To mark its 10th Anniversary,
discover Awa Ly's Album "Five And A Feather" (Including one previously unreleased track) On Vinyl For The First Time !
One night, Awa had a dream.
The atmosphere was enchanted, almost mystical, enveloped in a setting that summoned the moon, the Earth, and the elements. An ancestral blend of Native American and African cultures, a shamanic being was there, speaking in an unknown language, narrating stories both real and imagined. She received these tales from others, made them her own, absorbed them, shared their joy, and soothed their harbored pain or sadness.
Upon waking, the shamanic narrator had vanished, but her presence was still palpable; Awa made her the storyteller of this new album: Five and a Feather.
Five, like all things counted by fives: the senses, the oceans, the lines of a musical staff, the fingers on a hand. And feather, the magical element that connects them-the very one Awa used to write and compose the ten tracks of this new album where, under the brush of SainaSix, she becomes the first Black woman immortalized in Mucha's Art Nouveau aesthetic.
Ballaké Sissoko's kora, Paco Sery's senza, Greg Cohen's double bass, Faada Freddy's vocals, the steel guitar, or the erhu (Chinese violin) are all elements that illuminate the shamanic storyteller's tales.
Produced alongside the duo Jean Lamoot and Pascal Danae (winners of the 2015 Victoires de la Musique in the World Music category with their band Rivière Noire), Five and a Feather faithfully captures the warm atmosphere of live-recorded sessions where instruments answer and interlock with one another, creating the perfect showcase for the album's principal instrument: Awa's voice.
Words that she delicately places or lets fall onto the notes like tears of joy or sadness, flowing from that source called love.
An album written, composed, and recorded like fine lace, starry with details that only reveal themselves to those who know how to seek them out.
Soul Music legend Candi Staton returns to her down-home Alabama roots on her 32nd album, Back to My Roots. The twelve-track Americana set features an array of Staton-penned originals and some well-chosen covers.
"These songs represent my roots," Staton adds as she reflects on her many trials and triumphs. "Even the new songs on some level represent something I've experienced and that's what real soul music is about." Back to My Roots was produced by Staton with her second eldest son, Marcus Williams, a professional drummer who has toured with the likes of Peabo Bryson, Isaac Hayes, and Tyler Perry. They brought in Mark Nevers of Lambchop fame, who produced three of Staton’s prior Americana albums for Honest Jon’s and Thirty Tigers, to sweeten certain tracks. “Some of the first songs I ever heard were songs like `Peace in the Valley’ and `It’s Gonna Rain,’” says Staton. “The new songs or cover songs are tracks that remind me of that era when I was growing up as a child and evolving as a young woman. That’s why I named the album Back to My Roots because I’m going back to the roots that made me who I am.”
Staton received the Americana Music Association UK’s highest honour, the International Lifetime Achievement Award, at the UK Americana Music Awards ceremony at Hackney Church in London last year for her southern soul work that stretches from her 1969 Muscle Shoals hits to her more recent collaborations with the likes of Americana kings Jason Isbell and John Paul White.
The album opens with a mid-tempo Bonnie Raitt-styled contemporary blues “I Missed the Target Again” that finds Harry Connick Jr.’s longtime guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr. (aka the Prophesying Guitarist) showing off his skills that set the tone for the song and the album.
Staton’s older sister, Maggie Staton Peebles (who alongside Staton was a member of the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s), joins her for two duets. The first, “It’s Gonna Rain,” features just a drum, steel guitar and vocals. “My mother used to sing that song to us all the time when I was a child,” Staton recalls. “It’s a really soulful kind of song I wanted to revisit.” They then take turns leading Thomas Dorsey 1939 gem “There Will Be Peace in the Valley” that Elvis Presley popularized in the 1950s.
“Hang on in There” is a new, mid-tempo song that has an old school gospel flavour and features vocals from veteran bluesman, Larry McCray.
While in Europe in 2023 for her farewell concert tour that took her to the Glastonbury Festival and Love Supreme, Staton and her British band, PUSH, went into a London studio to record a new version of The Rolling Stones’ 1972 gem, “Shine A Light.” “I love the way that came out,” Staton says. “We put a big choir on it and put our own twist on it.”
From there, Staton revives another Thomas Dorsey classic, “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow,” with a bluesy vibe. When Al Green started recording gospel in the early 1980s, he re-introduced this song into the culture.
“God’s Gonna Use Me Anyway” is a new mid-tempo blues with subtle Caribbean influences.
The mood takes a turn on “1963.” It’s a poignant, spoken-word reflection on September 15, 1963, when four black girls were killed in the Birmingham Church bombing. “I was in the city that day and I remember the chaos and horror after the bombing,” Staton recalls. “Just thinking of how racism and hatred caused those men to kill those girls was so emotional for me that I could only do it in one take.”
It's a perfect segue into "Reach Down and Touch Heaven," a haunting, plea for divine intervention into the affairs of mankind. "That's straight Baptist," she says. "I used to be a church pianist back in the 1960s. I've never played piano on one of my records before so that's a unique song for me because I’m finally playing on one of my records. The message of that song is about the homeless. It came to me when a homeless person on the street asked me for $5. When God touches your heart to help somebody else that’s heaven to God’s hears. So, when we reach into our purse or wallet to help someone, we’re touching heaven."
Staton offers love as an antidote to hate on the bouncy, Motown-styled, “Love Breakthrough.”
Her publicist brought Aaron Frazer & the Flying Stars of Brooklyn NY’s 2017 cut “My God Has a Telephone” to Staton’s attention. She shifts the track from a retro 1960s groove to more of a 1980s Malaco Records arrangement, a subtle but distinct variation. Staton brought in her longtime friend and STAX Records legend, William Bell (“I Forgot to Be Your Lover” and “Trying to Love Two”), to add raspy seasoning to the track.
The album closes with the wistful, “In God’s Hands We Rest Untroubled,” that was originally written and recorded by the late country star, Lari White, who died in 2017 at the age of 52. “Lari sent me that song to consider at least ten years ago and I always loved it,” Staton says. “The record label didn’t want it on the album or something, so I just held it.”
Staton says, “I grew up hearing a lot of these old songs when they were new songs. I toured with the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s and we got to know people like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke and others who sang these types of songs. So, I’m sort of paying tribute to them and the influence they had on me by refreshing these songs and making new songs in the old style.”’
The Way I See It puts Raphael Saadiq's love of 60s soul on full display, with Saadiq stating it was "the culmination of a lifetime of experiences informed by the music I grew up on." Recorded on vintage equipment, the set features Motown session musicians, guest appearances from neo-soul singer Joss Stone, R&B vocalist CJ Hilton, New Orleans collective The Rebirth Brass Band, a remixed bonus track from Jay-Z, and even a guest appearance by Stevie Wonder. Throughout the recording process Saadiq immersed himself in the aesthetics and styles of the decade, watching footage of Al Green, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pops, and others for further inspiration. The end result is an upbeat collection of songs, ranging from the romantic to the mournful, but frequently beaming with hope and positivity. The Way I See It racked up Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. To this day it is considered one of the essential records of the classic soul revival, and one of Saadiq's finest career achievements.
