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Originally released in 1996 as a limited fan-club pressing for Rockathon, Guided By Voices' Tonics And Twisted Chasers has always existed as an anomaly in Robert Pollard's vast discography. In many ways, the album serves as the tail of a creative comet that in just two years included the "classic line-up" trilogy of Bee Thousand, Alien Lanes, Under the Bushes, Under the Stars and countless singles that crammed endless hooks in their grooves. In the intervening space, Tonics And Twisted Chasers has taken on a mythic status. It's arguably Pollard's strangest, gnarliest, most enlightened record and also the fans first chance to see the stitches that bind his galaxy of songs. It's like peering at the caliber inside a watch, responsible for making the whole enterprise tick. This nineteen-song collaboration with guitarist Tobin Sprout could be interpreted as spontaneous sketches, late-night improvisations, ideas that blossomed later in the timeline ("Knock 'Em Flying" and "Key Losers"), but as with anything in Pollard's orbit, its intention is clear when heard as a cohesive whole. The Pollard tenet that "less is more" is on full display here. The songs rarely creep past ninety seconds and coalesce much like Pollard's collage-styled visual art. Arena anthems in miniature ("158 Years of Beautiful Sex") bash up against eerie piano laments ("Universal Nurse Finger") without any time to breathe, acoustic lullabies that sound like a Midwestern summer's twilight ("Look It's Baseball") segue into monochromatic post-rock ("Maxwell Jump"). The euphoric joy and obtuse melancholy in Pollard's voice is so palpable on the album's standout, "Dayton, Ohio - 19 Something & 5" (which has since become a live staple), that it's impossible to find a more autobiographical yarn in his catalog. The album's closest analog is 1993's Vampire On Titus, as it contains that album's prickly, dark and shimmering obfuscation that only reveals its beauty after repeated listens. Tonics And Twisted Chasers maintains the lore because the melodies are so strong. Using a primitive drum machine, Radio Shack effects, minimal instrumentation and the DIY spirit that guided them in the first place, Pollard and Sprout construct a masterpiece of pop that could only come from a basement in north Dayton, Ohio. Anyone in that hallowed era who happened upon it, kept it as a secret.

EXCELLENT BROADCAST FROM LED ZEPPELIN’S 1972 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR1972 was the first year since 1969 that Led Zeppelin didn’t release an album. The highly praised Led Zeppelin IV had come out in November ’71, and their next LP, Houses Of The Holy, was released in March ’73. Instead, Zeppelin spent the majority of ’72 on the road.Having spent February in Australia, they then spent June touring North America. Kicking things off on June 6th in Detroit, followed by a quick hop over the Canadian border to play the following night in Montreal, by the 9th of the month the band were in North Carolina, at the state’s most populous city, Charlotte. Performing at the city’s Coliseum venue, Led Zeppelin performed one of the finest shows of the entire tour. Playing a number of cuts from their latest record, including a superb version of the ubiquitous ‘Stairway To Heaven’, alongside a fine selection of back catalogue classics, the concert remains a fan favourite to this day.Recorded for live radio broadcast, the gig has not previously been released on vinyl, but that changes with this new two-instalment which now houses the complete show for the first time. SIDE A:1. Dazed And Confused 24:42Total side length – 24:42SIDE B:2. What Is And What Should Never Be 5:313. Moby Dick 19:12Total side length – 24:43SIDE C:4. Whole Lotta Love 8:05Total side length – 8:05SIDE D:5. Rock And Roll 4:436. Communication Breakdown 4:30Total side length – 9:13

EXCELLENT BROADCAST FROM LED ZEPPELIN’S 1972 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR1972 was the first year since 1969 that Led Zeppelin didn’t release an album. The highly praised Led Zeppelin IV had come out in November ’71, and their next LP, Houses Of The Holy, was released in March ’73. Instead, Zeppelin spent the majority of ’72 on the road.Having spent February in Australia, they then spent June touring North America. Kicking things off on June 6th in Detroit, followed by a quick hop over the Canadian border to play the following night in Montreal, by the 9th of the month the band were in North Carolina, at the state’s most populous city, Charlotte. Performing at the city’s Coliseum venue, Led Zeppelin performed one of the finest shows of the entire tour. Playing a number of cuts from their latest record, including a superb version of the ubiquitous ‘Stairway To Heaven’, alongside a fine selection of back catalogue classics, the concert remains a fan favourite to this day.Recorded for live radio broadcast, the gig has not previously been released on vinyl, but that changes with this new two-instalment which now houses the complete show for the first time. SIDE A:1. Immigrant Song 3:452. Heartbreaker 7:033. Celebration Day 4:48Total side length – 15:36SIDE B:4. Black Dog 5:255. Since I’ve Been Loving You 8:59Total side length – 14:24SIDE C:6. Stairway To Heaven 9:277. Going To California 5:44Total side length – 15:11SIDE D:8. That’s The Way 7:579. Tangerine 4:0310. Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp 6:09Total side length – 18:09

This live compilation attempts to replicate the seamless, infinite loop of the original Nonagon Infinity album.

