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Review: Sawteeth's Growing Sprout EP is a captivating journey through the vibrant and energetic world of jungle music. The EP opens with the title track, a jungle anthem that seamlessly blends Eastern melodies with a mysterious and mystical atmosphere, transporting listeners to ancient and otherworldly realms. 'The Silk Road' continues the journey with a hypnotic old-school vocal jungle track that weaves enchanting melodies around a pulsating beat. The EP closes with 'The Missing Link,' a melodic and spacey breakbeat track that showcases Sawteeth's versatility and takes listeners on a soaring sonic adventure with its fast amen break. Overall, this album delivers upon the roots of the genre and the future aspirations of the style all mixed into three heaters.

Review: Karma Chief is a sub-label of the excellent Colemine and here they welcome back Trans-Atlantic trio Say She She. The group is made up of Londoner Piya Malik, New Yorker Sabrina Mileo Cunningham and DC native Nya Gazelle Brown and this is their third single from their debut album Prism. Once again it deals in loose-limbed funk grooves and crystal clear vocal top lines with plenty of talented soul musicians also involved. Members from the Daptone label have helped to produce this one which pairs a 1970s early soul vibe with fresh modern production.

Review: Hailing from Spain's Non Series label, Ritmo Oscuro' offers a diverse techno exploration. Sciahri / Conceptual join forces to delve deep into the title track and evolve it enough to make alternate versions stand on their own. The original track oozes sci-fi ambiance with its heavy beat and eerie atmosphere. 'Ritmo Oscuro 2' shifts towards a more aggressive, energy-building tech sound. LDS' remix brings broken beats and distinctive sound effects. Finally, 'Ritmo Oscuro 3' transports listeners to the 90s with its ravey, linear techno. If you are looking for some percussive, sci-fi techno then look no further then this.

Review: Habibi Funk co-founder Jannis Stuertz first came across "the Holy Grail of Sudanese funk", Saif Abu Bakr and The Scorpions "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz", while browsing eBay listings a few years back. His interest piqued, he took a trip to Sudan to track down the musicians who had made a ridiculously rare LP that was changing hands for thousands of pounds online. Some four years later, his wish to reissue the set has finally come through. It was originally recorded in Kuwait in 1980 and brilliantly joins the dots between American funk, soul and rhythm and blues, traditional Sudanese vocals and rhythmic arrangements, and even a dash of Congolese soukkous. It's the first full album Habibi Funk has reissued, and with good reason: it's near perfect from start to finish.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks ***


This album is one of the greatest r&b records ever. That's just a fact. Jill Scott herself has never even managed to surpass what she lay down on this stone-cold classic all the way back in 2002. The production is stylish and warm, seductive and sensual throughout, with jazz, neo soul, funk, r&b and hip hop all carefully infusing each track. The lyrics are empowering as they celebrate blackness and female strength, but also at times witty and playful. It's a go-to date night album for people all over the world and how it missed out on a Grammy for Best Album or Best Vocal Performance when it was first nominated we will never know.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Top-of-the-range version of Sennheiser's consistently excellent HD25 headphones, bundled with a full range of accessories. One of our favourite models for DJ and studio use.

Supplier's notes:
The HD 25 PLUS is identical in design to the HD 25 but spoils its users with extra accessories and two included cables. Users can choose between a coiled steel cable (length: 3m/1m) and a straight, 1.5m steel cable.

The PLUS version also comes with a handy storage pouch and a second set of ear pads in a soft velour version.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Intended as an all-rounder for all production purposes, the HD 490 Pro are built for comfort as well as top-notch sound quality thanks to their open-back design. DearVR MIX-SE software allows you to mix, monitor and master with accuracy.

Supplier's Notes:
The perfect mix of clarity, comfort, and reliability, HD 490 PRO studio headphones are built to handle all the complexities of today's music production. The open-back design delivers an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise sound reproduction, eliminating audio blind spots and ensuring you're in full control of every detail.

