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Maverick folk artist and touring veteran Rev Hammer has been writing and releasing music for over 40 years. He regards his music not so much as a passport to fame and fortune but as a ticket to ride and has enjoyed numerous tours, collaborations, and projects over his long and varied career. The Old Crow Folk Club album features 23 of his songs re-imagined by friends and artists including Justin Sullivan (New Model Army), Mark Chadwick (Levellers), Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Simon Friend (Levellers), Seth Lakeman, John Jones (Oysterband), Dan Donnelly & Jon Sevink (Levellers), Nick Harper, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Nick Parker,

Langsam, schnörkellos und größtenteils instrumental - auf ,Orphans" wendet sich Art Feynman nach innen. Das Album, das als ,Musik zum Nebenbei-Hören" konzipiert ist, soll den Alltag begleiten und die Atmosphäre untermalen, ohne konzentrierte Aufmerksamkeit zu erfordern. Es bewegt sich durch den Raum wie ein Windspiel - weniger etwas, dem man folgt, als etwas, das man spürt. Es sind intime, einsame Erkundungen, Skizzen, die sich weniger komponiert als vielmehr entdeckt anfühlen, und doch strahlen sie eine stille emotionale Klarheit aus. Während sich Feynmans frühere Arbeiten oft auf komplexe Grooves und dichtes Zusammenspiel stützten, ist ,Orphans" entwaffnend still, geduldig und beruhigend. Zu Beginn des Albums kann man sich fast vorstellen, wie Feynman über einem 4-Spur-Recorder sitzt, Melodien auf einem kleinen Casio nachspielt und seinem Instinkt folgt, wohin auch immer er ihn führt. Der Eröffnungstrack ,Soft Reminder" entfaltet sich mit einer sanften Orgelmelodie, die zu gleichen Teilen melancholisch und neugierig ist; ihre Töne verweilen in der Luft, anstatt voranzutreiben, und legen sich so mühelos im Raum nieder, wie sie zur stillen Reflexion einladen. An anderer Stelle vermittelt ,Soup Song" eine Art hausbackenen Minimalismus, wobei sein beharrliches Orgelmuster an den frühen, experimentierfreudigen Geist von Terry Rileys ,A Rainbow in Curved Air" erinnert. ,Always In Need of Something" verweist auf die verspielten, suchenden Qualitäten von Francis Bebey, wobei seine zyklische Phrasierung eine stille, menschliche Unruhe unter der Oberfläche andeutet. Durchgehend sammeln sich Klänge und Texturen sanft an und formen ebenso sehr eine Atmosphäre wie eine Reihe eigenständiger Kompositionen, wobei sie subtil die emotionale Temperatur des Raums verändern, den sie einnehmen. Das späte Herzstück des Albums, ,Ice Bath", einer der wenigen Momente mit Gesang, bietet eine subtile These: "It slowed me down / That's what I needed / For a new beginning." Der Song fühlt sich wie ein Wendepunkt an, eine Akzeptanz der Stille als notwendige Voraussetzung für Veränderung. Er geht nahtlos über in ,The Condition of New Things", ein wunderschön skizzenhaftes E-Gitarrenstück, das im offenen Raum nachhallt, wobei jede Note mit sorgfältiger Absicht platziert ist und an einige von Jeff Parkers Soloarbeiten erinnert. Der Abschluss-Track ,Plastic Flowers" schwebt herein, getragen von Vocoder-gefiltertem Gesang und einem zarten Bett aus Gitarre und Synthesizer. "To trick the eye but still touch the heart", singt Feynman - eine Zeile, die stillschweigend das Ethos des Albums umrahmt. Wie Licht, das im Laufe eines Tages über eine Wand wandert, mögen diese Aufnahmen bescheiden sein, in ihrer Einfachheit sogar illusionartig, doch ihre emotionale Resonanz ist unbestreitbar.

Black Screen Records once again teams up with composer Chris Christodoulou and Hopoo Games for a vinyl repress of the classic original soundtrack to Risk of Rain 2. At the request of Christodoulou, the new edition of the triple vinyl comes on heavy 180g black wax, the way he enjoys the format the most. The set is housed in a beautiful trifold sleeve with the original artwork illustrated by Italian artist Daniele Giardini. All 20 songs have been carefully remastered by Christian Bethge (Risk of Rain, Deadbolt, Divinity: Original Sin II, A Plague Tale) for the vinyl format. With Risk of Rain 2 the classic multiplayer rogue-like returns with an extra dimension and more challenging action. No run will ever be the same with randomized stages, enemies, bosses, and items. Play solo, or team up with up to four friends to fight your way through hordes of monsters, unlock new loot, and find a way to escape the planet. In his third collaboration with Hopoo Games, Chris Christodoulou returns to the Risk of Rain franchise adding another dimension to the game's music-verse. This two-hour-long genre-bending release spans from foreboding electronica to pounding progressive metal and features all music from the game and then some.

There’s something quietly defiant about Melody Boy. Written and recorded in a tiny beach hut studio on the English coast, and notably know for his previous work with Paul Weller and The Moons, Andy Crofts’ debut solo album arrives without compromise or concession to trend. It’s a record built on melody above all else, songs that feel unearthed rather than manufactured, guided by instinct, memory, and a lifelong obsession with the craft of songwriting.

Crofts, long established as a songwriter and musician, steps forward here with a voice that feels both seasoned and strangely elusive. There’s no rush to explain, no attempt to overstate. Instead, Melody Boy unfolds with a natural confidence, hook laden, harmonically rich, and emotionally direct without ever losing its sense of mystery.
Drawing from a lineage of classic songwriting while remaining firmly his own, the album leans into warmth, analogue textures, and a sense of timelessness that resists the churn of the modern music cycle. It’s not chasing a moment, it’s creating its own space.
Lead single “Blue” introduced that world: melodic, reflective, quietly anthemic. Across the album, that same thread runs deep, songs that reveal themselves slowly, rewarding repeat listens rather than demanding immediate attention.
There’s a deliberate sense of distance in Melody Boy. Not coldness, but clarity. A refusal to overexplain. The result is a body of work that feels personal without being confessional, detailed without being crowded.

In a landscape built on constant output and fleeting attention, Andy Crofts offers something else entirely: a record that trusts the listener to meet it halfway.
"Blue is another song that I can't get enough of at the moment" - Gary Crowley (BBC London)

There’s something quietly defiant about Melody Boy. Written and recorded in a tiny beach hut studio on the English coast, and notably know for his previous work with Paul Weller and The Moons, Andy Crofts’ debut solo album arrives without compromise or concession to trend. It’s a record built on melody above all else, songs that feel unearthed rather than manufactured, guided by instinct, memory, and a lifelong obsession with the craft of songwriting.

Crofts, long established as a songwriter and musician, steps forward here with a voice that feels both seasoned and strangely elusive. There’s no rush to explain, no attempt to overstate. Instead, Melody Boy unfolds with a natural confidence, hook laden, harmonically rich, and emotionally direct without ever losing its sense of mystery.
Drawing from a lineage of classic songwriting while remaining firmly his own, the album leans into warmth, analogue textures, and a sense of timelessness that resists the churn of the modern music cycle. It’s not chasing a moment, it’s creating its own space.
Lead single “Blue” introduced that world: melodic, reflective, quietly anthemic. Across the album, that same thread runs deep, songs that reveal themselves slowly, rewarding repeat listens rather than demanding immediate attention.
There’s a deliberate sense of distance in Melody Boy. Not coldness, but clarity. A refusal to overexplain. The result is a body of work that feels personal without being confessional, detailed without being crowded.

