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Notes: Proper futuristic amp modelling and effects courtesy of Mooer's next-level GE1000, featuring AI-driven auto-EQ and a five-inch touchscreen. Hook up to the GE Cloud app to edit and share sounds.

Supplier's Notes:
MOOER has consistently pleased the guitar pedal market with its GE multi-effect range, and its latest addition, the GE1000, is set to be no exception. The GE1000, built with a futuristic and sleek "Walking Star" design, builds upon past GE products, offering an even larger range of guitar processing effects, preamps, amp simulators, and features than previous entries.

The GE1000 comes preloaded with an impressive bank of guitar effects and amp simulations, but this is augmented further through MNRS GE Cloud support. MOOER's MNRS files consist of IR samples from real amplifiers, facilitating authentic feeling tones that can be downloaded, uploaded, and shared via MOOER's 'GE Cloud' app for free. The GE1000 also supports third-party IR files of up to 2048 sample points, enabling further expansion of the pedal's portfolio of amp simulators.

Further adding to the GE1000's impressive amplification and tone features, the GE1000 includes a cutting-edge AI-driven automatic equalizer, a first for MOOER. This automatically adjusts a 5-band EQ based on the user's playing and music style choice, providing further possibilities for creativity whilst still providing the flexibility of a manual-controlled EQ interface.

MOOER hasn't only focused on tone and pitch with the GE1000 exclusively, which is illustrated perfectly by the integrated Groove Station rhythmic toolkit, consisting of a style-specific drum machine and a looper. These features have been designed to work both independently and in tempo synchronization, making them adaptable for all types of jam. The looper even includes automated record and count-in functions, activating the loop recording when an input signal is detected, providing a unique hands-free looping experience.

MOOER has always excelled at providing innovative UI experiences, and the GE1000 is set to continue this trend. The pedal features a 5-inch high-quality coloured touch screen designed for intuitive multi-effect workflows while keeping some fan favourites from previous GE pedals. These include the signature MOOER multi-purpose control dials, buttons, and a quick-access expression pedal.

Additional flexibility can be found within the pedal's cutting-edge control systems, including programmable MIDI ports, bundled preset management software, and compatibility with the MOOER mobile app.

This level of flexibility is matched by the pedal's audio routing solutions, which feature Bluetooth playback, USB audio interfacing, serial and parallel TRS stereo FX LOOP compatibility, and industry-standard input and output ports.

Notes: MOOER burst onto the music products scene in 2010 and has been impressing guitarists ever since. However, the company has expanded it's horizons this year with its VP vocal processing pedal series. The MVP2 Harmonier is a powerful example of this - it's a versatile and innovative vocal processor pedal designed to elevate both vocal and guitar performance, offering tonal precision, creativity, and convenience in one compact pedal.

At its core, the pedal offers a versatile pitch harmonizer effect. The 'Key' dial allows users to choose to harmonize their important with any note in the chromatic scale, with the 'Sharp' LED button being used to select sharp notes. Once chosen, the 'Mode' dial facilitates further customization, offering 11 different harmony modes that control the harmony's interval. This includes all classic intervals such as octaves, fifths, and thirds.

The 'Level' dial adjusts the volume of the harmonizer effect, but Harmonier offers even further tonal flexibility thanks to its reverb function. Users can press and hold the 'Sharp' button while rotating the 'Level' dial, which allows them to adjust the volume of the pedal's internal reverb module. The pedal also offers tone modes: flat, warm, and bright. These can be controlled by activating the pedal's unique 'hidden mode' and using the 'sharp' button.

'Hidden mode' is activated by pressing and holding both of the pedal's footswitches, but this is just one example of Harmonier's unique control system. The left footswitch can be held to save effect presets, and pressed to scroll through 7 preset slots. The right footswitch can be pressed to turn on the pedal's effects, pressed again to isolate the reverb, and held to turn off all effects except for the tone setting.

Unlike most of MOOER's pedal offerings, Harmonier supports both XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs. These can be used in 'mixed mode' by holding the right footswitch whilst plugging in the power supply or repeating this action again to switch to 'individual mode', which isolates the signals to their given ports.

