The CD version will be released via Rotten Roll, while the vinyl will be exclusively
available through Kernkraftritter - two titans of the extreme music scene joining forces
to deliver pure goregrind chaos!
What can you expect?
A relentless onslaught of brutal riffs, blistering blast beats, and the unmistakable
vocals that have made Rectal Smegma legends. Perfect production, intense artwork
and tracks that will rip your eardrums apart.
A strong contender for the grindcore release of the year!
Join the celebration!
To properly unleash this masterpiece, an Epik release party will take place on March
29, 2025, in Braunschweig! Together with Kernkraftritter Rectal Smegma will turn the
venue into a battlefeld of infatable animals, toilet paper, and pure chaos!
Stay tuned, follow Rectal Smegma on social media, and prepare for the grindcore
apocalypse! In the meantime, Rectal Smegma will stay on duty To Serve And Protect.
Unlike other broadcasts from this tour, this recording captured their entire
performance that night. What makes this release so special, is that Talk Talk sleeve
designer James Mash, has designed the artwork. This is a very special limited edition
on blue and orange vinyl.
Talk Talk was an English band formed in 1981, initially gaining recognition for their
synth- pop sound in the early 1980s. The band was fronted by Mark Hollis, whose
distinctive voice and introspective lyrics became a defning feature of their music.
Their early hits, such as "Talk Talk" and "It's My Life," showcased a polished, new wave
style that earned them commercial success and a place in the burgeoning pop scene
of the era. However, Talk Talk's true artistic legacy lies in their later work, where they
transitioned from pop- oriented music to pioneering a more experimental and
atmospheric sound, embracing a more ambitious and avant-garde approach. Albums
like 'The Colour of Spring' (1986) marked a turning point, blending lush
instrumentation with deeply emotional themes. This evolution culminated in their
critically acclaimed masterpieces, 'Spirit of Eden' (1988) and 'Laughing Stock' (1991).
These albums, characterised by their improvisational style, sparse arrangements, and
use of silence as a musical element, are often credited with laying the groundwork for
the post-rock genre
TOP 10 IN THE VINYL CHARTS* Since the 1950s, especially in America, there has been renewed excitement every year to see who will land the next Christmas hit. Many music le- gends have joined in the hunt for the number 1 song at Christmas. As a result, many new Christmas songs and interpretations were created, which have now become the songbook of modern Christmas Classics and have partially replaced the classic Christmas music. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
BEST SELLERS IN VINYL CHARTS* Rather Christmas party than con- templative get-together? Rather mulled wine than hot milk and New York instead of Nuremberg? Then Santa Claus has the right soundtrack for your Winter Wonderland. The Christmas classics of the big stars for the most wonderful time of the year with the guarantee of entertaining, enjoyable and merry Christmas mood. Run, Rudolph Run!
THE FIRST LADY OF SONG With her extraordinary voice, Ella Fitzgerald be- came a legend during her lifetime. She is considered one of the best singers of all time. Yet Ella actually wanted to become a dancer. However, she was too nervous to dance at a dance competition and sang instead. She won the first prize. The rest is history. With her Christmas album „Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas,“ Fitzgerald pioneered and paved the way for modern Christmas music. Everything that came af- ter would have been unthinkable without her. Rolling Stone lists the album first on its „40 Essential Christ- mas Albums“ list. This version also includes two bonus tracks: „Christmas Island“ and a medley.
HOLLY JOLLY A good shot of swing, a splash of Las Vegas, served on a silver platter by world stars Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. create a very special Christmas mood. With all the important Christmas songs and some extraordinary treats, the Rat Pack transforms Christmas into an ent- ertaining party with ‚Holly Jolly Christmas‘. The genius of Sinatra, the charm of Dean Martin and the non- chalance of Sammy Davis set standards as the Rat Pack to this day for an extraordinary entertainment cul- ture and the realization of the „American Dream“. Oh, By Gosh, By Golly It‘s Time For Mistletoe And Holly...
UNIQUE CHRISTMAS It is something very special when the legends of jazz put their (Christmas) robe over well-known Christmas carols and then let them shine in new splendor. This is true for the virtuoso instrumentalists on saxophone, trumpet, piano, clarinet and vibraphone as well as for the great voices of jazz. The intelligent arrangements exude the magic of Christmas without any kitsch, but still with a lot of feeling, charm and extraordinary skill. For all those who like to do without the classical Christmas singing and are bored by the pop monotony, Jazz On Christmas is the alternative to create a very unique Christmas atmosphere.
CHRISTMAS & NEW ORLEANS Louis Armstrong set standards in jazz with both the trumpet and his extraordinary voice, influencing all generations to come. Armstrong loved the Christmas season, the festive spirit and Santa Claus. This joy is reflected in his Christmas recordings. With his dazzling trumpet solos and distinctive, raspy and unique voice, Armstrong‘s Christmas songs continue to enrich music selections for the holiday to this day. Complemented by outstanding Christmas songs by his companions Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, Les Brown, Dean Martin, Louis Jordan, Peggy Lee and The Dukes of Dixieland, Christmas becomes COOL YULE!
GOSPEL CHRISTMAS Mahalia Jackson is considered the greatest gospel singer of all time. Her goal was to proclaim God‘s word through song. She ushered in the Golden Age of Gospel between 1945 and 1965. Jackson was the first gospel artist to tour Europe. She appeared regularly on tele- vision and radio programs and sang for many presidents and heads of state, including the national anthem at John F. Kennedy‘s inauguration in 1961. At a time when segregation was pervasive in American society, she had great success. She sold an estimated 22 million records, but still had trouble hailing a cab or sim- ply being able to buy something in stores. Her gospel interpretation of Silent Night is still one of the most soulful and impressive versions of the famous Christmas song. The album of the same name is still a classic today and remains unsurpassed.
HO, HO, HOWDY! Cowboys also celebrate Christmas! The biggest country stars present the most beautiful Christmas songs in country style, of course. A treat for all country fans, as well as for lovers of cozy Christmas atmosphere in the style of American Nashville romance. With punch and turkey, banjo and harmonica, fiddle and mandolin, Santa Claus can set off in a good mood. If you‘ve always wan- ted to spend the most wonderful time of the year with Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Chet Atkins and many other country greats, The Country Christmas Album will fulfill your Christmas wish
A Deep Dive Into Rock Royalty - The Many Faces of Deep Purple (2 LPS)
Step into the legendary world of Deep Purple with this exclusive double vinyl release, The Many Faces of Deep Purple. More than just a tribute, this compilation is a curated journey through the band's extensive musical legacy, featuring collaborations, rare recordings, and side projects from key members like Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, Nicky Simper, Ian Gillan, Don Airey, and Jon Lord. Pressed by MPO for optimal sound quality, this deluxe edition includes 20 tracks across four sides, each selected to reveal a new facet of one of rock’s most influential bands.
