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Heady house label Courtesy Of Balance only releases music that you know will stand the test of time. It is informed by the classic schools of deepness but always with a modern touch and unique character, and next to carry that torch is Ostrich aka Nadir Agha. He's in charge of curation at Montreal's legendary Stereo Club and shows his class here with opener 'Snake Charmer' which is built on a dynamic groove foundation and embellished with wispy pads that take your mind on a wander. 'Promiscuous' is heavy, dubby house stripped back to the core essentials and perfectly executed. 'Buttered Up' is a little more mobile but embellished with nothing chords and smoky vocal soul and 'Broken Science' closes with a brilliant broken beat flourish that is full of jazzy invention.

This tasteful Spanish label always does a fine line in traditionally inclined deep house. Their latest drop brings together the talents of Andrew Lozano and Trevor Vichas. 'Don't U Feel It' kicks off with a playful skip in the drums and one of those spoken word vocals that add plenty of atmosphere. It's Demuir who remixes this one with even more light-hearted groove and jazzy Rhodes chords. Lozano and Vichas then offer 'With You' which keeps the dubby, smoky, frayed-edge house sounds rolling and 'Feel The Heat then brings a more upright groove with driving hits and swirling pads that speak to the soul.

This latest Unxpozd release has taken a hot minute to arrive but it's been worth the wait, because once again DJ Aakmael shows off his deep house class. '6minutes' kicks off with the sort of whimsical late-night chords that soon get you dreaming as the loveably lazy grooves slouch on. 'Just A Track pt. 8' shows Aakmael's sample skills as he chops up the sounds with some nice jazzy keys. You won't find a groove more lush and smooth than the gently cosmic 'Track 123' while 'Autumn' is perfectly stripped back to chunky kicks, slowly ascending chords and a hint of Kerri Chandler soul with a gospel vocal hook.

DJ Support: Kerri Chandler, Mr.V, Lars Behenroth, Enoo Napa, Adriatique, Harri, Ilario, Alicante, Dennis Quin, Jimpster, Severino, Junior Sanchez

Kerri Chandler and Nae (SA) Unite for New Single ‘Caged Bird’ – Limited Edition Splatter Vinyl Release

Kerri Chandler teams up with South Africa’s Nae for their latest single ‘Caged Bird,’ featuring four exclusive mixes on a limited-edition vinyl release — only 300 copies available in this special colourway.

The A-side opens with the ‘Full Vocal Mix,’ where Chandler crafts emotive piano melodies, organic drums, and atmospheric strings, perfectly complementing Nae’s soulful vocals.

On the flip side, Chandler delivers a fresh remix of ‘Caged Bird,’ transforming the soulful essence of the original into a deep, slow-burning groove that unfolds over eight minutes.

The package also includes a ‘Kerri Chandler Instrumental Remix,’ stripping away the vocals to let the intricate production shine through.

Rising musical visionary Reuben Vaun Smith's latest album, Land of Music, is a vibrant and atmospheric collection of tracks that transport listeners to a tropical soundscape of chilled beats, lush synths, and laid-back vocal musings. Remarkably, Smith recorded the entire album aboard a fishing trawler docked in a marina in Gibraltar, transforming the tight space into a creative sanctuary.

Blending dreamy synthesizer pads, groovy beats, and smooth vocals, Land of Music evokes a relaxing, high-vibe journey from start to finish. Collaborations on the album enhance its eclectic sound, with standout performances from vocalist Lucy Saddler, who lends her ethereal voice to “Lost in Space” and the title track “Land of Music.” Additionally, labelmate and guitar virtuoso Chico Mann brings his signature funky guitar licks, infusing the album with fresh energy and dynamic flair.

Smith’s Land of Music offers listeners an imaginative escape from the everyday, a vibrant sonic retreat that balances experimentalism with a deep sense of relaxation. Visually, it's paired perfectly with the striking album art courtesy of Brazil-based artists Uinverso, comprised of sisters Nadiuska and Priscila Furtado. Whether you’re tuning in on a quiet evening or drifting through a sun-soaked day, this album promises to be the perfect soundtrack for living the good life.

Amber Broos, the rising star of Belgium's techno scene, has released a thrilling remake of the iconic anthem 'Arpegia'. Originally released in 1995 by Belgian dance act The Mackenzie, this legendary track has captivated clubgoers for decades and earned its place as a true cult classic. Amber Broos, known for her dynamic fusion of techno and Belgian retro influences, breathes new life into 'Arpegia' with a powerful, energy-infused version on the Belgian label Serious Beats Classics. Her reimagined version for a new generation of dance music lovers features an epic breakdown, driving beats, and an electrifying intensity that cements her reputation as the next-generation artist to watch. With this bold and electrifying remake, Amber Broos continues to carve her path as one of the most promising female artists in the electronic music scene.

Amber Broos: "'Arpegia' is a track that has shaped Belgium's dance scene, and I'm honoured to bring it back to life with my own twist. It's a tribute to the past, but also a vision of the future."

At just 22 years old, Amber Broos is already a force to be reckoned within the global electronic music industry. She has made waves with her radio shows on Belgium's leading station Studio Brussel and Tomorrowland's One World Radio, and has become a favourite among fans for her energetic performances and happy dance vibes. Her impact was undeniable at Tomorrowland Belgium, where she not only hosted her own stage at the Atmosphere tent but also performed on the iconic Mainstage for the second time in her career - a historic moment as the youngest female DJ ever to achieve this milestone.

Classic and legendary are words used on a regular basis, but you genuinely do not get more classic or legendary than Hurt You So by Jonny L. Wildly inventive when first released, and sounding as fresh today as it did back then, these 4 original mixes are pure fire, inescapable anthems from the then and the now, and this reissue, remastered from DAT and rereleased, cannot be missed…

Club / DJ Support
Ed Solo, Ray Keith, Jay Cunning, Dj Rap, Dope Ammo, Annie Mac, Billy Bunter, the Fat Controller, Glowkid, Slipmatt, Dj Jedi, Dj Luna-C, Dj Brisk, Clayfighter, Jimni Cricket, Bustin, Sc@r, Doughboy, Saiyan, Dave Skywalker, Ponder and many others

At long last, Q Lazzarus says hello to Dark Entries. Q Lazzarus is the moniker of Diane Luckey, born in New Jersey in 1960. While living in the East Village in New York City in the 1980s, Diane met songwriter Bill Garvey at a party and they recorded “Goodbye Horses” in his home studio. As the story goes, Luckey met Hollywood director Jonathan Demme when she picked him up in her taxi during a snowstorm in 1986. Demme was wowed by her demo tape, which was playing in the cab, and they ended up hanging out at a restaurant for hours talking about life and music. “He liked it so much, I gave him the tape I was listening to, he said he would call me for one of his movies, but I didn’t really take it seriously.” said Luckey. Demme would have the song “Goodbye Horses” first appear in his offbeat comedy Married to the Mob, and then again more memorably in Silence of the Lambs when Buffalo Bill changes into women’s clothing while drowning out his intended victim’s pleas with loud music. Despite the exposure, both Luckey and Garvey languished in relative obscurity. “Goodbye Horses” is the definition of a cult classic, an ethereal tearjerker driven by Garvey’s lush synth work and Luckey’s unmistakably powerful voice. Garvey says, “the song is about transcendence over those who see the world as only earthly and finite.”

Over 15 years of effort have gone into the making of this release. All five songs on this record were previously unreleased and are sourced from original master tapes. The extended version of “Goodbye Horses” was newly mixed from the original stems by Alberto Hernandez at Fantasy Studios. Instrumental and acapella versions of the song are included, which are also available for the first time. Side B opens with “Hellfire,” a brooding number about the New York BDSM nightclub of the same name, showcasing the range and force of Luckey’s voice. “Summertime” follows, with a sauntering synth-reggae spin on the 1937 George Gershwin number. Both B-side tracks are also new mixdowns and edits from the original stems. This record is released alongside Eva Aridjis Fuentes’s documentary on Q Lazzarus, Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus, a work chronicling the life of the enigmatic Luckey. It is an opportune moment to reflect on the underrecognized artists we have lost and the undeniable brilliance of both Diane Luckey and William Garvey.

Hyldon, Brazil’s highly revered vocalist, musician and producer, has partnered with Adrian Younge to create a new psychedelic soul album, HYLDON JID023. The duo, highly inspired by Hyldon’s seminal work in the ‘60s and ‘70s, revisits’ the spirit of this epoch while creating a modern-day classic. Hyldon’s unique voice and lyrical depth, combined with Younge’s innovative analogue production, ensures this album will not be forgotten. JID023 is one of the last recordings featuring Hyldon’s long-time collaborator and friend, the late drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti of Azymuth.

Hyldon, a musical pioneer and early contributor to the “Black Rio” movement is a genius in synthesizing the sounds of MPB, Tropicália and Black American R&B. His unique voice, coupled with his rich arrangements and laid-back grooves set him apart from the contemporaries of the time. In ’75, his remarkable debut album, Na Rua, Na Chuva, Na Fazenda changed the sound of Brazil forever. Hyldon’s earnest and experimental approach in creating that album served as the inspiration for Younge’s production on the new JID023.

Months before Mamão's untimely passing, Adrian Younge and Hyldon invited the legendary drummer to join them at Younge’s Linear Labs studio in Los Angeles. Mamão and Hyldon shared a rich musical history — Azymuth, Mamão’s group, served as the rhythm section for much of Hyldon’s work, including his iconic 1975 LP, Na Rua, Na Chuva, Na Fazenda. Their goal was ambitious: to craft an album that would stand alongside Hyldon’s finest achievements, one that would captivate fans who love his unique blend of psychedelic and soulful “Música Brasileira.” The result is nothing short of remarkable.

“Producing a Hyldon album was a dream come true. I’ve studied his catalogue for so many years and highly respect the way he mixed the sound of The Beatles, with that of Marvin Gaye and Tim Maia. I’m still enamored by the fact that he is even a better singer now than he was, in what many deem, his prime. Also, we greatly miss our dear friend and contributor Mamão, the late drummer of Azymuth. We dedicated this album to his memory, and we wish he could have had the chance to hear the finished album.” – Adrian Younge

Songs such as “Olhos Castanhos” evoke the ethereal nature of The Beatles “Strawberry Fields” as the mellotron flutes and Hyldon’s vulnerable performance captivates our hearts. Mamão’s gritty and funky drumming on “Nhanderuvucu (The Creator of God)” showcase what made him a leading pioneer in Brazil’s samba funk scene. Apart from the remarkable drumming, multi-instrumentalist Younge accomplishes the unthinkable by playing every other instrument on JID023. The experimental fusion of horns, analog synthesizers and acoustic instrumentation on songs like “Viajante de Planeta Azul” take listeners on a funky journey to the blue planet; a fictional space that Hyldon lyrically describes with passion and conviction.

Hyldon JID023 is an unexpected, yet remarkable addition to the canon of Brazilian Music. Hyldon’s emotional resonance, coupled with Younge’s sophisticated production and Mamao’s outstanding drumming make this a standout album within the deep catalogue of Jazz Is Dead.

The year 2024 rolled out in a restless haze, leaving everything a bit cloudy. In search of vision, we sought the guidance of our shaman—through the steady beat of a drum, a deep transformation began. And bam, just like that, the balance was restored and everything fell into alignment. Tokyo, Paris, Zürich, and Helsinki—each location now linked in a cosmic force field.

Fast forward to May 2025, and we are presented with a lush underground journey. The eleventh Common Labour 12” features the works of Omar Santis, Flabaire, Thomas Wood and pothOles. So buckle up and enjoy the ride into the depths. Odd Jobs Vol.4 is a labour of love – hand-stamped and numbered, limited to 199 copies worldwide.