Alongside its fundamental functionalities, the pedal features a gain dial, a 48V phantom power switch designed for internal microphone amplification, a grounding switch, and a DC 9V 500mA power input. Collectively, the MVP2 Harmonier's features guarantee that both vocalists and guitarists have all the necessary tools to augment their instrument's sounds with stunning harmonies, without ever having to worry about the pedal's batteries running low.
12 pitches with 11 different harmony mode
11 harmony modes that provide different harmonic intervals
High-quality internal reverb module with adjustable volume
3 tone modes: flat, warm, and bright
7 preset slots
Dual-functionality LED button
Two multi-functional footswitches
Customizable effect, tone, and reverb isolation
Two output modes: mixed and individual
XLR input and output
1/4" input and output
Internal 48V Phantom Power amplification
48V Phantom Power toggle switch for condenser microphones
Line in toggle switch for instruments and dynamic microphone
Gain dial
Ground/Lift toggle switch
DC IN 9V 500mA power input

Notes: Ever since MOOER launched onto the guitar pedal scene in 2010, it has been producing pedals that have consistently pushed the boundaries of audio effect processing. 2023 has seen many impressive new entries, but the new Harmony X2 is set to sit at the top of Christmas lists this year. This device is a highly specialized and versatile harmonic shifting pedal, complete with every harmonic capability a guitarist could need for live performance and recording.

First and foremost, users of the Harmony X2 can select between the 12 pitches of the chromatic scale to customize their harmonies, with each pitch facilitating both major and minor scales. Once a root note has been chosen, a further 11 harmony modes enable further customization of harmonic intervals, including classics such as thirds, fifths, sevenths, and octaves.

Interestingly, the Harmony X2 is designed to specifically facilitate independent stereo harmonies. This means that guitarists can choose separate harmonic intervals for the left and right output, both of which can also have their volume adjusted independently by their dedicated dials. This allows the pedal to stand out from other harmonic pedals, facilitating harmonically rich tones that make optimum use of the stereo field.

After experimenting with these versatile parameters, guitarists can finely tune the intensity of the effect with the 'Dry' dial, determining the level of unprocessed guitar signal in the overall mix. Once satisfied, users can then save their favourite harmonic combinations with the 'Save' button, enabling them to return to their favourite preset at any time.

Despite the advanced nature of the Harmony X2 pedal, its use has been designed to be very simple. A dual foot-switch setup is provided to seamlessly toggle harmonic effects independently for both left and right pannings, and a simple and sleek combination of dials and LED indicators help the user clearly visualize their harmonic effects.

The Harmony X2 supports standard 1/4" inputs and outputs, with both containing two ports to facilitate both mono and stereo usage. However, these can interestingly be used in 'mixed' or 'individual' mode, enabling outputs that either correlate or merge the stereo inputs. The pedal is powered by the included DC 9V power supply, ensuring that guitarists never are never limited by the frustrating process of swapping out batteries during a performance or recording session.

Features:
High-quality pitch processing module
12 pitch options with 11 harmonic modes
Two dials for isolated left and right harmonic customization
Two dials for left and right harmony volumes
Dedicated dial for adjusting the level of dry signal
Support for both major and minor scales
LED indicator for harmony mode
Two LED indicators for major or minor mode
Multi-purpose 'Save' button
Dual-footswitch setup for independent harmonic bypassing
Two 1/4" inputs, supporting both mono and stereo
Two 1/4" outputs that support stereo mixed or individual output modes
Powered by included 9V DC power supply

Notes: MOOER has been impressing musicians with its unique effect pedals for over a decade, and the new MVP3 Loopation is set to continue this trend. It's a versatile and feature-packed pedal designed to enable musicians to create seamless loops with their voice and instruments and is part of MOOER's recent VP series which provides versatile support for microphone input.

Loopation provides 11 save slots for recorded audio loops, with 8 of these slots featuring 5 minutes of recording time, and the other three having 10 minutes. Slots can be selected with the simple 'song' dial, and once audio has been recorded, the files will automatically save onto the device. The pedal offers two recording modes: real-time, and auto.