Unreleased Gems, All-Star Collaborations & Classic Covers
This collection uncovers the band’s wider universe, from early recordings by Episode Six and Warhorse to powerhouse tracks by Trapeze, Funky Junction, and Quatermass II. Glenn Hughes lends his unmistakable voice to standout perfor- mances, including Piece of My Heart and Freak Out Tonight, while Joe Lynn Turner teams up with guitar icon Leslie West for a searing version of The Seeker. Listeners will also discover rare studio tributes and pre-fame moments, such as the spirited Deep Purple covers by Thin Lizzy members under the Funky Junction moniker.
A Must-Have for Collectors & Classic Rock Fans
Packaged in a striking gatefold sleeve and featuring liner notes that contextualize each track, The Many Faces of Deep Purple is a collector’s dream and a sonic treasure trove. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener exploring rock’s golden age, this double LP release delivers an immersive and essential experience that celebrates the talent, evolution, and influence of the Deep Purple legacy. Available now in limited quantities, don’t miss your chance to own a unique piece of rock history.
Nach dem überwältigenden Erfolg seiner globalen Smash-Single "Ordinary", die auf Platz 1 der Global Charts landete, Platz 3 der Deutschen Single Charts erreichte und bislang über 650 Millionen Streams generierte, ist Alex Warren bereit, die Musikwelt erneut im Sturm zu erobern: Für den 18.07.24 kündigt er nun sein mit Spannung erwartetes Debütalbum "You'll Be Alright, Kid" an!
Neben den Titeln des ersten Album Parts, wie z.B. die Standout Tracks "Carry You Home" und "Before You Leave Me", enthält das neue Werk die Erfolgssingle "Ordinary" sowie seine neueste Single "Bloodline" mit Jelly Roll - und natürlich viele weitere brandneue Songs!
Eines wollen die Forth Wanderers vor der Veröffentlichung ihres dritten Albums "The Longer This Goes On" klarstellen: "Wir sind nicht zurück", sagt Gitarrist Ben Guterl mit Nachdruck. Das ist vielleicht eine unerwartete Aussage für das erste Album der Band seit ihrer Trennung vor sieben Jahren, aber die Band besteht darauf, dass es eine ehrliche Antwort ist - sie haben sich zusammengefunden, um die zehn kompliziert konstruierten Perlen aufzunehmen, die dieses neue Album ausmachen, und sie sind immer noch dabei herauszufinden, was es für sie bedeutet, in Forth Wanderers zu sein. Wenn man sich diese Songs anhört, von denen jeder einzelne ein glitzerndes Fest der eindringlichen und intuitiven Texte von Sängerin Ava Trilling und der natürlichen musikalischen Chemie der Band ist, hat man allerdings kaum das Gefühl, dass irgendetwas ungesagt bleibt. Das Album ist voller glänzender Melodien, klingender Gesangsharmonien und schlüpfriger, schräger Rhythmen und ist mehr als nur eine Rückkehr zur alten Form. Die Band scheut sich nicht, den Umweg über eine Hook zu gehen, indem sie instrumentale Schnörkel übereinander legt, um die leeren Stellen zu füllen, Raum für Trillings eindringliche Stimme zu schaffen oder ein Riff oder einen Text zu wiederholen, bis er zu einem Zen-Koan wird. Auf "The Longer This Goes On" klingen Forth Wanderers selbstbewusster und selbstsicherer als je zuvor. Man sollte es nur nicht als Comeback bezeichnen. Der Weg zu "The Longer This Goes On" begann im Sommer 2021 in einem Café in Brooklyn. Dort trafen sich Guterl und Trilling zum ersten Mal seit der Auflösung der Forth Wanderers im Jahr 2018. Die drei Jahre, die sie voneinander getrennt waren, hatten den Druck, den die Band während der Tourneen mit ihrer früheren Musik verspürte, teilweise abgebaut: "Wir fühlten uns alle frei, herumzualbern und Spaß zu haben", sagt Guterl. Die Wiedervereinigung mit dem Bassisten Noah Schifrin, dem Gitarristen Duke Greene und dem Schlagzeuger Zach Lorelli führte dazu, dass sich das Spielen so gut anfühlte, wie seit der Gründung der Band nicht mehr. "Es fühlte sich an, als wären wir wieder in der High School". Die Band hat die Art und Weise, wie sie bisher gearbeitet hat, neu definiert. "Dies ist das erste Mal, dass ein Großteil der Musik organisch entstanden ist", erklärt Schifrin. "Alle fünf von uns haben wirklich auf eine Art und Weise zum Schreibprozess beigetragen, wie wir es in der Vergangenheit nicht getan haben", fügte Guterl hinzu. Das daraus resultierende Album, das unter dem wachsamen Auge von Dan Howard produziert wurde, zeigt die Band so präsent und unbelastet, wie sie ihren Sound zum ersten Mal in Echtzeit geschaffen hat. Die Texte sind vollgepackt mit Bekenntnissen, die so breit gefächert sind, dass sich jeder, der sich in den Wirren einer unsicheren romantischen Vorhölle verirrt hat, verstanden fühlt, und doch so präzise geschrieben, dass sie eindeutig aus eigener Erfahrung stammen müssen. Das ist genau das, was Forth Wanderers sowohl so universell nachvollziehbar als auch so speziell macht. Auf "The Longer This Goes On" haben sie diese Fähigkeit, mit minimalistischen Texten und üppiger Instrumentierung an den starken Fäden der romantischen Langeweile zu ziehen, noch vertieft. Forth Wanderers sind sich nicht sicher, was als Nächstes kommt - sie wissen nicht, ob sie weiterhin neue Musik aufnehmen werden oder ob sie diese Songs jemals live aufführen werden. Diese Aufnahmen sind also zehn flüchtige, aber unschätzbare Eindrücke aus der Zeit, die sie als Band verbracht haben; das Wiederaufleben von Freundschaften zwischen Highschool-Kumpels, deren Träume sie ins Rampenlicht katapultiert haben, bevor sie alt genug waren, um Auto zu fahren; Songs, die die Ungewissheit der Zukunft ebenso einfangen wie ihre Musik ihr eigenes Selbstvertrauen in der Gegenwart zementiert. Auf "The Longer This Goes On" machen die Forth Wanderers Musik zu ihren eigenen Bedingungen.
For two decades, Trad Vibe Records has been exploring and celebrating the many facets of hip-hop, funk and soul music, always driven by a passion for authentic, organic sounds. Founded in 2005, this independent French label has made its mark on the underground scene with cult releases, transatlantic collaborations and a loyalty to vinyl culture. In 20 years, Trad Vibe has brought together beatmakers, MCs and DJs around a musical vision that is both timeless and audacious. To celebrate this anniversary, the label unveils a limited vinyl edition of 300 copies, a veritable digest of its musical universe.
