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Singer-songwriter Dan Arsenault’s avant-garde music infuses classic progressive rock and modern hard rock vibes - crafting himself a unique style of accessible songs that truly inspires the listeners. Born and raised in Atlantic Canada - home of many diverse artists, Dan’s taste in music genre greatly varied in his adult life, you can surely spot many of his style influences in his songs, ranging from early progressive rock to modern rock. His lyrical metaphor style along his punched-in odd signature moments, brings a strange complexity to the songs always leaving you discovering something new in each playbacks.

Dan’s first official released music arrived in 2021, with his first full length instrumental album ‘Eminence’ which was nominated for recording of the year at the MNB Awards 2021 and was highly accepted by the progressive music
community and qualified as a hidden jewel. Dan’s new concept album, ‘Signs point to Yes’, will truly showcase his passionate composing and producing skills, through the story journey of a kid on his quest for musical stardom and
happiness, featuring elite artists like Joe Calderone (Arch Echo), Jemma Heigis and Danny Bourgeois.

Midnight Blue Vinyl. Kelly Finnigan has teamed up with soul music legend Renaldo Domino for his next 45, out May 23rd via Colemine Records. The A-track 'Keep Me In Mind' is a catchy, straight-down-the-middle soul tune in the classic dual male duo style of Sam & Dave, Eddie & Ernie, and Bob & Gene. Featuring organ and classic horn stabs, Kelly and Renaldo's voices blend harmoniously and make for a killer cut. The B-side, 'Let Me Count The Reasons,' is a track from Kelly's critically acclaimed new LP 'A Lover Was Born.' Slower in tempo and full of love and heart, the tune is a masterclass in romantic soulful sounds.

Sie maschen's noch einmal. THE SOUND OF MONEY mit "Two: Rhyme On". Die Band aus dem Münchner Pop-Underground - genauer: mit Albert Pöschl, direkt aus dem Kern des faszinierenden Echokammer Labels, Claudia Kaiser, ex-Moulinettes, mit der aparten Stimme, die an eine Münchener Nico ohne den Drogen BS erinnert und Martin Lickleder, der für Wortakrobatik, Referenzspielereien und flotte Discostreicher berüchtigt ist - mit der Weiterführung ihres spielerischen, nicht minder faszinierenden Konzeptes: An Anagrammatical Exorcism of the 70s. Sie nahmen die Titel ihrer 12 Lieblingsalben aus den 70ern als DNA - und schüttelten die Buchstaben kräftig durch! Heraus kamen 12 neue Titel, für neue Songs. Im Jahr 2017, auf ihrem Album MORE? WHY NOT! haben sie das Gleiche mit den 60ern gemacht. Jetzt toppen sie den Spaß sogar noch. Kurz zurückgespult, 2017: Pu?nktlich zum 50-ja?hrigen Jubila?um des Summer of Love 1967 pra?sentieren The Sound of Money 2017 ihre Konzeptplatte "More? WHY NOT! - AN ANAGRAMMATIC EXORCISM OF THE 60S". Dazu stellen sie die Titel von 12 ihrer Lieblingsplatten aus diesem Pop-Ur-Jahrzehnt zu Anagrammen um - und schwuppdiwupp hatten sie 12 Titel fu?r ganz neue Songs: Aus "Pet Sounds" wurde "Nude Spots", aus "Piper At the Gates of Dawn" wurde "Tiger T - Death Happens to a Few", aus Bobbie Gentry's "The Delta Sweete" wurde "Let's Eat The Weed",... 2025: Geradezu u?berpu?nktlich vor dem 50-ja?hrigen Punk-Jubila?um sind sie wieder zur Stelle: Am 23.5. wird, wieder über das Hamburger BB*ISLAND Label "TWO: RHYME ON - AN ANAGRAMMATIC EXORCISM OF THE 70s" erscheinen - mit Anagrammen von David Bowie bis Chic, von Nico bis Slits, von Bob Marley bis Kraftwerk. Beispiel? Aus "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" wird "Dr. Dr. Themefart, Frustrating Himself, Posed as Gay Old Nazi SS".Exodus von Bob Marley wird zu Sex Duo. (Die beiden songs sind schon mal als Singles / videos veröffentlicht ) Und wie die Titel-Buchstaben haben sich auch Musik und Text zu einem schillernden, grotesken Kaleidoskop klassischer 70s-Popstile zurechtgeschu?ttelt: Landwirtschafts-P-Funk, Finanzcasino-Gospel- Disco, Anti-Pogo-Postpunk, zweifelnder Heimcomputer-Dub-Jazz, der gesamte Bowie in dreinhalb Minuten ru?ckwa?rts ... Nicht nur Live eine Wilde-Maus-Fahrt des Pop-Glam in Mu?nchner Underground-Allstar-Besetzung: CLAUDIA KAISER: Gitarre, Bass, Gesang ALBERT PO?SCHL: Bass, Gitarre, Gesang MARTIN LICKLEDER: Geige, Mundharmonika, Gesang TOM WU: Schlagzeug FRANZISKA ERDLE: Percussion SVENJA PFEIFER: Keyboards, Gesang

Something different from Causa Sui. While Causa Sui have always had one foot in heavy psychedelic rock, they've had the other one deep in a wide variety of esoteric styles. On this new double LP set, that other dimension of the band is being explored full-scale. "Szabodelico" paints with a colourful palette, both compositionally and sonically - digging deep into an assortment of cultures, eras and sounds with a true crate-digger mindset. Throughout their 15 year life-span Causa Sui has always been about seeking out new directions, exploring the past and the present in a way that's unique at each step of their subtle progression - forging new paths into an existing map. "Szabodelico" feels like discovering a small room under the stairs of your own house: familiar, yet new and exciting. Their latest vision is an elegantly zoned-out version of itself: a turn inward. Anti-bombastic, yet rich with ecstatic harmonics and dynamics. The band stringed together a long series of sessions in 2019 and early 2020 in their studio in Odense, often prioritizing playful first takes and good vibes rather than clinical perfection.Sparsely dubbed and mixed with a natural, full bodied flavour by Jonas Munk during the summer of 2020, each track has its own aesthetic. There's no simple equation to sum up the 13 individual parts of the album, but as a whole it creates an entity that's as complete as each of its parts. From the windblown opener "Echoes of Light", to the closing slow-motion epic "Merging Waters" you'll find yourself asking where did the time go? The answer of course is: Szabodelico.

THE CAPELLAS are a rhythm & blues / raw soulful Beat Quartet from the UK, featuring Elsa Whittaker on vocals (The Missing Souls, The Jack Cades), Mike Whittaker on Guitar (Thee Vicars, The Baron Four, The Jack Cades), Mole on bass (The Embrooks, The Baron Four) and Yan Quellien on Drums (The Barracudas, Chrome Reverse) The band have played shows in the UK, Germany and Spain, and they have slowly started conquering crowds with their highly danceable shows, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes! They have released their first EP "Take Your Chance with The Capellas" on Sweet Grooves Records (Spain) which has since then been repressed and they have just finished recording their first LP "Untamed" featuring 9 fabulous self-composed tracks plus one mind-blowing cover version of the classic "Love's Gone Bad" (Chris Clark). What a fantastic debut album by a fantastic group!

The album showcases Avantgarde Vak’s ability to turn old records into something completely new and mesmerizing. His signature sound of deep and low frequency beats come through vividly while maintaining the spirit of Hip-Hop through turtablelism and sampling.

