Back catalogue: Progressive Rock

Review: Nektar were never your average progressive rock band. For starters, it was made up of British musicians based in Germany, and it was that country (or West Germany at least) where they earned their reputation for combining loud but pristine sound with genuinely psychedelic visuals. While they eventually rose to international fame, their earliest music was self-released. This album, their 1971 debut, was amongst that list and despite prior reissues, is still hard to find on CD. This edition pairs the fully remastered original studio album - a conceptual musical meditation on the potential for nuclear war with added sci-fi flourishes - comes paired with a second CD containing one the best-known bootleg recordings of the band. This was captured on tape a year or so before the album came out in 1970.

Review: Neu! 75 was the third and final studio album from Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, and many years on it stands proud as a great piece of electronic rock history. Released in, you guessed it, 1975, the album's signature insistent rhythms, phased guitars and propulsive drums continue to sound fresh and retain a vitality that feels futuristic even decades later. This official reissue is a great way to get back into the raw energy and precision that made Neu! 75 so influential with their groundbreaking fusion of motorik beats and experimental soundscapes. It was their finest work, frankly.

Review: RONIN's latest album marks the band's ninth release since its inception in 2001 and the first to feature bassist Jeremias Keller, who joined in 2020. The group, led by Nik Bartsch and joined by founding drummer Kaspar Rast and longtime reeds player Sha, continues evolving its unique style here with an album recorded live in the studio. It sees SPIN blend new compositions like 'Modul 66' with reimagined classics such as 'Modul 14' and 'Modul 23'. Balancing intricate structures, groove-driven energy and improvisation in equal measure, these sounds are a reflection of RONIN's signature zen-funk style, now enriched with indie and post-rock influences.

Review: The limited edition double album Weird Scenes From The Hangout presents an exhilarating journey through psychedelic and freakbeat anthems that were the heartbeat of Liverpool's renowned mid-'80s club night, The Hangout. Released on striking Neon Pink and Transparent Curacao vinyl, this 2 x LP compilation curated by Richard Norris (The Grid, Beyond the Wizard's Sleeve) captures the vibrant essence of his club's eclectic soundscape. The album features a carefully selected roster of tracks from iconic acts like The Velvet Underground, Can, Captain Beefheart, The Seeds and The Left Banke, reflecting the diverse and energetic vibe that Norris fostered at The Hangout. This special compilation brings together floor fillers and dancefloor anthems that defined the psychedelic scene during the 1967-1982 period, meticulously licensed to recreate the magic of Norris's celebrated club nights. The Hangout, launched in autumn 1984 at Liverpool's Krackers club, was a haven for psychedelic enthusiasts and dance music aficionados alike. With its pulsating beats and psychedelic visuals, the club became a hub for revelry, featuring guest performances from bands such as Zodiac Mindwarp and The Cardiacs. Norris's vision was simple yet profound: to curate a dance experience that embraced both obscure and popular tracks, ensuring that every tune ignited the dancefloor. This reissue not only revives the spirit of The Hangout but also celebrates the enduring impact of its eclectic playlist. With remastered sound and original artwork, this compilation is a treasure trove for fans of psychedelic and freakbeat music, showcasing a pivotal era in Liverpool's vibrant club culture.