Side A kicks off with "Boom Bap Introduction", a track mixing jazz and boom bap in a characteristic old-school instrumentation by DJ Vince.
This is followed by the West Coast energy of DJ King Flow & Lex Lakaiser on "Money".
The soulful groove of Moar, Raashan Ahmad and Kohndo explodes on "Stand Up (Soul
Train Mix)".
Juliano concludes the side with his blues-inspired "Nothing or All".
The B-side kicks off with the classic “Rock It Feel The Groove”, a funky bomb orchestrated and scratched by Dee Nasty, a historic figure in French hip-hop.
Moar and Raashan Ahmad return with "Sky High", a track reminiscent of the golden age of 80's Disco Rap.
Followed by LS Brigandes with the sensual "You Make Me Feel", bathed in New York, Hip-Hop, Soul and Jazzy influences.
To round off the album in style, DJ Clyde concludes with a positive message on Boom Bap sounds and Lofi with “More Love”.
This anniversary compilation is available on vinyl only, in an ultra-limited edition of 300 copies. A must-have collector's item for fans of polished beats and authentic vibes.
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Protector Edition: Amethyst Swirl Vinyl. Mit "Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory" präsentiert Sharon Van Etten eine aufregende neue Dimension ihres Sounds und Songwritings. Zum ersten Mal wurde das Album in völliger Zusammenarbeit mit ihrer Band - Jorge Balbi (Schlagzeug, Maschinen), Devra Hoff (Bass, Gesang) und Teeny Lieberson (Synthesizer, Klavier, Gitarre, Gesang) - geschrieben und aufgenommen, was Van Etten genau die Freiheit gab, die sich aus dem Loslassen ergeben hat. Die Themen sind zeitlos, klassisch Sharon, aber die Klänge sind neu, vollständig realisiert und scharf wie Glas. Diese neue Herangehensweise begann während der Proben in der Wüste für eine bevorstehende Tournee, als Van Etten ihre Band in den kreativen Prozess einbezog: "Zum ersten Mal in meinem Leben habe ich die Band gefragt, ob wir einfach jammen können. Worte, die nie aus meinem Mund kamen - niemals! Aber ich liebte alle Sounds, die wir bekamen. Ich war neugierig - was würde passieren?" Offenbar Magie. "In einer Stunde schrieben wir zwei Songs, aus denen schließlich "I Can't Imagine" und "Southern Life" wurden." Das Album wurde im ehemaligen Studio der Eurythmics, The Church, aufgenommen, das perfekt zu der mystischen Mischung aus Elektronik und analogen Texturen der Band passt. Die Produzentin Marta Salogni (Björk, Bon Iver, Animal Collective, Mica Levi) war sowohl als Bindeglied als auch als Produzentin unverzichtbar, da sie "die Synthesizer liebte und einen Sinn für Abenteuer hatte" und es verstand, "die Dunkelheit und die einzigartigen Klänge zu umarmen, die wir während des Schreibprozesses entwickelt hatten", so Van Etten. Über diese neue künstlerische Geisteshaltung und die Kunst des gemeinsamen Schreibens sinniert Van Etten: "Manchmal ist es aufregend, manchmal ist es beängstigend, manchmal fühlt man sich festgefahren. Jeder Tag fühlt sich ein wenig anders an - einfach in Frieden zu sein mit dem, was man fühlt und wer man ist und wie man in diesem Moment zu den Menschen steht. Wenn ich einfach offenbleiben kann und gleichzeitig weiß, dass sich meine Gefühle jeden Tag ändern, ist das alles, was ich im Moment tun kann. Das und versuchen, die beste Person zu sein, die ich sein kann, während ich andere Menschen so sein lasse, wie sie sind, und es nicht persönlich nehme und einfach nur bin. Ich bin noch nicht so weit, aber ich versuche, jeden Tag so weit zu sein." Mit "Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory" vertieft Van Etten den Diskurs, der einen Großteil ihres Katalogs belebt, und erforscht, was es bedeutet, einfach nur ein Mensch zu sein. Das ist ihr Genie - schräg, aber auch relevant und persönlich.
Dark minimal Hardcore sound... With a Fifth Era Sound design state of mind... After 5 years of silence, lets the Sonic Impact noise strike again !! MASSIVE !
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"HARTE WORTE" melden sich zurück! Nach dem ungewollten Chart-Erfolg 2018 ihres letzten Albums "So wie ihr uns kennt" wurde es 7 Jahre sehr still um die Band. Genauer gesagt hatte die Band sich eigentlich aufgelöst ohne dies mit den üblichen Tränendrüsen-Pathos groß zu kommunizieren. Der Proberaum gekündigt, alle Social Media und Bandseiten wurden einfach abgeschaltet und gelöscht. Aber nicht nur Stephen King wusste schon: "Manchmal kommen Sie wieder"_ Was Du im Herzen trägst und wofür Du brennst, kannst Du zwar eine Zeit lang ignorieren, aber unmöglich abschalten. Jedenfalls nicht, wenn jede verdammte Textzeile und Note authentisch und ein Teil Deines Leben ist! Und so hat Sänger Marco mit seinen Mitstreitern vor ein paar Wochen die Band reaktiviert und arbeitet an einem neuen Album und den ersten Live-Auftritten. So lange wollten wir aber nicht warten. Deshalb gibt es mit "Extrem Unangenehm" ein ziemlich gesuchtes Album der Band aus dem Jahr 2012 in limitierter Auflage. Erstmals auf Vinyl und erstmals offiziell überhaupt! Die Lieder gehören seit Jahren zu den beliebtesten Pogo-Highlights bei jedem Harte-Worte Konzert. Wir wissen echt nicht wie oft wir gefragt wurden, wann Songs wie "Helden unserer Jugend", "A.O.G." oder "Sisierra" endlich veröffentlicht werden. Jetzt ist die Zeit reif oder um es mit dem Opener des Albums zu sagen: "Der Ruhrpott meldet sich zurück!" Punk, Oi!, Streetpunk, Pott Core
"HARTE WORTE" melden sich zurück! Nach dem ungewollten Chart-Erfolg 2018 ihres letzten Albums "So wie ihr uns kennt" wurde es 7 Jahre sehr still um die Band. Genauer gesagt hatte die Band sich eigentlich aufgelöst ohne dies mit den üblichen Tränendrüsen-Pathos groß zu kommunizieren. Der Proberaum gekündigt, alle Social Media und Bandseiten wurden einfach abgeschaltet und gelöscht. Aber nicht nur Stephen King wusste schon: "Manchmal kommen Sie wieder"_ Was Du im Herzen trägst und wofür Du brennst, kannst Du zwar eine Zeit lang ignorieren, aber unmöglich abschalten. Jedenfalls nicht, wenn jede verdammte Textzeile und Note authentisch und ein Teil Deines Leben ist! Und so hat Sänger Marco mit seinen Mitstreitern vor ein paar Wochen die Band reaktiviert und arbeitet an einem neuen Album und den ersten Live-Auftritten. So lange wollten wir aber nicht warten. Deshalb gibt es mit "Extrem Unangenehm" ein ziemlich gesuchtes Album der Band aus dem Jahr 2012 in limitierter Auflage. Erstmals auf Vinyl und erstmals offiziell überhaupt! Die Lieder gehören seit Jahren zu den beliebtesten Pogo-Highlights bei jedem Harte-Worte Konzert. Wir wissen echt nicht wie oft wir gefragt wurden, wann Songs wie "Helden unserer Jugend", "A.O.G." oder "Sisierra" endlich veröffentlicht werden. Jetzt ist die Zeit reif oder um es mit dem Opener des Albums zu sagen: "Der Ruhrpott meldet sich zurück!" Punk, Oi!, Streetpunk, Pott Core
Grinderman entstand 2005, als Nick Cave Material für das Album „Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus“
von Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds schrieb. Gemeinsam mit Martyn Casey am Bass, Warren Ellis an Violine
und Gitarre und Jim Sclavunos am Schlagzeug erarbeitete die Band gemeinsam Songs. 2006 ging sie in
ein Londoner Studio und begann eine Marathon-Session mit Songwriting und Demoaufnahmen. Mit dem
Ziel, den raueren, ursprünglicheren Sound von Caves gefeiertem Post-Punk-Projekt „The Birthday Party“ nachzubilden, wichen die Texte und die Musik von Grinderman deutlich von Nick Caves früheren Arbeiten
mit The Bad Seeds ab.
