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First time vinyl reissue, expanded and deluxe double gatefold 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork and fresh liners written by Paul Hillery (Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours)
Alan James Eastwood's glorious Seeds is a certified folk-funk lost-classic.

But who was Alan James Eastwood? He had never hit the big time and commercial success eluded him. By the mid-1970s, his musical career was pretty much over and he was almost unknown except among deep heads, amongst whom he would gain cult status.

Original copies of the 1971 vinyl release of Seeds exchange hands for high sums, if you can find one. This expanded 2LP contains an extra record, collecting 9 rare non-album singles and is presented in a gatefold sleeve complete with freshly commissioned liner notes courtesy of Paul Hillery (Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours).

With the long overdue deluxe reissue of this prized artefact, we hope to finally shine a light on the unheralded genius of Alan James Eastwood. RIYL Nick Drake, Rodriguez, Richie Havens.

Alan James ‘Bugsy’ Eastwood was a renowned musician and singer who came to prominence in the late 1960s with The Exception, an unsung but excellent band from Birmingham. The Exception released many singles, the first featuring friend Robert Plant on tambourine, before an album, The Exceptional Exception. However, by this time, Bugsy was feeling constrained and restless; he left the band within weeks of the release.

Having vanished from the scene, he was honing a deeper, introspective edge to his songwriting. His demos found their way to the sound engineer and producer Mike Cooper at Pan Music Studios in Denmark Street. Loving what he heard, Eastwood soon entered a recording session with Cooper. The session was just Alan, his guitar and harmonica and - by all accounts - it was remarkable. With the songs, the voice and such an exceptional talent, it was hard to go wrong. Says Mike: "We had John Hawkins do the big string arrangements and Richard Hewson arranged the string quartet. We overdubbed the orchestrations on Alan's original session recordings, adding Chris Karan on tabla and various percussion. We considered re-recording the vocals but found that the magic on that original session was so exceptional overdubbing would not be as good as the atmospheric 'live' performance."

Mike and Alan viewed each track as a different entity, giving the album a diverse sonic palette. Assessing each song individually, they decided which would be suitable for each arranger. Top-flight session musicians were added to the roster to complete the sound, with Byron Lye Fook (father of musician Omar) on drums, bassist Mike Ward, Brian Pickles on marimba and jazz drummer Chris Karan on tabla and percussion. Recorded in a matter of days in Pan's small 8-track studio, they carefully added overdubs, rhythm sections and four string sessions arranged by Hawkins, with Hewson's arrangements recorded at Trident Studios.

Seeds was Alan James Eastwood's debut solo album – indeed, his only solo album - and was originally issued on President in 1971. It melded Eastwood’s impressive rock sensibilities with a folk thread to superb effect. His arresting voice - its deep, rough-hewn soulfulness - coupled with gorgeous string-drenched backing, make this a phenomenal listen. It really is a great 70s singer-songwriter record - with touches of acid-folk and folk-funk throughout.

It opens with "She's Getting Married In August", a mellow tune with Richard Hewson's strings arranged around Alan's straightforward guitar structure. Up next, the joyous, sun-dappled guitar and strings workout "Evenin' Rain" glides by before the fragile, accordion-enhanced "Les Papillons" breezes out of the speakers. The bluesy "Zeena" follows, featuring vocals and acoustic guitar and showcasing Eastwood's effortless harmonica. Starting out as a ballad, "Virgin Morn" builds with soaring strings and gospel-tinged backing vocals from Marilyn Powell and jazz singer Josephine Stahl. The A-side closes with the title track, "Seeds". With a chugging mid-tempo beat, soulful vocals and a beautiful Bacharach-esque string arrangement, it truly is stop-you-in-your-tracks spectacular.

Side B opens with "Crystal Blue", gilded by Lye Fook's marimba, lush gospel-esque backing vocals and handclaps. Eastwood's acoustic guitar begins "Lady Carole", which starts as a bluesy ballad and builds with more string arrangement, lifting the track to another height. A towering highlight of epic proportions, "Lotus Child" is a true masterpiece of arrangement. It opens with simple yet stunning do-do-dah vocal harmonies blended with John Hawkins's strings, bass lines and rhythmic beats, forming a vibe very much in conversation with the sounds coming from LA's Laurel Canyon. Next up, the heartwarming "Last Prayer", dedicated to Alan's first and last love, contains a melancholic vocal with a wistful string-drenched arrangement that would sit comfortably in a Federico Fellini score. Bringing the album to a close, "Hymn For Today" is a melodic raga with tabla, strings and a soft-psych feel. Eastwood's prophetic whisper - "I am real. At last, I am real" - profoundly hits home.

Kicking off the extra disc is the sparsely funky and country-tinged "Boston", released as the flip to the astonishing "Seeds". Next up are the two tracks that comprised Alan’s debut solo 7" single from 1968. The laconic, Bobby Charles-esque "Blackbird Charlie" evidences a real depth and charm in Eastwood's songwriting whilst the starkly brilliant flip, "My Sun", was a horizontal, atmospheric folk-tinged soundtracky precursor to his later work on Seeds.