Die Herzschmerz-Verkäufer Nature TV verkaufen von Tür zu Tür ein Elixier aus Jangle-Indie und melancholischem Yacht-Rock. Ihr Debütalbum "Unlucky For Some" ist eine Sammlung von 7 EPs, die ewig liebeskranken Dream-Pop mit klassischer Soundinnendekoration und kompositorischen Wendungen paaren. Die reichhaltigen Songs setzen das Thema Liebeskummer in High-Fidelity fort. Das Ergebnis ist eine LP, die mit akribischer Liebe zum Detail summt und sich dennoch so benommen anfühlt wie die Einnahme von Beruhigungsmitteln im Whirlpool. Eine Indie-Jangle-Partyband auf dem Höhepunkt ihres Könnens, nur dass die Party vorbei ist und sie mit dem Soundtrack für das Aufräumen beauftragt wurden. Jemand liegt bewusstlos im Gartenstuhl, Zigarettenstummel stecken in leeren Dosen, eine Tür ist aus den Angeln gerissen, der Pool ist halb versickert, Regen strömt an den Fenstern herunter und alle müssen morgen früh arbeiten. FFO-Immobilien, Ducktails, Glitzerparty.

- "Verträumt schöner Indie-Pop mit einem subtilen Hauch von Introvertiertheit." - CLASH

- "Ein Song für die Heimreise am späten Freitagabend, wenn Ihre Hoffnungen zerstört wurden und Sie etwas Zuneigung brauchen." - Line Of Best Fit

- "Indies neuste strahlende Sterne." - DIY

Chilean-born, Bristol-based DJ, producer, and vocalist Shanti Celeste is back with her highly anticipated second album, Romance, set for release on May 16 via the label head’s own Peach Discs, in collaboration with Method 808. Marking her debut LP on the cult London-based label, Romance sees Celeste fully embracing her artistic evolution, delivering a lush and deeply personal exploration of love, longing and self-discovery across its nine tracks. The album’s bubbling lead single, ‘Thinking About You’, is out now - an emotional and dancefloor-facing glimpse into Celeste’s new era with her voice at the fore.

Shanti Celeste has long been revered for her radiant and infectious sound in a vibrant blend of house and techno. Romance takes this signature style to new heights, exploring the depth of romantic and platonic relationships that permeates the record with a pop-infused sheen. With her vocals placed front and center for the first time, Celeste weaves a sonic tapestry that is as introspective as it is euphoric; it’s a love letter to romance, but also an ode to the transformative power of opening your heart.

For all of Romance's soft focus, it still functions for the dance floor - lead single ‘Thinking About You’ is poignant and heartfelt, driven by a shimmering groove and Celeste’s ethereal falsetto. Inspired by memories of a late friend, the song is a tribute to the enduring nature of love and loss. “He was my first boyfriend but also a really good friend,” Celeste shares. “He was a really important person in my life.” —a beautiful, danceable meditation on the power of remembrance.

The majority of Romance was crafted between Celeste’s home of Bristol and London, featuring collaborations with longtime friend and esteemed producer Batu on ‘Note to Self’, ‘Light as a Feather’ and ‘Softie’. The album also sees Celeste teaming up with Austrian-Ethiopian harpist Miriam Adefris, whose delicate instrumentation adds a celestial edge to tracks like ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Medicine’. It follows her previous smash hit ‘Ice Cream Dream Boy’ last summer, which was named a track of the year by both Mixmag and DJ Mag. Earlier this month, Shanti celebrated the release of the vinyl version with a packed-out in-store set at Phonica Records in Soho.

Shanti will be taking her Club Celeste event series to The Cause for the third year running on May 17, in celebration of the album release. The day & night party will feature sets from Shanti as well as Daisy Moon, Gabrielle Kwarteng, Lishy, Peach and Ryan Elliot b2b Ogazón. Tickets are available here: https://ra.co/events/2062135

With Romance, Celeste steps into her full potential, creating an album that is as deeply personal as it is universally resonant. The album arrives this summer via Method 808. Stream ‘Thinking About You’ now.

We all know that great feeling of finding a hidden gem as diggers, but as a label, it’s just the same ! When we came across Urban CC’s music, we just knew we had something special in our hands… We’re happy to welcome the exciting new project formed by techno heavy weight Obscure Shape & classically trained musician Conrad for get-traum’s 15th installment. With the amount of requests label head Traumer had every time he played “Mana”, delivering his own take of this club hit was the only option – we hope you’ll enjoy this incredible pack as much as we did gathering it for you !

To celebrate 20 years since the release of Kylie Minogue’s sensational album Fever, a special 20th anniversary edition of the album will be released on white vinyl including a print.
Following the immense success of Light Years, Kylie returned the following year with an album that would go on to be one of the most important and influential records of the 21st century. In collaboration with writers and producers such as Cathy Dennis, Richard Stannard, Julian Gallagher, Ash Howes, Rob Davis and many more, it led to colossal global chart success, winning Kylie both International Album and International Female Solo Artist at the 2002 Brit Awards.
Featuring Kylie’s iconic hit ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ which amassed a staggering 40 number ones across the globe, as well as ‘It’s In Your Eyes’ and ‘Love at First Sight.’

As one of the most prolific and influential producers of the last thirty years, The Hacker’s imprint on electronic music already spans genres, eras and scene revolutions. And still, there’s more. In spirited collaboration with friend and fellow French journeyman Endrik Schroeder, the first release from The Hacker & Endrik Schroeder Project eschews EBM excess or gritty electro. Instead, two introductory tracks slip into the continuum of evergreen underground techno, influenced in equal part by the digital soul of Detroit, and the futurist experimentations of Sheffield.

Quickly escalating from a classic beat to a hoover-rave ascent determined to fill the vacuum of any warehouse, ‘Puissance’ is an unapologetic anthem that doubles as an elegant and impactful introduction to the Hacker & Schroeder partnership. Hypnotising dancers with ever-more forceful acid oscillations, the pair masterfully stave off the pressure with a wide-eyed organ riff, played live and direct from rave heaven.

‘The Voyagers’ contrasts with a cosmic groove, certain to satisfy heads-down bleep purists, while dedicating time and space for the charisma and quirks of this machine-led dance to shine through, including emotional pads and whispering voices, par excellence.

Once again the mighty Dusty Donuts take a trip to Queensbridge, where they bump
into a Lost Girl that once appeared on an infamous mixtape of one of QBs finest.
This bouncy and choppy rework is guaranteed to get the party going.
On the flipside we move from QB to Staten Island to rock you with the special
technique.
The heavy soul classic comes in a true shaolin fashion and makes all true hip hop
heads turn!
In stores early April 2025

You’d be forgiven for assuming Main Phase hails from the UK with a style and sound so intertwined with the sound of the British isles. The Copenhagen-born DJ and producer Main Phase is no newcomer to the bass scene however. The last couple of years have seen him quickly rise to being one of the people at the very top of the new wave of UK leaning music.

His contribution to the scene throughout the years, both as a DJ, producer, and co-owner of the independent label, ATW Records, with Interplanetary Criminal, has seen him play and tour some of the greatest parties and venus in the world. From Fabric in London, Boiler Room in Berlin to Lost Sundays in Sydney, he’s been making waves with his unique blend of old and new, UK garage, speed garage, dubstep and jungle – always with a big chunk of unreleased material from himself.

Main Phase has released full EPs and remixes on Hardline Sounds, Instinct, Locked On, ec2a and more – and he’s producing forward-thinking speed garage with Interplanetary Criminal as ATW and futuristic jungle with Lille Høg as First Touch. His work has gained credit from the likes of Ben UFO, Emerald, Pangaea and many more.

About the track / On the EP, Main Phase has said:

“This EP really encapsulates the sound of euro house and UK fused in one. Four big tunes for every hour of the night, there’s bumpy, suave, there’s organ, there’s swing and there’s peak time rave reminiscence across the EP. For club use only!"

Indian-born British composer Cephas Azariah presents his highly anticipated debut album, a 12-track neo-classical LP 'Joy Paradox' to Reflections. Cephas was always drawn to classical composition, he studied Music Theology and the Arts at Middlesex university and began composing soundtracks for film right away. He drew on the full spectrum of his influences to write his debut album, including neo-classical, ambient and cinematic, and wrote it in his home studio with a piano he bought off Facebook Marketplace. "I finished it all in Scotland in a cabin by the lochs," he says. "It was a beautiful way to wrap it up." Every track on Cephas Azariah's 'Joy Paradox' has a story, tending to resolve personal conflicts through music, with each piece acting as a gentle unravelling of inner unrest. "This project is a summary of thirty years of life, and a realisation that you can't have good things without sacrifice," Cephas says. "Achieving success takes a certain level of suffering, and that's the paradox of joy."

DJ Support: Peggy Gou, Prospa, Special Request, Annie Mac, DJ Seinfeld, Kolsch.

Pink Vinyl Limited Pressing

One of the biggest, breakbeat channelling stompers out there, courtesy of the in-demand duo Borai and Denham Audio, finally gets an official release with three fiery remixes via Room Two Records. A track that’s ripped through airwaves and club dancefloors alike, ‘Make Me’ has all the hallmarks of a future classic. Doused in Amen breaks, rattling subs, rave stabs and an instantly recognizable mid ‘80s Donna Allen sample. Together the track feels like a long forgotten rave anthem from the ‘90s with its mix of high intensity breaks and soulful vocals.

With the original sample cleared, three producers step up to remix this undeniable anthem. First Sheffield’s Big Ang with her Rave To The Grave remix, playing homage to her hometown with a bassline and bleep flavoured rework. Mani Festo then hits hyperspace with his glitched out, jungle warper, before Paul Sirrell closes out proceedings serving up a huge slice of piano house heat

"Circling The Drain" is a collaborative project from Offish, featuring four talented guest artists: Forgiven Soul and Gred Lvov from Ukraine, both deeply influenced by the techstep scene, alongside UK-based TRC2 and NonRev, known for their atmospheric approach to drum & bass. Each artist brings their unique perspective and style, resulting in a release that showcases a rich diversity.

Side A includes "Eviscerate" and "Mushrooms," which embrace hard-hitting, broken rhythms inspired by jungle and old-school dnb influences. Meanwhile, "Cautionary Tale" and "Look For Patterns" on side B showcase a more refined drum & bass structure, with tightly engineered drums, complex basslines, and intricate, multi-layered atmospheres.

In "Horror Vacui", Paris-based, Iran-born 9T Antiope use a sparse palette of octave mandolin, violin and octave violin, synthesizer and vocals, to build a dynamic world that seems to exist outside of the bounds of time and place. Cinematic, spare, heavy, gossamer, and informed by the band’s work as sound designers and composers for theatre, film and performance art, Horror Vacui is a concept album that explores what sounds have been, what they’ll become, and the nature of memory, dementia and decay. As 9T Antiope attempt to reconcile different worlds, they create the sound of arriving in a new world all your own.

A huge part of this exploratory new era was Aaron Dessner, who produced Light Sleeper. His isolated cabin studio Long Pond, in Hudson Valley, was once Bess' desktop background, but she never thought she would end up star-gazing on its veranda and noodling away on the same instruments used by her heroes, not to mention a certain pop star... The immediate trust between the pair clicked the moment Atwell walked through the doors of the iconic recording space; Dessner showed her around and then promptly left her alone to play on the many instruments at the heart of her favourite The National songs. As Atwell puts it, they seemed to speak the same musical language. "I trust his ear and I knew we had the same vision" she says.

Gary Bartz is one of the greatest living saxophonists, with a career that has seen him play with McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey and Miles Davis. From 1969 he lead his own band and his 70s Milestone and Prestige albums contain many great tunes.

We have selected the Andy Bey sung ‘Celestial Blues’, an all-time classic of spiritual jazz that appeared on his 1972 album NTU Troop album “Harlem Bush Music – Uhuru”.

This is paired with ‘Gentle Smiles (Saxy)’ sampled by A Tribe Called Quest in 1991 on their track ‘Butter’.

