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What Mom Jeans have proved themselves capable of in the past 2 years is nothing short of fantastic. Growing from ordinary college students to national touring artists in a matter of months, the indie rock quartet has been on a trajectory most bands could only dream of. The DIY touring route quickly had to fall by the wayside, as 200, sometimes 300, kids were showing up to house shows in basements across the country. Often, the band wouldn’t make it through more than a few songs before police had to come shut it down. Now, you can find them in venues of increasing size around the states, as one of the most sought after acts in their genre. On a constant stream of buzz, pressing after pressing of their debut hit “Best Buds” (2016) has sold out and the fans cannot get enough of the music they have been putting out. Music that takes influence from predecessors such as Modern Baseball and The Front Bottoms, but adds that new flavor that sets them into a league of their own, The Mom Jeans craze is just beginning.

GATECREEPER return with their highly anticipated new album Deserted. The new album, a furious mix of snarling guitars and driving, rhythmic pummeling takes death metal from its 80's Floridian roots and 90's Swedish expansion straight into the here and now. In fact, the vanguard of death metal in 2019 can be found under Arizona’s searing sun. That’s where GATECREEPER members—Chase Mason, guitarist Eric Wagner, bassist Sean Mears, drummer Matt Arrebollo and guitarist Nate Garrett—make their homes. Of course, the band nodded to their scorching home state with the title of their 2016 full-length debut, Sonoran Depravation. The theme continues on Deserted, which boasts songs like “Sweltering Madness,” “Boiled Over” and the double-meaning title track. You can hear the results on “From The Ashes,” a crushing cut primed for the European festival circuit. Over on side two, “Boiled Over” fuses classic BOLT THROWER with the pulverizing power grooves of sludge titans CROWBAR. Album closer “Absence Of Light” upholds GATECREEPER's tradition of finishing their records with a deathly doom dirge. Deserted was recorded at Homewrecker Studios in Tucson, where GATECREEPER co-produced the album with engineer Ryan Bram. CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou handled the mix at Godcity in Salem, MA, and Brad Boatright mastered the album at Audiosiege in Portland, OR. Deserted’s hallucinatory cover art was created by Brad Moore (TOMB MOLD, MORPHEUS DESCENDS, and more.)

Arizona newcomers GATECREEPER deliver 9 monstrous songs of low-end, old-school death metal on their savage debut album 'Sonoran Depravation'. Having devastated the underground since their formation less than three years ago, GATECREEPER now unleash their first full-length, produced by Ryan Bram at Homewrecker Studios and mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge, Nails, Black Breath) at God City Studios. 'Sonoran Depravation' tears and chugs through 30+ minutes of crusty, doom-soaked death metal at its most infectious and uncompromising with a massive sound that calls to mind the classic Swedish buzz-saw attack of Dismember and Grave mixed with the impeccable groove of Obituary and Bolt Thrower. GATECREEPER are here to carry the death metal torch for a new generation and will shake your foundation to its core.

Los York's became the epitome of Peruvian garage sound. 'Abrázame' features a beat-influenced go-go twang guitar garage psych tone throughout and the unique voice of the iconic frontman of the band resulting an irresistible Latin garage hipshaker! Set the dance floor on fire with this first time 45 reissue of the Latin garage anthem 'Abrázame'! Los York's became the epitome of Peruvian garage sound, and the kings of the multi-group concerts which teenagers flocked to on Saturday and Sunday mornings in Lima's main movie theaters. The group was in tune with the youth from popular districts who were gradually turning morning concerts into dynamic gigs as the fashion for solo rock-ballads waned and garage sounds by bands like Los Shain's, Los Derbys, Los Juniors, Los Flyers and, of course, Los York's took over. Their supportive fans would follow them to every gig. After releasing their three first singles on MAG, featuring covers of popular hits, it took them a year to turn their ideas into songs for their first LP that was successfully released at Christmas in 1967. The original version of 'Abrázame' was included in this album and also released as a single. Although clearly based on Don Covay & The Goodtimers' r&b classic 'Mercy Mercy', the recording features a beat influenced go-go twang guitar garage psych tone throughout and the unique voice of the iconic frontman of the band, Pablo Luna, resulting an irresistible Latin garage hipshaker! A rawer, fuzzier version of the same song was released one year later and renamed as 'Abrázame baby'. How cool and handy is to have both versions together on one single artifact? Set the dance floor on fire with this first time 45 reissue of the Latin garage anthem 'Abrázame'!

"Grand Slam’s new album Wheel Of Fortune is set for release on June 7th via Silver Lining Music. The four-piece band formed in 1984 by Phil Lynott and guitarist Laurence Archer before being forced to break up in 1986, have finally formed the appropriate return with a top-drawer of hard rocking songs which resonate with clear and present verve and energy.

Wheel of Fortune is the fully-realised modern Grand Slam sound, striding confidently back into the conscience of classic-rock fuelled devotees who didn’t know what they were missing. There are no more shoes to fill only boots`being worn on the ground, with Dyer’s style and swagger at the forefront of spirited leaders such as “There Goes My Heart”, while Archer’s fiery fretboard forays on the likes of the riffy “Spitfire” are a vital part of the Grand Slam architecture. With the lock-solid rhythm section of Newton and Reid underpinning affairs, Grand Slam not only stand on their own eight feet, they’re also able to directly engage with their talismanic, legendary founding energy with “Come Together (In Harlem)”, a moody, strutter of a song from the Phil Lynott days with (mostly) Phil Lynott’s lyrics.

But make absolutely no mistake: Grand Slam are not a band returning from their past, but a band firing intentions regarding their future, as the epic, multi-layered, steamy swing of “Pirate Song” suggests… Let the music do the talking."

"Pretenders ‘Learning To Crawl’ is to be reissued on standard black vinyl and clear vinyl for RSD Stores & HMV on 7th June 2024. Celebrating the album's 40th anniversary, this reissue is true to the original 1984 release with the artwork and tracklisting remaining the same. This pressing of ‘Learning To Crawl’ features 2018 remastered audio by the album’s original producer, Chris Thomas, on vinyl for the first time.

‘Learning To Crawl’ is Pretenders’ third album, released after a band hiatus which saw in this time the sad passing of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon before recording started. It sees an assortment of guitar and bass players on the record before Robbie McIntosh and Malcolm Foster joined Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers making the band a four piece.

The 1984 album is certified Gold and Platinum in the UK and US respectively and reached #11 on the UK albums chart and #5 in Billboard 200, featuring some of their most loved songs including ‘2000 Miles’, 'Back on the Chain Gang' both singles securing spots in the UK top 20 singles chart."

