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Zig Zags have been an L.A. institution for over a decade, never veering from their hard-riffin punk/metal mission statement. They’ve gigged all over the globe with underground luminaries such Mike Watt, Neurosis, Pig Destroyer, Oh Sees and Feral Ohms and recorded collaborations with icons like Iggy Pop. Now the power trio is set to release their fifth incendiary full-length album, Deadbeat At Dawn, named in honor of the beloved B-movie, a no-budget action revenge flick set in the mean streets of suburban Ohio. Cult cinema is an enduring Zig Zags inspiration, with the band frequently calling out exploitation films in their lyrics, odes to teen-delinquent classics like “Over the Edge” and dystopian sci-fi such as, “Terminator” and “Total Recall”. The new album sticks to this obsession with the cultural underground, riffing on everything from demonic minions to apocalyptic visions and alien attacks. The result is the most focused, intense, and catchy Zig Zags album yet, with the timing perfect for their distinctly melodic and maniacal call to arms. Finalizing recording and mixing just as the catastrophic fires hit their hometown in L.A., Deadbeat At Dawn is the perfect soundtrack for a city rising up from the ashes of destruction. “I feel lucky that we got to put out this record when we did,” Maheu said, “It’s heavy and gnarly and kind of fucked up, but it’s also a lot of fun—which is how we feel about Los Angeles.”

In October of 1999, Nina Nastasia recorded the album that would finally document her well-seeded career as a local singer-songwriter in New York City. It was exemplary of Nastasia’s style, delicate string arrangements, the restrained beauty of her live band, the deceptive simplicity of her voice, and poignant, life-wise lyrics. The following year, “Dogs” was released on CD by micro-indie label Socialist Records. By the end of 2000, the “Dogs” CD was out of print. But “Dogs” had a special grassroots effect on Nina Nastasia’s music career, as fans of the record would correspond across internet message boards and zines, discussing songs and soliciting copies of the rare edition. The album would also mark the beginning of a lasting peer relationship with noted recording engineer Steve Albini. In 2004, Touch and Go Records reissued “Dogs” on CD and, for the first time, on vinyl. The vinyl quickly sold out and remained out of print for nearly two decade… until now.

Skyjoggers, the innovative band from Tampere, Finland, fuses the exhilarating elements of space rock and psychedelic soundscapes. Their music captures the essence of cosmic exploration, characterized by hypnotic riffs and an experimental approach that pushes boundaries. With a focus on dynamic performances and rich instrumental textures, Skyjoggers invites listeners on a journey through uncharted musical territories.
On ”12021 : Post-Electric Apocalypse” Skyjoggers focus on themes such as death, loss and despair. Writing of the album took place during the pandemic, forest fires in the Amazon and wars around the planet - the band took inspiration from such themes trying to channel the hard topics into something beautiful shining a ray of hope and light into the world through music. The album showcases the heaviest side of Skyjoggers heard to this day, bringing elements of black and doom metal into the band's unique mix of modern space rock.
Skyjoggers are:
Alexi Belle - guitars & effects - Juan Rico - bass, synth & vocals - Gabo Sabor - drums & vocals

Faun Fables, the long-running collaboration between Dawn McCarthy and Nils Frykdahl, have returned with Counterclockwise, the follow-up to 2016"s Born of the Sun. With the longest space between albums in the band"s twenty-seven year history, the nature of time and experience spent raising a family and negotiating life"s changes have much to do with the incredible listening companion Faun Fables have gifted us here. Counterclockwise"s songs and production are the most encompassing, richly lived-in sonic world of their seven full-length albums. From start to finish, it is an exquisitely etched portrait of their aesthetic and worldview: colourfully studded with fine-hewed jewels of song, tinged with the traditional sounds of past and future nations. Their timeless "songtelling" practice is entwined with a holistic view of a life in music - embracing and celebrating the mundane details of home, partnering and family, elevated by a mystical and fantastical perspective. The new discovery here is their creative relationship with time.

Sterling Drake continues his run of his rustic and authentic Country & Western music with "The Shape I'm In." It's hard to find authentic Western music these days but Sterling Drake clearly lives these songs. Sterling Drake sings songs of the lifestyle he knows as he devotes time to ranching and conservation. The heartbreak, the longing, the loneliness - it's all there in the grooves of this LP. Close your eyes while you listen to this one and you can smell the campfire and feel the big Montana sky above you. A modern Country & Western classic.

Crack the coffers, Oh Sees have spawned another frothy album of head-destroying psych-epics to grok and rock out to. Notice the fresh dollop of organ and keyboard prowess courtesy of Memory Of A Cut Off Head-alum and noted key-stabber Tom Dolas, while the Paul Quattrone / Dan Rincon drum-corps polyrhythmic pulse continues to astound and pound in equal measure, buttressed by the nimble fingered bottom end of Sir Tim Hellman the Brave and the shred-heaven fret frying of John Dwyer, whilst Lady Brigid Dawson again graces the wax with her harmonic gifts. Aside from the familiar psych-scorch familiar to soggy pit denizens the world over, there’s a fresh heavy-prog vibe that fits like a worn-in jean jacket comfortably among hairpin metal turns and the familiar but no less horns-worthy guitar fireworks Dwyer’s made his calling card. Perhaps the most notable thing about Smote Reverser is the artistic restlessness underpinning its flights of fancy. Dwyer refuses to repeat himself and for someone with such a hectic release schedule, that stretching of aesthetic borders and omnivorous appetite seems all the more superhuman!

