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Daryl Systems: The Wall Street Investor Turned Synth Maestro_
Daryl Systems, a former Wall Street stockbroker, found his true calling in music after a successful career in finance. Born and raised in the heart of New York City, Daryl made his fortune in the high-stakes world of stocks during the booming 90s. By the mid-90s, he had amassed significant wealth, allowing him to retire early and turn his attention to his lifelong passion: music.
Daryl relocated to Sweden, a country known for its rich history of electronic music, and began amassing a vast collection of vintage synthesizers. Inspired by the analog sounds of 70s and 80s synth music, Daryl became deeply immersed in the world of electronic production, creating lush, nostalgic melodies with a modern edge. His music blends the warmth of classic synths with innovative soundscapes, capturing a sense of retro-futurism.
Daryl's work is rooted in the tradition of vintage synth music, drawing influences from early electronic pioneers, while adding his own contemporary twist. He quickly gained a reputation within the underground scene for his impeccable taste in synthesizers and his ability to weave intricate, atmospheric tracks. His unique background and sound have made him a sought-after producer within the global electronic music community.

Mr. Fantasy: The Latin Italo Lover and Synth Collector
Mr. Fantasy is a true embodiment of the Italo disco movement, with a deep love for the genre and a keen passion for synthesizers. Hailing from Latin origins, Mr. Fantasy’s music is a vibrant tribute to the golden era of 80s Italo disco, blending nostalgic melodies with rich, rhythmic layers. With a particular obsession for collecting vintage synthesizers, Mr. Fantasy's music brings the analog warmth of the past into the present, creating a captivating blend of melodic hooks and captivating synths.
He grew up listening to the Italo disco classics, developing a fascination for the genre's distinctive sound, which he now incorporates into his music. Mr. Fantasy’s tracks are filled with pulsating beats, dreamy synths, and smooth basslines, all influenced by the golden age of Italian disco and electronic music.
His passion for synthesizers is matched only by his dedication to creating the perfect track. By blending his Latin roots with the shimmering sounds of Italo disco and the energy of modern electronic dance music, Mr. Fantasy has carved a niche for himself in the underground electronic scene.

The Collaboration: "Sensazione Elettronica" EP
In a highly anticipated collaboration, Daryl Systems and Mr. Fantasy have teamed up to release a new EP for the Italian record label Maledetta Discoteca. This collaboration brings together their shared love for vintage synthesizers, the Italo disco influence, and a passion for deep, atmospheric electronics.
Sensazione Elettronica features four electrifying tracks that blend retro vibes with fresh, forward-thinking production. Drawing from their unique backgrounds—Daryl's transition from the world of finance to full-time music production, and Mr. Fantasy’s deep connection to Italo disco—they have created a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative.
The EP showcases their mastery of classic synthesizers, with catchy melodies, driving basslines, and smooth, atmospheric textures that transport listeners to a world of neon-lit discos and timeless electronic rhythms. It’s an exhilarating project that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in both of their musical journeys.

Marie-Pierre Rixain and David Fenech form an unexpected and captivating duo, pushing the boundaries of alternative music. Together, they embark on an unclassifiable sonic journey, blending industrial downtempo, steady kicks, cold percussion, field recordings, and electric guitar feedback. Their music, often dark, carries flashes of warmth inspired by British dub—like an imaginary collaboration between The Bug and This Heat. At times, it echoes the world of La Perversita by Hector Zazou & Co.



Their debut album, Insane Ghosts, due out in spring 2025 on the Parisian label Hublotone, was recorded in 2024 in the intimate privacy of the bedroom. Mixed by David Fenech, it also benefits from the participation of Alexandre Berly (La Mverte) on the track ‘Toi en Moi’, adding a sub and experimental touch. The mastering was handled by the legendary Noel Summerville, whose sonic signature graces iconic albums by The Clash, My Bloody Valentine, Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.



The album cover features a striking work by French photographer and filmmaker Antoine d’Agata (Magnum Photos). His poetic and abstract image adds another layer to Insane Ghosts, a project already shaping up to be a must-have for fans of introspective, dark and cold music. Like if Lost in Highway from David Lynch had a new soundtrack.

Poni Hoax, a French band born in the early 2000s under the impulse of Laurent Bardainne, immediately emerged as the union of converging forces: on one side, the precision of a composer and instrumentalist breaking away from jazz conservatory traditions; on the other, the magnetic presence of Nicolas Ker, a terminal new wave crooner with a sepulchral voice. Surrounded by Arnaud Roulin on keyboards, Vincent Taeger on drums, and Nicolas Villebrun on guitar, they made an instant mark with Budapest—dark and haunting—followed by the unstoppable She’s on the Radio, crafting a unique identity that blended the venomous elegance of Roxy Music, the tension of New Order, and the fervor of Larry Levan. With Images of Sigrid, Poni Hoax achieved the miracle of an instant classic before continuing their journey with A State of War and Tropical Suite, sonic odysseys haunted by memory and distant horizons. On stage, it was either an apocalypse or a revelation—a Formula 1 driven by a gang of Gremlins, a blazing energy leaving only burning embers in its wake. The adventure came to a tragic end with the passing of Nicolas Ker in 2021, as the notes of Laurent Bardainne’s saxophone rose into the gray skies of Père-Lachaise, the final echo of a dazzling odyssey.In 2025, Poni Hoax celebrates its 20th anniversary with the release of Greatest Hits: Everything is Real.

Melodic Techno 2025 – A New Era Begins ZYX Music kicks off its brand-new annual compilation series: Melodic Techno. Featuring over 30 cutting-edge tracks, available on CD and digital, this release is a must-have for fans of deep, driving, and atmospheric beats. Carefully compiled & mixed by Tom Franke, a true veteran of the global DJ scene.

With 25+ years behind the decks, the Koblenz-born artist—also known as DJ TOM—has brought his sound to clubs and festivals worldwide. Expect a powerful blend of rising talents and underground gems, alongside iconic names like Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Signum, and many more. Backed by RautMusik.FM, Europe‘s largest internet radio station, Melodic Techno 2025 is here to set the tone for the future of electronic music.

This is a very special 10", part of a series where some old friends take some old work and make it even older! Nick from Smart Es, aka "Bang", is responsible for a huge number of undisputed classics from the late 90's and early 2000's, and he is long time friends with both Al Storm, and Luna-C / Cru-l-t. So between the three of them, they have decided to do a series of remixes where they take some of the classic Bang tunes and roll them back in time to the early 90s, giving them a vintage feel for the modern day...and they started with possibly the biggest of them all...Shooting Star!

