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Review: Alleviated's Larry Heard reissue series has previously brought us the rough and tough acid of Gherkin Jerks and, more recently, the intergalactic downtempo grooves of his largely overlooked Alien LP. Here, they revisit one of Heard's later aliases, Loosefingers, dusting down and reissuing tracks from 2003's Glancing at the Moon EP. All three tracks are deep, warm and melodious in typical Heard fashion, with the title track delivering a sultry blend of wide-eyed chords, darting electronics, Latin-influenced percussion and tactile keys. "Deep Inside" delivers a hazy, sun-kissed take on soulful house - all jazz bass, sensual chords and gentle vocals. Best of all, though, is the tougher, synth-heavy "Lamentation", which rolls along at a near techno-tempo and is blessed with thrilling bleep melodies.

Review: Aniara's output has always been brilliantly designed for club deployment but could never really be considered as mere tools. The artists who appear on the Swedish imprint have a cultured sound and a knack for crafting maximum impact from minimal elements. Enter Mattias El Masouri who does just that with the sublime 'Time Dilation In Ultraviolet'. It's a hypnotic deep house cut with real drive that's down to the deft broken kick drum patterns, pulsing synth and heady pads that swirl above. 'Inre Dimension' is a 13-minute plus sonic daydream with paddy drums, drumming pads and perfectly airy hi-hats that anchor you in the heart and now as your mind wanders.

Review: Tyler Daley is a UK hip-hop mainstay and the vice of the brilliant Children of Zeus. Here he branches out with his own solo album, Son of Zeus - see what he did there? It comes on the band's home label of First World and bares plenty of their signature sonic hallmarks - dusty, undercooked production, lazy hip hop beats, and gorgeous vocals that sit somewhere between neo soul, golden era boom-bap from Tribe and something else a little unique. It's a warm world where yearning bars, lush harmonies and hooky melodies all float around the stripped back but bumping beats. Superb stuff.

Review: Lynn Davis, known for her illustrious career as a backing vocalist and member of George Duke's band, continues her solo journey with 'Beautiful You, her second single. Following the success of her debut release, 'Come Over,' Davis showcases her vocal prowess and sensuality once again in this sophisticated r&b ballad with a touch of jazzy swing. In 'Beautiful You,' Davis sings of recognising the inner and outer beauty in her partner, expressing gratitude for finding someone who surpasses expectations. The song beautifully captures the feeling of discovering that something seemingly too good to be true is, in fact, real. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, 'Beautiful You' is another standout track from Davis, reaffirming her talent as a solo artist.

Review: Shewey Trax welcomes California-based Delicate Instruments aka Delinstr for a pair of cosmic new cuts that he serves up as two different mixes each. Opener '2 Another Planet' (Superspace Breakdown mix) has sugary video game melodies raining down like old school Mario or Tetris over thudding deep house kicks. The Delisntr Speed Down mix brings some twitchy acid details while 'Solamente' (Problems mix) is another beguiling mix of 8-bit melodies and supple drums that tap out hypnotic patterns while floating through space. The final Synth mix of the same cut is a more widescreen and far-sighted take to close out a perfectly astral EP.

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: Italian label Roof Club aims to raise both ceilings and roofs, and continue to do so with their latest EP from Guile. Mixing a contemporary minimal approach with classic 90s sounds, this one's a neat fusion of progressive house and trance, with sprinklings of cheesy freestyle and acid thrown in for good measure. The jokingly titled '90's Generator' is the real highlight, with its orchestral hits and licky leads.

Review: Contemporary jungle Renaissance crew Omni Music continue to look back over their vaults for more vinyl reissue gold. This time, two tracks from Pariah's 2017 'Selected Works' series. Two very different approaches to the jungle style; 'Meltdown' is a big dreamer of a track with its lush pads and subtle sense of drive and momentum while 'Metal Hero' is a much more punishing affair with uncompromising breaks and an aggy energy that will cut into any mix creatively. Both absolutely slap.

