Buscar:touch of class

Blue and orange Stardust vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Since 2016, Indiana's Wraith have been emitting their incendiary brand of blackened thrash and speed metal into the world. Summer 2024 will see them release their debut full length under the Prosthetic Records label banner; prepare for Fueled By Fear. What started as a one-man band many moons ago has evolved into a propulsive beast of a band. Channeling a reverence to classic metal from a bygone era, Wraith incorporate their distinctively blistering sonic signature to create something urgent and contemporary. The band have previously described their collective mission as follows: a war of aggression on the dour confines of the modern metal scene and total sonic annihilation. Fueled By Fear captures the raw punk edge of their previous releases; a sound that will already be familiar to converts who have caught the band live in all their full-throttled abrasive glory. The album was self-produced by the band in Griffith, Indiana -, with engineering, mixing and mastering handled by CJ Rayson. Each member brings their own influences and stylistic flourishes to the table, combining to create a tightly wound, cohesive collection of scorching tracks that reflect their individual personalities and tastes.

Hidden Folder returns with its fourth transmission – HDF004 – featuring three original cuts and standout remixes from bullet tooth and K-LONE.

The EP further refines the label’s distinctive blend of UK-rooted club music and stripped-back dancefloor aesthetics.

Opening with ‘Matter of Time’, the title track is a peak-time speed garage weapon – driven by a menacing reese bassline, swing-heavy drums, and deep atmospheric pads.
‘Blurred Line’ follows with a more melodic, emotive touch, already turning heads with early support across the scene.
On the flip, ‘Can’t Get Over’ taps into classic UK Garage sensibilities, pairing housey drum grooves with lush Rhodes chords, chopped vocals, and a warm, rolling low-end.

Remix duties come courtesy of bullet tooth and Wisdom Teeth’s own K-LONE.
bullet tooth flips ‘Can’t Get Over’ into a modern house banger – punchy drums, a snarling peak-time bassline, and undeniable floor energy.
K-LONE takes a more minimalistic route, layering intricate percussion, loopy vocal cuts, and Rhodes stabs with his signature swing and subby finesse.

A forward-facing entry in the Hidden Folder archive – continuing the imprint’s streak of genre-fluid, system-ready club gear.

Mutant is proud to present another contemporary classic from Quebec duo Le Matos, a follow-up to their acclaimed science fiction score, TURBO KID. Released in 2015, the movie TURBO KID became an instant cult hit, and since then, fans have been aching for a video game. This is the future; the world as we know it is gone. You are The Kid, a lone warrior on a journey to cross the Wasteland in search of hope. What you will find on your way, however, is a land riddled with scoundrels and creeps, which you’ll have to go through – sometimes quite literally – to survive. Propelling this madness is an incredible soundtrack by Le Matos returning to the wasteland they helped create in 2015. They cherry-pick influences from the best of electronic music from the past forty years; John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream are all touchstones, but so are Daft Punk or Justice, all put through an 80's synthpop blender. Creating some incredible retro-futuristic synth wave sounds, including an astonishing re-teaming with Pawws for the single To Tomorrow. TURBO KID – A place beyond your dreams, a record beyond your imagination.

The Time Capsule label unites record collectors and DJs of Brilliant Corners and Beauty & The Beat communities in London. For each release, Kay Suzuki works alongside one co-curator to reinstate and repackage the music they hold dear into perfectly restored historic artifacts.

For the first release, Brilliant Corners regular and Meda Fury signing Ryota OPP curates the reissue of Il Guardiano Del Faro’s 1978 album Oasis.

Born 1940 in Milan, Federico Monti Arduini was a child prodigy who studied piano and was already performing at concerts from the age of eight. He composed pop songs for other artists which sold millions of copies, but his own solo success came after he encountered synthesizers in the early 70s.

Viewed as a precursor of New Age sound art, Arduini was one of the first producers in Italy to use the Moog synthesizer and a meeting with Bob Moog in New York only added to this obsession. He was also an early adopter of the tradition among electronic producers to use a moniker to disguise his identity. Il Guardiano Del Faro (translated as “the guardian of lighthouse”) is a nod to the small Italian fishing town Porto Santo Stefano, where Arduini created his studio in the mid-70s.