Handcrafted and German-engineered with built-to-last components and a lightweight, comfortable design, HD 490 PRO lets you feel the music and forget about the headphones. Meticulously engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points while the open-back design provides natural ventilation, making hours in the music feel like minutes. Two sets of switchable ear pads, each with a unique sound signature for long hours of mixing and producing, eliminate ear fatigue and are designed with sustainability and durability in mind - they're both washable and replaceable. HD 490 PRO mixing headphones also include the innovative DearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality, placing you in the "sweet spot" and turning your DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment. DearVR MIX-SE simulates the carefully designed acoustics of mixing studios, helping you ensure a balanced, consistent translation of your mix on different systems. HD 490 PRO helps you achieve your full creative vision, eliminating audio blind spots, putting you in full control of every detail, and ensuring accurate playback beyond the studio.

Features

Backed by decades of Sennheiser engineering, technology, research and development
Open-back design with an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage and ultra-precise localization
Uncolored frequency response for honest, dynamic sound reproduction across the full spectrum
Innovative low-frequency cylinder system for full, accurate, and clearly defined low end
Precision-engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points and deliver supreme, flexible, lightweight comfort
Sennheiser Open-frame Architecture reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) and minimizes resonance,improving audio accuracy
Includes Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin, turning your DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment via advanced spatial audio technology
Two unique sets of ear pads for producing or mixing help eliminate ear fatigue and pinpoint frequencies


Sustainability-inspired with washable, replaceable pads and FSC-certified, forest-friendly packaging
Geometrically angled earcup design optimizes transducer placement for a consistent listening experience
State-of-the-art neodymium magnets for superior driver performance and efficiency
Patented cable coil structure blocks cable-borne noise, ensuring the clearest signal
Ultralight voice coil for remarkably authentic and dynamic audio reproduction
Right and left ear jacks with detachable cable easily adapts to any studio configuration
Patented accessibility features: braille-guided L/R earcups and grooved ear pads for eyeglasses
Open-mesh metal earpiece covers provide natural ventilation
Durable design meticulously engineered in Germany and hand-assembled in Romania

Specs

Weight (g): 260 gr. (w/o cable)
Max. Sound Pressure Level: l128 dBSPL (1 kHz @ 5% THD)
Sensitivity: 105 dBSPL (1 kHz/ 1 Vrms), 96 dBSPL (1 kHz/ 1 mW)
Transducer principle: Dynamic, open
Wearing Style: Circumaural

Total harmonic distortion: <0.2% (1kHz, 100dB SPL)
Connector: 3.5mm/6.3mm

Ambient Conditions

Operating Relative Humidity: 10 to 80%, not condensing
Operating Temperature: +0-CC

Electrical Properties:

Sensitivity: 105dBSPL (1kHz/1Vrms), 96 dBSPL (1kHz/1mW)
Impedance: 130 ohms (1kHz)

Dimensions

Weight (g): 260g (w/o cable)
Cable length: 1.8m

Notes: Serge Tcherepnin's superb DUSG multi-function module gets redesigned and updated for Eurorack. Function generator, integrator, oscillator and much more.

Supplier's Notes:
The Serge GTS is a complete redesign of the famous Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator (DUSG) by Serge himself - with a new core, optimized for speed and tracking. Like some of the clones it can be used for CV, but also provides exceptional audio performance: transient rise times as fast as 13us and a maximum cycle speed of 27kHz.

