Celestial Echo Records presents Nathaniel Best – Set Your House In Order, an incredible gospel soul LP from 1986, finally back in circulation.

Originally released on Spirit Records of Nevada, the album is very much of its time in the best way — gospel music with drum machines, warm synths and basslines that push it right into modern soul and boogie territory. Nathaniel Best’s voice carries the whole record with real conviction, joined by group vocals and arrangements that give the album that rich, uplifting 80s gospel soul sound.

For us, the standouts are clear. “Call Him” is the boogie dancer — bright, driving and full of movement, the kind of gospel cut that sits perfectly in a modern soul or boogie set. The title track, “Set Your House In Order”, is something else entirely: a beautiful downtempo soul glider, deep and heartfelt, with that slow-burning quality that makes the whole LP feel so special.

Those two tracks tell the story, but the magic runs through the whole record. Scattered across the album are these amazing slower gospel soul moments, balanced with enough groove and lift to keep it moving. It’s not just a one-tracker, it’s a proper LP with feeling, range and a sound that collectors have been chasing for years.

Best’s musical story runs deep. He grew up around gospel, recorded from a young age, played piano in church, sang with the Love Center Choir under Bishop Walter Hawkins, and later worked with names including The O’Jays and The Fairfield Four.

Original copies have always been hard to come by, and the album has built a serious reputation with gospel, soul and boogie collectors over the years.

Buy or Cry.

Colorful, powerful and elegant. A watershed masterpiece that embraces before then and after that by Kiyoshi Sugimoto, the master of the era.

Since turning professional in 1960, Kiyoshi Sugimoto has been active in many sessions and recordings. From the latter half of the 1960s, he joined groups such as Hideo Shiraki, Akira Ishikawa, and Terumasa Hino, gaining attention and solidifying his position with leader works such as “Country Dream” and “Babylonia Wind.” This work was recorded with Akira Ishikawa, Hiromasa Suzuki, Takao Uematsu and others right after studying in America for about a year. Starting with the groovy and luscious “Our Time” and “Marmalade Sky”, the dubious keyboards of “Jones Street”, and the melancholic and beautiful “Quiet Pulse”, it can be said to be a gap between jazz rock and fusion. There are attractive songs. This work represents Sugimoto’s work in the mid-1970s.

A love letter to Canada sees Adams explore new musical territory, drawing on country, folk and rock while telling stories inspired by the people, places and history of home. How's It Goin' could be the most Canadian album ever written! Inspired by the landscapes, characters, stories and current affairs that are all part of Canada's ongoing history, How's It Goin' sees Adams explore a different musical landscape of his own. Alongside the unmistakable songwriting and voice that have been at the heart of his music, the album introduces elements of country and folk, giving the record a warm, roots-y character. Among the songs are "Diesel and Dirt," "How's It Goin'," "Iron Ribbon" and "The Battle of Lundy's Lane". "The idea was simply to make a record about Canada," says Adams. "It started with writing the song for the documentary, 'Canada's Wild Eastern Edge' and after doing so much research, I was inspired to start writing more songs about Canada. Musically it took me somewhere a little different too, which made the whole thing exciting." One of the album's most poignant moments is "The Ballad of Terry Fox," Adams' tribute to one of Canada's most inspirational figures.The song will also be featured in the forthcoming new documentary film about Terry Fox, entitled "Run Terry Run". How's It Goin' acknowledges Adams' roots and delivers an album that is at times personal, cinematic and, occasionally, reflective but always unmistakably Adams.

A love letter to Canada sees Adams explore new musical territory, drawing on country, folk and rock while telling stories inspired by the people, places and history of home. How's It Goin' could be the most Canadian album ever written! Inspired by the landscapes, characters, stories and current affairs that are all part of Canada's ongoing history, How's It Goin' sees Adams explore a different musical landscape of his own. Alongside the unmistakable songwriting and voice that have been at the heart of his music, the album introduces elements of country and folk, giving the record a warm, roots-y character. Among the songs are "Diesel and Dirt," "How's It Goin'," "Iron Ribbon" and "The Battle of Lundy's Lane". "The idea was simply to make a record about Canada," says Adams. "It started with writing the song for the documentary, 'Canada's Wild Eastern Edge' and after doing so much research, I was inspired to start writing more songs about Canada. Musically it took me somewhere a little different too, which made the whole thing exciting." One of the album's most poignant moments is "The Ballad of Terry Fox," Adams' tribute to one of Canada's most inspirational figures.The song will also be featured in the forthcoming new documentary film about Terry Fox, entitled "Run Terry Run". How's It Goin' acknowledges Adams' roots and delivers an album that is at times personal, cinematic and, occasionally, reflective but always unmistakably Adams.

Originally recorded and released in 1970, the Joe Henderson Quintet, At The Lighthouse: If You're Not Part Of The Solution, You're Part Of The Problem sees the influential jazz fusion sax player performing at the legendary venue in Hermosa Beach, California. Joined by George Cables, Ron McClure, Woody Shaw, Tony Waters and Lenny White the original album contained 6 live cuts. This 180-gram 3-LP Deluxe Edition, adds 5 unreleased tracks along with new liner notes from author Eugene Holley Jr.


























xy Mode for Joe [Alternate Take]*
[ya] If You're Not Part of the Solution, You're Part of the Problem [Alternate Take]*















[o] F1 Mode for Joe [Alternate Take]*
[p] F2 If You're Not Part of the Solution, You're Part of the Problem [Alternate Take]*

With “Rides Again Again And Again” US born and London resident singer, songwriter, producer, arranger und multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Shawn Lee releases the third part in a series of very personal albums.

