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On his Discrepant debut Memotone aka Bristolian Will Yates collects some unreleased recordings under a most aptly titled name - »Pruning« - following a healthy stream of releases for such esteemed labels as Black Acre, The Trilogy Tapes or Soda Gong.

Considering the process of pruning as a practice of selective removal, the album takes its name at face value never falling into a mere collection of tossed off material or random B-side assemblage, making it a cohesive listen throughout its disparate timeframe and evasions.

A statement about Memotone's vision itself, »Pruning« veers closer to his Fourth World/ECM/Exotica meets Sci-fi transmutations in alignment with what would be expected from a Memotone release on Discrepant. »Moss Zone« briefly sets the tone with a warm but queasy synth bedsheet that flows into the »Weird Figures« cyber- jungle, all small twinkling percussions and rainforest pads slowly rising. 'Riders' brings the synth-flute to an early Warp meets John Hassell's »City: Works of Fiction« scenario that pops up again in more disrupted form on »Wisdom MOTHER«. »Not What I Thought's« skewed tropical guitar gets going on lo-fi percussion and dissonant synth chords while »Jim Starling and The Inverse Church« bring to mind »Autoditacker« era Mouse on Mars going jazz-fusion. Or what we should expect from their Smalltown Supersound stint. »Beach Scene« is exactly it, as the sun sets into »Come In Don't Mind the Ghost« summer night's stars with all the allure of Stereolab.

Alluring, that's exactly it. Do come in.

Orange/Black/Sunburst Vinyl "Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime," released in 1971, marked the third studio album by It's a Beautiful Day, a band celebrated for their eclectic blend of rock, jazz, folk, classical, and world-beat influences. Formed in 1967 in San Francisco during the height of the city's vibrant music scene, the band initially featured vocalist Pattie Santos, violinist David LaFlamme, and keyboardist Linda LaFlamme. Their distinct sound, highlighted by David's five-string violin, set them apart from their contemporaries, even though they never reached the same level of fame as Jefferson Airplane or Santana. By the time of this album, the band's lineup had shifted significantly. Founding members Mitchell Holman and Hal Wagenet had departed, replaced by bassist Tom Fowler (later known for his work with Frank Zappa) and guitarist Bill Gregory. The album, recorded amid these transitions, reflects both the band's creative maturity and their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature style. Tracks like "Creed of Love" and "Anytime" exemplify their musical diversity and lyrical depth. "Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime" was a continuation of the band's legacy, cementing their place as a unique voice in the late 60s and early 70s rock scene, even as their lineup and fortunes changed.

Purple Vinyl. "Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime," released in 1971, marked the third studio album by It's a Beautiful Day, a band celebrated for their eclectic blend of rock, jazz, folk, classical, and world-beat influences. Formed in 1967 in San Francisco during the height of the city's vibrant music scene, the band initially featured vocalist Pattie Santos, violinist David LaFlamme, and keyboardist Linda LaFlamme. Their distinct sound, highlighted by David's five-string violin, set them apart from their contemporaries, even though they never reached the same level of fame as Jefferson Airplane or Santana. By the time of this album, the band's lineup had shifted significantly. Founding members Mitchell Holman and Hal Wagenet had departed, replaced by bassist Tom Fowler (later known for his work with Frank Zappa) and guitarist Bill Gregory. The album, recorded amid these transitions, reflects both the band's creative maturity and their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature style. Tracks like "Creed of Love" and "Anytime" exemplify their musical diversity and lyrical depth. "Choice Quality Stuff/Anytime" was a continuation of the band's legacy, cementing their place as a unique voice in the late 60s and early 70s rock scene, even as their lineup and fortunes changed.

compiled by tsunaki kadowaki
artwork by yoshirotten
mastering by kuniyuki takahashi

Tsunaki Kadowaki, a staff member at Kyoto’s record store Meditations, the supervisor of "New Age Music Disc Guide", and the founder of Sad Disco, curates the fourth installment of "Midnight in Tokyo" themed around Ambient Kayō.

The Midnight in Tokyo series by Studio Mule focuses on Japanese music, serving as a soundtrack for Tokyo nights—whether for home listening, club play, or as a driving BGM, transcending location and space. After a six-year hiatus, the fourth volume takes "Ambient Kayō" as its new perspective, compiling genre-defying tracks released between 1977 and 1999 to explore the intersection of Japanese ambient and pop music.

For this long-awaited fourth installment, selections were made regardless of record label status (major or independent), era, format (vinyl or CD), original release price, or prior reissues. Instead, the focus was on music that deeply moves the listener, is open-minded and evocative, brims with inspiration and spiritual insight, and embodies the "utagokoro" (singing heart) of Japanese artists.

Opening the compilation is "Umi e Kinasai" by Yōsui Inoue, a legendary Japanese singer-songwriter whose works have recently gained renewed interest as hidden gems of Walearic and ambient pop

Composed and arranged by Katsu Hoshi—who is also known for his arrangements on Inoue’s masterpiece Ice World—the track features renowned players such as Masayoshi Takanaka, Hiroki Inui, and Shigeru Inoue. The song embodies a yearning for Balearic horizons, tinged with youthful vibrancy and sentimentality.

Next, "Oritatamu Umi", compiled from Keiko Nosaka, a 20-string koto player, and George Murasaki, a pioneer of Okinawan rock, is an instrumental track from their album "Niraikanai Requiem 1945". As the title suggests, it carries themes of requiem and remembrance, conveying poetic lyricism even without words. Blending Ryukyuan/Okinawan harmonies and indigenous elements, it unfolds as an intimate and nostalgic piece of progressive rock.

Also featured is "Natsu no Kowareru Koro" by Higurashi, a folk-rock band led by Seiichi Takeda, formerly a guitarist of The Remainders of The Clover, the predecessor of RC Succession. Like the opening track "Umi e Kinasai", this song was also produced by Katsu Hoshi. It stands as a folk/new music piece that takes a step into an "otherworldly" realm, recommended for fans of Twin Cosmos and Masumi Hara.