BORN VILLAIN is the eighth studio album by Marilyn Manson, released in 2012. Two singles were released from the album (No Reflection and Slo-Mo-Tion).

Coke Bottle Green vinyl.Who were the first punks? Do The Damned have more of a shout than The Sex Pistols? The Stooges or Ramones? Gregg Deal, the acclaimed visual and performance artist behind his new project Dead Pioneers, is making a claim that Indigenous Americans were the first real punks.Deal suggests that the overarching theme of the album is "an introduction to the band itself". Created with a DIY disposition and the "love of a scene that saves lives", they reel off a roll call of marginalised groups and protected characteristics: "Indigenous rights, Black rights, Brown rights, Asian rights, Gay rights, Trans rights, Workers rights and beyond_". This is central to their identity and focus, saying that "with a North American Indigenous person as the vocalist, being unapologetically upfront on the social, political and cultural side of things doesn't seem necessary, but paramount to the overall tone of the band."This self-titled debut, coming in at a lithe 22 minutes with only one of the twelve tracks exceeding three minutes, is almost over before it begins, but covers a huge amount of ground in that time. Blistering opener 'Tired' sets out their stall; as with the whole album, it is passionate, but never preaching. Capitalised 'Political Music' can be hard to land without coming across as hectoring or earnest, but Deal's literary, humorous lyrics effortlessly cut through complex issues of marginalisation and colonialism.

Heilung don’t play “shows”. They perform a ritual. Christopher Juul, Maria Franz, Kai Uwe Faust and their Nordic collective sweep audiences into rapture with throat singing, primordial rhythms, subtle electronic textures, a mesmerizing light show, an army of warriors and bursts of fire. What better place on earth to experience their ancient ritual than Red Rocks? The world-famous venue - which is located outside of Denver, Colorado, tucked between two giant sandstones - was once home to indigenous tribes. When Heilung performed on October 5th 2021, they recognized this history by inviting Natives to join the prayer that opens all of their rituals. “Remember that we all are brothers. All people, beasts, trees, and stones, and wind. We all descend from the one great being.” What followed was a night that no one would forget. Experience the magic of Heilung’s very first Red Rocks performance again and again on CD and vinyl. CD11. Opening Ceremony (01:03)2. In Maidjan (12:30)3. Alfadhirhaiti (07:23)4. Krigsgaldr (09:04)5. Hakkerskaldyr (03:33)6. Svanrand (03:31)CD27. Norupo (05:42)8. Othan (10:21)9. Traust (09:41)10. Elddansurin (07:25)11. Hamrer Hippyer (13:32)

EXCELLENT BROADCAST FROM LED ZEPPELIN’S 1972 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR1972 was the first year since 1969 that Led Zeppelin didn’t release an album. The highly praised Led Zeppelin IV had come out in November ’71, and their next LP, Houses Of The Holy, was released in March ’73. Instead, Zeppelin spent the majority of ’72 on the road.Having spent February in Australia, they then spent June touring North America. Kicking things off on June 6th in Detroit, followed by a quick hop over the Canadian border to play the following night in Montreal, by the 9th of the month the band were in North Carolina, at the state’s most populous city, Charlotte. Performing at the city’s Coliseum venue, Led Zeppelin performed one of the finest shows of the entire tour. Playing a number of cuts from their latest record, including a superb version of the ubiquitous ‘Stairway To Heaven’, alongside a fine selection of back catalogue classics, the concert remains a fan favourite to this day.Recorded for live radio broadcast, the gig has not previously been released on vinyl, but that changes with this new two-instalment which now houses the complete show for the first time. SIDE A:1. Immigrant Song 3:452. Heartbreaker 7:033. Celebration Day 4:48Total side length – 15:36SIDE B:4. Black Dog 5:255. Since I’ve Been Loving You 8:59Total side length – 14:24SIDE C:6. Stairway To Heaven 9:277. Going To California 5:44Total side length – 15:11SIDE D:8. That’s The Way 7:579. Tangerine 4:0310. Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp 6:09Total side length – 18:09

Svart Records is proud to reissue the production of Argentinian blues rock legend Pappo's Blues as vinyl versions. Guitarist-singer Pappo aka Norberto Aníbal Napolitano (1950 – 2005) is one of his country's biggest rock legends, who also managed to make a career outside his home country. He was there right from the beginning of Argentine rock, as guitarist of the first version of Los Abuelos de la Nada, Conexión Nº 5, Engranaje and Los Gatos, the band that made Argentine rock a household name thanks to the success of their first single, “La Balsa”, which sold more than 200.000 copies in 1967.