In 1999, The Aquabats! enter experimental territory with the release of "The Aquabats! vs. the Floating
Eye of Death!" Expanding beyond their ska roots, the band flexes their imaginative songwriting muscles
both in subject matter and style. A retroactive favorite with fans, The Aquabats! push into a more
electronic sound that presages their future records.

London, UK – May 23, 2024 – The Original Gravity Label proudly announces the release of "Gravity Dubs Vol.1," the highly anticipated new LP from label boss and chief musician Neil Anderson, a.k.a Prince Deadly. This pioneering collection sees Prince Deadly masterfully dubbing some of the early Original Gravity Reggae releases, transforming them with his signature early dub style. "Gravity Dubs Vol.1" is a testament to Neil Anderson’s deep-rooted passion for reggae and dub music. As Prince Deadly, he has meticulously reimagined and remixed classic tracks from the Original Gravity catalogue, infusing them with a fresh, vibrant energy while staying true to the genre's authentic roots. This LP is set to be a landmark release, bridging the gap between the past and present of reggae music. Neil Anderson, the creative force behind the Original Gravity Label, has long been celebrated for his innovative approach to music production. With "Gravity Dubs Vol.1," he continues to push the boundaries, offering listeners a rich, immersive experience that honours the traditions of early dub while introducing contemporary elements. "Gravity Dubs Vol.1" features an array of reworked tracks that highlight the versatility and depth of the Original Gravity Label's early reggae releases. Each track has been carefully crafted, showcasing Prince Deadly's expertise in blending hypnotic basslines, echo-laden rhythms, and atmospheric effects. The result is a collection that not only pays homage to the genre's pioneers but also sets a new standard for modern dub music. "I've always been deeply inspired by the roots of reggae and dub," said Neil Anderson (Prince Deadly). "With 'Gravity Dubs Vol.1,' I wanted to take the ethos of the formative years of Dub, where studio creators re-visited the classic Studio One rhythms to create a completely new sonic landscape. "Gravity Dubs Vol.1" will be available on all major streaming platforms from 1st June and the vinyl is now on pre-order and will be shipping in early June.

Speed, Glue & Shinki’s last album has been reissued in a gorgeous specification that faithfully reproduces the original, including the entire volume band! Released in 1972. It is a two-disc set that became the last album. Famous for its tiger jacket. There are a lot of songs that seem to be centered on Joey Smith now, but Bluesy Rock is fully opened like the previous work. Although some lyrical songs can be seen, the D-side medley makes heavy use of the precious Moog synthesizer at the time. Guests include Michael Hanopol, Shigeki Watanabe, Hiroshi Oguchi. The 96khz24bit sound source mastered in 2017 is used for this analog conversion. The jacket is a single jacket × 2, a full-length band, a lyrics card, etc. The original is reproduced as much as possible.

Karriere Höhepunkt! Auf ihrem 7. Album 'Interplay' führen die britischen Shoegaze-Pioniere Ride alle musikalischen Fäden ihrer Karriere zusammen, die typischen rasenden Gitarrenwellen und hypnotischen Grooves treffen auf die träumerisch-melodischen Hooks ihrer Frühwerke. So bildet sich ein umfangreiches Sound-Geflecht, das auch Synthesizer-Verzierungen, psychedelischen Folk, elektronische Beats und Noir-Pop-Soundscapes mit einbezieht.

Das neue Album folgt auf 'Weather Diaries' (2017) und 'This Is Not A Safe Place' (2019), die den Funken von Ride neu entfachten und sowohl alte Hasen erfreuten als auch ganz neue Fans erreichten. Gerade auch dank des schnellen Shoegaze-Wachstums durch TikTok, die der Band eine neue Welle von Gen-Z-Anhängern einbrachte.

Remastered vinyl of the original album which came out on CD only in 2005. Limited to 200 copies on classic black vinyl. This is an album that’s as alive as any could be. Indeed, far from sounding like the last desperate set of half-baked ideas from a once vital band (hello Oasis?) Artists Cannibals Poets Thieves is more like a debut album from a bunch of teenage upstarts: free from cynicism, fired with worldly wonder and chock full of ideas. This is certainly a different outfit from that of 1998, when they first wowed us (via John Peel, naturally) with the utterly essential sprawling noise that was The Things We Make. Long since stripped down by a series of resignations from a five strong collective to a taut three piece featuring founding members Chris Olley, James Flower and Chris Davis, the music has simplified considerably. Gone are the soundscapes of old, and in their place we have a series of sharp basslines, swirling keyboards, cutting guitar lines and the passionate hollering of frontman Olley. Opener All I Really Want From You Is Love is a perfect introduction to proceedings – a truly wonderfully distorted slab of indie rock, recalling early Jesus And Mary Chain in both its fuzz and, crucially, its wonderfully crafted tune. Next, Nowhere To Go But Home sounds like New Order if they’d emerged from Detroit in 1966. Tonight (I Wanna Make It Out) follows likewise with the best bassline Peter Hook never plucked. Throughout, Six By Seven manage to sound so natural, so refreshing free of the flab and introspection that a band on its last legs would usually succumb to. And whilst the momentum is momentarily lost as the drum machine makes an appearance to fashion the Suicide-esque trawl of Stara Paris Rescued Me, it’s not long before Just Get It Down muscles things back on course with a whispered Olley diatribe perched on top of more raw cacophony, before we reach the bitter end via the Depeche Mode-on-smack You Know I Feel Alright Now. Tracklisting:

Repress!

Twenty years ago, London Elektricity unleashed one of the most seminal drum & bass albums into the world. 'Billion Dollar Gravy' was Tony Colman's second longplayer, following the iconic debut project 'Pull The Plug' released in 1999. Widely acclaimed and well-respected for a multitude of reasons - from the iconic album artwork of Tony holding the 'Billion Dollar Gravy' picket sign, to revolutionary anthems such as album title-track 'Billion Dollar Gravy', 'Different Drum' and 'Fast Soul Music', two decades on, the album is revisited with a fresh sonic injection.

'Billion Dollar Remixes' is a meticulously crafted project which aligns a selection of some of the finest drum & bass talent with the album originals, making way for the likes of Watch The Ride, Whiney & Unglued, Mozey, Dogger & Mindstate, Zero T, Kimyan Law, Bop x Subwave, imo-Lu, Hugh Hardie and Conrad Subs to put their spin on the 2003 classics.

Pressed onto 2 x pink transparent heavyweight 12" vinyls.

