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Following the cult success of the first 2 EPs, Common Saints presents
the debut album "Cinema 3000". The theme continues, blending soul,
funk, and psychedelic influences, with the organic sound and rich
instrumentation that Common Saints has become known for.

Conceived in 2020 by writer/producer Charlie J Perry the production approach

for Commons Saints consists of him playing and recording real instruments in his

London home studio. One mike for the drums, his beloved piano and amps up

loud!



The album encapsulates the old school recording approach and musicianship the

discerning ear craves but with a more modern punch - a true sonic bath for all the

connoisseurs out there. Think, UK's equivalent to Tame Impala and Khruangbin.



The first EP "Idol Eyes" (2020) has seen 3 re-presses to date and is now selling at

multiples on Discogs. "Cinema 3000" is set to surpass expectations and is highly

anticipated within the Commons Saints community. The first LP pressing is on a

' blue meteorite splatter’ effect colour vinyl and will be limited to 2000 units

globally. Also available on CD, presented in a 6-panel digipak.

space•lab presents the Negen EP from Human Space Machine, a journey into Mike Jungerius’ unique take on the deeper shades of techno. Featuring four meticulously crafted tracks, this release showcases his signature sound—as rolling basslines and hypnotic acid lines weave seamlessly through intricate percussion, beautifully balanced with the perfect dose of melody and harmonics.

Each track offers a unique glimpse into Human Space Machine’s refined approach to techno: atmospheric yet grounded, minimal but rich in texture. With tracks ranging from 100BPM to 144BPM, this is the record you can reach for at any time of the night.

Kenner von Richard Swift wissen, dass sein Katalog umfangreich und phantasievoll ist, vollgepackt mit ebenso vielen ausgefeilten, eiskalten Klassikern wie verrückten Ein-Take-Experimenten. Diese Kleinode kommen in allen Formen und Größen, und während das den Eingefleischten nichts ausmacht, ist der Einstieg in die Musik von Swift für den Neuling schwierig: Wo soll man anfangen? Was kommt in die engere Wahl? Wie viele Crooner? Wie viele wilde Lieder? Vor diesem Hintergrund präsentiert Secretly Canadian "4 Hits & A Miss - The Essential Richard Swift", einen bescheidenen Versuch, die siebenundvierzig Minuten und vierzehn Songs zusammenzutragen, die die Uneingeweihten einführen können. Wenn Sie Richard Swift nicht kennen, lassen Sie sich von dem unvergleichlichen Kevin Morby aufklären: "Es gibt einen alten Pfadfindermythos, von dem ich als Kind gehört habe, dass man eine Kapelle bauen kann, wenn man die richtige Person mitten in den Wald setzt, bewaffnet nur mit einem Schweizer Taschenmesser. Wenn ich an diesen Mythos zurückdenke, denke ich an Richard Swift, der, wenn man ihn mitten im Wald mit einem 10-Dollar-Radio-Shack-Mikrofon absetzte, irgendwie ein Studio bauen konnte und in diesem Studio eine Kapelle des Klangs errichtete. Tatsächlich hat er genau das in seinem eigenen National Freedom Studio mitten in den Wäldern von Oregon getan, in einer Stadt namens Cottage Grove, wo er unzählige Stunden seiner eigenen Musik und der anderer Leute aufgenommen hat. Diese Kapellen des Klangs werden - und ich habe es bereits erlebt - kommende Generationen in Ehrfurcht versetzen und inspirieren, so wie es die Steinkapellen im frühen Europa tun. Beide lassen die Menschen verblüfft zurück und fragen sich: Wie konnte etwas so Massives und Schönes mit so minimalen und archaischen Mitteln gebaut werden - und in Richards Fall so schnell? Nach ihrem Tod scheinen die meisten Künstler endgültig zu ruhen, ihre Kataloge ruhen für immer neben ihnen. Aber Richard scheint aus dem Jenseits rastlos zu sein, und die Arbeit, die er hier unten auf der Erde begonnen hat, geht weiter. Sein letztes Album, The Hex, wurde nur wenige Monate nach seinem frühen Tod im Jahr 2018 veröffentlicht, und jetzt haben wir mit 4 Hits and A Miss eine Sammlung seiner beliebtesten Songs sowie einen neuen, noch nie zuvor gehörten Track "Common Law", aufgenommen um 2012. Ob Gelegenheitsfan oder Swift-Purist, 4 Hits & A Miss ist entweder ein perfekter Startpunkt oder ein Ziel für uns eingefleischte Fans, um wieder einmal etwas Neues zu finden, das uns beeindruckt und inspiriert. Wie ein versteckter Raum in seiner bereits beeindruckenden Kapelle gibt es immer etwas Neues von unserem geliebten Freund und Helden, dem verstorbenen großen Richard Swift, zu entdecken." Viel Spaß!

Rund zwei Jahre nahm Brenk sich Zeit, an "Midnite Ride III" zu feilen und die richtigen Soundbilder für seine musikalische Vision zu finden. Dabei legte er viel Wert auf verspielte Details und einen zeitlosen Sound, der sowohl den Late Night Vibe der ersten beiden Vorgänger fortsetzt als auch Brenks aktuellen Mindset in puncto Soundästhetik widerspiegelt. Auf "Midnite Ride III" fusionieren analoge Synthesizer aus Brenks berüchtigter Vintage-Sammlung mit perfekt platzierten Voice-Samples, die zur Trademark des Midnite Ride Sounds gehören. Als einer der Urväter der Phonk-Bewegung reichert Brenk seine Beats auch diesmal mit der richtigen Dosis aus Phonk-Elementen an und kreiert aus alten und neuen musikalischen Einflüssen ein weiteres Mal einen moody Soundcocktail, der ab der ersten Sekunde in seinen Bann zieht.
Begleitend zum Album-Release wird eine Dokumentation erscheinen, die die Entstehung und die Hintergründe von Brenk Sinatras Midnite Ride Universums beleuchten wird.

In the age of streaming platforms and social media, stimulation is easy to come by. Real pleasure, however_the kind that feeds our soul rather than draining it_is in shockingly short supply. The second LP by THUS LOVE is full of that kind of nourishing euphoria. It swoons, shakes, and swaggers with a combination of grit and sensuality that's been hard to locate in music lately. It's called, fittingly, All Pleasure. The album came out of a period of dizzying growth and transformation for the group. When they began work on it, vocalist/guitarist Echo Mars and drummer Lu Racine were still reeling from the runaway success of their 2022 debut Memorial_a set of lush, elegant post-punk that brought praise from The FADER, the NME, and the Guardian_along with processing the departure of the founding bassist. With All Pleasure, the band re-formed with new bassist Ally Juleen and guitarist/keyboardist Shane Blank. The group convened in a barn in the woods that Mars had transformed into a recording studio, and kept one rule at the forefront: "If it's not joyful, don't do it." What emerged from that mission is a stunningly gorgeous album, full of big, arcing melodies and a range of kinky stylistic twists that will surprise listeners who know the group just for Memorial's chorus-drenched 80s-style psychedelia. "Birthday Song" gives grungy glam rock with a transcendent hook that underlines Echo's lyrical tribute to communal joy. "Get Stable" transmutes existential panic into sharp-angled punk pop. The anthemic title track is something like the album's mission statement, paying tribute to the power of joyful creation. Mixed by Matthew Hall and Rich Costey and mastered by Bob Weston, All Pleasure was recorded as live as possible, capturing the sheer infectious ecstasy that comes from sharing space together and making a divine racket. Put on All Pleasure, tap into the energy that THUS LOVE is putting out, and you just might find an escape.

Nenas Debütalbum „NENA“ erschien 1983 und eroberte mit zahlreichen Hit-Singles schnell die deutschen Charts. „Nur Geträumt“, „Leuchtturm“, „99 Luftballons“, dieses Album brachte mehr als einer Generation Lieblingslieder für die Ewigkeit. 1984 wurde der legendäre Song „99 Luftballons“ zum Welthit und festigte Nenas Platz in der internationalen Musikgeschichte.

Nena: „Die Vision für den Song hatte unser Gitarrist Carlo Karges, als wir 1982 mit der Band bei einem Rolling Stones-Konzert in Berlin waren. Am Ende der Show ließen die Stones Luftballons steigen, die der Wind in Richtung Mauer und DDR trug. Beim Anblick dieses kraftvollen Bildes fragte sich Carlo, was passieren könnte, wenn jemand es missversteht. Er schrieb den Text noch in derselben Nacht und zeigte ihn mir am nächsten Tag im Proberaum. Allein das Lesen der Zeilen ließ mir einen Schauer über den Rücken laufen und ich wollte ihn sofort singen. Von da an war es nicht mehr zu stoppen(: ... Und solange ich auf der Bühne stehe, gibt es kein Nena-Konzert ohne die Luftballons."

Jetzt, gut 40 Jahre später, feiern Nena und BMG die Veröffentlichung ihres Debütalbums mit einer besonderen Jubiläumsedition. Alle Originaltitel wurden liebevoll von den Originalbändern remastered, um eine hervorragende Klangqualität zu gewährleisten und den Zeitgeist originalgetreu wiederzugeben. Neben dem remasterten NENA-Album enthält die Jubiläumsedition einen zweiten Longplayer mit weiterem unveröffentlichtem Material: Neben AMOUR CANDIDE, einer 1983 in den Rock n Roll-Archiven aufgetauchten und auf Französisch gesungenen Version des Songs „Nur Geträumt“, dürfen sich Fans auf spektakulär energiegeladene und bisher unveröffentlichte Live-Tracks von Nenas Konzerten aus dem Jahr 1984 sowie seltene B-Seiten freuen.

Diese umfassende und stilvoll zusammengestellte Jubiläumsedition gibt alten und neuen Fans die Möglichkeit, die Magie dieses legendären Albums neu zu entdecken.

Only Love Remains is Yemen Blues’ boldest offering yet. The eleven-track album embraces the strengths of all four accomplished musicians and the richness of their individual cultures – the traditional to the modern and the sounds of the East to the West.

Co-produced by the band and New York-based Yemen Blues’ bassist Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz, known for his avant-garde work with John Zorn and Yo-Yo Ma, Only Love Remains is simultaneously a very direct and visceral emotional connection and an enigmatic spiritual quest, both enlightening and questioning.

At a time of dangerous political, religious, and cultural polarization and xenophobia, Yemen Blues and Only Love Remains lead by example, creating a color-blind, all-embracing celebration of gyrating togetherness with love firmly at its pulsing core.

Al Jarreau hat immer gesagt, dass er Al Jarreau-Musik singt, und er war wirklich einzigartig: Seine sechs Grammy-Awards und neunzehn Nominierungen als "Bester Sänger" decken nicht weniger als drei Kategorien ab – Jazz, Pop und R&B – mit anderen Worten, musikalische Genres interessierten ihn nicht wirklich. "Musik mag für andere Leute in Kategorien fallen, und ich verstehe das", sagte er, "aber für mich gilt: Wenn ich einen Song mag, muss ich ihn machen, und das war's. Wenn du zu meinen Konzerten kommst, setze ich mich auf deine Schulter und flüstere dir etwas ins Ohr. Ich öffne den Geist und gehe durch viele Türen." Diese Art von reichhaltigen, beschreibenden Bildern beschwört die Höhenflüge der stimmlichen Fantasie herauf, zu denen sein Gesang jederzeit fähig war. Er konnte einen Song plötzlich in neue und unerwartete Richtungen lenken. Er erklärte es immer so: "Wenn es ein Rückgrat für das gibt, was ich tue, dann ist es die Jazz-Umgangssprache."

Musik, Klänge und Rhythmus schienen ihn zu durchströmen, und das war kein Wunder. 1940 in eine musikalische Familie geboren, war er ein überdurchschnittlicher Student und schloss sein Studium mit einem Bachelor of Science in Psychologie und anschließend einem Master in beruflicher Rehabilitation ab. Und doch war die Musik nie weit von ihm entfernt. In den späten 1960er Jahren schloss er sich einem Trio an, das vom Pianisten George Duke geleitet wurde, und arbeitete daran, das Singen zu einer Vollzeitbeschäftigung in Los Angeles zu machen.

Zu diesem Zeitpunkt hörte ihn Siggi Loch, der damals ein hochkarätiger Manager bei Warner Brothers Records (WEA) war und später ACT Records gründete. "Ich sah Al Jarreau 1974 zum ersten Mal im Troubadour in Los Angeles und war sofort von seiner Stimme und seiner Bühnenpräsenz gefesselt", erinnert er sich. "Am nächsten Tag ging ich zu Mo Ostin, dem Präsidenten der WEA, um ihn davon zu überzeugen, ihn zu unterschreiben." Nach anfänglichen Widerständen erhielt Loch grünes Licht und 1975 erschien Jarreaus Debütalbum für WEA, "We Got By". "Ich habe Al nach Deutschland gebracht, bevor er in den USA Erfolg hatte", fährt Loch fort. "Al trat drei Nächte lang in Hamburg auf und ich schaffte es, Michael Naura, den Chef der Jazzabteilung des NDR, davon zu überzeugen, den dritten Abend für die Live-TV-Übertragung aufzunehmen." Diese Show machte Al über Nacht in Deutschland berühmt, und seitdem hat er immer einen besonderen Platz in den Herzen des deutschen Publikums. "We Got By" gewann den Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik und seine erste Deutschlandtournee füllte große Konzertsäle.

Es folgte "Glow" (1976), das in Europa erneut gut ankam und einen zweiten Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik gewann, in den USA aber nicht so gut ankam: "Das richtete sich an ein 'Smooth Jazz'-Publikum", so Loch. "Es hat Al nicht vor einem Live-Publikum eingefangen. Also bat ich darum, dass seine nächste Veröffentlichung ein Live-Album sein sollte. Mo Ostin stimmte widerwillig zu", und "Look to the Rainbow" wurde in Europa ein Riesenerfolg, "Als es in den USA veröffentlicht wurde, wurde es Al's Durchbruchsalbum und brachte ihm seinen ersten Grammy ein, also ist es wirklich richtig zu sagen, dass seine Karriere vor allem in Deutschland begann!", sagt Loch.

Jarreaus langjährige Zusammenarbeit mit dem NDR veranlasste Jörg Achim Keller, Chefdirigent der NDR Bigband, 2016 eine Zusammenarbeit mit dem Sänger vorzuschlagen: "Eine Produktion mit der Musik von Al und Ellington zu machen, war etwas, was ich schon seit Anfang der 2000er Jahre machen wollte", erinnert er sich. "Die Reaktion von Al war von Anfang an sehr positiv." Jörg bereitete eine Liste von einigen hundert Ellington-Titeln vor, und wie sich Jarreau später erinnerte: "Wir gingen einfach die Liste durch, und es war ein Fall von 'Oh, der funktioniert für mich' und 'Lass uns das als alten Darm-Blues machen – was für mich wichtig war, war, mich in der Musik wiederzufinden und vielleicht eine andere Art von Aussage über Ellington zu machen, damit die Leute die Musik auf eine andere Art und Weise hören konnten. alles, was sie vorher gehört hatten."

Beim Schreiben der Charts achtete Jörg darauf, Jarreaus Herangehensweise an das Material zu respektieren, indem er ihm Raum ließ. Tracks wie "I'm Beginning to See the Light" oder "I Got It Bad (and that Ain't Good)" geben den Solisten der Band ebenfalls Spielraum, um ihr Bestes zu geben. "Das sind hochentwickelte, intelligente Solisten, die mit jedem auf der Welt spielen können", sagte Jarreau. "Sie pushen mich, und ich liebe den Push, und sie lassen mich wie eine echte Sängerin klingen!"

Jarreau und die Band tourten in der zweiten Hälfte des Jahres 2016 mit der Musik, "Es gab immer noch einige Feinabstimmungen während der Tour, von Konzert zu Konzert", fügte Jörg mit einem Lächeln hinzu. "Er liebte es, diese Balladen zu singen – und jede hatte ein anderes Gefühl. "Am Sonntag" war ihm aber sehr wichtig. Diese Tabelle wurde zweimal überarbeitet, bevor er schließlich damit zufrieden war! Bei einigen Songs entschied er sich für einen reinen Balladenstil – 'I Got It Bad (and that Ain't Good)', einige Melodien wurden in eine Pop/R&B-Tasche gesteckt ('Lush Life', 'Come Sunday') und er liebte das 'Old Gutbucket Blues'-Feeling von 'I Ain't Got Nothing but the Blues'."

