Buscar:spearhead

PRESSED ON ORANGE SWIRL COLORED VINYL PACKAGED IN A GATEFOLD JACKET WITH A FOLDOUT LYRIC SHEET

In 1996, after 14 years in the game that started with Too $hort and Freddy B selling tapes out of the trunk of their car in East Oakland, Too $hort announced he would be retiring. On May 21, 1996, Too $hort released his 10th studio album Gettin' It with the lead single of the same name featuring Parliament Funkadelic. Retirement was more of a hiatus as Too $hort got back in the game in 1999 with the appropriately namedalbum Can't Stay Away. If Gettin' It was going to be Too $hort's last album, he was going off on a high note by earning his 6th Platinum record. In addition to having Parliament Funkadelic contribute to two songs, Ant Banks and Shorty B are back with their laid-back Bay Area funk along with some G-Funk contributions by Colin Wolfe, L.A. Dre, and Spearhead X. Too $hort delivers another Bay Area classic full of nasty pimpin' rhymes with dope features by MC Breed, Erick Sermon and Rappin' 4-Tay. Previously only available on promo vinyl, Get On Down in partnership with Sony's CERTIFED is proud to present a proper vinyl release of Gettin' It in an orange swirl-colored vinyl run packaged in a gatefold jacket with a foldout lyric sheet.

Next up on Aris is a particularly special one - Ireland's first electronic music 12''- Carrier Frequency's Telecaster Man, a particularly Irish take on the acid house sounds of the late 80's, that still does the job 35 years later. ''A nine minute tune with two chords, it's just f-ckin' madness mostly - distortion and drum machines.'' simply put by one of the artist himself, but it's much more really. The record originally released in 1989 was a collaborative effort featuring the talents of Mr. Spring, Leo O'Kelly of 70's folk heroes Tir Na nOg, and Trevor Knight of 80s synth pop band Auto Da Fe, Mr. Spring, a veteran of pirate radio since his early teens and the local go to studio guy for dreamers and the Depeche Mode and Talk Talk clones of the time, spearheaded the project. Drawing from his extensive experience and technical prowess, Spring had already established his own studio in 1987, equipped with state-of-the-art gear including an Atari sequencer and an Akai s900 sampler. They decided to work together on it as Spring says ''We wanted to get a Cabaret Voltaire sound to it and have a bit of fun.'' Fueled by a shared passion for experimentation and sonic exploration and inspired by the dynamic energy of the club scene and the rapidly evolving sounds of electronic music, the late-night recording sessions in Spring's studio characterized by spontaneity and innovation. The result of their collaboration was ''Telecaster Man,'' a nine-minute tour de force combining distorted guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and pulsating synthesizers. The 12 inch comes with the original and Sinewave mixes plus a new Mr. Spring remix from the original multi tracks rounding it out with the replication remix and a bonus acapella. Full colour sleeve and comes with extended liner notes.

goat (JP) are renowned for two albums released in 2013 and 2015 that took Kraftwerk’s man-machine concept back to its roots with swingeing, inch-tight drums, bass and guitar patterns that needed to be heard to be believed. For their long-in-the-making new album ‘Joy In Fear’, band leader Koshiro Hino (YPY, KAKUHAN) describes the process as “90 percent pain” - and we can well believe it - few other records we can think of transmute DAW-composed rhythmic precision into such an expressive instrumental performance. It really is a feat of determination, skill and execution that seems to defy human dexterity.

Make no mistake - an academic exercise it ain’t - in the most visceral sense, goat (JP) make BODY music, for dancing, flailing, for losing yourself in completely. As usual, Hino plays guitar, backed by bassist Atsumi Tagami, while Akihiko Ando joins on saxophone, while Takafumi Okada and Rai Tateishi step in to handle percussion, with the latter moonlighting on flute. Every sound is sculpted into a fragment of cadence: guitar and bass prangs alternately echo and dance between the drums, and Ando's sax is mutated into a respiratory slobber of guttural smacks and phantom breaths.

In some respects, it's tempting to label it jazz, but the kind of jazz that Miles Davis spearheaded on the game-changing 'On The Corner', the blueprint for so much post-punk, electronic music and avant rock. goat (JP) take that raw alloy and sharpen it like a blade, mangling the template with the knotty metrics of Autechre or Ryoji Ikeda. The accuracy is galvanic; it's almost impossible to comprehend each player keeping a mental note of the mathematical time signatures, and yet they floss them out with trills and icy stutters that seem to evaporate around the thick, taiko-like thuds.

They practically get our teeth gnashing with the bruxist rictus chatter of ‘III I IIII III’ , before ‘Cold Heat’ introduces subtly harmonised, new aspects to their sound with slivers of Hassellian flute and ringing overtones of their percussion, while the winding sensuality of ‘Warped’ slips down very nicely. Their links to OG no-wavers like Glenn Branca & Wharton Tiers’ Theoretical Girls - is manifest in the 8 mins of chipping stop/start pulse and parry to ‘Modal Flower’, while a total left turn into Mark Fell-meets-Ligeti-esque messed up metronomics in ‘GMF’ ties it off with a properly beguiling flourish.

For the thirteenth instalment of the Swinging Flavors catalog, Beat Machine Records presents a gem of pure energy by the talented Kyoto-based producer Naco. Set to ignite dance floors worldwide, this release delivers an electrifying fusion of acid, techno, and breaks, with a rave-inspired twist.

Naco, known for his innovative approach to electronic music, defies convention with his genre-defying sound. Drawing inspiration from Bass, Breaks, and Electro, Naco creates a distinctive sonic landscape that captivates audiences worldwide. Since 2017, he has been at the forefront of the music scene, spearheading 85acid, a label dedicated to showcasing emerging talent from Japan and beyond.

