Review: Indonesia-based Babon was founded in 2023 by longtime friends Wahyudi T. Raupp and Rayi Raditia and craft instrumentals addressing environmental issues. Their sound fuses Melbourne's vibrant music energy with dangdut rhythms, gamelan percussion, and melodic keroncong folk styles. Here they debut on Batov Records with the wonderful 'Tropical Desert Music' which blends Indonesian traditions with Afro-Latin funk, Morricone-inspired grooves, Bollywood breaks and blues. It's the sort of sound that is perfect for fans of Khruangbin or Sababa 5. The A-side 'Desert Rose' is a spaghetti blues anthem, while the flip 'TNT' tells a miner's tragic tale through cinematic, explosive instrumentation.
Review: Doctor Explosion returns with a surprise: they sing in Catalan! This limited-edition single features two tracks - one is a remake of their early classic 'Baby Please Go' (now titled 'Ves-te'n Si Us Plau') and the other is a cover of 'Perdo L'esma', an adaptation by Barcelona's Eurogrup of James Brown's' I'll Go Crazy.' Both songs are sung by Jorge Explosion in flawless Catalan and co-produced by Guerssen and Circo Perrotti. This release feels like a reunion of old friends that recalls the early days of both projects so is rife with nostalgia.
Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity - "Indian Rope Man" (3:22)
Brian Auger & The Trinity - "Black Cat" (3:23)
Review: Heavy Jazz Records has licensed this very welcome reissue of one of the most iconic Hammond Mod dancefloor bangers of all time. This limited edition new 45 rpm features Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity's 'Indian Rope Man' on one side, a track packed with driving chord work, vibrant guitar licks, and passionate, intense vocals. On the flip side, Mod enthusiasts will find another gem in the form of 'Black Cat.' This track races forward with raw brass, hard-edged vocals, scintillating drums and epic chord progressions. A true pair of heavy-hitting tracks from the vault, sure to thrill collectors and dancers enthusiasts alike.
Review: Some six years (give or take a few months) on from the release of their superb debut album Psychedelic Disco Cumbia, self-styled 'NYC tropical supergroup' Locobeach are back! This time round, they've treated us to a genuine rarity: a rarely spotted double seven-inch EP. All four tracks have, apparently, been extensively road-tested in their live sets and become, in their words, "fan favourites". They begin in stellar fashion via a head-nodding, cumbia-powered cover of Cure classic 'Close To You' (it's genuinely great - one of the best covers we've heard for a while), before imagining a suitably tropical spy chase on the urgent and percussion-rich 'Idea Desesperada'. On 45 number two you'll find the cheeky cumbia-soul-meets-yacht-rock cheekiness of 'Isabella' and the surf-flecked, high-octane tropical fun of 'U.S Marshall'.
Review: Discos Mas kicks off their New Year with a vibrant Los Disco Duro version of the iconic 'Cumbia de Sal'. this top take blends the famous Moog cover with the original 60s version for some super fresh results. Featuring vocoder vocals, brilliantly resonant synths and funky drums, this unique cut enhances the classic cumbia beat with all-new energy. The release also includes a double A-side with a cover of 'Mexico' by the wonderful Mexican Institute of Sound. Camilo Lara's original composition is reimagined with signature Los Disco Duro elements such as vocoder vocals, synths and cumbia percussion, all of which add up to a refreshing mix of modern and traditional rhythms, nostalgia and innovation.
Review: This forthcoming 7" pairs two fiery cuts from the Latin American underground, capturing the raw energy of a transformative musical era. Los Pambele's 'Cannabis' layers cumbia rhythms with swirling, reverb-soaked guitars, creating a trance-inducing groove that feels both earthy and psychedelic. On the flip, Los Darlings de Huanuco's 'Marihuana' cranks up the intensity, delivering a garage-tinged anthem brimming with jagged riffs and spirited vocals. The sound is unpolished yet electrifying, a snapshot of a time when regional traditions collided with bold experimentation, leaving behind something truly timeless.
Review: Side-1 kicks off with a raw and funky garage band jam that perfectly captures the spirit of 1967. With its dynamic energy, the track blends elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues, creating an exciting, soul-infused experience. The rhythm section drives the track with relentless energy, while the soulful melodies and infectious groove make it a standout piece. The mix of surf rock and mod influences gives it a timeless, gritty edge that resonates with both vintage and modern listeners. Side-2 takes a more experimental turn with a unique jam laden with saxophone and rich instrumental textures. The track's experimental nature is underscored by its unconventional structure, utilizing the harpsichord to create a distinctive, jazzy vibe. The saxophone adds a layer of depth, intertwining with the rhythm to produce a mood that's both introspective and lively. This track offers a refreshing, avant-garde twist that contrasts beautifully with the raw energy of the opening side.
Review: This All Them Witches reissue arrives with all the raw energy and atmospheric weight of the original, now pressed onto a stunning sea glass vinyl. Opening with the expansive 'Call Me Star,' the album sets a captivating tone, blending fuzzed-out rock with hypnotic melodies. 'El Centro' takes a more driving, gritty approach, while 'This Is Where It Falls Apart' brings a slower, introspective groove. The album's standout, 'Blood And Sand / Milk And Endless Waters,' is an intense, sprawling track that captures the band's signature sound. This reissue offers a fresh listen for long-time fans and newcomers alike, wrapped in a visually striking format.
