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0203983A, aka Ferdinand Domes, returns to Routes with a four-track 12” EP. Following the project’s distinct sound, the record hovers between excess and reduction, focusing on sound processing through hypnotic percussion-heavy forms, while positioning itself between dancefloor functionality and sonic exploration. Available on vinyl only, with digital files accessible via a link included. Plain black label in an antistatic inner sleeve, covered by a white outer sleeve. Track titles can be found in the run-outs.
Mastered by Mike Grinser at Manmade Mastering.

Deep, trippy minimal house meets dubby textures on this essential 12”. Featuring standout remixes from Romanian groove master Nu Zau and the enigmatic Unknown Collective, this release blends hypnotic rhythms with subtle, atmospheric layers—perfect for after-hours sets. A must-have for fans of stripped-back, groove-driven sounds.

Music From Memory are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of ‘Pastoral Blend,’ a new album from the duo of N Kramer and Magnus Bang Olsen (The Zenmenn).

Recorded in Berlin between August 2023 and March 2024, ‘Pastoral Blend’ combines Kramer's improvisational process and mastery of contemporary production techniques with Bang Olsen’s emotive pedal steel guitar playing. The creative process was anchored in capturing various phrases and patterns from the instrument, which were then reshaped, reversed, and layered intricately. This meticulous approach allowed a foundational track to emerge, upon which further arrangements and developments were sculpted. This process, which builds on Kramer's earlier work as Habitat (with J. Foerster, released on Leaving Records), gives the music a gentle asynchronous flow that feels uniquely live and organic.

Merging the warmth and intimacy of instrumental Americana with the glitchy, textural processing reminiscent of early 2000s Max/MSP and influential artists such as Fennesz and Alva Noto, ‘Pastoral Blend’ is a textured drift between analog warmth and digital fragmentation, a delicate equilibrium that duo navigate with remarkable finesse and an air of effortless charm. With titles like ‘Harvest', ‘Agrarian Dawn’, ‘Grasslands’, and ‘Weathered’, Kramer and Bang Olsen evoke a musical vocabulary steeped in themes of landscape, memory, and tradition; a vocabulary that gently alludes to the more familiar and traditional musical structures lying beneath the rich layers of sound. Herein lies the essence of the 'Pastoral Blend’.

Sleeve art and design by Michael Willis.

2026 Repress

Tame Impala’s fifth full-length album ‘Deadbeat’. On it, Parker sculpts a collection of wickedly potent club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, brain-wormy songwriting to date, recasting Tame Impala as a kind of future primitive rave act in the process.

Deadbeat sounds like the work of an artist with a levelled-up mastery and bristles with a revitalized energy for experimentation. 12 songs crafted with a newfound embrace of spontaneity for the renowned perfectionist. How that manifests is a distinct minimalism and crunch to many of the tracks, with a clutch of crucial details, timbres and textures that add an ineffably new dimension to the sound, as well as a richer, more playful vocal range than ever.

Steve Moore reprises his beloved Lovelock guise by presenting his unique riff on the library breaks genre. Business And Pleasure contains grimy groove and sleazy, funk-laden lounge music.

This vinyl release is hyper-limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.

The LP is ushered in by the spacey synth-funk of the sleazy, woozy title track. This is that serious slo-mo cosmic-balearic head-nod shit. Laidback bass, heavy funk with dreamy synth and electric guitars. An outstanding opener. Up next, the dynamic, swaggering "Last Call" is a sophisticated, elegant stroll - sweeping, mellow strings, a smooth bassline and gorgeous percussion with urgent keys and swelling synths.

"Slinky Strut" is another spaced-out, sleazy funk groove with jazz rock by way of a heavy, heavy guitar riff, mellotron and bass breakdowns which build to brass crescendos. Gigantic. "First Class" closes out the side, and, like classic Hawkshaw / Bennett noir, it's got that mysterious and murky stretched out sleuth / detective soul with a great bassline and percussive elements, with swelling strings, ace synths and smooth Rhodes piano melodies entering the mix halfway through. Dramatic guitars and groovy percussion add extra intrigue. It's 7 minutes of funk!

Side B opens with the stretched-out psychedelic funk and jazz groove of "Stank 49". It takes its sweet time to unfurl, creating enormous - almost sensual - anticipation for the ensuing beauty but, as it does, we're left beguiled and straight-up hypnotised. Heaven-sent synth flourishes and a laidback bassline over smooth drums cement its simple, vivacious grace. "Dangerous Man" is that creeping crime funk we all love; heavy bass and fuzzy guitar riffs, mellow strings and sumptuous piano/synths. It's irresistible, it's ominous and it's pretty gargantuan. It's basically like an El-P hip-hop instrumental. We need to get some rappers over this stuff, stat!

"Stinkbug" is a dazzling and funky groove-fuelled jazz-rock workout with fizzing synth riffs joined by full percussion and drum breaks, building with strings to a strong swagger. Vigour! To close out this remarkable set, the breezy "Win Or Lose" is laidback soul-inflected funk, utilising urgent, skipping drums and galloping basslines. Just stunning.

This collection was written and recorded in Spring and Summer of ’24. Everything was tracked at Steve's home studio in Albany, NY except the drums and percussion, which were recorded by Jeff Gretz at his space in NYC. The whole collection is basically a rhythm section feature, so Steve's Rickenbacker 4003 and Fender Jazz Bass play very prominently. The bass guitar serves as lead instrument in a lot of these tracks. Also, lots of Rhodes and stringers (Solina, Logan etc) and guitar (Strat and Les Paul). He even dusted off my sax for this one, which he doesn’t do as often as he’d like!

This type of groove-oriented library music has been a steady part of Steve's diet since the late 90’s. In heavy rotation while writing this collection were the following classics: “Time Signals” by Klaus Weiss, “Tilsley Orchestral No. 10” by Reg Tilsley, and “Heavy Truckin’” by Simon Haseley. “Voyage” by Brian Bennett was also a big one.

Lovelock started as a dedicated Italo-disco project, but over the years Steve expanded it to include anything directly informed by the commercial/pop side of the music of his childhood (70s/80s). Writing and recording this album was, like a lot of Steve's music these days, basically a test to see whether or not he could do it.

The song titles, like the music, are meant to be evocative yet vague. But there is a bit of a travel theme. Steve imagined this record being the soundtrack to a sleazy salesman’s business trip. The kind of guy who, when asked if he’s traveling for business or pleasure, responds “both.” Beyond the traveling salesman comparison, the title directly relates to the creation of this album. This was something he wanted to do just for his own enjoyment. Yet, like our sleazy salesman, he still found a way to get paid.

The album’s cover was designed by Chris Stevenson, with no little direction from Steve. He knew that he wanted to go with something photography-based for this cover so, in true DIY/cheapskate spirit, Steve started by looking through his own photos. He found the cover image on his phone, taken through an almost empty bottle of beer, and it clicked. The whole album has a very boozy vibe (especially with titles like “Last Call”) so this shot seemed appropriate. We, hic, agree.

Mastering for this vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis, and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry.

Wally Badarou is a synth pioneer and musical polymath. But rarely does he sing over his sumptuous tracks. The 6 songs that comprise new record Simple Things finally realise Wally's vision for select backing tracks from his beloved Colors Of Silence.

The tracks were originally developed back in 2001 for the release of the original CD; here, Wally has “simply" added overdubs and vocals to their mastered mixes with some discerning edits. Simply put, Simple Things is another slice of simply stunning Wally Badarou genius.

Simple Things has been decades in the making. Indeed, Wally struggled not only with the idea of singing these wonderful songs himself but singing them in English and writing his own lyrics, while wrestling with the sensational backing tracks, which themselves seemed to have taken on a life of their own.

As Wally explained to us: "In addition to the instrumental artist I have been known as, so far, there has always been a singer who simply was not sure he was, up until now. Even though “Back To Scales Tonight”, my very first album, was, indeed, a song album."

