Cerca:d star

You don’t need to be Freud to regard teeth as a delicate issue. They can make joy look joyous and pain look painful, and on the cover of the new múm album they do both at the same time. As »Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today Is Okay« (2001), »Finally We Are No One« (2002) and »Sing Along To Songs You Don’t Know« (2009) »Smilewound« is another example of the band’s art of juxtaposing two conflicting meanings and taking advantage of the energy created through the tension between both.

Sparser in sound than many of its predecessors, »Smilewound« is an airy, relaxed record. The múm-core-duo of Örvar and Gunni doesn’t make you laugh out loud (except maybe for the quirky vintage Arcade-sound-start of »When Girls Collide«), but it will make you smile often - despite the heavenly voices singing about violence in one form or another in most songs. Musically, múm’s capability to build playful electronic sound-ornaments around simple melodies is in full bloom. And these days they know that trimming the ornamentation can strengthen the melody. Take »The Colorful Stabwound«: an aguish drum’n’bass piece and »Smilewound« gets close to a straight pop-song. Even that isn’t very close, but it combines its rhythmic strength with a simple yet effective piano-line and the soothing lushness of a female voice to something compelling that follows you like the smell of a delicate eau de toilette. Or »Candlestick« which started out as a little ditty strummed on an acoustic guitar many years ago and has grown into this bouncy piece of synth-pop that changes its musical colours every couple of beats until you feel comfortably dizzy. Perfect pop in very fancy clothes. No wonder that antipodean pop-princess Kylie Minogue wanted to collaborate with múm on the »Whistle«, the main song in 2012-movie »Jack & Diane«.

Recorded in, among other places, the band’s practice-space, an old baltic farmhouse and on the kitchen-table after dinner, the album was produced by múm themselves. And being the revolving collective they are, it comes as no surprise that we see the return of former member Gyda. Defining satellites as part of the core fits nicely with the band’s penchant for ambivalence - in fact that's part of the album's charm.

Born to Dominican and Brazilian parents, xavi grew up bouncing from place to place, picking up inspiration wherever he landed. His first love was baile funk, but he was raised on classic hip-hop, eventually notching up production and songwriting credits for Vince Staples, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande. But the major label life wasn’t giving; sick of the industry, he headed back to São Paulo to soak up the atmosphere and connect with artists on the ground. Before long, he started uploading quickfire bangers to SoundCloud – at this point there are over 350 of them on his feed – an »evolutionary playlist« in his own words, bursting with ideas.

»balança e paixão« is his debut release, proper, a 12-cut snapshot of chaotic, trailblazing, turbulent genius – bending thrashed rhythms into relentless vocal chops from a laundry list of young brazillian MCs. Built on ear-zizzing »tuin« hits and razor’s edge cuts, he creates hypnotic ripples that wedge themselves between São Paulo’s weirdo fringe (artists like JLZ and Iguana) and the percussive, MC-heavy sound of funk ritmado, one of the contemporary scene’s most vital and recognisable strains. Crucially, you can hear a Photek-like approach to space in his productions too, filling the gaps with metallic clangs to lend his rhythms their own unique dimension. The flipside takes it slower, deeper. On »sei q tu gosta« (I know you like it), DJ Leal Original and MC Vuk Vuk’s voices are transformed into ghosted sibilances next to xavi’s sonar pings and woodblock hits with an almost avant-dancehall slant, like some choice Equiknoxx dub, while on »cuidado bandida« (be careful bandit), he deploys bone-rattling trills that bite down on atmospherics that wouldn’t be out of place on Akira Yamaoka’s »Silent Hill« OST.

cLOUDDEAD's debut album, compiling six 10" EPs that appeared between 2000-2001, is aurally dense and obscured. A sprawling mass of miniature beat-suites and Dadaist lyrics, this strange and beautiful 3xLP would influence a myriad of sub-genres (cloud rap, hauntology, lo-fi hip-hop, etc.) in the two decades since its initial release.

Only the three members of cLOUDDEAD – Why?, Doseone and Odd Nosdam – can speak to the group's origins, but in the context of underground hip-hop towards the end of the 20th century, their arrival makes perfect sense. Cincinnati had a vital scene; home to Scribble Jam, an annual confluence of MCs, DJs, B-boys and graffiti artists. While the trio soon relocated to the Bay Area where they co-founded the Anticon collective, their Midwestern roots – in ramshackle basements of off-campus hovels, as the "cerberus of Southern Ohio" – would remain the atomic heart of their early recordings.

As Chris Martins writes in the liner notes, "The only reason we know their names today is because of how loudly and curiously they aired their insularity. They rewrote the entire world as they knew it through their own fucked perspective, and when those mysterious 10-inches started popping up in record shops, it wasn't just a puzzle to investigate: there seemed to be a whole cosmology hidden in those grooves."

Each side of the album represents one of those elusive 10-inches, each embodying a universe unto itself. Opening salvo "Apt. A" and "And All You Can Do Is Laugh" are perhaps most emblematic of the cLOUDDEAD experience. Why? and Dose create a new language through boundless non-sequiturs, sing-song non-choruses and call-and-response hooks, while Nosdam's dexterous production shifts from crackling ambience of Flying Saucer Attack to tight Ohio Players drum breaks and oblique film samples.

Taken all together, cLOUDDEAD is an original interpretation of hip-hop in the surreal Y2K glow – a bizarre meeting point between William Basinski's Disintegration Loops and MF DOOM's Operation: Doomsday. All it took was a Dr. Sample SP-202, Tascam cassette eight-track and cheap RadioShack mic. There's truly nothing like it.

This edition has been faithfully restored by Nosdam. European exclusive version comes on clear vinyl, incl. fold-out poster and liner notes insert.

Inspired by witnessing the broken tension and renewed possibilities of a laptop breaking down at a gig – not to mention the void left behind by the sudden end of a relationship – Pentu’s latest release is a jump-cut menagerie of musical moments. Sewn together into ‘And I Saw My Devil And I Saw My Deep Blue Sea’, these fifteen tracks continue the London-based producer’s active departure from the soundscapes and song structures that dominated their previous writing style. These disparate pieces slice themselves off into sudden silence, or veer into unpredictable sidebars, hopping from hyperactive instrumentals to beautifully deconstructed YouTube samples. Described by Pentu as “emotionally intuitive to write”, this is music by and for the endlessly scrolling modern mind – “navigating the world alongside the splintered, interruptive emotional hyper realities of social media.”

The sudden silences, drones, and interruptions are perhaps less surprising than the guitar-based textures of metal & shoegaze woven into several vital passages by Pentu. The result is a collage that encapsulates the erratic feeling, not only of a relationship’s end, but simply of navigating online mediascapes.”I found myself realising that my phone, the constant interrupter of nothingness and silence, was both a cause of depression (reliving memories, dating apps) and a relief from it (creating new friendships, distractions, also dating apps)”, says Pentu.