Drone legends Earth, the Seattle group led by Dylan Carlson, ready their first release on Fire Records. Deluxe Ltd edition 'Dark Star' effect vinyl with matte and spot UV sleeve, DL card. Unreleased live recording taken from their show at London's KOKO in 2016. Includes live renditions of fan favourites 'The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull' and 'High Command'. For fans of: Sunn O))), Sleep, Boris, OM, Spacemen 3, Witch, Hawkwind, Boris, Melvins. Seattle drone-rock titans Earth release their latest live document, WEM Dominator (Live in London NW1, 2016), an unrelenting display of the band's seismic force, recorded during their performance at London's KOKO in 2016. Sharing the bill with legendary heavyweights Neurosis, Earth delivered a set of hypnotic intensity, crushing volume, and towering, glacial beauty. For over three decades, Dylan Carlson and his ever-evolving ensemble have been crafting tectonic soundscapes that defy convention, forging a path between meditative drone and colossal doom-laden riffs. WEM Dominator is an album of mesmeric modal patterns, it's a recording that captures the trio's intricate, slowly evolving euphoria in a period when their experimentation swerved through endless possibilities. From the creeping grandeur of "The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull" to the ominous crawl of "Even Hell Has Its Heroes," the album presents Earth at their most immersive and powerful. This record reasserts Earth's mastery of atmosphere and weight, where every note feels tectonic, and silence itself becomes an instrument of crushing tension. It is a hypnotic, stripped down sonic symphony embracing influences as wide ranging as the Velvet Underground, Terry Riley and La Monte Young, a visceral slow-motion reading of the original sound that inspired Sun O))) and the generation that followed. The lineup of this performance was Dylan Carson (guitar), Jodie Cox (baritone guitar) and Adrienne Davis (drums), it was recorded live at KOKO, London on November 7th 2016 and is mixed and mastered by Mell Dettmer at Studio Soli in Seattle.

WOW. Daniel O'Sullivan's transcendent new album, Eros, is one of the greatest things we've ever heard. A simply stunning song cycle of hypnotic, experimental contemporary chamber music composed for a 14-piece ensemble. Combining minimalism, complex syncopation, detailed acoustic textures, weird intervals and samurai precision, this record will elegantly blow your mind. When Daniel first sent us this, he pitched it as “Liquid Swords meets Michael Nyman”. Trust us, he wasn't wrong. A "unique hybrid orchestral music", it presents a confluence of Daniel's longstanding fixations; indeed, there's elements of Nyman, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Magma, Aaron Copland and RZA. But this is wholly O'Sullivan's. Originally commissioned for the Sonoton Music Library in Munich, Eros now receives a deluxe vinyl release courtesy of Be With Records, bringing this meticulously crafted work to a wider audience. Limited to just 500 copies for the world, these are gonna fly.

An English composer and multi-instrumentalist, Daniel O'Sullivan’s career has been marked by versatility and innovation. In addition to his work with Sonoton, he has composed extensively for the legendary KPM music library, contributing to its storied legacy of production music. As a deep virtuoso and collaborator, O'Sullivan has also played in a number of influential projects, including Ulver, Sunn O))), This Is Not This Heat, Grumbling Fur and Miracle (with Steve Moore), leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary experimental music landscape.

O’Sullivan’s first foray into classically informed chamber music, Eros is a culmination of his long-standing fixations and expansive musical influences. The album features arrangements that are as detailed as they are emotionally resonant, showcasing his unparalleled ear for intervals and mastery of counterpoint. The music brims with complex rhythmic syncopation and a sensitivity to texture and space, resulting in a soundscape that is both intoxicating and dauntingly precise.

Recorded June 2023 and February 2024, in Brussels, London and Carmarthenshire, Wales, Eros features members of Echo Collective (Neil Leiter and Margaret Hermant), Thighpaulsandra (from seminal post-industrial band Coil), and jazz pioneer Oren Marshall. Daniel's sonic weapons of choice, in his own inimitable words, were "Big Bad Drum, Pee Anne Oh, Low End Brass, Willowy Winds & Samurai Strings." You get the picture. As a cyclical suite, this is a record that really needs to be heard in its entitreity, from start to finish, to truly appreciate the genius at work here.

A jaw-dropping statement of intent, the minimalist "Golden Verses" sets the tone with its complex cue which has your neck snapping right when it feels like it needs to. Listen and you'll understand. A syncopated tangle of sharp strings, crunchy bass, drums percussion and bright piano and mallets vie for position with French horn and woodwind melody in the most compelling and unexpected ways. Quite simply, it's one of the finest album openers I've ever heard. It's followed by the atmospheric rippling minimalism of "Lyre Lyre", a gorgeous gem with shimmering chimes, bright melody, human percussion and syncopated pizzicato strings. It kinda comes on like a less-abstract Boards Of Canada, bursting with typical wonderment. The piano and string-drenched "Dolorous Stroke" effortlessly builds its warm, pastoral orchestration with flowing piano arpeggio, steadfast drums, expressive string quartet, rich low brass, woodwind and lyrical flute. Just sublime.

The insistent frenetic propulsion of "Plain Paper" is utterly beguiling, featuring a determined string motif, urgent drums and percussion, driving low brass and breathless, energetic flute. The haunting, interweaving string arpeggios that propel "Grapes Draped" presents a claustrophobic minimalism for chaos and darkness, with growling low woodwind and brass, spiky harpsichord, skittering flutes and tight drums. Up next, "Xanix Annum" is a stately minimalist waltz with expressive lyrical string quartet and delicate woodwind, anchored by drums and percussion. "Painting Rose" is a bouncy stop-start track with angular syncopated strings and a piano pulse underneath bright harpsichord and flutes. "Rotunda Garden" presents ethereal textural minimalism for landscapes and reflection with flowing string arpeggios, warm, low woodwind drones, floating choir and cymbal swells. Closing out this extraordinary side of music, the glowing, flowing minimalism of "Flowry Orb" features urgent organ, piano and woodwind arpeggios, half-time drums with shimmering cymbals, a soaring, beautiful violin solo and hypnotic vocal chant.

Side 2 opens with "Theia Mania" a determinedly off-kilter, angular track featuring low wind, brass and drum stomp in dialogue with lively string trio, woodwind and solo horn. The light, airy minimalism of "Painting Percy" is built around an interplay of rhythmic motifs for piano, low brass, bassoon, fluttering flutes, urgent strings, drums and percussion whilst "For Archetypes" is a delicate, gently syncopated chamber cue for nostalgia, nature, reflection and moments of calm, with steady piano motif, intimate woodwind and French horn, and warm, graceful strings. The urgent Ars Memoriae is a propulsive march for progress, processes and industry, underpinned by driving tuba, with determined strings, resolute drums, and vivid, expressive flute, clarinet and French horn.

The syncopated energetic minimalism of "Mirrored Seven" presents layers of melodic and cyclical piano, drums, low brass, harp, flute and strings. "Pure Ornament" follows, a slowly evolving chamber cue with flowing clarinet, string and harp arpeggio, plodding tuba and percussion, fluttering flute and graceful, lyrical solos. Stunning! Up next, "Brave Boy" moves from its tender, warm, lullaby-like intro with lyrical flute, clarinet and strings before opening into a playful backend driven by a bouncy tuba riff and syncopated piano, woodwind, string trio, and drums and percussion. Rounding out this astonishing piece, "Waxen Waned" is a warm, pastoral chamber cue with light lyrical woodwind, tender French horn and subtly pulsing string trio.

The album's title is a reference to Plato’s conception of Eros, which is more than romantic or physical desire. It is a dynamic and creative force that drives individuals to seek perfection whether in art, relationships, philosophy or the pursuit of truth. Wholly appropriate, here, we think. When asked what his influences were in making this astounding record, he answered thusly: "Non-musical: Householding, Pythagoras, Goethe, Grail romances, Hermeticism, Doctrine of Signatures (Parcelsus, Bohme, Pliny), Eric Rohmer, John Stezaker, Yasujiro Ozu. Musical: Duke Ellington (late suites), Smile-era Brian, early RZA, Wagner (Parsifal Overture), Magma, Mancini, Axelrod, YMO, Hildegard, Nyman, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Jobim (Stone Flower), Alessandro Alessandroni, Tavener, Moondog, Orthodox Music, Secular Music." That's some pretty deep shit. Makes you want to dive in, no?