“Returning to my ‘Rides Again’ project feels like a home coming of sorts-familiar yet completely different from how I remembered it,” Shawn Lee says. “This time out it felt really fresh and freewheeling. Discovering things which were already there but somehow had remained hidden just out of sight. The genius of JJ Cale provided a lot of inspiration for this album. I had to pay tribute with the song ‘JJ’ in his honour. I also wrote a song for my dad called ‘Helluva Way’ who sadly passed while I was finishing the album. Multiple US tours last year with Young Gun Silver Fox informed lyrics on several tunes particularly ‘Hot Food’ and ‘Plastic Forks and Paper Plates’. The latter features a motley cast of characters on the ‘hell yeahs and the outro sing -a-long. My wife Kiren, Andy ‘Young Gun’ Platts, his wife Jodie and daughter Frankie plus all the live members of YGSF band, Ederlezi, as well as Smith & Liddle and our tour manager Claire Darling all contributed to the cause on ‘Plastic Forks’. Songs about Evel Knievel, my dog Carla, Tacos and Abilene Kansas round out the album as-well as a few instrumentals to boot. Three albums into the ‘Rides Again’ trilogy and I feel like I’m just getting started. So saddle up partners and join me on this musical ride!”

Following her previous appearances on Blueprint, Manchester-based techno artist Kerrie returns to the label with her latest release, "Pressure Signal". The four-track EP sees Kerrie deliver another focused collection of raw, uncompromising techno, continuing her distinct approach to dark, gritty, metallic and industrial sounds.

Kerrie is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans live performance, production, DJing and running her own label, Dark Machine Funk. Having honed her craft for almost 20 years, Kerrie has developed a sound deeply rooted in UK, Detroit and European techno, with her sets and productions characterised by tough moods, high energy and a strong sense of groove.

Kerrie first made her debut on Blueprint in 2022 with her"Raw Regimen" EP, before returning to the label with further releases in 2024 and 2025 and joining the Blueprint crew at showcases around the globe.

Immersive, roots-infused dub-reggae power from Jamaica meets heavyweight instrumentation from Denmark on a landmark collaborative album out now via Recall Reality.

Rooted in the rich traditions of classic Jamaican sound yet pulsing with a hypnotic, contemporary organic weight, Signs of the Time brings together the evocative vocal artistry of rising roots talent Azizzi Romeo and the master craftsmanship of Denmark's formidable instrumental 11 piece band Guiding Star Orchestra. Built for sound systems and vinyl purists alike, featuring lush tape saturation, spring reverbs, and spacious dub mixes.

Released on Recall Reality, the album is a masterclass in modern roots reggae and deep dub dynamics. Rather than relying on rigid digital presets, Signs of the Time champions warm analogue textures, sprawling horn arrangements, and rolling basslines that echo the golden age of Studio One, Joe Gibbs, Bunny Lee and Channel One while carving out an entirely fresh, meditative space for the listener.

Azizzi Romeo carries forward a legendary musical lineage as the son of the late roots icon Max Romeo, bringing a captivating blend of spiritual urgency, conscious lyricism, and soulful conviction to the microphone. His delivery cuts straight through the mix, offering profound reflections on modern society, unity, and resilience in a changing world.

Backing him are the Guiding Star Orchestra, renowned for their authentic analog production ethos, deep-crate sensibilities, and musicianship that treats the mixing board as an instrument in its own right. The result is a seamless symbiotic project where every bubbling organ skank, hypnotic drum drop, and reverberating tape delay serves the song's core message.

To bring the record home, producer CHLLNGR spent a week in the spring working alongside UK dub maestro in his London studio - Prince Fatty, who mixed the entire album. Fatty invited legendary drummer Winston "Horseman” Williams into the sessions, and Horseman percussion added the final glue to the record.

Track highlights:
"Signs of the Time": Azizzi is joined by his late father, the legendary Max Romeo, on a prophetic warning of what awaits the world if we don't soon unite in peace and love.

"Thanks and Praises": An anthem of gratitude for everything life brings, and of rising up even when others want to see us fail.

"Jah Jah Disciples": A meditation on following Jah, and the strength that faith gives in the midst of adversity.

Signs of the Time is available now on Vinyl LP and Digital streaming platforms via Recall Reality.

Matu Miranda has grown up in a state of constant movement. Changing homes, cities, schools, and horizons has shaped his worldview and fueled a body of work deeply informed by themes of displacement, transformation, and belonging. With APUAMA, his second album, the Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist delivers his most personal work to date:a collection of songs exploring how we each construct our own sense of home through the encounters, departures, and returns that mark our lives. Driven by sensitive songwriting and organic production, APUAMA navigates a landscape of contemporary MPB, tropical folk, popular poetry, and Brazilian acoustic influences. From one song to the next, Matu charts an intimate journey where saudade is never synonymous with stagnation; instead,it becomes a driving forcethat compels him to move forward, discover, and forge connections. From the radiant landscapes of "E Bom Voltar" to the existential inquiries of "O Que Sera de Nos"-and the poetic manifesto of the title track, "Apuama"-the album tells the story of an artist learning to turn every place he visits into a form of home. The album also features notable collaborations with two of the most distinctive voices on the new Brazilian music scene.Singer-songwriter Josyaralends her sensitivity to "Ceu Azulzin," while Chico Chico joins Matu on "Estetica da Fome," a track inspired by major Brazilian cultural and social reflections. These collaborations extend the collective spirit that runs through the entire record and highlight Matu Miranda's ongoing dialogue with his artistic generation. The sound production was helmed by Leo Marques-a producer, sound engineer, and musician recognized as a key figure in Brazil's independent music scene. Marques notably won a Latin Grammy Award for his work on the album Sim Sim Sim by the group Bala Desejo, one of the most significant Brazilian records of recent years. This approach gives APUAMA a warm, vibrant, and timeless sound, allowing the songs to breathe and highlighting the richness of the acoustic arrangements. More than just a collection of songs, APUAMA is a journal of an inner journey. It is an album that speaks of movement, memory, nature, and the passing on of things-reminding us that, beyond borders, distances, and absences, there is always a place where one can feel at home.

In Permanent Vacation 20th anniversary year, Joe Goddard returns to the label with You — a fivetrack EP that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the label's musical DNA. Blending disco, house, electronica and subtle folk influences, the release captures the optimistic spirit of the early 2000s while sounding effortlessly contemporary.
Across five beautifully crafted tracks, Goddard balances warm melodies, organic textures and dancefloor elegance with his unmistakable songwriting touch. The EP features three standout collaborations: Glynn joins on the uplifting "Cutting You Loose", fellow Hot Chip member Alexis Taylor lends his unmistakable voice to "Hide & Seek", while Absolute appears on the intimate closer "Gentle Man".
You is a fitting addition to the Permanent Vacation catalogue—music that looks back without nostalgia, embraces the present, and reminds us why timeless records never go out of style.