Review: 1994's original pressing of Steely & Clevie's outstanding leftfield production with Johnny Clarke's vocals is a dub well worth inspecting. Except you might struggle to find one these days, and it will be pricey if you do, because it has become something of a classic 45. Thankfully it gets reissued here with A-side original 'Leggo Violence' rolling lazy drums while the Clarke vocals soar high and sweet despite what they sing about. On the flip is a smooth rolling version that allows that super bassline to do its thing free from any distraction, and all with extra dub goodness.

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


Berlin-based Korean Peggy Gou has been surprisingly quiet since first bursting onto the scene back in 2016. Here, she returns to action having graduated from Technicolour to parent label Ninja Tune. Many may already have heard EP standout "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)", a percussively ambidextrous beast based around a bouncy, off-skilter, snare-heavy rhythm track. It has been much discussed online after Gou included it her recent Resident Advisor podcast. On the B-side you'll find tracks representative of her developing style, which draws together elements of European deep house, electro, early '90s U.S house, the rubbery disco eccentricity of Maurice Fulton and the instinctive polyrhythms more often found in traditional African music.

Review: We're big fans of this label here at Juno HQ as we have said before and how can you not be when it serves up soul as good as this? Mel Day delivers authentic deepness with 'Every Day I Try.' It is a heartfelt lament for lost love that is backed by the accomplished Tito Lopez Combo and some magnificent instrumentation. On the flip side, 'Baby Girl' sees Mel channelling the spirit of Joe Tex with confidence and flair. Produced under license from music maestro Harbans Srih, this vinyl-only release harks back to the golden era of soul music and is sure to prove a timeless modern classic.

Review: This Hawaii-based label consistently delivers soulful gems like this which is why we love it so much. Mel Day brings genuine depth with 'Every Day I Try,' a poignant reflection on lost love, complemented by the talented Tito Lopez Combo and superb instrumentation. On the other side, 'Baby Girl' showcases Mel's confident and stylish channelling of the spirit of Joe Tex. This vinyl-exclusive release, produced under license from the esteemed music maestro Harbans Srih, pays homage to the golden age of soul music and is destined to become a timeless modern classic.

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: Robert Witschakowski has been a man on an electro mission (as well as many other side mission, to be really quite honest) for as long as we can remember. His furtherment of electro knows no bounds and it has often come in association with Dutch label Clone and its offshoots, though here he has his They Arrive EP reissued by fellow Dutch label Creme Organization. It landed first back in 2011 but has aged like fine wine and sounds as good as ever - there are a mix of creepy and atmospheric pieces, sick dancefloor rhythms and plenty more to enjoy here.

Review: This is techno, but not as we know it from the Vigenere. Sparagamos (a fitting name given the word originally means to render, tear apart, or mangle) is behind these freaky beats but we nothing more about the artist. Suffice it to say they sure do have a fine grip of their studio and can manipulate sound in some thrilling ways. The opener is a warp-speed warehouse banger with distorted bass and manic energy, track two explores sludgy acid techno underworlds and track there is a twitchy cosmic workout with serene pads. 'Track 4' is a world of dystopian robotics while the flip side offers tripped-out, double-time dub techno, more acid intensity and experimental mind melters with exceptional sound design.

Notes: Maggot Brain Issue 16: Spring 2024

This is a really packed, special issue of Maggot Brain, with the feature cover story a comprehensive interview by celebrated writer Sasha Frere-Jones with essayist, Lucy Sante (who's written for every issue of MB since the start), on the occasion of her awesome memoir about transitioning, I Heard Her Call My Name.

Phill Niblock: A tribute to the genius musician, filmmaker, label head, and generous promoter of ecstatic sound, by Steve Silverstein.

Tresa Leigh: An in-depth feature on the star of Efficient Space's beloved Ghost Riders compilation! Really a beautiful, untold story.

