Back catalogue:

Review: You always know what you are going to get from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45 series and that is pure fire in musical form. This 100th release suggests the label has no intention of slowing down nor is it running low on top source material. This one from As Meninas on the A-side has beautiful female vocal-group arrangements with flutes that soar up top and plenty of ass-shaking samba shuffles down low. It's a tune that oozes soul and charm and was first released back in 1967. It's a super sweet but short song that is backed with 'Brasileiro' on the flip. It's taken from Jorginho Telles' self-titled 1971 album on Copacabana Records and mixes up raw guitar sounds with r&b vibes into something unusual and alluring.

Review: 'Miss Your Life' is a punky new wave track that was originally penned as a poem before evolving into a song. It critiques British apathy, complacency, and a pervasive sense of powerlessness and pessimism that we can all relate to. The song itself serves as a rallying cry to resist and take action before it's too late. The James Taylor Quartet's guitarist Mark, typically known for his more intricate parts, nails the punky intro with precision and the track captures this outfit's defiant spirit and youthful energy while also blending joy and rebellion as they revisit their adolescent years with a powerful message.

Review: The fantastic James Taylor Quartet delivers a punk-infused track with a powerhouse chorus here that channels the energy of Taylor's time with The Prisoners when supporting The Ramones during their 1986 UK tour. Of that time he has said The Ramones were "incredible-watching their three-hour sets every night at 21 had a huge impact on me. It took until I was 60 to find a way to act on that inspiration." Though The James Taylor Quartet has always had a punky rock 'n' roll vibe in their live shows, this feels fresh and like a new discovery, despite the influence always being present on some level.

Review: Originally founded by former members of Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits, Judge would become another legendary example of the 1980s New York hardcore scene, with their 1989 Bringin' It Down LP widely considered to be one of the most vital cornerstones. At the dawn of 1990, a year on from their album release and a year before their official disbanding, the group dropped the There Will Be Quiet 7", boasting two of their most monstrous cuts, 'Forget This Time' and 'The Storm II', and now for the first time in over three decades, their ever-faithful label-home Revelation Records have authentically reissued the OG 7" single for both lifers who've likely parted ways with their copy, and newcomers still unearthing the plethora of classic material that built the bedrock for the scene's current moment in the sun. Militant straight-edge hardcore, delivered with beastly metallic riffs and a message so earnest, sincere and palpable, it'll convert you if you're not careful.

Review: Un Peu D'histoire marks a much anticipated Juniore debut album and it offers an enchanting voyage through time and space. Their fusion of 60s French pop, surf rock, and psychedelic influences creates a unique musical tapestry from the dreamy 'Christine' to the haunting 'La Route,' each track takes you through lush harmonies and infectious rhythms. Elsewhere, Juniore's versatility shines as they seamlessly transition from upbeat tunes like 'La Verite Nue' to introspective melodies like 'En Solitaire.' With vintage-inspired production and modern flair, this album appeals to both nostalgia seekers and contemporary music lovers, making it the perfect soundtrack for any adventure.

Review: With the absolute debacle that is the present day US political landscape, Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra has opted to press his The Guantanamo School of Medicine (originally digital-only) single 'Blunder Blubber' to wax. Originally penned to mark the passing of right-wing scare monger Rush Limbaugh and recorded in 2020 during the Tea Party Revenge Porn sessions, the track served as a major critique of the rise of right-wing extremism, tracing its roots back to Limbaugh's influence and the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine under President Reagan in 1987, a policy change that allowed one-sided political commentary on public airwaves, which Biafra perceives as the floodgates opening to the MAGA mayhem of today, with the vocalist even noting - "I wrote [the song] back when Clinton was president, seeing the writing on the wall. I was hoping never to use it, but we had no choice but to update and perform it now." On the flip is the debut single from The November 3 with their aptly titled 'I Fucked A Republican', dropped during the 2020 Republican National Convention. As both groups and the American left at large are largely shocked and deflated that they're right back where they were this time four years ago, it appears a doubling down of refusal is now vital with this double whammy of sonic middle-fingers now finding a tangible, vinyl home to keep their message permanent and enduring in such worrisome times.