Melbourne producer Jordan Brando releases his new Fixation EP today via DJ Tennis’ Life and Death. The four-track project marks Brando’s debut on the label and arrives as he continues to establish himself as one of Australia’s top new club exports.

Fixation is built around raw, bass-driven grooves, moving between the shuffling percussion and hypnotic vocal hook of the title track, the tougher techno edge of “Vibration,” and the classic house influence running through “The Bassline.” “After Dub” eases the pace without losing that foundation, closing the EP on a warm, melodic note.

The release extends a growing connection between Life and Death and the current wave of Australian producers making an impact worldwide. It follows recent projects from Brando’s Not Without Friends collaborators Luke Alessi and William Kiss, who both joined the label at the end of 2025. Together, the three have built momentum around a shared strain of forward-thinking club music and recently reunited in New York City for a Raw Cuts event this summer.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Brando has developed a reputation for the breadth of his productions and DJ sets, with his original music and remixes appearing across dance charts around the world. While his solo work has earned support from international tastemakers such as Pete Tong (via his BBC Radio 1 show), he’s performed with Kiss and Alessi at Heide Museum of Modern Art, Beyond the Valley, London’s Night Tales and Rippon Lea Estate.

After a run of performances spanning Australia, New Zealand and Europe—including Lost Village, Beyond the Valley, Night Tales and Melbourne’s Collingwood Town Hall—Fixation finds Brando entering his next chapter with one of electronic music’s most respected labels, further cementing his place among a generation of Australian artists reshaping the international club landscape.

Kokoroko today announce Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam, a new remix EP reimagining tracks from their acclaimed album Tuff Times Never Last through the lens of some of Brazil's most exciting contemporary artists.

Translating the album's title into Portuguese, Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam reflects both the enduring message at the heart of the original record and the creative dialogue between Kokoroko's expansive musical world and Brazil's rich, genre-defying music scene. The four-track collection brings together a handpicked group of artists whose individual approaches blur the boundaries between a variety of genres and contemporary Brazilian sounds.

To be released digitally and on limited vinyl, the EP also sees the return of acclaimed artist Luci Pina, whose artwork for Tuff Times Never Last is reimagined for this new chapter, creating a visual thread between the original album and its Brazilian counterpart.

Leading the announcement is Never Lost (Luedji Luna Remix), available now on all digital platforms. The celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter brings her unmistakable warmth and emotive vocal sensibility to the track, offering a beautifully understated reinterpretation that deepens the song's themes of hope, resilience and togetherness.

Completing the EP are three further remixes from across Brazil's vibrant musical landscape. Onome of Kokoroko joins forces with acclaimed guitarist Nyron Higor for a richly textured rework of Da Du Dah, while producer Aleh Ferreira delivers a rhythm-driven reinterpretation of the same track. Closing the collection, Bruno Berle transforms Closer To Me with his signature blend of intimate songwriting, Brazilian groove and experimental pop sensibilities.

Together, the remixes offer fresh perspectives on Tuff Times Never Last, extending the album's spirit of optimism while celebrating the creative connections between London and Brazil.

Kokoroko today announce Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam, a new remix EP reimagining tracks from their acclaimed album Tuff Times Never Last through the lens of some of Brazil's most exciting contemporary artists.

Translating the album's title into Portuguese, Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam reflects both the enduring message at the heart of the original record and the creative dialogue between Kokoroko's expansive musical world and Brazil's rich, genre-defying music scene. The four-track collection brings together a handpicked group of artists whose individual approaches blur the boundaries between a variety of genres and contemporary Brazilian sounds.

To be released digitally and on limited vinyl, the EP also sees the return of acclaimed artist Luci Pina, whose artwork for Tuff Times Never Last is reimagined for this new chapter, creating a visual thread between the original album and its Brazilian counterpart.

Leading the announcement is Never Lost (Luedji Luna Remix), available now on all digital platforms. The celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter brings her unmistakable warmth and emotive vocal sensibility to the track, offering a beautifully understated reinterpretation that deepens the song's themes of hope, resilience and togetherness.

Completing the EP are three further remixes from across Brazil's vibrant musical landscape. Onome of Kokoroko joins forces with acclaimed guitarist Nyron Higor for a richly textured rework of Da Du Dah, while producer Aleh Ferreira delivers a rhythm-driven reinterpretation of the same track. Closing the collection, Bruno Berle transforms Closer To Me with his signature blend of intimate songwriting, Brazilian groove and experimental pop sensibilities.

Together, the remixes offer fresh perspectives on Tuff Times Never Last, extending the album's spirit of optimism while celebrating the creative connections between London and Brazil.

Three Stripe Records, the original ‘Bristol Sound’ label release their first vinyl in 30 years.
Founded in 1988 by Smith & Mighty, the label was set up to release music from local talent as well as the pair’s own recordings, and in the late eighties released a string of underground hits.
The label’s first venture in ’88, a cover of Dionne Warwick’s ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’, featured local singer Jackie Jackson alongside rappers M.C. Kelz and Krissy Kriss and stayed at the top of the indie charts for several weeks.
Now after a long hiatus, a new three-track 12” vinyl featuring Tammy Payne performing a cover of the ’60s Mandel & Webster classic, ‘The Shadow Of Your Smile’ is due to be released on 13th November 2026.
The vinyl’s three tracks capture different variations of breakbeat, dub and soul.

The A side is a break driven, dynamic bond-esque version with orchestral drops and rises, over a tough hiphop rhythm.
AA1 is a head nodding, rolling breakbeat affair with a digi dub style bassline, while Tammy’s vocal floats in and out on a sea of echo.
AA2 is the original mello mix with sparse beat machine style patterns and 303 bass line. Tammy’s full vocal carrying the flow in contrast to the urgent backbeat, occasionally joined by keys, guitar melodies and fx.
Each version having it’s own identity while all remaining very ’Smith & Mighty’

Ltd pressing, Widespine, black paper inners.

