Back in stock: All genres

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 1975, Silver Convention burst onto the global stage with their hit song Save Me, introducing the world to The Munich Sound. The album included the Grammy-winning smash hit 'Fly Robin Fly,' which topped both the disco and pop charts for weeks and became the band's signature song. Now, Omnivore Recordings and Good Time Records present an expanded reissue of this classic debut, featuring five bonus tracks and insightful liner notes detailing the album's genesis and global impact. With its original international cover art and a 12-page color booklet filled with photos and ephemera, this reissue is a must-have for fans of Eurodisco and music history enthusiasts alike.

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.

Review: Currently back at full activity, and most recently releasing their latest album Il Tradimento Silenzioso (The Silent Betrayal) in 2022, Manchester punk pioneers Slaughter & The Dogs first made their name through their connections to former Joy Division manager Rob Gretton, while their opening slot for the Sex Pistols in Manchester on July 20, 1976 (the second of their two Free Tree Hall shows within two months) played a hand in expanding the city's punk movement before extending to a UK-wide phenomenon. Originally released in 1980, Bite Back served as the feral follow up to the band's quintessential 1978 debut full-length Do It Dog Style, and continued their blistering run of playfully chaotic anthems. Back on vinyl for the first time since its original pressing, this newly refurbished reissue comes with the double A-side of 'I'm The One' b/w 'One By One' as bonus tracks.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface mark on the record sleeve***


Announcing a reunion run of festival dates not five years on from their supposed farewell tour, what better time to revisit a truly under appreciated latter day gem from thrash metal titans Slayer? Originally released in 2006, Christ Illusion would serve as follow up to 2001's critically acclaimed God Hates Us All, while marking the band's first full-length with original drummer Dave Lombardo since 1990's Seasons In The Abyss. Somewhat shrugged off upon initial unveiling, in the near two decades since the project has amassed a legion of followers, mainly due to the work ultimately serving as one final effort from the original line up before guitarist Jeff Hanneman's untimely passing, followed by Lombardo's second departure.

Notes: Pair of high quality felt slipmat with axis "eye" design

Notes: Pair of high quality felt slipmats with "Lick The Groove" design print

Notes: Pair of high quality felt slipmats with small metallic Plastikman logo

Notes: Pair of high quality felt slipmats with Purposemaker design

Notes: Pair of high quality black felt slipmats with Soleil Records print in white & red

Review: Mr Bongo continues to take us deep into the recorded work of Lonnie Smith with the reissue of this 1975 LP from the legendary jazz organist. It's an expansive, daring soul-jazz excursion which embellishes the heavyweight grooves with experimental, discordant tones which reach extraterrestrial heights, not least on the eyes-closed escapism of 'Spirits Free'. While Smith may have turned his hand to smoother sounds at certain points in his career, this is testament to the impact free jazz had on his development through the 70s. Crucially though, the music never derails into pure chaos, and the soulful sentiment of the music shines through even in its wildest stretches.