Suchergebnisse: Dance Music

Review: The latest reissued compilation of 4 Skins' greatest works contains the hits and misses of the band at the height of the oi! era, which evolved in tandem with their breakout success and helped them along more than a fair little. From the opening jump of 'One Law For Them' and 'Evil', twin charges of unrelenting chant-punk and brawly sonic brashness, to the latter-siders 'A.C.A.B.' and 'I Don't Wanna Die', as well as a second Bumper Session of 'Evil', this retrospective harks back to a distinct early 80s subculture - as well as a band who, in their concern for police brutality and social injustice, defy common misconceptions of skinheads as all bad.

Review: Hailing from London's East End, there's few Oi-punk outfits who were as quintessential or authentic as The 4-Skins. While only releasing a small handful of albums with their definitive 80s line up, this live/demo/unreleased cuts compilation offers an aural fly-on-the-wall experience of being confronted with their signature brand of seething anti-authoritarian, anti-police brutality, anti-fascist, football loving, skinhead sporting, Doc Marten stomping punk in real time. Packed with cuts pulled from radio sessions, Bumper sessions, demos and even two tracks from a previously unreleased 7" 45, including the ska-punk-inflected 'Seems To Me'; offering a more subdued side to the OG Skins than most long-time fans would be accustomed to.

Review: A Certain Ratio, Manchester icons, are back and in fine style with the new album It All Comes Down to This, which arrives here on eco vinyl. This record, while nodding to their roots, delivers 10 succinct tracks infused with the group's distinctive electronic touch and marks the first recording featuring the core trio of Jez Kerr, Martin Moscrop, and Donald Johnson without additional collaborators. The album exemplifies the band's ongoing evolution with short and sweet cuts like 'All Comes Down To This' next to the compelling likes of 'Bitten By A Lizard' and plenty in between.

Review: Manchester mavericks A Certain Ratio have been on a rare run of form of late, with 2023's 1982 counting as one of their most vibrant and endlessly entertaining albums for decades. Of course, all their albums are of a consistent quality, but It All Comes Down To This genuinely crackles with energy. From the word go, the veteran band's inherent funkiness is present, but this time it comes cloaked in fuzzy funk-rock guitar riffs, acid-fried effects, and vocals that are amongst the most forthright they've committed to wax (or, in this case, CD). In many ways, it is - as the band and producer/Sopeedy Wunderground boss Dan Carey intended - a 'back to basics' sound that focuses on the key aspects of ACR's sound. When those 'basics' are so strong, it's no surprise that the results are this impressive.

Review: It All Comes Down to This is the album latest release from Manchester icons A Certain Ratio, and it's a record that is helmed by producer Dan Carey from Speedy Wunderground. Somewhat returning to their origins, the record presents ten concise tracks with a hint of the group's signature electronic flair. Notably, it's the first recording featuring the core trio of Jez Kerr, Martin Moscrop, and Donald Johnson, without any additional collaborators. From their celebrated 1982 album and right up to their dynamic last EP in 2023, this album shows the band's still evolving and still committed to new musical advancements. A testament to their enduring legacy, It All Comes Down to This solidifies A Certain Ratio's place among Manchester's finest.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


We're never short of new Ricardo Villalobos material and he's generous with his time as a mixer, but this project offers something different from the Chilean mad scientist of minimal. A Mountain Of One are a duo who deal in Balearic-leaning pop with a subtle charm and an adventurous spirit, and they initially approached Villalobos for a single remix of one of their tracks. As a fan of their sound, Villalobos ran with the project and it wound up as a full remix album of seven different versions. On the earlier tracks Ricardo takes a surprisingly light touch, while the later stages find us knee deep in the mesmerising roll of his minimal house, shot through with dubbed out ingredients from the original songs. It's surprising and satisfying in equal measure, showing Villalobos at his best and quite the scoop for A Mountain Of One.

Review: The summer is almost here which means this is exactly the sort of record we want to be reaching for. It's a lush and tropical work of idealised disco grooves, deepest house, Balearic, smooth jazz and Mediterranean cool that cries out to be played loud while you sip on cocktails and dream of being somewhere utterly blissful and classy. Dreamy textures define each cut with nice fresh rhythms, glistening chords and lush melodies all sprinkled with delightful percussive detail. Big up to A Vision Of Panorama for serving up a beautiful album that is sure to soundtrack the warmest months of the year for many.

Review: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the Metamorphosis LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album Metamorphosis, which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A-side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, 'Metamorphosis' has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

Review: In the realm of electronic music, 'In Your Face' EP by Acerbic emerges as a sonic assault that shatters boundaries and plunges listeners into an abyss of acid-tinged techno. An adrenaline-fueled shot, this four-track E.P. pulsates with raw energy and uncompromising intensity. 'In Your Face' sets the tone with its relentless 90s acid techno grooves, transporting listeners to the heart of the rave scene. Its abrasive and confrontational energy creates an atmosphere both exhilarating and intimidating. 'Assimilate' takes on a darker and more menacing persona, as the stomping beats and menacing synths evoke images of underground warehouse parties. 'I'm Fvxked' cranks up the intensity ever higher, pushing the boundaries of acid techno with its relentless pace and distorted soundscapes. The E.P. concludes with 'Never Changes', a testament to the enduring power of hardcore techno. Acerbic's In Your Face E.P. is a sonic tour de force that pushes the limits of techno music. Its aggressive and confrontational approach leaves an indelible mark on the listener. Hardcore, you know the score!

