- 1: Intro
- 2: Down Below
- 3: Riverboat Queen
- 4: Need Your Love
- 5: The Getaway
- 6: Bittersweet
- 7: Hate to See It End
- 8: Over the Mountain
- 9: Alectrona
- 10: Lovemaker
- 11: The Rinsk
expected to be published on 29 May
expected to be published on 29 May
Das Rock-Trio Dogstar aus Los Angeles meldet sich mit „All In Now“ zurück, dem vierten Studioalbum der Band und Nachfolger von „Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees“ aus dem Jahr 2023. Produziert von Nick Launay (IDLES, Amyl and the Sniffers, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds), läutet „All In Now“ eine neue Ära für Dogstar ein, mit vielschichtigen Gitarrenriffs und schweren Bässen, inspiriert von ihrer Zeit auf Tour.
expected to be published on 29 May
Pressed on sunburst orange/yellow vinyl This long-awaited 2LP repress restores the album's immense sonic scope on vinyl, allowing its dense layers of distortion, atmosphere and emotional weight to unfold with full analogue depth. A landmark of atmospheric doom and experimental metal, Weighing Souls With Sand remains one of the most haunting and emotionally overwhelming heavy records of the 2000s. Originally released in 2007, the album captures The Angelic Process at their most immersive and devastating. The duo of Kris Angylus and Monica Dragynfly forged a sound where crushing doom metal weight collides with vast shoegaze textures and towering walls of distorted ambience. Massive low-end drones, blurred melodies and suffocating distortion drift between moments of fragile calm, creating an experience that is both devastatingly heavy and strangely beautiful. The result is a deeply cathartic record that pushes doom, drone and shoegaze into a singular and transcendent form.
expected to be published on 29 May
Celebrating three decades of geek-rock history, Nerf Herder returns with Nerf Herder redux, an acoustic reimagining of their seminal 1996 self-titled debut originally released on Arista Records. Produced by the legendary Joey Cape (Lagwagon), this 30th-anniversary collection breathes new life into fan favorites, featuring stripped-back versions of the hit single "Van Halen" and the streaming powerhouse "Sorry." With a tracklistbolstered by refreshed takes on "Golfshirt," "Diana," and "Nosering Girl," the album serves as both a nostalgic deep-dive for longtime fans and a fresh entry point for the band's massive digital audience. Nerf Herder's enduring cultural footprint_from composing the iconic Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme to lead singer Parry Gripp's Emmy-winning career and 2 million YouTube subscribers_ensures a multi-generational appeal. Having shared stages with titans like Weezer, Circle Jerks, and Reel Big Fish, the band maintains a loyal, active fanbase. This release arrives ahead on their European 30th Anniversary Tour in late May and early June.
expected to be published on 29 May
2026 Repress
Alarico returns to Mutual Rytm with his 'Drops Of You' EP, packed with his mind-bending signature rhythms while focussing on a more minimal and atemporal approach than before.
Milan-based artist Alarico has firmly arrived on the world stage in recent years. Taking cues from the harder realms of techno of the 90s, he adds his own quirky rhythms and quickened sense of groove to showcase his modern take on the genre. Building on material dropping via his own Katana Records, with high-profile support from bigname DJs across the scene, he breaks new ground again here on this compelling new EP as he returns to SHDW's label Mutual Rytm with 'Drops Of You'.
Excellent opener '0 Kelvin' races out of the blocks with wiry synths and percussion that sounds like knives being sharpened, all over tight, punchy techno drums. 'One More' then gets more twisted with freaky synth line scurrying about the mix while hammering hits and bouncy drum programming races onwards into an unknown future.
'Asma' slips into a deeper but no less impactful groove - the tightly coiled drum funk is overlaid with soulful vocal whispers and militant snares that cannot fail to sweep dancers away. Next, the slick 'Sunburn' keeps the pace high and is another warp-speed techno excursion with bold drum patterns and dry hi-hats cutting up the beats. It's a fulsome sound fleshed out with great synth detail and euphoric vocal cries, before closer 'Drops Of You' layers broken beats, vocal snippets and psychedelic synth colours into an intense and emotional workout.
Alongside the vinyl cuts, three digital-only offerings are also loaded into this one as a trio of treats in the form of 'Sino', 'What For' and 'Erased', with each track harnessing pacy, energetic rhythms, a mix of bright and murky sonics, and tunnelling grooves crafted for maximum impact.
Alarico 'Drops Of You' drops via Mutual Rytm on 8th September 2023
Last delivered 26 days ago
available to reorder, subject to availability
Vinyl Best of album Recorded Live at the Coronet, London 29th August 2004 Charged GBH: Colin Abrahall: Vocals / Jock Blyth: Guitar / Ross Lomas: Bass / Scott Preece: Drums Also available on CD+DVD Cat No. SECDP134 ‘City Baby Attacked By Rats’.
Full mailout to relevant music press and radio. Full promotion across social media platforms Advertising in Record Collector, Viva le Rock, Shindig
expected to be published on 29 May
expected to be published on 29 May
expected to be published on 29 May
For well over a decade, MONOLORD have caused mass riff hypnosis with longform epics steeped in repetition, volume, and heaviness. One of heavy music’s most consistent and beloved bands, MONOLORD are gearing up for their next chapter with a new album titled Neverending. In looking for a new take on the genre, MONOLORD approached the legendary producer Sylvia Massy, known for her work with Tool, System of a Down, and Johnny Cash, among many more. The payoff from this new process is undeniable. Neverending feels like the culmination of 13 years of heavy, molten music, with a keen eye towards creating a sharper album. “The recording of this album is an example of the spirit of MONOLORD’s camaraderie,” says bassist Mika Häkki. “We’ve looked back and seen for the first time how much we have done as a band collectively, and realized what an intense 13 years it has been.” "The lyrics on this album are more personal than before because I went through some major life changes in the last couple of years,” guitarist/vocalist Thomas Jäger says. “I usually write about religion and how people are superstitious, but this record is more about relationships between people. But it’s not all about me. Sometimes I’m writing from another person’s perspective.” Neverending’s lead single “You Bastard” offers listeners a sharp contrast: A propulsive groove offset by lyrics about suicide. There’s two sides to suicide,” Jäger points out. “There’s the person who commits suicide and the people who gets left behind...The choruses represent the person left behind, and that person is calling the other a bastard—but it’s not pointing fingers or saying, ‘You suck.’ It’s more like, ‘You left me here with all the bullshit.’ It’s an understanding that life is not easy." Though it might not be immediately obvious, album opener “Iodine” was inspired by 70's rock epics like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” and Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter." Elsewhere, album closer “It’s Neverending” is the first MONOLORD song that Jäger doesn’t sing on. Instead, the death-metal style vocals are performed by former Entombed bassist Jörgen Sandström, (also of Grave, Domedagen and Firespawn.) 13 years on, MONOLORD’s path takes a new turn, and Neverending becomes the band’s most befitting album title. “It's been a wild ride and still is,” says drummer Esben Willems. “I've spent a quarter of my life in this band. Looking back, I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished along the way, and in many ways, this album feels like the essence of everything we've done so far. My mindset is the same it's always been, to be the absolute best the three of us can be.”
