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Ground-breaking afro-rock and jazz with Memphis soul roots on this lost 1972 gem. Lovingly restored and reissued by Matsuli Music


'Black Soul' from 1972 is the third and last known album by The Anchors, a soul group originally formed in Johannesburg's Alexandra township in 1968. Their first two albums, 'Soul Upstairs' from 1969 and 'Everything' from 1971, were issued on Teal's City Special label alongside other prominent South African soul groups of the era like The Beaters, The Movers and The Flaming Souls.

On 'Black Soul', The Anchors undergo a notable shift, moving away from their early Memphis soul influences towards a pioneering African-driven sound. These changes laid the foundations for an emerging afro-fusion scene in the years to come from groups like Batsumi, The Drive and Harari.

'Black Soul' features a who's who of intergenerational musicians from great South African bands over the decades. In addition to Zacks Nkosi, the renowned bandleader of the Jazz Maniacs and long-time member of the African Swingsters in the 1940s and 50s, this album includes kwela star Little Kid Lex Hendricks, known for his Columbia recordings of the late 1950s; as well as Zack's son Jabu Nkosi who would go on to play with The Drive, Roots and Sakhile; and Banza Kgasoane later a member of The Beaters, Harari and then Mango Groove.

Now remastered for its first release since the original 1972 pressing, this lost gem offers a revealing glimpse into the evolution of South African music during a transformative era.

Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director).
Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972.
Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational.
Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive.
Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen.
Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery.
Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.

Released in 2000, Soundphiles is the debut album by British electronic duo Kinobe. Known for their smooth blend of downtempo, chillout, and trip-hop, Kinobe crafted an atmospheric and cinematic sound that became a staple in lounge and ambient music scenes. The album features the iconic track "Slip Into Something", which gained widespread recognition through its use in commercials and compilations. Other standout songs like "Skyscraper" and "Bopalong" showcase Kinobe’s signature mix of mellow beats, lush instrumentation, and soothing melodies. Soundphiles captures a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, making it a go-to album for fans of chilled electronic music. Its seamless fusion of organic and electronic elements solidified Kinobe’s reputation in the downtempo genre, earning them a dedicated following. Ideal for laid-back listening, Soundphiles remains a defining release in early 2000s chillout music. Soundphiles is available as a 25th anniversary edition of 500 copies on translucent blue coloured vinyl.

Comes on Black & White Marbled Vinyl, complete with a printed inner sleeve featuring insightful liner notes. CHARLY RECORDS present the first ever reissue of the sought-after cult New York, gospel street opera, Free The Black Man’s Chains. The most intriguing, and certainly the most ambitious project on the city’s GSF label (see more stunning titles on GSF exclusively from Charly). The project had its roots in a trio of singles released by the mysterious Broad Street Gang in 1971. The first, on the Cougar label called “Fair Skin Man” and its two follow-ups “L-o-v-e Love” and the title track from the album “Free The Black Man's Chains”. Celebrated musicians on the sessions were Mitchell Rowe, Bobby Eli, Len Pakula, Daryl Hall, Ron Baker, Norman Harris, The Raelettes and strings arranged by Richie Rome. A project like Free The Black Man's Chains should have been perfect for the multi-media nature of GSF. The album could have led to a film in the way that it had for Jesus Christ Superstar, but instead like so many of the label's releases, the album failed to make its mark due to a lack of promotion. GSF would barely reach its second birthday before it – and its parent company – shut down. A Black Opera…

“Underground” is a relative term. One could argue that all the ‘60s San Francisco psychedelic bands were underground, because the music they made was so far removed from the pop and rock sounds that came before them. But of all the bands in the scene, Lamb was perhaps the most underground of them all. It wasn’t just that their blend of rock, folk, classical, country, blues, and gospel was as hard to classify as any of the era. It was also their vibe. Along with classically trained guitarist and songwriting partner Bob Swanson, Barbara Mauritz’s versatile vocals paced material often imbued with a haunting, mystical aura. Yet they could also be earthy and rootsy, occasionally drifting into spacey psychedelia with hints of raga-rock. Released in the early ‘70s, Lamb’s first two albums, A Sign of Change and Cross Between, did indeed offer some of the most intriguing and eclectic music of any San Francisco rock band on the psychedelic scene. But Lamb’s history predated the release of those records by a good couple of years or so. So prolific were Mauritz and Swanson that quite a few of their original compositions didn’t make it onto their albums, though these were often on par with the songs that did find official release. Unlike many bands of the time who had a bounty of surplus quality tunes, Lamb often taped these in studios and studio-like rehearsal conditions, as well as making some professional tapes of their live performances. Fortunately, many of those tapes survive, including a good number of songs that didn’t find a place on their LPs, as well as substantially different versions of some that did. The best of these from the late 1960s find release for the first time on An Extension of Now: Unreleased Recordings 1968-1969. This collection not only rounds out our picture of one of San Francisco rock’s finest underappreciated acts, but also serves as a first-class document of Lamb as they made their transition from a more standard rock outfit to a group not easily comparable to any other in the region, or indeed any other anywhere. Our black vinyl and CD (with extra tracks, limited to 500) releases feature liner notes by Richie Unterberger drawn from an interview with Bob Swanson, who has also contributed photos and memorabilia from his private archive. Produced by noted Bay Area archivist Alec Palao…if you’re a fan of late-‘60s S.F. psych, you have to hear this!

"My Last Star" began as a dream that Greg Lee of Hepcat had the week before his death in March of 2024. Greg dreamed of a Slackers song. The Slackers have completed this song, and now the world can hear this truly one of a kind collaboration. In Greg's dream, an old neighbor picked him up in a classic car, turned on the stereo, and played a Slackers song that - at the time - did not exist on our plane of reality. It sounds like the stuff of myth, but the song was so crystal clear in the dream that when he awoke around 2 or 3 in the morning, he immediately wrote down the lyrics he had heard, still humming the tune. "I hadn't seen Greg so excited about a new song in a very long time," says Lee's longtime partner, Mandie Becker. "I found the lyrics when I was organizing his things. I knew he had a voice recording on his phone, too. I decided the best situation was to offer it to The Slackers so we could all hear the song on the stereo from Greg's dream." "I was floored when I received Greg's vocal demo with the lyrics and I vowed to finish the song and make the dream a reality," says Slackers saxophonist Dave Hillyard. "I took the vocal demo to The Slackers, Vic Ruggiero harmonized it, and we wrote music around the words. With this song we came full circle. Greg had given us a gift and we needed to give it back to his family, friends, and musical community. We are the medium for his message." The longer history behind this collaboration is a story of decades of friendship, collaboration, artistry, and mutual respect between LA's Hepcat and NYC's The Slackers, who although from opposite coasts, have both been leading lights and creative forces in the underground ska scene since the early 1990s. Both Hepcat and The Slackers concerned themselves with timeless songwriting that paid homage to the longstanding roots of the music. It is an extraordinary final work envisioned by a beloved and thoughtful musician of the highest caliber and completed by longtime friends and collaborators he knew from the moment of inspiration were the ones that would play it. It is literally a dream come true. "My Last Star" is available as a 12" UV Printed Vinyl Single from Pirates Press Records, with art by The Slackers' in-house artist Catt Gould. The 12" also includes instrumental and dub versions of the song. As a matter of fact, snippets of Greg's original vocal demo from his phone are subtly mixed in toward the end of the instrumental version, underscoring his posthumous presence on the record. Greg's songwriting royalties, as well as a portion of the proceeds from the sales of "My Last Star," will be passed on to his four daughters.

