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Review: Sam Redmore has quietly been doing his thing in hometown Birmingham for some time, crafting soul-soaked re-edits, bootleg remixes and mash-ups that tend towards the tasteful end of the spectrum. Having previously built up a solid fan base via his own Bandcamp page, he's finally made it onto wax. The two cuts featured here are amongst his best. The A-side revision of Bob Marley's "Is This Love" is particularly potent. It strips out the drums, thus emphasizing the genuine sweetness of Marley's original. Flip for "Sadi Soul", an upbeat, headnodding rework of a vibraphone and double bass-laced jazz-funk jam with added hip-hop swing.

Notes: Never let it be said Suck UK don't dabble in science. In the name of completely misunderstanding Schrodinger's work, Suck UK introduce their newest cat/box combination, the scratch mat. The cats scratch furniture to mark their territory, exercise their muscles and for sheer pleasure. All similar reasons youths mix music and if you are to cross over both those cultures you'd rather get cats mixing music than teenage boys bringing bedraggled birds back to your doorstep.

The decks come flat packed and fold together into a simple structure with poseable tone arm and a top which spins as your cat paws at it, meaning you can sit and giggle in a look the cat is doing human things way rather than watch in horror as she shreds your favourite couch into tiny pieces.

Review: For the next installment of Argentinian label Music Broker's tribute series, they have selected some of seminal Parisian duo Daft Punk's finest works and remixes, spanning the last two decades, along with some of the music that inspired them. The Many Faces Of Daft Punk: A Journey Through The Inner World Of Daft Punk features disco royalty such as Niles Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder and Cerrone, while more contemporary producers from the house music spectrum feature also, such as Detroit's Scott Grooves (featuring Parliament/Funkadelic), The Micronauts and Versatile's I:Cube receive de Homem-Christo and Bangalter's midas touch. the latter's 'Disco Cubizm" from '96 being a particular highlight on the remix side of things. Not to mention their roaring rework of indie-pop darlings Franz Ferdinand's classic 'Take Me Out'.

Review: Folklore was a surprise album from American singing sensation Taylor Swift, who only 11 months previously put out Lover. The record makes a big departure from the sounds she is mostly associated with - namely upbeat pop - in favour of a more mature and considered indie folk, alt rock and chamber pop sound. Written and recorded in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the record rightfully got widespread critical acclaim for its song writing, emotive weight and soothing sound overall. Amazing for a shock, leftfield release from a pop superstar, all 16 tracks from Folklore entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously,

Review: With the combination of band name and album title this one's always going to be a bit of a tearjerker, packed with self-reflection and self-loathing. No regrets, though, as Greg Gonzalez muses on sensuality, the loss of those we care about, the loss of self to another and the endless yearning of the human heart. Shades of Lord Huron and a wealth of gloomy shoegazers can be felt, but even though "Cry" represents a next step for Cigarettes After Sex - edging into more minimalistic territories - it's still immediately identifiable as this band, and so won't fail to instantly resonate with avid fans. Packed with an exquisite, opiate balladry at once heartfelt and heartbroken, it's hard to tell whether this is exactly what you need to hear when living through your blue period or precisely what you shouldn't listen to. Either way, it's quiet impact is immense.

Notes: The best value rotary mixer on the market. Entry-level rotary option from German brand Omnitronic offers similar features and sound to boutique mixers three or four times the price.

Supplier notes:
The TRM-202 MK3 by Omnitronic with its classic ALPS potentiometers (Blue Velvet RK27) and the integrated 3-band frequency isolator offers the classic features of a rotary mixer.

Due to its high quality components, the sound pattern is good and appealing. The large potentiometers of both input channels allow very smooth transitions, hardly realizable with a conventional mixer. Both input channels can be switched between line and phono. A microphone input is also at hand. The kill characteristic provides a total erasure of basses, mids and highs and so enables creative mixing. Due to its booth output and a separate volume control, the TRM-202 MK3 can also be used in clubs without a problem. Thanks to the record output, it is also possible to record own's DJ set.

Review: 'Mordechai is another blissed-out record from Texan party-chill-psyche trio Khruangbin. It's also among the outfit's most defined and driven, a smooth, sticky hot funk odyssey made for hazy afternoon soirees. Leader Laura Lee is, as ever, unfathomably siren-like on vocals, her bass grooves aiding the process of seduction no end. Even at the most upbeat and anthemic, 'Time (You and I)', it's hard not to feel woozy and intoxicated by the pared-back breaks and guitar lick combination. Dance floor ammo for sure, as is Pelota. Overall, though, it's an album best savoured slowly, allowing you to fully appreciate every lackadaisical moment of opiate goodness, with tracks such as 'Father Bird, Mother Bird', 'One To Remember' and 'Shida' summoning stunning sticky, heavy, deep atmospheres.

