Vinyl Packaging: Gatefold LP + download card. Indie Exclusive Transparent Orange vinyl in gatefold jacket Limited to 1000. CD 6 panel Digipak. Gnosis is the highly anticipated 8th full length from Russian Circles. Across the span of their previous seven studio albums, Chicago-based instrumental trio Russian Circles traversed a diverse topography of sounds, moods, and approaches with their limited armory of drums, bass, and guitar. It’s difficult to chart an evolution in their sound when their records have always felt like well-curated playlists. It wasn’t uncommon to hear drone-heavy meditations, dazzling prog exercises, knuckle-dragging riff-fests, haunting folk ballads, and tension-baiting noise rock all within the span of one album. Still, it’s difficult to ignore the progression from the pensive and intricate melodies of Enter (2006) to the layered distorted dirges of Blood Year (2019). It’s been a gradual sonic shift owing to the band’s rigorous tour schedule and a predilection towards playing their more authoritative material on stage. But with their latest album, Gnosis, Russian Circles eschew the varied terrain of their past work and bulldoze a path through the most tumultuous and harrowing territory of their sound. As was the case for so many artists in the age of COVID, the obstacles of geography and isolation forced Russian Circles to reevaluate their writing process. Rather than crafting songs out of fragmented ideas in the practice room, full songs were written and recorded independently before being shared with other members, so that their initial vision was retained. While these demos spanned the full breadth of the band’s varied styles, the more cinematic compositions were ultimately excised in favor of the physically cathartic pieces. Gnosis was engineered and mixed by Kurt Ballou. Drums and bass were tracked at Electrical Audio in Chicago to maximize the natural room sounds of the rhythm section. Guitar and synth overdubs were conducted at God City in Salem, MA to take advantage of Ballou’s vast inventory of amps and effects pedals. Despite the entirety of the album being written remotely, the songs were recorded with the full band playing together to retain the live feel of the material. Owing to the climate of the times and a new writing method, Russian Circles created their most fuming and focused work to date—an album that favors the exorcism of two years’ worth of tension over the melancholy and restraint that often colored their past endeavors. European Co-Headline tour with Cult of Luna slated for Marc 2023 (Dates TBA). Russian Circles have received coverage from most notable press including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, FADER, AV Club, Consequence, Decibel, Revolver and much more.
LA-based producer Real Bad Man and multi-JUNO Award winning Toronto-based artist TOBi release their collaborative album The Perfect Blue via the producer’s own Real Bad Man Records. The album collects a diverse array of sounds,highlighted by the album’s two advance singles “When I’m Home, ” which Stereogum described as “a moody,graceful soul song with a serious groove, ” and the funk-laden “Over The Moon, ” released last week.
TOBi and Real Bad Man’s work together on The Perfect Blue encapsulates the producer’s mission for 2025, a year in which he released intricate collaborative albums with a wide swath of artists. His work with TOBi was seamless and began quickly after the two first met, finding kinship in their ability to push past their comfort zones in genre and familiar sounds. The result is eclectic and boundless, jumping from straightforward and unflinchingly personal rap moments, to the flared funk of “Over the Moon” and understated contemporary soul flourishes that prove the Toronto emcee can confidently make each of these sounds his own.
The Perfect Blue marks Real Bad Man’s fifth full-length collaborative album of the year, bookending a prolific 2025 that began with his collaborative album with ZelooperZ, Dear Psilocybin. Over a celebrated catalog spanning years, Real Bad Man, also known as Adam Jay Weissman, has cemented himself as a force in underground hip-hop, but his impact extends beyond work with contemporaries like Boldy James, Pink Siifu, Blue and more. Each of Weissman’s five collaborative albums this year showcases a different side of his craft, appeasing fans familiar with his gritty hip-hop production on his third album with Boldy James Conversational Pieces. He also surprised listeners with a bold turn in sonic direction, well outside of his traditional production palette, with his reunion with former Pollyn bandmate Genevieve Artadi on Everything Is Under Control.
Nigerian-born, Toronto-raised artist TOBi has carved out a distinct lane for himself with a celebrated discography of releases that explore themes of vulnerability, self-reflection and contemporary masculinity with a pointed nuance. His 2023 album PANIC swept the rap categories (Best Rap Album, Best Rap Single for “Someone I Knew”) at the 2024 JUNO Awards and his catalog has been praised by the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, i-D and more. Expanding on his ELEMENTS project series with the second volume released earlier this year to high praise, The Perfect Blue cements TOBi’s bonafides as an adept collaborator.
MEMORIALS jump off the waterslides and head above the clouds with their stunning second album, ‘All Clouds Bring Not Rain’. The duo of Verity Susman and Matthew Simms (formerly of Electrelane and WIRE) locked themselves away in a studio in a barn secluded deep in the woods in southwestern France and re-emerged with a beautiful, unusual record that is both melodic and unconventional. For such an ambitious album it’s striking that it was written, performed, recorded and mixed solely by the two of them. Sounding like an unearthed classic, MEMORIALS twist their influences into their own unmistakable sound. Imagine Nico singing with Can produced by David Axelrod and you’re somewhere in the right ballpark.
The record draws inspiration from a wide range of music including folk, dub, post punk, experimental tape music, 60s soul, garage rock, 70s spiritual jazz and Canterbury prog. This attention to detail in their sound meant finding several other studios to get what they needed to record with, including a harpsichord at 4AD’s studio in London and a vibraphone and vintage Leslie speaker in Stereolab drummer Andy Ramsay’s studio Press Play. Verity’s distinctive, unadorned singing is a focal point of the record, moving from tender to wild. Her vocal melodies quickly become earworms, providing the tuneful heart around which the songs’ more unorthodox elements are arranged, which is where Matthew’s unconventional approach to recording and production comes to the fore. With their adventurous arrangements, classic songwriting skills and innovative production techniques, MEMORIALS have created another mesmerising listen that’s accomplished and compelling in its unique approach yet remains dizzyingly immersive - just like their acclaimed live shows.
Physically tethered to this reality, yet creatively unmoored from any earthly restraints, Holy Fawn freely slip in and out of metal, shoegaze, electronic, alternative, and rock as if inhabiting multiple states of sonic existence all at once. Blazing new trails both seen and unseen as well as heard and unheard (but always felt), the Arizona quartet—Ryan Osterman, Evan Phelps, Alexander Rieth, and Austin Reinholz—continue to cover uncharted territory on their second full-length offering, Dimensional Bleed.
The group emerged in 2018 as a critical and fan favorite with their debut LP, Death Spells. Stereogum said the music is “all so beautiful,” while Heavy Blog Is Heavy went as far as to christen it “a landmark.” Thrice and Deafheaven each invited the band on tour, and Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe was effusive in his praise.
In 2020, Holy Fawn shared The Black Moon EP, which the Phoenix New Times hailed as “a ferocious slab of twilight guitar crunch.” In the midst of the Global Pandemic, Holy Fawn carefully assembled what would become Dimensional Bleed. Due to the closure of their practice space and de facto headquarters, the bulk of creation and recording happened remotely. Ryan performed vocals and electronics at home, while Austin and Evan tracked and mixed out of Evan’s studio. This time around, they enlisted Mike Watts The Dillinger Escape Plan, Glassjaw, The Dear Hunter for mixing and additional production and Mike Kalajian for mastering.
Peach Discs sends their last record of 2026 to the pressing plant in the form of G-Zip's wigg(l)ed-out, tech'd-up, but very much tuned-in "The Mystic Dog" EP.
A new house-focused alias from Stephen Howe – who you may remember from his excellent "Mimesis" EP for Joe Delon's Welt Discos, or his abso-fucking-lutely everywhere remix of Oklou – the G-Zip sound sits in the centre of the Venn diagram between London's tech-house pump and the blissed/blessed relief of deep house.
Hats from early grime instrumentals, interviews in club smoking areas, compilation skit tracks, video essays and jazz interludes – "The Mystic Dog" EP is built from a library of samples that extend far beyond house, tracing a deeply personal line through Stephen's influences and inspirations both past and present. Meticulously sequenced synth lines sit atop tightly woven Digitakt grooves, all mangled together through FX boxes and the Mackie desk that sits at the heart of his Berlin studio.
The EP sets out its stall with "Juiced (Monomania Mix)." Written after Stephen's first visit to Open Ground and inspired by a standout set from Fumiya Tanaka, it pairs stomping, techy drums and phat bass with a restless collage of mono synth patches that donk, squiggle and gurgle throughout.
"Missing Track" leans into contrast as a staccato bassline rubs up against the tighter than tight percussion, before skyscraping synths enter the picture to respond to the rhythm section's call. Flipping the record puts us back into banger territory with "Talking About Drums", as the tuned percussion and heavier-than-heavy subs nail the track to the dancefloor. Until the halfway point that is, when post-dubstep-indebted synths briefly arc across the stereo field – a glistening glow-up amidst the locked-in groove.
Closer "Mystic Dog" showcases Stephen's knack for idiosyncratic melody, as a wonky modular sequence twists and turns across the track while smack-in-the-face drums offer a bashy counterpoint. A classic B2 track if ever there was one, and wicked way to round off the EP.
(Oh, and there's a cheeky alternative mix of "Juiced" as a digi bonus for the hip-house heads).
LP,180g, 2027 REISSUE - REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPES, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART
The 'vivid contemporary sounds for a fresh visual image' make up the now canonised Synthesis from Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett. These two greats go deeper than usual on this collection, and the end result is a synth concept record of sorts. Released in 1974, it's an essential companion piece to
their Synthesizer and Percussion LP, released on Themes International Music in the same year.