Ten song showcase LP - 5 vocals, 5 dubs. 5 tracks previously unreleased.

New showcase LP collecting a couple long requested classics coupled with a trio of rare and previously unreleased heaters from the early '80s Roots Radics era. This new LP now makes a trio of classic albums along with his "What's Wrong With the Youths" and "Chip In" albums for Jah Life and Junjo Lawes. In a beautiful sleeve with the vibes of the time, designed by the great Seen Studio.

Mediocampo (1984), Jaime Roos's fifth album concludes an unintentional trilogy that began with Aquello (1981) and continued with Siempre son las cuatro (1982). It is the bright side of the series, a groundbreaking album that has become a classic, perhaps the most prestigious and well-known work of his discography. The album's sound, aligned with international trends of the 1980s, made Mediocampo the gateway to Jaime Roos's universe for a younger audience approaching music through rock. Its proposal was unique and deeply Uruguayan, yet it incorporated elements that resonated with a public accustomed to Anglo-Saxon pop. The albums Aquello and Siempre son las cuatro, despite being very different works, share a focus on the Beatles-inspired pop song structure, stylistic diversity, and a search for popular roots. Mediocampo, the conclusion of this song-driven trilogy, is as daring and experimental as its predecessors but with much more direct and accessible communication, achieving an almost perfect distillation of his artistic vision. Today, many of its songs are an essential part of Montevideo's cultural soundtrack.

From the smoky clubs of Harlem to vibrant orchestral jam sessions, this exclusive collection celebrates the voices that fused the soul of jazz with the visceral feeling of blues and gospel. Legendary artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others come alive through their original recordings, carefully remastered to oer a rich and authentic listening experience.

Each "Green Star" vinyl is a window into an era of fervent creativity, fiery improvisations, and contagious rhythms. This collection is an unmissable treasure for audiophiles, experienced collectors, or newcomers eager to discover the roots of modern music. In "Green Star" branded records you can find: carefully remastered audio to rediscover the depth and dynamics of the original recordings, visually striking colored vinyl in iconic covers, an opportunity to own pieces of music history to start, enrich, or collect private discographies. "Green Star" – let yourself be transported by the magic of an unforgettable era.

From the smoky clubs of Harlem to vibrant orchestral jam sessions, this exclusive collection celebrates the voices that fused the soul of jazz with the visceral feeling of blues and gospel. Legendary artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others come alive through their original recordings, carefully remastered to oer a rich and authentic listening experience.

Each "Green Star" vinyl is a window into an era of fervent creativity, fiery improvisations, and contagious rhythms. This collection is an unmissable treasure for audiophiles, experienced collectors, or newcomers eager to discover the roots of modern music. In "Green Star" branded records you can find: carefully remastered audio to rediscover the depth and dynamics of the original recordings, visually striking colored vinyl in iconic covers, an opportunity to own pieces of music history to start, enrich, or collect private discographies. "Green Star" – let yourself be transported by the magic of an unforgettable era.

From the smoky clubs of Harlem to vibrant orchestral jam sessions, this exclusive collection celebrates the voices that fused the soul of jazz with the visceral feeling of blues and gospel. Legendary artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others come alive through their original recordings, carefully remastered to oer a rich and authentic listening experience.

Each "Green Star" vinyl is a window into an era of fervent creativity, fiery improvisations, and contagious rhythms. This collection is an unmissable treasure for audiophiles, experienced collectors, or newcomers eager to discover the roots of modern music. In "Green Star" branded records you can find: carefully remastered audio to rediscover the depth and dynamics of the original recordings, visually striking colored vinyl in iconic covers, an opportunity to own pieces of music history to start, enrich, or collect private discographies. "Green Star" – let yourself be transported by the magic of an unforgettable era.

Soul-Skasteady & Rocksteady Soulreggae von zwei neuen Bands: ARTE BELLA & THE FELLAS und TIGHTEN UP! Acht Instrumente, drei Sprachen, eine Liebe zur Musik: das sind ARTE BELLA & THE FELLAS Inspiriert durch ein musikalisches Spektrum von The Skatalites über Etta James bis hin zu Manu Chao ist die Berliner Band angetreten, um mit ihrer besonderen Soulful Ska Fusion eure Herzen zu erfreuen, eure Seelen zu trösten und natürlich eure Beine zum Tanzen zu bewegen. Respect the roots - enjoy the fruits! Wherever you are - let's do the Ska! - Mit dem Jahreswechsel 2021/22 erblickt die Band Tighten Up das Licht der Welt. Die sieben befreundete Musiker:innen aus Dresden und Berlin kennen sich schon seit vielen Jahren, gemeinsam waren und sind sie in den Bands Mola (Soul & Funk) und Yellow Cap (Ska & Rocksteady) aktiv. Der enthusiastische Yellow Cap Sänger überzeugte die sechs anderen Musiker:innen von seiner Vision einer ,Early Reggae & Rocksteady" Band, die sich vorerst ausschließlich mit jamaikanischen und britischen Cover-Songs aus den 60er und 70er Jahren beschäftigt. Und es wird Zeit, dass Tighten Up mit ihrer extrem tanzbaren und energetischen Musik überzeugen darf und mit ihr eine längst vergessene Zeit wieder erwachen lässt. 300 Stück weltwweit, klassisch schwarzes 180gr Vinyl, handnummeriert.

Originally released in 1975, The Tidals' "Land Of Juhasifa" has become a holy grail for reggae collectors worldwide, commanding prices of over €1000 for an original copy. This rare roots reggae masterpiece, featuring the unmistakable vocals of The Tidals and a crucial dub version on the flip side by The Soul Syndicate, is now available again for the first time in decades.