Every one of us has a family of origin—the one we’re born into—and a family we’re raised in, which, for some, like myself, may not be the same. Then there’s our chosen family—friends and community—the people we gather around us, love, and trust. We also have a musical family, and when you put all of those together, they form the world family. Right now, the world is in a time of upheaval, change, and uncertainty, leading to anxiety and fear for so many. This album is about channeling those emotions—what I experience every day—and translating them into songs that others can connect with. The first single, “Break Up With Everything,” is an example of that—taking these feelings and putting them into music that resonates and brings people together. Welcome to the Family is a record about finding connection in the midst of uncertainty, leaning into the love that surrounds us, and remembering that, no matter where we come from, we are all part of something bigger.

For his last solo record ‘Through a Room’, Bill Nace shifted his usual saturated guitar sound and added tapes, hurdy gurdy, doughnut pipe, bird calls and the mysterious Japanese taishōgoto. Setting up for the final night of his three day residency at OTO with only the taishōgoto soundchecked, Nace hoped that Parker would arrive with his small soprano as its opposite. “I’ve been interested in state change, you know, playing until there’s a shift in time.” Known for his development of multiphonics to produce a constantly shifting pattern, Evan Parker has evolved an instantly recognizable sound - his work the soprano most distinct. Happily, it was the soprano Evan brought with him and as soon as the two start to play they entwine - taking off in a double helix of keys and reed primed for endless reconfiguration. Space warps under the velocity of playing, the pitch rising unrelentingly. It felt like unending lift off in the room, sheer energy until the last note makes remember your feet have been on the floor the whole time. Total time bending shredding.

Finally available following strong support from Antal and Hunee, including soundtracking the closing of Rainbow Disco Club Festival in Japan: Cabo Verde Show's 1984 showstopper “Bem Danca” revisited in its original form alongside a perfectly stripped-back, synth-focused edit by The Square Sun. Now on a 12” pressed loud at 45 RPM, with the edit on the A-side and the original version on the flip!

“Bem Danca” was a B-side cut from a 1983 release, featuring lead vocals from Luis Da Silva. The original is a party-ready Funaná jam with intricate horn and guitar work. The Square Sun’s edit takes the track deeper, extending some instrumental parts to build tension before the culmination of synths and horns that truly sparkle in this version. An essential for your bag as we begin to enjoy those open-air dancefloors once again!

"An undisputed Canterbury Scene classic for the first time in Half-Speed Mastered Edition. This 1978 critically acclaimed debut album from the supergroup National Health fused Progressive Rock with Jazz-oriented melodies to create the complex signature sound of one of the Canterbury Scene"s finest bands! The album features the outstanding talents of keyboardists extraordinaire Dave Stewart and Alan Gowen, virtuoso drummer and lyricist Pip Pyle, vocalist Amanda Parsons, guitarist Phil Miller and bassist Neil Murray. The music is essentially a fusion of contemporary classical sounds expertly performed by top-drawer rock and modern jazz players, aspiring to the highest level of musical curiosity and creativity. This half-speed mastered edition offers an unprecedented clarity and depth to the album"s already rich sound. The intricate details of each composition will shine, allowing long-time fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the technical prowess and inventive spirit that made National Health a Canterbury Scene milestone. First official vinyl reissue".

Jahtari label compilation full of all-new Outsider Dubs, Dancehall bangers and lots of cosmic low end, marking twenty years of Reggae oddness from Leipzig.

Vol. 5 is the first addition to the Jahtarian Dubbers series in over ten years, starting off with ‘The Loop Jerk’ by DJ and activist Dave Watts aka KingLMan (who sadly passed away in 2024).

Kiki Hitomi turns up the heat with ‘Red Mustang’, a raw but sweet PG 18-rated Japanese lofi Reggae gem, followed by ‘Casio HipHop’, an addictive synth & drum machine session by UK bedrock producer Kris Kemist (Reality Shock Records).

Singjay miracle El Fata brings the positive energy with ‘Boom Sound’, a synthie dancehall scorcher hot off the tape reels at Naram’s studio in the New Zealand bush, while Jura Soundsystem’s hypnotizing ‘On My Way (Dub)’ easily shifts gears into Sly & Robbie-mode.

Side B starts off with Pupajim’s prophetic ‘Tidal Wave’, produced by digi-reggae specialist Raggattack and coming in an epic extended Disco Dub version.

Melodica wizard Taka Noda (Mystica Tribe) and synth shaman Danny Wolfers (Legowelt) enter into deep magnetic communion with their Sacred Tascam tape deck on ‘Cabal of Puppeteers’, followed by DJ veteran Speng Bond chanting ‘Wha Mek’ over a spaced out depth charge by Jahtari co-founder Rootah.

Gameboy-whisperer DJ Scotch Egg (WaqWaq Kingdom, Seefeel) joins forces with disrupt and Dub trumpet black belt Pablo Volt (STA) for a mindbending journey going all the way from synth heavy Roots to Acid Jazz, on Namahage‘s ‘Voidout Dub’.

The voyage ends with a hazy and mystical Ambient Dub version of ‘Muuri’ by Finish singer Tiiu Helinä, with Tapes on keys – not to be missed!

All lovingly mixed by disrupt, coming with iconic artwork by Disko 69 (Doppeldenk).

Perth’s finest, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, continue their onslaught on 2025 with the release of a brand new single & announcing details of their 7th record due in May 2025. ‘Carpe Diem, Moonman’ promises to be another weird & wonderful journey through the mind of Jack McEwan, the talisman of the Perth 5-piece. It’s announced alongside brand-new single ‘Weird World Awoke’, another ferocious blast of inimitable rock & roll, with a lyrical rollercoaster to keep pace with the relentless tempo & guitar slaloms.
McEwan himself had this to say about the new record: “Carpe Diem, Moonman” is an entanglement of chaos, the bi-product of excessive touring, an explosion of doubt, wonder, excitement, dog bites, Greek philosophy, death, weekend benders and a partridge in a pear tree, a mongrel of sorts. There’s so many genres, flavours, cream crackers and fairground amusements packed into CDM. It blasts out the gates, takes you for a spin then leads you off into somewhere beautiful, fun and enthralling. I want people to come back and find something new with each listen.”