Like most of our favourite library records, Synthesis has that gloriously funky, 'weird electronic music' vibe without ever being inaccessible. With the awesome ARP Odyssey at the fore, Hawkshaw and Bennett have created a blissed-out soundscape that, whilst laid back in all the right places, somehow remains heavy on the funk. It's a sort of throbbing, proto-G Funk sound and you can fnd it on many of these low-lit basement workouts.
Take the ice-cool 'Alto Glide'. It's a sunset-funk highlight with an electro-fute refrain that conjures those dreamier Dre / DJ Quick instrumentals from '91 to '92.
Stereolab, Koushik (again) and all those Ghost Box artists were clearly listening very closely in the years since. The equally relaxed 'Mermaid' glides efortlessly with soft, shimmering piano, understated percussion and kaleidoscopic synths.
It's a really beautiful piece.With these two soft-focus closing tracks allowing the LP to foat away over the horizon, the preceding ten tracks have a more insistent, neck-snapping rhythm
section to back the synth overload. Highlights include the head-nod funk of 'Getting It Together' and the synth break in 'The Executive', which informed classic video game soundtracks.
For once Be With really is stuck for words to describe just how good this record is.
Best just to listen. As with all ten re-issues, the audio for Synthesis comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We've taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity.
After a sold out first release, NY’s Superflux is back for Round Two with a debut release from arguably the most unsung hero of the Midwest underground. Uplink is a REDACTED-based hardware specialist known for their work running a series of labels and organizing parties that have helped define the region’s sound for more than a decade. Crafted using time-honored tools of the trade, these four dubby, tracky, and raw cuts – lifted from live stereo board recordings – will sit comfortably alongside releases from STL, Skudge, and MRSK.
The A1, Audio Sport, is a dubby groover with almost-steppy hats and bit of bite; a reverb-drenched lattice of delayed pads bends your sense of time and space until you realize you’re 12 hours into the warehouse function and someone’s just thrown a piano off the roof. A2, Blue Untitled, is a deep stomper reminiscent of the early WAX records. A big & shifty bassline turns this into a true head-nodder. B1, Temporary Machine 1, is a more subdued dubbed-out tech house cut anchored on a rolling bassline and flanked by dusty percussion and prescriptive stabs. Proper warm up tackle or hazy after-afters fodder: the choice is yours. Connoisseurs of a fine B2 rejoice – this one is it. Dokta is a moody, tripped out late night techno affair with a dash of bounce for good measure. All that hisses is gold.
A1 - ELECTROPHORUS
super entry track for this EP in general!
He brings it to the point and let you roll in, in the electro half pipe and makes big air beats and bassline slides. Drop it!
A2 - FOR THE NIGHTTIME
crispy stereo effects from the legend mc 202, vocoder vocals, top drums and a good sounding bassline make this track interesting, but wait! The final is in the end of this track and is a big surprise!
A3 - NARROW MINDED
its 12 o clock and this for over 5 minutes!
808 boom boom and fully overloaded highhats, is the end track of side A. Old-school
B1 - RODES
a beautiful statement of the soul of BISTONG.
the trackname is RODES, but the EP name BE STRONG is here fixed in my opinion as Label Head.
It's hard to be strong, and it's also hard to make strong music, sometimes.
This track has: a strong producer background, a strong character, a strong arrangement and a super strong weekend feeling every single day.
B2 - ANCIENT ANALOGUE
Check out the B side everytime!
often the track you want to play in your set is hidden here. Nobody knows him, but everybody can like him.
A1 - ELECTROPHORUS
super entry track for this EP in general!
He brings it to the point and let you roll in, in the electro half pipe and makes big air beats and bassline slides. Drop it!
A2 - FOR THE NIGHTTIME
crispy stereo effects from the legend mc 202, vocoder vocals, top drums and a good sounding bassline make this track interesting, but wait! The final is in the end of this track and is a big surprise!
A3 - NARROW MINDED
its 12 o clock and this for over 5 minutes!
808 boom boom and fully overloaded highhats, is the end track of side A. Old-school
B1 - RODES
a beautiful statement of the soul of BISTONG.
the trackname is RODES, but the EP name BE STRONG is here fixed in my opinion as Label Head.
It's hard to be strong, and it's also hard to make strong music, sometimes.
This track has: a strong producer background, a strong character, a strong arrangement and a super strong weekend feeling every single day.
B2 - ANCIENT ANALOGUE
Check out the B side everytime!
often the track you want to play in your set is hidden here. Nobody knows him, but everybody can like him.
As Nathan Fake rises from the nocturnal subterranea and rave catharsis of his previous records, on Evaporator, he resurfaces into the domain of daylight, bringing a tangible sense of air rushing against your face, of big skies, and endless landscapes. The idea of pop accessibility that trickled into 2023’s Crystal Vision is refracted here through the prism of sweeping ambient, deep electronica, and trance uplift. Evaporator is Fake’s idea of “airy daytime music”, with each track a different barometer reading across the album’s varying atmospheres, which range from vibrant sunbursts, bracing rainscapes, and fine mists of clement melodics. “It’s not overtly confrontational electronic club music,” states Fake. “It’s quite pleasant, it’s accessible. As I was progressing through making the tracklist, I called it a daytime album. It doesn’t feel like an afterparty album.” For the past decade Fake has been gingerly introducing collaborations with heroes and friends alike into his lone, idiosyncratic working process. Border Community alumni Dextro AKA Ewan Mackenzie transmutes his ferocious drumming for Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs into the blurred choral thump of ‘Baltasound’. ‘Orbiting Meadows’, meanwhile, is his second collaboration with Clark, an eerily idyllic duet where microtonal 18EDO piano clangs slowly twirl around wailing pads. Evaporator marks the junction point of old technology and ever fresh creativity for Nathan. The trusty “dinosaur” age software, particularly Cubase VST5, that has powered two decades of music is rarely updated. “I used to sort of feel a bit ashamed of using such old software, and then I kind of had an epiphany – that’s just how I work”, comments Fake. “That’s just how I play. I’m very fond of these old tools, and I get the most joy out of them, but now I’ve incorporated new technology too.” When an artist accumulates so much synergy with their instrument, music making becomes instinctual. By Fake’s account, much of Evaporator just fell into place. The album title arrived randomly in his head (“it felt completely perfect. Airy.”), ideas looped and developed until things locked into place and just felt right. ‘The Ice House’ is a fleeting glimpse of the sonic world he taps into in this creative state, its glassy FM synths built around a counterpoint between rough-hewn crystalline arpeggios and sparse yet gravitas-bearing bass. “That riff I just wrote out on the keyboard, I just played it forever and ever and ever. The original track ended up being really short. Here you go, and it’s gone!” These unplanned channellings of sound call forth records from Fake’s past while he looks ahead, perhaps getting at the very essence of his musicianship. The opener ‘Aiwa’ (“the breeziest,” he muses) reminds of the introspection that characterised Providence, excited by the fire and grit of Steam Days’ textural experiments, its chunky slams and clatters surging into a flood of harmonic buzzing as they reach out for old wisdom. ‘Hypercube’ stampedes in a similar chronological confluence, infusing an incessant synth line reminiscent of the golden age of rave with the crackling, ecstatic energy of modern festival anthems. Like the vaporisation of liquid to particles, everything that Evaporator presents has a mutant desire to be amorphous. Sounds rarely settle; the irradiated garage beat of ‘Bialystok’ is pitched downwards to driving, rebounding effect, while ‘You’ll Find a Way’ warps static into shivering energy, cinematic synth strings building anticipation into a gradual gush of chords. This translates into a more expansive stereo field than Fake has explored before. ‘Slow Yamaha’ saves the wildest, most kinetic transformations for last with a cornucopia of crispy melodies and fried drums; a sibilance of cymbals on the left, a susurrus of shakers on the right, and kaleidoscopic lasers pulsing and fizzing all around. Evaporation culminating in pure excited atoms. In a world where music has increasingly become background content, making albums remains lifeblood for Fake: “It makes me realise how long; twenty years is ages! It’s weird to see how much the world has changed. Release day back then you did fuck all, now you spend all day on socials. When I grew up the people who made the electronic music I was into were quite mysterious, and the artwork was very abstract. There was a massive distance between you and that music, and that was a key part of it, really. Now it helps to be an extrovert, and I'm just not, but the album marks the first time my face has graced the cover art. I’ve never wanted to do this before, I'm very shy, and generally I don’t like being seen,” he professes. “But, twenty years in, I supposed I could try something new. I'm very lucky that I'm somehow surviving in this world, where the media world favours extroverts and interesting looking people. It’s not my world but somehow I’m still in it.” Evaporator continues to prove Nathan’s necessary presence, with some of his most engaging, varied, and magical music yet.
Default Mode by Raleigh & Takenaga continues the newly established X series – Harmony’s platform for new voices and limitless exploration. Hailing from Prague, the duo embodies the next wave of adventurous sound design and musical talent from the imprint’s home town.
Incentive Program opens the EP’s A side with a drifting, trance-tinged flow wrapped in sweeping pitch movements and fractured vocals. The track sets a shadowy, almost sinister atmosphere, pulling all witnesses into its slow-burn gravity. It’s a steady build, tipping the floor over the edge. Stiff Envelope pulls you into its depths as it continues to build tension with resonating synth hits that quiver over a powerful trance foundation. With a few moments of silence that let its unsettling atmosphere settle across the stereo field before swinging back in at full force, this one is tailor-made for big systems.
B side’s Ground Floor carries on with metallic swells and shimmers that ring underneath the surface as the tension built on the A side bursts, settling into a grounding four-on-the-floor moment and leaving just enough time to breathe before Raleigh stirs up a concoction of devious vocals, snappy percussion, and a seductive bassline that lifts the mood tastefully. Takenaga wraps up the record with Head Count, a razor-sharp blend of crisp percussive cuts and stuttered crumbles that are seeking the perfect pitch all the way, climbing up and down. Heads are counted on a lively groove that radiates playful momentum and commands the dance floor to get in formation, keeping a tight rhythmic focus. Infused with the pulse of UK club culture, this track delivers a fresh and forward-thinking sound perfect for adventurous turntables.