The Tidals, formed in the 1960s by Winston Cleveland, Eupert Reid, and Aston Pryce, represent the deep roots of Jamaican reggae. "Land Of Juhasifa" is a heavy, conscious tune with a deep, hypnotic groove that will transport you straight to the heart of 1970s Jamaica. The Soul Syndicate's "Hasifa Dub" perfectly complements the A-side, offering a spaced-out, instrumental journey into the depths of reggae sound system culture.

Recorded & Mixed at Asylum & Leggos Recording Studios in 1975.
Licensed courtesy of Gaylard Bravo.

In the depths of the underground, where the beat pulses through the concrete veins of the city and the soundscape echoes the soul of a movement, Infinity Plus One delivers the Reflexion EP – a raw and unapologetic nod to the gritty, underground roots of ‘90s techno and electro. Drawing inspiration from late-night warehouse parties, the machine-driven rhythms, and the futuristic sounds that emerged from the Motor City’s pioneers, Reflexion carries the essence of that golden era while pushing forward into new realms of sonic exploration. These four tracks, composed with deep grooves and dark, hypnotic sequences, offer a hard-hitting blend of electro-funk and house that will resonate with fans of both vintage and contemporary styles.

On Innocent Beginnings we find a bass-heavy, bouncy house rhythm mesh with haunting synth melodies, setting the tone for a journey through forward-looking machine soul. Next we have Dusk And Darkness which layers a breakbeat on an 808 electro groove to form a darker, ravey feel where all the emphasis is placed on the rolling beats and bassline. Flipping over we have Stand For Love which takes us on a deep house journey, showing a more sensitive and heartfelt side of the Infinity Plus One sound. Closing out this heavyweight four tracker you’ll find Ubiquity with its deep, atmospheric mood built around a snaking bassline whilst big synth stabs add an intensity to this club-ready groove.

Each track here is a manifesto, a declaration of sonic freedom, engineered for the DJs who understand the pulse of the underground. This is the music you feel in your chest, not just hear in your ears.

2025 Repress!

Remastered for 2016! Another classic by highpriest Larry Heard. Three tracks that prove again the mans genius and unparalleled talent in squeezing true emotions and funk out of his machines and lift you into a state of euphoria. The a-side holds a long, midtempo 80s electrofunk groove with beautiful richly textures synth melodies. Flip over for a slightly rawer Fingers style workout with highly emotive strings and a perfect end of the night tune with a gorgeous piano solo showing heard's strong roots in jazz. Music from a different stratosphere - a record to treasure!

Der Jazz-Schlagzeuger und Komponist Tarun Balani veröffentlicht am 16. Mai sein neues Album Kadahin Milandaasin über BERTHOLD records. Das Werk ist eine tief persönliche Auseinandersetzung mit seinem Sindhi-Erbe und erzählt die Geschichte der Migration seines Großvaters von Sindh nach Neu-Delhi. Der Titel Kadahin Milandaasin bedeutet "Wann werden wir uns wiedersehen?" und greift Themen wie Sehnsucht, Identität und kulturelle Bewahrung auf. In seinen Kompositionen verbindet Balani traditionelle Sindhi-Folklore mit modernem Jazz, geprägt von komplexen Rhythmen und improvisatorischer Tiefe. Gemeinsam mit seiner Band Dharma - Olli Hirvonen (Gitarre), Sharik Hasan (Piano) und Adam O'Farrill (Trompete) - erschafft er ein einzigartiges Klangbild, das Vergangenheit und Gegenwart vereint. Mit Kadahin Milandaasin erforscht Balani seine musikalischen Wurzeln und öffnet eine emotionale Klangwelt voller Geschichte und persönlicher Reflexion. Jazz drummer and composer Tarun Balani is set to release his new album Kadahin Milandaasin on May 16th through BERTHOLD Records. This deeply personal work explores his Sindhi heritage, tracing the migration journey of his grandfather from Sindh to New Delhi. The album's title Kadahin Milandaasin, translates to "When Will We Meet?" and reflects themes of longing, identity, and cultural preservation. Balani's compositions blend traditional Sindhi folk music with contemporary jazz, creating a rich tapestry of rhythm and improvisation. Together with his band Dharma - Olli Hirvonen (guitar), Sharik Hasan (piano), and Adam O'Farrill (trumpet) - he crafts a sonic landscape that bridges the past and present. With Kadahin Milandaasin, Balani embarks on a deeply personal journey, offering a poignant musical reflection on his roots.

Even the name is mysterious-Black Honey Cult evokes a sense of intrigue and the otherworldly, a fitting moniker for a band born out of deep roots in Los Angeles' storied underground music scene. The story begins in the early '90s, when Johnny DeVilla and Jake Cavaliere first crossed paths, performing in various bands at the legendary JabberJaw, a hub for raw talent and boundary-pushing sound. Fast forward to 2003, when Spencer Robinson joined forces with Jake and Johnny in The Lords of Altamont, solidifying a creative bond that has endured for decades. Over the years, this trio found themselves collaborating time and again, refining their chemistry and exploring new sonic landscapes. It wasn't until 2010 that Black Honey Cult began to take shape, though the journey to a definitive lineup was a winding road. After several incarnations, the band finally coalesced into its current form with the addition of Garey Snider on drums, and Travis Petersen on guitar, whose contributions completed the puzzle. Jake and Garey, longtime conspirators with a shared desire to work together, brought their vision to fruition, creating a group that feels both destined and uniquely fresh. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like The Velvet Underground and psychedelic icons, The 13th Floor Elevators, Black Honey Cult infuses their sound with shades of early goth, post-punk, and krautrock. The result? A hypnotic, genre-defying blend of dark, atmospheric psychedelia that transports listeners to another plane - like dropping LSD on Mars. The band's sound was brought to life by the legendary Paul Roessler (of Screamers and 45 Grave fame) at Kitten Robot Studios, a perfect match for their haunting and transportive vision. Black Honey Cult stands as a testament to years of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance, offering an immersive experience for those ready to step into their enigmatic world. Prepare to follow the cult and lose yourself in the spellbinding sounds of Black Honey Cult.