Review: Soft Machine and Gong founder Christopher David "Daevid" Allen came of age under the influence of the Beat Generation writers while working in a Melbourne bookstore around 1960. The Australian psychedelic visionary then travelled to Paris, where he stayed at the infamous Beat Hotel, before heading to England, where his musical career really began. The point being, he was incredibly committed to exploring art forms like jazz and performance poetry. And a then-nascent field of synthesised sounds. Ten years after his death, Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life gets a timely repress to confirm it remains his Magnus Opus. A brave and incredibly unusual collection of tripped-out folk storytelling, curious garage guitar stuff, strangely naive and innocent weird pop, and progressive rock. One to keep diving into and still find new bits to love.
Review: This collaboration between Nelson Angelo and Joyce on Nelson Angelo e Joyce brings a radiant blend of Brazilian folk and jazz-inflected arrangements, where lush acoustic guitars meet cool, swirling percussion. The pair's harmonies are effortlessly seamless, carrying a sense of intimacy and warmth throughout. While the sound may occasionally veer into serene, almost pastoral territory, there's an undercurrent of depth, especially in the more syncopated rhythms and spontaneous melodic shifts.
Review: Barbican Estate's latest release blends psychedelic rock with atmospheric folk influences. 'Reconquista' sets the tone with swirling melodies, while 'Abandon' offers a haunting, introspective vibe. 'Angel' brings a dreamlike quality, and 'The Innocent One' closes with intricate composition, showcasing the band's sonic exploration. This 2xLP captures their unique style and provides a captivating listen for fans of experimental rock.
Review: A high-energy Berlin-based band making soulful garage rock. Their debut album comes after the band have built a solid following off the back of incendiary live performances, with their frontwoman giving glam-soaked swagger that's invigorating to receive. The vintage guitar tones give off a 60/70s feel and thrive off the Ramones-esque punk drums. The LA-based label that's putting this out has a reputation for delivering some of the finest punk releases around with the likes of The Saints, Osees and Ty Segall on their roster. Bella and The Bizarre may be a lesser known name - so far - but it proves they've an ear for discovering truly exciting new groups with the potential to go the distance in the months and years to come.
Review: After a break from touring, Black Pumas hit the road again in 2024 to promote their highly praised sophomore album, Chronicles of a Diamond. The Live From Brooklyn Paramount 2xLP set encapsulates the vibrant "Electric Church" experience crafted by Eric Burton, Adrian Quesada and their band. This live recording showcases a blend of tracks from both their Grammy-nominated debut, including the hit 'Colors' and their latest work. Standout performances include 'Black Moon Rising', 'More Than A Love Song' and their rendition of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car'. The album perfectly captures the dynamic energy of Black Pumas' live shows, allowing fans to relive the electrifying atmosphere that defines their performances. With this release, the band reaffirms their place as one of the most engaging acts in contemporary music.
Review: After a touring break, soul outfit Black Pumas hit the road in 2024 in support of their celebrated second album, Chronicles of a Diamond. Live From Brooklyn Paramount captures the electrifying 'Electric Church' energy crafted by Eric Burton, Adrian Quesada and their six-piece band. The setlist spans highlights from both Chronicles and their million-selling debut, featuring Grammy-nominated hits like 'Colous' and 'Black Moon Rising' alongside fan favourites such as 'More Than a Love Song' and their soulful take on Tracy Chapman's seminal 'Fast Car'. This live release is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the band's powerful live performances.
Nude Love (long version - previously unreleased - bonus track) (3:20)
Review: Codice d'amore orientale may not be Piero Vivarelli's best film according to those who know, but its fantastically groovy soundtrack is a standout feature. Composed by Alberto Baldan Bembo under the alias Blue Marvin, the nine tracks blend Italian pop, orchestral arrangements, Asian influences, breakbeat, funk and experimental sounds. The soundtrack captures the essence of the era and offers a unique mix of genres that perfectly complements the film's vibe. Its eclectic style makes it a must-have for any self-respecting DJ's collection while showcasing Baldan Bembo's versatility.
Review: They may have been formed in 1967 in Long Island near New York, Blue Oyster Cult are synonymous with the 70s, scoring numerous hits and filling arenas with their neat fusion of Californian-style stoner rock and more pop/rock/metal influences. The title track of this 17 track best of is obviously their best known song, one that is almost universally known, from its weaving opening to its iconic cowbell-whacking. But there are plenty of hidden depths to the band's history revealed here. 'Shooting Shark', for instance, given a very 80s production job that goes heavy on the synths and Linn drums, is one of a number of collaborations with queen of New York punk Patti Smith. 'Godzilla', meanwhile, proves they can successfully inject an element of funkiness into their approach too, not a million miles from Frank Zappa's sublime 'I Am The Slime' in its feel. No better time to join the Cult.
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