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IT Recordings finally comes back with a new release, offering a sequel to its sound-vision.

This Various Artists project is a culmination of the refinement of IT Recordings sound-vision, guaranteeing a spacey atmosphere filled by groovy low riffs.

Eric Fetcher’s composition is the starting point of this 4-tracks story, made of a distinct atmosphere associated to some dynamically sequenced kicks.

Then follows Alexis Vogel’s Divergence made of a bright melodic synth, groovy low end and varied rhythmic patterns maintaining an intense energy throughout the track.

The 3rd composition is a fast paced rolling cut designed by Corium, that marks the highest point of this 4-tracks story.

Finally Matthieu Benjamin’s Early Mornings is the perfect conclusion to this EP, maintaining the groove of the previous tracks. A refreshing breeze after the storm, makes this project a consistent and diversified tool for the dancefloor.

'Ultrasound', the fifth release under the Banger Factory umbrella, is a further stride forward toward founder and trumpeter Mark Kavuma's vision of bringing together seemingly disparate elements from within the bubbling London jazz scene, uniting sounds, and players from across generations and creating a unique, exciting, and fresh sound all its own Marking the start of a new partnership with alto sax player Theo Erskine strengthening the imprints artistic reach and sparkling ever more creative ideas, Ultrasound is the product of hours and days spent practicing together during the pandemic - hours and days that turned into time spent plotting and planning future musical collaborations and projects when getting together in person became impossible. The recording itself captures the zeitgeist (spirit) of a unique moment in time when musicians starved of creative, collaborative music- making during the pandemic, were able to meet again and record, each track suffused with palpable joy, yet tinged with reflection. 'The Day After Tomorrow' promises respite from a hangover, 'The Return of Johnny Bravo' characterises a re-emergence in a whirlwind of excitement . 'June' describes the glinting skyline of a world- reopened and 'The Loneliest' explores how peace is drawn from inward sources in the loneliest of times. Personnel: Theo Erskin- tenor saxophone, Mark Kavuma - trumpet, Noah Stoneman - piano, Michael Shrimpling - double bass, Shane Forbes - drums

RNT welcomes Cody Currie back to the catalog with an extended EP of soulful and jazzy original sounds. A project that’s been in the works since his label debut back in 2017, the “Cody Currie EP” is a refined statement of the rising star producer’s UK-jazz and club roots, both danceable and introspective. Enlisting a talented roster of collaborators, such as vocalists Stee Downes, RNT mainstay Cor.ece, and newcomer Marlena Dae as well as instrumentalists Mikeal and Ally McMahon, each track is like a little world of its own in the universe of Cody’s vast musical aesthetic. To round out the EP we have a stellar remix from European deep house royalty Vincenzo, who shows that his production tools are still sharp as ever.

MARKING 30 YEARS OF THE CLASSIC SECOND ALBUM FROM THE SWEDISH MELODIC DEATH METAL PIONEERS - PRESENTED ON LIMITED BLUE MARBLE-EFFECT VINYL Sweden's At The Gates formed in 1990 & the Gothenburg based group released 4 highly successful & influential studio albums, beginning with the revered debut, 'The Red In The Sky Is Ours' which originally surfaced on the Peaceville imprint, Deaf Records. After a quick rise through the metal ranks, At The Gates broke up in 1996, only to reform in 2007 to cement their legacy further as one of the greats of Scandinavian death metal. Regarded as a highlight of the band's career by many who followed them from their earliest incarnation, 'With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness', was originally released in 1993. The album was known for its breakthrough style at the time, with highly complex melodic arrangements retaining a dark & brutal edge mixed with slight black metal overtones & poetic, philosophical lyrics accompanying the songs. 'With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness' was recorded at the iconic Sunlight Studios (Entombed, Dismember) & produced by the equally legendary Tomas Skogsberg. The album also notably featured a guest appearance by Matti Karki of Dismember. Highlighting 30 years since release, this edition of 'With Fear I Kiss The Burning Darkness' is presented on limited blue marble vinyl, featuring the original artwork.

Experimental political pop artist Mary Ocher returns with a musical tourde-force examining the collective dread of the impending future Feat. Barry Burns (Mogwai), Red Axes, Roberto Cacciapaglia, and a homage to Delia Derbyshire. A stunning run-thru the history of experimental and electronic music

One-off masterpiece release of German Minimal Synth-Pop from Gütersloh, Germany in 1984. Recorded in a DIY recording studio in a former prison for the mentally ill located on the outskirts of a forest near the artists’ homes aptly named Prison Studio.

Back in 1984, the release was privately pressed on 7″ by the band itself, distributed in limited quantities at the time and it has only exchanged hands a few times on public marketplaces since its original release, for very high prices. The record has always been as rare as it is good, to quote Basso. We are delighted to make this outstanding release available again to record collectors and DJs around the world as the first release on Average Records.

Included in this 12″ repress are 2 stunning brand new remixes by virtuoso producers and friends Alexander Arpeggio from Berlin and Aradea Barandana aka Dea who currently resides between Jakarta and Bali, each bringing their own flavour to the table.