Gold nugget vinyl, limited to 350 copies. Even the name is mysterious-Black Honey Cult evokes a sense of intrigue and the otherworldly, a fitting moniker for a band born out of deep roots in Los Angeles' storied underground music scene. The story begins in the early '90s, when Johnny DeVilla and Jake Cavaliere first crossed paths, performing in various bands at the legendary JabberJaw, a hub for raw talent and boundary-pushing sound. Fast forward to 2003, when Spencer Robinson joined forces with Jake and Johnny in The Lords of Altamont, solidifying a creative bond that has endured for decades. Over the years, this trio found themselves collaborating time and again, refining their chemistry and exploring new sonic landscapes. It wasn't until 2010 that Black Honey Cult began to take shape, though the journey to a definitive lineup was a winding road. After several incarnations, the band finally coalesced into its current form with the addition of Garey Snider on drums, and Travis Petersen on guitar, whose contributions completed the puzzle. Jake and Garey, longtime conspirators with a shared desire to work together, brought their vision to fruition, creating a group that feels both destined and uniquely fresh. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like The Velvet Underground and psychedelic icons, The 13th Floor Elevators, Black Honey Cult infuses their sound with shades of early goth, post-punk, and krautrock. The result? A hypnotic, genre-defying blend of dark, atmospheric psychedelia that transports listeners to another plane - like dropping LSD on Mars. The band's sound was brought to life by the legendary Paul Roessler (of Screamers and 45 Grave fame) at Kitten Robot Studios, a perfect match for their haunting and transportive vision. Black Honey Cult stands as a testament to years of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance, offering an immersive experience for those ready to step into their enigmatic world. Prepare to follow the cult and lose yourself in the spellbinding sounds of Black Honey Cult.

 HOME?' is a heartfelt tribute to what Wretch 32 calls home, exploring the complexities, questions, and deep connections that come with it. The artwork, shot at the heart of his origins the very Tiverton estate where it all began - paints a rich tapestry of the inspiration taken from his Caribbean roots and the Windrush Scandal, encapsulating a raw slice of the Black British experience. Centering on belonging, place and identity as well as themes of love, life and loss, the album features words from his father and uncle who became community activists after the Tottenham Riots.

Discover the groundbreaking sound of Los Texao, a legendary Peruvian rock band that helped shape the music scene in the 1970s. Born in the culturally rich city of Arequipa, Los Texao's journey to stardom was paved with innovation, passion, and an undeniable connection to their roots. Their music fused the energy of psychedelic rock with Latin American influences, captivating audiences across their native Peru, Los Texao's psychedelic phase was marked by experimentation with new sounds and instruments. This release comprises their complete recordings, including all their singles and also covers of some of the most influential rock bands of the era, most of them previously unavailable on vinyl. Formed in 1969, the band took their name from Arequipa's emblematic flower, the nasturtium, and made an immediate impact with their debut at a local band contest. Soon after, they recorded their first 45 RPM single, which included covers of tracks by Chilean group Los Beat 4. But it was in the early 70s when Los Texao truly found their voice. With a dynamic lineup, including the talented Fernando "Feño" Humbser and Juan Núñez on guitar, Víctor Dibán on vocals and bass, and Edgar "Chito" Manrique on drums, their musical evolution began to take shape. The addition of Julio Torres, a keyboardist and guitarist from the iconic bands Los Beatniks and Los Dig It, further elevated their sound. Los Texao's psychedelic phase was marked by experimentation with new sounds and instruments. They embraced the emerging trend of playing rock in English, despite the language barrier, and incorporated cutting-edge gear. With the help of the legendary Peruvian jazz musician Jaime Delgado Aparicio, they created hypnotic tracks like 'Algún día' and 'Nunca cambias,' capturing the essence of 70s rock with swirling textures and atmospheric vibes. But it wasn't just the melodies that set them apart - their electrifying rhythms and powerful arrangements, like those heard in 'Stone' and 'La pelea del gobernador,' showcased their refined musicianship and intense dedication. Los Texao quickly became a sensation in Peru, performing in cities like Puno, Moquegua, and Arica (Chile), and sharing stages with iconic bands like Los Shain's, Traffic Sound, and Telegraph Avenue. Their infamous hit 'La pelea del gobernador' tells a tale of generational conflict and rebellious youth, captured in a live performance that still resonates with audiences today. The band's wild live shows became the stuff of legend, with fans packing into intimate venues to experience the raw energy of their loud, unapologetic rock. In addition to their 45s, Los Texao also recorded covers of some of the most influential rock bands of the era, including Cream, Steppenwolf, and The Guess Who, showcasing their versatility and love for classic rock. Unfortunately, this session remained lost for years and some of these covers have never been available on vinyl before. Despite their growing success, Los Texao eventually disbanded in 1975 due to personal and professional challenges. But their legacy never faded.

10 song LP featuring mostly new & some vintage tracks. Comes pre-release style in Wackie's 12" company sleeve, w/ double sided insert.

Brand new album from long time mainstay of the Wackie's camp, Coozie Mellers. Great modern reggae album with a mix of rootsy and lovers vibes, including a couple more vintage digi style tracks, including the great "You Move" which we previously issued on single.

**Gangster Music Vol.3: The Most Gangster Music Trilogy of All Time Comes to a Triumphant Close**

Imagine curating a dream lineup of MCs and producers from every corner of the rap world—sounds impossible, right? Not for artist and illustrator Gangster Doodles, who has been bringing this vision to life for the past decade. Now, with “Gangster Music Vol.3”, the trilogy reaches its grand finale, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever before.

Gangster Doodles himself puts it best:
"It’s hard to believe that I’ve been actively working on this Gangster Music series for the past 10 years. The most gangster music trilogy of ALL TIME is almost complete!! And in my humble opinion Vol.3 is the most exciting out of the 3, both from a music standpoint (special shout-out to all my music heroes on Vol.3) and artistically speaking this is the most fun I’ve had in years”

Since launching Volume 1 in 2019 and following up with the second volume in 2022, Gangster Doodles has been shaping the Gangster Music series into a one-of-a-kind sonic universe—an unfiltered mix of underground titans, unsung legends, and rising stars. Volume 3 is the biggest installment yet, boasting a staggering 30 tracks that traverse the entire spectrum of rap and beat culture.

This time around, the lineup is as eclectic as ever. From legendary pioneers like Lee Perry and Tommy Wright III, to veteran producers such as Mr. Scruff and Peanut Butter Wolf, the album pays homage to hip-hop’s roots while pushing forward into fresh territory. The roster also includes established up-and-comers like Devin Morrison, Low Leaf, DJ Harrison, Quelle Chris, Homeboy Sandman, and Suzi Analogue, ensuring a mix of classic flavors and new-school innovation. The bubbling underground is well represented too, with artists like Raz Fresco, Atlanta’s 645AR, and Pro Era’s Chuck Strangers bringing their own distinct heat.

From pioneering SoundCloud rappers like Pouya to genre-bending composer John Carroll Kirby, from Birmingham’s Romderful to Chile’s RVYO, the album encapsulates a truly global soundscape, proving once again that Gangster Doodles’ ear for cutting-edge talent is second to none.