The Talented Italian Producer, Known for His Enigmatic Project Hill and Recognized for His Previous Ep Collaboration With the Detroit Legend Javonntte on Skylax Records, Is Making a Much-Anticipated Return Under His Real Name, Alessio Collina. an Ardent Aficionado of Authentic House Music, Collina, Hailing From Italy, Gifts Us a Remarkable Lesson in His Latest Offering, the "Pieces of Life Ep." Collina's Dedication to the Origins of House Music Is Evident Throughout This Ep, and It's a Refreshing Reminder of the Genre's Timeless Roots. Italy, a Country With a Deep Appreciation for House Music, Once Again Serves as the Source of Inspiration for This Artist. the "Pieces of Life Ep" Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to the High-Energy and Groove-Laden House Tunes of the 90s, Echoing the Sounds of Iconic Figures Like Dj Duke, Marshall Jefferson, and Labels Like Strictly Rhythm. With Each Track, Collina Effortlessly Transports Us Back to That Golden Era, Capturing the Very Essence and Spirit of That Unforgettable Time. the Ep Kicks Off With the Electrifying "All of That," an Absolute Masterstroke That Sets the Tone for What Follows. Its Pulsating Beats and Infectious Melodies Are Reminiscent of the Fervent Dance Floors of Yesteryears, Evoking a Sense of Nostalgia While Remaining Incredibly Fresh and Contemporary. the Ep's Three Other Titles, "Humble Groove," "Lost World," and "Mid Season," Continue to Captivate and Immerse Listeners in Collina's World of Evocative, Groove-Filled House Music. Each Track Showcases His Meticulous Attention to Detail and His Ability to Create an Authentic Atmosphere That's True to the Genre's Roots. Collina's "Pieces of Life Ep" Is More Than Just a Musical Collection; It's a Genuine Homage to the Spirited House Music of the 90s. His Dedication to Preserving the Essence of the Genre While Infusing It With His Unique Creativity Shines Through in Every Beat and melody.

This Ep Not Only Reinforces Italy's Profound Connection to the House Music Legacy but Also Solidifies Alessio Collina's Place Among Contemporary Artists Who Honor the Past While Paving the Way for the Future. as Skylax Records Prepares to Release This Exceptional 12-Inch, It's Clear That "Pieces of Life" Is a Treasure Trove for Any House Music Enthusiast, Inviting Them to Rediscover the Magic of the 90s With a Fresh Perspective....

Vertigo is a 1958 American film noir psychological thriller film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. Vertigo received mixed reviews upon initial release, but is now often cited as a classic Hitchcock film and one of the defining works of his career. On this LP you will find the music of the original soundtrack along with some bonus tracks culled from other Alfred Hitchcock films and even from the television series.

Veteran electrohead and former artist on the Rephlex Records roseter DMX Krew's Ed DMX takes the well-known story by Jorge Luis Borges of The Library of Babel, said to contain all the different languages of the earth. Some deep philosophical thought has gone into the album's concept, but we'll leave that to Ed to explain. Instead, we'll tell you that from beginning to end there's plenty of the kind of trademark 80s synth playfulness in evidence, with a generally more mellow and soundtrack-related rather than frenetic and dancefloor-filling vibe in evidence, even on faster tracks like 'The Combed Thunderclap'. Still, Ed knows what he's doing when it comes to this kind of leftfield electro gear, and it's a rewarding, never boring listen.

Pünktlich zum 10-jährigen Jubiläum ihres Mega-Hits "All About That Bass" ist "Timeless" eine Bestätigung für Meghan Trainors Entwicklung als Künstlerin in den letzten zehn Jahren. Auf "Timeless" nähert sie sich den Themen Selbstliebe und Selbstbestimmung mit mehr Selbstvertrauen als je zuvor, was durch ihre intelligenten Texte und die unverwechselbare Produktion zum Ausdruck kommt.

Despite initial obstacles, Loverboy established themselves as one of the most successful Canadian rock bands of all time. "Working For The Weekend" is not only their mega-hit from the 80s, but has been Loverboy's motto for over 40 years. Their 1982 performance appears for the first time in fully restored & remixed sound. "Live In '82" not only captures the band's joy of playing and energy, but also reflects the golden era of the 80s: colorful clothes, fancy hairstyles (and headbands), great movies and great music. As a limited CD+Blu-ray edition & limited 180g Black LP edition with bonus DVD and including their mega hits "Working For The Weekend", "Turn Me Loose", "The Kid Is Hot Tonight" & more.

The bleak and foreboding landscape surrounding Keeley's North Yorkshire home seems to inhabit her third LP, 'The Hollow'. The moors, visible from her studio window, impact upon a music that feels made of these places: windswept, rain-soaked and blinking through the low-lit landscape. The album's title derives from discovering a long-abandoned mining shaft whilst out walking - the past lurking within and haunting the present we now occupy. A connection to time that places us within it, facing what is gone and what may come. But also, perhaps that time has no concern as to whether we're here or not.

Keeley's unique elemental voice again sits centrally within this world-building. Her cathartic reflections are exorcisms in song. We hear an artist making sense of her life, willing to expose vulnerability without ever appearing weak. Working again with producer Ross Downes, the LP features Matthew Bourne and Colin Stetson, Forsyth sought to expand both her voice and music. Taking aspects of sacred music, minimalist post-classical, dark ambient, film and theatre soundtracks, she layers her vocals into chamber choirs, applies pitch shifts and other digital processing, moves from clear articulate intention to mumbled numb utterances.

Composer Mihály Vig's score to Bela Tarr’s film 'The Turin Horse' is reimagined as a pressurised outpouring, recasting the everyday within a mythical light of survival and hope. On ‘A Shift’, Mal Finch's protest song ‘We Are Women, We Are Strong ‘, originally sung by wives and daughters in support of the '80s miner’s strikes, is recontextualised in solidarity for an experience of creative labour.

Afraid of Tomorrows ist das kommende zweite Album der britischen Alternative-Rock-Band The Mysterines. Das Album entstand nach der Veröffentlichung des Debütalbums Reeling im Jahr 2022 und der Tournee als Support für die Arctic Monkeys. Die Band schrieb fast 40 Songs in den Sessions für das Album, wobei die Songs, die „eine Emotion hervorriefen“, mit John Congleton aufgenommen wurden. Außerdem wurden sie durch den Dokumentarfilm Meet Me in the Bathroom inspiriert, der die Geschichten von New Yorker Rockbands der 1990er und 2000er Jahre erzählt, darunter die Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, LCD Soundsystem und Interpol. The Mysterines sind diesen Oktober wieder auf Tournee in UK/EU, u.a. in Berlin, Hamburg und München, und werden diesen Sommer auf Festivals auftreten, u.a. beim Hurricane und Southside. Das neue Album enthält 12 Songs und ist als limitierte coloured Vinyl erhältlich.

Makin' Moves! Here we present the hot new limited Edition Vinyl EP.

Side A brings you a tantalising remix from Chicago's finest, Mr Glenn Underground! "Let It Go" originally produced by MAQman and Joseph Junior on MM, gets the special treatment where GU gives us his signature CVO mix which is sure to grab the attention of DJ's, dancers and music lovers worldwide!!!

