Search:poe

Joe Henry is one of the artists who have shaped the sound of modern American folk and blues music like hardly anyone else. “Civilians”, his 10th studio album, was originally released in 2007. It takes the listener on an intimate journey into Henry’s poetic lyricism and is heavily influenced and inspired by the more melancholic sounds of folk and jazz music. Recorded in Henry’s home studio at the time, the Garfield House in Pasadena, the album has a raw and stripped-back feel, with several of Henry’s close friends and collaborators, like Loudon Wainwright III, Bill Frisell, Greg Leisz, and Van Dyke Parks, joining him in the studio to bring these songs to life. The 2024 reissue edition of “Civilians” features not only the 12 songs of the original release, but also previously unheard bonus material, including intimate demo versions of several songs on the album, as well as the all-new bonus track “Bread & Flowers”. Available on CD and for the first time ever, 2LP Black Vinyl.

Chita, the third album proper by Japanese guitar pop trio Usurabi, is their most elegant, stylish confection yet. Over the past four years, Toshimitsu Akiko (vocals, guitar), Kawaguchi Masami (bass) and Morohashi Shigeki (drums) have been recording, playing live, and releasing songs of rare melodic warmth, centring Toshimitsu’s unique musical vision, where melancholy and joy can co-exist, a split-second flick of her wrist switchblading the guitar from languorous sweetness to overloaded rock action.

Chita expands on the smartly sculpted pop and rock songs found on their previous albums, Remains Of The Light (2021) and Outside Of The World (2023), while infusing the music with more of the rough- housing energy that also coursed through the live CD, Once In A Red Room, they self-released in January 2024. There’s still a through-line, of course, that connects the music here to Toshimitsu’s earlier groups, Doodles and Animone, but Chita feels more deeply like a sussed, sharp take on the crumbling edges of sixties psychedelic folk and rock: the harmonica that blasts through the opener, “Bansho”, is pure Dylan in effect.

One of the many smart things about Usurabi, though, is that they never feel beholden to the historical moment. Soon after “Bansho”, we encounter “TurnOff”, a lush pop song that turns on a dime, with Toshimitsu tearing fuzztone notes from six strings that are like a more folk-reverent Kaneko Jutok. And there’s something about the guitar and bass riff that doubles through the thrilling two-and-a-half minutes of “Hakanonaka” that’s a dead ringer for the Only Ones. Flip the record, and things get more expansive, the spindly jangling of the title song spiralling ever inwards, before the sweet, sugary rush of “Kanata” resolves to the martial rhythms that pulse through “Aseranai”, winding the album down to its poetic, becalmed resolution.

Rarely has there been a better album opener than Fun n' Frenzy, a shimmering yet abrasive mix of Subway Sect dustbin lid guitar, No Wave twitchiness, a hint of psychedelia and a crooning vocalist intoning poetic, abstract lyrics that conveyed existential menace. Continuing with Revelation, Crazy to Exist and single tracks like Sorry for Laughing, The Only Fun In Town was an extraordinary achievement - eclipsed by the groups split. It remains an early 80s high point. Those who haven't heard it should; those who have might tempted by this latest upgrade, which features remastered sound and different extras'. Josef K 'The Only Fun In Town' (Jon Savage - Mojo 2014)
Crepuscule presents a new limited coloured vinyl edition of The Only Fun In Town, the influential debut album by iconic Scottish guitar group Josef K, originally released on Postcard Records in July 1981.
500 copies only of TWI 052 have been pressed for release in 2019, with Disc 1 on black vinyl and Disc 2 on gold vinyl, matching the iconic sleeve artwork by Krysia Klasicki.
Speedily recorded in a small studio in Brussels, The Only Fun In Town was a defiantly abrasive, serrated long-player in the mould of the second Velvets album, Josef K having already shelved a more conventional recording. Sharp-edged pop singles abound - It's Kinda Funny, Sorry for Laughing, Revelation - along with rattling Haig/Ross twin guitar classics such as Fun 'n' Frenzy, Heart of Song, Forever Drone and The Angle.
The Only Fun In Town topped the independent charts on release and remains a canonical post-punk album. This remaster arrives housed in a handsome gatefold sleeve, and by way of bonus tracks also features several Postcard single A and B sides including Radio Drill Time and Chance Meeting. Side 4 features all four tracks from JoKay's celebrated John Peel Session in June 1981, including Heaven Sent and The Missionary.
'Josef K were The Sound of Young Scotland, together with Orange Juice ' (Paul Morley)

Boudica is proud to present their first record of 2024, featuring an artist who holds a special place within the platform - none other than DJ and producer Wallis.
DJ, live-act and former mastering engineer, Wallis speaks for a generation searching for novelty and emotion in the electronic music realm.
Sharp engineering skills coupled with a unique approach to sound design allowed her to develop a trademark sound. Using an array of synthesisers, effects units, and experimental studio techniques, Wallis produces melancholic electronic music rapidly shifting between different patterns and atmospheres.
She tours as a DJ and Live Act around the world, having played large festivals such as DGTL or renowned clubs like Berghain, and will happily play at a large stage one day but at a small intimate sweaty basement the next.
In 2024, she started producing music for fashion shows and debuted that project by creating the music for the entire Natasha Zinko runway show at London Fashion Week February 2024.
The EP's opening track, "Hell is a Girl from Before (Rainy Summer Mix)," introduces a stirring blend of emotions. Starting with an emotional melody, accompanied by synths and a plucked instrument, it swiftly transitions into energetic segments driven by the drums. Vocals emerge, their words almost imperceptible, adding an intimate layer to the experience. The track maintains a steady pace, evoking the ambience of a rainy summer day. This creates a melancholic yet hopeful mood, transporting listeners through a journey of introspection.
As "Protect Me From My Friends" unfolds, it feels like being whisked away to a new dimension, greeted by otherworldly, robotic sounds. The introspective journey of the previous track mutates into raw emotions, driven forward by a relentless bassline. Clear vocals take the forefront, guiding the listener through the sonic landscape, only to be interrupted by the commanding presence of the bassline, which assumes the main character role.

In "Sleeping Pills Are Gone," an atmospheric and gloomy introduction is abruptly interrupted by an acid and hefty bassline that dynamically evolves throughout the track, plunging the listener into an eyes-open dream born of a sleepless night. The vocals echo the track's title, creating a haunting repetition. Wallis strategically grants brief breaks, constructing a powerful crescendo that heightens the experience. These are momentary escapes before immersing the listener once more into the hypnotic trance induced by the solid four-to-the-floor march.
Closing the EP with a striking finale, "Teenage Apocalypse" introduces a clunky melody that encapsulates the signature sound of the record. Characteristic vocals weave throughout, guiding the listener towards the track's crescendo. Driven by a flawless fusion of drums, the song transitions seamlessly into a powerful breakbeat moment, accompanied by yet another impeccable bassline. True to its title, it evokes the intensity of a day of judgment, leaving a lasting impact as the EP draws to a close.
This EP is a testament to Wallis's growth as a producer and her fantastic storytelling ability through sound.
In the artist's words: "Sometimes life takes a weird turn. Angry, confused and dealing with moral: this EP targets the pain and absurdity of attachment and strongly themes Gregg Araki's teenage apocalypse trilogy. The artwork poem plastered on the wall was written by wallis."