Some functions for which one Slope Generator can be used:

Function generator for linear, logarithmic, exponential, stepped etc. curves
Integrate an incoming signal
Sawtooth / Pulse oscillator
Add, subtract up to 4 signals
Max and Min function
VC Transient Envelope Generator
VC LFO
VC Portamento device, Envelope Follower (Detector), VC Pulse Delay (Monostable), Sub-Harmonic Series Generator (Divider), Audio Oscillator with variable waveform symmetry (saw to triangle), Non-Linear Audio Processor (low-fidelity VCF).
Serge GTS for eurorack:

Designed by Serge Tcherepnin 2021-2023
Increased audio range (up to >28kHz)
Tracks >5 octaves as a Sawtooth / Pulse oscillator
Temperature stabilized
Eurorack format (3U), 26 hp
Power consumption: 90mA @ +12V, 80mA @ -12V
(NEW) Skiff-friendly: < 25mm (1")

Review: The Hamburg-Berlin connection returns. Retreat label boss Hauke Freer and Matthias Reiling of Giegling fame have been at it as Session Victim for the better part of 10 years and they're still in fine form. The third instalment of Listen To Your Heart features four splendid journeys into the deep. Starting off with the lo-slung disco loops of "Almost Midnight" on the A side, which is followed up by the sun-kissed/slo-mo balearica of "Castle For Sale". On the flip, they pick up the pace once again with "Almost Midnight" which showcases the classic SV sound: deep house from a hip-hop production style of technique which no doubt influenced a new generation of German producers such as Glenn Astro & Max Graef. Finally, recline, relax and light one up to the dubbed out ambient journey that is "Thermal Explorer".

Review: Session Victim return to the Delusions Of Grandeur imprint with their third studio album. Listen To Your Heart is the result of a year of cross-continental scripting which started in their Hamburg studio and wrapped up stateside in San Francisco's Room G Studios where the duo had worked on their 2014 LP See You When You Get There. Here is the second of three LP samplers. "Shadows" gets things rolling with a classic Session Victim groove, looped up pads and hooky spoken vocal samples. Next up we have "Unchained" which drops the BPM for a widescreen, slo-mo jam clouded in a smoky haze with jazzy touches, recalling the halcyon days of Pork Recordings. Flipping over we have a brand new LP version of previous single "Up To Rise", another sublime slice of blissed-out house music with a wonderful organic and live sound palette. Echoing Rhodes licks join the lead guitar tune for a Balearic beauty which will be stuck in your head long after the sun sets. Closing this second sampler we have "Over And Over", which winds things down somewhat for an inspired, bass-led roller.

Review: 76 High Street in Burton On Trent is, today, a pizza joint. Back in 1976, though, and throughout that decade and most of the following one, it was a hub of musical activity that hosted some of the greatest bands of the time. We're talking AC/DC, Dire Straits, Motorhead, Skid Row, Judas Priest, Suzi Quatro, Thin Lizzy and Ultravox. To name but a few.

More astute readers will have clocked that they can add The Sex Pistols to that list. The seminal punk outfit even opted to record their famous live album, Anarchy In the UK: Live at the 76 Club, at the address. Now we have this new edition of the record, which has lost none of its teeth clenched, anti-establishmentarianism, revolutionary feeling of the original. Simply put, this is what guitar music should sound like on stage - ferocious, unforgiving, and with the momentum of youth hell-bent on rejecting tradition.

Review: Beneath the grit and, err, grime of UK MC output, there's a highly fertile and imaginative artsy scene making underground stars in cities like London and Manchester. Names like Blackhaine, Icebox Violet, and Novelist have long-since flown flags - to various extents - for experimental tracks that marry rhymes, poetry, abstract musicality and heavy broken beats.

Coby Sey is another for that list, and like the rest, as he explains on 'Permeated Secrets', he "don't care if you like my work". Simply put, these sounds aren't for everyone, they were never intended to be. Instead, they showcase a staunchly British take on urban observation, packed with melancholy, hints of rave, and a love for exploring outsider ends of established art forms - often winding up in places few have been before.

Review: Return to 2001: Swiss brothers Shakedown drop an iconic house anthem that debunked the standard XXL funk du jour with a much spacier, synth-based 80s boogie sound. Still relevant and heavily played, Defected have commissioned three on-point artists for the 2018 contemporisations: Peggy Gou gets her acid tweaks on, Tiger & Woods pitch down the vocal and dust off the Street Sounds electroid feel and Purple Disco Machine cooks up an unapologetic funked up house jam that wouldn't have gone amiss on Classic back in the day. For good measure Shakedown return with their own signature Galactic Boogie version that pumps with strong Moroder tendencies. Good night.