Im darauffolgenden April nahmen sie die besten dieser neuen Songs auf und nahmen mit Hilfe ihres langjährigen Freundes und Produzenten Nick Launay ein Album auf. Ihr am 5. März 2007 veröffentlichtes Debü-
talbum „Grinderman“ mit elf Songs wurde von der Kritik hoch gelobt und enthält die Singles „No Pussy
Blues“ und „Get It On“. Das Quartett kam 2009 wieder zusammen, um „Grinderman 2“ aufzunehmen, das
2010 erschien. Im Dezember 2011 gab Cave die Auflösung der Band auf einem Musikfestival in Australien
bekannt.
Das „unglaublich aufregende Debütalbum“ (Observer Music Monthly) ist auf schwarzem Öko-Vinyl und im
CD-Digisleeve-Format erhältlich
S4R48 is dedicated to John Richbourg’s iconic labels, SOUND STAGE 7 and SEVENTY SEVEN, featuring the main man Joe Simon and the much-missed Ann Sexton on two album tracks available for the first time on 7”. Completing the EP are two originally unreleased tracks: Roscoe Shelton’s well-known Northern Soul classic "You’re the Dream", and another Southern Soul gem by Geater Davis.
Formed in 2012 by long-time musical companions Oyvind Holm and Hogne Galaen,
the band quickly grew into the six- piece musical force they are today. Their unique
sound fuses cosmic Americana and rich vocal harmonies with catchy melodies, highspirited improvisation, and contagious musical energy that will leave you craving
more.
The six members come from diverse musical backgrounds but are united by their
shared love of psychedelia and cosmic Americana. They draw particular inspiration
from the California sound of the late '60s, with bands like The Byrds, Crosby, Stills,
Nash & Young, and the Grateful Dead as key infuences.
Between 2012 and 2019, the band recorded and released fve critically acclaimed
albums, two of which were recorded in the California desert at the legendary Rancho
De La Luna, nestled among the Joshua trees. Like many other artists, the pandemic
shook their foundations, forcing the band into an involuntary hiatus. In the aftermath
of lockdowns and other imposed restrictions, the backlash from other projects kept
them from picking up where they had left off.
However, the fall of 2024 brought new opportunities. An unexpected email from Mike
Scott of The Waterboys reignited their spirit and motivation. While on tour in Norway,
Scott discovered one of their albums and was so taken by their sound that he invited
them to contribute vocal harmonies to 'The Tourist,' a track off The Waterboys' new
album Life, Death & Dennis Hopper.
Soon after, an even greater opportunity arose--an invitation to join The Waterboys on
tour in the UK and Scandinavia. To accompany the upcoming tour, we've put together
a beginner's guide to Sugarfoot.
The compilation album Cosmic Norse Americana features nine highlights from
Sugarfoot's career so far, along with a newly recorded cover of Emitt Rhodes' 1967
track "Time Will Show The Wiser."
Sugarfoot:
Hogne Galaen - guitars, vocals
Even Granas - drums
Thomas Henriksen - keyboards
Oyvind Holm - guitars, vocals
Bent Saether - bass
Roar Oien - pedal steel
THOUGHTS AND WORDS
The Sugarfoot story begins back in 2011. But before there was Sugarfoot, there were
the Dipsomaniacs, Kulta Beats, Motorpsycho, Too Far Gone, and Deleted Waveform
Gatherings--bands that, in one way or another, featured future members of what would
eventually become Sugarfoot. Six musicians from diverse musical backgrounds,
united by a shared love of psychedelia and cosmic Americana. Drawing deep
inspiration from the California sound of the late '60s, their musical compass points
toward The Byrds, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and the Grateful Dead.
I say eventually, because Sugarfoot didn't start as a band--it began as a duo. Hogne
Galaen and Oyvind Holm had previously played together in Deleted Waveform
Gatherings. But when their drummer moved out of town, the group was put on ice. Not
ones to sit still, the two of them launched a side project to keep the creative wheels
turning.
Throughout the winter of 2011, they holed up in their rehearsal space, writing and
recording rough sketches of what would soon grow into a full album. And that's when
things got interesting. They drew up a wish list--a dream lineup of musicians they'd
love to bring into the fold.
Among the names on that list were Even Granas, Thomas Henriksen, Bent Saether,
and Roar Oien, all soon to be permanent Sugarfooters. Each was invited to contribute
to the project, adding their parts to the pre-recorded tracks--without knowing what the
others were doing. Like assembling a giant musical puzzle, Galaen and Holm later
pieced the album together from these blindfolded contributions. The result was This
Love That We Outwore, released in the fall of 2012.
From there, things escalated quickly. By the following year, Sugarfoot had become a
proper band. Big Sky Country-- written and recorded collectively-- landed in 2014,
solidifying the group's evolving sound, including favourites such as Dolphins Hotel and
Ego In A Bag. When it came time to record a third album, the band felt the itch for
something new. They wanted a change of scenery--somewhere that could spark fresh
inspiration and leave its own sonic fngerprint on the production. So they asked
themselves: where could they go that carried the spirit, the legacy, the stardust of their
musical heroes?