He produced a number of albums from this seaside idyl of electronic instruments and tape recorders, but Oasis stands out from the pack. Released in 1978, it became a cult classic for its experimental sounds and emotional expressions. Spiritual synth sounds cover the album in a dreamy haze, oscillating between ambient and psychedelic. Sparing deployment of the Roland rhythm box gives dance floor favourites ‘Disco Divina’ and ‘Oasis’ touches of space disco and even teases proto-house elements like the great Sun Palace.

“The passionate, sweet and dramatic sound of Il Guardiano Del Faro made me fantasise about so many romantic aspects of Italian culture. Oasis is sonically more interesting than his other albums and these exotic, eccentric rhythms sound quite familiar to the modern music fans.” – Ryota OPP

Following the resounding success of the first volume, which sold 600 copies during its confinement, Aktshun returns with a second E.P. featuring 6 vibrant, eclectic tracks. This new opus is rooted in smooth Detroit house, high-energy disco-funk, the wild nights of Paradise Garage and the unique ambience of Bronx block parties.
The Aktshun duo, formed by Marotti - producer and creator of electronic instruments - and Marrrtin - DJ, graffiti artist, producer and member of Funky Bijou -, unite their passions for house, disco, hip-hop, funk and musical illustration to offer a rich and captivating sonic experience.
The first track, “Light Headed”, featuring the American singer Saucy Lady, priestess of modern funk, who has collaborated with E Live and J-Zone, among others, blends frenzied percussion, warm Fender Rhodes chords and a heady melodic chorus, ideal for rocking dancefloors this summer.
“Respect” offers a hybrid fusion of house and disco, where we imagine Moodymann crossing paths with Chromeo, buoyed by a hypnotic Moog solo.
“Vibration” pays homage to Loleatta Holloway and her iconic ‘Love Sensation’, evoking David Mancuso's legendary evenings at the Loft, between gospel and dance.
“Brokjazz” has a deep house vibe, blending tropical vocals with bewitching sensuality.
“Chaussette” offers an irresistible jazz-funk groove, while ‘Gonalate’ is inspired by classic disco-funk sounds, with a piano reminiscent of the legendary compositions of bands such as Change, D-Train and West End Records legends.
Finally, the cover of this new E.P. is signed by Brazilian artist NIHAO, bringing a unique and colorful visual touch to this musical creation.

Over the course of nearly a decade making music, Alicia Jeanine and Jed Smith have charted a distinctive course through the history of pop, evoking influences as varied as the 60s folk of early Fairport Convention and Vashti Bunyan, the sunshine pop of Margo Guryan and Laura Nyro, and indiepop touchstones like Dear Nora, Marine Girls and Dolly Mixture. The new album finds Jeanines grappling with themes of personal upheaval and self-excavation, adding weight to their finest set of songs yet. With Alicia's lyrics incisively interrogating connections, ruptures, and time and its reverberations, songs like "Coaxed a Storm," "What's Done Is Done," and "On and On" combine rich melody with co-composer Jed's crisp arrangements (along with contributions from longtime live show bassist Maggie Gaster) to stellar effect. Where How Long Can It Last really shines is, as always, in the songs. While the themes are sometimes heavy, the melodies and harmonies are simply heavenly, elevating these economical songs to give each the feeling of a lost classic. From the first notes of opener "To Fail" to jaunty closer "Wrong Direction," this album announces itself as the work of a band in full command of their art (and craft).

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Chinese Man revisits We've Been Here Before with a special expanded and reimagined edition. On the menu: unreleased tracks, remixes, live versions, and original reinterpretations featuring special guests such as La Yegros, OBF, and Chill Bump. This rework offers a fresh perspective on the trio's universe, driven by remixes from Manudigital, G?EG, and Lorkestra, who bring a wave of modern energy to the group's iconic tracks. The album also revisits Chinese Man's classics, including a brand-new version of Get Up and a powerful live performance of the legendary I've Got That Tune, featuring General Elektriks. A touch of the past, a bold step into the future - this shape-shifting album is a heartfelt anniversary gift.