Side B On the flip we present a man of very few words, however expresses an executes the deep soulful sound eloquently. Trinidadian Deep gets busy with championing his signature roots stylee, curated especially for the dance floor sprinkled with a little baby powder!

''More Than Ever'' is another impeccable pearl of Roberto Ferrante, considered one of the most extraordinary and evocative Italo-Disco productions, one of those songs that attracted millions of followers and made everyone fall in love with the genre. GLAM's original 1985 12inch is no ordinary record. This vinyl reissue from Planet Records Classics with stunning new mastering makes it even more special. The voice of GLAM is Clio, according to followers one of the favorite singers in the distorted and mirrored world of Italo-Disco; she always has full control of the voice, therefore a perfect interpretation, full of emotion. If you listened to ''Faces'', ''Feel the Fear'' or ''Eyes'' by Clio and liked them, I'm sure you'll love this epic piece too! Thanks again to Roberto Ferrante for this new powerful mastering of ''More Than Ever'' fresher overall, performed with much more vitality and energy.

No sleep till Leipzig. 6 track EP in the ether with new and familiar faces. From acidic Slow-Death-Funk to the resurrection of Cybotron to a ballad that has been delayed by Deutsche Post. Claim it before you are shown an error message.

2024 Repress

Starting out in 2001 to tie up some loose ends from our regulars, SPEICHER has since become a guarantee for vanguard dance sounds from all over the planet, allowing KOMPAKT to invite and support electronic artists that comfortably inhabit both the delicate and the more deliberate ends of the electronic music spectrum. For SPEICHER 81, Amsterdam-based DJ and producer PATRICE BÄUMEL presents two adventurous minimal epics with decidedly mind-bending propensities.

As a long-running resident DJ at Amsterdam's renowned Trouw club, PATRICE BÄUMEL certainly knows how to draw in a crowd, having proven his skillful approach to hypnotic techno time and time again, as an impeccable host as well as an internationally acclaimed guest DJ in the world's leading venues. Just as his DJ sets, Patrice likes to infuse his own music with raw energy and a sense for sonic adventure - MILE HIGH GANG serves as a perfect example for his credo, underpinning its vibrant synth sequences with a meticulously crafted - and intensely propelling - beat.

The true mind bender, however, arrives with the flipside's aptly named VERTIGO, a deceptively simple, yet unstoppable son of a pitch shifter, cutting its way through spiralling serpentines in dizzying heights. Never one to let himself get bogged down by genre markers or scene compliancy, PATRICE BÄUMEL commutes between electronic factions with ease: he caters to a purist crowd as well as those in dire need of sonic surprises, giving both daydreamers and nighthawks something to rock out about.

2024 Repress


DANNY DAZE returns to KOMPAKT EXTRA / SPEICHER with one of the most intense and gratifying tracks we have had the pleasure to hear this year. The Miami native's relentless passion for underground '90s electro and techno resounds in "Aire". A collaboration with up and comer SHOKH - a name you may recognise from DANNY DAZE's imprint OMNIDISC. For those that like their techno dark and dirty.

The rise of PATRICE BÄUMEL since last's years now ironically titled "Surge" (KOMEX89) has been steady for good reason - positivity, passion and a lot of hard work. With his days as a resident of TROUW well behind him and now a key member of the KOMPAKT family, he has had what one would call a breakthrough year. There's that remix of CUBICOLOR that was nearly impossible to avoid. Then there's been a steady stream of remixes for SASHA & POLIÇA, MAX COOPER, DAMIAN LAZARUS and DEPECHE MODE. Oh yeah, he's also become a part of the AFTERLIFE crew and put out an EP called "Glutes". Welcome to "Sorcery" - a catch and release techno roller that ripens with a fundamental percussion lead.

So there it is - two luminous artists responsible for two of our most beloved singles of 2016 - now together on one 12".

Tangential Music is pleased to present the new album from veteran Spanish DJ and producer, Dj Toner (aka Antonio Herrera). Alongside his co-writer/arranger Daniel Molina and with guests that include the legendary Blue Note Records innovator Erik Truffaz and Grammy winning flautist and saxophonist Jorge Pardo, he has created a 10 track collection of slow-burning instrumentals that straddle the worlds of hip hop, jazz and electronica.

With a personal, precision tooled approach to his craft, the Andalusian has offered up an album of finely modelled downbeat moods.

At first glance, ‘Out Side’ is made up of recognisably superior hip hop instrumentals but if you listen carefully, and with patience, one can hear a craftsman at work. A wooden box is just a box until you look closer. The hidden joints, the perfect lining up of the grain, the years of artisanal graft and laser-focussed attention to detail that go into making something that has nothing present, that doesn’t deserve to be there. This is how Dj Toner operates.

The two singles that preempt the album’s release reveal different sides of his craft. ‘Camina’ struts with tough intentions. Soundtrack-y in an exploitation police drama manner, the get-out-of-my-way drum break and tension-filled chords suggest the bad cop, Erik Truffaz’s piercing lyrical trumpet lines, the good. The Afro-jazz horns led second release ‘Surprise’ is an altogether more playful, sunbaked affair. Sensual and slow-burning, there’s still an edge but it’s too hot to quarrel.

Dj Toner’s minimalist attitude to creation is shared with his co-composer Molina - an individual’s contribution may be cut to the bone, leaving just its aura or tone. The echo of a piano, a single blast of tuneful wind from a flute, a perfectly positioned drum hit.

Since the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA began applying his beatmaking prowess to movie soundtracks, the hip hop instrumental has been acknowledged as something to listen to, as much as being used as a DJ tool or backing for an MC. Dj Toner’s instrumentals can, therefore, be seen as soundtracks. Soundtracks to his life and craft, vignettes of his environment in both the urban sprawl and the wider and slower spaces of “el campo”.

The sweet-tempered jazz-blues of ‘La Rimosa’ is a gentle welcome to the album. A simple, laid back groove with the most romantic of piano hooks that one could imagine Common dropping rhymes on. You’re kept on your toes with the odd purposeful moment of discordant interruption but the tender heart of the composition is never far away.

‘O’Beat’ hints at John Coltrane with the sparse but full-sounding upright bass before a head-snap break leads into a curious piano groove, a vintage organ swirls into a psychedelic fractal, whilst the bluesy female vocal snippets add the spice, that zing in the Granadan gazpacho.

The flamenco guitar driven ‘Flama’ is an excellent example of intricate sample placement and musicality. Old school (school yard) scratch interludes, sweet piano hooks, a minimalist but knife sharp flute contribution from Jorge Pardo, and the crunchiest of drums taking us for an intriguing walk round the corner.