Not much is known about De Frank Kakra - let alone his birth name or where he is today. A few liner notes scattered across his records give a glimpse of his career as a backing vocalist and percussionist on the Ghanaian highlife scene of the 1970s, notably with Vis-A-Vis, K. Frimpong's band (Cubano Fiestas). He later formed his own bands, The Professionals and The Diggit Ways, alongside Sammy Copper, recording throughout West Africa. His recordings have now been unearthed, remastered and compiled in a triple LP anthology of his musical works. Although much remains unknown, RastaPastaRecords' goal is to ascertain several discoveries made about his life during the production of this record and to continue the research. "Call Me Frank" is a funky take on 1970s highlife set to a vintage Afro - rock fusion that evokes a time when West African dance floors vibrated with raw energy and relentless groove. "Psychedelic Man" is a full dive into the De Frank Kakra sound. With its hypnotic guitar riffs, cosmic organs and head- nodding drum rhythms, this infectious anthem will plunge you into a state of nostalgic psychedelia.

"Something of a love letter to New Orleans," Alec Ounsworth's Mo Beauty is finally available again on vinyl redesign featuring gatefold, spot gloss varnish, and marble smokey vinyl. The Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) produced "Mo Beauty" features Ounsworth's trademarks alongside New Orleans finest musicians (George Porter Jr., Stanton Moore, among others). The songs were written in conjunction with CYHSY material but, with this material, Ounsworth tried a different look. The limited deluxe reissue is being released in the wake of the 20th anniversary of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the classic self-titled debut album, and its celebratory 2025 worldwide tour.

After two years, Bekkler returns to the BKHS Catalog with his debut album, Utopie. The vinyl features five tracks that radiate dreamy melancholy while delivering finely tuned bass frequencies to the dancefloor-ranging from the heavy and pounding Hauptsache Nicht Anhalten to the smooth and warm Kakerlaken Komitee. The record was cut by Bekkler himself, aiming for the highest-quality vinyl sound and maximum volume on the disc.

Monaco (originally released in 2000) is the self-titled second and final studio album
by Monaco, following their debut album Music for Pleasure (1997).

Now 25 years after its original release, the album is finally available, for the first time ever, on vinyl.

Monaco was a side project (1995–2000) of Joy Division and New Order bass player Peter Hook, alongside David Potts,
the sole remaining member of Revenge. The album reflects Hook and Potts’ shared passion for blending rock with electronic and dance music. The album features the single I’ve Got A Feeling.

For vinyl enthusiasts, this 25th-anniversary expanded edition comes as a deluxe gatefold 2LP set, pressed on Crystal Clear vinyl
This version includes a 4-page booklet and five bonus tracks and is limited to 500 individually numbered copies.

Monaco (originally released in 2000) is the self-titled second and final studio album
by Monaco, following their debut album Music for Pleasure (1997).

Now 25 years after its original release, the album is finally available, for the first time ever, on vinyl.

Monaco was a side project (1995–2000) of Joy Division and New Order bass player Peter Hook, alongside David Potts,
the sole remaining member of Revenge. The album reflects Hook and Potts’ shared passion for blending rock with electronic and dance music. The album features the single I’ve Got A Feeling.

For vinyl enthusiasts, this 25th-anniversary expanded edition comes as a deluxe gatefold 2LP set, pressed on Crystal Clear vinyl
This version includes a 4-page booklet and five bonus tracks and is limited to 500 individually numbered copies.

Vita est Morte est Vita is the band’s debut full-length; recorded, mixed, and mastered by Wayne Adams at Bear Bites Horse Studio, London. The four tracks of the album are a dynamic and richly textured journey through the human psyche – inviting the listener to Discover, Enter, Understand, and Become.

In addition to the cover artwork by the band’s own Stuart Hodgkinson, each track is accompanied by individual artworks by Steve Burns, Justin Fink, Eduardo Canalejo, and Lauren McIvor.

Jonathan Richman’s classic 'Egyptian Reggae' has been responsible for setting thousands of discerning dance floors on fire. After getting the obvious Jah twist on a few occasions, so we thought it was about time for the Richman’s song to receive a fun yet respectful cumbia treatment! This cumbia candy has been recorded in Lima by no other than Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Compay Quinto, and one of the greatest cumbia guitar players in Peru. On the flip side we find one of Acosta´s own original songs, 'Carnaval de Jujuy', recorded by Austin-based future-cumbia group Money Chicha.

Swans kehren mit 'Birthing' zurück, dem neuesten Album, das im Laufe einer einjährigen Tournee 2023-2024 entstand.

'Birthing' wird über Mute und Young God Records veröffentlicht. Die Erstpressungen der Deluxe-Vinyl und CD enthalten eine Bonus-DVD mit Swans Live 2024 (Rope) The Beggar, einem Konzertfilm von Marco Porsia, der die letzte US-Tour der Band dokumentiert. Die DVD enthält außerdem 'I Wonder If I'm Singing What You're Thinking Me To Sing', eine Dokumentation von Christopher Nicholson über Michael Gira's Solotournee 2022.

'Birthing', das durch unerbittliche Improvisation und Live-Performance sowie neu komponierte Studiostücke verfeinert wurde, ist ein Zeugnis von Michael Giras kompromissloser klanglicher Vision. Die Songs, die als akustische Kompositionen begannen, wurden im Studio mit langjährigen Live-Mitgliedern und Kollaborateuren schrittweise erweitert und transformiert.

