Today Only: All genres sale vinyl

Review: You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about Plugpoint Music's sole album, Last Chance. It was recorded by German artist Reiner Ossmann in his home studio way back in 1987 and was subsequently released via a private press run of just 200 copies. It is, then, a genuinely little-known and overlooked gem that has been rescued from obscurity via the mighty Minimal Wave label. If you enjoy the more stripped-back and eccentric end of the new wave and cold wave spectrum, we'd definitely recommend it. Ossmann's synthesizer and drum machine arrangements are expertly minimalistic and alien-sounding, with gurgling melodies and spaced-out chords mingling with his own heavily accented vocals over the sparsest of beats. An ultra-rare gem that's well worth your time and money.

Review: The Aphrology EP marks a killer induction into the MOS Deep annals of excellence from Ksoul & Muteoscillator, the Italian duo who have impressed intermittently with their dense brand of techno for Uzuri and Kinda Soul Recordings (which is overseen by Ksoul himself). The two part "Criminology" opens proceedings face up, with the restrained acid leanings of the opening gambit slightly overwhelmed by the unrelenting modulated brutality of its subsequent partner. Face down and MOS Deep ringleader Aroy Dee sneaks in with his own edit of "Aphrology" before Ksoul and Muteoscillator can demonstrate the title track's prowess - it's Dee to a tee, taking the well judged house that swells with ever menacing machine squeals and adding his own subtle percussive embellishments.

Review: The Other Side label clocks up its 10th release here with Dunfound serving up the two tripped out minimal tech originals and Rhadoo offering a pair of his mighty fine remixes. Opener 'Flying Fish Song' is all about wonky synths and chattering durms and perc. The sound is raw and urgent and constantly on the twist and turn. The second original is a 12-minute plus journey through the darkest recesses of your mind. Rhadoo then ups the ante with his first remix which is all bristling beats and prickly percussion. The second is a more sludgy dub full of freaky designs and weird FX.

Review: Flying Vipers come through here with their first full length album Cuttings which is steeped in reverence for original Jamaican engineers of the 70s who were masters of their vast mixing consoles. Here the Vipers master steady drum & bass rhythms that are detailed with jazz melodies and a gritty post-punk attitude. The record builds on the success of The Green & Copper Tape EPs with extra horns, wild effects and vintage synths all making it a contemporary affair. All 12 tracks will get you in a meditative state where you can take some deserving time to reflect and sinking into your own mindful thoughts.

Notes: Unique custom design 3.5mm patch cables.

They feature strong, ergonomic barrels which are slim and stubby for max patchability.

Available in various lengths (15, 30, 60, 90 & 120cm) and colours.

Longer 60, 90 & 120 lengths also include ALM cable tie.

Review: If you like your techno deep, cosmic and unapologetically linear then get this one in the bag. The 14th Archive EP on Developer's own Developer Archive label is just that across four hurried dead urgent cuts that melt the mind and lock in the feet. 'Pain To Power' is paranoid as it races along beneath loopy synth phrases and 'All The Way' then brings a colourful lead motif that has a weird and playful character over silky beats. 'Sonic Abilities' take a darker turn as it tunnels down deep under the earth's surface and 'End Of Turn' ends with the sonar pulses and sleek minimalism you would expect from Jeff Mills.

Notes: Wow. Oscillators don't come much more special than this. Two contrasting, fully independent VCOs with waveshaping and complex cross-modulations, plus the 'Thru Zero Trinity' of FM, phase and amplitude modulation. Beautiful.

Supplier's Notes:
Thru Zero Complex Oscillator

A new complex oscillator, featuring two independent VCO's. Both voices have a unique signal path and flavour. Complex cross modulations entangle them together, opening up completely new timbral territories.

Features include the Thru Zero trinity; Frequency, Phase and Amplitude modulation.

Each oscillator also has its own Low Pass Filter, which works great to mellow the harsher tones from complex intermodulations.

Each VCO has great tracking and temperature stability, there is no distinction between a carrier and modulator.

The FM bus lets you modulate the index of each individual voice, with linear and exponential inputs for external sources. There are also inputs for Sync in, with both soft and hard sync.

VCO 1

The left VCO signal chain starts with a shape function, that let's you morph between triangle and saw. This waveform is also available as a separate output.

Next is a sinusoidal wavefolder, which changes its response dramaticaly based on shape of the waveform. The circuit is based on a modified version of a design by Barrie Gilbert from 1977, popularized by Open-Music-Labs (used with permission).

This circuit also creates the possibility of Thru Zero Phase Modulation, here the depth is controlled with the third slider. The source is normaled to VCO 2, but external modulation sources can be patched in, and the depth can also be modulated with CV.