Jorge Álvarez (co-founder of the first Argentinian independent rock label Mandioca) encouraged Pappo to develop his own music. What followed was the formation of the first version of Pappo’s Blues in 1971, a trio that had Pappo himself on guitar and vocals, David Lebón on bass and Black Amaya on drums. Their self-named debut album was an unqualified success among the ever-growing audience of Argentine rock. It contained a bundle of all-time classics such as “El hombre suburbano” (The suburban man), “El viejo” (The old man) and “Adónde está la Libertad” (Where is freedom?).

Pappo’s Blues (1971, also known as “Volume One”) introduced a new element to Argentine rock: a harder rock and blues sound, combined with intelligent and sensitive lyrics with centered on the vicissitudes of a typical young man trying to live life according to his own rules, surrounded by the mores of an intolerant society. The arabesques of Pappo’s guitar, complemented by a solid and yet elastic rhythm section, made for an exciting and daring sound, where his trademark rock and blues sound also extended to embrace blues ballads and even excursions into psychedelia.

EXCELLENT BROADCAST FROM LED ZEPPELIN’S 1972 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR1972 was the first year since 1969 that Led Zeppelin didn’t release an album. The highly praised Led Zeppelin IV had come out in November ’71, and their next LP, Houses Of The Holy, was released in March ’73. Instead, Zeppelin spent the majority of ’72 on the road.Having spent February in Australia, they then spent June touring North America. Kicking things off on June 6th in Detroit, followed by a quick hop over the Canadian border to play the following night in Montreal, by the 9th of the month the band were in North Carolina, at the state’s most populous city, Charlotte. Performing at the city’s Coliseum venue, Led Zeppelin performed one of the finest shows of the entire tour. Playing a number of cuts from their latest record, including a superb version of the ubiquitous ‘Stairway To Heaven’, alongside a fine selection of back catalogue classics, the concert remains a fan favourite to this day.Recorded for live radio broadcast, the gig has not previously been released on vinyl, but that changes with this new two-instalment which now houses the complete show for the first time. SIDE A:1. Dazed And Confused 24:42Total side length – 24:42SIDE B:2. What Is And What Should Never Be 5:313. Moby Dick 19:12Total side length – 24:43SIDE C:4. Whole Lotta Love 8:05Total side length – 8:05SIDE D:5. Rock And Roll 4:436. Communication Breakdown 4:30Total side length – 9:13

This live compilation attempts to replicate the seamless, infinite loop of the original Nonagon Infinity album.

Presenting 3+5, the long-awaited eighth album from Tokyo-based noise-rockers Melt-Banana on their own A-Zap label!

The album showcases the duo’s visionary musical approach and extraordinary abilities as performers: Yasuko Onuki’s giddy, hyperactive vocalizing and Ichiro Agata’s glitchy, cyberpunk guitar, delivered at dizzying speed, bathed in aggressive electronic sounds. Their aesthetic approach is exultantly experimental, fusing diverse genres imbued with chaotic energy. As on their previous works, the music on 3+5 is unpredictable, always filled with surprises and excitement.

3+5 synthesizes elements of a variety of extreme musics, hyper-pop, classic punk, vintage metal, and noise. It partakes of Japanese culture overall, especially the subcultures of gaming, anime and underground music.

Melt-Banana seek to offer possibilities to musicians who won’t start a band if they can’t find a drummer, young women afraid to express themselves in their own unfiltered and unique voices, bedroom musicians and egg punks seeking to blend electronic noise with live instrumentation. 3+5 provides a fresh experience and perhaps inspiration for all.

While Melt-Banana hasn’t explicitly explained the meaning behind the album’s title, 3+5, prime numbers symbolize mathematical integrity and independence, which could represent the band’s uniqueness and freedom. Why “3+5” and not “1 + 7”? One is left to ponder.

Svart Records is proud to reissue the production of Argentinian blues rock legend Pappo's Blues as vinyl versions. Guitarist-singer Pappo aka Norberto Aníbal Napolitano (1950 – 2005) is one of his country's biggest rock legends, who also managed to make a career outside his home country. He was there right from the beginning of Argentine rock, as guitarist of the first version of Los Abuelos de la Nada, Conexión Nº 5, Engranaje and Los Gatos, the band that made Argentine rock a household name thanks to the success of their first single, “La Balsa”, which sold more than 200.000 copies in 1967.

Jorge Álvarez (co-founder of the first Argentinian independent rock label Mandioca) encouraged Pappo to develop his own music. What followed was the formation of the first version of Pappo’s Blues in 1971, a trio that had Pappo himself on guitar and vocals, David Lebón on bass and Black Amaya on drums. Their self-named debut album was an unqualified success among the ever-growing audience of Argentine rock. It contained a bundle of all-time classics such as “El hombre suburbano” (The suburban man), “El viejo” (The old man) and “Adónde está la Libertad” (Where is freedom?).