Somewhere in the Wind is the third record that Loren Connors and I have made together. Of the three, it’s the first that consists exclusively of electric guitar duos and it’s the first that was recorded live. To me it feels very much like a live record; this music happened in crowded rooms in Brooklyn on two dates in 2025 and there’s an urgency to connect with others and a pleasure in doing so that can be heard on both of these tracks. On the first of our duo records (Arborvitae, 2003) I primarily play piano, and on the second (Evening Air, 2024) we switch off on piano and guitar. Both of those albums bespeak the privacy of the recording studio, where time is suspended and one can explore the quietest of sounds. By contrast, Somewhere in the Wind is the noisiest, most raucous and most free of our duo records. It’s the sound of us taking it to the stage.
I became a fan of Loren’s playing from the moment that I first heard it, after happening upon a beat-up copy of In Pittsburgh circa 1992 in a used bin in the Dr. Wax record store in Chicago where my then-bandmate Bundy K. Brown worked. Everyone has taken a chance on a record because it looked interesting and wouldn’t set you back too much. In that regard In Pittsburgh was the find of a lifetime. I had just switched from playing in a postpunk power trio (Bastro) to making mostly drummerless respect-your-neighbors music (Gastr del Sol), and Loren’s pacing and touch and his lovely, unaffected compositions had me from the first listen. Not long after that, Jim O’Rourke and I reissued In Pittsburgh on our Dexter’s Cigar label, and I fondly remember first meeting Loren in New York’s Grand Central Station—so glamorous for this country mouse—and taking the train upstate with him where he shared a bill with Gastr del Sol. During soundcheck, Jim, Loren, and I played together for a bit and Loren’s approach to the instrument was something that one could instantly sink into, the kind of situation where there are no mistakes. I still feel that when we play together.
Feel the poison in your veins… “The Venom In The Mouth Of God” is Combichrist at their most expansive and most honest, a record that tears open the gap between who we are and who we perform ourselves to be, and leaves it bleeding. Andy LaPlegua has been one of industrial metal's defining forces since the early 2000s, fusing EBM brutality with hard rock muscle in a way few acts have managed to replicate. This new album plays like a descent and a reckoning in one. The opening run from "ODR" through "Born Deströyer" lands like a controlled demolition: dense, mechanized, merciless. Mid-album the mood shifts and stretches, with "Each Scar A Vision" and "The Way We Want To Be Seen" pulling at something more psychological - the masks we wear, the versions of ourselves we construct for others. "Demons Wanna Be Summoned" features King 810, the Michigan-bred rap-metal outfit known for their confrontational intensity - a collaboration that fits the album's relentless atmosphere like a blade in a wound.
Feel the poison in your veins… “The Venom In The Mouth Of God” is Combichrist at their most expansive and most honest, a record that tears open the gap between who we are and who we perform ourselves to be, and leaves it bleeding. Andy LaPlegua has been one of industrial metal's defining forces since the early 2000s, fusing EBM brutality with hard rock muscle in a way few acts have managed to replicate. This new album plays like a descent and a reckoning in one. The opening run from "ODR" through "Born Deströyer" lands like a controlled demolition: dense, mechanized, merciless. Mid-album the mood shifts and stretches, with "Each Scar A Vision" and "The Way We Want To Be Seen" pulling at something more psychological - the masks we wear, the versions of ourselves we construct for others. "Demons Wanna Be Summoned" features King 810, the Michigan-bred rap-metal outfit known for their confrontational intensity - a collaboration that fits the album's relentless atmosphere like a blade in a wound.
10 years after the original, The Devil Wears Prada 2 picks up in a new era of fashion, ambition, and shifting power—where old rivalries resurface and the runway is fiercer than ever. The soundtrack matches every moment with Lady Gaga, Doechii, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, SZA, RAYE, Laufey, Olivia Dean, and more, delivering the perfect mix of glamour, edge, and reinvention
Those albums that never age, that never cease to surprise with their innovative freshness-listen after listen-defying the years that go by. Released in 2016, Heimat's debut album is one of those records you love knowing is there on the shelf or on the turntable, like a reassuring talisman. To mark it's 10th anniversary, and such an awaited repress, we decided to honor this landmark album as it deserves: with a powerful remaster by Tioma Tchoulanov (UVB76, NzeNze) featuring enhanced dynamics, and an ultra-limited edition on blue splatter vinyl.
What a beautiful object this is, celebrating-alongside Armelle and Olivier Demeaux-ten years spent exploring the outer limits of music, in France and abroad, from SMAC venues to squats and other joyful initiatives. Their deeply sincere music loses none of it's naive tension; the emphasis is there, yet it remains restrained, contained, almost nervous, without any show of. Here, then, is something to make this fantastic album, a subtle milestone in a teeming musical landscape. A fine achievement indeed!
'As I Slip Into the Sky reflects a particularly small sliver of time compared to Where the Smoke Goes, with recordings taking place in early 2025, while Johnny was bed-bound in an assisted living facility with multiple sclerosis. Alabama born, Portland based artist Joel Nelson helms the nearly entirely electronic backdrop, posing a new canvas for Johnny, with Buchla Music Easel bubbling up between Johnny’s lines. This album captures Johnny in a remarkably tender and emotive form. Love and all its permutations. The tangled, but caring nature of familial love, (“But you and me, we can talk on the phone every day. I would never leave you behind”), to the anguish and euphoria of romantic connection. Johnny has a remarkable ability to pose questions, ("What is real love like?), and provide answers that reflect the truest of realities, absent cliche ("I don't know. His curly hair, short on his head, his smile, his smile, his smile...that is what real love is like").
'Joel Nelson's nimble work across a small array of analog synthesizers creates a flowing backdrop to Johnny's stream of consciousness. At times, Broadcast's fuzzed out ballads come to mind, while at others, early Oneohtrix Point Never's gauzy, distant drones anchor beneath Johnny's slippery syntax.
'Johnny recorded his poems while confined to a hospital bed, through an iPhone laid gently on his chest. Assisted by the caring presence of friends John Albea and Lauren Jones, we can hear through these recordings Johnny immersed in his world of words, taking in the world of sounds Joel had provided for him. We hear his breath, at times we hear the harsh sibilance captured by the iPhone microphone, but more than anything, we hear the tenderness and poetic resolve of his caring soul. He was incredibly grateful for the past years of connecting with the small cohort of Birmingham-affiliated musicians and artists who upheld him as the unofficial poet laureate of "The Magic City", Birmingham, AL. Perhaps most appropriately, Johnny closes the album out in a state of gratitude:'
"My funeral was perfect
I was buried wearing a very charming jacket
A very charming jacket I just happened to have on when i died
He was always the lucky one, Mary-Ellen said
I've been looking for a nice casual jacket like that I could wear to casual little outdoor parties and to my funeral all my life
But Johnny just had one
Probably someone left it in his car
He was so lucky
It doesn't even make sense
But its true
He really was that lucky"
Ancient Infinity Orchestra return with their third album, It’s Always About Liberation, a new record that deepens the vision of their acclaimed recent work while moving into darker, more searching emotional territory.
Conceived as a partner to It’s Always About Love, this new body of work shares its predecessor’s generosity and spiritual openness, but carries a different charge. Where the previous album focused on healing and warmth, It’s Always About Liberation is largely animated by struggle, perseverance and the desire for transformation while still offering a path to betterment. It is music made in full awareness of a fractured world, yet unwilling to surrender to it.