Pentu’s attempt to overcome content overload by actively curbing his setup of laptop-guitar--synth does little to reduce the scope of this album’s sonic palette. YouTube vlog samples (from videos with next-to-no views) are an attempt to recontextualise and dramatise material that “would have otherwise been throwaway moments lost in the internet”, adding staccato moments of reality to Pentu’s beautiful and jarring album-length paean to overstimulation.

Inspired by the soundtrack from the motion picture American Graffiti, this 3LP collection captures the sound of late night cruising, jukebox romance and early rock ’n’ roll rebellion. Spanning doo wop, rockabilly and classic pop, the set brings together era defining hits from the mid 1950s to early 1960s, featuring timeless favourites by Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Dion, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, The Platters and many more. Pressed across three vividly coloured vinyl records, red, blue and yellow, this set is both a nostalgic listening experience and a striking collector’s piece, celebrating the golden age of American rock and pop in authentic style.

When you listen to birds, they usually talk about food, sex/family, or anxiety. If they knew about the true nature of humanity's cruel and exploitative relationship with birds, they would be discussing rebellion. Humanity's current trajectory about birds is to cause the extinction of one-third of all bird species by the end of this century.

This record crystallises the borders between memory, beauty, and anxiety. At the core is an amalgam of all the birds we have met and heard, their sounds synthesised from a blend of memories. Esthetically it simulates the qualities of bird sounds, hitting similar frequential sweet spots. There is a great variety of birds captured here, from high to low frequencies, from solo voices to groups, from birds standing on their own to complex world-building, where the bird voices are part of an ecosystem, becoming one of the instruments.

You could stop there, enjoying this record on a musical level, but it invites us to do one step further, to consider reconfiguring our relationship with the Earth and its inhabitants. To question our impact, and to ask why we need synthetic bird music. Is it just a visionary endeavour or is it because we are failing at fostering a world in which organic birds and other creatures can thrive?

32 artists from the whole world, including our favourite artists from Eastern Europe, have contributed to this compilation both with new and previously released music. Their music is ordered from dawn to dusk and into the night. For many of the artists it's their first time on mappa, but some have previously released an album with us.

This one already has created a nice little stir with the soul crowd, and rightly so.

The A side "Is It Still Good For You" is a wonderful Modern soul chugger that oozes that late night club feel. Simple in its melody and production but bounces along so soulfully. Great vocals but the late Johnny Kemp with the group on some killer backing harmonies.

Kinky Foxx could be described as an ever changing funk machine with nuts and bolts that remained strong over time. This band planted its roots in the Bahamas where the name "Kinky" was given to Joseph Foxx and teaming up with his Brother Donny Foxx formed the musical group named, "DER KINKY FOXX"!!! The two Foxx Brothers added members Kevin Bassett-Guitar, Johnny Kemp-Vocals, and Burnis Stubbs-percussion performing clubs and concerts in the Bahamas. Moving to New York City Kinky Foxx changed members to compete with the major funk venue during the early 80s. Acquiring Dan Atherton Sr. AKA "The Slammin 'Drummer", Larry Robinson-Keyboardist, Timmy Allen-Bass, Kevin Robinson-Guitar these musicians combined forces with Johnny Kemp, Kevin Bassett, and Burnis Stubbs to form the New York City based "Original" Kinky Foxx from '79 to '81, burning up the famous Cellar Club in NYC, the mecca for Black Funk entertainment. With a front line of top musical talent some members moved on to follow solo recording and production careers and contracts. To fill lead gutiarist and Bass guitarist vacancies Jerry Powell was added on guitar,and Leslie Booker was added on bass. In 1982 Kinky Foxx added Vincent Lilly on lead vocals and Curtis Styles on Keyboards.The Foxx released the hit song "So Different" on Sound of New York records in '83 and embarked on a Canadian experiment leaving the US to play briefly in Montreal, Quebec at Club Checkers. The rest is history as the band became so popular in Quebec and Ontario they could have been called Canadian residents, usually working 6 nights a week and 11 months out of the year from '83-'91 . Dan Atherton moved on in '83 to pursue a career as The "Slammin Drummer" for hire, and was sought after by a barrage of major artists,touring with Bobby Brown,New Edition,Levert,Teddy Riley and Guy,Cameo,and Atlantic Starr. Tyrone Govan aka "King" moved in as the Foxx Drummer in '83 and remained with the group until the band went their separate ways in the mid 90's. The Foxx's last performance in the States was in North Carolina on tour and backing Prince's sister Tyka Nelson in the 90's. Currently the band has sparked interest once again writing and recording new material and is forming a reunion show which will eventually lead to additional performances with other recording acts and headline shows.

Andrew Weatherall never wakes up in the morning and decides to start a new album that day. Instead, recording music is a continuous process usually working with different collaborators and seeing where the muse takes him. Somewhere down the line the rewards of a collaboration will coalesce into a body of work between thirty minutes and an hour long and he will put a call into the Rotters' team to say he has a new release ready to go.

We were visiting the studio catching up on new tracks in various states of readiness when he offered up some remixes of tracks from his recent "Ruled by Passion…" he'd been sent by fellow musicians. Tim Fairplay, Andrew's partner in The Asphodells, Sean Johnston from A Love From Outer Space and Scott Fraser live and work in the area and all popped in at various points.

Andrew's black book reads like the who's who of contemporary music but rather than plunder it for remixers he'd let drop the idea of a remix with friends and neighbours. These plus a couple a swaps with musical friends who were new to the concept of remixing, gave Andrew an hour of music he thoroughly enjoyed listening to.

It goes without saying none of the tracks are duds but our ears always prick up when Justin Robertson's take on "Beglammered" ups the heart rate or Daniel Avery's own unscrewing of "… the Axis" ruffles the neck hairs. We've stopped arguing in the office about which is the best track. They all are.

No Strings Attached
Your Boys Are Biters (Dubman Version)
A.I. Double Crossed
The G.O.A.T
Daughters of Star Dust

We are super excited to have the legend that is DJ Seduction on Vinyl Fanatiks. We have managed to secure his Obscure Records releases for repress, so make sure you check for the other release if you are buying this one.

This listing is for DJ Seduction - Feel So Good / Solid Bass.

Do I need to say much about Seduction really... part of the scene since the start and still banging out the tunes. You all know how influential he was to the direction of the music we love.

We are super excited to have the legend that is DJ Seduction on Vinyl Fanatiks. We have managed to secure his Obscure Records releases for repress, so make sure you check for the other release if you are buying this one.

This listing is for DJ Seduction - Pure Delight / Tonight.

Do I need to say much about Seduction really... part of the scene since the start and still banging out the tunes. You all know how influential he was to the direction of the music we love.