In 1972, two further standalone singles followed. The first was the evergreen flute-driven folk-funk bomb, "Closer To The Truth", backed by the funky blues of "Strange News". The second, a deeply moving Havens-inspired "Moonchild" - rightly fawned over to this day - was flipped with "Red Shoe Truckin'", a groove-infused track. Eastwood also paired up with Marilyn Powell for a single produced by Powell's partner, Mike Cooper. Under the name Eastwood & Powell, they released their staggering rendition of "Beautiful", a rock-blues-pop song arranged by Ivor Raymonde and written by Carole King. Over on the flip, a funky Eastwood original "Opal Blue Sunday" lurked. This is not to be overlooked.

Over the years, Alan remained active on the music scene, but problems with alcohol and health complications from diabetes severely impacted his career. He spent his latter years living in London until his untimely death from heart failure on 25 October 2007, just one day before his 62nd birthday and without his music having received the real acclaim it so dearly deserved.

This deluxe reissue, spellbinding from beginning to end, should hopefully go some way to rectifying this tragic fact. Mastering for this special double vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry. The original artwork has been lovingly brought back to life at Be With HQ, with the addition of passionately written liner notes specially for this landmark reissue by none other than Paul Hillery.

raum…musik welcomes Italian producer Santos for his debut on the label with Human Factor EP — a versatile four-tracker blending tech house, deep house, minimal, and acid, crafted with the finesse of someone two decades deep in the game.

The EP opens with “Some We Are,” a deep acid house track driven by a steady groove, bubbling 303s, and teasing vocal snippets. Atmospheric pads and warm chords emerge as the track evolves, balancing dancefloor function with rich detail.
“Paragonal” shifts gears with sampled breaks and emotional synth stabs layered over a 4x4 pulse. Hazy vocals and spacey effects give it a bright, euphoric edge while keeping it floor-ready.

On the B-side, “Done Everyday” leans into swing-heavy deep house territory. Shuffled hats, micro-programmed percussion, and a solid sub-bass glue everything together — minimal house with punch and precision.
“Kink In Me” closes the record with a more experimental mood. Sparse and hypnotic at first, it patiently unfolds into a deep, quirky, and rhythmically rich groover of jazzy chords and dubby textures.

With Human Factor EP, Santos delivers a polished and dynamic record that speaks to seasoned diggers and fast-moving dance floors alike. raum…musik continues its tradition of top-shelf, club-focused curation with this timeless release.

Barcelona-based record label Hot Plates, founded by Nico and Dom of Suicide After 7, is thrilled to present its debut release: a four-track EP distributed by Runas. The record is a dynamic journey through analog textures and genre-blurring rhythms, unified by a shared spirit and sonic identity. Crafted with vintage gear like the TR-808, Juno-106, FM synths, and Prophet, the EP showcases a range of moods and energies:

“Blanked” sets the tone with crisp pads, a subtle Chicago house rhythm, and a blend of futuristic and retro synths. It carries an ominous yet invigorating feel—an understated dancefloor burner that slowly creeps in.

“Fish Fry” pushes into darker territory, with an edgy, slightly menacing EBM vibe. Anchored by a gritty FM bass and splashes of sharp percussion, it rolls forward with underground intensity and eerie momentum.

“Orion” shifts the tone into something romantic and nostalgic, channeling classic Italo influences. Soft pads and a hypnotic, pulsing synth create a dreamy, forwardmoving energy that feels both futuristic and wistful.

“Sole Seller” closes the EP with a disco-inspired banger—playful, stripped-back, and built to move. Sparse vocals float above the groove, giving it just the right hint of attitude while keeping it firmly locked in dance territory.

Each track opens a different window into the Hot Plates universe. Together, they form a cohesive, well-rounded EP—diverse in style, but united by that
unmistakable Suicide After 7 essence

TRSN hits release number 36 with a statement from one of the Netherlands' most promising new names. Groef steps up for his full solo debut on the label, delivering four meticulously crafted originals that twist and stretch the parameters of hypnotic, high-impact techno. Fresh off the back of appearances on Delirium Vol. II and a breakout debut EP on Bipolar Disorder, Groef showcases his signature blend of raw textures, tightly-wound percussion, and heads-down momentum. Rounding out the EP are two heavyweight remixes from French powerhouses Bours? and Ferdinger, adding their own flavour while keeping the energy locked firmly to the floor. A bold and confident six-tracker that marks Groef as one to watch.

A disco-funk venture laced with balearic pop as nostalgic as it is buoyant, Dijon-based outfit FLAUR land their inaugural EP on Cosmocities Records. Comprised of three original songs shifting gears between electrifying grooves and washed-out downtempo, plus three remixes courtesy of Art of Tones, Gaettson and Faze Action, ‘Hold On’ speaks the language of lively waves and sun-streaked coasts. By turns explosive and contemplative, the duo’s vision covers a wide span of influences and styles, fusing Californian P-funk with a touch of Supertramp-esque disco and nuances of alternative pop lined with silky funk in the style of acclaimed Versailles band, Phoenix.