Renowned UK producer and Freerange co-founder Jimpster steps back into the spotlight with a brand-new 5 track EP that dives deep into the raw, emotional core of underground house music. Blending masterful production prowess with soulful storytelling, this latest release features standout collaborations with two celebrated spoken word artists namely NYC’s OVEOUS and Atlanta via Detroit’s rising star Ash Lauryn. The North Atlantic EP captures the essence of late-night dance floors and a fusion of sounds, all wrapped in Jimpster’s signature warm, analog textures and rolling groove science.

FLO opens the EP with a vibrant pulse - an up-beat groove that wraps around you like incense smoke and island vibes in a Brooklyn basement. Anchored by filtering stabs and a rubbery bassline, the track unfolds with the commanding presence of OVEOUS, whose spoken-word cuts through the haze with razor-sharp clarity. His voice rides the beat like a sermon for the dance floor; straight talk that’s spiritual, and defiantly alive, this is deep house as ceremony for the streets. The accompanying Dub strips back the vocal and introduces additional harmonic elements in the form of piano, strings, and synth washes bringing a warm and musical touch.

On Feel Me, Jimpster crafts a rolling groove built on punchy drums, shuffling percussion, and a soulful vibe which feels both classic and futuristic. Ash Lauryn’s voice glides across the track with cool authority, bringing a seductive vibe to the party. Her voice is perfectly balanced with Jimpster’s atmospheric pads and dubby flourishes creating a contemporary and irresistibly danceable house anthem for the heads.

Two additional mixes of Feel Me bolster an already sturdy package bringing a more straight up, bumpy version on the House Mix as well as a darker, heads down - eyes closed take on the Freakin’ Club Mix.

This EP is more than just a meeting of minds — it’s a dialogue between continents, generations, and frequencies. With FLO and Feel Me, Jimpster continues to affirm his place as a producer deeply rooted in tradition yet always striving to push his sound forward.

Allen Toussaint’s debut as a solo artist, “The Wild Sound Of New Orleans” was released in 1958 under the name of Tousan. In the 60s, he established himself as a songwriter, producer and arranger for a number of labels and generated hits like ‘Working In The Coal Mine’ for Lee Dorsey that got to #8 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. Other classic tracks that Toussaint either wrote, produced or arranged included ‘Fortune Teller’, Lipstick Traces’ and ‘Ooh Poo Pah Do’

It was only in 1970 that he found time to record another solo album, aptly entitled “Toussaint”. As well as serving up his own version Of ‘Working In The Coal Mine’, Toussaint recorded other originals like ‘From A Whisper To A Scream’ and ‘Everything I Do Is Gonna Be Funky’. There were also four instrumental tracks – ‘Pickles’, ‘Louie’, ‘Either’ and a sublime version of ‘Cast Your Fate To The Wind’ listed as ‘Allen Toussaint at the piano’.
The original version of Toussaint was released in 1970 on Scepter records and is now hailed as a soulful classic. Ace were delighted to first reissue it in 1985 as “From A Whisper To A Scream” with the addition of a bonus track and with a slightly different running order.
On “Toussaint” we present the original album as Allen Toussaint intended it to be heard. Remastered to perfection this is an essential purchase

Kota The Friend and Statik Selektah reunite for their third collaborative album, "Once In A Blue Moon", a stunning fol-low-up to their acclaimed projects "To Kill A Sunrise" and "To See A Sunset". This album sees the duo refining their sig-nature blend of introspective lyricism and golden-era-inspired production, creating a sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Highlights include the electric energy of "BLAH," featuring rap superstar Logic, who delivers sharp, unforgettable vers-es alongside Kota. Violinist Phearnone adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to "What You Need," merging classical strings with Statik's soulful beats for a standout moment of artistic fusion.

"Once In A Blue Moon" is a musical reflection on the rarity and beauty of those transformative experiences that stay with you forever, a vivid journey, showing Kota The Friend and Statik Selektah at the peak of their creative synergy.