2LP-Erstauflage auf farbigem Loser-Vinyl: "BIO PETROL" Disk 1 und "MAGENTA" Disk 2. "¡Simpatico! (Remastered and Expanded)" bringt das lange vergriffene zweite Album von Velocity Girl aus dem Jahr 1994, "¡Simpatico!", mit einem superfrischen Mastering und einer Menge Bonus-Tracks aus der "¡Simpatico!"-Zeit endlich wieder raus. Das Originalalbum klingt besser als je zuvor und wird durch ein komplettes Album mit B-Seiten und Raritäten ergänzt. Velocity Girl wurde um 1989 an der University of Maryland außerhalb von Washington DC gegründet, mit dem Gitarristen Archie Moore (Black Tambourine), dem Gitarristen Brian Nelson (Black Tambourine), dem Schlagzeuger Jim Spellman (Starry Eyes, Foxhall Stacks, High Back Chairs, Julie Ocean, Piper Club), dem Bassisten Kelly Riles (Starry Eyes) und der Sängerin Sarah Shannon (Starry Eyes, The Not Its). Die Band kombinierte englisch inspirierten, lauten Shoegaze-Fuzz mit rauem US-Indie-Rock und klassischem Pop-Songwriting im Stil der 60er Jahre. Eine Killer-Single auf Slumberland und ununterbrochene Tourneen erregten die Aufmerksamkeit der Indie-Rock-Kenner, und bald darauf unterschrieb Velocity Girl einen Vertrag mit Sub Pop auf einer Motorhaube in Hoboken, New Jersey. Nach der Tournee zur Unterstützung ihres Debüts ,Copacetic" verbrachte die Band den größten Teil des Jahres damit, eine Reihe von Songs für ein zweites Album zu schreiben. So hatten sie noch nie gearbeitet - es war eine neue Erfahrung, Zeit und Budget (vom Label!) darauf zu verwenden, ein Album zu produzieren, das kein selbst produziertes Punkrock-Studioalbum war. Nachdem sie ihr neues Material monatelang im lauten Stil von ,Copacetic" gespielt hatten, waren die Bandmitglieder von den Songs begeistert, wollten sich aber von der rauen, amateurhaften Atmosphäre ihrer früheren Alben lösen. Und ihre Einflüsse waren diesmal etwas anders: weniger My Bloody Valentine und Wedding Present, mehr New Order. Jemand bei Sub Pop brachte die Band mit John Porter zusammen, dem ehemaligen Mitglied von Roxy Music, der The Smiths, Billy Bragg, The Alarm und eine Reihe anderer Acts der 80er Jahre produziert hatte. Sie trafen sich während einer Tournee in Los Angeles. Er erklärte sich bereit, das Album in einer dreiwöchigen Session in den Cue Studios in Falls Church, Virginia, zu produzieren. Er war genau das, was die Band brauchte: ein Redakteur, Arrangeur und Zuchtmeister. Als er gnadenlos jeden unnötig wiederholten Takt herausschnitt, merkte die Band, dass sie sich zu einem klareren Sound hingezogen fühlte und fast komplett auf die laute Gitarre verzichtete, zweifellos beeinflusst durch Porters Präsenz. Velocity Girl waren super zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis, und ,¡Simpatico!" kam im Juni 1994 raus. Diese erweiterte Neuauflage enthält eine Reihe von Songs, die einige Monate nach den Albumaufnahmen in den Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Virginia, aufgenommen wurden. Die Sessions lieferten spielerisch-experimentelle B-Seiten für die Singles des Albums, zwei Cover-Songs (das New-Order-Cover ,Your Silent Face" und ein Beach-Boys-Cover) für eine Single auf Merge Records und einen Compilation-Track.

Mess Esque are a duo featuring music and instruments by Mick Turner
and words and voice by Helen Franzmann. Their self-titled album is a
beguiling travelogue of restless, somnambulant wanderings.
Perhaps best known as one of the Dirty Three, Mick’s been playing
guitar and making music with many collaborators for forty years. He’s
loved his paintings too but revered especially for his solo music - since
1997, Drag City have released four of his albums, plus an EP and an
album of the Tren Brothers (Mick with percussionist and fellow Dirty
Three-ite, Jim White) and two EPs featuring Mick as the Marquis de Tren
with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.
Mick’s last record was 2013’s ‘Don’t Tell the Driver’, a work that found
him departing from his traditional hermetic instrumental template by
employing a rhythm section and brass charts and even collaborating with
a vocalist. After all the purely instrumental music he’s made with Dirty
Three and solo, a singer is now part of the sound he’s hearing in his
head these days; while demoing new material, he realized that he was
again writing music that needed lyrics - and for that matter, someone
other than himself to sing them. But who? In 2019, he was introduced to
Helen through a mutual friend who’d produced her last album. Under the
name Mckisko, Helen has released three albums over the past 12 years,
working and touring with a range of Australian musicians along the way.
Her music has been described as numinous and transformative. Her
most recent album, ‘Southerly’, saw her moving into a more expansive
sound which led to an openness and excitement around further
collaboration.
Helen’s words are carefully observed, her phrasing responding intuitively
to Mick’s looping guitar figures with vocal repetitions of her own. Starting
with a feeling or a voicing, there are often no words - both players are
searching on their own paths. Then suddenly they have arrived and are
passing the emerging meaning back and forth, the rising intensity
forming a kind of undertow that pulls the listener deeper into their world.
Often, Helen would record her vocals in the middle of the night, seeking
that 2am flow, a moment of greatest isolation through which to trace her
melodie with fragility and strength. This crystallizes Mess Esque’s
intention: riding the sleepy drift through the blurred edges of the day…
time-traveling to that moment beyond stasis where sense and no sense
coincide and share space and time and energy. Viewing from afar the
immense peace of this planet when its ghost world of spirits below - the
madness of crowds, people sliding past each other faraway in the night -
are quieted at last.

"Chuck Roth’s music wanders. The New York-based guitarist’s inquisitive style builds from rippling patterns that center the physicality of his instrument, roaming wherever they take him. watergh0st songs, his Palilalia debut, collects songs from the past half-decade, presenting an intimate snapshot of his music that draws from an eclectic background in classical guitar, electronic music, and improvisation." "The mark of watergh0st songs is its exploratory nature. Roth began his musical journey as a classical guitarist studying the canon works for the instrument, but he was never interested in playing fast or flashy. Instead, he wanted to roam down musical paths and see where they led him. He eventually became more interested in electronic music, where he found inspiration in subtractive properties and patterning. The music of watergh0st songs translates that electronic music to the guitar: many of the songs began as synth tones and later branched out through the physicality of his instrument." "When writing music, Roth wants melodies to feel comfortable in the body, focused less on setting a structure and more on letting music unfold how it happens in any given moment. His songs are fluid and his melodies are clear, plucked with careful attention but never too deterministically. His is the music of a traveler, floating around the strings of the guitar. It is about embracing the banal, or the everyday moments that shape a life." "Though Roth’s music often feels quite direct, there is a dreaminess that lives inside of it. His lyrics don’t feel too hot or cold, instead they have a wistfulness and melancholy of what it feels like to live through every passing day. His exploratory style bolsters these lyrics, giving the music its sense of ennui, as does his focus on texture. Each track takes on a different structure: 'Bunny Hop' unfolds like a squirrel jumping from branch to branch of a tree, while 'Private Boy' has a slower approach, growing from delayed harmonics that almost sound like bowed strings. His textures range from metallic and bristling to soft and feathery, evolving with gentleness. It is about ending up somewhere different than where it started, and watching the notes that fall in-between." The embrace of the routine colors Roth’s music. In it, there is a sense of presence, of admiring the smallest details and moments. Roth loves to take walks and look around, observing the beauty of his surroundings. Similarly, watergh0st songs feels like moving through the world at the pace of a comfortable trot and soaking in every sound as it emerges. It is a quiet evolution—but one that stays."—Vanessa Ague