Review: Adlas has a compelling signature sound - its quick and punchy but also seductive and funk. The opener on this new EP for Answer Code Request certainly fits that bill - Headland' has nice analogue drums and elastic bass down low with rich, smeared synths up top. 'Oscillation' gets deeper and rides on a rolling beat that rocks back and forth with ambient synths up top and a sense of mysticism in the air. 'Bluff' gets back to bumpy beats and dubbed low ends with some static-charged pads and 'Static' is the deepest of the lot - a subaquatic deep techno trip for the heads.

Notes: Expand the lid from your case to be another powered rack. This set includes:

Rails
Handle and handle supports
Powered bus board
Case wiring
AC/DC power adapter
All hardware and thermal tape to complete the conversion

Notes: 104hp wide with two 3U rows and a 1U row.
Powder coated aluminum construction
VESA mount compatible (100mm x 100mm)
Plastic handle for easy mobility
Metal feet can be installed to support multiple angles of jamming.
Secure latching lid with enough depth to keep your patches patched

Expandable

Lid - when you're ready to add more space, the lid can be expanded to be another 104hp x 7U. You can add another set of rails, power supply and power jack and double your available space. (Kit available)
Metal feet - The metal feet can have a pair of rails and rack mounted power added to support another 3U row of 104hp. (Kit available in future)

Connectivity

Audio jacks - set of four jacks for stereo in and stereo out.
MIDI jacks - DIN jacks to support IN, OUT, and THRU MIDI.
USB power - can be used for a lamp to light your case or to charge your phone while recording your set.

Dimensions
557mm x 334mm x 169mm
74mm depth for 1U and bottom 3U row
52mm depth for middle 3U row

Power
+12V - 3A (with plenty of allowance for in-rush current)
-12V - 3A
+5V - 3A (shared with USB power)
36 shrouded power headers

In The Box
Main case
Lid
Metal feet
Power adapter 20V at 6A

Review: Air Formation are Brighton-based shoegazers who are back now with their sixth album, a self-titled record on Club AC30, that is inspired by their love of pioneering bands like Flying Saucer Attack, Spiritualized and The Jesus & Mary Chain. It is a collection of tracks drenched in droning keys, heavy feedback, delayed guitar loops and heavenly vocals that float up top above the noise. It takes in the likes of the blissful opener 'Pressure Drop', the sweeping crescendos of 'Only So Much Light', shimmering and swirling melodies on 'I Don't Want To Talk' and 'Crashing Out' and plenty more.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Alice in Chains' Jar of Flies from 1994 is a masterful album that showcases the band's versatility and songwriting prowess across an acoustic-driven collection of tracks. They deliver plenty of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that make for a deeply immersive listen. There is a real melancholic beauty to 'Nutshell' while a gritty intensity pervades 'No Excuses.' Each song offers a glimpse into the band's emotional depth and musical complexity, always with raw emotion and captivating performances that make this one a standout release in Alice in Chains' discography.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, but product is in excellent condition and in perfect working order***


The 'Mega Milton' is a smorgasbord of handy all analogue utilities in just 8HP that will greatly extend the functionality of your Eurorack system.

It includes a stereo line input converter for incorporating line level external sources into a Eurorack system, a fixed 4 input mixer with breakout attenuator for combining signals, a gated slew limiter for adding slides to sequences, a sample and hold with analogue white noise with a myriad of uses such as generative melodies or producing percussive textures and finally a buffered mult for droop free signal distribution with handy LEDs to monitor.

All sections are normalised to help with typical use cases such as generating random CV from the sample & hold section, a smooth random source from the slew output and breaking out a standalone attenuator from the fourth mixer input.

The 'Mega Milton' provides essential classic synthesizer building blocks for patching in any Eurorack system.

Ideal For

Incorporating stereo external sources easily into your Eurorack system.
Signal attenuation and basic mixing in a small space.
Building percussion sounds from an analogue noise source.
Producing clocked random to add interest and variation to patterns and sounds.
Adding gated 303 style slides to patterns.
Creating and Manipulating patterns with Sample and Hold.
Buffering and monitoring voltage across multiple VCOs or other destinations with no drop.

Tech Specs

Supply: +12V 70mA / -12V 70mA
Size: 8HP
Depth: 32mm

Review: Nestor Alvarez's Midnight in Havana on Original Gravity delivers an electrifying Afro-Cuban instrumental jam that transports listeners to the vibrant streets of Havana. With a mesmerising flute lead and dynamic jam sessions, the track exudes a captivating energy that feels like a theme song for the city's bustling nightlife. The infusion of Cuban soul adds depth and authenticity to the music, immersing listeners in its rich cultural heritage. On the B-side, Alvarez offers a creative cover version of the Happy Mondays' 'Kinky Afro,' reimagined with a Cuban twist. The fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and the iconic melody of the original song results in a fresh and exciting interpretation that showcases Alvarez's versatility as a musician. Fans of Latin and Cuban dance music are sure to eat this up.