On their debut album Seven Dances to Embrace the Hollow, Zurich-based artists Magda Drozd and Nicola Genovese, as Sopraterra, offer exactly what’s announced: seven compositions which, as they unhurriedly flow into each other, mark potential entry points to discover what might be lying underneath. By choosing Sopraterra, which translates to “above the earth” in Italian, as their shared project’s name, Drozd and Genovese indicate their own position in this archeological-looking endeavor, hinting at the potential for sonic explorations to produce deeply submerged discoveries.
Sopraterra’s object of inquiry isn’t easily grasped, traversing histories and blending influences alike. In a time-line-bending manner, musical signifiers from the past, along with specific tonal scales lifted from baroque and medieval music, get digitally synthesized. As sonic matter, the result is distinctly of today: a collection of electro-acoustic compositions that remain experimental at their core, referencing genres like post-rock, shoegaze, or psychedelic, while evoking aural memories of ancient times. Seven Dances to Embrace the Hollow pulls backward and pushes forward alike. Without ever forcing a didactic listening experience, musical motifs and archetypes are thoroughly investigated. But there is no scientific ambition at play here. Rather, the harmonies of late medieval Ars Nova or the transcendent elegance of Baroque chamber music lend their emotional qualities to perceived ideas of old times.
Oscillating between ambient and drone, the album’s seven brooding compositions bring primal connections to a universally shared past to the surface. In its multi-directional positioning, Seven Dances to Embrace the Hollow makes the case for embracing the confusion of warped time and paying attention to all that’s rather felt than seen.

As the nights get colder and longer, we often lose touch with those around us. Nights when loneliness takes hold of us as our only dependable friend, and our imagination becomes the universe; forever questioning the existence of our own reality, while perpetually stuck in an emotional limbo.. Delve into your thoughts with ‘Lonely Days’, the latest Lofi Girl compilation featuring 31 artists worldwide. Soft beats, melancholic pianos, lulling guitars and a range of other instruments are knitted together like a warm blanket to bring ease and comfort for as long as you need. Focus on the ingressing dawn light, close your eyes, and breathe in - this feeling is only temporary, and better days are on their way.

Canadian bowed guitarist and multi-instrumentalist C. Diab announces his fifth album Imerro, out February 16th, and presents the trip-infused lead single 'Lunar Barge'.

(Real name) Caton Diab creates soundscapes that evoke the spectacular wilderness of his childhood home in northern Vancouver Island. Incorporating experimental textures, folk overtones and tape manipulations, C. Diab uniquely finds the unseen spaces in-between, and fittingly dubs his creations "post-classical grunge". Imerro explores new sonic realms and is the culmination of a sound world that Diab has built up since the critically acclaimed 'No Perfect Wave' (2016, Injazero) and subsequent releases 'Exit Rumination' (2018), 'White Whale' (2020) and 'In Love & Fracture' (2021). The Wire calls it "ambient music in the best sense - music for living, which can be both non-invasive and immersive...epic"

Imerro was recorded in late July and August of 2021 at Risque Disque Studio in Cedar, BC, during the summer's unprecedented second "heat dome", which saw temperatures soaring to over 40 degrees. Recorded with regular collaborator and engineer Jonathan Paul Stewart, the pair journeyed by boat to the studio to a place with minimal distraction with a plan of "simple ecstatic improvisation." Diab explains: "I wanted to place myself in a space for creation with little thematic pretence, with the belief that music 'shows its face' as you move along. I would pick up an instrument, whether I had experience playing it or not, and make a sound. If it wanted to be played, it would play."

Kindred spirits Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land embody the essence of play - charting a new chapter and reinvigorating the environmental music and electronic landscape.

Passepartout Duo is formed of Nicoletta Favari (IT) and Christopher Salvito (IT/US), who since 2015 have been on a continuous journey travelling the world's corners, engaged in a creative process they term "slow music". Having been guests of many notable artist residencies and with live performances in cultural spaces and institutions, their evocative music escapes categorisation. With no fixed abode their musical pilgrimage brought them to Japan first in 2019, which prompted a deep connection to Kanky? Ongaku 'environmental music', a genre in which Inoyama Land is often associated with, soundtracking the duo's first immersive experience. In 2023 the duo revisited Japan and set out to reconnect in particular with the music of Inoyama Land, performed by Makoto Inoue and Yasushi Yamashita. The highly revered album 'Danzindan-Pojidon' (1983) produced by Haruomi Hosono amongst other well publicized and acclaimed reissues (Light in The Attic Records' Grammy-nominated compilation 'Kanky? Ongaku'), produced a global resurgence and admiration of the environmental music movement. Nicoletta took the lead to seek out Inoyama Land and in making contact successfully their intrigue and eagerness to meet was warmly reciprocated, and the group scheduled to meet in the form of a spontaneous improvisation session. "We're deeply concerned with what it means to be a duo, and what it means for people to connect through music."

Radio Yugawara is a unique one-off transmission from a specific place and point in time, unlikely to ever occur again. The respective duo's approach can really be described as "tuning in", a tuning into each other, to themselves, and to the surrounding nature of Yugawara. Like waves that travel off-world, sounds travel through the universe and can be lost forever if we don't seek them out. In finding a harmonic affinity within their instruments and a spiritual kinship in their interwoven performance, Radio Yugawara at its core is an interpretation of feeling, of close human interaction and the true essence of discovery.

"The album is both a transmission from a location, but also a tuning into the surroundings and to each other. Music in this kind of ephemeral moment is much less about active creation and more about discovering something which is already there in the air."

Ezra Feinberg's third album Soft Power sees the composer-guitarist enlist an impressive array of fellow musicians including Mary Lattimore, David Moore (Bing & Ruth), Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Robbie Lee and share the life affirming lead single 'Future Sand'.

Defined by its abundance of melodies, repeating figures and ecstatic improvisations, Soft Power exudes an enlightened and transformative spirit to empower the listener. Feinberg, a practising psychoanalyst and former founding member of the San Francisco psychedelic collective Citay (Dead Oceans / Important Records) resides in the artistic enclave of upstate New York's Hudson River valley. Initial recordings emerged in the late summer of 2020, before added synthesis with collaborator John Thayer (Arp, Sunwatchers) during early 2021. Soft Power follows previous albums 'Recumbent Speech' (2020) and 'Pentimento and Others' (2018).

Feinberg artfully transcends the listener to an enriched place, his compositions distinguished by the deep humanity that lies at their core, plugging the listener into a state of wide eyed being, open and alive. Soft Power then is Ezra's own mantra but also one of power giving - a colourful catharsis translated into music.

Feinberg's music always speaks to the listener, but Soft Power, in whispering, speaks loudest.

"Much like everyday life, I wanted to convey these very plain, simple, tranquil, nearly quotidian aspects, but each piece contains this arc in which that form expands, is broken out of, so what starts out like a painting of flowers in a seaside motel turns into a riot of color and sound, or you feel slipped into a dream that feels like it could go on forever"

Definitive Recordings Reissues the Classic "Do It" by Las Americas with Remixes by St. David.

Definitive Recordings proudly presents the reissue of "Do It", a timeless house classic by Las Americas, the project of renowned producer David Alvarado. Originally released in 1994, this track returns in remastered form, accompanied by two fresh remixes by Italian house maestro St. David and a remastered version of the Chuck Phulasole remix.

St. David, born Davide Disanto in Bari, Italy in 1991, leads this reissue with his distinctive old-school house style. His influence shines throughout this reissue, showcasing why he is one of the most respected figures in the underground house music scene. With a career rooted in the 90s house aesthetic, he has reached the top of the World Vinyl Charts multiple times, with support from icons like The Martinez Brothers, Jovonn, and Chris Stussy. Drawing inspiration from legendary American house labels such as Strictly Rhythm and Nervous Records, St. David has built a reputation for blending timeless grooves with modern energy.

His "St. David Big Tool Mix" is a playful and catchy reimagining that manipulates the iconic vocal phrase "Do It" with rhythmic sampling, injecting a vibrant groove into the original. The "St. David Drum Tool Dub" takes a funkier, stomping approach, layering the track with sharp, rhythmic guitar licks and adding a fresh twist to the vocal hook.

The remastered original from 1994 remains a testament to David Alvarado's legacy, with its repetitive 90s house structure, featuring classic basslines and funky guitar riffs centered around the unforgettable vocal motif. Rounding out the release is the Chuck Phulasole remix, which leans into a moodier vibe with its focus on keys and a prominent Moog bassline, adding depth and texture to the track.

The "Do It" reissue is a celebration of house music's enduring influence, pairing a remastered classic with fresh interpretations for contemporary dancefloors.

Heavily supported by Flight for years, we’re extremely excited to at last welcome the inimitable Quartz to p:m, who serves up a sublime 4-tracker for our 10th single. Deeper and more emotionally reflective than previous Quartz releases, this is transcendental music that takes you to outer space and beyond…

Tracklist:
A1. W.Y.N: cosmic pads, jungle-y breaks, and a colossal bassline evoke images of Jupiter and molten lava, while a seductive vocal riff you’ll hum for days weaves in and out. A dance floor favourite.

A2. Taking Me Down: tight rolling beats, sparkly vox, filtered fx, and bass snarls sound like a tug of war between Venus and Mars. Straight up D&B produced alongside Quartz’s childhood friend, Pennygiles.

B1. Trauma Response: diving further into Techno- and Autonomic-inspired territory, this title track is best described by Paul Woolford aka Special Request “Man this tune is f***ing nuts. Reminds me of Black Dog and half of Detroit but through our UK lens, but totally NOW.”

B2. What Is Real Love: an orchestral intro replete with timpani and violins gives way to the big question - what is real love? - almighty bass weight, and a healing, warm golden sun feel. Simply majestic.

Color-In-Color vinyl, premium hardcover custom egg carton sleeve with matte and gloss finishes, includes additional items: (Dirtybird Friendship bracelet, Egg Necklace, Egg Keychain, and 4 Vinyl record coasters

After 20 years of pumping out booty bumping music and wild parties, San Francisco dance label and nightlife culture creators, Dirtybird, have released their first commemorative vinyl box set, the Dirtybird Hand Picked Box Set, Volume 1. With many of the tracks being hand-picked fan favorites - from artists Claude VonStroke, FISHER, John Summit, and Get Real to longtime label legends Sacha Robotti and Walker & Royce, as well as newer faces like VNSSA, Nala, and Nikki Nair - the box set covers a wide range of tracks that have created life-changing memories and moments for fans over the years and across the world, with many of the tracks receiving the vinyl treatment for the very first time. Housed in a premium hardcover custom egg carton sleeve, the box features matte and spot gloss finishes, a magnetic flip top, and easy slide vinyl drawer. Contained within the box set are 4 different color-in-color vinyl records with die-cut jackets, and several additional items for the day ones - a friendship bracelet, necklace, keychain, and 4 vinyl coasters featuring artwork from the music included in the box set.

Surrender to the calming essence of summer with Saturday Chillin’! Allow yourself to unwind and cherish the weekend with the soft rhythms and soulful harmonies of our latest compilation. Transport yourself to a place where time seems to slow down, enveloped by warm sunlight and fragrant flowers, escaping the bustle of city life. Let these soothing melodies set the perfect tone for your ideal summer days.

Infinity Division is the alias of electronic producer Ash Luk. Best known for his innovative blend of euphoric melodies, scattered breakbeats and gabber infused rhythmic chaos drawn from his relentless live performances, Ash’s newest offering, debut album SATISFACTION (which also marks the launch of his label, SOFTCORE UNLTD.), explores his relationship with all things anthemic.

Featuring artwork from Spyros Rennt, the thirteen track album traverses a diverse array of sonic landscapes. Spanning doomy post-rave and trance-driven metal to breakbeat-infused industrial pop, the album is united by a genre-defying exploration of the elusive essence of anthemic sound.

Venturing beyond the safety of machines, Ash steps to the forefront with his vocals on Seven Demons and Like Heaven, while From Evil, Weather Prophets, and Satisfaction feature vocal contributions from Zastar of Violent Magic Orchestra, Coy Mistress, and Nova Bruise, enriching the album’s diverse soundscapes.

In addition to his work with Infinity Division, Ash is one half of the doom electronic live duo S.A.T.I.N. alongside Ireen Amnes and is possibly best known for his work in Minimal Violence, a project known for their raw, hardware, punk influenced live performances. Releasing on well known labels such as Tresor and Technicolour / Ninja Tune. Their work was characterized by a DIY ethos and an emphasis on analog equipment, allowing for a direct and visceral approach to production. Now, with Infinity Division, Ash continues to build on a body of work that explores the space between genres, combining an attention to detail through carefully constructed sound design with the spontaneity and raw energy of his live performances. SATISFACTION sets the stage for the next phase of Infinity Division, showcasing a collection of tracks that draw from the essence of the past while reaching out toward a mirage of the future.