Der Spoken-Word-Künstler Dan Whitlam, eine der überzeugendsten neuen Stimmen aus GB, balanciert auf der 14-Track-Odysee "Strangers (Again)", seinem Debütalbum, gefühlvolle, klavierbetonte Momente und gebrochene Beats mit seiner charakteristischen Mischung aus lyrischer Ehrlichkeit und melodischem Feingefühl. So entsteht ein intimer wie auch weitläufiger Sound. Mit Gastfeatures von Raphaella, Tamzene, Saphire & Jordan Akampa fängt die LP die Dualität seiner Arbeit ein, wenn poetisches Geschichtenerzählen mit zukunftsweisender Produktion kontrastiert. Jeder Track reflektiert Verbindung und Distanz und verwebt Momente emotionaler Tiefe und Entspannung. Im Okt./Nov. 2025 startet(e) Whitlam seine bisher größte Headliner-Tour, mit ausverkauften Konzerten in Köln & Berlin, die ein intensives Erlebnis verspricht, wenn Grenzen zwischen Poesie, Soul und zeitgenössischer Musik verschwimmen. Der Londoner feiert Millionen TikTok- & Instagram-Aufrufe und wird von Künstlern wie Fred Again & Arlo Parks sowie Modemarken wie Hermes & YSL unterstützt.
















[o] B8. Interlude - 3 Lives [vinyl exclusive]

Der Spoken-Word-Künstler Dan Whitlam, eine der überzeugendsten neuen Stimmen aus GB, balanciert auf der 14-Track-Odysee "Strangers (Again)", seinem Debütalbum, gefühlvolle, klavierbetonte Momente und gebrochene Beats mit seiner charakteristischen Mischung aus lyrischer Ehrlichkeit und melodischem Feingefühl. So entsteht ein intimer wie auch weitläufiger Sound. Mit Gastfeatures von Raphaella, Tamzene, Saphire & Jordan Akampa fängt die LP die Dualität seiner Arbeit ein, wenn poetisches Geschichtenerzählen mit zukunftsweisender Produktion kontrastiert. Jeder Track reflektiert Verbindung und Distanz und verwebt Momente emotionaler Tiefe und Entspannung. Im Okt./Nov. 2025 startet(e) Whitlam seine bisher größte Headliner-Tour, mit ausverkauften Konzerten in Köln & Berlin, die ein intensives Erlebnis verspricht, wenn Grenzen zwischen Poesie, Soul und zeitgenössischer Musik verschwimmen. Der Londoner feiert Millionen TikTok- & Instagram-Aufrufe und wird von Künstlern wie Fred Again & Arlo Parks sowie Modemarken wie Hermes & YSL unterstützt.
















o B8. Interlude - 3 Lives [vinyl exclusive]















[o] B8. Interlude - 3 Lives [vinyl exclusive]

RENO, the debut album from Red Leather, is a scorched-earth confession wrapped in the swagger of classic rock and the soul of Americana. Written in the aftermath of addiction, heartbreak, and self-reckoning, it’s an unflinching look at what it means to burn your life down and start over. Across its 14 tracks, Red Leather howls through desert nights and neon cityscapes, blending grit and grace in equal measure. Songs like “Deathwish,” “Burn in Hell,” and “The Only Time It Rains in Hollywood” are raw, cinematic, and deeply human—each one a snapshot of pain, defiance, and redemption. Equal parts road trip and resurrection, RENO cements Red Leather as one of the most compelling new voices in modern rock. 1xLP, Single Pocket Jacket, Pressed on Translucent Red Vinyl

Gegründet 1992 in London von Sänger und Songwriter David Christian, gehören Comet Gain seit über drei Jahrzehnten zu den prägenden Namen des internationalen Indie-Underground. Inspiriert von Creation Records, den Television Personalities und Mod-Ikonen wie Dexys, The Style Council und Vic Godard, zieht die Band ihre Linie von The Velvet Underground, The Byrds bis zu den 13th Floor Elevators. Acht Alben auf Labels wie Wiiija, Kill Rock Stars, What"s Your Rupture und Fortuna POP! dokumentieren ihren unverwechselbaren Stil: eine Mischung aus französischer Nouvelle Vague und englischem "Kitchen Sink"-Herz, Riot Grrrl und Acid Punk, C86, Post-Punk und Northern Soul. "City Fallen Leaves", ursprünglich 2005 erschienen, gilt als Schlüsselwerk der Band und wird nun weltweit von Tapete Records neu aufgelegt. Boy/Girl-Vocals, kratzige Gitarren, Lo-Fi-Charme, Garagebeat und bittersüße Melodien machen dieses Album zu einem zeitlosen Statement für Enthusiasmus und Schmerz, Liebe und Wut. Einfach auflegen, laut drehen und wieder lebendig fühlen.

Die schwedischen High-Energy-Rocker The Hellacopters haben kürzlich ihr 30-jähriges Jubiläum gefeiert und nach der Veröffentlichung ihres neuen, vielgelobten Albums »Overdriver« am 31. Januar 2025, das zum zweiten Mal in der Bandgeschichte Platz 1 der schwedischen Charts erreichte 1 der schwedischen Charts erreichte – ist es nun an der Zeit, ihrer treuen Fangemeinde etwas wirklich Nostalgisches zu bieten.

»Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3« ist der lang erwartete Nachfolger einer Reihe von Raritäten-Sammlungen, die 2002 begann und Material aus einer Vielzahl von Singles, EPs und Compilations vereint. Die 24 Titel dieses Sets wurden ursprünglich zwischen 1995 und 2004 veröffentlicht, die meisten davon nur auf Vinyl, und umfassen Originale wie »Disappointment Blues«, »Freeway To Hell«, »Doggone Your Bad-Luck Soul« und »Long Gone Losers« sowie Coverversionen von Songs von Motörhead, Wilson Pickett, Mc5, Smokey Robinson, Alice Cooper, The Ramones, The Nomads, Adam West – dessen Sänger Jake Starr die Liner Notes für diese Veröffentlichung verfasst hat – und vielen, vielen anderen.

