New releases last two weeks: Rock (All)

Review: Original Gravity serve up yet two more contemporary soul tracks; sides A and B on this latest 7" are shared by Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts and Floyd James & The GTs respectively. The A's 'By Hook Or By Crook' recounts the all-to-relatable feeling of stopping at nothing to get what one wants, while 'The Switchback' ups the big beats and big halls for a roomy guit-funk come mod romp. Yet another delight to add to the OG Newtonians' pile.

Review: The cult favourite Dark Entries hits 15 in style here and celebrates in the only way it knows how - with more great music. This time it is the legendary synth-punk yahoos Crash Course in Science aka Dale Feliciello, Mallory Yago, and Michael Zodorozny who are in the spotlight. The group formed back in 1979 and set out to make music using toy instruments and kitchen appliances. Their punk-y, aggressive, angular sound soon found a hardcore fan base and gave rise to big tunes like 'Cardboard Lamb' and 'Flying Turns.' In 1981 they recorded Near Marineland, a full-length that never actually saw the light of day but does now and shows the band moving into more diverse and polished territory.

Review: Texas-based Thai funk and psychedelic trio Khruangbin are back with another much anticipated new album in the form of A La Sala. The record presents a mesmerizing blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and world music influences that showcases the band's signature hypnotic grooves. Each one is characterized by Laura Lee's funky basslines, Mark Speer's intricate guitar work, and Donald "DJ" Johnson's precise drumming. Tracks like 'Farolim De Felgueiras' and 'A Love International' exude a laid-back vibe, perfect for lazy summer afternoons, while 'Juegos Y Nubes' infuses Latin rhythms with a psychedelic twist. Overall, A La Sala is another rich journey through diverse musical landscapes that reaffirm Khruangbin's reputation as masters of genre fusion and purveyors of sonic bliss.