We’ve mentioned them before but it’s on ‘Sweetband’ that we can feel that Wu-Tang dread hanging off its shoulders. A brooding orchestral number with powerful horns and a cavernous piano hit. The title of the piece is in stark contrast to the dark shadows of the tune.

Erik Truffaz returns in fine form on the super lethargic jazz-funk-hop of ‘The Day’. His instantly identifiable muted trumpet sound paints dazzling colours over the more earthy tones of the filtered down keys as a rubbery upright bass keeps the forward momentum. Dj Toner’s ‘Blessed Are The Weird People’ album, was rated in Jazz Magazine as one of the 20 jazz albums of 2021, so he isn’t some dilettante when it comes to playing with the complex hues of jazz but he does like to strip it to its bare essentials.

‘Fanega’ sees a gorgeous flute contribution from Jorge Pardo. An eerie boom-bap groove with sprinkles of electronic pulses and washed out chords is the canvas on which the award-winning multi-instrumentalist evokes the heat shimmer of the savannah.


‘Esperanza’ translates as ‘hope’ in English and this lovely slow, swinging jazzy groove really does provoke feelings of positivity and belief. Sublime vibraphone and another stunning trumpet offering from Erik Truffaz, take us on a journey of warm days and possibilities, the shuffling drums and sweet chord patterns are nicely finished off by a tranquil horn chorus towards its unhurried end.

‘Under Beat’ ends on a beefy boom-bap groove with a liquid funk bassline, elegant synth strings and old school scratching. Again, there’s that undisputable soundtrack edge, action and motion, the smell of the city.

There you have it, 10 tracks that go beyond the surface, deep into the dedicated craft of Dj Toner. Decades of experience and collaboration purified and refined into beat-heavy emotions, listen closely or crank it up, it’s down to you!

Re-press expected soon: The Action Is Go Deluxe Edition, celebrates the band’s 4th album and debut of
guitarist Bob Balch and drummer Brant Bjork, which was originally released on 7 October,
1997.Produced by White Zombie’s J. Yuenger and recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios and also
at Grandmaster Studios in Los Angeles, California, The Action Is Go is considered a classic of the '90s and
a pillar for the "stoner rock" movement. Highlights include the lead single "Evil Eye", which was featured
on the soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and is included on the reissued version released 4
September 2020 alongside live staples "Grendel, Snowman,” “Hogwash” and “Saturn III”. This limited
edition 1,000 unit double LP run is cut at 45 RPM for maximum heaviness and the gatefold package
design includes never before seen photos of the band. Also included is a bonus Sparkle vinyl 7” of
“Swami’s Last Command” and an alternate version of “Module Overload” recorded during The Action Is
Go album sessions, both of which were previously only available on the European pressing of the original
album. Both the LP and 7” feature newly remastered audio for optimum fidelity.

repressed !

Gorillaz started the year with Episode 1 - ‘Momentary Bliss ft. slowthai and Slaves’ - of Song Machine, a whole new concept from one of the most innovative bands around. Now, six episodes in, Noodle, 2D, Murdoc and Russel have visited Morocco and Paris, London and Lake Como, as well as travelling all the way to the moon, and Gorillaz is ready to bring you the full collection titled Song Machine: Season One - Strange Timez, out on 23rd October 2020.

Song Machine is the ongoing and ever-evolving process which has seen Gorillaz joined by an expanding roster of collaborators captured live in Kong Studios and beyond. The result is an expansive collection of tracks embracing a myriad of sounds, styles, genres and attitudes from a breath-taking line-up of guest artists including Beck, Elton John, Fatoumata Diawara, Georgia, Kano, Leee John, Octavian, Peter Hook, Robert Smith, Roxani Arias, ScHoolboy Q, Slaves, Slowthai, St Vincent and 6LACK.
To date the project has seen over 100million streams on all tracks already and the band’s biggest period of sustained growth across both listenership and fanbase growth. All this before the album has even been announced!

Virtual band Gorillaz is singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, guitarist Noodle and drummer Russel Hobbs. Created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, their acclaimed eponymous debut album was released in 2001. The BRIT and Grammy Award winning band’s subsequent albums are Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (2011), Humanz (2017) and The Now Now (2018). A truly global phenomenon, Gorillaz have achieved success in entirely ground-breaking ways, touring the world from San Diego to Syria, winning numerous awards including the coveted Jim Henson Creativity Honor.

The band are recognised by The Guinness Book Of World Records as the planet’s Most Successful Virtual Act.












j 10. Désolé (feat. Fatoumata Diawara) Extended Version

2024 Repress

Straight in the wake of their eponymous debut LP released on the label back in 2016, Weval return to Kompakt this year with their sophomore album, 'The Weight', breaking their pop-mellow, nostalgia-friendly facet further out in the open as they arrive "at this place again were everything felt spontaneous, new and exciting, like we had in the beginning". Orbiting around that ever luminous yet wistful melodic halo that surrounds their music, this second full-length effort sweeps an extra-wide and languidly woven palette of emotions and moods, making for a uniquely ambitious and generously coloured mosaic of sound. If the recording sessions "often started grumpy and emotionless" by Harm and Merijn's own admission, the pair was "surprised by the joy it gave us, which can be compared to the emotions we felt back in the first days of making music together"; subsequently reconnecting with that fresh, naïve feeling of "absolute creative freedom" they were after. The album is also the fruit of a whole new working process for them - more playful and unpredictable - which saw them switch from "guitars lying around to piano, onto our own synths and the most cheap quirky toys synths you can imagine", and involved "recording all of our own samples, voice and almost every instrument out of the box - which for us was a totally new way of working". "We've always wanted a narrative for the album, and finding the right order perhaps took the most effort" they explain; "we felt anxious, felt insanely positive, felt heartbroken again, felt in love again, and there was death, and even suicide around us. It was quite chaotic. As a whole, 'The Weight' breathes with that transformative richness, free of limits and rules, except perhaps to "do quick and not think too much". Amidst this collection of songs and instrumentals that live by Weval's singularly positive take on music - one that can "lift you up, and make you feel hopeful without being necessarily straight out 'happy'" as they define it, the title-track and lead single stays true to the duo's dynamic approach, putting on a fine balance of floor and dream inducing adaptability that sound engineer David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The XX, FKA Twigs, Caribou… etc.) subtly made palpable. There's heavy showers of funk drops pouring from endless bars of thunderstorm clouds and laid-back riffs beating a restrained poolside-party kind of pulse, but also sensual vocals rising from beneath the sheets and rueful polaroid-filtered ambiences to soundtrack all possible moments in life - from the most euphoric to those when music seems the only viable healing potion. More on the post-KLF, BoC-inflected electronica side of things, 'Are You Even Real' takes its listener for a round-trip across the star-studded dome and beyond, before songs like 'Someday' and 'Same Little Thing' head back down to a state of pulsating, earthly organicity, tense and mercurial as get. An arpeggiated slice of piano-strewn kosmische, 'Heaven' is another invitation to an epic-scale odyssey from the inner-spheres into the distant fringes of the outer-world. Weightless and airy, yet texturally dense and widely magnetic overall, Weval second LP is a synthesis of the duo's multi-angle take on electronics: blissed-out, heartening and infinitely free.
Nur zweieinhalb Jahre nach der Veröffentlichung ihres selbstbetitelten Debutalbums finden sich WEVAL zurück "an jenem Ort, an dem sich alles spontan, neu und aufregend anfühlt - so wie als wir anfingen zusammen Musik zu schreiben". An diesem Ort entstand "The Weight", ihr zweiter Longplayer, auf dem Weval sich ganz den Pop-verliebten, Nostalgie-freundlichen Facetten ihres Sounds öffnen. Stetig um den sehnsuchtsvollen Strahlenkranz ihrer Melodien tanzend, legt diese Platte noch vielschichtigere, mit feinster Präzision gewobene Gefühlswelten frei.