South Street Soul are on a roll with another fantastic re-issue, this time championing two singles by US Funk band Father's Children. Originating from Washington DC, the band rose to prominence in the mid-to-late 70's, releasing a debut album on Mercury Records, which Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders produced. Notice to collectors and diggers; this takes the two killer tracks from the album nicely replicating the 1979 original 45, which would set you back over £100.

On the A-side, 'Hollywood Dreaming’, is a laidback revivalist soulful groover that will undoubtedly give your hips and shoulders a shuffle. On the flip, feel the funk with ‘Shine On’. A commanding slap bassline runs throughout the track with harmonised vocals and stabbing horns. Lace them up people, it's time to cut some rug!

MixCult Records is glad to introduce its new release, deeply curated various artists compilation that will take one journeying through resonant realms within Deep and Dub Techno. It boasts a lineup that features renowned artists such as Kirill Matveev, Genning, TM Shuffle, and Nicolas Barnes. Now this record offers four compelling tracks with rich sonic textures and emotive depths, characteristic of the genre.

A1: Eric Louis - Voice Memo Original: The first track, "Voice Memo" by Eric Louis, is purely an introspective personal record. Soft pulsations of the bass weave in and out of haunting melodic vocal samples to create an atmosphere that is strong and enduring.

A2: Kirill Matveev - Never Losing That Track Genning Remix: The second offering is Kirill Matveev's "Never Losing That Track", remixed with the masterly touch of Genning. The track builds on the core of the original with added layers of rhythm and heavenly synths soaring above the driving beat. It raises the energy a notch without losing the sophistication, with melodic elements perfectly laced into pulsating basslines. A track that makes the listener immerse themselves in the song: upbeat, yet wistful, so that listeners can get lost within the depth of the sound. The track is designed for those who love to dance at sunrise.

B1: TM Shuffle – Artist by the time the B-side gets underway, TM Shuffle brings the past to the present via "Artist", a rock-solid track now pressed on vinyla gain with some of the very best of strong dub techno sound which we love when mood-setters take over the dancefloors. This track invites introspection, drawing listeners into its depths as they explore the nuances of sound that define the dub techno genre.

B2: Nicolas Barnes - Outro: The "Outro" by Nicolas Barnes is a reflective, ambient conclusion to the journey. This track wraps up the listener in a soothing embrace of lush soundscapes with soft melodies. It's a meditation of the experience, with the stillness of quieted moments ringing deep. The spacious nature of the composition invites listeners into their reflection of this auditory voyage they've just embarked upon. Outro" - demurely deep, summing up the release and leaving its memory in a head long after it really fades. For sure, one of those tracks you do not want to forget while performing a warm-up set.

Every track represents a different exploration of sound, all combined to tell one story that resonates deep and with elegance. The vinyl release of the album is a must-have for any lover of immersive music, as it will invite listeners to get lost within captivating soundscapes.

new Pressing , new Artwork, new colored Vinyl



2 sided Vinyl in 45 RPM for best Dancefloor Satisfaction



VINYL ONLY as usual

DJ Support: Danny Krivit, Mark Knight, The Shapeshifters, Michael Gray, John Morales, Young Pulse, Hector Romero, Birdee, Hot Mood, Mark Lower

Da Lukas's Doin’ Me Wrong EP is a Two-track full of disco goodness that opens with the title track, a driving, percussive workout with a powerful vocal performance. ‘Good Man’ continues the party music with a dynamic horn section and disco breakdown. Da Lukas' tracks are nicely crafted, with a deep understanding of the disco and Funk genres. This 45 is a must-have for fans of disco and nu disco alike.

It is a groove-infused journey designed for those who thrive on the pulse of the dance floor. This slinky, high-energy compilation from NOREPRESS brings together the driving rhythms of Giacomo Silvestri - Paradox, Andrea Giuliani - Hypnagogic, Kirill Matveev & Wiklauri - Fasol, and Nicolas Barnes - Lift It, each track crafted to keep bodies moving and minds locked in.

The essence of this release lies in its intricate drum progressions—tight, rolling, and infectious—laying the perfect foundation for deep, bouncing grooves and hypnotic acid elements to work their magic. The energy flows effortlessly, creating that perfect in-the-moment feeling where time dissolves, and only the rhythm remains.

Whether it’s warming up the room or taking things deeper into the night, NRP004 is made to move a crowd. Packed with room-filling beats and an irresistible momentum, this one is all about embracing the moment, locking into the groove, and stepping into 2025 with pure dance floor delight.

NOREPRESS is a division of MixCult Records

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of its original release and for the first time on vinyl, the seminal sophomore artist album from Washington DC based legends, Deep Dish. All 14 tracks across 2 x coloured vinyl , including the global hits Flashdance, Say Hello and Dreams (w / Stevie Nicks). Exclusive colour vinyl version (1 yellow/1 orange)

Slow-moving finger-picked ambient folk straddling the synthetic and organic divide – that is “The Ending Was A Typical Part”, the first album by the Zurich-based duo Gūsū. It combines the tradition of playing the guzheng with electronic instruments, allowing different yet harmonious worlds to collide.

The collaboration between Xueyan Chen and Nicolas Balmer alias Gūsū was born out of their shared musical explorations in 2022 and has evolved into a dialogue of sound. Chen’s guzheng, an instrument deeply linked to Chinese history, resonates with improvised and self-composed melodies, freeing its pentatonic scale from its traditional bounds. Her playing is underscored with the cryptic hum of Balmer’s modular synthesizers, the deep bass and layered textures that combine the organic with the electronic. Together they create a sonorous exploration of identity, displacement and unity.

Xueyan Chen has been playing the Guzheng since her early childhood. With her moving to Zurich, Switzerland she started reimagining its historical identity through improvisation and self-composed melodies. With this approach, Chen emancipates the instrument from its classical heritage, weaving a contemporary and deeply personal narrative. Nicolas Balmer meanwhile brings a contrasting yet complementary dimension with modular synthesizers, bass guitar, and electronic textures. His layered soundscapes amplify and distort the Guzheng’s pentatonic timbres, enveloping them in mysterious tones and expansive harmonics.