"Dieses Album, zusammen mit der kürzlich erschienenen Live-Veröffentlichung Live Rope, ist mein letzter Ausflug (als Produzent/Impresario) in die alles verzehrenden Klangwelten, die mich seit Jahren besessen haben. Wir werden in diesem Modus gegen Ende 2025 eine letzte Tournee machen, und das war's dann. Danach wird es mit Swans weitergehen, so lange ich dazu in der Lage bin, allerdings in einer deutlich reduzierten Form. Hinweise auf diese Richtung sind in einigen Momenten auf dem aktuellen Album zu finden. In der Zwischenzeit hoffe ich, dass die Musik eine positive und fruchtbare Atmosphäre bietet, in der man träumen kann." - Michael Gira / Swans

Produziert von Gira, wurde 'Birthing' in der Soundfabrik Berlin aufgenommen, im Candy Bomber Studio von Ingo Krauss gemischt und von Doug Henderson bei Micro-Moose gemastert.

Let All That We Imagine Be The Light“ ist das achte Studioalbum von Garbage und wurde bei Red
Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Butch Vigs Studio Grunge Is Dead und Shirley Mansons Schlafzimmer
aufgenommen. Die Platte wurde von der Band und ihrem langjährigen Toningenieur Billy Bush produziert.
Das Album ist unverkennbar Garbage. Alle Markenzeichen und Handschriften, für die sie bekannt sind,
sind hier vorhanden. Große, kantige Gitarren, präzise, treibende Beats und filmische Klanglandschaften
lauern alle unter Shirley Mansons ausdrucksstarker Stimme, ihre Texte strotzen vor Attitüde. Es ist der
Sound einer Gruppe auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer kreativen Kräfte – die charakteristischerweise klangliche
Gegenüberstellungen und Stimmungen nutzt, um ein Album zu schaffen, das gleichermaßen von Licht und
Schatten pulsiert.
„Als ich mit der Aufnahme dieser Platte begann, war ich entschlossen, eine hoffnungsvollere, erhebendere
Welt zu finden, in die ich eintauchen konnte. Der Titel des Albums, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light,
ist ein perfektes, schlagzeilenträchtiges Statement für die gesamte Platte. Wenn alles düster erscheint, ist
es unerlässlich, nach den hellen, positiven und schönen Kräften der Welt zu suchen. Es fühlt sich fast wie
eine Frage von Leben und Tod an. Eine Überlebensstrategie“ – Shirley Manson
Garbage besteht aus allen vier ursprünglichen Bandmitgliedern, Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker
und Schlagzeuger Butch Vig. In den 30 Jahren seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr

Let All That We Imagine Be The Light“ ist das achte Studioalbum von Garbage und wurde bei Red
Razor Sounds in Los Angeles, Butch Vigs Studio Grunge Is Dead und Shirley Mansons Schlafzimmer
aufgenommen. Die Platte wurde von der Band und ihrem langjährigen Toningenieur Billy Bush produziert.
Das Album ist unverkennbar Garbage. Alle Markenzeichen und Handschriften, für die sie bekannt sind,
sind hier vorhanden. Große, kantige Gitarren, präzise, treibende Beats und filmische Klanglandschaften
lauern alle unter Shirley Mansons ausdrucksstarker Stimme, ihre Texte strotzen vor Attitüde. Es ist der
Sound einer Gruppe auf dem Höhepunkt ihrer kreativen Kräfte – die charakteristischerweise klangliche
Gegenüberstellungen und Stimmungen nutzt, um ein Album zu schaffen, das gleichermaßen von Licht und
Schatten pulsiert.
„Als ich mit der Aufnahme dieser Platte begann, war ich entschlossen, eine hoffnungsvollere, erhebendere
Welt zu finden, in die ich eintauchen konnte. Der Titel des Albums, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light,
ist ein perfektes, schlagzeilenträchtiges Statement für die gesamte Platte. Wenn alles düster erscheint, ist
es unerlässlich, nach den hellen, positiven und schönen Kräften der Welt zu suchen. Es fühlt sich fast wie
eine Frage von Leben und Tod an. Eine Überlebensstrategie“ – Shirley Manson
Garbage besteht aus allen vier ursprünglichen Bandmitgliedern, Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker
und Schlagzeuger Butch Vig. In den 30 Jahren seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr

Untamed Swiss dark wave metal mongers SYBREED are finally reissuing their much sought after classic albums in physical format after gathering millions of plays on Spotify. The records will be available with bonus tracks on de luxe digipacks and double gatefold coloured vinyls on May 30, 2025. First time on vinyl , Grab them now !.

Spanish label Andermedt delivers a peerless debut with a solid mindf*ck. The lost and found magic chest of Laurine Frost's never-ending protest against the cliche of techno. A more than 5year old archive winks back at Frost's earlier 4/4-based works, but Cabaret Nord represents grotesque and his characteristic dark mysticism in a yet unheard intensity. Tight funk, earth-shaking drums, playful structures on a wide and dark veil.
* mastered and cut by Stefan Betke.
* 180 gr. heavyweight vinyl with premium packaging and hand-drawn illustration.

A collection of songs and stories with women at the centre, that
I hope everyone can find some resonance, strength and solace with.
credits
released February 28, 2025

Jenn Butterworth: Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin & Mandola
Seonaid Aitken: Violin
Kirsty Orton: Violin
Patsy Reid: Viola
Alice Allen: Cello
James Lindsay: Double Bass, Electric Bass & Moog
Louis Abbott: Drums & Percussion
Signy Jakobsdottir: Percussion
Keir Long: Synths & Pianet
Tom Gibbs: Piano (track 5)

Arranged and produced by Jenn Butterworth

All string arrangements by Seonaid Aitken, apart from tracks 3 & 4 which are by Jenn Butterworth and Seonaid Aitken

Untamed Swiss dark wave metal mongers SYBREED are finally reissuing their much sought after classic albums in physical format after gathering millions of plays on Spotify. The records will be available with bonus tracks on de luxe digipacks and double gatefold coloured vinyls on May 30, 2025. First time on vinyl , Grab them now !.