Die schwedischen High-Energy-Rocker The Hellacopters haben kürzlich ihr 30-jähriges Jubiläum gefeiert und nach der Veröffentlichung ihres neuen, vielgelobten Albums »Overdriver« am 31. Januar 2025, das zum zweiten Mal in der Bandgeschichte Platz 1 der schwedischen Charts erreichte 1 der schwedischen Charts erreichte – ist es nun an der Zeit, ihrer treuen Fangemeinde etwas wirklich Nostalgisches zu bieten.

»Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3« ist der lang erwartete Nachfolger einer Reihe von Raritäten-Sammlungen, die 2002 begann und Material aus einer Vielzahl von Singles, EPs und Compilations vereint. Die 24 Titel dieses Sets wurden ursprünglich zwischen 1995 und 2004 veröffentlicht, die meisten davon nur auf Vinyl, und umfassen Originale wie »Disappointment Blues«, »Freeway To Hell«, »Doggone Your Bad-Luck Soul« und »Long Gone Losers« sowie Coverversionen von Songs von Motörhead, Wilson Pickett, Mc5, Smokey Robinson, Alice Cooper, The Ramones, The Nomads, Adam West – dessen Sänger Jake Starr die Liner Notes für diese Veröffentlichung verfasst hat – und vielen, vielen anderen.

'Flowers', the new EP from Elizabeth Davis, finds itself at the cross-section of many factors. In part, it’s the result of Davis’ obsession with a seminal folk song. But it also coincides with her rediscovery of the voice and language as an instrument. It was recorded during an autumn residency at Sternhagen Gut, the cultural refuge run by Gudrun Gut and Thomas Fehlmann, located deep in the Uckermark countryside halfway between Berlin and the Baltic coast.

The six tracks on 'Flowers' all take Pete Seeger’s ‘60s protest-folk song 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone' as their starting point. However, they veer off in different directions, from vocal loops and deconstructed lyrics, to instrumental drones and glitchy, manipulated rhythm tracks. Like many musicians, Davis has learnt composition by a process of disassembly, analyzing musical works piece by piece, and 'Flowers' began as one such forensic exercise. “But sometimes,” says Davis, “a source is so loaded up on meaning that the studies and experiments can become worthwhile and meaningful works in their own right.” 'Flowers' began to take on a life of its own, raising renewed questions about age-old themes such as war, authorship, translation and historical structures.

Davis is no stranger to cover versions. From studying violin to playing in free jazz and punk bands, interpreting other artists’ works has long been a key part of her musical approach. And since her radio show 'Deep Puddle' recently drew to a close after seven years, her experiments with narration and sound collage have found their way into her musical work once again. For 'Flowers', she cut up the source material (with a nod to Gysin and Burroughs), and reassembled the lyrics, the musical notes, and recordings by different performers, to create uncanny new forms.

But perhaps the biggest influence on 'Flowers' was conversations about music, art and pop subcultures with Gut. These dialogues helped Davis find a balance between far-out sound design experiments and catchy melodies, combining a certain avant-garde element and modern day songcraft. And it’s this sense of conversation, this revisiting of topics and renewal of ideas, that will keep us coming back to 'Flowers' long into the future.

"What If" ist das neue Album von MAIIJA - eine eindringliche Auseinandersetzung mit Verletzlichkeit, Mut und den Emotionen, die uns verbinden. Marilies Jagschs Stimme bewegt sich zwischen Stärke und Zerbrechlichkeit und steht im Zentrum eines Sounds, der elektronische und organische Elemente fein miteinander verwebt.
Persönliche Erfahrungen, geprägt vom Leben mit Endometriose, treffen auf die Unsicherheiten unserer Zeit. Produziert von Peter Paul Aufreiter mit Gernot Scheithauer, Lukas Lauermann und Gästen wie The Zew, Oskar Mayböck und Paul Szelegowitz, ist ein Album entstanden, das berührt, tröstet und verbindet.
"What If" erinnert daran: Was auch kommt, wir sind nicht allein.

EN

"What If" is the new album by MAIIJA - a powerful exploration of vulnerability, courage, and the emotions that connect us. At its heart is Marilies Jagsch's voice, moving between strength and fragility, framed by a sound that blends electronic and organic elements.
Personal experiences shaped by living with endometriosis meet the uncertainties of our time. Produced by Peter Paul Aufreiter with Gernot Scheithauer, Lukas Lauermann, and guests including The Zew, Oskar Mayböck, and Paul Szelegowitz, the album is both moving and comforting.
"What If" is a reminder: whatever comes next, we are in this together.

Straight into 2026 with a new slab of heavyweight DUB in a sound system style. Two new tracks, one side featuring uplifting vocals from Nia Songbird, the other side is classic Vibronics style undiluted instrumental dub. This one one for all lovers of Iration Steppas, OBF, Channel One and all the Bass-heavy sound systems out there.
This release is pressed on 10” vinyl and presented in a full-colour printed SCOOPS label sleeve, making it a collector’s item as much as a sound system weapon.

Vibronics is one of the most established names in UK Dub/Reggae music achieving millions of views on YouTube, millions of Spotify streams and many tens of thousands of vinyl record sales. Collaborators include Michael prophet, Macka B, Iration Steppas, Soom T, Aba-Shanti and more.
Nia Songbird is a Leicester born UK vocalist, a rising star known for her work with Vibronics as well as the likes of OBF, Mr.Zebre and a host of worldwide Dub producers.

With their upcoming sixth studio album, “What A Time To Be Alive” , The Lone Bellow embarks on a bold new chapter while honoring the deep bonds that have defined their journey. Written collaboratively for the first time with their full touring band—founding members Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist, and Kanene Pipkin joined by drummer Julian Dorio and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Geertsma—the album channels the raw, ecstatic energy of the band’s live show into a dynamic collection of songs that pulse with warmth, honesty, and human connection. Recorded live in Muscle Shoals, AL, after a writing retreat in a converted Kentucky firehouse, the album is both a celebration and a reckoning: of friendship, loss, love, and resilience. From the gritty, Stones-tinged opener “After The Rain” to the soul-stirring closer “What A Time To Be Alive,” the record captures the joy and vulnerability that have long defined The Lone Bellow’s sound—lush harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-blurring arrangements steeped in folk, rock, and gospel. The album’s creation was marked by setbacks, including the theft of early recordings, but the outpouring of support from their fanbase reaffirmed what the band has always known: their music is a shared experience. That spirit echoes throughout the album, whether in anthems like “Common Folk” and “I’m Here For You,” or in intimate reflections like “You Were Leaving” and “Night Goes Black.” Since their acclaimed 2013 debut, The Lone Bellow has appeared on The Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, and The Late Show, topped Americana charts, and headlined storied venues from Carnegie Hall to the Ryman Auditorium. But with their next album, they reaffirm their commitment not just to making music, but to building community—on stage, in song, and around the table.

