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Much like the North Carolina wilds it reflects, Needlefall waxes and wanes from mysterious and unsettling to ecstatic and awe-inspiring, capturing the sacred dimensions of the natural world. Magic Tuber Stringband draw on a host of fellow travelers to realize Needlefall"s intricate arrangements, exemplifying the diversity of contemporary folk movements, placing their work in the tradition of modern innovators like Moondog, Harry Partch, Pauline Oliveros, and labelmate Sally Anne Morgan. The vast forests and mountains that inspire the band as a metaphor for living music traditions - ever-changing and yet still standing, shaped over time by human hands while equally shaping the human experience. Magic Tuber Stringband, from North Carolina, are Courtney Werner and Evan Morgan, accompanied by their regular bassist Mike DeVito. Morgan is an organizer within the local music community, and Werner is a dedicated naturalist involved in local land stewardship. Needlefall answers the question "what does a modern string band sound like?" with powerful new arrangements of traditional songs and transcendent originals. The album is teeming with life, translating abundant ecosystems into arcing melodies and shimmering, mystic drones. The band explains: "If you spend enough time out in the woods you inevitably see or hear things that are hard to explain. I"ve been in caves where it"s total darkness and you"re enveloped by the disorienting sound of dripping water. The natural sights and sounds in these places are often repetitive, percussive, expressive, sometimes unsettling - the way that water carves patterns into rock or tree trunks appear in endless rows."

Skylax Records Proudly Presents the Arrival of Riccardo Teri A.k.a. Quasar, Hailing Straight From Firenze, Italy! Introducing "Tyrrhenian Dream" - an Enchanting Vinyl Ep That Embraces the Captivating Spirit of Early '90s Italian Dream House. This 12-Inch Masterpiece Showcases Four Mesmerizing Tracks: "Tyrrhenian Dream," a Melodic Opus That Transports You to Heavenly Realms; "Joyful Town," a Vibrant and Uplifting Anthem That Resonates With Pure Bliss; "Velathri Pipers," a Hypnotic Groove Pulsating With Irresistible Rhythms; and "Aithalia," a Dreamlike Exploration of Ethereal Melodies. Immerse Yourself in Quasar's Musical Wizardry as He Pays Homage to the Timeless Allure of Italy's Euphoric Dream House Legacy. Let Your Turntable Transport You Back in Time With "Tyrrhenian Dream," Embarking on a Sonic Journey That Captures the Very Essence of That Golden Era. It Stands as a Testament to the Unparalleled Charm and Magic of Italy's Dream House Phenomenon, Unlocking a World of Sonic Enchantment....

“My heart is loud,” Julia Holter sings on her sixth album Something in the Room She Moves, following an inner pulse. The Los Angeles songwriter’s past work has often explored memory and dreamlike future, but her latest album resides more in presence: “There’s a corporeal focus, inspired by the complexity and transformability of our bodies,” Holter says. Her production choices and arrangements form a continuum of fretless electric bass pitches in counterpoint with gliding vocal melodies, while glissing Yamaha CS-60 lines entwine warm winds and reeds. “I was trying to create a world that’s fluid-sounding, waterlike, evoking the body’s internal sound world,” Holter says of her flowing harmonic universe.

“What is delicious and what is omniscient?” she sings on “Spinning”, the album’s incantatory centerpiece. “What is the circular magic I’m visiting?” Or as Holter put it: “It’s about being in the passionate state of making something: being in that moment, and what is that moment?” She found it anew on Something in the Room She Moves, singing in somatic frequencies.

“My heart is loud,” Julia Holter sings on her sixth album Something in the Room She Moves, following an inner pulse. The Los Angeles songwriter’s past work has often explored memory and dreamlike future, but her latest album resides more in presence: “There’s a corporeal focus, inspired by the complexity and transformability of our bodies,” Holter says. Her production choices and arrangements form a continuum of fretless electric bass pitches in counterpoint with gliding vocal melodies, while glissing Yamaha CS-60 lines entwine warm winds and reeds. “I was trying to create a world that’s fluid-sounding, waterlike, evoking the body’s internal sound world,” Holter says of her flowing harmonic universe.

“What is delicious and what is omniscient?” she sings on “Spinning”, the album’s incantatory centerpiece. “What is the circular magic I’m visiting?” Or as Holter put it: “It’s about being in the passionate state of making something: being in that moment, and what is that moment?” She found it anew on Something in the Room She Moves, singing in somatic frequencies.

After his first two one-off singles "Black Pegasus" and "Day Without You" introduced DJ Swagger's massive songwriting abilities and love for recording instruments, his first album on Kommerz Records, "Chemistry Forever", showcases his background in UK-leaning elec- tronic music as well as new tendencies towards neo soul, indie pop and jazz. Welcome DJ Swagger to the Kommerz Records stage and prepare for the album to drop on March 22nd.
The 25-year-old from West Germany's Bielefeld is pretty much the archetype of a so-called Wunderkind. At his young age the producer, DJ, multi instrumentalist and songwriter released more than 40 vinyl records including two solo albums and endless rave tracks since turn- ing 16. As of most recently and even though coming from an electronic music background DJ Swagger's creative agenda ventured more and more into classic songwriting and taking over the role of lead vocalist of his one-man-band. His third solo album "Chemistry Forever" show- cases this transformation from UK-influenced electronica towards neo soul and indie without losing its listeners at any point. His subtle melancholic vocal performance and the just as subtle, yet constant pop appeal make this equation solve itself magically. From electro, 2 step and breakbeat over hip-hop, indie and R&B to a final bebop (!) madness - "Chemistry Forever" is a trip for music lovers while each and every song has heavy potential to be listened to on repeat.
Besides his own vocal performances DJ Swagger also invited rappers TripSixVivo (London), Vitus04 (Bielefeld), Kaba (Paris) and poet Dainell Aiken (NYC) for mesmerizing guest perfomances. Additional production work came from Hamburg dance producer Speckman and jazz outfit Jonas Gersema Trio.
Aaaand since we called him a Wunderkind: Be aware that he's not only a next level musician, but studied graphic designer, illustrator and most likely many more things. Just an example: Most recently he sold self-made perfumed candles through his D.I.Y. label and fashion brand Goddess Music. He obviously designed everything around the album, directed the music videos and merch drops are to be expected.
For us, brothers Lukas and Jonathan, the love story goes way back though. In the midst of the long gone lo-fi house hysteria (2017-2018) we discovered the Bielefeld native's dance floor productions, which fused hip-hop braggadocio with pumping electronic music. We kept following up on his ever evolving musical journey into new genres and felt super honored when he reached out to release his upcoming projects via Kommerz.