Ottagono Italian Dojo presents the second release on the Ottagono Retro outlet imprint label through South America. This special occasion marks the opening of a second Ottagono headquarters in Argentina, introducing an exclusive project that blends the essence of the Italian music family. If you’re familiar with Latin American music genres like Rock, Post Punk, Industrial, Minimal Synth, New Wave, Synth Pop, and the broader electronic music scene of the last 40 years, you’ve surely heard of iconic bands such as Virus, Soda Stereo, and Sumo. Among these bands, having in common their birth in Argentina, Alfredo Peria is another influential music pioneer and key figure in the entire Latin American underground movement. In the mid-80s, he founded the techno duo Mimilocos. Because of this, over the years, Alfredo has been renamed the “Juan Atkins de Latino America”. Later in the 90s, he joined major labels like Polygram and BGM, living between Spain and the United States. He founded another project called Limbo with Julio Moura, a member of Virus and brother of Federico Moura. In the late ’90s, he released his first solo album with Fonovisa. After spending years travelling the world, Alfredo returned to Argentina and, alongside Cecilia Olariaga, founded his own production company, Pulpería Discos. The music world once again showcases the strong connection between Argentina and Italy, evident in the heritage of artists and figures like Maestro Alfredo Peria and la familia Ottagono, including the new Latin America manager, Federico Luchetti.
A.1: Sentidos is a new wave Latin American classic! After over 30 years, it finally received its first vinyl release. Originally written in the early ’90s by Alfredo and Julio Moura, then members of Limbo, a band formed after Virus disbanded following the passing of Federico Moura, Julio’s brother, Virus frontman. This updated version, enhanced with synthesizers and additional production by tech wizard Franco Colombo , transforms the original lyrics into a retro-futuristic club anthem with 80s vibes, It captures the essence of early Depeche Mode, Nitzer Ebb, and the Chicago Warehouse scene, while also being a great fit for fans of Juan Atkins and Yellow Magic Orchestra as well.
A.2: Yo soy su Cuba – 3.0 Adicta mix is the latest version inspired by the original demo from the 80s. This mix showcases Electro Tech Synth Pop music created by Alfredo, Rudie Martínez, Joaquín Franco, Juan Pablo Bidegain, Germán Moreno, and Pablo Torterolo, collectively known as Adicta.
A.3: Castillitos de arena – original ’87 demo, it’s a classic in Argentina underground music movement, among fans and people lost in club culture, even though it never got an official release in any format. This was frequently performed during the early years of Mimilocos live shows, but it was never officially released. A few years later in Spain, a Latin pop tropical house version was released, presenting a fresh and entirely different take from the original’s obscure essence marked by minimal synth, EBM, and deep, atmospheric sounds, which thanks to Ottagono family will see the light.
B.1: Gesell – From Villa Gesell to Ibiza, from Alfredo with love to another renowned
“Argentino” known as DJ Alfredo. This is an Ottagono tribute to one of the Isla masters and the Balearic sound. Gesell feels like a fresh 90s UK track by Farley & Heller or DJ Harvey, immersed in the emotive Alfredo Peria landscape—something you could easily hear at Café del Mar during sunset, played by another maestro we all miss, José Padilla.
B.2: Yo soy su Cuba – Now available on vinyl for the very first time, featuring the original demo. There’s not much to add—just sit back and enjoy this pure 80s treasure in all its glory.
B.3: Over the past months, Claudio and Federico have listened to many unreleased
demos and tapes from Alfredo’s extensive musical career. Among them, “7 Days” stood out for its simple beauty and potential as a hit for underground enthusiasts. This track seamlessly combines post-punk, new wave, and tropical Balearic vibes. From ’95 to ’25, it has remained fresh and innovative, once again proving that the Ottagono crew understands the essence of timeless music.
Two decades in, one of dance music’s most celebrated DJs, producers, label owners, A&Rs, broadcasters, and tastemakers has big plans for this anniversary. In June, Anja Schneider will unveil an expansive rework and remix package on her benchmark-setting imprint, Sous Music, some of her best-loved tracks are there in less familiar forms. Expect fresh takes from Anja herself on seven of her favorite tracks plus a wealth of heavyweight remixers: Paramida & E-Talking, Radio Slave, Scuba, JakoJako, Julian Muller, Cassy, Deetron, Leafar Legov, Erobique, Jaymie Silk and Ackermann all being part of the impressive collection.
“The project includes new versions of my favourite tracks from the last 20 years and remixers who have accompanied, influenced, and currently impress me. Each artist holds a special connection for me,” says Anja in anticipation of this milestone release.
Rotary mixer with 3-band frequency isolator, VCR filter and FX loop
Filter section with resonance and sweep control for creative sound shaping 3-band master frequency isolator with vintage ALPS potentiometers (Blue Velvet RK27) Kill cut feature allows DJs to completely remove low, mid and high frequencies for amazing mixing
2 stereo input channels with gain control, clip LED, 3-way equalizer, FX Send and phono/line switching
2 microphone input channels with gain control, 2-way equalizer on air switch
2 effects send/return paths
Dual analog VU meter
Direct outputs for Timecode applications
High-grade components ensure long life and excellent sound quality
Booth output with separate 2-way equalizer and level control
Record output, independent of the master
Fully assignable VCA crossfader with adjustable curve
Outputs: master and booth (XLR/RCA L/R), record (RCA L/R), master insert send/return (RCA L/R), FX in/out (stereo jack)
Desktop console housing
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power supply: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption: 15 W
Protection class: Protection class I
Power connection: Mains input via IEC connector (M) mounting version power supply cord with safety plug (provided)
Frequency range: 20 - 20000 Hz
S/N ratio: >100 dB
THD: 100 dB
Klirrfaktor: <0,05 % bei 1 kHz
Gain: Line -12 dB bis +12 dB
Phono -40 dB bis +5 dB
FX 20 dB
Mikrofon 55 dB
DJ Filter: Zuweisbar: LPF, HPF,
Isolator: Master Gain:- ∞ bis +9
Low/Mid 300 Hz, 18db/Okt , Butterworth
Mid/High 4000 Hz, 18db/Okt , Butterworth
Steuerelemente: Netzschalter, Quellen-Umschalter, Crossfader, Crossfader-Wahlschalter, Crossfade-Curve Schalter; Cue-Mix-Split-Funktion, Klangregelung
Status LED: Power, Masterpegelanzeige, Clip, CUE
Anschlüsse: Eingang: Line über 2 x Stereo-Cinch
Eingang: Line/Phono über 2 x Stereo-Cinch
Eingang: Mikrofon über 1 x 3-pol XLR/6,35mm Klinke (W) Kombibuchse Einbauversion
Eingang: AUX Returns über 2 x 6,3-mm-Klinke (sym.)
Ausgang: Timecode über 2 x Stereo-Cinch
Ausgang: Kopfhörer über 2 x 6,3 mm Klinkenbuchse (stereo) Einbauversion
Ausgang: Kopfhörer über 1 x 3,5 mm Klinkenbuchse (stereo) Einbauversion
Ausgang: Rec. über 1 x Stereo-Cinch
Ausgang: Booth über 2 x 3-pol XLR
Ausgang: Booth über 1 x Stereo-Cinch
Ausgang: Master über 2 x 3-pol XLR
Ausgang: Master über 1 x Stereo-Cinch
Ausgang: AUX sends über 2 x 6,3-mm-Klinke (sym.)
Kanäle: Eingangskanal: 2 x Stereo mit Line-Line/Phono Schalter über Cinch, Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler, Regler 3-Band EQ, Quellen-Umschalter, Gainregler, CUE-Schalter, FX Routing Schalter
Mikrofonkanal: 1 x Mono über Kombibuchse (XLR/KLINKE), Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler, Regler 2-Band EQ, ON AIR Schalter
Master-Ausgang: 1 x Stereo über XLR oder Cinch, Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler
Booth-Ausgang: 1 x Stereo über XLR oder Cinch, Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler, Regler 2-Band EQ
Rec. Ausgang: 1 x Stereo über Cinch, Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler
Kopfhörer-Ausgang: Stereo über Klinke, Kanalregelung über Rotary-Drehregler
Max. Pegel: Ausgang: +21 dBu
Material: Metall; Aluminium
Gehäusebauform: Tischpultgehäuse
Maße: Breite: 45 cm
Tiefe: 26 cm
Höhe: 16 cm
Gewicht: 5,50 kg
Back to the roots For some time now, rotary mixers have been making a big comeback in the world of electronic dance music. The TRM-202 MK3 from Omnitronic offers the DJ all the classic features of a rotary mixer with its ALPS knobs (Blue Velvet RK27) and the built-in 3-band frequency isolator.