Full with suave Wurlitzer piano chords and ultra-syncopated slap bass, the lead-track ‘Hold On’ is an ode to 70s disco pop with its satiny textures, solar-powered melody and a swing bound to cause ravage on the dance floor. The perfect mix of luxuriant disco, vibrant boogie house and supra-sensual cosmic escapology. Even more elating, the layered funk of ’Now’ takes us into a choppy swirl of unshackled pizzicatos, iridescent envelopes and epic vocal flights. Recorded live at Mastoid Studio in Paris, ‘On My Mind’ trades the hi-velocity disco of the first two cuts for a poignant, introspective movement, revolving around the bewitching voice of Florian, a piano and riffs draped in melancholic reverbs. A sonic journey round the confines of soulful dream pop and further intimate songwriting.

In the hands of another rising Dijon-based artist, Gaettson, ‘On My Mind’ morphs into a dance floor-oriented missile, mixing a highly volatile strain of corrosive IDM, sharp breaks and nervy vocal samples. Remixing ‘Hold On’, South of France producer Art of Tones takes us on a proper cosmic trip, laying further emphasis on the original's funky impact through sun-drenched loops a la Alan Braxe and Fred Falke, and a buildup tailored for extended seaside afters; feet buried deep in the sand, head up in the clouds. UK groove legends Simon and Robin Lee, alias Faze Action, round off the package with a chiselled revamp of ’Now’. Slightly accelerated and built for the club, this remix treats us to a pure moment of dance-ready bliss, packed with sinuous rhythms, dynamic bass and fevered percussions.

An elusive and quiet figure amidst the Portuguese electronic scene, Timóteo Azevedo aka Random Gods releases his debut album on Discrepant's sub label Souk after his killer appearance in the long sold out 'Antologia de Música Atípica Portuguesa Vol. 2' compilation back in 2019.
With two previous EPs on Danse Noire and ZABRA, Random Gods' futurist visions project themselves through a scavenger-like body music assembled from the hopes and debris of these uncertain and dread-inducing times. Rituals conjured from metal shards, blunted kickdrums, submerged basslines, reverberating textures, cut up vocals and lazer guided melodies.

The orchestral runs of opener 'Abertura' as a glimmer of nervous light into the deep end bass weight meditations on syncopated kicks and grimey synth stabs of 'Somatiga'. Slow burner 'Pneuma' conjures neon synth lines into its halfstep flow, while 'Acervo' complicates the rhythm further with its profusion of crumbling kickdrums, tossed off claps and tonal percussion. 'Prumoo' dwells deeper into post-industrial ardkore nuum with its merciless drum patterns and molten basslines and 'Alvoro' feels like footwork taken into those same wastelands, with a nervous percussive backbone from some ancient future - take that as you will. Closer 'Ex.Tejo' brims with a certain sunrise melancholy among the storm as if there's still some hope after all.

Let's hold on to it.

Plying refracted rhythms with an exacting poise, Aerae arrives on Samurai Music with a fully formed sound that plumbs the depths between techno immersion and D&B beat science.

An accomplished, palpable tension runs throughout Nefanda, Aerae's second solo release. Following up on the meditative pulse of her debut album on Annulled Music last year, the Paris-based artist digs deeper into ominous atmospheres filled with evocative reverb decays and taut, dynamic drum work - tools she wields to Redner tracks with specific meaning, coded by the Latin framing that runs through all aspects of her musical output. Contemplating the ancient language as an inescapable part of her European roots, on Nefanda Aerae ruminates on external trials and inner impulses, and conjures a jaw-clenching soundtrack to match.

'Mons' (translation: 'Mountain') speaks to challenges, strength and spiritual ascent, marked out by an urgent thrum of conga slaps and a 4/4 kick around the 170 BPM mark that finds power in minimalism even at the relatively high tempo.
The title track opts for a more broken framework, pivoting pointed percussion around a deft sub pulse while turning up the intensity with an exacting poise.

'Nefanda' translates as 'unspeakable,' or 'too horrific to name,' and the fraught, synthetic wraiths contorting through the track convey the dread the title implies.
'Fovea' (translation: 'pit') burrows deeper into spatial design with a looming low end rumble and subliminal sound sculpture, shaping out a dark, introspective chasm tipped towards disassociation. It's a powerful statement in any setting, but the all-consuming bass feels especially crafted for full, physical sound system immersion.

'Phrenesis' (translation: 'frenzy') rounds the EP out in fierce form, building up a high-pressure arrangement from ambient beginnings with ruthless control. There's a sense of duality in motion between half-time and double-time rhythmic elements, every incremental shift adding to the intensity of the track with the elegant, impactful touch that has fast become Aerae's calling card.

Finding her own language within the dialogue between techno, D&B and dark ambient, Aerae's music makes a vivid impression thanks to the ideas and intention that drive her in the studio. Nefanda confirms her status as a leading light in deep, psychedelic dance music, making something extremely personal that also reaches out beyond notions of the self like all the best transcendental music.

Obrador originated from Olympia the capital state of Washington. A multifaceted group that consisted of many members over the years. They were together from 1976-2006 and was led by band leader Michael Moore. The members were, Steven Bentley ~ Drums, Connie Bunyer ~ Clarinet, Guitar, Vocals, Paul Hjelm ~ Guitar, Bass, Trap Drums, Piano, Steven Luceno ~ Bass, Guitar, Michael Moore ~ Keyboards, Michael Olson ~ Percussion, James Pribbenow ~ Saxophone, Vincent Soluna ~ Sax, Vincent Soluna ~ Sax

They recorded 5 albums over the period of 30 years. One track of which “Willow” you will find tucked on the B side of this lovely new release. We wanted you Kats to have great value for money and pack the record with two stone wall Dingwall style killer recordings.

