Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The Moon and the Melodies, a collaboration between Cocteau Twins and ambient pioneer Harold Budd, stands as a unique gem in both artists' discographies. Originally released in 1986, this ethereal album is now being reissued on vinyl, remastered from the original tapes by Robin Guthrie. Unlike anything else the Cocteau Twins ever produced, this record blends their dreamlike soundscapes with Budd's serene, improvisational piano work. The result is an atmospheric journey, at once intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Sea, Swallow Me' shine with Elizabeth Fraser's otherworldly vocals, intertwined with Guthrie's shimmering guitar and Raymonde's grounding bass, creating a sound that feels both familiar and entirely unique. Instrumentals like 'Memory Gongs' and 'The Ghost Has No Home' highlight Budd's delicate piano, enhanced by the band's signature ambient textures. The album is a study in contrasts, vocal tracks sit alongside instrumentals, each contributing to a cohesive yet diverse listening experience. For fans, this reissue is a chance to revisit a pivotal moment in the evolution of dream pop and ambient music. The album's enduring appeal is evident in its continued influence in social media. The Moon and the Melodies remains a shining light that can happen when artists from different realms come together to create something truly timeless.

Review: It's hard to know whether to bother reviewing this release at all, or simply opt for the following summary: Depeche Mode, titans of synth and one of the UK's most important bands of the late-20th Century (and today), offer a vast collection of tracks from their 2005 album, Playing the Angel, remixed by a host of massive names from the dance and electronic world.

Still not convinced? OK, how about this - Depeche Mode x Jacques Le Cont, M83, Sasha, Tiefschwarz, Tiga, Michael Mayer, Metope, Alter Ego, Robag Wruhme, Goldfrapp, Telex and more. With so much happening and such variety on offer within, it's probably best to hit play on the lot and see what takes your fancy, smart money being on all of them. Either that, or just go with your gut and buy before you try.

Review: The vast array of Depeche Mode originals cover plenty of ground and many years of hard and critically acclaimed work. As such they're a gold mine for artists looking to add their own spin and plenty of the most ear-grabbing of those radio, dub and club mixes are collected together here on a rather epic seven slabs of wax in one bumper box set with a poster and digital download. Works by contemporary artists like Trentemoller and Justus Kohncke sit next to techno titans like Ben Klock, trance mainstays such as Sander Van Doorn and even EDM stars like Laidback Luke. A varied mix with something for everyone.

Review: Yves Deruyter has spent forty years as a pioneering force in dance music; kown for his huge sets and anthemic musical procurements, his trajectory follows a familiar arc as an early tooth-cutter on Belgium's underground scene heralding later international recognition. His hits like 'Rave City' and 'Calling Earth' shook the earliest and staidest foundations of trance. To celebrate his career, a new ten-vinyl compilation celebrating Yves' work here proves that relevance isn't about trends - it's about a distinctive sound and an undying connection to the dancefloor.

Review: Disasterpeace, aka Rich Vreeland, stands out in the world of soundtrack composers. Neither strictly an electronic artist nor a conventional composer, he crafts soundscapes that transcend traditional genres. His compositions, rooted in a digital sound palette, feel warm and organic, often played live instead of digitally sequenced, giving his music a human touch rarely seen in electronic scores. Known for his haunting It Follows soundtrack and the iconic Fez score, Vreeland's music has a life far beyond the screens it accompanies. The Hyper Light Drifter soundtrack, reissued by iam8bit, exemplifies Disasterpeace's distinctive style. It's a journey through ambient, textured soundscapes filled with layered synthesisers and devoid of heavy percussion. Instead of driving beats, the focus rests on lush chord progressions and ambient tones, perfectly suited for moments of quiet reflection. Standout tracks like 'Panacea' feature a tape-worn piano, which pairs beautifully with the synths to create a melancholy and immersive atmosphere. This deluxe 4xLP set, with translucent vinyl and elegant packagingicomplete with magnetic wingflaps and a metallic foil layeripays homage to Vreeland's artistry and the soundtrack's legendary status.