Temple Balls, the high-octane hard rock band from Finland, is back with a brand-new self-titled album. Over the past few years, the band has kept busy both in the studio and on the road, solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the genre. Having opened for legendary acts such as Sonata Arctica, Queen, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep, Temple Balls have proven they can command any stage—whether it’s a massive festival or an intimate club. Their live shows are explosive, turning skeptics into die-hard fans with their raw energy and undeniable charisma. The journey began with their official debut single, “Hell and Feelin’ Fine,” released in September 2016, which gained heavy rotation on Finnish Radio Rock. Their debut album, recorded in May 2016 at Karma Sound Studios in Thailand, was released on February 24, 2017. Produced by Tobias Lindell (Europe, Mustasch, H.E.A.T.), the album marked the band’s bold entrance into the international rock scene. In the fall of 2017, Temple Balls embarked on a sold-out Finnish tour with Battle Beast, made their live debut in Japan, and completed a five-day tour across Ukraine. Their popularity soared in Japan, where readers of the country’s biggest rock magazine Burrn! voted them the “Second Brightest Hope,” and they were named “Newcomer of the Year” on Masa Ito’s Rock TV. Their sophomore effort, Untamed, released on March 8, 2019, received rave reviews from major music outlets including Soundi and Burrn!. A European tour alongside Sonata Arctica further cemented their reputation as a world-class live band. Their third album, Pyromide, marked their debut with Frontiers Records and was a melodic hard rock tour de force produced by Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), packed with powerful riffs, massive hooks, and arena-sized choruses. In May 2022, Temple Balls toured Europe with Swedish melodic metal giants H.E.A.T., followed by a busy summer festival season across Finland. The lead single from their fourth album, Strike Like a Cobra, was released in March 2022 to widespread acclaim. That same year, they completed work on their next full-length, Avalanche, released in fall 2023, featuring the single “No Reason,” which dropped globally on June 22. Now, with their new self-titled album, Temple Balls continue the sonic evolution started with Avalanche, delivering an even more personal and refined sound.

Wigwam's previously unreleased rare live recording from 1976 out in February via Svart Records In the summer of 1976, Wigwam performed not only in Finland but also in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. However, the pace slowed down afterward. The early autumn tours planned for European countries were cancelled, and even the replacement shows in Finland had to be postponed due to bassist Måns “Måsse” Groundstroem's sick leave. In October 1976 an opening appeared in the schedule for a studio session, during which Jim Pembroke’s third solo album, Corporal Cauliflower’s Mental Function, was recorded. After that, Wigwam played five gigs in Denmark at the end of November, followed by an equal number in Sweden. No exact information has survived about the concert setlists, but the band was in a stable phase, and certain songs had become staples in their live repertoire. Albums from Wigwam's deep-pop era, which began in autumn 1974, as well as Pembroke’s first solo records had already been released, and rehearsals were underway for what would become the Dark Album, released in 1977. It can be said that this concert, recorded for Danish Radio, is a strong representation of the band’s era at the time. The recording took place in northern Denmark, in a district called Lundtofte in Lyngby. Before this, Wigwam had performed in Køge and Århus, and after Lundtofte, gigs in Ballerup and Copenhagen awaited. Lundtofte was home to the Danish Technical University (DTU), where a student venue called “Studenterhuset” (Building 101) hosted a one- to two-day music events known as Polyjoint during the 1970’s. The events typically featured Danish bands, but also visiting acts like Wigwam. Most importantly, Danish Radio was sometimes present at these events. Wigwam had performed a studio concert for Danish Radio the previous year, but this particular recording is considered the more energetic of the two. Details have faded with time — for example, the identity of the second act at the concert is unknown. In any case, both guitarist Pekka “Rekku” Rechardt and keyboardist Pedro Hietanen remember the band being in high spirits, in top form, and highly motivated.

Wigwam's previously unreleased rare live recording from 1976 out in February via Svart Records In the summer of 1976, Wigwam performed not only in Finland but also in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. However, the pace slowed down afterward. The early autumn tours planned for European countries were cancelled, and even the replacement shows in Finland had to be postponed due to bassist Måns “Måsse” Groundstroem's sick leave. In October 1976 an opening appeared in the schedule for a studio session, during which Jim Pembroke’s third solo album, Corporal Cauliflower’s Mental Function, was recorded. After that, Wigwam played five gigs in Denmark at the end of November, followed by an equal number in Sweden. No exact information has survived about the concert setlists, but the band was in a stable phase, and certain songs had become staples in their live repertoire. Albums from Wigwam's deep-pop era, which began in autumn 1974, as well as Pembroke’s first solo records had already been released, and rehearsals were underway for what would become the Dark Album, released in 1977. It can be said that this concert, recorded for Danish Radio, is a strong representation of the band’s era at the time. The recording took place in northern Denmark, in a district called Lundtofte in Lyngby. Before this, Wigwam had performed in Køge and Århus, and after Lundtofte, gigs in Ballerup and Copenhagen awaited. Lundtofte was home to the Danish Technical University (DTU), where a student venue called “Studenterhuset” (Building 101) hosted a one- to two-day music events known as Polyjoint during the 1970’s. The events typically featured Danish bands, but also visiting acts like Wigwam. Most importantly, Danish Radio was sometimes present at these events. Wigwam had performed a studio concert for Danish Radio the previous year, but this particular recording is considered the more energetic of the two. Details have faded with time — for example, the identity of the second act at the concert is unknown. In any case, both guitarist Pekka “Rekku” Rechardt and keyboardist Pedro Hietanen remember the band being in high spirits, in top form, and highly motivated.

Kezia Gill hat sich schnell zu einer der renommiertesten Country-Künstlerinnen Großbritanniens entwickelt und wird für ihre kraftvolle Stimme sowie die Qualität und Ehrlichkeit ihrer Songtexte gefeiert. Sie ist bereits ausgiebig in ganz Großbritannien aufgetreten und hat bei Festivals in Europa, den USA und Australien gespielt. Dabei setzt sie weiterhin neue Maßstäbe und vertritt stolz die britische Country- und Roots-Musik auf der internationalen Bühne.

Allein im Jahr 2025 trat sie beim renommierten Country 2 Country Festival in London und Glasgow auf, gefolgt von weiteren großen Festivals (Splendour, The Long Road). Außerdem besuchte sie Frankreich, Dänemark und die Niederlande und war zuletzt Co-Headliner einer Tournee mit Imogen Clark in Australien. Die vorherige Single „Dublin's Outta Whiskey“ wurde von Bob Harris in der Country Show auf BBC Radio 2 vorgestellt und sofort bei Planet Rock und Absolute Radio Country in die A-Liste aufgenommen. Sie markierte auch den Beginn einer neuen Zusammenarbeit mit Snakefarm, der weltweiten Heimat von Marty Stuart, Mark Morton und Austin Meade und dem britischen Label für einige der größten Namen der Country-Musik in den USA und Kanada (Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Darius Rucker, Josh Ross usw.). Die Single „If Heaven Has A Honkytonk”, eine von Kezia’s Lieblingskompositionen wurde von der US-Künstlerin Alyssa Bonagura mitgeschrieben, produziert und gemischt und ist eine von Herzen kommende Hommage an das reiche Erbe der Country-Musik. Kezia wird im Februar 2026 auch eine Headliner-Tournee durch Großbritannien starten, unterstützt von Bonagura.

