Review: Blackwater Holylight sacrifice their latest EP 'If You Only Knew' to the Suicide Squeeze gods, providing an intermezzo of cosmos and sludge. A chthonic dark psych explosion if we've ever heard one, we hear metal, shoegaze, and psychedelia culminate to an iconoclastic crunch point, as strange auraic statues of Cthulhu shatter before our eyes, evoking the god beast in actuality, not just representation. Lead track 'Wandering Lost' hears the band tear up constellate skies, as producer Sonni DiPerri shapes the track's many shifting structural tides, evoking the many emotional turmoils and stretching-thins of life; Sunny Faris (vocals, guitar, bass) further emphasises its point, that is, to embrace the inequitable unknown.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
A Boy Called Zeal (Gari Romalis Electronix Stop N Search mix) (7:25)
A Boy Called Zeal (Audio Werner mix) (9:07)
Review: What began as a beloved underground party two decades ago now steps into a new chapter as Rock Tha House Traxx, a vinyl-only label helmed by veteran Chilean selector Camilo Gil and Mario Flores in Mexico City. Shifting from the dancefloor to the turntable, the label sets out to document and reimagine the musical movements that shaped its roots. After a hothousing debut featuring Romania's Mihai Popoviciu and Swiss mainstay Quenum among others, we've a new sonic tort from the label's very own Gil, solidifying the Western SA nation's place in said conversation. Squeezy reso-basses, stupid-hard breaks, zany lifters: Gil has us covered.
Review: Rindert Lammers' debut LP is a kaleidoscopic suite in five movements; pelican wingspans of twinkly, retentive but then also generous jazztronica, centring on two distinct themes: Japanese cinema and YouTube confessions. Japanese culture is seen through a grateful lens, as theatrical titans such as Kirin Kiki are homaged; the B1 especially is inspired by a poignant moment in the actor's portrayal of Hatsue Shibata in the 2018 film Shoplifters. Seemingly firstly inconsequential digital traces are lent an upscale gravitas, meanwhile, as a voice clip from a YouTube comment on an algorithmically boosted Hiroshi Yoshimura video evolves into the ride-embellished upswell 'Thank You Hiroshi Yoshimura'. Mastering the art of appreciation from afar, Lammers brings a mood of gobsmacked reverence for Japanese enviro jazz and its offshoots, suspending us over an endless realm of forms circa 1989.
Review: After a long a post-COVID quest to repurpose his music as a vessel for healing, Richard Norris (The Grid, Beyond The Wizards Sleeve) tops up the fourth edition of his oracular, thinking-man's-dub Oracle Sound series. Volume 4 describes its the nine dub versions as "outernational, widescreen versions", and if by widescreen Norris means the stereo field, then this is realised with abundant clarity on the outset that is 'Connected Dub', on which ample effects riffle across a club-readied plod, as a knowing gravel-voice suggests a paternal spirit guide keeping watch over the reels. 'Earthsea Dub' continues, nodding to Ursula Le Guin's fictive planet through sloshing water FX and ticklish 808s, while the three closing 'Ceefax' bits take teletext retro-nostalgia headspaces to the extreme. Jon Carter's Guest Mix is a special closing freakout, one that could convey itself well even over copper wire, never mind the now ubiquitous fibre-optic.
Review: Originally released in 1990 as the follow-up to Chime, Orbital's 'Omen' EP cemented the duo's reputation for innovation in early electronica. Now freshly remastered for the Orbital LEDs series, this reissue captures the moment they expanded their sonic palette by fusing trance, house and unexpected elements like an ABC sample. Tracks like 'Omen,' 'Open Mind' and '2 Deep' alongside alternate versions 'The Fool' and 'The Tower' showcase their evolving vision with tunes that still bang. Overseen by Phil and Paul Hartnoll, the remaster preserves the EP's original impact with renewed clarity that reaffirms 'Omen' as a pivotal and forward-thinking release in their early catalogue.
