Back catalogue: All genres

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


2022's stunning album Once Twice Melody was a fine example of Beach House doing what they do best - living bang up to that name, with intimate-but epic instrumentation falling somewhere between surf-y jangle and grand shoegaze. 'Become' is definitely on a similar tip, and as such feels much like an extension of the long form.
Dig a little deeper, though, and scratches begin to show. While the full-length record represented Beach House reaching for the stars, or at least the moon, and stepping into the role of festival headliners, here the sense of pure confidence and occasion is less pronounced. That may not be a bad thing, mind, because while Once came across like a finished article, refined and prepared, things here seem somehow rawer, as though we're sitting in on a session as oppose to getting the signed off product.

Review: Scottish party starter Sally C is behind the bolshy brilliance of the Big Saldo's Chunkers label. So far the releases have come at a steady rate but have always been of utmost quality. Bella takes care of the label's fourth outing and it's another peak time outing full of big fun. 'Note To Self' is a mix of potent breaks, trance chords and rave energy where 'Orchestra Spring' is more direct and bouncy with a rugged bassline pumping the breaks and 'Odd Symphony' then slips into a deeper vibe still but one that is no less dynamic. An Olsvanger remix of the same tune takes it into mind-melting late night afterparty territory.

Review: Massive weirdo minimal tech verging on wackout experimental dance from the Planete 51 crew, welcoming five of their greatest to the fore for a new V/A. With producer Brent kicking things off with a fiery fidgeter whose predilection for variation seems to know no end, 'Etoile' is a buzzing, alarmingly comical track, working in strange UI zaps, wobbles and film samples at seemingly every twist and turn. The vibe continues into the Chanbara themed 'Wazabi Sword', which is the ultimate samurai deep tech crossover tune. Itarima weirds things out further with 'Amour Degueulasse' with weirdcore detunings on the lead, before Nathanael takes on a mood of nighttime noir to close things out.

Review: Sweat It Out Records kicks off their tasty Sweat Sampler series with their first volume, cutting niftily across four exceptionally sweaty bops, spanning tongue-in-cheek deep tech reworks and downtempo disco delights. First off is the dream team of Cid and Havoc & Lawn, whom together deliver a hilariously effective house version of America's 'A Horse With No Name'; this is shortly followed by Saturday Love, Kon and Furious's 'Come Out', a rejigged nu-disco samosa packed with some rare vocal spices; then there's 'Give It To Me' by Marco Lys and Ben Miller, a bass-driven bouncer unafraid of lasershot winddowns, injunctive vocals and risers; and finally, there's Set Mo's 'Could I Be', the anthem of the bunch, whose buildup and drop is alarming, affecting, cumulatively awe-striking.

Review: Iodic Spirit Vol 1 presents a dynamic showcase of 90s-influenced rave genres under its techno umbrella, featuring five tracks that traverse various sonic landscapes. Side-1 launches with Public Request's 'Trust Your Instinct', an early 90s trance anthem exuding the essence of rave culture with powerful techno elements reminiscent of Belgium's scene, highlighted by a commanding acid line. Following is NND's 'Looser,' a mesmerizing fusion of acid and melodic techno that captivates with its beauty and coolness, painting a vivid sonic tapestry. Flipping to Side-2, Bassy Bee's 'Domo Arigatogozaimasu' delves into hardcore territory with Belgium influences, delivering an electrifying experience. Next, Flood's 'Stress Relief' offers an upbeat journey tinged with Cabaret Voltaire vibes, blurring the lines between techno and trance, while still maintaining an infectious energy. Concluding the EP is 'Acidity' by Public Request, diving deeper into heavy acid territory with harder sounds that command attention and evoke a sense of urgency. Each of these tracks on Iodic Spirit Vol 1 has a unique interpretation of techno, acid, and trance, making for an electrifying listening experience that pays homage to the golden era of rave.