Hawksmoor’s new album ‘Oneironautic’ on Soul Jazz Records follows on from last year’s critically acclaimed ‘Telepathic Heights’, as well as a re-release of his album ‘Saturnalia’ on the Library of the Occult label earlier this year.
James McKeown, AKA Hawksmoor, continues his fascination with the sounds and sensibilities of 70s/80s German electronic groups – think early CLUSTER, HARMONIA, CAN, NEU!, HANS-JOACHIM ROEDELIUS and MICHAEL ROTHER.
On this new album ‘Oneironautic’, he successfully combines these pulsating ripples of Germanic electronica with a number of decidedly English references: the soaring, hypnotic and pastoral qualities of BRIAN ENO, circa ‘Another Green World’; the long, sustained lines of ROBERT FRIPP’S FRIPPERTONICS; and the poetic feel of early DURUTTI COLUMN.
McKeown combines all of these elements while also remaining with one foot firmly in the British melodic hauntological modular synth aesthetic of hauntology – Ghost Box, Mount Vernon Arts Lab, Focus Group et al.
Once again using strictly modular synths, electronic drum rhythms, and guitars, Hawksmoor has created an electronic landscaped music world that is both new and old, immediately identifiable and yet utterly unique.

Verve Forecast announces the first in a trilogy of Spoken Word EPs from three-time Grammy nominated artist Tank and the Bangas. ‘The Heart’ is an EP that features Jill Scott and is produced by The Roots' James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Common). Subsequent EP installments feature Yaya Bey, Aja Monet, Samara Joy, J Ivy. Second EP will be ‘The Mind’ and is produced by Iman Omari (Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller). ‘The Soul’ will be the final installment and is produced by Robert Glasper (H.E.R. Brandee Younger). Following the August 30th album release with all three parts, there will be a fall co-headline tour with Jamila Woods and a Blue Note NYC residency (third year in a row)!

Trumpeter Booker Little made only a few albums during his tragically short life including his astounding debut Booker Little 4 & Max Roach recorded in 1958 for United Artists. Little came to prominence in Max Roach’s band and the drummer joins him here along with George Coleman, Tommy Flanagan, and Art Davis. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Kreaturen der Nacht sehnen sich in die 80er Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts zurück. Post-Punk und New Wave stiegen zu glorreichen Höhen auf und diese epische Erforschung dunkler Klangwelten auf der Basis von harten Gitarren und treibender Elektronik fand auf allen alternativen Tanzflächen statt. Klangvolle Namen wie SISTERS OF MERCY, FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, DEPECHE MODE, JOY DIVISION, THE HUMAN LEAGUE, ULTRAVOX und viele andere funkeln noch immer in einem magischen Glanz. Zum Glück sind all die subtile Erotik, elektrisierende Spannung und die düstere musikalische Leidenschaft nicht für alle Zeiten verloren gegangen: Die Rettung naht mit SOROR DOLOROSA auf schwarzen Schwingen. Das vierte Album der Franzosen mit dem vielsagenden Titel "Mond" hat musikalische Reißzähne, die schon beim ersten Durchgang köstliches Klangblut sprudeln lassen. Der klassisch-dunkle Post-Punk findet sich ebenso wieder wie Wave-Elemente und ein überwältigender Drang, die Füße in ekstatischen Tänzen unter dem namensgebenden Mond bewegen zu müssen. Doch SOROR DOLOROSA gehen dabei keineswegs mit abgestandenem Nostalgie-Schlangenöl hausieren. Die nach Paris umgezogenen Veteranen haben das klassische Feeling mit dem massiven Sound des neuen Jahrtausends für einen neuen Höhenflug aufgerüstet. Die Idee, den Mix und das Mastering von "Mond" James Kent anzuvertrauen, erweist sich als hervorragender Schachzug. Der PERTURBATOR-Vordenker hat die üppige Produktion dieses epischen Albums mit einer vibrierenden Power und wohltuenden ätherischen Kühle aufpoliert. Textlich bleiben SOROR DOLOROSA dem seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr 2001 in der südfranzösischen Stadt Toulouse eingeschlagenen Weg treu. Die erstmals mit der "Severance" (2009) Debüt-EP manifestierten dunkel-romantischen und kathartischen Gefühlslandschaften lassen noch immer das Herz der Band schlagen. Die Inspiration für "Mond" stammt unter anderen aus den Federn von Dichtern und Schriftstellern wie William Blake und Edgar Alan Poe.

"Throat" ist die Kollabo zweier beurlaubter Künstler: Nick Power (The Coral) und McKowski (The Lost Brothers), Soundtrackkomponist (Quantum Cowboys), Drehbuchautor (The Spin), Tourmusiker (Jolie Holland, Howe Gelb, M. Ward). Der Swamp-Aussenseiter "Throat" gibt der Geheimwelt aus Folk-Horror, VHS-Video-Grusel, Poesie, Naturwelt, Spukologie, Kriminalität, John-Laurie-Filmen, Teenager-Acid-Trips und abgedrehten Roadsongs eine Plattform. Alle Aufnahmen entstanden im ersten Take, Fehler blieben drin. Innerhalb dieses Rahmens blüht "Throat" auf, verzichtet auf traditionelle Songstrukturen zugunsten dissonanter Instrumentalpausen, gesprochener Passagen und dem Klang von Schritten auf einer Holztreppe.

Ten years after the release of his last project, Jaco returns with a 12-track solo album, signed to Stone Milk Records. Reflecting his last five years of travel and creation, this album bears witness to major transitions. A Brazilian singer-songwriter, Jaco offers a collection of nuanced, musically rich songs, where his poetry takes us into a gentle dream world. Imbued with a certain melancholy, we also find the joyful aesthetic influences of his world music project La Macchina Volante. Triste Alegre echoes the paradoxesoftheworldandofeachindividual,asoothingandoriginaljourneyofferedbythisartist-philosopherfullofmythsandtangents.