As always, the cover art is a vital piece of the puzzle. This time, Bootleg Garfield & Friends take center stage, bringing the same playful irreverence that has defined Gangster Doodles’ artwork for years. Fans are encouraged to engage, remix, and make the cover their own, staying true to the spirit of interactive creativity that has always fueled the series.

After years of meticulous curation, countless DMs, emails, and behind-the-scenes wrangling, Gangster Music Vol.3 is here to complete the trilogy in legendary fashion. Expect boundary-pushing beats, next-level lyricism, and a lineup that celebrates hip-hop in all its many forms.

“Thanks to everyone who’s actively supported and continues to tap-in. Believe & trust when I say I've got more dope stuff cookin’. STAY TUNED!! GANGSTER DOODLES 4EVER. 1LUV."

Gangster Music Vol.3 is out April 7th on All City. Stay tuned, stay tapped in, and get ready for the most gangster music experience yet.

Ira James continues the fine curation of his excellent Vessel Recordings label here with a pair of legends taking care of a new three-track EP. Doc Martin and Joeski are long-time house royalty and they open up here with 'Join Hands' which is low-slung tech with rolling drums and some majestic piano chords that light up things with real emotion next to a passionate vocal. 'It's Time' pairs things back and allows a nice live-sounding and funky bassline to shine under percussive drums and 'Roots' has more swing to it as organic sound effects and crunchy snares all add detail.

Russell / Guns marks the beginning of a fresh artistic partnership between legendary figures of Los Angeles Hard Rock: Jack Russell and Tracii Guns, accompanied by Johnny Martin, Shane Fitzgibbon and Alexxandro del Vecchio. For Jack Russell, this represents a long-awaited return to recording and new music, coming seven years after the release of "He Saw It Coming". Tracii Guns is a legend in his own right. He founded LA Guns in 1983, laying the foundation for one of the true giants of rock: Guns N' Roses.

After departing the band and reuniting with former Girl lead vocalist Phil Lewis to reform LA Guns, he signed with Vertigo Records and released 14 studio albums with the band. Jack and Tracii discovered a common thread in a collection of songs that draw from the bluesy power and heavy energy of their most celebrated material and roots, yet infused with a fresh, energetic drive and modern metallic production."Medusa" is an album that showcases the artistic integrity and commitment to Rock 'n' Roll from two extraordinary rock stars of the 80s and 90s.

LP + insert. A cosmically poetic duo playing Afro-Roots-Electro with a clear nod to spiritual jazz. Esinam Dogbatse (flute, synths, vocals, fx, percussion) | Sibusile Xaba (guitar, vocals, percussion).



ESINAM & Sibusile Xaba is a meeting of nomadic, wandering and kindred spirits in music. Both artists draw upon their ancestry: Belgian-Ghanaian(ESINAM) and Kwazulu Natal-South Africa (Sibusile Xaba) through a unique connection, a deep artistic and spiritual level, they use rhythms and grooves to translate stories to the audience. Their vocal chanting enhances trance to rhythmic patterns that grace us by melodies of the future and past.

On April 25th 2025, ESINAM & Sibsile Xaba will release their first joint album entitled 'Healing Voices'.

This album is a reflection of the kaleidoscopic multitude of musical inspirations running through the veins of two very talented solo artists. Both multi-instrumentalists, they provide many different layers to their music. Each track is a reflection of their cross-pollination. Musically inspired by Ghanaian Highlife and traditional songs from Zulu and Ewe culture, but with a distinct contemporary interpretation where their acoustic sound is enhanced by electronic gadgets.

As multi-instrumentalists, the two artists translate messages from their ancestors through rhythms and grooves. Their vocal chanting enhances trance to rhythmic patterns that grace us by melodies of the future and past.

Thanks to their Belgian-Ghanaian and South-African roots, they are unique in their being, strong in their union and connected on deep artistic and spiritual levels. The collaboration between ESINAM and Sibusile Xaba is bringing healing to body and soul.

In 2018 Esinam discovered Sibusile Xaba during his European (solo)tour. She was enchanted by his musical energy and craftsmanship and invited him as a vocal guest feature on the track 'Flowing River', from her debut album 'Shapes in Twilights of infinity'. When she was asked at the first edition of WOMAD Festival in South Africa if she wanted to collaborate with a 'local artist', she didn't have to think twice.

So in October 2022, Esinam and Sibusile seized this opportunity to dive into the rehearsal and recording studio, and discover and combine each other's musical universes to shape up new music together.

In May 2023 this collaboration continued with rehearsals, recordings and a first European tour with performances in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Germany and Slovenia.

In March 2024 they released the first single 'Africa Wola' out of the fothcoming album. In November 2024, they released a remix of their first single by South-African DJ and producer DaCapo and played at Visa for Music in Morocco.

Luke Titus is a Chicago-born drummer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his remarkable versatility and genre-spanning artistry. With deep roots in jazz and a knack for blending it seamlessly with experimental music, drum & bass, and beyond, Titus has earned a reputation as a world-class drummer and a dynamic force across the national musical landscape. Growing up in Chicago's vibrant music scene, Titus flourished alongside fellow young artists in the early 2010s. His work quickly positioned him as a key figure in the city's jazz, hip-hop, and R&B communities, leading to collaborations that propelled him to national recognition. Continue to follow the thread of Luke Titus' many contributions to jazz and alternative scenes across America, and what emerges is a singular weave between his roots in Chicago, LA and New York communities. From What Was Will Grow A Flower is the second LP from the prolific young songwriter and producer, codifying his many musical leanings into an emergent, nearly clairvoyant statement of musical intent. Blooming and innovative songwriting, effervescent vocal hooks, virtuosic instrumental passages, and meticulously studied production techniques abound. About the album, Titus says "This album is about spirituality and connectivity, both with the universe and the self, as told through my personal journey. It questions reality as a way to deepen one's connection to it. I dedicate this album not only to anyone who has been through hard times, but to anyone who relates to the cyclical nature of the human experience. And more than that, I dedicate this album to my mom." As a producer and songwriter, Titus' fingerprints can be found on numerous acclaimed projects, including Noname's Room 25, Luke Titus & Cisco Swank's Some Things Take Time, Orion Sun's Orion, and Ravyn Lenae's Hypnos. His co-production credits span across a roster of innovative talents like Steve Lacy, Monte Booker, Brian Sanborn, Teo Halm, Phoelix, Cisco Swank, Saba, Kiefer, Elijah Fox, and Itai Shapira. Titus has taken his talents to the global stage, performing at high-profile festivals and venues such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Pitchfork, Blue Note NYC, North Sea Jazz Fest, Smoking Grooves, Fuji Rock Festival, Blue Note Tokyo, and NYC Winter Jazz Fest, amongst many others.