With French Lessons, Jeff The Fool delivers a dazzling display of musical diversity, exploring a myriad of styles and influences. From the melancholic rain of Paris to the warm rays of the Californian sun, each track showcases remarkable technical precision and infectious energy.


Set for release in 2025, this album stands out with its array of international guest artists such as Fleur de Mur, Oden & Fatzo, Mangabey, and Phat Kat. It brings together singers and rappers from Lagos, Detroit, and Atlanta, infusing the work with a unique cosmopolitan dimension. On compositions imbued with French accents, these artists lend their voices to traverse house, hip-hop, jungle, trap, and afro-soul. French Lessons is a true ode to innovation, illustrating Jeff The Fool’s determination to push genre boundaries and reinvent himself alongside talented collaborators. This album pays tribute to the electronic music scene while asserting his unique artistic identity.


Here, Jeff The Fool continues his creative journey, marked by a subtle blend of underground house sounds and more accessible grooves. Since his notable debut with the Pay Your House EP in 2018, he has consistently expanded the horizons of house music, skillfully combining soulful samples and deep rhythms, crafting tracks designed for the dance floor.
Building on the success of his 2022 album Russian Dolls, released under Nowadays Records and amassing millions of streams, Jeff The Fool continues to captivate house music purists while drawing in a broader audience. His live performances, intense and eclectic, blending house, techno, disco, and electro, have taken him to international stages, showcasing the breadth and richness of his talent.

* Light Years: A captivating late-night roller, reflecting the distances traversable through sound. Layered drums breaking like waves across a vast alien ocean, with 808 subs providing the ballast.

* Dust: Textured patterns move through the atmosphere like fine particles, drawing listeners into the haze. Mystery and nostalgia combining to produce jungle which looks back over its shoulder whilst racing forward, into the future.

* Antares: The red super-giant at the heart of the scorpion. Deep, resounding bass below, providing the foundation for the pulsating choppage, and shimmering harmonies above.

* Omega 7: Jungle drum & bass which shamelessly revels in the virtues of everyone’s favorite fatty acid. High-energy beats, nourishing rhythms and therapeutic low-end, emulsified to provide a supplement which promotes balance and wellness.

Teal’s debut LP, Original Watercolour, is an album that feels like a canvas come to life. A sonic blend of street-soul, digi-dub, and downtempo. Original Watercolour explores the complexities of love, oneness, and intuition — themes that resonate deeply within the context of the history women have shared with what was once known as the “ladies’ medium.”

The bi-coastal family trio—Ashleigh and Melissa Ball, better known as the Ball Sisters, alongside producer N1_SOUND—bring a fresh, genre-defying sound to the table with their latest 6-track album. Running just under 30 minutes, this immersive collection weaves together skipping beats, addictive bass lines, three-dimensional flute textures & emotional vocal melodies. This musical portrait is as ethereal as it is powerful, inviting the listener to get lost in its depths while celebrating the beauty of self-expression.

The opening track, “Original Watercolour,” takes you on a psychedelic trip-hop journey. From the first reverberous snare hit, you’re whisked away to a sonic wetland — lush and euphoric. The soft yet poignant soundscapes set the tone for the album, inviting us into a world where the boundaries between earth and music, reality and imagination, automatically seem to blur.

“Locked In 2 Love” offers a boogie-fueled bassline that pushes Teal into dance-floor territory with soaring flutes and rhythmic intricacies that make it impossible not to move — it’s a track that exemplifies the magic of Teal’s ability to craft both intimate and expansive musical landscapes. And then, there’s the hypnotic flow of “One In The Same,” where stacked vocal harmonies and mantra-esque lyrics transport you to a place that could easily be mistaken for a lost Soulquarians demo. It’s gentle yet unrelenting in its depth.

The second side of the album opens with “Sleep on It,” a track that immediately grabs attention with its dancehall-driven rhythm. Ashleigh Ball's vocals set the stage for a song that’s both introspective and emotionally charged, yet unmistakably rooted in groove. The phased-out bassline creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere. Pulling the listener into a mood of contemplation—matching the restless, sleepless night that Ball describes. As the song progresses, this groove builds in intensity, culminating in an explosive ending that mirrors the emotional release of a long-held frustration.

Original Watercolour is more than just an album — it’s a meditation on the interconnectedness of life and art. “Frog Kingdom,” the longest and only instrumental track creates a contemplative space that builds upon the themes introduced earlier. It feels like a sequel to their earlier work, Frog Legacy from their debut Bluish Green 2024 12”, expanding on the familiar sound with even more complex layers.

Yet the real emotional power of the record lies in its closing track, “Can’t Shake the Feeling.” Simple in structure but profound in impact, this song captures a deep yearning and understanding — that everything, from the ecosystems we inhabit to the relationships we nurture and the art we create, is fundamentally interconnected. As the track crescendos in a falsetto peak, it becomes clear that the album is a reflection of both the world around us and the personal journey each member of the band has embarked upon to get to this point.

Just as the medium of watercolor has been traditionally linked to women artists, Teal carries this legacy into the modern musical landscape, blending the richness of history with a unique forward-thinking perspective. The album feels like both a celebration of the past and a bold declaration of a path forward — one that welcomes anyone ready to join in and shape the future of the art form.

The beauty of Teal’s work is that it feels familiar, while simultaneously offering something new and refreshing. Original Watercolour doesn’t just push musical boundaries; it redefines them, offering a lush and textured soundtrack for those willing to listen closely.

In a world that often feels over-saturated, Original Watercolour stands as a reminder of the power of simplicity, intuition, and connection. Teal’s debut album invites you to experience something both deeply personal and universally understood. The landscapes they create are vivid, yet soft, grounding yet expansive. With each track, Teal’s music reflects the interconnectedness of all things — a truly unique piece of work in the world of experimental soul and dub adjacent electronic music.

Rising and falling. We all live in the same pond. Peace to all.

Like their previous output, the album features the duo’s unique mosaic of clicks n’ cuts style beat work, murky dubwise melodicism, and chilling otherworldly textures. However, there is a refinement on display on Battens.
Clay and Ian have accentuated their trademark elements to maximal effect. The beats seem to have a more brandish, near swagger that was only fleetingly referenced in some of their previous works. The melodies, which formerly have felt primarily of alien origin, almost feel a glint of humanity. Having such a unique ideology for nearly 25 years has allowed Loess to work at a pace and level of refinement evident on Battens.
Loess is a challenging project to describe, yet their ruminative style of experimental electronica sets them apart from their contemporaries and still sounds fresh today.

Brand new Manchester imprint, 160 Street Recordings is excited to announce its first vinyl release, Evolutions EP, by the dynamic production duo of Response and Buda. With a reputation for carving out a distinctive uncompromising sound, the pair return with a gritty, dark collection of tracks that channel the deep, raw energy of early 90s Jungle and Jungle Techno.
Drawing influences from the breakbeat-driven sub-bass and atmospheric elements of that era, the Evolutions EP fuses heavy basslines, classic breaks, and dark, rave-inspired energy.
A1. Evolutions
The EP opens with the title track, ‘Evolutions’—a driving, atmospheric tune full of breakbeat intensity and underpinned by weighty sub bass. Kicking off with a memorable rave stab melody, the track builds with powerful percussion and a haunting, evolving soundscape that moves between light and dark.
A2. Fintons Dub
“Break, show ‘em something, but not too much….” ‘Fintons Dub’ brings a laid-back dubbed out groove, with a selection of classic breaks and a deep sub-bass foundation. An atmospheric pad and cinematic Kung Fu movie sample add depth to this cut, the breaks building gradually with delays as the track rolls out..
B1. Fintons Dub (Double 0 Remix)
No introduction is needed for Double 0, co-founder of legendary London club night Rupture and one of the pioneering figures of the original Hardcore Jungle Techno sound. His remix of ‘Fintons Dub’ takes the track back to his Doncaster warehouse roots, unleashing thunderous bass and breakbeat energy, a twisted mentasm and techno infused stabs. A true dancefloor weapon that embodies the true spirit of Jungle Techno.
B2. Acid Vein
Rounding off the e.p. is ‘Acid Vein’ a 303 led breakbeat bomb that infuses rolling breaks with a pounding sub bass and haunting jazz samples. Slower in tempo than the previous tracks and more reminiscent of the more formative years of rave, Acid Vein will also appeal to the wider breakbeat community.

Thumbprint records is a brand new label out of Bristol. It is ran by the artist who goes under the name LMB and is a well overdue personal project.

For the first installment Thumbprint Records bring you an all round excellent EP by Morphology who have been releasing music for the past 15 years on such lables as Abstract Forms, Cultivated Electronics and De:tuned.

This is Morphology's first release of 2025 and we are proud to make it our first release. Each 4 tracks are classic Morphology, moody,solid and definitely dance floor material. We hope you enjoy!

Supported by the likes of Craig Richards, Bobby, Lukas Wigflex, Ralf Lawson, Radioactive Man and Dave Harvey.

For us, this is a top five all time tune in the soul reggae canon and maybe Leroy Smart's best ever. An early one for Mr. Smart, this is the first cut of one of his most classic tunes, recorded in 1972 for producer Gussie Clarke and originally released on the early Tuff Gong label via Wailers' associate Alan 'Skill' Cole. If you're like me and you've listened to the original Tuff Gong 45 a million times, you may have noticed that the dub version was mixed from a different vocal take, with some lyrics not on the A side coming in to the dub mix. This alternate vocal take is also the one partially used for the 1979 remix cut on a heavily overdubbed rhythm. We had always desired to hear this other take in its original form, so naturally then we had to get the great Mr. Clarke to dig this one out of his archives to hear it as it should be. In comparison to the original released cut, it's a more spare take sans the opening harmonizing, and the lyrical changes give the tune a more pleading and less stubbornly declarative mood. For the B-side version we have an alternate mix again, which is actually the one Big Youth deejays over for his tune "Pride & Joy Rock." Consider this release a prime example of DKR's "never too much of a great thing" philosophy.

Previously unreleased; four track 12" with two different vocal takes, each w/ dub. Comes in Bond Export company sleeve.

Another cold case solved! One of DKR's early victories was finding a tape of the drum & bass cut of the legendary dubplate 'Rocks & Mountains.' Rumor had said the artist was the Mighty Travellers, but this didn't really add up chronologically or audibly. More astute listeners mostly agreed the artist was likely the Majesterians, a little recorded group who had made a couple other records for Taxi circa 1980. When we first issued the song on a 10" back in 2011, even Sly himself couldn't recall for sure who sang the tune. Like with other 'mystery' projects which we eventually came to realize, we never gave up digging on this one. There were two mysteries at work here - one, confirming the identity of the group, and two - finding the other cut of the tune, which features fuller instrumentation and a different vocal take. Both cuts were around on dubplate circa '80/'81, and the latter cut can be heard ever so briefly in the infamous UK "Sound Business" documentary film from '81. In the course of a mere 13 years, both questions came to be solved - we obtained a pretty clean plate cut of the fuller mix, and we confirmed the identity of the group. The Majesterians were a vocal trio consisting of Everton Dacres, Roderick Perkins and Paul Mitchell. While the latter two gentlemen don't seem to have done much otherwise, we are sure the roots heads and hopefully all DKR followers know Everton Dacres, who made some fine roots music in the 1970s prior to fronting the Majesterians. We spoke to Everton and he confirmed 'Rocks & Mountains' was their tune, cut in Channel 1 at a Taxi session featuring a host of other artists. Indeed, these were the heady days of 1980 with Channel 1 booked round the clock for locked-in sessions, with the Taxi Gang and the Roots Radics laying down future classic after future classic. All that said, we're happy to re-present this tune now with not only proper accreditation, but also both known mixes and the drum & bass mix in improved fidelity over its previous issue.

