Review: 3 Men Gone Mad were an independent group formed in Blackburn and Darwen in the UK. They fused electronic sounds with rock and were prolific in the 1990s when they became cult favourites amongst those who know. You Try is a much sought-after collection that has been restored by Utopia Records many years after it made its way onto John Peel's 1991 Festive 50. He heard in it a mix of The Clash, Joy Division and Talking Heads and that still rings true. The main mix has a raw energy that captures the angst of Britain at the time - and still today, frankly. A spaced-out dub brings a fresh feeling of euphoria and an extended B-side mix draws out this record's undeniable pleasures.
Review: Let's face facts, the trilogy of releases that ACR:EPR completes have helped win over a new generation of fans for the band while reassuring established followers that A Certain Ratio can still do the business. They've been heartfelt and honest, truly innovative and - when all is said and done, at some point in the near future - destined to be considered collector's items.
The final chapter is certainly winding things up triumphantly. '$ouls In The City' seems to go straight for the mind's eye, an enrapturing track that chugs its way through layers of funk groove, with acid details just about audible on top. 'Night People' is a far more sticky, treacly affair, while 'Big Boy Pants' ushers in a kind of nocturnal seduction, brass and rolling breakbeats setting the scene perfectly for the ska-infused melodies of 'Downtime Vibes' that follow.
Where Are You Coming From (Jane Weaver rework) (4:05)
Out From Under (Emperor Machine extended rework) (8:49)
We All Need (Jezebell Ghost Train mix) (5:47)
Review: Perhaps one of the most important bands to come out of Manchester ever. Up there with Joy Division, their funky post-punk is the very essence of that genre and possibly why a lot of bands like to call themselves post-punk. They're just wishing they sound as good as A Certain Ratio. For this latest release, the follow-up to their album It All Comes Down To This, they've reworked songs from said album - sensationally - and released a Christmas single. 'Now And Laughter' is described as an ode to "the unsung heroes that are on hand when the pressures of the festivities can become too much to bear." It's awash with sumptuous echoing guitar, a somber lead vocal which makes you want to raise your lighter and gently sway. There's a hint of David Bowie in there and the lyrics appear genuinely emotional and appreciative. This is a song of blissful poignance that can help remind us of what really matters in life as it captures a sense of vulnerability and awe in the magic of the moment.
Review: Prepare for a transcendent auditory odyssey with The Sevens, a series of four 7" vinyl records unveiling a treasure trove of previously unreleased tracks from the sessions that bore A Place To Bury Strangers' acclaimed album, See Through You. Known for their visceral sonic assault and immersive live performances, the series offers fans a deeper dive into their sonic universe. 'Don't Turn The Radio'/'This Is All For You', the third release in the series, delivers a raw and personal glimpse into the band's creative process during the See Through You era. APTBS founder Oliver Ackermann explains the decision to return to their roots with this release format, allowing each track to speak for itself without album context. These tracks offer a stark contrast to the band's current sound, providing a snapshot of a moment in time.
Review: Hotly-tipped South London newcomers Ain't release a limited edition 7" featuring two singles produced by Theo Verney, who is one of Brighton's most celebrated guitar music producers, having worked on records by the likes of Traams, Blood Wizard and Lime Garden. As a group, Ain't cleverly weave shoegaze guitars with emo vocal cadences to create a sound that's likely to do just as well within the burgeoning new wave of American shoegaze scene as it is on the London indie scene, where they are currently among the most talked about new bands.
Review: London five-piece Ain’t makes a striking debut with their single 'Oar,' blending post-punk and shoegaze to create a sound that’s both introspective and intense. Comprised of Hanna Baker Darch (vocals), George Ellerby (guitar/vocals), Ed Randall (guitar), Chapman Ho (bass), and Joe Lockstone (drums), the band balances nostalgia with innovation. 'Oar' was originally drafted by George during the pandemic and reinterpreted by Hanna, drawing inspiration from the legend of Llys Helig to explore themes of disaster and resilience. The lead single by the band should definitely make people step up and notice.
Review: Dot Allison debuted in 1999 with her Aftergow album and ever since has kept fans old and new enthralled with her voice. Heart-Shaped Scars was a follow-up 12 years later than won plenty of plaudits and now the label it came on serve up this bonus 7" with two new cuts. There is the rather bleakly but beautifully alluring 'Ghost Orchid' and then 'Love Died in our Arms' which is a reference to a past musical life in which Dot made trip hop. It also comes with a download code to unlock a third and final bonus cut named 'Heart-Shaped Scar.'
Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.
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