Opener "It Couldn't Be You" embellishes the uptempo groove of soca-funk gem "The Lights Of Kinshasa". As Wally explained to us, it's about “a simple love story somewhere, one rainy night, under the lights of Kinshasa. A woman, a man, online dating, quite usual in our times. Then they meet, almost missing each other." The guide vocal Wally had laid for Colors Of Silence - with an organ sound - seemed striving for words in Linguala, a Congolese language he could not speak. Therefore the decision to do it himself was not an easy one, for it had to be in English to fit his singing. We think it turned out pretty good!

"You Can't Hide Always" vocalises Wally's deep concerns set to the propulsive "Smiles By The Millions": "Populism, ostracism, radicalism, ethics and values all turned upside down worldwide, are they all inevitably exacerbated by our social networks? It could all melt down one day, like a house of cards in the ocean of fake news and false prophecies”. Wally wanted to keep the track as bare as possible but, inevitably, the backing vocals and the synth-brass arrive ultimately to present a welcome 70s flavour, with no snare-drum added.

The bright and breezy "We'll Make It Again" adds vocals to "Where Were We", a tropical, reggae-tinged bounce through the islands. Here's Waly: "Where were we when we last said: "I love you"? Simple words to express something quite common, but never quite simple to deal with. A simple song about the resilience of the broken hearts.” The reggae came from it being conceived when Wally was scoring for “Third World Cop”, a 1999 Jamaican action movie.

"Walk Straight Ahead" provides Wally's gorgeous, contemplative and idiosyncratic vocals to the deep serenity of Colors Of Silence highlight, "Amber Whispers". It's a gliding, divine, mini melodic masterpiece. It'll make you swoon in its extreme beauty. As Wally describes, "it started as just whispers, sweet amber whispers. Then the colour turned darker, as darker skies seemed to fall upon us while the whole world keeps on walking ahead, straight ahead, regardless of the blatant warnings, feeling much too comfortable in conformity. Initially, the verses were to be spoken only. I realised they could be sung all the while, without overshadowing the ethereal atmosphere." Amen.

The serene, celestial "Painting My Life Blue" presents the vocal version of "Days To Wonder". Says Wally, "how does it feel when your second half is gone after decades of riding life together? Past the temporary loss of your bearings, you come to realise you've been blind to the essential, and suddenly you can see...For this most intimate song of mine, I had tried to come up with a melody on top of the existing backing track, long before realising the melody was in the keyboard part already. It just needed to be properly mixed with it."

The profoundly emotional "Just Two Lovers" works up the formerly-too-brief and glorious "Crystal Falls" into a much fuller masterpiece and features acoustic guitar sparkle before fully glistening with some gentle head-nod percussion. Waly explains further: "Dear little green men, please tell me, what is it about us that makes you want to come and visit us so often (contrary to Fermi's assertion)? And here is the reply I believe I heard them sing: "You've got the key you've been searching for: Love”. I reverted to the initial backing track I had made around 1985, which already bore the melody, and which I added acoustic guitars to, before singing it." An astounding closer.

A synth specialist, there can be few artists more under-appreciated given their vast influence than Wally Badarou. His solo work practically defined the sound of the Balearic DJs of the 1980s, and thus the more sophisticated sound of dance culture thereafter. He was one of the Compass Point All Stars (with Sly and Robbie, Barry Reynolds, Mikey Chung and Uziah "Sticky" Thompson), the in-house recording team of Compass Point Studios responsible for a series of albums in the 1980s recorded by Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Mick Jagger, Black Uhuru, Gwen Guthrie, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs. Badarou's keyboard playing could also be heard on albums by Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithfull, Herbie Hancock, M (Pop Muzik), Talking Heads, Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba. He also produced Fela Kuti. Phew!

When we asked Wally about the significance of this collection's title, he explained: "These are "Simple things” that everyday’s life seems to build upon. The simplest are the harder to describe, but when satisfactorily described i.e. with simple words, they are the more genuine and authentic to express and share. I’ve immersed myself in other classic song lyrics, something I hardly did before, just to appreciate the genius behind the simple words they were made of, and had a great time studying how powerful they were in expressing complex ideas such as love."

Recording was twofold: first, most of the backing tracks were recorded in 2001, in Wally's studio in Normandy, mostly using hardware synths and Yamaha digital consoles. Then, he fine-tuned the melodies and wrote the lyrics in late 2023, then added some overdubs and sang them all during summer 2024. States Wally, "Digital Performer was and remains the DAW I’ve been using throughout, ever since the 80s."

Wally's sophisticated synth textures and expressive keyboard runs are so full of character, so full of life, that this work of art transcends any easy genre categorisation. Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland. Sometimes, the simple things are the most extraordinary.

Celebrating 4 years of Autosimilar, we're proud to present a very special vinyl release packed with exceptional talent! This compilation (VA) features tracks from Kessel, Stanislav Tolkachev, Pergo, and Vibrations of Gravity. Each artist brings their own unique vision of techno to the record, making this release a truly diverse and powerful showcase.

We hope you enjoy it-there has been a lot of effort and passion poured into this project. This marks the first in a series of upcoming vinyl releases dedicated to highlighting outstanding techno talent from across the globe.
Mastering has been handled by Ruben Montesco, ensuring top-quality sound, and the striking artwork is crafted by Devoner.

This vinyl contains live analog techno recordings in mono by DJ Lily. The cuts were recorded as one-takes in Gothenburg in January 2025 with a 909 and a Nord Rack 1 (1995). Mastered by Paul Mac at Hardgroove Mastering.

PRAED return to Discrepant, after their 2017’s entry Fabrication of Silver Dreams (CREP44)

Known for their signature blend of Egyptian Shaabi, free jazz and improvisation, the Lebanese duo behind PRAED - Raed Yassin and Paed Conca - now assemble a full orchestra for the second time taking the music to a deeper, rooted level.

Following their 2020 release Live in Sharjah, also under the PRAED Orchestra! moniker, the duo now revisit their unique blend of Arabic heritage and free jazz sensibilities with an album that keeps pushing further into strange and unexpected directions.

The Dictionary of Lost Meanings is just that, seven fully composed pieces and large-scale improvisations, performed by an expanded ensemble of musicians from across the globe. The result is dense and playful, unpredictable but familiar, a record where Arabic rhythms and microtonal melodies collide playfully against electronics, warped vocals and orchestral textures.

It’s less about genre than about memory — like tuning into a radio station broadcasting from somewhere between the past and the future.

PRAED continue to blur the line between popular culture and experimental music in ways that feel both grounded and completely their own.

PRAED ORCHESTRA! are
Raed Yassin: Synthesisers, Vocals, Beats
Paed Conca: Clarinet, Electric bass
Alan Bishop: Alto saxophone, Electric bass, Vocals
Andreas Bral: Harmonium, Electronics
Elisabeth Klinck: Violin
Christian Kobi: Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
Hans Koch: Bass Clarinet
Martin Küchen: Alto and Sopranino Saxophones
Maurice Louca: Synthesizer, electronics
Stan Maris: Accordion
Radwan Ghazi Moumneh: Buzuk, Vocals, Modular Synth
Youmna Saba: Electric Oud, Vocals
Sam Shalabi: Oud, Electric Guitar
Els Vandeweyer: Vibraphone
Khaled Yassine: Drums, Percussion
Michael Zerang: Drums, Percussion
Recorded by Jasper Jan Peeters at the Summer Bummer Festival, DE Studio,
Antwerp August 26, 2022
Mixed by Adham Zidan
Mastered by Mark Gergis
Produced by PRAED
Photos by Geert Vandepoele

DJ Balaton continues to carve out his part in the puzzle with a fresh 4-tracker on LQL <3. With a nostalgic nod to Frankfurt, the producer shows that it doesn't take much, just the right touch, to install a badass groove. Spacious arrangements and carefully placed synths turn the EP into an echo of a different time in the club.

The title track "Back To The Mood" orbits around that secret open-air energy - one of those full-circle cuts for the crew. You are missing the water, baby is all there is to say about "Flow Key", rolling away at 127, disguised but with energy. "Reso 02" is the track we all wanted to finish but never did, grooving along with restrained intensity, shaping the EP into something personal and unique. Closing off, "Push Yourself" is Geoff White meets Herbert in a club-ready outfit.