Part 2 of our 1980 Taxi showcase, and it's heavier than the first. Here is one of Sly & Robbie's most loved productions, in its initial raw dubplate form. In August 1980, this raw cut of the haunting lovelorn classic first started to make its way out there on dubplate, in this spare, cavernous heavy mix without the synthesizer and syndrum sounds that would eventually adorn the final released mix. As tapes of these type of early mixes made for sound systems more often than not were not saved or archived, we're overjoyed to have located this one and brought it out. Like our previous Viceroys Taxi releases, this is some of the heaviest music of its day, in its pure initial form like you would have heard Shaka or other serious sounds playing thru the end of 1980.

Proudly presenting our reissue of the sought-after 1978 album 'Ritmo Y Sabor' from Cuban, master bongo player, Manteca. A deep, hypnotic, sonic excursion of Afro-Cuban/mambo rhythms to get lost within. Released in 1978, there are a number of different pressings of the album coming out on labels including GRC, Desca Records and Sound Triangle Records. Stripped-back and low-fi, this is a pulsating hit of instrumental Latin-jazz dance magic.

Predominantly made up of just percussion and bass, the album comes courtesy of Carlos "Rico" Ramirez on bass, Carlos Patato on congas, timbales by Nelson Padron and Lazaro Pla aka Manteca as band leader. A Cuban legend, Manteca rose to fame playing with Ernesto Lecuona and the Cuban Boys. Although he featured on numerous recordings in his home of Cuba, only a handful exist of his as featured soloist or band leader.

A whirlwind of percussive brilliance, ‘Ritmo Y Sabor’ is brimming with energy regardless of the tempo of the track. An instantaneous ability to make you move, the grooves come alive with each new rhythm introduced. Take for instance, the track 'Afro Funky' that more than lives up to its name. A breakbeat Latin-funk workout, with a mighty fine walking bass line that provides the basis for the drummers to vibe off. Elsewhere, 'Rumbon En Casa De Cando' is fast and furious perfect for the jazz dance specialist, whilst 'Sabor A Mantecado' keeps you on your toes with its trance-like repetitive bassline and percussive interplay. 'Cosa De Manteca' is another heavy-Latin funk gem with a rough and raw feeling of relentless yet groove-driven percussion.

A must-have Afro-Cuban, rhythmic funk triumph, that shows Manteca and his band in full flight

In the madrigal-strewn world of neo folk-psychedelia, the queen of drones holds court…In this late teen decade, as green men are burnt, resources dwindle and naturalists plunder for authentic Englishness, the hunt for the grail-like Silver Globe continues. Back in 2014, the story was first whispered; A mythical jaunt set to a motorik rhythm, played out in an overgrown forest of ideas: Jane Weaver’s ‘The Silver Globe’ was a conceptual delicacy – “a synth-ridden post-apocalyptic prog-pop opus based on tightly embroidered, non-linear recurring themes inspired by esoteric stories, cosmic imagery and re-filtered past experiences”. Since those heady beginnings, our heroine has time travelled to darker times and been celebrated for her glorious ‘Modern Kosmology’ (top album of 2017, here, there, everywhere).
“A full-scale leap into the cosmic void of contemporary space rock” The Quietus

“As a child of the 1970’s I can thank my friends’ brothers for their space rock record collections and concept album sleeves that I would spend hours looking at, then my first love for Kate Bush followed by a heavy dose of disco and synth pop. I guess ‘The Silver Globe’ is just a subconscious inspired imprint of those things that have never left me, married with an accidental viewing of a vintage Polish sci-fi film that was so bizarre I couldn’t stop thinking about it and so it became my muse...” Jane Weaver. Set the controls…

Freddie McKay’s self-produced 1977 LP Harsh Words has finally returned to circulation. Initially released in Jamaica on Gorgon Records, a subsidiary of Sonic Sounds, it was issued in the US by Salsoul Records’ sister label Salsoul Salsa Series in 1982. The album includes 10 tracks, featuring previously issued singles from the ’70s along with exclusive songs like the title track Harsh Words, Feel So High, and Travelling. McKay’s gritty, soulful voice is backed by top-tier musicians, including Sly & Robbie, Fish Clarke, Flabba Holt, Bingi Bunny, Ranchy McLean, Ansel Collins, Winston Wright, Bobby Ellis, Don D Jr, and Sticky.

The nearly simultaneous reissue of Freddie McKay’s LP Harsh Words by France’s Only Roots under McKay’s Amethyst label and Switzerland-based Reggae Fever under the Kismet label raises some eyebrows. France’s Only Roots claims a licensed release from Freddie McKay’s estate, while Switzerland-based Reggae Fever acknowledges Patrick Harty as the producer behind their release. Harty owns Jamaican label Kismet, known for its unofficial releases.

Mit seinem ersten Full Length Album "Ruinenkampf" begibt sich Das Kinn auf einen musikalischen Parforceritt durch die Ruinen unserer Zeit. Mittels Kickbox Phonetik und Elektronik Armada führt es uns durch eindringliche Klanglandschaften irgendwo zwischen DAF, den Kosmischen Kurieren und Frankfurter Bahnhofsviertel. Beats auf Anschlag. Knochen klappern. Die Orgel leiert. Warme Synthlines, gespielt von kalten Händen. Ein Saxophon sinniert über das Danach. Hymnen für den Abriss. Musik zum feierlichen Untergang. Toben Piel geht gern auf Friedhöfe. Orte der Ruhe und Idylle. Abstand finden, Vergänglichkeit erahnen. Das Danach als konkreten Ort erkunden. Auch sein Debut-Album "Ruinenkampf" stammt aus diesem Mindset. Dort geht er in Distanz, um dann mit Anlauf auf den Punkt zu kommen. Nach Ruhe und Idylle klingt das nicht. Kassettenszene, 80er Jahre, Stakkatogesang, Synths zwischen DAF und den Kosmischen Kurieren. Ästhetik des Untergrunds. Reißende Melodieströme, Raffinesse, unentwegt pendelnd zwischen Hymne und Abriss. Dieser krasse, erhobene Kraftgesang. Acht Stücke Zuhören, ohne eine Sekunde des Abdriftens. Wie geht das? Wie erschafft man so etwas? Nun, der Mit-40er aus FFM, jung geblieben und hungrig, hat eben gut gelernt: Bei Antitainment (2005-2010), danach zusammen mit der großen Charlotte Simon bei les trucs, im Kontext seines Kassettenlabels MMODEMM, aber auch als Musiker für diverse Theaterbühnen. Zum ersten Mal hat er mit DAS KINN nun das Gefühl, Musik im Sinne einer Selbstbefreiung hervorgebracht zu haben. Vielleicht liegt das am Alter. Da, wo er zuvor oft verkopfte, die Kontrolle suchte, Dinge zerdachte, nicht aufhören konnte im Sinne eines Perfektionismus, hat er sich diesmal ein loses Konzept grundiert, um dieser Selbsterkenntnis entgegenzutreten: Schnelligkeit. Fokus. Abschluss, Absprung. Nicht in Abwertung seines bisherigen Werkes - sondern vielmehr im Sinne einer Geistesgegenwärtigkeit, diese Erfahrungen walten zu lassen, ohne sich ihrer bewusst zu sein. Es ist ihm äußerst gut gelungen!

- Ltd. Col. LP: (Blue Vinyl)

- Ltd. Col. LP: (Blue Vinyl)

Ground-breaking afro-rock and jazz with Memphis soul roots on this lost 1972 gem. Lovingly restored and reissued by Matsuli Music


'Black Soul' from 1972 is the third and last known album by The Anchors, a soul group originally formed in Johannesburg's Alexandra township in 1968. Their first two albums, 'Soul Upstairs' from 1969 and 'Everything' from 1971, were issued on Teal's City Special label alongside other prominent South African soul groups of the era like The Beaters, The Movers and The Flaming Souls.

On 'Black Soul', The Anchors undergo a notable shift, moving away from their early Memphis soul influences towards a pioneering African-driven sound. These changes laid the foundations for an emerging afro-fusion scene in the years to come from groups like Batsumi, The Drive and Harari.

'Black Soul' features a who's who of intergenerational musicians from great South African bands over the decades. In addition to Zacks Nkosi, the renowned bandleader of the Jazz Maniacs and long-time member of the African Swingsters in the 1940s and 50s, this album includes kwela star Little Kid Lex Hendricks, known for his Columbia recordings of the late 1950s; as well as Zack's son Jabu Nkosi who would go on to play with The Drive, Roots and Sakhile; and Banza Kgasoane later a member of The Beaters, Harari and then Mango Groove.

Now remastered for its first release since the original 1972 pressing, this lost gem offers a revealing glimpse into the evolution of South African music during a transformative era.

Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director).
Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972.
Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational.
Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive.
Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen.
Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery.
Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.

Ist das noch Familie oder ist das schon ein Kult?

Mit ihrem dritten Studioalbum "FREAKS" erreicht die Karriere von DEINE COUSINE einen neuen Höhepunkt und zelebriert die Kraft der Gemeinschaft in einer Zeit, die uns immer wieder versucht auseinanderzureißen.

DEINE COUSINE alias Ina Bredehorn muss magnetisch sein, anders kann man es nicht erklären. Was vor einigen Jahren noch in schimmligen Clubs in den schlechten Ecken der Stadt stattfand, passiert heute in ein paar der größten Spielstätten des Landes. Und das alles aus eigener Kraft, ohne Majorlabel, Riesen Budgets oder mediale Überpräsenz. Mit unendlicher Power auf und abseits der Bühne zieht DEINE COUSINE immer mehr Familienmitglieder in ihren Bann, die mit "Freaks" ein Album randvoll mit neuen Hymnen geliefert bekommen.

Die neuen Songs behandeln kollektive Emotionen - mal im big picture, mal anhand von persönlichen Episoden erzählt - und vermitteln ohne Plattitüden ein Gefühl von Zusammengehörigkeit, das auf Geschlecht, Sexualität, Religion oder sonstige, verstaubte Rahmen scheisst. Laut Ina versammelt "Freaks" Songs über "mich, meine Leute und meine zehn Persönlichkeiten", und damit sind alle gemeint, die mit offenem Herzen und Toleranz durch die Welt gehen.

Das Album erscheint als farbige Vinyl (Re-Vinyl) im Gatefold

Depressive black metallers GHOST BATH have emerged from beyond the veil with their new album, Rose Thorn Necklace, through long-time partner Nuclear Blast. Free from the Moonlover-Starmourner-Self Loather conceptual trilogy, sole proprietor Nameless (aka Dennis Mikula) explores the most intense and introspective GHOST BATH’s oeuvre, advancing with blackened blasts and melancholic movements while moving his only child forward into the unknown. Hoisted into the firmament by the shimmering ‘Vodka Butterfly’ and the dissonant bliss of ‘Well, I Tried Drowning’ on one end and lowered into Mikula’s personal abyss with ‘Dandelion Tea’ and the riveting title track on the other, Rose Thorn Necklace is absolute danger and
haunting beauty.

Underground hip-hop icon and Miami rapper Pouya kicks off 2025 with his seventh studio album, Suicidal Thoughts in the Back of the Cadillac, Pt. 3 - serving as an unofficial spiritual successor to his 2024 album, THEY COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU. After a successful run as direct support to $uicideboy$’ Grey Day 2024 Arena Tour, it’s clear that Pouya has cemented himself among the top artists from the alternative / cloud-rap scene from the mid 2010s. With a rabid fan base primarily built from the ground up, and without the flashy mainstream features or press looks, Pouya has established himself as a staying power in a lane that typically sees artists rise and fall in accordance with today's modern attention span. Continuing to super-serve his fans, Pouya will be embarking on a nationwide tour in North America in 2025.