Like It’s Always About Love the album title draws inspiration from words spoken by Moor Mother during their 2024 We Out Here festival performance that deeply affected bandleader Ozzy Moysey: “It’s always about love / It’s always about liberation.” Those twin ideas became a framework for the two albums Ancient Infinity Orchestra were creating. If one album explored love as repair, this one explores liberation as movement, continually striving toward freedom, clarity and deeper connection.
The 16-member ensemble is led by double bassist and composer Ozzy, with a distinctive line-up that explains their sound better than any artificial genre divisions: two double basses, harp, saxophones, clarinets, violin, viola, cello, oboe, flutes, mandolin, congas, piano, drum kit, with bells, shakers and other percussion instruments scattered on the floor of live sets and recording sessions, ready for members to use whenever the spirit takes them.
This orchestration, and the overlap between membership and friendship, gives Ancient Infinity Orchestra a sound that is at once expansive and intimate, earthy, and cosmic, constantly shifting yet grounded in shared intention. The attention to intention and the inviting sonic world connects the music to artists ranging from Alabaster dePlume to Gondwana label boss Matthew Halsall.
Gradually, the Orchestra became a grounding force in the emerging jazz scene in Leeds, bringing together individuals from different musical backgrounds co-founding the Café Oto-inspired Limpet Club or co-hosting the monthly Sonic Plunge (‘a platform for adventurous experimentation’) and co-founding the Leeds Improvisers Orchestra. Additionally, the ensemble acted as a bridge between musicians in Brighton and Leeds, after Ozzy spent a stint back on the south coast between 2020 and 2022.
Their debut, River of Light, was a vibrant celebration of togetherness recorded in three days and released on Gondwana in 2023. A Maida Vale session for Jamie Cullum’s BBC Radio 2 show brought them to a broader audience, as did bookings at North Sea Jazz Festival and Gretchen, Berlin. Since then, Ancient Infinity Orchestra has become a by-word for music that could be framed as ‘spiritual jazz’. Whilst Ozzy avoids the phrase when describing his music, he’s crystal clear that his heroes are associated with those words – citing Art Ensemble of Chicago, Pharoah Saunders, Coltrane (Alice and John), and Don Cherry as major influences.
Across trance-like meditations, rising grooves, moments of grief and collective uplift, It’s Always About Liberation speaks to the battle within the mind as much as the inequalities of the wider world. It acknowledges the darkness but lets connection and creativity have the last word Ancient Infinity Orchestra is a gathering of voices, traditions, and energies converging into something timeless. Their music is a journey inward and outward, always reaching toward the universal.
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There are enough fools and malignant actors trying to conquer the world right now as ever. Do we as humans always need to conquer, subjugate, destroy in a never
ending cycle? Kill animals, nature, each other? Or can we finally conquer our own limitations in perceiving our place on this planet?
Maybe we can borrow from an organism that is aspiring to be the true ruler of Gaia and who might just decide to take back it’s reign from us. Can we conquer ourselves and our limits with a wider vision, decompose the barriers, build rhizomes and enhance consciousness? Or will we be the conquered?
Another gem from the east after VC 029 and the track on MSTR 13. This one further explores a psytrancey current in Mental Tribe with a pumping bass and crystal clear, minimal sound design. Unashamed innocent melodies frolicking thru the forest, oblivious to the judgement of the elders. The uptempo pace between 165 and 170 beats makes for a smooth lift off.
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Donald Byrd, Dominoes. Taken from the 1975 album Places & Spaces, this sought after 45 is one of the defining tracks of the 1970’s jazz-funk sound. Capturing the style Byrd developed with the Mizell brothers, this song marks the transition to a smoother groove driven sound.
Tight drums, in the pocket bass and catchy chorus, sophisticated enough for the jazz listeners while still guaranteed to drive a dancefloor. Sampled by Stetsasonic for their remix of “Talkin’ All that Jazz” among many other sample credits. The Blackbyrds, Mysterious Vibes. Hard to find on 45, this jazz funk classic first appeared on the 1977 album Action. Feel good vibes, unmistakable horn funk heritage, with an instantly recognisable lead synth providing the sample source for hip hop classics by Kurious, Paris and Wiz Khalifa.
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Telepherique is a very old German Noisy project. But, with this record they propose something really ambientish, quiet and space. 3 of the 6 tracks on the vinyl are into a non-beat waves stuff, the 3 others ones are downtempowed beat and shaped with thin electrance sounds.
Enamour returns to Crosstown Rebels with his latest EP ‘What U Said’, featuring SAM SHI. Featuring a remix from recent Crosstown signees Bonafique, the US producer continues his evolving relationship with the label following his 2025 contribution to SPIRITS VII and earlier remix work for bullet tooth.
LA-based DJ/producer Enamour has long operated outside of fi xed lanes and guidelines, shaping a sound defi ned by melodic depth and a psychedelic edge that translates across both club systems and through headphones. With regular support across his work from the likes of Solomun, CamelPhat, Hernán Cattáneo, Lee Burridge, and Damian Lazarus, alongside remixes for RÜFÜS DU SOL, RY X, and Lane 8, his catalogue reflects a balance of reach and individuality.
"What U Said" is about the moment language turns physical; when words create a chemical reaction you can’t take back” says Enamour. “It taps into the same quirky energy as my other records on the label, which I think heightens the feeling of surprise as the instrumental meanders underneath SAM SHI’s vocal It’s a track that pairs Enamour’s textured, immersive production with fellow LA-based artist SAM SHI’s vocal presence, shifting through atmospheres and rhythmic drive.
Making a return to the label, in-demand duo Bonafique step in on remix duties, reworking the original into a more hypnotic, groove-led interpretation built for deeper club moments. Closing track ‘Dip’ has already become a fixture in Enamour’s sets, operating as a trippy counterpoint to the vocal-led A-side and employing commanding drums, oscillating synths and a driving energy made to capture dancefloors. “‘Dip is a fan favourite and secret weapon that’s been a staple in mine and others’ sets for quite a while now,” he adds. “Balancing out the release with this one felt like the right time to finally get it out into the wild.”
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UK sound system style DUB release on 10” vinyl from Vibronics and Nia Songbird.
Straight into 2026 with a new slab of heavyweight DUB in a sound system style. Two new tracks, one side featuring uplifting vocals from Nia Songbird, the other side is classic Vibronics style undiluted instrumental dub. This one one for all lovers of Iration Steppas, OBF, Channel One and all the Bass-heavy sound systems out there.
This release is pressed on 10” vinyl and presented in a full-colour printed SCOOPS label sleeve, making it a collector’s item as much as a sound system weapon.
Vibronics is one of the most established names in UK Dub/Reggae music achieving millions of views on YouTube, millions of Spotify streams and many tens of thousands of vinyl record sales. Collaborators include Michael prophet, Macka B, Iration Steppas, Soom T, Aba-Shanti and more.
Profess Natti is the London born MC, famous for the biggest Vibronics track ‘R.A.S.T.A.F.A.R.I.’.
Susan Cadogan is a Reggae & Rocksteady singer from Kingston, Jamaica. With a delicate voice that shimmers between childlike innocence and smoldering sexuality, Susan Cadogan’s vocals were the perfect expression of lovers rock.