All tracks produced by Julian Mosch, Master by Moomin, manufactured at intakt!, cut by Manmade, distributed by Wordandsound.

Artwork by Hannes & John & Printready by John.

A duo concert featuring universal artist and activist Moor Mother and Archie Shepp was planned for October 19, 2023, at the Enjoy Jazz Festival. However, a spinal disc operation on the then 86-year-old saxophone legend led to the cancellation of this eagerly awaited world premiere – and to a spontaneous demonstration of respect.
To honor the great Archie Shepp, one of the most influential intellectuals in jazz, an Enjoy Jazz all-star cast spontaneously recorded a tribute song during the festival – organized by festival director Rainer Kern. The line-up consisted of Nicole Mitchell, the most important flutist in the history of jazz, as well as the Enjoy Jazz “Artists in Residence” for 2023 and 2024, Moor Mother (spoken word) and Nduduzo Makhathini (piano).
In her lyrics, the poetess creates a powerful linguistic monument to Archie Shepp, whom she greatly admires, by playing with the titles of the saxophonist's legendary recordings (instead of with him himself). The title “One For Archie” is an allusion to Shepp's 1964 Impulse debut, “Four For Trane,” which, according to “Jazzwise”, is one of the “100 Jazz Albums That Shook The World.” In her moving text, Moor Mother also celebrates Shepp's political and social commitment.
The way Moor Mother rhythmically and aesthetically picks up on Shepp's unique playing style, which oscillates between rugged clarity and deep humanity, begins to improvise on it, and thereby creates new connections, is impressive proof of her masterful artistry. Her recitation is peppered with haunting dramatic climaxes that give listeners goosebumps due to their authenticity.
The B-side features “They've Got A Plan,” a song that is like a beacon. An intense and powerful invocation of “Agenda 2063,” a master plan of the African Union to transform the continent socially, economically, and politically.
Both tracks are available on vinyl for the first time.

The third installment from Submersive Underground is here, Keith Farrugia aka Sound Synthesis shows once again he is now also a master of his 4/4 techno approach, TIP!

"Quadrilocular EP", Morgan Geist's first 12" record, originally released in 1994 on Metamorphic Recordings is remastered from the original tapes and features artwork inspired by the 1994 edition. A melodic "Midwest techno" classic, Geist composed, recorded and mixed the project on a minimal, tape-based setup in his college dorm room in Ohio. Nonetheless, the sophisticated programming and meticulous mixing techniques that would characterize his later discography were already evident.

Featuring a jacking remix by Curtin, Environ's reissue is mastered from the original tapes and features artwork inspired by the 1994 edition.

Originally a jewel from Sunnyview Records (born from the legendary TK Productions). Dolos’ Night So Right was a slick blend of electronic funk and soul with an unmistakable boogie-disco swagger. Hailed by fans as a “lush, echo-drenched boogie monster” with a “pre-house” edge, it was already dancefloor gold.

Now, Dr Packer breathes new life into the classic, delivering a silky, tension-charged rework steeped in his trademark disco-house finesse. A warm, rolling bassline locks the groove as percussion pulls back, letting Rhodes chords, filtered strings, and subtle guitar licks shine. The result? A masterclass in dancefloor tease and release, pure, modern-classic disco magic.

El AMBIE—TÓN is back. The reference #002 is an exercise of Memory (Memoria), it is a place where the water blooms on the earth and the wind in the mountains. It is jungle and city. Mountain and noise. Imbalance and harmony. It is a lake in the sky, a forest between seas. A still cloud in la cordillera, a name that floats. This collaboration between Colombian Drone Mafia and Gibrana Cervantes is the beginning and end of a fragile geography, like the magic and mafia of our platanal.

But who is behind this new combo and bridge between South and Central America? CDM is the new alias of Nyksan, a Bogota-born techno-affiliated deejay and sound artist who is also one of the co-founders of TraTraTrax. From the other side, Mexican composer and violinist Gibrana Cervantes is one of the most outstanding string voices in the daring electronic music landscape in recent times. The duo's cabalistic work creates intricate and dark ambient, all woven around gut-moving sonorities. Colombian Drone Mafia dissolves the boundaries between synthesis and field recordings, crafting experimental yet primitive textures that infect listeners through the layered melodic spaces that Gibrana masters.

We cordially invite you to listen to this journey of immersive drones through vegetation and concrete jungle, music that is at times contemplative and at other times violent. Music framed between deep listening and deep boredom. A glimpse of the sound of the end.

A record born of insurmountable joy and simultaneous profound loss; World Maker marks a time of great change for Psychonaut, both personally and musically, as the band burn away the philosophical narrative complexities of previous offerings with a searing, panoramic clarity that implores us to savour the beauty of the now as a means of leaving a legacy for the future. The traditional, three-piece line up of Belgian, psychedelic post-metal collective Psychonaut has long belied the compositional prowess, captivating narrative depth and crushing live presence of a band now operating at the forefront of forward-thinking, contemporary heavy music. Having sent a shockwave through the post-metal and prog scenes with their three times repressed Pelagic Records debut Unfold The God Man in 2020 before following it up with the transformative metaphysical complexities of 2022's Violate Consensus Reality, Psychonaut have played prestigious Belgian open-air festivals like Alcatraz, Rock Herk and Boomtown Festival as well as boutique events such as Soulcrusher, Roadburn Redux and A Colossal Weekend whilst sharing stages across Europe with the likes of Amenra, Brutus and Pelagic labelmates The Ocean and PG.Lost. The seed of World Maker took shape just as the campaign for Violate Consensus Reality came to a close, with the news that guitarist/vocalist Stefan De Graef was to become a father. This tilting of life's axis led De Graef, like most fathers-to-be, to re-assess what was really important. As such, the music he was inspired to write felt free of the band's previous philosophical and spiritual foundations and instead took the form of life lessons for his unborn son, a legacy of love in case something were ever to happen. This hopeful euphoria shines keenly throughout World Maker as an uncharacteristically optimistic warmth; from the reverberating Rhodes organ on the titular opening track and the meandering, free-jazz inspired guitar solo that introduces `Everything Else is Just The Weather' to elements of world music, electronica and the otherworldly voice of Dutch multi-instrumentalist and old friend Anthe Huybrechts (Anthe/Helion Creek) most notably on tracks like `Origins' which also features tabla, a pair of indian hand drums, as its propulsive heartbeat. Whilst Psychonaut's giant riffs, punishing polyrhythms and guttural vocal rage are more resplendent than ever, there is a wider dynamic spectrum to World Maker that sees the band proudly exploring their more delicate, intimate extremes as well as their most aggressive and abrasive. Not long after the birth of De Graef's son came the devastating news that both his own father and Psychonaut bassist/vocalist Thomas Michiels' father had been diagnosed with advanced cancers. Living day-to-day and torn between joy and grief, the band found themselves shedding the grand scope and world-shattering agenda of Violate Consensus Reality to focus on the here and now. Lead single `Endless Currents', the first full track on the album, explodes in a barrage of staccato guitar tapping but mellows to let the powerful, newly pared back lyrics ring out as a call to embrace the flow and follow joy. The song's final few words `Lead the way. / Soar. / Everlong.' double as both a greeting and a goodbye as the trio build their formidable post-metal might to a thunderous breaking point. Similarly, the pulsing, propellant `Stargazer', named so for De Graef's son being born in stargazer position, pairs delicate guitar motifs and folk-inflected optimism with huge and sprawling breakdowns as some of the band's most genre-pushing work to date; asking difficult but important questions of what happens next. It is `And You Came With Searing Light' though that most immediately exemplifies Psychonaut's redirected ambition on World Maker, as euphoria collides with blinding fury. The first track written for the album, `_Searing Light' is easily the most complex and initially wouldn't sound out of place on Violate Consensus Reality. Originally meant to be the new album's opening track; the decision to defer its impact, not to mention its compositional and dynamic gravity, speaks of a fundamental change to the band's very core. The words "Discover the world with wide eyes" recurring throughout speak as much to those having lost a part of their world as they do to those seeing it for the first time. Amidst such turbulent times, the band found strength and support within their Post-Metal community. The album was recorded and produced by the band alongside their longtime collaborator and close friend Chiaran Verheyden (Hippotraktor) with help and advice from Psychonaut's live engineer Victor, who will no doubt make this album sound just as awesome on stage. Even the artwork for World Maker was a family affair, being designed by close friend Sam Coussens of Belgian cosmic sludge metallers Pothamus. In the face of life's soaring highs and desolate lows, World Maker is direct and brave without sacrificing any of Psychonaut's raw power, creative innovation or inimitable musical depth. Where their previous full-length offerings have charted grand introspective courses through time and space, World Maker is breathtaking in its uncompromising clarity: a father singing to his newborn son as a son bids his own father farewell. FOR FANS OF Mastodon, Russian Circles, Tool, Gojira, The Ocean, Pelican, Hypno5e, Cult Of Luna, Amenra