Rückblickend auf diese Sessions und Tour sagt Jörg: "Es waren Al's Stil und Persönlichkeit, die alles zusammenhielten. Das Ganze war eine echte Kombination aus der musikalischen Meisterschaft von Jarreau und Ellington – es hat das Publikum in ganz Europa angesprochen, sie liebten das Programm." Dieses Gefühl teilt auch Siggi Loch, der Jarreau mit der NDR Bigband in Paris erwischte: "Es war offensichtlich, dass er es wirklich genoss, diese Musik aufzuführen, und er tat es mit so viel Energie und Emotion, es war eine Freude zu sehen und zu hören. Leider verstarb Al nur wenige Monate später."

In vielerlei Hinsicht schließt sich mit "Ellington" ein Kreis: Es fühlt sich sehr richtig an, dass Jarreaus letztes Album auf ACT veröffentlicht wird, dem Label, das von Siggi Loch gegründet wurde, dessen starkes und unerschütterliches Eintreten für den Sänger ihn ursprünglich auf den Weg zum Superstar brachte. Und die Tatsache, dass es vom NDR und seiner hauseigenen Bigband aufgezeichnet wurde, ist eine passende Erinnerung daran, dass es sich um eben jenen Sender handelte, dessen TV-Sendung Jarreau einst über Nacht in Deutschland berühmt gemacht hatte. Darüber hinaus wurde "Ellington", genau wie "Look to the Rainbow", das Jarreaus internationales Durchbruchsalbum war, auch live aufgenommen. Manchmal gibt es Verbindungsfäden zwischen Ereignissen, die auf den ersten Blick in keinem Zusammenhang zu stehen scheinen, und das Ergebnis erweist sich nicht nur als besonders und magisch, sondern auch bedeutungsvoll und tief berührend. Das ist hier auf jeden Fall der Fall.



Stuart Nicholson, Musikjournalist und Autor

Michael Mayer albums don’t come round too often, which is one of many reasons why his fourth collection, The Floor Is Lava, is a genuine event. It’s been eight years since his last one, the collaborative & released on !K7; its predecessors, Mantasy (2012) and Touch (2004), took their sweet time, too. It’s no real surprise, given the many hats Mayer wears – globetrotting DJ, revered remixer, inveterate collaborator, and boss of both Kompakt and Imara – that his solo productions are relatively sparing. But this also speaks to their quality: Mayer’s name on a record sleeve is a sign of quality, of music that’s both looking to the future and calling back to the past, that balances the imperatives of the dancefloor and the loungeroom, that’s as exploratory as it is functional.

On The Floor Is Lava, Mayer seems to be taking the temperature of both the music that surrounds him (past and present), and the ides of the industry he works within. There’s that iconic album title, for a start. “The album’s mindset,” he says, reflecting on those four words together. For Mayer, it’s partly a critique of the way the industry boxes in both producer and listener, focuses them on genre, on market, on the next new thing: “Being a free minded spirit that transcends genres has become an uphill battle.” A battle worth fighting, though, and with The Floor Is Lava, the result is an album that’s varied, quixotic, idiosyncratic, charming, and deeply, addictively listenable.

Throughout, Mayer finds thrills in exploration and juxtaposition, allowing unexpected things to blossom and giving them their life, their platform, throwing the listener exciting curveballs: “It’s a DJ album by a DJ that’s easily bored.” Either easily bored, or endlessly curious, The Floor Is Lava is rich with ideas. It opens with “The Problem”, which looks back to look forward, embracing the rickety way early house productions threw samples together with gleeful abandon. Mayer mentions Pal Joey, and the scene around Rockers Hi-Fi and their Different Drummer imprint, as reference points, and you can hear that freewheeling spirit throughout.

It’s followed by “Vagus”, a slinky, sensual minimal house number that Mayer describes as his “musical catnip”. The flow of these two opening cuts defines the dynamic of The Floor Is Lava, defining the dialectical drive at its core: thesis and antithesis leads to synthesis, but with a welcome prickliness that means you’re always excited, always engaged. It’s also productive in the way it derives energy from rubbing genres and sounds against each other, in unexpected ways, for maximum musical frisson. There’s psychedelic techno on “Feuerstuhl”, more minimal techno with “Ardor” (Mayer mentions ‘Immer 1’ era 90s minimal as inspiration), slippery, Shepard-tone breakbeat through “Sycophant”, a lovely, lush vocal turn on the poppy “The Solution”.

The album closes with the melancholy “Süßer Schlaf”, where Mayer sets a poem by Goethe to one of his most haunted, moving pieces of music yet, in abstract tribute to a lost friend. It’s one of the most affecting moments on The Floor Is Lava. There’s also an update on 2020’s wild Brainwave Technology EP, with the surrealist glitter-stomp of “Brainwave 2.0” (check out those handclaps!),where Mayer’s thinking about the socio-political precipice of the now: “I’m reading with great interest about this whole complex of how humanity is about to cross so many lines and the implications that the resulting financial and educational inequality will bring.”

That’s The Floor Is Lava: then and now, brainwaves and nerve structures, problems and solutions, genres on fire; the real, the unreal, and the surreal. An album for the easily bored and the endlessly curious. Mayer has the last word, telling us all you need to know about the album’s spirit: “Burning for the cause, being zealous, being addicted to the heat of the night, the exuberant powers of music.”

Michael Mayer veröffentlicht nicht oft Alben, was einer von vielen Gründen ist, warum ‘The Floor Is Lava’ ein echtes Ereignis ist. Es sind acht Jahre vergangen seit seinem letzten Werk, dem Kollaborationsalbum &, das auf !K7 erschien; seine Vorgänger, Mantasy (2012) und Touch (2004), ließen ebenfalls auf sich warten. Es überrascht nicht wirklich, da Mayer viele Rollen gleichzeitig erfüllt – weltreisender DJ, vielbeschäftigter Remixer, unermüdlicher Kollaborateur und Chef von sowohl Kompakt als auch Imara – weshalb seine Solo-Produktionen eher sparsam ausfallen. Doch das spricht auch für deren Qualität: Ein Album mit Mayers Namen auf dem Cover steht für Qualität, für Musik, die sowohl in die Zukunft blickt als auch auf die Vergangenheit verweist, die das Gleichgewicht zwischen den Anforderungen des Dancefloors und des Wohnzimmers hält, die genauso erforschend wie funktional ist.

Auf The Floor Is Lava scheint Mayer sowohl die Musik um ihn herum (vergangen und gegenwärtig) als auch die Strömungen der Branche, in der er arbeitet, zu reflektieren. Da wäre zunächst der ikonische Albumtitel. „Die Grundhaltung des Albums“, sagt er, drückt sich in diesen vier Worte aus. Für Mayer ist es teilweise eine Kritik daran, wie die Industrie sowohl Produzenten als auch Hörer in Schubladen steckt, sie auf Genres, auf den Markt und auf das nächste große Ding fokussiert: „Ein freier Geist zu sein, der Genres überschreitet, ist zu einem steinigen Weg geworden.“ Ein Kampf, der sich jedoch lohnt, und mit The Floor Is Lava ist das Ergebnis ein Album, das vielfältig, eigenwillig, charmant und tiefsinnig, aber auch süchtig machend ist.

Im gesamten Album findet Mayer Freude an der Erforschung und Gegenüberstellung von Stilen, lässt unerwartete Dinge erblühen und gibt ihnen Raum, überrascht den Hörer mit spannenden Wendungen: „Es ist ein DJ-Album von einem DJ, der sich schnell langweilt.“ Entweder langweilt er sich schnell oder er ist unendlich neugierig – The Floor Is Lava ist reich an Ideen. Es beginnt mit „The Problem“, das in die Vergangenheit blickt, um nach vorne zu schauen, und die wilde Art, wie frühe House-Produktionen Samples mit fröhlicher Unbekümmertheit zusammenwarfen, aufgreift. Mayer nennt Pal Joey und die Szene um Rockers Hi-Fi und ihr Label Different Drummer als Referenzpunkte, und dieser freie Geist zieht sich durch das gesamte Album.

Es folgt „Vagus“, eine sinnliche Minimal-House-Nummer, die Mayer als seine „musikalische Katzenminze“ beschreibt. Der Fluss dieser beiden Eröffnungstracks definiert die Dynamik von The Floor Is Lava und den dialektischen Antrieb im Kern: These und Antithese führen zu einer Synthese, jedoch mit einer willkommenen Schärfe, die dafür sorgt, dass man immer aufgeregt und engagiert bleibt. Zudem gewinnt das Album Energie, indem es Genres und Klänge auf unerwartete Weise aneinanderreibt, um maximalen musikalischen Nervenkitzel zu erzeugen. Es gibt psychedelischen Techno in „Feuerstuhl“, mehr Minimal Techno mit „Ardor“ (Mayer erwähnt ‘Immer’ Ära Minimal als Bezugspunkt), gleitenden Shepard-Ton-Breakbeat in „Sycophant“ und einen lieblichen, üppigen Vocal-Auftritt im poppigen „The Solution“.

Das Album schließt mit dem melancholischen „Süßer Schlaf“, in dem Mayer ein Gedicht von Goethe vertont und eine seiner bisher eindringlichsten und bewegendsten musikalischen Kompositionen schafft, als abstrakten Tribut an eine verschiedene Freundin. Es ist einer der ergreifendsten Momente auf The Floor Is Lava. Ebenfalls gibt es ein Update der wilden Brainwave Technology-EP von 2020, mit dem surrealistischen Glitzer-Stampfer „Brainwave 2.0“ (hör dir diese Handclaps an!), in dem Mayer über den sozio-politischen Abgrund der Gegenwart nachdenkt: „Ich lese mit großem Interesse über diesen ganzen Komplex, wie die Menschheit dabei ist, so viele Grenzen zu überschreiten und welche Auswirkungen die daraus resultierende finanzielle und bildungstechnische Ungleichheit haben wird.“

Das ist The Floor Is Lava: Damals und heute, Gehirnwellen und Nervengeflechte, Probleme und Lösungen, brennende Genres; das Reale, das Unreale und das Surreale. Ein Album für die schnell Gelangweilten und die unendlich Neugierigen. Mayer hat das letzte Wort und sagt uns alles, was wir über den Geist des Albums wissen müssen: „Brennen für die Sache, leidenschaftlich sein, süchtig nach der Hitze der Nacht, den überschwänglichen Kräften der Musik.“

1965’s Dialogue was the debut by vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson who had already proven himself a versatile sideman on albums from Idle Moments to Out To Lunch. Dialogue showcased his more adventurous leanings with a sextet featuring Freddie Hubbard, Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill, Richard Davis & Joe Chambers. 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 gatefold tip-on jacket.

First Sounds by Sarah Neufeld & Richard Reed Parry & Rebecca Foon, released 1 November 2024, includes the following tracks: "Maria", "Day Three" and more.

First Sounds by Sarah Neufeld & Richard Reed Parry & Rebecca Foon, released 1 November 2024, includes the following tracks: "Maria", "Day Three" and more.

The 1990 album Scène De Vie was the big follow-up album to her debut Mademoiselle Chante and it confirmed the singer's talent and potential. The album went straight to the top of the French charts and featured several successful singles, including ""Les Hommes Qui Passent"", ""Les Mannequins d'Osier"", and ""Kennedy Rose"". The album eventually reached 2 million sales worldwide and received a diamond status. The album also had great success in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and Russia. Scène De Vie is available as a limited edition of (1000?) individually numbered copies on crystal clear vinyl and includes an insert.

Nachdem er zuvor auf wichtigen Blue-Note-Alben von Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy und Grant Green
geglänzt hatte, konnte der junge Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson 1965 mit “Dialogue” sein erstes eigenes
Album bei dem Label vorlegen. Mit der Unterstützung eines abenteuerlustigen Sextetts gelang dem 24-
Jährigen gelang auf Anhieb ein richtungsweisendes Album, das sowohl bei AllMusic als auch im “Penguin
Guide To Jazz” die Höchstwertung erhielt

Brain Thrust Mastery, the second album by Californian art rockers We Are Scientists was originally released on Virgin Records in March 2008, its heady brew of retro futurism, indie and sparkling shiny power pop make it sound thoroughly contemporary - Working in conjunction with the band, this 2LP version of the album adds B-sides and tracks recorded live at London's Union Chapel and is pressed onto high-quality 180g vinyl. Named after founder members Keith Murray and Chris Cain's dress sense led a truck rental supervisor to surmise that they had to be academics, We Are Scientists were formed in Berkeley, California around the turn of the century. Their first 'proper' album, 2005's With Love And Squalor, became an underground hit as the band toured Britain, where they gained a substantial fanbase before the album was released in America the following year. Material for Brain Thrust Mastery was debuted on an early 2007 UK tour, before the band returned to the studio with producer Ariel Rechtshaid (who would go on to win Grammys with Vampire Weekend). We Are Scientists maintain a strong sense of theatre and comedy in their live performance - at this time, the group acted as their own support, offering seminars in self improvement called 'Brain Thrust Mastery'. The album is full of well-written pop songs, rich in hooks and melody. Lead single After Hours reached No 15 in March 2008, and after the release of the album the same month, it was followed by further hit singles Chick Lit and Impatience. A summer of touring, including performances at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Reading and Leeds underlined the group's popularity.

Brain Thrust Mastery, the second album by Californian art rockers We Are Scientists was originally released on Virgin Records in March 2008, its heady brew of retro futurism, indie and sparkling shiny power pop make it sound thoroughly contemporary - Working in conjunction with the band, this 2LP version of the album adds B-sides and tracks recorded live at London's Union Chapel and is pressed onto high-quality 180g vinyl. Named after founder members Keith Murray and Chris Cain's dress sense led a truck rental supervisor to surmise that they had to be academics, We Are Scientists were formed in Berkeley, California around the turn of the century. Their first 'proper' album, 2005's With Love And Squalor, became an underground hit as the band toured Britain, where they gained a substantial fanbase before the album was released in America the following year. Material for Brain Thrust Mastery was debuted on an early 2007 UK tour, before the band returned to the studio with producer Ariel Rechtshaid (who would go on to win Grammys with Vampire Weekend). We Are Scientists maintain a strong sense of theatre and comedy in their live performance - at this time, the group acted as their own support, offering seminars in self improvement called 'Brain Thrust Mastery'. The album is full of well-written pop songs, rich in hooks and melody. Lead single After Hours reached No 15 in March 2008, and after the release of the album the same month, it was followed by further hit singles Chick Lit and Impatience. A summer of touring, including performances at Glastonbury, T In The Park and Reading and Leeds underlined the group's popularity.

After the successful release of Paulette Tajah's 'Journal Of A Butterfly' EP on digital format, it's now turn for the vinyl LP to be released. The quality is excellent and the whole album is an absolute must to listen to. The songs are brilliantly recorded and we at Mad Clown Productions are sure it will end up in many vinyl collections across the world.

Second release on Robert Pollard's new Splendid Research label is a vinyl & CD reissue of a 1984 demo cassette by Children's Crusade, post-punk teenage band of Guided By Voices' Doug Gillard. The Cleveland guitarist went on to record for Scat, Homestead and Restless Records with the bands Death of Samantha, Cobra Verde, My Dad Is Dead, and Gem, before joining GBV (1996-2004), then Nada Surf (2010-2016), then rejoining GBV (2016-present), as well as playing on albums by Richard Buckner, Neko Case and others. 1980s Cleveland was a hotbed for indie rock, following in the Northern Ohio footsteps of Pere Ubu, The Dead Boys, The Styrenes, Mirrors and Devo. "Children’s Crusade was a fleeting blotch on the wild, mid-80s Cleveland underground music scene, slowly seeping through like a drop of oil on the uniformly black jeans of that era – noticeable only after it settles, spreads, and you realize it won’t come out in the wash."

Building on the foundation of his two EPs for Samurai Music, we proudly present Urmah, the first LP exploring the 170 tempo from acclaimed Techno/Electronic producer Juan Rico aka Reeko, aka Architectural.

Reeko has now become an integral part of the overall Samurai Music sound. His work resonates deeply within the label's ethos, and Urmah exemplifies this synergy, highlighting his ability to enrich and expand Samurai Music's vision and push the boundaries of his own artistic expression.