Susan Cadogan's singing talents led to her recording her first single, "Love My Life" for Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation (JBC radio) DJ Jerry Lewis. Lee "Scratch" Perry was in the recording studio at the time, and was impressed by Cadogan's voice enough to record an album's worth of material with her, also renaming her Susan.
One of her first recordings for Perry, a cover of Millie Jackson's soul hit, "Hurt So Good" (featuring bassist Boris Gardiner), was released was released in the UK by Dennis Harris' DIP International label, and topped the UK reggae chart and went on to reach No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart which resulted in Cadogan flying to London to promote the single, including many television appearances on the BBC's Top of the Pops. Other singles ("Nice & easy", "Fever", "In the Ghetto") were released but none of these charted. "Hurt So Good" was subsequently certified silver in the United Kingdom and gold in South Africa after a few weeks and became one of the top selling singles of 1975 in the UK.
This is the album she recorded for Trojan Records and it was produced by the legendary Lee Perry, Susan Cadogan is available as a limited numbered edition of 750 copies on orange vinyl.
Charting the history of punk and DIY scenes from the 1970s to the present day.
Combines the life of a musician and a music journalist who tapped into the cutting edge of alternative music.
Packed with stories of well-known figures from the rock music scene.
Robb's is a life of facing down outsider struggles, overcoming career disappointments
and the DIY spirit that carried him through.
REVIEWS
'A searcher and a true believer in the magic and power of music.' - Noel Gallagher, musician.
'John Robb writes about music and culture with the insight of someone who loves it from the outside and lives it from the inside.' - Johnny Marr, musician.
'A treasure trove of bands found and lost, wracked geniuses, greasy gigs, rumbles and fumbles and moments of bliss.' - Ian Rankin, novelist.
'John Robb. OG.' -Mary Anne Hobbs, DJ and journalist.
‘Clever, witty, eloquent and so weird – he's like the brother I never had.’ Chris Packham, broadcaster.
The irresistible story of a one-man cultural phenomenon. Minister for the Counterculture, Mancunian mainstay and alternative national treasure John Robb has lived a life in music. In this book he charts his adventures on the cultural frontline, chronicling the making of a DIY icon.
Robb’s quest began in his hometown of Blackpool – where punk was a battle against the odds – and went international when he toured the world with his band. The first person to interview Nirvana, he also discovered The Stone Roses for weekly newspaper Sounds and did early interviews with The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Manics, before moving on to legends such as Mark E. Smith, Nick Cave and Patti Smith.
Along the way, he became an on-screen commentator and author of bestselling books. Robb’s memoir tells of deep friendships with figures from Poly Styrene to Chris Packham.
Packed with riotous stories, it provides an alternative account of British musical and cultural history and a triumphant blueprint for a punk rock life.
DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS is proud to present the highly anticipated debut album of Poland’s TORPOR, Ɖungeon Ɖescent, on CD and vinyl LP formats. TORPOR were formed in Warsaw by three school friends and music fans under the huge influence of Bathory. While recording their first release, Burning Realms / Behold the Spell of Black Fortress, in dusk of 2017, the band were laying their music foundations inspired by the epic side of black and the haunted / melancholic side of early ‘80s heavy metal. Since their last release – 2021’s The Ancient Tales EP, which was actually recorded in 2019 – TORPOR parted ways with their drummer, who alongside Mike Magister I.V. and Franciszek Archont, was a founding member of the trio. Upon the arrival of a new drummer and long-time friend, Bloodhammer, they recorded their debut album. It marks the result of their work and path undertaken. "We knew it was our direction to follow and polish, so now, after some time, we can happily present our debut album, Ɖungeon Ɖescent,” the band state. “It is our first real record that pictures our vision exactly how we liked to. After years of wandering around basement rehearsal rooms and two self-released demos, we are finally coming out of our lairs with this LP under the banners of DYING VICTIMS." Their past connections with fellow labelmates ARMAGH and FUKKIN’ VENGEANCE somewhat explains TORPOR’s link to the idiosyncratic side of ancient heavy metal, which has taken far more prominence on Ɖungeon Ɖescent over the first-wave black metal side – but that’s only part of the picture. Some might call it “cleaning up,” others might liken it to a harnessing of feral energies, but TORPOR’s emphatic-yet-stoic strut conveys equal amounts of energy and mystery, finesse and fine-tuning. Of course, the power-trio can kick into high gear when they want to, be it heroic gallop or even hypnotic blast, but their sense of movement from one moody segment to the next imparts a narrative flow that’s part and parcel of their lyrical imagery. Or, perhaps it’s true swords & sorcery metal without belaboring the point – no “COOL IMAGERY DUDE” without the music & atmosphere to back it up, more specifically – that harkens to a glorious, sadly bygone era. However you approach this Ɖungeon Ɖescent, TORPOR have surely delivered a cult classic in the making. Passion, authenticity, the reverberating ring of truth…ancient powers arise from time immemorial
John Hassall (The Libertines) & The April Rainers release their long overdue second, self- titled album. It's is the followup to 2017's Wheels to Idyll, which picked up critical applause on its release. The new album was largely recorded at John's home studio in Aarhus, Denmark where he has been living since 2009. And was produced by the band, with string player Clementine Brown having a big influence on the sound. John Hassall "These 10 songs are the ones that survived, grew and took on a life of their own. There's no way of telling if a song will make it until the end. That Pale Lantern in my opinion, started off as a rank outsider and then turned into one of the strongest songs on the album. Lessons were learnt from Wheels to Idyll and a new musical development runs through it. Whereas the last album was recorded pretty much live. The new album maintains similar classic songwriting and pop sensibilities, though with more complex arrangements and production." Most of the songs were cowritten by John and longtime poet collaborator Steev Burgess exploring memories of school days, journeys and adventures, fading dreams, ancient empires and even somebody's trinket collection. Burgess who has known Hassall for many years, wrote the lyrics to lead single Miracles, a sort of Ballad of John and Line. Libertines band mate Peter Doherty is also involved with a co-writing credit on Doing Time. John Hassall and The April Rainers will be announcing UK shows shortly, in the meantime John will be appearing with his other band The Libertines at summer festivals across Europe and the UK.
Phonica unveil the second in a series of three 12" samplers featuring a selection of tracks from their new compilation 'Ten Years Of Phonica'.
Phonica favourite Lo Shea kicks off Sampler number 2 with the ominous 'Home', a bassline-heavy house cut that continues on from his streak of high quality and inventive 12" releases on Seaghdha. Medlar and Red Rack'em join forces for the submerged 'Morning Light'. It's deep house in its truest form and here's hoping they continue to collaborate, because on the basis of this, they're onto something very special.
Moiré is another producer Phonica have been hugely impressed with, his highly original 12"s for Werk Discs and Rush Hour blew us away and his contribution 'Solar Signs' doesn't disappoint. Cult producer STL rounds out the 12" with 'Freaky Fingers'. His distinctively twisted take on house and techno is in full effect on this one, whistles and all. As STL releases on labels other than Something or Smallville are a rarity, it's yet another coup for Phonica.
