quête:the leg

"The ‘Invite me, kindly (Double EP)’ features the band’s debut EP ‘A Thousand Times’ and the band’s sophomore work 'Invite me, kindly'.
‘Invite me, kindly’ is about accepting people who have hurt you before, letting your doubts leave you and feeling free, written with the real and authentic voice of a band barely out of their teens yet already
sharing stages with the likes of Royal Blood, Queens of the Stone Age and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The EP features singles 'Drop', 'Phone Machine' and 'High Tea'. Mixed by Alan Moulder (Wet Leg, Arctic Monkeys). Praise for ‘A Thousand Times’ NME' | ‘A band primed to thrill the world’ LOUDER THAN WAR | ’Surely the best debut of the year’ ... ''They make Hole sound like the fucking Carpenters!'

DORK | ‘A viciously searing and uncompromising statement of intent’ "

Santa Chiara is the solo project of Italian musician, Chiara D’Anzieri, who officially moved to the United States in January 2020. Born in Turin, Italy she began her career as a classical cellist at the age of 10. After years spent touring with various orchestras throughout Europe she decided to explore other instruments, songwriting and producing and began working in recording studios near her hometown in Italy.

“IMPORTED” is her first collection of songs written in English and will come out on legendary indie label, Kill Rock Stars in the fall of 2023. The record talks about her experience becoming an immigrant, leaving her home country, adapting to her new country, discovering her new life in Nashville, growing and asking herself questions about her existence and the meaning of life. She plays most of the instruments on the record herself with guests Ron Gallo, Dominic Billett (Courtney Marie Andrews, Julia Jacklin, Faye Webster), Jerry Bernhardt (Courtney Marie Andrews) and Eric Slick (Dr. Dog).

Sophie Lloyd is one of the most prolific guitarists on the world wide web,
a trailblazer who is redefining the concept of a "bedroom" guitarist
A talented composer and accomplished musician, Sophie graduated from the
prestigious BIMM in 2018 with a First Class Honours BMus in Popular Music
Performance, honing and refining a talent she has nurtured since childhood.
Since then, she has amassed the kind of following that even the guitar gods she
grew up idolizing would be envious of, with a reach surpassing 3 million followers
across her social channels, built through a steady stream of sharing her talent via
guitar "shredleys", covers and her own original material.
In addition to her own content, Sophie's talent and popularity has led to
collaborations with brands such as Amazon Prime, Hard Rock Cafe, LiveNation
and Harley Davidson, her own Guitar course on Truefire and a stunning
performance at Paris Fashion Week for Redemption Brand Clothing.
She has also released her own signature guitar, becoming the first female artist to
do so for exclusive Californian Guitar maker KIESEL.
Most recently, Sophie could be seen shredding on stage as guitarist for multiplatinum recording artist Machine Gun Kelly on his recent Mainstream Sellout
World Tour, which included sold out shows at legendary venues such Madison
Square Garden in New York and Wembley Arena in London.

Vinyl re-issue of the 2017 album. Norwegian power trio Bokassa fuse riffs and grooves into a hook-laden Molotov Rocktail of punk, hardcore, metal, and rock. In 2019 they were handpicked by Lars Ulrich to support Metallica alongside Ghost on their summer stadium tour all over Europe, UK and Russia. The legendary drummer hailed them as "his favourite new band" and described them as "Insanely fucking cool" after hearing the trio's first album Divide & Conquer.

Divide & Conquer is Bokassas self-released debut full length. A noisy no comprimise of an album that made it onto Metal Hammer UK´s list over the best debut of 2017, was called one of the most important Norwegian albums of the 2010s by Gaffa, and of course attracted drummer Lars Ulrich who invited the ba

Vinyl re-issue of the 2017 album. Norwegian power trio Bokassa fuse riffs and grooves into a hook-laden Molotov Rocktail of punk, hardcore, metal, and rock. In 2019 they were handpicked by Lars Ulrich to support Metallica alongside Ghost on their summer stadium tour all over Europe, UK and Russia. The legendary drummer hailed them as "his favourite new band" and described them as "Insanely fucking cool" after hearing the trio's first album Divide & Conquer.

Divide & Conquer is Bokassas self-released debut full length. A noisy no comprimise of an album that made it onto Metal Hammer UK´s list over the best debut of 2017, was called one of the most important Norwegian albums of the 2010s by Gaffa, and of course attracted drummer Lars Ulrich who invited the ba

Man With A Gun is the debut long player from Singaporean prog and funk group Funkgus. It has a famously enigmatic toxic blue jacket that lurks you in and musically it is no less intriguing. As well as a passionate cover of King Curtis's 'Memphis Soul Stew' there are plenty of supremely psychedelic sounds. The opener is steeped in funky bass riffs with rock-tinged drum breaks and plenty of raw vocals and from there the grooves come thick and fast, often with plenty of texture and charismatic vocals such as on 'Spill The Wine' and the leggy, expressive sounds of 'Everyday People' with its twisted wah wah guitars.

Im zehnten Jahr des Bestehens von Diabolic Night veröffentlicht Heavy Steeler ein zweites Album, das sein Soloprojekt nicht nur endgültig definiert, sondern auch die Grenzen dessen verschiebt, was die Szene als reine Lehre des Blackened Speed Metal bestimmt hat.

Der zurückgezogen lebende Nordrhein-Westfale verfeinerte sein Handwerk im Laufe eines Demo, einer Single und einer Mini-LP, ehe er Ende 2019 sein Debütalbum "Beyond the Realm" veröffentlichte, das von der Kritik hochgelobt wurde, und legte damit die Grundstein für die Dinge fest, die da noch kommen sollten.

"Ein Wunsch, den ich schon in jungen Jahren hegte, war, eine zusammenhängende Geschichte zu schreiben, die in einer fiktiven Welt spielt, in der der Zuhörer von der ersten bis zur letzten Sekunde gefesselt ist", erklärt Heavy Steeler und betont, dass die gegenwärtige Realität vor der rein eskapistischen Erfahrung in den Hintergrund rückt. Daher ist "Beneath the Crimson Prophecy" noch themenbezogener als sein lose konzeptioneller Vorgänger.

Atmosphärisch weist das neue Material eine etwas düsterere Rüstung auf, ohne die Vorzüge zu vernachlässigen, für die der Multi.Instrumentalist, Komponist und Sänger bekannt geworden ist: NWoBHM-beeinflusste Leadgitarren wie im Ohrwurm "Pandemonium" oder in "Starlit Skies" mit seinen süchtig machenden, mitsingbaren Melodien, frostige Tremolos direkt aus dem Skandinavien der frühen 90er sowie unverkennbares halsbrecherisches Schlagzeugspiel wie aus dem Ruhrgebiet Mitte der 80er Jahre und gebellte Vocals.

