New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: An ambitious, thought-provoking collaboration that merges radical improvisation with meticulous songcraft. Inspired by Francisco Goya's Los Caprichos painting, the album interrogates modern anxieties through a fusion of classical composition and lyrical introspection. Mark Springer, known for his spontaneous, real-time piano compositions, crafts haunting pieces performed by the Sacconi Quartet, while Pet Shop Boys singer Neil Tennant 's unmistakable vocals lend a poetic depth to the work. Recorded across multiple locations in 2023istrings in Surrey and Tetbury, piano in Brussels and vocals in Londonithe album benefits from its layered, almost collage-like construction. This fragmentation mirrors the project's thematic preoccupations: the disjointed state of contemporary society, the corruption of truth and the divisiveness of social media. Tennant's lyrics, shaped by Goya's grotesque and satirical visions, meditate on deception, power and the erosion of collective trust. The interplay between Springer's expressive piano and the Sacconi Quartet's controlled precision is key to the album's success. Tracks move fluidly between moments of stark beauty and eerie unease. Tennant's vocal performances are restrained yet evocative, delivering lines that echo both personal reflection and broader cultural critique. The arrangements are elegant yet unsettling, reinforcing the album's central tension between order and chaos. Sleep of Reason is not an easy listen, nor does it aim to be. It is an intellectual and emotional work, one that rewards deep engagement. In blending classical refinement with pop craftsmanship, Springer and Tennant have created an album that is an eloquent response to a world teetering between enlightenment and darkness.

Review: Henley-born British soul singer Dusty Springfield's time in Memphis marked a turning point in her careeriboth an artistic triumph and a personal gamble. By the late 60s, she had outgrown the UK's pop scene, craving the depth and authenticity of American soul. Recording in the same studios as her heroes, backed by Atlantic Records' finest, she delivered some of her most breathtaking performances. The smoky tenderness of 'Just A Little Lovin'' and the aching vulnerability of 'I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore' showcase her gift for storytelling, while 'No Easy Way Down' and 'I Can't Make It Alone' push her voice to extraordinary places, balancing control with raw emotion. But despite the album's brilliance, commercial success eluded it, deepening her self-doubt. Springfield was a perfectionist, often wracked with insecurity, yet here she sounds unshackledifully immersed in the music she loved, even at great professional risk. Decades later, its impact remains undeniable.

Notes: The Ultimate Output Expander For Hermod+

Introducing xp32, the perfect expander for unlocking 32 assignable CV or Gate outputs, amplifying the creative power of your Hermod+ sequencer.

Transform your Hermod+ into a 16-track CV/Gate powerhouse, an expansive MIDI/USB-to-CV interface, a preset manager, or customize your outputs to suit even the most intricate modular setups.

The xp32 opens a new world of possibilities for both live performances and studio setups, giving you the flexibility to realize your most complex musical ideas.

Seamless Integration.

Setting up the xp32 is as easy as connecting the included expander ribbon cable to the back of your Hermod+.

The xp32 integrates seamlessly: Hermod+ will automatically recognize it, and your 32 additional outputs are ready to use instantly.

With the xp32, Hermod+'s 8 CV/Gate tracks remain untouched. Instead, the xp32's 8 additional voices are internally mapped to Hermod+'s MIDI tracks, offering maximum expandability without altering your existing workflow.

Unmatched Precision & Flexibility.

Each of the 32 output jack is powered by a dedicated 16-bit industrial grade DAC, ensuring the best accuracy for all your control voltage signals, from pitch to fine modulations.

Easily configure each output as a Gate (for notes, triggers, or clocks) or as a CV (for pitch, velocity, aftertouch, modulation...).

High-precision.

Low noise.

At the heart of the xp32 are highly-precise digital-to-analogue conversion circuits, developed with meticulous attention to detail. Squarp have incorporated high-end components to guarantee reliable, low-noise, high-performance outputs that you can depend on for both small and large modular systems.

The 32 signal LEDs are driven by a fully analogue current-control circuit, guaranteeing zero digital noise.