Otoboke Beaver return with a new album Super Champon
It follows the critically revered Itekoma Hits of 2019. Champon is a Japanese
noun meaning a mixture or jumble of things of different type. Recorded, mixed
and mastered by Ippei Suda in between lockdowns at Osaka's legendary LM
Studio.Across 18 songs, chief singer- songwriter Acco expands the band's
possibilities and pushes their musical skills to the limit. Acco has remarked
previously that she is more influenced by 'manzai', a traditional style of comedy in
Japanese culture comparable to double act comedy or stand- up comedy
exemplified by its use of slang puns and wordplay, speedy back- and- forth
dialogue and impeccable timing in delivering a punchline, characteristics of which
Otoboke Beaver's music shares in droves.

Rick Wade is one of Detroit and house music's most consistent performers. He is a master of crafting tools that never miss on the floor but also have the sort of character that means they endure across the ages and remain impervious to passing trends. Art Is The Place has his latest, and it opens with the angelic vocals of 'Level Up' over a whimsical groove, then 'Big Ha Blues' gets more deep and zoned out with pillowy pads and wet claps. 'Intrusive Emotions' has a more grinding low end but stays slow and is softened by jazz keys, then 'Bitter Sweet brings some dust and grit. Another faultless outing from Wade.

Indian Summer of Love finds The Bongolian immersed in a new set of sounds and influences for a new Belle Epoch. It’s a musical landscape informed by the Sixties psychedelia of India via a Haight Ashbury happening.

It’s a kaleidoscopic vision that takes us from a 20th century Fin de Siècle and lands us in the here and now of the 21st Century. It’s for dancers, for seekers and is all underscored by The Bongolian’s trademark heavy rhythms and breaks. It’s another fine instalment of essential cuts for the dancefloor and for high fidelity listening, quality is guaranteed.

From the East to the West, welcome to the Indian Summer of Love. Nasser Bouzida performs drums, percussion, guitars and keys whilst the album features several new flavours to the Bongolian sound with the prominent instrumentation of sitars and bansuri, along with flute, trumpet, saxophone and trombone performances from several stellular international guest musicians.

This album is not just a homage — it’s a gentle act of remembrance. A way of tuning in to what Lucier showed us: that listening is an art in itself. A meditation on resonance, memory, and the quiet power of pure sound. Or to quote Alvin Lucier himself: “I guess I’m trying to help people hold shells up to their ears, and listen to the ocean again.”

The influence of Alvin Lucier’s work on acoustic phenomena and the interplay between sound and space is difficult to overstate. His legacy continues to echo through the work of countless composers and sound artists today. Lucier’s music is marked by a sense of childlike wonder and sonic simplicity - shifting our perception from what we hear to how we listen.

At the heart of his compositions lies the sine wave: the purest, most elemental form of sound. Clarinetist Dries Tack pays tribute to this master of minimalism with an album centered around two works Lucier composed as intimate ‘In Memoriams’ for friends. Both pieces explore a single, elegant idea: the interaction between an instrumental tone and a sine wave.

Out of that interaction, ‘beatings’ emerge — a pulsating rhythm that accelerates or decelerates as the waves draw nearer or drift apart. Though built on the same concept, the two works are like mirrored reflections of one another: In Memoriam Jon Higgins, the sine wave glides in a slow glissando while the clarinet holds steady tones. In Memoriam Stuart Marshall, it’s the clarinet that dances around a fixed sine wave.

Dries Tack is a clarinetist specializing in contemporary performance practices. He performs with ensembles such as Nadar Ensemble, Curious Chamber Players, and Ensemble Fractales. As co-artistic director of the GLoW Collective, he explores collaborative practices across artistic disciplines in the broadest sense. In addition to his ensemble work, Dries curates solo projects that offer fresh perspectives on existing repertoire or give rise to entirely new works at the intersection of composition and improvisation.

During this summer’s European tour with Junior Dell & The D-Lites, we were honoured to share the stage at This Is Ska Festival in Germany with none other than The Pioneers.

After the show, fate had me driving Jackie and George back to the hotel. On the way, we got to reminiscing about our last collaboration — Jump Up!, released on Original Gravity Records in December 2023. Mid-conversation, Jackie casually said: “Hey Neil, I’m in England all of July, we could record something.”

I dropped the guys off, said goodnight, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, an idea sparked: wouldn’t it be cool to have them record Jackie Edwards’ northern soul classic I Feel So Bad — but reimagined in an early reggae style?

So in July, we set up a session at Farm Factory Studios in Welwyn Garden City. George and Jackie came down, and it was nothing short of magical to hear these legends harmonising together once again in the booth. The result captures that late-60s moment when soul and reggae collided on dancefloors, raw and full of energy.

To add another dimension, we also created a version as if it had traveled from Kingston to London. The “Boss” version imagines the raw Jamaican master — while the A-side reflects how Trojan Records might have “sweetened it up” with horns and strings for the UK pop market.

Two sides, one timeless tune — a tribute to both the grit and the gloss of reggae’s golden era.

2025 Repress

“In stark contrast to the stress-makingly staccato assault of your average 'ardcore rave, Telepathic Fish was a wombeldelic sound-and-light bath"

Simon Reynolds (Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music And Dance Culture)

The first-ever illustrated compendium recounting the seminal underground South London ambient party that surfaced at the axis through which the likes of Ninja Tune, Warp and Rising High flowed. Telepathic Fish shared fertile waters with Megatripolis and The Big Chill, moving the early 90s London back room chill-out space into the kaleidoscopic spotlight.

Documenting the sights and sounds of South London’s seminal Telepathic Fish ambient parties. Hosted by Chantal Passamonte (aka Mira Calix - RIP), David Vallade, Mario Aguera and Kevin Foakes (aka DJ Food) - collectively named Openmind. With the help of Mixmaster Morris (The Irresistible Force) and Matt Black (Coldcut), they put on some of the earliest chill out events in London.

Rooted deep in the heart of the electronic underground they started DJing and decorating house parties or squats with mind-blowing installations and wholly idiosyncratic design, hosting the likes of Aphex Twin, Andrea Parker and Tony Morley (The Leaf Label). Within a year they were playing VIP after shows for the likes of Orbital and illegal New Year’s gatherings at the disused Roundhouse whilst guesting on Coldcut’s Solid Steel radio show on London’s KISS FM.

Whilst collaborations with legendary club nights such as Megatripolis saw them share bills with Autechre, Higher Intelligence Agency, Scanner and Global Communication, they also created their own ambient fanzine - Mindfood – to document the scene evolving around them. A 20-page history of their parties is included in the release, richly illustrated with personal photos, artwork and memorabilia from their adventures between 1992-95. The gatefold sleeve also features their Telepathic Fish logo, mirroring an original T-shirt design they sold in Ambient Soho, a record shop three of the four worked in at different times.

The selections featured here are all personal favourites that were played at the Telepathic Fish parties during the 90s. Picked and arranged by Mario, David and Kevin who combed their collections for key pieces they associate with the time and Chantal’s music tastes. Over a hundred tracks were selected, totalling nearly 11 hours of playing time, before being whittled down to the essentials by the trio, forming a snapshot of their world back in the day.