Review: Amirtha Kidambi's New Monuments is a politically charged fusion of avant-jazz, Carnatic music, and rock that confronts colonialism and oppression. Its dark, psychedelic soundscapes express urgent determination through Kidambi's evocative vocals and the experimental instrumentation of her collective, the Elder Ones. Kidambi weaves personal experiences as an Asian American into her critique of global injustices, using her music as a platform for resistance. Through diverse vocal styles and instrumentation, she highlights the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression. Its grim determination underscores the resilience of the downtrodden, their march toward a future where their voices and rights are recognized.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Dent on the side, product in perfect working order***


Like a greatest hits of recent Analogue Solutions synths, the Ample combines sound elements from the Fusebox with jack patch points, a patch pin matrix, plus sequencer and CV touch pads from the Generator, creating something new and unique.

Supplier's Notes:
Ample combines the best elements of several of Analogue Solutions' recent products.

The sound elements of Fusebox
Jack patch points of Concussor Eurorack
Patch pin matrix of Vostok
Echo from Dr Strangelove
Sequencer and CV touch pads of Generator

It shares all this yet still has its own sound!

Ample can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be

This synth has been given a large and diverse number of controls, that along side the patch sockets, will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities.

This synth presents the controls in a user friendly and familiar synth layout that, together with this manual and other resources, enable even the new guy to get great sounds.

Synth - Percussion - Audio Processor

Ample is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Ample has a genuine old sound.

Circuits included

3x Analogue Oscillators

There are three analogue VCOs - each providing a wealth of features and modulation choices. VCO3 can easily be utilised as a LFO.

2x Analogue Low Frequency Oscillator

LFO2(/Sync) has a triangle wave output. VCO3 can be used as an LFO and has Saw, Triangle and Square wave modulation signals.

Analogue Filter

Ample uses a four pole 24bB per octave low pass filter.

Analogue Amplifier

The VCA can be set to THRU so it is always 'open'. This allows Ample to be used as an effects processor.

2x Analogue Envelopes

There are two EGs - each having full control over ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE.

Modulation

Great thought has been placed into modulation route choices, allowing a wide range of sounds to be produced, including percussion and 'modular' sounds further extended by patching with the jack sockets and pin matrix.

MIDI

MIDI is intentionally kept simple - so you can concentrate on making new sounds and making music - not getting tied up with SYSEX programming.

You get the all important control over filter cut-off using MIDI Velocity.

Patchable External CV Control Sockets

Ample has many input and output audio and CV sockets - to allow the synth to be effectively re-wired to make new sounds.

The sockets also enable it to be easily used with Eurorack and other modular systems. They can be patched together.

Sequencer

Ample has a vintage style 16 step sequencer.

Touch Keys

There are 6 touch keys that each output a set voltage. Use this to play the pitch or as modulation signals. A great tool for inspiration!

Pin Matrix

A neat way to patch the synth.

Echo

Nice lo-fi echo / delay.

Review: Polish record label Moonshine Recordings top up their ongoing crock of electronic dub come dub techno with a fresh one from mainstays Another Channel, whose name implies we actually had the ability to pick up the remote control and tune into any other dub station other than the Basic channel One all along. Teaming up with Prince Morella and Marina P on 'Nameless Woman' and 'Find A Way', Another Channel follow the tape-hissed early dub techno recipe to a T, shirking any residual desire to over-embellish for a neat pair of pure, squinty horizontal gaze-offs, with both singers riding the same instrumention. The instrumental 'Version Of Love' provides a versioned listen, highlighting the track's bulbous bubbles and highpassed vocal dancings-in-the-distance.

Review: Aniara's white label number four delivers more techno goodness direct to the dance floor. The A-side features two of Arkajo's most compelling dance-floor tracks, with both offering a propulsive groove and warped and dubbed-out basslines. On the flip side, Dorisburg and Efraim Kent (who are here making their debut on Aniara) present the darker vibes of 'Data Smuggler' which rides on broken beats and has real menace in the airwaves. It complements the A-side with a more deep mood and hypnotic rhythm that will be pure dancing bait.

Review: Public Possession welcomes back Aroma Pitch for another four tracker that bares all their usual hallmarks - namely lots of warm analogue sounds that unite everything from driving to Balearic beats via big room nu-disco and playful in-between sounds. 'Millennium Surfer' opens with a wash of gently twirling synth arps and 80s drums, there is a fantastically bubbling bassline and dubby feel to 'Balearic Shift', while 'Staub Groove' is a more thumping house cut with weird synth textures. Without doubt it is closer 'Areal Earth (dub)' that wins the EP with its ethereal pads, dreamy vibes and smooth dub house low end.

Review: Brazilian artist Lucas Arruda, is fast becoming a regarded figure in the Latin scene. 'Ominira' is his latest long player that once again, finds a home on the French label Favorite Recordings. An album full of rich sounding musical textures that cross boundaries and bridge many genres such as Latin, soul, house, jazz and pop. The vibrant summer jams 'The Bravest Heart' and 'Novos Planos' are A-side standouts that will surely excite veteran and new listeners alike, who are into World music. '4:28' and 'The Mountain' start the second side with some catchy instrumentals that give off memorable beachy 70s vibes. ' Projecoes' closes the album with one of the most soulful performances of the album. All and all, you have a wonderful sounding jazzy grooved piece that ups the expectation of what a Latin jazz album can be. Cafe Del Mar approved!