Obwohl die Aufnahmesessions nach eigenem Bekunden oftmals "miesepetrig und emotionsarm" begannen, so war das Duo überrascht darüber, wie schnell sich bei der Arbeit jene Freude einstellte, die sie aus ihren künstlerischen Anfangstagen kannten, eine Woge des frischen, naiven Gefühls der "absoluten kreativen Freiheit". Dieses Album ist die Frucht eines verspielteren und unvorhersehbareren Arbeitsprozesses innerhalb der Band, in welchem alles zum Einsatz kam, was ihnen in die Finger kam - von der ollen Gitarre, die in der Studioecke stand, über ein Piano und den bandeigenen Sythesizern und den sonderbarsten Spielzeuginstrumenten, die man sich vorstellen kann. All dies sowie zahlreiche Vocalaufnahmen dienten als alleinige Samplequelle - "was für uns eine völlig neue Arbeitsweise war". "Es war uns wichtig für das Album den perfekten Erzählbogen zu spannen. Die richtige Reihenfolge zu finden war ein extrem aufwendiger Vorgang", erklären Harm und Merjin. "Uns war bange, wir fühlten uns total selbstsicher, uns zerbrach das Herz und wir verliebten uns erneut. Wir waren sogar von Tod und Selbstmord umgeben. Alles war Chaos. Insgesamt atmet "The Weight" die Reichhaltigkeit dieser sich ständig verändernden Gefühlslagen, frei von Einschränkungen und Regeln - außer vielleicht "mach es schnell und zerdenke die Dinge nicht." Inmitten dieser Ansammlung von Songs und Instrumentals, die aus Wevals einzigartiger, von Zuversicht geprägter Herangehensweise entstanden sind - "Musik, die dich hochzieht und Hoffnung spendet, ohne dich notwendigerweise happy zu machen. Der Titeltrack "The Weight" steht exemplarisch für Wevals ambivalenten Ansatz, die feine Balance zwischen Dancefloor und Traumzuständen, perfekt in Szene gesetzt von Soundengineer David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The XX, FKA Twigs, Caribou… etc.).

Der schwer aus gewaltigen Gewitterwolken tropfende Funk, die eine verhaltene Poolparty suggerierenden Riffs, die sinnlichen, geisterhaften Vocals und ein verwaschenes Ambiente, das wie ein Album alter Polaroidaufnahmen alle erdenklichen Momente des Lebens festhält - von den euphorischsten bis hin zu jenen, in denen Musik der einzige Trank ist, der Linderung verheißt. Das post-KLF und Boards of Canada evozierende "Are You Even Real" führt den Hörer auf einen imaginären Flug ins Sternenzelt, während organisch-klingende Songs wie "Someday" oder "Same Little Thing" wie Quecksilber am Boden haften. "Heaven" ist eines jener "kosmische" Stücke mit wilden Arpeggios und Pianosprengseln, die Weval in den vergangenen zwei Jahren zu einer Live-Sensation werden liessen. Wevals Musik ist schwerelos und luftig, aber gleichermassen von dichter Struktur und von einer magnetischen Anziehungskraft. Ihr zweites Album "The Weight" ist eine Synthese aus dem multi-perspektivischem, kaleidoskopischen Verständnis von elektronischer Musik: Herzerwärmend, alles umschmeichelnd und unendlich frei.

2024 repress.

French saxophonist Laurent Bardainne summons the spirit of astral jazz on heavy-grooving album, 'Hymne au Soleil'

A dreamlike, cinematic excursion to the outer reaches of the solar system and the inner workings of the soul, Laurent Bardainne returns to Heavenly Sweetness with his Tigre d'Eau Douce group for a second album of genre- agnostic jazzfunk.Building on critically acclaimed 2020 album 'Love Is Everywhere', 'Hymne au Soleil' sizzles with Arnaud Roulin's Hammond organ licks, in-the-pocket bass work from Sylvain Daniel, and shuffling drum and percussion interplay from Philippe Gleizes and Roger Raspail, pinning Bardainne's soaring saxophone lines to the mast like a flag in the wind.

The 11- track album represents a consolidation of Bardainne's vision as a consummate jazz saxophonist, having made his name collaborating with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Cassius, afrobeat legend Tony Allen and co- founding Tigersushi electro outfit Poni Hoax.
That eclectic experience comes to the fore on 'Hymne au Soleil', which is named after a piece by trailblazing French composer Lili Boulanger. Beginning with the lilting, late-night smoker "Oh Yeah", which recalls the mellow funk of Khruangbin, the album rolls through a rich musical landscape, whether in the Motown-era soul breakdowns of "Adieu My Lord" or the roaring, dance floor- ready "Hymne au Soleil", that draw parallels with the high-octane sound of UK jazz outfit The Comet Is Coming..

