Review: Little is known about this early 1970s psychedelic soul group from Germantown, Philadelphia. However, their record was recorded in 1969 and released in 1970 as one of two releases on Michael Nise's Round Records (Nise Productions INC). Now, remastered from an original pristine vinyl copy in collaboration with Nise Productions, this marks the first official reissue of the album. The group's music captures the essence of the era's soul and psychedelic influences, making this a long-awaited release for collectors and fans of vintage soul.
Cotton, Tsuyama, Kawabata - "L'ambition Dans Le Miroir" (11:22)
Review: Riot Season's vinyl reissue campaign brings new life to Acid Mothers Temple's 2004 album Mantra of Love. Makoto Kawabata and the band deliver an intense journey where layers of heavy white noise are met by cosmic effects and powerful guitar solos in a fearless fusion of psych-rock and experimental sounds. The vinyl comes in a limited edition cream colour and includes carefully restored archival photos held in Acid Mothers Temple's Osaka vaults. With fresh remastering by James Plotkin, this release revives a standout in AMT's catalogue for devoted fans and new listeners alike.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Review: Jonathan Richman's 'Egyptian Reggae' has been setting discerning dancefloors alight since its release in 1977, during the golden era of punk. Known for its infectious rhythm, the track has seen a few reggae remixes over the years. However, it was time for something freshia playful yet respectful cumbia twist. Both genres share a certain groove, making them a perfect match, and it's easy to imagine DJs weaving these sounds together in their sets. This new take on 'Egyptian Reggae' has been recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, the founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, and one of Peru's finest cumbia guitarists. Acosta brings his expert touch to the track, transforming it into an upbeat cumbia gem. On the flip side, we're treated to one of Acosta's own originals, 'Carnaval de Jujuy', recorded by Austin-based future cumbia outfit Money Chicha. The song blends Peru's fuzzed-out early chicha sound with Money Chicha's unique, modern interpretation of the genre, delivering a fresh, captivating cumbia vibe.
Review: Aguaturbia's 1970 debut is a cornerstone of Chilean rock, crucial to understanding the genre's evolution in South America. The album is fierce and vibrant, brimming with heavy riffs, bold distortion and Denise Corales' ethereal, phased vocals that echo the style of Jefferson Airplane. Blending original compositions with dynamic covers of hits by Tommy James & The Shondells, The Beatles and Jefferson Airplane, Aguaturbia infuses these tracks with an intensity that feels fresh and enthralling. Their bold musical expression, combined with provocative cover art, pushed boundaries in Chile's conservative society at the time. The album's raw, untamed energy made it a symbol of artistic rebellion. Guitarist Carlos Corales captivates with his powerful solos, leaving live audiences in awe. His mastery, paired with Willy Cavada's exceptional drumming, is showcased in unforgettable moments like Cavada's thrilling solo on 'Ah Ah Ah Ay', recorded perfectly in one take. Standout tracks include their hypnotic rendition of 'Somebody to Love' and the sultry, electrifying 'Erotica', where Denise's seductive vocals meld effortlessly with Carlos' scorching guitar work. Their version of 'Crimson and Clover' transforms the classic into a pulsating, psychedelic experience. This album, with its raw edge and groundbreaking style, remains an essential listen for anyone delving into the roots of psychedelic rock in Latin America, providing a truly riveting sonic journey.
Review: Al-Qasar deliver their unique debut album for WeWantSounds, exothermically reacting psych rock, pop and regional Sahel sounds. The five-piece band dropped their debut album Who Are We? for Glitterbeat in 2022, marking a potent Arabic and Middle Eastern psych rock inflection, where elements such as North African trance music were helped along their way in the form of continual reintroductions to Western ears. Characterised as "Arabian fuzz" by the band, their sound now hears a metempsychotic rebirth: this album was again recorded in both Europe and Africa, and, unlike their debut's Western collaborators (Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys), focuses on bustling rhythms lent by North African musicians such as Alsarah, Check Tidiane Seck and Sami Galbi.