Recording in real-time mode is activated when the right footswitch is pressed, in the same style as traditional loop pedals. In contrast, the auto mode enters standby when the right footswitch is pressed and begins recording once signal is detected, stopping recording with another press.

However, the looping functions don't stop there. Pressing the right footswitch commences file playback, and during playback, another right footswitch press will enable dub mode, which will continue until the footswitch is pressed once again. Playback can be halted with two quick presses of the right footswitch, or alternatively by switching to a different save slot.

When playback is stopped, users can delete all recorded layers by holding the right footswitch for 1 second, or by holding the second 'stop' footswitch press. Finally, users can undo their dubs by holding the left footswitch whilst an overdub is playing and can complete this motion again to restore this deleted layer. If the musician wishes to reverse the audio file, this can be achieved through a single left footswitch press.

Loopation provides both XLR and 1/4" inputs, which can be used in either 'mixed' or 'individual' mode. Users can toggle between these modes by holding the right footswitch while plugging in the power supply. In mixed mode, both inputs will be active, which can be balanced using the 'mix' dial, whereas, in individual mode, the input signals will be isolated to their respective outputs. The master dial allows users to adjust the overall volume of both outputs.

Amazingly, Loopation augments these features further with built-in reverb and tonal effects. By holding the 'tone' button whilst rotating the 'master' dial, the reverb volume can be adjusted. The tone button can also be used independently to switch between the pedal's three tone modes: flat, warm, and bright.

Finally, Loopation offers a gain adjustment knob, a 48V phantom power switch tailored for internal microphone amplification, a grounding switch, a line-in switch, and a DC 9V 500mA power input. When combined with the impressive looping features of the pedal, musicians are left with a complete toolkit for full compositional processes, whether this is in the studio, at home, or during a live performance.
11 loop memory slots with up to 70 minutes of recording time
Unlimited overdubs within each memory slot
Features for overdubbing, deleting, undoing, redoing, and reversing recordings
Built-in volume-adjustable reverb module
Dial for adjusting volume balance between XLR and 14" input
Master volume dial
Dual-functionality LED button
Two multi-functional footswitches
Two output modes: mixed and individual
XLR input and output
1/4" input and output
Internal 48V Phantom Power amplification
48V Phantom Power toggle switch
Line in toggle switch
Gain dial
Ground/Lift toggle switch
DC IN 9V 500mA power input

Notes: The Next Generation of Intelligent Effects Interfaces

Following the success of The Prime P1 - MOOER have refined the concept of a combined ultra-portable digital effects device and audio interface. The Prime P2 features an enhanced user experience courtesy of a 1.3" touch screen as well as a fully revamped effects and rhythm suite.

Users can access 52 amp models + 10 GNR downloadable file slots, 25 Cab Sims +10 GIR/3rd IR downloadable file slots*** and 57 classic and experimental effect models making the need for bulky pedals and multiple power supplies a thing of the past. From touch sensitive vintage amp models to huge stereo reverbs, modulations and delays based on powerful digital algorithms, the Prime P2 can more than keep up with the demands of the modern guitarist and each chain is fully customizable - that's right, you can put your effects in any order you want for maximum versatility.

The Prime P2 is the ideal tool for streaming/social media use and is designed to make immediate, high-quality sound creation as effortless as possible with seamless connectivity via Bluetooth for playback and the USB-C port for on-the-go recordings* as well as a stereo output jack and TRRS headphone input which supports headphone integrated microphone use. In addition, the integrated rechargeable battery gives up to five hours of power - making the Prime P2 a great choice for the musician on the move.

Users can download the MOOER Prime App* for increased functionality via mobile device. This allows deep-dive editing of preset patches and effects chain parameters as well as storage and recall of up to 80 presets. You can also download and share presets on the MOOER Tone Cloud.

