New releases this week: All genres

Review: Manchester mavericks A Certain Ratio have been on a rare run of form of late, with 2023's 1982 counting as one of their most vibrant and endlessly entertaining albums for decades. Of course, all their albums are of a consistent quality, but It All Comes Down To This genuinely crackles with energy. From the word go, the veteran band's inherent funkiness is present, but this time it comes cloaked in fuzzy funk-rock guitar riffs, acid-fried effects, and vocals that are amongst the most forthright they've committed to wax (or, in this case, CD). In many ways, it is - as the band and producer/Sopeedy Wunderground boss Dan Carey intended - a 'back to basics' sound that focuses on the key aspects of ACR's sound. When those 'basics' are so strong, it's no surprise that the results are this impressive.

Review: Mansun's The Dead Flowers Reject, originally conceived as an insurance policy against label rejection of their experimental album Six, emerges as a hidden gem in the band's discography. Recorded concurrently with Six, this album offers a slightly less eccentric selection of songs, showcasing a more conventional sequencing approach. Frontman Paul Draper describes it as possibly his favorite Mansun album, capturing the band's live essence. Fans will relish the opportunity to experience this essential piece of Mansun's legacy in its full glory. Mansun's influence on the late 90s British music scene is undeniable, and The Dead Flowers Reject adds another layer to their iconic status. With its newfound availability on vinyl, this album solidifies its place as a crucial component of Mansun's innovative journey.

Review: For their latest deep dive into Italo-disco history, ZYX Records have enlisted the help of Guiseppe "Joey" Mauro - an Italian producer, songwriter and keyboardist whose career stretches right back to 1984. His "Italo-disco legends" selection is heavy on his own work - no bad thing given his credentials - and contains a wealth of material that has never appeared on CD before. Highlights are plentiful, with our picks including Mauro and Ventura's sparkling and uplifting 'You & I', Italowarriors' throbbing and colourful crew cut, 'The Warrior (120 Italo Version)', the bubbly cheeriness of 'Crazy (Classic Mix Version)' by Malcolm & The Bad Girls, and the effortless Italo funkiness of Raf Coney's 'Horsepower'.

Review: After a 10-year hiatus, Balearic Mike and Kelvin Andrews return to continue the journey of the Balearic Beat with another edition of their distinguished Down To The Sea And Back compilation series, presenting a formidable new set of rare and obscure records. Once more sifting from the formidable crock of late ‘80s to intra-‘90s Balearic music, this eight-track LP begins on a serene note with the expertly layered guitars from Dagobert Böhm on their re-arrangement of Josete Ordonez, before moving into increasingly complex but still no less sunny waters from the likes of Vidderna, Lee Ryda, and Pressure Drop. A veritable three years’ worth of digging, finally condensed into a single selection.