Review: Anoushka Shankar's Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn is a riveting sonic journey that seamlessly blends eastern and western musical sensibilities. From the rocking piano motifs of 'Pacifica' to the dreamy textures of 'Offering' and the mystical ambiance of 'Below the Surface,' each track unveils layers of evocative dreamscapes. Shankar's sitar weaves enchanting melodies, complemented by the soothing sounds of waves and voices. The album's fusion of instruments and tonalities creates a healing experience, inviting listeners to relax and float downstream. With its profound depth and beauty, Chapter II transcends mere background music, resonating as a genuine artistic expression. Anoushka Shankar offers a compelling soundtrack for introspection and tranquility.

Review: Returning a half decade on from their critically acclaimed sophomore effort A Distant Call, Philadelphia's 70s rock imbued punk outfit Sheer Mag return with their most honed, poignant collection of material to date. Moving on from the "personal coming out party" that was their first few projects, lead vocalist Tina Halladay has made it abundantly clear that this material could not have been penned just a few years prior, while their mission statement going into Playing Favourites was to rectify the fact that no artist seems "to write straight up rock bangers anymore", with an emphasis on having "huge, catchy songwriting front and centre". Signing to Jack White's Third Man Records seems simultaneously like a fitting rite of passage as well as affirmation of the band's monumental success, with their retro-fitted, fuzzed out 70s psych-tinged rhythm & blues grooves swaying and weaving around Halladay's sultry, snarling cadence with a resolute confidence only achieved over time.

Review: Hideo Shiraki, a key figure in Japanese jazz, left his mark with unique music and a strong presence. One of his standout works is Matsuri no Gensou, recorded in 1961. This incredible piece takes a Japanese melody and transforms it into a cool jazz style, making use of a special arrangement on the koto. The collection also features exciting tracks like 'Just One Or Eight' and the dynamic 'Cherokee, which proffers an amazing solo. Contributions from experts like Hidehiko Matsumoto and Yuzuru Sera add to its greatness; even after 60 years, the music still feels fresh and passionate. Now reissued in monaural for the first time, this work stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Review: In the realm of electronic music, Silver Fox's Dread by Dawn emerges as a captivating time capsule from the golden age of jungle and hardcore. Originally released in 1993 and meticulously reissued in 2024, this rare gem has lost none of its potency. The album's four tracks exude a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere, characterized by ominous doom-infused soundscapes and unmistakable jungle and hardcore rhythms. Central to the album's allure is its masterful utilization of the iconic "amen break," a drum loop that has become synonymous with the genre. Silver Fox weaves this pulsating rhythm into a mesmerizing tapestry of dark and melodic samples, including ethereal voices and haunting sci-fi elements. The result is a deeply hypnotic and immersive listening experience that transports listeners back to the halcyon days of electronic music's boundary-pushing experiments.

Review: Victor Simonelli's house music legacy is assured - he more than made his mark on the genre back in the 90s with plenty of iconic cuts and legendary DJ sets and now that is all being highlighted by this ongoing multi-part series from Unknwn. The comprehensive collection looks at the early years here with some of his top mixes including those that have not previously been released. There is an in-depth almost hour-long audio and written interview between BTG founder Alex Rose and Victor to go with this release that is well worth finding.

Notes: Easily one of the best looper pedals on the market. Huge power from this six-track effect, allowing you to perform in new and creative ways. Great clear sound and user-friendly design.

Supplier notes:
6 Track, Stereo Looper Pedal with Touch Enabled Screen, Hands Free Mixing, and Simultaneous Parallel and Sequential Looping

The Aeros Loop Studio includes 3 hours of mono recording time (1.5 stereo), upgradeable to 48 hours when using SD card

This pedal includes 2 x 1/4" (6.35mm) inputs, 2 x 1/4" (6.35mm) outputs, expression pedal support, MIDI in/out, 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo aux input, and 1/4" (6.35mm) stereo aux output.