The A side “Blink Samba” was recorded at Russian Hill Studios San Francisco in July 1983, after the group made the long journey down from Olympia and back to record a whole Lp that has lay unissued since 2023 only getting a digital release. We stumbled across the tracks whilst doing some research and was blown away. A few chats with member Michael Olson and we knew these had to be on vinyl. They are pure fire jazz with a slightly latin Esq vibe. We can almost see the sweat dripping from the Jazz dancers as they cascade to the rhythm of the percussion “Blink Samba”

Flip it over whilst the floor is still rocking to the track “Willow” Unlike “Blink Samba’s opening percussion this one kicks in straight away with a rasping baseline. You hold on to the bars like you been strapped into to a rollercoaster and get ready for the ride.

Lars Bartkuhn returns to Rush Hour with “See The Light”, as deep and complex as we have come to expect but as always his ever-present hunt for new inspiration and unique approaches is clearly evident across all 3 mixes of this beautifully deep yet pulsating track!

Originally written as a final foray into house music for the legendary Needs co-founder, this production aimed to “push boundaries within the world of electronic dance music, integrate fresh new elements, bring new compositional perspectives to the listener and to create overall rewarding experiences.”

It’s a deeply personal track, best summarised by the incredible piano solo in the Full Experience Mix. In Lars’ own words, “I am ten million light years away from being a good pianist, but for some reason I NEED to play those kind of things…even if they are raw, primitive and incomplete and lack parameters like elegance, fluidity and wisdom - I need to express myself in that very moment in this exact way.” It’s these unrestrained moments of brilliance that create rich palettes of sound with deep textures, organic rhythms and joyful melodies that keep your ear constantly engaged.

The Full Experience Mix is a near-13 minute trip through lush vocals, complex percussion, deep chords and raw piano solos that guides the listener through the changing motions of “See The Light”. Backed by two dub mixes, Inner Experience hones in on the keys and synths - truly elevating those striking notes. Opening with atmospheric percussion, the Dub Reprise settles into a chugging rhythm that brings the drums to the forefront.

“When a musician/composer really goes ‘all in’ there is almost nothing impossible. If you really pour out your heart and give all the sweat and tears you have you create a kind of zone where everything fits together in mysterious ways.” - Lars Bartkuhn

E-NUMBERS returns with its next forward-facing 12”, this time from label heads The Molecule — the collaborative alias of Bobby ODonnell and Quixano. Blending deep, elastic grooves with stripped-back futurism, the duo serve up two original cuts that channel the spirit of late-night dancefloors with a distinctly UK-informed edge.

On remix duties, tech house pioneer Pure Science delivers a driving, heads-down version primed for sweat-soaked basements, while Oshana reimagines the track with her signature minimal-funk aesthetic — rolling percussion, hypnotic atmospheres, and a masterclass in restraint.

A versatile four-tracker built for discerning selectors, this release further solidifies E-NUMBERS’ dedication to cutting-edge club music with soul and substance.

‘selfsame’, the second 12” on false aralia, mirrors the structure of companion release ‘zero key’ in presenting an iterative exploration of versioning itself, unspooling a line of flight through four ascending rhythmic configurations. the objects at the center remain hard to glimpse: holographic percussion, snatches of breath, contorted blue chords, and roiling subs phase in and out of perception, interlocking, dissipating and reappearing as familiar silhouettes. the slow and quick domains of rhythm superimpose and bifurcate, perpetually just out of grasp, only visible in mutual reflection. the apparent solidity of the structure dissolves into a froth of microscopic activity upon close inspection.

Francis Bebey was a visionary who explored the intersection of African traditions and global music long before it became a global trend. Born in Cameroon, Bebey's sound was an eclectic blend of his rich cultural heritage and his deep exploration of modern music, spanning genres from traditional folk and jazz to funk and electronic experimentation. As an artist, Bebey was ahead of his time, using his unique voice and instruments to forge new paths for African music to be heard worldwide. His legacy is not just in the music he created but in the way he opened doors for the global recognition of African artists, influencing generations of musicians, producers, and fans alike.

This release marks an exciting moment, as we introduce remixes of bebeys iconic productions by contemporary electronic producers, giving new life through creative re imaginings.

Tracks:

Le Grand Soleil De Dieu (Psychemagik Remix): The UK-based musical duo are known for their eclectic blend of electronic music, psychedelic rock and mystical global sounds. Formed by Danny McLewin and Tommy McLewin, the duo has carved out a unique niche within the global music scene though their intricate arrangements. Their Remixes and Collaborations have been with artists like Fleetwood Mac, Tame Impala, and Hercules & Love Affair. Their psychedelic dub remix has otherworldly qualities, with dreamy atmospheres and bouncing baselines throughout this brilliant opening track.