180g audiophile vinyl reissue of American blues guitarist Melvin Taylor's 1995 album 'Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band', which is appearing on vinyl for the first time with remastering by Cicely Baston at Alchemy/Air Mastering, London "The U.S. release of Melvin Taylor's two early-'80s LPs by Evidence a decade later was a shock introduction to a blues guitarist who seemingly blazed out of nowhere - outside of Rosa's Lounge in Chicago, that is. "Blazed" is the right word, too, because Taylor is a total maximalist who unleashes torrents of notes to fill up every space. But he's so convincing a player that the concept of "blues guitar hero" might get a good name again, even with fans dead- tired of excess who never thought they'd think things like, "Man, can Melvin Taylor play the ever-loving (add the expletive superlative of your choice) out of the guitar" again. Taylor's first real-time release, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band, is a pretty straightforward affair - basic trio with minimal overdubs, serviceable vocals in an Albert King mode, and a mix of originals and very classic covers. The opening "Texas Flood" lets him rip on a slow blues, constantly changing up his playing with wah-wah blitzes as the real ace in his sonic hole. The originals "Depression Blues" and "Groovin' in New Orleans" add some funk flair, while "Talking to Anna Mae" is a straight- up Chicago boogie instrumental that Taylor shines on. But he's even more in his element on the unadorned slow blues "Tin Pan Alley" and King's "Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong." It's partly the speed but even more the phrasing - the unexpected stops and starts, the spiky and blazing runs and flurries, the unusual note selections he tosses in - that sets his playing apart. The other covers have their sporadic moments - "TBone Shuffle" is inconsequential, but Otis Rush's "All Your Love" and "Voodoo Chile" are worth listening to, even if the latter doesn't add anything to the famous Hendrix wah-wah workout. Taylor actually doesn't sound that radical here, like he was playing to establish blues circuit credentials by putting his stamp on familiar songs more than indulging offbeat personal touches like the mellow lounge jazz take on the Champs' "Tequila." But his playing can be truly electrifying and Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band is recommended for anyone, especially Stevie Ray Vaughan fans, looking for a distinctive new blues guitar voice." - Don Snowden, AllMusic Personnel: Melvin Taylor, guitar, vocals / Willie Smith, bass guitar / Steve Potts, drums Recorded and mixed on March 27-30, 1995 at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA

Rekids welcomes HUD with the ‘Sugar’ single, remixed by Mark Broom and DJ Deep.

Unearthed by Radio Slave via a 2022 Ricardo Villalobos set, UK artist HUD lands on the celebrated Rekids imprint with ‘Sugar’, alongside remixes from scene legends Mark Broom and DJ Deep.

HUD’s ‘Sugar’ is a high-energy breakbeat track assured to set the dancefloor alight on every occasion, rife with lush piano melodies, a driving bassline and a cheeky, earworm vocal. Reimagining the track first is Rekids regular Mark Broom, infusing ‘Sugar’ with a dose of his mutated battle breaks, turning up the flange on the drums and amplifying its gorgeous piano top-line. This is before DJ Deep closes the record with a big party anthem remix, complete with tripped-out vocal chops and infectious techno rhythm.

If there's one specific component that grounds 'Sky Flesh', it's focus. Italian musician and sound designer Marta De Pascalis flexed her technical muscle on 2020's 'Sonus Ruinae', layering various sounds and processes in an attempt to touch the sublime. In contrast, 'Sky Flesh' is a single thought, composed using just one instrument: the Yamaha CS-60. A slimmed-down sibling to the gargantuan CS-80 - the analog synthesizer used by Vangelis to create his iconic 'Blade Runner' score - the CS-60 was released in 1977, a few years before the MIDI protocol was introduced to help standardize production methods. MIDI would change the electronic music landscape completely, offering a level of control that De Pascalis consciously relinquishes, preferring to highlight expressiveness and timbre, elements more readily associated with acoustic instruments. The album arrives as much of the wider experimental scene busies itself with algorithmic composition and AI-assisted modeling; De Pascalis chooses to work instead like an organologist, harnessing the CS-60's mercurial magic to suggest deeper truths about our evolving relationship with machines.

Currently based in Berlin, De Pascalis grew up in Rome, where she was surrounded by atrophied ruins that piqued her interest in decay and memory. Over her last three albums, she used tape loops and advanced synthesizer techniques to create a unique sound world that's guided by her musical philosophy, rather than a specific aesthetic. As she's developed her technique and confidence, her music has become even more idiosyncratic, and at this stage in her career she's stripped her sound down to its core elements, focusing on emotion, narrative and mystery. Using timbres that recall a time when electronic music still waved towards the future

Swim is super happy to welcome their first 12” record into the world, and Mark Lando is up for his second release! The first side is a body affair, with acid-tinged techno dominating both cuts. Formation is a fun, muscular take on the format, while Scope zones in on his industrial forays. The other side gives time to heady, joyous gear, sporting two tracks spreading far in style and tempo. The title track is nimble and fast on its feet, a rhythmic workout indebted to bass music as much as to new age experiments. Rounding things out, In This Light harks back to the heydays of atmospheric trance excursions, leaving in its wake a warm note of care.

Somatic Rituals co-founder Kombé embraces flux and uncertainty on his debut EP, ‘Foreign Exchange’. He tools up five tracks built for adventurous DJs, constructed from an assemblage of liquid polyrhythms - inspired by the constant movement of foreign exchange markets and the plurality of Kombe’s own cultural and sonic references that give rise to his distinct sound.

As the third installment of Nas and Hit-Boy's GRAMMY Award winning King’s Disease series, King’s Disease III is Nas' latest album, and marks the duo's highly anticipated return since 2021's surprise LP, Magic. Executive produced by Nas and Hit-Boy, the album finds the rap legend at his best, flowing effortlessly over signature punchy beats including "Legit," "Michael & Quincy," and "30" among others. "With ‘King’s Disease III’, the New York rapper has put the seal on a strong album trilogy that proves that, three decades in, he’s still a force to be reckoned with." - NME 2LP pressed on Ruby Red & Black Striped color vinyl, packaged in an upgraded, glossy gatefold jacket with 12x24 printed insert.

Compiling the follow-up to a very successful first album is always a tricky task, but just 12 months since the release of volume one in the 'With Love' series, miche has excelled himself once again with another glorious, deep dive into the world of rare soul. 15 tracks of independently released music, created by magnificent artists with stories to tell and primed for rediscovery.

The ambition to celebrate under-the-radar artists has remained, but instead of a facsimile of volume one, what we have here is a selection shaped by life changes. Volume two is for the dancers; still soulful, still ultra-rare and slept-on records from the USA, Chile, Brazil and beyond, but the dynamics of the collection have shifted slightly. It represents a move from being immersed in a week in week out environment of beautiful, soulful music in a cosy, dimly lit hi-fi bar to playing livelier, more energetic, dancefloor-focused music in nightclubs. This volume will get you on your feet, make you move and unleash whatever it is that makes you get down.