Review: This collaboration between Nelson Angelo and Joyce on Nelson Angelo e Joyce brings a radiant blend of Brazilian folk and jazz-inflected arrangements, where lush acoustic guitars meet cool, swirling percussion. The pair's harmonies are effortlessly seamless, carrying a sense of intimacy and warmth throughout. While the sound may occasionally veer into serene, almost pastoral territory, there's an undercurrent of depth, especially in the more syncopated rhythms and spontaneous melodic shifts.

Review: Recorded in 1975 after the disintegration of The Stooges and eventually released, albeit in altered form, in 1977, the album saw Iggy recording his vocal contributions at weekends, on leave from the mental institution at which he was recovering from heroin addiction. With the addition of pianos, acoustic guitars and saxophones to the musical palate it's a different beast from the raw power - and Raw Power - of the Stooges, a bridge between his garage rock roots and the classier pop offerings he'd soon become known for. A fascinating document, regardless, it's well worth a listen.

Review: Jah Wobble has taken his musicianship far and wide since he first rose to prominence in the glory days of post-punk and new wave. He's more readily associated with dub and international musical fusions than rock, but on this new album for Cleopatra he's returned his focus to the spiky energy bursts of his earlier work with Public Image Ltd. Produced with Jon Klein of Siouxsie & The Banshees, A Brief History Of Now covers a lot of ground and revels in allowing all kinds of influences in without losing focus. This is a set of kick ass rock tunes first and foremost, but there's space for subtlety and humour to make sure you know it's Wobble at the controls.

Review: Originally released in 1993, this special edition enhances The James Taylor Quartet's legacy with remastered tracks and bonus material. Known for its infectious grooves, soulful melodies and catchy Hammond organ riffs, it captures the energy of London's 90s jazz scene and then some. Featuring standout tracks like 'Love Will Keep Us Together,' the album seamlessly blends jazz, funk and soul and this reissue reaffirms its timeless appeal by introducing new generations to its dynamic sound while offering nostalgia for longtime fans. A cornerstone of modern jazz-funk brilliance.

Review: This compilation brings together ten standout tracks from Jefferson Airplane's influential descendants, Starship and its predecessor. Opening with the smooth, soulful 'Miracles,' the collection spans the evolution from Airplane's psychedelic roots to Starship's polished rock anthems. Side-1 features the dreamy 'With Your Love,' the uplifting 'Count on Me,' and the classic 'Runaway,' offering a diverse glimpse into the bands' extensive catalog. The side concludes with the quintessential hit 'Jane'. Side-2 is dominated by Starship's most iconic tracks, including the anthemic 'We Built This City' and the rousing 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now,' both embodying the band's 80s rock ethos. The side also includes 'Find Your Way Back' and 'Sara', each track highlighting the band's ability to craft enduring pop-rock hits. The final track, 'It's Not Enough', wraps up the compilation with a dynamic flourish. The enduring legacy of Jefferson Airplane's and Starship can not be denied.

Review: The Task Has Overwhelmed Us is the fourth and final volume in The Jeffrey Lee Pierce Sessions Project series, a tribute to the late singer and guitarist of The Gun Club. The project was initiated by Pierce's friend and collaborator Cypress Grove, who invited various artists to reinterpret or complete Pierce's songs, using his original demos, lyrics, and notes. The project features a stellar cast of musicians, including Nick Cave, Debbie Harry, Mark Lanegan, Lydia Lunch, Warren Ellis, Hugo Race, and many more. The Task Has Overwhelmed Us contains 20 tracks, some of which are covers of Gun Club classics - such as 'Mother of Earth' by Dave Gahan and 'Fire Spirit' by Mark Stewart. Some are new compositions based on Pierce's unfinished ideas, such as 'On the Other Side' by Nick Cave and Debbie Harry, 'Lucky Jim' by Chris Eckman and Chantal Acda.

Review: You may have heard that former Dead Kennedys frontman and now multi-project artist Jello Biafra leads his very own School Of Medicine, inspired by the pioneering medicinal discoveries of his antecedents Iggy Pop and hip-hop greats such as Hieroglyphics and Digital Underground. The Audacity Of Hype, the School's first patent, was the logical chemical synthesis that made up these ingredients; fiery, crunchy, high-velocity, hardcore punk and post-punk, with a dashing of metal drumming and political emphasis on "Homeland insecurity". Now reissued via Alternative Tentacles a full fifteen years later - cracking stuff!