DJ Support: Pete Tong, Adam Beyer, Black Coffee, Demi Riquisimo, Nic Fanciulli, Tronik Youth, Duke Dumont, Argy, Phantoms

A techy double A slice of house from label head Kaz James thats been doing the rounds with some heavy hitting DJ piers. Both tracks have been staple part of Kaz's sets at Art Basel, Desa Kitsuné Bali, Burning Man, Brooklyn Mirage, Pacha Ibiza, Koko London, Mayan Warrior Tulum, his Mykonos residency Alamagou and beyond.

The release follows 'Sun is Shining' which was supported by the likes of Keinemusik, Black Coffee, and Pete Tong as Essential New Tune.

2017 revolutionierte die bahrainisch-britische Trompeterin und Flügelhornistin Yazz Ahmed mit ihrem Album "La Saboteuse" den Jazz, indem sie ihr doppeltes Erbe mit elektronischen Effekten vermischte, um das Genre neu zu definieren. Die Platte taucht ein in ihre britischen und bahrainischen Wurzeln, mit Musikern wie Lewis Wright und Shabaka Hutchings, und zeichnet sich durch orientalische Melodien und stimmungsvolle Rhythmen aus, wobei auch der Einfluss moderner Jazzkünstler wie Kamasi Washington und Sons of Kemet nicht zu leugnen ist. Parallel fordert Yazz die von Männern dominierte Jazzsphäre heraus, gestärkt durch eine steigende Zahl weiblicher Musikerinnen.

** club fire from DJ Python

“i was put on this earth”, his first solo music since 2022, and debut on XL
Recordings.

On “i was put on this earth”, DJ Python - aka Brian Piñeyro - gently forays into uncharted territory as a singer, producer,
and collaborator; an evolution all the more impressive in light of his groundbreaking musical projects to date like Mas
Amble, Angel, and Club Sentimientos Vol 2. While splitting his time between New York and London, Python has teamed
up with a diverse set of collaborators including South London rapper Jawnino, Honduran-born powerhouse Isabella
Lovestory, unclassifiable songwriter Organ Tapes, and NYC mainstay Physical Therapy. Across the five-track EP,
Python shares bold solo songs alongside these intriguing collaborations. The project retains the captivating melodies,
atmospheric textures, and rhythmic innovation that defined Python's earlier recordings while building on and shaping these
signature elements into ambitious and addictive new songs.
The first look at the EP comes in the form of “Besos Robados”. Isabella Lovestory lends an insouciant yet insistent vocal
to this sublime downtempo lovers' reggaeton track that's been a fan-favourite since appearing on Python's epic BBC
Radio 1’s Essential Mix.

On ‘i was put on this earth’, DJ Python says “to whom it may concern…
its too beautiful to embrace change and to challenge urself to find something meaningful in it... i love my friends and
love is deep :') i want them to know that always... but sometimes i get busy and overwhelmed n im not the best at
saying how i feel always... just want to sit around and talk and feel understood together w someone who you like or u
find interesting.. thats the best :) and if the day is nice or if the day is not nice but ur inside and its cozy.. thats too
wicked. and ur making a soup and eating it together... just with the stuff in the kitchen.. dont even go out to get
ingredients.. no need to follow a recipe.. cause ur grandma taught u to cook w the "sazon" (cooking by tasting w as u
go on adding diff ingredients and spices.. no recipes. .. u can only really cook if u can freestyle in the kitchen she said)..
and then u think about how ur grandma taught u that.. and your w someone in the kitchen making something together..
and then u taste it and it warms u up and ur like damn this is fire.. thats what this and i think maybe what "its all"
about... thank u for taking time to read this and i hope you enjoy the album…
kiss u…
Brian”

LIMITED EDITION - Riso Print Cover (each individual cover may vary)
4 chop-outs from the Japan (tour) Tape. Edited and turned into full tracks.

Since its inception in 2020, Italo Moderni’s energy, spirit and inspiration has been the dancefloor. The darkened bunkers of Belgium, the trembling speakers of Valencia, the warming dawn of Rimini, these influences have been the lifeblood. Solidifying this tireless effort, Mellow Bangers Vol 2 is the label’s most ambitious collection to date.

In celebration of the imprint’s fifth anniversary, four artists gather with every single one united under a rallying cry. From across the globe, machinists have been drawn together to deliver a statement of acid and wave, of electro and synth with flourishes of italo. The shadowy fringes of the floor are well represented, audio artisans like Cyrk serving distorted drums and melodies dripping with menace in the twisted shape of “Double Crash.” The static haze remains with Fragedis’ “Disco Nicotina,” a lancing melody piercing the soaked speakers of this sweaty romp. Label boss, Adrian Marth leads the charge on the flip. “Modernism” is a stripped and playful two-stepper, a two-stepper that Marth beefs into bawdy proportions before balancing the track with crystalline chords. Amongst the litany of talent are musicians who have both inspired Italo Moderni as well as those who have appeared on the label. Antoni Maiovvi fits such a description, the sound sorcerer slicing beats through bittersweet bars in the immersive “Stopping Power.”

Mellow Bangers Vol 2 is a breathless expression of the floor. A contemporary imagining of the racing rhythms and addictive hooks of the 1980s and 1990s. Four works that summarise what Italo Moderni is and will continue to be

Good friends and Record Mission co-captains, Dan Tyler (one half of the Idjut Boys) and Nick The Record, take the reins for the third volume of the Mr Bongo Edits 12" series. With previous editions coming courtesy of Danny Krivit and Luke Una, Dan and Nick set their sights on a hand-picked selection of iconic ‘70s Cuban recordings for this three-track cosmic whirlwind. Across the A side, Dan picks out two Juan Pablo Torres tracks, with Nick taking on Grupo Los Yoyi on the B. Tweaking, extending and reworking the recordings with a dose of extra magic they remould the tracks to fit the sounds and structure of today’s dancefloors.

Having formed the Idjut Boys in the early ‘90s, Dan and Conrad McDonnell have crafted a dubbed-out, disco-tinged style that permeates their countless productions, remixes and DJ sets. Speaking of the two tracks Dan has chosen to rework for this EP he mentions, “Having been caught under an avalanche of good music from Mr Bongo, I took it upon myself to extend and add effects to a couple of the fantastic tracks from the Juan Pablo Torres LPs they recently re-issued. Just for disco jockey and barn dance use.”