expected to be published on 29 May
Green Vinyl[24,33 €]
TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI’s legendary sophomore album reissued on vinyl Tasavallan Presidentti are one of the most loved Finnish progressive rock bands of all time. Their second album II has become a very hard to find collector’s item, with Svart Records reissuing it officially on vinyl for the first time back in 2014, in close co-operation with the band members. The reissues sold out fast and it’s about time to bring back this timeless classic on vinyl, for the ages. Tasavallan Presidentti was established in 1969 by guitarist Jukka Tolonen and drummer Vesa Aaltonen. Joined by the English-born singer Frank Robson, bassist Måns Groundstroem, and saxophonist-flutist Juhani Aaltonen, who left the band after the release of the first album and was replaced by Eero Pöyry. Their sophomore album that resulted with this new lineup is highly praised for the band’s exceptional instrumental skills, and the album’s mix of harder, jazzier tracks with mellower, flute-infused pieces. II is now presented with new vinyl colours packed in a tip-on sleeve, with an insert featuring photos and interview with Aaltonen, Tolonen, and Robson.
expected to be published on 29 May
Black Vinyl[23,49 €]
TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI’s legendary sophomore album reissued on vinyl Tasavallan Presidentti are one of the most loved Finnish progressive rock bands of all time. Their second album II has become a very hard to find collector’s item, with Svart Records reissuing it officially on vinyl for the first time back in 2014, in close co-operation with the band members. The reissues sold out fast and it’s about time to bring back this timeless classic on vinyl, for the ages. Tasavallan Presidentti was established in 1969 by guitarist Jukka Tolonen and drummer Vesa Aaltonen. Joined by the English-born singer Frank Robson, bassist Måns Groundstroem, and saxophonist-flutist Juhani Aaltonen, who left the band after the release of the first album and was replaced by Eero Pöyry. Their sophomore album that resulted with this new lineup is highly praised for the band’s exceptional instrumental skills, and the album’s mix of harder, jazzier tracks with mellower, flute-infused pieces. II is now presented with new vinyl colours packed in a tip-on sleeve, with an insert featuring photos and interview with Aaltonen, Tolonen, and Robson.
expected to be published on 29 May
ounded in 1992 by the larger than life, Scottish punk-rock poet laureate, Mr Paul McKenzie, this merry band of miscreants has spent more than three decades circumnavigating the globe to bring the McKenzies gospel to an ever-expanding throng of rebels, scallywags and ne'er do wells. There's not many bands that can boast of a 30+ year career as staggeringly adventurous, wildly tempestuous and utterly death-defying as The Real McKenzies. It would be a serious mistake to write them off as just another Celtic punk band (they’ve been around longer than the Dropkick Murphys after all). They are an unstoppable juggernaut of touring mayhem. A ferocious troupe of insanely talented minstrels, storytellers and entertainers melding traditional acoustic and electric instruments to create a sound like no other. Their list of accolades is long. From sharing the stage with the likes of NOFX, Rancid, Flogging Molly, Metallica and Shane McGowan to appearing in film, books and video games to early releases with the almighty Fat Wreck Chords, their legendary status only continues to grow. On Yer Bike is an absolute beast of an album. A newly revitalized and laser-focused Paul McKenzie has never sounded better and his longtime bandmates have never been tighter. Boasting thirteen epic tracks, including the Sawney Bean trilogy (a trio of songs about Scotland's most infamous cannibal highwayman), the songs rage across topics including but not limited to love, literacy, historical sagas, eating sardines with your mother and, of course, cannibalism. Soaring bagpipes, heart pounding percussion and ultra melodic shoutalong Celtic punk rock are the orders of the day and are delivered piping hot from one of the most respected and adored pioneers of the genre.
expected to be published on 29 May
Transparent Blue Vinyl[26,01 €]
Nashville Pussy’s second album High As Hell reissued on vinyl for the first time via Svart Records Nashville Pussy is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia formed in 1996. Their blend of southern hard rock with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about all the rock’n’roll clichés have delighted audiences around the world for three decades and the band is still active to this day. Their sophomore album High As Hell was originally released on TVT Records back in 2000 and is now getting its first reissue treatment on vinyl via Svart Records. The album is a raw, high-energy fusion of AC/DC-style hard rock, Motörhead, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, delivering a non-stop, guitar-driven sound with praised guitar work by Ruyter Suys. Nashville Pussy stepped up their game with High As Hell by catchier riffs and solid songwriting, offering a loud, unapologetic, and ferocious 40-minute ride.
expected to be published on 29 May
Black Vinyl[25,17 €]
Nashville Pussy’s second album High As Hell reissued on vinyl for the first time via Svart Records Nashville Pussy is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia formed in 1996. Their blend of southern hard rock with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about all the rock’n’roll clichés have delighted audiences around the world for three decades and the band is still active to this day. Their sophomore album High As Hell was originally released on TVT Records back in 2000 and is now getting its first reissue treatment on vinyl via Svart Records. The album is a raw, high-energy fusion of AC/DC-style hard rock, Motörhead, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, delivering a non-stop, guitar-driven sound with praised guitar work by Ruyter Suys. Nashville Pussy stepped up their game with High As Hell by catchier riffs and solid songwriting, offering a loud, unapologetic, and ferocious 40-minute ride.
expected to be published on 29 May
New vinyl colorways of Demigod's Slumber Of Sullen Eyes out in May 2026 The crown jewel of Finnish Death Metal, Slumber of Sullen Eyes by Demigod, reissued in a band-approved edition. Features a vinyl master from the original source by Noise for Fiction, comes in a gatefold sleeve with a booklet featuring a lengthy feature by Hippo Taatila and some visual memorabilia. Available on Svart exclusive Pink/Green/Black Marble edition, Transparent Red edition and Classic Black edition. Together with bands like Demilich, Abhorrence, Disgrace, Xysma and Sentenced, Demigod from the wastelands of Loimaa, southern Finland, put Finland on the map in the global death metal scene in the late 80's and early 90's. Having risen to underground fame with their demo Unholy Domain, Slumber of Sullen Eyes was a hugely expected debut album. When it was finally released in 1992 after a complicated creation process at Tico-Tico Studios in northern Finland, it was received with open arms and drooling excitement by the then very active underground death metal scene. That scene was, however, short lived,and by 1994 pretty much every band had switched from death metal to something else entirely. What was left after the bands had left the building was a number of classic albums that constitute the legacy of Finnish Death Metal. Among them, Slumber of Sullen Eyes is one of the most original and ferocious. There was nobody like Demigod.