Der Guardian of HipHop, der König der Mongos, der Freak, das Ex-Deichkind, das Reimemonster, der Punk-Rock-Rapper und Schauspieler .. Sascha Reimann aka Ferris MC lässt sein Alter Ego wieder auferstehen und löst endlich sein Versprechen ein, das er der Generation gab, die er als Künstler wie kein anderer Rapper geprägt und versaut hat. Ferris MC hat seine bösen Dämonen besiegt, ist nun von allen bösen Geistern verlassen und nimmt seine Fans mit dem neuen Album „Mortal Comeback“ mit auf eine Zeitreise – positiv, überraschend und mit ein bisschen Nostalgie wird das „Früher-Gefühl“ ins Hier und Jetzt katapultiert. Er macht Musik wie und weil er es will, nicht weil er muss. Für Ferris MC ist es wichtiger wahrhaftig zu sein, als einem längst überholten Image treu zu bleiben. Die Texte schreibt sein Leben und so nimmt er seine Hörer:innen mit in seine Welt – so, wie er es schon vor 30 Jahren getan hat. Als Ausnahmekünstler ist und bleibt er auch mit „Mortal Comeback“ zeitlos. Zwar kommt er aus der alten Schule, schafft aber den Spagat in die Moderne, ohne irgendwelchen Trends hinterher zu jagen. Er hat keine Angst davor, sich weiterzuentwickeln und bleibt dabei authentisch – seine Authentizität ist sein USP, sein Entertainment-Faktor. Für Ferris MC gibt es keine Szene, der er angehört, er ist seine eigene Szene. Schließt euch dieser Szene an und heißt den Asi mit Niveau, der seine Schwächen in Stärken verwandelt hat, herzlich willkommen zurück! Ferris MC ist und bleibt ein Unikat, die Hoffnung der Hoffnungslosen mit der Stimme aus Eisen und voller Emotionen. Er ist zurück um zu teilen und wenn ihr es wollt, wird er auch bleiben.

3 Feet High and Rising is the debut studio album by hip-hop trio De La Soul, and was released on March 3, 1989. It marked the first of three full-length collaborations with producer Prince Paul, which would become the critical and commercial peak of both parties. It contains the singles, “Me Myself and I”, “The Magic Number,” “Buddy,” and “Eye Know”. The album title came from the Johnny Cash song “Five Feet High and Rising”. It is listed on both Rolling Stone’s 200 Essential Rock Records and The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. When Village Voice held its annual Pazz & Jop Critics Poll for 1989, 3 Feet High and Rising was ranked #1. It was also listed on Rolling Stone’s The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Released amid the 1989 boom in gangsta rap, which gravitated towards hardcore, confrontational, violent lyrics, De La Soul's uniquely positive style made them an oddity beginning with the first single, “Me, Myself and I.” Their positivity meant many observers labeled them a “hippie” group, based on their declaration of the “D.A.I.S.Y. Age” (Da. Inner. Soul. Yall). Sampling artists as diverse as Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and The Turtles, 3 Feet High and Rising is often viewed as the stylistic beginning of 1990s alternative hip hop (and especially jazz rap). 3 Feet High & Rising was chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance and general excellence.

This special boxset release of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising includes twelve 7” custom singles pressed on splatter vinyl and housed in custom sleeves, housed in a box that includes a 7” pinup and a double-sided 7” slipmat, and is available first at record stores as part of RSD Black Friday. "

DJ Support: Soul Clap, Walla P (Voyage Funktastique)

Nearly a decade after the first 'Tap Water,' XL Middleton delivers the sequel to what many consider a true classic of the modern funk genre. Weaving between singing, rapping, and the robotic refrains of vocoder, XL's vocals glide over his synth-drenched production, which manages to be simultaneously polished yet grimy. It's a perfect meeting ground for those steeped in the raw, underground approach to hip hop production and the cleaner, more organized ethos of dance music. Whether your jam is 80's boogie, 90's g-funk, or R&B-flavored dance music of any generation, 'Tap Water II' is sure to keep your glass full.

Operating from the depths of London’s musical underground since the late ‘90s, Infinity Plus One has been quietly toiling away, letting his music do the talking for the past two and a half decades. Cyphon Recordings draft in the veteran producer for a rare four-track EP of Detroit-infused, future-facing house and techno laced with the compelling lyricism of JaronX.

The Rebellion EP sees Infinity Plus One in some of his finest form to date. Leading the charge, ‘Context is Broken’ opens with JaronX’s poignant and passionate lyric on the state of global media, where sensationalism sells more copies than facts. From there, you dive headfirst into a hit of heavy-duty, contorted house. Crisp hats, punchy kicks and echoing stabs are interspersed with twisted electronics and JaronX’s arresting vocals. A sub-rattling bassline hits you square in the chest taking this neural club cut to the next level.

‘Say The Truth’ follows. A glitching, syncopated roller, woven with an entrancing monologue that is modulated and layered into tripped-out harmonies that echo around your brain.

On the flip side, ‘Identity Keeps Changing’ is a morphing techno weapon, where voices and synthesisers oscillate through different forms with every new turn. Rave-infused synth lines, breakbeats and a warped bassline channel that ‘90s warehouse flavour for a kinetic dose of dancefloor bedlam.

Rounding off the EP, the surging chords of ‘Utopia’ ping between your ears. A pulse that rides the kick drum, as dizzying arps and heavenly strings are layered into the mix to form a transfixing, gravity-defying techno immersion.

Fusing lyricism with the depth and dynamism of house and techno’s roots, Infinity Plus One hardwires meaning within his music. Visceral and thought-provoking, it’s a welcome respite in a sea of conformity.

Renowned US producer Maceo Plex releases his highly anticipated third album, ‘’93', a homage to his three-decade journey through the realms of electronic music. Marking both a passion and a prolific career, the maestro presents a tantalising body of work that masterfully blends House, Hip Hop, Global Bass, Techno, Breaks, and Electronica. This audacious fusion delves into historic and modern influences, crafting an audio journey that transcends time, rich in history yet boldly future-facing.

‘’93' is a cross-genre exploration, seamlessly balancing emotion with hard-hitting beats. Maceo Plex collaborates with a stellar lineup of artists, including Diplo for his contribution on ‘You Don’t Have To Wait’ with Cubicolor, Oscar and the Wolf, Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Johnny Jewel and Desire, Kirsty Hawkshaw, Mystic Bill, AVNU, Giovanni, Ishi, and Tyler Hill, resulting in a diverse and dynamic musical affair.
This album narrates the story of a highly esteemed artist at a pivotal juncture in his career, consistently evolving towards new directions. Departing from the early deeper house sound that initially defined him, Maceo Plex intentionally ventures into new territory, steering away from his famed melodic and techno direction in recent years. Nevertheless, '93' retains the essence of Maceo Plex's signature style, transcending various sounds and genres in a manner reminiscent of his electrifying DJ sets, meticulously curated for the dancefloor and the crowds.

‘93’ vinyl LP by Maceo Plex is available on Lone Romantic from 17th May 2024.