First Word Records are proud to present the debut single from Above The Clouds (aka kidkanevil & Magic Manfred) with their instrumental take on an MF DOOM classic, 'Arrow Root'

One of the original First Word roster, UK Producer/DJ and all-round laptop music geek kidkanevil has developed a distinctive and progressive sound over the years, gleefully exploring the beats and bleeps of the electronic music universe to international recognition. Leeds born, sound system bred and raised on a (un)healthy diet of video games and anime, his solo work inhabits the curious space between bass frequencies and otaku culture. But as a devoted teenage backpack rap nerd, somewhere in the back of kid's mind was a lingering desire to reconnect with his first love, hip hop.

Not long after moving to Berlin he joined a studio space in graffiti plastered Kreuzberg, where he met multi instrumentalist wizard Magic Manfred; a disciple of all things boogie, disco, funk and soul. Born and raised in Berlin, and currently a touring musician for many an act, Manfred's musical map joins the dots from piano lessons at four, to starting a band with his teenage friends, leading him to his true calling - the bass - via the club vibrations of his hometown, which introduced him to the world of DJing and production, and a stint studying in the explosive London jazz scene to finalise his Jedi training.

Bonding over their mutual love of '90s hip hop, a friendship and musical kinship developed, coupled with a desire to honour past eras but push things forward, Above The Clouds was born; named after their joint favourite DJ Premier beat, with a touch of irony regarding their basement based studio of a windowless variety.

kidkanevil explains "We did a number of covers to sort of get warmed up and in the pocket, of which 'Arrow Root' was one. I actually interviewed DOOM once, mask and all, and I always regretted I forgot to ask him about the original sample. It's been one of my favourite DOOM beats forever and it came up in conversation one day, then manifested pretty quickly into a session. It came together with relative ease and quickness, which is usually a good sign. Manfred worked out the chords and I remade the drums in about the same time frame. Mario is an exceptional saxophone player based in Berlin, so a few text messages later she came by the studio and nailed the entire thing on her first take. And that was that, our humble tribute to the supervillain!"

This one is backed up on the flip side with 'Tram Delay Beat'; a low slung neck-snapper teasing more of what's to come.

This is the first single from the duo, with a long player now in the works…

Above the crowds, above the clouds, where the sounds are original, infinite skills create miracles…

Detroit’s own Brian Kage returns with Timeless Times Remixed, a interstellar re-imagination of his album "Timeless Times" featuring an all-star lineup of remixers. Timeless Times Remixed brings together some of the finest minds in house and techno, delivering deep, timeless grooves with Detroit soul.

Brian Kage, a staple of Detroit’s electronic music scene, brings together a heavyweight lineup of producers to rework key tracks from his latest album. The legendary Delano Smith infuses Detroit Techno City with his signature deep and hypnotic touch, while Scotland's Milton Jackson reworks Just The Groove with a dose of his classic rolling house energy. The collaborative Reference (Luke Hess & Brian Kage) Remix of Nordhouse leans into peak time dub-techno atmospheres, while Detroit's newest and finest young talent from the Submerge crew Max Watts takes Galaxian into raw, driving 808 Electro terrain.
This essential four-tracker bridges deep house, techno, electro, and dub, while staying true to the classic and timeless sounds of Detroit’s roots.

Random Coloured Vinyl
Nu-Tone presents Combo Tezeta's debut 7" vinyl record! The A-side, "La Danza Del Camaleón" is an instrumental cumbia-salsera that takes you on a tropical trip with a touch of psychedelia. On the flip side, a dark mid-tempo bolero called, "La Reina Nocturna". Remastered from the original verion, released by Discos Más in 2020. Based out of the Bay Area, Combo Tezeta plays a highly danceable blend of instrumental Cumbias, Chichas, and Musica Tropical inspired by the late 60's and early 70's era of psychedelic Peru. Layering the reverb-fueled sounds of surf rock onto the foundations of Cumbia, the band's focus is to highlight the rich melodies and hypnotic rhythms birthed from the Afro-Latin diaspora. Along with its appreciation of world music and its diverse cultures, Combo Tezeta's mission is to deliver the sounds and musical echoes of the past to the present through a combination of traditional and original music. Combo Tezeta was featured in Noise Pop 2023 and has played Pacific Northwest tours with Satan’s Pilgrim and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini 2023. The band has played famed Bay Area Venues the Chapel, Eli’s Mile High Club and the Ivy Room.  In Summer of 2024 they toured the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, including an appearance at The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The band was chosen by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts to be one of 20 finalists (out of 7000), and featured them in the Northern California showcase of finalists at Lagunitas Brewery in 2024. “Oakland seven-piece Combo Tezeta kicked off the baile with a garage-band take on ’60s and ’70s classics and originals, with distorted guitars and jangly synths layering psychedelic ooze onto timbales and güiras. The musician’s solos revealed hard-won skills, but the band members looked remarkably chill as they played together fluidly.” – KQED