One of the jewels in the crown of this compilation is a joyous, anthemic gospel version of Stevie Wonder's 'As' by The Family Tree (a project produced by the fantastic Julius Brockington). We are also treated to a rare and sought-after Pennsylvanian funk / AOR bomb by Maxwell, a stunning modern soul tune 'High On You' by Freedom, and self-released Brazilian 45s by Banda 22 and Zé Da Lata. P.J. City's 'Straight Forward (Non-Stop)' is gospel-disco perfection, and we also have 'Dame Solamente Amor’, a sublime, soul beauty from Chile by Rogers Mitchell. Many of these artists featured in this compilation aren't household names, but they deserve their moment to shine, to be heard, loved and appreciated for their artistry.

As Miche says it, “I hope this compilation helps in some way to keep this glorious music alive and play a part in connecting generations of music lovers from the worldwide soul family. As always, it has been made ‘With Love’.”

Written for party rockin and battle use, Limited Network’s Max Watts follows up with Immortal Funk. Three timeless cuts that will move your mind, body and soul; a reclamation of funk. The A1 title track speaks for itself; Hi-Tek Funk for those who know!

The A2 entitled “Karma”, is a soulful electro workout for all the jitters and breakers. On the B-side, “Network Not Found” provides a sinister growling synth line, deranged pads laced with African percussion and dark funked up beats in electro break fashion. Two hundred 12″ hand stamped. Dedicated to Marzette Watts. Made Somewhere In Detroit …

Moloko’s third album 'Things to Make and Do' marks a shift in the sound of the duo, with tracks more reliant on live musicians.

The first single “The Time Is Now” became Moloko’s biggest hit, peaking at number two in the UK. Roisin Murphy’s singing style, combining a variety of voices and textures, is as impressive as ever before. Mark Brydon’s musical palette is versatile and powerful, going from rock/dance to electro and hip-hop.

It is a great album from start to finish, including fan favourites “The Time Is Now”, “Pure Pleasure Seeker” and “Sing It Back (Boris Musical Mix)”. As masters of their own domain they created another excellent piece of music. 'Things to Make and Do' held the record as Echo’s (label) fastest-selling UK platinum record for six years.

Available as a limited edition of 3000 numbered copies on pink transparent coloured vinyl. The package includes a 4-page booklet.

"Trolls Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" ist das Album zum gleichnamigen DreamWorks-Animationsfilm. Der mehrfach preisgekrönte Künstler Justin Timberlake kehrt als ausführender Musikproduzent des Soundtracks an der Seite des GRAMMY-prämierten Produzenten/Songwriters Mike Elizondo zurück. Timberlake schrieb und sang neue Originalmusik für den Film, der auch Musik von den Darstellern und einigen der heutigen Top-Künstler wie Kid Cudi, Camila Cabello, Troye Sivan, Anna Kendrick und anderen enthält. Das Album enthält auch den ersten gemeinsamen Song von *NSYNC seit zwei Jahrzehnten, "Better Place"

There’s a big clue to the pacific wisdom of The Orchestra in the Sky in the artist name – Hochzeitskapelle + Japanese Friends. For this is, indeed, music based in, and resonating with, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and creative exchange. Across two albums – one documenting recordings from Tokyo, the other an expansive double album of sessions from Kobe – Hochzeitskapelle gather around them some of the finest voices in Japanese independent and underground pop music, like Tenniscoats, Eddie Marcon, Yuko Ikema, and Kama Aina, and explore an open field of music, full of creative encounters.

You may already know Hochzeitskapelle as the German instrumental quintet formed by members of The Notwist, Alien Ensemble, and friends from the jazz scene. Across three albums, one a collaboration with Kama Aina (2018’s Wayfaring Suite), they’ve developed a way of playing together that’s intimate and playful, rich and human; it’s a music that’s deliberately rough around the edges, and that nestles cosily into the everyday. Their relationship with Japanese indie has developed over the years, doubtless encouraged by Saya´s „Minna Miteru“, compilations series of Japanese indie pop for Morr Music. A peripatetic gang, Hochzeitskapelle also recently backed Japanese singer-songwriter Makoto Kawamoto on her new album, Hikari.

In many ways, The Orchestra in the Sky feels like the culmination of a set of ongoing cross-cultural exchanges: the Minna Miteru compilations; tours of Japan by Hochzeitskapelle and The Notwist; and indeed, Markus Acher’s Spirit Fest group with Saya and Ueno of Tenniscoats. The latter are present throughout much of The Orchestra in the Sky, and Saya’s voice is particularly winning on songs like “Tsuki no oto”, where the two outfits are joined by brass ensemble Zayaendo. There are several lovely turns from singer-songwriter Yuko Ikema, and Eddie Marcon appear twice; their songs are still beautiful, spectral acid folk, but with Hochzeitskapelle filling the details with lush, sad brass and strings.

But it’s also the potentially lesser-known names that shine through The Orchestra in the Sky, like the frail folk of Gratin Carnival; the delightful, gentle pop songs by sekifu and Zayaendo member, Kanako Numata; a trio of beautiful, stumble-drunk melodies played in swaying consort with popo. That group, along with the presence of Zayaendo, Fuigo, and Mitamurakandadan?, make strong connections with the Japanese underground’s love of brass bands, partly informed by the tradition of chindon’ya, marching bands that walk the streets of Japanese cities. They also all appeared on the recent Alien Parade Japan compilation of such groups, assembled by Acher and Saya.

All things converge, then, on The Orchestra in the Sky, a smart, spirited collection of heavenly pop songs, intimate folk melodies, lungfuls of joyous brass, deep weeping strings, and swooning sighs. The last words go to Acher himself: “Many things we did in the last years come together here and it feels like something special was captured.” We hope you like what you hear.

There’s a big clue to the pacific wisdom of The Orchestra in the Sky in the artist name – Hochzeitskapelle + Japanese Friends. For this is, indeed, music based in, and resonating with, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and creative exchange. Across two albums – one documenting recordings from Tokyo, the other an expansive double album of sessions from Kobe – Hochzeitskapelle gather around them some of the finest voices in Japanese independent and underground pop music, like Tenniscoats, Eddie Marcon, Yuko Ikema, and Kama Aina, and explore an open field of music, full of creative encounters.