Dennoch hat das Ganze einen epischen Touch, der die Erzählstruktur hervorhebt und von Heavy Steelers kompromissloser Vision zeugt. Die Songs wurden erneut mit dem bewährten Drummer Christhunter in drei verschiedenen Studios aufgenommen und mit einem weiteren eindrucksvollen Cover von Adam Burke (Angel Witch, Portrait) geschmückt. Sie schreien danach, auf der Bühne performt zu werden, was natürlich mit einer kompletten Live-Besetzung geschehen wird. Tatsächlich ist es jetzt an der Zeit, einen Blick auf das zu werfen, was "Beneath the Crimson Prophecy" liegt…

Im zehnten Jahr des Bestehens von Diabolic Night veröffentlicht Heavy Steeler ein zweites Album, das sein Soloprojekt nicht nur endgültig definiert, sondern auch die Grenzen dessen verschiebt, was die Szene als reine Lehre des Blackened Speed Metal bestimmt hat.

Der zurückgezogen lebende Nordrhein-Westfale verfeinerte sein Handwerk im Laufe eines Demo, einer Single und einer Mini-LP, ehe er Ende 2019 sein Debütalbum "Beyond the Realm" veröffentlichte, das von der Kritik hochgelobt wurde, und legte damit die Grundstein für die Dinge fest, die da noch kommen sollten.

"Ein Wunsch, den ich schon in jungen Jahren hegte, war, eine zusammenhängende Geschichte zu schreiben, die in einer fiktiven Welt spielt, in der der Zuhörer von der ersten bis zur letzten Sekunde gefesselt ist", erklärt Heavy Steeler und betont, dass die gegenwärtige Realität vor der rein eskapistischen Erfahrung in den Hintergrund rückt. Daher ist "Beneath the Crimson Prophecy" noch themenbezogener als sein lose konzeptioneller Vorgänger.

Atmosphärisch weist das neue Material eine etwas düsterere Rüstung auf, ohne die Vorzüge zu vernachlässigen, für die der Multi.Instrumentalist, Komponist und Sänger bekannt geworden ist: NWoBHM-beeinflusste Leadgitarren wie im Ohrwurm "Pandemonium" oder in "Starlit Skies" mit seinen süchtig machenden, mitsingbaren Melodien, frostige Tremolos direkt aus dem Skandinavien der frühen 90er sowie unverkennbares halsbrecherisches Schlagzeugspiel wie aus dem Ruhrgebiet Mitte der 80er Jahre und gebellte Vocals.

Dennoch hat das Ganze einen epischen Touch, der die Erzählstruktur hervorhebt und von Heavy Steelers kompromissloser Vision zeugt. Die Songs wurden erneut mit dem bewährten Drummer Christhunter in drei verschiedenen Studios aufgenommen und mit einem weiteren eindrucksvollen Cover von Adam Burke (Angel Witch, Portrait) geschmückt. Sie schreien danach, auf der Bühne performt zu werden, was natürlich mit einer kompletten Live-Besetzung geschehen wird. Tatsächlich ist es jetzt an der Zeit, einen Blick auf das zu werfen, was "Beneath the Crimson Prophecy" liegt…

Limitierte Auflage einer durchscheinenden, rubinroten Doppel-Vinyl-LP-Pressung. Das Besondere an Mojo ist, dass es live im legendären Proberaum der Band, "The Clubhouse" in Los Angeles, aufgenommen wurde. Es gibt keine Overdubs oder Studiotricksereien. Was Sie hören, ist das, was Tom und die Heartbreakers zu diesem Zeitpunkt live geschaffen haben. Im Jahr 2010 sagte Tom Petty: "Mit diesem Album möchte ich anderen Leuten zeigen, was ich mit der Band höre. Mojo ist der Ort, an dem die Band lebt, wenn sie für sich selbst spielt." Die Songs auf Mojo reichen von Rock 'n' Roll über Country, elektrischen und akustischen Blues bis hin zu klassischen, stimmungsvollen Balladen. Das Album enthält den Hit "I Should Have Known It" und Fan-Favoriten wie "Good Enough", "First Flash Of Freedom", "Something Good Coming" und "No Reason To Cry". Diese limitierte Auflage erscheint anlässlich der Feierlichkeiten zu Toms Geburtstag.

Eins ist schon lange klar: U.D.O. machen keine halben Sachen und haben auch nach über 35 Jahren Bandgeschichte kein Stück Kraft verloren! Durch hunderte von Shows weltweit - bis hin in die entlegendsten Gebiete Russlands oder Südamerikas - und einer Diskografie von über 20 Alben, hat die Band jedes Mal bewiesen, dass sie nicht nur in den nationalen, sondern internationalen Metalolymp gehören. Alben wie „Steelfactory“, „Man And Machine“ oder „Animal House“ sind zeitlose Alben - präzise, druckvoll, eingängig und kraftgeladen. Fast jedes Album schaffte es in die deutschen Albumcharts mit der ein oder anderen Platzierung in den Top 10! Nicht umsonst sind nationale und internationale, prominente Kollegen wie Doro oder Lordi Anhänger und Unterstützer von U.D.O.'s Musik.
Keine Frage, dass man dem Propheten des deutschen Metal einen weiteren Tribut zollen muss und die Highlights dieser erfolgreichen Karriere auf einem Tonträger zusammenfasst. Insgesamt 33 Tracks von Alben wie Mastercutor, Holy, Solid oder Game Over gepaart nostalgischen Fotos machen nicht nur für alte Fans der Band diese Compilation zu einem Muss im Platteschrank.

Rediscover all his first great songs that made the legend of the American songwriter on a nice picture disc vinyl. Including : "Talkin" New York", "Song to Woody"...

Der vielschichtige schottische Künstler und Musiker Barry Can’t Swim veröffentlicht sein Debütalbum, „When Will We Land?“, auf Ninja Tune. Das elf Tracks lange Album, bewegt sich von Deep House bis Jazz, von Ambience bis zur perkussiven Ladung Afrobeat und ist sein bisher umfassendstes und vielfältigstes Projekt. Alles wird durch seinen einzigartigen Sinn für Zielstrebigkeit und die typische Lebhaftigkeit zusammengehalten; mit seiner geschickten Finesse ist es ein Album, das als eine Art musikalische Autobiografie fungiert.

Der in Edinburgh geborene Musiker erregte 2020 mit einer Reihe von Veröffentlichungen Aufmerksamkeit, bevor er beim Ninja-Tune-Label Technicolor für seine sensationelle EP „More Content“ aus dem Jahr 2022 unterschrieb. Billboard ernannte ihn zu einem ihrer „10 Dance Artists To Watch“, während die Single „Blackpool Boulevard“ auf der Playlist von BBC Radio 1 landete – der Radio-Legende Pete Tong war begeistert, während Tastemaker:innen wie The Blessed Madonna und Annie Mac große Fans wurden. „Man kann sein Debütalbum nur einmal machen.“, betont Barry Can’t Swim. „Deshalb möchte ich alle Elemente der Dinge präsentieren, die mir bis jetzt an der Musik Spaß machen.