From the enigmatic Blue, the only work left by the mysterious composer S.R. Kinoshita, comes "Mangrove", a hidden treasure of Japan's ambient/new age scene from the CD era. With an oriental and enigmatic atmosphere, the track evokes a mystical world of deep, uncharted jungles, unfolding as an otherworldly New Age Kayō.

"Yaponesia Sakura", selected from Rehabilual’s sole album New Child, is a masterpiece of Japanese new age music. Produced by Swami Dhyan Akamo, a disciple of Indian meditation teacher Osho and a renowned balafon player, the track features Michio Ogawa (Chakra) and Atsuo Fujimoto (Colored Music). Their collective artistry creates an exquisite spiritual ambient pop sound.

"Asa no Hitoshizuku", the opening folk song from Sachiko Kanenobu’s album Sachiko, is also included. Known for her legendary folk album Misora, produced by Haruomi Hosono, Kanenobu’s fourth album after resuming her career was inspired by her experiences living in San Francisco and revolves around the theme of "love." This track carries the same intimate poetic world as Misora, imbued with a pure, crystalline innocence.

From the synth-pop band E.S. Island, known for the Haruomi Hosono-produced *Teku Teku Mami", comes "Yume Fūrin ", selected from their long-lost new age classic Nanpū from Hachijo. Created while the band’s core duo was living in Hachijō Island, the album aimed to sonically capture "the high and happy vibrations of everyday island life." This track offers a dynamic, tribal-infused New Age Kayō experience.

Dubbed "the world's first Min’yō House Mix" "Esashi Oiwake (Maeuta) " comes from Kanazawa Akiko HOUSE MIX Ⅰ, a collaboration between Japanese house music pioneer Soichi Terada and Akiko Kanazawa, a renowned min’yō singer. Through the prism of club music, Hokkaido's Esashi Oiwake, one of Japan’s most iconic folk songs, is transformed into a futuristic ambient pop piece with intricate sound design.

The compilation also includes "Sweet Ong Choh", a track from Voice From Asia, a group active between 1989 and 1992 featuring vocal artist Shizuru Ohtaka. Taken from their imaginative minimal work Voice From Asia, released under Aoyama Spiral’s music label Newsic, the song presents a tranquil, tribal-minimal soundscape enriched by ethnic instruments.

Hailed by Haruomi Hosono as having “a shaman residing in her voice,” singer-songwriter Nami Hōdatsu also appears in the selection. Known for her collaborations with Henry Kawahara, her debut album featured "Asa-Hikari-Ame-Yume", a track that now stands as a precursor to modern vocaloid/synthesized vocal music—a hidden gem of post-choir aesthetics that deserves rediscovery.

Likewise, "Tennessee Waltz", from Naomi Akimoto’s album One Night Stand, supported by members of Mariah, serves as another early prototype of vocaloid/synthesized vocal music. The track weaves fragmented vocal samples, pastoral yet sweetly minimal synth sounds, and mechanical beats into a strikingly unconventional piece in the history of Japanese music.

Closing the compilation is "Heaven Electric", a track from Nav Katze’s album Gentle & Elegance, which featured remixes by Autechre, Seefeel, and Sun Electric. Merging elements of IDM, ambient techno, and chillout, the song embodies an optimism reminiscent of space music while seamlessly blending a mystical Japanese aesthetic—an ambient pop masterpiece.

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The album presents 12 exquisite pop tracks infused with an ambient feeling, resonating deeply with the evolving landscape of the mid-2020s—a time of post-hyperpop and Y2K revival.

Tsunaki Kadowaki (Compiler)

Born in 1993 in Yonago, Tottori, Tsunaki Kadowaki is a staff member and buyer at Kyoto’s Meditations record store. He is the editor of New Age Music Disc Guide (DU BOOKS) and a contributor to Music Magazine, Record Collectors' Magazine, ele-king, and more. Kadowaki has written liner notes for multiple Japanese releases (Brian Eno, Masahiro Sugaya etc.) and runs the Sad Disco music label under Disk Union. He also curates Spotify’s official New Age Music playlist and performed as a DJ at YCAM’s Audio Base Camp #3 in 2024.

Members went on to Sinkane, and Pompeii, This Morning. Originally recorded in the
summer of 2005 out west, while on tour, by Vince Tennant. The recording had been
shelved and unreleased. In 2023, Expert Work Records reached out to Sweetheart and
got the recording re-mastered. It will be released on limited vinyl and digital.
This is also a companion piece/ record with EW018 (Sweetheart- The Process of
Making Us Well). We highly suggest getting both records.
Sweetheart's "The Unbearable Tightness Of Being" is one of those records you should
put on your radar as soon as possible. A rediscovered artifact from 2005, the album is
a sonic panorama that intricately incorporates post- hardcore, noise rock, punk,
screamo, and indie elements into an innovative and complex sonic landscape. The
guitars, wielded with finesse, serve as the driving force behind Sweetheart's sonic
assault. From the opening chords to the closing refrains, they deliver a relentless
barrage of riffs that defy predictability. The interplay between the two guitarists
manifests as a dynamic dialogue - a musical conversation that seamlessly transitions
from chaotic dissonance to moments of clarity. Catchy, intricate, and hypnotic chord
progressions unfold, evoking the spirit of At The Drive-In and Fugazi while carving a
distinct sonic identity.
However, it's not merely about sonic assault; Sweetheart infuses the album with a
nuanced approach to melody. Amidst the aggressive riffage, this material treats
listeners with moments of harmonic beauty and unexpected melodic twists. Themes,
leads, melodies, and harmonies intermingle, creating a rich auditory experience that
transcends the boundaries of conventional post-hardcore.
The production quality of this long- lost gem further accentuates its brilliance.
Recorded in 2005 but kept in the shadows due to financial constraints and a desire for
perfection, the album has now found its moment in the sun. Expert Work's decision to
release the LP in 2024 has allowed audiences to appreciate the intelligent
craftsmanship that went into its creation.
"The Unbearable Tightness Of Being" is more than a musical journey; it's a sonic
exploration transcending all the possible sonic boundaries. Sweetheart's commitment
to experimentation and honesty, as emphasized by band members reflecting on their
creative process, is palpable. The act of listening, treated as a discipline, is evident in
the careful construction of each track - a result of repetitive practice, internalization,
and an unwavering dedication to their craft. In the grander narrative of the album's
release, the band's reflections on the passage of time and the meaning of their work
imbue the music with a poignant depth.
"The Unbearable Tightness Of Being" is a mandatory addition to any record collection.
It's not just a revival of the early 2000s scene; it's a sheer example of Sweetheart's
enduring brilliance and a celebration of a significant part of their musical legacy.