For Urmah, Reeko delves even further into sound and psyche with a richer, more enveloping exploration into his distinct interpretation of the tempo. Reeko's production prowess shines brightly on Urmah with the warmth and weight of each track leaving an indelible impression.

Urmah focuses on heady fathomless grooves that tease shards of breakbeats like delicious icing, binding themselves to a gentle psychedelia with celestial textures. This is dexterous, meditative journey music from a producer who has an intimate relationship with groove creation.

As one of the most respected Techno producers in the genres long history, Reeko's influence and mastery are undeniable. With Urmah, he further showcases his expertise, expanding his palette to display a refined command of the 170 BPM tempo. The LP is a testament to his ability to innovate and redefine, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering force in electronic music.

RADIAL
Acoustic Rhythm & Texture Sequencer
Available as C60 Limited Edition of 50 mirror dubs- (same on both sides) + Inserts

written and produced by
S.Gordon 2024.

additional percussion by Islay Spalding - TRK 7, recorded at SFS studios 2024

Synths & Radial - SDGordon.

The Radial instrument was designed to explore various material's acoustic characteristics in ways that could only be achieved through mechanical and electronic control.

It creates sporadic dense percussive sequences & sharp reciprocating sweeps or can focus in on tiny acute angles to produce deep shaking drones among a host of other planned and unplanned acoustic sounds.

Radial uses 5 voltage controlled motors and interchangeable textured cylinders captured via contact microphones positioned within the chassis. The cylinders can be synchronised or independent & the blades are interchangeable allowing the flex of certain materials to skew and augment the movements and sounds and sequences.

Playing the Radial instrument is a direct visceral experience. Its sequences sound unlike anything else i have used and the simple design by no means limits the scope of its rhythmical output. After feeling out the controls you arrive somewhere in-between the rubbery juddering fuzz or clockwork blasts of percussion and can step back allowing the physicality of the instrument itself to dictate how things proceed. Minor adjustments can have a butterfly effect on the entire tone inmate rewardingly unpredictable but controllable way.

On certain tracks there’s some synth work in a move away from the potential “instrument study” vibe of the release and Islay Spaldings blistering scrap metal percussion on Track 7 was incredible to watch.. Additional thanks to Stephan P Richter “SPR” for the advice and encouragement through the whole build.

Discovered while working as a publishing assistant at Mute Records, Nerina Pallot signed to Polydor Records and released her first album in 2001. The release of her critically acclaimed second album, Fires, drew comparisons with Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, and spawned hit singles Everybody's Gone To War and Sophia, plus Brit Award and Ivor Novello nominations.

Now two decades into her career, Pallot's rich and varied back catalogue suggests an artist determined to carve her own path. She has lent her distinctive vocals to songs like Circus from Amazon's Modern Love and her version of Love Will Tear Us Apart on BBC/RTE's Normal People.

The creation of her latest album, A Psalm for Emily Salvi, is a deeply personal endeavour. Born from an unexpected connection, the record is both a love letter to those who have supported her over the years and a tribute to the power of music in the face of adversity. One day, Pallot received a message from a woman named Emily (not her real name), who shared how Pallot's music had been a lifeline during her darkest moments. That message became the catalyst for the album, a reminder of the importance of perseverance, connection, and vulnerability. Recorded in London and featuring a stellar cast of British musicians from the jazz and soul scene, it is an album of light and dark and steeped in the classic singer-songwriter tradition.

Jusant is an action-puzzle climbing game by DON'T NOD highly anticipated for its unique vertical gameplay, graphics and story. Its OST was composed by the piano genius Guillaume Ferran influenced by neoclassical artists like Nils Frahm or Max Richter: it follows the game’s meditative vibes with 23 minimalist orchestral tracks that give each instrument its place in a colorful soundscape.

''One Foot in the Rave'' is a vibrant collection that showcases Jonny's signature style--a blend of melodic, melancholic acid jams, bleepy funk, and warm analog electronics. Whether for the stereo or the sound system, the LP moves from the upfront bounce of ''The Apocalypse is Now'' and ''Raymond Tuesday's Big Day Out'' to the shimmering reverb of ''Starry Night'' and the birdsong-infused ''Ringfort.'' Listeners will find themselves in familiar Automatic Tasty terrain, rich with psychedelic exploration. According to Jonny, ''What to say about this record? I don't really know and it hardly matters. I wrote them on different bits of gear; ye olde faithful Roland SH101, my MC202 (pencil and paper de rigeur), a battered x0xb0x 1.0 (thx Daniel!), a beloved Yamaha Cs-5, a similarly beloved Roland SH5, a truly hammered Juno106, a Roland JX3P, a Nord something or other, an MPC2500, my TR606, and a Vermona DRM1 MKII being sequenced via a bedraggled TR626. Also Jay's TR808 is on there (thx Jay!) and a TR8 being squashed through a Mutronics Mutator (wheee Damo!) and a Zoom H4n recorder. I edited them on a dilapidated laptop, with no headphones or monitors, steering by the tiny speakers on the computer and playing them in my car, twiddling the mix as I went. But these are frivolous and unimportant details. All that matters is that these songs were made out of love. Cheerio, Jonny. P.S.: This record is dedicated to Jay 'Winthorpe' Kelly.'' ''One Foot in the Rave'' will be available on vinyl and digital platforms starting October 14th.

This follow up album to Tapper Zukies `Bunker Buster’ set, sees Tapper again rally calling his fellow reggae singers to work up some great songs. This group of tunes lean towards a more soulful sound, yet still holding that reggae feel we know and expect from Mr Zukie. The title itself `A Soulful Chant I’ we felt suited this set of songs perfectly .

The roll call of great singers starts with Prince Alla adding his distinctive feel to the opening track `Children Don’t Cry’. `Heaven On Earth’ features Junior Ross on vocal duties. `Poverty’ is richly enhanced by one of Jamaica’s greatest vocal bands, Silvertones. Tapper himself follows with the thoughtful `Man-A-Man’ and another great reggae trio the Viceroys counter with `Help Me’. Dennis Walks guides us with `I Wanna Go’ and Junior Ross appears again with the timeless `Be On The Right Track’. Mr Zukie points the way on `People of Love’ and Prince Alla insures us that right will always overcome wrong doing with `Good Over Evil’. A favourite of ours `That Was The Day’ again song so majestically by the Viceroys leads us into the Silvertones `Magic Touch’. Little Roy leads us out with `Youth In The Ghetto’.

Hope you enjoy the set.

PIFF Records welcome 4 in - demand artists to the label on their latest release, also available as a limited 500 press vinyl release. Home to forward-thinking house, trance, and techno, PIFF Records boasts a diverse yet united musical output. Cosmic, dub - driven techno, atmospheric house beats, and everything in between coalesces under the imprint’s distinctive output of thoughtful, club - ready sounds. All aspects of PIFF Records come together on this release as the featured artists balance the cerebral and visceral in their productions.

Cybernet kicks off the release with Resonant Shifter. Pumping kicks lay the foundation for captivating synth arpeggios and warped call and response basses in this ‘90s - inspired cut of contemporary progressive trance. The perfect soundtrack for any location from sunset on the Ibiza seafront to sunrise as the shutters open at a warehouse rave.

Goa elements are out in full force on Hoe Down, courtesy of Glen S. Squelchy 303s, low textures, and metallic arpeggios resonate above a pulsating bassline and weighty kicks, relentlessly pushing forward and ascending to a new sonic dimension - taking you along for the ride.
Body Clinic substitutes the progressive trance for progressive house on Love X, bringing down the tempo but keeping intensity intact. An infectious, syncopated plucked bassline dances around groove - rich drums, psychedelic effects and leads indebted to early ‘90s releases. A masterful blend of the past, present, and future together on one track.

Closing the EP with Empty Clip, Tom Jarmey disrupts the 4x4 rhythms of the preceding tracks w ith a genre - bending cut of electro - infused breaks. Two-step drums are matched with clinical sound design, deep basses, and mystical arpeggios. Sure to add depth to any set and turn heads in the process.

Plastic Estate is a contemporary synth-pop act from Wales, UK.

With an onus placed on atmosphere and refinement, the duo evoke a rich palette of romance and lustre with their polished marque of pop music.

They have garnered support from the likes of Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, KEXP and BBC Radio, and played sold-out shows with the likes of LA Priest, Home Counties, and Real Lies, as well as playing at large regional festivals like Ritual Union and Sŵn Festival.

Having previously released a 7” and LP with Avant! Records, they are now releasing their second album on 11th October with new tracks gaining critical acclaim being added to BBC Radio Wales’s ‘Welsh A-List’.
Their sophomore album hails a new era for the act; moving away from darker sonic roots, their sound has progressed to a brighter, more polished aesthetic with fresh influences from the ‘Hi-Fi luxury’ of West Coast Sound, and the gloss of 2010s Chillwave.

What’s more, ‘Code d’Amour’ makes you wonder: What is Pop today?

For many years it has been synonymous with melody, harmony and emotions. These days it seems to be still about emotions but not very good ones, probably because the world is as ugly as it’s ever been, have you noticed?

But what about the fundamental role of popular music which is to represent and at the same time to celebrate and enforce the ties of social living? What about the good times?

Yes, there is a lot to be changed and to fight for but good vibes are not just for recreational use, they can literally build a sense of community among people. If you are looking for that kind of sound right now, you should look no further.

FFO: Talk Talk, Blue Nile, Spandau Ballet, Ian Broudie’s Care, Small Black, Alan Palomo of Neon Indian, Wild Nothing.

3 Years After His First Ep on the Label, Souffle Caramel Is Back on Aurore 404 With Club De Jazz 2. to Balance the Long Hiatus, Souffle Is Treating Us with a Full 11 Track Album Making the Project Our First Ever Lp. Once again, He Collaborates With Many Musician Friends (Piano, Saxophone, Flute, and Trumpet) to Create a True Jazz symphony.With Ample Time for Personal expression, This Record Is Rich With Lush, Smooth-Jazz Elements, Seamlessly woven With Deeper, More Contemplative Sounds, Making It a Perfect Blend Of artistry and Soul....

As the Rosemary Hill EP begins, Sixpence None the Richer’s first release since 2012, Leigh Nash sings, “In the eye of the storm, I’m gonna thread the needle.” Now three decades after Nash met her musical partner Matt Slocum in New Braunfels, Texas, Sixpence is threading the needle in the sweet spot they have often longed for throughout a stormy yet momentous career.

Sixpence None the Richer is a rock band. While primarily known for top-40 pop radio hits, Sixpence’s live show is full of guitar riffs, aggressive bass, and pounding drums. As their discography of six full-length albums and their new third EP Rosemary Hill reveals, Sixpence’s sound begins with Nash singing over Slocum’s guitar playing.

After having a global number one hit, Sixpence no longer aspires for fame or fortune, and is not a nostalgia act. “We’re not interested in just cashing in on the past”, says Nash. Slocum adds, “Basically we want to keep making better records and writing better songs.”

As the Rosemary Hill EP begins, Sixpence None the Richer’s first release since 2012, Leigh Nash sings, “In the eye of the storm, I’m gonna thread the needle.” Now three decades after Nash met her musical partner Matt Slocum in New Braunfels, Texas, Sixpence is threading the needle in the sweet spot they have often longed for throughout a stormy yet momentous career.

Sixpence None the Richer is a rock band. While primarily known for top-40 pop radio hits, Sixpence’s live show is full of guitar riffs, aggressive bass, and pounding drums. As their discography of six full-length albums and their new third EP Rosemary Hill reveals, Sixpence’s sound begins with Nash singing over Slocum’s guitar playing.

After having a global number one hit, Sixpence no longer aspires for fame or fortune, and is not a nostalgia act. “We’re not interested in just cashing in on the past”, says Nash. Slocum adds, “Basically we want to keep making better records and writing better songs.”

The Post-Punk Synth Alchemists return with new album ‘Strange Loops’. With blistering rhythms and searing bass, AK/DK return with their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Strange Loops’. It builds on the momentum of their previous release; Shared Particles, which sold out of the Dinked edition even before its release and achieved no. 7 in the Indie Record Store charts. Known for their trademark motorik energy and riotous joy, AK/DK are back, and for the first time, they’ve introduced guest vocalists into the fray. This new release sees the drum and synth duo collaborate with three exciting artists: the musician TVAM, punk poet - Thick Richard, and I Am Fya; sound artist. The angular guitars and spaced-out vocals of TVAM intertwine with the duo’s driving beats and convulsing synths, resulting in the pulsating Devo-esque powerhouse of ‘Square Route’. The two bands have been crossing paths on festival line ups for a while now and it seemed inevitable that they should join forces. I Am Fya’s usual experimental textures and sound-collage is temporarily put to one side on ‘Pull Up’. For this deep and heavy sub-rattling cut; I Am Fya and AK/DK lean heavily into sound system bass and dancehall style. Her febrile and powerful vocals interweave with tectonic sub bass and stuttering rhythms, sounding like Missy Elliot jamming with a modular synth. Manchester’s very own Thick Richard adds his lyrical, jet-black humour to the track ‘Nobody Shouts’. Their collaboration began when the band invited the punk poet up for an impromptu improvisation during their set at Beatherder festival 2020. It went down so well that they had to record it; learning the track from fan footage online. This is nothing new for AK/DK, creating powerful improvised moments for those lucky enough to be in the audience. Strange Loops presents two distinct halves of music. The A side offers sure-fire bangers that will linger in your ears and have you pounding the dance floor, while the B side delves into more experimental and ambient territories with completely live takes from the studio, reflecting the duo’s love of ‘70s German Kosmische bands. “We always had more ambient experimental tracks on our records, and wanted to give them a spotlight on this release” says the band’s Gee Sowerby. Their previous releases have earned accolades such as BBC 6 Music’s ‘Album Of The Day’ and impressed judges on Steve Lamacq’s Roundtable, solidifying their reputation as pioneers in their genre. It’s on stage where AK/DK truly come to life. Their electrifying performances, characterised by joyous live-looping of keyboards, drums, and distorted whoops, have made them a fervent fan favourite for over a decade. They’ve left an indelible mark on audiences at festivals like End Of The Road, Blue Dot, and Green Man, winning over new audiences wherever they play. With Strange Loops, AK/DK continue to push boundaries and defy expectations, reinforcing their status as one of the most dynamic and innovative acts in the scene

NOW Music is proud to present the newest addition to the ‘Yearbook’ series: NOW – YEARBOOK 1982. 3 LPs of 44 defining tracks that ruled the charts in 1982.
Featuring number 1s, including ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ (Survivor), ‘Ebony And Ivory’ (Paul McCartney), ‘Town Called Malice’ (The Jam), and 1982’s biggest seller ‘Come On Eileen’ from Dexys Midnight Runners.
1982 saw the first huge hits from a wealth of new artists including Culture Club, Wham! and Tears For Fears, as well as an incredible line-up from artists who had established their chart presence in the prior 18 months and would produce some of the greatest tracks of the decade; Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC, Haircut 100, Soft Cell, The Human League, and a newly solo Adam Ant.
‘Fame’ was the TV phenomenon of the year, and Irene Cara’s theme from the original 1980 film enjoyed massive success.
As ABBA released their last singles for nearly 40 years, pure-pop from Bucks Fizz, Blondie, and Madness is celebrated alongside synth-pop gems from New Order, Simple Minds, Visage and Japan.
Leading artists from the punk scene enjoyed continued and renewed success, including The Stranglers, The Clash and Pretenders, whilst Foreigner, Meat Loaf with Cher, and Steve Miller Band provided radio-favourite rock and power ballads.
1982 saw a huge chart presence for dance music – from the hi-NRG of Boys Town Gang, to the electro-infused beats of Malcolm McLaren, and Rockers Revenge, the 1980’s disco of Shalamar, alongside soul classics from Marvin Gaye and Donna Summer… plus stellar ballads from Elton John, Lionel Richie, and Roxy Music.

Malva betrachtet auch diesmal gerne das Leben - ihres und das der anderen, generell und auf ihrem zweiten Album "A Soft Seduction Daily". Sie schaut von oben herab, ohne jedwede Herablassung, dafür aus einer Art erzählerischen Vogelperspektive. Probates Transportmittel der Wahl sind Töne, Melodien, Kadenzen, die auch auf ihrem zweiten Album ohne jedwede Anstrengung herausperlen, aus dieser jungen Frau, die sich aufmacht das Dasein zu erkunden. Malva textet auf Deutsch und Englisch: "Ich spüre, was für eine Sprache eine Melodie braucht". "A Soft Seduction Daily" erzählt von Auf und Abs, Serpentinen und Kurven, Romanze und Melancholie, spielt mit Worten, Musikstilen, dem Leben im Konjunktiv. Malva fangen auf dem zweiten Album an, sich in diverse Richtungen zu bewegen, die Grenzen ihrer musikalischen Persönlichkeit auszuloten und so klingt "A Soft Seduction Daily" streckenweise auch etwas lauter. Als Gäste sind Jesper Munk und Oskar Haag dabei.