Obwohl "Exile In Guyville" 1993 beim Publikum nicht gerade einschlug wie eine Bombe, wurde Liz Phairs Debütalbum von der Kritik sehr gut aufgenommen. Heute gilt es als ein feministischer Meilenstein der Rockgeschichte, der zahlreichen Songwriterinnen und Sängerinnen den Weg bereitete. Der Albumtitel ist eine Anspielung auf "Exile On Main Street" von den Rolling Stones - "Guyville" steht für die männlich-dominierte Indie-Szene Chicagos, wo Phair zu der Zeit lebte. Die Platte erwarb über die Jahre hinweg einen legendären Ruf und findet sich in diversen Bestenlisten. Zum Beispiel führt das "Rolling Stone"-Magazin "Exile In Guyville" in den 500 besten Alben aller Zeiten sowie in den Top 100 der 90er. "Pitchfork" setzte die Platte sogar auf Platz 5 der 100 besten Veröffentlichungen der Neunziger. Außerdem fand das Werk Eingang in zahlreiche Essays. 1998 erlangte das Werk Goldstatus in den USA. Für die Neuauflage besorgte Emily Lazar (The Lodge) ein soundtechnisches Update.

"Pluto" war das erste Album des Rappers Future, das 2012 veröffentlicht wurde. Es war ein visionäres Studioalbum, das den Rapper aus Atlanta zu einem der größten Influencer im US-Rap der 2010er Jahre machte. Das Album erreichte wenige Monate später Goldstatus und legte mit dem Hit "Turn On The Lights" und Featurings mit Drake oder Snoop Doog den Grundstein für seinen Erfolg. Jetzt erhältlich als Doppel-Vinyl.

Discos Perdidos - which translates as Lost Records - is a new series started by Lisbon label Paraiso, dedicated entirely to releasing archival music that, for a reason or another, never saw the light of day. The first outing on this adventure into the unknown is by none other than the legendary portugal-born, london-based techno instigator The Advent aka Cisco Ferreira. The three tracks on this EP were written in 1998 and were meant to be released on a label that another Portuguese techno legend - Jiggy - meant to start running, but other projects got in the way. Fast forward to early 2023, Jiggy showed the Paraiso crew the DATs containing these gems - immediately entrancing - and both him and The Advent agreed to give Discos Perdidos the honours of putting them out. Titled Shiolas, this three-tracker opens with 'Don't Do It', a relentless techno banger that, albeit its four to the floor drum pattern, feels swingy thanks to cleverly programmed percussion and claps. A concise but extremely effective bassline and synth lead guides the energetic smasher, with cut-up vocals, timely placed filters and hi hats giving it a final shimmer. It's followed by the Piano Mix, with an equally strong and raw arrangement and a new element - an alien, sound-sculpted piano that gives it an extra sense of urgency. The closing track 'Jacker' has more abstract leanings, although similarly dancefloor-ready, featuring an off-kilter yet driving conversation between stabs and bells in a display of expertly crafted dubby yet visceral sound design. A piece of dance music history is recovered - techno is now a story told more accurately.

"Stratosphere", Dusters Debütalbum aus dem Jahr 1998, das man sich am besten schon im Mutterleib anhört, hat die erste Welle des Slow Core gleichzeitig beendet und neu erfunden. Eine vierspurige Traumlandschaft, die die Nachbarn aufweckt und sie dann wieder in den Schlaf wiegt. Trübe, arpeggierte Gitarren legen sich über einen bedächtigen Schlagzeuger, der keinen wirklichen Platz hat, während halb hörbare Vocals vor dem Unwohlsein der Jahrtausendwende warnen und den Hörer subtil ermutigen, "rock out, rock out, rock out, rock out." Diese foliengeprägte und nummerierte 25.Jubiläumsausgabe erscheint auf LP, CD und Kassette. Die LP-Editionen werden auf 180G-Vinyl gepresst und enthalten ein Textblatt und ein Poster. Die CD- und Kassette-Editionen kommen mit einem zusätzlichen Track, 'Echo Bravo'.

‘Reach For The Sun’, their debut album, helmed by produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Circa Survive) cemented ‘The Dangerous Summer’ in the Pop-Punk scene.  Blending melodic rock, pop-punk and emo, lyricist and vocalist AJ Perdomo explored a wide range of themes in ‘Reach For The Sun’, including love (‘Never Feel Alone’), life (‘Settle Down’), death (‘The Permanent Rain’), the past, the future.  What makes ‘Reach For the Sun’ truly remarkable is its universal appeal and resonance. The album consistently garners recognition on lists of essential pop-punk and emo releases, often being mentioned alongside legendary records by Green Day, Paramore and Sunny Day Real Estate.  For fans of Taking Back Sunday, The Starting Line, The Wonder Years

Marcus Belgrave's Gemini II album has never been reissued before with the original artwork, but here it comes with a Japanese Obi-strip and featuring prominent musicians and legends like Wendell Harrison, Phil Ranelin, Roy Brooks and Harold McKinney. This is a diverse record with plenty of spirituality and a loud and proud sense of blackness. The standout tune 'Space Odyssey' is the best known, not least because it was later covered by pioneering Detroit techno talent Carl Craig. Next to that tense cosmic workout are two parts of 'Gun Finger' which are both horn led and upbeat grooves, the seductive sounds of the title tune and free-bop jam 'Marcia's Opal'. 'Odoms Cave' is a tender and introverted closer.

Quantize Recordings proudly present a special 12-inch release from the master John Morales, as he remakes two of Curtis Hairston’s biggest tracks ‘I Want Your Lovin’ and ‘I Want You All Tonight’, to bring that mid ‘80s brilliance to the modern dancefloor.

Master of the boogie sound, Hairston had many a hit both as a solo artist and as part of the legendary BB&Q Band. Mid-tempo groovers, laced with funk-fuelled basslines, cosmic synths and strutting guitars, tied together with Hairston’s luscious vocals, ‘I Want Your Lovin’ and ‘I Want You All Tonight’ are shining examples of boogie at it’s best.

Fast forward to 2023 and the masterful John Morales, who originally mixed ‘I Want You (All Tonight)’ alongside Sergio Munzibai, unlocks the vaults to the multitracks, creating four brand new mixes. Teaming up with one of the original writers and producer of both tracks Greg Radford to replay and reconstruct elements that have been lost over time. The result, a wondrously weighty vocal and dub mix of each of these certified classics that retain all that disco-channelling greatness whilst adding an extra punch and brightness that will rock any modern dance floor they’re put before.