In a landscape built on constant output and fleeting attention, Andy Crofts offers something else entirely: a record that trusts the listener to meet it halfway.
"Blue is another song that I can't get enough of at the moment" - Gary Crowley (BBC London)

Vor 24 Jahren veröffentlichte Jane Weaver ihr Solo-Debütalbum. Nun erscheint es erstmals wieder als Neuauflage! Das ursprünglich 2002 veröffentlichte *Like An Aspen Leaf* ist ein atemberaubendes, atmosphärisches Folk-Werk, durchzogen von einer Sehnsucht, die an Americana erinnert. Mit der Unterstützung von Mitgliedern von Elbow, Voice Of The Seven Woods und Andy Votel entstanden, entfaltet sich das Album wie aus einer Welt des Barock-Pop: untermalt von Liedern voller Wehmut, durchdrungen von eindringlichen Melodien und üppigen Harmonien sowie verfeinert durch klagende Cello-Klänge und ein sich sanft schlängelndes Klavier, das hinter Janes Moll-Akkorden lauert. Das nun für die heutige Zeit remasterte *Like An Aspen Leaf* ist eine betörende Sammlung von sieben Songs, erfüllt von tiefer Melancholie. "These are urban poems, reflecting frailties in urban landscapes and finding great passions hiding between the lines of everyday conversation" The Guardian ****

Mit "Knackered PunkMod" veröffentlichen The Wörmwood Scrubs ihr Debütalbum. Eine kompromisslose Sammlung aus den ersten beiden EPs Part 1 und Part 2 sowie dem Bonustrack "Cope". Alle Songs entstanden zwischen 2024 und 2026 in Eigenregie im Proberaum-Keller - entsprechend roh, direkt und ohne Studio-Politur. Musikalisch bewegt sich die Band zwischen klassischem Punkrock und Mod-Revival-Einflüssen der 70er Jahre. Das Ergebnis: 12 Tracks voller eingängiger Hooks, treibender Energie und bewusst reduzierter Produktion. Kein Schnickschnack, kein Overthinking - einfach Punk. 12 Track 12inch 180 gr. red transp. Vinyl 300 Stück handnummeriert mit Einleger Smith & Miller SMR LP056

The legends of the golden era of Italian soundtracks and library music go by many names, but the backbone of that era’s definitive sonic identity is most often identified as I Marc 4 (also known as Marc 4 or I Marc Quattro). While the moniker might be less familiar to the uninitiated, it is a simple acronym derived from its founding members: Maurizio Majorana (bass), Antonello Vannucchi (organ), Roberto Podio (drums and percussion), and Carlo Pes (guitar). The number "4" serves to highlight the core synergy of these four master musicians. Their journey began in Rome’s vibrant jazz scene of the 1950s and early 1960s, where they honed their craft as members of the RAI national orchestra and collaborated with the most prominent jazz and pop icons of the day. However, it was their pivotal role in defining the Italian cinematic sound of the 1960s and 1970s that secured their legacy. Their unmistakable style was an eclectic fusion of beat, jazz, classical, and Latin influences—textured with early synthesizers, experimental sound effects, and a blend of electronic and baroque instrumentation. Consequently, their initials are etched into the credits of countless landmark recordings by legendary composers such as Nino Rota, Armando Trovajoli, Gianni Ferrio, Alessandro Alessandroni, Piero Umiliani, and Ennio Morricone.

Beyond their work as session luminaries, they produced a vast body of library music under their own name at the legendary Telecinesound Studios in Rome. These recordings were released through prestigious library labels like Sermi, Ricordi, and Fonit Cetra, as well as through their own imprints: Nelson Records, Silver Men, and Silver Music, spanning a definitive series of sixteen albums. Ten of these volumes were issued on Nelson Records during the 1970s, featuring the now-iconic military stencil design. Each release was color-coded: red (G.L.P. 1001), dark blue (G.L.P. 1002), gold (G.L.P. 1003), light green (G.L.P. 1004), brown (G.L.P. 1005), black (G.L.P.1006), light blue (G.L.P. 1007), yellow (G.L.P. 1008), orange (G.L.P.1009), and cool green (G.L.P. 1010). The series was completed by two elusive companion releases: S.M. 2001 on Silver Music and S.M. 2002 on Silver Men, both presented in the same distinctive brown sleeve. Rediscovered in the 1990s and 2000s, these Nelson releases have since achieved cult status among collectors, producers, and DJs worldwide. The final two installments, S.M. 2001 and S.M. 2002, remain the rarest and most enigmatic of the set.

Often overlooked, they contain some of the most profound "hidden gems" in the group’s catalog. The tracklist traverses a wide stylistic spectrum: from the rare groove and proto-hip hop energy of "Trama Nella Metropoli", "Beat Morbido", and "Candy", to the lush cinematic atmospheres featuring the ethereal vocals of Edda Dell'Orso on "Summer In Love", "On The Rain", and "Arcobaleno". The collection is rounded out by sophisticated jazz pieces like "Flauti Ensemble", "Passeggiata", and "Atmosfere Dolci”. Sonor Music Editions has meticulously curated the finest moments from these two rare albums for this first-ever dedicated reissue. Bringing together the best of Silver Music (S.M. 2001) and Silver Men (S.M. 2002), this release retains the iconic stencil artwork but introduces a striking silver finish. This design choice honors the original ten-album sequence while shedding new light on these outstanding recordings—works that remain, in every sense, golden.

Lonely Man's Dream marks a milestone for Forager Records: our tenth release, and perhaps our most personal. More than a compilation, it is a self-portrait. A reflection of the musical obsessions, late-night discoveries, and restless digging that have defined this label from our first record to this latest one.

Spanning the dreamy psychedelic folk of the 1970s to the cool shimmer of 1980s synth pop, Lonely Man's Dream traces a decade of curatorial wandering. Eleven artists. Eleven songs. Each one rare, obscure, or otherwise lost to the margins of music history. Among them, two tracks surface here for the very first time: “Never Say Goodbye” by Cocktails and Dreams, a synth pop transmission from Norway, luminous and weightless as the skies on the cover. “True Love” by Keith Jones, a drum machine backed demo that pulses with a late night intimacy.

What unites these songs across genre and era is the same quality we have always chased; a transporting ache, the sound of someone searching, or the feeling of a memory you can't quite place. Like every record before it, this one asks nothing of you but your full attention and an open ear.

Ten releases in, we are still looking for the same thing we started with. We hope you feel it too.

* Featuring a selection of songs sourced from rare records of the 70s & 80s reissued for the first time.
* Includes 2 unreleased songs from the 80s
* Original artwork by Eric Thompson
* Very limited initial first pressing

Inspired by Kenneth Grahame's 'Wind in the Willows', the sonic endeavours of Mole have so far given us two cassettes (Before I Glare Up At The Sun Through The Top Soil and Mole's Uninvited Guests) and a top class library CD of covers. With ‘For Red Riverbank’, The Sprigs return to bison for their first full length LP, this time joined by Ratty and Badger to form a full three piece band, and to help Mole take on the developers working above ground…

Armed with guitars, pipes, samples and bric-a-brac, it’d be easy for the Sprigs to succumb to a totally romanticised nostalgia for an imagined British folkloric tradition. There’s enough of it going around. Instead, the gang create a ramshackle, ruddy faced blend of introspective hibernation, real-world anxiety and some absolutely knee slapping, joy inducing tunes. It’s a masterwork of folk collage - where beautiful straight-to-tape guitar sketches are cut up amongst British labour history with the help of Leon Rosselson and Ash Reid, giving way to waves of depression and relief in equal measure. Such is life!

Soul Music legend Candi Staton returns to her down-home Alabama roots on her 32nd album, Back to My Roots. The twelve-track Americana set features an array of Staton-penned originals and some well-chosen covers.