Pappo’s Blues (1971, also known as “Volume One”) introduced a new element to Argentine rock: a harder rock and blues sound, combined with intelligent and sensitive lyrics with centered on the vicissitudes of a typical young man trying to live life according to his own rules, surrounded by the mores of an intolerant society. The arabesques of Pappo’s guitar, complemented by a solid and yet elastic rhythm section, made for an exciting and daring sound, where his trademark rock and blues sound also extended to embrace blues ballads and even excursions into psychedelia.

To experience Justin R. Cruz Gallego's pulverizing Sub Pop debut is to get burned down to ashes and burst forth, born anew. Grim Iconic...(Sadistic Mantra), the Tacoma-based artist's second album, is driven by opposing forces: noisy abstractions and tightly structured beats, anguish and dissolution at the outside world and empowerment within, apathy and catharsis. Grim Iconic...(Sadistic Mantra) weds scouring electronics to hooky songs and Gallego's powerful drumming in a way that feels visceral and new. It's his most personal statement to date, at once playful and intent, driven and combustible, total fucking chaos mixed into glints of broken-glass beauty. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Gallego experienced culture shock as a child after relocating to the frigid climes of the Pacific Northwest. He found solace in the Seattle punk scene centered around Iron Lung Records and has since remained a fixture in the underground community. "I see this record as first and foremost a musical statement," Gallego says. "I grew up in punk and DIY subcultures, but before that I had Latin music playing in the background through my childhood and every phase of adolescence. It was surprisingly natural to incorporate. I realized I wanted to go deeper into these rhythms. I wanted to make a record that felt as experimental as much as it felt from the perspective of a Latino. When I got a glimmer of that possibility, it felt exciting." Lead single "Dogear" is a face-melting party starter that sounds like someone forced Talking Heads and Rudimentary Peni to share a practice space. "I wanted a song that felt playful in the way it attempted to be dissonant without taking itself too seriously," Gallego says. "Cholla Beat" is even more ambitious, an anthemic mix of WAR and Wire led by unruly synthesizers spiraling down a labyrinth of production. Gallego's influences for the album are vast, ranging from British documentary filmmaker Adam Curtis to electric Miles Davis to audio miscreants like Demdike Stare and Oneohtrix Point Never. But it's Gallego's assured sonic vision that resounds the loudest. And, while J.R.C.G. is a solo project, conceived and executed primarily in Gallego's home studio, he found strength in opening the project to others, starting with Seth Manchester as co-producer. Manchester's penchant for bone-rattling frequencies, as seen in his production work with The Body, Battles, and Mdou Moctar, made him a natural fit for Gallego. Together, they retained the intimacy of Gallego's home recordings while taking advantage of the hi-fi stylings of his Machines With Magnets Studio in Rhode Island. The closing song, "World i," offers a glimpse into the live experience of Grim Iconic...(Sadistic Mantra), with upwards of seven band members blasting off. The album features a fascinating mix of supporting players, many of whom cycle through J.R.C.G.'s live lineup: Morgan Henderson (The Blood Brothers, Fleet Foxes), Jason Clackley (Dreamdecay, The Exquisites), Jon Scheid (Dreamdecay, U Sco), Erica Miller (Casual Hex, Big Bite), Veronica Dye (Terminator) Phil Cleary (U Sco), and Alex Gaziano (Dreamdecay, Kidcrash, Science Amplification). Taken as a whole, G.I.S.M. is a whirlwind of sound, pummeling, and cleansing. It's a sweaty, thrilling aural adventure and, like a great basement show, it'll leave you breathless, exhausted, and wanting to repeat it all over again. As any good mantra should.

The treasured Japanese soft rock album produced by Haruomi Hosono is finally reissued in analog LP format! The only album "Aiiro no Kisetsu" (The Season of The Color of Love) (original release date: July 1975) by the group "Kaze Chorus Dan" (Wind Chorus Group) from the Yamaha Popular Song Contest is reissued on analog vinyl. Haruomi Hosono participated fully as producer, lyricist, composer, arranger, and player. The beautiful chorus work of mixed voices, the tight performance by the Tin Pan Alley family, and the Western taste and groove that is like A&M are the best kept soft-rock treasures.