Guinee (Turbotito Edit): The Berlin-based DJ and producer known for his infectious blend of house, disco, and funk. With a knack for smooth, groovy beats and a deep love for melody, Turbotito's music brings a fresh, energetic vibe to the dance floor. On this track, he effortlessly re-imagines and elevates the world of Guinee to match his signature sound. A combination of a great pulsing base line, ethereal vocals and bird sound effects incorporated into the percussion makes this track an absolute stand out.

Agatha (Voilaaa Remix): Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart from Lyon is the brains behind the Voilaaa project. Fusing soulful grooves, funk, and disco with an unmistakable French touch, Voilaaa creates infectious, feel-good rhythms that blend classic and contemporary influences. In this track we find the first big hook of the album vocally, coupled with Bebey's lively humour in spoken French on top of joyous instrumentation. The smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and vibrant arrangements, bring a fresh energy to the original hit track - a brilliant homage.

Forest Nativity (Red Axes Edit): Red Axes are a dynamic electronic music duo from Tel Aviv, blending disco, house, and psychedelic influences into infectious, genre-defying tracks. Known for their unique sound, warm analog textures, and hypnotic rhythms, Niv Arzi and Dori Simao craft music that moves both the body and the mind. Forest Nativity arrives as a full circle closer, incorporating some of the most authentic African instruments such as a Balafon, an instrument similar to a xylophone and a Djembe, a hand drum central to many West African traditions. The 7 minute track is guaranteed to take you on a fascinating journey through Bebey's culture and livelihood.

Franky Wah makes Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Disconnect’ EP, featuring Kuuda. Out on 20th June 2025, the four-tracker sees the acclaimed UK producer make his first appearance on the revered imprint.

A producer known for balancing dancefloor energy with introspective songwriting, Franky Wah’s rise has been fuelled by a string of chart-topping singles, non-stop global club and festival appearances, and the launch of his own imprint and event brand, SHÈN. With musical influences stretching from trance and breakbeat to afro-house and techno, he now brings that rich sound palette to the Crosstown fold for the first time with a release that’s equal parts euphoric and deep as it is driving. Delivering a powerful and emotionally charged four-track release, 'Disconnect' showcases the Yorkshire-born artist’s blend of underground grit and melodic sophistication, featuring two standout collaborations with rising vocal trio Kuuda.

Opening the EP, the title track pairs swirling textures, brooding basslines and crisp percussion with commanding vocals, setting the tone for the journey ahead. The synergy continues on ‘Off The Wall’, a hazy, late-night jam elevated by Kuuda’s signature warped vox interjections. On the flip, ‘Desert Dance’ continues further into hypnotic territory with wicked bass licks and layered synth work, before closing track ‘Freak In The Sheets’ delivers another impactful, heads-down groove laced with attitude. Featured on two of the EP’s four cuts, Brighton-based trio Kuuda continue to emerge as a rapidly ascending vocal project within electronic music. Known for their genre-fluid songwriting and dynamic live presence, their collaborations with Hot Since 82, Yousef and Artche have earned them widespread support from the likes of Pete Tong, Danny Howard and RÜFÜS DU SOL. Blending emotional depth with club-ready impact, ‘Disconnect’ marks an inspired meeting point between Franky Wah’s expansive production style and the Crosstown Rebels spirit—one that looks set to soundtrack dancefloors throughout the summer and beyond.

Nail Tolliday is a legendary figure in the UK electronic music scene, hailing from Nottingham, having founded the influential Velocet and 89:GHOST labels, and currently running the *In The Dance* label, Tolliday has played an integral role in shaping the sound of underground dance music, with a career that dates back to the early 90s, his impeccable reputation spans across a wealth of releases on renowned labels such as Classic, Robsoul, and many others, his discography is nothing short of extensive, earning him praise from some of the most respected figures in the electronic music world, including Andrew Weatherall, Colin Faver, Fred Everything, and Danny Howells, beyond his solo work, Nail Tolliday was also part of the iconic group Bent, and in a further testament to his versatility, he has produced multiple tracks for the globally celebrated Sleaford Mods, his sound evokes the essence of classic house and disco from the early 90s, reminiscent of the pioneering works of DJ Sneak, Romanthony, and others who defined the era's vibrant dance scene, this latest EP is a masterclass in the golden era of dance music, seamlessly blending early house vibes with sultry, disco-infused grooves, it exudes a timeless, classy funk that will captivate any dancefloor, the EP as a whole feels like a cohesive journey through Tolliday's rich musical influences, while also carving out its own identity in the modern dance music landscape, each track on the EP is an essential offering, « Shakey » delivers a funky, infectious rhythm that immediately commands attention, the bassline grooves effortlessly, while the vocal snippets add an extra layer of depth, creating an instant floor-filler, « Oh Well » takes a more melodic turn, with smooth chords and a sophisticated vibe, making it perfect for those late-night moments when the energy is just right, « All I Want » is pure house magic, with soulful, driving percussion and a hypnotic vocal that brings everything together in a silky, irresistible package, « Starz » brings an upbeat, celebratory feel, packed with infectious melodies and a buoyant energy that's impossible to ignore, « Feel Like » wraps up the EP with a deeper, more introspective groove, complete with subtle synths and a rich, atmospheric atmosphere that lingers long after the track ends, this EP is a true testament to Nail Tolliday's legacy, showcasing his ability to create music that is both timeless and relevant, his style, while deeply rooted in the traditions of 90s house and disco, is infused with a modern sensibility that proves why he remains a living legend in the dance music world, strikingly, his sound also recalls the work of another recent house maverick, Soundstream, with its deep, raw grooves and unapologetic commitment to the classic roots of house music.

