WRWTFWW Switzerland Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The latest outing from Swiss reissue specialists WRWTFWW takes us back to 1981 and the debut single from Bern-based post-punk combo Grauzone. The 12" release of "Eisbaer" has long been a must-have amongst fans of off-kilter, dancefloor-ready new wave, and this replica reissue includes all three tracks featured on that version. Opener "Eisbar" sets the tone, with the bands weary, half spoken/half sung vocals rising above a backing track that's powered forwards by relentless bass guitar, screeching riffs and broken computer style electronics. "Film 2" is a heavy, synthesizer powered workout peppered with delay-laden drum hits and odd noises, while closing cut "Ich Liebe Sie" is a clicking and quietly melodious affair that's almost entirely electronic.

Review: Thanks to countless reissues of her impeccable new age ambient masterpiece, 'Through The Looking Glass', many more people are now familiar with the work of Japanese percussionist, producer and composer Midori Takada. Even so, 'Tree of Life' remains one of her lesser-celebrated albums - despite being a genuine masterpiece of minimalism and melodic percussion instrumentation. Here reissued on CD for the first time since the album's initial 1999 release in Japan - and this time with a new audiophile-friendly mix from Takada - the set blends xylophone, marimba, kalimba and other percussion instruments with Japanese style strings, strong melodies and nods towards the American minimalism of Steve Reich and Philip Glass.