Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Light in the Attic Record's Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 is a landmark collection chronicling Ukraine's rich musical history, from the Soviet era to the years after the USSR's collapse. The compilation spans rare folk, rock, jazz, and electronic tracks, with music often dissenting subtly from Soviet norms. Curated by producers Matt Sullivan, David Mas, and others, it reflects five years of dedication, culminating in a significant shiftipolitics surrounding the Russian invasion led the team to focus solely on Ukrainian music. Guiding the album is Kyiv-based filmmaker and DJ Vitalii "Bard" Bardetskyi, whose liner notes provide deep insights into each track. Songs include Kobza's 1971 instrumental waltz Bunny, blending traditional Ukrainian folk with rock and jazz, and Vodohrai's Caribbean-influenced Remembrance from the late 70s. The compilation also captures Ukraine's underground scene in the 80s and 90s, when artists experimented with electronic music and post-punk. Other Highlights include Vadym Khrapachov's synth-heavy score ;Dance', Cukor Bila Smert's 1995 experimental track 'Cool, Shining', and the jungle/drum-n-bass rhythms of Marble Sleeves' 'Lion' from 1996. This collection honors Ukraine's vibrant sonic heritage, documenting the resilience and creativity of its artists during times of immense upheaval. Have a look at the attention to detail on the packaging. A true history lesson.

Review: The Nuggets series first landed in the 70s as an early example of the kind of 'diggers delight' compilations that looked deep into hidden corners to find rare, unfathomable sonic treats. The focus of these albums was the 60s psychedelic explosion, when every town was teeming with kids in garages experimenting with music (and, er, possibly the odd refreshment or two). Volume two of the series is just as seminal as volume one, as we get treated to some seriously heady gear from helices of The Lovin' Spoonful and The Sonics amongst many other lesser-spotted gems.