You may already know Hochzeitskapelle as the German instrumental quintet formed by members of The Notwist, Alien Ensemble, and friends from the jazz scene. Across three albums, one a collaboration with Kama Aina (2018’s Wayfaring Suite), they’ve developed a way of playing together that’s intimate and playful, rich and human; it’s a music that’s deliberately rough around the edges, and that nestles cosily into the everyday. Their relationship with Japanese indie has developed over the years, doubtless encouraged by Saya´s „Minna Miteru“, compilations series of Japanese indie pop for Morr Music. A peripatetic gang, Hochzeitskapelle also recently backed Japanese singer-songwriter Makoto Kawamoto on her new album, Hikari.

In many ways, The Orchestra in the Sky feels like the culmination of a set of ongoing cross-cultural exchanges: the Minna Miteru compilations; tours of Japan by Hochzeitskapelle and The Notwist; and indeed, Markus Acher’s Spirit Fest group with Saya and Ueno of Tenniscoats. The latter are present throughout much of The Orchestra in the Sky, and Saya’s voice is particularly winning on songs like “Tsuki no oto”, where the two outfits are joined by brass ensemble Zayaendo. There are several lovely turns from singer-songwriter Yuko Ikema, and Eddie Marcon appear twice; their songs are still beautiful, spectral acid folk, but with Hochzeitskapelle filling the details with lush, sad brass and strings.

But it’s also the potentially lesser-known names that shine through The Orchestra in the Sky, like the frail folk of Gratin Carnival; the delightful, gentle pop songs by sekifu and Zayaendo member, Kanako Numata; a trio of beautiful, stumble-drunk melodies played in swaying consort with popo. That group, along with the presence of Zayaendo, Fuigo, and Mitamurakandadan?, make strong connections with the Japanese underground’s love of brass bands, partly informed by the tradition of chindon’ya, marching bands that walk the streets of Japanese cities. They also all appeared on the recent Alien Parade Japan compilation of such groups, assembled by Acher and Saya.

All things converge, then, on The Orchestra in the Sky, a smart, spirited collection of heavenly pop songs, intimate folk melodies, lungfuls of joyous brass, deep weeping strings, and swooning sighs. The last words go to Acher himself: “Many things we did in the last years come together here and it feels like something special was captured.” We hope you like what you hear.

Powerhouse R&B/Soul vocalist and Canadian Idol finalist. Gary Beals, is thrilled to be releasing his new album, The Melody Within. The Melody within is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self discovery, and nostalgia through soulful melodies. "This album serves as the aftermath to my previous album, "Bleed My Truth". It's a continuation of my musical journey, a fusion of soulful melodies and diverse influences that mirror both my personal and artistic evolution," said Gary Beals. "Each song is a chapter, a piece of my heart and soul, inviting listeners into my world of emotions, experiences and connection. It uncovers the melody that resides within. The anticipation is building as I look forward to sharing this collection of new music, and I hope it resonates deeply, offering a meaningful and memorable musical experience enriched with a multitude of emotions." With this new body of work, Gary had the opportunity to work with two talented primary producers,Beatchild (Drake, Justin Nozuka, Glen Lewis) and Myles "Losh'' Schwartz (Allan Rayman, Tobi, The Game, Pretty Lights). Additional production credits on the album include, Chris Guirguis, Frizzy Astro (Raz Fresco, Daniel Son), Jordan "Tempo" Farmer, Kobebeats (Rodwave, Kcamp, Sevyn),Sid Aakowa, Ty Danelley (Popcaan, Tory Lanez, Pressa) and Warren Williams, who all helped to shape the makings of the album while maintaining a consistent synergy. Side A of the album draws inspiration from the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown, and pays homage to artists who have played an integral part in shaping Gary's musical roots. This side includes Gary's previously released singles, "Good People, Good Vibes" and "All of Me," and the album's title track "The Melody Within," that commends the process of self-discovery and introspection. Also included is the album's 5th single, "Self Revolution," which will be released on October 27th along with the official music video. On Side B, you'll encounter a fusion of R&B and pop elements while still staying true to the album's soulful essence. Included on this side, is Gary's third single "I Like That," featuring JRDN and KAYO ,and the new single "How Do I Say (I Love You)," released September 22nd. "How Do I Say (I Love You)" dives into the inner conflict of conveying affection, showing vulnerability, and the bravery needed to expose one's heart to someone else. About Gary Beals: Two decades ago, Gary embarked on his musical journey when he, a small-town kid from Nova Scotia (now calling Toronto home), made a remarkable entrance onto the national stage as a part of Canada's inaugural season of Canadian Idol. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the finale where Gary was crowned as the "runner up" on the show. The experience ignited a transformative period of self-reflection and discovery that propelled Gary toward personal growth, shaping his life and musical career in lasting ways.

Fast forward through three albums and twenty years, Gary's work and talent have made a remarkable impact and received widespread critical acclaim. Among his accomplishments are debuting in the top 10 of the Canadian sales chart, being nominated for a JUNO Award for "Best R&B/Soul Recording," winning an East Coast Music Award and seven African Nova Scotia Music Awards, as well as scoring nominations for an Urban Music Award and a Canadian Radio Music Award. These accomplishments led to his home province's Premier officially designating November 22nd as Gary Beals Day in acknowledgment of his achievements.

With his return, Gary is poised to make a positive impact on the ever-expanding global community as he prepares to release his new album The Melody Within. The album will stand as a tribute to the strength that resides within all of us and a reminder that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving goals, but from discovering the intricate beauty that lies within our own hearts and souls.

Craig Charles is a big supporter of Gary Beals and spun his single 'All Of Me' for three weeks in a row on his Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio Six

V-House Sound boss, AJ Christou is next to make his Hot Creations debut with the two-tracker ‘Babaloop’.