"Wavefunk," the lead track on Swinging Flavors #13, is a testament to Naco's unparalleled creativity and sonic mastery. With its infectious rhythm and hypnotic melodies, the fast-paced percussion and minimal character of the release "Wavefunk" transport listeners to a dimension where the boundaries between genres blur and the energy is palpable.

But the journey doesn't end there. Swinging Flavors #13 also features a remix of "Wavefunk" by We Rob Rave. The Polish duo injects his fresh signature style into the track, taking it to new heights and delivering an unforgettable dance floor experience. Transforming it into a full club experience, increasing the beats, and immersing the listener in a rave-like atmosphere fueled by danceable rhythms and an acid edge that cuts through the dance floor.

Another surprise that comes with the latest Swinging Flavors is 'Pure Water,' exclusively on Bandcamp. Let yourself be carried away by the bouncing sounds that make up this Break-style track, closing an energetic and vibrant release.

Naco's music is really pushing the boundaries of electronic music, inspiring both listeners and fellow artists. With a solid track record and a strong commitment to musical innovation, Naco is definitely going to leave a mark on the global music scene.

The superb Philoxenia Records, which is spearheaded by Luigi Di Venere and Neu Verboten, here unveils a coveted addition to its collection with the the super limited Last Place On Earth EP from Vilnius-based Dovydas Platakis aka Jokios Kulturos. It's a cinematic work that immerses listeners in a dystopian realm that blends avant-garde tones with manga-inspired cyberpunk vibes. Each track serves as a gateway to a world where technological progress intertwines with societal decline, which is of course often the focus of classic cyberpunk literature. Di Venere and Verboten also combine under their Affekt Unit alias to deliver captivating remixes and bring trance and tribal techno elements to the party.

Lumberjacks In Hell is the Amsterdam based label run by Marcel Vogel that was established in 2010 and has long been a great source of leftfield club tunes. Having worked with a variety of international artists like Jamie 3:26, Philou Louzolo, Rayko, Karizma and Giovanni Damico, LJIH proudly presents its first release in two and half years from Lu/Lu & LYMA with ‘Hotmoltenlava’.

Production duo Lucas van Ee and Tjerk Lammers are collaborators extraordinaire, brothers speaking in code and working in unison, a hive mind of ideas and creativity that was always bound to erupt like a Vulcano. Lu/Lu & LYMA is a side project of the Amsterdam based LIKEMINDS, and together they share a studio together on the outskirts of the city. Both Artists are heavily involved in the local

Across the seven tracks of ‘Hotmoltenlava’, the music serves as a captivating odyssey of electrifying new house anthems that seamlessly combine the pulsating production rhythms of Lu/Lu with the sultry tones of LYMA. Prepare to be transported to euphoric heights as ‘Hotmoltenlava’ marks a triumphant return for Lumberjacks In Hell spearheaded by the visionary Marcel Vogel, propelling it into a stratosphere all of its own.

Warehouse Find!

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting acts to have emerged in drum & bass over the past decade, Voltage has joined forces with Hospital Records for the release of his long-awaited studio album 'Balance Over Symmetry' which marks the tenth year of his journey as a solo artist.

No stranger to the Hospital family with an album, 2 EPs and a handful of singles under his belt as part of drum & bass powerhouse group Kings Of The Rollers, it's now time to explore the solo sounds of Voltage which have slowly but surely carved him to be one of the most respected DJ & producers in the scene.

In his true rambunctious style, Voltage sets the swing with a wild card. 'So Close' is a sub-120BPM synthwave weapon which matches his retro-inspired fashion to his musical vibrations. The combination of catchy vocals, an 80s-esque bassline and an unforgettable topline melody sees the creation of something extremely different yet irresistible from Voltage.

Not straying too far from the roots of his influences, 'Natty Love' features the groove inducing vocals of sound system legend Sweetie Irie. Saturated sub wobbles juxtaposed with potent string plucks are intertwined with ease, peppered with that signature Voltage flair.

Teaming up with reggae and dancehall superstar Demolition Man known for his skill as a vocalist, producer, MC and sound engineer, 'Life Of A DJ' combines the sounds of Demo's with Voltage's unmissable sonic technique. 'Save Me From Myself' exposes
the lighter side to Voltage as he illustrates his versatility as an artist through a soul-heavy amen roller with a classic liquid bassline.

Reminiscent of the days of euphoric hardcore, 'Keep On Dancing' sets the vibe with uplifting piano chops and adrenalised vocals as crunchy snaps and rhythmic cymbals keep things moving beneath. An iconic duo to everyone who knows their drum & bass, Voltage and Evil B come together for 'Odyssey' which sees ambient soundscapes
and earnest lyrics on a truly heartfelt piece of music.

With releases on foundational imprints such as Metalheadz, 31 Recordings, RAM, Souped Up and Spearhead to name a few, Voltage's discography speaks for itself in laying down his years’ worth of experience within drum & bass. With support for his productions coming from a wide range of influential selectors including the likes of Andy C, Hype, Friction, Goldie, Bailey, Hazard and Bryan Gee, it's safe to say that 10 years of Voltage has been a remarkable decade to say the least. Here's to 10 more…

