Search:melodie

Seit Midnite City 2017 wie ein Tornado die Welt im Sturm eroberten, die müde Musikszene am Kragen packten, ihr wieder Leidenschaft, Spaß, Melodie und Farbe einflößten und sich an die Spitze kämpften, wurden sie zu den wahren Königen des Hair Metal! Die Formation veröffentlichte bisher vier von den Kritikern gefeierte Alben, wobei ihr zweites Werk „There Goes The Neighbourhood“ neben vielen anderen Auszeichnungen als eines der besten Alben in der Geschichte des japanischen Burrn Magazin gelistet wurde. Seitdem tourt Midnite City mit ihrer mitreißenden, energiegeladenen Show durch die ganze Welt, headlined unzählige Tourneen in Großbritannien, spielt Shows in ganz Europa, Amerika, Brasilien und Australien, und absolvierte zwei ausverkaufte Tourneen in Japan, wobei sie eine ständig wachsende Fangemeinde auf der ganzen Welt, bekannt als „The Midnite Army“, begeistert. Im November 2025 kehren die Briten mit ihrem bisher stärksten Album, „Bite The Bullet“, zurück, das alle Erwartungen erfüllt, die Fans an ein Midnite City-Album haben. Von superpoppigem, eingängigem und hooklastigem Partyrock über melodische Rockmonster bis hin zu arena-tauglichen Powerballaden und Glam-Metal-Hymnen mit Attitüde und einer Prise Glam – knüpft „Bite The Bullet“ dort an, wo Platin-Bands Ende der 80er Jahre aufgehört haben. Und keine andere Band der Szene schafft dies derzeit mit mehr Authentizität, Überzeugung, Stil oder Selbstbewusstsein, wodurch die Midnite City wie ein leuchtendes Licht in einem Meer an Nachahmern scheint. Gemischt vom Grammy-preisgekrönten Produzenten Chris Laney (Europe, Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx etc.) liefert „Bite The Bullet“ einen Sound, der wie geschaffen ist für die größten Stadien rund um den Globus und auf einen Schlag alles zurückbringt, was den Hair Metal der späten 80er Jahre so aufregend, energiegeladen und extravagant machte. Midnite City liefert erneut ein Album, das dafür gemacht ist, aufgedreht und laut gespielt zu werden! Die Party fängt gerade erst an ... und alle sind eingeladen. Seht euch die Band auf ihrer Tour 2025/2026 an. Line-up: Rob Wylde (vocals, guitar), Miles Meakin (lead guitar), Josh Williams (bass guitar), Ryan Biggs (drums), Shawn Charvette (keyboard)

On a "Balearic-Jazz trip", the phenomenally hyped Thought Leadership returns with another X ideas: the deck this time chooses the Ace of Swords. In the acclaim garnered by III of Pentacles, there were many whispers of “Balearic” from those in the know. As soon as you drop the needle on XI you will be basking in turbo Balearica.

Originally out on cassette only, we present the first ever vinyl issue. It's a hideously limited pressing of 300 for the world, so don't sleep on this.

The sonic palate has been augmented by the addition of synth and bass; there are more guitar layers, more pedals and more organic drums this time – a much fuller production. Still DIY, and still recorded straight to multitrack, just ever so slightly grander in scale; think a rough-hewn, long-lost Claremont 56 cut and you’ll have some idea of how XI opens this future classic LP.

The touchstones so key to the vision of Pentacles (Cocteau Twins, Dif Juz, Durutti Column) are all still present and correct; XII could be a piece from Extractions, XIII is pure Garlands-era Guthrie and, now with the shuffling jazz drums, XV makes TL even more LC – but more disparate influences are found this time out too. ECM guitar legends John Abercrombie and Pat Metheny in the more considered melodic phrasing and harmonic structure of the ideas and a nod to the cosmic Balearic spirit in the overall vibe, means more is offered to the listener across Swords.

XVI and XVII are the biggest indicators to Thought Leaderships’ new found love of The Real Book and their grasp of jazz chords. The former sounds like if Mike Hedges had produced on a heavily sedated ECM date in the early 80s, whilst the latter is Bright Size Life condensed into a most post-punk shard of Strat conversation. The syrupy Phase 90 on the lead parts lends much weight to the guitar melodies, a beautiful tonal counterpoint to the Vox-ish chimes of the plangent chords we’ve all come to love.

The flip again treats us to three extended, improvised jams. XVIII owes as much to Canterbury as it does to Krautrock, another modal voyage through the stars. Light the incense and drift away, guided by delayed cymbals and weaving ribbons of guitar. XIX has almost a New-Wave/Sophisti-Pop energy to it in tone, if not in structure and execution. Something almost Tears for Fears-esque in the chiming chorus guitars. An interesting outlier that has already received a lot of love from those that have heard it. XX is the starkest idea, and the only piece this time with no drums. What we do get, however, is a free exploration over a two chord-vamp. It’s Harvest Time meets Planet Caravan and a fitting end to this Balearic jazz trip.

Be With is honoured to present the first ever vinyl release of Ace Of Swords, carefully remastered by Be With's engineer Simon Francis to ensure it sounds better than ever after its initial tape release. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut at Abbey Road Studios whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry, in Holland. The original tape cover artwork, so crucial to Thought Leadership's striking visual aesthetic, has been rejigged for vinyl issue here at Be With.

The last one flew. You have been warned.

Berlin’s ZentaSkai returns to his Mask Records with the ‘Billie’ EP, collaborating with Palawan, Jeremy Reinhard, and Thomas Grün for release on vinyl only, 2nd November 2025. He kicks off with the solo cut 'A1', which is quick, sophisticated, raw House with a funky clip to the beats that diffuses heat in the grainy sustained pads. It brings serene emotional release through stylish hypnosis and gorgeous vocals that blend seamlessly into the mix. Next, ZentaSkai collaborates with the mysterious Palawan, as he did on one track of his 2023 album The Architecture Of The Mind, on 'A2.' This one suspends you in backlit synth glows while rounded drums and funky claps tap out the supple rhythm. Cautious hope comes from the quiet chord stabs and soft focus melodies in what is a masterclass in deep Techno minimalism. 'B1' reunites ZentaSkai with Cologne's Jeremy Reinhard following previous cuts on that same 2023 album. Reinhard has long been a pillar of his local Berlin scene as a resident DJ, but also the wider underground with his own label Lekker Record. Their track taps into dub depths but ups the pace and allows radiant synths to piece the surface next to muttered spoken word that keep it intimate and perfectly seductive for body and mind. Last of all is a collab with Austrian Thomas Grün, who has been shaping deep and Tech House with his immaculate grooves for decades. Their 'B2' brings US garage snares to buoyant drums and douses them in layers of fuzzy synth warmth. It's meditative yet direct with an ever-rising sense of hope that makes it all the more indelible. ZentaSkai (aka No Mad Ronin, Matt Nowak, and MASK) is a German DJ and producer active since 1997. Based out of his studio in Berlin, ZentaSkai runs the Zaijenroots label and, since 2017, the Mask sub-label, which houses his stunning 2023 ‘Architecture of the Mind’ LP as well as his Cuddling Monsters project with Laura Merino Allue, who has been significantly involved in the label's work since 2023. - with other credits including a release on Jerome Sydenham’s Ibadan Records and support from the likes of Richie Hawtin, Joseph Capriati, Marcel Dettmann, Luke Slater, Laurent Garnier, DVS1, Ben Sims, and Radio Slave.