Hailing from Manchester, AJ Christou stands as a testament to artistic accomplishment with his unwavering commitment to his evolving craft and sound. The success of his new label, V-House Sound, has made this year particularly significant for him, with unshakable support from industry heavyweights like Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, and Jamie Jones, backing his reputation as one of the most sought-after DJs in the game. With another impressive year behind him, December now marks his debut on Hot Creations as he delivers two club ready gems in his ‘Babaloop’ EP.

The bumping two-tracker kicks off with ‘Babaloop’, a lively late-night house cut featuring entrancing male chants and a bouncing bassline that captivates the listener with its groove. ‘No Fear’ follows up with a funky bass riff, alluring female vocals and deep stabs, radiating prime-time resonance and bustling club energy.

"Stephen Marley is one of the most respected artists in reggae and pop, with eight GRAMMY® Awards from his career as a solo artist, as a producer and as a member of his family band, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.

His brand-new album, Old Soul, is his fifth, and is releasing on UMe in partnership with the Marley Family, Tuff Gong and Ghetto Youth International. It’s Stephen stretching himself as a singer and songwriter, bringing along some special guests in a wide range of material beyond the reggae category."

Fixed Abode labelhead Rainy Miller met Space Afrika through regular nights he runs at Salford’s The White Hotel, a hub for leftfield electronic music. What started out as an idea for a collaborative EP between Rainy and Space Afrika turned into a longer form project, with features from Mica Levi, Coby Sey, Richie Culver, Voice Actor and Iceboy Violet, amongst others. ‘A Grisaille Wedding’ is an immersive experience that fills the space these artists have come to dwell in during their creative journeys. It not only pushes the boundaries of music but also bridges regional dialects within the conversation of contemporary electronic music. Rainy Miller: “‘A Grisaille Wedding’ is a project based in the personification of the semi-fictitious world that Space Afrika have come to build over the years. Using musique concrete and British soundscapes, I wanted to fuse the sonic with both noise and the contemporary.” Space Afrika: “The record’s title figuratively describes the marriage of two similarly motivated perspectives, each affected by a common backdrop and familiar ground tread amongst the scrimmage of urban sprawl, sombre, a boisterous landscape and clouds of uncertainty.” Rainy Miller’s 2022 solo album was included in 6 Music’s Albums Of The Year and Crack Magazine’s Best Albums Of 2022. Following the LP release, Rainy Miller and Space Afrika will be announcing joint UK and EU live shows taking place at the start of 2024. For fans of Actress, Dean Blunt, Lee Gamble, Loraine James

The new recordings from The Dengie Hundred unfurl on Tain Records after a busy year releasing a solo tape on Sagome and a collaborative LP and tape with Japan Blues on Demdike Stare's DDS imprint.

Lammas Land is an album which meditates on the Walthamstow Marshes, an ever-changing watery landscape, rich with history and wildlife. The Dengie Hundred writes:

"I am sitting at my table overlooking the marshes listening to Lammas Land in November 2023, watching crows fight a never-ending aerial battle with the gulls. In summer, you can see bats from here every evening, fluttering around the windows as the light begins to fade, but today it is colder so there is smoke rising from the boats on the River Lea and the dog walkers are wrapped up tight against the wind.
Most of Lammas Land was made sitting right here, playing guitar and recording the sounds passing by. I would hang a microphone out of the window to capture the ‘putput’ boat which delivers provisions, or the trains that rattle along the tracks that cut across the marshes and up to Stanstead, carrying passengers to the airport and away.
I wonder what tourists make of the marshes as they cross them, the landscape opening up for a moment between the urban sprawl of the East End and the rampant development of Tottenham. They offer a jarring pause of green and sky. I feel very lucky to be living in that pause, a resident, for now…

The album contains a whole year of found sounds recorded from the window and while out walking. It is full of bird song and radio sounds, singing, life.

Many others have been inspired by this space, this pause. The author Esther Kinsky who wrote River, published by Fitzcarraldo Editions, captures this area so perfectly. I borrowed the two track names for this album from her book. I hope she doesn’t mind.

Also, the photographer Paul Fuller whose work reflects the atmosphere I feel here precisely. On hearing the music he wanted to collaborate on the Lammas Land project, He spent a year filming the marsh through the seasons. Some of his images are included with the vinyl release, and there is an accompanying film close to completion. I am so pleased this project is continuing in new forms.

The vinyl also contains a piece of writing, ‘Sound Fishing’, by Gemma Blackshaw, an author, art historian and curator who in a twist of fate also found herself spending time on the marshes, but that is her story, for another day."




The Dengie Hundred
Lammas Land
LP, with essay insert + five photographic prints
Cat No: TAIN02
Price: £14.49
Due next week

A: A hand full of ever thickening twilight
(Sample clips 1 / 2 / 3)

B: A string of pearls pulling
the night away
(Sample clips 1 / 2 / 3)

We are delighted to unveil TrueMendous' sophomore album ‘Great. On
Purpose’. Sporting 15-tracks of evolutionary music, ‘Great. On Purpose’ is without question True's most ambitious body of work to date.

Since sharing the unrelenting lead single 'Talkk' Feat. Mysdiggi,
and after a double serving on follow up 'Really Wanna Love' x
'Still Don't Wanna', the album is a rollercoaster ride. Just listen
to standout single 'Yourself or The World?' featuring the almighty
Skinnyman if you're in need of anymore proof.

Featuring a heavyweight lineup of guest appearances from the
aforementioned Skinnyman and Mysdiggi, but also including Janel
Antoneshia, Vaddy, Princess, Ashley Allen, and DJ Sammy B-Side,
complemented by Illinformed, GhostTown, Pitch 92, Forest DLG,
Muckaniks, Mark Fear and Bear on production duties - ‘Great. On Purpose’ is STACKED from top-to-tail.

a 01 - Womp Uhuh













[So Good]

[a] 01 - Womp [Uhuh]













[So Good]

We are delighted to unveil TrueMendous' sophomore album ‘Great. On
Purpose’. Sporting 15-tracks of evolutionary music, ‘Great. On Purpose’ is without question True's most ambitious body of work to date.