In The Red Records is proud to announce a previously unreleased new album by Brooklyn-born master of minimalism Alan Vega, Insurrection. The eleven songs here showcase the unparalleled vision and uncompromising force from one of the most influential artists of all time. Alan Vega was born in Brooklyn in 1938. He co-founded the legendary New York City punk band Suicide with Martin Rev in 1970. Suicide’s groundbreaking 1977 debut is considered one of the most influential albums of all time. Vega considered his solo records the audio counterpoint to his visual art that reflected the world around him while simultaneously exploring universal themes. It makes his work as relevant today as it was when he created them. It was during his highly experimental period beginning in the late ’80s that he began working with Liz Lamere, who became the most crucial collaborator of his solo career until his death in 2016. Lamere, along with Jared Artaud, resurrected these newly unearthed collection of lost recordings, which they co-produced and mixed. Lamere and Artaud spearhead the Vega Vault project, which aims to bring rare, unreleased and back catalog work spanning Alan Vega and Suicide’s career to the public for the first time. On Insurrection, Lamere says: “Insurrection was created in the time period around 1997/98, after Mutator and prior to Vega’s 1999 release of 2007 and captures the intense energy of NYC in the ’90s rife with crime, killing, hate, fascism, racism, and moral bankruptcy. You can hear the tortured souls floating through this album. Post-Gulf War angst still enveloped Alan. He was having premonitions about a major terror attack in the US, well before 9/11. The upcoming birth of his son raised further awareness of the state of our world. All these emotions are mirrored in the sounds he magnetized. And true to Vega form, there remains hope and empowerment coursing through the tracks. In the almost three decades of going into the studio with Vega, we recorded significantly more material than the seven albums released. Vega’s intention was to experiment with sound which would become the canvas for the poetry that reflected his vision of the universe. Because the goal wasn’t to make albums, he had no timeline or constraints and would freely follow new paths uncovered along the way.”

Ice Cream Vinyl

Since the release of their debut studio album Do Hollywood (on 4AD) in 2016, The Lemon Twigs_the New York City rock band fronted by brothers Brian (27) and Michael D'Addario (25)_have waved the same revivalist torch as Alex Chilton and his Big Star crew, working to prove that archaic music from the `60s and `70s can still be relevant in digital world. Alongside peers like Foxygen and Drugdealer, The Lemon Twigs have explicitly documented a synchronistic blend of contemporary narrative motifs, old-school recording techniques, and flawless, consistent attitudes collaged from various crucial stages of rock 'n' roll. After a whirlwind 2023, the D'Addarios are continuing the momentum of their own evolving vision and voice, distilling a history lesson of baroque and power pop into A Dream Is All We Know (out May 3 on Captured Tracks). Garnering the top-to-bottom critical acclaim the brothers have long deserved, their 2023 LP Everything Harmony was spearheaded by an impressive string of singles, including "Corner Of My Eye" and "Any Time of Day." It was the kind of record that put all of Brian and Michael's talents on display, be it the former's multi-instrumentalist gifts or the latter's boyish, explosive pop-rock charisma and eye for engineering and vocal layering. But A Dream Is All We Know is not the acoustic, nylon string-based project that Everything Harmony was. Instead, it's a return to the form the Lemon Twigs first introduced on Do Hollywood_an electric guitar-centric, anthemic assemblage of, really, everything the band does great. These two companion records are an immediate example of a band capitalizing on their fire-in-the-belly appetite to make tunes that boast ubiquitous chemistry. A Dream Is All We Know is grandiose yet grounded; meticulous, yet wild and glowing. Made with analog precision, the album was finished in the immediate months after the band completed Everything Harmony during a vibrant, prolific period split between three studios on separate coasts. A Dream Is All We Know is a profoundly dense and charged album, rife with string arrangements and a sonic thesis statement that has quaked through phases of glam, conceptualism, baroque, and Mustang-loud, stone-cold rock `n' roll for more than half-a-century. A Dream Is All We Know sounds like it's lived a thousand lives already.

BELFAST PARTY THE NIGHT INSTITUTE LAUNCHES NEW ELECTRONIC MUSIC LABEL

The Night Institute, the legendary cult club night at the forefront of Belfast's thriving electronic music scene, announces eponymous new record label.

Spearheaded by scene stalwarts Timmy Stewart of Black Bones fame and Jordan Nocturne, known for his contributions to labels like Correspondent and Polari, this new venture aims to showcase Belfast's true independent club scene on a global scale.
The Night Institute has long been synonymous with cutting-edge music, providing a haven for the city's electronic music aficionados.
With the label, the vinyl and digital project features tracks by both resident artists as well as global artists who've played at the party.
The inaugural release boasts a stellar lineup.

Alongside Night Institute residents Timmy Stewart (Ft. Northern Irish vocalist Megan Sylvan) and Jordan Nocturne, the record showcases guest appearances by Justin Cudmore, resident of New York's renowned The Bunker and regular contributor to Phonica Records, and Hifi Sean, who has been making waves with his collaborative project alongside David McAlmond while working with icons like Ce Ce Peniston and Yoko Ono.

The label aims to capture the essence of Belfast's underground electronic music scene, while joining the dots with global collaborators across four tracks of acid, odd-ball house and dance floor electronics.

Good Vibes for Uncertain Times

Mancunians Aerial Salad describe their cross-genre sound as “Madchester Punk,” a nod to their heroes in Happy Mondays, XTC, and Carter USM, spiced with the current furore spearheaded by burgeoning Brit-wave bands like Yard Act, Shame, and High Vis. Their second album ‘R.O.I’ leans on these influences, driven forward by pure rock’n’roll swagger while conjuring a late stage, capitalist hell scape through brutalist lyrical narratives. To put it mildly, Aerial Salad is the band you want to see play the breakdown of establishment’s after party, and you already know you’re gonna love it! This is an album that moves seamlessly from pulsing post-punk beats to unstoppable stadium rock anthems. ‘The Same 24 Hours (As Beyoncé)’ is Britpop rallying against the fake facade of influencer culture, ‘All Yer Dreamin’ is Mark E Smith at the Hacienda, ‘Chances’ is Oasis taking on Talking Heads. Aerial Salad find space to explore new genres without losing the sense that this is a band born out of the hard touring, DIY punk scene, a community that continues to be close to their heart. The northern three piece want us to know they’re as authentic as it gets. Injecting that raw chaos and violent charm from the stage straight into their recordings. Their goal is to make themselves known to everyone and anyone, from rave heads to indie kids, poets to rockers. ‘R.O.I’ is fantastical while acutely bedded in modern post-Brexit, Un-united Kingdom canon. We’re all trying to find our places in this new world, let Aerial Salad be the soundtrack.