With over 1 million social media followers!!
Idol project "fleuЯR" by Ichika Matsumoto and Sumire Kuramoto.
The divine song "Suki Sugiru" will be released on a 7-inch record!

Ichika Matsumoto and Sumire Kuramoto's idol project "fleuЯR" launched in earnest with a digital release in May 2025 and a CD release in July.

Once you hear it, you'll be hooked on these sublime melodies!
The miraculous, classic idol pop song "Suki Sugiru" and the killer tune "Ashita Kumori no Chi" (After Clouds Tomorrow), featuring the perfect interplay
between the two vocalists, are finally available on a 7-inch record!
Lyrics and music by Taisei Osaka, who has written songs for artists such as SMAP.
Arrangement by Seiji Muto, who has worked on numerous hits, including AKB48's "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie"
The ultimate idol pop song from a team of incredible writers!

God Given Ass is a five piece punk rock band from Helsinki, Finland, formed in 2008. The band members’ former outfits include 90’s Finnish rock band Tehosekoitin (a.k.a. The Screamin’ Stukas), legendary drunk punks Maho Neitsyt and horror-garage-punksters The Patsy Walkers. As connoisseurs will have noticed, the band name derives from a line in a certain David Bowie song, and true to that, their influences range wide – from classic punk rock sneer to 60’s-influenced melodies to glitter stomp and back. Despite God Given Ass having been around for some time, this eponymous record is their debut album. Having released four 7-inchers early in their career (and two cassettes to boot), they went on a hiatus a couple of years back, only returning to the touring cycle in 2024. Despite the near glacial release pace, the album itself is not slow: it’s a 28 minute and 12 track ride through the at times fun & at others dreary landscapes of eastern downtown Helsinki by night.

Discover the melancholic sound of Margitte

Hailing from the historic city of Ghent (BE), Margitte crafts a unique sonic tapestry that resonates with both ethereal and fierce. Think Portishead, Pj Harvey, The War on Drugs, St. Vincent and even Gainsbourg. Her music is a journey through scapes, blending haunting melodies with intricate electronic textures and poetic lyricism.

Margitte's sound is both timeless and contemporary, weaving together the mystical and the modern with a vision that is thought-provoking as it is emotionally stirring.
Her performances are true to her artistry and passion. Margitte is not just to be heard, but to be felt, lingering on in your ears long after the last notes faded.

Come and get it, join the haze.

SOUNDS LIKE: Laura Marling, Beach House, Warhaus, Gainsbourg, St. Vincent, Liv, Portishead, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Neil Frances, James Blake, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Kruangbin, The War on Drugs.

Credits:

Margot De Ridder: Voice, keys, composition
Artan Buleshkaj: Guitar
Simon Raman: Drums, Percussion
Annelies Emmerechts: Voice, keys

Artwork by Mwahrk

Mastered by Lieven Van Pée

Iptamenos Discos kündigt Houdini an, die neue EP der Labelgründer Local Suicide. Die Platte enthält drei ihrer dunkelsten und kraftvollsten Originaltracks bis heute, ergänzt durch markante Neubearbeitungen des französischen Electroclash-Pioniers David Carretta und der aufstrebenden griechischen EBM-Kraft Alpha Sect. Die Houdini EP entstand im Berliner Studio von Local Suicide während zahlloser nächtlicher Sessions mit Skelesys in derselben kreativen Phase, die auch ihren gemeinsamen Hit Moustache, die Surface Of The Sun EP und Faster Faster auf Curses’ Next Wave Acid Punx-Compilation hervorbrachte. Das Ergebnis ist ihr bisher düsterstes Material, das ihren Technodisco-Sound in noch härteres Terrain führt - mit hypnotischen Basslines, industriellen Texturen und analogen Vintage-Synths. Damit zählt es zu den mutigsten Releases im Katalog von Iptamenos Discos. Die EP eröffnet mit Obsessions, einem Track zwischen Darkwave und Techno, aufgebaut auf einer brutalen Bassline, analogen Synths und eindringlichen, mantraartigen Vocals. Die wiederholte Zeile „Obsessions, they come and go“ spiegelt den unerbittlichen Sog des Stücks wider und unterstreicht seine klaustrophobische, sich ständig wiederholende Energie. Submission, eine Zusammenarbeit mit Langzeitkollaborateur Skelesys, steht dem in nichts nach: ein düsterer Low-End-Sound, verzerrte, stark bearbeitete Vocals und der Sprechgesang „Resistance, no submission“ durchziehen den Track wie eine Trotz-Erklärung, die Spannung in Kraft verwandelt. Der Titeltrack Houdini ist etwas zugänglicher, behält aber die gleiche schattige Atmosphäre. Unheimliche Orgelmelodien und der Text „The great Houdini, the big escape“ beschwören Transformation und Befreiung herauf, zollen dem legendären Illusionisten Tribut und verleihen der Nummer eine theatralische Note. Der französische Kult-DJ und Produzent David Carretta interpretiert Obsessions neu mit seiner unverkennbaren retro-futuristischen Handschrift. Seit den 1990ern bekannt für die Fusion von industrieller Präzision mit Italo-inspirierten Synths, hellt er den Track mit glitzernden Disco-Melodien und einer erhebenden Stimmung auf – eine Version, die sich bewusst vom dunklen Original absetzt und sofort für die Tanzfläche taugt. Der in Straßburg ansässige Alpha Sect, das Projekt des griechischen Künstlers George McCall, führt Submission in kompromisslose Dimensionen. Verwurzelt in Electro und Body Music mit Punk-Einflüssen, beginnt sein Remix als wuchtiger EBM-Stomper und entwickelt sich zu einem clubtauglichen Track, der Intensität mit Katharsis in Balance bringt.

Apex Ten, a Belgian trio hovering in Space Rock, Desert/ stoner Rock and Psychedelic, mainly instrumental, offers a unique experience at each appearance. Fans of bands such as Electric Moon, Ecstatic Vision, Colour Haze, Kyuss or Hawkwind will be able to relate to them during the spacial, strange and contemplative atmospheres they develop. The sound is based on the energetic and powerful bass sound, paired with catchy and energetic drum lines. On top of it, the guitar melodies enable the crowd to travel and dissociate. In addition, the powerful vocal accompanies the listener and becomes the leader of this cathartic experience. On stage, Apex Ten brings their music to life with captivating performances that transport audiences into their expansive sonic world. Their ability to seamlessly transition between delicate, introspective moments and thunderous crescendos makes each show a mesmerizing experience. With a growing reputation for their innovative approach and dedication to their craft, Apex Ten is carving out a distinctive place in the modern rock landscape. For those seeking music that challenges convention and stirs the soul, Apex Ten is a band that stands at the forefront of creative exploration

Luminary and guiding light of the Wave and Italo resurgence, Curses returns to Wrong Era Records under the veil of Tutto Vetro, presenting the mechanical masterpiece ‘Trust The Beat’ in this fresh form. A master of cinematic body music, Tutto Vetro ignites the release with 'Trust The Beat,' a slamming and enigmatic proto cut. 'Wild Things' delves deeper into his talent for infectious melodies and commanding percussion.