Phonica Records was established in September 2003 and set up shop in Soho, London, adding to the high concentration of independent records stores that inhabited the area. Founders; Simon Rigg, Heidi Vanden Amstel and Tom Relleen joined The Vinyl Factory with the aim of creating an exciting outlet for innovative dance music, traversing all sub-genres and cultures. Over the past decade the emporium has developed into a well-respected destination for DJs and enthusiasts, and has subsequently become a bustling hive of conversation and inspiration as part of a wider community of music lovers.
While trends and movements in music have grown and faded over these years, Phonica has always remained in a state of evolution. It is this openness to change alongside a commitment to it's original ethos and an enduring ardour for quality, cutting-edge sounds that has fuelled the shop's staying power.
To celebrate reaching this milestone, Phonica Records have invited some of their favourite artists to produce a track for an eclectic yet cohesive compilation, which will hopefully go some way towards sonically unfolding the 'Ten Years of Phonica.'
“WAR.POEM” was recorded at THE ROCK NOIR studio in 2025/2026 as a reaction to a piece I read on the Israeli military use of FLECHETTE SHELLS in Gaza, this led to a much deeper study of the 20th/21st century history of war. The album was composed entirely using a TAPE O MATIC 710 reel to reel from 1958, a 1960’s mayfaair JVC reel to reel, aa 1965 G.E. solid state portable reel to reel from 1965, a portable 1970’s Panasonic cassette player, a ring modulator as well as various other effects and synths.
The loop that is the basis for WAR POEM ZERO which takes up the whole of side one, happened by accident when I put a reel on the wrong way up, it produced aa sound of such great melancholy and beauty, I just let it play…
This album owes a debt to “SWANSONG” by NURSE WITH WOUND from the album “A MISSING SENSE” where experimental sound is used as an anti war protest.
Chris Connelly 2026
You are unlikely to hear a record of such brutal intensity, or indeed authenticity as this. To call it “old school industrial” would be to do it a disservice, but also not THAT wide of the mark. It is packaged sympathetically to Chris’ previous release for the label, the long sold out LP “White Phosphorous”.
It is limited to 300 copies pressed in military grey vinyl.
Evolution can be ugly and beautiful, painful and euphoric. An Undying Love For A Burning World is the first new release from Neurosis in a decade, and a potent statement of intent and rebirth - one that marks the first new steps of resolve and resilience.
An Undying Love For A Burning World is an epic album of colossal hypnotism - beautiful, fearsome and utterly compelling in a way that only Neurosis can be. Aaron Turner (Sumac, Isis) joins the band on vocals and guitar, a name whose legacy is intertwined with the band’s own and a true kindred spirit.
“From the moment I first heard Neurosis over 30 years ago, I felt this was the music my heart and mind had been seeking but not yet heard. Now after many years travelling along various musical paths of my own, the singular sound and spirit embodied by Neurosis continues to speak to the depths of my being. It is an honor and a true pleasure to have been welcomed so warmly into a band that not only shaped my perspective on the limitless possibilities of music - but has lived and exemplified the necessity of upholding creative integrity and camaraderie above all else.” - AARON TURNER
Neurosis have never been afraid of change, and here they embrace endless regeneration, surrendering to the emotional exorcism through heaviness and distortion that their music incites. Just as the universe tends towards balance, Neurosis’cacophony of noise, rhythm and dissonance always resolves towards moments of beauty. The addition of Turner's powerful vocals and wildly creative and unhinged approach to guitar proves to be a vital force as Neurosis find themselves again at the mercy of evolution and expression.
On every song in the band’s history, Neurosis shifts restlessly between tension and relief, invoking a feeling both feral and transcendent in listeners. The band describe their songwriting process as an inescapable impulse to create with each other - a need rather than a choice. Indeed, the band insist that their return is “not a reunion - we never broke up.”
The album was recorded by Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City, Sumac, and Great Falls) at Studio Litho in Seattle during three weekends this winter, and mixed in three days just six weeks before release at Evan's Antisleep Audio in Oakland.
Neurosis will play their first show in seven years on the traditional lands of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana as part of Fire in the Mountains festival by special invitation of Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing youth suicide in Indian Country.
FITM, is a unique festival known for bringing epic music to epic landscapes with the intent of reconnecting and immersing oneself with the natural world, and strengthening our ancestral roots as human beings - an aim which aligns directly with Neurosis’ deep-rooted power.
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A new solo album from Seu Jorge reveals his 'other side' on this new solo album featuring Beck and Maria Rita. Produced by Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys), the album moves between jazz and bossa nova and is the result of a 16-year musical journey.
Seu Jorge is ready to present to the world the most ambitious project of his international career. After 16 years in the making, “The Other Side” finally arrives on streaming platforms in May. A departure from the soul and samba that defined his solo career, the new album is a sophisticated orchestral celebration of Brazilian music, moving between jazz and bossa nova.
The seed for this meeting between the Brazilian soul and orchestral sophistication was planted by a longtime friend and admirer: the legendary producer Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson. The partnership, however, goes back further. “It’s not often that you find a voice and talent as vibrant and powerful as Seu Jorge’s. That’s what I felt in 1999, when I met him in Los Angeles,” recalls Caldato. “Since then, our friendship and admiration have only grown, allowing us to create music together with total freedom.”
The spark for “The Other Side” came from a moment of pure sensitivity. “This album was born when I recorded Jorge playing a simple version of ‘Girl You Move Me,’ by the band Cane and Able, on a nylon-string guitar. The performance was very sensitive and dynamic, which moved me deeply,” says the producer.
It was then that Caldato had the idea to invite multi-instrumentalist and arranger Miguel Atwood-Ferguson to orchestrate that demo. The partnership, which began in 2009, blossomed organically. “I shared some ideas with Miguel, and he understood perfectly, creating a beautiful arrangement that elevated the song to a much more luxurious and sophisticated dimension. That experience planted the seed for this orchestral adventure. "
With his characteristically deep, velvety voice, Seu Jorge guides the listener through a repertoire that revives gems of MPB. The artist cites as references the catalog of the German label ECM Records and the arrangements of Claus Ogerman, a conductor who worked with Tom Jobim and João Gilberto.
Recorded in stages between 2009 and 2018, the album is a true work of musical
craftsmanship, created with calm and friendship. The live rhythmic foundations were
provided by Seu Jorge’s band. “Jorge has a lot of confidence in and pride for his musicians, allowing them to express themselves freely. Each one brings a special flavor to every song; this was their album too, ” notes Caldato Jr.
“It was a week of pure joy for me and for all of us, recording and capturing that magical spirit and vibe,” adds the producer, who saw the work come together with arrangements by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. “When it came time for mixing, everything felt very natural. The album revealed itself and came together magnificently. For me, it’s a timeless album.”
The album features covers of songs such as “Crença” by Milton Nascimento (from his 1969 debut album); “Caboclo” by Arthur Verocai, in a version with psychedelic guitars; and, of course, “Girl You Move Me” by the Canadian band Cane & Able, which inspired the project. Among the tracks featuring guest artists, “Vento de Maio” by Márcio Borges (a hit with Lô Borges and Elis Regina) features an intense duet with Maria Rita. Another major collaboration is with American singer Beck, a self-proclaimed fan of Brazilian music and Grammy winner. Together, they perform “River Man” by the revered British singer Nick Drake.