Mastering for this vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis, and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry. Truly, Eros is a work of extraordinary depth and sophistication. It invites listeners to immerse themselves in its intricate layers, to lose themselves in its hypnotic rhythms, and to marvel at the precision of its execution. With this release, O’Sullivan reaffirms his position as one of the most inventive and uncompromising voices in contemporary music. Do. Not. Sleep.

In the vibrant streets of Tembisa, South Africa, amidst the sprawling urbanity connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria, the story of Moskito began. Formed in 2001 by Mahlubi "Shadow" Radebe and the late Zwelakhe "Malemon" Mtshali, the group first emerged as a powerhouse of pantsula dancers. However, their undeniable passion for music soon led them down a new path_ one that would cement their place in kwaito history. Spending countless hours on the street corners of their township, where they were born and raised, Shadow and Malemon danced and sang with an infectious energy that attracted crowds. It wasn't long before the duo decided to channel their talents into a kwaito group, and after adding friends Patrick Lwane and Menzi Dlodlo, Moskito was born. (Pantsula dancing emerged in the 1950s among Black South Africans in townships and continually evolved until it became intertwined with kwaito music culture. The stylized, rapid foot movements and characteristic low-dancing became associated with kwaito as it took over South African urban culture into the early 2000s.) With limited resources, the group displayed immense creativity, recording demos using two cassette decks and instrumental tracks from other artists. They would rap and sing over an instrumental playing on one deck while the second deck records their performance. Their determination paid off when they submitted their demo to Tammy Music Publishers, who were captivated by Moskito's style. "Kwaito was the thing `in' at the time. If you did music you did kwaito. We wanted to fit in and actually it was easy," says Radebe. "We didn't have engineers in the group, so the first time in a real studio was with Percy and Thami to record Idolar." That same year, the group released their debut album, Idolar, under Tammy Music. The album was an undeniable success reaching gold status selling over 25,000 units and earning them a devoted fan base across South Africa and neighboring countries like Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Moskito collaborated with industry legends such as Chilly Mthiya Tshabalala, who was known for his work with Thiza and Spoke "H." They drew inspiration from Thami Mdluli a.k.a Professor Rhythm, who had dominated the disco scene back in the 80s and 90s. Mdluli helped with musical arrangements and executive produced the album and signed on producer-engineer Percy Mudau, while Shadow and Malemon took pride in composing most of their songs. Like many of the rising kwaito artists of the time, they didn't have music production or engineering backgrounds so they required support from engineers together their ideas down on tape. They were inspired from South African kwaito icons like Trompies, Mdu, Mandoza, and Arthur Mafokate, alongside international heavyweights like Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre, 2Pac, and R. Kelly, Moskito created a sound that was uniquely theirs_a perfect blend of local flavor and global influence.

The band is guitarist and vocalist Zedek, bassist Winston Braman, and drummer Gavin McCarthy (Karate), now joined by newest member, pedal steel guitarist Karen Sarkisian. On The Boat Outside Your Window, Sarkisian"s counter melodies and oblique augmentations created with non-traditional tools like an ebow, add an otherworldly quality to songs. The grit of Zedek"s guitar and drive of Braman and McCarthy are met with synth-like swells and more harmonic density. The album features guests Nancy Asch (percussion) and Beth Heinberg (piano) whose subtle touches are added to "Shoes" and "Aliyah". The record was recorded with Andy Hong, mixed by Seth Manchester, and mastered by Sarah Register. Zedek"s mastery of songwriting is on full display on The Boat Outside Your Window. Her unique musical voice remains potent and pointed. Cultivating her sound with purpose and an unflinching view of humanity, Zedek"s words and music are both invigorating, and capable of deep emotional complexities. The Boat Outside Your Window is Thalia Zedek reaching new heights, reinforcing her status as a peerless songwriter and voice.

The band is guitarist and vocalist Zedek, bassist Winston Braman, and drummer Gavin McCarthy (Karate), now joined by newest member, pedal steel guitarist Karen Sarkisian. On The Boat Outside Your Window, Sarkisian"s counter melodies and oblique augmentations created with non-traditional tools like an ebow, add an otherworldly quality to songs. The grit of Zedek"s guitar and drive of Braman and McCarthy are met with synth-like swells and more harmonic density. The album features guests Nancy Asch (percussion) and Beth Heinberg (piano) whose subtle touches are added to "Shoes" and "Aliyah". The record was recorded with Andy Hong, mixed by Seth Manchester, and mastered by Sarah Register. Zedek"s mastery of songwriting is on full display on The Boat Outside Your Window. Her unique musical voice remains potent and pointed. Cultivating her sound with purpose and an unflinching view of humanity, Zedek"s words and music are both invigorating, and capable of deep emotional complexities. The Boat Outside Your Window is Thalia Zedek reaching new heights, reinforcing her status as a peerless songwriter and voice.

More than 20 years after their debut, Witchcraft's seventh album, 'IDAG,' is an awaited full accounting of who they are as a band. Those who have clamored for the return to an earlier sound rooted in '70s classic progressive and heavy rock will delight to the strut of "Irreligious Flamboyant Flame" while the eight-minute opening title-track is the heaviest the band have ever sounded, and a succession of interspersed acoustic-based pieces helps create a vision of a new, soulfully folkish doom taking shape as they continue to move inexorably forward. Founding guitarist/vocalist, Magnus Pelander, says of 'IDAG': "This album will reap souls and destroy wicked minds. And perhaps mend a couple of broken ones." These enigmatic few words from the Swedish band's main songwriter give clues as to the songs' intentions; a reference dropped to Coven's 1969 album, 'Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls.' Coven also had a folkish, proto-doomed take at that point in their history, and that multifaceted nature has been a part of Witchcraft all along. On one level, Magnus is winkingly telling you it's a Witchcraft record. The actual meaning of that becomes clear when you hear the album and find out just how much 'a Witchcraft record' can encompass. The storyline of Witchcraft's growth, from Pelander's starting the band in Örebro in 2000 in the wake of his prior outfit Norrsken's disbanding. A generational landmark of a 2004 self-titled debut helped spark a retroist movement that has become its own subgenre, but Witchcraft never stopped growing. 2005's 'Firewood' and 2007's 'The Alchemist' introduced more progressive sounds, and five years later, the pointedly modern 'Legend' established in 2012 that they had moved beyond the analog worship they had been a part of pioneering within the contemporary heavy rock and doom scene. In 2016, the 2LP 'Nucleus' introduced fuller-toned doom, and 2020's 'Black Metal' diverged into moody acoustic minimalism familiar to some fans from Pelander's early solo work, but different from anything Witchcraft had done prior. 'IDAG,' then, is the tie that draws all of this - more than two decades of exploring and growth - together. Whatever they've done in the past and whatever they'll do in the future, 'IDAG' feels like a nexus for defining who and what Witchcraft are. Even crazier, that might be the point of the thing. JJ Koczan