Quadratschulz returns to Clone / Dub Recordings with a sonic ode to Tokyo - ??six beautifully crafted tracks inspired by the neon-lit nights and electric pulse of the city. Drawing from the spirit of Japanese electronics, arcade culture, and city pop nostalgia, he blends crisp rhythms with emotive melodies and playful synth work. It'??s a journey through dreamy downtowns and rain-soaked alleyways, full of warmth, precision, and imagination. Of course, Japanese electronics play a key role - ??led by the unmistakable playful sound of the Roland TB-303 weaving through the tracks like a main character. Braindance for the dancefloor - ??Quadratschulz in top form. First limited press on opaque red vinyl.




b 02 The Garden of Evermod Shoseien Version

A central figure in the contemporary scene, Setaoc Mass delivers five tracks of intimidatingly dystopian techno for Fuse's next release. Synth-heavy and melodically focused, the UK native brews moody tones over his signature percussion to provide a touch of improvisation for balance. In Static Rush, genres and influences collide under the persistence of concrete club music.

A haunting synth sequence opens FUSE10 with 'The Sky Above', showcasing Setaoc Mass's intentions for the rest of the release. Playing with decay and sifting through shakers, the seasoned producer fills the spectrum with constant tension throughout the entirety of the A1. In 'Shaded', whipping white noise over sixteenth synth notes, the pressure rises and falls with whistling accents on the transitions. Keeping the dancer on their toes with a lively arrangement, Setaoc Mass keeps his hands on all elements to maximise the record's progression. Moving to the B side, Feeling blends harmony and robust tone. Claps thunder through the track's warehouse acoustics, complemented by a sharp lead cutting through a heavy low end. The structure remains elusive and quick like the previous two, and it boasts a full, grinding sound destined for peak-time sets.

The end of Feeling then dips down into a two-track journey of ethereal sound designs and soft melodies. Keeping the rhythm swinging, Flutter By settles the atmosphere with an IDM-inspired iced synth and pads. This change of emotion pushes depth into the record, providing a welcome surprise in Static Rush. Setaoc Mass then signs off with the final contribution to the EP, Overload. Pushing further than ever into melody with hints of Detroit electro and a complete absence of a kick, the producer teases a slithering arrangement that ends his record with a bold conclusion.

Sealand returns with its fourth vinyl release, bringing together Mykoz, Inqoherent and RVOLT for a fierce and emotional journey through cutting-edge hardcore sounds.
The title track Net runners by Mykoz and Inqoherent has already been tearing up festivals across Europe - a high-impact banger built on distorted energy, razor-sharp percussion and a dark futuristic pulse that defines the Sealand spirit.
Inqoherent's Sense of Touch dives deeper, blending haunting melodies with relentless drive, while Mykoz's I'm Losing My Mind captures the tension between emotion and chaos in pure dancefloor form.
To close the record, RVOLT reshapes Mykoz's There Is A Storm Coming into a powerful, crossbreed/industrial remix - heavy, raw and built to destroy big systems.
Net runners marks a new chapter for Sealand: 12'' format vinyl, high quality full coloursleeve in a protective shrinkwrap sleeve

Tooflie's shadowy crate-diggers return for their sixth expedition, this time unearthingmelodic relics from the sands and stone of the SWANA region. The A-side opens with acharismatic locally-well-known Boris Timur from Azerbaijan, reshaping his half-crimechanson half folk music into a slinky, percussion-driven anthem that sways betweenmysticism and dancefloor intent. A2 dives deeper into the vaults: a cryptic cut built onearly hip-hop and electro intonations, stitched together from dusty Middle Easterngroove samples, looping like a mirage between past and future.
Turn to the B-side and the spotlight falls on a modern folk icon turned global cult heroOmar Souleyman. The first interpretation is a peak-time techno weapon, packed withfrenetic energy and built for ecstatic release. The closing track shifts gears in a slower,contemplative breakbeat journey that delves more deeply into the dabke tradition,stretching its spiraling melodies and communal pulse into a pre-dawn dreamstate.Once again, Tooflie fuses archival echoes and electronic invention into a spellbindingvinyl-only dispatch for dancers and diggers alike.

NAIVE020 epitomizes what the Lisbon-based label, run by Violet, has become cherished for: imaginative yet timeless, soothing yet moody, melodic yet sonic music. Entitled 'Computer Hermetics', this new record is an EP by Berlin-based UrbnMowgli.

The opening track, 'Fast Love Life', is a 145 bpm electro-bred, breakbeat-driven emotive dancefloor banger. It features menacing stabs juxtaposed with beautiful pads and acid-drenched arpeggio motifs that lend it a oneiric quality. 'Oracle Algorithm' picks up the 303 spirit and delves into trippier territories, densening the dreamlike, expansive atmosphere while infusing the record with electro-driven grit. Closing side A is 'Warschauer Rush-Hour', a futuristik, high-tempo twisted electro banger that's both tough and playful.

'Immaterial Desires' inaugurates side B—an ode to adventurous drum programming and intricate sound design in the form of a percussion-punctuated curveball belter. 'Digital Dawn' brings it all back home to the heart and closes the record with its deepest, most immersive moment, giving us big bass lines that alchemically converse with angelic bleepy melodies as if soundtracking a soulful sci fi movie that doesn't exist yet.

From the humdrum to the huge; Tiia explores heartbreak, disappointment, climate change, and dying house plants. The record plays with contrasts, light and shadow, fizz and gloom. Keys melt into darker textures before guitars and drums lift them back into sparkle. It's heaviest moment is the title track, written in an airport bathroom after Tiia's father passed, yet even here, hope breaks through in irresistible vocal harmonies and inventive melodies. "To me, 'Kind Eyes' is a feelings record," Tiia says. "The grief for my dad passing sits at the centre and expands towards the edges, but there's a range of other feelings too. Sometimes they're hard to pin down and navigate but the songs are my map, trying to chart where you are and where you're going. And listeners should remember that sometimes X does mark the spot."

Lead single 'Healing' hits like a mascara- smeared midnight drive through Lynch's America. First sketched with Prince in mind, it finally found its teeth on a long, lonely walk in north-east London: a rock song hiding in plain sight. Tiia says "As soon as I had a rough idea for the driving beat, I knew I had to get Sean Berry (fellow bandmate from the once mighty Comet Sands) involved on the guitar, and the hooks all fell into place". Dusted with plush keys, on 'Numbers Game', Tiia leans into classic rock drama - warmth turning suddenly cold, the floor falling away from underneath you. "The lesson here is don't spy on your exes, but when you do, be prepared to write a song about it. It was the first track I asked Paul Rains (of Allo Darlin' fame) to play guitar on and he instantly got where I was trying to go with it. Now he's my partner, I have no idea how he feels about the lyrics!" Tiia laughs. Having also worked with Tiia's previous cult all-girl indie band The Minor Characters, Seb Kellig lent his trademark dub- inspired production influences at the legendary sonic heaven of Sausage Studios, east London, which Tiia calls "My happy place".

