Morr Music Germany 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: The evolution of German art outfit The Notwist is something to behold. Kicking off in 1989 with a metal album, between then and now they've refused to stay still, developing a sound that is truly their own. Gradually introducing electronics to the oeuvre, and discarding of the real heaviness, if you were going to label anything an amalgamation of sounds it's this - indie, electronica, jazz, downtempo, garage rock, lo fi pop.

All of that makes for a particularly formative musical experience on stage. Core members Cico Beck and the Acher brothers, Markus and Micha, consider records to be the starting point from which beautiful things happen live. Concerts are jam sessions that allow ideas to come to fruition, or develop almost by surprise. This is testament to that. Not a live record, but a recording of them reworking tracks from Vertigo Days and one from the soundtrack to One of Those Days in their own hilariously nicknamed studio.

Review: RECOMMENDED
Three acclaimed musicians, one incredible way to start your 2022 music collection. With members boasting heritage including the mighty FM Belfast and mum, we shouldn't need to explain there's real pedigree here, and in generous, beautifully sung, emotionally captivating spades. From the tender quiet of 'Afterparty', to the more rousing, chart-worthy 'Where The Maps Run Out', one thing is clear from the off - song craft is rarely so well accomplished.

For the most part, concerned with hushed atmospheres and subtle but effective technique, highlights for us include the gentile vocal harmonies of 'Shame', the swooning neo-journeyman sound of 'Tell Your New Lovers', and the unassuming but unarguably infectious 'Today I Wrote Nothing', but ultimately this one is about diving in and fully immersing yourself in the complete package.

Review: Tape is the Swedish trio composed of brothers Andreas and Johan Berthling and Tomas Hallonsten. They dropped two albums of gentle folk and electronic ambient before presenting us with 2005's Rideau originally on Hapna. On this one, they worked with an outsider producer and opened up their sound to take in traditional minimalism as well as lush melodics. 17 years later it makes its first appearance on vinyl via Morr Music. The resulting mix of folk with noisy electronics and field recordings makes for a truly arresting listen.