Dredd Foole: As his legacy is revealed through Corbett vs Dempsey's archival series, Foole talks to Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny about the role of his band the Din in the Boston underground. Plus sidebars from Christina Carter, Kris Price, and Phil Milstein.

Loopsel: Mike McGonigal on some of the most elusive, beautiful contemporary music, straight out of Gothenburg.

Jeff Noon: An illuminating interview with the British speculative writer on his newest work as well as the 30th anniversary of the stunning Vurt.

Sleater-Kinney: 30 vital years of uncompromising music, by none other than Audrey Golden!

Hudson of Feature Inc.: A celebration of the most innovative gallerist of our lifetime on the occasion of the Soberscove Press book about his work and life.

Shabazz Palaces: The creator of vital, spiritual hip-hop beautifully interviewed by Detroit-based musician and writer Zachary Weedon.

Birtha: Nate Carson's in-depth feature on the pioneering, all-women boogie-choogle act.

Shonto Begay: One of Maggot Brai's favourite contemporary writers, JD O'Brien, in deep discussion with the great Native American painter-with particular emphasis on how his works engage with and are influenced by music. This piece alone is so well-written and illustrated it's worth buying the issue for.

Some columns: The debut of archivist Andy Zax's fabulous 'Extinctophonics' column! Cassette reviews, plus copious book and record reviews as well! Ana Gavrilovska on Detroit-based jazz duo Balance! Nate Carson on the Earth documentary, in the debut of the music documentary column! The latest Icons column finds Michelle Dove exploring the work of Chicago's beloved Douglas McCombs! 13 Questions for contemporary folk great Lael Neale by Mike McGonigal! And more Lucy Sante!

Review: Sunset's reissue series of Harry J releases continues with this gem from the late, great Freddie McKay's 1986 collaboration with The Jah Apostles, one of the last productions to feature the singer - who seamlessly navigated from the early ska days right up to the digital era - before his untimely death in November of the same year. McKay's soulful vocals ride effortlessly over the Apostles' mesmerising rhythms here, meaning that it is impossible not to be transported listeners to the golden shores of Jamaica at sundown. As is so often with the case with reggae, there's a dubbed out version on the flip - we wouldn't have it any other way.

Review: Reissued in the aftermath of her passing away in 2023, Souvenirs is probably the best-known album by Ethiopian legend Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru, whose morphing from nun to composer, pianist and vocalist tracks an exquisitely bleak but powerful history. The first album to feature her own voice, the album was written and recorded at her family home in Addis Ababa, and deals in personal themes of loss, homesickness and transience, reflecting on Emahoy's experiences of the turmoil of the 1976 Red Terror in Ethiopia, in which the provisional Derg military dictatorship violently suppressed the rise of other competing revolutionary militia groups, and in so doing caused mass upheavals and migrations. With lyrics sung in Amharic and overlaid against uniquely mournful DIY instrumentations, Mississippi's CD reissue reminds us of its heart-warmer status, betraying Emahoy's deep familial fidelity and integrity.

Notes: The top cover story this issue: the Futuristic Sounds of the Yardbirds; writer Peter Stanfield explores their change of direction in 1965, their rivalry with The Who and lots more. Also featured: Detroit rock pioneers the Chosen Few, the band that spawned future members of SRC and the Stooges, the compelling story of UK '70s punk outsiders the Subway Sect as told by guitarist Rob Symmons; '70s power pop princes the Paley Brothers; Viennese proto-punk anarchists Novaks Kapelle; the sixties adventures of Matthew and Daniel Moore (the Moon, Colours, Matthew Moore Plus Four); and a fascinating study of the beat music industry behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Plus: Moby Grape, the Ascots, Cyril Jordan on Little Richard, and our meticulous review sections, covering all the latest vinyl and CD reissues, and rock 'n' roll-related books. (152 pages)

Review: There's been rather a lot of noise about Jaguar II, Victoria Monet's much-delayed full-length follow up to 2021's Jaguar mini-album. The hype is, in many ways, understandable - it did recently scoop the 'Best R&B Album' award at the GRAMMYs. More importantly, it's also very good, with the decorated songwriter-turned-pop star confidently serving up retro-futurist gems who's punchy 21st century r&b beats come cloaked in musical motifs that frequently offer nods to black American music of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. The plentiful highlights include Lucky Daye hook-up 'Smoke', the dancehall-fired excellence of 'Party Girls' (featuring Buju Banton), the Fugees-esque beauty of 'How Does It Make You Feel', and the glossy disco-soul dreaminess of 'Hollywood', where her young daughter Hazel and Earth, Wind and Fire both play starring roles.