First, Dan looks to Cuban maestro Juan Pablo Torres’ 1978 album 'Algo Nuevo', taking one of the standout tracks ‘Cacao’ and giving it more space to breathe. Teasing out the scatting vocal line and percussive climax that nods to George Kranz's ’83 electronic disco anthem 'Din Daa Daa', whilst adding more cosmic tripped-out synths and space echoed dubs, Dan builds the tension to fine effect. This track sounds immense on a big club system and the swirling synths felt like they were lifting the ceiling off when we played it at the amazing La Paloma ballroom in Barcelona.

Dan then turns his attention to Torres’ 1977 'Super Son' album, giving the psych-Latin-funk track 'Pastel En Descarga' a dub makeover. Rich in delay and drama, whilst maintaining and extending the breakers funk intro, he juices it up into a punchy, no-nonsense, cosmic-funk delight.

On the B side, Tangent co-founder, long-standing Life Force resident and seasoned rework master, Nick The Record, revisits an edit that he originally constructed in 2009. Clocking in at over double the length of the original cut, Nick’s edit of Grupo Los Yoyi’s 1977 cut 'Paco La Calle', is made with dancers firmly in mind. This secret weapon builds and simmers, with the drums and percussion pushing and pulling before the psychedelic synth lines return in a sweltering fashion. In this new 2025 version, Dan is drafted in to work some brilliant new synth lines into the mix.

Tom Carruthers is back with his debut drop on Syncrophone Prod, bringing straight fire with raw vibes and slick beats. “No Frequency" hits hard with four bangers that blend old-school flavors with a fresh twist. A must-grab for vinyl head



Feedbacks:


Laurent Garnier : Old school vibes. Another super cool release by Tom Carruthers. Will play
Uncertain (RSPX, WRKTRX, Suara) : good ol dayz!
Truncate : Dope!
nd_baumecker (Ostgut Ton) : Synchrophone once more show that they are absolutely not stoppable at the moment. Their output is crazily good for a long period of time now. I like. Thanks!
Erol Alkan (Phantasy Sound) : Downloading thanks!
The Advent : Nice OG Sounding, Reminds me of origins or TECH - YES..
Richie Hawtin (M_Nus) : downloaded for r hawtin
DVS1 : Thanks!!

Mita Gami & EREZ join forces for collaboration ‘Where’s My Voice?’ Uniting the rich sounds of Tel Aviv and NYC via Los Angeles, Mita Gami and EREZ combine again for their latest collaboration, ‘Where’s My Voice?’. Marking their first collaborative appearance on Damian Lazarus’ esteemed Crosstown Rebels, the single follows their previous work together on Borders Of Light while welcoming EREZ to the label for the first time.

A mainstay within Tel Aviv’s thriving scene, Mita Gami returns to Crosstown Rebels following his acclaimed remix of Parallelle & Nicolas Masseyeff’s ‘Renegade’ alongside Adam Ten. With prior releases on labels such as Diynamic, REALM and his own Maccabi House imprint, he continues to showcase his artistry while pushing boundaries. Meanwhile, EREZ, an artist known for seamlessly blending her mesmerising vocals and intricate production, makes her label debut after recent standout material on Get Physical Music and Discotexas.

‘Where’s My Voice?’ is a driving composition that pairs EREZ’s intoxicating vocals with hypnotic rhythms. A journey through tension and release, the track builds a captivating and trippy atmosphere that showcases the duo’s ability to craft evocative trips for the late hours. On the flip, Brussels-based DJ/producer and Sanctuary Music founder Samer Soltan adds his own take and steers the original into deeper territory, guided by commanding stabs, brooding melodies and intricate textures.

Mita Gami’s artistic vision extends far beyond the studio, curating ‘Sunrise Kingdom’ at Midburn Festival and performing on global stages such as The Brooklyn Mirage, Lightning in a Bottle Festival, and Hï Ibiza. Similarly, EREZ’s dynamic live performances—effortlessly transitioning between instruments—have earned her spots at Coachella, Outside Lands, and The Brooklyn Mirage. With ‘Where’s My Voice?’, the pair explore sound, emotion, and rhythm, adding to their places as innovating talents in the electronic music sphere.

BLACK/RED VINYL

A match made in heaven and hell, since forming in the cradle of Europe Athens, back in 2012, dark synth duo Selofan have paved their own perditious way, reinventing the modern Darkwave scene throughout the continent and worldwide with their prolific creativity and work ethic over the past decade. Through varied experimental synth-scapes conjured with keen ears for sound design, production, and theatrical aesthetics, Selofan rest not on the laurels of just creating highly danceable coldwave infused music, but with together with Joanna Pavlidou's haunting vocals, and Dimitris Pavlidis' throbbing bass guitar, and modular synth compositions, the pair conjure whole other worlds and narratives throughout each album and music video they create. Thus far the Selofan have released 5 studio albums, issued through their own legendary label they curate themselves: Fabrika Records. Through their Fabrika family, Selofan have championed such acts as Lebanon Hanover, and She Past Away, aiding these bands in becoming two of the most popular Darkwave acts worldwide. Drab Majesty even cameoed in a She Past Away video while being hosted by Selofan during one of the band's frequent stays in Athens, and Kaelan Mikla, a handpicked favorite of The Cure, were first championed by Selofan, through the release of the Icelandic Trio's self-titled debut in 2016. In the Spring of 2020, Selofan released the video for the hopelessly plaintive "There Must Be Somebody", the first single from their forthcoming sixth studio album Partners In Hell, the follow-up to 2018's widely popular Vitrioli LP. "There Must be Somebody" is a discordant composition, mimicking the startled song of birds after a disturbance in a wooded enclave on a mountainside, while a magick ritual unfolds. The album itself opens with "Grey Gardens", a menagerie of morose melodies setting a sombre tone for the rest of a bleak record whose sound design and dreamscapes evoke the best sounds of British and German post-punk of the 80s. "Almost Nothing" is a brooding bell-driven track with a dark and pirouetting melody that is the perfect soundtrack to a figurine twirling in a music box. The German language "Nichts" means No, and this song is both sinister and cinematic with sighing keys, shuddering drum machines, and German lyrics sung with sorrowful conviction. "Zusamen", is a word often asked if you are together, or separate, is a dark ballad whose shadowy keys weave a nightmarish delirium, evoking the soundscapes of a lullaby sung in a haunted dollhouse. "4am" is a restless rhythm, whose soft percussive melody tosses and turns alongside subtle bass and string accents overlaid with despondent vocals. "Happy Consumers" sounds like the swirling of a finger drawn upon the edge of crystalline glass, with vocals and drum machines coming emanating from an adjacent room with echoing acoustics, collectively evoking the sound like lingers when the somnambulist wakes from his dream. "Absolutely Absent" hums onward like a phantom train ride that is a one-way ticket to madness, and with the next track "Metalic Isolation" the locomotive beats gather more steam, propelled forward with anachronistic melody. The album closes with "Auf Dein Haut", which translates as on your skin, and the song is both tactile and tenebrous with sensuously dark synth textures amidst howling German vocals that take flight like witches during a sabbat. Partner's In Hell was mixed and produced by Serafim Tsotsonis, and mastered by Doruk Ozturkcan. Genre: Alternative / Post-Punk / Cold Wave

