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Even as the obstacles to meaningful connection mount into an Everest-ian hurdle, artists nevertheless find ways to bend the technologies of our days to foster visceral human connection, rather than bereft isolation. Comprised of a West Coast bassist (Kristian Dunn of El Ten Eleven) and an Appalachia-adjacent drummer (Damon Che of Don Caballero), Yesness forges a friendship mediated through the language of collaboration, all formed through emailed song sketches and text exchanges of Van Halen demos. The odd couple of Kristian Dunn (El Ten Eleven) and Damon Che (Don Caballero) was the result of some clever musical matchmaking by Karl Hofstetter, founder and curator of Joyful Noise Recordings. Karl introduced Dunn and Che via email in April 2023 after Dunn's prolific output outgrew the resources and abilities of his instrumental duo El Ten Eleven. Less than a year later, after countless text messages and song sketches were exchanged, and one fateful meeting at a recording studio was organized, their nascent project's debut record, See You at the Solipsist Convention, was complete. "We were ships in the night of the musical variety until Karl found a way to merge our paths," Che said of his introduction to Dunn. "There are very few comparisons in the aesthetic approach to how we created the music. We worked remotely for eight months before physically meeting for the first time at the recording studio." Neck-deep in their own ambitions, Che and Dunn swapped musical ideas and quirky song titles throughout the summer, working at a breakneck pace. Star Wars references were intertwined with walloping bass lines ('If You Say So'); non-sequiturs were punctuated by Che's signature frenetic percussive jabs ('Horror Snuggle'). Scaffolded around eight-string bass, knotty percussion, and intricate syncopation, See You at the Solipsist Convention is a carnival of delights for fans of the post-everything persuasion—uncategorizable yet reverent to the altar of instrumental rock. Tearing through the record's evocative instrumentals is a delightful bolt of strangeness, felt as much as heard in the spontaneous chemistry between Che and Dunn. "Occasional Grape?" dances like a waltz played with a sledgehammer—delicate moments shattered by bursts of aggression, while still embedding a rhythmic earworm deep into your heart. 'Nice Walrus,' a string-studded panorama featuring Kishi Bashi, volleys between nervy hyperactivity and heartfelt grandeur. The album's closing track, "Non-incredible Visitor," contrasts Che's meticulous precision with Dunn's imaginative instrumentation, bonding bass and percussion like nesting dolls. Just as the track seems to settle, it drives off an uncharted auditory cliff—abruptly, without ceremony, leaving the listener grasping for meaning in the murk. Beyond all measure, Yesness stands as a testament to the powerful dividends of friendship and collaboration. We are nothing without each other – our partners, our local record store clerks, our neighbors. Music, too, thrives on our entanglements. With twelve tracks, an upcoming tour, and an unexpected friendship stemming from one email, Yesness underscores the brilliant machinery of human connection.

"Eva Cassidy's Walkin' After Midnight collection is literally a ticket back to Eva's accidental Western Swing Night. A small gig at the King of France Tavern, downtown Annapolis. The 2nd of November, 1995, two months prior to her now famous Live At Blues Alley recordings. When two of Eva' s usual four band mates were unavailable, she improvised via an impromptu invite to musician friend Bruno Nasta.

Proving the old adage, less can be more, the resulting violin/ lead guitar/bass combo, together with Eva's acoustic guitar, created a serendipitous alternate context for some of Eva's most popular repertoire. Dancing in the space opened up by the absence of additional instruments, Eva's vocals are as joyous and free as any previously heard. Although 11 of the 12 songs (all but Down Home Blues) appear on existing Eva albums, all 12 tracks are previously unreleased Eva Cassidy recordings."

