Today Only: All genres sale vinyl

Review: Assiko Golden Band de Grand Yoff is a drum collective from Dental that has been, nay all accounts, tearing up their local nightlife scene in Dakar. An array of 14 different percussive instruments plus horns, winds, balafon and accordion all back the Senegalese poet Djiby Ly as they coo up spiritually infused polyrhythms, the energy of Fela's orchestras and the grooves of Tony Allen. Though steeped in ancient rituals and tradition, there is plenty modern thinking on display here in a collection of vital, exciting music that is very much alive with purpose as well as groove.

Review: Christian Rinderman, aka C-Rock, has been a key figure in Frankfurt's house scene since the 90s, consistently delivering deep and funky tracks regardless of fleeting trends. His first release in 1995 included the club favourite 'Funky Dope Trakk,' which quickly gained support from local and international DJs. Ricardo Villalobos, among others, played the tune relentlessly for decades. In 2012/13, C-Rock's own label Lo-Fi Stereo remixed and reissued the track, but those versions have since become rare and sought-after. Now, 'All That Jelly' is reissuing the four original versions, freshly remastered from the original DATs, ensuring they'll remain dancefloor staples for the next 30 years.

Review: Ivan Pavlov aka CoH's new experimental electronic opus Radiant Faults makes a point of its creation deriving from the use of a rare new synthesizer, the Silhouette Eins. Developed by the artist Pit Przygodda, the Eins is the centrepiece of this album for good reason: it is a unique bit of gear, in that it uses real-time video signal as its carrier for sound synthesis. This direct interfacing of visual and auditory realms inspired a haunting praxis in Pavlov, who began the album as a means to commune with ELpH, one of the "celestial beings" first communicated with and summoned by the supergroup Coil. Pavlov continues what Coil devilishly started here, fleshing ELpH out evermore into whispery echoes and sinewy traces.

Review: Healing Sound Propagandist releases Julien Demoulin's Ephemeral Maps, a beautifully fitting follow-up to Dreams In Digital Dust. This album continues the journey through the same lush soundscapes that captivated listeners on Demoulin's previous work, but this time subverts them to produce a, well, less dusty, more aerial take. The LP, released on cassette and digital only, sounds like it took a long time to make, and as though its drones were being overturned through and out of ancient soils. From the jump of 'Land Before Memory', we're thrust into what sounds like a contradictorily landed but birds-eye-view of an epochal realm, with an atonal drone heard pocketed below a set of slow-release rustlings and leaven fadings-away. Some moments, like 'Through The Drowned City', revel in high pitch and clarity, while chromaticism and tension thrive elsewhere on moments such as '27th Day (Challenger Deep)'. Intended as a challenge to the idea of the anthropocene, this is somewhat abstracting, depersonalising ambient record, so it's not for the faint of heart, but it doesn't come without a deep reserve of human sentiment either.

Review: Depeche Mode's performance at Hammersmith Odeon in London, 1983, captured the band at a pivotal moment in their career. This iconic live recording showcases their burgeoning synth-pop sound which blends pulsating rhythms with dark, introspective lyrics. Songs like the ever-green classic 'Just Can't Get Enough' resonate with irresistible signature sounds while Dave Gahan's charismatic vocals and Martin Gore's evocative melodies still sound like nothing else. The concert tracks Depeche Mode's evolution into global pioneers of electronic music and is an emotionally charged performance that is well worth reliving.

Review: Acido Germany has pulled together a serious selection of artists for The House Of Web: Reworked Vol 2, which is a collection of eight new takes on music made by Takuya Sogimoto for this label back in 2020 and 2022. The inimitable DJ Sotofett kicks off with 'Track 1,' a lithe and twisted acid jacker with mad machine rhythms slowly working you into a funk. Dynamo Dreesen & SJ Tequilla's 'Track 2' is an icy electro workout full of kinetic dance floor energy and DJ Gizzard keeps it freaky with his popping electro jam 'Track 3'. DJ Yoav B shuts down with the rhythmically playful and off-kilter 808s of 'Track 4'.

Review: Escape the grid to Elias Garcia's subterranean world of mutant techno and oozing sci-fi dub, forever lost in the drip with IDS Recordings. Big Tip!