»Ich denke immer wieder aufs Neue darüber nach, wie ich mich als Schlagzeug-spielender Bandleader so positionieren kann, dass das Instrument eine tragende Funktion einnimmt, dies aber auf eine musikalische Weise geschieht und auf keinen Fall als Zurschaustellung von Virtuosität«, sagt Wolfgang Haffner. Diese Haltung zieht sich als roter Faden durch seine gesamte Karriere - und auch durch »Life Rhythm«, sein zehntes Album auf ACT.

Und obwohl Haffners Musik gängigen Vorstellungen virtuoser Schlagzeug-Leader ganz bewusst widerspricht, steht das Instrument diesmal besonders im Fokus. Ausgangspunkt dafür war Wolfgang Haffners allererstes Solokonzert im Jahr 2022 auf Schloss Elmau. Er erinnert sich: »Das war eine Wahnsinns-Herausforderung bei der ich auch vor der Entscheidung stand: Spiele ich jetzt eine Stunde Schlagzeugsolo? Natürlich nicht! Also habe ich habe eine Menge melodisch klingender Perkussionsinstrumente eingebaut, Passagen live geloopt, mit Echos und Delays gearbeitet – im Grunde wie im Studio, nur eben auf der Bühne.« All dies brachte Haffner dazu, sich noch einmal auf ganz intensive Art mit dem Thema mit dem Instrument zu beschäftigen, welches ihn sein Leben lang begleitet. Und so haben alle Stücke auf »Life Rhythm« diesmal ihren Ursprung, nicht wie sonst bei Haffner, am Piano, sondern am Schlagzeug.

Das Ergebnis dieses Prozesses kann man gleich zum Auftakt von »Life Rhythm« auf dem Titeltrack erleben: Das Stück basiert auf einem hypnotischen Groove, bei dem nicht die Becken, wie sonst im Jazz üblich, die Time angeben, sondern vor allem die Trommeln. Das dieser Groove direkt Phil Collins und besonders an dessen Stück »Take Me Home« erinnert, ist kein Zufall: Collins' Art, Drum-Parts zu elementaren Teilen des Songwritings zu machen, ist bis heute eine von Haffners größten Inspirationen. Und auch jedes weitere der elf sehr kompakten, Song-haften Stücke auf »Life Rhythm« öffnet eine eigene Welt des musikalischen Schlagzeugspiels: Mal mal trocken-reduziert mit Besen wie auf »Balance«, poppig bei »Joy of Life«, mit filigranen Becken-Grooves, dezenter Elektronik und Percussion auf »Eternity« oder minimalis-tisch bis kurz vor der Stille in »Silence and Sound«.

Das aus all diesen Stilistiken ein so stimmiges Ganzes ent-steht liegt daran, das Wolfgang Haffner diese im Laufe seiner Karriere bis in die Tiefe durchdrungen hat - an der Seite von stilbildenden Charakteren wie Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Pat Metheny, Jan Garbarek, Esbjörn Svensson, Nils Petter Molvaer, Albert Mangelsdorff, Ricardo Villalobos und vielen, vielen mehr. All diese Kollaborationen haben Wolfgang Haffners Voka-bular am Instrument und auch als Komponist geprägt und die da-mit verbundenen, unterschiedlichsten Stile sind gleichermaßen Teil seiner musikalischen Persönlichkeit.

Vielseitigkeit und höchste Musikalität sind auch die Eigen-schaften, die Wolfgang Haffner und seine Mitmusiker auf »Life Rhythm« verbinden. Die Basis bildet ein bestens einges-pieltes Trio zusammen mit Keyboarder Simon Oslender, selbst auch Drummer und Bandleader, und Thomas Stieger, einem der gefragtesten deutschen Bassisten in Pop wie Jazz. Dazu kommen Trompeter Sebastian Studnitzky, Mitstreiter Haffners seit seinem ACT-Debüt »Shapes« und der Finne Arto Mikälä, eine echte Entdeckung in Sachen Klangvielfalt an der Gitarre. Diese Band herausragender Allrounder erweitert Haffner um eine Reihe musikalischer Charaktere, die der Musik ihre ganz eigene Farbe verleihen: Nils Landgren, Freund und Weggefährte seit mehr als 20 Jahren, Saxofon-Ikone Bill Evans, Sting-Gitarrist Dominic Miller, Balkan-Beat-Star Shantel, Bass-Feingeist Nicolas Fiszman, Oud-Virtuose Thomas Konstantinou und Bruno Müller, einer der besten deutschen Jazzgitarristen.

»Life Rhythm«, sagt Wolfgang Haffner, »ist für mich eine Fortsetzung, keine Wiederholung«. Die Musik trägt mit ihrer Wärme, Kraft und Klarheit die charakteristische Handschrift, die Haffner mit seinen Alben und auf tausenden von Konzerten in mehr als 100 Ländern zum wohl populärsten Schlagzeug-spielenden Leader Europas gemacht hat. Und gleichzeitig ist es eine Evolution seiner Musik. Gut möglich, dass Haffners Erfolg genau darin begründet ist, dass seine Musik immer etwas Ver-trautes und etwas Neues beinhaltet und dass Haffner sein Publikum so immer »mitnimmt« im Fluss seiner Ideen - und in einem gemeinsamen »Lebensrhythmus«

Untamed Swiss dark wave metal mongers SYBREED are finally reissuing their much sought after classic albums in physical format after gathering millions of plays on Spotify. The records will be available with bonus tracks on de luxe digipacks and double gatefold coloured vinyls on May 30, 2025. First time on vinyl , Grab them now !.