These two vinyl records showcase the legacy left by the boogaloo movement in Peru between 1966 and 1975. They comprise twenty-two songs by seventeen artists who recorded on the remarkable local label MAG more than five decades ago and now invite today’s new generations to dance body and soul to these re-releases. You will find outstanding tracks by the likes of Tito Chicoma, Melcochita, Los Kintos, Otto Rojas, Coco Lagos among many others. MAG was one of the most important and prolific labels in Peru and, though it also was involved in releasing a lot of other types of music, its specialty was the tropical variety, which coincidentally, DJs and collectors seem to crave most. Peru developed a major boogaloo scene in the mid-60s, far from the genre’s place of origin, New York, where iconic songs like 'Bang Bang' and 'El Pito', fused soul and funk with Latin sounds, conquering dance halls and winning extensive radio airplay. The music trend soon spread to Caribbean countries and from there made the geographical leap to the city of Lima. 'El Pito', the collective creation of the Joe Cuba Sextet, was particularly popular. Shorn of overelaborate arrangements, the improvisation and spontaneity of the song resonated with the young generation who were avid for new music after the U.S. placed an embargo on the distribution of Cuban music. In July 1966, Rebeca Llave´s label, Disperú, released the 45 RPM of 'El Pito' (and Joe Cuba's LP), promoting the single in the most prestigious newspaper in the country: El Comercio. The press information stated that the record had sold seventy thousand copies in New York and fifty thousand in Los Angeles. That same year local dance versions by the bands of Alfredo Linares (MAG) and Lucho Macedo (El Virrey) were released, followed by another by the band of the Argentinean musician Enrique Lynch who was based in Peru (Sono Radio). These records were a hit with a new generation that embraced Lucho Macedo's band and the garage rock of Los York's with equal enthusiasm. Although Joe Bataan claimed that boogaloo was killed off at the end of the sixties by the labels and their veteran musicians (who conspired against the new generation of singers), Pete Rodriguez, Richie Ray and the Lebrón Brothers continued to release boogaloo records in Peru, but salsa music soon took over.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY has had more than its share of out-of-nowhere bands following from the second big bang that was punk rock. The Babylon Dance Band, Circle X, Your Food, Squirrel Bait, Bastro...these are but some of the exceptional music acts originating in Louisville after 1977. Now it"s time for the great secret of the Louisville first-wave punk scene to be revealed: The Endtables. The Endtables were the crazed brainchild of guitarist Alex Durig, brooding chess-master of the amplified freak-out, and singer Steve Rigot, a flamboyant transgender giant from the shores of southern Indiana who reinvented himself as a Warhol Factory superstar. Like Scarlett O"Hara wrapped in a green velvet curtain, Rigot crafted his own glamorous reality from what was available in the blasted cultural landscape of 1970"s Kentucky. Gold spray paint, duct tape, Ace bandages ... a spectacularly other trailblazer who caused folks to toss their received ideas of beauty and go with the new thing instead. The band first took the stage in late 1978 and was finished by the summer of 1980. In the fall of 1979 they recorded six tracks at a Louisville studio, four of which came out on a 7" EP on their own Tuesday Records. The two remaining tracks ("White Glove Test" and "Trick or Treat") were issued as a single on Self Destruct records in 1991. Both records are among the rarest of any American punk release - more sought after than seen, passed on disintegrating cassette tapes and shouted over upon impact. The music of The Endtables is another chapter in pure American weirdness, as jaw-locking today as the day it was recorded. The scent of modern can be detected in Steve Rigot"s remote vocalese, set against Alex Durig"s guitar outbursts, while drummer Steven Jan Humphrey and bassist Albert Durig (age fifteen!) supply frenzied rhythm. The band rocks its fevered vision to a ferocious degree while Rigot grimly rhymes the truths that remained locked out of the public"s pop tastes in "79-"80. Thirty years of rap and roll later, The Endtables seem inevitable.

The lost companion EP to The Unbearable Tightness of Being, by Ohio's,
Sweetheart
Recorded by the band in a warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, spring 2005.
A single sided 12" record containing one 12 minute song. Limited to 300 copies on
180 gram vinyl and digital.
This record is meant to go together with EW017- Sweetheart- The Unbearable
Tightness of Being LP. We highly suggest getting both records.
Sweetheart's latest offering, "The Process Of Making Us Well," serves as an intricate
sonic landscape woven with a fearless fusion of genres, defying the established
norms of post- hardcore. This one- track EP, released under theExpert Work Records
banner, is not just an auditory journey but a rock-solid proof of their ability to blend
post-hardcore, noise rock, punk, screamo, emo, and indie influences into an immersive
sonic experience that transcends conventional boundaries. Setting themselves apart
from the early noughties post- hardcore scene, Sweetheart skillfully navigate away
from the cliches that often haunted many underground acts of the era. "The Process
Of Making Us Well" unfolds as an epic composition, a 12-minute sonic odyssey that
takes the listener on a transformative journey. The band showcases a mastery of
dynamics, skillfully transitioning from serene, ethereal instrumentations to intense,
powerful crescendos, creating an emotional landscape that captivates the listener
from scratch to finish.
Released as part of Expert Work Records' series, "The Process Of Making Us Well"
holds the distinction of being Sweetheart's longest recorded piece. The record arrives
in a high- quality cardboard sleeve, decorated with an entirely minimalistic lettering,
leaving audio content in the sole focus. It's a wise choice, considering that
Sweetheart's music deserves your utmost attention. "The Process Of Making Us Well"
is an essential exploration into endless possibilities of post- hardcore, noise rock,
screamo, and emo music. Sweetheart, sadly overlooked amidst a sea of similar bands
during their era, emerges as a beacon of innovation with this remarkable release. "The
Process Of Making Us Well" solidifies Sweetheart's status as one of the best bands of
their time, a hidden gem deserving of retrospective recognition and appreciation