Tiia will again be playing keys for Allo Darlin's four UK tour dates this October followed by tour dates as Count Jaakola. 'Kind Eyes' is set for release 21st November 2025 via Tip Top Recordings (Mandrake Handshake, Japanese Television, Pearl & The Oysters, Golden Toad).

MD008 is here! — a bold new chapter in theever-evolving world of re-edits. This latest instalmentis a masterclass in versatility and emotion: four distinct cuts, four immersivesoundscapes, each crafted to ignite the dancefloor in its own unforgettableway. From hypnotic vocal firestorms to cinematic tributes, MD008 is a recordthat transcends trends and celebrates the timeless art of groove. Vinyl-only,limited edition — a future classic in the making.



A1 –TVGLips
A relentless vocal workout built to commandattention from the very first beat. “TVGLips” is a powerhouse opener —hypnotic, high-energy, and unapologetically intense. Its driving rhythm andsoaring vocal lines lock dancers into a euphoric trance, pushing momentumhigher with every bar. A weapon of choice for peak-time sets.



A2 –Tu Sei
Radiating pure nostalgia, “Tu Sei” channelsthe neon-lit spirit of the 1980s with a contemporary twist. Shimmering synths,heartfelt melodies, and a groove steeped in retro romance make this track anirresistible dancefloor moment. Equal parts cinematic and soulful, it’s a loveletter to a bygone era — and a timeless anthem for now.



B1 –Inquinada
Where new wave attitude meets disco power.“Inquinada” is a darkly seductive cut that pulses with underground energy — rawbasslines, mechanical percussion, and shimmering synth layers collide to createa sound that’s both nostalgic and futuristic. Perfectly balancing edge andallure, it’s a track that keeps the floor moving deep into the night.



B2 –Gatto Fresco
Closing the EP is aheartfelt homage to one of music’s greatest icons. This is a tribute toFreddie, and it’s pure celebration — anthemic, uplifting, and full of life.With its soaring melodies and infectious groove, it captures the unbreakablespirit and theatrical brilliance of Freddie’s legacy, leaving dancersexhilarated and inspired as the lights come up.



LimitedEdition, Vinyl Only
True to form, MD008 ispressed in strictly limited quantities — once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.Collectors, selectors, and lovers of the edit craft: this is a piece you’llwant in your collection.

The seventh release in the Punctuality canon lands hot with a peak-time four-tracker from Persian-Swedish DJ and producer Mohajer based in Berlin. All In is a bold statement of intent—the music glistens with sleek, modern production aesthetics, drawing from UK-tinged breaks, pumping ’90s house, and sultry, timeless trance moods, perfect for big rigs and intimate dancefloors alike. Like her DJ sets, the tracks are scintillating and high-throttle, twisting and turning through unexpected paths while maintaining a steady dancefloor focus throughout.
“Intake” sets the tone for the EP. The A1 is a high-octane collage of lustrous, contemporary house, where playful, bouncy low-end slips and skips around glitched-out atmospherics, sleazy tech synths, and earworm organs. The arrangement careens and veers without relenting, driven by pumping amens and provocative vox chops fluttering in and around the bass.

A2, “i c u” keeps things heated with rolling breaks and ultrabright melodies that ignite the track with dazzling intensity. A sultry take on UK soundsystem music, its undulating wubs and flirtatious vocals are anchored by a dub sensibility that keeps the groove low, slung, and sexy. Think smoke machines, red lights, and smoldering sexual tension.
Luscious, trancey, and dripping with percussive sensuality, “You Wannabe” carries the sensuous mood to the flip. The track unfolds like the arc of a DJ set, teasing moments of magic amid layers of atmospheric pads, FX, and a pulsing bassline that grounds the arrangement from start to finish. The vibe is sweltering, cosmic, and irresistibly sultry—drawing from many directions but always locked into the groove, built for DJs and dancers alike.
The EP closes with “Backseat,” a hypnotic journey through swirling synthetic flourishes, rumbling subs, and psyched-up lead lines. It expertly builds tension and release, flipping halfway into bright flashes of euphoria and light. The result: a mysterious, sensual number that captures the ephemeral magic of the dancefloor and showcases the expert production skills of Mohajer.

This is buy-on-sight material from start to finish—don’t sleep.

A side "Divergence Mental" is a fantastic exciting tune growing into more and more melodies and grooves... A pure JEWEL !!
Master & Refix by AHmok with skillz !

The flip is the repress of the Ludien Tekno Concept, back in the days... A superb Acid serpentine...
Master by Stefan ZMK with love !

Alex Voorhies, known to dance floor connoisseurs as lil_art_hoe, is a multidisciplinary artist based in Louisiana, where they operate the boutique imprint Techno Money Records. lil_art_hoe’s signature sound is raw and unedited, with an array of grooves and melodies endlessly swirling to create truly unique tracks full of big ideas, but completely lacking in regard for normalcy.
For this Studio Barnhus debut, lil_art_hoe delivered two prime examples of their sonic practice, with elements constantly expanding and contracting, resulting in some of the most captivating yet straight-forward club music heard at Studio Barnhus HQ in recent times. A side standard living comes with a special dub mix prepared by the artist themself, while OG rave daddy and long time Studio Barnhus hero Truncate was called in to deliver a high octane techno take on flipside recall.
“standard living and recall were tracks spawned in the springtime when I was yearning for balance and reminiscing on moments that got me to the present. I was exploring a lot of live funk recordings for recall, while standard living was an emulation of going back in the work force and reestablishing a 9-to-5 schedule as a chef”, says lil_art_hoe in a rare communique straight from the swamps of south Louisiana.

Los Angeles artist and musician Shlohmo returns with a vinyl repress of two of his defining albums: "Bad Vibes" and "The End". From the first sounds of Henry Laufer"s early work, it was clear he was forging a new path in electronic music - melding hazy textures, emotive melodies, and fractured beats into a sound both intimate and expansive. Bad Vibes introduced Shlohmo"s lo-fi, slowmotion approach, crafting emotive atmospheres that would influence a generation of West Coast producers. The End, a cinematic journey of chaos and calm, cemented his status as a visionary, blending apocalyptic tension with moments of quiet reflection, made with drum machines, vintage synths, and improvised recording techniques.

Los Angeles artist and musician Shlohmo returns with a vinyl repress of two of his defining albums: "Bad Vibes" and "The End". From the first sounds of Henry Laufer"s early work, it was clear he was forging a new path in electronic music - melding hazy textures, emotive melodies, and fractured beats into a sound both intimate and expansive. Bad Vibes introduced Shlohmo"s lo-fi, slowmotion approach, crafting emotive atmospheres that would influence a generation of West Coast producers. The End, a cinematic journey of chaos and calm, cemented his status as a visionary, blending apocalyptic tension with moments of quiet reflection, made with drum machines, vintage synths, and improvised recording techniques.

Zebulon's debut album "Come Day of Reckoning" delivers slow-burning doom with crushing riffs, dramatic vocals, and haunting melodies. The material explores themes of judgement and faith. Recorded in the winter of 2025. Zebula hails from Jæren, Norway.