Those in the know are well aware of Bobby Marin's work, and the fact that he was behind the scenes for some of the best boogaloo and salsa of the '60s and '70s. Yet, until now, no one has explicitly put Bobby's name in the headline and given him his due on the cover of a properly credited Latin soul compilation. This compilation comprises twenty four essential boogaloo, Latin funk, rock and afro disco gems, each one bearing the mark of quality: "A Bobby Marin Production", including songs by Ricardo Marrero, the Ghetto Brothers, Ocho, Louie Ramírez_ A freshly curated overview of his fascinatingly complex back catalog in these genres. Since the late 1980s there have been numerous Latin soul and boogaloo compilations, and certainly much has been written about the history of the music too and an an excellent documentary (We Like It Like That, by Mathew Ramírez Warren) have brought the music to a broader audience. Generally, when discussing the "first wave" of Latin soul and boogaloo, it's the bands and their leaders, the singers and the songs that get all the recognition. But what of the producers, composers, and arrangers behind the music? Over the years, one of the best old-school New York Latin music producers, Bobby Marin, has occasionally been given some well-deserved credit and popped up sporadically in articles or liner notes (Wax Poetics, Fania, Gladys Palmera). However, to the casual public, he is not a household name, even among some fans of boogaloo. There are even some contemporary Latin soul compilations that contain mostly material licensed, produced and / or written by Bobby (or his brother, Richard), and a tip of the hat must go to Bobby's friend Dean Rudland for all his work in this area, as well as to Rocafort Records for digging up the long-lost Nitty Gritty Sextet album. Yet, until now, no one has explicitly put Bobby's name in the headline and given him his due on the cover of a properly credited Latin soul compilation. This collection aims to change that and give the man his Latin soul "props" for the first time on a freshly curated overview of his fascinatingly complex back catalog in this genre.

Im vielseitigen Repertoire von Stardirigent Rafael Kubelík nahmen die großen tschechischen Komponisten
einen wichtigen Platz ein. Viele seiner Interpretationen wurden Kult, so auch die Aufnahme von Antonín
Dvořáks 9. Symphonie „Aus der Neuen Welt“ mit den Berliner Philharmonikern von 1972: Der Maestro
hat darin „die Begeisterung seiner Spieler eingefangen und erzeugt ein Gefühl von Spannung und Poesie“
(Gramophone).
Anlässlich ihres 125. Geburtstag startete die Deutsche Grammophon die Wiederveröffentlichung legendärer
Aufnahmen in höchster Klangkultur: Die audiophile Vinyl-Serie The Original Source präsentiert herausragende Aufnahmen der 1970er Jahre in ganz neuer Klangqualität. Dafür haben die renommierten Emil
Berliner Studios die originalen Vierspur-Bänder mit eigens für die Produktion der Serie entwickelten Technologien in 100% analoger Qualität (AAA) neu gemastert und geschnitten. Die klanglichen Unterschiede
zu den Originalveröffentlichungen sind beträchtlich: Größere Klarheit, mehr Feinheiten und Verbesserungen
im Frequenzgang, zugleich weniger Nebengeräusche, Verzerrungen und Komprimierungen ermöglichen ein
audiophiles Hörerlebnis wie nie zuvor.
Auf 180g Vinylplatten und in einer Deluxe-Gatefold Edition mit Originalcovers und -texten werden die
Exemplare dieser Serie limitiert und nummeriert veröffentlicht, begleitet von zusätzlichen Fotos und Faksimiles der Aufnahmeprotokolle und Bandkartons, außerdem erklärt ein Beitrag die genauen technischen
Hintergründe

"OneDa's story is so clearly mirrored in her music: a sprightly flow preaching a message of empowerment, enveloped in a dark, raucous soundscape…interlacing vibrant, punchy lyrics with that classic drum & bass sound has given OneDa a new lease of life." – DJ MAG

“OneDa is solidifying her position as one of the UK’s most thrilling hip-hop artists. With poignant lyrics and charisma that is off the charts, she dives deep into the complexities of life, love, and liberation.” – DIVA

Manchester rapper and poet OneDa is set to soar with the release of her debut album, 'Formula OneDa', on October 4th via Heavenly Recordings. Featuring the singles 'Major Pay' and 'Set It Off.'

On the ethos behind the album, OneDa says:

“In early 2023, while listening to my mixtape demos, the line ‘had to step away, get the levels up fast, Formula OneDa never come last' from my song ‘Off My Light’ stood out. We decided to name my album 'Formula Oneda'. Coincidentally, I discovered that the F1 Academy had just started, aligning perfectly with my album’s vision. For the first time in over 30 years, Formula 1 has created a platform to inspire and support young girls and women. Previously indifferent to Formula 1, I am now excited by the progress these women are making in the male-dominated racing circuit. While becoming a racing driver was never my goal, the F1 Academy metaphor fits my journey from a backmarker to a leader. This year, I plan to support these inspiring women as they drive with Pussy Power to take pole position in motorsports.”

Having supported Kneecap and Baxter Dury, and with standout performances at The Great Escape, OneDa is establishing herself as one of the UK’s most dynamic hip-hop artists. Her music transcends genres, blending hip-hop, drum and bass, afro-trap, and afrobeats, reflecting her Nigerian heritage and Manchester roots. Known for her dexterous wordplay and poetic verses, OneDa's voice is a unique force in the evolving drum and bass scene. Her boundless linguistic talent and poetic verses set her apart. Named by The Face as a key MC in the drum ‘n’ bass renaissance, OneDa is dedicated to empowering others.
Her live performance credits include headlining with Angélique Kidjo at Aviva Studios' launch in Manchester and leading performances at Manchester Pride 2023. She continues to gain acclaim from BBC Radio 6, DJ Mag, The Face, NTS, Wonderland, UKF, and The Line of Best Fit.

Beyond her music, OneDa is dedicated to community initiatives, leading hip-hop therapy for Manchester youth and championing projects like Herchester, which amplifies marginalized voices in music. Her vision extends beyond chart success; she aims to establish a hip-hop therapy school for all ages, showcasing music's potential for positive change. Her drive and authenticity inspire others to embrace their true selves.

Citing 'empowerment' as her greatest inspiration, OneDa channels her struggle with acceptance of her queerness into her music, promoting a message of self-love and freedom: “When you truly love yourself, that overpowers anyone else’s opinion.” Although she only began producing music two years ago, OneDa’s debut LP showcases her mastery across multiple genres. Collaborations with artists like Sam Binga, Songer, Devilman, and Mr. Scruff highlight her versatility. Her standout verse on Vibe Chemistry’s 'Ballin’', with over 35 million streams, further cemented her reputation. Her first fully produced track, 'Rude Girl Flex', earned her a spot on the BBC 6 Music playlist and an appearance at the BBC 6 Music Festival.

The year 1996 saw the release of Arab Strap’s first single, “The First Big Weekend,” and debut album The Week Never Starts Round Here. Into an underground rock milieu preoccupied at the time with slo-core, math rock, and all things Pet Sounds, the duo of Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat couldn’t have sounded more alien.

In many ways, The Week Never Starts Round Here bears all the marks of a debut: it’s raw, unguarded, and crammed with ideas. It also firmly establishes the particular set-up that would define Arab Strap’s sound over the course of eleven years, with Middleton handling the music while Moffat provides the vocals and lyrics. Even this division of labor—more common to rap music than to the shoegazers and increasingly ubiquitous “collectives” of indie rock—seemed to defy expectations.