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One of the finest singing brother duos of all time, The Everly Brothers ' close harmonies became one of the most identifiable sounds of the early rock & roll era of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Presented here are the very best of The Everly Brothers' pop charting-singles from the peak of their career. "There have been some wonderful harmony pairings in popular music: John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Michael Stipe and Mike Mills, Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell, everyone will pick their own; but there is something very special about family and especially sibling harmony. A modern group like The Proclaimers took their inspiration directly from the Everleys, who borrowed something in turn from The Louvin Brothers and other acts of the time. The voices were not just in tune but shared a very particular timbre. The brothers fell out in time, as brothers do, but when they sang - and there's no need to list the songs; they're stitched into the history of rock'n'roll - they didn't sound like two men, but like one." - Brian Morton "Phil and Don were the most beautiful sounding duo I ever heard. Both voices pristine and soulful." - Paul Simon
I Owe You (Nothing) was written October and November 2016. Before, during and after election time in the US. Tension, fear, anger, dread and any other negative adjective you choose to use were in full swing and it felt almost impossible for this not to infiltrate into my music or even write about anything else. Henry Rollins: "I don't think there's a single track that Mr. Lunadon has done that is not worth checking outand live? Forget it! So cool."Rare Gems Volume One is comprised of 10 sick as fuck rare and unreleased studio tracks recorded between 2016 and 2026. Rare Gems Volume One is an essential Dion Lunadon release and also features fan favorites, 1976 and When Will I Hold You Again. Do not be fooled!! This is NOT just a bunch of b-sides or 2nd rate throw aways!! Dion has written and recorded 100's of songs during this period and for one reason or another these gems did not make it onto official albums. But gems they are! This is why we give you Rare Gems Volume One.
The name RUTHLESS in itself means “without mercy.” Since the early 1980’s, lead by vocalist Sammy DeJohn, the band has stayed true to its style of metal, from the classic first EP “Metal Without Mercy” (1984) and the debut cult album “Discipline Of Steel” (1986), to the later albums “They Rise” (2015)” and “Evil Within” (2019), they’ve never wavered on the power of bands like JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT and BLACK SABBATH, always staying true to their roots.
Their latest album “The Fallen” was released in January 2024 on their new label Fireflash Records (WOLF, HOLY MOSES a.o.), followed by a European tour as support act for their fellow believers JAG PANZER, cementing their reputation as a magnificent live band. Now, RUTHLESS are proud to announce the release of their next studio album “Curse Of The Beast”. The band has created an album full of power and passion, combined with the classic 80s metal sound, ready to become a future classic and a must-have for anyone who loves traditional heavy metal like METAL CHURCH, JUDAS PRIEST, EXCITER, and others. “Curse Of The Beast” was recorded along with producer Ron Sandoval (KERRY KING a.o.), who also did the final mix and mastering. The album will be released on July 17th, 2026. “We can't wait for you all to hear it. We have a couple of surprises on this one and it's going to destroy,” reveals vocalist Sammy. Immediately afterwards, the band will play selected shows in Europe, along with MINDWARS as well as THE TROOPS OF DOOM, including the legendary “Headbangers Open Air.”
Lockhart is a new melodic rock/AOR band from Canada, fusing synthesizer-fueled eighties arena rock with classic hard rock. The trio consists of Devon Kerr (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Jason Junop (bass) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums). Jason is best known for his work in Cauldron and Goat Horn. Devon’s main band is Axxion, and Fabio plays or has played in Bonfire, Enforcer, Annihilator, Hardline and many others. Lockhart issued their debut EP »No Chance« in 2022, followed by the single “City Pulse” in 2025. The band has signed with High Roller Records, and their first full-length album »City Pulse« is now ready to be unleashed to the public. It's hard to describe the specific sound of Lockhart in all its details but on »City Pulse« you will certainly hear a lot of Journey, Boston, Toto, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and maybe even some Starcastle. “The influences are endless,” comments the vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player Devon Kerr, “and they go deep. I appreciate the comparisons. These bands are monumental. Lockhart has a sound of its own though. Bands that existed during the times you mentioned definitely provide influence! However, if you look past the surface (overdriven guitars and old synthesizers), you’ll hear influences from 50s doo wop, legends like Brian Wilson, and straight up choral music, too.” Compositions such as “The Dose That Made You Poison”, “Under Fire”, “Before The Fall’” or “Together As One” are very well constructed and flawlessly performed. “For me, songwriting is a deliberate process,” explains Kerr. “I set out a time and carve out the songs. Lyrics are written last. Once the song is ready, it undergoes hours of polishing to mold the perfect choir parts, guitar leads, and so on. Everything is very deliberate and carefully selected. Nothing was written by accident.” You can clearly hear that on »City Pulse«. With their melodic, at times even poppy approach Lockhart may stand out a bit on High Roller Records. Devon Kerr: “Our music has so many elements that traditional metal fans value, but with something very different, too. Something that might be new for some of the High Roller Records fanbase. I mean for those unsure, we’ve got Nick from Municipal Waste shredding guitar leads on ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, and Ian from Cauldron on ‘Can’t Shake It’ …”
Invada Records präsentiert ,Stranger Things 5 - Original Score from the Netflix Series" mit Musik der zweimal für den Grammyr nominierten und mit dem Emmyr ausgezeichneten Komponisten Kyle Dixon und Michael Stein. ,Stranger Things 5" erscheint in zwei Teilen, die den Original-Soundtrack zur 5. Staffel sowie die Originalmusik aus dem Finale enthalten. Band Zwei umfasst 48 Titel, gepresst als 2LP auf ,Metallic Silver"-Vinyl. Musik ist seit der ersten Staffel ein fester Bestandteil der Serie, in der sie einen perfekt passenden Vintage- und unheimlichen Ton angab. In jeder Staffel hat sich die Musik von Dixon und Stein mit der Serie weiterentwickelt und spiegelt eine tiefe Verbindung zum Leben der Charaktere und den immer intensiveren Handlungssträngen wider. In den Annalen von Film und Fernsehen schaffen es bestimmte musikalische Themen, über das bewegte Bild hinauszuwachsen; unvergessliche Soundtracks besitzen die unheimliche Fähigkeit, eine Epoche, eine ganze Ästhetik zusammenzufassen. Die produktiven texanischen Musiker Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein sind verantwortlich für ein Werk, das gleichbedeutend ist mit der fiktiven Stadt Hawkins, Indiana - der übernatürlichen Kleinstadt im Zentrum des Netflix-Hits ,Stranger Things". Doch während die Kleinstadt im Laufe der Erfolgsserie zum unwahrscheinlichen Schauplatz einer übernatürlichen Schlacht wird, haben sich auch die Klangwelten von Dixon und Stein im Gleichschritt erweitert. Mittlerweile komponieren Stein und Dixon Musik für Spielfilme, Dokumentarserien und groß angelegte Installationen und spielen in der Band S U R V I V E. In der Tradition von Vorgängern wie John Carpenter und Zeitgenossen wie Oneohtrix Point Never nutzen Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein ihre lebenslange Leidenschaft für Synthesizer und elektronische Musik als Vehikel für überlebensgroße Visionen.