Als Gaerea aus dem pandemischen Limbo auftauchten, brachte die maskierte Band eine Vision von Black Metal auf die Bühne, die sich nicht von Mythen oder heidnischem Glauben leiten ließ - sondern von einer Läuterung der Gefühle. Die Welt nahm diese Vision schnell an und folgte ihnen auf Festivals, u.a. Hellfest, bis hin zu gut besuchten Touren durch China und die USA.

Mit "Coma" sind Gaerea nicht mehr nur Black Metal. Obwohl ihr viertes Album wieder von ihrem Vertrauten Miguel Tereso produziert wurde, erweitert es ihren charakteristischen Sound, indem es ihn in zwei scheinbar entgegengesetzte Richtungen führt. Es gibt mehr Momente von intensiver Schönheit, aber sie verstärken nur die darauf folgende Brutalität.
"World Ablaze" läutet diese neue Ära von Gearea ein, indem es eine konventionellere Songstruktur über feurigem Tremolo-Picking aufbaut. "Hope Shatters" stellt selbst die höchsten Fan-Erwartungen auf den Kopf: nachdem der Song unter seiner rasenden Schwere zusammenbricht, hängt die Melodie gefährlich in der Luft, wie ein schwankender Kronleuchter, bevor sie von hämmernden Bässen und erschütternden Blastbeats zertrümmert wird.

"I've known faces within me", schreit der Sänger nach einem langsamen und düsteren Gitarrensolo, bevor "Unknown" in eine messerscharfe Hook einrastet. “I transform with every passing moment”.

Mit "Coma" setzen sich Gaerea endgültig an die Spitze des extremen Metal!

FFO: Orbit Culture, Zeal & Ardor, Bad Omens

Als Gaerea aus dem pandemischen Limbo auftauchten, brachte die maskierte Band eine Vision von Black Metal auf die Bühne, die sich nicht von Mythen oder heidnischem Glauben leiten ließ - sondern von einer Läuterung der Gefühle. Die Welt nahm diese Vision schnell an und folgte ihnen auf Festivals, u.a. Hellfest, bis hin zu gut besuchten Touren durch China und die USA.

Mit "Coma" sind Gaerea nicht mehr nur Black Metal. Obwohl ihr viertes Album wieder von ihrem Vertrauten Miguel Tereso produziert wurde, erweitert es ihren charakteristischen Sound, indem es ihn in zwei scheinbar entgegengesetzte Richtungen führt. Es gibt mehr Momente von intensiver Schönheit, aber sie verstärken nur die darauf folgende Brutalität.
"World Ablaze" läutet diese neue Ära von Gearea ein, indem es eine konventionellere Songstruktur über feurigem Tremolo-Picking aufbaut. "Hope Shatters" stellt selbst die höchsten Fan-Erwartungen auf den Kopf: nachdem der Song unter seiner rasenden Schwere zusammenbricht, hängt die Melodie gefährlich in der Luft, wie ein schwankender Kronleuchter, bevor sie von hämmernden Bässen und erschütternden Blastbeats zertrümmert wird.

"I've known faces within me", schreit der Sänger nach einem langsamen und düsteren Gitarrensolo, bevor "Unknown" in eine messerscharfe Hook einrastet. “I transform with every passing moment”.

Mit "Coma" setzen sich Gaerea endgültig an die Spitze des extremen Metal!

FFO: Orbit Culture, Zeal & Ardor, Bad Omens

Als Gaerea aus dem pandemischen Limbo auftauchten, brachte die maskierte Band eine Vision von Black Metal auf die Bühne, die sich nicht von Mythen oder heidnischem Glauben leiten ließ - sondern von einer Läuterung der Gefühle. Die Welt nahm diese Vision schnell an und folgte ihnen auf Festivals, u.a. Hellfest, bis hin zu gut besuchten Touren durch China und die USA.

Mit "Coma" sind Gaerea nicht mehr nur Black Metal. Obwohl ihr viertes Album wieder von ihrem Vertrauten Miguel Tereso produziert wurde, erweitert es ihren charakteristischen Sound, indem es ihn in zwei scheinbar entgegengesetzte Richtungen führt. Es gibt mehr Momente von intensiver Schönheit, aber sie verstärken nur die darauf folgende Brutalität.
"World Ablaze" läutet diese neue Ära von Gearea ein, indem es eine konventionellere Songstruktur über feurigem Tremolo-Picking aufbaut. "Hope Shatters" stellt selbst die höchsten Fan-Erwartungen auf den Kopf: nachdem der Song unter seiner rasenden Schwere zusammenbricht, hängt die Melodie gefährlich in der Luft, wie ein schwankender Kronleuchter, bevor sie von hämmernden Bässen und erschütternden Blastbeats zertrümmert wird.

"I've known faces within me", schreit der Sänger nach einem langsamen und düsteren Gitarrensolo, bevor "Unknown" in eine messerscharfe Hook einrastet. “I transform with every passing moment”.

Mit "Coma" setzen sich Gaerea endgültig an die Spitze des extremen Metal!

FFO: Orbit Culture, Zeal & Ardor, Bad Omens

Since first bonding over Slowdive at a Texas karaoke bar six years ago, musicians Uriel Avila and Jonathan Perez have grown trauma ray into Fort Worth's foremost flag bearer of crushing shoegaze. A five-piece rounded out by bassist Darren Baun, drummer Nicholas Bobotas, and guitarist Coleman Pruitt, the band's debut album, Chameleon, captures their evolving sound at an apex of majestic devastation. A fusion of downer hooks, gauzy melancholia, and bulldozer riffs, the album heaves and crashes across 50 minutes of stacked amplifier alchemy. Lyrically the songs trace similarly lofty and brooding terrain; Avila says "The theme is death. And a chameleon, like death, can shape-shift in and out our lives in different forms." Chameleon opens with "Ember," dreamy and distant, alternately anthemic and apocalyptic, defeated and deafening. Lead single "Bishop" perfectly encapsulates trauma ray's depth and dimension, ripping out of the gate with "the biggest, baddest, saddest wall of sound." Lyrics about being burnt at the stake and "tossed in the flame" float above a stop-start assault of precision distortion, eventually expanding into a lush, heavy, sorrowful end coda. "Spectre" is a mysterious, introspective dirge, envisioned as a "mellow, slowcore, Duster-thing," all feeling and heavy fuzz chords (with no lead guitar). Avila wrote it, "to be a hymnal" from the perspective of someone who won't let go - a ghost, an ex, a shadow self. Although the album is rich with subtleties, graceful lulls, and "breaths of air," the band's three guitar attack is its defining force, a power flexed to its peak on "Bardo." Perez's intentions were blunt: "I wanted to write a riff that was hard as fuck." The result is alternately mean and eerie, veering between noisy one string bends and surging headbang, mapping a middle ground between Unwound and early-Deftones. One of trauma ray's greatest gifts is their ability to make doomy, sledgehammer heaviness sound like an earworm, without production tricks or gimmicks: "Riff, verse, chorus, three guitar parts - that's all you need." This quality is particularly apparent on the title track, a churning slab of amplifier worship, swirling chords, and heavenly, defeated vocals about not belonging, shape-shifting, and death ("A twisted face / Void of attention / An empty space / In your reflection"). "U.S.D.D.O.S" closes the album, swaying across seven minutes of grey skied guitar and haunted voice, subtly thickening as it deepens. Feedback and shrapnel gradually begin raining down, like a satellite disintegrating in the atmosphere. Titled as an acronym after a poem by Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño that loosely translates to "a dream within a dream," the melody softens, smears, and then disappears, slowly swallowed by the gravity of eternal descent. Chameleon is a masterpiece of craft, balance, melody, lyricism, and gravity, flexing a fresh vision of loud-quiet-loud architectures and the vertigo depths of blasted harmonics. From Slowdive to Nothing, to Hum and beyond, the band absorb and expand on their influences into a rare and dedicated alchemy. trauma ray's cinematic tempest is a gathering storm only just taking flight.

Since first bonding over Slowdive at a Texas karaoke bar six years ago, musicians Uriel Avila and Jonathan Perez have grown trauma ray into Fort Worth's foremost flag bearer of crushing shoegaze. A five-piece rounded out by bassist Darren Baun, drummer Nicholas Bobotas, and guitarist Coleman Pruitt, the band's debut album, Chameleon, captures their evolving sound at an apex of majestic devastation. A fusion of downer hooks, gauzy melancholia, and bulldozer riffs, the album heaves and crashes across 50 minutes of stacked amplifier alchemy. Lyrically the songs trace similarly lofty and brooding terrain; Avila says "The theme is death. And a chameleon, like death, can shape-shift in and out our lives in different forms." Chameleon opens with "Ember," dreamy and distant, alternately anthemic and apocalyptic, defeated and deafening. Lead single "Bishop" perfectly encapsulates trauma ray's depth and dimension, ripping out of the gate with "the biggest, baddest, saddest wall of sound." Lyrics about being burnt at the stake and "tossed in the flame" float above a stop-start assault of precision distortion, eventually expanding into a lush, heavy, sorrowful end coda. "Spectre" is a mysterious, introspective dirge, envisioned as a "mellow, slowcore, Duster-thing," all feeling and heavy fuzz chords (with no lead guitar). Avila wrote it, "to be a hymnal" from the perspective of someone who won't let go - a ghost, an ex, a shadow self. Although the album is rich with subtleties, graceful lulls, and "breaths of air," the band's three guitar attack is its defining force, a power flexed to its peak on "Bardo." Perez's intentions were blunt: "I wanted to write a riff that was hard as fuck." The result is alternately mean and eerie, veering between noisy one string bends and surging headbang, mapping a middle ground between Unwound and early-Deftones. One of trauma ray's greatest gifts is their ability to make doomy, sledgehammer heaviness sound like an earworm, without production tricks or gimmicks: "Riff, verse, chorus, three guitar parts - that's all you need." This quality is particularly apparent on the title track, a churning slab of amplifier worship, swirling chords, and heavenly, defeated vocals about not belonging, shape-shifting, and death ("A twisted face / Void of attention / An empty space / In your reflection"). "U.S.D.D.O.S" closes the album, swaying across seven minutes of grey skied guitar and haunted voice, subtly thickening as it deepens. Feedback and shrapnel gradually begin raining down, like a satellite disintegrating in the atmosphere. Titled as an acronym after a poem by Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño that loosely translates to "a dream within a dream," the melody softens, smears, and then disappears, slowly swallowed by the gravity of eternal descent. Chameleon is a masterpiece of craft, balance, melody, lyricism, and gravity, flexing a fresh vision of loud-quiet-loud architectures and the vertigo depths of blasted harmonics. From Slowdive to Nothing, to Hum and beyond, the band absorb and expand on their influences into a rare and dedicated alchemy. trauma ray's cinematic tempest is a gathering storm only just taking flight.

In-demand, groove-fuelled producer Opolopo and 24 Carat singer-songwriter Angela Johnson join forces for the eagerly awaited album ‘Best Of Both Worlds’ – a stellar collection of uplifting, struttin’ soulful house, disco & beat-laden music.

Stockholm-based DJ-producer Opolopo can boast two decades’ worth of productions right across the soulful dancefloor spectrum for labels such as Local Talk, Z Records and Defected. His remix discography includes Gregory Porter, Jungle, Leroy Burgess and Mother’s Favorite Child. NYC native Angela Johnson was a member of acid jazz group Cooly’s Hot Box before enjoying solo success via a string of acclaimed R&B albums including They Don’t Know, It’s Personal and Naturally Me & featuring on a host of singles from Reel People Music.

The album follows previous collaborations and provides another stylish pooling of these two soulful talents. The chemistry fizzes and uplifts as ever, Johnson’s rich, fully-flavoured vocals riding confidently upon struttin’ disco, soulful house & dancefloor dynamite.

IPPON is a rich music, with varied influences, which evokes the electro rock of Soulwax or LCD Soundsystem as well as dark disco.

Effective bass lines, cosmic synthesizers, saturated drums and reverberated vocals: the duo navigates between electro, languorous and sensual dark disco or even progressive pop rock

Pedro Bertho, following the positive reception of his debut
album Mêlé, which features notable tracks like "Tigueretá"
and "Jour 4"—both frequently highlighted in Boiler Rooms
and sets around—has launched his own label, Chez Pedro.
Dedicated to consistently releasing new music, the label
plans to unveil monthly tracks, showcasing Bertho's ongoing
creative drive and deep passion for music without
distinctions of genre. His latest offering, Starlit Craves,
compiles tracks curated over the past two years. Previously
unreleased, these tunes have been meticulously crafted for
the dance ­oor. Each track on this EP re­ects Pedro Bertho's
distinct style and artistic vision, guiding listeners through an
immersive and exhilarating musical journey. Let Me Tell You:
Infused with electro vibes and in­uenced by Detroit’s rich
musical legacy, this track blends intricate rhythms with
soulful melodies, delivering a captivating sonic experience.
Blue Hot Monday: A hypnotic techno odyssey where
pulsating beats merge with deep bass grooves, creating an
enveloping atmosphere that lingers long after the music
ends. Shaved: A dynamic fusion of house and techno,
pulsing with rhythmic intensity and layered textures, inviting
listeners on a groove-driven exploration. Rouya: Radiant
melodies and hypnotic rhythms transport listeners to a sunlit
realm, intertwining uplifting harmonies with intricate sonic
nuances seamlessly. Have You Ever Played in Abidjan:
Exploring percussive intricacies and dub-infused textures,
this track offers a captivating blend of rhythmic diversity andatmospheric depth, evoking vivid imagery and immersive
storytelling.

Sam Redmore made a significant impact on the UK music scene with his debut album Universal Vibrations, a vibrant collection of eclectic, dancefloor-ready tracks that earned extensive radio play on BBC 6 Music. His follow-up album Modulate builds on this foundation, blending electronic and live instrumentation across a diverse range of genres, from house and funk to afrobeat and salsa. Sam, now exploring and expanding his creative process, incorporated live performances into the album's development, and collaborated with notable artists including Dele Sosimi and Abdominal.

Something About Livingis an album of live recordings by experimental jazz composer/multi-instrumentalist Robert Stillman. The music was captured over the course of Stillman's time as the solo support act for The Smile (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Tom Skinner). The album weaves excerpts from various theater and arena shows along the tour's North American routing into a seamless whole, creating a 40-minute program that represents an expanded version of Stillman's ever-transforming live set.

Something About Livingis the product of a steady, on-stage evolution that happened over the course of the nearly 60 shows opening for the Smile across the EU, UK, US, Canada and Mexico. However, the creative origins of the set began in relative isolation during the pandemic, through Stillman's work on projects like his multi-media installationUnseen Forcesand his monthly broadcast for Margate Radio, both of which drew upon solo improvisation using saxophone, cassettes, Yamaha DX7 synthesizer, and effects.

"At the time The Smile asked whether I'd like to open for them on their first tour, I felt like I'd already been preparing without really knowing it," says Stillman. "I'd been doing this music constantly, but always for a hypothetical audience" During the pandemic, Stillman's solo set-up served as the research lab where he worked on all the concepts he was interested in: solo improvisation, creating and manipulating cassettes, FM synthesis, analogue delays chains, no-input mixing, and non-metric rhythmic pulses. So when he was offered the first Smile tour, the idea was to bring "the lab" onto the stage.

What Stillman could not have prepared for was the experience of playing in venues with capacities of up to ten thousand listeners. "The first tour was in summer 2022, so not that long after the worst of the pandemic, when I had pretty much made peace with the idea that I might never be able to perform for an audience again. Then all of a sudden I found myself in front of huge numbers of people, and felt the massive responsibility of being with an audience, of this thing I'd done alone for so longactually being witnessed, and it was completely overwhelming!" On the flip-side, Stillman also recalls, was a new appreciation of how powerful the live performance was as a social phenomenon. "It's a cliche, but also true: the moment of making and hearing music in a shared time and space has a very specific meaning and power; there was a sense that everyone in the venue was necessary to make it real, regardless of what they were doing, or how they felt about it. There was an inevitability about it that I'd never fully appreciated."