While a mobile device can be used to control the tuner, drum machine, metronome and Looper - MOOER recommend an F-Series wireless footswitch (sold separately) for hands free operation. This transforms the Prime P2 into a very powerful live performance tool. MIDI connectivity is also available for Preset switching, Looper and Drum Machine functions using CC commands from an external MIDI controller.

Features:
Eliminates the need to carry a large number of different pedals and their associated power supplies
Easy configuration of an effects chain without complicated user interfaces
1.3" touch screen allows quick preset changes and access to the tuner directly on the device
Based on MOOER's unique MNRS technology, allowing for high-quality digital amp models and effects in a small format
52 amp models created with MNRS technology + 10 GNR slots to store simulation files downloaded from the cloud
25 cab sim models + 10 GIR slots to store simulation files downloaded from the cloud or third-party IR files
57 classic and experimental effect models
Up to 80 presets in 20 banks
Drum machine with 56 groove varieties, can be synchronized with the Looper
4 metronome styles
Looper with a total capacity of 80 minutes (storage for 10 loops with 8 minutes each)
Supports loading of 3rd party IR file
Supports Tone Cloud sound sharing
Supports stereo output for stereo effects
Stereo headphone output with support for headphones with integrated microphones.
Bluetooth audio playback in stereo for practice or jamming
USB-C charging port also supports audio playback over USB and USB-OTG for live streaming and easy recording
Can be controlled using MOOER F-series wireless footswitches
Can be controlled from an external MIDI controller
Integrated rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours of battery life
Free mobile app for easy editing of sounds as well as saving, organizing and sharing presets**
MOOER Studio PC management software for backup and updates, 3rd IR loading.
* An adaptor may be necessary depending on your device
** The MOOER Prime App is available from Google Play Store, Apple App Store or the official MOOER Download-Support website.
***MNRS is MOOERS's proprietary sampling technology which can be used to sample preamps, combos, pedals and speaker cabinets - MOOER MNRS Sample files come in two categories - GNR files (Amps, preamps, pedals and effects) and GIR files (Cabinet models) for a huge array of sounds.

Specifications
Input: 6.35 mm (1/4") TS, 2 MO
Output: 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS, 100 O
Headphone: 3.5 mm (1/8"), 32 O
Screen: 1.28" Touch Screen
USB: Type C for charging or OTG recording
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Bluetooth: Bluetooth audio playback and App control
Wireless control: 2.4G
Wireless footswitch: supported
Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
Battery life: 5 hours*
MIDI Port: 3.5 mm (1/8")
Charging requirement: 5VDC / 2 A (10 W)
Charging time: 2.5 hours for full charge*
Dimensions: 120 x 64 x 21 mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 152 g
Accessories: Quick-Start manual, USB-C to USB-A cable, 3.5 mm jack to 5-PIN MIDI-connector

*Charging time and battery life are based on lab test data.
Disclaimer: Parameter updates will not be notified separately.

Notes: The Next Generation of Intelligent Effects Interfaces

Following the success of The Prime P1 - MOOER have refined the concept of a combined ultra portable digital effects device and audio interface. The Prime P2 features an enhanced user experience courtesy of a 1.3" touch screen as well as a fully revamped effects and rhythm suite.

Users can access 52 amp models + 10 GNR downloadable file slots, 25 Cab Sims +10 GIR/3rd IR downloadable file slots*** and 57 classic and experimental effect models making the need for bulky pedals and multiple power supplies a thing of the past. From touch sensitive vintage amp models to huge stereo reverbs, modulations and delays based on powerful digital algorithms, the Prime P2 can more than keep up with the demands of the modern guitarist and each chain is fully customizable - that's right, you can put your effects in any order you want for maximum versatility.

The Prime P2 is the ideal tool for streaming/social media use and is designed to make immediate, high-quality sound creation as effortless as possible with seamless connectivity via Bluetooth for playback and the USB-C port for on-the-go recordings* as well as a stereo output jack and TRRS headphone input which supports headphone integrated microphone use. In addition, the integrated rechargeable battery gives up to five hours of power - making the Prime P2 a great choice for the musician on the move.