Gerry raus, kein Ersatz. Zu fünft, Dim Prospects sind zurück zur deutschen Sprache, neues Kapitel. "Abscheu und Neugier": aufgenommen im Winter 24/25 mit Tom Zwanzga im S.T.R.E.S.S. Studio, gemastert in der North London Bomb Factory von Daniel Hajji Husayn.
13 Songs zwischen Punkrock und Hardcore - mal schnell, mal gedrosselt, immer mit Melodie und melancholischem Unterton. Irgendwo zwischen Hamburger "Schiffen", Leatherface und Hüsker Dü. Texte voll Wut und Spott über den täglichen Irrsinn von Konservatismus und Rechtsruck. Abscheu trifft Neugier, Grant trifft Augenzwinkern.

The new album The Cinnamon Show by Cinnamon Gum is a juicy journey into the golden era of the 1970s, filled with a warm and rich blend of soul and funk.
Recorded using classic analog instruments, this album is a tribute to authentic sound and musical craftsmanship. A unique approach to sound engineering creates a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that accompanies the listener from start to finish. Each single is enhanced by a vibrant music video inspired by iconic music programs like Soul Train and The Midnight Special.
The artist's vocals shine throughout the album, combining deep, sensual phrases with subtle melodies, drawing inspiration from soul legends such as Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. The lyrical layer explores both personal stories and universal themes of love, loss, and hope, making the album an exceptionally intimate and authentic experience.

Dávid Makó began The Devil's Trade in 2014. His early solo work, often performed with only an acoustic guitar or banjo, quickly garnered attention for its emotional depth and stark beauty. Drawing on Appalachian folk, dark Americana, and Hungarian folk traditions, Makó's music has been praised for its haunting vocals, minimalist arrangements, and profound emotional honesty. Recently, and especially in this new release, elements of post-metal and doom have taken Makó's sound into new, exciting territory, whilst retaining his unique intimacy. `Nincs Szennyezetlen Szép', translated as "there is no uncontaminated beauty", is a record forged in grief and the unflinching confession. Fans of The Devil's Trade will immediately recognize Makó's signature elements: the deep, rugged baritone, the uncanny ability to transmit raw emotion and melodies drenched in melancholia. With his fifth studio album however, Makó reclaims the heaviness of his early years, pushing his sound into new, atmospheric territory. "Nincs szennyezetlen szép is much darker and heavier and more complex than anything I have done", says Makó. Working within a larger, more dynamic canvas, Mako's confessional power is met with metal-wrought anguish, reborn as an intimate, haunting journey toward authenticity. Makó has woven percussive muscle and electric weight in which archaic drums feature prominently as a driving, emotional force. The result is a soundscape of swinging moods: eruptions of doom, passages of plaintive lament _ the volatility of grief itself captured. FOR FANS OF Neurosis, Pallbearer, Bellwitch, Amenra, Yob, Monolord, Steve Von Till, Der Weg Einer Freiheit

Dávid Makó began The Devil's Trade in 2014. His early solo work, often performed with only an acoustic guitar or banjo, quickly garnered attention for its emotional depth and stark beauty. Drawing on Appalachian folk, dark Americana, and Hungarian folk traditions, Makó's music has been praised for its haunting vocals, minimalist arrangements, and profound emotional honesty. Recently, and especially in this new release, elements of post-metal and doom have taken Makó's sound into new, exciting territory, whilst retaining his unique intimacy. `Nincs Szennyezetlen Szép', translated as "there is no uncontaminated beauty", is a record forged in grief and the unflinching confession. Fans of The Devil's Trade will immediately recognize Makó's signature elements: the deep, rugged baritone, the uncanny ability to transmit raw emotion and melodies drenched in melancholia. With his fifth studio album however, Makó reclaims the heaviness of his early years, pushing his sound into new, atmospheric territory. "Nincs szennyezetlen szép is much darker and heavier and more complex than anything I have done", says Makó. Working within a larger, more dynamic canvas, Mako's confessional power is met with metal-wrought anguish, reborn as an intimate, haunting journey toward authenticity. Makó has woven percussive muscle and electric weight in which archaic drums feature prominently as a driving, emotional force. The result is a soundscape of swinging moods: eruptions of doom, passages of plaintive lament _ the volatility of grief itself captured. FOR FANS OF Neurosis, Pallbearer, Bellwitch, Amenra, Yob, Monolord, Steve Von Till, Der Weg Einer Freiheit

The brilliantly named duo - formed by Adam Morrow and Jamie Sego - might be based in "the hit recording capital of the world", Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but somehow, they have made a concept album about the ancient religious outpost off the coast of northeast England. It's a stunning record that mixes fuzzy guitars with folk horror and fantastic melodies - for fans of Ride, Slowdive, Galaxie 500, Talk Talk, Yo La Tengo and The Clientele. Despite its lyrical inspiration lying thousands of miles away, it comes imbued with the soulfulness of their surroundings - not least because it was recorded in the old Muscle Shoals Sound studio by the Tennessee River, now Portside Sound, which is run by Jamie. "The story of Lindisfarne gave us a framework for what were otherwise very abstract ideas and emotions," explains Adam. "It became a way to make sense of our own moment in history. We really want our lives and societies to always get better, and to be left alone to make that happen. But we are stuck in these cycles of progress and regression, and I think most people are really driven to make sense of it and assign meaning. Lately, we've lived through a global pandemic, a devaluation of truth and reality, and a resurgence of far-right politics into the mainstream. Not really what I expected out of life in 2025." He is keen to point out that, despite the seriousness of its inspirations, the duo had a lot of fun making the album and really want it to be "a living and breathing thing". "We want people to be able to engage with it regardless of whether they care about it as a concept record," he says. "For me, it's just another reason to expand the pedalboard," concludes Jamie. "We hope you enjoy it. Peace, love and reverb from Alabama." Coloured Vinyl LP, and Bonustrack CD available, this version is `Lindisfarne Sky' Blue & White Vinyl and adds a postcard.

Die Rückkehr von DOZER - Drifting In The Endless Void, ein glühendes, dröhnendes und wummerndes Werk! Gegründet in der verschlafenen Stadt Borlänge, Schweden, führten DOZER die erste Welle des europäischen Stoner/Desert Rocks an, eine beeindruckende Fusion aus Proto-Metal, Riff-Rock und Punk, die als Antwort auf den sonnengetränkten Fuzz und die tektonische Wucht der amerikanischen Bands Kyuss und Fu Manchu entstand. Mehr als ein Jahrzehnt nach ihrem letzten Album sind Dozer wieder aufgewacht und melden sich mit einem leidenschaftlichen, wummernden Album zurück. Drifting in the Endless Void ist eine Gravitationsmasse, vollgepackt mit dichter Instrumentierung, arena-tauglichen Melodien und kontemplativer Zurückhaltung. Dozer bringen immer noch die stürmischen Grooves, die langjährige Fans erwarten, aber sie beziehen auch massiven Sludge, fuzzigen Doom, raumgreifende Grooves, Psychedelik mit geröteten Augen und alles, was sich sonst noch in den riesigen kosmischen Weiten findet mit ein. DOZERSs Rückkehr in die musikalische Landschaft, welche sie mitgestaltet haben, ist Grund genug zum Feiern, aber das explosive Spiel und die feurige Zielsetzung machen Drifting in the Endless Void zu einem wirklich unverzichtbaren Erlebnis.