Cala Tarida Musica is thrilled to present this summer anthem collaboration by some esteemed Balearic residents. 'Residentes Balearicos' team up with legendary Ibizan DJ Alfredo and include new unreleased vinyl exclusive remixes from Chris Coco and SIRS. 'Sundown' features an infectious vocal that seamlessly fuses dub influences with a nostalgic old-school house groove. This EP is guaranteed to get your dance floor moving.

DJ support: DJ Nova / RodonFM Greece, Luca Averna / Pikes Ibiza, Leo Mas, Chris Coco, SIRS, Adam Warped / STRANGE DAYS radio show, Andy Wilson, Ibiza Sonica, Nancy Noise, Problematic Disko, Tomi Chair.

Jorja Smith is officially back. Further to making a recent return to the musical sphere with her singles ‘Try Me’ and ‘Little Things’, today she has confirmed the details of her highly anticipated second album, ‘falling or flying’, set for release globally on September 29th 2023 via FAMM and available to pre-order now - here.

Alongside the announcement, Jorja has also unveiled the album's poignant artwork; a stunning portrait of her, shot on film by the prestigious British photographer, Liz Johnson Artur. In addition, Jorja has also announced a series of UK live shows in September, commemorating the release of the album. Further details below.

Through her new record, Jorja has delivered an undeniable modern classic, effortlessly condensing any number of disparate styles and genres into music which thrillingly broaches any gap between Jazz, Soul, R&B and Funky House. A bold, brave and courageous leap forward from her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Lost and Found’ - ‘falling or flying’ is an album that speaks to the musical and emotional era where Jorja is now, and how she got here. It isn’t so much an exploration of how she’s found herself but more a statement that she has arrived, and that her understanding of her life, her relationships, and her feelings, have deepened, matured and crystallised as she enters her twenty six year. ‘And despite it all,’ she says, ‘it's definitely a journey I've just started. That's what's crazy.

It's only just begun.’ Sonically, this album, a no-skips body of work, isn’t like anything you’ve heard before. It sits masterfully in this same space of excitement, self-exploration and self-assertion that Jorja does. Compromised of deep, thumping drums, racing basslines, irresistible hooks and distinctive beats, ‘falling or flying’ runs at the same pace that Jorja’s mind does. ‘I don't slow down enough’ she says. ‘This album is like my brain. There’s always so much going on but each song is definitely a standstill moment.’

Much of the creative energy that shaped the album emerged from studio sessions with the producer duo DAMEDAME* back in her hometown of Walsall, where, to Jorja, the heart is. The album is both a sonic and an emotional tour of where she’s been, and what she’s been about, in the two years since she dropped her latest offering, ‘Be Right Back’. ‘It touches on breakups, relationships with my friends, relationships with old friends, relationships with myself.’ She says. ‘It's definitely about a lot of relationships, but every song I write I can sing it to myself.’

Of the many British voices in music today, Jorja is among the most commanding, writing at a pitch of intensity and urgency that few can match. Over the past five and half years, since the release of her debut album ‘Lost & Found’, she has been celebrated unanimously across the world for her evocative song-writing, powerful delivery, pure emotion and unbridled talent as a young woman navigating her way through life and in 2021 was the year Jorja’s hiatus from music was broken. Enter ‘Be Right Back’, the holding space between the sensation that was ‘Lost & Found’, and ‘falling or flying’. ‘Be Right Back’ was born from playing, jamming, freestyling, and sounding out what Jorja had been on the edge of expressing all her life. It was a project entirely for her fans. “Be Right Back did exactly what I wanted it to do. It was a little waiting room so people knew I was coming back.”

And come back she has - entering a chapter of her return to music that’s certain to draw in and intoxicate Jorja’s fans and new listeners alike. And what has changed for her, in the five years since ‘Lost & Found’ dominated the charts and the soundscape? “I like this world that I've just come into. And I’m still figuring things out. Always figuring things out.” Jorja says. “This is the first time I’m putting stuff out there that I can connect with right now.” Over the last few years, it’s been a reflective and transformative step into her mid twenties for her.

She’s been able to step into herself and evolve as a songwriter and a woman despite an ever-changing musical landscape.

While she recognises that the global pandemic has been completely devastating, she acknowledges that it allowed her to stay still, to come more into herself, and to be more in control of the person she is, and of her musical output. Like some of the legendary musicians that came before her, Jorja is looking at the chaos and disorder in the world right now with resourceful, refined eyes, and she sees the glorious opportunity and enormous responsibility that affords. The net result is that while ‘falling or flying' sounds very much like Jorja Smith, it sounds like no Jorja Smith album you have ever heard before.

‘falling or flying’- released on September 29th

Singer-songwriter Dora Morelenbaum is one of the stunning voices at the forefront of Brazil’s exciting new musical wave. Her sublime 'Vento De Beirada' EP takes you on a trip into the sensuous sounds of Dora's world. On first hearing her music, we were reminded of the transformational moment when we first discovered the Brazilian singer-songwriter, Joyce. The music is completely new to you, yet instantly familiar, like rediscovering a past love.

Dora is a member of the Brazilian Latin-Grammy-winning superstar quartet Bala Desejo; a trailblazing light opening up Brazilian music to a whole new audience outside of the country. 'Vento De Beirada' EP showcases a different sound to the riotous, joyful, avant-garde Tropicália sound of Bala Desejo. This solo set takes a more dream-like, downbeat, MPB stance. It is firmly contemporary, yet you can also trace the lines of influence back to idols such as Gal Costa and Maria Bethânia.

The EP is comprised of four tracks that have already garnered critical acclaim following their digital release. It starts with the tender and gentle 'Japão', which was inspired by the melodies of the legendary Japanese composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sakamoto once collaborated with Dora's musician parents, Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum, when she was young. 'Dó a Dó' is drenched in lush, sweeping strings that were arranged by her father himself, and is co-written by Dora and Tom Veloso of the band, Dônica. There’s further collaboration on the EP, including production from one of the lynchpins and stars of the current Rio scene, Ana Frango Elétrico. Fellow Bala Desejo band member, Lucas Nunes, contributes towards the production, writing, and guitar with Guilherme Lírio also on production, guitar, and bass. Whilst Bala Desejo’s Zé Ibarra penned the song 'Vento De Beirada' with Lucas and Victor Vasconcellos.

The four-track EP has been cut to 12" and mastered for vinyl by Joker (Liam McLean). With crystalline beauty and a breezy sense of ease and serenity, sounding classic yet contemporary. This release serves as the perfect introduction to an extraordinary talent.

Liquid Love is taken from the 2015 BBE released album of Roy’s unreleased material, Virgin Ubiquity II, and is a wicked mid-tempo track where Roy’s vibraphone complements an amazing female vocal arrangement to create harmonies and melody over a tough as you like breakbeat, bass line and keyboard riff. Coming from the 2004 initial release in the Virgin Ubiquity series of unreleased Roy Ayer’s tracks, What’s The T? is a more uptempo, bassline driven slab of dance floor funk. Augmented by a horn section and a huge female vocal from Merry Clayton over a hi-hat drumbeat, What’s The T? is Roy Ayers and his musicians playing Roy’s arrangements to perfection.