"Exhibit B: The Human Condition". It's really, really sick. It's really different from the last one and it's really different from the two before. But it's 100 percent EXODUS. Out of the last three, this one is faster, but it's also a little more melodic, and it's also a little bit more old school. Some of Rob's vocal patterns are just so old school; it's killer. The production is a little more, let's say, less sterile. Not less sterile, but less digital perfection, more organic. It's really, really lively. There is by far more melody on it as well. Thematically, it's a little different. The last one centered a lot on religion and this one is, as the title says, about the human condition; cruelty, ignorance, and inhumanity and brutality. Just the things that man has shown to be so adept at doing.” "Our goal in EXODUS is just basically to defy time, to defy age, to have every album just get more furious and more angry and more intense. A lot of people will ask me things like, 'EXODUS is achieving a lot of popularity again, do you think it's due to thrash metal coming back?`and I say, 'No. I think thrash metal's coming back because of EXODUS.'" The goal now, he says, is to remain "the most dangerous animal in the jungle." "We wanted to portray the violence of man at its finest, so we started with our own version of the Leonardo da Vinci sketch of Vitruvian Man, but done the ‘EXODUS’ way! I was pointed in the direction of Colin Larks of Rainsong Design for the cover and he killed it! To me, the artwork represents man and his affinity for bloodshed, ignorance, and all-around ability to be led like sheep to the slaughter. The image fits the songs on this record perfectly. The whole layout is going to be as sick as the record itself!" GARY HOLT, Exodus

13 tracks from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member—many making their vinyl debut. Pressed on opaque orange vinyl. Mastered by Grammy®-winning engineer Michael Graves. Lacquers cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl/Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis. Packaging contains liner notes from Bill Dahl. Little Richard's place in rock history has never been disputed. "The Architect" returned in 1970 on Reprise Records with The Rill Thing, and during his tenure there, recorded four albums with only three seeing actual release. (Southern Child would remain unreleased until the material appeared on a 2007 compilation, with Omnivore Recordings releasing it in its intended form in 2020.) Along with alternate takes, singles, and appearances on soundtracks including $ (starring Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn) and composed by Quincy Jones, those tracks were included on expanded CD reissues of King Of Rock And Roll, The Second Coming, and Southern Child. Now, 13 of those performances are available on LP—some for the first time since their original release, and others making their vinyl debut. Settin' The Woods On Fire: The Reprise Rarities collects and showcases Little Richard's dynamic time on Reprise, and offers a deeper look into the man whose output was and is as engaging and original as it had ever been, as he crossed in the 1970s (and beyond). Mastered by Grammy-winner Michael Graves and cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl/Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis, Settin' The Woods On Fire offers a look into a man whose musical boundaries were endless, and paves the way for a reissue campaign highlighting those classic albums' return to vinyl.

Ocean Grove is an electrifying force in the world of heavy music, blending elements of nu-metal, hardcore and alternative rock to craft a sound that is uniquely their own i.e. Oddworld Music. An eclectic trio of misfits spawning from Melbourne, Australia, OG has rapidly risen to prominence with their dynamic and genre-defying approach to music. Comprised of vocalist Dale Tanner, bassist/vocalist Twiggy Hunter, and drummer/producer Sam Bassal, OG have a ‘collective’ mentality in their approach to creativity, drawing upon their unique talents with a shared passion for inventive thinking that goes against uninspired standards and challenges musical norms. Since their inception, OG has captivated audiences with their high-energy performances and infectious melodies, earning them a devoted following around the globe. Their debut album, "The Rhapsody Tapes," released in 2017, garnered widespread acclaim for its ground-breaking sound and fearless experimentation. With influences ranging from Korn, N.E.R.D and Faith No More, OG create a sonic experience that is both visceral and thought-provoking. Their music transcends traditional genre labels, appealing to fans of metal, rock, and alternative alike. In addition to their musical prowess, OG is known for their visually striking aesthetics and imaginative artistic direction, further cementing their status as one of the most exciting bands to emerge in recent years. As they continue to push the boundaries of their craft, OG remains at the forefront of the alternative music scene, inspiring audiences with their fearless creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. With each new release, they defy expectations and solidify their position as one of the most innovative and compelling bands of their generation.