Users can download the MOOER Prime App* for increased functionality via mobile device. This allows deep-dive editing of preset patches and effects chain parameters as well as storage and recall of up to 80 presets. You can also download and share presets on the MOOER Tone Cloud.

While a mobile device can be used to control the tuner, drum machine, metronome and Looper - MOOER recommend an F-Series wireless footswitch (sold separately) for hands-free operation. This transforms the Prime P2 into a very powerful live performance tool. MIDI connectivity is also available for Preset switching, Looper and Drum Machine functions using CC commands from an external MIDI controller.

Features:

Eliminates the need to carry a large number of different pedals and their associated power supplies
Easy configuration of an effects chain without complicated user interfaces 1.3" touch screen allows quick preset changes and access to the tuner directly on the device
Based on MOOER's unique MNRS technology, allowing for high-quality digital amp models and effects in a small format
52 amp models created with MNRS technology + 10 GNR slots to store simulation files downloaded from the cloud
25 cab sim models + 10 GIR slots to store simulation files downloaded from the cloud or third-party IR files
57 classic and experimental effect models
Up to 80 presets in 20 banks
Drum machine with 56 groove varieties, can be synchronized with the Looper
4 metronome styles
Looper with a total capacity of 80 minutes (storage for 10 loops with 8 minutes each)
Supports loading of 3rd party IR file
Supports Tone Cloud sound sharing
Supports stereo output for stereo effects
Stereo headphone output with support for headphones with integrated microphones.
Bluetooth audio playback in stereo for practice or jamming
USB-C charging port also supports audio playback over USB and USB-OTG for live streaming and easy recording
Can be controlled using MOOER F-series wireless footswitches
Can be controlled from an external MIDI controller
Integrated rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours of battery life
Free mobile app for easy editing of sounds as well as saving, organizing and sharing presets**
MOOER Studio PC management software for backup and updates, 3rd IR loading.

* An adaptor may be necessary depending on your device
** The MOOER Prime App is available from Google Play Store, Apple App Store or the official MOOER Download-Support website.
***MNRS is MOOERS's proprietary sampling technology which can be used to sample preamps, combos, pedals and speaker cabinets - MOOER MNRS Sample files come in two categories - GNR files (Amps, preamps, pedals and effects) and GIR files (Cabinet models) for a huge array of sounds.

Notes: MOOER is well known for producing highly versatile multi-effect pedals, but its latest product announcement, the Prime Stomp S1, is not just a multi-effect pedal. It is an all-in-one pedalboard for guitar effects and tones, looping, and music production, complete with a unique portability-focused design.

Initially, guitarists will be impressed by its 126 internal guitar effects and tone presets, which are editable, sharable, and downloadable through the MOOER Cloud platform, fostering unlimited tonal flexibility. However, these capabilities shine particularly brightly when combined with the pedal's recording features.

This includes a looper module, which facilitates up to 80 seconds of looping, whilst also providing functionality for real-time playback, loop deletion, and overdubbing. Loops and arrangements can also be recorded directly onto a mobile phone or tablet through a USB/OTG cable.

When combined with the pedal's 40 synchronizable drum machines, 10 metronomes, and tuner, these looping and recording capabilities empower guitarists to craft complete musical arrangements within a single unified pedalboard, without the need for studio equipment. All features can be controlled by four simple footswitches, making for a powerfully minimalist user experience.

Whilst MOOER offers several pedalboards that offer similar functionality, the Prime Stomp S1 stands out due to its focus on portability. Instead of being powered by a mains power supply, it is powered solely by an integrated lithium battery. This battery is charged by a USB C port, enabling users to charge the pedal with a portable power bank, laptop, or regular USB C charger. The device also weighs just 350g, making it effortless to carry in a backpack.

Whilst the Prime Stomp 1 primarily caters to traveling musicians, it still includes industry-standard pedal features, such as a 1/4" input, stereo 1/4" outputs, and an independent headphone output. All of these features are presented in a sleek case and are visualized by MOOER's signature digital LED display, making for an unbeatable unified toolkit for traveling guitarists.