Releasing on BBE Music’s ALIM imprint, Liquid Love/What’s The T? 7″ vinyl single issue is two musical moments in time now presented as a moment in history in the year we celebrate the excellent career and legacy of Roy Ayers as a touring musician. This is Roy at his best as musician, arranger and artist, grab this now.

These two tracks from Mike Bandoni and Chip Wickham have been a long time coming. These two stable mates from the 'Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band' have been discussing a collaboration for years and now; it's finally in the bag! Mike brings his trademark killer funky Drums (Recorded by the legendary Malcolm Catto), Percussion, Rhodes, Bass and vintage Guitar vibes to the party whilst Chip delivers some sublime and highly complimentary work on sax and flute. Infinity Pool sounds like a long lost Bobbi Humphrey meets Bob James composition with the flute taking centre stage underpinned by what can only be described as mammoth funk grooves on every other instrument. A true modern Jazz Funk classic with just a fraction more Funk than Jazz! Get It! is a cool number with a phenomenally infectious groove and a hook that stays in the brain for days! Think early Kool & The Gang. You'll be humming these hooks day and night! Chip again raises the bar further with some sublime flute and ...

Slave To Society pays homage to the legendary cultural theorist and philosopher, Mark Fisher. Diving into some of the conceptual ideas of Fisher’s literature and philosophy, you'll feel like you're wandering through a post-apocalyptic landscape in the future with this hard hitting, haunting and atmospheric piece.

‘The Future That Never Arrived’ experience the paranoia and anxiety of the digital age with this gritty and dissonant track. Fisher's ideas about technology's impact on society come to life in a sonic onslaught.
‘Cyberspace’ exploration of desire and its endless repetition. The frenetic energy of this track mirrors the insatiable hunger of consumer culture.
’Is There No Alternative’ the title track offers a sense of reflection and departure. It echoes Fisher's thoughts on escaping the boundaries of the present moment.
‘Ghosts Of My Life’ this track encapsulates Fisher's critique of our modern capitalist society. The heavy beats mirror the relentless grind of capitalism, while the haunting melodies reflect the loss of authentic experiences.

Two new studiorecordings by this legendary band. De Music Ligera is a cover of Soda Stereo (Argentina) megahit. 2023 marks the 31th anniversary since the legendary Umeå hardcore band Abhinanda was started and the year Darkness of Ignorance was recorded. In 1993, the following year it was released, the first release on the iconic DIY label Desperate Fight Records. A milestone in Umeå"s and Sweden"s music history!

Their notoriously fierce live performances are only going from strength to strength, with Wolf Alice inviting her on their extensive 2021 UK tour having witnessed the energy of their show.

Her stagecraft also caught the eyes of legendary fashion house Alexander McQueen, becoming creative director Sarah Burton's recent muse. Having recently closed their flagship runway show at London Fashion Week, the band also partnered with McQueen for a campaign this summer which captured them taking to the stage in Glasgow's legendary and glitzy Barrowland Ballroom.

Oozing confidence and ready for what lies ahead, 2023 feels like a defining year for Lucia & The Best Boys.

Auf ihrem umfangreichen neuen Album "Water Made Us" stellt die Chicagoer Musikerin und Dichterin Jamila Woods die Frage, was es bedeutet, sich der Liebe voll und ganz hinzugeben. Auf "Water Made Us" umarmt Jamila neue Genres, verspielte Melodien und hypnotisierende Wortspiele, während sie durch die berauschenden Turbulenzen von Liebeswracks und Zuflucht watet. Während Jamila auf "HEAVN" (2017) ihre Community innerhalb der schwarzen feministischen Bewegung feierte und auf "Legacy! Legacy!" (2019) ihre Lebenserfahrungen durch die Geschichten schwarzer und brauner Künstlerinnen und Künstler verarbeitete, ist "Water Made Us" eine völlig neue Art der Selbstoffenbarung und damit ihr bisher persönlichstes Album. "Water Made Us", das sie zusammen mit dem in LA ansässigen Produzenten McClenney aufgenommen hat und auf dem langjährige Freunde aus Chicago wie Saba und Peter CottonTale zu hören sind, ist ein weitläufiges und intimes Porträt der Selbstreflexion, das geschickt die verschiedenen Phasen einer Beziehung widerspiegelt: Die Anfänge, in denen man leicht Kompromisse eingeht, kokettiert und Spaß hat; das vorsichtige Aushandeln von Momenten des Konflikts oder der Verletzung; die Trauer über etwas Verlorenes; und die zärtliche Erkenntnis am Ende von allem, dass die Person, die gegangen ist, einen nie wirklich verlässt, sondern bei einem bleibt, während man bereit ist, es noch einmal zu versuchen, erfrischt und beruhigt. Der Titel des Albums - eine Zeile aus dem Highlight des Albums "Good News" - ist eine subtile Anspielung auf das berühmte Toni-Morrison-Zitat "All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was". Es ist dieses Gefühl - der Erinnerung, des Ortes und der Rückkehr - das als Pfeiler für den Bogen des Albums dient. "Water Made Us" erinnert uns daran, dass die Liebe im besten Fall ein warmer, stiller Ozean ist. Tief, schimmernd und endlos in seinem Wunder. Und im schlimmsten Fall kann die Liebe ein reißender Strom sein, der uns so weit von uns selbst entfernt, dass wir kaum den Weg zurückfinden, ja nicht einmal mehr wissen, wie wir schwimmen sollen. Und doch ergibt sich Jamila dieser Brandung - jeder Welle und jedem Sog - weil vielleicht sogar die schmerzhaftesten Enden eine Einladung sein können, die sie zurück nach Hause ruft, zurück ans Ufer, zurück zu sich selbst.

