Back catalogue: Post Rock/Experimental

Review: Buy Or Die! Ralph Records 1972-1982 offers an extensive look into the influential underground label founded by The Residents. This 3xCD compilation presents a blend of classic tracks, rare gems and unreleased material, showcasing the experimental ethos that defined Ralph Records. The set features works from avant-garde pioneers like Yello, Snakefinger, MX-80 Sound, Renaldo and The Loaf, and Art Bears, highlighting the diverse roster that spanned the realms of punk, new wave, and art rock. Curated with contributions from the artists and overseen by The Residents, the collection delves deep into the DIY culture of the time. A 7,500-word essay by The Residents' archivist accompanies the release, offering insight into the label's philosophy and impact. The compilation is enriched by never-before-heard tracks and rare visuals, making it a fascinating snapshot of a bold era in music history. With its mix of iconic singles and hidden treasures, this stands as a celebration of Ralph Records' daring legacy.

Review: Earlier this year, Bear Family set out to chronicle the formative years of Germany's heavy rock sound, offering up a killer compilation showcasing tracks released between 1970 and '76. This sequel focuses on the next chapter, as German heavy rock turned to heavy metal under the influence of global powerhouses such as AC/DC and Judas Priest. It's educational and entertaining in equal measure, with the two discs showcasing such delights as the bluesy fuzz of Bullfrog's 'Live', the heavy rhythm and blues of Prinzip, the elongated Black Sabbath riffs of Epitaph's 'On The Road', the organ-powered eccentricity of Requiem's 'Steven', the early metal headiness of Breslau ('Spinn') and the all-action excellence of 'Time Machine' by Beast.

Review: To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Sonic Cathedral is releasing a limited-edition 4xCD box set titled Celebrate Yourself! The Sonic Cathedral Story 2004-2024, featuring 62 tracks, many of which are previously unreleased. This compilation includes rare remixes, standout live recordings, and a festive shoegaze collection. Notable contributions come from artists such as Slowdive, Andy Bell (Ride), Emma Anderson (Lush), bdrmm, Whitelands, and deary, along with remixes from renowned producers like Andrew Weatherall and Daniel Avery. The box set chronicles Sonic Cathedral's journey from its inception as a club night in 2004 to its pivotal role in the resurgence of shoegaze music today. This labor of love reflects the label's profound impact on the genre, showcasing classic singles alongside a collection of holiday-themed tracks. Nat Cramp, the driving force behind Sonic Cathedral, expressed pride in releasing this comprehensive anthology, which encapsulates the label's evolution and its central role in the shoegaze revival. The box set coinciding with a series of special live events and a unique exhibition in London, marking two decades of vibrant musical history.

Review: Cherry Red's latest four-disc deep dive takes us on an extensive tour of the East and West German rock underground of the 1970s, a time when both countries developed their own distinctive takes on psychedelic, experimental and mind-altering rock music - and of course the decidedly cosmic sounds that would later be dubbed "kosmiche" and "krautrock". Across the four discs (and superb liner notes), they've got it all covered, from the heavy riffs and elongated solos of Massage, the wild psych-blues of Nosferatu and the ambient electronics of Klaus Schulze, to the stretched-out synth epics of Tangerine Dream, the out-there Indian exotica of Conrad Schnitzler, the dubby jams of Faust and the decidedly hallucinatory brilliance of My Solid Ground.