Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: New Zealand dance-pop trio Obscure Desire are among the finest to come out of the first wave of the Auckland club scene in the 80s, which centered around the venue named A Certain Bar. Auckland's answer to the Hacienda. They used the inspiration from that scene to craft this EP of effervescent pop, new wave and funk. The group were vehemently DIY and disbanded shortly after the release so the original pressing sells for hundreds because of its scarcity. This reissue comes after a surge in popularity over the past decade making this hotly-anticipated short but exceptional collection properly accessible for the first time.

Review: Ozean's eponymous EP, originally recorded in 1993 but now receiving its first vinyl release, is a testament to the band's splendid blend of shimmering, ethereal shoegaze. From the moment 'Scenic' envelops listeners with its swirling distortion and awesome melodies, it's clear that Ozean's music is something special. The dreamy soundscapes of 'Fall' and 'Porcelain' further immerse the listener, transporting them to a world of otherworldly beauty and introspection. Inspired by influences like Slowdive, Cocteau Twins and Lush, Ozean's music captures the essence of the British shoegaze scene while adding their own unique twist. Lisa Baer's otherworldly vocals, influenced by Astrud Gilberto and The Jesus And Mary Chain, perfectly complement the band's atmospheric sound. Despite their brief existence and only two live shows, Ozean's impact is felt profoundly in this remastered EP. Recorded on a Fostex Model 80 1/4" 8-Track reel-to-reel tape recorder, the original cassette recordings have been meticulously remastered for this vinyl release, thanks to Tim Green of Louder Studios. Each track is a timeless snapshot of late adolescent wonder and experimentation, preserving Ozean's legacy for generations to come.