Since sharing the unrelenting lead single 'Talkk' Feat. Mysdiggi,
and after a double serving on follow up 'Really Wanna Love' x
'Still Don't Wanna', the album is a rollercoaster ride. Just listen
to standout single 'Yourself or The World?' featuring the almighty
Skinnyman if you're in need of anymore proof.

Featuring a heavyweight lineup of guest appearances from the
aforementioned Skinnyman and Mysdiggi, but also including Janel
Antoneshia, Vaddy, Princess, Ashley Allen, and DJ Sammy B-Side,
complemented by Illinformed, GhostTown, Pitch 92, Forest DLG,
Muckaniks, Mark Fear and Bear on production duties - ‘Great. On Purpose’ is STACKED from top-to-tail.

a 01 - Womp [Uhuh]













[o] 15 - I Feel Good [So Good]

[a] 01 - Womp [Uhuh]













[o] 15 - I Feel Good [So Good]

Ok – so it’s taken 30 years to make the debut album, but fucking hell, it is worth the wait.
Mari Steven aka Little Red Flames has been writing songs forever, singing in bands throughout the 90s, supporting the likes of The Fall, The James Taylor Quartet and Gil Scott Heron and playing the first T in The Park and then working with dance music producers in the 00s and featuring on several Ibiza chill out albums! With life rooted in music she interviewed every major band from 1994 – 2006 on TV, Radio and in the press and made TV documentaries about Coldcut and Roni Size and Reprazent… but all this good life kept getting in the way of the dream… to record an album.
Non, je ne regrette rien, the life stuff is all brilliant and the time has never been quite right until now.
Produced by legendary Glasgow producer Alex Smoke, ‘Love Feeling’ is a spirit lifting, heart wrenching, emotional rollercoaster of the smoothest electronic synth pop with the darkest most gynormous beats and oh yes, it will make you dance.

Bruk OG Big Mac returns to the CoOp with a new 3 track E.P for some heavyweight fling foot biznizz. Expect Dub wise heavy Basslines, syncopated drums, crunchy crisp snares n soul claps with hypnotic stabs and electro hooks. immediate bruk floor fillers for the footwork massive. Available at all your usual music emporiums and outlets. Seek and destroy.

2023 REPRESS - Rare Brazilian Bossa Nova - Latin album - Comes with insert/liner notes & packaged in a gatefold jacket - 180g TANGERINE COLORED vinyl limited to 500 copies w/obi strip // Marcos Valle needs little introduction, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1943, Mr. Valle is an award-winning/chart-hitting Brazilian singer, songwriter and record producer. He was raised on a staple diet of classical, Brazilian popular music and North American jazz. Marcos Valle grew up to be one of the most influential & innovating musicians of the Bossa nova period and is regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian artists of all time. He has recorded albums for North American labels such as EMI, Warner Brothers & Verve_cementing his career with a series of tight musical workouts moving seamlessly between funk, samba, soundtracks, soul, jazz, dance and rock. Valle contributed to some of the most important recordings by artists including Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Sergio Mendes, Leon Ware, Chicago and Airto Moreira. Mr. Valle's work has been sampled/remixed by major artists from the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West & Madlib.One of Valle's favorite bands to frequently collaborate with was no doubt Azymuth, who took their name from a Valle song!Azymuth (Bertrami-Malheiros-Conti) started their individual careers in the 1960s in the emergent Bossa nova and jazz scene of Rio, living in the same bohemian block in Copacabana and playing in small bars as session musicians under various other names.It was the early 1970s when Azymuth really began to cause a stir and Marcos Valle invited them to record on a soundtrack LP he was doing. The unique Azymuth sound was now born: a mix of electronic music, samba, funk and jazz that they defined as MPB-jazz (MPB stands for Musica Popular Brasileira). Over the decades Azymuth released extremely successful albums (selling millions of copies) on labels such as Polydor, Som Livre and Atlantic. Hitting the charts on multiple occasions, Azymuth played at the Monterrey and Montreux jazz festivals and at venues around the globe.The band has worked with legendary musicians from Joe Henderson to Stevie Wonder and they've also been remixed/sampled by artists such as Flying Lotus, will.i.am, MF DOOM and Peanut Butter Wolf. Their unique brand of fusion-music has influenced three generations of musicians, DJs, and producers. Music journalists across the spectrum from mainstream to underground, celebrated these raw yet wildly imaginative and musically accomplished tracks that were a revelation of jazz, funk and disco, with some even stating that the roots of EDM were on display in their early recordings.On the album we are presenting you (Brazil by Music - Fly Cruzeiro) the listener is getting yet another fantastic early Valle/Azymuth collaboration. Released in 1972, this rare album was pressed and gifted to customers of the `Cruzeiro' airline company. This promotional record came as no surprise because the connection between Cruzeiro Airlines and Valle was very tight (Valle's father was the manager and his brother was a co-pilot there).Next to the Valle/Azymuth material present, other songs include some of the all-time best Brazilian standards originally written by renowned artists such as Jorge Ben & Antonio Carlos Jobim. Take a flight with us through this fantastic album and into some of the best Jazz, Funk & Bossa Nova the Brazilian musical landscape has to offer.Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of `Fly Cruzeiro' since its release in 1972 (only 500 copies were pressed upon its original release in 1972).

Recorded Live in Italy in October 1985 and mastered directly from the old dusty cassette, here's a previously unheard Steve Lacy recording from a rare duo appearance with pianist Martin Joseph, a little known yet fascinating British musician who had worked with Harry Beckett, John Surman, Ian Carr, Tubby Hayes among others, and who later became a regular presence on the Rome mid 70's creative Jazz scene. This recording gives us an opportunity to listen to the soprano sax giant in a repertoire not frequently found on his other duo recordings with pianists. The set list includes some of Lacy's finest compositions like "Prospectus", "Flakes" and "Coastline", plus Thelonious Monk’s classic "Bemsha Swing" a tribute to Monk's visionary mastery where Joseph’s contrapuntal response to Lacy's angular lines leads the music towards a multidimensional space, a quality to be found throughout the whole album, This is a wonderful discovery! and a significant addition to Lacy's discography and legacy.