In 2006, Danger Mouse is King Midas of the music world. He has an uncanny knack for creating jagged, dense, frenzied beats and odd, eerie, vivid soundscapes that never compromise the music's natural flow. Meanwhile, rapper and singer Cee-Lo, a veteran of Atlanta's Dirty South scene, has never been one to be constrained by hip-hop conventions, and is a willing partner in adventure. The result is an intrepid psychedelic blend of pop, hip-hop, soul, and rock that consistently challenges and delights. It's no wonder that "Crazy," with its modest riff, irresistible hook, and disarming opening line ("I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind") became a worldwide Internet sensation a full six months before the official release of St. Elsewhere. But that relatively simple soul-pop gem is the tamest track on this wide-ranging, often dark and introspective collaboration. (In fact, the duo considers Gnarls Barkley to be a wholly new creation, as opposed to a collaboration of existing artists.) "Everybody is somebody, but nobody wants to be themselves," Cee-Lo croons on "Who Cares?" He and Danger Mouse try very hard not to be their old selves as they creatively and confidently break down boundaries, but the brilliant cores of their musical personae--Cee-Lo's eccentric spiritual soul man and Danger's bold sonic explorer--remain. --Marc Greilsamer

John Prine's 1984 release, is available on LP from Oh Boy Records for the first time since the original pressings.

John Prine's 2005 release, winner of the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

John Prine's 2005 release, winner of the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

John Prine's 2016 album, For Better, Or Worse, available on vinyl from Oh Boy Records.

Featured artists include Miranda Lambert, Amanda Shires, Kacey Musgraves, and Susan Tedeschi.

In the fall of 1978, John Prine returned home to Chicago for a concert performance at the city's famed, Park West. This show, captured on the originally limited edition album September '78, features another side of John Prine - backed by an electric band. Oh Boy Records originally pressed only 2000 copies of this classic album for Record Store Day back in 2015, but now you can have your own copy of this legendary recording on vinyl!

John Prine's 2000 album, Souvenirs, a reimagining of his favorite tunes. Now available on vinyl from Oh Boy Records.

In 2007, John Prine & bluegrass legend Mac Wiseman teamed up for a duet album of their favorite country, folk, and gospel songs.

This record is John's first album of all original content since his 2005 release, Fair & Square.

This record is John's first album of all original content since his 2005 release, Fair & Square

Dan Reeder's debut album is finally on vinyl! The packaging includes a gatefold jacket, written by John Prine, with a photo of the original letter explaining the story of how Dan found Oh Boy Records. Also included are credits, photos of Dan's homemade instruments and original artwork. Wowee!

This star-studded John Prine tribute album is now available on vinyl from Oh Boy Records. Featured artists include The Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers, Justin Townes Earle, and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.

Bei GRAPE stehen seit 2 Jahrzehnten eingängige, kompromisslose Power-Kracher mit meist nur 3-4 Akkorden auf der Tagesordnung. Die Jungs aus Landshut verschreiben sich seit jeher dem Punkrock der alten Schule, den man aus den späten 70ern und frühen 80er Jahren kennt. Dabei haben sie immer klar Stellung gegen Faschismus und Rassismus bezogen. Ein Muss für alle Fans von Ramones, Pistols, Cock Sparrer und The Clash! Klassisch schwarzes Vinyl, limitiert auf 300 Stück weltweit, nummeriert.

TACH! - Nach Single-VÖ das Punk/ Rock Debütalbum von PIA UNITED! Gelungene und respektvolle Coverversionen bekannter Hits und Geheimtipps plus eigene Songs! Von TON STEINE SCHERBEN über RAMMSTEIN bis zu SLIME, garniert mit eigenen Songs, die sich auf dem gleichen hohen Level bewegen. Das kennzeichnet dieses Debütalbum. Wenn man dann noch bedenkt, dass Frontfrau Frollein Höhne bei den Aufnahmen durchschnittlich 16 Jahre alt war und einen beachtlichen Teil der Gitarren- und Drumparts zu verantworten hat, kommt man nicht umhin zu staunen. Wir lernen hier eine Band kennen, die auf Traditionelles setzt, dabei aber nicht langweilt und für die Zukunft Einiges verspricht. Punk/ Rock mit Ecken und Kanten. Musikalisch und dennoch mit Drive und Feuer. Naiv, charmant, unterhaltsam. Digipack-CD oder klassich schwarzes Vinyl im Klappcover!