More than 20 years after their debut, Witchcraft's seventh album, 'IDAG,' is an awaited full accounting of who they are as a band. Those who have clamored for the return to an earlier sound rooted in '70s classic progressive and heavy rock will delight to the strut of "Irreligious Flamboyant Flame" while the eight-minute opening title-track is the heaviest the band have ever sounded, and a succession of interspersed acoustic-based pieces helps create a vision of a new, soulfully folkish doom taking shape as they continue to move inexorably forward. Founding guitarist/vocalist, Magnus Pelander, says of 'IDAG': "This album will reap souls and destroy wicked minds. And perhaps mend a couple of broken ones." These enigmatic few words from the Swedish band's main songwriter give clues as to the songs' intentions; a reference dropped to Coven's 1969 album, 'Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls.' Coven also had a folkish, proto-doomed take at that point in their history, and that multifaceted nature has been a part of Witchcraft all along. On one level, Magnus is winkingly telling you it's a Witchcraft record. The actual meaning of that becomes clear when you hear the album and find out just how much 'a Witchcraft record' can encompass. The storyline of Witchcraft's growth, from Pelander's starting the band in Örebro in 2000 in the wake of his prior outfit Norrsken's disbanding. A generational landmark of a 2004 self-titled debut helped spark a retroist movement that has become its own subgenre, but Witchcraft never stopped growing. 2005's 'Firewood' and 2007's 'The Alchemist' introduced more progressive sounds, and five years later, the pointedly modern 'Legend' established in 2012 that they had moved beyond the analog worship they had been a part of pioneering within the contemporary heavy rock and doom scene. In 2016, the 2LP 'Nucleus' introduced fuller-toned doom, and 2020's 'Black Metal' diverged into moody acoustic minimalism familiar to some fans from Pelander's early solo work, but different from anything Witchcraft had done prior. 'IDAG,' then, is the tie that draws all of this - more than two decades of exploring and growth - together. Whatever they've done in the past and whatever they'll do in the future, 'IDAG' feels like a nexus for defining who and what Witchcraft are. Even crazier, that might be the point of the thing. JJ Koczan

Purple Vinyl, limited to 450 copies. More than 20 years after their debut, Witchcraft's seventh album, 'IDAG,' is an awaited full accounting of who they are as a band. Those who have clamored for the return to an earlier sound rooted in '70s classic progressive and heavy rock will delight to the strut of "Irreligious Flamboyant Flame" while the eight-minute opening title-track is the heaviest the band have ever sounded, and a succession of interspersed acoustic-based pieces helps create a vision of a new, soulfully folkish doom taking shape as they continue to move inexorably forward. Founding guitarist/vocalist, Magnus Pelander, says of 'IDAG': "This album will reap souls and destroy wicked minds. And perhaps mend a couple of broken ones." These enigmatic few words from the Swedish band's main songwriter give clues as to the songs' intentions; a reference dropped to Coven's 1969 album, 'Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls.' Coven also had a folkish, proto-doomed take at that point in their history, and that multifaceted nature has been a part of Witchcraft all along. On one level, Magnus is winkingly telling you it's a Witchcraft record. The actual meaning of that becomes clear when you hear the album and find out just how much 'a Witchcraft record' can encompass. The storyline of Witchcraft's growth, from Pelander's starting the band in Örebro in 2000 in the wake of his prior outfit Norrsken's disbanding. A generational landmark of a 2004 self-titled debut helped spark a retroist movement that has become its own subgenre, but Witchcraft never stopped growing. 2005's 'Firewood' and 2007's 'The Alchemist' introduced more progressive sounds, and five years later, the pointedly modern 'Legend' established in 2012 that they had moved beyond the analog worship they had been a part of pioneering within the contemporary heavy rock and doom scene. In 2016, the 2LP 'Nucleus' introduced fuller-toned doom, and 2020's 'Black Metal' diverged into moody acoustic minimalism familiar to some fans from Pelander's early solo work, but different from anything Witchcraft had done prior. 'IDAG,' then, is the tie that draws all of this - more than two decades of exploring and growth - together. Whatever they've done in the past and whatever they'll do in the future, 'IDAG' feels like a nexus for defining who and what Witchcraft are. Even crazier, that might be the point of the thing. JJ Koczan

Polish producer Newborn Jr. joins forces with the incredible vocalist Annjet for their highly anticipated debut full-length vinyl LP under the collective name Krush Klubb, set to be released through the renowned Bristol-based independent label, Shall Not Fade.

The Zone Out LP seamlessly blends the best of modern dance music, effortlessly merging the smooth, hypnotic rhythms of deep house with the frenetic energy of breaksy jungle cuts, all while showcasing the rich, captivating vocals of the talented Annjet. This dynamic collaboration not only highlights Newborn Jr.'s unparalleled production abilities but also elevates the musical landscape with Annjet's signature vocal style, which adds an emotive, immersive layer to each track.

With its intricate soundscapes and genre-defying approach, Zone Out stands as a testament to Krush Klubb's versatility and vision, offering a unique listening experience that crosses boundaries and defies expectations. The LP promises to be a perfect soundtrack for those who love to lose themselves in the rhythm of dance music, whether you're winding down or getting lost in the groove.

The Zone Out LP drops on Friday, 23rd May via Shall Not Fade, ready to leave an indelible mark on the dance music scene and introduce Krush Klubb as one of the most exciting new acts in the genre.

Cindytalk is the mercurial, expressionist outlet of Scottish artist Cinder, inspired by the crossroads of exploratory UK post-punk and early European industrial. Her work thrives on chance and transformation, collaging elements of noise, balladry, soundtrack, catharsis, and improvisation. "We were trying to find our own space," says Cinder of the formative period Camouflage Heart emerged from, amidst a move from Edinburgh to London and Cinder's evolving exploration of gender identity, well before culture at large was equipped to understand. With contemporary discourse we see that the project manifested her transgender ideas as visceral music. The guttural, feral sound marked a notably darker turn from The Freeze's sixyear run on the fringes of punk. Changing the project's name became vital, not just because they kept hearing the former was already taken, but the desire to embody the spiritual and sonic shift, "to uncover new pathways_to feminize it," she says. Cinder, with bandmates David Clancy and John Byrne, arrived at Cindytalk, a winking nod to Sindy, the British fashion doll rival to Barbie known then for its pull-string talking mechanism. "The goal was to have a more interesting narrative, more interesting dialogue. Music was ultimately my only way of talking to people. That was my conversation with the world, an abstracted conversation_an attempt to make some kind of tiny, tiny mark, if possible, you hope somebody will notice." Over the years, Cinder has heard from fans who did pick up on the signals and find refuge in Camouflage Heart. Camouflage Heart plays with tension and pace, from creeping to feverish to claustrophobic. The percussion moves between restless marches and barely-there pulses; for some parts, they scratched and hit a tin bath, among other objects. Guitar lines vibrate and stab as Cinder contorts her voice freely. She pulls poetry from a cerebral abyss, like "make the snake in your eye, pierce the camouflage heart" on the slow-droning centerpiece "The Spirit Behind the Circus Dream." In that register is raw power, both vulnerable and menacing, an ability to locate something deep and emotionally charged within. "I still remember that person who was way too intense for their own good," Cinder reflects. "I couldn't make a record like that now, certainly not vocally, while that anger hasn't dissipated; there's still a kind of warrior." For all the destruction and disintegration of Camouflage Heart, Cinder maintains the objective was never full-on fatalistic; these songs seek not to destroy but to poke and provoke, to transform and heal, to find cracks of light in a crumbling world. She points to the last lines of the opening track, "It's Luxury": "Don't look down," the lyric pines through static and rhythm. Cinder extrapolates, "I'm essentially saying, just keep fucking going. As time went on, for me, that falling became flying. Camouflage Heart is the beginning of believing in flight."

Brooklyn-based musician and producer Eliot Lipp has spent the last two decades crafting a signature sound that fuses hip-hop, synthwave, glitch, and electro. His breakthrough came in 2004 when Prefuse 73 released his debut album on Eastern Developments, a then-subsidiary of Warp Records. Since then, he has built an extensive discography across influential independent labels like Hefty Records, Mush Records, Pretty Lights Music, Young Heavy Souls, and his own Old Tacoma Records. Lipp's music, described by Billboard as "funky and experimental, crunchy and distorted, romantic, thoughtful, and all around playful," blends vintage and modern influences, with Kaltblut Magazine noting his inspiration from "sci-fi soundtracks and '70s and BDs funk" to create "weird, high-definition, melodic beats." His work has been featured by Bandcamp, Magnetic, XLR8R, and major radio stations like BBC Radio 6, KEXP, and KCRW. A seasoned performer, Lipp has toured extensively for over 15 years, playing in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver, as well as major festivals such as Electric Forest, Forecastle, and SXSW. With a career rooted in both classic beat-making and forward-thinking electronic production, Eliot Lipp remains a vital force in the independent music scene.