Review: This All Them Witches reissue arrives with all the raw energy and atmospheric weight of the original, now pressed onto a stunning sea glass vinyl. Opening with the expansive 'Call Me Star,' the album sets a captivating tone, blending fuzzed-out rock with hypnotic melodies. 'El Centro' takes a more driving, gritty approach, while 'This Is Where It Falls Apart' brings a slower, introspective groove. The album's standout, 'Blood And Sand / Milk And Endless Waters,' is an intense, sprawling track that captures the band's signature sound. This reissue offers a fresh listen for long-time fans and newcomers alike, wrapped in a visually striking format.
Review: Soft Machine and Gong founder Christopher David "Daevid" Allen came of age under the influence of the Beat Generation writers while working in a Melbourne bookstore around 1960. The Australian psychedelic visionary then travelled to Paris, where he stayed at the infamous Beat Hotel, before heading to England, where his musical career really began. The point being, he was incredibly committed to exploring art forms like jazz and performance poetry. And a then-nascent field of synthesised sounds. Ten years after his death, Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life gets a timely repress to confirm it remains his Magnus Opus. A brave and incredibly unusual collection of tripped-out folk storytelling, curious garage guitar stuff, strangely naive and innocent weird pop, and progressive rock. One to keep diving into and still find new bits to love.
Review: Alvilda crafts a sharp, nostalgic homage to 60s girl groups and 70s power pop, distilled through a lens of modern punk urgency. The jangly guitars and punchy rhythms are underscored by layered harmonies, creating an infectious energy that refuses to waver. Sung entirely in French, the lyrics carry an emotive charge, even for non-speakers, while the brisk, sub-three-minute tracks demand attention with their unrelenting focus. The production keeps things tight and bright, ensuring every hook lands with clarity, offering a refreshing burst of indie vitality that never overstays its welcome.
Review: Alzo's 1973 hit single 'Lover Man' is heard reissued by the amorous hommes over at Elznavour. Hailed by the label as two romantic bangers - selectly chosen from the American soft rock musician's second LP Takin' So Long - Elznavour are keen to highlight the songs' equally tragic pull, for Alzo sadly passed away in 2004. Echoing the muted hey-heys of Sixto Rodriguez on the A, before launching into a cinematic psyche-soul number predictive of much modern pop music , 'Come On, Come On', on the B, this is a premium slice of well-cured rock music on 7", recalling the music of an unforgettable musician.
Review: The forthcoming collaboration between anaiis and Grupo Cosmo presents a captivating fusion of contemporary soul and Brazilian musical traditions. The album features tracks like 'Toda Cor' and 'Voyage,' which blend anaiis's soulful vocals with Grupo Cosmo's rich instrumentation, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This milky vinyl LP offers listeners a unique auditory experience, highlighting the seamless integration of diverse musical styles.
Review: If the name Vangelis conjures images of new age music or the overplayed 'Chariots of Fire', you might be surprised by his earlier work. Before his solo fame, Vangelis was a member of Aphrodite's Child, a rock band from the late 60s to early 70s. While the band was based in France due to political unrest in Greece, they produced music far removed from Vangelis's later style. Another well-known member was Demis Roussos, who also had a later solo career. Initially, Aphrodite's Child released two psychedelic pop albums, Rain and Tears and It's Five O'Clock, reminiscent of Genesis' early work on From Genesis to Revelation. 666 marked a significant shift toward progressive rock, blending Greek ethnic influences with experimental sounds. Highlights include 'Loud, Loud, Loud,' featuring a spoken word piece by a young Greek diplomat's son, and 'All the Seats Were Occupied,' a lengthy jam that samples the album's other tracks. The notorious, untitled track featuring actress Irene Papas caused discomfort at their label, but it solidified the album's status as a groundbreaking work in progressive rock. Despite the musicians' later mainstream personas, 666 remains a bold and innovative album.