Der Waffle House Index bemisst in den USA seit 2011 die Wucht von Katastrophen: Grün = vollständiges Menü - Restaurant hat vollen Strom, Speisen unbegrenzt, Schaden schlimmstenfalls begrenzt. Gelb = eingeschränktes Menü - kein Strom, Verfügbarkeit von Speisen ist begrenzt. Rot = Restaurant zu - ernsthafte Schäden oder Überflutungen. Übertragen auf den freigeistigen Jazzrock der Band Kuhn Fu: Die Musik auf dem neuen Album "Katastrofik Kink Machine" springt mit Begeisterung und Verve zwischen Grün und Rot hin und her, und lässt die laue Mitte aus. Dem Wort Jazzrock haftet etwas Altbackenes an: Musik, in der seelenlose Virtuosität den Spirit und die Unmittelbarkeit ersetzt hat. Der Gitarrist und Komponist Christian Achim Kühn allerdings spielt mit seiner Band Kuhn Fu einen mit E-Gitarre infizierten Jazz, dem die Spielfreude und der Spaß am tiefschürfenden Unsinn (und eben dann doch auch: die Virtuosität) aus jeder Pore dampfen. Spaß an den Extremen nicht zuletzt, Grün und Rot, kein Gelb.

Fade 2 End (aka Nick Woolfson & Mark Shimmon) only put out two releases to their name both originally on Shining Path Recordings in 1996 and in limited numbers. For this Rezpektiva we have compiled the tracks from those two releases and put them onto this double EP which perfectly encapsulates the project - tough beats, hypnotic vocals and tracks that tell a story - roll them out and let 'em do their thing. Rezpekt to Fade 2 End !

Meet Kitchen Plug, the Parisian trio that somehow combines the rebellious energy of punk, the synth-driven chaos of electro, and the charisma of a boy band... except, they don’t really dance (yet).

With their new EP "Nice To Meet You," these self-proclaimed nerds have served up an unpredictable, colorful mix of electronic anthems and rock-infused vibes. It's like if your favorite computer-generated juice suddenly turned into an unstoppable emotional rollercoaster.

Expect cheeky melodies, emotional highs (and occasional lows), and enough playful swagger to make you question why you’re not already in their inner circle of "copains" (that’s French for friends, by the way). Kitchen Plug isn’t just making music; they’re creating a sound so lively and full of attitude that you’ll probably feel like you're getting a bear hug from your favorite nerdy best friend — just with more synths and less homework.

"Nice To Meet You" is the kind of EP that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it’ll still make you feel something. So, what are you waiting for? Plug in, and let's see if they can live up to their own hype. (Spoiler alert: They will.)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the fifth studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West. It was released on November 22, 2010, and featured the singles "Power", "Runaway" "Monster" and "All Of The Lights". Previously only available in the US, this version comes as a 3LP 180 gram vinyl w/ Frameable artwork and Collector’s Posters.

This album represents a significant evolution in the musical journey of Nick Viola, transitioning from the powernoise and heavy industrial sounds of his previous project, Fractured Transmission, into a techno-framed landscape. Spanning seven tracks, including remixes, the album features recurring sounds sourced from machinery, field recordings, and personal travels. These elements create an uneasy atmosphere oscillating between slight discomfort and absolute dread, offering a dystopian sonic experience fitting for the times we unfortunately live in.

The opening track, ‘A Ghost in Your World,’ sets an intense tone with distorted atmospheres and ‘It’s Still Real’ follows with a relentless pulse and swirling mechanical sounds, seamlessly flowing into Kenny Campbell’s remix of ‘A Ghost In Your World’, providing a cathartic release for the A side.

‘Drop Out,’ guides listeners on a psychedelic journey into the B side of the record, while ‘Negative Nancy’ ramps up the energy with an aggressive industrial techno assault offering an antagonistic jab at the current trend within the genre. Substencia’s remix of “Drop Out” delves deeper into psychedelia, offering an immersive trance-like experience relieving the tension of “Negative Nancy”.

The digital-only bonus track, ‘Tensor,’ maintains the album’s heavy industrial techno feel of a well-oiled machine, ready to pummel any underground sound system.

About Artist:
Nick Viola is a versatile electronic music producer known for his distinctive blend of industrial and techno music, drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences spanning from the gritty sounds of powernoise to the pulsating energy of techno.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nick began his musical journey immersed in the industrial club scene, where he cut his teeth performing at the legendary Los Angeles industrial club Das Bunker. Here, he honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for the raw, aggressive textures of industrial music. As the driving force behind the project Fractured Transmission, he made a name for himself with his uncompromising approach to power and rhythmic noise, earning recognition for his intense live performances and relentless sonic assaults.

However, Nick was always drawn to the rhythms and sounds of techno, and in a bold move, he embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, transitioning from the abrasive sounds and rhythms of powernoise to recontextualizing those sounds into a more techno landscape. With this album, “A Ghost In your World”, he showcases his evolution as an artist, seamlessly blending the industrial aesthetics of his past with the pulsating energy and frame of techno.

Spanning six tracks, “A Ghost In Your World” is a sonic journey through dark, dystopian landscapes and pulsating dance floors, where distorted atmospheres and mechanical rhythms collide to create a mesmerizing and immersive experience. From the haunting textures of “A Ghost in Your World” to the relentless energy of “Negative Nancy,” each track offers a unique glimpse into Nick’s sonic universe, inviting listeners to explore new depths with each listen.