expected to be published on 29 May
New vinyl colorways of Demigod's Slumber Of Sullen Eyes out in May 2026 The crown jewel of Finnish Death Metal, Slumber of Sullen Eyes by Demigod, reissued in a band-approved edition. Features a vinyl master from the original source by Noise for Fiction, comes in a gatefold sleeve with a booklet featuring a lengthy feature by Hippo Taatila and some visual memorabilia. Available on Svart exclusive Pink/Green/Black Marble edition, Transparent Red edition and Classic Black edition. Together with bands like Demilich, Abhorrence, Disgrace, Xysma and Sentenced, Demigod from the wastelands of Loimaa, southern Finland, put Finland on the map in the global death metal scene in the late 80's and early 90's. Having risen to underground fame with their demo Unholy Domain, Slumber of Sullen Eyes was a hugely expected debut album. When it was finally released in 1992 after a complicated creation process at Tico-Tico Studios in northern Finland, it was received with open arms and drooling excitement by the then very active underground death metal scene. That scene was, however, short lived,and by 1994 pretty much every band had switched from death metal to something else entirely. What was left after the bands had left the building was a number of classic albums that constitute the legacy of Finnish Death Metal. Among them, Slumber of Sullen Eyes is one of the most original and ferocious. There was nobody like Demigod.
expected to be published on 29 May
Roots & Wings marks the electrifying debut of 20-year-old blues-rock sensation Amani Burnham, who has captivated millions on social media with his raw talent and magnetic presence. Released on the acclaimed Blind Pig Records, this 12-track collection showcases Amani's remarkable guitar work—played uniquely with his right-hand thumb rather than a pick—alongside soulful vocals and introspective songwriting. From the turbo-charged instrumental "Fastlane" to the deeply personal title track reflecting on his Ethiopian roots, the album crackles with groovy blues-rock riffs, cosmic solos, and stinging vibrato. Recorded at the renowned Carriage House Studios with a classic power-trio setup, Roots & Wings honors the legacy of blues-rock giants while heralding a bold new voice for a new generation.
expected to be published on 29 May
When funk music exploded onto the global pop scene in the late sixties, many of Jamaica's leading music-makers were inspired to incorporate elements of the exciting sound into their work. The result was the fascinating and compelling funky reggae style that proved immensely popular with record buyers on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the early ‘70s.
Pioneers of the sound included such celebrated producers as Lee ’Scratch’ Perry and Lloyd Charmers, whose recordings are heavily represented on both the CD and LP versions of this irresistible collection.
Collected here are some of the finest examples of the funky reggae, performed by some of reggae music’s most accomplished artists, from Ken Boothe and Lee Perry’s Upsetters to British-based acts, Greyhound and The Marvels.
expected to be published on 29 May
Castle Rat ist eine mittelalterliche Fantasy-Heavy-Metal-Band aus New York, angeführt von „The Rat
Queen“ Riley Pinkerton an der Rhythmusgitarre und als Leadsängerin. Auf ihrer Mission, „The Realm“
zu vergrößern und vor denen zu verteidigen, die es zerstören wollen, wird The Rat Queen unterstützt von
„The Count“ (Franco Vittore) an der Leadgitarre und als Backgroundsänger, „The Plague Doctor“ (Charley
Ruddell) am Bass und „The All-Seeing Druid“ (Josh Strmic) am Schlagzeug. Gemeinsam stellen sie sich
dem unerbittlichen Zorn ihrer Erzfeindin: dem Tod selbst – „The Rat Reaperess“.
Seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr 2019 haben Castle Rat 2024 ihr Debütalbum „Into The Realm“ veröffentlicht
und sind unter anderem bei Festivals wie dem RPM Fest, Hopsmoker, Desertfest, Hellfest und Copenhell
aufgetreten. Über die Jahre hat sich die Band eine treue Fangemeinde aufgebaut, indem sie fesselnde,
interaktive und traditionsreiche Live-Auftritte mit choreografierten Kampfszenen kuratiert und Fans rekrutiert, die sich nach Schwertern und Zauberei, Stoner und Doom, Kampfbabes und Bestien, Frazetta und
Sabbath sehnen.
Ihr zweites Studioalbum, „The Bestiary“, erschien Ende 2025 und wurde von Kritikern und Fans hoch
gelobt, wodurch die Band in bisher unbekannte Bereiche der Heavy-Musik vorstieß.
expected to be published on 29 May
Das neue Projekt von Joe Lovano trägt den programmatischen Namen Paramount Quartet – und tatsächlich
versteht der Saxofonist diese Formation als künstlerischen Meilenstein. „Mit diesem Quartett sind wir an
einem einzigartigen Ort angekommen“, erklärt Lovano. „Es ist etwas ganz Besonderes, etwas Neues. Und
diese ‚cats‘, sie spielen mit einem globalen Bewusstsein.“ Zu diesen „cats“ zählen der Gitarrist Julian Lage,
der Bassist Asante Santi Debriano sowie der Schlagzeuger Will Calhoun, der auch durch seine Arbeit mit
der Rockband Living Colour bekannt wurde. Gemeinsam schlagen sie ein neues, abenteuerliches Kapitel
in Lovanos weit gespanntem Œuvre auf. Anlässlich der Tournee, die der Aufnahme vorausging, würdigte
die Financial Times das Konzert in London mit den Worten: „Lovanos jüngstes Projekt, das Paramount
Quartet, fügt einem modernistischen Kern Anklänge von Americana hinzu und erkundet dieses Terrain mit
Freiheit, Fokus und Feuer.“ Die klangliche Palette des Albums ist ebenso facettenreich wie die beteiligten
Musiker unterschiedlicher Generationen: kraftvoll und extrovertiert in manchen Momenten, intim und
zart in anderen. Neben Eigenkompositionen Lovanos finden sich eindrucksvolle Interpretationen von „Lady
Day“ – einer Hommage von Wayne Shorter an Billie Holiday – sowie von „First Song“ des Bassisten Charlie
Haden. Aufgenommen wurde das Album im Februar 2025 in Südfrankreich, produziert von Manfred Eicher.
expected to be published on 29 May
Singer-Songwriter Kurt Vile meldet sich mit seinem zehnten Album zurück – dem dritten bei Verve Records.
