Review: Ab Ovo have been making music since 1991, establishing a longstanding foothold in the conjoined genres of ambient, electronica and IDM. Releasing their last album in 2007, they enjoyed the pure glory of veteranship, until now: Vrystaete / Enfant Terrible have here embarked upon a full, career-spanning compilation of selections from across their albums, amounting to a whopping four sides of brainy, pensive, best-buy chillout made over two decades. With careful intent to represent their discography not as a mere compilation, but an album, Le Temps Retrouve 1994-2007 spans a career's worth of work while still crafting a novel sonic narrative; the geodesic dome on the front cover is held firmly in mind, as is the sonic "stress" of the record distributed with equipoise, beginning on the opening wrung-out rainsticks and moody marimbas of 'Night Is My Time', middling with the likes of synaptic club-bound breathables like 'Horizon Vertical' and 'Triode', and ending on the bitter stretchy-synth lament that is Nimp's remix.
Last Night Reprise (feat Cautious Clay, Kaki King & Maeve Gilchrist - reprise)
Raat Ki Rani
Whiskey
Zameen (feat Chocolate Genius)
Review: Arooj Aftab's Night Reign is a stunning trip into the depths of the night, where inspiration thrives. Departing from themes of loss in her previous work, Aftab crafts an album rich with renewal and romance. Collaborations with artists like Cautious Clay and Moor Mother add layers to the lush soundscape, creating a cinematic experience. Each track, from the haunting 'Autumn Leaves' to the soulful 'Bolo Na,' weaves together to form a narrative of surrender and transformation. Aftab's voice, accompanied by intricate instrumentation, guides listeners through the darkness, offering moments of introspection and possibility. Night Train is a chance to throw yourself into the beauty and mystery of deep music, emerging renewed and transformed.
Review: Has it really been five years since Migration? Time has flown, but the evergreen appeal of Bonobo holds true as he lands back on his spiritual home of Ninja Tune with another hotly anticipated opus. Fragments finds Simon Green digging deep, having forced himself to work outside of his usual tour-centric comfort zone during the global shutdown and developing a lot of new material in the isolation of the Californian desert. While that air of solitude formed a foundation for the album, he then folded in ample collaborations from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Jordan Rakei, O'Flynn, Joji and Kadhja Bonet, resulting in a stirring soul soup of richly developed, danceable rhythms and patient musicality with that unmistakable Bonobo touch.
Review: We invite you to take it slowly and subtly with this new deep, funky house release from Seoul-based DJ and producer Chiman. The sixth instalment in Sambo Records' 7" series, Chiman submits to us a steadily meandering flow state here, imbuing deep house with actual organic jazz-band influences though he coolly bucks the temptation to sample anything; in fact 'Bn2-20A' and its 'Realjam Dub Mix' are made entirely from scratch - clock the list of live sesh musician compadres on the inners - and each track does well to stretch quiet wonder-moods against arresting crescendos. Note the timorous high point of the latter track in its beatless section.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
You should never assume too much when it comes to Eartheater. Powders on Mad Decent and finds the maverick modernist at her most vulnerable and exposed. Where she's so often warped and manipulated her voice as part of her hyper pop experimentation, here she comes through in strikingly direct terms whether soaring over elegant threads of synthesis (on gorgeous opener 'Sugarcane Switch') or covering System of a Down's 'Chop Suey' in fragile, acoustic fashion. Even after so many albums, it feels like we're still in the process of understanding the many dimensions of the Eartheater creative universe, and here is but one new galaxy to explore.
Review: In some ways, the work of Figi (AKA Dutch producer Vigi Auke Weemhoff) is reflective of the Netherlands' vibrant, colourful and mixed-up dance scene - one where synthesisers are frequently foregrounded and the rhythms of house, techno, Italo-disco and boogie are mixed and matched in a variety of retro-futurist ways. Certainly, that kaleidoscopic blend is at the heart of the artist's latest album, Fig 1. Rooted in vaporwave, Hi-NRG and Italo-style synth sounds, it's a confident and sonically sparkling set that puts melodic motifs and catchy riffs at the heart of the action. For proof, check standouts 'Belka-Strelka' (an acid-flecked, drum machine-driven chunk of 80s elctro-disco), 'Fig 1', the Klakson-style electro hustle of 'ADSL' and the ultra-deep, dreamy, Endorphins-releasing wonder that is 'Ornex'.