Review: Dead Kennedys' best frontman Jello Biafra's onetime collaboration with the band D.O.A. produced this hardcore punk gem - 'Last Scream Of The Missing Neighbours' - which fused the best of both bands' sounds, while namechecking every popular and/or political scandal at the time, such as Willie Horton, the Iran-Contra Affair, Oliver North, and the US crack epidemic. Just six tracks on this indelible EP, now reissued via original label, Alternative Tentacle do well to satirize the powers that be in true punk fashion, culminating in the 14-minute military meat-grinder that is 'Full Metal Jackoff'.

Review: Revered as one of U.S. hardcore punk's most humorous, yet politically outraged projects, Last Scream Of The Missing Neighbours is a gem by Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) and the band D.O.A., in a collaborative effort that spans every blood-boiler from the gentrification of Colorado to the then nascent (putatively C.I.A.-fuelled) crack epidemic. Less concerned with a piercing sonic aesthetic than getting its lyrical point across, this mini-album was a conduit and awareness-raising exercise in the battle against capitalist doublespeak and is best known for its culminating in the closing fourteen-minute dramaturgy 'Full Metal Jackoff', decrying everything from racial scapegoating to the U.S. military-everything complex.

Review: The Jesus Lizard's return with Rack marks a significant moment for fans of post-hardcore. Their first album since 1998's Blue, this release is a testament to their enduring influence and sound. 'Hide & Seek,' the lead single, is a vibrant track that showcases the band's signature style, with David Yow's vocals leading the charge. The album as a whole feels fresh yet familiar, with nods to their past but a clear focus on new directions. Recorded with producer Paul Allen, the band sounds as tight and energetic as ever, showcasing their remarkable chemistry. Overall, Rack is a welcome return from a band that has left an indelible mark on the post-hardcore genre.

Review: Grunge heroes The Jesus Lizard return after 26 years with Rack, a raw and intense experience reminiscent of their early 90s work with Steve Albini with plenty of the chaotic energy and tight musicianship that defined the band's legacy. The lead track, 'Hide and Seek,' is a rampaging opener filled with hooks that showcase the band's ability to merge aggressive rock with catchy elements. Other tracks, like 'Moto(R)' and 'Lord Godiva,' blend humor and grit, while 'What If?' and 'Armistice Day' explore moodier, more introspective territories. The album maintains a polished yet raw sound, balancing sophistication with pure, punk-rock mayhem. David Yow's vocals remain as unhinged as ever, supported by Duane Denison's piercing guitar riffs, David Wm. Sims' powerful bass lines, and Mac McNeilly's thunderous drumming.

Review: The Jesus Lizard's first new music in 26 years,' Hide & Seek', is out now via Ipecac Recordings, and it's turning heads everywhere. Produced by Paul Allen, the track is a thrilling precursor to their forthcoming album, Rack.. The Chicago noise rock iconsiDavid Yow, Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims, and Mac McNeillyirecapture their legendary raw energy and chaotic brilliance. 'Hide & Seek' boasts hooks and an abrasive edge that Yow humorously questions as "pop." Recorded live at Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney's Audio Eagle studio, Rack features 11 tracks that blend lunging momentum, nuanced instrumentation, and Yow's signature unhinged vocals. The band's chemistry shines, with Yow's confessional lyrics and Denison's piercing leads delivering emotional punch. Embodying the balance between sophistication and punk-rock abandon, Rack will excited 90s rock fans without a doubt. The Jesus Lizard's return is more than a nostalgia trip; it's a reaffirmation of their influential legacy and a thrilling addition to it.