Der Titel ist eine Liebeserklärung an seine Heimatstadt, in der er nach wie vor lebt und einen Großteil seiner
Musik aufnimmt. Stilistisch bewegt sich Vile zwischen Indie-Rock, Folk und psychedelisch angehauchtem
Lo-Fi. Bekannt wurde er zunächst als Mitglied von The War on Drugs, bevor er sich erfolgreich als Solokünstler etablierte. Seine Songs wirken oft wie lose Gedankensplitter, getragen von repetitiven Gitarrenfiguren
und seiner entspannt-nasalen Stimme.
Musikalisch knüpft “Philadelphia’s been good to me“ an Viles charakteristischen Sound an: klirrende
Gitarren, hypnotische Passagen und Texte, die zwischen rau und melancholisch pendeln. Dabei zeigt sich
ein Künstler, der sich trotz langjähriger Karriere eine bemerkenswerte Eigenständigkeit bewahrt hat. Vile
selbst versteht das Album als Rückbesinnung – entstanden größtenteils im eigenen Studio und geprägt von
einem warmen, unmittelbaren Klangbild.
expected to be published on 29 May
Don Williams, bekannt als „The Gentle Giant“, steht wie kaum ein anderer für die ruhige, zeitlose Seite
der Country-Musik. Mit seiner warmen, unaufgeregten Stimme und einer beeindruckenden Karriere voller
Klassiker hat er Generationen geprägt – Songs wie „Tulsa Time“ oder „It Must Be Love“ sind bis heute
fest im kulturellen Gedächtnis verankert und reichen weit über die Grenzen des Genres hinaus.
Mit Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes erscheint nun eine besondere Sammlung bislang unveröffentlichter Aufnahmen, die einen intimen, fast schon privaten Blick auf sein Schaffen erlaubt. Die Songs tragen diese
unverwechselbare Gelassenheit in sich, die Williams so einzigartig gemacht hat, und fühlen sich gleichzeitig
wie ein leiser, würdevoller Nachklang seiner Karriere an. Ein Album, das weniger laut überzeugen will,
sondern durch seine Ehrlichkeit und Wärme – und genau darin seine größte Stärke findet.
expected to be published on 29 May
Eine Hommage an den tropischen Futurismus, die mexikanische Cumbia und die gemeinsame Musikgeschichte Mexikos und Kolumbiens! Das Mexican Institute of Sound (MIS) und die Meridian Brothers präsentieren mit "Ruido Tovar" ein grenzüberschreitendes Projekt, das die tropischen Traditionen Mexikos und Kolumbiens neu interpretiert. Inspiriert von Ikonen wie Rigo Tovar und der psychedelischen Cumbia-Ära Mexikos, verschmilzt das Projekt Danzón, Son, Cha-Cha-Cha und experimentelle Elektronik zu einer lebendigen neuen Klangsprache. Der genreübergreifende elektronische Tropicalismo des MIS trifft auf die avantgardistische Exzentrik der Meridian Brothers und erzeugt so einen Sound, der gleichermaßen ehrfürchtig und spielerisch verzerrt ist. Camilo Lara und Eblis Alvarez zollen gemeinsam jahrzehntelangem musikalischem Austausch Tribut und führen die tropische Musik in unerwartete Gefilde. Und ratet, wer bei diesem spirituellen Trip gleich zweimal mit von der Partie ist? Der einzigartige "Loser" mit dem "Devil's Haircut" - BECK "Sexx Laws" Hansen!
expected to be published on 29 May
Recycled purple cassette tape The monster-collecting open-world RPG "Cassette Beasts" is delivering a furious 80's synth rock meets British indie soundtrack composed by Joel Baylis and featuring shooting star Shelby Harvey on vocals. This soundtrack is taking you on a journey across the mysterious island of New Wirral - from lo-fi acoustic ballads to all-out headbangers! By the way, welcome to New Wirral, a remote island inhabited by strange creatures you've only dreamed of, nightmares you hopefully haven't, and a cast of brave folks who use cassette tapes to transform for battle. To find a way home you'll need to explore every inch of the island, and record monsters to your trusty cassette tapes to gain their abilities!
expected to be published on 29 May
Black Vinyl[31,89 €]
Underneath his mysterious metal mask, MF DOOM hides the cachet underground legends are made of. After his first group KMD’s sophomore album Black Bastards was shelved by Elektra in 1994, and his blood brother Subroc — one half of the sibling rap duo — passed away, surviving frontman Zev Love X slowly mutated into the supervillain MC known as MF DOOM, and the rap world is better for it.
The 1999 release of Operation: Doomsday marked MF DOOM’s official debut, reintroducing a mysterious figure who would soon become one of underground rap’s greatest voices. Within its 19 tracks, Operation: Doomsday reveals the confluence of DOOM’s tragic past, personal interests and daring creativity. His clever rhymes and remarkable schemes stood out against the landscape, and every sound he touched — from cartoon theme songs, to ‘80s soul, to rap classics and more — got reinterpreted into something brand new and surreal.
Decades later, MF DOOM is still celebrated for all facets of his work and influence. In the face of tragedy, DOOM re-infiltrated the rap game on his own terms, and crafted an instant cult classic. Operation: Doomsday stands as a testament to the power of betting on yourself against all odds.