-Entire album produced by HAVOC of Mobb Deep.

-Having a West Coast lyrical perspective by Ras Kass on this production is like having Kendrick Lamar on a QTip track.

-Features from Method Man, Twista, Philly Freeway, Fame (MOP) Kurupt (Dogg Pound) Raekwon the Chef, and more.

-Appearances by Sway, DJ Kid Capri, KD Aubert, Kxng Crooked, and other celebrity personalities.

GUTTR is not only a collective of respected legendary Hip Hop emcees and up and up-and-coming artists, but also a mindset. GUTTR is a collective, and in a sense, Rap’s first unionization. The entire project was produced by HAVOC from Mobb Deep and spearheaded by Executive Producer, Storm. This debut project is front-manned by West Coast renowned lyricist Ras Kass and Philly's newest buzz, R.J. Payne. The two share sharp bars along with a star studded list of stellar guest features. With HAVOC supplying the entire album's soundscape, the music is respectfully reminiscent of the classic Mobb Deep albums we all know and love. Having a West Coast lyrical perspective by Ras Kass on this production is like having Kendrick Lamar on a QTip track. This combination creates a sound that is different, unique, and magical.

To quote Ras Kass, "We all miss P(rodigy) and that classic Mobb Deep Energy, there is no replacing that or him, period! I did want to pay homage to them and channel that vibe. Havoc being on board to set the musical canvas on an entire album for brothers to paint these bars has been the opportunity of a lifetime."

Coming in hot with 11 tracks of straight up BARS, this album marks a once-in-a-lifetime collab that has been years in the works.

Valentina Villarroel is a sound artist and phonographer who explores the intricate dynamics within various Southern ecosystems. Her work revolves around the profound potential of acoustic ecology, particularly in the face of encroaching real estate development on natural spaces. She also delves into the consequences of sound pollution on numerous species, contributing to their decline or disappearance. In recent years, her focus has extended to urban soundscapes and significant sonic events, such as the October 18th protest in Chile. With a solid background in bioacoustics applied to both human and animal well-being, Valentina assumes the role of co-director at AOIR Sound Laboratory. There, she spearheads an interdisciplinary initiative that centers sound as its core element. This includes the creation of the sonic cartography portal aoir.cl, as well as the development of handmade electronic devices like the Bowerbankii and the creation of various experimental microphones.

Helping to spearhead a revival of neo-psychedelic pop, California's Sugar Candy Mountain emerged in the early 2010s fusing sunny, retro sounds with lush, sophisticated composition. Ranging from lo-fi experimentation to vibrant Tropicália, early releases like 2013's Mystic Hits soon gave way to a brighter, synth-driven brand of psych-pop on 2018's Do Right. Sugar Candy Mountain's evolution continued with their eclectic fifth album, Impression, in 2021.The band initially began oin 2010 as the recording project of Oakland-based musician Will Halsey. From early on, his partnership with collaborator Ash Reiter yielded a unique sound blending classic '60s West Coast psychedelia with pastoral folk and pulling inspiration from pop experimentalists like Brazil's Os Mutantes, the Flaming Lips, and Brian Wilson. The band's self-titled 2011 debut drew largely from Halsey's early, more lo-fi recordings. By the time of 2013's Mystic Hits, Sugar Candy Mountain had evolved into a fully fledged live group with Halsey and Reiter at the helm. The album also expanded on their Brazilian influences and was partially recorded in Sao Paulo.Reissued for it's 10th Anniversary, Mystic Hits returns to vinyl under their newly minted home record label, Sugar Candy Mountain Records. Available in March 2024 on Lava Splatter (ltd to 1000) and Blood Red vinyl.

The legendary Belgian label Antler is coming back to life! Pioneering in the 80' and 90's and an absolute spearhead in the world of post-punk, cold and new wave, EBM, electro...

a series of albums and compilations from the extensive Antler archives are now being released again. The first compilation 'Early Years Vol. 1” was received with great enthusiasm and flew out the door. Now there is already Vol. 2 with again carefully chosen gems from the rich Antler archives with early recordings of influential bands such as The Scabs, Arbeid Adelt!, Nacht und Nebel, A Split Second, Neon Judgment... a fascinating sample of the Belgian alternative scene in the 1980s.

The newly reborn Danish label, tech-nology, is reintroducing its first two releases.

The second release on tech-nology back in 2003 by El Far, alsoknown as Bjorn Svin, stands as a true techno masterpiece andis now rereleased as the label has been relaunched in 2023. Bjorn Svin has taken the lead again, contributing a remix that kick-starts the label in 2023 with TN EDITS 02 Lotte kaersa:"Prov og gor li'som jeg" - played by Luca Bacchetti at Burning Man 2023.

Additionally, the track gained attention on the latest Michael Meyer podcast,

But this is all about the beginning of the label and the beginningon the dancefloor Bjorn Svin was one of the first electronic musician in Denmark spearheaded an uprising Scandinavian rave scene, developinga unique, recognizable sound inspired by Detroit techno and British early IDM pioneers: playful and melodic but simultaneously groovy and entrancing.

In 1997, April Records released Bjorn Svin's debut full-lengthalbum Mer Strom; the opening single became an unofficialanthem for the entire generation of Scandinavian ravers.

Tech-nology captured a mature Bjorn Svin in 2003 and releasedwhat is arguably his best techno track ever produced, featured on this EP that highlights his techno skills under the moniker El Far. This authentic techno experience transports you back to theorigins of electronic dance music, going back to the old abandoned warehouses where social and casual dancing defined the essence of the scene.