Horse Jumper of Love thrive on patient and pummeling songs.Since 2013, the Boston trio of singer-guitarist Dimitri Giannopoulos,bassist John Margaris, and drummer James Doran haveslowly stretched the fringes of indie rock across five full-lengthLPs. Their music unwinds with gutting emotional intensity thanksto Giannopoulos' impressionistic lyrics and how the arrangementsviolently lurch from delicate to bludgeoning. Disaster Trick, theband's new album out August 16 via Run For Cover, is their mostdirect and uncompromising LP yet. Its 11 songs tackle self-destructivenessand healing with jolting lucidity.Where the band's last LP 2023's Heartbreak Rules excelled withquiet, bare-bones songwriting, Disaster Trick cranks up the volumeand boasts some of the most expansive arrangements of theband's catalog. Recorded at Asheville, North Carolina's Drop ofSun Studios with producer Alex Farrar, the recordings soar withsearing guitars and a thunderous rhythm section. "I tried the quietthing on the last album and I realized there's definitely two parts ofme: I like really heavy music, and I like really gentle music," saysGiannopoulos. "The two albums I was listening to the most, whilewe were in the studio were the Leonard Cohen's Songs From aRoom and Hum's Downward is Heavenward."Disaster Trick is a dark record but it's never dour. There's a glimmerof hope and humor throughout these 11 songs, written with thegrace that only time and growing up can bring. As he sings on"Death Spiral," "I know it sounds dramatic / But I must describe /The way that it felt." There's catharsis when it's needed most. "Thisalbum is a reflection on destructive behavior from a lens of moreclarity," says Giannopoulos. "A lot of the songs came out of thispoint where things in my life were going well but I couldn't accept it.I was being a brat. Disaster Trick is me cleaning up my act a bit andreflecting on it."

“I want it to feel like you’re right there in the room with us.” And in 10 songs and 40 minutes, Wunderhorse capture the raw power and energy that has set them apart as one of the most formidable live acts of recent years. With rugged hooks, unfiltered noise, and fierce melodic sensitivity, Midas rips up the script of traditional second albums and establishes the band as an endlessly addictive and rousing generational talent. In late 2022, the release of their debut album Cub saw singles ‘Purple’ and ‘Leader of the Pack’ dominate radio airwaves. Landmark performances filling Glastonbury’s Woodsies Tent (fka John Peel Stage) and selling out London’s Kentish Town Forum months in advance followed tours with Pixies and Fontaines D.C. and stadium appearances with Sam Fender, signalling the band’s arrival as one of the most prominent and exciting new guitar acts in the UK. With Grammy Award-winning producer Craig Silvey (The Rolling Stones, The National, Florence + The Machine) on board for their sophomore record, the band looked to do something different. Their goal – in the very same studio that Nirvana put In Utero to tape and PJ Harvey recorded the Mercury Prize-nominated Rid of Me – was to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. “There’s absolutely no faking on this record,” ends Slater, “it's not supposed to be perfect; it’s supposed to be a snapshot, even if it is a bit of an ugly portrait. That's how it was then, and that's how you're gonna see it.” And it sounds like you’re right there in the room with them.

Drummer Kinichi Motegi, currently with the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, curated a selection of tracks for this album based on the concept of "Kuchu (Aerial)" and "Uchu (Universe)," featuring music from two labels in 2005. The album has been highly requested by Fishmans fans for an analog version and is available as a limited edition on clear sky blue 2LP.

Drummer Kinichi Motegi, currently with the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, curated a selection of tracks for this album based on the concept of "Kuchu (Aerial)" and "Uchu (Universe)," featuring music from two labels in 2005. The album has been highly requested by Fishmans fans for an analog version and is available as a limited edition on clear sky blue 2LP.

The only officially released live recordings of Doji Morita have been "Tokyo Cathedral Saint Mary Live" and "FM Tokyo Pioneer Sound Approach Live Recording", both recorded in 1978. This album contains live recordings in 1980, and this is the first time ever that recordings from this period have been released.

Simple Reality cements the short lived legacy of Coventry DIY group Skeet.

Emerging from a scene of first-generation punks and 2 Tone kids, Skeet was instigated by Gary and Nigel Meffen in 1981, fusing tightrope instrumentals with a Roland CR-8000 under the glow of projected visuals. After a cassette of their debut performance found its way to Kay Booth who worked at Inferno Records, the unsuspecting frontwoman took the liberty of adding her own vocals. Instantly embraced as a permanent member, Booth’s shy delivery and open-diary expressions of social alienation and romantic rejection hovered over the brothers’ scratchy guitar and agitated bass.

Playing as few as 10 shows, their unnerving minimalism was recorded in a suburban home studio, borrowing a reel-to-reel from Toby Lyons (The Colourfield) and a mixer from Jerry Dammers (The Specials). Record labels gestured interest until one day they were no more - no arguments, no official split, just a silent parting of the ways and three people taking journeys in different directions. Unheard and unloved in the vaults for nearly four decades, 'Brief Call' finally resurfaced via the Coventry Music Museum compendium Alternative Sounds Volume 1, followed by a micro pressing of the full suite on Chris Long’s Almost Unknown imprint in 2023.

Simple Reality now offers a definitive snapshot of these must-hear neurotic post-punks. Mastered by Skeet fanatic Mikey Young, newly discovered instrumental multitracks are restored alongside a live recording of their final stand. Performed atop of a trailer in a pub beer garden, the release-worthy desk tape adds three new tracks and a more energised swing at ‘Left On the Shelf’s apathetic techno-pop.