Key Feedback Quotes:

Pete Tong - Maceo is such a talented producer. A sonic juganaut. An inspiration to so many aspiring music makers. He's a master of analogue and digital in the studio. He's a total 'one of'.
Kolsch - Incredible album!!!!
Artbat - “Very cooooool album!
Gregor Tresher - Wow, now this is what I call an album! Extraordinary stuff, I love it! Big up, Eric!
Hot Since 82 - Nothing short of sensational. My fav producer and DJ who consistantly sets the bar far too high and we all play catch up. Love it.
Rodriguez Jr - Awesome album. LOVE IT. Such a wide spectrum of influences here. Respect!
Laurent Garnier - Very cool. Will play these
Hernan Cattaneo - This is a really good album!
Wehbba - happy to finally see the album coming out, lots of gems, Nasty, Just You and I, Get out Of Here and You're My Desire are my main picks.
Eelke Kleijn - Already listened to the whole album on Spotify. Fantastic. Miles ahead of everyone else. Thanks for sending this, will play many of these for sure.
AFFKT - all tracks are amazing
Ida Engberg - Loooove this release! Stop that and Serpent jazz for me, can't wait to play them. Lone Romantic killing it!
Victor Ruiz - Honestly, you’re a genius! 10/10 productions always.
Pig&Dan - Great to hear new tunes from one of my favorite producers out there
Oliver Huntemann - some real gems on here
Fideles - wow, love it all
Peter Kruder - Love 'em all! Thanks for sending my way!
Yotto - Sick Sick Sick work!
Jody Wisternoff - Insane tracks from Maceo!!!
Terr - Amazing music as always, thx!
Nicolas Masseyeff - Solid release! Full Support!
Paige - Nasty is an absolutely mind-blowing track!!
Braxton - Incredible Album. .
Dense & Pika - Wicked stuff from Maceo.
Eli Brown - Always great music from Maceo Plex.
Anden - Congrats on the album! Love it!
Sergio Muñoz / Fur Coat - Great work from Eric! Congratulations.
La Fleur - So many gems in there, looking forward to having a proper listen from start to end! Thx
Captain Mustache - Big work here from Maceo, congratz!
Alex Kennon - This is a masterpiece!
Timo Maas - Clickbait is a cool track, I like the deep funk.
Martin Eyerer - This is a great album!! I love nasty most, but all great.
Nick Warren - This is such a great album.
Laurent Garnier - Very cool EP. Will play these.
Jonas Rathsman - Stop That sounds interesting

2023 was a breakthrough year for EABS in many ways. It was all thanks to the well received, fully self-produced album entitled In Search of a Better Tomorrow, recorded in collaboration with the Pakistani band Jaubi. EABS' forthcoming sixth album is a return to their roots – literally and figuratively. It is an in-depth study on rhythm, which materialised in the form of the album titled Reflections of Purple Sun.

The back to the roots part not only manifests itself in the lack of guest instrumentalists, but also in a renewed focus on the history of Polish jazz. The band's debut album Repetitions... was dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda. This time, the band picked up the entire Purple Sun album, which Tomasz Stańko recorded half a century ago. From the POV of Purple Sun fans, a hard-to-find and somewhat forgotten album, it may seem like a doomed undertaking. However, in order to pay tribute to one of the most iconic figures of Polish jazz, it was worth embarking on this mission and attempting to engage in a non-verbal conversation with the Slavic spirit that Master Tomasz Stańko undoubtedly was.

You can learn more about Reflections of Purple Sun through the comprehensive booklet accompanying the record. The cover art was created by the label's regular collaborator, Animisiewasz, whose design pays tribute to Pia Burri's original Purple Sun concept. Release date is 10 May 2024.

Happiness Therapy welcomes back Berlin's own Marc Brauner for his second EP on the label. A project that epitomizes summer, evoking dreams of holiday and romances that come with it. With the title track "Mon Numéro" leading the charge, the rising German producer teams up with French-German actress and vocalist Maéva and showcases once again his acclaimed signature sound: groovy, entertaining, and with a touch of charm.

The other tracks featured on the EP just keep adding beauty to the project, featuring remixes from Gavinco, HATT.D, and collabs with vocalist Tender Games and musician Steffen Heidemann!

‘Diré’, Idrissa Soumaoro new album, comes as a surprise to Malian and international audiences. Composer, singer, guitarist and master of the kamalen n’goni Idrissa Soumaoro presents here a beautiful collection of songs on his third album, Diré, named in honor of the town where he met his wife and where his first daughter, who is no longer with us, was born.
In 1971, after his studies at the INA in Bamako, Idrissa was transferred to Diré to teach music at the lPEG (Pedagogical Institute of General Education). He was 22 years old when he arrived in Diré. Idrissa has always been nostalgic for this beautiful place in the 333 Saints of Timbuktu region. As Idrissa sings in ‘Diré taga’ (Going to Diré), the track that opens the album, the city evokes deep emotions for the artist, as if it were a long-lost friend or lover. Celebrating the memory of the city of Diré leads the artist to retrace stories and lived situations that marked and animated him in years gone by: ‘I really miss the people, the colleagues, the friends and that period. Despite the time that has flown by, I would ardently wish to see Diré again’. Today, at the difficult time Mali is experiencing, remembering the city of Diré in the 1970s also means for the artist not giving up hope for peace: ‘The memory of Diré, a beautiful town in northern Mali, strengthens my hope for peace, union and real independence for the happiness of my people’; as he sings in ‘Sababou’, ‘Without hope, there is no life. Together we will succeed’.
The ten highly original compositions of the album are strongly based upon traditional music of Mali, but Idrissa’s life experiences, travels, education, collaborations and personal musical career have led him to compose and perform music with other influences. As Idrissa quotes: ‘My inspiration generally comes from the donso n'goni, a Bambara instrument played by and for hunters throughout Mali. This is a pentatonic instrument, similar to the blues exported to the USA by black African slaves. I've also spent so much time playing a variety of music that my music also reflects rumba, salsa (as well as Bamanan blues and a few derivatives: jazz, country, soul, rhythm and blues) etc. I have looked for and hope to have found my own form of expression from these influences’.
Throughout the album, his strong, clear voice sings in French, Bambara and English. It rides seamlessly upon a complex rhythmic sea of distinctly West African stringed instrumentation and percussion with accents of flute and balafon. There are keyboards in a few songs, but these, happily, do not dominate the music as we hear so often in today’s music. This album presents the music of a mature artist who has ‘been there, done that’ and returned to celebrate his country, his roots and his dreams in a flawlessly produced collection of songs of love, reassurance, fatherly advice and hope.
The album already has a long history: it was initiated in 2012 by Marc-Antoine ‘Marko’ Moreau, former producer and manager of Amadou and Mariam. Moreau had plans to produce the album and invited Idrissa Soumaoro to start recording in Manjul's studio in Bamako. When Moreau suddenly passed away, work on the album was still missing. The pandemic still added time for the production to continue. With the help of Climax Orchestra, arrangements and orchestrations were finalized in France. At the artist's behest, 'Diré' will finally be presented to the public by Mieruba, the independent label based in Ségou, the home of the blues in Mali. 'Let's stand together so that Mali can flourish': from conception to production and distribution, this is the message that 'Diré' carries.