Yet, the record captures what it is still all about, the love to themusic, the love on the dancefloor, this is him, her and wet area.

Pressed to vinyl for the first time it's Wombo's shapeshifting and genre defying "Slab" and "Keesh Mountain" EPs. In a generation where pop has come to be defined as anything but, Wombo have spearheaded their own definitive sound that avoids genre classification but is impossible not to tap your foot along to. “Usually if the babies like it, we like it”, admits singer Sydney Chadwick, and it speaks to the band’s bass-driven song structures that pivot through a whirlwind of instrumentation at rapid speeds that they are still able to land on a winning formula that strikes the sweet spot between effervescent overload and razor sharp intention. In a careful balance where no one instrument overwhelms, Chadwick’s vocals are the cherry on top of a decadent dessert that explodes with personality and ingenuity.

"Slab / Keesh Mountain" by Wombo includes the following tracks: "Thread", "Ida Mae", "Dreamsickle" and more.

This version of the Album comes as a 1xLP in an Printed Inner Sleeve packaging.

The vinyl is pressed as a cloudy, clear disc.

Spearheaded by brothers Sakis & Themis Tolis, Rotting Christ have remained one of the strongest & most respected forces in the black metal scene since their debut release 'Passage Of Arcturo'. Their legacy towards greatness was cemented even further by the genre classic follow- up 'Thy Mighty Contract', helping to firmly establish the Greek scene as being among the most essential black metal movements of the early 90's.

'Thy Mighty Contract' was originally released in 1993 & featured a brutal, yet also melodic & atmospheric approach, incorporating different elements of extreme metal mixed with haunting keys & dark/ occult themes. With a clear distinction between their sound & what was appearing in Scandinavia at the time, Rotting Christ were highly influential & revered for forging their own sound while retaining the rawness of the old-school masters such as Celtic Frost & Venom. The band also notably embarked upon the infamous 'Fuck Christ' tour in 1993 with then label-mates Blasphemy & Immortal.

This limited vinyl edition of 'Thy Mighty Contract' marks 30 years since release & is presented on limited double red/black vinyl with gatefold sleeve. The second LP contains tracks from the infamous 'Fuck Christ' tour of 1993, which Rotting Christ shared with two other legends of black metal; Blasphemy & Immortal

ONE LEVEL is delighted to announce its latest release, the captivating 'Big Tal's Elements' EP by French DJ/Producer, ALEQS NOTAL.

Following the resounding success of One Level's debut release, the awe-inspiring Afro-futurism of Hagan's 'Forward Focus' EP - a production that ignited a dynamic and fruitful chapter for the London-based artist - the label has been meticulously crafting its return. One Level prides itself on championing quality over quantity, and this ethos is beautifully demonstrated in its second release...

Aleqs Notal, the former scratch champion and consistently evolving producer, joins the label family with a collection of four remarkable tracks. Despite his years of experience, Aleqs admits that he's still in the process of refining his own sound and with 'Big Tal's Elements’, a nickname affectionately bestowed by longtime friend and fellow artist Manaré, his four carefully curated house joints encapsulate a wealth of influences, all beautifully combining to create a modern and innovative soundtrack.

Following his early years of turntable virtuosity, and having embarked on a new creative chapter in the studio, it was 2014 and as a founding member of the innovative ClekClekBoom collective - a group of young French talents who spearheaded a groundbreaking movement that reshaped the Parisian electronic landscape - that saw Notal continue to cultivate his own sound, one rooted in the sounds of Detroit and Chicago. He became a respected DJ on the cities’ club circuit, and has gone on to to feature his music on esteemed labels including Phonogramme, Salon Recordings, Release Sustain and Patrice Scott's Sistrum Recordings.

The EP opens with 'Untwisted Delight', a homage to the timeless sound of the Motor City. A bass-driven DJ tool, pulsating with the resonance of the 808, evoking echoes of Pittman, and igniting a powerful dancefloor energy.

‘Save Ya’ is an ode to determination and self-preservation. A track with its roots deeply embedded in the dancefloor and featuring an archive sound-bank vocal alongside glorious hi-hats, it is a firm favourite of Notals. “I think its from my scratch background. I always work with the hi-hats. For me, when I hear the hats its as though I hear somebody singing." Fully road-tested at Fabric London, Save Ya is now set to rescue many a night.

'Come Get It' channels the spirit of early Chicago house. A fusion of spirited 606 and 808 drum patterns, coupled with the enchanting allure of resounding hi-hats, it offers a heartfelt homage to the revolutionary sounds that defined an era and continue to influence so much of today’s music.

Concluding the EP is 'Hymn Of Passion', a track inspired by Ron Trent's Future Vision imprint. Drawing on a diverse palette of Nigerian percussive elements and samples garnered from past projects, Aleqs weaves a sonic mosaic. Crafted in a single jam session, the track elegantly melds a rhythmic finesse with resonant congas, intertwining with the emotive Rhodes piano, to craft an unforgettable finale.

With a diverse array of influences seamlessly interwoven, Aleqs Notal’s ‘Big Tal's Elements’ EP is a journey through sound that fully captivates the listener.