After many years of artistic collaboration, the long-awaited album, KILLING TIME, bringing together London-based MC Killa P and Italian Bass music collective Numa Crew, has finally arrived.

Killa P, a name synonymous with potent lyricism and raw energy in the Grime scene, delivers a vocal masterclass throughout his debut long-player, soundtracked by the stellar production of the Numa Crew. Together they expertly navigate genres including dubstep, grime, dub, and jungle, while maintaining a distinct and cohesive musical identity.

Not simply a collection of individual tracks, Killing Time is a meticulously crafted journey through sound system music. There are no stylistic boundaries, as the long-player encompasses the entire musical spectrum that unites the Italian crew with the London-based MC, with Killa P free to showcase his evolution as an artist. Alongside them, the album also brings together a diverse cast of friends and collaborators, vocalists, and producers, each adding their own unique flavor.

From the pulsating dubstep-infused Boys in Blue, a searing commentary on social inequality, to the reggae-tinged steppa tune Love Inna We Heart featuring Charlie P and Long Range, a plea for unity and love, Killa P's lyrical dexterity shines.

Tracks such as Champion Sound, Badman City Pt.2 featuring the French Ragga legend Big Red, and No Laugh featuring Big Chain and Bristol’s Buggsy are a nod to Killa P's roots, beautifully showcasing his mastery of grime's signature sound, while the sped-up tempos of the Fleck collaboration Jungle Leng, and Can't Get Me Down featuring Ras Demo, inject a jolt of Junglist attitude. Different Life is a vibrant ‘carnival’ jam, that infuses grime and dancehall moods and sees the great Lady Lykez on the second verse.

The album wraps on a contemplative note with Dreaming, a collaboration with Abstract Sonance, and Heartless, featuring Killa’s son GK on production, revealing an introspective note that adds yet more depth to Killa P's artistry.

As the album’s second track, Family, proclaims: ‘man a deal with family, not friends’ - a fitting line to define the album as a whole… An ode to the unity and strength of family.

White LP. Born out of the early 1980's Austin noise punk scene, Scratch Acid deliberately eschewed the loud, fast rules of hardcore as everything they didn't want to be and embraced a weirder, artier sound. Prior to the release of their 1984 debut S/T EP, someone gave Touch and Go Records owner Corey Rusk a cassette of the recording, and he was instantly a huge fan. Rusk was immediately interested in releasing the EP and contacted the band to express his admiration. At the time, Scratch Acid had already committed to working with Rabid Cat Records, who released the band's debut release S/T EP (1984) and their only full-length album, Just Keep Eating (1986). The group quickly developed a riveting performance aesthetic, and, as the debut S/T EP made its way around the country via fanzines, college radio, and word-of-mouth, the band mounted short tours to the Midwest and the East Coast. After playing a total of 146 shows, Scratch Acid broke up after the long tour that followed the release of the Berserker EP (Touch and Go Records, 1987). Since that time, the band have had many imitators, and many alternative bands have cited Scratch Acid as one of their influences.

The late, great Calvin Keys’1971 debut album for the Black Jazz Records label announced the arrival of a new star in the jazz guitar firmament. Keys had spent the ‘60s backing up the crème de la crème of jazz organists—Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Richard “Groove” Holmes—but for his first record as a leader, he was eager to play with a piano player instead. So he recruited one of the best—Larry Nash, who, besides being a member of the L.A. Express, played with everybody from Eddie Harris to Bill Withers to Etta James. Bassist Lawrence Evans, drummer Bob Braye, and flautist-songwriter Owen Marshall rounded out the group on Shawn-Neeq, which might remind some of Pat Metheny’s early work (Metheny acknowledges Keys as an influence), or Grant Green.

But what gives Shawn-Neeq extra depth is that it comes from the heart; as Keys says in Pat Thomas’ liner notes, which feature an interview with the artist: “My thing was, I write about some of the experiences that I’ve had in my life.” Keys became a fixture in the Bay Area jazz scene before he passed in April 2024; this is the album that started his journey. Another gem from the celebrated Black Jazz catalog, pressed in blue with black swirl vinyl limited to 750 copies!

The late, great Calvin Keys’1971 debut album for the Black Jazz Records label announced the arrival of a new star in the jazz guitar firmament. Keys had spent the ‘60s backing up the crème de la crème of jazz organists—Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Richard “Groove” Holmes—but for his first record as a leader, he was eager to play with a piano player instead. So he recruited one of the best—Larry Nash, who, besides being a member of the L.A. Express, played with everybody from Eddie Harris to Bill Withers to Etta James. Bassist Lawrence Evans, drummer Bob Braye, and flautist-songwriter Owen Marshall rounded out the group on Shawn-Neeq, which might remind some of Pat Metheny’s early work (Metheny acknowledges Keys as an influence), or Grant Green.