RIYL: Fire Engines, 23 Skidoo, A Certain Ratio, Young Marble Giants, pel mel

The latest full-length from Kishi Bashi, Kantos is a work of exquisite duality: aparty album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeplyunsettling and sublimely joyful. In a sonic departure from the symphonic folkof his critically lauded 2019 LP Omoiyari_a career-defining body of work bornfrom his intensive meditation on the mass incarceration of Japanese-Americansduring World War II_the Seattle-born singer/songwriter/producer's fifthstudio album encompasses everything from Brazilian jazz and '70s funk toorchestral rock and city pop (a Japanese genre that peaked in the mid-'80s).Informed by an equally kaleidoscopic mix of inspirations_the cult-classic sci-finovel series Hyperion Cantos, the writings of 18th century enlightenmentphilosopher Immanuel Kant, a revelatory trip to ancient ruins on the island ofCrete_Kantos ultimately serves as an unbridled exaltation of the human spiritand all its wild complexities.During the earliest stages of creating songs for the album, Ishibashi's mainintent was to return to his highly eclectic musical roots, in part by tapping intohis jazz background and by delving into the dance-rock-leaning sensibilities hepreviously embraced as co-founder of Brooklyn-bred indie band Jupiter One.But not too long into the songwriting process, he stumbled upon anAI-equipped website capable of composing catchy song hooks based on aprompt_a turn of events that quickly catalyzed the existential inquiry at theheart of Kantos.Although his ruminations on AI, transhumanism, and humanity's troubled fateindelibly guided the making of Kantos, Ishibashi nonetheless views the albumas "less of a warning about this kind of hubris but more a celebration of thevery characteristics that make us human: desire, passion, empathy, and love.""If there's anything I want people to come away with when they hear thisrecord, it's a feeling of excitement about the possibilities of human-createdart," he says. "Even as we're learning more about al...

You could call Wishy's story a lucky one. After prior monikers anditerations, Wishy was born as a kaleidoscope of alternativemusic's semi-recent history, with traces of shoegaze, grunge andpower-pop swirling together. On Triple Seven, Indiana songwritersKevin Krauter and Nina Pitchkites' musical synergy provesitself to be a rare one-the kind that sounds like someone strikinggold. Part sly wink and part warm gratitude, it's only fitting theirmuch anticipated full length debut is titled Triple Seven, whereWishy's penchant for indelible hooks is couched equally inpillowy atmospherics and scathing distortion.By day Krauter works as a music teacher, giving drum and guitarlessons to students, while Pitchkites is a seamstress by tradeand often makes embroidered merch for the band. Coming up ina scene defined by hardcore and emo, Krauter and Pitchkitesinstead found themselves writing melodies in their heads whiledriving to work, pulling music from the air and arriving at a blearier,more ethereal interpretation of Midwest expanse. Initially, theirmusic oscillated between hazy dream-pop and heavier alt-rock.The subject of their songs create a loose web of vignettes andsnapshots, capturing Krauter and Pitchkites in a whirlwindcouple of years _ exiting the pandemic, embarking on an embryonicproject, making sense of their musical pasts while forging amusical future alongside one another, each of them on a journeyof self-acceptance and self-understanding. Sometimesgorgeous, sometimes festering, and always cathartic, TripleSeven is a vibrant and exhilarating document of self-discoverywith the scope and heft of the bygone big-budget rock albumsthat inspired it.

Hailing from a small country with big dreams, Siamese stands out as a beacon of hope in the Danish music scene. Drawing inspiration from bands likeArchitects and Bad Omens, Siamese navigates the contemporary heavy music landscape with finesse.As they gear up for their upcoming album "ELEMENTS," Siamese embarks on a journey of exploration and evolution. With tracks already gainingtraction on Octane and Kerrang! Radio, "ELEMENTS" not only showcases their heavier sound but also commemorates their 10-year journey asSiamese and having shared stages with heavyweights such as Korn, Corey Taylor, Nothing More and Beartooth it is clear that for Siamese, the journeyis far from over. After all, how can you slow down when you've stared down the end and emerged victorious? 1 The Shape of Water (feat. Ten56)2 Vertigo3 Predator4 Chemistry5 Through My Head (feat. Resolve)6 On Fire7 God Is A Woman8 Utopia9 Hurricane10 This Is Not A Song

Time is a slippery fish.

Loss has inspired Mamaleek’s latest full-length album, titled Vida Blue. This marks the San Francisco Bay Area metal deconstructionists’ eighth album and their third as a full lineup.

Tragedy struck in March of 2023 when the band lost a longtime friend and member, keyboardist Eric Livingston, leaving the group, which began as a duo of two brothers and later expanded to a five-piece, now with only four members. Despite this profound loss, Mamaleek persevered, performing as a quartet at various festivals, including the 2023 edition of Tilburg.