Notes: MOOER, one of the world's leading guitar pedal innovators, has never been a stranger to octave pedals. The company has already enjoyed a successful response to its "Pure" and "Purer" Octave pedals, but the company's latest offering, the Tender Octaver X2, aims to take guitar octave capabilities to the next level.

Unlike the Pure and Purer Octave pedals which focus on pitch-shifting by the semitone, the Tender Octaver X2 is designed with a more specialized intention, focussing solely on octave shifts. When using the pedal, users can choose between two different octave shift modes, facilitating the addition of both subjacent and upper frequencies to a guitar signal. Both options have two dedicated rotatable dials, one for determining the volume of the added octave, and one for fine-tuning its tonal colour.

Both of these octave effects can be used independently and can be toggled on or off with their own easy-access footswitches, each paired with its own LED light to indicate its current activation status. Furthermore, both effects can also be used simultaneously, empowering guitarists to experiment with unique tri-octave guitar presets.

However, these subjacent and upper octave effects need not be explicit if the guitarist using the Tender Octaver X2 is looking for a more subtle octave manipulation. Thanks to the octave volume dials and the "Direct" dial for dry signal volume adjustment, anything from an explicit pitch shift to a subtle octave underlay can be achieved within the same pedal.

The pedal also contains 14 preset slots, allowing users to experiment and save their favourite parameter combinations with the "Save" button. In classic MOOER fashion, this has been presented in a minimalistic fashion, with 7 LED lights representing the full range of 14 save slots, lighting up blue or red depending on which half of the slots are being browsed. Each slot can be saved into or browsed through the two "Sub" and "Upper" footswitches, providing a further example of MOOER's dedication to making the most out of a minimalistic interface.

Using the pedal will be as simple as plugging it into the included DC 9V power supply, and plugging in a guitar with a standard 1/4" guitar cable. Overall, the Tender Octave X2 is set to be an exciting new addition to MOOER's octave pedal catalogue, and if paired with the "Pure" or "Purer" Octave products, just about any pitch-shift combination is made possible for guitarists of any style or experience level.

Features:
Precise octave-shifting DSP algorithm
Two octave effect options - subjacent and upper
Two effect volume dials, one for each octave
A 'Direct' dial for adjusting the dry signal volume
14 unique user preset slots
A dual-function 'Save' button for presets
7 dual-color preset LEDs, with red representing one half of presets, and blue representing the other half
Two additional LEDs, indicating the activation status of both octave effects
Two footswitches that function both independently and simultaneously for effect toggling and preset browsing
1/4" mono input and output
DC 9V power supply
Minimalistic and compact casing design

Review: Moblack is back with mo' great beats from its ongoing Sampler series. The eighth volume is another doozy that covers all shades of house Moon Rocket, Mattei & Omich open up with 'Find Your Way' (feat Bel-Ami). It's a dreamy sound with lush vocals and shimmering percussion and melodies. Spellband then offer up some soulful sound and soft, cuddly house drums while Cosmo & Kramer remix Mabiisi with a raw percussive edge over rubbery and rolling beats. Sobek closes out with some cosmic turbulence and percolating percussive funk on 'True Anomaly.'

Review: Kelly Moran, a New York pianist and composer, is releasing a new LP titled Moves In The Field. This will be her first solo album since 2018's Ultraviolet. The new album heavily utilises the Yamaha Disklavier player piano, which allows Moran to record her performances and have the piano play them back on its own. This instrument has allowed her to explore new possibilities in her music, creating intricate chords and patterns that would be impossible to play by hand. The album consists of ten tracks, including 'Sodalis (II),' which features beautiful and angelic melodies, and 'Butterfly Phase,' which is more introspective and personal. Moran's exploration of the Disklavier's capabilities has resulted in a unique and captivating musical experience that showcases her creativity and technical prowess.

Review: UK imprint White Peach have served up all things dubstep since before you likely developed any sense of taste. That's because they made yours; 'Likesss' is the latest set of sonic fruits from rising producer Moreofus, and continues to convince us of White Peach's ability to sway our low-end-erring predilections. Through its ploddy trap, midrange growls, triplet transitions, riotous vocal textures, and pistol-whipping snares - B2 'Menace' coming as the night-bussed, heavy-deep drill highlight - Moreofuss seems set to rack up a lot of 'Likessss' indeed...