Written + Produced by: Nick Viola

Mastered by: Tim Vitek

Artwork: Permian Designs

Design by: Elaine Stam

Here at Four Flies, we kind of feel we need a bigger word than 'proud', this time, to present, in collaboration with Beat Records, the first-ever release of the original soundtrack written in 1976 by Guido & Maurizio De Angelis for the legendary Squadra Antifurto, the second chapter of the comedy-infused crime saga directed by Bruno Corbucci and starring Tomas Milian as the iconic Italian Police Marshal Nico Giraldi.

The excitement in this case is nothing short of gigantic, difficult to rein in for those who, like ourselves, grew up adoring the character played by Milian as one of our cult heroes, and dreaming that the soundtracks of the first three films in the saga – the only ones composed by the De Angelis brothers – would one day be released.

Since the launch of our label, Squadra Antifurto has been at the top of the list of film scores we most wanted to release. Until a few months ago, this dream of ours seemed destined to remain just that, so strong was the conviction in all of us that the master tapes were definitively lost, that they had forever vanished into thin air. That's why their recovery, made possible by Maurizio De Angelis himself and the persistence of our friends at Beat Records, is an extraordinary feat.

Nearly 50 years after it was first heard in cinemas, the soundtrack penned by the De Angelis brothers is resurrected in its entirety and can finally shine its incredible power all over us.

Beautifully seeping through this score – like many others composed by the golden duo in the 1970s – are elements from the Italian, and especially Roman, folk tradition, for instance in the warm, heartfelt ballad sung by Alberto Griso, "E nun ce voio sta," which first plays in the opening credit sequence and is then reprised in various forms throughout the film, culminating with the soul-stirring orchestral version that closes the album's tracklist.

But as in any Italian crime film worthy of that name, a different soundscapetakes centre stage: it's the music that accompanies the countless scenes of tension, action, and pursuit that punctuate the film, and which has made us fall madly in love with this score.

The main theme is a prog-funk joyride, drawing inspiration from the traditional tarantella but elevated to irresistible energy thanks to a rock orchestration featuring psychedelic flutes, wild percussion, distorted electric guitars, piano chords, and various feedback and delay effects.

The resulting groove is just mind-blowing, and we almost can't believe it's finally available on a record, completely remastered for vinyl.

We really couldn't be prouder, and dedicate this release to all passionate fans of Italian crime films, the De Angelis brothers, and Tomas Milian aka Nico Giraldi.

Available starting April 12th on standard black vinyl and limited coloured vinyl (transparent amber, limited to 300 copies).

Spanish imprint Clock Poets returns with its sixth release, a nicely curated three-track V.A. that brings together Dan Andrei, Root, and label founders Marco and Javier (Clock Poets). Aptly titled Surrealism, the EP explores different shades of minimal techno and micro-house, offering a dynamic range of textures and grooves.

Dan Andrei sets the tone with 'Si Un Ecou' (A1), a stripped-back, bass-heavy roller with a raw, hypnotic energy. Laced with eerie, Hitchcockian tension, the track simmers with understated menace until a burst of heavily modulated synth chords cuts through the groove like a sudden flash of light — turning the mood on its head. Subtle yet striking creative decisions like these highlight Andrei's refined sonic evolution. On (A2), Root's 'Apophis' is a swing-heavy slice of classic micro-house. Shuffling drum patterns dart unpredictably, locking the dancefloor into a stealthy groove while growling synth textures add an air of mystique and atmospheric tension. A nod to the golden era of the genre, yet firmly grounded in the present.

Clock Poets close the EP with 'Galaxy' (B1), a sprawling 14-minute live-recorded behemoth, through microscopic sound design and intricate rhythm programming. Filtered, syncopated drum patterns weave through evolving bass stabs and delicate melodic fragments, crafting a hypnotic groove that pulls listeners deeper with every loop.

"Surrealism" is a carefully balanced record with a range of moods and styles for the lovers of thoughtful minimal dance music, and yet another compelling addition to the Clock Poets catalogue — refined and immersive.

In ihrer bisher zwölfjährigen Band-Historie veröffentlichten Nicolás Jaar und Dave Harrington, zusammen bekannt als DARKSIDE, die beiden Alben ""Psychic" (2013) und ""Spiral" (2021). Mit ihrem langjährigen Freund und Kollaborateur Tlacael Esparza als neues Bandmitglied und Schlagzeuger kommt jetzt ihr drittes Album ""Nothing". Das Ergebnis ist faszinierend und vielschichtig. DARKSIDE schmücken ""Nothing" mit prägnanten Rhythmen, verzerrten Vocals und kreieren eine ganz eigene, wie ungewöhnlichen Ästhetik.

Um die Entwicklung zu verstehen, muss man die Hintergrundgeschichte kennen: Jaar und Harrington lernten sich in den frühen 2010ern während ihrer Schulzeit in Providence kennen. Während der Tour zu Jaars Solo-Debütalbum fand eine spontane Aufnahmesession an einem freien Tag in einem Berliner Hotelzimmer statt. Die Session war wortwörtlich brandheiß, denn sie endete mit durchgeschmorten Lautsprechern. Der Raum füllte sich mit Rauch und der an diesem Tag entstandene Song wurde ihre erste gemeinsame Single ""A1", DARKSIDE war geboren.

Zwischen den ersten beiden Alben legte das Duo eine sechsjährige Pause ein. In dieser Zeit verfolgten Jaar und Harrington jeweils eigene kreative Wege: Jaar etablierte sich als Solokünstler und Produzent, während Harrington als innovativer Gitarrist und Experimentalmusiker die Underground-Szene in L.A. aufmischte und die Rock-Band Taper"s Choice gründete. Die Geschichte setzt sich dann im Herbst 2022 in Los Angeles fort als das Duo eine Reihe von Shows buchte, um sich nach acht Jahren erstmals wieder als Live-Band zu vereinen. Esparza kam als festes Mitglied hinzu und veränderte grundlegend den Klang und die Energie der Band. Die Idee von ""Nothing" entstand während der Suche nach Achtsamkeit und Harringtons stillen Momenten mit seiner neugeborenen Tochter, in denen er Schönheit im Nichtstun fand. Für Jaar wurde ""Nothing" zu einem Symbol für die allgegenwärtigen, wie überwältigenden Probleme, unausgesprochene Gefühle und den Stillstand in globalen Krisen wie Klimawandel, politischer Heuchelei und wiederkehrender Gewalt.