Specifications

Power

Consumption : -12V 70mA, +12V 80mA, +5V 20mA

Hardware
Width : 14HP
Depth : 33mm
Height : 128,5mm (3U)
Weight : 170gr (0.37lbs)
32x CV outputs resolution : 16-bit DAC (industrial grade)
32x CV outputs range : -10V to +10V

Review: When this French producer released 'Rose Rouge' on his 2000 landmark album Tourist, it was more than a track. It was a manifesto. Built on hypnotic jazz loops, tight house rhythms and a sample from Marlena Shaw's 'Woman of the Ghetto', it was a vision of dance music that was cultured, expansive and deeply groovy. Its sophisticated blend of electronic textures and classic jazz sensibilities earned it a rightful home on Blue Note Records, elevating it beyond clubs and into the canon of genre-defying music. It remains a defining moment of jazz-house fusion. Two decades on, Jorja Smith brought her unmistakable voice to the track with a smoky, soulful reinterpretation that paid homage while casting it in a fresh r&b light. Joy Orbison's remix of her version on Side 2 injects another layer of evolution. It stretches the track into a deep, slow-burning cut, rich in atmosphere and bass weight, yet restrained and emotive. Together, these versions celebrate the enduring legacy and adaptability of Rose Rouge across generations and genres.

Review: Analogue Productions are the label to take on the task of producing high-end editions of Steely Dan's albums, given their obsessive approach to remastering, pressing and every single minute detail of the production process. After all, this was the band who popularised such an approach in the studio. Katy Lied was the fourth album from Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, and it's as sensational as any Dan album from the rollicking romp of 'Black Friday' to the slinky boogie of 'Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More'. This Super Audio CD version is surely the true audiophile's choice, free of any sonic interference and with every speck of sound rendered in crystal clear quality, just how the Dan would want it.

Review: Dynamic house duo Steffi & Virginia are back with a new album Patterns of Vibration and once again deliver real freshness on Dekmantel. The eight tracks were all crafted over three months at their Candy Mountain studio in Portugal and perfectly capture the duo's signature sound-a mix of emotional depth and dancefloor energy. From the tribal mood of 'Nightflight' to the euphoric chords of 'Stab Stealer,' the album channels years of experience and joyful moments, and of course does a fine job of blending Virginia's radiant vocals with Steffi's precise analogue production. Their chemistry shines through here on a set of effective, emotive cuts will turbocharge any set.

Review: Along with Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals, but far bigger selling, 'Dakota' hitmakers Stereophonics epitomise the past 30-plus years of Welsh rock. In many ways the boys from the Valleys have kept the fundamentals that people enjoy about their sound the same over the years with this new album. Kelly Jones' gravelly voice, which sits at the forefront, is as strong as it's ever been. But in terms of changes, Jones has never been shy about his love of Americana music and appears to be leaning more and more into that passion as the years go by. Single 'There's Always Gonna Be Something' has a bit of gospel flair and has an unforgettable melody that would earn appreciation from the most discerning songwriters in Nashville. Stereophonics appear to never tire of chasing that perfect song and it appears still have plenty left in the tank.

Review: Originally formed in 1977 in Belfast at the height of The Troubles, Stiff Little Fingers should require little to no introduction for any self-proclaimed punk aficionado, with the band credited as the first punk outfit to ever record and release output in Northern Ireland. The aptly titled The Singles 1978-1983 offers a double CD compilation collating all of their A and B-sides issued during their initial tenure, including the hit singles 'Straw Dogs', 'At The Edge', 'Nobody's Hero', and the haunting 'Bits Of Kids', as well as a bevvy of deeper, overlooked cuts. Complete with a booklet containing detailed liner notes on each single plus illustrations of all relevant sleeves, the collection serves as both a crash course for beginners and a triumphant nostalgia trip for lifer-listeners.