Review: This Best Of The Morwells album originally landed back in 1981 but has not degraded in any way over the ensuring 40+ years. It is a superb collection of vocal roots that first came on the American label Nighthawk Records and might be best known for standout hits like 'In God We Trust' and 'Africa' as well as 'Educate Your Mind.' The lyrics muse on plenty of still relevant socio-political topics while riding on nice deep rhythms with earthy drums and meandering leads. The band went on to become well-regarded and prolific session musicians in Jamaica and you might well have heard of them... none other than The Roots Radics.

Review: Mount Kimbie demonstrate their expansive ability to metamorphose over time, with the Sunset Violent being their first record (the follow up to 2022's MK 3.5: Die Cuts I City Planning) to document their efforts as a quartet, as opposed to the simple duo project of Dominic Maker and Kai Campos. Now with composer Andrea Balency-Bearn and Marc Pell (Good Sad Happy Bad), the project brings an ever-so-slightly more conceptual slant to the mix, with the album centring thematically on the UFO sightings of the Yucca Valley, California, and the interplay between the literal desert in that part of the world, and the figurative desert of London (where the album was completed). As ever, the likes of 'Fishbrain' and 'Boxing' deliver indie-electronic buildups, as driving as they are infectious, mixed with the distinctly sepia-textured moods and performative tastes of London's finest (King Krule among them).

Review: Few bands have sidestepped expectations as cannily as Mount Kimbie. Initially a duo but now expanded into a quartet, the British band has previously excelled in mixing, matching and fusing a wide range of experimental and left of centre electronic music influences. On The Sunset Violet, their first full-length as a quartet, they've shifted sonically once more, leaning into their indie-rock influences on a set recorded in California. The latter aspect - and the impact of being surrounded by sunshine and desert - is reflected in the warmth and haziness of the sound, which draws on the layered vocals and guitars of vintage shoegaze while also reaching for more familiar aspects of the band's previous experimental electronic sounds (for proof, check the ghostly musical vision that is King Krule collaboration 'Boxing').

Review: Message From The Country marks a pivotal moment for The Move in 1971, signaling changes on the horizon. The album showcases the band pushing their sound to its limits, incorporating intricate harmonies, lush arrangements, and Beatles-esque influences. Led by Jeff Lynne's songwriting and arranging, the record exhibits a charmingly ornate yet accessible blend of rock and pop-psych elements. Despite facing challenges as a reduced trio and shifting away from live performances, the Move delivered their most complex and cohesive album. From the post-psychedelic title track to the driving energy of 'Ella James' and the airy pop-psychedelia of 'No Time,' each song contributes to a unified and powerful listening experience. Message From The Country holds its own against the White Album with its blend of musical innovation and accessibility. While it may have been overshadowed by the emergence of Electric Light Orchestra, the album remains essential for fans of the Move, ELO, and Roy Wood alike.

Review: Ilian Tape's ITX Series provides another opportunity to sink into some deeply escapist ambient and drone soundscapes from the usually dance floor-focused breakbeat and techno label. MPU101 has served up a few of these EPs before and they always find them coax plenty of magic out of their analogue machines. 'TEAM 700_76' is a nice and bleary-eyed post-Blade Runner soundtrack, 'BLOCK-1_2AREA666' has a darker undercurrent of menace, 'TrailerparkBeauty' brings some twinkling celestial keys and 'Sunset Memories' closes on frazzled chords that speak of heat damage from a scorching sun.