But what gives Shawn-Neeq extra depth is that it comes from the heart; as Keys says in Pat Thomas’ liner notes, which feature an interview with the artist: “My thing was, I write about some of the experiences that I’ve had in my life.” Keys became a fixture in the Bay Area jazz scene before he passed in April 2024; this is the album that started his journey. Another gem from the celebrated Black Jazz catalog, pressed in blue with black swirl vinyl limited to 750 copies!

Born out of the early 1980's Austin noise punk scene, Scratch Acid deliberately eschewed the loud, fast rules of hardcore as everything they didn't want to be and embraced a weirder, artier sound. Prior to the release of their 1984 debut S/T EP, someone gave Touch and Go Records owner Corey Rusk a cassette of the recording, and he was instantly a huge fan. Rusk was immediately interested in releasing the EP and contacted the band to express his admiration. At the time, Scratch Acid had already committed to working with Rabid Cat Records. The group quickly developed a riveting performance aesthetic, and, as the debut S/T EP made its way around the country via fanzines, college radio, and word-of-mouth, the band mounted short tours to the Midwest and the East Coast. While he was not able to work with Scratch Acid directly through Touch and Go, Rusk had begun booking shows with Scratch Acid in Detroit, so he could see them live and meet them. A friendship formed, and Touch and Go Records would eventually release the band's second EP, Berserker, in 1987.

Known as one of the leading voices in the European roots scene, Ina's explosive live
performances and powerful, honey- dripping vocals have captivated audiences for
over a decade. With this new release, she takes listeners on an emotional and groovy
journey of rediscovery and resilience.
Recorded in Helsinki with a team of Finnish musicians and produced by Michael Bleu
and Ina, After Dark Hour is steeped in Retro Soul, Funk, Motown-inspired grooves, and
R&B. The energy of live performance was a driving force behind the album's creation.
"I wanted to make songs that would be fun to play live, songs that would make people
leave my shows sweaty and smiling,"
The title track, After Dark Hour, was the spark that reignited her creativity after over a
year of writer's block. "I was going through it--what I call the postpandemic blues. I
couldn't get myself to write songs or even listen to music. Then one day, I wrote the
title song, and it was like magic. It was such a relief to know I still had it in me after a
year of not having it. After dark hour represents the first moment you see the light
coming through the blinds you've been keeping shut. It's the feeling
that things are finally getting better."
The album takes listeners through an eclectic mix of soul sounds, from sultry power
ballads to James Brown- style funk explosions, tender sweet soul, and uptempo
Motown grooves. The lush production includes cinematic strings, bold horns, and
gospel-like backing vocals, all serving as a backdrop to Ina's signature vocals.
Ina has been performing since she was 17, dedicating her career to crafting music
that blends classic soul with her unique voice and vision. With After Dark Hour, she
delivers an album that invites listeners to dance through life's darkest moments.

Born out of the early 1980's Austin noise punk scene, Scratch Acid deliberately eschewed the loud, fast rules of hardcore as everything they didn't want to be and embraced a weirder, artier sound. The band's eventual permanent line-up consisted of David Yow on vocals, Brett Bradford on guitar, David Wm. Sims on bass, and Rey Washam on drums. During their brief existence from 1982 to 1987, the band released 3 records, including a full-length album (Just Keep Eating) and two EPs (S/T EP, Berserker). On March 14, 2025, Touch and Go Records will release the Scratch Acid Box Set - limited to 2000 sets worldwide. Remastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service, the box set includes 180-gram clear LP pressings of all three releases as well as a 24-page booklet featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, liner notes by David Yow, Brett Bradford, and photographer/journalist Pat Blashill, as well as full-color paintings by contemporary artist Mark Todd from the same era as the cover art for the S/T EP and Berserker releases. In addition, this limited Scratch Acid box set includes an exclusive clear vinyl 7" with both tracks the band contributed to the 1986 Touch and Go Records compilation, God's Favorite Dog. The 7-inch includes cover art by Mark Todd as well.

On her forthcoming record, Rose Cousins holds our hands as she guides us on a journey through the "conditions of love." Ever the emotional explorer, the acclaimed, Nova-Scotia-based folk artist seeks truth, in all its imperfection, in the depths of our most complicated of emotions: love. Co-produced with trusted friend and longtime bandmate Joshua Van Tassel, this new collection of songs sees Rose return to her first love, the piano. “Piano is where I feel the most connected. It’s the best partner in expressing the emotion I’m mining,” she shares. Rose’s work as garnered her two JUNO Awards (2013’s We Have Made a Spark & 2021’s Bravado), two Canadian Folk Music Awards, eleven East Coast Music Awards and one Grammy nomination (2018’s Natural Conclusion), along with praise from the likes of the CBC, No Depression, LA Times, Billboard, Folk Alley, and NPR, who raved “Cousins’ disarmingly fluid vocal tone has the ability to convey the most internalized feelings without an ounce of fuss.” Over the years, she has shared stages with Patty Griffin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jann Arden, Bruce Cockburn, Josh Ritter, Kathleen Edwards, Joe Henry, Aoife O’Donovan and Anais Mitchell, and her music has fittingly underscored scenes from notable TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Fire Country, Station 19, and Batwoman, along with several independent films.

Cumulating tens of millions of streams with hits like ‘Jump up Pon It’, ‘Heal Them’ or ‘Supanova’, BROTHER CULTURE is a true icon of the global reggae and dub scene. As one of the UK’s most influential voices, his career has spanned decades, earning him legendary status and a devoted following worldwide.

Now, Brother Culture joins forces with Swiss reggae powerhouse THE 18TH PARALLEL to deliver ‘Ghetto Man’, a commanding anthem of social emancipation. This track blends Brother Culture’s unmistakable lyrical prowess with The 18th Parallel’s hardcore roots-driven sound, creating a powerful call to rise above adversity and fight for justice. Brother Culture’s reputation as a trailblazer in reggae and dub shines through in every verse, while The 18th Parallel cements their place as a leading force in modern roots music. Together, they’ve crafted a track that resonates deeply, speaking to both the struggles and the strength of communities worldwide.