Black Truffle is thrilled to announce Spilla, the second album from Nantes-based Ensemble Nist-Nah, 48 minutes of music for Gamelan, drum kits, wood and metal percussion instruments, and plucked strings that will surely count as one of the most electrifying records you hear this year. Founded by the Australian drummer/percussionist Will Guthrie in 2019, continuing the explorations begun in solo form on Nist-Nah (Black Truffle, 2020), the ensemble (eight or nine core members with occasional guests) has been consistently active in the half-decade since: composing, rehearsing, recording and touring Europe (with a mass of equipment in tow) to great acclaim. Spilla tracks the continuing evolution of the project since the recording of their first album, Elders (Black Truffle, 2022). The two sides of this record document two different iterations of the group, and the members' compositional input has increased: each side contains one piece by a member other than Guthrie. It has become clearer than ever that Ensemble Nist-Nah is not an attempt at a European Gamelan ensemble but rather a hybrid percussion ensemble that uses instruments from a Javanese Gamelan alongside other percussion to perform original music informed by a variety of South East Asian music but also by everything from free jazz to contemporary hip-hop: while Nist-Nah and Elders both featured traditional Javanese pieces, on Spilla the only tune not generated by a member of the group is by Guthrie’s long-time musical hero and occasional collaborator Roscoe Mitchell.

The two short pieces that open the record could almost be the two sides of a wild 7” selected to show off what the Ensemble can do. On opener ‘Gerak Maju’, intricately skittering open-snare patterns bounce over clanging metal, chiming bell-like tones and deep gong hits, adapting the rhythm-register connections heard in traditional Gamelan musics—where the lowest pitched sounds are heard least frequently—to a cut-up breakbeat straight off Feed Me Weird Things. ‘Strollabout’ then moves into an entirely different realm of meditative repeating patterns, performed entirely on Chinese, Javanese and Vietnamese gongs. The remaining seven pieces, ranging from three to twelve minutes, offer up a wealth of different percussive, compositional and arrangement possibilities. On ‘Ghostly Klang’, two drumkits mirror each other’s moves, bouncing hats and snares across the stereo field in a way that recalls On the Corner and the jittering hi hat patterns of trap, while slow moving melodies on the tuned instruments add a sense of majesty contrasted by scurrying details in resonant wood. The epic closing track presents a take on Roscoe Mitchell’s ‘Uncle’, performed by the Art Ensemble of Chicago on their classic Urban Bushmen live album. Where the Art Ensemble used Mitchell’s dirge-like melody as a jumping off point for virtuosic improvisational flights, Ensemble Nist-Nah rethink the piece as a near-static dialogue between the monumental, slow-moving sequence of unison tuned percussion notes and a textural cloud that grows in richness and intensity from whispering cymbal rolls into a mass of gong overtones and bowed metal.

Beautifully recorded and mixed, Spilla arrives in a sleeve decorated with core member Charles Dubois’ drawings of cymbals and gongs. Against the backdrop of a wider musical landscape dominated by over-produced electronic slop and bland harmonic wallpaper, Ensemble Nist-Nah stands out as a reminder, vital and unpretentious, of the joys and possibilities of human beings playing instruments together.

Hell Yeah have been busy making musical connections and reaching out to like-minded beatmakers once again. This time, it is Pier Paolo Polcari aka Polcari, a founding member of cult Italian band Almamegretta, who steps up with the magnificent new album I Will Try To Imitate The Birds. The eight-track record also features Adriano Viterbini, another Italian music icon and guitarist with the revered Bud Spencer Blues Explosion and I Hate My Village as well as Ubjk, San Ignacio and Sergio Dileo.

Label head Marco first got in touch with Polcari after he remixed Italian cultural hero Sergio Messina's cover of 'Fly Away' back in 2021. The pair began sharing music, discussing their favourite records and, eventually, the natural next step was to work towards the album now served up here.

The multi-talented Polcari is a master of downtempo sounds and as well as several solo projects that fuse trip hop, folk, dub and world music, he made a global mark as part of Almamegretta. The revered Naples band formed in the late 80s and has worked with greats like Massive Attack and Adrian Sherwood across more than 15 albums and are currently on a special 30th anniversary tour. Also playing on the album are Adriano Viterbini, a composer and member of blues-rock outfit Bud Spencer Blues Explosion, San Ignacio who is a downtempo and cumbia innovator behind the much sought-after albums like La Identidad Es Una Trampa and Sergio Dileo, sax player in the much-loved Naples band Nu Genea as well as being a busy jazz collaborator.

Opener 'Jardino' Feat. San Ignacio sets a laidback vibe from the off with gently breaking drums topped with whimsical melodies. 'Vita Nova' is cavernous dub with more lush instrumentals, xylophones and wispy synth motifs making for a world escape and 'Mundo' (Feat. Ubjk) has an air of Eastern melody with delicate pads and glowing keys floating above the pillowy drums. 'The Birds' (Feat. Adriano Viterbini) has fluttering harp strings that bring real beauty to a downtempo groove packed with vocoder vocals, synth smears and organic percussion.