Review: We always feel that a one-sided 12" is a real sign that an artist are label are hugely happy with what they are seeing up. And Adam Goldstone has every right to feel that way frankly as his 'Edge of the Night' is a classic deep house sermon that will bring plenty of emotions to the fore when it is dropped, either in the dead of night or just as the sun is coming up one morning, much like a tune such as Ron & Chez's 'Morning Factory'. The smoky vocals are well-treated, the smeared pads bring the soul and the drums and cuddly and warm. Perfect.

Review: The Jon Hassell retrospective series from Ndeya Records continues with 'The Living City', which captures the late composer at his creative peak, performing live at the renowned Winter Garden concert hall in New York in the 1980s. Forming something of an escape from his jazz-influenced ambient works, this performance instead shows off Hassell's interest in the popularity of sampling hip-hop at the time. With influences from Public Enemy to Teo Macero, this is a whirlwind of sampled noise and snippets, which all continually loop and circle back on each other in a mood of mild yet evocative madness.

Review: Another collaborative effort from the consistently fascinating US ambient kings Past Inside The President, this time with Hendrix - not that one - and Wayne Robert Thomas, whose atmospheric guitar-led work has featured several times on the label before. If the average ambient album has its head in the clouds, this is more grounding, more gamboling in the fields perhaps than floating in the ether, with gentle flute and guitar giving the walls of synth sounds some perspective. That said, the closing track of the four, 'Retract R (Type K)', sizzles away like something by Growing or even Spaceman 3 left to fry in the sun. Magnificent stuff..

Notes: Non-alcoholic record cleaning fluid (50ml)

Review: Dana Kelley gets a lot more recognition these days since the excellent Boston Boy retrospective compilations which came out over the past year or so. The late US house heavyweight has a huge legacy behind his various aliases, and now Chiwax are looking at the Beta 12" from 1999. Opening cut 'Left With Nothing' is a powerful dose of deep house with a vocal turn from David Walker, while 'Nastiness' shows how gnarly and experimental Kelley could make his productions when he wanted to. 'Armageddon' is a hot and heavy worked with pumping compression creating the kind of locked in, sweaty atmosphere basement raves are made for.

Notes: The CA-50 features high-precision tuning functionality and a slim and compact design. The new CA-50's display is now, even easier to read. Long considered the standard in chromatic tuners, the CA-50 offers simple and intuitive operation and a satisfying tuning experience for every instrumentalist.

The LCD screen of the CA-50 shows a needle-type meter to quickly and accurately show the pitch, and provides a note name indication in the middle of the display. The note name indication is now larger and even easier to read. This ensures simple and smooth operation even for beginners.

The CA-50 features a detection range of A0 (27.50 Hz) to C8 (4186.01 Hz). For wind instruments from piccolo to tuba, or string instruments from violin to contrabass, you can tune band or orchestral instruments of any pitch range. A high-sensitivity mic is built in, allowing the note name to be detected accurately even without a contact mic. By using the separately sold CM-200 contact mic, you can tune with confidence that nearby sounds will not affect the result.

The calibration function supports a variety of concert pitches. It can be adjusted in 1 Hz units in the range 410-480 Hz, allowing flexible tuning that matches the song or key.

The meter scale of the CA-50 provides marks that indicate pure major and minor third intervals. By tuning to these marks you can play beautiful harmonies when you're in an ensemble. This is convenient not only in a brass band or orchestra, but also for vocal or a cappella practice.

The "Sound Out" mode lets you listen to a reference tone emitted by the internal speaker, allowing you to tune by ear. A reference tone in the range of C4 (261.63 Hz) to C5 (523.25 Hz) can be output. You can check the pitch using both eye and ear, allowing you to tune more accurately, and also providing an ideal method of training your sense of pitch.

The CA-50 can be used for approximately 135 hours (when using zinc-carbon batteries). When the remaining battery capacity runs low, the display shows an indicator, letting you know that it's time to replace the batteries.

A new mechanism reduces the possibility that the unit will overturn, making it less likely that the tuner will slide off and fall when placed on a music stand. You'll be able to concentrate on your playing without fearing that the tuner might fall during the performance.

The memory backup function remembers the calibration and sound out mode settings even when the power is turned off. (Settings are initialized when you replace the batteries.) The auto power off function automatically turns off the power when 20 minutes have passed without sound being input.

The folding stand allows the tuner unit to be more stable on its own. The sliding battery cover is designed as a single piece with the unit itself, so there's no worry that the cover might be lost when replacing the batteries.