Tectonic Recordings presents Tectonic Sound: Vol. 2, the second instalment of the various artists series curated by label founder Pinch. Following the first Tectonic Sound collection, released in 2025 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the label, the series continues Tectonic’s forward-facing approach; bringing together artists from their wider family and connecting dots across the underground.
Longstanding figures of the UK Bass scene such as J:Kenzo and Roska sit alongside a new gen of artists including Ehua, Manami, Cimm, Denham Audio, Henry Greenleaf and SHXCXCHCXSH. Beatrice M. also returns following the release of their acclaimed debut album Sinking earlier this year, while Jay Carder and Sir Hiss make their first outings as solo artists on the label, after both appearing as collaborators on Sinking.
Pinch says: ““As Tectonic enters its third decade, the spirit and passion behind the music hold true to its roots. I love every single track on this compilation and how it shows off the various corners of the label's sound. Each artist has delivered something truly special!”
Each artist arrives with a distinct sound and history of their own, but across these twelve original tracks there’s a shared understanding of what Tectonic represents. Different strains of the UK bass continuum come together, creating a space where sounds collide, and new forms take shape. 
Pinch leads the charge with ‘Hold On!’, an upfront, high-definition 4x4 propulsion tool that pairs rolling momentum with seismic bass pulses. Manami enters with ‘Turning Point’, further solidifying her newer direction, leaning into deep, dubbed-out territory with a sound that feels both vast and exploratory, while remaining heads-down and locked in. Henry Greenleaf steps in with ‘Whist’, an ominous and otherworldly offering, reminiscent of early dubstep productions that fell somewhere between the lines of dark garage, 2-step and grime.
Elsewhere, SHXCXCHCXSH’s ‘NexxxD’ and Sir Hiss’s ‘2TUFF’ form a middle climatic point of pure chaos, with Sir Hiss serving up a raw slab of gnarled grime waveforms and cascading claps. Beatrice M. & Cimm bring things back down with ‘Pad City’, a cool, meandering cut of shuffling house, while Lorem closes the compilation with ‘Console Corners’, exploring the outer rims of sound manipulation and deconstruction before tying it all together.
Since its formation in 2005, Tectonic has been a trailblazing force in electronic music, helping to define and continually redraw the boundaries of dubstep and its surrounding sounds. The compilation arrives in the middle of a serious run for the label. Earlier this year, Tectonic released Beatrice M.’s debut album Sinking, a major moment for the label that was embraced across the electronic music community. Pinch has also continued his long-running creative relationship with legendary grime MC Trim this year, following their joint 2025 EP No Caller ID, with recent single Striker.
Across Tectonic Sound Vol. 2, those different strands of Tectonic’s history and present day meet head-on. The music moves between familiar forms and stranger territory, with rhythms and frequencies refracting across the collection. It’s a record that feels cohesive without being uniform, reflecting a label whose sound has always been defined by forward movement.

Black Sheep is the influential hip‑hop duo from Queens, New York, formed by Andres “Dres” Vargas Titus and William “Mista Lawnge” McLean. Although both members hail from New York, they met as teenagers in Sanford, North Carolina, where their families had relocated. The duo became part of the celebrated Native Tongues Collective, alongside Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, a movement known for its creativity, positivity, and forward‑thinking approach to hip‑hop. After joining forces in 1989, Black Sheep made an immediate impact with their 1991 acclaimed debut album A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing. The record earned widespread recognition for its inventive rhythms and sharp, witty, often humorous lyricism.

Their second album Non‑Fiction arrived in 1994, continuing their signature blend of jazzy hip-hop and clever, tongue‑in‑cheek storytelling. The album featured two singles “Without a Doubt” and “North South East West”.

Following its release, the group remained largely inactive throughout the decade, with the exception of Dres, who recorded a solo project under the moniker Dres The Black Sheep. Black Sheep eventually returned in 2006 with their long‑awaited third album 8WM / Novakane. Shortly thereafter, Mista Lawnge departed, while Dres has continued to release music under the Black Sheep name.

On March 1 2025, Kim Deal hosted a once-in-a-lifetime sold-out performance at London’s historic Barbican, playing special orchestrated renditions of songs from her acclaimed debut solo album Nobody Loves You More, followed by tracks from The Breeders’ back catalog and earlier solo work. The evening, culminating with a heartfelt standing ovation, was documented in full, to be released as a live record entitled Live at the Barbican on November 13 — arriving almost two years after Nobody Loves You More’s initial release (on November 22, 2024) and rounding out its celebrations.

Live at the Barbican finds Deal backed by a 25-piece ensemble, marking the first time in a decades-long career, that she has played with an orchestra. The idea for the performance came to Deal while mixing her solo album in Hackney: “I invited myself! That’s how I came to play ‘Nobody Loves You More’ at the Barbican. Years ago, I had worked with Chris Sharp at the 4AD label and I knew he was currently at The Barbican. So, I reached out to Chris and said I have orchestration on this record. I would love to be able to perform these songs with an actual orchestra. And Chris said yes, we’d love to have you.”

Alongside the orchestra and Shards choir, Deal was also joined by a band composed of Mando Lopez (The Breeders), Susan Voelz (Poi Dog Pondering), Lindsay Glover, Nick White (Phoebe Bridgers), and Rob Bochnik (The Frames), as well as special guest Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub). The live record was mixed at Studio Black Box and mastered by Heba Kadry.

Roman Norfleet aus Portland (Cosmic Tones Research Trio, MerKaBa Brotherhood) und die Be Present Art Group setzen ihren unglaublichen Schaffensschub an spiritueller, befreiender Musik fort. Saxophon, Keyboard, Elektronik, eine kraftvolle Rhythmusgruppe und eindringlicher Gesang treiben Songs wie die erste Single ,Headed On To Freedom" voran - wirbelnde Klangreisen für Fans von Pharoah Sanders, dem Art Ensemble of Chicago und dem Sun Ra Arkestra. ,The Remembering" ist ein klangliches Trankopfer für diejenigen, die vor uns da waren. Ausgehend von der Geschichte der schwarzen Amerikaner, revolutionärem Denken und dem ungebrochenen Geist des Widerstands verwebt die Musik Anklänge an die Persönlichkeiten, Bewegungen und Ideen, die Generationen geprägt haben. Sie ehrt die Vergangenheit und trägt ihren Geist gleichzeitig in die Gegenwart.