In 2024, the singer and songwriter Oum is celebrating her fifteen-year career, with a live album, recorded in Marrakech, which plunges back into the magic of her three flagship records, here revisited in a different light. This seventh album, named Dakchi, which means "those things", is the opportunity for this daring off-roader to allow herself a suspended moment for a temporary assessment, a return to her roots. Dakchi is the first best-of live album, in which Oum brings together around ten titles from her repertoire woven throughout three albums with identities as singular as they are filled with a common sap: Soul of Morocco (2013), Zarabi (2015) and Daba (2019). It is the expression of typically Moroccan hybridizations - African, Berber and Andalusian - which irrigate the crossbreeding of Oum. It is also joyful and natural fireworks display of polyrhythms which galvanize her music : the Marrakech signature, playful, sunny, festive. Oum slips three unpublished pieces, including the sublime Arabic cover of the legendary bolero "Lagrimas Negras", "Toda la Gente", an introduction to "Mansit", signed by cuban musician Damian Nueva or the delicate "Intidhar", composed by Yacir Rami.

SOYUZ (СОЮЗ) stole our hearts back in 2022 when we released their album Force Of The Wind to critical acclaim. Here we proudly present the predecessor to that LP, the band’s sophomore long player from 2019 that was previously only available digitally. It captures a pivotal evolving period in the band's career, the recordings giving a snapshot of what would become their sound on Force Of The Wind, yet with echoes of avant-psychedelic-pop footprints from yester years.

Produced at a time when band leader Alex Chumak had moved from Minsk to Kyiv, torn between the need to try something new and the homesickness it brought about. Travelling back to Minsk almost weekly, Alex joined fellow band members Mikita Arlou and Stanislav Murashko to lay down II at Studio 42. The album captures these transient feelings, contextualised through the broad scope of influences the band were nourished by. From MPB to Ethio-Jazz and the Italian library soundtracks of Piero Piccioni and Piero Umiliani, the album shines with touches of joy from across the globe.

The opening track 'Verocai' is a tribute to the Brazilian maestro and 'Mirouze', whilst being named after a French favourite of the band, Jean-Pierre Mirouze, pays clear homage to Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges. A ghostly sample and invisible connection to music made miles away in a different era that has influenced and become part of the band’s lives. This is further reinforced in the album's enchanting closer, the aptly titled 'Nascimento', another nod to the great Brazilian musician and singer.

The beginnings of the cinematic, soul-laden jazz SOYUZ are now known for, are on display across the likes of ‘Lyric’ and 'Motive I'. The latter an orchestrated jazz instrumental with sensuous string sections, all of which were recorded on the warmth of a Studer reel-to-reel and waltzing Rhodes keys.

SOYUZ’s wide-ranging palate is further demonstrated in tracks like ‘Business Partners’ with its Krauty, kosmische, new wave production featuring Inturist, and the oh-too-short Anatolian-influenced interlude 'Corrida'. Elsewhere, 'Tezeta' and ‘ES-2 Jazz’ hint at the psychedelic haze of soul-funk, with the former featuring verses from Serbian rapper Petar Martic.

For this new physical and digital release, the whole album was mixed from scratch by Ryan Power before Joker worked his magic on the remaster. More excellence is to come from SOYUZ, but in the meantime, we are thrilled to present this essential recording from the band’s foundational years, mixed to a level that does it the justice it deserves.

People Museum's full length album Relic was written and demoed shortly after hurricane Ida displaced our community for many weeks in the late summer of 2021. The first three days of work brought 3 of the album's core songs, including the title track of the record - Relic. Each song on the record contains layers of storytelling that speak to our city while also speaking to personal stories of love, loss, the unknown, catharsis, persistence. Living in New Orleans, we often take for granted the unique magic that is our community, something that the uncertainty of a natural disaster placed in the forefront of our minds. Relic is an attempt to bottle our collective histories, our memories and experiences, our love for our city. A way to hold tightly to the gift we have while we have it. The album uses New Orleans as a character - a lover who nourishes us and breaks our heart. A friend - ever contradictory but always worth fighting for, and someone who will inevitably leave an imprint on your heart.

Marilyn Monroe (born June 1, 1926, Los Angeles, California, U.S.—died August 5, 1962, Los Angeles). Known for playing comic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as well as an emblem of the era's sexual revolution. She had a good voice that matched her seductive visual appeal, and her limited catalog includes effective interpretations of the work of such songwriters as Harold Adamson and Hoagy Carmichael, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer; Irving Berlin, Sammy Cahn and Cole Porter. Marilyn Monroe's singing constitutes a significant part of her overall appeal as a performer. On this album “Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend”," I Wanna Be Loved By You", “Happy Birthday (For President Kennedy) ”, “The River of No Return ”, “Two Little Girls From Little Rock (ft. Jane Russell)”. a.o. Limited Edition on Blue Transparent coloured vinyl.

In 2024, the singer and songwriter Oum is celebrating her fifteen-year career, with a live album, recorded in Marrakech, which plunges back into the magic of her three flagship records, here revisited in a different light. This seventh album, named Dakchi, which means "those things", is the opportunity for this daringoff-roader to allowherself a suspended moment for a temporaryassessment, a return to her roots. Dakchi is the first best-of live album, in which Oum brings together around ten titles from her repertoire woven throughout three albums with identities as singular as they are filled with a common sap: Soul of Morocco (2013), Zarabi (2015) and Daba (2019). It is the expression of typically Moroccan hybridizations - African, Berber and Andalusian - which irrigatethe crossbreeding of Oum.It is also joyful and natural fireworks display of polyrhythms which galvanize her music : the Marrakech signature, playful, sunny,festive. Oum slips three unpublished pieces, including the sublime Arabic cover of the legendary bolero "Lagrimas Negras", "Toda a Gente", an introduction to "Mansit", signed by cuban musician Damian Nueva or the delicate "Intidhar", composed by Yacir Rami.