"These songs represent my roots," Staton adds as she reflects on her many trials and triumphs. "Even the new songs on some level represent something I've experienced and that's what real soul music is about." Back to My Roots was produced by Staton with her second eldest son, Marcus Williams, a professional drummer who has toured with the likes of Peabo Bryson, Isaac Hayes, and Tyler Perry. They brought in Mark Nevers of Lambchop fame, who produced three of Staton’s prior Americana albums for Honest Jon’s and Thirty Tigers, to sweeten certain tracks. “Some of the first songs I ever heard were songs like `Peace in the Valley’ and `It’s Gonna Rain,’” says Staton. “The new songs or cover songs are tracks that remind me of that era when I was growing up as a child and evolving as a young woman. That’s why I named the album Back to My Roots because I’m going back to the roots that made me who I am.”

Staton received the Americana Music Association UK’s highest honour, the International Lifetime Achievement Award, at the UK Americana Music Awards ceremony at Hackney Church in London last year for her southern soul work that stretches from her 1969 Muscle Shoals hits to her more recent collaborations with the likes of Americana kings Jason Isbell and John Paul White.
The album opens with a mid-tempo Bonnie Raitt-styled contemporary blues “I Missed the Target Again” that finds Harry Connick Jr.’s longtime guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr. (aka the Prophesying Guitarist) showing off his skills that set the tone for the song and the album.

Staton’s older sister, Maggie Staton Peebles (who alongside Staton was a member of the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s), joins her for two duets. The first, “It’s Gonna Rain,” features just a drum, steel guitar and vocals. “My mother used to sing that song to us all the time when I was a child,” Staton recalls. “It’s a really soulful kind of song I wanted to revisit.” They then take turns leading Thomas Dorsey 1939 gem “There Will Be Peace in the Valley” that Elvis Presley popularized in the 1950s.

“Hang on in There” is a new, mid-tempo song that has an old school gospel flavour and features vocals from veteran bluesman, Larry McCray.
While in Europe in 2023 for her farewell concert tour that took her to the Glastonbury Festival and Love Supreme, Staton and her British band, PUSH, went into a London studio to record a new version of The Rolling Stones’ 1972 gem, “Shine A Light.” “I love the way that came out,” Staton says. “We put a big choir on it and put our own twist on it.”
From there, Staton revives another Thomas Dorsey classic, “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow,” with a bluesy vibe. When Al Green started recording gospel in the early 1980s, he re-introduced this song into the culture.

“God’s Gonna Use Me Anyway” is a new mid-tempo blues with subtle Caribbean influences.

The mood takes a turn on “1963.” It’s a poignant, spoken-word reflection on September 15, 1963, when four black girls were killed in the Birmingham Church bombing. “I was in the city that day and I remember the chaos and horror after the bombing,” Staton recalls. “Just thinking of how racism and hatred caused those men to kill those girls was so emotional for me that I could only do it in one take.”

It's a perfect segue into "Reach Down and Touch Heaven," a haunting, plea for divine intervention into the affairs of mankind. "That's straight Baptist," she says. "I used to be a church pianist back in the 1960s. I've never played piano on one of my records before so that's a unique song for me because I’m finally playing on one of my records. The message of that song is about the homeless. It came to me when a homeless person on the street asked me for $5. When God touches your heart to help somebody else that’s heaven to God’s hears. So, when we reach into our purse or wallet to help someone, we’re touching heaven."

Staton offers love as an antidote to hate on the bouncy, Motown-styled, “Love Breakthrough.”

Her publicist brought Aaron Frazer & the Flying Stars of Brooklyn NY’s 2017 cut “My God Has a Telephone” to Staton’s attention. She shifts the track from a retro 1960s groove to more of a 1980s Malaco Records arrangement, a subtle but distinct variation. Staton brought in her longtime friend and STAX Records legend, William Bell (“I Forgot to Be Your Lover” and “Trying to Love Two”), to add raspy seasoning to the track.

The album closes with the wistful, “In God’s Hands We Rest Untroubled,” that was originally written and recorded by the late country star, Lari White, who died in 2017 at the age of 52. “Lari sent me that song to consider at least ten years ago and I always loved it,” Staton says. “The record label didn’t want it on the album or something, so I just held it.”
Staton says, “I grew up hearing a lot of these old songs when they were new songs. I toured with the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s and we got to know people like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke and others who sang these types of songs. So, I’m sort of paying tribute to them and the influence they had on me by refreshing these songs and making new songs in the old style.”’

The Body"s landmark record Master, We Perish, originally released in 2013, found the acclaimed duo at a crossroads in their career. Recorded just before the duo of drummer Lee Buford and guitarist/vocalist Chip King were leaving their longtime home of Providence for Portland and released in between their breakthrough albums All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood and Christs, Redeemers, Master expanded on the duo"s love of layered worldbuilding with more precision and a stronger emphasis on percussive samples than ever before. The seeds of the duo"s celebrated collaborative inclination are evident as the album features Assembly of Light Choir leader Chrissy Wolpert, choir member Reba Mitchell, Otesanek vocalist Leslie Weitz, and guitarist David Lifrieri. With the expanded edition, the album"s striking cover painting by Providence mainstay Manifester aka Matt Brinkman (Mindflayer, Forcefield) is finally rendered in its original form. Master, We Perish is expanded with rare bonus tracks from The Body"s early days, taken from a pair of rare 7" singles Cop Killer/Dead Cops as well as a split with Get Killed. These storied singles mark the first time the band truly pushed the boundaries of sound in the studio and on record. It also marks the beginning of The Body"s practice of wielding the studio as a veritable weapon to translate their gargantuan sound with deeper impact on LP. The results are not only pushing the capacity of the album format but are sonically riveting. The bonus material was recorded at Machines with Magnets. The band described them economically: "NASTY."

The Body"s landmark record Master, We Perish, originally released in 2013, found the acclaimed duo at a crossroads in their career. Recorded just before the duo of drummer Lee Buford and guitarist/vocalist Chip King were leaving their longtime home of Providence for Portland and released in between their breakthrough albums All the Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood and Christs, Redeemers, Master expanded on the duo"s love of layered worldbuilding with more precision and a stronger emphasis on percussive samples than ever before. The seeds of the duo"s celebrated collaborative inclination are evident as the album features Assembly of Light Choir leader Chrissy Wolpert, choir member Reba Mitchell, Otesanek vocalist Leslie Weitz, and guitarist David Lifrieri. With the expanded edition, the album"s striking cover painting by Providence mainstay Manifester aka Matt Brinkman (Mindflayer, Forcefield) is finally rendered in its original form. Master, We Perish is expanded with rare bonus tracks from The Body"s early days, taken from a pair of rare 7" singles Cop Killer/Dead Cops as well as a split with Get Killed. These storied singles mark the first time the band truly pushed the boundaries of sound in the studio and on record. It also marks the beginning of The Body"s practice of wielding the studio as a veritable weapon to translate their gargantuan sound with deeper impact on LP. The results are not only pushing the capacity of the album format but are sonically riveting. The bonus material was recorded at Machines with Magnets. The band described them economically: "NASTY."