Nach Kollaborationen mit den DIRTY PROJECTORS in der Vergangenheit oder zuletzt als DECISIVE PINK für ihr gefeiertes Gemeinschaftsalbum mit KATE NV im letzten Jahr, stehen die Zeichen für DERADOORIAN jetzt wieder auf solo. Es ist bemerkenswert, dass "Ready For Heaven" von einer einzigen Person gemacht wurde. Das wiederholte Überarbeiten der Songs bis zu ihrer Fertigstellung ist ein mühsamer Prozess, der eine Energie und einen Raum geschaffen hat, in dem DERADOORIAN voll eintauchen konnte. "I love the production more than the songwriting. ... In fact, I don't even feel like a songwriter at times, I feel like someone who is just inspired by so much music. And I want to try it all out! Like Lizzy MercierDescloux, Mingus, or ESG and Silver Apples, or making weird krautrock and industrial music. I love dub, and Sly and Robbie. I love the productions of those records and the collective energies released by their creators in the studio. It's just a weird thing to do it by yourself!" "Ready For Heaven" handelt von der Gegenwart und beschäftigt sich mit der schrecklichen Natur der Welt um uns herum. DERADOORIAN dazu: "This album is partly about watching humanity erode. It's about mental struggle, and it's avowedly anti-capitalist. I mean; would we have all these identity labels we have to live by, if we didn't live in a capitalist world?" "Ready For Heaven" ist DERADOORIANs kühne und offenherzige Antwort auf die Welt, in der wir uns befinden, und die Musikerin nutzt jedes Quäntchen ihrer Reserven an Witz und Wissen, um eine Quelle des Trostes und der Erleichterung für den Hörer zu schaffen. Verpackt wird dies in wissbegierige Popsongs, die mit einer Leichtigkeit und einem scharfen Fokus gesegnet sind, und den Zuhörer in ihren Bann ziehen.

Nach Kollaborationen mit den DIRTY PROJECTORS in der Vergangenheit oder zuletzt als DECISIVE PINK für ihr gefeiertes Gemeinschaftsalbum mit KATE NV im letzten Jahr, stehen die Zeichen für DERADOORIAN jetzt wieder auf solo. Es ist bemerkenswert, dass "Ready For Heaven" von einer einzigen Person gemacht wurde. Das wiederholte Überarbeiten der Songs bis zu ihrer Fertigstellung ist ein mühsamer Prozess, der eine Energie und einen Raum geschaffen hat, in dem DERADOORIAN voll eintauchen konnte. "I love the production more than the songwriting. ... In fact, I don't even feel like a songwriter at times, I feel like someone who is just inspired by so much music. And I want to try it all out! Like Lizzy MercierDescloux, Mingus, or ESG and Silver Apples, or making weird krautrock and industrial music. I love dub, and Sly and Robbie. I love the productions of those records and the collective energies released by their creators in the studio. It's just a weird thing to do it by yourself!" "Ready For Heaven" handelt von der Gegenwart und beschäftigt sich mit der schrecklichen Natur der Welt um uns herum. DERADOORIAN dazu: "This album is partly about watching humanity erode. It's about mental struggle, and it's avowedly anti-capitalist. I mean; would we have all these identity labels we have to live by, if we didn't live in a capitalist world?" "Ready For Heaven" ist DERADOORIANs kühne und offenherzige Antwort auf die Welt, in der wir uns befinden, und die Musikerin nutzt jedes Quäntchen ihrer Reserven an Witz und Wissen, um eine Quelle des Trostes und der Erleichterung für den Hörer zu schaffen. Verpackt wird dies in wissbegierige Popsongs, die mit einer Leichtigkeit und einem scharfen Fokus gesegnet sind, und den Zuhörer in ihren Bann ziehen.

Emerging from the Minneapolis underground and heading straight towards the sky, IE arrive on Quindi with a full-length album of sparkling, sophisticated wonder. Touching on kosmische grandeur, Riley-esque cyclical patterns, lounge pop and dubbed out psychedelia, the five-piece allow their songs to unfurl with a natural, hypnotic elegance which can take many different forms.
There's a loose, live quality to the recordings IE's members commit to record, which reflects their steady presence gigging in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Since putting out their first release in 2016, they've glided from drone and synth-led jam band ambience (2018's Pome) to strung out, stoner-tinted slowcore (on 2023's outstanding Junk Body). For Reverse Earth they strike a smoky note that wraps itself around your skull across extended run times that evolve with a meditative poise.
From the deceptively driving 4/4 thrum of the opening title track through 'Divination Bag's snaking tryptamine mantras on to 'Simplify's slow and smouldering indie-soul, IE's sound is bathed in a sumptuous warm glow that rounds out the lows and the mids, creating a nocturnal shroud in which their nebulous song structures can feel deliciously endless.
Meredith Gill's drums provide rolling and tumbling undercurrents for the slowly shifting phases of the instrumental players, as Michael Gallope and Travis Workman trade keyboard parts and Workman and Sam Molstad chop and pick at their six-strings. Atop the thrum of her bass, Mariel Oliviera's vocal adapts to the scenery, from a distant, dreamlike siren song on 'Reverse Earth' to a spoken word meditation on 'Babel'.
There's space in each track for every instrument to cut through and have its moment, from a spiralling key vamp to a chicken-scratch guitar flex. The gently twisting, head-feeding groove exercises of the first four tracks give way to a slow and powerful march on 'Dark Rome', closing the record on a noirish anti-ballad fit to peal out in the closing slot at Twin Peaks' Roadhouse (circa season three).
As much as the tracks teem with composition, musicianship, and production to savor, a sound like IE's has a soporific quality that soaks in unconsciously. It's an evocative portal where the band feel as if they could just play on each piece ad infinitum - where the time itself seems to dislodge from its moorings.

Der britische Jazz-Produzent Daylight Robbery kehrt mit seinem neuen Album Third Island Suite (auch bekannt als Third Eye Land) zurück, das über Melting Pot Music auf LP und digital veröffentlicht wird. Eine fesselnde Fusion aus Spiritual Jazz, Fusion und Hip-Hop, die in Zusammenarbeit mit dem renommierten New Yorker Pianisten Nick Marks entstand.

Als Nachfolger seines Debütalbums Moons of Jupiter aus dem Jahr 2022 lässt sich Third Island Suite von John Fowles’ metafiktionalem Klassiker The Magus inspirieren und erkundet klanglich eine Welt psychologischer Illusionen und meisterhafter Täuschungen. Das Artwork hat der Kölner Illustrator Jens Roth entworfen.

Es ist ein unwahrscheinlicher Eindruck, den Xmal Deutschland in den frühen Achtzigern nicht nur auf das hiesige, sondern auch auf ihr britisches Publikum gemacht haben. Es war wie gebannt von den unvermittelten Stakkato-Rhythmen, der mysteriösen (also: deutschen) Sprache und der Kraft und Vision der beteiligten Musikerinnen. 40 Jahre später, genauer am 9. Mai 2025, erscheint nun "Gift: The 4AD Years", mit dem das Londoner Label die Jahre 1983/1984 wieder aufleben lässt. Die 3xLP führt das fiebrige "Fetisch", das mächtige "Tocsin" und die korrespondierenden EP-Tracks zu einem Ganzen zusammen, das pulsiert vor Energie und Haltung. Enthalten sind auch die Bandklassiker "Incubus Succubus II" und "Qual". Das Coverartwork mit einer Fotoarbeit von Peter Schulte wurde auf Grundlage von 23 Envelope-Originalarbeiten von Timothy O"Donnell designt. Es kommt begleitend zu den originalen Sleeve-Fotografien von Nigel Grierson. Hinzu kommt ein Fotobuch mit Bildern von Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery, Sheila Rock und weiteren sowie einem Text von Chris Roberts. "Gift: The 4AD Years" erscheint am 9 Mai digital, auf Doppel-CD sowie als 3xLP auf transparentem, rotem Vinyl sowie exklusiv in Deutschland als Crystal Clear Vinyl.

3xLP Boxset mit den remasterten 4AD-Alben Fetisch und Tocsin und den EPs Incubus Succubus II und Qual Es ist ein unwahrscheinlicher Eindruck, den Xmal Deutschland in den frühen Achtzigern nicht nur auf das hiesige, sondern auch auf ihr britisches Publikum gemacht haben. Es war wie gebannt von den unvermittelten Stakkato-Rhythmen, der mysteriösen (also: deutschen) Sprache und der Kraft und Vision der beteiligten Musikerinnen. 40 Jahre später, genauer am 9. Mai 2025, erscheint nun "Gift: The 4AD Years", mit dem das Londoner Label die Jahre 1983/1984 wieder aufleben lässt. Die 3xLP führt das fiebrige "Fetisch", das mächtige "Tocsin" und die korrespondierenden EP-Tracks zu einem Ganzen zusammen, das pulsiert vor Energie und Haltung. Enthalten sind auch die Bandklassiker "Incubus Succubus II" und "Qual". Das Coverartwork mit einer Fotoarbeit von Peter Schulte wurde auf Grundlage von 23 Envelope-Originalarbeiten von Timothy O"Donnell designt. Es kommt begleitend zu den originalen Sleeve-Fotografien von Nigel Grierson. Hinzu kommt ein Fotobuch mit Bildern von Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery, Sheila Rock und weiteren sowie einem Text von Chris Roberts. "Gift: The 4AD Years" erscheint am 9 Mai digital, auf Doppel-CD sowie als 3xLP auf transparentem, rotem Vinyl sowie exklusiv in Deutschland als Crystal Clear Vinyl.

Bekannt als der Haupttänzer der globalen Superstar-Gruppe BTS, veröffentlicht jhope sein zweites Album mit dem Titel ’HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’ - jetzt zum ersten Mal auf auf Vinyl! Mit dieser Veröffentlichung erzählt j-hope von seinen bescheidenen Anfängen als Teil einer Street Dance Crew und den Weg zu BTS. Der Inhalt des Albums umfasst: Äußere Hülle, innere Hülle, Vinyl, Fotobuch, Schlüsselanhänger aus Papier (je 3), Fotokarte, Filmfoto und Textkarte (je 6).

Twisted House patterns for Sundays or Mondays when your mind has become calm, you have arrived in the Now and your phone remains in your pocket.

Neon Pink Vinyl. For their tenth LP in a career spanning more than two decades, Tulsa's Unwed Sailor deliver their heaviest riffs, loudest squalls, and most deeply textured arrangements yet. Cruel Entertainment is a catalogue of contrasts - dissonance and harmony, hardcore crunch and post-rock grandeur, complexity and catchiness - that adds a vibrant new dimension to the second phase of their discography, spanning thus far from 2019's landmark Heavy Age up to the "vivid, starry-eyed psychedelia" (AllMusic) of 2024's Underwater Over There. Opener and lead single, "Rock Candy", roars in with a gale of feedback, pounding drums, and nimble bass, until a latticework of howling guitars ushers us into a more goth-tinged space. It's a characteristically intricate, energetic composition that flows with remarkable ease between its parts, and wastes not a moment of its three minutes. "Monster Collecting" brings a rare combination of melancholic and driving energy, reminiscent of avowed heroes New Order, but ups the ante with a tight, fastpaced rhythm section and litany of guitar lines, until opening up into a cascade of reverberating textures and tenuous sweetness. According to Ford, the title Cruel Entertainment refers to "the hardships of being an artist and musician in the crowded, imbalanced world of social media and streaming," where the completion of a new work demands that the creator also be a promoter, content strategist, and agent, among many other intensifying challenges. Pointedly drawing inspiration from noisier, rowdier bands - including Fugazi, Quicksand, and Cherubs - here they seek a much-needed catharsis in the ongoing fight to keep the creative soul intact. Second side standout, "Monty Donahue", typifies this form of release, as massive, mid-tempo percussion leads a fluid low end theme - inspired by the dual bass assault of Dianogah - and Swatzell's chords burst into shimmering nebulas across a labyrinthine arrangement that's equally loud and beautiful. Title track, "Cruel Entertainment", is a mosaic of sound for which Ford's bass provides the mortar: taut drums list between the channels, washes of guitar stretch to the horizon, and metallic heaviness punctuates the drift. There is a confident immensity here, proving that, although Unwed Sailor have witnessed a wild amount of changes in the music industry, their knack for creating complex, vital, and masterfully produced work remains untouched.