Luke Titus is a Chicago-born drummer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his remarkable versatility and genre-spanning artistry. With deep roots in jazz and a knack for blending it seamlessly with experimental music, drum & bass, and beyond, Titus has earned a reputation as a world-class drummer and a dynamic force across the national musical landscape. Growing up in Chicago's vibrant music scene, Titus flourished alongside fellow young artists in the early 2010s. His work quickly positioned him as a key figure in the city's jazz, hip-hop, and R&B communities, leading to collaborations that propelled him to national recognition. Continue to follow the thread of Luke Titus' many contributions to jazz and alternative scenes across America, and what emerges is a singular weave between his roots in Chicago, LA and New York communities. From What Was Will Grow A Flower is the second LP from the prolific young songwriter and producer, codifying his many musical leanings into an emergent, nearly clairvoyant statement of musical intent. Blooming and innovative songwriting, effervescent vocal hooks, virtuosic instrumental passages, and meticulously studied production techniques abound. About the album, Titus says "This album is about spirituality and connectivity, both with the universe and the self, as told through my personal journey. It questions reality as a way to deepen one's connection to it. I dedicate this album not only to anyone who has been through hard times, but to anyone who relates to the cyclical nature of the human experience. And more than that, I dedicate this album to my mom." As a producer and songwriter, Titus' fingerprints can be found on numerous acclaimed projects, including Noname's Room 25, Luke Titus & Cisco Swank's Some Things Take Time, Orion Sun's Orion, and Ravyn Lenae's Hypnos. His co-production credits span across a roster of innovative talents like Steve Lacy, Monte Booker, Brian Sanborn, Teo Halm, Phoelix, Cisco Swank, Saba, Kiefer, Elijah Fox, and Itai Shapira. Titus has taken his talents to the global stage, performing at high-profile festivals and venues such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Pitchfork, Blue Note NYC, North Sea Jazz Fest, Smoking Grooves, Fuji Rock Festival, Blue Note Tokyo, and NYC Winter Jazz Fest, amongst many others.

Luke Titus is a Chicago-born drummer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his remarkable versatility and genre-spanning artistry. With deep roots in jazz and a knack for blending it seamlessly with experimental music, drum & bass, and beyond, Titus has earned a reputation as a world-class drummer and a dynamic force across the national musical landscape. Growing up in Chicago's vibrant music scene, Titus flourished alongside fellow young artists in the early 2010s. His work quickly positioned him as a key figure in the city's jazz, hip-hop, and R&B communities, leading to collaborations that propelled him to national recognition. Continue to follow the thread of Luke Titus' many contributions to jazz and alternative scenes across America, and what emerges is a singular weave between his roots in Chicago, LA and New York communities. From What Was Will Grow A Flower is the second LP from the prolific young songwriter and producer, codifying his many musical leanings into an emergent, nearly clairvoyant statement of musical intent. Blooming and innovative songwriting, effervescent vocal hooks, virtuosic instrumental passages, and meticulously studied production techniques abound. About the album, Titus says "This album is about spirituality and connectivity, both with the universe and the self, as told through my personal journey. It questions reality as a way to deepen one's connection to it. I dedicate this album not only to anyone who has been through hard times, but to anyone who relates to the cyclical nature of the human experience. And more than that, I dedicate this album to my mom." As a producer and songwriter, Titus' fingerprints can be found on numerous acclaimed projects, including Noname's Room 25, Luke Titus & Cisco Swank's Some Things Take Time, Orion Sun's Orion, and Ravyn Lenae's Hypnos. His co-production credits span across a roster of innovative talents like Steve Lacy, Monte Booker, Brian Sanborn, Teo Halm, Phoelix, Cisco Swank, Saba, Kiefer, Elijah Fox, and Itai Shapira. Titus has taken his talents to the global stage, performing at high-profile festivals and venues such as Lollapalooza, Coachella, Pitchfork, Blue Note NYC, North Sea Jazz Fest, Smoking Grooves, Fuji Rock Festival, Blue Note Tokyo, and NYC Winter Jazz Fest, amongst many others.

Pressed on Bio Mint Vinyl LP

Eluveitie, formed in 2002 by Chrigel Glanzmann, has consistently merged modern metal with Celtic musical traditions. Originating from the Swiss Alps and deeply rooted in Celtic history, mythology, and spirituality, the band has become a cornerstone of the modern metal scene.Their debut, "Vên" (2004), set the stage for a unique blend of melodic death metal and traditional folk. Subsequent albums like "Slania," "Everything Remains (As It Never Was)," "Helvetios," and "Origins" solidified their reputation. The acoustic albums "Evocation I – The Arcane Dominion" and "Evocation II – Pantheon" showcased their versatility.

In 2022, Eluveitie released the singles "Aidus" and "Exile of the Gods," marking a new chapter in their musical journey and thematical cycle pursuing the lyrical
concept opened by their last studio album "Ategnatos". These tracks were followed by the announcement of their upcoming album, "ÀNV," set for release in April 2025. The first single from this album, "Premonition," has just been unveiled, offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound.

Over the years, Eluveitie has undergone lineup changes, including their latest addition with Lea-Sophie Fischer on violin in May 2024. Despite these changes, the band's essence and soul remains untouched. With nine studio albums, numerous tours all around the globe, and headline shows worldwide, Eluveitie continues to be a dynamic force in the metal genre.

As they approach the release of "ÀNV", Eluveitie remains committed to their roots while exploring new musical horizons. Coming as one of their most profound and earnest albums, "ÀNV" presents a result of more than 20 years of intense involvement with Celtic mythology and spirituality, translating deeply pagan knowledge for a modern generation.

Eluveitie's journey reflects a dedication to authenticity and innovation, ensuring their place as a defining presence in modern metal.

This project by Manu Dibango, the legendary saxophonist and pioneer of Afro-fusion jazz, delves into a musical universe where the saxophone becomes the voice of a spiritual and introspective quest. Sax & Spirituals Lamastabastani merges jazz, gospel, and African influences to weave a dialogue between sacred traditions and modern expressions.

With this work, Dibango pays tribute to the spiritual roots of music while reaffirming his commitment to sonic innovation. The project's minimalist and meditative approach speaks to both the soul and the senses, offering a musical experience imbued with depth and humanity.

Hermon Mehari and Tony Tixier first met in 2010, in their early twenties, in a club on Paris's Rue des Lombards for a concert with saxophonist Rodolphe Lauretta. Over the next decade, the two musicians took opposite paths, while continuing to collaborate on two continents. The American trumpeter moved to France to discover European culture and the world cultures that coexist there, while the Parisian pianist of Martinican origin spent several years in the USA, immersing himself in the roots of jazz and Afro-American music.