Notes: Special edition Platinum version of the excellent Opsix SE. Metallic finish, aluminium front panel, stainless steel sides and the same powerful FM synth engine as the standard Opsix SE.

Supplier's Notes:
Special limited edition of opsix SE.

Celebrating the release of the long awaited opsix SE, a stunning Platinum model (*) will be available in very limited quantities. While this model shares the same features as the standard model, it boasts a high-end metallic finish with an aluminum front panel and stainless steel side panels. This magnificent instrument is bound to command attention, whether on stage or in the studio.

(*) Differences are only cosmetic, specifications are exactly the same as the standard model. opsix SE Platinum also includes an exclusive set of stickers.

The Ultimate Union of Power and Performance

opsix SE is a digital synth like no other. With a premium all-metal design, 61-keys, and aftertouch, it unlocks a new world of sonic capabilities. Building on the expansive sound engine in the original opsix, opsix SE enhances it with increased polyphony and voicing, resulting in a synthesizer created for superior performance and precise control.

The opsix Operator Mixer simplified FM synthesis for the first time, making it not just comprehensible but also controllable. With the addition of extra synthesis capabilities and programming, it offered a more efficient workflow and an even richer sound.

The opsix SE takes this even further. It is equipped with Korg's premium 61-key natural-touch keyboard, complete with aftertouch, delivering the exceptional tactile experience expected from Korg's flagship workstations. With a sleek, robust metal body, it's built for both the intensity of live gigs and the precision of studio sessions. The metallic knobs are optimally weighted for effortless adjustments. Underneath its exterior, the opsix SE boasts an incredible capacity of 80 stereo voices of polyphony.

The opsix SE arrives preloaded with hundreds of sounds enhanced for aftertouch control. Moreover, it is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from both the original opsix and the opsix Native software, including numerous high-quality libraries.

Build to play

opsix SE was born out of the desire to play this incredible synth with both hands. Equipped with KORG's premium 61-note natural-touch keyboard, the opsix SE offers the same outstanding tactile response as KORG's top-tier workstations. Aftertouch puts unparalleled control of all the exceptional opsix sounds at your fingertips. Of course, we've modernized the factory Performances for aftertouch and introduced some fresh ones to the mix as well. In fact, most of the opsix SE programs have been revised to make full use of aftertouch, extended keyboard, and polyphony.

Premium metal design

The opsix SE showcases a notable upgrade in aesthetics. A slim body, specifically designed for this instrument, features a striking brown painted aluminium control panel, paying homage to vintage machines. Together with the vivid, illuminating LEDs, it brings a vibrant energy to any stage performance. The side panels, painted in a sleek black metal, amplify the overall aesthetics for a luxurious finish.

Exclusive hard case included

The opsix SE ships in a dedicated hard case, including space for cables and a sustain pedal. Your instrument can travel protected, whether you're carrying it to a rehearsal downtown or packing it up for a tour.

Get Illuminated with the Operator Mixer

At the heart of every sound is opsix SE's Operator Mixer - a simple set of six faders and knobs that invite exploration. Each part lights up red to indicate carriers or blue for modulators. Manipulating them opens up new sound-shaping possibilities to breathe fresh life into your musical ideas. This straightforward, hands-on workflow is part of what makes opsix SE so unique, just like the sounds it offers.

Direct Hands-On Control

Whether you're tweaking a preset or building a patch from the ground up, the six data entry knobs on the right give you quick access to the parameters you need and seamlessly sync with the large OLED display, giving you a clear, focused direction to your workflow. Coupled with the mixer, it makes creating fresh sounds super easy and, most importantly, fun!

Select from a full range of analogue-style filters, from the radical Korg MS-20 low-pass/high-pass filter to the powerful yet smooth KORG Polysix low-pass filter that gives your sound a vintage feel. There are also two or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject filters with resonance.

There's even a built-in spectrum analyser and oscilloscope that gives you visual feedback via the screen on the music you're making.

Six in One Synthesis

The core of opsix is nothing short of exponential. Since waveforms can be arranged and modulated in nearly infinite ways, opsix can easily do the sonic work that is similar to numerous types of synthesis:

Subtractive

Removing parts of the sound to get the sound you want; the most widely-used synthesis. opsix uses up to six envelopes and multi-modeled filters to achieve many cutting-edge and classical analog synthesis tones.