Review: Old muckers Mr G and Duncan Forbes drop their fourth collaborative project 'Cosmic One'. It comes in the form of four creative flips of one stroboscopic deep house banger, with the two taking the source material and reworking it into a further three prime-time club missiles. 'Cosmic Three' is our pick of the bunch, with syncopated claps opening up the track, and allowing the bubbling chords and shuffling b-line room to shine through the gaps in the texture. Bound to light up any self-respecting dancefloor, this one.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: Mr.Scruff and Ninja Tune are both entities that need little introduction. Veterans of the urban sounding landscape they both go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. Always creative with naming things, Mr Scruff giving a 'Ninja Tuna' title to this 3x12 is a jammed packed compilation of older tracks as well as different versions of desired and classic Mr. Scruff gems. Included among others are the unique 'Music Takes Me Up' featuring Alice Russell, the addictive quirkiness of 'Whiplash', the funked up, sample-heavy 'Rocking Chair', and the classic 'Nice Up The Function' with Roots Manuva. Mr.Scruff gives us a collection here that demonstrates his amazing ability to make catchy instrumentals while also being elite at featuring singers over his eclectic style. 'Ninja Tuna' is sure to be a favorite with anyone into music regardless of your background or experience in music.

Review: Mukatsuku has got another little treasure on its hands here with a tune from MBE and UK Soul legend Omar. It dates back to 2004 and has never been on 7" before having become something of a classic after original release on 12". Dons like Gilles Peterson and IG Culture were early supporters of the driving, peak time broken beat sound and the tune was often a highpoint of Omar's live sets. It has never been released as an instrumental either - until now. Both tunes now together on one 45 make for an essential cop for soul fans and, as always, there is strictly no repress on this one so move fast.

Review: Eleven miasmic, brooding tape meditations from the legendary Bryn Jones, reissued and packaged by Ukrainian label I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free. Recorded in the immediate wake of the Oslo I accords, the album both bares Jones' stance on the peace pact and eerily predicts its aftermath, with humming, resonant drones, tinny vocal fragments and reversed percussion colliding in aural analogues of political tension, distrust and cyclicality. Overall it is an equally meditative and ominous listen, peppered with many of the hallmarks of mid-nineties Muzlimgauze productions, from swung, steppy, proto-DMZ ride cymbals, to plucked FM synth MIDI earworms, to his ever-present swathes of darkly churning string drones. Essential!

Review: One of the most successful and enduring techno labels has been the Dutch based Planet Rhythm Records. For over 30 years now the label has helped launch and propel the careers of some of the biggest names in the genre. One such name that the label has helped grow is Muzmin and 'The Bulb' EP is his fifth release for them to date. These heavy, grooving rhythmic tracks have just the right amount of percussive elements to give the tracks some melodic moods, 'The Bulb' itself having an eerie, sci-fi mysterious feel to it giving us Purpose Maker impressions. On 'Yuklem', the loopier underlying is particularly sick. 'Kran' also does a great job of feeling aggressive yet reserved in some aspects. This gives the track an excellent laid-back sound or a very heavy one depending on what you want to hone in on listening. That is a hard balance to have in heavy techno so we give Muzmin major props for having that experience and skill to pull off. This is no nonsense techno that fits perfectly into the fabric of the sound that the label has fostered.

Review: Hailing from Bremerton, Washington, legendary pop-punk mainstays MxPx have maintained a devout fanbase and cult-like following due to their earnest sincerity, angst and melody that they've refused to sacrifice across 12 full-lengths. Following on from the commercial success of 2003's Before Everything & After, which would mark the band's highest charting album to date, 2005 would see the release of their often overlooked gem Panic. At seven LPs in that this point, the energetic delivery and emotive material would cement the group as reliable lifers, while standout single 'Wrecking Hotel Rooms' featuring Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 on guest vocals, has gone on to become a highly lauded pop-punk crossover event in the decades since.

Review: 'Unfurling' their 15th album - a stonking discographic achievement - My Dying Bride's A Mortal Binding is brought to our attention. The Yorkshire-based quintet deliver this incendiary sonic meditation on loss, distress, and abyssal horror with glee, eliding gothic and apocalyptic themes while playing on bleak aspects of the band members' personal lives, sublimated through wicked doom metal. 'Thornwyck Hymn', 'Her Dominion' and 'The Apocalyptist' betray a belief that one can master the end of times - whatever form they may take - and use them to one's own advantage: such is the implied message.