Review: The Jakarta label out of Germany serves up constantly high quality beats from across the hip hop and downtempo spectrum. Gianni Brezzo is a jazz affiliated bandana studio project helmed by Cologne-based producer & creative maestro Marvin Horsch and their new long player 'Tutto Passa' was made in homage to and respect of Italian culture. Horsch spent time researching Italian composers of the 60s and 70s before staring work on the record and it show sin the lush melodies, sweeping synth sounds and Library music vibes of this most exquisite record of instrumental chill.
Review: Experimental pop, electronic minimalism and global sonic influences from the former YMO member who crafts an intricate soundscape that blends coldwave, proto-techno and ambient textures on this set of reissued LPs, at least one ear always attuned to the avant-garde. Haruomi Hosono's 'Omni Sight Seeing', originally released in 1989 is an adventurous album evident from the start. 'Orgone Box' channels Kraftwerk's electro-pop precision while incorporating Steve Reich-like repetitions and Miharu Koshi's surreal vocal interjections. 'Retort' is a meditative fusion of celeste, organ and orchestration, evoking the dreamlike beauty of a sunlit European promenade. Meanwhile, 'Laugh-Gas' stands as a hypnotic acid house excursion, its squelching 808 patterns and entrancing filter work recalling both Chris & Cosey and early rave minimalism. Hosono's fascination with world music and cosmic exploration is at the core of the album. 'Esashi' transforms a traditional Japanese folk piece into an intoxicating, requiem-like reverie, while 'Andadura' merges balearic textures with Arabic vocals and tropical percussion. The album's ethereal closer, 'Pleocene', glides on downtempo rhythms, featuring hypnotic harmonisations that encapsulate the album's ability to transcend genre and cultural barriers. Omni Sight Seeing remains an example of Hosono's boundless creativity.
Review: It's been some six years since Hun Choi made his debut on William Burnett's WT Records imprint. In that time, he's proved incredibly hard to pin down. This debut album for Rush Hour seems designed to continue that trend, offering a series of warm, melodious and curiously Balearic cuts that defy easy categorization. Sure, there are dancefloor-focused moments - see the cacophonous, Detroit-influenced hustle of "Error of the Average", the deep acid madness of "Silent Sensations" and the classic deep house bounce of "Desire" - but also a range of downtempo and ambient jams that arguably impress more. Of these, it's "The World" - a humid exercise in tropical drums, twittering flutes and looped vocal samples - and the sublime, string-laden "Bruises" that really stand out.
Review: Jeremie Moussaid Kerouanton, simply known as iZem around our circles, is a new face on the downtempo scene, and one which we'd very much like to see more of. Luckily, he's returned with his debut album, and it's on the incorrigible Soundway label; we probably mention it often, but it is one of our meccas when it comes to the leftfield end of the spectrum. This is a proper album and, by that, we don't mean that it sounds good and that every track is amazing; we mean that it works as one single body of music, a real 360 degree view of iZem's point of view. The tracks are as varied as the sounds in them, and from Eastern vocals to improvisational tribalism and subtle waves of deep house, we feel that this is the sort of LP that'll appeal to many different sorts of collectors. The house-heads will like it for its sensibility to other genres of music, the balearic fiends will find it naturally welcoming, and the folk fans will find plenty of inspiration. Don't miss out on this, it's a keeper.
Review: Sit back, relax, and sink into a faraway world thanks to the evocative sounds of Jura Soundsystem. It is an idyllic place with the sound of distant bird calls, humid jungle atmospheres and life-affirming melodies. Everything from ambient house to new age, Balearic bliss to downtempo corpus the perfectly escapist grooves with the gentle patter of 'Linn Fun' an early highlight. There is a playful sense of boogie funk to 'King Of Aldinga' while 'Freediving In The Tropical Zone' has a 90s feel with its scuffed-up and lazy drums and seductive bassline. A lovely album indeed.