Itzhak Perlman / Lawrence Foster / RPO

The Hippo Sound System is a collective formed in 2018 by Bristol UK’s notorious ‘samba junglist’ DJ Hiphoppapotamus. "Origins" is their long-awaited debut album!

Touring the festival scene across the UK and Europe their explosive live performances have earned them a well trusted reputation for blowing up dancefloors, moving feet and uplifting souls! Their tracks have been featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio 6 by Jeremiah Asiamiah, Don Letts and Craig Charles. Don Letts also included their track “Into The Jungle” on his “Best of 2020” round up. Fusing their favourite elements of world music and sound system culture, they explore new possibilities between musical cultures, fusing ancestral rhythms with modern dance music.

Percussive rhythms and heavy bass drive this vibe train as this Hippo and his percussionist/production partner, Munki, draw influence from all over, Including Afro/Latin/world music, Jazz, Hip Hop, House, Breaks, Dub, Drum and Bass & Jungle for their productions. The result? A uniquely high energy and psychedelic global bass sound – complete with the flair of live musicians and the exciting builds and drops of bass music! Passionate about collaboration with both their recordings and performances, they often call upon guest features from artists such as K.O.G, Franz Von, Simo Lagnawi (Electric Jalaba), MC Spyda, Dr Syntax and many more.

With almost no tempo untouched from 70-180BPM, they’re an extremely eclectic and versatile band that can customise sets for most stages and occasions.

The first-ever official reissue of the pioneering 1986 ambient work, produced in full cooperation with Hiroshi Yoshimura’s estate !

"If Surround can be listened to as music that’s as close to air itself, allowing us to enter each listener’s sound scenery, or as something that exists within a new perspective, expanding the middle ground between sound and music, and transforming it into a comfortable space, it would be much appreciated.

— Hiroshi Yoshimura

Temporal Drift proudly presents the long-awaited, first-ever reissue of Surround, Hiroshi Yoshimura’s sought-after ambient classic.

Originally released as an album in January 1986, Surround was recorded by Yoshimura as a commission from home builder Misawa Homes, intended to function as an “amenity” designed to enhance the company’s newly built living spaces. A pioneer in the field of environmental music, Yoshimura’s previous works included Music For Nine Post Cards (1982), originally produced to be played back inside a museum space, and designing sound environments for public spaces and subway systems. Surround was recorded almost concurrently with the acclaimed and popular GREEN (1986); the two albums are described by Hiroyoshi Shiokawa in his liner notes as being Yoshimura’s yin and yang.

In his original notes for the album, Yoshimura recommends that Surround be placed in the same family of sounds “as the vibration of footsteps, the hum of an air conditioner, or the clanging of a spoon inside a coffee cup.” And, as he suggests, “with the addition of city noise from outside the window,” you may hear Surround in a completely new way."

his release marks the first complete album reissue on Canopy. Originally released in Nigeria in 1987, “Oppressor” was executive produced by Myke Moul himself and distributed domestically by EMI Nigeria & Tropic Records.

“Oppressor”, the album, finds the sweet spot between synth reggae, boogie, and euphoric Balearic island vibes.

Written by Myke Moul and arranged in collaboration with reggae star Majek Fashek in Nigeria, it was later re-crafted and recorded in France with a host of French musicians. Most notably the contribution of multi instrumentalist Pierre de St Front added engaging synthesiser parts and electronic drums.

Unfortunately the pressing of the album suffered from inherent technical flaws which adversely affected the sound quality and therefore even those lucky enough to find a copy, will not be able to enjoy it without considerable sonic defects. Therefore this remastered reissue will prove welcome to both collectors and new discoverers.

The titular track “Oppressor” stands out as a mid-tempo synth-reggae-boogie jam espousing the turbulent political times in Nigeria that were present in the late 80s. Elsewhere “Shadows in the Rain” is an instrumental cut displaying a jazz-funk sensibility which was unusual for a Nigerian artist at that time, and reflects Myke’s influences outside his home country. “Heading for the Top” is a boogie dance floor gem that shows the popularity of this genre at the time, as evidenced in many Nigerian releases and still sounds just as vital today. “Rescue us. O! Lord” shows Myke’s great song writing and Pierre’s fine musical skills working in tandem to create a reggae boogie tune, displaying the reggae & ska tendencies that were present in pop music in this era, from artists such as Grace Jones, Sly & Robbie or The Police.