Semi-Modular
Rerouting signal paths to change the sound. A spin through the Alogorithm section will dramatically reshape the sound by changing how the signal routing between the operators work together, and no patch cables are needed.


Analog (Modelling)
Analog-style controls and plenty of stackable waveforms take you from digital to analogue-sounding in no time. Enjoy deep basses, crisp leads, thick pad sounds, fuzzy brass tones, and so much more.


Waveshaping

Adding intentional distortion to the waveforms to achieve aggressive overtones that are either harmonic or inharmonic. This will help you achieve gritty, bitey tones dripping with character.


Additive

Stacking waveforms and blending their harmonics is key to an expansive range of harmonious, dissonant, and tension-driven sounds. With six operators available, the complete FM experience is possible, including the ability to go back in time for classic sounds you have heard throughout recording history.


Classic FM

Last but certainly not least, opsix's highly flexible and powerful architecture starts with true six-Operator FM. As a result, it easily delivers signature sounds you have surely heard on thousands of hits from the '80s on through today, and with far more polyphony than other standalone FM synths available today.

With all of these ways to realize and explore sounds, opsix SE is uniquely suited as a "future-modern-classic" synth!

Altered Reality

opsix SE is FM-based, but the similarities to the classic synthesis end there. The Altered FM architecture delivers sounds across a vast spectrum, far wider than any single synthesis has been able to cover before, thanks to new sound components; new waveforms, filters, shaping, effects, LFOs, envelopes, modulations, and more, all translating to its broad assortment of sounds.

Powerful Effects Processing

opsix SE provides three blocks of 30 types of high-definition effects that you can use together to enhance your sounds even further. There's everything from a great mix of usable standard effects like chorus, phaser, delay, and compressor to some world-class shimmering reverbs that will elevate your sound to the next level.

Automatable 16-step sequencer

opsix SE features an incredible step sequencer that rivals groove boxes for flexibility and power. Press the PLAY button on any sound and experience the complexity of the sequences! Every Program has its unique sequence stored with it, or create your very own.

You can record up to six notes per step and edit each note's velocity, gate time, and playback timing. Create long phrases or make subtle shifts in timing to emulate strums or drum rolls, something that's not possible on a typical 16-step sequencer. The motion sequencer of the opsix SE also lets you record changes of up to six parameters, creating smooth motion changes in sound within a phrase or building rhythms that change dramatically with each step.

Review: The MIC label has undoubtedly been one of the best things to happen this year. The London independent kicked off a few months ago with an excellent hidden gem by Mike Collins, a fringe drum machine enthusiast from the 80s, which was a record that we saw as totally unmissable (and one which flew of our shelves like hotcakes!). The imprint is back with LAPS, a cold wave duo who are making similarly stripped-back machine music, except that these two girls have only been around for a few years. This is a great signing from an indie, because it's the sort of crew that will likely be picked up by a bigger label in the future. The duo's sounds linger in mid-air beautifully, from the opening shots and burst of "Gush", to the more dancehall-flavoured chants of the leading "Who Me?", and the pensive twists and turns of "Ode To Daughter". "Edges" oozes a thick bass amid stepping drums, whereas "Lady Bug" offers the only real moment of r&b delight, all filtered through a raw and loose sort of framework. Top stuff. We love this label.

Review: Le Couleur consistently sidesteps complacency with each new album presenting a fresh musical experiment without ever losing its familiar foundation. With Comme dans un penthouse, the band takes its biggest leap into musical exploration yet as they revisit elements of 'Voyage Love' while delving deeper into disco infused with new wave nuances. The result is a cooler, more distant vibe compared to their previous work. The album crafts a narrative universe around Barbara, introduced in 'POP,' as she seeks excess, pleasure, and happiness amidst frenetic rhythms. From the Krautrock-inspired 'Autobahn' to futuristic tracks reminiscent of Das Mortal, Le Couleur deftly balances innovation with familiarity here on another sublime-sounding album.

Review: Following her successful Trilogy tour, which spanned the US, UK, and Europe, Melanie Martinez has reissued her 2019 K-12 album on some mad pink and milky clear vinyl. It was a gold-selling record that also charted in the Top 10 and includes hits like 'Teacher's Pet' and 'High School Sweethearts'. Both are irresistible pop ditties that sit amongst many other seriously catchy and well polished sounds such as 'Wheels On The Bus and 'Show & Tell'. A wonderfully feel good record.