DJ, model, artist and selector Yuka Mizuhara steps forward with her standout 12-inch release 'Moon Dust' on Rush Hour. For her debut release, she joins forces with producers Benedek and Mickey de Grand IV (Psychic Mirrors), delivering a vibrant boogie and city pop-influenced transmission that bridges contemporary rhythm with classic, sun-drenched grooves.

Having spent formative years immersed in the underground music scene in Tokyo, with extended stays in Los Angeles and London, Mizuhara channels a rich blend of influences into her work. Known widely for her encyclopedic all-vinyl DJ sets, her residency on NTS Radio (Wave Flower), and high-profile collaborations with legends like Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Towa Tei, her musical output reflects a deep appreciation for groove, melody, and rhythm, carrying the torch of foundational Japanese techno-pop, experimental, and dance music forward.

On Moon Dust, Benedek returns fully to his signature West Coast boogie roots, laying down rolling, intricate synth basslines and melty chord progressions that form the heavy-grooving backbone of the record. Around this foundation, Mickey de Grand IV and Yuka Mizuhara write and weave extraordinarily catchy, endearing vocal melodies and hook-laden arrangements. Across its three distinct mixes, the track radiates Yuka's cute spirit—evoking a bubbly, high-spirited aesthetic reminiscent of classic 80’s RAH Band productions while blending sophisticated electronic arrangement with warm, organic dance floor vitality.

Fully stepping into her own as a recording artist following recent debut performances at major festivals like RDC and Rally, Yuka Mizuhara invites listeners into a romantic, synth-laden world built on pure groove and creative freedom.

Cyphon Recordings welcome DJ, producer, musician, and D.KO co-owner Flabaire for the fourth outing on the label.

At just 29, the Parisian artist, already has a fair share of victories under his belt. On his acclaimed D.KO imprint, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, he’s released three albums and several EPs, as well as charting releases for Organic-Music, Deeppa Records and South Street.

For his next solo EP, he brings his beautifully affecting and nostalgic blend of electro, IDM, and deep house to Cyphon. Doing what he does best, Flabaire’s ‘Entre-Deux’ is an EP brimming with emotion and atmosphere. Pulling at the heartstrings, opener ‘In Between’ layers an electro beat over lush pads with iridescent synth lines rising out of the haze. Cowbells swing into action, pads swell and glisten, making way for a squelchy 303 to bubble underneath.

‘No Minding’ moves into softer realms, a serene blend of deep house and electronica, it’s paced by a warm bass bounce and shuffling percussion sprinkled with chopped vocal samples and bright keys. Flabaire’s bass mastery continues ‘Click Plok’, as does his deftness at producing delicate, gliding pads, this time punctuated by tight bleeps, gentle open hats, and a meandering synth solo.

Closing out the EP the atmospheric ‘FBG’, a balmy syncopated groove joined by twinkling synth melodies that dance over dusty breakbeats and hushed vocal stutters.

Following the critically acclaimed Fantômes… Futurs, praised by FIP, France Inter, Radio Nova, ARTE and International jazz press, double bassist and composer Kham Meslien returns with Vévés électriques, a deeply immersive second album where memory, landscape and improvisation merge into a singular sonic journey. Joined by Laurent Bardainne, Roger Raspail, Naïssam Jalal and David Neerman, Meslien expands the intimate language of his double bass with subtle loops and organic textures, weaving together echoes of Iceland, the Caribbean and imagined territories. Blending spiritual jazz, contemporary classical influences and ambient soundscapes, Vévés électriques is an invitation to drift beyond geography and into a profoundly personal exploration of emotion, identity and freedom.

Set upon an oil-smooth sea, an immense range of directions opens up before Kham Meslien for “Vévés Électriques”, his second album after “Fantômes… Futurs.”

With only his double bass and bow as vessel and sextant, a distant journey nevertheless begins to take shape. Vibrations and the striking of strings against wood quickly trace lines and winding paths across the surface of the water—so many routes to follow before leaving them behind, allowing the outward journey to become an inward voyage as well.

After an improvisation intended to shed light on the course ahead, isolated lands came into view: the shores of Iceland, the lands of the far north, places cut off from the rest of the world by vast expanses of water. Islands battered by a harsh climate that can only be endured by drawing warmth from deep within oneself.

Then the Caribbean arc appeared. The archipelago, a setting for joyful and unsettling experiences, takes Kham back to a childhood from which the passing years have carried him away. Rather than following the conventional channel of the music of these places, the West Indies emerge through memories whose colors are still vivid.

Through the morning mist, Roger Raspail’s percussion locks into the same frequencies of the groove. Double bass and struck skins then become companions on a road that intersects with Laurent Bardainne’s saxophone. Carrying a dreamlike message, David Neerman’s vibraphone also joins the narrative to write a few chapters of its own, while others are enchanted by the flute and voice of Naïssam Jalal, or struck by the metaphorical rhymes of rapper Rocé.

On the surface, through the themes along which the pieces navigate, landscapes slowly reveal themselves and change shape as the shore draws nearer or recedes. Straying from the marked course and allowing oneself to drift, breaking free from pure acoustic sound by adding loops first played live and then sampled, allows Kham to explore the depths. The depths of the ocean, as well as those of his soul. To enter a world of improvisation that reveals itself even as he explores it. Examined up close, feelings become shells to pick up and hold to one’s ear, so that they can be felt intensely until they take material form.

This sea, which had appeared peaceful, became the stage for a succession of stories and images, which then accumulated to give birth to a larger narrative.

YES is a genre-blurring blend of punk, electronic and rap from South Africa, released on limited edition White Vinyl

South African alt-rap trio Internet Girl have officially announced their debut album, YES, arriving November 13 via PACK. Records. Alongside the announcement, the group has released their new single “DA BUSINESS” featuring Kenny Mason.