All in all, the album demonstrates something fresh & exciting for Nigerian album reissues, touching down in a reggae fusion direction, with some fuller sounding production aesthetics, making the dynamics full and crisp on sound systems while also well suited to home listening.

Die italienische Power-Metal-Band FROZEN CROWN veröffentlicht ihr neues Studioalbum und Napalm Records-Debüt War Hearts am 18. Oktober
2024. Mit ihrem unverkennbaren Sound aus blitzschnellen Riffs, eingängigen Melodien und unbändiger Energie konnten sie sich in den letzten sieben
Jahren in der internationalen Metalszene einen Namen machen. Nun heben sie mit ihrem fünften Album War Hearts ihr bisheriges Schaffen auf ein
neues Level und treten mit der neuen gerade mal 18-jährigen Gitarristin erstmals als Sextett auf. Die brandneuen zehn Tracks werden sie im
kommenden Herbst auf der großen Europa Tournee von Kamelot gebührend feiern.
Seit der Gründung 2017 hat sich FROZEN CROWN mit ihren bisherigen vier Alben eine treue Fangemeinde aufgebaut und überzeugt mit einer
charakteristischen Mischung aus Power Metal, Old-School Speed und Heavy Metal. Aber FROZEN CROWN beeindrucken nicht nur auf Platte, sondern
auch auf namhaften Festivals wie dem Sabaton Open Air, Metal Fest Plzen und Rock Imperium Festival, spielten zwei Headliner Tourneen in Japan
und waren unter anderem als Support für Bands wie Dragonforce und Nanowar Of Steel auf ausgedehnten Europatourneen. Bisheriges Karriere
Highlight war die Skandinavien Tour im Herbst 2023 als Support für die Heavy Metal Legende U.D.O., die ebenfalls die erste große Tour für Gitarristin
Alessia Lanzone war.

Malt, music and mars bars: Glasgow goes hard, fast and deep-fried. Dream Ticket is no stranger to a cheeky snack on the way home, so here's four morsels from the Scottish city's Modus to get down ye: hell-for-leather juke n jits on the A side; braindance and jelly legs footwork on the B. As the old adage goes, jack yer wee booty!

Through emotive ambient textures, granular synths, and field recordings, rousay reimagines the Slovak animated fairy tale with a brand-new score. The Bloody Lady stands as a stunning masterpiece of Slovak animation.

A release show is scheduled in De Minard (Ghent, Belgium) on November 13.



Electroacoustic composer claire rousay (US) has announced her upcoming album, ‘The Bloody Lady’, featuring the reimagined score she wrote for Viktor Kubal's 1980 eponymous animated film. Kubal (1923-1997), a pioneering Slovak animator, is considered one of the most influential animation filmmakers of the 20th century.



Known as a singular artist who challenges conventions in experimental and ambient music forms, rousay crafted the score in her home studio immediately after moving to LA over the course of 2023.



The inaugural performance, a screening of the film accompanied by rousay performing the score live, took place at Videodroom / Film Fest Gent 2023 in Ghent, Belgium. The project has since been developed into an 11-track album with alternating themes that evoke the film’s atmosphere while standing on its own as a distinct sonic work.



‘The Bloody Lady’ is set to be released on November 8 via VIERNULVIER Records, the label known for its audiovisual collaborations with artists like Miaux, Hieroglyphic Being, and Mattias De Craene.



The record comes with an extensive booklet including liner notes.

Continue to expect consistent groove-driven tracks, made for the dancefloor. Highlighting the freshest of talents, alongside producers who have been on the radar for a while.