The band returned to the studio to create new material that appropriately reflects their journey through loss and honors their fallen comrade. The resulting album draws inspiration from the legacy of Oakland A’s baseball legend Vida Blue, whose former team coincidentally announced its relocation to Las Vegas that same year. The band members themselves describe this poignant chapter in their own words:

“Time is a slippery fish. Maybe only someone like Vida could grasp it. Although he’s left time behind, his image and that lefty heat remain in the memories of many. Eventually they’ll be forgotten, and hopefully replaced with even more exultant ones. This musical recording is a reflection on loss and its acceptance. We explore several examples for each song, including the loss of pride, of money, of glory, of country, of sanity, of a favorite sports team, of significant others, and, every day, one’s self. It also explores various associated moods—fear, panic, reverence, stoicism, and steadfastness—to arrive at a resolution: Loss is only a test, the glue that holds and erodes each memory, the connection that binds and loosens us all, pitch by pitch, inning by inning. This is your celebration.”

Vida Blue is a person, moment, and memory, together the crystallization of apocalypse: “unveiling,” “disclosure.”

"Indonesian rock trio Voice Of Baceprot (vob) have had to weather many challenges after they decided to carve a career in music. With the lack of music-related facilities in their village of Singajaya in Garut, West Java, they had to practically build their own modest practice studio. And they could only get a gig in the nearest city of Garut, three-and-a-half hours away. They had to face more significant adversities, namely the stigmas and unsolicited suggestions regarding religion and decency directed at them.

"You must remember that we come from a village where many see women as inferior to men. After completing high school, we did not have a lot of options. It was either work at home or for a relative at a convenience store. Or marry someone our parents choose," vocalist/guitarist Marsya recalls. It is a mindset that has survived from one generation to the other, even to this day. Hence, garnering support from even their family members became an uphill battle. ""No wonder only the three of us managed to come this far when you consider that VOB started with 15 members in 2014!"" drummer Sitti exclaims.

With all the setbacks that have come from all directions for an extended period, it is no surprise that they have played a massive part in developing VOB's character as a band and as individuals. Rather than dampening their spirits, however, they have moulded the trio to become stronger. "We have become rocks now. Hardened, rigid, and stiff due to all the doctrines in our minds. But through music and our friendship, we became fully aware that they must be cut through and broken regardless," Marsya explains. And from the trials and tribulations that they have had to suffer, VOB chose to name their debut album “Retas”. In Bahasa Indonesia, ""retas"" is ""a body of igneous rocks that breaks through by cutting through other rocks"". It epitomises how the band see themselves: igneous rocks, the end product of the socio-economic challenges that have shaped them into who they are now. ""Retas"" is a collection of songs that embody their solid determination to break free and carve out their path as a band, as musicians, and as independent women. With Ntrl guitarist Coki Bollemeyer at the helm as producer for the newer songs on the album, “Retas” comprises nine tracks, including album focus track “Age Oriented”, fan-favourite “What’s the Holy (Nobel) Today?”, “The Enemy of Earth is You”, instrumental track “Kawani”, and four previous singles that they have released since 2018, including their breakthrough single “School Revolution” and the smash hit “God, Allow Me (Please) to Play Music”. ""We really enjoyed making this album, thanks in no small part to Coki. His support and appreciation towards the hard work we put into the process have made a huge difference. It gave us the energy and confidence to give our very best,"" Marsya acknowledges. Most of the songs have roots since VOB were still in middle school, each immaculately capturing their emotional responses to the variety of experiences they have gone through, transcribed and transformed into a combination of lyrics and melodies feeding off of raw energy and passion. Focus track ""Age Oriented"" is a protest song aimed towards age restriction that they once had to endure because they were playing rock music at such a young age. The piece lays bare their anger as tight and heavy riffs roar atop Sitti's groovy thumping beats and Widi's dexterous basslines. “More often than not, we were told it was ‘inappropriate and too soon’ and we ‘did not have enough experience’. There is a partiality towards age being the main benchmark to determine the merit of one’s artistic work. It meant the young must wait until they reach a certain age deemed worthy of independence to show their true potential,” Marsya remarks. The role of vocal director Irvan Natadiningrat has also become more significant in developing VOB's trademark sound. Take What's the Holy (Nobel) Today?"" for example. Irvan suggested the inclusion of the dramatic marching chant in the song. This powerful addition could make it the anti-war anthem for the modern generation. "The Enemy of Earth is You"" addresses the negative impacts of climate change. Never in their wildest dreams would they expect massive natural disasters to affect their village. Were they simply a show of might by nature's customary dynamics? Or are we, as human beings, to blame for our greed, ignorance, and narcissism? Writing instrumental “Kawani” felt fresh and intriguing for VOB. They had a unique opportunity to express their enthusiasm for Sundanese music, which they likewise hold in high regard. "In Sundanese, 'Kawani' means courage. This song represents the bravery with which we girls have refused to be treated as something ‘sweet and beautiful’. We are greater than that. That courage is reflected in the rhythms' dynamic quality. We may appear to be serene and unruffled, yet we can abruptly change into something else that is challenging to control,” according to Sitti.

