Review: 3 Men Gone Mad were an independent group formed in Blackburn and Darwen in the UK. They fused electronic sounds with rock and were prolific in the 1990s when they became cult favourites amongst those who know. You Try is a much sought-after collection that has been restored by Utopia Records many years after it made its way onto John Peel's 1991 Festive 50. He heard in it a mix of The Clash, Joy Division and Talking Heads and that still rings true. The main mix has a raw energy that captures the angst of Britain at the time - and still today, frankly. A spaced-out dub brings a fresh feeling of euphoria and an extended B-side mix draws out this record's undeniable pleasures.
Review: Let's face facts, the trilogy of releases that ACR:EPR completes have helped win over a new generation of fans for the band while reassuring established followers that A Certain Ratio can still do the business. They've been heartfelt and honest, truly innovative and - when all is said and done, at some point in the near future - destined to be considered collector's items.
The final chapter is certainly winding things up triumphantly. '$ouls In The City' seems to go straight for the mind's eye, an enrapturing track that chugs its way through layers of funk groove, with acid details just about audible on top. 'Night People' is a far more sticky, treacly affair, while 'Big Boy Pants' ushers in a kind of nocturnal seduction, brass and rolling breakbeats setting the scene perfectly for the ska-infused melodies of 'Downtime Vibes' that follow.
Review: Prepare for a transcendent auditory odyssey with The Sevens, a series of four 7" vinyl records unveiling a treasure trove of previously unreleased tracks from the sessions that bore A Place To Bury Strangers' acclaimed album, See Through You. Known for their visceral sonic assault and immersive live performances, the series offers fans a deeper dive into their sonic universe. 'Don't Turn The Radio'/'This Is All For You', the third release in the series, delivers a raw and personal glimpse into the band's creative process during the See Through You era. APTBS founder Oliver Ackermann explains the decision to return to their roots with this release format, allowing each track to speak for itself without album context. These tracks offer a stark contrast to the band's current sound, providing a snapshot of a moment in time.
I Can Never Be As Great As You (previously unreleased) (3:27)
Review: 'The Sevens' by A Place To Bury Strangers unveils previously unreleased tracks from the band's acclaimed album See Through You. Renowned for their visceral post-punk and shoegaze sounds, the group delivers a sonic revelation across this white 7", which is one of a series of four. Each one invites you to delve into their universe and explore raw and personal tracks that capture life's most emotive essence. 'Chasing Colors/I Can Never Be As Great As You Are' is the second release that A Place To Bury Strangers founder Oliver Ackermann has said reflects on returning to their roots and embracing the unique format of standalone tracks, thereby offering a glimpse into a unique moment in time.
Review: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of AFI's All Hallow's E.P. with this limited-edition release on "Spectral Pink" vinyl. This cult-classic EP, originally released in 1999, is reimagined with alternative fluorescent cover art and includes a 10" x 20" black light die-cut coffin poster, evoking the eerie charm of the original Nitro Records promo. The EP, clocking in at a fitting 13 minutes, features AFI's standout tracks: a formidable cover of The Misfits' 'Halloween', the iconic 'The Boy Who Destroyed the World', the infectious 'Totalimmortal', and the fan favorite 'Fall Children'. This limited 10-inch pressing offers a nostalgic nod to the band's punk roots while showing their early foray into melodic and atmospheric sounds. AFI, formed in 1991, evolved from a hardcore act into melodic pioneers with their 1999 album Black Sails in the Sunset and subsequent releases. The All Hallow's E.P. remains a sought-after gem in their discography. With this reissue, fans can relive the magic of AFI's early days, now with a hauntingly collectible twist.
Review: London five-piece Ain’t makes a striking debut with their single 'Oar,' blending post-punk and shoegaze to create a sound that’s both introspective and intense. Comprised of Hanna Baker Darch (vocals), George Ellerby (guitar/vocals), Ed Randall (guitar), Chapman Ho (bass), and Joe Lockstone (drums), the band balances nostalgia with innovation. 'Oar' was originally drafted by George during the pandemic and reinterpreted by Hanna, drawing inspiration from the legend of Llys Helig to explore themes of disaster and resilience. The lead single by the band should definitely make people step up and notice.
Review: Dot Allison debuted in 1999 with her Aftergow album and ever since has kept fans old and new enthralled with her voice. Heart-Shaped Scars was a follow-up 12 years later than won plenty of plaudits and now the label it came on serve up this bonus 7" with two new cuts. There is the rather bleakly but beautifully alluring 'Ghost Orchid' and then 'Love Died in our Arms' which is a reference to a past musical life in which Dot made trip hop. It also comes with a download code to unlock a third and final bonus cut named 'Heart-Shaped Scar.'
Review: Defeat is a 22-minute new mega-single by Animal Collective, who by now should need no introduction (but for the rookies, we'll indulge one anyway) as the paradigm-breaking experimental pop band and formed in 1999. 'Defeat' is divided into two parts. The first is a beatless, coming-of-age pop seance, spanning surreal harmonia, whirling organelles and beatless spirallings, lyrically centring on the theme of overcoming adolescence. Part two is far darker, concerning the implicit alienation of a mother restlessly searching for her daughter in a lost dystopia, while horrific, tremolo'ing cellos play out in bad-trip horror flick fashion. Recorded with producer Russell Elevado, violinist Samara Lubelski, cellist Leila Bordreuil, and saxophonist Ben Chapoteau-Katz, it's certain to sate fans of the Collective, who remain committed to an ever-chameleonic bravado.
Review: RECOMMENDED
The most surprising thing about this staggering 7" is the fact the artist formerly known as Anthony Hegarty hasn't released 'I Will Survive' before. Gloria Gaynor's testament to the strength of the human spirit, and particularly the resilience people call upon when facing a broken heart, has long been an anthem of global queer and counterculture. Anonhi, either as lead singer of rightly lauded Anthony & The Johnsons, or as latter day soloist, is an icon of those same scenes, laying claim to being the only transgender person ever nominated for an Academy Award ('Manta Ray', from the movie Racing Extinction).
The results are everything we could have hoped for, rethinking the disco anthem as an acoustic number equal parts teary-eyed pride and sorrow, Anonhi's famous baritone crying out over strings and guitars. Backed with the frenzied distorted riffs and rage of 'RNC 2020', it's a formidable release.
Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.
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