'Orcos Ou Fadas' carries on with a rich blend of strings and percussion, shuffling rhythms and curious moods, 'Raifuki' lurches on moody drums and introverted melodies and 'Ligea' Feat. Sergio Dileo brings some romantic Latin rhythms and seductive clarinet while 'Superluna' completes the odyssey with more wavy dub and magnificent collages of melody and percussion.

I Will Try To Imitate The Birds will lift you off your feet and carry you away to a lush world of cathartic, sun-kissed musical pleasure.

INDEPENDENT RECORD SHOP AND LABEL KLANG TONE RECORDS RE-ISSUE DEBUT ALBUM BY 8 PIECE INSTRUMENTAL EHTIOPIAN JAZZ/AFRO-BEAT/PROG COLLECTIVE;
TEZETA

“Absolutley gorgeous from start to finish…”
- Deb Grant, BBC 6 Music

“An instant obsession. Impeccable rhythms and hypnotic melodies—Tezeta crafts a spellbinding fusion of Addis and Avon that takes you on a journey."
- Don Leisure

“Gorgeous mood music with more than a nod to Addis. Lovely tapestries and textures”
- Matt Temple, Matsuli Music


'Formed in Bristol back in2014 Tezeta were an experimental 8 piece instrumental group effortlessly combining Ethiopian jazz, Afrobeat, prog and improvisation. The band spawned out of the much loved Bloom Collective - a collective of musicians and friends from an experimental corner of the city’s buzzing music scene.

Led by composer, pianist and bandleader Daniel Inzani (Spindle Ensemble, Cosmo Sheldrake) the band also featured tenor saxophonists Andrew Neil Hayes (Run Logan Run) and Lorenzo Prati (Count Bobo, the Evil Usses, Itchigo Evil), Harriet Riley (Spindle Ensemble, Paraorchestra) on Marimba, vibraphone and percussion, Pete Gibbs (Count Bobo) on bass, Conrad Singh (Alabaster dePlume, the Evil Usses) on electric guitar and finally two(!) drummers Matthew Jones (The Brackish, Slate Trio) and Daniel Truen (Yama Warashi, The Evil Usses, Rozi Plain, Count Bobo).

They initially got together to play music from ‘The Ethiopiques Volumes’, in particular, the work of Mulatu Astatke, hence the name Tezeta (Ethiopian for nostalgia) but quickly evolved into their own style with all original material, incorporating many other influences along the way. Their much loved, debut album 'Seventh Place' was released in Sept 2016.

“We at Klang Tone have been admirers of Daniel Inzani’s work with Spindle Ensemble and I was fortunate to catch Tezeta perform before they disbanded. I bought one of the last available copies of their home released cdr at their gig at local Stroud venue The Prince Albert. It became a firm favourite - a recording I keep playing and never got tired of. It’s such a beguiling mix of styles - always evolving and resolving in different ways to what you might expect - some thrilling ensemble playing rhythmically propelled by two drummers and a percussionist with Daniel’s evocative melodies at the centre. I was convinced this was a recording that deserved a bigger audience and felt it needed to be heard on vinyl so I started a conversation with Daniel about releasing it on Klang Tone as it perfectly encapsulated the raison d'être of the shop and label. We didn’t want this recording to languish online barely listened to - I felt it was in danger of becoming a lost classic. I hope that this vinyl release is a worthy testament to this great band and helps draw attention to the creative genius of composer Daniel Inzani and the talented ensemble of players featured on the recording.” - Sean Roe, Klang Tone Records

Tezeta had a cult following among other musicians and were known for their wild group solo wig outs, virtuoso musicianship and creative use of unusual rhythm, harmony and melody. They toured across the UK at various venues and festivals including Glastonbury, Shambala and Green Man, and subsequently released an EP named ‘Curious Bubble’ in 2020.

In 2023 Tezeta performed a sold out final show at Strange Brew, Bristol as Inzani decided to pursue solo releases, notably his critically acclaimed triple vinyl album ‘Selected Worlds’ released on Hidden Notes Records which landed in the Guardian Top 10 Contemporary Albums of the Year in 20204. The third disc ‘Play’ was a clear continuation and development of the music Inzani had developed with Tezeta and featured many of the same musicians.'

The cover image is from ‘Project Rewind’, a double exposure photography collaboration between Karen Dews and Paul Blakemore.
Graphic design by Adam Hinks.

In an ever-expanding musical universe, Azymuth have long existed as a celestial giant, drawing countless artists, musicians and followers into their orbit. Marking fifty years since their 1975 debut album Azimuth, their new album Marca Passo proves that the band’s alchemic brew of Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic samba soul remains as vital as ever, as the group honours the profound legacy of their departed founders.

Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, Marca Passo is the first full-length release since the passing of founding drummer Ivan "Mamão" Conti in 2023, following the earlier loss of keyboardist José Roberto Bertrami in 2012. Alex Malheiros, the sole remaining original member, sees his stewardship of the band’s musical legacy as his spiritual duty. He is joined by the equally devoted Kiko Continentino (Milton Nascimento, Djavan) on keyboards, who has been with the group since 2016, and new recruit Renato Massa (Marcos Valle, Ed Motta) on drums.