The sound of Arab Strap is a distinct brand of existential miserablism. Middleton’s cleverly arranged foundation of nocturnal guitars and rudimentary drum machines provides a canvas for Moffat to relay, in a thick Scottish dialect, his many sloshed, candid confessions. Long before artists like Mike Skinner chronicled the picaresque days of lads getting pissed and getting laid, Arab Strap’s vivid tales of lovers, lager and shame were being broadcast on college stations everywhere.

The Week Never Starts Round Here is an album full of drugged-up kisses and dried up egos; it chronicles the conquests and knockbacks of weekends that last forever, and it does so unapologetically, poetically, and profanely. Indie rock would never be the same.

CECILIA is a nomadic soul. Like in an existentialist epic that traverses different ages on a phantom thread of love, spirituality, desire and rage. She inhabits different bodies, inserts herself in a whole array of different characters. Some are fictional, some are as real as the artists that inspired her, and whose influence appears in CHOEUR under the guise of tiny fragments, direct quotes, dedications and spectral presences. Cecilia channels the poetry of different lives that might have been her own or might have only existed in dreams, and does so within a collection of songs that twist the path of traditional French and Italian songwriting into the inmost recesses of electronic mysticism. The composition of CHOEUR took place mostly around January 2023, a pretty precarious time in the artist life, and happened in a spontaneous and ritualistic manner that could appear as somewhat odd in the realm of electronic music production. Birthing out of ego-free solo jams in hyphened states of consciousness and audience-less performances, these moments of do-or-die energy intake served to funnel the wilderness of her emotions into extremely tight arrangements, ultimately allowing a dramaturgy of fierce and beautiful songs into existence. Striving for the sublime, CECILIA trained her whole body for a paradoxical procedure of disconnection and reconnection. A crucial pin in Melissa Gagné’s system of 7-year creative cycles, CHOEUR marks her debut on Haunter Record as much as the first step towards the possibility of a new artistic identity. A labour of love if there ever was one. CHOEUR is made of Awe, Chants and Ravishment, of Pain until Vision. CHOEUR prays Earth, Water, Stars, Sea. CHOEUR feels Spirits, Lightning, Thunder, Dawn, Dusk, Blood, Flowers. CHOEUR invokes a Return, to Grace. CHOEUR loves Mud and longs to Play. CHOEUR lives in a Dream created by a Dream. CHOEUR lives in a Body created by Love. CHOEUR is about a broken heart, open and ecstatic, about the beauty and the sadness that all is not what could be, about wandering and wondering why were the stars made so beautiful?

Big Crown Records ist stolz darauf, die erste 7" von Derya Yidirim & Grup Simsek auf dem Label zu präsentieren. Sie kamen im Juni 2024 nach New York, um ihr neues Album im The Diamond Mine Studio in Queens aufzunehmen, wobei Leon Michels die Produktion übernahm. Dies sind die ersten beiden Stücke aus diesen Sessions und sie sind sehr aufschlussreich für das, was auf dem neuen Album zu hören sein wird. "Cool Hand" ist ein wunderschönes Nebeneinander von Intensität und Unbeschwertheit mit Texten, die die Tiefen der unerwiderten Liebe erforschen, während die Musik erhebend und hell ist. Deryas leidenschaftlicher Gesang und ihr eigenwilliges Saz-Spiel reiten auf dem ansteckenden Groove der Band, während sie Bilder von rosa Bergen und ungeblühten gelben Tulpen heraufbeschwört. Die Botschaft ist poetisch und kompliziert, indem sie immer wieder erklärt "Ich liebe dich, ich bin verrückt nach dir", aber letztendlich ein Gefühl des Friedens findet, indem sie ein gebrochenes Herz akzeptiert. Die B-Seite ,Yakamoz" ist ein zutiefst bewegender Song, der die tiefen Gefühle einfängt, die mit Vertreibung und Verlust verbunden sind. Der Text erzählt die Geschichte von jemandem, der seine Heimat, den Ort seiner Wurzeln, notgedrungen verlassen musste und nicht weiß, ob er jemals zurückkehren wird. Der gleichmäßige Groove der Band und der gequälte Gesang zeichnen ein lebendiges Bild der Verwüstung, die die Protagonistin erlebt, die schließlich erkennt, dass ihre Wurzeln in ihr selbst liegen und jeder Ort, an den sie geht, ihr Zuhause ist.

UK-born, Lisbon-based DJ, Producer, Songwriter, and activist Megatronic joins the RNT roster with her ‘Do I Belong To You?’ EP, a bold statement of her soulful and visionary sound. Side A opens with the deeply emotive ’The World’ featuring soulful and melancholic vocals by Stavros, then moves to the pulsating and freewheeling groove of Nuffin’ But Love (co-produced by Jitwam) and finishes with the jazzy vibes of Organic, with Meg’s sultry spoken poetry floating over live instrumentation. On the flip side two superlative remixes by heavyweights Jimpster and Kiko Navarro take Meg’s music straight to the dance floor, with Jimpster bringing is his signature lush deep textures to ‘Been Thinking’ (the original of which is available as part of the digi EP only) and Kiko delivering an acid afro-house banger of a mix on ‘The World.’ A gorgeous listen from beginning to end, this EP captures a sound that feels both classic and futuristic all at once.

Johnny Tillotson burst onto the pop scene in 1959 with the classic 'Poetry In Motion' to be followed by other country flavoured biggies such as 'Send Me The Pillow You Dream On', 'Jimmy's Girl' and 'It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - all were hits in Britain. Born in Florida, Johnny's big break came when in 1958 he was signed to the small Nashville label, Cadence, together with another unknown act at the time - the Everly Brothers. Johnny has always regarded himself as a
country singer and many of the songs featured here are his own compositions recorded at the height of his career. His style is remarkable in that it has blended the best of country and pop qualities without losing the validity of the basic essentials of either. He had his own style and he has held on to it without making any concessions to a fickle industry that swings from one personality to another at the drop of a needle. We hope you'll enjoy this album of his best recording

Johnny Tillotson burst onto the pop scene in 1959 with the classic 'Poetry In Motion' to be followed by other country flavoured biggies such as 'Send Me The Pillow You Dream On', 'Jimmy's Girl' and 'It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - all were hits in Britain. Born in Florida, Johnny's big break came when in 1958 he was signed to the small Nashville label, Cadence, together with another unknown act at the time - the Everly Brothers. Johnny has always regarded himself as a
country singer and many of the songs featured here are his own compositions recorded at the height of his career. His style is remarkable in that it has blended the best of country and pop qualities without losing the validity of the basic essentials of either. He had his own style and he has held on to it without making any concessions to a fickle industry that swings from one personality to another at the drop of a needle. We hope you'll enjoy this album of his best recordings.