expected to be published on 29 May
Reissued! Transcendence through repetition beamed via an aesthetic vision steeped in mystery: welcome to the world of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's Smote, an entity opening up uncanny new psychic pathways. `Genog' - the outfit's second release on Rocket Recordings following 2021's eerie transmission `Drommon' - shows that Smote's elliptical casting of bleak magick is only growing more powerful as it gathers momentum. The brainchild of Daniel Foggin, Smote has evolved seemingly of its own volition. "I had the idea for years" he relates, "I love Pärson Sound, Träd, Gräs Och Stenar, Traditional Irish Folk and all sorts of different Drone and Folk music. It was simply finding the opportunity to sit down and get recording. A very heavy influence that affects Smote is fantasy as a genre, and the atmosphere that can be created via story-telling." The musical approach of Smote may have started out as a resolutely DIY one, yet from the humble origins of bedroom and rehearsal room recordings, the band has now become a full-fledged and powerful live band, whose appearances at festivals like Roadburn, Le Guess Who and Brave Exhibitions have already caused a considerable stir.The five vivid extrapolations on Genog conjure differing spiritual realms, yet combine and coalesce to offer one unified vision, building furious momentum in a manner that unites the pastoral with the arcane and otherworldy. Earthy, ritualistic and richly cinematic in aspect, Genog is an avatar guiding the listener to dark and beguiling imaginary landscapes. 2026 bone colour vinyl repress
expected to be published on 29 May
Kaum zu fassen - Gimp Fist sind nun schon seit 21 Jahren eine feste Größen der britischen Oi!-Szene. Das Trio hat sich als eine der angesehensten Street-Punk-Bands Großbritanniens etabliert, mit einem einzigartigen Songwriting-Stil fernab der üblichen Klischees, treffsicherem Gespür für mitreißende Songs und eigenem Sound, in Europa ebenso beliebt wie in Großbritannien. Und ihre Street-Punk-Hymnen füllen jedes Jahr den Empress Ballroom mit einer Kapazität von 3.000 Plätzen beim Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. Die Band stammt ursprünglich aus Bishop Auckland, County Durham, und hat seit ihren Anfängen im Jahr 2005 elf Alben, ein halbes Dutzend Singles und drei EPs veröffentlicht. Auch wenn es nicht immer leicht ist auch Anerkennung bei der größtenteils auf London fokussierten Musikpresse zu finden, haben sie doch eine treue Anhängerschaft in UK und ganz Europa gewonnen und sind vor allem dem Publikum des Rebellion Festivals bekannt, wo sie seit 2008 jedes Jahr auftreten. Zwei Jahre nach dem letzten Album "Losing Streak" erscheint nun das 12. Album "Take the Power Back", produziert von Jamie Wilson, mit insgesamt 15 brandneuen Titeln. "Wir haben das Gefühl, dass wir auf diesem Album viele unserer Einflüsse und Stile miteinander verschmolzen haben, ohne dabei das typische Gimp-Fist-Feeling zu verlieren", sagt Sänger und Gitarrist Jonny. Von der Auseinandersetzung mit der aktuellen Wirtschaftslage und den Kämpfen der Arbeiterklasse in Songs wie "Give Me A Reason" bis hin zu den angstgeladenen, an die frühen Rancid erinnernden Tiraden gegen Faschisten und Tyrannen in "Waiting For The Punchline". Mit einer Mischung aus Street-Punk, Ska und Dirty Reggae wird "Take The Power Back" alle alten Fans begeistern und ohne Frage neue Anhänger gewinnen. Als Digipak CD, LP klassisch schwarze (limitiert) oder zweifarbiges "Atomic" Vinyl erhältlich.
expected to be published on 29 May
Kaum zu fassen - Gimp Fist sind nun schon seit 21 Jahren eine feste Größen der britischen Oi!-Szene. Das Trio hat sich als eine der angesehensten Street-Punk-Bands Großbritanniens etabliert, mit einem einzigartigen Songwriting-Stil fernab der üblichen Klischees, treffsicherem Gespür für mitreißende Songs und eigenem Sound, in Europa ebenso beliebt wie in Großbritannien. Und ihre Street-Punk-Hymnen füllen jedes Jahr den Empress Ballroom mit einer Kapazität von 3.000 Plätzen beim Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. Die Band stammt ursprünglich aus Bishop Auckland, County Durham, und hat seit ihren Anfängen im Jahr 2005 elf Alben, ein halbes Dutzend Singles und drei EPs veröffentlicht. Auch wenn es nicht immer leicht ist auch Anerkennung bei der größtenteils auf London fokussierten Musikpresse zu finden, haben sie doch eine treue Anhängerschaft in UK und ganz Europa gewonnen und sind vor allem dem Publikum des Rebellion Festivals bekannt, wo sie seit 2008 jedes Jahr auftreten. Zwei Jahre nach dem letzten Album "Losing Streak" erscheint nun das 12. Album "Take the Power Back", produziert von Jamie Wilson, mit insgesamt 15 brandneuen Titeln. "Wir haben das Gefühl, dass wir auf diesem Album viele unserer Einflüsse und Stile miteinander verschmolzen haben, ohne dabei das typische Gimp-Fist-Feeling zu verlieren", sagt Sänger und Gitarrist Jonny. Von der Auseinandersetzung mit der aktuellen Wirtschaftslage und den Kämpfen der Arbeiterklasse in Songs wie "Give Me A Reason" bis hin zu den angstgeladenen, an die frühen Rancid erinnernden Tiraden gegen Faschisten und Tyrannen in "Waiting For The Punchline". Mit einer Mischung aus Street-Punk, Ska und Dirty Reggae wird "Take The Power Back" alle alten Fans begeistern und ohne Frage neue Anhänger gewinnen. Als Digipak CD, LP klassisch schwarze (limitiert) oder zweifarbiges "Atomic" Vinyl erhältlich.
expected to be published on 29 May
Kaum zu fassen - Gimp Fist sind nun schon seit 21 Jahren eine feste Größen der britischen Oi!-Szene. Das Trio hat sich als eine der angesehensten Street-Punk-Bands Großbritanniens etabliert, mit einem einzigartigen Songwriting-Stil fernab der üblichen Klischees, treffsicherem Gespür für mitreißende Songs und eigenem Sound, in Europa ebenso beliebt wie in Großbritannien. Und ihre Street-Punk-Hymnen füllen jedes Jahr den Empress Ballroom mit einer Kapazität von 3.000 Plätzen beim Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. Die Band stammt ursprünglich aus Bishop Auckland, County Durham, und hat seit ihren Anfängen im Jahr 2005 elf Alben, ein halbes Dutzend Singles und drei EPs veröffentlicht. Auch wenn es nicht immer leicht ist auch Anerkennung bei der größtenteils auf London fokussierten Musikpresse zu finden, haben sie doch eine treue Anhängerschaft in UK und ganz Europa gewonnen und sind vor allem dem Publikum des Rebellion Festivals bekannt, wo sie seit 2008 jedes Jahr auftreten. Zwei Jahre nach dem letzten Album "Losing Streak" erscheint nun das 12. Album "Take the Power Back", produziert von Jamie Wilson, mit insgesamt 15 brandneuen Titeln. "Wir haben das Gefühl, dass wir auf diesem Album viele unserer Einflüsse und Stile miteinander verschmolzen haben, ohne dabei das typische Gimp-Fist-Feeling zu verlieren", sagt Sänger und Gitarrist Jonny. Von der Auseinandersetzung mit der aktuellen Wirtschaftslage und den Kämpfen der Arbeiterklasse in Songs wie "Give Me A Reason" bis hin zu den angstgeladenen, an die frühen Rancid erinnernden Tiraden gegen Faschisten und Tyrannen in "Waiting For The Punchline". Mit einer Mischung aus Street-Punk, Ska und Dirty Reggae wird "Take The Power Back" alle alten Fans begeistern und ohne Frage neue Anhänger gewinnen. Als Digipak CD, LP klassisch schwarze (limitiert) oder zweifarbiges "Atomic" Vinyl erhältlich.