On his first release with Bastard Jazz, veteran Brooklyn producer Eliot Lipp delivers Kona, a bright blend of guitar samples, breakbeats, and his signature Korg MS-20 synth lines, evoking the feeling of kicking back on a beach at sunset. The beat hits hard from the start, but as the track unfolds, it eases into a more laid-back, summery vibe. Lipp's signature fusion of retro synth textures and crisp modern rhythms shines through, capturing an effortless, sun-soaked energy perfect for a night drive or a rooftop party. The B-side, Silver Bass, takes a different approach—starting with live drums, electric bass, and a groovy guitar and piano arrangement before morphing into a futuristic, digitally sequenced version of itself. With dueling saxophone and Moog melodies weaving between organic and electronic elements, the track transforms into a breezy electro jam that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, solidifying Lipp's ability to craft timeless, genre-blending sounds.

Ambient explorers SWIMS unpeel another heady debut, with the maiden effort by Korean artist Soo Kyung Kim, also known as soo:k. The curtain raises on Orchadia with an elysian glow: electro-acoustic compositions painting a golden topography of impossible fruit and uncanny astronomy.

soo:k's utopic brushwork finds obvious comparisons in the work of Hiroshi Yoshimura, and his meditations on the glacial pace of hidden, verdant spaces. Frida Kahlo's portraits of everyday life, intertwined with pain and magic symbology, also resonate in the album's exploration of fleeting moments.

Dissonance and experimentation take hold as the record progresses, Soo's Edenic vision creaking open to reveal ripe, fetid spaces between ribs of earth. Recommended if you like Ulla, Kara-Lis Coverdale, Visible Cloaks, Perila...

The Ramones were punks before punk rock was even invented. With their catchy, sing-along tunes, iconic hair styles and outfits, Joey, Dee Dee, Johnny and Tommy rewrote rock history and are now, as part of the first wave of US punk, firmly considered part of the subcultural world heritage. In the DUB-cultural world, on the other hand, their footprint has been pretty slim, particularly if one considers their stomping, three-chord songs, instantly recognizable chants (“Gabba gabba hey!”) and laconic humour. There are a few reggae and Latin versions of their songs online, but never before have the Ramones been honoured with an entire album in early reggae style…until now, bang on time for the band's 50th anniversary in 2024. The label Echo Beach, a bit of a specialist for missions such as these with a string of releases including “Bad Brains in Dub”, “Dubby Stardust”, got together with André Meyer (production, bass) and Manougazou (production, guitar). Both were part of the 2008 Echo Beach New Wave/Dub project DubXanne and were involved in the production and subsequent live shows. Also back in the team is keyboarder and DubXanne mastermind Guido Craveiro, who plays Hammond organ and piano on half of the tracks. The other two additions to the core team are singer and all-round instrumentalist Sebastian Sturm and drummer Raul Pfeffer. Together they homed in on the 11 most iconic Ramones three-minute-singalongs, including "Blitzkrieg Bop", "I Wanna Be Sedated", "Pet Sematary" and "Rock'n'Roll Highschool", and treated them to a reggae make-over. The whole process was kicked off by a slightly off-beat question (reggae music does that to you): What if Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee had gotten together not in NYC, but in Kingston? And then stepped up to the mic alongside local singing and deejay greats? In musical terms the answer is surprisingly plausible and the line-up is sensational, even for a label like Echo Beach with its unrivalled connections. From up-and-coming youngsters to living legends, everyone is included, albeit with a focus on the elder statemen and stateswomen: the vast majority of the guests are over 60 and look back on deeply impressive careers! The artists come from Jamaica, the USA, the UK and Germany. All contributed one or two songs, and all of them tackle the songs in pairs with infectiously good humour, transforming legendary punk rock bangers into unpredictable dub tracks. Ramones’ classics such as "Blitzkrieg Bop" with its trademark battle cry "Hey! Ho! Let's Go!", "Sheena Is A Punkrocker" and "The KKK Took My Baby Away" are slowed down and underpinned with roots and rocksteady riddims. It almost goes without saying that the lyrics have been adapted to everyday Jamaican life with a great deal of fun and creativity. And amidst all the icons of early reggae, the Ramones also make an appearance: in the opening track "Pinhead", for example, we learn that the Ramones did actually listen to reggae and had even been planning a reggae album. Features guest vocals from Susan Cadogan, Ranking Joe, Ranking Ann, Prince Alla, Welton Irie, U Brown, Earl Sixteen, Dennis Alcapone and more

Marseille's own Durite, label helmed by FaF, returns with its second Various Artists compilation, diving deep into a two-part sonic journey. One side taps into the hypnotic rhythms and rich textures influenced by Middle East sonorities, while the other ventures into Asia, blending psychedelic Japanese & Chinese samples with a heady, trippy vibe.

On the roster: a trio of French talents — Crane de Poule, Blinkduus Dischetto, and Pagenty — plus a standout contribution from Italian producer Nativo, whose infectious grooves just keep getting sharper.

Lately, if you blink you may miss Goose fly by. Attributing much of their success to a dedicated and exponentially expanding fan base, steady creative output, and a collective commitment to improvement, the band is now universally recognized as a premier musical act nationwide. Dripfield, Goose's forthcoming studio offering, is a tale of introspection, carefully dissecting the details of the journey. Produced and engineered by D. James Goodwin at The ISOKON in Woodstock, NY, Dripfield is the band's first full-length project completed exclusively with an executive producer. Known for his unconventional recording style and eclectic equipment collection, Goodwin guided Goose through an entirely new process of album creation. Undoubtedly the product of multiple sold out concerts and consistent recording and songwriting, Dripfield is anchored by the theme of balance. Fittingly, the project features a mix of unheard originals and re-imagined catalog staples.

Loco Dice kündigt sein viertes Album „Purple Jam“ an: Mit 12 Tracks und einer Fülle hochkarätiger Kollaborationen unterstreicht er die ständige Weiterentwicklung seines Sounds und die erfolgreiche Verschiebung von Genregrenzen.

Loco Dice ist eine absolute Legende und einer der einflussreichsten Charaktere in der elektronischen Musikszene. Seit Beginn seiner Karriere hat er seinen einzigartigen Genre Twist aus House & Techno mit starken Hip-Hop Einflüssen etabliert. Von den Anfängen als Hip-Hop-DJ in Düsseldorf bis hin zu Residencies in den legendären Ibiza-Superclubs wie Circoloco im DC-10 und Amnesia Terrace sowie im Space Miami in den USA war Loco Dice immer für seine Fähigkeit bekannt, tiefe, introspektive Sounds mit energiegeladenen Tracks zu mischen.

Das enorm hohe Level und kreative Spektrum dieses Albums wurde bereits mit den ersten Single-Auskopplungen zementiert: Auf „Heavy Heart“ mit Skrillex & Fireboy DML, „Road Runner“ mit Carl Cox, „Ice Cold Dealer“ mit Haftbefehl und „Juice“ mit The Martinez Brothers & Trinidad James sammeln sich bereits Millionen an Streams.

Das Album erscheint als farbige 1 LP (180 Gramm).

After his critically acclaimed EP LOOP (national press coverage, playlist support, a sold-out tour with Odezenne, opening for Zaho de Sagazan and Pomme, winner of the 2024 iNOUïS of Printemps de Bourges), Jean unveils an ambitious and cohesive debut album, conceived as a complete work of art. Created without guest features or compromise, this 12-track record delves deep into introspective songwriting, raw yet poetic, at the crossroads of rap, melancholic pop, and modern French chanson. Jean isn’t trying to please, he exposes himself with no filter.