Nachpressung in tief rotem Vinyl! Ein zentrales Album für die heutige Zeit: hell, frei, unnachgiebig, optimistisch. Brain Worms ist das bisher vollste und makelloseste Album von RVG. Auf "Brain Worms" wird deutlich, dass die Band in bester Form ist. Der Album-Opener 'Common Ground' gibt den Ton an für das, was kommen wird; ein glänzendes, mitreißendes, schlagkräftiges Album mit allen geliebten RVG-Merkmalen. Vagers Stimme ist ungefiltert und souverän wie immer, wenn sie ihre cleveren, nicht ganz ironischen Texte vorträgt. Hier fühlen sich diese Texte jedoch viel weniger resigniert und sehnsüchtig an, sondern viel mehr trotzig und fröhlich. Tambourine" ist der einzige Covid-Song, den Vager schrieb, als sie "versuchte, keine Covid-Songs zu schreiben", und es ist ein schmerzhaft ehrliches Porträt der Trauer inmitten der Isolation. Brain Worms" erzählt die nur allzu bekannte Geschichte eines Menschen, der in den Kaninchenbau des Internets fällt und Trost in Verschwörungen findet. Nothing Really Changes" ist ein Keyboarder-lastiges New-Wave-Ding, während das abschließende "Tropic of Cancer" mit Vagers selbstbewusstem neuen Manifest glänzt: Ich weiß, wie ich bin, und ich weiß, wie ich werde. Wenn du denkst, ich bin seltsam, hast du noch nichts gesehen. Bloxham, Nolte und Wallace erwecken Vagers Songwriting mit Bravour zum Leben. Aufgenommen in den Londoner Snap Studios mit James Trevascus (Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, PJ Harvey), strotzen alle zehn Tracks vor üppigen Klängen, klaren Absichten und der Magie einer Akustikgitarre, die einst Kate Bush gehörte und die ihr von Tears for Fears geschenkt wurde (die, so die Legende, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" darauf geschrieben hat). Die vier Bandmitglieder - Leadsänger und Gitarrist Vager, Gitarrist Reuben Bloxham, Schlagzeuger Marc Nolte und Bassist Isabele Wallace - sind so selbstbewusst wie noch nie bei RVG. Sie haben ihre Einflüsse hinter sich gelassen, sich selbst vorangetrieben und neue Dinge ausprobiert. Und sie haben ein Album gemacht, das sie nach allem, was sie sagen, als ihr bestes bezeichnen können. Brain Worms" fühlt sich an wie die Antithese zu dem, was eine Post-Pandemic-Platte leicht sein könnte. Für eine Band, die bereits Musik über das Zurückgezogensein schrieb, "wir waren deprimiert und gingen auf unseren ersten beiden Alben nicht nach draußen", gab die erzwungene Isolation und die Zeit zum Nachdenken Vager Raum, über alles zu schreiben, was sie wollte. Und es stellte sich heraus, dass sie bereit war, über Akzeptanz zu schreiben. "Wenn wir nur ein weiteres Album machen könnten, wäre es dieses", sagt Vager. Rolling Stone: "Eine Visitenkarte für Außenseiter... dynamischer und vitaler Post-Punk" The Guardian: "Eine der vitalsten Bands der australischen Szene von heute.

Several years of mutual appreciation and encounters on- and off-stage have been the root of this chance meeting, resulting in an unplanned mysterious collaboration album where the aura of each individual is augmented by the magic osmosis of united forces. The 12- tracks display a collage of dreamy musique concrète with desolate instrumental and vocal interventions, masterfully balanced out by Vincent Epplay.

IZIPHO SOUL are incredibly proud to announce our 100th 7” single!

LAWRENCE BEAMEN - THINKING OF YOU

The unsurpassable bass-baritone voice of LAWRENCE BEAMEN originally recorded THINKING OF YOU in 2008. After years of pleas for a vinyl release; it’s finally here and sounding fresher than ever.

THE 7 REMIX has added a magic touch and beefed up this classic even further!

Arranged and produced by Narada Michael Walden and Lawrence Beamen. Music Produced by Narada Michael Walden. Lyrics by Lawrence Beamen.

On the flip is a new recording entitled BEEN A LONG TIME - a banger of a tune, straight outta Oakland, California.

Packaged in a hole backed picture sleeve.

IZIPHO SOUL are incredibly proud to announce our 100th 7” single!

LAWRENCE BEAMEN - THINKING OF YOU

The unsurpassable bass-baritone voice of LAWRENCE BEAMEN originally recorded THINKING OF YOU in 2008. After years of pleas for a vinyl release; it’s finally here and sounding fresher than ever.

THE 7 REMIX courtesy of Don Turney at DKS Productions has added a magic touch and beefed up this classic even further!

Arranged and produced by Narada Michael Walden and Lawrence Beamen. Music Produced by Narada Michael Walden. Lyrics by Lawrence Beamen.

On the flip is a new recording entitled BEEN A LONG TIME - a banger of a tune, straight outta Oakland, California.

Packaged in a hole backed picture sleeve.

The Chronicles Of Father Robin ist eine norwegische Prog-Rock-Supergruppe, deren Mitglieder von den norwegischen Symphonie-Prog-Masters Wobbler, den immer undefinierbaren Tusmørke, den erfahrenen Post-Rockern The Samuel Jackson Five und dem schwer fassbaren Prog-Juwel Jordsjø stammen. 'The Songs & Tales Of Airoea', an dem seit 30 Jahren gearbeitet wird, ist ein zusammenhängendes Dreifach-Konzeptalbum mit insgesamt 18 Songs, die über einen Zeitraum von drei Jahrzehnten in einer alternativen archaischen Welt angesiedelt sind. Die erste beiden Alben, 'Book I' & 'Book II', erscheinen nun als CD und LP. Durch lange Jam-Sessions und fein abgestimmte Arrangements entwickelte die Band ein fortlaufendes System, in dem jeder Song mit den anderen verknüpft ist. Ganzheitliche Impulsivität und Ideen, altruistische Freundschaft, Musik, Fantasien und ein schlüssiges Konzept.
Beginnend mit dem sakralen und atmosphärischen Over Westwinds führt 'Book II' weiter auf eine dynamische musikalische Reise durch üppige und abwechslungsreiche Klanglandschaften, die Visionen der goldenen Ära des Progressive Rock hervorrufen. Mit dem geschmackvollen Einsatz verschiedener Instrumente wie Flöte, Mellotron und Glockenspiel und alles verpackt in einer dynamischen und organischen Produktion, sind beide Alben Juwelen, die es für jeden Fan von Progressive Rock zu entdecken gilt.
'Book III' erscheint hoffentlich zeitnah.