Jon Porras verfügt über eine seltene Fähigkeit, den Puls einer Klanglandschaft zu lokalisieren und ihren emotionalen Kern herauszuarbeiten. Seine Arbeit speist sich seit langem aus der Reibung zwischen organischen Formen und elektronischer Verarbeitung, doch mit Achlys bewegt er sich weiter in Richtung Textur, Erosion und Gewicht. Diese Musik ist von Zusammenbruch durchdrungen - nicht als Spektakel, sondern als langsamer Prozess. Diese Stücke entfalten sich nicht, sie sammeln sich. Gitarre, Subbass, modulare Synthese und verarbeitete Geräusche sammeln sich wie Sedimente an und schichten sich zu Kompositionen, die sich eher wie Wettersysteme als wie traditionelle Songs bewegen. Das Album navigiert durch eine Abfolge von fragmentierten Klangvignetten: zerfallende Umgebungen, monumentale Stille und reale wie auch innere Landschaften. Die Struktur wird durchlässig. Jedes Stück deutet sowohl auf Präsenz als auch auf Verschwinden hin. Häufig wurden mehrere Stücke isoliert geschrieben und ohne Synchronisation übereinandergelegt, sodass absichtliche Dissonanzen die resultierenden Texturen bestimmten. Dieser Ansatz begünstigt Drift und Reibung, wobei Melodien durch verschwommene Intervalle geistern und eine Spannung zwischen Erinnerung und Verzerrung erzeugen. Das Album beginnt mit ,Fields", wo schwache Gitarrenphrasen in hohlen, resonanten Tönen versinken, die eher erinnert als gespielt wirken. An den Rändern flackert Wärme, gefiltert und entfernt, wie Licht, das sich durch Ruß drängt. In ,Holodiscus" treiben elegische Linien über einer sanften Unterströmung von Dissonanzen und widerstehen leise dem Sog in Richtung Zusammenbruch. Der Titeltrack gleitet zwischen Klarheit und Verzerrung und verwandelt harmonische Fragmente in ein schimmerndes Gitter aus Verfall. Während des gesamten Albums dehnen anhaltende Töne die Zeit zu einer Unschärfe, während bearbeitete Gitarrenklänge wie Echos aus benachbarten Räumen auftauchen und wieder verschwinden. Jedes Stück trägt eine emotionale Prägung, ohne eine Richtung vorzugeben, und hinterlässt Texturen, die sich sowohl taktil als auch unruhig anfühlen. Diese Dualität der Größenordnung - immens und winzig - fließt in die Klangpalette des Albums ein. In ,Sea Storm" brodelt und zieht der tiefe Klang nach unten und verstreut dabei Gitarrenfragmente. ,Before the Rite" schwillt mit abrasiver Dichte und verzerrten Obertönen an - ein Moment der fast überwältigenden Intensität, der sich gerade noch im Gleichgewicht hält. Die Klänge bleiben in der Schwebe und weigern sich, sich aufzulösen.Achlys bewegt sich durch ein Gebiet wechselnder Schwellen - wo Licht und Schatten, Struktur und Erosion nebeneinander existieren, ohne sich in Gegensätze aufzulösen. Anstatt auf eine klare Schlussfolgerung abzuzielen, bietet das Album eine zyklische Form von Entstehung und Erosion. Es ist klanglich dicht und doch weitläufig, emotional resonant, aber losgelöst von jeder Erzählung. Nichts hier ist feststehend. Alles trägt die Spur davon, einmal etwas anderes gewesen zu sein. Während einige Fragmente verblassen und andere nachklingen, prägen sie alle die Atmosphäre.

Eoism return with six tracks of driving and atmospheric Electro, Techno and beyond. All based on live jamming, expect some crispy rhythms, pounding baselines and lush melodies suitable for both home listening and excessive club treatments.

The first part of this wonderful new album from Mexican pair Destino Sonido aka a new coming together of veteran Juan Soto and new school vocal talent Labibe, got us well and truly hot under the collar. Part 2 now drops in quick succession and is another summer-ready blend of disco, funk, synth wave and hooky pop. 'Ardiente' is percussive, hip-swinging magic, 'Night Creatures' brings more driving grooves with withering sci-fi melodies and 'Destino Sonido' has sleek synth bass and Donna Summer vibes, while Disco 86 ups the cosmic energy with a fine remix. 'Somos Espacio' comes as lush ambient then chugging Italo, and elsewhere Matt FX brings a nice deep house rework to close.

Five Again is a striking debut from Mi Ya that spans just six tracks but makes a lasting impact. The album was crafted at Space Talk and reflects on childhood not as a stage to abandon, but as a spirit to protect. Its delicate compositions echo fleeting memories, candles that won't blow out, naps of escape, the quiet joy of rain. Mi Ya describes the work as a refusal to let go of the child within, a reminder of innocence that still whispers. Hazy ambient synths and delicate melodies shine on tracks like 'I Forget Things', while the understated beauty of 'Tickle & Naps' stands out with its sparse, intricate detail. 'My Mom Left Me At The Train Station' is all pensive chords and shimmering percussion - it's musically light but emotionally profound.

Magnetism markiert das Zusammentreffen zweier einzigartiger Künstler der experimentellen Musik. Es vereint Drew McDowalls Wurzeln in der industriellen Avantgarde von Coil und Psychic TV mit Kali Malones Fundament in zeitgenössischer Orgelkomposition, reiner Intonation und elektroakustischer Musik und verbindet zwei Generationen in einer sich tief ergänzenden Partnerschaft. Auf Magnetism manifestieren sich Malones ergreifende Melodien in McDowalls charakteristischer Klangfarben-Synthese und bilden eine einheitliche Stimme, die mit Klarheit und Vitalität mitschwingt. Obwohl das Projekt innerhalb weniger Tage aufgenommen wurde, entstand es aus einer jahrzehntelangen Freundschaft, geprägt von fortwährenden Gesprächen über Musik und das Leben und von Jahren, in denen sie sich gegenseitig in ihrer künstlerischen Praxis und persönlichen Entwicklung begleitet und unterstützt haben. "Wir vertrauen einander, unseren jeweiligen Fachgebieten und unseren einzigartigen Stärken", sagen sie über den Aufnahmeprozess. Es war eine Erfahrung voller Intuition und Zuversicht, die sie ihrer Freundschaft zuschreiben. Das Album entstand spontan in McDowalls Studio in Brooklyn, wo die Grundlage der Musik fast augenblicklich entstand. Die beiden beschlossen, ihren Improvisationen gewisse Grenzen zu setzen: Sie programmierten maßgeschneiderte Stimmungen auf einem monophonen modularen Synth-Patch und nahmen die Performance-Takes ohne Overdubs auf. "Diese Musik zu spielen fühlte sich an wie Singen, da ich meiner inneren Stimme frei folgte", sagt Kali. Das Erreichen dieser Melodien war wiederum etwas, das sich instinktiv anfühlte, wie das Aufdecken einer längst vergessenen Erinnerung. Sie fährt fort: "Ich hatte viele dieser Melodien so lange in mir behalten." McDowalls Syntheseansatz verwendet Karplus-Strong-Synthese, Delay und Verzerrung, die er mit einem intuitiven Touch formt und Malones Motive elegant verwandelt. "Die Musik ist überraschend zugänglich, obwohl einige der Klangfarben extrem sind", sagt Drew, "sie ist nicht bedrohlich oder gar undurchsichtig. Wir spielen vielleicht sogar mit Pop-Elementen." Nachdem sie die Aufnahmen ein Jahr lang unberührt gelassen hatten, kehrten sie zurück und fanden die Musik verwandelt vor: "Es fühlte sich an, als hätte sie eine unheimliche, mystische Qualität angenommen." Angetrieben von der Anziehungskraft der Wiederholung, Resonanz und Sättigung pulsiert Magnetism als lebendige Musik, die die Sinne fesselt und noch lange nach dem Verhallten der letzten Töne im Gedächtnis nachhallt.