Heilung don’t play “shows”. They perform a ritual. Christopher Juul, Maria Franz, Kai Uwe Faust and their Nordic collective sweep audiences into rapture with throat singing, primordial rhythms, subtle electronic textures, a mesmerizing light show, an army of warriors and bursts of fire. What better place on earth to experience their ancient ritual than Red Rocks? The world-famous venue - which is located outside of Denver, Colorado, tucked between two giant sandstones - was once home to indigenous tribes. When Heilung performed on October 5th 2021, they recognized this history by inviting Natives to join the prayer that opens all of their rituals. “Remember that we all are brothers. All people, beasts, trees, and stones, and wind. We all descend from the one great being.” What followed was a night that no one would forget. Experience the magic of Heilung’s very first Red Rocks performance again and again on CD and vinyl. CD11. Opening Ceremony (01:03)2. In Maidjan (12:30)3. Alfadhirhaiti (07:23)4. Krigsgaldr (09:04)5. Hakkerskaldyr (03:33)6. Svanrand (03:31)CD27. Norupo (05:42)8. Othan (10:21)9. Traust (09:41)10. Elddansurin (07:25)11. Hamrer Hippyer (13:32)

An all-encompassing aural assault, a force as unstoppable and fiercely alive as the tide. The post-rock powerhouse known as And So I Watch You From Afar have returned with their 7th studio album, ‘Megafauna’. A tribute to the two places the collective call home, their beloved Portrush on the Irish North Coast and the beating heart that is Belfast; ‘ Megafauna’ is headstrong exploration and heartfelt appreciation with all the intuition, intimacy and humour of four firm friends approaching their 20th year as a band and a nod to the Irish roots that simultaneously ground & propel them forward. Like so many other bands and creatives throughout the pandemic, ASIWYFA found themselves suddenly stationary, with any plans outside of their immediate vicinity put on indefinite hold. However, where this might have seen other acts falter, ASIWYFA took comfort in their communal bond and, as soon as they were able, began writing a record that quickly became a love letter to the communities they call home. “‘Megafauna’ is essentially a distilled moniker for our peers,” says guitarist Rory Friers, “all of the friends and characters that we’ve grown up with who’ve made us and our homes what they are today. Lockdown was an intensely introspective and reflective process, which put the comfort of community at the forefront of our minds. ”The intent behind ‘Megafauna’ is clear from the outset. Two guitars, bass and drums all recorded in a week erupt into effervescent life in an endorphin rush of collaboration and togetherness after the physical and psychological wilderness of isolation. Lead single ‘Do Mór’ is a preposterously playful collision of light-hearted guitar hooks, effortless jazz syncopation and the triumphant return of ASIWYFA’s inimitable wall-of-sound distortion, whilst opening track ‘North Coast Megafauna’ serves as an anthem for the whole album and perhaps for a band reinvigorated too; proudly wearing the joyously jarring confrontation of their sound on their sleeves. ‘Megafauna’ is the band’s first new music since 2022’s critically-acclaimed ‘Jettison’, an ambitious multi-media ensemble piece packed full of experimentation and collaboration. Jokingly referring to ‘Jettison’ as the band’s “mature record”, guitarist Niall Kennedy frames the writing of ‘Megafauna’ around the band’s long-running mantra of ‘DO THE SCARY THING’ which sees them constantly hurtling towards newness, towards progress, evolution and the unknown. Whilst the new record is ASIWYFA taking on a more familiar, traditional form; in this post-’Jettison’, post-pandemic world ‘Megafauna’ is a deafening and defiant statement of intent from the band’s propulsive core - a clarion call for the communities that shape them, a resplendent celebration of togetherness over separation. 1. North Coast Megafauna2. Do Mór3. Gallery of Honour4. Mother Belfast (Part 1)5. Mother Belfast (Part 2)6. Years Ago7. Any Joy8. Button Days9. Me and Dunbar

Dutch septet Personal Trainer churn out songs that sound like all your favorite indie rock luminaries jam-packed into big-beaming pop psalms. Off the back of their self-released debut LP Big Love Blanket (2022), the band return this year with Still Willing, released this August via Bella Union.

The band's formative years were marked by a revolving door of plucky scenesters, with Willem Smit – the band’s conductor and cheerleader – as its affable pivot figure. But now with shows at festivals such as Sxsw (us), Best Kept Secret (nl), End of the Road Festival (uk), Great Escape (uk) and Wilderness (uk) under their belt, the band nascent state-of-flux has cemented into a steady seven-piece renowned for their rousing and unpredictable live shows.