Back catalogue: Psych/Garage Rock

Review: Breaking from his directorial duties, American cinema auteur Eli Roth (Borderlands, Knock Knock, Green Inferno) stops by the CAM Sugar sound studio for a rare double 7" LP, pinching listeners by the ear and dragging them along a forbidden trail along the gothic, red-lit path that is Italian soundtrack legendariness. Drawing his selections here from a wealth of Italian B-movie expertise, not to mention ownership in his own collection, the contemporary horrorist has chosen 20 delicious but still downright saucy disco, bossa nova and psych tunes here, centring on the Italian Sexy Comedy softcore era of 1969-81.

Review: Light in the Attic Record's Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 is a landmark collection chronicling Ukraine's rich musical history, from the Soviet era to the years after the USSR's collapse. The compilation spans rare folk, rock, jazz, and electronic tracks, with music often dissenting subtly from Soviet norms. Curated by producers Matt Sullivan, David Mas, and others, it reflects five years of dedication, culminating in a significant shiftipolitics surrounding the Russian invasion led the team to focus solely on Ukrainian music. Guiding the album is Kyiv-based filmmaker and DJ Vitalii "Bard" Bardetskyi, whose liner notes provide deep insights into each track. Songs include Kobza's 1971 instrumental waltz Bunny, blending traditional Ukrainian folk with rock and jazz, and Vodohrai's Caribbean-influenced Remembrance from the late 70s. The compilation also captures Ukraine's underground scene in the 80s and 90s, when artists experimented with electronic music and post-punk. Other Highlights include Vadym Khrapachov's synth-heavy score ;Dance', Cukor Bila Smert's 1995 experimental track 'Cool, Shining', and the jungle/drum-n-bass rhythms of Marble Sleeves' 'Lion' from 1996. This collection honors Ukraine's vibrant sonic heritage, documenting the resilience and creativity of its artists during times of immense upheaval. Have a look at the attention to detail on the packaging. A true history lesson.

Review: Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 stands as a monumental collection, capturing the evolution of Ukraine's music from the Soviet era to the dawn of independence. This compilation, meticulously assembled by Matt Sullivan and producers David Mas, Mark McNeill, and Shukai Records, offers an unprecedented glimpse into Ukraine's rich musical heritage. The collection spans from Soviet-era folk and rock to underground electronic experiments, reflecting both political dissent and creative evolution. Through rare tracks from folk-rock group Kobza's 'Bunny' to the Caribbean-tinged 'Remembrance' by Vodohrai, the compilation showcases a diverse array of genres and influences. The 80s and 90s contributions highlight Ukraine's vibrant underground scene, featuring experimental sounds like Vadym Khrapachov's synth-driven 'Dance' and Radiodelo's industrial '90'. This vinyl edition features Maria Prymachenko's folk art that really compliments the package well. Vitalii Bardetskyi's insightful liner notes offer context and depth, framing the music within the broader scope of Ukrainian history and resilience. This compilation not only preserves a pivotal era of Ukrainian music but also contributes to the ongoing recovery of the region.