On this LP you hear two kanteles built by the Master Luthier Rauno Nieminen. One of them is a copy of a historical instrument built by the folk poet Ontrei Malinen in 1833. It is carved from single piece of pine, and it has five bronze strings. The other one is carved from a single piece of spruce. Its lowest seven strings are bronze, and highest three strings are English iron. On most tracks the two kanteles are played simultaneously.

For me, playing these instruments is searching for meaningful ways to interact with wooden objects from another time. By choosing a set of 5 to 15 frequencies and plucking them, I'm able to think, feel, and imagine more than I could without the instruments. the patterns that emerge from the vibrating strings give temporal shapes to thoughts.

The music on this album is improvised. It was recorded at home after dark and outdoors in daylight during 2020-2022. No overdubs or edits were made afterwards. On the last track the kantele is accompanied by detritus gathered from the forest floor.

Tuokioita translates to moments. This music is about colouring time.

"Building off of their debut album last year, legendary musicians and 577 mainstays reunite for a second volume. As in the first, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Carter, pianist Leo Genovese, bassist William Parker (also playing Gralla and Shakuhachi on this album), and drummer and vocalist Francisco Mela, unite for another cosmic album. This project again draw from classic jazz arrangements, juxtaposed with a modern experimentalism and a huge range of instrumentation. Shine Hear, Vol. 2, their newest avant-garde album is testament to their mastery and ease. The album and tracks titles are inspired by another poem Carter wrote about the transience and motion of modern life. On these improvisations Francisco Mela sings themes inspired by the Cuban traditional repertoire."

Daniel Carter - Saxophones, trumpet, flute.
Leo Genovese - Piano.
William Parker - Bass, shakuhachi.
Francisco Mela - Drums, voice.

Recorded on July 16, 2021 by Jeremy Loucas at Sear Sound, New York City.
Mixed and mastered by Jeremy Loucas.
Illustration by Robert Mirolo.
Graphic design by Mark Smith.

Tobias Poetzelsberger - Musik als Lebenselixier
Zwölf Jahre sind seit dem letzten Album vergangen. Das ist eine ziemlich lange Zeit, aber dann auch wieder nicht, wenn man bedenkt, dass Kinder geboren werden, Erwachsene gehen müssen, Pandemien und Kriege ausbrechen - und Liedermachen kompliziert sein kann. Der Lagerfeuer-Gitarrist von einst ist erwachsen geworden: weg vom früheren Bandnamen, hin zu einer breiteren musikalischen Farbpalette. 'Prudence' heißt das neue Werk und bedeutet "Umsicht" - im Umgang mit anderen und der eigenen Seele.

Black Vinyl. In Rumi's poem A Great Wagon he writes of a place of total acceptance. "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there," It is a boundless, liminal space where we can release the judgments we make and carry of ourselves, and the comparisons to others. When we think of this field, there is a sense of tranquility that only comes when we are undisturbed by the shadow self and see existence as neither bright nor dim, white nor black. But as lead singer Greg Bertens explains, arriving there is a whole different story. "This is a poem I've returned to over the years, and I love the idea of this place, but getting there is life's journey." Bertens adds "I think the longing for and elusiveness of this field is a recurring theme in our music." Field is enveloped by themes of regret, disconnection and frustration but with the space to understand that these feelings are a natural part of the struggle between reconciling the inner and outer self. The Los Angeles/San Francisco-based group have been indie shoegaze stalwarts since their formation in 2001. After two decades and a handful of line-up changes, their extensive discography presents a dynamically textural, lush psychedelic rock that has featured guest appearances by members of Pavement, My Bloody Valentine, and Snow Patrol, among others. 2021's LP We Weren't Here (Sonic Ritual) was hailed for its dense instrumental blanket, where unrelenting hi-hats and heavy kicks exist alongside dreamy drone guitar. This propulsive nature permeates Field, as members Bertens, Noël Brydebell (vocals), Nyles Lannon (guitar), Jason Ruck (synths), Justin LaBo (bass), and Adam Wade (drums) produce a kaleidoscopic sonic landscape. Patient, sprawling instrumentation builds a foundation in which Bertens' themes of endurance, perseverance and clarity can bloom with a considered poise. As a lyricist who writes in response to the instrumental arrangements, rather than a focus on a specific theme or person, Field is a testament to Film School's ability to create in the moment, and to showcase the magic that stems from when we are truly present. With over two decades in the industry, Field cements Film School as a distinct, dominant force in the shoegaze scene. Soaked in an emotionally open, imaginative atmosphere, the album is both singular and expansive, and leaves the door open for a constantly evolving interpretation. Film School have never confined themselves to the rigidity of specifics, and it's on Field that they urge us to look beyond the binary of certainty, and to take a second look.

"Distant Call" ist im Gegensatz zu "Spell Blanket" eine Sammlung früher Demos von Songs, die später als fertige Produktionen auf den Alben "Haha Sound", "Tender Buttons" und "The Future Crayon" erscheinen sollten. Das Album enthält außerdem zwei Songs, die James nach Trishs Tod entdeckte: "Come Back To Me" und "Please Call To Book". Diese waren ihre Antwort auf das "Let's Write A Song"-Projekt von Broadcast aus dem Jahr 2006, bei dem Fans gebeten wurden, Songtexte auf einer Postkarte einzusenden, die dann in einen fertigen Song eingearbeitet wurden. "Distant Call" schließt die Tür zu Broadcast und wird die letzte Veröffentlichung der Band sein.

Leif Vollebekk ist ein Philosophiestudent, der sich zum Troubadour entwickelt hat. Auf dem treffend benannten Album "Revelation" verbindet er Carl Jungs I Ging-Gedanken, Wittgensteins Liebe zur Sprache und die lyrische Poesie von Bob Dylan. Die 11 Tracks, darunter zwei orchestriert-cineastische Versatzstücke, erinnern an die erzählerischen Skills seiner Landsleute Leonard Cohen und Gordon Lightfoot, an den kristallinen Sound der Eagles und den üppigen Pop von Nick Drake und Scott Walker. Das vollendete Werk, organisch, erdig und handgemacht, verwebt Naturthemen zu einer Meditation über das Leben in einer sich ständig verändernden Gegenwart, durchzogen von existenziellen Zweifeln und der Suche nach einer höheren Macht.