Over three years in the making, Needle Mythology Records is delighted to announce a super deluxe, expanded remastered reissue of The Lilac Time’s 1991 masterpiece, Astronauts. Released as a triple vinyl, triple CD or single vinyl, only 1000 copies of each format will be produced, there will be no further pressings. Both the 3LP and 3CD editions will come with an extensive 11,000 word oral history of Astronauts and liner notes by Needle Mythology co-founder and longtime Stephen Duffy fan, Pete Paphides.

All three albums including a 2024 remaster, a collection of works in progress entitled‘Softened By Rain The Making Of Astronauts’ and a live compilation ‘Any Road Up The Lilac Time Live 1990/91’ have been mastered for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Roadand will be housed in a triple gatefold sleeve with a colour inner sleeve and new artwork for each disc, which has been especially created by designer Mike Storey. The main sleeve for Astronauts itself will replicate the original artwork but with the four distinctive “blobs” rendered in a red “foil” texture. In addition to these three disc sets, 1000 single vinyl remastered copies of Astronauts will also be made available, in a cherry red vinyl edition to match the outer sleeve.

With the shoegaze and baggy movements at their zenith, The Lilac Time’s fourth album was released at a moment when the left-field music zeitgeist was shaped by the nascent shoegaze, baggy and grunge movements. Whilst Astronauts conformed to none of those trends, neither was it the record Stephen had in his head when he finally finished working on it. We’ll never know how that record would have sounded, but it’s hard to imagine a better version of the album he did end up making. The songwriter who brought ‘A Taste of Honey’ and ‘Hats Off, Here Comes The Girl’ into the world envisaged the sort of choruses that would jump from the single speaker of your favourite transistor and lodge themselves into the collective memory bank.

But while he really was writing some of his most beautiful melodies, Astronauts is a family of songs that demands to be kept together in the sundazed cloud of inspiration that created it. It constitutes a partial retreat from the outwardfacing utopianism of its predecessors, choosing instead to dwell on the journey taken to get to this point. That this is an audibly different band to the pastoral expeditionaries of the group’s previous releases is almost entirely down to the departure of Nick Duffy and the arrival of Sagat Guirey. Suddenly, accordions, banjos and mandolins are out; jazz guitar is in. Sagat’s filigree work on the outro of ‘A Taste for Honey’ acts as a sublime parting shot to a lyric which acts as a wiser, wistful companion piece to Stephen’s 1985 solo hit ‘Kiss Me’, something tantamount to the camera retreating to reveal the years elapsed between the time depicted and the present day. The distance between the carefree youth of pop stardom and the first intimations of mortality can be measured between the first and second verses of the quietly devastating ‘Madresfield’; from the depiction of the deserted cricket pavilion obscured by fresh snowfall to the sudden shift in perspective from subject to protagonist: ‘No one ever told me/That killing time is harmful/For time cannot recover/What soon the ground will offer.’ For all of that, however, the resulting album didn’t correspond to the vision its creator had for it. At a loss as to what to do with it, Stephen surrendered Astronauts to Creation with no plans to promote or draw attention to it. The consciousness shift of which Stephen had hoped The Lilac Time might be a precursor hadn’t happened. Or, rather, it had – but it had happened elsewhere, in the Haçienda and Shoom and in Ibiza. Not on the hills of Herefordshire. In a nod to that sea change, Stephen handed over one song, ‘Dreaming’ to Hypnotone, who

Here is our Hot Sauce Volume 5 showcasing some seriously groovy and rare Rocksteady,
Boss and Reggay tracks mixed expertly for yet another thrilling early Reggae experience on vinyl.


Here is the much anticipated volume 5 of the HOT SAUCE compilation LPs dedicated to the Trojan related labels between 1965 and 1975.
HOT SAUCE volume 5 features outstanding original Rocksteady, Boss Reggae and early Reggae (“Reggay”) tracks including rare songs, overlooked gems, hidden treasures and a couple of hits. The record labels showcased on this fourth volume are Amalgamated, Bread, Downtown, Duke, Explosion, Grape, Harry J Records , JJ Records, Rio, Splash, Upsetter and Techniques.

The tracks here have been selected according to their musical interest firstly, their rarity, and their complementarity.
These tracks are all outstanding tracks, “killer tracks”, there is no “filler” whatsoever.

Particular attention has been paid to the way the songs are sequenced (or “mixed”) so that the album builds up nicely and gradually, generally starting
with the Rocksteady songs on the A side and the 70s songs on the B side.
The HOT SAUCE series is a musical journey across Trojan and its labels showcasing early Jamaican Reggae’s diverse musical genres and outstanding artists.
Since the early 70s’ “Tighten Up” and “Club Reggae” series, no compilations have really explored these labels in depth on vinyl.
It might be the last volume of the series as we know it so we wanted to make a splash for volume 5.
It is a nod to self-censored lewd Reggae covers from Trojan and Pama in early 70s. So don't fret,
a collectible yellow sticker has been strategically applied on the shrink-wrap to cover Miss Rocksteady's bottom!!
With its striking cover and its thrilling Reggay selection, volume 5 is bound to become another successful album in the Hot Sauce series...

Oversized custom cut LP jackets (13” / 33.02 cm width)
Silkscreened with bespoke iridescent citrus green ink by Mark Rice
Short story by Natalia Zuluaga

Flexi 7”:
steaming mescaline (extended mix by bad lsd trips)
Citrus green metallic foil stamp
Pressed in full stereo
Edition of 150

I.

bad lsd trips is the collaborative duo of makers doris dana and domingo castillo flores. Respectively the two have fostered practices that have sprawled out through various approaches and, whether in the lanes of the musical or the contemporary arts, the phenomenology of the social and inclusive prevails. On ultrafest, this motif continues through the psychedelia of its eight time-defying recordings, welcoming the listener into an open temporal architecture of the stereo field as a signifier of environment. It is worth noting that the group began collaborating in Miami, Florida with longer form improvisations recorded to a stereo cassette deck. In these recordings, the paved geographical sprawl and oceanic view permeated the approach to amassing long swaths of sound material. Listening back on that work at the time of this writing, each track feels as though one is walking into an active space, arriving to an event already in full swing and finding your place inside of it. On ultrafest (this album) something different occurs. The space and events are built around you as you move through the record.