In June 2024, the two musicians, who had been working for fifteen years on numerous albums and collaborations, and whose musical understanding had continued to be forged in clubs, festivals, and on recordings, met again for a duet at the TOC-TOC festival in the Puisaye region, where Antoine Rajon was a collaborator. Enthusiastic about the idea, the artistic director of the KOMOS label invited them back to his home in this corner of Burgundy to record this Fender Rhodes/trumpet formula. He called on sound engineer Christian Hierro, who traveled with his mobile studio for the album recording, then mixed and produced the master in his studio in Lyon, using the best analog equipment and his expert ear.



At dusk on November 12, 2024, the duo played eight tracks in a single, direct take on a 33-minute magnetic tape.



Four unusual cover versions were carefully chosen. "Maimoun" is a composition emblematic of pianist Stanley Cowell's style, also recorded by Marion Brown. George Duke's "The Black Messiah" was captured live by Cannonball Adderley's band on an album of the same name but has never been released as a studio version. "Hello To The Wind" was created by Bobby Hutcherson in 1969, sung by Eugene McDaniels. Finally, "Laini," dedicated by the great Martinican pianist Marius Cultier to one of his daughters, is a mazurka dear to Tony's heart.



Each of the musicians also contributed a composition: Hermon with "This Is Our Fantasy," written especially for the session, and Tony with "Poem For The Oppressed," a moving composition with an explicit title. Lastly, the duo improvised two tracks, without repetition, in mutual symbiosis and echo.

SOUL SONG captures a moment without enhancement, transformation, or additives, far removed from contemporary virtual technologies.

Blues Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated, Memphis-based family band plays original, modern soul and roots music that is uplifting and timeless. The first single "Found A Friend In You," was released last September and charted at Triple A radio, seeing ads at format stalwarts like WFUV/New York, . The release of the track coincided with a 9-date run on the Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson headlined Outlaw Music Festival. In addition to the excellent exposure these shows afforded Southern Avenue, Willie was knocked out by the Jackson sisters' singing and had them sing backup during his set. Not only that, Bob watched their performance from the side of the stage and consented to have his photograph taken with them. On "Family," their fourth album and first for Alligator, the band unleashes one musically memorable performance after another, all delivered with soul-healing power. From triumphant opener Long Is The Road to the emotionally resonant Found A Friend In You to the raucous Rum Boogie, the music is a vibrant blend of Memphis soul and blues, warm sister harmonies, and positive messages reminiscent of The Staple Singers. From the irresistible Upside to the fierce determination of Flying to the closing, ruminative We Are, Family unveils hard-hitting, universal truths about the unshakable power of togetherness.

LA-based composer/producer/guitarist Dustin Wong returns to Hausu Mountain with Gloria, his third album on the label since 2018. Wong has established a multifaceted career over the last two decades that encompasses his solo work centered around guitar performance and live looping, roles as a guitarist in Baltimore-based bands Ponytail and Ecstatic Sunshine, and a wide catalog of collaborations with artists including Takako Minekawa, Good Willsmith, and Patrick Shiroishi. In composing his solo music, Wong has always transmuted his own life experiences into the thematic source material for emotionally resonant works rippling with fine-grain details and intricate looping architectures. With Gloria, the composer channels specific memories and pieces of his family history into a deeply personal narrative arc focused on his grandmother Gloria Violet Lee Wong, who passed away in January 2024, just shy of her 96th birthday. Using a road trip they took together down the west coast of America in 2023 as the direct inspiration for the individual scenes and flashes of imagery that form the album’s continuously unfolding structure, Wong presents Gloria as a memorial to her storied life and a celebration of the warmth and kindness that characterized their close relationship. A moment-to-moment travelogue that zooms out in its full scope to evoke a multi-generational memoir that spans decades and continents, Gloria gives Wong space to open his heart and uncover his roots — all while experimenting with new techniques in live performance and sound design that lead his music into territories that he has never before explored.

All Bad, the latest album from Nick Shoulders, ultimately encapsulates everything that makes Shoulders’ inimitable form of country music so vital: a heady balance of dazzling musicianship and punk defiance, coupled with gritty eccentricity and a generational connection to the roots of the genre. With a singing style inherited from his family’s vocal lineage, Nick’s songs achieve the rare feat of imparting difficult truths while inciting a certain joyful abandon, balancing a sound forged by years of hard travel with a heartfelt reverence for the origins of country music. In the spirit of Hazel Dickens and Jimmy Driftwood, the incisive yet wildly jubilant All Bad vocally objects to the reckless destruction of the natural landscape and development run rampant, while still offering plenty of joy and dance-ready rhythms. Spanning a variety of early country styles, the album’s infectious harmonies shine alongside everything from jangling cajun waltzes to surf-rock infused bluesy ballads–all tied together by a voice seemingly out of place in this century, yet ever ready to speak up about its problems.

Released via Gar Hole Records (a label founded and co-owned by Shoulders), All Bad marks the first LP made with his longtime band, the Okay Crawdad, since 2019’s premier full-length Okay, Crawdad and their subsequent pandemic-imposed hiatus. After writing most of the album from the front seat of a tour van, the Fayetteville, AR-based musician and bandmates Grant D’Aubin (harmonies/bass), Cheech Moosekian (drums) and Jack Studer (lead guitar) recorded the album in a home studio on the banks of the mississippi river with New Orleans collaborators Ross Farbe and Sam Doores.

Wielding an ethereal croon and masterful whistle crafted from a lifetime chasing lizards through the Ozark hills, Nick Shoulders is a living link to roots of country music with a penchant for the absurd. Combining his family's deep ties to regional traditional singing with his years of playing to crowded street corners, Nick has sought to forge a hybridized form of raucously clever country music; born of forgotten rocky hollers and bred to confront the tensions of the 21st century South. As evidenced by his surreal album art and anachronistic songwriting, Nick’s creative output is steeped in the complicated history of his beloved home of rural Arkansas, but crafted as a conscious rebuke of country music’s blind allegiance to historical seats of power and repression. With a kind word and a mean yodel, Nick hopes to put the ‘Try’ in country.

A cry out against the withering void of listless Americana, Okay, Crawdad, is the fledgling full-length album from Nick Shoulders and company. A two-step laden dose of indignation, loss and profound elation, the album is inspired as much by the chaos and decadence of south Louisiana as it is the rural sounds of yesteryear from which it sprang. Despite a pandemic-inspired relocation to his home in the Natural State, New Orleans and its community helped meld the forces at play on the album; pitting an adherence to tradition and refusal to conform against each other with grand results. Embracing the mania of the podunk zeitgeist while seeking to enfranchise the meek, Nick Shoulders is here to stay.