Im »Mellow Mood« benannten, fünften Kapitel der Serie kehrt Oscar Peterson nach dem solistisch bestrittenen Vol. 4 zu seiner Triobesetzung mit Sam Jones (b) und Bob Durham (dr) zurück. Es ist ein Album, auf dem der Kanadier in einigen Stücken die Giganten des US-Jazz feiert. So startet er mit Duke Ellingtons »In A Mellotone«, das er variantenreich und mit überbordender Physis interpretiert.

Die Horace Silver-Komposition »Nica's Dream« leitet er aus lyrischer Contenace zu improvisatorischem Sprudeln, Gershwins »Summertime« spielt er in einer vom melancholischen Melos gänzlich befreiten, nach seinen eigenen Worten »kühnen« Fassung. Mit »On Green Dolphin Street« greift er ein Thema aus dem gleichnamigen Film auf, entfaltet seine tänzelnden Tastengänge über dem Bordun von Jones, der gegen Ende auch ein wunderbares Solo liefert. Mit den abschließenden Stücken umspannt er einen weiten zeitlichen Rahmen: »Sometimes I'm Happy« führt in die Unschuld der Zwanziger Jahre zurück, »Who Can I Turn To« hingegen stammt aus den Sechzigern. Peterson hat es bereits für sein Soloalbum eingespielt, hier wird es nach einem verblüffenden Tempowechsel im Triogefüge ausgearbeitet.

Auf dem abschließenden Volume der Serie »Exclusively For My Friends« setzt Oscar Peterson mit seinen Kollegen Sam Jones (b) und Bob Durham (dr) noch einmal sehr unterschiedliche Glanzpunkte. Das überschäumende, vorwärtstreibende Titelstück kann seine Wurzeln im Gospel nicht verleugnen, kontrastiert wird es mit der schlichten und doch so tiefsinnigen Ballade »Emily«. Mit der Jobim-Komposition »Quiet Nights« (im Original »Corcovado«) demonstriert das Trio, zu welchem Feingespür es bei der Adaption der Bossa Nova fähig ist. Die ansonsten so träumerische Nummer wird hier mit rasant swingender Unbeschwertheit einer erstaunlichen Metamorphose unterzogen. Durch die Auswahl von »Sax No End« verbeugt sich Peterson vor dem europäischen Jazz: Die Komposition stammt vom belgischen Bigband-Leader Francy Boland und wird von Petersons mitreißendem, sehr muskulösem Spiel geradezu in Brand gesetzt. Zum Finale »When Lights Are Low« von Benny Carter: Über zehn Minuten gestaltet das Trio bedächtig und souverän diese versonnene Komposition, wobei Sam Jones mit seinen delikaten Begleitfiguren nochmals eine besondere Rolle zukommt.

Musique Pour La Danse is proud to present the definitive edition of the highly acclaimed and globally beloved Donkey Kong Country soundtracks, meticulously recreated by composer and producer Jammin' Sam Miller. Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Donkey Kong Country was celebrated not only for its groundbreaking quasi-3D graphics but also for its exceptional soundtrack.
The soundtrack featured a variety of compositions, and has been highly praised for its diverse and high-quality music, with tracks like "Aquatic Ambiance" and "Fear Factory" standing out as fan favorites. The influence of the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack extends beyond the gaming world, having inspired modern artists and changed the way video game music was perceived.

This limited edition boxset, limited to 500 copies, comes as a triple DLP set, containing Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Pressed on red, green, and blue marbled vinyl, it is housed in a hardboard slipcase featuring new and original artwork by Andrew Beltran.

Don't sleep on this ultimate release-the previous boxset edition has been sold out for a long time, and if you can find it, it's being sold for crazy money.

Using hex SPC data converted to MIDI, Jammin' Sam Miller painstakingly recreated the DKC soundtrack note by note, sourcing the original equipment used to create it. He then translated the MIDI into a modern studio context, incorporating keyboard samples, remixing the sounds with added effects, and mastering the tracks. To learn more about his process, watch the explanatory video here: cutt.ly/ulUHE6J.

Outstanding, heart-warming, experienced Techno & Ambient manifesto - Tip. (w/ download code)

Die Modern Folk-Künstlerin Jensen McRae hat das Veröffentlichungsdatum ihres mit Spannung erwarteten zweiten Albums „I Don't Know How But They Found Me!“ bekannt gegeben, das am 25. April über Dead Oceans erscheinen wird. Zusammen mit der Ankündigung hat sie auch ihre neueste Single und das Video „Praying For Your Downfall“ veröffentlicht, ein Meisterwerk der Offenheit, das Witz und Charme verbindet, während McRae darüber nachdenkt, wie sie den Drang nach Rache an jemandem, der ihr das Herz gebrochen hat, loslassen kann.



Jensen McRae - Praying For Your Downfall (Official Video)



Vor dem Hintergrund von Herzschmerz, Selbstfindung und der Komplexität der Liebe ist „I Don't Know How But They Found Me!“ eine mutige Entwicklung für die junge Künstlerin. Das elf Titel umfassende Album, das in North Carolina mit Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Bon Iver) aufgenommen wurde und an dem Nathan Stocker (Hippo Campus), Matthew McCaughan (Bon Iver) und ihr Bruder Holden McRae mitgewirkt haben, ist eine lebendige Sammlung von Songs, die von messerscharfen Texten und zeitlosen Pop-Melodien getragen werden. McRaes Stimme ist so vielseitig wie ihr Songwriting - mal flüsternd und strukturiert, dann wieder klar und hell. Es ist eine Stimme, die sowohl den Herzschmerz des Verlassenwerdens als auch die Stärke des Verlassens verkörpert.