New 2026 edtion in beer coloured vinyl! It's hard to believe fresh-faced pogo punks Teenage Bottlerocket (or TBR as the kids call them) celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2025. Since their inception way back in 2000, there has been one word best suited to describe them: Rad. Teenage Bottlerocket is the epitome of rad. Stay Rad! shows a slightly different side of Teenage Bottlerocket, putting their songwriting progression and personal growth on full display, while remaining a quintessential TBR album -complete with enthralling melodies, perfect harmonies, and their trademark breakneck down strumming. As with every Teenage Bottlerocket record, Stay Rad! has a good mix of silly and serious, but the overriding sentiment is one that echoes its title. From the incredibly catchy and clever "I Wanna Be a Dog" to the heartfelt hit "Everything to Me," Stay Rad! checks all the boxes of classic TBR. At the same time the band manages to stretch their boundaries on the riffy ode to Norwegian black metal "Creature from The Black Metal Lagoon" and the hardcore influenced "The First Time That I Did Acid Was the Last Time That I Did Acid." Top to bottom Stay Rad! meets expectations and shatters them with plenty of new twists for the legions of TBR faithful. Beer color vinyl & gatefold with Silver foiled sleeve art Produced by Andrew Berlin at the Blasting Room (Rise Against, Descendents) Features hit singles "I Wanna Be A Dog" and "Everything To Me" For fans of Ramones, Screeching Weasel, Descendents, The Queers, The Lillingtons

'Heavy Metal' ist das Debüt-Soloalbum von Geese-Frontmann Cameron Winter. Es ist eine unerwartete klangliche Kehrtwende von Geeses unverkennbar Jam-ähnlichem Indie-Twang undverzichtet größtenteils auf Stadiongitarren zugunsten eines sanfteren Anschlags, der seinen mystischen, fantasievollen lyrischen Stil voll zur Geltung bringt. Gelegentlich verwirrend, doch unendlich bereichernd, enthüllt 'Heavy Metal' Winter als Chamäleon-artigen Meister seines Fachs, einen wandlungsfähigen Singer-Songwriter im Stil von Größen wie Dylan, Cohen und Nilsson.

born (literally) in fire, soma flared briefly as the alchemical pairing of two unique and dynamic musicians. david thrussell and pieter bourke met through mutual friends in the artistic melting-pot of early 1990s elwood, melbourne, australia. bourke was an integral member of the gothically ambient eden, thrussell frontman of anarchic industrial combo snog. both admired each others work, and though some considered them an unlikely combination, something rather potent was brewing which drew them inexorably together.

initially bourke joined snog live and then in the studio, contributing mightily to their epic second album ‘dear valued customer’. as a natural result of their friendship and muse, thrussell and bourke instituted their own project, soma, to explore the intersections of arcane and mysterious technologies. the first soma album “hollow earth” was released to acclaim.

soon after, thrussell was awoken by a 3am knock on his door. bourke was now homeless - the result of a devastating fire that had just torn through his apartment and studio - and he needed somewhere to sleep. this is when work on ‘the inner cinema’ began, with bourke and thrussell ensconced in the same dwelling, able to write and record around the clock (often only leaving to plan the next session while dining at local vegan eateries).

at the time thrussell was obsessed by the testosterone bravado and haunting alienation of ‘spaghetti-western’ theme songs, while bourke brought his love of all things percussive and the other-worldly atmospherics of arvo pärt (with the outer-space dub of king tubby) to the mix. together, on a diet of blood-plum sago, fortean times and lingering smoke fumes, they concocted their dadaist brew.

magical and unforgettable, ‘the inner cinema’ stands apart and outside of the musical mainstream. since its 1996 release the album has developed a mythical reputation and is spoken of in hushed and adulating tones among acolytes of atmospheric and electronic music. you hold in your hands a lovingly remastered deluxe reissue of this sonorous gem.

time marches on, and after a few more sporadic soma recordings bourke and thrussell moved on to other pastures. bourke would work with dead can dance, lisa gerrard and hollywood auteur michael mann, as thrussell toured regularly with snog and black lung, cut some interesting soundtracks and birthed the idiosyncratic omni recording corporation.

expelled from its fiery crucible, this dark jewel of sound, this soundtrack of the mind, has lain in the soft earth awaiting rediscovery. fluid metabolic rhythms and breathy washes of timeless melancholy pulsing, inviting, in the warm soil. now is your chance.

Donald Byrd, Dominoes. Taken from the 1975 album Places & Spaces, this sought after 45 is one of the defining tracks of the 1970’s jazz-funk sound. Capturing the style Byrd developed with the Mizell brothers, this song marks the transition to a smoother groove driven sound.

Tight drums, in the pocket bass and catchy chorus, sophisticated enough for the jazz listeners while still guaranteed to drive a dancefloor. Sampled by Stetsasonic for their remix of “Talkin’ All that Jazz” among many other sample credits. The Blackbyrds, Mysterious Vibes. Hard to find on 45, this jazz funk classic first appeared on the 1977 album Action. Feel good vibes, unmistakable horn funk heritage, with an instantly recognisable lead synth providing the sample source for hip hop classics by Kurious, Paris and Wiz Khalifa.

Nia Archives returns with Emotional Junglist, an album about love – but not just the shimmering romantic parts. Written throughout 2025 – a year that saw Nia fall in, and horrifically back out of, love – each track will encompass something of the experience.

Marking her biggest sonic leap to date, her alt-jungle sound honed alongside James Ford (Arctic Monkey’s, Blur), Ethan P. Flynn (FKA Twigs, David Byrne) and Julia Michaels (Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter), will see her flirt with everything from dewy-eyed indie pop and nineties electronica, underscored by the syncopated beats and thudding basslines of her jungle roots with a tracklist that features Jorja Smith and Sampha.

The motif for the album is a shell – tough on the outside, but through pressure, maturation and resilience, something precious is built within. Nodding to the female form, the spiral chamber also symbolizes growth and self-development.

Second Skin is Nene H's declaration of liberated identity. Across nine tracks, Nene traces the metamorphosis from conformity to authenticity that unfolds after a breakup. They trace a step-by-step transformation: the shedding of imposed narratives and the layering of a new, liberated self. The result is a sonic diary of emancipation, where musical ideas move through noise, South West Asian modalities, trap, future bass, house, trance, minimal and deconstructed club music fusing and mutating freely. With their second album, Second Skin, Berlin-based artist Nene H deepens their commitment to radical honesty through sound. Where their debut was a tribute to their late father and a processing of personal grief, the second album turns inward toward identity, the fracturing and reassembling of the self that follows the dissolution of a long-term relationship. They carefully infuse shattered Southwest Asian motifs with their vocals. Vocals appear and disappear like traces of memory. The opening track, Where Was I, continues the story of their previous album Ali. From there, the question "where was I?" transforms into an existential inquiry. The starting point of both their personal journey and the journey of this album. After stepping through that door, the album unfolds into a deliberate balance: four deconstructed pieces and four more straightforward 4/4-driven tracks. The sibling tracks on A2-A3 and B3-B4 share the same DNA, though their destinies are not the same. Every element is placed with intention; every sound carries its own narrative thread. Each track gestures toward a different genre, a different world, yet together they form a coherent, flowing story. It's the story of closure and liberation.

Hot Creations Summer 2026 Vinyl Sampler featuring four of the Hottest recent releases on Hot Creations.

Adam Ten and Asulin join forces for the first time on Hot Creations with ‘Warawara’. Fusing driving grooves, finely tuned production, and emotive vocals into a cohesive club-ready statement. ‘Warawara’ moves with hypnotic energy and forward momentum, as Adam Ten channels his signature blend of evolving rhythms and precise production, before Asulin’s vocals weave seamlessly through the arrangement, delivering melodic clarity and emotional resonance. High-flying UK DJ/producer Riordan debuts on Hot Creations with ‘Feel The Funk’ which locks into a slick groove built around silky M1 organs, skippy drums, and soulful vocals, as it twists through a series of cascading builds and drops. Infectious as hell!

Following the release of ‘Murder Mystery’ in October, Jamie Jones’ groove-driven track returns with a reinterpretation from one of the scene’s most hyped talents: German producer Kolter’s remix injects the track with his unmistakable style: deep, rolling basslines, playful funk tones, and raw, 90s-inspired textures that keep the energy moving. The result is a version that maintains the original’s tension and groove while opening new sonic spaces for DJs and dancefloor explorers alike - bridging underground sensibilities with festival-ready punch. Finally, Volkoder returns to Hot Creations with ‘My House’, a no-nonsense groove designed to hold and control the dancefloor. ‘My House' locks in from the off, sitting firmly in the pocket with commanding synths, hooky vocal interjections, and chunky low-end weight, while smaller details dart around the groove to add splashes of momentum.