Auf ihrem umfangreichen neuen Album "Water Made Us" stellt die Chicagoer Musikerin und Dichterin Jamila Woods die Frage, was es bedeutet, sich der Liebe voll und ganz hinzugeben. Auf "Water Made Us" umarmt Jamila neue Genres, verspielte Melodien und hypnotisierende Wortspiele, während sie durch die berauschenden Turbulenzen von Liebeswracks und Zuflucht watet. Während Jamila auf "HEAVN" (2017) ihre Community innerhalb der schwarzen feministischen Bewegung feierte und auf "Legacy! Legacy!" (2019) ihre Lebenserfahrungen durch die Geschichten schwarzer und brauner Künstlerinnen und Künstler verarbeitete, ist "Water Made Us" eine völlig neue Art der Selbstoffenbarung und damit ihr bisher persönlichstes Album. "Water Made Us", das sie zusammen mit dem in LA ansässigen Produzenten McClenney aufgenommen hat und auf dem langjährige Freunde aus Chicago wie Saba und Peter CottonTale zu hören sind, ist ein weitläufiges und intimes Porträt der Selbstreflexion, das geschickt die verschiedenen Phasen einer Beziehung widerspiegelt: Die Anfänge, in denen man leicht Kompromisse eingeht, kokettiert und Spaß hat; das vorsichtige Aushandeln von Momenten des Konflikts oder der Verletzung; die Trauer über etwas Verlorenes; und die zärtliche Erkenntnis am Ende von allem, dass die Person, die gegangen ist, einen nie wirklich verlässt, sondern bei einem bleibt, während man bereit ist, es noch einmal zu versuchen, erfrischt und beruhigt. Der Titel des Albums - eine Zeile aus dem Highlight des Albums "Good News" - ist eine subtile Anspielung auf das berühmte Toni-Morrison-Zitat "All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was". Es ist dieses Gefühl - der Erinnerung, des Ortes und der Rückkehr - das als Pfeiler für den Bogen des Albums dient. "Water Made Us" erinnert uns daran, dass die Liebe im besten Fall ein warmer, stiller Ozean ist. Tief, schimmernd und endlos in seinem Wunder. Und im schlimmsten Fall kann die Liebe ein reißender Strom sein, der uns so weit von uns selbst entfernt, dass wir kaum den Weg zurückfinden, ja nicht einmal mehr wissen, wie wir schwimmen sollen. Und doch ergibt sich Jamila dieser Brandung - jeder Welle und jedem Sog - weil vielleicht sogar die schmerzhaftesten Enden eine Einladung sein können, die sie zurück nach Hause ruft, zurück ans Ufer, zurück zu sich selbst.

Wax Legs reihen sich in die aufregend wachsende Riege der internationalen Delinquenten von Bretford Records ein und veröffentlichen mit "Horny Tears From Hell" eine Fusion von Klängen bedrohlicher Genres, die auf eine dunkle, eindringliche und liebenswerte Weise aufeinander prallen. Hardrockige, eskalierende Elektro-Riffs lassen dich zurück auf dein Kindheitssofa gleiten, die Guitar-Hero-Gitarre auf deiner Brust, während du deinen Kumpel 'Through The Fire And Flames' auf dem Schwierigkeitsgrad 'Experte' spielen hörst. Die düstere Metal-Ästhetik führt dich in die verschwitzten, urkomischen Death Pits deiner örtlichen Headbanger-Bude mit schwarzer Fassade. Wax Legs schlugen ihre Zelte im O'tool Studio vor den Toren Berlins auf, um etwas zu erschaffen, das nach musikalischer Integrität strebt. Das natürliche Brummen und Zischen des Verstärkers wird beibehalten, während unheimliche Geräusche aus Welten hinzugefügt werden, die wir nicht finden wollen

A resurgent Dog Meat Records is thrilled and proud to release a new album by a resurgent rock'n'roller and an old friend, PAT TODD and his band THE RANKOUTSIDERS. The seventh album by LA's finest rock'n'roll band comes some 36 years after the label's first dalliances with Pat, back when he fronted the legendary Lazy Cowgirls. The new album shows that Pat has lost none of his spark, that his voice and songwriting have only gotten stronger, and that he's got another killer band behind him, one that mixes classic '70s punk rock roots with country, blues and rock'n'roll in a manner that sits somewhere between Exile on Main Street and LAMF. The new album is highlighted as usual by Pat Todd's fantastic songs. A prolific writer with an eye on life in the margins - whether they be in small towns or the big sprawling city he has called home for 40 years - Todd routinely hits the mark where youth and the advancement of age find common ground in alienation and wilfulness. Pat knows that rock’n’roll is not necessarily a young person's game, and nor is it a glamourous one; the name he gave this band accurately points to where he and they are coming from. New originals like 'All We Have To Show', the horn-riffing rocker 'Living In A World of Hurt' and the raucous country-folk punker 'Goodbye to the World' are up there with anything he has ever written, and the Rankoutsiders play them even better than ever. Indeed, a couple of choice covers - a version of 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', sung by guitarist Nick Alexander and cut before Jeff Beck's unfortunate passing, and a version of David Johansen's old heartbreaker 'Donna' cut before word of Martin Scorsese’s Johansen documentary got out - shows by comparison to the original versions just how well these guys can crank it out. *** For over 20 years - from the early 80s to the early 00’s- Pat Todd fronted the undisputed Los Angeles roots-punk kings: THE LAZY COWGIRLS. Having landed in LA from the mid-west-meets-the south outpost of Vincennes, Indiana early in the decade, the Cowgirls sparked a new LA punk scene; their live album Radio Cowgirl was the first release on scene prime mover SFTRI -and ultimately inspired a resurgence of classic 1976 Ramones/Saints/ Heartbreakers-style punk that stretched across the US into Europe, Japan and elsewhere, inspiring bands like the New Bomb Turks, Oblivions, Teengenerate, Onyas and countless others. THE LAZY COWGIRLS were but a memory in 2006 when PAT TODD and the RANKOUTSIDERS’ 28 song double-disc debut, The Outskirts of Your Heart was released. Where most bands would have exhausted their creative gas to fumes with such an ambitious first release, this was only the beginning for the RANKOUTSIDERS. Prior to the new album Sons of the City Ditch, the RANKOUTSIDERS have released six full-length albums (yes, some are double discs) and over a dozen singles and EPs and have more releases queued up. Each and every one of them is a testament to Pat’s personal vision of raw, high energy rock’n’roll infused with elements of country and rhythm & blues, and documentary proof that the RANKOUTSIDERS are one of the hottest rock'n'roll bands on the planet. Indeed, it must be said the RANKOUTSIDERS truly are a band: energetically flanking Pat stage left is long-time guitarist and vocalist Kevin Keller; to the right is guitarist and founding member, Nick Alexander- the cool, calm and collected eye of the storm; bassist Steven Vigh holds the lower frequencies in check with steadfast authority, pushing the chorus to the next harmonic level, while drummer Walt Phelan drives the engine hard while keeping the band on the rails.