Smooth transitions
The high-quality components provide a good and appealing sound. The large knobs of both channels allow very smooth transitions, which are difficult to set with a conventional mixer (with faders). For both channels, you can switch between 2 x line & phono inputs or sources. A microphone input is also available. The isolator's kill characteristics completely eliminate bass, midrange, and treble for creative mixing
Classic Rotary Mixer With 2 Input Channels And Integrated 3-band Frequency Isolator For Djs
Gain Control, 2-way Equalizer (highs/lows) And Phono/line Switching Per Channel
Dedicated Boost And Kill Cut
Kill Cut Feature Allows Djs To Completely Remove Low, Mid And High Frequencies For Amazing Mixing
Vintage Alps Potentiometers (blue Velvet Rk27)
High-grade Components Ensure Long Life And Excellent Sound Quality
Dj Microphone Input With Separate Level Control
Prefader Listening To Input Channels And The Master Output Via Adjustable Headphones Output, With Cue Mix/split Function
12-digit Stereo Led Level Meter And Master Level Control
Booth Output With Separate Level Control
Inputs: 4 X Line And 2 X Phono (rca L/r), Dj Microphone (xlr) And Headphones (jack)
Outputs: Master And Booth (xlr/rca L/r), Record (stereo Rca)
Technical Specifications
Power Supply: 100-240 V Ac, 50/60 Hz
Gain:
Line: 20 Db
Phono: 60-75 Db
Mic: 44 Db
Max. Output Level: 22 Dbu
Frequency Range:
Line: 20-20000 Hz
Phono: 40-18000 Hz
Mic: 20-20000 Hz
S/r Ratio:
Line: 85 Db
Phono: 77 Db
Mic: 80 Db
Thd:
Line: <0.03 %
Phono: <0.1 %
Frequency Isolator: - To +9 Db
Lows: 20 Hz To 300 Hz
Mids: 300 Hz To 4 Khz
Highs: 4 Khz To 20 Khz
Inputs:
Line: Rca L/r
Phono: Rca L/r
Dj Microphone: Xlr
Outputs:
Master: Xlr/rca L/r
Booth: Xlr/rca L/r
Rec: Rca L/r
Headphones Output: 6.3 Mm Jack (min. 32 Ohms)
Dimensions (w X D X H): 190 X 250 X 107 Mm
Weight: 2,7 Kg
Power Consumption: 6,5 W
Height: 10,7 Cm
Depths: 25 Cm
Width: 19 Cm
Xone:96. The long-awaited follow-up to a genuine club classic.
A new, uncompromising analogue DJ mixer, destined to be the heart of your creativity, Xone:96 takes the legendary soul of the acclaimed Xone:92 and redelivers it, enhanced, and with state-of-the-art digital connectivity.
It’s all here. The huge, detailed, space-shaking analogue sound that only Xone delivers. A refined, precision 4-band EQ. Unrivalled dual Xone:VCF filters with CRUNCH harmonic distortion. And a dual 32-bit USB soundcard (24 Channels @ 96kHz) with Traktor Scratch certification right out of the box.
Xone:96 lets you connect your whole rig, from laptops and turntables, to pedals, synths and drum machines.
Two dedicated FX sends, four stereo input channels (with 4-Band EQ), two stereo input channels with all new 3-Band Parametric EQ + two auxiliary stereo return channels. And a separate master insert for your outboard hardware.
Explore new possibilities with a familiar layout of beautifully tactile controls. And rely on the industrial build quality that exceeds the demands of relentless back-to-back performances, night after night.
Xone96: You mixed. We listened.
Features:
• Type Analogue
• Channels 6 + 2
• EQ
o Channel 1-4, 4-Band EQ
o Channel A-B, 3-Band Parametric EQ
• USB Soundcards Dual 24 Channel (12 in / 12 out)
o Hi-Speed USB2.0 / Mac Class Compliant
o 32bit / 96kHz
o MIDI over USB
• Line Inputs 4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
o 4 x 1/4″ TRS (CH A-D) Mono/Stereo
• Phono Inputs 4 x RCA (CH 1-4)
o LN/PH Switch for DVS
• USB Inputs 6 x USB (CH 1-4 + CH A – CH B)
• Mic Input 2 x XLR
• Master Output 1 x XLR (Balanced)
• Master 2 Output 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Balanced)
• Booth Output 1 x 1/4″ TRS (Balanced)
• Record Output 1 x RCA (Un-balanced)
• Master Insert 1 x 1/4″ TRS
• MIDI Out 1 x 5-Pin DIN
• Send/Return I/O
o 2 x 1/4″ TRS Send
o 4 x 1/4″ TRS Return
o 1 x LN/Hi-Z Switch (SND1/RTNA)
o Filter 2 x VCF Filter
o HPF / BPF / LPF
o Adjustable Frequency & Resonance
o Assignable CH 1-4 + CH A-B
o CRUNCH (Controlled Harmonic Signal Distortion)
• X-Link 1 x RJ45
• Headphones 2 x 1/4″
o 2 x 3.5mm
o Split Cue Monitoring
• Channel Faders 60mm VCA / Replaceable
• Chanel Meters 9 Segment LED
• Channel Fader Curve 3 Types
• X-Fader InnoFADER / 45mm VCA / Replaceable
• X-Fader Curve 3 Types
• Earth Ground Terminals x 2
• Headroom 20dB
• AC Mains
o 100 to 240V
o AC 50/60Hz
o Consumption 45W max
o Mains Adaptor 3 pin IEC socket
• Height 109mm / 4.3″
• Width 336mm / 13.25″
• Depth 410mm / 16.2″
• Weight 7kg / 15.4 lbs.
The industry standard Xone:92 is a versatile six channel analogue mixer, renowned for its expansive, involving sound.
With its solid construction and easy to use interface, the 92 is on the riders of most of the world’s top DJs and is a permanent fixture in the booth at many of the biggest superclubs.
The Xone:92 was one of the first professional DJ mixers to incorporate MIDI for control of DJ software or external devices, and the first to include the innovative dual VCF filters.
With its two stereo FX sends, twin Mic/returns, and one of the best EQ sections around, this mixer is a DJ’s dream tool.
Features:
• 6 dual stereo channels – 4 phono/line, 2 mono/mic or stereo return
• 2 independent stereo mix outputs
• 2 aux sends for output to external FX units
• VCF system – 2 independent stereo filters with frequency and resonance controls
• 2 independent LFO’s for filter manipulation
• 4-band EQ – total kill on HF and LF, wide Q for cut, narrow Q for boost
• Booth output – dedicated output on TRS jack
• MIDI values can be output from 6 controls (e.g. crossfader, LFO)
• P&G easy change professional VCA crossfader
• Illuminated lightpipes showing status of performance controls
• Intelligent cue for pre or post EQ monitoring
• Monitor section includes post EQ switch, split cue and mix to cue balance
• 2 headphone outputs (1/4” and 3.5mm)
• Ducking control on mono/mic channel
Classic rotary mixer with 4 input channels and integrated 3-band frequency isolator for DJs Gain control, 2-way equalizer (Highs/Lows) and phono/line switching per channel Dedicated boost and kill cut Kill cut feature allows DJs to completely remove low, mid and high frequencies for amazing mixing Vintage ALPS potentiometers (Blue Velvet RK27) High-grade components ensure long life and excellent sound quality DJ microphone input with separate level control
Prefader listening to input channels and the master output via adjustable headphones output, with cue mix/split function
12-digit stereo LED level meter and master level control
Booth output with separate level control Dual inputs for DJ microphone and headphones on the top and front panel
Inputs: 8 x line and 4 x phono (RCA L/R)
Outputs: master and booth (XLR/RCA L/R) and record (RCA L/R)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Power supply: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Gain:
Line: 20 dB
Phono: 60-75 dB
Mic: 44 dB
Max. output level: 22 dBu
Frequency range:
Line: 20-20000 Hz
Phono: 40-18000 Hz
Mic: 20-20000 Hz
S/R ratio:
Line: 85 dB
Phono: 77 dB
Mic: 80 dB
THD:
Line: <0.03 %
Phono: <0.1 %
Frequency isolator: - to +9 dB
Lows: 20 Hz to 300 Hz
Mids: 300 Hz to 4 kHz
Highs: 4 kHz to 20 kHz
Inputs:
LINE: RCA L/R
PHONO: RCA L/R
DJ microphone: XLR
Outputs:
MASTER: XLR/RCA L/R
BOOTH: XLR/RCA L/R
REC: RCA L/R
Headphones output: 3.5 mm jack and 6.3 mm jack (min. 32 ohms)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 247 x 330 x 107 mm
Weight: 4.05 kg
Power consumption: 7,2 W
Height: 10,7 cm
Depth: 24,7 cm
Width: 33 cm
Proper full-length outing from Naarm quartet and venerable live show Polito! Though prior associations with Butter Sessions have birthed EP's and compilation appearances, Collapse Phase gathers the most cohesive body of work from the group to date. Self-described as "a meeting of improvised contemporary dance and live improvised techno music, working together to create entrancing performance experiences", the project translates impressively to the long-player format. Holding no pretence with its title, opening cut 'Chuggalug' swirls around the stereo field building upon sustained synth warbles with low-key basslines and breaks propelling the track. As the album progresses from the chug into gridlocked, Mills-ian loops and fast, extra-terrestrial sound design (all swinging 909s + decay), we're also treated to contrasting downtempo acid cuts and dubwise, day-time festival vibes ('Fortune Teller'). 'Nine Lines' layers various patterns in a classy exercise of dancefloor tension building, with an undoubtedly in-the-moment feeling evidencing Polito's live show foundations. Across the board the group showcase their mastering of a kind of addition/subtraction push and pull, but the varying influences in sound design provide an extra layer of depth to the whole thing and cement the Polito brand. On both 'Inside The Sphere' and 'The Sphere Is Collapsing', the dreamier, more reflective edges of 90s IDM are given a nod and these two strike as up there with the best on the album. Head for 'Mercado Waltz' for a super interesting fusion of loopy techno and modular dubstep.
Polito is a collaboration between musicians Robert Downie and Finnian Langham, and dancers Arabella Frahn-Starkie and Hillary Goldsmith.
Symphony Orchestra is a new group from Maximilian Turnbull and Michael Rault. Both Rault and Turnbull are accomplished songwriters, performers and producers in their own right, with Turnbull leading The Badge Epoque Ensemble, playing with the group Darlene Shrugg, and once releasing records under the name Slim Twig and Rault having released several psychedelic rock & roll classics under his own name in the past decade. The pair have worked together in various capacities for many years, writing and recording together on U.S. Girls' In A Poem Unlimited, and contributing to each other's releases, but the debut LP from Symphony Orchestra (due out May 12th on Telephone Explosion) marks their first release as an official entity.