Reissue of the highly sought-after 7” from 1979 by Chicago
reggae outfit Gypsy Fari.
Gypsy Fari was a project born in the south side of Chicago
after a chance meeting between St Kitts expat Leroy Webster
and local music grad Kevin Coleman. The pair set out to blur
the boundaries of genre with their unique brand of music,
spearheaded by Webster’s Caribbean roots and fused with
the soul and blues the midwest is famous for.
A striking stand-out of the band’s repertoire comes via their
debut recording, laid down at Curtis Mayfield’s legendary
Curtom Studios. The EP opens with Chi-Town Reggae - a
super-charged blend of reggae and disco, led by Websters
infectious vocal, steeped in soul and powered by a relentless
rhythm section. Hail Jah follows closely, written on the hilltops
of the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica, it’s a deadly roots reggae
missile that pays homage to Websters beginnings.
Once dubbed by a local news outlet “Gypsy Fari are to
Chicago reggae what Muddy Water is to Chicago blues” -
now remastered, repackaged and made available again for
the first time since its initial release

The legendary Belgian label Antler comes back to life! Pioneering in the 80's and 90's and an absolute spearhead in the world of post punk, cold and new wave, EBM, electro... a series of albums and compilations from the extensive Antler archives are now being released again. The first is a remastered version of this double album by the Limburg Cold Wavers Siglo XX, from 1984. One album with studio tracks and a full live album, mainly recorded in the Netherlands in 1983/84.

“Cinematic electronica embraces intelligent Indian infused beat making”.

Belgian beat collective Up High Collective return with their new album 'Koinonia.' Their second full-length comes five years after their debut album in 2018. For 'Koinonia' they have invited Belgian iconic drummer Lander Gyselinck (STUFF.) and several other guest musicians. The first single 'Koi' is available now, the record is set for release on Wednesday October 11 on vinyl, Bandcamp and via all digital platforms via San Kofa Rhythm Records.

"Going with the cinematic tides of sound: first single 'Koi' features compelling South-Asian sitar, imminent strings, drums by Lander Gyselinck and carefully constructed beat making."

Spearheaded by producer duo Koen De Petter and Renaldo Maria, this record is Up High Collective’s most ambitious music project to date and has been in the works since 2015. The name of the record - Koinonia is Greek for "fellowship" or "community" - refers to the intense and inspiring interplay between the collective and several musicians they invited to contribute.

Raw analog recordings and beats by the producer duo, brimming with imperfections and samples from original Indian music, laid the foundation for live studio sessions by Bert Cornelis, one of the few sitar players in Belgium, drummer Lander Gyselinck (Lander & Adriaan, STUFF.), double bassist Jens Similox (Orchestre Collone) and multi- talented bassist Boris van Overschee (Okon, Delv!s). From their intrinsic penchant for deconstruction, the live elements were cut up by the producers, heavily rearranged and presented as new sounds. After several sessions in their Up High Studio (Leuven), carefully constructed collages gradually started to form with all of its layers filling the deepest corners of the sound space.

The result is a record that balances perfectly between cinematic electronica with complex harmonies to get lost in and solid club oriented beats with crunching textures and off the grid rhythmic patterns.

"All of these songs share an underlying, invisible force bound by the intense interplay and mutual inspiration between us and the live musicians.

Emerging from the ashes of Ireland's early rave era - that had been absorbed into the vastly commercialised club scene of the late '90s - was an oft forgotten, but exceptionally fertile period for electronic music in Ireland. Spearheaded by the then Dublin duo of Decal (later becoming the solo project of Alan O' Boyle), nurtured through nights like Phunk City at The Funnel, Model One at Switch and at a later point midweek club haunt Electric City, an unlikely Irish electro movement was born; breeding an abundance of new labels, parties and producers hungry to make their mark. "Dreams of Electric Bleep" revisits a crucial time of development (1999-2005), when production standards on the island of Ireland rose in perfect synchronicity with the collapse of the music industry as we knew it.

While Detroit, The Hague and London heavily influenced the sounds heard in the clubs, clubs in pubs, warehouses and great outdoors of Ireland - it was producers from Belfast, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Limerick and Mayo who created the first significant chunk of high-quality Irish electro, demonstrated here over a range of styles (originally released a variety of local and international labels). This double 12" release - featuring key tracks from Decal, Magnetize, Metroneem, Americhord, Phil Kieran, Takeover Sound, Chymera and John Braine - comes on picture-sleeved coke bottle clear vinyl, and includes a download code.

Designed by Jonny Costello (Adult Art Club) with liner notes from Stephen Rennicks (Drexciya Research Lab). Mastered by Paul Mac at Hardgroove Mastering, vinyl mastered and cut by Simon Davey at The Exchange Vinyl.

Right in the heart of our sacred season, we are dropping a gem from the one and only BCee. A veteran of the scene and introduced to us by fellow legend Utah Jazz, BCee has become an integral part of SUNANDBASS over the last decade. From his joyful interviews in 2022, to our joint nights with Spearhead Records in London, BCee embodies the true meaning of SUNANDBASS and therefore will play the closing set this year!


His new EP "Shelter" is the culmination of BCee's long standing relationship to SUNANDBASS. BCee captures the Sardinian smells, the warm sun on your skin, the distant echoes of music dancing over the San Teodoro coastline, transforming it into this four track EP that instantly makes us feel at home.

Portsmouth quartet Hallan release the brand new
EP, ‘The Noise of a Firing Gun’, via Nice Swan
Records (English Teacher, Sports Team, Courting).
 Spearheaded by lead singles ‘Unwomanly Face Of
War’ and the BBC 6 Music playlisted ‘The Colline
Gate’, the group’s record sees them leave the
mundanity of the 21st century behind and turn to
real life events of the past, bringing attention to the
stories of historical individuals, from the vestals of
Ancient Rome to the art scenes of Berlin.
 ‘The Noise of a Firing Gun’ debuts a new direction
in songwriting and composition for the band.
Experimenting with new production elements,
Hallan shift their gaze towards synthesised sounds
of the 1980s whilst retaining their post-punk edge.