Review: UK electronic innovators Orbital have been revisiting their early roots with Orbital LEDs, a limited-edition series remastering their old greats. Now fully remastered and paired with striking new artwork by Julian House, the latest drop highlights the duo's groundbreaking early sound when tracks like 'Midnight' innovated with a blend of hypnotic house rhythms and minimalist influences from Philip Glass and Wim Mertens. Also included here is 'Choice' which stands out for its anarcho-punk edge and bold vocal sampling. Paul Hartnoll has often said he aimed to inject house music with a sense of rebellion and social commentary and these reissues reaffirm Orbital's ability to do that while pushing boundaries from the start.
Review: Italo-disco enthusiasts, strap in for something special, as cult Italian label Disco Segreta celebrates its tenth anniversary with a touched-up, honest-to-time reissue of Cecilia Rizzoli's 'Cosi Non Va'. A priceless Italo disco classic long prized as a collectors' white whale, this unique number 1985 came as an ultra-limited edition of just 500 copies on Scarabes Sound and Discokkio. With hypnotic Juno synths, punchy Linndrum beats, and Cecilia's emotionally charged vocals - providing a glimpse into the Italian singer-songwriter's couth early days - offers melancholic Italo satiation. Remastered from the original analog master and featuring a fresh edit by Claudio Burgos (Mr. Fantasy), this one's a jackpot.
Review: Viva La Revolution indeed. The Adicts tore out of England's east coast, and specifically Ipswich, and immediately made an impact. Asked to change their name by Sire Records in a bid to appease the charts and TV bookers - although, oddly, one of the options was apparently The Fun Adicts, which raises more quandaries - Rockers In Orbit captures their huge sound in all its glory. Recorded live at Alabama Halle, Munich, Germany, depending on which way you're listening first impressions invoke breakneck punk, motoring metal, and even the romance and commanding power of The Cure at their loudest and most dominating. Ultimately, though, these guys just sound like The Adicts. A questionable reference point we can only assure you is meant as a total complement. Not a band people will forget in a hurry.
Review: Adja Fassa's debut album is a genre-colliding triumph of alternative r&b, neo-soul and jazz co-produced by Adam Scrimshire. Across 11 tracks, Adja dissects capitalism's influence on intimacy with sharp wit, layered symbolism and soulful grooves whether she's reimagining jazz standards or delivering dystopian vignettes of modern labor. Throughout these tracks her storytelling is bold, critical and playfully mystical. From the rebellious 'Sucking on my Emphatitties' to the haunting title track, this is protest music wrapped in velvet tones. Visually complemented by four self-designed tarot cards, the album is a rich conceptual tapestry for fans of greats like D'Angelo.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Signals
Shadowspace
No Closer Than The Moon
Landfall
Zonal Prospect
Air Foundry
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Frequency Domain label has been quietly issuing some of the most compelling electronica of recent times, with a staggering cast of characters including Anthony Child, Bass Clef, Luke Sanger and more delivering more introspective, experimental material over the past couple of years. Now it's the turn of Apologist, a lesser-known project from Brendan Nelson which manifested in one 7" back in 2006. If you appreciate dreamy, slightly dubby electronics which move through different moods and scenes without getting you up off the sofa, this is the perfect trip. Many layered, richly rendered and full of grit and personality, it's the kind of record you'll discover new secrets in every time you visit.
Review: Blue Foundation returns with another lush and immersive album that deepens their signature blend of dream pop, shoegaze and ambient electronics. Crafted over three years by the much loved Danish duo Bo Rande and Tobias Wilner, Close to the Knife explores themes of melancholy and introspection through layered textures and haunting vocals from Wilner and Nina Larsen. Guest appearances from Scarlet Rae, Helena Gao, and Sonya Kitchell enrich its emotional depth, while contributions from Chinese experimental noise band Wang's Xie Yugang and drummer Federico Ughi add complexity to this shapeshifting soundtrack.