Review: ***B-STOCK: Missing original outer sleeve but otherwise in perfect working condition***


Mikal Asher, a scion of Jamaica's Morgan family dynasty, reunites with Chocolate Star Records here and does so with a collaboration with disco legend Gary Davis. Asher, akin to his brother Denroy Morgan, upholds the family's legacy of righteousness through music. Known as the Binghiman, he crafts captivating tunes with profound lyrics and has recorded in Ghana's Hustle Hard Studios and collaborated with industry pioneers in Kingston and Brooklyn, setting new standards in musical excellence along the way. Here, 'Wicked Ah Fi' transforms into a modern dub stepper, while 'Black Woman' offers a soulful, laid-back dedication to Davis' wife, Sonjia. This 7" also comes with innovative remixes from California-based DJ and producer Knoe1.

Review: Japanese psychedelic pop singer-songwriter Ai Aso hails from Tokyo and has an almost impossibly wispy thin folky style to her singing that makes her utterly unique. She has been active since 2000 and has worked both solo as well as with the likes of White Heaven members You Ishihara and Michio Kurihara. Her solo album arrived back in 2014 and now a decade on gets a vinyl press via Ideologic Organ. It is beautifully delicate and whimsical, with lullaby-like guitar melodies and her own vaporous vocals drifting gently with a real sense of innocence in the sparse tracks. Lo-fi and intimate, this is a quiet gem.

Review: The latest offering from serial collaborator and cross-genre tastemaker Stephen O'Malley's Ideologic Organ imprint is a tender filigree bureau of acid folk sketches from Tokyo's Ai Aiso. Across seven tracks, she patiently meanders through broken and phased chord progressions, her simultaneously pure and wavering vocal lines forming elegant arcs over sparse beds of instrumentation and washes of room tone. Some tracks are bookended by applause, and it is this ostensibly 'indoorsy' atmosphere which lends the mini LP a great deal of charm; the delicate atmospherics seem to issue from an intimate and isolated space. Indeed, Bandcamp user Everyvillianislemons317 describes it as "The perfect album for a lonely night in the city." We're more than inclined to agree.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Item refurbished, repaired and in perfect working order.***


One of our favourite DJ turntables. Clearly inspired by the classic Technics SL-1200 but clocking in at a more affordable price point. Direct drive motor, decent build quality and a few nice bonus features like adjustable pitch range.

Supplier notes:
The AT-LP140XP fully manual professional DJ turntable features a high-torque direct-drive motor and anti-resonant, mass-damped, die-cast aluminium platter to ensure stable, on-axis rotation at 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. It is equipped with an S-shaped tonearm with height adjustment, adjustable tracking force (counterweight) and adjustable dynamic anti-skate control.

Audio-Technica has been a leader in phono cartridge design for more than 50 years, and that expertise shows in the durable, high-output AT-XP3 DJ cartridge with 0.6 mil conical bonded stylus included with the turntable. It comes pre-mounted to an AT-HS6 universal 1/2"-mount headshell.

Designed to connect to components with a dedicated phono input, the turntable comes with a detachable dual RCA output cable and supplies a strong 5.5 mV output.

Additional professional features include a start/stop button; forward and reverse play; selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-8%, +/-16%, and +/-24% adjustment ranges; a stroboscopic platter with speed indicator; a retractable plug-type stylus target light; and a removable hinged dust cover.

Review: Three lovely, carefully terraformed dub tekno sketches from new co:clear recruit Eden Aurelius. Both in title and soundworld, these pieces strongly evoke slow-panning aerial shots of undulating terrain, gusts of wind through glistening skyscrapers and diffused sunlight through striated cloud. A stretch maybe - but a stretch informed by years of dub techno semiotics from precursors like Rod Modell and Pub, whose visually evocative sonic staging doubtless laid some of the groundwork for records like this. There's a formalism and orthodoxy to Aurelius' work, marking it apart from the glut of neu-ambient ASMR-scapes from labels such as INDEX and 3XL. Take the cathartic pulse of title track 'Plateau', for instance, which deftly weaves cavernous swathes of vocals and band-passed chord stabs into something that would sound equally at home on SUED or echospace. Real nice.

Review: Reserved for Record Store Day comes this exciting new doublet from brilliant Brazilian jazz-funkers Azymuth, in the form of both an extended mix of their enduring major hit single from 1979, 'Jazz Carnival', and a fresh remix by Yambee, the duo of Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. The original track was a rare slice of instrumental funk music, dare say instrumental music at all, to climb the UK charts and remain in its upper echelons for a solid twenty weeks. Though its initial popularity was lengthy, it has since then gone underground, becoming a throwback favourite of the likes of Kerri Chandler, Mr. Scruff and Gilles Peterson, to name but a few icons to play it back out over the years.

Review: Is there a more fun and hard-to-pin-down label than Studio Barnhus? The plaything of Swedish artists Kornel Kovacs, Axel Boman and their mate Petter Nordkvist it has done it all from trancehall to bubblegum house via pop edits and plenty in between. Now they look to Stockholm boys Ari Bald & CJ Scott once more for a new EP that bangs hard and has a great sense of character, much like their label debut here last year. All four of these house cuts are full-flavoured slammers with heartfelt vocal samples and lovely naive melodies that really make their mark.

Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.

Review: Laurent Bardainne and Tigre d'Eau Douce's third album, EDEN BEACH CLUB, transports listeners to a sun-drenched paradise and was conceived as an imaginary soundtrack to a day by the sea. Following the triumph of Bardainne's Hymne au soleil album, they set their sights higher and here have crafted a sonic oasis that defies boundaries. Returning to their winning formula, the album seamlessly blends groove, soul, jazz, and electronic elements as each track invites you to lose yourself in a breezy and beachy dance as you celebrate an eternal sunset tinged with electric energy. The album is brimming with sophisticated and laid back melodies and gently persuasive grooves.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


This official reissue of Bela Lugosi's Dead: The Bela Session comes on black and red splattered vinyl this time around and includes previously unreleased tracks that have been mastered from the original demo tapes of their first ever recording session together. The post-punk outfit's debut single was released initially in 1979. Bela Lugosi's Dead is not only their first single, but also often gets mentioned as the first goth record. It has since been covered by Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and Nouvelle Vague. The rest of the tunes from the demo session remain hugely innovative, reflecting their post-punk and dark-glam style with dub reggae influences that would further evolve in their output that followed and explain why the band went on to such cult status.

Review: Popular Hull-based shoegaze quartet bdrmm are building up to their latest tour with the release of single 'Standard Tuning, arriving hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed second album, 'I Don't Know'. Written and recorded during those same sessions and very much similarly flavoured, it continues a fine vein of form right now, with high praise coming in from the likes of Rolling Stone and Consequence. This special 10" also comes with a remix of the live favourite 'Alps' by Ninja Tune/Cambria Instruments electronica specialist Nathan Fake.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


2022's stunning album Once Twice Melody was a fine example of Beach House doing what they do best - living bang up to that name, with intimate-but epic instrumentation falling somewhere between surf-y jangle and grand shoegaze. 'Become' is definitely on a similar tip, and as such feels much like an extension of the long form.
Dig a little deeper, though, and scratches begin to show. While the full-length record represented Beach House reaching for the stars, or at least the moon, and stepping into the role of festival headliners, here the sense of pure confidence and occasion is less pronounced. That may not be a bad thing, mind, because while Once came across like a finished article, refined and prepared, things here seem somehow rawer, as though we're sitting in on a session as oppose to getting the signed off product.

Review: Beatconductor's Dub Spectrum EP takes listeners on a journey through Jamaica with seven tracks of dubbed-out pop covers. The EP features creative mash-ups such as The Wailers providing instrumental backing for Adele, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, and Duran Duran, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tunes. Additionally, Amy Winehouse and The Pretenders unite to form a ska supergroup, showcasing Beatconductor's innovative approach to blending genres. Beatconductor's skillful reinterpretations breathe new life into classic tracks, infusing them with reggae and ska influences while maintaining their original essence.

Review: The Beatles: The Red Album: 1962-1966 encapsulates the iconic band's early years with a dynamic selection of tracks that have now all been remastered at half speed so they sound extra good. This compilation showcases the evolution of their sound from the exuberant energy of 'Love Me Do' to the groundbreaking creativity of 'A Hard Day's Night' and beyond. There are also timeless hits like 'Twist and Shout' and 'Yesterday,' which means this collection serves as a definitive journey through the first part of the The Beatles' legendary catalogue. Each song is a direct portal back to the 60s and to the vibrant era of Beatlemania at the peak of its powers.

Notes: Ever loved something so much you wanted to "bee-come" it? While Beetronics' circuits are primarily original, their bees had classic favourites they "Wannabee-d," so Beetronics embraced these buzzing wonders as their own hive of inspiration, infusing a generous dose of honeyed innovation to craft the ultimate dual overdrive.

The WANNABEE "BEELATERAL BUZZ" is a dual-drive pedal like no other. It combines two classic circuits, each offering three distinct FLAVORS, and lets users weave them together however they like. They can run them side by side or have one flow into the other, unlocking a world of tonal possibilities, as sweet as a jar of honey.

Circuit #0, Beetronics's Bluesbreaker-inspired creation, harmonizes vintage amp tones with crystal-clear crispness, all while preserving that beloved tube-like warmth. Plus, its three flavours give users control over the low-end oomph. Circuit #1 is Beetronics's take on the legendary Klon. All those iconic transparent overdrive tones are here, with a sweet honey twist. Unlike any other Klon, Beetronics' Circuit #1 offers a unique trio of flavours that grant users control over their clean blend level.

This pedal's core houses a truly exceptional Routing System, crafted by Beetronics' expert bees. It's the gateway to exploring unique tones. What makes it stand out is that it lets users not only choose the order of the circuits but also blend them in parallel, something other dual-drive pedals can't do.

In the centre position, users can use the volume controls to mix both circuits in parallel. And with the footswitch, they're in charge of when each circuit kicks in. Flick it to the right, and Circuit #0 flows into Circuit #1; shift left, and Circuit #1 flows into Circuit #0. When chaining one circuit into another, users can simply crank up the volume on the first to push the second into a thrilling buzz of distortion.