Yet since their earliest recorded music, Azymuth have always been far greater than the sum of their parts. The "three-man orchestra’s" unmistakable sound is rooted in Brazil's MPB studio scene of the 1970s and early 1980s—a time when artists blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with global jazz, rock, and emerging psychedelic and progressive elements. Marca Passo continues this legacy, seamlessly fusing Brazilian musical traditions with global influences while showcasing the exceptional musicianship that powers Azymuth's distinctive, multi-dimensional sound.

The album is produced by studio mastermind Daniel Maunick, responsible for Azymuth’s two previous studio albums, Fênix in 2016 and Aurora in 2011. Daniel’s credits also include albums by Marcos Valle, Sabrina Malheiros and Terry Callier. Azymuth also invited Daniel’s father, British jazz-funk royalty Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, of Incognito, to play guitar on a new version of Azymuth’s eighties classic “Last Summer In Rio”, in tribute to the song’s composer, José Roberto Bertrami. Equally, “Samba Pro Mamao” is a new composition dedicated to Azymuth’s beloved original drummer, Ivan “Mamão” Conti.

Credits:

Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals: 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Kiko Continentino - Keyboards, Organ, Vocoder & Vocals: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Renato Massa - Drums & Vocals: : 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Ian Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Sidinho Moreira - Percussion: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Dudu Viana - Keyboards & Vocals: 1
Victor Bertrami - Drums: 1
Mangueirinha - Repinique: 3
Jean Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick - Electric Guitar: 5
Jose Carlos Bigorna - Soprano Sax: 9
Daniel Maunick: Additional Percussion, Synths & EFX: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced, Engineered, Mixed & Arranged by Daniel Maunick
Co-Produced & Arranged by Alex Malheiros
Executive Producer: Joe Davis


Recorded by:
Daniel Maunick & Leonardo Vieira @ Estúdio Nos Trilhos, Santa Teresa, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Amadeu Signorelli @ Sigstudio, Niterói, Rio, Brazil
Daniel Maunick & Alex Malheiros @ Estúdio Basslab, Piratininga, Rio, Brazil
Mixed by Daniel Maunick @ The Sugar Shack, Carluke, Scotland


Artwork & Design: Tyler Askew

Drumcode veteran Oscar L joins forces with Metodi Hristov, a newer recruit to Adam Beyer’s revered techno label, for their collab two-track EP ‘Gravity’. Madrid’s techno/tech house maestro Oscar L has a long association with Beyer’s twin labels Drumcode (‘Again’ LP, 2023, + performing at DC events) and Truesoul inc. solo EP ‘Vulture’ (2022), Dosem collab ‘Aircargo’ EP (2023), ‘Yapper’ w. Max Styler (2024). As well as Adam Beyer, Oscar’s had support from Richie Hawtin, Nicole Moudaber, Joseph Capriati… and also released on Knee Deep In Sound, Stereo Productions, We Are The Brave et al. Bulgaria-based Metodi Hristov brought his unique techno sounds to Drumcode last year, with his debut DC 2-track EP ‘Build To Destroy’. Both tracks, title track and ‘Flatline’, were included in his Sept 2024 Drumcode Radio Studio Mix live from Sofia. With support including Carl Cox and Enrico Sangiuliano, Metodi’s career is swiftly up and coming. ‘Gravity’: the title track hurls itself into the fray with fast, heavy techno beats, reverb-rich growly hoovers, while a contrasting sweetly melodic chopped and processed female vocal holds its own against a dystopian dialogue between two sinister machines in dark, distorted, industrial juddering synth. There’s a lot going on, dark, powerful, and dance-demanding. ‘Up & Down’: full-on attack from the first nanosecond, with very fast beats, layers of percussion and a dark male voice intoning the title riff. An insistent, reverbing, ‘hammered strings’ synth melody competes with a melodic second voice, high and sweet bringing light to very dark shade. ‘D’you feel it now…’, you surely will.

Neba Solo, whose real name is Souleymane Traoré, is a true living legend of Malian music. His voice and balafon playing are unique, instantly recognizable, and deeply cherished throughout Mali.

He gained international recognition with his iconic track CAN 2002, composed for the famous African Cup of Nations. This success opened doors to global stages, leading to tours in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Prestigious labels such as Cobalt and Secousse supported this exceptional period in the artistic journey of this musical genius.

For many years, Neba Solo has closely collaborated with Yaya Diarra, the sound engineer of the legendary Bogolan studio in Bamako. Diarra played a key role in preserving and recording the works of the balafon master from Sikasso. He was also the one who invited Dom Peter to work on a bold and resolutely modern project: an album with more electronic sounds, enriched with drum machines, offering a new artistic direction to Neba Solo’s compositions.

Dom Peter and Yaya Diarra immersed themselves in the studio to conceive and produce this album, titled TUMA DUMA. The result is a perfect alchemy, where electronic rhythms blend seamlessly with traditional percussion, redefining the richness of Malian musical heritage.

These nine tracks explore classic themes of the Mandingue repertoire while showcasing Neba Solo’s unique way of narrating both everyday life and universal stories