Lastly there's a 2-pole Low Pass Filter, before going out the MAIN output. All parameters can be CV controlled, and feature handy attenuators at the inputs.

VCO 2

The first slider is a continuous waveform shaper, that morphs from sine to tri to saw.

This waveform then enters the Thru Zero Amplitude Modulation (Ringmod) section. The slider sets the depth of modulation, with the source normalized to VCO 1. The depth can be CV controlled, and an external source can be patched as well. The result is also available on a separate output, pre wavefolder/filter (VCO 2 sine).

The third slider is a wavefolder, it's based around a novel wavefolding topology, with a unique and more aggressive sound compared to the sinusoidal folder of VCO 1.

The wavefolded signal goes into a 2 pole Low Pass Filter, and out of the MAIN output.

Dimensions
26 HP
27 mm deep

Current Draw
190 mA +12V
190 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Review: The debut full-length from Los Angeles glam metal superstars, Warrant, is the perfect time capsule of late eighties sunset strip era rock of a bygone leather-chapped age. 'Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich', boasted the hit singles, 'Heaven', 'Down Boys', and, 'Sometimes She Cries'; all still heralded as some of the group's most essential cuts to date. Noted for its pushed back release due to vocalist Jani Lane suffering a nervous breakdown upon catching his best friend and girlfriend "entangled", an encounter detailed in lyrical form on the band's single, 'I Saw Red', which would feature on the following year's sophomore effort, 'Cherry Pie'; there's still no ignoring or denying the infectious cheese, stadium-sized riffs and endlessly catchy hooks that still prop up this debut as a (not so) timeless classic of its stature.

Review: The Midnight's latest Heroes is a stark display of the musical evolution of the New York duo. A band that started as a synth heavy proposition, extensive touring across the globe (including a headline at London's Brixton Academy) and the desire not to repeat themselves in creative terms has led to the bigger vision and wider appeal of what their label calls "fully-realised, arena-worthy songs".
Heroes is the final part in a trilogy of albums that started with 2018's Kids, followed in 2020 by Monsters. "For me, Kids is self-knowledge, Monsters is self-love, and then Heroes is empathy," said singer Tyler Lyle. "I got into depth psychology and this idea of aetiology, the way a human forms. The world doesn't get better but we do. We grow into ourselves. We grow into our voice."
Still, Heroes remains definitely more a case of evolution than revolution - there's still more than a hint of the gorgeous synth sounds in evidence, but with a lyrical maturity and smartness that gives even its most pop moments an unexpected twist.

Review: Talk about keeping things on a knife edge. The first, and title track on this powerhouse EP is pretty much destined to whip any venue into a storm of expectation, not-so-much building but rather opening with this full-sounding, heavily atmospheric, space-y, proggy, could be techno, could be electro, could be trance arrangement. The kind of thing where there might as well be flairs firing into the sky warning you how much stomping a floor can take.

Similar vibes on 'Medusa', only on a deeper, darker, more menacing tip, a tune that sucks ears into another world entirely, one that's a little unsettling, and certainly difficult to find your way back out of. Elsewhere, things embrace a high-NRG ethic, with both 'Plasma' and 'Onda Sotto' taking things up to almost-gabber tempos, but without actually committing to the pounding fours.

Review: Past Inside The Present co-founder Isaac Helsen - a multi-disciplinary artist from Michigan, creating photography and paintings as well as music - in action on this double cassette alone after a string of collaborations with labelmate 36 and fellow label co-founder zake. Helsen's sound works on a grand (electronically) orchestral scale at times, the proverbial cathedrals of sound coming to mind, at others (see 'Duniskwalgunyi') understated and intimate. On first listen, it's the simpler moments like 'Whisper At A Party' that grab you, but the 17 track selection slowly reveals itself to be quite special on repeated rotations.

Notes: The Glorious Vinyl Frame Set lets you display your vinyl cover artfully in any setting. The set consists of three vinyl frames and is suitable for all 7'' record covers. A vinyl cover is often more than just a sleeve for your record - many of them are designed with stunning artworks or were individually signed by artists. To avoid your favourite record covers collecting dust in record boxes, we have developed a suitable frame for them. The sturdy construction with glass cover is designed for 7'' covers and is captivating due to its minimal and stylish design, which is available in three colour finishes. The vinyl frame can either be hung on the wall or placed on even surfaces, thanks to the hinged stand. Display your favourite records in style.