The Movie Star Junkies are part of that handful of bandsthat have never put out a single bad album. In fact, when you make such a sensational debut on the music scene with a track like "Melville," the only "problem" might be maintaining that levelor even surpassing it And yet, here we are, eighteen years after that albumwhich was, to say the least, Mephistopheleanand six years after that other little gem, "Shadow of a Rose." Another feat is maintaining a sound that, ultimately, is absolutely unique in our part of the world, despite changes in the lineup. A sensational comeback with this new album, "Walk on Bones," where the Turin-based band proves once again that they are one of the most creative, extraordinary bands on the European scene.
Carpet & Snares inaugurates its ‘Friends’ series with four slammers from Stephen Slade aka Infinity Plus One. Active since the 90s and author of a series of highly sought-after minimal tech house records, Stephen’s sound is precision tooled for dancefloor explosions, and this EP is no exception.
On the A, he brings two versions of ‘I Broke Your Solar System’, one a stripped-back DBX-style tweaker, the other drenched in sunkissed keyboards and strings. On the B, ‘Forward Together’ is a tight house groove lifted into the stratosphere by flanged percussion, while ‘In The Streets’ luxuriates in stepping electro groove and lush pads.
* 180 gram audiophile vinyl
* Gatefold sleeve
* High quality PVC Protective Sleeve
* 4 page booklet with liner notes and photos
* Selection of easy listening songs, includes "Ticket To Ride", "Rainy Days and Mondays", "Please Mr. Postman", "Yesterday Once More" and solo songs by Karen's "Still Crazy After All These Years" and Richard's "Karen's Theme"
* Limited first pressing of 3.000 individually numbered copies on white vinyl
The Collected album by the Carpenters brings a beautiful collection from the immense popular soft-pop duo. From their humble beginnings in the late '60s until today, siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter are one of the most successful duos in musical history. With Karen's absolutely perfect vocal delivery and Richard's creative arrangements, they are unstoppable.
This 2LP set inside a gatefold sleeve brings together their hits, album tracks and more. It delivers the best selection of easy listening songs in a nutshell. Glorious pop nuggets by the Carpenters will melt the heart and uplift the soul, including "Close to You", "Ticket to Ride", "We've Only Just Begun", "Superstar", "Rainy Days And Mondays", "Bless the Beasts And the Children", "Hurting Each Other" and many more.
An Easter egg is the track "Karen's Theme" by Richard Carpenter, who dedicated this song to Karen after her tragical death in 1983.
Producing a distinctively soft musical style, they became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. During their 14-year career, the Carpenters recorded 11 albums, 31 singles, five television specials, and a short-lived television series.
The Carpenters had three No. 1 singles and five No. 2 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and fifteen No. 1 hits on the Adult Contemporary chart. In addition, they had twelve top 10 singles. To date, the Carpenters' album and single sales total more than 100 million units.
A catalyst for all sorts of noise-making endeavors, Bob Bellerue embraces chaos as a positive force. As a musician, he harnesses the violent timbres and textures from feedback clashing against piano wires, amplifiers, metal, zithers, electronics etc. He's also been central in harnessing community through his long standing Ende Tymes festival in New York, providing an intersectional platform for all voices to utter their noise. To a polite society, things such as chaos, noise, and anarchy threaten the normative structures that can assert control and maintain power over others. Bellerue qualifies his practice as a form of sonic animism, in which engages with that which is unheard in materials, equipment, and their relationships, developing a process of amplified discovery. The unhinged, the unquantifiable, and the unknowable are all possible outcomes in Bellerue's expansive works.
Chaos Is A Law is a macrotonal album, whose expressive de-centralization originates from rasping noise, intense textural accretions, brutalist drone, and inharmonic ambience. For all of the sustained harmonics and dissonant frequencies, the album is in constant motion, with Bellerue pushing dynamics that build, rupture, collapse and reform with an almost organic morphology. At times, it boils with a feral intensity. At others, its muscularity collapses into peculiar almost half-melodic figures, mutated within all the distortion. One could look to the free noise practitioners from New Zealand (e.g. A Handful Of Dust, Birchville Cat Motel, Surface of the Earth) or to the alchemical dronescaping of Stephen O'Malley and Organum. Yet, Bellerue's work maintains a bespoke tactility that is uniquely his.
In Bellerue's words, "The universe is a feedback loop. Creating and destroying. Growing and decaying. Loving and dying. Expanding and contracting. The big bang is the end result of everything merging together in the biggest black hole ever and then erupting into being over and over again. Praise chaos!"
One of the true, undisputed pioneers of Dutch techno, Steve Rachmad appears on Dekmantel for an EP of peerless machine music. On the 3-6-9 EP, the artist also known as Sterac, Parallel 9 and many other names plies a powerful trade in funked up, gritty and soulful techno made the proper way.
The connection between Rachmad and Dekmantel reaches back many years via his frequent appearances at the Dekmantel Festival — he has two performances at the 2026 edition as well as sets at Dekmantel Selectors lined up later in the summer. The 3-6-9 EP lands ahead of an album and world tour that marks 45 years in service to electronic music, nodding to Rachmad's earliest roots in electro funk through to his day-one embrace of house and techno as it made its way across the Atlantic from Chicago and Detroit.
There's a rowdy, rave-spirited energy to the synth hook bucking its way through the centre of '3 Creation Energy', coming on in brassy tones laced with artful distortion while the drums dutifully jack the way they ought to. There's a more linear, pressure cooker quality to the tidal filter work guiding '6 Physical Manifestation' to its own energetic peaks, while '9 Completion and Delivery' surfs on coursing waves of arpeggiated lead lines before breaking through to the oceanic calm of grandiose pad tones.
There's no mystery to unpick here — this is quite simply techno perfection made with the instinct and experience of a master of the form, whose life is synonymous with every inch of the culture.
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LP1 New album
LP2 Available on vinyl for the first time
LP3/4 Debut album on green vinyl
LP5 Second album on red vinyl
When I recorded the first 2 Trickfinger records, I had recently discovered that you could make electronic music in a room with a bunch of synced machines going at the same time, record it on a
CD burner and have a finished track. I've heard this process described as “overdubbing into the air”. It was as exciting to me as my first 4 track was when I was 14. I wasn't trying to be good, or
original. I was just excited that music could be made that way; it felt like I was a whole group of musicians playing together… or like I was jamming with ghosts of myself. This has actually been a
very common way of making electronic music since the 80s, particularly in the main pioneering genres like Chicago Acid and Detroit Techno, but anyways I didn't figure it out until 2006. In 2007,
I started doing it myself, which resulted in what was eventually released as Trickfinger, and Trickfinger II. I was just home from tour and was still in the middle of recording The Empyrean.
A couple of years later I started making music by overdubbing onto a computer, but using the same machines. I tried to make music that didn't sound like anything else. I saw a way of combining
Progressive Rock and Synth Pop which nobody had done. And I was combining my songwriting and guitar playing with these old machines in a way which I was sure was unique. I had reached a point
where it was more important to do something original than to do something good, whatever “good” means.
Some of this music did not get a proper release, and is compiled here as the vinyl record High Low. I don't think I have ever tried so hard at making music as I did during that period. This in contrast to
those two Trickfinger records, where I wasn't trying at all. There’s something to be said for both mental states. When you're in one, the other seems impossible. I was really pushing myself on High
Low. Looking back, it was as if I had an audience inside myself, driving me to go beyond my abilities, while at the same time I had a total disregard for any concept of an actual audience. It
was one of those periods in life where things come together in a certain way that feels natural at the time, but seems foreign in retrospect. It felt like I was going to die if I didn't do something musically
different.