That search led them to the California desert, to the legendary Rancho De La Luna,
nestled among the Joshua trees. Their next two albums, Different Stars (2016) and
The Santa Ana (2017), were both recorded at the Rancho. In fact, The Santa Ana was
both recorded and mixed during a two- week stay in 2015, making it a true time
capsule in the band's discography.
REPRESSED !!
Exhumed '77 OST frond 'Riddles Of The Sphinx'...magick Mike Ratledge unfurls coils of ARP, Moog &VCS-AKS via Denys 'Lucifer' Irving's hacked Z-80 sequencer...these post-Soft Machine plumes spiralin stasis to the frame pans and lockdown Maddox's
& Mulvey's dialogue like SE17 dunes...the concentric riddle of the missing original master tapes...film reel audio prised from the BFI vaults & transferred straight to zeros & ones by hieroglyphic
happenstance...this acrobatic dredge has revealed more than enough mercury to further protract the riddles within..."You've got my number if you need anything"...IBM 'The film's ground-breaking electronic score, by The Soft Machine's Mike Ratledge, was composed on synthesisers which were developed in collaboration
with Denys Irving (the man behind the mysterious and controversial 1970s band Lucifer).'Film extract (Official BFI Trailer: http://youtu.be/UlBaUd5Y58M)
Please note: The digital will be available to
download from Monday 28th of October. The
vinyl will start shipping from Friday 8th of
November....
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Koichi Tsutaya's pseudonymous project "Kerenmi" has announced that the full album "Interchange", released on November 20, 2024, will be released on vinyl!
Tracks on the album include "Sekai feat. Moto from Chilli Beans. & Who-ya Extended" which was used as the commercial song for the Honda VEZEL "Adult feat.
Avu-chan from Queen Bee & Ryuhei from BE:FIRST" a collaboration long awaited by fans, in which Avu-chan himself appears in the music video, which has
become a hot topic "Namae wo Wasuretamama no Anohi no Kodou feat. Kazunobu Mineta" the theme song for the movie "Angry Squad: Civil Servants and the
Seven Swindlers" as well as "Interchange" "Join my band feat. Skaai" "Border line feat. Azsagawa" "Fuzoroi feat. Yuuki Tani & Hitomi from Atarayo" "Tokyo Kimi
Ga everything feat. Tatsuya Kitani & Kai Kubota" "Boy feat. asmi & imase" "Ketatama feat. Mori Calliope" "Oboro feat. Chiaki Sato" "RE:interchange feat. Kohd"
and "Otona feat. Mayuu Yaginu from Chevon" All 13 songs featuring such fabulous artists as have been released on vinyl!
The double A-side includes the super "Fresh X Pop" new song "Sunny Side Up" which signals a new start, as well as the next latest song.
Released on July 16th, which is Roy's (Vo&Ba) birthday and "Hot Dog" day, which is also the origin of the self-managed "Hot Dog Records" label.
Auf "At Tubby's" spielt Dougie Poole Live-Versionen seiner beliebtesten Songs in einem Veranstaltungsort, der von Musikern für seine Intimität und Akustik sowie für seine außergewöhnliche Behandlung von tourenden Musikern geliebt wird. Dieses Set war wie geschaffen für die Veröffentlichung als Live-Album, da es ein besonderer Abend für die Band war. Einer dieser Abende, an denen die Musik, das Publikum und der Raum zusammenkommen. Das Album wurde direkt am Mischpult aufgenommen, wobei Dougie selbst nur minimale Nachbearbeitungen vornahm. Dougies Live-Band auf "At Tubby's" besteht aus Mike Etten an der elektrischen Gitarre und Connor ,Catfish" Gallaher an der Pedal Steel. Beim ersten Song des Abends, ,Los Angeles", ergänzen Ettens klassische Country-Licks und Catfishs hochfliegende Slide-Linien perfekt Dougies beeindruckende akustische Arbeit und seinen goldenen Bariton. Man merkt, dass die drei schon seit Jahren zusammen spielen und in dieser Formation straßentauglich sind. Sie nehmen sich einiger von Dougies beliebtesten Songs an, von Rave-Up's (,Beth David Cemetery" & ,Vaping on the Job") bis hin zu Country-Balladen (,Must Be in There Somewhere", ,Don't You Think I'm Funny Anymore") und allen Punkten dazwischen. Es gibt hier einige Stücke, die für Fans von Dougies letzten Alben neu sein könnten. ,Toshiba Sky" ist eine einmalige digitale Single aus dem Jahr 2020 und ,Wild Motion` ist ein Stück, das Dougie für Drugdealer aus L.A. geschrieben hat, die es für ihr 2020er Album Raw Honey aufgenommen haben. Bei "At Tubby's" wurde auch eine neue Komposition von Dougie aufgenommen, ,Heaven Sent an Angel", die das Set mit einer herzlichen Note abschließt. "At Tubby's" entführt den Zuhörer an einen anderen Ort und in eine andere Zeit und ist für alte und neue Fans ein spannendes Erlebnis.
Coral Grief, das Rocktrio aus Seattle, und Air Between Us, sein Debütalbum, sind treffend betitelt. Die ersten Töne von Sam Fasons Gitarre im Opener ,Starboard" treffen wie ein Windstoß Seeluft ins Gesicht. In nur wenigen Sekunden schwebt man, zu gleichen Teilen unter dem Himmel und über dem Meer. Es ist ein ähnliches Dazwischen, in dem Coral Grief gedeihen, denn sie konstruieren ein kunstvolles Geflecht aus doppelten Bedeutungen in dieser Hommage und Lobrede auf ihre Stadt und Community. Die Sängerin und Bassistin Lena Farr-Morrissey und Fason sind durch die psychische Chemie verbunden, die man nur durch jahrelanges gemeinsames Spielen in Bands entwickeln kann. Die Gitarre von Fason ist das Segel zu Farr-Morrisseys Anker, und hier schafft er Texturen, die so dicht sind wie der Wind. Das Bindeglied - der Motor in dieser nautischen Metapher - ist Schlagzeuger Cam Hancock, der von gemeinsamen Freunden wärmstens empfohlen wurde. Sein treibendes Spiel dient als Brücke der Ideen, als letztes Puzzlestück, als Meister der Dynamik und Übergängen, der ihre Songs in neue Gefilde treibt, ohne dabei aufzufallen. Gemeinsam lassen sie sich von Stereolab, Broadcast, Th' Faith Healers und Seefeel inspirieren, und umrahmen diese sehr spezifische Sorte von britischer Coolness auf eine einzigartige Weise wie es sie nur im pazifischen Nordwesten gibt. Um die Songs zum Leben zu erwecken, begab sich das Trio ins The Unknown - eine eine stillgelegte Kirche, die als Segelmanufaktur und Aufnahmestudio in Anacortes, WA dient. In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Toningenieur Nich Wilbur, der sich von fünf Matchas pro Tag ernährte, wurde der Arbeitsraum zu ihrem Workshop. ,Wir wollten die Dinge zu dritt angehen, aber auch, dass es so üppig und voll wie möglich klingt", erklärt Fason.