Over the course of the tours that followed, Stillman transformed this appreciation of the shared moment into an ethic of spontaneity that guided the development of his live set. "An important reference for this set has always been an Animal Collective show I saw when I first moved to New York, probably in 2001 or so, that has always set the high-water mark for what I wanted to do live- they were improvising a lot, and out of what would seem to be absolute chaos they'd find their way to something structured, and then back out again into the unknown. It was so thrilling to witness".

ThoughSomething About Livingcompiles recordings from different dates along the tour, Stillman has edited and mixed them into a work that seeks to reflect the ebb and flow between 'chaos and control' that characterizes his live set. Among the compositions featured are some from previous album releases ("Time of Waves", "What I Owe", "What Does it Mean to Be American") as well as some new compositions ("The Dream of Waking", "Renaissance 2.0," and the title track, "Something About Living").

The album/track title "Something About Living" is a reference to a line from Stillman's favorite film,My Dinner With André: "André Gregory is explaining the value of life experiences that, as he says, are'to do with living'.That really struck me, the way he articulated it. I strongly believe live music situations can ask these kinds of questions, for performers and audiences. I hope that's reflected in this music."

[a] 01: Time of Waves (Live in Miami FL) [Live]
[b] 02: What Does It Mean to Be American (Live in Forest Hills NY) [Live]
[c] 03: The Dream of Waking (Live in St Augustine FL) [Live]
[d] 04: Something About Living (Live in Richmond VA) [Live]
[e] 05: What I Owe (Live in Chesterfield MO) [Live]
[f] 06: Renaissance 2.0 (Live in Chesterfield MO) [Live]

"“There are times in life when you’re so present, so fully immersed in the moment that you can catch a glimpse of another universe, of a realm beyond our own,” says Louisa Stancioff. “It might last for a second or an hour, it might come in the midst of bliss or sadness, you might be alone or with a lover, but when it happens, there’s nothing quite like it.”

When We Were Looking, Stancioff’s stunning Yep Roc debut, is full of those moments. Written and recorded through a period of deep heartbreak and uncertainty, the collection is the raw and unflinching work of a nomadic soul who spent stints living in Alaska, California, New York, and North Carolina before returning home to her native Maine, one that holds nothing back in its bittersweet reckonings with pain, healing, acceptance, and growth. Stancioff writes with a cinematic eye here, conjuring up richly detailed stagings for her emotionally-charged character studies, and the guitar-and-synth-focused arrangements are immersive and nuanced to match, thanks in part to the evocative sonic landscaping of producer/keyboardist Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter, Craig Finn), who proves to be an ideal creative foil on the record. Add it all up and you’ve got a dreamy, nostalgic Polaroid of an album that blurs the lines between indie stoicism and folk sincerity, a lush, cathartic work that hints at everything from Phoebe Bridgers and Arlo Parks to Big Thief and Waxahatchee as it learns to find the beauty in grief and rebirth."

The Best Of Spear Of Destiny is a compilation album featuring the most successful songs of the British 80’s rock band Spear Of Destiny.

The album is originally released in 2008 on CD and is now for the first time avalaible on vinyl. It features songs like “Liberator”, “The Wheel”, “Rainmaker”, “Flying Scotsman”, “Mickey” & many more.



The Best of Spear Of Destiny (20th anniversary edition) is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on crsytal clear and black marbled vinyl and includes a renewed insert.

The album features smooth vocals, rich harmonies, and vibrant rhythms, capturing the essence of the era’s musical Innovation.

Each track is a testament to the trio’s talent, blending traditional Brazilian sounds

with contemporary influences. Standout songs include “Sol Quarenta Graus” and ”Sempre Existe Alguém,” which highlight the group’s dynamic range. The production quality is excellent,

Raul Seixas really did a marvelous job! This is truly one of those undiscovered gems in Brazilian music!

Als Baby Woodrose 2016 eine Pause einlegte, änderte Frontmann und Songwriter Lorenzo Woodrose seinen Namen in seinen richtigen Namen Uffe Lorenzen. Er wechselte auch in seine Muttersprache Dänisch und veröffentlichte von 2017 bis 2021 drei Soloalben. Danach gründete er ein neues Power-Trio mit seinen alten Freunden Palle Demant am Bass und Jens Eyde am Schlagzeug. Die neue Band nannte sich Lydsyn und veröffentlichte 2022 ihr selbstbetiteltes Debütalbum. Jetzt schreiben wir das Jahr 2024 und die Band ist bereit, ihr zweites Album mit dem Titel ,Hojspændt" (was man mit Hochspannung übersetzen könnte) zu veröffentlichen, und das ist sicherlich ein passender Titel. Das Album wurde im berühmten Sweet Silence Studio in Kopenhagen von dem legendären Produzenten Flemming Rasmussen aufgenommen, der sich vor allem durch seine Arbeit an den Alben ,Ride The Lightning" und ,Master Of Puppets" von Metallica einen Namen gemacht hat.Lydsyn hat sich dem analogen Hörerlebnis verschrieben. Keine Backing Tracks, Auto-Tune oder Pro-Tools und ,all der Scheiß", wie die Band es ausdrücken würde. Abgesehen von ein paar Overdubs wurden die 10 Songs live im Studio aufgenommen und das merkt man auch an der dynamischen Performance. Die Songs auf ,Hojspændt" sind noch härter als die auf dem Debütalbum, und der Hardrock-Aspekt wurde aufgedreht, während die psychedelische Seite zurückgedreht wurde. Unter all dem Gepolter haben die Songs aber auch eine eingängige Seite, die sich schon nach wenigen Durchläufen im Gehirn festsetzt. Für Fans von Monster Magnet, QOTSA, Wolfmother ,Hojspændt" wird am 25. Oktober auf Vinyl und digitalen Plattformen veröffentlicht. ,Musik Er Nummer 1" wird als erste digitale Single am 6. September veröffentlicht, begleitet von einem Live-Video, das bei zwei ausverkauften Shows im Loppen in Kopenhagen im April dieses Jahres aufgenommen wurde.

Wie zwei Zeitlinien, die zusammenlaufen, kommen ELEPHANT TREE und LOWRIDER zusammen, um ihr gemeinsames Album ,The Long Forever" zu präsentieren, eine der am sehnlichsten erwarteten Split-Veröffentlichungen in der Geschichte des Heavy Rock.Nach zwei bahnbrechenden Veröffentlichungen im Jahr 2020 haben Elephant Tree und Lowrider die Gelegenheit ergriffen, neu zu definieren, wer sie sind und zu erklären, wohin ihre musikalische Reise mit dem gemeinsamen Album ,The Long Forever" als nächstes gehen wird. Mit The Long Forever befinden sich beide Bands an einem kritischen Punkt: Beide haben einen weitreichenden und wachsenden Einfluss, beide werden auf der Bühne und abseits davon verehrt, und beide bringen ihre erste richtige neue Veröffentlichung seit vier Jahren heraus, die mit großer Spannung erwartet wird.Diese Bands auf eine gemeinsame Platte zu bringen, wäre unabhängig von den Begleitumständen ein Ereignis, aber die Bedeutung dieses Albums ist noch größer. Der Titel des Albums stammt von dem Spitznamen für das mehrwöchige Koma, in dem sich Elephant Tree-Sänger/Gitarrist Jack Townley aus medizinischen Gründen nach einem beinahe tödlichen Fahrradunfall Anfang 2023 befand. Er träumte, ohne aufzuwachen, und verlor jegliches Zeitgefühl, während sein Geist versuchte, mit der Tortur fertig zu werden - diese lyrische Beschreibung deutet das Ausmaß von Jacks Erfahrung nur an.In dem darauf folgenden Jahr manifestierte sich eine musikalische Freiheit in den jeweiligen Ansätzen beider Bands: Elephant Tree wählten während Jacks allmählicher Rückkehr zum Spielen einen rohen, aufbauenden Ansatz, während Lowrider komplexer und ausdrucksstärker wurden, um Songs für das 2020 erschienene Album ,Refractions" zu entwickeln, das von allen Seiten bewundert wurde.,The Long Forever" ist das Vehikel, durch das sich die Bands begegnen, das die Erwartungen an sie untergräbt und übertrifft, mit einem traumatischen Nexus als Gravitationssingularität, um die die gesamte LP kreist und jede Note, die nach außen dringt, verbiegt und formt.Beharrlichkeit, Heilung und hartnäckige Leidenschaft haben The Long Forever zu einer Realität gemacht, und Fans von Elephant Tree und Lowrider werden sich über das überragende Ergebnis freuen! Like two timelines converging, ELEPHANT TREE and LOWRIDER come together to present the collaborative album "The Long Forever," easily one of the most eagerly awaited split releases in the history of heavy rock. In the wake of two landmark 2020 releases, Elephant Tree and Lowrider have seized the opportunity to redefine who they are and declare where their musical voyages will go next with the collaborative album The Long Forever. The Long Forever finds both bands at critical junctures: each has a broad and expanding influence, each is revered onstage and off, and each is delivering its first proper new release in four years to tremendous anticipation. Bringing these bands onto a shared collaborative platter would be an event regardless of the surrounding circumstances, but the significance of this album is even greater. The album's title comes from the nickname for the multi-week coma that Elephant Tree singer/guitarist Jack Townley was in for medical reasons after a near-fatal biking accident in early 2023. Dreaming without waking and losing all sense of time as his mind attempted to cope with the ordeal, that lyrical description only hints at the enormity of Jack's experience. The year or so that followed manifested a musical freedom in both bands' respective approaches, Elephant Tree choosing a raw, set-up-the-mics-and-go approach during Jack's gradual return to playing, while Lowrider grew more complex and expressive in building songs to follow up their massively adored 2020 album "Refractions." "The Long Forever" is the vehicle through which the bands meet, subverting and superseding the expectations on them, with a traumatic nexus as the gravitational singularity around which the entire LP orbits, bending and shaping every note that escapes forth. Perseverance, healing and stubbornness of passion made The Long Forever a reality, and fans of both Elephant Tree and Lowrider are certain to rejoice at the towering result!

Das neue Soloalbum der einen Hälfte des Duos WILDBIRDS & PEACEDRUMS, MARIAM THE BELIEVER, vermittelt uns richtig zu Atmen (und genau Zuzuhören)! Es gibt einen Hauch von Jazz, einen Hauch von Soul, die Empfänglichkeit und den Zauber spiritueller Musik und den großen Reichtum der Improvisation. Der Sound auf "Breathing Techniques" ist dicht und doch atmosphärisch, eine musikalische Landschaft, die sich im Laufe der Musik durch subtile Progressionen, Wiederholungen und manchmal scheinbar sporadische Arrangements entfaltet. Ein Setting, das an ein modernisiertes klassisches Kammerorchester erinnert, mit Mariams Gesang an der Spitze. Das Album lässt Einflüsse von Frauen in der Musik der Vergangenheit und der Gegenwart anklingen. Es gibt einen Hauch von ALICE COLTRANEs zurückhaltenden spirituellen Aufnahmen, den rhythmischen Improvisationen VON MEREDITH MONK, der Leichtigkeit von STINA NORDENSTAM und den erforschenden stimmlichen Qualitäten von SHEILA CHANDRA und GAL COSTA. Das neue Album folgt auf die beiden von der Kritik hochgelobten Vorgängeralben von MARIAM THE BELIEVER: "Love Everything" von 2017 und das Debütalbum "Blood Donation" von 2013.

Wie zwei Zeitlinien, die zusammenlaufen, kommen ELEPHANT TREE und LOWRIDER zusammen, um ihr gemeinsames Album ,The Long Forever" zu präsentieren, eine der am sehnlichsten erwarteten Split-Veröffentlichungen in der Geschichte des Heavy Rock.Nach zwei bahnbrechenden Veröffentlichungen im Jahr 2020 haben Elephant Tree und Lowrider die Gelegenheit ergriffen, neu zu definieren, wer sie sind und zu erklären, wohin ihre musikalische Reise mit dem gemeinsamen Album ,The Long Forever" als nächstes gehen wird. Mit The Long Forever befinden sich beide Bands an einem kritischen Punkt: Beide haben einen weitreichenden und wachsenden Einfluss, beide werden auf der Bühne und abseits davon verehrt, und beide bringen ihre erste richtige neue Veröffentlichung seit vier Jahren heraus, die mit großer Spannung erwartet wird.Diese Bands auf eine gemeinsame Platte zu bringen, wäre unabhängig von den Begleitumständen ein Ereignis, aber die Bedeutung dieses Albums ist noch größer. Der Titel des Albums stammt von dem Spitznamen für das mehrwöchige Koma, in dem sich Elephant Tree-Sänger/Gitarrist Jack Townley aus medizinischen Gründen nach einem beinahe tödlichen Fahrradunfall Anfang 2023 befand. Er träumte, ohne aufzuwachen, und verlor jegliches Zeitgefühl, während sein Geist versuchte, mit der Tortur fertig zu werden - diese lyrische Beschreibung deutet das Ausmaß von Jacks Erfahrung nur an.In dem darauf folgenden Jahr manifestierte sich eine musikalische Freiheit in den jeweiligen Ansätzen beider Bands: Elephant Tree wählten während Jacks allmählicher Rückkehr zum Spielen einen rohen, aufbauenden Ansatz, während Lowrider komplexer und ausdrucksstärker wurden, um Songs für das 2020 erschienene Album ,Refractions" zu entwickeln, das von allen Seiten bewundert wurde.,The Long Forever" ist das Vehikel, durch das sich die Bands begegnen, das die Erwartungen an sie untergräbt und übertrifft, mit einem traumatischen Nexus als Gravitationssingularität, um die die gesamte LP kreist und jede Note, die nach außen dringt, verbiegt und formt.Beharrlichkeit, Heilung und hartnäckige Leidenschaft haben The Long Forever zu einer Realität gemacht, und Fans von Elephant Tree und Lowrider werden sich über das überragende Ergebnis freuen! Like two timelines converging, ELEPHANT TREE and LOWRIDER come together to present the collaborative album "The Long Forever," easily one of the most eagerly awaited split releases in the history of heavy rock. In the wake of two landmark 2020 releases, Elephant Tree and Lowrider have seized the opportunity to redefine who they are and declare where their musical voyages will go next with the collaborative album The Long Forever. The Long Forever finds both bands at critical junctures: each has a broad and expanding influence, each is revered onstage and off, and each is delivering its first proper new release in four years to tremendous anticipation. Bringing these bands onto a shared collaborative platter would be an event regardless of the surrounding circumstances, but the significance of this album is even greater. The album's title comes from the nickname for the multi-week coma that Elephant Tree singer/guitarist Jack Townley was in for medical reasons after a near-fatal biking accident in early 2023. Dreaming without waking and losing all sense of time as his mind attempted to cope with the ordeal, that lyrical description only hints at the enormity of Jack's experience. The year or so that followed manifested a musical freedom in both bands' respective approaches, Elephant Tree choosing a raw, set-up-the-mics-and-go approach during Jack's gradual return to playing, while Lowrider grew more complex and expressive in building songs to follow up their massively adored 2020 album "Refractions." "The Long Forever" is the vehicle through which the bands meet, subverting and superseding the expectations on them, with a traumatic nexus as the gravitational singularity around which the entire LP orbits, bending and shaping every note that escapes forth. Perseverance, healing and stubbornness of passion made The Long Forever a reality, and fans of both Elephant Tree and Lowrider are certain to rejoice at the towering result!

Beehive Beach sees Euros’ melodic and lyrical flair undimmed on this, his 20th solo album.
The album features a stellar band: Stephen Black (aka Sweet Baboo) on bass & clarinet, Stuart Kidd on drums & vocals and Georgia Ruth on vocals & recorder. Recorded at Studiowz in Pembrokeshire by Owain Fleetwood Jenkins.
Euros’ previous four albums have been wholly solo affairs, but Beehive Beach sees Euros taking a different approach - playing and singing live in the studio with a band. “There's something special about capturing a song live in the studio,” says Euros, “it sets the song in a time and place, like capturing an image. It's also a lot of fun”.
Richly melodic, with an undercurrent of melancholia running throughout, Beehive Beach features ruminations on childhood - Black & White Dinner, Ursula's Crow - an ode to 1950s T.V & radio personality Isobell Barnett - Isobell – and celebrations of music and creativity - My Companion, Elspeth on the Shore - as well as self-reflection - A Different Kind of Blue, See-Saw.