Tristen stammt aus der lebhaften Roots-Rock-Szene von Nashville, Tennessee, und hat sich in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten als produktive und vielseitige Musikerin etabliert. Ihr Talent für das Komponieren fesselnder Melodien und scharfsinniger Texte hat ihr hochkarätige Kooperationen eingebracht. Sie war Co-Autorin von ,Love is an Art", dem neuesten Album von Vanessa Carlton, und tourte mit Jenny Lewis als Teil ihrer Band Voyager. Ihr folkiges Debütalbum ,Charlatans at the Garden Gate" aus dem Jahr 2011 brachte ihr das Lob als ,Nashvilles bestgehütetes Geheimnis" (The Boston Globe) ein, während sie sich mit ,CAVES" aus dem Jahr 2013, das von Stephen Hague co-produziert wurde, als hypnotische ,Synth-Pop-Sirene" (SPIN) neu erfand. Sneaker Waves erschien 2017 und markierte ihren Übergang zur vollständigen Produktion ihrer Musik und Musikvideos in ihrem Heimstudio zusammen mit ihrem langjährigen Kollaborateur und Ehemann Buddy Hughen. Rolling Stone beschrieb es als ,Nilsson-würdige Powerballade", während Ann Powers von NPR es als ,voller großartiger Melodien und eingängiger Arrangements, die das Ohr kitzeln und nicht mehr aus dem Kopf gehen" bezeichnete. 2021 erschien Aquatic Flowers, woraufhin Talkhouse verkündete: ,Sie ist eine dieser Songwriterinnen und Performerin, die von anderen Musikern absolut geliebt werden, und das aus gutem Grund. Sie ist eine Risikofreudige im Studio, wagt sich in unbekanntes Terrain vor und findet fast immer etwas, das zumindest interessant und oft unglaublich ist." Ihr fünftes Studioalbum ,Unpopular Music" erscheint im Oktober und enthält Beiträge von Pat Sansone von Wilco, Vanessa Carlton, Becca Mancari, Erin Rae und Natalie Prass. Damit kehrt sie auch endlich wieder auf die Bühne zurück und setzt ihre Karriere fort, in der sie bereits mit Robyn Hitchcock, Television, Ezra Furman und den Mountain Goats aufgetreten ist.

As trans-Atlantic alchemists pulling from a shared dialectic that somehow encompassed both postmodern deconstructionist tendencies and a delightfully subversive sense of poptimism, it’s easy to see how David Cunningham and Peter Gordon immediately hit it off upon initially meeting each other back in the late-1970s at the height of their youthful transgressions. Having initially worked together on the second Flying Lizards’ LP fourth wall, with its ingenious fusion of dismantled rhythms and rearranged melodies juxtaposed against the slyly sultry singing of Snatch’s Patti Palladin— with Gordon adding a few sprinkles of mischievous sax in the mix— it’s no wonder the collaboration would lead to further musical adventures.

Which leads us directly to the genesis of The Yellow Box. Embarking on a collaborative exercise in the structural repurposing of music as untethered puzzle pieces in need of rearrangement with no predetermined outcomes, the duo gave birth to a project that would see them move through both time and recording studios across Europe, taking nearly two years from 1981-1983 to complete. Enlisting the great Anton Fier on drums from The Feelies/Lounge Lizards nexus and John Greaves on bass from Henry Cow/Soft Heap lore to round out their dueling creative counterparts, the album would be something of a lost treasure until its eventual release on Cunningham’s Piano imprint in 1996.

Cinematic in scope, and filled with drifting drones, beautiful counter-melodies, eery minimalism, Kraftwerkian synthesizers, looped voices, skronky interludes, and other shifting undercurrents of sound, it was an album that utilized both a diverse array of expressive languages, as well as early sampling techniques and prepared instruments, well before most people were thinking in such expansive, integrated terms at the dawn of the 80’s. But such is life at the vanguard of new music. And one of the reasons that it likely sat on the shelf for so long before finally being released well over a decade later. Like a sparser, less groove-oriented version of My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, or a more radical take on the experimental work of Can’s Holger Czukay, The Yellow Box stands at the crossroads of time and technology, fusing multiple strands of musical thought and compositional techniques into a disjointed whole that somehow still comes off as a conceptually complete record.

Now, here it is again, over 40 years later, with perhaps even more historical resonance than it had before, remade and remodeled just waiting to be rediscovered again.

Volpe is the finely tuned trio led by Ghent-based pianist Heleen Andriessen. Drummer Stijn Demuynck and bassist Kobe Boon support Andriessen's lyrical melodies with an infectious groove. The carefully crafted compositions alternate between energetic and melancholic, allowing the listener to feel immersed in a warm bath while transporting them to an uncanny world.

'elders' (Dutch for "elsewhere"), doesn't refer to a physical place but to a refuge in Heleen's mind-a sanctuary where she searches for beauty on gray, rainy November days. A simple detail taken from everyday life can serve as a gateway to this hopeful, imaginative world. Musically, this translates to repetitive patterns that gradually evolve or suddenly burst open. Subtle dissonance is welcome here, with the band lovingly embracing the slight disruption it offers. Heleen's playful runs and Stijn Demuynck's grooves balance the melancholic undertones. Seemingly simple melodies tell stories and offer familiarity to listening ears.

keywords: piano trio, contemporary jazz, keith jarrett, modal jazz, minimalist

The Dears have made some of the most beautiful music of the past quarter century, but also some of the most defiant, with an attitude and emphasis that seems to blend the operatic with a punk sensibility. On their new album, "Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful!", The Dears are again at the top of their form, coming back with passionate, compassionate, urgent music that uplifts, explores dark corners, and ultimately shines out in a way that's absolutely gorgeous, with an edge.

""Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life is Beautiful!" feels like a new masterpiece and provides further evidence that The Dears are a vital part of the musical landscape, and also just completely doing their own thing, as ever." "If I love The Dears, if you love The Dears, it's because that orchestral, symphonic feel, those gorgeous melodies, are grounded in a gritty, gonna-die-on-this hill mentality and a heady intellectualism." "... my heart skipped a beat from the opening chords of "Gotta Get My Head Right"—a masterpiece of rising tension and killer melodies, layered and precise and yet roving and wild, with changes in the music and the progressions that alter your brain while listening. What follows is an album that's as various and yet as unified as that first track. Few bands can achieve this kind of complexity while also making it seem timeless and so very perfect." "There's no one like The Dears and there never will be, and I really appreciate that so very much." - excerpts from the album bio, written by New York Times bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer

The Dears' 9th studio album, "Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful", pressed on gold vinyl in a limited edition of 1000, will release worldwide 11/7 via Next Door Records.