A high-energy party anthem, “DA BUSINESS” opens with distorted guitar before chopped vocals briefly pull things back, only for an abrupt beat drop and howling synth to send the track into overdrive. As another synth melody sweeps in, TK cuts through the chaos with an introspective opening verse before Kenny Mason crashes in with a gritty guest verse. Live drums, distorted guitars, and surging synths continue to build around them, turning their vocals into something closer to rage-filled battle chants than traditional rap verses.

Partially written on tour last year, “DA BUSINESS” is the oldest song on YES and one of the album’s few guitar-led tracks. Kenny connected with the trio over DMs months earlier before joining them on the track, bringing Atlanta and South Africa together for one of the album’s most charged moments. “DA BUSINESS” follows the trio’s recent single “ALL THE SAME,” a swagger-heavy track built around a hypnotic Spanish-language vocal sample and live drums before a heavily distorted bass synth takes over in its final stretch, drawing inspiration from South Africa’s booming taxi rave scene. Together, the two singles offer an early look at the range of YES, moving between the rock, rap, and electronic sounds Internet Girl have made entirely their own.

Written largely during a week-long trip to South Africa’s Karoo region at the beginning of 2026, YES captures Internet Girl at a turning point. What began as an ad-lib TK would throw into his verses gradually became the philosophy behind the record: saying yes to an idea and committing to it completely, even before there’s any proof it will work. Across the album, that once-delusional confidence begins to feel real as the trio reflect on coming of age, growing more comfortable with themselves, and becoming increasingly assured in the music they make.

The new release arrives on the heels of a big year for the South African trio, who have brought their high-energy live show to stages around the world, including Pitchfork Music Festival Paris and Boiler Room Soweto, while co-headlining Kiss Kiss Festival in South Africa alongside Basement Jaxx.

Tony Reed is undoubtedly one of those artists whom fans of “heavy music” have, at least unknowingly, encountered on stage or on their turntables at some point. Bands like Pentagram, Mos Generator, Hot Spring Water, and the so-called supergroup Big Scenic Nowhere are just a small part of his discography, which he continues to expand as a producer and mixer.

CONSTANCE TOMB was Tony Reed’s first band, which he founded at age 19 and which was heavily influenced by the gothic movement of the early ’80s. There are recordings online from when they made “boombox recordings” or, later, when he recorded everything “hi-fi” on his own in the garage with just a microphone, preserving it all for posterity on cassettes. You can also find several solo cover versions released under the band’s name. It was a labor of love that Tony Reed never let go of, but there was never a real band that toured or released an album—until now!

Now Tony has breathed new life into his childhood love, CONSTANCE TOMB, and fused his fondness for dark ’80s bands with his heavy metal past. Bands like Southern Cult, Bauhaus, The Cure, Bowie, as well as Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy have shaped his musical tastes. Now, a mix of old and new songs is being infused with fresh energy, reviving a solo project that had taken on a slightly artificial feel.

With Bo McConaghie on bass and Christian Roney on drums, the band has already played its first concerts in the northwestern United States to find their sound as a group. Joint rehe

The upcoming debut solo album, Lee Richards And Friends, marks an ambitious milestone for American musician, songwriter, and producer Lee Richards. Best known as an original guitarist for Godsmack and a core songwriter for Dropbox and Another Animal, Richards wrote, performed, and produced the entire record himself.

Joining him on this project is a powerhouse lineup of seasoned rock veterans: late drummer Justin Pacy (Digital Summer), legendary guitarist Billy Loosigian (The Boom Boom Band, The Joneses), and bassist/vocalist Sean Corcoran (RA, Fight or Flight).

Combining decades of high-caliber hard rock heritage and exceptional craftsmanship, Lee Richards And Friends delivers a captivating fusion of hard-hitting riffs, rich melodies, and pristine production. Reflecting Richards' extensive musical journey—from touring with international legends to writing alongside rock icons—the album stands as a compelling testament to his enduring artistic vision.

Following his acclaimed ARTIFACTUAL RHYTHM album, Alexander Flood returns to ARCo. with an outstanding remix package, assembling a cast of renowned producers whose names will be instantly familiar to discerning listeners. Each remixer brings their own unmistakable touch, resulting in a rich and diverse body of work that honours the original music while showcasing the individuality of every artist involved.

Contributing to this superb release are Alexander Flood himself, ARCo.'s very own Peacey, the unmistakable sounds of Close Counters, Atjazz, and Fred Everything. Also joining the remix roster are Oliver Knight, Crowd Control & Karl Swisher, and the ever-inventive jazz scientist Kaidi Tatham, each offering a distinctive interpretation that makes this an essential companion to the original album.

Channeling his honed sample craft towards the ominous portent of modern times, Romare returns with his fifth album Oblivion, with the previous 3 out of 4 LP's appearing on Ninja Tune. Across a suite of downtempo, broken beat, bubbling grooves and brooding reveries Archie Fairhurst threads a narrative that wrestles with the big questions of the present moment — the tipping points of the planet and technology, the fight for social justice and the power structures that govern our existence. While his trademark source material continues to cast a long line back through recorded history, this is Romare at his most contextual.

Nothing is placed by accident. 'Machines' hums its throbbing 4/4 pulse along to a German language recital of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 'Blessed Longing' — an enduring reflection on the human condition that rings true from way back in the 19th Century when it was written. 'Computer Love' slinks into a sumptuous trip-hop lull laced with sci-fi flourishes sculpted from samples of old computer documentaries — a bittersweet romantic backdrop to our complicated situationship with the devices in our lives. 'Take Us' goes one step further on its hard-stepping boom-bap strut as a subtle tale of possession by screens unfolds around Romare's signature strain of technicolour mutant funk.

There is space for optimism in the message on Oblivion as well — the strength of the suffragettes as a benchmark for social justice and activism amidst the speakeasy slink of ‘Deeds, Not Words', and spring-loaded acid house joint 'Change' pointing to the need for positive action in the face of imminent calamity.

The artwork for the album follows Fairhurst's thought process, drawing on Edvard Munch's iconic 'The Scream' along with Philippe Halsman and Salvador Dali’s ‘Voluptuous Death’ to help render the ideas of the album visually.