A resurgent Dog Meat Records is thrilled and proud to release a new album by a resurgent rock'n'roller and an old friend, PAT TODD and his band THE RANKOUTSIDERS. The seventh album by LA's finest rock'n'roll band comes some 36 years after the label's first dalliances with Pat, back when he fronted the legendary Lazy Cowgirls. The new album shows that Pat has lost none of his spark, that his voice and songwriting have only gotten stronger, and that he's got another killer band behind him, one that mixes classic '70s punk rock roots with country, blues and rock'n'roll in a manner that sits somewhere between Exile on Main Street and LAMF. The new album is highlighted as usual by Pat Todd's fantastic songs. A prolific writer with an eye on life in the margins - whether they be in small towns or the big sprawling city he has called home for 40 years - Todd routinely hits the mark where youth and the advancement of age find common ground in alienation and wilfulness. Pat knows that rock’n’roll is not necessarily a young person's game, and nor is it a glamourous one; the name he gave this band accurately points to where he and they are coming from. New originals like 'All We Have To Show', the horn-riffing rocker 'Living In A World of Hurt' and the raucous country-folk punker 'Goodbye to the World' are up there with anything he has ever written, and the Rankoutsiders play them even better than ever. Indeed, a couple of choice covers - a version of 'Hi Ho Silver Lining', sung by guitarist Nick Alexander and cut before Jeff Beck's unfortunate passing, and a version of David Johansen's old heartbreaker 'Donna' cut before word of Martin Scorsese’s Johansen documentary got out - shows by comparison to the original versions just how well these guys can crank it out. *** For over 20 years - from the early 80s to the early 00’s- Pat Todd fronted the undisputed Los Angeles roots-punk kings: THE LAZY COWGIRLS. Having landed in LA from the mid-west-meets-the south outpost of Vincennes, Indiana early in the decade, the Cowgirls sparked a new LA punk scene; their live album Radio Cowgirl was the first release on scene prime mover SFTRI -and ultimately inspired a resurgence of classic 1976 Ramones/Saints/ Heartbreakers-style punk that stretched across the US into Europe, Japan and elsewhere, inspiring bands like the New Bomb Turks, Oblivions, Teengenerate, Onyas and countless others. THE LAZY COWGIRLS were but a memory in 2006 when PAT TODD and the RANKOUTSIDERS’ 28 song double-disc debut, The Outskirts of Your Heart was released. Where most bands would have exhausted their creative gas to fumes with such an ambitious first release, this was only the beginning for the RANKOUTSIDERS. Prior to the new album Sons of the City Ditch, the RANKOUTSIDERS have released six full-length albums (yes, some are double discs) and over a dozen singles and EPs and have more releases queued up. Each and every one of them is a testament to Pat’s personal vision of raw, high energy rock’n’roll infused with elements of country and rhythm & blues, and documentary proof that the RANKOUTSIDERS are one of the hottest rock'n'roll bands on the planet. Indeed, it must be said the RANKOUTSIDERS truly are a band: energetically flanking Pat stage left is long-time guitarist and vocalist Kevin Keller; to the right is guitarist and founding member, Nick Alexander- the cool, calm and collected eye of the storm; bassist Steven Vigh holds the lower frequencies in check with steadfast authority, pushing the chorus to the next harmonic level, while drummer Walt Phelan drives the engine hard while keeping the band on the rails.

We are thrilled to kick off our label endeavors with one of the rarest and simultaneously best-recorded independently released German new wave singles in history: "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" ("The Same Dream Every Night") by Total.

Back in late 1983, Total found themselves in a pivotal rendezvous with CBS Records in a Frankfurt hotel lobby. The entire band was present, along with the esteemed NDW manager Jim Rakete, who had played a role in launching Nena to national and international stardom. Also in attendance were the A&R representatives from CBS. It was on this day that Total was presented with the opportunity to ink an album deal with CBS. However, since they had only recorded the titular song thus far, negotiations hit a snag. CBS insisted on a full album rather than a standalone single.
Ultimately, the band decided to independently issue a limited 7" run of "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" under Günther Mannschreck's Schreckschuss label in January 1984. These vinyl copies became the band's currency for pursuing record deals and promotional prospects. However, despite the potential to achieve commercial success and garner radio airplay, the song and the "Total" project gradually waned from the music landscape. Regrettably, only a few vinyl copies have managed to endure over time. This NDW "holy grail" may have prompted a fair share of dreams for serious vinyl collectors, as to this day, not a single physical copy has been put up for sale on platforms like eBay or Discogs. Interestingly, Maisenbacher has even fielded an offer of over 400 Euros for an original copy, although he regretfully couldn't fulfill the request due to possessing just a single copy himself.

The song itself is a fusion of diverse musical styles. Crafted using the Oberheim OB8 system, complete with the DMX drum machine and a bassline woven from a Jupiter 8 keyboard, it carried a groove reminiscent of New York's electro hip-hop sound in "The Message," setting it apart from typical German new wave productions. Additionally, a Korg Polysix was integrated, and guitar effects were layered to finalize the infectious synth-pop instrumental. Newcomer to the band, Andrea Ströbel, laid down a flawless vocal layer that steered the song towards a straightforward NDW direction, giving it a resonance that surely resonated with mainstream and radio audiences. To complete a B-side for the original vinyl single, the legendary state-of-the-art L480 Lexicon reverb was used. In the more experimental "Maxi Mix," now known as the "Dub Mix," Mannschreck expertly manipulated the machine. The outcome stands as a historical example of incredible studio craftsmanship and the cutting-edge techniques of the 80s.
For the new 12" release, Mannschreck unearthed an alternative mix of the song on the original tapes, featuring a distinct introduction, break, and exciting edits. In addition, DJ Friction, who contributed to the transfer and mastering for the release, treated us to a superb edit that cleverly melds all versions of the song while incorporating a few extra bassline groove elements.

The captivating reissue cover spotlights vocalist Andrea Ströbel, who gazes with determination. A hand reaches out to grab her shirt, attempting to pull her down. Symbolizing the song's theme, it embodies the unsettling dream conveyed by the lyrics-yet she steadfastly resists.

In summary, we are elated to present a significant gem for vinyl enthusiasts: a splendid mid-tempo tune that dances on the boundary of synth-pop, new wave and electro. The new 12" single underwent meticulous mastering, and the outcome is nothing short of astounding, surpassing the sonic quality of the original pressing.

We are thrilled to kick off our label endeavors with one of the rarest and simultaneously best-recorded independently released German new wave singles in history: "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" ("The Same Dream Every Night") by Total.

Back in late 1983, Total found themselves in a pivotal rendezvous with CBS Records in a Frankfurt hotel lobby. The entire band was present, along with the esteemed NDW manager Jim Rakete, who had played a role in launching Nena to national and international stardom. Also in attendance were the A&R representatives from CBS. It was on this day that Total was presented with the opportunity to ink an album deal with CBS. However, since they had only recorded the titular song thus far, negotiations hit a snag. CBS insisted on a full album rather than a standalone single.
Ultimately, the band decided to independently issue a limited 7" run of "Jede Nacht derselbe Traum" under Günther Mannschreck's Schreckschuss label in January 1984. These vinyl copies became the band's currency for pursuing record deals and promotional prospects. However, despite the potential to achieve commercial success and garner radio airplay, the song and the "Total" project gradually waned from the music landscape. Regrettably, only a few vinyl copies have managed to endure over time. This NDW "holy grail" may have prompted a fair share of dreams for serious vinyl collectors, as to this day, not a single physical copy has been put up for sale on platforms like eBay or Discogs. Interestingly, Maisenbacher has even fielded an offer of over 400 Euros for an original copy, although he regretfully couldn't fulfill the request due to possessing just a single copy himself.