Review: With A Real Piece Of Work, Stillhead helps Brightest Dark Place reach into the "hazy, blurred overlap between techno and ambient", throwing a suspension chord between two bluffs over a vast sonic chasm, and letting terse rhythms monkey-swing across it, letting reverb bellow from below. This is an equally dynamic but intense listening experience, proving that vast, chasmic sound design need not chafe against dynamic buoyancy: the two can coexist. Keeping to about 170BPM, the Edinburgh DJ marks his sixth release here, and it is an impressive logical extension from 2022's comparable mission statement Restraint And Reverb: 'The Red Ball' suspends a sampled 'Funky Drummer' over an atoll of sub compulsions, while 'A Light Thump On The Head' stretches a classic future garage rhythm over a telegraphic void, with dispersive, long-decaying results.

Review: Sting's journey began in the industrial heart of Newcastle, a city long defined by its shipyards and coal mines, shaping the grit and resilience that would come to define his music. Growing up amidst the working-class challenges of the north, he found his voice both in the rough edges of his environment and in his natural affinity for jazz, reggae and punk. As a young man, he developed a passion for music, which would later merge with the intellectualism and protest anthems of his lyrics. It's this fusion of roots and ambition that propelled him from local gigs in the late 70s to becoming an international icon with The Police. Fast-forward to today, and his music continues to reflect this complex blend of influences. His latest offering, recorded during his latest tour, highlights this evolution with renewed energy, offering live renditions of some of his most iconic tracks. While the classics like 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Every Breath You Take' are as timeless as ever, there's an undeniable freshness in how Sting approaches them today. The intimacy of live performance allows for new emotional layers in songs like 'Fields of Gold' while the meditative live version of 'Be Still My Beating Heart' adds a deeper sense of reflection, demonstrating his ability to continuously reframe his sound and approach.

Review: Portland's Paul Dickow, the man behind the Strategy alias, is back with a new album that has been created with a 1989 model sampling keyboard. Exploring its limitations, he plays the sampler by hand and abandons sequencers for a more organic approach which apes a guitarist's connection to their instrument. The record delves into glacial, pensive soundscapes where experimental, ambient and dance music elements all come together with deliberate intention. Though Dickow crafts a sound rooted in ambient techno futurism it is one open to serendipitous, experimental outcomes which makes it a gently unpredictable listen and otherworldly charmer.

Review: After years of fan requests, Czarface joins forces with the intergalactic legend Dr Octagon for a wild, cosmic ride. Together, they summon Stress Eater, a new persona powerful enough to challenge even the mighty Czarface. The result is a full-length album packed with booming beats, twisted rhymes and otherworldly flair that blends Czarface's comic-book bravado with Kool Keith's surreal lyricism. This collaboration is as funky as it is far-out, so think hard-hitting production, bizarre narratives and signature swagger throughout a strange, explosive journey that fills the mind with endless imagery. .

Review: More golden goodness from Athens of the North here - the label that never runs out of soul and disco goodness. Strictly Business hail from Dayton, Ohio and deliver a double-sider gem of deep 80s soul on this rare 7". One side brings pure boogie heat and is funky, driving and brilliantly dancefloor-ready, while the flip slows it down with a more smooth and heartfelt ballad. Originally self-released with the help of friends and family, the record flew under the radar until rediscovered by Daniel Mathis, who helped license it for release here in limited quantities. A fine and soulful slice of overlooked Midwest magic.

Notes: More than just master keyboards, the SL mk2 series is a new chapter in musical keyboard controllers. From the innovative UX Logic interface, seamless integration with the Numa Player, high-definition MIDI 2.0, to the immersive realism of our new keybeds, every detail is crafted to bring your music to life.

The SL gets smarter. With the revolutionary Studiologic UX Logic, first introduced with the Numa X Piano, the SL mk2 series redefines simplicity and elegance. A sleek, modern control panel empowers your creativity, making navigation intuitive and effortless. Create, explore, and control with unparalleled ease.

SL Link, Studiologic's groundbreaking protocol, bridges the gap between your gear and your imagination. With compliant external apps taking full control of the SL mk2, every nuance of your performance stays in perfect sync.

Seamlessly connect the SL mk2 with Numa Player 2, our cutting-edge music software is built now to complement the SL series perfectly.