The WANNABEE draws inspiration from Beetronics' favourite overdrive circuits and then elevates them to a whole new level, enhancing their tone with a touch of honey and introducing innovative features. It unlocks a world of possibilities by blending both circuits in the most unique ways. Beetronics hopes this can be the ultimate overdrive tool to help users truly BEE THEMSELVES.

Product specs

Pedal Dimensions 5.5" x 4" x 2.5" (including knobs, switches and etc)
Pedal Weight - 1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg
Package Size - 6" x 5.25" x 3"
Requires 9VDC power supply (Centre Negative)
*Does not include power supply

Review: Scottish party starter Sally C is behind the bolshy brilliance of the Big Saldo's Chunkers label. So far the releases have come at a steady rate but have always been of utmost quality. Bella takes care of the label's fourth outing and it's another peak time outing full of big fun. 'Note To Self' is a mix of potent breaks, trance chords and rave energy where 'Orchestra Spring' is more direct and bouncy with a rugged bassline pumping the breaks and 'Odd Symphony' then slips into a deeper vibe still but one that is no less dynamic. An Olsvanger remix of the same tune takes it into mind-melting late night afterparty territory.

Review: Bruno Berle hails from the coastal Brazilian city of Maceio, and he charmed the world in no uncertain terms with his 2022 album No Reino Dos Afetos. Berle's music is steeped in the tradition of MPB and Brazilian music overall, but he combines dreamy songwriting with an artful kind of lo-fi production which makes his sound all the more charming. This follow-up record once again finds Berle working closely with Batata Boy, drawn from the same seven-year period of developing ideas while moving from Maceio to Sao Paulo via some recording sessions in Rio de Janeiro. It's diaristic and scrapbook like, but rendered with such conviction it swoops in around your grey matter and carries you off to somewhere very pleasant indeed.

Review: Having previously successfully turned her hand to house and disco - many of our top pop performers have always been shapeshifting musical magpies (hello Madonna) - Beyonce Knowles Carter has now delved into the world of country music. No doubt you'll be bored of the endless discourse around Cowboy Carter, but that doesn't stop it from being a genuinely good album - a brilliant fusion of neo-soul, r&b and, yes, country music instrumentation that wisely leaves Beyonce's incredible voice front and centre. There are some genuinely notable covers - see her takes on the Beatles 'Blackbird' and Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' (featuring an introduction from her Dollyness) stand out - but the most striking songs are by and large her own work. For proof, see 'American Requiem', 'Most Wanted' (with Miley Cyrus), 'Sweet Honey Buckin' (with Shaboozy) and 'Tyrant'.

Review: Beyonce's Cowboy Carter is a bold and poignant exploration of American roots music, marking a departure from her previous works while asserting her dominance across genres. Inspired by her 2016 experience at the Country Music Association Awards, where she faced criticism and racism despite her Texas roots, Beyonce delves into Louisiana Cajun country, the rivers of Alabama, and the streets of Memphis, reimagining Americana, folk, and country in her own image. The album serves as a powerful statement on the erasure of Black contributions to country music and American culture, with Beyonce reclaiming her rightful place in the genre's history. Through collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, as well as emerging Black country and rock musicians, Beyonce highlights the enduring legacy of Black artists in shaping these musical forms. Cowboy Carter is both a sonic journey and a cultural commentary, blending elements of folk, country and rock with Beyonce's signature style and vocal range. From the haunting cover of the Beatles' 'Blackbird' to the electrifying trap beats of 'Ya Ya,' the album showcases Beyonce's versatility and musical dexterity. No doubt, 2024 will be another strong year of Beyonce led by this album.

Review: BIG BRAVE's music epitomises what has been called 'massive minimalism,' with layers of textural distortion and feedback accentuating its weight and frayed edges. Their artistry blends traditional folk techniques with a modern deconstruction of guitar music, all of which is evident in the new album A Chaos Of Flowers, which is a follow-up to their fierce 2023 album Nature Morte. Lyrically, the songs delve into vulnerability, isolation, and co-existence in nature and guitarist and vocalist Robin Wattie drew inspiration from poetry by female-presenting artists, exploring alienation's impact on the psyche. This record is a testament to the band's ability to evoke intense emotions through minimalist yet powerful arrangements.

Review: Diane Birch returns with that spellbinding voice - a transportive powerhouse packing a timeless quality that resonates through her music. The American recording world doing what it has always done so well, creating huge, heartbreaking, hopeful, and captivating mini operas disguised as pop. Or, if you want to get technical here: soft rock, country, folk, r&b and soul. OK, so there are elements of funk and jazz, too, and the result is a heady brew that's pretty inescapable. Harking back to the balladry heydays, with shades of Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, and Carly Simon, to name but a few - in delivery and performance, if not necessarily tone - no matter where you're listening from it's going to be hard to forget this one.

Review: The Black Keys, renowned for their gritty blues-rock sound, pay homage to their Ohio roots with Ohio Players, with this album serving as a soulful tribute to the legendary funk band. With electrifying guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms and soulful vocals, each track resonates with the spirit of Ohio's musical heritage. From infectious grooves to heartfelt lyrics, this lovely long player showcases The Black Keys' versatility and reverence for their musical lineage. It's a celebration of Ohio's rich musical legacy that will delight fans old and new, cementing The Black Keys' status as modern-day rock and roll torchbearers.