Needless to say, there is a potent creative chemistry between Rault and Turnbull and Radiant Music showcases the alchemy between their distinct skill sets. The album is an exercise in pure collaboration. After years spent focusing on solo projects and working as hired guns on other projects, the duo came together with no specific intentions other than to work free of boundaries and direction. Freeing themselves from the familiar pressures of deadlines and expectations, they found a sense of discovery through togetherness. Duties on this project were split between Rault acting primarily as a one-man rhythm section and lead vocalist with Turnbull bringing chord sketches and his trademark aphoristic lyrical musings to the table. Trading off roles on guitar and keys from song to song, the duo's deft approach to melody bleeds through their instrumental parts as much as it does through Rault's vocal melodies. The majority of this album was self-engineered over the course of three sessions in 2018, at Michael's Montreal studio. Dormant during the pandemic, Rault's move to Los Angeles and the birth of Turnbull's twin sons, work reignited in 2022. The latterly tracked instrumental 'Concerto' and ballad 'Unthink The Thinkable' provide a dynamic depth to the album perhaps attributable to this tumultuous pause. Mixing came courtesy of Steve Chahley & Tony Price (U.S. Girls, BÉE, Jane Inc, etc).
In all of their work, Rault and Turnbull have made a hallmark of elaborately precise production and arrangement, Radiant Music is no different, though its pared-back simplicity provides a streamlined directness. The pairing of Rault's soulful, elastic vocal with Turnbull's evocatively cerebral lyrics provides a thrilling sensation unlike anything else in their respective catalogs. With an explosive, groove-forward approach, kaleidoscopic walls of vocal harmony and technicolor displays of guitar work, these 31 minutes of music will most certainly stimulate the mind of any fan of classic pop rock and funk. The blown-out breakbeats, winsome woven vocal melodies and propulsive wah-wah guitars of the title track evoke memories of an after-school cartoon special that never really existed outside of a lysergic daydream. "Harp In The Wind" is a perfect moment of overcast melancholy complete with ribbons of weeping synthesizers and velcro-fuzz guitar that could rip a clean line through Kevlar. "Know Thyself" and the harmony-rich "Intersection" are standout tracks that find a kinship in Stereolab's space-age effervescence. "Concerto" is a slab of beaming, mischievous funk that nods to Billy Preston's extraterrestrial keyboard explorations.
Radiant Music, like the best pop music, is life-affirming, confectionary, and enticing. Symphony Orchestra have created an album that hits you right where you need it, anchoring heady, adventurous sonic ideas down to a solid foundation of masterful songcraft, virtuosic instrumental performances and undeniable groove. Not a bar, nor beat is wasted.
»Love As Projection« is the new album by Frankie Rose, her fifth studio LP and second for Night School following the reissue of her interpretation of The Cure’s »Seventeen Seconds«. Frankie Rose has forged an enviable musical legacy, from playing with bands like Crystal Stilts and The Vivian Girls but on »Love As Projection« she takes a bold step into electronic pop production. A sumptuous recorded statement, it dances in ecstasy and broods on the tumult of the western world’s decay in equal proportion. At the heart of the album is glowing, confident songwriting, resplendent in hooks and choruses but still touched with an optimism undimmed.
After spending nearly two decades establishing herself across New York and Los Angeles independent music circles, Rose re-emerges after six years with a fresh form, aesthetic, and ethos. Celebrated over the years for her expansive approach to songwriting, lush atmospherics, and transcendent vocal melodies and harmonies, »Love As Projection« is a reintroduction of her established style through the lens of contemporary electronic pop. Recorded with producer Brandt Gassman and mixed with long-term collaborator Jorge Elbrecht this is the album Frankie Rose has been building up to her entire career.
More than a rebirth, a refinement, a resurgence, »Love As Projection« boasts a widescreen scope: a long- form project heavily considered for half of a decade, culminating in the most personal and accessible collection of art-pop that Frankie has ever written. When Rose aims for the pop jugular as in first lead track »Anything«, the result is unstoppable. A majestic pop song built for radio, it erupts into an irresistible chorus that marries classic epic 80s American pop with the cult effervescence of Strawberry Switchblade »It’s like a prom scene in a John Hughes movie. It’s a hopeful song about abandoning fear even if the world is quite literally on fire.. In the end, at least we have each other,« says Rose. »Sixteen Ways« further boasts a propulsive, massive chorus, though tempered by a cynicism built in global post-truth, global malaise. »It’s about getting your hopes up, but simultaneously making lists in your head about how it will never work out in your favour.«
The big anthems don’t let up there. On »DOA« some massive, rolling drums lathered in big mid-80s gated reverb dovetail with a syncopated baseline for the ages as Rose’s vocal sails effortlessly above. The effect isn’t unlike ethereal vocalists Clannad circa Howard’s Way or Enya jamming with Simple Minds in their stadium-conquering heyday. Rose tempers the adrenalin with heart-tugging bittersweet tones and there are plenty of them. »Sleeping Night And Day« takes its time with an off-the-cuff chorus, swirling around in harmony and chorus-bass. »Saltwater Girl« picks up the balladeering baton with another nod to album track-mode Switchblade, deep space opening up in the mid-tempo drum track and soupy, digital atmospherics. Album closer »Song For A Horse«, reimagines modern Pop production a-la-PC Music but shorn of the meta-atmosphere. Pianos, swelling synths, minor keys cut through with major. These moments, also seen in Feel Light offer ballast to the soaring pop choruses. Moments like these are big oceans of emotion to fall into before being led out by Rose into a bright new day.
»Love As Projection« is released in the USA by Slumberland.
Supergrass’ hugely successful third album reached #3 in the UK album Charts and #13 US Billboard Heatseekers Chartin 1999 and has amassed over 300,000 sales in the UK alone since its release.
Released as 1LP black heavyweight vinyl, 1LP neon orange vinyl and 2CD.
This 2022 re-issue has been fully remastered from original sources and includes the hit singles ‘Pumping On Your Stereo’ (UK #11), ‘Moving’ (UK #9), ‘Mary’ (UK #36).
The 2CD is a 4 panel digipack with 16 page booklet featuring rare band photos and new sleeve notes.
By acclaimed journalist Charles Shaar Murray
Disc 1: remastered album, Disc 2: rare / demo tracks, alternate, live versions and 4 new track remixes (2 of which done by John Leckie). Includes several previously unreleased tracks and versions. Tracklist compiled by Supergrass..
Album remastered by original producer John Cornfield, with Supergrass bassist Mick Quinn.
Restored original artwork with newly inspired inner bag artwork from original 90s promo singles. Lovingly crafted by Supergrass.
Ian Pooley returns to Radio Slave’s Rekids with Studio A Pt. 2 this February. The second entry in a three-part series of music based around his studio, Ian Pooley’s ‘Studio A Pt. 2’ for Radio Slave’s Rekids imprint sees the bonafide house legend deliver another choice selection of grooving
hardware productions.
Leading the A-side is the fluttering synths and warped vocal samples of ‘JV Organ & Matrix’, which twists and turns through delightful FX and rumbling bass. ‘Version 2’ of the track follows, contorting elements of the original into a heads-down groover, with washed-out processing and stereo wizardry meeting classic dub techniques.
On the flip, ‘Back Up’ keeps it live and direct with hard-hitting, chunky drums and menacing acid lines, with an additional stripped back digital ‘Beats Bass’ version included. Rounding out the 12” is 101202, a dreamy slice of razor-sharp house, with gorgeous, filtered pads drifting in tandem with strung out low end and skippy percussion.
Active since the early 90s, the German DJ/producer has released on the likes of Force Inc, V2 Records, and his own Pooledmusic, remixing for the likes of Deee-Lite, Carl Cox and many more, as well as being one of the few to be remixed by Daft Punk.
And now for something completely different ! - The second vocal lead EP on FireScope - This time introducing KineStatics ... A collaboration between Steven Rutter and Karla Hajman/Stereochemistry.
Downtempo techno and quirky vocals are what this EP is about, covering challenging topics such as labyrinths and obstacles we place in our own heads ; war ; destruction ; and the end of the the world.
Labyrinth a lush techno vibe with a marching drum; a song about the twists and turns of our own minds; leading into Grmi Seva where a balkan vibe built around a conflict themed remake of a Yugoslavian children's song continues our journey. The last track on Side A 'Till The End Of The World is a very downtempo affair where a baseline provides the underpinning for Karla to tell her tale of a world on its way to its own demise.
The B Side provides the beats and baselines of Grmi Seva followed by a dubby alternate rendering of Labyrinth
Finished in Clear with Blue splatter vinyl with exclusive artwork by Mass Roman.
Megastar Bruno Mars has unveiled his new album 24K Magic (pronounced twenty-four karat magic), with lead single of the same title. Written and produced by Shampoo Press & Curl, with additional production by The Stereotypes.
The last time Mars dropped an album was December 2012 - four years ago, an eternity for a pop star. He's surfed the intervening years like a pro, with two Super Bowl halftime performances (headlining in 2014, and a cameo last February with Coldplay and Beyoncé), not to mention the biggest-selling song of the past few years, his collaboration with Mark Ronson, "Uptown Funk", spending 14 weeks at Number One - tying for the second-longest run in chart history - and winning the Grammy for Record of the Year. To date, it's sold more than 12 million copies, been streamed nearly 2 billion times and made several dragons want to retire.
This is Bruno Mars. Six Number One singles. Thirty combined weeks at the top of the chart (44 if you count "Uptown"). Two albums, 26 million in sales worldwide, four Grammys and counting.