Review: After more or less owning 2011 with a surprise album, a collaboration with urban crooner Colonel Abrams, an ahead-of-the-game reissue of Marc Kinchen and the all-conquering "Here's Your Trance Now Dance", FXHE don Omar S kicks off a new year with Wayne County Hills Cops Pt 2 (where, we ask, was Part 1?), a hook-up with the mysterious OB IGNITT. The eponymous A-Side is characterised by the kind of glistening synths last seen on "Here's Your Trance...", with a rugged analogue bass line giving the track with the requisite bump. A tired cliche it may be, but this could easily soundtrack an 80s cop movie: clearly Omar has this in mind given the 12"'s title and the fact the record's centre label features a doctored image of Eddie Murphy from Beverly Hills Cop! On the flip, Omar S provides his own remix, drowning the synths in dubby textures and showering them with shuffling hats for a more heads-down take. Another killer 12" - business as usual at FXHE, then.

Review: Apparently made in tribute to the legendary Paradise Garage club some years ago, these two previously unreleased workouts are the work of Kenny Summit, Eric Kupper and the late, great Frankie Knuckles. Side A boasts the trio's near legendary (and previously unavailable) remix of Lou Rawls classic "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". It's a wonderfully positive and life-affirming affair, with the three legendary producers wrapping echoing guitars, warming disco orchestration and Rawls' sublime lead vocal around a deliciously percussive Afro-house groove. The flip features another unseen and unheard gem from the vaults: a loose, groovy and positive soulful house wiggler featuring the seductive vocals of Yasmeen. Terrific stuff.

Review: Absolute beast of a track from Omar S here - a real statement of intent for the FXHE boss and a shoe in for those end of year lists we all like to indulge in. "Here's Your Trance Now Dance!" is a pretty self explanatory title as the waves of glistening synth patterns that rise throughout are truly trance inducing. Beneath this constantly ascending processing of gleeful melodic touches is simplistic yet delicious sounding crisp machine rhythms, subtle arpeggios and infectiously warm bass nudges. This is a track that bears repeat listen through headphones to let the magic fully seep in so imagine the devastation it will cause at 2am in a sweaty basement somewhere. Essential.

Review: Back in 2014, Timewarp Music asked DJ Soopasoul to remix "Inside Man", one of the strongest cuts from Croatian producer Funky Destination's funk-fuelled debut album, Revolution is Only Solution. While one mix appeared on a digital-only label compilation, Soopasoul actually handed in two reworks. Here both get an outing on wax for the first time. The A-side version is particularly sweet, with Soopasoul layering the original's meandering and lilting trumpet solo over a rolling funk groove rich in big bass, jangling guitars and frenetic drum breaks. The flipside revision emphasizes this groove more, looping and extending the breaks for easier DJ use and a livelier dancefloor response.

Notes: A good delay was an essential part of the classic analog synthesizer sound. More often than not, that delay came from a tape-style echo machine until affordable digital delays were created. The Monotron Delay is an analog synthesizer optimized for sound effects. In addition to its analog oscillator, filter and LFO, it also provides a space delay that's indispensible for swooping, cosmic sounds. The monotron Delay even reproduces the pitch changes that occur when you vary the delay time, just as though you were using an analog tape echo. This fat and warm delay will add an authentic edge to your analog sounds.

It also features Korg's class VCF filter for full control over your sounds. The distinctive tone of an analog filter (VCF) can dramatically alter and enrich the sound. The Monotron Delay uses the same highly acclaimed VCF circuit as Korg's classic MS-10 and MS-20 semi modular synthesizers. Originally released over 30 years ago, these instruments are still coveted today for their aggressive, dynamic filters. The VCF Cutoff knob sets the frequency or tone of the filter; the VCF Peak knob adds emphasis. A powerful filter is an essential aspect of any analog synthesizer, applying dramatic tonal changes to the sound, and projecting an intense personality that will stand out in any live performance.

Create classic sounding analogue tape delays to add warms and new dimensions to your synth sounds. Also included is Korg's fantastic enhanced ribbon controller keyboard, while a mini jack input also allows you to run any external audio, such as a Kaossilator, digital piano or guitar, through the Monotron Duo. As standard, the Monotron range comes with a powerful built-in speakers and is battery operated for the ultimate portable experience.

The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) waveform used to modulate the pitch now offers a choice of waveshapes, which is a new square wave plus the traditional triangle wave. Both the rate (speed) and the intensity (depth) can be adjusted independently. In addition, a trimpot on the back panel can continuously adjust the shape/direction of the triangle wave or the pulse-width of the square wave to deliver even more versatility. Used in conjunction with the delay, the LFO can create dazzling effects and provide unique possibilities for embellishing your songs.

The Monotron Delay's ribbon controller keyboard features a wide, 4-octave range. This design allows the pitch to be controlled even more aggressively and dynamically, making the Monotron Delay a great weapon for a DJ to get the floor moving with irresistible sound. The reversed white keys and body adornments glows under black light illumination, making the monotron Delay ideal for delivering a striking visual impact in nearly any club environment.