Wer sich auf den Weg nach Louisiana macht, kehrt meist nicht auf dem gleichen Weg wieder zurück. Die Songs von BROTHER DEGE atmen die schwüle Luft der sumpfigen Wälder im Mississippi-Delta und beschwören die Geister der Bayous herauf. In den Adern des für den GRAMMY Award nominierten Singer & Songwriter Dege Legg, der seine musikalische Heimat an den Kreuzwegen aus mitreißendem Rock'n'Roll, wortgewandtem American Folk und psychedelischer Glückseligkeit gefunden hat, fließt das heiße Blut seiner Heimat in Form von surrenden Slide-Gitarren, unverfälschtem Gesang und schweißgetränkter Poesie. Mit der Magie des tiefen amerikanischen Südens zieht BROTHER DEGE auf seinem sechsten Album "Aurora" die Hörer in den Banner seiner üppigen musikalischen Welt. Sein Aufstieg fand beinahe im Stillen statt und das, obwohl der Amerikaner zig Millionen Streams generiert hat und seine breite Anerkennung sogar von keinem geringeren als Quentin Tarantino honoriert wurde, der persönlich den Song "Too Old to Die Young" für eine Schlüsselsequenz in seinem Film "Django Unchained" auswählte. Die Musik von Dege Legg lässt kühne Hooks über einer Unterströmung aus bluesiger Verzerrung aufblitzen. Dabei kanalisiert er seine Liebe für die Klassiker der Siebziger und Achtziger in einer höchst individuellen Variante des Southern Rock in den Sound des 21. Jahrhunderts. Aus diesem stilistischen Nebel erwächst eine unvergleichliche Klangvision, die Alt-Americana gleichermaßen Schärfe und Gusto verleiht. Als Dege Legg im Jahr 2004 unter dem Namen BROTHER DEGE mit seinem Debütalbum "Trailerville" in der Szene des Südens aufkreuzte, war sein höchst individueller Sound bereits voll ausgeprägt. Schon der zweite Langspieler "Folk Songs of the American Longhair" brachte gleich mehrere Hymnen hervor, darunter auch "Too Old to Die Young". Dege Legg nutzte diesen Schwung, um gleich eine ganze Reihe von Fan-Favoriten zu veröffentlichen: "How To Kill A Horse" (2013), "Scorched Earth Policy" (2015) und "Farmer's Almanac" (2018). Es lässt sich nicht leugnen, dass BROTHER DEGE stark von der Musik und den Klängen des Deep South der USA beeinflusst ist, gegen die er in seiner wilden Jugend noch rebellierte. Doch obwohl seine Wurzeln stark hervortreten, übersetzt der amerikanische Gitarrist und Sänger die Songs seines neuen Meisterwerks "Aurora" noch einen Schritt weiter in die universelle Sprache des Rock'n'Roll. Aber Vorsicht: Wer sich einfach zurücklehnt, die Augen schließt und dieses wunderbare Album auf sich wirken lässt, könnte in Louisiana aufwachen!

Wer sich auf den Weg nach Louisiana macht, kehrt meist nicht auf dem gleichen Weg wieder zurück. Die Songs von BROTHER DEGE atmen die schwüle Luft der sumpfigen Wälder im Mississippi-Delta und beschwören die Geister der Bayous herauf. In den Adern des für den GRAMMY Award nominierten Singer & Songwriter Dege Legg, der seine musikalische Heimat an den Kreuzwegen aus mitreißendem Rock'n'Roll, wortgewandtem American Folk und psychedelischer Glückseligkeit gefunden hat, fließt das heiße Blut seiner Heimat in Form von surrenden Slide-Gitarren, unverfälschtem Gesang und schweißgetränkter Poesie. Mit der Magie des tiefen amerikanischen Südens zieht BROTHER DEGE auf seinem sechsten Album "Aurora" die Hörer in den Banner seiner üppigen musikalischen Welt. Sein Aufstieg fand beinahe im Stillen statt und das, obwohl der Amerikaner zig Millionen Streams generiert hat und seine breite Anerkennung sogar von keinem geringeren als Quentin Tarantino honoriert wurde, der persönlich den Song "Too Old to Die Young" für eine Schlüsselsequenz in seinem Film "Django Unchained" auswählte. Die Musik von Dege Legg lässt kühne Hooks über einer Unterströmung aus bluesiger Verzerrung aufblitzen. Dabei kanalisiert er seine Liebe für die Klassiker der Siebziger und Achtziger in einer höchst individuellen Variante des Southern Rock in den Sound des 21. Jahrhunderts. Aus diesem stilistischen Nebel erwächst eine unvergleichliche Klangvision, die Alt-Americana gleichermaßen Schärfe und Gusto verleiht. Als Dege Legg im Jahr 2004 unter dem Namen BROTHER DEGE mit seinem Debütalbum "Trailerville" in der Szene des Südens aufkreuzte, war sein höchst individueller Sound bereits voll ausgeprägt. Schon der zweite Langspieler "Folk Songs of the American Longhair" brachte gleich mehrere Hymnen hervor, darunter auch "Too Old to Die Young". Dege Legg nutzte diesen Schwung, um gleich eine ganze Reihe von Fan-Favoriten zu veröffentlichen: "How To Kill A Horse" (2013), "Scorched Earth Policy" (2015) und "Farmer's Almanac" (2018). Es lässt sich nicht leugnen, dass BROTHER DEGE stark von der Musik und den Klängen des Deep South der USA beeinflusst ist, gegen die er in seiner wilden Jugend noch rebellierte. Doch obwohl seine Wurzeln stark hervortreten, übersetzt der amerikanische Gitarrist und Sänger die Songs seines neuen Meisterwerks "Aurora" noch einen Schritt weiter in die universelle Sprache des Rock'n'Roll. Aber Vorsicht: Wer sich einfach zurücklehnt, die Augen schließt und dieses wunderbare Album auf sich wirken lässt, könnte in Louisiana aufwachen!