OMRI. returns to Crosstown Rebels with his latest three-track release, ‘Signals’. Out on 24th July 2026, the in-demand DJ/producer follows up one of the label’s standout tracks of recent years with a collection of hypnotic, after-hours club cuts.

OMRI.’s relationship with Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels imprint began last summer when he made his debut with ‘Nothing Wrong’, a record that quickly became one of the imprint’s defining releases of the season while being awarded Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune on BBC Radio 1, and introduced his distinctive blend of understated yet driving dancefloor psychedelia to a wider audience. Returning to the label a year later, following a prolific run of recent releases on the likes of Hot Creations, TSZR, Higher Ground and AFFAIRS, plus his own burgeoning Collecting Dots Records imprint, his ‘Signals’ EP picks up where that breakthrough left off, while pushing deeper into his unmistakable sonic world.

Opening the release, the title track ‘Signals’ is quintessential OMRI. throughout. Rolling low-end pressure, spiralling effects, and an infectious female vocal hook all combine to create a track that feels playful and hypnotic. Built with a light touch yet packed with personality, it showcases the instinctive groove-led approach that has become central to his rise. On the flip, The Space dives further into late-night territory, pairing punchy drums and a wicked bassline with warped, stuttering vocal fragments that drift in and out of focus. Meanwhile, Scenius closes the EP through crisp percussion, acid-dipped textures, and cleverly manipulated samples, steadily drawing listeners deeper into its hallucinatory atmosphere.

*repress*

Phonica unveil the second in a series of three 12" samplers featuring a selection of tracks from their new compilation 'Ten Years Of Phonica'.

Phonica favourite Lo Shea kicks off Sampler number 2 with the ominous 'Home', a bassline-heavy house cut that continues on from his streak of high quality and inventive 12" releases on Seaghdha. Medlar and Red Rack'em join forces for the submerged 'Morning Light'. It's deep house in its truest form and here's hoping they continue to collaborate, because on the basis of this, they're onto something very special.

Moiré is another producer Phonica have been hugely impressed with, his highly original 12"s for Werk Discs and Rush Hour blew us away and his contribution 'Solar Signs' doesn't disappoint. Cult producer STL rounds out the 12" with 'Freaky Fingers'. His distinctively twisted take on house and techno is in full effect on this one, whistles and all. As STL releases on labels other than Something or Smallville are a rarity, it's yet another coup for Phonica.

Phonica Records was established in September 2003 and set up shop in Soho, London, adding to the high concentration of independent records stores that inhabited the area. Founders; Simon Rigg, Heidi Vanden Amstel and Tom Relleen joined The Vinyl Factory with the aim of creating an exciting outlet for innovative dance music, traversing all sub-genres and cultures. Over the past decade the emporium has developed into a well-respected destination for DJs and enthusiasts, and has subsequently become a bustling hive of conversation and inspiration as part of a wider community of music lovers.

While trends and movements in music have grown and faded over these years, Phonica has always remained in a state of evolution. It is this openness to change alongside a commitment to it's original ethos and an enduring ardour for quality, cutting-edge sounds that has fuelled the shop's staying power.

To celebrate reaching this milestone, Phonica Records have invited some of their favourite artists to produce a track for an eclectic yet cohesive compilation, which will hopefully go some way towards sonically unfolding the 'Ten Years of Phonica.'

There’s a new sound shaking up the Upper East Side — and it’s not related to Serena this time.

It’s ‘gg’, the new track from Lolina.

We've all heard the rumors of L performing this one around the globe for months, & some of the lucky ones got the chance to catch it live... but now the wait appears to be over for the general public. There are officially plans to release the studio version of ‘gg’, and it's safe to say the track is scandalous. Meeting same time, same place to get to the bottom of it all. Confusion lingers, yet everything stays comfortably in strife. It all keeps moving.

Who is the city even for now? What’s our own involvement in the distress? That’s one secret I’ll never tell!

Why is it that L must use song to persist in this city that never sleeps? Have fables fallen so out of fashion that princesses have to do everything themselves now?

Well... according to some tips we received this doesn't seem to be the case. L has enlisted help from some very exciting sonic connoisseurs, resulting in remixes stronger than a knight in shining armor could ever provide.

So let's check out this track list, shall we?

A-Side
gg (Extended Version)
gg (NEW YORK Remix)

B-Side
gg (Arca Remix)

Sounds like the perfect soundtrack for eating a yogurt cup on the steps of the MET to me.

We seriously doubt you'll be able to ignore this release.
Run the credits, roll the dice.

xo xo
GOSSIP GIRL

Press release by Kaitlin Simotics
Mastering and additional mixing by Amir Shoat
Artwork by Lolina
Vinyl design by Termite Lounge

“Leviathan’s Desire” was Protector’s first release with Olly Wiebel as the new man on the microphone, and he brought in a new and different style, one no less gruff and aggressive than that of his predecessor. With the “Leviathan’s Desire” EP, Protector left the musically mid-paced path they had followed on “Urm the Mad”, turning back to their key skills and delivering a short but sweet-and-extreme thrash metal attack. The EP contains a revised and extended version of “Kain and Abel” that fits in perfectly with the new tracks, which are full to the brim with raging riffs and violent hooks, relentlessly delivered by a band that’s fully aware of its great skills and abilities both with regard to song-writing and performance – rhythm changes, breaks and bridges are all thoroughly worked out and excellently delivered. But do not fear! There are no signs of giving in to any ideas of embracing the “progressive” side of Protector. This is still pure Teutonic Thrash to the bone. “Leviathan’s Desire” was recorded in the Phoenix Studio Bochum in 1990 and originally released by German label Atom H (based in Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia) in the same year. Ralph Hubert of Mekong Delta fame took over production duties of the record. Olly is very glad to see the vinyl re-release of “Leviathan’s Desire”, which has been mastered for vinyl by old comrade Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony. Protector also opened up their dusty cabinets to present us with a selection of previously unreleased pictures from those still good old days, which will be gracing the High Roller edition of “Leviathan’s Desire”.

2026 Repress

For the better part of two decades, the acclaimed band Calexico has crossed musical barriers, embracing a multitude of styles, variety in instrumentation, and well-cultivated signature sounds. With their forthcoming record Edge of the Sun, out April 13th via City Slang, they take inspiration from a trip to a place surprisingly unexplored by the band before in Mexico City, and with the benefit of many friends and comrades to help guide the way.

Encouraged by the experience, the guest list grew to include Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), Nick Urata (Devotchka), Carla Morrison, Gaby Moreno, Amparo Sanchez, multi-instrumentalists from the Greek band Takim, and Neko Case. Burns' brother John Burns lent a hand to some lyrics and songwriting, and the band's keyboardist, Sergio Mendoza, stepped up to co-write and arrange certain songs, ultimately co-producing the album along with Burns, John Convertino, and longtime associate Craig Schumacher.

Warrant was formed in 1984 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, and experienced success from 1989 to 1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. The band first came into the national spotlight with their double platinum debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989) and one of its singles, "Heaven", which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band's success continued in the early 1990s with the double platinum album Cherry Pie (1990), which provided the hit song of the same name. In 1992, Warrant released their third album the critically acclaimed Dog Eat Dog. The record achieved only moderate commercial success compared with the first two albums, but still sold over 500,000 copies reaching Gold status and charting at No. 25 on the US Billboard charts. The band's fourth album Ultraphobic (produced by a returning Beau Hill) was released in March 1995 and, featured the singles "Family Picnic", " Followed" and the ballad "Stronger Now". Now to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their fifth album which was released in October of 1996 and the last with Jani Lane. Belly To Belly Vol. 1 has been remastered and repackaged and is available for the first time on strictly limited vinyl LP.

