Review: If you've not seen Gabrielle Provaas' innovative and heartfelt documentary Onzinchtbaar we implore you to do so. The film hones in on 'invisible heroes' responsible for keeping a country clean on a day-to-day basis. From hospitals to streets, schools to offices, this is the workforce that ensures the cogs can move and many more people can get stuff done. So what exactly does that sound like when Fatima Yamaha is drafted for the score? Opening on 'Het Begrijpt Je' might suggest the kind of patient music that accentuates attention to detail. That's certainly true at times, like the staggeringly beautiful piano number 'Hooikoorts' or the drones and twinkles of 'Hotel Haast'. But then we also have more hyperactive moments, and noises to accompany those - 'Veeg Life' and its bouncy, club-ready elec-tech, 'Kissey's leftfield deep house, 'Schiet Zo In Je Rug' and its strange, fidgety epic-ness.
Black Devil Disco Club - "Follow Me" (instrumental) (5:04)
This Is To Be (3:51)
Restless (2:17)
Old Gang Jah - "Rasta" (4:57)
Foxy Spleen (2:49)
Sunshine On March (2:01)
Milpatte - "Cruzer" (2:03)
Odysee (2:34)
Central Way (2:21)
Suspense - "Weekee Way" (1:57)
Earth Message (2:28)
Cosmic Rays (2:11)
Black Devil Disco - "No Regrets" (4:52)
Cimes Eternelles (2:04)
Milpatte - "Livel" (1:47)
2043 (2:06)
Review: Among the figureheads of French disco, Bernard Fevre, better known as Black Devil, probably had the shortest-lived career, but was among the brightest minds of them all. Although his first album Disco Club, released in 1978, went unnoticed at first, it has since become a must-have, a collector's item which has led a lot of listeners to further investigate his extensive work. Fevre experimented with such a wide gamut of styles that it has been hard not to lose track; though perhaps one such aide l'equilibre is this newest compilation/lookback record, Space Oddities 1976-1985. Spanning a huge swathe of Fevre's records, some more touted and others more waylaid, this compilation can only begin to help us firmly grasp the cosmic breadth of the artist's work, some of which is indubitably club-bound, some of which is comparatively cinematic and scenic. Here's hoping Giordano Bruno was wrong about the open universe - Fevre's explorations are so expansive that they verge on boundlessness.
Review: Film De Geurre aka Fred Laser, Max Whiteshoe, Victor Chon and Xenia dropped their self titled dark wave, post punk and minimal synth masterpiece back in 1981. It has become a cult classic ever since and is their one and only ever album. It now comes reissued with a 24"x24" poster & original insert with lyrics courtesy of Mental Groove. The rhythms throughout are stark but compelling, with jangling guitars layered up over the chilly synths and dark, deadpan vocals delivered up top in a matter of fact style. It has a steady pulse that keeps you locked in as the guitar strings ping about and the mood changes from curious and beguiling to more moody and direct
Review: Filmmaker is a multidimensional producer known for genre-bending creations rooted in film culture. With acclaimed releases like The Love Market and Fictional Portrayals already under his belt, he reaches new heights with his latest offering, Hollywood Cult. Across 13 tracks, he crafts a haunting journey that blends synth-driven races, infectious body music, and slow-burning nostalgia. Tracks like 'Secrecy,' 'Western Malice,' and 'Shocking Therapy' evoke cinematic tension and energy and as the album progresses, 'Vessels Wine,' 'Peacekeeper Ripper,' and 'Criminal Rite' delve into intense emotions, while 'Elite Dungeons' and 'Hanging Finale' bring a lo-fi, trance-inducing finale. Hollywood Cult, then, serves as a dark, captivating soundtrack for a new world, inviting repeated listens and immersive exploration.
Monday To The Moon (feat Peter Hook, Peter Duggal, Victoria Port & Thomas Vangarde) (6:46)
Review: Wolfgang Flur is of course the former electronic percussionist of Kraftwerk during their classic era from 1974 to 1986. He's now set to release a new studio album featuring collaborations with several synth-pop and dance music icons. They include German techno duo U96, Yello's Boris Blank, Thomas Vangarde - better known as former Daft Punk mainman Thomas Bangalter - Juan Atkins, Antony Rother, Emil Schult and New Order legend Peter Hook. Flur has since become a celebrated solo artist whose music blends retro-futurism, melody and narrative while always maintaining an optimistic vision for humanity.
Review: Next up on Dusseldorf's Themes For Great Cities is the debut LP from local trio Folie 2, comprised of vocalist Marlene Kollender, Gregor Darman (aka Rasputin) and Sebastian Welicki (LSW/Trashlagoon). Anyone who caught their great podcast on LYL Radio full of slow, trancey music knows what to expect on this one. There's a strong nod to '80s pop for the most part, but also taking in chugging dark disco slow burners ('Confrontation') neon-lit boogie down numbers ('Night Times') and taking influence from sounds of their homeland circa the '70s ('Fullness Of My Heart').