1995 war das Jahr, in dem ein neuer Stern am Himmel des Gothic Metal erschien. Liv Kristine Espenæs, die engelhafte Sopranstimme im Wechsel mit den Growls von Raymond I. Rohonyi von THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, hat seitdem viele Bands ihres Genres inspiriert. Robert Müller (Hammer), Dezember 1997, schrieb in einer Kurzbiografie folgende Zeilen: „Mit ihrer hohen, klaren, emotional ausdrucksstarken Stimme stand Liv Kristine immer im Mittelpunkt der Aufmerksamkeit. Da liegt es nahe, die Schönheit dieser Stimme in reiner Form, in einer Soloproduktion einzufangen.“ 1997 unterzeichnete Liv Kristine einen Solovertrag bei Massacre Records/Torsten Hartmann. Liv Kristine, die damals Masterstudentin in Englisch und Deutsch war, pendelte zwischen der Universität Stuttgart und den Aufnahmen im illinois Studio. Darüber hinaus tourte sie mit dem äußerst erfolgreichen THEATRE OF TRAGEDY um die Welt. Ein ganz besonderer, persönlicher Höhepunkt für Liv Kristine war der 24. Oktober 1997, als sie Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST & HOST) an einem kalten Herbstmorgen von einer Tournee in Ludwigsburg, Deutschland, abholte. Nach einer Tasse schwarzem Tee und einer Scheibe Marmeladenbrot, wurden die Gesangsaufnahmen für die einfache, feine Gothic-Ballade „3 a.m.“ abgeschlossen. Beide haben einen Metal-Hintergrund, aber die Verschmelzung der beiden Stimmen ist einzigartig. Viel Subtilität, Magie und persönlichen Ausdruck stecken auch in den anderen Kompositionen auf Liv Kristines allererster SoloVeröffentlichung, die teilweise sogar in ihrer Muttersprache Norwegisch gesungen wurden. „Portrait: Ei tulle med øyne blå“, basierend auf einem alten norwegischen Kinderlied aus dem Jahr 1905, wurde im Juni 2023 von Geir „Gerlioz“ Bratland (DIMMU BORGIR) von Grund auf neu interpretiert und aufgenommen, ausschließlich für die Neuveröffentlichung von „Deus ex Machina“. Liv Kristine kennt diese Melodie seit ihren ersten Lebenswochen, denn ihre Mutter und Großmutter haben der kleinen „Stine“ dieses Lied als Gute-Nacht-Schlaflied vorgesungen. Bereits im Alter von sechs Jahren zeigte Liv Kristine eine besondere Empfänglichkeit für das Verständnis von Musik und den verschiedenen Arten des Singens. Es verging kein Tag, an dem das kleine, blonde Mädchen nicht sang und verträumt vor dem Spiegel stand. Das Lied „In the Heart of Juliet“ beschreibt, wie sie ihre Kindheit bewusst und unbewusst erlebte, die Glücksgefühle, ihre Liebe zu magischen Melodien, die Wunder der Natur und ihrer Jahreszeiten, aber auch die Freiheit des Seins. Bis heute bezeichnet sie das besondere Erlebnis des Singens als „my magic Bubble“.

50 years after the genre turned the music world upside-down, GRADE 2 bring the raw power of old school punk to a new generation. Their second release on Tim Armstrong"s legendary Hellcat Records is a thumping 15 track tour de force melding the uncompromising ethos of punk with the howl of contemporary injustice, personal identity and frustrations of Gen-Z youth, authentically told by three lads with punk coursing through their veins. Formed on their native Isle of Wight when they were just 14 years old, Jack Chatfield (guitar & vocals), Jacob Hull (drums) and Sid Ryan (bass & vocals) honed their craft covering punk pioneers before creating a sound uniquely theirs: ten years on, the eponymous Grade 2 is their magnum opus. The new album was produced by the band along with Tim Timebomb (Armstrong) and T.J. Rivers at Armstrong"s Ship Rec Studio in Los Angeles. "Returning to Ship Rec Studio resparked that magic dynamic" says guitarist Jack Chatfield. "When we"re in there I feel like we reach our full potential. Tim would offer tweaks and tips for some songs, while others he"d compliment as finished first time we played them." "We worked flat-out recording this record," says drummer Jacob Hull, "but we never felt pressured, Tim keeping us in the zone to make the best tunes of our li ves.

Pt. 4 of the 'Dub me crazy' series by Mad Professor.

Reggae meets twisted electronics for wild dub trips!

Originally released in 1985 on the same Ariwa imprint.
True D.I.Y. business from this UK dub pioneer.

Straight From the Republic of Bashkortostan (!), the Excellent Dj Producer Apollon Telefax (Who Was Already in the Band Arash & Quasar for Their Last Release on Mellah - One of Our Sub-Label), Is Back This Time on Skylax Records Alone. "Fantasia Planet" Is a Captivating Journey Into the Realm of Balearic-Inspired Melodies and Italo Disco Vibes. This Ep, Meticulously Crafted by the Talented Electronic Artist, Showcases a Fusion of Leftfield House and Disco That Will Transport You to Euphoric Soundscapes. the Mesmerizing Opening, "Mbira," Sets the Tone With Its Intricate Rhythms and Ethereal Melodies. "Not Wet Wipes" Follows Suit, Captivating Listeners With Its Infectious Groove and Hypnotic Basslines. as You Delve Deeper Into the Ep, "Macarena" Unveils a Blend of Nostalgic Sounds and Contemporary Beats, Igniting a Dancefloor Frenzy. the Titular Track, "Fantasia Planet," Takes You on a Cosmic Voyage With Its Cosmic Arpeggios and Pulsating Synths, Creating an Otherworldly Atmosphere. "Sex on Astrakhan Fur Coat" Seduces Your Senses With Its Seductive Melodies and Sensuous Rhythms, Offering an Irresistible Invitation to the Dancefloor. Concluding the Journey, "Moodoom" Embraces a Darker and Mysterious Tone, Immersing Listeners in a Captivating Blend of Intricate Percussion and Haunting Melodies. Apollon Telefax Is a Versatile Musician, Multi-Instrumentalist, Dj, and Illustrator. With an Extensive Collection of Vintage Synthesizers and Drum Machines From the 80s, Pavel Masterfully Combines Elements From Various Musical Traditions, Infusing Them With His Own Unique Touch. His Dedication to Remixes and Constant Exploration of Rare Vinyl Records Ensures a Constant Flow of Intriguing and Innovative Compositions. Experience the Magic of Apollon Telefax's "Fantasia Planet" Ep and Let the Irresistible Rhythms and Captivating Melodies Transport You to a World of Boundless Musical Enchantment. Unveil the Secrets of This Extraordinary Release, Where the Past Meets the Present in a Harmonious Embrace of Sound and Creativity....