Review: Son of Todd Osborn (Soundmurderer/Ghostly) Kaito Ian makes a hugely impressing first outing on the Galaxy Sound Co label with a series of lo-fi hip-hop beat-strumentals that cannot fail to get your head nodding. He is a dedicated music lover and skater with a deep knowledge of his craft and that shows here with some refined sounds starting with the soul drenched 'Revert', then on to the warped angelic vocal samples of 'Sequoia' and the percussive jumbled and scratching of 'Trek'. 'Wait Up' is another excellently blissed out joint and 'Sloan' is a sunny, laid back, lazy vibe to close down a superb EP.

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: Mute's re-release of These Immortal Souls' debut album, Get Lost (Don’t Lie!), marks a long-awaited moment for fans of post-punk excellence. Remastered from the original tapes by Lindsay Gravina, along with original band members Harry Howard and Genevieve McGuckin at Birdland Studio, this edition breathes new life into the iconic record. Originally unleashed in 1987 on the heels of their debut EP, Marry Me, the album encapsulates the band's raw energy and uncompromising vision. Led by the unmistakable vocals of Rowland S. Howard, renowned for his work with the Birthday Party, the band's lineup, including Harry Howard, Epic Soundtracks, and Genevieve McGuckin, solidifies their place in the annals of post-punk history. Clocking in at a concise 30 minutes, Get Lost (Don’t Lie!) remains a potent sonic statement, capturing the essence of These Immortal Souls' dark and brooding sound. From the haunting atmospheres to the frenetic rhythms, each track is a testament to the band's collective talent and creative chemistry. For both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the These Immortal Souls saga, this reissue serves as a fitting tribute to a band whose influence reverberates through the underground music scene.

Review: Mute's latest offering, Extra, unveils a treasure trove of live recordings and remastered tracks from the enigmatic post-punk outfit These Immortal Souls. Led by the inimitable Rowland S. Howard, known for his pioneering work with the Birthday Party alongside Nick Cave, the band's Australian roots infuse their London-based sound with a unique edge. This album, accompanied by detailed sleeve notes by original member Harry Howard, serves as a companion piece to the 2024 remasters of their seminal debut Get Lost (Don’t Lie!) and sophomore effort I’m Never Gonna Die Again. The tracklist is a akin to the band's eclectic tastes, featuring visceral renditions of classics like Alice Cooper’s 'Luney Tune' and Iggy Pop & James Williamson's 'Open Up and Bleed.' With Rowland S. Howard's distinctive vocals leading the charge, complemented by the masterful musicianship of Harry Howard, drummer Epic Soundtracks, and keyboardist Genevieve McGuckin, These Immortal Souls deliver a sonic journey that transcends time and genre boundaries. Formed in 1987 after departing Crime & the City Solution, These Immortal Souls carved out their own sonic niche, blending raw energy with haunting melodies. Extra offers a glimpse into the world of one of post-punk's most underrated gems.

Review: Kaiserdisco bring some big room techno energy to the one label in the world that is most synonymous with that sound - Adam Beyer's Drumcode. Opener 'In The Music' is a dark and driving cut with an acid tinged bassline over hard, hammering, flat footed drums. Add in a dark vocal hook and you have a real monster. 'Error In The System' on the flip is another moody techno pumper for the main room with hefty drums, eerie siren sounds and of plenty squelchy designs. It's a real headwrecker to close out a big 12".