Von Anfang an haben sich die Fans in Jensen McRae verliebt, für ihre scharfsinnigen, aufrüttelnden und klarsichtigen Songs. Ihr Songwriting ist verletzlich, ja, aber es ist auch stark, weil es sich nicht zurückhält. „I Don't Know How But They Found Me!“ zeigt McRaes Entwicklung von einer vielversprechenden jungen Künstlerin zu einer echten Songwriterin und Star. „Die tiefgreifendsten Entscheidungen meines Lebens“, sagt McRae, “haben sich oft wie Dinge angefühlt, die ich getan habe, bevor ich dazu bereit war, und in die ich hineinwachsen musste.“ „I Don't Know How But They Found Me!“ handelt davon, was folgt, wenn man dem widerstanden hat, von dem man dachte, dass es einen vernichten würde. Es geht darum, seine Grenzen kennenzulernen und zu erfahren, wozu man fähig ist. „Ich verband mich mit dem Gedanken, dass ich leicht unter dem Gewicht dessen, was mir widerfahren ist, hätte zusammenbrechen können, aber ich tat es nicht. Ich wusste es nicht einmal“, sagt sie, ‚aber ich war die ganze Zeit kugelsicher“. Jensen McRae ist in L.A. geboren und aufgewachsen und hat fast ihr ganzes Leben lang Musik studiert und gemacht. In der High School nahm sie am Grammy Camp teil und schloss ihr Studium an der USC Thornton School of Music mit einem Abschluss in Popular Music ab. McRaes Debütalbum „Are You Happy Now?“ schrieb sie größtenteils im Alter von 21 Jahren und war der erste Schritt zum Aufbau einer treuen Fangemeinde. „Are You Happy Now?“ navigiert die Identität von ihren tiefsten Grundlagen - dem Leben als junge, gemischtrassige schwarze und jüdische Frau - bis hin zu ihren persönlichsten Überlegungen - vertraue ich dir, vertraue ich mir selbst. McRaes Vertrauen in sich selbst hat sich mehrfach bestätigt, zuletzt und vielleicht am bekanntesten in Form des Songs „Massachusetts“. McRae postete eine Solo-Strophe und einen Refrain, kaum mehr als ein Stück eines Demos, und es fing Feuer im Internet. Covers, Duette und eine Lawine neuer Fans folgten, und McRae krönte den Moment mit einer fertigen Version und einer sommerlangen Tournee als Support von Noah Kahan. „I Don't Know How But They Found Me!“ nimmt McRaes mittlerweile beachtliche Fähigkeiten auf und macht sie massentauglich. „Savannah“ ist ein Song für alle, die schon lange dabei sind. Der pulsierende, an Country angelehnte Song erinnert sofort an das Beste von Phoebe Bridgers, wobei McRae in einem akrobatischen Flüsterton über einer federleichten akustischen Gitarre singt. Wenn „Savannah“ sein Crescendo erreicht, wird klar, dass McRae eine Künstlerin mit einer ganz eigenen Kraft ist, wenn sich Klavier und Gitarre überlagern und McRae eine Reihe bissiger Anklagen mit Schärfe und Überzeugung vorträgt: "You swore you'd raise our kids to end up just like you / well you're a false prophet / and that's a goddamn promise." Währenddessen ist „Let Me Be Wrong“ eine echte Hymne, eine beschwingte Ode an die Ablehnung von Perfektionismus. Wiederum auf einem einfachen Gesang und einer Akustikgitarre aufbauend, steigert sich „Let Me Be Wrong“ Schritt für Schritt in seinem Trotz; die Gitarren schichten sich, das Schlagzeug nimmt das Tempo auf, und McRae macht Platz für die Fehler aller. Wenn McRae knurrt „fuck those girls got everything“, ist das ein Schlag voller Kraft und Verletzlichkeit, der darum bettelt, unisono so laut wie möglich gebrüllt zu werden. Der ungewöhnliche Titel ihres zweiten Albums? Er stammt aus einer Zeile in McRaes Lieblingsfilm „Zurück in die Zukunft“. Ein Hauptdarsteller überlebt einen Kugelhagel, und dieses Bild hat McRae sehr beeindruckt. „Ich habe mich mit dem Gedanken angefreundet, dass ich leicht unter dem Gewicht dessen, was mir passiert ist, hätte zusammenbrechen können, aber das habe ich nicht. Ich wusste es nicht einmal“, sagt McRae, “aber ich war die ganze Zeit über kugelsicher.“

If this LP exists it is thanks to the vision, energies, work and perseverance of Thomas M. Lopez, aka Meatball Fulton. He is the president and one of the founding members of the ZBS Foundation (ZBS stands for Zero Bullshit), where the audio dramas written by Lopez himself were born. Dramatic programs with stories that blended noir, comedy and science-fiction genres such as Ruby The Galactic Gumshoe or Jack Flanders were produced to critic and public acclaim. It was in Ruby The Galactic Gumshoe that the Android Sisters, who would later have their own spin-off series, first appeared. The characters represent two robotic siblings that Tom Lopez created under big influence from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, the Philip K. Dick novel that was taken to cinema by Ridley Scott in Blade Runner. The Androids were performed by actresses Ruth Maleczech and Valeria Wasilewski.



The big success of these “cosmic and comic” sci-fi series, as they are described in the ZBS Foundations website, led to the releasing of cassette tapes, CDs, USBs and podcasting of the stories. Along with these, several music albums were also released in different formats. One of them is Songs Of Electric Despair, the first of two released by the Android Sisters. The songs contained are written by Tom Lopez and his long time collaborator experimental musician Tim Clark.



The Android Sisters Songs Of Electronic Despair LP was originally released as a ZBS Foundation cassette and also as a vinyl LP on Vanguard in 1984. It featured 11 compositions (two bonus tracks not on the original LP have been added to the Wah Wah reissue) on which the experimental synthesizer music of Tim Clark finds a perfect counterpoint in the deliciously surrealistic, cosmic social satire of Tom Lopez’s texts, magically performed by the robotic, yet sensual voices of the Android Sisters as performed by Maleczech and Wasilewski. Clark composed and performed the backing tracks on the Synclavier II synthesizer.