expected to be published on 29 May
This double-album pushes the boundaries of E-Jazz, blending heavy electronic weight with sophisticated improvisation. Featuring a standout collaboration with Llibert Fortuny, the production treats the computer as a "fourth band member," resulting in a dense, groove-heavy record defined by intense crescendos. A top-tier pick for shops specializing in Nu-Jazz, Broken Beat, and
Electronic Fusion.
expected to be published on 29 May
The epitome of a modern artist, Jana Bahrich does most things herself, no matter how painstaking - writing, producing, directing, often hand painting t-shirts the day of shows when the band have run out of merch. This has helped give her band Francis of Delirium a unique identity, with her rock confessionals breathing a new life in to the genre and her paintings creating a striking design aesthetic. Released as she was finishing high school, 2020’s single 'Quit Fucking Around’ was a great introduction and it remains one of her most enduring songs.
Shortly after it’s release, she signed to artist-first indie Dalliance Recordings (Gia Margaret, HighSchool, lilo) and three EPs - All Change (2020), Wading (2021), The Funhouse (2022) and a striking debut album - Lighthouse (2024) - on and Jana has Francis of Delirium flying. While the EP’s fizzed with promise, her debut album Lighthouse landed its punches. Seeking a more vulnerable and open sonic palette, she wove in pop elements to create anthems that celebrated heartbreak and love. Lead singles ‘Real Love’ and ‘First Touch’ were the first tracks she made with an outsider - working with GRAMMY winning producer Catherine Marks (boygenius, The Killers, Wolf Alice) - while the rest of the album was produced by Jana herself and day one collaborator Chris Hewett. The critics were impressed too - “Bahrich’s choruses, almost every one, are lumpin-your-throat gorgeous.” NME; “Jana Bahrich seems too young for this tremendous debut’s ambitious anthems.” Uncut; “A rewarding experience that captures a talented, young artist at the crossroads between adolescence and adulthood." Paste. Live, Francis of Delirium are Jana (guitar and vocals), Jeff Hennico (bass) and Denis Schumacher (drums). Together, their brilliant quiet-loud dynamic and tight interplay only elevate her songs and over the last 5 years, they’ve toured across Europe and North America, playing headline shows, festivals and tours with the likes of Blondshell, Briston Maroney, The Districts, Horsegirl and Soccer Mommy. They’ve also supported The 1975, Alanis Morissette, DIIV and Wolf Alice.
Last summer saw a memorable UK tour with Bôa, the 90s band resurrected by a huge TikTok moment for their track ‘Duvet’. There was a real sense of excitement for these shows with young crowds snaking outside every venue hours before doors and bringing the sort of energy Jana thrives on, she road tested new material to an overwhelmingly positive response, giving her the impetus to go and finish album two. An artist who seeks to connect with her listener on a deeper level, it’s no surprise then that she’s made hope and inner strength central themes on her new album, Run, Run Pure Beauty. Jana says the title track is “an imagining of the world after it has been destroyed by humans and technology. Thrashing against what humans have left behind, ultimately the pure beauty of nature wins out.”
Wanting to bring different perspectives into her songwriting with this record - informed by both her travels and the tumultuous times we find ourselves in - she’s also brought about a progression in her sound with these new songs somehow sounding larger, with undeniable harmonies and more orchestration. Featuring the singles ‘Little Black Dress’ and ‘It’s a Beautiful Life’, Run, Run Pure Beauty serves as an excavation of hope in bleak times. Produced by Jana and Chris, and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (Deerhunter, Dirty Projectors, Silver Jews, Wild Nothing), its eleven songs of discovery, despair and perseverance ultimately serve as a mirror on its creator and is a brilliant next installment in the Francis of Delirium arc.
expected to be published on 29 May
Multi-instrumentalist Sarah Lipstate brings her innovative music to life under the name Noveller. Forming unexpected sonic routes, her songs are vivid and cinematic. Following several years spent collaborating with Iggy Pop, and touring the world as his guitarist, Lipstate returns with a new album of her own. I Am The Weather further expands her inventive explorations, creating what Pop once described to Jim Jarmusch as “symphonies for people that don’t have a lot of time.”
Sarah’s work as a composer, notably for the HBO Docuseries Breath Of Fire, as well as the Anthony Bourdain documentary Roadrunner, has greatly influenced her new constructions, incorporating piano, percussion and a new studio filled with excitement into her signature guitar sculpting. It is the baby grand at the center of her studio that welcomes you to the record on “Sunday in Copenhagen” before ceding to a celestial six string swell. The percussive rhythms of “Divining Dance” awaken a new morning in "The Way of Our Flood” and walk towards the bowed grace of “Otherside of Mountainside." Surging into the sky, “Portmerion” allows “Beyond the Fells” to glide back down to Earth, revealing the album’s biggest surprise - a vocal track!
It seems fitting given their past, that the first vocals on a Noveller record would be delivered by the legendary Iggy Pop. Written specifically for The Godfather of Punk, a noir-ish tale of a man over-matched by a femme fatale, “The Girl Who Was Death” builds with tension and release. Following their collaboration on the title track to Iggy’s album Free, (also used in a global campaign for PETA) and their interpretation of Dylan Thomas’ “Do Not Go Gently Into The Night”, Iggy was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to add vocals to another Lipstate composition. A scene set as if on opposite ends of a corner booth at the Double R Diner in Twin Peaks, he delivers each line with the weight of a thousand lives lived. The result is a song so vivid that you can see it projected ten feet tall on the walls all around you.
I Am The Weather is the first new release for the Experimentia label, which will soon be the home for the entire Noveller catalogue.
expected to be published on 29 May
CQ Wrestling are today announcing their sophomore album Resistance for release on 29th May.
There’s a saying that simmers beneath the sonic assault of Resistance, the new album from CQ Wrestling. “Nothing changes if nothing changes,” recites Jake Mac, who knew of this idiom before 2024; before the loss that turned his and bandmate Charlie Woods’ worlds upside down; before the “year of complete mayhem, mess and chaos” that followed. From the outside looking in, the Brighton-based duo may have seemed on the top of the world. Then known as Chappaqua Wrestling, the exhilarating energy of their debut album Plus Ultra had seen the band lauded as future British music scene conquerors. The pair had a major label record deal to their name. Sweat dripped from the walls at headline show after headline show, in front of rapturous fans – and yet something felt amiss.