Review: There had apparently already been much feverish speculation around the true identity of the musician lurking behind the moniker Forbidden Overture because of the exceptional soundtrack to the 1982 queer bath house fantasy 'Turned On'. When a few of the more astute observers of the 1986 women-in-prison exploitation flick 'Bad Girls Dormitory' spotted some overlapping use of the same music from 'Turned On', it was revealed that Forbidden Overture was in fact US electro pioneer Man Parrish - a fact that seems obvious once you know. Using his unmistakable classic production techniques - only employed in very different ways to his dancefloor smashes - the building, oozing 27 minute epic 'Primal Overture' and the cheekier, more wry 'Strictly Forbidden' form one of the soundtracks of all time, even if the bath house frolics of the film itself have retreated into the changing rooms of obscurity since. Its director Steve Scott commented: "It took us about two weeks to find the right piece for the jockstrap scene. But it's like anything else-you know when it's right." The same could very easily be said of this must-not-miss release.
Review: Franc Moody's debut album Dream in Colour is a superb take on funk and soul from the Tottenham, London collective. They met on the warehouse scene and have blossomed ever since with all six members of the band bringing their own influent to make for a truly eclectic and widely informed sound. This album has both eyes on the dancefloor as it dazzles with fresh tunes and colourful melodies. The band takes inspiration from the likes of George Clinton, Khruangbin and Jimmy McGriff along the way and it all comes on lush orange vinyl.
Review: Franc Moody is a UK band whose new album Into The Ether is steeped in deep funk and served up with a healthy dose of optimism, which sure is something we could also use plenty of right now. All the tunes find the band searching for a utopia, a better place for us all as summery comes to an end. It is a flawless and coherent work with rich orchestral layers and grooves to spare as warm, cosmic new disco is explored from a skilful instrumental angle with alluring vocals carefully draped over the top. Some cuts go deeper like the opener, some bring dancefloor joy like 'Raining In LA.'
Review: The third volume in the Future Sounds Of Kraut series delves deeper into the experimental realms of krautrock, blending its hypnotic rhythms with modern sensibilities. On this release, Fred und Luna lead the charge with their distinctive sound, drawing from the genre's rich history while infusing it with fresh, forward-thinking elements. The album's varied tracks are a journey through intricate loops, motorik beats and atmospheric textures, offering a dynamic exploration of electronic and psychedelic landscapes. A collection that pays homage to Krautrock's pioneers while shaping its own space in the genre, this release is a must-listen for both old and new fans alike.
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
The third volume in the Future Sounds Of Kraut series delves deeper into the experimental realms of krautrock, blending its hypnotic rhythms with modern sensibilities. On this release, Fred und Luna lead the charge with their distinctive sound, drawing from the genre's rich history while infusing it with fresh, forward-thinking elements. The album's varied tracks are a journey through intricate loops, motorik beats and atmospheric textures, offering a dynamic exploration of electronic and psychedelic landscapes. A collection that pays homage to Krautrock's pioneers while shaping its own space in the genre, this release is a must-listen for both old and new fans alike.
Gilgamesh Mata Hari Duo - "Florian Schneider-Esleben" (6:12)
Kosmischer Laufer - "In Der Stadt Und Auf Dem Land" (2:18)
Sankt Otten - "Hymne Der Melancholischen Programmierer" (4:27)
Pyrolator - "Die Geschichte Vom Heissgelaufenen Reisswolf" (previously unreleased) (4:48)
I:Cube - "Vantableu" (8:31)
Organza Ray - "Preen Scene" (previously unreleased) (5:22)
Sula Bassana - "Tropfsteinhohle" (3:30)
Halwa - "Drehwurm" (previously unreleased) (7:19)
Lionel, Julien, Marceau Et Rainer - "Reise" (previously unreleased) (5:20)
Fred Und Luna - "Outro (Auf Wiederhoren)" (previously unreleased) (2:08)
Review: Perhaps in the future, we'll eat sauerkraut pills instead of having to actually pickle cabbage in order to make it. Such are the musings that compilations like The Future Sounds Of Kraut inspire - but also, perhaps by pure happenstance, they also lead us to wonder: what about the evolution of the contemporary German electronic rock genre of the same name? Celebrating the legacy and influence of the genre and movement that emerged in Germany in the late 1960s and early 70s - but not indulging derivations of your usual Clusters and Cans - this full-length compilation from Compost brings together 19 contemporary krautrock masterpieces, with choice, twinkly cuts from bands and solo artists including Musiccargo, Listening Center, Kosmischer Laufer and Pyrolator. Listen no further than here to hear the changing tide of kraut.