Priku, also known as Adrian Niculae, is a renowned Romanian DJ and producer famous for his deep, minimalistic soundscapes coming with a fantastic 8:24 Minutes long Remix on 45 RPM.



pressed on limited colored marbled vinyl only

Known for his pivotal role in the Acid Techno sub-genre revival through his label, Involve Records, Regal's latest work revisits the genre's essence while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist. Under his ACIDBOY alias, his latest album, 'The Final Chapter', is a nostalgic and forward-looking expression of an artist who has grown and adapted but remains true to his core musical identity.



This eleven-track project blends the high-energy sounds that first defined his career with the depth and maturity gained over years of evolution whilst also honouring an unforgettable era of one of electronic music's boldest and most expressive sub-genres and artists.

'The Final Chapter' is an album that goes against the current flow, bringing to light the sound of the sub-genres of Techno from the last 35 years. It's a clever balance between past and present, the old and new Regal aka ACIDBOY, emphasising his introverted artistic side, a lover of music and production as well as a story intended for a patient and cultured listener. The album defies superficial musical trends, offering a profound sonic experience that invites listeners on a deeper journey, far removed from the quick-hit tracks designed for social media.

The name of this album and Regal's previous EP 'The Last Summer' certainly leaves room for interpretation as these might sound like signs of a farewell to the music scene.

Known for his pivotal role in the Acid Techno sub-genre revival through his label, Involve Records, Regal's latest work revisits the genre's essence while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist. Under his ACIDBOY alias, his latest album, 'The Final Chapter', is a nostalgic and forward-looking expression of an artist who has grown and adapted but remains true to his core musical identity. This eleven-track project blends the high-energy sounds that first defined his career with the depth and maturity gained over years of evolution whilst also honouring an unforgettable era of one of electronic music's boldest and most expressive sub-genres and artists.

'The Final Chapter' is an album that goes against the current flow, bringing to light the sound of the sub-genres of Techno from the last 35 years. It's a clever balance between past and present, the old and new Regal aka ACIDBOY, emphasising his introverted artistic side, a lover of music and production as well as a story intended for a patient and cultured listener. The album defies superficial musical trends, offering a profound sonic experience that invites listeners on a deeper journey, far removed from the quick-hit tracks designed for social media.

The name of this album and Regal's previous EP 'The Last Summer' certainly leaves room for interpretation as these might sound like signs of a farewell to the music scene.

It's a pleasure to see MOY back on AF. Sure, Jonny doesn't invent anything, but everything he does sounds incredible and his tracks have the ability to grab you and never let go. He seems to say: "I know what you're here for". The particular way he executes hyperactive beats, acid basslines and melodies, makes the material very emotive and timeless, walking his influences around and elevating the machine's rhythms to new emotional levels. Jonny Moy always delivers, in fact, the brilliantly titled 'Supermassive EP' is not just a title but a statement of intent. These four tracks will stick in your head for a long time, for the club, nightdriving or home. What are you waiting for? Go on!

Underground house heavyweight **Enzo Siragusa** is back with a fresh offering, his highly anticipated new EP *Odyssey*, set to drop on **fabric Originals** this month. This marks another standout release for Siragusa, coming hot on the heels of his recent contribution, "Last E," to the *fabric Selects V* compilation, which landed earlier in October.

*Odyssey* features three meticulously crafted tracks that showcase Siragusa’s signature fusion of classic rave elements, deep grooves, and stripped-back house aesthetics. The title track "Odyssey" is a masterclass in his deep production style, while "95 Variant" leans into the artists UK influences. Perhaps the standout cut is "Listen," a nod to the golden era of speed garage, effortlessly blending bass-driven energy with Siragusa’s refined touch.

The EP is a natural evolution of Siragusa’s sound, one that continues to command respect across the underground scene. Known for his ability to channel a range of UK rave influences while remaining firmly forward-thinking, Siragusa’s work is consistently pushing the boundaries of what modern house music can achieve.

In support of the release, Siragusa will be returning to fabric with Enzo Siragusa Invites, where he’ll take control of the decks alongside a curated selection of top-tier talent. The event is set to be a fitting celebration of the new EP and promises to be an essential date in the London clubbing calendar.

Repress!