LUMINOUS ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC COMPOSITIONS LAYERED WITH SUPERB IMPROVISATIONS

Frida Kahlo said, "Can we invent verbs? I'd like to tell you one: I sky you, so my wings stretch, enormous, to love you without measure". It was this message of love from the Mexican poet and painter that inspired the debut album Yo Te Cielo ("I Sky You") by the French southern quartet Chocho Cannelle. It's a canvas on which the different worlds of the four band members blossom. Full of nuances and contrasts, between harmonic softness and rhythmic subtlety, it bears witness to the musical maturity acquired within the quartet. Chocho Cannelle follows in the footsteps of contemporary jazz groups who have abolished stylistic boundaries. From the very first notes, the electro- llanera harp propels us into the band's colorful universe. The eclectic compositions are luminous, evocative and layered with superb improvisations. The musicians play with their timbres and seem to dance, all in balance. Across a wide range of musical influences, the fluidity and coherence of the tracks are self-evident, confirming once again the quartet's strong identity. The album exudes a life force reminiscent of Frida's own personality.

Ruby Wine Vinyl. Manchester UK's Space Afrika make music of what they term "overlapping moments" - oblique mosaics of dialogue, rhythm, texture, and shadow, half-heard through a bus window on a rainy night. Honest Labour, the group's first full-length since 2020's landmark hybtwibt? (have you been through what i've been through?) mixtape, expands the project's palette with classical strings, shimmering guitar, and visionary vocal cameos, leaning further into their enigmatic fusion of ambient unrest and cosmic downtempo. It's a sound both fogged and fragmented, at the axis of song craft and sound design, born from and for the yearning solitudes of life under lockdown.The album title is tiered, alluding to a legendary patriarch from co-founder Joshua Inyang's Nigerian family tree (who was lovingly called "Honest Labour" for his loyalty and resilience) as well as the nature of self-designated work, such as Space Afrika's music - a "labor of love" in its truest sense. With fellow co-founder Joshua Reid recently relocated to Berlin, the pair began sharing files last fall, piecing together poetic vignettes of looping haze and found sound, inspired by the notion of "records that leave an impression, and help the listener deal with their life." As the isolation of Covid compounded with the worsening winter, the songs skewed increasingly introspective and emotive, reflecting a mood of dissipating futures and the infinite nocturnal unknown.The artists cite two core motivations for Honest Labour: to transcend the sum of their influences, and "to show what we're capable of." Both ambitions are entirely realized. The collection's 19 tracks flow with a synergy and sophistication as rare as they are radical, untethered to the dusty dub-techno templates of Space Afrika's early years. These are interstitial anthems, expressionistic and open-ended, delirious but deliberate, attuned to the drift and dreamstate of the present moment: "Ultimately this is an homage to U.K. energy, and an album about love and loss."

In April 2023, there was released the first part of the Fluxus edition called Stolen Symphony. The year has come and gone and there is the second part of the Fluxus edition called Keep Together. At the centre of both parts of this edition was a broken piano, acquired by the Opening Performance Orchestra for the purpose of making live and studio recordings. During this time other new works for this broken piano were written by diverse Fluxus and non-Fluxus composers. In the spring of 2022, the Opening Performance Orchestra and broken piano participated in an event hosted by Mieko Shiomi. This was a new version of her early work Spatial Poem, documentation of which was presented at the 2022 Aichi Triennale in Tokyo. At present, broken piano lies in the open air in Prague and is subject to gradual decay.

These both parts of this edition contain 73 new and old pieces, live and studio recordings, finished pieces and scores to be performed, solos and pieces for ensemble, using classical and special instruments from 33 Fluxus artists, which have been played by 10 soloists and 4 ensembles. There are new essays and articles from 15 writers on the theme Fluxus, original photos and other documentation in the booklets.

”Dieses Album ist nur ein kleiner Teil der riesigen Menge an unveröffentlichtem Material, das wir hoffentlich in naher Zukunft veröffentlichen werden, anstatt es in irgendeinem Archiv verstauben zu lassen.
Die Bigband-Stücke wurden 2014 aufgenommen, die Duette erst kürzlich. Chris White und Paul Moran
haben die Songs, für die sie neue Bandarrangements machen wollten, individuell ausgewählt. Die Stücke
von Willie Nelson und Kurt Elling wurden 2018 und 2019 aufgenommen, die von Curtis Stigers und Joss
Stone 2018.” (Van Morrison)
Van Morrison, zu gleichen Teilen blauäugiger Soul-Shouter und wildblütiger Poet-Zauberer, gehört zu
den wahren Erneuerern der populären Musik, ein rastlos Suchender, dessen beschwörender Gesang und alchemistische Verschmelzung von R&B, Jazz, Blues und keltischem Folk das vielleicht spirituellste Werk im
Rock & Roll-Kanon hervorgebracht hat. Seine Aufnahmen, die nur den Launen seiner eigenen Muse unterworfen sind, decken ein außerordentliches stilistisches Terrain ab und bewahren dennoch eine Konsistenz und
Reinheit, die unter seinen Zeitgenossen praktisch unerreicht ist. Sie sind verbunden durch die mythische
Kraft seiner einzigartigen musikalischen Vision und seines feurigen Gesangs: spiralförmige Wiederholungen von Wehklagen und Flüstern, die die Grenzen der Sprache umgehen, um emotionale Wahrheiten zu
artikulieren, die weit über den Rahmen der wörtlichen Bedeutung hinausgehen.

”Dieses Album ist nur ein kleiner Teil der riesigen Menge an unveröffentlichtem Material, das wir hoffentlich in naher Zukunft veröffentlichen werden, anstatt es in irgendeinem Archiv verstauben zu lassen.
Die Bigband-Stücke wurden 2014 aufgenommen, die Duette erst kürzlich. Chris White und Paul Moran
haben die Songs, für die sie neue Bandarrangements machen wollten, individuell ausgewählt. Die Stücke
von Willie Nelson und Kurt Elling wurden 2018 und 2019 aufgenommen, die von Curtis Stigers und Joss
Stone 2018.” (Van Morrison)
Van Morrison, zu gleichen Teilen blauäugiger Soul-Shouter und wildblütiger Poet-Zauberer, gehört zu
den wahren Erneuerern der populären Musik, ein rastlos Suchender, dessen beschwörender Gesang und alchemistische Verschmelzung von R&B, Jazz, Blues und keltischem Folk das vielleicht spirituellste Werk im
Rock & Roll-Kanon hervorgebracht hat. Seine Aufnahmen, die nur den Launen seiner eigenen Muse unterworfen sind, decken ein außerordentliches stilistisches Terrain ab und bewahren dennoch eine Konsistenz und
Reinheit, die unter seinen Zeitgenossen praktisch unerreicht ist. Sie sind verbunden durch die mythische
Kraft seiner einzigartigen musikalischen Vision und seines feurigen Gesangs: spiralförmige Wiederholungen von Wehklagen und Flüstern, die die Grenzen der Sprache umgehen, um emotionale Wahrheiten zu
artikulieren, die weit über den Rahmen der wörtlichen Bedeutung hinausgehen.

