New releases this week: Library/Archive

Review: The Diamonds Four has seen its share of action of the years, but remains a rare piece of Mario Molino history which is finally available thanks to this Sonor Music effort. One of the most prominent figures in the library sounds world, the Italian composer, musician, and guitarist first released this collection on B.M.P. in the 1970s. It was then reissued on the Music Scene label, rebranded as Action Beat Group, with track titles named and the artist changed to the pseudonym Luigi Ferracioli. All of which only adds to the intrigue surrounding Molino, a name few seem to know much about, but one that has contributed to the development of fizzy pop, hip hop, jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock via forward-thinking arrangements. A hidden gem in the true sense, finally unearthed and polished to its original glory.

Review: The Natural Yogurt Band, purveyors of enigmatic library music, return with their eighth release, a cosmic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. Joined by keyboardist Huw Rees aka The Oracle, the band ventures into a richer galaxy of sonic exploration. 'Projections' sets the stage with its warped organs and gritty drum breaks, while 'Altered States' and 'Bio Morphic Patterns' delve deeper into the cosmic unknown, their swirling melodies and hypnotic rhythms evoking the vastness of space. 'Messages' and 'Nebulous' offer moments of introspection, their ethereal textures and ambient soundscapes creating a sense of otherworldly wonder. On the flipside, 'Perception' and 'Poly Morph' continue the exploration, their pulsating rhythms and experimental soundscapes challenging the listener's perception of reality. 'Existence' and 'Dimensions' close out the journey, their expansive sounds and philosophical undertones leaving a lasting impression. This is a must-listen for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking musical experience.

Review: We bloody love the Death Is Not The End label. It's the sort of outlet that vinyl lovers fawn over because it only deals in fascinating sounds from lesser-known musical worlds. Enter this latest project: Shidaiqu, meaning "songs of the era," emerged in 1920s Shanghai as a fusion of Western pop, jazz, blues and Hollywood soundtracks with traditional Chinese elements. This hybrid genre shaped a golden age of Chinese popular music and film during the pre-Communist interwar period. This record anthologises shidaiqu's evolution, from Li Jinhui's pioneering 1927 song 'Drizzle' sung by his daughter Li Minghui to polished 1930s-40s works by the Seven Great Singing Stars, including Zhou Xuan and Bai Guang. A wonderful trip into the unknown.

Review: Marc Mac's Def Radio marks the return of the Visioneers project and another superb fusion of live instrumentation with hip-hop's signature swing. True to Visioneers' style, the album reimagines classics or crafts new songs and often rebuilds them around central samples. Unlike the rigid swing of sample placement, Def Radio boasts grooves that feel naturally drummed in which brings a nice organic touch. Lead track 'The Look of Love' shines with its minimalist three-note motif and relaxed rhythm while standout tracks like 'Layin' Low, Gettin' High' and 'Cuban Candy Sticks' further elevate this collection which is a soulful exploration of the dual live and sampled essence of hip-hop.