Review: The fourth studio album by English hard rockers Jethro Tull, Aqualung married a turning point in the career of the band, prepping them for a more major radio-friendly future that would see them become mainstays of the touring circuit and rank among the finest live acts of the time. It would also quickly become the group's most successful release, commercially speaking, producing two standout singles in 'Hymn 43' and 'Locomotive Breath'. With such a storied history, anyone going anywhere near Tull's masterpiece wants to tread carefully. Or throw themselves full pelt into the chaos and beauty of the record by inviting a load of stoner rock acts to do their best/worst/most imaginative on the original material and come up with something new. Magnetic Eye opted to do just that with Redux, and it hits hard.

Review: Jim Jones All Stars emerges as a potent force in the realm of garage rock with their latest offering, Ain't No Peril. Led by garage rock luminary Jim Jones, the band brings together a formidable lineup of musicians to create a swampy, unholy fusion of rhythm and blues. Recorded amidst the atmospheric aura of Memphis, Tennessee, the album pulsates with raw energy and gritty authenticity. Ain't No Peril features Jones's songwriting ability at its peak, propelled by the relentless drive of Gavin Jay, Elliot Mortimer, Chris Ellul, Carlton Mounsher, and a vibrant horn section. The addition of guest vocalists Nikki Hill and Eugene S. Robinson adds further depth and dynamism to the album. Infused with the essence of the Mississippi delta, each track on Ain't No Peril exudes a primal allure, beckoning listeners into a sonic landscape of dark grooves and infectious rhythms. With this release, Jim Jones All Stars are torchbearers of the garage rock tradition, delivering a visceral and exhilarating musical experience.

Review: Broc Recordz is proud to announce Puzzled, the latest album by the legendary JJ Whitefield. Across 13 tracks, you'll surely immerse yourself in the enigmatic universe of this master of funk and psychedelism, on which you'll just as surely discover all facets of this musician from Munich, ranging from raw funk to krautrock. Whitefield is an iconic figure in his local music scene, having played an essential role in diverse projects such as the mastermind behind Poets Of Rhythm, Karl Hector, the Whitefield Brothers and in the recent careers of Ebo Taylor, Embryo and Witch. Puzzled is the perfect opportunity to delve into his musical world.

Review: Johnny Thunders might be the greatest deceased guitarist that never fully realised the fame and recognition he deserved - not that there aren't endless examples of that tragedy. Rising to notoriety for wielding a tortured six string with porto-punk deities the New York Dolls, he slashed and burned his way into a solo career, but between 1975 - when said band called time - and 1978, when this guy's first lone work-proper arrived, there was The Heartbreakers.

Review: Legendary California punk label Revelation Records recently celebrated their 200th release with this remastered repress of the forever elusive proto-debut album from New York City based hardcore legends Judge, formed by Youth Of Today guitarist John "Porcell" Porcelly and former drummer Mike "Judge" Ferraro. Aptly titled Chung King Can Suck It in staunch rebuke to the recording studio where the band would track the initial sessions for their 1989 LP, only to be provided with the lowest quality tech room within the facility and left at the whims of a mostly absentee cokehead for engineer (a point made all the more ludicrous when considering the member's near-militant straight edge ethos), upon hearing the final mixdowns, a unanimous agreement was reached to begin all over again at a more suitable location. As the original masters had already been sent to the pressing plant before cancellation, 110 copies were produced before they could "stop the presses", with the band eventually re-recording and releasing what is now the highly revered classic Bringin' It Down, while the Chung King recordings would become a much sought-after fan collectible, so much so that a copy sold on Discogs in 2015 for an absurd $6,048, ranking as the most expensive item sold on the site up to that point. Previously only widely available as part of the What It Meant CD-only compilation, this surprise reissue marks the first time these OG recordings have ever been made affordable on wax, while the newly written/recorded Bringin' It Down closer 'Where It Went' has been omitted with the recordings of the original final two cuts 'Holding On' and 'No Apologies' lovingly restored.

Review: Le Phonographe's chronological reissue series continues with the highly anticipated re-release of Juniore's debut album Ouh La La (2017). Following the success of Un Peu d'Histoire and Marabout in 2024, this reissue presents an upgraded audiophile-quality version of the album, where the original Sony France pressing omitted several tracks and suffered a thin sound. Ouh La La has been out of print since 2019 and was difficult to find in the UK except as an expensive import; Juniore, the French band known for its retro blend of ye-ye pop, psychedelic rock, and chanson, channel 60s French influences and contemporary indie pop, with conferring hypnagogic vocals upon sprawling jangles.