KEY POINTS:

* Features long deleted and hard to find tracks by Caustic Window (Richard D. James aka Aphex Twin), Tranquility Bass, Spacetime Continuum and Global Communication (Mark Pritchard and Tom Middleton).

• Pressed on DJ friendly double black vinyl

• Includes A 20-page history of their parties is included in the release, richly illustrated with unseen personal photos, artwork and memorabilia from the Telepathic Fish crew’s adventures between 1992-95, as well as detailed liner notes courtesy of founding members Mario Ageura and Kevin Foakes.

• Cover includes horizontal obi sticker with quote from Simon Reynolds' book Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music And Dance Culture, describing the Telepathic Fish parties' place in the dance music landscape.

• Lacquer cut by Beau Thomas at Ten Eight Seven Mastering

After countless hours in the studio, we are proud to present EZ PC, a sonic journey infused with elements of funk, jazz and abstract soundscapes.
The record features the legendary Samuel Appapoulay, whose versatile musicianship adds depth and character throughout the project. This release also marks one of the first projects to showcase the collaboration between David and the Mauritian-born pianist.

To complete the experience, Tripmastaz delivers a remix that holds its own alongside the original, an absolute masterpiece that lifts the EP to an entirely new level.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

TJM’s Small Circle of Friends is considered one of the masterpieces of the Golden Era of Disco. Moplen takes TJM’s Small Circle of Friends and stretches it into a deep, hypnotic disco odyssey. Built on a chunky, vinyl-warm groove, the remix layers hi-hats, funk-soaked bass, and crisp claps over lush, orchestral strings and soulful vocal refrains.

Moplen’s trademark touch is all over this one, extended breakdowns, patient builds, and EQ sweeps that make the dancefloor hang on every bar. It’s the kind of track that keeps the energy grooving and sophisticated. A timeless, vinyl-ready rework for true disco connoisseurs.

The new Mono Jazz series - The Jazz Sinners - is designed, crafted and produced to the highest standards allowed by today’s music industry.
The tracks featured come from either rare, top-condition vintage first pressings or from meticulously sourced recordings to ensure the
best possible sound quality. Thanks to the expertise of Giorgio Cencetti (DJ Farrapo), we've created a fully organic mastering process that offers a
360° sound spectrumfor a truly high-fidelity listening experience. The vinyl itself is pressed under the supervision of Elettroformati - Milano.

The cover is 100% Italian-made, using premium 350g cardstock with a luxurious hand feel, with inner sleeves lined in polyliner for complete protection of the record.

Let us introduce to you the third volume of the brand new series
"OBSCURE TRACKS", made of essential, stand-out and rare italo and
electro tracks, remastered and repress on vinyl for the first time ever
offering DJs the chance to get hold of suche as gems previously tucked
away in the Mr. Disc Organization back to catalogue.

Love International launch new vinyl-focused imprint with a 12" from Adam Curtain including a remix from Mr. Ho.

Revered party crew Love International expand their enterprise, channeling the buzz from another stellar year into a freshly minted sub-label: the 'Love International Floor Series'.

As the name suggestions, the series zeroes in on the dance floor, giving some form and shape to misty memories forged across protracted sessions at Barbarellas, The Olive Grove and The Beach in Tisno.

In to inaugurate the project is London based Adam Curtain - an artist focused on flexing the boundaries of UK club music who has been gathering steam as a nifty selector and a talented producer. A familiar face on both sides of the booth at Lion & Lamb, Fabric, Gottwood and of course - Love International - Adam nails the brief in delivering a record that is sharp, direct and eminently playable.

Musically - the tunes bridge old and new, nestling in that sweet spot between Breaks, Electro, UKG, Acid and Minimal. Stepped grooves, crisp snares, angular synths and oozey bass lines all unify to render a sound that's simultaneously psychotropic and crystal clear.

The cherry on the cake comes as a remix from the venerated Mr. Ho of Klasse Wrecks fame. Often paired with Luca Lozano, Mr. Ho is a master of organising chaos and here he does exactly that - rousing his machines and churning the original into a sludgy, fractal brain scrambler.

Original released in 1961

It's been over 60 years since the original recording, and now, this classic masterpiece is back in a monaural version with fantastic sound.

Hideo Shiraki, a key figure in Japanese jazz, left his mark with unique music and a strong presence. One of his standout works is "Matsuri no Gensou," recorded in 1961. This incredible piece takes a Japanese melody and transforms it into a cool jazz style, using a special arrangement with the koto. The collection also features exciting tracks like "Just One Or Eight" and the dynamic "Cherokee" with an amazing solo. Contributions from experts like Hidehiko Matsumoto and Yuzuru Sera add to the greatness. Even after 60 years, the music still feels fresh and passionate. Now reissued in monaural for the first time, this work stands as a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Enjoy the overwhelming sound of this significant piece in Japanese jazz history.

Anfang 2021 standen die Bandmitglieder von Lankum hoch über Dublin, den Winden der irischen Ostküste zugewandt, mit einem wundervollen Blick auf die Stadt, in der sie über 10 Jahre lang gemeinsam Musik gemacht hatten und dennoch spürten sie ein Gefühl der Unverbundenheit. Sie hatten die Stadt noch nie aus diesem Blickwinkel betrachtet, da sie immer fest in ihr verwurzelt waren und die Schönheit von Dublin immer aus dem Blickwinkel ihres Alltags sahen. Der kleine Perspektivwechsel half der Band bei den Aufnahmen in den Hellfire-Studios, wo sie nach der langen Stille der Pandemie begierig mit den Aufnahmen zu ihrem vierten Studioalbum "False Lankum" begannen. Wer jemals bei einem Lankum-Gig war, kennt die Energie, die diese Band erzeugen kann. Der unverwechselbare Drone-Sound, der sich durch ihre Arbeit zieht, wie bei ihren bekanntesten Stücken "The Wild Rover" (von "The Livelong Day", 2019) und "What Will We Do When We Have No Money" ("Between the Earth and Sky", 2017) hat die Kraft, einem den Boden unter den Füssen wegzuziehen und erzeugt dabei einen einmaligen Klang. "The Livelong Day" war das Album, mit dem Lankum aus der Schublade der "irisch traditionellen" oder "Folk"-Musik herausbrachen. Es ebnete ihnen den Weg zu medialem wie kommerziellem Erfolg, der ihnen 2019 den RTE Choice Music Prize einbrachte und dazu führte, dass sich ihre Shows in der traditionsreichen Konzerthalle Vicar Street in Dublin in nur 20 Minuten ausverkauften. Die neue Musik bringt auch neue Stimmen und so ist es das erste Mal, dass Cormac Dermody einen kompletten Song auf einem Lankum-Album singt. In Kombination mit seiner besonderen Tonlage erzeugt er eine poetische Kraft, die den Sound von Lankum bereichert. Mit "False Lankum" bewegt sich die Bands ins Unbekannte, ein Album getrieben von der wilden und oftmals seltsamen Schönheit des Schmerzes und der Freude, von Himmel und Hölle. Es ist gleichermaßen ein Album der Widersprüche und des Einklangs und sicherlich eine der spannendsten Produktionen, die in letzter Zeit aus Irland kamen. Nur wer mutig wagt, wird Herzen gewinnen - "False Lankum" ist der Schlüssel dazu.

Peek of Normal is the new label from disco veteran Stevie Kotey, whose productions have graced the Bear Funk, Ambassador's Reception, Strut, Electric Minds and many more labels in the past. Pretty much its first move was to ink a deal with Dutch master Mark du Mosch, who'd been friends with Kotey since the latter moved to Rotterdam in 2005 and discovered his neighbour had similar tastes in disco. This new label's inaugural release, Sterling Melody, is quite the labour of love, and with eight tracks spread across a double vinyl pack collection lean more towards the coldwave, electro and synthpop of the early 80s rather than 70s disco. There are echoes of some pretty classic sounds here, from the Vince Clarke-esque throb of '77777st' and 'A5G Neowise' - not unlike the soundtrack work of mid period Tangerine Dream - to the slower motioning Italo-tinged shininess of 'Soluzio'. Our favourite is the title track itself, perky and full of sparkle, like the incidental music for a lost series about a mullet-clad, white linen suited detective who doesn't play by the rules, only much, much better. Definitely worth a Peek.