On 'Boogie Down' Bubbha Thomas and The Lightmen lean away from the jazzier moods that they were best known for, towards a mid-tempo boogie/funk workout featuring wide open drum breaks, analog synths, fat claps and vibey backing vocals.

The original 45, released in 1980, now goes for silly money if you can find one, so we thought it would be nice to make it available again. Dedicated to the extensive musical and educational work of Bubbha, who passed away at the end of 2020.

Remastered from original master tapes, officially licensed from Now Again.

The making of a maiden album can be a capricious process. One moment of outright musical flow paired with another period of sustained creative struggle are feats experienced by seasoned producers the world over. So when Miraclis was forced to hole away in his makeshift studio - in the midst of a global pandemic - the stage was set for something magical. Now it will see the light of day for the very first time.

Having released two singles on Secret Teachings to critical acclaim already this year, Chilean talent Miraclis will accomplish a milestone achievement in July with the release of his debut album: Origin Of Truth.

Difficult experiences were fundamental to the creation of such work, as were Miraclis’ inherent musical interests. He explains: “Origin Of Truth had its birth during the pandemic. I created it as a way of communicating to myself the sensations and feelings that were spinning around my head at the time. I've always been inspired by Bristol trip hop, as well as classical rock, and these genres definitely contributed to the making of these melancholic tracks. In a way I wanted to fuse all the musical influences that were part of my childhood, up until this point now, so this album really means a lot to me. It was my way of communicating, when there was a lack of social contact and communication itself was hard to come by.”

It's this meditative quality that initially drew Damian Lazarus to the project. “It’s a record that has its roots in electronic music, but it’s a very alternative, very deep, melancholic album. I find it both soothing and stirring at the same time, and that’s a quite interesting juxtaposition in that it feels edgy but delicious at the same time,” says Lazarus. “The fact that this was written in this place surrounded by the most incredible desert landscapes makes this a very important piece of work to me. It doesn’t sit in any particular genre, which is why it feels right for a Secret Teachings release. It hints at so many genres that I as a DJ am quite into, and it feels like a first as it’s unique and unclassifiable. That mystical, esoteric, edgy feel makes this a perfect release for the label.”

Sonnet opens proceedings, with ghostly vocals residing next to raw instrumental elements throughout. Miraclis’ signature guitar riffs soon converge on saddened keys, paving the way for Scienter. It takes the form of an instrument-based, electronic-inspired cut, building slowly before reaching a crescendo midway through via an enrapturing acoustic solo.

Floating Child comes next, brimming with a darker intensity courtesy of broody synth pulses and rhythmic hi-hats, as Shiver arrives next. There’s a rock-leaning sensibility to the piece that gives way to earnest lyrical offerings, opening swiftly into the breakbeat-esque world of Perceptions. Hard-hitting drums act as the focal point, with electric chords adding depth and intrigue, whilst Bright continues in a similarly heartfelt vein.

Introspective pads leave us feeling pensive, ahead of Interstellar taking us on a celestial journey through warped bass tones. Acting as the LP’s penultimate number, it’s a four-and-a-half minute showcase of guitar-based musical goodness and one that perfectly sets the stage for Trapped, a closing saga of suitably emotive proportions.

Miraclis earned his stripes as a DJ under the name Max Clementi in his native Chile, as well as Spain after a stint at the Barcelona SAE Institute. Playing and writing music since his parents gave him his first guitar at age twelve, he found himself inspired by synth wave, electronic pop, trip hop, and psychedelic rock of the ‘80s and ‘90s, drenching himself in music by the likes of Massive Attack, Tricky, Depeche Mode, and Nine Inch Nails. However, it wasn’t until he had to move back to Pucón to take care of his father during the pandemic that he began working on what would become Origin Of Truth.

Serendipity seems to play a large part in Crosstown Rebels’ new label Secret Teachings. Just look at the story of how Damian met Miraclis in the first place. It involved a chance midnight encounter in Pucón, Chile at a woodland campfire after the DJ was locked out of his hotel room. This meeting of minds was the start of a remarkable friendship, where Miraclis invited Lazarus to stay at his house and break bread with his family. The two kept in touch, exchanging music and ideas as a result.