Review: Stockholm-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Art Longo impresses here with Echowah Island, a new album sure to wind its way into your affections. It was crafted over years in his home studio and is "psychotropical pop" drawing deep inspiration from late 80s music and dub. The album's lush soundscape evokes orange sunsets and ocean breezes and is layered with spring reverb, space echo and wah-wah effects that smooth out the edges as the steady pulse of vintage drum machines moves things on down low. A standout feature is Claudio Jonas, whose ethereal vocals recall classic French femme fatale singers of the 60s. Her poetic, kaleidoscopic lyrics add to a nostalgic dream world that gently bends reality and makes his both escapist and thought-provoking.
Review: Willow Avalon fashions after her Georgia upbringing a sharp, incisive debut LP. The splash debut artist’s lyrical lexicon is a fierce one, and that’s not to mention her rich backing instrumental palette of classic country and Americana. From whip-smart lines in ‘Homewrecker’ and ‘Yodelayheewho’ to moments of regret in ‘The Actor’ and ‘Baby Blue’, her storytelling never slips into cliché; “she gets at least as much of her musical talent from her mom's side,” says her father Jim White, as her Southern roots and filial retrospections permeate each song.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged and dirt on sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Space Rock (9:33)
Give Contact (5:57)
Deadline (7:50)
The End Of Rain (5:39)
Sputnik (9:16)
Eyes In The Sky (10:58)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged and dirt on sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Next up on Outer Place Records is the fifth installment coming from the vault of Meister Bert Ashra, a veteran from Berlin's '90s underground scene who is still active in the city today. His solo project B. Ashra has existed since 1993 as a live act, DJ, composer, sound designer and mastering engineer. He's been known to delve into ambient, experimental, soundscapes, trance and techno, as well as deep house and electronic jazz. Much of the aforementioned is explored on the Eyes In The Sky EP: from the deep 303 swing of 'Space Rock', the chill downtempo electronica of 'Give Me Contact', to the heady acid house of 'The End Of Rain' and the hypnotic techno of 'Sputnik'.
Review: "I'd prefer it to be called just a country album," said TORRES of her collaboration with Baker, nearly a decade in the making, "but I'm proud to have made a 'queer country' album." TORRES had the initial idea to turn to the genre, inviting Baker to collaborate not only because of her shared southern roots but also because she'd also had a similarly religious upbringing that ultimately saw sexual orientation judged and condemned. The result is some deeply autobiographic songwriting on tracks like 'Tuesday', about a traditional family's rage at discovering their daughter was gay, the lilting 'Sylvia' and 'Sugar In The Tank', with pedal steel meeting acoustic guitar strum and very intimate sounding vocals. Bound to cause controversy in certain areas of the US, but it's got the quality and distinctive flavour to stand its ground.
Review: This is the seventh album by chamber pop titans Beirut. The group, who are led by Zach Condon, have created their largest album to-date and it's among their most profoundly beautiful. The music originated in 2023 when a contemporary circus director, based in Sweden, who was creating a show based on an adaptation of a novel by German author Judith Schalansky about loss and impermanence asked Condon to write music. And who better than Beirut to score that theme. Condon's vocals are starkly beautiful with the tenderness of early choir music. The track 'Caspian Tiger' is among the most cinematic of the tracks on here with resplendent Renaissance influences and direct lyrics that are tear jerking and feel genuinely moved by the extinction of the great mammal, but could so easily be about a close friend lost.
Review: Funky Kromong Vol. 2 builds on the success of its predecessor with another bold and bright selection of tracks by legendary Indonesian artist Benyamin Suaeb for Lamunai Records. This volume highlights Suaeb's genius for fusing traditional Betawi music with infectious funk grooves and witty satire. Tracks like 'Kompor Meleduk', 'Cong-Cong Balicong', and 'Koboi Ngungsi' capture his signature humour and cultural insight while offering fresh energy for new generations. The seamless blend of traditional and modern instruments results in a timeless soundscape that honours Indonesia's musical heritage. Vol. 2 is both a nostalgic tribute and a bold, joyful celebration of innovation.
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