Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: The influential German band Xmal Deutschland are overhead rafters in the great mead hall of goth. Their propulsive successes throughout the 1980s meant the genre likely couldn't've done without them. A large band come music collective, made up of at least eight members at any given time, Xmal's formation in Hamburg and would presell audiences on a stalwart performance rep, thanks to an early tour and gig residency in support of dream pop preeminents Cocteau Twins. Rallied to fame by their goth classics 'Incubus Succubus' and 'Qual', this 2xCD review conjoins two of the earliest and most pivotal albums on which both of said singles were housed - Fetisch and Tocsin - along with tracks from other key releases, such as Incubus Succubus II. Helping blacken an otherwise dreamy time, these LPs highlight the gloomier soils of a superficially bright 1980s soundfield, which otherwise roseated by shoegaze. Photography by Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery, Sheila Rock and more all capture the spirit.

Review: This CD edition of X Mal Deutschland highlights the Hamburg formed band in its infancy. The band started making music in 1980 and this compilation gathers their first two singles worth of music along with two special tracks off other compilations they were featured on. The band sound is unqiue and powerful - goth rock, experimental and new wave are just a few styles the tracks can verge into. In just the two years that make up this CD, you can hear the band growing from a raw experimention with sound and structure to a powerful goth rock band. A special shout out to the Sacred Bones label for trusting in their music enough to release this.

Review: The reissued and remastered CD of XTC's Skylarking, now with added bonus material including a 5.1 mix, revisits the band's dynamic collaboration with producer Todd Rundgren. Released in 1986, the album showed the band's transformation into a studio-only group after frontman Andy Partridge's decision to stop touring. The album featured the band's breakthrough hit 'Dear God' that helped catapult them to one of the leaders of alternative music . This remastered edition enhances the intricate, lush arrangements of tracks like 'Summer's Cauldron' and 'Season Cycle,' highlighting the album's day-in-the-life concept conceived by Rundgren. Rundgren's influence is evident in the album's seamless transitions and cohesive narrative, despite the behind-the-scenes tension with Partridge. The producer's knack for innovative arrangements and Partridge's introspective lyrics blend into a compelling collection of songs. Colin Moulding's pastoral contributions, such as 'Grass' and 'The Meeting Place,' add depth and charm to the album. The added 5.1 mix and bonus material bring a fresh perspective to this classic, allowing fans to experience Skylarking in a new light. From the upbeat 'Earn Enough for Us' to the reflective 'Dying' and 'Sacrificial Bonfire,' the album remains an important piece in XTC's creative growth and Rundgren's visionary production.