“We were selling out tours and people were loving the music, but honestly, we just felt f****** lost,” says Woods. Then tragedy struck. “It completely derailed us,” says Mac, recalling how the sudden death of his father – “a big part of the project” since its inception – sank them both into a period of grief and introspection. Amid the mourning emerged a desire to transform.
RESISTANCE is an album forged in the embers of personal tragedy and hammered into shape by desire, resilience and resolve. Detailing a metamorphosis, new single ‘Pacifico’ draws a line in the sand for the band as they recover from a time of tremendous upheaval to find themselves following their own creative compass, with renewed vitality.
"This album is a collection of songs above all about trying to find joy and hope in dark times”.
expected to be published on 29 May
Following the tradition of Derek Bailey, Henry Kaiser and Sonny Sharrock albums on Celluloid Records, the label is releasing this abstract and mysterious instrumental album, made under a cryptic name:AA in Reverse, by nqthqn. Recorded shortly afterlast year"s Ghostbox Cowboy, released on Tailnia Records out of China, this new effort digs deeper into what critics describe as buzzards circling the half-dead body of Harry Dean Stanton in Paris, Texas. The project curiously explores what it might be like to create no-wave abstract guitar music by a campfire, as inaugurated by Arto Lindsay, Loren Connors or John Fahey. AA in Reverse was recorded and engineered by David Akerman (Robin Hitchcock, Dead Farmers) at Golden Retriever Studios (Parcels, Cate Le Bon, Courtney Barnett) in Marrickville. nqthqn will be touring Japan this April.
expected to be published on 29 May
Mit „Heute Nacht“ liefert die erfolgreichste Künstlerin Deutschlands, Helene Fischer, die musikalische
Hymne des Sommers. Der Song verbindet große Gefühle mit einem Sound, der sofort nach vorne geht
– zum Mitsingen, Tanzen und Lautsein. Der Song erzählt von Freiheit, Nähe und dem Moment, einfach
alles loszulassen. Oder wie Helene singt: „Wir haben viel zu lange nicht mehr laut gelebt.“ Die Single ist
der erste Vorbote eines neuen Studioalbums und wird bereits live auf der großen 360°-Stadiontour durch
Deutschland, Österreich, die Schweiz und die Niederlande zu erleben sein. Der Song verbindet große
Gefühle mit einem Sound, der sofort nach vorne geht – zum Mitsingen, Tanzen und Lautsein.
expected to be published on 29 May
The second release from the legendary Celluloid label since its rebirth after 35 years of silence, Honk Gong is a brand-new trip-hop / no wave duo built around the wild, dreamlike sampling of Paul Ramon(Pleasure Principle, Bryan"s Magic Tears) and the contagiously laid-back flow of the San Francisco"s MC & Producer,Robin Jiro Margerin (Salopecia, There"s Ifs, Marginal Tow). Conceived as the diary of a chemical wreck, Dissociate drifts somewhere between the intelligence of an A Tribe Called Quest track and a YouTubecollage. Recorded by Paul Rannaud (Fat White Family, Insecure Men)and mixed by Maxime Maurel (Departure Kids,Ventre de Biche), this debut track kicks off a series of concerts and showcases ahead of the release of a first album, "Eau de Low", due in spring 2026. "Dissociate" is released in partnership with agnès b.
expected to be published on 29 May
Full colour sleeve with rare use of the Italian only movie artwork.
A few years ago I issued the soundtrack to Virgin Witch, the score to an underground 1971
kinky British London / posh stately home horror that seemed more like an excuse to show as
many racy cars and devilish nude scenes as possible. This fleapit film was written by Hazel
Adair - the writer of legendary long-running TV series Crossroads, and her business partner at
the time Ken Walton (yes, the wrestling commentator). Virgin Witch was cheap and successful
enough to allow the whole team another go at the sexploitation game through their newly
formed production company Pyramid Films. Sex Clinic was the quick follow up; I say Sex Clinic,
the initial cinematic title was Clinic Xclusive, which was also called With These Hands, which
was also called La Masseuse Perverse. This film also came out in 1971 and they used the
musical services of Ted Dicks once again. Dicks had originally met Adair in 1960 through a cast
member performing in his first musical, Look Who’s Here.
If you are not aware of the great Ted Dicks, his quick bio reads as follows: born London 1928,
was educated through both grammar and art school and after National Service flirted with both
art and music. He worked with a series of very talented song writers - including Barry Cryer -
finally sparking properly with writer Myles Rudge. Together “Dicks and Rudge” had a hit with
their musical And Another Thing which starred Lionel Blair and Bernard Cribbins. Their talents
were spotted by producer George Martin and they followed this show success up with a series
of truly classic novelty pop chart hits, again with Cribbins - “Hole In The Ground” and “Right Said
Fred”. If you are not aware of the classic A Combination Of Cribbins LP they wrote, go and find
it. It includes “Gossip Calypso”, a triumph of novelty song writing that somehow manages to
squeeze in the lyric “Oxy-aceteline welder”, and is possibly the only song ever to do so. They
wrote further hits (winning an Ivor Novello for “A Windmill In Old Amsterdam”) and were in
constant demand throughout the 1960s and 1970s, working with artists such as Petula Clark,
Matt Munro, Bruce Forsyth, Topol and Kenneth Williams.
By the late 1960s Ted had also penned a handful of instrumental library cues including the
classic “Busy Boy” for the Standard Library company that got picked up as the theme for the
brilliant TV kids fantasy show Catweazle in 1970. It’s a light, kooky, hummable tune that lodged
its way deep in the mind of any child under 12 over the following decade.
When I first got the reels for Sex Clinic I’m not sure what I was sonically expecting - much of
Dicks’ music blends musical hall with jazz and some brilliant novelty - and maybe I was also
imagining a different kind of film to the one that was actually made. Turns out Sex Clinic is more
like a sleazy drama than an erotic adventure - I’ve read reviews that call it “nothing more than a
naked Crossroads”. Even knowing this I had no idea what the music was going to sound like. So
I was thrilled when it was almost the musical opposite of what I imagined. We have here a great,
easy jazz score. Not a proggy, wild or free jazz score, this is lightish, vibes-led, bluesy and really
charming, which gets slightly more lively when the naked pool party sequence kicks off, and
drifts effortlessly into more seductive midnight moods as and when required. And having now
seen the film, musically it’s unusually at odds with the on screen nudity, blackmail and revenge.
But like most of Ted’s work, the music sticks in your mind. Unlike the film. Which I suggest you
try and avoid unless you like watching plump randy middle aged men with terrible hair pursue
women half their age.