Transversales Disques proudly presents the first official reissue of Michel Colombier's cult 1973 soundtrack "L'héritier". The man behind "Psyche Rock" and "Requiem pour un con" delivers an incredibly intense downtempo spacey-prog-funk score with outstanding drums, wah-wah guitars, deep Rhodes chords and superb bass performed by a legendary rhythm section (Jannick Top, Jean Schultheis, Claude Engel). The soundtrack of "L’héritier" is linked with the score of "Tarot", an improbable Spanish giallo that Colombier composed the same year, featuring Nanette Workman on the main theme. It perfectly captures the essence of this thriller with deep drama grooves and electronic experimentations. This 2025 deluxe edition contains 5 unreleased tracks from the '"Tarot" score.
The double A-side includes the super "Fresh X Pop" new song "Sunny Side Up" which signals a new start, as well as the next latest song.
Released on July 16th, which is Roy's (Vo&Ba) birthday and "Hot Dog" day, which is also the origin of the self-managed "Hot Dog Records" label.
Since his first self-released album in 2017, Anders Buaas from Larvik has really made a name for himself in the prog-rock scene. He has previously played in several renowned Norwegian bands, worked as a producer, and was a touring guitarist for Paul DiAnno (Iron Maiden) and Tim Ripper Owens (Judas Priest). The new Anders Buaas album "Trollringen" is loosely based on and inspired by the novel of the same name by Norwegian author Sigurd Hoel - a historical saga, murder mystery and domestic tragedy inspired by a childhood discovery of an executioner's block used in the beheading of a murderer in 1833. On "Trollringen", Buaas has included songs with with lyrics and vocals for the first time. "All the songs were written between 2019 and 2025 without a concept in mind but fit the narrative of the story well. It is up to the listener to connect the dots. As I mainly focus on instrumental music, my main love and musical venture, I had some songs with vocals and lyrics that were unused. This was the time to fit them into an album. A live string section is also new to this release, as well as the use of soprano saxophone on the title track." He has brought in several internationally renowned vocalists to interpret some of the compositions on the album, including Tanya Wells, Tim Condor and Miriam Kjolen.
Keyboard virtuoso Terry Riley started experimenting with different instruments in the ‘50s. One of his electronic music landmarks
is his third album A Rainbow in Curved Air. Through the use of overdubbing, he recorded all the instruments to feature on the title track. The composition consists of three movements, each representing another part of his musical influences. As the song progresses, its structure goes through frequent changes. It’s a colorful,
psychedelic, atmospheric and revolutionary song. The second track consists of a loop of saxophones and is the dreamy and calm opposite of the title track. Fans of electronic music, such as Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze, would love this record.
Taking inspiration from Hindustani classical music and jazz techniques, Riley’s masterpiece
influenced many musicians, from the likes of Brian Eno to Emeralds.
A Rainbow in Curved Air is available as a limited edition of 750 numbered copies on translucent yellow coloured vinyl
Best of' albums are invariably repackaged collections of old recordings, so Vice Squad's `Punk Rockers' is a breath of fresh air The songs have been lovingly recorded and remastered, keeping all the original fire and adding decades of experience gained from punishing tours and continuous songwriting Beki is the original architect of the songs and the Vice Squad name, and she is the sole surviving member of the original lineup to have continued as a full-time musician Vice Squad are 100% DIY and record everything in their home studio with guitarist/riffmaster Paul Rooney engineering and mixing. There is nothing sloppy here; the whole album is concise and intelligent with lightning-speed diction, passion, and intent. The glorious `If I Knew What I Know Now' and `The World Is Wrong' are examples of Vice Squad's ability to write instantly catchy, witty songs, and the more gut-wrenching material from their last album, `Battle of Britain', showcases some enormous riffs and a voice that is a million decibels from Beki's untried teen vocals. The album opens with the deliciously effervescent `If I Knew What I Know Now', followed by the sparkling old-school tongue-twister `Out of Reach'. Next up is the visceral `Get A Life', an angry anti-suicide note to the desperate, originally the title track from their 1998 comeback album. This is followed by a shimmering version of Vice Squad's old-school classic `Resurrection'. While the treatment of the old songs remains true to the original teenage renditions, the upgraded versions pack more of a punch with detuned guitars and growling bass. The tribal tom-toms of `Allergy' underpin just over two minutes of punk protest about the delights of pollution and asthma. Then comes the sublime `Sniffing Glue', a near-perfect punk love song that would be a huge hit if not for its subject matter. `Ordinary Girl' is punk-pop perfection brimming with hook lines and harmonies, warmly mocking the life that could have been chosen instead of the grindstone at the sharp end of the music industry. `The World Is Wrong' is anthemic, joyous, and wonderfully contrary, and one would expect nothing less from a band that has soldiered on and grown through the decades. It's always great when bands lead by example. In these increasingly tough times where our survival is threatened by the gargantuan greed of a few individuals, it's important to continuously stick two fingers up to the grabbers and spoilers. 'The World Is Wrong' does just that in an impassioned, melodic, and optimistic style. 'Hold your head up, stand your ground, and don't let the bastards grind you down.' Then we roar into the final single Beki wrote with original and now sadly deceased guitarist Dave Bateman, `Citizen', and continue with another teenage opus, the quite brutal `Scarred For Life'. `Voice of the People' is a bulldozer of a song, all swagger and ballsy riffs, and the chorus, `Freedom of speech is against the law; now we're all criminals,' snarls its derision at red-handed red tape. `Punk Police' sneers over a catchy-as-COVID guitar riff, and the lyrics, `Regulation cut, you must measure up, down on the street, PR companies, monied families, running the scene,' call out the hierarchies that now permeate Punk. Baritone guitars add extra darkness to one of the first-ever animal rights songs, `Humane', and I'm struck by how relevant the older songs are. Chocks away, and the awesome 'Spitfire' takes flight like Motörhead on extra amphetamines. Merlin engines fade into `Born In A War', the second in the triumvirate of conflict-themed songs, an absolute stonker with huge muscular riffs and lyrics that roar pure outrage. Then comes the ominous Last Rockers, with all the angst of the original plus added depth and resonance. Beki: ' "Last Rockers" is a typically depressive adolescent song about nuclear war and being too young to die but too late to live. I believed Punks were the `Last Rockers', the final youth cult before the Apocalypse. I was obsessed with punk, and all I wanted to do was sing in a band and be part of the movement, so I would often romanticise the idea of punk in my lyrics.'