This is the story of an artist in search of sound and breath: an artist who dares to question the rhythm of silence—an invitation to rethink music, sound, and musical collaboration. This is the story of a journey that, after opening countless paths, has finally found its vessel—and its messengers. Three artists of profound musical truth and radical freedom, merging into an exceptional trio that crosses genres and transcends words in a journey toward pure emotion.

Le Rythme du Silence is the culmination of this long search. Yom delivers it here with violinist Théo Ceccaldi and cellist Valentin Ceccaldi—kindred spirits in sound. “I’ve been working on this idea of the ‘rhythm of silence’ for years,” Yom explains. “I first heard the phrase from a Sufi master, describing the foundation of meditation. It struck something deep in me. I’ve practiced meditation for a long time, and we often think of it as a kind of stillness—opposed to noise and life. But in truth, the rhythm of silence enables meditation. It means accepting that the world continues to move and live around you, even as you try to be still. I wanted to compose from that place. To imagine sound as vibratory matter—the primal substance of creation. That required letting go of fixed structures: forgetting melodies, abandoning the idea of a constructed solo. I needed to leave behind music as a system, and touch sound as a living, breathing entity. It took years. Many projects led me elsewhere. But with the Ceccaldi brothers, I finally found the right resonance. Working with them was simply obvious—it was indredibly powerful.”

Yom first rose to prominence reimagining Jewish traditional music with his 2008 debut New King of Klezmer Clarinet. Since then, his path has led through rock (With Love, 2011; You Will Never Die, 2018), electronic utopias (The Empire of Love, 2013), meditative and sacred soundscapes (Prière, 2018), and countless unclassifiable hybrids (Unue, 2009; Green Apocalypse, 2010). It was inevitable that he would eventually cross paths with the free-spirited Théo and Valentin Ceccaldi—two artists who also place collaboration and genre-blurring at the heart of their artistic development. Their projects are always bold, demanding, and full of life (Kutu, Tricollectif, ONJ, Velvet Revolution, Grand Orchestre du Tricot, Lagon Noir, Constantine, etc.). And so, when the three met within the iXi string quartet, something clicked.
“I was seated between the two of them in the quartet,” Yom recalls, “and I could feel their energy flowing from both sides—it was wild! They’re so tuned into each other, they don’t need words. It’s like they’re connected by musical Wi-Fi. The groove happens instantly. They’re precise when they want to be—thanks to their experience in pop-influenced projects —but they can also let go completely, diving into pure sound. That’s exactly what this project needed.”

Without a single rehearsal, the trio formed instinctively. They began performing Yom’s compositions live, unfolding them into a single continuous piece, where clarinet and strings stretch the limits of sound and breath.
Bowed, plucked, or prepared with clothespins, the Ceccaldi strings engage in a playful and intense dialogue with Yom’s custom B-flat clarinet. Through their imaginative listening and fearless invention, air and space open into a vast new soundscape—one that lies somewhere between meditation and healing music.

“When Yom shared the concept of the rhythm of silence, we were immediately drawn in,” says cellist Valentin Ceccaldi. “There’s a deep intensity and spiritual commitment in his music that really spoke to me. With this trio, we’re trying to dive into the core of sound—but also to create a kind of communion with the audience. It’s like gradually turning up the volume on silence, and realizing it’s made of countless tiny sounds—the music of particles in motion" This stripped-down intensity demands full presence—body and mind—of these three musicians, vibrationally connected in a state close to trance. With them, we enter a journey - not religious, but sacred nonetheless.
The Rhythm of Silence becomes an echo of our most intimate, most distant inner landscapes.
An album—and a trio—to return to without end.

La Rama’s club ready sub-label RamaJam is back after a long stretch with 6x new traxx for the dance. Introducing for the first time on record, two Montréal duos that have been rocking the city for the last few years.

The Wet Steppahz are Boogaloo Jones & Pitza Dave, young producers extraordinaire, engineers at local studio Breakglass, live PA performers and organizers of the 140/160 party series. You can also find Boogaloo every weekend laying it down with the Fella’s Q-Tips & Curls crews. Young guns on the come up, be sure to follow their label STEPPATRAXX for some hot fire.

DAPASHU? is the meeting of veteran producer Shash’U & long time local DJ, promoter and studio fiend Dapapa. A quick lookup on Shash’U will have you inundated with originals and versions for you to drop at any jam. A mainstay at dance competitions, a regular feature of institution Loop Sessions, and always ready to share a tip from his production tool kit. Dapapa gets busy on the regular at venues around the city & heads both the Ol’Jack Nu Jack organization and DASA (a Montréal production suite bridging local and international likeminded artists). A fellow who takes no tune for granted.

Musically we make it easy, 3 cuts per side, representing each crew’s essence. No need to describe each tune, listen in and take notes on the mood + we laced you with those BPMs on the label so you can throw them in to the mix at any moment, no stress!

Mastered and cut in the city by our man Cristobal Urbina. Pressed in Canada & distributed from our brick and mortar shop located at 77 rue Bernard O, Montréal QC, H2T 2J9.

PS Props: These tunes were selected from recordings of the Steppahz and DAPASHU? playing live for a Seer Records party at Osmo x Marusan in April 2024… Big shout out to Emiliano & Maximum Enemi <3

The begena is a large ten-stringed lyre which is part of the traditional Amharic heritage of Ethiopia. The Amharas, who have long formed the politically and culturally dominant people of Ethiopia, mainly inhabit the central and northern part of the country. In the majority, they follow the monophysite Orthodox Tewahido Church established in the early fourth century AD.

Music plays a very important part in the life of the church. Most of the liturgy is sung and, contrary to secular music, it is accompanied by percussion instruments only. The begena occupies a special place because it is the one melodic instrument exclusively dedicated to the spiritual repertory. Because of its mythical origin, it is highly respected. Tradition holds that the begena was given to king David by God, and brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, together with the Ark of the Covenant. It has always been the instrument of kings and nobles. Played by pious men and women of letters, it never became widespread. But it never disappeared either, not even under the Derg regime (1974-1991) which had banned the instrument.

Among Amhara string instruments, the begena is the most carefully crafted, especially with regard to the ornately sculpted crossbar. Its ten gut strings are cleaned and twisted several times. The characteristic buzzing timbre equalled by no other Amhara instrument is due to the enzirotch, that is, small bits of leather placed between each string and the bridge. This plays an important part in the sound production by creating a brief contact between the string and the upper rim of the bridge, thus modifying the vibrating properties of the string. In this manner, the spectrum of the sound is considerably enhanced (up to over 10 kHz).

The begena is a very powerful instrument, it keeps the devil thirty steps away, and its presence in the home wards off malicious spirits. Priests and preachers recommend its presence, especially during Lent (Fassika Tsom) when the Orthodox Amharas ponder their sins and repent. Because of its spiritual import, the begena generates intense emotion. According to some musicians, playing the begena brings them into direct contact with God or the Virgin Mary. The religious role of the begena is underscored by the shape of the instrument, each part symbolises an important element of the faith. The crossbar for instance, which reaches across the entire width of the instrument, represents God who is above all things. The belly which "gives birth" to the sound represents the Virgin Mary, and the ten strings recall the Ten Commandments.

Recorded by Stéphanie Weisser in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 2002-December 2005.

Mastered by Renaud Millet-Lacombe.

Issued under license from VDE-Gallo, Switzerland.

Slippery1 caused quite the ruckus on the floor and here, arch slippery customer Harri Pierson returns, along with some equally slick sidekicks...

So, four more eclectic, leftfield dance chops for your turntables.
Assembled with care and an eye for the esoteric - one limited press. This 12" has been mastered with love by the Grammy award-winning Frank at the Carvery for maximum dancefloor punch.

VINYL ONLY !