* Debut LP from NYC Garage Rockers * Produced by Nick Zinner from Yeah Yeah Yeahs! Miranda and The Beat are a Rock and Roll band, with all that the term might entail. Drawing from the traditional rock music, as performed by the likes of The Dirt Bombs, The B-52's, MC5, and Ronnie Spector, Miranda and The Beat operate from a clear eyed appreciation of the greats and a healthy, barn-burning disregard for tropes or traditionalist limitations. Garage, soul, punk, classic rock_ pick your poison; the band has plenty to spare. Arriving in New York City in 2018, the band have, through songwriting and performance, proved themselves to be both an essential spark and spearhead to a scene of new blood rockers bringing a much needed renewal of energy to the New York City (garage, rock, whatever) scene. Originally a duo of 21 year old guitarist/vocalist Miranda Zipse and 21 year old drummer Kim "The Beat" Sollecito, the pair quickly added a full band of Kate Gutwald on bass and Dylan Fernadez on organ and soon became known for their tireless, wheel-on-fire live sets driven by Miranda's captivating stage presence, vocal prowess, and her pyrotechnic (but never indulgent!), melodically slashing guitar work. Their live reputation (and a reputation for being neither pushovers nor scumbags) led to collaborations with such childhood idols as The Mystery Lights and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Soon there was the release of their 7" single Such A Fool, on Jack White's Third Man Records and an extensive North American tour supporting The King Khan and BBQ show. One pandemic later, between days/nights spent sweating out piss, vinegar, and trackloads of tears in the studio, and a rigorous, borderline ridiculous, rehearsal schedule, Miranda and The Beat are, at this juncture, practically monstrous in both sound and vision, and ready to meet the world.

Label head J.Wiltshire returns to Super Hexagon with eight tracks of ambient techno-inspired music paying homage to some of the collective's early influences.
‘sun link' is laced with tensile rhythms, tinged with sun-washed melodies and plots a winding path through warm, Ultra Panavision soundscapes and icy dub techno sonics.

Mastered by Andy Miles
Design by Joe Gilmore

About J. Wiltshire:

Jacob Wiltshire has been releasing music and spearheading the Super Hexagon label and event series since 2015 - starting with the collective’s early showcases in Leeds and through to recent releases from Christoph de Babalon and Isabassi. ’sun link’ marks his return to the label for his third solo endeavor into the long play format.

EXTREME return in 2023 with their brand new studio album “SIX”. The multi-million selling hard rockers present 12 tracks ranging from funk-tinged bangers to soaring ballads as only EXTREME can deliver. Spearheaded by the songwriting team of vocalist Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (who blessed the world with chart toppers like “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted”), “SIX“ is an essential addition to EXTREME’s discography. The album opener and first single “RISE” will immediately fire up legions of anxious fans with its signature riff. Elsewhere, “OTHER SIDE OF THE RAINBOW” showcases EXTREME’s gift for passionate acoustic magic. EXTREME are back with “SIX“ – everything the fans have been waiting for. Formats; CD, 2LP Black, 2LP Ltd Transparent, 2LP Ltd Red & Black Marble.

EXTREME return in 2023 with their brand new studio album “SIX”. The multi-million selling hard rockers present 12 tracks ranging from funk-tinged bangers to soaring ballads as only EXTREME can deliver. Spearheaded by the songwriting team of vocalist Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (who blessed the world with chart toppers like “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted”), “SIX“ is an essential addition to EXTREME’s discography. The album opener and first single “RISE” will immediately fire up legions of anxious fans with its signature riff. Elsewhere, “OTHER SIDE OF THE RAINBOW” showcases EXTREME’s gift for passionate acoustic magic. EXTREME are back with “SIX“ – everything the fans have been waiting for. Formats; CD, 2LP Black, 2LP Ltd Transparent, 2LP Ltd Red & Black Marble.

Repress!

There are techno classics, and there are techno classics! It’s without doubt that Joey Beltram has played a pivotal role in the growth of the techno sound that gestated in Detroit and was lapped up in Europe during those early years. Beltram spearheaded a darker sound that became a staple in the UK and European rave scene in the early 90s, and a sound that continues to come back around for revival and a new twist on the genre from the producers and DJs of the day.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ was first released on R&S Records in 1991, and despite the huge success of the ‘Energy Flash’ single, released a year prior, ‘Volume 2’, some say, is ‘Beltram’s definitive release on R&S’. Deep, dark and deliciously hypnotic, all four cuts on this EP still sound as raw and devastating 30 years later. Big tunes at seminal clubs like Rage (Fabio & Grooverider) and the network of UK raves soundtracked by the likes of Carl Cox, Colin Faver, Eddie Richards et al, Beltram’s unique sound help spawn the bass heavy drum & bass genre that was also burgeoning at the time.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ has been remastered by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering, and the release comes in an updated sleeve, faithfully recreating the 1991 packaging featuring Christel Brodahl’s now legendary oil painting.

‘Beltram Volume 2’ by Joey Beltram is available on R&S Records from 9th December 2022.

As we journey on with part two of the States of Bliss project. Opening we have a reminiscent moment with “NY”. A snapshot of early BJC which was remixed for 2014’s cult classic “Selected Compiled By Fred P”. Then we move on to a more ambient affair of the trance inducing “Awakening Desire” an example of celestial electronica at its finest. Closing part two is the trippy jazz fusion house sound Private Society has been spearheading for a of couple of years now, “High Fusion” is a none stop ride into galactic ascension that has been moving festivals from the UK to India. Fred P continues to go deeper into his sound defining a rare characteristic propelling the artist forward via lawed frequencies garnering a cult following world wide!!!