Die Liverpooler RATS sind knallhart der Wahrheit und den Beats verpflichtet. Furchtlos, gelegentlich wild und häufig zärtlich kommt dieser mitreissende Pöbel auf der Debüt-LP "Rule The World" zusammen, nachdem die Single "Patsy Decline" (2021) ein neugieriges Publikum zu ihren lebhaften Liveshows lockte. Der direkte und optimistische Mix der Band aus unerschrockener lyrischer Ehrlichkeit und Crossover-Rock, R&B und Ska ist der Soundtrack des modernen innerstädtischen Grossbritanniens. Frontmann/Texter Joe Maddocks wird mit Mike Skinner (Jamie T, The Streets) verglichen, und die Band ergatterte einen frühen Supportslot für Liam Gallagher bei seinem Auftritt in der Royal Albert Hall 2022. Der gewundene Weg zu einem vollständigen Album wurde geduldig beschritten, RATS brauchten über zwei Jahre, um den Spass und die Wut ihrer prickelnden Liveshows auf Band zu bannen. "Es ist eine Mischung aus unseren individuellen Charakteren, die zusammenkommen", sagt Drummer Alan Phillips. "Da sind Lowells Dub und Ska, Joes scharfe, fast schon Hip-Hop-artige Texte, und dann sind da noch Mikey und Chris mit ihren mitreissenden Indie-Gitarrenriffs. Es ist eine Mischung aus den unterschiedlichsten Melodien in uns."

Ein dynamisches und erhabenes Werk voller Emotionen und Sensibilität, "From Where You Came" als eine Reihe nächtlicher Übertragungen, altertümlicher Verfeinerungen und lebendiger Geschichten, die reich an erhellenden Qualitäten sind. Die Kombination von programmatischer Musik des 19. Jahrhunderts mit Jazz aus der Mitte der 70er Jahre und ihrem unverwechselbar farbenfrohen und mehrdimensionalen Kompositionsansatz, der die Improvisation einschließt, ermöglicht Coverdale die Synthese mit Live-Instrumenten in einer genrefreien, aber deutlich erkennbaren Geste der Wiederverbindung mit Land und Körper durch Klang zu verbinden. Sie betrachtet Komposition als diagnostische Methodik zu spirituellen Zwecken, leitet emotionale Resonanz wie Ladungsströme und verdrahtet das rein Gefühlte in elektronische Signale. Obwohl sie auf mehreren Kontinenten komponiert und aufgenommen hat, unter anderem im GRM Studio in Paris und dem Elektronmusikstudion EMS in Stockholm, wurde "From Where You Came" im ländlichen Ontario, Kanada, fertiggestellt. Mit Beiträgen der multidisziplinären Klangkünstlerin und Cellistin Anne Bourne und dem mit einem Grammy ausgezeichneten Posaunen-Wunderkind Kalia Vandever, enthalten die 11 ausgedehnten und doch verdichteten Kompositionen des Albums Streicher, Holzbläser, Blechbläser, Tasten, Software und modulare Synthese, die eine musikalische Sprache einschreiben, die Animationen mit ungefilterter, beeindruckender Klarheit wiedergibt. ,Alles kann eine Stimme haben", sagt sagt Coverdale. ,Für mich ist die Stimme mehr als nur menschlich." Passenderweise ist es die eigene Stimme der Künstlerin die sich im einhüllenden Schwellwerk des Albumauftakts in Luft auflöst: ,Everything you know is real", singt sie in ,Eternity`, "I'm sorry, life is beautiful." Als zwischen Animismus und Animalismus oszilliert, ist das folgende Album absolut voll von Leben in all seiner atemberaubenden Komplexität. Coverdale rechnet mit der Erfahrung von Trauer, Entwurzelung und dem Druck der totalen Freiheit und Unabhängigkeit ab, und beweist eine übernatürliche Fähigkeit, die Trübsal in höchst fantasievolle und inspirierende Fantasy-Epen aus Klang zu verwandeln.

Die Liga der gewöhnlichen Gentlemen, vulgo DLDGG, 2012 aus den Ruinen der verblichenen Superpunk entstanden, bestechen auf ihren nun sieben regulären Alben (+einer Best Of) mit ihrer Version von Popmusik an der sie mit einer erfrischenden Sturheit festhalten. Beherzt setzen sie sich seitdem zwischen alle Stühle. Beseelt von der Idee des ursprünglichen Punk (Man muss kein Virtuose sein um tolle Musik zu machen), veröffentlichen sie seit Jahren großartige Popsongs, stark beeinflusst von den drei großen "M"s (Madness, Motown, Modern Lovers). Mit einer herzerfrischenden Kompromisslosigkeit Umarmen und Zementieren sie ihren Außenseiterstatus gleichermaßen. Auf Anbiederung an den Zeitgeist zwecks Erfolgsmaximierung haben sie entweder keine Lust oder, was auch sein kann, da haben sie einfach noch nicht drüber nachgedacht. Ziel der Liga war und ist es immer, dass jeder Albumtrack auch eine Single sein kann. Auf "Egg Benedict" haben sie es eigentlich geschafft. Erfrischend weit weg ist DLDGG vom zeitgenössischem Staatstheater- und Feuilletonrock welcher hierzulande so beliebt ist. Immer wenn ein neues Liga-Album erscheint ist es so, als würde in einer etwas vermufften Wohnung am ersten warmen Frühlingstag das Fenster geöffnet werden und eine herrlich leichte Brise weht herein. Toll, dass es sie gibt!

Die Liga der gewöhnlichen Gentlemen, vulgo DLDGG, 2012 aus den Ruinen der verblichenen Superpunk entstanden, bestechen auf ihren nun sieben regulären Alben (+einer Best Of) mit ihrer Version von Popmusik an der sie mit einer erfrischenden Sturheit festhalten. Beherzt setzen sie sich seitdem zwischen alle Stühle. Beseelt von der Idee des ursprünglichen Punk (Man muss kein Virtuose sein um tolle Musik zu machen), veröffentlichen sie seit Jahren großartige Popsongs, stark beeinflusst von den drei großen "M"s (Madness, Motown, Modern Lovers). Mit einer herzerfrischenden Kompromisslosigkeit Umarmen und Zementieren sie ihren Außenseiterstatus gleichermaßen. Auf Anbiederung an den Zeitgeist zwecks Erfolgsmaximierung haben sie entweder keine Lust oder, was auch sein kann, da haben sie einfach noch nicht drüber nachgedacht. Ziel der Liga war und ist es immer, dass jeder Albumtrack auch eine Single sein kann. Auf "Egg Benedict" haben sie es eigentlich geschafft. Erfrischend weit weg ist DLDGG vom zeitgenössischem Staatstheater- und Feuilletonrock welcher hierzulande so beliebt ist. Immer wenn ein neues Liga-Album erscheint ist es so, als würde in einer etwas vermufften Wohnung am ersten warmen Frühlingstag das Fenster geöffnet werden und eine herrlich leichte Brise weht herein. Toll, dass es sie gibt!

Total Maniac ist von Herzen ein DIY-Projekt. Die ersten Songs entstanden im Laufe der Jahre von 2012 bis 2020, als die ersten Aufnahmen gemacht wurden. Alle Aufnahmen fanden im Beisein von Volker statt, der zwar den Prozess beendete, aber 2 Wochen nach der Aufnahme der letzten Phrasen verstarb.

Der Sound unterscheidet sich von den früheren WARHAMMER-Veröffentlichungen, indem er sich von den starken HELLHAMMER-Einflüssen zu einem eigenen, unverwechselbaren Sound entwickelt, aber dennoch seinen Ursprüngen treu bleibt.

Mit einer Coverversion von CRUDE SS und VELLOCET auf der Bonus-EP wird nicht nur die Sympathie, sondern auch der direkte Einfluss der Punk-Szene unterstrichen.

Total Maniac wurde 2022 ebenfalls in DIY-Manier von den verbliebenen WARHAMMER-Mitgliedern und Frederik Aderholz abgemischt und einem professionellen Mastering durch Obscured by Evil unterzogen.

- Weißes Vinyl, Inside out Druck mit Innenbedruckung, Einleger (offset Papier), schwarze polylined-innenhüllen, 180g vinyl

Total Maniac ist von Herzen ein DIY-Projekt. Die ersten Songs entstanden im Laufe der Jahre von 2012 bis 2020, als die ersten Aufnahmen gemacht wurden. Alle Aufnahmen fanden im Beisein von Volker statt, der zwar den Prozess beendete, aber 2 Wochen nach der Aufnahme der letzten Phrasen verstarb.

Der Sound unterscheidet sich von den früheren WARHAMMER-Veröffentlichungen, indem er sich von den starken HELLHAMMER-Einflüssen zu einem eigenen, unverwechselbaren Sound entwickelt, aber dennoch seinen Ursprüngen treu bleibt.

Mit einer Coverversion von CRUDE SS und VELLOCET auf der Bonus-EP wird nicht nur die Sympathie, sondern auch der direkte Einfluss der Punk-Szene unterstrichen.

Total Maniac wurde 2022 ebenfalls in DIY-Manier von den verbliebenen WARHAMMER-Mitgliedern und Frederik Aderholz abgemischt und einem professionellen Mastering durch Obscured by Evil unterzogen.

- Rotes Vinyl, Inside out Druck mit Innenbedruckung, Einleger (offset Papier), schwarze polylined-innenhüllen, 180g vinyl

Total Maniac ist von Herzen ein DIY-Projekt. Die ersten Songs entstanden im Laufe der Jahre von 2012 bis 2020, als die ersten Aufnahmen gemacht wurden. Alle Aufnahmen fanden im Beisein von Volker statt, der zwar den Prozess beendete, aber 2 Wochen nach der Aufnahme der letzten Phrasen verstarb.

Der Sound unterscheidet sich von den früheren WARHAMMER-Veröffentlichungen, indem er sich von den starken HELLHAMMER-Einflüssen zu einem eigenen, unverwechselbaren Sound entwickelt, aber dennoch seinen Ursprüngen treu bleibt.

Mit einer Coverversion von CRUDE SS und VELLOCET auf der Bonus-EP wird nicht nur die Sympathie, sondern auch der direkte Einfluss der Punk-Szene unterstrichen.

Total Maniac wurde 2022 ebenfalls in DIY-Manier von den verbliebenen WARHAMMER-Mitgliedern und Frederik Aderholz abgemischt und einem professionellen Mastering durch Obscured by Evil unterzogen.

- Rotes Vinyl, Inside out Druck mit Innenbedruckung, Einleger (offset Papier), schwarze polylined-innenhüllen, 180g vinyl

"FURIE" ist Musik. Freude. Gegenwart und Avantgarde. Im Mai 2025 löst Alicia Edelweiss mit ihren zweiten Studio-Album "FURIE" das Versprechen ein, das ihr sechs Jahre zuvor erschienenes Debut-Album gab: der Pop-Landschaft etwas tatsächlich Neues und ehrlich Interessantes hinzufügen. "FURIE" enthält 8 Songs von heute sehr selten gewordener Länge. Sie haben ausreichend Raum und Zeit, um ihre eigenen kleinen Panoramen zu entfalten - die Künstlerin selber vergleicht sie mit Kurzfilmen, auf deren Handlungswendungen und Plot Twists man achten muss. Es sei gar nicht ihre Entscheidung, die Songs so lang zu machen, erzählt sie, sondern sie nicht zu kürzen. Für deren Länge und Konsequenz nutzt die Künstlerin das Wort Integrität. Was für ein wunderschöner Anspruch an die eigene Musik. Daher ist "FURIE" auch ein Album im fast altmodischen, im engsten, Sinne: Was einem heute wirklich sehr selten begegnet und was es zu einer echten Ausnahme macht, ist, dass wir tatsächlich vor gleichberechtigten und gleichermaßen qualitätvollen Songs stehen. Diese Stücke sind, da darf man das Wort Pop nicht falsch verstehen, nie vorhersehbar, niemals nur geschrieben - sie sind erdichtet, erdacht und komponiert. Zuweilen erkämpft. Das freilich, merkt man ihnen nicht an. Die Musikerin hat das Heavy Lifting übernommen - wir bekommen den Schwebezustand. Dieser gestaltet sich vor allem über Klang, Sound und Melodie, die als vielschichtige, komplexe Stimmungsträger funktionieren. Instrumentiert ist "FURIE" ungewöhnlich reich - mit Gitarre, Drums, Klavier, Akkordeon, vor allem mit Streichern, mit Tierstimmen, Geräuschen, Synthesizern, Glocken, Trompeten... für ein Lied ist der eigene Gesang unter Wasser aufgenommen worden. Es ist ein groß dekoriertes Album geworden. Es ist Verletzlichkeit und Maximalismus; im Ergebnis komplexer als das vorangegangene Debut. FURIE strebt nach Exzellenz. Gerade dort, wo das Schöne in dem Risiko liegt, nicht perfekt zu sein, sondern richtig.