Shiverstruck, the latest album from IAN SWEET, finds songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jilian Medford at her absolute best. Produced and mixed by Ben Allen (Deerhunter, Washed Out, Belle and Sebastian), the record centers a deliberate return to analog instrumentation, with acoustic guitars, piano, strings, and live drums at the forefront. Medford’s writing is more confident, direct, and emotionally exposed than ever, with soaring, melodic tracks like “Criminal Kissing” and “Jilian” revealing a striking new dimension of IAN SWEET.

IAN SWEET’s music has amassed millions of streams worldwide and earned praise from FADER, The New York Times, Stereogum, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork, which named Show Me How You Disappear one of the Best Rock Albums of 2021 and profiled Medford as a Rising artist that same year.

Dies ist der Original-Soundtrack zu ,Crime 101" vom experimentellen Elektronikmusiker, Produzenten und Komponisten Blanck Mass. Das Album ist auf schwarzem Vinyl gepresst und in einer luxuriösen, foliengeprägten Hülle untergebracht, komplett mit beidseitigem Einleger. Donnernde Synth-Klanglandschaften werden mit nuancierten, charakterorientierten Themen kombiniert und schaffen so eine facettenreiche Kulisse für den intensiven Thriller. Der Amazon MGM Studios-Film unter der Regie von Bart Layton spielt vor der sonnenverbrannten Kulisse von Los Angeles. ,Crime 101" erzählt die Geschichte eines schwer fassbaren Juwelendiebs (Chris Hemsworth), dessen Serie von Raubüberfällen entlang der Autobahn 101 die Polizei vor ein Rätsel stellt. Als er die Beute seines Lebens im Visier hat, kreuzt sich sein Weg mit dem einer desillusionierten Versicherungsmaklerin (Halle Berry), die selbst an einem Scheideweg steht. Überzeugt davon, ein Muster entdeckt zu haben, rückt ein unerbittlicher Detective (Mark Ruffalo) immer näher und erhöht den Einsatz noch weiter. Während der Raubüberfall näher rückt, beginnt die Grenze zwischen Jäger und Gejagtem zu verschwimmen, und alle drei stehen vor Entscheidungen, die ihr Leben bestimmen - und der Erkenntnis, dass es kein Zurück mehr gibt. Über die Entstehung der Musik sagt Power: ,Crime 101 war ein unglaublicher Film, für den ich die Musik schreiben durfte. Im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte steht natürlich der Raubüberfall. Mir wurde jedoch sehr schnell klar, dass dies nicht irgendein Raubüberfallfilm war, sondern eher ein Noir-Film, in dem zufällig ein Raubüberfall vorkommt. Die Hauptfiguren und die Art und Weise, wie sich ihre Leben verflechten, waren in gewisser Weise wichtiger als die Action. Der Film ist natürlich stellenweise hochdramatisch, aber was mich wirklich an diesem Film fasziniert hat, war die Charakterentwicklung. Lou, Davis und Sharon sind das schlagende Herz. Ich wollte die ganze Zeit über ,klanglich bei ihnen sein`. Sowohl das Zarte als auch das Wütende mussten miteinander harmonieren."

2026 Repress

Portuguese techno mainstay Dextro drops cultured EP 'Covil Dos Abutres' for his label debut on Mutual Rytm.

Dextro has been immersed in electronic music and DJing since the early 90s. In the decades since, he has become synonymous with a sound deeply rooted in simplicity and authenticity. Fuelled by a passion for his craft, his production process is guided by intuition and spans a diverse range of styles, from tunnelling grooves to more potent techno with deep and hypnotic layers. He has held several key residencies and released on top labels like CLR and Missile Records, and he adds to those with a first outing on SHDW's Mutual Rytm with 'Covil Dos Abutres'.

The five-track 12" and eight-track digital EP has a sleek, stripped-back style, with wide-spanning corners of the techno realm explored. 'Covil Dos Abutres' is a deep space transmission with journeying, frictionless beats and deft sci-fi motifs that recall classic touches synonymous with the genre's pioneers. 'Correct Incorrect' keeps the pressure on with more rubbery, dubbed-out groves beautifully decorated with delicate melodies. 'Vida E Morte' is another sublime and hypotonic minimal techno sound with funk in the kicks and a freaky late-night spirit. 'Element One' again combines perfectly reduced drum groves with atmospheric pads and curious samples that keep you intrigued, and 'Beautiful Day' closes out with sonar-like synth pulses over the most skeletal but captivating rhythms. Digital cuts 'Time Line', 'Savana Urbana', and 'Diferencas' further explore the intersection of minimalism with cosmic synth designs that take you off into distant astral worlds.

Deluxe 12" Tip-On (pasted card) Gatefold Edition (Limited Edition)

A new solo album from Seu Jorge reveals his 'other side' on this new solo album featuring Beck and Maria Rita. Produced by Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys), the album moves between jazz and bossa nova and is the result of a 16-year musical journey.
Seu Jorge is ready to present to the world the most ambitious project of his international career. After 16 years in the making, “The Other Side” finally arrives on streaming platforms in May. A departure from the soul and samba that defined his solo career, the new album is a sophisticated orchestral celebration of Brazilian music, moving between jazz and bossa nova.

The seed for this meeting between the Brazilian soul and orchestral sophistication was planted by a longtime friend and admirer: the legendary producer Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson. The partnership, however, goes back further. “It’s not often that you find a voice and talent as vibrant and powerful as Seu Jorge’s. That’s what I felt in 1999, when I met him in Los Angeles,” recalls Caldato. “Since then, our friendship and admiration have only grown, allowing us to create music together with total freedom.”

The spark for “The Other Side” came from a moment of pure sensitivity. “This album was born when I recorded Jorge playing a simple version of ‘Girl You Move Me,’ by the band Cane and Able, on a nylon-string guitar. The performance was very sensitive and dynamic, which moved me deeply,” says the producer.

It was then that Caldato had the idea to invite multi-instrumentalist and arranger Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to orchestrate that demo. The partnership, which began in 2009, blossomed organically. “I shared some ideas with Miguel, and he understood perfectly, creating a beautiful arrangement that elevated the song to a much more luxurious and sophisticated dimension. That experience planted the seed for this orchestral adventure. "

With his characteristically deep, velvety voice, Seu Jorge guides the listener through a repertoire that revives gems of MPB. The artist cites as references the catalog of the German label ECM Records and the arrangements of Claus Ogerman, a conductor who worked with Tom Jobim and João Gilberto.

Recorded in stages between 2009 and 2018, the album is a true work of musical
craftsmanship, created with calm and friendship. The live rhythmic foundations were
provided by Seu Jorge’s band. “Jorge has a lot of confidence in and pride for his musicians, allowing them to express themselves freely. Each one brings a special flavor to every song; this was their album too, ” notes Caldato Jr.

“It was a week of pure joy for me and for all of us, recording and capturing that magical spirit and vibe,” adds the producer, who saw the work come together with arrangements by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. “When it came time for mixing, everything felt very natural. The album revealed itself and came together magnificently. For me, it’s a timeless album.”

The album features covers of songs such as “Crença” by Milton Nascimento (from his 1969 debut album); “Caboclo” by Arthur Verocai, in a version with psychedelic guitars; and, of course, “Girl You Move Me” by the Canadian band Cane & Able, which inspired the project. Among the tracks featuring guest artists, “Vento de Maio” by Márcio Borges (a hit with Lô Borges and Elis Regina) features an intense duet with Maria Rita. Another major collaboration is with American singer Beck, a self-proclaimed fan of Brazilian music and Grammy winner. Together, they perform “River Man” by the revered British singer Nick Drake.