The Toxic Funk series keeps the dancefloors moving, and for Volume 17 we welcome back the ever-funky duo Suckasidewith a pair of groove-heavy gems pressed on 7" vinyl. DJ B-Side and Sucka Timmy once again show their mastery of blending classic soul, funk, and RnB flavors with breakbeat punch.

The A-side, Hot Pants I Just Wanna Love You (112 BPM), is pure sunshine soul on wax – bright and upbeat with crisp breakbeats, silky vocal chops, and infectious horn stabs. Its warm groove and steady energy make it the perfect opener for a DJ set or a surefire way to lift any crowd.

On the flip, Dang Lazy (SuckaSide 45 Edit) kicks things up a notch with a faster, more driving funk workout. The bassline struts, the drums snap, and playful vocal snippets dance over the top, all tied together with Suckaside's tight, polished production. It's a party starter with a cheeky edge – perfect for when the floor is already buzzing and you want to take it higher.

pictured cover sealed in shrink wrap (first time ever on Samosa)



Samosa Records comes back with a real summer bang in the form of the ‘Afro-Ritmo EP’ – a four-track journey into afro soaked vibes courtesy of Anura & Sr. Lobezno and featuring label boss De Gama!

First up on side A is the EP’s title track, the mesmerising ‘Afro Ritmo’. Anura & Sr. Lobezno announce their arrival on Samosa Records with this spicy West African rhythm bomb. Kakaki trumpet fanfares meld with intricate synth stabs and ethereal Oja flute, whilst the solid tribal beats and rolling bass dictate the dance moves. And dance you must…

Track 2 is the deliciously glitchy, conga bonanza ‘Sungu Sa’. Make no mistake, ‘Sunga Sa’ is out to get you from the very first beat – tempting you to go behind the curtain as the haunting guitar lures you ever closer to its secret door. Dark, uplifting and ritualistic, the chant of ‘Sunga Sa’ will live in your head rent free well after the sun has gone down. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Over on Side B De Gama takes the title track ‘Afro-Ritmo’ and applies his unique sonic rubs, balms and enhancers to create a pulsating after hours jam full to the brim with Afrotropic sparkle and magic dust. Like an unstoppable chugging train steaming through a savanna, De Gama is the conductor supreme as the raspy synth, bluesy guitar riff and uplifting brass fanfares entwine around that pounding beat.

Finally, Track 4 gives us the seriously powerful Javier Morrilas remix of ‘Afro-Ritmo’. The original is stripped right down and given the Big Beat treatment for this insanely good take – a peak time switcheroo of a track that keeps you guessing as to where it’s taking you. As the flutey breakdowns and broken beat madness get you, you will fall in love with this one instantly.

The ‘Afro Ritmo’ EP is a powerful, masterful four tracker from Anura & Sr. Lobezno which is well at home in the Samosa Records cooking pot. Spread the word, buy the vinyl. You won’t be disappointed.

• Reviewed with love by The Black Light Disco

Written, Produced, Arranged and Mixed by Anura & Sr. Lobezno.
Keyboards & Percussions: Anura.
Trumpet: Jimmy Garcia
Sax & Flute: Carlos Ligero
Trombone: Prudencio Valdivieso

*Remix and Additional Productions by Stefano Gamma aka De Gama for De Gama Rec - Rome.
Jazz Guitar & Acoustic Bass by Pietro Nicosia.

** Remix and Additional Productions by Javier Morillas.

All tracks mastered by Francesco Pierguidi at L’n’P Studio – Rome.

Artwork and computer graphics by Nerina Fernandez.


SMS038

a A1 James Russo (2)– Winged, Written-By Dialogue – Quentin Tarantino


d A4 Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz– "In That Case Django, After You...", Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[f] A6 Anthony Hamilton & Elayna Boynton– Freedom, Acoustic Guitar – Elayna Boynton, Co-producer – Daniel Beard, Mixed By, Mastered By – Daniel Beard, Duane Allen (2), Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Programmed By, Percussion – Kelvin Wootenm, Producer – Kelvin Wooten, Recorded By – Daniel Beard, Kelvin Wooten, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Written-By – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Kelvin Wooten
[g] B7 Don Johnson And Christoph Waltz– Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga's And Gummy-Mouth Bitches, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[i] B9 Don Straud– Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[l] B12 Rick Ross With Walton Goggins And Jamie Foxx– 100 Black Coffins, Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Isaiah Pryor, Phillip "Logann" Scott III*, Guitar – Charlie Burrel*, Lyrics By – Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Mixed By – Jaycen Joshua, Mixed By [Assisted] – Trehy Harris, Music By – Jamie Foxx, Producer – Ainz "Brainz" Dimilo*, Jamie Foxx
[m] Recorded By [Rick Ross's Vocals] – John Rivers*, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[o] C14 Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio And Christoph Waltz– Hildi's Hot Box, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[r] C17 James Brown And 2Pac With James Russo (2), Christoph Waltz And Jamie Foxx– Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable), Mixed By [The Payback], Edited By [The Payback] – Claudio Cueni, Voice [As Ace Speck] – James Remar, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino, Written-By [The Payback] – Fred Wesley, James Brown, John Starks*, Written-By [Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)] – Anthony Henderson, Bruce Washington, Kasseem Dean*, Tupac Amaru Shakur*, Yafeu Fula, D18 John Legend– Who Did That To You?, Performer [Sample] – The Mighty Hannibal, Producer – Paul Epworth, Written-By – James T. Shaw (The Mighty Hannibal)*, John Stephens (3), Paul Epworth
[s] D19 Brother Dege– Too Old To Die Young, Lyrics By, Music By – Dege Legg, Mastered By – Bruce Barielle, Mixed By – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Producer – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Recorded By – Dege Legg, Vocals, Resonator Guitar [Slide/Dobro], Body Percussion [Stomps], Handclaps [Claps] – Dege Legg
[t] D20 Samuel L. Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Stephen The Poker Player, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[v] D22 Samuel L. Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Six Shots Two Guns, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino
[w] D23 Annibale E I Cantori Moderni*– Trinity: Titoli, Composed By – Franco Micalizzi, L. Stott*, Conductor [Orchestra Directed By] – M° Gianfranco Plenizio*

[a] A1 James Russo (2)– Winged, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[d] A4 Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz– "In That Case Django, After You...", Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[f] A6 Anthony Hamilton & Elayna Boynton– Freedom, Acoustic Guitar – Elayna Boynton, Co-producer – Daniel Beard, Mixed By, Mastered By – Daniel Beard, Duane Allen (2), Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Programmed By, Percussion – Kelvin Wootenm, Producer – Kelvin Wooten, Recorded By – Daniel Beard, Kelvin Wooten, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Written-By – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Kelvin Wooten
[g] B7 Don Johnson And Christoph Waltz– Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga's And Gummy-Mouth Bitches, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[i] B9 Don Straud– Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[l] B12 Rick Ross With Walton Goggins And Jamie Foxx– 100 Black Coffins, Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Isaiah Pryor, Phillip "Logann" Scott III*, Guitar – Charlie Burrel*, Lyrics By – Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Mixed By – Jaycen Joshua, Mixed By [Assisted] – Trehy Harris, Music By – Jamie Foxx, Producer – Ainz "Brainz" Dimilo*, Jamie Foxx
[m] Recorded By [Rick Ross's Vocals] – John Rivers*, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[o] C14 Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio And Christoph Waltz– Hildi's Hot Box, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[r] C17 James Brown And 2Pac With James Russo (2), Christoph Waltz And Jamie Foxx– Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable), Mixed By [The Payback], Edited By [The Payback] – Claudio Cueni, Voice [As Ace Speck] – James Remar, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino, Written-By [The Payback] – Fred Wesley, James Brown, John Starks*, Written-By [Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)] – Anthony Henderson, Bruce Washington, Kasseem Dean*, Tupac Amaru Shakur*, Yafeu Fula, D18 John Legend– Who Did That To You?, Performer [Sample] – The Mighty Hannibal, Producer – Paul Epworth, Written-By – James T. Shaw (The Mighty Hannibal)*, John Stephens (3), Paul Epworth
[s] D19 Brother Dege– Too Old To Die Young, Lyrics By, Music By – Dege Legg, Mastered By – Bruce Barielle, Mixed By – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Producer – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Recorded By – Dege Legg, Vocals, Resonator Guitar [Slide/Dobro], Body Percussion [Stomps], Handclaps [Claps] – Dege Legg
[t] D20 Samuel L. Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Stephen The Poker Player, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[v] D22 Samuel L. Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Six Shots Two Guns, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino
[w] D23 Annibale E I Cantori Moderni*– Trinity: Titoli, Composed By – Franco Micalizzi, L. Stott*, Conductor [Orchestra Directed By] – M° Gianfranco Plenizio*