The Wah Wah reissue comes with two bonus tracks not on the original 1984 LP, respects the beautiful original album artwork and enhances it with a 4 pages full colour insert with notes and lyrics of the songs.



BARBARELLA MEETS PHILLIP K. DICK!



RIYL : SYNTH POP CYBERPUNK with DEVO’s sense of humor, LOGIC SYSTEM, FRANK CHICKENS or even some 1990s things to come such as LIKE A TIM or ARPANET.

If this LP exists it is thanks to the vision, energies, work and perseverance of Thomas M. Lopez, aka Meatball Fulton. He is the president and one of the founding members of the ZBS Foundation (ZBS stands for Zero Bullshit), where the audio dramas written by Lopez himself were born. Dramatic programs with stories that blended noir, comedy and science-fiction genres such as Ruby The Galactic Gumshoe or Jack Flanders were produced to critic and public acclaim. It was in Ruby The Galactic Gumshoe that the Android Sisters, who would later have their own spin-off series, first appeared. The characters represent two robotic siblings that Tom Lopez created under big influence from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, the Philip K. Dick novel that was taken to cinema by Ridley Scott in Blade Runner. The Androids were performed by actresses Ruth Maleczech and Valeria Wasilewski.



The big success of these “cosmic and comic” sci-fi series, as they are described in the ZBS Foundations website, led to the releasing of cassette tapes, CDs, USBs and podcasting of the stories. Along with these, several music albums were also released in different formats. One of them is Songs Of Electric Despair, the first of two released by the Android Sisters. The songs contained are written by Tom Lopez and his long time collaborator experimental musician Tim Clark.



The Android Sisters Songs Of Electronic Despair LP was originally released as a ZBS Foundation cassette and also as a vinyl LP on Vanguard in 1984. It featured 11 compositions (two bonus tracks not on the original LP have been added to the Wah Wah reissue) on which the experimental synthesizer music of Tim Clark finds a perfect counterpoint in the deliciously surrealistic, cosmic social satire of Tom Lopez’s texts, magically performed by the robotic, yet sensual voices of the Android Sisters as performed by Maleczech and Wasilewski. Clark composed and performed the backing tracks on the Synclavier II synthesizer.



The Wah Wah reissue comes with two bonus tracks not on the original 1984 LP, respects the beautiful original album artwork and enhances it with a 4 pages full colour insert with notes and lyrics of the songs.



BARBARELLA MEETS PHILLIP K. DICK!



RIYL : SYNTH POP CYBERPUNK with DEVO’s sense of humor, LOGIC SYSTEM, FRANK CHICKENS or even some 1990s things to come such as LIKE A TIM or ARPANET.

C1 Killamangiro (Liverpool Sessions - Untitled)
C2 Ballad Of Grimaldi (Liverpool Sessions - Untitled)
C3 A Little Death Around The Eyes/Arcady (Acoustic Lullaby - Skag & Bone Mix)
C4 Monkey Casino (Pipey McGraw) (Liverpool Sessions - Untitled)
C5 Lady Don't Fall Backwards/Bollywood To Battersea (Shaken and Withdrawn Megamix)
D1 Do You Know Me? (I Don't Think So) (BabyShambles Sessions)
D2 Delivery (Stookie + Jim Bumfest Demos)
D3 Black Boy Lane (Liverpool Sessions - Untitled)
D4 East Of Eden (Acoustic Lullaby - Skag & Bone Mix)
D5 Love Rain O'er Me/The Saga (Liverpool Sessions - Untitled)
D6 New Love Grows On Trees (Acoustic Lullaby - Skag & Bone Mix)
D7 Hooloigans On E (The Sailor Sessions)

Oxford band Low Island announce their new album, bird, produced by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor on label Emotional Interference. Recorded at the legendary La Frette Studios, bird is an album as brash as it is tender, exploring the struggle to find freedom and presence in an increasingly automated world.

The result is an album where Jay’s guitars and synths screech with unhinged anger as much as they wail with anguish; Lively’s bass dances frantically whilst swimming underneath the songs with an effortless beauty; Higginbottom’s drums are as deft as they are punishing; Posada’s voice as frail as it is resilient.

These emotional polarities speak to the heart of bird: a coming to terms with the overwhelming breadth of experience in the modern world, trapped as we are in our own bodies. How do we act in the face of this? Do we try to reach beyond ourselves? Wish to be saved or transformed? Retreat inwards? Or embrace things as they are? These are the questions that haunt bird in its search for freedom and presence.

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."

Prepare yourself to be amazed by these two stunning Peruvian cumbias by two central figures of the Amazonian music scene: Ranil y su Conjunto Tropical and Los Wembler’s de Iquitos. Their recordings of the classic ‘Sonido Amazónico’ are packed with psychedelic guitars and hard-hitting percussions. First time 45 reissue. Raúl Llerena, aka Ranil, was one of the central figures of the Amazonian music scene. Based in Iquitos, he founded his own record label –Producciones Llerena– and shaped what is now known as the psychedelic sound of Amazonian cumbia. The few LPs and 45s released on his label are legendarily hard to find, let alone the condition… Some of them were issued under the name Ranil y su Conjunto Tropical. They recorded this hypnotic and percussive version of ‘Sonido amazónico’ that was released as an LP-only track. We're now pleased to release it for the first time as a 45, to the delight of DJs and 7”s collectors. On the flipside we find Los Wembler’s de Iquitos, responsible for some of the most popular songs of the psychedelic cumbia genre, including the outstanding ‘Sonido Amazónico’. Prepare yourself to be amazed by these two stunning Peruvian cumbias packed with psychedelic guitars and hard-hitting percussions. First time 45 reissue.