Back catalogue: Library/Archive

Review: There's not a lot of information out there about Arcade of Serpe, so let's skip the back story and cut to the chase. If that's really an appropriate turn of phrase here. Nothing about Cave Adventure feels rushed. Nothing. In fact, it's quite the opposite, opening on dub-wise bass and playful organs, the atmosphere - somewhere between lackadaisical, come down, BBQ, and psychedelic - subtly rises, although not to a crescendo as much as a delicate fade out after a few minutes strutting to the funk-laden groove. Flip it to find more explorations in the sonic ether, with 'Unicorn Rider' smoothly stepping out into a surreal track that uses space and emptiness to accentuate the noises that are there, which mirror, if not directly reflect, the opening title tune. It's quiet, but you won't forget it in a hurry.

Review: Resavoir's return is a reflective piece that evokes the haze of distant memories. Originally commissioned by Chicago's Public Media Institute for their 2020 Quarantine Times publication, the track now sees wider release following Resavoir's 2023 self-titled LP which came after their 2019 debut of the same name. Composed by bandleader Will Miller in collaboration with designer Crystal Zapata, it draws inspiration from the 1960s and 70s Italian film composers like Piero Umiliani and Alessandro Alessandroni. The track blends Miller's piano and synthesiser with Lane Beckstrom's double bass and Peter Manheim's drums to make for a wistful, cinematic soundscape.

Review: The tireless work of Funk Night continues here more steamy late-night sounds. This time it's Sunday Papers at the helm and first off comes 'Smoke.' It's a dense, busy cut with sleazy guitar riffs, plenty of sonic grit, raw, edgy drums and vocal stabs as well as some hints of psyched-out soul. On the flip, the rather horribly titled 'Greasy Meat Pocket' is actually a lovely sound with pensive piano chords and signature Hammond organ grooves that make for a nice late night jaunt.

Review: Something's Up! is a masterful compilation that features the eclectic brilliance of John Barry's film scores. Curated by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley, this collection highlights Barry's transition from a British arranger to a pop icon, renowned for defining the sound of the Cold War spy movie era. Focusing on music from 1964 to 1967, this album features Barry's iconic work on James Bond classics like Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice, cementing his influence on the spy genre. Beyond Bond, Barry's contributions to films such as The Ipcress File and The Quiller Memorandum exemplify his ability to blend tension with sophistication. The collection also includes less-celebrated but notable scores like those for King Rat, The Chase and Seance on a Wet Afternoon, reflecting Barry's diverse range and ability to craft memorable themes beyond the mainstream. Barry's music, characterised by its lush orchestration and emotive power, extended its reach from the silver screen to the vinyl, resonating with listeners even if they hadn't seen the films - and his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in film music is on full display here,

Review: The brilliant Death Is Not The End has always done a great job of digging into niche scenes and serving up great albums that document them. Here the label presents a mixtape-style collection featuring live recordings from London's Notting Hill Carnival, spanning 1984 to 1988. Originally aired on NTS Radio in August 2018, this release marks a milestone in their 10th-anniversary series and it now comes on cassette. Highlights include sounds from renowned systems like Jamdown Rockers, Saxon, Java Nuclear Power, Killerwatt Turbotronic, Stereograph, Sir Coxsone, and Volcano Express. The audio, meticulously curated by the Who Cork The Dance crew, features contributions from Jayman, Ruff House, Keimo, Omar, Gee Wizz and Jah Humble.

Review: New novelty operations from Graham David Fellows aka John Shuttleworth, the hit-scoring, Radio 4-starring, organ-stroking Sheffield comic songster formerly known as "Jilted John", who returns with his first album in over seven years. The Pumice Stone & Other Rock Songs' title track sees Shuttleworth urging his new listeners to exfoliate at bathtime with a very particular brand of spongy, hard stone, rather than exfoliant lotion. Such trifles may be the only refuge of a South Yorkshire pop music duffer, whose comedy accent and Yamaha auto-accompaniment feature do seem to be more than enough to entertain the man for a lifetime. Including 'Berlingo', 'Blue Light Kettle', and 'Rapidly Downhill', you're in great, humdrum company here.

Review: Sun Ra's 1971 U.C. Berkeley lecture, "The Black Man in the Cosmos," has been officially released for the first time, revealing a previously unknown half-hour of cosmic insight from the visionary musician. In this newly unearthed session, Ra guides his students through thought-provoking ideas, underscored by the sound of chalk on the board, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. His soft-spoken yet powerful delivery touches on themes of space, existence, and identity. The lecture closes with two rare musical performancesia serene piano rendition of 'Love In Outer Space' and an electrifying 16-minute Moog synthesizer solo. These performances capture the boundless creativity that defined Ra's work during this pivotal time in his career. The audio, sourced from the Creative Audio Archive, has been carefully restored and transferred by Todd Carter, with Alex Inglizian handling the mastering. The release includes images of the original tape box and reel, featuring Ra's handwritten notes. Produced by John Corbett and packaged with care, this CD offers a rare glimpse into both the intellectual and musical genius of Sun Ra during a defining era of his artistic journey.