Review: Maya Blandy's latest single, Lemons, is a vibrant and infectious track that seamlessly blends upbeat urban funk with an acid jazz sound, resulting in a potential pop hit. The song takes a spin on the classic adage about making the best out of life's challenges, presenting it with a fresh and edgy perspective. With its catchy hooks, groovy rhythm, and Maya Blandy's convincing vocals, Lemons is destined to be an instant hit once heard.
The Side-2 is equally as good with 'BIB (Bitch In Black).' This song oozes with soulful vibes, showcasing Maya's mesmerizing vocals against an urban beat backdrop. The addition of a horn section adds depth and richness to the track, elevating its sonic experience.

Review: Jay Bliss brings his classy tech house touch to this sixth EP on the Berg Audio label. It begins with the title track which is a futuristic mix of silky and serene synth lines and smooth but propulsive drums. 'Pressure' rocks back and forth on a metallic loop and layers up the balmy pads, while 'Rocket Science' has a more textured feel and zippy little synth details that bring plenty of intrigue. 'Stellar Flux' closes out with another comically inclined fusion of dynamic drums and heady synth patterns, this time with a playful neo-disco undertone.

Review: Steve O'Sullivan recently launched the Blue Channel project as a kind of sonic companion to his similarly minded dub techno work as Blue Train, in the process paying tribute to Berlin's masters of the extended dubbed-out groove, Basic Channel. This is the second EP in an ongoing series and begins with a fresh 'Bluetrain Special Edition Dub' of 'Complete With U', a track featured (in its original mix form) on the previous EP. This take is more percussively propulsive and addictive - thanks to a locked-in dub house style groove - with warmer synth sounds and echoing vocalisations. It's basically a hat-tip to classic Rhythm & Sound singles of old, albeit with drums that more neatly fit into a wider variety of DJ sets. Over on side B, 'Traveller' is a fine slab of pitched-down vocal digi-dub with added ambient dub sonics.

Review: Sizzling-hot hip-hop duo Blue Lab Beats are on everybody's lips now, thanks at least in part to the announcement of their latest full-length album, Blue Eclipse. Heralding an exciting new era for the duo, these 12 songs reveal the depth and breadth of producer NK-OK, and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM's musical ambition. Throwing back to their debut EP 'Blue Skies', which even pre-dates their involvement with record labels, Blue Eclipse signals a circling back to their origins while also embracing the new; the pair's usual jazztronica remit is lent the utmost contemporary spin, with notes of drill, neoclassical, trap and Jersey bounce - all still prevalent styles - peeking through in these latest productions.

Review: BODEGA's debut album under Chrysalis Records, Our Brand Could Be YR Life, arrives as a culmination of their indie-rock musings on the encroachment of corporate influence into youth culture. Initially conceived eight years ago, guitarist and vocalist Ben Hozie has described it as a project they have long wanted to undertake. With 15 fantastic tracks, the album delves into various indie-rock subgenres, from dance-punk to shoegaze and psychedelic rock. Reflecting on themes of self-critique and cultural commentary, it offers a diverse sonic landscape, with hints of influences like R.E.M. This vital new collection shows BODEGA's musical evolution and retains their keen observations on contemporary societal shifts.

Notes: High-end amps and effects from vintage to modern with advanced flexibility

With the new GT-100 Version 2.0 update, BOSS' high-end multi-effects processor is now even more powerful than before, adding a host of great new features to its already formidable arsenal. Two new amp types are included, along with cutting-edge MDP effects, an acoustic guitar simulator, and an improved rotary effect. A convenient Guitar-to-MIDI function is on board as well, letting you connect to a computer to play soft synths and input MIDI note using your normal guitar. The GT-100's USB audio capabilities have been expanded too, providing greater flexibility for re-amping applications. And with the BOSS TONE STUDIO software, you can now edit GT-100 patches from a friendly graphical interface on your computer.

Advanced COSM Amps: Beyond Vintage

With its next-generation COSM processor, the GT-100 ushers in a new era of expression and sonic capabilities. Recreating the meticulous details of vintage amps and how they behave, the GT-100 excels in not only cloning classic amps, but in creating a new world of unimagined tones as well. The Amp Customize function lets you mutate classic amps beyond reality to construct completely new, unimagined sounds!

Simple and Intuitive User Interface

The GT-100's unique dual-LCD and eight-knob user interface provides fast access and intuitive control. There are no menus to navigate; every function is instantly available. The tone-customizing functionality has been improved as well-all patches, amps, and overdrives/distortions can be created from scratch and/or customized with the friendly graphical Tone Grid.

New Tonal Possibilities with the Accel Pedal

A new dimension of expression is available with the Accel pedal, which enables control of multiple parameters simultaneously, as well as time-variant effects such as Feedbacker, S-Bend, Twist, and more. Experiment with creative combinations of parameters and bring dynamic new sounds to your performances by interacting in real time with this cool pedal.

A/B Channel Divider Function

Another notable feature in the GT-100 is the versatile A/B Channel Divider. This lets you assign different amps and effects to each channel, either for blending together or switching between them with a footswitch. Going even further, you also have the ability to switch channels by playing strength or frequency range. With each channel capable of driving its own effects and amps settings, the range of tones gets wider and wilder! You can assign smooth, mild lead tones to the mid-to-high pitches, for example, and heavy, cutting tones to the lower notes-the tonal possibilities are endless.