Throughout 24K Magic , Bruno Mars re-creates the R&B he fell in love with as a child - the likes of Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Teddy Riley, and Babyface.
South Asian super-producers Lapgan and Baalti – the former a Madlib-disciple spinning hip-hop grooves out of dusty desi samples, the latter duo purveyors of intricately tapestried dance music – holed up in the California desert in early 2024 for a songwriting session to blend their complimentary styles. They ended up with several albums worth of club material built upon decades of Indian music history – floor fillers that move like early Four Tet meets The Avalanches. They’ve been teasing this material around the world during live sets – from Paris Fashion Week to Glastonbury, London Clubs to BK Warehouse parties, sessions at Lot Radio and Karachi Community Radio, and anywhere else they find an aux. The result has been endless ID requests for unreleased gems like “Ipa Ma” and “Lime Tikka”, calls which should finally be answered with the release of Threads.
Lapgan Bio
Chicago-based archivist and producer Lapgan has become renowned for his signature style: unearthing rare and forgotten Indian & Pakistani sounds and recontextualizing them into hip-hop and dance beats that evoke J Dilla and Madlib. He has cultivated a reputation for quietly revolutionary sample-work across his beloved solo projects History and Duniya Kya Hai, as well as LAFANDAR, his critically acclaimed team up with Heems (of Das Racist / Swet Shop Boys). He has worked with a range of artists from both the West (Your Old Droog, Saul Williams, Cool Calm Pete, Kool Keith, Open Mike Eagle, Blue, Quelle Chris) and the East (EXCISE DEPT, Baalti, Sid Sriram, Sid Vashi, Dynoman), and has been featured in global media including Pitchfork, FADER, Stereogum, Passion of the Weiss, Mixmag, Homegrown, and Vinyl Me, Please. Over the past year he has headlined clubs and performed at festivals across the world from Chicago and New York to London and India, and was personally invited to soundtrack back to back Paris Fashion Week shows for the similarly norm-shifting designer Kartik Research. In 2026 he will soundtrack his third Kartik Research runway show, as well as reissue Duniya Kya Hai for its five-year anniversary alongside a companion EP featuring remixes from peers and supporters Arushi Jain, Loris, Mera Bhai, Malkfunktion, and Maral.
Baalti Bio
Baalti makes electronic music built around rhythm, pressure, and collective release – weaving through leftfield bass, dusty hip hop, tripped out dub and raw house all while maintaining a throughline rooted in South Asian culture seen through the lens of a sweaty dancefloor. In the last year they have experienced a whirlwind rise and growing global recognition: from their EP Mela vividly evoking West Bengal’s sound system culture to their Tamil-cinema-infused filter-house project with Anish Kumar Stunt Doubles, in addition to wide-ranging collabs and remixes alongside DJ ADHD, Naya Beat, and A.R. RahmanThey have also built a reputation for their frenetic live show, with appearances at international festivals like Glastonbury and MELT, headlining shows across Australia and Europe and supporting influences turned peers like Four Tet and Disclosure across North America. Their explosive, percussion-heavy sets have been platformed by Rinse FM, NTS, The Lot Radio, Beats In Space, and Refuge Worldwide, and their music has been renowned by publications including Pitchfork, Bandcamp Daily, RA, and MixMag. Their forward momentum continues into 2026 with slated headline tours in India, Australia, and Asia along with appearances at Coachella, Party in the Paddock, Fvded in the Park, and We Out Here festivals.
Poem by Alea Coble (February 2026) - Written for Andrew Weathers, Chattonooga Recording Project
Listen to my story and everything will come out true. - Bessie Smith
35° 02' 44.27" N -85° 18' 34.85" W:
Howl. Hammer strikes firing pin. Its echo ricochets over river bend. The woodpecker’s syncopated pop-pop-pop clink and thwap in time with cops practicing prayer at the firing range.
Quick. Sketch a few constellations onto a postcard: empty shotgun shells, these pre-forgotten fossils snaking rusted railroad spikes, like snagged rosary, fallen poplar petals draped over cerulean glass ashtray scattered along glittering fractures, ignored like a treaty. Train tracks reverberate necrophilic boomerang-hunger for mountain air without that coal dust. Eat. Eat. Everything is real estate. Even the air is for sale. Buy it cheap while I.C.E. carves through the valley along the Trail of Tears in unmarked SUVs, traffic stops.
Howl. Callback to estranged entanglements oscillating over holler and highway. Meet on the porch. Haint-blue ceiling. Some ghosts can’t get through anyway. They got tied up on the Walnut Street Bridge by a mob of white spit. Howl. The South should scare you.
But the woodpecker is still nesting, hungry, typing uncannied punctuation marks into black oak: a deed. Home? Takes a side-eyed knowing to call by name. The moon sickles in a sweating glass of iced tea.
Speculation cycle: symmetry as ancient as sour-dank betrayal of the tongue, bitter bones binding blood and lead, alchemical forgetting like I found a hairbrush in the yard while planting wild irises, like someone is charging $10 for an old glass Coke bottle, like semicolons itching restless under new sod from no-one-knows-where. Howl. Sing back. History is soil-in-stereo.
How will this line end? Like riverbank? Like atlatl arching hope smash-through a stained glass window? Words fall out of the sky, and 30 American flags snap at attention on the bridge. Howl. A shift in the wind gallops through the streets tossing her head back, laughing.
Tennessee River, who once kissed Pangea, how she softens at the knuckle-suck of it all, that secret-sweet stowed in the feathers of sandhill cranes lifting up on warm summer breeze: slow-shooting stars bending toward unbothered brevitas.
Howl. The red wolf knows her truest kin is always her shadow’s shadow.
Somewhere between the after-hours haze and the first flicker of sunrise, Nebraska re-emerges - this time with a twist in the signal. Long respected for his deep-cut sensibilities and dancefloor intuition, Ali Gibbs returns to Delusions Of Grandeur not just as Nebraska, but with a handover to his new alias: Dubl Drat. The Alter Alter Ego EP plays like a transmission from both sides of his creative psyche - one rooted in warm, groove-led house and disco mutations, the other drifting deeper into dubbed-out, heady abstraction.
The A-side opens with Alter Alter Ego in its Nebraska OG Mix form - a crunchy, funked-up mid-tempo burner. Chopped Rhodes solos flicker in and out of the mix while a rolling bassline locks into a low-slung groove - equal parts party-starter and late-night dancefloor hypnosis. Next, The Teckel Track slides the tempo down into a proper slo-mo four-on-the-floor bumpy groove. Fat stabs punch through layers of glitchy FX while a melodic bassline snakes underneath, forming a hazy, infectious earworm tailor-made for those early-night mood-setting sessions. Closing the A-side, Olive (Dubl Drat Dub) signals a shift. Here, Gibbs leans fully into his Dubl Drat persona, dissolving structure into a blissed-out dub excursion.
Chopped breaks scatter across the stereo field, chiming melodies echo into the distance, and granulated percussion parts build a dense, immersive landscape - one to get lost in rather than dance through. Flipping over we have Alter Alter Ego (Dubl Drat Remix) which reconfigures the title track into a stripped-back boogie workout. The groove is leaner but no less potent, driven by a killer bassline and punctuated with signature Rhodes licks - pure, understated club pressure. Finally, Olive (Nebraska Version) offers a gentle comedown. This alternate take softens the edges, introducing additional guitar textures that drift into Balearic territory. It’s nostalgic, introspective, and quietly expansive - a closing chapter that lingers long after the last note fades. The Alter Alter Ego EP isn’t just a new release - it’s a dual-state exploration, a conversation between rhythm and space, between Nebraska and Dubl Drat, and marks the last ever Nebraska release as Ali closes the chapter and the alias for the final time.
out of Stock
Last delivered 69 days ago available to reorder, subject to availability
Kitchen Knife Conspiracy emerged in 1998, blending death metal, hardcore, nu-metal, and thrash metal into a volatile concoction labeled ‘stompcore’ early in the band’s career. Forged in the industrial, run-down steel mills of Youngstown, Ohio, the group has laid down brutal riffs and relentless grooves over the course of five full-length albums, one EP, and a live DVD set.
The band has always diversified their sound from album to album: their debut, Sin-Pathetic, leans proudly into death metal and thrash. Their sophomore effort, Handicapitated, bears influence from hardcore, nu-metal, and sludge. Worst Case in Stereo, recorded and produced by Steve Austin of Today is the Day, “stands firmly in the shadow of grind-kings like Obituary,” as reviewed by Cleveland Scene. Their fourth effort, A Friend in Need...Is a Friend to Kill, incorporates a large dose of thrash and grind. Their most recent album, Seven Deadly Sins, is an ambitious concept record dealing with the faults of man, handing
out hardcore beatdowns with hints of black metal throughout. The future is now at hand as Kitchen Knife Conspiracy signs with a new label as diversified and ambitious as their own discography and issue the 25th Anniversary of Handicapitated on a Limited Edition (250 copies) White and Blue Splatter.
Stompcore looks to expand to a wider audience—a Kitchen Knife
Conspiracy is the blunt force weapon ready to deliver the killing strike.
”Die Musik hat den Schwung und die unverschämte Lyrik von Keith Jarretts besten Werken”, schrieb das
Magazin Stereophile in einer begeisterten Besprechung über die erste Auswahl von Stücken der intimen
Live-Aufnahme im Deer Head Inn, die Jarretts spontane und rückblickend historische Rückkehr an den
Ort seiner frühen Jahre in Pennsylvania an der Seite von Gary Peacock und Paul Motian festhält. Die
zweite Veröffentlichung mit dem Titel The Old Country, 30 Jahre nach der ersten Auskopplung im Jahr
2024 erschien, wurde ebenso hochgepriesen – ”songbasierte Jazz-imagination in ihrer besten Form”, so The
Guardian. Hier werden beide Alben kombiniert und zum allerersten Mal auf Vinyl veröffentlicht, verteilt auf
vier LPs in zwei Tip-on-Klappcovern und von einem Deluxe-Schuber umfasst: The Complete Recordings.