Adding to the magic is the presence of Paolo Baldini DubFiles on the mix, turning the song into a sound system killer with his dub effects. A true mix lesson that connects with reggae enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Stass is the perfect German/Swedish collaboration in the old school death metal scene.

Old school 90’s death metal, where the guitars have a fat sawing sound.

Brutal vocals by Crematory-singer Felix Stass.

Together again with his Swedish buddy master-guitarist Rogga Johansson, and new Dutch bass-player Alwin Roes (Dead End, Stygian Dark), this album brings Stass to the next level!

“New Dead World Order” is the 3th full-album by Stass, after “The Darkside” (2017) and “Songs Of Flesh And Decay” (2021).

For fans of: Carnage, Dismember, Lik, Unleashed, Paganizer, Crematory, Entombed & Entrails.

Stass is the perfect German/Swedish collaboration in the old school death metal scene.

Old school 90’s death metal, where the guitars have a fat sawing sound.

Brutal vocals by Crematory-singer Felix Stass.

Together again with his Swedish buddy master-guitarist Rogga Johansson, and new Dutch bass-player Alwin Roes (Dead End, Stygian Dark), this album brings Stass to the next level!

“New Dead World Order” is the 3th full-album by Stass, after “The Darkside” (2017) and “Songs Of Flesh And Decay” (2021).

For fans of: Carnage, Dismember, Lik, Unleashed, Paganizer, Crematory, Entombed & Entrails.

Stass is the perfect German/Swedish collaboration in the old school death metal scene.

Old school 90’s death metal, where the guitars have a fat sawing sound.

Brutal vocals by Crematory-singer Felix Stass.

Together again with his Swedish buddy master-guitarist Rogga Johansson, and new Dutch bass-player Alwin Roes (Dead End, Stygian Dark), this album brings Stass to the next level!

“New Dead World Order” is the 3th full-album by Stass, after “The Darkside” (2017) and “Songs Of Flesh And Decay” (2021).

For fans of: Carnage, Dismember, Lik, Unleashed, Paganizer, Crematory, Entombed & Entrails.

Gold vinyl. Building on the momentum of their debut, Shooting Star returned in 1981 with Hang On for Your Life, a dynamic follow-up that further cemented their place in the AOR rock scene. The album delivered a mix of anthemic rock and melodic hooks, with standout tracks like "Hang On for Your Life," "Hollywood," "Breakout," and "Are You on My Side" all receiving steady radio airplay. One of the album's most unique moments came with "Flesh and Blood," an up-tempo rock song featuring a soaring violin solo_a rarity in the genre that highlighted the band's signature sound. While the record found success on rock stations, it also marked the end of an era, as founding keyboardist Bill Guffey departed the band following its release. With Van McLain, Gary West, Charles Waltz, Ron Verlin, and Steve Thomas still at the helm, Hang On for Your Life captured Shooting Star at their peak_an ambitious, hard-driving rock band with a sound that was both melodic and powerful.

White/Gold Sunburst Vinyl. Building on the momentum of their debut, Shooting Star returned in 1981 with Hang On for Your Life, a dynamic follow-up that further cemented their place in the AOR rock scene. The album delivered a mix of anthemic rock and melodic hooks, with standout tracks like "Hang On for Your Life," "Hollywood," "Breakout," and "Are You on My Side" all receiving steady radio airplay. One of the album's most unique moments came with "Flesh and Blood," an up-tempo rock song featuring a soaring violin solo_a rarity in the genre that highlighted the band's signature sound. While the record found success on rock stations, it also marked the end of an era, as founding keyboardist Bill Guffey departed the band following its release. With Van McLain, Gary West, Charles Waltz, Ron Verlin, and Steve Thomas still at the helm, Hang On for Your Life captured Shooting Star at their peak_an ambitious, hard-driving rock band with a sound that was both melodic and powerful.

Following the Nairobi Sisters 45 in 2023 and Revolutionaries LP in 2024, 333 is back for 2025 with another rare mid-1970s cut out of Winston Jones' Flatbush-based Flames label catalogue.

It is issued here under license from Jones, aka the original singer and composer of Stop That Train with the Spanish Town Skabeats aka The Spanishtonians. Making the move from JA to NYC in the early 1970s he established and ran the state-side Flames label, nursing it into a key imprint in Brooklyn's reggae scene from the mid-1970s until the early 1990s. This in-demand roots cut features a stellar horn section in combination with urgent, soul-inflected vocals from Glen Hutchinson. Backed with a killer stripped-back dub.

Red vinyl. Released in 1982, III Wishes marked a new chapter for Shooting Star, as it was their first album without founding keyboardist Bill Guffey. Despite the lineup change, the band continued to refine their signature blend of melodic rock and soaring instrumentation, further establishing themselves in the AOR scene. With Van McLain, Gary West, Charles Waltz, Ron Verlin, and Steve Thomas still leading the charge, III Wishes showcased powerful hooks, tight musicianship, and the band's signature violin-infused rock sound. While it didn't achieve mainstream superstardom, the album reaffirmed Shooting Star's underrated brilliance and commitment to delivering heartfelt, high-energy rock.

Red/Black splatter vinyl. Released in 1982, III Wishes marked a new chapter for Shooting Star, as it was their first album without founding keyboardist Bill Guffey. Despite the lineup change, the band continued to refine their signature blend of melodic rock and soaring instrumentation, further establishing themselves in the AOR scene. With Van McLain, Gary West, Charles Waltz, Ron Verlin, and Steve Thomas still leading the charge, III Wishes showcased powerful hooks, tight musicianship, and the band's signature violin-infused rock sound. While it didn't achieve mainstream superstardom, the album reaffirmed Shooting Star's underrated brilliance and commitment to delivering heartfelt, high-energy rock.