Review: Svaneborg Kardyb, the award-winning Danish duo comprising Nikolaj Svaneborg on Wurlitzer, Juno, and piano, and Jonas Kardyb on drums and percussion, have garnered acclaim for their exciting blend of Danish folk music and Scandinavian jazz. Influenced by artists like Nils Frahm and Jan Johansson, their sound is a delightful fusion of beautiful melodies, minimalism, catchy grooves, subtle electronica, and Nordic atmospheres. Their musical chemistry is palpable, underpinned by the sheer joy of playing together. Following their Gondwana Records debut Over Tage, their forthcoming album Superkilen takes its name from a public park in Copenhagen's Norrebro district, transformed by the Superflex art group to foster unity among diverse communities. This project's spirit of renewal and harmony mirrors the inventive, serene qualities in Svaneborg Kardyb's music. Superkilen promises to be a tonic for the tense and cluttered modern environment, with the duo's continued evolution and positive energy on full display. Through their music, they create space and serenity, much like the park that inspired their latest work.
Review: Canada may not shout as loud as the US, UK or Germany when it comes to electronic music, with the exception of Richie Hawtin perhaps, albeit frequently assumed he's American, and is actually part-British. Nevertheless, the larger North American state has a truly remarkable legacy in house, techno, ambient, and synth-y odds and sods.
It's proof the apple never falls far from the tree, given proximity to some of the bonafide birthplaces of those sounds - Chicago and Detroit. Edmonton's Khotin is indicative of the difficult to define tones that emanate from the Maple Leaf and its people. So much texture, pouring with emotion, and fundamentally born of new ideas, or at least different ways of thinking. Release Spirit, his third album on Michigan's Ghostly International, is thoughtful, intelligent, downtempo electronic stuff, crafted with love and attention to detail.
Review: Before Lone became one of Britain's most celebrated kaleidoscopic rave fusionists with the R&S-released Echolations EP and Galaxy Garden LP, he was best known as a beat-maker with a passion for experimental MPC rhythms and dreamy exotica samples. The highlight of this portion of his career was undoubtedly debut album Lemuria, which here gets a deluxe reissue - with new artwork - on vinyl. It still sounds just as magical, dusty, picturesque and otherworldly as it did back then, with brief moments of rush-inducing clarity nestling side by side with jazz-flecked workouts and shimmering, Boards of Canada-go-glitch beatscapes.
Review: Love Spirals Downwards' seminal 1998 album, Flux, receives a well-deserved vinyl reissue, enriching its ethereal soundscape with newfound clarity and depth. Remastered by Ryan Lum, the album's lush blend of ethereal guitars, celestial vocals, and pioneering breakbeats resonates as powerfully today as it did upon its debut. From the skittering rhythms of 'City Moon' to the haunting beauty of 'Psyche,' the album's innovative fusion of genres captivates listeners, offering a timeless sonic journey. Insightful liner notes by Jason Morehead of Opus Zine accompany the release, providing a deeper understanding of the album's creative process and enduring impact. Flux stands as a landmark in the dream pop genre, hailed by Pitchfork and post-punk.com among others and this vinyl reissue allows fans to rediscover its transcendent beauty once again.
Review: Kirill Matveev takes you on a classic narrative arc across this 50-minute and ethereal journey thanks to some superbly careful curation. This double-sided compilation features an eclectic mix of artists from across a cohesive spectrum. Each track blends avant-garde elements with resonant soundscapes while balancing subtle charm and emotional depth. From serene reflections to soul-stirring grooves, this collection adds up to an absorbing and escapist experience that you will want to keep coming back to it, ready to rediscover something new each time you give yourself over to its immersive depths.
Dancing Fantasy - "Voodoo Jammin'" (Eros mix) (6:24)
Bandolero - "Reves Noirs" (instrumental) (4:06)
Don Carlos - "Aqua" (part 1) (6:25)
Language - "Tranquility Bass" (5:15)
Kamasutra - "Sugar Step" (6:17)
Moodswings - "The Jazz Man" (5:36)
Congarilla - "Sacred Tree" (3:02)
Red Sun - "Honey From The Baka" (6:33)
Coste Apetrea - "Hej Dar" (4:20)
Christoph Spendel Group - "Forever" (3:33)
Frank De Wulf - "The End" (6:59)
Cantoma - "Gambarra" (unreleased mix) (4:59)
Review: Out Of The Blue, Phil Mison's first compilation for some time, was apparently inspired by his first few trips to the White Isle of Ibiza, and specifically the unlikely set of circumstances that led to him filling in for Jose Padilla at Cafe Del Mar. Musically, it's reflective of the story, joining the dots between impossible-to-find rarities (see the loved-up instrumental jazz-rock of "Jelly" by The Cactus Rose Project and the life-affirming fusion business of Christoph Spendel Group's "Forever", for starters), huggable Balearic synth-pop, flamenco-inspired sunset gems, and a smattering of head-in-the-clouds Italian dream house killers. Given Mison's heritage and status as one of Balearica's top selectors, it's perhaps unsurprising that Out Of The Blue is undeniably brilliant.