The album stands out for its strong narrative and visual identity, where each track plays like a film sequence, a resurfacing memory. It explores universal themes: love, solitude, escape, addiction, aging, through a deeply personal and always lucid lens. The imagery reflects this universe: the album cover, shot in a movie theater, introduces an ambiguous character, somewhere between absurdity and allegory, perhaps a manifestation of the artist’s inner demon. A disturbing yet familiar presence, intentionally open to interpretation, like a key without a lock.



Musically, the album spans multiple aesthetics without losing its coherence: each track asserts a distinct tone and balance. Jean positions himself within a new, demanding francophone scene, free from cynicism or affectation. He delivers a unique, sincere project, both accessible and profound, that invites listeners to experience it in one sitting, from start to finish.

Inspired by Abba, early AC/DC, Beefheart and the dark heart of outsider pop, The Beyond and the Better Way is a record featuring warped orchestrations, extended autobiographical rants and sumptuous performances by a collection of Glasgow's (and Ireland's) finest musicians and singers The Gorgeous Pouting Mr AR is a pseudonym for Ronan Breslin - a recording studio owner, composer and academic who teaches sound and music at The Glasgow School of Art.

Ronan comes from an Irish family of musicians, with the most notable being his brother Niall Breslin, who helmed the iconic Irish band "The Blizzards" before becoming a highly regarded mental health podcaster and now presenter on BBC Radio 3. Niall's stellar guitar playing features on many of this record's tracks. The recording will be released on the 23rd May via Strength in Numbers Records on vinyl and digital platforms and will be accompanied by an online collection of song- related essays (aka rants). The album is distributed by Last Night From Glasgow. "The songs explore OCD, politics, anxiety, grief, regret, rage, lost love, but also reflect on joyous moments that define the transition from fearful child to fuck- you adolescence and finally reluctant adulthood. The album title song 'The Beyond and the Better Way' is morbidly confessional; however, it is also a statement of resilience, positivity and optimism for the human condition. There is always a better way." - Ronan Breslin

Twelve years on from the release of their debut album This Life, Dublin indierap trio The Original Rudeboys are back to play a sold-out show in the 3Olympia Theatre in April 2025, coupled with a limited edition run of first time vinyl pressings of debut album "This Life" One could say that indie- rap trio "The Original Rudeboys" were ahead of their time. Once sniffed upon, a strong Irish accent is prominent in most breakout Irish acts at the moment (Fontaines DC, Kneecap, Gurriers, LYRA, Curtisy). The Original Rudeboys were doing this 15 years ago, and their stand-out hit 'Stars In My Eyes' was met by thousands of fans across Europe when they supported The Script, or headlined their own arena tours. The Original Rudeboys: Reunion Show in the 3Olympia this April sold out straight away which is a testament to the staying power their music still has in Ireland.

Speaking on the incredible feat, the band said; "We never thought a show was ever going to happen for us again nevermind at somewhere as prestigious as the Olympia theatre. We have played 5 of our own headline shows there but to add 1 more to the history books over 10 years on is truly a blessing and we are very grateful to everyone who made it happen, we can't wait to do it again." With the reunion show being in such high demand that it was an instant sellout, the band also wanted to give back to the fans another way. They are releasing a limited vinyl pressing of their debut album "This Life". This album was never released on vinyl before and will contain one extra bonus track - a new release from the band, hinting at what's to come. "We started in the music industry on the backend of the physical media decline but to see it come full circle and the rise in fans buying vinyl records is very promising. The magic of having something tangible as fans ourselves is not lost on us and to be able to listen back to this album with the crackle of the needle gives it an extra bit of magic we didn't know it needed.

Welcome to this wild ride of cheese, wooden shoes, green gold and a whole lotta Dutch rock 'n roll attitude! This album is a high-octane compilation where today's garage, beat and rock'n'roll artists pay tribute to the rich history of Nederbeat and pop Each covering a classic Dutch tune with their own twist, companied with their own original. Think of it as a musical time machine with a detour through the gritty, reverbing walls of Studio Teepdek, guided under strict supervision by studio guru Arjan Spies and released by Soundflat Records / Topsy Turvy Records; home of the best contemporary Dutch artists. Buckle up, because you're about to hear the Netherlands' musical past and present collide in a glorious explosion of sound with a shot of cheap adrenaline.Enjoy the ride and to turn it up to 11.

The Krontjong Devils:The Greatest thing to come out of Holland since the Dutch Treat! Playing Surfmusic since 1991 and still going strong! Mooon: This young power trio consists of brothers Tom and Gijs and their cousin Timo. These cats take you to the Golden Age of pop music: the psychedelic boom of the 60's and 70's. The Kryng:Three jinxed no-good guys with an insatiable appetite for great popsongs. Their ace in the hole is singer/ guitarist/ cult- hero Mark ten Hoor, an extraordinary craftsman //when it comes to writing catchy and powerful songs. Fleur:She has the looks, the moves and a voice that sounds like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. The Heck:High pace, hectic, energetic and wild 60's garagepunk outfit all the way from Klazinaveen. Feel free to place them somewhere in between The Sonics and Reigning Sound. Frankie:The young and aspiring talent Frankie from the Eindhoven writes double edged songs like a head in the clouds and roots from your feet. Written like a dream but grounded in reality. Les Robots: Mechanical men from outer space, stationed in Rotterdam, presumably programmed by legendary producer Joe Meek to make astonishing instrumental music.

'The greatest man that came from Jamaica and changed the whole beat from Ska to Rock Steady was Lyn Taitt.He was from Trinidad but Bryon Lee did bring him come to Jamaica as an organist but he started playing guitar and the rest is history! We should call him Rock Steady...Its Lyn Taitt as he was the man! He played lead guitar and Ska at the same time'...Bunny Lee

Rock Steady only lasted for a brief period from 1966 to 1968,but its significance to the subsequent development of Jamaican music is incalculable and it would go on to shape each successive musical movement over the next four decades.
Deejays,Digital and Dance hall all stepped to the tune and pace of rhythms whose origins were grounded in the Rock Steady beat and it is impossible to ever overstate its importance...or its beauty

Sophia Kennedy, the Baltimore-born, Hamburg-based artist, returns with her new album in May. Known for her genre-blending innovation and distinct vocal style, she has collaborated with DJ Koze and earned praise from The Guardian, Iggy Pop, and Resident Advisor.

Following her self-titled debut (2017, Pampa Records), a radiant dance between the glamour of the Great American Songbook, electronic textures, and clubland influences, earning her international acclaim, Kennedy released her second album, Monsters (2021, City Slang), and delved deeper into surrealism and transcendence. Now, on Squeeze Me, Kennedy and her long-time musical collaborator and co-writer Mense Reents sketch a more disillusioned commentary on the status quo of the world at large. The complexity of interpersonal relationships, questions of power dynamics, and the quest for self-determination—longstanding themes for Kennedy—run as a cohesive narrative throughout the album.
More minimalist than her previous works, Squeeze Me brims with Kennedy’s gift for catchy melodies with a certain pop appeal and psychedelic hues. The first single, "Rodeo," features hypnotic piano chords, shimmering synth basses, and glimmering choirs. 2025 will see Kennedy back on tour in Europe, supported by an international PR campaign to expand her global presence.

Das selbstbetitelte Debütalbum der kanadisch-amerikanische Singer-Songwriterin Martha Wainwright als 20th Anniversary Edition! Das Album wird bestimmt durch die Intensität und Vielseitigkeit ihrer Stimme und einer Mischung aus introspektiven Texten und emotionaler Instrumentierung. Ihre Songs verbinden poetische Texte mit einer Mischung aus Folk, Rock und Alternative-Einflüssen und erzählen Geschichten von Liebe, Verlust und persönlicher Stärke.