The song itself is a fusion of diverse musical styles. Crafted using the Oberheim OB8 system, complete with the DMX drum machine and a bassline woven from a Jupiter 8 keyboard, it carried a groove reminiscent of New York's electro hip-hop sound in "The Message," setting it apart from typical German new wave productions. Additionally, a Korg Polysix was integrated, and guitar effects were layered to finalize the infectious synth-pop instrumental. Newcomer to the band, Andrea Ströbel, laid down a flawless vocal layer that steered the song towards a straightforward NDW direction, giving it a resonance that surely resonated with mainstream and radio audiences. To complete a B-side for the original vinyl single, the legendary state-of-the-art L480 Lexicon reverb was used. In the more experimental "Maxi Mix," now known as the "Dub Mix," Mannschreck expertly manipulated the machine. The outcome stands as a historical example of incredible studio craftsmanship and the cutting-edge techniques of the 80s.
For the new 12" release, Mannschreck unearthed an alternative mix of the song on the original tapes, featuring a distinct introduction, break, and exciting edits. In addition, DJ Friction, who contributed to the transfer and mastering for the release, treated us to a superb edit that cleverly melds all versions of the song while incorporating a few extra bassline groove elements.

The captivating reissue cover spotlights vocalist Andrea Ströbel, who gazes with determination. A hand reaches out to grab her shirt, attempting to pull her down. Symbolizing the song's theme, it embodies the unsettling dream conveyed by the lyrics-yet she steadfastly resists.

In summary, we are elated to present a significant gem for vinyl enthusiasts: a splendid mid-tempo tune that dances on the boundary of synth-pop, new wave and electro. The new 12" single underwent meticulous mastering, and the outcome is nothing short of astounding, surpassing the sonic quality of the original pressing.

Works for the Ever Present Orchestra Vol. II continues Black Truffle’s documentation of the late work of legendary American experimental composer Alvin Lucier, who sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 90. Like the first volume of the series, the two works recorded here were written for The Ever Present Orchestra, an ensemble founded in Zürich in 2016 to perform Lucier’s work exclusively. At the core of the music Lucier wrote for the ensemble is the electric guitar, an instrument he began to explore in 2013. Played with e-bows, in these works electric lap steel guitars take on roles akin to the slow sweep pure wave oscillators heard in many of Lucier’s works since the early 1980s. This strikingly elegant pair of compositions would serve as an ideal introduction to Lucier’s late music for a listener as yet unfamiliar with its graceful exploration of beating patterns and other acoustic phenomenon.

The two pieces have quite different characters, exemplifying Lucier’s ability to harvest a remarkable range of musical results from closely related compositional procedures and concerns. In Arrigoni Bridge (2019), Lucier uses a technique familiar from earlier works such as Still Lives (1995), where sine waves traced the shapes of household objects. Here, three lap steel electric guitars (played by Oren Ambarchi, Bernhard Rietbrock, and Jan Thoben) follow the form of the Arrigoni Bridge that connects Middletown and Portland, Connecticut. The bridge’s two enormous steel arcs become slowly sweeping pitches, alongside which alto saxophone (Joan Jordi Oliver Arcos), violin (Rebecca Thies) and cello (Lucy Railton) sustain long tones, creating a variety of audible beating patterns depending on their distance from or proximity to the guitars. With its stately pacing, warm middle register tones, and rich timbral variety in the sustaining instruments, Arrigoni Bridge is a beautiful example of compositional reduction producing immersive results. Flips (2020), on the other hand, is more austere. Scored for two lap steel electric guitars (Rietbock and Thoben), double bass (Ross Wightman) and glockenspiel (Trevor Saint), the two acoustic instruments played with bows, the piece zooms in on the range of a major second (two semitones). The two guitars sweep in opposite directions within the range, crossing every four minutes; the double bass and glockenspiel sustain long tones, producing beats of different speeds determined by their distance from the guitar tones. This limitation of the tonal range means the music is often dissonant and forces the phenomenon of audible beating to the surface, resulting in a paradoxical music composed entirely of long tones yet alive with pulsating rhythm. Exemplifying Lucier’s ability to uncover near-infinite complexity within seemingly simple materials, Works for the Ever Present Orchestra Vol. II is a fitting tribute to one of the major figures of the experimental music tradition and a testament to the continuing power of his work.

No Future, No Past – Svart Records set to release a compilation of the lost treasures of Finnish speed and thrash metal in October The roots of speeding thrash metal stretch out to the early and mid 80’s. It did not take long for the waves arising from the shores of California, central Europe and the United Kingdom hit Finland hard as well. The guiding light of Finnish thrash metal from that era was Stone from Kerava, but the entire scene that was bubbling beneath the surface was surprisingly vivid for such a small country. As the old saying goes, in the late 80’s there was not a single town in Finland without a speed metal band. These dozens – or hundreds, to be more precise – of vivacious bands formed by the long-haired youth didn’t just stay in the basements of their parents’ houses. Soon the youth centres of every county and open-minded venues such as the legendary Lepakko in Helsinki would arrange wild speed and thrash metal gigs. Studios run by more experienced musicians such as Timo Tolkki from Stratovarius were fully booked by hungry young bands eager to record their future metal classics. Many bands released 7” singles and demo tapes by themselves or with support from a record company, yet most of them permanently stayed at the demo stage through the golden era of the eighties. Svart Records is set to release a compilation of the absolute top tunes culled from these sought-after, long-lost demo tapes and singles on vinyl and CD in October. No Future, No Past – Finnish Speed & Thrash Metal Explosion combines the strongest, rarest, and most obscure Finnish metal tracks from the years 1986-1992. Backgrounds of the bands presented on the compilation differ a lot from one another. Vendetta and Damage were born from the ashes of the members’ previous hardcore and punk bands. A.R.G. and Catalepsy got their feet in the door fast of record companies such as Poko Records and Megamania, while other metal acts from that time simply faded away. After a few decades passed, some bands saw it fit to restart their careers, Sacred Crucifix and The Hirvi being examples of such comeback artists. No Future, No Past – Finnish Speed & Thrash Metal Explosion 1986–1992 will be released on October 13th on a limited 2LP vinyl edition and CD version. The compilation is packed with 18 remastered tracks of pure Finnish metal mayhem and accompanied by a booklet that contains band histories, photos, and song details. The compilation’s predecessor Real Delusions: Finnish Speed & Thrash Metal Explosion 1987-1991 was released in 2018 and its limited vinyl edition was sold out in a heartbeat, so get this rare gem now before it’s too late!