Fred Und Luna - "Auf Wiederhren 2" (outro - previously unreleased) (1:42)
Review: The good folks at Compost have put together a second volume of their Future Sounds of Kraut compilation and once again it is packed with exciting new takes on the age-old genres. Compiler Fred Und Luna features a couple of times including with the celestial synth charms and light electronic rhythms of 'Monotonikum' and elsewhere tried and tested talents such as Thomas Fehlmann with his widescreen cinematic cut' 'Permanent Touch' and minimal favourite Roman Flugel with his delightfully melodic and innocent 'Rules' bring plenty of class the adventurous and accomplished double album. There is plenty to get stuck into here for those who like their sounds sleek, atmospheric and star gazing.
Review: Gavin Friday's Ecce Homo marks his return with a bold, sonorous expression after a 13-year hiatus. The album, produced by Dave Ball (Soft Cell), Michael Heffernan, and Riccardo Mulhall, showcases Friday's evolution as an artist, blending rebellion, anger, and introspection into a deeply personal exploration of identity and societal disillusionment. Known as the former frontman of the Irish post-punk band Virgin Prunes, Friday crafts Ecce Homo with a striking mix of emotional vulnerability and defiance, tackling themes like religion, power, and self-liberation. The title track's haunting yet euphoric sound, paired with an AI-generated video, sets the tone for an album that breaks genre conventions while maintaining a sense of triumph. Ecce Homo is a work of fearless self-expression, building on the reflective grief of 2011's Catholic while celebrating the strength found in independence. This album affirms Gavin Friday's enduring artistic presence.
Review:
For the first time ever since the mid-80s, Robert Fripp's God Save The Queen is now avaialble on fresh vinyl once more. It was the second solo album from Fripp and is made up almost entirely of so-called 'Frippertronics,' which means much of the record was performed by improvisation. Under each track are solid drums and bass to get the grooves going and guitar loops for the five tracks were recorded live in concert during 1979. It's a real left turn of an album and one that can be as mesmerising as it can wild.
Review: F.M. (Francois Marche) and Fa_Fane (Stephane Bodin) say they "perform live with an acid-tinged electro-dub set, a danceable balance between the organic and the digital, the hot and the cold." When it comes to the studio, the fine line they tread between machine and human, accessible and experimental is equally evident, making them sure fire winners in the world of movie soundtracks. Not least when the film is on the avant garde side of things, as Fotogenico is. Directed by Marcia Romano and Benoit Sabatier, the movie is a visually arresting, high tempo collage of a chase-mystery in which a father attempts to piece his dead daughter's story together using only the music she recorded. Glitchy, digi-dub and synthesised post punk ensues, among other stuff.
Review: Front 242's decision to re-release No Comment in partnership with Alfa Matrix is a testament to their influential status in electronic music. Originally released in 1984, the album marked a significant moment for the band as they solidified their lineup and began to attract a devoted following. The remastered version by Daniel B. allows listeners to experience the album's innovative and unmatched sound in the best audio quality possible. No Comment was a early example of Front 242's high-tech, hard-edged electronic punk dance music, establishing them as leaders of the emerging electronic body music movement. Front 242's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and technology is evident throughout the album. Their cold, synthetic brand of electronic dance music became their signature sound, influencing electronic music for decades to come.
Review: Front 242 are reissuing five timeless classics on stunning crystal-clear vinyl, with their 1982 debut Geography standing as a particularly seminal record in electronic music history. This influential album played a crucial role in the development of industrial and EBM music throughout the 80s and beyond, forming the foundational sound that defined Front 242. The reissue offers fans a chance to experience the album's groundbreaking tracks anew, appreciating the enduring legacy of this iconic band.
Review: Legends of EBM, Canadian electro-industrialists Front Line Assembly should need no introductions, given their work stretches back to the mid-1980s. Nevertheless, they occupy a relatively obscure space - made for dance floors, but twisted, dark cornered, writhing, distorted dance floors where many fear to tread. With that in mind there will be some newcomers, and The Initial Command is a great starting point because it's the starting point of the band's back catalogue.
Originally released in 1987, this is the first album from an impressive 17-LP-strong body of work. And it's also the most definitive of their sonic style, setting a benchmark for all that would follow. Fiercely original, not least for 'it's time', from the glittering synths and harsh metallic percussion of the unarguably cinematic 'Casualties' and the abrasive white noise on 'Ausgang Zum Himmel', to the punchy breaks and dramatic strings of 'No Control', re-releasing Command is an essential act of unearthing.
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