Stan Rogers beliebtestes Lied ist zweifellos „Northwest Passage“ –
eine zeitlose Komposition, die historische Erkundungen nahtlos mit
persönlicher Selbstbetrachtung verbindet. Die Liebe zum Land, der
Kummer einer schlechten Ernte, der ständige Geldmangel … Stan
schafft es, dies auf eine Weise einzufangen, die das Herz berührt. Als
Peter Gzowski von CBCs nationalem Radioprogramm Morningside
1995 die Kanadier aufforderte, eine alternative Nationalhymne
auszuwählen, war „Northwest Passage“ die überwältigende Wahl
seiner Zuhörer. Das gleichnamige Album ist eine poetische Odyssee,
die die Zuhörer durch die weiten Landschaften Kanadas führt, mit
Zwischenstopps in jeder Provinz. Das Album enthält die Fanfavoriten
„The Field Behind The Plow“, „The Idiot“, „Workin‘ Joe“ und „Free In
The Harbour“. Remastered und neu aufgelegt von Borealis Records.
Es ist ein Beweis für Stan Rogers’ Einfluss als Songwriter, dass 40
Jahre nach seinem plötzlichen tragischen Tod im Jahr 1983 im Alter
von nur 33 Jahren immer noch Menschen – jung und alt – seine
Lieder singen und seinen Einfluss feiern.

Italian-Austrian sound poet & vocalist NicoNote (Music From Memory, Mille Plateaux,Rizosfera, Rough Trade) presents new album ‘REGOLA’ A suite in nine movements inspired by the mythic medieval composer Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) (RIYL Björk, Anohni, Meredith Monk, Elizabeth Fraser, Lena Platonos, Anna Caragnano & Donato Dozzy) An ambitious, conceptual work of hypnotic, immersive electronics & transcendent, experimental vocals, exploring the enduring influence of the polymathic German saint & philosopher.

Nine visionary and ritualistic soundscapes harnessing the voice as an instrument of transcendent expressive power; a visceral, timeless exploration of human nature. ‘REGOLA’ (Italian for ‘RULE’) is a record that calls for a contemplative form of deep listening, a time-dilating experience in which the polyphonic voices of NicoNote ascend, opening up a portal into an archaic, eternal past, where lost sounds coalesce with future revelations.

Created by the dynamic duo of DAVE MAZE and Grammy-nominated SPIKE REBEL, this album is a one-of-a-kind fusion of funk, disco, afro, and soul, all wrapped in the mesmerizing art of spoken word. “WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE” is a spoken word tribute album to the talented JERWAYNE BALENTINE, also known as J-EPIC. JERWAYNE, who authored the book "WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE," was a remarkable poet, author, producer, and illustrator. Tragically, he passed away in 2020 at the age of 23 due to Muscular dystrophy. All proceeds from the sales of this album will be directed towards funding music programming for young adults with developmental impairments and supporting Muscular dystrophy research.

We are delighted to present the debut record by pianist, poet and radio producer Phil Smith. Turning his attention away from BBC feature-making, and his cult Jazz-Disjunction NTS show, Phil offers us the diaristic, heartfelt and homespun "Tagebuch".

"Tagebuch" is a collection of musical journal entries, spanning Phil's time living in Berlin from 2013—2017. Using sweetly tumbling piano as a starting point, he flexes his storytelling chops, shifting from scene to scene via voice, folk-jazz arrangements, musique concrète and the occasional techno-synth chugger.

Don't be fooled by Phil's back-of-envelope charm, this is an expertly-crafted radio biopic without words; the minutiae of life percolated through layers of accordion, U-Bahn harmonics and beer foam. A talented cast of guests and friends, notably multi-instrumentalist Zac Gvi, add an unassuming weight and emotional muscle to this deeply personal source material.

Recommended if you like John Carroll Kirby, Penguin Cafe Orchestra or Alabaster DePlume. The vinyl edition of "Tagebuch" comes complete with a book of poems and photos by Phil.

Perhaps best described as a pioneer of the underground experimental scene, the signature of Jørgen Teller on the musical landscape of Denmark traces back to the late 1970’s. Sprung out of a whirlpool of post-punk and art school ideas, Teller has relentlessly been chiseling away on the constrictions of music in various bands, collaborations and solo projects ever since. Searching out its farthest outposts - be it free jazz, noise or acousmatic music - Teller has strived towards an approach to music without rules, often by way of improvisation and usually with the aid of electric guitar.

This album is based on a live performance held at the Inter Arts Center in Malmö in early 2022, where Teller performed a semi-improvised piece in homage to the poet Poul Borum, whom he had worked with in the mid-90’s closely before Borum’s death in 1996.

As a composer, Teller relies on a set of “basic choices” that becomes a “precise point of departure” - where he can then go against his “good knowing” of the science, trends and different schools of music and go straight into his own instincts as a performer. For this performance, he used pre- recorded material of three rhythm boxes (all out of sync), timbales and sessions on Erica synths.

In dialogue with the label, Teller has focused on extracting the recording of the rhythm boxes and timbales alone, emphasizing the tension between the rhythms. With minimalist drum sequences that could easily be placed in a proto-techno context, and the whooshing of what might be an ancient rhombus instrument, there is a feeling of a primitive presence to Teller’s rhythmic excursions. A throwback to the spiritual realms of a wordless society fighting the demons of chance.

Occasionally pierced by stark industrial drum crashes and rattling post-punk percussion, it also conjures echoes from the darker side of the 1980s. In citing Borum as its inspiration, Teller shares that he channels the poet’s energy and their shared love of “noisy stuff and darkness”.
But the pace can also go somewhere close to breakbeat on track B2, where a whirlwind of rhythmic elements clash into a deranged deconstructed club tune.

The album also features a remix by a fellow colleague of the acousmatic community; the composer Jacob Riis. On the closing track B3, Riis quietly manipulates and balances the elements of Teller’s recordings and gently releases them into a contemplative pool of static.

The principles of pleasure radiate a knowing, carnal heat throughout the genre-fluid sound of LSDXOXO. His decade of dedication to the sensibility of underground club culture has brought forth club classics interwoven with pop music hooks and subversive, tongue-in-cheek lyrics.

After four years of what LSDXOXO, real name RJ Glasgow, calls a period of “healing and self-discovery,” he is consolidating his multiplicitous sound with one compelling masterstroke: the debut album DOGMA, to be released on his own imprint F.A.G. DOGMA marks a complete paradigmatic shift: it is a poetic and fantastical performance, a route for deep escapism through an expanded musical palette including piano and guitar, and a deeply personal confessional through a fresh approach to songcrafting.

Within DOGMA, RJ meditates on the interlinked qualities of fame, infamy, lust and submission, as he rediscovers a pure, unadulterated approach to music-making, all the while adopting a futurist approach to pop music appreciation. RJ’s unmistakable signatures—the smutty dancefloor caller, the maker of irresistible bangers, the latter-day electroclash and DnB nostalgist—take on even more shades and intricacies. Despite his widespread acclaim as a collaborator with and songwriter for other artists, RJ strips DOGMA down almost exclusively to himself, carving out intentional space as a chameleonic vocalist and performer. He breathes life into the album with private thoughts, external fears and a red thread through personal themes that crystallise the album’s narrative from front to back.