II.

The name of the album is ultrafest, which should effectively provoke your mind's eye the imagery of young people dancing, salivating, grinding, and imbibing chemical compounds to the perversely formalized musical genres of “Electronic Dance Music” and latter-era Dubstep often heard in European Uber rides and energy drink commercials. A far distance from the icy and machinic reverie of Techno’s finest rave eras or the notable historical contributions of Miami’s cerebral producers to IDM’s global output, ultrafest is a libidinal catharsis as festival scaled to a multinational corporation of hedonistic excess. The festival has been a hallmark of Miami cultural industry production and optical enticement for tourism, purportedly bringing in nearly a billion dollars in revenue to the city since 2012. Scores of documentation exist wherein this decadent escapism leaves the concertgoer, usually in some neon garment on a near nude body potentially adorned with fluffy faux fur leg warmers, facing a comedown from the combination of volume, sun, dehydration, and methylenedioxy-methylamphetamine. This MDMA experience characterizes an aspect of the way bad lsd trips employs vocals and pitch on this album. The detached, high octaved longing of a high pitched vocal is decoupled from its typical auditory body of song. High-pass clicks and pops touch the (h)air on the back of the neck, promising goosebumps and teasing towards euphoric rushes of dopamine, yet also exist decoupled from the body of song. As the dopamine depletes and the sun imposes itself, Miami’s downtown of skeleton real estate is your company as you meander towards your parked vehicle to rest your fatigued senses, elevated heart rate, and quench the need for air conditioning on your skin. The immediacy of bombastic social immersion to architectural alienation palpable here.

III...

- Nick Klein

Der Einstieg in die Musik von Q Lazzarus erfolgte für fast alle über „Goodbye Horses“. Der Song tauchte erstmals 1988 in Jonathan Demmes „Married to the Mob“ auf, aber er sollte sich erst dann vollständig im Bewusstsein der Menschen verankern, als er 1991 in Demmes „The Silence of the Lambs“ wieder auftauchte. „Goodbye Horses“ fühlte sich an wie ein in sich geschlossenes Universum - traumhaft und völlig ungewöhnlich, ein sofortiger Klassiker, der die Zuhörer fesselte und neugierig auf die geheimnisvolle Stimme dahinter machte. Diese Stimme gehörte Diane Luckey, einer einzigartig talentierten Künstlerin, deren Musik ihrer Zeit voraus war und die letztlich zu Lebzeiten weitgehend unerkannt bleiben sollte. In Verbindung mit der Veröffentlichung des Dokumentarfilms „Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus“ von Aridjis Fuentes veröffentlicht Sacred Bones eine Sammlung von Songs, die die gesamte Karriere von Q abdecken und die verschiedenen Epochen ihres Schaffens und die ganze Bandbreite ihrer Persönlichkeit zeigen. „Goodbye Horses“ ist die erste Musiksammlung, die den Segen von Qs verbliebener Familie erhalten hat, und hat die Besonderheit, ihre erste und einzige Albumveröffentlichung in voller Länge zu sein. Aufgenommen zwischen 1985 und 1995, spiegelt diese Fundgrube bisher unveröffentlichter Musik einige der interessantesten Facetten der Popmusik der letzten vier Jahrzehnte auf eine Weise wider, die sowohl versiert als auch wild eklektisch wirkt Das titelgebende „Goodbye Horses“ bleibt ein einzigartiges Stück gespenstischer New-Wave-Perfektion, und man könnte sich ein ganzes Q-Lazzarus-Album vorstellen, das sich um diese Ästhetik dreht, aber ähnlich den Gesangsikonen Alison Moyet, Annie Lennox oder Lisa Gerrard eignet sich Qs chamäleonhafte Stimme perfekt für eine Vielzahl von Stilen und Settings. Ihre Coverversion von Talking aHeads' „Heaven“ verwandelt den Song in eine aus voller Kehle gesungene Power-Ballade mit klimpernden Klavierverzierungen, während ihre Interpretation von Gershwins „Summertime“ wie eine dubbige Club-Reduktion klingt, die zu einem Grace Jones Stück der Nightclubbing-Ära hätte passen können. Tracks wie „My Mistake“ und „Hellfire“ flirten mit House-Musik und zeigen, wie frech und glockig Qs Stimme sein kann, wenn sie sich richtig austobt, während „Don't Let Go“ wie eine bombastische Radiosingle klingt, die Cher vor einigen Jahrzehnten hätte veröffentlichen können. Andere Songs wie „Bang Bang“ und „I See Your Eyes“ sind von einer gitarrenbetonten Alt-Rock-Sensibilität, die in einem Paralleluniversum auch auf MTVs 120 Minutes Show hätte laufen können. „Goodbye Horses“ verkörpert das Potenzial für so viele verschiedene Arten von Karrieren, die, aus welchen Gründen auch immer, nie vollständig verwirklicht wurden. Dass wir jetzt diese Songs in der Welt haben und ein klareres Bild von der Person dahinter, ist nichts weniger als ein Segen.

Throughout the 1980s, Michael Antener, born and raised in Bern, Switzerland, initiated an array of sonic endeavours in the realm of industrial, dark, aggressive music. Of his times as a post-apocalyptic hunter, he says today: I found a musical niche where I could express myself, along with other people who were not afraid of dark themes. It would have been hard to sing about love in my music, so I included sounds and cries of pain taken from horror movies.

It was a fortunate coincidence to come across one of his self released records, the 1986 EP Strangler of the Swamp, which marked the beginning of our quest to find this all but forgotten musician whose work seemed nowhere to be found. Eventually, we got in touch with Michael, who is still living in Bern, and began the process of searching through all his surviving musical and visual material.

The triple vinyl release is all about documenting Michael Anteners adventures during that intense 1980s period. We tried our best to select the most interesting material from his two earliest projects, The Strangler of the Swamp and Bande Berne Crematoire, comprising materials from vinyl records, cassettes, and live recordings, some of it unreleased. The release also includes a deep dive into Michaels visual archive of posters, photos, and sleeve artworks.

The disjointed, tumultuous body of work presented here marks the testament of a fringe musician who was disruptive and confrontational, keen to shock and alarm people (much to our liking), and who could easily have been lost in oblivion.