"Ukraine's most beloved and enduring band Okean Elzy will release their first-ever English-language studio album, Lighthouse, on October 11 via Elektra. The group herald the record’s announcement with the title track and new single ‘Lighthouse’ featuring John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. Produced by John Feldmann (Blink 182, Avril Lavigne, 5 Seconds of Summer), and co-written by Slava, Feldmann and Eva Arnby Busacker (5 Seconds of Summer, Landon Barker), the track also features Travis Barker on drums. A portion of the proceeds from the song will be donated to United24, an initiative launched by the president of Ukraine in support of the country during the ongoing war. The song is accompanied by a cinematic music video – available to stream on the band’s You Tube Channel
Okean Elzy’s lead vocalist Sviastoslav ‘Slava’ Vakarchuk says, ""The creative process was a unique experience for me. Working alongside Feldy and Evey was both fun and inspirational. The song came together in a matter of minutes. Having Travis on drums took the vibe up to a whole other level, and is yet another example of how special the human camaraderie and support is on this track.""
""Lighthouse is a very powerful metaphor for me,"" Slava continues. ""As a Ukrainian I couldn't think of a better metaphor to express our hope for the future, which is part of why the song and album bear that name.""
Okean Elzy radiate luminous energy through ‘Lighthouse’. Anchored to a steady beat, warm guitars ebb and flow beneath a heartfelt promise, “Take my hand, I’ll get you through the storm.” The momentum builds as the song climaxes on an uplifting chorus, “Tonight, I’ll be your lighthouse, shining on.” Meanwhile, Vakarchuk and Rzeznik lock into a bold and bright back-and-forth. The music video seamlessly translates this energy to the screen, capturing the chemistry between the frontmen.
With their upcoming album, Okean Elzy aims to transcend borders and share the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture with audiences around the world. The album will include collaborations from Travis Barker (Blink-182), Paul O'Duffy and Diane Warren.
In support of Lighthouse, a portion of their North American tour’s proceeds will be donated to Open Eyes Fund, specifically supporting their Drive For Life initiative, whose goal is to deliver 30 ambulances, along with essential medical equipment to the frontlines where urgent medical assistance is required. These efforts will be in addition to the 242 ambulances already delivered to Ukraine and 36,000 lives saved previously by Open Eyes. Following their North American tour, Okean Elzy are set to headline the O2 Academy Brixton in London on December 4. Check out the full confirmed itinerary below. General on-sale begins today at 10am local time.
Consistently selling-out stadium shows, winning multiple YUNA Awards (the nation’s equivalent to the Grammys or the BRITs), and topping airplay charts, Okean Elzy are undoubtedly Ukraine’s biggest band."

"The Night The Zombies Came is Pixies’ tenth album, if you count their classic 1987 4AD mini LP Come On Pilgrim, and first new music since 2022’s acclaimed Doggerel LP. 13 new songs that find Pixies looking ahead to the most cinematic record of their career. Songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Black Francis explains: “Fragments that are related and juxtaposed with other fragments in other songs. And in a collection of songs in a so-called LP, you end up making a kind of movie.” Druidism, apocalyptic shopping malls, mediaeval themed restaurants, 12th century poetic form, surf rock, gargoyles, bog people, and the distinctive dry drum sound of 1970s era Fleetwood Mac are just some of the disparate wonders that inform the new songs. For the new album recording sessions the band returned to work with producer Tom Dalgety, who drummer David Lovering refers to as “a fifth Pixie” after producing 2016’s Head Carrier, 2019’s Beneath the Eyrie and 2022’s Doggerel. Early on in the recording process at Guilford Sound studio in Vermont, the band noticed the new songs were dividing into two camps: what they came to call the “Dust Bowl Songs” - country-tinged, ballad-esque numbers such as ‘Primrose’ and ‘Mercy Me’, and on the other side, the album’s furious punk numbers such as ‘You’re So Impatient’ and ‘Oyster Beds’. Only ‘Jane (The Night the Zombies Came)’ keeps its feet in both camps — reminiscent of early 60s Phil Spector, the band hitting the sweet spot between mushy and abrasive, it’s a track that Black Francis allegedly likened to being chased by a swarm of bees.
The Night The Zombies Came sessions also saw Pixies welcoming new bass player Emma Richardson (Band Of Skulls) to the line up; the first British band member to join the group. There’s also an expanded role for guitarist Joey Santiago. After contributing his first-ever Pixies lyrics on Doggerel, for the new record Santiago wrote the words to ‘Hypnotised’ by completing a complex lyrical riddle of sorts, known as a sestina.
The Night The Zombies Came is released via BMG on CD, black vinyl"

The very first ‘Best Of’ collection, curated by Gardot herself, spans 14 years of her career includes 24 tracks that showcase the breadth of her musical abilities. Featuring selections from her six studio albums, remixes, live recordings, and previously unreleased tracks, highlights on the album include her multilingual performances, emotive renditions of classics like Elton John’s “Love Song,” and live recordings that convey the raw honesty of her concerts. Each track offers a glimpse into the diverse emotional landscapes Gardot can traverse, making The Essential Melody Gardot a rich and compelling portrait of an artist whose music speaks for itself.

The very first ‘Best Of’ collection, curated by Gardot herself, spans 14 years of her career includes 24 tracks that showcase the breadth of her musical abilities. Featuring selections from her six studio albums, remixes, live recordings, and previously unreleased tracks, highlights on the album include her multilingual performances, emotive renditions of classics like Elton John’s “Love Song,” and live recordings that convey the raw honesty of her concerts. Each track offers a glimpse into the diverse emotional landscapes Gardot can traverse, making The Essential Melody Gardot a rich and compelling portrait of an artist whose music speaks for itself.

Kaum eine Hardrock-Band hat in den letzten Jahren so abgeräumt wie die Ladies von THUNDERMOTHER! Ihr Album "Heat Wave" (2020) erreichte Platz 6 der deutschen Albumcharts (und später einen beeindruckenden Chart-Wiedereinstieg (Platz 16) mit der Erweiterung "Heat Wave Deluxe"). Nicht mal die Corona-Pandemie konnte die Band komplett ausbremsen und so spielte man u.a. Konzerte vom Dach eines Feuerwehr-Trucks. THUNDERMOTHER sind für die Bühne geboren, ihre energiegeladenen Liveshows muss man gesehen haben. Mit Ecken, Kanten, Attitude und einem feinen Händchen für große Melodien spielt sich die Band Schritt für Schritt Richtung Rock-Olymp. Und dieser kann nun, mit dem am 19.08.2022 erscheinenden neuen Album "Black And Gold", eingenommen werden. Die Band um Frontfrau Guernica Mancini fackelt ein wahres Hit-Feuerwerk ab. Die erste Single "Watch Out" sendete bereits die richtige Message: Achtung, hier sind THUNDERMOTHER und "Black And Gold" ist ihr Meisterwerk!

2017 album now available at a cheaper price. Limited colour vinyl 12” (Marled colour) DL card included is for indie stores only. Standard LP + DL. CD digipack. Under license from Lakeshore Records. A Fire Records release. Back in 2006, Richard Linklater’s film adaptation of Philip K Dick’s sci-fi novel A Scanner Darkly was greeted with suspicion. No one had done justice to the “master” (Bladerunner, Minority Report, Total Recall, The Adjustment Bureau had or have all met with mixed reviews). And, movies attempting to conjure up the effects of drugs were met with derision from the stoned cognoscenti. How could a story of dependence on Substance D (“Death” for short) be created with multi-million dollar stars in the frame anyway? Linklater had a plan; He’d use rotoscoping (an effect that falls somewhere between Kiki Picasso’s sketches brought to life and Disney on ‘ludes). The celebrities would be shrouded in mystery, in fact Keanu Reeves’ skin suit would make him almost invisible at times, a mumbling wreck swaying centre stage. A waste of talent? A waste of money? To complete the experience, a left field musical score was needed to ensure that everything wasn’t as it seemed. The phone books are full of creative composers but Graham Reynolds And His Golden Arm Trio jumped off the page. The band name is from a Frank Sinatra film where he plays a drug-addled muso. Perfect. Graham Reynolds works in extremes, he’s collaborated with DJ Spooky, the Austin Symphony Orchestra and with live film collage creator Luke Savisky. More importantly his Golden Arm Trio are never three and never the same people twice. For the movie he created short sound bytes – a surf-like instrumental, a country-tinged breather, the sound of stuttering insects crawling through your hair. The resultant soundscape is itchy and scratchy, full of mood swings and musical metaphors, an ever changing and unpredictable set of highs littered with reflective undertones and occasional soft, almost super numb realities. THE SOUNDTRACK: “Strands of post-rock, electronica, jazz, and vintage rock are woven and recombined throughout the album for unusual juxtapositions.” All Musi // “A tactile, emotional resonance often missing in contemporary scoring.” Soundtrack.ne // The music in isolation is bold and uncompromising, shifting as it moves through genres and sounds. THE COMPOSER : Graham Reynolds works in extremes; Short take moments of sound – whether it be a surf-like instrumental, a country-tinged breather or the sound of stuttering insects crawling through your hair – are all in his tick box. The resultant soundscape is itchy and scratchy, full of mood swings and musical metaphors, an ever changing and unpredictable set of highs littered with reflective undertones and occasional soft, almost super numb realities.

Back in 2006, Richard Linklater’s film adaptation of Philip K Dick’s sci-fi novel A Scanner Darkly was greeted with suspicion. No one had done justice to the “master” (Bladerunner, Minority Report, Total Recall, The Adjustment Bureau had or have all met with mixed reviews). And, movies attempting to conjure up the effects of drugs were met with derision from the stoned cognoscenti. How could a story of dependence on Substance D (“Death” for short) be created with multi-million dollar stars in the frame anyway? Linklater had a plan; He’d use rotoscoping (an effect that falls somewhere between Kiki Picasso’s sketches brought to life and Disney on ‘ludes). The celebrities would be shrouded in mystery, in fact Keanu Reeves’ skin suit would make him almost invisible at times, a mumbling wreck swaying centre stage. A waste of talent? A waste of money? To complete the experience, a left field musical score was needed to ensure that everything wasn’t as it seemed. The phone books are full of creative composers but Graham Reynolds And His Golden Arm Trio jumped off the page. The band name is from a Frank Sinatra film where he plays a drug-addled muso. Perfect. Graham Reynolds works in extremes, he’s collaborated with DJ Spooky, the Austin Symphony Orchestra and with live film collage creator Luke Savisky. More importantly his Golden Arm Trio are never three and never the same people twice. For the movie he created short sound bytes – a surf-like instrumental, a country-tinged breather, the sound of stuttering insects crawling through your hair. The resultant soundscape is itchy and scratchy, full of mood swings and musical metaphors, an ever changing and unpredictable set of highs littered with reflective undertones and occasional soft, almost super numb realities. THE SOUNDTRACK: “Strands of post-rock, electronica, jazz, and vintage rock are woven and recombined throughout the album for unusual juxtapositions.” All Musi // “A tactile, emotional resonance often missing in contemporary scoring.” Soundtrack.ne // The music in isolation is bold and uncompromising, shifting as it moves through genres and sounds. THE COMPOSER : Graham Reynolds works in extremes; Short take moments of sound – whether it be a surf-like instrumental, a country-tinged breather or the sound of stuttering insects crawling through your hair – are all in his tick box. The resultant soundscape is itchy and scratchy, full of mood swings and musical metaphors, an ever changing and unpredictable set of highs littered with reflective undertones and occasional soft, almost super numb realities.

“Friends, they are my ticket out of this place I am in… feels like nothing more than a dirt bike vacation stop between Phoenix and San Diego.” Dirt Bike Vacation—for Worried Songs Records—explores the sonic world of the late amateur guitar player, Charles ‘Poppy Bob’ Walker, through a captivating set of instrumental songs made in the mid-1980s. Recorded on a single-track, Marantz field recorder, the project is a transportive document of Walker’s days spent as a meatpacking employee in Yuma, Arizona and the dailiness of that existence: driving to work, sitting in his backyard, walking around drunkenly, unwinding on the couch with a friend. These sketches, showing an experimental tendency, are surprisingly ahead of their time; some exhibit ad hoc tape delay (“Granite Bluffs,” “Goodbye YMCA”), while others make use of primitive overdubbing (“Continuation to Moon Doctor”). Not dissimilar to works such as Bruce Langhorne’s The Hired Hand soundtrack, Walker’s guitar playing is melodic, texturally rich and beautifully sober. On a musical tour from Nashville to Los Angeles, musician-archivist, Cameron Knowler, uncovered these songs from a series of dusty cassette tapes housed at a branch of the Yuma County Library. Originally tipped off by cryptic metadata entries found through an online finding aid, Knowler requested a sound sample and was immediately drawn in by their eerie, yet hopeful nature: “I didn’t care what they sounded like at first, but once I heard just a few seconds, I had to find out everything I could about Charles, who he was, and if he was still alive.” As it turns out, the two had miraculously crossed paths over 20 years prior when Cameron was a young boy accompanying his mother, a gem trader, on a biyearly sojourn to Quartzsite, a town 80 miles north of Yuma: “Charles, sitting down and smoking in a recliner, withdrawn, held what I now understand to be a mid-1990s Martin D-28 guitar. Unlike other old-timers, his instrument was sharply tuned and had a nice sound, even to my young and uncalibrated ears. Though his left hand showed signs of highly developed arthritis, his musical ideas were animated by a palpably deep understanding of fretboard anatomy, arrangement and harmony.” Sorting through the index cards associated with these tapes, Knowler was able to gain a detailed sense of most recording’s provenance, whereabouts and time: Walker’s Datsun pickup truck chugging along boiling hot Interstate 80, the Marine Corps Air Station parking lot, the Eastern Wetlands on the banks of the Colorado River, a fishing trip to Martinez Lake. Trying to reduce the amount of his own subjectivities coloring the work, Cameron constructed titles and track sequences by borrowing information gleaned from Charles’ handwritten notes: “I tried to organize everything by time of day, giving the listener the sense of how a Yuma day might sound and feel like, and each song title—even the record itself—is borrowed from his own words.” This proved no small task, as many notecards had to be deciphered and then coupled with their native tapes which needed extensive restoration treatments. The result is a project very much out of the blue, and one that is intensely personal to Knowler, having grown up in the same town under similar circumstances. “It feels like a part of my own journey as a guitarist reckoning with the defining marks of a gothic border town,” he remarks. “At the time I would’ve met Walker, I didn’t have much outside influence, but he has been in there all the while.” In their current form, the tracks combine to create a sonic journey that boldly contributes to the traditions of acoustic guitar soli, archival digs and field recordings all the same; most importantly, it is a creative document which shows a day-in-the-life of a man grappling with the human experience under a ubiquitous Yuma sun.

‘I Got What You Need’ is the statement from a troubadour coming into town to inform and entertain the people. Bearing songs of soul searching, of spiritual uplift, of tunes to groove to. Equipped with a powerful voice and stinging guitar the troubadour lays down his marker and backs up the statement. Two Times UK Blues Award winner Mississippi MacDonald has it all to play that troubadour as he presents his third album on APM Records. The gravelly Gospel tones on If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again, and the imploring emotion on Your Dreams have MacDonald stretching out vocally. The former song in turn also showcasing another tour de force from regular backing vocalist Lucy Randall. Two self-penned instrumentals pay tribute; 3.35AM, to one of MacDonald’s prime influences Freddie King, and Soul City One to the in-house studio sound of Stax / MacDonald continues to be an excellent interpreter of southern soul and two more songs from the stable of Memphis studio and publishing house Ecko in Hard Luck and Trouble and the title track prove this. So too the band’s take on the R&B classic We’re Gonna Make It which in MacDonald’s hands really swings. Sinking is an epic ballad in which to lose yourself completely. The album is rich in variety, vibe and soulful energy. It’s MacDonald’s Blues and a whole lot more. MacDonald is a guest artist with the ‘Take Me To The River All Stars’, performing on stage at Red Rooster, filmed in session with Eric Gales and Jools Holland, and is filmed again at Royal Studios in Memphis on October 1st. MacDonald and band will perform at the UK Blues Challenge on October 8th, MacDonald is special guest of Visit Mississippi in Liverpool on October 18th when they unveil the first ever Blues Trail marker outside The Cavern. MacDonald will perform with Clarksdale veteran Super Chikan. International PR agent Blind Raccoon has been engaged to promote the new album. Last album ‘Heavy State Loving Blues’ was no. 1 on Roots Music Radio Contemporary Blues, no.1 on the IBBA chart for albums of the year 2023, and top 50 on the US Apple iTunes Blues chart, plus plays and a session on BBC Radio 2 Blues Show (Cerys Mathews). Live shows running up to end of March 2025. A singer/ songwriter from London who speaks quietly but makes music with real gravitas. A rising star since winning Traditional Blues Artist Of The Year and Acoustic Act of the Year at the 2024 UK Blues Awards. MacDonald has released two previous albums on APM Records. ‘Heavy State Loving Blues’ in 2023, and ‘Do Right Say Right’ in 2021- selected as a top 10 Blues album of the year in MOJO.

