Back catalogue: Classical

Review: Survival horror franchise Alan Wake saw its second instalment in 2023, following the game series' 2010 debut. Again, we follow novelist Alan Wake, as he attempts to escape his imprisonment in an alternate dimension by penning a horror story about an FBI agent, Saga Anderson. Both a detective story and a shoot 'em up, the second game bolsters the franchise's neo-noir and gothic Midwestern tropes; the soundtrack is fittingly both lachrymose and chilling, with its contributing scorers - Petri Alanko, Old Gods Of Asgard, Jean Castel and more - portraying Nordic moods of modern, nailbiting mystery. Through stark, grim, minor-keyed anthems, trip-hop furrowers and trembly orchestral laments, we find dead bodies found in the woods, fight spriggan-esque creatures, and soak in moods of noir crime psychodrama, all chillingly captured in a single sonic melange.

Review: Kompakt's Pop Ambient 2025 marks 25 years of their signature deep ambient series, embodying a refined sense of tranquility and atmospheric depth. This vinyl release gathers new gems from longtime contributors like Leandro Fresco, Pass Into Silence and Wurden & Schafe, who each bring lush soundscapes that feel like meditative journeys. Triola's inclusion reinforces the continuity of the series, while new compositions like 'Artifacts of Synthese' by Segensklang add fresh, delicate textures. Hendrik Meyer's 'Grun War Die Klamm' stands out with its natural, serene tones, beautifully complementing the collection. For ambient listeners, this anniversary edition presents a thoughtfully curated blend of Kompakt's ambient vision over the years, celebrating a legacy of introspective, lush sound and marking a milestone in the genre.

Review: Laced Records bring the musical experience of Braid, Anniversary Edition, to life with a beautifully remastered collection of 15 tracks on heavyweight vinyl. This edition features music from the original 2008 indie classic, enhanced for modern listeners. Eight of these tracks, composed by Jami Sieber, Shira Kammen, Pam Swan, and Cheryl Ann Fulton, transport players into the evocative world of Braid, blending perfectly with the game's intricate puzzle mechanics. Additionally, seven fresh electro-ambient remixes by Martin Stig Andersen infuse a darker, more atmospheric energy into the soundtrack. Andersen's reinterpretations align with the game's more intense later stages, offering a unique contrast to the original compositions. The music, designed to enhance the player's immersion, remains as vital and engaging as ever. With its striking packaging, including printed inner sleeves and a wide-spined outer sleeve, this edition is ideal for both fans of the game and vinyl collectors.