Over the past near-decade, Lancashire's medieval metal phenomenon WYTCH HAZEL have been honing an uncommonly wholesome, rustic and devotional brand of timewarped hard rock that's all their own, with 2016's Prelude and 2018's II: Sojourn summoning to mind fevered images of Robin Hood and his Merry Men grooving to Jethro Tull and Thin Lizzy. Yet within moments of pressing play on their third LP, III: Pentecost, the musty mystical minstrelsy takes a back seat in favour of a rich, sumptuous, anthemic late-night drivetime vibe, passionately embracing the most high-end smash-hit classic rock and metal circa its late 1970s heyday. "I thought I put a lot into the second album, but this album has been an absolute obsession," stresses the band leader, Colin Hendra. "Every aspect had to be as good as possible. We've gone back and forth, Ed was tinkering with it for months on end. There's quadruple tracking going on with the rhythm parts, then we've doubled, tripled and quadrupled all our lead parts to get that richness and fullness of sound, all meticulously planned with pages and pages of organisational notes. It wasn't just `get in the studio and see how it goes!'" he laughs. "One day I did 14 hours of vocal recording. All vocals are double-tracked, I can't express how much hard work that is. The last album feels like a breeze compared to what we've done with this - and I don't plan on ramping it down!" Musically there are gorgeous self-professed touches of Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, AC/DC and early Scorpions_"With the soloing I was trying to go for Michael Schenker" beams Colin_while the scampering headbanger I Will Not initially took a nod from Angel Witch, who Hendra was helping out on second guitar back in 2015 when the track was composed, before studio treatment made it sound "a lot more Wytch Hazelly". But perhaps the most lateral comparison is to a band from the opposite spiritual realm, with Archangel an explicit homage to Swedish faux-Satanic devil cult Ghost. "I find them fascinating, Ghost; musically great, the songwriting is spot-on," enthuses the frontman. "We share an intrinsic connection, with Bad Omen honcho Will Palmer being the person who discovered us both. "Music is created for all, it's a common grace for everyone," he affirms, "which is why the music that shows the glory of God the most, in my opinion, is not music created by Christians. It's Black Sabbath!"

Embark on a sonic journey through Rod Stewart's unparalleled career with this comprehensive compilation. Ultimate Hits gathers his most beloved songs, from the heartfelt storytelling early classics like "Handbags and Gladrags" and "Maggie May" to the irresistible hooks of chart-topping anthems such as "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Forever Young". More than just a collection of hits, this meticulously curated set spans decades, revealing the evolution of a true musical icon's enduring talent and versatility. This is the ultimate Rod Stewart experience for both longtime fans and new listeners, a testament to his lasting impact on music.

Rod Stewart’s Ultimate Hits will be a new career-spanning greatest hits collection. The release will be the first to include songs ranging from his 1971 hit, “Maggie May” to selections from 2024’s UK #1,“Swing Fever,” with key touchstone hits along the way - celebrating 6 #1 UK singles and a top 5 hit worldwide in consecutive decades. Rod will participate in several major milestone events this year, including his performance in the Teatime Legend Slot at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, June 29th.

