Back catalogue: Leftfield

Review: The state51 Conspiracy label comes very much correct early on in the New Year with this two-track grey marbled vinyl 12" in a fancy spot-varnished sleeve. It takes the form of two fresh Santaka reworks of original compositions by Rytis Mazulis and avant-garde choir Melos Collective which were first released back in 2020. Santaka, which means "confluence" in Lithuanian, is the coming together of DJ and producer Manfredas and drummer and producer Marijus Aleksa and here they layer up disembodied vocals and dark jazz melodies on 'Ramybe' and then 'Autoportretas' is a textural ambient exploration packed with fascinating sound designs.

Review: In a first-time collaboration, psychedelic trance godhead Simon Posford (best known as Hallucinogen and a founding member of Shpongle) teams up with fellow hippie and flutist Raja Ram (Ronald Rothfield) on a welling improvisatory record, Improvisations For Piano And Flute. Though both are highly esteemed artists in their respective micro-corners of the electronic music scene, Posford and Rothfield both depart significantly from their usually danceable ends for a living-room recorded set of ambiences. With a synth placed atop an antique Bluthner piano, Raj and Simon would join in after the other first begun playing, delivering a 44-minute effluence for the spontaneous soul.

Review: Farfalla Records' reissue of Wonderland of Sound to celebrate its 50th anniversary is a nostalgic nod to the classic 70s library sound. Originally released in 1974 and produced by Brillant-Musik's Werner Tautz, the album was recorded in Zurich and features the talents of the Big Band Rainbow-Orchestra, comprised of Europe's finest session players. Wonderland of Sound epitomises the era's jazzy bliss, with splendidly funky compositions and arrangements that feature a ultra-stylish horn section. The album exudes a timeless charm, transporting listeners back to the heyday of European library music. Throughout the record, the craftsmanship of the musicians shines through, creating an exciting album that is both evocative and infectious.

Review: A Monster's Expedition + Earlier Adventures is a double disc collection of music from four different video games (namely A Monster's Expedition, Sokobond, Cosmic Express and A Good Snowman Is Hard to Build) all composed by Eli Rainsberry, Allison Walker, Nick Dymond, and Priscilla Snow. Each one is utterly unique to the game and each one comes laden with beautiful soothing atmospheres delicately coloured with ponderous and whimsical melodies that will distract you from whatever you are doing they are so gorgeous. This is music to get lost in and it comes with superbly serene artwork from Andre Rodrigues.

Review: Four Flies has unearthed a long-lost gem: Gianfranco Reverberi's daring soundtrack to Rivelazioni, a notorious 1973 film by director Renato Polselli. Reverberi, known for producing legends like Lucio Dalla and Gino Paoli, initially distanced himself from the film's controversial themes by releasing the music under a pseudonym. Yet, Rivelazioni's score, with its driving rhythms and experimental edge, shines as a bold, innovative creation. The soundtrack features an impressive use of electronic instruments, including drum machines and spacey synths, alongside psychedelic flutes, piano and jazzy improvision. 'Psicolimite', originally released under the name Sharon Chatam, has become a coveted rarity, sparking excitement around the full soundtrack's reissue. Recovered from original 1-inch, 16-track tapes, the score has been remastered for both vinyl and digital formats. With a raw, relentless rhythm section and dark, atmospheric vibes, this soundtrack is an essential find for fans of Italian genre cinema and daring experimental music. Available now as a double LP with stunning artwork, Rivelazioni finally gets its well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Review: Marlene Ribeiro's cult status has already guaranteed copies of this will be flying out faster than you can say "first album under own name after years as Negra Branca, a member of GNOD, and collaborations with luminaries from Valentina Magaletti to Thurston Moore". And her first offering as herself, as it were, rockets straight to the pinnacle of career highs to date, a record that's so full of ideas yet consistent and complete.

Produced between Ireland, Portugal, Madeira and Salford, partly inspired by Ribeiro's grandmother, Emilia, introducing her to the concept of "recording things, here and there". The result is this incredible combination of hallucinatory dream pop, found notes and captured moments, resulting in a vivid tapestry of hook-laden songs that are meditative yet catchy, late-night but bright and breezy.

Review: Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn reunite for new album Quiet in a World Full of Noise, which is driven by their shared curiosity and desire to defy genre conventions. Following their 2022 collaboration Pigments, this new work together blends atmospheric, orchestral soundscapes with soulful jazz and intimate, confessional vocals and the result is a raw and exposed performance from Richard who delivers stark lyricism that feels both personal and profound. The album redefines the worlds of progressive, avant-garde r&b and jazz with an ethereal yet grounded approach, heavenly melodies and plenty of wide open space in which to luxuriate. By merging the familiar with the unexpected, this fine pair create a sound that makes a lasting impression.