Leon Thomas is of course famed as one of the most important voices to have emerged from the 1960s jazz scene. He worked alongside Pharoah Sanders and Lonnie Liston Smith, co- composing ‘The Creator Has A Master Plan’.

At Flying Dutchman some of his records took lessons from contemporary soul resulting in wonderful fusions. Here we present two of his very best on 7-inch for the first time.

Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest is the highly anticipated fourth studio album, and second with Edition Records, by renowned South Korean/ Amsterdam based drummer and visionary composer Sun-Mi Hong solidifying Hong’s position as one of the most inventive and creative drummers and musicians of her generation. Meaning of a Nest, embodies the album’s exploration of home and community, reflecting Hong’s decade-long journey from South Korea to Amsterdam and her efforts to build new networks and establish roots in a vibrant new environment.

Musically, Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest offers an inventive and spacious soundscape, seamlessly blending meticulously crafted compositions with elements of improvisation. This fusion ensures each track resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Hong’s unique approach grants her band members creative freedom within her structured frameworks, resulting in adynamic and genuine listening experience. Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest stands as a testament to Sun-Mi Hong’s artistic evolution and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, positioning her as a formidable presence in the European music scene and beyond.

Founded in Lombardy in early 2023 and now hailing from different parts of Italy, RESCÜE CAT is an energetic hardcore band bursting with attitude and... love! Starting off as friends in the local scene, they're now ready to make their mark as one of the fresh faces of Italian hardcore. With performances at major events like Venezia Hardcore and Built to Blast already under their belts, they've developed a distinct style that mixes intense, emotional lyrics, tight compositions, and dreamy imagery.

Pink vinyl. Founded in Lombardy in early 2023 and now hailing from different parts of Italy, RESCÜE CAT is an energetic hardcore band bursting with attitude and... love! Starting off as friends in the local scene, they're now ready to make their mark as one of the fresh faces of Italian hardcore. With performances at major events like Venezia Hardcore and Built to Blast already under their belts, they've developed a distinct style that mixes intense, emotional lyrics, tight compositions, and dreamy imagery.

Microwave is celebrating 10 years of their beloved debut album Stovall, released August 2014, with this special
anniversary vinyl. Atlanta-based Microwave are strongholds in the emo/post-hardcore scene, releasing four full-length albums over the last 10 years including 2024's Let's Start Degeneracy.

Die experimentelle LP Krazy Karl von NNAMDI aus dem Jahr 2020 wurde von dem Looney Tunes und Merrie Melodies Komponisten Carl Stalling inspiriert. Eine fast komplett instrumentale Reihe von surrealen, jazzigen, cartoonhaften Drehungen und Wendungen, die daran erinnern sollen, wie es ist "wenn dein Gehirn versucht deinen Schädel zu verlassen, du es aber immer wieder in deine Nase zurückstößt". Es ist eine weitere Reizüberflutung von einem Künstler, der zu erfinderisch ist, um ignoriert zu werden. Nicht als Streaming verfügbar und ursprünglich in einer kleinen Auflage von 300 LPs veröffentlicht, die sofort ausverkauft waren. Hier die 2025 Nachpressung.

A true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography, Renascence picks up where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the United States and UK. Renascence tells the story of a band that never fully got its due back in the day; but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves – politically aware, and spiritually positive with infectious grooves.

The single release from Jimi Tenor's second thematic album on Timmion Records offers two very different moods. "Summer of Synesthesia" takes us back to those dreamy summer days, a natural overpour of sensations mixing together, sounds becoming colors before turning into flavors. Synthesizers grow into delicate layers over Cold Diamond & Mink's rhythm, and when your heart can hardly bear the beauty of it all, Tenor's soft lyric places the cherry on top. "Tsicroxe" on the flipside couldn't be more different, kicking into gear with a demonic organ arpeggio that sounds like you've just been dropped into a Dario Argento scene. Even though the familiar funk from Cold Diamond & Mink eases the dread a bit, when Tenor busts in with the eerie flute solo, the ritual closes in on its conclusion.

The contents of the backwards vocal bits at the end shall be saved for your turntable so make sure to rewind that track, selector! Also Available From Jimi Tenor & Cold Diamond & Mink: Is There Love In Outer Space? 7", Gaia Sunset 7", Is There Love In Outer Space? LP / CD. The single takes listeners on a sonic journey: “Summer of Synesthesia” flows with warm, dreamlike beauty, while “Tsicroxe” dives into intense, mysterious depths, showcasing Tenor’s dynamic range. Blending synth layers with Cold Diamond & Mink’s classic funk rhythms, both tracks bring elements of 70s soundtrack-style tension and ethereal soul, appealing to fans of both cosmic grooves and suspenseful soundscapes. Tenor’s layered synthesizers, haunting flute, and even backward vocal elements add a captivating texture, making “Summer of Synesthesia” b/w “Tsicroxe” a must-have for fans of genre-blending, atmospheric music.

The emerging Uruguayan label Eviterno Records marks its entrance into the scene with a dynamic debut split EP named “Vendiendo Uruguay por un Vintén” featuring two of the country’s most esmteemed producers, Stonem and Elías Sternin. Known for consistently delivering top-tier productions in recent years, they maintains their reputation with this impressive release.

Stonem on the A side is offering two meticulously crafted tracks rooted in groovy and functional tech house, perfect for the dancefloor. The journey begins with Banana Afair, a track whose resonant basslines are guaranteed to energize any crowd. Following this, Jolgorio takes a more cerebral turn, seamlessly blending acid sequences and intricate drum patterns while preserving the rhythmic groove, a testament to Stonem's alignment with the distinct Uruguayan sound.

On the B-side, Sternin continues the sonic exploration with Quema Madera, a hypnotic and acid-infused piece driven by commanding basslines—an essential tool for any DJ's arsenal. The release culminates with Acúfenos, where Sternin masterfully incorporates melodic elements while retaining his signature intensity, making it an ideal choice for an emotionally charged set closer.