Gina X makes her way to Dark Entries for Greatest Fits, a compilation of gems and jams from the eccentric New Wave icon. Gina X Performance was formed in Cologne in 1978 when art history student and chanteuse Gina Kikoine teamed up with synth wizard Zeus B. Held. Inspired by Patti Smith and Lou Reed, Kikoine aimed to create "the absolute union of music, poetry and travesty," a lofty goal that she most certainly would achieve. 1979 saw the release of the classic first LP, Nice Mover, which put Held’s lush electronic production in dialogue with Gina X’s deadpan delivery. Songs explore androgyny, decadence, and avant-garde art in a fashion that is stylish, sexy, and more than a touch transgressive. Nice Mover quickly became a cult favorite thanks to tracks like the euphoric “Nice Mover” and the dancefloor bomb “No G.D.M.”, dedicated to queer icon Quentin Crisp. Three more LPs followed in the coming years: X-Traordinaire in 1980; Voyeur in 1981; and Yinglish in 1984. The duo continued their genre deviance throughout, exploring uptempo space disco on “Strip Tease,” punk-laced New Wave on “Babylon Generation,” and icy electro-pop on “French Lift.” Greatest Fits is the first-ever double LP compilation of Gina X material.

The 17 tracks on Greatest Fits were selected by Kikoine and Held, reflecting the duo’s most cherished moments from their wide-ranging catalog. The record comes housed in a gatefold sleeve designed by Eloise Shir-Juen Leigh featuring press clippings and photographs, and includes an insert with lyrics and memories about each song from Kikoine and Held.

It takes grindin' to be a king and Houston's Mike Jones' work ethic of "You Don't Work, You Don't Eat, You Don't Grind, You Don't Shine" had his phone blowing up in 2005 with the release of his major label debut Who is Mike Jones? on Asylum/Swisha House/Warner Records. Mike Jones started rapping in the early 2000s and he released a couple of independent albums on his own label Ice Age Entertainment before linking up with Michael "5000" Watts of Swisha House. He recorded the underground single "Still Tippin" with Texas contemporaries Paul Wall and Slim Thug, which appeared on the Swisha House compilation The Day Hell Broke Loose 2. The song, full of southern hip-hop slang and braggadocio, was an ode to the classic car culture in Houston, Texas, and could be heard bumpin' out the trunks of cars nationwide with its heavy bass and classical string loops. Before the release of Who Is Mike Jones? girls would ignore him, but after the release of "Still Tippin" they were all up on him, which led to the release of the single "Back Then" where he shouted out his real cell phone number that played a major part in the marketing and promotion of the album.You could call 281-330-8004 and get his voicemail and leave a message, but sometimes he would answer, which led to spreading the word of Mike Jones' debut album. "Back Then" was also a top-selling ringtone because (back then) you had to buy and download ringtones, unlike today. Mike truly went viral before going viral was even a thing. After dropping the two hit singles, Who Is Mike Jones? was released on April 19th, 2005, and would sell over a million copies that year, leading to certified platinum status. Twenty years later, this Texas Rap classic still holds up with features from other H-Town legends including S.U.C.'s Big Moe (RIP),Bun B, Paul Wall and Lil Keke. Juicy J & DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia added their Memphis touch to the "Got It Sewed Up Remix" and the album ends with a heartfelt dedication to Mike Jones' late Grandmother on "Grandma". Get On Down is proud to present the first vinyl reissue of Who Is Mike Jones? in a limited edition silver and red color-in-color pressing packaged with a full color printed insert tocommemorate the 20th anniversary of this H-Town classic

Since launching in 2019, NuNorthern Soul’s Summer Selections series has become something of a must-check release for those seeking the sun-soaked pulse of the White Isle of Ibiza. It not only acts as a sampler for forthcoming digital-only EPs due for release over the summer season, but also a showcase for both established artists and label newcomers.

2025’s ‘selections’, the fifth in total, marks the popular series’ return after a three-year hiatus. Once again, it boasts six tracks, each taken from a forthcoming NuNorthern Soul EP, and touches on a variety of Ibiza-ready styles and sounds.

Up first are Manchester twosome Nightdubbing, who’s eponymous ‘Nightdubbing’ – first featured on their self-released 2023 debut album – is remixed by Archeo Recordings label boss Manu Archeo. He opts to brilliant blend slow motion electronic grooves and deep, warming bass with waves of ambient textures, eyes-closed melodic motifs and attractive lead lines.