Das Box-Set ist strikt limitiert – eine zweite Auflage dieser Edition wird es nicht geben. Keith Jarrett: “I
think you can hear on this tape what jazz is all about”
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BILLY CHILDISH veröffentlicht seit 1979 Platten, HOLLY GOLIGHTLY seit 1990; 1999 taten sie sich für ein gemeinsames Projekt zusammen, das ursprünglich in den USA bei Wabana Records erschien. IN BLOOD ist ein großartiges Album, das bei der ersten Veröffentlichung in Europa so gut wie ignoriert wurde. Der Untertitel von IN BLOOD lautet ONE CHORD! ONE SONG! ONE SOUND!. Aber es ist so viel mehr als das: Tracks wie ,Demolition Girl" und ,Step Out" dröhnen aus deiner Stereoanlage - wirklich großartige, dreckige Ein-Akkord-Blues-Songs (mit vielen Noten), mit Gesangswechseln, klirrenden Gitarren und begleitet von der Medway Delta Review, zu der Bruce und Johnny von Thee Headcoats sowie Johnny Gibb von den Wildebeests gehören. Während Einfachheit, Wiederholung und purer Rock-'n'-Roll-Minimalismus das Herzstück des Albums bilden, verliert IN BLOOD nie an Reiz. Es macht einfach süchtig! Diese Neuauflage erscheint auf schwarzem Vinyl.
First new album in 6 years along with being their EVR debut album. Brett Romnes (Hot Mulligan, The Front Bottoms, Mom Jeans) produced the record along with being the drummer of the band. I Am The Avalanche features members of The Movielife, Head Automatica, Crime In Stereo, and Such Gold. Vinyl White Swirl LP limited to 250 available, Rude Records Exclusive
“Future Ruins achieves everything an admirer could ask of the reunited band’s new album…Swervedriver now posses a melancholic, autumnal undertow that suits them like a little distinguished grey in the whiskers…a career-best peak…Future Ruins pulls off a canny trick, perfectly channeling their past, while making sense in the present” – 4 stars, MOJO
“The spacious, Neil Young-ian rumbling of the title track and the bulked-up power-pop of ‘Spiked Flower’ both see co-founders Adam Franklin and Jimmy Hartridge venture beyond the template of Raise and Mezcal Head without making the faithful worry they’ve ditched their distortion pedals” – 7/10, Uncut
“That first song, ‘Mary Winter,’ is a heavy wave of swirling guitar fuzz offset by the soothing balm of Franklin’s voice.” – Stereogum
Die Traumstimme von Joshua Redmans Album „where are we“ mit ihrem Blue-Note-Solo-Debüt!
Als Saxofonist Joshua Redman 2023 sein Album „where are we“ veröffentlichte, ließ nicht nur er damit
aufhorchen, sondern auch die Sängerin auf allen Tracks: Gabrielle Cavassa. Das weltweite Echo war imposant, in Deutschland hieß es “Top-Sängerin“ (Stereoplay) und “bringen die Luft im Studio zum Flirren“
(Süddeutsche Zeitung). Bei der darauffolgenden Welttournee des Redman Quartet begeisterte die Sängerin
erneut das Publikum auch in Deutschland.
Mit ”Diavola“ gibt Gabrielle Cavassa jetzt ihren Einstand bei Blue Note. Dort kann sie erstmals auf
großer Bühne ihr Können als Sängerin und Songwriterin zeigen, sowie als Interpretin von Jazz-Standards
(z.B. “Prisoner of Love“) und klassischem Pop (“Could It Be Magic“) bis hin zu brasilianischen Songs (“To
Say Goodbye“ von Edu Lobo). Cavassas Stimme ist sinnlich und intensiv, obwohl sie mit den Melodien
und Tempi spielt, bleiben Seele und Aussage der Songs intakt.
“Diavola“ wurde koproduziert von Joshua Redman und Don Was und überzeugt auch durch brillante
Arrangements und exquisite Musiker: Jeff Parker an der Gitarre, Paul Cornish am Klavier, Larry Grenadier
am Bass, Brian Blade am Schlagzeug und Joshua Redman bei zwei Titeln am Tenorsaxofon.
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BCUC – Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness – have been channeling the spirit of Soweto for over twenty years. Indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness, and punk rock energy fused into something utterly original and deeply rooted. Their mantra: Music for the people, by the people, with the people. From humble beginnings rehearsing in a shipping container, a stone's throw from the church where Desmond Tutu organized the escape of the most wanted anti-Apartheid activists, they kept believing in their dream of self-empowerment. Today they command festival stages worldwide: Glastonbury West Holts, Roskilde, Afropunk Brooklyn, WOMAD, Fusion, Sziget, FMM Sines, Beaches Brew, Boomtown, Colours of Ostrava, Couleur Café – to name just a few. In 2023, BCUC were honoured with the prestigious WOMEX Artist Award, an accolade usually reserved for more established artists, in recognition of their fearless work and transcendent live performances.
THE ROAD IS NEVER EASY
The Road Is Never Easy is BCUC's fifth album and their debut on Outhere Records. On this new offering, BCUC take listeners on another Afro-psychedelic journey into the soul of Soweto. It feels like a gospel sermon colliding with a punk concert, "guaranteed to touch untapped corners of your soul" (OkayAfrica). BCUC's music is deeply rooted in history and echoes the voices of the ones who came before. The road was never easy for the people of Soweto who originally came to work in the mines of Egoli, the City of Gold, Johannesburg. When apartheid finally ended after a long struggle, it was hoped that life would improve. But more than 30 years later, many of those initial hopes and dreams are still waiting to be fulfilled. This album is about that struggle. The album contains 10 brand new songs – a record for BCUC, whose previous albums featured an average of 3 songs. It represents the culmination of more than two decades of performing together and building a reputation as a powerful live act. These ten songs encapsulate that same live energy, each one building gradually and drawing you into BCUC's Afro-psychedelic stream of consciousness. It's a seismic tour de force through life in Soweto today. Songs like Amakhandela (Breaking All the Chains) connect history to daily life: "How is this precious metal inflicting so much pain in us," sing BCUC, "this government has been telling us we are free, but we don't benefit from being free." The album also talks about all the hopes and dreams that remain: "I have too many wishes and dreams in my head," BCUC sing in Um duma khanda, "I think I am losing my mind". The album ends with the soothing Matla a rona ke Bophelo, "our strength is life", praising the spirits and thanking the elders for protection. The Road Is Never Easy is about the harsh reality of life in Soweto, where "people always carry heavy loads". BCUC are street poets trying to deal with that burden: sometimes revolutionary, sometimes soothing, but always hopeful and compassionate. "When you are from Soweto you can't retreat nor surrender." (Sebenzela)
RECORDING
The album was largely recorded in Munich, Germany during tour breaks over two sessions, each three days long. It took place in a small studio located in a German WW II bunker converted into rehearsal spaces. The songs were recorded in one take altogether in one room, with only a few overdubs added, mainly backing vocals, by BCUC at Fourways studio in Johannesburg. BCUC have created their own distinctive way of writing, or rather, finding and creating their songs. The recording process is like an improvised live performance. They bring their ideas into a zone where the music, the rhythm and the spirits take over until the song starts to form. In this Afro-psychedelic zone BCUC create their unique poetry that feeds on the dreams still dreamt, the hopes, the fears and the temptations lingering everywhere. BCUC's songs need to breathe and time to build. The right take was the one when the song took over, and just like their live performances, no one knew beforehand where the song would take them. During the recording, BCUC just let it all flow out: inner turmoil, cries of rebellion, but also resilience and a search for healing, love, unity and compassion. You don't have to be from Soweto to feel the deep meaning and impact of this music. In these times of so much hate and division, BCUC are like a campfire for people to gather around.
PRODUCTION & ARTWORK
"BCUC have a unique magic," says Outhere's Jay Rutledge, who produced the album. "It blew our minds. It's like punk and pure gospel at the same time. Their music can make you dance and it can make you cry, all at the same time. And when the song is over, you feel you're not alone in this world anymore. We felt compelled to do this." The album cover is based on a matchbox design, matches being a common household item in South Africa even today. "These were the matches people used to burn government buildings and cars," explain BCUC. Little messages, addresses, or phone numbers used to be scribbled on the back of these boxes; each one a reminder of the strength, resilience, and resistance that once drove the struggle for freedom in Soweto. BCUC keep this flame burning. The Road Is Never Easy is a heavy spiritual road trip, a deep dive into the subconscious of Soweto and a quest for truth, justice and sanity in this crazy world. BCUC tackle the harsh realities of the voiceless, guided by the spirit world of their ancestors. Rather than reinforcing stereotypes of poverty, BCUC's portrayal of Africa is one rich in tradition, rituals and beliefs. "We bring fun and Afro-psychedelic fire from the hood," says vocalist Kgomotso Mokone.