Best of' albums are invariably repackaged collections of old recordings, so Vice Squad's `Punk Rockers' is a breath of fresh air The songs have been lovingly recorded and remastered, keeping all the original fire and adding decades of experience gained from punishing tours and continuous songwriting Beki is the original architect of the songs and the Vice Squad name, and she is the sole surviving member of the original lineup to have continued as a full-time musician Vice Squad are 100% DIY and record everything in their home studio with guitarist/riffmaster Paul Rooney engineering and mixing. There is nothing sloppy here; the whole album is concise and intelligent with lightning-speed diction, passion, and intent. The glorious `If I Knew What I Know Now' and `The World Is Wrong' are examples of Vice Squad's ability to write instantly catchy, witty songs, and the more gut-wrenching material from their last album, `Battle of Britain', showcases some enormous riffs and a voice that is a million decibels from Beki's untried teen vocals. The album opens with the deliciously effervescent `If I Knew What I Know Now', followed by the sparkling old-school tongue-twister `Out of Reach'. Next up is the visceral `Get A Life', an angry anti-suicide note to the desperate, originally the title track from their 1998 comeback album. This is followed by a shimmering version of Vice Squad's old-school classic `Resurrection'. While the treatment of the old songs remains true to the original teenage renditions, the upgraded versions pack more of a punch with detuned guitars and growling bass. The tribal tom-toms of `Allergy' underpin just over two minutes of punk protest about the delights of pollution and asthma. Then comes the sublime `Sniffing Glue', a near-perfect punk love song that would be a huge hit if not for its subject matter. `Ordinary Girl' is punk-pop perfection brimming with hook lines and harmonies, warmly mocking the life that could have been chosen instead of the grindstone at the sharp end of the music industry. `The World Is Wrong' is anthemic, joyous, and wonderfully contrary, and one would expect nothing less from a band that has soldiered on and grown through the decades. It's always great when bands lead by example. In these increasingly tough times where our survival is threatened by the gargantuan greed of a few individuals, it's important to continuously stick two fingers up to the grabbers and spoilers. 'The World Is Wrong' does just that in an impassioned, melodic, and optimistic style. 'Hold your head up, stand your ground, and don't let the bastards grind you down.' Then we roar into the final single Beki wrote with original and now sadly deceased guitarist Dave Bateman, `Citizen', and continue with another teenage opus, the quite brutal `Scarred For Life'. `Voice of the People' is a bulldozer of a song, all swagger and ballsy riffs, and the chorus, `Freedom of speech is against the law; now we're all criminals,' snarls its derision at red-handed red tape. `Punk Police' sneers over a catchy-as-COVID guitar riff, and the lyrics, `Regulation cut, you must measure up, down on the street, PR companies, monied families, running the scene,' call out the hierarchies that now permeate Punk. Baritone guitars add extra darkness to one of the first-ever animal rights songs, `Humane', and I'm struck by how relevant the older songs are. Chocks away, and the awesome 'Spitfire' takes flight like Motörhead on extra amphetamines. Merlin engines fade into `Born In A War', the second in the triumvirate of conflict-themed songs, an absolute stonker with huge muscular riffs and lyrics that roar pure outrage. Then comes the ominous Last Rockers, with all the angst of the original plus added depth and resonance. Beki: ' "Last Rockers" is a typically depressive adolescent song about nuclear war and being too young to die but too late to live. I believed Punks were the `Last Rockers', the final youth cult before the Apocalypse. I was obsessed with punk, and all I wanted to do was sing in a band and be part of the movement, so I would often romanticise the idea of punk in my lyrics.'
Republica is the debut studio album by English band Republica, originally released in 1996. Three singles were released from the album: "Bloke", "Ready to Go" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous", with the last two being huge hits. Upon its release, Republica received generally positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success. It peaked at #4 on the UK Albums chart and was also successful in other countries, including Germany, The Netherlands and New Zealand. BuzzFeed listed "Ready To Go" at #37 in their list of the 101 Greatest Dance Songs Of The '90s in 2017. The song is featured in dozens of commercials, movies, and series, including Baywatch, Captain Marvel, Malcolm in the Middle, Queer As Folk. Fun fact, "Ready to Go" is also the theme song for the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio. Republica is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on flaming coloured vinyl and includes a 4-page booklet with lyrics and pictures.
Auf weltweit 1.000 Boxen limitiert, remastert sowie mit bearbeitetem Artwork ausgestattet - diese Boxset-Edition beinhaltet 5 farbige 180g-Doppel-Vinyle (inklusive D-Seiten Etching)!
Masterpeace (1999): Dieses Album markiert die triumphale Rückkehr von David Wayne am Gesang und verbindet den kultigen Metal Church-Sound mit einer modernen Produktion. Tracks wie "Sleeps With Thunder" und "Into Dust" strahlen rohe Kraft aus und machen dieses Album zu einem Meilenstein für Fans des traditionellen Heavy Metal.
The Weight Of The World (2004): Nach einer langen Pause meldete sich Metal Church mit Ronny Munroe am Ruder zurück. Songs wie "Leave Them Behind" und "Madman's Overture" unterstreichen die Unverwüstlichkeit der Band und zeigen eine neu belebte Energie, die ihren Platz im Pantheon des Metal bestätigt.
A Light In The Dark (2006): Dieses Album ist eine Hommage an die Vergangenheit und ein Schritt in die Zukunft. Es enthält Hymnen wie "Mirror Of Lies" und eine gefühlvolle Neuaufnahme von "Watch The Children Pray" Es fängt die Essenz von Metal Churchs Fähigkeit ein, ihre Wurzeln zu ehren und gleichzeitig neues klangliches Terrain zu erkunden.
This Present Wasteland (2008): Ein sehr nachdenkliches und intensives Album mit Tracks wie "Deeds Of A Dead Soul" und "Breathe Again", das persönliche und gesellschaftliche Themen mit eindringlichen Melodien und treibenden Rhythmen verbindet. Es ist ein herausragendes Kapitel in ihrer Karriere.
Generation Nothing (2013): Dieses Album ist eine Rückkehr zu den Heavy-Metal-Ursprüngen der Band und liefert modernisierte epische Hymnen. Songs wie "Scream" und der kraftvolle Titeltrack "Generation Nothing" spiegeln eine Band wider, die tief mit ihrer Vergangenheit verbunden ist, sich aber gleichzeitig entschlossen nach vorne bewegt.
Masterpeace (1999): Dieses Album markiert die triumphale Rückkehr von David Wayne am Gesang und verbindet den kultigen Metal Church-Sound mit einer modernen Produktion. Tracks wie "Sleeps With Thunder" und "Into Dust" strahlen rohe Kraft aus und machen dieses Album zu einem Meilenstein für Fans des traditionellen Heavy Metal.