Odisea is the new album, actually the real debut from Los Retros, out in April on Stones Throw. It draws inspiration from 1980s Japanese City Pop, and marks a new creative chapter from Mauri Tapia shaped by growth, reflection, and renewed purpose. It's been a journey since Tapia first captured hearts with the lo-fi magic of "Someone To Spend Time With", recorded at the age of 17 on a humble four-track in his parents' living room. Now 25, the Oxnard native has stepped into an entirely new season of life - he married his high school sweetheart, became a father to two daughters, and embraced spiritual faith. Earlier this year, he revisited his start with Early Days (2016-2019), a compilation of unreleased music from Mauri's teen years. "Jazz fusion has become my favorite genre and greatest inspiration of all time," Mauri says. "I made this album for the version of me that first fell in love with music. It's my full-circle moment - a sonic hat tip to my beginnings - as well as a nod to the forefathers of jazz fusion and city pop for leaving us with great music." Through it all, he's kept the same DIY spirit, writing and recording every note himself, only now in a home studio of his own. On Odisea, Tapia blends neon-lit City Pop with the melodic sensibility of Latin American soft rock. Mauri's deep love for 70s and 80s jazz fusion records anchors the album, yet Tapia filters those influences through a modern lens. Odisea features two Japanese vocalists, - Hikari and HITOMITOI. Also check out Los Retros new compilation "Early Days" released simultaneously. RIYL soul, bedroom pop, indie, modern jazz, downtempo, soft rock, Mac DeMarco, Thee Sacred Souls, Skinshape, Men I Trust

Following the first two singles by Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle (later F.S.K) from 1980 and 1981, as well as their debut LP “Stürmer” and the 1982 EP “Magic Moments”, A-Musik is now releasing “Ça c’est le Blues,” another of their early works, all of which were released on Alfred Hilsberg’s legendary ZickZack label and have long since become rarities. “Ça c’est le Blues” was originally released in 1984 and marks nothing less than a milestone in F.S.K.’s already impressive discography. While numerous bands from the West German underground of the early 1980s, following the “Summer of Pop” of 1982 and the associated breakthrough of the “Neue Deutsche Welle,” either moved toward the mainstream or began singing in English, Justin Hoffmann, Thomas Meinecke, Michaela Melián, and Wilfried Petzi took a different path.

The songs became more elaborate, the production – influenced by bands like Gang of Four and Dexys Midnight Runners – more opulent, and the instrumentation now included wind instruments for the first time, which have since become an integral part of F.S.K.’s sound. At the same time, the Munich-based band’s music-historically motivated focus was directed more toward the US than was typical of the bands in the West German scene of that era. To their signature blend of post-punk and experimental music, as already evident on “Stürmer,” they now incorporated funk (on the opener “Faire Le Chicken”) and jazz (on the heartbreaking cover version of “My Funny Valentine”). From then on, this “transatlantic feedback” was an essential component of F.S.K.’s musical practice. The discursive twists and turns, the incorporation of references, and the insistence on German lyrics would influence bands in the coming decades, not just those of the “Hamburg School.” At the same time, the album features legendary hits by Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle – such as “Move Ahead” and “Fragen der Philosophie (Völkerball)”– which are still played at every concert to this day.

With the reissue of “Ça c’est le Blues,” one of the most impressive releases in 20th-century German avant-pop history is finally available again. The reissue includes a comprehensive booklet featuring an in-depth interview about the album with all band members, as well as numerous previously unpublished photos.

Sacred Leather is a traditional heavy metal band from the heart of Indianapolis, consisting of Dee Wrathchild (vocals), Lynn St. Michaels (lead guitar), Cvon Owens (rhythm guitar), Magnus Legrand (bass) and Don Diamond (drums). Following a privately manufactured live cassette, 2018’s debut album »Ultimate Force« and numerous (digital) singles, the new »Keep The Fire Burning« is the band’s most definite statement yet. Produced by the legendary Arthur Rizk (Eternal Champion, Power Trip), every track on the record is a call to arms. High-octane compositions such as “Spitfire At Night”, “Phantom Highways” or “Malevolent Eyes” show that Sacred Leather are true defenders of the faith. All songs breathe the raw power of classic 80s metal. Bassist Magnus Legrand comments: “Judas Priest has been a massive influence on us - not just aesthetically or stylistically, but in their ability to cover a wide range of sounds while always remaining unmistakably themselves. That balance is something we actively strive for: to explore every facet of heavy metal without ever losing our identity. The same can be said for KISS, Scorpions, and Queensrÿche - bands that can rock, rip, soar, go epic, or strip it down to something tender, all while keeping their signature intact. That versatility, anchored by a strong sense of self, is the standard we hold ourselves to.” According to Magnus Legrand, »Keep The Fire Burning« is a clear progression from the debut album »Ultimate Force«: “It’s sharper in its songwriting, stronger in its musicianship, and more focused in its execution. Where »Ultimate Force« laid the foundation, this record pushes further into those same territories with greater intent and refinement. It builds on what we established before, expanding the scope while tightening the strike. As a whole, »Keep The Fire Burning« is a relentless ride through the heart of traditional heavy metal - familiar in spirit, but undeniably Sacred Leather in execution.“

If you have kept a keen eye on what is going on in German thrash these days, you cannot have missed the comeback of Protector, legendary thrash/death outfit from Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony. Formed in 1986, Protector first called it a day in 2003, only to return in 2011 and releasing their “Reanimated Homunculus” on High Roller Records in 2013. Protector are widely regarded as one of the most underrated outfits from the prolific German thrash/death scene of the Eighties. Their debut-EP “Misanthropy” from 1987 is a thorny gem of uncompromising thrash metal, raw and fast, and with a strong feel of evil blackness. This first official release laid the base for Protector's reputation as “Germany’s most brutal band”, as some people called them. Protector? Really? Some band from some far out place in Lower Saxony? It’s true, Protector never rose to the same heights of fame as Kreator, Sodom and the likes, but back in the days, they made a name for themselves by playing not only fierce and sharp thrash metal, but always being extremely harsh, brutal and very very evil. “Misanthropy” is a perfect testimony for this: In its six-tracks-brevity, Protector’s debut-EP is a violent attack on the listener, giving you six razor sharp cuts and leaving you behind, crushed and bleeding. “Misanthropy” was recorded in the summer of 1987 at the White Lines Studio in Braunschweig. While the band's main influences at that time were Slayer’s “Reign in Blood”, Possessed’s “Seven Churches” and Exodus' “Bonded by Blood”, “Misanthropy” actually sounds like none of these albums – but very unique; In part this is due to Martin Missy's extraordinary extreme vocal performance, which always bordered on the verge of death metal growls and thus added a lot to Protector’s very own way of evil. The reactions to “Misanthropy” were mixed: Fans and the underground media celebrated the release, while the bigger magazines were sceptical about Protector's brutal and aggressive style and sound. Anyway: “Misanthropy” made people aware of this four-piece who lived in the shadow of the then still intact German Wall, far away from the Ruhr-Area, the heart of Teutonic thrash. For the High Roller re-release, nothing will be changed about the sound, which makes total sense, given that “Misanthropy” is great just as it is. Instead, “Misanthropy” comes with a very special feature: To make the release as complete as possible, High Roller includes the two songs from the demo from 1986, “Protector of Death” and “Apocalyptic Revolution”, something Martin Missy totally appreciates: “I think this is a great thing to do. That way the fans get an idea about what Protector sounded like before the EP was recorded.” One thing is already clear: Protector never got any more aggressive, sharp and shattering than on „Misanthropy”.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 40 years ago that we started out as a cover band in the night clubs of California before writing and recording our own songs and selling millions of albums. Just like our musical heroes The Beatles, Rolling Stones, or even Jimi Hendrix, all artists who honed their craft by learning cover songs from the legends before them, we did the same as youngsters and still enjoy paying tributes and recording cover songs today. HOMAGE is our new album that not only pays tribute to legends but gives us a chance to showcase our lead singer’s diversity as well as the musical dynamics we learned as a band many years ago. And now, our new album HOMAGE is a thank-you note written in sound. An offering to the great singers and songs that shaped the music we grew up listening to and the songs we would eventually write.