Numa Player is cross-platform and designed for ultimate versatility, offering a rich selection of high-quality sound libraries. Best of all, these libraries are free for every SL user1, providing you with a full musical experience straight out of the box. Whether you're composing, performing, or exploring, SL Link and Numa Player ensure your creativity knows no bounds.

The SL mk2 takes a leap into the future with MIDI 2.0. Unlock the full potential of your music with greater resolution, richer dynamics, and unprecedented precision. It's not just MIDI; it's music at its most expressive.

Take charge of your studio with dedicated DAW transport controls. From playback to recording, essential features are just a touch away, so you stay immersed in the creative process without breaking stride.

The SL mk2 doesn't just control; it delivers. With dual audio outputs and a headphone jack, it functions as a professional-grade audio interface. Powered entirely by USB-C, it delivers pristine sound from computer or mobile device directly to your speaker system no extra hardware needed.

Featuring the TP/400 Wood, our finest keybed ever. Designed to deliver an unparalleled touch, it offers a playing experience remarkably close to that of an acoustic grand piano. From the precise hammer action to the timeless beauty of wooden keys, every detail is crafted to inspire and elevate your performance

Review: Harmony and Modified Motion's Subjects alias continues to lay down timeless junglistic heat and the vibes fly out in all directions. 'In The Morning' is a full strength breakbeat assault with a pitched up vocal and rising sense of euphoria. 'Yummy' meanwhile brings those rushes on instantly with delicate pianos taking the lead and the drums driving more of a hardcore dynamic to the groove. Stunning - as always with Deep Jungle!

Review: Lisbon's Hubble Recordings present their sixth release so far, keeping firm to their artist-specific EPs approach following brilliant releases from Kaesar, Costin RP, Miroloja, Octave and Alex Pervukhin. The latest is from tech house hurler Sublee aka Stefan Nicu, whose flight-booking impulse is as strong as ever, here having stopped over from far-flung Romania. After a string of both digital and vinyl stopovers, 'Personal Universal' appears as the pendular follow-up to 2024's Rawax debut 'Simple Two', bringing hugely doubled vocal cantata to a fervent acid build on the title track, while ensuers 'Simple One' and 'Laculesdesample' bring fidgety synth double bass and unorthodox percussions. A personal universe we'd never want to leave!

Review: This 1984 album demonstrated Summer's continued ability to experiment with various musical styles, The album features a blend of dance, pop, rock and even calypso influencew. The production, led by Michael Omartian, reflects a glossy, polished sound with heavy use of synthesisers and drum machines, which at times give the album a distinctly 80s vibe. The opening track, 'Maybe It's Over', shows Donna at her best vocally, with a passionate performance that highlights her emotional depth. 'Supernatural Love' and 'Eyes' blend rock and funk elements with her signature disco flair with the results being dynamic. 'I'm Free' is o standout track on the album, offering a more upbeat, danceable sound that recalls the energy of 'She Works Hard for the Money'. The track's infectious groove, combined with Donna's confident delivery, gives it staying power like a classic of hers. 'There Goes My Baby' is a cover of a 1974 The Spinners hit, which is delivered with great vocal precision. The album also includes 'Love Is Just a Breath Away', a track that leans heavily into the soft rock territory, showcasing Donna's ability to adapt to different genres. Often overlooked, this albums music is finally getting the recognition it deserves. This edition is pressed on beautiful pink and white vinyl to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

Review: Stray Voltage is not for the faint of ear. This is triple-A rated Sun Ra at their best, namely audacious, aggressive and adventurous. Forget melodies or sing-along hooks-this collection dives deep into Sun Ra's unissued electronic explorations from the 70s and 80s when, using synths and keyboards as his tools, the one and only 'Ra didn't just play, he assaulted, provoked, and moulded raw sound into wild and unimaginable sonic landscapes. These are not songs in the traditional sense, but abstract journeys full of texture and tension that make for a thrilling glimpse into Ra's boundary-pushing experiments where structure gives way to sensation and the sheer power of cosmic expression.