Contains printed inner sleeve with archival photos and extensive liner notes by two Italian soprano saxophone specialists Roberto Ottaviano and Eugenio Colombo, and pianist Martin Joseph himself.

Seit diesem Sommer ist Mariah Carey’s Song “It’s a Wrap” in den sozialen Medien sehr beliebt (und wurde dieses Jahr von TikTok als Song des Sommers nominiert), gleichzeitig ist der Song derzeit der fünftmeist gestreamte Song in Mariahs Katalog.

Mit der bevorstehenden Weihnachtszeit und Mariah Careys unvergleichlicher Medien- und Musikpräsenz ist das Timing für die erste Vinyl EP VÖ von “It’s a Wrap” perfekt! Das Tracklist umfasst alle 4 verfügbaren Versionen des Songs, ua inkl der Version feat Mary J. Blige.

Retro house sounds from Italy on this release... tunes that still go down well with some of the big name festival dj's during their summer tour! A track that remained unpublished for 33 years until Devil Dee decided to make it public and bring his own voice to the spotlight joined by jazz-blues singer Joan Faulkner (former supporting voice of Boney M and Milli Vanilli, also known by her stage name 'Dee-Vah'). Devil Dee is Davide Mancori - a cinematograph with a flattering career as a club-dj from 80s-90s onwards - who lovingly produced this release which differs from most of the releases on Best Record by its housey vibe. 'And The Beat Goes On' was written in Germany in 1989 by Leonie Gane and Ryan Paris laying the crucial foundations for an evolutionary step of the italian disco music. A step forward for the 'Italo' movement considered obsolete and defunct. In fact, the track is also referring to the latest Italo-Disco which entirely covered the scene of the 1980s with furious activity, If the meeting between Devil Dee and the famous interpreter of 'Dolce Vita' - Mister Ryan Paris - creates the alchemy, the explosive mix is completed with the precious work of Marco Magrini. The arrangement by Pierluigi Cerin and the executive work of Claudio Casalini close the magic circle. Five friends and a great singer from Indiana to fill the dance floors all over Europe, while the images of the provocative and surreal video-clip capture the audience by splitting in two. There are those who do not want to see certain issues publicized and those who appreciate their cheekiness, such as Best Record which by publishing the vinyl printed at 180 grams celebrates the 40 years of activity.

"Schon sehr früh hat mich die Musik eingefangen", sagt Werner Schmidbauer über sich. Bis heute lässt sich das "Universum Werner Schmidbauer" nur ungenügend in Worte einfangen, sei es mit dem Format "Gipfeltreffen", der nicht nur musikalischen Verbindung zu Martin Kälberer und Pippo Pollina, die vielen magischen SÜDEN Momente ... Werner Schmidbauer ist "ganz bei sich selbst" - man muss es erleben. Ein turbulentes Jahrzehnt voller Veränderungen liegt zwischen den Aufnahmen des letzten Studioalbums "Wo bleibt die Musik" und heute. Bei Werner Schmidbauer persönlich und global! Aus den tiefen Eindrücken all der Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre heraus hat Werner den Titelsong seines neuen Albums geschrieben: "MIA SAN OANS". Um Mut zu machen, die Spaltungen zu überwinden, um greifbar zu machen, dass wir alle verbunden sind und es nur gemeinsam schaffen können. Zur Hälfte unplugged und solo, zur anderen Hälfte mit Band eingespielt und produziert von Martin Kälberer ist in diesem kreativen Sommer ein sehr persönliches, etwas politisches, vor allem aber ein pures und unverstelltes Album entstanden.

Some Songs Of A Dumb World

'The light at sunset is mysteriously pinkish.'

After Trip Trap, TRIP's sub-label GALAXIID releases the debut album by the Species Of Fishes duo. The record, originally released by the Dutch experimental label Korm Plastics in 1994, has influenced two generations of post-Soviet musicians. 'Some Songs of a Dumb World' is like a quest that you can either take up or appreciate as a mosaic of different music styles.

Igor Kolyadny and Vitaly Stern initially worked separately but later shared ideas during home sessions to build their own psychedelic world. They used a large number of cassette samples, including the voices of physicists, paranormal researchers, astronomers, and wildlife TV show hosts, combining them with pulsating rhythms inspired by various electronic music genres. The result, as the duo
described it in an Inverted Audio interview), is 'a sort of alienated, extraterrestrial, studying view on the sound component of human activity.'

For the very first time, the tracks from the debut album by Species Of Fishes are now available on vinyl. The double LP reissue with the refreshed version of the original artwork includes the original tracks, mixed between 1993 and 1994, but re-edited and remastered by Igor Kolyadny in 2021. Two tracks were released on the lesser-known follow-up 'Songs of a Dumb World Part 2', while "Salmon Hunting/Kaluga-Mars" is being released for the first time.

Obi strip reissue remastered from origianal 79 tapes.

2023 Repress / Gatefold sleeve

"For Better, For Worse" is the debut album by DJ Scientist, the founder and head of the Equinox Records label. The music on the album was produced between 2001 and 2006 and offers a unique, fully-sample based instrumental body of work that, even 6 years after its originally scheduled release date, has the power to spellbind and steer the listener into the widespread musical world of one of Germany's most passionate record collectors and artist.

Some tracks of the album were 'leaked' early. In 2006 on the "Journey Goodbye EP" and in the form of the song 'Raincoatman' which appeared on the first Equinox Records compilation. These early releases raised excitement levels for the album and fans of Scientist's unique approach. Unfortunately the album never materialised, partly due to the complexity of some of the songs, consisting of more than 50 layers. Moving from his hometown of Munich to Berlin in that period and coping with the increasing work the label was requiring of him as founder and manager also didn't help. Scientist then decided to focus on his collaboration with American rapper and multi-instrumentalist Ceschi Ramos in 2007, sealing the album off for a few more years. On the collaboration Scientist proved his skills as a producer across four singles and EPs (featuring popular cuts such as 'Same Old Love Song' and 'Bad Jokes') and an album, "The One Man Band Broke Up", released in 2010. The instrumental version of the album acted as Scientist's official solo debut. Until now…

In 2012 Scientist began to revisit the body of work that made up "For Better, For Worse" and finalised the tracks from the vast archive of finished and unfinished songs. In April he released "The Artless Cuckoo EP" which featured additional tracks from the same early production period that makes up the bulk of the album. The EP introduced the album, catching the attention of fans who had been waiting for quite some time.