Europe's first lady of House is back on Heist with a massive new EP and a Demi Riquísimo remix.

Cinthie’s 2023 Piano Heaven EP on Heist was a big release for both her and the label, getting tons of airplay and support from the likes of Pete Tong, Danny Howard, Chloe Caillet and Blessed Madonna. The Dam Swindle remix of ‘Won’t u take me’ that followed on that year’s Round Up is still among her top tracks on any platform. Cinthie now returns to Heist with an EP full of dancefloor weapons that range from classic grooving house to quirky rave.

With her frequent plays at renowned clubs all over the world, as well as spots in her Berlin back yard like Panorama bar, Cinthie has the ideal testing grounds for new peak-time material. And that’s exactly what the A1 ‘Deep inside love’ is: an epic peaktime weapon. With a stomping beat and signature uplifting keys, she serves up themes of classic 80s and 90s house music with a modern aesthetic. With that, Deep inside love has all the ingredients to become an instant Heist classic.

The A2 shows us Cinthie’s rave side, where we see her inspiration from the current dancefloor high octane energy. Or maybe it’s just her early rave days that are finally back in the limelight after her well received ‘Rave Baby’ release on Aus Music. Either way, ‘Higher’ is a fun tune with an infectious beat, classic rave stabs and a female vocal telling us to take her higher. We’re sure that this won’t be a problem, cause this track is built for those clubby highs.

‘Get up’ is a lovely organ-led track with long ethereal strings and dubby vocal chops. The breakdown deepens the mood with some heavy chords tuned in true house style before a free-flowing drum roll (crashes and claps included) catapult you into back into the full groove.

We asked close friend Demi Riquísimo, a man not unfamiliar with dancefloor wizardry himself as head honcho of Semi Delicious records, for a remix on ‘Higher’. His version is exactly what you’d expect from a class producer like him: it’s a breezy, effortless, mildly throwbacky and most definitely fun remix to conclude an EP that navigates through all kinds of moods with one clear goal in mind: Make people dance.

Enjoy the music and as always, play it loud!

Lars & Maarten

Kavrila sind zurück - kompromisslos und ungefiltert. "Heretics I", der erste Teil einer neuen EP-Trilogie, entstand spontan und ohne nachträgliche Bearbeitung. Vier Tracks, direkt auf Tascam aufgenommen, roh und ungeschönt, verleiht dieser direkte Sound der EP ihre ungezügelte Intensität. Zudem gibt es in der physischen Version - neben Intro und Outro - als Bonus einen weiteren Track aus den "Mor"-Sessions. Die Band setzt bewusst auf analoge Direktheit und eine rohe, ungeschönte Ästhetik. Während Drums und Bass live eingespielt wurden, fügte Gitarrist Andreas seine Parts später hinzu, ohne den Charakter des Albums zu verwässern. Gemischt und gemastert wurde "Heretics I" von Hauke Albrecht im Studio Altona in Hamburg - ein kompromissloses Statement echter, ungefilterter Intensität.

Berlin-based French-Irish multimedia artist Zoe Mc Pherson levels up on their third full-length "Pitch Blender", mangling years of experience DJing and performing live into a tight set of cybernetic soundsystem experiments that flicker between the rave and the art space.

Cast your mind back to February 2020 for a moment, when Mc Pherson released their last album "States of Fugue". The world seemed less tangled somehow, and yet Mc Pherson's precision-engineered fusion of exploratory sound design and visceral club pressure seemed to hint at a cataclysmic event none of us were really expecting. Only a few weeks after its release the world changed forever, and the majority of us were grounded - forced to consider our lives and the movement (or lack thereof) surrounding us. The philosophy of this extended time period is welded into the bones of "Pitch Blender", Mc Pherson's supple third album. They have learned plenty in the last two years, and infuse all of that anxiety and spiky emotionality into a spread of tracks that sound as powerful in headphones as they do over a well-tweaked soundsystem, soldering vocals, environmental recordings and instrumental flourishes to unpredictably pneumatic, cybernetic beats.

Anyone that's caught one of Mc Pherson's energetic live performances over the last few months will have an idea of what "Pitch Blender" is made of. They're an artist who's somehow able to match the raw energy of post-punk and no-wave music with the brain-altering potential of the best experimental club tracks, vocalizing an incongruous post-lockdown reality over beats that sound as if they're in a permanent state of flux. 'On Fire' splutters to life in a frenetic patter of drums that blur into oddly soothing hoover sounds, snaking lysergically towards a drop that's teased constantly, and never comes. We're forced to wait until 'The Spark' for that, fighting through choppy, pitch-mangled guitar and rolling beats until a gruesome kick drum forces its way through the psilocybin mists and heaving Bristol-inspired bass clonks. Backed up with just the inverted traces of recognizable breaks, this vigorous pulse lies at the heart of "Pitch Blender", the driving force that powers Mc Pherson's sound even when it's only hinted at.

'Blender' is the moment where Mc Pherson show their full hand, using crackling sound effects, ghost vocals and uneven rhythms to build a textural landscape that's so evocative you can almost taste it. Squealing modular synth effects sound like gameshow buzzers being triggered in another dimension and propel the track forward - it's club music, just about, but Mc Pherson's motivation is world-building, and their world is colorful, abstract, and dizzyingly surreal. "Obsolete user," their voice echoes over driving airlock kicks. But they take a swift left turn with 'Lamella', reducing the kinetic club rhythms to a longing simmer and letting loose with powerful vocals, intoning with robotic, gender-fluxed intensity. On 'Wait', New York City's clacking crosswalk signal - already an effective club track on its own - is transformed into a reminder to slow down, juxtaposed with booming sub-heavy kicks, acidic synths and effervescent percussion that rattles in time with the vibrations. It's foley rave, built for pure psychedelic intensity to blur the line between real life and sonic fiction.

One of the album's most galvanic tracks, 'Power Dynamics' curves a double-time rhythm around breathless HQ sound design squiggles until it hits a polyrhythmic crescendo, striking a queasy balance between rave hedonism and ritualistic hand drum energy. It all builds towards eerie closing track 'Outside' that acts as an important wind down, spotlighting Mc Pherson's ability to operate outside of the rhythmic spectrum, using cinematic scrapes and flickering neon synths to create music that's tense but never terrifying. The track feels like the end credits of a particularly bewildering movie - something between the cyberpunk dystopia of "Ghost in the Shell" and the vivid, sky-scraping beauty of "Koyaanisqatsi". Mc Pherson has managed something special with "Pitch Blender": mashing together genres with rare focus, and sharpening their engineering skills to a fine point, they've concocted an antidote to contemporary malaise - a wakeup call that's begging us to loosen our limbs and move.

The Freedom Affair hat von Anfang an tiefe Wurzeln in der Soulmusik geschlagen, aber nach fast einem Jahrzehnt gemeinsamer Arbeit konzentriert sich der Sound der Gruppe auf ihrem selbstbetitelten zweiten Album genau dort, wo Muscle Shoals und Memphis Soul aufeinandertreffen. Es ist eine Meisterleistung an leidenschaftlicher Message-Musik, die zeitlose Themen wie Ungerechtigkeit, Liebe und Zusammengehörigkeit erforscht. Eine schicksalhafte Begegnung mit dem Grammy-prämierten Toningenieur Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) in den Royal Studios im Februar 2023 löste einen Funken aus, der die Band mit neuer musikalischer Überzeugung zurück nach Kansas City schickte. Im November kehrte die Band zurück, um in dem legendären Studio in Memphis völlig neue, vom Southern Soul inspirierte Songs aufzunehmen. Das stets starke weibliche Trio an der Spitze der Band - Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves und Shon Ruffin - ist das Markenzeichen des Sounds und der Identität von The Freedom Affair, und ihr kollektives stimmliches Können ist in vollem Umfang zu hören - von hart bis zart, von Herzschmerz und Hoffnung. Die Erfahrung in den Royal Studios hat die Band davon überzeugt, dass es keinen besseren Raum gibt, um Bläser aufzunehmen. Die ,One-Take"-Bläser von Pete Carroll an der Trompete und Brett Jackson am Saxophon beweisen, dass sich ihre jahrelange Zusammenarbeit mit ihrer Präzision und den perfekt auf die Stimmung abgestimmten Linien ausgezahlt hat. Das Personal der Rhythmusgruppe ist das gleiche wie auf dem Debütalbum "Freedom is Love", aber Chris Hazelton wechselt vom Bass zu seinem Hauptinstrument, der Hammond B3-Orgel, sowie zu verschiedenen Keyboards. Branden Moser tauscht den Bass, der auch sein Hauptinstrument ist, mit seiner früheren Rhythmusgitarre aus. Cole Bales greift an der Leadgitarre weiterhin zu zeitlosen Riffs, und Dave Brick sorgt am Schlagzeug für das Rückgrat mit dem schweren Boom-Bap. Dieses Album hat den Sound von The Freedom Affair zementiert: beständige Melodien mit reichhaltigen Arrangements, unterstützt von einem düsteren Puls. Royal war der perfekte Ort für dieses Album, und die Band nutzte die Geschichte des Studios in vollem Umfang, indem sie Studiogeräte und Relikte während des gesamten Prozesses einbezog. Da die Band nur vier Tage Zeit hatte, um das zehn Songs umfassende Album aufzunehmen, bestand sie darauf, das gleiche Ampex 1"-Bandgerät zu verwenden, mit dem alle Hi-Record-Hits von 1974 und davor aufgenommen wurden, um die Authentizität zu wahren. Es war das erste Mal seit 1974, dass dieses Gerät für ein Album verwendet wurde. Die Einschränkungen und Macken, die sich aus der Verwendung alter, analoger Geräte ergeben, machten Platz für magische Momente, die den Charme des Albums ausmachen. Die Platte erweckt den klassischen Southern Soul zu neuem Leben, mit all der Gemütlichkeit und Wärme, die man erwarten würde, wenn man Al Green oder Ann Peebles Aufnahmen aus dem selben Raum hört. Abgemischt von Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) und gemastert von JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), ist dieses Album eine wahre Lektion in Sachen Soulmusik.

Since 2020, and from coast to coast, indie-rockers Fib have been rewiring brains with their singular, jangly sound and furiously tight live performances. Fib's members connected in Portland through their love of punk, friendship, and their shared exceptional musical abilities. After releasing their debut self-titled tape in 2021 and touring the US, the band picked up and moved across the country after falling in love with Philadelphia. The city quickly warmed to Fib's controlled mania- the band putting on the tightest show imaginable, and then, at the end of the set, destroying their instruments in total chaos mode. They matched Philadelphia's freak- fitting like a fingerless glove. Now, connecting with Philly label Julia's War, the group is releasing their debut full-length record Heavy Lifting- a musical odyssey exploring arty pop, punk and progressive rock- while simultaneously breaking free from genre and giving the listener a vividly surreal auditory experience. With Heavy Lifting, Fib shed their early, scrappy, lofi limitations, and embraced a new, expansive and warm recording capture. This bigger sound allows the group to put their technical skill, harmonious vocals, and hyper-infectious songwriting on full display. Songs like 'Mutuals' and 'Say' are frenetic and bouncy- shifting through virtuosic arrangements held together with intermittent, powerful hooks. With tunes like 'Dotted Line' and 'PS,' the band settles deeper into the grooves and songwriting allowing the listener to zone in and bob their head a bit more. While the nine tracks that comprise Heavy Lifting are equally unique and invigorating showcasing the members' intricate guitar tangles and polyrhythms, the album is holistically composed- a greater sum than its parts. The release would easily sit well for fans of new bands like Palm, TAGABOW, and Water From Your Eyes, but would just as easily be a welcome addition for record heads who love bands like This Heat, Television, and Psychic TV. While this might all be hard to believe, and their name is Fib- it's no lie. Fib's Heavy Lifting is a vibrant, moving and endless sonic rainbow. Pick it up and step into their wild and ecstatic void.