Review: Un, Deux, Trois, the third album from French indie group Juniore, shows off their unique blend of 60s-inspired French indie cool with modern psychedelic touches. This release is highlighted by its sophisticated, theatrical, and cabaret aesthetic, featuring the standout tracks 'Bizarre' and 'En solitaire.' The French lyrics add to the allure, offering an engaging experience even for those who don't understand the language. Juniore, led by Anna Jean with Swanny Elzingre and Samy Osta, seamlessly blend influences from Yeye singers and American garage rock, creating a sound reminiscent of Tarantino soundtracks. The album features a mix of upbeat and downbeat tracks, ensuring a well-thought-out flow that keeps listeners engaged throughout its 40-minute runtime. New single 'Mediterranee,' with its honky-tonk pianos and bubblegum backing vocals, exemplifies the album's charm, painting vivid scenes of carefree beach life in the south of France. Despite the darker, mysterious tones typical of their previous work, Un, Deux, Trois introduces a brighter optimism influenced by the pandemic's forced isolation, marking an evolution in Juniore's musical journey.

Review: Ekoya is the fourth album from Jupiter & Okwess and it marks a new chapter in their sound as they embrace Congolese funk, rock, Afropop and Latin influences. This record was conceived during a South American tour and recorded in Mexico so reflects a cross-cultural fusion that's deeply rooted in African history and features collaborations with artists like Flavia Coelho and Mare Advertencia. Along the way, the music tackles themes of change, resilience and the global challenges we face so tracks like 'Selele' and 'Orgillo' fuse political commentary with big rhythms. Through a great mix of languages, rich instrumentation and powerful messages, Ekoya is a wonderfully worldly celebration.

Review: Jazz and punk's best legacies fuse together with this latest collaborative release between The Messthetics and James Brandon. Brandon is a jazz saxophonist and contemporary virtuoso from New York; meanwhile, the Messthetics consist of former Fugazi members - bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty with guitarist Anthony Pirog. Continuing the latter's pegging as a 'jazz punk jam', the focus here is on Brandon's novel sax playing, lent to the Messthetics' cathartic, ultimate punk-riffing focus. All is instrumental, as signalled on the lead single 'Emergence', which finds pure enjoyment in variation around a singular four-by-four bass loop. In the saxophonist's own words: "The Messthetics are friends at this point and collaborating with them over the years has now brought us to another high point of musical bonding and purely unapologetic energy!"

Review: Broc Recordz's Cosmos Giants album is a celestial creation that stems from a monumental collaboration between Janko Nilovic, JJ Whitefield from Poets of Rhythm, and Igor Zhukovsky of the Soul Surfers. Together, they've sculpted a sonic world where genres meld seamlessly and offer a transformative auditory experience where funk, psyche, and soul all inform a jazz underbelly. The ensuing musical odyssey rather defies easy categorisation that is all about immersion in meticulously crafted tracks. From the laidback vibes of 'Inner Space' to the eerie and celestial melodies of '(Wind From) Mount Everest' this is a high-class record.

Review: Music for William Eggleston's Stranded in Canton, by Spiritualized's J Spaceman (Jason Pierce) and John Coxon, also known for his work as one half of ,Spring Heel Jack brings a long-awaited score to the raw and gritty scenes of Eggleston's 1970s art film, capturing Memphis in all its untamed glory. Recorded in 2015 after a live performance at London's Barbican Gallery, this release finally makes its way to vinyl via Fat Possum. Eggleston's black-and-white documentary dives into the rough-and-tumble life of Memphis, featuring local legends like Furry Lewis and Jim Dickinson, and portraying wild moments that include everything from pistol-firing antics to Russian roulette. The music echoes the film's visceral energy and nostaligia, offering a blend of haunting and ambient instrumentals that underscore the film's chaotic beauty. Spaceman, deeply inspired by Memphis's unique blend of magic and poverty, brings a raw appreciation to the soundtrack. With screenings set for major cities, this release presents a rare exploration of Memphis's unpolished charm that is an important part of this unique picture.