Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: Flammer Dance Band returns with 'Gynger', a high-energy, groove-infused album that showcases their vibrant fusion of funk, Afrobeat and psychedelic sounds. After a whirlwind year of touring, including a stint backing Ghanaian legend Funky Rob, the seven-piece group hit the studio with fresh inspiration and contagious spontaneity. Over five intense days, they recorded Gynger, an album brimming with dynamic, raw energy. Highlights include,'Bandet Gar', which is a horn-heavy funk powerhouse, bursting with infectious rhythms. 'Ekko Av Deg Selv' takes a more experimental route, with its distinctive keyboard work lending the track a unique and eclectic vibe. 'Glad' delivers a laid-back, Balearic flavour, with breezy guitar riffs and a relaxed island groove, offering a refreshing, chilled-out contrast. Meanwhile, the title track, 'Gynger', dives into trippy, psychedelic territory, swirling with hypnotic rhythms and spaced-out vibes that pull listeners deep into the groove. This release sees a band at the peak of their creativity, blending tight musicianship with a free-flowing, jam-like spirit. Flammer Dance Band's is clearly a leader in funk and Afrobeat, offering this fresh take on classic grooves with modern twists.

Review: The Fishmans are a Japanese band who were very ahead of their time. Formed in 1987, they mixed reggae, dub and psychedelia into their live ensemble. If that wasn't groundbreaking enough, through the 90s they also added elements of ambient, synth pop and shoegaze. This double album, originally released in 2005, is now available on vinyl for the first time. Standouts include the live version of the shimmering 'A Piece of Future', the spacey lullaby 'Weather Report' and the rocksteady 'Magic Love'. The charm of the band is immediately understood after one listen to this album - one of our favourite Japanese vinyl transfers of the year so far.