New releases last two weeks: Leftfield

Review: Vampire Survivors Vol. 1, the soundtrack to Poncle's indie hit, receives a fitting tribute with this 2xLP vinyl release from iam8bit. Composed by Daniele Zandara and Will Davies, the music perfectly encapsulates the game's blend of roguelike bullet-hell action and gothic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from classic vampire-slaying franchises while exploring modern soundscapes, the result is a synthesis of epic, nostalgic, and unexpected tunes filled with rad riffs and high-impact drum fills. The vinyl edition, pressed on Blood Splatter Red Vinyl, not only complements the game's theme but also adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Illustrator Nimit Malavia's cover art captures the essence of Vampire Survivors, elevating the release to a bodacious and badass masterpiece. iam8bit's commitment to nostalgia and new-wave sensibilities shines through in this release, appealing to fans of retro gaming and contemporary music listeners.

Review: Populous's Moonbaton Vol. 1 marks a strong return to Wonderwheel Recordings, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the darker realms of instrumental reggaeton and moombahton. With tracks like 'Flauta Magica, which intricately weaves brooding synths and dembow beats with ethereal flute melodies and 'Sapo,' a foreboding journey layered with monstrous basslines and whimsical melodies, Populous demonstrates his mastery in crafting atmospheric soundscapes. Hailing from Southern Italy, Populous's global approach to music-making shines through, reflecting his diverse influences and musicological background. With previous releases like Night Safari and Azulejos, Populous has established himself as a versatile artist, while also making waves in the fashion world as a sound designer for renowned brands. Moonbaton Vol. 1 sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated series, promising an enchanting fusion of cosmic inspiration and rhythmic exploration.

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Review: Reissued via French label Rotorelief on its 35th Anniversary year, Chance Meeting on a Dissecting Table of a Sewing Machine and an Umbrella is the debut album of trailblazing noise and avant-garde musician Steven Stapleton. Catapulting Stapleton's macabre alias to success in the thin breath of just three through-composed drone pieces, this sonic statement was unparalleled at the time (1979), with its unusual mix of prepared tinkerings, feedback drones and cog-jams famously causing Sounds magazine to momentarily abandon their five-star rating system to specially award the album five full question marks. Absurdly sadistic, the album is also known for its original publication of the infamous Nurse With Wound List in the liner notes, which listed the entirety of Stapleton's influences going into the album's making - some acts named therein were so obscure that many fans speculate as to whether they were invented. An exemplary work of outsider music - or at least, one that is infamous by proxy to the more baneful works of the outsider music archetype - get ready to hear all things spectral over the more sustained tones: chains rattling, chairs squeaking, shakers shaking, even monologues in French.