Back catalogue: Post Rock/Experimental

Review: To call Invito Al Cielo an experimental album kind of undersells just how experimental it is. It also suggests, to the uninitiated, that there's an album here in some shape or form. Of course, the definition of an album is open to some debate - does it need to have a certain number of songs on there? Or is it more about overall run time? Here we have two tracks running upwards of 20minutes (one touching on 30) and a bridge movement at a still-pretty-long six minutes, so take from that what you will. What's really important, though, is the contents. Sonic Youth had already established themselves among the loudest in rock 'n' roll, but also the most adventurous and explorative musically speaking. This outing marked the third in a series of releases on their own SYR imprint, a platform used to push the envelope even further. Masters at noise and walls of sound, much of what's here is proof of just how far you can take drone and refrain with subtle differentiations.

Review: The words 'DJ Sotofett Remakes' is like catnip to lovers of obscure electric sounds. And here is the Allchival label with no fewer than six of them as the left-of-centre maestro adds his take to originals by Stano. His club mix of 'Room' is all spaced out and cosmic, then goes super slow and psychedelic with his snaking bass sounds on an Overdubble mix of 'Emma Wild & Whale' before Seance Of A Kondalike" (DJ Sotofett Newseance mix) picks up the pace but remains utterly psyched-out and intoxicating. There is still time for snaking dub techno and warped electronics on the remaining three sides.

Review: It seems that Record Store Day 2022 isn't done yet as we get this limited 12" just for the occasion from Sun's Signature. It is an EP of five tracks by vocalist Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and percussionist Damon Reece who has worked with Spiritualized, Massive Attack and Lupine Howl. The music is an experimental fusion of folk, synth and downtempo and is a fine offering for a debut release. After so long in the works it's a delight to finally have a finished product from this forward looking pair.