The wild ride of Oblivion races towards a final beguiling opiate on 'The Last Lullaby' — the perfect sedative after the rush of information and emotion that comes with a full-length trip through Romare's vivid, uniquely creative world of sound.

"Once Turin-based producers Mattia and Massimo joined forces under the Voodoos & Taboos moniker, they quickly became a notable force in contemporary club music. A crafty take on house music, combining groove with sculpted production work and a bent for lush melodies, drawing from a wide range of influences - anything that borders on the electronic genres really, and beyond - fueled their own namesake imprint with 6 EP's and landed them spots on a variety of top-tier labels. We have been keen to work with these artists for a long time, and are thrilled this finally materializes with the release of ALT027. Title track "Sempre Sognar" immediately sets out the duo's floor-focused intentions. Breakbeat-laced drums gradually build momentum before a formant lead drops in. It trades phrases with an equally infectious organ that's eventually joined by a 303 pattern for the track's finale. Similar vibrating, buzzy leads thrust "Take Me" forward. Amid heavily delayed vocal samples, the proggy beat takes a more trippy turn however. Synthesized idiophone interludes create room for moments of repose, although not entirely unambiguous ones. A subtly detuned lead and more sleek acid lines are supported by the type of arp bass that characterizes Voodoos & Taboos' sound on the B-side's "Revolution". A collage of broadcast and war-movie lines alike not only adds color, but underlines the sense of indeterminate imminence that looms throughout the track. B2 "Afterhouse" sees the BPM drop a notch, yet the palette shows no signs of winding down; it is downright exuberant. As different arpeggiated melodies play call and response, tape-delayed chords, alarm-like risers, and sprinkles of guitar add extra flavor. This does not lead to excess, however. Everything is carefully measured and kept in check: after all, at the helm are two artists who understand that perfection lies in getting a great many small things exactly right."

A two-way Italian/Mexican stand-off here, as Saint Wax founder Gledd (real name Eduardo Barbi) and Kaninchenbau label chief The Funk District (Fernando Mendoza) deliver their first joint EP since 2022. The latter steps up first with two solo workouts- the Clavinet-splashed nu-disco-goes-bluesy deep house shuffle of 'The River Bends Back' and the Rhodes rich deep house disco of 'Got To Be Alright' - before the duo combine on two collaborative cuts. 'I Said' is a gospel-powered slab of ever-building disco-house hedonism, while 'Down The Middle' is deeper, more bass-heavy and topped off with classic soul vocal samples. Gledd then takes over, following the infectious piano house bounce of 'I Said' with the colourful, acid-flecked excellence of 'Blessin'.

The wait is over, Return To The 37th Chamber is El Michels Affair's highly anticipated follow up to 2009's underground cult classic Enter the 37th Chamber. Churning out classic records since then for the likes of Lee Fields, The Arcs, The Shacks, and tons more, it is clear that EMA's signature sound is stronger & sharper than ever. This time, in addition to re-interpreting the Wu compositions for a live band, EMA pays homage to the production and sonic fog that makes a RZA beat so recognizable. Producer and bandleader Leon Michels recorded the album completely analog, sometimes hitting 6 generations of tape before it was ready for mixing, giving the Return to The 37th Chamber it's own hazy sound. Adding to the unique fidelity, the record is laced with psychedelic flourishes, John Carpenter' synths, heavy metal guitars, triumpha0nt horns, and traditional Chinese instruments that make up for the lack of the Wu's superlative vocals. From start to finish it's a dark trip that walks the line between RZA's timeless hip-hop aesthetic and the cinematic soul EMA has become known for. El Michels Affair tackles some classics like 4th Chamber and Wu Tang Aint Nuthin to Fuck Wit, as well as some deeper cuts like Ol Dirty Bastard's Snakes, Raekwon's Verbal Intercourse, and Shaolin Brew, Wu-Tang's contribution to the St. Ide's Hip Hop endorsement campaign from 1994. This time El Michels brings some of the Big Crown family along for the ride. Lee Fields handles vocal duties on Snakes and is joined by Shannon Wise of The Shacks for their version of Tearz, which pays as much homage to the Wendy Rene sample as it does to the Wu-Tang Clan. Lady Wray makes an appearance on the cover of Method Man's hit, All I Need, lending her vocal prowess to what gave the Wu one of their biggest hits of all time. Interspersed throughout the record are some original interludes that are like the rug that ties the room together,' giving Return To The 37th Chamber a cinematic narrative that makes it a proper El Michels Affair record and not just a collection of covers. From the music to the presentation, this album is a perfect example of what can only be achieved through diversity. The end result is as much a kaleidoscope of influences and multiculturalism as the city it was recorded in. El Michels Affair is once again, sounding out the city' that raised them, pulling elements of art and culture from across the country and around the globe to create an album truly unique in it's own right.

Psyché is an eclectic project rooted in the Neapolitan music scene. Conceived in 2018, the project includes Marcello Giannini (Nu Genea Live Band, Guru, Bassolino, La Famiglia), Andrea De Fazio (Nu Genea Live Band, Parbleu, The Funkin Machine), and Paolo Petrella (Nu Genea Live Band, Fratelli Malibu). They were recently joined by Roberto Porzio (Parbleu, Fitness Forever, 24 Grana, The Funkin Machine).

"Hurriya (We Must Resist)" is a sonic bridge crossing the Mare Nostrum, connecting the shores of Naples and Tunisia.

At the heart of this fusion is the voice and soul of Tunisian musician Ziad Trabelsi, whose Arab roots intertwine with the psychedelic, Mediterranean sound of Psyché.

In this track, Afrobeat and Arabic sonorities meet to create a hypnotic journey, one where Ziad's oud weaves an evocative groove that gallops like horses in the desert.

The song carries the echo of the ancient dominations and cultural exchanges that have shaped Naples—a millennia-old crossroads of civilization—where traces of Arab and North African influences continue to resonate in its streets and, most notably, in its music.

"Hurriya"—the Arabic word for freedom—is an anthem of resistance and resilience, a dialogue between East and West that dissolves the rigid boundaries of geography and politics. It is a collective song for the freedom of all peoples, against oppression, abuse, and injustice everywhere in the world. As Psyché emphasize: "Even if life tests us severely, and we often feel like giving up in the face of injustice, we must resist. We must refuse to disappear."