Each track showcases Jeff Keith’s incredible vocal ability Something that may have been overlooked throughout our long career. But not by our fans.........!!! HOMAGE isn’t about imitation. It’s about acknowledgment. About tracing the line from influence to identity, from listening to becoming. You ask why ? .....why not! It felt like a good thing to do, it’s been 20 years since we did Real to Reel.....It sparked writing a new original Tesla song called “Never Alone” And it’s what bands are supposed to do ..make music. These songs were picked for various reasons… Mostly because they’re some of the greatest singers of all time: Elvis Presley Freddie Mercury Sam Cooke David Ruffin Etta James James Brown And some of the others because we liked the songs and grew up hearing them on the radio or on our turntables. Anyway, we hope you all enjoy this as much as we did making it....Thank you for all the years ..Keep it Real and keep Rockin!!!!!

´Salva´ unfolds as a slow-moving sonic passage, suspended between stillness and transformation. Rooted in a deeply personal lineage, the album reimagines a long-standing family wound through the lens of myth, with the intention of altering its direction. Rather than recounting events, DIMA constructs a parallel narrative, one where sound becomes a means of reconfiguring what was once haunted.

Emerging from an intuitive and studio-centered process, Salva is shaped through experimentation, co-creation, and temporal patience. Working primarily with the computer as her main instrument, DIMA assembles fragments of sound, plugins, sampled material, improvised gestures, and stems drawn from cinematic sources into a porous and evolving sonic architecture. Composition here is accumulative, guided by sensation. Within this framework, certain tracks introduce restrained pop sensibilities, glimpses of melody, song structure, and tonal clarity that surface briefly before dissolving back into the broader sonic language.

´Salva´ is a passage. A listening experience that invites the audience to inhabit uncertainty, to stay with sensation, and to consider how sound can hold stories that language alone can´t resolve.

and the second chapter in an ongoing improvisational document recorded inside one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s abandoned oil tanks.

Gaf & The Love Supreme Arkestra work outside conventional studio frameworks. Their music emerges from extended improvisation sessions that unfold sporadically, sometimes over several days. Built around drums, guitar, bass, modular synthesis and samplers, and expanded with vibraphone and winds (flutes, saxophone, Herreño whistle), the group continues to move between jazz, psychedelic rock and free-form experimental composition.

While Ganzfeld drew from the misty northern coast of Isla Baja, Retiro Espiritual turns toward Taganana, one of Tenerife’s most remote regions. Its isolation, Atlantic exposure and volcanic terrain inform the record’s pace and focus. The title reflects this shift: a space for retreat, collective creation and suspended time.

Sonically, Retiro Espiritual leans warmer and more reflective. Flutes drift over slow grooves, extended jams unfold patiently, and traces of 70s spiritual jazz surface throughout. The experimental core remains, now shaped by repetition, space and a calmer, sunlit atmosphere.

Another autonomous transmission from a band committed to ritual, territory and long-form collective improvisation at the edge of the Atlantic.
—
Recorded live in 2020 in Tenerife Canary Islands
Produced by Mladen Kurajica
Mixed by Jorge Lozano
Master by Daniel García
Artwork Felipe González Cabezas

Für sein treffend betiteltes Solo-Debütalbum "Introducing..." hat Aaron Frazer mit Dan Auerbach von The Black Keys zusammengearbeitet. Soft spoken und mit dem Aussehen eines leicht unzufriedenen Matinee-Idols aus den 1950er Jahren gesegnet, besitzt Frazer eine einzigartige Stimme, die sowohl zeitgemäß als auch zeitlos klingt. Der in Baltimore aufgewachsene, zurzeit in Brooklyn lebende Songwriter wurde als Schlagzeuger und Co-Vokalist von Durand Jones & The Indications bekannt. Jetzt tritt er mit "Introducing..." als Solist hinter dem Drumkit hervor und demonstriert nicht nur seine beeindruckenden stimmlichen Qualitäten, sondern auch sein Können als hochklassiger Songschreiber. Schon die erste Single "Bad News" sorgte für Aufsehen ("a gorgeous piece of vintage R&B" - CLASH), die sich anschließende Lead-Single "Over You" ist inspiriert von elektrisierenden Northern Soul 45s der 60er Jahre. Nur zwei Belege der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Frazer und Auerbach. Die zwölf Songs auf "Introducing..." verbinden gekonnt den Soul der 70er Jahre mit Dan Auerbachs besonderer Sensibilität für Vintage-Sounds im neuen Gewand. "Introducing..." enthält klassische Message-Songs im Stil von Künstlern wie Gil Scott-Heron sowie motivierende Liebeslieder, die von Disco-, Gospel- und Doo-Wop-Einflüssen durchzogen sind. Das gesamte Album wurde innerhalb nur einer Woche in Auerbachs berühmten Nashville-Studio nach einer schnellen und produktiven Songwriting-Session aufgenommen. Auerbach holte auch den legendären Songwriter und Falsettspezialisten L. Russell Brown (schrieb früher Hits für Frankie Valli von The Four Seasons) an Bord, der den wunderschönen Opener "You Don't Wanna Be My Baby" auf dem Album mitkopmponierte. Für "Introducing..." rekrutierte Frazer eine beeindruckende Schar alteingesessener Session-Musiker aus Nashville. Darunter Mitglieder der legendären Memphis Boys (die in Dusty Springfields "Son of A Preacher Man" und Aretha Franklins "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" mitspielten), den Perkussionisten Sam Bacco sowie diverse Musiker aus dem Daptone/Big Crown Records-Umfeld.

Der Singer-Songwriter Max Subar aus Chicago legte den Grundstein für ,Anything Could Be", sein Debütalbum, in einem Haus am Ufer eines zugefrorenen Sees in Wisconsin. Subar kehrte zu der klanglichen und geistigen Landschaft zurück, die er während der ersten zehntägigen Session geschaffen hatte, und blieb ganz im Moment, indem er nur dann arbeitete, wenn er sich wirklich voll und ganz darauf einlassen konnte. Die meisten der zusätzlichen Sessions, die dem Album Textur und Farbe verleihen, wurden in Subars Heimstudio aufgenommen, in demselben Haus, in dem Case Oats, die von Casey Gomez-Walker geleitete Band, in der Subar Gitarre spielt, ihr 2025er Debüt ,Last Missouri Exit" aufnahmen. Sein Bruder, Sam Subar, spielte Schlagzeug. Weitere Instrumentierung kommt von den Case Oats Bandkollegen Spencer Tweedy (Schlagzeug bei ,I Never" und ,Way Up"), Jason Ashworth (Kontrabass) und Scott Daniel (Violine) sowie den häufigen Mitarbeitern Chet Zenor (E-Gitarre), Kelly Hannemann (Klavier) und Sarah Weddle (Vibraphon, Orgel und E-Piano). Die Arrangements, die dabei entstanden, sind großzügig und erhellend und verleihen den Grundzügen der Live-Gitarren- und Gesangsaufnahmen von ,Anything Could Be" Substanz, ohne dabei ihre Spontaneität zu opfern. Im Ergebnis ein fesselndes, offenherziges Debüt, das mit dem Hörer wächst und Zeit und aufmerksames Zuhören belohnt. Seine 11 Songs sind durchdrungen von dem, was die Dichterin Adrienne Rich ,eine wilde Geduld" nannte, einer radikalen Stille, die selbst eine Reise hin zu Bewusstsein, Frieden und Selbstwahrnehmung ist. Es macht keine Versprechungen darüber, was als Nächstes kommt. Dennoch lässt es die Hörer in atemloser Vorfreude darauf zurück, was das sein mag.