Essential Item Limited Edition No Re-Press ...

Jacob Lusk, Ryan Hope & Ari Balouzian; an acclaimed gospel singer and choir director, an established film director and a classically trained musician and soundtrack artist. This is the trio that fate brought together and now make up Gabriels.

Their debut EP ‘Love & Hate In A Different Time’ comprises five songs that sound instantly of another era without faltering into throwback territory. True masters of story-telling, their timeless take on vintage soul, new R&B and just a hint of ultra-contemporary altpop have seen them become firm favourites of Gilles Peterson, Off White’s Virgil Abloh, Benji B, Annie Mac, Elton John... the list goes on.

The lead track and new single, ‘Love & Hate In A Different Time’, showcases their sound perfectly. A soul-stirring song with elements of funk and that joyous gospel influence too. Jacob has one of those terrifically cavernous deliveries and understands the power of when to adopt restraint and when to let rip. It’s raw, show-stopping and combines to form a magical few minutes of cinematic sound, unlike anything else out there today.

In the song’s long-form video, directed by band member and British born musician Ryan Hope (himself a celebrated music video director), we’re taken through a history of the dancefloor in archive footage, culminating in Jacob singing Billie Holliday’s Strange Fruit to a rapt audience during a Black Lives Matter protest in LA last year. It’s an engrossing, moving watch and an evocative listen.

Love Makes Magic, the debut LP by JIM - aka Jim Baron of Crazy P & Ron Basejam notoriety - was released in June 2023 and the album has connected with an ever growing number of fans; lured in by great songs, Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter acoustics, 60’s psychedelic folk-rock, a dash of Balearic, discoid funk and a healthy dose of yacht-rock.
The album was voted Album of the Year in the Bill Brewster Furtive 50 chart for 2023 - like a Balearic BAFTAs - and Still River Flow (Generalisation Dub) came 2nd in the tracks of the year... which was nice.

Disco Pogo, Piccadilly Records and Mr Bongo all gave the LP honourable mention in their end of year charts too.
As you’d expect with an artist who has 25 years of dance music connections the accompanying remixes weren’t bad either... Crooked Man, Ruf Dug, Flying Mojito Brothers and Generalisation all came up with fine reinterpretations. Luke Unabomber hailed The Crooked Goth version of Phoenix as his track of the year. The vinyl run of the Crooked Mixes sold out in record time.

As the remixes racked up we considered collecting them together for a remix LP. And so here we are...
presenting Love Makes Magic - The Remixes.

The five aforementioned mixes will be joined by five brand new ones from X-Press 2, Mang Dynasty, Chris Coco, Begin ( James Holroyd) and Brown Fang. Spanning pumping club bangers, perfect sunsets soundtracks and left-field electronica.
We love them.
We hope you do too..

One of New Zealand’s fastest-rising electronic producers, Sanoi aka Jonas Fischer announces the release of his new album, ‘Echoes Of Home’. Rooted in melodic house and techno, the album is a journey through electronic music, one that is as at home on the dancefloor as it is on headphones.  Having previously released on labels such as Bar 25, Stil Vor Talent, Beat & Path, Magician On Duty, Sounds Of Sin and Tube & Berger’s Zehn Records, Loop are proud to present Sanoi’s second full-length. The New Zealand-based, German-born producer has crafted deeply personal electronic music that pushes the boundaries of creativity, skill and production techniques, while influenced by organic deep house and electronic techno from Berlin.  Created at his home in Auckland, and road tested across countless live performances across New Zealand and Australia over the past two years, ‘Echoes Of Home’ sees Sanoi’s songwriting step up to another level. Constantly developing as an artist and finding expression through music are some of the key factors that drive him, whether it be in the studio or behind the decks. His deeply danceable, meticulous though mischievous DJ sets see him move seamlessly across warm, melodic, groove-driven techno and beyond.  Featuring vocals by Beacon Bloom on ‘Silver’.

Band Of Nowhere is a new constellation project by Juanjo Sánchez, together with other collaborators with whom he had previously worked. It is worth mentioning Bob Drake on drums, former member of the legendary formation Thinking Plague (also on Hail, 5UU's, The Science Group) who has also mastered the project from their studio in the Midi-Pyrénées and also to mention the guitarist Jordi Cabayol (Camino al Desván) both Juanjo and Jordi began their career in a significant band of Barcelona of the early eighties, such as Entr'acte.



The becoming of Juanjo Sánchez would take him to other latitudes as a member of Alondra Satori and without losing the lighthouse of his city, he would collaborate with other outstanding musicians such as Quicu Samsó (Koniec, Macromassa).



The fluidity and chromaticism of his previous album Gonza Magilla is still perceived in here, but in a much more electrified way with guitars that are sometimes expansive, other times exuberant wrapped up with contagious synthesizer modulations and very marked rhythms. The production and especially the arrangements are fantastic with those special presences of synthesizers that are not common around here.



Its original improvisation and experimentation is skilfully adjusted by Juanjo Sánchez, giving a much more playful result with unexpected combinations, very much in continuity with a certain European Art Rock such as Aksak Maboul, Etron Fou, Zamla,The Work or the mischievous resonances of The League of Gentlemen; all this mapping the sound transit, to an unpredictable and vibrant non-place.



Housed in it's original hand made artwork with the little upgrade twist of silk-screen printing textured grey cardboard and including a insert colour with photos and text provided by Juanjo Sánchez.