The album’s promo single “Bloodlust” offers angsty, intimate indie-tronica, and musings on the intoxicating nature of love and infatuation. The lead single “Ghost” reaches beyond RJ’s Philadelphia origins to find itself in the deep south, in a sultry fever dream of coquettish R&B featuring backing vocals from close collaborator Kelela. Elsewhere on the album futuristic love, pensive pop earworms, evocative vintage dance styles and sleazy club tracks intermingle. While the DOGMA era will eventually explore remixes and reworks, the album is RJ’s purest embrace of himself and his artistry.

RJ first garnered attention as LSDXOXO in New York City with his on-the-pulse Soundcloud edits and then as part of the cult GHE20GOTH1K collective. His DJ sets and productions quickly earned him acclaim across globally-linked underground scenes. His decision to shift from sampled vocals to picking up the pen and microphone pushed his reach out to the stratosphere; his association with XL Recordings via the Dedicated 2 Disrespect EP in 2021 was a turning point for the burgeoning superstar.

This multiplicity of the LSDXOXO sound has led to enviable co-signs. These include being selected as the opening DJ for Beyoncé’s German Renaissance tour dates, remixing Lady Gaga, Pink Pantheress and Shygirl and producing five tracks for Kelela's highly acclaimed 2023 album for Warp Records, Raven. His fully-realised live show has also taken to the stage, serving fierce charisma to huge audiences at festivals including Primavera, Nuits Sonores and Rewire.

When the body starts screaming...SOFT VIOLET harnesses the pain with beats and rhythms, bass, synth and vocals, to manifest a rejuvenated writhing musical being that thumps and bumps. Downtrodden...upbeat! Upbeat!

Following multiple band projects, including the parallel powerhouse acts Spinnen and the ecstatic Turkish-Armenian-Friendship TAF, multi-instrumentalist SOFT VIOLET, now releases her solo debut album: Sterner Stuff. And that it is: Guttural with a pounding heart laid out on sexy stainless-steel surface, defiantly glinting.

Playful experimentation reigns free, fusing drum-machine and analogue synths with bass and vocals, to create a hybrid glittering creature that shines sublime.

SOFT VIOLET has a special power to tap in, making clearly conscious decisions to break and irritate, strutting through techno beats, poetically proclaiming personal and political urgency with a confidence, sincerity and sense of humour echoing the likes of Zheani and Sneaks or (thrillingly also) the 1990's heroes Cibo Matto.

SOFT VIOLET urges the listener to unite, to love and be loved and find ways, through music, of transforming pain into something joyous and uplifting, porous and free, as well as incessantly danceable.

SOFT VIOLET dares to go places that others do not, tapping into an honesty that others shy away from, welcoming everyone in to come play.

SOFT VIOLET is a fighter rising in solidarity. The beginning of the matriarchy is already in full effect. See You In The International Court Of Justice Bitch. Let's bounce!

Permanent Parts is the second album released by visual artist Katharina Grosse (synthesizer) and musician Stefan Schneider (synthesizer; So Sner, To Rococo Rot). Grosse and Schneider were joined at Galerie Max Hetzler on 29 April 2023, performing as part of the Spectrum without Traces exhibition, by three artists who all generally work within improvised music – Carina Khorkhordina (trumpet), Tintin Patrone (trombone and electronics), and Billy Roisz (noise generator, piezo and mini cymbal). Permanent Parts is an extraordinary set of recordings that inhabits multiple zones at once: within its thirty-five minutes, we can hear the interactions of non-idiomatic collective music making, and the electronic glimmers of electro-acoustics, while, at the same time, the music remains untethered to genre.

This capacity to work within liminal zones makes perfect sense when thinking about both Grosse’s and Schneider’s prior work, whether the energetic diffusions and spatial explorations of Grosse’s artistic practice, or the slippery texturology of Schneider’s recent work with electronics. Khorkhordina, Patrone and Roisz all find their own ways into this dynamic, too, and Permanent Parts feels like an equal exchange of presence and contribution; there are no hierarchies here. This might explain the music’s curious sense of development, where several elements are allowed to exist alongside each other, not in direct contact but in a mode that’s somewhere between carefree layering and unconscious juxtaposition. The musicians are listening, but not just with their ears – their skin, their bodies are hearing, too.

When talking about Permanent Parts, Schneider is careful to place it within contexts that are specific, to some degree, but which allow for difference to blossom. “Although it was recorded live, it somehow was not meant to be a documentation of a live event in the first place. The five piece line up that appears on the record had met for the first time only a few hours before the concert took place.” While it might take a leap of faith for all parties to walk together, and so willingly, into a place of such freedom, of such risk, there is clear sympathy here between the musicians, and a shared appreciation of the immediacies of the situation.

It also throws some of our preconceptions about this music out of the window. “The record does not feel like a document of a performance as the music was not pre-composed and there was no reference,” Schneider continues. “Perhaps it was not even an improvisation?” For Grosse, her musical relationship with Schneider similarly shakes free from expectation: “My sound does not exist without Stefan’s. It is neither written down nor is it improvised. It is instantaneous.” When thinking about the five-piece exploration on Permanent Parts and asked to expand on what each musician brings to the table, she continues, “We all love the thrill of an unknown encounter and we seem to have a need for building connections through the thicket of our voices.”

There’s a curious phrase on the back cover of the album, before the artists are listed: “Wir sind eine Batterie / We are a battery.” This sums up the spirit of Permanent Parts. Schneider recalls that Grosse said this phrase to the musicians at the start of the performance. Grosse explains further, “The figure of the battery referred to our placement in the space building out a small circle facing one another from where the sound could spill into the impressive volume of the gallery.” The battery as an arrangement of similar devices; but I also think of charge, and the conversion of chemical energy, and of fortification. It’s a poetic metaphor that sums up much of the febrile pleasure of the music contained on these Permanent Parts.

– Jon Dale, Melbourne

Night Prayer is the 2018 studio album by Belgian Flemish artist Jasper Steverlinck, who is also known as the guitarist of rock band Arid. After releasing his debut solo album Songs Of Innocence in 2004, Steverlinck got where he needed to be with Night Prayer. At the essence. No sumptuously packed arrangements. No technological gadgets or needless fuss. Not a single fashionable beat left or right. On Night Prayer, it’s all about songwriting in its purest form. No poetic metaphors, but straightforward lyrics and unapologetic emotions.

Together with producer Jean Blaute he recorded 14 stripped down songs, which he all sang in one take.

Night Prayer is available as a limited edition of 500 numbered copies on gold coloured vinyl and includes an insert with lyrics