Review: British label Fire return with more retro antics. Virginias Wings perform a cover version of Suzanne Menzel's lost pop classic "It Starts Again" with Jane Weaver on vocals. Noveller Aka Brooklyn based Sarah Lipstate performs a rendition of John Carpenter's "The Thing" and Malmo based dream pop trio Death and Vanilla re-imagine Bert Janschs "Moonshine" on this first edition of the new Lost Library series: conceived by the label boss James Nicholls and designer Luke Drozd. Featuring new tracks from their acclaimed female fronted roster.

Review: A new double cassette box from Past Inside The Present, which sees its co-founder zake in relatively rare solo mode mixing soothing ambient sensibilities with orchestral, classical influences. 'Dernier Souffle (Pt 1)' is a great example of how the two can meld very easily and comfortably, a sense of slowly retreating heartache creeping over its open, slabs of floating sounds, whereas the three parts of 'La Paix Eternelle (Pt 1), on the other hand, evoke heavenly choirs of angels. An album with its head in the clouds, for sure, but once you join it there you won't want to come down.

Notes: *** This version of UTILITIES comes with PULSAR-23 style turrets designed for connecting alligator clips. ***

UTILITIES contains a set of simple auxiliary modules to expand the functionality of the PULSAR-23 drum machine. UTILITIES modules can also be used with any gear that works with CV signals (Eurorack, semi-modular synthesizers, etc.).

The modules included in UTILITIES can be divided into two groups:
1) Passive elements such as switches, resistors, capacitors.
2) Various types of amplifiers and waveshapers, linear, non-linear, controlled and uncontrolled.
Passive elements are designed to expand the possibilities of switching and controlling the PULSAR.

Linear amplifiers are needed when you need to feed a signal from a device operating in a lower voltage format to the PULSAR inputs. For example, it can be a step sequencer with an output voltage of 5 volts, while the PULSAR needs 10 volts to fully trigger the drum modules. Or it could be the output of a cassette tape recorder, which has an output of 1 volt, while for normal operation the PULSAR needs an input level of an audio signal of 5 volts. Non-linear and controlled amplifiers and waveshapers are designed to control the signal level, while simultaneously changing its spectrum, distorting its shape and adding harmonics. The circuitry of these amplifiers is very simple and based on the early developments of the transistor era, with its inherent beauty and grace.

UTILITIES connectors are made in the PULSAR-23 format on pins designed to connect the alligator clips. There are also adapters for 3.5mm Eurorack mini-jacks.

The top panel and enclosure of UTILITIES are made of PCBs, which significantly reduced the cost of the device.

There are also adapters for 3.5mm Eurorack mini-jacks. The top panel and enclosure of UTILITIES are made of PCBs, which significantly reduced the cost of the device.

The top panel and enclosure of UTILITIES are made of PCBs, which significantly reduced the cost of the device.

Power supply: DC +12 v 5.5 x 2.1 mm center plus
Current consumption: 50 ma max
Dimensions: 288 x 193 x 40 mm
Weight: 0.75 kg

Review: Orli is back with what we think is a first EP in almost a year but it was worth the wait for minimal fans: the three originals on Scandal for the Daro label all hit a perfect sweet spot between abstraction and club clout. 'Where Is Your Identity' layers up bleeping phone tones and spoken word snippets with crisp and snappy tech house drums. 'Scandal' is deep, loopy and long legged though packed with subtle cosmic details and then comes a deft minimal rework from Dan Andrei's Diminished Horror remix. Last of all is 'Hole Black' which rocks back and forth on its heels with jazzy hi hats and twanging bass.

Notes: Do you use pedals that don't match the outputs of your power supply? With EBS new power adapter cables, there's a way to solve most matters.

It sucks when you realize your coolest vintage pedal or latest digital processor-driven unit can't be fed from your pedalboard power supply because they are thirstier or uses different power inputs than your power supply features. At worst, you may even skip bringing your favourite toys to avoid the hassle. However, with the new EBS adapter cables, you can solve many of these issues easily and save the space that those extra power supplies may occupy.

Need to convert a 2.1 mm plug to 2.5 mm? No problem.
Need more current than you get from one output? No problem.
Need 18 or 24V DC power from 9 and 12V outputs? No problem.
You can even change the polarity from the common Center Negative to Center Positive using one of the new EBS adaptor cables.

Here's how you do it:
To go from 2.1 to 2.5 mm, use the DC1-48 90/0 2.5 adaptor.
Want to change the polarity? Use the DC1-48 90/0 RP adaptor.
To increase the current, use the DC1-48 90/0 PAR and connect two outputs from your power supply. The total current will be the current from both outputs added together.*
To increase the voltage, use the DC1-48 90/0 SER and connect two outputs from your power supply. The total voltage will be the voltage from both outputs added together.*

* IMPORTANT! Requires a power supply with isolated, floating outputs.