Built in wifi and bluetooth for over the air updates, the Aeros Loop Studio offers a revolutionary looping experience

Featuring the ability to create 36 unique loops per song, the Aeros Loop Studio goes beyond what's expected of a looper pedal. Add unlimited overdubs for each loop, and record up to 48 hours (when using an SD card).

Blurring the lines between traditional loopers and audio workstations, the Aeros Loop Studio allows you to mix your tracks live during a performance using the built-in scroll wheel, and gives the ability to save and export songs. This will let you share your best loops with your fans.

With its 4.3" touch-enabled screen and color coded cues and waveforms, the Aeros looper will never leave you wondering where you are in the loop.

Additionally, the Aeros Loop Studio packs tons of power into a small form factor. Coming in at just 7.8"? x 5.6" (198 x 142 mm), the Aeros lets you add a 6 track, stereo looper to any pedalboard.

Of course, the Aeros had to be fully compatible with Singiular Sound's drummer pedal: The BeatBuddy. Using the two together is a plug and play experience.

This new looper also features bluetooth and wifi, enabling us to add exciting new features with over the air updates. Simply put, there's no other pedal that can match the Aeros Loop Studio.

SPECIFICATIONS
Quantize your tracks in any time signature or play in freeform mode.

6 parallel tracks and 6 song parts for a total of 36 distinct loops per song and in an industry first, but also, simultaneous parallel and sequential looping.

Unlimited overdubs enable you to create layers and depth in your loops without worrying about restrictions.

Save your loops with the USB port or an SD card.

3 hours mono, 1.5 hours stereo recording time (20 minutes per song) using internal storage and up to 48 hours storage when using an SD card.

32-bit floating point processing, 24-bit recording, professional DACs, <1ms latency, and 20hz - 20kHz range for studio quality recordings.

Digital dry through bypass.

In addition, wifi compatibility for over the air updates and exciting, yet to be announced features.

Bluetooth for reasons.

Four built-in footswitches with our comfort+ switch tops (perfect for playing barefoot or in socks).

There is a built-in scroll wheel for hands-free mixing during a performance.

MIDI in/out ports for syncing seamlessly with the BeatBuddy, other drum machines, effects, and more.

Additionally, it is compatible with any external expression pedal.

I/O: two 1/4" (6.35 mm) inputs, two 1/4" (6.35 mm) outputs, one 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo aux input, one 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo aux output.

9v (center negative), 360mA power supply included.

4.3" (109 mm) touch-enabled display.

Small form factor: 7.8" x 5.6" x 2.2" (198 x 142 x 56 mm).

Lightweight: 2lbs 4oz (936 g).

Aluminum construction with chip resistant black coating.

Requires Male to Male MIDI Cable for connecting to the MIDI Maestro and Male to Male MIDI Cable as well as MIDI Breakout Cable for connecting to the BeatBuddy

Review: Sister Nancy is one of few trailblazers who helped pioneer the the female facet of reggae. 'Bam Bam' is a reissue of her seminal debut single, which features her signature sound of roots reggae and dancehall, raileing against the male-dominated 80s scene with its ribbing hook and slapping instrumental. The B-side 'Stalag Version' dubs out the A, versioning it into a gloomy, bass-heavy hypnosis.

Review: Jai Life digs into their archives for this latest 12" and offers up a pair of killer disco mixes. First up is a tune that deserves the title of being one of the most overlooked gems in the label's catalogue - it has been little known ever since the first time it was released in the early '80s. Terrie from the Nairobi Sisters sings on 'Left With a Broken Heart' which melts into a killer dub-wise groove with fine melodica. On the flip is one of Barrington Lvi's best tunes, 'Black Man Heart', with a killer dub from Scientist remix next to the disco-tinged original.