The single is available digitally and physically, on January 23rd, as a 7" vinyl. The B-side of the physical release includes an exclusive, extended version of "Hurriya (We Must Resist)", available only in this format.

On Expensive Shit, Fela chronicles a failed attempt to imprison him for possession of weed in 1974. At this time, Nigeria was under a military dictatorship that had declared a war on indecency. Fela’s insubordination infuriated the government, and they repeatedly raided his compound, Kalakuta.

During one of the raids, an officer produced a joint from his own pocket and attempted to plant it on Fela, which Fela then swallowed. He was immediately taken to prison, where the police waited three days for him to “produce” an incriminating sample. When the time came, police took Fela’s sample for analysis and found nothing. Each night, Fela and his cellmates had swapped their slop buckets around, allowing Fela to relieve himself without the authorities realizing it. By the time of the public shit, there was no marijuana left in his system. The police had no choice but to let him go.

This 50th Anniversary edition is pressed on gold nugget vinyl, packaged in a trifold jacket that features elements of the original vinyl packaging alongside newly licensed images, a dossier envelope with poster, print, and newspaper clipping, wrapped with a metallic gold foil band.

Very Limited Edition

Vocalisations like ‘Hooo’ and ‘Huhuh’ form the wordplay on Use Knife’s upcoming release as these sounds are meant to summon strength, overcome fear and unleash unwavering sonic assault. Set for November 20, the EP ‘Hooo Huhuh’, on the band’s own Hooo Huhuh record label, is Use Knife’s first release since its acclaimed 2nd album ‘État Coupable’ on VIERNULVIER records in 2025.

The journey of Use Knife began in 2020 during a music residency in art centre VIERNULVIER (Gent, be) when Iraqi percussionist Saif Al-Qaissy, Stef Heeren and Kwinten Mordijck, as well as the multidisciplinary artist and scenographer Youniss Ahamad, came together to form Use Knife, later joined by Jerusalem In My Heart’s Radwan Ghazi Moumneh as mixer and guest musician. The project quickly gained the attention of prestigious platforms like The Wire, The Quietus, BBC6's New Music Fix, KEXP, NTS, Inverted Audio, METAL Magazine, Ma3azef, A Closer Listen, and others documenting the universal resonance of Use Knife's message.

Since releasing its debut album ‘The Shedding of Skin’ on VIERNULVIER, a remix EP ‘Peace Carnival’ on Morphine records, and follow-up album ‘État Coupable’, Use Knife has played its visceral audio-visual liveshows at many prestigious festivals like Le Guess Who?, Tremor, Colours of Ostrava, Les Trans Musicales, Rewire, Sonic City, Resonator, Roadburn, Donau, Fusion, Rage Sacrée, Micro, Clandestino, E-fest and many more.

Praised by The Quietus and The Wire for its vibrant and wholehearted performances, Use Knife has been described as an electrifying live act that fully engages its members and audience alike. Their sound, dubbed 'industrial Iraqi EBM', is celebrated for its ability to immerse the audience in a hypnotic state, erasing global borders through real-life connection and dazzling visuals on gigantic projection fabrics, resulting in exhilarating sensory experiences.

Further extending Use Knife's influence, Radio alHara in Palestine has hosted Use Knife's 'Feeding the Gentry' show since 2023, where the band aims to build a community by opening their platform to other guests like Saint Abdullah & Eomac, Monstera Occulta, Cinna Peyghami, Bader, Anthony Sahyoun, ... thus broadening the band's international reach and impact.

Earlier this year, Use Knife collaborated with Rabih Beaini from Morphine Records to re-remix the band’s track ‘To Feed the Gentry’ (feat. Radwan Ghazi Moumneh), blending in the beautiful track ‘Kunna’ by Rully Shabara. The resulting track was included in Beacon Sound’s compilation ‘Gaza is the Moral Compass’ to help support Palestinian-led mutual-aid groups on the ground in Gaza.

The forthcoming 'Hooo Huhuh' EP, releasing on November 20, advocates for the resilience and determination of the people, their collectives and communities, with energetic vocalizations, distorted percussion and throbbing saxophones. The title track, originally mixed by Radwan Ghazi Moumneh and mastered by Heba Kadry during the ‘État Coupable’ sessions, has been surgically reworked into the clubby rant that is ‘Ho Hahaa Huh’ and the drone-like mantra ‘Nobody Can Separate Us محد يكدر يفركنا’.

The limited vinyl edition comes with a 3-color risoprinted sleeve designed by Lebanese artist and graphic designer Farah Fayyad.

Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, is back with Disco Reggae Vol. 7, continuing a series that goes back more than 20 years, to the success of The Dynamics’ acclaimed album Version Excursions.

Born in Jamaica, reggae has always shared deep roots with Soul, Funk, R&B and Pop. Over the decades, Jamaican musicians have mastered the art of reinterpreting iconic songs through their own unique musical language. With the Disco Reggae series, Stix Records celebrates this rich tradition, bringing together fresh reggae interpretations of timeless classics from across the musical spectrum.

For this seventh volume, Charles Maurice has once again carefully curated a selection packed with gems, featuring reinterpretations of tracks by Hall & Oates, Gloria Estefan, Crystal Waters, Patrice Rushen, Cameo, Joe Smooth, and many more.

Behind the controls, the usual crew of friends is back: Taggy Matcher, Mystic Jungle, Soul Sugar aka Booker Gee, and Mato. This time, they are joined by Dub Shepherds and Slowly from Japan, who each bring their own flavour to the collection with two killer covers.

The result is another feel-good journey through Disco, Funk and Reggae, made for dancing under the stars, cruising with the windows down, or simply vibing with friends.

Disco Reggae Vol. 7 is another chapter in Stix Records’ ongoing celebration of the timeless connection between Jamaican music, classic songs and the dancefloor.

Raw grit meets refined fury: New York hardcore legends Sick Of It All see their punishing 2006 classic Death To Tyrants pressed to transparent vinyl for the ultimate reissue!