NOW Music is proud to present the newest addition to the ‘Yearbook’ series: NOW – Yearbook 1981. NOW – Yearbook 1981; a celebration of the eclectic and creative brilliance of the year in pop. 4 CDs of 85 tracks that defined the charts in 1981. Available on a 4CD special edition which is housed in ‘hard-back book’ packaging, including a 28-page booklet with a summary of the year, a track-by-track guide, a quiz, and original singles artwork, and as a standard 4-CD package. A limited edition 3LP set pressed in translucent red vinyl, limited to 3,000 units and a 4CD set

Cobblestone Runway (Originally released 2002) was produced by Martin Terefe and features several of Ron"s most poignant songs including "God Loves Everyone", "Former Glory" and Ron"s biggest hit "Gold In Them Hills", which features a duet with Coldplay"s Chris Martin and was chosen by Richard Curtis to feature on the soundtrack to his film "About Time".

Opaque Mango Colored Vinyl. RIYL: Black Milk, Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Mos Def, Blood Orange, Milo, Pharcyde, Blackalicious, Anderson Paak. Richmond, Virginia-based artist McKinley Dixon has always used his music as a tool for healing, exploring, and unpacking the Black experience in order to create stories for others like him. For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her, Dixon's debut album on Spacebomb, is the culmination of a journey where heartbreak and introspection challenged him to adapt new ways of communicating physically and mentally, as well as across time and space. The language accessibility aspect of this project draws right back to communication and connecting," Dixon explains. "I think about the messaging, and how this can be a way for another Black person, someone who looks like me, to listen to this and process the past. Everything I've learned about communication for this album culminates with this bigger question about time. Is time linear when you're still healing and processing? Westerners look at time travel as something to conquer or control - it's a colonizer mindset. That's ignoring how time travel can be done through stories and non-verbal communication, and doesn't acknowledge how close indigenous people are to the land and the connections groups have because they've existed somewhere for so long. Storytelling is time travel, it's taking the listener to that place. Quick time travel. Magic." Never relying solely on beats, Dixon taps into a hybrid of jazz and rap, pulling in an array of piercing strings, soulful horns, percussion, and angelic vocalists throughout the album-plus features by Micah James, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, Pink Siifu, and more. Jazz instrumentals add a level of uncertainty, with the sounds and shifts evoking a lot of emotion and vulnerability. It's an energy he describes as "Pre-Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly," the era when rap adopted more live instrumentation. The best way to sum up this album is: I was sad, I was mad, and now I'm alive," Dixon explains. "These things I talk about on the record have had harmful and brilliant effects on my timeline, and have forced me to be cognizant of the fact that living is complex. Rap has allowed me the language to communicate, and be someone who can communicate with people from all over. Knowing how far I've come, I think people will find trust in the message I'm sending."

Having established a legacy as one of the most highly regarded contemporary UK Jazz musicians of the past decade, Newham-based pianist Alfa Mist’s discography boasts such stone cold classics as ‘Antiphon’ ‘Bring Backs’ and ‘Nocturne’. Alfa is yet to be boxed into a specific genre as his music spans everything from hip-hop beat-making to producing for artists such as rapper Loyle Carner, composing neo-classical works for the London Contemporary Orchestra, and reworking tracks from composer Ólafur Arnalds and pioneering jazz label Blue Note, not to mention his collaborations with the likes of Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch and drummer Richard Spaven, producer Lester Duval and singer Emmavie.

Now unveiling his next offering, Alfa revisits his stellar 2024 performance with Manchester’s extraordinary string outfit Amika Quartet at heralded venue Kings Place (London), capturing the magic of the evening within this awe-inspiring live album. Featuring a handful of brand new, never-before-heard tracks (alongside a number of expansions of previous releases), ‘Recurring’ sees Alfa drawing inspiration from classic live Jazz recordings, capturing a unique moment in time that can never be replicated or replayed. Creating an authentic, unpolished and electric feel, feeding his long-running mission of real-time musical expressions that evolve with each performance. On the genesis of the record, Alfa says: ‘Some of my favourite albums are captured live performances. I came home from a long year of touring and decided to work on some music for Amika Quartet who I've been working with for years on a few different shows and projects. A lot of the music I release is recorded in whole takes, I think there's something nice about doing the best you can with the moments you have. I wanted to take that one step further by recording it as a live show and seeing what happens.'’

Due for release via Alfa’s own Sekito Records imprint, a potent, raw and spontaneous energy permeates the release. Marking his first project with a full string arrangement, the iconic Kings Place venue’s reputation for spectacular acoustics, as well as intimate setting made an ideal location for the live recording. The decision to record in a live venue rather than a studio was driven by Alfa’s desire to push beyond his comfort zone and explore new creative territories. On first single ‘Checkpoint’, Alfa also takes to the microphone, breaking away from his usual introspective lyrical style to make comments on the current state of the world. He explains: “ 'I've written lyrics before but this is the first time I've ever tried to write a poem and it ended up being about the double standards of violence we see in this world everyday”. This offering is a testament to Alfa’s continuous evolution as an artist, blending his introspective lyric with broader societal observations, all while maintaining the improvisational spirit of jazz.

Pink Martini’s illustrious “Little Orchestra” joins forces with Hollywood Legend, Mamie Van Doren, in an enchanting duo set of throwback singles. “I Told Ya I Love Ya Now Get Out” brings a buoyant beat to a shockingly delightful breakup track. Mamie revisits “Ich dich liebe” after first singing it in the 1964 Spaghetti Western film Freddy and the Song of the Prairie and somehow it’s as transporting now as it was then. Building on her already incredible legacy, Van Doren brings a fantastic energy to these tracks, which she recorded with Pink Martini in her early 90s, injecting her quintessential charm and verve into the vocals, which interweave perfectly into the rich and glamorous sound of Pink Martini.Ads and reviews in R" and London Macadam.

Fronted by former South London lovers rock vocal harmony group, Alpha (sisters Jackie & Jean Heron and Marlene Richardson), Take Three was the brain-child of writer/producer trio "S.H.E." - Steve Sinclair, Peter Hinds & Kevin Ellis.

Meeting each other at The Factory community centre in Paddington (now known as the Yaa Asantewa centre and in the last few years, The Yaa Centre) Steve & Kevin began a partnership writing and directing their own theatre productions as part of The Black Theatre Co-Op, which called the centre home at the time. When a song they had written together for one of their productions received praise and plaudits, the path toward writing and producing records began, bringing in more seasoned hand Peter Hinds - formerly a member of key brit funk groups Light of the World and Beggar & Co, and player with Incognito, Imagination & Loose Ends - to complete the circle.

Take Three represented the first project for a creative partnership that would spawn multiple projects/aliases spanning the UK soul, funk & dance scenes, and still continues to this day. With this compilation we showcase for the first time the group's combined output as Take Three, complete with previously unreleased material.

The first edition of Era Specific Noise is both an ode to the early 2000s and the debut of a new alias by label founder Richardson. Having spent the better part of his recent memory scouring record stores and consuming more VG+ dance music than is medically recommended, this 12-inch marks a personal shift towards character-filled production without limitation.

Armed with a growing appreciation for the originality and love poured into old-school techno, ESPN001 is the first glimpse into Richardson's fast-growing stockpile of musical weaponry.

We kick things off with "Introductions", the first of two upbeat, vocal-laden pieces of DJ-friendly dance music that make up the A side. A new hardware-focused approach produces whirling, stabbing chords and a groovy baseline to meet the eponymous sample of this track. Up next, "Coming In Hot" which does just that - presenting a cohesion of warm, groovy techno littered with dubby synths and a throwback feel.

On the flip side is a pair of fresh takes reminiscent of the more functional sound of the era - the timeless, loopy techno that powers dancefloors worldwide. There’s nothing quite like finding a hidden gem on the B side! Robotic vocal loopings and a galloping low-end form “Notch”, a warehouse tune completed by a warmer feeling send-off littered with floating pads and a classic Reese bass. Closing out the release is “Synthetic Scream”, a synthesiser in anguish showcasing an almost mournful interpretation of the 909 era, complete with fast, driving percussion and classic break hits.

Welcome to Era Specific Noise - New school old school.

"Amid the great British bands that have inspired the theme of this year’s National Album Day, Stereophonics continue to prove themselves to be one of the greatest. Originally formed in Cwmaman, South Wales, in 1992, the group, now consisting of Kelly Jones (vocals, guitar), Adam Zindani (guitar) Richard Jones (bass), Jamie Morrison (drums) and touring member Tony Kirkham (keyboards), made their mark with the Words Gets Around (UK No.6) and Performance and Cocktails (UK No.1) albums, and continued their chart-topping run with their third release, 2001’s Just Enough Education to Perform. Remaining at the top of the UK charts for two weeks, the album sold 140,000 copies on its way to becoming the fourth biggest-selling album in the UK in 2001. Re-entering the charts several times over the next three years, it would be certified six-times platinum and crowned the 39th best-selling album of the decade. With more than 400,000 copies sold to date and streaming figures sailing past the 340 million mark, Just Enough Education to Perform makes a welcome return to vinyl for this year’s National Album Day, in an exclusive, limited-edition green pressing. Beloved by fans, the album featured three Top 10 singles, ‘Mr. Writer’ and ‘Have a Nice Day’ making for a timeless work that fuels Stereophonics’ continued appeal. Still releasing music today, the group have continued their chart-topping streak, with their latest album, 2022’s Oochya!, becoming their eighth UK No.1 album."

"One of the most iconic groups of the late 20th century, Dire Straits established their timeless sound from the
moment they first appeared on the London gig circuit, in 1977. With faultless musicianship and memorable songs
that quickly connected with music lovers, it was clear the group would set their own path, proving that, even amid
the new-wave era, classic songwriting would never go out of fashion.
After three years of relentless hard work, touring, writing and recording their music, the group entered the 1980s
well on their way to becoming the biggest-selling band in the world. That year’s Making Movies album would also
make its presence felt on the silver screen, thanks to the inclusion of the UK No.8 single ‘Romeo And Juliet’ – later
used in films such as Empire Records, Hot Fuzz and I, Tonya – and live favourite ‘Tunnel Of Love’, which featured in
the 1982 Richard Gere film, An Officer and a Gentleman. Dire Straits’ frontman, Mark Knopfler, would later explain
to The Times how satisfying it was to write ‘Tunnel Of Love’: “It’s the moment when you know you’re really on to
something,” he said. “There’s a certain part of the song that I call the breakdown and when I got there I could feel
the drums, the piano, all the things that I wanted all the instruments to do. When you get to that state, there’s a
strange sense of one thing following another, of elements falling into place quite naturally.”
Paying extra attention to those elements, this half-speed master of Making Movies has been overseen by Miles
Showell at Abbey Road Studios, in London, resulting in a cut that has a superior high-frequency response (treble)
and very solid and stable stereo images. Pressed on 180g vinyl, it comes with alternative artwork that swaps the
red and the blue of the original album sleeve, plus a printed inner sleeve, a “Half-Speed Master”-branded obi-strip
and an Abbey Road certificate of authenticity.
"

For the next reissue in Mr Bongo’s Cuban Classics series, we look to Raúl Gómez’s entrancing 1977 Instrumental album. Presenting a unique blend of orchestral disco and jazz-funk, with Afro-Cuban flavours and soundtrack influences, it’s rich with drum breaks, energy and evolving compositions. A record that forever keeps you guessing, powered by an exemplary orchestra at the top of their game.

Cuban composer and singer Raúl Gómez is most known for featuring in the groups Mirtha Y Raul and Los Bucaneros alongside producing the Cuban classic Los Reyes 73 album, amongst a whole host of other incredible productions over the years. Released on Cuba’s state-owned label Areito, Instrumental sees Gómez not only as an instrumentalist and author, but also as a producer and arranger.

It's an album that deftly evades pigeonholing. Floating between instrumental mood music and library/soundtrack mastery, followed by explosions of cosmic-Latin funk, psych guitar workouts and compositions that reflect the orchestrated disco coming out of the US at the time, from greats such as Love Unlimited or MFSB. Lace that together with a healthy serving of Afro-Cuban magic to underpin the tracks and it’s a recipe for a record that captivates from start to finish.

Predominantly an instrumental album as the title suggests, the record showcases the Orquesta EGREM in full flow, soaring strings and vibrant horns at every turn. Highlights include 'Mi Samba Carnaval' with its breathtaking drum break, bubbling synths and sublime arrangements and the romantic film music impressions of ‘Tema De La Sierra', that have been a sampling source for many a producer. Elsewhere, ‘6 Son’ is a mind-melding psych guitar powerhouse, with 'Dacapo', written by Gilberto Peralta, offering up a slice of atmospheric and energetic Latin shuffle. One of only a handful of tracks where scat vocals compliment the orchestral tones, a Brazilian percussion theme marries with dancefloor sensibilities for a dose of feel-good, brilliance.

A wide-ranging, multi-dimensional release, Instrumental exhibits musicianship, composition and creativity at its finest and demonstrates another key example of the rich output of music that flowed from the island of Cuba post revolution.

Norwegian pianist Eyolf Dale’s lateral approach to composition is given full range on his beautiful new album. Featuring his trio with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, conducted by Edition Records artist Japanese maestro Miho Hazama, The Space Between Two Notes is a nuanced investigation of sound and space.

Eyolf Dale, the renowned Norwegian pianist and composer, releases his latest album, The Space Between Two Notes, his 7th album released under Edition Records. This new album elegantly reimagines selections from Dale's celebrated trio albums, Beingand The Wayfarers, with rich orchestral arrangements featuring the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, conducted by fellow Edition artist, Miho Hazama.

The Space Between Two Notes explores a mesmerising blend of jazz and classical music, harmoniously integrating the intimatedynamics of a trio with the grandeur of an orchestra.

The album is an exploration of musical intervals—the nuanced spaces between notes—which shape the auditory landscapes of Dale’s compositions. This approach sets it apart from traditional jazztropes, which often emphasize vertical structures, like chords and melodies. Dale, however, crafts his music horizontally, focusing on the relationships and distances between sounds.

Eyolf Dale’s approach to music is profoundly influenced by his rich musical upbringing and an early fascination with the varied textures of sound: from the intricate works of Pat Methany to the vibrant tones of Norwegian jazz. This diverse background informs his unique musical language, which is not confined by genre but instead resides in the intriguing liminal space between established musical traditions.

The album features not only Dale's pianistic finesse but also the empathetic interplay of his trio, including Audun Kleive on drums,whose sensitive accompaniment ensures the music's purity of expression. As Eyolf points out "One of the most challenging aspects, in my opinion, of blending classical and jazz elements lies in the delicate balance of the drummer's cymbals.” Together,they achieve a unity of sound that transcends the sum of its parts, further enriched by the poised bass playing of Per Zanussi andthe orchestral collaboration. This synergy allows the music to unfold naturally, each note and silence carefully articulated to communicate more than mere melody.

Limited Edition Orange Coloured Vinyl.