"For Better, For Worse" therefore picks up from where "Journey Goodbye" had ended and where "The Artless Cuckoo" had restarted. All the tracks on the album show the musical power that resides in the "instrumental hip hop" genre, for lack of a better word. Despite the time it took to make and release, or perhaps precisely because of it, the album defines Scientist's talent and knowledge as a sample-based musician. Even if the crashing drums and melancholic samples which mark the music have now often been replaced by glitches and Dilla-esque drums elsewhere, the music on the album still sounds like little else in hip hop today. The instrumental side of the genre has rarely been purer, more powerful or more uncompromising.

It's with great pleasure that nearly 10 years after work on the music started Equinox Records finally gives spotlight to the man in the back. So stop, and listen. For better, and for worse.

Repress!

To celebrate what would have been the world-renowned songwriter, Rod Temperton’s 70th birthday, one of the highlights of Heatwave’s ‘Central Heating’ album, and never before released as a single, the mystical ‘The Star Of A Story’ gets an official, remastered outing on 45! Backed with the intoxicating, funk joint ‘Ain’t No Half’ Steppin’ it’s an incredible insight into the magic of both Rod and Heatwave as a whole.

Formed in 1975, Heatwave, primarily a chart topping funk / disco outfit, dropped ‘The Star Of A Story’ an uncharacteristic yet deeply elegant and ethereal departure crafted by keyboardist, Rod Temperton. Like an eternally warming Balearic blanket, angelic, siren-like falsetto vocals from Johnnie Wilder lure from a distance as harmonies straight outta heaven drift across the airwaves.

It’s a serenade of the sweetest kind backed with sweeping cellos, soft keys and laidback acoustic guitars. A dream-inducing, drifting beauty that has been sampled numerous times by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde and Hudson Mohawke and even covered by the legendary George Benson.

On the flip side, a trademark Heatwave mid-tempo funk number, in the form of ‘Ain’t No Half Steppin’. Beginning with a head spinning intro that leads into a true showcase of the group’s collective power on the mic. Mario Mantese jams out on the bass as blaring horns, lively strings and grooving chord struts turn this up about as hot as you can get. Sultry, soulful and smooth bursting at the seams with funk richness it’s long been a staple of the some of the best DJs out there and famously sampled by Big Daddy Kane, amongst many others.

EVERGREY läuten mit A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) eine neue Ära ein! Ein Schleier der Dunkelheit legt sich von Göteborg aus über die Welt: EVERGREY schreiben mit ihrem 13.

Studioalbum A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), 20. Mai 2022 via Napalm Records, ein neues Kapitel der Bandgeschichte. Klangliche Melancholie und ergreifende Texte gehen einher mit progressiver Härte und brennender Emotionalität und lassen den Hörer sprachlos zurück. Ganz ohne Zweifel zementieren
EVERGREY erneut ihren Stand an der Spitze der Szene eindrucksvoller als je zuvor!

Angeführt von Gründer, Sänger und Gitarrist Tom S. Englund, loten die Schweden seit 25 Jahren die Gefilde des Progressive Metal aus, kombinieren diese mit schwerem Melodic Metal und malen so mit bis dato zwölf veröffentlichten Studioalben unverkennbare Klangbilder. A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament), der Nachfolger des erfolgreichen 2021er-Albums Escape of the Phoenix, ist eine 10-Track-Melange, bei der jede Note, jedes Riff und jedes Wort pure Poesie versprüht und eine Intensität erzeugt, die von der ersten Sekunde an fesselt. Tosende instrumentale Kräfte verweben EVERGREY mit der tiefgehenden Gesangsdarbietung von Mastermind Englund - einer der markantesten Stimmen im Metal.

A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament) ist der Beweis, dass EVERGREY müssen niemandem mehr etwas beweisen, zeigen aber dennoch eindrucksvoll, dass der Kreativität auch nach über 25 Jahren keine Grenzen gesetzt sind.

Legend has it: every summer in the far west of Lithuania, on a picturesque peninsula of Kurši? nerija, Opium Club tribe gathers for four days and nights of dance rites. The festival is called Ant Bangos, Lithuanian for 'on the wave', and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

To mark the occasion, Ant Bangos has teamed up with LTP Records and Green Lakes Pressing plant to deliver a limited edition of coloured and hand-numbered vinyls, featuring four exclusive, previously unreleased tracks. All compositions come from long-standing Opium Club and Ant Bangos residents Manfredas, Pletnev and Roe Deers, as well as the label owner and artistic director of the festival V.

The vinyl was available at the festival and is distributed worldwide by Word And Sound.

red marbled vinyl

BON JOUR ist "eine Art Supergroup" (ORF) und derzeit "eines der spannendsten Musikprojekte" (FM4) aus Österreich. Die Band besteht aus den Musikerinnen Mario & Giovanna Fartacek (Mynth / Berglind), Dominic Muhrer (Makemakes / Loveboat), Leo-Constantin Scheichenost (Olympique / HFA-Studio), Julian Pieber (Good Wilson), Omar Abdalla (Siamese Elephants) und der Singer/Songwriterin Amelie Tobien. Die Vielseitigkeit der Bandmitglieder spiegelt sich in ihrer Musik wieder. Ihre Fähigkeit, sowohl autonom als auch unabhängig zu agieren, verleiht ihrer Arbeit eine einzigartige Leichtigkeit und Originalität. Mit ihrem eigenen Label (Bon Jour Records), selbstproduzierten Tracks und selbstgestaltetem Artwork manifestiert Bon Jour den Geist der Do-it-yourself-Kultur in seiner reinsten Form. Als Vorbote ihres Debüt-Albums "Chapter 1: Growth" kündigt BON JOUR ihre Single "Timebomb" an, die am 29. September über ihr eigenes Label veröffentlicht wird.