Housed in it's original hand made artwork with the little upgrade twist of silk-screen printing in Plastic clear cover and including a insert colour with photos and text provided by Juanjo Sánchez.

Javier Hernando

a1 Calling All Beginners
a2 Fleeing To the Poles
a3 Ashes
a4 Rouler ma Bosse
a5 Sunday Machinery
b1 lucid Dreams
b2 Twisted Maze
b3 Rolla Bolla
b4 Chinese Forecast

The Knife’s Olof Dreijer continues his new adventure as a solo producer with a three-track EP, also marking a unique sonic chapter in his work.Olof has been pushing the borders of electronic music for two decades, both as a part of The Knife and with the secret pseudonym Oni Ayhun - releasing music that traverses experimental avenues, exploring themes surrounding gender.

The Coral EP draws inspiration from the lively steel-drum experiments featured in last year's "Souvenir" EP with Mt. Sim

Vibrant compositions and distinct melodies create an ambient progression where electronic and acoustic sounds delicately dance together, forming friendships and blending seamlessly, reminiscent of white magic.

Olof has recently co-produced several tracks on Fever Ray’s critically acclaimed 2023 album “Radical Romantics”, produced Tunisian multi-instrumentalist and composer Houeida Hedfi’s debut album “Fleuves De L'âme”, as well as helped create music with Planningtorock and Zhala.

Dry Cleaning will reissue their first two EPs, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks / Sweet Princess, on 8 March 2024. Remastered to celebrate the release, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess will be pressed as one single vinyl. The former will be available on cassette for the first time and include an exclusive bonus single, a demo of New Long Leg single, "Strong Feelings", recorded during the sessions for Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks. Today, the band has shared a new visualiser for the song "Sit Down Meal", the first in a series of new visualisers created for all tracks across the EP by original "Magic of Meghan" video collaborator Lucy Vann. To coincide with the reissues, Dry Cleaning will head back on the road this March and April for headline sets that will lean heavily on songs from Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess. The tour will offer fans the chance to see the band play in more intimate venues like Leeds" Brudenell Social Club and East London"s EartH theatre, and honour US shows that were postponed in 2020 (including SXSW and Treefort festivals). Tickets will go on sale this Friday 19 January.

Dry Cleaning will reissue their first two EPs, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks / Sweet Princess, on 8 March 2024. Remastered to celebrate the release, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess will be pressed as one single vinyl. The former will be available on cassette for the first time and include an exclusive bonus single, a demo of New Long Leg single, "Strong Feelings", recorded during the sessions for Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks. Today, the band has shared a new visualiser for the song "Sit Down Meal", the first in a series of new visualisers created for all tracks across the EP by original "Magic of Meghan" video collaborator Lucy Vann. To coincide with the reissues, Dry Cleaning will head back on the road this March and April for headline sets that will lean heavily on songs from Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess. The tour will offer fans the chance to see the band play in more intimate venues like Leeds" Brudenell Social Club and East London"s EartH theatre, and honour US shows that were postponed in 2020 (including SXSW and Treefort festivals). Tickets will go on sale this Friday 19 January.

Navy blue vinyl. For fans of Triumph, Rik Emmett, and Classic Rock! Rik Emmett is best known as the guitarist/vocalist for the legendary Canadian hard rock band Triumph. Between its 16 albums and DVDs, they have received 18 gold and nine platinum awards in Canada and the United States. They were nominated for multiple Juno Awards, including the 'Group of the Year Award' in 1979, 1985, 1986, and 1987. It was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2007, into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2008, and into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019. Their classic Allied Forces sold over a million copies in the US, while attaining the highest chart positions any Triumph album would attain: No. 23 in the US and No. 13 in Canada. It included the songs "Fight the Good Fight" and "Magic Power". "Magic Power" reached #8 on the Billboard Mainstream Top Rock Tracks chart and #51 on the Hot 100, while "Fight the Good Fight" went to #18 on the Top Rock Tracks chart. "Diamonds" is a brand-new compilation featuring Rik's favorite rock tracks from his Duke Street years. Newly remastered in 2023 at Iguana Studios in Toronto ON with the most up-to-date technology, every track brims with a new crisp presence. Tracks from Absolutely, Ipso Facto and The Spiral Notebook never sounded so good!

Mother Engine began to take form in a dilapidated garage between a sanitation center and a set of train tracks. This would be their laboratory, workshop, and recording studio where they developed a process of working that included a newfound love for sample manipulation. They collaborated with other musicians including Matt Norman (Lily & Horn Horse) and Henry Birdsey, an experimentalist, to bring their production out of the digital landscape of Ableton. Between the tape machine, the amp, the turntable, and the computer, Amiture found magic. Each song is a part of a complex sonic matrix that reflected a vision and a sound neither one could have procured alone, always centered around Whitescarver’s classically trained voice and Goupil’s gritty, tripped-out-guitar sound, merged and then steeped in the traditions of American guitar music, industrial music, and folk melody.

Das Debütalbum von Bryndle, einem Kollektiv aus Karla Bonoff, Kenny Edwards, Linda Ronstadt, Andrew Gold und Wendy Waldman, bietet
angenehmen Folk-Pop, der an die Soloarbeiten der einzelnen Mitglieder erinnert. Ursprünglich 1995 erschienen, ist es jetzt wieder auf Vinyl
erhältlich.

PAWN PAINTERS, das sind vier junge Kerle aus dem bayerischen Schrobenhausen, die auf magische Weise Indierock, Postpunk und Spacerock miteinander kombinieren. Sie haben ihren spacigen, von Reverb geprägten Grundsound genommen und ihn schneller (Durchschnittstempo: 179,1 bpm), rauer und punkiger gemacht. Um diesen Charakter auf dem Album einzufangen, haben sie das komplette Album an zwei Wochenenden live im Proberaum aufgenommen. Es ist rough und ungeschönt, aber (eben) auch geradeheraus und lebendig.