In a decidedly experimental approach, Brain Damage and Emiko Ota unveil a new vision of dub, reinventing the unexpected. While the sound treatment techniques inherent to the genre remain-evolving mixes, echoes, reverbs, and bass frequencies that are almost palpable-the Anglo-Jamaican roots of the style have indeed been replaced, re-conceptualized, recomposed, and rewritten. The duo seems to engage in a musical dialogue using a novel language, tinged with Japanese spoken word, creating moments of rare intensity, as unpredictable as they are hypnotic. By allowing for controlled improvisation, Brain Damage and Emiko Ota recreate the tracks of their latest album at each performance, oscillating between introspection and exaltation. With post-dub as the pretext, they once again explore, captivate, and surprise. For fans of: Massive Attack, Björk, Lee Scratch Perry... POST-DUB. With 16 soon 17 albums and nearly 900 concerts since 1999, French dub pioneer Brain Damage collaborates with artists like Horace Andy, Big Youth, Groundation and more recently with Mad Professor and Emiko Ota. Alongside his many productions showcasing his incredible vitality and unbridled creativity, the intensity of his live performances has earned him a strong international reputation.

Mikey Dread's Roots and Culture for the first time on 7” inches.
B Side with Foxy Brown – Oh Yeah.
FOR PROMOTIONAL USE

Koinè is the new album by Pellegrino & Zodyaco, a record that explores the desire to escape by interpreting it as an act of emancipation, an aimless journey in search of creative freedom. The demonstration that escapism, when it is conscious, can bring us back to the heart of things. Inspired by Éloge de la fuite by Henri Laborit, the album embarks on a journey to discover a “common language” (Koinè), blending Neapolitan roots with a global and contemporary musical vision. It blends melodic traditions with disco, funk, jazz fusion, and world music, experimenting with vintage instruments, ethnic percussion, and Mediterranean atmospheres. Pellegrino, a pioneer of the “new school” Neapolitan sound, after 4 years since his last LP “Morphé” (2020) continues the path started with Zodyaco I (2018), painting an authentic portrait of modern Naples and celebrating musical contamination as a form of creative euphoria.

Percussion mastermind Ploy arrives on Dekmantel with a double-pack of unbridled dancefloor heat that sees him reconnecting with his house roots.

Before he made a striking breakthrough as Ploy with wayward broken techno for Hessle Audio and Timedance, Samuel Smith's first releases as Samuel were leftfield house excursions. On this release for Dekmantel he wanted to reflect on a decade of releasing music and the many high-impact dancefloors he's shared with the label, from Selectors to De School, over the years.

The common denominator across these eight tracks is no-nonsense house, offering up grooves that will serve a DJ exactly what they want in the mix. At the same time, Ploy doesn't dilute the distinctive edge of his sound, from the abundance of perfectly balanced percussion to the nagging hooks of an off-key synth line dropped at just the right moment. Wry samples inject the mischievous humour he's always creeping into his craft. This is where dancefloor magic is nurtured, hitting the sweet spot between rock solid reliability and the wild card energy that brings a heads-down set to life.

From 'Admirer's big room peaks to 'It's Later Than You Think's cosmic incantations, this is the sound of Ploy showing exactly what it takes to make laser-focused club bombs without losing one iota of his inimitable style.

Rhiannon Giddens reunites with her former Carolina Chocolate Drops bandmate Justin Robinson on What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, an album of North Carolina fiddle and banjo music. Produced by Giddens and Joseph "joebass" DeJarnette, the album features Giddens on banjo and Robinson on fiddle, with the duo playing eighteen of their favourite North Carolina tunes: a mix of instrumentals and tunes with words.

Many were learned from their late mentor, the legendary North Carolina Piedmont musician Joe Thompson; one is from another musical hero, the late Etta Baker, from whom they also learned by listening to recordings of her playing. Giddens and Robinson recorded the album outdoors and on location at Thompson’s and Baker’s North Carolina homes, as well as the former plantation Mill Prong House. They were accompanied by the sounds of nature, including two different broods of cicadas, which had not emerged simultaneously since 1803, creating a true once-in-a-lifetime soundscape. The duo, along with four other string musicians including the multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell, will embark on the Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue North America tour in April.

“With the assaults on reality going on in the world today, we wanted to offer another kind of record, like walking back onto a gravel or dirt road while a stampede goes the other way,” Giddens says. “With the cicada choir, this record could’ve only happened at a certain time in the last 120 years. We doubled down on place, time, realness, and old-fashioned front porch music. It’s a reminder that another way exists, with music made for your community’s enjoyment and for dancing–not solely for commercial purposes.

“What is the role of music in our society?” she wonders. “How do we de-couple it from unfettered capitalism, where music is a product and musicians are incidental? How do we use the tools and system that we have been bequeathed in a way that reminds us of other ways of being?” Robinson adds, "Recording this album felt like being back in the saddle. Just this time Joe is not here, and his fiddle is under my chin. The album is about home, the cicadas, the storms, the music, and the people who make it feel like home."

Thompson was one of the last musicians of his era and his community to carry on the southern Black string band tradition. He played a crucial role in the lives of Giddens and Robinson, who, along with their Carolina Chocolate Drops bandmate Dom Flemons, spent their formative years learning from Thompson in traditional apprentice/mentor relationships. His influence has guided all of their artistic journeys as well as their mission to keep the legacy of the Black string band tradition alive.

In further tribute to Giddens’ North Carolina roots, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow will arrive just a week before Biscuits & Banjos, the inaugural edition of her first festival, which highlights the deep roots and enduring legacy of Black music, art, and culture while fostering community and storytelling. The sold-out festival will feature a much-anticipated Carolina Chocolate Drops reunion, their first performance together in more than a decade.

Als Warped Tour Pop-Punk und American Apparel Indie-Rock das seltsame Post-Y2K-Milieu Gitarren-Band-Milieu dominierten, lieferten Bostons Karate einen fesselnden Schuss Rock, der sich ständig zwischen verschiedenen Schattierungen von unterirdischen Klängen bewegte. Die ruhigen Momente auf Karates viertem Album haben viel von der alten, ungezügelten Intensität, verwoben mit gedämpften Jazz-Melodien und Slowcore-Zurückhaltung. Diese 25-jährige Jubiläumsausgabe von Unsolved entspricht der Originalpressung aus dem Jahr 2000 und enthält auf Seite D die zwei Tracks der "Death Kit" 7" und den Song von der Crownhate Ruin Splitsingle.