Review: This collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Valentina Magaletti and Afro-Portuguese beat-maker Nidia follows artists like Moritz von Oswald and Laurel Halo on the label. The album bridges cultures and environments from Sicilian heat to English rain through infectious rhythms and intricate melodies. Meaning "roads" in Portuguese, Estradas reflects the duo's dynamic exchange while adapting their sound to the urgency and spirit of diverse spaces. Produced by Tom Halstead, it masterfully weaves syncopated drums, marimba and melodic interludes into an electrifying release that celebrates rhythm's universal power.
Review: Japanese digital dub legend Takafumi Noda and Dutch synth wizard Danny Wolfers (best known as Legowelt) reunite for a great second album under the Noda & Wolfers project on Nightwind Records. This album blends digital dub, raw lo-fi electro and acid influences into a captivating, deviant sound that is rich in wild, untamed synths which collide with rough rhythm boxes as seductive spring reverbs dissolve into space echoes. Intense bass crumbles over decaying fuzzy tapes and Noda's haunting melodica melodies elevate the album to new, mesmerising heights. A fascinating fusion of creative worlds.
Review: Neapolitan duo Massimo Di Lena and Lucio Aquilina are Nu Genea, masters of the Balearic form and musical wizards who transport you to a better place in an instant. Four years later their last album they finally return with more sumptuous sounds in the form of Bar Mediterraneo, which swings open its doors and invites you in for a cocktail or two. Acoustic instruments, voices and synthesizers all come together on this funk, soul, Afro, Latin and jazz fusion and it's exactly the sort of record you needing your life when the temps begin to rise.
Review: Ocean Moon, the alias of Cornwall-based producer and Lo Recordings founder Jon Tye, presents his latest offering, an ambient electronic work imbued with a gentle positivity. Tye, also known for his work with the UK ambient duo MLO, explores themes of artificial intelligence and consciousness evolution throughout the album. Side one delves into AI through a philosophical lens, drawing inspiration from Buddhist perspectives and texts like 'The Physics Of Immortality' and 'Novacene'. Tracks such as 'Ways To The Deep Meadow' and 'Souls Fall Away' offer a refreshing counterpoint to the often-negative portrayals of AI, radiating a sense of optimism and possibility. Side two features two extended compositions created for visual projects. 'Made In Dreams', utilising AI technology, creates an ethereal, warm atmosphere and 'An Ending Full Of Light', composed for Vix Hill Ryder's Wild Edges film, evokes a sense of serenity and resolution. Subtle melodies and delicate touches help craft music that truly nourishes the soul here.
Transient Transmission (Intercept Retwist Of Adrian Sherwood Iota remix) (5:17)
Third Light (Adrian Sherwood Echoes Of The Night 10" dub mix) (4:31)
1000 Mile Drift (Adrian Sherwood mix) (5:47)
A Doubtful Sound (Adrian Sherwood 10" dub mix) (3:49)
Review: Adrian Sherwood lends a generous remixing hand to the label Dubmission and their flagship productions duo come solo artist Pitch Black (Mike Hodgson), producing an effects-laden leap through four dub drastics all based on original music first recorded by Mike. This is an exemplary case of "don't meet your heroes" being disproven, as 'Echoes Of The Night' and its filial sonic friends all worked as source material for an anything but disappointing remix bundle by Sherwood. The opening 'Transient Transmission' version is lilting enough, but the gears really get meshing on 'Third Light', which brings a turntablist's whistle, a wet yet naked guitar, and a dubstep flavour to things; finally, B-siders 'A Doubtful Sound' and '1000 Mile Drift' deconstruct things to complemetary effect, effecting dually electric Lee Perry vocals and halved trumpet importunes, the latter of which is heard set against a conspiratorial vocal sample.
Review: The split 12" from East London's Portico Quartet and Polish pianist Hania Rani exemplifies how simple ideas can yield remarkable results. Each artist reworked the other's track, with impressive outcomes. Portico Quartet transforms Rani's 'Nest' into a dreamy, ethereal jazz piece, featuring undulating analogue synths, immersive chords, and floaty vocal samples carried by languid jazz drumming. Rani's take on Portico Quartet's 'With, Beside, Against' is even more striking. Her version, minimalistic and sparse, introduces twinkling piano motifs and her evocative vocals, creating a slowly unfolding, cinematic jazz experience. Both interpretations are nothing short of stunning.