This debut release from Eviterno Records stands as a bold statement, offering a compelling blend of groove, depth, and functional power, making it a must-have for any DJ and vynil enthusiasts.

Artwork by Clara Bonavita & Rina.
Master by Rob Smalls

Issued on le Kiosque d'Orphée in 1979, Voyage aux fonds de la Mer is the only LP by Alain Meunier (not to be confused with French classical music cellist of the same name), and is one of the most elusive collector pieces of the 1970s electronic experimental French scene.

This rare sought after album starts with an instrumental guitar introduction but from the second track onwards it becomes a totally electronic experimental psychedelic trip that can be aligned with the most kosmische side of kraut rock, and of course also with other works by French experimentalists of the era like Pascal Comelade's Fluence or Richard Pinhas' production (including Heldon). Guitar comes in now and then showing also a certain Robert Fripp influence.

Instruments used according to the insert sheet that came with the LP are a Korg 800 DV synthesizer, a K.O. Welson Clavinet, effects like a Fender Echo or a Electroharmonix Small Stone phaser and a fuzz pedal, plus Meunier also used a Gibson Les Paul Custom Guitar, a 12 string acoustic Eko guitar and a 6 string Morris guitar.

First ever vinyl reissue. Limited edition to 500 copies only. Remastered sound.

Fresh new outfit from the mecca of techno gives us an balearic breath of freah air that fits in perfectly with the STAR CREATURE contemplative instrumental funk scene. "STILL DREAMIN" is featured on Side A with "DECLARATION" on the flip. Limited 300 copies.

Since the first release 5 years ago, Jazz Room Records has released an eclectic and interesting selection of releases.

From the Jazzy commercialism of the Take Vibe version of The Stranglers "Golden Brown" (5,000 vinyl single sales) to the 1960's Headshop Sounds of West Coast Fluteman Eric Ghost.

Other notable releases on Jazz Room include the critically lauded album by Vibraphonist Khan Jamal "Infinity", a compilation of Japanese tough funk fusionists indigo jam unit put together by DJ Colin Curtis, Nuyorican Latin House from Tata Vasquez, Jazz Dance Madchester Rave from Cruisic and some South African Holy Grail grooves from Abacothozi! The latest release is the Underground Latin J-Jazz of Copa Salvo, first introduced to London by DJ & Music Legend Jean-Claude.

Next up is an in demand Jazz Funk Obscurity from Educator and Trumpet Player John Lamkin whose self released album "Hot" saw the light of day in 1984 then disappeared into the Rare Jazz ether.

Currently changing hands for €300 and upwards it's again about to see the light of day in 2025!

This is an album that is aptly named with all the elements we love: Latin, Funk, Soul, Jazz and all round Double Hipness. What a Hot item it is too. From the Funky as it gets opening bars of "Ticket" through the Rio bound flight "722", taking in a visit to Wonderland with some Soul Jazz Vocal stylings on "Flower Power" and the Funkiest 17 minute Journey to Trumpet Enlightenment in the Title track "Hot" which is, true to its name, Scorching by the finish line is reached.

Already getting Big Ups on UK Jazz Funk Scene Founder Colin Curtis's Cult Radio Show "Jazz Dance Fusion" it's gonna be getting plenty of plays worldwide at the "Hottest" radio stations and funkiest jazz dance nights near you soon!

Ross Allen: It's brilliant!! Perry Louis: Massive! Dr Bob Jones:I Love Big Time!Colin Curtis: Killer!

Alongside the multiple UK Soul Chart No.1 album "Forward Motion' and trailing the vinyl 2LP issue comes the Georgie Bromfield Remix of 'I'm In Love (Georgie B. Remix)'.

Georgie Bromfield has a proven track record of No.1 Remixes in the Soul market, and is a veteran of the UK Soul Scene from the 1980's Jazz-Funk heyday of his band Second image up until the present day with his current releases by Groove Association.

Georgie has a weekly radio show every Saturday night on GLR. Georgie's remix highlights the vocals of one of Soul Music's 'best kept secrets', Antonio McLendon, a name that has rightly been comparied to Luther Vandross in terms of quality and who happens to be the father of Grammy-award winning Jazz vocalist Samara Joy. This remix is in advance of the vinyl 2LP release of the 'Forward Motion' album.

UK-born DJ, producer and label boss Jimpster debuts on cult label Nu Groove in 2025 with a fresh set of four originals, The Phoenix EP, now on wax. Across this four-track collection, Jimpster showcases over two decades of production expertise, starting with a title track that showcases a club-ready sound built for the underground; ‘The Phoenix’ builds a tight groove through the ebb and flow of overlapping rhythmic patterns. What follows is ‘Lightening In Me’ featuring vocals from East London’s Oliver Night, an electronic artist and songwriter whose work has been supported by the likes of tastemakers Kerri Chandler, Gilles Peterson and Honey Dijon.

Rounding off the EP is ‘Beat Of An Era’ and ‘You Got My Love’, two select cuts that demonstrate Jimpster’s mastery of the deep house scene, complete with dreamy synthwork and jazz inflections. With vinyl alive and well in 2025, The Phoenix EP is a must-have for the modern wax aficionado.

Zy The Way hail from Taiwan and are recognised as pioneers of the jazz scene in Asia. Their signature style is to infuse their work with ancient Chinese poetry and their first outing 'A Different Destiny,' reimagined 3,000-year-old poems curated by Confucius and earned them plenty of plaudits. Now, they unveil two EPs as a prelude to their upcoming album. Collaborating with renowned remixers who operate at the jazz-electronic crossroads, they present 'Ten Acres' with a remarkable remix by Mark de Clive Lowe. Maintaining jazz's essence while igniting the dancefloor, this EP bridges East and West, past and present and shows Zy The Way as a transformative musical force who are pushing boundaries.