[a] A1 | James Russo (2)– Winged, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[d] A4 | Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz– "In That Case Django, After You ..", Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[f] A6 | Anthony Hamilton & Elayna Boynton– Freedom, Acoustic Guitar – Elayna Boynton, Co-producer – Daniel Beard, Mixed By, Mastered By – Daniel Beard, Duane Allen (2), Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Programmed By, Percussion – Kelvin Wootenm, Producer – Kelvin Wooten, Recorded By – Daniel Beard, Kelvin Wooten, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Written-By – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Kelvin Wooten
[g] B7 | Don Johnson And Christoph Waltz– Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga's And Gummy-Mouth Bitches, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[i] B9 | Don Straud– Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[l] B12 | Rick Ross With Walton Goggins And Jamie Foxx– 100 Black Coffins, Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Isaiah Pryor, Phillip "Logann" Scott III*, Guitar – Charlie Burrel*, Lyrics By – Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Mixed By – Jaycen Joshua, Mixed By [Assisted] – Trehy Harris, Music By – Jamie Foxx, Producer – Ainz "Brainz" Dimilo*, Jamie Foxx
[m] Recorded | By [Rick Ross's Vocals] – John Rivers*, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[o] C14 | Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio And Christoph Waltz– Hildi's Hot Box, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[r] C17 | James Brown And 2Pac With James Russo (2), Christoph Waltz And Jamie Foxx– Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable), Mixed By [The Payback], Edited By [The Payback] – Claudio Cueni, Voice [As Ace Speck] – James Remar, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino, Written-By [The Payback] – Fred Wesley, James Brown, John Starks*, Written-By [Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)] – Anthony Henderson, Bruce Washington, Kasseem Dean*, Tupac Amaru Shakur*, Yafeu Fula, D18 John Legend– Who Did That To You?, Performer [Sample] – The Mighty Hannibal, Producer – Paul Epworth, Written-By – James T Shaw (The Mighty Hannibal)*, John Stephens (3), Paul Epworth
[s] D19 | Brother Dege– Too Old To Die Young, Lyrics By, Music By – Dege Legg, Mastered By – Bruce Barielle, Mixed By – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Producer – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Recorded By – Dege Legg, Vocals, Resonator Guitar [Slide/Dobro], Body Percussion [Stomps], Handclaps [Claps] – Dege Legg
[t] D20 | Samuel L Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Stephen The Poker Player, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[v] D22 | Samuel L Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Six Shots Two Guns, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino
[w] D23 | Annibale E I Cantori Moderni*– Trinity Titoli, Composed By – Franco Micalizzi, L Stott*, Conductor [Orchestra Directed By] – M° Gianfranco Plenizio*

[a] A1 | James Russo (2)– Winged, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[d] A4 | Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz– "In That Case Django, After You ..", Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[f] A6 | Anthony Hamilton & Elayna Boynton– Freedom, Acoustic Guitar – Elayna Boynton, Co-producer – Daniel Beard, Mixed By, Mastered By – Daniel Beard, Duane Allen (2), Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Programmed By, Percussion – Kelvin Wootenm, Producer – Kelvin Wooten, Recorded By – Daniel Beard, Kelvin Wooten, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Written-By – Anthony Hamilton, Elayna Boynton, Kelvin Wooten
[g] B7 | Don Johnson And Christoph Waltz– Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga's And Gummy-Mouth Bitches, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[i] B9 | Don Straud– Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[l] B12 | Rick Ross With Walton Goggins And Jamie Foxx– 100 Black Coffins, Engineer [Recording Engineer] – Isaiah Pryor, Phillip "Logann" Scott III*, Guitar – Charlie Burrel*, Lyrics By – Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Mixed By – Jaycen Joshua, Mixed By [Assisted] – Trehy Harris, Music By – Jamie Foxx, Producer – Ainz "Brainz" Dimilo*, Jamie Foxx
[m] Recorded | By [Rick Ross's Vocals] – John Rivers*, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[o] C14 | Samuel L Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio And Christoph Waltz– Hildi's Hot Box, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino


[r] C17 | James Brown And 2Pac With James Russo (2), Christoph Waltz And Jamie Foxx– Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable), Mixed By [The Payback], Edited By [The Payback] – Claudio Cueni, Voice [As Ace Speck] – James Remar, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino, Written-By [The Payback] – Fred Wesley, James Brown, John Starks*, Written-By [Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix)] – Anthony Henderson, Bruce Washington, Kasseem Dean*, Tupac Amaru Shakur*, Yafeu Fula, D18 John Legend– Who Did That To You?, Performer [Sample] – The Mighty Hannibal, Producer – Paul Epworth, Written-By – James T Shaw (The Mighty Hannibal)*, John Stephens (3), Paul Epworth
[s] D19 | Brother Dege– Too Old To Die Young, Lyrics By, Music By – Dege Legg, Mastered By – Bruce Barielle, Mixed By – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Producer – Dege Legg, Primo (9), Tony Daigle, Recorded By – Dege Legg, Vocals, Resonator Guitar [Slide/Dobro], Body Percussion [Stomps], Handclaps [Claps] – Dege Legg
[t] D20 | Samuel L Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Stephen The Poker Player, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino

[v] D22 | Samuel L Jackson And Jamie Foxx– Six Shots Two Guns, Written-By [Dialogue] – Quentin Tarantino
[w] D23 | Annibale E I Cantori Moderni*– Trinity Titoli, Composed By – Franco Micalizzi, L Stott*, Conductor [Orchestra Directed By] – M° Gianfranco Plenizio*

For their first album as Gilla Band (formerly Girl Band), the
foursome have redrawn their own paradigm. ‘Most Normal’ is like
little you’ve heard before, a kaleidoscopic spectrum of noise put in
service of broken pop songs, FX-strafed Avant-punk rollercoaster
rides and passages of futurist dancefloor nihilism.
Lockdown robbed Gilla Band of any opportunity to try the new
material out live, but the pandemic also incinerated any idea of a
deadline for the new album. They were free to tinker at leisure, to
rewrite and restructure and reinvent tracks they’d cut, to, as
drummer Adam Faulkner puts it, “pull things apart and be like,
‘Let’s try this. We could try out every wild idea.’”
The group also fell under the spell of modern hip-hop, “where
there’s really heavy-handed production and they’re messing with
the track the whole time,” says Fox. “That felt like a fun route to go
down, it was a definite influence.”
‘Most Normal’ opens with an absolute industrial-noise banger that
sounds like a manic house party throbbing through the walls of the
next room as a downed jetliner brings death from above. What
follows is unpredictable, leading the listener through a sonic house
of mirrors, where the unexpected awaits around every corner.
The common thread holding ‘Most Normal’’s ambitious Avant-pop
shapes together is frontman Dara Kiely. Throughout, he’s an antic,
antagonistic presence, barking wild, hilarious, unsettling spiels,
babbling about smearing fish with lubricant or dressing up in binliners or having to wear hand-me-down bootcut jeans (“It was a
big, shameful thing, growing up, not being able to afford the look I
wanted and having to wear all my brother’s old clothes,” says
Kiely).
‘Most Normal’, then, is a triumph, the bold work of a group who’ve
taken the time to evolve their ideas, to deconstruct and reconstruct
their music and rebuild it into something new, something
challenging and infinitely rewarding. It’s a headphone masterpiece.
It’s a majestic exploration of the infinite possibilities of noise. It’s a
bold riposte to your parochial beliefs on whatever a pop song can
or should be. It’s the best work these musicians have put to
(mangled) tape.