Review: Here comes the first sampler, all part of Leng Records' 10th Anniversary celebrations. It marks the cultured label's 50th release and precedes a special compilation of overlooked favourites, classics and unreleased material. This one is well worth your attention though, beforehand. Phenomenal Handclap Band founder Quinn Luke with his longtime pal Alexis Georgopoulos combine as Q&A for the first two tracks, with Lex providing the third and fourth, all proving to be seductive, slow motion Balearic groovers for grown up movers. Q&A's 'Pulse' is a future groove, Lex's 'Max Pen' is a cheery number with lush squelchy bass and skyward chords, while the latter's closing offering 'GP Score' brings a little more energy.
Review: Radart, the alias of Australian producer Dylan Batelic, makes his long-playing debut with an eclectic collection of electronic music. Compiled from works created between 2022 and 2024, it reveals an artist comfortable shifting between ambient textures, downtempo grooves and broken beats. The album opens with the atmospheric washes of 'Prelude' before moving into the driving rhythms of 'Attack'. 'Trip Planet' lives up to its name, a cosmic swirl of synths and beats. Elsewhere, '301' and 'Soil Test' delve into more experimental territory, while tracks like 'Welcome' and 'Wish' offer moments of unexpected melodic beauty. Navigating a range of electronic genres with confidence and flair, this is a strong statement of intent from an artist clearly comfortable exploring the outer reaches of electronic music.
Review: Sable Blanc crafts a rich, soulful sound here that blends jazz-infused grooves with the uplifting energy of house. New Places is a deeply personal record inspired by fresh surroundings in the South of France and the joy of fatherhood. Each track is a mix of warmth and introspection, from the sunrise-soaked melodies of 'Banana Candy' to the deep, rhythmic elegance of 'Remember the Feeling (of Love).' Collaborating with Wes Maples on 'Canvas,' Blanc layers saxophone and lush textures to stunning effect. This album is a testament to his evolving artistry and is an immersive soundtrack for life's most cherished moments.
Review: Spacetalk Records returns from a period of hibernation with something special: a new collection of ultra-rare, little-known nuggets from label co-founder Danny McLewin AKA Skyrager. Unlike his previous compilations as part of Psychemagik, there's no killer concept behind Traces of Illusion, just a desire to share some of the dusty obscurities he's found during years of determined crate digging. Musically, it's a mixture of psychedelic folk, leftfield synth-pop oddities, blue-eyed soul, acid-fried blue-eyed soul, Balearic boogie, Americana, ambient jazz, AOR, late 80s dancehall-soul and even a spot of grizzled progressive rock. In other words, it's as educational as it is entertaining, and packed to the rafters with private press treats and impossible-to-find curiosities.
The Soundstealers - "Steal It An' Deal It" (Sahara dance mix) (5:35)
The Soundstealers - "Steal It An' Deal It" (Sahara dub mix) (4:59)
Amazonia - "Amazonia" (dance version) (5:52)
Amazonia - "Amazonia" (Good Block remix) (7:10)
Review: After a debut release that got plenty of people talking, Heels & Souls now serve up a reissue 12". It explores the work of Frankfurt's under the radar production trio Manfred Holz, Michael Buchner and Jurgen Blomke who work under two different names here. The EP is a real treasure trove of gold for deep diggers, with obscure synth and electro disco flavours on the 80s tinged ''Steal It An Deal It'.' It comes as two different versions and both are hugely characterful. 'Amazonia' that draws on dreamy Italo house and Balearic bliss bout beats for a new age trip that is first class.
Cipriani One Man Band - "From Peru To China" (2:01)
Review: Perhaps the most captivating moment here is OVA's 'Rainforest,' opening with lush textures and shimmering rhythms that transport you to its titular environment. Jean-Michel Bertrand's 'Engines' shifts gears, its mechanical pulses intertwining with atmospheric layers. On the flip side, Four Drummers Drumming bring intensity with 'Wok,' a tightly constructed piece driven by cascading percussion. This collection thrives on contrastsimeditative in one moment, invigorating in the nextidelivering a rhythmic journey through European percussion that feels both timeless and innovative
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