Review: Stockholm-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Art Longo impresses here with Echowah Island, a new album sure to wind its way into your affections. It was crafted over years in his home studio and is "psychotropical pop" drawing deep inspiration from late 80s music and dub. The album's lush soundscape evokes orange sunsets and ocean breezes and is layered with spring reverb, space echo and wah-wah effects that smooth out the edges as the steady pulse of vintage drum machines moves things on down low. A standout feature is Claudio Jonas, whose ethereal vocals recall classic French femme fatale singers of the 60s. Her poetic, kaleidoscopic lyrics add to a nostalgic dream world that gently bends reality and makes his both escapist and thought-provoking.
Review: Ash Ra Tempel's fifth and - in most ways of judging it - final album was really also a swan song for the late, great Manuel Gottsching. Recoded at Studio Dierks, in the small, picturesque and windmill-happy German village of Stommeln by none other than Scorpions studio chief Dieter Dierks, there's a lot happening on Starring Rosi. And all of it really pretty damn good. It's funk, it's epic. It's moody, it's upbeat. It's steeped in an air of Krautrock and space rock, yet also wouldn't sound out of place providing the slap bass and guitar licks for a 1970s movie trailer. Simply put, it's Ash Ra Tempel, from the cosmic warmup and gradual build go 'Laughter Loving', through the folk-ish serenity of 'The Fairy Dance' and warbling, warped cacophonies on 'Schizo'.
Review: Ash Ra Tempel's 1973 album Starring Rosi, led by innovative guitarist Manuel Gottsching, showcases a more accessible sound compared to their earlier cosmic explorations. Rosi Muller, Gottsching's then-girlfriend, contributes spoken word passages, adding a unique texture to several tracks. The album opens with 'Laughter Loving', a cheerful, wah-wah guitar-driven track with hints of country-rock and droning synths. 'Day-Dream' features a stoned, two-chord acoustic sequence, paired with gentle lead guitar and dreamy vocals. Instrumental track 'Schizo' offers a detached, spacey atmosphere, while 'Cosmic Tango' delivers a funky groove, reminiscent of Gong's space-whisper style. The nearly nine-minute 'Interplay of Forces' starts in a psychedelic, space-rock vein before evolving into a guitar and drum-heavy jam. The album closes with 'Bring Me Up', a bluesy, funky track that spotlights Gottsching's masterful guitar work. The album's reissue on 180-gram coloured vinyl further highlights its timeless, genre-blending appeal.
Review: Heavy Jazz returns with Ellis Island, their latest instrumental offering following the success of 'Indian Rope Man'. This new release highlights Brian Auger's signature jazz prowess, delivering another intricate and powerful workout. The flip side honours the late Zoot Money with the first-ever 7" release of 'George Bruno Money'. This limited edition comes in a carefully designed sleeve featuring foldout flaps and a cutaway rear. It's an essential piece for jazz lovers and collectors alike, brimming with soulful rhythms and nostalgic nods to jazz legends.
Review: BaBa ZuLa, Istanbul's most experimental band, continues to push the boundaries of Turkish psych-rock. Known for their hypnotic blend of Turkish percussion, electric saz, and electronic elements, they've gained a cult following across the globe. With influences from legends like Einsturzende Neubauten and Can, their latest album Istanbul Sokaklari is a sonic and political statement. Combining deep rhythms, glitchy electronics and dual male-female vocals, BaBa ZuLa's music transports listeners into a world where tradition meets modernity, offering a glimpse into both the future and the heart of Istanbul's streets.
Review: Byron Bay 60s-psych revivalists Babe Rainbow are the first band to be signed to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's newly created p(doom) Records. When they announced this album at the end of 2024, with the release of single 'Like Cleopatra', it was the label's inauguration. The mystery in all of this, though, is how one earth does King Gizzard find the time to run a label when they release album as quickly as Mo Salah scores goals? Anyways, they clearly have a great ear as they've done the right thing in putting out this album of psychedelic acid pop, with its lysergic jams 80s synth-funk workouts. For all its nostalgia, there are parallels to more modern neo-psych bands that are really appealing, too. 'Aquarium Cowgirl' could have been a great release for the now disbanded London-based band Childhood, thanks to the reverb-y transcendental falsetto and floaty layers of dreamy guitar. Ultimately, this is a great, uplifting mood antidote to all the post-punk and shoegaze that's cornering the market at the moment.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.