Nap Eyes' metamorpher fünfter Longplayer versammelt neun faszinierende Songs, die in den vier Jahren seit "Snapshot of a Beginner" aufgenommen wurden. "The Neon Gate" enthält klassische Themen (das unruhige Zusammenspiel von Physik und Philosophie, umherwandernde Meditationen, Selbstbefragungen, Öffnungen der Surrealität, Videospiele), aber auch Anzeichen für abweichende Impulse in Richtung nichtlinearer Abstraktion und improvisierter Komposition in Langform (was zu ihren bisher diskursivsten, dekonstruiertesten und delikatesten Liedern führt) und erzählerischer und lyrischer Formalität (einschließlich der Adaptionen von dornigen Gedichten von Alexander Puschkin und W. B. Yeats), die den Eindruck vermitteln, dass sich Nap Eyes ebenso gewandelt haben wie ihr Verständnis davon, was ein Lied ist, was es kann und wohin es gehen könnte.

"Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me", das vierte Album von Porridge Radio, wurde Anfang 2024 in Somerset vom langjährigen Big Thief- und Laura Marling-Tontechniker Dom Monks aufgenommen und ist ein Moment des Erwachsenwerdens, inspiriert von Burnout, der Musikindustrie, Herzschmerz und der zunehmenden Vertiefung der Bandleaderin Dana Margolin in ihr eigenes Handwerk als Künstlerin. Margolins rücksichtsloser, sich selbst hinterfragender Schreibstil wird auf dem gesamten Album durch die bisher ergreifendste Musik der Band ergänzt, die sich geduldig aufbaut und tragisch intensiv ist. "Alle Songs begannen als Gedichte, ich wollte mich selbst herausfordern", sagt Dana Margolin über das Werk, aus dem "Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me" wurde. "In einem Song kann sich der Autor immer hinter den Tricks der Musik und altbekannten Techniken wie Wiederholungen verstecken. In einem Gedicht hingegen sind es nur Worte und das war's." "Vieles auf diesem Album handelt von einer frenetischen und verzweifelten Art von Liebe, es geht um den völligen Verlust meines Selbstbewusstseins in einer Beziehung und um den tiefen Rest von Unsicherheit und Schmerz, der eine neue Beziehung trübte." Lieder, die als Liebeslieder geschrieben wurden - wie "In A Dream I'm A Painting" - bekamen neue Bedeutungen, als Margolin die Lieder mit einer neuen Distanz betrachtete. "Es gab eine Menge Liebe und Verwirrung, alles durchsetzt mit Erschöpfung und Schmerz." Die Clouds-Sessions fanden in Frome statt, als der Winter zu Beginn des Jahres 2024 in den Frühling überging. "Es gab ein paar Zusammenbrüche", grinst Dana, eine faire Einschätzung der Aufnahme solch intimer und persönlicher Songs, "nach einigen Takes brach ich einfach auf dem Boden zusammen, so aufgebracht war ich." Es wurde ein Umfeld geschaffen, in dem Dana sich ausdrücken konnte und in dem sie gefördert wurde. "Wir hatten jeden Abend diese großen gemeinsamen Mahlzeiten", sagt sie, "es fühlte sich sehr eng und fürsorglich und warm und besonders an. Unser kleines Haus lag auf einem großen Hügel, ein Fluss floss hindurch, es war groß und hell und schön", erinnert sich Dana. Das Studio selbst war hell - voller strahlendem natürlichem Licht aus den großen Fenstern, ein Segen für Musiker, die an die abgeschottete Welt der meisten Aufnahmestudios gewöhnt sind, und zum ersten Mal konnten alle im selben Raum wie der Produzent aufnehmen. "Es fühlt sich an, als hätten wir zum ersten Mal etwas gemacht", erklärt sie und freut sich hörbar über das Album, "es hat etwas von unserer Freundschaft eingefangen und von der Art und Weise, wie wir gelernt haben, zusammen zu spielen. Ich liebe die Songs, ich liebe es, sie zu spielen, sie sind nicht alt geworden und es fühlt sich an, als wäre es etwas Besonderes." Eine Pause. "Es hat mich so viel gelehrt. Deinem Bauchgefühl zu folgen, auf deine Freunde und ihre Loyalität zu vertrauen, darauf zu vertrauen, dass du mit Leuten richtig kämpfen kannst. So will ich leben, so will ich Platten machen, denn Platten machen ist mein Leben, denn meine Arbeit ist mein Spiel, mein Job ist mein Leben. Alles ist in dieser Sache miteinander verbunden, und es gibt Wege darin, die mich nicht umbringen."

"Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me", das vierte Album von Porridge Radio, wurde Anfang 2024 in Somerset vom langjährigen Big Thief- und Laura Marling-Tontechniker Dom Monks aufgenommen und ist ein Moment des Erwachsenwerdens, inspiriert von Burnout, der Musikindustrie, Herzschmerz und der zunehmenden Vertiefung der Bandleaderin Dana Margolin in ihr eigenes Handwerk als Künstlerin. Margolins rücksichtsloser, sich selbst hinterfragender Schreibstil wird auf dem gesamten Album durch die bisher ergreifendste Musik der Band ergänzt, die sich geduldig aufbaut und tragisch intensiv ist. "Alle Songs begannen als Gedichte, ich wollte mich selbst herausfordern", sagt Dana Margolin über das Werk, aus dem "Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me" wurde. "In einem Song kann sich der Autor immer hinter den Tricks der Musik und altbekannten Techniken wie Wiederholungen verstecken. In einem Gedicht hingegen sind es nur Worte und das war's." "Vieles auf diesem Album handelt von einer frenetischen und verzweifelten Art von Liebe, es geht um den völligen Verlust meines Selbstbewusstseins in einer Beziehung und um den tiefen Rest von Unsicherheit und Schmerz, der eine neue Beziehung trübte." Lieder, die als Liebeslieder geschrieben wurden - wie "In A Dream I'm A Painting" - bekamen neue Bedeutungen, als Margolin die Lieder mit einer neuen Distanz betrachtete. "Es gab eine Menge Liebe und Verwirrung, alles durchsetzt mit Erschöpfung und Schmerz." Die Clouds-Sessions fanden in Frome statt, als der Winter zu Beginn des Jahres 2024 in den Frühling überging. "Es gab ein paar Zusammenbrüche", grinst Dana, eine faire Einschätzung der Aufnahme solch intimer und persönlicher Songs, "nach einigen Takes brach ich einfach auf dem Boden zusammen, so aufgebracht war ich." Es wurde ein Umfeld geschaffen, in dem Dana sich ausdrücken konnte und in dem sie gefördert wurde. "Wir hatten jeden Abend diese großen gemeinsamen Mahlzeiten", sagt sie, "es fühlte sich sehr eng und fürsorglich und warm und besonders an. Unser kleines Haus lag auf einem großen Hügel, ein Fluss floss hindurch, es war groß und hell und schön", erinnert sich Dana. Das Studio selbst war hell - voller strahlendem natürlichem Licht aus den großen Fenstern, ein Segen für Musiker, die an die abgeschottete Welt der meisten Aufnahmestudios gewöhnt sind, und zum ersten Mal konnten alle im selben Raum wie der Produzent aufnehmen. "Es fühlt sich an, als hätten wir zum ersten Mal etwas gemacht", erklärt sie und freut sich hörbar über das Album, "es hat etwas von unserer Freundschaft eingefangen und von der Art und Weise, wie wir gelernt haben, zusammen zu spielen. Ich liebe die Songs, ich liebe es, sie zu spielen, sie sind nicht alt geworden und es fühlt sich an, als wäre es etwas Besonderes." Eine Pause. "Es hat mich so viel gelehrt. Deinem Bauchgefühl zu folgen, auf deine Freunde und ihre Loyalität zu vertrauen, darauf zu vertrauen, dass du mit Leuten richtig kämpfen kannst. So will ich leben, so will ich Platten machen, denn Platten machen ist mein Leben, denn meine Arbeit ist mein Spiel, mein Job ist mein Leben. Alles ist in dieser Sache miteinander verbunden, und es gibt Wege darin, die mich nicht umbringen."

It's a pleasure, a labour of love and a yearly highlight to present a new volume of the Mr Bongo Record Club series. In this collection, we have curated new finds alongside old, treasured tracks that hold a special place in our hearts, selecting music inspiring us from the Brazilian, Latin, soul, disco, gospel, cosmic, dancehall and downtempo genres. We have chosen a diverse array of artists, including Os Panteras from Brazil, stomping underground disco by Claude Jay, the Danish soul sounds of Gitte & Inger and the gospel excellence of Truth & Devotion, to name a few.

Most of the selections in this volume are older vintage productions, however, there is one very special contemporary production, recorded exclusively for Mr Bongo Record Club 7. For ‘Spring Has Sprung’, we linked three of our cherished musical family together; the legendary cult artist Asha Puthli, the wonderous band SOYUZ and Swedish maestro Sven Wunder. The result, as you’d expect, is completely breathtaking.

Reflecting on Volume 7, it now feels like a record comprised of two themes. Firstly, we have gone quite heavy on the Brazilian selections. This saw us searching further afield and digging into other areas of the endlessly rich Brazilian musical tapestry. The reflection of a more folk / Afro-Brazilian sound than presented in previous volumes in the series, can be heard in the songs of As Sublimes, Romeu Fernandes and Conjunto de Percussão Dora Pinto. The second theme is a representation of the tracks that we have been playing in our club DJ sets and are aimed more at the dancefloor. Disco tracks such as 'Come Inside' by The Shades of Love and The Duncans' 'Too Damn Hot' have been firmly tested favourites in recent years.

We hope these songs, by the sensational artists on display, inspire you as much as they do us. Music is the gift that keeps giving and there is so much more to learn, find, and share.

Reissue auf bandeigenem Label Vier Promille: Das Debütalbum der Promillos - der Klassiker von 1999 - 25 Jahre später und zehn Jahre nach der letzten Auflage wieder als limitierte (Auflage 500) LP! Gelb-schwarz marmoriertes Vinyl mit doppelseitigem Insert. Seit 2012 nicht mehr mit dabei, hat der damaliger Gitarrist und Sänger Volker Grüner mit Gründung von 4 PROMILLE - erst als Projekt, dann als volle Band - mit dem Schreiben dieser Songs gezeigt wie "Ausstieg", Läuterung oder Kehrtwende praktisch aussehen kann. Ein langer Finger in Richtung jeglichem braun-rechtem Gedankengut und die Augen nach vorne gerichtet, bewies dieses Album wie Oi!-Punk musikalisch und textlich klingen kann. Damals schon und wie auch heute noch dabei: Pommes (Thomas Müller) und Basspromillo (Ralf Schmidt). Ein Meilenstein der Oi!/Streetpunk-Szene! 12 gut produzierte Oi! Punk Songs der Düsseldorfer. Mal kräftiger, mal ruhiger, mal mit männlichen, mal weiblichen Vocals, immer abwechslungsreich. "Es sind einfach gute Lieder die die Leute berühren. Sie zum Mitsingen und Spass haben, vielleicht auch zum Nachdenken bringen. Natürlich lässt man das ein oder andere Lied im Proberaum auch gerne mal weg, weil man es seit 20 Jahren auf jedem Konzert spielt. Aber wenn wir auf der Bühne stehen und die Leute schon beim ersten Akkord von ,Ich werd mich ändern" ausrasten, kriege ich immer noch eine Gänsehaut. Dafür machen wir das alles." Thomas 'Pommes' Müller zum 20. Jubiläum von Im Nächsten Leben/Tough Magazin, 2019

THE CHEFS tauchten zum ersten Mal auf der ,Vaultage 79" Compilation aus Brighton auf. Zwischen 1980 und 1981 veröffentlichten sie drei Singles: zwei auf dem legendären Brightoner Label Attrix, eine auf Graduate Records. John Peel und andere Radio DJs spielten ihre Songs zu Tode, was schließlich in BBC Radiosessions mündete. Nachdem THE CHEFS zu SKAT geworden waren, brach die Band auseinander. Helen McCookerybook sollte als HELEN AND THE HORNS Erfolge für sich verbuchen und ist heute noch solo aktiv. Diese Doppel-LP mit 26 Tracks von THE CHEFS enthält sämtliche ihrer Aufnahmen auf Attrix und Graduate Records, dazu bisher unveröffentlichte Songs des verschollenen Debütalbums, und Songs aus den Radio Sessions für John Peel und Richard Skinner. Dies sind die Wurzeln von C-86, von Indiepop und vielem mehr. Nebenbei ist ,Records&Tea" auch noch ein wirklich gutes Album.

Ella Raphael ist mit einer erstaunlichen Stimme gesegnet, voller Wärme und Emotionen; sie ist einnehmend, wie ein alter Freund, der Geschichten erzählt und spinnt. Mad Sometimes ist ihr Debütalbum, das über Fire Records erschienen ist.Aufgewachsen in London, umgeben von Geräusch, hörte sie erst Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, während sie Queen, den Beatles und die Stones aus der Sammlung ihres Vaters begegnete. Ellas musikalische Reise setzte sich in Australien fort, wo sie viele andere Musiker traf und schließlich mit Möchtegern-Piraten segelte, die am Bug ihres Bootes sangen und beschlossen, dass Musik der richtige Weg für sie ist. Begeistert von der Musik, die sie auf weiteren Reisen durch die USA und Europa entdeckte, verfeinerte sie diese eklektische Mischung und fügte Love, Serge Gainsbourg, Karen Dalton, Vashti Bunyan, Catherine Riberio And Alpes, die ursprünglichen Meister des Tropicalia, exotische 50er-Jahre-Gitarren und die esoterischen Klänge der mittleren/späten Beatles hinzu. Sie hat einen Sound perfektioniert, der so vielfältig ist wie ihre Einflüsse und Erfahrungen, eine Musik, die so schön ist wie ihre Umgebung. Sie nutzt die Feinheiten und subtilen Nuancen des Klangs, um sowohl Licht als auch Dunkelheit in ihre Musik zu bringen. Auf ihrer ersten LP entsteht ein Klang aus einer stilvollen Mischung aus Lap Steel, Mandoline, Guiro, Congas, Synthesizern, einer Shruti-Box und Streichinstrumenten, die von Ella, Eyal Samson, Uzi Ramirez, Ron Ephrati, Guy Mintus und Amir Sadot gespielt werden. "A timeless, Tropicalia-tinged day-dream" Gorilla Vs Bear Goldfarbenes Vinyl (mit DLC) oder Digi-Sleeve-CD!

Coming together as Raz & Afla, Raz Olsher and Afla Sackey converge worlds through their dynamic fusion of electronic and traditional African rhythms, forging a path that is as bold as it is innovative. Rooted in their deep-seated passion for music and cultural exploration, they seamlessly blend their distinct musical backgrounds to create a unique sonic landscape that captivates audiences worldwide.

Raz Olsher is a visionary producer and composer known for his boundary-pushing electronic soundscapes, bringing his expertise in blending diverse musical elements to the duo. His meticulous attention to detail and penchant for experimentation form the foundation upon which Raz & Afla's sound thrives.

Already part of the Wah Wah 45s family with his band Afrik Bawantu, Afla Sackey is an esteemed percussionist and vocalist with roots tracing back to Ghana. He infuses the duo's music with rich traditional African rhythms and melodies. Afla's virtuosity on percussion instruments and his soulful vocals add a visceral, organic dimension to their compositions, creating a mesmerising auditory experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

Together, Raz & Afla defy genre limitations, seamlessly weaving together electronic beats, Afrobeat grooves, and intricate percussive textures. Their music resonates with a deep sense of cultural authenticity and a forward-thinking approach that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.

Following on from their critically acclaimed full length debut The Cycle, and its subsequent remix project, their sophomore LP, Echoes Of Resistance, finds the duo remaining committed to exploring new sonic territories and creating music that speaks to the universal language of rhythm and melody. Once again, they invite listeners on a journey that celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of music to inspire and unite.

From more politically conscious cuts like the singles What's Going On? and We Taya, and On Da Phone, which deals with addiction to social media, to dealing with more personal and social issues on songs like ENo Be Me and Ano Be Mumu, Raz & Afla's music is something for the mind, body and spirit, as well as the feet.

There are moments of pure euphoria and unadulterated joy too though, as tracks like Mon Ni Fere, Voodoo Zeezee and Baby Moo inspire elated, tribal dance floor pleasure, and there's still time for a little, good old fashioned loving as Shikor Shikor conjures up the raw emotions of care and affection whilst delivering a hypnotic beat and instantly irresistible vocals from Afla Sackey.

With a growing discography that includes critically acclaimed releases and collaborations with musicians from around the globe, Raz & Afla continue to carve out their place in the international music scene. Their electrifying live performances are celebrated for their energy and the profound connection they forge with audiences, making every show a vibrant celebration of musical diversity and harmony.