George Koutalieries steps up next with the languid shuffle of ‘Seasons’, where imaginative vocalisation arrangements, mazy synth bass, calming acoustic guitars and cosmic electronics create a yearning afternoon delight, before label newcomer James E Burton combines pleasingly live-sounding drums and bass with picturesque electronics and the dreamiest of chords.

Next up is a teaser of what’s to come from recent signings Visions of Light, a fresh collaboration between Free Booter Lounge label founder Simon Sheldon and two of his artists, Muzka and Dan Dub Lounge. ‘The Mandela Vortex’ is a lightly dub-flecked Balearic shuffler rich in infectious hand percussion, meandering guitar solos, heady aural textures and echoing melodic motifs.

To draw the expansive collection to a close, we’re treated to two more yearning, picturesque and atmospheric treats. The first comes from another label debutant, Seafront International and Strictly Dub Records founder Saimon under the Roots Artefact alias. Deep, toasty and smothered in vintage effects, ‘The Big Calm Dubwise’ is a picture-perfect Balearic dub classic in the making.

Rounding things off is former Les Yeux Orange Contributor – and rising star of the French Balearic movement – Jilo, who gently takes us by the hand and leads us towards the dancefloor. Underpinned by a heavily electronic, nu-disco adjacent groove, ‘Shadow’s Tango’ is smile-inducing aural joy writ large – all huggable chords, Italo-house pianos, chugging bass and the most kaleidoscopic of chords. It provides a wonderfully uplifting conclusion to another fine collection of ‘Summer Selections’.

Pilot is one of the many labels in the orbit of the irrepressible James 'Burnski' Burnham. Its next outing is from M High who perfectly slots into the label's classy minimal and tech sound world. Things open up with 'Same Routine' which is a turbocharged sound with frazzled bass and thumping kicks. 'On My Own Supply' has a touch of the old school to it with the unbridled joy of the dancing piano chords and big, bulky beats. 'Same Routine' then gets a space-tech rework from Wodda and Hatori's live Bass remix brings some lush cosmic synth swirls and bumping drums.

Like a fine wine, Fu Manchu's 1999 classic, King Of The Road, gets better with age and fans continue to demand hearing these tunes the way the band intended - on wax. Out of print since 2019, the Joe Barresi (Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Queens Of The Stone Age) helmed work is back and this time on yellow and black splatter vinyl in a limited edition. This is a repressing of the 2015 remaster done by Carl Saff, which includes 2 bonus tracks: "Breathing Fire" (originally on the German vinyl release) and "Hanglider" (which was previously unreleased). "After a bit of a break from albums, not counting the Return to Earth singles compilation, Fu Manchu fully fired up and took off again with King of the Road, an album that doesn't so much follow on from The Action Is Go as flat out continue it. Hill has a touch more bite to his vocals this time around, but otherwise there's little to differentiate the two records -- and that's very much meant as a compliment. With plenty of touring and other things under their belts, the lineup has fully jelled and sounds it, Bjork's bad-ass drumming (and occasional cowbells, of course) and Balch's insane lead guitar crunch possibly even better than ever. Together it's all one megariff and nasty, slamming rhythm after another, and face it, anyone expecting anything else from Fu Manchu really needs to find another band. Joe Barresi co-produces with the band, and while there's no extra keyboard/organ weirdness this time around, it hardly matters. In as much as there's a theme to King of the Road beyond the basics of driving, drugs, and that demon rock & roll, it's driving -- there's a reason why the cover and internal art features a slew of great '70s-era photos from a massive van rally. The one shot of the fully leather-covered interior of one mobile love nest, complete with black curtains, about says it all. Then there's the megachugging title track ("King of the road says you move too slow!"), "Hell on Wheels," "Boogie Van," and so forth -- call it a concept album that doesn't waste time with elves and yogis. As with the last album, a punk/new wave nugget gets the cover treatment here -- none other than Devo's "Freedom of Choice." Needless to say, now it sounds just like a Fu Manchu original." ALLMUSIC