Tauchen Sie ein in eine harmonische Mischung aus rauen Emotionen und musikalischer Brillanz. 'The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By)' verspricht ein Hörerlebnis, das zutiefst nostalgisch und erfrischend neu zugleich ist. So trumpft das Album mit einem Ensemble auf, das seinesgleichen sucht - der für den Golden Globe nominierten Fantasia mit ihren gefühlvollen Melodien, Taraji B. Henson mit ihrer emotionalen Tiefe, Colman Domingo mit seiner fesselnden Energie, der für den Golden Globe nominierten Danielle Brooks mit ihrer kraftvollen Resonanz, H.E.R. mit ihrer zeitgenössischen Kunst und Hallie Bailey mit ihrem strahlenden Gesang. Und Musik von den Grammy-prämierten Songwritern des Musicals - Brenda Russell, Allee Willis und Stephen Bray. Doch hört die Magie nicht bei den zeitlosen Klassikern auf. Tauchen Sie noch tiefer ein und lassen Sie sich verzaubern von einem neuen Kapitel und neuer Musik von Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Coco Jones, Jorja Smith, Celeste, Mary Mary und October London sowie einer atemberaubenden Kollaboration von Usher & H.E.R. Von Liebe und Schmerz bis hin zu Widerstandskraft und Erlösung - diese Songs fangen die Essenz von 'The Color Purple' ein und ebnen gleichzeitig den Weg für eine neue musikalische Ära. Und für diejenigen, die einen modernen Twist suchen, gibt es Remixe von Missy Elliot featuring Megan Thee Stallion und Timbaland featuring Black Thought. So schlägt 'The Color Purple' auch eine Brücke zwischen Generationen von Musikliebhabern.

For its 2nd release, Sweet Notes is happy to welcome the Italian duo Two Opposites to its imprint! Begin the adventure with "Escape Reality", where celestial synths elevate you to the cosmos. A dash of pop flair in the playful bassline lightens the mood, making you groove from head to toe on this mind-bending escape!

The second track, "Gravitone", means business from the start. A serious vibe that compels you to exchange intense looks with your mates or strangers on the dance floor. The whirling stab? It's like an old computer crashing, but in the coolest way. Paired with an acid house beat, get ready to techno-nod with newfound seriousness!

Dive into the EP's third track, "Magic Gate", where a deep bassline takes you on a mind-soaring journey. Shimmering synths elevate the experience. Once open, the magic gate leads you into its twisted slide tunnel—a wild, memorable ride awaits, so you better buckle up!

Enter the laid-back realm of "Melocity," where multi-directional stabs guide your mind on an intense self-trip. It's mellow yet positively infectious, and those shiny stabs? They're the secret giggle-inducing agents. Let the carefree vibes roll!

Dry Cleaning will reissue their first two EPs, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks / Sweet Princess, on 8 March 2024. Remastered to celebrate the release, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess will be pressed as one single vinyl. The former will be available on cassette for the first time and include an exclusive bonus single, a demo of New Long Leg single, "Strong Feelings", recorded during the sessions for Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks. Today, the band has shared a new visualiser for the song "Sit Down Meal", the first in a series of new visualisers created for all tracks across the EP by original "Magic of Meghan" video collaborator Lucy Vann. To coincide with the reissues, Dry Cleaning will head back on the road this March and April for headline sets that will lean heavily on songs from Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess. The tour will offer fans the chance to see the band play in more intimate venues like Leeds" Brudenell Social Club and East London"s EartH theatre, and honour US shows that were postponed in 2020 (including SXSW and Treefort festivals). Tickets will go on sale this Friday 19 January - full tour dates are listed below and for tickets and information, head HERE.

THEODOR is a psychedelic sweet soul band formed by members with diverse musical backgrounds.

Whilst on a road trip to Italy Rob and Lui were listening to tapes of contemporary soul music. The idea was born to record an album channeling a moody and relaxed soundscape. „Right after our trip we called up our good friends Max and Greg, who were immediately on board. We wrote and recorded deep in the pandemic. Those weekend sessions captured this peaceful solitude“ The outcome was their self-titled debut album which will be released in February 2023 on the french label Broc Recordz.

The rich sonic texture and unconventional arrangements of their very first single SHEPARD’S LULLABY gives a hint on what is to be expected on their forthcoming LP. THEODOR created a perfect soundtrack for a hot and humid summer day having a magic dash in your twelve o’clock tea. Playful melodic bass lines and the soulful acoustic drums build the playground for the warm and dreamy keys such as farfisa organs, fender rhodes and 80's synths. The lush instrumentals are spiced by the very different yet complementary voices of Max and Lui.

Stunning outernational funk for the psych breaks dancefloor featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Ukrainian jazz singer Mona. Sung in her mother language, "Moya Vode" is about the "ancient ritual to put a spell on water and remove all negativity through its power".

Mona and MC Fame, a well-known Ukrainian hiphop producer and activist, both left their hometown Kyiv last year and found a new home in the Hammerbrook district of Hamburg, Germany, where they quickly connected with the lively funk scene of the city. Together with the Mocambo crew they set off to work out some magic by combining universal funk grooves and Ukrainian folklore.

Mona's mystical soulful vocals are backed by the "Hammerbrook Sound Machine", a group featuring members of Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and the Mighty Mocambos, with instruments like the Tsymbaly or Drymba added on top. The "folk-funk" continues more electronically on the instrumental flip side when MC Fame takes over the lead on Moog synthesizer. Dive into this spell!

Idriss D welcomes to Memento Records UK electronic mavericks Dark Globe. The famed duo consisting of Pete Diggens and Matt Frost has been releasing influential music for the last 30 years, starting off with industrial noise inspired tunes and later developing their sound into an experimental blend of breakbeats and twisted melodies, in what they call “epic pop”, taking in influences from classical English composers to hip hop grooves. Collaborations with Television’s Tom Verlaine and Boy George add to the magic of their artistic journey.

For this special EP, Idriss D has acquired the licensing rights to Dark Globe’s own Take Me To The Sound: along with the original track, two exclusive remixes are included, one from Howie B. and one by Pete and Matt themselves.

The original version, although hailing directly from the early 90s, boasts timeless vibes and flavours: marching beats, drum rolls and analog squelching synth tones make it as relevant as ever, a sophisticated Electronica piece that would fit perfectly in every club compilation these days.

Howie B’s masterful version flows with a syncopated rhythm and trippy vibe, a stripped down rendition designed for an afterhour party in a dark basement. Dark Globe’s own remix features quieter vocals with reverb splashed over the 303.