German trio Cloud Management approached Digital-Sting in late 2023 and started a conversation concerning a loose configuration of improvisations, studio experiments and rehearsal jam recordings. The timing was particularly serendipitous with Feel Free Hi Fi fresh off a West Coast USA tour with Exotic Gardens where we had spent several long drives along the California coast listening to Cloud Managements prior records on Altin Village. The second of which included collaborations with Exotic Gardens. This release " Unfinished Business" inhabits much of the musical history and influences foundational to the Digital Sting sound and ethos making the link up an obvious one. I don't want to be overly predictable in the comparison to the great body of work created by German legends like Moebius, Roedelius, Plank and others but it is there. Also present are heavy doses of dub wandering not too far from the furthest out zones created by African Head Charge or Dub Syndicate. Some creeping psychedelic unease in the way of Industrial Records also sits in the mix. Comparisons aside, Cloud Managements embrace of collaboration and jammy experimentalism create a sound that is unique and a bit rare in the contemporary dub and electronic music continuum where perceptions of genre restrictions can guide a bit too much. The two side long continuous tracks documented in this release lock in and groove as much as they wander, drift and break apart in subtle shifting ways making for special repeat listening where something new is always waiting.

Album "My Life - Preisner's Music is a live recording from a concert held in November 2024 in Bielsko-Bia?a, marking the occasion of Zbigniew Preisner receiving Honorary Citizenship of his hometown, Bielsko-Bia?a.
This year, on May 20th, Zbigniew Preisner will celebrate his 70th birthday, and the album is a his gift he made to himself.

The album includes 17 iconic themes composed by Zbigniew Preisner among others from Three Colours, Decalogue, The Secret garden, The double life of Veronique, Damage, When a man loves a woman, Eminent Domain, Aberdeen, Mouvements du desir, Lost and Love, but also Lacrimosa from Requiem for my Friend in the interpretation of Dominik Wania.

Few words from Zbigniew Preisner:
"For years, I've been thinking about reducing my orchestral themes to a single instrument. As a composer, I pay special attention to melody-each of my compositions always has melodic themes.
Ten years ago, I met Dominik Wania, now a jazz star and a brilliant pianist who records albums for ECM. I knew he was the perfect person to bring my idea to life.
The concert you are about to listen to is the result of our collaboration, which has given me great satisfaction. Dominik Wania's interpretation went beyond my wildest expectations. I hope you will enjoy the album."

Reviews of the album:

"When I teach the films of Krzysztof Kieslowski at Columbia University, I always mention that Zbigniew Preisner is one of the world's greatest film composers. He has many fans among my students. And now there is a new album, a haunting distillation of his movie scores into solo piano performances. It demonstrates how he is the master composer of the tritone, trill and tremolo. Listening to his compositions in their own terms - separate from the cinema screen - foregrounds his distinctive and often plaintive melodies.
Because orchestration, lyrics and narrative function are absent, the listener can focus on the richness of the "standalone" music, beautifully performed by Dominik Wania. For example, the memorable score from Kieslowski's "Double Life of Veronique" now feels more ominous than lyrical. From "Mouvements du desir," the tinkling piano sounds grow into cascading notes that envelop the listener. Whether classical (as in "When a Man Loves a Woman" and "The Waltz from The Funeral") or jazz ("The Secret Garden"), the music reigns when there is no movie screen to distract us. This is equally true of the minor-key gems like "Dekalog" and the briskly upbeat "Transient from Twilight" (which invokes for me the joy of Jon Baptiste's compositions).
In addition to Preisner's scores, the mournful "Lacrimosa" is stripped down from a public performance - which included a choir - to a more personal evocation of grief via solo piano. Finally, listening to "Lost and Love" suggests that if Frederic Chopin and Keith Jarrett had an heir together, it would be Zbigniew Preisner".
Annette Insdorf, Film Professor Columbia University

Kryptograf has carved out a distinct niche by fusing the raw, heavy sounds of late 60s / early 70s rock with the intensity and aggression that doom metal and stoner rock are known for. Formed in Bergen, a city known for its robust and unique musical scene, Kryptograf debuted with a sound that resonated deeply in the underground scene. Their homage to classic rock giants and a contemporary edge has made them stand-out interpreters of that era's atmospheric riffs and gritty tones. Their upcoming third album marks an evolution in their sound, with a deepened focus on melody and dynamic songwriting without sacrificing their core intensity. The A-side carries a distinct "Scandi-rock" flavor, while the B-side's darker, doom-laden tracks suggest they're leaning even further into heavier, moodier depths. Kryptograf's unmistakable, collective vocal delivery and riff style ensure this album will retain their signature sound while showcasing a mature, nuanced approach to the genre. "Kryptonomicon" is a rich, complex listen that's still undeniably Kryptograf.

Record is limited to 100 copies, numbered on sleeve

Spectrums Data Forces returns to New Flesh Records 15 years after his debut on the french label. Following the "Exodus"(NF02) and "Reencarnacion" (NFLTD05) releases, Granada based Jose Maria Moreno Vega proudly presents the "Trinity EP", a collection of groundbreaking mayhems characterized by powerful basslines, intricate drum programming, and dystopian atmospheres.
Pounding electro "form900" opens A side with a captivating track where arpeggiated melodies fuse into retro modern vibes in SDF typical signature. The invasion has begun!!
This well-crafted tune comes with a devastating remix from NF mastermind. Umwelt unveils of pure distinctive and instinctive analog beast, merging techno to electro-driven rhythms. Merciless!
B side kicks off with outstanding "Mind restore". Written under SDF techno side project C-System, this 4/4 monster of a track alternates between eerie atmosphere, IDM touches and futuristic sororities.
Last but not the least "7H3 F4M1LY" from 7053M4R14 (another Spectrum Data Forces moniker) reveals subtle and crystal clear stabs over groovy yet dancefloor broken rhythms.
Rarely has a release ever stuck so much to the world of New Flesh Records. Rush on it!

BED ist eine neue in Berlin gegründete Band, im Kern ein queeres Musikprojekt mit einem Sound, der in Shoegaze, Dream Pop und Post Punk verwurzelt ist. BED's Texte sind traurig und sexuell, während sie Fäden von Verletzlichkeit und Begehren verweben und so ein Werk schaffen, das den normativen kreativen Ausdruck in Frage stellt. Dies zeigt sich auch in den Vocals, die absichtlich geschlechtsneutral sind und eine fließende Identität darstellen. In den Kompositionen von "everything hurts", dem Debütalbum der Band, eineComing-of-age Story, in der es ein Gefühl geht, ein bestimmtes Alter im Leben zu erreichen, eine zweite Jungfräulichkeit in ihrer musikalischen Praxis zu verlieren, Unschuld zurückzugewinnen und die Wunden des Erwachsenenlebens zu pflegen. Es gibt narrative Aspekte, die HörerInnen fesseln, Interludes, die ein Geheimnis flüstern und der Erzählung des Albums Tiefe verleihen. "everything hurts" ist ein zartes und doch raues, lautes und gleichzeitig dramatisches Werk, das einem sensiblen Publikum gehört - jemanden, der auf der Suche nach tief empfundenen Melodien und autobiografischen Geständnissen ist, gepaart mit post-produzierten vocals und druckvollen elektronischen Beats.

First released by Extreme in the massive, infamous 'Merzbox,' "Red Magnesia Pink" is extracted and recontextualized as a standalone release for the first time. Recorded in 1995, "Red Magnesia Pink" sees Merzbow in peak form. A psychedelic whirlwind of synthetic transmissions; harsh, wet, screeching sounds that could only be produced by Masami Akita. Featuring two previously unreleased bonus tracks from the same era.