„All On Red“ ist ein mutiger Neuanfang in der Karriere einer Künstlerin, die bereits Auszeichnungen und Nominierungen der British Country Music Association („Entertainer of the Year“ / „UK Female Artist of the Year“) erhalten hat und sich für ein Musikgenre einsetzt, das vor allem in Großbritannien stark im Kommen ist.

Mit „Filin“ legt Saxofonistin Melissa Aldana ein Balladenalbum mit Liedern aus der kubanischen Musiktradition vor, interpretiert im Quartett mit dem legendären Pianisten Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bassist Peter
Washington und Schlagzeuger Kush Abadey sowie Gastsängerin Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Seit ihren Anfängen hegt die in Chile geborene Aldana den Wunsch, ein Balladenalbum aufzunehmen.
Nach ihrem GRAMMY-nominierten Blue Note-Debüt „12 Stars“ (2022) und dem Nachfolgealbum „Echoes
Of The Inner Prophet“ (2024), zwei von der Kritik begeistert aufgenommenen spirituellen Modern-JazzWerken, geht sie mit ihrem dritten Blue-Note-Album ihr Traumprojekt jetzt auf ungewöhnliche Weise an.
Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, schlug vor, sie solle die Filin-Musik seiner Heimat interpretieren, kunstvoll
arrangierte romantische Lieder, die zwischen den späten 1940er und frühen 1960er Jahren ihre Blütezeit
erlebten. Das Ergebnis ist ein sinnliches Jazz-Werk der Spitzenklasse.

The late pedal-steel guitarist Susan Alcorn leaves a final surprise hinting at new directions left underexplored on her collaboration with Nomad War Machine, the improvising metal duo of drummer Julius Masri and guitarist James Reichard. Their death-metal-influenced pummel adds new fire to her molten flow across a suite of improvised tracks that show off the vast range and simpatico of the trio. Julius Masri and James Reichard of Nomad War Machine: “An unexpected opportunity arose out of a catching-up conversation where Susan had revealed a recent fascination with death metal, confessing, ‘I’m 70 years old—I think about death!’ She had learned a couple of Arch Enemy songs on her pedal steel, particularly compelled by their frontwoman’s intensity and vigor as a performer. Voicing an appreciation for the hook-oriented sound of Swedish death metal made sense for a melodic thinker whose roots as veteran pedal steel player reached into the Texan Western swing circuit in the ’60s and ’70s. For her, ever the explorer, metal was a new, appealing point of departure into fresh musical territory. When she expressed an interest in playing with Nomad War Machine, it felt like there was a whole world of shared or complementary interests to explore.” Though known for her fluency in jazz, country, and free improvisation, Alcorn had also studied Arabic, the oud, and maqam, with all holding a deep curiosity for her. Pre-’70s country & western music had also been a lifelong presence for both members Nomad War Machine. Masri, a Lebanese free-jazz and metal drummer, and devoted fan of Texas swing legends like Speedy West, Jimmy Bryant, Leon Rhodes, and Joe Maphis, was also steeped in Arabic music traditions. James Reichard, before coming to “freely” improvised metal, xenharmonic music, and non-Western tuning systems, had grown up being subjected to countless singalongs to numerous pre-’70s country records, entranced by the pedal steel.

Turner Cody first collaborated with Nicolas Michaux and the Soldiers of Love (Clément Nourry, Ted Clark, and Morgan Vigilante) on his album Friends in High Places (2021). This album marked a turning point for Turner Cody, in which he started to incorporate country influences to his songwriting. But that was only the beginning, and Out For Blood is without question a country album. This new album offers the perfect canvas for him to express his poetic lyricism, and to paint portraits inspired by American mythologies. The songs explore such themes as freedom, individualism, destiny, sin and redemption. Rooted in traditional narratives yet resonating with our times, these songs are to be seen as parables: imaginary characters faced with the dichotomy of good and evil. In the vein of Kris Kristofferson, Townes Van Zandt, or John Prine, Out For Blood stands as a major contribution to the great repertoire of American song. ut For Blood bears witness to a transformation in Turner Cody"s life. While his songwriting already hinted at a certain Americana, it primarily reflected his twenty years spent in New York and the legacy of the anti-folk scene-closer to the Velvet Underground than to Hank Williams. Then came the move: Cody and his family left New York to settle in St. Louis, on the banks of the Mississippi. This change of scenery and perspective fueleda new way of writing. The challenge was clear: maintaining the subtlety and textural work characteristic of his previous works while integrating the country heritage of the new songs. The collaboration between Turner Cody and Nicolas Michaux signs the perfect communion between an artist who writes in the language of poetry and another who crafts sound and textures. The Soldiers of Love, far more than a backing band, have influences ranging from jazz to fusion, from pop to Congolese rhythms. Their subtle, atmospheric sound merges with Turner Cody"s "three chords and the truth" to create this unique magic!

The Byrds' Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album by American rock band The Byrds and was released in August 1967. It is the top-selling album in The Byrds' catalogue as it provides a summary of The Byrds' history during Gene Clark and David Crosby's tenure with the band and also functions as a survey of the group's hit singles from 1965 to 1967, a period when the band had its greatest amount of success on the singles chart. From classics such as “Mr. Tambourine Man”, “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” and “Eight Miles High” these are chiming timeless songs that will fill your heart with warmth.
The Byrd's Greatest Hits is part of the Groove Classics collection and now available against a fair, budget-friendly price.

SACRED COWBOYS are a moody hard rock band with a dry sense of humor. They started playing in murky Melbourne dive bars in 1982 attracting a rabid following. With the release of their iconic first single, Nothing Grows in Texas, they were catapulted to national TV notoriety on Countdown, Australia's version of Top of the Pops. 2025 saw founders Garry Gray and Mark Ferrie enlist Timothy Deane, Anthony Paine, and Damian Fitzgerald. You will soon be holding in your hands the new album, 'In the Manifesto.' 'In the Manifesto' was mastered by Mikey Young, who worked on the last six Mark Lanegan records and plays in Eddie Current Suppression Ring. All new songs are written by Garry and the band. 'In the Manifesto' shows the Sacred Cowboys do not indulge in one musical style. It's a complex, atmospheric soundtrack with Gray's uber cool delivery over sometimes sparse, sometimes weaving guitars and rich harmonies. Channeling a Sonic Youth ethos and grinding the gears in the engine room of the Cosmos Factory, 'In the Manifesto' is as wide and expansive as the Australian desert skies. Radio 3CR's Paul 'Dr Gonzo' Elliott got a sneak preview and says. "Garry Gray returns with Sacred Cowboys and a brand-new album . a 12-track tour de force titled, 'In the Manifesto'. The Sacred Cowboys have performed intense live shows and transported that energy and mood onto this new album, 'In the Manifesto.' It is all killer and a tour de force. Garnering the attention of Andrew McGee at Torn & Frayed Records, Australia and combining with French allies Seb Blanchais and Romain Michon at BEAST Records, France, the rest is about to become history.