PRODUCED BY GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING ANDREW WATT

MUSICIANS ON EVERY LOSER: TAYLOR HAWKINS (FOO FIGHTERS), ANDREW WATT (GRAMMY® AWARD WINNING PRODUCER), DAVE NAVARRO (JANE’S ADDICTION), CHAD SMITH (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), TRAVIS BARKER (BLINK 182), STONE GOSSARD (PEARL JAM), JOSH KLINGHOFFER (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, PEARL JAM), CHRIS CHANEY (JANE’S ADDICTION), ERIC AVERY (JANE’S ADDICTION), DUFF MCKAGAN (GUNS N' ROSES)

ABOUT IGGY POP

Iggy Pop is a singer, songwriter, musician, author, record producer, DJ, and actor whose epic body of work has earned him both worldwide critical acclaim and fanatic cult success

Credited as “The Godfather of Punk”, spearheading the ‘70s punk and ‘90s grunge movements

PRODUCED BY GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING ANDREW WATT

MUSICIANS ON EVERY LOSER: TAYLOR HAWKINS (FOO FIGHTERS), ANDREW WATT (GRAMMY® AWARD WINNING PRODUCER), DAVE NAVARRO (JANE’S ADDICTION), CHAD SMITH (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), TRAVIS BARKER (BLINK 182), STONE GOSSARD (PEARL JAM), JOSH KLINGHOFFER (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, PEARL JAM), CHRIS CHANEY (JANE’S ADDICTION), ERIC AVERY (JANE’S ADDICTION), DUFF MCKAGAN (GUNS N' ROSES)

ABOUT IGGY POP

Iggy Pop is a singer, songwriter, musician, author, record producer, DJ, and actor whose epic body of work has earned him both worldwide critical acclaim and fanatic cult success

Credited as “The Godfather of Punk”, spearheading the ‘70s punk and ‘90s grunge movements

VINYL COLOUR IS SNOW WHITE! As a founding member of Bauhaus, David J helped spearhead the post-punk scene of the early ‘80’s with a string of innovative work, including Bauhaus’ defining moment, a bona fide classic and feasibly the pinnacle of the entire goth scene: the nine minute plus epic slab of industrial dub “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” featuring David’s lyrics and bass guitar work. Bauhaus propelled to the upper echelons of the UK charts before reaching their zenith in the summer of ’83 and imploding – shattering into fragments of individual talent. This implosion gave rise to David's wide-ranging solo career. The first of Bauhaus’ members to actively release music outside of the band, David went on to put out solo work and collaborations with various authors, poets and infamous indies such as 4AD. In 1985, David regrouped with two former Bauhaus members to form the hugely successful Love and Rockets. Since then, David has continued to produce his trademark brand of deeply heartfelt and darkly sophisticated music. Highlights of What The Patrons Heard include a timely rendition of Neil Young’s “Vampire Blues” delivered with penetrating intensity; “Gimme Some Truth,” which brings new urgency and potency to the John Lennon classic; and “Lay Over And Lay,” which delivers folk-punk that only musicians from the British Isles can get right.

Kings Bell, first made available to the world on CD and digital on November 1, 2011, is now being released on a 12" vinyl courtesy of Before Zero Records. This LP joined the best of St Croix with the best of Jamaica: an amazing lineup of players spearheaded by the venerable Jamaican production maestro Andrew "Bassie" Campbell. The result of this collaboration is Kings Bell – a modern roots masterpiece. As Vaughn Benjamin's first-ever full-length collaboration with a Jamaican producer, Kings Bell was a historic release and features some of the greatest musicians the genre has ever seen including Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Squidley Cole, Mikey "Boo" Richards and Sticky Thompson.

The driving musical force behind the album, producer and bassist Andrew "Bassie" Campbell has crafted beautiful rhythms that truly compliment the deep lyrics of Vaughn Benjamin. The power and authenticity of Andrew Bassie's productions stand out from the mass of slickly-produced modern roots coming out of Jamaica today. Much of the music was recorded organically in Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studio, with additional overdubs, vocal recording and mixing completed at I Grade's studio in St. Croix. The result is a collection of songs that capture not only the essence of classic roots from the hands and minds of some of the individuals who have literally helped build the genre, but also the urgency and innovation of the present time. In more than seventy albums and in over twenty years of Midnite music nothing like this cross-fertilization of Jamaican classic roots tradition mixed with St. Croix's own deep roots tradition has ever happened, making "Kings Bell" a glowing highlight in the expansive catalogue of Vaughn Benjamin. A catalogue born from a non-stop movement in pursuit of progressing his craft and delivering his message to the world. One of Benjamin's most fruitful stops along his journey was with I Grade Records, headed by producer/engineer/multi-instrumentalist Laurent "Tippy I" Alfred, regarded by many as some of the finest work of his career.

Salsoul is the 9th studio album by trailblazing Filipino-African American singer Joe Bataan, featuring his classic single ‘Mujer Mia’.
Re-issued for the first time since 1973 on limited edition blue translucent vinyl, Salsoul was born out of Bataan’s love for salsa & soul, which developed during his youth in New York’s Spanish Harlem.
Such was the impact of Bataan’s new sound, that Salsoul served as the catalyst for the creation of a label by the same name. Formed by brothers Joseph, Kenneth & Stanley Cayre, Salsoul Records spearheaded a new generation of charismatic artists that, influenced by soul, funk & Latin dance rhythms, gave the label a signature sound.
Re-emerging in samples and remixes, the Salsoul Records catalogue is proof of the label’s enduring legacy and it’s crucial role in shaping the sound of a new wave of disco.

At the spearhead of the music press, Tsugi presents for the first time its selection in this vinyl CHILL-OUT from Rone through Baxter Dury and Modeselektor.

Digga D returns with his highly-anticipated third mixtape, Noughty By Nature. Lead Single 'G Lock’ featuring US rap star, Moneybagg Yo follows on from Digga’s previous releases which include ‘2K17’, ‘Pump 101’ and ‘Wasted’, the latter two of which were his second and third top 10 records. Since the release of his critically acclaimed 2021 mixtape, Made In The Pyrex – a project which showcased the lyrical dexterity of the West-London rapper – Digga D has firmly cemented his position within drill, a genre which he has dominantly spearheaded over the last few years.