The input jack (AUX input) built into the Monotron Delay's compact body allow you to place any audio source into the Monotron Delay's signal path, directly before the analog filter and delay circuit. This provides a great way to connect a Kaossilator, a guitar, or a digital audio player to the Monotron and enjoy tone-bending filter and delay effect.

A miniature speaker is built into the Monotron Delay. Along with the battery operation and compact size, this feature allows you to enjoy the share the Monotron Delay's analog synthesis sound with your friends, anywhere, at any time. There's also a headphone output that you can use when practicing in private, creating sounds at home, recording, or for connecting to an amplifier or PA system.

Notes: This cable is designed to connect gear with XLR outputs to gear with XLR inputs. It is ideal for use in touring and other live-sound applications.

Hosa cables are built with the hard-working, hard-touring musician or audio professional in mind. Hosa cables are exceedingly popular, due in part to their reputation as being one of the most affordable and high-quality cable lines in the business. Hosa cables have also received praise for their durability and excellent performance. When it comes to audio cable design, Hosa keeps a steady eye on the basics, and you can hear this attention to detail in their sound. To make your next music experience extraordinary, pick up a Hosa cable today.

Review: When it comes to a reissue such as this it can't be understated just how arresting the work of Boards of Canada can be in the right situation. This EP, that came to light in between Music Has The Right To Children and Geogaddi, represents the enigmatic duo at their most powerful, channeling their energy into four long-form tracks that draw on all of their combined strengths. "Kid For Today" is haunting and dark but utterly heartbreaking, whilst "Amo Bishop Roden" heads into more mysterious territory. "In A Beautiful Place Out In The Country" is eerie in its titular invitation to join a cult, and "Zoetrope" tips its hat to Terry Riley et al in its looping phrases, but really there's no describing the magnificence of these gems, pleasingly reissued on vinyl to beat the Discogs chancers.

Review: Ever the champion of brains and brawn in equal measure, Maceo Plex makes his debut appearance on Drumcode with this punchy beast of a single. "Conjure Dreams" features plenty of Plex signifiers, from the rounded and rowdy bassline pump to the haunting tone of the synth lines, neatly packaged in a chunky framework of big room drums. "Conjure Floyd" meanwhile burrows into more minimal territory where the tones are amelodic and the percussion takes the lead, calling to mind the restraint and tension of classic M_nus productions where so much could be said with so little.

Review: You'll struggle to find a more loved-up and life-affirming chunk of proto-disco brilliance than The Sisters Love's 1973 "Give Me Your Love". The record's lasting impact can be seen in the number of times that it's been reworked, re-edited or bootlegged over the years. Here it gets an official 7" reissue via Soul Brother Records. It sounds as good as ever, with the all-female group's now familiar vocals rising above Blaxploitation style guitars, fluttering flutes and powerful horns. It's a celebratory release, and then some. This time round it's accompanied by a lesser-known gem, "Try It, You'll Like It", which first featured on the B-side of a 1973 single. This is a powerful chunk of conscious funk/soul fusion of the sort that was incredibly popular during the period it was recorded.

Review: Moscow Records boss Archie Hamilton appears this time on Enzo Siragusa's Fuse London imprint with these slices of rolling, Latin-infused tech-house for the beach party. This is the kind of stuff that lovers of Mindshake and Rawthentic will be all over. First up "Mind Blank" brings the tough yet sultry attitude that you could imagine playing peak time at Amnesia. "Works On Sunday" takes the tempo down a notch or two for something more suited to the afterhours, but just as sexy. There's also a remix of this on the flip by none other than label boss Siragusa with Seb Zito keeping the afterhours vibe intact but with a druggier, minimal take on things.

Review: It's rare that an electronic album is the biggest album of the year, or at least the most hyped. That's certainly the case with Syro, Richard D James first official release under his Aphex Twin moniker for some 13 years. So, is it in any good? For starters, it sounds like an Aphex Twin album. Listen through to the 12 tracks, and many of his familiar staples are present - the "Digeridoo" era rave breakbeats, the mangled synth-funk mash-ups, the intoxicating ambient-era melodies, the warped basslines and the skittish drill & bass style rhythms. There's madness, beauty and intensity in spades. In other words, it's an Aphex Twin album, and - as so many have pointed out since the album's release was announced - there's no-one else quite like Richard D James.

Notes: 6.3mm stereo Jack plug to 3.5mm stereo Jack socket. All metal version.

Notes: Alternative stylus for Shure Whitelabel. Fits perfectly and plays perfectly. Diamond stereo needle tip.

Review: You can trust Music On Vinyl to put out the very best soundtracks, from the least likely sources. That Blade Runner soundtrack reissue a few years back was an absolute treat for us, to cite an example, but this edition of the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack is even more leftfield. After all, it's no surprise because the film had an insanely on-point score that never made it onto vinyl format; songs from the likes of John Adams, Giorgio Moroder and Franco Battiato are a wonderful thing to own on wax, within the concept of this remarkable movie, alongside other great tunes from coveted producers like Japan's Ryuichi Sakamoto. All in all, a fine catch.