RENO, the debut album from Red Leather, is a scorched-earth confession wrapped in the swagger of classic rock and the soul of Americana. Written in the aftermath of addiction, heartbreak, and self-reckoning, it’s an unflinching look at what it means to burn your life down and start over. Across its 14 tracks, Red Leather howls through desert nights and neon cityscapes, blending grit and grace in equal measure. Songs like “Deathwish,” “Burn in Hell,” and “The Only Time It Rains in Hollywood” are raw, cinematic, and deeply human—each one a snapshot of pain, defiance, and redemption. Equal parts road trip and resurrection, RENO cements Red Leather as one of the most compelling new voices in modern rock. 1xLP, Single Pocket Jacket, Pressed on Translucent Red Vinyl

BLACK SWAN Return with Third Album “Paralyzed” — A Masterclass in Melodic Hard Rock Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big) — collectively known as BLACK SWAN — are back with their explosive third album, Paralyzed. Following the critical acclaim of their previous releases, the supergroup once again delivers a powerful statement in modern hard rock. With all songs written and composed by McAuley, Pilson, and Beach, and expertly produced by Pilson, Paralyzed showcases Black Swan at their peak performance — offering a dynamic mix of towering vocals, razor-sharp riffs, and hook-laden melodies. The band’s chemistry continues to shine, elevating their songwriting and musical delivery to new heights.

Tracked at Pilson’s Los Angeles studio, the album reflects the tight-knit synergy among its members. McAuley’s commanding vocals remain as ageless, while the instrumentalists deliver with precision and fire. Much like its predecessors, the new record is a testament to the individual and collective talents of these seasoned musicians. Far from being a patchwork of their previous bands, BLACK SWAN has firmly carved out its own identity. Paralyzed is fresh, heavy, and melodically rich — a cohesive and compelling album that feels both classic and contemporary. Building upon the blueprint laid by their debut, Shake the World, the band expands their sonic universe. The result is a record that not only meets but surpasses expectations, cementing BLACK SWAN as a formidable force in the modern hard rock scene. Whether you’ve followed these legendary musicians since the heyday of '80s rock or you’re just now discovering their magic, Paralyzed is essential listening — a masterclass in melodic hard rock delivered by artists who continue to defy time and expectations.

Interdimensional exotica in the form of eccentric space jazz, sonic experimentation, Afro-centric rhythms, and ostinato electronic freakouts! Includes three platters worth of tunes pressed on orange vinyl, all curated by Irwin Chusid - who also co-wrote the liners with Brother Cleve - for all those with cocktail in hand and ready for a slice of Ra’s jetpack jetset recorded legacy!

The album begins with the title track (Blossom) a light and immediate song composed by Besson. Also composed by Besson are 'Kyoto dans la brume', inspired by a stay in Japan's imperial city, and 'La Course', originally written for three slapstick short films by Fatty Arbuckle starring Buster Keaton. Suarez's composition ' Sans laisser d'adresse' , was initially written for a stage play titled ' Ici Nougaro' , and his ' Le jour J a l'heure H' for a film by director Jean- Henri Meunier. 'Les Tuiles Bleues' is a nod to Suarez's late friend, Malagasy accordionist and singer, Regis Gizavo.

There are also three covers on the album, 'Answer Me' by Gerhard Winkler and Fred Rauch, a composition recorded by Keith Jarrett during his 2016 European tour; Besson cites Jarrett as a major influence. There is also Carla Bley's ' Ida Lupino' and Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays' ' Au Lait'. These and their own compositions result is Blossom' ', a highly accomplished album on which trumpet and accordion shine in equal measure.

MOVIE MOVIE is based out of NYC and features members of the bands TWIN GUNS, THE ELECTRIC MESS, and THE ABOVE. The band combine elements of power pop, '60s, '70s and '80s garage, classic, alternative and glam rock, but they have a sound all their own, with a focus on strong hooks and melodic vocals. "After Hours" is a 1980s New Wave comedy about a party girl on the downtown scene whose claim to fame is a bit part in a popular movie, where she uttered the immortal line, "Won't you look at the time," but she wouldn't give you the time. "Wasting Time" is an existential road picture in the mind of the protagonist, set across heartland America and a sunny beach in the Caribbean, but in reality he never leaves the girl, or town, and in the end ponders his wasted years. "First Love (Never Dies)" is a romantic drama that spans decades, about an aging rocker who reflects on his first teenage love, a girl he has never stopped thinking about. He tries to track her down and reconnect after all these years, only to find she is now married to his old childhood rival.

"Photograph" is a future arthouse hit, shot in stark black white, about the disintegration of a relationship seen from two different perspectives, captured in an old photograph, in which the truth is revealed in the looks on their faces. "Coming Attractions" is MOVIE MOVIE's second EP, after their debut six track EP, "Now Playing" (2022), on Ghost Highway/ KOTJ Records, and they have two full LPs, "Storyboards" (2023), and "In 4-D!" (2024), both Topsy-Turvy Records.

(make of that what you will). FIG DISH were four high school friends: guitarists/ vocalists Rick Ness and Blake Smith, bassist/ vocalist Mike Willison, and drummer Andy Hamilton. In their day (a day that began in the late Winter of 1991 and ended in the early summer of 1998), they were known for catchy songs, memorable (often booze-fueled) live shows, and self-sabotage. In July 1995, FIG DISH's debut That's What Love Songs Often Do was released. And just like that, the band was catapulted from regional obscurity into national obscurity. MTV played the video for the band's first single, "Seeds" and FIG DISH toured the U.S. and Canada relentlessly with bands like Veruca Salt, The Muffs, Letters to Cleo, Juliana Hatfield, Local H, and The Rentals. In 1997, their sophomore album When Shove Goes Back To Push , was sunk by a risque music video for the single "When Shirts Get Tight" Featuring adult film stars that MTV refused to play and the band was dropped by an indifferent Polygram Records in the summer of 1998. FIG DISH returned from hibernation in 2024 with two sold out shows in Chicago and the release of Feels Like The Very First Two Times, the band's first "new" release in 27 years, collecting unreleased tracks recorded in the late 90s. On August 1, 2025, Forge Again Records reissued That's What Love Songs Often Do on vinyl for the first time, 30 years after the original CD release. The officially licensed 2xLP features white vinyl, reworked gatefold jacket art by Wall of Youth and vinyl mastering by Carl Saff. FIG DISH celebrated the 2025 re-release with live shows in Chicago and Milwaukee with old tour-mates Letters to Cleo and capped off the year with shows in Kenosha and Chicago with Local H and Fountains of Wayne.