Bea Elmy Martin hat sich schnell zu einer der überzeugendsten Stimmen des britischen Alternative-Pop entwickelt, die Musik, bildende Kunst und Performance nahtlos miteinander verbindet und seit ihrer Debütsingle "Blue Escape" 2021 viel Kritikerlob erntet. Zwei Jahre lang arbeitete sie gemeinsam mit ihrem Partner Dominick J Goldsmith akribisch an dem Debütalbum "Under The Yew", einem intimen, atmosphärischen Statement künstlerischer Integrität. Ihre Bühnenpräsenz ist ebenso beeindruckend, ob auf der Rabbit-Hole-Bühne in Glastonbury oder als Begleitung von HÆLOS als Vorgruppe von Depeche Mode auf europaweiter Stadiontour. Beas Debüt-LP erscheint als Zweiteiler, Vol.1 kommt im Mai im umfangreichen Gatefold mit Platz für Vol.2, das sechs Monate später folgt.

– „Bea verbindet Soul-Elemente mit zeitgenössischem Pop zu einem Hybrid-Mix, der einen sofort in süße Ekstase versetzt.“ – Wonderland Magazine

– „Die Art und Weise, wie sie die Energie um ihren ruhigen Gesang herum aufbaut, zeugt von wahrem Verständnis und Talent.“ – Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1

Übercode Ouvre is the eagerly awaited album from Panzerballett, a unique jazz-metal quintet that fuses intricate metal riffs with jazz improvisation, humor, and high-level musicianship. The album pushes genre boundaries, featuring contributions from legendary drummers Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, Anika Nilles, Morgan Ågren, and others. It offers a thrilling listening experience for jazz fusion and progressive metal enthusiasts alike. Included are covers like "Bleed" from Meshuggah, "Alien Hip Hop" from Virgil Donati; re-imaginations of classical pieces like Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" and Vivaldi's "Summer"; as well as originals like "Seven Steps To Hell". They all showcase the band's blend of complex rhythms, virtuosic drumming, and unconventional arrangements. The album's diversity makes it stand out in the progressive metal and jazz scenes. Panzerballett, led by guitarist Jan Zehrfeld, has earned a cult following for their "Headbanging with Brain" approach to music, delivering not only technically advanced compositions but also humorous, organic reconstructions of well-known pieces. Their live performances are legendary for their energy and complexity, and Übercode Ouvre is poised to continue that legacy with tracks that balance intense technicality with an accessible groove. Übercode Ouvre is a musical journey and a perfect workout for developing brain-muscle connections with its meticulously constructed beats. If you want to experience one of the most innovative bands in progressive jazz and metal, having this album is a chance to own a piece of modern music history that challenges the boundaries of what metal can be and how jazz can speak to the heavy music world. Übercode Ouvre is the highly anticipated jazz-metal album by Panzerballett. A world-class line-up pushes genre boundaries more than ever. FFO The Aristocrats, Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, progressive metal etc, features legendary drummers Virgil Donati & Marco Minnemann

The visionary Walter Maioli (Futuro Antico, Aktuala) and the eccentric electronic musician John Zandijik first met in 1984 when they both gravitated toward the experimental Sound Reporters collective, participating in the release of Ethnoelectronics (1986). Shortly afterward, the two met at Zandijik's studio in Rotterdam, where they completed their journey of exploration to the edge of the Universe in just three nights. The recordings were made only after 3 a.m., when psychic energy is at its peak, and inspiration belongs solely to the realm of dreams. It was a ritual of long galactic fluctuation, where the mystical sound of the flute was filtered and expanded by the Aureal system, a device capable of breaking it down into cascades of aureal harmonies. Through its extemporaneous approach, the music transforms perceptions of ancient pyramids or tropical forests into phosphorescent nebulae, luminous fountain openings, and unprecedented planetary interstices—interstellar portals leading to new archetypal-ancestral visions. It feels like sailing through colored orbits in the red gases of Jupiter and Mars, lost and dissolved forever in the engines and gears of the most secret cosmos. Between Pink Floyd-esque psychedelic flashes and Tangerine Dream-inspired sidereal architectures, Maioli and Zandijik reveal the most phantasmagoric and unknown side of Sound Reporters.

WHEN RIVERS MEET – BREAKING BOUNDARIES IN ROCK, BLUES & AMERICANA - When Rivers Meet aren’t just making waves—they’re blazing their own trail. The husband-and-wife duo, Grace & Aaron Bond, have carved out a unique sound that defies genres, fusing the raw power of blues-rock, the storytelling soul of Americana, and the heartfelt intimacy of folk. Their music is gritty, soulful, and electrifying, with Grace’s powerhouse vocals and Aaron’s dynamic musicianship creating something truly unforgettable. A huge part of their unmistakable sound comes from their dual vocal chemistry. Grace’s voice is raw, powerful, and deeply emotive, delivering every lyric with intensity, while Aaron’s vocals bring a rich, warm depth, perfectly balancing power with soul. Whether harmonising in haunting unison or trading lead vocals, their voices create a magnetic dynamic that sets them apart. Aaron’s expressive guitar work, especially his masterful slide guitar playing, adds another layer of grit and emotion, helping to shape the band’s signature sound—blending bluesy swagger with anthemic rock energy. Their breakthrough album, ‘Aces Are High’ (2023)—recorded deep in the heart of Suffolk—marked a seismic moment in independent music, launching them into the UK Official Album Charts Top 10, a first for an independent Rock/Blues band. Now, they’re ready to raise the stakes once again. Expect a bigger, bolder, and more dynamic sound, combining powerful harmonies, raw energy, and hard-hitting rock with foot-stomping Americana grooves. This album is When Rivers Meet at their most passionate, unfiltered, and intense. To celebrate, they’re bringing their explosive live show back to the stage: May 23 – Glasgow, Oran Mor, May 24 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms, May 26 – Southampton, The Brook, May 29 – Norwich, The Waterfront - A SOUND LIKE NO OTHER – MUSIC THAT TRANSCENDS GENRES

Proudly presenting Maravilhosamente Bem the powerful, female-centred third album by Brazilian singer, songwriter, actress, and creative director, Julia Mestre.
Alongside being a member of the Latin Grammy-winning Brazilian supergroup, Bala Desejo, Julia has been steadily building a solo career where her unique vision and alluring soft, sultry voice take centre stage. Drawing inspiration from ‘80s ballads, MPB, pop and disco productions, each song on this third album finds Julia creatively exploring different characters and tones.

A love-song-driven LP at its core, Maravilhosamente Bem holds a playful mirror up to blissful days gone by, artfully reimagined with Julia’s own modern twist. An album filled with love and nostalgia, it pays homage to her love of classic female disco divas such as Donna Summer, Sade, Alcione, Lady Zu, and the Brazilian rock queens Rita Lee and Marina Lima. Of that latter pairing, the late iconic Brazilian vocalist and musician Rita Lee (Os Mutantes) is referenced in the music video for the first single, ‘Sou Fera’, blessing Julia with a magical guitar. Marina Lima then provides guest vocals on the album’s closing track, ‘Marinou, Limou’, with her name transformed into a mantra by Julia.

Channelling a lo-fi ‘80s ballad aesthetic, Julia navigates a multitude of themes across the nine sublime tracks. From the sexy, whispered performances on vintage horror movie-inspired tunes ‘Vampira’ and ‘Pra Lua’ to the delicate, fragile love lullabies of ‘Sentimento Blues’ and ‘Cariñito’, and the seductive disco diva embodiment on dance tracks ‘Veneno de Serente’ and title track ‘Maravilhosamente Bem’. Another hidden highlight is the palette-cleansing mini-suite, ‘Interlúdio dos Amantes’. A luscious strings instrumental piece that lends to the beautiful Sade-esque ‘Seu Romance’.

Produced by Julia and longtime collaborators Gabriel Quirino, Gabriel Quinto, and João Moreira, Maravilhosamente Bem sees Julia embarking on a new era of her musical career. This sensational third album is a captivating showcase of the creative vision and versatility of one of Brazil’s finest stars.

Released on Mr. Bongo (ROW) and Altafonte (Brazil).