Edit and Organize Sounds with BOSS TONE STUDIO

Available as a free download for Mac or Windows, BOSS TONE STUDIO gives you an intuitive graphical interface for creating and editing GT-100* effects patches from your computer via USB. The software also makes it easy to organize and archive patches, and to load them as needed for different gigs and recording sessions. If your computer has Internet access, BOSS TONE STUDIO provides an integrated connection to the BOSS TONE CENTRAL website, where you can preview and download free gig-ready patches created by top guitar pros directly into the GT-100.

*GT-100 Version 2.0 software is required for compatibility with BOSS TONE STUDIO.

BOSS TONE CENTRAL: Your Web Home for Free Patches, Instructional Vids, Artist Tips, and More

BOSS TONE CENTRAL is the ultimate destination for all players that use BOSS products. Evolving to include a growing selection of BOSS gear, this site gives you access to lots of premium content, including demo videos and free patches created by famous guitarists, touring pros, and session players.

Specs

AD Conversion: 24 bits + AF method

*AF method (Adaptive Focus method) is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the A/D and D/A converters.
DA Conversion: 24 bits
Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
Program Memories: 400: 200 (User) + 200 (Preset)

Effect Type:

COMP, PREAMP(*1), OD/DS(*2), EQ, FX1/FX2(*3), DELAY, CHORUS, REVERB, PEDAL FX, NS1/NS2, ACCEL FX

*1 PREAMP
NATURAL CLEAN, FULL RANGE, COMBO CRUNCH, STACK CRUNCH, HiGAIN STACK, POWER DRIVE, EXTREME LEAD, CORE METAL, JC-120, CLEAN TWIN, PRO CRUNCH, TWEED, DELUXE CRUNCH, VO DRIVE, VO LEAD, MATCH DRIVE, BG LEAD, BG DRIVE, MS1959 I, MS1959 I+II, R-FIER VINTAGE, R-FIER MODERN, T-AMP LEAD, SLDN, 5150 DRIVE, BGNR UB METAL*, ORNG ROCK REVERB*, CUSTOM

*2 OD/DS

MID BOOST, CLEAN BOOST, TREBLE BOOST, CRUNCH, NATURAL OD, WARM OD, FAT DS, LEAD DS, METAL DS, OCT FUZZ, A-DIST*, BLUES OD, OD-1, T-SCREAM, TURBO OD, DIST, RAT, GUV DS, DST+, METAL ZONE, '60S FUZZ, MUFF FACE, CUSTOM

*3 FX1/FX2

T.WAH, AUTO WAH, SUB WAH, ADV. COMP, LIMITER, SUB OD/DS, GRAPHIC EQ, PARA EQ, TONE MODIFY, GUITAR SIM., AC.GUITAR SIM*, SLOW GEAR, DEFRETTER, WAVE SYNTH, SITAR SIM., OCTAVE, PITCH SHIFTER, HARMONIST, OVERTONE*, SOUND HOLD, AC. PROCESSOR, PHASER, FLANGER, TREMOLO, ROTARY1, ROTARY2*, UNI-V, PAN, SLICER, VIBRATO, RING MOD., HUMANIZER, 2X2 CHORUS, SUB DELAY, TERA ECHO*

*Newly Added Features (Version 2.0)
A-DIST is available in OD/DS and in SUB OD/DS of FX2.
OVERTONE and TERA ECHO are only available in FX2.

Nominal Input Level
INPUT: -10 dBu
RETURN: -10 dBu
AUX IN: -20 dBu

Input Impedance
INPUT: 1 M ohm
RETURN: 100 k ohms
AUX IN: 47 k ohms

Nominal Output Level
OUTPUT: -10 dBu/+4 dBu
SEND: -10 dBu

Output Impedance
OUTPUT: 2 k ohms
SEND: 2 k ohms

Dynamic Range: 100 dB or greater (IHF-A)
Displays: Graphic LCD (132 x 64 dots, backlit LCD) x 2

Connectors
INPUT jack (1/4-inch phone type)
AUX IN jack (Stereo miniature phone type)
OUTPUT L/MONO, R jacks (1/4-inch phone type)
PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4-inch phone type)
EXT LOOP jacks (SEND, RETURN; 1/4-inch phone type)
AMP CONTROL jack (1/4-inch phone type)
SUB CTL1, 2/SUB EXP jack (1/4-inch TRS phone type)
USB port
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT)
DC IN jack

Power Supply: DC 9 V
Current Draw: 600 mA

Accessories:
AC adaptor(PSB-1U + AC Cord Set)
USB Cap
Owner's Manual

Options (sold separately)

Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual Footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression Pedal: FV-500L/500H, EV-30, Roland EV-5
AC adaptor (PSB-1U)

*When purchasing an AC adaptor, be sure to specify the adaptor (from the list that follows) that is designed for the region in which it will be used, and the voltage supplied there.
(PSB-120/PSB-120TW/PSB-230EU/PSB-230UK/PSB-240A)

Size & weight

Width: 542 mm / 21-3/8 inches
Depth: 271 mm / 10-11/16 inches
Height: 80 mm / 3-3/16 inches
Weight: 4.8 kg / 10 lbs. 10 oz.