The Weight Of The World (2004): Nach einer langen Pause meldete sich Metal Church mit Ronny Munroe am Ruder zurück. Songs wie "Leave Them Behind" und "Madman's Overture" unterstreichen die Unverwüstlichkeit der Band und zeigen eine neu belebte Energie, die ihren Platz im Pantheon des Metal bestätigt.
A Light In The Dark (2006): Dieses Album ist eine Hommage an die Vergangenheit und ein Schritt in die Zukunft. Es enthält Hymnen wie "Mirror Of Lies" und eine gefühlvolle Neuaufnahme von "Watch The Children Pray" Es fängt die Essenz von Metal Churchs Fähigkeit ein, ihre Wurzeln zu ehren und gleichzeitig neues klangliches Terrain zu erkunden.
This Present Wasteland (2008): Ein sehr nachdenkliches und intensives Album mit Tracks wie "Deeds Of A Dead Soul" und "Breathe Again", das persönliche und gesellschaftliche Themen mit eindringlichen Melodien und treibenden Rhythmen verbindet. Es ist ein herausragendes Kapitel in ihrer Karriere.
Generation Nothing (2013): Dieses Album ist eine Rückkehr zu den Heavy-Metal-Ursprüngen der Band und liefert modernisierte epische Hymnen. Songs wie "Scream" und der kraftvolle Titeltrack "Generation Nothing" spiegeln eine Band wider, die tief mit ihrer Vergangenheit verbunden ist, sich aber gleichzeitig entschlossen nach vorne bewegt.
Sneaker Social Club is pleased to direct your attention to this sparse and weighty club gear incoming from a sizeable new talent on the scene, Beton Brut.
Following on from his previous drops on Plasma Sources and Coyote Records, Beton Brut steps onto this latest platter with a surefooted sound. It’s informed by weightless grime, minimal techno and brittle electro, but he carves his own incisive path towards the hoods-up-heads-down Dancefloor.
This is stark, moody gear to get lost in — the dexterous sound design slipping around the rhythm core of ‘Tobacco Earthworm’; gleams in high-definition, but never at the expense of the eerily stripped-back atmosphere. ‘Booters’ snips up a clutch of clippings from grime and scatters them across the timeline in a scrapbook style, making a deadly, dislocated love letter to the sound in the process. Approaching mutant, hybrid club music with a considered poise, this is exactly the kind of forward-thinking bassweight gear that Sneaker thrives on.
out of Stock
Last delivered 14 months ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Dana Schechter: Lap Steel Guitar, Bass, Electronics. - Paul Wallfisch: Piano, Organ, SOMA Pipe, Guitaret. Music from the Vienna Volkstheater production of Wolfram Lotz's play "Die Politiker" directed by Kay Voges; performed live in the theatre, spring 2022. These 2 beautiful exiles travel limbic landscapes and underwater dreams with a map that disintegrates instantly when viewed. Their fractured sounds dissolve and reconfigure endlessly in our cochlea and infest our imaginations with spiked armies of ultra-vivid, sentient and carnivorous coral predators, atavistically intent on devouring the sweet meat hiding deep in the center of the amygdala. Michael Gira (SWANS). Wallfisch has played in bands like Firewater and Little Annie, while Schechter has logged time with American Music Club, Angels of Light and her own Insect Ark, among others; both spent time touring and recording with SWANS. They've been friends since meeting in New York in the 1990s. Years later they forged a stronger connection as bandmates in Botanica. They renewed their artistic partnership in 2021, when Paul invited Dana to Vienna to develop the music for a theatrical spectacle called Die Politiker written by Kleist prize winner Wolfram Lotz. The music from the production provides the foundation for the duo's first album, The Heart of A Whale. Across its six intense tracks one can detect a subtle homage to storied Berlin musical traditions, as the pair puts a raw, often brutal veneer on songs steeped in Weimar cabaret (a la Tom Waits) but updated with a visceral mixture of noise, post-punk, and industrial elements. Performed on a panoply of instruments from bass, organ and lap steel to SOMA Synths, Guitaret, a variety of electronics and a grand piano hammered with a shoe, the music reflects the New York- Berlin nexus they've both been part of for decades. Echoes of Swans, Einstürzende Neubauten and The Birthday Party, but also hints of Throbbing Gristle, Eno and even William Basinski and Michael Gordon. The music can't be contained by any single tradition, with a decidedly experimental bent that ruptures the fixed rhythm of rock for something more theatrical and emotionally harrowing.
When the hypnotic groove of Berlin band Onom Agemo & The Disco Jumpers meets the pulsating riffs of Malian guitarist and singer Ahmed Ag Kaedy, new horizons open up.
At the centre of 'Common Stars' is Ahmed Ag Kaedy's distinctive vocals - always with poetic urgency. His lyrics, deeply rooted in the political and cultural realities of his homeland, deal with freedom, home and the search for identity. They deal with the ongoing conflict of the Tuareg in Mali, who are caught between the desire for cultural self-determination and political tensions with the central government. They also address the threat posed by Islamist groups, which have controlled parts of northern Mali and banned music since 2012. Ahmed Ag Kaedy had to flee his home country due to this repression. With his band Amanar, he shaped modern Tuareg rock and toured internationally. The collaboration with Onom Agemo began after he came to Berlin for the premiere of the film 'Mali Blues', in which he is one of the protagonists, and led to joint concerts throughout Europe.
'Common Stars' is a musical meeting of cultures that unites sounds from the Sahara to Berlin. Music that creates connections and makes different perspectives audible. The tracks are characterised by trance-like rhythms, hypnotic bass lines and shimmering saxophone and flute sounds. Pulsating synthesizers, dry-as-dust guitar riffs and improvisational outbursts interweave to create a soundscape that is sometimes driving, sometimes floating and creates a very unique, captivating atmosphere. Ahmed Ag Kaedy describes it aptly: 'Space jazz meets the rhythm of the camel.'
Portland Town is as effervescent a pop song as any of Heavenly’s past recordings, with duelling vocals from Amelia and Cathy; looping, twanging, ‘how-did-he-do-that’ guitar escapades from Peter, and a super-catchy melody. As so often with Heavenly, though, the lyrics have real bite.
The song embraces those who find themselves on the margins of a hostile world where maleness, straightness and conformity are in the ascendant. So why Portland? It has always been a sanctuary – one of those places where difference is celebrated, a place where, as the song puts it, anyone can fit in.
The B side is a cover version of a much-loved Only Ones song, ‘Someone Who Cares’.
Heavenly celebrate the release of Portland Town with a show at Islington Assembly Hall, London on 19th July, as part of the Skep Wax Weekender.
Heavenly are: Amelia Fletcher (guitar, vocals), Cathy Rogers (guitar, vocals), Rob Pursey (bass), Peter Momtchiloff (guitar), Ian Button (drums)