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One of the first punk bands to set up an "indie" label, they were also pioneers of "alternative" music, mixing punk with experimental sounds. Swell Maps released four singles and two albums in a brief but eventful career, in partnership with Rough Trade, topping UK indie charts and influencing acts including Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Stereolab, and Blur. The original line-up split in 1980, but still their studio albums, A Trip to Marineville and Jane From Occupied Europe, attract new generations of enthusiasts. In 2021, Jowe organised performances
with ten musicians to play a diverse selection of Maps material over two consecutive nights at London's Cafe Oto, and did it again at the Rough Trade launch for Jowe's book on Swell Maps in 2022. Concerts followed across the UK and Europe, with more planned. This ongoing project has resulted in a new studio album, C21, released through Tiny Global Productions. The material was composed at various times between 1979 and the present, including older songs never recorded professionally, a remake of Soundtracks' astonishing Jelly Babies and plenty of surprises. C21 offers memorable melodies, wild riffs with super hooks, yet never veers from their adventurous spirit, radical ideas and eccentric musical shapes. The current collective of musicians features: Jowe Head, David Callahan of Wolfhounds / Moonshake / solo fame, Jeff Bloom out from Television Personalities, Alternative TV's Lee McFadden, Lucie Rejchrtova (Crazy World Of Arthur Brown), Chloe Herington from chamber rock faves Chrome Hoof, and Luke Haines, who led Auteurs and Black Box Recorder and plays with REM's Peter Buck. SWELL MAPS will be performing throughout 2026 across the UK and Europe and are proud to present this stellar document, which maintains the group's devotion to D-I-Y ideals and impulses. The vinyl album covers were hand-screened and stamped by a feminist cooperative in Valencia, Spain and are offered in three randomly picked variants. The Guardian is going to run a 1400-word piece on the release.
Maui Blue & Orchid Vinyl. Nachdem wir American Don mit (Steve) Albini fertiggestellt hatten, waren wir kurz davor, dass die Spannungen zwischen uns so groß wurden, dass wir uns trennen mussten. Ich (Eric) war überzeugt, dass wir bei den Aufnahmen die wahre Essenz der Songs verloren hatten. Es war keine einstimmige Entscheidung, mit Steve aufzunehmen. Wir haben das Album komplett mit Gitarrenloops geschrieben, und Team Storm & Stress wollte im Studio mit Pro Tools weitermachen, was sowohl zu dem passte, was wir machten, als auch zu dem, was wir erreichen wollten. Steve hatte gerade den großartigen A-Raum bei Electrical fertiggestellt, und Damon bestand darauf, dass wir dort die Drums aufnehmen würden. Er gab in dieser Frage nicht nach. Sobald wir dort ankamen, wurde uns klar, dass alle Songs, die wir mit unseren Pedalen in mehreren Overdubs geschrieben hatten, nur Mono-Gitarrenaufnahmen zuließen. Wir haben das Problem gelöst, indem wir die Songs zu einem einzigen Loop gespielt und alle Gitarren später überlagert haben, sodass ein volles Stereofeld entstand, das zu den grandiosen Drum-Aufnahmen von Steve passte. Dieser Ansatz hat unsere Spielweise total verändert. Das hat zwar magische Momente der Improvisation ermöglicht (Peter Criss Intro), aber als das Album fertig war, klang es aufgebläht und die Darbietungen waren träge. Ich war mir immer sicherer, dass der Sound des Akai Headrush und die Tempi, die er für Damon vorgab, das Herzstück dieser Songs waren. Ian stimmte mir zu. In einem gewagten letzten Versuch hatte ich die Idee, Greg Norman (der für Steve arbeitete!) anzurufen und ihn zu fragen, ob wir nach unseren nächsten Shows heimlich in sein Studio in S. Chicago kommen und das Album LIVE neu aufnehmen könnten. Es war ein riesiger Schritt, der niemals hätte funktionieren können, aber wie durch ein Wunder waren alle einverstanden, und wir versuchten es. Greg hat uns persönlich und professionell in unserer heißesten Phase eingefangen. Die Tempi sind schneller, und niemand hält sich zurück. Diese echten Live-Bänder zeigen die Songs genau so, wie wir sie auf Tour gespielt haben, wo sie zwischen Juni 1999 und Juli 2000 entstanden sind. Jetzt, 25 Jahre später, wurden die Greg-Norman-Aufnahmen entstaubt und digitalisiert. Mit Hilfe moderner Restaurierungswerkzeuge und dem Fachwissen von Sir Bob Weston konnten wir diese Aufnahmen zum ersten Mal neu abmischen und mastern. - Eric Emm, Bassist
Spectral Bounce’s latest offering comes direct from Norway, courtesy of Anders Hajem — co-founder of Boring Crew Records. To date, the Oslo producer’s previous releases have been vessels for the exploration of myriad dance musics, seeing the artist fluently turn his hand to soulful house, dub techno and 2-step.
SPEC07 — the Myr EP — is a much more focused affair, finding Hajem in techno mode across 4 potent cuts typified by undulating drums and swelling echoes. Despite its emphasis on percussion, atmosphere has not been sacrificed for rhythm: vivid FX and meticulous attention to detail bring these tracks to life beyond the context of the dancefloor. This is music that can be stepped into and explored, productions that reward repeat listens.
Opening at full throttle, “Myr” is a jackin’ percussive workout, harnessing punchy drums for maximum effect. Its pulsating low-end runs in tandem with trembling synths that perpetually reflect and refract in the stereo field. Atop its rolling drums, hardgroove-inflected “Sprett” utilizes timestretched vocals, cavernous reverb and ecstatically quivering tones, elevating this 2000s-era framework to new heights. “Existence” brings things to a deeper and more hypnotic place: delays are turned up, siren calls reverberate and timbres ebb and flow. Hajem goes more chasmic still on “Concussion”, hitting the brakes for a much slower cadence and allowing space for a truly expansive listening experience. Heady and mystical, entrancing and otherworldly — listen close enough; beneath the dizzyingly shifting pulses and rattling drums you’ll hear incantations, while bass tones pulse in the depths.
SPEC07 — immerse yourself!
Credits:
Art by Susanne Janssen
Mastering & Cut by Marco Pellegrino @Analogcut
Words by Cameron Leaf
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DJ Quik is a giant of West Coast hip-hop. With his fourth album Rhythm-Al-Ism he created his masterpiece, a perfect hip-hop album. As Quik explains, “the name Rhythm-Al-Ism alone tells you what I was doing. I was mixing up rhythms. I was meshing R&B with hip-hop and jazz. And a little bit of comedy”. It’s absolutely sensational and as with a lot of mid-90s albums those original vinyl copies are now rare so here’s the Be With re-issue.
A preternaturally gifted producer/rapper, DJ Quik has produced scores of LA gangsta rap classics. He’s released platinum and gold records of his own, as well as helped craft them for the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre. Quik has always been quirkier and more interesting than his gangsta rap peers, both musically and lyrically. An old-school funk producer at heart, he’s also incredibly nice on the mic. His raps often deal in boasts, jokes and good times but also cover his beefs, his trials and his trauma. Partying and pain, all mixed up. DJing and producing hype beat tapes from age 14, Quik’s tracks blended the languid funk and rubbery synths of Zapp and George Clinton with a gangsta aesthetic, creating a more danceable foil to Compton’s more typical nihilistic hedonism. Ultimately, his records sound custom engineered to drift out over sun-soaked barbecues.
Released in 1998 on Profile, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the closest Quik ever got to making a commercial splash. “You’z A Ganxta” and “Hand in Hand” made radio waves across the country and the less radio-friendly tracks like “Medley For A ‘V’” were bumping out of car stereos. Combining his soulful, jazzy P-Funk/G-Funk beats with his effortlessly smooth flow, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the quintessential West Coast Party. Squelchy synths, bouncy bass, monstrously knocking drums and freaky keys - this is peaking acidic party-rap, straight out the gate. Music for gliding, for skating, for time with your people and your poison. Sunshine. No cares. BBQs. Heavy smoke in the air. Dripping with wit and good humour. A real swing to the vibe.
The album opens with Quik setting out his mission statement with “Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro)”, telling us what this is all about before the self-explanatory “We Still Party” rocks the spot. It’s definitely all about the party here, complete with Quik’s signature head-nod/body-moving beat. Next up, the undeniable laidback funk and dripping swing of groove-laden “So Many Wayz”. This positively slaps.
Then we get to the three huge singles. The R&B-tinged radio-friendly minor-hit “Hand In Hand” closes the first side only for the flip to get straight into the rolling and scratching of bleepy computer-funk banger “Down, Down, Down” (featuring a particularly nice use of Howard Johnson’s epochal “So Fine”). The effortlessly smooth, flute and guitar-laced “You’z A Ganxta” completes the trio. Next up the fast-paced, vocoder-enhanced, woulda-beena-global-hit “I Useta Know Her”. This coulda (shoulda) been a single too. Head-nod funk workout “No Doubt”, with its ace sample of Prince's “Sexy Dancer”, closes out the second side.
“Speed” races out the gate on the second disc, sampling Edwin Birdsong’s “Rapper Dapper Snapper” in a harder, better, faster, stronger way than those daft Parisian punks. Amphetamine-swift raps over soaring, string-drenched b-boy beats. A total anthem. Up next, the staggering, near 8-minute laconic, lounge-y sax-rap of “Whateva U Do” cools things down and smooths things out with its flute wrapping around a sample of Smokey Robinson’s “So In Love” and some oh-so-classy lounge-piano tinkling. And speaking of smooth, things don’t get much smoother than the blissfully melodic glider-anthem “Thinkin’ ’Bout U” riding that ace flip of SWV’s “Use Your Heart”. Exceptional.
The exquisite funky-flute-slapper “Medley for a ‘V’ (The P***Y Medley)” opens the fourth and final side, with star turns from Snoop Dogg and a typically suave Nate Dogg. It’s followed by the supremely skanked-out “Bombudd II”, a beautifully sweet reggae-fuelled ode to the herb. “Get 2Getha Again” is slick funk. Stunning.
This 2022 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Pete Norman and pressed at Record Industry. Unusual for the time, Rhythm-Al-Ism was originally pressed as a double and we’ve reproduced the original LA vibe picture sleeve and insert to match.
As that original front cover says, this is “over 70 minutes of commercial free music” and it’s absolutely perfect from start to finish. There are no stand-out tracks here. It’s all gold.
: Rhythm-al-ism (2LP)
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