Forget the Rush ist das lang erwartete Debütalbum von flypaper, dem Soloprojekt des in London lebenden Singer-Songwriters Rory Sear, das nach zwei gefeierten EPs über das Stockholmer Indie-Label PNKSLM Recordings (ShitKid, Clutter, 7ebra etc.) erscheint. Nachdem er als Frontmann der Indie-Rockband Beachtape aus Brighton bekannt geworden war, gründete Sear flypaper, nachdem er nach London gezogen war und begann, zu Hause selbst Songs aufzunehmen, inspiriert von Songwriting-Größen wie Randy Newman und Elliott Smith. Nach der Veröffentlichung von zwei gefeierten selbst aufgenommenen EPs, big nada und another orbit, löst flypaper mit Forget the Rush das Versprechen seiner frühen Aufnahmen ein und liefert einen ausgereifteren Sound, der die Intimität seiner frühen Werke bewahrt und gleichzeitig seine Songwriting-Fähigkeiten und Melodien in den Vordergrund rückt.

Unfolding ist Jessica Moss' meditativstes und klagendstes Soloalbum und vielleicht das erste in der jahrzehntelangen Diskografie der Violinistin und Komponistin aus Montreal, das man zu Recht als Ambient bezeichnen kann. Die ehemalige Mitglied von Silver Mt Zion und Black Ox Orkestar schöpft aus Postklassik, Drone, Minimalismus, Industrial/Metal, Power Electronics, Klezmer und anderen Folk-Traditionen. Es handelt sich hierbei nicht um abstrakte Ambient-Musik; vielschichtige Violinenmelodien, elektroakustische Bearbeitungen, intermittierende Stimmen und Percussion von Tony Buck, dem Schlagzeuger von The Necks, bringen zutiefst emotionale, genreübergreifende Kompositionen hervor, die von einem Geist der Suche und Beschwörung geleitet sind und sich in einer vorherrschenden Atmosphäre von Beschwörung und trauernder Zurückhaltung entfalten. Die Untrennbarkeit von Persönlichem und Politischem hat sich für Moss in den letzten zwei Jahren immer stärker herauskristallisiert. Als Kernmitglied der Montrealer Sektion von Musicians For Palestine hat sie mehrere Benefizkonzerte mitorganisiert und gespielt und im Frühjahr 2024 das Soloalbum For UNRWA veröffentlicht (das über 800 Unterstützer fand und Tausende von Dollar einbrachte). Später im selben Jahr zerbrach ihre langjährige Fernbeziehung aufgrund politischer Differenzen. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Produzenten Radwan Ghazi Moumneh (Jerusalem In My Heart) entstanden ,Unfolding" in den letzten zwölf Monaten, dem zweiten Jahr des Völkermords in Palästina, als direkte Reaktion auf unser kollektives Miterleben, unsere kollektive Trauer, als Portal zur kollektiven Trauer, als Suchscheinwerfer durch unsere inneren Wettersysteme, auf der Suche nach einander in der Dunkelheit. Moss bewegte sich bereits in Richtung einer erhöhten Fragilität und einem tiefen Zuhören, ihre Musik wurde zunehmend langatmig und zeremoniell. Trotz der stark gesunkenen finanziellen Rentabilität von Tourneen wurde ihre Hingabe, Raum zu schaffen, Verflechtungen herzustellen und eine Verbindung zu einem intimen Live-Publikum aufzubauen, zu ihrem kreativen Leitstern, ihre Solo-Praxis wurde durch ihr Engagement und die Kommunikation in diesen Räumen geprägt. Die jüngsten politischen und persönlichen Umwälzungen haben diese ritualisierten, reparativen musikalischen Prozesse nur noch verstärkt. Die beiden langen Stücke auf der ersten Seite von Unfolding verkörpern diese Sensibilität. ,Washing Machine" verwebt Schichten von Streicherdrones und Filigranarbeit, sanft verzerrt durch Verzerrerpedale und Verstärkung, wobei unentzifferbare, ausgeblasene Sprechstimmen den Mix zeitweise als fragmentarische Palimpseste verhüllter Rezitationen und unbeschreiblicher Gefühle umhüllen. Der Ursprung des Stücks liegt in einer Telefonaufnahme einer europäischen Waschmaschine, die Moss aufnahm, als sie neben ihr saß, mit gebrochenem Herzen auf dem Badezimmerboden, und Trost fand, indem sie eine Melodie zu den mechanischen Obertönen der Waschmaschine summte, die ihren Zyklus durchlief. Das Herzstück des Albums, ,One, Now", beginnt als zarte Anrufung mit Basspuls, Glockenspiel und Glocken, gezupften Saiten und traurigen Lead-Violinenlinien, die von jüdischen und arabischen Modi beeinflusst sind. Umgebungsgeräusche, Feldaufnahmen und wortlose Gesänge werden hinzugefügt, während sich Violinenmelodien überlagern und zu einer hypnotisierenden Drone-Landschaft verschmelzen: eine halb improvisierte, lebendige Komposition, die durch Tony Bucks pinselstrichartiges Schlagzeugspiel und Moumnehs ,Schrei in die Leere" am Ende noch weiter belebt wird. Die zweite Seite ist ein vierteiliges Werk mit dem Titel ,no one / no where / no one is free / until all are free", das sich durch Umgebungsgeräusche, elegische postklassische Streicher und verzerrte harmonische Drones zu einem Höhepunkt aus liturgischer Orgel, rituellen Glocken und schimmernden elektronischen Spuren entwickelt, der die Bühne bereitet für den letzten Song des Albums: die erschütternde Chor-Komposition ,until all are free", eine weltliche Hymne, die aus Jessicas mehrspurigen Gesangsaufnahmen besteht (die sie aber gerne mit anderen im Konzert singen würde). Unfolding ist ,einem freien Palästina in unserer Lebenszeit" gewidmet. Danke fürs Zuhören.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, piano trio Alter Ego presents their first-ever best-of LP featuring their signature ballads!
Alter Ego, a piano trio from the Setouchi region, has captivated listeners with their lyrical melodies.
This first-ever best-of LP features a carefully curated selection of the finest ballads they've crafted over the past decade.
This album was remastered at Alchemy Studio, a studio essential to Alter Ego's music.
The album features 11 tracks, including (2) "Meeting That One Friend," a tale of a special encounter; (3) "Where Will We Go?", a jazz waltz depicting the emotions felt at
a crossroads in life; (4) "The Wind Blows on Penelope," which depicts the flow of people connected to the coffee shop "Penelope," which is considered the origin of
pianist Hitoshi Ogata's career; and (10) "The End Opens Up New Possibilities," a song written at a time when parting with a loved one can also be a moment when a new
door opens. Music nurtured over time will gently reach your heart and leave a deep impression.

Selected by Yoshikazu Ogata & Keisuke Taniguchi