The fourth record in this box is me breaking in a new mixing console, making live-to-stereo music. The record is called Rotation, and it is all new music. These tracks are more in the “not trying”
category, since we're on that subject. I had just come home from tour, and was just really glad to be in the studio with my machines. Acid Test thought it would be nice to do a box set commemorating the 10th anniversary of the release of Trickfinger, and so we put together this box set, with homemade cover art.
John Frusciante 2026
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Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos, Menagerie, Rare Groove Spectrum) presents his lush Exotica inspired 2016 album on LP for the first time in a limited edition deluxe gatefold sunset swirl coloured vinyl edition, with each pressing having a unique pattern.
For fans of Air, Martin Denny & DJ Shadow.
'The Double Sunrise' is a re-imagining of Exotica seen through Ferguson’s own lens, which includes Pop and Hip Hop elements plus samplers, synths and drum machines thrown into the mix. That combination of beats and lush cinematics owes as much to Exotica pioneer Martin Denny as it does to Air and DJ Shadow.
Guest vocalists include Melanie Pain (Nouvelle Vague), who brings a sweet Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin influence to her songs, and Australian singer Meg Washington. As well as her own successful career, Bamboos fans would know Washington from her vocals from “The Wilhelm Scream” and “King Of The Rodeo”, as well as “Beautiful Trash” from the 2011 Lanu album ‘Her 12 Faces’.
Ferguson's own instrumentals are also gems of lush, nostalgic delight.
Reviews for ‘The Double Sunrise’
“Even with the clear influence of South Pacific exotica, this second LP is still typical Ferguson: tight, snappy and doused in retro airs.” - Rolling Stone Magazine
“Bamboos supremo Lance Ferguson uses South Seas exotica as a jumping-off point for a record that deftly crosses datelines. Giddy effervescent soundscapes such as “Tiny Dots” sit back to back with breakbeat grooves like “Nightmarchers””. The Age
“This is one of those summer albums you will return to every year. Stunning.” The Daily Telegraph
“The concept for The Double Sunrise is very specific, but it's executed brilliantly...It's one of those records that evokes a place and a feeling that most of us only ever dream about.” - Double J Radio (Feature Album)
Reissue of the debut album by Laghonia, one of the most important bands of Peruvian rock. Originally released in 1960, "Glue" will be cherished by lovers of Latin American rock, pop and psychedelia as practiced by other similar classic bands such as Traffic Sound, We All Together, Black Sugar and Telegraph Avenue. After four brilliant singles, in 1969 the Peruvian band New Juggler Sound, formed by Saúl Cornejo (guitar), David Levene (lead guitar), Ernesto Samané (bass), Carlos Salom (organ) and Manuel Cornejo (drums), changed their name to Laghonia and released their debut LP "Glue" on the MAG label. The album included those previously released tracks, which were very influenced by the British rock scene of those years, to which they added fiery guitars bursting with fuzz and wah-wah, the ever present and hypnotic Hammond organ sound and Latin American percussion and rhythms. The result was a wonderful mix of mid-60s British beatmelodies, Jimmy Hendrix's intense rock, Cream's heavy blues and Santana's Latin rock. "Glue" is regarded as one of the key albums of Latin American psych and garage rock and is an essential record for any fan of those genres. Deluxe edition: 180g vinyl LP in tip-on jacket and insert with liner notes.
King Tubby and Producer Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee are intertwined in the birth of Dub Music. After discovering a mistake that made a ‘serious joke’ (more of which later...) they went on to release the first pressings of this new musical genre namely ‘Dub Music’. Tubby’s vast knowledge of electronics and Bunny’s vast catalogue of rhythms would lay the foundations of what today is taken as a standard... the Remix / Version cuts to an existing vocal tune.
Osbourne ‘King Tubby’ Ruddock was born in Kingston, Jamaica on 28th January 1941 and grew up in the High Holborn Street area of downtown Kingston. He studied electronics at Kingston’s National Technical College and also on two correspondence courses from the U.S.A... When he had qualified Tubby began repairing radios and other electrical appliances in a shack in the back yard of his mother’s home. His work in the early days included winding transformers and building amplifiers for Kingston’s Sound Systems. Tubby built his first Sound System in 1957 playing jazz and Rhythm & Blues at local weddings and birthday parties. His reputation as a man who knew and understood both electronics and music grew steadily and as the sixties drew to a close. Tubby purchased his own basic two track equipment. He installed this alongside his dub cutting machine, a homemade mixing console and his impressive collection of Jazz albums in the back bedroom of his home at 18 Dromilly Avenue which he christened his music room.
Tubby and Striker were at Treasure Isle Studio’s one day while Ruddy from Spanish Town was working with the engineer Byron Smith....
“Tubby and myself was talking when Ruddy was cutting some dub but Smithy (engineer) made a mistake through we were talking and forgot to put in the voice. It was two track recording in those days. Ruddy said ‘No Man! Make it stay! and so they cut the rhythm. When I went over to Ruddy’s that Saturday night a dance was in progress and when they played the vocal to the tune... then he said we’re going to play ‘Part Two’. They never called it ‘Version’..and then he played the rhythm track. The song was a catchy song and everybody started to sing along and the deejay started to toast so everything went down well. On Monday morning I went up and I said ‘Tubbs the mistake we made was a serious joke. It mash up Spanish Town! The people went wild. So you have to start to do that now ‘cause when the man put on the ‘Part Two’ everyone start singing this song. It played about twenty times. I said you try Tubbs!’...Well the next Saturday night now when Tubby strung up down the farm U Roy said he’s going to play ‘Part Two’ but Tubby did it different now. He started with the voice then dropped it out and let the rhythm run and then he brought in the voice in the middle and from there Tubby started to get really popular.’’
Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee
Dynamic Sounds upgraded to sixteen track recording in 1972 and Tubby purchased, again with the help of a deal brokered by Bunny Lee. The old four track equipment and the MCI console from their Studio B. The four tracks now gave him far wider scope to work with and he began to create a new musical form where the bass and drum parts were brought up while the faders allowed Tubby to ease the vocal and rhythm in and out of the mix. It was only a matter of time before Tubby’s dub plate experiments began to make it on to vinyl and the first ever long-playing King Tubby releases would feature a collection of his mixes to a selection of Strikers rhythms. So please sit back and enjoy this historic set of sounds, mixed by King Tubby and Mr Prince Phillip Smart and another set of scorcher Bunny Lee rhythms.
Riff-driven and immediate, MALIST's style is rooted in the best Atmospheric Black Metal imprint, although experimenting with Post-Metal passages and modern-oriented melodic approaches Often epic and fierce, "Eternal Echo of the Fall" allows the listener to experience the perfect balance between anger and melancholy, as well as a raw, suggestive quality, thanks to mutable sections that float between slow, magical atmospheres and more fiery, aggressive ones. A particular attention to arrangements and a certain amount of ideas seal this album as an intriguing musical journey, in which each song has distinctive traits when compared to the others.