TRACKLISTING: There were no notes or titles to any of the cues on the reels. So I have just simply labeled the sides as per the reels that came in:
expected to be published on 29 May
BABY BLUE COLOUR VINYL
The Beths occupy a warm, energetic sonic space between joyful hooks, sun-soaked harmonies, and acerbic lyrics. Their debut album Future Me Hates Me, forthcoming on Carpark Records, delivers an astonishment of roadtrip-ready pleasures, each song hitting your ears with an exhilarating endorphin rush like the first time you heard Slanted and Enchanted or 'Cannonball.'
Front and center on these ten infectious tracks is lead singer and primary songwriter Elizabeth Stokes. Stokes has previously worked in other genres within Auckland's rich and varied music scene, recently playing in a folk outfit, but it was in exploring the angst-ridden sounds of her youth that she found her place. 'Fronting this kind of band was a new experience for me,' says Stokes. 'I never thought I had the right voice for it.'
From the irresistible title track to future singles 'Happy Unhappy' and 'You Wouldn't Like Me,' Stokes commands a vocal range that spans from the brash confidence of Joan Jett to the disarming vulnerability of Jenny Lewis. Further honeying Future Me Hates Me's dark lyrics that explore complex topics like being newly alone and the self-defeating anticipation of impending regret, ecstatic vocal harmonies bubble up like in the greatest pop and R+B of the '60s, while inverting the trope of the 'sad dude singer accompanied by a homogenous girl-sound.'
All four members of The Beths studied jazz at university, resulting in a toolkit of deft instrumental chops and tricked-out arrangements that operate on a level rarely found in guitar-pop. Beths guitarist and studio guru Jonathan Pearce (whose other acts as producer include recent Captured Tracks signing Wax Chattels) brings it all home with an approach that's equal parts seasoned perfectionist and D.I.Y.
'There's a lot of sad sincerity in the lyrics,' she continues, 'that relies on the music having a light heart and sense of humor to keep it from being too earnest.' Channeling their stew of personal-canon heroes while drawing inspiration from contemporaries like Alvvays and Courtney Barnett, The Beths serve up deeply emotional lyrics packaged within heavenly sounds that delight in probing the limits of the pop form. 'That's another New Zealand thing,' Stokes concludes with a laugh. 'We're putting our hearts on our sleeves—and then apologizing for it.'
expected to be published on 29 May
Miles Davis's Kind of Blue was the number-one jazz album in history. It totaled five songs. There are four more songs from that same historic group, recorded in the same time period and at the same studio. And here they are. These songs deserve to stand on their own with artwork to highlight the quality of the music and that matches the time period of the recording. This is a rare opportunity to have a smash follow-up to what many consider the greatest jazz record ever!
Through the years, these four remarkable performances — all from a single recording session in 1958 and all exemplary of the sound of Miles Davis' legend-loaded sextet of that year — have not been served well. They have been largely treated as add-ons for other compilations. Now, for the first time, Analogue Productions, the audiophile in-house reissue label of Acoustic Sounds, Inc., together with Quality Record Prssings, has deservedly given these tracks a stellar stand-alone release for jazz fans to savor!
The once-in-a-generation lineup that recorded these tunes is the very same that would be immortalized for the enduring classic they would record almost a year later, Kind of Blue. Davis played trumpet sublime with his ensemble sextet featuring pianist Bill Evans, drummer Jimmy Cobb, bassist Paul Chambers, and saxophonists John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.
Undervalued since their recording, the tunes on this album reflect historial and musical significance. They offer early glimpses into the modal jazz that Kind of Blue would bring to the forefront. Using modes common in modern classical music, rather than the chords of popular songs, Miles had begun to experiment with the new approach on the Milestones recording sessions previously.
Analogue Productions is proud to present Birth of the Blue in an exclusive first-of-its-kind stand-alone release that reflects our reputation for meticulous production, capturing authentic sound with clarity, depth and fidelity that exceeds the audiophile standard. 180-gram 45 RPM double LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings.
Features:
• Pioneering Ensemble: Captured the same rare and short-lived alignment of jazz legends including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb, as heard on the historic Kind of Blue.
• Innovative Sound: The session represented a crucial transition in jazz, blending elements of hard bop with early modal jazz influences, showcasing the ensemble's experimentation and forward-thinking approach.
• Undervalued Legacy: Despite its historical and musical significance, the session's recordings have been historically overlooked, often relegated to being add-ons in compilations rather than recognized as standalone masterpieces.
• Modal Jazz Precursor: Offered early glimpses into the modal jazz that would later be fully realized in Davis's groundbreaking album "Kind of Blue," laying the groundwork for future jazz innovation.
• Impact on Artists: Served as a critical point of development and confidence for the musicians involved, particularly Bill Evans, who noted the significant impact of this experience on his own identity and style.
• Historical Context: Occurred at a peak moment in Miles Davis's career, following his signing with Columbia Records and his critical and commercial successes with albums such as ‘Round About Midnight and Miles Ahead.
expected to be published on 29 May
Obsidian rock is igneous, frequently dark, yet opaque. Hard edged and brittle, it’s often been used both for weaponry and alchemical pursuits. Therefore when Lorena Quintanilla – the Mexican-based artist from the group ‘Lorelle Meets The Obsolete’ and also known as J. Zunz – was searching for psychic inspiration for her next musical venture, she need have looked no further. “Once I chose the title, everything I read, saw, listened to, and thought about began to interconnect” she relates. “Obsidian became like a magnetic field.”
“In Mesoamerican cultures, it was used in many different ways – obsidian mirrors, for example, were tools for divination and spiritual vision". Thereafter, Lorena set about creating an album entirely on her own terms. Driven by both the ghost and the heart of the machine, ‘Obsidiana’ open up a portal whereby forbidding drone, ethereal ambience and insistent repetition intertwine elegantly to form a seamless whole.
A study in balance, its emotional charge remains strong and intact whether on the eerie, almost Radiophonic ambience of ‘Imago’ or the dancefloor-adjacent, Chris & Cosey-esque ‘Osiris’. Lyrically meanwhile, ‘Obsidiana’ intersects deep personal explorations with the conflicts and contradictions of life in the unforgiving realm of 2026 – as Lorena says; “he process behind ‘Obsidiana’ was very abstract, yet I wanted the lyrics to stay grounded in the present and in reality".
Ultimately however, ‘Obsidiana’, in all its sharp yet amorphous glory, is catharsis manifest. “Each song carries a clear and deliberate intention” Lorena emphasises. “To conjure, to exorcise, to strip away fear, to rediscover myself, to heal inherited sadness, and to reclaim the night that was taken from us.”
expected to be published on 29 May